Guerguerat (Western Sahara), February 3, 2019 (SPS) - Young Sahrawi, Ahmed Salem Ould Ahmed Ould Lemgheimeth, on Saturday set himself on fire at the Moroccan Customs Service at Guerguerat crossing, in the Buffer Strip, Southern Western Sahara, to protest against the ill-treatment that he has suffered at the hands of Moroccan officers. Because of his serious injuries, he was transferred to the hospital where his condition remains very critical.



In a letter to United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, Mr. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Representative of the Frente POLISARIO at the United Nations, Dr. Sidi M. Omar, drew his attention to this very serious and sad incident, stressing that the Moroccan presence violates the cease of fire and threatens Sahrawi lives.



 While drawing your attention to this very serious and sad incident, we would like to underline that Moroccos frequent presence in and commercial activities across the Buffer Strip in Guerguerat do not only raise fundamental questions relating to the ceasefire and related agreements as highlighted by the Security Council in resolution 2414 (2018). They also put at risk the life of many Sahrawis as evidenced by the case of this young man. This situation can no longer be tolerated, and the United Nations must assume its full responsibility and ensure full compliance with the ceasefire and the terms of the Military Agreement no 1, said the Representative of the Frente POLISARIO.



On 27 January 2019, Ahmed Salem Ould Ahmed Ould Lemgheimeth staged a sit-in at the Guerguerat crossing when the Moroccan Customs, in pursuit of their usual discriminatory policies against Sahrawis, confiscated the goods that he was transporting (about 10 kg of tea). In reaction, members of the Moroccan military intelligence tried to remove him by force whereupon he tore off his Moroccan passport as a sign of protest. At the end, he was promised to be issued a new passport and that his case would be dealt with duly.



However, instead of fulfilling the promises made to him, members of the Moroccan Customs Service removed him by force and threatened him with severe punishment if he would return to his protest. Being pushed to the point of desperation, the young man set himself on fire in public, and now his life is in great danger. (SPS)



062/SPSVenezuelas opposition leader called on more members of the military to abandon the countrys socialist government following Saturdays defection of a high-ranking general, while President Nicolas Maduro proposed holding early National Assembly elections that could potentially oust his challenger.

Maduros call for early legislative voting is likely to intensify his standoff with rival Juan Guaido, who heads the opposition-controlled National Assembly and is demanding a new presidential election. Guaido declared himself Venezuelas legitimate ruler on Jan. 23, and has the support of Washington and most South American nations.

Speaking from behind a podium decorated with Venezuelas presidential seal, Guaido told supporters he would keep his opposition movement in the streets until Maduro stopped usurping the presidency and agreed to a presidential election overseen by international observers. On Saturday, tens of thousands of Venezuelans joined opposition protests against Maduro in Caracas and other cities.

Guaido called on blocks of the military to defect from Maduros administration and get on the side of the Venezuelan people.

We dont just want you to stop shooting at protesters, Guaido said in a hoarse voice. We want you to be part of the reconstruction of Venezuela.

He said that in the coming days, the opposition would try to move humanitarian aid into the country by land and sea along three border points, including the Colombian city of Cucuta. He described the move as a test for Venezuelas armed forces, which will have to choose if they allow the much needed aid to pass, or if they instead obey the orders of Maduros government.

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Trump pushes withdrawal from 'endless' Afghanistan, Syria wars



Washington, Feb 3 (AFP) Feb 03, 2019



Pushing back against Republican opposition, US President Donald Trump reaffirmed his determination to pull US troops out of "endless wars" in Syria and Afghanistan, in an interview that aired Sunday. But he said they would stay in Iraq to watch Iran.

Trump cited the high cost in blood and money after years of fighting in Afghanistan, in arguing for a US withdrawal from the place where the 9/11 attacks were hatched.

"It's time," he said in the interview with CBS's "Face the Nation." "And we'll see what happens with the Taliban. They want peace. They're tired. Everybody's tired."

Trump's comments come in the face of warnings by US intelligence chiefs that a hasty US withdrawal from Afghanistan and Syria could allow a resurgence by Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group.

On Thursday, the US Senate voted overwhelmingly for a measure sponsored by Mitch McConnell, the majority leader of Trump's Republican party, warning against a "precipitous withdrawal" from either country.

But Trump appeared unmoved by the rare Republican pushback, noting that his promises to bring US troops home was "a big part" of the reason he was elected.

US officials have been holding talks in Qatar with the Taliban on a framework for peace negotiations, raising prospects for a breakthrough in the 17-year-old conflict.

On Syria, Trump said the 2,000 US troops in the country to assist local forces would leave "in a matter of time" but cited the need to protect Israel "and other things that we have" for slowing down -- after initially announcing an immediate pull-out.

He said he will soon be announcing the recapture of "100 percent of the caliphate" once claimed by the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria.

"We're at 99 percent right now. We'll be at 100," said the president, who was expected to make the announcement during his annual State of the Union address on Tuesday.

- 'Pockets of something' -



In a report to Congress last week, US intelligence leaders warned that IS still commands thousands of fighters in Iraq and Syria, and they could easily spring back in the absence of US forces.

Trump responded by rebuking as "naive" and "wrong" his intelligence chiefs, who also had appeared to contradict him on Iran and North Korea.

In the CBS interview, he played down the danger of an extremist resurgence but said "we'll come back if we have to."

"You're going to always have pockets of something," he said. "But you're not going to keep armies there because you have a few people. Or you even have fairly reasonable numbers of people."

- Watching Iran -



However, the United States will not give up its bases in Iraq, he said.

"We spent a fortune on building this incredible base. We might as well keep it. And one of the reasons I want to keep it is because I want to be looking a little bit at Iran because Iran is a real problem," he said.

The US military presence in Iraq, he said, is "perfectly situated for looking at all over different parts of the troubled Middle East."

"We're going to keep watching and we're going to keep seeing and if there's trouble, if somebody is looking to do nuclear weapons or other things, we're going to know it before they do," he said.

In Afghanistan, Trump said he would leave behind intelligence elements -- "and if I see nests forming, I'll do something about it."

"We got to get out of these endless wars and bring our folks back home," he said at another point. "Now, that doesn't mean we're not going to be watching with intelligence. We're going to be watching, and watching closely."

jm/ec/itTrump pushes withdrawal from 'endless' Afghanistan, Syria wars



Washington, Feb 3 (AFP) Feb 03, 2019



US President Donald Trump reaffirmed, in an interview airing Sunday, his determination to pull US troops out of "endless wars" in Syria and Afghanistan, but said they should stay in Iraq to watch Iran.

Trump cited the high cost in blood and money after years of fighting in Afghanistan, in arguing for a US withdrawal from the place where the 9/11 attacks were hatched.

"It's time," he said in the interview with CBS's "Face the Nation." "And we'll see what happens with the Taliban. They want peace. They're tired. Everybody's tired."

US officials have been holding talks in Qatar with the Taliban on a framework for peace negotiations, raising prospects for a breakthrough in the 17-year-old conflict.

On Syria, Trump said the 2,000 US troops in the country would leave "in a matter of time" but cited the need to protect Israel "and other things that we have" for slowing down after initially announcing an immediate pull-out.

He said he will soon be announcing the recapture of "100 percent of the caliphate" once claimed by the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria.

"We're at 99 percent right now, we'll be at 100," said the president, who was expected to make the announcement during his annual State of the Union address on Tuesday.

He said, however, the United States will not give up its bases in Iraq.

"We spent a fortune on building this incredible base. We might as well keep it. And one of the reasons I want to keep it is because I want to be looking a little bit at Iran because Iran is a real problem," he said.

"We have an unbelievable and expensive military base built in Iraq. It's perfectly situated for looking at all over different parts of the troubled Middle East rather than pulling up," he added.

"We're going to keep watching and we're going to keep seeing and if there's trouble, if somebody is looking to do nuclear weapons or other things, we're going to know it before they do," he said.

Trump's comments come in the face of warnings by US intelligence chiefs that a precipitous US withdrawal from Afghanistan and Syria could allow a resurgence by Al-Qaeda and IS.

On Thursday, the US Senate voted overwhelmingly for a measure sponsored by Mitch McConnell, the Republican majority leader, warning against a "precipitous withdrawal" from Afghanistan and Syria.

Trump said he would leave intelligence in Afghanistan "and if I see nests forming, I'll do something about it."

"We got to get out of these endless wars and bring our folks back home," he said at another point. "Now, that doesn't mean we're not going to be watching with intelligence. We're going to be watching, and watching closely."Yemen's deputy chief of staff died Sunday from wounds sustained last month in a drone attack by Houthi rebels on the country's largest air base, the information minister said.

"Major General Saleh al-Zandani, deputy chief of staff, was martyred while undergoing treatment after he was wounded in the terrorist bombing at the Al-Anad base," Moammer al-Eryani wrote on Twitter.

Zandani was among 11 wounded in the January 10 drone attack on a military parade at the base in Lahij, a province some 60 kilometres (40 miles) north of Yemen's second city Aden.

Seven other loyalists -- including a high-ranking intelligence official -- were killed in the attack.

It came less than a month after the United Nations brokered a truce between Yemen's Houthi rebels and a regional pro-government military alliance led by Saudi Arabia.

The war has killed nearly 10,000 people since the Saudi-led intervention in 2015 and unleashed the world's worst humanitarian crisis, according to the UN.

The warring sides agreed on truce deals for the key rebel-held aid port of Hodeida and battleground third city Taez at UN peace talks in Sweden in December.

Jordan is set to host fresh talks aimed at drafting a political framework for Yemen.

*This story was edited by Ahram Online

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Assassination of Iraqi writer provokes indignation



Karbala, Iraq, Feb 3 (AFP) Feb 03, 2019



The assassination of a writer in the middle of a street in the Shiite holy city of Karbala at the weekend has provoked indignation in Iraqi cultural circles.

The city's police force said several fatal shots were fired at Alaa Mashzoub in front of his home on Saturday.

In a sign of the sensitivity surrounding the subject, the police immediately tasked a senior squad to investigate, and promised to find the perpetrators.

"This is killing words -- free, honest and beautiful words," fellow writer Ali Lefta Said told AFP, in reaction to the murder.

On Sunday, intellectuals and artists from Karbala, around 100 kilometres (60 miles) south of Baghdad, staged a sit-in.

Ahmed Saadawi -- whose novel "Frankenstein in Baghdad" has scored success beyond Iraq's borders -- hit out at the culprits on his Facebook page.

"You really have to be a coward to fire a gun at someone who only has words and dreams", he wrote.

"Shame on the murderers -- and shame on the authorities, if they don't find and judge them immediately," he added.

Tributes have poured in for the prolific novelist.

Mashzoub was well known in Karbala, whose historic districts he wove with care into his writing.

Parliament's cultural commission has said it monitor the police investigation into his murder.

But nobody has been willing to point the finger at potential suspects, in a country ravaged by decades of violence and still contending with multiple armed groups.

Late last Summer, the death of four high profile Iraqi women -- including model and social media influencer Tara Fares, whose fatal shooting was caught on camera -- sparked anger.

Official investigations into those deaths have failed to yield convictions or even publically announced conclusions.

str-ac/sbh/dwo/dvUS envoy on N. Korea in Seoul for Trump-Kim II talks



Seoul, Feb 3 (AFP) Feb 03, 2019



A US negotiator arrived in Seoul on Sunday for meetings with North and South Koreans ahead of a much-anticipated second summit between President Donald Trump and the North's Kim Jong Un slated for later this month.

The agenda of the summit, as well as its location and date, are expected to be settled during the talks between Washington and Pyongyang, according to the South's Yonhap news agency.

The US special representative on North Korea, Stephen Biegun, who is seeking negotiations with Pyongyang on verifying its willingness on denuclearisation, did not speak to media as he arrived in Seoul Sunday evening.

He met with his South Korean counterpart Lee Do-hoon and discussed "pending issues including working-level talks with North Korea", Seoul's foreign ministry said.

Yonhap reported that he will meet with the South's national security advisor Chung Eui-yong on Monday before heading to the truce village of Panmunjom the following day for talks with the North Koreans.

"Biegun is expected to share the details of the working-level meeting on the US-North Korea summit and coordinate stances between Seoul and Washington," Yonhap cited a senior presidential official as saying.

Trump has said he would announce the location and date of the second summit early this week.

His high-profile meet with Kim in Singapore in June was the first ever meeting between a sitting US president and a North Korean leader.

They signed a vaguely-worded document in which Kim pledged to work towards "the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula".

But progress has since stalled with the two sides disagreeing over what that means.Taliban to meet Afghan opposition in Moscow: official



Kabul, Feb 3 (AFP) Feb 03, 2019



The Taliban said Sunday it will send a delegation to Russia for a rare meeting with Afghan opposition leaders, just days after peace talks with the United States that excluded the Kabul government.

The two-day sit-down in Moscow, starting Tuesday, will be attended by some of President Ashraf Ghani's chief political rivals, but none of the government envoys tasked with Taliban negotiations.

Ghani has appealed to the insurgents to talk after being frozen out of six days of discussions between the Taliban and the United States in Doha last month that sealed the outlines of a peace deal.

Instead the Taliban, which refuses to recognise Ghani's government, will sit down in Moscow with some of the president's main opponents to discuss the country's future -- stirring frustrations in Kabul.

"It shows the peak of depression, and begging to terrorists," said Amrullah Saleh, who is running as vice-president on Ghani's ticket in elections slated for July.

"A smile to the enemy is a blow to the national spirit," he posted on his Facebook page on Sunday.

Among those who have confirmed their attendance in Moscow is Haneef Atmar, who is running against Ghani in the elections. Former warlord Atta Muhammad Noor and former Afghan president Hamid Karzai -- both Ghani rivals -- are also attending.

Noor on Sunday said the meeting was "a pathway towards strengthening the peace efforts led by the US" while Atmar described it as "an important step towards intra-Afghan peace talks".

A government-appointed council tasked with Taliban engagement said Sunday it was not invited to Moscow.

A senior Taliban official told AFP they would send a delegation, but described the meeting as non-political and "arranged by some organizations based in Moscow".

The Russian Embassy in Kabul issued a statement late Saturday on behalf of the "Afghan Society of Russia". The group said it had invited "influential figures" to the dialogue in the President Hotel in Moscow.

"We are ready to play our role in bringing peace to Afghanistan," the statement read.

It is not clear what role, if any, Russia has in the summit. A spokesman for the Russian Embassy in Kabul could not be reached for comment.

The Taliban are scheduled to hold another round of peace talks with the US in Doha on February 25.

The insurgents said discussions were "on the right path" -- fuelling speculation of a breakthrough in the 17-year conflict in Afghanistan.

US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad spoke of a "draft framework" for a deal but warned major hurdles -- including any US withdrawal -- remain.

Ghani has refused to accept a "temporary" deal.

"Even if I have one drop of blood in my body, I am not going to surrender to a temporary peace deal," he told Afghan commandos in Kabul on Sunday.

"Our goal is to have a peace that comes with dignity."

emh-np/eclIran warns Europe not to force 'strategic leap' on missile range



Tehran, Feb 3 (AFP) Feb 03, 2019



The deputy chief of Iran's Revolutionary Guards has warned Europe against forcing the Islamic Republic into boosting the range of its missiles by trying to halt their development.

"If the Europeans, or anyone else, want to conspire to disarm Iran of missiles, we will be forced to make a strategic leap," the guards' deputy commander Brigadier-General Hossein Salami said on state TV on Saturday.

"All that hear me today, come to terms with the new reality of Iran's missile might: there are no obstacles or technical limitations to us increasing (their) range," he added.

The Islamic Republic develops its missile technology according to a "defensive strategy" which changes according to need, he said.

Earlier Saturday, Iran announced the "successful test" of a new cruise missile with a range of over 1,350 kilometres (840 miles), coinciding with the anniversary of the country's 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Defence Minister Amir Hatami said the Hoveizeh cruise missile had successfully hit its targets, calling it the "long arm of the Islamic Republic of Iran".

Iran reined in most of its nuclear programme under a landmark 2015 deal with major powers, but has kept up development of its ballistic missile technology.

Washington withdrew from the accord in May and reimposed sanctions against Iran, citing the missile programme among its reasons.

European governments have stuck by the agreement, although some have demanded a new section to address Iran's ballistic missile programme and its intervention in regional conflicts including Yemen.

Iran has voluntarily limited the range of its missiles to 2,000 kilometres (1,250 miles), but that is still enough to hit its arch-enemy Israel and US bases in the Middle East.

Washington and its allies have accused Tehran of pursuing enhanced missile capabilities that also threaten Europe.

Tehran denies this, insisting its missile programme is "purely defensive."

The weapon tested Saturday takes its name from a city in the southwestern province of Khuzestan that was devastated in the 1980-1988 war against Saddam Hussein's Iraq.

Salami on Saturday warned world powers "not to seek (new) negotiations or make recommendations or requests on Iran's missile power".

"Our enemies only understand the language of force," he said.

"If you cannot talk to them in that language, they will use it to talk to you."Ten killed in Colombia clash with FARC splinter group



Bogota, Feb 3 (AFP) Feb 03, 2019



Colombia's armed forces clashed Saturday with FARC dissident rebels, killing 10 from the group that split from the 2016 peace process.

Army special forces and police launched an operation in Caqueta department, in which a longtime group leader Rodrigo Cadete, 52, was killed.

"Another nine guerrillas we killed; we have several captures and the fighting continues in the region," Defense chief Guillermo Botero said in a statement in Manizales.

Though some 7,000 members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) laid down their arms, about 1,700 are still in the insurgent struggle funded by drug money, military intelligence says.

With no unified command, dissidents operate in remote areas where they fight other groups to control drug trafficking and drug trafficking routes.

Colombia has experienced relative calm since the 2016 peace deal signed by then-president Juan Manuel Santos and FARC rebels.

With the landmark agreement turning the FARC into a political party, the smaller ELN is considered the last active rebel group in the country.

True to his election promises, President Ivan Duque, who took office last August, has taken a hard line against the ELN, including his demand they release all hostages as a prerequisite to kick-starting their peace process.After Finance Minister Piyush Goyal in his interim Budget speech said that India will drive on electric vehicles (EV) with renewables becoming a major source of energy supply, industry veteran and former managing director of Maruti Suzuki Jagdish Khattar has a different view on this.

Goyal on Friday said that India will lead the transportation drive at the forefront with EVs ensuring energy security for the country by reducing import dependence on crude from Gulf countries.

Responding to this, Khattar said that the government should not insist on technology and should be left for the industry.

"I have a little different view on electric vehicles. First, all the technology is not yet confirmed. Toyota Chairman was here for a mobility conference and he said that they will focus more on hydrogen-powered vehicles and they are working on it," said Khattar.

"Should the government identify technology today or leave it to the industry? That's important. Firstly, because if we go and opt today any one technology and make our investment and tomorrow there is another technology coming up then there will be a problem," Khattar told ANI.

"Secondly, talking about infrastructure, we started CNG in the 90s. It is 20 years now but 20 per cent of the country is not covered with CNG. Even in Delhi, we see long queues at CNG pumps. When we fail to develop infrastructure for CNG in 20 years, how can we create an infrastructure for charger stations in India?" he pointed out.

"Thirdly and an important point is that we started electric vehicles in Delhi. Delhi will become clean, but the electricity is coming from thermal power stations where we are using coal. So while Delhi becomes clean, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh or other places will remain polluted. Even today we are importing coal," he elaborated.

Khattar, who is also the founder of Carnation Auto (India) Pvt. Ltd, called on the government to encourage production of hybrid vehicles and pushed for steps to disincentivise it.

"So my suggestion would be to encourage hybrid vehicles in the intervening period and let technology be handled by the industry. You should lay down parameters. The government should not insist on technology. That should be left to the industry," he said.

On the question of whether the Centre should rethink about their e-vehicle policy, Khattar underlined that the government should have a holistic view on the same.

"Whether they will come in five to seven years or 15 years that they have to see. You must have seen that the government had put tenders of about 10,000 cars (electric). A couple of hundreds came and they were not working. So this will be a very expensive experiment if it doesn't work. We, as a country, cannot afford to be an adventurist," he added.

But Charan Singh, Former RBI Chair Professor at IIM and CEO, EGROW does not buy Khattar's logic.

Arguing that the government is giving directions and laying the path for the industry sector, Singh said: "My own experience has been that the industry should be left to itself to only profit making. They will never make efforts to keep the environment clean. They believe in exploiting the system. There is this very famous Bellandur Lake in Bangaluru. It is now known for toxic foam. If the industry was so responsible then this wouldn't have happened."

Singh further voiced his views that if the industry sector was responsible then it should have taken the lead in propagating the need for electric vehicles. The government will not say how the industries should function, he added.

U.S. President Donald Trump said it was important to keep a U.S. military presence in Iraq so that Washington can keep a close eye on Iran, according to a CBS interview to be broadcast on Sunday.

Trump said the United States spent a fortune on a base in Iraq. "We might as well keep it. One of the reasons I want to keep it is because I want to be looking a little bit at Iran because Iran is a real problem," he said in excerpts from a CBS "Face the Nation" interview.

Asked if that meant he wanted to be able to strike Iran, Trump said, "No, because I want to be able to watch Iran."

"All I want to do is be able to watch. We have an unbelievable and expensive military base built in Iraq. It's perfectly situated for looking at all over different parts of the troubled Middle East rather than pulling up."

Trump defended his decision to withdraw troops from Syria but refused to provide a timetable for the pullout, which was criticized by members of his own Republican Party and caused concern among some allies in the region.

He said some of the forces moving out of Syria will go to the base in Iraq and "ultimately some will be coming home."

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In late 2018, about three in four (74 per cent) Google employees said they were "positive," as opposed to "neutral" or "negative", about Pichai's ability to effectively lead the company, down from 92 per cent "positive" the year before, according to Google's latest annual survey on employee satisfaction, the WIRED reported on Saturday.

San Francisco: Far less Google employees are now "positive" than a year ago about the company's chief executive officer (CEO) Sundar Pichai and his management team's ability to "effectively lead in the future", a media report said.

The results of the annual survey, shared internally in January, showed that the employee confidence at Google is at its lowest in as many as six years.

The findings also revealed decline in employees' satisfaction with their compensation, with 54 per cent saying they were satisfied, compared with 64 per cent a year ago.

The results have come on the heels of a protest by Google employees in November against the company's sexual harassment policies.

Over 20,000 Google employees worldwide protested against sexual harassment at the company and improper handling of sexual misbehaviour allegations against top executives.

Following protests, Pichai said Google "will provide more transparency on how we handle concerns. We'll give better support and care to the people who raise them".In 2016, some 60 Iranian vessels from Iran were flagged in Panamas Ship Registry following the lifting of the economic restrictions imposed by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the US Treasury Department. The agency includes in the OFAC list, people and companies suspects of terrorism, money laundering or drug trafficking who are prevented from having any relationship with the United States.

However, President Trump reintroduced the blockade of Iran by the Treasury Department in November 2018.

After a meeting with authorities of the United States Treasury Department, the US Embassy, the Maritime Authority of Panama (AMP) the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Panamanian Association of Maritime Law, Panama decided to remove the Iranian vessels and notified Panamanian consuls around the world, not to receive any payment for taxes and fees from the vessels coming from or from companies of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Panama could be sanctioned by OFAC for keeping Iranian ships with the Panamanian flag.

Read more: US sanctions on Iran - the impact on shipping

According to Panamanian media, the US authorities said that [Iranian vessels and companies] are linked to operations of terrorist acts."

The Iranian ships that are flagged in the Panama registry are mostly tankers and will be expelled to prevent the country from being included in the Treasury blacklist.

Panama Ship Registry is the largest in the world, with more than 8,000 vessels and 217m gt at June 2018.Pope Francis, who will travel to the United Arab Emirates on Sunday, said he is following the humanitarian crisis in Yemen with great worry and urged all sides to respect international agreements and ensure food reaches suffering Yemenis.

The population is exhausted by the long conflict and many, many children are suffering from hunger but they are not able to get to food deposits. The cry of these children and their parents rises up to God, he told tens of thousands of people in St. Peters Square during his regular Sunday address.

I appeal to all sides involved and to the international community to urgently press for respect of the agreements that have been reached, to guarantee the distribution of food, and work for the good of the population.

There are children who are hungry, they are thirsty, they dont have medicine, he added.

The UAE has played a leading role in the Saudi-led military coalition waging a nearly four-year war against the Iran-aligned Houthi movement in Yemen in a conflict which has pushed the poorest country on the peninsula to the brink of famine.

Francis will becomes the first pontiff to set foot on the Arabian Peninsula and is due to make two public addresses.

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Los Angeles, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/02/2019 -- A Signal Booster (also known as cellular repeater or amplifier), in the cell phone industry, is a device used for boosting the cell phone reception to the local area by the usage of a reception antenna, a signal amplifier, and an internal rebroadcast antenna. These are similar to the cellular broadcast towers used for broadcasting by the network providers, but are much smaller, usually intended for use in one building. Modern cellular repeater amplifiers can rebroadcast cellular signals inside a building. The systems usually use an external, directional antenna to collect the best cellular signal, which is then transmitted to an amplifier unit which amplifies the signal, and retransmits it locally, providing significantly improved signal strength. The more advanced models often also allow multiple cell phones to use the same repeater at the same time, so are suitable for commercial as well as home use.



Asia-Pacific is poised to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period owing to rising population of urban residents, increasing disposable income in this region, and rising focus of prominent players on the APAC market increasing product availability.



The product average price declined in the past few years due to the technology development, the average price will keep this trend in the few future years due to increasing mature manufacturing technology and lowing cost of raw materials. Strong market competition is resulting in annual 2 percent price erosion.



The market for Signal Booster is expected to grow rapidly over the coming years, particularly in the USA. This is due to the combination of the poor network coverage in some areas, and the large scale departure from the land-line system. This combined with the low population density (compared with Europe and Japan) means that many people will have to use some method to improve their home signal



The global Signal Booster market is valued at 8200 million US$ in 2018 is expected to reach 17600 million US$ by the end of 2025, growing at a CAGR of 10.0% during 2019-2025.



This report focuses on Signal Booster volume and value at global level, regional level and company level. From a global perspective, this report represents overall Signal Booster market size by analyzing historical data and future prospect. Regionally, this report focuses on several key regions: North America, Europe, China and Japan.



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At company level, this report focuses on the production capacity, ex-factory price, revenue and market share for each manufacturer covered in this report.



The following manufacturers are covered:



Wilson Electronics



SureCall



Stella Doradus



SmoothTalker



Comba



Phonetone



GrenTech



SANWAVE



BoomSense



Huaptec



Segment by Regions



North America



Europe



China



Japan



Segment by Type



Analog Signal Boosters



Digital Signal Booster



Segment by Application



Densely populated areas



Urban fringe



Suburban and rural areas



Other



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Reflective fabrics work on the principle of retro reflection. In retro reflection, the reflective fabrics, rather than scattering the light, reflect the light directly to the source. Hence, for instance, light sourced from a vehicle is reflected back at the vehicle. This enables reflective fabrics to be sewn into highly visible clothing. As very slight amount of light is scattered into other directions and thus, reflective fabrics tend to appear brightest to the observers in the vicinity of the source of light. It has been claimed by several manufacturers that a person wearing a vest made from reflective fabrics is visible even from a distance well over 100 meters. Reflective fabrics comprise retro reflective lenses bonded to a unique polymer layer with the help of special adhesives. Several processing

technologies have been adopted by the manufacturers of reflective fabrics, such as the hot pressing processing method to strongly bond the materials used. Reflective fabrics are prepared using a base cloth, adhesives and micro glass beads. The micro glass beads used in the production of reflective fabrics may be partially coated with metals, such as aluminium, to considerably enhance the coefficient of reflection.



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Reflective Fabrics Market: Dynamics



There are several regulations and certifications by numerous national and international organizations that are setting the pace for the growth of the reflective fabrics market. Few of the certifications, such as EN 20471 (European Norms), AS/NZS 1906 (Standards Australia and Standards New Zealand), ANSI 107 (American National Standards Institute) and CSA-Z96 (Canada Standards Association), are majorly driving the growth of the reflective fabrics market as these mandate that professionals exposed to potential hazards must wear apparels made from reflective fabrics to improve their visibility in low-light conditions. These professionals mainly include emergency responders, airport ramp personnel, civil security, industrial foremen, mine workers, etc. It has been found that a majority of industrial fatalities are caused due to low visibility and this has been creating awareness among employers to provide garments made from reflective fabrics to employees.



Though they provide better contrast against background colors, reflective fabrics also tend to catch fire and fade due when excessively washed. However, technological advancements are being made to protect reflective fabrics from industrial laundering.



Reflective Fabrics Market: Segmentation



The reflective fabrics market can be segmented on the basis of application and end use.



On the basis of application, the reflective fabrics market can be segmented into:



Personal Protective Equipment

Transport Equipment

Road Facilities

Others

On the basis of end use, the reflective fabrics market can be segmented into:



Construction

Mining

Maintenance & Utility

Disaster Relief Management

Safety and Security Systems

Aviation & Aerospace

General Industrial

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Reflective Fabrics Market: Regional Outlook



The Asia Pacific reflective fabrics market is expected to grow at the fastest pace throughout the forecast period. The Asia Pacific region is expected to register a strong CAGR, owing to the firm industrial growth in countries such as China and India. The growth in the construction industry, mainly in North American countries, such as the United States of America, is set to be one of the prominent contributing factors to the consumption of reflective fabrics. The construction industry is also booming in Middle East countries, such as United Arab Emirates. Russia and Australia have been identified to be the major countries engaged in mining activities and thus, are vital regions for the sales of reflective fabrics. Transportation infrastructure is being modernized all around the world and with rapid urbanization occurring, the reflective fabrics market is expected to witness a massive boom during the forecast period.



Some of the market participants identified across the value chain of the global reflective fabrics market are 3M Company, Avery Dennison Corporation, Hangzhou Chinastars Reflective Material Co., Ltd, Textile Technologies Europe Ltd, schoeller Switzerland, Marketing Action Xecutives, Inc, ORAFOL Europe GmbH, Jinsung Corporation and Daoming Optics & Chemical Co., Ltd.



This analytical research study imparts an all-inclusive assessment on the market, while propounding historical intelligence, actionable insights, and industry-validated & statistically-upheld market forecast. Verified and suitable set of assumptions and methodology has been leveraged for developing this comprehensive study. Information and analysis on key market segments incorporated in the report has been delivered in weighted chapters. A thorough analysis has been offered by the report on



Market Dynamics

Market Size

Market Segments

Demand & Supply Trends

Current Issues and Challenges

Companies and Competitor Landscape

Value Chain

Technology

Regional Segments Analyzed Include



North America (U.S., Canada)

Latin America (Mexico. Brazil)

Western Europe (Germany, Italy, France, U.K, Spain)

Eastern Europe (Poland, Russia)

Asia Pacific (China, India, ASEAN, Australia & New Zealand)

Japan

Middle East and Africa (GCC, S. Africa, N. Africa)

Compilation of authentic and first-hand intelligence, insights offered in the report are based on quantitative and qualitative assessment by leading industry experts, and inputs from opinion leaders & industry participants around the value chain. Growth determinants, macroeconomic indicators, and parent market trends have been scrutinized and delivered, coupled with the market attractiveness for each market segment encompassed. Qualitative impact of growth influencers on the market segments across regions has also been mapped by the report.



Highlights from the Report



Elaborated scenario of the parent market

Transformations in the market dynamics

Detailed segmentation of the target market

Historical, current and forecast market size based on value and volume

Latest industry developments and trends

Competition landscape

Strategies adopted by the market players and product developments made

Potential and niche segments, along with their regional analysis

Unbiased analysis on performance of the market

Up-to-date and must-have intelligence for the market players to enhance and sustain their competitiveness



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Read Industry News at - http://theguardiantribune.comValley Cottage, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/02/2019 -- Phosphate rock is a sedimentary non-detrital rock that contains large quantity of phosphate minerals. This rock is also referred to as phosphorite or rock phosphate. It is formed in the form of calcium phosphate and typically seen in oceans. Phosphorous is obtained from Phosphate rock which is utilized to manufacture chemicals. It is also used in different end user industries such as metallurgy, fertilizer industry, animal feed, food and beverage industry, consumer goods, water treatment etc. United States, Morocco and China are few of the largest phosphate rock miners in the world. Other include Tunisia, Brazil, Jordan, Western Sahara and Russia.



Persistence Market Research has put forth detailed analysis on the global phosphate rock market by studying various elements of the market that have a one of a kind effect on the growth of the global phosphate rock market. These elements embrace developments, trends, innovations, economic and social aspects, drivers as well as restraints and opportunities that influence the growth of the global phosphate rocks market. The impact examination focusing on these factors brings value based on which new strategies can be implemented in order to overcome hindrances and loopholes in the market and plan future expansion. The research study covers future forecasts for five years from 2017 to 2022.



As per this insighful research report, the global market on phosphate rock market is anticipated to grow at a listless CAGR during the period of forecast and is estimated to reflect a market valuation of around US$ 27 Bn by 2022 end.



Asia Pacific Excluding Japan (APEJ) Region Estimated to Show High Consumption



Region wise, Asia Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ) is the highly lucrative for the phosphate rock market. It is anticipated to show significant growth in the years to come. China region has contributed to the growth of the Asia Pacific excluding Japan phosphate rock market since past years. The phosphate rock market in the APEJ region is anticipated to show noteworthy increase in the revenue to reflect a market valuation of about US$ 15 Bn by 2022 end. This market valuation is likely to be higher than that of other regions, thus supporting Asia Pacific excluding Japan region to cement its dominance in the phosphate rock market in the years to come. Growing industrialization in this region and agriculture being the backbone of emerging economies, there is a higher demand for fertilizers, which requires phosphoric acid. This has triggered an increase in the demand for phosphate rock thus driving tis growth in this region.



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Middle East and Africa (MEA) region is liekly to show high potential during the forecast period. This region is market by a healthy CAGR throughout 2017-2022 and is estimated to stand second in terms of market evaluation by the end of the estimated year. Europe region is projected to show the highest CAGR throughout the forecast period, but lacks in strength owing to reduction in the usage of phosphorous.



High demand in the Fertilizer and Animal Feed Industry



Phosphoric acid is essential to manufacture fertilizers used in the agriculture sector for enhancing plant health. Phosphate is also used in animal supplements on large scale. These two sectors are likely to deliver high growth opportunities for the growth of the phosphate rock market. The fertilizer industry has shown increased use of phosphorous since 2012 and in 2017, this segment dominated the global market by application with a market share of 86.9%. This trend is estimated to grow and continue till the end of the forecast period. The animal feed segment also is anticipated to show high growth in this market. The animal feed phosphate rock market is projected to grow at a high CAGR of 3.6% during the period of forecast.



Request Report TOC @ https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/methodology/19294



Competitive Analysis



The global phosphate rock market research report covers analysis on the key players involved in the phosphate rock market. Key companies like PJSC PhosAgro, The Mosaic Company, Solvay SA, OCP S.A., Jordan Phosphate Mines Co. P.L.C, Prayon S.A, The General Company of Phosphate and Mines, Groupe Chimique Tunisien SA, Ma'aden Phosphate Company and Vale S.A are included in this research report.Bait Al-Harir (or House of Silk), poet and novelist Alaa Khaleds new title, is a sequel to Ashbah Bait Heinrich Boll (The Heinrich Boll House Ghosts), which appeared last year. In both (which are published by Dar Al-Shorouk) Khaled walks a fine line between love and revolution, bringing to the surface a wealth of hidden questions about passion and revolt.

In House of Silk, Khaled allows his hero and alter-ego, Mohsen Al-Hakim (literally speaking the name can mean Benevolent Sage), a novelist in his early 50s, to cross paths with Dawlat (the State), a young woman in her 20s, in the intimate maze of Tahrir Square during the January Revolution. They also step out of the square into the much larger labyrinth of Cairo. Along the same lines, their emotional and intellectual energy spills over affinity and camaraderie into intimate friendship and romantic love.

It is quite layered, Khaled says, a friendship with an undertone of attraction. But the novel doesnt recount simply a bilateral relation, Mohsen and Dawlat are as involved with each other as they are with the January Revolution.

The object of their emotions is as much the city and the country as each other, and the unanswered questions with which Khaled confronts them emerge through a fascinating blend of political revolt and subdued passion. It is about those moments of major transformation  political for the country, intellectual and emotional for the people who made the revolution happen. It is really about the upsurge of dreams for the masses who made the revolution happen and for the individuals who made it possible for these masses to come together. I would say a revolution is not so much about giving the right answers to all the difficult questions as a moment when previously unrecognised inhibitions fall; what comes next is uncertain.

Likewise friendship brimming over into love: Here again there come questions but not necessarily with their answers; there is just this awareness that something is happening that cannot be undone. It is like seeing a door being forced open or a wall being brought down.

The drive to understand the mysterious energy underlying a revolution as it plays out in individual lives also informs The Heinrich Boll House Ghosts, but instead of revolution unfolding in that earlier novel we see the seemingly unhappy effect of revolution after it ends. The Heinrich Boll House Ghosts revolves around an Egyptian writer who, after the revolution, goes on a residency at the house of the great German novelist, who was born during World War I and died a few years before the fall of the Berlin Wall. There he meets other writers, some of them from (eastern European) countries where revolutions remain similarly unfulfilled.

It is a moment of reflection on the real meaning of a revolution, the dynamics it creates and the hopes it prompts; it is about this strength that might not go too far but is there for a certain moment, Khaled argues.

This is reflected in the flow and ebb of hope reflected in the writers conversations and in the protagonists weekly column, in which he attempts to analyse the revolution, trying to understand the energy it creates, which goes beyond mere enthusiasm or the mere capacity for joy or optimism as well as the geographic construction it creates for those who take part in it and those who believe in it those who come together overcoming all divides those who join not thinking of their name or age or those of the others standing next to them those who want this togetherness so much they decide to be in one picture taken by the camera of someones smart phone.

As he writes in The Heinrich Boll House Ghosts, the revolution is a dream that takes history by surprise. It precedes belief, bringing joy followed by remorse. That book was his attempt to help the defeated souls who witnessed the retreat of their dream. But in the new book he steps back into the joyful hope of the event unfolding.

It is all about our ability to revisit the place where we were and to revise our position, to think things over and over again. We step into a revolution and then wonder what happened to the dream of freedom and we fall in love and then ask ourselves if we should have let it happen. This is the nature of emotion and the nature of revolution. They are not static, and perhaps they can even at times be reborn.

The lure of youth

Attorney: What do you mean here by the revolution?

Defendant: I mean the real revolution of young people, which began like all revolutions with some aspects and the refusal of guardianship over their new lifestyle. They want to feel that something has changed in their lives and to begin bearing their huge responsibilities to change the face of the world.

This is how Tawfik Al-Hakim imagined the trial of four young Americans who, in protest of the Vietnam War and the economic hegemony of multinationals, attempt to blow up the Statue of Liberty. The relevant essay, The Case of the 21st Century, is the last of 20 chapters making up his 1984 book The Revolt of the Young, available at the book fair alongside other titles by the great 20th-century writer in a new Dar Al-Shorouk edition.

All through the book Al-Hakim takes the side of the young, emphasising their vigour and insistence on making the world a better place. Each chapter is an independent essay that takes one aspect of the meaning of a revolution (sometimes opposed to upheaval), the older generations anxiety about change and the many faces of revolution from politics to science and art.

Many essays are based on Al-Hakims own experiences: his relationships with his father and son, for example, and how the father refuses to take the sons legal advice even though said son is a judge  so as not to rely on children. Al-Hakim had been a public prosecutor before he devoted himself to writing in the 1930s, producing an astounding number of novels, plays and essay collections in the next six decades. Born in Alexandria in 1898, Al-Hakim was extremely young when the 1919 Revolution broke out, but according to Cairo University English professor Mona Radwan  who translated The Revolt of the Young nearly 10 years ago  the experience was to inform everything he wrote. This is especially true of her favourite of his books.

Radwan found The Revolt of the Young in the library of her late mother Afaf Khalifa, to whom she dedicates the translation, and she was immediately impressed. It was a fascinating read and I decided that I wanted to translate it because I saw in the texts of these essays much of what I was seeing in the discussions of university students, Radwan says.

In 2010, without a publishing contract, Radwan embarked on the job. By 25 January 2011, her translation was almost done and her mind was set: the youth of Egypt would do it: Many of the people I knew were sceptical but I was convinced it was going to happen. Maybe I was just influenced by what Al-Hakim wrote in this book about the ability of the young to make revolutions happen.

Every revolution is a sign of vigour and youth is the most vigorous stage of life, so it is no wonder that revolutions are led by the young, he wrote in his own introduction to the book.

Al-Hakim lived through many political changes and saw so much happening, in Egypt and elsewhere in the world, especially in France where he lived during his studies but when one reads The Revolt of the Young practically on the eve of the January Revolution, one cannot help being struck by the vision offered in this book completed only three years before this great author passed away in 1987. It is a predominantly sociological book, essentially about the social revolution and its impact and possible path  including that of contempt for the older generation.

As Radwan wrote in her introduction to the book, Al-Hakim saw what makes a revolution happen: when the young are so frustrated with the status quo they can no longer accept. She added that he also saw what makes a revolution crack and maybe even fail when he wrote about young people [who staged a revolution] not having forming their own strongholds yet, being new to their revolution and their own sense of self.

In the winter of 2012, while the revolution was having its first major hiccup, Radwan felt it was time to bring the book to English readers, to contribute to the world trying to understand the political events unfolding non-stop in Egypt.

Later in 2012, Radwan signed an agreement with Syracuse University Press to publish the book, which finally came out in 2015, with a foreword written by Roger Allen in which he hails it as the carrier of uncanny harbingers of issues raised by the events that have occurred in Egypt in the winter of 2011, emphasising the distinction Al-Hakim makes between freedom from something and freedom to do something. Radwan wrote her own introduction a year later describing an ongoing revolution.

Even now she feels this is of the essence: Al-Hakim argues in his own book that a revolution is a process, and this is probably why the 20 chapters of The Revolt of the Young swing between the past and the present  just to catch this process.

Such fluctuations were evident in the positions taken by Al-Hakim, who having supported the Free Officers coup-turned-revolution of 1952  Gamal Abdel-Nasser, the leader of the revolution, had been inspired by Al-Hakims work  turned against it later in life.

A 1952 play, Soft Hands, reflected his support for the revolution, a 1960 play, The Bewildered Sultan, expressed doubt and perplexity, and finally in Return of Consciousness, written in 1970 on Nassers death, there is an open revision of Nassers whole reign. His brush with Nassers successor Anwar Al-Sadat took place five years later when, along with all the top literary figures of the day including Naguib Mahfouz, Al-Hakim refused to sign the presidents proposed moral code for public figures.

So in his many plays and novels, Al-Hakim is always sharing the evolution of his view of politics and society, Radwan says. This is why I think it is very important to read his works. Translating Al-Hakim is not easy, however:

It was actually quite challenging. His syntax is hard to transfer into another language and his choice of words is very specific. There were so many words and phrases that I had to grapple with. But I was convinced that this book had something relevant specifically to that moment, then and there  then came the January Revolution, which we truly called the revolution of the young.

* A version of this article appears in print in the 29 January, 2018 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly under the headline: An upsurge of dreams

Short link:

New York, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/02/2019 -- The ophthalmology sector has gained massive traction during the course of the last few years. This is a result of growing prevalence of diseases like macular edema, which is a severe case of swelling in the retina possibly leading to blindness. Looking at the significant increase in the number of macular edema cases, many new drugs have been introduced in the global market and several are still in the pipeline. Anti-VEGF and corticosteroid therapies are considered to be the standard therapies for prevention of vision loss in patients in various indications of macular edema. The other drug types that are part of the macular edema treatment market are immunosuppressant and biologics, and many new treatment types are expected to be introduced as the market continues to grow. The outcomes of a recent market research by Persistence Market Research has revealed the growth of the global non-infectious macular edema treatment market at a CAGR of 7.0% during the forecast period 2018-2026. The study also projects the market to reach a valuation of over US$ 17,200 Mn by the end of 2026.



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Increase in the Number of Combination Therapies to Boost Demand in the Global Market



Novel biological drugs are now being introduced owing to the increase in prevalence of macular edema cases. Even standard drugs such as Corticosteroids and anti-VEGF that are viewed as the first-line treatment for non-infectious macular edema are facing a limitation in use due to the associated side effects. This has given a leverage to companies to come up with other effective therapies. The new trends include a rise in the prescription of combination therapies that are more reliable in complex cases. This has increased the efficiency of the treatment process. An increase in the use of combination drugs is anticipated to spur demand in the non-infectious macular edema treatment market.



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Rate of Incidence of Macular Edema High in Europe Due to the Rising Prevalence of Diabetes



Diabetes related complications are one of the main causes of macular edema and there is a high rate of Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) in several countries across Europe. This makes the European market highly lucrative for manufacturers to introduce newer therapies and treatment options. However, the market forecast for the period of 2018-2026 projects North America to be the leading region in the global non-infectious macular edema treatment market with a valuation of over US$ 5,900 Mn by the end of 2026. In terms of growth rate, APAC is anticipated to exhibit growth at the fastest rate during the forecast period.



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Competitive Landscape



Leading pharmaceutical and drug manufacturing companies from developed countries are investing substantially in R&D, infrastructure and new technologies in ophthalmology therapeutics to capture significant market share. Several companies are involved in mergers and acquisitions to design new and innovative treatment options for macular edema. Some of the leading companies that dominate the market currently include Allergan, Plc. Pfizer, Inc., Novartis AG, F. Hoffman - La Roche Ltd., AbbVie Inc. etc.



About Persistence Market Research

Persistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.



To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Edison, NJ -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/03/2019 -- HTF MI released a new market study on Global Military Floating Bridge Market with 100+ market data Tables, Pie Chat, Graphs & Figures spread through Pages and easy to understand detailed analysis. At present, the market is developing its presence. The Research report presents a complete assessment of the Market and contains a future trend, current growth factors, attentive opinions, facts, and industry validated market data. The research study provides estimates for Global Military Floating Bridge Forecast till 2025*. Some are the key players taken under coverage for this study are AM General, China Harzone Industry, CNIM, Jiangsu Bailey Steel Bridge, General Dynamics, RPC Technologies, FBM Babcock Marine, Mabey, Oshkosh Defense & WFEL.



Click to get Global Military Floating Bridge Market Research Sample PDF Copy Here @: https://www.htfmarketreport.com/sample-report/1415804-global-military-floating-bridge-market-8



#Summary:



This report presents the worldwide Military Floating Bridge market size (value, production and consumption), splits the breakdown (data status 2014-2019 and forecast to 2025), by manufacturers, region, type and application.

This study also analyzes the market status, market share, growth rate, future trends, market drivers, opportunities and challenges, risks and entry barriers, sales channels, distributors and Porter's Five Forces Analysis.



Important Features that are under offering & key highlights of the report :



1) What all companies are currently profiled in the report?

Following are list of players that are currently profiled in the the report "AM General, China Harzone Industry, CNIM, Jiangsu Bailey Steel Bridge, General Dynamics, RPC Technologies, FBM Babcock Marine, Mabey, Oshkosh Defense & WFEL"



** List of companies mentioned may vary in the final report subject to Name Change / Merger etc.



2) Can we add or profiled new company as per our need?

Yes, we can add or profile new company as per client need in the report. Final confirmation to be provided by research team depending upon the difficulty of survey.

** Data availability will be confirmed by research in case of privately held company. Upto 3 players can be added at no added cost.



3) What all regional segmentation covered? Can specific country of interest be added?

Currently, research report gives special attention and focus on following regions:

United States, Europe, China, Japan & Other Regions

** One country of specific interest can be included at no added cost. For inclusion of more regional segment quote may vary.



4) Can inclusion of additional Segmentation / Market breakdown is possible?

Yes, inclusion of additional segmentation / Market breakdown is possible subject to data availability and difficulty of survey. However a detailed requirement needs to be shared with our research before giving final confirmation to client.



** Depending upon the requirement the deliverable time and quote will vary.



Enquire for customization in Report @ https://www.htfmarketreport.com/enquiry-before-buy/1415804-global-military-floating-bridge-market-8



To comprehend Global Military Floating Bridge market dynamics in the world mainly, the worldwide Military Floating Bridge market is analyzed across major global regions. HTF MI also provides customized specific regional and country-level reports for the following areas.



- North America: United States, Canada, and Mexico.

- South & Central America: Argentina, Chile, and Brazil.

- Middle East & Africa: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Turkey, Egypt and South Africa.

- Europe: UK, France, Italy, Germany, Spain, and Russia.

- Asia-Pacific: India, China, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Singapore, and Australia.



2-Page profiles for 10+ leading manufacturers and 10+ leading retailers is included, along with 3 years financial history to illustrate the recent performance of the market. Revised and updated discussion for 2018 of key macro and micro market influences impacting the sector are provided with a thought-provoking qualitative comment on future opportunities and threats. This report combines the best of both statistically relevant quantitative data from the industry, coupled with relevant and insightful qualitative comment and analysis.



Global Military Floating Bridge Product Types In-Depth: , Military Modular Floating Bridge & Military Motorized Floating Bridge



Global Military Floating Bridge Major Applications/End users: Military Training & Military Operation



Geographical Analysis: United States, Europe, China, Japan & Other Regions



In order to get a deeper view of Market Size, competitive landscape is provided i.e. Revenue (Million USD) by Players (2013-2018), Revenue Market Share (%) by Players (2013-2018) and further a qualitative analysis is made towards market concentration rate, product/service differences, new entrants and the technological trends in future.



Competitive Analysis:

The key players are highly focusing innovation in production technologies to improve efficiency and shelf life. The best long-term growth opportunities for this sector can be captured by ensuring ongoing process improvements and financial flexibility to invest in the optimal strategies. Company profile section of players such as AM General, China Harzone Industry, CNIM, Jiangsu Bailey Steel Bridge, General Dynamics, RPC Technologies, FBM Babcock Marine, Mabey, Oshkosh Defense & WFEL includes its basic information like legal name, website, headquarters, its market position, historical background and top 5 closest competitors by Market capitalization / revenue along with contact information. Each player/ manufacturer revenue figures, growth rate and gross profit margin is provided in easy to understand tabular format for past 5 years and a separate section on recent development like mergers, acquisition or any new product/service launch etc.



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In this study, the years considered to estimate the market size of Global Military Floating Bridge are as follows:

History Year: 2013-2017

Base Year: 2017

Estimated Year: 2018

Forecast Year 2018 to 2025



Key Stakeholders/Global Reports:

Military Floating Bridge Manufacturers

Military Floating Bridge Distributors/Traders/Wholesalers

Military Floating Bridge Subcomponent Manufacturers

Industry Association

Downstream Vendors



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Actual Numbers & In-Depth Analysis, Business opportunities, Market Size Estimation Available in Full Report.



Thanks for reading this article, you can also get individual chapter wise section or region wise report version like North America, Europe or Asia.Albany, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/02/2019 -- An articular is a mechanical device used in dentistry to accurately reproduce the three-dimensional nature of glenoid anatomy in which the upper and lower (cord and mandibular) teeth are fixed. A fully adjustable dental joint is used for the reproduction of more than one move, similar to a jaw, among other articulators such as adjustable, semi-adjustable, anatomic and disposable. As a central connection, protrusive and retrusive movement and a maxillomandibular left- right relationship. Those instruments help manufacture dentures and fixed prothodontic restorations like curves, bridges, inlays, onlays and orthodontic appliances while being removable.



A recent business market intelligence report available at the repository of MarketResearchReports.biz, describes the driving forces, restraints and latest trends impacting the global dental articulators market over the coming years. The report is titled as, "Dental Articulators Market - Global Industry Trend Analysis 2012 to 2016 and Forecast 2017 - 2025."



Published reports from the Oral Health Foundation indicate that over 60% visited dentists regularly in Northern Ireland, 61% in England and 69% in Wales and Scotland. Moreover, increasing geriatric population and the availability of adequate reimbursement policies contribute to dental joints ' market growth.



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One of the factors that contribute to the growth of the global dental articulator industry is that it is extremely helpful to plan dental procedures based on the connection between natural and artificial opposites, planned treatment to cut back on treatment time and better control of the desired measurements of the tooth. In addition, improved facial characteristics for plastic operations where teeth and jaw get lost or injured by an accident, removal and relocation to give an ideal bite are also some of the factors that drive the growth of this market for correction of malformations in a young, growing child. But the cost of instruments, skilled staff shortage and complexity issues are restraining the growth of the dental articulators market to some extent.



Due to technological advances and medical coverage in dental procedures, North America holds the largest share in the world of fully adjustable dental articulator markets. Due to the high quality of medical services offered in major countries and its rapid progress on all technological fronts, Europe follows North American countries. Due to the presence of a sophisticated health infrastructure and a large population base, the market in the Asia-Pacific region is estimated to grow at the fastest CAGR during the projected period. However, the growth during the forecast period has been shown in Latin America, Middle East and Africa has been reported to be steady.



Prominent vendors operating in the global dental articulators market are Ormco Corporation, Bio-Art Equipamentos Odontologicos Ltda., KaVo Dental, Guilin zhuomuniao Medical Devices Co., Dentflex , Amann Girrbach AG, and Mensadent s.r.o.



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The global dental articulators market can be segmented on the basis of product type, material type, end-user, and region.



On the basis of product type, global dental articulators market can be segmented as:

- Fully-Adjustable Dental Articulators

- Semi-Adjustable Dental Articulators

- Non-Arcon Dental Articulators

- Arcon Dental Articulators

- Non-Adaptable Dental Articulators

- Virtual Dental Articulators



On the basis of material type, global dental articulators market can be segmented as:

- Brass

- Aluminum

- Other



On the basis of end user, global dental articulators market can be segmented as:

- Hospitals

- Dental Clinics

- Ambulatory Surgical Centers



On the basis of region, global dental articulators market can be segmented as:

- North America

- Latin America

- Europe

- Asia Pacific

- Middle East and Africa



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MRR.BIZ has been compiled in-depth market research data in the report after exhaustive primary and secondary research. Our team of able, experienced in-house analysts has collated the information through personal interviews and study of industry databases, journals, and reputable paid sources.



The report provides the following information:



- Tailwinds and headwinds molding the market's trajectory

- Market segments based on products, technology, and applications

- Prospects of each segment

- Overall current and possible future size of the market

- Growth pace of the market

- Competitive landscape and key players' strategies



The main aim of the report is to:



- Enable key stakeholder's in the market bet right on it

- Understand the opportunities and pitfalls awaiting them

- Assess the overall growth scope in the near term

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Email: sales@marketresearchreports.bizNew York, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/03/2019 -- Good's buffers (also Good buffers) are twenty buffering agents for biochemical and biological research selected and described by Norman Good and colleagues during 19661980. Most of the buffers were new zwitterionic compounds prepared and tested by Good and coworkers for the first time, though some (MES, ADA, BES, Bicine) were known compounds previously overlooked by biologists



Before Good's work, few hydrogen ion buffers between pH 6 and 8 had been accessible to biologists, and very inappropriate, toxic, reactive and inefficient buffers had often been used. Many Good's buffers became and remain crucial tools in modern biological laboratories.



Have Any Query? Ask Our Expert @ https://www.qyresearchreports.com/sample/sample.php?rep_id=1981203&type=S



Global Good's Buffers market size will increase to xx Million US$ by 2025, from xx Million US$ in 2017, at a CAGR of xx% during the forecast period. In this study, 2017 has been considered as the base year and 2018 to 2025 as the forecast period to estimate the market size for Good's Buffers.



This report researches the worldwide Good's Buffers market size (value, capacity, production and consumption) in key regions like United States, Europe, Asia Pacific (China, Japan) and other regions.

This study categorizes the global Good's Buffers breakdown data by manufacturers, region, type and application, also analyzes the market status, market share, growth rate, future trends, market drivers, opportunities and challenges, risks and entry barriers, sales channels, distributors and Porter's Five Forces Analysis.



This report focuses on the top manufacturers' Good's Buffers capacity, production, value, price and market share of Good's Buffers in global market. The following manufacturers are covered in this report:

Avantor

Alfa Aesar (Thermo Fisher)

Merck

Lonza

Bio-Rad

BD

GE Healthcare

Promega Corporation

Hamilton Company

XZL BIO-TECHNOLOGY

SRL



Good's Buffers Breakdown Data by Type

Phosphates Type

Acetates Type

TRIS Type

Others

Good's Buffers Breakdown Data by Application

Research Institution

Pharmaceutical Industry

Others



Access the Report and full TOC @ https://www.qyresearchreports.com/report/global-goods-buffers-market-insights-forecast-to-2025.htm



Good's Buffers Production Breakdown Data by Region

United States

Europe

China

Japan

Other Regions



The study objectives are:

To analyze and research the global Good's Buffers capacity, production, value, consumption, status and forecast;

To focus on the key Good's Buffers manufacturers and study the capacity, production, value, market share and development plans in next few years.

To focuses on the global key manufacturers, to define, describe and analyze the market competition landscape, SWOT analysis.

To define, describe and forecast the market by type, application and region.

To analyze the global and key regions market potential and advantage, opportunity and challenge, restraints and risks.

To identify significant trends and factors driving or inhibiting the market growth.

To analyze the opportunities in the market for stakeholders by identifying the high growth segments.

To strategically analyze each submarket with respect to individual growth trend and their contribution to the market.

To analyze competitive developments such as expansions, agreements, new product launches, and acquisitions in the market.

To strategically profile the key players and comprehensively analyze their growth strategies.



In this study, the years considered to estimate the market size of Good's Buffers :

History Year: 2013-2017

Base Year: 2017

Estimated Year: 2018

Forecast Year 2018 to 2025



For the data information by region, company, type and application, 2017 is considered as the base year. Whenever data information was unavailable for the base year, the prior year has been considered.



Key Stakeholders



Goods Buffers Manufacturers

Goods Buffers Distributors/Traders/Wholesalers

Goods Buffers Subcomponent Manufacturers

Industry Association

Downstream Vendors



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Email: sales@qyresearchreports.comLos Angeles, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/02/2019 -- 3D Sensors is an object whose purpose is to detect events or changes in its environment, and then provide a corresponding output. A sensor is a type of transducer; sensors may provide various types of output, but typically use electrical or optical signals. For example, a thermocouple generates a known voltage (the output) in response to its temperature (the environment). A mercury-in-glass thermometer, similarly, converts measured temperature into expansion and contraction of a liquid, which can be read on a calibrated glass tube.



Technology can't keep up with demand?3D Sensors Stability need to be improved?3D Sensors Sensitivity need to be improved?3D Sensors need more personnel and technology research and development funds.



3D Sensors become smart: Low-power wireless technology and miniaturized sensors can be combined to become a new generation of intelligent and cost-effective sensor systems with unprecedented capabilities. The sensors can now be placed within a product container or move with a part of the machinery, providing invaluable insights into the process. We build a prototype to evaluate the potential of smart sensor technology for your specific application.



Consumers are generally quick-change, to get or use newfangled products, better experience, better convenience and more quicker; to find and meet the needs of consumers, and exceeding expectation, better service. The world changes quickly, especially in mobile internet and consumer electronics, and now the mobile internet and consumer electronics are changing the traditional sectors, to more efficient, more cheaper and powerful.



At present, global economy is fluctuant, and most countries take measures to stimulate the economy, especially in Japan, Europe, Australia and the resources providing countries, like Russia, Middle East, Brazil etc. In many fields, China is the largest consumer, but in the past several years, China's economic growth slows .The China government is reforming the economic structure, to release energy of economy. USA economy is relatively stable with low-speed-growth, but in future, it also is full of risk. In Taiwan, the economy also is fluctuated the economic base is comparatively unsubstantial, due to the exchange fluctuations. In Korea, although many people look to further increase in Korea, but the economic aggregate is too low and the infrastructure is behindhand and inefficient. In a long term, Korea will keep a stable and low growth in economy, due to its economic structure and bureaucratic system.



On the other hand, the political factors, like government succession, security fears, trade dispute, domestic employment, even the regional military crisis, always affect the economic activity, country to country, corporation to country. So it needs us with deep insight, to analyze the prospect avoid risk, to grasp the opportunity and reduce losses.



The global 3D Sensors market is valued at 3200 million US$ in 2018 is expected to reach 17700 million US$ by the end of 2025, growing at a CAGR of 23.8% during 2019-2025.



This report focuses on 3D Sensors volume and value at global level, regional level and company level. From a global perspective, this report represents overall 3D Sensors market size by analyzing historical data and future prospect. Regionally, this report focuses on several key regions: North America, Europe, China and Japan.



Get PDF Report Template @ https://www.qyresearch.com/sample-form/form/950102/global-3d-sensors-growth-potential



At company level, this report focuses on the production capacity, ex-factory price, revenue and market share for each manufacturer covered in this report.



The following manufacturers are covered:



Infineon Technologies



Microchip Technology



Omnivision Technologies



PMD Technologies



Softkinetic



Asustek Computer



Cognex Corporation



IFM Electronic GmbH



Intel Corporation



LMI Technologies



Microsoft Corporation



Segment by Regions



North America



Europe



China



Japan



Segment by Type



Image



Position



Accelerometer



Acoustic



Segment by Application



Consumer electronics



Medical care



Aerospace and defense



Industrial robot



Automobile



Others



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Customer's Satisfaction: Our expert team will assist with all your research needs and customize the report

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Assured Quality: We focus on the quality and accuracy of the report

About QYResearch

QYResearch always pursuits high product quality with the belief that quality is the soul of business. Through years of effort and supports from huge number of customer supports, QYResearch consulting group has accumulated creative design methods on many high-quality markets investigation and research team with rich experience. Today, QYResearch has become the brand of quality assurance in consulting industry.San Jose, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/03/2019 -- In this report, XploreMR offers a 10-year forecast of the Global Cellulose Film Packaging Market between 2018 and 2028. In terms of value, the global cellulose film packaging market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 4.9% during the forecast period. The study reveals market dynamics in seven geographic segments along with cellulose film packaging market analysis for the current market environment and future scenario over the forecast period.



Report Description



This XploreMR report studies the global cellulose film packaging market for the period 20182028. The prime objective of global cellulose film packaging market is to offer insights and key market trends pertaining to the global cellulose film packaging market that are gradually helping transform global businesses.



The global cellulose film packaging market report begins with the executive summary for various categories and their share in the cellulose films market. It is followed by market dynamics and overview of the global cellulose film packaging market, which includes XploreMR analysis of market drivers, restraints, and trends that are affecting the growth of cellulose film packaging market. Furthermore, to understand the popularity of the market segment, the attractiveness index and BPS analysis with elaborated insights on the same is provided, which will show the market's attractiveness based on factors such as CAGR and incremental opportunity. To show the performance of the cellulose film packaging market in each country and region, BPS and Y-o-Y growth analysis of cellulose film packaging is provided.



Get Sample Copy of this report @ https://www.xploremr.com/connectus/sample/2883



The global market for cellulose film packaging is further segmented as per film type, source, and application and by end use industry. On the basis of film type, the global cellulose film packaging market is segmented into transparent film, colored film, metalized film. On the basis of source, the global cellulose film packaging market is segmented into wood & cotton. On the basis of application, the global cellulose film packaging market is segmented as bags& pouches, labels, tapes, release liners and wrapping films. Further, based on end use industry, the global cellulose film packaging market is segmented as food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, personal care, homecare and retail.



The next section of the report highlights the cellulose film packaging market, by region, and provides the market outlook for 20182028. The study investigates the Y-o-Y growth regionally, as well as analyses the drivers that influence the regional cellulose film packaging market. Main regions assessed in the report global cellulose film packaging market include North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific excluding Japan, the Middle East & Africa (MEA) and Japan. The global cellulose film packaging market evaluates the present scenario and growth prospects of the regional cellulose film packaging market for 20182028.



To ascertain the market size in terms of value and volume, revenue generated by the key manufacturers of cellulose film packaging and their respective production capacity is taken into consideration. The forecast presented here assesses the total revenue generated by value, across the cellulose film packaging market. In order to provide an accurate forecast, we initiated by sizing up the current market, which forms the basis of how the cellulose film packaging market is expected to develop in the future. In addition, it is imperative to note that in an ever-fluctuating global economy, we not only conduct forecasts in terms of CAGR but also analyse cellulose films packaging market based on key parameters, such as year-on-year (Y-o-Y) growth rates, to understand the predictability of the cellulose film packaging market and identify the right opportunities across the market.



The market segment for global cellulose film packaging market has been analysed in terms of basis point share (BPS) to understand the individual segment's relative contributions to market growth. This detailed level of information is important for identifying various key trends in the cellulose film packaging market. Another key feature of global cellulose film packaging market is the analysis of key segments in terms of absolute dollar opportunity. Absolute dollar opportunity is critical for evaluating the scope of opportunity that a provider can look to achieve, as well as to identify potential resources from a delivery perspective of the cellulose film packaging market. The overall absolute dollar opportunity along with the segmental split is mentioned in the report titled global cellulose film packaging market.



To understand key growth segments in terms of growth and adoption for cellulose film globally, XploreMR developed the cellulose film packaging market 'Attractiveness Index.' The resulting index should help providers identify real market opportunities in global cellulose film packaging market.



In the final section of the report on cellulose film packaging, the 'dashboard view' of the companies is provided to compare the current industrial scenario and their contribution in the total cellulose film packaging market. Moreover, it is primarily designed to provide clients with an objective and detailed comparative assessment of key providers specific to a market segment. Report audiences can gain segment-specific manufacturer insights to identify and evaluate key competitors based on an in-depth evaluation of their capabilities and success in the cellulose film packaging marketplace.



Detailed profiles of companies of global cellulose film packaging market is also included in the report to evaluate their strategies, key product offerings, and recent developments. Key manufacturers and suppliers operating in cellulose film packaging market include Futamura Chemical Co., Ltd., Celanese Corporation, Hubei Golden Ring Co. Ltd. , Weifang Henglian Cellophane Co. Ltd, Chengdu Huaming Cellophane Co. Ltd, Eastman Chemical Company, Sappi Limited, Tembec Inc, Rhodia Acetow GmbH and Rotofil Srl.



Buy Now Full Report @ https://www.xploremr.com/cart/reports/buynow/2883



Key Segments Covered of global cellulose film packaging market



By Film Type, the global cellulose film packaging market is segmented as:



Transparent Films



Colored Films

Metalized Films

By Source, the global cellulose film packaging market is segmented as:



Wood

Cotton

By Application, the global cellulose film packaging market is segmented as:



Bags & Pouches

Labels

Tapes

Release Liners

Wrapping Films

Regional analysis of cellulose film packaging market is presented for following market segments:



North America

U.S.

Canada

Latin America

Brazil

Mexico

Argentina

Rest of Latin America

Western Europe

Germany

Spain

Italy

U.K.

France

Nordic

Benelux

Rest of Western Europe

Eastern Europe

Russia

Poland

Rest of Eastern Europe

Asia Pacific Excluding Japan (APEJ)

China

India

ASEAN

Australia and New Zealand

Rest of APAC

Middle East and Africa (MEA)

GCC

North Africa

South Africa

Rest of MEAPune, India -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/02/2019 -- MarketResearchNest.com published an Exclusive Research Report on "Global Car Seats Market 2019 by Manufacturers, Regions, Type and Application, Forecast to 2024" that highlights the in-depth market analysis and covers significant data with future prospects of the market.

Car Seats is the seat used in the automobile. Automotive seat has the function of keep drivers and passengers comfort and safe. Automotive Seat comprise of seat frame, headrest, seat lift, slide rail and so on.

Scope of the Report:

1. Geographically, the global car seat systems market has been segmented into North America, Europe, China, Japan, RoA and RoW. China held the largest share in the global market, its sales volume of global market exceeds 27.5% in 2017. The next is Europe.

2. The worldwide market for Car Seats is expected to grow at a CAGR of roughly 2.7% over the next five years, will reach 82300 million US$ in 2024, from 70100 million US$ in 2019, according to a new GIR (Global Info Research) study.

3. This report focuses on the Car Seats in global market, especially in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, regions, type and application.

Request a sample copy of Car Seats Market Report 2019@

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Car Seats Market continues to evolve and expand in terms of the number of companies, products, and applications that illustrates the growth perspectives. The report also covers the list of Product range and Applications with SWOT analysis, CAGR value, further adding the essential business analytics. Car Seats Market research analysis identifies the latest trends and primary factors responsible for market growth enabling the Organizations to flourish with much exposure to the markets.

Market Segment by Manufacturers, this report covers:

- Adient

- Lear

- Faurecia

- Toyota Boshoku

- Magna

- TS TECH

- Hyundai DYMOS

- NHK Spring

- Tachi-S

Market Segment by Type, covers:

- Fabric Seat

- Genuine Leather Seat

- Other

Market Segment by Applications, can be divided into:

- Passenger Vehicle

- Commercial Vehicle

Browse full content and In-depth TOC of Car Seats Market Report 2019@

https://www.marketresearchnest.com/Global-Car-Seats-Market-2019-by-Manufacturers-Regions-Type-and-Application-Forecast-to-2024.html

The Car Seats Market research report completely covers the vital statistics of the capacity, production, value, cost/profit, supply/demand import/export, further divided by company and country, and by application/type for best possible updated data representation in the figures, tables, pie chart, and graphs. These data representations provide predictive data regarding the future estimations for convincing market growth. The detailed and comprehensive knowledge about our publishers makes us out of the box in case of market analysis.

Market Segment by Regions, regional analysis covers:

- North America (United States, Canada and Mexico)

- Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)

- Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)

- South America (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia etc.)

- Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa)

The content of the study subjects, includes a total of 15 chapters:

- Chapter 1, to describe Car Seats product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market driving force and market risks.

- Chapter 2, to profile the top manufacturers of Car Seats, with price, sales, revenue and global market share of Car Seats in 2017 and 2018.

- Chapter 3, the Car Seats competitive situation, sales, revenue and global market share of top manufacturers are analyzed emphatically by landscape contrast.

- Chapter 4, the Car Seats breakdown data are shown at the regional level, to show the sales, revenue and growth by regions, from 2014 to 2019.

- Chapter 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, to break the sales data at the country level, with sales, revenue and market share for key countries in the world, from 2014 to 2019.

- Chapter 10 and 11, to segment the sales by type and application, with sales market share and growth rate by type, application, from 2014 to 2019.

- Chapter 12, Car Seats market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2019 to 2024.

- Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe Car Seats sales channel, distributors, customers, research findings and conclusion, appendix and data source.

Inquiry for buying a sample copy of Car Seats Market Report 2019 Copy@

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About MarketResearchNest.com

MarketResearchNest.com is the most comprehensive collection of market research products and services on the Web. We offer reports from almost all top publishers and update our collection on daily basis to provide you with instant online access to the Global and Southeast Asia's most complete and recent database of expert insights on industries, organizations, products, and trends.

Contact us: - Mr. Jeet Jain, Sales Manager, sales@marketresearchnest.com ;

+1-240-284-8070, +44-20-3290-4151;

Connect with us: Google+ | LinkedIn | Twitter | FacebookPune, India -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/02/2019 -- MarketResearchNest.com published an Exclusive Research Report on "2013-2028 Report on Global Engine Mounts Market by Player, Region, Type, Application and Sales Channel" that highlights the in-depth market analysis and covers significant data with future prospects of the market.

This comprehensive Engine Mounts Market research report includes a brief on these trends that can help the businesses operating in the industry to understand the market and strategize for their business expansion accordingly. The research report analyzes the market size, industry share, growth, key segments, CAGR and key drivers.

New vendors in the market are facing tough competition from established international vendors as they struggle with technological innovations, reliability and quality issues. The report will answer questions about the current market developments and the scope of competition, opportunity cost and more.

Request a sample copy of Engine Mounts Market Report 2018@

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Engine Mounts Market in its database provides an expert and in-depth analysis of key business trends and future market development prospects, key drivers and restraints, profiles of major market players, segmentation and forecasting. A Engine Mounts Market provides an extensive view of size; trends and shape have been developed in this report to identify factors that will exhibit a significant impact in boosting the sales of Engine Mounts Market in the near future.

Leading players of Engine Mounts including:

- TrelleborgVibracoustic

- ContiTech

- Hutchinson

- Sumitomo Riko

- Bridgestone

- BOGE Rubber and Plastics

- Toyo-Rubber

- Cooper Standard

- Nissin

- Yamashita Rubber

- Tuopu

- Luoshi

- Faw Foundry

- PGI Far East

- Hetian Automotive

- SKF

Market split by Type, can be divided into:

- Conventional Engine Mount

- Hydraulic Engine Mount

Market split by Application, can be divided into:

- Passenger Car

- Commercial Vehicle

- Others

Market split by Sales Channel, can be divided into:

- Direct Channel

- Distribution Channel

Moreover, the research report assessed market key features, consisting of revenue, capacity utilization rate, price, gross, growth rate, consumption, production, export, supply, cost, market size & share, industry demand, export & import analysis, and CAGR.

Browse full content and In-depth TOC of Engine Mounts Market Report 2018@

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The report firstly introduced the Engine Mounts basics: definitions, classifications, applications and market overview; product specifications; manufacturing processes; cost structures, raw materials and so on. Then it analyzed the world's main region market conditions, including the product price, profit, capacity, production, supply, demand and market growth rate and forecast etc. In the end, the report introduced new project SWOT analysis, investment feasibility analysis, and investment return analysis.

Market segment by Region/Country including::

- North America (United States, Canada and Mexico)

- Europe (Germany, UK, France, Italy, Russia and Spain etc.)

- Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India, Australia and Southeast Asia etc.)

- South America Brazil, Argentina, Colombia and Chile etc.)

- Middle East and Africa (South Africa, Egypt, Nigeria and Saudi Arabia etc.)

The research report provides in-depth analysis on:

- The estimated growth rate along with size and share of the Engine Mounts Market during the forecast period.

- The prime factors expected to drive the Engine Mounts Market for the estimated period.

- The major market leaders and what has been their business winning strategy for success so far.

- Significant trends shaping the growth prospects of the Engine Mounts Market.

Key questions answered in this report:

- What will the Engine Mounts Market Size is in 2028 and what will the growth rate be?

- What is the key Engine Mounts Market Trends?

- What is driving this Engine Mounts Market?

- What are the challenges to Engine Mounts Market Growth?

- Who are the key vendors in this Engine Mounts Market Space?

- What are the Engine Mounts Market Opportunities and Threats faced by the key vendors?

- What are the strengths and weaknesses of the Engine Mounts Market Key Vendor?

Inquiry for buying a sample copy of Engine Mounts Market Report 2018 Copy@

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Key Engine Mounts Market players influencing the market are profiled in the study along with their SWOT analysis and market strategies. The report also focuses on leading industry players with information such as company profiles, products and services offered financial information of last 3 years, key development in past five years.

The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.



About MarketResearchNest.com

MarketResearchNest.com is the most comprehensive collection of market research products and services on the Web. We offer reports from almost all top publishers and update our collection on daily basis to provide you with instant online access to the Global and Southeast Asia's most complete and recent database of expert insights on industries, organizations, products, and trends.



Contact us: - Mr. Jeet Jain, Sales Manager, sales@marketresearchnest.com ;

+1-240-284-8070, +44-20-3290-4151;

Connect with us: Google+ | LinkedIn | Twitter | FacebookEgypts President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi said on Sunday that Egypt highly appreciates the role played by German companies in achieving the country's economic and social development.

In a meeting with a German delegation comprising CEOs and representatives of major companies and a number of German MPs, El-Sisi asserted that Cairo succeeded in making major steps towards consolidating stability, the main pillar towards attaining economic growth.

The meeting was attended by German Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy Peter Altmaier, and Egypts Investment Minister Sahar Nasr, Finance Minister Mohamed Maait and Industry Minister Amr Nassar.

During the meeting, El-Sisi told the German delegation that the country's in-progress economic reform programme focuses on increasing spending on the development of health and education systems, with the aim of enhancing services offered to citizens, while supporting the most needy social classes, according to his spokesman Bassam Rady.

Egypt has adopted policies to provide an attractive and competitive business environment, and enacted an integrated package of legislation to remove obstacles in the face of the private sector, in addition to drawing up a comprehensive investment plan for all economic sectors and stepping up anti-corruption efforts, the spokesman quoted El-Sisi as saying.

The president also briefed the group on national mega-projects that are underway with a view to stimulating the economy and raising growth rates and securing more jobs, as well as attracting further foreign investments, the spokesman added.

In this regard, El-Sisi cited the Suez Canal Development Corridor project and the government's plan to build a number of new cities, notably the New Administrative Capital, besides elevating the efficiency of the national road network across the country, and increasing reliance on renewable energy.

El-Sisi said that Cairo is seeking to prepare a national strategy for the automotive industry, with the aim of turning the country into a centre for assembling and manufacturing vehicles, welcoming Mercedes-Benz's move to go back to assembling its cars in Egypt.

For their part, the German delegation, the spokesman said, expressed their admiration for the great progress that Egypt has made in a few years, adding they are looking forward to pumping more investments into the country over the coming phase, especially in light of ongoing cooperation between the two states in several fields, notably vocational and technical training, petrochemicals, iron and steel, energy and renewable energy,

Short link:

Egyptian antiquities police have discovered an ancient burial site under a modern house near the Great Pyramids of Giza, they said on Sunday.

In an official statement, the General Administration of Tourism and Antiquities Police said the discovery was made as part of their ongoing efforts to detect illegal excavations at archaeological sites.

According to the statement, the police concluded that a resident of Gizas Nazlet El-Samman district near the Pyramids had illegally dug under his house looking for ancient artefacts.

It added that two illegal excavations were found, one 1.5 metres deep and the second four metres deep.

Within one excavated area, a corridor was discovered, which led to a rock-hewn room with dimensions of 2 metres by 2.5 metres. Inside the room was a false door, behind which was a well carved into the rock.

In the other excavated area, a room housing six wall-relief statues was discovered. Some of the statues had smashed heads and legs, the statement read.

The statement did not give further details about the nature or age of the discoveries, which it described as "an ancient burial site."

The police are planning to arrest the owner of the house, who has fled.

A number of people have been killed in recent years in Egypt while attempting to excavate in search of ancient artefacts, which is illegal without the proper permits.

Short link:

Without parking, all residents will suffer

Re CivicSD backs plan to curb parking for new housing (Jan. 31): We already know what will happen with CivicSDs ill-considered infill idea to switch from minimum to maximum parking requirements for new projects.

Take The Barcelona near Balboa Park. At four stories and 90 units, it sits in a mix of apartments, retail and new high-rise condos. This historic structure has no off-street parking. Residents lose time and create air pollution by having to circle area blocks to find a space.

Retail demands parking meters. This further ruins residents livability and options because parking monitors chalk tires, restricting stays to two hours.

Advertisement

Parkers returning after dark from work or school face another major problem. Having to park and walk blocks at night subjects residents to the risk of criminal attack.

Cars are requisite for most jobs, shopping and free time in a freeway world. One space per unit should be retained.

Scott Andrews

San Diego

Reducing residential parking problematic

Increasing housing density and reducing parking near transit is a fundamental principle of planning. It makes transit more successful, saves space and can reduce automobile traffic. But for long-term success, parking should only be reduced near fixed rail transportation.

Bus routes can and do change, leaving residents without car or bus transportation. This month, San Diegos Metropolitan Transit System made service changes to 26 of its bus routes around the county. According to MTS, changes in bus routes are normally changed three times a year. In the long term interest of residents, reduced parking for high density housing should only be permitted near fixed rail public transportation.

Advertisement

Joe Flynn

San Diego

Is our mayor just currying favor with developers?

Re Faulconer throws down housing gauntlet (Jan. 17): In his recent State of the City address, Mayor Kevin Faulconer announced his intent to increase development density, increase height limits and require fewer to no parking spaces for developments adjacent to rapid transit.

Advertisement

This bold statement steam-rolls over the authority of local planning groups and the integrity of their community plans.

The stated intent is to increase affordable housing and rapid transit ridership. Sounds like a dog whistle and siren song to developers that Mayor Faulconer still has higher political ambitions, so get ready and get your checkbooks out.

Mary Helen Ish

La Jolla

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Follow @UTLetters on Twitter and UTOpinion on Facebook.Days after bumpily arriving into the world at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, a giraffe calf that had difficulty nursing is now being raised by the zoo.

For the next six months or so, zoo staff will bottle-feed the male calf with formula devised especially for baby giraffes. The zoo has previously hand-raised baby giraffes, so their needs are known, said veterinarian Lauren Howard, associate director of veterinary services at the Safari Park.

When ready, the calf will be placed with a giraffe herd. That may be back at the Safari Park near Escondido, the zoos San Diego location, or at another zoo, Howard said.

The as-yet-unnamed calf was born in the open field Jan. 27, in an apparently normal birth. Video indicates that an adult male may have inadvertently knocked the calf to the ground. Whether this fall damaged the calf is unknown, Howard said, but he eventually got the knack of standing and walking.

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Zoo keepers soon noticed he was spending little time nursing, Howard said. And because the keepers spend the most time observing the giraffes, the veterinary staff took their concerns seriously and sprang into action. Its an example of how keepers and vets work as a team.

The keepers out in the field are highly skilled and have seen a lot of babies born, Howard said. So I actually rely on them to tell me whats normal, like how often does a giraffe nurse, then, when hes nursing  how long is that nursing bout?

Weve gotten really good at capturing videos and photos and sharing that back and forth between the vets and the keepers. And when theres a flag raised of any kind, then the veterinarians go out and look at the animal.

So early Tuesday morning, when the veterinarians meet daily with keepers, they decided to give the calf a quick exam in the field. This was accomplished by briefly distracting the mother.

Results were normal, except for a slightly elevated white blood cell count.

After the exam, keepers reported that the calf was still behaving oddly. The mother, Acacia, appeared to be losing interest in her baby.

He was doing this weird, head-toss, cough-sneeze thing, Howard said.

Since sick newborn giraffes can go downhill quickly, the plan was to bring him in Wednesday morning to the Safari Parks Paul Harter Veterinary Medical Center for a comprehensive exam.

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However, on Tuesday evening, more bad news came in. Letting him stay out in the cold even one night seemed too risky.

The supervisor got in touch with me to say theyve been watching him all afternoon and havent seen him nurse, Howard said. He seems a bit more lethargic and lying down. We think we need to pull him tonight.

So that evening, the calf was taken by trailer to the veterinary center for a more detailed exam. The mother didnt appear to show too much concern about the removal, another sign she had lost interest, Howard said.

Its easy to misinterpret animal actions through the lens of our human emotions, Howard said. But the general feeling among veterinarians is that when a mother stops being attentive to a baby, its because she senses something is wrong with it.

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Images from a recently acquired CT scanner designed for horses revealed inflammation in the calfs nose and throat, Howard said. The inflammation could have been caused by injury, or by an infection. Whatever the cause, it could account for the nursing problems.

The calf was given antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs and kept warm. He accepted bottle feedings with giraffe formula. But while his condition improved, the overnight stay broke the maternal bond, Howard said. Giraffe mothers dont tolerate more than a brief separation from their babies.

So the calf has a human-centric future for the time being, Howard said. When he gets strong enough, he will be cautiously introduced to other giraffes, so he can eventually be placed back with others of his kind.

The diagnosis would have been impossible until recently; the zoo only obtained the CT scanner about a year and a half ago, Howard said. An ordinary X-ray wouldnt have revealed the inflammation.

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Related reading

From a wet and wobbly start, newborn giraffe joins San Diego Zoo Safari Park

San Diego Safari Parks baby giraffe Kumi euthanized after being gored

Some giraffe populations critically endangered, while others recover

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Rhino born at San Diego Zoo Safari Park now lives in Africa

Against All OddsIts been more than a year since senior Palestinian officials have agreed to meet or even speak with representatives of the Trump administration, but now President Donald Trumps special representative for international negotiations, Jason Greenblatt, appears to have adopted a new diplomatic channel:

Twitter.

Over the past few weeks, Greenblatt has been tweeting his thoughts, requests and criticisms to those Palestinian leaders who are active on the popular social media platform.

And on Saturday, he seemed to confirm his new brand of tweet-diplomacy, writing:

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And who says the U.S. and the P.A. arent talking? The only difference now is that we are speaking about these matters in public via twitter so the public can understand everyones positions. Transparency is better for all.

Since December 2017, when Trump announced he would recognize Jerusalem as Israels capital and transfer the U.S. Embassy there from Tel Aviv - a move considered highly controversial and one-sided by the Palestinians - leaders and peace negotiators from the Palestinian side have waved off all U.S. diplomatic efforts.

Despite the cold shoulder, the U.S. administration says it has forged ahead with what Trump once described as the deal of the century to solve the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In recent weeks, there has been speculation that this improbable peace plan will be unveiled following Israels general election, which takes place on April 9. There has been no official indication of it, however.

In fact, there has been little indication of any aspect of the mysterious plan, and any suggestions of what it might contain have immediately been denied by Greenblatt.

It was such a denial that kicked off this latest round of tweet-diplomacy on Jan. 17.

Israeli journalist Barak Ravid reported and tweeted that he had some details about the opaque peace plan, nothing too untoward, just some of the basic tenets. Ravids report immediately sparked a response from Greenblatt:

While I respect @BarakRavid, his report on Israels Ch. 13 is not accurate. Speculation about the content of the plan is not helpful. Very few people on the planet know what is in it ... for now ...

A few days later, as the Twitterverse discussed what might or might not be accurate about the points raised by Ravid - and Greenblatts brush off - Hanan Ashrawi, a member of the Palestine Liberation Organizations executive committee, tweeted:

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You need a large grain of salt to believe any leak from Israeli sources, especially in the context of elections rhetoric. Anyway this has been vehemently denied by @jdgreenblatt45. Hypotheticals & red herrings to distract & divert. The US administration has zero credibility.

The zero credibility comment seemed to push buttons in Washington, and Greenblatt promptly responded:

"@DrHananAshrawi: you may dislike our policies & decisions, but to say we have zero credibility is simply not factual. @POTUS has kept his commitments, such as recognizing #Jerusalem as the capital of #Israel & moving our Embassy to #Jerusalem.

The message was followed by a long thread that seemed to shine a spotlight on the Trump administrations frustrations with the Palestinian leadership for its continual refusal to to meet with or speak to U.S. officials.

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Since moving the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem last May, the administration has further alienated the Palestinians by cutting back on almost all avenues of aid and funding, even to the point where the financial lifeline that supports the Palestinian Security Forces - essential for assisting the Israelis in maintaining security and peace in the area - also looks set to end.

This contentious point was highlighted Friday by Nabil Abu Rudeineh, a spokesman for Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. He said the cutbacks would have a negative impact on all and increase instability.

Almost immediately, Greenblatt responded on Twitter:

Disingenuous quote from Nabil Abu Rudeineh, spokesman for Palestinian President Abbas: The suspension of aid to our people, which included critical sectors such as health and education, will have a negative impact on all, create a negative atmosphere, and increase instability. 

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That was followed by another long stream of tweets explaining why the aid was cut - mostly, said Greenblatt, because the Palestinians refused to take responsibility and engage in change:

Mr. Abu Rudeineh: time to get serious. Either work on peace and/or work on helping Palestinians. The old messages and methods dont work anymore - not with the US, and not with many other countries. Its only a matter of time until other countries say this out loud too.

Greenblatt highlighted comments made recently by other prominent Palestinian leaders who have been highly critical of the United States, eventually working his way back to Ashrawi, who appeared to have called the American adviser out on his new brand of online diplomacy:

Twitter diplomacy/policy is the triumph of narrow minds, anaemic intellects & minuscule attention spans, precluding thorough & responsible analytical/critical interactions that are honest, contextual & insightful. We are witnessing the global ramifications of this failure.

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To which Greenblatt responded:

Dr. Ashrawi - my door is always open to the PA & Palestinians to speak. In fact, Ive met many Palestinians over the past 14 months & continue to. Im happy to meet anytime - you, Saeb (Erekat) & all your colleagues are ALWAYS welcome to visit me at the @WhiteHouse to speak in person.

This story was first published in The Washington Post.Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry will head to Brussels to attend a meeting of Arab and European ministers on Monday.

In a statement, foreign ministry spokesman Ahmed Hafez said the meeting would include a discussion and exchange of views between the foreign ministers of participating states on a number of issues of interest to both the Arab and European sides.

An Arab-European summit, which will be attended by leaders and presidents of Arab and European states and governments, will be hosted by Egypt on 24 and 25 February.

Hafez noted that the upcoming summit is the first of its kind and comes in light of the keenness of the Arab and European parties to advance aspects of cooperation and make a quantum leap in Arab-European relations.

Short link:

Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials have confirmed they are force-feeding nine detainees who initiated a hunger strike at an El Paso, Texas, detention center.

Ten detainees at the facility are under a self-imposed hunger strike, ICE spokeswoman Danielle Bennett said in an email Saturday.

Of the 10, nine are from India and one is from Nicaragua, Bennett said. Nine of them missed nine consecutive meals, triggering ICEs hunger strike protocols  medical evaluations and health monitoring.

At various points in mid-January, a federal judge ordered the nine to be fed and hydrated without consent, according to ICE.

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ICEs update comes on the heels of a report by the Associated Press, which first revealed on Wednesday that six detainees were being force-fed at the El Paso facility. They are on a hunger strike to protest rampant verbal abuse and threats of deportation from guards. The AP report triggered outrage from lawmakers and human rights groups who decried the practice as cruel, inhuman and degrading.

One detainee on a hunger strike detailed to the wire service the excruciating experience of guards dragging him from his cell and constraining him to force-feed him through a nasal tube.

They tie us on the force-feeding bed, and then they put a lot of liquid into the tubes, and the pressure is immense so we end up vomiting it out, the detainee, identified only by his surname, Singh, told the AP. We cant talk properly, and we cant breathe properly. The pipe is not an easy process, but they try to push it down our noses and throats.

Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-Texas, whose district includes the El Paso Processing Center, said she was deeply alarmed by reports that detainees were being force-fed and immediately requested a visit.

On Thursday, she said she was able to meet the six detainees being force-fed  at the time the only ones being force-fed  before that number increased to nine a day later.

ICE has not identified the detainees being force-fed, beyond their countries of origin. Escobar said most of the detainees she met had been in custody for 15 to 18 months.

ICE has said it fully respects the rights of all people to voice their opinion without interference and that agency health officials have explained to the detainees the negative health effects of going on a hunger strike.

ICE does not retaliate in any way against hunger strikers, the agency said in a statement. For their health and safety, ICE closely monitors the food and water intake of those detainees identified as being on a hunger strike.

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Besides the El Paso detention center, nationwide there are four other detainees on a hunger strike, ICE confirmed Saturday: one each in ICE custody at facilities in Miami, Phoenix, San Diego and San Francisco.

The Human Rights Watch has called on ICE to stop the inherently cruel, inhuman and degrading practice of force-feeding.

Medical ethics and human rights norms generally prohibit the force feeding of detainees who are competent and capable of rational judgment as to the consequences of refusing food, the group said in a statement. Hunger striking is a desperate expressive act. In immigration detention, it can be a response to the irrationality of prolonged and needless detention.

In August, Mergensana Amar, a Russian citizen who had been in U.S. immigration custody for more than a year, launched a hunger strike that nearly killed him at a detention center in Tacoma, Wash., The Posts Maria Sacchetti reported. He survived  then died in November after he tried to hang himself.

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Amars death is an example of the lengths that ICE will go to keep people in detention, Maru Mora Villalpando, a community organizer with NWDC Resistance, an organization that tried to help Amar, said at the time. They could have released him, and they decided not to. He kept telling us, Id rather die here than be deported. 

First published by The Washington PostAn Army Nurse from San Diego describes her life on the front lines during World War I in these excerpts from a letter published 100 years ago.

From The San Diego Union, February 3, 1919:

San Diego Girl Sees Active Service as Nurse at Front; Now in Evacuation Hospital

Miss Florence Hulbert One of First American Women at Chateau-Thierry.

San Diego has a representative in evacuation hospital No. 3 of the American expeditionary forces in Germany in Miss Florence Hulbert, A.N.C., daughter of Dr. R. G. Hulbert, who has offices in the Watts building. She is a local girl and a graduate of the San Diego high school. She is also a graduate of a French hospital in San Francisco and speaks French fluently. She has been in Europe six months. Her father has just received the following letter which gives and interesting account of her experiences:

I received your letter of Nov. 10 yesterday. It was sent to the base and was sent to me from there. It is the only letter I have received from you in a long time. I have sure received very little mail from anyone since I came overseas. We travel around so much and, of course, change of address accounts for it.

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I was only at the base hospital No. 46 for one week. Since then I have been out to the front on active service ever since my arrival, nearly six month ago. I will soon wear a gold stripe for my six months foreign service. I left New York the 4th of July, arriving at Liverpool the 12th at 2 p.m. Came over on the Aquatania, next to the largest ship on the seas, the Fatherland being the biggest. We had a convoy for a few hours out of New York and then not again until 24 hours before our arrival in England. We had 7000 troops aboard; it took them all afternoon to disembark and unload the ship.

Arrived in Paris on the 15th.

There was an air raid: also Big Bertha was bombing Paris. That was my first entry into the war. We went on our way next morning over to where our base was located at Bazoilles-Sur-Meuse  Then when there for a week, orders for eight nurses for Chateau Thierre drive. We left again for Paris, and went to La Ferte Sous Jouarre, then to Verdelot near Jouy, where they bombed that hospital so much; then into Chateau Thierry itself. We were the first nurses to work in the American field hospital. We were with No. 127, attached to the Third division, and were with them eight weeks, until the Third division went out for a rest: also the hospital.

Fourteen hundred cases passed through our surgery the first 24 hours in the Chateau Thierry drive. Oh, it was terrible, I must say! Next to it was the Argonne drive (the last one before the armistice was signed). I walked through the wheat field that saved Paris and also over No Mans Land: over on 204 hill; also 311: went all through the dugouts and trenches where the dirty work was done. They (boches*) thought they were going to live there indefinitely, no doubt. I saw a dugout with a glass window; also glass door; also perfect streets of dugouts with their names upon a stick in front of their places. It reminded me of squirrels. Well, there was hardly a place on 204 hill that was not shelled (by our guns). The boches were living here then.

Hear Roar of Guns

Well, we were afterwards transferred or ordered to evacuation hospital No. 3 at Crezancy near there, and have been with them ever since. We came over to Tour for the St. Mihiel drive to Thierry, later to Champague front, then to Mt. Frenet for the Argonne drive. So we heard the roar of the guns nearly all the time. When we could not we were always able to see the flash of the guns on the sky line. We were near Verdun when the armistice was signed. We heard the cannon for 24 hours after, also the last shot at 11 oclock of the 11th of November. Then the hospital rested for three weeks, but I and two other nurses were sent with two medical officers, five corps men and 12 ambulances to Montmedy, near the Belgian border. Montmedy was to have been the next objective if the armistice had not been signed..

The Germans evacuated Montmedy without doing much damage, only cutting down telegraph poles, etc., taking all food and everything they could la their hands on., etc., so the people were without food and sick. We took rations around to the different towns and gave them medicines until they could get the French assistance. We were there nearly three weeks until the hospital came here to Germany, so we were ordered back with our own organization, but the civilian work was great. I would not have missed it for anything. I will send you a postcard of our hospital here. They are the long buildings you see in the square. The city lies beyond.

*Boches is a derogatory term for a German soldier used by the Allies during WWI.

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Historical photos and articles from The San Diego Union-Tribune archives are compiled by merrie.monteagudo@sduniontribune.com. Search the U-T historic archives at NewsLibrary.com/sites/sdub.Last Tuesday and Wednesday, visitors to Cuyamaca Rancho State Park were startled by an ominous sight.

From mountain slopes less than a mile above Highway 79, the parks main thoroughfare, pillars of orange-gray smoke snaked into the air. Park rangers like Lisa Gonzales-Kramer tried to reassure gawkers that this blaze  a controlled burn  was truly under control.

Not everyone bought that.

Even a controlled fire is a fire, one tourist said before fleeing the park. If they get out of hand, thats it. Youre trapped.

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Torching 20 acres on Tuesday and another 80 acres Wednesday, this was part of a reforestation project managed by Gonzales-Kramer, an environmental scientist. Within the state Department of Parks and Recreation, this effort is seen as ambitious, complex and a huge success. In Sacramento last Friday, Gonzales-Kramer accepted the departments Mott Award for innovation.

Any ecosystem restoration, she said, is both an art and a science.

The science behind controlled burns remains controversial  and not just among tourists. Richard Halsey, director of the California Chaparral Institute, calls the Cuyamaca Rancho project pretty ecologically unbalanced.

In a 2009 paper published in the journal Ecological Applications, two other researchers warned that controlled burns are expensive and risky.

In addition, wrote UCLAs Jon E. Keeley and the University of Wisconsins Paul H. Zedler, even if such a mosaic were created, under a wide range of conditions, such sites would not prevent the spread of wildfires. Recent history suggests that the accumulated work of decades could be swept away in a single large fire under severe weather.

Critics, Gonzales-Kramer retorted, miss the point. Fifteen years ago, the Cedar fire established the template for the apocalyptic blazes that California now sees on a regular basis. Still the third largest wildfire in state history, Cedar destroyed 95 percent of Cuyamaca Ranchos conifers, even vaporizing underground seed banks.

Let nature take its course? Impossible, Gonzales-Kramer argued. There was no nature left.

If we dont interfere, we will lose viable species and habitat, she said. And that would be irresponsible.

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Sky islands

From Malibu to Paradise, Mendocino to Redding, California suffered massive wildfires in 2018. To prevent similar outbreaks, fire officials, scientists and politicians have proposed everything from sweeping the forest floor to logging large swaths of forest.

Increasingly, though, the U.S. Forest Service and Cal Fire use prescribed burns or controlled burns, intentionally setting small fires to eliminate fuel that could feed catastrophic blazes.

This is a dramatic change, noted Dan McCamish, a senior environmental scientist with the state parks. Fire suppression, he said, was the Forest Services historical plan from at least the 1940s.

The goal was to pounce on any fire, knocking it down as soon as possible. That seemed like common sense, yet there were unintended consequences.

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Because we had so much fire suppression for all these decades, Gonzales-Kramer said, we interfered with the natural fire regime.

Before the arrival of Columbus, North Americas indigenous peoples used fire to clear undergrowth or transform woods into grasslands. This helped tribes prevent massive wildfires of the sort that has seared California in ever-more disastrous fashion.

Recent fires have been intensified by years of drought, as well as the policy of rapidly snuffing out smaller fires that could have consumed smaller trees and the duff  leaves, pine needles and trash  piling up beneath tall trees.

During the Cedar fire, Gonzales-Kramer said, plants and trees growing in the shade of large conifers became fire ladders, allowing fire to climb into the canopy. This wiped out the forest as it existed in 2003 and, some feared, for the foreseeable future.

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Without a reforestation program, one state official warned, Cuyamaca Rancho would be a brush-dominated park for decades.

That would dramatically change the character of Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. Created in 1933, this natural preserve is 40 miles east of San Diego. Its 26,000 acres include meadows, streams and six peaks, the tallest being Cuyamaca Peak at 6,512 feet.

The Cedar fire tore through the trees on these sky islands, especially the sugar, Jeffrey and Coulter pines, with unprecedented fury.

As each of these populations are isolated by elevation and genetically unique, Rick Rayburn, then-head of the park systems Natural Resources Division, noted in a 2009 memo, the Department is very concerned that this fire has eliminated most or all of the aerial or ground-stored conifer seed, especially for the pine species.

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The fire left behind a disturbed environment, Gonzales-Kramer said. The brush took over.

The parks department fought back in 2008, launching a reforestation project by planting seedlings on a 40-acre site. First, though, thick stands of ceanothus, chaparral and other shrubs, were cut back and then burned to the ground.

To the California Chaparral Institutes Halsey, that was a tragedy.

They are interfering with the natural successional process, he said, referring to the plants and animals that flourish after fires. There is a huge role that the shrubs and chaparral play, but they dont want that. They want their trees back.

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Others, though, insist that Cuyamaca Rancho had to do something to rescue its forests.

If you dont do things like that and try to facilitate it some, said Scott Stephens, a professor of fire science at UC Berkeley, the chances of having the forest come back on that mountain are pretty low.

Caution and rage

Gary Reece stood on a paved fire road less than 10 feet from the flames crackling through dry grasses, ceanothus and snags, or dead trees. The burn boss, Reeces team of 27  15 inmate firefighters, a four-person Cal Fire engine crew and eight state parks employee  was tasked with setting this fire and keeping it within 20 acres.

This controlled burn had been scheduled for late December, but rains dashed those plans.

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Weve been trying to get the weather to cooperate, Reece said. And then there are air pollution control issues.

Preparation is key to a controlled burn. First, surveys make sure the area doesnt contain rare plants or cultural artifacts, such as Kumeyaay relics. Then, the plot is masticated, chewed up by heavy machinery that cuts back heavy shrubs. A denuded 15-foot-wide path around the targeted area is also scraped into the earth to contain the fire.

Climate is another factor. Everything from rains to Santa Ana winds to poor air quality will cancel a controlled burn.

We are not just going to clear and plant, Gonzales-Kramer said. Its so complex. We are very, very careful with prescribed burns.

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Caution is essential as the history of controlled burns is scarred by examples of spectacular failures. High winds fanned a May 2000 prescribed burn in New Mexico, causing more than 400 people to lose their homes. A decade ago, a planned 90-acre controlled burn in Yosemite turned into the unplanned 7,400-acre Big Meadow fire. Last summer, a controlled burn in Florida went rogue, destroying 36 homes.

Even well-supervised burns can flare tempers and tensions. A February 2014 controlled burn in Cuyamaca Rancho prompted a spate of angry calls and letters from nearby residents worried that the flames would break free.

They did not. But East County Magazines coverage ran under the headline, Readers Voice Rage Over Controlled Burn in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park.

Tuesday, Reeces team began the morning by setting fire to a quarter-acre test patch, checking wind conditions and the burn rate. When the burn boss was satisfied, they split into groups on opposite sides of the 20-acre area. Using drip torches, canisters of diesel and gasoline that flow down a two-foot nozzle to a wick, fire crew members dressed in helmets and thick coats touched the ground and lit the shrubs

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Fire draws oxygen, Reece explained. We light on two sides and they pull towards each other and then come together.

As the fire caught and spread, the burn boss used a walkie-talkie to alert firefighters on the far side of the blaze.

Weve got that knoll in the middle? Reece said. Fires coming up on both sides.

Burning through columns of smoke, the sun looked like an orange lamp, then like a cinnamon drop. Ash fell like sooty snowflakes and waves of heat rolled over the fire crews.

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By days end, the fire had burned itself out. Gonzales-Kramer called on reinforcements from Cal Fire to help monitor the hot spots, a task that will continue for days or longer, depending on conditions.

Rain is perfect for us, Reece said, noting that the forecast called for a series of squalls. It puts out the fire. If it doesnt rain, it will burn for weeks.

Reducing the severity

History holds conflicting lessons on California and fire. Some challenge the view that massive wildfires are a recent phenomenon, brought on by the states 20th century fire suppression campaigns.

In September 1889, an accidentally set fire broke out in northern Orange Countys Santiago Canyon. By examining newspaper reports, Keeley and Zedler estimate that this wildfire charred about 310,000 acres. Drought and Santa Ana winds played roles, the researchers noted, but this took place long before fire suppression policy in the region.

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Cal Fire terms pre-1932 fire reports less reliable. On the agencys list of the states largest fires, Cedar (273,246 acres) ranks third, surpassed only by last Julys Mendocino complex (459,123 acres) and the December 2017 Thomas fire (281,893 acres).

UC Berkeleys Stephens acknowledges that California has lengthy experience with large wildfires. But that doesnt eliminate the need for new fire-management methods.

We have really good empirical data about wildfire that has hit areas that were treated with controlled burning, he said. If you do this, you really do reduce the severity of fires.

In July 2003, months before the Cedar fire, lightning ignited a wildfire in a mixed conifer forest in Baja Californias Sierra San Pedro Martir.

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It did kill trees, Stephens said. But it killed only 20 percent of the trees.

The difference between this fire and the Cedar fires near-total destruction? Stephens noted that fire suppression techniques were not common in this remote part of Baja California until the 1970s, long after this had become standard north of the border

Theres no doubt that forest conditions can be improved, Stephens said.

Thats the goal at Cuyamaca Rancho. By targeting small patches in the parks higher elevations, burning the overgrown shrubs and replanting with conifer seedlings, the plan is to allow small fires every 10 to 15 years and thus prevent catastrophes.

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We will burn out the large fuel sources before they accumulate, McCamish said.

Before, that is, another Cedar fire.

It was a moonscape, Gonzales-Kramer said of Cuyamaca Rancho after that disaster. The heat had been so intense, even granite boulders were reduced to fragments.

Yet, she said, looking at 20 freshly charred acres, there is hope.There were only 11 scooter-related citations issued in the city of San Diego from 2014 through 2017.

Fast forward to 2018, after start-up companies deployed thousands of colorful, dockless rental scooters throughout Southern California. The number of citations leaped to 1,560 over a recent eight-month period.

The more than 14,000 percent increase is likely due to the growing popularity and presence of two-wheeled electronic scooters, or e-scooters, first offered by scooter companies such as Lime and Bird in 2017.

According to data from the San Diego Police Department, the vast majority of scooter citations  some 90 percent  went to adults riding without a helmet.

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Its a violation that became legal in California in January, thanks to legislation former Gov. Jerry Brown signed in September. The law gives adults 18 and older the option to wear helmets, as long as the rider does not exceed 35 miles an hour.

At the same time, doctors across the country are seeing increases in serious injuries from accidents or falls from e-scooters. They are urging local leaders to take action.

Dr. Vishal Bansal, chief of trauma surgery at Scripps Mercy Hospital in San Diego, said the states no-helmet law is insulting to medical professionals who treat e-scooter injuries, as it ignores years of research on transportation risk factors and injury prevention.

Its akin to telling an alcoholic to go ahead and drink as much alcohol as they want, Bansal said. Its the exact opposite of what a human being should be doing to prevent injury.

Studies show helmets, regardless of type, provide substantial protection against head injuries. A 2006 study found helmet legislation increases helmet use, particularly among younger age groups.

Bansal said brain and orthopedic injuries represent the largest portion of e-scooter injuries he treats at Scripps Mercy Hospital.

Weve taken three decades of injury prevention (research) and the knowledge weve accrued about injury prevention, such as appropriate seat belt use, no drinking and driving, wearing helmets while driving vehicles like bicycles and skateboards, and weve ignored it and thrown it away, he said.

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If the map is not displaying properly, disable ad blockers or click here 

About 60 citations are not included in the map due to incomplete or missing address information. Another 10 citations for operating a scooter on a highway, being under the age of 16 or being under the influence of drugs were excluded from the map.

A study published in late January by the University of California, Los Angeles, found that one in three people involved in e-scooter accidents required an emergency room visit.

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The study, among the first to analyze the safety impact of e-scooters, examined medical records of 249 patients treated at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center and UCLA Medical Center-Santa Monica emergency departments from September 2017 through August of last year.

Researchers found that only 10 patients, or 4 percent of those surveyed, were wearing helmets when they sustained injuries. About one-third of the patients had to be transported by ambulance.

The study also examined a busy intersection in Los Angeles to document helmet use. Of the 193 reported scooter riders, 94 percent were not wearing helmets.

Bansal said the Scripps Mercy trauma center in San Diego, which admits only the most severe cases, sees about two to five patients with e-scooter injuries a week. The emergency room sees even more.

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We expect to see more of these, he said. And we expect to see more deaths, at least in our trauma center, as these vehicles increase in popularity and ridership.

Dr. Shahed Samadi, a physician at Sharp Rees-Stealy Urgent Care in San Diego, said scooter injuries are a daily occurrence.

At this point, it would be unusual if we didnt see someone with a scooter-related injury at least once a day. Its that common, Samadi said. Its a great way to get around, but theyre like bicycles or skateboards. Youre more prone to getting hurt when youre riding one.

Police issued the most the scooter tickets in areas where scooters are popular. Downtown, for instance, accounts for about 18 percent of scooter tickets issued from January through August 2018.

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More than 500 citations went to scooter drivers in Mission Beach and Mission Bay Park areas and another 450, or nearly 30 percent of all tickets, were given to scooter riders in two areas of Pacific Beach.

Lt. Brent Williams, a San Diego police spokesman, said the department will continue an aggressive campaign to inform riders of the laws surrounding scooters and other alternative vehicles.

We want riders and parents to take a proactive role in their own safety by wearing protective equipment like helmets and protective pads, riding at a reasonable speed and paying attention to the rules and laws of the road, Williams said. For riders in the downtown area, there are designated lanes where riders can ride safely and stay off public walkways.

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Riding a scooter on a sidewalk is still illegal, and the speed limit for them is now 15 miles per hour.

Ticket data show that police issued 54 citations to people riding scooters on sidewalks, another 18 citations went to people riding scooters with a passenger, and one person was cited for operating a scooter while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Tickets for scooter violations can cost up to $250.

Tourists received more scooter tickets than residents of San Diego. The data show they received two out of every three citations with people from Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona, alone, getting more than 80 tickets.

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According to Greg Block, a spokesman for Mayor Kevin Faulconers office, city officials are developing a set of regulations to address scooter safety, such as reducing the speed of scooters in designated areas, limiting where and how companies and riders can park them, and implementing a per-device fee for operators.

Block said the proposed regulations will be presented to the City Councils Active Transportation and Infrastructure committee this month for consideration.

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Contact Lauryn Schroeder via Twitter or Email.For 10 years, Space 4 Art has been a place for artists of all disciplines to come together and be creative. The live-work and studio spaces in two warehouses on 16th Street in East Village were designed and built by artists with the core goals of keeping costs low and creativity high.

Now the non-profit organization is looking to build a new permanent home in Sherman Heights. Plans for the 42,000-square-foot facility include exhibition and performance spaces, live-work units for at least 35 artists, about 20 work-only art studios, classrooms, shared work space and metal and wood shops as well as outdoor work and performance areas.

The industrial-looking complex, which is in the planning stages, is the vision of Space 4 Art founders Robert Leathers and Cheryl Nickel.

Building the new arts center on Market Street between 25th and 26th streets is the second time the couple has needed to shift gears and goals since they moved to San Diego County 18 years ago. When they came here from upstate New York, they thought they would ease into retirement and concentrate on their art. He quilts. She sculpts.

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But the life they envisioned never materialized. They became aware of how difficult it was for artists to find creative space in San Diego with the gentrification of downtown. Drawing on their backgrounds, the two stepped in and founded Space 4 Art in 2008.

With Petco (Park), artists were being displaced, Nickel said. It was evident even at that time that San Diego wasnt affordable.

Leathers is an architect whose expertise is volunteer-led projects, including parks, playgrounds, community centers and theaters. Nickel is an artist with a masters degree in landscape architecture and experience in outreach.

Adrian Gonzalez, who previously worked as an intern and now is back working at Space 4 Art as a young architect, works on making an architectural model of the new Space 4 Art building as Executive Director Jennifer de Poyen watches. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune)

The warehouses on 16th Street seemed ideal for their needs. With an army of volunteers, they converted 15,000 square feet of space into an artist hub for $120,000. The no-frills live-work units now start at $800 a month.

It started out mainly as visual artists, but its diversifying. Its really wonderful to have the synergy of different art forms, said Jennifer de Poyen, the organizations executive director.

The thriving community thought it had found a permanent home.

From the beginning, we looked at options for rent with the ultimate goal of buying, Leathers said.

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The propertys owner, Bob Sinclair, was willing to sell the land to Leathers at a reduced price. But all that changed when Sinclair died in a 2013 motorcycle accident and his estate sold the property to the real estate investment and management company HP Investors for the full market value.

The sale caused the Space 4 Art, which is now leasing from the new owners, to lose one of the three original warehouses, which caused a loss of nine studios, the two galleries and outdoor performance space. Eight live-work tenants and 20 studio spaces remain. But only a permanent property will guarantee affordability.

Leathers has drawn up the plans for the new property with structures made of corrugated metal siding, heavy beams and lots of windows for natural light. Many of the spaces have views of the bay and Coronado Bridge, and residential units come with private outdoor areas.

The first impression will be of industrial architecture from the early 1900s, Leathers said. It should look like an arts center. If I had my druthers, I would have found an old warehouse and rebuilt it.

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Cost estimates to build the new facility range from $12 million to $14 million, and completion will take anywhere from two and a half to four years. Money will come from bank loans, grants, private donations and tax credits. But more is needed. Naming-right opportunities are available for many of the new spaces. And a campaign for personalized balusters is also underway. The name of each $50 donor will be engraved in a 4-by-4-inch baluster. Those balusters will be used throughout the complex.

The hand-engraved balusters are in keeping with the ethos of being a grass-roots organization, de Poyen said.

Once completed, the facility should be self-sustaining, de Poyen said. Live-in units range from low-income affordable housing starting at $850 a month up to market rate. In order to gain residency or studio space, artists need to go through a portfolio review.

The move will also be an opportunity to make an impact on the neighborhood. With open areas and rooms available, the complex is seen as a community gathering place, even beyond art. Ideas such as a weekly farmers markets are being talked about.

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Art serves as a powerful force to bring in community and bring community together, Leathers said.

Space 4 Art will also continue its outreach programs working with King-Chavez Community High School and High Tech High in Chula Vista. The organization works with classes to provide STEAM-based learning.

Many kids dont have the confidence to believe in themselves, de Poyen said.

Art gives these students an opportunity for creative thinking in different disciplines in a non-competitive atmosphere.

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A lot of kids could really benefit for art to be part of their education, Nickel said. Its surprising how successful it can be sometimes.

You put artists with other artists and magic happens, de Poyen said. You go into the community and more magic happens. You bring in kids and they teach us things about ourselves and more magic happens.

For Leathers and Nickel, its a nice way to spend their retirement.

Space 4 Art community meeting

What: Update on Space 4 Arts efforts to build a permanent home, a 42,000-square-foot facility on Market Street in Sherman Heights.

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When: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 7

Where: The Sandbox, 325 15th St., East Village

Online: sdspace4art.org

Schimitschek is a freelance writer.The parallels are striking: Rising income inequality. Partisan gridlock. The erosion of political norms and the loss of faith in public institutions. Angry populist uprisings.

Is America going the way of Rome?

Mortal Republic, by UC San Diego history professor Edward Watts, raises the question. The book has been garnering national media attention  The New Yorker, Smithsonian, Time, Vox, the New York Times  since its release in November.

The lesson we can take away from the Roman example is that a republic doesnt last unless you protect it, Watts said in an interview. It can and will die unless you ensure that it lives and thrives.

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Romes representative democracy lasted almost 500 years, still among the longest in history, and its checks and balances and other consensus-building elements were used by Americas founders as they drafted their own system of government.

But what the Romans put in place slowly crumbled and led to an autocrat taking power, and the early Americans understood that, too. The United States would be a republic, Benjamin Franklin once said, if we can keep it.

Watts, 43, has been teaching Roman history for about 20 years and hes noticed a shift in his students interests away from the later empire to what its republic might teach us about the challenges facing democracies in the United States and elsewhere.

He found himself increasingly having similar conversations with family and friends. And he began thinking about the structural similarities between the Roman government when it started coming under strain and some of the things happening today.

So he wrote this book, his fifth.

The main purpose was to help readers better appreciate the serious problems that result both from politicians who breach a republics political norms and from citizens who choose not to punish them for doing so, he writes.

Watts cites complacency as a key danger.

You take for granted the fact that you are going to live in a free society and you take for granted the fact that the republic thats been there for hundreds of years is going to remain there for hundreds more, he said.

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What that does is give you the false sense of assurance that you can take steps and make decisions that have short-term benefits for you as a politician or as a voter, but have long-term consequences that are quite negative for the system.

Asking questions

Watts grew up in New Jersey and got his Ph.D in history at Yale. He taught for 10 years at Indiana University in Bloomington before coming in 2012 to UC San Diego, where he specializes in Roman and Byzantine history.

I got interested in history because as a high school student I was first exposed to Roman culture and Roman history and really was shocked by how much we could learn from a society that is so distant from us, he said.

That got him asking questions, trying to bridge the present and the past, and he found the process both challenging and rewarding.

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Mortal Republic shows how Romes elected leaders who initially believed in national service and personal honor moved away from collaboration, compromise and consensus as the population expanded.

Wealth became concentrated in a small number of families who figured out how to manipulate an increasingly sophisticated economy, and they used their money to influence the political process. The fortunes of the middle class stagnated.

Attempts to address income inequality and ease public resentment moved slowly. Romes army was privatized, which eventually caused soldiers to put the interests of plundering commanders (and their own desires to share in the loot) ahead of their country.

Over the course of a century, starting in about 130 B.C., outbreaks of economic populism grew increasingly violent. Government rules were broken, traditions ignored, the notion of a common good trampled. Immigrants were disparaged. Politicians used their own militias to intimidate opponents, and when that didnt work they sometimes turned to assassinations.

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Eventually came civil war, and the republic was done. Romans traded liberty for the stability promised by the autocracy of Augustus.

Above all else, the Roman republic teaches the citizens of its modern descendants the incredible dangers that come along with condoning political obstruction and courting political violence, Watts writes. Roman history could not more clearly show that, when citizens look away as their leaders engage in these corrosive behaviors, their republic is in mortal danger.

Because of when his book came out, some online-forum commentators have dismissed it as a thinly veiled jab at President Trump, whose two years in the White House have been marked by a steady upending of the status quo.

Watts was writing the book during the 2016 campaign, so Trump was certainly on his mind. But he said the president wasnt the main target.

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Political, not partisan

Like most college historians, Watts is cautious about going too far in comparing and contrasting what happened 2,000 years ago to whats going on today.

You cant take a political figure like Trump or Pelosi or whoever and say theres a Roman example and this is how we understand this person, he said.

Instead he hopes readers will see that his book gives us a set of tools to think about the American republic as something that has particular qualities, and it allows us to imagine courses of action that allow us to advocate for the system, he said. So in that sense, I think the book is both highly political and not partisan. I hope that it gives us a way to speak for the larger concern about our political system.

His own view is that we are in a dangerous political process right now. I think that were in the middle of something, the end of the beginning maybe.

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But he also thinks we have time to right the ship if Americans can again embrace what makes our republic work, and defend it.

That means being willing to support a politicians policies while also objecting to his or her methods, Watts said. It means refusing to allow governance be a zero-sum game where one side wins and the other side loses.

I think thats one of the profound departures we have in the United States from what a republic is supposed to do, Watts said. In a functional republic, you dont have politicians playing exclusively to their base and disregarding everybody else.

Hes been heartened by the responses to the book from critics and other readers who think it offers a way we can think positively about steps we can take to maybe correct the trajectory of our political life.

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Will we take them?

I wont say that I can guarantee that will happen, he said. But I think there is a path forward that has a positive outcome. The challenge we have is to understand what that path is, and decide if thats what we as a society want.

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john.wilkens@sduniontribune.comCITY COUNCILS

CARLSBAD

The Carlsbad City Council met Tuesday in closed session to discuss labor negotiations and property negotiations. In regular session, the council discussed a status report on progress made through December 2018 on its 2018 goals and approved staffs recommendation of a two-year cycle with 2019 as a transition year. The council also discussed the citys commission nomination and appointment process, and directed staff to develop a matrix showing concepts for evaluation and invite the candidates for a question and answer session at a council meeting starting with the Feb. 12 meeting. The council approved adding a police officer as a school resource officer and buying a police vehicle in an agreement with the Carlsbad Unified School District. A request to consider an appeal of a decision to expire a building permit for the Join Hands Youth Facility at 3275 Roosevelt St. was continued.

DEL MAR

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The Del Mar City Council scheduled a two-day special meeting and retreat to discuss the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats facing the community. The first meeting was Jan. 26 at LAuberge Del Mar, during which the council planned a closed session to discuss personnel and a regular session to discuss subcommittee appointments and a proposed State of the City address. For the second session Thursday at Il Fornaio, the council planned to resume the discussion of the citys strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, and planned to discuss goals and priorities.

SOLANA BEACH

The Solana Beach City Council met Wednesday to discuss a citizens initiative petition to amend the citys municipal code to allow a state-licensed residential assisted-living facility of up to 99 beds at 959 Genevieve St. The council approved submitting the initiative to voters in a special all-mail ballot election, with ballots to be returned by 8 p.m. May 7.

SCHOOL DISTRICTS

ENCINITAS

The Encinitas Union School District board met Monday in closed session to discuss labor negotiations. In regular session, the board held a budget workshop and a facilities discussion and heard a goals update.

FALLBROOK

The Fallbrook Union High School District board met Monday in closed session to discuss labor negotiations and personnel. In regular session, the board held another in a series of public hearings on the draft trustee area boundary maps. Another hearing will be held at 6 p.m. Feb. 4. The maps will be revised and presented at a meeting on Feb. 11. Reports were given on facilities, the Local Control and Accountability Plan, and the International Baccalaureate program.

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RAMONA

The Ramona Unified School District board met Tuesday for a board workshop.

SAN MARCOS

The San Marcos Unified School District board met in special session Monday and acting as the legislative body of Community Facilities District No. 8, held a hearing and approved creating the district, levying special taxes and incurring bonded indebtedness. The board also interviewed candidates to fill a vacant trustee seat and appointed Pam Lindamood for the spot.BERLIN (AP)  German police say around 800 people have demonstrated in the southwestern city of Stuttgart against a new ban on driving older diesel cars.

Stuttgart, a German auto industry center, on Jan. 1 became the first major German city to introduce a large-scale ban on driving older diesel cars with looser emissions standards. The move aims to fight air pollution but critics say they don't have money to buy new cars.

The dpa news agency reported that nearly half of Saturday's demonstrators wore yellow vests, a reference to anti-government protests in neighboring France that began with protests against a fuel tax hike.

Various diesel bans have been introduced or are upcoming in several other German cities. The protests in Stuttgart started three weeks ago.Related Egypt foreign ministry following up on 5 Egyptian fishermen detained in Iran

Egypt's foreign ministry said on Sunday that it has secured the released of five Egyptian fishermen who had been detained by Iran since December for illegally entering the countrys waters.

"As part of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs keenness on the safety and welfare of Egyptian citizens abroad, the ministry's efforts were successful in releasing five Egyptian sailors detained by the Iranian authorities, after all legal procedures were completed," a statement by ministry spokesperson Ahmed Hafez read.

The five men are in good condition after their release, Hafez added.

The ministry had ensured their safety during the period of their detention, the statement said.

The incident dates back to late last year, when the five men were arrested after their fishing boat, which is registered in Saudi Arabia, reportedly drifted into Iranian territorial waters.

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MOSCOW (AP)  Following in the footsteps of the U.S., Russia will abandon a centerpiece nuclear arms treaty but will only deploy intermediate-range nuclear missiles if Washington does so, President Vladimir Putin said Saturday.

President Donald Trump accused Moscow on Friday of violating the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces treaty with "impunity" by deploying banned missiles. Trump said in a statement that the U.S. will "move forward" with developing its own military response options to Russia's new land-based cruise missiles that could target Western Europe.

Moscow has strongly denied any breaches and accused Washington of making false accusations in order to justify its pullout.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, in explaining that Washington on Saturday formally suspended its treaty obligations, said in a statement that Russia's "continued noncompliance has jeopardized the United States' supreme interests." He said the treaty will terminate in six months unless Moscow returns to "full and verifiable compliance."

The collapse of the INF Treaty has raised fears of a repeat of a Cold War showdown in the 1980s, when the U.S. and the Soviet Union both deployed intermediate-range missiles on the continent. Such weapons were seen as particularly destabilizing as they only take a few minutes to reach their targets, leaving no time for decision-makers and raising the likelihood of a global nuclear conflict over a false launch warning.

After the U.S. gave notice of its intention to withdraw, Putin said Russia would do the same. He ordered the development of new land-based intermediate-range weapons, but emphasized that Russia won't deploy them in the European part of the country or elsewhere unless the U.S. does so.

"We will respond quid pro quo," Putin said. "Our American partners have announced they were suspending their participation in the treaty, and we will do the same. They have announced they will conduct research and development, and we will act accordingly."

The U.S. has accused Russia of developing and deploying a cruise missile that violates provisions of the pact that ban production, testing and deployment of land-based cruise and ballistic missiles with a range of 500 to 5,500 kilometers (310 to 3,410 miles). Trump's move also reflected his administration's view that the pact was an obstacle to efforts needed to counter intermediate-range missiles deployed by China, which isn't part of the treaty.

NATO allies have strongly backed Washington and urged Moscow to save the treaty by returning to compliance.

Russia has rejected the U.S. claims of violation, charging that the missile, which is part of the Iskander-M missile system, has a maximum range of 480 kilometers (298 miles). Russian officials claimed the U.S. assertions about the alleged breach of the pact by Moscow were intended to shift the blame for the pact's demise to Russia.

The Russian Defense Ministry on Saturday released a satellite image of what it described as new production facilities at the U.S. missile maker Raytheon's plant in Tucson, Arizona, noting that their expansion began in 2017 as the Congress authorized spending for the development of intermediate-range missiles.

"The character and the timing of the works provide an irrefutable proof that the U.S. administration had decided to pull out of the INF treaty years before making unfounded claims of Russian violations," it said.

Putin has argued it makes no sense for Russia to deploy a ground-based cruise missile violating the treaty because it has such weapons on ships and aircraft, which aren't banned by the pact.

Speaking Saturday in a televised meeting with his foreign and defense ministers, Putin instructed the military to work on developing new land-based weapons that were previously forbidden by the INF treaty. Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu reported to Putin that they would include a land-based version of the Kalibr ship-based cruise missile and a new hypersonic intermediate-range ballistic missile.

Putin emphasized that such new weapons won't be deployed unless the U.S. does so.

"Russia will not station intermediate-range weapons in Europe or other regions until similar U.S. weapons appear in those regions," he said.

The Russian leader said Moscow remains open to talks with Washington, but added it would be up to the U.S. to take the first step.

"Let's wait until our partners are mature enough to conduct an equal and substantive dialogue on those issues," he said.

At the same time, Putin told his ministers that he would like to review the progress on building other prospective weapons that don't fall under the INF treaty, including the intercontinental Avangard hypersonic glide vehicle and the Poseidon underwater nuclear-powered drone.

He noted Shoigu's report that a key stage in testing of the Poseidon was completed several days ago. The drone is designed to carry a heavy nuclear weapon that could cause a devastating tsunami wave.

The Russian leader last year unveiled an array of new nuclear weapons, including the Avangard and the Poseidon, saying that they can't be intercepted.

Putin also noted during Saturday's meeting that he would like the military to prepare a response to the possible deployment of weapons in space.

The Pentagon's new strategy unveiled last month calls for a new array of space-based sensors and other high-tech systems to more quickly detect and shoot down incoming missiles.

Putin instructed the military to make sure the research and development works on new weapons don't swell military spending. He said the military must reconfigure the existing defense budget to find money for the new weapons.

"We must not and will not be drawn into a costly arms race," he said.Creeping around the house, getting into and contaminating stored food, spreading various diseases, gnawing at anything and everything they can find, and just overall being a pest  most people can agree that rats can be a real nuisance.

But what many do not know is that, aside from being a nuisance to people directly within households, rats also impact the environment greatly.

According to CI Samoa Director Schannel van Dijken, the insidious effects of rats to people are not only direct, but their huge impact on the environment in turn and indirectly further impacts human health, wellbeing and economy, especially on islands.

We need people to really start thinking how destructive these pests are to our general human wellbeing. In Samoa, we have three species of invasive rats that have all been brought here in the past by humans. They are known as the Pacific rat (little rat, Rattus exulans), ship rat (black rat - Rattus rattus) and Norway rat (brown rat or Rattus norvegicus). These different species and the subtle different environments they occupy, are all destructive animals to our environment, our health and our economy.

Pacific, brown and black rats that spread by vessels into the Pacific over the millennia have single-handedly driven more bird species to extinction than in any other region in the world, and in Asia, they consume food crops that could feed 200 million people for an entire year! Whats also concerning is that often their control comes too late, is inefficient, or is considered too expensive

We hope this article will help wake up our people as we all can make a difference.

The Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI  not-for-profit inter-governmental development and information organisation focusing on agricultural and environmental issues in the developing world) reported that around the world, the Rattus Norvegicus (common brown rat in Samoa) caused or contributed to the extinction or range reduction of native mammals, birds, reptiles and invertebrates through predation and competition. It restricts the regeneration of many plant species by eating seeds and seedlings, eats food crops and spoils human food stored by urinating and defecating in them.

What this means is that their presence threatens ecosystems and human livelihoods greatly. The Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programmes (SPREP) Invasive Species Advisor, David Moverley, explains in more detail just how much of a threat they really are.

Rats impact Samoa (and other Pacific islands) in so many ways, he explains.

Forests are impacted because rats eat just about everything including birds, eggs, seedlings, fruits, and insects. This results in plants and animals going extinct and weakens the forest so it is more difficult to regenerate  particularly following natural disasters and makes it easier for other invasive plants to spread. Weak forests also contribute to flooding and sedimentation of the coastal environment and coral reefs.

Coral reefs and the coastal marine area are impacted by rats by disrupting the processes that keeps coral reefs thriving. Rats prey on seabirds, reducing the population to low levels. The seabirds are necessary for coral reef health. Studies have shown large differences in the amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus in waters, algae and fish adjoining rat-free islands compared to rat-infested islands. Studies have shown an increase of 48 per cent in total reef fish biomass adjacent to rat-free islands.

Food Security is impacted by rats because Pacific people basically have to grow extra food to allow for the food that the rats will eat. Damage to coconuts has been recorded at up to 70 per cent in Tokelau and damage to fruit trees in Palau of over 50 per cent.

Health is impacted by rats through the spread of deadly diseases such as leptospirosis of which there is a high incidence in the Pacific. Leptospirosis is a climate sensitive disease because it spreads after flooding through flood waters contaminated with rat urine and faeces. Rat populations also raise the amount of food for disease spreading mosquitos increasing the risk of dengue fever, chikungunya and zika virus.

And although rats do not originate from Samoa, studies suggest that migration activities in the past introduced these pests to Samoas islands with the earliest reports of rats in Samoa dating back to the early 1760s.

There are 3 species of rats in Samoa  as in most of the Pacific, explains Mr. Moverley.

The three species of rats in Samoa have different habits, and parts of the environment they like to live in, they all are destructive animals to our environment and the methods for controlling them are the same.

Methods for controlling rats at scale in nature include poison bait, baited traps, and biological control. Biological control, such as introduction of other species like mongoose to control rat

population also has its own set of negative impacts, causing loss of other species in process, so not good idea. Most often used is poison bait and traps.

Throughout the years, through efforts of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environments Division of Environment and Conservation (MNRE  DEC), SPREP, CI and various other offices, Samoa has made great strides in controlling our local rat infestation, but more work is always needed.

One of Samoas rodent control methods, which is currently employed by MNRE-DEC to help control the rat infestation in areas such as the Malololelei reserve, is through baited rat trap stations.

With hundreds of rat trap stations placed around the reserve, bait infused with rat poison is placed in each station to lure and poison the rats roaming the area.

According to CI Samoas Environmental Science Intern, Gloria Roma, who assisted with Samoas latest baited rat trap station monitoring two weeks ago, she explains that the efforts by MNRE-DEC in controlling the rat infestation is both effective and necessary.

Being a part of the monitoring taught me so much, she began.

I learned from MNRE staff that when they first started with the rat bait initiative, there were very few native birds in the area  which was identified and confirmed through scientific bird surveys.

But once the rat bait stations were placed, they noticed the following year that there were more native bird calls which signified an improvement in their population which means the work is successful in controlling impacts of rats in the area.

Rats predate on native bird offsprings which decreases recruitment population rates of our birds, this affects our native birds passive task as effective ecosystem engineers by spreading native tree and fruit seeds.

According to rat eradication studies of Nuutele and Nuulua islands of Aleipata, Samoa (back in 2011), our small island nation also utilised helicopter time for aerial dispersal of rat bait.

The operation aimed to restore the biodiversity of the two islands as it was identified as a priority for biodiversity conservation in Samoa  the report stated that rats were known to be responsible for a lot of the environmental degradations faced by the islands. When Pacific rats were removed from islands in New Zealand, there were huge benefits for vegetation, populations of seabirds, reptiles, and invertebrates.

So, we can all agree that rats are not welcome on our island and as environmental ministries and various organisations focus on rat eradication on the macro level, the public can also do their part with home remedies found online to keep rats out of our households, farms, and lives.

If you really want to support local people and their environment, killing rats provides many far-reaching benefits for local natural assets, food security and health, explains Mr. Moverley.

It is a great investment for increasing the resilience of both land and coastal ecosystems and their people and is an excellent tool for adapting to climate change and preparing for natural disasters.It was a case of killing two birds with one stone: raising funds for one of Samoas top dancing acts and raising awareness on the nationwide plastic ban.

To prepare the United Uso Dance Crew for their competition in New Zealand on April this year, two community-focused events were held on Saturday in partnership with the popular Coffee Bean Cafe.

The public were invited to the Apia beachfront on Saturday to clean up the beach as well as support the dancing crews fundraising initiative. The crew sold $10 BBQ packs as well as joined the public to clean-up the beachfront, the campaign coinciding with the recent declaration of a ban on single-use plastics and straws in Samoa.

A post that was tagged to the Facebook page of the Coffee Bean Cafe, said the crews fundraising initiative as well as beachfront clean-up was an overwhelming success.

A huge thank you to everyone who came down and helped in todays beach clean up, it was a raging success. The united uso dance crew sold out and the beach has never looked cleaner. #peoplepower #banplastic #samoa #keepsamoabeautiful @ The Coffee Bean Cafe, Apia, Samoa, posted Andrew Pedrana.

The objective of the fundraising drive  which will be held on a weekly basis  is to enable the dance crew to fulfil their dreams of competing in the Hip Hop International South Pacific Dance Competition in New Zealand.

A member of the crew, Bennitto Rudolf, spoke on behalf of the United Uso in an interview with the Samoa Observer.

Our goal is to compete in the real world of Hip Hop and to show our talent. It is also us promoting our country as a country of hip hop stars. Hopefully it can be a message to all the young dancers out there to come out and shine.

We are excited somehow to see our families, friends and all the people that came along to support us today and its great news to us. It is the first day of our program but a lot people had made the effort to be part of our event and we appreciate it, he said.

Organiser and owner of the Coffee Bean Cafe, Andrew Pedrana believed that they will do well, and wishes them the best on their competition.

Im sure they will do really well as a team. Hopefully they will hit their target and will go to NZ.

He also spoke on the important message that their fundraising program wishes to give out to all the public.

I hope that with this ongoing fundraising program will continue educating the people on rubbish. Thats an important thing along with their dancing to have a message. We are not just here to raise money but also to raise awareness.Samoa College principal, Reupena Rimoni, has praised their 2018 Year 12 students for achieving a 100 per cent pass rate in their 2018 School Certificate examinations.

He said the college is entering new ground after all their 162 Year 12 students last year passed the examinations and went on to Year 13, thrilling staff with their academic excellence and making them proud.

Its something that hasnt happened before, specifically to Samoa College students, and so it feels so good when all your efforts go too, he said.

The Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) 2018 examination also had a passing rate for Samoa College Year 13 students, and they didnt do too bade either.

The passing rate for the SSLC students is still the same, raw marks are 97 to 98 and we had 153 students to sit the exam and there were only four students who werent able to make it, Mr. Rimoni added.

The principal acknowledged the strong support of the school board and parents as he believes teachers are not alone in that area of responsibility.

It hasnt been just the teachers but also the parents support, he added.

Mr. Rimoni said the school board had challenges, in terms of finance, but he was grateful for the unwavering support.

The board had played their part really well and Im thankful I got to depend on them, and they have never given up, although we had financial issues sometimes. But work has paid off from these amazing results, he added.

Mr. Rimoni said he is looking forward to maintaining the results in the coming years.A church service was held yesterday at Vaiala to mark World Cancer Day and to remember those who are fighting the disease, have passed on or have survived.

The Minister of Health Tuitama Dr. Leao Tuitama and his good lady Lafainatau Tuitama and the Associate Minister of Health, Salausa Dr. John Ah Ching represented the Government at the service, which was convened at the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa at Vaiala.

They were joined by the Australian High Commissioner to Samoa Sara Moriarty, Samoa Cancer Society (SCS) Chief Executive Officer Shelley Burich, and the reigning Miss Samoa Sonia Piva.

The Health Minister said the World Cancer Day was an opportune time for the various stakeholders to highlight the effects of cancer and to ensure work is done to tackle it in Samoa.

It is a day to highlight the effects of cancer and to ensure works that are done in curing those affected, and for everyone to come together in fighting against this universal epidemic which knows no boundaries.

Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide with Samoa being the second highest killer after the cardiovascular diseases. Mortality is high because of the limited primary health care and cancer treatments and the lack of effective screening programs delay diagnosis at the stage where some cancers are easily treated, he said.

Tuitama said Samoas health expenditure on non-communicable diseases accounted for over 40 per cent of the total health expenditure, and this is mostly spent on clinical care.

The main objectives of Cancer Day worldwide are to save as many as possible of preventable deaths each year, by raising awareness and education about cancer and pressing governments and individuals across the world to take positive actions against the disease, he said.

The theme for this years commemoration is I am and I will and emphasises affirmative positive action, which Tuitama said should be taken in the fight against cancer.

This campaign gives the opportunity to increasing public and community engagements and building individual awareness and impact-driven actions, he added.

Tuitama acknowledged the work by the Ministry of Health in partnership with the SCS to strengthen mechanisms to support the fight against cancer.

This years activities started with the Health Fun Run held on Saturday 2nd of February at the Tuanaimato Complex  in boosting physical activities  and I thank everyones participation.

We hosted this very service to remember those who have passed on and for those who are still fighting. I am and I will make healthy choices for a healthier Samoa, he said.The future looks grim for 70-year-old Ula Solomona and his family from Afia.

If they are lucky, his working son brings home $100 a week, which they spend on basic items. Other times his take-home pay is less than that, but it is what it is.

Mr. Solomona lives with his wife, his three children and grandchildren in an old looking house with a rusty roof.

Speaking to the Samoa Observer, he said he laments the rising cost of living in Samoa.

The cost of living in Samoa is very expensive for those who are living in poverty. But I guess that is not the case for those that have enough money, like the rich and financially stable.

Our main concern is the financial support meaning because we are a poor family we barely survive each day. My son is the only one employed but his salary is not enough to cover the needs of our family alone, he said.

The family also has its obligations to the church and the community.

Another expense is through church and community responsibilities because we are devout members of both. We have water and electricity but there are times when our water is disconnected  sometimes it goes off for as long as a week.

During those times our family will have to seek elsewhere for accessibility to water, and that is a great struggle as well and we do not have a modern toilet, he added.

Mr. Solomona also said that another worry is the land they are living on.

At the moment we are living on Government owned land and they decide our fate and we fear that one day they will evict us.

We have lived on this land that we call home now for over 50 years and we also cannot use the land for a plantation - so all the trees that we already have is what we use like the banana trees.

Samoa is currently in the cyclone season and so that is also a great concern for the safety of our family but we will pray for Gods protection against any harm that may befall us, he said.

Mr. Solomona also mentioned that he is very grateful to the Government for the land that they are currently living on.

I am old and my time will come but I am scared of what the future holds for my children and their kids of where they will continue to live their lives.

Despite our families struggle we always keep the faith in God because he is the key of blessings and for the life that we all possess we are also very grateful.

It is also my greatest wish that my children will not struggle in the future that is why I believe in education being the key to success.

If you are willing to help Ula Solomona and his family contact the number 7749516.Cruise tourism targeting Samoa is beginning to pick up in the new year with Apia playing host to German cruise ship Ms Europa.

The Bahamas-registered vessel arrived in Samoa two days after the departure of another cruise ship, the Florida-based Seven Seas Navigator.

Local firm Samoa Transam Ltd is the agent for Ms Europa. The companys representative, Iosefo Vaifale, told the Samoa Observer that the Ms Europa docked at the Matautu wharf at 3.00pm yesterday. It has 286 crew members and 338 passengers from Austria, Spain, Germany, France and other European countries.

The vessels passengers took the opportunity yesterday to discover Apia and took to the streets on sightseeing tours, checked out hotels and visited local shops.

Couple Klause Dobinsky and Belle Donbinsky, who are passengers on Ms Europa, were excited to be in Apia. Coincidentally, Klause last visited Samoa 40 years ago.

I was here for only two days for vacation and I stayed at the Sheraton Hotel in town, 40 years is a long time and I can already tell a lot has changed. Colonial influence has really shaped the city and that is why I really looked forward to visiting again, he said.

But for Belle, it was her first visit and she couldnt wait to disembark.

My husband has told me stories about Samoa. Finally, I get to see and experience it for myself, she said.

The couple stayed over at the Sheraton Hotel last night before their ship leaves Upolu for Fagamalu, Savaii at 11.00pm tonight. The Ms Europas next destination is Fiji.Samoa Victim Support Group (S.V.S.G.) has teamed up with Digicel Samoa to get the country moving towards phasing out single-use plastic bags.

The group employed two participants of their Nofotane initiative to sew tote bags at the S.V.S.G. main office  which started on Monday  to replace Digicels usual plastic shopping bags.

According to S.V.S.G. spokesperson, Marie Ilalio, this is how S.V.S.G. is supporting the plastic ban, along with Digicel.

There will be the bags Digicel use for their shopping because plastic bags arent accepted anymore. But its especially good for these women to get money to help their families.

Digicel got in touch with one of our guys and so we made arrangements and so right now they provide the fabric and elei, all we have to do it cut and sew, she said.

Designer and one of the tailors sewing the bags, 33-year-old Luisa Sauileao, said she is glad to be a part of this project.

This is a very important thing because it can be washed and it wont be thrown away easily because it lasts long unlike plastic bags which are also a very bad thing, its harmful to our ozone when burnt.

Im one of the people who burn plastics when there are too many around but I learnt it was bad for our planet and we see the changes in the weather; we feel the extremely unusual heat of the sun, she said.

This is why this project is great, to just stop using plastic. Because when it ends up in the sea, sea animals are killed.

These shopping bags made form fabric should also be a message to our people to use what we have, we can sew our own bags, instead of buying plastic bags that will be thrown out after one use; save your money and save the environment Luisa added.Chinas President, Xi Jinping , could visit Samoa before the end of the year.

This was revealed by Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi in a statement issued by his Press Secretary yesterday, following the farewell for the outgoing Ambassador of China to Samoa, Wang Xuefeng, on Friday night.

You have shared with me that Chinas President may visit Samoa before the end of this year and I urge you to do all you can to ensure that the State Visit happens when you return to the mainland, Tuilaepa is quoted as saying.

If it does, I will personally convey our request for assistance to build our Vaiusu Bay which will solve our economic setbacks.

Speaking about the work of Mr. Wang during the past three years, Tuilaepa said he is a unique diplomat who has gone beyond his call of duty to promote mutual cooperation ties between his country and Samoa.

As the Peoples Republic of Chinas Ambassador to Samoa for the last three and a half years, the Prime Minister noted that Wang has more than embrace Samoans in performing his diplomatic duties as evidenced by his numerous engagements with the wider community that has resulted in assistance and help for locals.

Tuilaepa said he is grateful for the contribution by the outgoing diplomat. His recent exchange with Salega East MP, Olo Fiti Vaai, was also not lost on Prime Minister Tuilaepa.

Tuilaepa described the exchange as a comedy show, referring to Olo as Parliaments comedian.

Read Tuilaepas prepared speech.Three popular nightclubs in Apia do not support the banning of plastic cups, should the Government of Samoa go down that path.

Speaking to the Sunday Samoan were the owner of Seana Bar Mailei Malo Eneliko Pau, manager of Club X Alofa Leota, and Bar Manager of Tenamo Iosefo Namulauulu.

The three unanimously agreed that banning plastic cups would be a concern because it would create more problems when people are intoxicated inside their clubs and tend to be violent, especially when they use plastic cups for their customers.

Plastic cups are better because if you throw it at the other person, it doesnt hurt, thats why I stopped selling the big bottles beer because most people when they get angry, thats the only thing they can hold and smash the one, the glass, Mailei said.

So right now, I stopped the glass; I stopped the big bottles, but only get the small bottles. The Vailima and Taula they are smart, they have the small bottles and they are kind of thin, when you smash other people it doesnt hurt, its just a scratch.

Iosefo said banning plastic cups would not only affect their business and operations because it would cost money to keep buying glass cups, thats why they rely on plastic cups.

It is also for other customers safety not to use glass cups incase a possible brawl breaks out and a person smashes the cup or bottle to harm someone, he added.

Alofa expressed similar sentiments of protecting people who visit their club to have a good time, and that glass cups most often would break on the floor and may injure a person.

Plastic doesnt crack and wont hurt anyone, she said.

I dont think its good to ban plastic bottles and cups. I think plastic cups are better because if someone throws the plastic cups nothing happens, compared to using the glass cups.Egypt expressed Sunday great concern over Israel's decision not to renew the mandate of the Temporary International Presence in Hebron (TIPH)  an international monitoring group in the occupied West Bank city of Hebron  a statement by Egyptian foreign ministry spokesperson Ahmed Hafez said.

Hafez stressed "the need to avoid any unilateral decisions that violate the provisions of the 1995 Oslo Accords, and complicate efforts to resume negotiations between the parties to establish a comprehensive and just peace on the basis of a two-state solution in accordance with the relevant resolutions of international legitimacy."

Israeli Prime Minister Binjamin Netanyahu said last Monday he would not extend its mandate, accusing it of bias following a number of incidents over the past year between its members and Jewish settlers in Hebron.

Hafez reiterated Egypt's firm position on the Palestinian issue and its full support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.

The establishment of TIPH was based on the 1993 Oslo Accords agreed between Israel and the Palestinians, which stipulated an international observer force in the West Bank city.

Israeli Prime Minister Binjamin Netanyahu said last Monday he would not extend its mandate, accusing it of bias following a number of incidents over the past year between its members and Jewish settlers in Hebron.

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Feed tests reveal lower digestibility

New seasonal feed quality test results showing the stark differences between wet and dry seasons have underlined the need for end users to measure and know what they are feeding.Dear Editor,

Re: NHS/MOH Merger

It has been been an interesting week.

Parliament passed the MOH Act to merge the NHS & MOH (again) and your issue of 29th Jan and 2nd Feb highlighted alcohol and cancer as major health issues.

No doubt the reformed MOH has a plateful of health problems to deal with, not the least being non-communicable diseases which is bankrupting the country  diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke and cancer being the leading causes of illness and death.

The reformed MOH needs to return to the basics and hopefully the new top-level reshuffle of service delivery will attempt to address the fact that the major contributors to these serious health problems are obesity, sugary drinks, smoking and inactivity.

The split of the service arm of the MOH into curative and public health and the revival of the Womens Village Committee will in my opinion go a long way to address these problems.

The key to effect these important changes are the workers - good people at the top and a strong, robust and well trained health workforce particularly the doctors and nurses. Good luck!

Johnny CashThe Central Bureau of Investigation is looking for Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar in connection with its probe into ponzi scheme scam case.

A CBI source on Saturday told IANS that Kumar, a 1989 batch IPS officer, considered close to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, may be arrested in the case if he does not respond to the CBI's summons.



The source said that Kumar had headed a probe by a Special Investigation Team related to both Saradha and Rose valley ponzi scams prior to the CBI taking up the case in 2014 on Supreme Court's orders.





The SIT was set up by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in 2013 after the multi billion rupee Saradha scam came to light, when the Saradha group's companies downed shutters across Bengal, unable to pay back the depositors.



The group had raised huge money, mainly from poor people who, lured by the promise of huge returns, parked their life's savings with the firm.



The federal agency, now probing the ponzi scam caes, needs documents related to the investigation from Kumar.



Kumar's last public appearance was on Thursday when he attended the inauguration of the International Kolkata Book Fair in Kolkata where Banerjee was also present.



Kumar was also seen at the stall put up by the city police, where the chief minister unveiled a number of books.



However, Kumar had stayed away from a scheduled meeting with the visiting full bench of the Election Commission on Thursday.



Taking umbrage, the Election Commission on Friday said it has sought an explanation about his absence from the state home secretary, Kumar's reporting boss.



Hours later on Friday, Banerjee said Kumar was on leave, and apologised to the election panel for his absence.



The CBI had last month arrested Bengali film producer Shrikant Mohta for his connection with Rose Valley chit fund case.The Central government has decided to use a new technology to seal India's international borders with Bangladesh passing through Assam and West Bengal by putting in place a comprehensive integrated border management system, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said here on Saturday.

Regretting that despite requesting for years, the Trinamool Congress government in West Bengal has not provided land for fencing the state's borders with Bangladesh, Singh said: "We never received the cooperation which we should have got."



"But I would like to tell you, if we don't get cooperation from the state government, we will put in a new system," Singh told a rally here in Alipurduar district.





The Union Minister said that during his visit to Israel, he saw the Middle East nation taking the help of technology to secure its borders.



"So we have also taken a decision that we will seal Bengal and Assam's borders with Bangladesh.



"We will put in place a comprehensive integrated border management system. In other words, we will use technology to completely seal the borders with Bangladesh so that infiltrators do not enter any more.



"This will prevent smuggling of cows, drugs, and stop entry of fake notes," Singh said



Slamming the Trinamool Congres government, he said anti-national and anti-social forces are active in the state and law and order situation is "dismal".



He referred to the killing of around 100 Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) activists, and said: "If we come to power in the state in future, we won't spare those who have killed our activists."



Ponting to the crowd, he said the huge gathering is a proof that there is no power on earth which "can prevent BJP from winning all the 42 Lok Sabha seats in the state this time.



"Your enthusiasm also tells me that when Assembly elections are held here in 2021, there will be a BJP Chief Minister," he added.Rishi Kumar Shukla, former Madhya Pradesh Director General of Police, an officer without any anti-corruption work experience, was on Saturday appointed the chief of India's top probe agency by the government, which brushed aside a dissent note from Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge opposing the choice.

The appointment of 59-year-old Shukla, who was shunted from the post of DGP, Madhya Pradesh, by the new Congress government to the state's Police Housing Corporation only three days ago, came 20 days after Alok Verma was removed unceremoniously from the post following his bitter feud with Special Director Rakesh Asthana.





"The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, based on the panel recommended by the Committee, constituted as per Section 4 A(1) of the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946, approved the appointment of Rishi Kumar Shukla as the Director, CBI, vice Alok Kumar Verma for a period of two years from the date of assumption of charge of the office," an official notification said.



The Appointment of the 1983-batch IPS officer for a period of two years also came a day after a high-level selection committee headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi met to finalise the name. The committee also including Chief Justice of India and Kharge had met twice in the last nine days to choose the CBI chief.



The 59-year-old Shukla, who was DGP during the BJP regime in Madhya Pradesh for nearly three years, has not worked in the CBI or in the state's anti-corrupion wing at any time in his career. He would have normally retired in August next year but his tenure at CBI will come to an end in February 2021.



Sources said two names--Rajiv Rai Bhatnagar, a 1983-batch UP cadre IPS officer, and Shukla were zeroed in from out of the five shortlisted officers and the government recommended Shukla for the top post in the CBI on ground he was the senior-most.



Opposing this, Kharge, in his dissent note, said the criterion decided in the high-level committee meeting "has diluted this to include investigation experience".



"This would be both against the letter and spirit of the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act which clearly states investigation of anti-corruption case," he said.



He cited the Supreme Court judgement in the Vineet Narain case, which said the Committee will appoint an IPS officer on the basis of seniority, integrity and experience in the field of anti-corruption, a point also stressed by the DSPE Act.



The Committee, in its meeting, set out seniority, ACR above a certain cut-off and a total experience in investigation and anti-corruption of 100 months or more.



He then produced the seniority of five short-listed officers who all had anti-corruption experience, except Shukla. Of them, S. Javed Ahmed, a 1984 UP cadre officer, had the maximum of 303 months of investigative experience, of which 160 months related to anti-corruption. Bhatnagar had 170 months of investigative experience, including 25 months in anti-corruption.



"Adding of general investigative experience to experience in investigation of anti-corruption cases has led to inclusion of candidates who either have no experience or at best very little experience in investigation of anti-corruption case," Kharge said.



He said all three aspects -- seniority, integrity and investigative experience in investigation of anti-corruption cases--should be given equal weightage in the matter to get the best suited officers in the shortlist.



Based on these criteria, Kharge recommended a list of three officers putting Javed Ahmed at the top, followed by Bhatngar and Sudeep Lakhtakia, a 1984 Telangana cadre officer, 147 months of investigative experience, including 14 months in anti-corruption work.



"It is important to restore the image and integrity of the CBI as a premier institution that is fighting against corruption. Hence, prior experience of having served in the institution should be given primacy after having shortlisted candidates based on their seniority and their ACR," he said.



"One cannot stand by and accept the dilution of norms when an appointment to such a critical post is being made," he said in the dissent note adding by including officers who do not have experience in investigating anti-corruption cases, the Committee was in violation of the SSPE Act and the apex court judgements.



Referring to the continuance of M. Nageshwara Rao, who was appointed interim chief in October last year after Verma and Asthana were forced to go on leave following mutual allegations of corruption, capping the bitter feud, the Supreme Court had on Friday raised questions as to how long the present situation in the CBI will continue with an inerim chief.



A Supreme Court Bench comprising Justice Arun Mishra and Justice Naveen Sinha told the government that the post of CBI Director was sensitive and that the government should have appointed a regular director by now.



On January 10, the high-level committee had removed Verma as CBI chief a day after he was reinstated by the Supreme Court. He was made the Director General, Fire Services, Civil Services and Home Guard which he refused to accept.By SA Commercial Prop News

We have no choice but to take the grave step of escalating this matter to the Office of the Public Protector.



Despite official assurances that a Services Appeal Tribunal would be appointed before the end of last year in Mpumalanga Province, commercial and industrial property sector representative body, the South African Property Owners Association (SAPOA) has learned that the appointment has yet to take place.

Despite a year of hard lobbying and correspondence with the Province, property developers still have no recourse to appeal services contributions, despite a legal right to do so, says SAPOA CEO Neil Gopal.

We have no choice but to take the grave step of escalating this matter to the Office of the Public Protector.

The purpose of a Services Appeal Tribunal is to allow property developers to appeal decisions made by municipalities and obtain independent resolution in such matters.

A Tribunal is critical to the objective resolution of disputes between developers and municipalities, and safeguards the right to appeal enshrined in our Constitution, he explains.

SAPOA was alerted to the situation in Mpumalanga last year when local members pointed out that there has been no Tribunal in place for over three years, despite it being provided for in Section 124 of the Town Planning and Township Ordinance 1986.

The Province provided written assurance that the Tribunal would be appointed by the end of November 2013, but no such appointment has been made.

Gopal notes the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act No. 3 of 2000 (PAJA) views a failure to act as an administrative action that can be taken to court if all internal process for appeal are exhausted.By SA Commercial Prop News

SAPOA CEO Neil Gopal said we received official confirmation that the Province will be appointing the full Tribunal before the end of November



Hard lobbying by the SA Property Owners Association (SAPOA) to drive the appointment of a Services Appeal Tribunal in Mpumalanga province has paid off, with official word received this week that the Board will be in place by the end of this month.

The purpose of a Services Appeal Tribunal is to allow property developers to appeal decisions made by municipalities and obtain independent resolution in such matters.

SAPOA took up the cause after numerous concerns were raised by local SAPOA members, who pointed out that such a Tribunal is already provided for in Section 124 of the provincial Town Planning and Township Ordinance 1986.

There has been no Tribunal in place for more than three years.

"SAPOA has just received official confirmation that the Province will be appointing the full Tribunal before the end of November," says SAPOA CEO Neil Gopal.

"As the voice of the commercial and industrial property market in SA, we appreciate the Province's decision to act swiftly to correct the situation."

As Gopal explains, the Tribunal is critical to the resolution of disputes between municipalities and developers around service contributions, and safeguards the right to appeal enshrined in the Constitution.

"Property developers with existing appeals have been hamstrung because their appeals cannot be heard, adds Gopal.

We look forward to the Tribunal dealing with those outstanding matters in an effective and efficient way.Yemen condemns recent remarks of UK ambassador, stresses people will not accept foreign presence [03/February/2019] SANAA, Feb. 3 (Saba) - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday condemned the statement made by British Ambassador to Yemen over the authority who owns the right to decide the continuity of any foreign presence in country.



During this interview the ambassador said that "the decision of the survival of the forces of the aggression alliance or its departure from Yemen should be taken only by what he called the Yemeni government (supported by the US-EAU-Saudi aggression coalition."



A source in the ministry said in a statement to the Saba news agency that the British ambassador forgets the fact that one of the main reasons for the continuation of military operations against the forces of aggression and its allies is the refusal of the Yemeni people, their army and the popular forces to any foreign presence on its territory.



He stressed that the preservation of national sovereignty is a political and popular demand of the Yemeni people.



In reference to some remarks made by the ambassador Michael Aron , in this interview with Al-Jazeera, on the southern issue, the official source pointed out that the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General of the United Nations to Yemen reiterated during several occasions and media meetings that the priority in the current efforts is to work towards reaching a comprehensive political settlement and sustainable peace serving the Yemeni people, at that time, any other cases or grievances concerning the Yemenis, can be considered within their framework and under the umbrella of a unified Yemen, as provided for in all resolutions and statements of the Security Council.



The ministry concluded the statement by stressing that welcoming and accepting any international or regional efforts to end the US-backed saudi-led aggression coalition and lifting the all-out siege imposed on the country to reach a peaceful political settlement does not mean acceptance of foreign interference in the internal affairs of the country and the neglect of the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Yemen, as well as relevant national laws.





AA

SabaParliament speaker inaugurates Children gov't activities [03/February/2019] SANAA, Feb. 3 (Saba) - Speaker of Parliament, Yahya al-Ra'i, inaugurated on Saturday the activities of the Government of the Children of the Republic of Yemen.



At the inauguration ceremony, al-Ra'i delivered a speech before the Government of the Children welcoming the members of the Government of the Children and praising in the same time their steadfastness in the face of the Saudi-American aggression and overcoming the economic conditions facing Yemeni people.



He expressed thanks to all those who have contributed to the unification of the efforts of the entities concerned with the activities of the Government and the Children's Parliament in the Republic of Yemen, pointing out that there is conspiracy aimed at tearing apart the homeland and the nation.



The speaker urged the government of children to give priority to education as the basis for building the homelands, wishing the members of the government of children success in their scientific and practical life and serve their country.





AA

SabaEgypt parliament Speaker Ali Abdel-Aal announced in a morning plenary session Sunday that he had received a written petition, signed by more than fifth of the total number of MPs, asking that some articles of Egypts 2014 Constitution be amended.

In line with Article 141 of parliaments internal by-laws, I decided to refer the petition to the general committee to discuss it in a meeting today after the end of the plenary session, said Abdel-Aal, adding that, In line with Article 133 of internal by-laws, the committee should prepare a report on the petition, recommending whether it be approved or rejected.

Abdel-Aal indicated that No government officials will attend the general committees meeting. As this petition was submitted by MPs only, so the government will not be allowed to have a say in this respect, said Abdel-Aal, adding that, Chairpersons of parliaments 25 committees and representatives of political parties and forces will be the only ones entitled to attend the meeting.

Abdel-Aal vowed that all political forces inside and outside parliament will be allowed to give their view on the proposed amendments. All of these will be allowed to attend hearing sessions to be held by parliaments legislative and constitutional affairs committee in this respect, to express their opinions on the proposed amendments, said Abdel-Aal. He added that, I promise that the proposed amendments will be passed only to serve the countrys national security interests and internal stability, and that these amendments observe all local and international constitutional principles and criterion.

Abdel-Aal added: I have a message to all Egyptians: please be assured that parliament will open the door of debate in this respect to all, and if the petition is to be become a matter of vote in parliament, it will be passed only after we make sure that it serves the interests of citizens and the nation as a whole.

Abdel-Aal stressed that parliament will make sure that all freedoms and forms of equality among citizens are firmly respected and that the amendments only observe the higher interests of Egyptian citizens and the state.

Abdel-Aals move comes after Abdel-Hadi Al-Qasabi, leader of the Support Egypt parliamentary majority and head of the social solidarity committee, submitted the petition to Abdel-Aal Sunday morning. Al-Qasabi told reporters that the proposed amendments, signed by more than 120 MPs, or a fifth of the total, include increasing the presidential term from four to six years, creating a second chamber by the name of the Senate, and boosting representation of women, youth and Copts in parliamentary life.

These amendments were drafted and submitted only after a long time of discussion and after Egypt has recovered stability and security, and so MPs now see that these amendments are necessary to reinforce stability and boost development plans, said Al-Qasabi.

Al-Qasabi revealed that the amendments will first be referred to parliaments general committee, and if approved in principle, would be sent to the legislative and constitutional affairs committee to discuss it in detail in hearing sessions.

The committee will prepare a report at the end, recommending whether the petition on amendments should be passed, and if yes it will be sent to the president to invite Egyptians to vote on them in a public referendum, said Al-Qasabi.

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Today

Plenty of sunshine. High 93F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Mainly clear. Low 76F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph.Abdel-Hadi Al-Qasabi, leader of the Support Egypt parliamentary majority, told reporters Sunday that more than 120 MPs have signed a petition asking that some articles of the countrys 2014 Constitution be amended.

This goes in line with Article 226 of the constitution, that stipulates that a fifth of the total number of MPs (596) can propose constitutional amendments, and with parliaments internal regulations (issued by Law No 1/2016), said Al-Qasabi, adding: In this way, MPs have exercised a constitutional right, and it is up to the people at the end to vote in favour of the amendments or reject them in a public referendum.

Al-Qasabi said the petition will be referred to parliaments general committee (headed by Speaker Ali Abdel-Aal, and including his two deputies, the chairpersons of 25 parliamentary committees and representatives of political parties and independents) to be discussed and voted on in principle. If approved by the general committee, it will be referred to parliaments legislative and constitutional affairs committee to discuss it in detail in hearing sessions and see if it goes in line with Article 226 of the constitution and ensure that it gives more rights and guarantees, said Al-Qasabi.

Al-Qasabi revealed that the amendments propose that the presidential term be extended from four to six years, and that the president appoint one or two vice-presidents.

MPs believe that the extension is necessary to give the elected president good time to implement his election programme, said Al-Qasabi, adding: The amendment in this respect should observe the last paragraph of Article 226 of the constitution, which stipulates that in all circumstances, the texts related to the re-election of the president and principles of freedom and equality can be changed only if they provide more guarantees.

So, as you see, the constitution does not stand against changing presidential terms, but it only asks for guarantees in this respect, said Al-Qasabi.

The amendments also recommend recreating a second house parliament to be named the Senate. MPs want a return to the bicameral system and hope that Egypt has two houses in order to give greater space for political activists to participate in parliamentary life, said Al-Qasabi.

He also indicated that one of the amendments stipulates that 25 per cent of seats in parliament be reserved for women, while maintaining adequate representation for Copts, youth, and the physically challenged.

Al-Qasabi added that "the constitutional amendments should be concluded in 120 days, or four months. In one month, or 30 days, parliament should decide whether the petition is passed or rejected, and in the next two months, or 60 days, parliament should discuss the proposed amendments and vote on them, and if approved this would be followed by putting the amendments up to a vote in a yes/no public referendum.

Alaa Wali, head of parliaments housing committee, told Ahram Online that there is a growing consensus among MPs that Egypts 2014 constitution be amended.

This constitution was drafted in 2013 in a hurry and in troubled times, but now that Egypt has recovered stability, some articles of this national charter should be reconsidered to observe the national interests of the country, said Wali, adding: As for changing presidential terms, the amendment in this respect will be subject to particular study by the legislative and constitutional affairs committee to see whether it goes in line with the last paragraph of Article 226 which stipulates that any change in this respect should be made under special guarantees.

Informed sources told Ahram Online that most political parties with representatives in parliament have signed the petition on constitutional amendments. Two parties, the leftist Tagammu and the Egyptian Socialist Democratic Party, have refused to join the consensus.

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SouthAmerica.travel Fam Trip Photo "FAM Tours gift our Team with an incredible opportunity to see first-hand what our clients experience on a customized travel package, including the guided city tours, adventurous excursions, luxurious private transfers, and comfortable accommodations."

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They use their passion and personal experience to create incredible travel packages for clients all around the world. They help prospective and curious would be travelers find everything from UNESCO World Heritage Sites to locals secrets. To continuously fuel their employee's desire to travel, founders Juergen Keller and Bradley Nehring inspire a unique and rare work perk named Familiarization Trips (nicknamed, Fam Tours). Fam Tours treat employees, from all global offices, to an all-expense paid trip to a myriad of popular destinations in South America. After all, how can we inspire others to explore the hidden gems of South America have not been there twice?

Last year, the company flew employees from the United States and other global offices to Brazil and arranged local guides to help them explore Rio de Janeiro, Ouro Preto, Tiradentes, Congonhas and Belo Horizonte. All expenses, including the flights, accommodations, dinners and transfers were covered.

Margo Lynott, a pivotal member on the marketing team at South America.travel says:

FAM Tours gift our Team with an incredible opportunity to see first-hand what our clients experience on a customized travel package, including the guided city tours, adventurous excursions, luxurious private transfers, and comfortable accommodations. We discover what we love the most about our tours and what we can improve on, all while learning more about the culture, peoples, and sights in South America. It's a rare experience which cannot be matched anywhere else.

This year, they are taking employees to Brazil and covering different cities including Curitiba, Morretes (Antonina), Sao Paulo, Juiz de Fora (Tiradentes), Congonhas do Campo, Belo Horizonte and Rio!

It doesnt stop there either! SouthAmerica.travel also provides its employees with Mini FAM Tours, a smaller but equally rewarding opportunity to better understand the colorful countries in South America. Mini FAM Tours center around the companys international offices in Argentina, Brazil and Peru. Employees living outside these countries are encouraged to fly to one of the offices and work there for a period of time. That way, on the weekends they can explore the city, the surrounding area and discover hidden gems they are unaware of. Some may travel to Patagonia to visit a particular lodge they are curious about. Some may go to the Amazon to try out one of the cruises. With SouthAmerica.travel, the opportunities are endless.

--

About Us: SouthAmerica.travel is a tour operator specialized in custom South America tour planning for travelers worldwide from its offices in Seattle, Lima, Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro and Stuttgart. The website offers hundreds of sample itineraries as well as local phone numbers in 88 countries. SouthAmerica.travel offers 4-star & 5-star South America Tours to Brazil, Peru, Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay, and more. Licensed and bonded in the U.S., SouthAmerica.travel has been sharing its love of travel to South America since 1999 and is proud of its A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau and ASTA affiliation. SouthAmerica.travel - Our name is our passion

Follow SouthAmerica.travel:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SouthAmericaDotTravel

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SouthAmTravel

Blog: https://news.SouthAmerica.travel

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/southamerica-travel

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/southamericadottravel/?hl=enCertainly, one race or sex is not superior to another. To ignore systemic oppression and its impact on the past and present policies, however, is to put ones head into the sand. I was struck by the fact that even recently, most white Americans were unaware of the Tulsa Race Massacre of June 1, 1921 when mobs of white residents attacked black residents and destroyed homes and businesses in the Greenwood district in Tulsa. Thirty-five plus square blocks of the neighborhood  at the time the wealthiest black community in the United States, known as Black Wall Street  was decimated, with up to 300 people dead. Ten thousand black people were left homeless and property damage of black businesses and homes was an estimated at $1.5 million in 1921 dollars. It is precisely the omission of this kind of event in local, state, and national histories that establishes the need to examine systemic problems.

Arlene Violet on critical race theory. She is a Republican who served as RI Attorney GeneralAfter over a year of residents and community members calling for transparency and accountability from the Dearborn Police Department, City Council has failed to implement meaningful policies to minimize police presence and harm in our community. One thing Council can and should do is facilitAn Egyptian criminal court has sentenced to death a man for killing his wife and three children in their home in the Nile Deltas Kafr El-Sheikh city.

The court has referred the verdict to the countrys grand mufti for his opinion on whether the death sentence is in line with Islamic law. The muftis opinion is not legally binding.

The 42-year-old defendant told the judges during a court hearing that he committed the crime, which took place on New Years Eve, for "personal reasons."

The three children were 8, 6 and 4 years old.

Short link:

Share Pin Vana Nava Hua Hin Water Jungles entrance

What to do in Hua Hin? How about visiting Asias first water jungle in Thailand? Vana Nava Hua Hin Water Jungle is the first ecologically aware community water park in the region. They literally transformed an empty plot of land into a tropical jungle, with over 200,000 plants and trees delivered from across Thailand in its 20 rai (3.2 hectares) property.

We visited Vana Nava Hua Hin Water Jungle when we stayed at Holiday Inn Vana Nava Hua Hin. The perks of staying in Holiday Inn Vana Nava Hua Hin is you get unlimited access to the Vana Nava Hua Hin Water Jungle. For example, if you stayed in Holiday Inn Vana Nava Hua Hin for two days one night, you get unlimited access to Vana Nava Hua Hin Water Jungle for two days. You can get the tickets at the best rates of RM 44 (usual RM 48) with Klook at https://www.klook.com/activity/3871-vana-nava-waterpark-hua-hin/?aid=602

Share Pin Holiday Inn Vana Nava Hua Hin

We visited Vana Nava Hua Hin Water Jungle when we stayed at Holiday Inn Vana Nava Hua Hin. The perks of staying in Holiday Inn Vana Nava Hua Hin is you get unlimited access to the Vana Nava Hua Hin Water Jungle. For example, if you stayed in Holiday Inn Vana Nava Hua Hin for two days one night, you get unlimited access to Vana Nava Hua Hin Water Jungle for two days. You can get the tickets at the best rates of RM 44 (usual RM 48) with Klook at https://www.klook.com/activity/3871-vana-nava-waterpark-hua-hin/?aid=602

The Vana Nava Hua Hin Water Jungle is just opposite the hotel so you can walk to the water park. The proprietary RFID wristband from the hotel can give access to your hotel room, lifts and water park access. It is waterproof and very convenient for guests.

Vana Nava Hua Hin Water Jungle offers 20 attractions comprising of signature rides, exciting slides, as well as Thailands First Professional Underwater Studio.

You can see many families enjoying the water park. Most of them are locals but we spotted tourists from Hong Kong, Korea, Japan and Malaysia too.

Vana Nava Water Jungle proudly presents a collection of the Firsts in Thailand. Definitely, The AbyssTM, shaped like a giant megaphone, is the worlds largest waterslide and the only one in Thailand. The water park also features the countrys longest slide, BoomerangoTM.

Thailands first and most thrilling anti-gravity tube-slide goes to the Aqualoop, and the AquaCourse, another first in Thailand, is a challenging course of ropes and obstacles, combined with water guns for parties and competitions, which brings lots of laughs. And many more rides are ready for fun, including climbing and surfing in the Adventure Zone, all supplied by the WhiteWater West Industries from Canada, the worlds best innovator and supplier for water parks.

The tallest man-made mountain waterfall in Asia, Vana Nava Falls, is at 31 meters height and is another landmark sight visible from a great distance, together with The AbyssTM. The 20th attraction, the VANADIO, was launched after 10 months of the opening of the water park. Again, the first-of-its-kind, it is Thailands First Professional Underwater Studio, presenting a Splash-tasy World using ChromaKey technology to express the magical features of a captured moment.

We played some of the water rides and it was fun and safe. You can spend the whole enjoying the rides with your friends, family and your loved ones.

Moreover, as the only waterpark in Thailand that adheres to the strictest international safety standards and lifeguard provisions certified by Ellis & Associates from USA, Vana Nava Water Jungle can ensure a fun without fear experience for all ages of our visitors.

The water park also offers RFID wristband for non-hotel guests and you can top up credits in that wristband so you can purchase food and other things without credit card or cash with you.

You can also rent private cabana for your friends or family. There is fan within each cabana and it is first come first serve basis. It is convenient for a group of friends or families with kids so they can rest while spending the entire day at the water park.

Share Pin Selfie at Vana Nava Hua Hin Water Jungle

Safety is very important at Vana Nava Hua Hin Water Jungle. They are the only waterpark in Thailand that adheres to the strictest international safety standards and lifeguard provisions certified by Ellis & Associates from USA. If you noticed from the wave pool picture, there are so many lifeguards on standby watching.

Vana Nava Hua Hin Water Jungle is a must visit for thrill seekers while spending your holiday in Hua Hin. You can get the cheapest ticket rates at Klook.com or make a smarter move by staying at Holiday Inn Vana Nava Hua Hin for unlimited free access (during the period of your stay) to save more! Get the best room rates of Holiday Inn Vana Nava Hua Hin with Agoda.com at https://www.agoda.com/holiday-inn-resort-vana-nava-hua-hin/hotel/hua-hin-cha-am-th.html?cid=1538606

Wilson Ng A Father and traveler who enjoys to eat, shop, travel and taking pictures with Samsung S21 Ultra. Im a full time blogger, youtuber and father for two.

I travel around 17 International trips per year. Remember to follow us at www.instagram.com/placesandfoods and www.youtube.com/placesandfoods. For ads or features, contact me at [email protected] See author's postsDan Hilferty is CEO of Independence Blue Cross and chairman of the board of the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia. Rob Wonderling is president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia.

Dan Hilferty is CEO of Independence Blue Cross and chairman of the board of the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia. Rob Wonderling is president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia.Thank you for reading the Philadelphia Tribune.

You have exhausted your free article views for this month. Please press the "subscribe" button below and see our introductory price of $0.25 per week for 13 weeks. Otherwise, we look forward to seeing you next month.Theres an old saying in American politics: That when you cant say whether you were the man wearing hideously cartoonish blackface in your medical school (medical school!!) yearbook or the guy in the Ku Klux Klan hood and robe, then its time to start planning a different career.

And yet Ralph Northam  who inexplicably clings to the Virginia governorship as I write this on a Sunday afternoon  has managed to make matters even worse in the 36 hours since the shocking discovery of the 1984 blackface/KKK photo in that yearbook photo from his obscure medical school that apparently taught future doctors some kind of hypocritic oath: First, do permanent harm to your reputation.

To review: Northam came out Friday night and apologized in language that seemed to be clear that he was one of the two 20-somethings in that horrendous photo, only to wake up Saturday morning  amid loud howls for his resignation  to now insist it wasnt him in the photo and hed never seen it before.

Then on Saturday afternoon, with his wife by his side, Northam held a bizarre news conference in which he continued those denials yet added that also in 1984, he had attended a different event in blackface, costumed as Michael Jackson so he could show off his talent at moonwalking. That comment revealed that Northam is more worried about political self-preservation than the only thing that should matter: Healing the wound that he inflicted on Virginia. (It was also easy to question the whole moonwalking story, because the soon-to-be-ex-governor is clearly awful at walking things backward.)

Enough!!!

Northam should have resigned Friday afternoon. Theres no excuse for the racism and the seeming yukking-it-up at Americas sad history of intolerance on display in that yearbook. Im the exact same age as Northam, and in 1984 I, too, was a 25-year-old living in a Southern state (Alabama). It wasnt some kind of Paleolithic era  that photo was no less terrible and completely antisocial back then as it appears to us now. Indeed, I spent much of 1984 covering the Rev. Jesse Jacksons historic presidential campaign that aimed to break down the walls epitomized by the KKK and by blackface stereotyping.

And while I believe strongly in redemption and second chances  its critical for ending Americas mass incarceration nightmare  theres a difference between criminal justice reform for everyday people and whats not just expected but absolutely required for political leadership. Virginia is a big state with big problems, from the lingering racism that was illuminated by Tiki torches in the streets of Charlottesville in 2017 to the ongoing educational inequities that disproportionately hurt black kids. Northam has opened up an unfixable breach of trust in his ability to lead on those issues.

But theres something about the Northam fiasco that makes this about much more than the idiocy of one man. This weekend marks a tipping point for the Democratic Party, when it needs to quickly come to terms with its monumental failures in the area of generational change. Ralph Northam is also an avatar of decades of weak, incremental policy ideas and cowardly political calculation for the Democrats. Waiting in the wings is Northams electrifying successor: Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax, who is young, gifted and black.

Northams necessary resignation is only the beginning of how the calcified Democrats can quickly pass their flickering torch to the new generation represented by Justin Fairfax  because botching that flaming baton pass going into the 2020 election and the war against Trumpism could burn everything to the ground.

Lets start with Northam himself, because the truth is that he might have been able to survive the blackface/KKK photo if it wasnt symbolic of the governors cynical approach to politics at a moment when radical change is required, The governor may have evolved on race since 1984, but not so much that he still failed to shake hands with his black opponent in Virginias 2013 lieutenant governors election. Or  even more troubling  supporters took his black 2017 running mate out of brochures in mostly white rural counties.

Virginia voters could have done better in 2017. Northams Democratic primary opponent, Tom Periello, was clearly a more progressive choice on a range of issues from fighting climate change to expanding college access, But Virginias Democratic establishment, including its then-governor (Terry McAuliffe) and two senators (Tim Kaine, Mark Warner) rallied the party behind Northam  this despite the fact that Northam admitted hed voted twice for George W. Bush for president and bragged to the Roanoke Times that I dont consider myself as a liberal and that he believes in GOP-flavored smaller government.

The establishment rallying behind Northam  and its fear of offending rural Appalachian whites even after most of them have long abandoned the Democratic Party  is the essence of what one could call Northamism, the tepid me-too brew of Lite Republicanism that aims to please, even as it pleases no one except a wealthy donor class. The year of the Northam yearbook photo  1984  was also the year of the Reagan landslide that traumatized the party for more than a generation, when  to paraphrase a song that also came out that iconic year  they ended up like a dog thats been beat too much, until they spent half our lives just a-coverin'-up. When Northams baby boomer generation of Democrats did get any whiff of power, they used it too often to fill prisons with black men, end welfare as we know it, and become complicit in massive income inequality.

That sad legacy looms over the already underway 2020 election  and its why this weekends Northam moment is so critical for the Democrats. It may be a function of name ID, but the partys current leader for the presidential nomination is the former vice president, Joe Biden, a man of the 20th century whose politics should have died at the fireworks of millennium change. Sure, Bidens earned some good will with his goofy Uncle Joe persona and his service of Barack Obama, but that shouldnt overcome his history of cringeworthy moments on race, his treatment of Anita Hill, his history of supporting U.S. militarism, and policies that favored Delawares lucrative credit card companies over the middle class and that led to mass incarceration.

But its not just Biden. Almost every major presidential candidate has to answer for a resume with things that either seemed to look good or else escaped notice prior to 2016 that now looks like an albatross around his or her neck. That ranges from the dont-raise-my-taxes-for-your-college-or-medicine billionairism of Mike Bloomberg (or wretched independent Howard Schultz) to the misogyny charges that dog Bernie Sanders' 2016 campaign, to Kamala Harris' record as a lock-folks-up, pro-death-penalty DA and Cory Bookers embraces of Wall Street and charter schools.

These folks became the leaders of the Democratic Party during a time when it was slow to nurture a new generation of younger leaders with fresher ideas  and as a result of those failures, the party lost 1,000 seats during Obamas presidency. Today, these mostly baby boomers (or older) present themselves as the only ones with the resume to take on Trump, and ask forgiveness for any past mistakes, their message is: Weve changed, trust us. Isnt that also what Ralph Northam is asking us this weekend?

The good news for the Democrats is that the future of their party is here, and its ready to lead.

The future of the Democratic Party is Justin Fairfax.

Fairfax is just 39 years old, an accomplished lawyer who ran for Virginias lieutenant governorship in 2017 on an unapologetically progressive platform of a $15 minimum wage, wiping out college loan debt, and greatly expanding access to health care. In doing so, he won 52 percent of the vote (Virginia holds separate votes for governor and lieutenant governor), demolishing Northams implication that a true liberal couldnt win in the southern state. But most importantly, Fairfax speaks on moral issues and social justice with clarity at the moment when an older generations voice is muddy.

Just last month, Fairfax jolted the Virginia political establishment when he left the state Senate, where he presides, and refused to participate in an annual event honoring the Virginian Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee, calling the ceremony hurtful to state residents such as himself, a descendant of slaves. Thats the kind of moral authority that Fairfax will provide Virginia, and that Northam cannot.

The future of the Democratic Party represented by Fairfax needs to become its present, immediately. Its the generation that includes leaders like Stacey Abrams, Andrew Gillum, Ilhan Omar, Ayanna Pressley and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. These Democrats arent tainted by the past and they are asking the tough questions of the present  on everything from taxing the rich to supporting public schools  that too many baby boomer Democrats have avoided for too long.

The paradox for the Democrats is that so much of the focus for the next 22 months will be on the race for the White House, and these leaders  who are fresh when everyone else is tired  arent in the mix, either too young (like Ocasio-Cortez, just 29) or lacking the resume touchstones that we demand of a president (with Trump as an argument both for and against those invisible requirements). Thats too bad  is there anyone who really believes a Mike Bloomberg would be a better president than Stacey Abrams?  and somehow the Democrats need to work their way through the contradictions.

The next week is so critical for the Democrats. Imagine a moment when Justin Fairfax takes the oath of office in Virginia as only the third African American governor in U.S. history, just as Stacey Abrams becomes the face of todays Democratic Party by rebutting Trumps State of the Union speech with her soaring oratory. It would be a moment of passing the torch to a new generation every bit as electrifying as when John F. Kennedy first uttered those words in 1961. But that moment cant begin until Ralph Northam shuffles backward off the stage. He can even moonwalk  just as long as he leaves.If weather-prognosticating rodents are to be believed, an early spring is on its way. Punxsatawney Phil saw his shadow yesterday, and thousands flocked to Gobblers Knob and camped at Walmart to witness the spectacle live. Speaking of spectacles, the indictment of union boss Johnny Doc and City Councilman Bobby Henon garnered some serious attention this week. This morning we spoke with reporters Jeremy Roebuck and David Gambacorta about how they sifted through the feds 159-page report as the news broke.

In 2018, our newsroom told stories that invoked significant change, from City Hall to public schools and beyond. We also brought you the events and personalities that celebrate what makes Philly special. Heres an update on where were headed in 2019 and beyond. Please let us know how we are doing by emailing our publisher, Terry Egger, at TerryAMA@inquirer.com.

Reading this online? Sign up here to get this newsletter delivered to your inbox every morning.

 Oona Goodin-Smith, Tauhid Chappell (morningnewsletter@philly.com)

The week ahead

This weeks most popular stories

Behind the story with Jeremy Roebuck and David Gambacorta

Each week we go behind the scenes with our reporters and editors to discuss their work and the challenges they face along the way. This week, federal officials indicted the leader of the regions largest electrical union, Johnny Doc, as well as City Councilman Bobby Henon. We chatted with Jeremy Roebuck and David Gambacorta, who were part of a large contingent of reporters tasked with parsing through the indictment, about telling the complex story.

Walk us through your approach in examining the 159-page indictment. What did you look for at first?

Jeremy Roebuck: The chief goal at first was just determining how much of Local 98s operation was touched by this indictment. Weve been covering this investigation for years and at various points have reported that investigators were scrutinizing everything from allegations of worksite intimidation and the misspending of union funds to Local 98s prolific political giving to candidates across all levels of government. Only some of that scrutiny resulted in charges. The indictment really zeroed in on two chief concerns  the alleged embezzlement by Dougherty and others to enrich themselves on the back of union workers and Doughertys relationship with Councilman Bobby Henon.

David Gambacorta: Its a little manic. The indictment was posted online a few minutes before the U.S. Attorneys Office held a press conference to explain all of the charges, and we needed to get a story up simultaneously. So you go into triage mode  read a few passages, add a little more to the story, read some more, and mine whatever you can from other reporters who are posting interesting bits on Twitter and Slack.

What methods did you use to distill all of that information to make it easier for a reader to digest?

Roebuck: I typically cover the federal courthouse, where a lot of the big, newsworthy cases involve complex indictments covering multiple crimes stemming from investigations that stretch on for years. So figuring out a way to distill and compartmentalize a large amount of info into the space we have to report it comes with the gig. In this case, the job was made easier by the fact that the indictment so clearly was separated into two halves  the allegations of embezzlement of union funds and the corruption charges involving Dougherty and Henon. In both aspects of the case, it was important to show readers how they  or people they knew  were affected. The embezzlement piece, if proven in court, directly affected union members, who prosecutors say were ripped off by a man who enriched himself off of their hard labor. With the allegations involving City Council, the actions described in the indictment affected the whole city. If there were corrupt dealings behind issues such as the soda tax, Comcasts franchise agreement, and audits of the Parking Authority to determine if it was paying enough to Philadelphia schools, the public should know and be outraged. We aimed to foreground those aspects in our coverage.

Gambacorta: Legal language can be cumbersome and repetitive, so sometimes its just a matter of simplifying things and asking yourself, What actually happened here? One guy called another guy in June? Lets just say that.

How did you coordinate coverage with other reporters?

Roebuck: Because of the intense public interest, we had dozens of people involved in the coverage on the day the indictment was finally unsealed. Our reporting early on in the investigation helped us to identify key areas that were likely to feature in the indictment, which helped us decide even before the document was released which stories we would want to focus on aside from the big news of the day. When you throw a lot of reporters at a big breaking story, communication is key to ensure people arent duplicating work or stepping on each others toes in the heat of a breaking news moment. Thanks to that early planning we were able to avoid a lot of that and turn out a series of solid stories that highlighted distinct aspects of the news without too much overlap.

Gambacorta: Jeremy is truly a pros pro  in the criminal justice world, I think he probably has a better handle on whats coming down the pike than some of the judges, so its great to work with him on a story like this. He knows all of the players and plot threads, which makes it easy to sort of divide how we tackle reporting and writing.

What was the most difficult part of covering an indictment of this magnitude?

Roebuck: Dougherty has left a bigger footprint on this city than almost anyone working today. When you think about the impact he has had in organized labor, the citys construction boom and his unions role in helping dozens of elected and appointed government officials win their posts, its almost impossible to understate his influence. Hes made a lot of friends along the way  and also a lot of enemies. So there was clearly a lot of interest in this story from the day the FBI raided Local 98s union hall in 2016. Learning as much as we could about the investigation, where it was headed and the charges it would eventually result in was a challenge  especially given the fact that the details of federal probes are always kept tightly under wraps.

Gambacorta Theres never enough space to fully tell a story like this, at least not on the first day.

Follow David Gambacorta and Jeremy Roebuck on Twitter for ongoing updates. You can also email them at JRoebuck@phillynews.com and DGambacorta@philly.com

Through Your Eyes | #OurPhilly

It was a snowy one, this weekend. Thanks for capturing it @behtany!

Tag your Instagram posts or tweets with #OurPhilly and well pick our favorite each day to feature in this newsletter and give you a shout out!

#CuriousPhilly: Have a question about your community? Ask us!

Have you submitted a question to Curious Philly yet? Try us. Were listening to our readers and doing our best to find answers to the things youre curious about.

In light of the indictments against Johnny Doc and Councilman Bobby Henon this week, were asking you what you want to know about the case. What questions do you have for our reporters about the investigation? Let us know and we may answer them in an upcoming article.

What were

Comment of the week

Having read the details shown, two questions arise: 1) in admitting a guilt, is the time serving validation for dismissing critical evidences. And is it adequately modified in contents of charges. 2) When passing or tossing a hot potato, is it fair to say that when the potato is received cold, that the case should be closed, without the evidences of fact on record?  Julie Audrey Ward on a Philly man winning a new trial after the DA handed over evidence it withheld for 15 years.

Your Daily Dose of | Skinny living

Nestled in an 11-foot-deep strip of land in Chinatown, this seven-unit structure could be the skinniest apartment building in Philadelphia.Only half a century or so ago, it might have seemed that railways were just another legacy industry. Railway networks were being slimmed down or rationalised throughout the developed world, road haulage was replacing rail freight, and individuals were abandoning trains for private cars.

Air transport was making longer trips far shorter and often more affordable. While some train journeys may still have had a kind of romance, though probably not those associated with a daily commute, passenger numbers were falling, routes disappearing, and many smaller stations closing.

This situation has in many respects reversed today, with European countries investing heavily in new technologies, rolling stock, and train lines. Journeys that many people would once have thought twice about, such as London to Paris by Channel ferry, can now be done in comfort by high-speed train in a couple of hours. Freight trains routinely cross Asia from China to western Europe in 16 days. More and more passengers are filling trains across Europe.

At the same time, there has been a rediscovery of the heritage of train travel, with this quintessentially 19th-century technology, glamourised in the inter-war years and then falling into disrepair after World War II, in many cases now being rebuilt and refunctioned for new generations of travellers.

While the great fortunes of the 19th-century railway boom when the railways opened up the United States, Canada and Russia to economic exploitation might not be in prospect now, there can be little doubt that part of todays Chinese economic miracle is related to the countrys huge investment in high-speed trains.

Such thoughts may well strike visitors to Egypts Railway Museum, which, entirely renovated before being reopened to the public in 2017, is still not widely enough known to domestic and foreign audiences.

A recent visit by Al-Ahram Weekly to the museum attached to Cairos main railway station in Ramses Square revealed few visitors to what is surely one of the capitals more important museums. It is perhaps the only one in the Middle East in which the growth of railways is so carefully and efficiently explained, drawing on the resources of a notably well-curated collection.

There have been many famous railways in the Middle East, with perhaps the Hijaz Railway that once ran down through the Levant and the Hijaz to Medina in Saudi Arabia coming first to mind. This was memorably presented by English film director David Lean in his film Laurence of Arabia (1962) as a target of nationalist sabotage.

There is the equally famous Berlin to Baghdad Railway that was supposed to link Berlin to Baghdad through the then Ottoman Empire as part of Germanys geopolitical ambitions in the region before World War I. Contracts were awarded to German companies to build railways throughout the Ottoman Empire from the 1890s onwards, with work on the Baghdad Railway commencing in 1903 though not actually finishing, in the wake of multiple delays, until 1940.

Work began on the Hijaz Railway in 1900, and it had reached Medina by 1908. Jaffa and Jerusalem were linked by rail in 1892, and Hama, Aleppo and Damascus in Syria were linked between 1902 and 1906.

Then there is the Orient Express, which, starting in Paris and running down through the Balkans to Istanbul, was an early victim of the division of Europe in the Cold War.

Earlier, it had produced its own kind of romance in English novelist Agatha Christies Murder on the Orient Express (1934), which begins with Belgian detective Hercule Poirot boarding the train in Aleppo in Syria, and, in a different key, her compatriot Graham Greenes Stamboul Train (1932), which takes its characters from Ostend in Belgium to the famous Pera Palace Hotel in Istanbul before connections onwards to Damascus or Baghdad.

However, none of these famous lines, perhaps one day to be revived, can compete with Egypts railways on precedence. The first railway line in the Middle East was built in Egypt in 1853 between Alexandria and Kafr Al-Zayat in the Delta and extended to Cairo in 1856. In 1858, Suez was linked by train to Cairo, followed by Assiut in 1874 and Luxor and Aswan in 1898.

Following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire at the end of World War I, this railway network, now linked to that in the wider Middle East, was used for the Taurus Express, the Middle East extension of the Orient Express, making it possible for passengers to travel direct from Paris to Cairo or Paris to Baghdad in the space of a week.

Such new-found accessibility and speed could not help but stimulate the development of tourism. The Pera Palace Hotel, financed by the Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits, opened its doors in Istanbul in 1897, and it was still an important port of call for the characters of Stamboul Train in 1932. In Murder on the Orient Express, Poirot stays at the citys equally resonant Tokatlian Hotel, which opened in 1897.

Egypts grand hotels, Shepheards in Cairo, the Winter Palace in Luxor, and the Cataract in Aswan, dating from much the same period, also benefitted from the new traffic brought in by railway passengers, with Shepheards in particular targeting travellers arriving in Cairo by train.

VISITING THE MUSEUM

Some of this history is recalled in the Railway Museum, but its main purpose is less to recall the romance of early 20th-century train travel across the Middle East and more to place the history of train transport in Egypt against the background of the countrys economic development.

The first major piece the visitor sees on arriving at the museum is a steam locomotive, painted green, occupying pride of place on the forecourt outside. This early engine, made by the British firm Robert Stephenson and Company for the Egyptian Railways in 1865, links the museum back to the heroic phase of 19th-century railway engineering. Robert Stephenson was the son of George Stephenson, builder of the Stockton and Darlington Railway in the north of England in the 1820s, the worlds earliest modern railway.

Stephensons railway, designed to transport coal and only later being developed for passenger services, gives a clue to the motivation behind Egypts early railways. These, too, were designed pre-eminently with freight in mind and were only later developed to take in passengers. The earliest lines, commissioned by Egypts ruler Abbas Helmi I in the early 1850s and followed up by Said Pasha after his death in 1854, were always seen with a double intention.

On the one hand, there was a need to shift agricultural raw materials, chiefly cotton or sugar cane, to ports such as Alexandria for shipping abroad, and on the other, there was a desire to speed up internal transport through Egypt before the construction of the Suez Canal. When the Alexandria to Cairo line was completed in 1856, followed by the extension from Cairo to Suez, it was possible for the first time to transport goods swiftly between Alexandria on the Mediterranean to Suez on the Red Sea even before the construction of the Suez Canal.

The museum recounts some of this history in its ground-floor display in the shape of a copy of the agreement, written in Arabic and dated July 1851, between the Egyptian government and the Robert Stephenson Company, to build the Cairo to Alexandria train line. Stephenson undertook to design the lines and any necessary bridges or other structures, as well as to supply the engineering and technical skills required. In return, he was to be paid in installments over the following four or five years.

Unlike for other major infrastructure projects completed at the time and later, perhaps pre-eminent among them the Suez Canal, there seemed to have been no attempt to raise the capital required on the European markets or to set up a joint-stock company to carry out the project, meaning that ownership was retained in the hands of the Egyptian state.

Though it is not made clear in the display or in the accompanying museum catalogue, available in Arabic and English but unfortunately linked to the display as it was before its re-organisation in 2017, it seems that the development of the railways in Egypt was financed by the state, a situation contrasting with that in 19th-century England where private companies built and owned all the countrys railway lines.

Much of the material displayed on the museums ground floor has to do with early rolling stock and locomotives, and two large pieces stand out. There is a 1906 passenger train locomotive built by the North British Locomotive Company for use on the Egyptian Railways that has been retired to the museum and its sides cut away to reveal its workings. Even more spectacularly, there is the sumptuously decorated locomotive for the khedival train built for Said Pasha by the Robert Stephenson Company in 1862.

Said would have been able to use this for khedival rail journeys from Cairo to Alexandria, though it would have only been under his successor, the khedive Ismail, that similar journeys would have been possible to Upper Egypt as the railway lines were still being built. Elsewhere in the ground-floor display, the museum has a large collection of less spectacular, but equally fascinating, models of early locomotives and rolling stock.

This includes models of the first locomotive used in Egypt, Robert Stephensons E R 1 (Egyptian Railways 1) locomotive, delivered in 1852, and other models taking the story up to the advent of diesel locomotives in the 1950s and beyond.

BRIDGES AND STATIONS

The first-floor display moves away from rolling stock towards infrastructure, particularly bridges and stations, and it contains a particularly interesting series of vintage models.

Railway bridges tend to be less in the public eye than locomotives or rolling stock, which have long had dedicated hobby groups associated with them in perhaps all countries. Generations of small boys and others have been brought up on train sets and have been affected by the feelings of nobility and strength that can emanate perhaps particularly from steam locomotives.

But there have always been fewer people interested in railway bridges, possibly in part because it is rare for these to achieve the kind of iconic architectural status sometimes accorded to road or passenger bridges, with examples such as the mediaeval fantasy of Tower Bridge in London or the Milau Viaduct road bridge in the south of France, designed by UK architect Norman Foster and opened in 2004, coming readily to mind.

However, some railway bridges at least have been accorded a place in the wider culture. There is the Forth Railway Bridge in Scotland onto which Richard Hannay jumps in UK film director Alfred Hitchcocks 1939 version of John Buchans novel The 39 Steps, for example. In Egypt, perhaps only the Imbaba Railway Bridge, built between 1912 and 1924, has been accorded a similar iconic status as a local landmark, and there is a model of it in the museums exhibition.

However, as the exhibition of models also reveals, there are many other distinguished railway bridges that visitors to Egypt may well have missed. These include the 1894 Benha Railway Bridge in the Delta, built to replace an 1854 bridge that was the earliest railway bridge in the country and part of the original Cairo to Alexandria line, and the striking Nagaa Hammadi Railway Bridge in Upper Egypt on the Cairo to Luxor line.

Yet, it is the museums collection of vintage models of railway stations that is most likely to attract visitor attention on the first floor. In addition to a model of the main Cairo railway station in Ramses Square, built in 1893, this also contains detailed models of the Tanta (1933), Edfu (1928), Assiut (1928), Alexandria Sidi Gaber (1948), Cairo Saray Al-Qobba (1940), and Port Said (1955) stations, revealing a fascinating variety of architectural styles from the neo-Pharaonic (Edfu) to the neo-Islamic (Tanta) and what might be described as the modern international style (Assiut and Port Said).

The design of railway stations is a specialised area and one in which there has always been a desire to marry form to function and to express a measure of civic or national pride, often by employing forms previously associated with very different building types. Nineteenth-century European railway stations could easily look like Roman triumphal arches (the old Euston Station in London), Gothic fantasies (St Pancras Station, also in London), or Renaissance palaces (some stations in Paris). American ones could be reminiscent of the Roman Empire filtered through Hollywood film (the old Pennsylvania Station in New York).

In the case of Cairo, the main railway station in Ramses Square employs variations on the neo-Mameluke architectural style favoured for many public buildings at the time when it was built. However, it seems that it was only in Tanta in the Delta that a similar choice was made for stations outside the capital, employing if anything a purer Mameluke style than the main station in Cairo and complete with characteristic domes. Elsewhere more eclectic designs were chosen.

Emerging from the Railway Museum into the traffic of Ramses Square, one wonders whether it might be possible, as part of the museums renovation efforts, to find more to say about the importance of the railways in national history and national life. As well as being vital economically since the mid-19th-century, the railways in Egypt have long fed the imagination of writers and filmmakers alike.

Fascinated by the transformations that the railways were bringing to French life at the end of the 19th century, the countrys Impressionist painters, pre-eminently Monet and Manet, were also drawn to paint the capitals railway stations and the ways in which this form of transport was speeding up time and shrinking distances across the country. In Egypt, the railways can emerge as a character in their own right in films, most obviously in late director Youssef Chahines Cairo Station (Bab Al-Hadid, 1958), and the same thing may be true of fiction in which railways have also played a role.

Notably strong on the foundation and early history of Egypts railways, the museums collection begins to thin out from the 1960s onwards. Perhaps particularly given the renaissance currently enjoyed by railway networks across the world, it would be nice to see the story brought up to date.

* A version of this article appears in print in the 31 January, 2019 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly under the headline: A visit to the Railway Museum

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A mans clothes burst into flames on South Street early Saturday after a security guard stunned him with a Taser-style device.

The startling incident, captured on video by a Twitter user named Pat Tackney, occurred outside Jims Steaks. In the video, the man appears to grapple with one security guard, then falls after a second one fires the device at him. The flames appear to extinguish by themselves after several seconds.

Restaurant president Ken Silver said the incident was visible on the steakhouses security cameras as well.

We are currently reviewing the after-store-hours incident that occurred outside of Jims South St. early morning on Feb. 2, 2019," he said in a statement. "We are and will continue to cooperate fully with the Philadelphia Police Department as needed. We take the safety of our customers and employees very seriously and work dutifully to safeguard their well-being. In doing so we will continue operate with the highest standards as a local merchant, employer and neighbor.

Asked in an email late Saturday if the security guards were employed by Jims, Silver did not immediately respond.

Such incidents are rare, but at least 15 people have caught fire upon being stunned with a Taser, five of whom died, the Associated Press reported in 2017. Axon, the device maker, told the AP that the incidents occurred when Tasers were used in the presence of flammable materials. The company said at the time that Tasers had been used 3.5 million times.

Weve seen it happen, a company spokesman told the AP. Its a known situation. Thankfully its been a very rare event."

As of 6 p.m. Saturday, the South Street incident had not been reported to police, a department spokesperson said.One woman is dead and another hospitalized following a one-vehicle crash on accident-plagued Roosevelt Boulevard early Sunday morning in Northeast Philadelphia.

The deceased, Brenda Singleton, 35, was a passenger in a 2005 Hyundai traveling north in the inner lanes of the Boulevard when it crashed into a pole at the intersection of Bustleton Avenue, police said. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver, a 34-year-old woman whose identity police have not released, is in critical condition at Jefferson Torresdale Hospital, police said.

Charges are pending upon further investigation, police said. No additional details were available.

The death follows one of the deadliest years for the road, the scene of 21 fatal crashes last year, the Inquirer and Daily News reported last month. Of the citys 96 fatal crashes last year, 22 percent occurred on the Boulevard.Life has not been easy for Glenn Hudson, with diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease that required surgery in 2006. Last month Hudson, 61, was hit with yet another challenge  a bullet to the left jaw.

Hudson, who relies on disability benefits, had just left his North Philadelphia home Jan. 16 to pick up dinner at a nearby restaurant when five young men walking in the opposite direction announced a stickup, searched his pockets, and stole $20.

Four of the thieves began walking away. But one baby-faced teenager lingered, pointed a gun  and pulled the trigger from point-blank range.

Now, as he recovers from the small-caliber bullet wound to his jaw, Hudson is wondering whether the gunman and his accomplices will ever be caught. He has good reason to wonder: According to Philadelphia Police Department statistics, arrests were made in slightly less than 25 percent of all armed robberies over the last five years, with the solve rate essentially the same each year.

Philadelphia police are not alone among urban police departments in failing to solve most armed robberies. Atlanta police reported that just 7.7 percent of armed robberies resulted in arrests in 2017, while Houston police said 26 percent resulted in arrests in 2017. Nationally, the 2017 arrest rate for robberies was 29.7 percent, according to the FBI.

Still, its a jarring statistic even to experts.

If you stopped the average person on the street and told them if they were robbed that there was a three-quarters of a chance that whoever did it wouldnt be apprehended, I think that would stop them in their tracks," said Eric Piza, assistant professor of criminal justice at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York.

Armed robberies are harder to solve than homicides, Piza said, because police departments use more personnel and resources tracking killers than robbers, and because killers often know their victims, while armed robbers typically target strangers. Still, he said as much effort should be put into investigating crime as in preventing it.

Generally speaking, while American policing over the last couple of years has gotten pretty good at understanding how to prevent crime in the first place, the investigation of crime is something that maybe we need to pay more attention to, Piza said.

Capt. Sekou Kinebrew, the Philadelphia Police Department spokesperson, declined to be interviewed but said in writing that solving robberies is a departmental priority.

Preventing, responding to, and investigating violent crime remains one of our core objectives," he wrote. Each of these aspects has unique challenges.

The department uses various approaches to combat gun violence, according to its Violent Crime Response strategy. These include so-called Hot-Spot patrols in more violence-prone districts; foot patrols in high-crime areas; creation last year of a Gun Violence Reduction Task Force to focus on repeat firearm offenders; creation in 2017 of the Intelligence Bureau to get real-time information to officers quicker; and working on task forces with the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the U.S. Marshals Service.

But the fallout on the streets from the lack of arrests leads not just to more robberies but sometimes to murder. In Philadelphia, the victims have included police officers slain by serial robbers who were not caught until after they became cop killers.

In late 2014 and early 2015, brothers Ramone Williams and Carlton Hipps blazed a path of terror through North Philadelphia, robbing nine stores before they gunned down Officer Robert Wilson inside a GameStop store at 2101 W. Lehigh Ave. in Swampoodle.

In 2011, Chancier McFarland participated in two armed robberies before he and an accomplice murdered off-duty Officer Moses Walker during an attempted robbery in August 2012.

In 2007, John Jordan Lewis held up five pizza and doughnut shops in the weeks before he fatally shot Officer Charles Chuck Cassidy while robbing a Dunkin Donuts on North Broad Street.

Most of the nonfatal armed robberies committed by the eventual cop killers were filmed by surveillance cameras. Kinebrew said that such footage is a valuable investigative tool but not a singular solution to solving cases.

The existence of surveillance footage does not necessarily result in a rapid identification of suspects," he said. The identification occurs when we can apply a name to the face on the video. That requires further investigative steps, as well as assistance from the community and other stakeholders.

I saw my whole life disappear

Hudson still has the bullet in his jaw because doctors said its too risky to remove until scar tissue has formed. His jaw is bandaged, and he still wears the hospital identification bracelet from the night he was shot  to remind him, he said, of his gratitude that he survived. But the memory of the robbery wont fade anytime soon.

I have never in my life seen anything like that. I just saw my whole life disappear. As I was going down, I said to myself, This is it,  he said.

The father of nine said he is grateful to the first Philadelphia police officer who arrived within a minute of his 911 call and whisked him to Temple University Hospital.

But since then hes been consumed with frustration and fear that the robbers, whose assault was captured on videotape, have not been caught. He gave a statement to an officer but said he has not heard from any detectives, as the officer said he would.

By them not coming out here to at least let me know if they found out anything, I got real depressed about that," Hudson said during an interview at his home, his eyes brimming with tears. "When something of this magnitude happens to a person, you would figure they would come out and follow this up. Tell me something.

The video of Hudson being robbed and shot at 8:35 p.m. in the 2100 block of West Cambria Street is posted on the Police Departments YouTube channel.

Police said the shooter is thin, 5-foot-8, about 18 years old, has a light complexion, and wore a dark, puffy jacket and light-colored jeans ripped in the front. He was armed with a dark revolver. The four other suspects are described as about 18 years old, wearing dark clothing. All five are African American.

Zivka Ziza Djordjevich can relate. In August 2015, she was shot in the throat by one of two robbers who stormed into her Best Cake Kosher Bakery in Overbrook Park before it opened for the day.

They rummaged for money before one shouted, Just shoot the bitch! she said in an interview. A bullet ripped through Djordjevichs throat, almost causing her to drown in her own blood, she said.

At the hospital a detective showed her hundreds of pictures of suspects, but she didnt spot her attackers. Almost 3 years later, no one has been arrested.

I dont know. Its too much crime, Djordjevich, 60, said reflectively, behind the counter of her bakery, where she returned to work four months after being shot.

Djordjevich has installed surveillance cameras in her bakery and has added a handgun to her tools of trade while working. She said other nearby businesses have been held up since the robbery by still-elusive armed bandits.

The 7-Eleven twice, Popeyes, MetroPCS once, Staceys Pizza, said Djordjevich, who has owned her bakery on Haverford Avenue near City Avenue for 16 years.

I talked to one lady and she said to me, You know, Ive been robbed. I said, Youve got to be kidding. What did you do? She said, I just opened the register and I ran. I said, Good for you. 

Unsolved robberies have spurred some to take action on their own. Pennsylvania State Rep. Danilo Burgos is among them. In 1998, still grieving over the murder of his uncle, Jose Martinez, during a 1994 robbery of Martinezs North Philadelphia grocery store, Burgos joined with other small-business owners to found the Dominican Grocers Association of Philadelphia.

The association, designed to improve communication among police, agencies, and store owners  many who speak English as a second language  has grown to more than 385 stores, said Burgos, a Democrat elected last year to represent the 197th District in Hunting Park.

Criminals are becoming more brazen. The cameras are a deterrent, but they obviously are not stopping them," he said. Unfortunately, business owners still feel like they have a target on them from robbers.The reporter who exposed Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam's racist yearbook photo said a "concerned citizen" led him to the story that has prompted widespread outrage and calls for the Democrat's resignation.

Patrick Howley, editor in chief of the website Big League Politics, first reported Friday the existence of a photo on Northam's page of his medical-school yearbook depicting a figure in blackface standing next to another person in a Ku Klux Klan hood.

"It's very easy to explain," Howley, 29, said in an interview Saturday. "A concerned citizen, not a political opponent, came to us and pointed this out. I was very offended (by the photo) because I don't like racism."

The tip came after Northam's comments Wednesday about late-term abortions, he said. Howley declined to give any further information about his source, citing a confidentiality agreement. But he said it took him just a few hours to confirm that the photo was authentic.

Howley's four-paragraph story, which included the yearbook photo, was quickly confirmed by The Washington Post and other news outlets on Friday. The article ignited outrage on social media, immediate calls for Northam's resignation, and a contradictory response from Northam.

In the immediate aftermath on Friday, his office issued a statement in which Northam was quoted as saying that he was "deeply sorry for the decision I made to appear as I did in this photo and for the hurt that decision caused then and now."

But at a news conference at the governor's mansion in Richmond on Saturday, Northam reversed himself, saying that he wasn't in the photo and didn't know how it got on his yearbook page. He said he hadn't seen the photo until aides showed it to him after Howley's article was published.

"I believe then and now that I am not either of the people in that photo," he said in a prepared statement.

Under reporters' questioning, Northam acknowledged that he had dressed up as Michael Jackson, using shoe polish to darken his skin, when he attended a Halloween party a few months after graduating from Eastern Virginia Medical School in 1984.

Howley's story claimed that the photo shows Northam "and a friend." But it offers no reporting to back up that assertion.

Nevertheless, Howley stuck by that claim on Saturday. "It's clearly a picture of him," he said, but again could offer nothing more in support. He added, "The photo is genuine. It shows clearly he's a racist.

He repeated that description several times in the interview.

"I know (Northam) is a racist," he said at one point. "This guy is a racist." He cited only one instance to back up that assertion: a 2013 TV interview in which Northam declined to shake hands with E.W. Jackson, an African-American who was running against him for lieutenant governor.

A brief recording of the encounter shows Northam looking at the interviewer as Jackson extends his hand. It's not clear from the clip whether Northam saw Jackson's attempt to shake hands. Northam defeated Jackson in the general election that year.

Howley said he is co-owner of Big League Politics, which he described as politically "independent." He didn't mention the site's close connection to Republican and Virginia politics.

Big League Politics' co-owners include Noel Fritsch, a consultant who worked for the campaign of Corey Stewart, a conservative, neo-Confederate sympathizer who unsuccessfully challenged Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine, D, for his seat last year, and Reilly O'Neal, another consultant who worked for Roy Moore, the Alabama Senate candidate who was accused by multiple women of harassment and child molestation.

In its short existence, the website has reliably boosted President Donald Trump, attacked Democrats and liberal figures and written many articles promoting a discredited conspiracy theory popular among far-right conservatives about the murder of a young Democratic National Committee staffer named Seth Rich in 2016.

Howley said he called Northam's office for comment before publishing his story, but did not receive a reply. He also said he sent an "inquiry" to "people close to the governor" before publication but also received no reply from them.

Howley describes Big League Politics, the website he co-owns, as "independent journalism. It's not Republican or Democrat or liberal or conservative. I want it to be an investigative wire service that gets the facts out there."

However, much of the material on the site would fit in with the conservative and populist ethos of the Daily Caller and Breitbart News, two organizations Howley worked for before leaving to start Big League Politics.

An article written by Howley, for example, reports on a graphic that tracks "Deep State conspirator cells that have been fired in the age of President Donald Trump." The story begins, "President Donald Trump continues to solidify the American people's position in the federal government."

One category of articles is flagged "Fake News Media," echoing Trump's critique, and includes such headlines as "Washington Post Buys Super Bowl Ad to Pat Themselves and Fake News Media on the Back."

As one of Breitbart's lead reporters on the 2016 campaign, Howley filed multiple dispatches a day, most of them favorable to Trump and critical of his opponent, Democrat Hillary Clinton.

Upon hiring Howley in 2015, then-Breitbart executive chairman Stephen Bannon said Howley "is the type of reporter we have built the company around - smart, tough and aggressive. We are ecstatic about getting him immediately fully deployed." Bannon later became Trump's campaign chairman and White House strategist before being fired.

Howley himself was suspended by Breitbart in March 2016 for tweeting his support of Trump's then-campaign manager Corey Lewandowski after Lewandowski yanked the arm of a Breitbart reporter, Michelle Fields, who sought to question Trump after an event.

Howley left Breitbart after the 2016 election to start Big League Politics.

In the wake of his Northam story, which was by far the most attention-getting of his career, Howley took a shot at the news media and opposition researchers for not discovering the yearbook first. I think people are lazy, he said. The consultants and political journalists didnt think to look at a yearbook. Its been out there for years.Gov. Ralph Northam attended his home church on the Eastern Shore Sunday morning as some of his strongest allies in Virginia's Democratic Party took their calls for him to resign to the national airwaves.

As demands intensified for him to step down over the discovery of a racist photo on Northam's 1984 medical school yearbook page, he retreated to his family home near the village of Onancock with his wife, Pam, to reflect on the situation, according to one person who has been in contact with the governor.

On Sunday morning he attended his longtime church, First Baptist Church in Capeville, Virginia, whose pastor - Kelvin Jones - is African-American and had been in Richmond the day before to pray with Northam.

Northam initially apologized Friday for the image that appeared on his medical school yearbook page of one person dressed in blackface and another in a Ku Klux Klan robe, but reversed himself Saturday and insisted he was not in the photo.

After a nationally televised press conference Saturday in which Northam said he was not in the photo but admitted another incident in which he wore blackface to imitate Michael Jackson, Northam told several supporters privately that he would continue to defend his honor.

But as he worshipped in church on Sunday, top Virginia Democrats repeated their assertion that he had broken the public trust and needed to step aside.

Former Gov. Terry McAuliffe, who helped Northam win the state's top office and under whom Northam served as lieutenant governor, said he was "heartbroken" over the discovery of the photo. But he said Northam's insistence that he was not in the photo was irrelevant.

"It doesn't matter whether he was in the photo, or not in the photo at this point," he said on CNN's "State of the Union. "We have to close that chapter."

McAuliffe, a possible 2020 presidential contender, also defended Northam, saying he will be remembered for doing some great things, including helping McAuliffe restore the voting rights of Virginians who completed their sentences for felonies - many of whom are African-American.

But McAuliffe said part of Northam's legacy should be choosing "the right moral course for Virginia" and resigning.

Host Jake Tapper noted the nickname "Coonman" appeared in Northam's Virginia Military Institute yearbook and cited other examples before asking McAuliffe is Northam is racist.

"I have zero indication of that," he said.

Yet he strongly rejected any suggestion that blackface was somehow acceptable in a different time and place.

"I knew at a young age, blackface, 1985, you just didn't do it, it was offensive," he said.

During Saturday's news conference, Northam disclosed that he had once applied shoe polish to his face as part of a Michael Jackson costume that he wore when he won a dance competition in 1984.

When a reporter asked Northam if he could still do Jackson's signature "moonwalk" dance, and it appeared that Northam might demonstrate it in front of dozens of reporters on live television, McAuliffe said he "winced." Northam's wife stopped him from doing the move.

"We're talking about a very, very serious issue," McAuliffe said. "I agree with the first lady of Virginia. I agree with Pam Northam."

On NBC's "Meet the Press," Rep. A. Donald McEachin, D-Va., speaking as a member of Congressional Black Caucus leadership, said there's nothing Northam can do to convince him to give him more time in office.

"He's lost the authority to lead," said McEachin, who served in the Virginia state Senate with Northam. "He's lost the authority to govern. He has to resign. It's in the best interest of the commonwealth. It's in the best interest of the party."

In his news conference Saturday, Northam seemed to suggest that appearing in blackface was an accepted part of the culture in 1984 where he grew up on the Eastern Shore of Virginia.

McEachin said there was a time when slavery, Jim Crow and the refusal to integregate public schools known as Massive Resistance were commonplace but that doesn't excuse the atrocities.

"If blackface was commonplace in 1984, that doesn't make it right and Ralph Northam should have known better," McEachin said.

Also on "Meet the Press," Rep. Karen Bass, D-Calif., the chair of the CBC, said Northam's apparent willingness to do the "moonwalk" until his wife stopped him shows he continued to underestimate the seriousness of his actions.

"He was completely disingenuous when he talked about he didn't understand this in 1984 and that this was commonplace," Bass said. "He basically said he participated in it."

Lamont Bagby, chair of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus, said despite his repeated calls for Northam to resign, impeachment isn't publicly on the table yet.

"I encourage the governor to step aside so that we can start the healing process," Bagby said on ABC's "This Week." "I'm not at a point where I want to publicly have a conversation about impeachment."

Former Virginia congressman Jim Moran, a Democrat, emerged Sunday as the virtually the only person defending Northam and encouraged him to ride it out.

"I hate to be on the other side of virtually all of my friends on this," he said on "This Week."

"But I do disagree with their judgment because I think it is a rush to judgment before we know all of the facts and before we've considered all of the consequences," Moran said.

Moran said Northam should be given a chance to redeem himself and invoked President Lyndon Johnson's ability to work with conservative Republicans because of his background in Texas.

"No untarnished liberal from the North could ever have gotten the Great Society programs passed," Moran said, "but he was able to work with his Southern colleagues because he knew where they were coming from. We still have a conservative Republican legislature and, frankly, I think that Ralph will have the highest motivation possible to bring us further away from this horrible past of racism."

Then Moran brought up Robert Byrd, the long-serving Democratic senator from West Virginia, who was a member of the Ku Klux Klan in the early 1940s but after many decades in the Senate helped set aside land on the National Mall for a memorial to Martin Luther King Jr.

"That's the power of redemption," Moran said.Like so many times in their 10 years together, Johnny Johnson came home early Saturday morning having had too much to drink, agitated, and itching for a fight, said his girlfriend, Chiquita Brown.

A lot of times when he became intoxicated ... he wanted to fight and argue, the 46-year-old Montgomery County woman said in an interview Sunday.

A witness to much of the aggression  including an assault on Brown in 2013 that she said left her with a blackened left eye and a facial cut requiring six stitches  was her only child, Jules Demetris Ross Jr., 26. Brown said he is a schizophrenic under a doctors care since he was 18.

Ross was again present Saturday when Johnson, 49, returned to their Upper Dublin home around 2:30 a.m. After two hours of Johnson cursing her, calling her names and, at one point, threatening to knock her out, Brown said, her son burst into the bedroom and stabbed him in the neck with a long kitchen knife.

He was trying to protect his mom, a sobbing Brown said Sunday as her son remained held without bail at the Montgomery County Correctional Facility on charges of first- and third-degree murder and possessing an instrument of crime.

When police arrived at their home on the 100 block of Girard Avenue in the North Hills section of Upper Dublin about 5 a.m. Saturday, Brown said, she and her sister, Kinsey Scott, 21, were using a towel to apply pressure on Johnsons gushing neck wound. When Brown got downstairs in the four-bedroom home owned and still occupied by her parents and three other family members, her son was in handcuffs.

According to an affidavit of probable cause, Ross admitted stabbing Johnson, a man with an extensive criminal history dating from his teens, and putting the knife he used in a drawer in the kitchen. The weapon was recovered with apparent blood on it, according to the affidavit.

Johnson was taken to Jefferson Healths Abington Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, according to a joint statement Sunday morning by Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele and Upper Dublin Police Deputy Chief Daniel P. Wade. An autopsy revealed he died from multiple cut and stab wounds.

The affidavit said Ross and his mother gave differing accounts of events leading up to the stabbing, describing them as follows:

Brown told detectives she and Johnson were arguing in their bedroom when Ross knocked at the door and told Johnson to cut the noise. Brown told her son they were fine and just arguing. As she walked from the bedroom, Ross charged past her and accused Johnson of hitting my mom." She then heard Johnson asking for help and saw him bleeding from the neck and her son holding a knife.

Ross told detectives he kicked the bedroom door open and saw Johnson standing over his mother, who was seated on the bed. Ross said Johnson started swinging on me," and that is when he stabbed him. Johnson was unarmed.

During a phone interview Sunday afternoon, Brown said Johnson, who was black, had spent most of his adult life incarcerated, including for assaulting a white man who allegedly called him a racial slur and later died of his injuries. She said the attack occurred around York, Pa., though records of such a case could not be immediately found Sunday. Johnson was on parole from that sentence, Brown said, when he hit me so hard he blackened my eye and I had six stitches to my face.

At her mothers urging, Brown reported the assault to police, and Johnson was sent back to prison. She could not recall for how long.

Criminal records show that Johnson had been arrested at least 11 times in Montgomery County since the 1990s and had pleaded or been found guilty of charges including driving under the influence, marijuana possession, criminal trespassing, and indecent assault.

Brown said she never gave up on him because when he was sober, it was like a whole different person. But that person, she said, was a rarity, with Johnson drinking just about daily, preferring Hennessy cognac and Olde English malt liquor. When he worked, which wasnt often, Johnson, the father of two sons, one of whom was a homicide victim, did housing demolition and moving, Brown said.

She supported him as a home health aide, though she has been out of work due to neck and back injuries resulting from a car accident in December, Brown said.

Her son, a graduate of Upper Moreland High School, has been unable to work because of his mental illness, Brown said. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for Feb. 15 before District Court Judge Patricia Zaffarano.

Brown is hoping for an outcome that gets her son  a lover of rap music and once an accomplished competitive swimmer  the care he needs.

If he has to be put away, Id rather see him be in a hospital instead of a jail, she said.

As for Johnsons death?

I feel confused, angry. Im hurt, she said, crying. I loved him with all my heart.

Staff writer Kathy Boccella contributed to this article.Q: I have a 2009 Dodge Caravan. The right rear brake light is not working. Turn signal light is not working. Flasher light is not working. The taillight is the only thing working. The right blinker arrow in the dash blinks fast. I changed the bulb, but that did not fix it. What is the next step before seeking professional help?  D.C., Chesterton, Ind.

A: Your vehicle uses a dual filament bulb. One filament glows for taillights, the other, brighter one is activated for the brake and turn signal lights. The rapidly blinking turn signal arrow is the way of letting you know that there is a bulb out. But since you replaced the bulb, chances are there is a problem with the socket, the connection or the wiring. You may have to turn to a pro.

Q: Why do higher-end manufacturers provide drilled brake rotors (particularly on performance cars)? Ive asked dealership personnel, and typically I get a nonanswer. Im of the opinion that slotted rotors do a better job of relieving any built-up gas pressure. Certainly there is a cost involved over nondrilled rotors. Your thoughts?  R.R., Lisle, Ill.

A: Most people think that the drilled holes or slots in brake rotors are there to cool them under heavy braking. While this is not wrong, there is a better reason. Under heavy braking, the friction material on the brake pads may become hot enough to smoke, so you are right about relieving gas pressure. The holes and slots carry the smoke from between the pads and rotors for improved braking performance.

Q: I recently purchased a Cadillac XT4 with a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine. The owners manual states to use premium fuel. I spoke with the dealership about using regular-grade gas and was told that by not using premium, the mileage per gallon could be reduced and might also cause engine ping. I dont want to use high-grade gas if its not necessary. What is your advice?

A: Your Caddy will get better mileage with the higher octane fuel than a lower octane fuel. That is because, should ping be detected by the knock sensor in its engine, the engine control module will back off the ignition timing until the knock stops. Since your engine is getting detuned, your mileage will suffer.

Q: After the EPC light came on in my 2013 VW Jetta, I heard of others having the same issue. So far, whoever I spoke to, as a consumer, has no idea what EPC is. Can you please review?  A.C., Delray Beach, Fla.

A: EPC stands for Electronic Power Control. If the EPC light illuminates, there is probably a problem with one of the vehicles sensors, such as the throttle position sensor, brake lights sensor or any of myriad others. If it comes on, take your vehicle in for repair. If it is on and blinking, take it in right away.

Q: Following up on your column about highway signs, heres another catchy warning phrase that the Minnesota Department of Transportation has posted on signs over our freeways: Not wearing a seat belt? Whats holding you back?  R.C., Minneapolis

A: Love it. I invite my readers to submit clever signs they have seen, and we will run some from time to time. We could all use a few more smiles to go with the miles.



ABOUT THE WRITER Bob Weber is a writer and mechanic who became an ASE-certified Master Automobile Technician in 1976. He maintains this status by seeking certification every five years. Webers work appears in professional trade magazines and other consumer publications. His writing also appears in automotive trade publications, Consumer Guide, and Consumers Digest.

Send questions along with name and town to Motormouth, Rides, Chicago Tribune, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Fourth Floor, Chicago, IL 60611 or motormouth.tribune@gmail.com.In the Hurricanes Eye

The Genius of George Washington and the Victory at Yorktown

By Nathaniel Philbrick

Viking. 366 pp. $30

Reviewed by Chris Patsilelis

This is the third and last installment in Philbricks history of the American Revolution. The first two books, Bunker Hill (2013) and Valiant Ambition (2016), bought us up to the Revolutions seeming stalemate in 1780-81.

The American rebels continually attack the British and then disappear into the countryside while the Royal Navy ceaselessly bombards American seaside cities at will. Over five fruitless years, the British never have quite enough soldiers effectively to occupy rebel territory, and the rebels can never inflict a blow decisive enough to win independence. Packed with revealing information and high drama, In the Hurricanes Eye is a must-read for any aficionado of the American Revolution. Drawing extensively on primary sources, Philbrick, author also of In the Heart of the Sea (1999), Mayflower (2006), and other works, recounts the chain of events that broke this deadlock.

In December 1780, Sir Henry Clinton, British commander in North America, sent his newest brigadier general, Benedict Arnold, to command troops in Virginia. In turn, George Washington, commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, sent the young French nobleman the Marquis de Lafayette south in pursuit of Arnold. Washington also dispatched Major Gen. Nathaniel Greene to confront Cornwallis troops in the Carolinas.

Throughout Hurricanes Eye, the author stresses the crucial importance of sea power in the American Revolution. He even shows Washingtons personal affinity with the sea, describing the commanders prowess at piloting a vessel through a perilous passage on the Hudson River. Such affinity was why, as he was juggling his commanders and military moves, Washington was also trying to coordinate that strategy with the actions of the French fleet anchored 2,000 miles away in the Caribbean, a nearly impossible task. Adding to Washingtons troubles, the 13 states and the Continental Congress were failing to provide the bare essentials required to maintain a functional army. Washington was faced with the double task of paying his soldiers and enticing the French fleet into the fray.

The author introduces us to a formidable cast of characters. We meet the highly emotional, willful, and impatient Lafayette, and the annoying, uncooperative Comte de Rochambeau, both of whom would prove indispensable. Young aide-de-camp Alexander Hamilton unwisely kept Washington waiting for 10 minutes at one point, which earned Hamilton an enraged verbal laceration. And we are introduced to Greene, a Rhode Islander and the most unlikely of military heroes. A Quaker pacifist, he suffered from asthma and had a pronounced limp. Initially considered a military embarrassment, Greene was overnight promoted from private to brigadier general (1775), and later selected by Washington to lead an army into battle against Cornwallis in 1780-81. He performed brilliantly.

By the summer of 1781, Washington, with the help of Spanish diplomat Francisco Saavedra, managed to collect 500,000 pesos from the citizens of Havana, Cuba (they would be repaid at 2 percent interest), to pay the French fleet and Washingtons own soldiers. The French fleets could now leave their Caribbean ports and come to the aid of his armies. He then mounted his attack on Cornwallis forces at Yorktown, Va.

Philbrick describes how, almost miraculously, the French fleet appeared at the mouth of Chesapeake Bay on Sept. 5, 1781. In this magnificent display of sea power, No piece of eighteenth-century technology could compare in complexity, sophistication, and heart-stopping beauty to these glorious ships of the line.

Then began what today is recognized as one of the most important naval battles in history, the Battle of the Chesapeake. The French fleet was led by the Comte de Grasse, but the battle was mainly fought by Louis-Antoine de Bougainville. In the savage maritime engagement that ensued, the British fleet, commanded by Adm. Thomas Graves, was decisively defeated.

Knowing that the British land forces now had no means of escape by sea, Washington confidently began his siege upon the 6,000 British and German soldiers at their Yorktown fortifications. A blizzard of American cannonballs rained down upon them: it was the bombshells, Philbrick writes, huge, openmouthed orbs of iron filled with gunpowder and other combustibles and fired from the mortars in high, lazy arcs  that wreaked the most havoc, wantonly severing arms and legs. The ambitious Hamilton, determined to cover himself in glory, led a battalion into battle.

On Oct. 19, 1781, at the surrender ceremony, British soldiers, Biting their lips  openly weeping  hurled their weapons to the ground to the jubilant tune of Yankee Doodle.Burned

A True Story of Murder and the Crime That Wasnt

By Edward Humes

Dutton. 320 pp. $28.

Reviewed by Glenn C. Altschuler

If I am wrong, declared Ron Ablott, the investigator of an apartment fire in a suburb of Los Angeles in which three young children perished, then everything I have been taught and those people that have been taught before me, would all be wrong.

Based on his testimony and the conclusions of other forensic scientists, Jo Ann Parks, the mother of the children, was convicted of arson and murder in 1992 and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

In Burned, journalist Edward Humes, author, among other books, of No Matter How Loud I Shout, provides a graphic and gripping account of the Parks case and the efforts of lawyers in the California Innocence Project to overturn Parks' conviction. Her prosecution, Humes maintains, was the outcome of a reliance on forensic experts whose claims to certainty, built on the evidence of ash and char and an ability to read burn patterns like an ordinary person reads words on a page, have now been challenged as the products of false assumptions, junk science, and cognitive expectation biases" (based on the behavior of potential suspects).

Fires, Humes indicates, are difficult to investigate because they often consume physical evidence. Since Parks was convicted, he adds, the National Fire Protection Association and a commission appointed by President Barack Obama have identified a laundry list of arson myths. Not only did it discredit an age-old principle called negative corpus  which holds that the absence of evidence of an accident is relevant to a finding that a crime has been committed  it also pointed out that the recent forensic revolution, which has rethought or reapplied many of the central tenets of previous forensic practice, has resulted in a sharp decline in the number of fires deemed to be arson. Nonetheless, Humes writes, law enforcement officials have been reluctant to reopen old cases or release convicts from prison.

Humes also asserts that many forensic techniques unrelated to the Parks case, including fingerprinting; hair, fiber, and footprint matching; bite-mark comparisons; and ballistics are tainted by systematic error, false assumptions and theories that turn out to never have been scientifically tested. These dirty secrets, he believes, have left the justice system alternately in a quiet panic, or in massive denial over the implications of the vanishing aura of CSI infallibility.

Burned leaves us in suspense. After a habeas corpus hearing in 2017-18, Parks waits behind bars for a ruling on whether she should have a new trial. Humes readers are likely to be uncertain as well. How, they will wonder, will courts adjust to data demonstrating that one out of every four people who were wrongfully convicted and then later exonerated of murder or other serious felonies between 1989 and 2018 was a victim of false or misleading forensic evidence?

Glenn C. Altschuler is the Thomas and Dorothy Litwin Professor of American Studies at Cornell University.The aftermath of a house explosion in Caledon, Ont. is shown in a handout photo from the Ontario Provincial Police. Provincial police say one person has died and dozens forced from their homes following a house explosion in Caledon, Ont. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-OPP MANDATORY CREDITOn 5 February at the Cairo Opera House, the first festival of the Organisation for Islamic Cooperation (OIC) will be inaugurated by Egypts ministers of culture and foreign affairs as well as the assistant secretary-general of the OIC Hesham Youssef.

The festival, which will run for five days, will reflect on political, cultural, developmental and humanitarian issues of concern to the 57 member states of the organisation.

We are talking about an intense schedule of seminars, cultural shows, exhibitions, music performances and other activities that will be held by the participating states, said Hesham Youssef, assistant secretary-general for humanitarian affairs at the OIC.

According to Youssef, the seminars will be offering room for participants to debate sociopolitical and socioeconomic issues that are of concern to Muslims all around the world, and not just in the member states.

So we are going to have discussions on matters related to political challenges, securing sustainable development, promoting the role of youth, and also the issue of Islamophobia, Youssef said.

He added that the five-day festival will also offer an opportunity for participants and the public at large to get acquainted with the diverse cultural profiles of the countries assembled together under the umbrella of the organisation.

We are talking about 57 countries in various parts of the world; so obviously we are talking about diverse cultural backgrounds. In this festival, participants from Mauritania would be able to learn about the culture of Azerbaijan, and all the participants will be able to see much of the very rich Egyptian culture, Youssef said.

Participants in the festival will also be able to share their experiences in dealing with humanitarian crises and discuss political and developmental issues.

The [OIC] secretary-generals purpose in holding this festival is to get people from the member states to learn about one another and work together on issues of interest; essentially cultural, developmental and humanitarian. So there is room for a big role by people from all walks of life to impact future relations between the member states, Youssef said.

For example, one of the most active humanitarian institutions that work closely with the OIC will be present to share its experience. Also present are some of the organisations that work under the OIC umbrella like the Islamic Development Bank and ISESCO (the Islamic Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation). They will be sharing their experience on issues related to the pursuit of development and the modernisation of education; these are all issues of interest to all OIC member states, he added.

The OIC Festival is hosted in Cairo upon the initiative of Egypt, Youssef said.

When the OIC proposed the idea, Egypt came forward and I think that it makes perfect sense for Egypt to host the first round; not just because Egypt is a country with significant experience to share, or because of its incredible culture, but also because of Egypts central role in the OIC scene, Youssef said.

The seminars, performances and exhibitions will be held at the Cairo Opera House, El-Ghouri Complex, El-Hanager, the magnificent El-Moez Street and other spots around the city.

Al-Azhar will host a seminar that will be dedicated to discussing the main challenges faced by the Islamic world, and the Academy of the Arabic Language will host a seminar on the promotion of the Arabic language.

Youssef believes that the festival will inevitably be influenced by the complex nature of relations between the member states. However, he argued that it will also be an opportunity for networks to be built to serve the interest of the people.

I think it is also important to think of the festival as an opportunity for Muslim countries to overcome the issue of terrorism, which seems to have been so unfairly associated with their culture, Youssef argued.

I think when the world looks at some of the stories that will be coming out of this festival, they will get to see that there is a lot of mischaracterisation in emphasising fundamentalism in the Islamic world, he added.

The Cairo edition is held under the title of One nation, diverse culture: Palestine in the heart.

There is a special tribute to Jerusalem in this first edition of the festival, and we are expecting a heavy Palestinian presence to remind the world that we will never forget Palestine and will never forget Jerusalem, Youssef said.

Youssef said that the OIC will soon be preparing for the next edition of the festival, which is scheduled to be held in the UAE later this year.

Next stop is the UAE and we will take it from there. This is going to be a biannual event. The project is still in its initial phase, Youssef said.

Clearly there is a great deal of enthusiasm from the member states; we have around 10 offers to host this festival, he said.

Short link:

RCMP members enter Peter Pond Lake in Saskatchewan through a hole cut in the ice in this undated image provided by the RCMP. Sixty years after two men vanished when their float plane crashed on a northern Saskatchewan lake, RCMP divers have helped bring some closure to their relatives by recovering their remains from deep underneath the lake's frozen surface. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-RCMP *MANDATORY CREDIT*Crews have been working to clear a rock slide that covers a 1.6 kilometer stretch of highway between Summerland and Peachland, and are currently blasting in the area.Shopping carts are shown at Costco in Mississauga, Ont., on Monday, May 15, 2017. Ontario's government has fined Costco more than $7 million after an investigation into illegal kickbacks at 29 pharmacies in warehouses across the province. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan DenetteFormer President John Dramani Mahama has condemned the 'hypocrisy' of 'some opinion leaders' in the country.



According to him, there are some 'opinion leaders' in the country who sees everything right with what the New Patriotic Party (NPP) does and everything wrong with what the National Democratic Congress (NDC) does.



His comment follows numerous bashing he received after his unpopular 'boot for boot' comment.



Former President Mahama after some members of the NDC were shot at La Bawaleshie during the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election blamed the ruling NPP and said 'we will match them boot for boot'



We are not going to joke in 2020, and Im sounding a warning to the NPP  we are going to match them boot for bootI want to sound a caution that NDC has a revolutionary root and when it comes to unleashing violence, no one can beat us to that. It is just that we are mindful of this countrys democracy and that is why we must be the first to respect it. That is why we are acting as a party that is docile and respecting the rule of law. But if we believe that the government cannot protect our people and we believe that the government is using its vigilante groups and illegal forces to intimidate and harass and injure our people, then we may have to advise ourselves.



He added: We respect the Constitution of this country and the NDC is a democratic party and thats why we abide by the rules of the Constitution. But the same Constitution says that Ghanaians should resist anybody who attempts to subvert the Constitution. When you go rampaging with forces and intimidating people when they should come out and vote, you are subverting the Constitution. And we have a right to resist you.



Responding to his critics while speaking at a campaign event late Saturday evening in the Volta Region, Mahama bemoaned: the problem in Ghana is the hypocrisy of some of our opinion leaders. Anytime NDC is in power, they are always very vocal. When something happens  they are condemning, but as soon as their preferred government comes into power, everything is right: family and friends [government] is okay as long as they are qualified. You think NPP will be in power forever, he intimated.



Watch video below







Source: Rebecca Addo Tetteh/Peacefmonline.com/[email protected]









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured VideoA group of Constituency Executives of the National Democratic Congress in the Greater Accra Region (NDC) have lauded Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Mr Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, as one of the most resourceful members of the party.



Speaking at a news conference in Accra on Saturday, the executives said the longstanding Nadowli-Kaleo MP, who is also a 2020 Flagbearer aspirant of the party, was the man with one of the most outstanding contributions to the partys development.



They said his effort was almost paralleling that of party Founder, Jerry John Rawlings.



As for comparison between Mr Bagbins contribution to the party and what any of the other Flagbearer aspirants have done, Bagbin stands as a colossus, Kweku Baako Jnr. Tema West Constituency Executive of the party said.



He was in the company of Evans Amarh, Deputy Constituency Organiser for Tema East.



Mr Baako Jnr. said the Nadowli Kaleo MP who re-invigorated the party after its first defeat in 2000 had cowed most of the partys members into hiding, can even be described as the second founder of the party.



Our beloved first Founder, President Rawlings, of course, has his position in the party cemented in gold as our Founder. But when we went into opposition in 2000, the party needed to be re-founded.



It was Mr Bagbin who used his position as Minority Leader in Parliament to re-invigorate the party, at a time that many NDC members had gone into hiding, Mr. Baako Jnr. explained.



He added that Mr Bagbin served in numerous positions in the party and governments that led to more contributions from him.



Among others, he pointed out that the MP had served on the Council of Elders of the party, Steering Committee and other committees of the party.



We all know that as Health Minister, Mr Bagbin mooted the idea of the expansion of the Ridge Hospital to late President Mills who bought into the idea. Today the new Ridge Hospital is an important bragging right for the NDC, Mr. Baako Jnr said.



The News conference comes on the heels of a recent confession by a respected senior journalist that Mr Bagbin was an exceptionally qualified man to be President of Ghana.



Mr Bagbin is so deep and so intelligent a man who has contributed so much to this country. And yet he has not yet been given the opportunity to lead this country because in Politics, there is no truth! Kwame Mensah Afria had confessed.



Mr Evans Amarh, the Tema East Deputy Constituency Organiser of the NDC said delegates of the party were aware of the injustice and were prepared to cure that injustice in 2020.



We the delegates of the NDC will vote massively for Mr Bagbin so that he assumes the 2020 Presidential ticket of our great party, we promise him that.

Source: GNA









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured VideoThe Member of Parliament for Suame constituency and Majority leader of Parliament, Osei Kyei-Mensah Bonsu has advised the Ghana Police Service not to act to please any government in power.



According to him, the police most often favour a government in power and so members of the party in power often take advantage of that to misbehave.



The police service must be more vigilant; lets be honest with ourselves, at the tenure of every government, the police are not too strong on the ruling party and ever since 1992, that is what I have witnessed but it cannot go on. The police should be given that authority; they should not be seen to be playing to satisfy the ruling party he said on Citi FM eyewitness news (point blank).



The majority leader was reacting to the chaos that occurred during the by-election in the Ayawaso West Wuogon constituency, Thursday.



A simple by-election saw the presence of heavily built and armed security forces allegedly belonging to the SWAT team; a unit of the Ghana Police Service. The fearful looking men, all wearing masks stormed the Bawaleshie electoral area during the by-election and clashed with some members of the NDC. They started shooting into the crowd instead of the air leading to the injury of some members of the NDC. In one of the videos being circulated, a voice can be heard giving the order Shoot! Shoot!! while people around start to run for their dear lives. One other casualty of the incident was Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram, Sam George who was given a heavy slap by one of the officers.



Some reports claim the masked men were NPPs vigilante group; invincible forces who were coming to stop NDC group Azorka boys from creating mayhem. However, Bryan Acheampong, Minister of State in charge of National Security, says the masked security forces were from his outfit.



Osei Kyei Mensa Bonsu reacting to this condemned the slapping of the Member of Parliament and called on the two main political parties: NPP and NDC to stop the activities of vigilante groups.



It appears in all by-elections we have these incidents and you to question why (citing kyereponi, atiwa); but the history does not provide any justification. There should be a collective resolve of the top hierarchy of the political parties in this country especially NPP, NDC...There should be a consensus among all the political parties that this should be stopped. Regardless the provocation from the member of parliament; descending on him cannot be acceptable in this modern agecertainly not the best, he indicated.

Source: Rebecca Addo Tetteh/Peacefmonline.com/[email protected]









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured VideoProducers of Best Grade Cement, Diamond Cement Group has held a customer Appreciation event to acknowledge its dealers/customers/distributors across the country.



Held in Accra at the Accra Marriott hotel, about 40 customers/distributors who have partnered the company to grow the cement business in the country were honored at a grand event which gathered top industrial players and key stakeholders in the cement industry.



In attendance were top Directors/Managers of the Diamond Cement Group and its subsidiaries led by the Group Managing Director, Mr. Prasad Motaparti and the Group Chairman, Mr. Mukesh Patel. Others included: Mr. B.V.K Raju, General Manager-Research & Development; Mr. K.S. Bhaskara Rao, Commercial Manager and Mr. N. Venkatesh, Financial Controller.



Welcoming guests, Mr. K.S. Bhaskara Rao, Commercial Manager, Diamond Cement Group informed that the maiden customer awards ceremony aimed at acknowledging loyal customers/distributors whose commitment have ensured the company stayed in business to grow Ghanas cement market. He said the Group will continue to appreciate loyal customers in every part of the country it operates to drive the course.



Delivering his address, the Group Managing Director, Mr. Prasad Motaparti expressed the Groups delight to host its partners/customers whose businesses have complemented their huge investments and particularly praised Ghanaians for the support stressing that the success of Diamond Cement belongs to Ghanaians for accepting the brand.



Such support he noted has informed the Groups continuous investment in the economy. He recalled the acquisition and reviving of the ailing Tema Steel Works of the Ghana Industrial Holding (GIHOC) now known as Tema Steel Company Ltd which has now transformed Ghana from an importer to exporter of steel.



Cement as a scarce commodity in Ghana and West African Region has also seen the Groups investment in cement factories including: Diamond Cement Ghana Ltd (DCGL) in Aflao, Savanna Diamond Cement Ltd (SDCL)-Buipe which has an attachment of the first clinker factory in Ghana with the capacity to refine/upgrade limestone to produce clinker and the Western Diamond Cement Ltd (WDCL)-which employs the latest manufacturing processes with the use of a vertical rolling mill technology that produces better quality cement.



Mr. Motaparti further mentioned the investment in the establishment of substations including: Aflao Substation (25MW) cost born by Diamond Cement Group and ECG and Buipe Substation established in collaboration with GRIDCO-a three phase supply with capacity of 25MW with the company using only 7MW and the remaining 18MW available for the region all as a form of a Public Private Participation. The WDCL & ECG jointly laid electric line in which the WDCL contributed USD 0.5 million for the line apart from facilitating to raise additional USD 2 million for funding the project and also the construction of the railway line connecting Port of Lome and DCGL in fulfillment of the Groups long cherished dream concept of interconnecting the railways of the ECOWAS countries.



He said Group is also committed towards supporting the development of the three regions it operates in the areas of education and health with the construction of classrooms, bore holes and provision of direct and indirect employment for over 5,000 people. He added that the Diamond Cement Group also makes huge financial contribution to the state in terms of direct and indirect taxes with an annual contribution of Gh. 250 million.



The Executive Secretary of the Cement Manufacturers Association of Ghana (CMAG), Rev. Dr. George Dawson-Ahmoah who was present to endorse the awards ceremony noted that loyal customers of the company deserved recognition confirming that indeed due to their loyalty the Diamond Cement Group has become a force to reckon with as far as cement industry is concerned. Diamond Cement is a member of CMAG and their commitment to the Association is unmatched



He seized the occasion to commend the Diamond Cement Group for their exploit in further refining/converting local limestone for the production of local clinker which is the biggest component in the production of cement. Such uniqueness deserves praise as it embraces local content policy and value addition as encouraged by Government he said and appealed to the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to consider such exploits by considering local Cement Manufacturers when awarding licensing for the mining of local limestone concessions.



He also applauded Government for passing a legislative instrument in 2016 which has restricted the importation of bagged cement into the country with the resultant effect having seen importation of bagged cement from China reduced by about 97 percent.



Award Recipients



National Awards went to Atala Limited, K. Ofori Limited, Bernet Enterprise, Asiru Dawuda Enterprise and D.K. Korankye Group of Companies. Other regional recipients were: Fair Life Enterprise, Kwasi Oppong Company Ltd, Nana K. Gyasi Company Ltd, Mississippi top Ventures, Danelo Enterprise, Sandas investment Ltd, Buckson Enterprise.

Source: Peacefmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured VideoMadam Cecilia Abena Dapaah, the Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, has called on Ghanaians to contribute towards sustaining water services to communities.



Whilst government is committed to living up to its social responsibilities of investing in the water sector, the citizenry are expected to contribute their quota to ensuring the protection and sustainability of the water system, she said.



Madam Dapaah made the call during the inauguration of the China Aided 1000 Borehole Project at Densuso, near Suhum, in the Eastern Region at the weekend.



The project is a 20-million-dollar grant funded by the Chinese Government under the Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement signed between the two countries on December 15, 2015.



The project is expected to meet the demand of 500,000 people in the rural communities across 10 regions of Ghana.



Jiangxi Zhongmei Engineering Construction, a Chinese Company, undertook the project.



The beneficiary regions included Upper East, 182 boreholes; Upper West, eight; Northern, 155, Brong Ahafo 146; Ashanti 28; Western 148; Eastern 162; Central 10; Volta 148 and Greater Accra 13.



Madam Dapaah said the Government would give its support to initiatives that would increase access to safe water and improve sanitation services to all Ghanaians towards the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 6).



She urged the metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies to continue to educate the people on hygiene to avoid water contamination, adding that one of the challenges in the water and sanitation services is water quality right from the catchment to the point of use at the household.



If services are falling into poor conditions as others are being constructed, the net growth towards reaching the SDG-Six targets slows down and good health and economic development is negatively impacted, the Minister said.

Source: GNA









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured VideoThe President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, left Ghana on Sunday, 3rd February, 2019, for an 8-day working visit to South Africa, the United States of America, and Ethiopia.



In South Africa, President Akufo-Addo will participate in the 2019 edition of the Investing in African Mining Indaba, the worlds largest mining investment conference dedicated to the capitalisation and development of mining in Africa, where he will deliver the keynote address.



In the United States of America, the President, at the invitation of the National Prayer Breakfast Host Committee, will attend and deliver a keynote speech at the 67th Annual National Prayer Breakfast, to be held on Thursday, 7th February, 2019. He will also participate in a fundraising event for the construction of the National Cathedral.



In Ethiopia, President Akufo-Addo will lead Ghanas delegation to the 32nd Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union (AU), which is being held on the theme Refugees, Returnees and Internally Displaced Persons: Towards Durable Solutions to Forced Displacement in Africa.



The President will return to Ghana on Monday, 11th February, 2019, and in his absence, the Vice President, Alhaji Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, shall, in accordance with Article 60(8) of the Constitution, act in his stead.

Source: Peacefmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured VideoTanker drivers at the Bulk Oil and Storage Transportation (BOST) depot in Tema have appealed for better working conditions.



Speaking to the Ghana News Agency, Mr Akwasi Premprah, a driver at the BOST depot in Tema said, the drivers work under unacceptable conditions.



He explained that, most of the drivers where not insured so when the unfortunate happens, they are abandoned to live the rest of their lives in seclusion and penury.



Mr. Prempeh, like his colleagues, suggested that, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) must pay the drivers directly so that the necessary deductions such as taxes and pension contributions would be made for their own benefit and national development.



The tanker owners always deduct shortage fee from our meagre salaries, and no one knows how much one could lose until the money hits your accounts. They are very exploitative, he stated.



He noted that the shortages came as a result of the distance from the loading point to the offloading depot and the poor nature of the roads, which he said, the driver could not be punished for.



Mr. Raymond Aflo, Deputy National Secretary, Ghana National Petroleum Tanker Drivers Union (GNPTDU), explained that, the Union was formed to protect the welfare of the drivers.



He further noted, that the drivers union was not obliged to insure the drivers however, efforts had been made to get the tanker owners to do so.



Mr. Aflo added that, issues of fuel diversions had been dealt with and called on the drivers to cooperate with the union leadership to get their grievances addressed.



The Ghana National Petroleum Tanker Drivers Union have over 3000 members across the country with three offloading depots in Akosombo, Kumasi and Buipe.

Source: GNA









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured VideoPope Francis has been greeted by Abu Dhabi's crown prince, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on his arrival to the UAE, becoming the first pontiff to visit the Arabian Peninsula, the birthplace of Islam.

A young boy and girl in traditional Emirati dress handed the pontiff flowers after landing Sunday night.

The two leaders then walked past an honor guard, all with traditional Arabic daggers at their waists.

Pope Francis and Sheikh Mohammed smiled and spoke to each other as they walked through the airport terminal.

The pope also met a host of Cabinet ministers in a greeting line, as well as local Catholic and Muslim officials.

Pope Francis' Alitalia flight touched down in the capital city of the United Arab Emirates, a federation of seven sheikhdoms, around 9:50 p.m. on Sunday.

Francis is building on two of his priorities with his Sunday-Tuesday visit to the United Arab Emirates - promoting interfaith dialogue and visiting the Catholic peripheries.

Francis appealed earlier Sunday for an end to Yemen's humanitarian crisis, saying the ``cries of these children and their parents rise up'' to God.

He made the appeal at the Vatican an hour before his scheduled departure on a three-day trip to the UAE, which is a key member of the Saudi-led coalition at war with Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi rebels.

The conflict has driven Yemen to the brink of famine and caused the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

Francis urged faithful in St. Peter's Square to join him in prayer, saying ``these are hungry children'' with no medicine, and ``are in danger of dying.''

Noting that many can't reach food aid areas, he appealed to the involved parties and the international community to urgently ensure that agreements are reached and food distributed.

Earlier today, Christian leaders attending a summit in Vatican City ahead of Pope Francis' arrival in Abu Dhabi say they're excited for the first papal visit to the Arabian Peninsula.

Bishop Camillo Ballin, the apostolic vicar of Northern Arabia, told The Associated Press on Sunday that the Roman Catholic Church provided succor for an estimated 1 million faithful in the United Arab Emirates, nearly all of them foreigners drawn to the country for employment.

Ballin said: ``His visit is a big and important encouragement for the Christians that live in these countries because they are far from their homeland and they need especially to be encouraged so that they feel they are home.''

Rev. Andrew Thompson of St. Andrew's Anglican Church in Abu Dhabi said his congregation was excited for Pope Francis' Mass on Tuesday.

Thompson said: ``My congregation are so happy we are witnessing what will be the biggest Christian act of worship in the history of the Arabian Gulf, and we are excited to be a part of that.''

*This story was edited by Ahram Online

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Alhaji Abudulai Issah Munkaila, Madina Dagomba Chief in Accra, has commended President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for diligently handling the hitherto precarious Dagbon issue up to the enskinment of Ya-Na Abukari Mahama II.



President Nana Akufo-Addo has surprised the whole of Dagbon by putting up workable measures that led to the enskinment of our Overlord.



I can tell you that all Dagombas are happy with the new King as both royal gates participated fully in his selection.



Alhaji who was speaking in an exclusive interview with the Ghana News Agency at Madina on the way forward after the enskinment of Ya-Na said When President Akufo-Addo gave the assurance that he would solve the Dagbon issue, a lot of people took it with a pinch of salt, but it is now clear that he meant business and Dagbon is grateful for that.



He called on the President and his entire administration to draw a special programme that would attract investors to the area, now that peace was prevailing there.



Now we have a peaceful Dagbon, and I know that very soon a lot of Investors will move in there, a situation, which I believe would create job opportunities for our youth who on daily basis move to the southern sector of the country for non-existent jobs.



He said Dagbon was abound with a lot of historical and other Tourist attractions and hoped the enskinment of the new Ya-Na would encourage government to harness for mutual benefit.



We are all grateful for President Nana Akufo-Addo and his administration for clearing the biggest hurdle in the political and socio-economic development of Dagbon and we the citizens of the area will also play our roles responsibly to ensure the perpetual development of the area.

Source: GNA









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Featured VideoUp to seven thousand German firms eye trade with Iran: Official

02/03/19

Source: Press TV

Up to 7,000 German business enterprises are estimated to seek continued trade with Iran, says the managing director of the German-Iranian Chamber of Commerce, following the launch of a payment vehicle that enables continued European trade with the Islamic Republic irrespective of unilateral sanctions by the United States.

Michael Tockuss said in an interview with the German business news weekly Wirtschaftswoche on Saturday that the launch of the payment vehicle - known as the Instrument in Support of Trade Exchanges, or INSTEX - was a welcome development and that it would enable European companies to engage in barter transactions with Iran.



"Our estimate is that between 5,000 and 7,000 small- and medium-scale businesses are still after trade with Iran," Tockuss said.



France, Germany, and Britain unveiled INSTEX, which is a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), on Thursday to facilitate "legitimate trade between European economic operators and Iran."



INSTEX took months to prepare, and the idea to set it up came after the US unilaterally withdrew from a multilateral deal with Iran and five other, mainly European, parties. On withdrawal, the US also re-imposed its so-called primary sanctions against Iran and secondary sanctions against countries that continue to do business with it.



Iran and the other parties have nevertheless remained in the deal. And Europe considers trade with Iran legitimate. It also disapproves of the US withdrawal and its sanctions on European trade with Iran while also seeking to keep Iran in the deal by attempting to keep the economic dividends expected under the deal flowing to the country.



Iranian officials have said the launch of INSTEX is only a first step

'US trying to instill fear in Europe'

Tockuss said the notion that US sanctions will cut off business with Iran was wrong.



The secondary American sanctions, he said, are targeted against large-scale European businesses that would continue to do business with Iran. US authorities are unaware of the many other businesses that are in contact with Iran, he added.



The Americans, he said, were nevertheless attempting to instill fear in all European firms to dissuade them from doing business with Iran.



Tockuss said that, legally, that was not how the sanctions actually worked. He explained that only those German businesses that have American shareholders or use American capital can be subjected to the secondary US sanctions against Iran.



"All other firms can have business transactions with Iran without concern," he said.Ex-Iranian Official Blasts World's Silence As Eight Conservationists Go On Trial In Iran

02/03/19

By Michael Lipin, VOA

A former Iranian deputy environment chief is criticizing the global environmental community's lack of public advocacy on behalf of eight jailed Iranian conservationists whose trial began in Tehran this week.



Kaveh Madani

Kaveh Madani, an American-educated water management expert, served as deputy head of Iran's Department of Environment from September 2017 until April 2018, when he fled the country under verbal attack from conservatives who accused him of spying under cover of environmental activism.

In an interview with VOA Persian on Thursday, Madani, now a senior fellow at Yale University in the U.S. state of Connecticut, said he was "very disappointed" with international reaction to the treatment of the Iranian conservationists, who also faced accusations of spying when Tehran detained them in January 2018. Madani has praised the six men and two women of the Persian Wildlife Heritage Foundation as experts in their field with good reputations nationally and internationally.



Eight detained Iranian environmentalists

(source: New York-based Center for Human Rights in Iran)

Little international attention

"Unfortunately, I'm not seeing any attention (to this case) by the international media or even by the environmentalists and conservationists of the world, whom I was expecting to be more active and to question what is happening and ask for justice," Madani said.

A VOA Persian review of seven major international conservation organizations found that only one of them of has posted a comment on their website about the plight of the Iranian conservationists: the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). In an Oct. 26, 2018 online statement, the Switzerland-based organizationdeclared its "solidarity" with the eight detainees and said it was "deeply alarmed by the charges against these dedicated women and men committed to protecting Iran's rich natural environment and unique species."

The six organizations whose websites did not contain statements about the Iranian conservationists include Conservation International, Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth International, The Nature Conservancy, Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).

Contacted by VOA Persian on Friday, Conservation International, Greenpeace and The Nature Conservancy declined to comment on the situation of the Iranian conservationists. Friends of the Earth International, WCS and WWF did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

A VOA Persian analysis of the social media channels of the seven groups and those of 19 other international conservation organizations also found that none of them have commented on the issue since the start of this year.

"We should care about those people whose hearts are beating for the environment no matter where they are from," Madani said. "What is happening in Tehran can happen in other parts of the world and it is our responsibility to protect each other and back up one another."

Closed-door trial

Iranian state media reported that the eight conservationists, Niloufar Bayani, Taher Ghadirian, Houman Jowkar, Sepideh Kashani, Amir Hossein Khaleghi, Abdolreza Kouhpayeh, Sam Rajabi and Morad Tahbaz, appeared in a Tehran court Wednesday for a first closed-door session of their trial.

The state-controlled Fars News Agency referred to the defendants as "individuals accused of spying on the country's military installations." State news agency IRNA said four of the conservationists have been charged with "sowing corruption on Earth," a crime punishable by death. It said three other activists were charged with "espionage" and the last one with "conspiracy against national security."

A report published Wednesday by the New York-based Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI) quoted a source "with knowledge of the court session" as saying prosecutors read half of a more than 300-page indictment to the defendants. The CHRI source said most of the unveiled material was based on forced confessions of a female defendant whom the source said interrupted the proceedings several times to assert that investigators extracted her statements under mental and physical duress and she had since retracted them.

Speaking to VOA Persian via Skype on Wednesday, Iranian lawyer Mohamad Hossein Aghasi said judicial authorities had not permitted him to be present in the courtroom to represent defendant Sam Rajabi, his client. Aghasi said he received no word from the judiciary barring him from representing Rajabi or informing him that Rajabi had chosen another lawyer. Iranian state media said several court-approved lawyers represented the defendants in the trial instead.

Madani, the former deputy Iranian environment chief, told VOA Persian he was not surprised to hear the reports about one defendant's purported forced confessions and another defendant's lawyer not being allowed to participate in the trial.

"As in many national security cases in Iran, I assume this one would not necessarily involve a due process," he said. "I don't know how real justice would be applied in their case, that is what I'm worried about."



This article originated in VOA's Persian Service. Payam Yazdian contributed from Washington.

About the author: Michael Lipin covers international news for VOA on the web, radio and TV, specializing in the Middle East and East Asia Pacific. Follow him on Twitter @Michael_LipinSteven Szatanek, pictured above in his 2016 trial, had his appeal for a new trial rejected and will continue serving the 25 year-to-life sentence handed down after his conviction for killing 17-year-old AnnaRose Shove in 2014.Syrian state media, citing a military source, said U.S.-led jets attacked a Syrian army position near the battle front against the last Islamic State pocket east of the Euphrates late on Saturday, causing damage and injuries.

Syrian state media, citing a military source, said U.S.-led jets attacked a Syrian army position near the battle front against the last Islamic State pocket east of the Euphrates late on Saturday, causing damage and injuries.

U.S. coalition aircraft launched an aggression this evening against one of the Syrian Arab army formations operating in the Albukamal area in the southeastern countryside of Deir al-Zor, state news agency SANA cited the source as saying early on Sunday.

The attack injured two soldiers and destroyed an artillery piece, the source added.

The U.S.-led coalition against Islamic State could not be immediately reached for comment. It has previously denied striking Syrian military targets in that area.

Islamic State now holds only a couple of villages in Syria, having lost almost all its territory in 2017 to two rival offensives, one by the U.S.-led coalition with local fighters, and one by the Syrian army and allied militia backed by Russia.

The jihadist group also holds an enclave of desert surrounded by the Syrian army in the centre of the country.

Russia and the United States maintained military communications to prevent unplanned conflict between the two forces fighting Islamic State. However, some clashes have occurred.

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Assemblyman Will Barclay, R-Pulaski, and Oswego City School District (OCSD) board member Tom Ciappa at the Central New York School Boards Association (CNYSBA) 2019 legislative forum at CiTi BocesThe comments by Ertel, the first since he resigned within hours of the Tallahassee Democrat newspaper showing the photos to Gov. Ron DeSantiss office on Jan. 24, comes two days after Virginia Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam was caught up in his own blackface scandal, for which he has refused to resign despite Democrats and Republicans alike calling for him to step aside.Clermont police initially said on Sunday they were looking for a 26-year-old man who was accused of threatening to kill his family members but then retracted their statement hours later saying he is no longer believed to be armed and dangerous.Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials have confirmed they are force-feeding nine detainees who initiated a hunger strike at an El Paso, Texas, detention center.

Ten detainees at the facility are under a self-imposed hunger strike, ICE spokeswoman Danielle Bennett said in an email Saturday.

Of the 10, nine are from India and one is from Nicaragua, Bennett said. Nine of them missed nine consecutive meals, triggering ICE's hunger strike protocols  medical evaluations and health monitoring.

At various points in mid-January, a federal judge ordered the nine to be fed and hydrated without consent, according to ICE.

ICE's update comes on the heels of a report by the Associated Press, which first revealed on Wednesday that six detainees were being force-fed at the El Paso facility. They are on a hunger strike to protest "rampant verbal abuse and threats of deportation from guards." The AP report triggered outrage from lawmakers and human rights groups who decried the practice as "cruel, inhuman and degrading."

One detainee on a hunger strike detailed to the wire service the excruciating experience of guards dragging him from his cell and constraining him to force-feed him through a nasal tube.

"They tie us on the force-feeding bed, and then they put a lot of liquid into the tubes, and the pressure is immense so we end up vomiting it out," the detainee, identified only by his surname, Singh, told the AP. "We can't talk properly, and we can't breathe properly. The pipe is not an easy process, but they try to push it down our noses and throats."

Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-Texas, whose district includes the El Paso Processing Center, said she was "deeply alarmed" by reports that detainees were being force-fed and immediately requested a visit.

On Thursday, she said she was able to meet the six detainees being force-fed  at the time the only ones being force-fed  before that number increased to nine a day later.

ICE has not identified the detainees being force-fed, beyond their countries of origin. Escobar said most of the detainees she met had been in custody for 15 to 18 months.

ICE has said it "fully respects the rights of all people to voice their opinion without interference" and that agency health officials have explained to the detainees the negative health effects of going on a hunger strike.

"ICE does not retaliate in any way against hunger strikers," the agency said in a statement. "For their health and safety, ICE closely monitors the food and water intake of those detainees identified as being on a hunger strike."

Besides the El Paso detention center, nationwide there are four other detainees on a hunger strike, ICE confirmed Saturday: one each in ICE custody at facilities in Miami, Phoenix, San Diego and San Francisco.

The Human Rights Watch has called on ICE to stop the "inherently cruel, inhuman and degrading" practice of force-feeding.

"Medical ethics and human rights norms generally prohibit the force feeding of detainees who are competent and capable of rational judgment as to the consequences of refusing food," the group said in a statement. "Hunger striking is a desperate expressive act. In immigration detention, it can be a response to the irrationality of prolonged and needless detention."

In August, Mergensana Amar, a Russian citizen who had been in U.S. immigration custody for more than a year, launched a hunger strike that nearly killed him at a detention center in Tacoma, Wash., The Post's Maria Sacchetti reported. He survived  then died in November after he tried to hang himself.

"Amar's death is an example of the lengths that ICE will go to keep people in detention," Maru Mora Villalpando, a community organizer with NWDC Resistance, an organization that tried to help Amar, said at the time. "They could have released him, and they decided not to. He kept telling us, 'I'd rather die here than be deported.' "

First published by The Washington PostIt has since been discovered the (younger) male had no access to weapons and posted the picture on social media as a joke, Valparaiso police said, adding the threat is not believed to be credible at this time, however these types of communications are taken very seriously by the Valparaiso Police Department and our community.To see a more in depth version of this story, check out the Feb. 4 edition of the Daily Barometer newspaper, available on stands on and around the Oregon State University campus.

Oregon State Gymnastics nearly upsets No. 3 UCLAFrom London to Dubai, via Tokyo, Paris, Hong Kong, New York City, Shanghai, Singapore, Moscow, Mexico and Geneva, in another nod to the significant number 50, each dinner will host just fifty guests including retailers, friends of the brand, final customers, collectors, press, and influencers, who will be treated to a number of surprises.

 Zenith

A 50-piece limited-edition trilogy

On each occasion, in tribute to the original El Primero, Zenith will present an anniversary set containing three chronographs with tricolour counters. While the El Primero movement has constantly evolved since its invention, Zenith had never yet offered a reissue faithful to the original model. This has now been done, since the anniversary set, in a 50-piece limited edition, includes in its first compartment a reiteration of the 1969 El Primero chronograph; a Chronomaster El Primero with optimised movement; and a Defy El Primero 21 accurate to the nearest 1/100th of a second.

 Zenith

El Primero through the eyes of photography students

In a second tribute to celebrate the anniversary of the "El Primero" movement, guests at the dinners will be exposed to an exploration of the world of Zenith created by a class of undergraduate photography students at the University of Art and Design Lausanne (ECAL). Guided by fashion photographer and teacher Philippe Jarrigeon, the students worked inside the Le Locle Manufacture and in ECALs Lausanne studios to create visuals of 12 images that represent the 12 hours on a dial, the 12 months of the year, and the 12 stages of an exhibition.

 Zenith

Zenith is El Primero and El Primero is Zenith

Last but not least, guests will also have the privilege of being treated to an exhibition of a set of historical El Primero models presented by decade: from the 1969 birth of the first high-frequency automatic chronograph to offer 1/10th second precision, to the 2017 introduction of the El Primero 21 delivering 1/100th of a second accuracy, both of which changed the history of Zenith.Weather Alert

...RISK FOR STRONG TO SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS THIS AFTERNOON AND EARLY EVENING ACROSS WESTERN AND NORTH CENTRAL NEW YORK... Thunderstorms will develop this afternoon and will move across the area through early evening. Across the Niagara Frontier, including the Buffalo metro area, scattered storms will bring a lower but still some risk for severe weather. This will primarily be between 1 and 4 p.m. There's a greater risk for severe weather across the Western Southern Tier, Genesee Valley, Western Finger Lakes, and eastern Lake Ontario regions. The greatest risk for severe weather at these locations will be between 2 and 6 p.m. Damaging winds will be the primary threat associated with these thunderstorms. Large hail is also possible, in addition to brief torrential rainfall and dangerous cloud to ground lightning. If you have outdoor plans this afternoon into early this evening, keep a close eye on forecasts and warnings. Have a plan to move to a sturdy shelter if threatening weather approaches your location.Under New York State law, everyone who is convicted of even a minor violation, such as disorderly conduct, is required to pay $120 in court surcharges and fees. These offenses are so minor that they do not constitute crimes, and so common that they represented more than 40% of all guilty pleas taken in criminal court in 2016.The four roommates finally agreed some boundaries needed to be set, with Hanson their designated spokesperson. So I called Roth and told him he could no longer just enter the apartment whenever he felt like it, says Hanson. He flipped out, became enraged. Not long after we hung up I was sitting on the futon when a shadow appeared over me. It was Roth. He was livid, veins popping in his neck, ranting like a madman. I thought he was going to physically attack me. He screamed that I wasnt going to tell him when he could enter the apartment he was renting to us.The worlds largest human migration is currently underway as some 2.99 billion trips are expected to be made across China during the Spring Festival holiday season from Jan. 21 to Mar. 1. To guarantee road safety and smooth trips, Chinese police have also strengthened their efforts together with advanced technology.

Of those heading home for the holiday, some 380 million are expected to hit the road on motorcycles and cars. In response, Chinese map app Amap is providing recommended smart maps for group travelers with data input from hundreds of highway service centers and information from local traffic police. It also includes 75 free maintenance stations for motorcyclists.

Many migrant workers in China choose to head home for the Spring Festival via motorcycle, as it is cheaper than train or plane trips.

The new smart map service will be even better this year thanks to upgrades, such as road conditions given by police in advance, messages that provide info on available roads to circumvent closed roads, and accurate weather and other service information, said Liu Zhenfei, president of Amap.

As roads are inevitably subject to construction, accidents, or closures, the traditional practice of traffic control, that is, placing ordinary reflective cones as reminders to drivers, is sometimes insufficient to avoid accidents. The smart map, on the other hand, can inform people in advance to avoid certain sections and help prevent accidents or congestion.Because, while none of us want to be defined today by what we did 35 years ago, most of us didnt pose in blackface or a Klan robe for a yearbook photo. And those who did probably werent arrogant or unfeeling enough to run for governor. The political statute of limitations hasnt run out on that yet.Guzman or one of his underlings would order the girl of his choice brought to one of (his) ranches for sexual intercourse, said the court papers made public Saturday. (Chapo) called the youngest of the girls his vitamins because he believed that sexual activity with young girls gave him life."I'm up at night. I think about this. I feel abused. I can't get over it. I even went to a psychologist, he said. I simply cannot get over it. The injustice from the police side. Its traumatizing. How could someone get beat up like this and theyre just playing games?But Northam did own up to a 1984 incident in which he darkened his face for a Michael Jackson costume. He said his memory of the event more than 30 years ago is vivid and embarrassing, noting he wouldve felt the same had he appeared in the photo on his yearbook page.We have an unbelievable and expensive military base built in Iraq. It's perfectly situated for looking at all over different parts of the troubled Middle East rather than pulling up. And this is what a lot of people don't understand. We're going to keep watching and we're going to keep seeing and if there's trouble, if somebody is looking to do nuclear weapons or other things, we're going to know it before they do.Former White House aide Omarosa Manigault Newman wrote in her 2018 memoir Unhinged that the President uses a tanning bed every day and that an usher was once fired because she mishandled the transportation of the apparatus, but two senior staffers denied that any such machine exists at 1600 Penn.It was the context that presidents of this country have used similar language on different mediums. They say it on radio, they say it on television, Dorsey said. If you were to look at President Obama, it wasnt the exact same tone, but there were threats surrounding the same country. We have to take that context into consideration.But that wasnt an isolated incident for Parker. In 2005, he was arrested for allegedly punching a traffic cop  the charges were later dismissed. In 2008, a staffer accused him of pushing her and stomping on her glasses. And in 2009, Parker was indicted on charges that he assaulted a newspaper photographer and found guilty of criminal mischief in the case.Im thinking is my son hurt, is he hungry, is he cold, is he sick? I came to see him last Wednesday and they put up a sign that said there are no visits, said Roberts, 60.Connor Gage, 19, of Little Falls, N.Y., was trying to cut through the back parking lot of a business earlier in the morning but was prevented from doing so when he ran into a fence, according to a statement from Burlington police. He was wearing clothing that was inadequate for the temperature at the time, which was between 1 to 4 degrees, police said.Chinese Officials singing a song

The Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone brought the Chinese community and Sierra Leoneans together to celebrate the Spring Festival, also known as Chinese Lunar New Year, at an auspicious event held in Freetown, Sierra Leone's Capital.

Guests were able to watch entertaining performances from the Chinese as well as Sierra Leone's acrobatic team. The Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, His Excellency Wu Peng, described 2018 as a year of harvest for the Chinese People, and added that in spite of all odds they were able to push the Chinese economy towards higher-quality development, speed up the replacement of the old drivers of growth, and keep the major economic indicators within a reasonable range.

China's economy expanded by 6.6 percent and total volume exceeded 90 trillion RMB for the first time in history (about 13.6 trillion US dollars).

Wu Peng, Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone

"We made great strides in our poverty alleviation efforts in the last year," said the Chinese Ambassador, who further revealed that 10 million poverty-stricken rural residents were lifted out of poverty, and it is estimated that over 400 million people in China now belong to the middle-income bracket.

The combined forces of Chinese manufacturing, Chinese innovation, and Chinese construction have continued to change the face of the country, said Ambassador Wu. He named a number of examples, including the successful launch of their Chang'e-4 lunar probe, the supergiant sea-crossing project Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Marco Bridge opening to traffic, and the BeiDou Satellite Navigation System going global.

He called for a stronger relationship between Sierra Leone and China in implementing the important consensus reached by the two Heads of State, to maintain high-level exchanges, and enhance political mutual trust. The Chinese Ambassador pledged his country's willingness to implement the results of the FOCAC Beijing Summit with the Sierra Leonean side, push the joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative, work with other international development partners, and take some good tangible results to Sierra Leone.

In his response speech, Sierra Leone's Foreign Minister, Dr. Alie Kabba, underscored the significant gains his country has made with China's support in 2018, by signing agreements that will leverage human capital development and socio-economic transformation of the West African nation. "We are in celebration of the Spring Festival with you as a reflection of our commitment towards the full implementation of development projects emanating from those agreements, which are impacting the lives of our citizens," the Minister remarked, assuring his audience that with China's continuous support, Sierra Leone will attain greater heights of success and realize the long-cherished goal of achieving national cohesion and socio-economic transformation.Win McNamee/Getty Images(WASHINGTON) -- As the special counsels investigation is expected to soon come to a conclusion, President Donald Trump says the decision to make Robert Muellers report public is totally in the hands of the attorney general.



When asked if he would have a problem with the report being made public, the president wouldnt answer directly.



That's up to the attorney general. I don't know. It depends. I have no idea what it's going to say, said Trump.



The president sat down for a Super Bowl Sunday interview with CBS News Margaret Brennan on Face the Nation, and was asked about the special counsels probe, the likelihood of another government shutdown over border security funding, his decision to -- and backlash against -- pulling troops from Syria, his public clash with intelligence chiefs, his upcoming meeting with North Koreas Kim Jong Un, and the political unrest in Venezuela.



The president said he has not given any thought to whether he should pardon Roger Stone, a longtime friend and advisor, who was recently indicted by a grand jury on charges of lying to Congress, obstruction and witness tampering. Stone is accused of making false statements to the House and Senate Intelligence Committees about communications with WikiLeaks during the 2016 campaign.



The president has sought to distance himself and his campaign from any connection with Stone.



I mean Roger's a character, but Roger was not -- I don't know if you know this or not -- Roger wasn't on my campaign except way at the beginning, Trump said on Face the Nation.



Trump sat down with Brennan on Friday afternoon at the White House ahead of a trip to his private Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida.



The president said he is not ruling out another government shutdown. In late January, Trump and Congress agreed to reopen the government, but only for three weeks. A bipartisan, bicameral group of lawmakers met to negotiate border security funding, but the president has called their efforts a waste of time.



I dont take anything off the table, Trump said when asked about the potential for another shutdown.



He again suggested that a national emergency could be declared instead in order to fund a border wall. It's national emergency. It's other things. And, you know, there have been plenty national emergencies called, Trump said.



Republicans on Capitol Hill have urged the president not to declare a national emergency, saying it could set a bad precedent. Some Republicans have also been at odds with the president over his recent foreign policy decisions, such as his decision to pull troops out of Syria.



The president said he was elected, in part, because he campaigned on bringing troops home.



I ran against 17 Republicans. This was a big part of what I was saying, and I won very easily. I think the people out in the world -- I think people in our country agree. We've been fighting for 19 years, Trump said. I want to fight. I want to win, and we want to bring our great troops back home.



The president also tried again to change the narrative surrounding General Jim Mattis decision to resign as secretary of defense. Mattis submitted his letter of resignation after the president decided to pull out of Syria. But the president said he told Mattis to resign.



He resigned because I asked him to resign. He resigned because I was very nice to him. But I gave him big budgets and he didn't do well in Afghanistan. I was not happy with the job he was doing in Afghanistan, Trump said.



Trump also commented on the divide between his administration and the intelligence chiefs he appointed. The president initially attacked CIA Director Gina Haspel and Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats after their congressional testimony contradicted several of Trumps claims about Iran, North Korea and ISIS. Tweeting on Wednesday that the intelligence community's report on Iran "extremely passive and naive," the president suggested, "Perhaps Intelligence should go back to school!"



But in his interview with CBS, the president brushed off concerns about the report itself. Let me just say it wasn't so much a report. It was the questions and answers as the report was submitted, and they were asked questions and answers, Trump said before touting his success with Syria and his efforts to defeat ISIS.



Trump, who summoned Haspel and Coates to the White House to express concerns over their testimony, then blamed the media for creating a distorted and false narrative. In his interview with Brennan, the president seemed to step away from his critical comments, and encourage his officials to form their own opinions even if they contradict his own.



And you know what I tell people -- you can testify any way you want. I'm not going to stop them from testifying. They said they were mischaracterized -- maybe they were, maybe they weren't, I don't really know. But I can tell you this: I want them to have their own opinion, and I want them to give me their opinion. But, when I look at Iran, I look at Iran as a nation that has caused tremendous problems, he told Brennan.



On another foreign policy front, as the Trump administration continues to challenge Nicolas Maduro's claim to the presidency in Venezuela. Trump said he rejected Maduros request for a meeting a few months ago. Trump has continued to show his support for Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido as the interim president of Venezuela, and said a U.S. military action in Venezuela could be a possibility.



Well, I don't want to say that. But certainly it's something that's on the -- it's an option, Trump said.



Plans are also underway for a second summit between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as pressure builds for the country to give up its nuclear weapons. Teasing the meeting, Trump said his administration will likely release the location of the meeting either at the State of the Union or shortly before.



Trump expressed doubt that the country will give up their nuclear weapons, stating there is a good possibility that Kim wont take that step. Still, he has hope that the two leaders will strike a deal.



I think he's also tired of going through what he's going through. He has a chance to have North Korea be a tremendous economic behemoth. It has a chance to be one of the great economic countries in the world. He can't do that with nuclear weapons, and he can't do that on the path they're on now, Trump said.



Copyright  2019, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.The Federal Aviation Administration briefly halted all flights to and from the airport, sparking massive delays and long lines at security checkpoints. TSA said that amid the incident. several people were scattered into the sterile area unscreened and noted that passengers would have to again go through security.Maybe you think that your government can just sweep in there with private planes, come with illicit passports and whisk everybody out, Wyden told NBC News. Well, they should know that we Oregonians are very determined now. We are committed to making sure that we stay active until justice is done.The shooting took place after a 911 caller said that he believed someone was inside his home. The man would later admit he was armed, and then indicated he was suicidal.He was arrested in Michigan last month for allegedly breaking into the Temple, Texas, home of Scott, according to KCEN. Scott and Swearingin vanished last month and were found buried in a shallow grave in Oklahoma on Jan. 15.I had a tenant that heard what was going on. She thought it was a party, because they have parties all the time. She heard the commotion, but she thought it was a party, Lisa Ramos said.Both he and 24-year-old passenger Criston Harry were ejected from the vehicle. Harry, of South Ozone Park, was killed instantly. The driver, who was not identified, was taken to Jamaica Hospital where he is in stable condition.My dad was always in the arena, said Sean Hynes. Its where he wanted to be. He wanted to do the right thing by people  Joe Hynes taught us that we should do our best and do it with integrity.I wanted it to be a black womans face, the veteran educator told the Daily News. I wanted her to pay homage to all the other African-Americans who were successful in their own right in various fields.They also live in one of the thousands of NYCHA apartments that was without heat for several days around that time. And to complete the perfect storm, the father of Morales kids, who does not live with them, is a federal worker who did not get paid during the federal government shutdown.My body is strong but my soul is stronger, Smollett said in a statement. More importantly I want to say thank you. The outpouring of love and support from my village has meant more than I will ever be able to truly put into words. I am working with authorities and have been 100% factual and consistent on every level.Bilateral ties between China and South Africa have developed significantly over the past few years, and the two nations will strengthen cooperation in multiple areas in the coming year to boost the development of the whole African continent, noted South African Ambassador to China, Dolana Msimang.

Ever since our two nations established diplomatic ties, our cooperation has developed significantly in many areas, especially in bilateral trade, from 1.8 billion dollars in 1998 to 39 billion dollars in 2017, said Msimang.

According to Xinhua, Chinese investment in South Africa has now exceeded 25 billion dollars. As the South African government continues to champion the development of special economic zones, more Chinese companies are expected to investment in this area.

We would like to enhance our ties even more, attract more Chinese investment to our country, as well as exporting South African products to China, added Msimang.

Noting that 2018 was a fruitful year for the development of China-South African ties, Msimang said that the two countries would further strengthen their cooperation in 2019, with a focus on the second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, which will take place in Beijing in April, as well as the first China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, expected to take place in Changsha, central Chinas Hunan Province in June.

Our two nations relations reached an unprecedented high in 2018, we would like to cooperate more in 2019 as well, said Msimang.

The ambassador also congratulated Chinese people on the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Peoples Republic of China, noting that Chinas achievements have provided an example for African countries.

The founding of the PRC was an inspiration for us. China is the second biggest economy in the world now, observing Chinas development gives us hope that one day we can also get to the point where China is, she added.Atlanta-based rapper 21 Savage is actually from the United Kingdom and is in the country on an expired visa, Immigration and Customs Enforcement said Sunday after arresting the musician.Rome, GA (30161)

Today

Thunderstorms with locally heavy downpours. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 88F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%..

Tonight

Showers and scattered thunderstorms. Low 69F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%.2019 Lunar New Year celebrations hosted by the municipal government of Sydney, capital of Australias New South Wales (NSW), officially began on Feb. 1 in Sydney.

During her speech at the opening ceremony, Sydney lord mayor Clover Moore said celebrations this year will include a wide variety of events and various performances such as a superb display of festive lanterns, Lunar New Year celebrations in Sydneys Chinatown, art performances by social groups, dragon boat races, lion dancing, and Guinness World Record challenges.

Scheduled from Feb. 1 to 10, the celebrations will include over 80 events.

As the largest of its kind outside of Asia, Sydneys Lunar New Year 2019 celebration, which will welcome in the Year of the Pig according to the Chinese zodiac, is expected to attract more than 1.3 million visitors.

Giant lanterns in the shape of the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac are now on display all over the city, in areas such as the Sydney Opera House and Circular Quay. Moreover, a thirteenth lantern depicting a flying pig, designed by Chinese artist Deng Zhong, is on display at the Overseas Passenger Terminal.

Sydney Harbor Bridge is expected to glow red every night from Feb. 1 to 10, symbolizing happiness for the upcoming Lunar New Year.The Special Adviser to Rivers State Governor on Lands and Survey, Dr Anugbom Anuogha, who was abducted by unknown gunmen in Ada George a...

The Special Adviser to Rivers State Governor on Lands and Survey, Dr Anugbom Anuogha, who was abducted by unknown gunmen in Ada George axis of Port Harcourt, has regained his freedom.









Dr Anuoha, who was held captive for 14 days, regained freedom in the early hours of yesterday.









The Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, Nnamdi Omoni, said the pressure mounted by the police and other security agencies in the state on the abductors made them to free the victim. He said that the police are on trail of the kidnappers, to arrest them.David Umahi, governor of Ebonyi state, says he asked 2,000 people to attend President Muhammadu Buharis campaign rally in the state...





David Umahi, governor of Ebonyi state, says he asked 2,000 people to attend President Muhammadu Buharis campaign rally in the state because he did not want the president to feel he was not liked by the people of the state or the region.





According to Daily Sun, Umahi said this shortly after the presidents departure.





He said not only did he allow the APC to use the states stadium but he also renovated it and that if he had not organised people, the stadium would have been empty.





Now, the crowd you saw there at the stadium, 2,000 of them, were from me because I know they (the APC) have nobody, he was quoted as saying.





But for it not to seem like Ebonyi people dont love Mr. President, I had to make available 2,000 persons to come and cheer the president.





That is why if you check the crowd, while they were castigating me unduly, the crowds were not clapping, the people were not happy. But for the respect they have for Mr. President, they could have booed them. I had to do what I did because Im not into extreme politics; Im into politics for development.





The governor added that even though he belonged to a different political party, the support for Mr. President as a governor, is what we are doing.





We are supporting him; that is our support for him. We acknowledged publicly what he, Mr. President, is doing for Ebonyi state; that is the support we are giving to him, he said





Morally and ethically, I am not supposed to come out and start shouting while Im still holding the ticket of PDP and saying vote APC president.



The helicopter which conveyed Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo from Abuja to Kabba in Kogi state, crash-landed as a result of unusual weat...





The helicopter which conveyed Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo from Abuja to Kabba in Kogi state, crash-landed as a result of unusual weather condition.





Caverton Helicopters, owners of the aircraft, said this in a statement issued on Saturday.





Osinbajo was on a campaign trip to Kogi when the chopper crash-landed in Kabba. There were no injuries recorded during the incident.





The vice-president came out unhurt and immediately continued his business in the state, receiving a warm welcome from residents as he was driven through the town.





Josiah Choms, Caverton managing director, said investigation into the incident has commenced.





An Augusta AW139 Helicopter, under management by Caverton Helicopters was involved in a mishap on landing in Kabba, Kogi State around 3pm today (2nd February 2019) as a result of unusual weather conditions, he said.





There were no injuries to the passengers or crew on board and they were all quickly and safely evacuated.





The relevant authorities have been duly informed and an investigation into the incident has commenced. We will, of course, support the authorities as required.:





In a statement, the media team of the vice-president also confirmed that investigation was underway.





Lalolu Akande, media aide of the vice-president, said Stephen Ocheni, minister of state for labour, senior presidential aides, security officials and the crew were on board the ill-fated aircraft.





We are grateful to God for His protection and safety, and we thank the crew and security personnel for their prompt response and service. We are also grateful for the tremendous expressions of concern and affection, as well as prayers from all, he said in a statement.





As is procedural, a full investigation into the causes of the incident would be conducted by aviation authorities.





The crash was the second the vice-president was involved in within eight months.







Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos have asked the state assembly to drop the move to impeach Akinwunmi Ambode, the ...

Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos have asked the state assembly to drop the move to impeach Akinwunmi Ambode, the governor.





The conflict between the governor and the lawmakers was resolved at a special governors advisory committee (GAC) meeting held in Marina, Lagos, on Sunday.





Among those who attended the meeting were the governor, Idiat Adebule, his deputy; Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governorship candidate of the APC in Lagos; Bola Tinubu, a national leader of the APC; Mudashiru Obasa, the speaker; Wasiu Eshinlokun, deputy speaker; and Tajudeen Olusi, an APC leader in Lagos Island.





Addressing reporters after the meeting, Tinubu said: We held a meeting on behalf of entire Lagosians. In the last one week or so, there has been some talk about a conflict between the executive and the legislature in Lagos. This is of great concern to us. We looked at the source of the conflict, which is normal in a democracy, and that is why there are also conflict-resolution mechanisms.





We examined the grievances on both sides. As leaders, we also looked into areas where there has to be compromise. In order to build institutions and encourage consensus-building, we have to do what is right. There is no impeachment. Let there be more communication and consensus-building and understanding. All these are inbuilt in the democratic system.





We thank the speaker and the leadership of the house. We thank the governor and the deputy governor. They have all demonstrated respect for the party leadership in Lagos. You know when Lagos sneezes, other areas catch cold. We are happy that we are able to resolve the conflict and things will start moving well going forward.





On his part, Olusi expressed optimism that both arms of government will work amicably henceforth.





The APC leader has spoken. This is just to further confirm the decisions that we reached, he said.





Conflict is an institutional part of the governance. The executive and legislature must work together. We have reached a decision that they must work together amicably. And very soon, both the legislature and the executive must resolve the grey areas in their relationship.





The lawmakers had threatened to oust the governor over the 2019 budget, accusing him of incurring expenses from it without presenting it before the assembly.



Senate President Bukola Saraki, and Speaker of House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, have reacted to the news that Vice President Y...





Senate President Bukola Saraki, and Speaker of House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, have reacted to the news that Vice President Yemi Osinbajo cheated death in Kogi State after the helicopter conveying him crash landed.





The aircraft carrying the Vice President crashed landed in Kabba, Kogi State on Saturday.





However, Osinbajo and all other occupants of the chopper escaped unhurt





Speaking on the development, Saraki joined Nigerians in thanking God for the life of the Vice President.





In a post on his official Twitter page, Saraki wrote: I join all Nigerians in thanking Almighty God for sparing the life of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who survived a helicopter crash over Kabba, Kogi State today.





Also, reacting, Dogara called on government to ensure diligent checks on government owned aircrafts in order to avoid such occurrence in the future.





On his Twitter page, he wrote: I join His Excellency, Prof Yemi Osinbajo in thanking the Almighty God for saving him and his team from any fatality in the unfortunate incident in Kogi State.



The Police in Bayelsa State have arrested one Isaac Abrowei (42 years) who allegedly led thugs to disrupt the campaign rally of the All ...

The Police in Bayelsa State have arrested one Isaac Abrowei (42 years) who allegedly led thugs to disrupt the campaign rally of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at Tungbaburi community of Sagbama Local Government Area on Saturday.









Other suspects, including their sponsors, have been identified and will be apprehended soon, the Police have said.









The police spokesman in the state, DSP Asinim Butswat told Journalists on Sunday in Yenagoa that on Saturday, February 2, 2019 at about 1530 hours, the thugs, numbering about 15, attacked and disrupted APCs rally in Tungbabiri community where a party faithful, one Braye Embikorobiri of Tungbabiri Community sustained critical injuries and later died while two other persons sustained serious injuries and are responding to treatment in an undisclosed hospital in the state capital.









He said: One suspect, Isaac Abrowei m 42 years, from Bolou-Orua, but resident at Tungbabiri, has been arrested. The thugs who masterminded the act and their alleged sponsor have been identified and the Police have launched a manhunt to arrest them.









The command has mobilized officers to restore normalcy in the community and efforts have been intensified to arrest the fleeing suspects.









He said the APC leadership in the state was yet to react to the last evening attack on its members during the campaign rally in Governor Seriake Dicksons local government area.Hoodlums set ablaze, the office of the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) in Isialangwa South LGA of Abia State this morning, dest...

Hoodlums set ablaze, the office of the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) in Isialangwa South LGA of Abia State this morning, destroying all the Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs in the office.Chen Yuqiang meets with Wang Yao as her train stops at Hohhot.

Train conductors Wang Yao and Chen Yuqiang will continue to work over the Spring Festival period, even though they recently got married. As they are on duty on different routes, they will not be able to spend time together during Chinas most important festival.

As a result, Wang says she is always looking out of her train window, hoping to see her new husband when her train stops in Hohhot, northern Chinas Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, where Chens train departs.Reno Omokri, ex-aide to former President Goodluck Jonathan, has reacted to the helicopter crash that almost claimed the life of Vice P...





Reno Omokri, ex-aide to former President Goodluck Jonathan, has reacted to the helicopter crash that almost claimed the life of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and members of his chopper crew in Kabba Kogi State on Saturday.





Writing on his Twitter handle on Saturday, Omokri, who advised the VP to watch his back, said the non-fatal helicopter crash was beyond mere coincidence.





According to him, the crash was the second near-death experience the Vice-President would be having via helicopter within the past 12 months.





He claimed that some politicians, who perceived Osinbajo as an obstacle to their ambition of clinching the presidency in 2023 might actually be plotting his elimination.





Omokri tweeted; This is the 2nd near death experience via a helicopter crash that OSinbajo has had.





Once Is an accident. Twice is not a coincidence. It is a pattern.



Former President Olusegun Obasanjo is currently meeting with political party leaders, as well as security chiefs of Ogun State. ...





Former President Olusegun Obasanjo is currently meeting with political party leaders, as well as security chiefs of Ogun State.





The meeting, according to Sahara Reporters is taking place at the Abeokuta residence of the former President.





Those in attendance are Wale Egunleti, Chairman of the Action Democratic Party (ADP) in Ogun; Gboyega Isiaka, governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC); Chief Jide Ojuko, zonal director of the Allied Peoples Movement Campaign Council in Ogun West (APM), and Ayo Olubori, Ogun State Caretaker Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC).





Abimbola Oyeyemi, Public Relations Officer of the Ogun State Police Command and other security chiefs were also present.



Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), says former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar is originally from Camero...





Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), says former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar is originally from Cameroon and became Nigerian only through a referendum.





Kanu said this on Saturday during a special broadcast on Radio Biafra, according to a statement from Emma Powerful, IPOB spokesman.





He was speaking on the need for a referendum on IPOBs quest for a sovereign state of Biafra, and on boycott of the upcoming elections to achieve this.





According to Kanu, Atiku is from former Sarduana province of Cameroon that later joined Nigeria through a referendum.





I need not mention other nations, which in the recent past, had applied boycott as a means to expressing and achieving their demands for freedom.





Nigerias experience with election boycott in 1964 tells the same story but they have banned history and thus wont teach you that in schools. They wont tell you that Chief Obafemi Awolowo used boycott of elections to achieve his goal in the west.





They also wont tell you that its referendum (called a plebiscite in this case) that brought about the creation of an autonomous mid-west region of Nigeria in 1963, and before then  the unification of the former Sarduana province of Cameroon (where Atiku came from) with Nigeria, and part of southeastern Nigeria joined Cameroon.





All through a referendum, and heavens did not fall. It was that referendum in the north-east that enabled Atiku Abubakar to become a Nigeria otherwise he would be a Cameroonian today.





Why is it that the same process that made it possible for Atiku to become a Nigerian instead of a Cameroonian cannot be extended to me as a Biafran?





Kanu added that the Igbo boycotting the general election is an indirect referendum and therefore should be considered a major assignment between now and the night of February, 16th 2019.





Kanu had alleged that a clone he referred to as Jubril from Sudan is the one in charge of Nigeria, not President Muhammadu Buhari.





Weeks after the rumor went viral, Buhari dismissed it, saying he is in control of the country.



The February 16 poll for Kano Central Senatorial District pitches former governors Ibrahim Shekarau and Rabiu Kwankwaso in another round...

The February 16 poll for Kano Central Senatorial District pitches former governors Ibrahim Shekarau and Rabiu Kwankwaso in another round of political wits.









The political battle between former governors of Kano State, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau and Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso seem to be unending. In one form or another, the affront between the two political giants takes amoebic manner with different shapes and colour.









Now, the contest for the seat of Kano Central Senatorial District in the February 16 polls has pitched the two again. It is considered the fourth political cold war between the two to showcase their popularity.









While Shekarau is contesting for the Senatorial seat under the All Progressives Congress (APC), Kwankwaso is also contesting by proxy through his anointed candidate, Alhaji Aliyu Sani Madakin Gini, running under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).









The first round of show of force between the two was in 2003 when Shekarau unseated Kwankwaso, then the incumbent governor.









The second battle was in 2007 when Shekarau contested for his second term while Kwankwaso anointed Ahmed Garba Bichi under PDP. Again, Shekarau emerged victorious.









However, the third bout was in 2011 when Kwanwkaso contested for governor while Shekarau anointed Malam Salihu Sagir Takai for the same position. At the end of the battle, however, Kwankwaso triumphed over Shekarau.









Now, the contest for Kano Central Senatorial District is too close to call as both former governors have strong bases.









Kano central district consists of 15 local government areas of Nassarawa, Dala, Gwale, Municipal, Tarauni, Kumbotso, Fagge,









Gezawa, Minjibir, Dawakin-Kudu, Warawa, Kura, Garun-Malam, Madobi and Ungoggo.









Eight of these local governments namely Nassarawa, Municipal, Gwale, Dala, Tarauni,









Kumbotso, Fagge and Ungoggo are the most populated hence, they always produce the bulk of votes during the election.









It is therefore apparent that any politician contesting for Kano central must get substantial votes from these local governments before emerging victorious.









Although Alhaji Madakin Gini, a serving member of House of Representatives representing Dala Federal constituency, is the person angling for the Senate, it is indeed Kwankwasos battle.









Interestingly, Shekarau and Madakin-Gini came from one out of the eight most populated local governments. While Shekarau is from Nassarawa, Madakin-Gini is from Dala local government.









According to a summary of the result of 2015 general election, Senator Kwankwaso of the APC got a total of 758,383 votes to defeat his opponent of the PDP, Senator Bashir Garba Lado who got 205,809 votes.









The summary indicated that as at 2015, Kano central has a total of 2,530,281 registered voters out of which 1,080,506 were accredited for the poll.









It was gathered that Nassarawa local government has the highest number of registered voters of 370,733 followed by Dala with 306,582 voters.









Kano Municipal Local Government occupied the third position with 284,359 voters, Fagge, 233,030 voters and Gwale as the fifth with 194,860 voters. Tarauni has 185,324, Kumbotso, 177,608 and Ungoggo has 172,508 voters.









A total of 127,507 votes were counted as valid in Nassarawa, 107,535 in Kano Municipal, 106,343, in Dala, 79,286 in Ungoggo, 73,297 in Kumbotso, 73,054 in Tarauni, 68,538, in Gwale and 56,153 votes in Fagge local government.









It was gathered that at the end of the poll in 2015, a total number of votes cast stood at 992,590, with 973,053 valid votes. This represented 42.70 per cent of the turn-out of voters.









Shekarau and Kwankwaso have their strong and weak points as far as Kano Central is concerned. For Shekarau, contesting under APC will certainly play a greater for him. The former governor was persuaded into the APC from the PDP by Governor Abdullahi Ganduje as part of the strategy to fight Kwankwaso, considered a common political rival.









Ganduje served as deputy to Kwankwaso for eight years before he became Governor in 2015. However, their political relationships later become sour and they never reconciled despite several efforts from within and outside Kano to reconcile them.









In fact, until the defection of Shekarau to APC, Governor Ganduje has been shopping for a credible and strong politician that can challenge









Kwankwaso or his anointed candidate in the contest for Kano central and other political positions in this years general elections.









Ganduje, in his quest to get a right person, persuaded and succeeded in returning Senator Basheer Garba Lado to APC and prepared him for Kano Central Senatorial District.









However, shortly after Ganduje succeeded in getting Shekarau back into APC, the political calculation completely changed as Lado was convinced to drop his ambition for Shekarau.









Another factor in favour Shekarau is a strong and functional political network.









Although some of his political associates like the gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Malam Salihu Sagir Takai, Alhaji Abdullahi Sani Rogo and the host of others have joined other political parties, yet Shekarau still enjoys huge support.









Another plus for Shekarau is the crisis within the PDP that have fictionalised the party into old and new PDP with Ambassador Aminu Wali leading the old and Kwankwaso starring the affairs of the new PDP.









The circumstances that led to the return of Kwankwaso to PDP and subsequent taking over of the leadership of the party in the state is still fresh in the memory of many PDP members especially those in the older camp.









According to an impeccable source in the old PDP camp, the majority of them have remained in the party because they believe in its ideologies but may not support Kwankwasos candidate.









Most said Kwankwaso succeeded in imposing Madakin-Gini on them but cannot force them to either vote for him or work for his victory.









However, the only challenge that is before Shekarau is his inability to manage some APC members that vied for Kano central position before he joined the party. Here, Senator Lado must be taken into account by Shekarau and by extension Kano APC.









For Kwankwasos anointed candidate, he also has the opportunity of getting more votes from the eight metropolitan local governments having come from Dala local government. Although, a first-timer for the Senate election, Madakin-Gini contest for the House of Representatives in 2015, has exposed him to some basics that could help him play a greater role in the February 16 senatorial poll.









However, the circumstances that led to his emergence as PDP candidate will be one of his major challenges.









After Kwankwaso returned to PDP, he took over the leadership from Ambassador Walis camp referred to as old PDP. This development has led to the replacement of Senator Masud El-Jibril Doguwa-led executive with a new leadership headed by the former Secretary to the State Government, Dr Rabiu Sulaiman Bichi, a diehard supporter of Kwankwaso.









The internal leadership crisis also led to a legal battle between the Doguwa and Kwankwasos factions. However, the PDP national headquarters recognized the Kwankwaso-led faction.









With this development, Kwankwaso and his anointed candidate may not enjoy the support of members of the old PDP.









Kwankwaso may not also get the support of many supporters of his Kwankwasiyya group because of internal squabbles that occurred during the last congresses. Some members were offended because of what they described as the imposition of candidates and may not support most of the candidates brought on board by Kwankwaso.









However, who takes the trophy between Shekarau and Kwankwasos proxy Madakin-Gini, in this fourth round of hostility is just a few weeks away.Famous Kannywood actor, Bello Muhammad Bello (BMB) has vowed to cut the hair on his head if President Muhammadu Buhari is re-elected as ...

Famous Kannywood actor, Bello Muhammad Bello (BMB) has vowed to cut the hair on his head if President Muhammadu Buhari is re-elected as president.









The actor said that he refused to shave his hair when he was offered some money, but would do it for free for Buhari the moment he is announced as the winner of the 16th February presidential election.









Bello, also a director and a script-writer, said he had been carrying the hair on his head for a decade.









A Producer once asked me to cut my hair for N1.5 million to play a lead role in a movie, I refused, now I want to do it for free for Buhari. This is to tell you how deeply I love Buhari.









I promise to set another record by cutting my hair the moment PMB is announced as the winner of the 2019 presidential election. So help me God.The trial of a former Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Peter Ayodele Fayose over an alleged N7.2 billion fraud, slammed against him by the E...

The trial of a former Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Peter Ayodele Fayose over an alleged N7.2 billion fraud, slammed against him by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC, continues on Monday 4th of February.









The case is before Justice Mojisola Olatoregun of Federal high court Lagos where the former minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro has been testifying against Fayose.









Obanikoro, being led in evidence by EFCCs counsel Mr Rotimi Jacobs SAN, had, at the last adjourned date, testified that he gave Fayose the sum of $5m in cash doled out from National Security impress account on the instruction of the then National Security Adviser to former president Goodluck Jonathan colonel Sambo Dasuki.









Dasuki is equally standing trial for allegedly squandering of $2.1bn meant for the purchase of equipment to combat the Boko Haram insurgents between 2013 to 2015.









Fayose applied for an adjournment, through his lawyers chief Kanu Agabi SAN and Olalekan Ojo SAN, to enable them cross examine Obanikoro.









Justice Olatoregun, while fixing 4th, 5th and 6th of February respectively for the continuation of the trial, held that it will be the last adjournment right from defendants until the conclusion of the trial.Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has described the recent endorsement of Governor Abdullahi Umar Gandujes second term gubernatorial bid in...

Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has described the recent endorsement of Governor Abdullahi Umar Gandujes second term gubernatorial bid in the upcoming general election by President Muhammadu Buhari during his presidential campaign visit to Kano as an added advantage to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.









Speaking during a two-hour programme on a local radio station in the state, Kwankwaso, a serving Senator representing Kano central, stated that Buharis endorsement of Ganduje was a big mistake done by the President, considering all the circumstances surrounding the candidature of the governor.









For those that genuinely love Mr President, the endorsement was seen as a mistake and I strongly believe that it was a mistake.









However, for us in PDP, President Muhammadu Buharis visit to Kano state and the endorsement of his partys gubernatorial candidate was a big campaign for us, go round and sample views, you will understand what I am saying, said Kwankwaso.









He further revealed that his party and the Kwankwasiyya movement were always committed to serving the general publics interest, questioning the way government activities were being conducted in present-day democracy.









I am not contesting for any position, I have observed the happenings for three good years and now is the time for all well-meaning Nigerians to use their constitutional right to affect the needed readjustments.









The way government and government activities are being conducted in present-day democracy in Nigeria calls for serious attention to the dictate of real democracy, he said.Andy Uba, senator representing Anambra south senatorial district, says he stands a chance of becoming senate president if reelected. ...





Andy Uba, senator representing Anambra south senatorial district, says he stands a chance of becoming senate president if reelected.





The senator, who is of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said this on Saturday during his campaign rally in Orumba north local government area of the state.





He said President Muhammadu Buhari wanted to make an Igbo man senate president in 2015 but he found no ranking senator in the party then.





He urged the electorate in the state to support his reelection for that opportunity.

Ive a better chance to become the senate president, having been in the senate for eight years and attained the status of a ranking senator, PUNCH quoted him as saying.





President Buhari in 2015 was ready to make an Igbo man the senate president, but he could not find a ranking Igbo senator from the area in the APC, then.





He urged the people of the state to support Buharis re-election as well as his own because senate presidency is a bigger position than even the governor of a state.





So, if we get the senate presidency, it will mean having something more than a governor in our district, he added





In 2015, did you see this kind of crowd converge on any part of the state for APC? It did not happen. The people were aloof and not ready to listen to anyone then who would talk to them about the APC or Buhari, but today the story is different.





The people know us, and when we approach them and tell them that APC is the best place to be, they dont argue about it.



Nepalese people show the Chinese paper-cut of "Fu", a Chinese character which means happiness and blessing, during the Happy Chinese New Year cultural celebrations held at the China Cultural Center in Nepal from Jan. 25 to 28, 2019. (People's Daily/Yuan Jirong)

Spring Festival, which is also called Chinese New Year (CNY), is the most important festival for Chinese people, and a vivid display of the values and aesthetic pursuit of the Chinese nation. The "Happy Chinese New Year" global celebration campaign, an activity with the widest coverage, largest number of participants, and the most extensive influence in Chinas foreign cultural exchange, will be held for the 10th year.

The celebration activity for Spring Festival 2019 has officially started globally as the Chinese New Year is around the corner. From mid-January to late February, more than 1,500 cultural activities of 30 types such as exhibitions, art performances, New Years fairs, parades, intangible cultural heritage shows and ice dragon boat races will take place in 396 cities in 133 countries and regions. These activities serve as a platform for the world to experience the Chinese New Year.

Hereunder are four highlights of the global celebration campaign.

Highlight No.1: Integration of culture and tourism

The Spring Festival 2019 is the first Chinese New Year after the establishment of Chinas Ministry of Culture and Tourism. The integrative development of culture and tourism will be the largest highlight of the "Happy Chinese New Year" global celebration campaign this year.

A visitor in Germany shows People's Daily reporter a panda doll he just bought in the exhibition area of the culture and tourism of Chengdu, capital of Sichuan province in southwest China. From Jan. 24 to 27, 2019, a series of cultural celebrations with the theme "Happy Chinese New Year" were held at a shopping mall on Potsdamer Platz in Berlin, capital of Germany. (People's Daily/Hua Fang)

The "Beautiful China" Tourism Promotion event will be held along with the "Happy Chinese New Year" global celebration campaign in many cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Toronto, and Zagreb.

The global celebration event will kick off as a part of the activities to observe the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Belt and Road countries such as Russia, Mongolia, and Bulgaria. Cultural and tourism exhibition and experiencing activities in various forms will take place, bringing the atmosphere of CNY to people in these countries.

Highlight No.2: New Years fairs displaying folk customs

As a traditional brand of the global celebration campaign, the New Year fairs have strong festive characteristics. From Feb. 2 to 10, the Beijing Municipal People's Government will unveil a New Year fair with Finlands Helsinki Municipal Government. The fair, which will be held for the 12th consecutive year, has become totally localized as a large-scale cultural event in winter.

Sharm el-Sheikh of Egypt will also hold a grand fair, which includes exhibition and handicrafts auction, art and acrobatic performances, Chinese food exhibition, as well as carnivals and parades. The New Year fairs will also take place in countries and regions such as Argentina, Mauritius, and Wellington.

Highlight No. 3: Intangible cultural heritages

Various private cultural institutions, social organizations and inheritors of intangible cultural heritages will become the major force for the "Happy Chinese New Year" global celebration activity. From late January to early February, artists from Guangdong will hold a series of exhibitions of intangible cultural heritages in many cultural organizations of Washington D.C.

A mother shows her daughter's calligraphy work of the Chinese phrase "Xingyun" (good luck) during the Happy Chinese New Year cultural celebrations held at a shopping mall on Potsdamer Platz in Berlin from Jan. 24 to 27, 2019. (People's Daily/Hua Fang)

Currently, handicrafts and Chengdu delicacies are displayed at the China Cultural Center in Berlin from Jan. 24 to Feb. 11. In addition, lantern companies from Sichuan will hold lantern shows in 10 cities including Madrid, Tokyo, and Tirana, lighting up these places with the friendship of the Chinese people.

Highlight No.4: Art shows

On Feb.8, the Suzhou Symphony Orchestra will stage a Chinese New Year concert in the New York headquarters of the United Nations, the first concert for celebrating CNY to be held in the general assembly hall of the UN headquarters.

Chinese dancers perform "Forever Jiangnan" at the opening of The Charms of Wonderful Jiangsu - Cultural and Tourism Year of Jiangsu at the China Cultural Center in Singapore on Jan 26, 2019. The performance infuses folk songs, dance, acrobatics and traditional instruments from the eastern Chinese province. (People's Daily/Lin Rui)

From Feb. 9 to 21, the Troupe One of the National Peking Opera Company and the China National Chimes Orchestra of the Hubei Provincial Performing Arts Group will join hands for a performance tour in Chicago, Detroit, Muscatine, and San Diego.

It will be the first performance played by a full set of chimes in the history of the "Happy Chinese New Year" global celebration campaign. In addition, a series of excellent stage performances and exhibitions of treasures will take place during the global celebration activity, such as the amazing ballet show Raise the Red Lantern by the National Ballet of China, and Legendary Amazons by the National Peking Opera Company.Offer a personal message of congratulations...

You'll find individual Guest Books on the page with each announcement. By sharing a positive thought you add happiness to the lives of those who are reaching a new life milestone. If you have an existing account with this site, you may log in with that below. Otherwise, you can create an account by clicking on the Log in button below, and then register to create your account.The government has announced standards it hopes to set for casino resorts a to be built by the mid-2020s a requiring them to have hotels and conference rooms that would be among the biggest in the country.

The requirements, including hotels with more than 100,000 square meters for guest rooms, would necessitate huge investments from local governments and facility operators, and were revealed by the government Friday. Japan is attempting to compete with regional rivals including Macau, Singapore and South Korea with the planned casinos.

Using an average-sized Japanese guest room of 50 square meters, such a hotel would necessitate 2,000 rooms, far exceeding the number of rooms at many of the largest hotels in the country.

Other requirements include: an exhibition hall with at least 120,000 square meters or a conference room that can hold more than 6,000 people, or a hybrid design that would have both a 60,000-square-meter convention room and a conference room that holds 3,000 people.

The largest exhibition floor space in Japan is at Tokyo Big Sight, with 95,000 square meters, and the largest conference halls, which are in Tokyo and Yokohama, hold around 5,000 people.

Floor space for casinos is set at below 3 percent of the total resort space. Advertising for casinos outside the integrated resort will be limited to airports with international flights and terminals at ports.When I covered the war in Bosnia I got to know Nermin Tulic, a prominent Sarajevo actor. He had his legs blown off by a Serbian shell on June 10, 1992. He raged.

He begged me not to look at his stumps. He wondered how he had ever taken his wife, who was half-Serb, in his arms. He told me how he had wanted to die as he lay in the hospital and, on the floor below, his wife gave birth to their second daughter. Only his fathers words gave him the will to live: A child needs his father even if he just sits in the corner.

I am a European patriot because I witnessed how nationalism could turn a cosmopolitan European city into the place where Tulic lost his legs. Nationalism, self-pitying and aggressive, seeks to change the present in the name of an illusory past in order to create a future vague in all respects except its glory. Pregnant with violence, manipulating fear, it is an exercise in mass delusion. I hate it with all my being.

As Francois Mitterrand, the former French president, observed in 1995, prejudices must be conquered because the alternative is nationalism  and nationalism is war. Almost a quarter-century later, nationalism advances. The American president declares: You know what I am? Im a nationalist. OK? Im a nationalist.

This is how dangerous words achieve banality. From Hungary to France, from Poland to Britain, nationalists pour scorn on the European Union and seek its unravelling. I am a European patriot because I read the war diary of my uncle Bert Cohen of the 6th South African Armored Division, 19th Field Ambulance.

He reached Italys Monte Cassino on July 21, 1944. His diary entry: Poor Cassino, horror, wreck and desolation unbelievable, roads smashed and pitted, mines, booby traps and graves everywhere. Huge shell holes, craters filled with stagnant slime, smashed buildings, hardly outlines remaining, a silent sight of ghosts and shadows. Pictures should be taken of this monument to mankinds worst moments and circulated through every schoolroom.

That was Europe not so very long ago.The United States and China said their trade war negotiations resulted in major progress as the clock ticks on a March deadline to avert a massive escalation of tariffs that could bruise the global economy. US President Donald Trump hailed tremendous progress and welcomed a beautiful letter from his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, who said he hoped for further cooperation. Beijings official Xinhua news agency said yesterday that US and Chinese negotiators made important progress during two days of candid, specific and fruitful discussions in Washington.

Although the latest round of talks ended with positive words, the White House emphasized the two sides still faced the hard deadline of March 1 to avoid another sharp escalation in their trade war. Economists say that prospect -- which would mean more than doubling US tariffs on $200 billion in Chinese goods -- would be a body blow to the global economy. In a letter from Xi to Trump that was read out by the Chinese delegation, Xi said relations were at a critical stage and that he hoped our two sides will continue to work with mutual respect.

Trump said relations between the two countries are very, very good. US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin will travel to China in mid-February for the next round of talks, according to Xinhua, and Trump said he would meet Xi after that to close the deal. We have to get this put on paper at some point if we agree. Theres some points that we dont agree to yet. I think we will agree. I think when President Xi and myself meet, every point will be agreed to, Trump said.

With Chinas economy slowing sharply and markets on edge at the prospect of further trade disruptions, the stakes for the talks have become especially high. Last year, Washington and Beijing imposed tariffs on more than $360 billion in two-way trade, after Trump initiated the trade war because of complaints over unfair trade practices. US duty rates on $200 billion in Chinese goods are due to rise to 25 per cent from 10pc if no agreement is reached by March 1. We havent talked about extending the deadline, Trump said.Pakistans former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, who is serving a seven-year jail term over graft charges, was taken to hospital on Saturday, officials said. Sharif was transferred from Kot Lakhpat prison in the eastern city of Lahore to a government hospital, where he was undergoing medical tests.

Nawaz Sharif has been moved to hospital from jail, a senior government official in Lahore said. Sharifs daughter Maryam Nawaz confirmed the news on Twitter. Sharif has been facing multiple health issues. He was transferred from jail to hospital last July over an irregular electrocardiogram reading during his first prison term when a graft court sentenced him to ten years in a case revolving around family properties in London.

He was released in September after another court suspended his sentence pending an appeal hearing -- but was again sentenced to seven years in prison for corruption in a second case. Sharif has denied all the charges against him and claims he is being targeted by the countrys powerful security establishment. The Supreme Court disqualified Sharif from politics for life over the allegations last year and directed an anti-corruption body to investigate three different charges regarding his familys properties and businesses.A Bahraini man suffered multiple injuries after he was kicked by a horse in a stable located in Bilad Al Qadeem village on Friday.

Identified as Ahmed Al Biladi, sources confirmed that he arrived in the hospital in a dangerous condition remained under observation for a couple of hours, before being discharged later on the same day.

A voice recording of Mr. Al Biladi, confirming that his condition has stabilized has been circulating on WhatsApp during the past 24 hours.

Mr. Al Biladi is known for being one of the active horsemen in Bahrain and has participated in many local horse riding events and cowboy shows.Under the patronage of Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Oil, the Kingdom will host the Ethylene Middle East Technology Conference and Exhibition, on February 13 and 14 at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre.

The event is organised by the Middle East Energy Events, in co-operation and co-ordination with the National Oil and Gas Authority (NOGA) and the support of a number of local, regional and global companies.

There will be wide participation of interested researchers and specialists in order to exchange practical experiences and innovative ideas and strategies to reduce costs and increase the return and create value on issues related to planning, design, operation and maintenance.

The minister praised the organising committee for choosing the Kingdom to host this conference, because of the Kingdoms good reputation in hosting such international events specialised in oil and industrial topics.

He emphasised the distinctive contribution of the region to the world of the petrochemical industry as the main supplier of ethylene worldwide. The minister noted that the Middle East region is witnessing rapid global growth, thus being a vital centre in the ethylene industry due to its ability to provide raw materials and global competition.The High Criminal Appeals Court has upheld the five-year jail sentence handed down to an Asian convicted of credit card fraud and forgery. The defendant is said to have purchased four mobile phones worth BD520 using a forged credit card. And he landed in the police net after the competent authorities were notified about the incident, according to prosecutors.

However, the Asian man told prosecutors that the cards were given to him by a friend who advised him against carrying cash while travelling abroad. I work as a manager at a local construction company. Before I came to Bahrain to visit some friends, I had 65,000 Indian rupees (BD333) and I tried to exchange them into Bahraini dinars.

However, an exchange shop owner recommended I exchange the cash with three credit cards because Bahrain doesnt allow foreigners to carry more than BD500 when they enter the country through the airport, the defendant told prosecutors. When asked about why he decided to use the cards to purchase mobile phones, the defendant revealed: I wanted to gift them to family members. I didnt know that I used forged cards to purchase them.In collaboration with China's Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Chinese Embassy, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is planning its most magnificent Chinese New Year celebration ever on February 1, with Princess Sirindhorn presiding over the opening on Bangkok's Yaowarat Road.

Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor, told People's Daily, this year was distinct because it comes after Thailand welcomed 10 million Chinese tourists during 2018 for the first time. The festivities will overlap with the 44th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and China.

(Photos: Zhao Yipu/People's Daily)

"Happy New Year to all Chinese celebrating the auspicious Year of the Pig. This year's event will come at a time when Chinese arrivals continue to be the engine that drives Thai tourism," Yuthasak said.

"TAT expects to welcome over 330,000 Chinese tourists during the seven-day period (February 4-10). They represent more than 30% of the 1.03 million international tourists expected to visit Thailand over the Chinese New Year," he added.

Yuthasak said Chinese tourists are also expected to spend more than 10 billion Baht (US$ 314 million) out of an estimated total revenue of 24 billion Baht from international visitors during the week-long period.

The TAT's Chinese New Year 2019 celebrations are held in destinations popular with young Chinese tourists. Events are planned in Bangkok at Siam Square (from February 4-6 and Yaowarat Road on February 5); Chiang Mai at the Maya Lifestyle Shopping Centre (February 5-6); and Phuket at Central Phuket Floresta (February 5-6).

All three locations will feature cultural performances from China and Thailand. There will be demonstrations of various Chinese art forms including paper cutting (Jianzhi) and calligraphy, a fair selling goods and auspicious food, plus other activities and additional performances from well-known artists and pop stars.

This year China will send troupes from seven provinces to perform traditional shows. These include acrobats from Shanxi, puppet shows from Fujian, and traditional Chinese dances from Yunnan, Inner Mongolia, Heilongjiang and Qiandongnan. From Shandong alone, there are Chinese opera shows, traditional dances, acrobats and martial art (Kung Fu) exhibitions.

TAT is also supporting independent festivities organised by large ethnic Thai-Chinese communities at locations with a long-standing tradition of hosting New Year activities on a grand scale with each event expressing its own uniqueness. These include but are not limited to: Bangkok's China Town on Yaowarat Road, Chiang Mai, Nakhon Sawan, Suphan Buri, Ratchaburi, Ayutthaya, Phetchaburi, Nakhon Ratchasima, Udon Thani, Trang, Songkhla (Hat Yai), and Phuket.The Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications and Bahrain Airport Company (BAC) Chairman Kamal Ahmed, BAC Chief Executive Officer Mohamed Yousif Al Binfalah, and President of the FedEx Express Middle East, Indian Subcontinent and Africa (MEISA) region James R Muhs, signed a Letter of Intent concerning warehouse space at Bahrain International Airports (BIA) new Cargo Area on the northern runway.

The expansion of BIAs cargo facilities is in line with the objectives of the Higher Coordinating Committee, chaired by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, to further develop the Kingdoms logistics field. The signing ceremony was attended by a number of other senior officials from Customs from the Ministry of Interior, BAC, EDB and FedEx Express. Also in attendance were FedEx Express Vice President of Middle East and Northern Africa Ground Operations, Taarek Hinedi, and Managing Director for Middle East Operations, Saleh Mansour. The minister said: BAC has a comprehensive plan to attract prominent cargo companies to the Kingdom, which will strengthen Bahrains strategic position as a leading provider of efficient logistics services in the region. We are currently negotiating with two other companies wishing to operate warehouses at the new Cargo Area, which further demonstrates the Kingdoms strong reputation as a regional hub for logistical services in the GCC and wider Middle East.

He added: The new Air Cargo Area that BAC is constructing north of the runway is an important part of the overall growth strategy adopted by the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications, and a key component in the Airport Modernisation Program (AMP), which is due to be completed by Q3 2019. It also reflects the important steps that the company is taking to enhance the airports infrastructure and increase its ability to accommodate rising local and regional demand. The new Cargo Area will create more job opportunities and enable the airport to handle larger volumes. This is in line with government-led initiatives aimed at expanding the Kingdoms logistics sector, which began in 2015 via the Bahrain Logistics Board chaired by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander, and First Deputy Prime Minister, Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa.The Daily News-Miner encourages residents to make themselves heard through the Opinion pages. Readers' letters and columns also appear online at newsminer.com. Contact the editor with questions at letters@newsminer.com or call 459-7574.

Community Perspective

Send Community Perspective submissions by mail (P.O. Box 70710, Fairbanks AK 99707) or via email (letters@newsminer.com). Submissions must be 500 to 750 words. Columns are welcome on a wide range of issues and should be well-written and well-researched with attribution of sources. Include a full name, email address, daytime telephone number and headshot photograph suitable for publication (email jpg or tiff files at 150 dpi.) You may also schedule a photo to be taken at the News-Miner office. The News-Miner reserves the right to edit submissions or to reject those of poor quality or taste without consulting the writer.

Letters to the editor

Send letters to the editor by mail (P.O. Box 70710, Fairbanks AK 99707), by fax (907-452-7917) or via email (letters@newsminer.com). Writers are limited to one letter every two weeks (14 days.) All letters must contain no more than 350 words and include a full name (no abbreviation), daytime and evening phone numbers and physical address. (If no phone, then provide a mailing address or email address.) The Daily News-Miner reserves the right to edit or reject letters without consulting the writer.An artist's illustration shows what the National Aquatics Center will look like after renovations for the 2022 Winter Games, when it will host the curling competition. [Photo/China Daily]

For the first time in Olympic history, the venues for the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics and Paralympics will be powered by green electricity, Science and Technology Daily have reported.

A signing ceremony was held between the Beijing Organizing Committee for the 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and the State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC) on Wednesday, confirming the deal.

Electrical work for the Beijing Winter Olympics has achieved set targets to this point, and the first batch of Winter Olympics venues in Beijing and Hebei province are now qualified to purchase green electricity.

The use of green electricity is a concrete measure to implement the concept of a green Olympics and fulfill the commitment of the bid, said Zhang Jiandong, vice-mayor of Beijing and executive vice-president of the Beijing 2022 organizing committee.

The move will promote the extensive use of green energy in Beijing, co-host city Zhangjiakou, and other cities, he said.

As green electricity trading agents, the State Grid will speed up the construction of a smart grid to ensure a safe, reliable and green power supply for the Beijing Winter Olympics, said Xin Baoan, general manager of SGCC.A view of the main resting space inside the Carmacks checkpoint Sunday morning, Feb. 3, 2019, at the Carmacks Recreation Centre. Race volunteers, media and fans are stretching out in the quiet space.Let us know what you're seeing and hearing around the community.

Submit hereGerman musher Nick Helfinger's dogs patiently wait for a meal before the start of the YQ300 200-mile race Saturday afternoon, Feb. 2, 2019, at Shipyards Park in Whitehorse, Yukon. Helfinger, 20, is making his debut in a Yukon Quest-organized race.Rob Richards poses with some of the items available at his storefront on Airport Way. Photo curtesy Jeremy Parker(Newser)  Pope Francis landed Sunday in Abu Dhabi on the first-ever papal trip to the Arabian Peninsula, where he is seeking to turn a page in Christian-Muslim relations while also ministering to a unique, thriving Catholic community, the AP reports. Francis earlier Sunday called for the urgent observation of a limited cease-fire in Yemen reached in December and for food and medicine to get to its people, who are suffering the world's worst humanitarian crisis. He made the appeal at the Vatican before boarding a plane to the United Arab Emirates, which has been Saudi Arabia's main ally in its war in Yemena way to avoid embarrassing his hosts with a public call while in the region.

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Abu Dhabi's powerful crown prince, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, greeted the pontiff with smiles along with cabinet ministers and an honor guard when he landed around 9:50pm in the Emirati capital. "The people are exhausted by the long conflict and many children are hungry, but humanitarian aid isn't accessible," Francis said in his noontime Sunday blessing. "The cries of these children and their parents rise up" to God. Francis traveled to Abu Dhabi to participate in a conference on interreligious dialogue sponsored the Emirates-based Muslim Council of Elders, an initiative that seeks to counter religious fanaticism by promoting a moderate brand of Islam. It's the brainchild of Sheikh Ahmed el-Tayeb, the grand imam of Egypt's Al-Azhar, the revered 1,000-year-old seat of Sunni Islam that trains clerics and scholars from around the world. (The pope says he's a tech "disaster" but does have a new app.)(Newser)  Virginia's embattled governor on Saturday pledged to remain in office after disavowing a blatantly racist photograph that appeared under his name in his 1984 medical school yearbookand more calls for his resignation followed. After Gov. Ralph Northam spoke on Saturday, both of Virginia's US senators said they called Northam to tell him that he must resign, reports the AP. In a joint statement Saturday night, Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine and the dean of Virginia's congressional delegation, Rep. Bobby Scott, said the recent events "have inflicted immense pain and irrevocably broken the trust Virginians must have in their leaders." The Virginia Democratic Party and the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus had earlier called for his resignation. More:

Hillary Clinton placed herself in the "resign" camp on Saturday. She wrote in a tweet, "This has gone on too long. There is nothing to debate. He must resign."

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez weighed in too, tweeting, "Northam must resign, and those who try to help him stumble past this deserve scrutiny. If you cant understand how painful + eroding this is to American society, let alone the state of Virginia, take some time to read up this weekend. To start, try 'Between the World and Me.'"

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In a tweet late Saturday, President Trump called Northam's actions related to the photo and abortion debate "unforgiveable!"

In a tumultuous 24 hours, Gov. Ralph Northam on Friday apologized for appearing in a photograph that featured what appeared to be a man in blackface and a second person cloaked in Ku Klux Klan garb. But by Saturday, he reversed course and said the racist photo on his yearbook profile page did not feature him after all. The governor said he had not seen the photo before Friday, since he had not purchased the commemorative book or been involved in its preparation more than three decades ago.

Fox News reports the president of the Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolkthe one Northam attendedsaid in a statement Saturday that "an external investigation" will soon begin into all past yearbooks to "determine the processes for publishing those yearbooks [and] discover what, if any, administrative oversight was exercised."

While talking with reporters, Northam admitted that he had previously worn blackface around that time, saying he once had used shoe polish to darken his face as part of a Michael Jackson costume he fashioned for a 1984 dance contest in San Antonio, Texas, when he was in the US Army. Northam said he regrets that he didn't understand "the harmful legacy of an action like that."

If Northam does resign, Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax would become the second African-American governor in the state's history. In a statement, Fairfax said the state needs leaders who can unite people, but he stopped short of calling for Northam's departure.

Northam conceded Saturday that people might have difficulty believing his shifting statements. He was pushed repeatedly by reporters to explain why he issued an apology Friday if he wasn't in the photograph. "My first intention ... was to reach out and apologize," he said, adding that he recognized that people would be offended by the photo. But after studying the picture and consulting with classmates, Northam said, "I am convinced that is not my picture."

(Read more Ralph Northam stories.)Russian gov't says to provide funds for development of new weapons

The Russian government will provide necessary mechanisms to finance the development of new weapons, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said Saturday, in response to Washington's withdrawal from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF).

"Given the U.S. withdrawal from the INF Treaty and the response steps announced by the President of Russia, the government of the Russian Federation will provide the necessary means and mechanisms to finance the development of new types of weapons," Medvedev said on Twitter.

The "unilateral, unprovoked" U.S. withdrawal from the INF Treaty worsens the situation around international security and strategic stability, which will definitely meet an effective response from the Russian side, he said.

The Trump administration announced on Friday that the United States is withdrawing from the INF Treaty with Russia within six months, starting from Feb. 2.

Earlier in the day, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that Russia would suspend its participation in the INF Treaty in a mirror response to the United States' decision.

At a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, Putin backed Shoigu's proposal to develop new arms including ground-based complexes of hypersonic medium- and shorter-range ballistic missiles.

"They announced that they (the United States) are engaged in research and development work, and we will do the same," Putin said.

The INF Treaty was signed in 1987 between the Soviet Union and the United States on the elimination of intermediate-range and shorter-range missiles.

Moscow and Washington have been accusing each other of violating the agreement in recent years amid increasing tension between the two countries.(Newser)  The misery of last week's polar vortex continues to drag on, now with outrage in Brooklyn, where some 1,600 inmates at a federal jail have been shivering amid a partial power outage that's resulted in limited heat in week in which temperatures plunged, reports NBC News. The power issues at the Metropolitan Detention Center date back to Jan. 5, but extended into heating issues last weekand inmates aren't happy about it. Video shot outside the jail captures inmates kicking up a ruckus in protest inside, and officials took notice, with Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand retweeting it and calling conditions "inhumane and a violation of the detainees constitutional rights."

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The Federal Bureau of Prisons blames a "fire in the switch gear room," and said Saturday night it's "working to restore power as expeditiously as possible." It earlier said it was working with Con Edison to restore power, though the utility said it was not having issues. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio blasted the bureau, tweeting on Saturday that it had refused the city's help "even as their incompetence is on full display for the world," and later that "the supplies are coming  whether they like it or not." A US district court judge has ordered the prisons bureau to appear in court on Tuesday as part of a hearing that inmates were being kept in "disturbing living conditions." (The MDC has had some high-profile inmates.)(Newser)  A shipping container seized in Hong Kong this month was full of animal parts, but they definitely didn't come from a cow as declared. Authorities there have arrested a man and a woman from a trading company after discovering more than 1,000 elephant tusks and 9 tons of pangolin scales in the container shipped from Nigeria, reports the BBC. Customs officials said it was "a record quantity for a seizure of pangolin scales." Pangolins are thought to be the most trafficked mammal on Earth as well as the scaliest.

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The scales of the endangered anteater are believed in some parts of Asia to have medicinal value. They're rumoured to reduce swelling and increase blood circulation, per the South China Morning Post, though the BBC says they're made of keratinthe same material as human fingernailsand their health benefits are unproven. Meanwhile, Uganda has stopped what it calls the country's biggest-ever illegal shipment of pangolin scales and ivory, per Channel News Asia. With a possible market value of $8 million, the haul came from the Democratic Republic of Congo and was headed for Uganda's capital city of Kampala. (Read more Hong Kong stories.)This Home Listed for $590K

'Is Not for the Faint of Heart'



SERIOUS divisions have emerged within the rank and file of the civil service on whether or not to go on strike tomorrow with the majority of Government workers eager to give dialogue a chance while a few insist on downing tools.





Unions had last week threatened an industrial action despite ongoing talks with the employer. Apex Council chairperson Mrs Cecilia Alexander said yesterday it was only rational to give dialogue a chance.





She said nine unions representing civil servants had agreed to shelve the industrial action opting for talks. Mrs Alexander said it was shocking that others want to press ahead with the strike.





We have come a long way with these negotiations. At first Government did not want to hear of any increase, then it offered $160 million which we rejected.





Government then offered $300 million which we also rejected and the President chipped in with $63 million to cushion workers, she said.





Although we have declined all Government offers we feel we should give negotiations a chance because Government has promised to look into our concerns.





Government pleaded with the workers for time to make some interventions on price reduction as well as make good on the long standing promises on non-monetary incentives so we have to give it a chance.





Mrs Alexander said they were making progress and downing tools was not in the best interest of anyone.





There is still room for our issues to be dealt with. Strike may not be the best way to go. We had agreed as unions. We do not know where the unions who want to proceed with industrial action are getting their pressure from, she said.





Mrs Alexander said she cannot declare a strike under the circumstances as the council was too divided and those insisting on a strike could go it alone.





In a statement to members yesterday, Apex council secretary, Mr David Dzatsunga confirmed the discord. He said the National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC) of January 30 failed to reach consensus on the issue of immediately proceeding to industrial action.





While some, particularly those from the education sector, insisted that teachers were ready for a strike, those from mainly the rest of the civil service said their members were not ready for a strike and that they would rather give dialogue a chance, reads the statement.





He said as a result of the discord the Apex Council had not declared a strike. Mr Dzatsunga said unions who have declared a strike were doing so individually.





Last week the Zimbabwe Teachers Association (Zimta) and the Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) issued a joint statement giving notice of a strike, starting tomorrow.





Zimta chief executive officer Mr Sifiso Ndlovu yesterday said they were proceeding with the job action.





We have been talking to Government since towards the end of last year and nothing has come out of the negotiations save for Government offering $50 and $107 to teachers. I have not seen anything dramatic in those negotiations and we are not sure how educators are expected to survive under these economic conditions, he said.





Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) president Takavafira Zhou was quoted accusing the Apex Council of making unilateral decisions.





He insisted they were going ahead with the planned industrial action. Government yesterday urged teachers to shelve the job action.





Primary and Secondary Education Minister Paul Mavima said his ministry was going to meet with the teachers representatives today to resolve the teachers non-wage issues.





Government is sincere in what it is doing to find a way to solve their (teachers) issue.





They should give the ongoing dialogue where they are represented by Apex a chance. I am personally sympathetic with their welfare issue, he said.





I urge the teachers to also consider the welfare of learners so that we do not lose any more time. They should consider shelving their industrial action.







President Emmerson Mnangagwa has launched a diplomatic offensive in an effort to tell his side of the story in the face of global condemnation sparked by the deadly clampdown by the army in the aftermath of the January 14 protests against steep fuel price increases.





On Friday, the United States and the United Nations added their weight to calls by the international community for Mnangagwa to rein in the army, which is accused of killing 12 people and shooting of over 78 civilians.





According to his spokesperson George Charamba, the Zanu PF leader was forced to skip his so-called Thank You rally scheduled for Mt Darwin in order to apprise regional leaders about the situation in Zimbabwe ahead of an Africa Union Summit set for Ethiopia in a few days time.





Charamba said Mnangagwa had also sent special envoys to neighbouring countries to brief their governments about the crisis.





His Excellency the President, Cde ED Mnangagwa, today, Saturday, spent the day at his Munhumutapa offices from where he made contact with a number of heads of state and government from the region and continent, Charamba said in a statement.





The prime objective was for him to brief his colleagues on the situation obtaining in the country following opposition-instigated violent demonstrations which affected the country two weeks ago.





He also received reports from returning special envoys he had despatched to selected countries in the region and on the African continent for the same mission.





US top diplomat for Africa Tibor Nagy said Washington was deeply concerned about the events in Zimbabwe and the UNs local office said it was worried about trails of destruction, looting, mass arrests and detentions that followed the protests.





The US is deeply concerned about continued reports of human rights violations in Zimbabwe, Nagy tweeted.





We call on the government to respect human rights, hold accountable those responsible for human rights violations and immediately end all violence by government forces.





Mnangagwa had earlier in the week accused Western countries of fuelling the violence.





Soldiers are accused of raping more than 12 women since the clampdown began and over 1 000 people were arrested for various offences allegedly committed during the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions-organised mass stayaway.





The MDC led by Nelson Chamisa says its officials have become targets of abductions by soldiers who make regular raids at peoples homes in the dead of the night.





Police and the army last week issued a statement claiming that impostors were behind the human rights violations.





However, government officials, including Mnangagwa and Agriculture minister Perrance Shiri, have defended the clampdown claiming the opposition posed a security risk.





While regional leaders have remained mum about the situation in Zimbabwe, South African opposition leader Mmusi Maimane has demanded a meeting with Mnangagwa this week to discuss the clampdown against the opposition.





Maimane told The Standard in an exclusive interview that his party, the Democratic Alliance (DA), and Southern African Partnership for Democratic Change, a coalition of opposition parties in the Southern African Development Community, which he leads, were filling a void left by regional leaders due to their refusal to intervene in Zimbabwe.



This combo photo shows railway policeman Gou Fawei (L) and his wife, policewoman Luo Yakun, standing guard next to the passing trains when patrolling the railway line crossing Haiyuan County and its neighboring Tongxin County in northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Jan. 23, 2019. (Xinhua/Wang Peng)

YINCHUAN, Feb. 2 (Xinhua) -- Thirty-six km accounts for only a very small fraction of China's over 130,000 km-long railway lines, however, the short distance has separated a railway police couple for more than three years.

Gou Fawei and Luo Yakun, the husband and wife, have worked at two different railway police stations in northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region since August 2015.

Gou with the police station of Liwang Railway Station in Haiyuan County patrols the railway line on his workdays to ensure the safety of the passing trains, whereas, Luo works at the police station of Tongxin Railway Station, which is 36 km away in neighboring Tongxin County.

The couple, working on the two ends of the 36-km distance railway, cannot meet each other most of the year, especially on holidays when more passengers travel by train.

As the annual Spring Festival travel rush started last week, the couple have become busier and busier to ensure the safety of trains with passengers who return to their hometowns for family gatherings during the Spring Festival holiday.

"We often talk over the phone or make video calls. But the distance still remains a problem," Luo said.

To find a chance to see each other, the couple came up with a solution to date at a railway bridge on the junction of the administrative areas by the two police stations when patrolling the railway line.

To attend the appointment every time, Gou has to travel 24 km while his wife Luo has to patrol 12 km along the railway.

The bridge where they met is dubbed the "magpie bridge" by their colleagues, originating from an ancient Chinese myth about two famed Chinese lovers destined to see each other only once a year.

"We have rarely had time to stay together since tying the knot. So the hasty meeting on the bridge can be the most romantic moment for us," Gou said.

Due to the busy work, they only have some 20 minutes to spend together on the bridge. "We talk about our work and care for each other's health when we meet," Gou said. Sometimes, Gou prepares food to take to his wife.

Now, Luo is pregnant and Gou is worried as he cannot take care of her in person.

To show his love, Gou recently made a bowl of dumplings with sour soup to take to his wife. After eating the dumplings, Gou and Luo separately returned to their own police stations again.

"Our work seems very simple. We just try to reduce the chances of trains making emergency stop to ensure the safety of both the railway operation and people living along the railways," said Gou, who used to walk 20 km each day to patrol the railway line.

However, things are not always so simple. Guo has had quite a few breathtaking experiences. One rainy day, a man in his 70s carrying a bike attempted to cross the rail tracks directly to avoid the water-logged underpass when a train was approaching.

"I felt so worried that I rushed toward the old man and pulled him off the track just before the train passed," Gou said. After dealing with such an emergency, Gou realized how important his work could be.

By the end of 2018, China's railways spanned some 131,000 km, from plateaus and plains to deserts and cities. High-speed lines in the country have reached 29,000 km, accounting for two-thirds of the world's total.People visit a digital immersive experience exhibition at the Palace Museum, also known as the Forbidden City, in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 21, 2019. The Palace Museum unveiled a grand exhibition celebrating the Spring Festival on Jan. 7, 2019. The entire Forbidden City was adorned with palace lanterns, new year paintings and spring couplets to create an immersive Spring Festival experience for the visitors. Hundreds of exhibits are displayed in the exhibition which is scheduled to last until April 7. (Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai)Champaign, IL (61820)

Today

Cloudy skies. Cooler. High 71F. Winds NW at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 51F. Winds N at 10 to 20 mph.By Associated Press

WASHINGTON: The International Committee of the Red Cross has talked to the United States about the risks of delivering humanitarian aid to Venezuela without the approval of security forces loyal to President Nicolas Maduro, an official with the agency said Friday.

Opposition leader Juan Guaido has said he will defy Maduro's refusal to allow aid by asking neighboring nations to help send in large convoys of medicine and food. Guaido has declared himself interim president of the country.

ALSO READ | Guaido calls for Venezuela defections as Maduro stands firm

The Trump administration has announced it is ready to deliver aid to Venezuela whenever and however is decided by Guaido.

Alexandra Boivin, ICRC delegation head for the United States and Canada, said the ICRC had told US officials that whatever plans "they have to help the people of Venezuela, it has to be shielded from this political conversation."

"It is obviously a very difficult conversation to have with the US ," she said. "We are there also to make clear the risks of the path being taken, the limits of our ability to operate in such an environment."

On Friday, US National Security Adviser John Bolton tweeted that Washington would proceed with plans to send humanitarian aid to Venezuela.

ALSO READ | Court bars opposition leader Juan Guaido from leaving country

"Pursuant to the request of Interim President Juan Guaido, and in consultation with his officials the US will mobilize and transport humanitarian aid_medicine, surgical supplies, and nutritional supplements for the people of Venezuela. It's time for Maduro to get out of the way," Bolton tweeted.

ICRC director of global operations Dominik Stillhart said the committee would only take part in such coordinated efforts if they are executed "with the agreement of the authorities, whoever the authorities are."

Stillhart said that the ICRC currently brings in its own medical supplies and emergency trauma care to support six hospitals located across the country.

ALSO READ | US imposes sanctions on Venezuela state oil firm PDVSA

"We are not kind of an implementing agency for any donor, specifically not to implement things that have a political tone," he said.

The Geneva-based organization is currently in talks with the Venezuelan Ministry of Health to expand its budget in the South American country to at least $20 million.

The expanded budget would provide increased support to high risk areas on the Venezuela-Colombia border and address a recent resurgence of malaria in the state of Bolivar, along the southern border with Brazil.

"We are not taking any side. Regardless of the political situation, our focus will always be on what we can do," Stillhart said.By Online Desk

A 31-year-old man was hanged in public for allegedly kidnapping and raping two teen males in the southwestern city of Kazeroon.

The news of the unidentified man's execution on January 10 was broken by gaystarnews, who quoted the state-controlled ISNA news agency. The man was found guilty of kidnapping two 15-year-old boys, whom he later raped. However, he was charged with laws against homosexuality - and not paedophilia.

Any sexual relationship between members of the same sex is illegal in Iran, just like any sexual act outside a heterosexual marriage is forbidden.

If proven guilty, the passive partner in a consensual same-sex relationship is awarded the capital punishment. At the same time, if the active partner is convicted of rape, then the passive partner is declared innocent. This often forces the families of accused men to accuse their partner of rape in order to escape the death penalty.

The news report accused the Iranian government of acting "uncharacteristically" as the man was put to death straight away. The man was not even allowed to serve the jail sentence for the kidnap charges.

The Iranian custom of imposing the lighter penalty over the guilty first in case of multiple sentences was broken in the case.By PTI

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan, which has the third largest donkey population in the world, will export the animal to China, opening the avenue to earn millions from the trade, according to a media report.

Donkeys are highly prized in China, especially for their hide which is used to manufacture traditional Chinese medicines.

Gelatin made from donkey skin has been long considered to have medicinal properties in China, traditionally being thought to nourish the blood and enhance the immune system.

Pakistan has the world's third largest population of donkeys with more than 5 million animals, while China stands at number one.

A senior official at the livestock department in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province said Chinese companies are interested in donkey farming in Pakistan and foreign companies are ready to invest USD 3 billion, the Geo News reported.

In a bid to boost the country's exports, the live stock department has announced that it will develop donkey farms the first of its kind in the country.

According to reports, at least two donkey farms are being set up in Dera Ismail Khan and Mansehra with foreign partnership.

During the first three years, the government plans to export as many as 80,000 donkeys to China, according to the report.By PTI

LONDON: Britain's Queen Elizabeth II and other senior members of the royal family may have to be evacuated if the UK experiences riots as a result of a no-deal Brexit next month, a media report said on Sunday. The UK is set to exit the 28-member European Union (EU) on March 29.

As the risk of Britain leaving the EU without an amicable withdrawal agreement continues to hang over ongoing negotiations, emergency proposals to rescue the royal family during the Cold War era have been "repurposed" in recent weeks to ensure their protection.

The plans were originally intended to be put into action in the event of a nuclear attack from the erstwhile Soviet Union, 'The Sunday Times' reported.

In the event of the UK and EU failing to agree a settlement before the Brexit deadline of March 29, the Queen and her husband, Prince Philip, will be moved out of London to a secret location, which the newspaper said it has agreed not to disclose. "These emergency evacuation plans have been in existence since the Cold War, but have now been repurposed in the event of civil disorder following a no-deal Brexit," a UK Cabinet Office source was quoted as saying in the report.

With just 54 days to go until the UK is due to leave the EU, Britain's civil servants are ramping up no-deal planning, including the contingency plans for the royal family. This is understood to have included discussions between Scotland Yard and regional police forces. "If there were problems in London, clearly you would remove the royal family away from those key sites," said Dai Davies, the former head of royal protection at the Metropolitan Police. "Where and how they will evacuate them is top secret and I can't discuss it. This is a measure that is extremely unlikely to come to pass. (But) the powers-that-be need to have contingency plans for any eventuality," he said.

Originally codenamed 'Operation Candid', plans were drawn up for the Queen to be evacuated to sea on the royal yacht Britannia if the Soviet Union launched a nuclear attack.

After the royal yacht was mothballed in 1997, the plans were amended to include evacuation via the Hebridean Princess, a cruise ship that would have ferried the royals around the remote Scottish islands in the event of a disaster.

The plans, first devised in 1962 after the Cuban missile crisis and approved the following year, have now been revived by senior civil servants involved in contingency planning for Operation Yellowhammer, the battle plan for what happens in the event of a no deal when border arrangements with the EU will be thrown into chaos.

The revelation follows weeks of uncertainty around Brexit negotiations, with the UK Parliament rejecting Prime Minister Theresa May's Withdrawal Agreement and then voting for her to reopen negotiations over a controversial Irish "backstop", intended to avert a hard border between Britain and EU member-country Ireland in future. Critics fear the clause could keep Britain tied to EU rules even after Brexit.

Ireland's Deputy Prime Minister Simon Coveney warned that there are "no credible alternative arrangements" and said the UK is risking its peace process with Ireland by trying to renegotiate the Withdrawal Agreement. "The EU will not renegotiate the withdrawal agreement and there will be no withdrawal agreement without the backstop," he said, adding that there is a deal on the table, and walking away from it will have serious consequences for us all."

Meanwhile, May stressed that she was determined to deliver Brexit within the March deadline period. Writing in 'The Sunday Telegraph', she said she would return to Brussels with a "fresh mandate, new ideas and a renewed determination". She rejected the suggestion of seeking alternative arrangements for the backstop constituted 'ripping up the Good Friday Agreement', the basis of the UK-Ireland peace process.

The British PM added that MPs wanted the government to go back to Brussels to renegotiate the deal after the Commons voted in favour of Tory backbencher Sir Graham Brady's amendment on Tuesday that called for "alternative arrangements" to be found. "While replacing the backstop with alternative arrangements was one option, (Graham) would also be happy with the current backstop if there was a time limit or unilateral exit mechanism," she writes.

Following the voting in the House of Commons on the Brady amendment last month, the EU's chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, had reiterated that the backstop was "part and parcel" of the UK's Brexit deal and it will not be renegotiated, throwing the prospect of Britain's orderly exit from the economic bloc into disarray.

May is set to return to Brussels this month in an attempt to try and change minds in the EU.NEW DELHI: The Aam Aadmi Party government said on Saturday that no money had been allocated towards Delhi Metro Phase IV in the Centres interim budget, which Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia attributed to the stepmotherly attitude of the Central government towards Delhi.Slamming the Centre, Sisodia said that it was sad that there was no mention of Delhi Metro Phase IV in the budget, adding that Delhi contributed huge amounts to the Centre in terms of taxes, but got little in return.

The Metro Phase IV project is important for Delhi. We did a detailed study of the project, in which we pointed out that `10,000 crore can be saved, despite being blamed by BJP leaders that we are not clearing the files. I felt very sad that the Central government had completely ignored Delhi in its budget. The Centre has forgotten about Metro Phase IV, Sisodia said.The Delhi government had committed to bear 50 per cent of the cost, yet the Central government wanted us to bear the running losses while the profit was to be shared between Delhi and the Central government, Sisodia said.

Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi Manish

Sisodiya addressing the media during a

press conference at his residence in New

Delhi on Saturday. | Naveen Kumar

Considering the loss liability, we had even offered to take over the Metro operation, he said.

The Centre runs the metro, decides the fares, and then does dadagiri, Sisodia said.

The metro is not a luxury, it is a necessity, and we have been asking them to reduce fares. They did not, and it led to a fall in ridership... If you keep the current fares, how will the common man and people on the bottom rung in society afford it, Sisodia asked.

The Delhi Metro Phase IV project became a bone of contention between the Aam Aadmi Party government in the national capital and the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Central government as the former did not give its final nod to the project even after giving in-principle approval to the same in February 2016.

The complaint

Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said there was no mention of Delhi Metro Phase IV in the budget despite the fact that Delhi contributed huge amounts to the Centre in terms of taxes.Kaushani Banerjee By

The 20th Bharat Rang Mahotsav (BRM) of the National School of Drama (NSD) was attended by the whos who from the world of arts. Minister of State for Culture Dr Mahesh Sharma, Dr Arjun Deo Charan, Acting Chairman, NSD Society, danseuse and theatre artiste, Dr Sonal Mansingh, eminent theatre director and former Director of NSD, Ram Gopal Bajaj and the Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Arun Goel, IAS, was the special guest at the ceremony held at Kamani Auditorium .

Talking about the significance of arts Mahesh Sharma said,  This country applauds those who give back to the society. This country of 132 crores is bound together by culture and art. Our Prime Minister once told me that rich heritage and culture is our strength. Our art is our lifeline. We should use the power of art for the sake of humanity.

(Above) A still from the performance of

the play We Teach Sir

The 20th edition of the theatre festival will show 111 national and international acts across the capital till February 21, while there will also be parallel festivals running in cities across India such as Dibrugarh (February 4 to 10), Varanasi (February 7 to 13), Ranchi (February 9 to 15), Mysore (February 11 to 17), and Rajkot (February 13 to 19).

Interestingly, the students of NSD graduate programme will present their own plays such as Vacant Lot (Apporva), Encryption (Susheel Kant Mishra) and Privacy (Ajay Khatri). The festival also commemorates the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, and will stage four plays based on his philosophy and life including Bapu (Bengali; Samir Biswas), Stay Yet A While (English; M K Raina), Satya Ke Prayog, based on Mahatma Gandhis autobiography (Hindi; Devendra Raj Ankur) and Hind Swaraj (Hindi; Arjun Deo Charan).

The inaugural ceremony was followed by a 50-minute musical performance Karanthke Rang based on the compositions of late B V Karanth, directed by Amod Bhatt and presented by Rangpurva group, Mumbai.

Karanth was a well-known director, actor and musician of modern Indian theatre in Kannada as well as Hindi. His plays like Jokumara Swamy, Sankranti, Huchu Kudure, and Oedipus were trendsetters, which touched upon aspects of language, music, songs and stylisation.

Karanths use of unusual instruments such as wood, stones, etc. in creating music and his ability to blend contemporary, classical and folk genres reflected his originality and style. He was an alumnus of batch 1962 of the National School of Drama and later became its director.

WATCH OUT NATIONAL

Aurat!Aurat! Aurat! (Hindustani; Naseeruddin Shah) at KamaniAuditoruim on Feb 4, 7pm onwards

ShifaThe Healing (Hindi; Teekam Joshi),Abhimanch, Feb 5, 8.30pm onwards

PaglaGhoda (Hindi; Bipin Kumar), LTG auditorium, Feb 8, 5.30pm onwards

The Dumb Waiter (Manipuri; ThawaiThiyam), LTG Auditorium, Feb 9, 8.30pm onwards

Swabhavjata (Hindi; Baharul Islam), Sri Ram Centre, Feb 11, 4pm onwards

TajmahalKa Tender (Hindi; ChittaranjanTripathi) Sri Ram Centre, Feb 12, 4pm onwards

INTERNATIONAL

My Sweet Rotten Heritage (English; AnasuyaSubasinghe, Srilanka), LTG Auditorium, Feb 7, 5.30pm onwards

The Open Couple (Bengali; Sara Zaker, Bangladesh), Sri Ram Centre, Feb 8, 4pm onwardsChinese Premier Li Keqiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, visits a poverty-stricken rural household in Shierzhou Village of Sanchakou Township in Ulanqab, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Feb. 1, 2019. Li went on a two-day inspection tour to north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region from Friday to Saturday. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

BEIJING, Feb. 2 (Xinhua) -- Premier Li Keqiang has called for efforts to deepen reform and opening-up, advance economic and social development, and improve people's wellbeing.

During his inspection tour of north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region from Friday to Saturday, Li, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, visited poverty-stricken rural households in the city of Ulanqab.

Li asked relevant departments to make research on promoting potato planting as part of efforts on eliminating poverty through agricultural development.

When visiting a farmers' market, Li learned about the price and sales of beef and mutton. He said more efforts should be made to increase residents' income to make them more willing to spend money.

At a train station, Li boarded a slow train and chatted with migrant workers about whether they had received their wages on time. He called for coordinated development of high-speed trains and inexpensive but slower trains to serve passengers with different demands.

At a shanty town area, Li underscored the importance of speeding up renovations in order to make local residents live in warm and comfortable houses.Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images(WASHINGTON) -- Its not clear yet what the lasting impact will be on federal workers furloughed in the longest-ever government shutdown -- even as Congress holds talks to avoid another one -- but a closer look at employee data nationwide paints a picture of the economic struggles many now might face because of the political standoff.

Here are more details on how and where they were affected, according to an ABC News analysis of the nearly 2.1 million federal employees across the country. The analysis also focuses specifically on Alaska, Wyoming, New Mexico and California -- all states where workers went without badly-needed paychecks and without the attention given to government workers in and around Washington.

One federal employee ABC News spoke with, Joshua Rider, works as a staff attorney with the Agriculture Department in San Francisco. His entire office was furloughed in the shutdown.

Were civil servants, and we do it in part because we value public service, Rider said in an interview during the shutdown. "Regardless of the policy differences, we should not be using the federal workforce as hostages and leverage.

The Agriculture Department was one of four agencies ABC News took an in-depth look at as part of the analysis. The agencies -- the Agriculture, Interior, State and Treasury departments -- were four of the largest and most affected by the partial shutdown, according to the government contingency plans issued beforehand, and also had the most data publicly available.

The data shows the breadth of impact the shutdown had on Americans -- tens of thousands of whom were already making less than $40,000 a year working for the government.

For example, at least 19,300 workers make less than $40,000 per year at the Agriculture Department and about 13,000 make less than that at the Treasury Department.

In some states, those employees are more concentrated. In Wyoming, nearly a quarter of the state's federal workers make less than $40,000, and the same is true for about 15 percent of New Mexicos federal workers. In Alaska, where salary data is available for roughly 11,400 federal workers, about 7 percent make less than $40,000.

And nationwide, at least 38,000 federal employees nationwide make less than $30,000 per year, about 2 percent of the government workforce, according to data from the Office of Personnel Management, which excludes salary details for more than 280,000 employees.

For context, a family of four with two children is considered in the poverty threshold if their combined income is less than about $25,000.

Government shutdown adds to years of economic stress in Alaska

Despite having one of the smallest populations in the U.S., Alaska has almost the same rate of federal employees in its workforce as Virginia.

Alaska was hard hit by the shutdown. Of the five federal agencies that employ the most Alaskans, three were significantly affected.

And the shutdown only added to the states existing problems: Alaska has the highest unemployment rate in the country, and as of December, estimates from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, show the state has been in recession for nearly four years, due in part to a decline in oil prices, according to Mouhcine Guettabi, an economics professor at the University of Alaskas Institute of Social and Economic Research.

The federal jobs tend to be the best paid, and therefore the ones that really contribute to the economic vitality of those places, Guettabi said.

The spending by federal workers supports so many jobs, so many businesses  so if federal workers are not eating out, theyre not getting their haircut, theyre not spending money the way theyre accustomed to, then retailers are hurting, he said.

More recently, Alaska was starting to see oil prices stabilizing  prompting optimism that the state is headed toward recovery  but the shutdown is another hurdle in that potential recovery, Guettabi said.

In 2017, $1 billion of the states distributed payroll came from federal government wages  out of the $17 billion total distributed to Alaskans. Because of the shutdown, federal workers in Alaska missed close to $34.5 million in wages, according to estimates Guettabi provided.

It certainly is not welcome news that there was more economic hardship in a state thats already lost somewhere between 12,000 and 13,000 jobs over the last 3.5 years, Guettabi said.

Wyoming, home to a large number of federal employees, suffered disproportionate impact

While states like Wyoming have a much lower overall number of federal employees, a relatively large portion of its labor force receives paychecks from the federal government.

In comparison to the nearly 287,000 people in Wyomings civilian labor force, a database of federal employees identifies 6,700 as located in the state. (This is likely an underestimate, as the database does not provide location data for roughly 265,000 federal employees nationwide.)

Taken together, the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Interior  two agencies heavily affected by the shutdown  employ more than 3,400 Wyomingites. That number represents more than 1 out of every 100 people in the states labor force.

To bring the state of Virginia back into play for comparison: While the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates Virginias civilian labor force is more than 15 times larger than that of Wyoming, Wyomings percentage of federal employees in its workforce is almost as high as in Virginia. And of the three agencies that employ the most federal workers in Wyoming, two were affected in a major way by the shutdown.

24 percent of workers for one affected agency live in four states

The Department of Agriculture employs people in all 50 states  but employs the most in California, Washington, D.C., Oregon, Texas and Montana.

Broken down, 6.5 percent of its workforce is in D.C. -- and 24 percent of the whole agencys workforce -- is in the four states.

When [people] think of the shutdown, they think largely of Washington, D.C., and the Northern Virginia and nearby Maryland suburbs  which are home to very large numbers of federal workers, and many of my colleagues whom I adore, said Rider, the staff attorney with the U.S. Department of Agricultures (USDA) Office of General Counsel in California, where almost 11 percent of the workforce is employed.

But there is a vast federal workforce throughout the country, Rider said.

When everyone in his office was furloughed, Rider said key services like environmental litigation and wildfire cost recovery cases were put on hold, but it also created another problem: employee discouragement.

As attorneys, Rider said, many in his office would be "substantially better compensated in the private market.

Rider called it an extra blow that the security and stability that youve counted on in a public service job has been so disrupted.

Interior Department employees in New Mexico "held hostage": Democratic senator

A large number of Interior Department employees were affected by the shutdown -- nearly 80 percent, according to the departments contingency plan -- and more than 20 percent of them work in three border states: Arizona, California or New Mexico.

But New Mexico is also home to 23 tribes, which rely on government support for daily services.

New Mexico is among the states that are hurt the most when the government shuts down because of our large federal workforce, the large tribal presence in our state and the importance of public services  from national parks to food assistance, to USDA loans  for our economic well being, said Democratic Sen. Tom Udall.

The shutdown hit native communities especially hard, said Udall, who is the vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. The Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Indian Health Service were unfunded, furloughing thousands of workers. So critical public safety and health services were severely limited.

Udall added that the complete impact of the shutdown in New Mexico will only be known in retrospect when the state can look back on the years tourism data.

States like New Mexico simply cant afford shutdowns, Udall said. This shutdown was a disaster for families across my state, and the effects, I think, will be long-lasting.

Copyright  2019, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.By Express News Service

HYDERABAD: Senior Congress leader V Hanumantha Rao alleged that a few a group of people tried to beat up party leader Sambula Srikanth during a function held on Saturday at Gandhi Bhavan.

Rao said that a few people, during a ceremony felicitating Congress Legislative Party leader Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, had raised slogans against him and then tried to beat up Srikanth.

Meanwhile, Srikanth alleged that the persons who attacked were supporters of Nuthi Srikanth, the chairman of OBC department of Hyderabad City Congress Committee.

I was sitting beside Vikramarka when around 30-40 people stepped onto the dais to garland him. Two people suddenly fell on me and I pushed them aside. Srikanth tried to intervene but they beat him up, Rao said. It is learnt that the party has ordered for Nuthi Srikanth to be sacked from his post.Chetana Belagere By

Express News Service

BENGALURU: The arrest of gangster Ravi Pujari from Dakar, the capital of Senegal, has led to a scramble among three states to claim credit for it.

While Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy has said he had himself directed to state police brass to expedite the four Interpol Red Corner Notices against Pujari, Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad officials have claimed it was in fact they who tipped off central agencies about Pujaris whereabouts.

Not to be outdone, Mumbai police too have said that they had shared information regarding his operations in Senegal which eventually led to his arrest.

The opposition BJP in the state was quick to latch on to this and taunted Kumaraswamy on a social media platform to catch Kampli MLA J N Ganesh who has been accused of attacking Vijayanagara MLA Anand Singh at a resort recently.

The CM said, I had entrusted the task of ensuring Ravi Pujaris arrest to DG&IGP Neelamani Raju and ADGP-Intelligence Dr Amar Kumar Pandey. Pandey procured all relevant documents and proof and coordinated with the National Crime Bureau, New Delhi, to expedite the four pending Red Corner Notices.

Kumaraswamy, in a press briefing, said the ADGP had gathered information about the restaurants in various West African countries like Guinea, Burkina Faso, Senegal, Ivory Coast wherein Pujari has business interests.

When the Karnataka officials received information about his presence in Dakar, the ADGP alerted the Indian embassy. Indian ambassador to Senegal, Rajeev Kumar, took up the matter with the Interior Minister of that country following which he was arrested from a salon.

However, the Mumbai crime branch has claimed that underworld don Ravi Pujari was picked up from a hotel based in information provided by them. Mumbai police have also said that he is wanted in 50 cases in Mumbai including extortion of Bollywood celebrities and politicians.

Meanwhile, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad has claimed that Pujari was arrested from a hotel based on information provided by his close associate Akash Shetty whom they had arrested when he was travelling on a passport in the name of Anthony Fernandes.

Everyone wants Pujari

The Karnataka government has instructed Additional Director General of Police-Intelligence Amar Kumar Pandey to complete the necessary formalities and bring Ravi Pujari from Senegal. The Mumbai and Gujarat police are also seeking his custody.

However, the central government is likely to decide on where he will be sent to, depending on the seriousness of the cases.

High-profile individuals in Karnataka, Maharashtra, Kerala and Gujarat had been tormented by the notorious gangster Ravi Suliya Pujari since 2001.

His targets included doctors, business people, jewellers, Bollywood personalities and politicians. When the police heat on him began to increase, Pujari fled to Burkina Faso.HM Chaithanya Swamy By

Express News Service

BENGALURU: Karnataka police are preparing to claim custody of underworld don Ravi Pujari. Out of 46 cases against Ravi in the state, five major ones, including murder and attempt to murder, have been registered against him in Bengaluru and Mangaluru. Rest of the cases are non-heinous.

Bengaluru City Police have been making all the arrangements to approach the court for Pujaris custody after he lands in India.

After city police got the confirmation of Pujari being caught by Senegal police of West Africa, they started searching for the case files against him.

Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime) Alok Kumar, who is in charge City Police Commissioner, asked his subordinates to list all the cases against Pujari.

Alok Kumar said, There are two murder and two shooting cases against Pujari in Bengaluru. In total, there are 46 cases. There is one more murder case in Mangaluru. We dont know who will get his body warrant first, but we will make the arrangements to take him into custody.

Most of the cases registered against him have been chargesheeted, Kumar added.

According to a senior officer, Pujari was staying in Senegal since 2010. In 2011, when Kumar was joint commissioner of police (Crime) Bengaluru, he and his team had almost traced the whereabouts of Pujari including the phone numbers he was using. Due to some technical reasons the cops then did not get proper support from Interpol.

In Bengaluru, Pujari is accused in the murder of developer Subbaraju in 2001, the case was registered in Vyalikaval police station.

In 2007, a gang had attacked Shabnam Developers in Tilak Nagar police station limits and Pujari is one of the accused.

Cases of criminal intimidation under IPC section 506, criminal intimidation by anonymous communication under IPC section 507 and threatening to life to commit extortion of IPC section 387 have been registered against Pujari in Girinagar, Sadashivanagar Mahalakshmi Layout, High Grounds and Magadi Road police stations.Prabhu Chawla By

Facts are stubborn things, but statistics are pliable. Mark Twain

The abyss of perception divides reality and prefab reality. Between facts and statistics lie New Age politics and tech-savvy political leaders. In the fallacious field of competitive populism, leaders of all shades and symbols are competing to prove Mark Twain right. Numbers Day in Parliament last week saw a factually figurative fiasco when Finance Minister Piyush Goyal displayed a series of statistical tables to prove that India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on the move. The Congress and other BJP rivals responded by mocking this datafest.

The Interim Budget was nothing more than a statement of NDAs performance and a portmanteau of poll promises like freebies, tax concessions and other allurements. The pliability of Goyals statistical narrative only led to a slanging match between rivals. The circus of credulity also got some serious wires crossed when the government questioned the data collected and selectively leaked by a subterranean section of the same government about the unemployment levels and GDP growth rate. Union budgets have always been very high on giving away alms and low on promising more jobs.

India is a classic example where power players use bad economics for good politics for harvesting votes during the elections. The tone was set by Congress President Rahul Gandhi last week in Raipur. Anticipating an election-oriented Budget 2019, he stymied the ruling party with the promise of a minimum income guarantee (MIG). His ecstatic audience cheered his announcement that We have taken a decision that every poor person in India, after Congress forms government in 2019, will be guaranteed a minimum income. Every poor person in India will receive at least minimum income in their bank accounts from the government.

There will be no more hunger or poverty. But he made no mention about how much money is needed to pull how many families out of poverty. Even after five decades, Indian economists havent arrived at a consensus to define poverty. Going by one definition that anyone earning less than Rs 30 per day lives below the subsistence level, over 20 crore families would be entitled to MIG. If the Congress manages to head the next government, it will have to find at least Rs 2.30 lakh crore to implement RaGas New Deal.

But then, can Modi and his team be rhetorically far behind? Goyal responded by saying that the government would transfer Rs 500 per month with retrospective effect into the account of every farmer who owns up to five acres of landa total expenditure of Rs 75 crore per year. In real terms, each farmer would get Rs 2,000 before he goes to vote in May. This was followed by tax concessions for the middle class, pensions for the unorganized sector, 8 crore additional cooking gas connections to housewives and more. If all the welfare schemes announced by both parties over the past four years are put together, the government would end up distributing around 25 per cent of its income on cash subsidies to over 80 per cent of Indias population. However, cash-for-votes is not a new practice.

It was devised by Indira Gandhi, who directed banks to organize Loan Melas for giving cash to persons that was never returned. Now every state government is offering gratis for gratitude from saris to TV sets in the name of raising the living standards of the marginalized. Recently, the chief ministers of Odisha and Telangana announced much more attractive cash distribution plans for their farmers. Since there is no clarity on the issue, it is more likely that both the states and the Centre would end up spending much more if the beneficiaries claim financial support announced by both the governments. In their urge to please all sections, the Centre and state governments are announcing similar schemes without even looking at the financial or political implications. The inequality crisis eclipses the BJP vs. Congress numbers rivalry.

A long-term political or economic road map to address growing economic disparities and rising unemployment is absent. Six decades of Congress rule and over ten years of non-Congress dispensations were devoid of vision and mission to convert India into a Berozgar Mukt Bharat (unemployment-free Bharat). Illiteracy and joblessness perpetuate dole-to-doldrums vote banks. While all the governments bent over excessively to extend numerous benefits to encourage entrepreneurs to open myriad universities and colleges, no mechanism was conceived to provide employment to the millions of graduates.

The rich got richer and the poor got poorer, and nobody in power bothered to explore the reason. The real worth of the top one per cent rose 100-fold more than that of the bottom 90 per cents in 2018. At the recent World Economic Forum annual extravaganza  a conclave of the rich and mightythe emphasis was on the concentration of wealth in the hands of a privileged few. Their networking skills with political leaders and government officials are rewarded in most countries with money-minting opportunities through incentives for short gestation capital intensive projects. Investments in the services sector also generate disproportionately desirable returns. Global wealth distribution trends reveal that it is pouring diamonds for the rich and dust for the poor and the lower middle classes.

Undeniably, welfare measures have brought down the number of BPL families. But the number of unemployed youth in the country hasnt shrunk. Our leaders cynically ignore the truth that doles are turning a productive section of the population into unproductive assets. Instead of spending the money on labour-intensive projects, lawmakers are perpetuating vote banks that will permanently survive on government munificence. In spite of the biggest GDP growth rate in many years, over 19 crore Indians are waiting for gainful employment; according to the latest government report (disputed), the highest number since the 1970s. Ironically, ever since economic reforms were introduced in 1991, India has seen unprecedented growth in the services sector and a decline in agriculture and manufacturing.

The tertiary sector of technology that led with over 57 per cent of the GDP hasnt contributed more than 10 per cent of the new jobs. If even half the amount spent on subsidies and corporate tax concessions is diverted to infrastructure development, at least 10 million youth can find work every year. Alternatively, add 50,000 kilometres of six-lane highways. Or create at least 50 new smart cities.

The money could also be deployed to create productive assets that would enhance the earning capacity of farmersbetter seeds, completion of irrigation projects, setting up new fertiliser and nutrient plants, creation of local markets and access to e-commerce, setting up food processing plants, replacement of diesel pumps with solar pumps and investment in horticulture and floriculture markets. This would, however, put the brakes on the creation of Steve Jobs-type jobsmore money for fewer people. No wonder Garibi Hatao remains the clarion cry of the ideologically bankrupt Indian polity.T J S George By

Imagine all south Indian states uniting on a platform of ethnic difference from the north, as C N Annadurai briefly contemplated once upon a time. Something similar is happening in the north-east. Ethnically, culturally and historically, the northeastern states have been different from the rest of India. Northeasterners often talked about going to the mainland when they meant going to India. The mainlanders for their part often referred to northeasterners in terms and tones of racial superiority.

Elections last February signalled what looked like a sea-change in this scenario. The Congress was unseated and so was the Communist Party that had ruled Tripura under one leader for 20 years. A triumphant BJP formed a one-party government in Tripura while it formed alliances with other parties to take control of the remaining states. It was a clean sweep for the BJP, which had no presence in the north-east till then. In political terms, it was the equivalent of a coup detat.

But suddenly last week, the gears slipped into reverse. An ideology-driven initiative by the BJP ignited resentment among its allies across the region. Protestors have taken to the street with mass demonstrations, burning of effigies, and hunger strikes. Six of the regions seven chief ministers have suspended their BJP links and formed a united front to fight the BJP-sponsored move to enforce the new legislation in the region and across the country.

What is the BJP move that has provoked so much resentment? Outwardly it looks noble: Promoting a citizenship amendment Bill that will give persecuted minorities in Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan the right to become Indian citizens. The phrase persecuted minorities does not mean what it means linguistically. Shias and Ahmediyas, Islamic minorities routinely persecuted in Pakistan, qualify to be covered by the phrase, but that must be farthest from the minds of BJP strategists.

Everyone knows that the BJP is referring only to the Hindu minorities in neighbouring countries. The proposed amendment means that Hindus in Bangladesh who migrate even illegally to the northeastern states and to West Bengal will get citizenship rights. Such migration/citizenship will alter the demographics of the northeastern statesa consummation the BJP wants and the local people dont.

The powerful student organisations of Assam and the Asom Gana Parishad were the first to rise in protest. One leader put it bluntly: Assamese and other indigenous peoples feel betrayed by the Modi government, which seems hell-bent on making Assam a dumping ground for foreigners thereby threatening our existence. The AGP has ended its two-year alliance with the BJP. Meghalayas chief minister has warned that the north-east will seek support from across the country, including the Congress. Thirteen local parties have said they would pull out of the BJP-led NDA if the amendment Bill is taken up in the Rajya Sabha (it is already passed in the Lok Sabha).

Actually, there are issues involved here that concern the whole country. The existing laws do not take religion or ethnicity into account in determining citizenship. The right of birth is the accepted norm. If this is enlarged to include the right of blood, it will mean the acceptance of religion as a determining factor. That is precisely the BJPs aim as its lead strategist in the region, Himanta Biswa Sarma, made clear when he said: We have to decide who our enemy isthe 1.5 lakh people or the 55 lakh people. (That is, Bengali Hindu illegals or Bengali Muslim illegals in Assam). Note also that the 55 lakh are automatically considered enemy.

Make no mistake, ethnic cleansing is the idea. China is paying heavily for its cleansing drive in Xinjiang, its vast autonomous province with 12 million Turkic-speaking Muslims. This region has more in common with Turkmenistan and the people of central Asia than with the Chinese, which term, in the lexicon of Beijing, principally means the Han people. Beijings policy of integrating Xinjiang has been relentless. Military repression, re-education camps, Sinicisation of religion and officially-sponsored relocation of thousands of Han Chinese families from the eastern heartland have not yet succeeded in changing the face and demography of Xinjiang.

India does not even have Chinas luxury of a one-party dictatorship. Worse, it has a constitution, a Parliament, a judiciary with its own mind and a media that defies discipline. But there may be a way out. China used the camouflage socialism with Chinese characteristics to grow into a capitalist success story. If BJP goes for Hindutva with Indian characteristics, perhaps it may yet help India grow into a modern state.By IANS

BALURGHAT: The BJP on Sunday accused the West Bengal government of denying permission to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath helicopter to land here.

Adityanath was scheduled to address two rallies at Balurghat in Dakshin Dinajpur district and Raiganj in Uttar Dinajpur district.

Activists and supporters of the saffron party protested outside District Magistrate A.D.P. Palraj's office at Balurghat.

UP CM in Lucknow while addressing a rally in Balurghat,South Dinajpur via telephone:Mamata Ji must accept that you dont misuse admn. in a democracy, the way it's being done in West Bengal.The way Bengals admn is functioning as the workers of TMC, should not be acceptable at all pic.twitter.com/3WArf2f9hR  ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) February 3, 2019

According to district BJP leaders, the party had been trying to secure the permission besides making alternative arrangements so that Adiyanath could address the rally here.

According to them, they had filed for the requisite permission well in advance but were told at the last minute that a final decision was yet to be taken on the matter.

ALSO READ | BJP accuses Mamata Banerjee of misusing power after Amit Shah's chopper not allowed to land in Bengal

Describing the incident as yet another glaring example of "undeclared Emergency" in the state, BJP national Secretary Rahul Sinha demanded immediate suspension of the District Magistrate.

"This is a glaring example of an undeclared Emergency in West Bengal. How can you treat the Chief Minister of another state in this way? The Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh is a guest in Bengal.

"The culture of Bengal is to extend all courtesies to the guests. But in this case they have refused permission for his chopper to land. Nothing can be more indecent. This only shows how much the Trinamool is scared of BJP's progress in Bengal," he said.

READ HERE: BJP has booked all chartered planes for Lok Sabha election campaigns, none left for us: Congress

This is the second recent instance a controversy has erupted over the denial of permission for facilitating the landing of helicopters carrying BJP bigwigs, who have been holding public meetings across the state as part of the BJP's blitzkrieg in West Bengal ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.

On January 22, the district administration had denied permission for BJP President Amit Shah's chopper to land in Malda district, citing that the ground was not ready.

Later, the state BJP unit obtained permission to land the chopper at two places -- the helipad in Malda's Golden Park Hotel and the helipad used by the Border Security Force in the district -- and Shah duly addressed the rally.By Express News Service

BENGALURU: A special court in Bengaluru hearing the Antrix-Devas case has summoned 10 accused, including former officials of ISRO, to appear before it on March 14, finding them prima facie involved in money laundering as per the chargesheet filed by the Directorate of Enforcement, Bengaluru Zone.

The accused were allegedly involved in creating and establishing fictitious company, DMPL, and entered into an MoU with Antrix Corporation Limited (ACL). They later secured the delivery of S-Band and allegedly laundered `579.07 crore by diverting the funds to various companies like Columbia Capital Devas Mauritius Limited.

According to the order of Rajashekar Venkanagouda Patil, the XXI aditional city civil and sessions judge and principal judge for CBI Cases, Bengaluru City, the 10 accused are  Devas Multimedia Pvt Ltd (DMPL), Ramachandran Vishwanathan, representing Devas Multimedia America Inc, claimed to be existing in USA, M G Chandrashekar, Desaraju Venugopal, former officials of ISRO, Nataraj Dakshinamurthy, Ranganathan Mohan, ex-directors of DMPL, Devas Multimedia America Inc, DCT Telecommunications Private Limited, DCT Networks Pvt Ltd and Kuppam Ramaiyer Sridhara Murthi, then Managing Director of ACL, one of the commercial wings of ISRO.

The DMPL, Chandrashekar and Desaraju Venugopal, ex-employees of ISRO, have been charge-sheeted under Section 120 B and other related offences of cheating etc. whereas summons were issued against all 10 accused for the offences punishable under Sections 3 and 4 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.Fayaz Wani By

Express News Service

SRINAGAR: Days after India warned Pakistan of dire consequences if it continues to interfere in the countrys internal affairs, Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi called up hardline Hurriyat Conference chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani on Saturday evening to discuss Kashmir. The call, coming hours before Prime Minister Narendra Modis scheduled visit to Jammu & Kashmir on Sunday, is seen as a deliberate attempt to provoke India.

This is the second time the Pakistan foreign minister is dialling a Hurriyat leader. Last week, he had telephoned moderate leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, prompting India to summon Pakistan envoy Sohail Mahmood to caution against such attempts in future.

READ | Pakistan envoy gets it for Qureshis call to Mirwaiz

A Hurriyat spokesman said Qureshi called Geelani at around 8.35 pm on Saturday. The Pakistan minister discussed the prevailing political situation in Jammu & Kashmir with Geelani, he added.

He said the Pakistan minister assured Geelani of all help in highlighting the so-called Indian aggression and brutalities in Kashmir.

Pakistan will continue to extend its political, moral and diplomatic support to Kashmiris for their right to self-determination in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions, Qureshi reportedly told Geelani.

On his part, the hardliner separatist leader urged Qureshi to activate Pakistans embassies all over the world to spread word about the atrocities being committed by Indian forces in Kashmir.

Pak plans to escalate?

Qureshi is set to speak at the International Kashmir Conference at the British Parliament on MondayBy ANI

TENGNOUPAL: In a major breakthrough, police rescued around 148 trafficked girls and arrested six suspected human traffickers in separate raids conducted here, said police on Saturday.

This has been the biggest rescue operation ever executed in Manipur's Tengnoupal. In one of the raids, as many as 40 Nepali girls were rescued by a team of Tengnoupal police.

A suspected trafficker who was accompanying the girls from Moreh town was also arrested on Friday morning. The girls, who were rescued by police are said to be trafficked from cities of South Asian and Middle-east countries.

The Tengnoupal district police also carried out the drive in suspected vehicles and hotels located at Moreh town bases after being intimated by an NGO in Nepal to Delhi Women Commission regarding the illegal human trafficking of large number girls from Nepal for flesh trade.

Initially, the police team intercepted 16 girls at the Integrated Check Post (ICP) in Moreh when they were crossing Indian side of the border to enter Myanmar.

Tengnoupal SP, S Ibomcha said: "They were sent by a person named Rajiv Sharma from Nepal's Sunauli town with the assistance of some other unidentified traffickers."

The police team in their continued operation further rescued four more girls and arrested a suspected trafficker from a hotel. In the case, the arrested human trafficker has been identified as Asha Kali Tamang (42), a resident of Nepal.

Later in the evening, 20 more girls were rescued from Raj Cottage, Moreh. A source told ANI that three Nepali girls were rescued by the Delhi Womens Commission.

The rescued girls had disclosed that they were being sent to Iraq and Kuwait via Manipur and were promised job opportunities and better living conditions.

The source further informed that the rescued girls from Moreh will be sent to government-registered shelter home under the UJJAWALA scheme after proper verification.

In a separate incident, four other persons including two males, who are the prime suspect involved in illegal human trafficking were arrested from hotel Santosh located at Paona Bazar by a team of City police.

Subsequently, 61 more girls were rescued and a suspected trafficker was arrested from Hotel Junction located at Keishampat Thokchom Leikai by a team of Imphal west police.By PTI

BALURGHAT: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Sunday lashed out at the "anti-people" Trinamool Congress government in West Bengal, saying the days of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's rule are "numbered".

Adityanath urged the leaders, who had attended the TMC's January 19 opposition rally in Kolkata, to introspect on how democratic rights were being scuttled by the state government.

The UP chief minister who was scheduled to address the "Ganatantra Bachao Rally" at Balurghat in South Dinajpur district Sunday could not attend the rally after permission was denied for his chopper to land near the venue.

"The TMC government didn't allow me to come and meet you all. That is why I had to resort to Digital India of Modi-ji to address you. This TMC government is anti-people, anti-democratic and have compromised with national security," Adityanath said, while addressing the rally via audio link.

UP CM in Lucknow while addressing a rally in Balurghat,South Dinajpur via telephone:Mamata Ji must accept that you dont misuse admn. in a democracy, the way it's being done in West Bengal.The way Bengals admn is functioning as the workers of TMC, should not be acceptable at all pic.twitter.com/3WArf2f9hR  ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) February 3, 2019

The TMC government is afraid of the BJP as it very well knows that its days in Bengal are numbered, he said.

ALSO READ | BJP accuses Mamata Banerjee of misusing power after Amit Shah's chopper not allowed to land in Bengal

Alleging that the TMC government had tried to stop Durga Puja in West Bengal in order to pursue its appeasement policy, Adityanath urged BJP workers to fight hard in order to ensure that the party forms the next government in the state.

"Mamata Banerjee should remember that she can not misuse the government and its agencies in the state. It is shameful that government officials are acting as TMC cadres in the state," he said.BEIJING, Feb. 2 (Xinhua) -- President Xi Jinping and other Chinese leaders have visited former senior leaders to offer greetings ahead of the Spring Festival.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, as well as the other leaders, wished the former leaders a happy Spring Festival, good health and long lives.

Former leaders, including Jiang Zemin and Hu Jintao, received personal visits either from the current leaders or from their representatives.

The former leaders thanked them for the visits and spoke highly of the historic achievements made by the whole Party, military and Chinese people of all ethnic groups under the leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Xi at the core.

They also expressed wholehearted support to the core status of Xi in the CPC Central Committee and the whole Party.

The former leaders expressed hope that the entire Party and Chinese people of all ethnic groups would rally even r around the CPC Central Committee with Xi at the core and hold high the banner of socialism with Chinese characteristics.

They urged the entire Party and Chinese people to follow the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, implement the strategic plan drawn up by 19th CPC National Congress, rise to challenges and move steadily in securing a decisive victory in building a moderately prosperous society in all respects and striving for the success of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era and the realization of the Chinese Dream of great national rejuvenation.Express News Service

NEW DELHI/ BHOPAL: Rishi Kumar Shukla, a former DGP of Madhya Pradesh was appointed as the new Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Director on Saturday, ending a wait which started with ex-chief, Alok Verma being removed unceremoniously on January 10.

Shukla is an officer of 1983 batch IPS officer of the Madhya Pradesh cadre. He has been appointed for a period of two years from the day of assuming office.

The appointment came into controversy soon after, with Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge claiming that the government had ignored his dissent note.

READ | Four days after being removed as Madhya Pradesh DGP, Rishi Shukla appointed CBI Director

Kharge opposed Shukla as the new CBI Director pointing to his lack of experience in anti-corruption investigations, while citing the observation of the Supreme Court in the Vineet Narain judgement, which said, The Committee shall appoint an IPS officer on the basis of seniority, integrity and experience in the field of Anti-Corruption read with Section 4A(3)(a) of the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, which emphasizes the same.

Kharge said, both the above emphasizes experience in anti-corruption cases only. However, the criterion decided in the meeting of looking at total experience in investigation and anti-corruption of 100 months, or more, had been diluted while picking the new CBI chief. This, he said, would be both against the letter and spirit of the SC and DSPE Act

Reacting to Kharges charge, Jitendra Singh, MoS PMO said, Whatever is being said by Kharge is totally unfounded and not based on facts.

Singh said, for the selection of CBI Director, a very objective criteria was followedIt's rather Mr. Kharge who is guilty of trying to have manipulated independent assessment based criteria, in order to accommodate names of his preference.

Kharge claimed that the senior IPS officers including Javeed Ahmed, Rajiv Rai Bhatnagar and Sudeep Lakhtakia, met the requirement of experience in investigating anti-corruption cases.

Shukla, who joined the undivided police force of MP as additional SP (ASP) Raipur in June 1985 has held several important positions in the MP police, heading Economic Offences Wing (EOW), anti-terror squad (ATS) special task force and the Special Armed Force (SAF) at various points of time. He also served as ADG before assuming charge as DGP of MP on July 1, 2016 under the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government

He is credit with busting of the Chinese SIM BOX enabled parallel telephone exchanges and several SIMI modules.

Reacting to the appointment, Shukla said, he enjoys the good wishes of a lot of people-all to whom he was obliged.

The post of the CBI chief had been lying vacant since January 10 after the unceremonious exit of Alok Verma. Public feud between Verma and his deputy, Rakesh Asthana hogged the limelight recently as both the officers had accused each other of corruption- which led to their removal from office in a midnight coup. M Nageswara Rao had been working as the interim CBI chief after Verma's ouster.

The meeting held on Friday at the Prime Ministers residence lasted for over an hour and was attended by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Kharge.By UNI

VIJAYPUR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that his government is committed to restore dignity of displaced Kashmiri Pandits.

"My government is committed to restore dignity and pride of displaced Kashmiri Pandits," said Mr Modi while addressing a huge 'Maharally' here in bordering district after laying foundation stones of AIIMS and other developmental projects worth Rs 35,000 crore.

"I understand their pain. We never forgot the situation they faced at the time of exodus," he added.

The Prime Minister said that many programmes have also been launched to rehabilitate the displaced community.

"Soon the 3000 posts announced for the Kashmiri Pandits will start filling," he added.

Mr Modi however, also appreciated J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik headed administration for peaceful conduct of Panchayat Polls and Urban Local Bodies election in the state.

Before starting his address the Prime Minister impressed the gathering by greeting people with "Mata Vaishno Devi" and "Mata Bawe Wali" in "Dogri" language.

"Paino te prao. Dogrein di is dharti te maa vaishno devi, maa bawe ali gi mera pranam," (brothers and sisters. I greet to this land of Dogras and also Mata Vaishno Devi, Maa Bawe Wali).

He said that whenever he visits Jammu, the energy level by which people of Jammu are filled with, boosts him to work with double energy.

"We will make our best efforts for the development of Jammu and Kashmir," said the Prime Minister.

He hailed the interim budget 2019, calling it people friendly and said that it fulfilled the commitment of "sab ka sath, sab ka vikas".

Every section of the society will get benefitted with this budget, he said and added, "in the 70 years, farmers will get benefitted for the first time by the schemes introduced for them."

He said that under PM Kissan Yojna, 75,000 crore will reach to farmers and small farmers will also get benefitted.

Mr Modi said that his government stand by farmers and jawans of the country and blamed Congress government for always befooling them and never thinking about their welfare.Prasanta Mazumdar By

Express News Service

GUWAHATI: Legendary filmmaker Aribam Syam Sharma of Manipur has decided to return the Padma Shri conferred on him in 2006 as a mark of protest against the Centres move to get the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016, passed in Parliament to grant Indian citizenship to immigrants belonging to six persecuted non-Muslim communities from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Sharma, who announced his decision on Sunday, is likely to return the award on Monday. Manipur has seen a series of protests, staged by various organisations, against the Bill in the past few days.

I will return this honour as a mark of protest against Citizenship Bill. The people of Northeast, Manipur in particular, do not have any protection and there is a fear that indigenous population will be wiped out if the Bill is passed, he told this correspondent over the phone from Manipur capital Imphal.

He continued in the same vein: There is no future for us. The Bill is against democratic norms. The population of Manipur is less than that of a district in Uttar Pradesh or West Bengal. Given the protests, there must be some reconsideration if we want a united and prosperous India.

READ HERE | 200 Manipur students protest against Citizenship Bill

The octogenarian filmmaker said he had no doubt the Centre would try to get the Bill passed in Rajya Sabha.

Until a few days ago, I thought government may not go ahead with the Bill given the widespread protests against it. Then, President (Ram Nath Kovind) made a statement endorsing it. Yesterday (Saturday), Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a request to West Bengal Chief Minister (Mamata Banerjee) seeking her help to get the Bill passed in Rajya Sabha. So, I have no doubt the government will go ahead with the Bill, Sharma said.

Who is Aribam Syam Sharma

The filmmaker and composer made his debut in Manipuri cinema as an actor in the movie Matamgi Manipur. He directed his first movie Lamja Parshuram in 1974 which was the first Manipuri film to run for 100 days in box office. His Olangthagee Wangmadasu, made in 1980, is the only Manipuri film to run for more than 25 weeks. With 14 feature films and 31 non-feature films to his kitty, the 82-year-old is credited with bringing Manipuri cinema on the world stage.By Online Desk

The Law Ministry on Sunday gave its nod to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to prosecute former Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram in the INX media case. His son Karti Chidambaram has already been charged in the case and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has also attached his assets worth an estimated Rs 54 crore, located in India and abroad.

The CBI and the ED had on January 25 told the Delhi High Court that they need to take Chidambaram into custody for interrogation.

ALSO READ: Madras HC quashes criminal prosecution against P Chidambaram's kin

The veteran Congress leaders role had come under the scanner of various investigating agencies in the Rs 3,500-crore Aircel-Maxis deal and the INX Media case involving Rs 305 crore.

It was during his tenure as finance minister that clearances from the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) were given to the two ventures. The CBI filed an FIR in the INX case on May 15, 2017, alleging irregularities in the FIPB clearance granted to the media group for receiving overseas funds when P Chidambaram was finance minister.

ALSO READ | INX Media case: P Chidambaram asked us to help in Karti's business, say Indrani and Peter Mukerjea

The ED had registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR), the ED's equivalent of a police FIR, against the accused named in a CBI complaint, including Karti Chidambaram, INX Media and its directors Peter and Indrani Mukerjea.

Karti Chidambaram was also arrested on February 28 by the CBI for allegedly taking money to facilitate the FIPB clearance to INX Media in 2007. He was later granted bail.

The Supreme Court last week had allowed Karti Chidambaram to travel abroad after depositing Rs 10 crore with its registry but asked him to cooperate with the probe in the INX Media and Aircel Maxis cases, saying "don't play around with the law".



(With inputs from Express News Service and agencies)By PTI

MUMBAI: A sessions court here has issued non-bailable warrants against two Pakistan Army officials - Major Abdul Rehman Pasha and Major Iqbal - in connection with the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks case.

While Major Pasha has retired, the prosecution believes Major Iqbal is still serving as an ISI official in Pakistan, as disclosed by US born Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist David Coleman Headley, an approver in the case here.

Both Major Iqbal and Major Pasha are shown as wanted accused in the charge sheet filed by the city police's crime branch in the case.

Additional Sessions Judge S V Yarlagadda on January 21 allowed an application filed by special public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam.

The application was filed before the court which is presently conducting trial against alleged LeT operative Sayyed Zabiuddin Ansari alias Abu Jundal in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks case.

Nikam said in the application that the role of the two Pakistani Army officials was revealed further during the testimony of Headley on the conspiracy hatched in the case.

Headley, who is presently lodged in a US jail, turned approver in the case and his testimony was recorded via video conference in 2016.

"David Headley's testimony has vindicated the stand of India that the terror attacks of November 26, 2008 were not only sponsored by militant groups of Pakistan but were, in fact, actively supported by Pakistan Army officials," Nikam told PTI.

Judge Yarlagadda, after perusing the application, supplementary charge sheet filed by the crime branch and hearing brief arguments from Nikam, said he was allowing the application.

"The application filed by the prosecution for issuance of non-bailable warrant against the two persons (Pasha and Iqbal) is allowed.

These two persons are shown as wanted suspects.

The approver, David Headley, has named them in his evidence," the court said.

"Hence, issue non-bailable warrants against both the accused persons," the court ordered and posted the matter for further hearing on February 6.

Headley in his testimony before the court here had claimed that during the conspiracy to commit the terror attacks in Mumbai, Major Iqbal and Major Pasha were present in the meetings during which targets were selected.

LeT operatives Sajeed Mir, Abu Kaahfa and Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi were also present in the meetings, Headley had said.

Nikam said Headley's oral testimony is not the only evidence against these two persons (Pasha and Iqbal) and that the prosecution also has in its possession corroborative documentary evidence.

Headley had visited Mumbai in September 2006 and informed Major Iqbal about his surveillance of Hotel Taj in south Mumbai and on his return to Pakistan, he had handed over photographs and videos of the same.

He also said that Major Iqbal gave him USD 25,000 to do intelligence work in India.

Headley further claimed that Major Iqbal had asked him to also get classified information about Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) here and of political party Shiv Sena's office, 'Sena Bhawan', located in central Mumbai.

He said he had also received Rs 80,000 from Major Pasha for carrying out surveillance work in India.

According to Nikam, Headley had been in regular contact with Major Pasha during the course of the conspiracy, planning and execution of the attack.

"It is pertinent to note that Headley in his testimony had said Pasha wanted the National Defence College in New Delhi also to be included in the target list and had, in fact, told Headley that if the attack on the army college was successful then they would be able to kill more brigadiers and generals than they have in the past," Nikam said.

On November 26, 2008, 10 Pakistani terrorists arrived by sea route and opened fire indiscriminately, killing 166 people, including 18 security personnel, and injuring several others, besides damaging property worth crores.

The attacks lasted three days.

The places that were attacked included south Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus railway station, the Taj Hotel, the Trident Hotel, Cafe Leopold and Chabad House.

While nine of the terrorists were killed during the siege, Ajmal Kasab was caught alive by Mumbai Police and later awarded death sentence.

PTI SP GK DV DV 02031154 NNNNBy PTI

AHMEDABAD: Supporters of social activist Anna Hazare, who has been on indefinite hunger strike in his village in Maharashtra since the last three days, Saturday claimed they have received a letter from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) cold shouldering the Gandhian.

The "terse" response from the PMO spurred protests in Hazare's Ralegan Siddhi village in Ahmednagar district of western Maharashtra, said Hazare's spokesperson Shyam Asawa.

He said the villagers were angry due to the "cold response" given by the prime minister to the letter sent last month by the 81-year-old anti-graft crusader.

Some protesters, including women, climbed atop a tower in the village and raised anti-government slogans this afternoon while some villagers blocked traffic on Parner-Wadegavhan road, Asawa added.

He said police detained scores of protesters, including women and senior citizens.

"Your letter was received, thank you and best wishes", reads the letter, purportedly sent by the PMO, which was shown to some reporters by Asawa.

In his letter, dated January 1, 2019, sent to the PMO, Hazare had demanded immediate appointment of anti-corruption watchdogs at the Centre and in Maharashtra.

He also sought resolution of farmers' issues.

"This letter of the PMO gives rise to doubts in our mind about seriousness of this government about Anna Hazare's agitation," Asawa said.

Meanwhile, Dr Dhananjay Pote, who is closely monitoring Hazare's health, told PTI that he has lost 3.4 kgs on the fourth day of fast Saturday.

"His blood pressure has also shot up," Dr Pote said.

He said Hazare has been advised minimal conversation.

Hazare has also been demanding implementation of the Swaminathan Commission recommendations on ways to address agrarian distress, besides some electoral reforms.

He began his hunger strike on January 30 in the Yadavbaba temple in his village.Aishik Chanda By

Express News Service

KOLKATA: CBI special director Rakesh Asthana will reach Kolkata on Tuesday evening and hold meetings with CBI officers on Wednesday over the progress made in the probes in Sarada, Narada and Rose Valley scams that have rocked the TMC regime.

Sources revealed that due to the involvement of big names in Sarada, Narada and Rose Valley scams, Astana is likely to monitor the progress in the gathering of evidence that will be admissible in the court, sources revealed.

Also, the CBI special director will discuss the infrastructure required to widen the scope of investigation in the three scams. CBI will submit the progress report on the investigation in the Narada sting at Calcutta High Court in August end. On the other hand, Asthana's visit has already increased the political temperature of the state.

Trinamool Congress secretary general Partha Chatterjee alleged that BJP uses the CBI to hound political opponents before elections and he agency will be used more to hound TMC in the run-up to the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

State BJP president Dilip Ghosh said that "elections stay on the mind of TMC and not BJP".

Besides, Enforcement Directorate (ED) sent a fresh summon to former finance minister and Congress leader P Chidambaram's wife Nalini Chidambaram for interrogation in Kolkata on July 20 over the Sarada scam case. She had earlier skipped all previous summons by the ED.Tempted that I was to write and analyse the effects of a potential Trump-Taliban agreement facilitating full withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan, I shelved that in favour of something a majority of Indians would have no idea about. Its about the Ikhwans, the supposed renegades of Kashmir, who once fiercely fought the Indian Army but then agreed to surrender and joined hands with the Army and the Special Operations Group (SOG) of the J&K Police (JKP) to become what are often called in strategic language, counter groups. This is in context to the conferment of the posthumous Ashok Chakra on late Lance Naik Nazir Ahmad Wani of Kulgam, J&K on Republic Day 2019.

The media made it known that Wani was a former militant who was from the Ikhwan group and belonged to 162 Infantry Battalion Territorial Army JAK LI (Home and Hearth) or 162 Inf Bn TA JAK LI (H&H). None of this made any sense to most because the complex J&K proxy war has so many nuances that it is difficult for the public to be aware of such things. It has gone on for 30 years in which a generational change has taken place. Joining the dots of issues and events of these 30 years is a long exercise. Perhaps just an explanation is sufficient to familiarize the public with Ikhwans and TA (H&H).

The Ikhwans were simply those local Kashmiri militants, who after initial forays under Pakistan ISI sponsorship against the Indian Army in the early nineties, decided to switch sides and work for India instead.

The empathy that the ISI displayed for the Kashmiri separatists and especially the militant groups proved hollow when many of the smaller groups realised the derogatory manner in which the ISI treated the local Kashmiris. The option of being with India was much more appealing to these locals who operated under the group title Ikhwan-ul-Muslimeen (Ikhwan meaning brotherhood).

Some prominent names were among the leaders, all well-known to those who have stayed in Kashmir. These were Yusuf Parray (famously known as Kuka Parray), Liaqat Khan, Usman Majeed and Javed Ahmad Shah, among others. Each of them put his life on the line to convert and become Indian patriots. The Ikhwan cadres ventured into supporting the Indian Army and the newly raised Rashtriya Rifles (RR)also an Army organisation raised for anti-militancy operations. They were deployed in small numbers with RR units primarily to provide better eyes and ears due to their intense local knowledge which proved to have a force multiplication effect.

Two sub-groups of the Ikhwan existed, one each in North and South Kashmir. The Ikhwan presence with the Army and the SOG helped curb militancy to a large extent. In fact, the foreign mercenaries inducted from Afghanistan to Kashmir by the ISI were mostly neutralised in these intense operations thus drying up that pipeline and forcing the ISI to open a fresh pipeline of Pakistani terrorists belonging to the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and other groups after 1996. The status of domination achieved by 1996 helped the government to decide to conduct state elections in 1996, just seven years after the inception of the proxy war.

The only unfortunate aspect of this phase was the lack of effective social control exercised over the Ikhwan by the Indian Army. Enjoying the Armys patronage and living under its shadow they fell afoul of the local population who saw in them betrayers of the cause. Their deeds were not in keeping with the strict moral code of the Army. Many were killed in operations but their families were not suitably compensated. To formalise and codify their employment it was decided to raise a specific TA unit for them, train them under the Armys strict code and then employ them in uniform.

Thus 162 TA Bn JAK LI (H&H) was raised and the Ikhwan cadres enrolled with requisite ranks as per their then existing hierarchy. The H&H concept was a rare experiment with eight such units manned on the son of the soil concept. It meant that troops recruited from the area would permanently be deployed in the same area to make use of their affinity with local conditions to fight against those involved with proxy war. The 162 Inf Bn (H&H) was, of course, special.

Wani was enrolled in this unit in 2004 and went on to be decorated twice with the Sena Medal (Gallantry). On November 25, 2018, while in an operation with 34 RR against six terrorists in South Kashmirs Batagund village, he remained at the forefront while guiding the RR troops and using his extensive experience in flushing out terrorists. He personally killed two and injured a third, but died fighting.

While the rest of India was deeply anguished watching Wanis wife and mother at the investiture ceremony prior to the Republic Day Parade, Kashmir did not shed a tear for its deceased and valorous son. This is the unfortunate paradox. Neither we as a nation have done enough to compensate the Ikhwans for their sacrifice for the nation, nor has Kashmirs society forgiven them for their alleged excesses during the early years of the militancy. The remaining Ikhwans exist between these awkward statuses of their past and their present. The 162 Inf Bn TA (H&H) still has many of them on its rolls but India needs to hold their hand longer and stronger to display that those who sacrifice all for the nation are always to be respected.

An effort to get the Kashmiri people to also rejoice in their recognition needs to made but will prove a tough proposition considering that not one mainstream politician of Kashmir complimented and recognised the sacrifice of the family.

Lt Gen (retd) Syed Ata Hasnain

Former Commander, Srinagar-based 15 Corps

atahasnain@gmail.comJug Suraiya By

Id been out of touch with him for a long while so it was only recently that I learned of the untimely demise, some four years ago, of Archibald Andrews, longtime resident and foremost citizen of the idyllic small town of Riverdale, US, while trying to protect his gay friend, Kevin Keller.

Archie, as the comic book character was known by his millions of fans worldwide, was a part of my childhood, and in a way still is. So taken up was my elder sister, Hemu, by Archie and his group of high school buddiesthe glamorous and super-rich Veronica Lodge, the blonde girl next-door, Betty Cooper, the slick-haired and scheming Reggie Mantlethat she shortened my given nameJagdishto Jug, itself short for Jughead Jones, Archies sleepy-eyed, needle-nosed best friend whose skinny frame belied his insatiable appetite for hamburgers.

Thanks to Riverdale, I became Jug, and have remained so ever since.

The series was created in the early 1940s by publisher/editor John Goldwater, written by Vic Bloom and drawn by Bob Montana. While some of the characters were said to be based on real life people Goldwater had met during his travels in the mid-west looking for jobs, Archie himself was reportedly inspired by the popular Andy Hardy Hollywood movies starring the young Mickey Rooney. The

comic series was to become an enduring success in a post-World War II America, which would soon start living its own dream, yet to be scarred by the trauma of Vietnam.

By the 1950s, America was the envy of the world, its growing influence as a cultural soft power helping to sanitise its brute military strength as exemplified by the twin mushroom clouds that had bloomed with terrifying toxicity over Hiroshima and Nagasaki scant years previously.

For middle-class, urban Indians of the time, America seemed more distant and, for that reason perhaps, more fascinating than the surface of Mars. America was the land of super-abundance, a cornucopia of tail-finned Cadillacs and kitchen cookie jars that miraculously refilled themselves the more they were raided by mischievous young hands; socialist India was the land of seemingly endless shortages, of droughts and famines, and the conspicuous austerity that it wore on the sleeve of its Nehru jacket.

The real Americaif there were such a thing, apart from the image it had created for itselfwas unreachable. For one thing, passports which you needed to travel abroad were almost impossible to get, as was foreign exchange, unless you could provide a very good reason, such as business or study, for wanting to go overseas. When my uncle, Madhubhai, became the first person in the family to get a passport, a special dinner was thrown in his honour and the prized document was passed reverentially from person to person and subjected to awed scrutiny.

We couldnt go to America, but America could come to us. A hand-me-down America was available on the dusty pavements of Calcuttas Park Street, where roadside vendors sold three-month-old copies of Screen Stories and Photoplay, with all the Hollywood gossip, which was only slightly stale. My sister would take me to buy these glossies, along with Archie comics.

The comics were a magical gateway not only to a mythical America but also to a thrilling new terra incognita called adolescence, with its acned angst and its exuberant ecstasy.

There were no Indian teenagers then; there were children who overnight became young adults, with no intervening rites of passage. There was no TV, no Facebook, and no Twitter. There was little or no locally produced fiction, of any form, for young people. No dreamscape for the young mind to occupy. From pre-pubescent Enid Blyton, you progressed to tumescent Harold Robbins, with no transit stop.

Riverdale, as portrayed in Archie comics, provided the transit stop, with its ice-cream sodas, and its prom dances, and its rituals of going on dates, and holding hands beneath a butterscotch moon, and occasionally exchanging kisses, but no more than that.

Riverdale was romance not at the time of AIDs. It had to change of course, and it did; innocence is the ultimate self-destructing device. Along with the rest of the world, Archie grew older, and, if not wiser, at least more aware of the ways of evil. Yet his self-sacrificing death at the hands of a sexual bigot could be seen as a new beginning, a regeneration not of lost innocence but of the imperative of tolerance in all its formssocial, political and sexualin an increasingly embattled and strife-torn world. Archie dies so that tolerance might live. Will it, in Trumps America? If Hemu were here today, while shedding a tear for Archie, shed be the first to hope so.

Jug Suraiya

Writer, columnist and author of several books

jugsuraiya@gmail.comBy Online Desk

Actor Silambarasan, who is basking in the success of his recent release Vantha Rajavathaan Varuven, has turned 36 today. The actor celebrated his birthday by cutting a cake in the presence of his film industry peers including actor Dhanush.

Actor Dhanush has always been seen as STR's direct industry rival as both the stars had risen to prominence at the same time in the Tamil film industry.

However, the two stars have denied any rivalry between them expressing camaraderie in public functions and other places they meet.

In a video shared on STRs birthday, Dhanush is seen cheering for STR alongside Music composer Yuvan Shankar Raja and actor Jayam Ravi.

A few years back STR had organised a similar birthday party for Dhanush.

ALSO READ: Vantha Rajavathaan Varuven: A tiring rehash of rehashes

On the work front, STR's Vantha Rajavathaan Varuven starring Catherine Teresa, Megha Akash, Ramya Krishnan, Prabhu, Nasser and directed by Sundar C released on Friday and is running to packed houses.

His next movie will be Venkat Prabhu's Maanadu. Dhanush is currently shooting for Vettrimaran's Asuran while Ennai Nokki Payum Thotha directed by Gautham Vasudev Menon is expected to release soon.

Simbu had recently kicked off a controversy when he called on his fans to celebrate the release of his film by pouring 'pots' of milk over his cut-outs as abhishekam.

VIEW GALLERY: Check out some rare photos of the controversial actor STR

Simbu's video to his fans was circulated just few days after the actor had released a video telling fans not to celebrate the release of Vantha Rajavathan Varuven. In the first video, Simbu urged his fans not to spend huge sums of money to buy tickets for the movie. He told them to buy clothes for their parents instead. He also urged the fans not to put up cut-outs and banners for the film's release.

In the second video, released days later, Simbu said, "Some had claimed that I had released that video for publicity as I have only one or two fans. So, now I am telling you: celebrate my movie release like never before by erecting huge banners and cut-outs and pouring pots of milk. After all I have only one or two fans, so who is going to raise questions if one or two fans celebrate?

The Tamil Nadu Milk Dealers Association lodged a complaint with the Chennai Police Commissioner's office and sought action against the actor for his 'provocative' speech.

(With inputs from ENS)"We will do as follows. We will come up with a tit-for-tat response. American partners have announced suspension of their participation in the treaty, and we will suspend," Putin said at a meeting with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

Putin said Russia will follow the example of the United States and withdraw from the nuclear arms control deal within six months.

The US administration announced on February 1 that the United States is withdrawing from the INF Treaty with Russia in six months, starting from February 2.By Online Desk

Tamil superstar Vijay Sethupathi said that love marriages are the ultimate solution for eradicating casteism in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. In an interview with a Malayalam weekly, the Vikram-Vedha star said that he considers both Kerala and Tamil Nadu as his own places and hence doesn't differentiate between them.

Commenting on the long-standing social evil of casteism affecting the people of both states, the actor said, "Casteism is a form of emotional corruption. But education and love marriages will bring a change to this situation one day. I am hopeful we can bring up a generation who will eradicate casteism through love."

ALSO READ | CM Pinarayi is cool, his stand on Sabarimala is right, says fan Vijay Sethupathi

He also criticised people who talk so much about progressive thoughts and renaissance, but won't let go of their second names hinting caste.

About the #MeToo movement, Sethupathi said it is a positive change that would give victims the strength and moral boost to talk about assaults. Abusers are now scared that people will speak up even 10 years after a crime was committed.

"Oppression and abuse are wrong no matter in which field they are committed. The survivors should get justice. If you were violated at an age when you couldn't understand it, you should complain when you are old enough."

He said that is why organisations like Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) are relevant in the industry. Emphasizing the need of a similar body in the Tamil film industry, the actor said it will happen soon no matter how hard some try to stop it.

ALSO READ | WCC: A collective fight against misogyny and patriarchy

WCC, an association of female actors and artists, was targetted, trolled and mercilessly attacked online following their strong position against male superstars. But the organisation steadfastly continued with its fight against misogyny and patriarchy prevalent in the Malayalam film industry.

Vijay Sethupathi, who fondly called as 'Makkal Selvan' by fans, questioned the validity of the argument that portrays women 'impure' because of the menstrual cycle and also commented on the controversies surrounding the Sabarimala temple.

ALSO READ | Vijay Sethupathi begins dubbing for Sindhubaadh

"The Chief Minister is right on the Sabarimala issue. I don't understand why there is so much ruckus about it.

Women have to bear certain pain every month. We all know why it happens and it is a holy thing thanks to which we all are here. It is much easier to be a man and people should understand that," 24 News quoted him as saying.By Express News Service

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: BJP state general secretary MT Ramesh has welcomed actor Mohanlal to contest from Kerala and said the party is waiting for his decision on the same.

He told reporters here on Saturday if Mohanlal is ready to contest, the party is willing to accommodate him from any seat in the state.

Party workers and leaders will be happy if he contests from any seat. There have not been any formal discussions with Mohanlal on this matter. It is for the actor to reveal his position on the same, he said.

The party will be keen to field him from Thiruvananthapuram Lok Sabha constituency, where it has sufficient grass root presence, say party insiders.By ANI

NEW DELHI: Bollywood actor Sonali Bendre, who spent months in New York battling cancer, recently returned to the sets, a feeling she described as surreal."

The 44-year-old actor took to Instagram to post a photo and video sharing that she has returned to work after a major sabbatical.

Being back on a set after a major sabbatical  one that has been testing in many ways on so many levels  is a surreal feeling. After all this, I sort of feel an additional sense of purpose and meaning and I'm so grateful to be back in action, she wrote.

I dont think words would do justice to how beautiful it feels to be back at work...to face the camera again and portray the range of emotions required. Given that my emotions have been running high for the last couple of months, it feels good to give into the emotions that the job requires. It's just the kind of day that helps me #SwitchOnTheSunshine#OneDayAtATime, she added.

ALSO READ | Goldie Behl wishes 'love', 'cheer' for Sonali Bendre

The photo shows Sonali sitting on a staircase with motivational quotes printed on it. She has donned a casual white dress, sleeveless denim jacket coupled with a pair of sunglasses and sneakers. The video shows her getting out of a car and returning to face the cameras. Before stepping inside, she turns around and smiles for the camera.

By sharing this post, she has set the brightest example for everyone going through the life-threatening disease.

Sonali has also been investing some time in her book club by ensuring that she doesnt stop recommending books and inspiring people to read and remain positive.

The actor has been undergoing treatment for high-grade cancer. She returned to India after several months of treatment in New York City in December. Sonali has been very open about her cancer battle and during her time in NYC, she had kept her fans updated about her health with regular posts.

Sonali also shares pictures of her hanging out with her Bollywood friends including Sussanne Khan and Priyanka Chopra.By Express News Service

VIJAYAWADA: A police constable attached to the Patamata police station, allegedly kidnapped a minor girl after luring her in the name of love.

Following a complaint by the girls parents, a case of kidnap and sections under POCSO Act have been registered against Bandi Hari at Penamaluru police station and teams have been formed to trace the girl. The girl was traced in Anantapur on Saturday and handed over to her parents in Vijayawada.

According to Penamaluru police, Bandi Hari (27) was working as a constable at Patamata police station and residing in a rented house at Penamaluru village.

In the name of friendship, he befriended an Intermediate student in his colony and took her to Anantapur promising to marry her on January 27. When the girl did not return home, her parents filed a missing complaint at Penamaluru police station expressing doubt on Hari.

With the help of mobile signal, we traced the constable in Anantapur. Stringent action will be initiated against Hari, said the Penamaluru police.

What happened

Bandi Hari (27) was working as a constable at Patamata police station

In the name of friendship, he befriended an Inter student and took her to Anantapur promising to marry her on January 27

When the girl did not return home, her parents filed a missing complaint at Penamaluru police stationAishik Chanda By

Express News Service

KOLKATA: Amid high drama, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee sat on dharna at Esplanade here on Sunday evening to protest an attempted CBI raid on Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumars residence at Rawdon Street, which led to the detention of over 15 CBI sleuths by the city police.

The premier probe agency retaliated by posting Central paramilitary forces to handle security of the CBI office in Kolkata and decided to seek redress from the Supreme Court. It also approached Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi for help.

ALSO READ: Kolkata Police chief expresses regret for not meeting poll panel: Bengal government writes to EC

Addressing the media from Kumars residence, Mamata said: The Supreme Court had said CBI officials can meet Kumar at a designated spot but trying to raid his house is an attack on the police force. Whatever Narendra Modi is saying, (NSA) Ajit Doval is implementing using CBI. I will sit on a dharna near Metro Channel till the situation is eased and will hold cabinet meeting at the dharna spot. I urge all state forces to be united.

Kumar later went to meet the detained CBI officials at the Shakespeare Sarani police station.

The 15-odd sleuths were part of a 40-member team led by CBI DCP Tathagata Burman, who tried to raid Kumars residence to question him on his alleged role in the removal of several important files connected to the Saradha chit fund case.

CBI officials and on-duty Kolkata Police officials engaged in physical altercations when the city police led by ADG (law and order) Anuj Sharma asked the sleuths to bring a search warrant, present it before the local police station and satisfy them to get permission for the raid.

The CBI officials countered that they have the Supreme Courts authority to probe the Saradha scam.

When the sleuths refused to leave, the police forcibly detained over 15 of them.

Following the altercation, large contingents of state police forces were simultaneously posted at CBI office, CGO Complex and CBI joint director Pankaj Srivastavas office at Nizam Palace.

The drama snowballed after the Election Commission sought an explanation from Kumar for his absence at a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora on January 31. Soon, Mamata issued an apology for the CPs absence and termed it a small matter.

Mamatas streetfighting galvanised the opposition, with Congress chief Rahul Gandhi offering all support. The matter is expected to figure prominently in Parliament on Monday.

Detained

I have also been detained and there are police officers standing outside my house, says CBI joint director Pankaj Srivastava. We had gone to question Kumar. If he hadnt cooperated, we would have rounded him up.By PTI

KOLKATA: Opposition parties Sunday extended support to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who began a sit-in protest over the CBI's attempt to question the Kolkata Police chief in connection with chit fund scams, calling the agency a "coalition partner of the BJP".

The Congress said the CBI action in Kolkata is clearly "mala fide" and an "assault" on the federal polity, which has come within 48 hours of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah's public "threat" to him.

Party spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi said the antipathy of Modi and Shah towards Banerjee is "visceral".

He alleged that the BJP and the prime minister are desperate to create a controversy in the state for "cheap publicity and divisiveness" to get some space in 2019 elections.

He claimed the Modi government has ensured a non-functional and non-productive Parliament session going by such assaults on the federal polity on a Sunday evening.

Singhvi called for opposition unity after this action, which he described as "political vendetta" and an "assault on federalism".

"Kolkata CBI action clearly mala fide. Done within 48 hours of Modi, Shah rally threat to commissioner of police; done on Sunday on mere section 160 notice which is bailable and non-cognisable; operating high court stay protecting officers under CP on identical case, identical issues; yet harass CP without clarifying from HC," he said on Twitter.

ALSO READ | CBI action in Kolkata 'mala fide' and 'assault': Congress

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said, "Spoke to Mamta didi and expressed solidarity. Modi-Shah duo's action is completely bizarre and anti-democracy."

In a dramatic showdown with the Modi government, a furious Banerjee, wrapped in a brown woollen shawl, began a sit-in right in front of the Metro Cinema to protest "insults" she faced at the hands of the prime minister and BJP chief Amit Shah, hours after a CBI team that had gone to question Kumar was detained in a rare face-off between the police establishments of the Centre and the state.

Banerjee, one of the prime movers behind the effort to cobble together an anti-BJP alliance ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, claimed the CBI knocked on the doors of Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar without a search warrant.

She asked all opposition parties to unite to bring down the Modi government and, in a rare exhortation by a political leader, called upon personnel of security forces of the Centre and states, besides the Army, to "condemn" the attitude of the Modi government.

ALSO READ | Mamata on Dharna after Kolkata police-CBI face-off; CBI to move SC

Rashtriya Janata Dal national president Lalu Prasad also came in support of the TMC supremo.

He said the Constitution and constitutional institutions in the country were facing an "unprecedented crisis" and alleged that there were "attempts to plunge the country into a civil war".

"The common public of the country is against the BJP and its coalition partner - a partisan CBI. We stand with @MamataBanerjeeOfficial. There is a brazen display of dictatorship.

"It is the greatest danger to democracy. The Constitution and constitutional institutions are facing an unprecedented crisis. Attempts are being made to plunge the country into a civil war for electoral gains," Prasad tweeted in Hindi.

Prasad's official twitter handle is operated by people close to him. He is serving sentences in connection with fodder scam cases and admitted at a hospital in Ranchi for treatment of multiple ailments.

Incidentally, the fodder scam conviction which has led to the imprisonment of Prasad and rendered him disqualified from contesting polls, was also investigated by the CBI According to party sources, the RJD supremo's younger son and political heir Tejashwi Yadav has spoken to Banerjee over phone and he might visit Kolkata on Monday in a show of solidarity.

"State governments will be compelled to take such steps in view of political decisions taken by the CBI in the last few months under pressure from the BJP. The CBI may have to face the wrath of the public if it continues to act as a coalition partner of the BJP. Nobody is mightier than the public in a democracy," Tejashwi Yadav tweeted.

Extending support to the West Bengal CM, NCP president Sharad Pawar tweeted, "It's shocking that In WB, Central Govt goes to this level! It's an assault on federalism and condemnable misuse of CBI for political vendettas! #MamataVsCBI." National Conference leader and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also threw his weight behind Banerjee, saying the use of the agency as a political tool has crossed all limits.

"Just spoke to @MamataOfficial didi to convey the support of @JKNC_ as she sits in dharna. The use of the CBI as a political tool has crossed all limits as has the Modi government's misuse of institutions.

A former CM having such little regard for India's federalism is shocking," Omar tweeted.

As the CBI team landed at the city police chief's residence, a team of Kolkata Police officers rushed to the spot to speak to the CBI officials and tried to enquire if they had the documents required for questioning Kumar.

Later on, a small team of CBI officials was taken to Shakespeare Sarani police station for further discussions. Thereafter, more men arrived at the spot and a commotion ensued. Some CBI officers were then forcibly bundled into police jeeps and taken to the police station.By Express News Service

KOCHI: While reports are in the air that Mumbai underworld don Ravi Poojari who was arrested in Senegal would be quizzed in connection with the shooting incident at actor Leena Maria Pauls beauty parlour, the investigators are yet to ascertain the Mumbai gangsters involvement in the entire episode.

According to top officers with Kochi City Police they have not yet identified that Ravi Poojari was behind the shooting incident that occurred on December 15, when two miscreants fired a country-made pistol at the Nail Artistry in Kadavantra and dropped a paper with Ravi Poojari written on it before leaving the spot.

The City police had conducted investigations in Mangaluru and Bengaluru in connection with the incident but failed to trace the culprits fired.

The arrest of Poojari has rekindled the hopes of city police of solving the daylight firing in the busy location in Kochi and there are reports that City Police would approach Interpol seeking permission to interrogate the gangster in connection with the incident. However, according to the officers, it was a laborious task since the absence of concrete evidence corroborating the links of Poojari.

We have not reached the conclusion Ravi Poojari was behind the incident. Besides, we could establish his links only when acquiring any scientific evidence proving the veracity of the phone calls reportedly made by him, said a top officer with the investigation team.

According to the officers, they are unaware of the matter when he would be brought to India by the agencies. Besides, Poojari was involved in more than 70 cases in Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan, almost all of them were sensational than the Kochi case.

A Malayalam news channel aired the audio clip of the phone call received from the person claiming to be Ravi Poojari. A man claiming to be the gangster had earlier called the news channel on December 19 claiming he was involved in the incident.

According to the police officers, the actress had before received threats and a demand to pay up around Rs 25 crore from Ravi Poojari. Meanwhile, ACP Thrikkakara P P Shams, who is heading the investigation team probing the incident, has been transferred to Kattapana.Regional

Myanmar army attacks ULFA-I camp

Guwahati, Feb 3 (Agencies) | Publish Date: 2/3/2019 11:55:03 AM IST

The Myanmar Army launched an attack on an abandoned camp of the banned militant outfit ULFA-I in Northern Myanmar at Taga.

According to Time8 reports, no casualties have been reported so far. The ULFA-I may seek Chinese diplomatic assistance to diffuse the tension in Myanmar, as per reports. The ULFA-I camp was located near the headquarters of the banned militant outfit NSCN-K. It may be mentioned that the Myanmar Army has taken control of the NSCN-K camp in the Naga Self-Administered Zone of Sagaing Region without a shot being fired.

A military column consisting of over 400 troops from six battalions led by the Hkamti District tactical commander under the Tatmadaws North-West Command took control of the NSCN-Ks headquarters in the village of Ta Ga in Nanyun Township on January 29, 2019.Speaking at the event, Vietnamese Ambassador to Egypt Tran Thanh Cong introduced the unique characteristics of Vietnams traditional Tet festival to foreign guests and expressed his belief that relations between Vietnam and international friends will be tightened this coming year.

The ambassador also extended New Year wishes to overseas Vietnamese in the country.

Participants were treated to traditional Vietnamese dishes which are often eaten during Tet celebrations.

The same day, Vietnamese Ambassador to Algeria Pham Quoc Tru visited and presented gifts to Vietnamese workers at Tipaza construction site invested in by Nibelc Germany Group in Tipaza province.

During a working session with representatives of the Nibelc Germany Group and over 120 Vietnamese workers, Tru asked the workers to abide by the host countrys law, stay united and offer mutual support, thus leaving a good impression on their employer.

A representative of the group pledged to create favorable conditions for the Vietnamese workers to work more safely and efficiently and to improve their living conditions.During his televised address to the nation last Tuesday night, I found myself agreeing with President Trump. We do have a crisis of the heartLansdale, PA (19446)

Today

A mix of clouds and sun. High 88F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Thunderstorms early, then mainly cloudy after midnight. Low 67F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.Major League Baseball has apparently decided that there are 42 too many minor league baseball cities and, according to Commissioner Rob Manfred, after the 2020 season, that will change. There will be a new agreement between the majors and the minors signed and a lot of cities will lose theirProfessor Vladimir Kolotov, Director of Ho Chi Minh Institute under St. Petersburg State University, said the thriving relationship was boosted by the visit to Russia by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong in September, as well as Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedevs visit to Vietnam in November.

The Vietnam-Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) Free Trade Agreement lifted trade and economic ties between Vietnam and Russia, he said, noting that the two countries have made significant steps in efforts to raise bilateral trade revenue.

Businesspeople from Russian cities came to Vietnam to introduce their products. Meanwhile, delegations of Vietnamese enterprises visited Russia to seek cooperation and investment opportunities.

The partnership in military technology between the two countries has also made progress, with notable events like the June visit to the south central province of Khanh Hoa by a Russian Pacific Fleet detachment.

During the fourth defence strategy dialogue in Moscow in December, Vietnamese Deputy Defence Minister Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Chi Vinh stressed Russia has been, and will always be Vietnams trustworthy ally and partner.

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu also highlighted the special relationship between the two countries.

In education, four Russian universities have been awarded with Vietnams Friendship Order, namely Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow State Linguistic University, RANEPA Institute of Public Administration and Civil Service and National Research Nuclear University MEPhI.

Although Vietnam cancelled a project to build a nuclear power plant, the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI is still helping the country train experts in the nuclear field.

In 2018, Vietnamese in Moscow and Russian friends held a festival to commemorate the death anniversary of the Hung Kings for the first time, which is expected be observed annually not only in the Russian capital but on a larger scale in the future.

The first Russia-Vietnam Youth Forum took place in St. Petersburg earlier this month, along with activities marking the 95th year since Nguyen Ai Quoc (then President Ho Chi Minh) set foot in Russia for the first time (June 30, 1923-2018).

Prof. Kolotov and other Russian experts believe the bilateral relationship will be enhanced in 2019.NDO  Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh sent his condolences to Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cuba, Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla on February 2, on hearing of the news of the serious damage caused by a tornado to four districts of Havana on January 27.Among the charter members of the Elks was Enixs father, Ernest Bubbles Enix. Enix raised his family in Bethlehem and worked for 43 years at Steel. He was well known in the Bethlehem community: a judge of elections in the First Ward, a trustee and deacon at the Second Baptist Church and an auxiliary policeman. He was the guy, friends told reporters after his death, who instructed new neighbors where to put out their trash and drove senior citizens to the polls.The Bridge Plaza development next to the Veterans Memorial Bridge is in the running for a $429,000 state redevelopment grant. The proposed project is now a five-story building, according to city officials, compared to the seven stories shown in this 2014 rendering.Support Local Journalism

The Malibu community needs trustworthy reportingbut good journalism isnt free. Please help keep us in print by making a contribution.Exton, PA (19341)

Today

Partly cloudy. High 86F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms during the evening, with mostly cloudy skies after midnight. Low 67F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.Magnolia, AR (71754)

Today

Scattered thunderstorms. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 86F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms early, then variable clouds overnight with still a chance of showers. Low around 65F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Locally heavy rainfall possible.A U.S. decision to send humanitarian aid to Venezuela in coordination with the countrys opposition could test the loyalty of the Latin nations armed forces.

The militarys top brass has pledged allegiance to the government of President Nicolas Maduro, who has rejected receiving aid from a country that he accuses of mounting a coup against him.

But opposition leader Juan Guaido, who requested the assistance, has urged the military to allow the aid in, a sentiment backed by U.S. policymakers.

Military & police leaders in #Venezuela must now decide to either help food & medicine reach people, or help #Maduro instead, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) wrote Sunday on Twitter. Rubio has been deeply involved in the Trump administrations Venezuela policy.

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Despite its vast oil wealth, Venezuela has long suffered from food and medicine shortages a problem that the opposition attributes to what it calls the incompetence and corruption of Maduros government, while Maduro blames a U.S.-led economic war and blockade.

Guaido, the opposition lawmaker whom the Trump administration last month recognized as the countrys interim president, told a rally Saturday that U.S. aid would be arriving in the coming days via three nations, neighboring Colombia and Brazil and an unspecified Caribbean country. But Guaidos self-proclaimed acting government controls no territory or government institutions.

You soldier[s] will have in your hands the possibility that this humanitarian aid enter into the country, Guaido said Saturday at a mass opposition demonstration, during which he also called on the armed forces to switch loyalties to his acting government.

Madurowhose authority Washington says it no longer recognizes-- has denounced the idea of U.S. aid as hypocritical.

Venezuela is not a country of beggars, Maduro told supporters at a pro-government rally here Saturday, calling Venezuela a country of dignity and honor. The opposition has sought humanitarian aid when the United States blockade is the reason that [Venezuela] cannot acquire medicines and food, Maduro said.

In a Twitter message on Friday, John Bolton, the U.S. national security advisor, said that Washington would be sending medicine, surgical supplies and nutritional supplements for the people of Venezuela.

Pursuant to the request of Interim President Juan Guaido, and in consultation with his officials the US will mobilize and transport humanitarian aidmedicine, surgical supplies, and nutritional supplements for the people of Venezuela. Its time for Maduro to get out of the way. https://t.co/LXZsBf8vq6  John Bolton (@AmbJohnBolton) February 2, 2019

On Saturday, Mark Green, who heads the U.S. Agency for International Development, posted on Twitter photos of stacked boxes of aid, including tons of Ready-to-Use Supplementary Foods (RUSF) for malnourished children.

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@USAID is working hard to help the people of #Venezuela with humanitarian assistance such as these tons of Ready-to-Use Supplementary Foods (RUSF) for malnourished children. #EstamosUnidosVE pic.twitter.com/42cTd6OKfY  Mark Green (@USAIDMarkGreen) February 3, 2019

Jorge Arreaza, the Venezuelan foreign minister, dismissed the U.S. aid plan as inhuman and cynical in a Twitter response [link in Spanish].

Mogollon is a special correspondent. Times staff writer Patrick J. McDonnell contributed to this report.The blacklisted 1970s-era North Korean oil tanker floated in waters a couple of hundred miles south of Shanghai, tethered to a ship half its size by a hose, as if hooked up to an intravenous line.

The offshore coupling, spotted by the Japanese navy last month, was the latest evidence that North Korea may be succeeding in skirting international sanctions designed to pressure the isolated regime into giving up its nuclear weapons. The ship was likely receiving a transfusion of oil, a primary target of ongoing international sanctions on North Korea.

When North Koreas Kim Jong Un met with President Trump last June, Trump claimed it was his maximum pressure campaign centered around sanctions that forced Kim to the table for the first-ever summit between U.S. and North Korean leaders.

But analysts say North Korea continues to find ways to adapt. Illegal smuggling operations like the suspected one in the East China Sea have allowed the nation to import between half and two-thirds of the oil supply it was getting before the sanctions ramped up in 2017, according to an estimate by Go Myong-hyun, an economist at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies, a Seoul-based think tank.

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As the U.S. and North Korea prepare for a second summit between Trump and Kim later this month, just how much of his nuclear arsenal Kim is willing to trade away may largely hinge on the extent that economic pressure is felt within North Korea. Despite reforms tacitly allowing market activity and an emerging middle class, it remains a highly impoverished nation with an economy a fraction the size of neighboring South Korea.

Determining the state of the economy in North Korea, where economic statistics are rarely published, requires elaborate guesswork. And while it is showing some signs of distress from the sanctions, there is also evidence that Pyongyang is finding ways to cushion the blow, analysts say.

The threshold is pretty high for economic pain for the North Korean regime, said Benjamin Katzeff Silberstein, co-editor of the website North Korean Economy Watch and associate scholar with the Philadelphia-based Foreign Policy Research Institute. Theyre better suited than many other countries to handle sanctions. Because the economy is still relatively underdeveloped, there is less to lose in a way.

U.S. and North Korean nuclear envoys met in Sweden last month and are set to confer again in the coming days to lay the groundwork for the upcoming summit.

An attendant fills up a taxi with gasoline at a gas station in Pyongyang, North Korea, in 2017. (Ed Jones / AFP / Getty Images)

In a speech Thursday, U.S. special envoy for North Korea Stephen Biegun reiterated what Trump said he told Kim in Singapore: that the promise of economic prosperity awaits.

At the appropriate time at the completion of denuclearization we are prepared to explore with North Korea ... the best way to mobilize investment, improve infrastructure, enhance food security and drive a level of economic engagement that will allow the North Korean people to fully share in the rich future of their Asian neighbors, Biegun said in a talk at Stanford. He added, though, that should the diplomatic process fail, the U.S. had contingencies at the ready.

Bieguns remarks came as Trumps own top intelligence officials publicly cast doubt on North Koreas willingness to ever denuclearize. Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats told senators last week that the U.S. continued to see activity inconsistent with full denuclearization in North Korea.

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Within North Korea, there are some signs that the impact of several rounds of sanctions imposed after its nuclear tests in 2017 are adding up. Exports to China, which account for most of North Koreas trade, were down 88% last year compared with 2017, according to Chinese customs, cutting off a large source of foreign currency. The Seoul-based Bank of Korea estimated that the North Korean economy shrank by 3.5% in 2017. Visitors reported seeing piles of coal, a major trading item with China, getting rained on in North Korean ports, and being told that certain factories werent worth visiting because they were shut down.

One North Korean defector turned journalist wrote in a column for Dong-a Ilbo, a major Seoul daily, that housing prices have been dropping in Pyongyang, a sign that the elite may be running low on foreign currency or hoarding for leaner times.

North Koreas official rhetoric appears to have increasingly shifted to a focus on sanctions. In a New Years address, Kim cautioned the U.S. against continuing to pressure North Korea with sanctions out of miscalculation of our peoples patience.

We may be compelled to find a new way for defending the sovereignty of the country and the supreme interests of the state and for achieving peace and stability of the Korean peninsula, Kim said in his fireside chat-style speech, seated in a leather armchair before a floor-to-ceiling bookcase.

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Yet even with evidence that sanctions are having an impact, the effects dont appear to have reached the general public.

The price of rice, a staple, has remained relatively stable, as has the black market exchange rate with the U.S. dollar, according to data collected by Daily NK, a Seoul-based news site that gathers information from sources inside North Korea. Gas prices, on a roller coaster for most of last year, have also fallen closer to pre-sanction levels.

Its not that sanctions on North Korea dont have an effect  its a matter of how broadly, how strong and for how long theyll be enforced. said Kang Mijin, a Daily NK reporter who herself fled from North Korea in 2009. What people in North Korea are saying is that in the 90s when food distribution stopped, people survived on weeds. They lived through that, but this time its not headed in that direction.

Then-U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley talks with Chinese diplomat Wu Haitao in December 2017 at United Nations headquarters, where the Security Council voted to impose additional sanctions on North Korea, including sharply lower limits on its oil imports. (Mark Lennihan / Associated Press)

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Analysts say the North Korean government has been making an effort to cushion the blow to its people by continuing to import consumer goods and buying fuel at a premium cost through illicit channels, probably burning through its foreign currency reserves.

Theres no guarantee that when worse comes to worst, North Korea wont leave its own people to starve. Kim Jong Un, hes not a saint, he very well could, said Go, the economist at the think tank Asan. The reason theyre not doing that is North Koreas leaders might be skeptical internally whether the country could endure another Arduous March like the 90s, he said, referring to a period of widespread famine in North Korea.

Analysts said there was reason to believe China was helping mitigate the impact of sanctions.

Silberstein, of North Korean Economy Watch, analyzed oil prices in North Korea and found they have moved in tandem with the state of relations and diplomatic visits between China and North Korea.

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The fluctuation in Chinese fuel supplies over the past 18 months suggests that Beijing has been opening and closing its tap largely according to its national security priorities, Silberstein concluded in a paper published by 38 North, a website run by the think tank Stimson Center.

Byung-yeon Kim, an economics professor at Seoul National University and author of the book Unveiling the North Korean Economy, said China holds the key to keeping the heat on North Korea by strictly enforcing sanctions. The fact that China and North Koreas leaders met sends the signal to Chinese companies that theyll get a lot of slack for trading with North Korea, he said.

The U.S. has also accused Russia of helping North Korea evade sanctions, with then-U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley telling the body last fall there is evidence of consistent and wide-ranging Russian violations. The Washington Post last week quoted unnamed U.S. officials saying Russia had secretly offered to build a nuclear power plant for North Korea in exchange for dismantling its missile program.

Byung-yeon Kim, the economics professor, said lax enforcement of sanctions would give Pyongyang the upper hand in talks and that Washington should have waited until the full brunt of sanctions was felt inside North Korea before sitting down, adding that the North Korean people would understand where to place the blame.

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In the 90s, people blamed natural disasters and American sanctions for their difficulties. Now, two-thirds of escapees from North Korea understand that its lack of reform and open markets, he said.

Stanford fellow Andray Abrahamian, a former director of Choson Exchange, a program to encourage entrepreneurship in North Korea, attended a trade fair in the port city of Rason, North Korea, last fall. His contacts complained of factories being shut down because of sanctions restricting exports, but at the same time they boasted that it usually takes no more than two weeks for North Korea to find a way to evade new sanctions.

A common refrain was, weve been dealing with sanctions, we know how to deal with it, we figure it out, we always find a way. Part of that is genuine, part of that is performance for a foreigner, he said.

Abrahamian said Kim was probably motivated to get out from under the sanctions as part of a negotiated compromise. But as little information as there is about the North Korean economy, he added, its apparent its nowhere near a breaking point.

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If we think that sanctions are going to break North Korea, he said, then well probably be waiting in vain.

victoria.kim@latimes.com

Follow me on Twitter @vicjkimReviewing the ACMs performance in 2018 and laying out the directions for 2019 were the focus of the meetings agenda.

Undertaking the ACM Chair in the first six months of this year, the Vietnamese Embassy had already outlined the ACMs detailed working plan, with 14 main activities across four pillars of political-security cooperation, economic cooperation, socio-cultural cooperation, and popularising the images of the ASEAN Community and member states in the host nation.

The plan was highly evaluated and received approval from the other ACM member states, namely Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand.

Previously, the Vietnamese diplomat had successfully chaired a wide range of ASEAN activities when he served as the ACM Vice Chairman.

Dungs efforts and contributions to the ACM activities have helped elevate the position of ASEAN and its members to a new height in Spain.

The Vietnamese Embassy, on behalf of the ASEAN countries, will discuss the future of Asia-Europe relations and ASEM progress with several popular universities, and the EU Commission representative in Spain at a seminar slated for February 20.

The ACM Chair will be transferred to the Indonesian Embassy when Vietnam fulfills its mission in June.Regarding Perks of the Job: You Can Spread Your Wings Wide, Fly Guy, by Elliott Hester, Jan. 20: The sentence The first is free flying calls for further elaboration. The reality is that pleasure travel for airline employees and immediate family is not that free or simple.

Although not as costly as a full-fare ticket, such travel still incurs service charges, taxes and fees based upon employer, destination, cabin and even years of employment. This kind of passenger is designated SA for space available, because boarding is based on the presence of an empty seat (which doesnt necessarily guarantee a meal option).

International pleasure travel incurs additional costs, and again, boarding is based on that empty seat.

Finally, the cost of a pass for extended family or friends, which can sometimes match or even exceed a confirmed seat fare, is deducted from the employees paycheck once the flier boards, if there is an empty seat.

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For the last several years, I have redeemed credit-card miles earned with a particular airline to fly our family home because my husbands employers flights were overbooked to various hubs we sought to connect through as SA passengers.

Even my in-laws drive across the country instead of flying to visit us because of too many frustrations as SA passengers.

Cynthia Falter

Rancho Palos Verdes

Regarding Learning Another Language Is So Fun Its Embarrassing, On the Spot, by Catharine Hamm, Jan. 27: Thank you for the great article about language learning. I have been studying Spanish for more than 15 years, using each of the tips Hamm recommends. I cant suggest enough immersion programs in Mexico and finding local groups to help practice in person. You can know a lot of vocabulary, but without one-on-one conversation, it is useless.

I belong to a Spanish meetup and speak weekly on Skype with a man in Spain, constantly striving to improve my second language. I wish I had a peso for every person who has told me, Oh, I want to learn Spanish. The problem is that they arent willing to do what it takes.

Deborah Searle

Chino

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After living in L.A. for 20 years, I had an epiphany as I handed my parking ticket to the Spanish-speaking attendant I had previously ignored. I suddenly realized there was an entire culture I knew nothing about.

I decided to learn Spanish at Berlitz, as its method resonated with my particular mind-set. My life (and my brain) expanded as I enthusiastically gabbed with people who overlooked my lack of grammar and limited vocabulary, both in L.A. and abroad.

Now that I am 76, the French I learned in college mixes with my Spanish and English. My sentences may be garbled, but my enthusiasm for communication and my ongoing new experiences continue to override my embarrassment.

Ruth Kramer Ziony

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Los Angeles

travel@latimes.com

@latimestravelHello, my name is John Cherwa and welcome back to our horse racing newsletter as you need to remember that its an early post everywhere because of the Super Bowl. And, were pulling for the Rams.

You have to feel for Santa Anita. It had a terrific card, and an anticipated monster pool for the mandatory payout day of the Rainbow Six. And then there is the weather. A pelting overnight rain that didnt let up until mid-afternoon kept both people and horses from the track.

Before we get to the big races, you can read a different version of Saturdays happenings which appeared on the web and in print. You can read it here .

Mucho Gusto was the co-star on the day, winning the Grade 3 $150,000 Robert B. Lewis Stakes, for 3-year-olds going 1 1/16 miles. It was also a Kentucky Derby qualifying race and worth 10 points. Not enough to get in, but gets you closer to the 30-or-so you usually need to qualify.

Mucho Gusto won by a widening lead of 4 3/4 lengths beating second-place Gunmetal Gray, who picked up 10 points last month winning the Sham Stakes, also at Santa Anita. However, the race took a tragic turn when Kid Cantina took a bad step on the backstretch, was vanned off and had to be euthanized.

I know that Joe [ Talamo ] rode the horse with a lot of confidence [Saturday], trainer Bob Baffert said. After Los Alamitos [when Mucho Gusto finished second to Improbable], I told him to get to the next level he has to learn to relax. So, [Saturday] was a good day to get him to back off those horses. He rode him like he was a good horse and he responded like a good horse.

Baffert was also expected to win the other stakes race on Saturday, the Grade 2 $200,000 San Marcos Stakes for older horses going 1 1/8 miles, with McKinzie, who was coming off a dominating performance in the Malibu Stakes on opening day.

But Battle of Midway won this battle pushing ahead in the last 50 yards to win by half-a-length. He paid $6.80, $2.60 and $2.10. Giant Expectations was third followed by Pavel and Dalmore. Dabster, Shivermtimbers and Sonneteer were all trainer scratches early in the morning.

I think the key was being outside, Prat said. I dont think either horse likes to get pressure inside and I was able to stay just outside McKinzie the whole way. My horse likes to play around a little when he makes the lead, but he still finished good.

I broke in front of him (Battle of Midway), Smith said. But if I had to do it all over again, I wouldve taken my horse back.

You cant spell Rainbow Six without the rain. Not sure exactly what that means but maybe you can figure it out. There were certainly high expectations that Saturdays mandatory payout would produce a massive mutuel handle. More than a week ago, expectations were well above $10 million. On Friday, knowing bad weather was upon them, the predictions were dialed back to $10 million.

How about winning prices of $3.40, $3.20, $12.80, $5.00, $6.80 and $7.00. So, if you spend $300 on a ticket you would have lost money. There were 18,764 winning tickets that paid $296.30.

Ritvo was right, the track was stuck because of the weather. I suppose they could have asked the CHRB to move the date, like Gulfstream did in Florida last week when rain was expected on its payout day. But, Ritvo, more than anyone, knows the metrics and risks of doing something like that.

Its likely the next big payout day will be in a month when the track has both the San Felipe Stakes for 3-year-olds and the Santa Anita Handicap. An official date has not been announced.

There were a fair amount of a scratches (14 to be exact) but according to Shelbe Ruis , who runs the stable for Mick and Wendy Ruis , she got in trouble for scratching C Falls from the eighth race, a maiden special weight.

C Falls was a late scratch and to top it off, the colts jockey, Kent Desormeaux , was also a scratch from all his mounts because of illness.

Pretty much covered everything that needed to be covered in the top of the newsletter. So, there you have it.

Again, remember there is an early 11 a.m. first post so everyone can get home in time to watch the Super Bowl. There are nine races scheduled, two of them on the turf, but Im virtually certain those are coming off the grass. In fact, there is an outside chance the whole card gets cancelled if the rain comes down harder than expected. Again, thats a longshot possibility. But, until then, the average field size is 7.5, thanks to two 10-horse fields.

Sunday has six races with purses between $55,000 and $59,000. So, well pick the 1 1/16-mile allowance/optional claimer for older horses as the feature. Its the eighth race at about 2:30 p.m. Its scheduled to be a field of 10.

The 3-1 favorite is Surfing Star for trainer Bruce Headley and jockey Joel Rosario . Hes won his last two races and is three-of-five lifetime. Nero is the second favorite at 7-2 for Bob Baffert and Joe Talamo . He was seventh in the Malibu and last February was second in the San Vincente. Hes two-of-five lifetime.

Razor sharp gelding from the Jerry Hollendorfer stable comes off a victory and moves up another allowance level today as he goes for his eighth lifetime win (first or second in 13 of 37 previous starts). The other main contenders all have the same front-running style, so look for him to come running late under Kent Desormeaux , who fits him very well.

(In case you didnt see this on Saturday, heres a replay.) Los Alamitos is taking a rare break from nighttime quarter-horse racing on Saturday and Sunday as the track undergoes renovation. It usually picks this weekend because Sunday night racing would be a lost cause going up against the Super Bowl. The track resumes racing on Friday.

Always looking to add more subscribers to this newsletter. Cant beat the price. If you like it, tell someone. If you dont like it, then youre probably not reading this. Either way, send to a friend and just have them click here and sign up . Remember, its free, and all we need is your email, nothing more.

Any thoughts, you can reach me at johnacherwa@gmail.com . You can also feed my ego by following me on Twitter @jcherwa

Santa Anita Charts Results for Saturday, February 2. Copyright 2019 by Equibase Company. Reproduction prohibited. Santa Anita, Santa Anita Park, Arcadia, California. 24th day of a 61-day meet. Raining &

FIRST RACE. 6 Furlongs. Purse: $57,000. Allowance Optional Claiming. 4 year olds and up. Claiming Price $20,000. Time 21.30 44.03 1:09.08 1:15.78

Pgm Horse Wt PP St   Str Fin Jockey $1 7 Leroy 124 6 4 6 31 11 11 T Baze 2.90 4 Nap Lajoie 124 4 1 4 41 35 22 Franco 3.20 1 Red Envelope 124 1 3 23 1 21 37 Van Dyke 2.90 2 Fast as Cass 124 2 5 5hd 6 5hd 42 Pereira 21.30 5 Cyclometric 119 5 6 3hd 53 41 58 Espinoza 6.00 3 Raul Rosas 124 3 2 11 2hd 6 6 Talamo 2.90

7 LEROY 7.80 4.00 2.20 4 NAP LAJOIE 4.00 2.40 1 RED ENVELOPE 2.40

$2 ROULETTE (BLACK) $3.00 $1 EXACTA (7-4) $12.00 10-CENT SUPERFECTA (7-4-1-2) $16.12 50-CENT TRIFECTA (7-4-1) $15.15

WinnerLeroy Grr.g.5 by Big Bad Leroybrown out of Could She, by Lear Fan. Bred by Old English Rancho, Sal Berumen & PatsyBerumen (CA). Trainer: Philip A. Oviedo. Owner: Sandy Hanna. Mutuel Pool $204,145 Roulette Pool $157 Exacta Pool $98,770 Superfecta Pool $38,295 Trifecta Pool $59,197. ScratchedTough It Out.

LEROY chased outside, went up four wide into the turn, bid three deep, gained the lead leaving the turn, inched away under urging and proved best. NAP LAJOIE stalked between horses then a bit off the rail into and on the turn, went around a rival into the stretch and continued willingly to be second best. RED ENVELOPE came off the rail to stalk the pace, bid outside a rival then took a short lead between foes on the turn, angled to the inside in the stretch and bested the others. FAST AS CASS saved ground chasing the pace, came out on the turn and again into the stretch and lacked a further response. CYCLOMETRIC chased three deep then between foes leaving the backstretch and off the rail on the turn, came three wide into the stretch and weakened. RAUL ROSAS sped to the early lead off the rail, angled in and set the pace inside, dueled along the rail into and on the turn, dropped back leaving the turn and gave way.

SECOND RACE. 6 Furlongs. Purse: $35,000. Claiming. 4 year olds and up. Claiming Prices $32,000-$28,000. Time 21.53 43.96 56.44 1:09.51

Pgm Horse Wt PP St   Str Fin Jockey $1 2 Denman's Call 122 2 5 31 32 1 1 Bejarano 2.20 1 Kochees 122 1 3 5 5 5 2 Gutierrez 3.10 4 Allaboutmike 120 4 2 2 21 2hd 3nk T Baze 3.10 6 Stone Hands 122 5 4 4hd 41 4 43 Rosario 1.90 3 Market Sentiment 122 3 1 11 1hd 31 5 Pereira 19.60

2 DENMAN'S CALL 6.40 3.00 2.40 1 KOCHEES 3.80 2.40 4 ALLABOUTMIKE 2.60

$2 DAILY DOUBLE (7-2) $26.40 $1 EXACTA (2-1) $12.10 10-CENT SUPERFECTA (2-1-4-6) $5.08 50-CENT TRIFECTA (2-1-4) $13.75

WinnerDenman's Call Ch.g.6 by Northern Afleet out of Maggie McGowan, by Salt Lake. Bred by W C Racing, Milt Gilman & Mark Verge (KY). Trainer: Mark Glatt. Owner: Drummond, Lee, Riso, Joe, Xitco, John V. and Schwartz, Paul. Mutuel Pool $162,824 Daily Double Pool $37,805 Exacta Pool $57,927 Superfecta Pool $19,654 Trifecta Pool $30,662. ScratchedBeantown Boys.

DENMAN'S CALL hopped slightly in a bit of a slow start, stalked inside, came off the rail and bid inside rivals to gain the advantage in midstretch, inched away under urging and held gamely. KOCHEES saved ground chasing the pace, came out into the stretch, angled back to the inside in midstretch and finished willingly. ALLABOUTMIKE had speed outside a rival then stalked alongside a foe, bid outside the pacesetter leaving the turn and three deep into the stretch, continued three wide in midstretch then between foes in deep stretch and just held third. STONE HANDS chased outside then off the rail, came four wide into the stretch under left handed urging, had the rider lose the whip past the eighth pole and was edged for the show. MARKET SENTIMENT had speed inside a rival then inched away and set the pace just off the rail, dueled leaving the turn, fought back between foes in midstretch and weakened late. STONE HANDS wore calks.

THIRD RACE. 1 Mile. Purse: $24,000. Claiming. 4 year olds and up. Claiming Prices $16,000-$14,000. Time 23.66 47.38 1:12.08 1:24.98 1:38.09

Pgm Horse Wt PP St    Str Fin Jockey $1 2 Holland Road 122 2 3 3 31 2hd 22 1nk Gryder 7.80 3 Pioneerof the West 122 3 2 2hd 2hd 1hd 1 21 Franco 1.50 7 Midnight Soot 124 7 5 5 615 5hd 51 3 Pereira 32.10 5 Bedeviled 117 5 7 610 5 42 3hd 41 Figueroa 6.30 6 Muchos Besos 122 6 4 41 41 618 618 55 T Baze 4.80 4 Carville 120 4 1 1 1 31 4 68 Pedroza 8.90 1 Crown the Kitten 122 1 6 7 7 7 7 7 Rosario 3.30

2 HOLLAND ROAD 17.60 6.40 4.00 3 PIONEEROF THE WEST 3.00 2.80 7 MIDNIGHT SOOT 6.80

$2 ROULETTE (RED) $4.00 $2 DAILY DOUBLE (2-2) $37.20 $1 EXACTA (2-3) $22.00 10-CENT SUPERFECTA (2-3-7-5) $100.69 $1 SUPER HIGH FIVE (2-3-7-5-6) $3,879.40 50-CENT TRIFECTA (2-3-7) $104.15

WinnerHolland Road B.h.5 by Quality Road out of Charmsil, by Silver Charm. Bred by Rowling Oaks Farm LLC & Charmsil, LLC (FL). Trainer: Craig Anthony Lewis. Owner: G R D Two. Mutuel Pool $215,512 Roulette Pool $565 Daily Double Pool $17,027 Exacta Pool $105,532 Superfecta Pool $41,605 Super High Five Pool $5,084 Trifecta Pool $74,581. ClaimedCrown the Kitten by Saldana, Reed and Urbina, Leopoldo. Trainer: Reed Saldana. Scratchednone. 50-Cent Pick Three (7-2-2) paid $48.20. Pick Three Pool $50,159.

HOLLAND ROAD pressed the pace inside, dueled along the rail on the second turn and into the stretch, fought back inside through the drive and gamely prevailed under urging. PIONEEROF THE WEST had speed outside a rival then prompted the pace three deep, put a head in front leaving the second turn, battled outside the winner through the drive and continued willingly but was outgamed. MIDNIGHT SOOT four wide into the first turn, chased outside then three deep on the second turn, came four wide into the stretch and outfinished a rival for the show. BEDEVILED angled in and stalked a bit off rail, came out leaving the second turn and four wide into the stretch, drifted in some in the final furlong and was edged for third. MUCHOS BESOS three deep into the first turn, stalked off the rail or outside a rival, angled in some entering the stretch and lacked a rally. CARVILLE had speed three deep then angled in and set a pressured pace between foes, battled between horses on the second turn and into the stretch and weakened in the final furlong. CROWN THE KITTEN dropped back along the inside and saved ground well off the pace, came out into the stretch and was outrun.

FOURTH RACE. 6 Furlongs. Purse: $57,000. Allowance. Fillies and Mares. 4 year olds and up. Time 22.22 45.53 57.65 1:10.38

Pgm Horse Wt PP St   Str Fin Jockey $1 1 No Wine Untasted 122 1 1 12 12 13 13 Franco 3.60 4 Team Hollywood 119 3 5 3hd 21 2hd 21 Figueroa 5.10 5 Tyfosha 124 4 3 4 3 33 34 Bejarano 1.30 3 Lets Light the Way 122 2 6 6 6 6 41 Sanchez 35.20 7 Tiz Toffee 117 6 2 2 41 41 56 Espinoza 4.00 6 Leveler 124 5 4 52 53 5hd 6 Van Dyke 5.10

1 NO WINE UNTASTED 9.20 4.60 3.20 4 TEAM HOLLYWOOD 5.00 3.20 5 TYFOSHA 2.20

$2 ROULETTE (BLACK) $4.20 $2 DAILY DOUBLE (2-1) $80.80 $1 EXACTA (1-4) $24.90 10-CENT SUPERFECTA (1-4-5-3) $26.91 50-CENT TRIFECTA (1-4-5) $25.55

WinnerNo Wine Untasted B.f.4 by The Factor out of Magic Madison, by Ghostly Minister. Bred by Art DeNio (KY). Trainer: J. Eric Kruljac. Owner: John Sondereker. Mutuel Pool $222,533 Roulette Pool $553 Daily Double Pool $16,119 Exacta Pool $105,652 Superfecta Pool $44,154 Trifecta Pool $68,270. ScratchedTop Notch. 50-Cent Pick Three (2-2-1) paid $54.00. Pick Three Pool $21,478.

NO WINE UNTASTED sped to the early lead, set all the pace off the rail and won clear under a couple taps of the whip and steady handling while being flagged with the stick late. TEAM HOLLYWOOD a bit slow to begin, angled in and stalked inside, came out leaving the turn and into the stretch and again in upper stretch and bested the others. TYFOSHA stalked between horses then a bit off the rail on the turn, found the inside into the stretch and clearly bested the others. LETS LIGHT THE WAY off a bit slowly, saved ground chasing the pace to the stretch and lacked the needed rally. TIZ TOFFEE stalked off the rail then three deep leaving the backstretch and into the turn, angled in outside a rival into the stretch and weakened. LEVELER a bit slow into stride, chased three deep then off the rail, came three wide into the stretch and had little left for the drive. NO WINE UNTASTED, TEAM HOLLYWOOD, LEVELER and TIZ TOFFEE wore calks.

FIFTH RACE. 7 Furlongs. Purse: $55,000. Maiden Special Weight. 3 year olds. Time 21.75 43.71 1:08.24 1:21.02

Pgm Horse Wt PP St   Str Fin Jockey $1 5 Omaha Beach 122 4 5 33 13 110 19 Prat 0.70 8 One Bad Boy 122 6 2 4 4 2hd 23 Rosario 3.10 3 Nolde 122 2 7 62 61 31 32 Roman 73.40 4 Alleva 122 3 3 2 32 43 45 Bejarano 14.90 9 Mo Reserve 122 7 1 52 54 7 5 T Baze 11.70 7 Moonoverthebayou 122 5 6 7 7 5hd 611 Talamo 20.40 1 Polar 122 1 4 1 21 61 7 Van Dyke 5.20

5 OMAHA BEACH 3.40 2.20 2.10 8 ONE BAD BOY 3.20 2.60 3 NOLDE 7.60

$2 ROULETTE (RED) $2.80 $2 DAILY DOUBLE (1-5) $17.00 $1 EXACTA (5-8) $3.80 10-CENT SUPERFECTA (5-8-3-4) $38.87 50-CENT TRIFECTA (5-8-3) $58.20 $1 X-5 SUPER HIGH FIVE (5-8-3-4-9) Carryover $5,487

WinnerOmaha Beach Dbb.c.3 by War Front out of Charming, by Seeking the Gold. Bred by Charming Syndicate (KY). Trainer: Richard E. Mandella. Owner: Fox Hill Farms, Inc.. Mutuel Pool $391,547 Roulette Pool $759 Daily Double Pool $27,885 Exacta Pool $165,364 Superfecta Pool $85,925 Trifecta Pool $118,503 X-5 Super High Five Pool $7,190. ScratchedAir Boss, Koa. 50-Cent Pick Three (2-1-5) paid $48.95. Pick Three Pool $43,389. 50-Cent Pick Four (2-2-1-2/5/6) 662 tickets with 4 correct paid $144.80. Pick Four Pool $125,573. 50-Cent Pick Five (7-2-2-1-2/5/6) 745 tickets with 5 correct paid $483.20. Pick Five Pool $418,828.

OMAHA BEACH bobbled slightly at the break, stalked early then pressed the pace three deep, took command a half mile out, kicked clear nearing the turn, angled to the inside on the turn, was pushed along to widen leaving the turn and into the stretch and drew off under a left handed crack of the whip a furlong out and an energetic hand ride then steady handling late. ONE BAD BOY chased off the rail, angled in some leaving the backstretch, came out leaving the turn and four wide into the stretch, drifted in some and was clearly second best. NOLDE broke in some and a bit slowly, settled inside then a bit off the rail, found the fence on the turn, continued inside in the stretch and picked up the show. ALLEVA prompted the pace between horses then stalked a bit off the rail, came three wide into the stretch and weakened. MO RESERVE chased outside then alongside a rival on the turn, came three deep into the stretch and also weakened. MOONOVERTHEBAYOU hopped and tossed his head some in a bit of a slow start, settled off the rail, angled in some on the turn and failed to menace. POLAR sped to the early lead, set a pressured pace inside then stalked leaving the backstretch and into the turn, came out into the stretch and gave way. NOLDE and MO RESERVE wore calks.

SIXTH RACE. 1 1/16 Mile. Purse: $150,000. 'Robert B. Lewis Stakes'. 3 year olds. Time 23.67 46.55 1:10.51 1:35.57 1:41.81

Pgm Horse Wt PP St    Str Fin Jockey $1 5 Mucho Gusto 122 5 1 32 24 23 12 14 Talamo 0.60 4 Gunmetal Gray 124 4 4 5 4 4 4 2 Smith 1.70 3 Easy Shot 120 3 5 42 34 34 31 32 Bejarano 12.00 2 Magnificent McCool 120 2 3 1hd 12 1hd 2hd 4 Prat 8.90 1 Kid Cantina 120 1 2 21 dnf Franco 29.00

5 MUCHO GUSTO 3.20 2.20 2.10 4 GUNMETAL GRAY 2.40 2.10 3 EASY SHOT 2.60

$2 DAILY DOUBLE (5-5) $6.20 $1 EXACTA (5-4) $2.40 10-CENT SUPERFECTA (5-4-3-2) $0.98 50-CENT TRIFECTA (5-4-3) $3.70

WinnerMucho Gusto Ch.c.3 by Mucho Macho Man out of Itsagiantcauseway, by Giant's Causeway. Bred by Teneri Farm Inc. &Bernardo Alvarez Calderon (KY). Trainer: Bob Baffert. Owner: Michael Lund Petersen. Mutuel Pool $311,794 Daily Double Pool $37,957 Exacta Pool $147,514 Superfecta Pool $51,126 Trifecta Pool $81,332. ScratchedNolo Contesto. 50-Cent Pick Three (1-5-5) paid $9.30. Pick Three Pool $46,509.

MUCHO GUSTO had speed three deep then stalked off the rail, bid outside the pacesetter on the second turn, took the lead leaving that turn, inched away in the stretch and drew clear under left handed urging and a long hold late. GUNMETAL GRAY settled off the rail, came three deep into the stretch and edged a rival late for the place. EASY SHOT a bit slow to begin, saved ground chasing the pace, came out into the stretch, went outside a rival in midstretch and was edged late for second. MAGNIFICENT MCCOOL had speed between horses then dueled outside a rival, inched away into the backstretch, kicked clear inside, fought back along the rail on the second turn and into the stretch and weakened in the final furlong. KID CANTINA had good early speed inside, dueled along the rail, stalked into the backstretch, took a bad step early on the backstretch and was pulled up in distress and vanned off. KID CANTINA wore calks.

SEVENTH RACE. 5 Furlongs. Purse: $23,000. Maiden Claiming. 3 year olds. Claiming Price $30,000. Time 21.41 45.04 57.63 1:04.41

Pgm Horse Wt PP St  3/8 Str Fin Jockey $1 6 Ministersdon'tlie 122 6 3 11 11 11 1hd Gryder 5.40 8 Royal Aspirations 122 8 1 2 2 23 22 Quinonez 7.60 2 Camzul 122 2 9 51 51 31 32 Puglisi 7.40 9 R B Eye 117 9 2 82 7hd 72 4hd Espinoza 2.90 3 Calder Vale 122 3 6 71 82 6 5 Vergara, Jr. 6.30 7 Blue Skye Jade 122 7 4 41 42 51 64 Pereira 14.60 5 Toby Time 122 5 8 33 33 41 71 Pedroza 3.60 1 Command the Moment 122 1 5 6hd 6hd 83 82 Payeras 15.70 4 Cowboy Tommy 122 4 10 10 10 10 91 Sanchez 40.70 10 Sword Master 122 10 7 96 98 94 10 Maldonado 21.70

6 MINISTERSDON'TLIE 12.80 6.40 5.20 8 ROYAL ASPIRATIONS 8.40 5.20 2 CAMZUL 6.00

$2 ROULETTE (BLACK) $2.80 $2 DAILY DOUBLE (5-6) $20.40 $1 EXACTA (6-8) $45.50 10-CENT SUPERFECTA (6-8-2-9) $132.03 $1 SUPER HIGH FIVE (6-8-2-9-3) $8,412.90 50-CENT TRIFECTA (6-8-2) $188.15

WinnerMinistersdon'tlie B.c.3 by Ministers Wild Cat out of Lisa's Lion, by Lion Heart. Bred by Tommy Town Thoroughbreds, LLC (CA). Trainer: Michael Machowsky. Owner: Tommy Town Thoroughbreds LLC. Mutuel Pool $260,588 Roulette Pool $417 Daily Double Pool $24,115 Exacta Pool $159,141 Superfecta Pool $68,969 Super High Five Pool $3,834 Trifecta Pool $100,378. Scratchednone. 50-Cent Pick Three (5-5-6) paid $12.10. Pick Three Pool $60,689.

MINISTERSDON'TLIE angled in and had speed inside then inched away and set the pace along the rail, continued inside in the stretch and held on gamely under left handed urging. ROYAL ASPIRATIONS had speed outside the winner then stalked alongside a rival and finished willingly late to just miss. CAMZUL was off a bit slowly and bumped, chased between horses then a bit off the rail, angled in on the turn, came out some in midstretch and bested the others. R B EYE settled off the rail, went three deep on the turn and four wide into the stretch and improved position. CALDER VALE bumped at the start, chased three deep then between foes nearing the turn, continued outside a rival on the bend and lacked the needed rally. BLUE SKYE JADE sent between horses early, chased outside then off the rail, came three wide into the stretch and could not offer the necessary response. TOBY TIME broke a step slowly, was sent between rivals then stalked inside, came out into the stretch and weakened. COMMAND THE MOMENT saved ground chasing the pace, cut the corner into the stretch and also weakened. COWBOY TOMMY broke slowly and bumped a rival, settled off the pace inside and failed to menace. SWORD MASTER dropped back off the rail, angled in a bit off the fence into the turn and was not a threat.

EIGHTH RACE. 6 Furlongs. Purse: $55,000. Maiden Special Weight. 3 year olds. Time 22.10 44.32 1:08.50 1:15.08

Pgm Horse Wt PP St   Str Fin Jockey $1 5 My Mandate 122 5 2 1 11 11 11 Van Dyke 1.50 4 Parsimony 122 4 5 31 3 23 21 Gutierrez 4.50 9 Young Phillip 117 7 1 21 21 32 34 Figueroa 10.80 1 Time Is Now 122 1 3 5hd 61 6 4 Prat 4.00 3 Scalper 122 3 6 41 42 51 5hd Talamo 5.50 2 Platinum Nights 122 2 7 7 51 4hd 61 Maldonado 18.70 8 Norski 122 6 4 6 7 7 7 Flores 7.40

5 MY MANDATE 5.00 2.80 2.40 4 PARSIMONY 4.40 3.20 9 YOUNG PHILLIP 5.80

$2 ROULETTE (RED) $4.80 $2 DAILY DOUBLE (6-5) $33.80 $1 EXACTA (5-4) $8.10 10-CENT SUPERFECTA (5-4-9-1) $26.95 $1 SUPER HIGH FIVE (5-4-9-1-3) $1,121.40 50-CENT TRIFECTA (5-4-9) $31.95

WinnerMy Mandate Dbb.r.3 by Strong Mandate out of Jan's Perfect Star, by Imperialism. Bred by J. D. Stuart & A R Enterprises, Inc. (KY). Trainer: Mark Glatt. Owner: Red Baron's Barn, LLC, Rancho Temescal, LLC and Shanderella Stables. Mutuel Pool $336,952 Roulette Pool $345 Daily Double Pool $21,388 Exacta Pool $183,787 Superfecta Pool $85,139 Super High Five Pool $8,463 Trifecta Pool $112,943. ScratchedC Falls, Whitehouse Road. 50-Cent Pick Three (5-6-5) paid $16.40. Pick Three Pool $36,569.

MY MANDATE had good early speed and dueled a bit off the rail, inched away and angled in on the turn, drifted out some then in a bit from the whip in the final furlong but held gamely under urging. PARSIMONY stalked a bit off the rail then inside, came out into the stretch and continued willingly but could not catch the winner. YOUNG PHILLIP angled in and pressed the pace outside the winner then stalked off the rail on the turn, came three wide into the stretch and bested the others. TIME IS NOW saved ground chasing the pace throughout and lacked the needed rally. SCALPER between horses early, stalked outside a rival, came out four wide into the stretch and weakened. PLATINUM NIGHTS pulled between horses and was in tight off heels five eighths out, chased just off the rail to the stretch and did not rally. NORSKI chased three deep then outside a rival on the turn and into the stretch and weakened. YOUNG PHILLIP wore calks.

NINTH RACE. 1 1/8 Mile. Purse: $200,000. 'San Pasqual Stakes'. 4 year olds and up. Time 22.86 46.09 1:09.33 1:33.90 1:46.95

Pgm Horse Wt PP St    Str Fin Jockey $1 8 Battle of Midway 122 5 4 5 41 32 1hd 1 Prat 2.40 7 McKinzie 124 4 1 3hd 2hd 2hd 21 24 Smith 0.50 5 Giant Expectations 120 3 5 1hd 1 1 37 35 Rosario 9.60 1 Pavel 122 1 2 4 5 43 414 419 Gutierrez 6.40 2 Dalmore 120 2 3 21 3hd 5 5 5 Maldonado 36.70

8 BATTLE OF MIDWAY 6.80 2.60 2.10 7 MCKINZIE 2.10 2.10 5 GIANT EXPECTATIONS 2.60

$2 DAILY DOUBLE (5-8) $16.60 $1 EXACTA (8-7) $5.50 10-CENT SUPERFECTA (8-7-5-1) $1.93 50-CENT TRIFECTA (8-7-5) $6.55

WinnerBattle of Midway B.h.5 by Smart Strike out of Rigoletta, by Concerto. Bred by Thor-Bred Stables, LLC (KY). Trainer: Jerry Hollendorfer. Owner: Don Alberto Stable and WinStar Farm LLC. Mutuel Pool $569,413 Daily Double Pool $55,661 Exacta Pool $169,063 Superfecta Pool $74,171 Trifecta Pool $111,525. ScratchedDabster, Shivermetimbers, Sonneteer. 50-Cent Pick Three (6-5-8) paid $30.10. Pick Three Pool $37,848.

BATTLE OF MIDWAY four wide into the first turn, stalked outside, bid three wide on the backstretch, dueled three deep into and on the second turn and into the stretch, put a head in front in upper stretch, fought back under urging outside the runner-up when headed in deep stretch and gamely prevailed. MCKINZIE three deep into the first turn, stalked then bid between horses on the backstretch and second turn and into the stretch, put a head in front in deep stretch and continued willingly but was outgamed late. GIANT EXPECTATIONS a half step slow to begin, dueled outside a rival then inside on the backstretch and second turn and into the stretch, fought back to midstretch and bested the others. PAVEL stalked inside then outside a rival on the backstretch, continued off the rail on the second turn, came out into the stretch and weakened. DALMORE angled in and dueled inside then stalked on the backstretch, dropped back into and on the second turn and gave way.

TENTH RACE. 5 Furlongs. Purse: $18,000. Claiming. 4 year olds and up. Claiming Price $12,500. Time 21.59 44.81 56.96 1:03.54

Pgm Horse Wt PP St  3/8 Str Fin Jockey $1 5 Isee It in Hiseyes 124 3 6 32 2hd 22 1hd Delgadillo 2.50 10 Cayate 124 7 1 21 33 1hd 22 Rosario 1.20 9 Giddymeister 124 6 2 42 42 43 31 Franco 5.60 11 Typhoon Harry 119 8 4 8 8 8 42 Figueroa 9.40 7 Duke of Fallbrook 124 5 5 6hd 5hd 5 5hd Gutierrez 22.60 6 Royal Seeker 124 4 3 73 74 71 6 Sanchez 33.90 3 Hesa Ranegade 124 1 8 5hd 6hd 6hd 7hd Payeras 54.20 4 Das Bear 124 2 7 1hd 1hd 31 8 Flores 7.10

5 ISEE IT IN HISEYES 7.00 3.00 2.40 10 CAYATE 2.60 2.20 9 GIDDYMEISTER 2.80

$2 ROULETTE (RED) $11.60 $2 DAILY DOUBLE (8-5) $29.60 $1 EXACTA (5-10) $7.90 10-CENT SUPERFECTA (5-10-9-11) $8.44 $1 SUPER HIGH FIVE (5-10-9-11-7) $294.40 50-CENT TRIFECTA (5-10-9) $14.60 50-CENT CONSOLATION DOUBLE (8-2) $6.00

WinnerIsee It in Hiseyes Ch.c.4 by Old Topper out of Don't Lose Faith, by Ministers Wild Cat. Bred by Tommy Town Thoroughbreds, LLC (CA). Trainer: Rafael DeLeon. Owner: Jaime Roberto Renella. Mutuel Pool $322,026 Roulette Pool $317 Daily Double Pool $90,778 Exacta Pool $193,921 Superfecta Pool $129,585 Super High Five Pool $31,179 Trifecta Pool $157,688. ScratchedAdvantageous, Candyman Garret, Warrior's Lullaby. 50-Cent Pick Three (5-8-5) paid $17.85. Pick Three Pool $160,423. 50-Cent Consolation Pick Three (5-8-2) paid $4.85. 50-Cent Pick Four (6-5/6/7-8-5) 2993 tickets with 4 correct paid $117.70. Pick Four Pool $461,671. 50-Cent Pick Five (5/6-6-5/6/7-8-5) 1180 tickets with 5 correct paid $199.20. Pick Five Pool $307,897. 20-Cent Pick Six Jackpot (2/5/6-5/6-6-5/6/7-8-5) 18764 tickets with 6 correct paid $296.30. Pick Six Jackpot Pool $5,198,742.

ISEE IT IN HISEYES pulled and dueled between horses then took back in tight into the turn, bid again inside, dueled, came off the rail in the stretch, fought back under urging and gamely prevailed. CAYATE dueled three deep to the stretch, took a short lead outside the winner, fought back outside that one and was edged late. GIDDYMEISTER chased off the rail, came three deep into the stretch, angled in some and gained third. TYPHOON HARRY settled off the rail, angled in nearing and on the turn, continued inside in the stretch and was outfinished for the show. DUKE OF FALLBROOK chased three deep, came four wide into the stretch and lacked the needed rally. ROYAL SEEKER chased between horses, came out three deep into the stretch and could not offer the necessary late kick. HESA RANEGADE saved ground chasing the pace, came out into the stretch and also lacked the needed response toward the inside. DAS BEAR had good early speed and dueled a bit off the rail then between horses on the turn and weakened in the stretch. DUKE OF FALLBROOK and GIDDYMEISTER wore calks.Delaine Eastin, the former California schools chief and legislator whose longshot bid for governor fizzled last year, has been in enough elections to know the difference between a stormy campaign season and a fundamental shift in the political climate.

Which is why the Democrat told a post-election symposium last week theres something familiar about the political moment at hand. The rhetoric of President Trump, she said, reminds her of when then-Gov. Pete Wilson championed a trio of conservative ballot measures more than two decades ago.

They were being poked in the eye by a bully, Eastin said of young and minority Californians in the 90s. When you look at Trump, what you see is the worst of that, quadrupled.

Eastin and several political consultants and researchers who spoke at the UC Berkeley event seemed to reach a common conclusion: The Trump legacy could last for years, perhaps toppling the modern dominance of older, white voters who, until now, were the most likely to show up on election day.

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I think theres a new awakening in California that elections actually matter, said Ace Smith, a Democratic strategist.

A long-term Trump effect could be a fatal blow to the states atrophied Republican Party. Half of the GOP seats in Californias congressional delegation were lost in November. Its standard bearer, gubernatorial candidate John Cox, received only 38% of the vote against Gov. Gavin Newsom. Republican caucuses in the state Senate and Assembly are now at their lowest levels since the 19th century. And this was only the midterm election.

What happens when the president is on the ballot next year?

San Diego Republican assemblyman switches parties and joins Democrats 

Its time to look at another path, former Assembly GOP leader Kristin Olsen said to those who believe in traditional Republican principles. She told the Berkeley audience that its unclear if the [state] party can outlast Donald Trumps presidency.

The once-powerful Republican brand  which helped elect all but three governors in the 20th century  has steadily weakened over the past 25 years, with Wilson fairly or not  blamed for embracing the 1994 ballot measure aimed at curbing the costs of illegal immigration. The schism between Republicans and the states rapidly diversifying population widened with the passage of a 1996 statewide ballot measure attacking affirmative action and another in 1998 to limit bilingual education. A generation of Californians never forgot.

The political forces that form your opinion when youre young carry on, said Mark DiCamillo, director of the UC Berkeley poll.

California voters raised on the memories of 2018 could carry todays political views for decades. And theyre already engaged: People 34 and younger cast ballots at a much higher rate in 2018 than in previous midterms, according to a new analysis by the for-profit research firm Political Data.

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Perhaps just as consequential are those turned off by the Trump era. Political Datas report found a number of young Republicans  generally more reliable voters than their Democratic-leaning peers  failed to show up in 2018. And broadly speaking, GOP voters in several key congressional races either didnt vote or, as political strategist Mike Madrid pointed out, made the once-unthinkable decision to vote for a Democrat.

I dont think that will be healed for many election cycles to come, Madrid, a former political director of the California Republican Party, told the Berkeley audience.

But turning points dont always present a clear path ahead, and Democrats also face challenges. The era ushered in by Trump is already sparking intraparty battles over liberal versus centrist policies. The sage observation by Eastin, who entered politics in 1980, is that uncertainty is everywhere.

We are in a changing time, she said.

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john.myers@latimes.com

Follow @johnmyers on Twitter, sign up for our daily Essential Politics newsletter and listen to the weekly California Politics PodcastIn 1950, Californians voted to put a provision in the state Constitution that makes it harder for poor people to find a place to live.

Article 34, which remains in effect, requires voter approval before public housing is built in a community. At the time it passed, the real estate industry argued taxpayers should have a right to vote on low-income housing projects because they were publicly funded infrastructure similar to schools or roads. The campaign also appealed to racist fears about integrating neighborhoods and featured heated rhetoric about the need to combat socialism.

The rule stymied low-income home construction in California for decades, including a decision to abandon public housing in Los Angeles Chavez Ravine neighborhood and build Dodger Stadium instead. Article 34 also weakened efforts to integrate suburban communities across the state and led to a landmark U.S. Supreme Court case that had the effect of allowing government policies nationwide that discriminate against poor people.

We know the roots of where it came from, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said. Its a white supremacist chapter in the states history.

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Garcetti is behind a new effort to ask voters to repeal Article 34, mostly as a way to erase what many see as a stain on Californias Constitution. Other states have had  and repealed  laws that called for a public vote before the construction of low-income housing. But no other state constitution similarly requires voter approval for public housing, according to the California Constitution Center at UC Berkeleys law school.

Today, as the state grapples with an unprecedented affordable housing shortage, Article 34 has limited effects on the construction of low-income developments. But it remains an obstacle: Los Angeles officials believe that without a public vote in the coming years, the city will no longer be able to finance such projects  even though it has the money to do so.

State Sen. Ben Allen (D-Santa Monica) has introduced legislation to put the repeal before voters. If it goes on a 2020 statewide ballot, it would be the fourth time Californians would consider changing or doing away with Article 34. Three prior efforts, including the most recent in 1993, failed by wide margins with opponents arguing that residents should have the right to keep public housing out of their neighborhoods.

But Allen believes the electorate has changed since the last attempt. In the past few years, voters have supported tax increases and bond measures to help support low-income and homeless housing.

Article 34, Allen said, is an anachronistic barrier that stands in the way of that.

Article 34 grew out of a fight in the northern coastal city of Eureka. Residents there collected signatures to overturn a decision to build public housing financed by a federal program inaugurated during the New Deal. But in 1950, the state Supreme Court ruled the acceptance of federal dollars wasnt subject to a referendum and residents couldnt block the development.

The California Real Estate Assn., the forerunner of todays California Assn. of Realtors, came up with a ballot initiative later that year to combat the Eureka decision and require a public vote before public housing could be built.

Realtors argued that residents should be able to weigh in on such a project because it could create taxpayer debt.

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But the campaign, which coincided with the start of the Korean War, was about more than giving voters a say. In the Realtors internal newsletter, Charles B. Shattuck, the organizations legislative committee chairman, wrote that public housing threatened capitalism.

If you value your property, if you hold liberty dear, if you believe in the dignity of the individual, if you love this land of the free and the home of the brave, if you desire to stop the enemy of socialism that is gnawing at the vitals of America from within, the ballot box is your weapon, the one and only means by which our great Republic will be preserved and improved, Shattuck wrote in November 1950.

Newspaper ads paid for by the Realtors also blamed minority pressure groups for pushing public housing. At the time, the Realtors Code of Ethics included a provision barring agents from integrating neighborhoods on the basis of race or nationality if doing so would be clearly detrimental to property values.

The initiative passed by fewer than 50,000 votes.

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In Los Angeles, residents supported Article 34 by an overwhelming margin. The city was planning to build 10,000 units of public housing, and the success of the statewide measure buoyed opponents who agitated for a referendum on the projects the city had already approved.

The resulting election in 1952 ended in a rejection of public housing, and plunged city politics into chaos.

A top official in the citys public housing department was fired after an accusation that he was a communist and was later called to testify before state and federal Un-American Activities committees. The pro-public housing mayor lost his reelection bid. And the city canceled two planned developments, including one in which residents were already being displaced in the Mexican American community of Chavez Ravine on a site that eventually became Dodger Stadium.

The disputes chilled attempts to build public housing in Los Angeles, which did not hold another Article 34 referendum for more than two decades.

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Los Angeles wasnt the only city where Article 34 thwarted public housing. By 1969, voters across the state had turned down nearly half the public housing that had been proposed in Article 34 elections  15,000 units  and many housing agencies didnt hold elections, fearing that their plans would be rejected. A federal Department of Housing and Urban Development report at the time found that California had the nations largest population of poor people but ranked 22nd in the amount of housing available for them. The report blamed Article 34.

Those opposed to public housing were often open about their reasons. In 1968, San Jose City Councilwoman Virginia Shaffer led a campaign against a series of publicly funded duplexes and small apartments in her city, telling a reporter that some poor people drag the whole neighborhood down.

People oppose public housing because too often it means there will be piles of garbage, trash, knee-high grass and undisciplined children in a neighborhood where other people are trying to meet their payments, Shaffer said.

The San Jose vote failed, prompting a legal challenge to Article 34. The lawsuit argued that it violated the U.S. Constitutions Equal Protection Clause by denying poor people access to housing.

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The case made its way to the U.S. Supreme Court, where in 1971 justices affirmed Article 34s constitutionality. In the majority opinion, Justice Hugo Black agreed that Article 34 put low-income residents at a disadvantage, but wrote it did not violate the Constitution because the provision didnt single out a racial group.

Provisions for referendums demonstrate devotion to democracy, not to bias, discrimination or prejudice, Black wrote.

The Supreme Court decision was consequential, said Matthew Lassiter, a history professor at the University of Michigan and an expert in the growth of the U.S. suburbs. The ruling had the effect of affirming state and local policies that were openly biased against poor people, he said. Soon afterward, President Richard Nixon released a statement that embraced the decisions logic, saying that the federal government would not impose economic integration on cities and counties.

The Supreme Court case is one of the most important defeats in civil rights history in the last century, and is under-appreciated in how much it contributed to the stoppage of efforts to integrate communities across the country, Lassiter said.

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Lassiter also was critical of the ruling for overlooking Article 34s racial implications. Racial discrimination in housing was legal until 1968, and in decades prior, the federal government had guaranteed bank loans to developers of white-only subdivisions, promoted the use of racially restrictive covenants on deeds to prevent people of color from buying homes and subsidized white residents mortgages but not others. The policies gave whites access to wealth through homeownership that others didnt have.

Blocking low-income housing, Lassiter said, had the consequence of keeping most non-whites from living in those areas as well.

To say it was not about race is to say history doesnt matter and there was this magic historical moment where all vestiges of a racialized housing market went away and everything started anew like the Book of Genesis, Lassiter said.

The Supreme Court decision returned the focus to California.

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On three occasions, state lawmakers have asked voters to rescind or weaken Article 34. In 1974, a repeal failed by 24 percentage points. Six years later, legislators put forward a proposition so that residents could appeal a decision to build public housing instead of holding an automatic vote. That measure lost by an even greater margin. Then, in 1993, lawmakers tried again with a proposition that would have kept Article 34 on the books, but exempted almost all projects from its rules.

This time, the measure was supported by the California Assn. of Realtors  the group behind the original push for Article 34. It didnt matter. Opponents, including a state senator from northern Los Angeles and an Orange County assemblyman, contended in the official voter guide that Article 34 was a success because it prevented public housing from being built.

Why should we trust politicians and special interests to protect our local neighborhoods and spend our tax dollars wisely? they wrote.

Nearly 60% voted no.

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Article 34 is much less of a barrier to low-income housing construction than it used to be. Over the years, funding sources for such projects have changed. When private developers set aside a portion of homes in a project for low-income residents or housing is funded by federal or state tax credits, a vote is not required.

Courts have also decided that local governments can hold elections to authorize an overall number of public housing units to be built in future years rather than go to voters for each individual project. And residents became friendlier to Article 34 elections, with around 80% of referenda approved by the early 1990s, according to a report by the state Department of Housing and Community Development.

Still, the provision continues to be an obstacle for some low-income homebuilding. Affordable housing developers structure deals to avoid triggering a vote  legal and consulting costs can be in the tens of thousands of dollars  or must ensure that a city has enough units approved from a prior Article 34 election. But when a local government hits its cap, it must again seek approval from voters.

Thats happening in Los Angeles. A 2008 ballot measure approved by voters allowed up to 3,500 public housing units per council district in the city. Some neighborhoods are now close to their limit. City officials believe theyll have to hold another vote within the next couple years to increase the cap, prompting Garcetti to instead pitch a repeal of Article 34 to the Legislature.

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Garcetti also said he takes issue with the argument that low-income housing should be subject to a public vote because it involves spending government money. Taxpayer subsidies for homeowners, through the mortgage interest deduction and other means, long have dwarfed the public funding available for low-income housing development.

We have done a much better job helping middle-class, upper-middle-class and wealthy Californians with housing subsidies than we have for working-class residents, Garcetti said.

But a repeal of Article 34 is hardly a sure thing, said former State Treasurer Phil Angelides, who worked on one of the failed efforts to weaken it. Angelides called the provision a blot on the [state] Constitution, but said, on its face, a requirement to hold a public vote doesnt seem like it might have negative effects.

While its clearly discriminatory, it has the aura of local control, which is something people like in California, Angelides said. Its going to take a campaign of informing voters what it means.

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Coverage of California politics 

liam.dillon@latimes.com

@dillonliamFor Democrats looking to retake the White House, few midterm election results provided a bigger thrill than victories in Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania  the once-blue states Donald Trump won by excruciatingly narrow margins in 2016, in large part because of support from white, working-class voters.

Enough of those voters came back in 2018 to deliver victory to Democratic governors and U.S. senators across the industrial belt. Now as a big field of 2020 presidential candidates takes shape, Democrats face an urgent question: Who, if anyone, can keep those voters in the fold?

Sherrod Brown of Ohio, a progressive third-term senator with strong ties to organized labor, thinks he may be the answer.

Little known outside his home state, Brown has gained attention while exploring a presidential bid because he sees a void in the field:

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Youve got to talk to workers, he said after meeting with union members Saturday in eastern Iowa. I dont think anybodys done that loudly enough, strongly enough and emphatically enough.

Conducting a three-day tour this weekend through this influential early-voting state, Brown flashed his political badge of honor: In 2018, he was the only Democrat to win statewide in Ohio, holding the support of tens of thousands of Trump voters in a state Hillary Clinton lost by 8 points.

If Brown can win in Ohio, an increasingly conservative state that many Democrats say is all but lost to the party in presidential races, surely he can carry Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania, he and his backers say.

That pitch found a receptive audience in Iowa.

Tim Powers, a retired firefighter in Waterloo, sees in Browns lunch-bucket liberalism a possible antidote to Democrats 2016 defeat.

We left the lunch box behind, and we got our ass kicked in the last election, he said.

The latest from Washington 

Keeping a focus on blue-collar issues is easier said than done when many in the progressive wing of the party are animated by social issues such as LGBTQ rights and immigration policies to the left of the views held by many working-class families.

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Noting that a large share of Democrats 2018 victories were built on increasing support from upscale, suburban women, Republican pollster Bill McInturff said, The energy inside the Democratic Party and their issue focus suggests they have moved on from competing for white, working-class voters, especially men.

(Los Angeles Times)

But Democratic strategists argue that even if Democrats cant win back all the voters who moved to Trump in 2016, they cant give up the fight to hold a share of the white, working-class vote.

If you look at the chances for Democrats in 2020, one thing they absolutely have to do is take back those states in the upper Midwest, said Ruy Teixeira, a political analyst at the liberal Center for American Progress. Brown, he said, is among the best to do that.

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In 2016, Trump won Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania by fewer than 80,000 votes. That was enough to smash the blue wall of states on which Democrats had relied since 1992.

In those states and elsewhere, Clinton suffered resounding losses among white, working-class voters. Nationwide, she lost them by 39 points  the largest margin for a Democrat going back to 1980 when exit polls first started tracking those voters.

But the midterm results showed Democrats that recovery is possible. In 2018, Democratic candidates in the big industrial states narrowed the gap by half or more compared with Clintons deficits, according to exit polls.

To be sure, many of the midterm victories were carried out by well-established incumbents such as Michigan Sen. Debbie Stabenow, and some of the Republican defeats were narrow  Wisconsin GOP Gov. Scott Walker lost by just one point, for example. Thats a reminder to Democrats that winning back the voters they need wont be easy.

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I would not take them for granted, said Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley, co-chair of a political committee, Draft Sherrod Brown. We need to pay very close attention to what we are saying, rather than just assuming everyone will come back home.

Indeed, Trump allies say they are hopeful that the midterm results in the upper Midwest are not harbingers of a 2020 loss for the president.

Just as Obama lost the House in 2010 and won reelection in 2012, midterms are poor indicators of future results, said Brian O. Walsh, president of America First Action, a pro-Trump super PAC. Whether its a liberal senator from Ohio or a progressive senator from California, theyre both part of the problem in Washington, D.C.

Brown cuts a different profile than many of his potential Democratic rivals from the East and West coasts.

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Even in a political era where authenticity is highly valued and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) set a low bar for polish, Brown is a standout: His trademarks are unkempt hair, disheveled suits and a gravelly voice.

Hes the Columbo of the Democratic Party, said David Axelrod, a Democratic strategist who advised President Obama. Hed be doing beer commercials if he was a voice-over guy.

His tour theme is the dignity of work, a catchphrase for a populist economic agenda that includes an increased minimum wage, expanded collective bargaining rights, and fighting corporations on behalf of workers.

He is careful to aim his message to workers of all races and types, not just the white working class, as a way to bridge a festering division within the party. Whether you shower before work or after work, whether you go to work early in the morning or whether you go to work late at night, is a standard introduction to his litany.

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Too often, people act like our party has to choose between advocating for strong progressive values that excite our base or talking to working-class voters about their lives, he said when he kicked off his tour Thursday night in Cleveland. For us, its not either-or  its both.

Jeff Horwitt, a Democratic pollster, sees promise for the party in surveys showing that blacks and working-class whites share a sense of dissatisfaction with an economic and political system they see as stacked against people like themselves.

Whomever Democrats nominate in 2020, it will be critical for the nominee to speak the language of the white working class, Horwitt said. But, he added, there are an awful lot of ways where the white working class and people of color are looking for the same kinds of change in our country.

Browns tour included many of the kinds of communities Democrats will have to win back in 2020  counties that voted for Barack Obama in 2008 and 2012 and flipped to Trump in 2016. In Clinton County, where he met with union members Saturday, voters went for Obama with 60% in both elections, but favored Trump by 5 points in 2016.

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Like many potential Democratic candidates, Brown is not well known nationally: A December poll by the Des Moines Register found 69% did not know enough about him to have an opinion; 41% said that about California Sen. Kamala Harris; 12% about Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren.

Hes a lifelong Ohio politician, beginning with his election to the state Legislature in 1974 at age 22. He later served as Ohio secretary of state, in the U.S. House and was elected to the Senate in 2006.

Brown digs deep into the past to establish his progressive bona fides, including his House votes against the Iraq war, the North American Free Trade Agreement and the anti-gay Defense of Marriage Act. (Former Vice President Joe Biden, a potential rival to Brown, voted in favor of all three while in the Senate, Browns supporters like to point out.)

His opposition to NAFTA aligned him with Trump and may have helped him win reelection in 2018. While all other statewide Democrats in Ohio lost, Brown won by almost 7 points, although that was a smaller margin than polls projected in a race where he outspent his GOP opponent 7 to 1.

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If he runs for president, Brown may face pushback for one notable departure from liberal orthodoxy: He does not support Medicare for all, an idea that has moved from the partys liberal fringes to increasing acceptance, especially among potential 2020 candidates. Brown considers it impractical.

Brown says he supports the idea of universal health coverage and proposes first to allow people in their 50s to voluntarily opt into Medicare. He also would make a public health insurance option available through the Affordable Care Act.

At a meet and greet Friday in Waterloo, Iowa, questioners confronted him on his incremental approach. He responded by calling the broader proposal tilting at windmills.

Everybody feels good saying, Im for Medicare for all! Im for Medicare for all! but nothing changes, he said. I want to change peoples lives and help people now.

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With that, he may have lost a vote. Ruth Walker, a Cedar Falls retiree, said afterward that she was disappointed in his answer and would probably not consider backing him. Im a real stickler, she said. I was not impressed.

But Brown may also make converts. Dave Donovan, a Sanders supporter who met Brown in Dubuque, has backed Medicare for all but was impressed with Browns argument.

Hes made me think, Donovan said. Hes got passion.Cynics often dismiss the annual State of the Union speech as a useless ritual. Theyre wrong.

The words, to be sure, are usually forgettable. But the event itself  the pomp-filled spectacle, the partisan applause and the equally partisan silences, unscripted reactions by Supreme Court justices and members of Congress  is always worth seeing.

And on Tuesday, when President Trump addresses a joint session of Congress and the nation from the well of the House, his tone will be especially important because he is undergoing a new experience: a divided government, with the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives led by Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Pelosi will stand behind the president wielding a gavel and the satisfaction of having bested him in a brutal 35-day standoff over a government shutdown. That alone will be worth a look.

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Will he even acknowledge his partys loss of 40 House seats in November, the worst defeat since Watergate?

After that kind of defeat, most presidents offer at least a show of humility. George W. Bush did in 2007 when he saluted Pelosis election as the first female speaker. Barack Obama did in 2011 when he ruefully acknowledged the electorates rebuke.

Trump never admits defeat. He still insists the GOP won last years campaign, just as he claims he didnt surrender in the shutdown fight. Aides say he might say something nice about Pelosi, though.

So will Trump be gracious or angry? Inspiring or petty? Conciliatory or confrontational?

Spoiler alert: Hell probably sound surprisingly little like the irascible, self-absorbed president who fires off insults and tirades in serial tweets. Hell be teleprompter Trump, not Twitter Trump.

A strange thing happens to Trump at State of the Union time: for one night, one big speech, he abandons his usual bare-knuckled style and summons the better angels of his speechwriters nature.

Last year, Trump assured Congress that nothing but blue skies lay ahead  a New American Moment, in his unmemorable catchphrase.

It was also true in his 2017 congressional address, when his appeal to patriotism prompted a CNN pundit to declare that he became president of the United States in that moment.

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And it will be true this time too, if you believe the president and his aides. The theme, Trump told reporters, will be unity. A White House aide read a bit of an early draft: Together we can break decades of political stalemate  bridge old divisions [and] heal old wounds.

Given the raw edges of American politics since roughly 1968, that would be something to see. Somehow Trump seems a uniquely unlikely vessel for bridging divides and national reconciliation.

But heres an unsentimental explanation for the presidents once-a-year excursions into rhetorical conciliation and bipartisanship. Its not the majesty of the moment. Its smart political strategy.

Theres broad concern among voters about the level of divisiveness in the country, Republican pollster David Winston told me.

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If you listen to voters in the middle, both sides came out of the shutdown badly, he added. The State of the Union is an opportunity for the president to address that concern and define what matters.

In that sense, the speech will help Trump kick off his 2020 reelection campaign.

In addition to the feel-good stuff about unicorns and unity, he will crow about strong job numbers and other upbeat economic statistics. He will claim he revived manufacturing jobs in the Rust Belt states that sealed his election in 2016 and could determine the next race. Any president would do the same.

He will also follow tradition and tick off a laundry list of proposals he wants Congress to pass.

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They will include money for a southern border wall, tougher immigration laws, money to rebuild crumbling bridges and other critical infrastructure, a law to reform drug pricing, and more.

But those priorities were all on Trumps list last year when Republicans controlled both houses of Congress  and none of them passed.

With the race to replace Trump already heating up, Democrats  and the president too, for that matter  have little incentive to make big compromises. Thus his bows toward bipartisanship will be even more symbolic than usual.

So when Trump speaks, the television networks might consider running a message on the screen: Do not adjust your set. The president will return to regular programming soon.To the editor: I have lived in California my whole life (90 years) and have visited almost every one of our fabulous national parks. Your article about the terrible damage inflicted on Joshua Tree and Death Valley national parks during the partial government shutdown was more than disgusting.

My wish is that someone would put President Trump on his airplane and fly him to California to see the damage that was caused during his useless shutdown.

The next time he has a tantrum, the troops on our southern border should be moved to each national park for protection. If thats not possible, the citizens who arent causing destruction to these places should take it upon themselves to protect the parks.

Pollyanna Schneider, Hermosa Beach

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..

To the editor: Reading about the abuse of Californias national parks during the government shutdown sickened me. There was vandalism at Joshua Tree, damage at Death Valley caused by off-road vehicles, and garbage accumulation in Sequoia, Kings Canyon and Yosemite.

My wife and I visited the Big Island in Hawaii during the government shutdown. Although Hawaii Volcanoes National Park had no rangers on site, there were volunteers outside the visitors center providing information about the park and what trails were available to hike.

Somehow they got keys to the restrooms so we had access to the toilets. They also cleaned the bathrooms and hauled trash away in their personal vehicles each day. Although the visitors center was closed, the rest of the park was open.

Thanks to these volunteers, there was no abuse to the park that we could see, and the many visitors enjoyed a great experience.

Lee Goldenberg, Nipomo

..

To the editor: Those who defiled the parks with their human waste must be held accountable. The National Park Service should announce that the material will be tested for DNA, with prosecutions to follow identification, but those who come forward voluntarily and agree to perform some community service will not be prosecuted.

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I suspect that many of the miscreants will opt to avoid the criminal process, and the parks will benefit from some free extra hands whittling down the maintenance backlog.

Alan B. Posner, Santa Barbara

Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and FacebookThe African American pianist Don Shirley wouldnt be surprised that the country he loved was embracing a screen version of his prickly persona, Green Book, rather than grappling with the questions raised by his music.

I cold-called Donald  Im not a Don; thats a stage name  in 1980, and for a few years, we were friends. Id just graduated from Yale and moved to Manhattan to seek my fortune. I was studying composition.

Id discovered his music by accident, while haunting a used record shop. That solo album, recorded in 1955, was one of his best: an improvised suite on the myth of Orpheus in the Underworld. I was compelled by the Stravinsky blurb. (His virtuosity is worthy of gods.) The music, by turns lavish and austere, thrilled me.

Donald lived in a studio above Carnegie Hall. The place was vast, a silk-and-antique extravaganza adorned with candles and bric-a-brac, a temple erected around a Steinway grand. (He was evicted just before his death in 2013, after 50 years.)

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When Id call and ask what he was up to, Donald would invariably answer: There are only two things I have to do: Stay black and die.

When I met him, Donald, then 53, had a shaved head and sinister-looking beard, but he spoke softly and regally, an erudite professor gesturing with agile fingers. Three doctorates, eight languages. He rarely stopped moving. He never stopped talking.

Its difficult to imagine the younger and skinnier man of 1962, on tour in the Deep South with a tough Brooklyn chauffeur, as portrayed in the movie. Donald never spoke of this to me. But he often talked about the frustrations of being black. When Id call and ask what he was up to, hed invariably answer: There are only two things I have to do: Stay black and die.

Race was never far from his mind. It is only in his music, which Americans are able to admire because a protective sentimentality limits their understanding of it, that the Negro in America has been able to tell his story, Donald wrote on a record jacket in 1961. Americans who evade, so far as possible, all genuine experiences, have therefore no way of assessing the experiences of others and no way of establishing themselves in relation to any way of life which is not their own. Thus the idea of my music can be presented without fear of contradiction, since no American has the knowledge or authority to contest it and no Negro has the voice.

He grew up the son of Jamaican parents in Pensacola, Fla. His father was an Episcopal minister. His mother, a teacher, died when he was 9. He had three brothers, all of whom became doctors.

Donald was a classical-music prodigy. He declared his presence in 1945, at 18, with the Tchaikovsky Concerto and the Boston Pops. America wasnt ready for a black concert pianist, even one represented by Sol Hurok. He was told to go into jazz or pop.

His versions of standards tended to merge idioms. His I Cover the Waterfront contains passages from Ravels Une Barque sur lOcean, his I Understand is built on a Schubert impromptu. He called his versions transcriptions, but theyre more like sympathetic re-compositions.

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Donald had an uneasy relationship with jazz. He often decried jazz musicians ignorance of classical music, and recounted with glee the time he played a Stravinsky prelude for Miles Davis, who committed the unpardonable sin of not recognizing it.

Though Donald felt the concert stage too stuffy, he had a horror of the informal jazz club. I dont want someone to slap me on the back and say, Hey, baby!  At the keyboard, he often did a comic imitation of the latest hotshot.

Donalds own trio consisted of piano, bass and cello. Each players part was written, not extemporized. Indeed, Donald argued there was no improvisation in jazz, since everybody agreed beforehand on the harmonies.

He had nothing against improvisation, however. I improvise very well, hed say. And he did: I once brought him a theme and watched him improvise a four-voice fugue after subtly improving the original.

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At heart Donald was an organist, with one foot in the Baroque. His Lullaby of Birdland treats the melody as a fugue. He conceived of his trio as one enormous string instrument. He was writing chamber music. This is evident in his version of I Cant Get Started by Vernon Duke (born Vladimir Dukelsky), which sounds like missing pages from a Rachmaninoff piano trio.

I never found out the source of his prodigious bravura technique. He never discussed his teachers, though hed done a long seminar with Mr. Rachmaninoff. Perhaps, like all virtuosi, he simply won it with hard work.

At the height of his career, from the mid-50s to mid-60s, Donald played 300 concerts a year. When I knew him, he was down to a handful. Nightclubs are toilets, he loved to say. From his studio, hed slip into the back seats of Carnegie Hall and listen with disdain. Audiences must like watching bad pianists move their fingers, he said.

He once showed me a knotty passage from a Beethoven sonata that he was practicing. Most colleagues cheated on the passage, he explained, though Friedrich Gulda and Philippe Entremont were notable exceptions. He spoke with derision of Andre Watts, who was enjoying the career that Donald was denied 30 years earlier.

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Beyond his talent for embodying the African American experience in music (try Water Boy), Donalds genius was in finding the hidden personality of material (try his album of spirituals). He was so relentlessly inward-looking that he found depth everywhere.

He extended this genius to standards. His Blue Skies evokes the Russian heritage of its composer, Irving Berlin, and he was especially insightful with the works of Gershwin, devising a way to play the piano part to Rhapsody In Blue along with a compressed version of the orchestral part. At the keyboard, Donald feared nothing.

The lesson of Green Book is one Donald taught me: We need to be open to the diversity of expression offered by artists. But we mustnt congratulate ourselves that, were he alive today, Donald would be welcomed on the classical stage.

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Of course, had Donald been allowed to be a concert pianist, we would not have the unique music he left us. This country is very hard on its originals.

Anthony Weller is a musician and writer. As a jazz and classical guitarist, he has released 15 records. He has published four novels and several books of non-fiction.

Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion or FacebookIn 2000, when I was 19 and having an existential and Adderall-fueled nervous breakdown, I came home from college for a long weekend and sobbed in my mothers arms. She held me and shushed me, and then  feeling like she was out of options, shed tell me later  took out a fat, round, green pill from a bottle on her night table and bit off a small chunk. Here, she said as she pulled me close, Maybe this will calm you down. It did.

I didnt even ask what it was before I swallowed it, but as soon as it kicked in, I knew: This feels like home.

Id find out later it was OxyContin.

:::

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Five years earlier, my father, like many anesthesiologists, quit working in operating rooms and opened up a small pain management clinic that he, with my mother as office manager, would operate for almost a decade. They offered patients physical therapy, psychotherapy, acupressure and acupuncture, in conjunction with narcotic painkillers. And they werent the only ones.

Somewhere along the way we all started to confuse  disastrously  the eradication of pain with the eradication of suffering.

The pain management revolution, which patients-rights crusaders had started in the mid-1980s, reached its climax just as my parents opened their practice, and they were swept up in the medical communitys religious-like fervor to eradicate pain. Under-treating any kind of pain was barbaric, and relieving it was Gods work.

So when Purdue Pharma released a new drug called OxyContin in 1996  which it touted as only minimally addictive due to its continuous release mechanism  my parents saw it as one more weapon in the war on pain. The companys sales reps assured doctors that the new wonder drug posed an addiction risk of less than 1%, citing a one-paragraph missive in the New England Journal of Medicine taken wildly out of context (see Sam Quinones book Dreamland). The company sent my parents to medical conferences where they were shown more flawed evidence and warned against indulging in opiophobia.

My parents, like many doctors, had the best of intentions. But good intentions are never the whole story.

:::

An opiate high feels like a shimmering  not just you but your whole life shimmers. You start to tingle, as every muscle, thought and feeling slides into something looser and warmer. Its not oblivion, not at first anyway. No, in the beginning, its just this soft hush whispering down your spine, your whole life transforming itself into a beautiful if sad mirage somewhere over there.

And the true menace is the way it makes you feel like you are better with it  that youre finally seeing your life clearly for the first time. Like youve found an answer to every question you never even knew you were asking.

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At the end of my school break in 2000, my mom sent me back to school with a handful of pre-sliced chips of Oxy, borrowed from her prescription for a bad back. I proceeded to fall in love with painkillers the way you fall for a person: gradually and then all at once.

At first, I only took a dose every other day or so, mostly at night. As the weeks went on, though, I found myself thinking about Oxy earlier and earlier in the day, until the urge pulsed inside me from the moment I woke up: Is it time yet? A month later, I dropped out of school.

I went home to upstate New York, where my parents took me to a GP who prescribed 240 milligrams of OxyContin a day for fibromyalgia. Later they took me to a fellow pain specialist, a sweet man who seemed both truly concerned about me and absolutely unafraid of prescribing a myriad of opiates.

None of it was illegal  in fact, it was encouraged. Pain had become the fifth vital sign, and freedom from it, a basic human right. My doctor was honor-bound to believe me about how bad my pain was, and to prescribe accordingly: 240 mg of OxyContin, 180 mg of generic morphine sulphate, and boxes of Actiq  fentanyl lollipops that I rubbed on the inside of my cheek for faster absorption. (They tasted just like SweeTarts.)

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Nearly a decade would go by before Id find myself in rehab.

:::

I swear to God, when I was using, I wanted to believe the pain was real, and when I stopped, I wanted to believe the doctors  and my parents  were to blame for what Id lost. I boiled with rage, refusing to speak to my mother and father for almost two years. When I let them back into my life, I started to ask questions.

Enter the Fray: First takes on the news of the minute 

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How could my mother possibly have given me that first pill? Her answer is simple: I was falling apart and she was more afraid of what Id do to myself than of what the Oxy would do to me. She stands by her reasoning, and everything she and my father didnt yet understand. My dad, again and again, cites the pharma sales reps spiel: They lied to us. They both say theyd have done things differently if theyd only known.

Itd be a much simpler world if terrible consequences were only the result of terrible intentions. But that sweet pain doc thought he was helping me, just as my dad thought he was helping his patients. And my moms decision to hand me a pill was actually an attempt at parenting.

Somewhere along the way we all started to confuse  disastrously  the eradication of pain with the eradication of suffering. Freedom from suffering should, indeed, be a basic human right. No one should have to endure unbearable cancerous or post-operative pain, and the patients-rights movement was an undeniable marker of progress. Somehow that turned into let there never be a moment of discomfort. The problem there, of course, is that any mild irritant can become unbearable. We build no tolerance to life.

My parents clinic, mired in financial problems, closed before the words opioid epidemic became common parlance. I survived, unlike so many others. And now I read that the former president of Purdue Pharma is a patent holder of a new form of buprenorphine, a synthetic opiate used to combat opioid abuse. Fear not, they say, this opiate is the good kind and will help lots of suffering people.

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Where have we heard that before?

Dani Fleischer is at work on a memoir.

Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinionand FacebookVirginia Gov. Ralph Northam faced the public Saturday and defiantly said he will not resign because he does not believe it is him in a racist photograph from his 1984 medical school yearbook.

I am not either of those people in that photo, Northam, a Democrat, told media gathered at the Executive Mansion, referring to the image of a person dressed in blackface and another in a Ku Klux Klan robe on his yearbook page.

Northam said Friday was the first time he had seen the photo, which he called shocking and horrific.

But he alluded to other actions in his past and disclosed that in 1984 he won a dance contest in San Antonio in which he wore dark shoe polish on his cheeks as part of a Michael Jackson costume.

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I have made mistakes in my past, but I am a person of my word. I have great friends on both sides of the aisle, Northam said. This has been hurtful and thats why I reached out and apologized. . . . I will work hard to maintain their faith in me and my ability to lead and hopefully together well move forward.

Northam said if he believed he wasnt able to function efficiently as governor, he would revisit the matter.

His explanation runs counter to his public apology Friday, when he acknowledged that he appeared in what he called a clearly racist image.

My first instinct is to reach out and apologize because this was so hurtful, he said. After I did that, I had a chance to reach out to classmates and my roommates, and I am convinced thats not my picture.

The legislative Black Caucus repeated its call for Northams resignation after his remarks Saturday. In light of his public admission and apology for his decision to appear in the photo, he has irrevocably lost the faith and trust of the people he was elected to serve, the caucus said in a statement. Changing his public story today now casts further doubt on his ability to regain that trust.

Tom Perez, chairman of the Democratic National Committee, released a statement that said Northam no longer has the public trust and should step down. His past actions are completely antithetical to everything the Democratic Party stands for, Perez said. Virginians and people across the country deserve better from their leaders, and it is clear that Ralph Northam has lost their trust and his ability to govern.

Northam said he selected three other photos that appear on the page but not the offensive image. He said he didnt purchase the yearbook and did not know the photo was on his page.

He should have said that yesterday then, said Virginia state Sen. L. Louise Lucas, D-Portsmouth, who was among the lawmakers who received a call from Northam on Saturday morning. He just told me he didnt think its him. And I said, Ralph, this is a day late and a dollar short. Its too late. 

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Two classmates of Northams at Eastern Virginia Medical School said Saturday that they had never seen him in costumes like those that appear in the photo on his yearbook page. However, they were at a loss to explain how a mix-up might have occurred that would result in the racist image being placed on his page in error, because students were responsible for submitting their own photos.

Tobin Naidorf, who also graduated in 1984 and is now a gastroenterologist in Alexandria, Va., said he did not recall the exact procedure for submitting photos to the yearbook staff. However, he said he was the only person who could have submitted the family photos that appeared on his own page.

Walter Broadnax Jr.'s page in the Eastern Virginia yearbook included a photo of his deceased grandmother beneath the heading, These are the people who have helped keep the dream alive.

Pictures as close as that, I would have had to have chosen those. I cant speak for Ralph, though, said Broadnax, whose entry also included a favorite Langston Hughes poem. He doesnt remember how the yearbook was created or even seeing it once it was published.

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Pamela Kopelove, who is credited in the yearbook as its editor, did not respond to repeated calls for comment.

Northam was defying an avalanche of calls to step down from the office he had assumed not 13 months ago. On Friday afternoon, the Republican Party of Virginia issued an early call for Northams resignation, followed by national Democrats, including a host of 2020 contenders. Every group allied with the governor, from Planned Parenthood to the state Democratic party and Democratic leadership in the General Assembly, urged Northam to leave office. A crucial group, the legislative Black Caucus, joined the chorus calling for his resignation after a tense meeting Friday night with Northam.

Even home-state champions who regarded him as a dear friend  including immediate predecessor and patron Terry McAuliffe, himself a potential Democratic presidential candidate  said Northam had to go.

By 9 a.m., friends who hoped he could weather the crisis were wondering whether he could survive and avoid becoming the first Virginia governor to resign since the Civil War.

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More than a dozen protesters braved the frigid air to protest outside the governors mansion, holding signs such as Blackface, no place and Step down and do Virginia a favor. They chanted Resign now!

Theres no question the tide turned, said one ally, who had been briefed by the governors senior staff and spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to disclose the private discussions.

Northam and his inner circle had been preparing to fight as news of the photograph broke Friday afternoon  he issued a written apology, then a video mea culpa. They planned a reconciliation tour, taking him across the commonwealth to say he was sorry in person, his ally said.

Then everything changed between 6 and 9 p.m., the ally said, as national Democrats unleashed a torrent of calls for his resignation.

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On Friday, Northam, 59, released a statement and a video in which he admitted to appearing in the photo, although he did not say which costume he wore.

I am deeply sorry for the decision I made to appear as I did in this photo and for the hurt that decision caused then and now, he said. This behavior is not in keeping with who I am today and the values I have fought for throughout my career in the military, in medicine, and in public service. But I want to be clear, I understand how this decision shakes Virginians faith in that commitment.

As cable television devoted hours to the controversy, social media lit up with #ResignRalph hashtags and the drumbeat continued. Calls to resign also came from Democratic presidential hopefuls Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, Sen. Kamala Harris of California, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey and former San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro.

Black face in any manner is always racist and never okay, tweeted Derrick Johnson, president of the NAACP. No matter the party affiliation, we can not stand for such behavior, which is why the @NAACP is calling for the resignation of Virginia Governor @RalphNortham.

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The photo reverberated across the country and shook Virginians, who have struggled with a long and difficult legacy around race.

Virginias history is unfortunately replete with the scars and unhealed wounds caused by racism, bigotry and discrimination, said Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring, a Democrat who plans to run for governor in 2021. It is imperative that Governor Northam hears and truly listens to those who are hurt by this image as he considers what comes next.

Herrings remarks, which stopped short of calling for Northams resignation, closely echoed sentiments expressed by the states U.S. senators, Tim Kaine and Mark R. Warner, both Democrats.

Members of the state legislatures Black Caucus spoke of how they felt profoundly let down by Northam, who had worked alongside them on key legislation. We feel complete betrayal, the caucus said in a statement. The legacy of slavery, racism, and Jim Crow has been an albatross around the necks of African Americans for over 400 years. These pictures rip off the scabs of an excruciatingly painful history and are a piercing reminder of this nations sins. Those who would excuse the pictures are just as culpable.

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The caucus was also grappling with revelations in another yearbook, from Northams time at Virginia Military Institute. That book listed one of his nicknames as Coonman, which some members interpreted as a racial slur.

A Northam spokeswoman did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the nicknames meaning.

Hours after his apology, the governor released a video that repeated his contrition but said he intended to serve out the remaining three years of his term.

If Northam were to resign, he would be succeeded by Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax, who would serve the remaining years in Northams term and then be eligible to run for a full four-year term.

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Fairfax would hold the highest office in a state in which his ancestors were once enslaved. An Ivy League-educated lawyer, Fairfax carried a copy of the manumission papers of one of his ancestors in his suit pocket when he was sworn in as lieutenant governor.

The image in the yearbook from Eastern Virginia Medical School was on a page with other photos of Northam and personal information about the future governor. Northam, a pediatric neurologist, graduated from the medical school in Norfolk in 1984 after earning an undergraduate degree from VMI.

Vozzella and Schneider write for the Washington Post.Two Vietnamese painters Nguyen The Son and Nguyen Kim To Lan spent their entire last September introducing Vietnamese contemporary fine arts in Massachusetts, the US, through their exhibition entitled Nhe Tua Long Hong Light as Pink Feather). The exhibition, which was named after a Vietnamese saying, describes the artists can-do attitude and optimism to lifes struggles, no matter how complicated or dire the situation.

While Sons art focuses on everyday social and political realities in contemporary Vietnam and how people creatively work around them, Lans works explore the moon and humankinds dream of reaching the moon.

Also last year, multi-disciplinary artist Ly Hoang Ly participated in the Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art in Australia and resilient performance and visual artist Tran Luong attended the Thailand Biennale International Arts Festival.

According to visual artist and independent curator Tran Luong, Vietnamese artists have had a stronger presence at international events than in the past. Some of them, including Dam Nguyen and Phan Thao Nguyen, have continuously been named at acclaimed biennale events around the world.

Ho Chi Minh City  based artist Phan Thao Nguyen, for example, won the Video Art Award 2018 in Barcelona, Spain  an annual award launched by Han Nefkens Foundation and Loop Barcelona to increase contemporary artistic production in the video art field by supporting artists of Asian origin or nationality. Previously, Thao had earned the highest prize of the Signature Art Prize in Singapore for her installation of videos and oil paintings titled Tropical Siesta, which imagines a village populated only by children.

Domestically, an exchange was held at A. Farm art residency in Ho Chi Minh City last June to stimulate creativity among the participating artists, who came from all over Vietnam. The exhibition was curated by Dinh Q. Le and Tran Luong.

Another highlight of last years domestic fine arts events was a caricature contest-exhibition themed Preventing and combating corruption, which was launched in June by the Department of Fine Arts, Photography and Exhibition for both professional and amateur cartoonists.

The winning entries, according to judge Ly Truc Dung, reflected a range of pressing issues and attracted enthusiast public opinions as well as much attention from the news media.

Vi Kien Thanh, Head of the Department of Fine Arts, Photography and Exhibition, said that management agencies have shown full support for the exchange of contemporary fine arts among artists. A number of Vietnamese artists have attended international fine arts exhibitions, which is a good way to introduce Vietnamese fine arts to the world, he said.

Regarding notable fine arts achievements over the past year, he voted for the inauguration of a contemporary art space in the basement of the National Assembly House in November, displaying 15 art works of 15 contemporary artists, headed by Nguyen The Son.

Utilising various media ranging from video arts and lacquer paintings to installations, photography and sculptures, the artworks tell the stories of history and treasured values of heritages.

The art space can be viewed as the second major milestones in the way that contemporary arts can be practiced in a construction which bears symbolic cultural and historical values. The first one was applied at the Hanoi Opera Hose in 2003.

However, according to curator Tran Luong, more supportive policies with longer-term vision are needed to foster Vietnamese contemporary fine arts. We have seen successes from individuals, however, unless there is sound management, these outcomes can not change the overall appearance of the entire fine arts, Luong argued.

In terms of investment in culture, Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia have paid great attention to and made wise investment in their pavilions at the prestigious contemporary visual art exhibition, Venice Biennale.

What we need is more generous investment and renovation in the way fine arts is taught at fine arts universities in order to attract students and make the lectures more interesting to them, Luong suggested.Nine men  up from six earlier in the week  are being force-fed under court order in a detention center in El Paso, Texas, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement says.

One of the hunger strikers, a 22-year-old man from India who called the Associated Press, said he is dragged from his cell three times a day and strapped down on a bed. He said a group of people force-feed him by pouring liquid into tubes pushed through his nose.

The man, whom AP is identifying only by his last name, Singh, out of family concerns for his safety, stopped eating more than a month ago. In mid-January, ICE obtained court orders to begin nonconsensual hydration and feeding, and so for weeks theyve had tubes inserted in their noses and IVs in their arms.

They tie us on the force-feeding bed, and then they put a lot of liquid into the tubes, and the pressure is immense so we end up vomiting it out, said Singh. We cant talk properly, and we cant breathe properly. The pipe is not an easy process, but they try to push it down our noses and throats.

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Speaking through an interpreter, Singh said he has lost 50 pounds since he began his hunger strike. He said he is refusing food to protest guards unfair treatment of him and other detainees from Punjab. He said they are being denied bond while detainees from other countries were allowed out.

In a statement, ICE said it fully respects the rights of all people to voice their opinion without interference.

ICE does not retaliate in any way against hunger strikers. ICE explains the negative health effects of not eating to our detainees. For their health and safety, ICE closely monitors the food and water intake of those detainees identified as being on a hunger strike, the agency said.

The reports on the force-feeding have garnered international headlines and angry responses from policymakers and human rights advocates.

U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-El Paso) visited some of the men after the initial reports, tweeting afterward that their situation is unacceptable.

El Paso and our country are better than this, the Texas congresswoman said.

Human Rights Watch published a dispatch Friday describing force-feeding as cruel, inhuman and degrading.

Hunger strikes among immigrant detainees are uncommon, and court orders authorizing force-feeding are rare, said an ICE official, noting that once force-feeding is approved, detainees have in the past given up their hunger strikes.

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Although the agency doesnt keep statistics on force-feeding, attorneys, advocates and ICE staffers whom AP spoke with did not recall a similar situation at an immigration detention site.

Detainees, their attorneys and advocates have said that up to 30 men have been on hunger strikes over the last month. According to ICE, 10 detainees from India and Nicaragua who are being held at the El Paso detention site have refused nine consecutive meals  the immigration agencys benchmark for when to start calling refusal to eat a hunger strike.

Last week Cubans in the facility said they also were refusing food.

An additional four detainees are on hunger strikes in the agencys Miami, Phoenix, San Diego and San Francisco areas of responsibility, agency spokeswoman Leticia Zamarripa said. She did not say whether they were being force-fed.

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Singh said he came to the United States in August along with his cousin, seeking to escape violence in his home state of Punjab in India. Court records show he was arrested for illegally entering the U.S. near El Paso and pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor. His uncle, Amrit Singh, said his asylum claim had been denied.

A volunteer who has visited the facility said the men have been requesting pillows to elevate their heads when the liquid nutrition is administered through their noses because the material backs up and causes them pain.

Nathan Craig, a volunteer with the nonprofit group Advocate Visitors with Immigrants in Detention, said one of the men he spoke with has a thyroid condition and has not been receiving his medicine.

Both of the men I spoke to personally have visible trouble walking, they are frail and they are receiving by IV liquids, something like three times a day, Craig said after an earlier visit.

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Singh said theyre not getting the help theyve requested.

We keep asking them on a daily basis for the pillows, but we dont have the pillows yet, Singh said. They dont give us wheelchairs, despite the fact that we are so weak. They drag us on our feet.

The force-feeding of detainees through nasal tubes at Guantanamo Bay garnered international criticism. Hunger strikes began shortly after the military prison opened in 2002, with force-feeding starting in early 2006 following mass refusals to eat. There have also been high-profile cases in a high security federal prison.

The International Red Cross, the American Medical Assn. and the World Medical Assn. condemn force-feeding hunger strikers as unethical.Despite growing foreign-policy misgivings about him even within the GOP, President Trump insisted in an interview aired Sunday that he feels free to ignore the assessments of his intelligence chiefs and instead act on his own beliefs.

In a wide-ranging interview aired on CBS Face the Nation, the president also appeared to soften his claim that the senior intelligence officials who testified before Congress last week subsequently told him their views had been distorted in news reports.

Their televised testimony contradicted Trumps positions on a variety of subjects and was followed by scathing presidential Twitter attacks on those same officials.

I have intel people, but that doesnt mean I have to agree, he said in the CBS interview. He cited past U.S. intelligence mistakes regarding Iraqs weapons of mass destruction and what he seemed to suggest was their underestimating now of the threat posed by Iran.

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So when my intelligence people tell me how wonderful Iran is, if you dont mind, Im going to just go by my own counsel, he said.

Although the White House has suggested that Tuesdays prime-time State of the Union speech  delayed for a week by the 35-day partial government shutdown  will be bipartisan in nature, Trump took a combative tone in the CBS interview.

He denounced House Speaker Nancy Pelosi as a danger to the nation and said he doesnt rule out another shutdown or an emergency declaration to try to get his way on a border wall.

Trump said Pelosi, the San Francisco Democrat who will sit behind him as he delivers his address to a joint session of Congress, is doing a terrible disservice to our country on border security.

She can keep playing her games, but we will win, he said.

Pelosi and her House Democrats forced an end to the shutdown after refusing to yield to Trumps demand for $5.7 billion in funding for his desired wall. The president has since spoken dismissively of bipartisan negotiations now underway aimed at finding areas of agreement on border security and immigration policy.

With government funding in place until Feb. 15, Trump said he wouldnt rule out another shutdown, or a declaration of emergency, to try to secure wall money. Public opinion polls suggest both courses of action would be unpopular.

I dont take anything off the table, the president told CBS. He added that there have been plenty of national emergencies called in the past and suggested he might brush aside predictions that such a declaration would face a speedy court challenge.

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Trumps unprecedented public excoriation of his senior intelligence appointees last week  he called them naive and said they needed to go back to school  came amid increasing unease within Republican ranks over White House foreign policy decisions viewed by some as impetuous and ill thought-out.

In hours of testimony on Tuesday, intelligence leaders including Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats and CIA chief Gina Haspel said North Korea was unlikely to give up its nuclear weapons, stated that Iran is for the most part in compliance with the nuclear accord that Trump spurned, and described the militants of Islamic State as a potent regional menace.

They also pointedly refrained from describing the situation on the southern border as a security threat, as the president has repeatedly characterized it.

In the intervening days, not only Democrats but some senior Republicans have opined that disregarding nonpartisan intelligence assessments is a perilous path for any president.

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The latest such admonition came from Sen. Ron Johnson, the Wisconsin Republican who chairs the Senate Committee on Homeland Security. In an interview on Fox News Sunday, he urged Trump to pay close attention to the intelligence communitys counsel.

You have to rely on people who have been working these issues for decades, Johnson said. He called it just imperative that you actually listen to, for example, the CIA chief, the director of national intelligence.

The Senate voted on Thursday to rebuke Trump over his abrupt decision, absent any congressional hearings or consultation with allies, to pull U.S. military forces from Afghanistan and Syria. In the Face the Nation interview, however, the president played down those concerns.

On Syria, he declared, you now have very little ISIS, using an acronym for Islamic State. Regarding Afghanistan, he said, I want to bring people home, and questioned whether the U.S.-led invasion following the 9/11 attacks should have taken place.

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And when asked about the potential resurgence of terror groups like Al Qaeda in the Middle East, Trump said U.S. forces could always go back if needed. We have very fast airplanes; we have very good cargo planes, he said.

The president responded with a measure of sarcasm in disagreeing with intelligence assessments of Irans compliance with the landmark nuclear accord. My intelligence people, if they said in fact that Iran is a wonderful kindergarten, I disagree with them 100%, he said.

Trump did appear to back down slightly on his depiction of an Oval Office encounter last week with the intelligence chiefs following their congressional appearance. He said at the time that the officials had been misquoted in media reports, although their testimony was carried on live television.

Im not going to stop them from testifying, he told interviewer Margaret Brennan. They said they were mischaracterized  maybe they were, maybe they werent. I dont really know.

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Turning to the Russia investigation by special counsel Robert S. Mueller III, Trump fell back on familiar descriptions of the probe as a witch hunt. He said he would let the attorney general make a determination as to whether Muellers report would be released to the public.

He sidestepped a question about whether he would pardon Roger Stone, his longtime confidant who was arrested in an FBI raid and last week pleaded not guilty to seven charges related to the Russia investigation.

I have not thought about it, Trump said of pardon prospects for Stone. It looks like hes defending himself very well.

laura.king@latimes.com

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Twitter: @laurakingLATA 20-month-old child who was in the backseat of an SUV when it was stolen in Marina del Rey on Saturday has been found unharmed, Los Angeles police said.

The child and the vehicle were found at the intersection of Lincoln Boulevard and Lake Street in Venice on Saturday evening, said Officer Sal Ramirez, an LAPD spokesman.

The child seems to be OK, he said.

Police are still searching for the individual who stole the vehicle.

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The incident began when a woman reported the SUV stolen after she left her child in the backseat about 2:15 p.m. while she went inside a Marina del Rey shoe store to shop, Ramirez said.

She was in the store about 15 minutes when she discovered the vehicle and the child were missing from the store parking lot in the 13400 block of Maxella Avenue, he said.

The abductor was described as a white or Latino man, about 5 feet 10 inches tall, 185 pounds, wearing a black jacket and dark pants.

The SUV was last seen heading eastbound on Maxella Avenue before it was discovered in Venice.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Los Angeles Police Department.

carlos.lozano@latimes.comThroughout a long career as a local educator, Michelle King exceeded expectations at every step but never had a chance to leave a defining mark at the peak of her career  as Los Angeles schools superintendent  because of illness that would later claim her life.

King, the first African American woman to lead the L.A. Unified School District, has died, the district announced Saturday.

She was 57 and had been battling cancer.

The school board selected King to lead the nations second-largest school system in January 2016. Her last day at work was Sept. 15, 2017, when she began a medical leave, but shed been ailing before that.

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King had grown up attending Los Angeles schools and began her professional career as a teachers aide, then a teacher, gradually rising through the ranks. Her style was not to make waves. Instead she impressed people with her competence, humanity, dedication and loyalty  over and over again.

I promoted her three times, said former L.A. schools Supt. Ramon C. Cortines, who served three stints as district leader. During the last, King was his chief deputy. She was my partner. I did not make decisions without consulting her.

And when Cortines retired, the board selected King to replace him.

She brought to the job strong internal support but a certain discomfort in the spotlight, even before her ailment, that contrasted with her predecessors.

Kings major accomplishment was pushing the graduation rate to record levels by allowing students to quickly make up credits for failed classes. Her major initiative had been to expand the number of schools with special programs to offset declining enrollment caused by the growth of privately operated charter schools.

A year after taking office, the political ground shifted under her when the board majority changed. A new majority elected with support from charter school backers took control, and there was wide speculation its members would want to choose their own district leader. At the same time, board members and others were criticizing King for not moving faster on a strategic plan.

But she won high marks from competing interest groups for taking their concerns seriously and for trying to bring warring factions together on behalf of students.

Dr. King was a solid career educator and administrator who sadly didnt have enough time in her brief tenure to change the culture of LAUSD or fix the longstanding systemic issues that plague the district to this day, said Paul Robak, a parent activist who worked with King.

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King was born on March 9, 1961, to professional parents who were part of a proud, aspiring black middle class in a city where many minority families were not doing well. Her father had become a lawyer during her childhood. Her mother worked for the county. Together they provided their daughter with a sheltered life.

It was assumed and expected you would go to college, King told The Times in an interview. My father looked at my report cards. We were taught to respect our teachers and that we would get good grades.

She attended L.A. Unified schools, including Palisades High, where she was a top student and a cheerleader and one of the few blacks at a school whose student body was mainly wealthy and white.

After attending UCLA, her first teaching assignment was in the San Fernando Valley, a world apart from the worst poverty of the L.A. Basin.

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King was not oblivious to social ills, but her understanding deepened, she said, as she watched the video of police officers beating Rodney King, followed by the trial that acquitted them. She also recalled the riots of 1992 when, as a young teacher, she stood in her hillside home in South Los Angeles largely African American, largely upscale View Park neighborhood, watching large swaths of Los Angeles burn. The experience deepened a longstanding instinct to help foundering students push ahead.

She moved through teaching jobs at Porter Junior High and Wright Middle School while shepherding her own three daughters through school. Sometimes that meant making choices. The first time King was offered the principals job at Hamilton High, she turned it down.

Her marriage by then was in trouble, and, even after the divorce, King was determined not to miss back-to-school nights or lose the familys tradition of long Sunday dinners, at which the girls could talk out the issues of their lives.

When she finally took the Hamilton job in 2002, after being promoted from vice principal, the entire faculty greeted her with a standing ovation.

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Ive never seen it before or since, said retired teacher Shelley Rose.

King didnt disappoint, pulling together a campus torn by discord.

Michelle united the faculty, boosted morale, and righted the ship almost immediately, says Barry Smolin, an English teacher. A lot of it had to do with her calm demeanor, her willingness to hear all sides of an issue and make informed decisions based on sometimes conflicting perspectives  and her genuine concern for students and teachers.

After she took charge, Hamiltons test scores surged well past annual improvement targets.

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After leaving Hamilton, Kings earned strong marks as she rose quietly and rapidly through middle management. She said later that she learned from everyone she served under.

As deputy superintendent under Supt. John Deasy in 2014, she firmly led emergency operations after a fatal crash killed five students hundreds of miles to the north near Orland.

Her selection as superintendent was wildly popular among the districts rank and file.

She led us as a family and truly embraced the idea that we had to do everything we did, no matter what our role was, as if the children of our district were our own children, said former school board member Steve Zimmer. She carried a powerful authenticity.

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King is survived by her daughters, her parents and a brother.

Among the many tributes was one from L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti, who said Kings life and career encapsulated what it means to be an Angeleno: excellence, kindness, integrity, service above self.A panel of jurors traveled to the high desert last week, to view the site where the battered remains of a family missing for years were discovered in shallow graves.

In 2014, a year after the skeletal remains of Joseph and Summer McStay and their two young sons were discovered in Victorville, Joseph McStays business associate, Charles Chase Merritt, was arrested and charged with four counts of murder. The family had disappeared from their home north of San Diego in 2010.

Merritt went on trial for the slayings last month in San Bernardino. If convicted, he could face the death penalty.

Prosecutors allege that Merritt, 61, bludgeoned the family members with a 3-pound sledgehammer before burying them off Interstate 15 in Victorville. Merritts defense team says their client is innocent, arguing that authorities have relied on gymnastics with logic in an attempt to connect him to the slayings.

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The fate of the McStay family, whose Fallbrook home showed signs of a swift departure, gripped the country and long baffled police, who initially treated the case as a missing-persons investigation.

San Bernardino County Superior Court Judge Michael A. Smith has permitted Law & Crime, a legal news website, to live stream the trial, but barred members of the public or media from visiting the grave site Wednesday.

Several days before visiting the site, jurors heard testimony from John Bluth, who spotted human remains while dirt biking in the desert on Veterans Day in 2013. While searching for trails, Bluth said, something caught his eye.

A bone, he told jurors. A loose, white bone.

He dialed 911, concerned that the remains might belong to a baby. The McStay boys, Gianni and Joseph Jr., were 4 and 3.

Family and friends pay respect at crosses erected in memory of Joseph and Summer McStay and their two children, who were found buried in shallow graves in Victorville in 2013. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

On the first day of Merritts trial, which could stretch for several months, prosecutors displayed a series of grisly snapshots  Josephs bones wrapped in an electrical cord, a clump of Summers hair connected to her skull. Merritt, flanked by his lawyers, stared ahead. On the other side of the courtroom, Joseph McStays mother cried silently.

When prosecutors displayed a widely publicized family photo  all four family members smiling wide as they posed in a car  a female juror grimaced.

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How does this family of four disappear off the face of the Earth? prosecutor Sean Daugherty asked. Over the next several weeks, he told jurors, he planned to present evidence that he said would prove that Merritt killed the family and his motive.

The why, he said, boils down to greed and greeds child, fraud.

Prosecutors contend that Merritt, who worked as a subcontractor for Joseph McStays company, which sold water fountains, siphoned money from him around the time the family disappeared. Daugherty acknowledged that there are some things authorities cant answer, including whether anyone helped Merritt. But, he said, theres a clear answer to a key question: Who got caught ripping off his friend? Daugherty pointed at Merritt.

During his opening statements, defense attorney James McGee argued that once law enforcement considered Merritt a suspect, they got tunnel vision, ignoring evidence that pointed away from his client.

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They did gymnastics with logic, McGee said. They predetermined hes the guy and they didnt look at anything else.

The police theory that the McStays were killed at their home, McGee said, is impossible. If the family was killed at home, he said, authorities would have found blood.

No blood was found in the evidence, he said. Not a drop, not a trace, not a speck.

The defense has argued that the family was killed in the desert by someone other than their client.Intense rainstorms that caused flooding and at least one death in Southern California over the weekend are expected to diminish Sunday, with mild precipitation lingering into Tuesday.

The worst has already happened, said Kristen Stewart, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Oxnard.

A weaker storm system bringing light rain will move across Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties until early in the week, according to the weather service. The storm is also expected to dump rain and up to 16 inches of snow in mountainous areas, which could impact the stretch of Interstate 5 known as the Grapevine.

Gusty winds coming from the south and southwest at up to 45 mph will continue through Tuesday night, according to the NWS, which has issued a winter storm warning for the area.

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People should still be on the lookout for flooding and avoid driving through any road that appears submerged, no matter how shallow, said National Weather Service meteorologist Keily Delerme. She noted that a vehicle can be swept away in just 12 inches of water.

An earlier storm this weekend moved into Santa Barbara County on Saturday with intense bursts of rain and wind that topped 80 mph. Though the storm tapered off in the evening, it picked up again early Sunday, with wind gusts of up to 60 mph and overnight rainfall totals of up to 3 inches.

Highway 101, which was closed in both directions in Montecito on Saturday morning because of mudflows, was reopened to traffic Saturday night, Caltrans officials said.

A 17-mile stretch of Pacific Coast Highway in the Malibu area was closed due to a mudslide but reopened in both directions by late Sunday afternoon, according to Caltrans. No homes were affected.

Early Saturday, a Ventura County sheriffs search-and-rescue team member was killed and three other team members were injured in a crash on rain-slicked Interstate 5 near Gorman in northern Los Angeles County, officials said. The group was on its way to Mt. Pinos for a training exercise when they saw a crash on the freeway and stopped to help.

While they were assisting people, a vehicle plowed into the scene, Ventura County Sheriffs Sgt. Eric Buschow said. They stopped to help people because thats what they do. This is another tough day for us.

At least six other people were hurt and taken to hospitals.

The victim, Jeff Dye, was a volunteer with the Fillmore Mountain Search and Rescue Team, the Sheriffs Department said.

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In Malibu on Saturday afternoon, Caltrans crews worked to clear the highway of mud up to 3 feet deep south of County Line Beach. A RV camper parked along the side of PCH became submerged in mud and surrounded by tree branches.

Ventura County Fire Capt. Joe Dullam said the highway was also covered in two spots near Deer Creek Road that have been problematic in recent storms, including one area where several vehicles became stuck in early January.

This is pretty much what we expected, Dullam said.

Don Burpee said its not the first time the neighborhood has seen mud wash down from the nearby hillside that burned in the Woolsey fire. But Saturdays mudslide was the largest, the Malibu resident said.

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Sure, you worry about it. You do what you can, Burpee said. But there is kind of a limit to what you can do.

Times staff writer Angel Jennings contributed to this story.The thieves seemed to know exactly what they were looking for.

They entered an unmarked warehouse on a South Los Angeles side street, moved through a warren of file cabinets, yellowing papers and jettisoned desks, and breached a small storage room.

Inside was a cache of furniture designed by two of the most celebrated American architects of the 20th century, Frank Lloyd Wright and Rudolph Schindler.

The thieves made off with two of Wrights striking floor lamps and a cushioned chair believed to have been designed by Schindler  a haul with a potential value of hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Six years after the heist at the USC warehouse, the identities of the perpetrators remain a mystery.

There is a second puzzle: Why didnt the university report the theft to police at the time or seek the publics help in recovering the irreplaceable pieces?

Detectives only learned of the larceny in recent weeks, after an anonymous letter to the Los Angeles Times revealed the crime.

Frank Lloyd Wright's Freeman House is seen in 2019. Al Seib / Los Angeles Times

Ninety years ago, the lamps illuminated one of the most breathtaking living rooms in L.A. The residence belonged to Samuel Freeman and his dancer wife, Harriet, an avant-garde couple who had commissioned Wright to turn a steep and narrow plot in the Hollywood Hills into a showplace.

The architect, already famous and enjoying a midlife sojourn in California, ringed the living room with tall windows that provided dramatic views down Highland Avenue and of the surrounding hills.

The furniture he fashioned for the room included the 6-foot-high cast iron and glass lamps. His protege, Schindler, later worked on the house, adding his own unique furnishings.

For decades, the Freemans eclectic crowd of artists, scientists and leftists savored the home and its decor. Casablanca actor Claude Rains was a regular at the couples so-called salons, and Harriet Freeman feted legendary choreographer Martha Graham at a dinner party in the living room.

Samuel Freeman died in the living room in 1981. Harriet suffered a stroke and spent her final months in a bed in the living room. She died in 1986. Childless, they left the home and furniture to USC, hoping the university would treasure the property as a site for meetings, classes and historic preservation.

The patterned cement blocks from the Freeman House. Al Seib / Los Angeles Times

Frank Lloyd Wright designed the house in the early 20th century. Los Angeles Times

Preservationists quickly learned that maintaining the Freemans home, like other Wright designs in L.A., would be a major challenge. The residences hallmark  patterned cement-block walls that recalled Mayan temples  proved uniquely unsuited for Californias seismic environment.

The Freeman House suffered severe structural damage in the 1994 Northridge earthquake. Tiles tumbled from the house and broke. It took the university years to secure more than $1 million in restoration funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and other sources.

Around 2000, in advance of the work, USC moved the contents of the home, including the Wright and Schindler furniture, to the architecture schools rented warehouse. The brick facility on 24th Street, formerly a city power station, has a cavernous interior with at least one separate, locked room.

Some broken tiles were stored in the main room while the furniture was placed in the locked area, according to people familiar with the warehouse. For the next decade, the pieces that had delighted the Freemans and their guests would sit in the dark, glimpsed only occasionally by USC faculty, staff and students.

The Freeman House in 1998 was supported by braces and had a tent over its roof after the Northridge earthquake. Bob Carey / Los Angeles Times

A 1998 photograph shows damage to a wall at back of the Freeman House. Bob Carey / Los Angeles Times

A facilities staffer visiting the warehouse in September 2012 noticed items missing from the locked room.

There was no sign of a break-in or vandalism, and nothing but the Wright and Schindler furniture seemed to have been taken.

Kenneth Breisch, an associate professor who oversaw the graduate program in historic preservation, said that as far as he knew, there was only one key to the room and it was maintained by the facilities department.

The staffer who had discovered the missing items contacted Breisch to see whether he knew anything. Told no, the staffer said he planned to alert campus police, according to Breisch.

Los Angeles Times

I just assumed they were taking care of it, said Breisch, who declined to name the staffer. I just assumed, I think, that it probably didnt consist of anything of value, [otherwise] I would have heard more.

In fact, the stolen floor lamps and chair had significant value. The lamps are particularly rare and coveted by collectors. A nearly identical piece Wright made in the same period for a Hollywood Boulevard residence sold at auction two years ago for $100,000.

Told of the lamps theft recently, architect and author Thomas A. Heinz, the foremost expert in Wrights interiors, exclaimed, Wow. Wow.

Because these are so rare, I would say its a tremendous loss, said Heinz, adding that Wright created about a dozen such lamps.

Schindlers chairs are also in demand. Last July, two of the architects redwood sling chairs were reported stolen from an Olympic Boulevard storage unit rented by the Friends of the Schindler House, the nonprofit that maintains the architects former West Hollywood residence.

Board member Robert Sweeney told the police the chairs were original to the Kings Road landmark and estimated their value at $25,000 each.

Despite the clear value of the items taken, no one at USC filed a report with campus police, LAPD or the universitys insurance carriers. Word of the theft circulated among some at the architecture school, but few, if any, outsiders were told.

It remained a secret until last summer when someones conscience appeared to have been prodded by a listing at a Chicago auction. The listing described the lot for sale as a textile block from the Samuel Freeman House, Los Angeles and identified the seller as a private collector in Chicago. It was a 16-inch square, the size of the original Freeman blocks, and had discolorations indicating decades in the elements. It sold for $5,000 in June.

Weeks after its sale, The Times received an anonymous email describing the warehouse theft. The author also included a link to the auction and wrote that even if the sale was not connected to the theft, it was troubling. How could the tile have fallen into private hands when its ownership had passed directly from the Freemans to USC, the writer asked.

The building in South Los Angeles from which the pieces were stolen. Patrick Fallon /For The Los Angeles Times

The Times approached USC about the alleged theft in mid-January. A university spokeswoman expressed skepticism, saying that even the most minor infractions are documented by the campus police and shared with administrators. It strained credulity, she said, that a suspected felony involving priceless works of art had gone unreported.

A search of campus police databases and inquiries to half a dozen employees turned up nothing about a theft, she said. But further investigation by USCs Office of Professionalism and Ethics, a new unit set up after recent scandals, determined that the tip had merit.

On Jan. 22, campus police filed a report with the LAPD, identifying the three missing items. The university blamed the 6-year delay in contacting authorities on a miscommunication between employees, according to police.

Its quite alarming, frankly, that theres a gap, said Lt. Perry Griffith of the Los Angeles Police Departments Southwest station, who reviewed the report before handing it off to the departments Art Theft Detail.

In a statement, USC said it was fully cooperating with the police probe and pursuing its own internal investigation.

The university is reviewing its procedures and security measures related to the Freeman House and its assets, the spokeswoman said in a statement. She added that the university is working with its risk management team on the insurance claim process.

LAPD Det. Don Hrycyk of the art theft unit said his investigation was at the preliminary stage.

There was no forced entry, so it looks like someone who had access to a key, Hrycyk said.

USC declined to identify those with access to the room and said in a statement, It appears unlikely that there was only one key, however we expect that to be part of the investigation.

The passage of time had made dusting for fingerprints and other forensic techniques all but impossible. Memories have faded, and witnesses are out of reach.

A lot of these people are no longer at USC, Hrycyk said.

The tile auctioned in Chicago is not part of the LAPD investigation, he said. USC said it had no verification as to whether it was stolen from the house.

Jeffrey Chusid, a Cornell University professor who is a leading authority on the Freeman House, said the auctioned tile appeared to be an original. Chusid, who lived in the house when he taught at USC in the 1980s and 1990s, said it was unlikely to be one that fell from the home during the earthquake because those were largely broken. During the 1990s, a vandal pried a tile from the street-side of the house, he said, and that might be floating around.

Richard Wright, the president of the Chicago auction house, said the seller told him he obtained the piece several years ago from a dealer. Wright said he believed that the tile was originally from the Freeman Houses garage and that it was removed after the 1994 earthquake.

Its my understanding that there was some restoration done to the house, Wright said. Given the not-great condition, it had been a tile that had been replaced.

Wright said the collector who consigned the tile had attested to the legal title of the concrete block. Still, he said that in the world of art auctions, it is not always perfectly clear how things get out.

The USC School of Architecture at the university's South L.A. campus. Patrick T. Fallon / For The Times

USC students training in historic preservation regularly visit the Freeman House, but it is not open to the public.

It is situated on a narrow, winding street that dead ends on a cliff side and has little parking. To the rare visitor, the homes disrepair is obvious, with splintered wooden beams, peeling paint and gaps in the cement-tiled walls.

USC said it is examining options to ensure theres a promising future for the Freeman House.Cementing his status as an Oscar frontrunner, Roma director Alfonso Cuaron took home the top honor at the Directors Guild of America Awards, held Saturday night at the Hollywood & Highland Centers Ray Dolby Ballroom.

At the end of his bilingual acceptance speech, Cuaron turned to his longtime friend Guillermo del Toro, who won this same award last year for The Shape of Water, and presented it to him this year.

I cannot do anything in this film life without Guillermo del Toro, Cuaron said, thanking him in Spanish.

He won the top helming honors over Bradley Cooper for A Star Is Born, Peter Farrelly for Green Book, Spike Lee for BlacKkKlansman and Adam McKay for Vice.

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Cuaron previously won the award in 2014 for Gravity.

Cuaron, Lee and McKay are all in contention for the directing Oscar later this month, along with Yorgos Lanthimos (The Favourite) and Pawel Pawlikowski (Cold War). Consider the DGA honor a good omen. Since the guild started giving awards in 1949, only seven directors have failed to win the academy award after triumphing at the DGA awards.

Still, McKay was one feature helmer who did not go home empty-handed. On the TV side, he won for the pilot episode of HBOs Succession, beating out directors of Ozark, Homeland, The Americans and The Handmaids Tale in the drama series category. In the comedy field, Barry director and star Bill Hader came out on top for the HBO series over helmers of Atlanta and The Marvelous Mrs Maisel.

In an evening that was not short on political commentary, feature nominee Lee stood out by invoking history. 1989 was Do the Right Thing. 2019 was BlacKkKlansman, he said. 1619, my ancestors were stolen from Africa and landed in Jamestown, 400 years ago. I get my power from the ancestors ... because no matter what trials or tribulations I go through, its nothing compared to what my ancestors did.

In other film awards, Three Identical Strangers director Tim Wardle took home the documentary honor for the hit film, which missed out on an Oscar nomination last month, and Eighth Grade helmer Bo Burnham won the award for best first-time feature film director. Among Burnhams competitors was A Star Is Born actor-director Cooper, who lost in both of his categories.

Eighth Grade director Bo Burnham arrives at the 71st annual DGA Awards at the Ray Dolby Ballroom on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. (Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)

While presenting the filmmaking debut award, last years winner Jordan Peele joked with an unassailable deadpan, This award really is the nicest way to say, Not the best director. That shouldnt take anything away from the achievement.

Additional TV honors went to Escape at Dannemora director Ben Stiller (limited series or TV movie), Saturday Night Live veteran Don Roy King (variety programming), the Grammy Awards Louis J. Horvitz (variety specials), Sesame Street helmer Jack Jameson (childrens programming), The Final Table director Russell Norman (reality programming) and frequent feature helmer Spike Jonze (commercials).

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FX received the guilds diversity award for the efforts enacted across its slate to achieve gender parity in the directors chair. Said network CEO John Landgraf onstage, Real change is possible. You just have to do it.

Christian Bale, Quincy Jones, John David Washington, Topher Grace, Viggo Mortensen, Mahershala Ali, Linda Cardellini, Octavia Spencer, Tony Hale, Yalitza Aparicio, Marina de Tavira, Sarah Paulson, Jon Favreau, Constance Wu, Dennis Haysbert and Dolores Huerta were among others attending the annual event, which this year featured the distribution of wristbands in support of the Womens Steering Committees #5050byNOW initiative.

Americans duo Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys said they were happy to be in a room with so many good friends and potential employers, but Brian Tyree Henry had an interesting way of declaring his feelings on the night. My ass has never been so clenched in my life. Im so nervous, he told the room of directors. Thank you for all of your work.

The lifetime achievement award in television went to Don Mischer. Career achievement awards went to Mimi Deaton, an associate director who received the Franklin J. Schaffner Achievement Award, and Kathleen McGill, a unit production manager who received the Frank Capra Achievement Award. Though the latter suffered a fall while walking up to the podium, she was greeted by a standing ovation. Im not nervous anymore, thats for sure! she laughed when she reached the stage.

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The ceremony also took a moment to wish a quick recovery to Empire actor Jussie Smollett, who was recently a victim of a hate crime in Chicago.

A hilariously vulgar Aisha Tyler hosted the evening, kicking off with a monologue highlighting the importance of diversity. This isnt about quotas or charity, because this has never been a fair business, Tyler said. Its about bringing unique points into the storytelling arena so we dont keep making the same films over and over and over again.

ashley.lee@latimes.com

Twitter: @cashleeleeTheaters golden goddess

Regarding Charles McNultys article about Betty Buckley [Nothing to Prove, Jan. 27]: Yes indeed, shes my favorite stage and film star. Some of us Fort Worthians grew up with her. All of us really benefit from that great friendship, and we cant help feeling special to know her at all. Shes a Broadway golden goddess in our eyes. Thank you for an entertaining piece.

Sally Antrim Bruton

Fort Worth

::

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Buckleys first starring role on Broadway, The Mystery of Edwin Drood in 1985. Her performance and recording of that musical gave her recognition as a true star. Incidentally, that show also featured young, upcoming stars Donna Murphy, Cleo Laine, Judy Kuhn and Rob Marshall.

Richard Kopelle

Los Angeles

Love U give for critics pick

I want to thank Justin Chang for including The Hate U Give in his critics picks [Teen Transformed by Hate, Jan. 25]. This is one of the most underrated and overlooked movies of 2018; it would never have seen the light of day if it werent for talented critics who tirelessly advocate for great films that would otherwise go unnoticed. We might never have another Jonathan Gold, but thanks to talented writers such as Chang and Kenneth Turan, The Times is truly the pride of Los Angeles.

Jack Lee

Camarillo

Moviegoers reward system

Regarding Calendar Feedback: Bang the Drum, Languidly [Jan. 27]: No offense to a recent letter writer and fellow member of the moviegoing public, but anyone who thinks The Rider or If Beale Street Could Talk [chosen as picks by Times film critic Justin Chang] are languid, grim, and self indulgent cant share my popcorn.

Phil Brimble

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Los Angeles

A few thoughts on Jackson doc

Mondays paper had an article [Jackson Doc Provokes His Supporters, Jan. 28 by Amy Kaufman and Gerrick Kennedy] about fans of Michael Jackson who dispute what two men claim in the docu-series Leaving Neverland, that as children they engaged in sexual activity with the pop superstar. The main argument of Jacksons defenders: Both men testified on the pop stars behalf in a 1993 sexual-abuse case brought by a different boy, and claimed at the time that Jackson never did anything inappropriate; therefore, we cant believe anything they say now if they had been lying for the last 20 years. We have to consider what we really mean by lying in this type of situation. A question much before the public these days.

As a psychotherapist with more than 25 years experience, I can state this with some authority. When children are confronted with a situation very different from their ordinary experience  or a situation so severe it throws all their assumptions of safety down the toilet, either through coercion or seduction  to keep living, they have to find a way to incorporate that experience into their lives.

It is often a long process that might take forgetting or burying it deep, or creating a fiction they can live with. It is not an action taken to cover up a wrongdoing or manipulate other people.

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Bridget Tucker

Laguna Woods

::

Regarding Leaving Neverland Director Talks Michael Jackson Sexual Abuse Accusations and Potential Fallout [Jan. 25, by Amy Kaufman]: The telling fact for me was when Leaving Neverlands director is quoted as saying, I was never particularly fond of Jacksons music. I will say that an implicit bias could be involved.

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My memory is that Jackson was never convicted of any crime, and he is now dead. When I read in the article about truth, I will say that merely because a movie has been made, that does not make anything true. I also am saying that what the two adult men are now saying is their truth. Do not let all of this publicity ruin your lives.

Robert Baron

Glendora

Gerrick D. Kennedys A Jolt for This MJ Fan [Jan. 29] is the finest piece of writing to appear in The Times in my memory. I was attracted to this story since I lived near several of Jacksons homes in Encino and am mildly aware of his career if not his music.

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The writers description of his feelings about Jacksons work and personal life are profound and compelling without the crudity of a tabloid. Please keep this young journalist very, very busy.

David Sievers

Encino

No Rent relief for this TV cast

Regarding Rent Revels in a Bygone New York by Robert Lloyd Jan. 29]: Didnt the production of Rent Live on Fox have understudies? Understudies are there for a reason, such as someone breaking their foot, and are prepared to step in so that the show can go on.

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Steve Shaevel

Woodland Hills

Editors note: The production of Rent Live on Fox did not have understudies.

Enchanted with Legrands music

Regarding Mikael Woods appreciation Romance Was Always on His Mind [Jan. 28]: This captured Michel Legrand and his music of love beautifully. Nobody mentions that the same duo of Legrand and Jacques Demy also wrote the music for 1967s The Young Girls of Rochefort, which was nominated for an Academy Award and is another lovely example of Legrands enchantment with the music of love. Catherine Deneuve starred, along with George Chakiris and Gene Kelly. The movie was the inspiration for La La Land. The music has some of the same melodies, the idea of dancing and singing to tell the story and all the brightly colored costumes. I loved La La Land, but after seeing this movie, I felt it wasnt as original as it seemed.

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Freddi Hill

Altadena

This Circus a help to animals

Just a brief but heartfelt thank you to Jessica Gelt for her entertaining and informing overview [Shes Just Following Her Animal Instincts, Jan. 26] of the inspiring production Link Link Circus, written and performed by actress and animal advocate Isabella Rossellini. I immediately telephoned for tickets, but was informed that the performances were all sold out. I can only hope that there is an extension. Rossellinis production will spark a recognition of the worth of animals domestic and wild, and that will help those of us who toil in the trenches of advocacy to change laws as well as minds for the betterment of all creatures.

Elaine Livesey-Fassel

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Los Angeles

Whats so bad about feeling good?

Regarding Green Book Tops at PGA Awards [Jan. 21]: Since when has the term feel-good movie become negative? Many of us use films to escape the stress of daily life. We go to be entertained, and if we walk out feeling good, what is wrong with that?

Dvorah Colker

Los Angeles

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Close not snubbed

Regarding Oscar Nominations: Change Reigns [Jan. 23] by Glenn Whipp: Given that Hollywood is so hungry for diversity, one should not be surprised that an unknown actress such as Yalitza Aparicio from the movie Roma has been nominated for an Oscar.

What about Glenn Close? I guess she is too white.

Christine Peterson

Woodland Hills

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Editors note: Close is in fact up for an Oscar this year, for her role in The Wife. It is her seventh nomination.

The conversation continues online with comments and letters from readers at

latimes.com/calendarfeedback

calendar.letters@latimes.comWhen it debuted in 2006, BuzzFeed quickly became a social media sensation. Its listicles, quizzes and funny videos went viral and created a huge audience online. The New York-based start-up later hired hundreds of journalists to do serious journalism, creating a platform that many saw as the future of the industry.

But the digital media trailblazer confronted some harsh realities in the last week when as many as 250 workers, including roughly 75 employees in Los Angeles, lost their jobs.

Shedding 15% of its staff was a bruising moment for BuzzFeed and the latest sign of distress in the once-booming digital media sector, where many outlets have struggled to capture enough ads and digital subscriptions to cover rising expenses.

Some analysts and former employees say BuzzFeed was hurt by its large ambitions, staffing up too quickly and becoming overly reliant on growing its audience through publishing platforms like Facebook. But the problems also reflect deeper challenges that have squeezed many other digital media sites that pursued a similar business model, one based on building a large following on Facebook and YouTube and selling that viewership to advertisers, analysts said.

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Theyre all built on the...principle that we can amass a great multiplying audience and we can sell those eyeballs to advertisers, media analyst Ken Doctor said. The model is broken at this point.

Last year, digital media companies including Vox Media Inc., Refinery29 and Mic slashed payrolls. Vice Media last week confirmed it will eliminate about 250 jobs, or 10% of its workforce. Verizon Media Group, which includes properties like the HuffPost and TechCrunch, also recently announced it would cut 7% of its workforce. That affected more than 100 employees in offices in Sunnyvale and San Francisco, according to notices filed with the states labor department.

(Los Angeles Times)

The underlying problem is that these companies are heavily reliant on distribution platforms they dont control. Digital media companies typically generate ad revenue based on the size of their audiences, and consumers discover many of those videos and articles through sites such as Facebook and YouTube. As a result, theyve had to follow the tech giants rules on how revenue is shared and adapt to any algorithm changes Facebook and Google introduced.

Many of these digital media sites have enjoyed substantial financial backing, but investors have grown impatient with losses.

BuzzFeed, for example, is owned by media giant NBCUniversal and other well-heeled investors. It has raised $497 million and has a valuation of $1.7 billion, according to research firm CB Insights. But pressure has been mounting on BuzzFeed to generate more revenue after missing its sales goal in 2017. Although the company had more than $300 million in revenue last year and claims an audience of more than 650 million people, BuzzFeed was still unprofitable, according to two people familiar with the companys finances who were not authorized to comment.

Its a very expensive company to keep afloat, said Eunice Shin, a partner at Prophet, a brand and marketing consultancy.

BuzzFeed Chief Executive Jonah Peretti said in a note to employees that the restructuring we are undertaking will reduce our costs and improve our operating model so we can thrive and control our own destiny, without ever needing to raise funding again.

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The company made changes to its business, including merging its commerce and marketing team, cutting its newsroom staff and reducing its teams abroad.

Google and Facebook own and control many of the worlds most popular platforms, including YouTube, Facebook and Instagram. To get access to those audiences, publishers on those platforms need to share a large chunk of their digital ad revenue with Facebook and Google. Facebook, for example, takes about 45% of the ad revenue generated by commercials on videos distributed through its platform Facebook Watch.

The devils bargain there is you get a bigger audience, but you are giving up a lot of revenue and you dont control the experience, said Paul Verna, a principal analyst at EMarketer.

The amount of money that publishers are earning in digital ads through Facebook and Google is disproportionate to the amount of traffic they receive from those sites, said Jason Kint, CEO of Digital Content Next, a trade group. In 2017, premium publishers received less than 5% of their digital revenue through Facebook or Google platforms, even though 30% of their search traffic was coming from Google, Kint said. Publishers were not receiving the fair value, he added.

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Compounding matters, Facebook has changed its algorithm to highlight original content from users friends over videos or news stories from companies, which affected business models of publishers that rely on views.

Facebook is known for changing the algorithms, which makes companies that use [Facebook] as their prime source of getting viewers more vulnerable than ever, said Peter Cowen, a lecturer at the UCLA Anderson School of Management and managing director of investment banking firm Sutton Capital Partners.

Both Google and Facebook have said they are working to help publishers, offering funding and resources to help newsrooms improve their operations.

Another problem is that digital media outlets also rushed to capitalize on video, a growing digital ad category on Facebook and Googles platforms. But companies realized that it was expensive to create video content, and pumping out viral videos did not help them build long-terms brands or intellectual property that they could capitalize on later.

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Its like junk food, Verna said. It lasts while it lasts, but its not something that has any legacy value.

BuzzFeed has tried to build a brand around its Tasty cooking videos and is selling associated cookware and accessories at Walmart, but analysts say the company could have built a larger library of branded content similar to Netflix.

BuzzFeed News reputation took a hit last month when Special Counsel Robert S. Mueller IIIs office disputed a story that said his office had evidence that President Trump had instructed his former lawyer Michael D. Cohen to lie to Congress. BuzzFeed stood by its story, but no other media outlets have been able to verify its report. Former employees at BuzzFeed said they do not believe that the Mueller dispute contributed to the layoffs.

Other digital media companies such as Verizon Media Group struggled to position themselves as an alternative to Facebook and Google for digital ads. Verizon had purchased AOL for $4.4 billion and paid $4.5 billion for Yahoos internet properties in a bid to expand its content and ad offerings.

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But there were challenges surrounding efforts to combine cellular data with the advertising side of its business. Verizon also struggled to generate enough ad revenue to justify the cost of its video productions, shutting down its streaming service go90 last summer. In December, Verizon wrote down the division that encompassed its AOL and Yahoo purchases by $4.6 billion after it did not meet revenue and earnings goals.

Verizon Media Group CEO Guru Gowrappan said in a memo to employees regarding the layoffs that he sees focus as a key ingredient to success, meaning going deeper on fewer, key things that will have the greatest impact on our customers and business, and doing them exceptionally well.

Verna says he believes the same logic could be applied to BuzzFeed, which he says has struggled to figure out what it is about  whether it be Tasty, clickbait headlines, memes or serious journalism. They flailed at trying to be good at all of those things, he said.

Other ways digital media companies can try to grow revenue is through digital subscriptions or membership models similar to public radio.

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Doctor, the analyst, says he expects more consolidation will happen among digital media companies, allowing them to cut costs and grow. Last year the news site Mic, which raised $60 million, was sold to Bustle Digital Group, which creates content geared toward women, for about $5 million.

Cost-cutting gets you the most immediate return to maintain profits, Doctor said.

Peretti, BuzzFeeds CEO, has said he would be open to mergers.

But for the hundreds of employees who lost their jobs in January, the layoffs were a sober dose of reality to a company that offered perks such as free lunches and was on a hiring spree not too long ago. In August, BuzzFeed hosted a recruitment event with an open bar during the Asian American Journalists Assn. conference in Houston. In recent months, however, former employees said the company began showing signs of financial strain, as some positions that were vacant were not filled.

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The layoffs took a bitter turn when news leaked out that Peretti was considering allowing in dogs to cheer up the staff, but that the company would not pay for accrued time off for all the laid-off U.S. workers. BuzzFeed later reversed its position.

BuzzFeed was viewed as this great hope for journalism, said one former employee, who declined to be named. The speed with which we went from being the gold standard to suddenly being this place of gloom and doom is really head spinning.

Times staff writer Alexa Diaz contributed to this report.

wendy.lee@latimes.com

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Twitter: @thewendyleeThis combo photo shows railway passengers queuing up in front of a make-shift ticket office adapted from train compartments during the Spring Festival travel season in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, Jan. 20, 2003 (top, photo taken by Zhou Wenjie); and a passenger having his ticket scanned by a robot to get train information at the Hohhot East Railway Station during the Spring Festival travel season in Hohhot, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Jan. 22, 2019 (bottom, photo taken by Peng Yuan).

China is experiencing its annual special "40 days" or Spring Festival travel rush, which is dubbed as the "largest migration on the planet," with 2.99 billion trips to be made over the 40-day period this year. During this period, hundreds of millions of Chinese return to their hometowns for family gatherings, to visit relatives and friends or just for a break from city life.

Trains, means of transportation mostly chosen by Chinese passengers during the travel rush, have witnessed the fast development of the national railway network in connection with the changes of the world's biggest travel rush over the past decades. In the past, most commonly seen were low-speed trains or "green-skinned" trains as Chinese people like to call them. They had no air conditioning and were often crammed with people and huge bags bulging with goods in carriages.

Returning home by train was a choice of nothing but grueling, from queuing up overnight to take a chance on a piece of ticket at the crowded railway ticket hall to enduring in the stuffy and congested train carriage for dozens of hours. Just 10 years ago, standing in carriages filled with passengers and their luggage for a 58-hour trip was ordinary for many. In the modern era of high-speed trains the past is just a distant memory for many urbanites. China has the world's fastest bullet trains which can run at a consistent speed of 350 km per hour.

At that speed, the current train ride from London to Paris of two hours and 16 minutes could be half an hour shorter. China's high-speed railway lines currently reached 29,000 km, accounting for two-thirds of the world's total. The speed of trains has increased sixfold while the length of the entire railway system has expanded from only slightly more than 20,000 km in 1949 to some 131,000 km by the end of 2018.

Thanks to this enormous train network, the journey home for 413 million Chinese, the number of people who travel via train during the holiday this year, has become faster, more convenient and more high-tech. Also, the country developed the world's largest ticket service site, with nearly 3.5 billion tickets sold each year. New technologies and services such as face scan check-in, online meal reservations and WiFi services have also been applied at many train stations. In the future, China will work ceaselessly to make the high-speed rail system more intelligent in terms of safety, maintenance, comfortability, and for technical upgrades. (Xinhua)

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[ Editor: Zhang Zhou ]Secretary of State Mike Pompeo speaks at a news conference at the State Department in Washington, Friday. AP-Yonhap



The Trump administration is pulling the plug on a decades-old nuclear arms treaty with Russia, lifting what it sees as unreasonable constraints on competing with a resurgent Russia and a more assertive China.

The move announced Friday sets the stage for delicate talks with U.S. allies over potential new American missile deployments.



In explaining his decision, which he foreshadowed months ago, U.S. President Donald Trump accused Moscow of violating the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces treaty with "impunity" by deploying banned missiles. Moscow denies it is in violation and has accused Washington of resisting its efforts to resolve the dispute.



Democrats in Congress and some arms control advocates criticized Trump's decision as opening the door to an arms race.



"The U.S. threat to terminate the treaty will not bring Russia back into compliance and could unleash a dangerous and costly new missile competition between the United States and Russia in Europe and beyond," the private Arms Control Association said. It argued that Washington had not exhausted options for drawing Russia back into compliance.



Trump said in a statement that the U.S. would "move forward" with developing its own military response options to Russia's banned deployment of cruise missiles that could target Western Europe.



"We cannot be the only country in the world unilaterally bound by this treaty, or any other," Trump said. Other officials said the treaty could still be saved if Russia reversed course and returned to compliance, but that window of opportunity will close in six months when the American withdrawal is due to take effect.



The Trump decision reflects his administration's view that the arms treaty was an unacceptable obstacle to more forcefully confronting not only Russia but also China. China's military has grown mightily since the treaty was signed, and the pact has prevented the U.S. from deploying weapons to counter some of those being developed in Beijing.



Leaving the INF pact, however, risks aggravating relations with European allies, who share the administration's view that Russia is violating the treaty, but who have not endorsed a U.S. withdrawal.



Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, speaking to reporters after Trump's statement, said Russia would be formally notified on Saturday that the U.S. was withdrawing from the treaty, effective in six months. In the meantime, starting Saturday, the U.S. suspended its obligations under the treaty.



Pompeo said that if, in the coming six months, Russia accepted U.S. demands that it verifiably destroy the cruise missiles that Washington claims are a violation, then the treaty could be saved. If it did not, "the treaty terminates," he said.



Administration officials have dismissed concerns that the treaty's demise could trigger a race to develop and deploy more intermediate-range missiles. U.S. officials have emphasized their fear that China, which is not party to the treaty, was gaining a significant military advantage in Asia by deploying large numbers of missiles with ranges beyond the treaty's limit.

Whether the U.S. will now respond by deploying INF non-compliant missiles in Asia is unclear. In any case, it seems unlikely Beijing would agree to any negotiated limits on its weaponry.



Russia accused the U.S. of unilaterally seeking to neuter the treaty.



"I 'congratulate' the whole world; the United States has taken another step toward its destruction today," said Konstantin Kosachev, head of the foreign affairs committee in Russia's upper house of parliament.



INF was the first arms control measure to ban an entire class of weapons: ground-launched cruise missiles with a range between 500 kilometers and 5,500 kilometers. At the time, in the late stages of the Cold War, the U.S. and its allies were mainly concerned by the perceived threat of Russian medium-range nuclear missiles that were aimed at Europe. The U.S. deployed similar missiles in response, in the 1980s, leading to negotiations that produced the INF treaty.



Rep. Adam Smith, a Washington state Democrat and new chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, blasted Trump for raising the risk of nuclear war.



"The administration's ideological aversion to arms control as a tool for advancing national security is endangering our safety, as well as that of our allies and partners," Smith said. "The risk of miscalculation or misunderstanding is already higher than at any point since the end of the Cold War, and this decision only makes it worse."



U.S. officials say they have little reason to think Moscow will change its stance in the next six months.



"We have raised Russia's noncompliance with Russian officials  including at the highest levels of government  more than 30 times,'' Pompeo said. "We have provided Russia an ample window of time to mend its way. Tomorrow that time runs out."



Jens Stoltenberg, the NATO secretary-general, said on Friday that Russia could still save the treaty by returning to compliance before the U.S. withdrawal took effect.



"But at the same time, we have started to assess the consequences, look into options," Stoltenberg said. "We need to make sure that we respond as an alliance, all 29 allies, because all allies are involved and all allies are affected."



Trump said his administration would move forward with developing military response options. But senior Trump administration officials said they did not expect any immediate testing or deployment of weapons that were banned under the treaty.

The current Pentagon budget includes $48 million for research on potential military responses to the alleged Russian violations, but U.S. officials said the options did not include a nuclear missile.



The officials, speaking after Trump's announcement, said the U.S. was not in position to flight test, let alone deploy, INF noncompliant missiles as a counter to Russia any time soon. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity under ground rules set by the White House.



One official said allies would be consulted before any decisions were made on responding to any Russian missiles.



Leaving the treaty would allow the Trump administration to counter the Chinese, but it' is unclear how it would do that. U.S. security concerns are complicated by what U.S. intelligence officials earlier this week called efforts by China and Russia to expand their global influence, particularly in Asia and the Middle East.



"China and Russia are more aligned than at any point since the mid-1950s, and the relationship is likely to strengthen in the coming years as some of their interests and threat perceptions converge," Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats told Congress on Tuesday. (AP)





A man wear a mask as he walks along a street in Skopje on January 30, 2019, one of the most polluted cities in Europe. AFPA sign at the General Motors' plant, in Lordstown, Ohio. The sting from the major restructuring is sure to be felt far beyond North America. AP-Yonhap



General Motors is expected to lay off about 4,000 salaried workers under a reorganization plan announced late last year, a reliable source said Friday.



The layoffs are part of a cost-cutting move  announced in November  that will slash 15 percent of salaried and contract staff and shutter seven plants, including five in North America.



Media reports estimated the total job cuts of salaried staff and union workers at about 14,000, including about 6,000 union workers. GM said the actions  which were roundly criticized by U.S. and Canadian politicians  would save $6 billion.



GM has not estimated how many workers would involuntarily lose their jobs.



A GM spokesman declined to comment on the timing of the layoffs after CNBC and the Detroit News reported they would begin Monday to get ahead of the company's earnings report.



The spokesman said, "We'll communicate with our employees first."



About 2,300 salaried workers opted for voluntary payouts, while another 1,500 contract staff were let go, said the source, who described the estimate of 4,000 laid off salaried staff as reasonable.



GM officials have said they expect to add 2,700 jobs at various U.S. factories across and that U.S. union staff would be offered transfers.



A GM spokesman said the automaker was also working with Canadian universities and government officials to assist about 3,000 workers affected by the closure of an Ontario plant.



Brian Rothenberg, a spokesman for the United Auto Workers, said not all workers eligible for transfers would be able to relocate for family reasons.



"All of them are affected," Rothenberg said. "We don't know how many will be laid off as against relocated."



GM has defended the cuts as essential to position the company for the long term, and savings from the reorganization boosted its 2019 profit outlook.



But politicians  including U.S. President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minster Justin Trudeau  condemned the move. (AFP)



Russian President Vladimir Putin, left, speaks to Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu during a meeting in the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, Saturday. Sputnik-AP-Yonhap



Russia vowed Saturday to develop "new types of weapons" as it suspended a Cold War-era nuclear missile treaty with the United States, which pulled back from the pact a day earlier, raising the specter of a new arms race.



In a high-stakes tit-for-tat with U.S. President Donald Trump, Russian leader Vladimir Putin said, "Our American partners have announced they are suspending their participation in the deal, and we are also suspending our participation."



And he said Russia would seek to develop medium-range missiles in response to what he said were similar projects in the U.S.



Russia would "not be drawn into a costly new arms race," Putin said in a televised meeting with foreign and defense ministers Sergei Lavrov and Sergei Shoigu, adding that Russia would only deploy intermediate- and short-range missiles in response to similar moves from the U.S.



"We will wait until our partners have matured enough to conduct an equal, meaningful dialogue with us on this important topic," Putin added.



On Friday, Trump said Washington would start to withdraw from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) agreement within six months.



Both countries have accused each other of violating the INF arms control agreement concluded between the U.S. and the former Soviet Union in 1987.



On Saturday, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev tweeted, "The Russian Government will procure funds and mechanisms for financing R&D and design of new types of weapons in view of the US withdrawal from the INF Treaty and response steps announced by the Russian President."



He called the U.S. withdrawal "unilateral and totally unprovoked" and warned that it "aggravates the situation in international security and strategic stability. It will certainly receive an effective response".



Brokered by U.S. President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, the treaty ended a superpower buildup of warheads that had frightened Europe. It banned ground-launched missiles with a range of 500 to 5,500 kilometers.





Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) and Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam (L) walk during the opening ceremony for the new Hong Kong-Macau-Zhuhai bridge in Zhuhai, Guangdong province, China, 23 October 2018. EPA-Yonhap



By Gary Cheung





China's central government has rejected a plan by Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor to tighten the city's anti-corruption laws and ensure that all gifts and benefits offered to the chief executive are graft-free.



Beijing found the idea of amending the existing law for this reason unacceptable, a source familiar with the central government's thinking on the matter told the Post.



"Beijing's position is that the chief executive is appointed by the central government," the source said. "It can't accept the move to enact local legislation to establish a committee to grant approval for the acceptance of advantages by the chief executive."



Beijing was also worried that the city's top official could become susceptible to politically motivated accusations of flouting the anti-graft law, the source added.





A video screen shows Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam delivering her policy speech at the Legislative Council in Hong Kong Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2018. AP-Yonhap



Lam promised Hongkongers before being elected in 2017 that she would strengthen corruption laws to combat possible graft by a chief executive.



In her election platform and again during her maiden policy address, she vowed to revise Sections 3 and 8 of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance, which govern the conduct of ministers and civil servants but exempt the chief executive.



The Post understands that a few months after taking office in July 2017, she shared her plan with central government officials overseeing Hong Kong. She was subsequently informed that Beijing was against the idea.



Calls to plug the gap in the city's anti-corruption laws first emerged in 2012, when then chief executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen was accused of accepting bribes from a businessman.





Protesters mock Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam as they demonstrate against a large-scale land reclamation to build artificial islands in Hong Kong, China October 14, 2018. REUTERS-Yonhap



A special committee chaired by former chief justice Andrew Li Kwok-nang later recommended amending the law to make it a criminal offence for the chief executive to solicit or accept any advantage without the approval of a statutory independent committee.



Li told the Post in May 2017 that the current situation, under which the chief executive was not subject to anti-bribery laws, was "unsatisfactory and unacceptable".



His panel suggested that the three-member independent committee be appointed jointly by the chief justice and the president of the Legislative Council.



The source who revealed that Beijing had rejected the idea said: "Contrary to the perception among some people that the government has been stalling over a proper rule change, Lam has been determined to tighten the anti-bribery laws concerning the city's top post and did try to get the plan through."





Former Hong Kong Chief Executive Donald Tsang and his wife Selina arrive at the High Court for his appeals court judgment on a misconduct charge in Hong Kong, China, July 20, 2018. REUTERS-Yonhap



Asked about the matter, a spokesman for Lam's office said on Tuesday: "We are not in a position to disclose the chief executive's communication with the central government."



Officially, however, her plan to amend the law is not dead yet.



A spokesman for the administration wing of the Hong Kong government, which coordinates the government's dealings with the legislature and the judiciary, said the proposal was being studied closely.



Amending the two sections of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance to cover the chief executive would have implications for the political structure of the Hong Kong special administrative region and the chief executive's constitutional status under the Basic Law, the city's mini-constitution, the spokesman said.



"As the study is still in progress, the government does not have a specific date for introducing the amendment bill to Legco," the spokesman said.





Former chief justice Andrew Li has described the current situation as 'unsatisfactory and unacceptable.' Photo from the South China Morning PostTaeyeon (her name has been changed at her request) escaped from North Korea in 2017 and arrived in South Korea in 2018. She is a student in the Teach North Korean Refugees program, and was interviewed at the TNKR office by co-founder Casey Lartigue and her comments were translated by Eunkoo Lee also a TNKR co-founder.



Casey Lartigue: You mentioned the other day that English has been your biggest adjustment challenge in South Korea. Could you explain in a bit more detail about what you meant?



Taeyeon: English is a big problem! South Korean friends seem to be surprised that North Korean refugees struggle so much because of English. South Koreans add so much English to their conversations, so it can be really confusing. We will be talking in Korean, then suddenly, an English word is added. Nobody stops to explain what the word means; it seems that everyone already knows. Sometimes I'm not sure if it is a Korean word I don't know or if it an English word in Korean. Then my friends wonder why I don't understand. I'm not the only one. North Korean refugee friends I met after we went through Hanawon together often talk about English causing them so much trouble.



Lartigue: You mentioned before that you didn't take English seriously at first, but then you began to focus on it to survive in South Korea. What was that key moment you realized you had to focus on English?



Taeyeon: I applied to a university, but so much of the exam was in English that I gave up. I was sitting there, I knew I couldn't answer the questions. I realized I wasn't able to do it, so I just walked out. I felt defeated at that moment, but it woke me up to the reality that if I didn't learn English I would not be able to take advantage of my freedom here. When I was walking out, I told myself that I had to master English. I applied for another university, and was happy at the time when I realized that I didn't need English as part of the application process. I passed the exam, and was so happy! But I was still concerned about English.



Lartigue: Congratulations, you got in! That is not so easy after being here for such a short time. But I've heard that many South Korean universities now use English in classes and that it is often required as part of graduation requirements, so how are you doing?



Taeyeon: It is hell sometimes. I am facing the reality of English in my classes. Lectures, discussions, textbooks, English is everywhere. And it isn't just in my classes. Some senior students showed us a video, there was so much English in it, I couldn't understand all in it. So of course in the conversation later and when others referred back to the video, I couldn't participate in the discussion. We took a field trip together, but I couldn't understand even basic English. I was the only one who didn't understand and I could see that others were shocked that I knew so little. In every day conversation or when I read the newspaper or when I see street signs, English is everywhere in South Korea.



Lartigue: I also heard you mention that you learned lessons from the process of learning English.



Taeyeon: Yes! One thing I learned from my struggle with English is that my choices can have consequences if I choose poorly or don't do research. After I got out of Hanawon, a friend recommended a program where they teach English to North Korean refugees. I didn't think about it deeply, I thought that anyone could teach English and I could learn. I studied with them for four months, but I didn't feel like I was learning much. For some reason the teachers kept talking to us in Korean. Even the Western teachers who didn't speak Korean very well were trying to use Korean. I learned Chinese without anyone ever using Korean with me, so I believe I can learn English without anyone using Korean to teach me. It might sound so simple to people who grew up with the freedom of many choices, but in North Korea I don't remember having the freedom to choose. This is the first time I have had so many choices in my life. Now I try different things at once, and I continue with the one that seems the best.



Lartigue: Could you be a bit more specific about that?



Taeyeon: Sure! I began watching people who could speak English, and I was trying to find out how they learned it. Then I saw one of the friends I met when I was in Hanawon speaking English. At Hanawon, she didn't know the alphabet, but there she was suddenly using English. We started at the same level at the same time, so it seemed like a miracle to me. I asked her what happened, she mentioned TNKR, so I applied. Thank you for accepting me. Studying one-to-one with my tutors has made such a big difference in my learning. With one-on-one, I can ask without feeling embarrassed. When I studied in group classes at other institutes, I was lost so often. The others were ahead of me, and I was embarrassed. Teachers would pay more attention to the high achievers, and with every class I felt left behind.



Lartigue: So overall, and besides English, how has your adjustment been?



Taeyeon: Yes, besides English! Except English, everything else is great in South Korea! I can feel freedom everywhere. I can study or work if I want. In North Korea, I had to follow government rules; they control so many aspects of the lives of North Korean citizens. I didn't realize I had didn't have freedom until I came here, things in North Korea are just the way they are supposed to be. Here, if I want to change my hairstyle, I can do it, I don't need anyone's permission and I don't need to hide when I see the police coming. Even if I want to change my eyes or lips, I have the freedom to do it here although some people will criticize others who do it. Finally, this is my head. If you can ignore critics and netizens, you can do what you want in South Korea. In North Korea, the critics can try to get you arrested or punished.



Lartigue: A few months ago I interviewed former North Korean propagandist Jang Jin-sung, author of "Dear Reader." He said an important thing about helping North Korean refugees adjust is helping them gain confidence in themselves as humans. He said that English is one way that refugees can gain confidence in themselves, because gaining the skill of speaking English enables them to interact with anyone in the world.



Taeyeon: That is really a great point. Last year, I really hated when people asked me, "Where are you from?" Maybe I was a fish in water when I was in North Korea, I don't remember if people asked that question often. But here, it seems that people constantly ask that question. I hated it because I didn't have confidence and I felt like a loser. I still have an accent and people can sense it. I am learning so many things here, I really feel that I was cheated by North Korea. I never used a computer when I was in North Korea, and here people throw them away if they aren't superfast. It was a new feeling when I made a PowerPoint presentation by myself, when I could express my own thoughts and disagree with others. I am constantly investigating things, there is so much this world has to offer. I can read the pros and cons about almost any issue, instead of having to repeat what others want me to learn. Now I am free from North Korea and I can try them for myself. I believe in myself; that was not possible in North Korea where you are expected to only believe in the leader of the country.





Casey Lartigue Jr., co-founder of the Teach North Korean Refugees Global Education Center, was the 2017 winner of the "Social Contribution" Prize from the Hansarang Rural Cultural Foundation and the winner of the Global Award from Challenge Korea 2017. Eunkoo Lee, the translator, is also a co-founder of TNKR.



The best way to learn about a certain culture is by exploring its food with your taste buds!

The Korea Times reporters Lee Min-young, Jung Da-min and a Russian friend (who speaks perfect Korean + loves Korean dishes more than his hometown food) visited a North Korean restaurant located in Incheon to try North Korean food.











In this Dec. 11, 2018, file photo, a woman browses her smartphone as she walks by a Huawei store at a shopping mall in Beijing. AP-Yonhap



By Li Tao, Sarah Dai





Like many urban Chinese consumers, Shenzhen civil servant Gao Jian has had a long-held belief that the quality of domestic smartphone brands paled in comparison with foreign brands, especially Apple.



But in December, Gao joined the growing number of mainland consumers who have made the switch from Apple's iPhone to a premium Android smartphone from a major Chinese brand. He bought a Mate 20 Pro, the flagship model from the country's largest smartphone supplier Huawei Technologies.



"Its design and cameras are better than what I expected," Gao said. "Also, iPhones have become increasingly unaffordable."



His experience reflects the broader success of the Chinese mobile phone industry in smashing people's perception that domestic suppliers are only good for inexpensive, low-quality products.



That stereotype has beset many Chinese brands in the home appliances, consumer electronics, personal computer, car and mobile phone markets, where products from more established brands in the US, Japan or Europe were preferred by mainland consumers for many years.



But brands like Haier Group Corp, Lenovo Group and, more recently, Huawei, have expanded their operations, increased research and development, and made advanced products to change that impression around the world.



China is now home to some of the most successful smartphone brands, which rival the likes of Samsung Electronics, Apple and LG Electronics.





A Chinese man experiences Huawei's mobile phone product in a Huawei store in a shopping mall in Beijing, China, 29 January 2019. EPA-Yonhap



Shenzhen-based Huawei, the top global supplier of telecommunications network equipment, was ranked the world's second biggest smartphone vendor  behind Samsung and ahead of Apple  for the second consecutive quarter in the three months ended September 30, according to research firm IDC. Xiaomi Corp and Oppo took the No 4 and 5 spots in the same quarter.



"Clearly, not all [Chinese smartphone brands] have been equally successful," said Kiranjeet Kaur, a senior research manager at IDC Asia-Pacific. "But most of those that are doing well in the domestic market have had good fortune in the global market, too."



Kaur said other major Chinese smartphone players include Vivo, OnePlus, Alcatel brand licence-holder TCL Corp, ZTE Corp and Lenovo Group, which bought Motorola Mobility in 2014 and now sells a line of handsets under the Moto brand.



Demand for Chinese-brand mobile phones doubled each year between 2010 and 2012 during the period when 3G mobile services were being rolled out across the country, but gradually slowed down from 2013 ahead of the deployment of faster 4G services by the mainland's three mobile network operators.



The emergence of Chinese smartphone brands on the global stage has mirrored the rising competitiveness of the country's telecoms network equipment suppliers, which have won market share with value-for-money offerings as well as on heavy investments in research and development.



The gains have also sparked increasing pushback by the US, which is persuading its allies to boycott Chinese telecoms gear suppliers such as Huawei on grounds of national security.





Xiaomi founder, Chairman and CEO Lei Jun hits the gong during the listing of the company at the Hong Kong Exchanges in Hong Kong, China July 9, 2018. REUTERS-Yonhap



With the world's biggest internet population and smartphone market, China had as many as 300 domestic mobile phone companies about three years ago. Cutthroat competition reduced that number to about 200 last year, as Chinese consumers bought fewer smartphones and the economy grew at a slower pace.



The larger, deep-pocketed Chinese smartphone suppliers have won a big chunk of the domestic market through aggressive promotions, advanced designs and features, and offering a wide array of models in a range of prices to entice both younger and affluent buyers. It also represents their standard operating procedure overseas, particularly in India and countries in Southeast Asia.



Unlike the smaller smartphone brands in China, Kaur said none of the major players competed in the very low-end of the market because they focused on building their brands and offered sophisticated features at affordable prices  a strategy that worked well against global brands like Apple and Samsung.



Xiaomi blazed a successful trail in China by exclusively selling online low-cost Android smartphones with design and technical specifications comparable to high-end models.



The Beijing-based company also expanded its product line to include mobile phone accessories, tablets, earphones, smart television sets and laptop computers.



Huawei, with operations in about 170 countries and territories, achieved broad distribution on the back of its role as a telecoms gear supplier to many mobile network operators around the world.





A young man looks at Apple's iPhone 8 Plus at the Apple Store of Omotesando shopping district in Tokyo, Japan, Sept. 22, 2017. EPA-Yonhap



In 2016, Huawei collaborated with Germany's Leica Camera to help it address the premium smartphone segment and further differentiate the firm from other Android device makers.



For privately held BBK Electronics Corp, headquartered in the southern coastal city of Dongguan in Guangdong province, a multiple brand strategy has allowed it to cover nearly all smartphone segments in China and overseas. The company is behind Oppo and Vivo as well as newer brands OnePlus and Realme.



OnePlus is already a global top five supplier of high-end Android handsets, according to Counterpoint Research. Realme, which started as an India-focused vendor of affordable smartphones, now plans to expand its operations across Southeast Asia, Africa and Europe.



Samsung has been hit hard by that competition. In December, the South Korean tech giant said it was shutting down its smartphone manufacturing plant in the northern city of Tianjin amid slumping sales in the country and rising labour costs. Samsung was No 1 in China with 20 per cent of the market in 2013, but fell to less than 1 per cent last year.



Huawei, Vivo, Oppo and Xiaomi were the top-selling smartphone brands in China in the quarter ended September 30, according to Counterpoint. Apple ranked fifth in the same period.



Earlier this month, Apple chief executive Tim Cook blamed a weak Chinese economy for a downgrade in the company's revenue guidance for the quarter ended December 31.



Market experts, however, said Cook may have glossed over strategic missteps made by Apple on the mainland, where its latest iPhones are the most expensive and compete against vastly improved Chinese handsets that cost less.



"The new iPhones are certainly not as popular as four years ago," said Wang Dan, who runs a mobile phone store in the Huaqiangbei electronics marketplace in Shenzhen. "A lot of Chinese customers cannot afford them, and there are now more choices available."





DJ Koh, Samsung's Mobile Communications Division President and CEO, holds up the new Samsung Galaxy Note 9 during a product launch event in Brooklyn, New York, U.S., August 8, 2018. REUTERS-YonhapSouth Gyeongsang Province Governor Kim Kyoung-soo heads to a detention center in Seoul on Wednesday, after being found guilty of involvement in a massive case of rigged online comments. Yonhap



The National Assembly is expected to face a bumpy road in February as rival parties clash over a series of political scandals and the detention of a confidant of President Moon Jae-in.



By law, an extraordinary parliamentary session automatically convenes in February, April and June.



But the February session is not likely to go ahead smoothly because the parties have yet to agree on the assembly schedule, putting at stake a set of bills on people's livelihoods and reforms.



In January, the National Assembly sat idle as rival parties wrangled over several issues that ranged from electoral reform to alleged real estate speculation by a former ruling party lawmaker.



Tensions further flared after South Gyeongsang Province Governor Kim Kyoung-soo was found guilty Wednesday of involvement in a massive case of rigged online comments.



Kim, a Moon confidant, was sentenced to two years in prison for colluding with a power blogger to carry out the illicit cyber operation to sway public opinion in favor of Moon ahead of the 2017 presidential election.



The main opposition Liberty Korea Party (LKP) increased its political attacks on Moon, with some lawmakers raising doubts that the 2017 election was fair.





Na Kyung-won, right, floor leader of the opposition Liberty Party of Korea, speaks with party officials on Friday. Yonhap



"Moon should clarify whether or to what extent he was aware of Kim's involvement in the online opinion manipulation," LKP floor leader Na Kyung-won said at an emergency meeting with its lawmakers on Thursday.



The ruling Democratic Party (DP) warned Thursday that any attempt to deny the election outcome would face the judgment of people who voluntarily held candlelight vigils in late 2016 against now-ousted former President Park Geun-hye over her massive corruption scandal.





Democratic floor leader Hong Young-pyo, right, speaks at a meeting with party officials on Thursday. YonhapCamp Humphreys, a U.S. Forces Korea base in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, is seen in this file photo. Yonhap



South Korea and the United States are expected to strike a deal this week on splitting the cost for the stationing of American troops here as the allies consider the need to work closely together to denuclearize North Korea, a diplomatic source said Sunday.



The U.S. will likely accept South Korea's request for a contribution of less than US$1 billion (1.1 trillion won) in 2019.



Seoul plans to sign a one-year contract as Washington demands, according to the source.



Last year, South Korea paid around 960 billion won for the 28,500-strong U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) under a five-year deal signed in 2014.



Senior diplomats of the two sides had ten rounds of face-to-face talks on the Special Measures Agreement last year but failed to reach a compromise.



The Trump administration has called for a sharp rise in Seoul's share. It initially asked Seoul to pay up to $1.2 billion a year, saying the minimum contribution should be $1 billion.



South Korea, however, has maintained that the scale of its contribution should not exceed 1 trillion won ($893 million), a de-facto "psychological Maginot Line" for its people.



It wanted the contract term to be at least three years to avoid frequent negotiations on money.



"The U.S. has made a concession on the total amount (of South Korea's contribution) and the two nations have narrowed differences, because they considered the importance of the South Korea-U.S. alliance," the source said.



In particular, the two sides hope to focus efforts on dealing with the North Korea issue in advance of a second North Korea-U.S. summit to be held late this month, the source added.



Political parties were divided in response to the news of the imminent agreement.



The ruling Democratic Party described it as a "positive and wise" decision, taking note of the size of Seoul's payment.



"It's assessed that the U.S. side has made much of public opinion (in South Korea) that the government should not accept a unilateral demand by the U.S.," the party's spokesman Lee Hae-sik said.



The main opposition conservative Liberty Korea Party (LKP) took a dim view of the reported contract period.



If that is the case, South Korea and the U.S. will soon face a "burden again of having prickly bargaining for their own interests," its spokesman Yoon Young-seok said.



"South Korea-U.S. defense-cost talks subject to a renewal every year is not helpful to the relations between the two sides. It even raises the possibility of a deepening of a rift in the alliance," he added. (Yonhap)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, watches a training of a unit of the National Flag Guard in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 2, 2019. President Xi Jinping extended festive greetings to soldiers and officers of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), armed police, militia and reserve forces Saturday. Xi visited the PLA Beijing Garrison Command ahead of the Spring Festival (Chinese New Year), which falls on Feb. 5 this year. (Xinhua/Li Gang)

BEIJING, Feb. 2 (Xinhua) -- President Xi Jinping extended festive greetings to soldiers and officers of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), armed police, militia and reserve forces Saturday.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), visited the PLA Beijing Garrison Command ahead of the Spring Festival (Chinese New Year), which falls on Feb. 5 this year.

Around 9:15 a.m., Xi visited a unit of the National Flag Guard by a gate of the Palace Museum, and the dormitory of the officers and soldiers.

Calling the flag-raising ceremony at Tian'anmen Square a significant national ceremony, Xi asked them to keep their duty and mission firmly in mind, maintain high standards and safeguard the dignity of the national flag with concrete actions.

Xi then dropped in on a support unit of the Beijing Garrison Command and watched the soldiers' rehearsal of the performances for the Spring Festival celebrations.

He also stepped into the soldiers' canteen and called on the garrison to ensure the soldiers a happy, harmonious and safe festival.

Xi also inspected security guards on duty, discipline inspection work and the construction of an activity center for retired cadres.

Noting that the Beijing Garrison Command was an important force directly commanded by the CPC Central Committee and the CMC, Xi called for efforts to implement the Party's thinking on strengthening the military for the new era, focus on combat readiness and reinforce guarding capability.

Xi called on the military force to remain fully trustworthy to the Party and the people.

He stressed construction and command of the army in terms of thinking and political orientation, noting that the army should firmly uphold the authority of the CPC Central Committee and its centralized, unified leadership, and resolutely follow the command of the CPC Central Committee and CMC.

Xi asked the Beijing Garrison Command to efficiently perform their guard duties, well handle counter-terrorism and emergency response, ensure absolute safety of whoever they guard, and maintain the capital's security and stability.

He also called for more efforts to strictly govern troops, improve their conduct and push forward the allround progress of primary-level construction.

2

1

[ Editor: Zhang Zhou ]



By Jung Da-min







Seollal, or Lunar New Year's Day, is one of the most celebrated traditional Korean holidays.







But it had been forgotten in North Korea until 1989, when the country's then leader Kim Jong-il resurrected the tradition of the lunar calendar.







Before that, North Koreans used to celebrate on the first day of the New Year according to the solar calendar. In the South, the New Year was celebrated twice  according to the lunar calendar and the solar calendar.







But young North Koreans have got used to celebrating two New Year's Days in recent years as there has been nationwide promotion of traditional customs for the lunar Seollal, North Korean media stories show.







The lunar New Year's Day scene in North Korea is similar to that in the South.







Family members gather to share traditional foods like tteokguk  traditional rice-cake soup  and spend time together playing traditional games such as yutnori.







Children from different regions enter a kite-flying contest in Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang.







The following Seollal photos were published in North Korean media outlets.





By Jung Da-min





K-pop boy band BIGBANG's Seungri. Korea Times file

K-pop boy band BIGBANG's Seungri has apologized over an alleged assault of a man by the staff at the club Burning Sun, known as "Seungri Club." He worked as director of the club and recently resigned ahead of starting his military service.



But the controversy has been growing after disclosures by muckraking Dispatch of text messages exchanged among its staff indicating they arranged meetings between female customers and their VIP clients, involving drugs and coercive sexual contacts.



On Jan. 28, MBC News Desk reported an alleged assault at the club, citing a 29-year-old man, who claimed he was physically assaulted by Burning Sun's staff last November while trying to help a woman sexually harassed at the club.





This footage from MBC News Desk's Jan. 28 broadcast shows alleged assault under way in November last year.Bridge workers wait for the passing of a train on the Jiujiang Yangtze River Bridge, a double-decked road-rail truss bridge and an important section of Beijing-Kowloon (Jingjiu) Railway in Jiujiang, east China's Jiangxi Province, Jan. 31, 2019. Safety inspections have been strengthened to secure transportation during the 2019 Spring Festival travel rush. (Xinhua/Ding Bo)

9

1

[ Editor: Zhang Zhou ]BREAKING News Out Of ALASKA:

https://rightwingtribune.com/2019/02/03/breaking-alaska/.

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Kodiak Felon Sentenced to Seven Years for Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Offense  U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced that a Kodiak man has been sentenced to federal prison for possessing a firearm while trafficking drugs that were intended for distribution in Kodiak, Alaska. Miguel Angel Angulo, 34, of Kodiak, was sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy M. Burgess, to serve seven years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release and 250 hours of community service. In September 2018, Angulo pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. According to court documents, Angulo became the subject of a federal investigation when, in April and May 2018, Angulo began publicly sharing photos and videos on social media, depicting himself possessing and using firearms. Angulo has a prior state felony conviction for a drug trafficking offense, and was therefore prohibited from possessing firearms. On June 1, 2018, Angulo attempted to flee his residence in Kodiak when state and federal law enforcement agents arrived to execute a search warrant. Law enforcement officers detained Angulo and found him in possession of a Springfield .40 caliber semi-automatic firearm, which he carried to protect himself while trafficking drugs, as well as to protect the proceeds of drug trafficking. Angulo was also in possession of approximately 117 grams of methamphetamine, 61 grams of heroin and an additional 61 grams of cocaine, all with an estimated street value of approximately $100,000. The investigation revealed that Angulo received the narcotics via mail directly from a source in Mexico with ties to the Sinaloa drug cartel. During Angulos sentencing hearing, the court heard testimony that the amount of narcotics in Angulos possession was enough to support approximately 1,790 individual uses of illegal drugs. In addition, the presence of the firearm clearly demonstrated Angulos major role in the illegal distribution of drugs throughout the remote island of Kodiak. Judge Burgess highlighted Angulos fundamentally flawed argument that his actions did not pose a threat to the public because he never intended to harm anyone with the firearm, and that he played an overall minor role in the distribution of narcotics in Kodiak. The judge emphasized the need to protect the community from Angulo because of the ravaging effects of his distribution of illegal narcotics, both on the users who purchase them, and the family members, friends, and members of the community who also suffer the consequences of the drug use and addiction. The Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Alaska State Troopers (AST), and the Kodiak Police Department (KPD) conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of this case. This case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelley Stevens. U.S.

#BREAKINGNewsOutOfALASKAASHLAND - Southview Grace Brethren Church Youth Pastor Taylor Brown had not heard of Anthem Lights before he started planning this concert, but his students certainly had.

The Christian pop rock band has more than 2.2 million followers on Facebook and 1 million subscribers on YouTube.

The four-vocalist boy band has shared the stage with Natalie Grant, Newsboys and Steven Curtis Chapman and performed on the 2011 Rock & Worship Roadshow tour.

But most of the band's teen and tween fans discovered Anthem Lights online, where they release a mix of new covers, original songs and video content each month. Their music is a mix of sacred and secular.

"I think the most unique thing about us is that we do all kinds of music," band member Chad Graham said in the band's promotional biography. "We do everything from a hymns medley to a Drake cover to a year-end mash-up. Our musical diversity is our identity."

Though their focus is digital, Anthem Lights does occasionally perform live. They're set to do so in Ashland March 31.

Sponsored by Southview Grace Brethren Church and promoted by Jet Promotions, the concert will be 7 to 9 p.m. March 31 at the John C. Myers Convocation center at Ashland University. Doors open at 6 p.m. Autographed CDs and band photos will be available for purchase after the show.

General Admission tickets are $25 and can be purchased online at ticketor.com/jetpromotion. VIP tickets are $50, and those who purchase VIP seats now through February 28 can have their choice of available seating by calling Jet Promotions at 216-848-4970.

A portion of proceeds from the show will go to support Southview's annual Wifflefest tournament.

Brown emphasized the concert is an outreach event rather than a church service.

"Our main idea is nothing in the sense of pushing our church agenda," he said. "We really want to reach the church, or religious community as well as others. We want to build an event for all people."

The church originally considered bringing the band in for an outdoor show during Wifflefest, which celebrates its 20th year this year. Together with Jet Promotions, church leaders decided to move the concert to a different time and location in hopes of attracting a wider audience and avoiding concerns about unpredictable weather.

"If this goes well, we're going to do something like this annually," Jet Promotions CEO Ed Kieper said. "This is really the first one of its kind. It's kind of unusual to have something like this in Ashland."

Kieper has seating available for as many as 1,300 people and is marketing the show to in Akron, Canton, Cleveland and Columbus. Youth pastors from other cities are already planning to bring groups of students to Ashland for the event.

"I have a busload of kids coming in from Kentucky for this, and there are even people flying in from Florida to come to this," Kieper said. "They're very, very popular, so I'm really excited about it."A sweeping bill in the U.S. House would expand access to the polls and limit the influence of money in politics. (Gutzemberg/iStockphoto)It must have broken her heart into a million pieces to have to leave such a place, I said, after spending several days among sun-swept country hills, mountains, and castles.

Our distant cousins told us it was all economics. Times were hard, and there was a job waiting for Frank in the United States as a tanner.

At the Gilbert M. Simmons Memorial Library in downtown Kenosha recently, a librarian showed me a treasure trove of local historical photography. As I browsed, I happened across a picture of a tannery from the old days. I was amused to think I might be looking at the place where my great-grandfather worked.

The old library opened in 1900, and my ancestors may have visited the space where I was sitting.

Helen and Frank could not have dreamed how their life choices would ripple across the generations. Their littlest boys legacy alone includes dozens and dozens of descendants, among them my siblings and me, most of whom continue to reside in southeastern Wisconsin.

As a child, I knew nothing of our familys origin. Lately, I have come to appreciate what it means to be from somewhere, that the stuff we are made of goes way, way back.Quality and quickness

Even with the expansion and addition of manufacturing, their mission still is to deliver quality countertops and cabinets quickly to their customers.

They dont want to hear that it will take them several weeks to get the countertops and cabinets they need, Zach said. Theres a lot of growth in the Upper Midwest if you can serve the customers with good customer service.

Recently, the Molgaards moved their original Kenosha showroom to the Bristol facility.

The larger facility has allowed them to expand their line of products. The company that began with three family members now employs 48 full-time staff.

Serving contractors

As well as serving residential customers, theyve also expanded in sales to contractors who outfit multi-family apartments. They said they like working with contractors because they can make larger unit sales.

Contractors and developers want uniformity and quick delivery, Zach said. Kitchen Cubes has a fleet of eight box trucks and makes deliveries to Michigan, Iowa and other locations.Albrecht said there continues to be positive communications with Foxconns officials and that there is confidence in the companys commitment to the development of Wisconn Valley, its technology campus in Mount Pleasant.

In an email message to Gateway staff, Albrecht wrote, Our strategy has always been to develop programs that meet all our employees needs. The expansion of the iMET Center will drive our manufacturing, education and training programs for the foreseeable future. It is not dependent on one companys needs.

Foxconns diversification of jobs and skills needs will give our students greater options for careers with Foxconn and all area employers. ... Gateway and Foxconn share in the need to build a technology-skilled workforce in southeastern Wisconsin.

Over the past year, Foxconn has grown its footprint in Wisconsin. It has committed to developing innovation centers in Green Bay, Racine and Eau Claire and has pledged $100 million for an expansion of the University of Wisconsin-Madison engineering school.

Additionally, it has established its U.S. corporate headquarters in Milwaukee and launched a statewide, across-the-board $1 million Smart Cities-Smart Futures challenge to college students, educators and other staff at the states colleges.

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Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.Salini Saudi Arabia Co Ltd Jobs 2019 For Saudi Arabia

Latest Al Jadeed Man Power Service Labor Posts Saudi Arabia 2021 A leading and well known Salini Saudi Arabia Company Limited required experienced, strong and energetic person for the post of Precast Architector in Saudi Arabia.

How to Apply on Al Jadeed Man Power Service Job Advertisement

Apply as per details in job advertisement. In some cases, you may apply online at vacancies after registering at https://www.jobz.pk online.

Note: Beware of Fraudulent Recruiting Activities. If the employer asks you to pay money for any purpose including processing to shortlisting, do not pay at all and report us using our contact us form. Apply as per instuctions & dates mentioned in official job ad. Govt jobs cannot be applied online here. Error & omissions excepted.



Tonnes of goods and Tet gifts, including specialties across the nation and ornamental trees, were carried to all the 15 stations of the platform by the Truong Sa 08 and Truong Sa 19 transport ships of Naval Zone 2.

Handing over the gifts, Deputy Political Commissar of Naval Zone 2, Colonel Nguyen Quoc Van extended his best wishes to those carrying out their duties on the platform.

The gifts were hoped to help the soldiers have a warm Tet and encourage them to overcome challenges, ensuring the countrys sea and island sovereignty.

About 250 nautical miles from the shore, the platform is a group of economic, scientific and technological service stations of Vietnam in the East Sea. It plays a key role in the countrys marine economy and national construction and defence.

DK1 was set up on July 5th, 1989, on the continental shelf belonging to the Vung Tau-Con Dao Special Zone (now the southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau) with the task of defending the countrys sovereignty over the waters in the southeastern region.

It is a complex of structures of large steel pipes which strike roots deep into coral reefs. Covering these steel pipes is a living space for soldiers who guard the platform.

To date, 14 out of the 15 stations have been improved and expanded. More than 100 solar battery panels have been installed on the platform./.Gym Instructor & Mali Jobs 2019 in Rawalpindi

Latest Private Company Posts Rawalpindi 2021 Experienced and qualified candidates for the posts of Gym Instructor & Mali required urgently for a leading and well known company in Rawalpindi Punjab 2019.

How to Apply on Private Company Job Advertisement

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Telephone: 0300-5566786

Official Website: .

Note: Beware of Fraudulent Recruiting Activities. If the employer asks you to pay money for any purpose including processing to shortlisting, do not pay at all and report us using our contact us form. Apply as per instuctions & dates mentioned in official job ad. Govt jobs cannot be applied online here. Error & omissions excepted.GIZ Pakistan Monitoring & Evaluation Officer Jobs 2019

Latest GIZ Pakistan Management Posts Islamabad 2021 GIZ Pakistan is looking for monitoring Officer, Evaluation Officer in Islamabad. Interested candidate can apply. Candidate must have experience in relevant field. Attractive salary Package will be given.

How to Apply on GIZ Pakistan Job Advertisement

Apply as per details in job advertisement. In some cases, you may apply online at vacancies after registering at https://www.jobz.pk online.



Company Address: P.O. Box 2993, Islamabad

Note: Beware of Fraudulent Recruiting Activities. If the employer asks you to pay money for any purpose including processing to shortlisting, do not pay at all and report us using our contact us form. Apply as per instuctions & dates mentioned in official job ad. Govt jobs cannot be applied online here. Error & omissions excepted.Gina Kirschenheiter was arrested on Thursday for allegedly driving under the influence. Police stopped thestar in Rancho Santa Margarita in Orange County, California, for a suspected traffic violation, An Orange County Sheriff's Department spokesperson toldDeputies then administered a field sobriety test, after which she was placed under arrest for DUI just after midnight. The police then transported her to a jail, where she remained until she was released with a citation around noon, records obtained by. It is unclear if she had any passengers in her car when she was arrested. On the booking sheet, she listed herself as "unemployed.""I made a very bad choice the other night after a mom's night out," Kirschenheiter said in a statement. "I am extremely disappointed in myself and regret my actions wholeheartedly. I have learned a valuable lesson and hope to show you all that this one incident does not define me."Photo Credit: BravoUsing a practice known as caller ID spoofing, callers can alter the number that appears on a caller ID display and make the call appear to come from anywhere the scammer wants.Tribune

The firm resolve of the suspended Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen, to see his judicial ordeal through has led to the collapse of the political solution worked out by certain interests in the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari and the judiciary, to save him the embarrassment of being arraigned tomorrow at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), Sunday Tribune has reliably learnt.

The Nation

Nigerias Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has declared that looters of the countrys treasury would not go unpunished. Speaking to a mammoth crowd at a rally in Ward 8 Ikpoba-okha local government area of Edo state, he said the All Progressives Congress (APC) under President Mohammadu Buhari has achieved a lot since 2015.

Daily Trust

Insecurity may influence presidential election outcome in Zamfara

Analysts are predicting that the precarious security situation bedevilling Zamfara State might influence the outcome of the forthcoming elections.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has been the ruling party in Zamfara State since the merger of different political parties was consolidated ahead of the 2015 general elections.

The Sun

He didnt see it coming. Like a trap, he almost met his waterloo, but for the intervention of some senators who immediately intervened and saved his seat. When the President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, hurriedly summoned senators to Abuja penultimate Saturday, ahead of an emergency plenary last Tuesday, he must have miscalculated.

Daily Times

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Friday accused the All Progressive Congress (APC) of allegedly importing foreign nationals into the country to influence the elections. National Chairman of the party, Uche Secondus stated this at the Pa Oruta Ngele Township Stadium, Abakaliki, Ebonyi state, venue of the partys presidential campaign flag-off in the state.

ThisDayMany Nigerians both partisan and not, have continued to give thanks and praise for the safety of the vice President Yemi Osinbajo and his crew members, who were left unharmed after an helicopter crash on Saturday.

The vice presidents helicopter had crash landed in Kabba, Kogi state yesterday but thankfully, all members on board were uninjured and safe.

Joining other Nigerians to give thanks for the VPs safety is presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party,SDP, and former Cross River state governor, Donald Duke.

According to the former governor, he wished the VP many more years of service in other sectors of the nation, via Twitter on Sunday morning.

He wrote:

Lets give thanks and praise that our VP, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, and the crew were unscathed in the helicopter accident. We wish him many more years of service in other sectors of nation building.Home Search ICH Canada vs. Venezuela: The Background Gets Even Murkier By Joyce Nelson February 02, 2019 " Information Clearing House " - On January 26, Canadians learned the extent to which Canadas quiet diplomacy had helped Venezuelas Juan Guaido emerge to declare himself interim president on Jan. 23, in defiance of the elected president Nicolas Maduro. In a lengthy piece for The Canadian Press, reporter Mike Blanchfield noted that emboldening Venezuelas opposition has been a labour of months for Canadian diplomats, given that the opposition parties had been in complete disarray. [1] But by January 9, Canadas Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland was able to phone Guaido and congratulate him  on uniting the opposition. [2] Freeland, working with the ad hoc Lima Group, had long been calling for unity among the Venezuelan opposition parties. After foreign affairs ministers from the Lima Group met in Toronto on October 26, 2017, Freeland appeared at a Munk School of Global Affairs panel and said the message of the Lima Group to the Venezuelan opposition is Get your act together, guys! [3] Then came Maduros May 20, 2018 presidential victory, in which the Venezuelan people re-elected him despite months of suffering under U.S. economic warfare. [4] Blanchfield noted that the election results galvanized the Lima Group. It took months to unify Venezuelas opposition parties among themselves and also with the Lima Group, which Nino Pagliccia reminds us is not an international organization. Its just an ad hoc group of governments with no other purpose than to promote the overthrow of the legitimate Maduro government. [5] So getting foreign ministers to agree with Venezuelan opposition parties on a uniting figure and platform must have been difficult. The Lima Group members who eventually signed the declaration supporting Juan Guaido include Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Paraguay and Peru. Similarly challenging would be building bridges with a fractured opposition that was as much at odds with itself as it was with Maduro. [6] And heres where one sentence from Blanchfields article stands out, especially for alert Canadian readers. He noted: In a November [2018] report, the International Crisis Group documented the divisions and urged the groups to set aside their personal and political rivalries. [7] In Canada, weve read and heard that name quite a lot in the past few weeks. The International Crisis Group is the current employer of Michael Kovrig, a former Canadian diplomat and one of two Canadian men arrested in China in December in what appears to be retaliation for Canadas arrest (at the request of the U.S.) on December 1, 2018 of Huaweis chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou, daughter of Huaweis CEO and founder. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter So the question arises: is there some connection between these two international political situations  Canadas role in Venezuela and Canadas role in the China imbroglio? As it turns out, the answer is yes, and the International Crisis Group (ICG) is an important player in that connection. What Is the ICG? The Brussels-based International Crisis Group touts itself as a think tank and NGO dedicated to its slogan: Preventing War, Shaping Peace. Its analysts study political crises and make recommendations for so-called conflict-resolution through a series of reports, articles, seminars, and private meetings with its governmental, foundation, and corporate donors. Given that ICG had advised on unifying Venezuelan opposition parties, I asked Raul Burbano, Program Director for the Canadian NGO Common Frontiers for comment. During the 2018 Venezuelan presidential election, members of the Common Frontiers delegations had observer status. With regard to the International Crisis Group, Burbano answered by email, They are a conservative right-wing think tank that masks itself as progressive. Any organization that proports to support peace and has Juan Manuel Santos as one of their trustees is out to lunch and cant be trusted. Santos is the former hawkish right president of Colombia, Burbano explained. Former Colombian President Santos is not the only controversial trustee of the International Crisis Group. The ICG website lists several other trustees, including Wesley Clark (former NATO Supreme Allied Commander); Lawrence H. Summers (former U.S. Secretary of Treasury); George Soros (founder of Open Societies Foundation); and Frank Giustra (President and CEO of Fiore Financial Corporation). As F. William Engdahl recently wrote The International Crisis Group is an NGO with a knack for being involved in key conflict zones such as Myanmar. The magazine Third World Quarterly in a peer-reviewed article in 2014 accused the ICG of manufacturing crises. It was founded by Trump nemesis and Hillary Clinton supporter, George Soros. [8] ICG says of its role: Crisis Group enjoys strong relationships with government and foundation donors, whose long-term funding is critical to our organisations effectiveness. For governments, Crisis Group fills a vital niche as diplomats access to key conflict actors is increasingly hindered by security concerns and political obstacles. Senior officials tell Crisis Group that our reports are indispensable, with a unique emphasis on the political foundations of international peace and security. We engage substantively with our institutional donors through private policy briefings, roundtables, and rapid response from field experts and senior staff. Crisis Group in turn benefits from this sustained engagement and knowledge sharing with its donors. Our partners have come to rely on our information and analysis on developing emergencies. [9] The ICG website lists as one of its 19 governmental donors Canada (Global Affairs Canada), currently headed by Chrystia Freeland. Advancing Peace? Just days after Engdahls article referring to the ICG appeared, Vancouver billionaire and ICG trustee Frank Giustra wrote an op-ed for The Globe & Mail in which named Michael Kovrig as ICGs senior advisor for North East Asia and stated: Mr. Kovrig works for the International Crisis Group, a conflict-prevention organization that I have proudly supported for years. I am baffled by the allegations Chinese officials make against him  that he is somehow endangering Chinas national security. Mr. Kovrigs work  as anyone bothering to check it out would know  involves analysis of Chinese engagement with conflict-affected countries where Crisis Group advocates policies that advance peace, an approach congruent with Chinas foreign policy. To conduct his research, he meets openly with Chinas officials, analysts and academics to understand Chinas perspectives on global affairs. His writings are published on Crisis Groups website for all to see. [10] Interestingly, one of Mr. Kovrigs recent analyses was entitled Why China Should Help Solve Venezuelas Deepening Crisis, originally published as an op-ed in Asia Times (April 11, 2018). The piece, written with ICG colleague Phil Gunson, highlighted Chinas political support for Venezuelan president Maduro and delineated Chinas extensive financial investments in Venezuela, including $60 billion in loans, while noting Chinas overriding concern to ensure long-term access to Venezuelan oil and other raw materials. [11] The piece also stated that Chinas support for Maduro is increasingly at odds with another strategic priority for China: strengthening commercial ties with burgeoning economies elsewhere in Latin America. Beijing has stated its intention to pump $250 billion in direct investment into the region and ramp up trade to $500 billion in the coming years.  But China and these promising economic partners are on opposing sides of a divide over the political impasse in Venezuela. [12] So, in advance of the 2018 Venezuelan election, what was it that ICGs Michael Kovrig and Phil Gunson thought China should do? As one of the [Venezuelan] governments few remaining supporters, Beijing can either prolong Venezuelas plight or join the Lima Group in persuading Maduro to bargain with the opposition. In the long term, the goodwill [towards China] that would be generated among Venezuelas people and Lima Group members would far outweigh any short-term cost to relations with Maduro. [13] While the language seems mild, reasonable, and diplomatic, the message to China is more formidable: Dump your support of Maduro or risk losing those promising economic partners in the rest of the region. The piece further noted: The Lima Group is backed by a broad international consensus that includes the US and the European Union. [14] Kovrig and Gunsons piece ended with this: Beijing has signaled that it is unwilling to invest forever in Venezuelas present dysfunction. The time is ripe for Lima Group states to engage with China to align objectives and policies as far as possible. [15] Engaging with China? At this point, there is no way of knowing how the Lima Group member countries subsequently engaged with China throughout the remainder of 2018, but by late November the decision had been made to arrest Huaweis Meng Wanzhou in transit at the Vancouver International Airport on December 1, while U.S. president Donald Trump discussed trade issues with Chinas leadership. The timing of the arrest was strange, given that the U.S. has for many years been concerned about Huawei and its rising technological supremacy, especially in the pending rollout of 5G. As Amy Karam, author of The China Factor, noted in a recent op-ed, Having tracked the Huawei concern for 14 years, I wonder why the West is just now mobilizing on this? The Huawei challenge is not new. [16] Arguably, one explanation for the timing of the arrest has to do with 5G (fifth generation wireless technology) itself. Throughout 2018, there has been increasing criticism across North America and Europe of 5Gs potential to massively irradiate people and the planet. [17] The arrest of Huaweis executive is an attempt to change the narrative from one of whether 5G should be allowed at all, to which companies should do the rollout. But major moves like this arrest usually have several motivations behind their timing. Of course, the Chinese were infuriated by Canadas arrest of Meng Wanzhou, and days later detained ICGs Michael Kovrig and Canadian businessman Michael Spavor. [18] By late January, with Juan Guaido having declared himself interim president of Venezuela, and with ICGs Michael Kovrig still in Chinese custody, International Crisis Group trustee George Soros used his annual dinner at the World Economic Forum in Davos to attack China as a cybersecurity threat and urged the U.S. and others to crack down on Huawei. [19] A day later, Juan Guaido made rapid moves to privatize Venezuelas oil and open the door for multinational corporations. [20] The Trump administration backed up those moves with new sanctions on the countrys oil giant PDVSA. National Security Advisor John Bolton said that $7 billion of PDVSA assets would be immediately blocked, while the company would also lose about $11 billion in export payments over the coming year. [21] That was the same press conference in which Bolton was seen carrying a notepad which read: 5,000 troops to Colombia. On January 31, Reuters reported that PetroChina Company plans to drop Petroleos de Venezuela SA (PDVSA) as a partner in a planned $10 billion oil refinery and petrochemical project in southern China, and noted that under the revised plan, the refinery will not be restricted to Venezuelan oil but could process other heavy crude oil that could come from other countries. [22] No doubt, the International Crisis Groups Big Oil donors  Chevron, Shell, BP  are pleased with the way things are unfolding. Chevron and Shell are part of ICGs International Advisory Council, whose members play a key role in Crisis Groups efforts to prevent deadly conflict. [23] Meanwhile, the Lima Group will meet in Ottawa on Monday, February 4 to see what can be done to ease the crisis in Venezuela. [24] Joyce Nelson is the author of seven books, including Bypassing Dystopia: Hope-filled Challenges to Corporate Rule, published in 2018 by Watershed Sentinel Books. This article was originally published by " Global Research " - Do you agree or disagree? Post your comment here Notes [1] Mike Blanchard, The Canadian Press, Quiet Canadian diplomacy helped Guaidos anti-Madura movement in Venezuela, National Post, January 26, 2019. [2] Ibid. [3] Joyce Nelson, Canada vs. Venezuela: Have the Koch Brothers Captured Canadas Left? Counterpunch, February 16, 2018. [4] Joyce Nelson, Economic Warfare, Watershed Sentinel, August 3, 2017; reprinted as Venezuela: Target of Economic Warfare, Counterpunch, August 11, 2017. [5] Nino Pagliccia, The Lima Group Mandate to Trigger Regime Change in Venezuela, Global Research, January 19, 2019. [6] Blanchard, op cit. [7] Ibid. [8] F. William Engdahl, Is Canada Huawei Arrest Attempt to Sabotage Trump XI Talks? Global Research, December 19, 2019. [9]www.crisisgroup.org/support-us/our-supporters/governments-foundations [10] Frank Giustra, The Chinese government needs friends  people who are a lot like the Canadians it has detained, The Globe and Mail, December 24, 2018. [11] Michael Kovrig and Phil Gunson, Why China Should Help Solve Venezuelas Deepening Crisis, Asia Times, April 11, 2018; re-posted on www.crisisgroup.org. [12] Ibid. [13] Ibid. [14] Ibid. [15] Ibid. [16] Amy Karam, The West can learn from Huaweis wins, Toronto Star, January 30, 2019. [17] Joyce Nelson, 5G Corporate Grail: Smart Cities/Dumb People? Watershed Sentinel, November 5, 2018; reprinted as 5G Corporate Grail: Microwave Radiation, Global Research, November 9, 2018. [18] Ben Blanchard, John Ruwitch, Detained Canadian in China being probed for harming state security, Reuters, December 11, 2018. [19] Larry Elliott, George Soros: China is using tech advances to repress its people, The Guardian, January 24, 2019. [20] Ben Norton, US Anointed President Moves to Seize National Petroleum Company, The Gray Zone, January 25, 2019. [21] Tom Phillips, Trump steps up Maduro pressure with sanctions against Venezuelan oil giant, The Guardian, January 29, 2019. [22] Chen Aizhu, Exclusive: PetroChina to drop PDVSA as partner in refinery project  sources, Reuters, January 31, 2019. [23]www.crisisgroup.org. [24] The Canadian Press, Canada to host Venezuela summit to support anti-Maduro forces, Freeland says, National Post, January 28, 2019. Featured image is from teleSUR ==See Also== Trumps Venezuela Envoy Elliott Abrams Is a War Criminal Who Has Abetted Genocide Note To ICH Community We ask that you assist us in dissemination of the article published by ICH to your social media accounts and post links to the article from other websites. Thank you for your support. Peace and joy The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Information Clearing House. Search Information Clearing House === Click Here To Support Information Clearing House Your support has kept ICH free on the Web since 2002. Click for Spanish , German , Dutch , Danish , French , translation- Note- Translation may take a moment to load.February 02, 2019 " Information Clearing House " - Earlier this week, the collective leadership of the United States intelligence community briefed Congress on the Worldwide Threat Assessment Report. In doing so, they provided testimony that seemed to contradict virtually every aspect of President Donald Trumps foreign policy, including the decision to withdraw troops from Syria and Afghanistan, the threat posed by Iran, North Korean denuclearization, and improving relations with Russia.

The president, in typical fashion, lashed out, criticizing the intelligence communitys collective analysis, which predictably elicited criticism from both Democrats and Republicans. They accused him of undermining public confidence in the pronouncements of the intelligence agencies and damaging national security.

In this case, Trump is right and his detractors are wrong.

The current crop of national intelligence chiefs are cut from the same cloth as their predecessors. They are careerists who have risen to the top not through their analytical or operational talents, but through their willingness to conform to a system that is designed not to challenge conventional thinkingespecially when such thinking sustains policies that have been given the imprimatur of the entrenched establishment.

Rare is the politician who is well enough versed in the minutia of history and foreign affairs to generate original thinkingor bold enough to challenge the status quo on the grounds that it isnt working. Richard Nixon and George H.W. Bush were among the original thinkers, leaders who opened relations with communist China and oversaw the peaceful collapse of the Soviet Union, respectively. Among those who challenge the status quo is Donald Trump, a political maverick who, rightly or wrongly, has sought to challenge the conventional dogma in ways no previous politician ever has.

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There is no better illustration of the intellectual corruption of the intelligence community than its performance in the lead-up to the 2003 invasion of Iraq. The current dean of the intelligence establishment, the former director of national intelligence, James Clapper, illustrates perfectly the slavish impulse to conform. In his book Facts and Fears: Hard Truths from a Life in Intelligence, Clapper writes, We heard that Vice President Cheney was pushing the Pentagon for intelligence on Iraqi weapons of mass destruction, and then the order came down to NIMA [the National Imagery and Mapping Agency, which Clapper headed at the time] to find the WMD sites [original emphasis]. We set to work, analyzing imagery to eventually identify, with varying degrees of confidence, more than 950 sites where we assessed there might be WMDs or a WMD connection. We drew on all of NIMAs skill setsand it was all wrong.

One of the most damning indictments of the intellectual vacuum within the intelligence community comes from the Senate Intelligence Committees examination of the failures that led to the erroneous conclusions over Iraqs WMDs. That report found that not once did the intelligence community question the underlying assumption that Iraq retained weapons of mass destruction, despite no hard intelligence sustaining that assumption. Instead, every assessment started by assuming that Iraq possessed those weapons.

The same mindset permeates the intelligence communitys analysis today. To understand why, consider the current crop of intelligence community leaders.

Dan Coats, the director of national intelligence, served as U.S. ambassador to Germany during the build-up to the Iraq war, and was the point man for selling the war to the Germans. Gina Haspel, director of the CIA, is a career operations officer who served as the deputy group chief of the Counterterrorism Center from 2001 to 2003, a time when that organization was promoting fictitious ties between Iraq and al-Qaeda.

While serving as associate assistant deputy U.S. attorney, FBI Director Christopher Wray helped oversee the Department of Justices response to the 2001 terror attacks on the United States, and as such was involved in the effort that falsely linked al-Qaeda to Iraq.

In the lead-up to the invasion of Iraq, the current director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, Lieutenant General Robert Ashley, commanded the Intelligence Squadron of the Army Office of Military Support, the unclassified title of the top-secret Intelligence Support Activity, or ISA. ISA played a critical role in helping build the database used by American commandos and the CIA in their futile search for WMD in Iraq.

In the critical years before the 2003 invasion, the current director of the NSA, Lieutenant General Paul Nakasone, served as an intelligence planner for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, where he would have been ideally positioned to question many of the premises that were used to justify the war.

In the time between the invasion of Iraq in 2003 and their joint testimony before Congress, the leadership of the intelligence community participated in virtually every intelligence-based operation and activity undertaken by the United States, including torture, illegal eavesdropping, and supporting the failed military interventions in Libya, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria. They also played an important role in building the current analysis used to shape threat estimates regarding North Korea, Iran, China, and Russia. The president has lambasted this group and he is right to do so.

On Iran, the president calls the intelligence community leaders passive and naive. While they rightly point out that Iran is today operating in conformity with the nuclear deal, they are silent on earlier intelligence estimates that maintained that Iran had an active nuclear weapons program up until 2003, and that aspects of this program were continued until at least 2007. Under President Barack Obama, the United States entered into the Iran nuclear agreement without adequately addressing these estimates, especially in the face of continued Iranian denials that such a program ever existed.

Trump has picked up on this contradictory analysis. Hes noted logically that if Iran had a nuclear weapons program that its refused to acknowledge, then it must be holding this capability in reserve until it can act on itwhich would be once the sunset clauses of the nuclear agreement expire and Tehran is free to enrich uranium without constraint. Trump is wrongthere never was a nuclear weapons program in Iranbut he is right in pointing out the inconsistencies in the intelligence communitys position.

The same holds true on the other policy issues where the intelligence community took issue with Trumps actions. The exaggeration of the ISIS threat in Syria and Iraq today is little more than a smokescreen to justify continued military deployment there. The assessment of North Koreas nuclear intent seems to mirror past analytical errors regarding Iraq by failing to consider that the North Koreans might be serious about denuclearization. And the collective fixation on Moscows bad intentions seems premised on notions of Russian global ascendency that ignore American provocations of Russia, including massive interference in its domestic political affairs and the expansion of NATO despite assurances to the contrary.

When it comes to foreign policy, Donald Trump is no Richard Nixon or George H.W. Bush. But neither is he a Bill Clinton, George W. Bush or Barack Obama, caught in a series of foreign policy traps thanks to a lack of vision and their collective willingness to accept at face value a picture painted by an intelligence community conditioned only to see threats. Trump is right to call them out. They should be informing him on foreign policy and national security matters, not dictating or critiquing his policies. The track record of these so-called professionals is not impressive. They would do well to heed the presidents exhortation that they go back to school.

Scott Ritter is a former Marine Corps intelligence officer who served in the former Soviet Union implementing arms control treaties, in the Persian Gulf during Operation Desert Storm, and in Iraq overseeing the disarmament of WMD. He is the author of Dealbreaker: Donald Trump and the Unmaking of the Iran Nuclear Deal (2018) by Clarity Press.

This article was originally published by " The American Conservative " -

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Peace and joyPolitburo member Tran Quoc Vuong delivers Tet greetings to soldiers and people in Son La province.(Photo: VNA)



Speaking to the border guards manning the post, Vuong, who is also Permanment Secretary of the Party Central Committee, expressed his joy sharing the festive atmosphere with soldiers and people of the locality, especially with the participation by many people from Laos. He hailed efforts by the soldiers and people in safeguarding the border sovereignty and security, and in further strengthening the Vietnam - Laos solidarity.

The official stressed that Long Sap is a hot spot on drug trafficking, that is why the post must maintain the resolute fight against the evil, especially during the Tet, and continue to serve as a bridge that help further strengthen the Vietnam  Lao solidarity and friendship.

Vuong took the occasion to hand over Tet gifts to soldiers and villagers of the region, as well as leading officials and people of Laos province of Huaphane bordering Son La province.

The same day, the official had a meeting with representatives of the local administration and people, during which he spoke highly of their process over the recent years. He also reminded them to continue doing well the party building work, anti-corruption fight and that against crimes, especially those related to drug./.February 02, 2019 " Information Clearing House " - President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened to declare a national emergency if Congress refuses to pony up $5.7 billion to build the great, great wall he promised his base during the 2016 election campaign. In an apocalyptic televised address early in January, he even warned -- falsely, as fact checkers revealed during the speech -- that a tsunami of hard-core criminals and drugs was sweeping across the U.S.-Mexican border.

Fabricating national emergencies is unconscionable, especially when there are real ones requiring urgent attention.

Heres an example: since 1999, 400,000 Americans have died from overdoses of opioids, including pain medications obtained legally through prescriptions or illegally, as well as from heroin, an illicit opioid. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) notes that prescription medications were involved in 218,000 of those fatalities.

Even the president labeled opioid addiction a public health emergency after a commission he appointed in March 2017 issued a report detailing its horrific consequences. Trumps efforts led Congress to allocate $6 billion to combat the crisis in 2018 and 2019, and the president sought another $7 billion for 2019. Since then, however, his attention has turned to the emergency along the border with Mexico, the equivalent, by comparison, of a gnat bite on an elephant.

His initial urgency regarding the opioid epidemic seems to have dissipated, though not his propensity for making false claims. At a May 2018 rally, for instance, he declared that, thanks to the $6 billion, the numbers are way down. If the president meant overdose deaths, however, his claim was blatantly false. Data from the CDC show that, between 2016 and 2017, prescription opioid overdose deaths decreased by a mere 58 from 17,087 to 17,029. As for overdose deaths from opioids of all sorts (whether legal and doctor-prescribed or illegal, as with heroin), they increased by 12%.

Congressional critics charge that the commissions raft of recommendations hasnt been implemented energetically, noting in particular Trump's proposed $340-million cut to the budget of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, which coordinates the governments anti-opioid campaign. And given the scale of the epidemic, experts maintain that $6 billion over two years doesnt come close to whats needed to make a real difference.

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The Toll Taken on Trumps Base

High-voltage opioid painkillers were once derisively labeled hillbilly heroin, but that moniker has become archaic and misleading. While the misuse of such medications tends to be proportionately higher among the poor and in areas with high unemployment, it now spans classes and regions. In the late 1990s, the surge in overdose deaths did start in economically depressed rural communities and small towns -- in Appalachia in particular. Since then, however, the crisis has spread to suburbs and cities across the country.

Still, a strong correlation does exist between opioid addiction, overdose death rates, and economic distress, especially in small towns and rural regions, including Maines logging communities, areas reliant on commercial fishing, and Appalachian coal towns. In rural New Hampshire, where I spend part of the year, it doesnt take long to start hearing about, or meeting, people whose lives have been upended by opioid addiction. Such communities were the first victims of the epidemic because their economic decline produced despair, hopelessness, and diminished self-worth. Moreover, plenty of people suffered chronic pain, whether from workplace accidents or physically demanding jobs.

President Trump ought to be particularly attentive to the countrys raging opioid addiction. Many of the hardest hit places are home to the very voters who helped elect him. During the 2016 presidential campaign, he presented himself as their champion, bemoaning the hardships of factory workers, miners, loggers, and others zapped by layoffs or wage cuts and living in communities in which the better-paying jobs on which they had depended, often for generations, were disappearing.

Staggering Statistics

Data from the National Institutes of Health reveal that overdose deaths from all categories of opioid drugs -- legal and illegal -- soared from 10,000 in 1999 to 49,068 in 2017, with the numbers consistently higher for men. But heroin fatalities (15,958 in 2017) must be included in the mix because the use of that drug and of prescription opioids has become intertwined.

Although less than 5% of those who misuse opioid pain medications drift to heroin, nearly 80% of heroin users start by misusing opioids. In addition, both people hooked on such painkillers and recreational users often combine them with heroin to boost their highs.

Addicts tend to rely on heroin only when they can no longer afford to buy opioids but are still desperate to feed their habit and so stave off dope sickness. (Its wrenching withdrawal symptoms include nausea, chills, and diarrhea, as well as extreme anxiety and panic attacks.) Heroin dealers charge a fraction per fix of what illicit suppliers of the popular oxycodone- and hydrocodone-based analgesics demand per pill.

Consider Oxycontin. An 80-milligram pill costs about $6.00 at a pharmacy, but as much as $80 on the street. Compare that to the $15-$20 that will get you a hit of heroin. The price difference matters. Many opioid addicts end up putting the bulk of their earnings into purchasing the pills illegally, depleting their savings accounts. As a result, some end up resorting to selling personal possessions or even stolen machinery parts, piping, and copper wiring (for which theres a large black market).

Unfortunately, even the 49,068 deaths in 2017 dont provide the full picture. Additional fatalities result from combining painkillers with cocaine (4,184) or benzodiazepines (roughly 9,000). Add those into the mix and the total number of lives lost to the epidemic in this country reached 62,252 in 2017, the last year for which we have complete data. That figure soars higher yet if you include the nearly 16,000 deaths resulting from heroin.

To put the total number of opioid-related fatalities in perspective consider this: vehicular accidents killed 40,100 people in 2017. The decade-long Vietnam War resulted in 58,220 American deaths. More than five times as many Americans died from opioid-powered painkillers in 2017 alone as in the 9/11 attacks and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan combined.

As for the economic consequences, a 2017 report by the presidents Council of Economic Advisors pegged the total costs of the crisis, including medical services, lost earnings and productivity, and law enforcement, at $504 billion in 2015.

In other words, unlike whats happening on the southern border, this isnt a faux emergency.

The Pathway to Crisis

In nineteenth-century America, opiates were widely prescribed to treat many afflictions: pain from wounds or injuries sustained by Civil War veterans, menstrual cramps, asthma, anxiety, even babies teething pains. But as doctors became more aware of a growing wave of addiction, the federal government imposed restrictive regulations on such medicines, culminating in the 1914 Harrison Narcotics Act.

Though that legislation didnt fully stamp out opiate use, it did mark a turning point. Medical opinion would not revert to a favorable view of such drugs until the 1970s, after which numerous opioid painkillers hit the market. The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approved Lortab in 1982, Vicodin in 1983, MS Contin in 1987, and Percocet in 1999. Fentanyl was first introduced in 1959 and its skin patch variant received official approval in 1990 for the treatment of acute pain.

The current epidemic didnt start revving up until Purdue Pharma, owned by the Sackler family, developed Oxycontin, an oxycodone-based painkiller. Following FDA approval in December 1996, it became available, in varying strengths ranging from 10 to 160 milligrams. Compared to previous opioid treatments, Oxycontin was in a league of its own when it came to its potency. Doctors quickly started prescribing it, not a few with stunning abandon: in one instance 335,000 prescriptions over eight years. Within five years of its appearance, prescriptions had skyrocketed from 670,000 to 6.2 million.

Purdue claimed that Oxy, as it came to be known, was special and better than its predecessors because it worked through an extended, 12-hour time release, which would effectively eliminate addiction: the drug would neither provide a quick high nor have to be taken as often. In fact, the drugs efficacy often petered out well short of the touted timespan. Purdue became aware of this but stuck to its claim.

By 2001, Oxycontin sales surpassed $1 billion a year. The boom was not spontaneous, but owed much to Purdues zealous product promotion. An army of sales representatives, deployed after being trained to convince doctors of the drugs safety and efficacy, often offered those same doctors free meals, holiday gifts, trinkets, junkets, and more. Those sales agents did not lack for incentive; they received hefty bonuses pegged to their success. Top performers raked in more than their annual salaries in extra cash.

Purdue also trained thousands of doctors, nurses, and pharmacists at numerous conclaves in beautiful venues -- all organized and paid for by the company -- to spread the word that Oxy was effective and safe, not only against the extreme pain produced by surgery or terminal illness but also more mundane varieties of pain caused, for instance, by back injuries or arthritis.

The strategy proved wildly successful. Sales revenues climbed because the pill was widely prescribed not just by those treating terminally ill patients, but also by family doctors who were already responsible for nearly half of all Oxycontin prescriptions by 2003.

The Devastation Becomes Undeniable

Doctors increasingly prescribed Oxy to treat pain (often from work-related injuries) and their patients quickly became addicted. Gripped by the drug, some feigned continuing pain in a frantic effort to get fresh supplies. Doctor shopping became common as well. Others stole pills from relatives or friends or bought them from illegal dealers, including those selling through the Internet at, among other places, social media sites like Facebook. Addicts also snorted pulverized pills or liquefied them and injected them intravenously, risking Hepatitis B or C or HIV/AIDS from shared needles. Still others turned to heroin.

Obviously, not everyone who took Oxycontin for pain got hooked, let alone died from an overdose. But when addiction did strike, it could ruin lives, as some addicts even fed their habit through petty crime or prostitution. The children of addicts often suffered from neglect or mistreatment as well -- an estimated 676,000 of them in 2016 -- or became the responsibility of grandparents or ended up in foster care.

As the evidence of a disaster mounted, some intrepid doctors, along with the relatives of people who had died from overdoses, started sounding the alarm. But Purdue had a formidable PR machine, the big bucks needed to hire top-flight attorneys, and the determination to fight back. As for clout in Washington, the companys wealth and access to power far exceeded anything its adversaries could muster.

Yet as the addiction wave began to sweep the country and the death toll rose, medical researchers began highlighting the risks posed by Oxy and questioning its efficacy compared to less potent opioids. The FDA, the Justice Department, and the attorneys general of various states also began to pay attention. In 2007, following charges that it had failed to provide adequate warnings about the risk of addiction, Purdue paid $634.5 million as part of a plea deal with the feds. Three of its senior employees were fined a total of $34.5 million, which Purdue covered (though they avoided jail time). The company itself did not cop to any wrongdoing.

Numerous states also initiated lawsuits against the company, insisting that it was aware of the dangers of Oxycontin addiction but made misleading or false claims to deny or downplay the risks. In 2007, Purdue negotiated a $19.5 million settlement with 25 states and the District of Columbia, again without admitting to any wrongdoing. In 2015, it settled with Kentucky for $24 million. In 2018, six more states initiated lawsuits against the company.

In 2010, the FDA approved an addiction-resistant -- that is, harder to snort or inject -- version of Oxy and the original version was pulled from the market. As part of its legal settlements, Purdue also agreed to stop pitching opioid medications to physicians and slashed its sales staff.

Lest you feel any sympathy for the embattled pharmaceutical giant, know this: by 2001, addiction to oxycodone (the active agent in Oxycontin) had already increased five-fold. Yet Purdue and its experts-for-hire downplayed the danger and kept promoting the drug vigorously. According to a Justice Department report, the company also knew early on that the drug was being snorted or liquefied and injected, but did not think it useful to divulge news of the abuse. It also sat on evidence its own investigators amassed on the criminal trafficking of Oxy and on cases of doctors or drugstores dispensing it recklessly.

As for those fines, they amounted to chump change for the company, which by 2017 had amassed $35 billion in revenue, largely from Oxycontin sales in the United States and elsewhere. And the Sackler family? None of its members were ever charged, let alone convicted of anything; and, with a net worth of $14 billion, in 2015 they first made the Forbes list of the 20 wealthiest families in America.

Someone nabbed for a non-violent drug offense or even shoplifting could face years of jail time, but the titans of a company responsible for a public health disaster have gotten a remarkable pass.

What Next?

The current opioid crisis transcends Purdue. For one thing, there are numerous, widely prescribed opioid medications out there besides Oxy, even though the number of annual prescriptions for opioid painkillers has actually declined since 2012. According to a report issued by the Surgeon General, they totaled 289 million in that year compared to 76 million in 1991. The CDC reports that they had fallen to 191 million in 2017. But as the agency notes, that still makes for a stunning 58.7 prescriptions for every 100 people in the United States, which remains peerless in the global consumption of opioid pain medications.

Since perhaps 2013, another problem has amplified the opioid crisis: the abuse, illicit manufacture, and smuggling of Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid analgesic whose potency exceeds morphines by 50 to 100 times and oxycodones by a factor of 1.5. A two-milligram dose can prove fatal.

Deaths linked to synthetic opioids, mainly Fentanyl, reached 29,406 in 2017, a nearly six-fold increase since 2014. The CDC found that Fentanyl was implicated in at least three-fifths of opioid overdose fatalities in 10 states during the last half of 2016 alone. The drugs wallop and widespread availability from illicit Internet sites only heightens the risk of addiction and fatalities. Meanwhile, heroin overdose deaths, which started to increase sharply at about the same time as opioid-related fatalities, reached 15,958 in 2017 -- a three-fold increase from 2014.

To make matters worse, there are numerous Fentanyl analogs, including 3-Methylfentanyl, four times more powerful than Fentanyl itself. Though its illegal manufacture dates to the 1970s, it has recently made a comeback on the street and via the Internet. Then theres Carfentanil. Used to tranquilize elephants and other large animals, its 100 times stronger than Fentanyl and it, too, has begun to make its deadly mark. In the first half of 2017, Carfentanil-related deaths nearly doubled, reaching 815. Just how deadly is it? For sedating an adult elephant, the safe dose is 13 milligrams. Just .05 milligrams will kill a human being, scientists warn.

Those two drugs and other Fentanyl analogs are manufactured and trafficked illegally to underground networks in the United States or directly to individual users. China has become a key source of such illegal shipments. Contrary to President Trumps claim -- as part of his pitch for his big, fat, beautiful wall -- only a small proportion of such illicit opioid drugs, including heroin, are ever carried across the border into the United States by undocumented immigrants. The bulk of what enters through Mexico comes hidden in vehicles that cross at legal entry points. There are many other modes of smuggling as well. A Senate report found that the U.S. postal service has become an unwitting conduit, as have commercial carriers like FedEx and UPS. Illicit sellers also operate through Internet sites and the Dark Web. When it comes to such drugs, a wall will make no difference.

The opioid crisis has now entered an even more dangerous phase. Doctor-prescribed opioid pain killers are no longer its main driver, and even when they are, theyre often combined with cocaine or benzodiazepines. Moreover, in 2016, illicit Fentanyl and heroin accounted for two-thirds of opioid-related deaths. Illicitly produced and trafficked Fentanyl and Carfentanil and their chemical kin may, in the end, dwarf the Oxycontin catastrophe.

And newer forms of high-potency painkillers will undoubtedly emerge as well. Take Dsuvia, which received FDA approval late in 2018 amid considerable controversy created by fears of addiction. Its 500 times stronger than morphine and 10 times as potent as Fentanyl. How long before Dsuvia produces its own addiction and illegal trafficking problem?

No Easy Fix

The opioid emergency requires a multi-faceted and sustained solution. Addiction treatment would have to become better in quality and more equitably available. Because opioid misuse and addiction are particularly prevalent in parts of the country suffering from job cuts and low incomes, they would have to become a focal point for public investment and job retraining. The shape-shifting inflow of opioids from abroad would have to be stanched through measures that went beyond punishment. Corporations that endanger public health through their negligence and chicanery would have to face more than a rap on the knuckles.

In addition, a political order rigged by money and lobbyists would have to be revamped. From 2000 through 2018, companies making pharmaceuticals and health products spent a total of $3.8 billion lobbying in Washington, employing 1,407 lobbyists, not a few of whom had once worked in various capacities in the federal government, including as members of Congress. In 2018 alone, the amount devoted to lobbying just by the pharmaceutical firms that were among the top ten spenders came to $58 million -- and that doesnt count the $21.8 million mustered by the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), which represents drug and biotech companies.

Given the scale, multiple causes, and consequences of the opioid crisis, the $6 billion earmarked for it isnt remotely sufficient, while the moves the Trump administration and the Republican Party have made to cripple the Affordable Care Act will only hurt the effort. Meanwhile, every day, 130 people in the United States die from opioid overdoses and 70% of those battling addiction dont receive long-term treatment, even though the necessary medicines are available.

So, Mr. President, if you want to tackle a genuine national emergency and are eager to spend another $5.7 billion or far more on a project that will, in the end, make you look better to everybody, including your base, take on the opioid epidemic -- and forget that useless wall.

Rajan Menon, a TomDispatch regular, is the Anne and Bernard Spitzer Professor of International Relations at the Powell School, City College of New York, and Senior Research Fellow at Columbia Universitys Saltzman Institute of War and Peace Studies. His latest book is The Conceit of Humanitarian Intervention.

Follow TomDispatch on Twitter and join us on Facebook. Check out the newest Dispatch Books, John Feffers new dystopian novel (the second in the Splinterlands series) Frostlands, Beverly Gologorsky's novel Every Body Has a Story, and Tom Engelhardt's A Nation Unmade by War, as well as Alfred McCoy's In the Shadows of the American Century: The Rise and Decline of U.S. Global Power and John Dower's The Violent American Century: War and Terror Since World War II.

Copyright 2019 Rajan Menon

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Peace and joyBy Gilbert Doctorow

February 02, 2019 " Information Clearing House " - I have given this essay a fake news title for a good reason: to direct your attention to the fact that the incumbent President of Russia is too gentle for his and our good. He does not make threats the way his predecessor, the party boss of the Soviet Union did in 1956. He does not bang his shoe on the desk in front of him while speaking to the General Assembly of the United Nations as Nikita Khrushchev also did. Thus, we Europeans and Americans are oblivious to the dangers of a hot war with Russia that we risk by pursuing our present-day foreign policy of driving Russia into a corner. War could not be further from our minds, since, we tell ourselves, no one wants war.

Because of his behavior cited above, because of the launching of the first Sputnik during his time in office and the invasion of Soviet forces in Hungary for purposes of regime change, because of the atmospheric tests of the vastly powerful hydrogen bombs that his country was producing to wage war on us, Khrushchev made a strong impression on the broad public and also on the political classes in the West as a person who was aggressive, impolite and at the head of a dangerous country.

Khrushchev proposed to us a policy of peaceful co-existence, allowing us to understand that non-acceptance by the West equated to the nonexistence of life on our planet. Consequently, Khrushchev and his country were always treated with respect and fear by our countries. We considered him to be a crude fellow, but no one dared to say that he was a thug, a murderer of journalists, etc. that one hears today regularly applied when our politicians and mass media describe Vladimir Putin. No one spoke back then of Russia as a gas station not a country, as a place that produced nothing that the world wanted or said that it was just a regional power that acted badly, all of which Barack Obama used to justify his decision to isolate Russia and cut all possible relations with this pariah state, even the channels of communications established decades ago following the Cuban Missile Crisis to give some stability and predictability in conditions of a Cold War.

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In contrast to Khrushchev and the other government leaders of the USSR, Mr. Putin acts and speaks in a very civilized manner. Even today, in a period of New Cold War, of permanent confrontations with the West, of severe economic sanctions imposed on his country and provocative NATO military exercises unprecedented in scale being held on Russias borders, Putin still speaks of the colleagues and partners in the West, for the purpose of keeping the peace and avoiding an escalation of tensions which could, in his belief, quickly lead to armed clashes.

Where does Putins finesse come from? One must understand that his past takes in a lot more than his service in the KGB. During the 1990s he served in the administration of the liberal mayor of St. Petersburg Anatoly Sobchak. In his capacity as deputy mayor with responsibility for foreign investment, he met a whole procession of businessmen and politicians from Europe and the United States. He was part of the pro-Western entourage of the mayor and when he ascended to the presidency in 1999 he kept many of his liberal comrades close to him. They constitute even today an influential faction in Kremlin politics.

From his first days in power, Putin hoped to integrate Russia in NATO and, more generally, in the Western world. Putin was the first head of state to phone George W. Bush after the attack on the World Trade Center and generously offered substantial help, opening up Russias back yard in Central Asia to American forces to provide logistical support of the operation the USA would launch against the Taliban in Afghanistan.

Unfortunately, Putins hopes for reciprocal warming of relations and integration were rejected. At this time Washington considered Russia to be a country in long-term decline and a marginal power. In 2002, the United States withdrew from the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty, one of the first landmark arms limitation treaties dating from 1972, showing its disregard for Russian interest in stability and transparency, and pursuing a policy of altering the strategic balance of power in its favor. Following this, we see the progressive deterioration of relations between Russia and the West that has lasted up to the present. Following this, we see the development by Russia of new weapons systems called asymmetrical using state of the art technologies that Putin finally spoke about publicly in his speech to the joint houses of the Russian parliament on 1 March 2018. He said then with perfect clarity, but in calm and nonthreatening language that these arms could penetrate everything that the United States had put in place to assure for itself the possibility of a decapitating first nuclear strike. He reclaimed for Russia full strategic parity with the United States, and, of course, with NATO, despite Russias having a military budget that is 12 time smaller than Americas.

Putins speech of 1 March 2018 was addressed to his people in the midst of a presidential election campaign. It was also addressed to Americas political classes and military. Regrettably, it did not speak to the American or European peoples as bluntly as Khrushchev had once done. And so we were allowed to slumber on.

Today, we the people tend to ignore the fact that Russia is the only country in the world capable of reducing the United States and/or Europe to ashes within 30 minutes. We lack any sense of the risks of war that arise from the operations of our military forces in close proximity with Russian and their proxy forces in Syria, in Ukraineand possibly soon in Venezuela. This, under conditions of near absence of reliable communications between our civilian and military leaderships and total lack of mutual trust between all parties.

During the original Cold War, there was some limited time during which false alarms of attack by intercontinental ballistic missiles or bombers might be sorted out. Today there may be 15 minutes between alarm and incoming total destruction. Anticipating the possibility of a first strike decapitating the national leadership, response launches have been automated and function on the dead hand principle. In effect, the Doomsday scenario described so brilliantly by Stanley Kubrik in his 60s film Dr. Strangelove has become operative here and now, though the public has not a clue.

That, my friends, is the reason I say Vladimir Putin has done his and our people a disservice by not engaging in public diplomacy with the American and European peoples, by not scaring us properly so that we can come to our wits and compel our politicians and media to do likewise.

Gilbert Doctorow is a Brussels-based political analyst. His latest book Does Russia Have a Future? was published in August 2017. Reprinted with permission from his blog.

 Gilbert Doctorow, 2018

This article was originally published by " Anti War " -

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Peace and joyReuters Editorial

CARACAS (Reuters) - Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro proposed on Saturday bringing forward parliamentary elections to this year, as he seeks to crush the threat posed by the National Assemblys head, Juan Guaido, who has proclaimed himself legitimate head-of-state

Maduro, in a speech to supporters, said the all-powerful government-controlled Constituent Assembly would debate calling earlier elections for the National Assembly, which he denounced as bourgeois.

The parliamentary elections had been scheduled for 2020.

This article was originally published by " Reuters " -

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==See Also==US May Still Invade Venezuela if Coup Fails: Russian Foreign Ministry



Watch



Maria Zakharova, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson: "We call upon all of our partners to seriously consider what real role Washington is giving them in the preparation and carrying out of the force-based scenario in the region.



This is like what was done in Iraq, Libya, Syria, Ukraine, and many other places on our planet earlier. How severe will be the humanitarian and migratory crises in case those plans are implemented?"



Posted February 02, 2019 Part 2 Do you agree or disagree? Post your comment here Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter ==See Also== Note To ICH Community We ask that you assist us in dissemination of the article published by ICH to your social media accounts and post links to the article from other websites. Thank you for your support. Peace and joy The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Information Clearing House.Index-Journal Careers

PART-TIME POSITION available in our packaging area.

Job responsibilities include putting inserts into the newspaper. Must have a positive attitude and be a team player. Applicants must be able to: lift up to 20-lbs; stand for long periods of time; be available to work Sunday thru Friday, late evening to early morning hours; pass drug screen.Since 1963, The Independent has helped create a great community!

Since our founding in September of 1963, The Independent has been dedicated to giving Livermore, Pleasanton, Dublin, and Sunol readers the news they need to be in-the-know about what's going on in the Tri-Valley region.Party General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong offers incense to late General Secretary Le Duan on February 2nd (Photo: VNA)



The leader recalled the great contributions by his predecessors to the revolutionary cause of the Party and the nation, and expressed his profound gratitude to them for their devotions to the countrys independence and freedom as well as to the peoples happiness.

He also extended best regards to their family members and wished them good health, expressing expectation for their further contributions to the Motherland and the people.

Le Duan is described as an outstanding disciple of late President Ho Chi Minh and an exemplary communist combatant who left an invaluable legacy to Vietnams revolution, while Truong Chinh is credited for initiating the Doi moi (reform) policy which opened the countrys door to the world./.Illustrations, maps and other items related to the books The Hobbit, The Silmarillion and The Lord of the Rings will be on display here until mid-May, part of an event billed as the most extensive exhibition of original material by famed English author and scholar J.R.R. Tolkien in many generations.

Besides writing those beloved works, Tolkien (1892-1973) also produced drawings, manuscripts, maps and other designs that reveal his vision for a world populated by hobbits, elves, orcs, dwarves and other fantastical creatures.

Tolkien: Maker of Middle-earth opened on Jan. 25 and will run through May 12 at The Morgan Library & Museum in New York City.

Visitors enter the exhibit through a round door that resembles the front of a dwelling in Hobbiton, the home village of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins - the main protagonists of The Hobbit, a childrens fantasy novel, and The Lord of the Rings, a three-volume epic novel, respectively.

A mural facing the door is inspired by Tolkiens painting of the dust jacket for the first United States edition of The Hobbit.

The exhibit contains 117 objects, including letters, draft manuscripts, illustrations and photographs that give a glimpse into the mind behind Middle-earth in all his facets: as father, husband and author.

The exhibit shows Tolkien the father as a person who was attentive to his children and read them the first drafts of his novels.

Tolkien, who was an accomplished artist as well as a writer, would send letters to his kids in which he pretended to be Father Christmas and told them of his adventures in the North Pole.

Those posthumously released letters featured drawings of the jolly gift-giver and his toy workshop and were aimed at heightening his childrens anticipation for Christmas.

The exhibits numerous manuscripts and letters also provide greater insight into Tolkiens craft as a writer, showing the process he underwent in striving to create a British mythology.

Tolkien conceived of Middle-earth as an imaginary period of our planets past, a universe populated by hobbits, elves, dwarves, orcs, magicians and other fantastical creatures, including a race of beings that resemble talking trees.

The exhibit contains illustrations of some of these creations, including a purple- and blue-hued mural titled Eeriness that shows a precursor of the wizard Gandalf - one of the protagonists of both The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings - walking through a dark and threatening forest.

Another mural titled Conversation with Smaug depicts a scene from The Hobbit in which Bilbo Baggins speaks with a dragon that is guarding a vast hoard of gold pieces, a mountain strewn with the skeletons of would-be thieves who had dared to enter his lair.

Tolkiens scrupulous attention to detail also is evident in various maps he drew of the different places of Middle-earth, including the realms of Mordor and Gondor and the latters capital city, Minas Tirith.

The renowned authors love of languages - instilled in him by his mother before her death when he was only 12 - led him as a teenager to start devising the Elvish languages he would subsequently develop in his novels and whose first traces are apparent in the exhibition.

The Morgan Library & Museum also has organized a series of related programs revolving around Tolkiens work, including talks, guided tours, a workshop on fantasy watercolor landscapes guided by New York City-based surrealist artist Max Greis and a Shire-themed costume party for Tolkien fans aged 21 and over.

Tickets for that latter event, which will be held on the night of April 4, start at just $25 for Morgan Members; VIH (Very Important Hobbit) tickets, which cost $100, are already sold out.

The exhibition has been organized by the University of Oxfords Bodleian Libraries in collaboration with the Morgan Library & Museum and with the support of The Tolkien Trust.La separacion entre estos dos cantantes urbanos ya se sabia, pero se afirma que la Bichota y el reggaetonero boricua no tiene una relacionAccording to a report in Helsingin Sanomat the company has been operating under the title Zeline 1, which describes itself as a wholly owned subsidiary of Dark Matter in its latest financial statements. Information on the Finnish Trade Register shows that Dark Matter has around twenty employees in Finland and has an active presence in Oulu and Tampere.

DARK MATTER, A SECRETIVE CYBERSECURITY COMPANY with links to the government of the United Arab Emirates, has been revealed to have been operating across Finland since at least 2014.

The company has attracted widespread media attention in recent weeks due to revelations from former and current employees that it is heavily-involved in spying on journalists, dissidents, and human rights activists on behalf of the UAE government.

Reuters recently reported that Dark Matter has been actively and aggressively recruiting former employees of the National Security Agency (NSA) in the United States as part of a growing cyber-warfare arms race.

The bulk of the companys operations are conducted out of a secretive compound known as The Villa in Abu Dhabi, where employees prepare and coordinate mobile phone hackings, ransomware attacks, and spying campaigns on people known to be hostile to the ruling monarchies of the UAE. Politicians, activists and the press have accused the company of systemic human rights violations.

Dark Matters company website lists offices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Canada, with no mention of any presence in Finland. However, the founder of Dark Matter, Faisal Abd al-Aziz Mohamad al-Bannai, told AP last year that the company operates R&D units in Finland, China, and Canada.

The company also produces security hardware including a supposedly hack-proof smartphone called KATIM. It is known that Dark Matter approached start-ups in Oulu in 2016 to discuss the idea of producing smartphone technology. A number of Finnish engineers have since been recruited to work for the company.

Other than this it is not entirely clear what Dark Matter is actually working on Finland, with no recent information being available on the companys website or elsewhere. The latest financial statements for Zeline 1 show a total annual turnover for 2017 of over 6 million euros.

HS also reported that the emails provided on the website for media contacts are defunct, and that no-one connected with Dark Matters Finnish subsidiary has been willing to comment on the companys activities.

The UAE has a long and well-documented record of espionage and human rights violations. Human Rights Watch has consistently criticized the country for its record of spying on and attempting to silence people critical of the ruling families, highlighting that the UAE continues to arbitrarily detain and disappear individuals who criticize authorities.

Helsinki Times has attempted to contact Dark Matters main office in Abu Dhabi and is yet to receive a response.

Adam Oliver Smith  HT (@adamoliversmith)

Image: LehtikuvaDARK MATTER, A SECRETIVE CYBERSECURITY COMPANYwith links to the government of the United Arab Emirates, has been revealed to have been operating across Finland since at least 2014.

According to a report in Helsingin Sanomat the company has been operating under the title Zeline 1, which describes itself as a wholly owned subsidiary of Dark Matter in its latest financial statements. Information on the Finnish Trade Register shows that Dark Matter has around twenty employees in Finland and has an active presence in Oulu and Tampere.Ferriday, LA (71334)

Today

Partly cloudy with afternoon showers or thunderstorms. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 89F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms likely. Low around 70F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Locally heavy rainfall possible.Washington: United States Special Representative for North Korea Stephen Biegun began his three-day visit to South Korea on Sunday to discuss the agendas to be considered in the second summit between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un slated to be held in February.

Quoting sources, Yonhap news agency reported that Biegun is scheduled to meet Kim Hyok-chol in Panmunjom, a village located on the border between North Korea and South Korea, on Monday.

The US envoy will also meet South Korea`s top nuclear envoy Lee Do-hoon in Seoul to coordinate talks over denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula and the corresponding measures taken by Washington to dilute sanctions imposed on Pyongyang.

President Trump is slated to meet with his North Korean counterpart in the coastal city of Da Nang in Vietnam in the last week of February.

On Saturday, CNN quoted a senior US administration official as stating that Trump`s agenda during the meeting is still not concrete. The second meeting was announced by the White House on January 18 following discussions with Kim Yong Chol, North Korea`s lead negotiator on nuclear talks.

The landmark summit between the USA and North Korea was held for the first time at Singapore`s Sentosa island in June last year. Leaders from both the nations, US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un agreed on a spectrum of things, the most prominent being the complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsulaWASHINGTON: US Representative Tulsi Gabbard, an Iraq War veteran who at times has had a spiky relationship with the Democratic Party, on Saturday added another liberal voice to a burgeoning field of candidates seeking the party`s 2020 presidential nomination.

Gabbard, 37, officially launched her candidacy in Hawaii, where she has served as a congresswoman since 2013. A Samoan-American, she was the first Hindu elected to Congress.

She told the crowd gathered she was running against "powerful, self-serving politicians and greedy corporations," and vowed to restore "dignity, honor and respect to the presidency."

"Join me in putting this spirit of service above self at the forefront and stand up against the forces of greed and corruption," she said.

Gabbard made headlines in 2016 by quitting a leadership post at the Democratic National Committee over the partys decision to limit the number of debates between presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders, a move analysts said helped Clinton.

She then endorsed Sanders for president, becoming one of the few members of Congress to do so. She remains popular with some progressives but will have serious competition on that front with candidates such as Senators Kamala Harris and Elizabeth Warren in the presidential field.

Gabbard has consistently opposed U.S. intervention in Syria, going as far as to secretly meet with Syrias president, Bashar al-Assad, in January 2017, sparking fierce criticism from some in her own party. She opposes removing Assad from power.

Gabbard has not been a factor in early 2020 opinion polls, and her nascent campaign already has shown signs of trouble.

Politico reported this week that her campaign manager Rania Batrice was set to depart in the coming days after weeks of disarray.

Gabbards campaign on Friday confirmed the departure but said Batrice would remain an adviser to Gabbard.

Gabbard also was forced to apologize for her past opposition to same-sex marriage, which she now supports, and has been engaged in a public feud with Hawaii`s popular Democratic Senator Mazie Hirono over a federal judicial nominee.

Democratic nominating contests begin in February 2020. The candidate who amasses the majority of delegates will be nominated at the partys convention in the summer and will likely face Republican President Donald Trump in November`s general election.

Gabbard served in Iraq and Kuwait in a Hawaii National Guard field medical unit, experiences she said helped inform her non-interventionist foreign policy views. She has made veterans issues a priority while in Congress.

In 2017 she expressed skepticism over the Trump administration`s conclusion that Assad`s government was behind a chemical weapons attack that killed dozens in Syria. Former Democratic presidential candidate Howard Dean called Gabbard`s views "a disgrace" and said she was unfit to be in Congress.

Last November, she blasted Trump for not taking a harder stance toward Saudi Arabia following the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

She also slammed the administration for supporting Saudi Arabia in its conflict with Yemen.

In 2015, she parted with many Democrats by criticizing then-President Barack Obama for refusing to use the term "Islamic extremism" to describe members of Islamic State and other militant groups.LONDON: British Prime Minister Theresa May said she would seek a "pragmatic solution" to a parliamentary impasse over the terms on which Britain leaves the European Union when she tries to reopen talks with Brussels.

May, writing in The Sunday Telegraph newspaper, shed little light on how she intended to solve the issue that has provoked most opposition from her lawmakers, post-Brexit arrangements for the border between the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Last month May suffered a record parliament defeat over her Brexit plans, and on Tuesday lawmakers instructed her to return to Brussels to renegotiate arrangements for Northern Ireland.

Lawmakers "would ... be happy with the current backstop if there was a time limit or unilateral exit mechanism," May wrote.

However, Ireland and EU negotiators have rejected any time-limit on the so-called `backstop` -- a set of fall-back plans that would retain an open UK-Ireland border if Britain and the EU fail to reach a longer-term trade agreement in future talks.

Brexit supporters fear an unlimited backstop would effectively give the EU a veto on future British trade arrangements with other countries, and weaken economic ties between Northern Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom.

May is expected to visit Brussels in the coming days.

"When I return to Brussels I will be battling for Britain and Northern Ireland, I will be armed with a fresh mandate, new ideas and a renewed determination to agree a pragmatic solution that delivers the Brexit the British people voted for," May said.

Separately, May`s office rejected a report in the Mail on Sunday newspaper that her advisors were considering an early election on June 6 if she got a Brexit deal through parliament.The clock is ticking. Britain is set to leave the European Union on March 29, less than two months from now. It'll crash out without a deal if the two sides fail to reach a fresh agreement following a new vote in the British parliament earlier this week. A no deal Brexit, which is now more likely than ever, will have catastrophic consequences for the British economy as many business leaders have warned. It will also hurt the European Union particularly its largest economy, Germany, which has a significant market for its products in Britain.

India is closely watching what is increasingly becoming a messy divorce between the UK and the EU. Many Indian companies which have invested heavily in Britain over the past few years are worried. The UK has been seen by Indian firms as a gateway to the European Union. A common market has so far ensured these companies barrier-free access to the EU countries.

There are more than 800 Indian companies in the UK which employ over 110,000 people. More than half of them work in just five companies from the Tata group, one of the largest foreign investors in Britain. A no-deal Brexit will directly hit these companies forcing thousands out of jobs.

In the past few years, many Indian companies have flourished in Britain like Rolta, Bharti Airtel and Aegis Outsourcing. These firms operating in the UK have up to 13 per cent exposure to revenues earned in the British currency, although from EU the number is as high as 30 per cent. The pharma sector is another area where Indian businesses have a lot of exposure to the UK. Brexit is obviously bad news for them. Their revenues will be hit because of the likely weakening of the pound sterling.

Many Indians are also worried of the socio-political consequences of Brexit. A sizable number of Indians and other South Asians voted in favour of Brexit because politicians from the Leave side promised them easy migration of talent from the former Commonwealth countries. For example, Indian restaurant owners were promised they would be able to bring in more chefs after the UK`s withdrawal from the EU.

But, in fact, die-hard supporters of Brexit are right-wing groups who hate any immigration. If the British economy suffers and more people are thrown out of jobs, as is widely predicted, such groups are likely to turn their anger towards non-white people.

But not all Indians are worried. Many will see Brexit as an opportunity for India to be able to negotiate a favourable trade deal with Britain. India is seen as a priority for such a deal by British politicians.

India will also see an opportunity in finalising a trade deal with the European Union. India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) talks were suspended in 2013 after the two sides failed to reach a deal even after six years of talks. Since then the two sides have had summit-level discussions but no real progress has been made. Brexit will give the EU an impetus to reopen the FTA talks.

But despite the lack of an FTA, trade between the EU and India has been growing steadily and has doubled in the past decade. The EU is India`s largest trading partner at 85 billion euros or Rs 8,500 crore in 2017. However, from the EU`s perspective, India is only the ninth biggest trading partner, much behind China. So India has a lot of potential to fill this gap after Brexit.

European leaders, particularly from Germany and France, have been wooing the Indian government in recent months. Unlike Britain, their countries have no colonial baggage with India. In the past few years, tourism has also grown rapidly between India and countries in the EU`s Schengen. Britain has been losing many Indian tourists because of its stricter visa regime.

It would of course, be more in India`s interest if there is an orderly exit of Britain from the EU, an exit with an agreement to explore a trade agreement. That would help Indian companies to continue to benefit from a common market. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has publicly spoken in favour of Britain staying with the European Union. That is now unlikely despite growing calls for a second referendum. This is because of powerful Brexiteers in the ruling Conservative Party. The EU leaders have already made it clear they are not prepared to reopen negotiations on a deal they have already agreed to. So India needs to prepare for a probable no-deal Brexit.

CARACAS: Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro proposed early parliamentary elections on Saturday, seeking to shore up his crumbling rule after a senior general defected to the opposition and tens of thousands thronged the streets in protest at his government.

As domestic and international pressure on Maduro to step down mounts, a senior air force general disavowed him in a video that circulated earlier on Saturday, expressing his allegiance to parliament head and self-proclaimed interim president Juan Guaido.

The military`s support is crucial for Maduro, who is deeply unpopular, largely due to an unprecedented economic crisis that has prompted an exodus of millions. Maduro claims he is victim of a coup directed by the United States.

In a speech to supporters, Maduro said the powerful government-controlled Constituent Assembly would debate calling elections this year for the National Assembly parliament, which is opposition-controlled.

Guaido has called for a new, fair presidential election after the disputed vote won by Maduro last year.

"You want elections? You want early elections? We are going to have parliamentary elections," Maduro told a pro-government rally in Caracas, held to commemorate the 20th anniversary of late socialist leader Hugo Chavez`s first inauguration as president.

Opposition lawmaker Armando Armas said in a statement that proposing bringing forward the parliamentary elections, which were scheduled for 2020, was just another act of provocation.

"Maduro is not president and the Constituent Assembly has no legitimacy, no value," he said.

While small rebellions against Maduro have broken out in Venezuela`s armed forces in recent months, there has been no large scale military uprising against him.

However, General Francisco Yanez of the air force`s high command became the first active Venezuelan general to recognize Guaido since he proclaimed himself president on Jan. 23. Venezuela`s chief military attache to the United States also said he was defecting last week.

"People of Venezuela, 90 percent of the armed forces of Venezuela are not with the dictator, they are with the people of Venezuela," Yanez said in the video. "Already the transition to democracy is imminent."

On its Twitter account, the air force`s high command accused the general of treason.

At an opposition rally in Caracas, Guaido told his supporters he expected more to follow Yanez`s example. The previously little-known 35-year old industrial engineer has offered the military and public officials amnesty if they defect.

"I am certain many officials and soldiers will repeat this gesture, very soon, very soon," he said.

The rally was one of many nationwide on Saturday, where demonstrators decked out in the yellow, red and blue of the Venezuelan flag honked horns, pounded on drums and chanted "Guaido, Guaido, Guaido."

"It`s been years of destruction of companies and poverty," said Pedro Gimenez, 51, a worker in an aluminum factory in the southern state of Bolivar.

"We want a better present and future and we are about to achieve that."

In a possible sign of Maduro`s weakening support, riot police who had planned on blocking demonstrators from reaching the rallies decided to let them pass in at least three cities, according to Guaido and Reuters witnesses.

PRESSURE GROWING

Humanitarian aid from an "international coalition" would soon flow into Venezuela, which is facing rampant hunger and medicine shortages, from collection points in Brazil, Colombia and a Caribbean island, Guaido said.

It is unclear whether Maduro`s government, which denies the country is suffering a humanitarian crisis, will let any foreign aid through.

"In the next few days, we will be asking for your help to go get this aid," Guaido said, asking the armed forces to allow a humanitarian corridor. "It won`t be an easy task."

The self-declared president, who has no control over state institutions or any functions of day-to-day governance, said the opposition would not let up on protests until Maduro stepped down and allowed free elections.

Maduro`s adversaries say he has run roughshod over democratic institutions and destroyed the once-buoyant economy through a corruption-riddled exchange control system and arbitrary nationalizations.

The United States, Canada and several Latin American nations have recognized Guaido as the legitimate head-of-state. Some European Union member states are expected to officially recognize Guaido next week, while others will likely take a more cautious stance of support. Maduro still has the backing of Russia and China.

In a bid to pressure Maduro financially, Washington has imposed sweeping sanctions on state-owned oil firm PDVSA, although these risk exacerbating the plight of ordinary citizens by curtailing hard currency necessary for imports.

"(U.S. President Donald) Trump is imposing measures because he is the dictator of the world and thinks we are his slaves," said Gregory Carrasquel, 35, at the pro-government rally in Caracas, attended by many public sector workers wearing the trademark red socialist shirts.

"For us Venezuelans, there is only one president - President Nicolas Maduro."Kolkata: After a team of CBI officers was detained and stopped from entering the residence of Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar, interim CBI chief M Nageshwar Rao on Sunday said that the agency is contacting their senior law officers about the incident.

"We are contacting our senior law officers about the Kolkata incident. Whatever they suggest will be followed," Nageshwar Rao told news agency ANI.

Backing the CBI officers move, Nageshwar Rao said that there is evidence against Rajeev Kumar and he has been instrumental in causing the destruction of this evidence and obstructing justice.

"We are investigating these chit fund cases as per the directions of the SC. A SIT has been constituted by the West Bengal government prior to SC's direction under the chairmanship of Rajeev Kumar, who is currently the Kolkata police commissioner," Rao added.

The CBI interim chief alleged that the West Bengal government is not co-operating with the agency in investigating the chit fund scams. "They have taken charge of all the evidence, seized all the documents. They have not been cooperating with us in handing over all the documents and a lot of evidence has been destroyed or caused to disappear," Rao said.

A team of CBI officers was stopped from entering the residence of Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar in Kolkata on Sunday when they had gone to question him in connection with chit fund scam cases.

A virtual showdown ensued as Kolkata Police personnel forcefully took away some of the CBI officers to a nearby police station and detained them amid the commotion.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, meanwhile, accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah of trying to organise 'coup' in West Bengal. She has called for 'Save the Constitution' dharna at Metro Channel against the 'move by the BJP'.New Delhi: A delegation of senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders will meet Chief Election Commissioner on Monday. The BJP will complain about the West Bengal government blocking rallies of senior BJP leaders.

There has been a continuous slugfest going on between Centre and the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government. The state government denied permission to several BJP leaders including BJP president Amit Shah and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to conduct rallies, ahead of the Lok Sabha election.

Adityanath, scheduled to address a rally in West Dinajpur earlier in the day, was denied permission by the Bengal government. Earlier during Amit Shah's rally at Malda, permission to land his helicopter was also denied. His chopper later landed on private property owned by a resort. Union minister Smriti Irani's chopper was also not allowed to land at Jhargram to address a public rally.

Meanwhile, a turmoil erupted in West Bengal after a team of CBI officers was detained and stopped from entering the residence of Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar when they had gone to question him in connection with chit fund scam cases.

A virtual showdown ensued as Kolkata Police personnel forcefully took away some of the CBI officers to a nearby police station and detained them amid the commotion.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah of trying to organise 'coup' in West Bengal. She called for 'Save the Constitution' dharna at Metro Channel against the 'move by the BJP'.Sachin Joshi made his Telugu debut with Mounamelanoyi in the year 2002 and the same year, his second film titled Ninu Choodaka Nenundalenu was released. Owing to his good looks, Joshi has a huge female fan-following.

After a break of three years, he made his comeback with Orey Pandu (2005). He was then seen in films like Nee Jathaga Nenundali (2014), Mogali Puvuu (2015) and Veedevadu (2017). The actor is now gearing up for the release of his next film titled Amavasya in 2019.

The actor hasnt done back-to-back films in Tollywood but has managed to keep the audience updated about his projects. He, in between, moved to Bollywood and he says this gap in Tollywood is not intentional.

The actor is gearing up for the release of his upcoming film Amavas, which is simultaneously shot in Telugu as Amavasya. He was in Hyderabad with director Bhushan Patel to promote the film.

I am happy to be part of this film which is an out and out horror thriller which is going to leave the audience with a chill in their spine. It is made by a director who has made films like 192- A love Story, Ragini MMS 2 and others and is definitely going to be as scary as the other films he has made, the actor said.

Most of the film was shot in London only because of the castle they were looking for. Sachin and Bhushan also said that the castle was even believed to be haunted.

Nargis Fakhri is the leading lady of the film and she plays the role of Ahaana, his girlfriend.

Talking about the VFX of the film, Sachin said that the film is made with the latest technicalities in VFX. Sachin himself has produced the film with a couple of more producers and says, We havent compromised anywhere about the production quality. We wanted to make the best and I think we did. Glad to be playing a key role in the making.New Delhi: Bollywood actress Sonali Bendre Behl, who was in New York for her cancer treatment, has shot for an ad campaign after a long time.

Sonali shared a photograph from the sets and posted an emotional note. She wrote, "Being back on a set after a major sabbatical  one that has been testing in many ways on so many levels  is a surreal feeling. After all this, I sort of feel an additional sense of purpose and meaning and I'm so grateful to be back in action. I dont think words would do justice to how beautiful it feels to be back at work...to face the camera again and portray the range of emotions required. Given that my emotions have been running high for the last couple of months, it feels good to give into the emotions that the job requires. It's just the kind of day that helps me #SwitchOnTheSunshine #OneDayAtATime."

The actress put up a brave front and shared inspiring notes and her pictures sporting a bald look. She is a voracious reader and even runs a book club on her name.

A few days back, Sonali, husband Goldie Behl celebrated BFF Hrithik Roshan's birthday. Former wife and close friend Sussanne Khan, Gayatri Joshi Oberoi and husband Vikas Oberoi had also joined in the celebrations.

Sonali updated about her condition on social media and often shared pictures and videos. She documented each phase of braving the disease and has emerged as a really strong person.

New Delhi: The czarina of television Ekta Kapoor welcomed her baby boy Ravie Kapoor via surrogacy on January 27, 2019. Ekta, took to Instagram to shared the news of her son's birth, along with his name.

Taking to Instagram, Ekta wrote, "By Gods grace, I have seen many successes in my life, but nothing beats the feeling of this beautiful soul being added in my world I cannot even begin to express how happy my babys birth has made me. Everything in life doesnt go the way you want it to but there are always solutions to those hiccups. I found mine and today I feel immensely blessed to become a parent. It is an emotional moment for me and my family and I cant wait to begin this new journey of being a mother to my little bundle of joy, Ravie Kapoor. -Ekta Kapoor,"

Now, Ekta's picture with her darling son Ravie Kapoor has gone viral on social media. Although Ravie's face is not visible in the picture, Ekta is seen holding his hand in an adorable manner. Check out.

Earlier, her brother Tusshar had welcomed his son Lakshay via surrogacy. He had earlier opened up about his decision to be a single parent during an interview with The Indian Express, saying, "I was thinking about it for some time before I finally had the baby because I was running out of time. I am not married yet. I may or may not in the future. I felt the time was running out fast and I couldnt wait to have a family, have a child. Thats something I wont be able to do as I grow older. I can always get married. Thats why I decided to become a single parent."

Ekta has produced a number of television daily soaps and films, including Kareena Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor Ahuja starrer 'Veere Di Wedding'.

Her latest television show 'Kasautii Zindagii Kay' has also become one of the most loved shows on the Indian television.Mumbai: Three people were on Sunday killed after the roof of a building collapsed in Ulhasnagar in Maharashtra's Thane district. The injured have been shifted to a hospital.

A fire brigade official said that the deceased also include a two-year-old girl. The incident took place at a clinic in Indira Gandhi Market.

Teams of police and fire department rushed to the spot and conducted the rescue operation.

Maharashtra: 3 people died, 2 injured after a building collapsed Indira Gandhi Market, Ulhasnagar in Thane district earlier today. The injured have been shifted to a hospital. pic.twitter.com/T968ZDEMzx  ANI (@ANI) February 3, 2019

Three others were injured in the incident that took place at around 2:30 pm in Memsaab building in Camp 3 area of Shivaji Chowk locality in the township, the official added.

Bhaskar Mirbagar, Chief Fire Officer of Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation identified the dead as Nitu Sadija (60), Anita Mourya (25) and two-year-old Priya Mourya.

"They were declared dead on arrival by medical authorities. Three others, including Dr Lal Rizwani who runs the clinic, were injured and have been admitted to a nearby hospital," he told PTI.

UMC Disaster Cell chief Balasaheb Netke said the structure in which Sai Aashirwad clinic was housed was a five-storey one and had 15 tenements.

"The second floor collapsed onto the first floor which in turn came crashing onto the ground floor where the clinic is situated," he said.

UMC officials said the process of sealing the building, constructed around 1994-95, was underway.

A probe has been ordered into the incident, they added.

(With inputs from agencies)LUCKNOW: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Office on Sunday released a statement saying that the West Bengal government has denied permission for Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's rally in West Bengal without any prior notice. Yogi Adityanath was scheduled to address a rally in West Dinajpur, West Bengal, on Sunday.

According to news agency ANI, Mritunjay Kumar, the Information Advisor to CM Yogi Adityanath said, "Ye UP CM ki lokpriyata ka hi asar hai ki Mamata Banerjee [West Bengal CM] ne helicopter landing ka permission tak nahi diya [It is because of UP CM Yogi Adityanath's popularity that Mamata Banerjee even denied his helicopter from landing in West Bengal]."

Mritunjay Kumar, Information Advisor to CM Yogi Adityanath: Ye UP CM ki lokpriyata ka hi asar hai ki Mamata Banerjee (West Bengal CM) ne helicopter landing ka permission tak nahi diya.  ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) 3 February 2019

Meanwhile, BJP leaders and supporters in South Dinajpur gheraoed the District Magistrate outside his bungalow in Balurghat for denying permission to Yogi Adityanaths chopper to land at Balurghat airport.

BJP leaders claimed that DM is neither co-operating nor giving a satisfactory reason for denying permission.

Earlier it was planned that Yogi Adityanath's helicopter will land at Raigunj and he will travel to Balurghat by road and then return to Raigunj to address his second public meeting before leaving for Uttar Pradesh in the helicopter but the Uttar Pradesh has now decided to address the rally through mobile phone.

It may be recalled that a few days ago, BJP President Amit Shah's chopper was also denied permission to land in West Bengal to address an election rally.

On Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had addressed two rallies in West Bengal - one in Thakurganj and one in Durgapur. During his rally in industrial city of Durgapur, the Prime Minister had accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of following into the footsteps of the previous Communist government to trample democracy. He stressed that Mamata should know that this did not work during Left regime and it will not work now.

The Prime Minister also said that infrastructure projects worth Rs 90,000 crore have been approved by the Centre in the past four and a half years for West Bengal but the TMC government did not take interest in implementing them as it wanted a share for the "syndicate".

"TMC doesn't take interest in initiating development projects where there is no share for the syndicate...Where there is no 'malai' (cream)," he said.

PM Modi remarked that the TMC is "killing" the dreams and aspirations of the middle class in Bengal. The Prime Minister also praised the BJP workers for bravely facing the violent attacks by the TMC cadre. He added that their sacrifice will not go waste as the BJP will form government in the state in future.

Prime Minister Modi also accused the TMC government of imposing Trinamool Tolabaji Tax (TTT) in the state. Trinamool Tolabaji Tax is prevalent in the state. Every child in West Bengal is aware of this TTT. West Bengal is the only state where you have to pay tax for education. No one opposed this culture of syndicate and TTT, which is why the Trinamool Congress got a free run. But, now, the BJP will oppose this. The 'chowkidaar' has started a cleanliness drive against this culture," said the PM.

(with agency inputs)New Delhi: Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati on Sunday hit out at the Congress and said that the people in Madhya Pradesh are not satisfied with the state government.

"There is significant relief among the people after the BJP could not form the government in Madhya Pradesh. However, the initial work done by the new (Congress) government has not generated much satisfaction among the people. The atmosphere of oppression is still prevailing," she said.

The BSP chief held a meeting to review the preparedness of her party in various states ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha election.

In an official statement, the party said, "Mayawati held a meeting to review the poll preparedness of the party for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. In this regard, intense review was done vis-a-vis Madhya Pradesh."

Instructions were also issued to party workers to rectify shortcomings and focus on preparations for the election.

(With inputs from agencies)Dubai: India's policy for economic, social, psychological and educational rehabilitation of children freed from the child labour or slavery is very strong, Nobel laureate Kailash Satyarthi has said.

The 2014 Nobel Peace Prize winner, who is in the UAE, said that the provisions for children's rehabilitation have become better in countries such as Brazil, Chile, Nigeria, and South Africa.

"Of course, corruption, apathy and delay are the issues we have to continue to address," Satyarthi told PTI Saturday.

"Now in India, we have very strong rehabilitation provisions for economic, social, psychological and educational rehabilitation of children freed from child labour or slavery," the 65-year-old child rights activist said.

Once children are freed, they are legally entitled for rehabilitation benefits, which should always be ensured, Satyarthi said.

"When I started working to ensure child rights, there were several NGOs working in this domain but there was hardly any organisation.

"In India and in many other countries, we have had to fight for freedom as well as rehabilitation of children," he said, adding that he realised that it was much more than just about poverty.

The screening of a documentary - The Price or Free - which is based on the work of his organisation the Children's Foundation, will be held in the UAE.

Satyarthi will also attend an event by the Indian Business Professional Council on 'Globalising Compassion for Children'.Bengaluru: The Bellary police have intensified their investigation into the vandalism at the UNESCO world heritage site in Hampi of Karnataka, an official said.

A carved stone pillar at Hampi was allegedly damaged by miscreants and the video of it has gone viral on social media.

The clip, which surfaced Saturday, purportedly showed three men pushing the artistically carved stone pillar to the ground, following which it breaks and the trio rejoice.

Other damaged pillars are also shown lying around, but it was not immediately clear whether the men in the video had damaged it.

A person from Betul in Madhya Pradesh shared the videos on Instagram under an identity 'DigitalAyush'. However, the account was deleted ever since the video went viral.

Arun Rangarajan, the SP of Bellary under which Hampi falls, said, "Three teams have been formed to nab the culprits. We have sufficient leads in this case and they will be arrested soon."

"They were tourists who did it just for excitement. There were no other motives," he said.

Karnataka Water Resources Minister D K Shivakumar had on Saturday said stringent action would be taken against those responsible.

Recently, Hampi, the erstwhile capital of the Vijayanagar empire, known for its rich architecture, was listed second on the New York Times list of 52 must-go sites in the world.RALEGAN SIDDHI: Anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare on Sunday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be held accountable by people of the country if anything were to happen to him

It is to be noted that Anna is on an indefinite hunger strike for the last four days demanding the setting up of a Lokpal at the Centre and Lokayuktas in states.

Talking to ANI, the 81-year-old Gandhian crusader said, "People will remember me as a person who tackled situations and not as somebody who added fuel to the fire. If something happened to me, people will hold Prime Minister responsible."

The social activist launched his indefinite hunger strike on January 30 under the banner of `Jan Andolan Satyagraha`at his village Ralegan-Siddhi, Maharashtra.

Stressing that Narendra Modi-led government "had failed" to set up the anti-corruption bodies, Anna said: "Through Lokpal, even the Prime Minister can be investigated if people will give any evidence against him... Similarly, in Lokayukta a Chief Minister and all ministers and MLAs under him can be investigated if somebody gives any evidence against them. That`s why they don`t want it."

Anna stressed that no party in the country wants Lokpal. It may be recalled that Lokpal Bill was passed in the Parliament in 2013, but the NDA government is yet to appoint a Lokpal.

(with agency inputs)ISLAMABAD/SRINAGAR: In yet another provocative act by Pakistan just a day ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi talked to hard-line Kashmiri separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani on Saturday.

ANI reported that Qureshi talked to Geelani on phone and during the telephonic conversation the two held discussions over the prevailing situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

It is to be noted that Qureshi had a telephonic conversation with Hurriyat chief Mirwaiz Umar Farooq few days ago. India had lodged strong protest against that act with the government summoning Pakistan`s High Commissioner in New Delhi Sohail Mahmood to express its displeasure.

Indian Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale had told the Pakistan diplomat that Islamabad should not provoke India by such actions, failing which they should be ready to face "implications".

The Ministry of External Affairs later said in a statement that the Pakistan High Commissioner was "cautioned" that persistence of such behaviour by Islamabad will have "implications".

Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to launch several developmental projects during the day-long visit to Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday.IndiGo has grounded an A320 neo aircraft at Lucknow due to problem in the Pratt & Whitney engine, according to a source. The aircraft has been grounded for maintenance since January 31.

P&W engine-powered A320 neos have been grappling with problems and aviation regulator DGCA has issued various directives to address these issues.

An IndiGo spokesperson Sunday said flight 6E-447 which was scheduled to operate on the Lucknow-Delhi route on January 31 was grounded as a precautionary measure.

A source said the flight was to be operated with an A320 neo plane.

"After taxi out the pilot noticed an error in the engine parameter. As a caution, he returned the aircraft to the bay," news agency PTI reported quoting a airline spokesperson.

The spokesperson said that after the inspection of the aircraft engine by the airline's technical team, the aircraft was grounded for further maintenance and engine would be changed.AHMEDABAD: In a big blow for the Congress in Gujarat ahead of the upcoming General Election, Congress MLA from Unjha in Mehsana district on Saturday resigned from the party.

PTI reported that Asha Patel decided to resign as MLA and also quit from primary membership of the Congress due to factionalism and divisive politics of the party.

Asha sent her resignation letter to party President Rahul Gandhi, saying: "On one hand Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given 10 per cent quota for Economically Weaker Section, while the Congress is trying to create a rift between different castes here."

The Congress MLA met Gujarat Assembly Speaker Rajendra Trivedi in Gandhinagar on Saturday and tendered her resignation, which was accepted by the Speaker.

Asha's resignation is of big political significance because Unjha is one of the seven Assembly segments within the Mahesana Lok Sabha constituency, currently held by the BJP. Of the seven Assembly segments, the BJP has won four, while the Congress holds three, including Unjha.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's hometown Vadnagar falls under the Unjha constituency. In 2017 Assembly elections, Asha Patel defeated Narayan Lalu Patel.

In her letter to the Congress president, Asha said she had resigned from the party "due to prevalent infighting and because the leadership has been ignoring me".

Commenting on Asha's decision, State Congress Chief Amit Chavda said it was likely that she has quit the party for "personal gains". "Till yesterday, she had not made any representation to the party," Chavda told PTI.

(with agency inputs)NEW DELHI: The Congress will on Monday hold a nationwide protest from 10 am in all the state headquarters to protest against Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha for using a pistol to shoot the effigy of Mahatma Gandhi on January 30. The ABHM had also garlanded the statue of Nathuram Godse on in Uttar Pradesh.

"In a shocking incident on 30 January, when the nation commemorated the 71st anniversary of Gandhi's assassination, the members of the Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha in Uttar Pradesh, used a pistol to shoot at an effigy of Gandhiji, distributed sweets and garlanded the statue of Nathuram Godse, Gandhiji's assassin who was a member of Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha. The group also burnt the effigy of Mahatma Gandhi and shouted pro-Godse slogans like "Mahatma Godse Zindabad" etc," the Congress said in a statement on Sunday.

INC COMMUNIQUE Press release on nationwide protest condemning the reprehensible actions of Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha in the BJP-ruled Uttar Pradesh. pic.twitter.com/TyLpd2vBZl  INC Sandesh (@INCSandesh) February 3, 2019

Holding the BJP responsible for such 'reprehensible' acts, the Congress said that such incidents show the deep hatred that the people of the Right wing have for Mahatma Gandhi. "These provocative and reprehensible actions, happening in the BJP ruled States take place with the candid and clandestine support given by the ruling party and the same reveals the deep hatred still carried by the right wing groups against the father of the Nation and his ideas of Secularism, Ahimsa and Brotherhood," the Congress said.

"To register our strong protest against this highly condemnable act, the Congress Party has decided to hold a nationwide protest on Monday, the 4th February from 10.00 am in all the State Headquarters. The protest should preferably be held with placards etc in the places associated with the life of Mahatma Gandhi or near statues of Mahatma with an aim to highlight his messages," the party said.

After the video of the event went viral, the Uttar Pradesh Police had registered cases against 13 persons, including a woman leader of Hindu Mahasabha, in Aligarh for firing at an effigy of Mahatma Gandhi with an air pistol.West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah accusing them of trying to organise 'coup' in West Bengal.

Accusing PM Modi behind the action, CM Banerjee started a 'dharna' against the 'move by the BJP'. "I am going to stage a dharna to save the federal structure. From today I'm going to sit near the Metro Channel. Tomorrow proceedings in state assembly will take place where I will hold a meeting. This dharna means satyagraha," said CM Mamata.

She further said that the CBI action against Kolkata Police chief is politically vindictive.

A team of CBI officers was stopped from entering the residence of Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar in Kolkata on Sunday when they had gone to question him in connection with chit fund scam cases. A virtual showdown ensued as Kolkata Police personnel forcefully took away some of the CBI officers to a nearby police station and detained them amid the commotion.

Throwing her weight behind the city police chief, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee rushed to the Loudon Street residence of Kumar in central Kolkata and held a meeting.

Addressing a press conference after the meeting, CM Banerjee accused the BJP of torturing West Bengal. She alleged the BJP of forcibly trying to destroy the state after she held the brigade rally. CM Banerjee further accused them of trying to wrest the state by strength of force.

"CBI action against Kolkata Police chief is politically vindictive. PM Modi, BJP chief Amit Shah trying to organise 'coup' in West Bengal as TMC organised opposition rally," said CM Banerjee.

She further accused NSA Ajit Doval of giving direction to CBI on instruction from PM Modi.

"Law and order is state subject, why should we give you (CBI) everything," asked CM Banerjee on sharing of documents on chit fund scam probe with agency.

She added, "I am proud to say that my responsibility is to give protection to the force. Without notice, you are coming to Kolkata Police Commissioner's house. We could have arrested CBI but we left. I will stand with my force. I respect them. I felt very sad today. This is the destruction of the federal structure."

Earlier in the day, CM Banerjee had said, "The highest levels of the BJP leadership are doing the worst kind of political vendetta. Not only are political parties their targets, they are misusing power to take control of the police and destroy all institutions. We condemn this. The Kolkata Police Commissioner is among the best in the world. His integrity, bravery and honesty are unquestioned. He is working 24x7, and was on leave for only one day recently. When you spread lies, the lies will always remain lies."

A day after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) claimed that Kumar had been "absconding" and "being looked for" in connection with Saradha and Rose Valley ponzi scam cases, a team of 40-odd agency officers arrived at his residence this evening, but they were stopped by sentries and officials.

Soon, a team of Kolkata Police officers rushed to the spot to speak to the CBI officials and tried to inquire whether they had required documents to question Kumar.

"We don't want to speak on this issue as of now. Let's see what happens. Please wait for sometime," a senior CBI official standing outside the Police commissioner's house told reporters.

Later on, a small team of CBI officials was taken to Shakespeare Sarani police station for further discussions.

Thereafter, more men arrived at the spot and a commotion ensued. The CBI officers were then forcefully taken to a police station.

On being informed about the development, Chief Minister Banerjee, who had earlier extended her support to Kumar and alleged that the BJP was "misusing power to take control of the police and all other institutions", reached the spot.

According to the CBI, the IPS officer, who led a Special Investigation Team of West Bengal Police probing the scams, needs to be questioned regarding missing documents and files but he has not responded to notices to appear before the agency.

Kumar, a 1989-batch IPS officer of West Bengal cadre, did not even attend a meeting with Election Commission officials who had gone to Kolkata to review election preparedness, sources said.A team of CBI officers was stopped from entering the residence of Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar in Kolkata on Sunday when they had gone to question him in connection with chit fund scam cases, news agency PTI reported quoting officials.

A virtual showdown ensued as Kolkata Police personnel forcefully took away five of the CBI officers to a nearby police station and detained them amid the commotion, they said. However, they were released later.

Throwing her weight behind the city police chief, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee rushed to the Loudon Street residence of Kumar in central Kolkata and held a meeting. West Bengal Director General of Police (DGP) and Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim were also present at the residence of the police chief.

READ: Kolkata police detain 5 CBI officials who were forcefully taken from outside police chief's residence

A day after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) claimed that Kumar had been "absconding" and "being looked for" in connection with Saradha and Rose Valley ponzi scam cases, a team of 40-odd agency officers arrived at his residence this evening, but they were stopped by sentries and officials.

Soon, a team of Kolkata Police officers rushed to the spot to speak to the CBI officials and tried to inquire whether they had required documents to question Kumar.

"We don't want to speak on this issue as of now. Let's see what happens. Please wait for sometime," a senior CBI official standing outside the Police commissioner's house told reporters.

Later on, a small team of CBI officials was taken to Shakespeare Sarani police station for further discussions.

Thereafter, more men arrived at the spot and a commotion ensued. The CBI officers were then forcefully taken to a police station.

On being informed about the development, Chief Minister Banerjee, who had earlier extended her support to Kumar and alleged that the BJP was "misusing power to take control of the police and all other institutions", reached the spot.

According to the CBI, the IPS officer, who led a Special Investigation Team of West Bengal Police probing the scams, needs to be questioned regarding missing documents and files but he has not responded to notices to appear before the agency.

Kumar, a 1989-batch IPS officer of West Bengal cadre, did not even attend a meeting with Election Commission officials who had gone to Kolkata to review election preparedness, sources said.

Reacting to the face-off, BJP national general secretary Kailash Vijayvergiya said the CBI is a noted organisation and any efforts to stop its activity should be condemned.

A statement was issued Sunday from Kolkata Police, dismissing reports of him being missing from work.

"Please take note that not only is the CP Kolkata available in the city but has also been attending office on a regular basis, with the exception of January 31, 2019, when he was on leave for a day. All concerned may please take note that if any news is spread without proper verification, Kolkata Police will initiate strict legal action against defamation of both the CP Kolkata and Kolkata Police," the police said.BENGALURU: Karnataka BJP on Saturday slammed Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy for taking credict for the arrest of fugitive gangster Ravi Pujari from Senegal, asking Kumaraswamy to take steps in order to curb down crimes in the state.

The BJP also demanded that the chief minister must show courage by arresting Congress MLA J N Ganesh, who is absconding for over a week after being booked on an attempt-to-murder charge after he allegedly assaulted Congress MLA Anand Singh.

Kumaraswamy, however, hit back at the BJP asking why the party failed to get Pujari arrested when it was in power. Referring to Ganesh's issue, the Karnataka Chief Minister stressed that action against the Congress lawmaker will be taken in accordance with law, PTI reported.

Pujari, who is named as an accused in over 30 cases, including a 2009 murder case, was arrested in Senegal on January 19.

"CM @hd_kumaraswamy claiming credit for arrest of criminal Ravi Poojari by West African police is like @H_D_Devegowda claiming credits for killing of Bin Laden by US. Wake up & first show some guts to stop the crime in Karnataka. Governing a state isnt like producing movies (sic)," Karnataka BJP said in a tweet.

"Anna (Big brother) Kumaranna, before giving kudos to your self by claiming that Ravi Pujari was arrested by the coalition government, show your virility by arresting Kampli MLA Ganesh," it said in another tweet.

Kumaraswamy had claimed on Friday that an important role was played by the Congress-JD(S) government in Karnataka to get Pujari narrested.

"Ravi Pujari's illegal activities had started in 2001; BJP also ruled the state for five years. BJP has tweeted with respect- calling me Anna- I want to ask that brother (BJP) what did you do for five years when you were in power," he was quoted as saying by PTI.

Kumaraswamy told reporters that several efforts were made by his government in the last six months to bring Pujari to justice.

(with agency inputs)New York: Union Minister Arun Jaitley on Sunday said his medical treatment at a US hospital is all over but hinted that he may not return to India in time to reply to the debate on Interim Budget in Parliament.

Jaitley, 66, had missed presenting the sixth and final budget of the Narendra Modi government's present term as he had to fly to the US due to ill health.

In his absence, the charge of the finance ministry was given to Railway Minister Piyush Goyal, who on February 1 presented the Interim Budget for 2019-20 financial year.

Jaitley had on the Budget day stated that he would be back in India soon.

In an interview to PTI, he said he was on recovery course and his return to India in time to reply to the Budget debate in Parliament will depend on when his doctors allow him to leave.

"It depends on after my treatment here, which is all over. I am on the recovery course. It's when my doctors allow me to go back. As of present, as I understand, Piyush Goyal will be replying (to the Budget debate in Parliament)," he said.

Jaitley had last month flown here for treatment of an unstated illness. Neither he nor the government has commented on the nature of his illness but reports suggest he was suffering from soft tissue cancer and had to be operated upon.

This is his first overseas visit after he underwent a renal transplant surgery on May 14, 2018, at AIIMS. That time too, Goyal was given the additional charge of the finance ministry.

Jaitley, who had stopped attending office at the beginning of April, was back in North Block -- the seat of the finance ministry -- on August 23.

He had in September 2014 undergone a bariatric surgery to treat weight gain that he suffered because of a long-standing diabetic condition.Agartala: Security forces on Sunday detained seven children of Rohingya Muslims at a railway station in northern Tripura adjoining Assam, a Railway Protection Force (RPF) official said in Agartala.

With this, 68 Rohingya Muslims, mostly children, have been apprehended in Tripura and the Assam-Tripura border in two weeks.

"Six girls and a boy belonging to Rohingya Muslims were detained at the Dharmanagar Railway Station (in northern Tripura). The children, all under 18, would be handed over to Tripura Police today (Sunday) for further legal formalities," an official of the RPF of the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) said.

He said that these children accompanied by touts reached Dharmanagar from Agartala by bus and intended to go to Badarpur in southern Assam by train.

"Sensing the presence of RPF troopers, the touts, who were accompanying the children, escaped from the spot (190 km from Agartala). We are also unable to understand the language the children speak.

"Railway tickets up to Badarpur railway station were found on them. They might have been trafficked by middlemen," the RPF official said.

A police official said the teenagers would be lodged in a juvenile home run by the Tripura government.

North Tripura Superintendent of Police Bhanupada Chakraborty said that the police would investigate the matter to ascertain how these children came to Tripura.

On January 22, the Border Security Force (BSF) had handed over 31 Rohingya Muslims, including nine women and 16 children, who were stranded along the India-Bangladesh border since January 18, to the Tripura Police.

They are now in judicial custody.

On January 21, another 30 Rohingyas were caught along the Tripura-Assam border by the Assam Police. They are also in judicial custody in southern Assam.

According to the BSF, 62 Rohingya Muslims were arrested last year after they entered India (Tripura) illegally.

Tripura has a 856 km-long international border with Bangladesh, most of which is fenced except a stretch of nearly 20 km.Mumbai: A sessions court here has issued non-bailable warrants against two Pakistan Army officials - Major Abdul Rehman Pasha and Major Iqbal - in connection with the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks case.

While Major Pasha has retired, the prosecution believes Major Iqbal is still serving as an ISI official in Pakistan, as disclosed by US born Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist David Coleman Headley, an approver in the case here.

Both Major Iqbal and Major Pasha are shown as wanted accused in the charge sheet filed by the city police's crime branch in the case.

Additional Sessions Judge S V Yarlagadda on January 21 allowed an application filed by special public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam.

The application was filed before the court which is presently conducting trial against alleged LeT operative Sayyed Zabiuddin Ansari alias Abu Jundal in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks case.

Nikam said in the application that the role of the two Pakistani Army officials was revealed further during the testimony of Headley on the conspiracy hatched in the case. Headley, who is presently lodged in a US jail, turned approver in the case and his testimony was recorded via video conference in 2016.

"David Headley's testimony has vindicated the stand of India that the terror attacks of November 26, 2008 were not only sponsored by militant groups of Pakistan but were, in fact, actively supported by Pakistan Army officials," Nikam said.

Judge Yarlagadda, after perusing the application, supplementary charge sheet filed by the crime branch and hearing brief arguments from Nikam, said he was allowing the application.

"The application filed by the prosecution for issuance of non-bailable warrant against the two persons (Pasha and Iqbal) is allowed. These two persons are shown as wanted suspects. The approver, David Headley, has named them in his evidence," the court said.

"Hence, issue non-bailable warrants against both the accused persons," the court ordered and posted the matter for further hearing on February 6.

Headley in his testimony before the court here had claimed that during the conspiracy to commit the terror attacks in Mumbai, Major Iqbal and Major Pasha were present in the meetings during which targets were selected.

LeT operatives Sajeed Mir, Abu Kaahfa and Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi were also present in the meetings, Headley had said.

Nikam said Headley's oral testimony is not the only evidence against these two persons (Pasha and Iqbal) and that the prosecution also has in its possession corroborative documentary evidence.

Headley had visited Mumbai in September 2006 and informed Major Iqbal about his surveillance of Hotel Taj in south Mumbai and on his return to Pakistan, he had handed over photographs and videos of the same.

He also said that Major Iqbal gave him USD 25,000 to do intelligence work in India.

Headley further claimed that Major Iqbal had asked him to also get classified information about Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) here and of political party Shiv Sena's office, 'Sena Bhawan', located in central Mumbai.

He said he had also received Rs 80,000 from Major Pasha for carrying out surveillance work in India.

According to Nikam, Headley had been in regular contact with Major Pasha during the course of the conspiracy, planning and execution of the attack.

"It is pertinent to note that Headley in his testimony had said Pasha wanted the National Defence College in New Delhi also to be included in the target list and had, in fact, told Headley that if the attack on the army college was successful then they would be able to kill more brigadiers and generals than they have in the past," Nikam said.

On November 26, 2008, 10 Pakistani terrorists arrived by sea route and opened fire indiscriminately, killing 166 people, including 18 security personnel, and injuring several others, besides damaging property worth crores.

The attacks lasted three days. The places that were attacked included south Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus railway station, the Taj Hotel, the Trident Hotel, Cafe Leopold and Chabad House.

While nine of the terrorists were killed during the siege, Ajmal Kasab was caught alive by Mumbai Police and later awarded death sentence.Our directory features more than 18 million business listings from across the entire US. However, if we're missing your business, add your business by clicking on Add Your Business.Venice, FL (34285)

Today

Scattered thunderstorms early, then cloudy skies after midnight. Low 77F. Winds SE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms early, then cloudy skies after midnight. Low 77F. Winds SE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%.The Property Council of Australia, in time for the release of the banking royal commissions final report today, has cautioned about breaking the property industry and the economy in the process of fixing the banks.

In fixing the issues highlighted by the Royal Commission, we must avoid creating new problems in other leading areas of the economy, especially around the efficient and responsible provision of credit for qualified borrowers, said Ken Morrison, chief executive of the Property Council.

The way the government, regulators, and financial institutions respond to the royal commissions recommendations will have direct consequences on first-home buyers, up-sizers and down-sizers, property investors and the 1.4 million Australians who work in the property industry, according to the Property Council.

The residential property market is worth nearly $7 trillion3.5 times the size of the Australian stock market, and it is long-established that buyer demand and property values are being affected by the tightening of credit.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison had a similar concern, noting that the economy can face serious consequences if the inquiry into misconduct in Australias financial industry causes a credit freeze.

I will be very mindful that I want to see the oil that lubricates our financial system, which is access to credit, continues to flow, otherwise the consequences would be quite significant, he told The Sydney Morning Herald.

The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics data on housing finance revealed a 2.5% decline in the value of dwelling commitments in the year to November, including a 4.5% drop in the value of commitments for investment property.

In addition, the recent ANZ/Property Council industry confidence survey found that expectations around the availability of debt finance over the next 12 months have declined to their lowest level since 2011.

The Property Council stated that, at this stage of the property cycle, Australians will be searching for policy responses that deliver certainty and push confidence for buying and investing in property.

Access to credit, for instance, matters for people looking to buy new or established properties.

The property industry also underpins state and territory government budgets, accounting for more than half of their total revenues. A strong property industry delivers great places for Australians to live and work, provides jobs and drives economic growth, and helps Australians save for their future, Ken Morrison said.

The Banking Royal Commission was introduced by the government in December 2017 to investigate and report on misconduct in the banking, superannuation and financial services industry across the country.The Perth rental market recorded improvements in median unit rent price and leasing activity in January, according to the Real Estate Institute of Western Australia.

Its pleasing to see more confirmation of a recovery in the January findings. Leasing volumes recorded the most notable improvement, enjoying a welcome rebound in tenant activity during the month - a trend we commonly observe this time of year, REIWA Deputy President Lisa Joyce said.

Data from REIWA showed that a total of 5,197 rental properties were leased in the city during the period, marking an increase of 46% compared to December.

Out of the 119 suburbs that posted an increase in leasing activity, Claremont, Mosman Park, East Fremantle, Westminster and Nedlands were named the biggest improvers.

Suburbs such as Mount Lawley, Ballajura, Forrestfield, Joondana and Yanchep also reported positive results.

Perths overall median rent remained at $350 per week in January, while the unit rent increased $5 to $330 per week during the month and is up $10 per week compared to the same time last year.

The median house rent was unchanged at $360 per week. Year-over-year, it rose $10 per week.

Despite Perths steady median rent, 58 suburbs recorded lifts. These include Bullsbrook, Bull Creek, Attadale, Applecross and Greenfields, which were also the top performers in the category.

The increase in leasing activity resulted in reduced listings for rent. Stock levels slid 2% month over month to 6,732 by the end of January. Listings were down by 27% year over year.

With fewer listings and increased activity levels, competition amongst Perth tenants is rapidly increasing. If the rental market continues on its current upward trajectory, median rents should start to rise in the coming months, which will help entice investors back to the market, Joyce said.

REIWA also found that Perths median house price declined 1% to $505,000 in January. House sales increased 6.4% to 1,374 during the month, while listings for sale dropped 3.2%.

Perth remains very favourable for buyers and investors; however, I would advise those who are thinking about purchasing their first home, trading up or investing, to act soon and take advantage of current conditions before the market starts to recover and prices inevitably rise, Joyce said.Dozens of United Nations ambassadors toured a site near Metula where the IDF discovered a Hezbollah terror tunnel during Operation Northern Shield. Engineering troops gave the diplomats a tour of the tunnel using a robotic camera.

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The tour was organized by Israeli Ambassador to the UN Danny Dannon. The diplomats met with President Reuven Rivlin and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the morning before flying, with seven helicopters, from Jerusalem to the north of the country. During their meeting, Netanyahu stressed the Iranian chokehold on Lebanon via Hezbollah.

"Iran has many branches, one of them is Hezbollah, which has now joined the Lebanese government. This is a misleading description  Hezbollah actually controls the Lebanese government and this means that Iran controls the Lebanese government," Netanyahu said. "It is important to convey this powerful message  just as we prevented the terror tunnels from reaching Israel, we will thwart any aggression from Lebanon, Syria or Iran itself ... We are committed to preventing this aggression and thus we are protecting not only Israel but also our neighbors and the peace of the entire world."

UN ambassadors view tunnels (Photo: Avihu Shapiro)

Danny Dannon and diplomats (Photo: Avihu Shapiro)

"The ambassadors hear a lot about our border with Lebanon and Hezbollah, but when you come here and see the tunnel, you cannot argue with the facts. The Iranian money reaches our border and threatens the citizens of Israel ... We say clearly that Hezbollah has established its own state in south Lebanon, a state that advances terror operations against Israel. On the day we move to defend ourselves and the UN will want to condemn us, the ambassadors standing here will understand the reality," Dannon said.

Netanyahu (Photo: GPO)

The Panamanian Ambassador Meliton Arrocha Ruiz said that he came to see firsthand the hostile activities against Israel. We will pass on what we saw and convey how Israel is thriving, open and democratic and that we all certainly share similar rule of law values, he said.

Diplomats meeting President Rivlin (Photo :GPO)

South Sudan Ambassador Akuei Bona Malwal noted the importance of coming to see the facts on the ground: For those of us who work in NY and hear all sorts of things, the best way is to come and see and feel exactly what is happening. We came to Israel to see the challenges and how they are being handled.

The ambassador also pointed out the absurdity of the tunnels being dug under the nose of UN peacekeepers.Some 20 Ethiopian Israelis held a protest Sunday evening outside the Bat Yam police station over the killing of Yehuda Biadga last month. Biadga was shot by police while he was holding a knife.Palestinian terror organizations, such as Hamas and the PFLP (Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine), have infiltrated civil society organizations in recent years in order to advance the boycott of Israel as part of the overall strategy of its struggle against Israel, according to a new report.

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According to the report, titled Terrorists in Suits, by the Ministry for Strategic Affairs, headed by Gilad Erdan, a recent study examined 13 international BDS (boycott, divestment and sanctions movement) organizations and found 30 terror activists, past and current, twenty of whom were in prison and some of them murderers and senior terrorists with senior positions in the BDS organizations.





Minister Gilad Erdan (Photo: Ministry Strategic Affairs)

The report, conducted by the research division of the ministry, was released in several languages and will be sent to world leaders and global financial players in order to better combat the BDS organizations.

The report states that Israeli courts have labeled some of the activists as posing significant danger to the public. It further noted that terror organizations view BDS as an additional tactic to be used for the destruction of Israel and that the civil organizations serve as an incubator for their activities.

The report points to a web of global interconnections between BDS and terror organizations. More than 100 connections were identified including joint campaigns, manpower and financial assistance.

BDS web

The report found that convicted terrorists, who maintain their organizational, financial and operative connections with terror groups, serve in senior positions in BDS organizations while trying to keep a low profile by, among other methods, using titles such as journalist, author, dancer, etc.

The Palestinian BDS National Committee (BNC) views itself as leading the global BDS campaign. Its cultural and academic arms aggressively advance cultural boycotts and often resort to violence and intimidation against cultural entities that maintain ties with Israel, according to the report.

The BNC includes nationalist and Islamic members including members of Hamas and the PFLP. Recently, following information conveyed by the ministry, the crowdfunding site DonorBox blocked the BNC from using its platform to collect donations.

As an example: the Palestinian human rights organization al-Haq is headed by convicted PFLP terrorist Shawan Jabarin. The report states that Jabarin travels Europe gaining legitimacy from western governments and raises large amounts of money for BDS operations against Israel while being lauded as a human rights advocate.

The report also points to Leila Khaled, the female PFLP terrorist who took part in the hijacking of a TWA airliner in 1969 and was also involved in a 1970 attempt to hijack an El Al plane. Khaled promotes and raises money for BDS while still active in illegal terror organizations.

Leila Khaled

The report describes a meeting between Khaled and another PFLP terrorist Mustafa Awad at the EU Parliament. They were there advocating for the release of terrorists from Israeli prisons under the auspices of a human rights organization. Awad was sentenced to one year in prison last July for membership in a terror organization including contacts with Hezbollah.

The BDS organizations listed in the report receive millions of Euros in funding from European countries and philanthropic foundations. They also receive access to banking and financial services.

In light of the release of the report, Minister Erdan said: The terrorist and boycott organizations are united in their goal of destroying Israel and see de-legitimization and boycotts against Israel as a complementary means to the armed struggle. I expect that following the exposure of the ties between the boycott organizations and the terrorist organizations, the European Union and the sponsoring countries will reconsider their steps regarding the legitimacy and funding they grant BDS organizations."MOSCOW - Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet the leaders of Turkey and Iran in the Russian Black Sea resort town Sochi on Feb. 14, RIA news agency reported on Sunday, citing the Kremlin.

It gave no further details but Putin said last month he would convene such a gathering to discuss the situation in Syria, where Russia and Turkey have been trying to create a de-escalation zone.

The three countries say they want a political settlement to end the Syrian conflict. But while Russia and Iran back Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Turkey - along with its NATO allies including the United States - wants him to step down.An Israeli official says Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will attend an international summit on the Middle East next week in Poland.

The U.S. and Poland are sponsoring the Feb. 13-14 conference, which they say is aimed at promoting peace and security in the region.

The Israeli official who confirmed Netanyahu's participation on Sunday spoke on condition of anonymity because a formal announcement has not been made.

Netanyahu is an outspoken critic of Iran, which was not invited to the conference. Iran has called the gathering an anti-Iran "circus."

Russia has also said it will not attend. The event has also received a lukewarm response from the European Union, whose foreign policy chief, Federica Mogherini, is also skipping the event.

A final list of participants has not been announced.The security establishment is expressing concern after the military wing of Hamas made a decision to alter its financial strategy and use the virtual cryptocurrency Bitcoin.

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Ever since its founding, Hamas has played a cat and mouse game with Israeli intelligence agencies in an effort to conceal the complex channels that fund its operations, using various banks and currency exchangers. Israel has often succeeded in uncovering and cutting off many of those channels, especially as the technology it uses has become more advanced.

Bitcoin for terror

Hamas is essentially adopting a strategy long used by Hezbollah and ISIS to fund their terror activities through channels that are virtually untraceable. Iran also uses cryptocurrencies for projects it wishes to keep under the radar.

Hamas poster explaining cryptocurrency benefits

Bitcoin transactions have no identifying mark that can reveal who the money is coming from or going to. Each transaction creates a new address so that each user can potentially have thousands of addresses in their virtual wallet making Bitcoin attractive for terror organizations like Hamas, which has a military budget of about a quarter billion dollars annually.

Since releasing the statement, Hamas has engaged in a public information campaign to explain the benefits of virtual currency, primarily the anonymity factor.

Palestinian sources maintain that the campaign demonstrates the financial troubles of the terrorist organizations military wing but the main factor seems to be that Hamas has upped its game with regards to blurring the fingerprints of the financial channels that fund its military operations including weapons smuggling, rocket manufacturing, tunnel digging, training commando squads and improving its intelligence capabilities in Gaza.WASHINGTON/CARACAS - U.S. President Donald Trump said that sending the military to Venezuela was "an option" as Western nations boost pressure on socialist leader Nicolas Maduro to hand over power to opposition leader and self-proclaimed President Juan Guaido.

The United States, Canada and several Latin American countries have disavowed Maduro over his disputed re-election last year and recognize Guaido as the rightful leader of the economically troubled OPEC nation.

Maduro however still maintains the powerful backing of Russia, China and Turkey, whose foreign minister said on Sunday that Western meddling was fueling Venezuela's troubles and punishing millions of its people.

In an interview with CBS on Sunday, Trump reiterated that military intervention was a possibility.

"Certainly, it's something that's on the - it's an option," Trump said, adding that Maduro requested a meeting months ago.

"I've turned it down because we're very far along in the process," he said on a CBS "Face the Nation" interview. "So, I think the process is playing out - very, very big tremendous protests."Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced the launch of a new weekly webcast to "get rid of the fake from the news" ahead of national elections in April.

In a video shared on social media Saturday, Netanyahu told a host that the webcast will "only cover the reality, and I will continue to ensure that it will be positive." It's set to launch Sunday on Netanyahu's Likud party Facebook page.

The prime minister appears to be modeling the idea off President Donald Trump's "Real News Update," a weekly webcast on Facebook hosted by the president's daughter-in-law to counterbalance what the administration deems an oppositional media.

The tongue-in-cheek clip makes dismissive references to the police investigations into alleged corruption by the prime minister. Netanyahu says the media is against him.WASHINGTON - U.S. President Donald Trump said it was important to keep a U.S. military presence in Iraq so that Washington can keep a close eye on Iran, according to a CBS interview to be broadcast on Sunday.

Trump said the United States spent a fortune on a base in Iraq. "We might as well keep it. One of the reasons I want to keep it is because I want to be looking a little bit at Iran because Iran is a real problem," he said in excerpts from a CBS "Face the Nation" interview.

Asked if that meant he wanted to be able to strike Iran, Trump said, "No, because I want to be able to watch Iran."

"All I want to do is be able to watch. We have an unbelievable and expensive military base built in Iraq. It's perfectly situated for looking at all over different parts of the troubled Middle East rather than pulling up."Egypt will hold talks with leaders of two major Palestinian factions to try to salvage faltering unity efforts and to restore calm with Israel, officials said on Sunday.

The head of the Islamist militant group Hamas, which runs the Gaza Strip, led a delegation to meet with Egyptian security officials in Cairo. The leader of a smaller Gaza-based faction, Islamic Jihad, also headed to Cairo, Palestinian officials said.

Hamas has been in a bitter rivalry with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who is based in the occupied West Bank, for more than a decade. Numerous reconciliation efforts have failed.

Egypt is also trying to prevent an escalation in violence between Hamas and Israel, after months of tension along the Israel-Gaza border. Cairo sent officials to Gaza in recent weeks to keep an eye on the situation.Opinion

Why Republicans are reluctant to condemn political violence

The Republican Party has a problem with political violence: Its not sure whether its for it or against it. In the first days after a mob loyal to former President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6 to try to block Congress from certifyingAbout a month ago, Tzipi Livni, than still a partner in the Zionist Union, announced that her camp is striding down a path that will lead to the establishment of a Palestinian state.

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"We seek for Israel to be a safe country for its citizens and one that abides by the Declaration of Independence, and currently this ideal is threatened," Livni said.

"We need a Jewish majority to preserve a Jewish and democratic state. We must also separate from the one million Palestinians living between the Mediterranean sea and the Jordan River who aspire to establish their own state, in order to achieve peace," she said.

Tzipi Livni (Photo: Yair Sagi)

The day after Livni made these remarks, Labor Party Chairman Avi Gabbay issued his shock announcement that he is dissolving his partnership with Livni and splitting from her Hatnuah Party, in what became one of the most tumultuous breakups in Israeli politics in recent time.

Gabbay dropped the political bombshell with Livni sitting beside him at a Zionist Union faction meeting.

Many reasons led to this divorce, covering a broad spectrum of political as well as personal issues between Gabbay and Livni, however, the latter's decision to place an emphasis on Israel's need for a political solution was without a doubt one of the main reasons for the split.

Why is this interesting? Because it reveals a profound process that Israeli politics is undergoing, the key being the fact the Right has triumphed even before Israelis cast their ballot.

Gabbay dismantled the Zionist Union because he preferred to promote a social agenda versus one focused on the conflict.

Avi Gabbay and Tzipi Livni (Photo: Amit Shabi)

"People want change, they want someone to take care of them, and that's why I'm here," Gabbay said.

The polls are far from flattering for Gabbay, however, the Labor party will definitely pass the electoral threshold, which cannot be said about Livni's Hatnua Party, whose agenda of reaching a peace agreement trails far behind the bar that would enable her to return to the Knesset. This must be the price for being the last party leader who still waves the banner of the leftist diplomatic worldview.

Another example for this is Israel Resilience Party leader Benny Gantz's debut speech in which he chose to stress that the times of division between the Right and the Left have ended. In addition, the former IDF chief joined forces with Moshe "Boggi" Ya'alon's Telem Party, former cabinet secretary Zvi Hauser, and journalist Yoaz Hendel.

Benny Gantz (Photo: EPA)

Gantz's objective was clear: to make it as difficult as possible for anyone who triesand Likud members are definitely tryingto label him a leftist. To achieve his goal, Gantz teamed up with Ya'alon, who cannot be mistaken for someone who would promote the two-state solution.

Furthermore, back in 2015, Yair Lapid declared his Yesh Atid party as centrist, leaning somewhat to the Right. In the speech he delivered at the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) four months ago, he spoke against the right of return for Palestinian refugees who fled their homes during the 1948 War of Independence, against the division of Jerusalem and for differentiating between a solution for the West Bank versus one for Gaza. These statements, aimed at the Israeli mainstream, may not distinctively represent the Right, but they certainly do not represent the Left.

Yair Lapid

And so Gantz and Lapid are aiming to gain the right-wing votes. Gabbay is trailing behind with his social agenda and Livni is disintegrating. What remains of the Left? A little bit of Meretz and the Joint List, which hardly constitute a threat to the current government.

It seems that even if the elections are still many weeks away, the Israeli public has already accepted the fact that the Right has won, and that at the very least, it is no longer possible to continue arguing over the failure of the disengagement from Gaza in 2005.

Miri Shalem is the CEO of the Institute for Zionist StrategiesPrime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met Sunday with a group of ambassadors to the UN who are visiting Israel, and said Hezbolllah and Iran took charge of the Lebanese government. Netanyahu was referring to the recent increase in the number of ministries affiliated with the powerful Shiite Hezbollah group in the Lebanese government.

The group met with the prime minister prior to their journey to Israel's northern border, where they are expected to visit one of Hezbollah's tunnels uncovered by the IDF during operation Northern Shield.A giant billboard of a smiling US President Donald Trump shaking hands with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu loomed over a main entrance to Tel Aviv on Sunday, part of the leader's re-election campaign.

"Netanyahu. In another league," read the Hebrew-language billboard, in a swipe at the caliber of the veteran prime minister's opponents in the April 9 national election.The Iranian-backed Palestinian Islamic Jihad released footage Sunday showing an Israeli officer being shot in the head by a Palestinian sniper during violent clashes on the Gaza border two weeks ago.

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The officer, a company commander in the Paratroopers Brigade, was only lightly wounded, with his life being saved by his helmet, which stopped the bullet.

By releasing the video, the terror group has effectively accepted responsibility for the incident, which the IDF has already blamed on Islamic Jihad. The IDF Spokespersons Unit declined to comment on the video.

Footage of IDF officer getting shot by militants

X

Islamic Jihad spokesman Daud Shehab said the release of the video is meant "to expose some of the daily Israeli violations of the most basic human rights." He was referring to the fact that before he was shot, the IDF officer is seeing firing at Palestinian protesters, whose role was to create a diversion by hurling stones and trying to breach the security fence.

In response to the shooting of the officer, an IDF tank shelled a Hamas military position near the security fence along the Gaza frontier, killing at least one person and wounding two others. Hamas later confirmed the three Palestinian casualties as its members.

The IDF officer being shot

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that if the situation along the southern border continues to be volatile, the government will respond with force even during the elections period.

"Over the weekend, we began building the above-ground barrier along the Gaza border. The barrier will prevent terrorists from Gaza from infiltrating our territory on the ground, said the prime minister.

Prime Minister Netanyahu at weekly cabinet meeting (Photo: Reuters)

Netanyahu also delivered a public warning to Iran, which on Saturday displayed a new cruise missile with a range of 1,300 km (800 miles) during celebrations marking the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

"Iran openly declares its intention to destroy the State of Israel. I have a clear message to the tyrants of Tehran: We know what you are doing and where you are doing it. We will continue to take action against Iran with all the tools at our disposal in order to ensure the security and future of Israel," Netanyahu said.Border Police officers on Sunday arrested a Palestinian in his 20s carrying a knife near Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron.

The officers said they spotted the Palestinian in a crowd of tourists due to his suspicious behavior. After extracting him from the crowd at gun point, he pulled out his knife and tossed it on the floor.

According to an initial investigation, the Palestinian intended to carry out a terror attack. No one was wounded in the incident.As Israel's political parties approach the deadline for submitting their Knesset lists, talks continue behind the scenes in an effort to join forces before the April 9 elections.

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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asked on Saturday evening to secure the 28th and 36th spots on the Likud's Knesset list for candidates of his choosing, in addition to the 21st spot he had already secured.

Netanyahu's request, which will be brought before the Likud's Central Committee for approval on Tuesday when the ruling party holds its primary elections, has sparked a wave of speculations about a possible team-up in the right-wing camp.

Left to right: Lapid, Gantz and Netanyahu

Some political commentators say that Netanyahu is trying to dilute an existing right-wing party, such as Jewish Home, which suffered a blow when ministers Naftali Bennett and Ayelet Shaked left to start their New Right Party. Another possibility is that the prime minister is preparing the ground to ask for higher spots on the list at a later date, possibly to bring in "star power" like Bennett and Shaked.

Either way, Likud officials say Netanyahu is waiting to see whether there are any further team ups in the center-left bloc, as well as what the last polls before the deadline say, before deciding which spots to secure on the Likud's Knesset list and whether to present additional names for the approval of the Likud Central Committee.

According to recent internal polling done by the Likud Party, joining forces with Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon's Kulanu Party is not electorally worthwhile, while teaming up with Avigdor Lieberman's Yisrael Beytenu Party might actually cause the Likud to lose a Knesset seat to Yair Lapid or Benny Gantz, and so both of these options are unlikely.

At the moment, Netanyahu is focusing on examining Israel Resilience Party leader Benny Gantz's moves and formulating an appropriate response.

Meanwhile, Gantz is holding behind-the-scenes talks with Yesh Atid head Yair Lapid on possible cooperation between their two parties. The main obstacle they face is the question of who will lead the bloc should they join forces. Both Gantz and Lapid have already stated they have no intention of forgoing the leadership.

Yesh Atid faction chairman Ofer Shelah and Lapid

"Not a single staffer thinks Lapid should renounce the leadership after seven years of hard work and battles fought in the political system," a Yesh Atid official said.

Still, another source said, "Gantz and Lapid see a partnership as possible and there are ongoing talks between the two. They are expected to continue negotiating until the deadline on February 21."

Officials involved in the negotiations between Gantz and Lapid said the former IDF chief is keeping his talks with Lapid low key, since latest polls showed Gantz could go "head-to-head" against Netanyahu even without joining forces with Lapid.

Yesh Atid faction chairman Ofer Shelah confirmed Saturday that Gantz and Lapid are holding talks, saying that a final decision on whether to join forces will be made in the next two weeks.

"We know what we've been offering our electorate for four years. A team up (with Gantz) should be based on agreed guidelines," Shelah said.

Knesset member Orly Levy-Abekasis

"The most suitable alternative to replace the Likud Party is Yesh Atid headed by Yair Lapid, and (Yesh Atid) should be the one leading those who wish to bring about a change," he said.

According to political sources, Gantz's main dilemma is whether to join forces with Knesset member Orly Levy-Abekasis and her party Gesherand by doing so adding a female voice with a social agenda that his Israel Resilience Party lacksor with Lapid, with whom Gantz has yet to resolve several disagreements.

If he joins forces with Levy-Abekasis, Gantz won't be able to team up with Lapid. Levy-Abekasis, who left the Yisrael Beytenu Party in the midst of the Knesset's term, is barred by law from joining an existing party and can only join a new party.Syrian state media, citing a military source, said US-led jets attacked a Syrian army position near the battle front against the last Islamic State pocket east of the Euphrates late on Saturday, causing damage and injuries.

"US coalition aircraft launched an aggression this evening against one of the Syrian Arab army formations operating in the Albukamal area in the southeastern countryside of Deir al-Zor," state news agency SANA cited the source as saying early on Sunday.

The attack injured two soldiers and destroyed an artillery piece, the source added.Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas met Thursday with Breaking The Impasse, a group of leading Israeli businessmen, former IDF officers and academics promoting the two-state solution, but refused to meet with Rami Levy, the owner of the third largest Israeli retail supermarket chain, because he operates stores in West Bank settlements.

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The Breaking the Impasse forum was established to support the renewal of negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians in an attempt to a reach an a two-state solution for the conflict. Leading members of the organization include Israeli businessmen Gad Propper, Ami Ganiger and Shmuel Meitar, as well as former Jerusalem Foundation head Ruth Hashin, former Finance Ministry director-general Yarom Ariav, and many others.

Israeli executives during a meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in his Ramallah office

Ahead of the meeting, organizers provided Abbas's office with a list of participants, including Levy, but the Palestinians vetoed Levy's participation, saying he is a settler. The Breaking The Impasse delegation eventually decided to hold the meeting without Levy rather than cancel.

Levy has several branches of his supermarket in the West Bank, with some stores catering to both Jewish and Palestinian customers. The businessman is now promoting a first-of-its-kind Israeli-Palestinian mall in the Atarot Industrial Park near Jerusalem, which will serve both the Jewish and the Palestinian residents of East Jerusalem and the nearby villages.

Levy's vision of promoting co-existence in the disputed territories through economic initiatives clashes with the Palestinian Authority's policy of boycotting Israeli businesses in the West Bank and products originating in the settlements.Senior officers in the IDF's top brass have warned that the Ground Forces are not adequately ready for war, and that the General Staff's lack of confidence in the Ground Forces stands to perpetuate the situation, according to an official document obtained by Ynet.

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"The problem in the IDF's top command is in its mindset. It really doesn't count on the Ground Forces," Maj. Gen. Yair Golan is quoted in the document as saying. "The moment that happenseven if this is not said out loudeven the biggest financial investments in the Ground Forces won't help."

The document constitutes a supplementary report to the one submitted six months ago to the Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee by Maj. Gen. (res.) Yitzhak Brick, the outgoing IDF Ombudsman, who also warned the army was not combat ready.





Maj. Gen. Yair Golan (Photo: Yair Sagi)

The new report for the first time includes "in-house" warnings about the true capabilities of the IDF's infantry, armored and engineering brigades, as well as the top command's attitude toward these forces.

It was submitted a month ago to the heads of the defense establishment, including former IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Gadi Eisenkot and his deputy Maj. Gen. Eyal Zamir, Prime Minister and Defense Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. New IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Aviv Kochavi also received the report.

Maj. Gen. Golan, who is set to retire from the IDF in March, has served over the past decade as the deputy chief of staff, the GOC Northern Command and the GOC Home Front Command.

The classified remarks quoted in the report were made in closed discussions in September 2018, while Golan was vying for the IDF chief of staff's position. He made similar comments in other closed IDF and defense forums over the past two years.

Paratroopers' Brigade training exercise on Lebanon border (Photo: IDF Spokesmans unit)

Golan warned that the military high command's lack of confidence in the Ground Forces sends a message to the younger generation of commanders in the IDF that a good Air Force and a good Intelligence Directorate would be enough to win a war.

However, he said, "The Air Force, even with precision-guided munitions, does not have the ability to stop the missile fire. Only a ground maneuver can do that."

As an example, Golan, who served as the GOC Northern Command during Operation Protective Edge, said that in the 2014 war in Gaza, "the Air Force fired 1,200 precision-guided munitions (missiles and bombs) on empty targets, at the cost of hundreds of millions of shekels, and achieved no results. All of this was done to alleviate the frustration of being unable to end the war for 52 days."

"At the time, the Ground Forces had plans to go into Gaza (not in order to stay there), and the army trained to carry this out," Golan said. "But the top command's lack of confidence in the Ground Forces and the fear of suffering losses resulted in the fact there was no ground maneuver."

In a future war, Golan said, "Without a ground operation inside enemy territory to stop missile fire, the blow to the home front will be too hard to bear, and the public will be traumatized in a way that the Yom Kippur War would look like a 'walk in the park' in comparison."

Maj. Gen. Yair Golan, left, with former defense minister Moshe Ya'alon and former IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Gadi Eisenkot (Photo: Ariel Hermoni)

The IDF hasn't conducted a proper ground maneuver in enemy territory since Operation Cast Led in early 2009. During the 2012 Operation Pillar of Defense, Israel's military and political leadership settled for aerial strikes, leaving thousands of infantry and armored troops on the Gaza borderwithout sending them in. Some two years later, in Operation Protective Edge, the ground operation was limited to the border area with the focus being on one sole task: neutralizing Hamas's offensive tunnels.

"Even after the 2006 Second Lebanon War and Protective Edge, there were no military inquiries and no lessons were learned and the message from the top command has increasingly become that the military is the Air Force," Golan said.

"This is a disastrous mindset. It has grave ramifications to the younger generation of commanders, whose determination is dissolving. The standard in the Ground Forces has been reduced to the lowest standard there is. There is no aspiration for excellence. There's no discipline and no demand of commitment. Each officer works as he understands," Golan said.

"Commanders don't need to explain anything about their low performance, because no one set the lowest standard. We're losing the ability to fix things, because the younger generation doesn't know what a high standard is," he said, warning that this "causes irreversible damage to the commanders' trust in themselves, their own capabilities, and their ability to win."

Maj. Gen. Yair Golan being briefed by officers in the field (Photo: IDF Spokesman's Unit)

The context and timing of Golan's comments make his warnings all the more dire. In the year that preceded Operation Protective Edge, the Ground Forces' training was reduced considerably to NIS 4.8 billion due to budgetary battles with the Finance Ministry, which also affected other branches of the IDF. Since then, the IDF's multi-annual Gideon plan has almost doubled the Ground Forces' budget to NIS 7.2 billion in an effort to rehabilitate the army. The Ground Forces also received additional funding as a result of its merger with the Technological and Logistics Directorate.

Nevertheless, Golan's warnings, which came four months ago, indicate the situation in the Ground Forces is still grave.

Thinking how not to use the Ground Forces

Maj. Gen. Golan was not the only senior IDF officer to question the Ground Forces' readiness for war. Another IDF major general, who still serves in a senior role in the General Staff, was also quoted in the document.

In December 2017, the second senior official said in a closed discussion that "the Ground Forces are in a very bad shape. The commander of the Ground Forces is not functioning. There is no authority or responsibility. There are grave issues in the Ground Forces' combat readiness."

Ground Forces training exercise (Photo: IDF Spokesman's Unit)

The major general is likely referring to an internal disagreement in the IDF concerning the training and operation of the Ground Forces. At present, the GOC Army Headquarters is entrusted with training the Ground Forces, while the army's different commands are responsible of leading the different divisions in war.

"There is no head for the Ground Forces," the major general said. "There's no general outlook and the army is undisciplined. The DAP (Digital Army Program, a technological command and control system to manage troops in the battle field, which has only been integrated into some of the divisions so far) is not fully ready for war. There are severe problems with training, medicine and with keeping the best minds in the army. The Intelligence Directorate and Air Force are being bolstered, while the Ground Forces have been forgotten."

"There's this mindset of how not to use the Ground Forces in the next war, and therefore the field units are not being prepared properly," he warned.

Nahal Brigade training exercise (Photo: IDF Spokesperson's Unit)

The IDF Spokesman's Unit offered the following response: "In recent months, all committees and bodies in the State of Israel who are entrusted with the matter were presented with information about the IDF's readiness for war, in depth and in a wide variety of aspects. The data indicate wide-scale, professional and multi-layered work and show that the IDF is highly prepared for war, with the Ground Forces at the highest level of readiness in the past decade at least, in all parameters.

"The comments that appear in the article are merely parts of statements from closed discussions held with IDF Ombudsman Maj. Gen. (res.) Brick and are presented in an inaccurate manner, with at least some of the comments presented out of context. The discussions were professional and classified, and we are once again seeing quotes from closed discussions and classified documents leaked to the media. The IDF will continue improving its preparedness and will work to promote all required aspects of preparedness based on its needs."American families whose loved ones were killed in terror attacks during the second intifada have praised legislation that empowers Americans to sue foreign aid recipients in US courts over alleged complicity in "acts of war.

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The law, which went into effect last Thursday, led the Palestinian Authority to decline some $60 million in annual funding earmarked for security purposes, potentially undermining security cooperation with Israel in the West Bank, over concerns it could be exposed to US anti-terrorism lawsuits.

The Anti-Terrorism Clarification Act, which was signed into law by President Donald Trump back in October and later approved by the US Congress, enables American authorities to seize assets from any foreign terrorist entity that receives financial aid from the US government. In addition, under the law any US citizen could sue the PA for involvement in terror activity and be compensated by the money earmarked for PA financial aid.

Victims of Hebrew University bombings (Photo: Courtesy of families)

The legislation was initiated by a group of US citizens who filed a lawsuit against the PA in 2004 for its involvement in the terror attacks during the second intifada, when Yasser Arafat was still at the helm of the Palestinian government. Among the plaintiffs were the families of victims of a terrorist attack at the Mount Scopus campus of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in 2002, as well as families of victims of a suicide bombing outside a Jerusalem clothing store on King George Street the same year.

Larry Carter, whose daughter Dina Carter was murdered in the Hebrew University attack, praised the new legislation. "It took the Americans so much time to reach justice, while the families continued to grieve the loss of their loved ones in these terror attacks, he said.

Diplomatic sources told Reuters that Palestinian, US and Israeli officials are looking for ways to keep the money flowing despite Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas's decision to turn down the security aid.

But the Carters, like many other families who lost their loved ones in Palestinian terror attacks during the second intifada, hope there will be no amendments made to the law to allow the PA to continue receiving US security aid.

Mahmoud Abbas and Donald Trump (Photo: AP)

The initial lawsuit was submitted to the US Federal Court by Nitsana Darshan-Leitner of the Israeli civil-rights NGO Shurat Hadin. The trial lasted for over 10 years, and in 2015 the court ordered the PA and the Palestine Liberation Organization to pay $655 million in compensations to ten bereaved families.

A year later, after multiple appeals by the PAwhich were backed by former President Barack Obamathe court decided to overturn the ruling, prompting Shurat HaDin and the families to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court. The appeal was backed by several American elected officials, which resulted in the law being amended once again.

Catherine Baker, whose son Benjamin Blutstein was also murdered in the Hebrew University suicide bombing, thanked Congress for passing the law and not succumbing to pressure," adding that this legislation is of paramount importance and places the responsibility for harming US citizens on Palestinian terrorists."

"The US State Department should stand by the victims who were slaughtered at the Hebrew University and not by those who carried out the attack, said Shurat HaDins Darshan-Leitner. The PA lost the trial, was found responsible for the murders and now has to pay the damages. Otherwise, the American government would become a sham."Who do you trust online?That question may be the No. 1 litmus test for governments, companies, social media interactions, politicians, traditional news media, global websites and the people who use technology over the next decade.Allow me to explain one perspective on this trust question with an example from this past week.It was Tuesday morning, Jan. 29, 2019, and I was wrapping up my morning tour of reading intriguing LinkedIn posts. One summary of takeaways from the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, grabbed my attention. You can read that well-written, intriguing post here, which is titled:  My three takeaways from Davos  by Stefan Oschmann, who is chairman of the executive board and CEO at Merck Group.I really liked Mr. Oschmanns three key takeaways:1) Lets be positive  There are many problems in the world to worry about, but ...2) Data is driving the change  The key drivers are artificial intelligence, the ever-increasing availability of data and the decreasing costs of technology. 3) We need to build trust in science and tech   As business leaders, we must put great effort into demonstrating why and how our work benefits society and act of the basis of firm values. He ended with these words: I decided to take advantage of the offer made by the Chairman and CEO of Merck Group. I wrote my viewpoints in the LinkedIn comments box.But to my surprise, my comments quickly disappeared. Evidently, someone at Merck (I seriously doubt it was the CEO author, but more likely some social media person or maybe someone at LinkedIn) didnt like who I was or what I was saying or both.Yes  my comments were respectful and did not violate any LinkedIn rules. I even complemented the author and his insights. I also asked some probing questions.This situation made me fairly upset. So after waiting over an hour, I decided to repost my comments a second time and take a screenshot to see what happened next.I wrote: Thank you Stefan Oschmann. An intriguing, helpful summary. I agree with your three important items. However, weve been talking about building trust in technology for the past decade, and things are actually getting worse. With the UK story of child Internet addiction, along with fake news and similar stories appearing almost daily around the world to undermine trust, how do you propose we do that?Sadly, that post was also quickly removed within less than one minute. (Side question: I wonder how that happened so fast? When I report a comment as needing review on LinkedIn, it usually takes at least several hours for anything to happen.)I dont know why some LinkedIn comments were allowed to remain and others were not. However, what quickly became clear to me is that someone had an agenda which allowed only certain comments that matched their overall narrative.To be fair, I would certainly understand if comments were deleted for vulgarity or inappropriate language, unprofessional attacks against a person, etc., but that was certainly not the case. (I have seen far worse comments offered by many people which stayed on other LinkedIn posts.)The sad reality is that similar things have happened to me (and many others I know) on LinkedIn and on other websites and technologies over the years. These situations do not build trust in the social media platform, nor the author nor the company that they work for. The authors piece which called for being positive and building trust in science and technology was actually undermined by this process which was well-written and intended for good. It also gave the appearance of only allowing select individuals into the conversation.Moving on to the wider trust in technology question, I believe that we have very deep and wide online and offline trust issues right now around the world. This piece from TheConversation.com describes the reality that people are both increasingly dependent on, and distrustful of, digital technology. They dont behave as if they mistrust technology. Instead, people are using technological tools more intensively in all aspects of daily life. Last year, Forbes offered this piece which described the institutions that Americans trust most and least I encourage you to read the Forbes article. But in summary, we tend to trust the military and small business and mistrust big business, newspapers, the criminal justice system, television news and Congress. In the case of business trust, more trust small business (67 percent) than Big Business (only 25 percent).Meanwhile, new technologies can sometimes diminish trust, such as the growing use of  deepfakes , fake news, fake apps and even fake government websites Phishing scams, hoaxes, and online fraud also diminish trust online  along with cyberattacks.But, despite these challenges, Americans trust technology more than science , according toIt is odd that many Americans question scientific expertise yet surrender autonomy when they enter the techno-electronic worlds of the Internet. Most people cant live without their smartphone, and they trust online map directions to get them to their destination or bring them the right answer in a Google search.More and more we are being asked to trust new forms of technology every day, like AI and autonomous cars and other innovative inventions. And yet, at the same time studies are showing that trust in self-driving cars has plummeted So can we build trust?I like this quote from a U.K. blog : In order for people to know what to trust, they need markers of credibility, information about sources, ways to check the information and forms of recourse when theyve been had. We need the codes, standards and policies that build capacity for individuals to act. ...But if an organization wants to improve trust in a new (or old but improved) technology, they also need to ensure that the people and processes surrounding the technology are trustworthy.The people side of the equation reminds me of the trust paradox, which states that you cant trust someone you dont know, and you cant begin to know someone without first trusting them.So even when the technology itself is reliable, trust in the technology can be undermined by not recognizing the importance of the interaction between people, process and technology. My experience from this week on LinkedIn offers a great example of a good message using helpful technology delivered by an expert with a good reputation, which was undermined by the process (of someone my deleting comments). The end result was that trust was undermined and not built.There are many other ways trust can be undermined online despite the innovation offered by well-meaning technologists. For example, when a bad actor creates a distributed denial-of-service attack against a bank or brings down a hospital with ransomware mistrust is spread, even if a new solution offers hope for a better process.So whats my main point?Building trust in technology in the 21st century is very complicated. It takes patience and persistence. Using history as a guide, building trust wont happen when problems are ignored or hidden. Constructive criticism must be an ongoing part of the process. Trust requires a transparent look at the real issues that arise and how they will be addressed.For example, I may love your products features, but still mistrust how it will be used, whos in charge, or fear the capabilities may be used to harm my privacy. Knowing about any mistrust from users upfront will help in addressing concerns early.This is similar to finding vulnerabilities in software via bug bounties (and patching those holes) before the bad guys find exploits to hack my system.I tend to be an optimist regarding technology. I like Stefan Oschmanns first observation from Davos  I try my best to stay positive. Anyone who stays in cybersecurity for long needs to maintain the hope that they can redeem more parts of cyberspace and make a positive difference.Nevertheless, I continue to see more and more ways that technology is being used for evil. Each of us must consider the ethical implications of what we are advocating.We also need to think more about cyberethics and integrity online to build trust in technology. Our criticisms should be constructive and engage ideas and offer potential solutions.In conclusion, Steven Covey once said, Trust is the glue of life. It's the most essential ingredient in effective communication. It's the foundational principle that holds all relationships.We can't waver in our efforts to build more trust online.Pope Francis is seeking to turn a page in Christian-Muslim relations while also ministering to a unique, thriving island of Catholicism as he embarks on the first-ever papal trip to the Arabian Peninsula, the birthplace of Islam.

While Francis is building on two of his priorities with his Sunday-Tuesday visit to the United Arab Emirates -- promoting interfaith dialogue and visiting the Catholic peripheries  diplomatic protocol will likely dictate that he leaves other concerns behind.

The Emirates' support for Saudi Arabia's war in Yemen, which has caused the world's worst humanitarian crisis, and the UAE's problematic record on human rights and labor violations at home will likely will get a pass  at least in public.

Francis is travelling to Abu Dhabi to participate in a conference on interreligious dialogue sponsored by the Emirates-based Muslim Council of Elders, an initiative that seeks to counter religious fanaticism by promoting a moderate brand of Islam. It's the brainchild of Sheikh Ahmed el-Tayeb, the grand imam of Egypt's Al-Azhar, the revered 1,000-year-old seat of Sunni Islam learning that trains clerics and scholars from around the world.Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met with Israeli-Arab MKs in Istanbul Saturday and thanked them for "representing the Palestinian demands in the Knesset" and opposing Israel's "baseless rhetoric against Turkey."

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Erdogan also praised the MKs for their steadfastness against "Israeli oppression" and the Nation-State Law, which Erdogan called "the Jewish State Law."

MK Ahmad Tibi, who attended the meeting, said Erdogan considers the Nation State Law and the limiting of the right to sovereignty in Israel to Jews "a severe breach of international law."

Arab MKs during their meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan

Erdogan also promised that "Turkey will never turn its back to the Palestinian people," and said it will "use all means to end the occupation and achieve peace," according to Tibi.

The Turkish president added that he "will stand by the Palestinians, even if he remains the only one standing," and called the Turks to go to Jerusalem and prey in the Al Aqsa Mosque.

MK Tibi and Turkish Presidetn Erdogan (Photo: Turkish President Erdogan's office)

MKs Ahmad Tibi and Osama Saadi (UAL-Taal) and Taleb Abu Arar and Masud Ganaim (Joint List), along with the head of the Islamic al-Aqsa Association Sheikh Kamal Rayan and head of the Daburiyya Local Council Zuhair Yosef met with the Turkish president to discuss the release of three Israeli Arabs who flew to Turkey for kidney transplants and were arrested for violating local laws.

The MKs said that the Turkish president "immediately understood the ordeal that transplant patients go through, and ordered ending (legal) proceedings against them" following their meeting.

The group also discussed scholarships for the growing number of Israeli-Arab students who attend university in Turkey.

MK Masud Ganaim and Erdogan

Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs called Israelis to "not be tempted to have medical procedures done abroad without first examining the legality of the matter." The ministry added that one detained Israeli woman has already been released by Turkish authorities, and that the local Israeli consul was in contact with the detainees' families.

The Turkish authorities "accepted Israeli requests to consider the detainees' medical situation and supply them with their needs," said the ministry.Brazilian cartoon artist Carlos Latuff welcomed an Israeli military delegation , which was sent to assist local search and rescue teams to look for hundreds of missing people following a dam collapse in the country, with an anti-Semitic caricature portraying IDF soldiers as murderers with blood on their hands.

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The Israeli delegation, which brought with it special equipment to allow them to operate in the muddy conditions, comprised of over 100 Israeli soldiers from the Home Front Command, includes engineers, doctors, and search and rescue personnel. Israel was the only country that sent a search and rescue team.

Latuff, known for his anti-Israeli views, is a political caricaturist whose work is published worldwide. One of his past works compared Israel with Nazi Germany.

Latuff's latest cartoon shows IDF soldiers getting off a plane with their hands covered in blood as Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro greets them. The soldiers tell Bolsonaro: "Sorry for our delay! We're busy killing Palestinians."

In response, Israeli comic book artist Uri Fink blasted the Brazilian cartoonist on Facebook, saying that "Carlos Latuff is a disgrace to our profession."

"It is acceptable to criticize a nations policies, even harshly, but when it sends people to help save lives in your country, the least you could do is shut the f*** up! Obviously, he is so completely consumed by hatred that he forgot his responsibility as a cartoonist and continues his duties as a propaganda tool in the finest totalitarian tradition," Fink wrote.

Fink, a member of the Israeli Cartoon Projectan organization that is waging an online battle against anti-Israeli and Anti-Semitic cartoonsretaliated to Latuff's cartoon with a caricature of the Brazilian artist holding a BDS sign while preventing an IDF soldier from saving a little girl.

Fink's comeback

"His hatred for Israel has made Latuff lose his mind. The fact help is being prevented from people (in need) only because of the hatred toward Israel is an example of the lows one can reach when choosing to disproportionately attack Israel.

"The online smear campaign against Israel does nothing but poison the discourse and distance peace," Fink said.Iran displayed a new cruise missile with a range of 1,300 km (800 miles) on Saturday during celebrations marking the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution, state television reported.

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Iran has expanded its missile program, particularly its ballistic missiles, in defiance of opposition from the United States and expressions of concern by European countries. Tehran says the program is purely defensive.

Iran's new ballistic missile

X

Later on Saturday, a senior Revolutionary Guard commander suggested that pressure by European countries for talks on curbing Iran's ballistic missiles development could prompt Tehran to expand it beyond current limits.

Speaking during the unveiling ceremony, Defense Minister Amir Hatami said: "This cruise missile needs a very short time for its preparedness and can fly at a low altitude."

Iranian new cruise missile Hoveizeh is displayed during a weaponry and military equipment exhibition in Tehran, Iran, 02 February, 2019

Western experts say Iran often exaggerates its weapons capabilities, although there are concerns about its long-range ballistic missiles.

Amirali Hajizadeh, head of the Revolutionary Guard aerospace division, said Iran had overcome initial problems in producing jet engines for cruise missiles and could now manufacture a full range of the weapons.

The Defense Ministry's website carried an undated video purportedly showing the Hoveizeh being test-fired from a mobile launcher. It quoted Hatami as saying the missile had successfully hit targets at a distance of 1,200 km.

Iranian new cruise missile Hoveizeh is displayed during a weaponry and military equipment exhibition in Tehran, Iran, 02 February, 2019

Since agreeing to a 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, Iran has expanded its missile program despite warnings from the United States.

In January, it tried to launch a satellite into space which it said failed. The launch followed a US warning to Iran against undertaking three planned rocket launches that Washington said would violate a United Nations Security Council resolution.

The resolution, which enshrined Iran's nuclear deal, called upon Tehran to refrain for up to eight years from work on ballistic missiles designed to deliver nuclear weapons.

Iran says its missile tests are not in violation of the resolution and denies its missiles are capable of carrying nuclear warheads.

"STRATEGIC LEAP?"

Brigadier General Hossein Salami, deputy head of the elite Revolutionary Guard, reiterated Iran's rejection of any talks on its missile program, in response to a demand raised by France and other European countries, the semi-official news agency Fars reported.

France said last month it was ready to impose further sanctions on Iran if no progress was made in talks about the missiles, described by Tehran as defensive but seen in the West as a destabilising factor in a volatile region.

Salami said Iran's decision to limit the range and the number of its ballistic missiles was based on its current strategy, which could change based on circumstances.

"If today the Europeans or others try to plot and pursue Iran's missile disarmament, then we will be forced to resort to a strategic leap," Fars cited Salami as saying, an apparent threat that Iran may seek to boost the range or the number of the missiles.

Iranian new cruise missile Hoveizeh is displayed during a weaponry and military equipment exhibition in Tehran, Iran, 02 February, 2019

Last week, Iran dismissed the pressure from France for talks, but said it had no plans to increase the range of the weapons.

US President Donald Trump quit the Iran nuclear deal last year and reimposed sanctions on Tehran that had been lifted under the pact in return for Tehran curbing its nuclear program.

Washington says although Iran has met the terms, the accord was too generous, failing to rein in Iran's ballistic missile program or curb what the United States says is interference in regional affairs.

Iran has developed a large domestic arms industry in the face of decades-long international sanctions and embargoes that have barred it from importing most weapons.7 day print subscribers enjoy unlimited access to yakimaherald.com

Enter the LAST NAME and the 7 DIGIT phone number on your print subscription account to connect your print subscription to your yakimaherald.com account.Task and Purpose

Security,

Or not?

A U.S. Navy Railgun: A Dying Dream?

The Pentagons apathy towards a full-scale railgun demonstrator is bad news for those excited about the prospect of eventually watching the supergun wreak havoc downrange.

The Navy will continue to fund research and development efforts related to the services much-hyped electromagnetic railgun but will likely not pursue a shipboard tactical demonstrator, according to sources briefed on the matter, a development that will likely condemn the more than $500 million project to a R&D limbo as the Department of Defense focuses on other directed energy programs.

(This first appeared several months ago.)

A special Innovative Naval Prototypes line item in the Navys fiscal 2019 budget proposal, published on Feb. 12, explicitly sets aside a hefty $45.8 million to applied research addressing the unique technical challenges inherent in the construction, assembly and operation of the railgun prototypes currently enjoying testing by engineers at the Office of Naval Research and Naval Sea Systems Command.

This specific line item is just one of several that shape funding for the Pentagons portfolio of directed energy projects, like solid-state lasers and the hypervelocity projectile, both of which have emerged as higher priorities than the railgun for the DoD in recent years. But as The War Zone notes, the explicit budget line indicates that the Navy hasnt completely given up on idea of developing a supergun capable of liquefying enemy armor from miles away  even if the service did request $10 million less than in fiscal 2018.

But the new round of funding doesnt spell an end for the railgun development woes. According to congressional sources, Navy officials stated during a Feb. 15 briefing on the Navys RDT&E budget that while the service planned to continue funding railgun R&D efforts, its previous decision to not pursue a shipboard tactical demonstrator remains in place, and the service has made no commitment to fielding one until the existing subsystems were fully proven.

Story continues

Those sources, who spoke to Task & Purpose under the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to comment on internal budget discussions, came away with the understanding that while the railgun hasnt been abandoned outright, its lower on the Pentagons priority list of next-gen weapons than in previous years.

While the Navys directed energy funding lines arent the most compelling tea leaves to read, this alleged unwillingness to commit to a demonstrator is reflected in the consolidation of electromagnetic railgun funding across other line items in the Navys fiscal 2019 budget request. The services Navy Warfighting Experiments And Demonstrations line, which would have funded prototyping from a subscale proof-of-principle into a full-scale prototype for warfighter experimentation during laboratory and operational demonstrations, fell from $64 million in fiscal 2018 to zilch, folded into a Navy Advanced Technology Development (ATD) line item (0603671N)  which lacks mention of a demonstrator.

In addition, the Innovative Naval Prototypes line item (0603801N)  the same one where lawmakers consented to tack on an additional $15 million explicitly for a tactical demonstrator during budget negotiations  also picked up an additional $53.57 million in this years budget proposal. But its worth pointing out those funds are committed to directed energy weapons broadly: Indeed, the only explicit mention of a railgun demonstrator is couched in a vague promise to test and build full-scale electromagnetic railgun system prototypes that include the battery charging system, the pulsed power subsystem, and the electromagnetic launcher  with no specific dollar value attached.

The Pentagons apathy towards a full-scale railgun demonstrator is bad news for those excited about the prospect of eventually watching the supergun wreak havoc downrange. As Task & Purpose previously reported, congressional and defense sources see the development of working shipboard as a crucial step to preventing the railgun from landing in a valley of death between RDT&E and procurement that prevent long-term engineering sources from ever advancing beyond applied research and development stage. Funding may be a necessary condition for the railgun to secure a future among Americas arsenal, but its not a sufficient one on its own.

Ironically, that has less to do with funding than the maturity of U.S. electromagnetic systems generally. The unique (and freakishly complex) pulsed-power architecture required to fire off multiple shots at thirty-two megajoules of muzzle energy in the span of a minute still poses a major obstacle for Navy engineers, according to both congressional and Navy sources. The issues have proven indomitable enough that ONR and NAVSEA are still conducting rep-rate tests at Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) with the goal of reaching a target capacity for ten shots a minute  well beyond the 4.8 shots-per-minute rep-rate flaunted by ONR in a July 2017 update on the railguns progress.

These engineering obstacles have made other projects in the Navys direct energy portfolio more appealing: The Navys budget proposal calls for the continued development of the HVP initially developed as railgun ammo a decade ago. The Pentagons secretive Strategic Capabilities Office has in recent years shifted its priorities away from the supergun in favor of rapidly proliferating the specialized shell for use in conventional artillery; in 2016, SCO even announced it had also Army and Air Force to quickly develop a new Hypervelocity Gun Weapon System independent from the electromagnetic railgun to accommodate the lethal new projectile.

In addition, Popular Mechanics points out that recent breakthroughs with conventional solid-state laser weapons have induced the Navy to propose $300 million to rapidly develop and equip shipborne laser weapons to fend off explosive-laden drones and small boats that could harass smaller Navy warships. The service recently announced that it planned on outfitting guided-missile destroyer USS Arleigh Burke with a 60-kw Surface Navy Laser Weapon System (SNLWS) as part of an integrated missile-and-drone defense system by 2020. With the entire DoD laser-focused on modernization and lethality, proven directed energy systems like the HVP and SNLWS are eminently more appealing than a railgun system thats still in the early stages of testing.

So is the Navys electromagnetic railgun alive or dead? The answer is, unfortunately, both. While broad RDT&E efforts on electromagnetic tech will certainly continue under the watchful eye of ONR engineers, shifting budget priorities and technological hurdles may condemn the supergun to a limbo in anonymous labs and distant proving grounds until the technology is finally mature enough for the Pentagon to make a decision about its procurement and fielding.

Until then, the electromagnetic railgun will remain the defense tech version of Schrodingers cat, both alive and dead in a state of constant quantum superposition until a single momentous (subatomic) event occurs. And the Navy and SCO had better hurry up and get there because Chinas electromagnetic railgun prototype is very much alive.

This article by Jared Keller originally appeared at Task & Purpose. Follow Task & Purpose on Twitter. This article first appeared in 2018.

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Read full articleWashington (AFP) - President Donald Trump said in remarks aired Sunday he saw a "good chance" of reaching deals on two key US foreign policy challenges: North Korean nuclear disarmament and trade relations with China.

Interviewed on CBS's "Face the Nation," Trump said the date and venue of his upcoming second summit with North Korea's Kim Jong Un had been agreed -- and would likely be announced before or during his State of the Union address on Tuesday.

"The meeting is set," said the president. "He's looking forward to it. I'm looking forward to it."

Vietnam is seen as the most likely venue for the Trump-Kim summit, which is expected to take place late this month and follows on from a landmark first face-to-face last June.

US Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats told Congress this week that "North Korea is unlikely to give up all of its nuclear weapons and production capabilities."

That analysis runs counter to the position of the president, who once more argued in Sunday's interview that "there's also a very good chance that we will make a deal."

"I think he's also tired of going through what he's going through," said Trump, referring to the international sanctions pressing on Kim's regime.

"He has a chance to have North Korea be a tremendous economic behemoth," Trump continued. "He can't do that with nuclear weapons and he can't do that on the path they're on now."

"I like him. I get along with him great," the president added. "We have a fantastic chemistry."

The two leaders' first meeting produced a vaguely-worded document in which Kim pledged to work towards "the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula".

But progress has since stalled with the two sides disagreeing over what that means.

Asked about the possibility of the United States pulling troops out of South Korea as it negotiates with Pyongyang, Trump doubled down on remarks by the US envoy on North Korea Stephen Biegun, who this week denied any such plans.

Story continues

"We have 40,000 troops in South Korea, it's very expensive. But I have no plans, I've never even discussed removing them," Trump said.

The US president went on to praise China as having been "very helpful" with the North Korean dossier -- and voiced optimism about the prospect of a deal to end their trade war.

"It looks like we're doing very well with making a deal with China," said Trump, who struck an upbeat note following two days of US-China trade talks at the White House this week.

The two sides face a March 1 deadline to avert a sharp increase in US duties on $200 billion in Chinese exports.

"I don't know that we're going to make one, but we have a good chance," Trump said. "And if it is a deal it's going to be a real deal. It's not going to be a stopgap."Aden (AFP) - Yemen's deputy chief of staff died Sunday from wounds sustained last month in a drone attack by Huthi rebels on the country's largest air base, the information minister said.

"Major General Saleh al-Zandani, deputy chief of staff, was martyred while undergoing treatment after he was wounded in the terrorist bombing at the Al-Anad base," Moammer al-Eryani wrote on Twitter.

Zandani was among 11 wounded in the January 10 drone attack on a military parade at the base in Lahij, a province some 60 kilometres (40 miles) north of Yemen's second city Aden.

Seven other loyalists -- including a high-ranking intelligence official -- were killed in the attack.

It came less than a month after the United Nations brokered a truce between Yemen's Huthi rebels and a regional pro-government military alliance.

Yemen is mired in a grinding conflict between the Iran-aligned Huthi rebels and a government backed up by a Saudi-led coalition.

The war has killed nearly 10,000 people since the Saudi-led intervention in 2015 and unleashed the world's worst humanitarian crisis, according to the UN.

The warring sides agreed on truce deals for the key rebel-held aid port of Hodeida and battleground third city Taez at UN peace talks in Sweden in December.

Jordan is set to host fresh talks aimed at drafting a political framework for Yemen.WASHINGTON (AP)  A federal judge on Friday cautioned longtime Donald Trump confidant Roger Stone not to treat the charges against him like a public relations campaign or book tour, and said she may issue a gag order in the case.

U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson said she had already noticed a significant amount of publicity in the case, including television appearances in which Stone has asserted his innocence.

"This is a criminal proceeding and not a public relations campaign," Jackson said, adding that "it behooves counsel and the parties to do their talking in this courtroom and in their pleadings and not on the courthouse steps or on the talk show circuit."

She said Stone may have "justifiably felt the need to get his story out," but his public statements risk tainting a pool of jurors who may ultimately decide his case.

Jackson did not immediately issue an order barring Stone or prosecutors from discussing the case, giving both sides until next week to weigh in. She said even if she did issue an order, the talkative political operative would still be free to opine on other matters.

"It would not be a bar on all public relations, activities or press communications, but only those related to this case," she said. "A party could discuss foreign relations, immigration or Tom Brady as much as they wanted."

Stone, 66, who was arrested last week in a pre-dawn raid at his Florida home, is the sixth Trump aide charged in special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into possible coordination between Russia and Trump's 2016 presidential campaign. He has pleaded not guilty to felony charges of witness tampering, obstruction and false statements.

Wearing a double-breasted pinstripe suit, Stone emerged from the courthouse after Friday's hearing and struck his two-handed victory pose in homage to former President Richard Nixon. He was then whisked away into a waiting vehicle amid supporters holding "Roger Stone did nothing wrong" signs. A protester held up a placard reading "Treason."

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Stone made the rounds on television last weekend and held a news conference Thursday at a Washington hotel, where he said he was prepared to tell the truth to Mueller but he had no derogatory information about Trump, his longtime friend.

"I have great affection and remain a strong and loyal supporter of the president," Stone said.

He also said he was prepared to adhere to a gag order if the judge issued one but that he would likely appeal it. Among his lawyers is a noted First Amendment attorney who successfully represented the rap group 2 Live Crew in an obscenity court case nearly 30 years ago.

A seven-count indictment accuses Stone of misleading Congress about interactions with friends in which he discussed emails that were stolen from Democratic groups and in the possession of WikiLeaks. The anti-secrecy website released the communications in the weeks before the presidential election in an effort to harm Hillary Clinton's campaign.

But the indictment doesn't charge Stone or anyone close to the campaign of coordinating directly with WikiLeaks or having advance knowledge of its plans.

"I am not accused of Russian collusion, I am not accused of collaboration with WikiLeaks, I am not accused of conspiracy," Stone said Thursday. "There is no evidence or accusation that I knew in advance about the source or content of the WikiLeaks material."

In a court filing Thursday, prosecutors said the FBI seized physical devices from his home, apartment and office. They said multiple hard drives containing several terabytes of information have been recovered, including bank and financial records and the contents of numerous phones and computers.

Jackson also presides over Mueller's prosecution of former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort and issued a gag order in that case after one of Manafort's attorneys addressed reporters outside the courthouse following his first court appearance.Kris Osborn

Security,

Despite the loud and fast-growing chorus of analysts, critics and weapons developers who continue to raise the question as to whether stealth technology may slowly be becoming obsolete, some senior weapons developers are citing some ways current and emerging stealth platforms will - for years to come - remain very difficult to destroy.

Stealth Rules: Why the F-22, F-35, B-2 and New B-21 Stealth Bomber are Nearly Unstoppable

Stealth fighter jets, such as the F-22 and F-35, have an entirely different configuration and rely upon some vertical flight control surfaces such as tails and wings. Being more vulnerable to lower frequency surveillance radars due to having a fighter jet configuration, an F-35 or F-22 would depend upon its speed, maneuverability and air-to-air attack systems to fully defend against enemies. Given that fighter jets require tails, wings and other structures necessary to performance, they are naturally inherently less stealthy than a high-altitude bomber.

Despite the loud and fast-growing chorus of analysts, critics and weapons developers who continue to raise the question as to whether stealth technology may slowly be becoming obsolete, some senior weapons developers are citing some ways current and emerging stealth platforms will - for years to come - remain very difficult to destroy.

Russian built S-300 and S-400 air defense weapons, believed by many to be among the best in the world, are able to use digital technology to network nodes to one another to pass tracking and targeting data across wide swaths of terrain. New air defenses also use advanced command and control technology to detect aircraft across a much wider spectrum of frequencies than previous systems could. Also, much is being made of Russias emerging S-500 system, purported to be even more sophisticated against stealth aircraft.

While there is broad agreement that these newer air defenses do make it harder for stealth platforms to remain fully undetected, there are a variety of reasons why actually destroying a stealth platform - and completing the entire kill chain - will remain extremely difficult, if not impossible, to accomplish, according to a former 3-Star Air Force weapons developer.

Story continues

Bi-static radar can help detect low observable aircraft. However, to intercept a stealth aircraft requires transfer of detection from a large acquisition radar to a much smaller interceptor radar either on an aircraft or a missile that can trackor maintain continuous lock-on of the low observable aircraft. When you transfer track from an acquisition radar to a weapons interceptor necessary to engage at longer ranges than the stealth aircraft can detect and fire at the interceptor, that dramatically reduces the probability of the stealth aircraft being engaged. Detection is not what it is all about, you have an entire kill chain where every element must be successful to intercept and destroy a low-observable aircraft, Ret. Lt. Gen. David Deptula, Dean of the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies, told Warrior Maven in an interview

Deptula explained that moving beyond a ground-based radar with a very large aperture to a much smaller engagement radar presents substantial challenges for attackers.

Even if a radar can detect, it now has to track, and when it transfers that data to engage it will have to shoot a missile using much smaller radar than that used for detection. Also, fusing of the interceptor weapon can be affected by low observability technology, Deptula said. At every level, low observability decreases the probability of successful intercept.

Nonetheless, Air Force developers are pursuing a new generation of stealth technology with a sense of urgency, in light of rapid global modernization of new Russian and Chinese-built attack systems.

B-21

Earlier this year, the Air Force finished a substantial technical critical design review of its next-generation B-21 Raider bomber, an effort known to be almost entirely secret.

The review, described by Air Force officials as a key step prior to formal construction of the aircraft, assessed design specs, technology plans, computing power and weapons integration for the new bomber  a platform which service developers say will advance stealth technology itself to new, unprecedented dimensions of technological sophistication.

Critical reviews of the emerging B-21 design are essential to engineering a platform able to accommodate the most advanced current and anticipated future stealth properties  which include stealth coating and configuration, radar cross section reduction and heat signature suppression technologies, among other things.

A Mitchell Institute essay  The Imperative for Stealth, offers a window of substantial detail into comments from Air Force senior leaders that the B-21 will advance stealth technology such that, according to developers, it will be able to hold any target at risk, anywhere in the world, anytime.

The US is now developing its fourth generation of stealth aircraft. The computational capabilities that were available to design the F-117 and B-2 are dwarfed by the power now available to design teams, writes the Mitchell Institute essay, by Maj. Gen. Mark Barrett, USAF (Ret.) and Col. Mace Carpenter, USAF (Ret.)

The Evolution of Stealth

Stealth technology works by engineering an aircraft with external contours and heat signatures designed to elude detection from enemy radar systems. The absence of defined edges, noticeable heat emissions, weapons hanging on pylons or other easily detectable aircraft features, means that radar "pings" can have trouble receiving a return electromagnetic signal allowing them to identify an approaching bomber. Since the speed of light (electricity) is known, and the time of travel of electromagnetic signals can be determined as well, computer algorithms are then able to determine the precise distance of an enemy object.

However, when it comes to stealth aircraft, the return signal may be either non-existent or of an entirely different character than that of an actual aircraft. A stealth aircraft will, for instance, appear in the shape of a bird or insect to enemy radar.

Given the increased threat envelope created by cutting edge air defenses, and the acknowledgement that stealth aircraft are indeed much more vulnerable than when they first emerged, Air Force developers are increasingly viewing stealth capacity as something which includes a variety of key parameters.

This includes not only stealth configuration, IR suppression and radar-evading materials but also other important elements such as electronic warfare jamming defenses, operating during adverse weather conditions to lower the acoustic signature and conducting attacks in tandem with other less-stealthy aircraft likely to command attention from enemy air defense systems.

Given these factors, Air Force developers often refer to stealth configuration itself as merely one arrow in the quiver of approaches needed to defeat modern air defenses.

Mixing stealthy aircraft with conventional aircraft, deception, air defense suppression, and electronic jamming will complicate an enemys defensive problem set by an order of magnitude, the paper writes.

The authors of the paper explain that newer stealth technology will attempt to outmatch advanced multi-frequency air defenses must utilize a characteristic known as broadband stealth.

Multi-band or broadband stealth, which is designed to elude both lower frequency area surveillance radar as well as high-frequency engagement radar, puts an emphasis upon radar cross section-reducing tailless designs such as that now envisioned for the B-21.

The B-21 image released by the USAF depicts a design that does not use vertical flight control surfaces like tails. Without vertical surfaces to reflect radar from side aspects, the new bomber will have an RCS (Radar Cross Section) that reduces returns not only from the front and rear but also from the sides, making detection from any angle a challenge, the Mitchell Institute writes.

Stealth fighter jets, such as the F-22 and F-35, have an entirely different configuration and rely upon some vertical flight control surfaces such as tails and wings. Being more vulnerable to lower frequency surveillance radars due to having a fighter jet configuration, an F-35 or F-22 would depend upon its speed, maneuverability and air-to-air attack systems to fully defend against enemies. Given that fighter jets require tails, wings and other structures necessary to performance, they are naturally inherently less stealthy than a high-altitude bomber.

Newer methods of IR or thermal signature reduction are connected to engine and exhaust placement. Internally configured engines, coupled with exhaust pipes on the top of an aircraft can massively lower the heat emissions from an aircraft, such as the structure of the current B-2 - the authors of the essay say.

Hot gases from the engine can be further cooled using mixing techniques in the exhaust system, the paper writes.

Technical progress in the area of advanced computer simulations are providing developers with an unprecedented advantage in designing the new bomber as well.

Simulations of interactions between designs and various threat radars are now far more accurate and realistic, allowing additional refinement of stealth design solutions before any hardware is actually built or tested, the essay writes.

The new aircraft will be designed to have global reach, in part by incorporating a large arsenal of long-range weapons. The B-21 is being engineered to carry existing weapons as well as nuclear bombs and emerging and future weapons, Air Force officials explained.

If its arsenal is anything like the B-2, it will like have an ability to drop a range of nuclear weapons, GPS-guided Joint Direct Attack Munitions and possibly even the new Air Force nuclear-armed cruise missile now in development called the LRSO - Long Range Stand Off weapon. It is also conceivable, according to Air Force developers, that the new bomber will one day be armed with yet-to-be seen weapons technology.

Kris Osborn of Warrior Maven previously served at the Pentagon as a Highly Qualified Expert with the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army - Acquisition, Logistics& Technology. Osborn has also worked as an anchor and an-air military specialist at national TV networks. He has a Masters Degree in Comparative Literature from Columbia University.

This first appeared in Warrior Maven here.

Read full articleJOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - South Africa expressed disappointment on Sunday after the United States and other Western powers wrote to President Cyril Ramaphosa urging him to tackle corruption, and said those countries had breached diplomatic protocol. The Sunday Times newspaper reported that the United States, Britain, Germany, the Netherlands and Switzerland, had sent a joint memorandum to Ramaphosa through their diplomatic missions in Pretoria to warn that foreign investment was at risk unless South Africa takes tangible action against perpetrators of corruption and other serious crimes. The countries also expressed concern over what they called "obstacles" to foreign investment such as "constant changes of goal posts" in the regulatory framework for mining and black economic empowerment targets, the paper said. It did not say when the memo was sent. South Africa's Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) said it had noted "with disappointment the dispatching of a memorandum to the office of the presidency" by the five embassies. "This is a departure from established diplomatic practice," DIRCO said in a statement. "In terms of acceptable diplomatic practice, protocol and convention, diplomatic missions are expected to communicate to the receiving state by means of a note verbale (diplomatic note) conveyed through the department," it added. According to the Sunday Times, the five countries said that there should be a "clear, unqualified and manifest political commitment to the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary and to honest and ethical business practices." DIRCO said all the concerns raised by investors were being addressed. "We are satisfied that all the branches of our democratic state, including state agencies, are vigorously pursuing their respective mandates to address our current challenges," DIRCO said. Ramaphosa has vowed to root out corruption and address policy uncertainty in Africa's most advanced economy. An inquiry into state corruption is currently underway. (Reporting by Olivia Kumwenda-Mtambo; Editing by Susan Fenton)Wikimedia Commons

Michael Peck

Security,

And it's pretty easy to see.

Russia's New Super Long-Range Cruise Missile Has a Problem

Russias plan to develop a long-range version of the Kalibr naval cruise missile is a mistake, warn critics. The missile is too big to fit on many Russian warships.

But whats surprising is that this criticism isnt coming from the Pentagon or CIA. Its coming from Russias own defense experts, who say the new missile is more Soviet-era megalomania than clever engineering.

Russia created a stir earlier this year when it announced that it would develop a long-range version of Kalibr, which is actually a family of missiles, including sea-skimming anti-ship missiles and anti-submarine rockets. The most prominent member of that family is the 3M-14, a nuclear-capable subsonic cruise missile similar to the U.S. Navys Tomahawk. The 3M-14 (also known as the SS-N-30) has a thousand-pound warhead and is estimated to have a range of 1,000 to 1,500 miles, compared to 900 miles for the new Tomahawk Block IV.

The 3M-14 isnt just dangerous because of what it can do, but also because of who can launch it. The missile can be fired from vertical launch tubes that can be installed not just on cruisers, destroyers and submarines, but also on smaller warships such as corvettes and frigates. The U.S. Navys Office of Naval Intelligence warned that Russia plans to deploy Kalibr capability on all new design construction of nuclear and non-nuclear submarines, corvettes, frigates, and larger surface ships.

As if the prospect of cruise missiles arming most every Russian warship wasnt bad enough, there came the news of the long-range Kalibr. The new missile will be larger, have a range of 4,500 kilometers (2,800 miles)double or triple the range of the older modeland its conventional warhead has been doubled to one ton, according to Russian news agency TASS. This raised the specter in the American press of little Russian ships hitting American targets from thousands of miles away.

Story continues

But wait a minute, say Russian defense commentators Nikolai Novichkov and Vasily Kostin. Increasing the range of the Kalibr will make the missile too big to fit the launch tubes of many Russian vessels, they write in an article for Russian defense magazine Military-Industrial Courier (Google English translation here).

The creation of the Kalibr-M rocket will cancel all efforts to improve the strike potential of the Russian Navy, since none of the above types of ships, let alone submarines, will be able to use SLCMs [sea-launched cruise missiles] of such dimensions, Novichkov and Kostin write.

While acknowledging that they are basing their calculations on open sources such as TASS, Novichkov and Kostin also use some persuasive math to demonstrate that for Kalibr-M to have longer range and a bigger warhead, the physical dimensions of the missile will make it too large to fit into for current launch tubes. They estimate that the Russian Navy can currently fire about 190 older Kalibr missiles from various frigates, corvettes, and nuclear- and diesel-powered submarines. The launch tubes needed for the larger Kalibr may be too big for the smaller ships.

The two Russian experts argue that Kalibr-M is a reversion to the old Soviet habit of giant-mania, or building larger weapons simply because they are larger. They believe that the smaller warheads on the Tomahawk and older Kalibrs are sufficient, and that Russia would do better to cancel Kalibr-M and instead build the hypersonic 3M22 Zircon, a Mach 5-plus anti-ship missile that may be too fast for Western anti-missile defenses to shoot down.

Creating a SLCM with a range of more than 4,500 kilometers and a warhead of about a ton will lead to the emergence of the next super-expensive monster-weapon, Novichkov and Kostin warn. Such megalomania was a characteristic feature of the Soviet military-industrial complex.

Michael Petersen, director of the Russia Maritime Studies Institute at the U.S. Naval War College, believes that Novichkov and Kostin make a sound argument. Missile range is generally a function of the volume of fuel, weight of the warhead, and, to a lesser extent, fuel efficiency, he told the National Interest. The authors argue that in order to achieve this range with this size warhead, the missile would need to be much larger, and the existing VLS [vertical launch system] tubes on modern Russian warships are too small. A huge R&D and production effort would be necessary to produce new VLS tubes.

However, Petersen says he is skeptical that the Kalibr-M will actually be fielded. A newer, larger Kalibr-M would drive Russian navy ship designers back to the drawing board, he says. Overall, Russian naval modernization has been impressive, but it has underperformed against the expectations of its last two state armaments programs, and other services are seeing a larger share of the funds available for modernization. Russian shipbuilders are already struggling to produce new and modernized ships and submarines on time. They are not about to delay long-term production plans for this missile.

Michael Peck is a contributing writer for the National Interest. He can be found on Twitter and Facebook.

Image: Wikimedia Commons

Read full articleTEHRAN, Iran (AP)  Iran's state-run IRNA news agency is reporting that a court has handed down prison sentences for 13 protesters arrested during the August 2017 demonstrations over economic hardships.

The Sunday report said that Tehran's Revolutionary Court sentenced eight of the defendants to six months and the others to one year in prison for "acting against national security by attending illegal gatherings."

IRNA's report said that five of protesters are women.

Iran is in the grip of an economic crisis and has seen sporadic protests in recent months as officials try to downplay the effects of the restored U.S. sanctions on Tehran.Representative Ilhan Omar (D., Minn.) continued her public campaign against Israel on Twitter Thursday night, comparing the state and its policies to the Jim Crow South of mid 20th century America.

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In citing the millions of people under Israeli control, liberal activist Max Berger, whom Omar was responding to, was likely referring to the Palestinian residents of the West Bank, who are governed by the Palestinian Authority, and, as such, cannot vote in Israeli elections.

Since being elected in November to represent Minnesotans in the House of Representatives, Omar has prioritized the promotion of Palestinian rights in numerous media appearances and public statements. Earlier this week, she told Yahoo News that she almost chuckles when she hears Israel referred to as a democracy and compared the country to Iran, the worlds leading state sponsor of terrorism.

I mean just our relationship with the Israeli government and the Israeli state. And so when I see Israel institute laws that recognize it as a Jewish state and does not recognize the other religions that are living in it and we still uphold [Israel] as a democracy in the Middle East, I almost chuckle because I know that if we see that [in] any other society we would criticize it, call it out, Omar said. We do that to Iran, we do that to any other place that sort of upholds its religion. And I see that now happening with Saudi Arabia and so I am aggravated, truly, in those contradictions.

Omar was also forced to apologize earlier this month after initially defending a years-old tweet in which she accused Israel of hypnotizing the world.

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More from National ReviewWarsaw (AFP) - Poland's first openly gay politician on Sunday launched "Spring", a progressive political party aimed at challenging the EU country's governing right-wing party accused by critics and the EU of passing reforms that threaten the rule of law.

The move by Robert Biedron, the popular former mayor of the northern town of Slupsk, comes as Poland gears up for elections -- both domestic and European -- this year.

Biedron vowed to enforce a strong separation of church and state in the heavily Catholic country where the clergy still wields considerable influence.

He also promised equal pay for women, easier access to abortion, recognition of gay partnerships along with a string of generous social spending measures including a new universal old age pension.

He also vowed to "close all coal mines" by 2035 in a bid to stem chronic smog in the coal-dependent country that experts say causes an estimated 50,000 premature deaths per year in the country of 38 million people.

The progressive message of the charismatic 42-year-old, whose relaxed style is reminiscent of Canada's liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, appears to be resonating with voters.

An opinion poll published on Friday by the independent IBRiS pollsters showed that his fledgling party has already captured 6.4 percent popular support, albeit still a distant third behind the governing right-wing Law and Justice (PiS) party and the opposition liberal Civic Platform (PO).

- 'Positive energy' -

Biedron also vowed on Sunday to focus on uniting the deeply polarised country still reeling from the murder of the popular liberal mayor of the northern city of Gdansk last month.

The public stabbing of Pawel Adamowicz has raised questions about hate speech in politics and the role that politicians have played in fomenting deep social divisions.

"We need positive energy more than ever now... we must fulfil the legacy of Pawel Adamowicz," Biedron said of the slain mayor who was a vocal supporter of women's and gay rights among other progressive values.

Story continues

"Our most important value is community . We no longer want Poles to be at war with each other. We want mutual respect and dialogue," he added.

"Two political parties are trying to divide us into two enemy camps... to choose between the PiS and the PO, but we don't want a war, we want to build the Poland of our dreams together," said Biedron, as he received a rockstar welcome from supporters waving Polish and EU flags.

The PiS government has put Poland on a collision course with the EU by introducing a string of controversial judicial reforms that Brussels has warned pose a threat to judicial independence, the rule of law and ultimately to democracy.

Biedron's "Spring" will run in May elections to the European Parliament (EP) before launching a campaign ahead of Poland's general election later in 2019.

The IBRiS opinion poll showed the PiS winning the EP elections with 36.2 percent ahead of the PO with 29.6 percent.TEL AVIV (Reuters) - A giant billboard of a smiling Donald Trump shaking hands with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu loomed over a main entrance to Tel Aviv on Sunday, part of the Israeli leader's re-election campaign. Trump is popular in Israel because of his tough policies toward the Palestinians and Iran and his transfer last May of the American Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, which he recognized as Israel's capital in a break from long-standing U.S. policy. "Netanyahu. In another league," read the Hebrew-language billboard, in a swipe at the caliber of the veteran prime minister's opponents in the April 9 national election. A spokesman for Netanyahu's right-wing Likud party, whose logo adorns the sign over Tel Aviv's busy Ayalon highway, did not immediately respond to a Reuters query on whether the White House had authorized it to use the photograph. Netanyahu is favorite to win the election but opinion polls show one of his toughest challengers, former general Benny Gantz, making gains. The prime minister is facing possible charges in three graft cases. He denies any wrongdoing and has called the investigations a witch-hunt. On Friday, Israel's attorney general said there was no legal reason to prevent him from announcing, before the election, any intention to indict Netanyahu on corruption charges should he decide such a move was warranted. Formal indictment in court would depend on pre-trial hearings, likely to be held only after the poll. (Reporting by Jeffrey Heller; Editing by Alexandra Hudson)NEW ORLEANS (AP)  Authorities in Louisiana said they are searching for an "armed and dangerous" 21-year-old accused of killing his parents and three others in two separate but related shootings Saturday.

Authorities say Dakota Theriot first shot and killed three people  the woman believed to be his girlfriend, her brother and father  in Livingston Parish before taking her father's truck, driving to neighboring Ascension Parish where he shot and killed his parents.

"We are totally focused on finding him. We're following every lead that we come up with," said Livingston Parish Sheriff Jason Ard during an evening news conference streamed online.

Theriot was being sought on first-degree murder and other charges. He was believed to be driving a stolen 2004 Dodge Ram pickup, gray and silver in color.

Authorities have identified the victims in Livingston Parish as Billy Ernest, 43; Tanner Ernest, 17; and Summer Ernest, 20. Ard said Summer Ernest and Dakota Theriot were in a relationship and that Theriot had been living with her family for a few weeks.

But he said after talking with Summer's mother, there was no indication of any red flags ahead of Saturday's multiple shootings.

Authorities earlier identified the other two victims as Theriot's parents  Keith, 50, and Elizabeth Theriot, 50, of Gonzales.

They were shot in their trailer on Saturday morning.

"The father was gravely injured at the time we found him and has since passed away," said Ascension Parish Sheriff Bobby Webre. But before he died, Webre said authorities were able to get a "dying declaration from him, and only enough information to let us know that it was his son that committed this act."

Webre said there were indications that Theriot was traveling east and maybe was in another state by now.

"We're going to work every lead. We're going to follow every tip," he said during the evening news conference.

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Ard said Dakota Theriot is believed to be armed with at least one handgun.

"We do not have a motive. It is still undetermined," Ard said.

Crystal DeYoung, Billy Ernest's sister, told The Associated Press that she believes Theriot had just started dating her niece, Summer Ernest.

"My family met him last weekend at a birthday party and didn't get good vibes from him," DeYoung said. She said she wasn't sure how her niece and Theriot met, but that she believed the relationship was relatively new.

"My mom is a good judge of character and she just thought he was not good," DeYoung said of Theriot.

DeYoung said she skipped the birthday party and didn't meet Theriot herself. DeYoung said Summer and Tanner Ernest were two of Billy's three children. He was also raising his wife's children.

DeYoung said Theriot doesn't have a vehicle and she's not sure how he ended up at the Ernest home on Saturday, but after the killings, he took off in her brother's truck.

There were also two young children in the home at the time. DeYoung said a 7-year-old took the baby out of the house and went to a neighbor's.

DeYoung said her brother, niece and nephew were good people.

"They all had very good hearts. They trusted people too much," she said, as she began crying. "They all loved unconditionally."

Charlenne Bordelon lives near the house where the Ernests were killed. She told The Advocate newspaper that two young children from the house ran to her home. They were uninjured and asked for help after the shooting.

Bordelon said Theriot was the older daughter's boyfriend and that he'd recently moved in with the family but she did not know him.

A Facebook page appearing to belong to Dakota Theriot was filled with defensive and sometimes angry posts. He shared someone else's post in June that said "wish i could clear my mind jus for one day" (sic) with a sad face emoji.

In May, he reposted something saying, "If you have a problem with me, tell me. Not everyone else."

He also shared someone else's post that said, "I don't care what people say about me I know who I am and I don't have to prove anything to anyone."

Webre said Dakota had lived with his parents briefly but was asked to leave the residence and not return.

"I would not approach this vehicle. We feel no doubt that Dakota is going to be armed and dangerous, and we need to bring him to justice really quick," Webre said.

Webre said Dakota Theriot had some run-ins with law enforcement in other parishes that he described as misdemeanor-type incidents that did not include violence: "Certainly nothing of the magnitude that we've seen today."

Webre said there was no reason to think Theriot was now targeting someone else but warned that because he's armed and dangerous: "Anybody he comes into contact with could be a target."

__

Amy Forliti in Minneapolis, Minnesota and Courtney Bonnell in Phoenix contributed to this report.

___

This story has been corrected to fix the spelling of Gonzales.ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (AP)  The latest on Pope Francis' visit to the United Arab Emirates (all times local):

10:15 p.m.

Pope Francis has been greeted by Abu Dhabi's powerful crown prince, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on his arrival to the Arabian Peninsula.

A young boy and girl in traditional Emirati dress handed the pontiff flowers after landing Sunday night. The two leaders then walked past an honor guard, all with traditional Arabic daggers at their waists.

Pope Francis and Sheikh Mohammed smiled and spoke to each other as they walked through the airport terminal.

The pope also met a host of Cabinet ministers in a greeting line, as well as local Catholic and Muslim officials.

___

9:50 p.m.

Pope Francis has landed in Abu Dhabi on the first papal trip ever to the Arabian Peninsula, the birthplace of Islam.

Pope Francis' Alitalia flight touched down in the capital city of the United Arab Emirates, a federation of seven sheikhdoms, around 9:50 p.m. on Sunday.

While Francis is building on two of his priorities with his Sunday-Tuesday visit to the United Arab Emirates  promoting interfaith dialogue and visiting the Catholic peripheries  diplomatic protocol will likely dictate that he leaves other concerns behind.

The Emirates' support for Saudi Arabia's war in Yemen, which has caused the world's worst humanitarian crisis, and the UAE's problematic record on human rights and labor violations at home likely will get a pass  at least in public.

However, Francis did appeal earlier Sunday for an end to Yemen's humanitarian crisis, saying the "cries of these children and their parents rise up" to God.

___

12:45 p.m. VATICAN CITY

Christian leaders attending a summit ahead of Pope Francis' arrival in Abu Dhabi say they're excited for the first papal visit to the Arabian Peninsula.

Bishop Camillo Ballin, the apostolic vicar of Northern Arabia, told The Associated Press on Sunday that the Roman Catholic Church provided succor for an estimated 1 million faithful in the United Arab Emirates, nearly all of them foreigners drawn to the country for employment.

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Ballin said: "His visit is a big and important encouragement for the Christians that live in these countries because they are far from their homeland and they need especially to be encouraged so that they feel they are home."

Rev. Andrew Thompson of St. Andrew's Anglican Church in Abu Dhabi said his congregation was excited for Pope Francis' Mass on Tuesday.

Thompson said: "My congregation are so happy we are witnessing what will be the biggest Christian act of worship in the history of the Arabian Gulf, and we are excited to be a part of that."

___

Associated Press writer Fay Abuelgasim contributed.

___

12:20 p.m. VATICAN CITY

Pope Francis has appealed for the end of Yemen's humanitarian crisis, saying the "cries of these children and their parents rise up" to God.

He made the appeal at the Vatican an hour before his scheduled departure on a three-day trip to the United Arab Emirates, which is a key member of the Saudi-led coalition at war with Yemen's Iran-aligned rebels. The conflict has driven Yemen to the brink of famine and caused the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

Francis urged faithful in St. Peter's Square to join him in prayer, saying "these are hungry children" with no medicine, and "are in danger of dying." Noting that many can't reach food aid areas, he appealed to the involved parties and the international community to urgently ensure that agreements are reached and food distributed.

Francis is expected in the United Arab Emirates later Sunday, where he will become the first pontiff to visit the Arabian Peninsula.

___

Noon VATICAN CITY

Emiratis are welcoming Pope Francis' trip to Abu Dhabi, the first-ever papal visit to the Arabian Peninsula, where Islam was born.

The National, a state-linked, English-language newspaper in Abu Dhabi, described the pope's three-day visit beginning Sunday as "a dream come true" for the country's estimated 1 million Roman Catholics.

The newspaper said: "With that moment will come a lifetime of gratitude to the UAE's rulers, who last year invited Pope Francis to visit the country and have fostered a society in which freedom of worship is afforded to all."

While Christians can worship in churches built on land donated by the country's rulers, proselytizing by non-Muslims is illegal. Blasphemy and apostasy laws also carry a possible death sentence.

Meanwhile, Yousef al-Otaiba, the UAE's powerful ambassador to Washington, wrote in a Politico column that "religion today is a treacherous fault line that divides the region."

He added: "But the true faith of Muslims, Christians and Jews has never been about hate or fanaticism. There is no clash of civilizations or ideas - only a rash of ignorance and a deficit of courage and moral leadership."

___

8 a.m. VATICAN CITY

Pope Francis is seeking to turn a page in Christian-Muslim relations while also ministering to a unique, thriving island of Catholicism as he embarks on the first-ever papal trip to the Arabian Peninsula, the birthplace of Islam.

While Francis is building on two of his priorities with his Sunday-Tuesday visit to the United Arab Emirates  promoting interfaith dialogue and visiting the Catholic peripheries  diplomatic protocol will likely dictate that he leaves other concerns behind.

The Emirates' support for Saudi Arabia's war in Yemen, which has caused the world's worst humanitarian crisis, and the UAE's problematic record on human rights and labor violations at home will likely will get a pass  at least in public.Tehran (AFP) - The deputy chief of Iran's Revolutionary Guards has warned Europe against forcing the Islamic Republic into boosting the range of its missiles by trying to halt their development.

"If the Europeans, or anyone else, want to conspire to disarm Iran of missiles, we will be forced to make a strategic leap," the guards' deputy commander Brigadier-General Hossein Salami said on state TV on Saturday.

"All that hear me today, come to terms with the new reality of Iran's missile might: there are no obstacles or technical limitations to us increasing (their) range," he added.

The Islamic Republic develops its missile technology according to a "defensive strategy" which changes according to need, he said.

Earlier Saturday, Iran announced the "successful test" of a new cruise missile with a range of over 1,350 kilometres (840 miles), coinciding with the anniversary of the country's 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Defence Minister Amir Hatami said the Hoveizeh cruise missile had successfully hit its targets, calling it the "long arm of the Islamic Republic of Iran".

Iran reined in most of its nuclear programme under a landmark 2015 deal with major powers, but has kept up development of its ballistic missile technology.

Washington withdrew from the accord in May and reimposed sanctions against Iran, citing the missile programme among its reasons.

European governments have stuck by the agreement, although some have demanded a new section to address Iran's ballistic missile programme and its intervention in regional conflicts including Yemen.

Iran has voluntarily limited the range of its missiles to 2,000 kilometres (1,250 miles), but that is still enough to hit its arch-enemy Israel and US bases in the Middle East.

Washington and its allies have accused Tehran of pursuing enhanced missile capabilities that also threaten Europe.

Tehran denies this, insisting its missile programme is "purely defensive."

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The weapon tested Saturday takes its name from a city in the southwestern province of Khuzestan that was devastated in the 1980-1988 war against Saddam Hussein's Iraq.

Salami on Saturday warned world powers "not to seek (new) negotiations or make recommendations or requests on Iran's missile power".

"Our enemies only understand the language of force," he said.

"If you cannot talk to them in that language, they will use it to talk to you."Model Kelleth Cuthbert, whose real name is Kelly Steinbach, became the unlikely breakout star of this years Golden Globes. She didnt gain attention for her role in any prestigious film of television show, but rather she achieved overnight virality by accidentally photobombing celebrities on the red carpet while slinging Fiji Water.

Instantly, the images of Steinbach serving looks behind A-listers while holding the bottle beverage led to the Internet dubbing her Fiji Water Girl, a moniker the company ran with by printing cardboard cutouts of her likeness to launch a new promotional campaign. However, Steinbach is not happy with the companys antics, alleging that they pressured her to sign away her rights to Fiji Water Girl in a fake promotional video and then subsequently used her image without her consent or a contract.

In a new lawsuit lobbied against Fiji Water (via E! News), Steinbachs attorney Kimberly Buffington writes that, The fake document Steinbach fake signed in the potential future promotional video was not an agreement The fake document was not signed by Fiji Water and was later destroyed by Steinbach. Her legal team estimates that the Fiji Water Girl moniker accrued the company at least $12 million in terms of brand exposure.

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The company disputes Steinbachs assessment, writing in a statement, This lawsuit is frivolous and entirely without merit. After the Golden Globes social media moment, we negotiated a generous agreement with Ms. Cuthbert that she blatantly violated. We are confident that we will prevail in Court. Throughout our history, we have had a sterling reputation working with talent.

Prior to the lawsuit, Steinbach commented on her sudden Internet fame by clarifying that it was unintentional. Speaking with PEOPLE, she said Theres tons of photographers everywhere. It doesnt matter where you stand, youre in the crossfire of every shot. Youve gotta have good face, at least, if youre gonna be hovering in the background frequently.

Of course, Steinbach has also capitalized on her moment, appearing on James Corden after the event to milk the meme-machine her fair share. You can watch her appearance below.'Empire' actor Jussie Smollett returns to stage for 1st time since reported racist, homophobic attack originally appeared on abcnews.go.com

Jussie Smollett returned to the stage with a message of love on Saturday night in his first public appearance since he was allegedly attacked in a possible hate crime earlier this week.

Smollett took the stage at the Troubadour in West Hollywood, California, after an introduction from his older brother Joel, who called him "a true artist" and "the epitome of love."

"Regardless of what anyone else says, I will only stand for love," Jussie Smollett said, tearing up before beginning his set. "We hope that you all stand with us."

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The performance was initially supposed to include a meet-and-greet for fans who had upgraded their tickets; however, those people will be refunded due to security concerns, according to an email from the vendor, TicketWeb.

Jussie is so honored to perform for his fans, friends and family on Saturday night. However, please forgive us. For security reasons, we cannot accommodate any meet & greets. Your meet & greet upgrade can either be refunded or donated to the Black AIDS Institute in your name, said the email provided to ABC News.

The LAPD declined to comment on whether there will be additional police presence around the venue, and its unclear if the venue itself beefed up security for the Empire star.

PHOTO: Jussie Smollett performs in Atlanta, May 29, 2018. (Paras Griffin/Getty Images, FILE)

Smollett, 36, was expected to perform tracks from his album Sum of My Music, which was released last year.

Dozens of detectives have been pursuing new leads and tracking the actors movements that morning through video and photos, Chicago Police previously told ABC News.

Police are also hoping to track down and speak to two potential persons of interest who can be seen in surveillance video near the area where the alleged assault took place.

PHOTO: Chicago police are looking to identify and interview the two people pictured, who were walking in the area where Jussie Smollett said he was attacked. (Chicago Police Department)

While the video does not capture an encounter, detectives are taking this development seriously & wish to question individuals as more cameras are being reviewed, Anthony Guglielmi, chief communications officer for the Chicago Police Department, wrote on Twitter.

Story continues

(MORE: 'Empire' star Jussie Smollett believes 'justice will be served' after brutal attack)

Smollett told police that the men also poured an unknown chemical substance on him  possibly bleach  and wrapped a rope around his neck, police said. The rope was still around Smolletts neck when police spoke to him afterward, officials said.

Brandon Z. Moore, Smolletts music manager, previously told ABC News that he was on the phone with the actor when the alleged attack happened and that he had heard a scuffle, a racial slur and the words MAGA country, presumably coming from the attackers.

Police confirmed that they had spoken to Moore and that his account was noted in the police report. Both Moore and Smollett told police they were on the phone with each other at the time of the attack, police added.

However, as of Thursday, police had not yet seen phone records to confirm their accounts and Smollett had declined to hand over his cell phone to detectives. Police say Smollet is being treated as a victim and they have no interest or probable cause to obtain his call records through a search warrant.

As of Saturday morning, there were no further updates on the investigation, Chicago Police told ABC News.

PHOTO: Jussie Smollett poses for a portrait in New York, March 6, 2018. (Victoria Will/Invision/AP, FILE)

Smollett thanked his fans in a statement on Friday for their support, and said he was recovering both mentally and physically.

Let me start by saying that Im OK, he said in a statement. My body is strong and my soul is stronger. More importantly I want to say thank you. The outpouring of love and support from my village has meant more than I will ever be able to truly put into words.

(MORE: Jussie Smollett's family releases emotional statement: 'Jussie is a warrior whose light cannot be dimmed')

He also made an effort to refute any claims made online that his story might have changed.

I am working with authorities and have been 100% factual and consistent on every level, he said in the statement. Despite my frustrations and deep concern with certain inaccuracies and misrepresentations that have been spread, I still believe that justice will be served.

ABC News' Monica Escobedo contributed to this report.Donald Trump has said sending troops to crisis-hit Venezuela is an option as western nations increase pressure on socialist leader Nicolas Maduro to hand power over to self-proclaimed president Juan Guaido.

In an astonishing interview, the US president also revealed he had turned down a request to meet Maduro, whose tenure as president has seen the country fall into economic turmoil amid a growing humanitarian crisis.

Asked if he might dispatch American troops there, Mr Trump said: Certainly its something thats on the  its an option.

Excerpts from the interview  carried out by CBSs Face The Nation show  were released as thousands of Venezuelans took to the streets to protest against Mr Maduros regime, which has been criticised for destroying the economy and disappearing opponents.

When pressed over whether the two leaders might talk, Mr Trump answered: Well he requested a meeting and Ive turned it down because were very far along in the process.

He added: I would say this. I decided at the time, no because so many really horrible things have been happening in Venezuela when you look at that country.

That was the wealthiest country of all in that part of the world which is a very important part of the world.

And now you look at the poverty and you look at the anguish and you look at the crime and you look at all of the things happening.

So, I think the process is playing out  very very big tremendous protests.

The US and EU, along with several South American countries, have already recognised the leadership of Juan Guaido, the president of the National Assembly of Venezuela.

The 35-year-old has promised to end the financial crisis in what was once South Americas richest country, and restore democracy.

He made his challenge to Mr Maduro last month after the latter was sworn in for a second six-year term in office following widely disputed elections in 2018.

On Saturday, a Venezuelan air force general defected from the government and urged others to do the same.

The move has been called significant because the armed forces  who, for now, remain loyal to Mr Maduro  are the key to holding power.Kris Osborn

Security,

Is it possible?

The Deadly F-35 Stealth Fighter: Waging War Until 2070?

We own todays fight, said Lt. Col. Tucker Hamilton, F-35 Test Director, Edwards AFB, told reporters. However, Tucker went on to say that, in the absence of aggressive modernization, sustainment and various improvement efforts, this will no longer remain the case.

The Air Force has begun early testing, software development and weapons integration for its upcoming Block 4 variant of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, an emerging model intended to give the multi-role fighter a new dimension of attack mission possibilities, service leaders said.

The new version, to emerge in the early 2020s, will add new long-range precision-tracking weapons such as the Small Diameter Bomb II and also integrate a computer-generated automatic ground collision avoidance technology.

The next step for F-35 weapons integration will be to address the weapon requirements within Block 4. Integration of the Small Diameter Bomb II has already begun, and flight test is scheduled to start as early as 2019, Capt. Emily Grabowski, Air Force Spokeswoman, told Warrior Maven in a statement.

The current consensus among senior Pentagon weapons developers holds that, at the moment, the F-35 is the most capable 5th generation plane in the world. Maintaining this edge, however, is anticipated to quickly become more and more difficult now that both Russia and China are building 5th-gen stealth fighters.

Block 4 is important with the national defense strategy to make sure we are modernizing the plane to keep it dominant on the battlefield. We are close to knowing the strategy for how to go after it, Dr. Will Roper, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics, told a group of reporters.

While the applied impact of Block 4 will incorporate a range of mission-expanding technologies, much of the ongoing preparation work is in the realm of software development, Roper said.

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The physical pieces of the plane are moving in a good direction. Most of what we have left to do is software. The department (DoD) has not historically been good at software development. That will take a little longer. I cannot imagine building anything for the Air Force that is not software intensive, Roper said.

The Block 4 initiative is part of a long range trajectory planned for the F-35 described by Pentagon developers as C2D2 - Continuous Capability Development and Delivery. The idea, officials say, is to position the multi-role fighter such that it can consistently accommodate new weapons, stealth materials, sensors and guidance technology as it becomes available.

We own todays fight, said Lt. Col. Tucker Hamilton, F-35 Test Director, Edwards AFB, told reporters. However, Tucker went on to say that, in the absence of aggressive modernization, sustainment and various improvement efforts, this will no longer remain the case.

*********The Pentagon plans to fly the F-35 until 2070********

Small Diameter Bomb II

The SDB II, described as a key element of Block 4, is a new air-dropped weapon able to destroy moving targets in all kinds of weather conditions at ranges greater than 40-miles, Air Force and Raytheon officials said.

GPS and laser-guided weapons such as Joint Direct Attack Munitions have been around for decades, however, they have primarily been designed for use against fixed or stationary targets.

While the Air Force currently uses a laser-guided bomb called the GBU-54 able to destroy moving targets, the new SDB II will be able to do this at longer ranges and in all kinds of weather conditions. In addition, the SDB II is built with a two-way, dual-band data link which enables it to change targets or adjust to different target locations while in flight, Raytheon developers told Warrior Maven.

The Small Diameter Bomb II (SDB II ), which has already completed a series of wind tunnel tests, can destroy moving targets in all weather conditions at ranges greater than 40 miles -- a Raytheon statement said.

A key part of the SDB II is a technology called a tri-mode seeker  a guidance system which can direct the weapon using millimeter wave radar, uncooled imaging infrared guidance and semi-active laser technology.

Raytheon weapons developers say the tri-mode seeker provides a range of guidance and targeting options typically not used together in one system. Millimeter wave radar gives the weapon an ability to navigate through adverse weather, conditions in which other guidance systems might encounter problems reaching or pinpointing targets.

Imagining infrared guidance allows the weapon to track and hone in on heat signatures such as the temperature of an enemy vehicle. With semi-active laser technology, the weapon can be guided to an exact point using a laser designator or laser illuminator coming from the air or the ground, Raytheon officials told Warrior.

Also, the SBD II brings a new ability to track targets in flight through use of a two-way Link 16 and UHF data link, Raytheon officials said.

One Raytheon SDB II developer told Warrior in a previous interview that the millimeter wave radar turns on first. Then the data link gives it a cue and tells the seeker where to open up and look. Then, the weapon can turn on its IR (infrared) which uses heat seeking technology.

The SBD II is engineered to weigh only 208 pounds, a lighter weight than most other air dropped bombs, so that eight of them can fit on the inside of an F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, Raytheon officials explained.

If weapons are kept in an internal weapons bay and not rested on an external weapons pod, then an aircraft can succeed in retaining its stealth properties because the shapes or contours of the weapons will not be visible to enemy radar.

About 105 pound of the SDB II is an explosive warhead which encompasses a blast-frag capability and a plasma-jet technology designed to pierce enemy armor, Raytheon officials explained.

The SDB II also has the ability to classify targets, meaning it could for example be programmed to hit only tanks in a convoy as opposed to other moving vehicles. The weapon can classify tanks, boats or wheeled targets, Raytheon officials added.

Auto Ground Collision Avoidance System

Grabowski also told Warrior Maven that, alongside the ongoing integration of the SDB II, the Air Force is progressing with the integration of a technology called Auto-Ground Collision Avoidance System. It is expected to be integrated next year, she added.

The technology, now installed on digital F-16 fighters, uses computer algorithms to take over an aircraft's flight trajectory and change a potential collision course with the ground or nearby terrain, senior Air Force officials told Warrior.

The technology calculates where the aircraft is and where it would hit the ground based upon the way it is flying at the time, senior Air Force officials told Warrior Maven. If the fighter jet is flying toward a potential collision with the ground, the on-board computer system will override the flight path and pull the aircraft away from the ground.

Auto-Ground Collision Avoidance is already saving lives, senior Air Force officials told Warrior Maven.

Osborn previously served at the Pentagon as a Highly Qualified Expert with the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army - Acquisition, Logistics & Technology. Osborn has also worked as an anchor and on-air military specialist at national TV networks. He has a Masters in Comparative Literature from Columbia University.

This first appeared in Warrior Maven here.

Read full articleSao Paulo (AFP) - Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was ill in hospital with a feeding tube Sunday following surgery days ago to remove a colostomy bag fitted after he suffered a knife attack late last year.

The Sao Paulo hospital where Bolsonaro, 63, was convalescing since his January 28 operation said in its last medical bulletin on Saturday that he suffered an "episode of nausea and vomiting" but the president's clinical tests were all normal and he was without fever.

He was expected to be discharged on Wednesday or Thursday as originally scheduled, media reported.

Bolsonaro was stabbed by a mentally unstable lone assailant on September 6 while campaigning in a crowd in a street in the southeast state of Minas Gerais.

After emergency surgery to save his life, the far-right politician was forced to lay up for nearly a month -- but saw his popularity rise because of public sympathy and the way the attack played into his hardline law-and-order agenda.

Bolsonaro went on to easily win October elections and took office on January 1. He has vowed to crack down on crime and corruption in Latin America's biggest country.

The leader, who is continuing his official paperwork from his hospital bed, was reported Saturday to have been vomiting and required a feeding tube.

One of his sons, Carlos Bolsonaro, used the president's Twitter account to say his father on Sunday "woke up well and with energy.... Only good news in the morning."

The Folha de Sao Paulo newspaper reported that, according to three medical experts it consulted, the vomiting Bolsonaro exhibited was not a normal reaction so many days after such surgery.

It cited the doctor who carried out the surgery, Antonio Macedo, as saying it was likely the result of a long and complicated operation.Usman Khawaja finally found form again to stroke a fine century Sunday and steer Australia into a massive lead over Sri Lanka as the tourists battle to stay in the second Test at Canberra.

At stumps, the visitors were 17 without loss, chasing a huge 516 to win with two days remaining after Tim Paine declared Australia's second innings at 196 for three.

Dimuth Karunaratne and Lahiru Thirimanne were both unbeaten on eight, weathering some 30 minutes before bad light stopped play slightly early.

Sri Lanka had resumed the third day at 123 for three and in a hostile morning session lost four wickets and Kusal Perera, who retired after being hit on the head by a bouncer.

Their resistence folded in the second over after lunch, with Mitchell Starc taking five wickets to leave them trailing by 319 after Australia's first innings 534 for five declared.

Paine opted against the follow-on in Australia's last Test batting opportunity before the Ashes tour to England later this year.

Khawaja padded up knowing his place in that squad was in doubt after managing a high-score of just 72 across six Tests in a lacklustre summer.

He responded in emphatic fashion, smashing his eighth Test ton off 134 balls.

It was Australia's fourth century of the match after Joe Burns, Travis Head and Kurtis Patterson reached the milestone in the first innings.

Paine declared with Khawaja on 101 and Head not out 59, following his first innings 161.

But it was far from plain sailing, with the hosts losing three early wickets.

Marcus Harris again failed, out for 14 with Kusal Mendis taking a superb diving catch at slip off Kasun Rajitha, throwing his Ashes place into question.

Mendis held another catch to dismiss Burns for nine, this time off Vishwa Fernando, and Rajitha struck again to remove Marnus Labuschagne for four.

In an incident-packed morning at Manuka Oval, the ball was handed first up to Jhye Richardson and Pat Cummins and they responded with a slew of bouncers.

Story continues

Both Perera, who resumed on 11, and Dhananjaya de Silva, on one overnight, took blows to the head in the opening two overs.

Perera was then hit flush on the helmet ducking into a Richardson ball on 27.

The neck protector flew off and a Sri Lankan physio rushed to his aid. He continued and added two more runs only to call the physio again four balls later.

Once again he opted to bat on but was clearly feeling the effects and was helped off the field soon after. He stayed at the ground monitored by medics, but did not play again.

- Karunaratne returns -

Ironically, the courageous Karunaratne replaced him after being declared fit again after being felled by a brutal bouncer on Saturday from Cummins.

He had laid prone on the ground for at least 10 minutes before being stretchered off in a neck brace, but after a hospital check was cleared of concussion and given the OK to resume his innings.

The opener returned on 46 and smacked a four to bring up his 22nd Test 50 before being caught at gully by Patterson off Starc after adding nine more.

He was out just three balls after de Silva bizarrely hit his own wicket while attempting a pull shot off Starc. As his bat swung around it took one of the bails off and he was gone for 25.

In the next over debutant Chamika Karunaratne fell Nathan Lyon and Niroshan Dickwella was out lbw to Labuschagne on the last delivery before lunch.

When they returned Dilruwan Perera and Ferndano lasted just eight more balls with Starc doing the damage, ending with 5-54 to silence his critics after a lean spell.

Australia won the first Test in Brisbane by an innings and 40 runs.There are 9,863 people currently living in the United States with the first name Valentine and another 45,907 who use it as a last name (at least according to howmanyofme.com). And, as of Feb. 1, each and every one of them is eligible for a free ticket on WOW Air.

%image1

On Friday, the budget airline announced its offering any passenger with the first or last name Valentine free air travel for their significant other on flights from four U.S. cities to Iceland during the month of February.

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There is a never-ending list of romantic activities for couples to enjoy in Iceland, the airline said in a statement. Whether its snuggling up under a blanket and gazing at the Northern Lights in Iceland, snowmobiling on a glacier or taking in the beautiful sights of Reykjavik, the possibilities are limitless.

While this is surely a unique and compelling offer, it does come with some fine print. First, the ticket is only for one person and will only cover the cost of a one-way return ticket from Iceland. That means youre still on the hook for one leg of the journey. However, as Thrillist noted, this promotion can still save travelers between $100 and $400.

The offer is only valid on bookings made by Feb. 14, 2019. Travel also has to take place between Feb. 10 and 19, a rather short window. But hey, this is the most romantic month of the year, if youre not going to take a last-minute romantic trip with your Valentine now, when will you?

To redeem the offer, passengers named Valentine will still need to book their tickets through WOW Air. Then, they will need to send a photo of their passport and their booking reference to Valentines@wow.is. After the name is validated they will be refunded for the ticket.

Of course, even if youre not named Valentine, you can still take advantage of WOWs extremely low airfare. According to the airline, travelers could score tickets to London, Dublin, Berlin, and Frankfurt for as low as $99 one-way. Who knows, maybe youll find your own Valentine in one of those cities too.Today, Meghan Markle did something spontaneous. She and Prince Harry were packing meals for One25, a charity that assists female sex workers on the street in Bristol, when suddenly she looked around. Oh, actually do you have a Sharpie marker? I have an idea, she said, according to People. I saw this project this woman had started somewhere in the States on a school lunch program.

The idea? Writing words of affirmation on banana peels. Someone handed her a pen, and she started scribbling away.

Photo: Getty Images

Photos from the event show a selection of messages: You Are Special, read one. You are Strong, You are Brave, said two others. On another, she wrote, You are Loved. Each was accompanied with a heart.

I am in charge of the banana messaging! Markle exclaimed.

It was a small gesture, sure, but one that could uplift and inspire some of Britains most at-risk population.

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It sounds really cheesy, but little things like that when you are out, especially tonight with the weatherjust to get that little thing [means the world], a former sex worker, who now works with the charity, told The Daily Mail.

Like Princess Diana before her, Markle often appears to make impromptu, meaningful gestures during her official appearances. Take the banana bread she made for farmers in Dubbo, Australia, or the many warm hugs she gives royal fans during walkabouts. Some speeches, too, are reported to be off the cuff: like one during Sydneys Invictus Games, or during a lunch for her cookbook, Together.

Also like her husbands mother, Markle has shown special sensitivity to stigmatized groups: In 1987, Princess Diana famously shook the hand of an AIDS patient. And in 2018, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex reached out to sex workers.

Recently, reports have surfaced that Markle is finding it difficult to transition to royal life. Perhaps they are true, or have some truth. But theres no doubt, as today shows, that Meghans a natural when it comes to the most important royal duty: reaching out to the British peopleno matter who they are.photo of woman standing against blue metal door

From my childhood to teenage years, Ive felt a deep sense of emptiness and loneliness in my life. Now, it doesnt mean Im always alone. It doesnt mean I havent found what matters to me. It doesnt mean I dont love or know myself. Its just what Ive felt. Theres been that certain sadness in me that lingers.

I used to harbor suicidal thoughts. I wondered what it would feel like I wondered whether, if I hurt myself, then maybe someone would notice and care that I was in pain. But I never attempted any of that because I was too afraid After all, its not that I really wanted to end my life; its that I wanted to stop feeling empty and alone. I wanted more meaning. I wanted to connect on a deeper level beyond casual friendships and acquaintances. I dont know if you understand what I mean.

During my days as a student, I used school work and activities to cover it up. My breaking point was after graduation, during my first job. I felt depleted and mentally drained because I didnt know what I was working toward. It felt as though all my efforts to be and live in America were in vain. I had been working hard so I could have a certain life, yet I wasnt able to obtain the visa sponsorship I needed to stay. For several months, I would be up early hours in the morning crying. I didnt have much of an appetite. My last year in New York, I felt broken.

Related: Why I Struggled to Accept My Depression Diagnosis

Coming back to Nigeria has not been easy for me. I initially felt like a failure because it was not part of my plan. I felt alone because I had to start my life again and get used to the system and structure of life here. Doing Nigerias National Youth Service Corps did, however, help me get used to things and also get some experience with my passion for media. But even now, not yet having full-time employment is not an easy thing to handle.

So, thats my mental health story. Now, I cant say Ive been able to fully overcome all my struggles, but I can say I have felt better and had more moments of being genuinely happy than I used to in my past. This is because I make more efforts to work on my mental health. All the things I do to work on my mental health are below.

Story continues

Related: You Might Relate to This Song About Breaking Up With Depression from 'Crazy Ex-Girlfriend'

1. I do what matters to me.

Writing is therapeutic for me. It always has been. Writing is the way I feel I can express myself best. Writing is healing. Writing is my way of being authentic and trying to connect with others like myself. I love writing. I love it and continuing to write and having a blog helps me with my mental health. I look at my website and it makes me happy to have a place where I can be me. I can share my perspective. Writing is the number one thing that has helped me with my mental health.

2. I go out and be involved.

Being stuck in my head too much is never a great thing for me. Thats why when Im available to go out, I do. Going out and being in a different environment puts me in a good headspace. It takes me away from the issues and stresses in my life. I especially enjoy putting myself in places that align with the person I am. The things I care about are arts, literature, women empowerment and volunteer work.

Related: 3 Reasons That B*tch Called Depression Pisses Me Off

When I found out about Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative, it lit me up because Ive been trying to work on my mental health. Through the organization, I want to learn and be better educated on mental health for myself, as well as to help others.

So doing things that align with me is a way of nourishing my soul. Its what leads to my genuine happiness.

3. I pray to God.

I dont know what I would do or be without my faith in God. I carry on with my days because I believe in God. I believe there will come a time when I will not feel an emptiness. I believe there will come a time when God will fill my life with the things I lack. I keep praying that he will. Ive had moments where he has promised me this. That is why I continue to carry on because I trust that joy is mine to have. I trust that experiences filled with an abundance of genuine happiness, love and connection is mine to have.

4. I release and share my emotions.

Being able to express my emotions helps me a lot with my mental health. I cant hold everything in all the time. So when I cry, its a release that makes me feel better. When I write, its a release that makes me feel better. When I talk to someone, its a release that makes me feel better.

5. I exercise.

Im always talking about how much I love to exercise. This is because its had such a positive impact on my mindset. Exercise makes me feel good. Exercise gives me confidence. It helps me to eliminate my worries, stress and anxieties. Having a physical activity in my life has greatly impacted my mental health.

Truthfully, its hard for me to write and share my emotional wounds with you. Im the person who tries to smile often and be active. When people say Oh, youre a happy person, Youre enjoying yourself, all I do is smile back. Most people dont know about my personal struggles.

However, though Im a bit uncomfortable with my vulnerabilities out in the open, I feel free. I needed to write this so I can let that pain go. Also, being authentic and writing about things like this gives me joy. It brings me joy to share who I am and connect with you. I hope this post provides some comfort to anyone out there struggling with things you might feel embarrassed to talk about. I get it. You are not alone.

A version of this article was previously published on the authors blog.

Read more stories like this on The Mighty:

What I Want You to Know If Depression Makes You Feel Unlovable

6 Tasks That Feel Impossible to Accomplish When You Have Depression

What Its Like to Be a Young Professional With Depression and AnxietyPhoto credit: Woman's Day

From Woman's Day

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SPONSOR: The Sponsor of these Sweepstakes is Hearst Magazine Media, Inc., 300 W. 57th Street, New York, NY 10019.

('You Might Also Like',)The happiest place on Earth is getting ready to spread some rainbows in 2019.

On June 1, Disneyland Paris will become the first Disney theme park to host an official LGBTQ pride event. The Magical Pride Party will entail special events and activities for members of the LGBTQ community and their friends and family.

The event on June 1 will include meet and greets with Disney characters, an opportunity to join the Magical March of Diversity Parade, and a party with DJs, live music, karaoke and several themed photo ops. Attendees will also get special access to selected attractions during the weekend.

Packages  which include two or three nights at a Disney hotel, a two-day Disney Park Hopper Ticket, early access to selected attractions and entrance into the Magical Pride Party  range from about $340 (259) to $2,400 (1,829) per person.

Other events focused around the LGBTQ community do happen at Disney theme parks, but so far, this one in Paris is the only one thats been deemed official. (Its posted on the Disneyland Paris website.) Disneyland in Anaheim, California used to host an LGBTQ event but it stopped about 20 years ago, according to Gay Day Anaheim. Now, Gay Days Anaheim is an unofficial event (taking place Oct. 4-6, 2019) wherein the community shows up at the park for a get-together in matching gear. In Florida, the LGBTQ community convenes in a hotel for a week (Aug. 13-19, 2019) and Gay Days Orlando invades Walt Disney World.Tennessee parents might soon have a dress code at their children's schools

Tennessee parents might soon have a dress code at their children's schools originally appeared on goodmorningamerica.com

If you thought parents were exempt from dress codes during school visits, that might not soon be the case.

In Tennessee, some school districts are seeing parents in attire so inappropriate that a parental "code of conduct," which could include wardrobe requirements for parents, might become law.

Democratic State Representative Antonio Parkinson filed the legislation on Thursday, he told "Good Morning America."

"It all started with a Facebook meme about a snow day," Parkinson told "GMA." The joke, he said, was that parents should wear two pairs of pajamas to drop off their kids at school instead of one.

(MORE: Teacher's genius idea for keeping kids busy on the bus)

That meme, however, sparked a conversation among Parkinson's constituents, which prompted him to take action, he said. One principal, for example, told him that a parent had come in wearing nightclothes with certain body parts exposed.

"This was an elementary school, the little ones are still walking to class holding each others hands," he told "GMA."

(MORE: Mom's 'single parent's anthem' strikes a chord with the ones who do it alone)

In another case, he said someone came into the school's office smelling like marijuana. It was so strong, he said, that the next person who came in "would think theres grow operation on the school."

PHOTO: Sherita Miller of Memphis is pictured with her daughter, Hailey Miller, in an undated handout photo. (Courtesy Antonio Parkinson)

These same two issues have plagued the schools for years Sherita Miller, a parent whose two children who have gone through the Tennessee public school system, told "GMA."

She said "sagging pants on the males, people coming in pajamas that have clearly been slept in [and] the smell of marijuana" were all regular occurrences.

Miller supports Parkinson's legislation. She hopes it will "set a better example for their children and others as well."

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But the bill has its critics too.

"Honestly I do not agree with it being a law," said a commenter named Grace Greenlead wrote on Parkinson's Facebook page. "The premise is understandable but the actual implementation can be seen as racially insensitive. I'm an adult a professional adult [sic] I do not need a legislator telling me how I should dress when you are not paying my bills. I think this is a step too far. Dressing parents is out of your lane sir!"

The "code of conduct," Parkinson said, would include a baseline level of conduct and behavior for anyone who comes onto a school campus. The details, however, would be left up to the schools.

"The challenges in East Tennessee are not the same ones faced by schools in West Tennessee," he said.

Some other examples of rules he is trying to implement include prohibiting loud music when pulling up to a school and banning cursing at teachers.

Parkinson said if the legislation passes, it would probably go into effect starting on July 1.

"Everyone else who comes onto a school campus, teacher and students, has to abide by certain rules," Parkinson said. "Parents are the third leg of the school. Anything or anyone that comes onto the campus should be contributing to a learning environment."'SIM swapping' indictment in Manhattan spotlights tech-savvy fraud targeting crypto-currency owners originally appeared on abcnews.go.com

A tech-savvy bank robber wore no mask and carried no gun -- but used the little chip inside a smartphone to steal untold thousands of dollars in what is becoming an increasing popular strain of e-fraud, according to the Manhattan District Attorneys office.

A grand jury in New York returned a 52-count indictment Friday against Dawson Bakies, 20, of Columbus, Ohio, charging him with grand larceny, identity theft and computer tampering among other charges.

Bakies is accused of SIM swapping.

He impersonated the owners of smartphones, convinced their wireless providers to port phone numbers over to iPhones he owned and then accessed victims online accounts by completing two-factor authentication, according to court records.

This isnt a new type of fraud, per se, but it has certainly become more popular as crypto-currency has become more widely adopted, said Elizabeth Roper, chief of the cyber-crime bureau in the Manhattan District Attorneys office. People who are users of crypto-currency often access those funds using information that is on their cell phones.

Bakies targeted at least 50 different victims across the country who were not chosen at random, according to the indictment.

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The victims targeted in this case were publicly-active in the crypto-currency space, Roper told ABC News. Theres a belief that people who are out there writing about or talking about crypto-currency are going to have holdings in one or more crypto-currencies. Theyre attractive targets.

Bakies is charged with stealing more than $10,000 in crypto-currency from three Manhattan victims, plus much more from the others, in what is the first-ever prosecution of SIM swapping in New York and among the first in the nation.

Today my office is putting the small handful of sophisticated SIM Swappers out there on notice, said Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance. We know what youre doing, we know how to find you, and we will hold you criminally accountable, no matter where you are.

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Bakies pleaded not guilty and was released on $100,000 bail.

When investigators searched his home in Ohio, according to court records, they found several devices used in the scheme, including a laptop with encrypted drive containing a document named Hacker [expletive]! The document had the names of finished targets including the three Manhattan victims, according to a court affidavit.

Prosecutors said wireless carriers should wake up to an increasingly common scheme.

Carriers need to rethink the way they authenticate people, Roper said.Take it from fashion icon Betsey Johnson: It's OK to be weird originally appeared on goodmorningamerica.com

Theres no doubt about the fact that Betsey Johnson is one-of-a-kind. The 76-year-old fashion designer is known for her bright clothes and her even brighter personality.

Johnsons fashion empire celebrates femininity and strength and has spanned decades, but the designer is the first to admit she never expected to end up here.

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I never wanted to go near fashion, Johnson told GMA.

I just loved sewing and I just wanted to keep doing it.

We took a trip down memory lane with Johnson to learn more about her journey to becoming a fashion icon and why being yourself never goes out of style.

Do everything until you find your one thing

Although shes a designer by trade, Johnsons first love was dancing.

That was my fantasy world, my dancing years, she said, adding that her mother made all her costumes despite how much she hated sewing.

Johnson took dance classes while she was growing up in Connecticut. Although it wasnt her only pastime as a child, it was the one that captured her heart the most.

You start to love so much [that] you just try to do it all and somehow it becomes a focus, she said.

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It's OK to be weird

Despite her mothers aversion to sewing, the activity soon became Johnsons passion.

This is what I love, making clothes, Johnson told GMA."

As a teen, she would take inspiration from her dolls costumes and make dresses for them, like in this photo.

PHOTO: 'I'm a sewing lady! This is what I love, making clothes,' Betsey Johnson says about this photo of her making doll clothes in her mid-twenties, circa 1960's. (Courtesy Betsey Johnson)

Little did she know that these little costumes would ultimately launch a fashion empire.

I didnt ever sit and go, That was a good look.

Johnsons style has always been unapologetically her own.

I knew there were more girls like me. I just knew it.

You need a little luck in life

The ultimate spark in Johnsons fashion career came in 1965 when she won a Guest Editor Contest for Mademoiselle magazine.

Her foray into the fashion industry even took her by surprise.

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Johnson studied art in college but never took a fashion course in her life.

PHOTO: Betsey Johnson is pictured in a photo, circa 1967. Johnson entered the fashion world when she was 25, after winning 'Mademoiselle' magazine's Guest Editor Contest in 1964. (Courtesy Betsey Johnson)

I just loved sewing and I just wanted to keep doing it, she explained.

Her grit and passion made up for her lack of industry experience. After a decade of working with various designers and boutiques, Johnson launched her own fashion line in 1978.

I have talent. I work really hard  and Im lucky, she adds.

Having a kid won't cramp your style

While running her new fashion label, Johnson was also able start a family.

Look how happy I am, Johnson exclaims in this photo with her daughter, Lulu.

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Having a kid was always a lifelong dream for Johnson and being a mom while also running a booming business made for a very unique experience.

From Hong Kong to Turkey, I took Lulu all over the world, Johnson said.

Be an icon, not a celebrity

Johnson reconnected with her first love of dance when she joined the cast of ABC's Dancing With The Stars in 2014.

She described the experience as terrifying yet wonderful.

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Although she was eliminated after the fourth week, the fashion designer was blown away by the support she received from fans.

Theyll come over and hug me, Johnson said, adding that fans would often share stories about what my clothes did for them.

Tell the story you want to tell

Forty-one years after launching her eponymous fashion label, Johnson has solidified herself as a force to be reckoned with in the fashion industry  and shows no signs of stopping.

Even working within a corporate level, I still love my brand, she said.

Hearing Johnson talk about her new Pretty N Punk fragrance, its obvious that her excitement and passion for her job is stronger than ever.

She explained that she chose the name for the perfume because it epitomizes her brand  fierce and feminine.

PHOTO: Johnson poses with her 'Pretty N' Punk' scent in an undated promotional image. (Courtesy Betsey Johnson)

I love what it represents  [my company] has kind of had the same pretty and punk attitude.

Trends may come and go, but for Johnson, embracing your individuality never goes out of style.Attorney general should decide whether to make Mueller report public, Trump says originally appeared on abcnews.go.com

As the special counsels investigation is expected to soon come to a conclusion, President Donald Trump says the decision to make Robert Muellers report public is totally in the hands of the attorney general.

When asked if he would have a problem with the report being made public, the president wouldnt answer directly.

That's up to the attorney general. I don't know. It depends. I have no idea what it's going to say, said Trump.

The president sat down for a Super Bowl Sunday interview with CBS News Margaret Brennan on Face the Nation, and was asked about the special counsels probe, the likelihood of another government shutdown over border security funding, his decision to -- and backlash against -- pulling troops from Syria, his public clash with intelligence chiefs, his upcoming meeting with North Koreas Kim Jong Un, and the political unrest in Venezuela.

The president said that he has not given any thought to whether or not he should pardon Roger Stone, a longtime friend and advisor, who was recently indicted by a grand jury on charges of lying to Congress, obstruction, and witness tampering. Stone is accused of making false statements to the House and Senate Intelligence Committees about communications with Wikileaks during the 2016 campaign.

The president has sought to distance himself and his campaign from any connection with Stone.

I mean Roger's a character but Roger was not -- I don't know if you know this or not -- Roger wasn't on my campaign except way at the beginning, Trump said on Face the Nation.

Trump sat down with Brennan on Friday afternoon at the White House ahead a trip to his private Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida.

The president said that he is not ruling out another government shutdown. In late January, Trump and Congress agreed to reopen the government, but only for three weeks. A bipartisan, bicameral group of lawmakers meet to negotiate border security funding, but the president has called their efforts a waste of time.

Story continues

(MORE: Trump says there's a 'good chance' he'll declare national emergency)

I dont take anything off the table, Trump said when asked about the potential for another shutdown.

He again suggested that a national emergency could be declared instead in order to fund a border wall. It's national emergency, it's other things, and you know there have been plenty national emergencies called, Trump said.

Republicans on Capitol Hill have urged the president not to declare a national emergency saying it could set a bad precedent. Some Republicans have also been at odds with the president over his recent foreign policy decisions, like his decision to pull troops out of Syria.

The president said he was elected, in part, because he campaigned on bringing troops home.

I ran against 17 Republicans. This was a big part of what I was saying, and I won very easily. I think the people out in the world -- I think people in our country agree. We've been fighting for 19 years, Trump said. I want to fight. I want to win, and we want to bring our great troops back home.

(MORE: Federal judge warns she may impose gag order on Roger Stone, prosecutors)

PHOTO: President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting in the Oval Office at the White House, Jan. 31, 2019. (Mark Wilson/Getty Images, FILE)

The president also tried again to change the narrative surrounding General Jim Mattis decision to resign as Secretary of Defense. Mattis submitted his letter of resignation after the president decided to pull out of Syria. But the president said he told Mattis to resign.

He resigned because I asked him to resign. He resigned because I was very nice to him. But I gave him big budgets and he didn't do well in Afghanistan. I was not happy with the job he was doing in Afghanistan, Trump said.

Trump also commented on the divide between his administration and the intelligence chiefs he appointed. The president initially attacked CIA Director Gina Haspel and Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats after their congressional testimony contradicted several of Trumps claims about Iran, North Korea and ISIS. Tweeting on Wednesday that the intelligence community's report on Iran "extremely passive and naive," the president suggested, "Perhaps Intelligence should go back to school!"

But in his interview with CBS, the president brushed off concerns about the report itself. Let me just say it wasn't so much a report. It was the questions and answers as the report was submitted and they were asked questions and answers, Trump said before touting his success with Syria and his efforts to defeat ISIS.

Trump, who summoned Haspel and Coates to the White House to express concerns over their testimony, then blamed the media for creating a distorted and false narrative. In his interview with Brennan, the president seemed to step away from his critical comments, and encourage his officials to form their own opinions even if they contradicts his own.

And you know what I tell people -- you can testify any way you want. I'm not going to stop them from testifying. They said they were mischaracterized -- maybe they were maybe they weren't, I don't really know. But I can tell you this, I want them to have their own opinion and I want them to give me their opinion. But, when I look at Iran, I look at Iran as a nation that has caused tremendous problems, he told Brennan.

On another foreign policy front, as the Trump administration continues to challenge Nicolas Maduro's claim to the presidency in Venezuela. Trump said he rejected Maduros request for a meeting a few months. Trump has continued to show his support for Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido as the interim president of Venezuela, and said a U.S. military action in Venezuela could be a possibility.

Well I don't want to say that. But certainly it's something that's on the -- it's an option, Trump said.

Plans are also underway for a second summit between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as pressure builds for the country to give up its nuclear weapons. Teasing the meeting, Trump said his administration will likely release the location of the meeting either at the State of the Union or shortly before.

Trump expressed doubt that the country will give up their nuclear weapons, stating there is a good possibility that Kim wont take that step. Still, he has hope that the two leaders will strike a deal.

I think he's also tired of going through what he's going through. He has a chance to have North Korea be a tremendous economic behemoth. It has a chance to be one of the great economic countries in the world. He can't do that with nuclear weapons and he can't do that on the path they're on now, Trump said.An American college student has been detained in Tokyo for nearly 9 months

An American college student has been detained in Tokyo for nearly 9 months originally appeared on abcnews.go.com

The Tokyo Detention House where American citizen Julian Adame has been held in a single cell for nearly nine months is a far cry from home.

The 12-story concrete complex in a northeast ward of Japan's bustling capital often houses high-profile detainees, including Carlos Ghosn, the former RenaultNissanMitsubishi Alliance chairman and CEO who is accused of financial misconduct. And then there's Adame, a 22-year-old college student from Sacramento, California.

Adame is accused of obstruction of the performance of official duties after a night out in Tokyo led to an alleged altercation with police in the early morning hours of May 22, 2018. The charge carries a maximum prison sentence of three years or a fine of up to 500,000 Japanese yen ($4,750). He has pleaded guilty but his trial has been postponed to mid-February.

Adame was allowed to speak to ABC News for several minutes in the detention facility's interview room Thursday morning. A guard escorted him into the room, where a glass barrier with a narrow screen along the bottom separates inmates from visitors. Adame, who was earlier visited by U.S. embassy staff, was dressed in a dark blue button-down collared shirt. He appeared healthy and seemed to be in relatively good spirits.

"I'm doing OK," Adame told ABC News upon sitting down on the other side of the glass. "I really want to go home now. It's been some time."

PHOTO: Cars sit outside the Tokyo Detention Center in Tokyo, Jan. 31, 2019. (Anthony Trotter/ABC News)

Adame recounted what happened last year. He said he arrived in Tokyo on a Monday morning around 9:30 a.m. local time. The University of Redlands student had just finished a study abroad program in Bali and booked a red-eye to Japan on a whim, deciding to explore a new country for five days before meeting up with his friend Kate Emmons in Thailand. He planned to return home in time for a summer job that was slated to begin June 8, he said.

Story continues

He said he eventually checked into his room at the stylish Wise Owls Hostels in Tokyo's Shibuya ward and dropped off his bags. The hostel staff confirmed his reservation, telling ABC News that the next time they saw Adame he was in a police car and officers were looking for his passport. The officers came back for his bags a couple days later, according to the hostel staff.

Adame said he spent the day exploring Tokyo, seeing Shibuya Crossing, which is famous for being the busiest intersection in the world, and going to the fashionable Harajuku district. He said he then returned to his hostel to change for dinner and began chatting with some foreigners in the lobby, including two other Americans. He agreed to go out with them for a drink, he said, though he was exhausted after a sleepless flight.

(MORE: American killed in Nairobi terror attack wanted 'to help people,' his parents say)

PHOTO: A pedestrian walks past the exterior of Wise Owls Hostels Shibuya in Tokyo, Feb. 1, 2019. (Anthony Trotter/ABC News)

The group of young men walked to Shibuya Crossing and went to a bar nearby where Adame said he had one drink. They befriended another foreigner, he said, who suggested they all go to Scramble Cafe & Bar, a small, casual establishment with a blue exterior situated beneath the railway tracks across from Shibuya Station.

"I didn't have my wallet with me," Adame told ABC News. "I only had my phone on me because I didn't want to spend money. So I was like, 'I'll go but I don't care about drinking. It's a Monday night, I'm exhausted'. So we get to Scramble and I remember having a drink and then... like, and then a mess."

Adame said he must have fallen asleep at the bar because his memory goes blank.

"I think it was a mixture of Id been drinking, Id no sleep, I was dehydrated from the flight," he said. "Id walked probably seven miles that day. I was, like, trying to find my hostel for a good three hours in the Tokyo heat. I dont know, I think it was a lot of different factors."

The next thing Adame said he remembers is waking up in the bar and being approached by men in black vests and white shirts who demanded he pay a thousand dollars for breaking a lamp. Adame said he didn't know at the time that they were uniformed police officers.

"I was like, 'I dont have that money on me," he recalled. "I dont have my money on me. I dont have my wallet on me. So I dont know what you guys want me to do,'" Adame told ABC News. "And they were like, 'Well, you need to pay the money.' And I was like, 'I dont know what to tell you. I want to pay for this but I dont have the money on me. It is as simple as that. I dont know what to do. I am really sorry.'"

PHOTO: People walk outside the Scramble Cafe & Bar in Tokyo, Jan. 31, 2019. (Anthony Trotter/ABC News)

Adame said he recalled something one of the foreigners told him earlier that day -- about how he had been warned of Tokyo's "mafia members who dress up as fake police officers and go up to foreigners and rob them, steal their passports."

Suspicious of the men before him, Adame said he tried calling "911" thirteen times.

"Apparently that was them (the police) the whole time ... I couldn't tell because it was my first day here," Adame said. "The officer in his testimony confessed to asserting physical force on me. So yeah, it was a pretty scary time."

Tokyo police declined to comment on the case.

The U.S. Embassy in Tokyo confirmed that Adame was arrested on May 22.

"The safety and security of U.S. citizens overseas is one of our highest priorities," the embassy said in a statement to ABC News. "We are providing all appropriate consular assistance to Mr. Adame. Consular officers are in contact with Mr. Adames family and friends, and visit him at the Tokyo Detention Center regularly."

Adame's friend, Emmons, told ABC News that she has visited him at the Tokyo Detention House where he's "in his own cell," but she declined to share further details of his case, including the name of his lawyer.

(MORE: Amanda Knox shines spotlight on public shaming in new docuseries, as term 'Foxy Knoxy' still haunts her)

PHOTO: A woman stands at the counter of the Scramble Cafe & Bar in Tokyo, Jan. 31, 2019. (Anthony Trotter/ABC News)

Adame's mother, Leath Smith, told Fox News Sacramento affiliate KTXL that her son was startled and accidentally struck one of the officers while trying to run off to get help.

"At one point the police officer grabbed his arm and it snapped back and hit the officer in his chin," Smith told KTXL.

ABC News was unable to reach Adame's mother or other relatives. Adame did not mention his mother or any family members to ABC News during Thursday's brief interview. But he said he was extremely grateful for Emmons, who has raised nearly $7,000 through a GoFundMe campaign to bring Adame home.

"I'm nothing without all of this help. I could never do it alone," he told ABC News.

The University of Redlands in Southern California confirmed to ABC News that Adame is a senior there and was studying abroad in Bali for three months before getting arrested in Tokyo.

"We are aware that Julian Adame remains detained in Japan after events that occurred during personal travel, not associated with a university program," the university said in a statement to ABC News. "We have been in contact with local and international law enforcement agencies in Japan to ask for status, express our concern and offer our assistance."

PHOTO: Pendant lamps hang over the counter at Scramble Cafe & Bar in Tokyo, Jan. 31, 2019. (Anthony Trotter/ABC News)

The manager of Scramble Cafe & Bar, who asked ABC News not to use his name, said he was there that night and has a different version of the events that transpired.

According to the manager, it was after midnight and Adame was sitting on top of the bar when he reached up and pulled on one of the four pendant lamps hanging from the ceiling over the counter. The lamp fell and broke, the manager said.

The manager showed ABC News an empty light fixture above the bar where he says the pendant lamp once hung.

Adame then fell off the bar and appeared to become unconscious, according to the manager, who showed ABC News a photo on his cellphone he said he took of Adame that night. The image appears to show Adame lying face up on the floor with his eyes closed.

"I went over to scold him. When I tried to wake him up, he didn't respond," the manager told ABC News. "I think he was faking it. Soon after, the cops came."

According to the manager, the pendant lamps were specialty items each priced at 160,000 Japanese yen (about $1,500), but the owner of Scramble Cafe & Bar bought them at half price. The manager said he told police the lamp was worth an estimated 90,000 Japanese yen (about $850).

The manager said Julian wasn't acting out prior to the incident and didn't appear to be very drunk. He said he witnessed "some turmoil" between the police officers and Adame, but didn't see anyone get hit.

The manager said he had no idea Adame was being detained in Tokyo all this time. The owner of Scramble Cafe & Bar has not yet been reimbursed for the lamp. Adame's attorney contacted the bar's owner in June but they haven't heard back since, according to the manager.

"They probably forgot about us," the manager told ABC News. "I'm the victim. I haven't said anything to anyone yet. I would like to hear from the lawyer."Sharna Burgess is taking her dancing expertise Down Under!

The Dancing with the Stars pro is joining the Australian version of the reality dancing competition series as its sole female judge, PEOPLE can exclusively reveal.

Having been a pro on Americas Dancing with the Stars for the last 12 seasons, I am so excited to be coming home to bring my knowledge and passion from the U.S. to this stellar line up of Aussie talent! the 33-year-old Australia native says in a statement about joining Australias Dancing with the Stars. I cant wait to see what these amazing dancers have in store for us all.

She will be joining fellow judges Craig Revel Horwood and Tristan MacManus. Together, the judges will determine  along with viewer votes  who of the shows 11 celebrities will be crowned victorious.

Although Burgess will be returning to her homeland for her new role as judge, this isnt goodbye to the United States version of the show. PEOPLE confirms that Burgess will be returning for season 28, which is expected to be in ABCs lineup in fall 2019.

Bobby Bones and Sharna Burgess

Burgess joined DWTS in the U.S. as a troupe member in season 13  shes competed with celebrity partners for 12 seasons  and most recently took home the Mirror Ball Trophy with radio personality Bobby Bones in November.

Related Video: Bobby Bones and Sharna Burgess Talk About DWTS

RELATED:Bobby Bones Dusts Off His DWTS Dancing Shoes for Million Dollar Show Benefit Concert

In addition to competing on DWTS, Burgess has also created her Dance Cardio Series, which are dance and fitness classes  including the Dance Cardio Paso Doble, Dance Cardio Jive, Dance Cardio Cha Cha and Wedding Dance Class, among others  available on her website.

Dancing with the Stars Australia premieres live on Monday, Feb. 18 on the WIN Network.21 Savage was taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Atlanta Sunday, with the agency claiming that the rapper is actually from the United Kingdom and overstayed his visa after coming to America as a teenager.

The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports that 21 Savage, real name Sha Yaa Bin Abraham-Joseph, was apprehended in a targeted operation, ICE spokesperson Brian Cox said.

The ICE claim that the 26-year-old Abraham-Joseph is a United Kingdom national and that came to the U.S. as a teenager on a one-year visa in July 2005. 21 Savage has long stated he is from Atlanta, often discussing his rough childhood in interviews.

In a 2016 interview with the Fader, 21 Savage claimed to have brought a gun to an Atlanta middle school when he was 12. I probably broke the record for the youngest nigga to bring a gun to that school, he told the magazine.

His whole public persona is false. He actually came to the U.S. from the U.K. as a teen and overstayed his visa, Cox told CNNs Nick Valencia. The rapper failed to depart under the terms of his nonimmigrant visa and he became unlawfully present in the U.S. when his visa expired in July 2006.

Mr. Abraham-Joseph was taken into ICE custody as he is unlawfully present in the U.S. and also a convicted felon, Cox added, referring to the rappers 2014 conviction on drug charges.

Abraham-Joseph has been detained by ICE and placed in removal proceedings before the federal immigration courts, the Atlanta Journal Constitution reported.

We are working diligently to get Mr. Abraham-Joseph out of detention while we work with the authorities to clear up any misunderstandings, the rappers lawyer Dina LaPolt said in a statement to Rolling Stone. Mr. Abraham-Joseph is a role model to the young people in this country, especially in Atlanta, Georgia, and is actively working in the community-leading programs to help underprivileged youths in financial literacy.

21 Savages latest album I Am > I Was reached Number One on the Billboard 200 album charts. The rapper also performed Thursday in his hometown as part of the Super Bowl Music Fest.Barbara Palvin and Dylan Sprouse Move into New York Apartment Together Barbara Palvin, Dylan Sprouse Move into New York Apartment Together

Barbara Palvin and Dylan Sprouse have taken their relationship to new heights.

On Friday, Palvin, 25, and Sprouse, 26, moved into a Brooklyn, New York apartment  together.

We moved in we only had 4 mental breakdowns! Sprouse captioned a photo, which shows himself and his model love posing for a selfie in their new pad, which boasts an impressive view of the New York City skyline.

Sprouse shared another view of the city from his new home on his Instagram Stories, as well as a photo of himself in the couples bathroom.

New bathroom, Sprouse wrote over the photo of himself posing in front of the mirror.

Palvin also announced the news, posting the same selfie her beau shared.

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Two worms officially in the big apple, Palvin wrote.

Sprouse and Palvin have been dating for a little under a year.

In November, Palvin opened up about their romance telling Vogue Australia, Its not normal for me to have a boyfriend. I was single for six years.

It did pay off, I feel like I found the perfect guy. Hes very kind and gentle.

The fashion star added, Thats what I do on my day off: I spend it with the people I love and Im very much in love right now.

Sprouse was previously spotted cheering on his girlfriend at the Victorias Secret Fashion Show on Nov. 8.

After the show, she planned on treating herself to a cheat meal hand-delivered by her boyfriend.

RELATED: Barbara Palvins Boyfriend Dylan Sprouse Brings Shake Shack to the Victorias Secret Fashion Show As Promised

He is bringing Shake Shack burgers for me, the model told PEOPLE exclusively backstage as she got ready for the show. And the actor certainly delivered, filling a bag with cheeseburgers and posting about it on her Instagram Stories.

He took his burger delivery job so seriously that he kept the bag under his seat at the show (where he sat next to model Dellah Belle Hamlin) before handing it over in person on the red carpet (for which he was rewarded with a big smooch.)

Video: Inside Dylan Sprouse's MeaderyMichele Hodges, left, and Lisa Smith, along with her dog, Ryker, protest the appointment of Don Kremer as the CEO of the Cheyenne Animal Shelter on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019, along West Lincolnway in downtown Cheyenne. Kremer, an animal control officer, will take over the shelter after Bob Fecht resigned last year. Austin Humphreys/For the Wyoming Tribune EagleClarksburg, WV (26301)

Today

Thunderstorms early, overcast overnight with occasional rain. A few storms may be severe. Low 61F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms early, overcast overnight with occasional rain. A few storms may be severe. Low 61F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%.Morgantown, WV (26505)

Today

Scattered thunderstorms, some strong this evening, then cloudy with rain likely overnight. Low near 60F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Locally heavy rainfall possible..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms, some strong this evening, then cloudy with rain likely overnight. Low near 60F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Locally heavy rainfall possible.Charleston, WV (25301)

Today

Thunderstorms, some strong this evening, then cloudy with rain likely overnight. Damaging winds and large hail with some storms. Low 61F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms, some strong this evening, then cloudy with rain likely overnight. Damaging winds and large hail with some storms. Low 61F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%."I'm hoping and praying she's not in pain or misery" Search for 5-year-old Summer Wells continuesWoodward, OK (73801)

Today

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 57F. ENE winds shifting to SSW at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 57F. ENE winds shifting to SSW at 10 to 20 mph.The State of Michigan will re-open to full capacity on June 22 as more than 9 million vaccines have been administered, and COVID-19 cases fall to a one-year low.China Yuchai International Limited, through its subsidiaries, manufactures, assembles, and sells diesel and natural gas engines in the People's Republic of China and internationally. It operates in two segments, Yuchai and HLGE. The company provides diesel engines comprising 4- and 6-cylinder diesel engines, high horsepower marine diesel engines, and power generator engines, as well as natural gas engines, diesel power generators, diesel engine parts, and remanufacturing services for light trucks, medium and heavy-duty trucks, buses and passenger vehicles, and marine and industrial applications; and generator sets, as well as plug in hybrid engines, range extenders, power generation powertrains, hybrid powertrains, integrated electric drive axel powertrains, and fuel cell systems. It also manufactures diesel engines for construction and agriculture applications, as well as supplies after-market parts and services. In addition, it engages in hospitality and property development activities. Further, the company designs, produces, and sells exhaust emission control systems. China Yuchai International Limited distributes its engines directly to auto original equipment manufacturers, agents, and retailers, as well as provides maintenance and retrofitting services. The company was founded in 1951 and is based in Singapore.

Read MoreThe following companies are subsidiares of Marsh & McLennan Companies: 8WORKS INC., 8WORKS LTD, A. Constantinidi & CIA. S.C., A.C.N. 000 951 146 Pty Limited, A.C.N. 001 572 961 Pty Limited, A.C.N. 076 935 683 Pty Limited, A.C.N. 102 322 574 Pty Limited, ACE Insurance Agents Limited, ACE Insurance Consultants Limited, ACE Insurance and Reinsurance Brokers Limited, AD Corretora de Seguros, AFCO Premium Acceptance Inc., AFCO Premium Credit LLC, Access Equity Enhanced Fund GP LLC, Admiral Holdings Limited, Agnew Higgins Pickering & Co. (Bermuda) Ltd, Aldgate Investments Limited, Aldgate Trustees Ltd, Alexander Forbes Group Holdings Limited, Alpha Consultants Limited, Alta SA, Altius Real Assets (GP) LLC, Amal Insurance Brokers Limited (in liquidation), Anda Insurance Agencies Pte Ltd, AssetVal Pty Ltd, Assur Conseils Marsh S.A., Assurance Capital Corporation, Assurance Services Corporation, Australian Insurance Brokers Pty Ltd, Australian World Underwriters Pty Ltd., BBPS Limited, Barney & Barney Orange County LLC, Beaumonts (Leeds) Limited (in liquidation), Beaumonts Insurance Brokers Limited (in liquidation), Beaumonts Insurance Services Limited, Beneficios Integrales Oportunos SA, Benefitfocus Inc., Blue Marble Micro Limited, Blue Marble Microinsurance Inc., Bluefin, Bluefin Insurance Group Limited, Bluefin Insurance Services Limited, Boulder Claims LLC, Bowring (Bermuda) Investments Ltd., Bowring Marine Limited, Bowring Marsh (Bermuda) Ltd., Bowring Marsh (Hong Kong) Limited, Bowring Marsh Asia Pte. Ltd., Bowring Marsh Corretora de Resseguros Ltda., Bowring Marsh Limited, Broderick Piller Pty Ltd, Broker 2 Broker Limited, BuildPay LLC, Burke Ford Trustees (Leicester) Limited, C.T. Bowring Limited, CMC-Belgibo NV, CPRM Limited, CPSG Partners LLC, Carpenter Marsh Fac Chile Corredores de Reaseguros Limitada, Carpenter Marsh Fac Colombia Corredores de Reaseguros S.A., Carpenter Marsh Fac Peru Corredores de Reaseguros S.A.C., Carpenter Marsh Fac Re LLC, Carpenter Turner Cyprus Ltd, Carpenter Turner S.A., Cascade International Holdings C.V., Cascade Regional Holdings Limited, Central Insurance Services Limited, Charter Risk Management Services LLC, Chartwell Healthcare Limited, Chronos Insurance Brokers Pty Limited, Claims and Recovery Management (Australia) Pty Limited, Clark Thomson Insurance Brokers Limited, Client Provide Limited, Colombian Insurance Broking Wholesale Limited, Consultores 2020 C.A., Cronin & Co Insurance Services Limited, DVA - Deutsche Verkehrs-Assekuranz-Vermittlungs GmbH, Dawson Insurance, DeLima Marsh S.A. - Los Corredores de Seguros S.A., Dovetail Insurance Corp., Dovetail Insurance Corp., Dovetail Managing General Agency Corporation, Dovetail Technology Service India Private Limited, Draw Connect Limited, Draw Create Limited, Draw Group London Limited, Eagle & Crown Limited, Echelon Australia Pty Limited, Echelon Claims Consultants Sdn Bhd, Echelon New Zealand Limited, EnBW Versicherungs Vermittlung GmbH, Encompass Insurance Agency Pty Ltd., English Pension Trustees Limited, Epsilon (US) Insurance Company, Epsilon Insurance Company Ltd., Eustis Insurance & Benefits, Evolution Management Ltd, Exchange Insurance Services Limited (in liquidation), Exmoor Management Company Limited, Faulkner & Flynn LLC, Freedom Trust Services Limited, GC Genesis LLC, GCube Insurance Services Inc, GCube Underwriting Limited, Gama Consultores Associados Ltda., Gem Insurance Company Limited, Global Premium Finance Company, GrECo International Holding AG, Gracechurch Trustees Limited, Gresham Pension Trustees Limited, Group Promoters Pty Limited, Guy Carpenter & Cia (Mexico) S.A. de C.V., Guy Carpenter & Cia. S.A., Guy Carpenter & Co. Labuan Ltd., Guy Carpenter & Company AB, Guy Carpenter & Company Corredores de Reaseguros Limitada, Guy Carpenter & Company Corretora de Resseguros Ltda., Guy Carpenter & Company GmbH, Guy Carpenter & Company LLC, Guy Carpenter & Company Limited, Guy Carpenter & Company Limited, Guy Carpenter & Company Ltd./Guy Carpenter & Compagnie Ltee, Guy Carpenter & Company Participacoes Ltda., Guy Carpenter & Company Peru Corredores de Reaseguros S.A., Guy Carpenter & Company Private Limited, Guy Carpenter & Company Proprietary Limited, Guy Carpenter & Company Pty. Ltd., Guy Carpenter & Company S.A., Guy Carpenter & Company S.A. (Uruguay), Guy Carpenter & Company S.A.S., Guy Carpenter & Company S.r.l., Guy Carpenter (Middle East) Limited, Guy Carpenter Bermuda Ltd., Guy Carpenter Broking Inc., Guy Carpenter Colombia Corredores de Reaseguros Ltda., Guy Carpenter Insurance Brokers (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Guy Carpenter Japan Inc., Guy Carpenter Mexico Intermediario de Reaseguro S.A. de C.V., Guy Carpenter Reasurans Brokerligi Anonim Sirketi, HAPIP GP 2009 LLC, HAPIP GP LLC, HSBC Insurance Brokers International (Abu Dhabi) LLC (in liquidation), Hamilton Bond Limited, Hansen International Limited, Hayward Aviation Limited, INSIA Europe SE, INSIA SK s.r.o., INSIA a.s., INSURANCE BROKERS OF NIGERIA LIMITED, IRC Asia Insurance Brokers Limited, InSolutions Limited, Industrial Risks Protection Consultants, Ingeseg S. A., Ingeseg S.A., Insbrokers Ltda., InsurTech Alliance LLC, Insure Direct (Brokers) LLC, Insure Direct (Brokers) LLC [BAHRAIN BRANCH], Insure Direct - Jardine Lloyd Thompson Limited, International Catastrophe Insurance Managers LLC, International Loss Control Services Limited, International Risk Consultants (Asia) Limited, Invercol Limited, Irish Pensions Trust Limited, Isosceles Insurance (Barbados) Limited, Isosceles Insurance Company Limited, Isosceles Insurance Ltd, Isosceles PCC Limited, J&H Marsh & McLennan Limited, J.W. Terrill Benefit Administrators Inc., JI Holdings Limited, JIB Group Holdings Limited, JIB Group Limited, JIB Holdings (Pacific) Limited, JIB Overseas Holdings Limited, JIB UK Holdings Limited, JL Marine Insurance-Brokers GmbH & Co. KG, JLM Verwaltungs GmbH, JLT (Insurance Brokers) Limited, JLT Actuaries and Consultants Limited, JLT Advisory Limited, JLT Affinity Colombia Solutions SAS, JLT Agencies Limited, JLT Asesorias Ltda, JLT Asia Holdings BV, JLT Asia Shared Services Sdn Bhd, JLT Belgibo, JLT Benefit Consultants Limited, JLT Benefit Solutions Limited, JLT Benefit Solutions SA (Pty) Ltd, JLT Bermuda Ltd, JLT Brasil Holdings Participacoes Ltd, JLT Chile Holdings SpA, JLT Colombia Retail Limited, JLT Colombia Wholesale Limited, JLT Consultants & Actuaries Limited, JLT EB Holdings Limited, JLT EB Services Limited, JLT Employee Benefits Holding Company (PTY) LTD, JLT Employee Benefits SA (Pty) Ltd, JLT Financial Planning Limited, JLT France Holdings, JLT Group Services Pty Limited, JLT Holdings (Barbados) Ltd, JLT Holdings (NZ) Limited, JLT Independent Insurance Brokers Private Limited, JLT Insurance Agencies Limited, JLT Insurance Brokers Co. Limited, JLT Insurance Brokers Co. Limited ( Shanghai Branch), JLT Insurance Brokers Co. Limited (Beijing Branch), JLT Insurance Brokers Co. Limited (Guangzhou Branch), JLT Insurance Brokers Ireland Limited, JLT Insurance Brokers SA, JLT Insurance Group Holdings Ltd, JLT Insurance Management Malta Limited, JLT Intellectual Property Limited, JLT Intellectual Property [UK Branch], JLT Interactive Pte. Ltd., JLT Investment Management Limited, JLT LATAM (Southern Cone) Wholesale Limited, JLT Latin American Holdings Limited, JLT Life Assurance Brokers Limited, JLT Management Services Limited, JLT Marine (Pty) Ltd, JLT Mexico Holdings Limited, JLT Mexico Intermediario de Reaseguro S.A. de C.V., JLT Netherlands BV, JLT Norway AS, JLT PLA, JLT Pension Trustees Limited, JLT Pensions Administration Holdings Limited, JLT Pensions Administration Limited, JLT Peru Reinsurance Solutions Limited, JLT Peru Retail Limited, JLT Peru Wholesale Limited, JLT QFM Services Limited, JLT RE Brasil Administracao e Corretagem de Resseguros Ltda, JLT Re (French Branch), JLT Re (Northern Europe) AB, JLT Re Argentina Corredores de Reaseguros S.A.U., JLT Re Labuan Limited, JLT Re Limited, JLT Re Pty Ltd, JLT Reinsurance Brokers GmbH, JLT Reinsurance Brokers Limited, JLT Reinsurance Brokers Limited [French Branch], JLT Risk Management Limited, JLT Risk Solutions AB, JLT Risk Solutions AB Branch - Germany, JLT SA IB Holdings Company (Pty) Limited, JLT SCK Affinity Administracao e Corretora de Seguros Ltda., JLT SCK Corretora e Administradora de Seguros, JLT Secretaries Limited, JLT Sigorta ve Reasurans Brokerlii A.., JLT Singapore Holdings Pte. Ltd., JLT Specialty France, JLT Specialty Insurance Broker A/S, JLT Specialty Limited, JLT Specialty Limited [DUBAI BRANCH], JLT Specialty Pte. Ltd., JLT Towner Insurance Management (Anguilla) Limited, JLT Trust Services (Barbados) Ltd, JLT Trustees (Southern) Limited, JLT Trustees Limited, JLT UK Investment Holdings Limited, JLT Vantage Risk and Benefit Consulting Private Limited, JLT Wealth Management Limited, JLT do Brasil Corretagem de Seguros Ltda, JLTPCS Holdings Pte. Ltd., JMIB Holdings BV, JSL Securities Inc., Japan Affinity Marketing Inc., Jardine IBR Limited, Jardine Lloyd Thompson (Proprietary) Limited, Jardine Lloyd Thompson Asia Pte Ltd, Jardine Lloyd Thompson Australia Pty Limited, Jardine Lloyd Thompson Canada Inc, Jardine Lloyd Thompson Group Ltd, Jardine Lloyd Thompson Group plc, Jardine Lloyd Thompson India Private Limited, Jardine Lloyd Thompson India Private Limited (UK Branch Office), Jardine Lloyd Thompson Insurance Consultants Limited, Jardine Lloyd Thompson Insurance and Reinsurance Brokers Inc., Jardine Lloyd Thompson Ireland Holdings Limited, Jardine Lloyd Thompson Ireland Unlimited Company, Jardine Lloyd Thompson Korea Limited, Jardine Lloyd Thompson Limited, Jardine Lloyd Thompson Limited [Macao Branch], Jardine Lloyd Thompson PCS (Dubai) Limited, Jardine Lloyd Thompson PCS Limited, Jardine Lloyd Thompson PCS Pte Ltd, Jardine Lloyd Thompson PCS SA, Jardine Lloyd Thompson Private Limited, Jardine Lloyd Thompson Pty Limited, Jardine Lloyd Thompson Sdn Bhd, Jardine Lloyd Thompson Valencia y Iragorri Corredores de Seguros SA, Jardine Pension Trustees Ireland Limited, Jardine Risk Consulting Co. Limited, Jardine ShunTak Insurance Brokers Limited, Jardine ShunTak Insurance Brokers Limited [Macao Branch], Jardines PF- Consultoria Em Gestao De Risco Limitada, Jelf, Jelf Commercial Finance Limited, Jelf Financial Planning Limited, Jelf Insurance Brokers Limited, Jelf Limited, Jelf Risk Management Limited, Jelf Wellbeing Limited, John Lampier & Son Ltd, Johnson & Higgins (Bermuda) Limited, Johnson & Higgins Limited, KESSLER & CO AG, Kepler Associates Limited, Kessler & Co Inc., Kessler Consulting Inc., Kessler Prevoyance Inc., Key Underwriting Pty Limited, Kroll, Lambert Brothers Holdings Limited, Lambert Brothers Insurance Brokers (Employee Benefits) Limited, Lambert Brothers Insurance Brokers (Hong Kong) Ltd, Laterlife.com Limited (in liquidation), Lavaretus Underwriting AB, Lavaretus Underwriting AB (BRANCH - Denmark), Libra Insurance Services Limited (in liquidation), Lloyd & Partners Limited, Local Government Insurance Brokers Pty Limited, Lomond Macdonald Limited, Lynch Insurance Brokers Limited, M&M Vehicle L.P., M.P. Bolshaw and Company Limited, MAG JLT SpA, MERCER ALTERNATIVES LIMITED, MM Risk Services Pty Ltd (for dissolution), MMA Mid-Atlantic Employee LLC, MMA Securities LLC, MMB Consultores S.A., MMC (Singapore) Holdings Pte. Ltd., MMC 28 State Street Holdings Inc., MMC Borrower LLC, MMC Brazilian Holdings B.V., MMC Capital Inc., MMC Cascade Regional Holdings LLC, MMC FINANCE (EUROPE) LIMITED, MMC FINANCE HOLDINGS LTD, MMC Finance (Australia) Limited, MMC Finance (Singapore) Limited, MMC France Holdings (Luxembourg) S.a.r.l., MMC GP III Inc., MMC Group Services sp. z o.o., MMC Holdings (Australia) Pty Ltd, MMC Holdings (New Zealand) ULC, MMC Holdings (UK) Limited, MMC International Finance (Barbados) SRL, MMC International Holdings LLC, MMC International Limited, MMC International Treasury Centre Limited, MMC Middle East Holdings Limited, MMC Poland Holdings B.V., MMC Realty Inc., MMC Regional Asia Holdings B.V., MMC Regional Caribbean Holdings Ltd., MMC Regional Europe Holdings B.V., MMC Regional LATAM Holdings B.V., MMC Securities (Europe) Limited, MMC Securities LLC, MMC Treasury Holdings (UK) Limited, MMC UK Group Limited, MMC UK Pension Fund Trustee Limited, MMOW Limited, MMRC LLC, MOW Holding LLC, MPIP III GP LLC, MPIP IV GP LLC, MPIP V GP LLC, MPIP VI GP LLC, Mangrove Insurance Europe PCC Limited, Mangrove Insurance Solutions PCC, Mangrove Insurance Solutions PCC Limited, Manoel Management Services Ltd, Marchant McKechnie Insurance Brokers Limited, Marine Aviation & General (London) Limited, Marsh & McLennan (PNG) Limited, Marsh & McLennan Agencies AS, Marsh & McLennan Agencies Limited, Marsh & McLennan Agency A/S, Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC, Marsh & McLennan Agency Limited, Marsh & McLennan Agency Pty Ltd., Marsh & McLennan Argentina SA Corredores de Reaseguros, Marsh & McLennan Colombia S.A., Marsh & McLennan Companies Acquisition Funding Limited, Marsh & McLennan Companies Acquisition Limited, Marsh & McLennan Companies Asia Pacific Treasury Center Limited, Marsh & McLennan Companies BVBA/SPRL, Marsh & McLennan Companies Finance Center (Luxembourg) S.a.r.l., Marsh & McLennan Companies France S.A.S., Marsh & McLennan Companies Holdings (Luxembourg) S.a.r.l., Marsh & McLennan Companies Inc., Marsh & McLennan Companies Regional Holdings S.a.r.l., Marsh & McLennan Companies Services B.V., Marsh & McLennan Companies UK Limited, Marsh & McLennan Europe S.a.r.l., Marsh & McLennan GP I Inc., Marsh & McLennan Global Broking (Bermuda) Ltd., Marsh & McLennan Holding GmbH, Marsh & McLennan Holdings (Canada) ULC, Marsh & McLennan Holdings Inc., Marsh & McLennan Incorporated (for dissolution), Marsh & McLennan Innovation Centre Holdings II, Marsh & McLennan Innovation Centre Holdings S.a.r.l., Marsh & McLennan Innovation Centre Limited, Marsh & McLennan Insurance Services Limited, Marsh & McLennan Ireland Limited, Marsh & McLennan Management Services (Bermuda) Limited, Marsh & McLennan Risk Capital Holdings Ltd., Marsh & McLennan Servicios S.A. De C.V., Marsh & McLennan Shared Services Canada Limited, Marsh & McLennan Shared Services Corporation, Marsh (Bahrain) Company SPC, Marsh (Beijing) Risk Management Consulting Co. Ltd., Marsh (China) Insurance Brokers Co. Ltd., Marsh (Hong Kong) Limited, Marsh (Insurance Brokers) LLP, Marsh (Insurance Services) Limited, Marsh (Malawi) Limited, Marsh (Middle East) Limited, Marsh (Namibia) (Proprietary) Limited, Marsh (Pty) Ltd, Marsh (Risk Consulting) LLP, Marsh (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., Marsh A/S, Marsh AB, Marsh AG, Marsh AS, Marsh Advantage Insurance Holdings Pty Ltd, Marsh Advantage Insurance Pty Ltd., Marsh Africa (Pty) Ltd, Marsh Argentina S.R.L., Marsh Associates (Pty) Ltd, Marsh Austria G.m.b.H., Marsh Aviation Insurance Broking Pty Ltd (for dissolution), Marsh B.V., Marsh Botswana (Proprietary) Limited, Marsh Brockman y Schuh Agente de Seguros y de Fianzas S.A. de C.V., Marsh Broker Japan Inc., Marsh Broker de Asigurare-Reasigurare S.R.L., Marsh Brokers (Hong Kong) Limited, Marsh Brokers Limited, Marsh Canada Limited/Marsh Canada Limitee, Marsh Company Management Services Cayman Ltd., Marsh Compensation Technologies Administration (Pty) Ltd, Marsh Corporate Services (Barbados) Limited, Marsh Corporate Services Isle of Man Ltd, Marsh Corporate Services Limited, Marsh Corporate Services Malta Limited, Marsh Corretora de Seguros Ltda., Marsh EOOD, Marsh Egypt LLC, Marsh Emirates Consultancy LLC, Marsh Emirates Insurance Brokerage LLC, Marsh Employee Benefits Limited, Marsh Employee Benefits Zimbabwe (Private) Ltd, Marsh Eurofinance B.V., Marsh Europe S.A., Marsh FJC International Insurance Brokers Limited, Marsh For Insurance Services S.A.E., Marsh Franco Acra S.A., Marsh GSC Servicos e Administracao de Seguros Ltda., Marsh GmbH, Marsh Holding AB, Marsh Holdings (Pty) Ltd, Marsh India Insurance Brokers Private Limited, Marsh Insurance & Investments LLC, Marsh Insurance Brokers, Marsh Insurance Brokers (Macao) Limited, Marsh Insurance Brokers (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Marsh Insurance Brokers (Private) Limited, Marsh Insurance Brokers AO, Marsh Insurance Brokers Limited, Marsh Insurance Consulting Saudi Arabia (in liquidation), Marsh Insurance and Reinsurance Brokers LLC, Marsh Intermediaries Inc., Marsh International Broking Holdings Limited, Marsh International Holdings II Inc., Marsh International Holdings Inc., Marsh Investment B.V., Marsh Ireland Brokers Limited, Marsh Ireland Brokers Limited (UK Branch), Marsh Ireland Holdings Limited, Marsh Israel (1999) Ltd., Marsh Israel (Holdings) Ltd., Marsh Israel Consultants Ltd., Marsh Israel Insurance Agency Ltd., Marsh Israel International Brokers Ltd. (in liquidation), Marsh JCS Inc., Marsh Japan Inc., Marsh Kft., Marsh Kindlustusmaakler AS, Marsh Korea Inc., Marsh LLC, Marsh LLC Insurance Brokers, Marsh LLC [Ukraine], Marsh Lda., Marsh Limited, Marsh Limited [Fiji], Marsh Limited [New Zealand], Marsh Limited [PNG], Marsh Ltd. [Wisconsin], Marsh Management Services (Bahamas) Ltd., Marsh Management Services (Barbados) Limited, Marsh Management Services (Bermuda) Ltd., Marsh Management Services (Dublin) Limited, Marsh Management Services (Labuan) Limited, Marsh Management Services (MENA) Limited, Marsh Management Services (USVI) Ltd., Marsh Management Services Cayman Ltd., Marsh Management Services Guernsey Limited, Marsh Management Services Inc., Marsh Management Services Isle of Man Limited, Marsh Management Services Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Marsh Management Services Malta Limited, Marsh Management Services Singapore Pte. Ltd., Marsh Management Services Sweden AB, Marsh Marine & Energy AB, Marsh Marine Nederland B.V., Marsh Medical Consulting GmbH, Marsh Mercer Holdings (Australia) Pty Ltd, Marsh Nest Inc., Marsh Oman LLC, Marsh Oy, Marsh PB Co. Ltd., Marsh Philippines Inc., Marsh Privat A.I.E., Marsh Private Client Life Insurance Services, Marsh Pty. Ltd., Marsh Qatar LLC, Marsh RE S.A.C. Corredores de Reaseguros, Marsh Rehder Consultoria S.A. (MRC), Marsh Rehder S.A. Corredores de Seguros, Marsh Resolutions Pty Limited, Marsh Risk Consulting B.V., Marsh Risk Consulting Limitada, Marsh Risk Consulting Ltda., Marsh Risk Consulting S.L., Marsh Risk Consulting Services S.r.L., Marsh Risk and Consulting Services (Pty) Ltd, Marsh S.A. Corredores De Seguros, Marsh S.A. Mediadores de Seguros, Marsh S.A.S., Marsh S.p.A., Marsh SA [Argentina], Marsh SA [Belgium], Marsh SA [Luxembourg], Marsh SA [Uruguay], Marsh SIA, Marsh Saldana Inc., Marsh Saudi Arabia Insurance & Reinsurance Brokers, Marsh Secretarial Services Limited, Marsh Semusa S.A., Marsh Services Limited, Marsh Services Spolka z.o.o., Marsh Sigorta ve Reasurans Brokerligi Anonim Sirketi, Marsh Spolka z.o.o., Marsh Szolgaltato Kft., Marsh Takaful Brokers (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Marsh Treasury Services (Dublin) Limited (in liquidation), Marsh Treasury Services Limited, Marsh Tunisia S.a.r.l., Marsh UK Limited, Marsh USA (India) Inc., Marsh USA Borrower LLC, Marsh USA Inc., Marsh Uganda Limited, Marsh Venezuela C.A. Sociedad de Corretaje de Seguros, Marsh Vietnam Insurance Broking Company Ltd, Marsh Zambia Limited, Marsh Zimbabwe Holdings (Private) Limited, Marsh d.o.o. Beograd, Marsh d.o.o. za posredovanje u osiguranju, Marsh for Insurance Services - Jordan, Marsh i-Connect (Pty) Ltd, Marsh s.r.o., Matthiessen Assurans AB, Mercer (Argentina) S.A., Mercer (Australia) Pty Ltd, Mercer (Austria) GmbH, Mercer (Belgium) SA-NV, Mercer (Canada) Limited/Mercer (Canada) Limitee, Mercer (China) Limited, Mercer (Colombia) Ltda., Mercer (Danmark) A/S, Mercer (Finland) OY, Mercer (France) SAS, Mercer (Hong Kong) Limited, Mercer (Ireland) Limited, Mercer (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Mercer (N.Z.) Limited, Mercer (Nederland) B.V., Mercer (Norge) AS, Mercer (Polska) Sp.z o.o., Mercer (Portugal) Lda, Mercer (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., Mercer (Sweden) AB, Mercer (Taiwan) Ltd., Mercer (Thailand) Ltd., Mercer (US) Inc., Mercer Administration Services (Australia) Pty Limited, Mercer Africa Limited, Mercer Agente de Seguros S.A. de C.V., Mercer Asesores de Seguros S.A., Mercer Asesores es Inversion Independientes S.A. de C.V., Mercer Broking Ltd., Mercer Career Unipessoal Lda, Mercer Consultation (Quebec) Ltee., Mercer Consulting (Australia) Pty Ltd, Mercer Consulting (Chile) Limitada, Mercer Consulting (France) SAS, Mercer Consulting (India) Private Limited, Mercer Consulting B.V., Mercer Consulting Group Inc., Mercer Consulting Holdings Sdn. Bhd., Mercer Consulting Limited, Mercer Consulting Middle East Limited, Mercer Consulting S.L.U., Mercer Consulting Venezuela C.A., Mercer Corredores de Seguros Limitada, Mercer Corretora de Seguros Ltda, Mercer Danismanlik Anonim Sirketi, Mercer Deutschland GmbH, Mercer Employee Benefits - Medicacao de Seguros Unipessoal Lda., Mercer Employee Benefits Limited, Mercer Financial Advice (Australia) Pty Ltd, Mercer Financial Services Limited, Mercer Financial Services Limited liability company, Mercer Financial Services Middle East Limited, Mercer Global Investments Europe Limited, Mercer Global Investments Management Limited, Mercer HR Consulting Borrower LLC, Mercer HR Services LLC, Mercer Health & Benefits (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., Mercer Health & Benefits Administration LLC, Mercer Health & Benefits LLC, Mercer Holdings Inc., Mercer Holdings Inc. [Philippines], Mercer Human Resource Consulting Ltda, Mercer Human Resource Consulting S.A. de C.V., Mercer ICC Limited, Mercer Investment Consulting Limited, Mercer Investment Management (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, Mercer Investment Solutions (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., Mercer Investments (Australia) Limited, Mercer Investments (Hong Kong) Limited, Mercer Investments (Japan) Ltd, Mercer Investments (New Zealand) Limited, Mercer Investments LLC, Mercer Ireland Holdings Limited, Mercer Italia Srl Socio Unico, Mercer Japan Ltd., Mercer Korea Co. Ltd., Mercer LLC, Mercer Limited, Mercer MC Consulting Borrower LLC, Mercer Master Trustees Limited, Mercer Mauritius Ltd., Mercer Oliver Wyman Holding B.V., Mercer Outsourcing (Australia) Pty Ltd, Mercer Outsourcing S.L.U., Mercer Pensionsfonds AG, Mercer Pensionsraadgivning A/S, Mercer Philippines Inc., Mercer Private Investment Partners IV General Partner S.a.r.l., Mercer Private Markets AG, Mercer Private Markets Advisers (US) AG, Mercer Services Poland Sp. z.o.o., Mercer Sigorta Brokerligi Anonim Sirketi, Mercer South Africa (Pty) Limited, Mercer Superannuation (Australia) Limited, Mercer Switzerland Inc., Mercer System Services LLC, Mercer Technology Acquisitions Limited, Mercer Treuhand GmbH, Mercer Trust Company LLC, Mercer Trustees Limited, Mercer WorkforcePro LLC, Mercury Insurance Services Pty Ltd, Moola Systems Limited, Mountlodge Limited, Muir Beddal (Zimbabwe) Limited, NERA Australia Pty. Ltd., NERA Economic Consulting GmbH, NERA Economic Consulting Limited, NERA S.R.L., NERA SAS, NERA UK Limited, NERA do Brasil Ltda. (for dissolution), National Economic Research Associates Inc., NetComp Insurance Corp., Neuburger Noble Lowndes GmbH, Normandy Reinsurance Company Limited, Northern Alliance Brokers Limited (in liquidation), OWL Marine Insurance-Brokers GmbH & Co.KG, OWL Marine Verwaltungs GmbH, Oliver Wyman (Bermuda) Limited, Oliver Wyman (Hong Kong) Limited, Oliver Wyman AB, Oliver Wyman AG, Oliver Wyman Actuarial Consulting Inc., Oliver Wyman B.V., Oliver Wyman Consulting (Shanghai) Ltd, Oliver Wyman Consultoria em Estrategia de Negocios Ltda., Oliver Wyman Energy Consulting Limited, Oliver Wyman FZ-LLC, Oliver Wyman Group KK, Oliver Wyman Inc., Oliver Wyman LLC, Oliver Wyman Limited, Oliver Wyman Limited Liability Company, Oliver Wyman Limited/Oliver Wyman limitee, Oliver Wyman Ltd., Oliver Wyman Pte. Ltd., Oliver Wyman Pty. Ltd., Oliver Wyman S. de R.L. de C.V., Oliver Wyman S.A.S., Oliver Wyman S.L., Oliver Wyman S.r.l., Oliver Wyman SNC, Oliver Wyman SPRL/BVBA, Oliver Wyman Sdn. Bhd., Oliver Wyman Services Limited, Oliver Wyman Servicios S. de R.L. de C.V., Oliver Wyman sp. z o.o., Omega Indemnity (Bermuda) Limited, Organizacion Brockman y Schuh S.A. de C.V., Osbornes Insurances Oxford Limited (in liquidation), PFT Limited, PI Indemnity Company Designated Activity Company, PT JLT Reinsurance Brokers, PT Jardine Lloyd Thompson, PT Marsh Indonesia, PT Marsh Reinsurance Brokers Indonesia, PT Mercer Indonesia, PT Nexus Asia Pacific, PT Oliver Wyman Indonesia, PT Quantum Computing Services, PT Quantum Investments, PT Quantum Support Services, Pallas Marsh Servicos Ltda., Pavilion Alternatives Group (Singapore) PTE. Ltd, Pavilion Financial Corporation Holdings UK Limited, Pavilion U.S. Investments Holdco LLC, Pension Trustees Limited, Pensionsservice Benefit Network Sverige AB, Perils AG, Personal Pension Trustees Limited, Pet Animal Welfare Scheme Limited, Portsoken Trustees (No. 2) Limited, Portsoken Trustees Limited, Potomac Insurance Managers Inc., Premier Pension Trustees Limited, Premium Services Australia Pty Limited, Professional Claims Handling Limited (in liquidation), Profund Solutions Limited, Promerit AG, Promerit Hungary Kft, Promerit Schweiz AG, Pymetrics Inc., R G Ford Brokers Limited, R R B Beratungsgesellschaft fuer Altersversorgung mbh, R. Mees & Zoonen Holdings B.V., Renewable Energy Loss Adjusters LLC, Renewable Energy Loss Adjusters Limited, Resource Benefit Associates, Rightpath Reinsurance SPC Ltd., Risk Management Australia Pty Limited, Rivers Group Limited, Rockefeller Risk Advisors Inc., Rutherfoord International Inc., SAFCAR-Marsh, SBJ Holdings Limited, SCIB (Bermuda) Limited, SCM Global Real Estate Select GP LLC, SCM Infrastructure General Partner S.a r.l., SCM International Private Equity Select III GP LLC, SCM LT General Partner S.a.r.l., SCM PE General Partner S.a.r.l., SCM PE II GP Ltd., SCM PE II Scotland GP Ltd, SCM Strategic Capital Management (Luxembourg) S.a.r.l., SICAR Marsh S.a.r.l., SME Insurance Services Limited, Sail Insurance Company Limited, Scalene Re Ltd, Seabury & Smith Borrower LLC, Seabury & Smith LLC, Secure Limited, Sedgwick (Holdings) Pty. Limited, Sedgwick Consulting Group Limited, Sedgwick Dineen Group Limited, Sedgwick Financial Services Limited, Sedgwick Forbes Middle East Limited, Sedgwick Group, Sedgwick Group (Australia) Pty. Limited, Sedgwick Group (Bermuda) Limited, Sedgwick Group (Zimbabwe) Limited, Sedgwick Group Limited, Sedgwick Internationaal B.V., Sedgwick Limited, Sedgwick Management Services (Barbados) Limited, Sedgwick Management Services (Singapore) Pte Limited, Sedgwick Noble Lowndes (UK) Limited, Sedgwick Noble Lowndes Group Limited, Sedgwick Noble Lowndes Limited, Sedgwick Overseas Investments Limited, Sedgwick Private Limited, Sedgwick Re Asia Pacific (Consultants) Pte Ltd (for dissolution), Sedgwick Trustees Limited, Sedgwick UK Risk Services Limited, Sedgwick Ulster Pension Trustees Limited, Settlement Trustees Limited, Shanghai Mercer Insurance Brokers Company Ltd., Shorewest Insurance Associates LLC, Sirota Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., Sirota Consulting UK Limited, Smith Long Term Disability Management Group Inc., Societe d'Assurances et de Participation Guian SA, Software Underwriting Systems Limited (in liquidation), Southern Marine & Aviation Inc., Southern Marine & Aviation Underwriters Inc., Sudzucker Versicherungs-Vermittlungs GmbH, Sumitomo Life Insurance Agency America Inc., Sylvite Financial Services, TBX Solutions Limited, Talent Tech Labs LLC, The Benefit Express Holdings Limited, The Benefit Express Limited, The Carpenter Management Corporation, The Insurance Partnership Holdings Limited, The Insurance Partnership Services Limited, The Positive Ageing Company Limited, The Purple Partnership Limited, The Recovre Group Pty Ltd, Thomsons Online Benefits (HK) Ltd., Thomsons Online Benefits Inc., Thomsons Online Benefits Limited, Thomsons Online Benefits Pte Ltd., Thomsons Online Benefits S.R.L, Torrent Government Contracting Services LLC, Torrent Insurance Services LLC, Torrent Technologies, Torrent Technologies Inc., Tower Hill Limited, Tower Place Developments (West) Limited, Tower Place Developments Limited, U.T.E. AMG, U.T.E. Marsh - Caja Castilla La Mancha Junta de Comunidades, U.T.E. Marsh - Salvado Reus (in liquidation), U.T.E. Marsh - Salvado Reus 2012, U.T.E. Marsh - Salvado Vila-Seca 2010, UAD BB Marsh Lietuva, Vezina & Associes Inc., Vezina Assurances Inc., Victor Insurance Europe B.V., Victor Insurance Holdings Inc., Victor Insurance Italia S.r.l., Victor Insurance Managers Inc., Victor Insurance Managers Inc./Gestionnaires d'assurance Victor inc., Victor O. Schinnerer & Co. (Bermuda) Ltd., Victor O. Schinnerer & Company Limited, Victoria Hall Company Limited, Wellnz Limited, William M. Mercer (Canada) Limited/William M. Mercer (Canada) Limitee, William M. Mercer AB, William M. Mercer Comercio Consultoria e Servicos Ltda., Wortham Insurance & Risk Management, everBe SAS, and realright GmbH.Juniper Networks, Inc. designs, develops, and sells network products and services worldwide. The company offers routing products, such as ACX series universal access routers to deploy high-bandwidth services; MX series Ethernet routers that function as a universal edge platform; PTX series packet transport routers; and NorthStar controllers. It also provides switching products, including EX series Ethernet switches to address the access, aggregation, and core layer switching requirements of micro branch, branch office, and campus environments; QFX series of core, spine, and top-of-rack data center switches; and juniper access points, which provide wireless access and performance. In addition, the company offers security products comprising SRX series services gateways for the data center; Branch SRX family provides an integrated firewall and next-generation firewall; virtual firewall that delivers various features of physical firewalls; and advanced malware protection, a cloud-based service and Juniper ATP. Further, it offers Junos OS, a network operating system; Contrail networking and cloud platform, which provides an open-source and standards-based platform for SDN and NFV; Contrail Insights, an optimization and management software platform for public, private, and hybrid clouds; Mist AI-driven Wired, Wireless, and WAN assurance solutions to set and measure key metrics; Mist AI-driven Marvis Virtual Network Assistant, which identifies the root cause of issues; and Netrounds, a software-based active test and service assurance platform. Additionally, the company provides software-as-a-service, technical support, maintenance, and professional services, as well as education and training programs. It sells its products through direct sales, distributors, value-added resellers, and original equipment manufacturers to end-users in the cloud, service provider, and enterprise markets. The company was incorporated in 1996 and is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California.

Read MoreSynovus Financial Corp. operates as the bank holding company for Synovus Bank that provides commercial and retail banking products and services. It operates through three segments: Community Banking, Wholesale Banking, and Financial Management Services. The company's commercial banking services include treasury management, asset management, capital market, and institutional trust services, as well as commercial, financial, and real estate loans. Its retail banking services comprise accepting customary types of demand and savings deposits accounts; mortgage, installment, and other consumer loans; investment and brokerage services; safe deposit services; automated banking services; automated fund transfers; Internet-based banking services; and bank credit and debit card services. The company also offers various other financial services, including portfolio management for fixed-income securities, investment banking, execution of securities transactions as a broker/dealer, and financial planning services, as well as provides individual investment advice on equity and other securities. As of December 31, 2020, it operated through 289 branches and 389 ATMs in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee. The company was founded in 1888 and is headquartered in Columbus, Georgia.

Read MoreSome people binge watch Netflix Huluor HBO shows. And some people turn their downtime into cash. James made $2,275 in just 19 minutesall thanks to something called The 15 Minute Workday. The average trade makes 12% in just 5 days (factoring winners and losers) which is out of this world.

Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, designs, manufactures, and sells firearms under the Ruger name and trademark in the United States. It operates in two segments, Firearms and Castings. The company provides single-shot, autoloading, bolt-action, and sporting rifles; rimfire and centerfire autoloading pistols; single-action and double-action revolvers; and firearms accessories and replacement parts. The company also manufactures and sells steel investment castings and metal injection molding (MIM) parts. It sells its firearm products through independent wholesale distributors principally to the commercial sporting market; and castings and MIM parts directly or through manufacturers' representatives. The company also exports its firearm products through a network of commercial distributors and directly to foreign customers comprising primarily of law enforcement agencies and foreign governments. Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. was founded in 1949 and is based in Southport, Connecticut.

Read MoreFresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA provides dialysis care and related dialysis care services in Germany, North America, and internationally. It offers dialysis treatment and related laboratory and diagnostic services through a network of outpatient dialysis clinics; materials, training, and patient support services comprising clinical monitoring, follow-up assistance, and arranging for delivery of the supplies to the patient's residence; and dialysis services under contract to hospitals in the United States for the hospitalized end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients and for patients suffering from acute kidney failure. The company also develops, manufactures, and distributes dialysis products, including polysulfone dialyzers, hemodialysis machines, peritoneal dialysis cyclers, peritoneal dialysis solutions, hemodialysis concentrates, solutions and granulates, bloodlines, renal pharmaceuticals, and systems for water treatment; and non-dialysis products, such as acute cardiopulmonary and apheresis products. In addition, it develops, acquires, and in-licenses renal pharmaceuticals; offers renal medications and supplies to patients at homes or to dialysis clinics; and provides vascular, cardiovascular, endovascular specialty, vascular care ambulatory surgery center, and physician nephrology and cardiology services. The company sells its products to dialysis clinics, hospitals, and specialized treatment clinics directly, as well as through local sales forces, independent distributors, dealers, and sales agents. As of December 31, 2020, it operated 4,092 outpatient dialysis clinics in approximately 150 countries. Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA was incorporated in 1996 and is headquartered in Bad Homburg, Germany.

Read MoreThe following companies are subsidiares of Quest Diagnostics: AmeriPath, AmeriPath Cincinnati Inc. (OH), AmeriPath Cleveland Inc. (OH), AmeriPath Consolidated Labs Inc. (FL), AmeriPath Florida LLC (DE), AmeriPath Hospital Services Florida LLC (DE), AmeriPath Inc. (DE), AmeriPath Indianapolis PC (IN), AmeriPath Kentucky Inc. (KY), AmeriPath Lubbock 5.01(A) Corporation (TX), AmeriPath New York LLC (DE), AmeriPath Texas Inc. (DE), AmeriPath Tucson Inc. (AZ), American Medical Laboratories, American Medical Laboratories Incorporated (DE), Associated Clinical Laboratories L.P. (PA), Associated Clinical Laboratories of Pennsylvania L.L.C. (PA), Athena Diagnostics, Athena Diagnostics Inc. (DE), Blueprint Genetics, Blueprint Genetics FZ-LLC (UAE), Blueprint Genetics Inc. (DE), Blueprint Genetics Oy (Finland), California Laboratory Associates, Cape Cod Healthcare - Business, Celera, ClearPoint Diagnostic, Clearpoint Diagnostic Laboratories LLC (TX), Cleveland HeartLab, Cleveland HeartLab Inc. (DE), Clinical Laboratory Partners, Colorado Pathology Consultants P.C. (CO), ConVerge Diagnostic Services, Consolidated DermPath Inc. (DE), DFW 5.01(a) Corporation (TX), DGXWMT JV LLC (DE), Dermatopathology of Wisconsin S.C. (WI), Diagnostic Laboratory of Oklahoma LLC (OK), Diagnostic Pathology Services Inc. (OK), Diagnostic Reference Services Inc. (MD), ExamOne Canada Inc. (New Brunswick), ExamOne LLC (DE), ExamOne World Wide Inc. (PA), ExamOne World Wide of NJ Inc. (NJ), Focus Diagnostics, HemoCue, Hoffman M.D. Associated Pathologists Chartered (NV), Institute for Dermatopathology Inc. (PA), Isabella Street Urban Renewal LLC (NJ), Kailash B. Sharma M.D. Inc. (GA), Kilpatrick Pathology P.A. (NC), LabOne, LabOne LLC (MO), LabOne of Ohio Inc. (DE), Laboratorio de Analisis Biomedicos S.A. (Mexico), Lancet Labs, MACL, Med Fusion LLC (TX), Med fusion, MedPlus, Mid America Clinical Laboratories LLC (IN), Nomad Massachusetts Inc. (MA), Nuclear Medicine and Pathology Associates (GA), Ocmulgee Medical Pathology Association Inc. (GA), Pathology Building Partnership (MD) (gen. ptnrshp.), PeaceHealth Laboratories, PhenoPath Laboratories, PhenoPath Laboratories PLLC (WA), Q Squared Solutions Holdings LLC (DE), Q Squared Solutions Holdings Limited (UK), Quest Diagnostics (Shanghai) Co. Ltd. (China), Quest Diagnostics Brasil Holdings Ltd. (UK), Quest Diagnostics Clinical Laboratories, Quest Diagnostics Clinical Laboratories Inc. (DE), Quest Diagnostics Domestic Holder LLC (DE), Quest Diagnostics HTAS India Private Limited (India), Quest Diagnostics Health & Wellness LLC (DE), Quest Diagnostics Holdings Incorporated (DE), Quest Diagnostics Holdings Ltd. (UK), Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (MD), Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (NV), Quest Diagnostics India Private Limited (India), Quest Diagnostics Infectious Disease Inc. (DE), Quest Diagnostics International Holdings Limited (UK), Quest Diagnostics International LLC (DE), Quest Diagnostics Investments LLC (DE), Quest Diagnostics Ireland Limited (Ireland), Quest Diagnostics LLC (CT), Quest Diagnostics LLC (IL), Quest Diagnostics LLC (MA), Quest Diagnostics Massachusetts LLC (MA), Quest Diagnostics Mexico Holding Company Trust (Mexico), Quest Diagnostics Mexico S de RL de CV (Mexico), Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute (CA), Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute Inc. (VA), Quest Diagnostics Receivables Inc. (DE), Quest Diagnostics Subsidiary Holdings Ltd. (UK), Quest Diagnostics TB LLC (DE), Quest Diagnostics Terracotta LLC (DE), Quest Diagnostics Venture LLC (PA), Quest Diagnostics Ventures LLC (DE), Quest Diagnostics do Brasil Ltda. (Brazil), Quest Diagnostics of Pennsylvania Inc. (DE), Quest Diagnostics of Puerto Rico Inc. (PR), Quest HealthConnect LLC (CA), ReproSource, Reprosource Fertility Diagnostics Inc. (MA), Solstas Lab Partners, Sonora Quest Laboratories LLC (AZ), Specialty Laboratories Inc. (CA), Summit Health, UMass Memorial Medical Center - Anatomic Pathology Outreach Laboratory Business, Unilab Corporation, and Unilab Corporation (DE).Primerica, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, provides financial products to middle-income households in the United States and Canada. The company operates in three segments: Term Life Insurance; Investment and Savings Products; and Corporate and Other Distributed Products. It underwrites individual term life insurance products. The company also provides mutual funds and various retirement plans, managed investments, variable and fixed annuities, fixed indexed annuities, and segregated funds. In addition, it offers auto and homeowners' insurance, home automation solutions, and mortgage loans; ID theft defense services; and insurance products, including supplemental health, accidental death, and disability for small businesses. Further, the company provides prepaid legal services that assist subscribers with legal matters, such as drafting wills, living wills and powers of attorney, trial defense, and motor vehicle-related matters. It distributes and sells its products through licensed sales representatives. Primerica, Inc. was founded in 1927 and is headquartered in Duluth, Georgia.

Read MoreSempra Energy operates as an energy-services holding company in the United States and internationally. The company's San Diego Gas & Electric Company segment generates, transmits, and distributes electricity; and supplies natural gas. It offers electric services to approximately 3.7 million population and natural gas services to approximately 3.4 million population that covers 4,100 square miles. Its Southern California Gas Company segment owns and operates a natural gas distribution, transmission, and storage system that supplies natural gas to a population of approximately 22 million covering an area of 24,000 square miles. The company's Sempra Texas Utilities segment is involved in the regulated transmission and distribution of electricity serving 3.7 million homes and businesses, and operation of 139,000 miles of transmission and distribution lines. Its transmission system includes 18,127 circuit miles of transmission lines, 336 transmission stations, and 806 distribution substations; distribution system comprises 121,129 miles of overhead and underground lines; and 63 miles of electric transmission lines. Its Sempra Mexico segment develops, owns, operates, or holds interests in natural gas, electric, liquefied natural gas (LNG), liquid petroleum gas (LPG), ethane, and liquid fuels infrastructure; and purchases LNG, and purchases and sells natural gas. This segment operates natural-gas-fired, and wind and solar power generation facilities. Its assets/facilities consist of 1,850 miles of natural gas transmission pipelines, 15 compressor stations, and 139 miles of ethane pipelines; and 2,729 miles of natural gas distribution pipelines. The company's Sempra LNG segment develops and builds natural gas liquefaction export facilities; holds an interest in a facility for the export of LNG; owns and operates natural gas pipelines; and buys, sells, and transports natural gas. The company was founded in 1998 and is headquartered in San Diego, California.

Read MoreNavios Maritime Holdings Inc. operates as a seaborne shipping and logistics company in North America, Australia, Europe, Asia, South America, and internationally. The company operates through two segments, Dry Bulk Vessel Operations and Logistics Business. It focuses on the transportation and transshipment of dry bulk commodities, including iron ores, coal, and grains. The Dry Bulk Vessel Operations segment engages in the transportation and handling of bulk cargoes through the ownership, operation, and trading of vessels and freight. This segment charters its vessels to trading houses, producers, and government-owned entities. The Logistics Business segment operates ports and transfer station terminals, as well as upriver transport facilities in the Hidrovia region; and handles vessels, barges, push boats, and cabotage business. This segment provides its integrated transportation, storage, and related services through its port facilities, the fleet of dry and liquid cargo barges, and product tankers to mineral and grain commodity providers, as well as to users of refined petroleum products. As of April 21, 2021, the company's fleet consisted of 45 vessels totaling 5.0 million deadweight tons. Navios Maritime Holdings Inc. is headquartered in Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands.

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Metropolitan Bank Holding Corp. operates as the bank holding company for Metropolitan Commercial Bank that provides a range of business, commercial, and retail banking products and services to small businesses, middle-market enterprises, public entities, and individuals in the New York metropolitan area. The company offers checking, savings, term deposit, and money market accounts, as well as certificates of deposit. It also provides lending products, including commercial, construction, multifamily, and one-to four-family real estate loans; commercial and industrial loans; trade finance and letters of credit, term loans, and working capital lines of credit; commercial mortgages; and consumer loans. In addition, the company offers cash management services, as well as online and mobile banking, ACH, remote deposit capture, and debit card services. As of January 21, 2021, it operated six locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn, as well as Great Neck, Long Island. The company was founded in 1999 and is headquartered in New York, New York.

Read MoreAd Resource Stock Digest 1,346 Interested This Week

Could This Be the Biggest US Gold Discovery in Years?

See how this tiny, unknown gold company secured a prime land package right next door to the worlds two largest gold producers in Nevadas famed Carlin Trend where 84 Million gold ounces have already been extracted. Best of all, investors can still get in well below US$0.50 per share.Nacogdoches, TX (75965)

Today

Cloudy skies early then heavy thunderstorms developing this afternoon. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 88F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall near an inch..

Tonight

Thunderstorms likely this evening. Then a chance of scattered thunderstorms overnight. Low near 70F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%. Locally heavy rainfall possible.The following companies are subsidiares of Lloyds Banking Group: A G Finance Ltd, A.C.L. Ltd, ACL Autolease Holdings Ltd, ADF No.1 Pty Ltd, Addison Social Housing Holdings Ltd, Alex Lawrie Factors Ltd, Alex. Lawrie Receivables Financing Ltd, Amberdate Ltd, Anglo Scottish Utilities Partnership 1, Aquilus Ltd, Automobile Association Personal Finance Ltd, BOS (Ireland) Property Services 2 Ltd, BOS (Ireland) Property Services Ltd, BOS (Shared Appreciation Mortgages (Scotland) No. 2) Ltd, BOS (Shared Appreciation Mortgages (Scotland) No. 3) Ltd, BOS (Shared Appreciation Mortgages (Scotland)) Ltd, BOS (Shared Appreciation Mortgages) No. 1 plc, BOS (Shared Appreciation Mortgages) No. 2 plc, BOS (Shared Appreciation Mortgages) No. 3 plc, BOS (Shared Appreciation Mortgages) No. 4 plc, BOS (Shared Appreciation Mortgages) No. 5 plc, BOS (Shared Appreciation Mortgages) No. 6 plc, BOS (USA) Fund Investments Inc., BOS (USA) Inc., BOS Edinburgh No 1 Ltd, BOS Mistral Ltd, BOS Personal Lending Ltd, BOSSAF Rail Ltd, Bank of Scotland (B G S) Nominees Ltd, Bank of Scotland (Stanlife) London Nominees Ltd, Bank of Scotland Branch Nominees Ltd, Bank of Scotland Central Nominees Ltd, Bank of Scotland Edinburgh Nominees Ltd, Bank of Scotland Equipment Finance Ltd, Bank of Scotland Foundation, Bank of Scotland LNG Leasing (No 1) Ltd, Bank of Scotland London Nominees Ltd, Bank of Scotland Nominees (Unit Trusts) Ltd, Bank of Scotland P.E.P. Nominees Ltd, Bank of Scotland Structured Asset Finance Ltd, Bank of Scotland Transport Finance 1 Ltd, Bank of Scotland plc, Bank of Wales Ltd, Barents Leasing Ltd, Barnwood Mortgages Ltd, Birchcrown Finance Ltd, Birmingham Midshires Financial Services Ltd, Birmingham Midshires Land Development Ltd, Birmingham Midshires Mortgage Services Ltd, Black Horse (TRF) Ltd, Black Horse Executive Mortgages Ltd, Black Horse Finance Holdings Ltd, Black Horse Finance Management Ltd, Black Horse Group Ltd, Black Horse Ltd, Black Horse Offshore Ltd, Black Horse Property Services Ltd, Boltro Nominees Ltd, British Linen Leasing (London) Ltd, British Linen Leasing Ltd, British Linen Shipping Ltd, C.T.S.B. Leasing Ltd, CBRail S.A.R.L., CF Asset Finance Ltd, CF1 Ltd, CM Venture Investments Ltd, Cancara Asset Securitisation Ltd, Capital 1945 Ltd, Capital Bank Leasing 12 Ltd, Capital Bank Leasing 3 Ltd, Capital Bank Leasing 5 Ltd, Capital Bank Leasing 9 Ltd, Capital Bank Property Investments (3) Ltd, Capital Personal Finance Ltd, Cardiff Auto Receivables Securitisation 2018-1 Plc, Cardiff Auto Receivables Securitisation 2019-1 Plc, Cardiff Auto Receivables Securitisation Holdings Ltd, Cardnet Merchant Services Ltd, Cashfriday Ltd, Cashpoint Ltd, Caveminster Ltd, Cedar Holdings Ltd, Celsius European Lux 2 S.A.R.L., Central Mortgage Finance Ltd, Chariot Finance Ltd, Cheltenham & Gloucester plc, Cheltenham II Securities 2020 DAC, Cheltenham Securities 2017 Ltd, Chepstow Blue Holdings Ltd, Chepstow Blue plc, Chester Asset Options No.2 Ltd, Chester Asset Options No.3 Ltd, Chester Asset Receivables Dealings Issuer Ltd, Chester Asset Securitisation Holdings Ltd, Chester Asset Securitisation Holdings No.2 Ltd, Chiswell Stockbrokers Ltd, Clerical Medical Finance plc, Clerical Medical Financial Services Ltd, Clerical Medical International Holdings B.V., Clerical Medical Investment Fund Managers Ltd, Clerical Medical Managed Funds Ltd, Clerical Medical Non Sterling Guadalix Hold Co BV, Clerical Medical Non Sterling Guadalix Spanish Prop Co SL, Clerical Medical Non Sterling Megapark Hold Co BV, Clerical Medical Non Sterling Megapark Prop Co SA, Clerical Medical Non Sterling Property Company S.A.R.L., Cloak Lane Funding S.A.R.L., Cloak Lane Investments S.A.R.L., Conquest Securities Ltd, Corbiere Asset Investments Ltd, Create Services Ltd, Credit Card Securitisation Europe Ltd, Dalkeith Corporation, Deva Financing Holdings Ltd, Deva Financing plc, Deva One Ltd, Deva Three Ltd, Deva Two Ltd, Dunstan Investments (UK) Ltd, Edgbaston RMBS 2010-1 plc, Edgbaston RMBS Holdings Ltd, Elland RMBS 2018 plc, Elland RMBS Holdings Ltd, Eurolead Services Holdings Ltd, First Retail Finance (Chester) Ltd, Fontwell Securities 2016 Ltd, Forthright Finance Ltd, France Industrial Premises Holding Company, General Leasing (No. 12) Ltd, General Reversionary and Investment Company, Gresham Nominee 1 Ltd, Gresham Nominee 2 Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 1) Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 10) Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 11) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 12) Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 13) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 14) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 15) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 16) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 19) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 20) Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 21) Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 22) Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 23) Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 24) Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 25) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 26) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 27) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 28) Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 29) Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 3) Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 30) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 31) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 32) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 33) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 34) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 35) Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 36) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 37) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 38) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 39) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 40) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 41) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 44) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 45) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 46) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 47) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 48) UK Ltd, Guildhall Asset Purchasing Company (No 3) Ltd, Guildhall Asset Purchasing Company (No.11) UK Ltd, HBOS Covered Bonds LLP, HBOS Final Salary Trust Ltd, HBOS Financial Services Ltd, HBOS Insurance & Investment Group Ltd, HBOS International Financial Services Holdings Ltd, HBOS Investment Fund Managers Ltd, HBOS Social Housing Covered Bonds LLP, HBOS UK Ltd, HBOS plc, HSDL Nominees Ltd, HVF Ltd, Halifax Credit Card Ltd, Halifax Financial Brokers Ltd, Halifax Financial Services (Holdings) Ltd, Halifax Financial Services Ltd, Halifax General Insurance Services Ltd, Halifax Group Ltd, Halifax Investment Services Ltd, Halifax Leasing (June) Ltd, Halifax Leasing (March No.2) Ltd, Halifax Leasing (September) Ltd, Halifax Life Ltd, Halifax Loans Ltd, Halifax Ltd, Halifax Mortgage Services Ltd, Halifax Nominees Ltd, Halifax Pension Nominees Ltd, Halifax Premises Ltd, Halifax Share Dealing Ltd, Halifax Vehicle Leasing (1998) Ltd, Heidi Finance Holdings (UK) Ltd, Hill Samuel Bank Ltd, Hill Samuel Finance Ltd, Hill Samuel Leasing Co. Ltd, Home Shopping Personal Finance Ltd, Horizon Capital 2000 Ltd, Housing Association Risk Transfer 2019 DAC, Housing Growth Partnership GP LLP, Housing Growth Partnership LP, Housing Growth Partnership Ltd, Housing Growth Partnership Manager Ltd, Hyundai Car Finance Ltd, IBOS Finance Ltd, ICC Enterprise Partners Ltd, ICC Equity Partners Ltd, ICC Holdings Unlimited Company, Inchcape Financial Services Ltd, Intelligent Finance Financial Services Ltd, Intelligent Finance Software Ltd, International Motors Finance Ltd, Kanaalstraat Funding C.V., Katrine Leasing Ltd, LB Healthcare Trustee Ltd, LB Motorent Ltd, LB Quest Ltd, LB Share Schemes Trustees Ltd, LBCF Ltd, LBG Brasil Administracao LTDA, LBG Capital Holdings Ltd, LBG Equity Investments Ltd, LBI Leasing Ltd, LDC (General Partner) Ltd, LDC (Managers) Ltd, LDC (Nominees) Ltd, LDC GP LLP, LDC I LP, LDC II LP, LDC III LP, LDC IV LP, LDC Parallel (Nominees) Ltd, LDC V LP, LDC VI LP, LDC VII LP, LDC VIII LP, LTGP Limited Partnership Incorporated, Legacy Renewal Company Ltd, Leicester Securities 2014 Ltd, Lex Autolease (CH) Ltd, Lex Autolease (VC) Ltd, Lex Autolease Carselect Ltd, Lex Autolease Ltd, Lex Vehicle Finance 2 Ltd, Lex Vehicle Leasing (Holdings) Ltd, Lex Vehicle Leasing Ltd, Lime Street (Funding) Ltd, Lingfield 2014 I Holdings Ltd, Lingfield 2014 I plc, Lloyds (Gresham) Ltd, Lloyds (Gresham) No. 1 Ltd, Lloyds (Nimrod) Specialist Finance Ltd, Lloyds America Securities Corporation1, Lloyds Asset Leasing Ltd, Lloyds Bank (Branches) Nominees Ltd, Lloyds Bank (Colonial & Foreign) Nominees Ltd, Lloyds Bank (Fountainbridge 1) Ltd, Lloyds Bank (Fountainbridge 2) Ltd, Lloyds Bank (I.D.) Nominees Ltd, Lloyds Bank (International Services) Ltd, Lloyds Bank (Stock Exchange Branch) Nominees Ltd, Lloyds Bank Asset Finance Ltd, Lloyds Bank Commercial Finance Ltd, Lloyds Bank Commercial Finance Scotland Ltd, Lloyds Bank Corporate Asset Finance (HP) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Corporate Asset Finance (No.1) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Corporate Asset Finance (No.2) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Corporate Asset Finance (No.3) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Corporate Asset Finance (No.4) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Corporate Markets Wertpapierhandelsbank GmbH, Lloyds Bank Corporate Markets plc, Lloyds Bank Covered Bonds (Holdings) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Covered Bonds (LM) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Covered Bonds LLP, Lloyds Bank Equipment Leasing (No. 1) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Equipment Leasing (No. 7) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Equipment Leasing (No. 9) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Financial Services (Holdings) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Foundation for England & Wales, Lloyds Bank Foundation for the Channel Islands, Lloyds Bank General Insurance Holdings Ltd, Lloyds Bank General Insurance Ltd, Lloyds Bank General Leasing (No. 11) Ltd, Lloyds Bank General Leasing (No. 17) Ltd, Lloyds Bank General Leasing (No. 20) Ltd, Lloyds Bank General Leasing (No. 3) Ltd, Lloyds Bank General Leasing (No. 5) Ltd, Lloyds Bank GmbH, Lloyds Bank Hill Samuel Holding Company Ltd, Lloyds Bank Insurance Services Ltd, Lloyds Bank International Ltd, Lloyds Bank Leasing (No. 6) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Leasing (No. 8) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Leasing Ltd, Lloyds Bank MTCH Ltd, Lloyds Bank Maritime Leasing (No. 10) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Maritime Leasing (No. 13) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Maritime Leasing (No. 17) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Maritime Leasing (No.16) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Nominees Ltd, Lloyds Bank Offshore Pension Trust Ltd, Lloyds Bank Pension ABCS (No. 1) LLP, Lloyds Bank Pension ABCS (No. 2) LLP, Lloyds Bank Pension Trust (No. 1) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Pension Trust (No. 2) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Pensions Property (Guernsey) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Properties Ltd, Lloyds Bank Property Company Ltd, Lloyds Bank S.F. Nominees Ltd, Lloyds Bank Subsidiaries Ltd, Lloyds Bank Trustee Services Ltd, Lloyds Bank plc, Lloyds Banking Group Pensions Trustees Ltd, Lloyds Capital GP Ltd, Lloyds Commercial Leasing Ltd, Lloyds Commercial Properties Ltd, Lloyds Commercial Property Investments Ltd, Lloyds Corporate Services (Jersey) Ltd, Lloyds Development Capital (Holdings) Ltd, Lloyds Engine Capital (No.1) U.S LLC, Lloyds Far East S.A.R.L., Lloyds General Leasing Ltd, Lloyds Group Holdings (Jersey) Ltd, Lloyds Holdings (Jersey) Ltd, Lloyds Hypotheken B.V., Lloyds Industrial Leasing Ltd, Lloyds International Pty Ltd, Lloyds Investment Bonds Ltd, Lloyds Investment Fund Managers Ltd, Lloyds Investment Securities No.5 Ltd, Lloyds Leasing (North Sea Transport) Ltd1, Lloyds Leasing Developments Ltd, Lloyds Nominees (Guernsey) Ltd, Lloyds Offshore Global Services Private Ltd, Lloyds Plant Leasing Ltd, Lloyds Portfolio Leasing Ltd, Lloyds Premises Investments Ltd, Lloyds Project Leasing Ltd, Lloyds Property Investment Company No. 3 Ltd, Lloyds Property Investment Company No. 4 Ltd, Lloyds Property Investment Company No.5 Ltd, Lloyds Secretaries Ltd, Lloyds Securities Inc., Lloyds TSB Pacific Ltd, Lloyds UDT Asset Leasing Ltd, Lloyds UDT Asset Rentals Ltd, Lloyds UDT Hiring Ltd, Lloyds UDT Leasing Ltd, Lloyds UDT Ltd, Lloyds Your Tomorrow Trustee Ltd, Loans.co.uk Ltd, London Taxi Finance Ltd, London Uberior (L.A.S. Group) Nominees Ltd, Lotus Finance Ltd, MBNA, MBNA Direct Ltd, MBNA Europe Finance Ltd, MBNA Europe Holdings Ltd, MBNA General Foundation, MBNA Global Services Ltd, MBNA Indian Services Private Ltd, MBNA Ltd, MBNA R & L S.A.R.L., MBNA Receivables Ltd, Mainsearch Company Ltd, Maritime Leasing (No. 19) Ltd, Membership Services Finance Ltd, Mitre Street Funding S.A.R.L., Molineux RMBS 2016-1 plc, Molineux RMBS Holdings Ltd, Moor Lane Holdings Ltd, NFU Mutual Finance Ltd, NWS Trust Ltd, Nominees (Jersey) Ltd, Nordic Leasing Ltd, Ocean Leasing (July) Ltd, Oystercatcher Nominees Ltd, Oystercatcher Residential Ltd, PIPS Asset Investments Ltd, Pacific Leasing Ltd, Penarth Asset Securitisation Holdings Ltd, Penarth Funding 1 Ltd, Penarth Funding 2 Ltd, Penarth Master Issuer plc, Penarth Receivables Trustee Ltd, Pensions Management (S.W.F.) Ltd, Peony Eastern Leasing Ltd, Peony Leasing Ltd, Peony Western Leasing Ltd, Permanent Funding (No. 1) Ltd, Permanent Funding (No. 2) Ltd, Permanent Holdings Ltd, Permanent Master Issuer plc, Permanent Mortgages Trustee Ltd, Permanent PECOH Holdings Ltd, Permanent PECOH Ltd, Perry Nominees Ltd, Prestonfield Investments Ltd, Proton Finance Ltd, R.F. Spencer And Company Ltd, Ranelagh Nominees Ltd, Retail Revival (Burgess Hill) Investments Ltd, SARL Coliseum, SARL Hiram, SAS Compagnie Fonciere De France, SCI Astoria Invest, SCI De LHorloge, SCI Equinoxe, SCI Rambuteau CFF, SW Funding plc, SW No.1 Ltd, SWAMF (GP) Ltd, SWAMF Nominee (1) Ltd, SWAMF Nominee (2) Ltd, Saint Michel Holding Company No1, Saint Michel Investment Property, Saint Witz 2 Holding Company No1, Saint Witz 2 Investment Property, Salisbury II Securities 2016 Ltd, Salisbury II-A Securities 2017 Ltd, Salisbury III Securities 2019 DAC, Salisbury Securities 2015 Ltd, Sandown 2012-2 Holdings Ltd, Sandown 2012-2 plc, Sandown Gold 2012-1 Holdings Ltd, Sandown Gold 2012-1 plc, Savban Leasing Ltd, Scotland International Finance B.V., Scottish Widows Administration Services (Nominees) Ltd, Scottish Widows Administration Services Ltd, Scottish Widows Annuities Ltd, Scottish Widows Auto Enrolment Services Ltd, Scottish Widows Europe, Scottish Widows Financial Services Holdings, Scottish Widows Group Ltd, Scottish Widows Industrial Properties Europe B.V., Scottish Widows Ltd, Scottish Widows Pension Trustees Ltd, Scottish Widows Property Management Ltd, Scottish Widows Schroder Personal Wealth (ACD) Ltd, Scottish Widows Schroder Personal Wealth Ltd, Scottish Widows Schroder Wealth Holdings Ltd, Scottish Widows Services Ltd, Scottish Widows Trustees Ltd, Scottish Widows Unit Funds Ltd, Scottish Widows Unit Trust Managers Ltd, Scottish Widows Fund and Life Assurance Society, Seabreeze Leasing Ltd, Seaspirit Leasing Ltd, Share Dealing Nominees Ltd, Shogun Finance Ltd, Silentdale Ltd, St Andrews Group Ltd, St Andrews Insurance plc, St Andrews Life Assurance plc, St. Marys Court Investments, Standard Property Investment (1987) Ltd, Standard Property Investment Ltd, Sussex County Homes Ltd, Suzuki Financial Services Ltd, Swan Funding 2 Ltd, Syon Securities 2019 DAC, The Agricultural Mortgage Corporation Plc, The British Linen Company Ltd, The Halifax Foundation for Northern Ireland, The Mortgage Business plc, Thistle Financing Holdings Ltd, Thistle Investments (AMC) Ltd, Thistle Investments (ERM) Ltd, Thistle Leasing, Three Copthall Avenue Ltd, Tower Hill Property Investments (10) Ltd, Tower Hill Property Investments (7) Ltd, Tranquility Leasing Ltd, Trinity Financing plc, UDT Budget Leasing Ltd, UDT Sales Finance Ltd, Uberior (Moorfield) Ltd, Uberior Co-Investments Ltd, Uberior ENA Ltd, Uberior Equity Ltd, Uberior Europe Ltd, Uberior Fund Investments Ltd, Uberior Infrastructure Investments (No.2) Ltd, Uberior Infrastructure Investments Ltd, Uberior Investments Ltd, Uberior Nominees Ltd, Uberior Trading Ltd, Uberior Trustees Ltd, Uberior Ventures Australia Pty Ltd, Uberior Ventures Ltd, United Dominions Leasing Ltd, United Dominions Trust Ltd, Universe The CMI Global Network Fund, Upsaala Ltd, Vine Street IX LP, WCS Ltd, Ward Nominees (Abingdon) Ltd, Ward Nominees (Birmingham) Ltd 1, Ward Nominees (Bristol) Ltd 1, Ward Nominees Ltd 1, Waverley  Fund II Investor LLC, Waverley  Fund III Investor LLC, Waymark Asset Investments Ltd, West Craigs Ltd, Wetherby II Securities 2018 DAC, Wetherby III Securities 2019 DAC, Wetherby Securities 2017 Ltd, Wood Street Leasing Ltd, and Zurich Insurance Group - UK Workplace Pensions and Savings Business.Wall Street analysts have given iShares S&P 500 Value ETF a "N/A" rating, but there may be better buying opportunities in the stock market. Some of MarketBeat's past winning trading ideas have resulted in 5-15% weekly gains. MarketBeat just released five new stock ideas, but iShares S&P 500 Value ETF wasn't one of them. MarketBeat thinks these five companies may be even better buys.

View MarketBeat's top stock picks here.Wall Street analysts have given iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF a "N/A" rating, but there may be better buying opportunities in the stock market. Some of MarketBeat's past winning trading ideas have resulted in 5-15% weekly gains. MarketBeat just released five new stock ideas, but iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF wasn't one of them. MarketBeat thinks these five companies may be even better buys.

View MarketBeat's top stock picks here.Ingersoll Rand Inc. provides various mission-critical air, fluid, energy, specialty vehicle and medical technologies in the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. It operates through four segments: Industrial Technologies and Services; Precision and Science Technologies; Specialty Vehicle Technologies; and High Pressure Solutions segments. The company offers air and gas compression, vacuum and blower products, fluid transfer and management equipment, loading systems, power tools and lifting equipment, displacement pumps, liquid and precision syringe pumps, and compressors, as well as as well as aftermarket parts, consumables, and services. It also designs, manufactures, and markets golf, utility, and consumer low-speed vehicles, as well as integrated systems. The company's products are used in medical, laboratory, industrial manufacturing, water and wastewater, chemical processing, drilling, hydraulic fracturing, well servicing applications, precision irrigation, energy, food and beverage, agriculture, and automated liquid handling end-markets, as well as various manufacturing, industrial facilities applications, and other activities. It serves to various industries and sectors. The company sells its products through an integrated network of direct sales representatives and independent distributors under the Ingersoll Rand, Gardner Denver, Club Car, CompAir, Nash, Elmo Rietschle, Robuschi, Thomas, Milton Roy, ARO, Emco Wheaton, and Runtech Systems brands. The company was formerly known as Gardner Denver Holdings, Inc. and changed its name to Ingersoll Rand Inc. in March 2020. Ingersoll Rand Inc. was founded in 1859 and is based in Davidson, North Carolina.

Read MoreAd Legacy Research 861 Interested This Week

To Any American Who Owns a Cell Phone

If you own a cell phone, then mobile service providers hope you never get to see this video that could soon go viral. His experiment could strike a bad chord with mobile phone companies. But youve got to see what this man discovered and what it means for phone users in the weeks ahead.BlackRock, Inc. is a publicly owned investment manager. The firm primarily provides its services to institutional, intermediary, and individual investors including corporate, public, union, and industry pension plans, insurance companies, third-party mutual funds, endowments, public institutions, governments, foundations, charities, sovereign wealth funds, corporations, official institutions, and banks. It also provides global risk management and advisory services. The firm manages separate client-focused equity, fixed income, and balanced portfolios. It also launches and manages open-end and closed-end mutual funds, offshore funds, unit trusts, and alternative investment vehicles including structured funds. The firm launches equity, fixed income, balanced, and real estate mutual funds. It also launches equity, fixed income, balanced, currency, commodity, and multi-asset exchange traded funds. The firm also launches and manages hedge funds. It invests in the public equity, fixed income, real estate, currency, commodity, and alternative markets across the globe. The firm primarily invests in growth and value stocks of small-cap, mid-cap, SMID-cap, large-cap, and multi-cap companies. It also invests in dividend-paying equity securities. The firm invests in investment grade municipal securities, government securities including securities issued or guaranteed by a government or a government agency or instrumentality, corporate bonds, and asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities. It employs fundamental and quantitative analysis with a focus on bottom-up and top-down approach to make its investments. The firm employs liquidity, asset allocation, balanced, real estate, and alternative strategies to make its investments. In real estate sector, it seeks to invest in Poland and Germany. The firm benchmarks the performance of its portfolios against various S&P, Russell, Barclays, MSCI, Citigroup, and Merrill Lynch indices. BlackRock, Inc. was founded in 1988 and is based in New York City with additional offices in Boston, Massachusetts; London, United Kingdom; Gurgaon, India; Hong Kong; Greenwich, Connecticut; Princeton, New Jersey; Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Sydney, Australia; Taipei, Taiwan; Singapore; Sao Paulo, Brazil; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Washington, District of Columbia; Toronto, Canada; Wilmington, Delaware; and San Francisco, California.

Read MoreSome people binge watch Netflix Huluor HBO shows. And some people turn their downtime into cash. James made $2,275 in just 19 minutesall thanks to something called The 15 Minute Workday. The average trade makes 12% in just 5 days (factoring winners and losers) which is out of this world.

DHI Group, Inc. provides data, insights, and employment connections through specialized services for technology professionals in the United States, the United Kingdom, rest of Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia Pacific, and internationally. The company operates Dice that offers job postings of technology and non-technology companies for industries, such as positions for software engineers, big data professionals, systems administrators, database specialists, project managers, and other technology and engineering professionals; and ClearanceJobs, an Internet-based career network, which matches security-cleared professionals with hiring companies searching for employees. It also provides eFinancialCareers, a financial services careers Website for financial services industry professionals from various sectors, including asset management, risk management, investment banking, and information technology. The company serves small, mid-sized, and large direct employers; staffing companies; recruiting agencies; consulting firms; and marketing departments of companies. The company was formerly known as Dice Holdings, Inc. and changed its name to DHI Group, Inc. in April 2015. DHI Group, Inc. was founded in 1991 and is headquartered in Centennial, Colorado.

Read MoreThe following companies are subsidiares of PerkinElmer: Analytica of Branford, Applied Biosystems, Arnel Inc., ArtusLabs, Beijing Huaan Magnech Bio-Tech Co. Ltd., Beijing Longrun Bio-Tech Co. Ltd., Beijing Meizheng Bio-Tech Co. Ltd., Beijing Meizheng Testing Lab Co. Ltd., Beijing OUMENG Biotechnology Co. Ltd., Bio Evolution SAS, Bioo Scientific Corporation, Biosense Picolabs Inc., Biosense Technologies Pvt Ltd., Caliper Life Sciences, Caliper Life Sciences Inc., Cambridge Research & Instrumentation Inc., CambridgeSoft, Ceiba Solutions, Chengdu PerkinElmer Medical Laboratory Co. Ltd., Chromo G.A. SAS, CisBio US Inc., Cisbio Asia Pacific Ltd, Cisbio Bioassays SAS, Cisbio China Ltd., Cisbio Group SAS, Cisbio KK, Cisbio.com, DNA Laboratories Sdn. Bhd., Dani Analitica S.r.l., Dexela, EUROIMMUN (Hangzhou) Medical Laboratory Diagnostics Co. Ltd., EUROIMMUN (South East Asia) Pte Ltd., EUROIMMUN (Tianjin) Medical Diagnostic Technology Co. Ltd., EUROIMMUN AG, EUROIMMUN Brasil Medicina Diagnostica Ltda., EUROIMMUN Diagnostics Espana S.L.U., EUROIMMUN France SAS, EUROIMMUN Italia Diagnostica Medica S.r.l., EUROIMMUN Japan Co. Ltd., EUROIMMUN Medical Diagnostics (China) Co. Ltd., EUROIMMUN Medical Diagnostics Canada Inc., EUROIMMUN Medical Laboratory Diagnostics South Africa (Pty) Ltd., EUROIMMUN Medizinische Labordiagnostika AG, EUROIMMUN Polska Spolka z o.o., EUROIMMUN Portugal Unipessoal Lda., EUROIMMUN Schweiz AG, EUROIMMUN Turkey Tibbi Laboratuar Teshisleri A.S., EUROIMMUN UK Ltd., EUROIMMUN US Inc., EUROIMMUN US Real Estate LLC, Geospiza, Guangzhou EUROIMMUN Medical Diagnostic Products Co. Ltd., Hangzhou EUROIMMUN Medical Diagnostic Products Co. Ltd., Horizon Discovery, Integromics S.L., Jiangsu Meizheng Bio-Tech Co. Ltd., LabMetrix Technologies, Labtronics, ManCell SAS, NovaScreen Biosciences Corporation, Opto Technology, Orchid Biomedical Systems Pvt Ltd., Oxford Immunotec, Pediatrix Medical Group - Newborn Metabolic Screening Business, Perkin Elmer Chile Ltda., Perkin Elmer Italia SpA, Perkin Elmer Sdn. Bhd., Perkin Elmer Yuhan Hoesa, Perkin Elmer de Mexico S.A., Perkin-Elmer Argentina S.R.L., Perkin-Elmer Instruments (Philippines) Corporation, PerkinElmer (Hong Kong) Ltd., PerkinElmer (India) Pvt Ltd., PerkinElmer (Ireland) Ltd., PerkinElmer (Schweiz) AG, PerkinElmer (Shanghai) Equity Investment Fund L.P., PerkinElmer (Shanghai) Equity Investment Fund Management Co. Ltd., PerkinElmer (UK) Holdings Ltd., PerkinElmer Analytical Solutions B.V., PerkinElmer Automotive Research Inc., PerkinElmer BVBA, PerkinElmer CV Holdings LLC, PerkinElmer Cellular Technologies Germany GmbH, PerkinElmer Danmark A/S, PerkinElmer Diagnostics Global Holdings S.a r.l., PerkinElmer Diagnostics Holdings Inc., PerkinElmer Espana S.L., PerkinElmer Finance Luxembourg S.a r.l., PerkinElmer Finland Oy, PerkinElmer Genetics Inc., PerkinElmer Germany Diagnostics GmbH, PerkinElmer Global Diagnostics S.a r.l., PerkinElmer Global Financing S.a r.l., PerkinElmer Global Holdings S.a r.l., PerkinElmer Health Sciences (Australia) Pty. Ltd., PerkinElmer Health Sciences B.V., PerkinElmer Health Sciences Canada Inc., PerkinElmer Health Sciences FZ-LLC, PerkinElmer Health Sciences Inc., PerkinElmer Health Sciences Pvt Ltd., PerkinElmer Healthcare Diagnostics (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., PerkinElmer Holding Luxembourg S.a r.l., PerkinElmer Holdings Inc., PerkinElmer Holdings Pty. Ltd., PerkinElmer IVD Pte Ltd., PerkinElmer Inc., PerkinElmer Informatics Inc., PerkinElmer Instruments (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., PerkinElmer International C.V., PerkinElmer Investments Ky, PerkinElmer Israel Ltd., PerkinElmer Japan Co. Ltd., PerkinElmer LAS (Germany) GmbH, PerkinElmer LAS (UK) Ltd., PerkinElmer Life Sciences International Holdings, PerkinElmer Limited, PerkinElmer Ltd., PerkinElmer Management (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., PerkinElmer Nederland B.V., PerkinElmer Norge AS, PerkinElmer Oy, PerkinElmer Polska Sp z o.o., PerkinElmer Pty. Ltd., PerkinElmer SAS, PerkinElmer Saglk ve Cevre Bilimleri Ltd., PerkinElmer Shared Services Sp z o.o., PerkinElmer Singapore Pte Ltd., PerkinElmer South Africa (Pty) Ltd., PerkinElmer Sverige AB, PerkinElmer Sweden Health Sciences Holdings AB, PerkinElmer Taiwan Corporation, PerkinElmer VertriebsgmbH, PerkinElmer chemagen Technologie GmbH, PerkinElmer do Brasil Ltda., Perten Instruments, Perten Instruments (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Perten Instruments AB, Perten Instruments France SASU, Perten Instruments GmbH, Perten Instruments Italia S.r.l., Perten Instruments of Australia Pty Ltd., RHS Ltd, RayAl Ltd., Shandong Meizheng Bio-Tech Co. Ltd., Shanghai Haoyuan Biotech Co. Ltd., Shanghai Spectrum Instruments Co. Ltd., Shanghai Spectrum Instruments Co. Ltd., Signature Genomic Laboratories, Solus Scientific Solutions Inc., Solus Scientific Solutions Ltd., Surendra Genetic Labs, Suzhou PerkinElmer Medical Laboratory Co. Ltd., Suzhou Sym-Bio LifeScience, Suzhou Sym-Bio Lifescience Co. Ltd., Tulip Diagnostics, Tulip Diagnostics Pvt Ltd., Vanadis Diagnostics, Vanadis Diagnostics AB, ViaCell, ViaCord LLC, VisEn Medical, VisEn Medical Inc., Wallac Oy, Wellesley B.V., Xenogen Corporation, ZeLab SAS, and chemagen Biopolymer-Technologie AG.Chevron Corporation, through its subsidiaries, engages in integrated energy, chemicals, and petroleum operations worldwide. The company operates in two segments, Upstream and Downstream. The Upstream segment is involved in the exploration, development, and production of crude oil and natural gas; processing, liquefaction, transportation, and regasification associated with liquefied natural gas; transportation of crude oil through pipelines; and transportation, storage, and marketing of natural gas, as well as operates a gas-to-liquids plant. The Downstream segment engages in refining crude oil into petroleum products; marketing crude oil, refined products, and lubricants; transporting crude oil and refined products through pipeline, marine vessel, motor equipment, and rail car; and manufacturing and marketing commodity petrochemicals, and fuel and lubricant additives, as well as plastics for industrial uses. Chevron Corporation is also involved in the cash management and debt financing activities; insurance operations; real estate activities; and technology businesses. The company was formerly known as ChevronTexaco Corporation and changed its name to Chevron Corporation in 2005. Chevron Corporation was founded in 1879 and is headquartered in San Ramon, California.

Read MoreBT Group plc provides communications services worldwide. Its Consumer segment sells telephones, baby monitors, and Wi-Fi extenders through high street retailers, online BT Shop, and Website BT.com; and offers home phone, copper and fiber broadband, TV, and mobile services in various packages. The company's EE segment offers 2G, 3G, and 4G mobile network services; broadband, fixed-voice, and TV services; and postpaid and prepaid plans, and emergency services network. This segment also sells 4G mobile phones, tablets, connected devices, and mobile broadband devices from various manufacturers. Its Business and Public Sector segment provides fixed voice, mobility, fiber and connectivity, and networked IT services to retailers, utilities, public sector, healthcare, sports, construction, finance, and educational sectors. The company's Global Services segment offers business communications and ICT services comprising BT Connect, BT Security, BT One, BT Contact, BT Compute, BT Advise, and BT for financial markets. This segment serves approximately 5,500 customers in 180 countries. Its Wholesale and Ventures segment enables communications providers and other organizations to provide fixed or mobile phone services. Its ventures provide mass-market services, such as directory enquiries and payphones; and enterprise services comprising BT Fleet and BT Redcare. This segment also provides broadband and Ethernet, voice, hosted communication, mobile virtual network operator, managed solutions, machine-to-machine, roaming, and media services. The company's Openreach segment engages in the provision of services over the local access network; and installation and maintenance of fiber and copper communications networks that connect homes and businesses. The company was formerly known as Newgate Telecommunications Limited and changed its name to BT Group plc in September 2001. BT Group plc was incorporated in 2001 and is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom.

Read MoreI only buy one kind of stock. 37 of these cash cows are in my portfolio right now... and for every dollar invested in them they are sending us 69 cents in dividends. That's an effective yield of 69% a year-every year. All without leverage, options, or gimmicks.

Unitil Corporation, a public utility holding company, engages in the distribution of electricity and natural gas. It operates through three segments: Utility Gas Operations, Utility Electric Operations, and Non-Regulated. The company distributes electricity in the southeastern seacoast and state capital regions of New Hampshire, and the greater Fitchburg area of north central Massachusetts; and distributes natural gas in southeastern New Hampshire and portions of southern and central Maine, including the city of Portland and the Lewiston-Auburn area, as well as the greater Fitchburg area of north central Massachusetts. It also operates 86 miles of interstate underground natural gas transmission pipeline that provides interstate natural gas pipeline access and transportation services primarily in Maine and New Hampshire. In addition, the company provides energy brokering and advisory services to commercial and industrial customers; and real estate management services. It serves approximately 107,100 electric customers and 85,600 natural gas customers. Unitil Corporation was founded in 1984 and is headquartered in Hampton, New Hampshire.

Read More5 Ways to Win at Trading (Ad)

More people are trading options...



But most are doing it wrong... and LOSING money.



Former Chicago Board Options Exchange trader reveals five secrets you MUST know before putting a penny in the market...

Get the list of all five now.Perhaps you have engaged with Blue Zones Project through your work site or have picked up produce at a Blue Zones Project-approved grocery store. Maybe you are part of a Walking Moai or you have attended a healthy cooking demonstration.

These examples reflect the efforts of community members and partners to impact your life. By making healthy choices, easier improving your health and well-being comes naturally, without even having to think about it. To demonstrate this, lets follow a day in the life of fictional character, Well-Being Wendy.

Wendy woke up with a clear sense of purpose knowing that her gifts of bringing joy and healing wounds are part of the reason she went into the field of nursing. As she helped her children get ready for school, the unexpected, not quite dry laundry, stole a few precious minutes from the morning routine. Wendy looked around for a quick breakfast and found a bowl of fresh fruit on her counter and some leftover banana oatmeal cookies she had made after attending Ellen Sushaks Blue Zones Project cooking demonstration. Despite being called a cookie, these wholesome treats that children love include protein from walnuts, fiber from oats, no refined sugar, and are great for breakfast-on-the-go.Chrysa L. Fitzsimmons, 55, of Rock Springs, formerly of Superior, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2019, at home with her loving family by her side, after a 3-plus-year-long hard-fought battle with cancer.

She was born on Aug. 5, 1963, to Dennis and Marilyn Piggott. She attended Superior schools and graduated in 1982. She attended WITI and received various child care certifications. On Dec. 21, 1985, Chrysa was united in marriage to David Fitzsimmons Jr. This marriage was blessed with two children. The title of Mom meant more than anything to her.

Chrysa thoroughly enjoyed working at Webb Middle School in Reedsburg. She so loved working with children that she would work at day care during her summer breaks from school. She always put others needs before her own. So humble. She was a true angel here on earth. She cherished her time she spent with her family. In July 2012, she became a grandma for the first time, a new title that she whole heartily cherished, Grandma Chrysie. Above all, she had a special love for her husband, David.A little more than 120 years ago, William H. Laird opened the doors to a new city library  then called the Winona Free Public Library. The lumber baron funded the $50,000 project  worth about $1.5 million in todays dollars.

It is indeed a most generous gift, the Winona Republican reported Jan. 21, 1899, one that will work for the uplifting of the community, and benefit all classes of citizens. It is not every community that is favored with such public-spirited citizens as Mr. Laird.

+5 Longstanding legacy: Winona Public Library celebrates 120 years One hundred and twenty years ago, Winona gained a community asset that is still in use today.

Laird would be proud of how his gift was used last week.

In the 120 years since the library opened, few stretches have been as devastatingly cold as the one we endured last week. As the mercury on our thermometers dropped, schools closed, businesses told their employees to stay home, and life, for the most part, stood still.

Except at our library.

A few days before the polar vortex made its way over the state, bringing life-threatening cold along with it, library director Lezlea Dahlke and youth services librarian Tricia Wehrenberg kicked around the idea of keeping the library open a few extra hours  at least until the Winona Community Warming Center could open its doors at 9 p.m.A 56-year-old Minnesota City woman was injured Friday when she rolled her pickup truck on an ice-covered Hwy. 61 near the Huff Street intersection.

According to the Minnesota State Patrol, Shari Dee Steinke was heading north on Hwy. 61 in a 2002 Ford Ranger at approximately 8:45 a.m. She moved to the left lane to allow vehicles onto Hwy. 61, but then lost control on the ice-covered road, spun into the median and rolled over into the southbound lanes.Our problem is to deal with the corporations of coal, oil, etc., that value profit over people, who disavow climate change for their self interest and greed. The financial interests of organizations vested in the fossil fuel industry, a federal administration that denies climate science and its own responsibility to act, and inertia are powerful countervailing forces. The Heartland Institute is one such entity and an industry supported think tank. (No tanks.) One-hundred fifty members of Congress have received more than $68,000,000 in donations from fossil fuel companies.

Financial divestment with support from physicians has been an effective tool in other health movements, including efforts to thwart the tobacco industry. Much like the tobacco industry, fossil fuel companies have used their vast resources to sow disinformation and influence policymakers against the public interest. The American Medical Association and the Royal College of General Practitioners (British) passed resolutions in 2018 calling for financial divestment from fossil fuel companies. The Canadian Medical Association is fully divested.LOS ANGELES - The second in a string of powerful storms battered California on Saturday, shutting key highways after water and mud rushed into lanes from bare hillsides in wildfire burn areas where thousands of residents were under evacuation orders.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 2/2/2019 (870 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Skiers take to the slopes at Snow Summit ski resort in Big Bear Lake, Calif., on Friday, Feb. 1, 2019. A powerful storm heading toward California is expected to produce heavy rainfall, damaging winds, localized stream flooding and heavy snow in the Sierra Nevada. Forecasters say rain will arrive in the north late Friday afternoon and reach the south late in the night, and last through Saturday night. (AP Photo/Christopher Weber)

LOS ANGELES - The second in a string of powerful storms battered California on Saturday, shutting key highways after water and mud rushed into lanes from bare hillsides in wildfire burn areas where thousands of residents were under evacuation orders.

Flash flood warnings were issued for huge swaths of Southern California and forecasters said the system brought more than 4 inches (10 centimetres) of rain at lower elevations and several feet of snow in the mountains, where whiteout conditions closed roads.

A wind gust in Santa Barbara County topped 80 mph (128 kph) as the storm moved south and at one point dropped more than a half-inch (1.27 centimetres) of rain in five minutes. Trees and power lines were down across the region.

In Malibu, where the Woolsey fire last year destroyed homes and burned hillsides bare, officials closed Pacific Coast Highway and many other roadways after mud carried trees and rocks into lanes. Residents whose homes survived the flames barricaded their properties with sandbags to protect their properties from floodwaters.

In this Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019, photo released by Santa Barbara County Fire, a Caltrans worker stands in the northbound U.S 101, where the nearby Romero Creek has overflowed and flooded in the Montecito area of Santa Barbara County, Calif. Several miles of U.S. 101, a vital route between Los Angeles and points north and west, were closed because of flooding. (Mike Eliason/Santa Barbara County Fire via AP)

Carol Cavella was evacuated during the November fire and again Saturday when the creek behind her house threatened to overflow and inundate her backyard.

The 86-year-old put her cat in the car and drove to a coffee shop on higher ground, her son-in-law, Warren Bowman said.

"She does not scare easily, but she got a little scared watching that water rise," Bowman said. He was trying to convince her to come to his house in Los Angeles but she said she'd rather wait to see if the waters recede and she can return home.

The California Department of Transportation said Saturday night in a tweet that the both the northbound southbound lanes of U.S. 101, a vital route between Los Angeles and points north and west, have been reopened. Earlier Saturday, in the Montecito area of Santa Barbara County, several miles of U.S 101 were closed because of flooding.

Elsewhere in the county, evacuations were ordered or recommended for neighbourhoods near the Thomas, Whittier and Sherpa fire scars.

Emergency personnel huddle around the body of volunteer member of the Ventura County search and rescue team, killed in a traffic accident, along interstate highway 5 south of Pyramid Lake, Calif. Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. The second in a string of powerful storms is battering California, bringing down trees, flooding roadways and prompting evacuations in wildfire burn areas where intense downpours could loosen bare hillsides and cause mudslides. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

"This is a dangerous situation," the National Weather Service said, warning that the high rates of rain could send boulders sluicing down denuded hillsides along with the mud and debris.

It has only been a little over a year since a downpour on the huge Thomas Fire burn scar unleashed a massive debris flow that destroyed or damaged hundreds of homes in the seaside community of Montecito. The disaster killed 21 people, and two others have never been found.

Rescue crews scrambled Saturday to pluck motorists from cars caught in rising waters, said Mike Eliason, a spokesman for the Santa Barbara County Fire Department. He urged drivers who come upon flooded intersections to find alternate routes.

"Turn around. Driving through is going to be a costly error in judgment," he said. "It's just not worth it."

Multiple accidents were reported on slick highways, including a crash on Interstate 5 that killed a volunteer member of a sheriff's search and rescue team, and injured several others.

The team from Ventura County was on its way to a training exercise when members stopped to help at the scene of a single-vehicle rollover crash.

A minivan carrying a family was travelling too fast for the wet conditions, lost control and plowed into members of the team, Los Angeles County fire Capt. Tony Imbrenda said. Nine people were transported to hospitals, including three members of the team. The victim, Jeff Dye, was a volunteer with the Fillmore Mountain Search and Rescue Team, the sheriff's department said.

"This is a very unfortunate situation that could've been avoided," Imbrenda said, warning motorists to slow down in the rain.

In the Holy Jim fire area southeast of Los Angeles, where an August blaze scoured tens of thousands of acres in the Cleveland National Forest, volunteers using heavy equipment removed debris and deepened a creek bed to help prevent flooding.

The National Park Service warned visitors to Yosemite National Park of possible road closures and advised drivers to bring tire chains in the event of snow or icy conditions.

Winter storm warnings were in place for the Sierra Nevada along with avalanche warnings on the Nevada side of the range. The Sierra is already loaded with snow from a series of storms in January. The weather service said areas could see accumulations of up to 10 feet (3 metres) over the next few days.

The weather service lifted flash-flood watches for areas burned by the Mendocino Complex, Camp and Carr wildfires in Northern California. About an inch (2.5 centimetres) of rain was recorded in the San Francisco Bay Area before the storm moved south early Saturday.

A weaker storm soaked much of the state on Thursday Two cold weather systems will follow on Sunday and Monday, bringing additional widespread showers and snow, forecasters said.

Follow Weber at https://twitter.com/WeberCMA racist photo tied to Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam spurred the first major test for how Democratic presidential hopefuls will address racial tensions that have polarized American life.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 2/2/2019 (870 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

In this Jan. 28, 2019, photo, Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., speaks to students at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. Racial tensions are looming over the early days of the Democratic PartyAos presidential primary. Of nine declared candidates so far, just two are white men. Voters and political strategists alike are cheering such diversity, but some fear that another presidential contender of color in the era of deep racial divisions may hurt their ultimate goal of beating President Donald Trump. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

A racist photo tied to Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam spurred the first major test for how Democratic presidential hopefuls will address racial tensions that have polarized American life.

Nearly every major declared and potential Democratic candidate called for Northam's resignation after disclosure of the photo, which shows one person in blackface and another hooded in white Klan regalia.

Their reactions came before Northam, 59, who is white, said during a news conference Saturday that he was not in the photo on his page of the 1984 yearbook. He acknowledged using blackface when he dressed as pop icon Michael Jackson for a dance contest, also in 1984.

That leaves Democrats running for president or considering bids to navigate an explosive and embarrassing story as they mount campaigns intended to serve as a contrast with racial divisions that have intensified under the presidency of Donald Trump.

"The candidates were right on this, but this one was easy; the questions and issues on race will only get harder," said Symone Sanders, one of the Democratic Party's most visible black strategists and an aide to Bernie Sanders' 2016 presidential campaign.

Northam's refusal to step down, Sanders added, threatens to "bring down the Democratic ecosystem" when candidates already face challenges explaining their own records on racially fraught matters. "How do you tell black, brown and young disillusioned voters who didn't vote in 2016 to come out and take on Donald Trump and take America with this in the party?" she said. "It's a real concern."

That means more potential pitfalls for candidates as varied as California Sen. Kamala Harris, the daughter of Indian and Jamaican immigrants, and former Vice-President Joe Biden, a white man who prides himself on his working-class heritage.

U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, D-NJ, speaks during a news conference outside of his home, Friday, Feb. 1, 2019, in Newark, N.J. Booker earlier in the day declared his bid for the presidency with a sweeping call to unite a deeply polarized nation around a "common purpose." (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Harris touts her record as a prosecutor but faces critiques from the left for her role in a system that has for decades disproportionately imprisoned young men of colour. Biden, a longtime senator before he was President Barack Obama's political partner, recently expressed regret for supporting a 1994 crime bill that toughened sentencing laws. He had defended the vote for years.

Antjuan Seawright, a veteran of campaigns in South Carolina, which hosts the first presidential primary with a large black vote, said candidates must explain their pasts and use them  and Northam  to talk about institutional racism. "There's a larger discussion here about the poisonous effects of racism on the country and how these things really serve a hindrance for all of us moving forward," he said.

Harris and former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julian Castro were the first declared candidates to call for Northam to step down. Among the party's most prominent Latino figures, Castro called the photo "racist and unconscionable." Harris wrote on Twitter that "the stain of racism should have no place in the halls of government."

Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who has faced her own troubles over her claims of Native American heritage, followed suit.

New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker, a black man who launched his campaign Friday, the first day of Black History Month, put the incident into historical perspective. "These images arouse centuries of anger, anguish and racist violence," he wrote on Twitter.

New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, campaigning in the first primary state of New Hampshire, initially stopped short of calling for resignation, telling reporters she'd not seen the picture that she still called "very racist." She later issued a statement saying she'd seen the image for herself and believed Northam should step down.

"There aren't two sets of rules for our friends and our foes: Right is right and wrong is wrong ... and racism cannot be excused in our government or anywhere else," she wrote.

Gillibrand helped lead calls for Minnesota Sen. Al Franken to resign after he was accused in 2017 of sexual harassment.

Most of the presidential hopefuls sidestepped what would happen should Northam resign: A black man, Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax, would become the state's second black chief executive.

The most prominent white men in the potential Democratic field, Biden and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, both waited until Saturday morning to issue resignation calls.

Biden has deep ties in the black community, both from two unsuccessful presidential campaigns but also from two terms as the top lieutenant to the nation's first black president.

Sanders, who represents a state that is almost 95 per cent white and less than 2 per cent African-American, has tried to expand his relationships in the black community after his gaps proved a major liability in his 2016 presidential nominating fight against Hillary Clinton. Sanders, who hasn't said whether he'll run again, did well in much whiter states, but Clinton dominated him in states where black voters held strong sway, building an early delegate lead Sanders couldn't reverse.

Seawright, the South Carolina Democrat, dismissed any concerns over comparing candidates' response times over less than 24 hours. He said Republican leaders had ignored years of racist comments from Iowa Rep. Steve King before finally issuing a condemnation and ousting him from House committees in January after he questioned why "white supremacy" is considered offensive.

"We just can't be the party of hypocrisy ... and direction is more important than immediate timing," Seawright said.

North Carolina NAACP leader William Barber, a minister who has spoken at Democratic National Conventions, said he is keeping no scorecard on who has called on Northam to step down.

"People calling for his resignation, or Steve King's for that matter, they have a right to do so," Barber said. But "to simply have all this discussion about racism when we have some pictures and some words, as ugly and grotesque as they are, but not call out the structural racism that is often presented in more genteel ways  by denying health care, by gerrymandering unconstitutional legislatures, by a prison system that is the new Jim Crow to do that is not to deal with what racism actually is."

Associated Press writer Darlene Superville in Jupiter, Florida, and Alan Suderman in Richmond, Virginia, contributed to this report.

Follow Bill Barrow on Twitter at https://twitter.com/BillBarrowAPHey there, time traveller!

This article was published 3/2/2019 (869 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Vikings who served

A new exhibit commemorating the more than 1,000 Icelandic Canadians who served as soldiers, nurses, and medics during the First World War is now open at the Manitoba Museum. Vikings of the First World War: Icelandic Canadians in Service features medals, photos, documents, and other artifacts from Manitoba battalions, as well as a multi-screen video installation.

One cool bar

Festi-Bar at The Forks gives a whole new meaning to having your drink "on the rocks." Located on the Assiniboine River, the temporary ice bar serves beer mixed beverages in glasses made of ice (hot drinks are also available). Organizers hope to be pouring pints through mid-February.

All that jazz

Jazz band leader Ron Paley and his quartet hit the Centre culturel franco-manitobain (340 Provencher Ave.) stage Tuesday as part of the CCFMs Mardi Jazz programming. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for students and seniors, available at the door. The show starts at 8 p.m.

Girls of Murder City

Fame Nightclub (279 Garry St.) has transformed their space into a 1920s Chicago hotspot for Chicago: The Musical. The production, running Wednesday through Saturday, follows a pair of vaudevillian killers and their rise to celebrity status. Tickets are $32 for adults and $22 for students and seniors, available through brownpapertickets.com.

Picture this

Find your next favourite wall hanging at Art from the Heart, this Friday and Saturday at the University of Winnipegs Axworthy Health & RecPlex. The sale provides inner-city and low-income artists a showcase to sell their work, with 100 per cent of the proceeds going to the artists. The sale runs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

Pop punk performance

You dont have to be on "Holiday" to enjoy a Friday night show at Cowboys Roadhouse (1034 Elizabeth Rd.) Three bands will be paying tribute to pop punk legends Green Day, Blink 182, and Sum 41 for a concert that promises to be all killer, no filler. Tickets are $10, available through Eventbrite or at Canad Inns Windsor Park.

Just in Valen-time

Find a Valentines Day treat for your bae, beau, sweetie  or yourself  Saturday at Bevvy Teyems Valentine Market (565 St. Marys Road.) The market will have a variety of local wares and treats on offer, and also serve up wine and specialty coffees and teas. The market is open from noon to 6 p.m.Peguis First Nation has celebrated the opening of a permanent ceremony building, where traditional knowledge can be passed on to successive generations.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 31/1/2019 (872 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Peguis First Nation has celebrated the opening of a permanent ceremony building, where traditional knowledge can be passed on to successive generations.

Sun Lodge Village, located two hours north of Winnipeg on Peguis land, was formally opened this week and is large enough to accommodate 200 people for ceremonies, workshops and community gatherings.

MAURICE BRUBACHER / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS The vision for the design was 'guided by spirit,' said Dwayne McCorrister, a traditional knowledge keeper with the Peguis First Nation. Sun Lodge Village in Peguis - for Alexandra Paul story / Winnipeg Free Press 2019

Construction of the circular timber frame structure began in 2015, and thanks to grants from a variety of foundations, the interior of the building was finished over the last year.

"The coolest thing about it is was all put together by grassroots people. Theres no government funding, just a few grants," said Maurice Brubacher, resource development manager for Sun Lodge Village, noting contributions from the Winnipeg Foundation, United Church of Canada, Peguis Foundation and other Peguis-related agencies. The Turtle Lodge at Sagkeeng First Nation, 145 km northeast of Winnipeg, also provided support.

"Its all built with the blood, sweat and tears from the people. Its been a labour of love," Brubacher said.

MAURICE BRUBACHER / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS The Sun Lodge includes a central meeting hall with meeting rooms radiating out like spokes of a wheel.

The Sun Lodge structure has central core that serves as a meeting hall, with eight rooms that radiate from it, like rays of the sun. The direction for the building came through a spiritual vision, according to a media announcement about the opening.

"Its not something that just came from our minds, as a good thing to do. We were guided by spirit to create this sacred space," said Dwayne McCorrister, a traditional knowledge keeper in Peguis.

Sun Lodge also marks an important milestone in Peguiss progress to retrieve traditional Indigenous knowledge endangered during Canadas colonial period.

"Through 40 years of research, we have learned again how to live according to the traditional teachings, and we are passing these traditions on to our children and grandchildren," elder Garry McCorrister said in the announcement. "We welcome anyone who is willing to learn to come and participate with us."

Peguis is a Cree and Ojibwa First Nation located in Manitobas Interlake, about 220 km north of Winnipeg.

alexandra.paul@freepress.mb.caUndeterred by the age difference, a tiny participant in a music class quietly offers adults a chance to add their beat to the melodies of the room.

This article was published 3/2/2019 (869 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Undeterred by the age difference, a tiny participant in a music class quietly offers adults a chance to add their beat to the melodies of the room.

As the intergenerational group sings "Rippity, rippity, I can play my drum," four-year-old Hela circles the room with a hand drum, presenting it in turn to several senior citizens in the room.

Sometimes, the senior drummer keeps time to the song, and other times they keep their own rhythm, but that doesnt matter, since the goal is creating a musical community of preschoolers and residents of a personal care home, explains Kathy Clague, therapeutic recreational facilitator at Pembina Place Mennonite Personal Care Home.

"The value is bridging the gap between the generations," she says of the class which combines participants from Prairie Childrens Centres and Pembina Place, both located in the six storey housing complex at 285 Pembina Hwy., also known as Deaf Centre Manitoba.

Thought to be the only one of its kind in Winnipeg, this half-hour Friday morning class unites preschoolers and senior citizens through silly action songs and classic folk tunes, such as Shell Be Coming Round the Mountain. Sometimes they just sing to the beat of a hand drum or the tap of some sticks and for other songs, music teacher Michele Barr adds recorded music as an accompaniment.

Freya, 4, busts a move before an appreciative audience of seniors. (Photos by Ruth Bonneville / Winnipeg Free Press)

"What music does is brings us together, and it brings us in the here and now," explains Barr, who pioneered the concept for the class 15 years ago.

Initially hired to teach music at the daycare centre, Barr included seniors in this class because Pembina Place was located just across the hall. She expanded the repertoire to include songs older folks might know, as well as short and repetitive action songs.

"For some people, especially if they have dementia and memory issues, the songs are in there," she says of how residents join in with familiar songs from their past.

Joyce Babiuk having some fun as she covers her head with a scarf to copy the kids during interactive music class together.

Three years ago, Barr, an ordained Lutheran deacon, took on the half-time role of chaplain at the 57-resident facility, just about the same time funding stopped for the daycare music program. Since she was already employed at Pembina Place, she kept up the class, which meets in the appropriately-named Echo Room, adjacent to the second-floor dining room.

On this cold Friday morning, 15 residents are seated in a large circle around the perimeter of the room, eagerly awaiting the childrens arrival.

"I hope that little blonde girl with the curly hair comes," says one resident before the class.

Four-year-old Firdaus keeps the beat.

"She sure can beat those drums."

As seven children, along with two daycare workers, burst into the room, Barr invites them to sit on the floor forming a small circle inside the larger circle of seniors. She begins singing an action song, encouraging everyone to stomp, clap and wiggle along with the music.

Clague walks between the two circles, encouraging residents to sing and perform the actions referenced in the song. Some do, some dont, but most have smiles on their faces as they watch the children.

Three-year-old Ada covers her face with a sheer scarf during interactive music class.

Squeezing into the space halfway through the class, William, who doesnt want his last name published, claps and sings along to multiple verses of If youre happy and you know it.

"Music is good for me because its got a beat and a tempo," he says in a quiet voice after the class.

At 83, the great-grandfather appreciates the energy the children bring to the space.

Ta-da! Shoni, 4, shows off her moves.

"I like to get into it," he says, demonstrating some of the actions in the songs.

"Its nice to see (the children) and you can get attached to them."

After all the instruments are collected and the last notes have faded, the children linger in the room, with some outgoing ones interacting with the residents. Hela makes one last circuit around the circle, offering her hand to every adult for a final farewell.

Hela, 4, shares a moment with Linda Neufeld.

Three-year-old Finnigan, dressed in a pair of black pants printed with dinosaur skeletons, is a hit with Joyce Vabiuk, 86.

"He loves his pants," she says, adding both the children and the music make her happy.

"Kids make all the difference."

Nancy Konchuk rings to the music.

"This (class) is good and it makes you laugh," add Roland Remillard, 82, who attends the class with his longtime friend Rose Manning, 94.

The blessings and benefits flow both ways with this class, says Prairie Childrens Centres executive director Kathie Gagnon. As much as the adults appreciate the children, the children also benefit from meeting older adults.

"They take the time, they stop and listen," Gagnon says of how the residents interact with the children.

Anna Andres shares a laugh with therapeutic recreation facilitator Kathy Clague.

"They pay attention and enjoy them."

In return, the children accept the residents for who they are, and see beyond the walkers, wheelchairs, and oxygen tanks, says Clague.

"The children dont judge. Theres no pressure here," she says of the music class.

Rose Manning and Roland (Rolly) Remillard clap to the music .

"I think it helps children not to have fear of the elderly."

And that 30 minutes of singing and clapping together creates bonds that go beyond a few shared songs, especially in a building with many locked doors to keep residents safe, says Gagnon.

"Were all in the same building, and its building that sense of community."

Winnipeg journalist Brenda Suderman writes about the many ways Winnipeggers connect with each other to build community.

brenda@suderman.com

Music brings us together and it brings us in the here and now, says music teacher and chaplain Michele Barr (right, centre).OTTAWA - Michael Ferguson, Canada's auditor general for the past seven years, died of cancer on Saturday at the age of 60.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 2/2/2019 (869 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Auditor General Michael Ferguson waits to testify before the House of Commons public accounts committee on his spring audit of the government's employment training services for Indigenous Peoples on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Monday, Oct. 29, 2018. Michael Ferguson, Canada's auditor general for the past seven years, has died. His office says Ferguson died surrounded by his wife, Georgina, and sons, Malcolm and Geoffrey. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

OTTAWA - Michael Ferguson, Canada's auditor general for the past seven years, died of cancer on Saturday at the age of 60.

Ferguson passed away in Ottawa surrounded by his wife, Georgina, and sons, Malcolm and Geoffrey, his office said in a statement.

"Mr. Ferguson will be remembered by all those who had the pleasure of knowing him as a humble, compassionate and thoughtful man," his office's statement said.

"He cared deeply about conducting audits that brought value to the public service, always for the greater good of Canadians."

Ferguson, who was appointed auditor general by then prime minister Stephen Harper in November 2011, gained widespread respect for his hard-hitting reports about government spending.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, whose own government has often been in Ferguson's crosshairs, said the New Brunswick native "devoted his life to public service," both in his home province and across the country.

"We will remember him for his tireless dedication to promote a transparent, open government that is accountable to Canadians," Trudeau said in a statement.

"His important work over the past seven years ... has helped strengthen our democracy and maintain the integrity that Canadians expect from our public institutions."

Ferguson had been undergoing treatment for cancer since last November, his office said, although a spokeswoman said he had not taken leave from his duties.

"He was still very much involved in the management of the office. This is actually quite sudden," said Francoise Guyot, the office's director of external communications.

Craig Scott, a university professor who also serves as an adviser to the auditor general, said he Saturday he was "stunned" by the news, adding he had met with Ferguson in November.

Scott, who teaches international law at Toronto's York University, said he was notified by Ferguson's office about a month ago that his cancer had returned in recent weeks.

"We knew he was taking a little step back from work. He was doing a little bit of work at home," said Scott.

"Suddenly, we heard a few days ago that it had taken a turn for the worse."

Last spring, Ferguson ripped the federal government for its treatment of Indigenous people, which he described as an "incomprehensible failure."

New Democrat MP Charlie Angus, the party's critic for Indigenous youth, applauded Ferguson on Twitter, calling him a "passionate fighter for accountability in public life.

"His denunciation of the 'incomprehensible failure' of government in relation to First Nation kids wasn't about numbers  it was a moral challenge," Angus tweeted on Saturday, adding that he was "deeply saddened" by Ferguson's death.

Prior to holding the federal post, Ferguson served a variety of roles in the New Brunswick government, including five years as the province's auditor general.

Federal opposition parties initially refused to endorse him for the job because he did not speak French, but he managed to learn the language over the years.LONDON - British Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit strategy took another blow Sunday when Nissan cancelled plans to make its new SUV in northern England amid continued uncertainty over the country's future relations with the European Union.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 3/2/2019 (869 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

FILE In this Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2019 file photo, a view of a logo of Nissan Motor Co., at its global headquarters in Yokohama, Japan. Nissan has cancelled plans to make its X-Trail SUV in the UK _ a sharp blow to Brexit supporters, who had fought to have the model built in northern England. The move, first reported on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019 by Sky News, was confirmed by the company in a letter to workers Sunday. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara, File)

LONDON - British Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit strategy took another blow Sunday when Nissan cancelled plans to make its new SUV in northern England amid continued uncertainty over the country's future relations with the European Union.

Nissan said it decided not to build the X-Trail model at its existing U.K. plant, cancelling plans announced two years ago after May's government made undisclosed concessions designed to ensure the carmaker's ability to compete after Brexit.

The company said it instead plans to consolidate production of the next generation X-Trail at its plant in Kyushu, Japan, where the model is currently produced. Nissan's plant in Sunderland, England, which employs 7,000 workers, will continue to make Nissan's Juke and Qashqai models.

"While we have taken this decision for business reasons, the continued uncertainty around the U.K.'s future relationship with the EU is not helping companies like ours to plan for the future," Nissan Europe Chairman Gianluca de Ficchy said in a statement.

Less than two months before Britain's scheduled withdrawal date, the government doesn't have an approved agreement on the rules, conditions and terms that will replace the 45 years of frictionless trade that came with being an EU member.

Business leaders have expressed huge concerns about foreign investment, jobs and economic growth taking a hit if the country crashes out of the bloc on March 29 without a divorce deal.

May's government has refused to rule out a no-deal Brexit, saying that doing so would weaken her position with EU negotiators. Parliament voted last week to give her more time to try to win concessions from the bloc.

Carmakers have been some of the most outspoken critics of the continuing uncertainty over Brexit, because they rely on "just in time" manufacturing techniques that continuously supply plants in Britain with parts produced on the continent. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders said last week that the industry was on "red alert" after investment and production plunged.

Jaguar Land Rover has announced global cuts of some 4,500 jobs, with the lion's share coming in the UK. JLR, Honda and BMW have all announced plans to idle their factories in the days after Britain is set to leave the EU in hopes of avoiding potential chaos at the borders.

But Nissan's announcement is potentially more damaging for the government because of the prominence it gave to securing the carmaker's investment in October 2016, four months after British voters decided to leave the EU.

The government said at the time that Nissan's commitment showed major manufacturers retained faith in the U.K. economy after Brexit. More than two years of political chaos over implanting that decision has put that faith to the test.

Vince Cable, leader of the opposition Liberal Democrats, told Sky News the prime minister must stop "playing chicken" with Parliament and the EU by threatening a no-deal Brexit.

"This is a big turning point, and I think it does signal that the big companies that we relied on to generate employment, and high quality employment in manufacturing industries, are now very seriously reconsidering their future here." Cable said. "It's actually self-harming and they should just stop."

British Home Secretary Sajid Javid responded to a recent string of negative corporate pronouncements by insisting that he believes EU officials will ultimately work with Britain to avoid no-deal, even though they are publicly resisting further concessions.

"No one wants to see no deal," Javid told the BBC. "I think the most likely outcome is still a deal."

Nissan said the decision to build the SUV's in Japan would reduce investment costs in the early stages of the project. It said "the current workforce" in England would not be affected, leaving in doubt the additional jobs government and union officials had been counting on.

The announcement also confirmed an ongoing trend of carmakers thinking twice about future investments in Britain.

Nissan confirmed its change of heart days after SMMT, the trade group for Britain's auto industry, issued a stark assessment about the impact of Brexit, warning that exports are at risk if the U.K. leaves the EU without an agreement.

Investment in the industry fell 46 per cent last year and new car production dropped 9.1 per cent to 1.52 million vehicles, in part because of concerns over Brexit, the motor manufacturers said.

The group's chief executive, Mike Hawes, described the threat of a no-deal Brexit as "catastrophic." The drop in investment only foreshadows what could happen, he said.

"Ultimately, it comes down to what we need, as soon as possible, is that clarity," Hawes said. The industry "is going in the wrong direction, even though we have so many competitive advantages as a sector globally.... But we still operate in that global environment and while there is uncertainty, investments pause."

__

Follow AP's full coverage of Brexit at: https://www.apnews.com/BrexitWilliamson, WV (25661)

Today

Thunderstorms, some strong early, overcast overnight with occasional rain. Low 62F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Locally heavy rainfall possible..

Tonight

Thunderstorms, some strong early, overcast overnight with occasional rain. Low 62F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Locally heavy rainfall possible.Gettysburg, PA (17325)

Today

Scattered thunderstorms. A few storms may be severe. High 91F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms during the evening. Cloudy skies after midnight. Low 66F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60%.A standoff with police outside of Cincinnati left one deputy dead and another injured.At stop lights or freeway on and off ramps, youve probably seen people holding signs and asking for money. It can be tempting to hand over your spare change, but next time you may want to think twice.Contributed Photo / Trumbull Police Department / Contributed Photo

TRUMBULL  More than 80 bags of heroin and two guns were seized after a vehicle was stopped for an equipment violation in town Friday night, police said Saturday.

Tiyesse Boone, 22, of Freemont Street in Bridgeport, was charged with possession of narcotics, possession of narcotics with intent to sell, possession of high capacity magazine, illegal alternation of firearm, two counts of a criminal possession of a firearm and weapons in a motor vehicle.BRIDGEPORT  A stretch of Bostwick Avenue is closed Saturday afternoon after a head-on collision.

The report of the crash came in around 3 p.m. One police unit on scene called in for an additional officer assistance. The crash happened in the 500 block of Bostwick Avenue.

Bostwick Avenue was blocked off by police units between Pine Street and Wordin Avenue as of 3:15 p.m. Two ambulances that were on scene left at 3:20 p.m. There was no immediate word on possible injuries.

As of 3:50 p.m., officers remained on scene, waiting for tow trucks to clear the cars from the site of the collision.

This story will be updated.The heavy bombardment of terrestrial planets by asteroids from space has contributed to the formation of the early evolved crust on Earth that later gave rise to continents  home to human civilisation.

More than 3.8 billion years ago, in a time period called the Hadean eon, our planet Earth was constantly bombarded by asteroids, which caused the large-scale melting of its surface rocks. Most of these surface rocks were basalts, and the asteroid impacts produced large pools of superheated impact melt of such composition. These basaltic pools were tens of kilometres thick, and thousands of kilometres in diameter.

If you want to get an idea of what the surface of Earth looked like at that time, you can just look at the surface of the Moon which is covered by a vast amount of large impact craters, says Professor Rais Latypov from the School of Geosciences of the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa.

The subsequent fate of these ancient, giant melt sheet remains, however, highly debatable. It has been argued that, on cooling, they may have crystallized back into magmatic bodies of the same, broadly basaltic composition. In this scenario, asteroid impacts are supposed to play no role in the formation of the Earths early evolved crust.

An alternative model suggests that these sheets may undergo large-scale chemical change to produce layered magmatic intrusions, such as the Bushveld Complex in South Africa. In this scenario, asteroid impacts may have played an important role in producing various igneous rocks in the early Earths crust and therefore they may have contributed to its chemical evolution.

There is no direct way to rigorously test these two competing scenarios because the ancient Hadean impact melts have been later obliterated by plate tectonics. However, by studying the younger impact melt sheet of the Sudbury Igneous Complex (SIC) in Canada, Latypov and his research team have inferred that ancient asteroid impacts were capable of producing various rock types from the earlier Earths basaltic crust. Most importantly, these impacts may have made the crust compositionally more evolved, i.e. silica-rich in composition. Their research has been published in a paper in Nature Communications.

The SIC is the largest, best exposed and accessible asteroid impact melt sheet on Earth, which has resulted from a large asteroid impact 1.85 billion years ago. This impact produced a superheated melt sheet of up to 5 km thick. The SIC now shows a remarkable magmatic stratigraphy, with various layers of igneous rocks.

Our field and geochemical observations  especially the discovery of large discrete bodies of melanorites throughout the entire stratigraphy of the SIC  allowed us to reassess current models for the formation of the SIC and firmly conclude that its conspicuous magmatic stratigraphy is the result of large-scale fractional crystallization, says Latypov.

An important implication is that more ancient and primitive Hadean impact melt sheets on the early Earth and other terrestrial planets would also have undergone near-surface, large-volume differentiation to produce compositionally stratified bodies. The detachment of dense primitive layers from these bodies and their sinking into the mantle would leave behind substantial volumes of evolved rocks (buoyant crustal blocks) in the Hadean crust. This would make the crust compositionally layered and increasingly more evolved from its base towards the Earths surface.

These impacts made the crust compositionally more evolved  in other words, silica-rich in composition, says Latypov. Traditionally, researchers believe that such silica-rich evolved rocks  which are essentially building buoyant blocks of our continents  can only be generated deep in the Earth, but we now argue that such blocks can be produced at new-surface conditions within impact melt pools.

Reference:

Rais Latypov, Sofya Chistyakova, Richard Grieve, Hannu Huhma. Evidence for igneous differentiation in Sudbury Igneous Complex and impact-driven evolution of terrestrial planet proto-crusts. Nature Communications, 2019; 10 (1) DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-08467-9

Note: The above post is reprinted from materials provided by University of the Witwatersrand.GREENWICH  Greenwich High School band teacher John Yoon, a mainstay in music education since 1992, will retire at the end of the 2018-19 academic year, he announced to Greenwich High families Friday evening.

Yoon is a highly celebrated band director, and under his direction, GHS bands have performed around the world. In recent years, however, he was at the center of bullying controversies and was suspended from teaching twice.

The decision to retire is a difficult and emotional one, but the right decision, said Yoon, who has taught for almost 35 years.

Its time for new ideas and direction for the band program and I am sure the new leadership will inspire the young musicians to a new level of excellence, he wrote. Rejoice with me as I venture forward toward new opportunities and horizons.

He has directed bands that have performed in China, Cuba, Virginia Beach, Orlando, San Francisco and other places, and have won many first-place trophies at prestigious competitions.

He was also recently named one of 50 Directors Who Make a Difference in School Band and Orchestra Magazine.

The students who I have been privileged to stand in front of day after day have made a lasting impression on me with their willingness to strive for excellence, while allowing em to witness and share in their amazing growth as they become young men and women, he said.

His retirement is a bittersweet ending to his 27-year tenure, which included several controversides over the last five years.

The district placed John Yoon and fellow band teacher Ben Walker on paid leave in April 2018, but did not provide information about what happened. He and Walker returned to work soon after.

During the 2014-15 school year, Yoon signed a last-chance agreement after getting into a verbal altercation with another music teacher, which also resulted in a suspension.

Three years prior, Former Superintendent of Schools William McKersie suspended Yoon in April 2015 after two of his students and their families filed complaints that he had allegedly bullied them. The superintendent called for his termination, but Yoon appealed and the Board of Education unanimously decided that the band director should return to his job.

Many parents and high school students flocked to his side during the 2015 suspension, holding up Bring Back Mr. Yoon signs at school board meetings.

The supportiveness of the parents has been a major source of inspiration and comfort, especially the Get-A-Life Club members, he said. The memories of my time at Greenwich High School are many and I will cherish every one of them.

jo.kroeker@hearstmediact.comBRIDGEPORT  Move over Punxsutawney Phil.

Beardsley Bart, a prairie dog at Beardsley Zoo known for forecasting the weather, came out early Saturday morning and saw his shadow, indicating that Connecticut will see six more weeks of winter before spring weather hits.

Beardsley Bart is a very early riser and when he came out this morning, he confirmed that he did see his shadow, said a statement from Zoo Director Gregg Dancho. But every year, Beardsley Bart says that spring is coming eventually, and he has always been 100 percent correct.

Despite Beardsley Barts prediction, Punxsutawney Phil had a different story to tell.

Just before 7:30 a.m., he emerged from his burrow in Pennsylvania and did not see his shadow, indicating that spring will come early this year. The prediction is supported by weather analysis done ahead of Groundhogs Day.

But regardless of when winter weather will dwindle, Dancho urged the public to stop by Beardsley Zoo while the cold lingers, since that is when many of the zoos animals are most active.AGAWAM, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- Middle school students in Agawam were allowed to celebrate their last day of school with ice cream after all. The annual tradition was called into question Wednesday when an email to parents from school administrators said Friendlys would not be able to serve stude"We have to highlight that he has no command over troops and less so over air force units," an air force tweet said. "He has no leadership at the air force and was only serving planning functions." For the opposition, the massive protests on Saturday marked a key step forward in its ability to sustain a social uprising against Maduro. The anointed successor of leftist Hugo Chavez, who died in 2013, Maduro was sworn in for a new six-year term last month following elections internationally derided as fraudulent. Guaido has evoked constitutional powers declaring himself the nation's rightful interim leader, setting up a global power play that has seen Russia and Cuba back Maduro while a growing list of Western nations including Australia, led by the United States, back Guaido. In an attempt to rally his side, Maduro also brought supporters onto the streets for counter-protests marking 20 years of socialist rule.

But those crowds were vastly overwhelmed by the turnout at opposition marches in Caracas and more than two dozen cities nationwide, which appeared to be in the hundreds of thousands. Speaking to the masses in a hoarse voice, Guaido appealed to "chavistas" - or those who have long supported Chavez. Juan Guaido, president of the National Assembly who swore himself in as the leader of Venezuela, speaks during a pro-opposition protest in Caracas on Saturday. Credit:Bloomberg "I want to send a message to the Chavista people," Guaido said. "You believed in a project, and now you've been disappointed." He added, "the military and the world take note, there are many, many people filling the streets of Venezuela today. This movement is historic, and unstoppable." At the smaller pro-government rally, meanwhile, people in the crowd shouted "prison for Guaido". Maduro responded by suggesting that he still has moves to make.

"Everything at its right time," he told supporters. "We know what we have to do in every moment, justice sometimes takes time but it comes." Maduro also called for new elections for the opposition-controlled National Assembly. Stripped of its power in 2017 by the government, the body has nevertheless continued to meet, and Guaido's constitutional claim as interim leader is based on him being the elected head of the chamber. A woman dons a fake moustache emulating that of Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro, at a pro-government rally in Caracas on Saturday. Credit:AP Although official media did not broadcast the protests, government forces, at least by mid-afternoon, appeared to be using restraint in crowd control. A video circulating on social media showing a national police officer in the city of Barquisimeto, about 350 kilometres west of Caracas, telling protesters he would not use violence against them. One protester was shown hugging the guard. "We are marching because we can't take this situation any more," said Carmen Sanchez, a 42-year-old woman who lives in the slum of Petare, who joined a protest in Caracas stretching for many city blocks and onto the balconies of buildings.

"We don't have enough money for food. This government has to resign for Venezuela to be beautiful again and I have faith Guaido will bring us success," Sanchez said. She said the past week at the slum has been terrifying, with security forces raiding homes. "Last week was horrible. They took kids from their homes, we were all threatened," she said. Demonstrators hold signs spelling "Democracia" during a pro-opposition protest in Caracas on Saturday. Credit:Bloomberg At the pro-government march in central Caracas, there were about 300 people at 10:30 am. Dressed in red and with ruling party flags, they were marching toward the presidential palace. "Our people, once again, overflowing this avenue," Maduro said, addressing his supporters. He added, "those who accuse us of being a dictatorship must know that since the foundation of the revolution, we have become a profoundly free and democratic people. Venezuela will never have a dictatorship."

On Sunday, Guaido, a 35-year-old industrial engineer, outlined a plan to ship humanitarian aid into the shattered country, which is facing widespread hunger and desperation amid an economic collapse. He announced three staging areas on Venezuela's borders with Colombia and Brazil and on one nearby Caribbean island. Maduro has resisted allowing in international aid, and Guaido has hoped to use caravans of food to challenge the military and government's will. "It will be a dilemma for the officers," he said. "You, generals, will decide." Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro and first lady Cilia Flores acknowledge supporters at the end of a rally in Caracas on Saturday. Credit:AP The Trump administration has said no options are "off the table" as it seeks to pressure Maduro to resign. US officials last week threw up new sanctions that in effect cut off Maduro from Venezuela's most important foreign revenue stream: US oil sales. In a radio interview on Friday, national security adviser John Bolton suggested Maduro would end up in Guantanamo Bay if he didn't leave power.

"I wish him a long, quiet retirement on a pretty beach far from Venezuela," Bolton said. "And the sooner he takes advantage of that, the sooner he's likely to have a nice, quiet retirement on a pretty beach rather than being in some other beach area like Guantanamo." Maduro successfully rode out four months of protests in 2017 after an iron-fisted response left more than 100 dead. Since protests restarted two weeks ago, the government had unleashed another wave of repression that has left at least 35 dead and 850 detained. Loading The defection of Yanez, the air force general, suggested new cracks in the military hierarchy that has previously proclaimed steadfast loyalty to Maduro. Antonio Rivero, a former Venezuelan general now living in exile in Miami, said Yanez did not appear to command a large contingent of troops, and his strategy remained unclear - as did Yanez's present whereabouts.

"For now, I see him isolated, he doesn't have a division behind him," Rivero said. On January 21, a group of national guard soldiers took to the streets of a western Caracas slum and filmed themselves calling people to the streets. They had taken weapons from a military unit. But the small insurrection was quickly squashed, and 27 soldiers were jailed. Maduro has called for dialogue with the opposition, saying he is willing to meet Guaido "wherever, whenever, he wants". But the opposition, which has engaged in fruitless roundtables with the government before, has seen the offer as a ruse to buy time. Maduro, meanwhile, was bracing this weekend for the prospect of further international diplomatic blows. The European Parliament already called on the bloc's member states to recognise Guaido as Venezuela's interim president. The EU has moved to form an "international contact group" designed to create the conditions necessary to hold new elections. Venezuelan opposition politicians said they were not expecting the EU as a bloc to recognise Guaido, but they were awaiting announcements from key countries soon.Richmond: Virginia's embattled governor has vowed to remain in office after disavowing a blatantly racist photograph that appeared under his name in his 1984 medical school yearbook.

In a tumultuous 24 hours, Governor Ralph Northam on Friday apologised for appearing in a photograph that featured what appeared to be a man in blackface and a second person cloaked in Ku Klux Klan garb. In a video posted on Twitter, he said he could not "undo the harm my behaviour caused then and today".

Virginia Governor Ralph Northam, accompanied by his wife, Pam, speaks during a news conference in the Governor's Mansion in Richmond on Saturday. Credit:AP

But by Saturday, he reversed course and said the racist photo on his yearbook profile page did not feature him after all. The governor said he had not seen the photo before Friday, since he had not purchased the commemorative book or been involved in its preparation more than three decades ago.

"It has taken time for me to make sure that it's not me, but I am convinced, I am convinced that I am not in that picture," he told reporters gathered at the Executive Mansion in Richmond, calling the shot offensive and horrific.Bill Shorten has declared the Labor Party's position on ending refundable tax credits is "not for turning", saying there was no logic to them.

Facing growing pressure from self-funded retirees who face to lose up to $5 billion a year in refunds, the Opposition leader said he would stand by the policy.

The government is ramping up attacks on Labor's plan which would end a tax practice introduced by John Howard and Peter Costello at the turn of the century.

People who have no taxable income receive a refund from the ATO for the franking credits on their shares in publicly listed companies.Within days, no refugee child will be left on the island of Nauru. That this is a milestone worth marking - or even celebrating - should be a shock and a shame.

These kids and their families had been there more than five years. Two thousand days. It had been so long that many people here in Australia finally seemed to agree enough was enough.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton. Credit:AAP

Peter Dutton has always proclaimed - rightly - that he didn't put anyone on Nauru or Manus Island: Labor did. He has taken pride in closing detention centres instead of opening them. Now he can boast of getting the last remaining children out.

But those who have spent years urging the government to cease offshore processing and "bring them here" will be reluctant to afford Dutton or Scott Morrison any credit for this belated achievement.The Morrison government is just days away from removing all refugee children from Nauru, ending one of Australia's darkest chapters but shifting attention to the future of hundreds of men still languishing offshore.

The final four children and their families have been approved to fly to America for resettlement, bringing the number of minors left on the island to zero compared to more than 220 just after the Coalition came to power in 2013.

A child's drawing from Nauru, which was included in a major 2014 report into offshore detention. Credit:Australian Human Rights Commission report

Prime Minister Scott Morrison will announce the milestone on Sunday and launch a new attack on Labor, which plans to use the government's weakened position in Parliament to pass a bill that gives doctors more say in whether to send sick refugees on Nauru and Manus Island to Australia for medical treatment.

"We have got all children Labor put in detention centres out, and we have shut down all the detention centres Labor opened," Mr Morrison said.A former adviser to Malcolm Turnbull who was challenging Tony Abbott in his blue-ribbon Sydney seat of Warringah has pulled out of the contest and thrown her support behind a campaign by world champion athlete Zali Steggall to take down the former prime minister.

In a move designed to maximise the chances of defeating Mr Abbott at the May election, Alice Thompson told The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age she would withdraw from the battle and move her campaign to the adjoining northern beaches seat of Mackellar.

"There is no point in undercutting Zali here, I want all my volunteers and supporters in Warringah to get behind her. She's got this," Ms Thompson said.

Alice Thompson with Zali Steggall at Dee Why Beach. Credit:Christopher Pearce

Ms Steggall, a four-time Winter Olympian-turned barrister who last Sunday announced she would attempt to topple the former prime minister, said her rival's decision to pull out and endorse her was "a win for our campaign".More students are enrolled in West Australian schools this year and new public educational facilities are opening to cater for the expanding population in Perth's outer suburbs.

Kids around the state enjoy their last day of school holidays as schools starts up again on Monday. Credit:Paul Heyes

At the beginning of last year, 305,000 students were enrolled in the state's public schools, from kindergarten through to year 12.

A Department of Education spokeswoman said the 2019 estimate would be released on Monday, showing a moderate increase in student numbers, ahead of officially confirmed figures in March.

In Perth, three new schools are:A man has been charged after Brisbane Airport's international terminal was shut down when he allegedly threatened a woman with a knife.

A 50-year-old Surfers Paradise man has been charged with one count each of contravene a domestic violence order, stalking with a weapon, stealing and serious assault police.

Brisbane Airport's international terminal. Credit:Glenn Hunt

He has also been charged with two counts each of making a false statement which can be inferred that there is a plan to damage or destroy a commonwealth air navigation facility, bomb hoax, and common assault.

Queensland Police said the incident was not terror related.My date and I were the last to arrive. In the sitting room, Clare introduced us to the other guests. The conversation soon settled to discussions about sales figures, sizes of local print runs, amounts paid for the rights of overseas books. I started to wish someone would throw a stone into this conversational pond, but nobody seemed interested in starting ripples. Not being this kind of provocateur myself I sat sipping my white wine, feeling I had very little to contribute. Holding a glass and saying so little meant I had an excellent opportunity to observe Kenneth Cook, who was seated on the other side of the room and who, like me, was mostly silent. The first thing I noticed was how inaccurate my preconceptions had been. Here was no lean, sardonic bushman; no loud-voiced dullard, either. He had curly hair, a beard, shaggy dark eyebrows, green eyes and very even white teeth. A writer from Central Casting, 1960s bohemian division, I decided. He was wearing grey trousers and a meek maroon jumper, but should have been in corduroy trousers and a tweed jacket with leather elbow patches. I mentally composed an "about the author" blurb: Kenneth Cook enjoys red wine and jazz, especially Kind of Blue by Miles Davis. A prolific novelist, he builds and sails wooden yachts in his spare time  But my first impression, again, was immediately contradicted. Though six feet tall and solidly built, he did not look particularly powerful, having narrow shoulders and long, thin arms and legs. Not, I guessed, a man who spent time outdoors building things.

He looked on edge, taking frequent sips from his glass of red wine and puffing avidly on his cigarette. Nobody else in the room was smoking, and I knew Clare disliked it, but guessed that she had relaxed her house rules for him. Altogether, he gave an impression of suppressed energy, of contained restlessness. Indeed, there were a few minutes  while the others were talking about the Frankfurt Book Fair when I wondered whether boredom would overcome politeness and he would actually get up and leave. We moved to the table and Clare served dinner. Kenneth did not offer to help and Clare did not ask him to pour the wine or bring any food from the kitchen, though other guests did. I saw nothing that indicated Clare and Kenneth Cook meant much more to each other than guest and hostess. Over the chicken casserole and green salad, the bookseller asked Ken politely what he was writing. I braced myself for the sort of self-important explanation of My Work I had seen in other writers of his vintage. But no. He said diffidently that he was working on a couple of projects, nothing very big. It was clear that he was not about to say any more, and the conversation drifted back to sales figures and print numbers, and then to Reader's Digest Books. At the time, Reader's Digest was actively looking for Australian novels for its Condensed Books series. Like other Australian editors at the time I was somewhat snobbish about them, not least because its editorial policy was often to rewrite, shorten and homogenise Australian books. I learned that Kenneth Cook's novel ,Tuna, about an impoverished South Australian fisherman and his attempts to land the biggest fish of his life, had been published by Condensed Books to some acclaim. I had been drinking white wine for a while by now, and was becoming irritated by the enormous respect that publication by Reader's Digest seemed to attract from the other guests. It was, then, with perhaps a small touch of aggression that I asked Kenneth, "So what did the Digest call your novel when they'd finished with it? Sardine?"

There was a small silence. Nobody laughed  except Kenneth. "Nope," he told me. "They did it just as it was." "Right," I said. "Must be a good story." "Oh, it is," Kenneth assured me, his eyes twinkling. "I'm sure you'll enjoy it. I'll get you a copy." The conversation moved on, but he kept glancing at me speculatively. One evening a couple of weeks later I was at home in my apartment when my phone rang. "This is Kenneth Cook," said a deep, cultivated voice. "I'm in the pub just around the corner from your place. Come and have a drink with me." No "Hello, how are you" or "Are you free"  And how the hell did he get my number, anyway? Let alone know where I lived?

When I asked him, he chuckled. "I have my methods," he said. "Well, what about it?" "Sorry," I said. "I'm on a deadline." I wasn't, but I'd been caught by surprise. My reply did not faze him in the least, and he said he would call again. A few days later he did, and I said no, this time with some indignation: who did this bloke think he was, asking me out when he was practically married to someone else  and to a colleague at whose house I had met him? He rang yet again, and again, and I kept saying no. "Well, when can you come out with me then?" he asked tersely. "Tomorrow? Tuesday? Thursday week? Next Pancake Day  oh no, you'll probably have to wash your hair that evening " He didn't seem seriously annoyed at any time, and neither was I. There was no animosity in our conversations,which on the whole felt like a kind of friendly game, perhaps a circling around each other. This was probably why I felt a stab of regret when he stopped ringing me, though I knew how completely illogical this was. A couple of months later, I heard that he and Clare were no longer engaged; nobody, including me, thought that this was the most surprising news they had ever heard. Clare had called a halt to the arrangement because she said she couldn't stand living on the edge.

One afternoon in February 1986, the phone rang. I picked up, to find myself speaking to Margaret Gee, a small independent publisher. She explained that she needed an editor for a book of humorous bush stories. My first impulse was to say no. Bush yarns, especially the broadly Australian, I have always found pointless and tedious. While I was forming a refusal in my mind, Margaret added, "The book is called The Killer Koala, and the stories are written by Kenneth Cook  have you heard of him?" "Oh yes," I said. "Well, would you like to edit them? I don't think they need much work." That's what they all say, I thought. But even so  "Sure," I said. Not long afterwards, the phone rang again. On the other end were the rich modulated tones I recognised and remembered instantly. "Ms Kent," he said, being very careful about the pronunciation of "Ms", "what I am about to say is very important to me. I am not used to being edited. My characters do not exclaim, they do not snort, wince in speech, respond, or chuckle or gibber. I don't want you to change 'he said' or 'she said' to any of these things. Is that clear?"Up for debate:

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Boone council mulls budget priorities, stormwater tax district

Photo by Thomas Sherrill Boone Councilman Sam Furgiuele, right, makes a point to Boone Town Manager John Ward, left, during a Boone Town Council retreat on Jan. 31. Photo by Thomas Sherrill Retreat facilitator Phil Trew takes notes of topics discussed at the Boone Town Council retreat.

BOONE  Boone Town Council members showed interest in moving quickly to explore a potential municipal service tax district for stormwater and update stormwater regulations  perhaps as soon as this year.

The council discussed the matter during the second day of an annual budget retreat, held Jan. 31 at the Council Chambers at 1500 Blowing Rock Road.

Boone Town Manager John Ward said the Boone Planning and Inspections Department had not planned to work on the potential stormwater tax district until October, but he felt that if council could take that off (Director Jane Shooks) plate, theres potential for this budget year.

Under North Carolina law, a city government may define any number of service districts in order to finance, provide or maintain for specific services upon finding that a proposed district is in need of one or more of the services  to a demonstrably greater extent than the remainder of the city.

Municipalities may levy property taxes within defined service districts in addition to those levied throughout the city in order to finance the district services. Boone town attorney Allison Meade said in July 2018 that she feels like stormwater falls under water resources development  one of the eligible services outlined in N.C. statutes.

Council Member Sam Furgiuele stressed the importance of acting on stormwater control as soon as possible.

I do not want to walk away from addressing the horrible flooding and sinkholes, Furgiuele said. The people who created these impervious surfaces should step up.

The council noted that solutions must be town-wide, and easements might have to be acquired from property owners. Council identified U.S. 321 as having the worst flooding in town.

Council members said they needed more information before implementing a stormwater MSD.

Ward recommended that the future Bolick Farm municipal complex on U.S. 421  across from Bamboo Road  be completed in phases, but he wont have any new details on construction until a site plan is developed.

Were ready, with a few minor tweaks, to roll it out to get site planning worked in, Ward said.

Ward said he has worked with the N.C. Department of Transportation to line up the planned facilitys entrance with Bamboo Road.

Town leaders plan to use proceeds from the sale of its Blowing Rock Road (police station and council chambers) and East King Street (Public Works Department) properties to help fund the project. The council agreed to seek appraisals of the properties; Ward estimated over $6 million for both properties combined.

Council also liked the idea of soliciting requests for qualifications for a real estate agent for the two sites.

The $1.9 million Grove Street greenway connector project, which will extend the town and countys greenway system, will start in five years, as it scored high enough for funding by the NCDOT. As part of the project, the town will have to save $500,000 over the next five years, as a 30 percent match for the project, Ward said.

Councilman Marshall Ashcraft recommended footing $50,000 in 2019-20 while approaching the county about the rest. Furgiuele wants to appropriate $100,000 on the condition that it be done without a tax increase.

Potential incentives to stop the turnover rate at the Boone Police Department were discussed, with raises for certifications received and minimum commitments among the ideas presented.

According to his presentation during the Jan. 23 retreat, Boone Police Chief Dana Crawford said that he was losing officers due to higher starting salaries at other departments, including Watauga County and Appalachian State.

Crawford said that incentivizing thresholds that an officer could achieve would be a good idea.

You dont reward fish for swimming  you want that fish to do a couple of back flips, Crawford said.

Crawford said that there was a nationwide problem with losing officers in the three- to five-year range.

Were not getting large stacks of applicants for police positions, Council Member Loretta Clawson said.

The purchase of one or two hybrid vehicles and two bicycles will have to go through the sustainability committee before being approved by council, according to a directive from the retreat.

The guidance comes as Boone is developing an energy action plan in efforts to transition to 100 percent clean, renewable energy by 2050.

Staff pay raises of up to 3 percent were made a priority by the council, as well as bumping all staff up to a minimum of $15 per hour.

Clawson added that many town employees already make at least $15 per hour, but it would help all employees make a living wage.

Other priorities included pursuing a consolidated 911 dispatch center, getting a new planning and inspections department vehicle and repairing the roof at Boone Fire Station 1, which Ward said has to happen in 2019.

Ward said that the Howard Street revitalization project is getting closer and closer and that the Boone Tourism Development Authority supports using occupancy tax to help pay off a loan for the project.

A potential redevelopment of the Rivers House was pushed back, but will still be kept on the radar, according to the direction of the council. Council Member Connie Ulmer said that the stormwater plans were more important and should be developed first.

Council discussed the potential of hiring a full-time attorney to potentially save costs and help with workload, but decided to monitor the workload and decide at a later date.

The council came to a consensus to pursue grant funds for a potential full-time Hardin Park school resource officer.

Crawford called SROs a holistic approach to safe schools by building relationships with students.

Furgiuele said that if the county were to return the local sales tax distribution back to the per capita method  a point he made multiple times over the day  then Boone would fund a Hardin Park SRO full time.

The town is in the information-gathering phase regarding a potential stipend for town employees who live in Boone. According to Ward, eight out of the over 160 town employees live in Boone, an increase from the one or two just a few years ago.

Furgiuele said there was value to town employees who lived in town, rather than just working there, and said a $5,000-$10,000 incentive could spur movement toward living in town.

Clawson said that as long as shes been in Boone, people who lived outside of Boone took great pride in working for the town, and she worried about the legality of such a move. Ward spoke on his worries that a future town council could revoke the stipend after employees move into town.

The council talked at length about the potential of bringing parking enforcement in house, but in the afternoon session did not prioritize the idea.Trusted local news has never been more important, but providing the information you need, information that can change sometimes minute-by-minute, requires a partnership with you, our readers. Please consider making a contribution today to support this vital resource that you and countless others depend on.Netanyahu, who has been prime minister for the past decade, has gone so far as to brand the legal cases being brought against him as part of a conspiracy cooked up by left-wing Israelis because they cannot beat him at the ballot box. Police have recommended that he be indicted in three corruption cases, and Israels Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit is weighing whether to announce a possible indictment before Israel goes to the polls.Lots of folks have reached out to me and suggested I ought to do that, said Pompeo. I have suggested to them that I have a very full plate as secretary of state, and I intend to keep doing this, so long as President Trump will commit to it.One of the first to be sentenced was Italian immigrant Alessandro Cannizzaro, who has lived legally in the Raleigh area since 2000. Cannizzaro, who is married to a U.S. citizen and has two children, applied for citizenship in 2003. He passed the test but was told he had to come back to take the oath because the room was too full, according to a transcript of his October sentencing hearing.She brought her daughters home to India for visits, she cooked Indian food for them, and the girls often wore Indian jewelry. But Harris worshiped at an African American church, went to a preschool with posters of Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman on the wall, attended civil rights marches in a stroller, and was bused with other black kids to an elementary school in a wealthier white neighborhood. When it was time for college, she moved across the country to Washington to attend the historically black Howard University.Still, Harris is also likely to propose a plan that taxes the wealthy, according to her advisers. People at the top 1 percent, people who are making $10 million a year, who have $50 million a year, they need to pay more taxes, she said during a CNN town hall. For too long, the rules have been working against working families and working for the benefit of the top 1 percent. We have to correct course.American killed, another injured in Acapulco shooting: Mexican authorities say one American was killed and another injured in the resort town of Acapulco. The Guerrero state attorney general's office said both were attacked by six armed men at a house with a small drug laboratory. Agents also found marijuana plants, cocaine packets and utensils to condense cocaine into crack. The U.S. Embassy in Mexico City did not announce the identity of either victim.On Friday evening, as the photo spread on social media, Northam called and invited Fairfax to meet with him in the governors office on Capitol Square. Initially, the men were alone; staff came in later. Northam apologized for the photo, saying that he had no memory of it but that he took responsibility for it, Fairfax told reporters on Saturday.But Northams defense was offset by several admissions he made during his first extended remarks since the photo became public. Among them: He had applied shoe polish to his face to impersonate Jackson while he was in the Army and did not fully realize until his 2017 campaign, during conversations with a black aide, that what he had done could have been seen as offensive.The District recorded 61 crimes in 2018 based on sexual orientation, up from 40 in 2016 and 56 in 2017 (an increase of more than 50 percent over two years). That was followed by 49 crimes based on ethnicity, up from 13 in 2016 and 40 in 2017 (an increase of more than 300 percent in two years) and 39 based on race, up from 13 in 2016 and 47 in 2017 (also a 300 percent increase in two years). The District also logged 36 crimes based on gender identity, up from 19 in 2016 and 13 in 2017 (more than 50 percent higher in 2018 than two years ago); and 12 based on religion, a 33 percent decrease from 2016s 18 crimes and the same as 2017.Todays Headlines

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By signing up you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy PolicyHe used his remarkable gifts as an entrepreneur for the benefit of millions of needy people around the world by providing them with decent housing, Carter said. As the founder of Habitat for Humanity and later the Fuller Center, he was an inspiration to me, other members of our family and an untold number of volunteers who worked side-by-side under his leadership.In a review for the New York Times, novelist Idwal Jones said Mr. Lee writes with no omission of slang and sex and every regard for the popular taste. The book shot up the bestseller list and caught the attention of screenwriter Joseph Fields, who persuaded the Broadway team of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II to adapt it for the stage. The three simplified Mr. Lees narrative, and the musical comedy Flower Drum Song enjoyed a two-year run on Broadway, starting in 1958. The musical, which Mr. Lee said was funny and more commercial than his book, was directed by Gene Kelly and received several Tony Award nominations. It was the first mainstream play about Asians featuring a mostly Asian cast.Last February, the Office of the Dean of Students received a tip claiming new members of the sorority were expected to spend upward of 50 hours a week with the group, to stay on campus for spring break without explanation and to stare at a fixed point on the wall, while standing for unreasonable amounts of time. The tip claimed that new members were enduring physical, emotional and mental stress as a result of these activities.Do I think these pictures reflect who he is today? Absolutely not, said Joshua Cole, the president of the Stafford County NAACP, who is running for the House of Delegates this year. If that was him back then, do I think hes changed? Of course. But I think these pictures do put a stain on him as a governor. I think it would be best for us as a commonwealth and party for him to move aside and step down.Lauren Groh-Wargo, who has been friends with Abrams for the past seven years and managed her gubernatorial campaign, said the election was incredibly challenging  intellectually, emotionally, financially, every single dimension of life  and that 10-day period that I call the overtime period was excruciating. She said Abrams did take some time off  the second vacation Ive actually known her to take since Ive known her  but its not surprising that shes back in the thick of politics. Shes been criticized for wearing too many hats, but thats how she has always operated. Its how she functions.But at a news conference at the governors mansion in Richmond on Saturday, Northam reversed himself, saying that he wasnt in the photo and didnt know how it got on his yearbook page. He said he hadnt seen the photo until aides showed it to him after Howleys article was published.Among the most unnerving could-be-real plot points in Judgment are those that show the hollowing out of the U.S. federal regulatory apparatus. When the protagonist, Judge Juliana Brody, figures out that the wicked forces threatening her career (and later, her family) originate internationally, she looks for support among contacts in the Justice Department, the FBI, and the Treasury Department. The people she discreetly meets want badly to help, but they inform her that the appropriate divisions have no leaders, that frustrated staff have fled, and that whole sections of the government dealing with sanctions and world finance are all but nonexistent. We read of this grim phenomenon in the media; Finder makes it palpable in his lurid tale.Decatur, IL (62521)

Today

Partly cloudy skies. Low around 50F. Winds NNW at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies. Low around 50F. Winds NNW at 10 to 15 mph.Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and new House Speaker Dennis Bonnen announced Thursday they had joined forces to bring property-tax relief by filing identical bills patterned after Abbotts 2018 plan, which weve written about extensively. This would strictly limit growth in tax revenue from property taxes to 2.5 percent from one year to the next, barring new construction. This supposedly will prompt city councils, county officials and school boards to restrain spending and set lower tax rates to avoid drawing more revenue than is permissible. To override revenue caps, political subdivisions would have to get voters permission. The current cap is 8 percent.

Dirty little secret: State officials themselves have partially increased our property-tax burden by compelling increases in local property values to help fund more and more of public education. This has allowed legislators to consequently spend less state money on schools. At one point, public education costs were almost evenly covered by state funds and local property taxes. Not anymore.

State officials have one big plus going for them: The tax reality is complicated. Many who pay property taxes find it easier to blame the local appraisal district and political subdivisions. Many also forget our state has higher property taxes and sales taxes partially because we lack a state income tax. Its highly unlikely the governors plan will stop property taxes from rising, but we can all revisit this prediction in a few years, assuming this medicine show of a bill passes both chambers. So what would lower property taxes? For starters, the State of Texas might again start funding its fair share of public education. Republican state Rep. Charlie Geren of Fort Worth has filed HJR 24 to press the state, by constitutional amendment, to fund at least half of public education as in bygone days. We propose judging our local state lawmakers very electability in 2020 based on their support of this eminently reasonable notion. Well be watching  and so should you.But the situation along the border arguably does not rise, in the words of Church, to an essential problem now, nor is the construction of a physical contiguous border wall a necessary solution. (Its hard to take seriously the idea that a years-long construction project is an emergency action, if only because it wouldnt have any effect till well into the future.) Illegal crossings are at the lowest ebb since the Clinton administration. Although Trump cites migrant caravans as evidence of an emergency, those caravans are not crossing the border illegally but rather arriving at legal ports of entry to request asylum, as U.S. law permits. Half of the undocumented immigrants in the United States arrive legally through airports, then overstay their visas. Likewise, theres simply no empirical evidence to suggest thousands of terrorists are crossing the border illegally.As we enter a new presidential election cycle, some candidates will try to engage us in talk about policy: those specific things they hope to accomplish if elected. Many voters will tune it out, choosing instead to focus on the politics of winning and the personalities or backgrounds of the candidates. Thats unfortunate. Policy matters to the lives of Americans. The impact of policy choices are often uneven  some are greatly affected, others feel no difference  but when youre one of those facing the brunt of government policy, it can matter a lot.

This week as the temperature here in Minnesota veered well below zero, I stood in a warm room and taught my Criminal Practice students how an arrest or search warrant is usually executed in a narcotics case. Because the raid of Roger Stones home was in the news, interest was high.

On the white board, I diagrammed the process. First there is a staging meeting where a plan is formulated and assignments given to the team members. Often, a warrant is executed early in the morning to ensure that the target is home, asleep and unarmed. That means that the staging meeting might be held well before dawn.McCraw offered some worthy guideposts for bolstering service  far better than the numbskull staff idea pitched last summer about closing down 87 driver license offices, primarily in rural areas. For starters: Extend license renewal periods from six to eight years, cutting down visits. Figuring in the fact a Texas driver must show up in person to renew his or her license every other time, this would mean only one visit to the driver license station every 16 years rather than every 12.

The DPS director also said the job of verifying qualifications is more demanding and the pay less than attractive given all the responsibilities nowadays: You have to recognize the job has changed since the Real ID Act of 2005 [a federal act heightening standards for all state driver licenses by 2020 as a matter of national security]. Its complicated verification-of-identity processes along with skills and knowledge. You have to be able to address that. At the same time, our frontline people are doing the same thing we used to pay troopers to do in terms of skill sets. So you cant pay them $26,000 a year and expect to be fully staffed.

Efforts percolating in the Texas House would invest more than $200 million in transferring driver license offices from the Department of Public Safety to the Department of Motor Vehicles and adding 962 employees so constituents dont find empty windows where clerks ought to be. Senators, some of whom are considering the same shift in administrative agencies, meanwhile heard a request for $420 million beyond current program costs to better staff driver license offices and increase the number of locations to meet an estimated 27 percent increase in population over the next 11 years. One bitter irony McCraw noted: An estimated 53 percent of folks who visit driver license offices could have handled their business by phone or online. That suggests more clarity is needed on state DPS websites. A far better-informed driving public might also help.

Catch the latest in Opinion Get opinion pieces, letters and editorials sent directly to your inbox weekly! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.At this point, Plumb decided to change his career track because he wasnt getting promotions in his field. He attended school at the Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama, where he learned to repair Chaparral/Redeye missile electronics systems.

With his schooling complete, Plumb was sent to Schwabach, Germany, where he received a promotion to E-6. His main job was to repair missile systems with a general support unit. He traveled all over the area, including to Spain, England, France and Greece, where they did exercises with the Germans.

It was more exciting to watch the Germans than ours, Plumb said.

He was there before the Berlin Wall came down, and when he took a tour by the wall, the other side was depressing, he said. People were dressed in gray and everything looked drab. There were guards with guns. The whole scene was unreal, he said.

In January 1980, Plumb got off active duty and took several jobs before he went to work for the Veterans Administration in 1982. He started as a housekeeper and then went to work in the boiler plant.

I was the first black boil plant operator in the state of Texas, he said.President Donald Trump and Azar have made constraining drug prices a central piece of their health-care agenda. Since issuing a blueprint last spring, they have insisted that rebates - which they portray as "hidden kickbacks" - are a big problem in controlling what people pay for medicine. Most of the health-care rules the administration has sought to change have gone through.

HHS officials said that drug prices after rebates tend to be one-quarter to 30 percent lower than the list price but that many consumers pay the list amount as part of their insurance deductibles and other co-payments. And they contend that the rebate system discourages the use of lower-cost generic drugs.

The health-care industry is split on the validity of those arguments.

Matt Eyles, president of America's Health Insurance Plans, said insurers and the pharmacy benefit managers with whom they work "are not middlemen - we are your bargaining power. . . . We cannot achieve those savings if our leverage and negotiating power is weakened through harmful actions like this proposed rule."While storm information is good, detailed information is better, and the general session provided helpful descriptions and parameters of what and when to report. Spotters are encouraged to report hail more than penny-sized, winds of more than 40 mph capable of blowing roof tiles off, flooding and tornadoes or cloud formations that may turn into tornadoes.

Spotters are encouraged to report severe weather by phone, email, amateur radio and even spotter networks on Facebook and Twitter. Dunn also said spotters with video clips of severe weather can send them to the weather service office for possible use in future Skywarn sessions.

Dunn handled the mornings general session with an afternoon session by fellow meteorologists Lee Carlaw and Joey Picca bringing a more detailed, weather-wonkish analysis of what meteorologists look for in predicting and monitoring outbreaks of severe weather.

For volunteer Jeb Leutwyler, the Saturday session offered the first chance for storm spotting education after he had earned an amateur radio license. Retired from Southwestern Bell, Leutwyler said he sees storm spotting and emergency communications as yet another opportunity to help in his community.Under its contract with MP2 Energy that runs through March 2022, the city now pays 0.03602 cents per kilowatt hour and uses about 74 million kilowatt hours of energy per year, and the rate will increase to 0.03776 cents per kWh in April 2020, city Director of General Services Kelly Holecek said. Talks for renewal of an energy contract will start this year.

The proposal Brockhaus and Northcutt are pushing asks the city to execute a deal for 100 percent renewable energy for its next contract and to fully transition to renewable energy for all municipal purposes by 2025. It also sets a broader goal of renewable energy powering all sectors by 2050.

Stem, who represents the Heart of Texas Council of Governments on the advisory board, said he would not put the city on a deadline to commit to certain power sources. That does not mean he wants to avoid renewable sources, though.

Certainly, renewable is something well look at, Stem said. Were going to have to look at the value of our budget and be responsible to our citizens. Thats what its all about. Cost will be a very key consideration, and if what Dr. Northcutt and some of the others are saying is right, theres a good chance itll be renewable in 2022. But well have to see. That market moves around a little bit.Keisha Bridges Miller, co-owner of Prosperity Tax Service, said if she cant find it at Hustle, she probably doesnt really need it.

The Cincinnati, Ohio, native and her husband, Rocky, have found their business groove in Waco, specifically at the new coworking center called Hustle at 605 Austin Ave. There, they entertain clients, network with other go-getters and rub elbows with a revolving group of experts willing to share their expertise.

Then there are the other perks: hot coffee, computer access, monotony breakers such as yoga and culinary classes, performances by Baylor Percussion Group, and presentations hosted by 1 Million Cups Waco, a program designed by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs.

All that and a private office for $850 a month, Miller said by phone while preparing to end her 10-hour workday with a visit to Waco Hippodrome Theatre, a mere two blocks away, where she would relax with a movie.

I absolutely love it, Miller said. I love the collaborations going on throughout the day. I love the programming. I love the people coming in and out, but if I need privacy to talk intimate details with a client, I have that. Its tax season, so Im getting a lot of traffic. The first thing I tell people, even before I sit down to do their taxes, is that they can rent space here.The Waco Metropolitan Planning Organization will have two public informational meetings about draft recommendations for its 2019 proposed roadway safety and public transportation asset condition performance targets.

The meetings will be at noon and 6 p.m. Monday at the Waco Transit Administration Building, 301 S. Eighth St.

The MPO is accepting comments on the plan through Feb. 15. Comments may be faxed to 750-1605, emailed to mpo@wacotx.gov, or mailed to Waco MPO, P.O. Box 2570, Waco, TX, 76702-2570. When submitting comments, please note which action is being referenced. Verbal comments will also be accepted at 750-5651 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

United Way grant sessions

United Way of Waco-McLennan County will host grant eligibility information sessions from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, and from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Thursday and Friday, in the Cooper Room at the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce, 101 S. Third St.

The sessions will cover basic grant eligibility criteria, the United Ways Impact Framework priority areas in education, health, financial security and safety net services, and review the steps in the new 2019-20 grant application process.It started with three young children on a mission, a plan to accompany their parents on a mission trip to Haiti. But if the original focus of the children was just to tag along with their parents to the Caribbean country 2,185 miles away, it has turned into a whole lot more.

Meet the Sahr children. Ariel is 10-years old, Sawyer is eight and Lucy is six. Their parents are Brandon and Jasmin. The family lives in a country home south of Frost.

It will not be the first trip to Haiti for the young couple. While serving as a youth pastor at Dell Lutheran Church, located north of Frost, Brandon Sahr led a mission trip to the island in 2016, accompanied by Jasmin and kids from the churchs youth group. This will be Jasmins fourth trip to Haiti.

The next trip is scheduled for February of 2020. Although Brandon has changed jobs and now works for Thrivent Financial Services, members of Dells youth group will still be accompanying the Sahrs on this next trip.

Enter the Sahr children. When news reached the youngsters their parents were planning to fly to Haiti while the kids stayed with relatives, Ariel, Sawyer and Lucy came up with a different plan.

It also became more than just going on a trip with their parents.

We got out a paper and pencil and explained to our children some of the expenses associated with the trip, Brandon comments. There is the cost of the plane ticket and lodging at $40 per day.

The Sahrs explained to their kids if they wanted to go, they would have to do something to earn money to pay for the trip.

Jasmin explains, We didnt want them to just depend on handouts and donations.

The kids knew their mother made soaps and came to the conclusion it would be something they could do.

So the family formulated a plan. The Sahr children used $250 to buy the supplies and molds they would need to make their own soap. They make soap in a variety of different molds including cows, penguins, fish, as well as many other shapes. With Valentines Day fast approaching, the children are excited to be making soap in the shape of hearts.

The kids melt the soap in a pan on the stove-top, mix in the color of their choosing and add a touch of scent to the recipe. The molds are filled with the finished mixture and then the kids wait for the soap to set.

Once the soap is hard, it is taken out of the molds and packaged so it is ready for sale. It has been marketed on Facebook, craft fairs and at the Bomgaars store in Albert Lea. The Bean, a coffee shop in Wells, and the Becki Steier Studio in Blue Earth, are two local places where the soap has been offered for sale.

The kids started their soap project back in November and in the three months of making and selling their products they have been able to raise almost one third of the funds needed to pay their share of the expenses.

So what will the group from Minnesota find when they travel to Haiti?

First of all, Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, Bandon Sahr says, So you can do what you want to do to help because there is need all around.

Haiti is located on the island of Hispaniola, east of Cuba in the Caribbean Sea. The population of the country is estimated to be 10.8 million people. Never a rich country, life in Haiti has been made more difficult because of major national disasters. Haiti was rocked by a magnitude 7.0 earthquake in January 2010 and by Hurricane Matthew in 2016. The International Red Cross reports that seven out of 10 Haitians live on less than $2 per day.

Learning about the people of Haiti and the struggles the population faces have led the Sahr children to make their own plans of what they can do to help once they arrive in Haiti.

I look forward to helping out with the kids in the orphanage, Ariel says.

But she is not the only one of the kids formulating plans to help the Haitian people.

I am excited to see what Haiti is like, and how I can help people, Sawyer adds.

The group from Minnesota will be working with a familiar face upon their arrival on the island.

Pastor Marcel is a Haitian pastor who has visited Minnesota and had a chance to meet with the youth from the Dell congregation.

Pastor Marcels congregation, Faith Tabernacle, has a support group which assists people from the states who come to the island to help the Haitian people, Brandon Sahr comments.

Some of the other things the youth will help with while in Haiti will be the building of a church and helping with widows and orphans, according to Sahr.

This may not have been what Brandon Sahr envisioned when he graduated from United South Central in Wells in 2003. He started college at South Dakota State University with the intent of working on the familys dairy farm.

Plans change and in 2008 he transferred to Northwestern University in St. Paul. Before starting to work for Thrivent, Sahr was the youth pastor at Dell Lutheran from 2011 through 2017.

Jasmin grew up in Kankakee, Illinois, but her family moved to Minnesota before her senior year in high school, settling near Bemidji.

The couple met at Prairie River camp in North Dakota in 2005. They were married in 2006. Jasmin works at St. Lukes Lutheran Care Center as an Adult Day supervisor.

Haiti has played an important part in Bandon and Jasmins lives and they have developed a close relationship with Pastor Marcel and with many other people on the island. In fact, during their 2016 trip to Haiti, the congregation surprised the couple with a special ceremony in which Brandon and Jasmin renewed their wedding vows. The congregation even had a wedding dress for Jasmin to wear and a suit for Brandon.

Now, with the next mission trip one year away, they are taking the opportunity to educate their children about the people of Haiti and getting them to understand the difficulties many Haitians face just because of where they were born.

According to the Sahrs, it is also a chance for them to teach their children to be thankful for their own blessings and how to share the gifts they have been given."I think is a good thing for the small town of Athens as long as it stays that feel," said Chasity Smith.

People who live here in Athens are excited about changes headed to the city; with the condition that Athens keeps its small town atmosphere.

"We don't want to get too big, but of course we want people coming in," said Smith.

Mayor Ronnie Marks highlighted a few big projects coming Athens' way.

"We have a new, 16 million dollar facility we've broken ground everything is going great with it," said Marks.

The new Sportsplex will have 3 gyms, a walking track, outdoor play area and is set to be built by the fall of 2020. The next big project doesn't have a set opening date or a price tag just yet, but it promises to be a big addition near downtown.

"A development, a central park, walk-able to Athens State University and to downtown Athens," said Marks.

That community space is set to go at the former Pilgrims Pride property near downtown Athens. All of these major projects are coming right after the new high school officially opened last month. The money for the new projects will come from the city. Mayor Marks told WAAY31, since 2010 Athens has grown 17 percent he says that makes it the fastest growing city in the surrounding area.Photo: Scott Dudelson/Getty Images for ABA

A defiant Jussie Smollett took the stage Saturday night at the Troubadour night club in Los Angeles and addressed a sold-out crowd, five days after being brutally attacked while walking home in Chicago.

The most important thing I can say is thank you so much and Im okay, said Smollett with his face still swollen from the attack and sporting a visible bruise below one of his eyes. Im not fully healed yet, but I am going to [be] and I am going to stand strong with you all.

For a moment, the Empire star seemed at a loss for words, but screams from the audience of we love you Jussie and you are beautiful encouraged him.

I had to be here tonight, he told the crowd. It sounds powerful but I couldnt let those motherfuckers ruin it. I will always stand for love, I will never stand for anything else, and regardless what anyone else says I will only stand for love and I hope that yall stand with me.

And with that Smollett, 36, began an electrifying two-hour musical performance of songs from his recent album The Sum of My Music. Wearing black jeans, a loose white shirt, and white sneakers, Smollett, who plays the pop star Jamal Lyon on Foxs Empire, enthralled his fans, his family, and members of the media who had packed themselves into almost every crevice of the club. This was Smolletts first public appearance since he reported being assaulted.

The actor and musician told authorities he was attacked by two men as he returned to his apartment in Chicago on Tuesday morning. He said the men shouted racial epithets at him, beat him, poured bleach on him, and put a noose around his neck. Police are still searching for the suspected assailants and are investigating the attack as a hate crime.

Actor Wilson Cruz, director Lee Daniels, cast and crew from his Fox hit show Empire, Smolletts sister Journey, and Representative Maxine Waters of California, were just some of the 475 people who turned out on a rainy Los Angeles night to hear Smollett sing.

Before the show started, Smolletts older brother Jake told the crowd that he had actually urged his brother to cancel this show.

If Im honest, as his big brother, I wanted Jussie to sit this one out, he said. I sincerely wanted him to stay out of the public until he heals. But after much debating, some arguing, and many tears, my family and I realized that tonight is an important part of Jussies healing. You see he has been a fighter since he was a baby. He fought his attackers that night and he continues to fight.

Smolletts fans were not surprised that the show went ahead as planned. Some had traveled as far away as Charlotte, North Carolina, to see him and hadnt even hesitated getting on their flights confident the show would take place. But because of security concerns, Ticketmaster canceled Smolletts planned meet and greet with fans before the show.

Hamilton actor Bryan Terrell Clark said, Jussie is one of the most resilient people I know. One thing I knew for sure was that his love for people and his love for art was going to push him to do this show.

At the end of his captivating performance, Smollett said that he still needed to set the record straight over what happened. Im sure my lawyer is sitting up there like no Jussie dont, shut the fuck up and sing, but there are couple of points I want to make really clear. Four points. I was bruised but my ribs were not cracked, they were not broken. I went to the doctor immediately but I was not hospitalized. Both my doctors in LA and Chicago cleared me to perform. And above all, I fought the fuck back.By FARAI MUTSAKA

MT. DARWIN, Zimbabwe (AP)  Zimbabwes president has skipped his first political rally since last months deadly military crackdown on protests so he could explain the unrest to fellow African leaders, a spokesman said Saturday.

President Emmerson Mnangagwas administration has been under pressure amid reports of at least 12 people killed, hundreds wounded and some women raped. The crackdown has hurt government efforts to secure badly needed foreign assistance to rebuild the collapsed economy, and undermined pledges of democratic reforms.

Spokesman George Charamba in a statement said the president was spending the day briefing regional leaders. Mnangagwa earlier in the week blamed Western countries for backing the unrest, a favorite line of his former mentor and longtime Zimbabwe leader Robert Mugabe, who stepped down in late 2017 under military pressure.

The military remains in the streets after being called out last month, and human rights groups, witnesses and opposition figures continue to report abuses in poor and working-class suburbs. In some areas, soldiers have set up tents at police stations where they have taken up residence.

Mnangagwa earlier in the week told local journalists that the use of the military was necessary to maintain public order.

International condemnation continues over the crackdown on the protests over steep fuel price increases that made gasoline in Zimbabwe the worlds most expensive. Labor leaders and activists called for people to stay home in protest, while some took to the streets in anger or desperation. Some people who reported venturing out for bread in empty-shelved shops said they were beaten.

The top U.S. diplomat for Africa, Tibor Nagy, in a new statement said the United States was deeply concerned, and the United Nations office in Zimbabwe expressed concern over trails of destruction, looting, mass arrest and detention, including of children.

The response by African leaders, however, has been muted, with neighboring South Africa criticized after President Cyril Ramaphosa last month again suggested that U.S. and other sanctions on Zimbabwe should be lifted.

Reports of rapes and sexual violence by security forces in recent days have caused outrage. Police said they have recorded only one case of rape, while the presidents spokesman dismissed the reports as bottom-up propaganda.

At the rally on Saturday in a ruling party stronghold, some people started walking out after it was announced the president would not show.

Top officials present had gloomy faces, while Vice President Kembo Mohadi, who stood in for Mnangagwa, told the subdued crowd that Zimbabwes worsening economic condition was due to the work of the enemy.

The top officials clapped but the crowd remained muted as the vice president promised good times ahead and described the crisis as short-term and like mere labor pains.

Meanwhile, fuel lines have begun resurfacing after briefly disappearing following the price increase.Ahead of World Cancer Day (February 4), the World Health Organization (WHO) is calling for accelerated action to eliminate cervical cancer, a preventable disease that kills more than 300,000 women every year.

Cervical cancer ranks among leading causes of death for women worldwide. Nine in 10 deaths occur in poor and middle-income countries. The disease is caused by the human papillomavirus and is transmitted through sexual contact.

The WHO says cervical cancer can be cured if the infection is diagnosed and treated at an early stage. But, as with some ailments in life, prevention is the best cure. And, in the case of cervical cancer, an effective vaccine is available that can prevent the disease when given to girls between the ages of nine and 14.

The WHOs Immunization Program technical officer, Paul Bloem, says the vaccine is widely administered in rich countries. While countries with the highest burden of cervical cancer in Africa and Asia are lagging behind, he says progress is being made.

In countries, such as Rwanda, a trailblazer in Africa, that reaches over 90 percent since five, six years. Bhutan, that reaches also 90 percent of its girls. Malaysia, that reaches 97 percent of its girls. So, there are some extremely good examples that show that this vaccine is accepted and can be delivered in low-income settings, he said.

Bloem says four countries in Africa - Ethiopia, Tanzania, Zimbabwe and Senegal - introduced the vaccine last year. He says 11 more countries in Africa and Asia will start using it next year.

Princess Nothemba Simelela, WHO Assistant Director-General for Family, Women, Children and Adolescents, says a big problem in developing countries is the lack of skilled people to test and diagnose cervical cancer in women.



She says that women in remote, rural areas often have difficulty reaching clinics where they can be tested and treated for the disease. But she told VOA there are strategies governments can employ to overcome that.

We can have mobile outreach clinics. Sometimes, what you have is days on which women can be called or young girls can be brought in, specifically to get this attention, she said.

Simelela says another strategy that governments can employ is to use school health programs. For instance, she says, Rwanda and South Africa bring the vaccine into the schools where access is available to the largest number of girls in the age groups that need to be reached.Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam repeated Saturday that he would not resign over a photograph in his school yearbook showing a man in blackface standing next to a person dressed as a Ku Klux Klan member.

In comments to reporters, Northam said, "I am neither of the people in that photo." He said he did not buy a copy of the 1984 yearbook in which the picture appears, and he was unaware until Friday the picture was even there.

He also said, "That is not me in that photo. ... That is not who I am."

He also said, "It was horrific, and the fact that it was on my page was just unacceptable."

Northam said he and his staff would continue to work to prove that he wasn't in the photo.

The governor said he submitted the other three photos on his page in the medical school yearbook and that he suspected the placing of the racist photo was the result of a mix-up. Responding to a question from a reporter, he said there were multiple episodes of blackface use at the medical school.

Previous mistakes

He said if he had posed for that picture, "I would have remembered that." He added, "My belief that I did not wear that costume or attend that party [where the offending photo was taken] stems from my clear memory of other mistakes that I made in that same year of my life."

Northam admitted that during that year, when he was 25, he appeared in blackface for a dance contest in San Antonio, Texas, in which he impersonated African-American pop star Michael Jackson. He expressed remorse for that event, saying he had learned since then why "blackfacing," as he called it, is offensive. He said upon learning that lesson and discussing it with a younger employee, he vowed never to appear in blackface again.

Northam said Saturday: "Today I am not ready to ask Virginians to grant me forgiveness for my past actions. ... I am asking for the opportunity to earn your forgiveness."

The New York Times reported that since the story broke on Friday, Northam has been making calls to political allies and former classmates in attempts to shore up support and get more information about the photo.

CNN said classmates had told Northam that some yearbook photos were mixed up.

Many of Northam's former allies said he could not stay in office after Friday's apology for the photo.

In a video statement Friday, Northam said the photo does not reflect the person he is today. He added that "I cannot change the decisions I made, nor can I undo the harm my behavior caused then and today. But I accept responsibility for my past actions and I am ready to do the hard work of regaining your trust."

Calls for resignation

Former U.S. Vice President Joe Biden and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, both Democrats, released statements on Saturday calling for Northam to resign.

Biden tweeted Northam "has lost all moral authority" and said Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax, who is African-American, should move into the governor's office. Pelosi said Northam should "do the right thing" by stepping down and letting Virginians "heal and move forward."

The Congressional Black Caucus and the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus also urged Northam to step down.

"Ralph Northam has had three decades to know better but only now does he acknowledge this racist act," the Congressional Black Caucus posted on Twitter. "An apology now isn't enough. He must resign."

The Virginia Legislative Black Caucus posted a statement on Twitter that said of Northam: "We fully appreciate all that he has contributed to our Commonwealth. But given what was revealed today, it is clear that he can no longer effectively serve as Governor. It is time for him to resign, so that Virginia can begin the process of healing."

"Leaders are called to a higher standard, and the stain of racism should nave no place in the halls of government," presidential candidate Sen. Kamala Harris, a California Democrat, posted on Twitter in her statement urging Northam to resign. "The Governor of Virginia should step aside so the public can heal and move forward together."

'Centuries of anger, anguish'

Another Democratic presidential candidate, Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey, also took to Twitter, posting, "These images arouse centuries of anger, anguish, and racist violence and they've eroded all confidence in Gov. Northam's ability to lead. We should expect more from our elected officials. He should resign."

Harris and Booker were joined by other presidential hopefuls  former Housing Secretary Julian Castro, Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren and New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, all Democrats  who said they thought Northam should resign.



"There is no circumstance where this behavior should ever be tolerated or excused; and now more than ever we need leaders that demonstrate high character and unquestionable moral fortitude to lead us through these times of uncertainty," the Fairfax County (Va.) NAACP said in a statement.

News of the photos from Northam's medical school yearbook came a week after Florida's secretary of state resigned; photos from a 2005 Halloween party showed him in blackface while dressed as a Hurricane Katrina victim.

The Virginia Legislative Black Caucus perhaps explained best in its statement why the photo is resulting in calls for Northam's resignation: "(W)hat has been revealed is disgusting, reprehensible, and offensive. ... The legacy of slavery, racism and Jim Crow has been an albatross around the necks of African-Americans for over 400 years. These pictures rip off the scabs of an excruciatingly painful history and are a piercing reminder of this nation's sins. Those who would excuse the pictures are just as culpable."The last two years have been grim for internet access on the African continent, according to analyst Robert Besseling of risk-assessment firm EXX Africa, and the situation may be getting worse. In the last four weeks alone, no fewer than five African governments have temporarily shut down internet access amid political crises and unrest.



While this practice dates back several years, he says it has accelerated and hit nations that rely on the internet for spreading information and for internet-based commerce, like Zimbabwe.

We counted 21 shutdowns across Africa in 2018, and so far this year in the first three weeks of 2019, we saw shutdowns in five countries: again, Cameroon, as well as most prominently, Zimbabwe, as well as during the elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and unrest in Sudan, as well as briefly following the attempted coup in Gabon," Besseling said.

Those five nations have one thing in common: recent political unrest. Congo's shutdown occurred during a chaotic, disputed, long-delayed election and its contentious aftermath. In Zimbabwe, fuel price hikes led to violent protests, which led to even more violent crackdowns by security officials, which was followed by an internet blackout.

Congolese rights activist Sylvain Saluseke - who lives in self-imposed exile outside of the country  says his compatriots in pro-democracy youth group LUCHA struggled under the blackout as they tried to carry out their mission of observing the December 30 polls and documenting the aftermath.

That was a major hindrance," he told VOA. "Of course, beyond that, there have always been these questions of how less are we able to pass on information or exchange information, and that in itself raised the risk of if and when somebody has been arrested, or somebody goes into any dangerous situations or risky situations."

Stopping the flow of information is the point of these internet shutdowns, argues Edgar Munatsi of the Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights. Other rights groups have claimed the same, saying this was a tactic to give cover to the rampant human rights abuses that happened  and still may be happening  in Zimbabwe.

Beyond just stopping people from organizing themselves, was the need to black out, in terms of the media and the international community, to what was taking place during the night, and sometimes during the day," Munatsi told journalists. "Because a lot of atrocities were committed during the night and during the internet shutdowns. If you realize, most civil society leaders and activists in Zimbabwe were abducted during the night, and no one knows, up to now, where they are, some of them.

Besseling, who assesses the continent from a business perspective, notes that African nations have an easier time shutting down or forcibly slowing down internet services, because many African telecom companies are under state control.

The shutdowns come at a high cost, he says.

If you were to shut down the internet throughout the geography of an economically important country, then you can estimate of course a far higher cost. In a country like Kenya, for example, the cost would be $6.3 million a day, in the case the internet was shut down across the country.

Those losses come, he said, through disruptions in information networks  such as internet-accessible stock and commodity price indices  and the unavailability of e-commerce and electronic banking.

He said there are other losses that cant be easily quantified, though, like getting reliable information about whats going on around you, or perhaps hardest of all, losing touch with loved ones during a time of crisis.President Donald Trump said in comments broadcast Sunday that U.S. military intervention in Venezuela is "an option."



Trump declined, in an interview with CBS News, to give any specifics of what might prompt him to order U.S. forces into the South American country as the U.S. and other countries ramp up pressure to oust President Nicolas Maduro and support opposition leader Juan Guaido as the country's interim president.



Trump said that "a number of months ago," he turned down Maduro's request to meet with him, because "we're very far along in the process...really democracy in action" for Guaido to assume power. The United States and other countries have recognized Guaido as the acting Venezuelan president. Struggle for Control of Venezuela Returns to Streets Momentum is growing for Venezuela's opposition movement led by lawmaker Juan Guaido, who has called supporters back into the streets for nationwide protests Saturday, escalating pressure on embattled President Nicolas Maduro to step down. A defiant Maduro's socialist government has called on its own loyalists to flood the streets waving flags to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Bolivarian revolution launched by the late Hugo Chavez. The dueling demonstrations will play out amid a Momentum is growing for Venezuela's opposition movement led by lawmaker Juan Guaido, who has called supporters back into the streets for nationwide protests Saturday, escalating pressure on embattled President Nicolas Maduro to step down. A defiant Maduro's socialist government has called on its own loyalists to flood the streets waving flags to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Bolivarian revolution launched by the late Hugo Chavez. The dueling demonstrations will play out amid a

"I decided at the time, "no" because so many really horrible things have been happening in Venezuela when you look at that country," Trump said of possible talks with Maduro.



"That was the wealthiest country of all in that part of the world which is a very important part of the world," Trump said in the interview that was taped Friday. "And now you look at the poverty and you look at the anguish and you look at the crime and you look at all of the things happening. So, I think the process is playing out - very, very big tremendous protests."

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro attends a mil Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro attends a military exercise in Turiamo, Venezuela, Feb. 3, 2019. (Miraflores Palace/Handout via Reuters) Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro attends a military exercise in Turiamo, Venezuela, Feb. 3, 2019. (Miraflores Palace/Handout via Reuters)

Trump's comments came as the late Sunday deadline approached for an ultimatum from several European countries for Maduro's government to call new presidential elections.



Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said on Twitter he talked with Guaido, telling him "he has our full support to restore democracy."



Kurz said that "should Maduro not respond to the EU's call for free & fair presidential elections, we will acknowledge and support Juan Guaido as President ad interim."

Pence Urges Support for 'Side of Freedom' in Venezuela U.S. Vice President Mike Pence said Friday that the United States "calls on every nation to recognize Juan Guaido as Venezuela's president and take the side of freedom." Pence said the United States stood with Venezuela amid a power struggle between President Nicolas Maduro and opposition leader Guaido.He warned, "Nicolas Maduro would do well not to test the resolve of the United States." Pence was speaking at a meeting with Venezuelan exiles and community leaders in Miami, participating in a round U.S. Vice President Mike Pence said Friday that the United States "calls on every nation to recognize Juan Guaido as Venezuela's president and take the side of freedom." Pence said the United States stood with Venezuela amid a power struggle between President Nicolas Maduro and opposition leader Guaido.He warned, "Nicolas Maduro would do well not to test the resolve of the United States." Pence was speaking at a meeting with Venezuelan exiles and community leaders in Miami, participating in a round

Maduro has called for early National Assembly elections. Guaido, as head of Congress, has standing to claim he is the country's legitimate leader.



Guaido was set to announce when humanitarian aid will be delivered to the crisis-ridden country.



He told supporters Saturday the opposition would start collecting humanitarian aid in Brazil, Colombia and an unnamed Caribbean island and called on the military to allow the aid into the country.

Venezuelan opposition leader and self-proclaimed i Venezuelan opposition leader and self-proclaimed interim president Juan Guaido waves to supporters during a rally against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government in Caracas, Venezuela, Feb. 2, 2019. Venezuelan opposition leader and self-proclaimed interim president Juan Guaido waves to supporters during a rally against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government in Caracas, Venezuela, Feb. 2, 2019.

The United States has said it would transport aid to Venezuela at Guaido's request. But Maduro has refused to accept aid because he believes it opens the way for a U.S.-led military intervention.



Defections

Two military leaders and an ambassador defected Saturday from Maduro's government and instead recognized Guaido as the acting president.



Early Saturday, General Francisco Yanez called on other members of the military to defect as he announced his own defection in a social media video. He rejected Maduro's "dictatorial" authority and recognized Guaido as the acting president.

Venezuela Sanctions, Amnesty Promise Attempt to Break Maduro-Military Bond The commanding ranks of the military have remained loyal to the socialist president despite increasing political repression, corruption, hyperinflation and food shortages

Major General Jorge Oropeza, former air force general commander, said later Saturday that he also recognized Guaido as acting president.



Top military leaders have helped Maduro survive mass demonstrations in recent years by jailing activists and repressing opposition protestors.



Guaido said in an interview with VOA Noticias he has offered "amnesty and guarantees" to high-ranking military officials as part of a broader effort to get "this usurpation to end."

It remains unclear how much military support there is for Guaido.



Jonathan Velasco, Venezuela's ambassador in Iraq, also joined the defectors Saturday.



Supporters of opposition leader Guaido and President Maduro participated in rival demonstrations in Caracas Saturday.



Thousands of Guaido's supporters, carrying flags and blowing horns, converged on a handful of locations around Caracas in support of his call for early elections and the establishment of a transitional government amid mounting global pressure for Maduro to step down. Guaido arrived at one of the rallies with his wife, Fabiana, and was quickly surrounded by exuberant supporters.



Pro-Maduro demonstrators took to the streets on the western side of Caracas to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Bolivarian revolution that led to the rise of socialist Hugo Chavez, Maduro's deceased predecessor. Maduro addressed the crowd, the first time he has appeared at a public rally since August 4.

Opposition supporters take part in a rally against Opposition supporters take part in a rally against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government in Caracas, Venezuela, Feb. 2, 2019. Opposition supporters take part in a rally against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government in Caracas, Venezuela, Feb. 2, 2019.

Maduro called for parliamentary elections earlier than planned, repeated that he is the country's legitimate president and told the crowd, "I am very ashamed to see this group of opposition coup perpetrators" take orders from Washington.





South African Open hosted by the City of Johannesburg

Randpark GC, Johannesburg, South AfricaU.S. President Donald Trump waded into the controversy surrounding the governor of Virginia over a racist photo that appeared on the governor's medical school yearbook page.

Trump tweeted late Saturday that Gov. Ralph Northam's initial apology for the photo and subsequent denial that he was in the picture are "Unforgiveable!"

Democrat Governor Ralph Northam of Virginia just stated, I believe that I am not either of the people in that photo. This was 24 hours after apologizing for appearing in the picture and after making the most horrible statement on super late term abortion. Unforgivable!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 3, 2019



The president's tweet also referenced a controversy surrounding comments Northam made earlier last week about late-term abortion.

Northam, a Democrat, quickly apologized Friday after reports emerged of a photo in his 1984 yearbook page that shows a man in blackface standing next to a person dressed as a Ku Klux Klan member.

"I cannot change the decisions I made, nor can I undo the harm my behavior caused then and today," he said in a video posted to Twitter.

But the following day, amid numerous calls for Northam to resign, the governor held a press conference to say he did not believe that either of the people in the photo were him and that the photo appeared on his page due to an error.

"That is not me in that photo... That is not who I am," the governor said.

Virginia Governor Says of Racist Photo: 'That Is Not Me' Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam repeated Saturday that he would not resign over a photograph in his school yearbook showing a man in blackface standing next to a person dressed as a Ku Klux Klan member.In comments to reporters, Northam said, "I am neither of the people in that photo." He said he did not buy a copy of the 1984 yearbook in which the picture appears, and he was unaware until Friday the picture was even there.He also said, "That is not me in that photo. ... Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam repeated Saturday that he would not resign over a photograph in his school yearbook showing a man in blackface standing next to a person dressed as a Ku Klux Klan member.In comments to reporters, Northam said, "I am neither of the people in that photo." He said he did not buy a copy of the 1984 yearbook in which the picture appears, and he was unaware until Friday the picture was even there.He also said, "That is not me in that photo. ...

He claimed he did not buy a copy of the yearbook and was unaware until Friday the picture was even there.

At the same he said the appearance of the photo on his page was "horrific" and "just unacceptable."

Northam did admit Saturday to having worn blackface when he was 25 years old as part of costume for a dance contest in which he impersonated the African-American pop star Michael Jackson. He expressed remorse for that event, saying he learned after that why blackface is offensive.

Despite that admission, Northam said he does not intend to resign.

"Today I am not ready to ask Virginians to grant me forgiveness for my past actions... I am asking for the opportunity to earn your forgiveness," he said.

But a growing chorus Democrats  including most of the party's 2020 presidential hopefuls  are calling on Northam to step down.

Both of Virginia's U.S. senators and one congressman issued a joint statement after Northam addressed the media Saturday saying the governor "must resign."

"He should step down and allow the Commonwealth to begin healing, the statement from Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine and Representative Bobby Scott read.

Former Vice President Joe Biden and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi also released statements on Saturday calling for Northam to resign.

If Northam does resign, Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax, who is African-American, would assume the governor's office.ISLAMABAD - Taliban representatives will meet influential Afghan opposition leaders in Moscow for two days of peace building discussions starting Tuesday, but envoys from the Kabul government will not be in attendance.

The controversial meeting, critics say, underscores a deepening political divide in Afghanistan and would further weaken President Ashraf Ghanis National Unity government.

The so-called intra-Afghan peace meeting in Russia comes just days after the United States reported significant progress in ongoing talks with Taliban insurgents, though they also excluded the Afghan government.

The Taliban refuses to engage in direct or indirect talks with the Ghani administration, branding them American puppets.

A Taliban spokesman confirmed to VOA Sunday a delegation from its Qatar-based political office will participate in the Moscow talks under the leadership of senior insurgent negotiator, Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai.

Russia has distanced itself from the upcoming meeting after criticism from the Afghan government. Critics suggested the disputed Afghan talks could have stemmed from Moscows deepening rivalry with Washington.

But the Russian embassy in Kabul has clarified in a statement that the meeting is being arranged by a Russia-based Council of Afghans Society to promote peace in Afghanistan.

A 38-member Afghan political delegation, including several women, consists of prominent former leaders, presidential candidates, lawmakers, tribal elders, all of them highly critical of Ghanis beleaguered National Unity government.

Former Afghan president Hamid Karzai, left, and fo Former Afghan president Hamid Karzai, left, and former national security adviser Haneef Atmar, seen here offering prayers at a forum in Kabul, Feb. 12, 2008, are among influential Afghans expected to attend the Moscow talks. Former Afghan president Hamid Karzai, left, and former national security adviser Haneef Atmar, seen here offering prayers at a forum in Kabul, Feb. 12, 2008, are among influential Afghans expected to attend the Moscow talks.

First step towards intra-Afghan peace talks

Former president, Hamid Karzai, former national security adviser, Haneef Atmar  who is running against Ghani in the July presidential elections  Mohammad Mohaqiq, former governors Mohammad Ismail Khan and Atta Mohammad Noor, who fought against the Soviets after their 1979 invasion of Afghanistan are part of the delegation.

A joint statement issued on behalf of the Afghan delegation described Tuesdays meeting in Russia as the first step towards intra-Afghan peace talks in the peace process.

We hope that the Moscow meeting will prove helpful and complementary for encouraging a national and regional consensus and for supporting the U.S. efforts for Afghan peace, the statement noted. It urged the Afghan government to play its constructive role for achieving a sustainable peace in the country.

Holding such meetings will not help us in reaching peace at all, so its little more than a political drama, Afghan Foreign Ministry spokesman Sebghat Ahmadi told reporters in Kabul when asked for his reaction to the Moscow talks.

U.S. special envoy for Afghanistan reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad and Taliban negotiators are due to hold another round of peace talks in Doha on February 25.

At the end of their six days of uninterrupted talks in the Qatari capital last month, Khalilzad and chief Taliban negotiator Stanekzai, in separate statements announced they are close to a deal on a U.S. troop withdrawal from Afghanistan in exchange for assurances from the Taliban they will not to allow terrorists to use Afghan soil for future attacks against America and its allies.

But Khalilzad has underscored the need for a comprehensive cease-fire and the Talibans engagement in intra-Afghan national peace negotiations for further progress.Sorry, but your browser cannot support embedded video of this type, you can download this video to view it offline.ADEN, YEMEN - A committee overseeing a cease-fire in Hodeida will hold its next meeting on a ship off the port city as Yemen's warring parties cannot agree on a

venue, Yemeni and U.N. sources said Saturday.

The United Nations is trying to implement a truce and troop withdrawal accord in Hodeida, the main entry point for most of Yemen's imports, as part of efforts to end a war that has killed tens of thousands and left millions on the brink of starvation.

The U.N. envoy for Yemen has urged the warring parties to withdraw their troops from the port quickly, and international aid agencies said conditions for thousands of starving people were deteriorating fast.

The truce in Hodeida has largely been respected since coming into force a month ago, but skirmishes continue between the Houthi movement and their foes in a Saudi-led coalition fighting to restore the internationally recognized government.

A Redeployment Coordination Committee (RCC), which is chaired by the world body and includes both sides, holds regular meetings to supervise the implementation of the cease-fire.

One of the sources said that the United Nations had hired a ship to be used as the headquarters for the RCC and its meetings. Another source said representatives of the warring parties would be taken to the ship on U.N. helicopters.

Houthis stayed put

The RCC had previously met in Houthi-run territory, but attempts to convene a meeting in areas held by coalition forces failed because the Houthis were unwilling to cross the front line, sources told Reuters in late January.

Troops have not yet pulled out, missing a Jan. 7 target, and residents and aid workers have told Reuters that barricades, trenches and roadblocks have been reinforced.

As part of the accord, both sides agreed to the deployment of international monitors in Hodeida.

The next meeting of the RCC is expected next week after the arrival of Danish Maj. Gen. Michael Anker Lollesgaar, who was appointed on Thursday to replace retired Gen. Patrick Cammaert. Lollesgaar is expected to arrive in Amman on Sunday and will travel to Hodeida afterward.

The Houthis control Hodeida and coalition troops are massed on its outskirts. But the warring sides disagree over who should control the city and port after forces withdraw, and each side has accused the other of violating the pact.

The U.N. envoy, Martin Griffiths, has been shuttling between the parties to rescue the deal, the first major diplomatic breakthrough of the nearly four-year-old war.MILAN - Italys high-speed rail link with France has no future, Deputy Prime Minister Luigi Di Maio said Saturday, despite his fellow deputy premier in the coalition government saying the line would be completed.

The projected 270 km (167 mile) line, which is estimated to cost 26 billion euros ($30 billion) and will be partly paid for with French and European Union funds, has split the coalition government in Rome.

Di Maio, leader of the 5-Star Movement, one of the two ruling parties, said in a video on the Corriere.it website that as long as the 5-Star Movement is in government, as far as I am concerned, the Turin/Lyon high speed train has no future.

He added that the project was supported by the countrys worst lobbies.

Decision by June

Italy is expected to decide by the end of May whether to complete the project, Transport Minister Danilo Toninelli told Reuters.

Toninelli has asked a commission to carry out a cost-benefit analysis, with another group of lawyers examining the legal implications for Italy in case it withdraws from the project.

Italys Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said later Saturday that the governments program envisaged a revision of the project.

We need to need to proceed with a cost-benefit analysis which will cover all technical, economic and social aspects and wait for it to be concluded to take a decision, Conte said in a note.

League backs project

The League, the other party in the coalition government, backs the project.

League leader and fellow deputy prime minister Matteo Salvini said earlier Saturday that he was confident the project would be completed, adding that its costs might be reduced by 1 billion euros.

I hope work can be restarted as soon as possible, he said in an interview with daily newspaper La Stampa.The Indian government called on U.S. authorities to fairly treat over 100 Indians who were arrested after enrolling in a fake university in the United States.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security agents created the bogus University of Farmington, outside of Detroit, Michigan, in 2015. Since then, more than 600 foreign citizens enrolled in the school, the U.S. government alleges  despite the fact that it had no faculty, no campus, and no hallmarks of any legitimate U.S. higher education institution.

U.S. prosecutors say that all who enrolled were aware the university was fake and intentionally engaged in visa fraud, but the Indian government claims that many may have been "duped".

"Our concern over the dignity and well-being of the detained students and the need for immediate consular access for Indian officials to the detainees was reiterated," India's Ministry of External Affairs said in a press release Saturday.

"We underlined that students, who may have been duped into enrolling in the University' should be treated differently from those recruiters who have duped them."

As of Thursday, 130 "students", all but one of them Indian, had been arrested for enrolling. Eight more people face criminal charges of conspiracy to commit visa fraud and harbor aliens for profit, according to court documents, and a maximum penalty of five years in prison if convicted. They collectively earned more than $250,000 through the recruiting scheme, according to the federal indictment.

The scheme, according to a federal indictment unsealed Wednesday, lured willing students to a school they knew would never grant them a degree, but would allow them to work legally in the United States while technically being enrolled in higher education, potentially committing visa fraud.

The Indian government has set up a "24/7 Helpline" based out of their consulate in Washington "For queries and assistance related to the detention of Indian students in the US".SYDNEY - Australian mining giants Rio Tinto and BHP are supporting greater indigenous recognition in parliament. Critics, however, believe it could be a cynical move by the mining sector to gain favor with tribal groups, which have lands rich in natural resources.

BHP and Rio Tinto are supporting a campaign to change Australias constitution to give a formal voice to Aboriginal people in federal parliament.

The mining giants employ thousands of indigenous workers and are backing a demand from community leaders, called the Uluru Statement from the Heart made in 2017, for a special Aboriginal body to advise parliament.

BHP support

BHP chief executive Andrew Mackenzie said the company, like the nation as a whole, has unfinished business with the indigenous peoples of Australia and that it cannot stand on the sidelines.

Mackenzie said the reform would empower indigenous people and would boost the reconciliation process.

We now have a chance, a chance to create a new chapter in our history, to create a voice that will establish a bridge across that gulf, Mackenzie said. I know there are fears that a constitutionally enshrined voice confirmed by referendum will deepen cultural divisions and is undemocratic. I do not think those fears stand up to scrutiny.

BHP will contribute about $700,000 to a project raising awareness about the benefits of an indigenous voice to the Australian parliament.

Many of the companys operations are on or close to indigenous land. BHP says it acknowledges the right of First Australians to maintain their culture, identity, traditions and customs. But there is skepticism about the companys motives.

Indigenous skeptical

Jacinta Price, an Aboriginal councilor in the central Australian city of Alice Springs, believes the miners support for constitutional reform is a superficial move.

We need to have a bit more of a discussion, she said. I do not know that just simply throwing your support behind something that we are not sure what that actually looks like is helpful and in a way, perhaps, it is a way of these companies to look better in the eyes of indigenous people considering it is indigenous peoples land that, you know, they want to be involved in.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has rejected the mining giants push for greater indigenous rights in federal parliament. He said he was focused on practical measures to help Aboriginal communities.

Indigenous people make up about 3 percent of the population but suffer high rates of poverty, ill-health and imprisonment.Pope Francis arrived in the United Arab Emirates Sunday ahead of an interreligious conference.

The leader of the world's Roman Catholics, is making the first-ever trip by a pope to the Arabian Peninsula, the birthplace of Islam.

He returns to Rome Tuesday.

Before leaving the Vatican, Francis said he had been following the humanitarian crisis in Yemen with great worry and urged all sides to respect international agreements and ensure food reaches suffering Yemenis.

'Human Fraternity Meeting'

Francis and Sheik Ashamed el-Tayeb, the grand imam of Egypt's Al-Azhar, the 1,000-year-old seat of Sunni Islam will speak Monday at the "Human Fraternity Meeting." Attending that meeting will be Muslims, Christians, and hundreds of Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist and other faith leaders.

The conference and the pope's appearance are all part of the Emirates' Year of Tolerance and its effort to show its openness to other faiths.

"It's something new for the Muslim world, that within the discussion of dialogue, they're talking about interreligious dialogue across the board, beyond basic Christian-Muslim relations," Marco Impagliazzo, president of the Sant'Egidio Community, a Rome-based Catholic organization told the Associated Press.

Mass in Abu Dhabi

On Tuesday, the pope will celebrate mass in Abu Dhabi.

The Catholic Church believes there are as many as one million Catholics in the UAE. Most of them are from the Philippines and India and have left family behind to come for jobs in the Emirates where they can face precarious work conditions.

The mass is expected to draw around 135,000 people in what some people say will be the largest show of public Christian worship on the Arabian Peninsula.Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido is expected to announce Sunday when humanitarian aid will be delivered to the crisis-ridden country.

Guaido told supporters Saturday the opposition would start collecting humanitarian aid in Brazil, Colombia and an unnamed Caribbean island and called on the military to allow the aid into the country.

The United States has said it would transport aid to Venezuela at Guaido's request. President Nicolas Maduro has refused to accept aid because he believes it opens the way for a U.S.-led military intervention.

WATCH: VOA Interviews Juan Guaido

More defections



Two military leaders and an ambassador defected Saturday from the government of President Nicolas Maduro and instead recognized Guaido as the acting president.

Early Saturday, General Francisco Yanez called on other members of the military to defect as he announced his own defection in a social media video. He rejected Maduro's "dictatorial" authority and recognized Guaido as the acting president.

Major General Jorge Oropeza, former air force general commander, said later Saturday that he also recognized Guaido as acting president.

Top military leaders have helped Maduro survive mass demonstrations in recent years by jailing activists and repressing opposition protestors.

Guaido said in an interview with VOA Noticias he has offered "amnesty and guarantees" to high ranking military officials as part of a broader effort to get "this usurpation to end.

It remains unclear how much military support there is for Guaido.

Jonathan Velasco, Venezuela's ambassador in Iraq, also joined the defectors Saturday.

Rival protests



Supporters of opposition leader Guaido and President Maduro participated in rival demonstrations in Caracas Saturday.

Rival Throngs Protest in Venezuela as General Defects Supporters of Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido and President Nicolas Maduro participated in rival demonstrations Saturday in Caracas as a member of the country's air force high command disavowed Maduro's socialist government and said he recognized Guaido as the interim president. Thousands of Guaido's supporters, carrying flags and blowing horns, converged on a handful of locations around Caracas in support of his call for early elections and the establishment of a transitional government amid Supporters of Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido and President Nicolas Maduro participated in rival demonstrations Saturday in Caracas as a member of the country's air force high command disavowed Maduro's socialist government and said he recognized Guaido as the interim president. Thousands of Guaido's supporters, carrying flags and blowing horns, converged on a handful of locations around Caracas in support of his call for early elections and the establishment of a transitional government amid

Thousands of Guaido's supporters, carrying flags and blowing horns, converged on a handful of locations around Caracas in support of his call for early elections and the establishment of a transitional government amid mounting global pressure for Maduro to step down. Guaido arrived at one of the rallies with his wife, Fabiana, and was quickly surrounded by exuberant supporters.

Pro-Maduro demonstrators took to the streets on the western side of Caracas to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Bolivarian revolution that led to the rise of socialist Hugo Chavez, Maduro's deceased predecessor. Maduro addressed the crowd, the first time he has appeared at a public rally since August 4.

Maduro called for parliamentary elections earlier than planned, repeated he is the country's legitimate president and told the crowd, "I am very ashamed to see this group of opposition coup perpetrators" take orders from Washington.

Sunday deadline



The demonstrations mark the second week of heightened tensions in Venezuela and come before a Sunday deadline set by major European countries for Maduro to call snap elections. Britain, France, Germany and Spain have said they will follow the U.S. in recognizing National Assembly Speaker Guaido as Venezuela's interim president if Maduro does not order new elections by Sunday.

Guaido declared himself interim president last week, a move that was supported by some two dozen countries. Guaido said during the VOA interview he would order new elections "when we achieve the capacity to convene elections." First, Guaido said, "we have to achieve the necessary force in order for this usurpation to end."

Venezuela's Guaido Calls for International Community Support Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido is calling on the international community to back his efforts to force embattled President Nicolas Maduro from power and restore democracy to the South American nation.Guaido, the president of the opposition-controlled National Assembly, declared himself interim president last week after the Assembly declared that Maduro's re-election last May was illegitimate, as most either boycotted the race or were prevented from running. The United States has recognized Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido is calling on the international community to back his efforts to force embattled President Nicolas Maduro from power and restore democracy to the South American nation.Guaido, the president of the opposition-controlled National Assembly, declared himself interim president last week after the Assembly declared that Maduro's re-election last May was illegitimate, as most either boycotted the race or were prevented from running. The United States has recognized

Guaido has rejected offers from Mexico's and Uruguay's presidents to negotiate with Maduro. Guaido told them in a letter that "to be neutral is to be on the side of the regime that has condemned hundreds of thousands of human beings to misery, hunger and exile, including death."

Maduro has presided over a Venezuelan economic collapse that has resulted in chronic shortages of food and medicine. He blames the U.S. for supporting what he calls a coup to remove him from power and exploit Venezuela's vast oil reserves.

Pence Urges Support for 'Side of Freedom' in Venezuela U.S. Vice President Mike Pence said Friday that the United States "calls on every nation to recognize Juan Guaido as Venezuela's president and take the side of freedom." Pence said the United States stood with Venezuela amid a power struggle between President Nicolas Maduro and opposition leader Guaido.He warned, "Nicolas Maduro would do well not to test the resolve of the United States." Pence was speaking at a meeting with Venezuelan exiles and community leaders in Miami, participating in a round U.S. Vice President Mike Pence said Friday that the United States "calls on every nation to recognize Juan Guaido as Venezuela's president and take the side of freedom." Pence said the United States stood with Venezuela amid a power struggle between President Nicolas Maduro and opposition leader Guaido.He warned, "Nicolas Maduro would do well not to test the resolve of the United States." Pence was speaking at a meeting with Venezuelan exiles and community leaders in Miami, participating in a round

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence met Friday with exiled Venezuelans in the southeastern U.S. city of Miami. Pence reassured them the U.S. would continue efforts to oust Maduro from office.

"This is no time for dialogue," Pence said. "It is time to end the Maduro regime."

Colombias military says it has killed a militant leader who refused to adhere to a peace accord his rebel group and the government agreed to in 2016.

Today in a seamless operation the criminal known as Rodrigo Cadete, one of the most feared figures of terrorism in our country, was neutralized, Colombian President Ivan Duque said Saturday.

Cadete, who was 52, had been a leader of FARC, the countrys former leftist guerilla group that has put down its arms and transformed into a political party, holding 10 seats in Congress.

Defense Minister Guillermo Botero said nine other guerillas were killed and some other rebels were captured in the same operation in the Caqueta region that brought down Cadete.

The minister said Cadete had been trying to unite other insurgents to form a new rebel group.

Cadete participated in the yearslong peace negotiations that resulted in FARC giving up its arms, but he refused to accept the deal.The Central African Republic reached a peace deal with 14 armed groups following talks conducted in Khartoum, the United Nations said Saturday,

potentially ushering in a period of stability in the volatile country.

Central African Republic has been rocked by violence since 2013 when mainly Muslim Seleka rebels ousted then-President Francois Bozize, prompting reprisals from mostly Christian militias. U.N. peacekeepers were deployed in 2014.

"We have finalized a peace agreement in Khartoum, enabling the people of Central African Republic to embark on a path of reconciliation, agreement and development," the African Union's Commissioner for Peace and Security, Smail Chergui, said in a tweet on Saturday.

The terms of the deal were not immediately released.

Conflict in the Central African Republic has uprooted more than 1 million people, the United Nations said, and has until now shown little sign of abating.

The talks, which started on Jan. 24 with support from the United Nations and the African Union, were meant to stem the violence that has spread across the provinces and over which the overstretched armed forces have had little control.

Peace is not certain, despite the deal. Similar agreements in 2014, 2015 and 2017 all broke apart.

Still, a government spokesman said the deal heralded a "new era" for the country, while armed groups also expressed optimism.

Abakar Sabom, a spokesman for the FPRC, one of the main groups, said: "We were able to agree on what is essential for the Central African: peace. We hope this agreement will bring back social cohesion to the country."GENEVA - The biggest waste facility ever built in a refugee settlement has begun operating in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, home to nearly one million Rohingya refugees. The U.N. refugee agency, which is funding the project, reports the treatment plant can process the human waste of 150,000 people every day.

More than 750,000 Rohingya refugees have fled to Cox's Bazar since August 2017 to escape persecution and violence by Myanmar's military in Northern Rakhine State. Thousands of other Rohingya have fled to Bangladesh during previous periods of repression in Myanmar.

This huge population generates an enormous amount of human waste in the congested settlements, where limited land is available suitable for latrine pits and waste water treatment.

U.N. refugee spokesman Andre Mahecic said managing the waste in this terrain requires an innovative approach. He calls the new waste treatment facility a major step toward resolving this problem.

"The ability to treat large volumes of waste on site, rather than having to transport it elsewhere, is a critical step to safe and sustainable disposal of such waste in emergency situations. This will significantly reduce health risks for refugees and host communities alike and the likelihood of outbreak of diseases," he said.

For example, he notes more than 200,000 cases of acute diarrhea were reported in the Rohingya camps last year. In addition, he says people are suffering from respiratory infections and skin diseases like scabies as a result of the unhygienic conditions.

Rohingya Muslim men collect water from a well at U FILEL - Rohingya Muslim men collect water from a well at Unchiprang refugee camp near Cox's Bazar, in Bangladesh, Nov. 16, 2018. FILEL - Rohingya Muslim men collect water from a well at Unchiprang refugee camp near Cox's Bazar, in Bangladesh, Nov. 16, 2018.

Mahecic tells VOA UNHCR plans to roll out similar treatment facilities at other sites to ultimately deal with all of the waste being produced on a daily basis.

"The point of this is also that the end result is safe, that there will be also bio-gas production as part of that and whatever remains is made neutral in such a way that it in no way can damage human health."

Mahecic said Bangladeshi authorities have provided the site for the waste facility. He said engineers from UNHCR and the British charity, OXFAM, with support from Rohingya refugees, built the new site in just over seven months.

He said the initial cost of developing the site, installing the equipment, operating and maintaining the facility is just under $400,000.WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump claimed great progress in building the border wall even though its no longer than before he took office. He dismissed the reality of global warming because of a fierce, passing cold spell. He described the steel industry as totally revived despite 20,000 job losses over the past decade.

A look at his recent rhetoric and the reality:

Border wall prototypes stand in San Diego near the FILE - Border wall prototypes stand in San Diego near the Mexico-U.S. border, seen from Tijuana, Dec. 22, 2018. FILE - Border wall prototypes stand in San Diego near the Mexico-U.S. border, seen from Tijuana, Dec. 22, 2018.

The border wall

TRUMP: The chant now should be finish the wall as opposed to Build the Wall because were building a lot of wall. I started this six months ago  we really started going to town  because I could see we were going nowhere with the Democrats.  comments Friday.

TRUMP: Large sections of WALL have already been built with much more either under construction or ready to go. Renovation of existing WALLS is also a very big part of the plan to finally, after many decades, properly Secure Our Border. The Wall is getting done one way or the other!  tweet Thursday.

THE FACTS: Despite all his talk of progress, hes added no extra miles of barrier to the border to date. Construction is to start this month on a levee wall system in the Rio Grande Valley that will add 14 miles of barrier, the first lengthening in his presidency. That will be paid for as part of $1.4 billion approved by Congress last year.

Most of the work under contracts awarded by the Trump administration has been for replacement of existing barrier.

When Trump says large parts of the wall have already been built, hes not acknowledging that previous administrations built those sections. Barriers currently extend for 654 miles (1,052 kilometers), or about one-third of the border. That construction was mostly done from 2006 to 2009.

FILE - A steel worker returns to work after a bein FILE - A steel worker returns to work after a being idle for two years at U.S. Steel Granite City Works in Granite City, Illinois, May 24, 2018. FILE - A steel worker returns to work after a being idle for two years at U.S. Steel Granite City Works in Granite City, Illinois, May 24, 2018.

?The steel industry

TRUMP: Tariffs on the dumping of Steel in the United States have totally revived our Steel Industry. New and expanded plants are happening all over the U.S. We have not only saved this important industry, but created many jobs. Also, billions paid to our treasury. A BIG WIN FOR U.S.  tweet Monday.

THE FACTS: Hes exaggerating the recovery of the steel industry, particularly when it comes to jobs.

In December, the steel industry employed 141,600 people, the Labor Department says in its latest data. Last March, when Trump said he would impose the tariffs, it was 139,400. Thats a gain of 2,200 jobs during a period when the overall economy added nearly 2 million jobs. On a percentage basis, steel industry jobs grew 1.6 percent, barely higher than the 1.3 percent increase in all jobs.

Yet those figures still lag behind where they were before the 2008-2009 recession. When that downturn began, there were nearly 162,000 steelworkers.

Some companies have said they will add or expand plants. Its difficult to know just how many jobs will be added by newly planned mills. But construction spending on factories has yet to take off significantly after having been in decline between 2016 and much of 2018. Construction spending on factories has been flat in the past year, according to the Census Bureau.

Trumps reference to billions paid to our treasury concerns money raised from tariffs on foreign steel and other products. Such tariffs are generally paid by U.S. importers, not foreign countries or companies, and the costs are often passed on to consumers. So that money going to the government is mostly coming from Americans.

Voters walk through a polling station in Dallas, T Voters walk through a polling station in Dallas, Texas, Nov. 8, 2016. Voters walk through a polling station in Dallas, Texas, Nov. 8, 2016.

?Voter fraud

TRUMP: 58,000 non-citizens voted in Texas, with 95,000 non-citizens registered to vote. These numbers are just the tip of the iceberg. All over the country, especially in California, voter fraud is rampant. Must be stopped. Strong voter ID!  tweet Jan. 27.

THE FACTS: That iceberg quickly began to melt as officials found serious problems with a report from the Texas secretary of states office on voter fraud. More broadly, Trump is overstating the magnitude of such fraud across the U.S.

The Texas report suggested as many as 95,000 non-U.S. citizens may be on the states voter rolls and as many as 58,000 may have cast a ballot at least once since 1996. Since it came out, however, state elections officials have been notifying county election chiefs of problems with the findings. Local officials told The Associated Press that they received calls from Texas Secretary of State David Whitleys office indicating that some citizens had been wrongly included in the original data.

So far no one on the lists has been confirmed as a noncitizen voter. Election officials in Texas largest county say about 18,000 voters in the Houston area were wrongfully flagged as potentially ineligible to vote and those officials expect more such mistakes to be found on their list.

Republican Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, a Trump ally, acknowledged problems in the report, saying many of these individuals may have been naturalized before registering and voting, which makes their conduct perfectly legal.

Early claims by other states of possible illegal voting on a rampant scale havent held up.

When Florida began searching for noncitizens in 2012, for instance, state officials initially found 180,000 people suspected of being ineligible to vote when comparing databases of registered voters and drivers licenses. Florida officials later assembled a purge list of more than 2,600 names but that, too, was beset by inaccuracies. Eventually, a revised list of 198 names of possible noncitizens was produced through the use of a federal database.

In the U.S. overall, the actual number of fraud cases has been very small, and the type that voter IDs are designed to prevent  voter impersonation at the ballot box  is almost nonexistent. In court cases that have invalidated some ID laws as having discriminatory effects, election officials could barely cite a case in which a person was charged with in-person voting fraud.

Retired Justice Anthony Kennedy, right, ceremonial Retired Justice Anthony Kennedy, right, ceremonially swears-in Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, as President Donald Trump looks on, in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Oct. 8, 2018. Ashley Kavanaugh holds the Bible and daughters Marga Retired Justice Anthony Kennedy, right, ceremonially swears-in Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, as President Donald Trump looks on, in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Oct. 8, 2018. Ashley Kavanaugh holds the Bible and daughters Marga

?Federal judges

TRUMP: After all that I have done for the Military, our great Veterans, Judges (99), Justices (2) ... does anybody really think I wont build the WALL?  tweet Jan. 27.

THE FACTS: Hes boasting here about his record of getting federal judges and justices on the bench. But that record is not extraordinary. He also misstates the total number of judges who have been confirmed by the Senate  its 85, not 99.

While Trump did successfully nominate two justices to the Supreme Court, Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh, during his first two years in office, four other modern presidents did the same  Democrats Barack Obama, Bill Clinton and John F. Kennedy, and Republican Richard Nixon. Trump, meanwhile, is surpassed in the number of confirmed justices by Warren Harding (four), William Taft (five), Abraham Lincoln (three) and George Washington (six), according to Russell Wheeler, a visiting fellow at the Brookings Institution and expert on judicial appointments.

Trumps 85 total judicial appointees lag behind five former presidents at comparable points in office.

The five are George W. Bush, 99; Clinton, 128; Ronald Reagan, 88; Nixon, 91; and Kennedy, 111, according to Wheelers analysis.

A pedestrian stops to take a photo by Chicago Rive A pedestrian stops to take a photo by Chicago River, as bitter cold phenomenon called the polar vortex descends on much of the central and eastern United States, in Chicago, Jan. 29, 2019. A pedestrian stops to take a photo by Chicago River, as bitter cold phenomenon called the polar vortex descends on much of the central and eastern United States, in Chicago, Jan. 29, 2019.

?Climate change

TRUMP: In the beautiful Midwest, windchill temperatures are reaching minus 60 degrees, the coldest ever recorded. In coming days, expected to get even colder. People cant last outside even for minutes. What the hell is going on with Global Waming? Please come back fast, we need you!  tweet Monday.

THE FACTS: Global warming does not need to make a comeback because it hasnt gone away. Extreme cold spells in parts of the globe do not signal a retreat.

Earth is considerably warmer than it was 30 years ago and especially 100 years ago. The lower 48 states make up only 1.6 percent of the globe, so whats happening there at any particular time is not a yardstick of the planets climate. Even so, despite the brutal cold in the Midwest and East, five Western states are warmer than normal.

This is simply an extreme weather event and not representative of global scale temperature trends, said Northern Illinois University climate scientist Victor Gensini. The exact opposite is happening in Australia, which has been broiling with triple-digit heat that is setting records.

Trumps own administration released a scientific report last year saying that while human-caused climate change will reduce cold weather deaths in 49 large cities in the United States, changes in extreme hot and extreme cold temperatures are projected to result in more than 9,000 additional premature deaths per year by the end of this century if greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise at recent rates.

Trump routinely conflates weather and climate. Weather is like mood, which is fleeting. Climate is like personality, which is long term.Last Sunday, January 27, was the day designated by the United Nations as International Holocaust Remembrance Day. It was the 74th anniversary of the day Soviet troops liberated Auschwitz-Birkenau.

The camp run by the German Third Reich, located just over an hour from the Polish city of Krakow, was the largest of the network of concentration and extermination camps used to systematically murder Jews, homosexuals, political dissidents, Jehovah's Witnesses, Slavs, Roma, Poles, and the mentally and physically disabled.

Some 16 million civilians are believed to have died during the Nazi genocide we now call the Holocaust. Yet, as the event recedes into the past, studies show that today's generations are beginning to forget.

"We're losing that face-to-face connection," says Thomas Harding, who is spearheading an effort to create an education center in his family's former vacation home on the outskirts of Berlin. "One of the tasks that we have, I think, is to remind people what happened. The causes and results of prejudice, anti-Semitism, and xenophobia."

A 2018 study by the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany indicated two-thirds of American millennials could not identify what Auschwitz was. A Canadian study released this year said one in five young people in Canada either hadn't heard of the Holocaust or weren't sure what it was.

Meanwhile, anti-Semitic attacks in the United States rose 57 percent in 2017 over a year earlier, according to the U.S.-based Anti-Defamation League.

Harding, grandson of Jewish refugees from Germany who emigrated to Great Britain, is all too aware of what can happen when people forget how such tragedies happen. That's why Alexander Haus, named for his German ancestors, has invited students to the house, which is undergoing period-specific renovation, to talk about the past and consider ways to help people bridge their differences.

"I've been impressed by how they've been able to take those lessons from the past and apply them to today's world," Harding says. In addition the story of Jewish persecution in Germany, the house's story includes the hardships of World War II, of Russian occupation immediately after the end of the war, the divisions between East and West Germany, and the growing pains that accompanied reunification. Division and alienation played a role in the lives of each of the five families who lived in the house.

Hence, Harding's vision for the future of Alexander Haus includes building bridges  not just between Germans and Jews returning to Germany, but also between those who grew up on opposite sides of the Berlin Wall, and longtime German residents now faced with an influx of refugees from the Middle East and North Africa who are seeking new lives in Germany today.

As members of previous generations fade away, Harding says the house itself can help young people internalize the lessons of the past.

"We're very much using the lessons of the past in a very physical way," he says. "You have this small house with its fabric still there, which can tell the stories of the Holocaust but also the period of the Cold War. The Berlin Wall went between the house and the lake. The Berlin Airlift happened here. There are so many extraordinary stories."

"There is a very real anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, xenophobia in Germany, in Europe, in North America and in the world, and it's deeply troubling," Harding says. That makes the support his project has received feel all the more significant.

"It's provided this little space where people can come together and say no, we will not stand for that. . . . I think one of the lessons of history is that you need to call out when bad things happen. You can't just stand around and watch from the outside. And that's very much part of our work.

"We're in our early days," he says, noting that the renovation of the house, which was vacant for 10 years after reunification, is ongoing. French doors that open out to a view of the lake were recently installed. The historic fireplace at the heart of the home was recently restored. The home's shutters, bearing an iconic diamond design, are still being refurbished. There is still plenty to do. Yet, German villagers and other volunteers who are helping the Harding family have noted that support for the project is high, and many visitors leave the grounds determined not to let the future echo the past.

"So," Harding says. "Watch this space."

More about Alexander Haus today can be found at alexanderhaus.org. For more on its past, visit https://www.goethe.de/ins/us/en/kul/tec/tbp/hfr.html.Click here to log in and see all of our other subscription options for the Mesabi Tribune, including online only & auto-renewal subscriptions.World War II at home in Britain

1940 - Coventry, the city centre

1940 - In the morning, work as usual. After a big raid, the way to the office is knee-deep in rubble. Londoners unemotionally pick their way through it

1940 - Portsmouth. 65,000 houses were damaged out of 70,000 in the city but services were restored and life went on - a mobile laundry

1940 - 'Tea, and telling about it'. From the youngest to the oldest. YMCA provided hot drinks not only for civil defence etc but for the civilians - some 'tea cars' were 'sponsored' by USA

1940 - Watching and waiting

3.45 am 11th November, 1940 - Elephant and Castle Tube Station. Those who went to shelters began a new kind of night-life. Some took over the Tubes, camping out in this fashion

7th September 1940 - After 300 bombers had attacked for over an hour and a half, the East End docklands were ablaze

8th September 1940 - Worcester House, a block of flats in Kensington Road, Lambeth, London

9th September 1940 - St. Thomas's Hospital torn by high explosive, three ward blocks were destroyed

12th December 1940 - High Street, Sheffield after a long night of bombing

15th October 1940 - Balham High Road, London. Civil defence on the scene

22nd December 1940 - Air raid, the corner of Deansgate, Manchester, in the centre of the city

29th December 1940 - After an unofficial lull in the Blitz attacks on London, for Christmas in 1940, the German bombers had returned with renewed vigour

29th December 1940 - After an unofficial lull in the Blitz attacks on London, for Christmas in 1940, the German bombers had returned with renewed vigour

29th December 1940 - Ave Maria Lane, London

30 December 1940 - The City of London. The never ending battle against the flames. Fire services and rescue workers put their lives on the line

30 December 1940 - The City of London. The raids are over and civil defence and rescue workers survey the devastation caused by fire and bomb

December 1940 - Sheffield High Street. The aftermath of the night raid of 12th-13th

October 1940 - One by one the trapped are released. The victim of a daylight raid on central London, is lifted gently from a shattered basement

October 1940 - One by one they are carried to safety, London. The wife of a school caretaker was trapped in a shelter beneath the school. She was rescued after 13 hours of continuous digging, able to still grasp the hand of the man who reached her

1940 propaganda - The family must eat. After the raids on the East End, there was no panic exodus; people preferred to cling to what was left and help neighbours who had suffered worse. The woman on the right lived in the ruined houses across the road. Dinner was cooked over a fire made gipsy-fashion in the basement

1941 - Amid the devastation and rubble life goes on - the milk is delivered and the post collected. It was people like these who, after a day's work, put on their civil defence uniforms

1941 - Between the beginning of Sept 1940 and the end of July 1941 millions of fire bombs rained on London but they did not all fall on roads

1941 - Both G.P.O. and Control Centre telephonists were called upon to do their ordinary jobs coolly and patiently in the presence of danger

1941 - Coventry. After the raid, it is still washing day. In the shadow of Coventry Cathedral, now an empty shell

1941 - Fifty thousand incidents were reported to London Control Centre during the blitz. Against each, according to its size, the forces of defence and rescue were marshalled; each was met by planned response

1941 - Fire was everywhere. Incendiaries fell in Whitehall, around the Cenotaph

1941 - Front line unit. It is not only the man on the branch whose job takes him to the forefront of danger. The whole fire brigade is in it together. Here are women members in charge of a mobile canteen, serving tea to men who have come straight from fighting a fire nearby

1941 - It was her business to get there. The girl ambulance driver sets out through the blitz

1941 - Liverpool panoramic view of Lord Street; South Castle Street; Customs House in the background

1941 - London wrecked stations. One of the main-line termini; the trains still run

1941 - London. If you could, you carried on. If the gas still worked, you cooked the dinner; it seemed the right thing to do

1941 - London. Little but their lives. This family got out of its house only just in time and dashed through the blitz to shelter

1941 - Plymouth from the Guildhall tower

1941 - The good neighbour. Besides their function as the eyes and ears of the Control Centre in the field the wardens had another, equally important, that of the 'good neighbour' in the blitz, earning and keeping the people's confidence. In this role the work of the women wardens was outstanding. One warden in every six was a woman

1941 - The men, woman and children, the very heart and citadel of the city's strength, were the care of the wardens and rescue workers

1941 - They took what the ambulance brought them. In a first-aid post, doctor and nurses examine a casualty

1941 - Thousands were suddenly made homeless. The aftermath of last night's raid - civil defence, rescue workers help the victims. By the end of May, 1,150,000 houses in the London Region were damaged

1941 - Underground chaos after the raid. Rescue and repair men at work, London

1941 - Westminster Hospital, Dean Ryle Street, Horseferry Road, Westminster. With the blitz still at its height, casualties are attended to in Westminster Hospital. The patient is a woman driver

10th May 1941 - The facade of the Salvation Army International H.Q. collapsing, 23-25, Queen Victoria Street, London

11th January 1941 - Out in the blitz, silhouetted against the light of fires, rescue men climb into a building in St. Leonard Street, Shoreditch, London to reach people trapped in the upper floors

11th January 1941 - The City of London. Regular and auxiliary fire fighters tackle the blazes caused by fire bombs at Eastcheap

11th January 1941 - Through the long night the rescue men are at work, searching, helping to safety. St Leonard's Street, Shoreditch, London

12th January 1941 - The search goes on. Throughout the night and all the next day wardens, rescue men and ambulances men burrowed into the wreckage of this house, looking for its occupant an old lady. She was under the stairs

12th May 1941 - Enormous craters at The Bank, where the road collapsed into the subway beneath. A temporary bridge was thrown right across it by civil defence

14th March 1941 - Knightswood, Glasgow, Scotland. No time is lost when neighbours may be buried in the ruins. Glasgow rescue civil defence workers dig by the light of floodlights

16th April 1941 - Holborn Circus, City of London ablaze as civil defence rescue and fire fighters appear on the scene - the statue of Prince Albert is silhouetted by the flames

16th April 1941 - Southwark Street, London. The fire and rescue services fight an never ending battle

21st February 1941 - Swansea had three heavy raids on successive nights in the middle of February, and the centre of the city was levelled to the ground by bombs and fire

March 1941 - The homeless leave, their spirits high. More than 50,000 houses were damaged, but emergency homes were found and life went on

3rd January 1942 - Merchant's Road, Clifton, Bristol. A never ending job for the civil defence and volunteer fire brigade

When Britain went to war on 3 September 1939 there was none of the 'flag-waving patriotism' of August 1914. The British people were now resigned to the fact that Hitler had to be stopped by force.The first eight months of the war were a time of official unwarranted optimism and bureaucratic muddle. Many early wartime measures such as the blackout and evacuation proved highly unpopular. But this 'Phoney War' was soon followed by the 'bracing defeat' of Dunkirk and the fall of France in June 1940.For the next year, under Winston Churchills inspiring and resolute leadership, Britain with its Empire stood alone against Hitler, until they were joined by two powerful allies, the Soviet Union and the United States.But for the next five years the British had to endure the bombing of their towns and cities in the Blitz, as well as attacks from flying bombs and rockets. In all 60,595 civilians were killed and 86,182 seriously injured. Rationing of food began in January 1940 and clothes in June 1941. By 1943, virtually every household item was either in short supply and had to be queued for, or was unobtainable.The British were the most totally mobilised of all the major belligerents and there was a great and genuine community of spirit in wartime Britain which often transcended class and other barriers. But there was also an almost universal feeling, exemplified by the popularity of the 1942 Beveridge Report, that after victory the country could not go back to pre-war social conditions.VE Day found Britain exhausted, drab and in poor shape, but justly proud of its unique role in gaining the Allied victory.These historical photos from painting in light that show the way the British fought against this war, and stories behind each photo.Born 1902 as Dorothy Walton Gatley at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas, American theatre, motion picture, radio, and television actress Ann Harding graduated from East Orange High School. Having gained her initial acting experience in school drama classes, she decided on a career as an actress and moved to New York City. Because her father opposed her career choice, she used the stage name Ann Harding.A regular player on Broadway and in regional theater in the 1920s, in the 1930s, Harding was one of the first actresses to gain fame in the new medium of "talking pictures", and she was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress in 1931 for her work inAfter initial work as a script reader, Harding began to win roles on Broadway and in regional theaters, primarily in Pennsylvania. She moved to California to begin working in movies, which were just then beginning to include sound. Her work in plays had given her notable diction and stage presence, and she became a leading lady. By the late 1930s, she was becoming stereotyped as the beautiful, innocent, self-sacrificing woman, and film work became harder for her to obtain.Harding also worked occasionally in television between 1955 and 1965, and she appeared in two plays in the early 1960s, returning to the stage after an absence of over 30 years, including the lead in "The Corn is Green" in 1964 at the Studio Theater in Buffalo, New York.After her 1965 retirement, Harding resided in Sherman Oaks, California. She died in 1981 at the age of 79.For her contributions to the motion picture and television industries, Harding has two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame  one in the Motion Pictures section 6201 Hollywood Boulevard and one in the Television section at 6850 Hollywood Boulevard.Take a look at these glamorous photos to see the beauty of Ann Harding in the 1920s and 1930s.In 2018, the Vietnamese government issued Circular 17/2018/TT-BLDTBXH (Circular 17) regulating self-inspection of labor law compliance by enterprises. The Circular, already in effect since January 1, 2019 provides guidelines for self-inspection of compliance with labor law, online reporting, and responsibilities of employers, labor unions, and the states inspection agencies.

According to Circular 17, the timing of self-inspection is at the discretion of the enterprises, but they need to do it at least once a year and must retain all the files of the results.

If they fail to conduct the self-inspection or report the results, they may be subjected to a labor law compliance inspection or could incur penalties.

Scope of self-inspection

The self-inspection needs to cover the following according to Circular 17:

periodical labor reports;

employee recruitment and training

signing and execution of labor contracts;

communication, negotiation, and the signing of collective labor agreements

Working hours and rest hours;

wages paid to employees;

organization and implementation of occupational safety and hygiene;

implementation of regulations for female employees, minor employees, elderly employees, disabled employees and foreign employees;

formulation and registration of labor rules, labor discipline, and physical compensation

participation and deduction/contribution of compulsory social insurance, unemployment insurance and health insurance for the relevant employees;

handling of labor-related disputes and complaints; and

other activities deemed necessary by the employer.

Employer obligations

The employer needs to conduct the self-inspection as prescribed in Circular 17. They also need to register an account and submit the results on the website (http://tukiemtraphapluatlaodong.gov.vn) as required by the state inspection agency.

In addition, employers need to work with the labor union in implementing the recommendations put forth by the state inspection agency for labor affairs.

Procedures

The employer needs to set up a self-inspection delegation and create an account on the website (http://tukiemtraphapluatlaodong.gov.vn) to receive a self-inspection note.

The delegation should be comprised of a delegation head (employer representative) and members who are in charge of salary, occupational safety and health work, labor union, and other departments as decided by the employer.

Next, the delegation needs to compare the companys activities with the labor law in force and analyze if it complies with the law. If there are any acts against the labor law, they need to suggest measures to ensure compliance. The conclusion of the delegation needs to be posted on the website (http://tukiemtraphapluatlaodong.gov.vn) and updated in case there are changes in the labor law.

In case of activities which require inspections visits to production facilities or workplace of the employees, the delegation needs to pay a visit to check for compliance.

The self-inspection dossier should include the self-inspection note, conclusion of the inspection, documents on the establishment of the delegation, and other relevant documents created during inspections.

The final step is to work with the labor union and create an online report of the result as per regulations. The enterprise, including its branches and offices in local areas, need to send the online report to their authorities and Inspectorate of the Department of Labour  Invalids and Social Affairs in places where their entities operate.Vietnamese government recently issued draft amendments to Decree No. 92/2016/ND-CP, which currently guides the investment and business activities in the civil aviation sector. The proposed changes, which are currently under review, will create a level playing field for foreign investors but will have a negative impact on domestic firms planning to enter the growing aviation market.

Proposed changes

Foreign ownership limit

The government has proposed on increasing the foreign ownership limit in a Vietnamese airline from 30 percent to 49 percent. The majority shareholder should be a Vietnamese individual or legal entity. If the legal entity has foreign owned capital, then the foreign capital contribution should not exceed 49 percent.

Investment Capital

As of now, the minimum investment capital requirements for domestic entrants are much less compared to foreign investors. According to the recent draft, the government has proposed to keep the minimum capital requirements same for domestic and foreign investors.

For investors setting up an airline of up to 10 aircrafts, the minimum capital requirement proposed is VND 700 billion (US$30.5 million) for domestic and international operations. Current minimum capital requirement for domestic services is VND 300 billion (US$13 million).

For airlines with 11 to 30 aircrafts, the capital requirement has been set at VND 1 trillion (US$43.5 million) for domestic and international operations. Current minimum capital requirement for domestic services is VND 600 billion (US$26 million).

For airlines operating over 30 aircrafts, the capital requirement proposed has been raised to VND 1.3 trillion (US$56.5 million) for foreign and domestic investors. Current minimum capital requirement for domestic airlines is VND 700 billion (US$30.5 million).

Airport enterprise

To establish an airport enterprise involved in the maintenance of a domestic or international airport, would require a minimum capital of VND 200 billion (US$8.7 million).

Vietnam, one of the fastest growing aviation markets in the world, grew 17.4 percent in the last 10 years, but continues to suffer from underdeveloped infrastructure and mismanagement. The proposed changes will further open up the market for foreign investors and lead to an increase in competition and reduced fares for passengers.The rise in low-cost carriers, internet penetration, and smartphone adoption has led to a rapid growth in the online tourism industry, which is dominated by foreign online travel agencies (OTAs). When compared to foreign firms, domestic firms continue to face issues such as the lack of technology solutions, the scale of partnerships with hotels, and lack of funding, which allows foreign OTAs to offer higher discounts and bigger sales promotion schemes to attract tourists.

Tourism industry

Last year, the Vietnamese government passed the Tourism Law, focusing on the development of the industry. Tourism has been identified as a key industry for Vietnam, due to its rapid growth and growing contribution to the countrys GDP. According to a June 2017 United Nations World Tourism Organization report, Vietnams tourism growth was the seventh fastest globally and was the only country in Southeast Asia to feature in the top 10.

By 2020, the tourism industrys revenues in Vietnam are predicted to reach US$35 billion, while the number of foreign tourists will rise to 20 million. In addition, the industrys contribution to the GDP will grow from seven percent in 2017 to 10 percent in 2020.

2017

In 2017, Vietnams foreign tourist arrival grew by 29.1 percent to 12.9 million. This growth pushed the industrys turnover to US$23 billion (VND515 trillion), an increase of 25.1 percent. The industry accounted for seven percent of the national GDP.

Arrivals from Asia and Europe grew the highest at 34.4 percent and 16.6 percent respectively.

2018

In the first four months of 2018, there were 5.5 million foreign visitors, an increase of 29.5 percent compared to the same period last year. The government is targeting 15 to 17 million foreign visitors in 2018.

Visitors from China grew by 39.7 percent year-on-year, to 1.77 million, while arrivals from South Korea stood at 1.17 million, growing by a staggering 67 percent year-on-year. Outside of Asia, the major sources for tourists were US, Russia, and Australia with each growing between 10 and 15 percent.

Online tourism

According to the Vietnam E-commerce Associations (VECOM) Vietnam E-business Index 2018, the booking rate through OTAs increased by 30 percent in 2017, while the online travel revenue grew by 50 percent when compared to 2016.

Domestic firms account for only 20 percent of the market, while the rest is dominated by foreign agencies such as Trivago, Booking, and Agoda. The major growth drivers for foreign firms include access to capital, partnerships with hotels, and promotional programs such as discounts/offers.

With the rise in internet penetration and smartphone penetration, tourists will continue to prefer OTAs to traditional travel agencies due to convenience, the range of properties, promotional offers, and easier payment methods. In 2018, 71 percent of foreign tourists heading to Vietnam searched for information online, while 64 percent booked their Vietnam tours online.

The online tourism market is predicted to grow from US$2.2 billion in 2015 to around US$9 billion in 2025.

Competing with foreign OTAs in areas such as capital, promotional offers, and marketing will be tough for domestic firms. However, they can focus on issues such as improving customer service, optimizing technology, and diversification of services such as providing transportation and tour guides, to remain competitive.

The Venetian Resort Las Vegas is celebrating Chinese New Year and The Year of the Pig with an inspiring and traditional eye ceremony and lion dance.

The auspicious dance begins at The Venetians porte cochere and winds its way through The Venetian lobby and casino, stopping in the waterfall atrium before continuing through The Palazzo casino and lobby, and ending at The Palazzo porte cochere. This exciting and joyful event features firecrackers, and a parade of dancers and drummers in authentic costumes.

To accompany the ceremony and dance, guests can enjoy stunning decorations highlighting the Year of the Pig that can be found throughout the resort.

To commemorate the Year of the Pig, The Venetian Resorts floral and horticulture team worked with a team of artisans and consulted a feng shui master to create an installation that features a colossal golden pig sculpture.Pope Francis appeals for food to be distributed to the war-ravaged people of Yemen, as children continue to suffer the effects of the humanitarian crisis.

By Devin Watkins

Speaking at his Angelus address on Sunday, Pope Francis called on the international community to urgently promote compliance with the agreements reached, to ensure the distribution of food, and to work for the good of the population.

The Pope said he is following the humanitarian crisis in Yemen with great concern.

Yemens population, he said, is exhausted by the lengthy conflict and a great many children are suffering from hunger, without being able to access food supplies.

The cry of these children and their parents rises up to God, said Pope Francis.

Following his appeal, the Pope invited everyone to pray for our brothers and sisters of Yemen. And he led the crowd in the recitation of the Hail Mary.

UN-sponsored truce in Hodeidah

A truce between Yemens warring parties in the key port city of Hodeidah came into force a month ago.

The United Nation is urging both sides to respect the accord and to withdraw troops from the port quickly.

Humanitarian conditions in the country are deteriorating fast, according to international aid agencies.

Most of Yemens imports enter through the Hodeidah port, and fighting in the city has cut off humanitarian aid and left millions on the brink of starvation.Valdosta, GA (31601)

Today

Scattered thunderstorms early, then mainly cloudy overnight with thunderstorms likely. Low 72F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Locally heavy rainfall possible..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms early, then mainly cloudy overnight with thunderstorms likely. Low 72F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Locally heavy rainfall possible.Radical cystectomy remains the gold standard for treatment of muscle-invasive bladder. Robot-assisted radical cystectomy has technical advantages over laparoscopic radical cystectomy and has emerged as an alternative to open radical cystectomy. Despite the advancements in robotic surgery, experience with total intracorporeal reconstruction of urinary diversion remains limited. Most surgeons have carried out the hybrid approach of robot-assisted radical cystectomy and extracorporeal reconstruction of urinary diversion, as intracorporeal reconstruction of urinary diversion remains technically challenging. However, intracorporeal reconstruction of urinary diversion might potentially proffer additional benefits, such as decreased fluid loss, reduction in estimated blood loss and a quicker return of bowel function. The adoption of intracorporeal ileal neobladder reconstruction has hitherto been limited to high-volume academic institutions. In the present review, we compare the totally intracorporeal robot-assisted radical cystectomy approach with open radical cystectomy and robot-assisted radical cystectomy + extracorporeal reconstruction of urinary diversion in muscle-invasive bladder cancer patients.

International journal of urology : official journal of the Japanese Urological Association. 2019 Jan 28 [Epub ahead of print]

Takuya Koie, Chikara Ohyama, Kazuhide Makiyama, Toru Shimazui, Tomoaki Miyagawa, Kosuke Mizutani, Tomohiro Tsuchiya, Taku Kato, Keita Nakane

Department of Urology, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Gifu, Japan., Department of Urology, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Aomori, Japan., Department of Urology, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan., Department of Urology, Ibaraki Clinical Education and Training Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Kasama, Ibaraki, Japan., Depatment of Urology, Jichi Medical University Saitama Medical Center, Urawa, Saitama, Japan.

PubMed http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30690817(@rukhshanmir)

The United Sates Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has expressed the United States' applause for the visit of His Holiness Pope Francis, Head of the Catholic Church, to the UAE, describing it as "historic moment for religious freedom"

WASHINGTON, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 04th Feb, 2019) The United Sates Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has expressed the United States' applause for the visit of His Holiness Pope Francis, Head of the Catholic Church, to the UAE, describing it as "historic moment for religious freedom".

Pompeo wrote in his Twitter handle today: The United States applauds @Pontifex arrival in UAE as an historic moment for religious freedom.

He added: The first Holy Mass by a Pope in the Arabian Peninsula promotes peace and understanding between two of the worlds great religions.DUBAI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 03rd Feb, 2019) Costa Ricas Vice President Epsy Campbell Barr will head his ministerial delegation as the Guest of Honour to the seventh World Government Summit, WGS 2019, in Dubai. Costa Rica is one of the three guest countries this year, alongside Estonia and Rwanda.

In recent years, Costa Rica has sought to integrate happiness and quality of life into the heart of its public policies. The country highlighted its inspiring story during its participation in the Global Dialogue for Happiness at WGS 2018.

The Latin American country has also become a world leader in environmental sustainability policies. According to World Bank research, Costa Ricas pioneering Payment for Environmental Services programme has succeeded in promoting forest and biodiversity conservation, making it the only tropical country in the world to have reversed the effects of deforestation. Considering that 51 per cent of Costa Ricas total land mass comprises forests that are home to six percent of the planets species, this is no small feat.

Always thinking ahead by addressing the concerns of today, Costa Rica takes coffee and its environmental impact seriously. Amid growing global concerns about the negative effects of the coffee industry on the environment  from single-use cups to daily emissions from plantations  the country has come up with the worlds first Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Action project in agriculture.

Working with over 3,000 producers with an investment of US$8 billion from international partners, Costa Rica seeks to transform coffee production into a low-carbon industry as part of its aim to become the first carbon-neutral country in the world by 2021.

Furthermore, Costa Rica has championed environmental tourism and has launched a host of policies that encourage zero-emission cars while increasing restraints on fossil fuel vehicles. Perhaps most notable is its sustainable approach to socioeconomic development. The country has invested in environment-friendly leisure destinations, and nationwide systems that measure greenhouse gas emissions and suggest ways to reverse their effects, such as the Programa Pais Carbono Neutralidad.

In addition, Costa Rica has become a role model for other Latin American countries with its peace and stability initiatives since demobilizing its army in 1949 and allocating all its defence budget for social development.

Costa Rica, along with the UAE, Portugal, Mexico, Kazakhstan, and Slovenia, is also part of the Global Happiness Coalition that was launched at the sixth edition of WGS in 2018.Milledgeville, GA (31061)

Today

Scattered thunderstorms this evening becoming more widespread overnight. Low 72F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms this evening becoming more widespread overnight. Low 72F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.IT GOT INTO the 90s back home the other day and friends complained to me over the phone though guiltily because they knew Id spent a day in the ER in New York which, honestly, had been a beautiful illuminatory experience and not miserable at all, but they felt sheepish about complaining of The Division of Public Health Services faced questioning from two councilors over how the state awarded a contract in 2014 for the same work, which wasn't completed before all the money was spent.In the latest court filing in a wrongful termination and whistleblower lawsuit against the Manchester school district, the attorney representing a former city principal argues the only way to get to the bottom of accusations leveled by both sides is through a jury trial.For full access, please log in, register your subscription or subscribe.

Try for 99 a month for two months, cancel or pause anytime.Trump said Maduro requested a meeting months ago and he turned down the Venezuela leader.

U.S. President Donald Trump said that sending the military to Venezuela was "an option" and that he had turned down President Nicolas Maduro's request for a meeting.

"Certainly, it's something that's on the - it's an option," Trump said in an interview with CBS to be broadcast on Sunday, Reuters reported.

Trump said Maduro requested a meeting months ago and he turned down the Venezuela leader.

Read alsoContractors of Russia's PMC Wagner beef up security for Venezuela's Maduro  media

"I've turned it down because we're very far along in the process," he said in excerpts from a CBS "Face the Nation" interview. "So, I think the process is playing out - very, very big tremendous protests."

Tens of thousands of people have thronged the streets to protest the Maduro government, wearing the yellow, red and blue of the Venezuelan flag.

As domestic and international pressure mounts on Maduro to step down, a senior air force general disavowed him in a video that circulated earlier on Saturday, expressing his allegiance to parliament head and self-proclaimed interim president Juan Guaido.Since Sunday midnight, Russian-led forces have not opened fire yet.

Two Ukrainian soldiers were wounded amid 10 enemy attacks in Donbas, eastern Ukraine, on Saturday, February 2.

In one of the attacks, Russian-led forces used proscribed weapons, the press center of Ukraine's Joint Forces Operation (JFO) said on Facebook in a morning update on February 3.

In particular, in the Skhid (East) sector, grenade launchers of various systems were used near the village of Hnutove, large-caliber machine guns near Hnutove and the town of Krasnohorivka, and small arms near Hnutove and the village of Shyrokyne.

Read alsoAzov special forces unit returns to Donbas

Russia's hybrid military forces shelled Ukrainian positions in the Pivnich (North) sector, using automatic grenade launchers and large-caliber machine guns near the village of Khutir Vilny. Near the village of Luhanske, they mounted three attacks with 82mm mortars, cannons of an infantry fighting vehicle, and small arms. Large-caliber machine-guns were used near the village of Krymske and automatic grenade launchers were used near the village of Travneve twice along with large-caliber machine-guns.

The Ukrainian army suppressed the enemy's fire, employing allowed weapons.

According to intelligence reports, two enemy troops were killed and another four were wounded on February 2.

Since Sunday midnight, Russian-led forces have not opened fire yet.Earlier, Prosecutor General Yuriy Lutsenko said that the PGO had completed the pretrial investigation.

Chief of the Special Investigations Department of the General Prosecutor's Office (PGO) of Ukraine Serhiy Horbatiuk says a statement made by Prosecutor General Yuriy Lutsenko that a pretrial investigation into killings on the Maidan Nezalezhnosti in Kyiv during the Revolution of Dignity is untrue.

"The investigation is not over," he said, according to the Ukrainian news outlet Hromadske.

Read alsoUkraine's PGO special investigator says most crimes against Maidan activists solved

According to him, it is a prosecutor who is conducting an investigation rather than the chief prosecutor who should decide on the end of the investigation.

Earlier, Prosecutor General Yuriy Lutsenko said that the PGO had completed the pretrial investigation against those responsible for killings on the Maidan.

"We have completed the pretrial investigation against those responsible for the killings on the Maidan. We have all the evidence for transfer to the court, including forensic conclusions by independent experts that the teams of [the then president Viktor ] Yanukovych, SBU chief [Oleksandr] Yakymenko and Interior Minister [Vitaliy] Zakharchenko and their subordinates led to the shootings of civilians on Maidan," Lutsenko said.Violations of public order are expected during the elections.

Ukrainian security agencies are ready for possible acts of provocation by Russian special services during the presidential vote in Ukraine; however, the Russian special services are not the only possible source of destabilization amid the elections.

"Candidates may also organize provocations against each other. They could use our and foreign citizens  Russians, Poles, Czechs, Romanians, Moldovans, Belarusians... We should not waste our efforts on any inexplicit provocation. We have long been ready for provocations  [we're] trained, experienced," General of the SBU Security Service Vasyl Vovk said, commenting on the security forces' measures pending the elections, the news outlet Obozrevatel said.

Read alsoUkraine elections one of Central Europe's most serious challenges in decades  Rzeczpospolita

Vovk noted that some Ukrainian voters still sympathize with the Soviet Union and Russia: "They will always campaign for pseudo-opposition, pro-Russian forces. The revenge of these forces, which were allied with [ex-President Viktor] Yanukovych, is happening and will be happening. But election-related provocations have long been known, as we as schemes used during the election."

According to the SBU general, violations of public order are expected amid the elections because more people will be involved in rallies, meetings, and events to be organized by candidates and political parties.

"Where there is a crowd of people, there is a violation of public order. There is more danger to life and health of people. But law enforcement officers are switching to an enhanced mode of security, we know how to handle this  do not worry, everything will be fine," he said.Hungary has been blocking meetings on Ukraine's cooperation with the EU and NATO over a new education law.

The United States is now siding more with Hungary in a dispute over Ukraine's new education law.

"In recent years, U.S. diplomacy has repeatedly criticized the Hungarian government for its position on the Ukraine. Due to the Ukraine's new education law, which is detrimental to the Hungarian minority in Transcarpathia, [Viktor] Orban's government started to block high-level Ukraine-NATO talks in autumn 2017. The situation has somewhat changed by now, the diplomatic cable reveals, as the U.S. is now siding more with Hungary on this topic," Direkt36, a non-profit investigative journalism center in Hungary, reported.

"In the case of Ukraine, the American side now agrees with the Hungarian position regarding Ukraine's nationalist attitude and the dangerous precedent its education law could set," Direkt36 quotes a Hungarian diplomatic cable it obtained.

Read alsoHungarian envoy notes positive shifts in relations with Ukraine

The cable was sent to Budapest by the Hungarian Ambassador to Washington DC, Laszlo Szabo, after a meeting held between Hungary's Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Levente Magyar and Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs on December 18, 2018.

According to the Hungarian journalists, this document gives insight into Hungarian-American relations and shows how U.S. diplomacy is trying to put pressure on Hungary's government on issues important to Washington.

Mitchell reportedly admitted that "Hungarian objections over Ukraine's education law concerning minorities are legitimate, and the U.S. is constantly raising this to the Ukrainian side." Mitchell said that he was hoping that the Ukrainian government would will concede soon. A senior official from the Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade also told Direkt36 that in recent months, Ukrainians seemed more constructive in their negotiations with Hungary's Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto.

However, Hungarian and U.S. diplomacy is very far from complete agreement over the status of Ukraine. Mitchell complained to Magyar that Viktor Orban had spoken about Ukraine as a "buffer state" in his speech in Baile Tusnad (Tusnadfurdo).

According to Mitchell, he believes that it is also in Hungary's "fundamental interest" that Ukraine becomes a part of the West, and that Ukraine could be a case study that "a small nation-state can establish political independence against Russia."

Hungary has been blocking meetings on Ukraine's cooperation with the EU and NATO over a new education law, which entered into force in Ukraine on September 28, 2017.The Volyn tragedy is a massacre during the Second World War when civilians of different nationalities were killed in the territory of Volyn.

Ambassador of Ukraine to the Czech Republic Yevhen Perebyinis insists that the communists of Czechoslovakia distributed disinformation after World War II that the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) had allegedly waged a war against the Czechs in Volyn.

Read alsoPolish Sejm labels Volyn killings "genocide"

"The theme of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army in the Czech Republic was created artificially in a way. Of course, the history of the UPA is ambiguous and somewhat controversial, but the Ukrainian Insurgent Army did not fight with the Volyn Czechs  there is evidence in archival documents and historians' research. So this is the disinformation created by the Communists in Czechoslovakia after World War II, and unfortunately, it is still alive today," the diplomat told Radio Praha's Russian service.

The Volyn tragedy is a massacre during the Second World War when civilians of different nationalities were killed in the territory of Volyn. Historians disagree on who was the initiator and perpetrator of the mass killing of civilians.The president congratulated the nation on the completion of the new church's formation.

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has announced there will be no state-controlled church in Ukraine and invited the Orthodox Church of Ukraine for partnership.

"Let me stress once again that the recently registered Ukrainian Orthodox Church, in accordance with the Constitution of Ukraine, is and will be separated from the state. There will be no state-controlled church in Ukraine. This constitutional principle has been in force and will remain in force," Poroshenko said during the inauguration of Metropolitan of Kyiv and All Ukraine Epifaniy (Epiphanius) as Primate of the newly created Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU).

According to him, the enthronement of the Primate of the OCU symbolizes that "this great issue of the state has been resolved with God's help."

Read alsoOver 100 parishes of former Moscow Patriarchate join new independent Church in Ukraine

"Let me congratulate the Ukrainian people on this event," Poroshenko said.

In his words, the separation and mutual respect open the way to a genuine partnership between the state and the church, to joint work for the benefit of the country and the people.

According to Poroshenko, he is aware what the citizens of Ukraine want.

"You, Your Beatitude, and I have a common vision of what the citizens of Ukraine want. These are order, security, well-being," he said.

Poroshenko also noted that he highly appreciates everything that has already been done by all Ukrainian churches and religious organizations, from volunteering and army support to social support of citizens. "I propose an equal and responsible partnership on the path chosen by the country. We have a very wide field for cooperation," he added.

As UNIAN reported earlier, Metropolitan of Kyiv and All Ukraine Epifaniy (Epiphanius) was inaugurated as Primate of the newly created Orthodox Church of Ukraine at Kyiv's Saint Sophia Cathedral on February 3.U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine Negotiations Kurt Volker called on Russia to immediately release the Ukrainian sailors captured in the Kerch Strait.

We call on Russia immediately to release the sailors and to try to come back to a diplomatic track for resolving this crisis, the Embassy of Ukraine in the United States said on its Facebook page, citing a statement by Volker at the U.S. European Media Hub in Brussels.

Volker said that the United States would not move forward in negotiations with Russia until the Russian authorities released the Ukrainian sailors.

He also added that the USA was familiar with the evidence of Russias attacks on Ukrainian vessels. We know from imagery, we know from video on YouTube, we know from what the Ukrainians have reported what happened in terms of the blockage of the strait, the pursuit of the Ukrainian vessels in international waters, firing upon them, and those sailors still being held by Russia," he said.

In addition, Volker warned the Kremlin that the U.S. was considering the possibility of increasing sanctions against Russia over its actions in the Kerch Strait. I can say that both the United States and Europe are looking at what additional measures we should be taking if Russia fails to return the sailors and continues to make these assertions of control of the Kerch Strait as it is," he said.

As reported, on November 25, 2018, Russian border ships fired on and seized in the Kerch Strait three Ukrainian naval vessels that were moving from Odesa to Mariupol. Twenty-four Ukrainian sailors were captured.

The sailors were detained for two months. They were charged with illegally crossing Russia's border in the Black Sea. On November 29, Ukrainians were taken to a detention center in Moscow.

On January 16, Moscow's Lefortovo District Court extended the arrest of all 24 seamen until April 24 and 26, 2019. Attorneys will file appeals on all Ukrainians.

All captured sailors called themselves prisoners of war.On Monday, Gov. Kevin Stitt is scheduled to begin the first session of the 57th Oklahoma Legislature with the annual State of the State speech.

We look forward to hearing the specifics Stitt will be proposing to go with the vision of his successful race for governor.

As Stitt prepares to give his take on the state of the state, we would offer these four observations:

1. Our schools need help. For a decade, we have been pushing more students in the front door but providing educators with less money to deal with them, a recipe for failure.

Last years teacher pay raises, averaging $6,100, must be followed with substantial additional money for increasing the number of fully qualified teachers and providing them with the resources they need to do their jobs well.

2. We are unhealthy. Oklahomans eat too much, smoke too much, exercise too little and too often lack health insurance. Public policy can successfully address all of these issues. The first move should be to accept available federal Medicaid funding to expand health care coverage for thousands of uninsured Oklahomans through the private market.Rather than continuing the status quo, a long-term plan would map out funding goals and outcome-driven metrics to achieve a comprehensive vision for education. It would also let Oklahoma families hold their representatives accountable for what should be our states top priority.

As we educate our future workforce, we must recognize that our criminal justice system severely constrains the states labor pool. Oklahoma is the most incarcerated state in the nation, and it comes at great cost to taxpayers, families and society. We can both reduce future crime and save taxpayer dollars by investing in rehabilitation, reforming outdated fines and fees, rethinking our bail and bonding system and nurturing a pipeline for re-entry that leads to stable employment. Gov. Stitt is right to make criminal justice reform a focus of his administration.

To be a top 10 state, we must have a clear vision and plan to grow our economy. Oklahoma needs to prioritize economic and workforce development in sectors with strong future potential. Looking ahead to the types of employees our state will need in years to come, the Tulsa Regional Chamber has partnered with the State Chamber and the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber to propose a new tax program to bolster the hiring of software engineers. Attracting this talent to our state is a necessity for high-growth startups and technology companies.Get 25% off of the regular $65 annual All Access rate. With this subscription you will get:

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Complete digital access to ElPasoInc.com.The total cost for health care in Oklahoma would not change, whether we took back that money or not; it would just mean that Oklahoma individuals and companies could get help to pay part of the cost.

The equally conservative states of Utah, Nebraska and Idaho figured that out and voted by substantial majority in referendums last November to take back their tax dollars to help pay for health care.

Our failure to do the same is shutting down rural hospitals and nursing homes in Oklahoma. For what? To jab Barack Obama? Hes not president any more. Because of concern about administrative cost? Its somewhere between zero and 10 percent of the new monies Oklahomans would receive.

We now have the opportunity to get that money back on our terms because the current administration is very flexible about state variances. Insure Oklahoma, our very popular, home-grown health care program, could be modified to accept the new funding.

Or we could hang back  bleeding dollars through higher taxes, cost shifting to paying patients, lower quality of health care for Oklahomans and a tapeworm on our businesses  and vie with Mississippi to be the last to accept this bargain.With demonstrators pouring into the streets of the Venezuelan capital, a smaller crowd took to a south Tulsa parking lot to show support.

About 30 people gathered Saturday afternoon, holding signs and Venezuelan flags supporting interim President Juan Guaido, the leader of the countrys National Assembly who declared himself president in January amid a wave of protest against President Nicolas Maduro.

At least 27 governments have backed Guaidos interim government, according to a report published by The New York Times.

Demonstrators assembled at Tu Casa Realty near East 51st Street and South Fulton Avenue. Members of the Venezuelan community previously protested Jan. 23 outside the federal building in downtown Tulsa.

Maria Aleman, a Realtor at Tu Casa and a Venezuelan immigrant to the U.S., said although shes excited about the prospect of free elections and an end to the crisis in her home country, it doesnt make watching from abroad any easier.

It is so sad, its terrible, Aleman said. We feel frustrated to not be able to help over there, because we need to be here at work and stuff.

But right now we have hope that everything will be fine. Its going to take time, we understand that, but this is a big step for us to get rid of the dictator over there, to stop them killing people.

Stetson Payne 918-732-8135 stetson.payne@tulsaworld.com Twitter: @stetson__payneThe people want their legislators to work together, said House Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka.

Were Democrats; were Republicans; and we expect to work together to solve problems, he said.

One reason for leaderships sunny disposition is that the turnover presents opportunities for Treat, McCall and their lieutenants to tighten their control of their respective chambers.

McCall, for instance, bade farewell to more than a dozen lawmakers, both Republican and Democrat, who regularly made his job more difficult. The thinking is that the Republican caucus will be more united than in the past while a shrinking Democratic minority, minus some of its most skilled and fiery orators, will be less of a factor.

House Democrats, at last months organizational day, made it clear that they intend to be as feisty as ever but acknowledged the testiness of recent years.

While we may not have the numbers, were more than willing to fight the fight until we get it right, Rep. Regina Goodwin, D-Tulsa, said then.

Much of the Republicans legislative priorities, though, seem to be issues that can cut across party lines. This includes criminal justice reform, education and health care.Its freaking hemp, man, Shoemake said Friday. Its not like they had a load of heroin or were loaded up with stolen car parts. And theyre going to ruin these guys lives over that?

The Osage County District Attorneys Office didnt provide comment.

Shoemake said District Attorney Mike Fisher is a fine man and as honest a prosecutor as there is in the profession. But Shoemake said he doesnt understand or even know why the case is being handled in this fashion.

Deneke and Warsame, along with hemp security providers Andrew Ross and David Dirksen, are charged with marijuana trafficking. A conviction carries with it a sentence of 15 years to life.

Ross and Dirksen are free after each posted $20,000 bonds Jan. 15.

For Deneke and Warsame, their attorney has been unable to find an agency willing to post either of their $40,000 bonds. He said anyone willing to do so may call his Pawhuska office at 918-287-1812.

The security drivers made bond, and these guys are just sitting in jail, Shoemake said, noting that the two who were able to gain release are white business owners. I think its a miscarriage of justice.Simpson said she didnt know how long Northcutt followed in the stolen car but that she understood the heisted cruiser to be found abandoned about three miles away.

When asked whether the incident would have been documented more comprehensively if it were considered a pursuit officially, she responded, Speculation is inappropriate; this is not a pursuit.

Northcutt, 28, stated he began following the Lexus when he observed the driver not wearing a seat belt and initiated the traffic stop in the early evening at the Creek Turnpike exit at South 129th East Avenue.

The driver allegedly told Northcutt he had warrants out for his arrest, which Northcutt confirmed were felonies filed in Rogers County. The situation escalated when Northcutt told the Lexus passenger to gather his belongings and start walking because Carrigan, 33, was going to jail.

Northcutt wrote that was when he noticed the handcuffed Carrigan moving into the patrol cars driver seat from the passenger seat. After running to stop him, Northcutt said he opened the door and grabbed Carrigan, who put the cruiser in reverse and hit the gas. The door slammed on Northcutt, who said he held on and was dragged for about 20 feet as Carrigan drove forward. The speed forced him to let go, inflicting injuries to his left knee, hand, elbow and shoulder. Attempt to establish a relationship with your legislators before you have an issue to discuss with them.

 Personal contact is usually more effective than telephone calls, emails or letters.

 Avoid form letters, emails and scripted telephone calls. If you write, do so in your own words.

 Do use the telephone to make appointments or to voice opinions on short notice. In most cases, you will be speaking to a lawmakers assistant. Be respectful and to the point.

 Lawmakers tend to pay more attention to people who live in their districts.

 Be prepared. Know your facts, explain your position and why its important to you, tell your legislator why it benefits his constituents.

 Stick to the issue at hand.

 Remain calm.

Randy Krehbiel 918-581-8365 randy.krehbiel@tulsaworld.com Twitter: @rkrehbiel

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.Tax collectors: The Oklahoma Tax Commissions Out-of-State Compliance Division assessed $40 million in taxes during its first year of existence, the legislators whose bill created it said.

A 2017 measure by Rep. Kyle Hilbert, R-Depew, and Sen. James Leewright, R-Sapulpa, created the division to track down people and companies outside the state who owe taxes in Oklahoma.

Of course, assessing the taxes and collecting them are different things, and the results on that end arent yet clear. The tax commission says it has collected nearly $10 million assessed in the current fiscal year and an unknown amount from the previous year.

The division consists of a supervisor, seven auditors and some support staff.

Public comment: Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse rules for 2019 have been posted at https://bit.ly/2DQObaz. Public comment should be sent to Traylor.Rains-Sims@odmhsas.org by March 4.Dots and dashes: Fourth District Congressman Tom Cole was re-elected co-chairman of the Native American Caucus, a position hes held since 2009. First-year Rep. Deb Haaland of New Mexico is the Democratic co-chair, and Mullin is one of eight vice chairs. ... Cole said Trumps threat of an emergency declaration to divert money to the wall he wants to build on the southern border institutionally weakens Congress but said it should remain in play as a bargaining chip for Republicans. You dont disarm unilaterally, Cole said. ... The Interior Department said it largely agrees with a Government Accountability Office finding that many Indian tribes, including some in Oklahoma, are hindered in their efforts to manage their own affairs by inefficiencies within the department. ... Fifth District Congresswoman Kendra Horn joined the New Democrat Caucus, a 101-member centrist group that is reportedly the largest ideological caucus of House Democrats. ... U.S. Sens. Jim Inhofe and James Lankford co-authored legislation asking the U.S. State Department to seek observer status in the World Health Organization for Taiwan. ... Jim Inhofe joined independent Angus King of Maine and Democrat Chris Coons of Delaware in introducing legislation to require schools receiving certain federal grants to include instruction on the U.S. Constitution in their curricula. ... Lankford quizzed witnesses in a committee hearing on prescription drug prices about why federal subsidies to manufacturers dont seem to be reflected in consumer costs. ... Inhofe signed on to the bipartisan Teachers Are Leaders Act, whose supporters include the National Education Association.Broken Arrow Neighbors was born in 1983 in a closet with five shelves packed with food.

It has grown, just like Broken Arrow, into so much more.

Broken Arrow Neighbors now provides a variety of basic needs, everything from food to medical and legal assistance, in what some perceive as one of the most affluent communities in the state. Yet, there are people in need everywhere, including Broken Arrow.

There are a lot of needs in our community just like there are needs everywhere, said Executive Director Kim Goddard. There is good news and bad news. The good news is that weve been growing so fast in the last four or five years. We have a beautiful new facility and were already expanding (to about 13,500 square feet). We have tremendous support for what we do in this community.

The down side is that the need has grown, too. There would be nothing better than if there was no need for us any longer in Broken Arrow. That would be fabulous.

But there is a need and Broken Arrow Neighbors remains one of the true success stories in northeastern Oklahoma for helping those in need.(Oklahomas) our vetted route. Its where weve gone before, and its where were hoping to go in the future, Ross said. The reason we ended up in Pawhuska is because we kind of go through the Panhandle and then skirt up into the southern part of Colorado.

Pawhuskas police chief said the paperwork wasnt in order the night of the traffic stop. Wickle also called it fishy that some of the documents were altered by hand.

The paperwork provided to the Pawhuska Police Department only was a bill of lading, a growers license and the chemical test that didnt tie into any of the stuff on the truck or the name of the company who owns it, Wickle said.

Ross said that statement is untrue.

He said his companys documentation was very thorough. Over several hours, he and an attorney gathered every piece of documentation they could provide, such as licenses and certifications from Colorado and Kentucky. There was a lot of information passed to Pawhuska, Ross said.

Sarah Stewart, OHP spokeswoman, said Pawhuska police made the arrest, so OHP is effectively removed from the investigation. She said OHP has no policy on the transport of industrial hemp through the state.Of that, $8.1 million was directly invested in the Tulsa area, the company said.

In todays competitive wireless industry, we know that investing in our customers experience is the most important thing we can do, said Jeff Heeley, director of sales for U.S. Cellular in Oklahoma.

Every interaction a customer has with us needs to be consistent and transparent, and every time they want to use their phone, it needs to work. And as trusted community partners, we are also investing our time and money to support STEM education for youth in our communities to help inspire our future workforce.

OU College of Business names energy management program director

Mike McConnell, an energy professional with more than 30 years of leadership experience, has been named the new director of the Robert M. Zinke Energy Management Program in the Michael F. Price College of Business at the University of Oklahoma. The 60-year-old program is the oldest in the nation.

He will begin his job June 1, succeeding Steve Long, who is retiring after serving as director of the program since 2006.

Workers compensation insurance company expands to OklahomaTullahoma, TN (37388)

Today

Scattered thunderstorms this evening, then cloudy with rain likely late. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Low 59F. Winds WNW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 90%..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms this evening, then cloudy with rain likely late. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Low 59F. Winds WNW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 90%.- The KDF claim a senior police officer along Kenya-Somalia boarder is using government resources to transport contraband goods

- According to the soldiers, the goods are mostly sugar seized from illegal traders who have links to al-Shabaab fighters

- The officer in question then dispatches the sugar to other parts of the country during the night for sale

- After sale, he sends money to the suspects who then reward him with heavy kickbacks

- They now want CS Matiang'i, IG Boinnet and DPP Noordin Haji to descend on the issue and those found culpable punished

The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) is now accusing police officers along Kenya-Somalia boarder of providing terrorists with trade and security links within the country at a fee.

According to a complain filed by KDF on Friday, February 1, seen by Tuko.co.ke, police are said to be engaging in illegal businesses with terrorists.

Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens

READ ALSO: Khalwale accuses Senator Malala for stealing KSh 3.8 million meant for women development

The soldiers claim the illegal businesses are raising funds which finance terror activities within the country. Photo: UGC

Source: UGC

READ ALSO: Ugandan firebrand Opposition MP Bobi Wine launches bid to unseat Museveni

The soldiers claim the illegal businesses are raising funds which finance terror activities within the country.

"It is this illegal trade that is financing al-Shabaab operations through Zakat collection," read the complain in part.

READ ALSO: Nurses strike set to kick off in 24 counties on Monday, February 4

According to KDF, an OCPD at Hasabweni Police Station has been using a government vehicle to engage in illicit trade with terrorists.

The soldiers have since called upon Interior CS Fred Matiang'i, IG Joseph Boinnet and Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Noordin Haji to intervene.

According to KDF, an OCPD at Hasabweni Police Station has been using a government vihecle to engage in illicit trade with terrorists. photo: UGC

Source: UGC

Among accusations leveled against the OCPD is selling of 300 bags of contraband sugar belonging to al-Shabaab and receiving heavy kickbacks.

" The KDF in Wajir County have launched a serious complain to Habaswein DSIC committee regarding hundreds of bags of confiscated counterfeit sugar which have disappeared from Habaswein Police Station exhibit store under unclear circumstances.

"The sugar in question totaling around 309 bags was confiscated last year (2018) by the KDF along the Kenya -Somalia from smugglers associated with al-Shabaab," the KDF complained

READ ALSO: Khalwale accuses Senator Malala for stealing KSh 3.8 million meant for women development

However, KDF say the OCPD decided to transport the contraband sugar using police vehicle to his house in Kitui County where he secretly sold it and gave the money back to al-Shabaab.

"The OCPD has been selling the commodity back to the smugglers secretly by using his official police vehicle to facilitate the illicit trade. Some of the commodity is reportedly taken to his house in Kitui for further sale.

"Instead of being a custodian of the law, the OCPD is abusing authority and aiding al-Shabaab activities by abetting illegal sugar smuggling under the cover of darkness," the solders claimed.

The KDF realised the seized sugar was missing when they asked the OCPD about it but he was unable to explain.

A team of KDF soldiers from Dadajabula camp in Wajir County claimed they were blocked from inspecting the exhibit stores regarding goods they suspected to be missing. Photo: UGC

Source: UGC

READ ALSO: Nuteez peanut maker withdraws products from Kenya, Uganda markets

A team of KDF soldiers from Dadajabula camp in Wajir County further claimed they were blocked from inspecting the exhibit stores regarding goods they suspected to be missing.

"The DSIC team was blocked from retaking the inventory at the station's exhibit store to prove or disapprove the complain.What is the OCPD hiding or fearing by disallowing this simple inspection if at all he is innocent?" KDF posed.

It is feared that the OCPD might have again been funded to quickly source for a similar brand of sugar to cover the missing sugar already sold.

"Let him know the citizens are watching! The KDF is feeling demoralised and this will affect the war against terrorism unless quick action is taken," a source from the military said.

The source said they have been wondering how al-Shabaab funded their operations within the country and how they get vital security alerts at a time when security surveillance and surveillance have been stepped up.

On Tuesday, January 15, dozens of Kenyans lost their lives when al-Shabaab gunmen raided DusitD2 hotel which is hosted at 14Riverside Drive in Nairobi.

Since then, a number of suspects have been arrested and others arraigned.

Story by TUKO.co.ke Correspondent

Do you have a hot story or scandal you would like us to publish, please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690 and Telegram: Tuko news.

Members of Parliament Defend Governor Joho drug peddling allegations | Tuko TV.

Source: Breaking NewsThe manufacturer of Nuteez peanut butter has removed the products from shelves in Kenya and Uganda following reports that the popular bread spread product is not fit for human consumption.

Jetlack Food Limited, which had initially denied the claims, proceeded to pull out all its products from the shelves after the Kenyan government chemist allegedly found the peanut butter contained aflatoxin beyond the recommended limit.

Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens

READ ALSO: Government recalls Nuteez peanut butter countrywide despite company dismissing claims it's dangerous

Jetlack Food Limited, Nuteez peanut butter maker, had initially dismissed the claims after a letter emerged indicating the peanut product is dangerous. Photo: Nuteez Peanut Butter.

Source: Facebook

READ ALSO: Company behind Nuteez peanut bread spread denies product is dangerous, blames rivals for spreading fake news

TUKO.co.ke on Sunday, January 3, confirmed the company had gotten rid of the said product to give room for investigation as it insisted its peanut butter is safe contrary to the allegations that it is unfit for consumption.

The manufacturer noted it was yet to receive an official communication from the Ministry of Health even as it invited the relevant authorities to visit its factory in Ruiru and test the products.

"The Director of Public Health was in the factory on Friday morning (February 1, 2019) to test the products. The results will be out early next week, Jetlack Food Limited's Managing Director, Anup Bid, told journalists in Nairobi.

READ ALSO: Benefits of peanuts: Is peanut good for health?

Bid claimed the company was not consulted before the letter indicating Nuteez peanut butter is dangerous was released to the public.

The Ministry of Health recalled the product countrywide after the said letter, purported to be from the government chemistry, disclosed it had high level of aflatoxins. These are poisonous carcinogens produced by certain molds which grow in soil, decaying vegetation and grains.

The Director of Public Health, Kepha Ombacho, on Thursday, January 31, directed all County Public Health Officers to ensure the product was removed from the market.

READ ALSO: Banana benefits for health

According to the Health Ministry, all the Nuteez peanut butter would be submitted to the government laboratory for analysis.

The referred batch number of the peanut should be removed from the market and all other batches of the same product sampled and submitted to the laboratory for analysis to ensure safety, read a circular from the Director of Public Health.

The company further claimed the letter was drafted and shared by an individual from Nandi county.

The letter alleged Nuteez packed in a 800grams pack was found to consist of 24.08pp aflatoxins that is 14.08 above the required limit of 10.00pp.

Do you have a hot story or scandal you would like us to publish, please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690 and Telegram: Tuko news.

What Kenyans Think About Sidechicks (Mpango wa Kando) - On Tuko TV

Source: Tuko Breaking News LatestCommentary

Trump is on a mission from GodON Sunday morning, just like Saturday morning, there was a lot of loud talking coming from the back of a mini- mart in Santa Cruz.

A mini-bar that has no bar licence (because it is in the middle of a residential community) but is a liming spot that has some great ties that apparently keep their loose practices untouched.THE job of Police Commissioner is sacrosanct and the process of selecting a top cop must not be at the whim and fancy of a government, Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar said yesterday.

The former prime minister said the United National Congress (UNC) will decide whether it supports Governments move to make changes to the process of appointing a Police Commissioner (CoP) and Deputy Police Commissioners when it gets sight of the legal notice.A song that is truly an evergreen soul classic originally recorded by the Five Stairsteps, that has been covered by a host of artistes, among them the likes of Nina Simone, The Spinners, Mary Wilson, Kirk Franklin with Donnie McLurkin and Kelly Rowland, and even sampled by Janet Jackson in her song Truth, has now been covered by a Trinidadian artiste alongside his daughter, just in time for the Fathers Day weekend and to also bring some positive vibes in this time of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Delivering what can only be summed up as the right message at the right time, local artist, Ziggy Rankin has released a major collaboration cover for the 70s single, O-o-h Child.pardeepdhull@gmail.com

Washington, February 3

Virginia Governor Ralph Northam on Saturday resisted mounting pressure from his Democratic party that he resign, denying that he appeared in a racist yearbook photo while admitting he once wore blackface in a dance contest.

Northam, who took office a year ago, said he would stay in his job. As long as I feel that I can lead, I will continue to do that, he said.

But even after he professed his innocence at a press conference, the pressure continued to grow, with senior Democrats across Virginia calling on him to step down.

Northam had apologized on Friday, saying he was one of the people shown in the photo from his 1984 medical school yearbook, which depicted one person in blackface standing next to another in a Ku Klux Klan costume.

But on Saturday he said he looked at the photo more carefully and is sure it was not him. In a news conference alongside his wife, Northam said he had made other mistakes, including dressing up in blackface to imitate Michael Jackson in a dance contest around the same time.

Northam apologized for his past actions and vowed to work to earn forgiveness.

I am simply asking for the opportunity to demonstrate beyond a shadow of a doubt that the person I was is not the man I am today, Northam said.

His comments did not quell the growing pressure from within his party for him to resign.

Late Saturday, Virginias two senators, Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, and Virginia Congressman Bobby Scott joined the ranks of prominent Democrats calling for his resignation.

After we watched his press conference today, we called Governor Northam to tell him that we no longer believe he can effectively serve as Governor of Virginia and that he must resign, they said in a joint statement.

Even as Northam was speaking, Tom Perez, chairman of the Democratic National Committee, said it was time for him to go.

Virginians and people across the country deserve better from their leaders, and it is clear that Ralph Northam has lost their trust and his ability to govern, Perez said in a statement.

Democratic US Representatives Gerry Connolly and Don Beyer of Virginia said in a joint statement that they did not hear anything at his press conference that changed their view that Northam should resign.

Earlier in the day, others also called on him to step down.

Governor Northam has lost all moral authority and should resign immediately, former Vice President Joe Biden, a Democrat weighing a 2020 presidential run, said on Twitter.

Protesters gathered in front of Northams office in Richmond, Virginia, waving signs demanding he step down.

The head of Northams party in the state also called on him to quit.

Other prominent Democrats - including 2020 presidential candidates Kamala Harris, Cory Booker, Kirsten Gillibrand, and Julian Castro - have been calling on Northam to resign since Friday.

Northam, a 59-year-old pediatric neurologist and Army veteran, graduated from Norfolk medical school in 1984.

The Virginia-Pilot, which published the photo on Friday, said on its website it obtained a copy of the photo from the Eastern Virginia Medical School library. Reutersuttara@tribuneindia.com

BEIRUT, February 3

Syrian state media, citing a military source, said US-led jets attacked a Syrian army position near the battle front against the last Islamic State pocket east of the Euphrates late on Saturday, causing damage and injuries.

"US coalition aircraft launched an aggression this evening against one of the Syrian Arab army formations operating in the Albukamal area in the southeastern countryside of Deir al-Zor," state news agency SANA cited the source as saying early on Sunday.

The attack injured two soldiers and destroyed an artillery piece, the source added.

The US-led coalition against Islamic State could not be immediately reached for comment. It has previously denied striking Syrian military targets in that area.

Islamic State now holds only a couple of villages in Syria, having lost almost all its territory in 2017 to two rival offensives, one by the US-led coalition with local fighters, and one by the Syrian army and allied militia backed by Russia.

The jihadist group also holds an enclave of desert surrounded by the Syrian army in the centre of the country.

Russia and the United States maintained military communications to prevent unplanned conflict between the two forces fighting Islamic State. However, some clashes have occurred. ReutersROBINSINGH@TRIBUNE.COM

Moscow, February 2

President Vladimir Putin on Saturday said Russia was suspending its participation in a key Cold War-era missile treaty in a mirror response to a US move the day before.

Moscow and Washington have long accused the other of violating the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces agreement, which was signed in 1987 and resolved a crisis over Soviet missiles.

President Donald Trump last year announced plans to withdraw unless Russia fulfilled its obligations.

Our American partners have announced they are suspending their participation in the deal, and we are also suspending our participation, Putin said of the agreement, following a US deadline for cooperation. Putin said during a televised meeting with foreign and defence ministers Sergei Lavrov and Sergei Shoigu that Russia would no longer initiate talks with the US on disarmament.

We will wait until our partners have matured enough to conduct an equal, meaningful dialogue with us on this important topic, the president said. Brokered by US president Ronald Reagan with last Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, the treaty ended a superpower buildup of warheads that had frightened Europeans. It banned ground-launched missiles with a range of 500 to 5,500 km.

The deal addressed Soviet nuclear-tipped ballistic missiles targeting Western capitals, but put no restrictions on other major military actors such as China.

President Donald Trump said on Friday that Washington was starting a process to withdraw from the agreement in six months.  AFPROBINSINGH@TRIBUNE.COM

Los Angeles: A Hawaii-bound flight was forced to return to the Los Angeles airport three times and was finally cancelled, the media reported on Saturday. The Hawaiian Airlines Flight 33 was headed to Mauis Kahului Airport from Los Angeles International, but turned back three times, said Alex Da Silva, the airlines senior manager. The plane had already taken off twice but was cancelled after its third return, CNN reported. All of the turn backs were due to separate and unrelated faults with different systems, Da Silva said. The 207 passengers on board were refunded for the flight and given $100 credit for a future flight. IANS

Open the vaults: Unpublished Salinger work to be released

New York: One of the book worlds greatest mysteries is finally ending: J D Salingers son says previously unpublished work by his late father will be coming out. Matt Salinger confirmed longstanding reports that the author of The Catcher in the Rye had continued to write decades after he stopped publishing books. He said he and Salingers widow, Colleen, are going as fast as we freaking can to prepare the material for release. He wanted me to pull it together, and because of the scope of the job, he knew it would take a long time, Salinger said of his father, who died in 2010 and had not published work since the mid-1960s. APROBINSINGH@TRIBUNE.COM

Beijing, February 2

Chinas ruling Communist Party is cracking down on its officials who are taking part in religious activities violating partys ideology of adhering to atheism and secretly maintaining contacts with Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, who has been branded as separatist by Beijing.

A video produced by the Tibetan provincial government has revealed cases in the region where local Communist Party of China (CPC) members violated the CPC regulations on religion, anti-separatism and anti-corruption, state-run Global Times reported on Saturday.

So far, three officials have been expelled from the party and 10 others received warning, the report said.

The Tibetan authority attaches great importance to the party discipline consistent with a nationwide campaign to strengthen the party management. It regulated 46 violations by local CPC members, including religious beliefs, according to the video produced by the publicity department of the regional commission for discipline inspection of Tibet and Tibet television.

The video, part of a four-episode series featuring the regions efforts on anti-corruption and regulating the party members, was aired from January 28 to 31 on Tibet television, the report said.

Buddhism is a widely popular religion in Tibet, which is governed by the CPC ever since China took control of it in 1950. Despite his exile in India since 1959, the Dalai Lama remains the most revered religious figure in the Himalayan region.

The CPC remains an atheist organisation. Thus, CPC members are banned from religious beliefs, because they can only believe in Marxism and believing in other religions means betrayal of their chosen belief and it will shake their belief in Marxism and separate them from the party, Xiong Kunxin, an ethnic studies professor at Tibet University in Lhasa, told the Global Times.  PTIpardeepdhull@gmail.com

Caracas, February 3

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro proposed early parliamentary elections on Saturday, seeking to shore up his crumbling rule after a senior general defected to the Opposition and tens of thousands thronged the streets in protest at his government.

As domestic and international pressure on Maduro to step down mounts, a senior air force general disavowed him in a video that circulated earlier on Saturday, expressing his allegiance to parliament head and self-proclaimed interim president Juan Guaido.

The militarys support is crucial for Maduro, who is deeply unpopular, largely due to an unprecedented economic crisis that has prompted an exodus of millions. Maduro claims he is victim of a coup directed by the United States.

In a speech to supporters, Maduro said the powerful government-controlled Constituent Assembly would debate calling elections this year for the National Assembly Parliament, which is Opposition-controlled.

Guaido has called for a new, fair presidential election after the disputed vote won by Maduro last year.

You want elections? You want early elections? We are going to have parliamentary elections, Maduro told a pro-government rally in Caracas, held to commemorate the 20th anniversary of late socialist leader Hugo Chavezs first inauguration as president.

Opposition lawmaker Armando Armas said in a statement that proposing bringing forward the parliamentary elections, which were scheduled for 2020, was just another act of provocation.

Maduro is not president and the Constituent Assembly has no legitimacy, no value, he said.

While small rebellions against Maduro have broken out in Venezuelas armed forces in recent months, there has been no large scale military uprising against him.

However, General Francisco Yanez of the air forces high command became the first active Venezuelan general to recognise Guaido since he proclaimed himself president on Jan. 23.

Venezuelas chief military attache to the United States also said he was defecting last week.

People of Venezuela, 90 percent of the armed forces of Venezuela are not with the dictator, they are with the people of Venezuela, Yanez said in the video. Already the transition to democracy is imminent.

On its Twitter account, the air forces high command accused the general of treason.

At an Opposition rally in Caracas, Guaido told his supporters he expected more to follow Yanezs example. The previously little-known 35-year old industrial engineer has offered the military and public officials amnesty if they defect.

I am certain many officials and soldiers will repeat this gesture, very soon, very soon, he said.

The rally was one of many nationwide on Saturday, where demonstrators decked out in the yellow, red and blue of the Venezuelan flag honked horns, pounded on drums and chanted Guaido, Guaido, Guaido.

Its been years of destruction of companies and poverty, said Pedro Gimenez, 51, a worker in an aluminum factory in the southern state of Bolivar. We want a better present and future and we are about to achieve that.

In a possible sign of Maduros weakening support, riot police who had planned on blocking demonstrators from reaching the rallies decided to let them pass in at least three cities, according to Guaido and Reuters witnesses.

Pressure growing

Humanitarian aid from an international coalition would soon flow into Venezuela, which is facing rampant hunger and medicine shortages, from collection points in Brazil, Colombia and a Caribbean island, Guaido said.

It is unclear whether Maduros government, which denies the country is suffering a humanitarian crisis, will let any foreign aid through.

In the next few days, we will be asking for your help to go get this aid, Guaido said, asking the armed forces to allow a humanitarian corridor. It wont be an easy task. The self-declared president, who has no control over state institutions or any functions of day-to-day governance, said the opposition would not let up on protests until Maduro stepped down and allowed free elections.

Maduros adversaries say he has run roughshod over democratic institutions and destroyed the once-buoyant economy through a corruption-riddled exchange control system and arbitrary nationalizations.

The United States, Canada and several Latin American nations have recognized Guaido as the legitimate head-of-state. Some European Union member states are expected to officially recognize Guaido next week, while others will likely take a more cautious stance of support. Maduro still has the backing of Russia and China.

In a bid to pressure Maduro financially, Washington has imposed sweeping sanctions on state-owned oil firm PDVSA, although these risk exacerbating the plight of ordinary citizens by curtailing hard currency necessary for imports.

(U.S. President Donald) Trump is imposing measures because he is the dictator of the world and thinks we are his slaves, said Gregory Carrasquel, 35, at the pro-government rally in Caracas, attended by many public sector workers wearing the trademark red socialist shirts.

For us Venezuelans, there is only one president - President Nicolas Maduro. ReutersShahira Naim

Shahira Naim

In his book Region, Nation, Heartland: Uttar Pradesh in Indias Body Politic, Gyanesh Kudaisya records signs of timelessness and a rapidly transforming India visible in the 1930 Mahakumbh. Extensive railway network brought an estimated 2.5 million pilgrims on Mauni Amavasya. The then United Provinces (UP) Government had organised Agriculture and Industrial Exhibition to propagate new methods of farming and dairying. Sealed lotas of Gangajal and packets of the Ganges mud were sold as smart entrepreneurs had successfully commodified the religious experience into mementoes that pilgrims could take back home.

Ninety years down the line, the experiment to promote the Kumbh as a tourist and commercial destination has reached to an extent that on January 28, Shankarcharya of Jyotishpeeth Swami Swaroopanand Saraswati complained that the Kumbh Mela has been commercialised for political gains. This has resulted in the gradual fading of its divinity, he rued.

Speaking at the Param Dharam Sansad, he said, Of late, the Kumbh has become a picnic spot for NRIs and foreigners.

Saints have demanded the creation of two separate ministries  one focusing on the pilgrimage and the other on tourism. The saints feel that mixing both is leading to deterioration of the Hindu religion. Have the akharas and the Kumbh remained aloof from politics? Not really, says some scholars. Akharas claim that Adi Shankarcharya started the Kumbh Mela at Allahabad in the 8th century to facilitate meeting of holy men from different regions.

The saints, organised under 13 (now 14) akharas (seven Shaiva, three Vaishnava, two Udasina, one Sikh and the latest one Kinnar), are intricately linked to the Kumbh. Over time, the akharas have evolved into martial-art bodies that protected faith from foreign invaders. In time, they have turned into armed monasteries of mystics.

Till arrival of the East India Company, the mela was managed by heavily militarised sadhus who collected taxes, undertook policing and judicial duties and also participated in trade. The Kumbh melas were a scene of sectarian politics of the akharas, which often turned violent and had disastrous consequences. A copper plate inscription of Maratha Peshwa claims that 12,000 ascetics died in a clash between Shaivite sanyasis and Vaishnavite bairagis at the 1789 Nashik Kumbh Mela.

The dispute started over the bathing order which indicated status of the akharas. It was due to the frequent violent clashes that the British colonial rulers limited the warrior-trader role of the akharas.

The 2019 Kumbh has many firsts to its credit. Recognised by Unesco as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity, the Uttar Pradesh Government has left no stone unturned to brand it as a unique religious-spiritual experience, targeted at pilgrims, tourists and businesses alike.

Having a penchant for changing names, CM Yogi unilaterally announced that the 2019 Ardh Kumbh Mela, organised every six years, will this year be simply called Kumbh Mela. From now, the Kumbh Mela, organised every 12 years, will be known as Maha Kumbh Mela!

Since time immemorial, pilgrims and saints alike have been reaching the Kumbh on the appointed date without anyone formally inviting them. However, turning host for the first time this year, Uttar Pradesh ministers visited different states of the country to personally invite governors and chief ministers. On their agenda was to invite devotees from each and every village to participate in Kumbh 2019.

According to Cabinet minister Siddharth Nath Singh, ministers have been visiting different villages to invite gram pradhans. Another first, the Ministry of External Affairs has invited heads of missions from different countries. On December 15, Prayagraj hosted 72 heads of mission  ambassadors and high commissioners. They witnessed preparations for the largest human congregation on earth.

On January 24, thousands of Pravasi Bhartiyas, led by Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth, travelled to Prayagraj by special buses from Varanasi to take a holy dip in the Sangam at the Kumbh  another first.

Uttar Pradesh Minister for Industries Satish Mahana said this year trade bodies like the CII and the FICCI would help the visiting BJP ministers and chief ministers connect with the doyens of Indian industry. Mahana maintained that the event should not be viewed merely as a ritualistic ceremony of the Hindus.

However, BJP spokesperson Rakesh Tripathi said the Kumbh should not be politicised, even if it is coinciding with the Lok Sabha elections this year.

With political parties virtually competing to prove their Hindu credentials in the year of election, it is no wonder that newly appointed Congress AICC General Secretary in charge of Uttar Pradesh (East), Priyanka Gandhi proposes to take a holy dip at Sangam soon after formally taking over office on February 4. Brother Rahul Gandhi is expected to accompany her.

On the very first day of the Kumbh on January 15, Union Minister Smriti Irani was among the first pilgrims to take a bath during the first Shahi Snan on the occasion of Makar Sankranti.

By offering prayers at the Sangam on January 18, President Ram Nath Kovind became the first President after Dr Rajendra Prasad to visit the Kumbh Mela. Dr Prasad had visited the Kumbh in 1953. On January 29, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath held a cabinet meeting at the Kumbh. After that the entire cabinet took the ritual bath at the Sangam and had lunch at the Nath sect camp, of which Yogi Adityanath is the spiritual head.

Myth and history

Kumbh, widely regarded as the largest religious event in the world, has a recorded history of at least 2,500 years. The festival celebrates Hinduisms myth of creation. According to a legend, demons and gods engaged in a contest to churn the ocean with a giant snake tied around a mountain. From the ocean emerged a kumbh (urn) filled with nectar which spilled at four geographical spots  the most sacred of these being Allahabad, now re-named as Prayagraj for it stands on the confluence of three holy rivers  the Ganga, the Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati. Yet within its ageless constancy the Kumbh also holds prophetic signs of momentous changes.

The politics of kumbh

The mela this year has many firsts to its credit. From its name change to MEA personally inviting heads of missions from different countries to ministers calling up gram pradhans to trade bodies like the CII and the FICCI making it to connect with the industry, it is much more than the dip of faith

The holy dip

Shahi Snan (royal bath) is a religious bath that is taken by the sadhus of different akharas in the sacred river before any other Hindu pilgrim is allowed to do so. It is one of the rituals of the fair that common people can take the bath in holy rivers  Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati confluence only after holy men of the akharas have taken a dip.vinaymishra188@gmail.com

Aditi Tandon in New Delhi

Former Finance Minister P Chidambaram has called the NDA governments pre-poll Budget announcements quite hollow. In an interview to The Tribune, Chidambaram, chairman of the Congress Lok Sabha Manifesto Committee, says the Minimum Income Guarantee scheme for the poor will be part of the partys manifesto to be released in March. He also speaks on the impact of Priyanka Gandhi Vadras entry into politics and adds that the last word on anti-BJP alliances is not said until it is said.

Excerpts:

PM Narendra Modi has called the Interim Budget a trailer of good things to come post-2019 LS elections. Do you agree?

Naturally, they will present it as a trailer. However, as people get to see the full picture, they will realise that most of these promises are hollow. For example, the promise of Rs 6,000 to a farmer works out to be Rs 17 per family per day. Thats certainly not a relief to the farmer who has been mulcted with increase in prices of fertilisers, seeds, diesel and other inputs.

Isnt farm-income guarantee better than debt waivers?

The two are not antithetical to each other. Debt waiver is state specific and contextual. If a government has neglected the farm sector and farmers have sunk deep into debt, whatever you do at the structural side is not going to relieve them from debt. So a loan waiver becomes imperative. Having done a loan waiver doesnt mean you do nothing else on structural reforms. So dont debunk loan waivers. When the people of the state vote in favour of a loan waiver, an elected government is obliged to grant that waiver.

The BJP is billing its new contributory pension scheme for the unorganised sector as a game changer. What do you think?

They had announced a similar scheme either last year or earlier. They have junked that scheme and replaced it with another. What does that mean? Whats the provision  Rs 500 crore? How would the scheme be funded?

How will Congress president Rahul Gandhis proposed Minimum Income Guarantee scheme work?

The minimum income guarantee that the Congress has proposed will be far more comprehensive. It will address both the farm and the non-farm poor. It will also address the rural and urban poor simultaneously. The idea is to bring every poor family to a minimum level of income. Please dont compare our minimum income guarantee with the measly kisan programme of the BJP.

Will you redefine poverty for your scheme?

We will have to evolve the definition of poverty based on data. There is a lot of data available today after the Tendulkar report and there will be more data available in June 2019. We will put together all the data and get analysts to find out at which level we should define the poverty line and then all families falling below the poverty line will have to be brought up to a certain minimum level of income.

The Indian system already gives many subsidies and doles to the poor. Will you also restructure those?

That will depend upon the subsidy and the scheme. For example, the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) is a subsidised scheme with specific objectives targeted at under-five children. Obviously, such a scheme has to continue because our minimum income guarantee may not target children. Schemes with specific objectives, valid and sound, will continue. But there are some schemes that have outlived their utility.

Interim FM Piyush Goyal said the BJP has given India a corruption-free government. Do you agree with his claim?

The BJP government is not free of the charge of corruption. We have identified several areas where there is grave suspicion. One example is Rafale. At this stage, I will say Rafale is a suspect deal. The government should come clean before any conclusion is drawn. Similarly, there are other cases which have been hinted at. How did Nirav Modi, Mehul Choksi and Vijay Mallya flee the country?

Is the Supreme Courts (SC) dismissal of Rafale petitions not enough to clear the deal?

Not at all. The SC made it clear it was not going into the question of pricing or why the number of aircraft was reduced to 36 from 126. The SC is not the forum to answer these issues. These are the issues to be decided by a parliamentary committee. What is the price of the aircraft? Why did you reduce the number from 126 to 36 when the IAF has been crying for a minimum of 126 aircraft? Why did you junk HAL as an offset partner?

The Interim FM blamed aggressive credit growth under the UPA for the rise in the NPAs saying the UPA was trying to hide these NPAs. What do you say about that?

We were not. I have asked them three questions which they will not answer. How many loans, given during the Vajpayee regime, have become non-performing assets (NPAs)? How many loans given by the UPA were ever-greened under the NDA? How many loans given after 2014 have become NPAs?

After Chanda Kochar and Nirav Modi episodes, what can be done to stem the rot in the banking sector?

How can I answer the question unless our party is in government and we look at the information? We are only going by scraps of information, available in the media.

When will the Congress manifesto be ready?

I expect it to be released in March.

You are for state-level anti-BJP alliances, but alliances are not happening in UP, Delhi, Telangana and Andhra.

Thats not correct. Why dont you count the states where there are alliances: Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Bihar. In the states that you mention, yes, at the moment it does not appear there is a state-level alliance of non-BJP parties, but who knows, things may change.

The BSP and the SP have called the Congress arrogant. Why is it so?

Dont go by these statements. The last word is not said until the last word is said.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has entered politics. Will her entry impact the political scene, specifically in UP?

Certainly. She has been put in charge of a difficult state. The fact that she has taken up the challenge shows her commitment.

Can Priyanka reinvigorate the Congress cadres, especially in UP where you have not been in power for long?

From what I gather, the workers are very enthusiastic about the entry of Priyanka. We have contested the UP elections alone earlier as well. A national party like the Congress cannot withdraw from the UP election arena, even if it has to contest without any tie-up.

Will Priyanka contest the LS elections?

I dont have the answer for that.

With Priyankas entry there are apprehensions of parallel power centres in the Congress.

All this is your imagination.

What is the Congress biggest challenge ahead of the LS elections?

To get the organisation fighting fit so as to ride the momentum which is now in favour of the non-BJP parties.

What do you think is the Congress weakest point ahead of LS polls?

We dont have the resources to match, as the BJP has got massive resources. Even going by the published figures of electoral bonds, its resources are huge. We have to match those massive resources by a massive effort of our foot soldiers.Jug Suraiya

Jug Suraiya

The Uttar Pradesh Government announces pension scheme for sadhus and seers: News report.

Two unemployed youth in UP discussing career prospects.

First youth: Im really at my wits end and dont know what to do. Yesterday I applied for the post of a third-division government babu but was turned down.

Second youth: Turned down? Why? Because you didnt have enough educational qualifications required for the job?

First youth: No, because with my triple PhD in astrophysics, bio-engineering and rocket science they said I had too many qualifications for the job.

Second youth: Not to worry. Yogi Adityanathji has conferred a great boon on all us jobless guys. All we have to do is enrol ourselves as practising sadhus and well be assured a sarkari pension for life.

First youth: Enrol ourselves as sadhus? But in order to qualify as a genuine, bona fide sadhu, dont you have to do some sort of course in sadhuism, and pass an exam? Like there are all these IITs, and IIMs, is there also an ISI, an Indian Sadhu Institute that trains would-be sadhus?

Second youth: There is an ISI. But its not in India, but in Pakistan, and the people it trains arent exactly sadhus. But dont worry about training, and passing exams, and qualifications. Because the great thing about being a sadhu is that you dont need all that stuff. You dont even need a Class VII-Failed certificate. Anyone can become a sadhu, and then get a sarkari pension for life, thanks to Yogi Adityanathji.

First youth: Thats great. But how can sadhus get a pension, sarkari or otherwise, if sadhus are meant to practice renunciation?

Second youth: The new-age sadhus that Yogi Adityanathjis sarkar is enrolling do practice renunciation  by renouncing the concept of renunciation itself. How much more renunciational can you get?

First youth: Sounds cool. So how much is this sarkari pension anyway?

Second youth: Its 500 bucks a month.

First youth: 500 bucks a month? Thats not very much of a renunciation to renounce.

Second youth: Not to worry. Akhilesh Yadavji has already raised the ante by pooh-poohing Yogi Adityanathjis 500-buck pension as being peanuts, and has said that it should be raised to at least Rs 20,000 a month.

First youth: Rs 20,000 a month? Thats more like it. I could do with renouncing the renunciation of 20,000 bucks a month.

Second youth: And that neednt be the end of it. Thanks to the politics of what might be called competitive pensionism, Behenji is quite likely to enter the fray and further raise the stakes for sadhus, and maybe make the pension Rs 50,000 a month.

First youth: Wow. Rs 50,000 is even better to renounce the renunciation of.

Second youth: And on top of that, theres always the gurudakshina that we as sadhus can go around collecting from all and sundry.

First youth: Collecting gurudakshina? How do we do that?

Second youth: Simple. When we spot a prosperous-looking sethji we tell him were his gurus and ask for gurudakshina.

First youth: But suppose he doesnt want to give us any gurudakshina, what then?

Second youth: Then we motivate him to do.

First youth: How do we motivate him? By showing him the sharpness of our intellect?

Second youth: No  by showing him the sharpness of the trishul well carry as sadhus.

Arm in arm, the two head off to sign up as sadhus, striding along to the tune of When the sants go marching in.editorial@tribune.com

Ropar, February 2

The district police have arrested a 22-year-old woman who used to allegedly pose as a Canadian NRI, befriend people on Facebook and dupe them of lakhs of rupees.

The accused, Pallavi Rani alias Mitthi, a resident of Dabkhera village near Ropar, has confessed to six such cheatings. Most of her victims did not lodge a police complaint, fearing social stigma. In one of the cases, she stole cash and jewellery from the house of a Sub-Inspector in Chandigarh.

The DSP said she used to make friends on Facebook and seek their help saying that she was in India and had lost her cash and documents.

In one of the cases, she started staying at the house of a retired revenue officer on rent at Lodhimajra village. She fled after allegedly stealing Rs2 lakh. She bought clothes worth Rs16,000 from a shop at Nangal and on the pretext of picking cash from her car, allegedly fled with the garments.

The police said she promised to take a villager to Canada and took away Rs30,000 and a gold ring. She posed as a Canadian resident who lost her papers and took shelter at the home of Manjit Singh of Lodhimajra village. On the promise of providing him a job, she allegedly took away Rs50,000 from him. The family lodged a police complaint, following which she was arrested yesterday.  TNSeditorial@tribune.com

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, February 2

With the state government set to start proceedings to terminate the amphibious bus contract at Harike, the Tourism Department is mulling a plan to introduce Kashmir-style shikaras in the 4,100 hectares of wetland there.

The amphibious bus, known as a gharuka, was introduced in the wetland during the tenure of the former SAD-BJP government.

At Harike on World Wetland Day, Tourism Minister Navjot Sidhu said, Having sought a viability report on the water bus, we are going ahead with termination of the contract. We have found that while Rs 9 crore had been spent to start the project, we have so far earned only Rs 66,000. We will auction the water bus soon. If there are no takers, we will use it for Gurdaspur villagers, who remain cut off because of the river acting as a barrier.

He said, To keep the water bus afloat, we saw how the previous government went on to flood 20-21 adjoining villages. But we do not want to trouble them at all. We have already identified 19 sites to be covered in the Amritsar Tourism Circuit plan. Harike will be attached with the same since it has a potential to become a huge eco-tourism attraction. Other than introducing shikaras, we have bigger plans under Rs 150-crore project.

The minister said, We are also planning to bring Indus dolphins from Pakistan to this place after exchanging them with our ghariyals of Chhatbir.

Focus areas of Harike revival projectshalender@tribune.com

Mathabhanga (WB), Feb 2

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday said the Centre would use technology to seal the international borders with Bangladesh in West Bengal and Assam through an integrated border management system.

Alleging that Bangladeshis are illegally entering West Bengal, he said the Centre had sought land from the state government to fence off the border with Bangladesh but is yet to receive it.

Now, we have decided to use technology to seal the international borders with Bangladesh in the two states using a comprehensive integrated border management system, Singh said at a rally at Falakata in Alipurduar district of north Bengal.

The move will help check infiltration as well as smuggling and other border crimes, ensure the safety and security of the country amid a changing demographic profile of West Bengal, he said.

Coming down heavily on the ruling TMC in the state, he said, As per records, the maximum violence takes place in West Bengal. Neither Ma, Mati nor Manush (referring to TMCs slogan) are safe under their rule. Nearly 100 BJP workers have been killed in the state and none of those involved will be spared, the Union minister asserted.

Political violence should end in West Bengal. And for that to happen, Bengal will have a BJP Chief Minister in 2021, he said. Addressing another rally in Mathabhanga in Cooch Behar district, Singh accused the TMC government of killing democracy and jeopardising the law and order situation in the state.

The ruling TMC has ruined Sonar Bangla and lowered its image, while democracy is in peril, he said.

Its surprising that women are not safe in a state which has a woman chief minister. I doubt if police stations in West Bengal are safe and secured, Singh said.

This government is not ready to take any support from us, they rejected the smart city project and Ayushmaan Bharat scheme, he said.

The purpose of politics is not only to form a government but also to build a nation, Singh observed.

Later, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee claimed that senior BJP leader and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh was forced to parrot whatever he was asked by his party's top guns as his son has been framed, with an FIR filed against him.

She said PM Narendra Modi and Rajnath Singh should worry about winning their own Lok Sabha seats before dreaming of victory in West Bengal. She said the BJP leaders were outsiders and not from West Bengal and have zero idea about the culture and customs of the state.

They (BJP leaders from outside) must not think about West Bengal. They must mind their own states. West Bengal is capable of looking after itself. It does not need anybody from outside, she said.  PTIshalender@tribune.com

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 2

Floral tributes were paid to The Tribune founder Sardar Dyal Singh Majithia on the 138th anniversary of the publication here today.

A great visionary and philanthropist, Sardar Majithia had founded The Tribune on February 2, 1881, at Lahore (now in Pakistan).

NN Vohra, President, The Tribune Trust; Gurbachan Jagat, Trustee; Rajesh Ramachandran, Editor, The Tribune; Vinay Verma, General Manager; Raj Kumar Singh, Editor, Dainik Tribune; Swarajbir Singh, Editor, Punjabi Tribune; and Anil Gupta, president, The Tribune Employees Union, paid tributes to Sardar Majithia. Hundreds of employees of the newspaper group also remembered their founder on the occasion.gspannu7@gmail.com

Shiv Kumar

Tribune News Service

Mumbai, February 3

The Shiv Sena on Sunday extended support to veteran social activist Anna Hazare who is on an indefinite fast demanding setting up of the Lokpal by the Central Government.

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray said here that his party supported Hazares demand for setting up of Lokpal at the Centre and Lok Ayuktas at the state government-level.

The Shiv Sena will extend a helping hand to Anna if the Central Government will not help him, Thackeray said.

Expressing concern at the veteran activists deteriorating condition, the Shiv Sena leader asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to pay heed to Hazares demand.

Many activists have died, but the government simply ignored them. Professor Agarwal died in Haridwar while fasting for a clean Ganga, but the government did nothing, Thackeray said.

He further said Hazare should have come out on the streets and mobilised people against the government instead of going on a fast.

People in the country have been given anaesthesia and need to be brought to their senses. Hazare should emulate Jayaprakash Narayan to usher in a new revolution, Thackeray added.

The Shiv Sena chief also condemned a letter allegedly issued by the Prime Ministers Office conveying good wishes to Hazare on his fast.

As Hazares fast entered the fifth day today, scores of people blocked the Ahmednagar-Pune highway.

Hazare is on fast at his village in Ralegan Siddhi since Wednesday.

Meanwhile, farmers groups in Maharashtra said they would come out in protest from Monday if the government did not agree to Hazares demands.shalender@tribune.com

New Delhi, February 2

Delhi Congress president Sheila Dikshit today said the party would ask its East UP general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to address rallies here, considering she could be a better crowd puller.

Addressing mediapersons at the party headquarters, she said the Congress would contest all seven parliamentary seats in the city and the process of selecting winnable candidates had started. The party candidates will be a mix of old and new faces as well former MLAs.

The assertion by Dikshit comes amid recurring speculation over possibility of an alliance between the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party for the Lok Sabha polls.

On the possibility of an alliance with the AAP, she said: No, its over The party may suffer some loss or gain benefit in the absence of an alliance and the Congress will pay attention to it.  TNS

Trolled; Mahila Cong to file FIRs

New Delhi: The Mahila Congress has decided to register FIRs across the state capitals in the country to protest the online trolling against partys newly appointed general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. A range of objectionable threads targeting Priyanka have been doing the rounds on the social media for some days now. TNSshalender@tribune.com

Shubhadeep Choudhury

Tribune News Service

Kolkata, February 2

Making a strong pitch for the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday appealed to Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress to extend support to the contentious legislation.

Addressing a rally at Thakurnagar in West Bengal on Saturday, Modi insisted it would bring justice and respectability to those who faced religious persecution.

Thakurnagar, in North 24 Parganas district, is a stronghold of the Matua community, which comprises mostly refugees from across the border. They are said to be in a position to influence the outcome of around 10 Lok Sabha constituencies and several Assembly segments in the state.

Modi abruptly ended his speech at Thakurnagar after the crowd in one section of the gathering showed signs of becoming unmanageable. There was a lot of shoving and jostling, prompting Modi to call off the meeting. However, before he prematurely wound up his speech, the Prime Minister did touch the subject of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019, which has a huge bearing upon the Matua community.

Due to communal trouble, people came to India from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Some were Hindus. There were also Sikhs, Persis and Jains. These people have nowhere else to go but India. Tell me whether they should get the right to stay in India or not, Modi asked the gathering.

It is to give shelter to such people that we have brought the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill. I am urging the TMC party of Bengal to support the Bill and help the passage of the Bill in Parliament, Modi said.

Centre must withdraw it: Mamata

Launching a scathing attack against Modi, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee said, The Centre will have to withdraw the Citizenship Bill. There is no question of supporting it. The TMC will oppose it. We will not let him (Modi) succeed.

Stampede-like situation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi cut short his speech at the rally after a stampede-like situation broke out at the venue in which many people were injured. Several women and children were injured, a police officer said. Many women and children fainted and were rushed to a hospital for primary treatment, the police officer added.shalender@tribune.com

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, February 2

Ending years of wait, the Ministry of Defence has approved the purchase of 73,000 new assault rifles from US arms-maker SIG Sauer. The companys SiG716, which will replace the indigenous INSAS assault rifles, will be procured under the fast-track mode.

The rifles, chambered for the 7.62x51 mm round (bullet), are being used by the US forces as well as several European countries.

A contract is expected soon. The US firm will have to deliver the rifles within a year from the date of finalising the deal, a defence official confirmed today. The Army has been pressing for fast-tracking the procurement of various weapons, considering the evolving security threats along the borders with Pakistan and China. The overall requirement is for 6,50,000 new automatic assault rifles for the Armys infantry unit.

India is also in talks with Russia to licence-produce the AK-103 assault rifle in one of the three Indian ordnance factories which can manufacture assault rifles. The AK-103 is a more modern variant of the iconic AK-47.

It is expected to meet the requirement for the 6,50,000 rifles for which a tender has been floated. This will form the bulk of the Army and the AK-103 is chambered for the 7.62x39 round, the same as used by the AK-47 rifle. A Request for Information, the first stage in a lengthy procurement process, was floated in August 2018.

In 2017, the Army had rejected a rifle made by the state-run Rifle Factory, Ishapore, after the guns miserably failed tests. Following it, the Army started scouting for rifles from the global market. The procurement of assault rifles has witnessed significant delays due to several reasons, including the Army's failure to finalise the specifications for it.

Overall, the Army needs to procure more than 11 lakh pieces of small arms, including 6.22 lakh assault rifles, 4.43 lakh carbines, 6,000 sniper files and 41,000 Light machine guns (LMGs). The process for some of these has commenced.

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, at separate meetings accorded approval to these weapons. These are needed to equip the Armys 359 infantry units and over 100 Special Forces and counter-insurgency battalions, including the Rashtriya Rifles and Assam Rifles.  TNSshalender@tribune.com

Aditi Tandon

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, February 2

The Opposition Congress is not in agreement with the selection of MP-cadre IPS officer RK Shukla as the new CBI chief with Mallikarjun Kharge, the party representative on the PM-led selection panel, today dissenting to the choice saying criteria were diluted to include in the shortlist candidates with nil or little experience in anti-corruption investigation.

Kharge, in a dissent note to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who chairs the selection committee, today flagged nil anti-corruption probe experience of Shukla and submitted another panel of three officers who, he said, met the requirement of experience of anti-corruption cases needed for the appointment to the critical post.

The three officers named by the Congress for consideration (in the order of merit) are Javed Ahmed (1984 UP-cadre officer), Rajiv Rai Bhatnagar (1984 UP cadre) and Sudeep Lakhtakia (1984 Tamil Nadu cadre).

Kharge cited SC judgments on the appointment of CBI chief and the Delhi Special Police Establishments Act provisions on the issue.

He quoted SC Vineet Narain judgment to say: The committee shall appoint an IPS officer on the basis of seniority, integrity and experience in anti corruption.

Kharges note records the selection criteria the committee chose to pick the CBI chief. The criteria includes seniority, ACR above a certain cut-off and total experience of 100 months or more in investigation and anti-corruption.

Kharge said the criteria decided in the selection committee meeting had diluted the SC and CBI Act-mandated anti-corruption experience by including the officers experience in general investigation to the overall experience. This would be against the spirit of the SC judgments on the selection of CBI chief and also the DSPE Act.shalender@tribune.com

Mumbai, February 2

Hours after he was picked up from the Mumbai airport during the wee hours today, a Pune court released academician and Dalit scholar Anand Teltumbde from the police custody terming his arrest illegal.

Pune police personnel produced Dr Teltumbde before UAPA special judge Kishore D Vadane. Dr Teltumbdes lawyer Rohan Nadar argued before the court that the Pune police were in contempt of the Supreme Courts order which had granted him protection from arrest till February 11.

Prosecutor Ujjwala Pawar, however, argued that the four-week protection granted by the top court to seek remedy from the local court was extinguished the day the UAPA court denied his plea seeking anticipatory bail. Judge Vadane had rejected Dr Teltumbdes plea on Friday.

Dr Teltumbdes lawyer had, however, said he would be moving the High Court challenging his anticipatory bail. The UAPA court, however, conceded to the defence lawyers plea and released Dr Teltumbde immediately.

Dr Teltumbde said the arrest was an attempt to malign his image. It is embarrassing for a person of international stature like me, he said.  TNSpardeepdhull@gmail.com

Aditi Tandon

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, February 4

The Congress on Sunday suffered a huge setback on the eve of Lok Sabha elections with its former minister and ex-member of Congress Working Committee V Kishore Chandra Deo resigning from the partys primary membership.

Deo said the decision to resign from the Congress was not sudden.

It was the culmination of what I had been witnessing for the past four years. I felt unwanted in the party, as far as the Congress leadership is concerned. I wrote several notes and letters to Congress president Rahul Gandhi on the deterioration of the party in Andhra Pradesh and ways to revive it. Let alone a reply, none of my notes was ever even acknowledged. You dont want to be in a place where your suggestions no longer matter and your advice is no more needed. Besides I had been seeking an appointment with Rahul Gandhi since November and didnt get any. I dont blame him. I understand he was very busy with three state elections, Deo told The Tribune.



A former five-time MP, KC Deo said the Congress was extinct in Andhra and the party leadership was listening only to a certain coterie in the state, which is making the party look like the B team of the YSRCP.



The Congress organisation in Andhra is in a state of coma. It has suffered a multi-organ failure and is on life support. The party is literally extinct there and the leadership is not concerned. All my suggestions on reviving the Congress in Andhra have gone unheeded, Deo said.



He said the Congress decline in Andhra began with the bifurcation of the state and was never stemmed.



Even then one had told the high command that the manner of bifurcation and the timing was suicidal, though the decision to bifurcate was correct, said Deo, who was Minister for Tribal Affairs and Panchayati Raj in UPA-2.



To a question about Rahul Gandhi stressing democratisation of the Congress and a culture of listening to others, Deo said, I am sure he listens to others in Andhra Pradesh. He didnt listen to me.



Deo, a seasoned parliamentarian, held key positions under ex-Congress chief Sonia Gandhi.



He was Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee to probe the alleged cash-for-votes controversy in which three BJP members alleged to have been bribed by the Congress in exchange for votes in the June 2008 trust vote the UPA Government faced over the Indo-US nuclear deal.



Deo also headed a Parliamentary Committee to inquire into the allegations of misuse of MPLAD funds and was Chairman, Lok Sabha Committee of Privileges in 2006.



He chaired the crucial Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Bill that led to the drafting of the historic Forest Rights Act.

Senior Congress leader from Andhra and ex-minister MM Pallam Raju on Sunday said it was very sad that a senior leader like KC Deo had left the Congress at a critical juncture.

The Congress has in the past too suffered LS poll eve jolts in Haryana, when former leaders Birender Singh and Rao Inderjit had left the party for the BJP. In Assam the party similarly lost Himanta Biswa Sarma and in UP it lost Rita Bahuguna Joshi.shriaya.dutt@tribuneindia.com

Jitendra K Shrivastava

Tribune News Service

Patna, February 3

Congress president Rahul Gandhi accused Prime Minister Narendra Modis government of having short-changed farmers in the Interim Budget, as he kicked off the Bihar leg of partys campaign for general elections on Sunday.

Gandhi addressed a Jan Akanksha Rally at Patnas historic Gandhi Maidan on Sunday.

Speaking alongside opposition allies Rashtriya Janata Dals Tejaswi Yadav and Loktantrik Janata Dals Sharad Yadav, Gandhi mounted a scathing attack on Modi governments policies such as demonetisation, growing unemployment and agricultural distress, and allegations of corruption in the Rafale jet deal.

He promised that the Congress would waive farm loans as soon as it comes to power, just as it did recently in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan.

Keeping up its attacks over the Rafale deal, Gandhi repeated his allegations of corruption in the Rafale deal saying: The entire nation knows that Chaukidaar Chor Hai (the gatekeeper is a thief).

He also obliquely criticised Congress partys one-time ally Nitish Kumarchief minister of Bihar whose partys Janata Dal (United) is now part of the National Democratic Alliance regimeclaiming unemployment was on the rise in Bihar.

Bihar was once known as the centre of education, but it has now become the centre of unemployment. Where it once produced 27 per cent of the countrys sugar, it now contributes to only 2 per cent, he said.

He promised that his party would set up food processing units across the country, including Bihar, if it is voted to power.

Congress also promised to launch a minimum income guarantee scheme if it is voted to power.

Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejaswi Yadav on Sunday called Prime Minister Narendra Modi a factory and whole-seller of lies and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh a retailer.

Tejaswi Yadav, who is Bihars leader of opposition, also addressed the rally. Modi cheated people of Bihar. He promised a special package of Rs. 1.25 lakh crore for Bihar. Soon, people will teach him a lesson, he said.

Sharad Yadav accused Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah of subverting the Constitution.

What Narendra Modi and Amit Shah have done... it hasnt happened in the past 70 years. Our constitution is danger and we have to protect it by voting them out, he said.

LJD chief Yadavwhose former party JD(U) is an ally of the BJP at the Centreclaimed that Prime Minister Modis government had compromised the integrity of Central Bureau of Investigation and Reserve Bank of India, and added that the country was in a state of undeclared emergency.

Congress has 27 MLAs in the Bihars 243-member Assembly. Several Congress leaders and legislators have been rallying support in an attempt to get tickets for Lok Sabha elections due April-May this year.

Standing in for Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Piyush Goyal presented the interim budget in Parliament on Friday.gspannu7@gmail.com

Rewa (MP), February 3

The ruling Congress in Madhya Pradesh lashed out at Governor Anandiben Patel on Sunday after a video where she is purportedly seen telling a group of people to keep Prime Minister Narendra Modi in mind went viral.

Patel, a former Gujarat chief minister, was acting as if she was still a worker of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and not a governor, the Congress alleged.

The video was apparently shot during Patels visit to a solar power plant at Gudh in Rewa district on Saturday.

During an informal chat with a group of local people, the governor was heard saying, This is an excellent project. It will benefit you all.

When a person said they were happy to meet her face-to-face, Patel said, Aisa (mauka) kai (baar) aayega. Modi sahab par dhyan rakho. (Such occasions will come often. Keep paying attention to Modi sahab.)

After the video circulated on social media, state Congress media cell head Shobha Oza alleged that Patel was behaving as if she was still a BJP worker.

If she wanted to work like a BJP worker, she should resign and fight Lok Sabha elections, Oza said.

Earlier too she was seen advising BJP workers at Satna airport about how to win votes. During her address in the Assembly, she did not read the point about farm loan waiver (announced by the newly-elected Congress government) and read a BJP slogan which was not part of the written speech. She should resign immediately, Oza demanded.

Meanwhile, the BJP defended Patel.

The governor told people to keep paying attention to Modi. What is wrong with that? Narendra Modi is the prime minister of the country. He is PM to every citizen. She meant to say help implement and reap benefits of schemes launched by Modi like Clean India, Ujjwala, Ayushman Bharat, etc, said Bhopal MP and BJP leader Alok Sanjar.

Such accusations (by the Congress) are just a political gimmick, he added.

The BJP never disrespected the governor appointed during the UPA government. The Congress should also learn to respect the governor, he added.  PTIuttara@tribuneindia.com

Vibha Sharma

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, February 3

Bharatiya Janata Party national president Amit Shah on Sunday unveiled a voter outreach programme months before the country goes to polls.

Shah launched his partys new Sankalp Patra-Bharat ke Mann ki Baata play on BJP Prime Minister Narendra Modis monthly radio programme Mann ki Baatto his party workers at an event on Sunday. The initiative aims at reaching out to voters by using a combination of social media and direct contact. Each state will have a team of 20 workers who will compile voters' feedback that will used in the partys manifesto for the elections, Shah said.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh, a senior BJP leader, will head the manifesto committee.

The 'Bharat ke Maan ki Baat' is not an initiative to form the government, but one to uplift the countrys 50 crore poor, and strengthen the country internally and internationally, Shah said.

Khichdi

Shah criticised oppositions attempt a united coalition against his party, saying it was haphazard kichdi meant only to win elections.

After its spectacular performance in five years, the BJP-led coalition is again approaching the people for blessings. We are not like a haphazard khichdi being prepared by other parties to win elections and gain power. We are an ideology based party that aims to approach each and every person through people's contact and make the country progress further, he said.

He said voting his party to power brought good luck to the country.

The government made changes to bring change into the lives of 50 crore poor in the country, he said.

Focus areas

Rajnath Singh said the BJP has identified 12 areas of focushealth, education, womens empowerment, agriculture, youth, national security, and good governance among them.

The biggest demand of the farmers was the right price for their produce, which the government has already fulfilled along with Fasal Bina Yojna. To further bridge the gaps the government has also given income support of Rs 6,000, he claimed. He said the initiatives were aimed at doubling farmers incomes by 2022a promise the prime minister has repeated several times in the past.

The BJPs manifesto would also focus on making the countrys youth self reliant, Singh said. BJPs current government at the Centre has been facing growing criticism over rising unemployment rates in the country.

Singh said development would be on top of the BJPs agenda.

The aim is good governance and development to make India a 5-trillion dollar economy and bring it in among the top countries of the world. We also aim to create infrastructure to make this possible, he said.

National security and establish peace is another property. Apart from some places in Kashmir, terrorist activities are at an all time low for the first time in two decades. But national security must be strengthened further to create absolute peace in the country, he said. India should be strengthened further at the international leveldiplomatically and culturally.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also called for people's participation in the initiative.

Your voice is of utmost importance. Urging you all to take part in 'Bharat ke Mann ki Baat, Modi ke Saath, a unique effort by @BJP4India to get citizen feedback. What you all share will form the blueprint of our Sankalp Patra for the 2019 elections, the prime minister said.

General elections are due in April-May this year.shalender@tribune.com

Ludhiana, February 2

The Ludhiana police today booked two persons, including an ex-serviceman, for their alleged involvement in an Army recruitment racket.

Ex-serviceman Mohinder Singh, who was Havildar in 103 Infantry Battalion, TA, and Surinder Pal, a resident of Chomon village in Jalandhar and a messenger in the Civil Defence Department, were booked on the complaint of Col Vishal Dubey, Director, Army Recruiting Office (ARO), Ludhiana.

Col Dubey alleged that the accused had facilitated the entry of many aspirants into the Army by preparing fake documents. When the matter reached the ARO, a probe was initiated in which the duos role came to light.

ASI Chand Aheer said Pal did not let the forged documents of aspirants reach the departments concerned for verification. He used to open the official mails and put the fake stamps to give the impression that the documents were duly verfied.

The Roopnagar police had recently busted a gang involved in preparing fake documents to secure the entry of ineligible youths into the Army. The Ludhiana police are probing whether the two accused have any links with the gang.  TNSgspannu7@gmail.com

Islamabad, February 3

In yet another provocative move, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi spoke to hardline Hurriyat Conference chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani and discussed the Kashmir issue, the Foreign Office said here on Sunday, days after he made a similar phone call to a separatist leader that angered India.

The Foreign Office in a statement said that Qureshi and Geelani discussed about an international conference to be held in London to express solidarity with the Kashmiri people.

Foreign Minister QureshI spoke to the senior leadership of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference on telephone before his departure for London to attend international activities to be held there in connection with the Kashmir Day, the statement said.

Qureshi on Tuesday telephoned Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and discussed with him Islamabads efforts to highlight the Kashmir issue.

India on Wednesday summoned Pakistan envoy Sohail Mahmood and categorically told him that Qureshis telephonic conversation with Mirwaiz was a brazen attempt to subvert Indias unity and violate its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

India said that Qureshis telephonic conversation with a separatist leader reflected the duplicity in Pakistani leaderships approach on ties with India.

The Pakistan Foreign Office on Sunday said Qureshi exchanged views with Geelani about the programmes to be held in London.

The foreign minister will speak at the International Kashmir Conference at the British Parliament on Monday. On Tuesday he will also attend the exhibition at the Park Lane in connection with the Kashmir Day, it said.

Talking to media in Multan on Saturday, Qureshi said Pakistan has no intention to interfere in Indias internal matters and New Delhi should not make an issue out of his telephonic conversation with Kashmiri separatist leader Mirwaiz.

Qureshi said Pakistan has no intention to interfere in the internal matters of India, but New Delhi should also stop blaming Islamabad for its problems.

We want to resolve the Kashmir dispute through dialogue but India is making undue hue and cry, Qureshi said.

Issues are emerging in India but Pakistan has no role in that, he said.

Qureshi said he would highlight Pakistans view point on Kashmir issue at an event in the House of Commons in London this week.

The Foreign Office also issued Qureshis statement before his departure to London in which he was quoted as saying that Kashmir is an important pillar of Pakistans foreign policy.

Pakistan will continue its support for the oppressed Kashmiris on political, moral and foreign levels and want resolution of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with the UN resolution, he said.

India gets annoyed if the Kashmir issue is highlighted despite the fact that it is a resolvable issue. The real face of India would be exposed by presenting Pakistans point of view on the issue in the international conference being held on Kashmir in London at the House of Commons, he said.

He said regardless of the political party winning the next election in India, Pakistan would reciprocate to the new governments good gesture in New Delhi.

India has made it clear to Pakistan that talks and terrorism cannot go together.  PTIpardeepdhull@gmail.com

Mumbai, February 3

A sessions court here has issued non-bailable warrants against two Pakistan Army officials  Major Abdul Rehman Pasha and Major Iqbal  in connection with the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks case.

While Major Pasha has retired, the prosecution believes Major Iqbal is still serving as an ISI official in Pakistan, as disclosed by US born Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) terrorist David Coleman Headley, an approver in the case here.

Both Major Iqbal and Major Pasha are shown as wanted accused in the charge sheet filed by the city polices crime branch in the case.

Additional Sessions Judge S V Yarlagadda on January 21 allowed an application filed by special public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam.

The application was filed before the court which is presently conducting trial against alleged LeT operative Sayyed Zabiuddin Ansari alias Abu Jundal in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks case.

Nikam said in the application that the role of the two Pakistani Army officials was revealed further during the testimony of Headley on the conspiracy hatched in the case.

Headley, who is presently lodged in a US jail, turned approver in the case and his testimony was recorded via video conference in 2016.

David Headleys testimony has vindicated the stand of India that the terror attacks of November 26, 2008 were not only sponsored by militant groups of Pakistan but were, in fact, actively supported by Pakistan Army officials, Nikam told PTI.

Judge Yarlagadda, after perusing the application, supplementary chargesheet filed by the crime branch and hearing brief arguments from Nikam, said he was allowing the application.

The application filed by the prosecution for issuance of non-bailable warrant against the two persons (Pasha and Iqbal) is allowed. These two persons are shown as wanted suspects. The approver, David Headley, has named them in his evidence, the court said.

Hence, issue non-bailable warrants against both the accused persons, the court ordered and posted the matter for further hearing on February 6.

Headley in his testimony before the court here had claimed that during the conspiracy to commit the terror attacks in Mumbai, Major Iqbal and Major Pasha were present in the meetings during which targets were selected.

LeT operatives Sajeed Mir, Abu Kaahfa and Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi were also present in the meetings, Headley had said.

Nikam said Headleys oral testimony is not the only evidence against these two persons (Pasha and Iqbal) and that the prosecution also has in its possession corroborative documentary evidence.

Headley had visited Mumbai in September 2006 and informed Major Iqbal about his surveillance of Hotel Taj in south Mumbai and on his return to Pakistan, he had handed over photographs and videos of the same.

He also said that Major Iqbal gave him USD 25,000 to do intelligence work in India.

Headley further claimed that Major Iqbal had asked him to also get classified information about Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) here and of political party Shiv Senas office, Sena Bhawan, located in central Mumbai.

He said he had also received Rs 80,000 from Major Pasha for carrying out surveillance work in India.

According to Nikam, Headley had been in regular contact with Major Pasha during the course of the conspiracy, planning and execution of the attack.

It is pertinent to note that Headley in his testimony had said Pasha wanted the National Defence College in New Delhi also to be included in the target list and had, in fact, told Headley that if the attack on the army college was successful then they would be able to kill more brigadiers and generals than they have in the past, Nikam said.

On November 26, 2008, 10 Pakistani terrorists arrived by sea route and opened fire indiscriminately, killing 166 people, including 18 security personnel, and injuring several others, besides damaging property worth crores.

The attacks lasted three days. The places that were attacked included south Mumbais Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus railway station, the Taj Hotel, the Trident Hotel, Cafe Leopold and Chabad House.

While nine of the terrorists were killed during the siege, Ajmal Kasab was caught alive by Mumbai Police and later awarded death sentence. PTIeditorial@tribune.com

Our Correspondent

Doraha, February 2

The police recovered counterfeit Indian currency worth Rs 3.52 lakh from two foreigners here today.

A police party, including Payal DSP Rachpal Singh, DSP Hardeep Singh Cheema, ASI from Narcotic Cell of Khanna Sukhvir Singh and ASI Barjinder Singh, recovered Rs 3.52 lakh in counterfeit Indian currency, a printing machine, paper used to print fake notes, a bottle of Iodine and other equipment from the possession of the two foreigners.

An informer had told the police that two miscreants with counterfeit currency were standing at the local bus stand. The police raided the spot and nabbed the two persons with counterfeit currency.

They have been identified as Kelvin Norman, a Ghana national, at present residing in Mumbai; and Guemtue Kouwa Darios, a Central African national, now residing in Delhi. A case under Section 489-A, B, C, IPC, has been registered at the Doraha police station.shriaya.dutt@tribuneindia.com

Tribune Web Desk



Chandigarh, February 3

After their grand wedding reception in Mumbai for B-town celebs, comedian-actor, Kapil Sharma and his wife, Ginni Chatrath hosted another wedding reception in the Capital on February 2.

The reception was for politicians and bureaucrat friends.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also graced the event.

The Kapil Sharma Show host shared his royal look from the wedding reception in Delhi on Twitter.

He wrote: Celebrations are unstoppable.. need ur blessings #love #blessings #family #friends #delhi #reception #celebrations #gratitude @ginnichatrath.

The comedian can be seen wearing a blue bandhgala with white trouser and white and blue shawl on his shoulders. His wife, on the other hand, was wearing a blue anarkali with gold embroidery all over it. Her choodas were also going well with her outfit. She was sporting mangalsutra and drop earrings.

It was attended by celebrities like Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Mika Singh, Daler Mehndi and Sohail Khan.

Kapil and his long-time girlfriend got hitched on December 12 in Jalandhar.

After their big fat Punjabi wedding, they hosted a grand wedding reception in Amritsar on December 14 for their family and closest friends.pardeepdhull@gmail.com

Leh, February 3

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday took a swipe at the Opposition for criticising his governments farmers income plan, saying people sitting in air-conditioned rooms in Delhi do not know the importance of Rs 6,000 for a poor farmer living in distant and difficult areas.

To woo distressed farmers ahead of the General Election, the Centre has in the Interim Budget announced direct income support of Rs 6,000 per year to those holding cultivable land up to two hectares.

Speaking at the inauguration and laying of foundation schemes of various schemes, Modi said Leh and Ladakh will also be benefited by this.

Most of farmers here fill this criteria, and will get Rs 6,000 annually. It will be disbursed in three installments and the first installment will reach soon. I will be sending guidelines to the state government on Sunday, he said.

Modi said during his days as a BJP worker in the region, he used to get demands from people in Delhi to bring vegetables from Leh because of their quality.

The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) is a phenomenal scheme for farmers. People sitting in air-conditioned rooms in Delhi do not know what Rs 6,000 mean for a poor farmer living in distant and difficult areas of the country, he said.

Modi was in Leh to launch the first-ever university in Ladakh region.

It will be a cluster university comprising degree colleges of Leh, Kargil, Nubra, Zanskar, Drass and Khaltsi having administrative offices at Leh and Kargil.

The Prime Minister also laid foundation stone of the new terminal building of Kushok Bakula Rimpochee (KBR) Airport in Leh by unveiling the plaque.

The new terminal will be a modular, energy efficient and self-sustaining building of 18,985 sq. metres.

Modi also opened new tourist and trekking routes in Ladakh.

Ahead of elections, the Prime Minister also made a pitch for his return to the post, saying he will return to inaugurate schemes for which he is laying foundations stones today.

I have inaugurated schemes which I had inaugurated earlier and I will come back to inaugurate schemes for which I am laying foundation stones today, he said.

He said the foundation stone for Rs 2,000 crore Leh-Kargil transmission line, which will reduce power problems in the area, was laid by him and he is inaugurating it too.

Our work culture is different. Country has left behind work culture of delay and deflect (latkane aur bhatkane). I have to oust this culture from the country in the coming five years. It is ensured that the project which is initiated is completed on time, he said.

He said weather brings to you a lot of hardship and the central government is committed to alleviate these problems of the area.

He said he has inaugurated and laid foundation stones of schemes and projects worth Rs 3,000 crore.

The projects which have been inaugurated or whose foundation stones have been laid will improve not only the power situation but also connectivity of Leh region with other cities of the country, tourism, employment and education for the youth of the country, he said.

The climate of Leh is so great that if we create good education institutions, youths from across India will like to come here to study.

We have to dream these things. In my mind I have such dreams, he said.

He said central is expanding connectivity to this region through the Railways and airways.

Work on railway connectivity and new airport terminal is going on. No thought was spared to expand 30-year-old building. Today I have laid foundation stone of new building and soon it will be inaugurated too, he said.

He said the terminal will provide ultra-modern facilities and enhanced passenger handling.

The survey on Bilaspur-Mandi railway line has started. Some places work has started. Once completed, Leh to Delhi distance will reduce. Roads get disconnected during winters. This line will reduce this problem to a large extent, he said.

The PM said Leh is an important destination for spirituality, scenic beauty, art, culture, and adventure sports.

To improve tourism, five new trekking routes have been opened. The Centre has increased duration of protected area permit from 7 to 15 days. This will help tourists to take their time to enjoy their visits and increase employment of the youths, he said.

Modi said three lakh tourists have visited the area and one lakh have gone to Kargil, which shows that more than half of tourists in Jammu and Kashmir have come to Leh.

Forty per cent of Leh population comprises young students who have been demanding a university, which has been fulfilled today, he said.

This cluster university will use resources of degree colleges running in Leh, Nubra, Zanskar, Kargil, he said.

The government is trying to reach people who have not been getting the benefit development. The government has also taken a big decision for nomadic tribes who are difficult to reach for extending government benefits, he said.

The government has decided to form a welfare development board for these people so that development benefits reach them quickly, he said.

The Budget of the Central Government has emphasised on development of SC and ST. Thirty per cent increase in funds for the Budget of ST, while 35 per cent increase in funds for the SC community, he said.

I am happy that Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council Act has been amended to give more powers to the Council in financial areas, he said.

Now, you do not have to go to Srinagar and Jammu for your needs. Most of the works will be completed here, he said. PTIeditorial@tribune.com

Tribune News Service

Jammu, February 2

Former Chief Minister and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday evening broke her silence on the gruesome killing of a 25-year-old woman by militants in south Kashmirs Shopian district.

In a tweet, she described the killing of the woman as barbaric and gruesome.

Women living in conflict areas like Kashmir have faced unimaginable pain and trauma. No words are enough to condemn her gruesome and barbaric murder, Mehbooba wrote on Twitter.

Earlier, she had refused to comment on the issue, saying it is my decision whether to speak on the issue.

Mehbooba had virtually rebuked the TV journalist who asked her about her silence on the killing of the young woman, saying she was not answerable to him.

I am not answerable to you. It is my decision and choice to post a tweet or speak on an issue, Mehbooba had retorted to the journalist while leaving a media briefing in a huff at her residence here.

The PDP chief, who had recently visited the families of militants in Kashmir, used to comment and post tweets about the killing of civilians during violent clashes with security forces at encounter sites. On Friday morning, security forces had retrieved the body of a woman from south Kashmir after she was shot by militants. The chilling video of the execution went viral late Thursday night, mainly over Facebook and WhatsApp.

Meanwhile, condemning the incident, NC vice-president Omar Abdullah said, "Horrific murder and deserves the strongest condemnation. There can be no place for such brutal acts in a civilised society. Apologists for these murders are just as guilty as the perpetrators.

Earlier, former Jammu and Kashmir Teachers Forum president Abdul Qayoom Wani joined the PDP here. He was welcomed into the party by Mehbooba Mufti and other senior leaders of the party.

Mehbooba also announced that Wani would contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections as the PDP candidate from Baramulla.

Had earlier refused to comment on issue

Mehbooba Mufti had refused to comment on the incident, saying it is my decision whether to speak on the issue. Mehbooba had virtually rebuked the TV journalist who asked her about her silence on the killing of the young woman, saying she was not answerable to him.

With inputs from PTIeditorial@tribune.com

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, February 2

A group of Pakistani women, who are married to former Kashmiri militants and had returned under the J&K governments rehabilitation programme for surrendered militants, staged a protest in Srinagar on Saturday seeking their rights and travel documents to visit Pakistan.

The group of women appealed to the Indian and Pakistani Prime Ministers to intervene in the matter and allow them to travel to Pakistan.

We did not come to Kashmir on our own. We came here along with our husbands and children under the J&K governments rehabilitation policy and now we have been left at the mercy of God as we are not being given the rights that every citizen gets, said a protesting woman. We want that we should be provided travel documents so that we can visit Pakistan, she added.editorial@tribune.com

Tribune News Service

Karnal, February 2

Train traffic was affected for four hours due to the ongoing construction of a foot overbridge at the Karnal railway station on Saturday.

The Railways started the work around 11.50 am and it lasted till 3.50 pm. Amritsar-Delhi Express and Ambala Cantt-Panipat passenger were cancelled, while several trains, including Bandra-Amritsar Express, Sealdah-Amritsar Express, Darbhanga-Amritsar Express, Nanded-Amritsar, Chandigarh-New Delhi, Pathankot-Delhi Express, were delayed.

Narinder Singh, station superintendent, said, We will complete the work at the earliest.

Meanwhile, residents of Ram Nagar thanked Chief Minster Manohar Lal Khattar on the initiation of the work.

Anurag Sethi, a resident of Ram Nagar, said the project would enable them to cross the railway station without having to travel a long distance.

The Chief Minister had laid the foundation stone of the project on February 26 last year. The foot over-bridge would have three lanes connecting the railway road and the Ram Nagar area and would be constructed at a cost of Rs 11 crore. The pedestrian lane would be 3.6-metre wide, the second lane for two-wheelers would be 3-metre wide and the third lane connecting platforms would be 2.4-metre wide. According to officials, the foot overbridge would be similar in design to the bridge at Hapur in Uttar Pradesh.editorial@tribune.com

Ravinder Saini

Tribune News Service

Manethi (Rewari), February 2

A day after the announcement of the 22nd All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), the Central government on Saturday initiated the process of selecting the site for the project.

A three-member team of officers from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare inspected the proposed AIIMS location in Manethi village.

The team led by Chief Architect Ravinder Khetan held meetings with administrative officers regarding the project and procured information about various technical aspects regarding the proposed site.

The team collected inputs about road connectivity with highways and surrounding districts, nearest railway station and airport, availability of water, power supply and sewerage, medical education facilities, delivery of healthcare and population and disease profile of the region, said an administrative officer.

He said the team obtained information about category of land use of the location, flood level, religious structures on the site, vegetation and tree cover, bearing capacity of soil, topography and contours too.

Union minister Rao Inderjit Singh said it was the first time that the process to execute a project had been started a day after the announcement. This AIIMS will be established in Manethi village, he asserted.

The district authorities had sent to the state government a resolution passed by the Manethi panchayat for making available 200 acres for setting up AIIMS.

Protesters end relay fast

Rewari: The relay fast by residents of various villages going on in Manethi village for the past 93 days ended on Saturday. The relay fast has ended following fulfilment of our demand regarding an AIIMS in Haryana. The indefinite dharna will continue till the foundation stone of the project is laid, said Sheotaj Singh, chief of the Sangharsh Samiti for AIIMS.  TNSeditorial@tribune.com

Deepender Deswal

Tribune News Service

Hisar, February 2

Thirty-five persons belonging to the Jat community were today sentenced to three years in jail for attacking a person of the Scheduled Caste and a few others at Petwar village of Hisar in 2008.

As per the complainant, Jai Singh, the accused had attacked Surat Singh on January 8, 2008, injuring him and a few others besides ransacking his house. A total of 52 persons were booked in the case.

Hisar Deputy District Attorney Rajiv Sardana said some village youth had been on a hunger strike in the village protesting against Surat and others, who, they alleged, had constructed houses on the land meant for a school.

Though a panchayat was held in the village to resolve the issue, the meeting remained inconclusive. Thereafter, the accused attacked the victims and hurled stones at the police and damaged their vehicle.

Sardana said of the 52 accused, 14 were still absconding and declared proclaimed offenders, while one was facing trial in a juvenile court. As one of the accused had died during trial, remaining 35 persons were held guilty and sentenced to three years in jail. He said the court had also slapped a fine of Rs5,000 each on those convicted.editorial@tribune.com

Nitish Sharma

Tribune News Service

Ambala, February 2

Tightening the noose around the violators of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques PCPNDT Act, health officials from Ambala have conducted 15 raids, including inter-state raids in Punjab, Uttarakhand and UP, busting 15 sex-determination test rackets since 2017.

During the raids, 45 persons, including touts, doctors and ASHA workers, were booked. However, all accused are on bail and cases are pending in different courts.

In 2017, seven raids were conducted in Ludhiana, Fatehgarh, Roorkee, Kurukshetra and Ambala. In 2018, seven raids were conducted in Dehradun, Patiala, Sangrur, Mohali, Naraingarh, Sirhind and Jalandhar. A raid was conducted in Saharanpur in January and two touts were nabbed from Yamunanagar.

Lack of coordination among departments have become a matter of concern for health officials who conduct raids, as they sometimes land in unruly situations and have to deal with uncooperative attitude of officials of other states.

There have been instances in Saharanpur and Punjab, where despite nabbing the accused red-handed, teams had to run from pillar to post to get FIRs registered. The security of the decoy customer is a big responsibility as during raids she not only risks her life, but also of her unborn child for a social cause, said a health official.Dr Vipin Bhandari, a nodal officer for the PCPNDT, told The Tribune, Whenever there is a tip-off that someone from Ambala is involved in sex-determination tests, a team is formed and efforts are made to trap the violators. Following strict measures being taken in the state, people are heading towards Uttar Pradesh and Punjab for sex-determination tests. Despite conducting raids and getting cases registered, we are not getting the desired results. There is a need to sensitise other states also, so that such tests could be stopped and sex ratio could improve.ROBINSINGH@TRIBUNE.COM

Chandigarh, February 2

A 17-year-old girl abandoned by her husband was rescued by a team of the Childline at the railway station here.

The minor girl, a resident of Colony Number 4 here, had eloped with a 20-year-old youth to Ludhiana where he worked. They got married and he took her to his ancestral village in Bihar.

She stated that the boys family did not accept her as they had bargained for dowry with another girls family. The minor was made to board a train for Chandigarh and her brothers were informed about it by the boys family.

A case has been registered against the youth. The girls statement was recorded before a magistrate today. TNSCrews are homing in on the completion of the light rail lines extension to Gilbert Road, which is expected to open in May and which Valley Metro officials hope will bump up ridership after the lines first rider decline last year since it opened in 2008.editorial@tribune.com

Neha Saini

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, February 2

The declaration of the Indus river dolphin as the state aquatic animal by Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh has been hailed by environment and wildlife activisits in the region. The Indus river dolphins are considered one of the rarest aquatic mammals found only in India and Pakistan. These have made Beas river their home in Punjab.

Activists term it as a step towards ensuring preservation of the unique ecosystem of Beas. We at the WWF are delighted with the declaration of the blind Indus river dolphin, discovered in 2007 in collaboration with our teams, as Punjab state aquatic animal. The species, Platanista Gangetic Minor, was duly designated as an internationally recognised subspecies a few years ago. Its present habitat is primarily Beas river along the Karmowal Harike axis. Continued habitat protection and monitoring has ensured the survival of this species. We indeed laud the declaration that constitutes attention to ecology of the state, said Gunbir Singh, chairman, WWF Punjab.

WWF teams have been carrying out documentation of the species since last year and engaged experts in ensuring their survival at Harike wetlands.

The dolphin has been mentioned on the endangered list under the Indias Wildlife Protection Act and its another subspecies Gangetic dolphin is the national aquatic animal of India. According to experts, the species got fragmented in early 1960s as the barrages and construction of dams on Beas and Indus rivers forced the species to migrate. The Indus river dolphin, also known as blind Indus river dolphin, is found only in India and Pakistan. Back in 2007, when a team of WWF experts spotted it at Harike, there were six adults. Now, the number is somewhere around 12. It is called sush (a Punjabi word for dolphin) by local fishermen and is highly sensitive to its ecology. A slight threat in its natural habitat makes it migrate to safer locations, which is the reason river pollution and other ecological changes might severely harm the growth of the species, said Dr Chander Prakash, assistant professor, IK Gujral Punjab Technical University, who has done research on the ecology of Harike Wetland.

A special status for the endangered species has given hopes for more steps to ensure that the Harike Wetlands, considered a thriving ecosystem with many unique species of aquatic animals and birds, gets more attention from the state government machinery.Gerald Kirkham, 88, of Terre Haute, passed away Friday, June 18, 2021 in Terre Haute Regional Hospital. Gerald was born in New Goshen on June 9, 1933 to Cecil Kirkham and Fay Lake Kirkham. He was a member of the Lutheran Church and member of the American Legion in Sellersburg, IN. He was an Terre Haute, IN (47803)

Today

Mostly cloudy early, then clearing overnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 52F. Winds NNW at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Mostly cloudy early, then clearing overnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 52F. Winds NNW at 10 to 15 mph.Johnstown, PA (15901)

Today

Thunderstorms, some strong early, then variable clouds overnight with still a chance of showers. Low 58F. Winds WNW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Locally heavy rainfall possible..

Tonight

Thunderstorms, some strong early, then variable clouds overnight with still a chance of showers. Low 58F. Winds WNW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Locally heavy rainfall possible.In this file photo, Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan speaks during a rally to mark the 20th anniversary of the Million Man March, on Capitol Hill in Washington.By Rod McGuirk

31 January 2019

CANBERRA, Australia (AP)  Australia sweltered through its hottest month on record in January and the summer of extremes continued with wildfires razing the drought-parched south and flooding in expanses of the tropical north.

Australias Bureau of Meteorology confirmed the January record on Friday as parts of the northern hemisphere had record cold.

Australias scorching start to 2019  in which the mean temperature across the country for the first time exceeded 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit)  followed Australias third-hottest year on record. Only 2005 and 2013 were warmer than 2018, which ended with the hottest December on record.Heat-stressed bats dropped dead from trees by the thousands in Victoria state and bitumen roads melted in New South Wales during heatwaves last month.New South Wales officials say drought-breaking rains are needed to improve the water quality in a stretch of a major river system where hundreds of thousands of fish died in two mass deaths during January 2019 linked to excessive heat. A South Australia state government report [Murray-Darling Basin Royal Commission] on Thursday found that too much water had been drained from the river system for farming under a management plan that did not take into account the impact of climate change on the rivers health.

The South Australian capital Adelaide on Jan. 24 recorded the hottest day ever for a major Australian city  a searing 46.6 C (115.9 F).On the same day, the South Australian town of Port Augusta, population 15,000, recorded 49.5 C (121.1 F)  the highest maximum anywhere in Australia last month.Bureau senior climatologist Andrew Watkins described Januarys heat as unprecedented.We saw heatwave conditions affect large parts of the country through most of the month, with records broken for both duration and also individual daily extremes, Watkins said in a statement. [more]

January was officially Australias hottest month on record

By Benedict Brook

1 February 2019

(news.com.au)  In January, the days were sweltering, the nights were sticky and the humidity meant we were all a hot mess  just another summer in Australia, right?

Well no. January 2019 was not just the hottest January ever recorded, it was the hottest month ever recorded in Australia, weather boffins at the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) said today.

The scorching January followed on from the hottest December ever which means Australia is possibly having its hottest summer ever. Last year was Australias third hottest year on record.The mean temperature last month, averaged across the country, exceeded 30C for the first time ever for any month. For five days in the middle of the month the overall average temperature nationwide was above 40C.BOM senior climatologist Andrew Watkins said Januarys heat was unprecedented. For Australia the exceptional story here was temperature: maximum temperatures, minimum temperatures, and mean temperatures and those records go back to 1910, he said. [more]

January 2019 was Australias hottest month ever recordedIt's hard to find a bright side to the world's worst-ever nuclear disaster, but wildlife may beg to differ. After the 1986 fire and explosion at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant released radioactive particles into the atmosphere, everyone left, never to return. But now researchers studying animal populations have made a seriously counterintuitive discovery:

The Chernobyl site looks less like a disaster zone and "more like a nature preserve," rife with elk, roe deer, red deer, wild boar, foxes, wolves, and others.

"It's very likely that wildlife numbers at Chernobyl are much higher than they were before the accident," says Jim Smith of the University of Portsmouth in the UK. "This doesn't mean radiation is good for wildlife, just that the effects of human habitation, including hunting, farming, and forestry, are a lot worse."

Human beings are worse for wildlife than nuclear disaster. That's pretty sobering.

 Tatyana Deryabina

Earlier reports from the 1,600 square mile Chernobyl Exclusion Zone have shown major radiation effects and pronounced drops in wildlife populations. But the new study, based on long-term census data, reveals that mammal populations have bounced back. The number of animals in the exclusion zone now rival those in four uncontaminated nature reserves in the region.

Remarkably, the number of wolves living in the Chernobyl area is more than seven times greater than can be found in any of the other reserves.

They have found a rare Przewalski's horse and European lynx, which were previously gone from the region but have now returned. They also report a European brown bear in the exclusion zone. European brown bears have not been seen in that region for more than a century.

"These results demonstrate for the first time that, regardless of potential radiation effects on individual animals, the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone supports an abundant mammal community after nearly three decades of chronic radiation exposure," the study conclude. The researchers point out that this boost in population came at a time when elk and wild boar populations were diminishing in other parts of the former Soviet Union.

 Valeriy Yurko

"These unique data showing a wide range of animals thriving within miles of a major nuclear accident illustrate the resilience of wildlife populations when freed from the pressures of human habitation," notes co-author Jim Beasley.

As for longer-term effects we don't know  and there are questions about the impact on other species  but for now these animals are flourishing in their abandoned wildlife wonderland. Welcome to dystopian utopia.Hawley joins fundraising race, forms leadership PAC WASHINGTON * Missouri's new senator, Josh Hawley, has formed a "leadership PAC," a fundraising vehicle separate from his campaign committee, joining a growing number of politicians who use such conduits to help other politicians win elections and curry influence in Congress. Leadership PACs help politicians looking to wield influence beyond their own elections.

He rode the coattails of Prez Trump into office against one of the most disliked politicos in Missouri history. Now he wants to help his pals put down some minor gains by Missouri Democrats. Here's a look at his strategy and the effort to increase his stature among Missouri Republicans who have always been lukewarm about this politico's prospects:Another February means another new Samsung flagship smartphone on the verge of release. But 2019 could go down as an especially memorable year for the Galaxy S family  both because it marks the 10th anniversary of the company's premium handsets, and because dramatic changes appear to be in store for this year's phones.

You've likely heard about the Galaxy S10's love-it-or-hate-it hole-punch display, as well as its ultrasonic in-screen fingerprint sensor. You may even be anticipating the heavily rumored 5G-capable special edition of the upcoming device, armed with up to 12GB of RAM, 1TB of storage and a whopping 5,000-mAh battery. But what's going to happen with the S10's cameras?

News on the photography front has actually been a little spotty, mostly because it seems Samsung has radical, sweeping plans for the S10's camera gear. While the Galaxy S9+ merely added a secondary telephoto shooter on the back for shallow depth-of-field portraits, some models of the S10 could sport up to three lenses on the back, along with two front cameras for better selfies.

Samsung's comparatively modest camera improvements to the S9  it also added a variable aperture to last year's phones  resulted in good photos. But more recent releases from Google and Apple have left Samsung's phones behind when it comes to capturing photos. A serious overhaul to the S10's camera could be exactly what Samsung needs to turn the mobile-imaging tables. Here's how the Galaxy S10's cameras could challenge the other top camera phones.

Deliver Better Live Focus Portraits

Apple set the standard for bokeh-effect portraits when it introduced a secondary telephoto lens on the iPhone 7 Plus in 2016. Since then, phone makers have worked out numerous ways to produce dramatic shots with blurred backgrounds. But Samsung's Live Focus system has fallen behind.

The Galaxy S9+ and Note 9  much like the Note 8 before them  have a disappointing tendency to produce blurry, shaky portraits with poor metering. It's one of the great mysteries of Samsung's camera technology, which is otherwise stellar. And it's been dragging the company's phones down for too long, as we called out Live Focus' performance ahead of the S9's launch last year, too.

Shallow depth-of-field portraits have become a litmus test for mobile-camera quality in recent years, and Samsung can't afford to lose more ground to competitors like Google, whose Pixel 3 can achieve gorgeous bokeh even without stereoscopic lenses.

Rumors surrounding the Galaxy S10 suggest that the 6.4-inch S10+ will exclusively inherit the telephoto lens, while the cheaper 5.8- and 6.1-inch variants will miss out. The S10+ is also expected to double up on front-facing cameras as well, indicating the phone will be able to leverage the power of two lenses for similarly stylish selfies, too, much as Google's Pixel 3 models have done.

Take Down Google's Night Sight

To its credit, the Galaxy S9 made for a very impressive camera when things got dim. Samsung's engineers set their sights on the iPhone X's low-light performance, and the results spoke for themselves. The S9 duo repeatedly trumped Apple's best efforts in the dark during many of our photo faceoffs last year.

It was partially thanks to Samsung's variable aperture system, which allowed the S9 and S9+ to automatically alternate between /1.5 and /2.4 depending on the requirements of the scene. The /1.5 setting invited more light into the image sensor  a necessity when shooting in unfavorable conditions, where every scrap of light is needed to achieve a decent shot.

MORE: Pixel 3 vs. iPhone XS Camera Face-Off: Why Google Wins

Unfortunately for Samsung, however, the S9 didn't retain the lead for long. Huawei and Google stepped up later in 2018 with their respective modes designed for nighttime photography, which used artificial intelligence to stitch together multiple frames taken with long exposure times into a balanced, perfectly exposed result. The S9, excellent though it was in the dark, simply couldn't compete with that.

We'd love to see Samsung pull a page from its fiercest rivals and add a similar feature to the S10's repertoire aimed at enhancing low-light shots. And chances are quite good we'll see exactly that  a rumor that emerged in December claimed that the S10 will introduce a new mode called Bright Night, which would ideally pair the versatility of Samsung's variable aperture mechanism with the sort of post-processing magic that has proved so successful in the Huawei Mate 20 Pro and Google Pixel 3.

Improve AI Scene Recognition

The proliferation of low-light modes highlights another truth about the state of phone cameras nowadays. Hardware alone doesn't cut it anymore. If Samsung wants the photography crown, it'll have to beef up its software game.

With the Note 9, Samsung introduced its Scene Optimizer feature, which uses AI to recognize the surroundings and tunes exposure parameters dynamically to fit the mood. For example, when shooting a flower, the camera might boost the saturation of greens, reds and yellows, or when capturing text, it might sharpen everything to ensure readability.

Samsung wasn't the first phone maker to do this, however, as Huawei baked AI into its P20 flagship's camera last year. In that handset's case, the Neural Processing Unit inside the P20's Kirin 970 chipset sped up the handling of machine-learning tasks.

MORE: Huawei Mate 20 Pro vs. Galaxy Note 9

We'd wager Samsung has some improvements lined up to make Scene Optimizer even more versatile and responsive going forward. As it stands now, Huawei's just-released Mate 20 Pro can recognize a total of 1,500 scenes categorized into 25 general scenarios. Conversely, the Note 9 covers 20 scenarios (the number of specific "scenes" is unknown). However, Huawei's now in the second generation of its AI imaging initiative, whereas the Note 9 only marked the beginning for Samsung.

To be fair, not all users particularly love the images modes like Scene Optimizer produce. Sometimes, they result in overly processed or artificial-looking photos that seem almost as if they've been run through an Instagram filter. Yet, in an era when phone makers are trying to imbue their cameras with machine learning, it stands to reason these features will only get better and better over time  and Samsung would be wise to capitalize on the possibilities.

Where Samsung Needs to Step Up

Last year, Samsung said the Galaxy S9 would "reinvent the camera," though we'd contest what it actually delivered was more of an evolution.

The S9's 960 frame-per-second Super Slow-Mo technology and variable aperture were welcome innovations, though their impact was limited. Shooting video at such a slow speed wasn't necessarily easy or convenient, and the aperture system's gains were only demonstrable in certain scenarios.

But Samsung's competitors appeared to take a different tack throughout the remainder of 2018, maximizing AI to minimize the level of effort required to take impressive photos.

Take Google's work with the Pixel 3, for example. The company's Top Shot feature bested the Flaw Detection functionality Samsung introduced in the Note 9. Whereas Flaw Detection simply alerted you to potential issues with your photo and suggested you try again, Top Shot actually captured frames before and after your result, and smartly picked out ones that were superior.

That's the sort of clever use of AI that the industry could use more of, and exactly the kind of invention that could make or break Samsung's next-generation cameras. After all, smartphones should democratize the ability to capture amazing moments and eliminate the need for most of us to carry around compact cameras or invest hundreds in expensive DSLRs.

Outlook

Even if the Galaxy S10 incorporates a ton of lenses and the best image sensors on the market, it will have to be intuitive, easy to shoot with and able to yield impressive results with minimal fuss. If Samsung can nail that, then it might actually reimagine the camera for real.Farmington, WV (26555)

Today

Scattered thunderstorms, some strong early, overcast overnight with occasional rain. Low around 60F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%. 1 to 2 inches of rain expected. Locally heavy rainfall possible..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms, some strong early, overcast overnight with occasional rain. Low around 60F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%. 1 to 2 inches of rain expected. Locally heavy rainfall possible.A provision of Gov. Andrew Cuomo's 2019 budget contains a proposed ban on single-use plastic bags. The proposal has met with less than enthusiastic support from New Yorkers, according to a recent poll, with 48 percent in favor of the ban and 47 percent opposed to it. The other 5 percent don't care one way or the other, presumably because they are still using Wonder Bread bags to line their snow boots.

When I was a kid, grocery bags were made out of paper, which was a good thing, because otherwise we wouldn't have had anything to cover our textbooks with. Then, in the 1980s, plastic grocery bags were introduced and the standard question at grocery store checkouts became "paper or plastic?" Unfortunately, this question created an existential dilemma and paper bags were eventually phased out in order to ease the long delays as customers wrestled with the proper response. Rumors have circulated for years that paper bags are still available, but only if you ask nicely and know the secret handshake. There are occasional sightings of paper grocery bags; however, the paper bag is often put inside a plastic bag, for a belt with suspenders approach to grocery transport.

Now, single-use plastic bags are literally everywhere, and that is a problem. New Yorkers use an estimated 23 billion plastic bags per year, with 1 billion of those being used by a woman in front of me at Hannaford recently, who insisted that each item she was buying be double bagged individually in plastic. That number, combined with what's used by the rest of the country, means Americans use more than 100 billion plastic bags each year. That's almost enough plastic to build a wall to keep out the polar vortex.

Unfortunately, most plastic bags aren't being used to stem the crisis at our northern border. Only 1 percent of single-use plastic bags are recycled each year. That means that our landfills and oceans are being filled with plastic that will take at least 500 years to break down. Unless, of course, it's the plastic bag I'm using to clean the contents of my cat's litter box, in which case it will produce holes spontaneously on the way to the garbage can.

Although I will no longer have that problem now that our family is officially out of plastic bags. We used the last one this week and I'm not sorry about it, although our cat is less than thrilled. I was surprised, though, that a supply of plastic bags that had once filled an entire closet finally had been exhausted.

I first began using reusable shopping bags when we lived in Philadelphia. I'm not sure why I started  maybe someone was running a buy six cheesesteaks get a free shopping bag promotion  but I continued using them partly because I enjoyed the suspense of wondering whether the person bagging my groceries would be elated or annoyed when I handed them my cloth bags. Then we moved to Texas, where grocery store employees were firmly in the annoyed camp, and I stopped using them for fear of being branded a communist (it was the Cold War and being cozy with the Russians wasn't cool back then).

Eventually I began using reusable bags again, but not before giving up valuable closet space to the plastic and paper bags I'd already accumulated. That's because I have a genetic predisposition to keep anything that still has some use, no matter how many of them I have or the likelihood I will live long enough to use them all (remind me to tell you about my rubber band drawer some time).

Plastic bags have their uses, to be sure, just ask anyone who walks a dog. But California banned plastic bags in 2016 and they've figured out how to both get their groceries home from the store and clean up after their pets. Now that I no longer have plastic bags, I'm looking into more environmentally friendly ways to clean out the litter box. My cat hopes I wrap up my research soon. Pet owners are, presumably, animal lovers, and we should want to do all we can to keep plastic bags out of our oceans, where they kill 100,000 marine animals each year.

Grocery stores know the days of single-use bags, whether plastic or paper (which has its own set of environmental challenges), are numbered. In August, Kroger, the nation's largest grocery chain, announced it would completely phase out single-use bags by 2025. It's a good start, but I wish they hadn't picked a date when it sounds like we'll be travelling to the store in our flying cars. We can't wait that long.

This isn't a partisan issue, it's a quality-of-life-on-our-planet issue. It may be uncomfortable at first and will take some getting use to, but our children will thank us, our grandchildren will thank us, and sea turtles will thank us. New York, we can do this.

Betsy Bitner is a Capital Region writer. bbitner1@nycap.rr.co-mLed by Albany County District Attorney David Soares, prosecutors from around the state gathered in New York City last week for their annual winter conference.

Temperatures outside were frigid  as was Soares' reaction at the conference to parts of Gov. Andrew Cuomo's executive budget.

"Some of these proposals are fraught with problems and could have a negative impact on public safety in our state," Soares, the president of the District Attorneys Association of the State of New York (DAASNY), told members of his association at its annual event, which was in Manhattan from Wednesday to Friday.

Earlier in the week, Soares had already chided Cuomo's proposed reforms to bail, discovery, speedy trial and asset forfeiture, among other areas.

"I ask you to exercise caution and be deliberate before enacting

wholesale changes," Soares said in written testimony Tuesday to a joint legislative panel headed by Sen. Liz Krueger, who chairs the Senate's Finance Committee and Assemblywoman Helene Weinstein, who chairs the Assembly's Ways and Means Committee.

Soares reminded the panel that because the governor's office and both the Senate and Assembly are Democrat-controlled, they have a unique opportunity to pass real reform. Soares contends prosecutors are uniquely positioned to assess whether a proposed reform will help protect rights of the accused  or harm public safety.

"I ask you to listen," Soares stated. "We owe it to our residents, businesses and visitors to keep NY one of the safest states in the country, while also balancing the rights of the accused."

Soares, however, frowned on the governor's proposal to eliminate cash bail  a move some have pushed for as a way to eliminate institutionalized bias against the poor. Similar reforms enacted in New Jersey, Alaska and Washington D.C. have been problematic, he argued.

"I also need to point out the possible impact on drug courts," Soares added. "The way drug courts work right now is that defendants are held on bail and given the option of drug court or jail. If everyone gets presumptive release on drug cases nobody will go to drug court."

Soares also suggested proposals to reform the discovery process  the disclosure of evidence  could lead to early release of witness identities, placing them in danger.

"Witness intimidation has become easier with the use of social media. I have seen gang members post information about witnesses on Facebook and other online communities to provoke intimidation," Soares stated. "Among certain communities, some of the very communities we seek to help the most, being labeled as a snitch carries a price of not just violence but of ostracism by neighbors and peers."

Soares argued that "ironically, experience teaches that nothing will delay a matter's progress to resolution, more that a speedy trial motion."

And Soares said the governor's asset forfeiture proposal would end prosecutors' ability to sue defendants for a money judgment. Instead, prosecutors could sue to recover proceeds of crimes.

"The problem with this is that criminals don't often clearly label their ill-gotten gains. Identifying specific assets subject to forfeiture would be nearly impossible," he said.

At the conference, Soares said DAASNY's board of directors unanimously agreed to form emergency work groups to expedite the review of all of the proposals being discussed.

"There was overwhelming support to my call to action so that we, as prosecutors, can thoroughly review existing proposals and offer prudent solutions," he said.

Whether there will be "overwhelming support" for Soares in 2020, when his fourth term is up, will be another issue to watch. The district attorney's stance as DAASNY president could potentially put him at odds with much of his left-leaning base, which generally embraces calls to reform the justice system.

If the governor's bills don't pass, DAASNY president David Soares could win a battle that doesn't help DA David Soares win the war of re-election.

Saratoga County prosecutor honored

At the winter conference, Alan Poremba, the first assistant to Saratoga County District Attorney Karen Heggen, was given The Morgenthau Award, an honor named after late Manhattan District Attorney Robert Morgenthau.

The award recognizes prosecutors from four regions of the state for professional accomplishments, honesty, integrity and commitment to justice that exemplify Morgenthau's standards.

Poremba, a 1999 graduate of Albany Law School, began his career in 1999 when he was hired by legendary Albany County District Attorney Sol Greenberg. Poremba started in Saratoga County in 2004. Heggen named him as her top assistant last year.NEW YORK  More than a thousand inmates have been stuck in freezing cells at a federal jail on the Brooklyn waterfront that has had limited power and heat for at least this week, according to federal public defenders and leaders of the union representing the jail's corrections officers.

"They just stay huddled up in the bed," said June Bencebi, a case manager at the jail and the treasurer of the local chapter of the American Federation of Government Employees, which represents about 500 corrections officers at the jail.

The jail, the Metropolitan Detention Center, houses more than 1,600 inmates and lies in an industrial swath near the waterfront in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. Some are linked to high-profile drug trafficking and terrorism cases, while other inmates are comparatively anonymous New Yorkers awaiting trial.

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio tweeted Saturday that the city was sending blankets and hand warmers to the jail. "We've told the Federal Bureau of Prisons the supplies are coming  whether they like it or not," de Blasio said.

On Saturday and Sunday, protestors gathered outside the facility as news of the conditions broke. The Associated Press reported that some demonstrators attempted to enter the facility Sunday, and witnesses said guards drove them back with pushes, shoves and pepper spray.

Also on Sunday New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo called for an investigation, saying the situation was "a violation of human decency and dignity" and also raises "questions of potential violations of law."

The accounts of conditions at the jail were described to The New York Times by six lawyers and paralegals with local Federal Defenders offices, who had spoken with around three dozen inmates at the jail, known as MDC; two union leaders; and an employee at the jail who was not authorized to speak publicly.

A spokeswoman for Herman Quay, the jail's warden, said in an email that the building experienced a partial power outage a week ago Saturday but denied that it had affected heat and hot water in the jail's housing units.

Union leaders and defense lawyers rebutted that account.

Federal defenders said they were flooded with calls from inmates this week as temperatures began to drop. "Our phone was ringing off the hook," said the lead federal defender in Brooklyn, Deirdre von Dornum. She said inmates, using a dedicated line that connects the jail to federal defenders offices, had gathered around the telephones on their floors to report poor heating, little to no hot water and no lights in their cells.

On Thursday, Rachel Bass, a paralegal at the Brooklyn office of the Federal Defenders said that she had fielded calls from about 15 inmates. "In the past hour I have gotten 11 calls," she said. "People are frantic. They're really, really scared. They don't have extra blankets. They don't have access to the commissary to buy an extra sweatshirt."

She said many inmates complained of congestion and sore throats.

The president of the local chapter of the union, Anthony Sanon, said the problems began around Jan. 5 when the jail lost power for the first time. The heating issues began last week, leaving inmates and staff to face freezing weather for the first time. "We didn't have heat in the building, we didn't have light," Sanon said. "The weather was actually unbearable."

An electrical fire last Sunday further hobbled the functioning of the jail. The jail switched over to emergency power, leaving the corridors lit only by dim emergency lights, the cells dark and the building poorly heated during the coldest days of the winter so far. This past week, the temperature plummeted to 2 degrees in New York City, as frigid weather swept over the Midwest and Northeast.

"The heat isn't coming out properly," Sanon said.

One inmate told a federal defender that a corrections officer had taken the temperature in a housing unit, which was warmer than the cells, and it was 34 degrees. New York City's Fire Department confirmed that it responded to a small electrical fire in the jail's control room last Sunday.

But the warden's spokesman, who signed her name V. Logan, said in the email the power outage had "minimally impacted" housing units. "All housing units have functional lighting," she said. "Heat and hot water has not been impacted. Likewise, inmate meals are not impacted; inmates are receiving regularly scheduled hot meals each day."

Taken together, the accounts of nearly three dozen inmates given to federal defenders painted a different picture of conditions inside the jail.

Heat was the main complaint. The heat was spotty to nonexistent, depending on the floor. Hot water was scarce. Hot food had not been served for several days, with canned food handed out cell by cell. One inmate, who kept kosher, said he had only been given canned sardines.

The inmates were promised extra blankets, but they never came. The commissary, because of the limited electricity, was closed. "All said they were wearing whatever they could to stay warm," said Randi Chavis, a federal defender in the Central Islip, New York, office who spoke to several people. "Extra pairs of socks, towels wrapped around their heads, durags, thermals if they have them."

The conditions were aggravated by the lack of electrical power, inmates told the lawyers and paralegals. The jail had abandoned its usual routines, with inmates kept on partial lockdown for safety reasons.

Because power outlets were not working, the inmates could not use the computers that usually allow them to communicate with relatives and place requests for prescription refills.

"One man takes anti-seizure medication which he is allowed to keep with him," Chavis said. "He takes two pills a day and is down to his last three pills."

Legal visits and family visits had been canceled since last Sunday, the lawyers said.

Times Union staff and the Associated Press contributed to this story.ALBANY  Over a two-year period, Bronx Assemblyman Michael Blake, a rising star in New York and national politics, held an unusual side job: well-paid consultant for a political party in Bermuda.

According to Blake's state-required financial disclosure forms, the work took place in 2016 and 2017, when he reported earning between $20,000 and $50,000 per year from the consulting job.

Since then, a law that had once been sporadically enforced has garnered more attention. It requires American citizens to file paperwork registering as "foreign agents" if they work for a foreign political party while in the United States.

The once-little known law has gained prominence, in part, because of high-profile prosecutions pursued by Special Counsel Robert Mueller against former top aides of President Donald J. Trump.

Blake  who is also vice-chairman of the Democratic National Committee  did not register as a foreign agent for the Bermuda work, but says it wasn't required. All of the consulting work by Blake occurred in Bermuda, according to a spokesman.

Under the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act, if Blake did none of the work within the United States, he was not required to register as a foreign agent. Blake's campaign says his work was in no way comparable to that of the ex-Trump aides.

Blake's campaign spokesman said the work in Bermuda took place over the course of several trips, and was focused primarily on field communications and organizing training sessions for the political party, which is called the One Bermuda Alliance.

Blake also informed the state Assembly's ethics office in advance about the nature of the work  including where it would be performed  and it was approved, Blake's campaign said. It was then publicly disclosed on his financial disclosure forms, as required.

A spokeswoman for Blake told the New York Daily News in 2017 that, "He helps people with campaigns and it had no impact on his work in New York."

Citing, in part, an extremely busy schedule because of his current campaign for New York City public advocate  the election is weeks away  Blake declined to answer more specific follow-up questions. Blake has emerged as one of the leading candidates in a crowded field vying for New York City's second-ranking post, which was vacated by Letitia James after she was elected state attorney general in November.

Blake's campaign declined to say how long the trips to Bermuda had lasted, or exactly how many he had taken. Blake's campaign also did not respond to a specific question about whether he had ever made a phone call, or sent an email, while within the United States, concerning the Bermuda consulting work. His campaign reiterated that all his work took place in Bermuda.

According to an NBC News report last month, registrations under the once little-enforced FARA law have spiked in recent years, as Mueller has pursued his probe which centers on Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.

In October 2017, Mueller charged former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort and his longtime business associate, Rick Gates, with being unregistered foreign agents, among other allegations. Manafort pleaded guilty last September. Gates himself has pleaded guilty to conspiring to violate FARA.

In December 2017, Michael Flynn, the former national security adviser to Trump, pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI. Flynn admitted making false statements in a FARA filing about his lucrative consulting work for Turkey.

NBC News reported that before the recent charges, there had been only three indictments for alleged FARA violations since 1966  and none had resulted in convictions.

At least one prominent New York political consulting firm has registered under FARA. In the spring of 2018, employees of BerlinRosen, the left-leaning firm based in Manhattan, filed a registration form for their consulting work on behalf of The Cambodia National Rescue Movement.

Blake has a garnered a national profile since being elected to the chamber in 2014. He is a former aide to President Barack Obama and worked on both of his presidential campaigns.Hoosick Falls resident Michael Hickey, who exposed toxic chemicals polluting water in his Rensselaer County village, will attend the State of the Union in Washington D.C. Tuesday as the guest of U.S. Rep. Antonio Delgado.

Hickey said he was honored and grateful to be joining Delgado.

"Putting a spotlight on the poisoning of residents of Hoosick Falls and Petersburgh is exactly what we need to spur action on a local and national level," a statement to the Times Union read.

After the death of his father from cancer, Hickey began testing local water for contaminants. He discovered that a toxic chemical PFOA, emitted from factories nearby, polluted water supplies in and around the village of Hoosick Falls.

The Times Union reported the discovery in December 2015. The story also revealed that village and state officials downplayed the problem for more than a year and did not warn residents that the water was unsafe to drink, possibly to protect their efforts to revive the local economy.

Related: More stories at timesunion.com/environment

Within a week of publication, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) demanded the village warn residents to stop drinking the water. Two months later, the state of New York declared the village would become a Superfund site designated for federally funded clean-up.

In 2016, Hickey sued two companies that operated the manufacturing plants which caused the contaminants. He and other Hoosick Falls residents, including mayor Rob Allen elected in 2017, have pushed for compensation and systemic change as the problem persists. A recent survey discovered rates of illnesses and cancer caused by pollution were higher than previously estimated.

Delgado, serving his first term as representative for the 19th Congressional District which includes Hoosick Falls, said the situation is one of his top regional concerns.

"I've seen personally the devastating effects that PFOA chemicals have had on our communities and on families like Michael Hickey's. He is a true hero in what he has done to spur action," a statement from the representative to the Times Union read. "I'm pleased he will join me for the State of the Union as we send a powerful message that this crisis cannot be ignored. I am committed to working with members on both sides of the aisle to take decisive steps to address water contamination. And I will be a strong voice urging the Administration to step up its efforts to protect the health and safety of communities in Upstate New York and across the country."

Last week, Delgado sent a letter to EPA's Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler urging him to include a commitment to set maximum contaminant levels for the toxic chemicals PFOA and PFAS. Delgado's letter said that the agency's National Management Plan, overdue after a scheduled release in fall 2018, is rumored to not include a maximum level.

Delgado's guest will highlight the issue on a national stage. This year's State of the Union delivered by the President, an annual tradition, was delayed because of the longest shutdown in U.S. history. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi refused to invite President Donald Trump to give the speech in the House but conceded after the shutdown was temporarily ended.

Every member of Congress can bring one guest to the event. The President and the Speaker of the House may invite up to 24 guests each in their designated boxes.

Congressman Paul Tonko is bringing Gene Karpinski, president of the League of Conservation Voters and a leading national voice for climate action and environmental advocacy.

Congresswoman Elise Stefanik invited Steve Bowman, an Air Force veteran from Plattsburgh, who is the director of the Clinton County Veterans Services Agency.

Hoosick Falls Mayor Rob Allen, who announced Hickey's invitation on Twitter Saturday, said two other advocates from PFAS contaminated communities will attend the State of the Union address Tuesday.

New Hampshire Senator Jeanne Shaheen invited Andrea Amico from grassroots group "Testing for Pease." According to the organization's website, Amico started advocacy after tests exposed water contamination on Pease Air National Guard Base near Portsmouth in 2014. She was personally affected: her husband was employed for a company on Pease for almost 9 years and both of her children attended daycare there since they were 12 weeks old.

Michigan U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee invited Cathy Wusterbarth. According to his office's press release, Wusterbarth is a resident of Oscoda that surrounds former Wurtsmith Air Force Base. PFAS chemicals from the base seeped into surrounding groundwater wells and pose a threat to drinking water sources in Oscoda and across the country.

Kildee's district also includes Flint, where tests in 2015 confirmed dangerous levels of lead in the town's drinking water.

Delgado told reporters a week after he took office that he is working with Kildee and other representatives of affected districts to champion for clean water.When the 20-something Canadian was arrested by federal immigration agents leaving the Ballston Spa Village Court, her laundry was still spinning in the laundromat. She'd just gotten a new puppy. She was getting ready to propose to her American girlfriend, the reason she had moved to the Capital Region on a valid professional visa.

The young woman was at the courthouse on Nov. 2, 2017 facing a check forgery charge. She told her attorney it was a mistake and the alleged victim had begged the bank not to press charges.

When the woman left court, she saw U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers dressed in camouflage outside. They arrested and detained her in Albany County jail, where she shared her story with Albany Law School professor Sarah Rogerson.

Rogerson and other attorneys got the young woman released after her immigration case was terminated because her criminal case was still pending. Her lawyers haven't heard from her since.

This young woman, whose attorney did not share her name to protect her identity, was relatively lucky in the midst of skyrocketing ICE arrests inside and near New York courthouses under President Donald Trump's administration.

ICE doesn't track arrests in courts. But statewide data collected by attorneys and advocates reveals that ICE courthouse arrests in New York have increased 1,700 percent since 2016, according to a report released by the Immigrant Defense Project last week. Incidents increased slightly in 2018 compared to 2017.

While most cases were in New York City, there were at least 18 incidents reported in the Capital Region last year. For the first time, cases were reported in Fulton and Rensselaer counties.

Researchers worry that they don't understand the full scope of the problem because data is voluntarily reported by local attorneys and advocates.

"In New York City there is a volume of cases, but there are more eyes and ears. It could be happening upstate but we don't know because we can't be in every city and town court," said Rogerson, who began researching the issue after she met the young Canadian woman in 2017.

Bryan MacCormack, executive director of Columbia County Sanctuary Movement, a grassroots immigrant support group, recalled an estimated 10 additional cases in or nearby courts in Hudson, Livingston and Kinderhook in the past two years.

Lee Wang, supervising immigration attorney at the Immigrant Defense Project, an advocacy organization based in New York City, said that in a vast majority of cases, immigrants were in court for minor offenses. Some were married to U.S. citizens and arrested in front of their spouses or children.

Attorneys and advocates argue that ICE courthouse arrests interrupt the criminal justice system and create a climate of fear that keeps undocumented immigrants away from courts.

"It interferes with the regular administration of justice," said Rogerson. "Some of these individuals are alleged to have committed crimes, but they haven't been convicted because they're in court."

MacCormack said ICE courthouse arrests don't only affect the defendants apprehended.

"There is a chilling effect that ripples throughout the community, damages trust in the police and courts, causes violations of civil liberties, such as due process and speedy trial, and discourages victims from coming forward or following through on their cases," he said. "Community members literally call our organization and ask us if we know a judge who is safe to ask to officiate a wedding."

The spike in courthouse arrests mirrors an expansion of immigration enforcement priorities under the Trump administration that includes arresting immigrants with legal status who are charged with or convicted of a crime. Those arrested face detention and sometimes deportation.

While ICE's tactics aren't clear, court dockets are public record, so if ICE is keeping track of certain individuals, the agency can show up on their day in court. Advocates also speculate court officers in some cases contact ICE, especially in incidents when a person was arrested when he or she did not have a scheduled court hearing.

ICE issued a policy directive on the issue in January 2018. It said courthouse arrests target aliens with criminal convictions, deportation orders or who entered illegally after being removed and "are often necessitated by the unwillingness of jurisdictions to cooperate with ICE in the transfer of custody of aliens from their prisons and jails." The directive tells officers not to conduct collateral arrests like picking up a companion of a defendant and to avoid arrests in public places in the courthouse and inside non-criminal courts like family court.

The state Office of Court Administration (OCA) issued its own policy in April 2017 stating that law enforcement officials must identify themselves and inform judges if a defendant in their court is a target. The OCA policy, however, only applies to state courts at the city level and above. Town and village courts make their own rules.

In the Capital Region, Saratoga County is the locus of ICE action in the courts and incidents there demonstrate how these policies play out in practice.

Court officers in OCA-run courts are required to file a report when ICE makes a courthouse arrest. One report obtained by the Times Union from October 2017 revealed that a man and his companion showed up at Saratoga Springs City Court in response to a traffic ticket. He didn't have a scheduled court appearance, but ICE officers showed up to arrest him and his companion. This was after OCA's memorandum was issued but before ICE's policy directive.

In November 2017, the Times Union reported that ICE arrested a man outside a courtroom in the same court. It was the same day that ICE arrested the young Canadian woman at Ballston Spa Village Court 7 miles away.

Courthouse arrests in the Capital Region Below is a sample of courthouse arrests that agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement have made in the Capital Region. These reports were collected by the Immigrant Defense Project. Click on the map points for more details about each arrest. Use the filter to select a court. Source: The Immigrant Defense Project Cathleen F. Crowley / Times Union

Arrests at Saratoga city and county courts continued steadily last year  with six cases reported in 2018 versus seven in 2017. The most recent incident was this past September.

Saratoga Springs City Court Judge Jeffrey Wait said he has been informed about ICE's presence within the security area of the courthouse  once while on the bench because it involved a defendant in a case before him  but wouldn't comment further on the issue.

"OCA has a policy and I'm obligated to follow it," Wait told the Times Union.

In an April 2018 incident in Columbia County reported to the Immigrant Defense Project, a Chatham police officer providing security at Chatham Town Court arrested a defendant inside a courtroom after his case was called. He handcuffed him and walked him out the back door of the court to the parking lot where ICE agents were waiting.

The Times Union attempted to contact Chatham police and Town Court about their policies regarding ICE. The police chief, who was traveling, did not respond to email. The court clerk and judge, who work part-time, also did not respond before deadline.

As more information comes out about ICE in the courts, political will for change is stirring. Long Island Democrat Michaelle Solages in the New York state Assembly and Manhattan Democrat Brad Hoylman in the state Senate introduced a bill this legislative session that would outlaw arrests without a valid warrant of people in court proceedings in state courthouses.

"ICE has created an environment where survivors of gender crimes have to decide between seeking justice, with a real possibility of being deported, or remaining silent in the shadows. Fearing potential implications for themselves, friends or family, fewer individuals feel safe interacting with the justice system, making it all the more challenging to promote public safety. The Protect Our Courts Act will ensure that New York remains a safe haven for our New American communities, " Solages stated.

At a hearing in Albany on Tuesday, New York's Chief Administrative Judge Lawrence Marks said he would consider a new rule requiring ICE to have a judicial warrant, authorized by a judge, to make courthouse arrests. Lucian Chalfen, OCA's director of public information, said that agents increasingly have been conducting arrests with warrants signed by judges.

Attorneys and advocates say passage of the bill would be a step in the right direction but wouldn't solve the problem. The Immigrant Defense Project's report revealed that while a majority of courthouse arrests in the Capital Region in 2017 occurred inside courts, most in 2018 took place outside courts  at the steps, on the street, in the parking lot.

"My fear, unfortunately, is that even if ICE out-of-courts legislation passes in the New York legislature, ICE will wait two blocks down," MacCormack said.

MacCormack said his organization is working with officials to figure out ways to reduce the necessity for people to appear in court as one of the ways to prevent ICE detention in court and preserve due process.

"If you don't protect a certain radius around the courthouse, then you really impair an individual's ability to access justice. It's cold comfort to litigants," Rogerson said. "If ICE is around the courthouse, undocumented folks are going to be afraid to go."

Mary Armistead, an attorney with Albany legal aid organization The Legal Project, said that last week one of her teenage clients decided not to move forward with an application for a special immigrant juvenile visa because it would have required going to family court to get a custody order. The client's family asked Armistead how likely it was that they would be arrested at court.

"My approach to this issue is very difficult for me," Armistead said. "I can tell them it's a relatively low risk and give them the qualifiers, but at the same time, it's my duty as an attorney to tell them of this risk. I want to see them move forward, because it's their best chance of status, but it's not up to me to determine what risks they're willing to take with their family."

Now, Armistead is looking for other guardians to sponsor the teenager. If she doesn't find one in the couple of months before the teenager turns 18, he won't be able to apply for this visa  his only option to live legally in the U.S.Troy

The pastor of Troy's oldest African American church is calling for Councilman Mark McGrath's resignation over the politician's racial slur caught in a voice mail recording

The Rev. George Whitfield of Fifth Avenue A.M.E. Zion Church made the request in an email to City Council President Carmella Mantello on Saturday.

"Our community must have a zero tolerance for that type of offensive action and anything short of resignation is unacceptable," Whitfield wrote. "This past week, the members of the Troy community more specifically the residents of District 2 were made aware of some racist comments that (McGrath) made three years ago. These comments are disturbing, outright disrespectful, and do not reflect the core values of our Troy community."

Both Whitfield's church and home are in District 2, which McGrath represents as a Conservative Party member who ran with Republican support. When Whitfield arrived in Troy two years ago, he asked McGrath to help him learn more about the community. McGrath gave him a tour but Whitfield says the two have not interacted much since then.

It remains unclear who McGrath is talking about in the 12-second voicemail obtained by the Times Union; the name of the recipient was bleeped out. McGrath's voice says: "That f---ing n----r. F---ing c--n f--k," he says. "Hey ... it's Mark McGrath, give me a call, will ya?"

McGrath's response to public outcry after the voicemail was released did not impress Whitfield. In his email to Mantello Whitfield wrote: "As an elected official you lose the confidence of the people you have been sworn to represent, when you choose to say such hateful things about a member of a particular community. For over 400 years African Americans have endured demeaning language and in 2019 we stand up to express that enough is enough."

Whitfield copied the email to the other members of the council, including McGrath.

"His saying that he can't actually be a racist because he's lived in this district his whole life is like a white person saying he has black friends," Whitfield told the Times Union. "McGrath argued that he only used the word because he was upset but that's when a person's true self comes out. I've been upset before with my white and Hispanic brothers and sisters and I've never talked about them that way."

Whitfield believes people can change for the better.

"He needs to step down so he can focus on working on himself spiritually and rebuilding trust with the community," Whitfield said. "Redemption is possible, it can happen."

McGrath, asked for a response from the Times Union, replied:

"I can appreciate that some will continue to be angry about this. I have spoken with many community members who have been gracious and forgiving, and for that I am grateful and humbled. I was elected for a period of two years and I intend to continue to serve all of the residents of my district - as I always have - until the end of my current term."Glenville

The New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing saluted former commander Maj. Gen. Anthony P. German, who also led the New York Army and Air National Guard from 2016 to 2018, during his retirement ceremony at Stratton Air National Guard Base on Saturday.

The Oneonta resident served 36 years in the U.S. Air Force and the New York Air National Guard. Saturday's ceremony was his last official military duty, according to the state Division of Military & Naval Affairs.

German spent 18 years in the 109th Airlift Wing, the only unit in the U.S. military to fly aircraft that can land on snow or ice using skies.

German Saturday was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal and the New York State Meritorious Service Medal as part of the ceremony.

German was commissioned as an Air Force navigator in 1983 through Officer Training School. He spent six years on active duty before joining the New York Air National Guard in 1989.

He served in a number of positions in the 109th, including standardization evaluation navigator, weapons and tactics officer, chief of current operations, chief of standardization, chief of wing plans and executive support staff officer before becoming the wing commander, according to the state division.Albany

Limousine industry trade groups are urging state legislators to oppose an outright ban on stretch limousines proposed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, arguing it would unduly harm an industry already suffering from high taxes and fierce competition from ride-share companies like Uber and Lyft.

"This is going to create a loss of revenue...and a loss of sales tax (for the state)," Douglas Schwartz, a board member of the National Limousine Association, testified last last week before a joint legislative budget hearing on transportation.

Schwartz, who owns a limousine company on Long Island, said that if New York state forced limo operators to get rid of their stretch limos, then out-of-state competitors would just fill the void.

"Federal DOT, we believe, will allow vehicles to cross the border from New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Canada to come into our state and supply transportation to people," Schwartz said at the hearing Wednesday, referring to the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The stretch limo ban was included in Cuomo's state budget proposal released last month in response to the Oct. 6 limo crash in Schoharie that killed 20 people. The company that owned the stretch 2001 Ford Excursion involved in the crash had circumvented state Department of Transportation inspections and oversight.

The stretch limo ban is just one several new limo regulations Cuomo is proposing to give the state DOT additional powers to crack down on illegal and unsafe limos.

Schwartz testified along with Kevin Barwell, who owns a Buffalo-area limousine company and is president of the Limousine, Bus, Taxi Operators of Upstate New York.

They said that the industry opposes the stretch limo ban since many limos that operate in the state have been stretched or "re-manufactured," meaning they are cut in two and lengthened, with bars, special lighting and couch-like seats installed.

The vehicles are popular for weddings, proms and parties. Funeral homes also often own re-manufactured vehicles.

Like other limo owners, Schwartz and Barwell proposed some sort of compromise that would not ban stretch limos outright but limit their size to double the original seating capacity or limit ownership to just 10 years.

"This accident, nor the one on Long Island a few years ago, had anything to do with how the vehicle was re-manufactured," Barwell told legislators. "This is an unfair action."

Any stretch limo that seats more than 10 people, including the driver, must go through DOT inspections every six months in New York. The Excursion involved in the crash had seating for 18.

State Police and the National Transportation Safety Board continue their investigations into the Schoharie crash and have yet to make public what they believe caused the crash.

All 18 people aboard, including the driver, died of blunt force trauma when the limo blew through a stop sign at the bottom of a long hill along Route 30 and crashed into a ravine next to the Apple Barrel Country Store. Two bystanders also died when they were struck by the Excursion.

Nauman Hussain, who was operating his family's Saratoga County limo operation at the time of the crash, has been charged with criminally negligent homicide, although he has pleaded not guilty and is free on bail.

The owner of the Albany limo company that sold the Excursion to Prestige Limousine in 2016 believes the limo was stretched by a Brooklyn company that has since gone out of business.

When a company stretches a vehicle, they are required under federal law to attach a special sticker to the door that verifies the car meets federal safety standards. It is unclear if the Excursion had that tag at the time of the crash, although a DOT investigator who inspected the vehicle during two roadside inspections in the months leading up to the crash noted it was missing.

Barwell, the Buffalo limo operator, said that ride-sharing companies have been putting limo companies out of business since they have much lower regulatory costs. Banning stretch limos would result in more job losses and less tax revenue for the state, he said.

"We implore you to please re-think the legislation," Barwell said.

Earlier in the transportation hearing, Ronald Epstein, the DOT executive deputy commissioner, had urged legislators to pass Cuomo's new limo regulations, including the ban on stretch limos.

"The governor has proposed very aggressive initiatives that would ensure that a tragedy like this would never happen again," Epstein said.Barre, VT (05641)

Today

Thunderstorms, some strong this evening followed by occasional showers overnight. Damaging winds and large hail with some storms. Low around 65F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms, some strong this evening followed by occasional showers overnight. Damaging winds and large hail with some storms. Low around 65F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70%.Cresaptown, MD (21502)

Today

Isolated thunderstorms early, overcast overnight with occasional rain likely. Low 64F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Locally heavy rainfall possible..

Tonight

Isolated thunderstorms early, overcast overnight with occasional rain likely. Low 64F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Locally heavy rainfall possible.I was shocked to see these photos, said Anderson, the first African American constitutional officer in Seminole County, in a statement. Personally, I do not believe these pictures are representative of the Mike Ertel I know today. Acts like these are unacceptable, but as we work through issues surrounding race, it is important to understand people can learn and grow from their actions.Tifton, GA (31794)

Today

Cloudy this evening with thunderstorms developing after midnight. Low 73F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Locally heavy rainfall possible..

Tonight

Cloudy this evening with thunderstorms developing after midnight. Low 73F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Locally heavy rainfall possible.HDFC Bank Limited provides various banking and financial services to individuals and businesses in India, Bahrain, Hong Kong, and Dubai. It operates in Treasury, Retail Banking, Wholesale Banking, Other Banking Business, and Unallocated segments. The company accepts savings, salary, current, and Demat accounts; fixed and recurring deposits; and safe deposit lockers, and rural and pension accounts, as well as offshore accounts and deposits, overdrafts against fixed deposits and salaries, and sweep-in facilities. It also provides personal, home, car, two wheeler, three wheeler, business, educational, gold, rural, and term loans; loans against properties, assets, and securities; loans for professionals; government sponsored programs; and loans on credit card, as well as working capital and commercial/construction equipment finance, term and professional loans, healthcare/medical equipment and commercial vehicle finance, and dealer finance. In addition, the company offers credit, debit, prepaid, and forex cards; payment and collection, export, import, remittance, bank guarantee, letter of credit, trade, hedging, loan syndication, and merchant and cash management services; and insurance and investment products. Further, it provides short term finance, bill discounting, structured finance, export credit, documents collection, Internet and wholesale banking, mobile banking, real time gross settlement, channel financing, vendor financing, reimbursement account, money market, derivatives, employee trusts, cash surplus corporates, tax payment, and bankers to rights/public issue services, as well as financial solutions for supply chain partners and agricultural customers. As of March 31, 2020, it had 5,416 branches and 13,640 automated teller machines in 2,803 cities/towns. HDFC Bank Limited was founded in 1994 and is based in Mumbai, India.

Read MoreGeneral Electric Company operates as a high-tech industrial company worldwide. The company's Power segment offers heavy-duty and aeroderivative gas turbines for utilities, independent power producers, and industrial applications; maintenance, service, and upgrade solutions to plant assets and their operational lifecycle; steam power technology for fossil and nuclear applications, including boilers, generators, steam turbines, and air quality control systems; and advanced reactor technologies solutions comprising reactors, fuels, and support services for boiling water reactors. This segment also applies the science and systems of power conversion to provide motors, generators, automation, and control equipment; and drives for energy intensive industries, such as marine, oil and gas, mining, rail, metals, test systems, and water. Its Renewable Energy segment provides various solutions for its customers through combining onshore and offshore wind, blades, hydro, storage, solar, and grid solutions, as well as hybrid renewables and digital services offerings. The company's Aviation segment designs and produces commercial and military aircraft engines, integrated engine components, electric power, and mechanical aircraft systems; and provides aftermarket services. Its Healthcare segment develops, manufactures, markets, and services magnetic resonance, computed tomography, molecular imaging, x-ray and high-frequency soundwave systems, clinical monitoring and acute care systems, enterprise digital, artificial intelligence applications, consulting and command center, and complementary software and services; and researches, manufactures, and markets imaging agents. The company's Capital segment offers aviation leasing and financing, and working capital services; financial solutions and underwriting capabilities; and insurance and reinsurance for life and health risks, as well as annuity products. The company was founded in 1878 and is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts.

Read MoreAd Home Bistro

The Next Household Name in At Home Dining is Here

With a winning model this company is changing how we prepare home cooked meals forever.ICICI Bank Limited provides various banking products and financial services in India and internationally. It operates in Retail Banking, Wholesale Banking, Treasury, and Others Banking segments. The company offers savings, salary, pension, current, and other accounts; and fixed, recurring, and security deposits. It also provides home, car, two wheeler, personal, gold, and commercial business loans, as well as loans against securities and other loans; business loans, such as working capital finance, term loans, collateral free loans, loans without financials, finance for importers and exporters, and secured loans for credit card swipes, as well as loans for new entities, and schools and colleges; and credit, debit, prepaid, travel, and corporate cards. In addition, the company offers insurance products; pockets wallet; fixed income products; investment products, such as mutual funds, gold monetization schemes, and initial public offerings, as well as other online investment services; and farmer finance, tractor loans, and micro banking services, as well as other services to agri traders and processors, and agri corporates. Further, it provides portfolio management, trade, foreign exchange, locker, private and NRI banking, and cash management services; family wealth and demat accounts; commercial and investment banking, capital market, custodial, project and technology finance, and institutional banking services, as well as Internet, mobile, and phone banking services. Additionally, the company offers securities investment, broking, trading, and underwriting services; and merchant banking, trusteeship, housing finance, and pension fund management services. As of March 31, 2020, it had a network of 5,324 branches, 15,688 ATMs, 1,638 insta-banking kiosks, 483,538 POS terminals, and 1,791 cash acceptance machines. ICICI Bank Limited was founded in 1955 and is headquartered in Mumbai, India.

Read MoreConsider what happened in the months after reports federal officials were investigating former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich for corruption and before he was finally removed from office, His fellow Democrats in the Illinois legislature held together and continued to push their initiatives, though they did reject Blagojevich's high profile FamilyCare health insurance program for lower income Illinoisans. They also retained control of both the state Senate and the House in the 2010 election and in the years that followed. And Democrat Pat Quinn won the 2010 and 2014 gubernatorial election.Marks & Spencer chairman Archie Norman has 25 days to decide whether to push ahead with plans for a 'transformational' 1billion deal with Ocado to launch a food delivery service.

Norman has been holding talks with home delivery giant Ocado, revealed by The Mail on Sunday last weekend, as part of his efforts to revitalise the historic high street chain.

Ocado founder Tim Steiner has offered to sell his key distribution centre at Hatfield and Ocado's fleet of refrigerated vans and lorries to M&S for a sum understood to be around 850million.

Decision time: Marks & Spencer chairman Archie Norman has 25 days to decide whether to push ahead with the plans

The deal would involve Ocado dumping existing partner Waitrose  a severing of ties that would send shockwaves though the upmarket grocer's heartland in the South of England.

But it could also reshape Marks & Spencer, enabling it to cater for modern shopping trends and put the company in a position to compete with supermarket rivals and defend itself against a long-mooted incursion by Amazon into the UK food retailing market.

Sources said Steiner and Norman have less than a month to hammer out a deal due to strict clauses in Ocado's contract with Waitrose, which has been its partner for two decades.

The contract  which ends on September 1, 2020  says that Ocado can trigger an 18-month break clause before March 1, 2019.

The deadline is crucial. A source with knowledge of the contract said: 'On March 1 things will get far more complicated, if not impossible, for Ocado and M&S.

'There is a window of opportunity here for both Ocado and Marks & Spencer to do a deal but the clock is ticking very fast.

'The question is whether M&S where the culture is still very much driven by meetings and emails where everyone has to be copied in, in triplicate, every time there is an incremental development  has the capacity to pull off a deal in that time.'

There are also understood to be complex unwinding clauses within Ocado's contract with Waitrose, which also has a separate delivery service Waitrose.com which the supermarket runs separately.

M&S is one of the few large food retailers yet to launch such an operation.But the deal currently being discussed with Ocado would be fraught with complexities.

Steve Rowe, M&S chief executive, has previously admitted that his customers tend to buy fewer items each time they visit, compared with customers in supermarkets.

That would make it hard for him to make deliveries profitable unless he could persuade shoppers to buy more each time or pay a fee for each doorstep drop-off, both of which could be difficult.

But retail sources said the most pressing concern was over whether M&S could tempt Waitrose shoppers using the Ocado service to switch to buying Marks products.

One senior industry source said: 'You take your customers for granted at your peril.

'If there is an assumption, as part of this deal, that Waitrose shoppers who use Ocado will simply switch to M&S on the same service, then that may be a serious miscalculation.

'Ocado shoppers are first and foremost Waitrose shoppers, not Ocado shoppers. If this goes wrong, we could be looking at nothing short of a rebellion in the Home Counties.'

Sources said the next two weeks of talks between M&S and Ocado would be crucial. After that the chances of a deal would begin to evaporate and Steiner would soon be pressed into negotiating a renewal of his current contract with Waitrose.

Ocado is due to deliver full-year results this week. The company's delivery service, for which Waitrose is the main supplier, is the only service wholly owned and run by Ocado.

In other partnerships it builds distribution centres and hands financial responsibility over to the retailer while Ocado helps run the operation under licence.

That has turned out to be far more lucrative for Steiner's company  and with less direct financial risk. One such deal, signed in 2013, has been with Morrisons supermarket.

Steiner has since been looking worldwide for retailers who might want to buy the blueprint for Ocado's technology-driven delivery service. He has used the firm's automated distribution centre in Hertfordshire as a showcase.

Steiner struck gold last year, sealing a deal with US supermarket giant Kroger, boosting confidence in his strategy so much that Ocado's shares have almost doubled to 9.91, valuing the firm at almost 7billion.

M&S shareholders are understood to have contacted the company's head office since news of the secret talks broke last Sunday, demanding more information. M&S and Ocado declined to comment.Britain's biggest housebuilders are poised to dish out a record 2.6 billion in dividends to shareholders this year  despite failing to tackle the housing crisis.

The staggering amount to be handed out mainly to City investors in 2019  largely as a result of taxpayer-funded schemes  is enough to build 11,400 houses.

It is vastly higher than the 50 million paid out in 2012  a year before the controversial Help to Buy scheme was launched.

Critics say the scheme, launched by George Osborne when he was Chancellor, has fuelled house price rises, boosting the profits of builders who now have so much spare cash they have heavily ramped up returns to shareholders  often in the form of 'special dividends'  rather than building extra homes.

Bovis Homes and Persimmon have already revealed that they will report record profits for last year, with the latter's set to top 1 billion for the first time.

And this week, Barratt Developments will unveil a bumper dividend when it becomes the first builder to reveal financial results this year.

Yet fewer than 230,000 new homes have been built in each of the past ten years, well below the Government's 300,000 target.

Research by Heriot-Watt University last year said England needed nearly 4 million homes to deal with the growing housing crisis  or 340,000 a year until 2031.

Analysis by The Mail on Sunday shows the 11 biggest listed housebuilders will pay out 2.63 billion in dividends this year, up from 2.48billion in 2018. That puts housebuilders among the highest yielding stocks on the FTSE 100.

Yields  the amount shareholders receive compared to the market value of their stock  have risen in recent months because of share price falls due to Brexit jitters.

Paula Higgins, chief executive of the HomeOwners Alliance, said: 'What's shocking is not only are housing firms not building enough houses, but the quality of those they do build is poor.

They are paying out big dividends linked to Help to Buy and yet they're throwing up substandard housing.

'All this extra money is going into their own pockets and those of their big shareholders instead of being reinvested into society.'

Despite last year's row over the 75 million bonus for former chief executive Jeff Fairburn, Persimmon is set to pay the sector's biggest dividend of 2019 at 746 million.

That tops last year's 730 million due to extra shares given to 130 senior managers including Fairburn as part of its bonus scheme.

Based on the current share price, the yield is nearly 10 per cent. Taylor Wimpey has increased dividend payments by 20 per cent for this year and is set to pay out 600 million, up from 500 million in 2018  a yield of 11 per cent.

Barratt Developments is set to up its dividend from 435 million to 450 million this year, according to analyst forecasts. That would be a yield of more than 8 per cent.

Last month, Berkeley Group said it would keep paying its 280 million-a-year shareholder returns until 2025, having previously planned to pay them until 2021.

Other builders set to pay more to shareholders in 2019, according to analyst forecasts, include Bovis at around 140 million; Bellway, 169 million; Redrow, 79 million, Countryside Properties, 50 million; and Telford Homes, 14 million.

Two expected to keep their dividend at the same level as last year are Crest Nicholson, 76 million, and McCarthy & Stone, 29 million.

Recent data shows the average UK house price was 230,630 in October  so the 2.63 billion in dividends could build 11,400 homes.

Housebuilders are so flush with cash that analysts believe even if there is a crash, they will still be able to pay out large dividends.

Persimmon is thought to be the most cash-rich company of any type on the FTSE. It revealed last month its cash balance including debt stood at 1.05 billion.

Greg Beales, of housing charity Shelter, said: 'Piecemeal schemes such as Help to Buy have made the situation worse by inflating house prices  while doing next to nothing to help those most in need.'

Reuben Young, of campaign group PricedOut, said: 'Private developers are able to make huge profits while not delivering at the pace we need because successive governments have created a system in which builders build homes only as fast as they can be bought up without reducing prices.'The corporate raider now targeting Barclays previously raked in as much as 146m by breaking up one of Britain's biggest investment firms.

Edward Bramson's companies pocketed 87.1m in dividends and 58.8m of fees from his assault on London-listed Electra Private Equity, accounts show.

He raked in the fortune by buying shares in Electra, forcing his way on to its board and selling its most prized assets. It is now being wound up.

Bad sign: Edward Bramson's companies pocketed 87.1m in dividends and 58.8m of fees from his assault on Electra Private Equity

It will spark fears the 68-year-old is planning radical cutbacks at Barclays, where he has demanded a board seat and complained about the size of its investment arm.

New Yorker Bramson claims a boardroom job would allow him to steer the bank towards higher profits. He controls 5.51 per cent of Barclays shares and is set to demand a vote on his plans at the bank's annual meeting in the spring.

Veteran City commentator David Buik, of trading firm Core Spreads, said: 'Investors who think Bramson wants only to get on to the board of Barclays to offer some guidance should dream on. Just look at his track record.

'I imagine he's got a very radical agenda for Barclays.'

On the attack: Edward Bramson

Bramson revealed his fund had bought a stake in Electra in early 2014. He won a bid to join the firm's board two years later after a bitter battle with its management. The raider immediately launched a fire sale, cutting Electra's portfolio size from 1.6 billion to around 267m today and flogging prized assets including gifts firm Photobox and property business Knight Square. Today Electra is reliant on just two key companies  restaurant chain TGI Fridays and retailer Hotter Shoes. Electra is being gradually wound down over the next three years.

The fund Bramson used to buy his holding in Electra  Sherborne Investors (Guernsey) B  is backed by major City names including Aviva. A 19 per cent stake of SIGB is owned by Bramson through a company in the US state of Delaware, which is renowned for its low taxes and secretive business laws. This stake has netted Bramson's business 87.1m of dividends.

Another of Bramson's firms acts as investment manager for the fund.

It has pulled in fixed fees of 13m and bonus payments worth 45.8m, or 58.8m in total.

Bramson declined to comment.EMILY ST. LAWRENCE, Chariho girls lacrosse, senior: St. Lawrence scored the 100th goal of her career in a 16-1 win against Lincoln. St. Lawrence finished her career with 104 goals, eight short of the school record. The team did not play last season due to the coronavirus pandemic.

JOSH MOONEY, Stonington track & field, sophomore: Mooney scored in three events at the State Open meet. Mooney was second in the 110 hurdles, fourth in the javelin and fifth in the 300 hurdles. He scored all 17 of Stoningtons points.

ALEX STOEHR, Westerly softball, freshman: Stoehr hit three triples and a double in a doubleheader sweep of Barrington. For the week, she was 7 for 13 with four doubles, two triples and three RBIs. Stoehr is hitting .333 for the season.

Vote

View Results"After we watched his press conference today, we called Governor Northam to tell him that we no longer believe he can effectively serve as Governor of Virginia and that he must resign," the three wrote in a joint statement. "Governor Northam has served the people of the Commonwealth faithfully for many years, but the events of the past 24 hours have inflicted immense pain and irrevocably broken the trust Virginians must have in their leaders. He should step down and allow the Commonwealth to begin healing.New Delhi, Feb 3 (PTI) The Congress Sunday said the BJP was "unsuccessfully" trying to build a laboratory in West Bengal for its experiments, on a day the Bengal government denied permission to UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to land his chopper in the eastern state.

"What would have happened had he (UP CM) gone? He had also gone to Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh. What did he do? He revealed the caste of Hanuman and you know the results," Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera said at a news conference here.

"People voted for the party it wanted. They (BJP) want to make West Bengal a laboratory for its experiments and they are not achieving any success in it," he said.

The tussle between the TMC and BJP got uglier Sunday, with the West Bengal government denying permission to Adityanath's chopper to land in the state and let him address two scheduled rallies.

Adityanath had to address the rallies via telephone. He later lashed out at the "anti-people" Trinamool Congress (TMC) government in the state, saying the days of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's rule were "numbered".

Responding to a question on the Centre's decision to accord sanction to prosecute former Union home minister

P Chidambaram in the INX media case, Khera said people have lost faith in investigating agencies under the BJP government.

"They said they will bring 'badlav' (change), but they are now taking 'badla' (revenge). People do not trust their intentions. They arrest people and pressurise them to name (the ruling party's) political opponents. Who trusts the CBI and Enforcement Directorate?" he said.

PTI PR SRYLucknow, Feb 3 (PTI) BSP supremo Mayawati held a meeting on Sunday to review the preparedness of her party in various states for the upcoming parliamentary election.

In an official statement, the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) said, "Mayawati held a meeting to review the poll preparedness of the party for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. In this regard, intense review was done vis-a-vis Madhya Pradesh."

Instructions were also issued to party workers to rectify shortcomings and focus on preparations for the election.

Hitting out at the Congress, Mayawati said, "There is significant relief among the people after the BJP could not form government in Madhya Pradesh. However, the initial work done by the new (Congress) government has not generated much satisfaction among the people. The atmosphere of oppression is still prevailing." PTI NAV SMNMumbai, Feb 3 (PTI) A sessions court here has issued non-bailable warrants against two Pakistan Army officials - Major Abdul Rehman Pasha and Major Iqbal - in connection with the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks case.

While Major Pasha has retired, the prosecution believes Major Iqbal is still serving as an ISI official in Pakistan, as disclosed by US born Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist David Coleman Headley, an approver in the case here.

Both Major Iqbal and Major Pasha are shown as wanted accused in the charge sheet filed by the city police's crime branch in the case.

Additional Sessions Judge S V Yarlagadda on January 21 allowed an application filed by special public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam.

The application was filed before the court which is presently conducting trial against alleged LeT operative Sayyed Zabiuddin Ansari alias Abu Jundal in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks case.

Nikam said in the application that the role of the two Pakistani Army officials was revealed further during the testimony of Headley on the conspiracy hatched in the case.

Headley, who is presently lodged in a US jail, turned approver in the case and his testimony was recorded via video conference in 2016.

"David Headley's testimony has vindicated the stand of India that the terror attacks of November 26, 2008 were not only sponsored by militant groups of Pakistan but were, in fact, actively supported by Pakistan Army officials," Nikam told PTI.

Judge Yarlagadda, after perusing the application, supplementary charge sheet filed by the crime branch and hearing brief arguments from Nikam, said he was allowing the application.

"The application filed by the prosecution for issuance of non-bailable warrant against the two persons (Pasha and Iqbal) is allowed. These two persons are shown as wanted suspects. The approver, David Headley, has named them in his evidence," the court said.

"Hence, issue non-bailable warrants against both the accused persons," the court ordered and posted the matter for further hearing on February 6.

Headley in his testimony before the court here had claimed that during the conspiracy to commit the terror attacks in Mumbai, Major Iqbal and Major Pasha were present in the meetings during which targets were selected.

LeT operatives Sajeed Mir, Abu Kaahfa and Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi were also present in the meetings, Headley had said.

Nikam said Headley's oral testimony is not the only evidence against these two persons (Pasha and Iqbal) and that the prosecution also has in its possession corroborative documentary evidence.

Headley had visited Mumbai in September 2006 and informed Major Iqbal about his surveillance of Hotel Taj in south Mumbai and on his return to Pakistan, he had handed over photographs and videos of the same.

He also said that Major Iqbal gave him USD 25,000 to do intelligence work in India.

Headley further claimed that Major Iqbal had asked him to also get classified information about Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) here and of political party Shiv Sena's office, 'Sena Bhawan', located in central Mumbai.

He said he had also received Rs 80,000 from Major Pasha for carrying out surveillance work in India.

According to Nikam, Headley had been in regular contact with Major Pasha during the course of the conspiracy, planning and execution of the attack.

"It is pertinent to note that Headley in his testimony had said Pasha wanted the National Defence College in New Delhi also to be included in the target list and had, in fact, told Headley that if the attack on the army college was successful then they would be able to kill more brigadiers and

generals than they have in the past," Nikam said.

On November 26, 2008, 10 Pakistani terrorists arrived by sea route and opened fire indiscriminately, killing 166 people, including 18 security personnel, and injuring several others, besides damaging property worth crores.

The attacks lasted three days. The places that were attacked included south Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus railway station, the Taj Hotel, the Trident Hotel, Cafe Leopold and Chabad House.

While nine of the terrorists were killed during the siege, Ajmal Kasab was caught alive by Mumbai Police and later awarded death sentence. PTI SP GK DV

DVNew Delhi, Feb 3 (PTI) Aam Aadmi Party parliamentarian Sanjay Singh will raise the issue of shooting and torching of Mahatma Gandhi's effigy in Uttar Pradesh last week, in Rajya Sabha.

Singh, who has given a notice to raise the issue during the Zero Hour of the House, said Modi government's "silence" on the issue is "highly unfortunate".

The incident, on the Mahatma's death anniversary, happened in Aligarh, where suspected Hindu Mahasabha members used a toy to shoot at his effigy and torched it in an enactment of his assassination.

A video of the incident had gone viral on social media, generating widespread outrage.

"The incident exemplifying Talibani culture is highly condemnable but it's unfortunate that Modi government has maintained silence on it," Singh said.

Aligarh police registered a case and arrested five persons allegedly involved in the incident. PTI VIT ABH

ABHNew Delhi, Feb 3 (PTI) A man from Kazakhstan has been apprehended at the airport here for allegedly using a fake ticket to enter the terminal area, officials said Sunday.

Bakhtiyar Kazkuanovs was intercepted by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel when he was about to leave the Terminal-3 building of the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) Saturday at 12:15 pm, a senior official said.

The man, from Kazakhstan, was stopped and questioned while exiting the terminal area.

He told the security personnel that he used a cancelled ticket to enter the terminal area to see off his friend, who was travelling to Tashkent, the official said.

The man was subsequently handed over to police as his ticket was a fake travel document and he was charged with trespass.

Under the aviation security rules, a passenger is allowed to enter the airport terminal only to board a flight and is not allowed to exit the terminal under normal circumstances. PTI NES DPBHyderabad, Feb 3 (PTI) Hyderabad Mayor Bonthu Rammohan was fined by the city traffic police for parking his car in a 'no parking' zone.

A resident of the city took a photo of the mayor's car being parked in a 'no parking zone', reportedly on Thursday, and posted it on social media drawing the attention of the traffic police.

Following this, the police issued a challan and Rammohan paid the penalty.

He then posted a screenshot of Telangana Police's e-challan website on Twitter to show that there was no pending challans in his name.

"I appreciate the citizen who bought the traffic offence of my car to the notice of TS police. I have cleared the challan. Request you all to take this as an example not to keep quite at offence that comes to your notice and at the same time follow the rules (sic)," the mayor wrote on the microblogging site.

He also tweeted, "It was not an intentional offence by my driver, It happened when we were on our duty responding to the problems in the city. It isnt a excuse though... Rules are for everyone and we all should abide by them. PS:Not punishing my driver for this offence (sic)."

Netizens appreciated the mayor for promptly paying the fine. PTI VVK NSDNew Delhi/Patna, Feb 3 (PTI) Opposition parties Sunday extended support to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who began a sit-in protest over the CBI's attempt to question the Kolkata Police chief in connection with chit fund scams, calling the agency a "coalition partner of the BJP".

The Congress said the CBI action in Kolkata is clearly "mala fide" and an "assault" on the federal polity, which has come within 48 hours of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah's public "threat" to him.

Party spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi said the antipathy of Modi and Shah towards Banerjee is "visceral". He alleged that the BJP and the prime minister are desperate to create a controversy in the state for "cheap publicity and divisiveness" to get some space in 2019 elections.

He claimed the Modi government has ensured a non-functional and non-productive Parliament session going by such assaults on the federal polity on a Sunday evening.

Singhvi called for opposition unity after this action, which he described as "political vendetta" and an "assault on federalism".

"Kolkata CBI action clearly mala fide. Done within 48 hours of Modi, Shah rally threat to commissioner of police; done on Sunday on mere section 160 notice which is bailable and non-cognisable; operating high court stay protecting officers under CP on identical case, identical issues; yet harass CP without clarifying from HC," he said on Twitter.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said, "Spoke to Mamta didi and expressed solidarity. Modi-Shah duo's action is completely bizarre and anti-democracy."

In a dramatic showdown with the Modi government, a furious Banerjee, wrapped in a brown woollen shawl, began a sit-in right in front of the Metro Cinema to protest "insults" she faced at the hands of the prime minister and BJP chief Amit Shah, hours after a CBI team that had gone to question Kumar was detained in a rare face-off between the police establishments of the Centre and the state.

Banerjee, one of the prime movers behind the effort to cobble together an anti-BJP alliance ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, claimed the CBI knocked on the doors of Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar without a search warrant.

She asked all opposition parties to unite to bring down the Modi government and, in a rare exhortation by a political leader, called upon personnel of security forces of the Centre and states, besides the Army, to "condemn" the attitude of the Modi government.

Rashtriya Janata Dal national president Lalu Prasad also came in support of the TMC supremo.

He said the Constitution and constitutional institutions in the country were facing an "unprecedented crisis" and alleged that there were "attempts to plunge the country into a civil war".

"The common public of the country is against the BJP and its coalition partner - a partisan CBI. We stand with @MamataBanerjeeOfficial. There is a brazen display of dictatorship.

"It is the greatest danger to democracy. The Constitution and constitutional institutions are facing an unprecedented crisis. Attempts are being made to plunge the country into a civil war for electoral gains," Prasad tweeted in Hindi.

Prasad's official twitter handle is operated by people close to him.

He is serving sentences in connection with fodder scam cases and admitted at a hospital in Ranchi for treatment of multiple ailments.

Incidentally, the fodder scam conviction which has led to the imprisonment of Prasad and rendered him disqualified from contesting polls, was also investigated by the CBI

According to party sources, the RJD supremo's younger son and political heir Tejashwi Yadav has spoken to Banerjee over phone and he might visit Kolkata on Monday in a show of solidarity.

"State governments will be compelled to take such steps in view of political decisions taken by the CBI in the last few months under pressure from the BJP. The CBI may have to face the wrath of the public if it continues to act as a coalition partner of the BJP. Nobody is mightier than the public in a democracy," Tejashwi Yadav tweeted.

Extending support to the West Bengal CM, NCP president Sharad Pawar tweeted, "It's shocking that In WB, Central Govt goes to this level! It's an assault on federalism and condemnable misuse of CBI for political vendettas! #MamataVsCBI."

National Conference leader and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also threw his weight behind Banerjee, saying the use of the agency as a political tool has crossed all limits.

"Just spoke to @MamataOfficial didi to convey the support of @JKNC_ as she sits in dharna. The use of the CBI as a political tool has crossed all limits as has the Modi government's misuse of institutions. A former CM having such little regard for India's federalism is shocking," Omar tweeted.

As the CBI team landed at the city police chief's residence, a team of Kolkata Police officers rushed to the spot to speak to the CBI officials and tried to enquire if they had the documents required for questioning Kumar.

Later on, a small team of CBI officials was taken to Shakespeare Sarani police station for further discussions.

Thereafter, more men arrived at the spot and a commotion ensued. Some CBI officers were then forcibly bundled into police jeeps and taken to the police station.

PTI SKC MIJ NAC PR DPB

DPBSrinagar, Feb 3 (PTI) Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday to intervene and get the airlines reduce the high fares they are charging for travel to Srinagar during winters.

"On behalf of Kashmiris, I want to bring to your (Modi's) notice that during winter (due to closure of Jammu-Srinagar national highway) our people get stuck. The airlines charge as much as Rs 28,000 for a ticket. In this amount, one can visit Dubai and come back," Malik said, while addressing a function here in the presence of the prime minister.

"I request you that the issue be taken up with them (airlines) so that the airfares are reduced. The people here should get this facility," the governor said.

Malik said his administration had tried its best to prevail upon the airlines to reduce the airfares, but to no avail. "Even in the cases where examinations are scheduled the next day, they (airlines) were not ready to reduce the price by even one paisa."

He expressed hope that Modi would address this issue upon his return to Delhi.

"Rs 28,000 for a ticket of Delhi-Srinagar flight... there cannot be a bigger injustice! How will tourism flourish and how can development take place?" Malik asked.

"It will be my request that you will fulfil this demand upon your return," the governor added. PTI MIJ

HMBNew Delhi, Feb 3 (PTI) Former Assam chief minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta Sunday warned the Narendra Modi government that a "volatile" situation will arise in the state if the contentious Citizenship (Amendment) Bill is passed by the Rajya Sabha.

The two-time chief minister and founder-president of the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) said the state is witnessing a mass uprising, similar to the Assam agitation of 1979-85, against the proposed legislation and the situation may turn worse if the NDA government "doesn't respect" people's sentiment.

"Situation in Assam will be very volatile if the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill is passed by the Rajya Sabha. The Modi government will be responsible for it," Mahanta, who is now in Delhi to campaign against the bill, told PTI.

The bill provides for Indian nationality to persecuted non-Muslims of Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan.

Mahanta, who led the Assam agitation against the illegal immigrants, said the bill violates the provisions of the Assam Accord and basic tenants of the Constitution as it wants to give citizenship to anyone who had come to India till December 31, 2014 on the basis of religion.

"When the Assam Accord was signed (1985), all political parties, including the BJP, had welcomed it. But the BJP-led government wants to ruin it now. The bill also violates the basic tenants of the Constitution as it provides for citizenship on the basis of religion," he said.

Mahanta said the bill also violates the Supreme Court verdict on the famous Keshavanand Bharti case, which made it clear that basic structure of the Constitution is inviolable and hence can't be amended by Parliament.

The bill provides for according Indian citizenship to Hindus, Jains, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists and Parsis from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan after seven years of residence in India instead of 12 years, which is the norm currently, even if they do not possess any document.

The legislation was passed by the Lok Sabha during the Winter Session on January 8 and has been awaiting Rajya Sabha nod.

There has been strong opposition in Assam and other Northeastern states against the bill.

Political parties, students groups and others have been protesting on the grounds that the bill seeks to grant nationality to non-Muslims who have come up to December 31, 2014, thereby, increasing the deadline from 1971 as per the Assam Accord.

Also, according to the Assam Accord, all illegal immigrants who have come after 1971, irrespective of their religion, have to be deported and this bill violates that.

A delegation of the AGP, including Mahanta, met a number of BJP and opposition leaders in last two days to impress upon them the strong sentiment of the people in Assam against the bill.

The AGP team met Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, among others.

The AGP has already quit its alliance with the BJP in Assam protesting against the Modi government's decision to get Parliament's approval for the bill.

Mahanta alleged that the BJP is completely ignoring the sentiment of the Assamese people.

"It talks about something but does something else," he said.

The senior leader also claimed that there are intelligence reports about the current unrest in the Northeast and the central government is aware about them.

"If the government goes ahead with the bill, situation will be very difficult," he said.

Addressing the joint sitting of Parliament, President Ram Nath Kovind Thursday said the bill will give justice to persecuted minorities of Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan through Indian nationality.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also announced that the bill is an "atonement of the wrong that was done during India's Partition. India will safeguard all who had been victims of the Partition". PTI ACB SNE

SNEInterim budget a jumla; BJP destroying institutions: CPI

Kolkata, Feb 3 (PTI) CPI General Secretary S Sudhakar

Reddy Sunday termed the interim budget placed by the BJP led

government at the Centre as a "jumla" and accused the Centre

of destroying all the institutions in the country.

"The budget is a jumla just like other promises made

by the BJP government. The Modi government is destroying all

the institutions in the country. Even Parliament does not

function properly. People's issues are not raised inside

Parliament," Reddy said while addressing the Left Front's

rally here.

Calling for defeat of the Narendra Modi government

Reddy asserted that there was widespread resentment over the

Centre's economic policies.

"The repeated assaults on minorities and Dalits, and

misuse of institutions such as the CBI, the Enforcement

Directorate, and the Reserve Bank is not going down well with

the people," he said. PTI AMR PNT

NN NNBeyond the effects of the shutdown, the new year prompts renewed attention to longstanding concerns of affordability, institutional relevance, and the ability of colleges and universities to compete successfully for enrollments and resources. Ever optimistic as I am, however, I see the new year also offering unprecedented opportunities for success. The value of a college degree joined with the investment required to attain it remains a popular and urgent topic among my fellow presidents. At special risk are smaller institutions in rural areas where internships and experiential learning opportunities are hard to find, those that are too slow to counter downward enrollment trends with targeted offerings (like online learning), and campuses that have not updated their marketing strategies.\R Kolkata, Feb 3 (PTI) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Sunday extended her support to Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar, who has been summoned by the CBI in connection with Rose Valley and Saradha ponzi scams, accusing

the BJP leadership of pursuing political vendetta.

"The highest levels of the BJP leadership are doing the worst kind of political vendetta. Not only are political parties their targets, they are misusing power to take control

of the police and destroy all institutions. We condemn this," Banerjee tweeted.

The CBI has been trying to locate Kumar to question him in connection with the scams, with officials in the central investigating agency stating Saturday that they might

arrest the Kolkata police chief as a last resort.

The IPS officer, who led a Special Investigation Team of West Bengal Police probing the scams, is not responding to notices to appear before the agency, they said.

"The Kolkata Police Commissioner is among the best in the world. His integrity, bravery and honesty are unquestioned. He is working 24x7, and was on leave for only

one day recently. When you spread lies, the lies will always remain lies," Banerjee added.

Kumar, a 1989-batch IPS officer of West Bengal cadre, had also skipped a meeting with Election Commission officials last week. PTI PNT RMS GVS\R Kolkata, Feb 3 (PTI) Kanhaiya Kumar, former Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union president, will not be able to attend Sunday's Left Front rally at Brigade Parade Grounds here due to illness, one of his close aides said.

The CPI student wing leader has been complaining of severe neck spasm since Saturday afternoon and was admitted to a hospital in his hometown in Begusarai district of Bihar, he said.

"Currently, Kumar is at home and a physiotherapist is attending to him. Kumar. He cannot even move his neck. Doctors have asked Kumar to take rest because pain killers alone will not heal his pain," he told PTI from Begusarai, adding that the 32-year-old leader was keen on attending the rally here.

Kumar was scheduled to catch a morning flight to reach Kolkata and address the Left rally, his aide said.

"We had even made arrangements for an afternoon flight, hoping that his pain would subside, but Kumar is unable to sit straight. He will not be able to attend the

rally. The physiotherapist will visit him in the evening again for another round of therapy," he added.

The CPI(M)-led Left Front in West Bengal is organising a rally here to give a call to oust the Trinamool Congress from the state and the BJP at the Centre. PTI SCH RMS GVSKolkata, Feb 3 (PTI) Launching a scathing attack on the Centre after a CBI team made an unsuccessfully bid to question the Kolkata Police commissioner Sunday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah of trying to organise a coup in the state.

She also alleged that National Security Advisor Ajit

Doval was directing the CBI to harass political opponents, as per orders of the prime minister.

"I feel ashamed to talk to such a prime minister who

has blood on his hands," she said.

"Narendra Modi and Amit Shah are trying to organise a

coup in the state as we had organised the opposition rally on

January 19. We were aware that the CBI will attack us after we organised the rally," Banerjee said, referring to the Brigade rally attended by leaders of about 20 opposition parties.

Banerjee said the CBI's action is politically

vindictive.

"Our government arrested chit fund owners when we

came to power. It is we who formed an SIT to probe the

matter," she said in a hurriedly-called press conference

outside Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar's residence.

She said she would stage a dharna in central Kolkata tonight.

In an unprecedented development, a number of CBI officers, who had gone to question Kolkata Police chief Rajeev Kumar in connection with chit fund scam cases, were bundled into police jeeps, whisked to a police station and detained on Sunday.

Amidst escalating tension between West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the Centre, Loudon Street in central Kolkata witnessed a virtual showdown between the state police and the CBI.

There were conflicting reports about some CBI officers being arrested.

While the agency sources claimed that some of its men were forcibly taken away from Kumar's Loudon Street residence and arrested, a senior police officer denied the claim and said they have been taken to the police station to check if they had the documents required for questioning Kumar.

As politics played out on the street, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee rushed to the residence of Kumar. She had earlier extended her support to Kumar and alleged that the BJP was "misusing power to take control of the police and all other institutions". PTI PNT AMR SUS NN SMN

SMNI will sit on 'dharna' tonight to protect the Constitution and

protest against the incident: Mamata Banerjee. PTI PNT AMR SUS JM SOM

SOMPune, Feb 3 (PTI) Union minister Smriti Irani Sunday said she would leave politics the day Prime Minister Narendra Modi decided to hang his boots, though she asserted that he would be around for "long years".

She was speaking at the Words Count festival here in a discussion titled 'Scripting Her Story, From Star to Star Campaigner'.

A member of the audience asked her when would one see her as a "pradhan sevak" (prime servant), a title often used by Modi to describe his role as the head of the Union government.

"Never. I entered politics to work under charismatic leaders. I was very lucky to work under the leadership of late Atal Bihari Vajpayee and I am currently serving under Modi ji," Irani replied.

"The day 'pradhan sevak' Narendra Modi decides to hang his boots, I will also leave Indian politics," she said.

"I decide for myself how much of my life I will give for my country, my society. In an independent country, if I cannot take a decision for myself, what is the use of that independence?" she said.

On whether she did not wish to serve under leaders other than Modi, the textile minister said, "Am I not currently working under leaders like Rajnath Singh ji, Nitin Gadkari ji? There are leaders with whom I have worked within the organisation for the last 18 years. I also had the opportunity to work under leaders like Vajpayee and L K Advani."

"You are presuming Modi won't be there for long, but let

me tell you, he is going to be around for very, very long

years," she told the audience.

The BJP leader was also asked whether she would contest the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls from Amethi against Congress chief Rahul Gandhi.

She said the decision would be taken by her party and its chief Amit Shah.

"In 2014, when I fought the election, they were asking who is Smriti. In 2019, they know who I am," she asserted.

Irani had lost to Gandhi in the 2014 general elections from Amethi.

Speaking on the menace of trolling on social media

platforms, the actor-turned-politician said she had been trolled by celebrated journalists and politicians and not just by anonymous netizens.

"I might be one of the few people who have been equally

trolled by celebrated journalists and politicians and by anonymous trolls," she said.

Talking about the women politicians she admired, Irani

named Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj and Lok Sabha Speaker and Indore MP Sumitra Mahajan.

"When they began their journey, it was comparatively

tougher. They have made a difference in Indian politics without any additional support. I look up to them as my source of inspiration," she added.

PTI SPK BNM SRYRalegan Siddhi (Maha), Feb 3 (PTI) Social activist Anna Hazare's indefinite hunger strike entered the fifth day on Sunday even as villagers blocked a state highway in support of his agitation in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, leading to traffic jams in the area.

Hazare has been on a hunger strike since Wednesday in his native Ralegan Siddhi village in Ahmednagar demanding appointment of anti-corruption watchdogs at the Centre and in Maharashtra and resolution of farmers' issue.

In support of the 81-year-old Army man-turned- activist's demands, farmers and youth blocked the Ahmednagar-Pune state highway at Supa village in Parner tehsil, located about 38 km from here, in the morning,

resulting in huge traffic jams.

They supported Hazare's demands for immediate appointment of Lokpal at the Centre and Lokayuktas in states where such statutory anti-corruption watchdogs do not exist, implementation of the Swaminathan Commission recommendations on ways to address agrarian distress, besides some electoral reforms, the protest's convener, Shahir Gaikwad, told PTI.

The police, however, tried to pacify the protesters and asked them to clear the road blockade as there were around six-km-long traffic jams on both sides of the road, Supa police station's inspector Rajendra Bhosale said.

The police also detained around 110 protesters in the afternoon to clear the blockade and later let them off, he said.

Dr Dhananjay Pote, who conducted a health check-up of Hazare in the morning, said the anti-corruption crusader has lost around 3.8 kg weight in the last five days and that his blood pressure, blood sugar and creatinine level in urine have gone up.

Around 5,000 farmers from the district are likely to stage a protect outside the Ahmednagar collector's office on Monday to support Hazare's agitation.

The decision for the protest at the collector's office was taken at a gram sabha (village meeting) in Ralegan Siddhi on Saturday night.

Leaders of various political parties from Parner tehsil were present at the meeting and expressed their support to Hazare's protest.

Those present at the meeting also condemned NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik for levelling "false allegations" against Hazare.

However, Hazare appealed people to protest in a non-violent manner and also asked them to use decent and respectful language while expressing their feelings.

Hazare had earlier declined to meet state government envoy and minister Girish Mahajan for talks over his demands.

The anti-corruption crusader had earlier told PTI that he welcomed the Maharashtra Cabinet's decision to bring the office of state chief minister under the ambit of Lokayukta.

"However, the strike will continue till the government fulfils promises they made before coming to power about passage of Lokayukta Act, appointment of Lokpal (at the Centre) and to tackle farmers' issues," he had said.

The Lokayukta is a statutory body that is empowered to probe complaints of abuse of position and corruption against public servants. PTI CORR GK DV

DV SMN

SMNMaha: BJP's Mahajan, Cong's Vikhe Patil meet Hazare

Mumbai/Ahmednagar, Feb 3 (PTI) Maharashtra minister

Girish Mahajan and senior Congress leader Radhakrishna Vikhe

Patil Sunday met social activist Anna Hazare who is on a

hunger strike in his native Ralegan Siddhi village in

Ahmednagar, over 240 kilometres from here.

Hazare, the face of the Lokpal movement, has been

demanding the appointment of anti-corruption watchdogs at the

Centre and in Maharashtra and resolution of farmers' issue.

Mahajan, who came with a letter from Maharashtra chief

minister Devendra Fadnavis, told reporters the CM had asked

Hazare to withdraw his hunger strike as most of his demands

had already been announced in the Union budget and considered

by the Maharashtra government.

Mahajan, the state's Water Resources minister and

Jamner MLA, told PTI that he would be visiting Ralegan Siddhi

again on Monday to hold talks with the anti-graft crusader.

Shyam Asawa, a spokesperson for Hazare, said the

latter had refused to give up his fast unless concrete steps

were taken to implement his demands.

Vikhe Patil, meanwhile, accused the ruling BJP of

"forgetting" Hazare after "taking political mileage" out of

the latter's anti-graft Lokpal movement.

In a statement issued Sunday, Vikhe Patil said he met

Hazare at Ralegan Siddhi in the afternoon and urged him to

call off the fast on account of his ill-health.

The Leader of the Opposition in the Maharashtra

Assembly said the BJP, when it was in the opposition, took

political mileage out of Hazare's Lokpal stir but had now

forgotten him.

He told reporters after meeting Hazare that it was the

Congress which had passed the Lokpal Bill in 2013.

Vikhe Patil said the BJP stood exposed as it had done

nothing on the issue, which in turn had forced Hazare to sit

on a hunger strike.

He also hit out at the Shiv Sena and alleged that its

concern for Hazare was not genuine.

"The Sena should have pulled out of the government if

it supported the issues raised by Hazare," Vikhe Patil

asserted.

Earlier in the day, Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray had

pledged support to Hazare's fight against corruption.

Thackeray, however, had asked Hazare to take to the

streets in this fight to create an awakening among people,

instead of giving up his life by fasting.

"Anna should give up his fast and lead an agitation

over his demands, and I assure Shiv Sena's support wherever

possible," the Sena chief had said. PTI MR CORR

BNM BNMC'garh journalist covering BJP meet thrashed by partymen

Raipur, Feb 2 (PTI) A journalist of a Raipur-based

website was allegedly beaten up Saturday by BJP functionaries

while he was recording a meeting of the party's district-level

meeting here, police said.

Based on the complaint by journalist Suman Pandey, who

sustained minor injuries to his head, a case has been

registered against four persons, including BJP Raipur district

president Rajeev Agrawal, a police official told PTI.

He identified the other three accused as local BJP

office-bearers Vijay Vyas, Utkarsh Trivedi and Deena Dongre,

adding that no arrests had been made in this connection.

The accused were booked under section section 342

(wrongful confinement), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 504

(criminal intimidation) and 34 (common intention) of IPC, the

official said.

Pandey's complaint alleges that he was thrashed when

he was covering the BJP meeting Saturday afternoon at its

Ekatma Parisar office here, adding that leaders there were

involved in a scuffle among themselves when the incident

happened.

"I was recording a video of the meeting on my mobile

phone when suddenly BJP leaders started manhandling each other

over some issue. Meanwhile, BJP Raipur district president

Rajeev Agarwal and another person, Utkarsh Trivedi, asked me

to delete the video of the scuffle, which I refused. They then

started hitting me and forcefully deleted the video," Pandey

told PTI.

"I was made to sit inside the meeting room for about

20 minutes. When I came out, I informed other journalists

about the incident," he added.

Later, several other journalists reached the BJP

office, alerted police and protested there demanding the

arrest of those involved in assaulting Pandey.

State BJP spokesperson Sacchidanand Upasane, who was

also present in the meeting, said his partymen had apologised

to Pandey.

"The closed door district level meeting was held to

review the defeat in the recent Assembly election. Media

persons were asked to leave the meeting room after taking

initial footage. Party leaders and workers were also asked to

keep their mobile switched off," he said.

"On finding a man recording the video of meeting, he

was told to stop it and asked to delete the footage. After he

introduced himself as a journalist, party leaders said he

should delete the video," Upasane said.

"A minor scuffle broke out between the journalist and

party leaders over the issue, following which I asked the

journalist to sit there for a while and later told him to go

outside," Upasane said.

When party leaders saw journalists protesting at the

venue, the former apologised, he added.

He said the BJP's state president would look into the

incident.

Meanwhile, Chhattisgarh Health and Family Welfare

Minister TS Singhdeo termed the incident as "unfortunate".

"It was an unfortunate incident and this should not

have happened with anyone. Such a kind of incident is

unacceptable and stern action should be taken," Singhdeo told

reporters. PTI TKP

BNM BNMIslamabad, Feb 3 (PTI) In yet another provocative move, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi spoke to hardline Hurriyat Conference chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani and discussed the Kashmir issue, the Foreign Office said here on Sunday, days after he made a similar phone call to a separatist leader that angered India.

The Foreign Office in a statement said that Qureshi and Geelani discussed about an international conference to be held in London to "express solidarity with the Kashmiri people".

"Foreign Minister QureshI spoke to the senior leadership of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference on telephone before his departure for London to attend international activities to be held there in connection with the Kashmir Day, the statement said.

Qureshi on Tuesday telephoned Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and discussed with him Islamabad's efforts to highlight the Kashmir issue.

India Wednesday summoned Pakistan envoy Sohail Mahmood and categorically told him that Qureshi's telephonic conversation with Mirwaiz was a "brazen attempt" to subvert India's unity and violate its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

India said that Qureshi's telephonic conversation with a separatist leader reflected the duplicity in Pakistani leadership's approach on ties with India.

The Pakistan Foreign Office on Sunday said Qureshi exchanged views with Geelani about the programmes to be held in London.

The foreign minister will speak at the International Kashmir Conference at the British Parliament on Monday. On Tuesday he will also attend the exhibition at the Park Lane in connection with the Kashmir Day, it said.

Talking to media in Multan on Saturday, Qureshi said Pakistan has no intention to interfere in India's internal matters and New Delhi should not make an issue out of his telephonic conversation with Kashmiri separatist leader Mirwaiz.

Qureshi said that Pakistan has no intention to interfere in the internal matters of India, but New Delhi should also stop blaming Islamabad for its problems.

"We want to resolve the Kashmir dispute through dialogue but India is making undue hue and cry," Qureshi said.

"Issues are emerging in India but Pakistan has no role in that," he said.

Qureshi said that he would highlight Pakistan's view point on Kashmir issue at an event in the House of Common in London this week.

The Foreign Office also issued Qureshis statement before his departure to London in which he was quoted as saying that Kashmir is an "important pillar" of Pakistan's foreign policy.

Pakistan will continue its support for the oppressed Kashmiris on political, moral and foreign levels and want resolution of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with the UN resolution, he said.

India gets annoyed if the Kashmir issue is highlighted despite the fact that it is a resolvable issue. The real face of India would be exposed by presenting Pakistans point of view on the issue in the international conference being held on Kashmir in London at the House of Commons, he said.

He said regardless of the political party winning the next election in India, Pakistan would reciprocate to the new government's good gesture in New Delhi.

India has made it clear to Pakistan that talks and terrorism cannot go together. PTI MZ AKJ PMS PMS

PMSNew Delhi, Feb 3 (PTI) Veteran Manipuri filmmaker Aribam Syam Sharma on Sunday said that he would return the Padma Shri as a mark of protest against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2016, terming it "anti-Northeast".

The 83-year-old director, known for Manipuri films such as "Olangthagee Wangmadasu", "Imagi Ningthem" and "Ishanou", was bestowed with the country's fourth highest civilian honour in 2006.

He said the plea of the Northeast people to not let the bill pass was not being heard by the Centre.

"The bill is against the interest of the Northeast and its people, especially in Manipur. All the leaders of the states in the Northeast have already requested the central government to reconsider (on the bill's passage).

"But yesterday when I was following the news, our honourable prime minister announced that the bill would be passed soon. He also requested the chief minister of West Bengal to help him pass the bill. That means the government, rather the BJP, is determined to pass this bill. They are not listening to us," Sharma told PTI.

Citing the example of Tripura, the filmmaker said history would repeat itself in Manipur if the bill is passed.

"We have already seen this in Tripura. Tripuris are having no say in Tripura... The population of Manipur is only 28-29 lakhs, which is less than the population of a district in Uttar Pradesh.

"The smaller states like Nagaland, Mizoram and Meghalaya have protection. Even then they are protesting because if the bill is passed the indigenous people will have no place. They will be wiped out. It may not happen now, but it will happen 50 years from today," he said.

Sharma said returning the award was the only way in which he could raise his voice against the bill.

"I'm not a politician. I'm not at all concerned with the politics. I'm just a filmmaker. I have seen a lot in life. But this is the worst. If the bill passes, there will be no place for us. This is against the Northeast.

"I can't do anything else. This is the only way in which I can protest... We feel neglected. Some kind of racial differences are happening... If not paid attention, the consequences will be severe. I'm worried about this," he said.

Addressing a rally in West Bengal on Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a strong pitch for the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, insisting it would bring "justice and respectability" to those who faced religious persecution.

"India got Independence after splitting it into pieces. People thought they can make a living in the country of their choice, but there they faced atrocities and torture because of communal malice... Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Parsis.

"It was because of this that we brought the Citizenship Bill. These people have no place to go other than India. Should they not be given justice and respectability? I ask the TMC to support the Bill and facilitate its passage in Parliament," he said.

The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill seeks to grant nationality to religious minorities such as Hindus, Sikhs and Parsis from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh after six years of stay in India, instead of the currently required 12 years.

Protests were witnessed in different parts of the country, particularly the Northeast, over the Bill which has been passed by Lok Sabha. PTI RDS SMN RDS

RDSCritics of American withdrawal from the treaty say that, despite Russia's violation, the best way to keep Russian arms in check would be to negotiate while keeping the treaty intact. Trump administration officials say that the treaty threatens U.S. national security by preventing the country from responding to missile threats, not just from Russia but also from China, which isn't a signatory to the INF Treaty.Srinagar, Feb 3 (PTI) In an unusual but genuine demand, Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik Sunday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to check predatory pricing by airlines here during the winter season.

"I want to put forth a demand on behalf of Kashmiri people that during winter our people get stuck and airlines give ticket for Rs 28,000 (from Delhi and back). In Rs 28,000, one can go and come back from Dubai," Malik said at a public function being attended by the prime minister.

He said there have been instances when students need to go to other places for exams and people who have travel due to urgent needs.

"Once we got a plane for the defence (for taking out the people from Srinagar to attend to urgent work). But in other days, they (airlines) are not ready to reduce any money (air fare)," he said.

Malik said there is a need to make the airlines understand and the fares need to be reduced.

"What would be more injustice than this? How tourism will increase (in the state)? How will (the state) progress?," he asked.

Malik said during the winter season roads get closed and the whole administration is engaged in taking all the possible steps to ensure nobody suffers.

"This (checking predatory pricing by airlines) is my only demand and I expect that you (Modi) will fulfil this after reaching Delhi," the governor said. PTI AKV AKV SOM

SOMNew Delhi, Feb 3 (PTI) The government would start disbursing substantial amount under the income support scheme for small farmers in this month itself as beneficiary data is already in place, a top finance ministry official said.

In his budget speech on Friday, Finance Minister Piyush Goyal announced 'Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi' (PM-KISAN) scheme under which Rs 6,000 per year would be provided to farmers holding cultivable land of up to 2 hectare.

Goyal has already earmarked Rs 20,000 crore for disbursal among 12 crore farmers under the scheme in the current financial year.

"It has been decided to implement with effect from December 1, 2018. Allocation of Rs 20,000 crore required for the current fiscal has been made in the budget. Land record data is completely available. We have all the information about small and marginal farmers," Economic Affairs Secretary Subhash Chandra Garg told PTI in a post Budget interview.

The government last year released Agriculture Census 2015-16 and most states have moved to electronic record-keeping, Garg said, adding, the work which the agriculture department now would be doing is to relate these holdings to the families which will receive the assistance.

"That they (agriculture department) will be doing. They are very confident that they will do with the state governments very soon and they expect to make disbursements of substantial amount in the month of February itself. That is the expectation and confidence of the (agri) department," he said.

He further said, supplementaries would be presented in the current session to seek Parliament's nod for spending additional Rs 20,000 crore for the scheme.

The ongoing budget session is scheduled to conclude on February 13.

The PM-KISAN scheme has been approved by the Cabinet and therefore the necessary approval for the administrative department to implement the scheme is also available, he added.

Emphasising that agriculture department has already done the spadework, Garg said the 12 crore beneficiary number has been arrived at with the help of Agriculture Census Data 2015-16.

"The Census has detailed data which is divided into groups-- people owning land up to 0.5 hectare, 0.5-1 hectare, 1-2 hectare, 2-4 hectare and beyond and every 'Khesra' of the plot of the land in the country has been counted. This is data of operational holdings," he said.

Apart from direct income support to farmers, Goyal, in the interim budget for 2019-20, also announced extended interest subsidy on loans availed for animal husbandry and fishery as well as to those farmers affected by severe natural calamities.

Consequently, the total budget allocation for agriculture and allied activities is projected higher at Rs 1,49,981 crore for 2019-20, when compared to the revised estimate of Rs 86,602 crore for 2018-19.

The fertiliser subsidy is pegged at Rs 74,986 crore for the next fiscal as against Rs 70,075 crore. PTI DP CS





DP ANU

ANUConstruction equipment sector growth slows down to 10 per cent

Kolkata, Feb 3 (PTI) The growth of construction

equipment sector has hit a bumper after liquidity crisis

gripped NBFCs following the IL&FS default, a construction

equipment makers' body has said.

"The construction equipment sector was growing around

20 per cent prior to the IL&FS crisis. The growth has now

slowed down to 10 per cent," Indian Construction Equipment

Manufacturers' Association president Arvind Garg told PTI.

The Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services

(IL&FS) and its subsidiaries have defaulted on many debt

instruments in the past few months due to insufficient funds.

"Almost 90-95 per cent of construction equipment are

financed. NBFCs are the largest players in this sector with

about 70-75 per cent share of financing," he said.

He pointed out that lenders themselves were now facing

liquidity challenges, so they have become cautious about

lending.

Even for those who are getting finance, the cost has

risen by at least 200 basis points.

However, Garg said, all the stakeholders are working

closely to overcome this crisis and the same will be eased by

March if there is no stress in the system or other NBFCs.

The construction equipment makers are working closely

with the NBFCs to tailor products till confidence builds up.

PTI BSM

NN NNGuwahati, Feb 3 (PTI) Union Minister K J Alphons Sunday said the country's tourism sector fetched USD 234 billion revenue last year, registering a growth of over 19 per cent.

Delivering the inaugural speech at the 2nd ASEAN-India Youth Summit here, he said the country was ranked third in the tourism sector, according to the 2018 report of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC).

"Last year, India generated USD 234 billion revenue from the tourism sector. While the global revenue growth was five per cent, it grew by 19.4 per cent in India," the Union tourism minister said.

This revenue was contributed by 87 per cent domestic and 13 per cent foreign tourists, Alphons said.

"From the foreign tourists we earned USD 27 billion, which grew by 14 per cent compared to global growth of seven per cent," he said, adding that around 82 million people are employed in the tourism sector.

About spiritual tourism, Alphons said 60-70 per cent of the total domestic tourists fall under this category.

"The Indian philosophy is yoga. We see all as one. Yoga is the way of life and it says the entire universe is part of me. If I want to be happy, others have to be happy -- this is the philosophy behind yoga.

"This is Indian philosophy. This is the common philosophy of ASEAN. Let us forget physical connectivity, this is the spiritual connectivity between us," the minister said.

Alphons also advocated for a peaceful and sustainable world, free of pollution and damage to the environment.

"Let us talk how we can bring sanity to world politics. Today, the world is being crushed under xenophobic politics. We need to think beyond our own countries," he appealed to the international gathering from the ASEAN nations.

On the occasion, Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said more collaboration on various fields between the countries are needed to strengthen the relationship.

"We have requested the MEA to negotiate with the ASEAN countries to have their consulates in Guwahati, which will soon become the gateway of India in the northeast. Already, Bangladesh and Bhutan have opened their consulates here," he said. PTI TR MM NSDApart from Chulbul, his brother Makkhi, Rajjo will also be part of animated versionAnyone who has ever made homemade pudding is probably familiar with the technique of tempering eggs.

First you cook the milk, sugar and flour until it thickens, then you add the egg yolks. If you just dropped the eggs into the hot liquid they would cook immediately, resulting in scrambled eggs.

The key to preventing this is gradual heat and dilution. This is achieved through the process of tempering in which you add a small amount of hot liquid slowly into the eggs until you have heated the eggs enough to safely add them to the hot pudding mixture, keeping the pudding smooth.

Tempering is also a technique used by kids on their parents something I learned with my own son. When he told us he was thinking about getting a motorcycle someday, you can bet he had already put a down payment on one. Anytime he wanted to do something he thought we wouldnt approve of he would start warming us up to lessen the reaction.

While I was standing in line at Target last week I thought about the process of tempering and how the big box stores are using this technique on their customers.

Target has joined Walmart in installing self-checkout registers. As of now, using the self-checkout is a choice. But they are encouraging its use by limiting the number of lanes with cashiers, having only one or two open. You have two choices  stand in a long line and have your items rung up by a real person, or scan and bag your own items.

While I stood there with my one item, the employee monitoring the self-checkout motioned for me to come down. I smiled at her and shook my head no. The lady behind me also declined the offer to zip through the self-checkout. We remained in the long line discussing the consequences of eliminating cashiers. How many millions of jobs will be eliminated? Machines dont pay into social security they dont need benefits or insurance. They dont call off sick from work. No wonder the big corporations are all going to self-service.

I remember sitting in the car with my parents when they went to the gas station. An attendant would come out to the car and fill it with gas, clean the windshield and check the pressure in the tires. Then they started putting in self-service pumps and the rest is history.

The day will come when we no longer go through a line with a cashier. We will walk out the door and the bar codes will be scanned automatically and the balance will go onto a debit or credit card.

Our little act of rebellion by refusing to use the self check-out wont stop the stores from installing more machines and hiring less cashiers its a losing battle. But for now, I will hold my ground and take the heat.

Mary Ann Compton

BrightonHARTFORD  A wanted 31-year-old Alton woman caused serious injuries Saturday when she fled from South Roxana police, crashing into another vehicle head-on.

At approximately 3 p.m. Saturday, South Roxana police officers observed a 2002 gold Mercury Mountaineer in the area of Illinois Route 3 and Lambert Lane, being driven by a subject known to have multiple felony warrants, according to a release from Illinois State Police.ALTON  James Rogalsky and Lauren Pattan had an Alton homecoming nearly four years ago, and in that relatively short period of time they have helped to substantially improve the communitys image and offerings.

The husband-and-wife team are the owners of the Old Bakery Beer Company in downtown Alton, a microbrewery, restaurant, bar and community event space housed in a completely rehabilitated historic building along Landmarks Boulevard. The business has become a lucrative endeavor for the early thirty-something couple, and they have capitalized on that success to help the Riverbend area.

Contributing to the town I grew up in is probably my favorite feeling, Rogalsky said. Because of what we have been able to do, the Alton and Godfrey areas, plus our employees lives, are a little bit better.

A little bit better includes helping Alton to win the Small Business Revolution  Main Street contest last year, which includes a $500,000 grant for business improvements and having the city featured on national television. Rogalsky and Pattan got the ball rolling on the application, helped to organize the support of other businesses and community members, and made sure people submitted those all-important public votes that determined the contest winner.

It seemed like a good opportunity and a fit for the area, and it turned into something way beyond where we thought it would go, Rogalsky said. It was great to see how much everybody got behind it.

Community pride

The Old Bakery Beer Company owners have also led the charge or facilitated other community betterment efforts, from large to small. That service-oriented mindset began when the couple decided to leave the Urban Chestnut Brewing Company in St. Louis where they were both employed and fill what they felt was a microbrewery void in their hometown.

James dad is our business partner and he wanted us to move back to Alton where our families are. He stumbled on the Old Bakery Building, so we went on a walk-through and fell in love with it, Pattan said. We ended up with a building probably three or four times as large as we ever intended, but it allows us to open that space up to the community for fundraisers and other events however and whenever we can.

Part of what we have been trying to do since we opened is to help grow the downtown area. A lot of our efforts to do that involve trying to create events that draw tourists, Pattan said. Growing up in Alton, it was like everybody always talked about how they were going to move away when they grew up. So its nice to be back and to feel a sense that people actually appreciate living here and want to see it improve and help it improve.

Pattan is excited that the Old Bakery Beer Company has been a catalyst for that positive mindset change.

Instead of complaining about something that needed to be addressed, everybody really got behind what Alton is right now, what it has to offer for the future, a way more positive viewpoint than I had heard growing up, Pattan said. This is our community, weve gotten a lot of support since we opened. We are happy to see it growing and people actually taking more pride in it.

Green machine

That community-minded outlook extends beyond special events and tourism. Pattan went to school for environmental management and she and Rogalsky feel strongly about sustainability as a way to improve the Riverbend area.

The Old Bakery Beer Company is one of only two Certified Organic breweries in Illinois, and its brewing process uses environmentally-conscious, North American products. They send all of their food waste to be composted, recycle as much solid waste as possible, and all of the spent grain produced during their brewing process is sent to a Fosterburg farm to be used for cattle feed.

The Old Bakery bar and restaurant tables are made from reclaimed wood, including the 50-foot-long centerpiece bar that was fabricated with 100-year-old floor joists from a one-room Collinsville school.

This green mindset impresses Mike Springman, an environmental engineer with the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center satellite office at Lewis and Clark Community College.

Wood that would have normally gone to a landfill or burned to release carbon back into the atmosphere has been repurposed into a new use that will probably last for another hundred years or so, Springman said. We are working with USEPA and food companies to not only compost and recycle food waste, but also on energy efficiency and using less natural resources in general. Its a good thing to do because that food is then kept out of landfills.

They also use LED lighting and energy-efficient appliances, which is important because those are just keeping beer cold or food hot, its something that you need and they are running all the time, Springman said. I see that thought train of re-use generally running through their entire process from beginning to end.

Old Bakery Beer Company will host a Green Business Forum on Feb. 25, along with with the Sierra Club, Lewis and Clark Community College, Alton Main Street and other organizations, which will be specifically focused on restaurant owners. The forum will be the latest in a long line of endeavors designed to help improve Alton, and this willingness to act is music to the ears of Alton Main Street Executive Director Sara McGibany.

Lauren and James are so accommodating and so easy to work with and so community-minded, they never cease to bend over backwards to deliver anything that is within their purview, McGibany said. I cannot even count how many times we have engaged their help with events either on site at their business. But in addition to that, all of the off-site things that we do, they are absolutely our number one go-to because they dont have no in their vocabulary.

When people ask me if there are any turning point-type moments in the evolution of downtown, the opening of the Old Bakery Beer Company is always one of the very first things out of my mouth, McGibany said. People are now graduating from college and considering coming back to make a life in their home town. I think having a hometown brewery is one of those complete, game-changer type of businesses.

Drawing a crowd

Its not just Alton people deciding to stay in the community  the Old Bakery Beer Company is helping to attract more visitors. This benefits everyone, according to Brett Stawar, president of the Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau.

We certainly have an anchor of great restaurants, great shops, antique stores and all of those wonderful things in our downtown district, Stawar said. But having the craft brewery that people were really hungry for is what set us apart.

Stawar said Old Bakerys beer distribution mechanism also puts Alton on the map, with their logo beer on tap or sold in cans across much of Illinois and in St. Louis.

I can remember the day that former Illinois Tourism Director Cory Jobe came down here when Old Bakery first opened four years ago, Stawar said. The minute he walked in jaws dropped, he fell in love with them, and they actually became part of the inaugural class in the production of the Illinois Made campaign.

These guys are truly partners in destination development and of course they are running their own business and doing wonderful things for the community through all of their give-back programs, Stawar said. They have made Alton what it has become today, they were a big player in that.

Pattan and Rogalsky have a three-year-old son, Murray, and are proud to be raising him in Alton. The youngster also happens to be fan of the Old Bakery Beer Company.

Our son gets dropped off there a couple of days a week and proceeds to run around like a maniac, then he cries because he doesnt want to leave, Pattan said. We are a very family-friendly location and have a lot of space for kids to run around, things for them to look at and explore.

Those interested in joining Pattan and Rogalsky to support the community are encouraged to visit Old Bakery Beer Company the third Monday of every month for Drink for a Cause Night, during which 25 percent of beer sales are donated to a different charity each month.ALTON  Murray the Groundhog has the same name as Bill Murray, the lead actor in the 1993 film Groundhog Day. Coincidence?

Murray was the star attraction of the Groundhog Day celebration held at the Alton Visitor Center on Saturday. The furry forecaster saw his shadow, which means, if the mammalian meteorologist is to be believed, the Riverbend area is in store for six more weeks of winter.

That brings to mind a Groundhog Day quote from his namesake, Bill Murray: There is no way that this winter is ever going to end as long as this groundhog keeps seeing his shadow. I dont see any other way out. Hes got to be stopped. And I have to stop him.

But Alton Groundhog Day visitors didnt see it that way.

I dont hold it against him, hes is an innocent animal, said Tawnya Hooper of Alton. I think hes cute. And my sons last name is Murray, so of course we had to come see Murray the Groundhog.

Im OK with six more weeks as long as its not blistering cold, Hooper said. What weve just been through was extreme cold, but I am OK with just a nice winter, and I like snow.

St. Louis resident Terry Petton took a global view of the weather prediction.

We really need winter because we havent had very many good winters and the world needs the different seasons, they are here for a purpose, Petton said. Murray is a nice little animal. My sister calls groundhogs moving rocks. She saw some and thought they were rocks, but we came by and they were moving.

Anita Geisler of Brighton thought Murray was cool, but wasnt thrilled with his forecast.

Ugh, Im ready for spring. But it is what it is, you cant change it, Geisler said. As long as its not really cold I dont mind the winter.

Visitors on Saturday could meet Murray and enjoy coffee and cookies, which are appreciated in any type of weather.

Murray was rescued by the TreeHouse Wildlife Center in Dow in 2016 and was raised with other orphan groundhogs.

Unfortunately when it came time to release him, he was too friendly. He liked people way too much, he had somehow learned that humans were awesome, said TreeHouse Rehabilitation Manager Rachael Heaton. So we decided to keep him as a resident, and every year since he has been coming out for Groundhog Day in Alton. And todays prediction, well, its six more weeks of eagle season if you want to look at it that way.

Groundhogs are a large member of the squirrel family, but they spend most of their lives on the ground. They build gigantic burrows with lots of tunnels and different rooms, Heaton said. They live in families, so usually its a male and female with their young, so they are a social creature. Besides digging, they can also swim and climb trees.

According to Wikipedia, the groundhog is also known in parts of the United States and Canada, its natural range, as a woodchuck, woodshock, groundpig, whistlepeg, and thickwood badger.

A few years isnt time enough to establish a trend. But Murrays better-known relative, Punxsutawney Phil, has been correct only 39 percent of the time since 1887, according to the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club. Thats worse than flipping a coin to determine the forecast, according to the club.

According to groundhog.org, Groundhog Day has its origins with the ancient Candlemas Day holiday, where Christians would take their candles to the church to have them blessed. An English folk songs lyrics signaled the start of the holidays transition to weather forecasting: If Candlemas be fair and bright, Come, Winter, have another flight; If Candlemas brings clouds and rain, Go Winter, and come not again.

It wasnt until this traditional belief was introduced to Germany that an animal, a hedgehog, was introduced into the lore. German settlers brought their folklore to the United States, and since there were no hedgehogs here, a similar hibernating animal was chosen, the groundhog.

Murray the groundhog may have made his forecast on Saturday, but the woodchuck weatherman was mum about another issue that has vexed inquiring minds for generations  how much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?

That didnt seem to matter to those who visited Murray on Saturday, who described the gregarious groundpig as cute and cuddly. Or, to quote his Groundhog Day namesake, Bill Murray:

This is one time where television really fails to capture the true excitement of a large squirrel predicting the weather.SPRINGFIELD  As it considers raising its minimum wage to $15 an hour, Illinois has a few examples to follow.

Wednesday, the Illinois Senate Labor Committee had a hearing on raising Illinois minimum wage from $8.25 to $15. There is no agreement on how long the transition would take, or if it should be done uniformly statewide.

Legislation could be sent to the Senate floor as early as next Wednesday.

Raising the minimum

This year began with 18 states having new, higher minimum wages.

Of those, eight wage increases were automatic cost-of-living adjustments. The other 10 were the result of specific legislation, according to the National Confederation of State Legislatures.

But only three states and Washington, D.C., have approved the significant jump to $15 an hour. And each of those states has done it differently.

Consider California, which was the first state to pass such legislation in 2016. There, it will take 6 years  by Jan. 1, 2022, for the statewide minimum hourly wage to reach $15.

The nations capital also passed legislation in 2016, with a slightly shorter timeline of four years.

New York, on the other hand, took a geographical approach. Passing its legislation in 2016, wages in New York City are already $15 an hour for businesses with 11 or more employees. By the end of 2019, that rate will extend to all businesses in New York City, while Long Island and Westchester County will have a $15 minimum wage by the end of 2021.

But in the rest of the state, the minimum wage will increase to only $12.50 an hour by the end of 2020.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts is the most recent state to pass a $15-an-hour minimum wage. Its plan, approved last year, takes 5 years to complete. The first increase  from $11 an hour to $12  kicked in this year.

Andrew Farnitano helped lead the campaign to raise Massachusetts minimum wage - twice. The first time was in 2014, when his organization, RaiseUp Massachusetts, found success in legislation that increased the wage from $8 to $11 within three years.

Immediately after, Farnitanos organization began campaigning for an increase to $15 an hour, succeeding in June 2018.

Farnitano says what happened after the first round of raises was the opposite of what many people and groups, especially business associations, expected.

As the minimum wage went up, we saw massive job growth, a stronger economy, and the biggest drops in unemployment in the communities where the most people, some 30 or 40 percent of workers, benefitted from the increase, Farnitano said.

Farnitano added that, rather than shutting down or downsizing, many employers had a hard time filling available positions.

In Massachusetts, theres places where low-wage workers cant survive on $11 an hour, Farnitano said, referencing 2017s minimum wage. So they move somewhere else, and then those businesses cant find people to fill those jobs after.

Christopher Carlozzi, state director for the Massachusetts branch of the National Federation of Independent Businesses, had competing arguments about the effects of a higher wage.

Even though weve only done the first increase to $12 an hour, were already starting to see the effects, Carlozzi said. Directly after the new year, there was a string of restaurant closures in Boston itself [citing labor costs].

Were especially concerned about the areas outside Boston where you cant charge $15 for a sandwich at lunch, he said. Businesses either have to raise their prices, start reducing workforce hours, or cut or not create new jobs.

Making comparisons

There are no exceptions in the Massachusetts minimum wage law: In a few years, it will be $15 an hour for all employees, regardless of age, experience, or region.

Mark Grant, who heads the Illinois branch of NFIB and testified at Wednesdays hearing, says Illinois cannot handle a universal minimum wage like Massachusetts.

The Chicago region is a completely different kind of region than everything outside of it, Grant said. Our main concern is the businesses that are outside it  would they be able to deal with a $15 minimum?

As such, Grant says Illinois would need a regional system like New York has, where different areas have different wage floors depending on many economic factors.

Grant also talked of keeping Illinois teen wage  a lower wage for teenage workers  which could lighten the load on small businesses having to adjust to higher wages.

Farnitano, however, said that one of the best parts of Massachusetts bill was not having a teen wage, so that employers could not cycle through a new teen worker every six months.

Another variable is to make different minimum wage timelines for different-sized businesses, which happened in California. There, the threshold is on businesses with 25 employees. Those with fewer than 25 have an extra year until the $15 rate kicks in, making a seven-year, which was a number floated during Wednesdays Illinois Senate committee hearing.

There are also concessions that can be made to the business community, particularly small businesses.

Carlozzi discussed these concessions as part of a grand bargain in Massachusetts, where businesses were provided some relief to help accommodate higher labor costs. They included a statewide sales tax holiday, and elimination of time-and-a-half pay on Sundays.

Minimum wage hike likely

Though Grants organization, NFIB, is in full opposition to raising Illinois minimum wage to $15 an hour, he admits that it will likely happen.

We have to be ready to negotiate, Grant said. The governor wants it, and hes got a legislature thats more than willing to help him do that.

Illinois isnt the only state considering a minimum wage increase. Thursday, the New Jersey Legislature passed $15-an-hour minimum-wage legislation, to be phased in over five years. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy is expected to sign the bill.OTTAWA Two weeks ago when the Canadian government put global bonds worth $3 billion (U.S.) up on auction, Chinese investors dove in to buy up a significant portion of what was on offer.

It was smack in the midst of Beijings fury over Canadas arrest of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou.

In an auction that drew about $8 billion worth of orders from North America, Europe and Asia, nearly $6 billion are said to have come from China  a clear sign, according to a senior Canadian official, that tensions in the deepening dispute over Canadas arrest of Huaweis deputy chair and chief financial officer have not blown up Canada-China relations.

Of course were in a difficult moment, said the senior government insider, speaking on a background-only basis. Many things are currently on hold.

However, the source said, its a good thing if China is interested in holding Canadian government debt.

We want them to invest, right? the official said and, although bilateral relations are tense at the moment, Its a long-term relationship.

In fact, if anything, the Trudeau government is determined to solidify long-term ties even as Beijing warns Canada and the U.S. of consequences for Mengs arrest and extradition request; even as the Conservative opposition blasts Trudeau for his naive approach to China; amid signs Canadians are uneasy about the Liberal handling of the affair.

One national poll by the Angus Reid Institute said nine in 10 Canadians view the diplomatic tensions as a serious matter for the government. It pegged Canadian dissatisfaction with its approach at 52 per cent.

Theres little question the Meng Wanzhou affair has set Trudeaus government on a diplomatic knifes edge.

After Ottawa approved a U.S. request to arrest Meng at Vancouver airport on Dec. 1, Chinas state security forces jailed two Canadians  Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor  and slapped the death sentence on a third Canadian, Robert Schellenberg.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, ignoring Beijing, told a town hall in Milton on Thursday he will continue to rally international allies to make sure that China understands Canada is going to unequivocally stand up for the rule of law, respect our international treaties and obligations, and always put the safety of Canadians first.

Trudeau hastened to add, But we dont want to escalate. He recognized China as an extremely important and growing economy, a significant player on the world stage.

Read more:

More than 1,000 people attend Trudeau town hall in Milton

Detained Canadian Michael Spavor gets third consular visit in China since his arrest

Crisis group says it trusts Ottawa to help free detainees after McCallum firing

He said his government looks forward to continuing to trade with China but we need the Chinese authorities to understand that when it comes to the rule of law, Canada and an awful lot of other countries will stand firm regardless of the political pressures they put on us.

Observers like former ambassador to China David Mulroney, speaking on CBC, argue events have shown there can be no return to the diplomacy of the past.

The illusion dies hard, but weve got to let it die, said Mulroney on CBCs Power and Politics.

Mulroney said while Canada has economic interests in having a relationship with China, we also need to think about risks to our democracy, we need to think about China threats at home and abroad; and we need to think about shedding the illusion that somehow its a democracy or a state just like us, because it isnt.

Conservative foreign affairs critic Erin OToole believes the government has badly handled the Meng affair and worse, has no coherent China strategy at all.

OToole says Trudeau never understood the shifting sands in China because he was too eager to make free trade with worlds fastest growing economy his political legacy, and didnt take into account that China had doubled down on state control of enterprise. He said Trudeau was oblivious to President Xi Jinpings growing powers.

That hard-sell rah-rah-rah Team Canada approach led the Chinese on to think hey, were growing as sort of their best friend within the Western alliance, says OToole.

Certainly Trudeaus strategy shifted away from pursuing a comprehensive free trade deal after the prime-ministers ill-fated December 2017 trip to Beijing. Thats when the Chinese rejected outright Canadas demand that free trade talks include gender and labour rights, according to Canadian journalists covering the trip.

Scant months later, in March 2018, Chinas Xi consolidated his power and presidential term limits were formally lifted, leading Western critics to describe his ambition as president for life.

That is when, according to a third government source, the Trudeau government realized it had to shift its sights.

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In the past year, the Liberals turned to a sector-by-sector approach to improving trade, with cabinet members like finance minister Bill Morneau and trade diversification minister Jim Carr travelling to Beijing as recently as two weeks before Mengs blockbuster arrest.

Even if that strategy is on hold amid the current tensions, Guy Saint-Jacques, another former Canadian ambassador to China, says it too is doomed to fail because, for the Chinese, it will never be enough.

Saint-Jacques said the recent events force us is to look at what I would call the dark side of China, which is an authoritarian regime . . . and will force the government to revise the engagement strategy . . . and work with our partners, and say what can we achieve by working together.

He said Canada is too small a country to force Beijing to play by different rules. They will just ignore us and punish us. Thats why we are at the stage where we need to revise our approach and be a bit smarter.

The next big test for the Canada-China relationship is Ottawas looming decision whether to allow Huawei to participate in developing high speed next-generation or 5G wireless internet technology.

Several U.S. agencies have already banned Huawei, citing security fears the Chinese government would force Huawei to spy on the West. Australia and New Zealand, two of Canadas other Five Eyes allies followed suit. Britain is considering it, as its biggest telecom company BT Group rejected Huawei gear for its systems.

Trudeau said Thursday the Huawei decision must not be approached with a political mindset but will be decided on evidence-based recommendations from Canadian security experts who are consulting experts around the world to evaluate how . . . to keep Canadians safe, make sure that our data is safe, make sure that our secure communications are secure, but also that were taking on the best technology in the world at affordable prices.

That leaves the door still open to Huawei. For now.

For University of Ottawa professor Roland Paris, who had a front-row seat to the early days of Trudeaus engagement with China, a lot has transpired since 2015 when Trudeau met Xi at the G20 in Turkey on his first trip abroad as prime minister.

Paris, Trudeaus former foreign policy adviser, says he now shares the security concerns about Huawei, and sees China behaving much more aggressively both at home and internationally.

But Paris says it doesnt serve Canadas interests to adopt a Cold War mentality.

China, then and now, is unlike any power weve ever seen, said Paris. The Soviet Union was a full-spectrum enemy during the Cold War. China is not an enemy. It is simultaneously a partner and an adversary.

What that means, he says, is we have to defend ourselves against China when it acts aggressively but its also in our interests to co-operate with China in areas of mutual interest.

That includes increasing exports to China and working with its Communist Party leaders on the environment and tackling climate change, for example.

But Paris says the Trudeau government has to also be realistic about public opinion even as it continues to engage with China.

By detaining Canadians, said Paris, China has acted with a measure of aggressiveness that Canadians will not forget.

Read more about:Earlier this week, members of Parliament must have felt somewhat disoriented as they returned for a final session in their familiar, yet entirely new, surroundings. The House of Commons chamber has been relocated, albeit temporarily, to a spectacular new space in the West Block Courtyard.

But more than just adjusting to a different home, each of the parties must now come to grips with the notion that this session, the last before the next federal election, will be a different one as well.

And that means somewhere between the cut and thrust of politics as usual, Prime Minster Justin Trudeau and Conservative leader Andrew Scheer must now turn their minds to what it will take to win the next federal election; one thats literally around the corner.

In the life of politicians, election years are always marked with distinct and different characteristics. Yet, each has one thing in common: there comes a point when time becomes a politicians chief opponent.

October will arrive in the blink of an eye and they all have much to do. Typically, the government of the day has the upper-hand. There is, of course, a distinct structural advantage in being able to both set the frame of debate and use the machinery of government to drive and deliver your point of view.

That said, the prime minister is finding out former U.K. Prime Minister Harold Macmillan was right when he said what worried him the most in politics was, events, my dear boy, events.

One needs to look no further than the Meng Wanzhou extradition fiasco for proof.

And while it is true that, for most Canadians, foreign policy issues are seldom determinative of their final vote, this matter touches a much broader and more troublesome range of issues for the government: general competence, economic prosperity and old-fashioned Canadian pride.

And so, the prime minister knows he wont simply be able to run out the clock. Sunny ways, alone, wont suffice. No, Trudeau will need to give Canadians a reason to return his party to power.

In 2015, the Liberals ran on a platform that not only excited voters but, in the view of many, stood in stark contrast to a tired, negative one offered by Stephen Harper.

I dont agree that, by and large, governments defeat themselves. Rather, I think they are elected to do a job and once that job is done, they are required to return to the electorate to articulate just what job they are going to do next.

So, prime minister, what do you have in mind? How will you showcase renewed energy and optimism?

And how will you do it while facing a Council of the Federation thats very different than the one you met when you first came to office?

Premier Wynne is gone. Clark, Gallant, and Couillard, too. And with them, their Greek chorus.

The challenge for Team Trudeau will be focusing their priorities and agenda during the session ahead and doing so on a playing field that is not the same as it once was.

How could it be? That was before Brexit (or no deal), Trump, irregular immigration, and the all too public diplomatic spats with Saudi Arabia and China.

As for Scheer, Conservatives know they need to significantly broaden their base of support. Reaching out to millennials and urban voters will be critical as the coalition that led to their majority mandate in 2011 no longer exists.

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Scheer will work hard over the coming months to convince us that Trudeau is out of touch with everyday Canadians. Simultaneously, he will have to present a clear picture of how he will make life better  materially better  for everyday hard-working Canadians. He will have to put more on offer than just trained seal-like opposition to every Liberal promise or decision.

For example, in 2015, an alternative to Trudeaus energy and climate change strategy did not exist. And unless you consider the status quo a strategy, one still doesnt. That must change.

And, finally, what does it say about my New Democrat friends, that a column looking ahead to this years election contains nary a mention of Mr. Singh? A lot.

Jaime Watt is the executive chairman of Navigator Ltd. and a Conservative strategist. He is a freelance contributor for the Star. Follow him on Twitter: @jaimewatt

Read more about:Nothing to be proud of in Pride vote, DiManno, Jan. 26

Pride Toronto  and all Pride festivals  are gatherings to commemorate and raise awareness about historical and institutional violence against LGBTQ2S people, and also celebrate who we are as a beautiful, diverse and complex community.

We only get a few days each year to bring our histories, our struggles, our art and our activism to a very public platform. Although straight allys are important to building solidarity with, and supporting, LGBTQ2S communities, Pride Toronto is by and for our community.

Rosie DiManno writes that she is sympathetic to members of the LGBTQ2S community who dont want their space invaded by cops. If she was gay and had a vote, it would be: No. A purely gut response. But she is straight and her non-vote would be: Yes.

Although it is great that DiManno is airing her voice on this issue, I would ask her if she has experienced police violence and intimidation firsthand? Has she had her colleagues and peers harassed and assaulted by uniformed officers at the Pride Festival, which is meant to be our space?

DiManno also writes: Because the parade is in financial peril. Because the parade, hosted by the Gay Village, is an otherwise open invitation to the city. Because attendance was so obviously in decline in 2018, doubtless in part because the gay community was still grieving over its losses, but also, I would argue, due to a public backlash against Pride Toronto.

This is factually inaccurate. The parade is not in financial peril, and it is most certainly not just hosted by the Gay Village. Pride is more than just the Pride Parade. While the non-profit corporation that is Pride Toronto may be showing a deficit of $700,000, this has happened before, and it has ebbed and flowed over recent years.

If Pride Toronto as an organization goes bankrupt, there will still be Pride. Thats the beauty of our community. We will continue to organize and create, remember and take action.Head of CBC compares Netflix to colonialism, Feb. 1

Finally, someone is standing up for Canadian Culture. Let us all give thanks to Catherine Tait, CBC president, for speaking up about too much outside influence on Canadian culture.

I have been waiting many years for someone to take pride in what Canada has to offer and to say so publicly. We dont need outside culture, much of which is a bad influence.

Joan Good, Toronto

Kudos to Catherine Tait for warning us to be vigilant against cultural imperialism by companies like Netflix.

A similar cautioning was given to us by the U.S. Justice Department last week about Huaweis technological colonialism. History shows us the integrity of both is essential to the progress and evolution of a nation.

We have the privilege to choose or regulate, sans xenophobia, that which fits our best interests, be entertainment or technology.

Peter Keleghan, Toronto

Read more about:Ford faces court battle over ending basic income pilot project, Jan. 30

The Ford government has no intention of getting rid of full-day kindergarten. The backlash would ruin them. What they are doing is preparing us to accept more pupils per classroom and kindergartens run by one early childhood educator or teacher alone.

As multiple studies and metanalyses show, this would be disastrous to these childrens education and for Ontarios economy, as we struggle to provide a workforce on par with the rest of the world. Ontario already has one of the highest pupil-teacher ratios in all of Canada.

Nothing is sacred to Premier Doug Ford in his effort to advantage his business buddies  not children, not the elderly, not the poor, nor the environment. Who is next?

Gail Rutherford, Toronto

Michael Benedict, Toronto

Read more about:RICHMOND, Va. - The Latest on Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam and racist photo in medical school yearbook (all times local):

4:45 p.m.

Virginias Democratic governor, Ralph Northam, is clinging to office amid rising calls from within his own party to resign over a photo of someone in blackface in his 1984 medical school yearbook.

Northan denies being in the yearbook photo even though he had apologized for it Friday and said previously that he was in it.

The chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus said Sunday that Northam still does not understand the seriousness of his actions.

California Rep. Karen Bass, a fellow Democrat, says she thinks Northam is being dishonest. She has told NBCs Meet the Press that the Virginia governor knew this picture was there and couldve been open about it decades ago with African-Americans that hes close to.

Northam worshipped Sunday at his home church, the predominantly black First Baptist in Capeville, but otherwise kept out of sight as calls intensified for him to step down.

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4:15 p.m.

A scandal over a 1984 medical school yearbook photo of someone wearing blackface is threatening to cripple the Virginia governors exercise of his duties.

Even if Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam doesnt heed widespread calls to resign, he has lost the support of virtually all of the states Democratic establishment. Top Republicans in the Virginia General Assembly also are urging Northam to step down, as have many declared and potential Democratic presidential candidates.

Former Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe has said he thinks Northam  who served as his lieutenant governor  will eventually leave office.

McAuliffe said Sunday on CNNs State of the Union that he expects Northam will eventually do what McAuliffe is calling the right thing for the Commonwealth of Virginia.

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11 a.m.

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northams medical school says an investigation will be launched into all of its past yearbooks.

The president of Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk announced the investigation on the schools website late Saturday.

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Dr. Richard V. Homan said he will direct an external investigation by a panel of advocates for diversity and inclusion. It will include African Americans and other people of colour.

The announcement follows Fridays revelation that a photo on Northams 1984 profile page features someone in blackface and someone in KKK robes. The image has led to a torrent of calls for his resignation.

The probe will determine the yearbook publishing process and the extent of administrative oversight. It will also examine the campus culture

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8 a.m.

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam has resisted widespread calls for him to step down over a racist photograph that appeared in his medical school yearbook.

The photo on Northams profile page features someone in blackface and someone in KKK robes.

He denies being in the photo, even though on Friday he had apologized and said he was in it.

During a news conference Saturday, Northam admitted to wearing blackface while he was dressed as Michael Jackson during a 1984 dance contest in Texas.

Northam said he regrets he didnt understand the harmful legacy of an action like that.

After he spoke, both of Virginias U.S. senators said they called Northam to tell him that he must resign, as he had irrevocably broken the trust Virginians must have in their leaders.ATLANTA - The Latest on the arrest of rapper 21 Savage (all times local):

5:30 p.m.

A lawyer for 21 Savage says she is working to get the Grammy-nominated rapper out of federal immigration detention.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokesman Bryan Cox says the rapper, whose given name is Sha Yaa Bin Abraham-Joseph, was arrested in a targeted operation early Sunday in the Atlanta area.

Lawyer Dina LaPolt said in an email that she is working with authorities to clear up any misunderstandings. She says Abraham-Joseph is a role model to many young people in the U.S., especially in Atlanta.

Cox says Abraham-Joseph is a British citizen who entered the U.S. legally in July 2005 but overstayed his visa, which expired in July 2006. Cox says Abraham-Joseph was convicted on felony drug charges in Georgia in October 2014.

Cox says Abraham-Joseph has been placed in deportation proceedings in federal immigration court.

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4 p.m.

Authorities in Atlanta say rapper 21 Savage is in federal immigration custody.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokesman Bryan Cox says the Grammy-nominated artist, whose given name is Sha Yaa Bin Abraham-Joseph, was arrested in a targeted operation early Sunday in the Atlanta area.

Cox says Abraham-Joseph is a British citizen who entered the U.S. legally in July 2005 but overstayed his visa, which expired in July 2006. Cox said Abraham-Joseph was convicted on felony drug charges in Georgia in October 2014.

Cox says Abraham-Joseph has been placed in deportation proceedings in federal immigration court.

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Abraham-Joseph is nominated for two awards at next weeks Grammys, including record of the year for Rockstar alongside Post Malone.

A representative for Abraham-Joseph did not respond to an email seeking comment.BATAVIA, Ohio - The Latest on a deputy killed after standoff (all times local):

2:40 p.m.

Court records show a man accused of fatally shooting a sheriffs deputy and wounding another deputy during a 12-hour standoff in Ohio has been charged with aggravated murder.

Clermont County Municipal Court records show 23-year-old Wade Edward Winn has also been charged with attempted aggravated murder in the shootings in Pierce Township, east of Cincinnati. Authorities say Detective Bill Brewer died from his wounds. The other deputy was treated and released.

Court records dont show an attorney for Winn.

Authorities say officers responded Saturday night to the apartment complex after a 911 call from a man who said he believed someone was inside his residence. It wasnt clear whether the suspect made the call. Authorities said they found one person in the home.

Ohios governor has ordered all U.S. and state flags at public buildings in Clermont County and the Statehouse flown at half-staff to honour Brewer.

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11:30 a.m.

Authorities have identified a sheriffs deputy who was shot and killed and another who was wounded during a 12-hour standoff at an apartment complex in Ohio.

A Clermont County sheriffs release says Detective Bill Brewer died from his wounds. Lt. Nick DeRose was treated and released. The release identifies a 23-year-old suspect but doesnt say whether he was charged. The suspect was taken into custody about 6:30 a.m. Sunday.

Sheriff officials said officers responded about 7 p.m. Saturday to the Royal Oaks Apartments in Pierce Township following a 911 call from a man who said he believed someone was inside his residence. It wasnt clear whether the suspect made the call. Authorities said they found one person in the home.

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8:35 a.m.

A sheriffs deputy was shot and killed during a 12-hour standoff at an apartment complex in Ohio that left another deputy wounded and a suspect in custody, authorities said Sunday.

Capt. Jeff Sellars of the Clermont County Sheriffs Office said officers responded about 7 p.m. Saturday to the Royal Oaks Apartments in Pierce Township, about 20 miles east of Cincinnati, following a 911 call from a man who said people were refusing to leave his home. The man said there were weapons in the home.

Sellars said two deputies were struck by bullets during the standoff. The wounded deputy is hospitalized in stable condition.

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Neither the deputies nor the suspect has been identified.

Sellars said the suspect was taken into custody about 6:30 a.m. Sunday.NEW YORK - Joanna Geary started off as a journalist in the U.K. and now lives in New York, where she is currently Twitters director of curation. In that role, shes in charge of showing users everything from the days biggest news events to quirky trends.

Geary, 38, spoke with The Associated Press recently about managing people in different time zones and managing a work-life balance. Questions and answers have been edited for brevity and clarity.

Q: What does your day-to-day work look like?

A: I have direct reports in London, in Toronto, in New York, in San Francisco, in Tokyo and in Sydney (and indirect reports) in Mexico and Brazil. When youre working away from people, its really important to have structured time to see people. So that means that my days get quite elongated.

Q: What have you learned about problem-solving over the years?

A: The greater the diversity of skills, background and personalities in the room, the more likely it is youll come up with the best solution and the best way to implement it.

Q: How much do you pay attention to your competition?

A: I keep pretty well informed about whats going on in our industry, but I try not to focus too much on competitor watching. Ive been in that position before and it can be all too easy to turn yourself into a hostage to other peoples strategies rather than doubling down on understanding your unique value and trying to enhance that.

Q: What advice would you give your younger self about managing people?

A: You are never, ever going to have all the answers. Most answers are going to come from your team, and your job is to try and create an environment where they are recognized and rewarded for putting them forward. Also, however hard you try, you will mess up. The most important thing is how you deal with that.

Q: What advice do you have on how small business owners and others can use Twitter?

A: Start small and follow people that you know or are just one or two people removed from people you know. Learn to connect and have conversations with them. A lot of value can often be obtained from expanding your network even by just a little.

Q: What do you do for work-life balance?

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A: I enjoy the time I spend with my husband, family and close friends. Moving to another country has made me value the time I get to spend with them much, much more. Im also a massive podcast fan, so will often use my commute home as time to listen and decompress.

But youre also talking to someone who back in the U.K. used her free time to start Londons biggest monthly meetup of technologists and journalists. Technology and journalism have always been an interest beyond a job, so I wholly admit the line can be blurred.The Government was planning to get the assistance of the three Armed Forces to eradicate the Sena Caterpillar menace, Minister Ranjith Madduma Bandara said.

He reminded that the assistance of the Armed Forces had been useful in controlling the dengue epidemic as well.

He said that the most affected area by the Sena caterpillar was Moneragala District, where 12,000 out of 52,000 hectares of maize cultivation had been destroyed due to the Fall Armyworm which is also called Sena caterpillar.

The Minister said that a discussion had been held with Nano Technology experts, Ministry of Disaster Management and Department of Agriculture on the ways of eradication of this menace immediately as this menace was turning into a national crisis.(Dayaseeli Liyanage)NEW YORK - As Twitters director of curation, Joanna Geary is in charge of showing users whats going on. This can range from the days biggest news events to celebrities or quirky trends.

Geary, 38, joined Twitter in 2013 after a career as a journalist in the U.K., first at the tiny Birmingham Post (circulation around 3,400) and later The Guardian, where she ran the community and social teams.

She spoke with The Associated Press about serving a global audience that is Twitter. Questions and responses have been edited for length and clarity.

Q: How has being a journalist prepared you for Twitter?

A: Everything that I learned along the way, right back from the beginning of the Post, has been useful to what I do today. The importance of the work that journalists do and the importance of thinking through things such as verification, impartiality, accuracy, responsibility, good research ... all of that has come into play.

Q: Whats it like working with non-journalists at Twitter?

A: I was worried about not being a journalist any more. It was a big step to take ... but also exhilarating to end up in a business where some people have the same sort of instinct as me. But not everyone. I was exposed to many more different skills and expertise, which helped me think very differently about journalism and its place in the world. And not everyone was the sort of news junkie that I was.

Q: What is the most challenging part of your job?

A: Im regretfully a monolinguist. I only speak English, so building up a structure and a format and a way to build rapport with teams who work in completely different languages and to understand the quality and the nature of the curation, its super challenging. Over time, I feel like Ive built up a tool kit ... and a level of standardization as to what were expecting.

Q: What about cultural sensitivities?

A: Even within a shared language, theres such diversity of meaning and cultural differences to how people approach communication. Ive learnt a lot about where I should sit in a meeting room in Tokyo, how direct do you need to be when asking for work with Arabic speakers. Words that are not rude in the U.S. that are quite rude in the U.K. People in the U.S. sometimes forget how much of Twitter is outside of the U.S.

Q: Is it hard to not be U.S.- and English-speaking centric on Twitter?

A: I dont think so. One of the pure joys of the job is having such an international team. The joy is there are many different communities on the platform. For example, I had no idea about Japanese cat Twitter, where people in Japan post totally normal, everyday videos of their cats. Its amazing.

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Q: Whats your ideal vision of Twitter?

A: I believe very much in the power of connection over a geographical distance and culture. When you can get it right, its incredibly powerful, especially when it builds empathy and understanding. The interesting thing about Twitter is weve demonstrated that we can do it.PRINCETON, Ky. - Police in Kentucky say an inmate has been captured hours after he escaped from a prison.

Kentucky State Police say in a news release 25-year-old Aaron A. Davis was located in a field in Caldwell County on Sunday and charged with escape.

Davis was reported missing several hours earlier from the West Kentucky Correctional Complex in neighbouring Lyon County.SEATTLE - A 4-year-old boy in a Washington state apartment found a loaded gun under a mattress and used it to shoot his pregnant mother in the face, authorities said Sunday.

The 27-year-old woman and her boyfriend were watching television in bed Saturday when their son found the gun between the mattress and box spring, King County Sheriffs Office spokesman Sgt. Ryan Abbott said.

He unintentionally shot his mom in the face, Abbott said.

The woman, who is eight months pregnant, was taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries. She was transferred to another hospital Sunday in improved condition, Abbott said.

The boys father told deputies he borrowed the gun for protection, Abbott said. The gun wasnt reported stolen and is unregistered, he said.

Under a new state law, gun owners could face criminal charges for not safely storing a gun, but Abbott noted it doesnt go into effect until July.

The case is under investigation.

Were reminding anybody with a gun, kids see them as toys, Abbott said. The biggest tragic lesson here is please lock-up your guns so they cant be used accidentally for the wrong reason.ANCHORAGE, Alaska - A hatchery at Ship Creek in Anchorage has had to look elsewhere for king salmon eggs to make up for expected shortages.

Anchorage television station KTUU reports Ship Creek is usually the primary source of eggs for programs at the William Jack Hernandez Sport Fish Hatchery.

But the number of kings was significantly down in the latest return.

Hatchery manager Gary George says his team collected stock from other sources to make up the shortfall.

Salmon forecasts this year have led to the issuance of several restrictions for kings in northern Cook Inlet.

The hatchery, however, is still expected to introduce 1.3 million salmon to Alaska waterways this year.

The hatchery is located just north of the busiest part of Ship Creek, a popular urban fishing spot.

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Information from: KTUU-TV, http://www.ktuu.comCHICAGO - Two people were killed and five others wounded in a drive-by shooting early Sunday morning outside a bar on Chicagos far South Side, authorities said.

The attack happened at around 2 a.m. Sunday after a crowd of people poured out of Reynolds Lounge following a fight inside, the Chicago Sun-Times reported, citing police.

At least one attacker fired from a silver Ford and its unknown if any victims had been involved in the fight or were intended targets, police said. The vehicle got away and there are no suspects.

Four men and three women were shot. Two of the men  a 39-year-old shot in the back and chest and a 36-year-old hit in the neck and chest  died late at the University of Chicago Medical Center.

Another man, age 36, was in critical condition at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn with a gunshot wound to his back.

Police say three of the other four wounded victims were hospitalized in good condition. One woman was only grazed and declined treatment.

___

Information from: Chicago Sun-Times, http://chicago.suntimes.com/BOISE, Idaho - A company has filed a lawsuit against Idaho State Police and Ada County after authorities seized nearly 7,000 pounds of cannabis from a truck headed to Colorado, the Idaho Statesman reported.

Authorities who stopped the truck said it was filled with marijuana, but Big Sky Scientific LLC, which was shipping the product to Colorado, said in the lawsuit that its industrial hemp, which is now legal under the recently passed U.S. Farm Bill.

Hemp is a non-psychoactive cousin of marijuana. Both hemp and marijuana are cannabis plants.

Big Sky wants its product returned and wants an admission of wrongdoing from the Idaho authorities, according to the Idaho Statesman.

The trucks driver, Dennis Palamarchuk, 36, of Portland, Oregon, was arrested and charged with a felony.

The truck was stopped on Jan. 24 as part of a routine, random commercial vehicle safety inspection between Boise and Mountain Home, ISP spokesman Tim Marsano said. The drivers bill of lading  a document that details the cargo in the shipment  said the trailer was carrying 31 bags of hemp.

Hemp and marijuana plants look and smell similar, but hemp plants typically contain less than 0.3 per cent of THC  the psychoactive chemical in marijuana  while marijuana plants generally contain anywhere from 15 to 40 per cent THC.

The plants also have different uses: Hemp can be used to produce a variety of products including food, industrial oil, paper, flour and clothing.

Marijuana plants are often grown for their THC content, and are legal in Oregon, Washington, Colorado, California and several other states but are illegal in Idaho.

The trooper detected a strong odour of marijuana during the inspection and opened one of the bags and performed a field test, Marsano said.

The test showed the plant to be a marijuana plant, and a subsequent team of K9 drug-detection dogs that arrived also indicated that marijuana was present, he said.

Marsano could not say how low of a THC content will generate a positive result by the field tests or whether the dogs were trained to differentiate between marijuana and hemp.

Still, he said transporting anything containing THC is a chargeable offence in Idaho.

Testing on the plant matter is being expedited, Marsano told the newspaper Friday.

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Information from: Idaho Statesman, http://www.idahostatesman.comABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates - The Latest on Pope Francis visit to the United Arab Emirates (all times local):

10:15 p.m.

Pope Francis has been greeted by Abu Dhabis powerful crown prince, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on his arrival to the Arabian Peninsula.

A young boy and girl in traditional Emirati dress handed the pontiff flowers after landing Sunday night. The two leaders then walked past an honour guard, all with traditional Arabic daggers at their waists.

Pope Francis and Sheikh Mohammed smiled and spoke to each other as they walked through the airport terminal.

The pope also met a host of Cabinet ministers in a greeting line, as well as local Catholic and Muslim officials.

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9:50 p.m.

Pope Francis has landed in Abu Dhabi on the first papal trip ever to the Arabian Peninsula, the birthplace of Islam.

Pope Francis Alitalia flight touched down in the capital city of the United Arab Emirates, a federation of seven sheikhdoms, around 9:50 p.m. on Sunday.

While Francis is building on two of his priorities with his Sunday-Tuesday visit to the United Arab Emirates  promoting interfaith dialogue and visiting the Catholic peripheries  diplomatic protocol will likely dictate that he leaves other concerns behind.

The Emirates support for Saudi Arabias war in Yemen, which has caused the worlds worst humanitarian crisis, and the UAEs problematic record on human rights and labour violations at home likely will get a pass  at least in public.

However, Francis did appeal earlier Sunday for an end to Yemens humanitarian crisis, saying the cries of these children and their parents rise up to God.

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12:45 p.m. VATICAN CITY

Christian leaders attending a summit ahead of Pope Francis arrival in Abu Dhabi say theyre excited for the first papal visit to the Arabian Peninsula.

Bishop Camillo Ballin, the apostolic vicar of Northern Arabia, told The Associated Press on Sunday that the Roman Catholic Church provided succor for an estimated 1 million faithful in the United Arab Emirates, nearly all of them foreigners drawn to the country for employment.

Ballin said: His visit is a big and important encouragement for the Christians that live in these countries because they are far from their homeland and they need especially to be encouraged so that they feel they are home.

Rev. Andrew Thompson of St. Andrews Anglican Church in Abu Dhabi said his congregation was excited for Pope Francis Mass on Tuesday.

Thompson said: My congregation are so happy we are witnessing what will be the biggest Christian act of worship in the history of the Arabian Gulf, and we are excited to be a part of that.

___

Associated Press writer Fay Abuelgasim contributed.

___

12:20 p.m. VATICAN CITY

Pope Francis has appealed for the end of Yemens humanitarian crisis, saying the cries of these children and their parents rise up to God.

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He made the appeal at the Vatican an hour before his scheduled departure on a three-day trip to the United Arab Emirates, which is a key member of the Saudi-led coalition at war with Yemens Iran-aligned rebels. The conflict has driven Yemen to the brink of famine and caused the worlds worst humanitarian crisis.

Francis urged faithful in St. Peters Square to join him in prayer, saying these are hungry children with no medicine, and are in danger of dying. Noting that many cant reach food aid areas, he appealed to the involved parties and the international community to urgently ensure that agreements are reached and food distributed.

Francis is expected in the United Arab Emirates later Sunday, where he will become the first pontiff to visit the Arabian Peninsula.

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Noon VATICAN CITY

Emiratis are welcoming Pope Francis trip to Abu Dhabi, the first-ever papal visit to the Arabian Peninsula, where Islam was born.

The National, a state-linked, English-language newspaper in Abu Dhabi, described the popes three-day visit beginning Sunday as a dream come true for the countrys estimated 1 million Roman Catholics.

The newspaper said: With that moment will come a lifetime of gratitude to the UAEs rulers, who last year invited Pope Francis to visit the country and have fostered a society in which freedom of worship is afforded to all.

While Christians can worship in churches built on land donated by the countrys rulers, proselytizing by non-Muslims is illegal. Blasphemy and apostasy laws also carry a possible death sentence.

Meanwhile, Yousef al-Otaiba, the UAEs powerful ambassador to Washington, wrote in a Politico column that religion today is a treacherous fault line that divides the region.

He added: But the true faith of Muslims, Christians and Jews has never been about hate or fanaticism. There is no clash of civilizations or ideas - only a rash of ignorance and a deficit of courage and moral leadership.

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8 a.m. VATICAN CITY

Pope Francis is seeking to turn a page in Christian-Muslim relations while also ministering to a unique, thriving island of Catholicism as he embarks on the first-ever papal trip to the Arabian Peninsula, the birthplace of Islam.

While Francis is building on two of his priorities with his Sunday-Tuesday visit to the United Arab Emirates  promoting interfaith dialogue and visiting the Catholic peripheries  diplomatic protocol will likely dictate that he leaves other concerns behind.

The Emirates support for Saudi Arabias war in Yemen, which has caused the worlds worst humanitarian crisis, and the UAEs problematic record on human rights and labour violations at home will likely will get a pass  at least in public.ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates - Pope Francis landed Sunday in Abu Dhabi on the first-ever papal trip to the Arabian Peninsula, where he is seeking to turn a page in Christian-Muslim relations while also ministering to a unique, thriving Catholic community.

Francis earlier Sunday called for the urgent observation of a limited cease-fire in Yemen reached in December and for food and medicine to get to its people, who are suffering the worlds worst humanitarian crisis.

He made the appeal at the Vatican before boarding a plane to the United Arab Emirates, which has been Saudi Arabias main ally in its war in Yemen  a way to avoid embarrassing his hosts with a public call while in the region. Abu Dhabis powerful crown prince, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, greeted the pontiff with smiles along with Cabinet ministers and an honour guard when he landed around 9:50 p.m. in the Emirati capital.

The people are exhausted by the long conflict and many children are hungry, but humanitarian aid isnt accessible, Francis said in his noontime Sunday blessing. The cries of these children and their parents rise up to God.

Francis travelled to Abu Dhabi to participate in a conference on interreligious dialogue sponsored the Emirates-based Muslim Council of Elders, an initiative that seeks to counter religious fanaticism by promoting a moderate brand of Islam. Its the brainchild of Sheikh Ahmed el-Tayeb, the grand imam of Egypts Al-Azhar, the revered 1,000-year-old seat of Sunni Islam that trains clerics and scholars from around the world.

In a video message to the Emirates on the eve of his trip, Francis paid homage to his friend and dear brother el-Tayeb and praised his courage in calling the meeting to assert that God unites and doesnt divide.

I am pleased with this meeting offered by the Lord to write, on your dear land, a new page in the history of relations among religions and confirm that we are brothers despite our differences, Francis said.

In a statement Saturday, Al-Azhar described the upcoming meeting as historic and praised the deeply fraternal relationship between its imam and the pope, which it said even includes birthday greetings. El-Tayeb also met Francis at the airport.

Francis and el-Tayeb are to address the Human Fraternity Meeting Monday that has drawn not only Christian and Muslim representatives but hundreds of Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist and other Christian faith leaders. Its all part of the Emirates Year of Tolerance and its effort to show its openness to other faiths in a region otherwise known for severe restrictions on religions outside of Islam.

Its something new for the Muslim world, that within the discussion of dialogue, theyre talking about interreligious dialogue across the board, beyond basic Christian-Muslim relations, said Marco Impagliazzo, president of the, a Rome-based Catholic organization active in interfaith relations who will be attending the conference.

Francis other main initiative in Abu Dhabi is a giant Mass on Tuesday in the citys main sports arena that is expected to draw some 135,000 people in what some have called the largest show of public Christian worship on the Arabian Peninsula. There, Francis will see firsthand a Catholic community that is big, diverse and dynamic, at a time when the wider Mideast has seen an exodus of Christians fleeing persecution at the hands of the Islamic State group and others.

Of the over 9 million people now living in the UAE, around 1 million are Emirati while the rest are foreigners drawn to the oil-rich federation to work in everything from white-collar finance to construction.

The Catholic Church believes there are some 1 million Catholics in the UAE. Most are Filipino and Indian, many of whom have left behind families for work and can face precarious labour conditions, which human rights groups regularly denounce.

The church has a unique role because it becomes home, said Brandon Vaidyanathan, chair of the sociology department at Catholic University in Washington, who grew up in Dubai. It becomes a place of belonging in a country where foreigners can live, work and practice their faith but will never gain citizenship.

Vaidyanathan, who converted from Hinduism to Catholicism while living in Dubai, said the Emirates religious tolerance is commendable given the trends of the region. He noted the unprecedented nature of the governments invitation to Francis, its donation of lands for churches and even a recent decision to rename a mosque Mother Mary of Jesus.

Yet he pointed to the difference between freedom to worship and true religious freedom. Crosses, for example, can only be displayed inside churches, proselytizing for faiths other than Islam is banned and Muslims are forbidden from converting.

Francis will likely focus on issues of religious freedom and fraternity in his public remarks. Unlike all his other foreign trips, he will not deliver a political speech.

Vatican spokesman Alessandro Gisotti said the reason was to give greater emphasis to his speech to the interfaith conference. He dodged a question about whether Francis would raise Yemens yearslong war in his private talks with the Emirates ruler. The UAE is deeply involved in the Saudi-led war in the Arab worlds poorest country, where tens of thousands have been killed and millions face food and medical shortages.

I dont know if the Holy Father will confront it publicly or privately, but certainly on many occasions, even recently, he has underlined the need to search for peace in particular to guarantee the humanitarian rights of the population, especially children, Gisotti said.

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Aid groups working in Yemen hope Francis wont just rely on his public appeals, but will use his visit to bring his message to the Emirati leadership in person.

CAFOD, the overseas aid group of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, recently joined a coalition of British humanitarian organizations in appealing for Yemens limited cease-fire to hold so that humanitarian aid can reach the most vulnerable.

We have confidence in the greatness of the pope to be our advocate and the advocate for the Yemeni people, said Giovanna Reda, CAFODs head of humanitarian programs for the Middle East.BERLIN - Voters in a municipality in northwestern Germany have delivered a clear message: no street names, thanks.

Official results from a referendum held on Sunday showed 60 per cent of voters in Hilgermissen rejected the local councils plan to name the streets, while 40 per cent supported the proposal.

The proposed change was intended to make it easier for people  including police, emergency and delivery services  to find their way around the municipality of some 2,200 residents.

Hilgermissen was formed in the 1970s out of several villages. Addresses currently consist of a house number and the name of a former village, a system that has become more unwieldy as new buildings are added.

Three locals organized the referendum to oppose street names. Sundays result is binding for two years.LONDONShould Britain stumble out of the European Union without a deal and riots erupt in the streets, officials have a plan:

Evacuate Queen Elizabeth II from London, local news outlets reported Sunday.

Reports of a scenario to save the queen and senior members of her familycame to light as the deadline for Britains withdrawal from the European Union loomed. With fewer than 55 days until the formal divorce, now set for March 29, the country has been flooded with news of emergency preparations in the event no deal is reached.

Reports of Britons stockpiling groceries, medicines and other supplies have proliferated. Nissan Motor, the automobile giant, confirmed Sunday that it would manufacture the new version of its X-Trail SUV in Japan instead of Sunderland, in northeast England, where Nissan has been making cars since 1986.

Sony, the Japanese corporation, announced in January that it would move its European headquarters to Amsterdam from Surrey; Airbus and Bentley called the prospect of a no-deal Brexit a killer and a disgrace.

But the report of an emergency exit plan for the 92-year-old monarch gave a different weight to the possibility of a no-deal Brexit.

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A spokesperson for Buckingham Palace said Sunday, Were not commenting on that at all.

But according to The Sunday Times, such plans were originally laid out long ago in anticipation of events that might threaten the royal familys safety.

These emergency evacuation plans have been in existence since the Cold War, but have now been repurposed in the event of civil disorder following a no-deal Brexit, the British newspaper quoted an unidentified Cabinet Office official as saying.

In a reflection of the deeply polarized mood that has prevailed in Britain since the 2016 referendum on the countrys withdrawal from the European Union, the report of the evacuation plans for the queen was received with equal measures of worry and ridicule.

Many questioned the premise of preparing for riots immediately after the Brexit deadline, and whether Buckingham Palace, or the queen, would be the target of the publics ire in the case of no deal.

Jacob Rees-Mogg, a Conservative lawmaker who has been arguing for a no-deal Brexit, told The Mail on Sunday that the evacuation plan was a wartime fantasy.

Robert Moss, a graduate student at the University of Birmingham, wrote on Twitter, Its possible  in a worse-case scenario  that civil unrest could break out if we find ourselves strapped for cash and low on imports.

Dave Queenan, another Twitter user, wrote Sunday, The only reason to be concerned about the whole Queen evacuation saga is if they let Philip drive.

(Prince Philip, the 97-year-old Duke of Edinburgh, was recently involved in a car crash that injured two women, and he was seen days later driving without a seat belt.)

Kevin Featherstone, a professor of European politics at the London School of Economics, disputed fears of riots.

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Britain is already bitterly divided over Brexit, and more than it has been on anything for generations, Featherstone wrote in an email Sunday. But talk of riots in the streets is misconceived, he said.

He added that Brexit had to do with identity politics, not economics. And riots would not start over whether Britain would end up with a Canada- or Norway-type deal, he said. (Though Norway is not a member of the European Union, it is part of the single market; Canada also has trade ties with the bloc.)

What to make of the report of a royal evacuation plan, then?

The contingency plan is based on Operation Candid  an evacuation strategy designed after the Cuban missile crisis of 1962  to prepare for the possibility of a nuclear attack by the Soviet Union, according to The Sunday Times.

The queen, the Duke of Edinburgh and the home secretary were supposed to escape by boarding the royal yacht Brittania under the so-called python system, which would see the royal family hiding in Scottish sea lochs.

The plan was changed to feature the Hebridean Princess, a cruise ship, after Brittania was made idle in 1997.

Featherstone said the risk of a no-deal Brexit remained less than 50-50, and that the report should be seen as serving a current political purpose.

It offers credibility to the fears of social unrest if Brexit is blocked by utilizing the ultimate national symbol  the royals  and puts pressure on Tory MPs to settle for a deal, he said, referring to the governing Conservative Party.

Prime Minister Theresa May wrote in The Telegraph on Sunday that she would return to Brussels to fight for Britain and deliver Brexit to the people.

But the Brexit process has become so chaotic that even Queen Elizabeth, who has a constitutional obligation to remain neutral on political matters, made an appeal for harmony. In a speech on Jan. 25, the monarch made a plea for respecting different points of view and coming together to seek out the common ground.

The evacuation plan has a no-deal Brexit as a prerequisite, so it could be abandoned if May is able to negotiate a deal with Brussels that will win Parliaments approval this month.

If not, all bets are off.

Read more about:Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe had invited all MPs outside the UNF to join in the Government.

Prime Minister Wickremesinghe made this open invitation at the relaunch of Gam Peraliya and Enterprise Sri Lanka Programmes at Temple Trees over the weekend.

I would like to invite all MPs outside of the UNF to come and join. Let us work together. No one could stop if we joined together, the Prime Minister said.

We took a great challenge in 2015. Sri Lanka was the most indebted nation in the world during that year. The country was isolated then. However, we managed to turn things around. Sri Lanka no longer faces war crime charges, he added.

The Prime Minister said the Government had short, medium long term plans.

No one will be able to defeat us if we manage to fulfil all our plans, he said.(Yohan Perera)CARACAS, VENEZUELA  Massive numbers of anti-government protesters rallied Saturday in a dramatic show of resolve, escalating the campaign to drive President Nicolas Maduro from power even as the first major defection occurred among his crucial military backers.

The demonstrations alone were unlikely to cause Maduro to buckle. But the open defiance on the streets seeks to keep the pressure on Maduro at home while sending a message to other nations considering throwing their support behind the opposition and its leader, Juan Guaido.

Opposition leaders also hope large-scale protests  in combination with international isolation and sanctions  will push Maduro to negotiate his exit or prod the military to force him out.

Guaido  who heads the opposition-controlled National Assembly that last month proclaimed Maduro a usurper  addressed crowds near the European Union offices in Caracas in hopes that France, Britain and other European powers would join the United States and others to recognize Guaido as Venezuelas de facto leader.

Maduro, however, was already hit by a blow from within: a senior figure in the armed forces broke publicly from the government. It marked the most serious act of dissent yet from the military brass, which has so far stood behind Maduro as his main bulwark against the opposition.

In a video circulating social media on Saturday morning, an acting Venezuelan Air Force general, Francisco Yanez, denounced the dictatorship of Maduro and recognized opposition leader Guaidos claim as the nations legitimate interim leader.

People of Venezuela, 90 per cent of the armed forces are not with the dictator, Yanez, in uniform, said in a video that he appears to have filmed himself. The transition to democracy is imminent.

The Twitter account of Venezuelas Air Force, which consistently retweets Maduro and other government officials, released a photo of the video with the word traitor in red letters scrawled over Yanezs face.

We have to highlight that he has no command over troops and less so over Air Force units, an Air Force tweet said. He has no leadership at the Air Force and was only serving planning functions.

For the opposition, the massive protests on Saturday marked a key step forward in its ability to sustain a social uprising against Maduro. The anointed successor of leftist Hugo Chavez, who died in 2013, Maduro was sworn in for a new six-year term last month following elections internationally derided as fraudulent.

Guaido has evoked constitutional powers declaring himself the nations rightful interim leader, setting up a global power play that has seen Russia and Cuba back Maduro while a growing list of Western nations, led by the United States, back Guaido.

In an attempt to rally his side, Maduro also brought supporters onto the streets for counterprotests marking 20 years of socialist rule.

But those crowds were vastly overwhelmed by the turnout at opposition marches in Caracas and more than two dozen cities nationwide, which appeared to be in the hundreds of thousands.

Speaking to the masses in a hoarse voice, Guaido appealed to Chavistas  or those who have long supported Chavez.

I want to send a message to the Chavista people, Guaido said. You believed in a project, and now youve been disappointed. He added, the military and the world take note, there are many, many people filling the streets of Venezuela today. This movement is historic and unstoppable.

At the smaller pro-government rally, meanwhile, people in the crowd shouted prison for Guaido. Maduro responded by suggesting that he still has moves to make.

Everything at its right time, he told supporters. We know what we have to do in every moment, justice sometimes takes time but it comes.

Maduro also called for new elections for the opposition-controlled National Assembly. Stripped of its power in 2017 by the government, the body has nevertheless continued to meet, and Guaidos constitutional claim as interim leader is based on him being the elected head of the chamber.

Although official media did not broadcast the protests, government forces, at least by midafternoon, appeared to be using restraint in crowd control. A video circulating on social media showing a national police officer in the city of Barquisimeto, about 220 miles west of Caracas, telling protesters he would not use violence against them. One protester was shown hugging the guard.

We are marching because we cant take this situation any more, said Carmen Sanchez, a 42-year-old woman who lives in the slum of Petare, who joined a protest in Caracas stretching for many city blocks and onto the balconies of buildings.

We dont have enough money for food. This government has to resign for Venezuela to be beautiful again, and I have faith Guaido will bring us success, Sanchez said.

She said the past week at the slum has been terrifying, with security forces raiding homes. Last week was horrible. They took kids from their homes; we were all threatened, she said.

At the pro-government march in central Caracas, there were about 300 people at 10:30 a.m. Dressed in red and with ruling party flags, they were marching toward the presidential palace.

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Our people, once again, overflowing this avenue, Maduro said, addressing his supporters. He added, those who accuse us of being a dictatorship must know that since the foundation of the revolution, we have become a profoundly free and democratic people. Venezuela will never have a dictatorship.

On Sunday, Guaido, a 35-year-old industrial engineer, outlined a plan to ship humanitarian aid into the shattered country, which is facing widespread hunger and desperation amid an economic collapse. He announced three staging areas on Venezuelas borders with Colombia and Brazil and on one nearby Caribbean island. Maduro has resisted allowing in international aid, and Guaido has hoped to use caravans of food to challenge the military and governments will.

It will be a dilemma for the officers, he said. You, generals, will decide.

The Trump administration has said no options are off the table as it seeks to pressure Maduro to resign. U.S. officials last week threw up new sanctions that effectively cut off Maduro from Venezuelas most important foreign revenue stream: U.S. oil sales.

In a radio interview Friday, national security adviser John Bolton suggested Maduro would end up in Guantanamo Bay if he didnt leave power.

I wish him a long, quiet retirement on a pretty beach far from Venezuela, Bolton said. And the sooner he takes advantage of that, the sooner hes likely to have a nice, quiet retirement on a pretty beach rather than being in some other beach area like Guantanamo.

Maduro successfully rode out four months of protests in 2017 after an iron-fisted response left more than 100 dead. Since protests restarted two weeks ago, the government had unleashed another wave of repression that has left at least 35 dead and 850 detained.

The defection of Yanez, the Air Force general, suggested new cracks in the military hierarchy that has previously proclaimed steadfast loyalty to Maduro.

Antonio Rivero, a former Venezuelan general now living in exile in Miami, said Yanez did not appear to command a large contingent of troops, and his strategy remained unclear  as did Yanezs present whereabouts.

For now, I see him isolated, he doesnt have a division behind him, Rivero said.

On Jan. 21, a group of national guard soldiers took to the streets of a western Caracas slum and filmed themselves calling people to the streets. They had taken weapons from a military unit. But the small insurrection was quickly squashed, and 27 soldiers were jailed.

Maduro has called for dialogue with the opposition, saying he is willing to meet Guaido wherever, whenever, he wants. But the opposition, which has engaged in fruitless round tables with the government before, has seen the offer as a ruse to buy time.

Maduro, meanwhile, was bracing this weekend for the prospect of further international diplomatic blows.

The European Parliament already called on the blocs member states to recognize Guaido as Venezuelas interim president. The EU has moved to form an international contact group designed to create the conditions necessary to hold new elections. Venezuelan opposition lawmakers said they are not expecting the EU as a bloc to recognize Guaido, but they are awaiting announcements from key countries as early as Sunday.

Read more about:HOUSTON, B.C.Staring into a fire outside a sweat lodge at the Unistoten camp, Johnny Morris passes a ball of snow between his hands until it melts.

The 31-year-old Wetsuweten man said hes almost three months sober for the first time in years and he attributes it to his time spent on the land focusing on daily activities like trapping and ceremonial sweats.

The camp is known as the place where protesters blocked a natural gas company from accessing a nearby work site, but the healing centre is whats significant to Morris and some others.

Coming back to the roots of our ancestors, having access to the land, Im able to trap, to go hunting, to harvest whats out on the land, reconnect with my culture, Morris said. It truly is a medicine for my spirit, for my soul.

Weeks earlier, emotions at the camp were at a fever pitch as residents and supporters prepared for what they believed would be a police raid on the camp. Many flocked to the area after RCMP enforced a court injunction, dismantling a blockade and arresting 14 people at a site down a gravel road from the camp.

The conflict surrounds Coastal GasLinks plans to build a pipeline from northeastern British Columbia to LNG Canadas export terminal in Kitimat on the coast. While the company said it has agreements with all 20 elected First Nations councils along the pipelines path, including some Wetsuweten bands, the nations five hereditary clan chiefs say its illegitimate without their consent too.

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The clan chiefs ultimately reached an agreement with RCMP allowing pipeline workers down a road that cuts through the camp, aligning with the interim injunction granted by the B.C. Supreme Court.

The truce has failed to calm concerns at the camp. Members have complained the company began construction work without an archeological assessment and bulldozed through their traplines.

Them coming into the territory, its making a big impact. Im doing my best to better myself, and to see them coming in, bullying their way in, it triggers me, Morris said.

The B.C. Oil and Gas Commission and the Environmental Assessment Office are investigating the complaints, while Coastal GasLink said its actions have been lawful.

Several images repeat in Morriss head from his life before arriving at the camp: The arrest of his father for a crime he says he didnt commit. Waking up in a trauma room to deafening silence with his mother and aunt on either side after nine viles of Narcan reversed his fentanyl overdose. Walking without shoes down a road in the dead of winter after a night of drinking.

Morris arrived at the camp with his wife, Jessica Wilson-Morris, after she had her own wake up call in a hospital bed. The doctor told her hed never had to tell a 25-year-old that she would die if she didnt stop drinking.

Wilson-Morris said she and Morris have supported one another through trauma after trauma, including the deaths of their fathers and her five-week-old niece. When she told him she was getting sober, he said he would too.

Hes the glue that keeps my broken pieces together, she said.

Wilson-Morris said shes tried rehab before but it never stuck.

I went to a treatment centre and they wouldnt even listen to me, she said.

The Unistoten camp is different, she said. Shes begun sharing her story with residents and supporters, many of whom didnt realize she was there for recovery.

They listen here, she said. And were isolated in a good way here, were not half an hour away from the liquor store.

Freda Huson, who is named in the court injunction, said she moved onto the land at the camp 10 years ago after the Supreme Court of Canadas Delgamuukw ruling in 1997 recognizing the existence of Aboriginal title.

The case was fought by the Wetsuweten and Gitxsan First Nations and paved the way for later rulings.

My dad told me that the only way to truly protect our land was to occupy it, so thats what I did, Huson said.

Today, the largest building at the Unistoten camp is the three-storey healing centre topped with solar panels. It has sleeping quarters, plumbing, a dining hall downstairs and a room upstairs for storage alongside foosball and pool tables.

Further down the path theres a cabin and across the road is a bunkhouse with a mural of past Unistoten leaders painted on its side. Three dogs roam the grounds and one roles over regularly for belly rubs.

Members of the camp conduct protocol at the entrance of the bridge into camp and towards Coastal GasLinks planned work site. Visitors and workers are asked questions like who they are, how long they plan to stay and whether theyre doing work for government or industry that will destroy the land.

Weve let (logging company) Canfor in, weve let tree planters in, we didnt block all industry, Huson said.

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The camp began as tents, but has grown with help from supporters who raised money and volunteered their time in construction.

Husons sister Brenda Michell said the Wetsuweten used the lands southwest of Houston long before the Unistoten camp was established.

My uncle used to come here as a boy, trapping before the bridge came in, she said, looking across the Morice River, which is home to steelhead trout and five salmon species, and is so clean that residents drink straight from the waterway.

Members of the First Nation like her grandmother set up seasonal camps on the land while the men went trapping, with the idea that they would move regularly so as not to deplete moose populations or other resources, she said.

Lhtaten said her grandmother, who was born in 1867, warned her descendants never to sell the land, which they refer to as the yintah.

She always told us, Dont sell our yintah. Your ancestors, your great uncles, they lived off the land and made it very clear for us to continue using the land,  said Lhtaten, who is Huson and Michells aunt.

Despite the role of the camp in resisting the pipeline, she said its been misrepresented.

They call our camp a protest camp, it is how people look at us. But the reason why the barriers were up is (because) weve been victims, she said.

About three years ago, she said shots were fired from across the bridge and racists slurs were shouted, but no one was every charged.

It was Michells daughter, Karla Tait, who had the idea for a healing centre at the camp.

Tait, who holds a PhD in clinical psychology, said she was starting to recognize a disconnect in her work life, where non-Indigenous clinicians often had trouble understanding the impact of generational trauma and colonization on their Indigenous clients.

The idea was to integrate wellness treatments within the Wetsuweten cultural context and territory. Since then, Tait has hosted workshops focused on women or youth that incorporate traditions like berry picking and traditional art practices.

Tait said the pipeline conflict has triggered many members of the community.

One of the really difficult things about this particular conflict is that it resurfaces and triggers all of the historical intergenerational trauma our people have experienced since contact in different ways on a daily basis, Tait said, giving the arrests of Indigenous women and the encroachment on land as examples.

Tait has been unable to visit the camp recently, but said shes been curious to hear of the progress of clients like Morris and Wilson-Morris without a more formal treatment plan. She attributes it to Husons compassion, and the value of reconnecting Indigenous people to the land in a way that instills a sense of pride and feeling valued.

Behind (those cultural practices), the healing just occurs naturally and doesnt require a lot of interference, she said.

Wilson-Morris said she and Morris plan to stay until the snow melts, or for as long as it takes for them to feel strong enough to leave.

Its really good healing, seeing nature and stuff, listening to the river, the dogs. This place has helped me  its a life changer, Wilson-Morris said.

Read more about:Brian Gallant admits he "should have spoken more about bilingualism" during his time as the premier of New Brunswick in a new report he wrote on language tensions in the province.

In the report, released Sunday, Gallant said he hoped to create "open, transparent, and respectful dialogue" about bilingualism in the province  something he lamented he had not done enough in the past four years.

"I should have talked more about its benefits to our economy and to our social fabric," he wrote.

"I also should have more frequently acknowledged the concerns of some with regards to how they felt bilingualism was impacting their lives in a negative way  while also publicly busting some of the myths surrounding bilingualism."

Gallant, the soon-to-be former leader of the New Brunswick Liberal Association, said he spoke with 100 community leaders as he spent the last few months touring the province in a bid to repair its linguistic divide.

The report outlines what the confidential participants viewed as challenges and opportunities when it came to being Canada's sole bilingual province.

"The hope is that this exercise can help in some small way to unite our province through the realization that there is far more that unites us than divides us," Gallant said.

Gallant will officially step down as Liberal leader later this month, almost five months after he was ousted as premier by Progressive Conservative Leader Blaine Higgs in last fall's election. The Liberal caucus will elect an interim leader on Feb. 13 to serve until the party holds its leadership convention in June.

Bilingualism simmered as a contentious issue ahead of the election. While neither party was initially eager to discuss the issue, Higgs and Gallant clashed during a televised debate less than 10 days before election day.

At the time, Gallant stressed that it's important for the premier and cabinet ministers to demonstrate to both the francophone and anglophone communities that they take their language seriously.

Higgs, who isn't fluent in French, argued that bilingualism isn't "the only skill you need to bring to the premier's office," although he added that it is an asset, and he is working to learn French.

The vote in the Sept. 24 election revealed a clear divide in the political map, with Liberal support mainly to the francophone north and Tory support to the anglophone south.

For his report, Gallant said he spoke with francophones and anglophones from across the province, including stakeholder groups, mayors, councillors, labour unions, and other experts.

He said economic, tourism, education, and trade benefits were often touted as some of the advantages to bilingualism, noting in particular that the province enjoys a friendly trade relationship with Quebec and French-speaking countries.

Gallant also said bilingualism has been responsible for business investment and job creation in New Brunswick.

But the report focused mostly on the challenges presented by living in a bilingual province, with the first challenge targeting the linguistic divide itself.

"Many participants feel the linguistic tensions are caused by each person's lived experiences. If someone feels they were not able to access a job because of bilingualism, they will potentially have ill feeling towards bilingualism," he wrote.

"The most common point made by the participants is that there is a lot of misinformation regarding bilingualism being used to flame tensions."

The report also presented a number of potential solutions to foster more understanding between linguistic communities.

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Some suggested holding cultural exchanges between students at French and English schools, and encouraging different groups and associations to work closer together.

In the report's conclusion, Gallant referenced the Higgs government and suggested the two parties need to work together.

"The minority government situation we face today is an opportunity to find common ground on many issues, including bilingualism, but we need to see courage from our leaders," he said.

Read more about:There was no fanfare, no jostling of television cameras and no sign of the prime minister or elected officials at the airport to greet them.

Unlike the media frenzy that marked the arrival of the first of 60,000 Syrian refugees to Canada, federal officials have quietly achieved another immigration feat that has largely gone unnoticed: They eliminated one of the countrys worst refugee resettlement backlogs and ushered in 12,000 Eritreans to begin new lives in Canada.

Ottawa began tackling the Eritrean backlog in 2015  at the same time world attention was focused on the desperate plight of Syrian refugees. The Eritreans, who fled President Isaias Afwerkis oppressive military regime, had been languishing for years in refugee camps in Sudan, where they, again, were often subjected to violence.

But thanks to an inspired collaboration between frontline visa officers on two continents, most of the Eritrean refugees were resettled in Canada by December.

Debretsion Abbe was thrilled when his application to come to Canada was approved and he was issued a permanent residence visa after waiting nearly three years with his family in a refugee camp in the Sudanese capital of Khartoum.

We felt we were reborn, said the 48-year-old carpenter, who arrived in Toronto in September with wife, Senait, 38, and their three children, Merhawi, 10, Merken, 9, and Mesuna, 5. They were sponsored by Senaits brother and friends in Toronto. We are very happy to be here, to live a peaceful and free life where my children can be educated and have a future.

It was tough to live in limbo, he added, describing the harsh conditions in the camp. We were afraid of thefts, rapes and being stopped by police who arrested refugees and put us in jail when they needed money.

Canada has six visa offices in Africa: The Cairo office, one of the smallest overseas operations with just two Canadian officers, is responsible for processing immigration-related applications from Sudan. Through the years, it had been inundated by private sponsorship applications from Eritreans in Sudan.

Knowing it would take ages for their colleagues in Cairo to chip away at the Eritrean backlog, staff at the visa office in Rome  with five Canadian officers and eight local staff  reached out in 2015 and offered to lend a hand.

That was an ambitious goal at the time, said Ed Cashman, who was a consul at the Canadian embassy in Khartoum between 2015 and 2018. I wasnt sure how they would do it. It was incredible just because of the sheer number of files in Sudan. We had no experience of doing anything like that before.

These Eritreans had been in camps in Sudan all this time just waiting for a decision (from Canada), some for 10 years. Its gratifying to see the faces of these people who got their notifications and were finally accepted. Their lives are changed forever in a positive way.

After the Eritrean files were transferred from Cairo to Rome, the first wave of Eritreans arrived in Canada in 2016. So far, more than 11,690 have landed here.

During the collaboration, officials in Rome made four to six trips to Sudan every year to interview applicants awaiting resettlement while two additional Canada-based decision-makers and two support staff were assigned to help.

The officers would interview refugees in the embassy office in Sudan, which was a four-bedroom house with a reception area to hold eight people at a time, said Cashman, adding it was not really equipped and designed for these interviews.

You look at the Syrian resettlement project where hundreds of staff were assigned and travelled to the Middle East to process files. Here we had a small team of people doing this all out of Rome on top of other things, Cashman noted. The Eritrean resettlement effort was an incredible accomplishment.

The Eritrean initiative was part of the immigration departments ongoing effort since 2012 to reduce global refugee resettlement backlogs, said department spokesperson Peter Liang.

Previously, the backlog of people around the world waiting to be approved for private sponsorship was staggering, with wait times as long as 10 years. In 2012, the then-Conservative government began capping the number of new applications per year  a policy that has continued under the Liberals. It helps limit the intake while allowing officials to tackle old files. Currently, 88 per cent of private sponsorship applications have been in the system for under two years.

The department has devoted significant effort and attention to processing older cases of privately sponsored refugees across the network. To increase efficiency, certain streamlined practices put into place during the Syrian refugee resettlement initiative have now become permanently implemented, said Liang.

Some of those measures, he said, included accepting applications by email, streamlining forms and guides for applicants, and changes to the assessment process to effectively handle complex cases.

While most of the resettled Syrians were supported by private community groups, the Eritreans were mostly sponsored by family and friends who were already established here. The sponsors are still responsible for the newcomers initial settlement and financial needs for the first year.

Brian Dyck, national migration and resettlement co-ordinator at Winnipegs Mennonite Central Committee, said it was difficult  and risky  for Eritrean refugees to travel from Sudan to Cairo for resettlement interviews, especially during the violence and anti-government uprisings that broke out in Egypt in 2011 during the Arab Spring.

The older cases got more complicated to finish off. Babies born. People died, married, moved and changed their phone (numbers), Dyck said of the challenge to keep old files up to date.

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He attributed the elimination of the backlog to the Justin Trudeau governments resolve to let in more privately sponsored refugees to Canada, which has almost doubled to 18,000 over the last three years from 9,350 in 2015.

The Liberals came in and opened up the bottom of the funnel. Thats a more important factor than the cap in dealing with the situation, Dyck explained.

News of the clearance of the Eritrean backlog was welcomed by the Eritrean Canadian community, whose members have long criticized the slow processing time for their cases.

This is a very good news. So many of them have suffered in limbo in Khartoum for years, said Tekle Bahlibi, who has helped co-ordinate the communitys sponsorship effort since 1987. It shows us when theres a political will, things can happen.Editors

Watertown Public Opinion

Virginia governor asked to resign over racist photo

The drumbeat grew louder Sunday for Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam to resign as controversy roiled over a racist photo in his 1984 medical school yearbook. The governor apologized Friday for being in the photo, which showed one person in blackface and another in a Ku Klux Klan robe. But he reversed direction on Saturday, saying he doesn't believe he is in the photo and calling it "disgusting, offensive, racist." Northam did admit to blackening his face with shoe polish for a Michael Jackson costume at a dance contest in the 1980s. But the governor, elected in 2017, said he is determined to complete his term.

El Chapo allegedly had sex with underage girls he called his 'vitamins'

Accused Mexican drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman allegedly had sex with girls as young as 13 after drugging them, newly revealed court records show. Brooklyn federal prosecutors disclosed the records ahead of jury deliberations in Guzman's trial on charges that he led an enterprise smuggling tons of cocaine and other drugs into the United States. He called the youngest of his alleged underage sex partners his "vitamins," believing "that sexual activity with young girls gave him 'life,'" the records show. The 61-year-old could be sentenced to life in prison. "Joaquin denies the allegations," Guzman's defense team said.

Game on: The Super Bowl is here

The New England Patriots face off against the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LIII Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Those looking to buy a ticket this week faced a bare minimum of $2,716 for a single ticket. For those more into the commercials than the game, dozens of Super Bowl ads are already available online. Maroon 5 will headline the halftime show, a polarizing choice among music fans. But what about the game itself? Our writers predict a Patriots win, and one just wants the big game moved to Saturday: "Imagine having that Sunday to recover."

The groundhog predicts spring

Results are in: On Groundhog Day 2019, Punxsutawney Phil could not find his shadow. And as the legend goes, this means we're in for an early spring. This is only the 19th time out of 123 in his recorded history (there are 10 years where no record remains) that Phil hasn't been able to find his shadow. Even so, Phil is usually wrong.

YouTube star pleads guilty to child porn charges

YouTube pop star Austin Jones has pleaded guilty to charges that he pressured underage female fans to send him sexually explicit videos. Jones pleaded guilty Friday to one count of child pornography. In a plea agreement, Jones admitted to online conversations with a half-dozen 14- and 15-year-old girls from 2010 to 2017. The original complaint claimed Jones encouraged the girls to send sexually explicit videos of themselves. U.S. District Judge John Lee permitted Jones, 26, to remain free on bail as he seeks psychiatric counseling.

'A dangerous situation': Mudslides threaten California

With the polar vortex in full retreat, the nation's wildest weather shifted to the West. Flash flood warnings were issued across California Saturday as heavy rain and mudflows shut down major highways and caused power outages for tens of thousands of people. This is a dangerous situation, the National Weather Service said, warning the high rates of rain could send boulders sluicing down hillsides along with mud and debris. A wind gust in Santa Barbara County topped 80 mph, leaving a pine tree believed to be 100-years-old atop a Santa Barbara home.

TSA agent falls to his death at Orlando airport

Orlando, Florida, police are investigating after a Transportation and Security Administration agent reportedly jumped to his death from a hotel balcony in the atrium area of Orlando International Airport Saturday morning. Police said the man in his 40s jumped at around 9:30 a.m. and was transported in critical condition to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. Investigators are looking at his death as an apparent suicide. Airport spokeswoman Carolyn Fennell said some travelers had to be re-screened by security due to the disruption.

If you or someone you know may be struggling with suicidal thoughts you can call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) any time of day or night or chat online.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Here's the biggest news you missed this weekendPhuket Opinion: Killer cop playbook

PHUKET: The lack of public interest in a policeman shooting dead an unarmed citizen on the streets of Phuket this past week is plainly disturbing. Is that what people in Phuket consider as run-of-the-mill in 2019?

opinionpolicemurderhomicidedeathcrimeculture

By The Phuket News

Sunday 3 February 2019, 09:00AM

The scene of the street slaying early Jan 19. Image: Screengrab

For all those who think this is a Thai reaction, by playing possum and not making any think again. Simply by the statistics, foreigners this week have been more interested in Russians paying for jet-ski damage and an airport security staffer being slapped.

If the reader statistics have shown us anything it is that this week we got a real good look in the mirror. The numbers have plainly questioned whether Westerners who live here, regularly visit here or are related in any long-term way to here even care if Thai cops gun down Thai civilians on the street.

Even the recurring story given most suspicion by our readers, a standard announcement by the TAT that the country is on track for another record-breaking year in tourist arrivals, far outweighed interest among readers.

We can justify this any way we want. We could say, This happens elsewhere around the world or I dont engage in those types of social circles. But it doesnt stick. If this happened in any foreigners hometown the reaction would be very different. Killer cops are not the norm; heaven help us if that is so.

Meanwhile, the police seem to be playing this one by the standard playbook. Just get the case inhouse as fast as possible then take as many months as you can to slow down the case so that tracing its progress is lost in the bureaucratic tangle where everyone gets to deny any responsibility for the case.

Like we havent seen this one before. Just like every single police officer in Phuket who has been transferred pending an investigation for corruption or other wrongdoing, including the allegedly extrajudicial killing in a police chase just three months ago.

So far we have been given no motive for the killing, no firearm recovered and the suspect remains out on bail despite confessing that his first statement to police was a lie. (See stories here, here and here.)

And this when local police get to investigate local police for a fatal shooting.

In contrast, in Bangkok in late December it took police just hours to dismiss an officer from the force and confirm murder charge to be pressed against him for shooting dead a French tourist. (See story here.)

Whats so different in Phuket?Express Carpets bring Bangkok fashion, expertise to Phuket

A new word is circling among homeowners on Phukets northwest coast, spoken so quietly it is barely a whisper: carpet. Well, rugs too, if we want to be specific.



By The Phuket News

Sunday 3 February 2019, 11:00AM

Rawewan Moo Kowsurat is Business Development Director of the Express Carpet & Decor family business that first opened its doors in Bangkok 47 years ago.

The range of customers walking in has been nearly as wide and varied as the range of floor coverings on offer, with families taking centre stage, says Business Development Director Rawewan Moo Kowsurat.

The range is key to the appeal, with prices from B2,000 up  for use under dining tables, in living rooms, bedrooms, indoor/outdoor areas patios, all the way down to bathmats and doormats.

The range is key to the appeal, with prices from B2,000 up  for use under dining tables, in living rooms, bedrooms, indoor/outdoor areas patios, all the way down to bathmats and doormats.

The new Express Carpet & Decor in Baan Manik, Cherng Talay, sits amid Phukets expat family heartland, located at the entrane to Wana Park in Baan Manik, Srisoonthorn.

A woman inspects the selection on offer at the new Express Carpet & Decor outlet in Baan Manik, Srisoonthorn. Photo: Supplied

A woman inspects the selection on offer at the new Express Carpet & Decor outlet in Baan Manik, Srisoonthorn. Photo: Supplied

The silent arrival of Express Carpet & Decor in Cherng Talay in October has not gone unnoticed. The doors opened and the first person to take advantage of the new outlet was a loyal customer from Bangkok.

She wanted something for her villa here in Phuket, explains Rawewan Moo Kowsurat, Business Development Director of the family business that first opened its doors in Bangkok 47 years ago.

Since then the range of customers walking in has been nearly as wide and varied as the range of floor coverings on offer, with families taking centre stage.

Already, we have had a mix of Thais and foreigners, aged 30s-40s -plus. Most of the people coming have been selecting something for their homes, Khun Moo notes.

Every house should have one piece of carpet, to bring a personal touch to the home, she adds.

The new opening of Express Carpet & Decor in Baan Manik, Cherng Talay, sits amid Phukets expat family heartland, located at Wana Park, directly across from the well-known Tile-It showroom and just in front of the renowned Suay restaurant along the entrance to the Baan Wana estate.

Heroines Monument is only five minutes drive along Srisoonthorn Rd, while the Laguna area is only five minutes westward.

We don't want to be in town, Khun Moo explains.

We want to be in touch with our customers. We know where they are, she smiles.

Initially, customers focused on outdoor, natural fabrics and styles, for use in Phukets tropical climate. Handily, the range available are fungus and UV resistant, and easily cope with dew and water. Some of them you can even hose off and hang to dry.

Yet in the few months the store has been open customers are now looking at, and buying, all sorts of styles and fabrics.

Just days ago we had a hotel GM (General Manager) who bought 50 pieces, Khun Moo says.

The corporate clients on the island include the Pullman Phuket Arcadia Naithon Beach and the Absolute Twin Sands Resort & Spa at Tri Trang Beach, with more already expressing interest.

The range is key to the appeal, with prices from B2,000 up  for use under dining tables, in living rooms, bedrooms, indoor/outdoor areas patios, all the way down to bathmats and doormats.

The shaggy style is currently very popular in Bangkok, but even then other people are just choosing what they like most, with patterned modern short pile, which is easy to maintain, also proving popular, Khun Moo notes.

Express Carpet can cater right up to the high end, the team literally caters to red carpet events and keeps an A-list of celebrity clients in the capital.

The nature of the guests and occasions of the some events makes them unavailable to mention for promotional purposes, but one of Express Carpets main highlights has been being called on to provide 2,000 square metres of prime, pristine carpet for the wedding of Ravi Itiravivong and Voramas Srivaddhanaprabha, the daughter of King Power founder Khun Vichai.

The event, held in a glass house built especially for the occasion at Fountain Square, King Power Rangnam, was honoured by the presence of HRH Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana.

The exclusive clientele, which includes Athiwara Toon Bodyslam Khongmalai, also tend to favour the modern, stylish, elegant choices, leading to Express Carpets slogan The Leader of Fashion Carpets  a slogan given to them by their customers themselves.

Among the luxury group machine-tufted carpets available are styles made of chenille and viscose imported from Belgium's leading manufacturer.

We are the exclusive importer to several ranges, Khun Moo explains. Our family was chosen due to the depth of our experience over the years as some of the people we import for cannot risk tarnishing their international brand.

Personalised touches include custom patterns, logos and motifs, and even free-form shapes and sizes.

Customers can select the yarn such as Acrylic, Nylon, Silk, Rayon etc. and have their carpet hand-tufted to design. It takes 30-60 days, depending on the piece, Khun Moo says.

Of course, wall-to-wall carpet laying also is available.

We have a team in Phuket, but depending on the scale of the project will bring a team down from Bangkok, Khun Moo notes.

The personal touch is central to Express Carpet as a family business, Khun Moo explains.

Many of our team have been with us since the beginning, most of them for 20 to 30 years. Were pretty much one big family, which is how we began, she says.

Express Carpet & Decor is offering a Carpet Lover promotion from Feb 1 - Mar 3. All items are discounted during the period, with 50% off prices on some items.

For more information contact Express Carpet & Decor Phuket. 177/23 Moo 4, Srisoonthorn Rd, Srisoonthorn, Thalang, Phuket. Open Mon.-Sat. 8:30am  5:30pm.

Tel: 066 149 7171

Messenger: m.me/expresscarpetphuket

Email: phuket@expresscarpet.co.th

Website: ExpressCarpet.co.th

Facebook: ExpressCarpetPhuketBrit in Phuket Town condo saga continues amid fears of nine-story jump

PHUKET: The saga of a British man who has barricaded himself in a condo in Phuket Town amid a tenancy dispute continued yesterday (Feb 2) as the fire brigade was called in amid fears he might jump from the ninth-floor unit, prompting emergency services to respond and a visit by the Phuket Governor.

tourismpropertypolice

By Eakkapop Thongtub

Sunday 3 February 2019, 12:53PM

People below capture the unfolding events with their own recordings. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

The fire truck arrives at the scene just after 3:10pm. Photo: PR Dept

David Maclean is seen from a window at the back of the ninth-storey condo in Phuket Town. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

The Australian-born Brit, David Maclean, 50, from Brisbane, has not left the condo since Jan 14 amid a dispute with the landlady over paying the rent.

The landlady, Utumporn Tantivit, has filed a formal complaint with police alleging that Mr Maclean has refused to pay B8,000 in outstanding rent after moving into the condo in October on a six-month lease agreement.

Mr Maclean, in an email sent to The Phuket News giving a detailed account of his version of events, says that he refused to hand over the money after he was refused receipts confirming the payment had been received.

In the ensuing spat, attempts to enter the condo have have failed, as have attempts by Tourist Police to convince Mr Maclean to open the door. Police became involved only after receiving the formal complaint on Friday (Feb 1).

Matters took a turn for the worse yesterday after police feared Mr Maclean would jump from the balcony at the back of the ninth-story unit, prompting police to call in the Phuket City fire department, which deployed an inflatable landing cushion down below.

He didnt open the door and talks with a representative from the British embassy failed, so we left him in the room, Capt Eakkachai Siri of the Phuket Tourist Police.

Both police and the representative from the British embassy have repeatedly stressed that their primary concern is for Mr Maclean's welfare and that the situation is resolved safely.

Officials and police then left the scene. Nobody wants to break open the door. We are afraid that he might jump, said Capt Eakkachai.

At this stage we no plans to take further action, but we are following the situation closely day by day, he added.

However, Capt Eakkachai gave no explanation of why police believed that Mr Maclean might jump from the condo.

Emergency services were called to the scene at 3:10pm, after two hours of talks had failed.

Phuket Governor Phakaphong Tavipatana arrived at the scene along with high-ranking Phuket City Police officers to assess the situation.

At a meeting of the officials involved at the condo tower it was later agreed to wait for Mr Macleans permit to stay to expire on Feb 21, after which officers will the legal authority to enter the condo by force.A meal with the man that makes Kata rock: Richard Pope

Sitting poolside at the stunning Kata Rocks resort and villa development with Richard Pope overlooking Kata Beach and Boo Island, its hard not to feel rather overawed. This is, after all, a quintessential vision of tropical perfection with beautiful, white, luxurious villas standing tall upon a stunning rocky headland overlooking the Andaman Sea.

Lifestyle

By Baz Daniel

Sunday 3 February 2019, 03:00PM

Richard, Baz and a postcard view.

Every facet of Kata Rocks breathes elegance and sophistication, so much so that a veritable procession of Vogue super-models with their retinue of photographers, stylists and paparazzi make the pilgrimage here to shoot the latest glossy spreads. Looking across the infinity pool I noticed that there was indeed a brace of such bikini-clad beauties being subjected to exactly this form of adoration.

Richard Pope is the visionary who made this new Camelot happen and was involved in the most hands-on way with every facet of its conception, design, construction, marketing and management.

Kata Rocks has won more international property awards than any other single development worldwide, including Best Apartment in the World and Best Property Marketing, so you might expect the man behind all this to be rather intimidating. The reality is that you couldnt meet a more charming and approachable guy than Richard.

I sat down with him on a dazzling weekday morning just before the Kata Rocks fourth anniversary pool party as well as the Superyacht Rendezvous (KRSR) which is hosted and organised by the resort each year and brings the worlds glitterati to Phuket to play on their floating palaces.

Richard was born into an entrepreneurial family and his father set him a fine example by turning hard work and creativity into a successful chain of UK pharmacies.

After obtaining his bachelors in engineering and business, Richard applied his entrepreneurial flair to the burgeoning loft development property sector in Londons uber-trendy Notting Hill.

By the age of 40 he was already able to retire to sail his yacht and drive his Aston Martin. But Richards kind of creative energy needs an outlet, and in 2006 while holidaying in Phuket he saw the rocky headland between Kata and Kata Noi beaches which was to be the site of his next Camelot: Kata Rocks.

Developing a high-end luxury resort anywhere in the Andaman region is not for the faint-hearted as a litany of failures, scandals and bankruptcies attest.

So, what was Richards secret to building Kata Rocks into the world-class super-luxury destination we were sitting in today?

Firstly, I believe we found the right location, says Richard.

We are sitting within a five-hour flight of half the worlds population in the fastest developing sector of the globe. Thailand offers a fantastic value proposition, wrapped in a fascinating culture with friendly and welcoming people.

But developing Kata Rocks wasnt all plain sailing.

Richard continued, We overcame major challenges during the development, eventually deciding to take all the integral components of the development in-house. We undertook a very hands-on approach to everything: design, build, architecture, plumbing wiring, marketing and branding. Everything!

That was a major undertaking, but we were able to assemble a superb team to expedite all this, and Id say that the second key success factor was this terrific team of loyal Thais and foreigners working together.

Knowing Richard, as I have come to through working with him on the branding and marketing of Kata Rocks, I would say that a third element of his success is his unbounded energy and optimism. With this in mind I asked him his opinion about Phukets future.

Many people are critical about obvious things like traffic and pollution making Phuket worse than it was, say, 20 years ago. But I think Phuket is different, rather than worse. For example, 20 years ago you couldnt see the latest film in a multiplex cinema or visit world-class shopping malls and restaurants, let alone visit superyachts at KRSR.

So, I hope traffic and pollution are temporary penalties which have accompanied the rapid evolution of Phuket into a world-class tourism hub and which will be resolved in due course.

Richards umbrella brand for Kata Rocks and its planned expansion and future developments is named Infinite Luxury, which I think gives a perfect summation of Richards optimism and positivity about Phuket.

His target audience are most certainly discriminating global sophisticates seeking the ultimate luxury, and the possibilities for Phuket to deliver exactly that are, in his view, simply infinite!Neglected by Post-independence, Post-war SL

Under these circumstances post-independence and post-war celebrations and other project-opening events and celebrations by the State need to be minimized and should be cost effective. Those public funds should be allocated for the nations human security and quality of life improvements and countrys positive image building measures internationally

Post-independence Sri Lanka is preparing to celebrate the 71st Independence Day on February 4, 2019. The same year post-war Sri Lanka will celebrate the 10th anniversary of ending the 3 decade-long internal conflict in the country in 2009. Since 1948 independence and after the 3-decade long internal war, it needs to be analyzed whether the country has really achieved continuous improvement of human security and quality of life for its citizens?

Successive Sri Lankan governments had their own political development projects linked to economic development plans in post-independence and post-war. Overall such projects had failed to achieve basic human-security sector development and quality of life status. And also celebrations always will not bring prosperity to the nation as they did in the past and especially when it faces severe socioeconomic and political instabilities on a regular basis.

During the last 71 years Sri Lanka has been experiencing violent and protracted conflicts,natural disasters, epidemics, persistence poverty, economic downturns, and a fragile peace which were heavy costs for improving human security and the quality of life for the nation. Most of the governments which came into office during these times left with huge corruption charges which affected the poor tax payers in the country. For the past 71 years, Sri Lanka has failed to prosecute a single politician for looting the public funds. Sri Lanka ranked 89th in Corruption Perception Index (CPI) 2018 and the country has failed to show the progress.



What is Human Security and Quality of Life?

According to the UNGA Resolution 66/290 Human security is an approach to assist Member States in identifying and addressing widespread and cross-cutting challenges to the survival, livelihood and dignity of their people. It calls for people-centred comprehensive, context-specific and prevention oriented responses that strengthen the protection and empowerment of all people.

The recent reports revealed that Canada ranked number one in the world for quality of life for the fourth year in a row. The category uses nine metrics to determine the country ranking: affordable, a good job market, economically stable, family friendly, income equality, politically stable, safe, well-developed public education system and a well-developed health system.



Failed political projects linked to economic development

Mega development projects carried out by successive governments of post-independent and post-war Sri Lanka hardly improved human security and the quality of life. Particularly after the 30-year war in 2009 had no reform agenda on human security sector reforms. These mainly include health, education, job market, public transport, disability sector support, housing etc. For the past 71 years, Sri Lanka may have spent billions of dollars on these sectors development and the question is can any of these sectors be on par with todays international standards?

Health and education were public goods in Sri Lanka before independence. In terms of the service delivery both the health and education are not up to present day standards compared to many middle-income countries in the world. Vulnerable sectors of the country are not in a position to access better health and education although it is freely available. Certain health facilities are still not available in many hospitals in the country and even though available one has to be in the queue for weeks and months for certain surgeries. Most of the graduates produced by the state universities have not been able to accommodate the current day job market due to their lack of knowledge and incompatibility with job requirements.

"According to the UNGA Resolution 66/290 Human security is an approach to assist Member States in identifying and addressing widespread and cross-cutting challenges to the survival, livelihood and dignity of their people"



Since 1948, none of the political parties campaigned for reforming or modernizing the public transport sector. Sri Lankas public transport sector is still at a primitive stage both rail and buses. It is unfortunate to note that the disabled community in the country has still not been able to integrate with society due to lack of facilities available for them and their rights are still not recognized by the state. Today no wheel-chair user in the country that can ride her or his wheel chair from home to the road, taking the pavement and go to the bus stop/railway station taking a bus or a train. They are restricted to home and it is believe that around 15% of the population in Sri Lanka is disabled and further not integrated to the countrys productive labor force. Sri Lanka ratified the UN Disability Convention in 2016 and is still struggling to have local regulations to implement the Convention in the country.

There are many families who live under the poverty line and without the ownership of a house. In this regard it is very important to note that many people in the war-affected areas are still without houses and during the last 10 years previous and present governments have failed to fulfill these peoples basic housing needs. The discussion on building 50,000 houses is still going on but unfortunately nothing has materialized.



Gun violence in Post-war Sri Lanka

Since 2009, soaring gun-related violence, proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons are terrorizing the nation. Cracking down gun-related violence needs multiple approaches and laws have to be updated. In 2005, Sri Lanka setup the National Commission Against Proliferation of Illicit Small Arms (NCAPISA) which functioned up to 2008. The NCAPISA was the first Commission which was set up in the Asian region and carried out various important activities in Sri Lanka these include a massive public awareness campaign on illicit small arms (except in the conflict areas of North and East regions), collection of illicit small arms and destruction of them publicly.

Since 2005 onwards, Sri Lanka took the leadership in the UN Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All its Aspect (PoA). Sri Lanka benefited from engagement with the PoA and the countrys fight against proliferation of illicit small arms. Further, Sri Lanka chaired its first review conference in 2006 in New York. It is unfortunate to note that after 2008 Sri Lanka did not engage with any of the PoA meetings or activities and the last review conference was held in 2018 in New York and chaired by France.

"As far as we can see, under the current circumstances Sri Lanka can take continuous leadership in the disarmament sector. This will help us to become peace ambassador in the region"



Most recently a new comprehensive Treaty on the Arms Trade (ATT) came into force in December 2014. During the Treaty negotiations a Sri Lankan senior diplomat led a Committee appointed by the then UN Secretary General Kofi Annan in 2012 on seeking expert ideas on having a framework for establishing international norms for responsible trade in conventional weapons. The Committee headed by a senior Sri Lankan diplomat who had recommended the importance of having such a Treaty under the prevailing unregulated arms trade in the world. It is unfortunate to note that since the ATT came into force Sri Lanka did not attend any of the Conference of State Parties to the ATT. Last year at the UN General Assembly 73rd Session First Committee Meeting on Disarmament Sri Lanka was a notable absentee for non-voting on a resolution on Women, Disarmament, Nonproliferation and Arms Control whereas the majority of South Asians nations voted on this important resolution.

For the past 22 years, Sri Lanka did not amended its Firearms Ordinance No. 22 of 1996. Not amending this important Ordinance shows the countrys commitment towards eradicating the illicit small arms and light weapons, fight against the criminal activities including soaring drug-related cases, robberies, illicit wildlife trade, killings and other grave crimes in the country. Up to now the present Government has not shown interest to re-engage with the UN PoA, acceding to the ATT, re-establishing the NCAPISA and amending the Firearm Ordinance.



Fragile political regimes

The general public cannot have faith in the political system of the country. The most recent was last September, political crisis and sudden change of Government overnight which cost billion of dollars to the economy. Without taking prudent political decisions such development is worsening the overall socio-economic and political situation in the country. Sri Lanka needs a new set of people to be in politics and also in the Government administrative system beyond 2020. This will be a herculean task for the nation to change the current political and administrative system but otherwise there is no way out and quest for quality of life and human security sector development and its improvement.



SLs image-building measures internationally

Currently Sri Lankas passport is ranked 183 out of 199 countries, visa required for 152, visa on arrival 32 and visa free 16 countries according to the Global Passport Power Rank of the Passport Index.

Sri Lanka should look to take global leadership, winning the hearts and minds of other nations. This will benefit directly and indirectly countrys political, social and economic development process. As far as we can see, under the current circumstances Sri Lanka can take continuous leadership in the disarmament sector. This will help us to become peace ambassador in the region. After many years this year Sri Lanka became the President of the 8th Meeting of States Parties to the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM) which will be held in Geneva in June this year.

Hosting international conferences in Sri Lanka can benefit the country in many ways. So far post-independence Sri Lanka has hosted only two major international events namely the 5th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit in 1976 and Commonwealth Heads of States Meeting in 2013. In May/June this year Sri Lanka will host the Conference of Parties 18 (CoP18) to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and over 180 nations and over 3500 foreign delegates will attend the conference. The CITES CoP18 will be the biggest international gathering in post-independence Sri Lanka. This will be a good opportunity for Sri Lanka to show that the country is capable enough of hosting such international conferences in future.

Under these circumstances post-independence and post-war celebrations and other project-opening events and celebrations by the State need to be minimized and should be cost effective. Those public funds should be allocated for the nations human security and quality of life improvements and countrys positive image building measures internationally.



The writer is the Coordinator for Forum on Disarmament and Development (FDD). He can be reached at vidyampa@hotmail.comFile - In this Jan. 29, 2019, file photo, the FBI and Justice Department findings report on Stephen Paddock, who killed 58 in a 2017 Las Vegas mass shooting, the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history in a short report concluded the investigation shown here in Phoenix. President Donald Trump is "disappointed" the FBI couldn't figure out what specifically motivated Paddock to carry out the deadliest shooting in modern U.S. history. Trump's comments to The Daily Caller on Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2019, came a day after the FBI released its final report on the 2017 Las Vegas shooting that left 58 people dead. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File)The wind chill warning that has gripped the Detroit region was extended for three hours today as dangerous cold lingers, but it has finally expired.Seventy-three Indians have been arrested by the Sri Lankan authorities for violating visa norms this year, officials said on Saturday.

A total of 49 Indian nationals were arrested on Saturday from a factory in Matugama, the Immigration and Emigration Department officials said.

They were staying beyond the visa term, they added.

Last month, 24 Indians, who were employed in a factory at Ingiriya, were arrested for staying beyond their visa term, officials said.

Those arrested have been sent to the immigration detention centre in Mirihana, the eastern suburb of Colombo, they added.

Officials said those arrested would be sent to India after completing necessary formalities.(PTI)Ajit Pai, chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, talks to Brendan Carr, commissioner at the FCC, right, before a Senate Commerce Committee hearing in Washington on Aug. 16, 2018. MUST CREDIT: Bloomberg photo by Andrew Harrer.FILE - In this June 14, 2018, file photo, Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins, of San Diego, addresses members of the Senate in Sacramento, Calif. On Friday, Feb. 1, 2019, the California Legislature is opening an independent office to handle investigations of alleged workplace misconduct, including sexual harassment or discrimination. "Our goals are clear: we need to protect victims and witnesses, hold perpetrators accountable, and restore employee and public confidence," said Atkins. But she added: "I realize we cannot be satisfied with our progress, because this step alone will not change the culture of this building." (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli, File)In this Jan. 22, 2019, photo, Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Fla., left, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., and Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., speak to the media after their meeting with President Donald Trump about Venezuela, at the White House in Washington. Two years into President Donald Trumps administration, the presidents allies in Congress are quietly trying to influence and even reshape his America First foreign policy agenda. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)Police responding to a Peeping Tom call at the worst of this weeks cold weather arrived just in time to see a man matching the description giAd Resource Stock Digest 1,344 Interested This Week

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Read MoreThe following companies are subsidiares of Illinois Tool Works: A V Co 1 Limited, A V Co 2 Limited, A V Co 3 Limited, ACCU-LUBE Manufacturing GmbH - Schmiermittel und -gerate -, AIP/BI Holdings Inc., Accessories Marketing Holding Corp., Advanced Molding Company Inc., Allen Coding GmbH, Allen France SAS, Alpine Automation Limited, Alpine Engineered Products, Alpine Holdings Inc., Alpine Systems Corporation, Anaerobicos S.r.l., AppliChem GmbH, AppliChem Inc., Arylux Hungary Elektromechanikus Alkatreszgyarto Kft, Avery Berkel France, Avery India Limited, Avery Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Avery Weigh Tronix, Avery Weigh-Tronix (Suzhou) Weighing Technology Co. Ltd., Avery Weigh-Tronix Finance Limited, Avery Weigh-Tronix Holdings Limited, Avery Weigh-Tronix International Limited, Avery Weigh-Tronix LLC, Avery Weigh-Tronix Limited, Avery Weigh-Tronix Properties Limited, Azon Limited, B.C. Immo, Beijing Miller Electric Manufacturing Co. Ltd., Berkel (Ireland) Limited, Berrington UK, Brapenta Eletronica Ltda., Brooks Instrument, Brooks Instrument (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, Brooks Instrument B.V., Brooks Instrument GmbH, Brooks Instrument KFT, Brooks Instrument Korea Ltd., Buell Industries Inc., CAPMAX Logistica S.A. de C.V., CCI Realty Company, CFC Europe GmbH, CS (Australia) Pty Limited, CS (Finance) Europe S.a.r.l., CS Mexico Holding Company S DE RL DE CV, CSMTS LLC, Calvia Spolka z Ograniczona Odpowiedzialnosci, Capital Ventures (Australasia) S.a r.l, Capmax Logistica S.A. de C.V., Celeste Industries Corporation, Cetram Pty Limited, Coeur, Coeur (Shanghai) Medical Appliance Trading Co. Ltd, Coeur Asia Limited, Coeur Holding Company, Coeur Inc., Compagnie Hobart, Compagnie de Materiel et d'Equipements Techniques-Comet, Constructions Isothermiques Bontami C.I.B., Crane Carrier Company, Densit Asia Pacific Sdn Bhd, Despatch Industries, Diagraph Corporation Sdn. Bhd, Diagraph ITW Mexico S. de R.L. De C.V., Diagraph Mexico S.A. DE C.V., Dongguan Ark-Les Electric Components Co. Ltd., Dongguan CK Branding Co. Ltd., Dorbyl U.K. (Holdings) Limited, Duo Fast de Espana S.A.U., Duo-Fast Korea Co. Ltd., Duo-Fast LLC, E.C.S. d.o.o., ECS Cable Protection Sp. Zoo, ELRO (Holding) AG, ELRO Grosskuchen GmbH, ELRO-WERKE AG, Elga Skandinavian AS, Elro Group, Eltex-Elektrostatik-Gesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung, Envases Multipac S.A. de C.V., Eurotec Srl, FEG Investments L.L.C., Fasver, Filtertek, Filtertek De Mexico Holding Inc., Filtertek De Mexico S.A. de C.V., GC Financement SA, Gamko B.V., Gun Hwa Platech (Taicang) Co. Ltd., HOBART Gesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung, Hartness International, Hobart (Japan) K.K., Hobart Andina S.A.S., Hobart Brothers International Chile Limitada, Hobart Brothers LLC, Hobart Dayton Mexicana S. de R.L. de C.V., Hobart Food Equipment Co. Ltd., Hobart Foster Belgium, Hobart International (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., Hobart Korea LLC, Hobart LLC, Hobart Nederland B.V., Hobart Sales & Service Inc., Hobart Scandinavia ApS, Hobart Techniek B.V., Horis, ILC Investments Holdings Inc., ITW (China) Investment Company Limited, ITW (Deutschland) GmbH, ITW (EU) Holdings Ltd., ITW (European) Finance Co. Ltd., ITW (European) Finance II Co. Ltd., ITW (Ningbo) Components & Fastenings Systems Co. Ltd., ITW AEP LLC, ITW AOC LLC, ITW Aircraft Investments Inc., ITW Airport Ground Equipment (Beijing) Co. Ltd., ITW Alpha Sarl, ITW Ampang Industries Philippines Inc., ITW Appliance Components EOOD, ITW Appliance Components LLC, ITW Appliance Components S.A. de C.V., ITW Appliance Components S.r.l.a, ITW Appliance Components d.o.o., ITW Australia Holdings Pty Ltd, ITW Australia Property Holdings Pty Ltd., ITW Australia Pty Ltd, ITW Automotive Components (Chongqing) Co. Ltd., ITW Automotive Components (Langfang) Co. Ltd., ITW Automotive Japan K.K., ITW Automotive Korea LLC, ITW Automotive Parts (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, ITW Automotive Products GmbH, ITW Automotive Products Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., ITW Bailly Comte, ITW Befestigungssysteme GmbH, ITW Belgium, ITW Brazilian Nominee L.L.C., ITW Building Components Group Inc., ITW CER, ITW CP Distribution Center Holland BV, ITW CS (UK) Ltd., ITW Canada Inc., ITW Celeste Inc., ITW Chemical Products Ltda, ITW Chemical Products Scandinavia ApS, ITW Colombia S.A.S., ITW Construction Products (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., ITW Construction Products (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., ITW Construction Products AB, ITW Construction Products AS, ITW Construction Products ApS, ITW Construction Products CZ s.r.o., ITW Construction Products Italy Srl, ITW Construction Products OU, ITW Construction Products OY, ITW Contamination Control (Wujiang) Co. Ltd., ITW Contamination Control B.V., ITW Covid Security Group Inc., ITW DS Investments Inc., ITW DelFast do Brasil Ltda., ITW Delta Sarl, ITW Denmark ApS, ITW Dynatec, ITW Dynatec Adhesive Equipment (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., ITW Dynatec GmbH, ITW Dynatec Kabushiki Kaisha, ITW EF&C France SAS, ITW EF&C Selb GmbH, ITW Electronic Business Asia Co. Limited, ITW Electronic Components/Products (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., ITW Electronics (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., ITW Epsilon Sarl, ITW Espana S.A., ITW FEG Hong Kong Limited, ITW FEG do Brasil Industria e Comercio Ltda., ITW Fastener Products GmbH, ITW Finance Designated Activity Company, ITW Finance Europe S.A., ITW Fluids and Hygiene Solutions Ltda., ITW Food Equipment Group LLC, ITW GH LLC, ITW GSE ApS, ITW GSE Inc., ITW Gamma Sarl, ITW German Management LLC, ITW Global Investments Holdings LLC, ITW Global Investments Holdings Y Compania Sociedad en Comandita por Acciones, ITW Global Investments II Inc., ITW Global Investments LLC, ITW Global Tire Repair Europe GmbH, ITW Global Tire Repair Inc., ITW Global Tire Repair Japan K.K., ITW Graphics (Thailand) Ltd., ITW Graphics Asia Limited, ITW Graphics Italy S.R.L. in liquidazione, ITW Great Britain Investment & Licensing Holding Company, ITW Group France (Luxembourg) S.ar.l., ITW HLP Thailand Co. Ltd., ITW Holding Quimica B.C. S.L. Sole Shareholder Company, ITW Holdings Australia L.P., ITW Holdings I Limited, ITW Holdings II Limited, ITW Holdings III Limited, ITW Holdings IV Limited, ITW Holdings IX Limited, ITW Holdings Inc., ITW Holdings LP, ITW Holdings UK, ITW Holdings V Limited, ITW Holdings VI Limited, ITW Holdings VII Limited, ITW Holdings VIII Limited, ITW Hungary Finance Beta Kft, ITW ILC Holdings I Inc., ITW IPG Investments LLC, ITW Imaden Industria e Comercio Ltda., ITW India Private Limited, ITW International Holdings LLC, ITW International Intellectual Property LLC, ITW Invest Holding GmbH, ITW Ireland Holdings Unlimited Company, ITW Ireland Unlimited Company, ITW Italy Finance Srl, ITW Italy Holding Srl, ITW Japan Ltd., ITW Korea LLC, ITW LLC & Co. KG, ITW Limited, ITW Lombard Holdings Inc., ITW Lys Fusion S.r.l., ITW M FILMS II LLC, ITW MH LLC, ITW Marking & Coding (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., ITW Medical Group de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., ITW Meritex Sdn. Bhd., ITW Metal Fasteners S.L., ITW Mexico Holding Company S. De R.L. de C.V., ITW Mexico Holdings LLC, ITW Morlock GmbH, ITW Mortgage Investments II Inc., ITW Mortgage Investments III Inc., ITW Mortgage Investments IV Inc., ITW Netherlands Beta B.V., ITW Netherlands Finance Alpha BV, ITW New Universal LLC, ITW New Zealand, ITW Novadan Sp. Z.o.o., ITW PPF Brasil Adesivos Ltda., ITW Participations S.a r.l., ITW Pension Funds Trustee Company, ITW Performance Plastic (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., ITW Performance Polymers & Fluids Japan Co. Ltd., ITW Performance Polymers & Fluids Korea Limited, ITW Performance Polymers & Fluids OOO, ITW Performance Polymers (Wujiang) Co. Ltd., ITW Performance Polymers ApS, ITW Performance Polymers and Fluids Group FZE, ITW Peru S.A.C., ITW Philippines Holdings LLC, ITW Poly Mex S. de R.L. de C.V., ITW Polymers Sealants North America Inc., ITW Pronovia s.r.o., ITW Pte. Ltd., ITW Qufu Automotive Cooling Systems Co. Ltd., ITW Real Estate Germany GmbH, ITW Residuals III L.L.C., ITW Residuals IV L.L.C., ITW Rivex, ITW SMPI, ITW SPG Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., ITW Simco-Ion (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd., ITW Slovakia s.r.o., ITW Spain Holdings S.L., ITW Specialty Film LLC, ITW Specialty Films France, ITW Specialty Materials (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., ITW Spraytec, ITW Sverige AB, ITW Sweden Holding AB, ITW Test & Measurement Equipment (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, ITW Test & Measurement GmbH, ITW Test and Measurement Italia Srl, ITW Test and Measurement Services Industry and Trade Ltd., ITW Texwipe Philippines Inc., ITW Thermal Films (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., ITW UK, ITW UK Finance Beta Limited, ITW UK Finance Delta Limited, ITW UK Finance Gamma Limited, ITW UK Finance Limited, ITW UK II Limited, ITW Universal II LLC, ITW Welding, ITW Welding AB, ITW Welding GmbH, ITW Welding Products B.V., ITW Welding Products Group FZE, ITW Welding Products Group S. DE R.L. De C.V., ITW Welding Products Italy Srl, ITW Welding Products Limited Liability Company, ITW Welding Produtos Para Solgdagem Ltda., ITW Welding Servicios Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., ITW Welding Singapore Pte. Ltd., ITW de France, ITW do Brasil Industrial e Comercial Ltda., ITW haubold Paslode GmbH, Ideal Molding Technologies LLC, Illinois Tool Works (Chile) Limitada, Illinois Tool Works (ITW) Nederland B.V., Illinois Tool Works Norway AS, Impar Comercio E Representacoes Ltda., Industrie Plastic Elsasser GmbH, Inmobiliaria Cit. S.A. de C.F., Innova Temperlite Servicios S.A. de C.V., Innovacion y Transformacion Automotriz S.A. de C.V., Instron (Shanghai) Ltd., Instron (Thailand) Limited, Instron Brasil Equipamentos Cientificos Ltda., Instron Foreign Sales Corp. Limited, Instron France S.A.S., Instron GmbH, Instron Holdings Limited, Instron International Limited, Instron Japan Company Ltd., Instron Korea LLC, International Leasing Company LLC, International Truss Systems Proprietary Limited, Isolenge - ITW Sistemas de Isolamento Termico Ltda., KCPL Mauritius Holdings, Kester, Kester Components (M) Sdn. Bhd., Kleinmann GmbH, Krafft Argentina S.A., Krafft S.L., Lock Inspection Systemes France Sarl, Loma Systems (Canada) Inc., Loma Systems BV, Loma Systems sro, Lombard Pressings Limited, Lumex Inc., Luvex - Industria De Equipamentos De Protecao Ltda., Lys Fusion Poland Sp. z.o.o., M&C Specialties (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd., M&C Specialties Co., MAGNAFLUX GmbH, MEHB Holdings Limited, MGHG Property LLC, Magna Industrial Co. Limited, Manufacturing Avancee S.A., Meritex Technology (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., Meurer Verpackungssysteme GmbH, Miller Electric Mfg. LLC, Miller Insurance Ltd., NDT Holding LLC, NOVADAN APS, Norden Olje AB, North Star Imaging Europe, North Star Imaging Inc., Nova Chimica S.r.l., Odesign Inc., Orbitalum Tools GmbH, PENTA-91 OOO, PR. A. I. Srl, PT ITW Construction Products Indonesia, Pacific Concept Industries Limited (Enping), Panreac Quimica S.L., Paslode Fasteners (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Peerless Machinery Corp., Penta Dnepr LLC, Penta Sever OOO, Penta Volga OOO, Polyrey, Premark FEG L.L.C., Premark HII Holdings LLC, Premark International, Premark International LLC, Prolex Sociedad Anonima, QSA Global Inc., Quimica Industrial Mediterranea S.L., Ramset Fasteners (Hong Kong) Ltd., Rapid Cook LLC, Refrigeration France, S.E.E. Sistemas Industria E Comercio Ltda., ST Mexico Holdings LLC, Salter India Limited, Sealant Systems International Inc., Sentinel Asia Yuhan Hoesa, Shanghai ITW Plastic & Metal Co. Ltd, Simco (Nederland) B.V., Simco Japan Inc., Societe de Prospection et dInventions Techniques  SPIT, Speedline Holdings I Inc., Speedline Holdings I LLC, Speedline Technologies GmbH, Speedline Technologies Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Speedline Technologies Mexico Services S. de R.L. de C.V., Stokvis Celix Portugal Unipessoal LDA, Stokvis Danmark ApS, Stokvis Holdings S.A.R.L., Stokvis Promi s.r.o, Stokvis Prostick Tapes Private Limited, Stokvis Tape Group B.V., Stokvis Tapes (Hong Kong) Co. Limited, Stokvis Tapes (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Stokvis Tapes (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd., Stokvis Tapes (Taiwan) Co. Ltd., Stokvis Tapes (Tianjin) Co. Ltd., Stokvis Tapes BVBA, Stokvis Tapes Benelux B.V., Stokvis Tapes Deutschland GmbH, Stokvis Tapes France, Stokvis Tapes Italia s.r.l., Stokvis Tapes Limited, Stokvis Tapes Limited Liability Company, Stokvis Tapes Norge AS, Stokvis Tapes Oy, Stokvis Tapes Polska Sp Z.O.O., Stokvis Tapes Sverige AB, Stolvis Holdings II S.A.R.L., Tarutin Kester Co. Ltd., Technopack Industria Comercio Consultoria e Representacoes Ltda., Teknek (China) Limited, Teknek (Japan) Limited, Teksaleco Ltd., The Miller Group Ltd, Thirode Grandes Cuisines Poligny, Tien Tai Electrode (Kunshan) Co. Ltd., Tien Tai Electrode (Qingdao) Co. Ltd., Tien Tai Electrode Co. Ltd., Tregaskiss Welding Products, US Finance Gamma LLC, Unichemicals Industria e Comercio Ltda., VR-Leasing Sarita GmbH & Co. Immobilien KG, VS European Holdco BV, Valeron Strength Films B.V.B.A., Veneta Decalcogomme S.r.l., Versachem Chile S.A., Vesta, Vesta (Guangzhou) Catering Equipment Co. Ltd, Vesta Global Limited, Viltronics Soltec, Vitronics Soltec B.V., W Packaging Technology (China) Co. Ltd., Wachs Canada Ltd., Wachs Subsea LLC, Weigh-Tronix Canada ULC, Weigh-Tronix UK Limited, Wilsonart International Holdings LLC, Wujiang Advanced Cleaning Co. Ltd., Wynn Oil (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd., Wynn's Automotive France, Wynn's Belgium BVBA, Wynn's Italia Srl, Wynn's Mekuba India Pvt Ltd, ZF TRW (Engineered Fasteners and Components), and Zip-Pak International B.V..The following companies are subsidiares of Exxon Mobil: AKG Marketing Company Limited, Aera Energy LLC, Al-Jubail Petrochemical Company, Ampolex (Cepu) Pte Ltd, Ancon Insurance Company Inc., Barnett Gathering LLC, Barzan Gas Company Limited, Caspian Pipeline Consortium, Celtic Exploration Ltd., Coral FLNG S.A., Cross Timbers Energy LLC, Ellora Energy Inc., Esmeroon Oil Transporta Imperial Oil Limited, Esso (Thailand) Public Company Limited, Esso Australia Resources Pty Ltd, Esso Deutschland GmbH, Esso Erdgas Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH, Esso Exploration Angola (Block 15) Limited, Esso Exploration Angola (Block 17) Limited, Esso Exploration and Production Angola (Overseas) Limited, Esso Exploration and Production Chad Inc., Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited, Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria (Deepwater) Limited, Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria (Offshore East) Limited, Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited, Esso Exploration and Production UK Limited, Esso Global Investments Ltd., Esso Italiana S.r.l., Esso Nederland B.V., Esso Norge AS, Esso Petroleum Company Limited, Esso Raffinage, Esso Societe Anonyme Francaise, Exxo Holdings Inc., Exxon Azerbaijan Limited, Exxon Chemical Arabia Inc., Exxon International Finance Company, Exxon Luxembourg Holdings LLC, Exxon Mobile Bay Limited Partnership, Exxon Neftegas Limited, Exxon Overseas Corporation, Exxon Overseas Investment Corporation, ExxonMobil (China) Investment Co. Ltd., ExxonMobil (Taicang) Petroleum Co. Ltd., ExxonMobil Abu Dhabi Offshore Petroleum Company Limited, ExxonMobil Alaska Production Inc., ExxonMobil Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., ExxonMobil Australia Pty Ltd, ExxonMobil B Resources Company, ExxonMobil Capital Finance Company, ExxonMobil Capital Netherlands B.V., ExxonMobil Central Europe Holding GmbH, ExxonMobil Cepu Limited, ExxonMobil Chemical France, ExxonMobil Chemical Gulf Coast Investments LLC, ExxonMobil Chemical Holland B.V., ExxonMobil Chemical Services (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., ExxonMobil China Petroleum & Petrochemical Company Limited, ExxonMobil Development Africa B.V., ExxonMobil Development Company, ExxonMobil Egypt (S.A.E.), ExxonMobil Exploracao Brasil Ltda., ExxonMobil Exploration and Production Malaysia Inc., ExxonMobil Exploration and Production Norway AS, ExxonMobil Exploration and Production Romania Limited, ExxonMobil Exploration and Production Tanzania Limited, ExxonMobil Finance Company Limited, ExxonMobil Financial Investment Company Limited, ExxonMobil France Holding SAS, ExxonMobil Gas Marketing Europe Limited, ExxonMobil General Finance Company, ExxonMobil Global Services Company, ExxonMobil Golden Pass Surety LLC, ExxonMobil Holding Company Holland LLC, ExxonMobil Holding Norway AS, ExxonMobil Hong Kong Limited, ExxonMobil International Services SARL, ExxonMobil Iraq Limited, ExxonMobil Italiana Gas S.r.l., ExxonMobil Kazakhstan Inc., ExxonMobil Kazakhstan Ventures Inc., ExxonMobil LNG Services B.V., ExxonMobil Lubricants Trading Company, ExxonMobil Oil Corporation, ExxonMobil PNG Limited, ExxonMobil Petroleum & Chemical BVBA, ExxonMobil Petroleum & Chemical Holdings Inc., ExxonMobil Pipeline Company, ExxonMobil Production Deutschland GmbH, ExxonMobil Production Norway Inc., ExxonMobil Qatargas (II) Limited, ExxonMobil Qatargas Inc., ExxonMobil Ras Laffan (III) Limited, ExxonMobil Rasgas Inc., ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company, ExxonMobil Russia Kara Sea Holdings B.V., ExxonMobil Sales and Supply LLC, ExxonMobil Technology Finance Company, ExxonMobil Ventures Finance Company, ExxonMobil Ventures Funding Ltd., Fujian Refining & Petrochemical Co. Ltd., Golden Pass LNG Terminal Investments LLC, Golden Pass LNG Terminal LLC, Gulf Coast Growth Ventures LLC, Imperial Oil Limited, Imperial Oil Resources Limited, Imperial Oil Resources N.W.T. Limited, Imperial Oil/Petroliere Imperiale, Infineum Italia s.r.I., Infineum Singapore Pte. Ltd., InterOil Corporation, Jurong Aromatics Corporation Pte Ltd, MPM Lubricants, Marine Well Containment Company LLC, Mobil Australia Resources Company Pty Limited, Mobil California Exploration & Producing Asset Company, Mobil Caspian Pipeline Company, Mobil Chemical Products International Inc., Mobil Corporation, Mobil Equatorial Guinea Inc., Mobil Erdgas Verwaltungsgesellschaft mbH, Mobil Exploration & Producing Australia Pty Ltd, Mobil International Petroleum Corporation, Mobil Oil Australia Pty Ltd, Mobil Oil Exploration & Producing Southeast Inc., Mobil Oil New Zealand Limited, Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited, Mobil Producing Texas & New Mexico Inc., Mobil SerLimited, Mobil Venezolana De Petroleos Inc., Mobil Yanbu Petrochemical Company Inc., Mobil Yanbu Refining Company Inc., Mountain Gathering LLC, Mozambique Rovuma Venture S.p.A., Palmetto Transoceanic LLC, Papua New Guinea Liquefied Natural Gas Global Company LDC, Permian Express Partners LLC, Phillips Exploration LLC, Qatar Liquefied Gas Company Limited, Ras Laffan Liquefied Natural Gas Company Limited, Ras Laffan Liquefied Natural Gas Company Limited (II), SPI Limited, Saudi Aramco Mobil Refinery Company Ltd., Saudi Yanbu Petrochemical Co., SeaRiver Maritime Inc., South Hook LNG Terminal Company Limited, Tengizchevroil LLP, Terminale GNL Adriatico S.r.l, Trend Gathering & Treating LLC, Wolverine Pipe Line Company, XH LLC, XTO Delaware Basin LLC, XTO Energy Canada, XTO Energy Inc., and XTO Holdings LLC.8 hours ago

| June 21st | 2021 8:00 AM

Why You Might Have to Retire Later Due to COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic in general increased retirement uncertainty. In fact, Lincoln Financial Group reported three different sentiments regarding the pandemic and specific age groups: Pre-retirees: The age group from 55 to 64 saw the biggest drop of retirement-ready confidence. Mid-career: Individuals between the ages of 35 and 54 saw aWith the Lunar New Year holidays in China starting Monday, a busy period for retailers as Chinese tourists to Japan increase around this time of year, concern is spreading among retail businesses over a lowering of Chinese consumers desire to spend money this year due to the slowdown of Chinese economic growth and the recent strengthening of the yen.

On Friday, four major department stores released their sales of tax-free goods in January and all of them registered year-on-year declines, with Takashimaya Co. decreasing 15 percent from a year earlier, Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings Ltd. declining 6.6 percent, Sogo and Seibu Co. dropping about 10 percent and Daimaru Matsuzakaya Department Stores Co. falling about 1 percent.

Isetan Mitsukoshi recorded a fall in monthly sales on a year-on-year basis for the first time in about two years. The decline in sales was particularly steep at three major stores in Tokyo that draw a lot of tourists  Isetans Shinjuku store and Mitsukoshis Nihonbashi and Ginza stores  where sales were down 10.2 percent.

An official of Isetan Mitsukoshis public relations section said with worry: As the future of the Chinese economy is unclear, consumers behavior is changing. The declining trend could continue for the present.

The phenomenon is also seen in the Kansai region, where many foreign tourists visit. Sales of tax-free goods in January at Takashimayas Osaka store decreased 20.5 percent.

One of the reasons for the sluggish sales of tax-free goods is that the Chinese government has strengthened its legal regulations on e-commerce transactions since January. When people sell purchased products online on e-commerce sites in China, the operators are required to register with the government.

[As a result,] the number of Chinese tourists to Japan who buy tax-free goods in volume for the purpose of reselling them [in China] is decreasing, said a source who is well versed in department store issues.

Compared with exchange rates during the 2018 Lunar New Year holidays in China, the yen has gained 3.5 percent against the Chinese yuan in the most recent rates, which has put a crimp in Chinese tourists spending.

In contrast to a few years ago, the number of Chinese tourists who went on shopping sprees mainly for home electric appliances is decreasing, while that of those who buy daily necessities and consumable items in volume at relatively low prices is increasing.

Even if the number of visitors to retailers increases during the Lunar New Year holidays, the merchants will not be able to expect a large increase in sales.

However, the Shinjuku store of Odakyu Department Store Co. expanded its space for tax-free goods counters twice in late January. As a result, a wide range of tax-free goods, including cosmetics and expensive watches, are selling well. Sales in January are expected to exceed those of the same period in the previous year.

As the Shinjuku store is directly connected with Shinjuku Station, an official in the public relations section at the store said, I think a number of people buy tax-free goods at the store because it is close to the station and convenient for them while going to a different destinationShare this article Whatsapp

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Linkedin Agnes Anya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sun, February 3, 2019 10:22 869 ab327006fac3d4a4e8af45a51b14632a 2 SE Asia Philippines,Jolo-Island,attack,terrorism,militants,IPAC,CSIS,Abu-Sayyaf Free

Analysts have raised doubts over claims made by a senior Philippine government official that an Indonesian couple was behind the church bombings in the southern Philippines, citing a lack of evidence.

Sidney Jones, director of the Jakarta-based Institute for Policy Analysis of Conflict (IPAC), said on Saturday that Manila was apparently still in the dark over the identity of the bombing perpetrators.

"There's no evidence! Different officials are saying different things -- Malaysians, Yemenis, Indonesians. They actually have no clue," told Jones told The Jakarta Post via text message on Saturday.

Philippine Interior Minister Eduardo Manahan Ano earlier said that based on witness accounts and information from undisclosed sources, he was convinced that Indonesian citizens committed suicide bombings at a Roman Catholic church in Jolo, the capital of Sulu province, which has long been plagued by separatism led by Islamist groups.

"They are Indonesians," Ano, a former military chief, told CNN Philippines, as reported by AFP. "I am certain that they are Indonesians."

He also claimed that other foreign terrorists were still operating in the Philippines, suggesting they could be either Yemeni or Egyptian.

Fitriani of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) concurred with Sidney, saying that without evidence it was too early to conclude that Indonesians were involved in the bombings.

However, she did not rule out the possibility of Indonesian militants being involved in the attacks given the geographical proximity between the two countries. Moreover, the border between Indonesia and the Philippines lies in the sea so it is hard to monitor.

During the armed conflict between the Maute group, which is linked to the Islamic State, and Philippine security forces in Marawi two years ago, a number of Indonesian militants were believed to have gone to the Philippine city to join the fight alongside the Maute militants.

At the time, calls for jihad in the Philippines circulated on social media accounts linked to Indonesian jihadi groups such as Jemaah Ansharu Daulah, which was said to have sent dozens of its members to the neighboring country.

Indonesia, Fitriani said, would have to share intelligence information with Manila and would even help with the investigation following allegations its citizens carried out a deadly terror act in a foreign country.

"Indonesia will usually share anything needed, she said.

She argued that the bombings should serve as a wake-up call for Southeast Asian countries to strengthen their cooperation in the war on terror, particularly in terms of intelligence sharing. Indonesia has initiated intelligence partnership Our Eyes, which was endorsed by ASEAN member states last year.

"It is needed more than ever. Terrorism is an enemy to all countries," she said, adding that the Jolo attacks were feared to awaken sleeping terrorist cells in Indonesia and other neighboring countries.

Also on Saturday, Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi said she was still seeking confirmation regarding the identity of the bombing perpetrators.

She said Jakarta had talked to the Philippine authorities and was told that the identity of the perpetrators had not yet been determined.

"Based on information we gathered this morning, the perpetrators have yet to be confirmed because the investigation and identification process are still ongoing," said Retno in a video statement recorded in Padang, West Sumatra.

Retno further said that Jakarta had yet to decide what to do next as it was currently focusing on following the investigation process.Share this article Whatsapp

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Linkedin Nurul Fitri Ramadhani and Marguerite Afra Sapiie (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, February 4 2019

Bureaucrats may soon face tighter competition to reach the top rungs of the career ladder with the government planing to allow active Indonesian Military (TNI) officers to take up positions in ministries and government institutions.



The TNI is formulating an amendment to Law No. 34/2004 on the TNI to permit middle-ranking and high-ranking TNI officers to serve in ministries and state institutions at echelon I and II levels.



TNI commander Air Chief Marshall Hadi Tjahjanto said the revision of the law was aimed at reorganizing the military, which has been unable to provide positions to around 500 middle- and high-ranking officers.



Article 43 of the existing law stipulates that military officers can only occupy civilian positions if they are retired and they can only be placed in offices that handle political, state security and state defense matters, including wit...Share this article Whatsapp

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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sun, February 3, 2019 12:12 869 ab327006fac3d4a4e8af45a51b14e127 1 City transjakarta,birth,bus,public-transportation,jakarta Free

Hervina Sianipar gave birth to a baby boy on board a Transjakarta bus on Saturday at around 2 p.m.

PT Transjakarta operational director Daud Joseph said Hervina gave birth to her third child while heading to the Harapan Indah Transjakarta bus stop in Bekasi, West Java, from Cakung, East Jakarta.

She gave birth when the bus was in Cakung. She was assisted by a bus attendant, Daud said on Saturday, kompas.com reported.

He said the bus had to stop while Hervina was in labor, but other passengers did not mind.

Soon after the baby was delivered, he explained, the bus attendant immediately looked for a midwife to cut the baby's umbilical cord, then Hervina was rushed to a nearby clinic in a Transjakarta car.

The mother and the baby are safe and healthy. They are currently in a nearby clinic for further treatment, accompanied by a member of the Transjakarta operational staff.

This is a unique experience, Daud said. (ami)Share this article Whatsapp

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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sun, February 3, 2019 17:20 869 ab327006fac3d4a4e8af45a51b1557ce 1 City KPU,general-elections,KPU-Jakarta,Car-Free-Day,voter-registration,voter-list Free

Ani, a resident of Surabaya, East Java, has been busily collecting information on how to change her voting address, as she will be in East Jakarta when the general election is held on April 17.

She was, therefore, relieved to find a general election-information booth provided by the Central Jakarta office of the General Elections Commission (KPU) during a car free day event on Sunday.

Musfir, a KPU official at the booth, said many prospective voters who are not registered residents of Jakartahad asked about the requirements needed to change their voting address.

Most have asked about how to change their voting address, particularly those who have identity cards from outside the capital, but who are currently working in Jakarta, he said on Sunday, as quoted by kompas.com.

Musfir explained that those non-Jakarta residents who planned to cast their vote in the capital should go to the KPU office in their respective municipality. It is up to the commissions municipality offices to change the location of voters' polling stations.

"For instance, if you come from Magelang, East Java, but currently live in East Jakarta. You must visit KPU East Jakarta with your identity card and family card. [KPU staff] will validate the data," he said.

If they have not been registered as voters, the KPU officer will sign them up for the polling stations where they plan to cast their vote.

"Once you have registered [as a voter] in the area where you're currently living, you will be given a ballot and an A5 form for changing polling station. Bring the documents to the polling station on election day," Musfir said.

Voters who need to change their polling station will have to complete the administrative requirements before Feb. 17.

The presidential and legislative elections are set to be held simultaneously this year. (sau)Share this article Whatsapp

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Linkedin Karina M. Tehusijarana (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sun, February 3, 2019 18:18 869 ab327006fac3d4a4e8af45a51b1575d3 1 Politics Sandiaga-Uno,freedom-of-speech,democracy,election,ITE-Law,ahmad-dhani,Buni-Yani Free

Vice-presidential candidate Sandiaga Uno has promised that if elected, his government will revise the controversial 2008 Electronic Information and Transactions (ITE) Law, but political opponents and civil society activists have cast doubt on the sincerity of the pledge.

On Thursday, after visiting musician and opposition activist Ahmad Dhani in prison after his conviction under the ITE Law, Sandiaga posted a video on his Instagram account with a caption promising to revise the law and remove the elastic, or ambiguous, clauses it contains.

The law should not be used to hit opponents and help friends, he wrote. We should look at the silver lining of [Dhanis] case, going forward Prabowo-Sandi will revise the ITE Law, which contains many elastic clauses. Those elastic clauses create gray areas that are very much open to interpretation.

Dhani was found guilty of spreading information that is intended to create hatred or hostility to individuals and/or groups based on ethnicity, religion, and race, in violation of Article 28 of the law, based on three tweets he made in 2017 calling former Jakarta governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama a blasphemer and insulting his supporters.

Dhani, who is also running for a House of Representatives seat with the Gerindra Party, is not the first Prabowo Subianto supporter to run afoul of the ITE Law.

Musician Ahmad Dhani makes a hand gesture after he listens to the verdict that sentenced him to 18 months' imprisonment at South Jakarta District Court on Jan. 28. (JP/Iqbal Yuwansyah )

Fellow opposition activist Ratna Sarumpaet is currently in police custody awaiting trial for violation of the same article, after falsely claiming that she had been assaulted by three unknown assailants last September. She later admitted that the bruises on her face were the result of cosmetic surgery.

Previously, Buni Yani, formerly a member of Prabowos campaign team, had been convicted for violating Article 32 of the law, after selectively editing a video in which Ahok warned Thousand Islands regency residents about people misusing Quranic verses for political purposes.

Gerindra politician and Prabowo campaign spokesperson Andre Rosiade said the ticket wanted to revise the ITE law because it had become crueler than the Criminal Code.

Too many people have fallen victim to the law, he told The Jakarta Post on Sunday. It needs to be revised so that it is more clearly targeted.

When asked if Prabowo and Sandiaga would also consider revising Article 156 of the Criminal Code on blasphemy, which many activists have also slated for being elastic, Andre demurred.

The Blasphemy Law is clearer and is still necessary, he said. There is a clear process that involves expert witnesses, ulema recommendations, and so forth. The ITE Law, on the other hand, needs revision.

He also denied that Dhanis conviction was the reason for Sandiagas promise, but said that revising the law was important to stop the government from silencing political opponents.

President Joko Jokowi Widodo campaign spokesperson and NasDem Party lawmaker Irma Suryani Chaniago, however, cast doubt on the Prabowo-Sandiaga teams motivations.

We welcome any revisions as long as they are constructive, she told the Post. But not if they are only meant to get person A or person B out of prison.

She said the Jokowi government was open to criticism, but that the Prabowo team was often hypocritical.

If one of their cronies does something then it cannot possibly be wrong, she said. But if their opponents do something then it has to be wrong.

She added that the Jokowi team would be open to revising the ITE Law, or any law, as long as the revision led to a better law.

Participants of Kamisan, a silent protest held every Thursday in front the Presidential Palace to call on the government to resolve past human rights abuse cases, voice their support for Baiq Nuril Maqmun, a 37-year-old teacher in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) who was convicted of defaming a man she accused of sexually harassing her. (ANTARA/Akbar Nugroho Gumay)

Ellen Kusuma of the Southeast Asia Freedom of Expression Network (SAFEnet), which has long called for a revision of the ITE Law, said she did not want the fight to revise the law to be tainted by political posturing.

Whoever wins the election has the responsibility to revise the law because it is a blight on Indonesias human rights situation, she told the Post.

She said that articles 27, 28, and 29 of the law, on defamation, hate speech and extortion, respectively, were the articles that most urgently needed alteration.

Article 27 in particular accounted for 188 out of the 260 ITE Law cases in SAFEnets records, including the high-profile case of Baiq Nuril Maqmun, a West Nusa Tenggara woman who was convicted of defaming her alleged sexual harasser.

The problem is that the elastic clauses in the law tend to be advantageous to whoever is in power, she said. So whoever wins, we will need to ensure the revision takes place.Share this article Whatsapp

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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sun, February 3, 2019 13:38 869 ab327006fac3d4a4e8af45a51b151590 1 Politics blasphemy,Blasphemy-Law,RockyGerung,police,questioning,politics Free

A former University of Indonesia (UI) philosophy lecturer who was accused of blasphemy for referring to holy books as fiction faced five hours of questioning on Friday during which he was asked to explain the meaning of fiction.

Rocky Gerung, an outspoken government critic, made the remark during a TV talk show last year and was only recently summonsed by the Jakarta Police for questioning.

His remark has sparked controversy among a public that was still reeling from controversy surrounding former Jakarta governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama, who was accused of and later convicted of blasphemy for a remark about a Quranic verse.

In colloquial Indonesian, the word fiksi rarely refers to literature or the power of storytelling and is often associated with lies and deceit. His critics argued that likening holy books to fiction was, therefore, blasphemous.

Rocky said the police asked him to clarify what he meant when he referred to holy books as fiction. He argued that he used the word fiction in philosophy classes to explain the concept of literature as energy that activates imagination.

Its a conceptual question, he said after the questioning, as quoted by tribunnnews.com.

The lecturer said what he said should have never been reported to the police.

This is one of those cases that should have been mediated in a seminar room, he said as quoted by tempo.com.

The police have yet to decide whether to charge Rocky under the nation's Blasphemy Law, which has been used against many since the downfall of Soeharto in 1998. (mai)Share this article Whatsapp

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Linkedin Kharishar Kahfi (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sun, February 3, 2019 18:03 869 ab327006fac3d4a4e8af45a51b156bb4 1 National graft,assault,KPK Free

Unidentified assailants assaulted two on-duty Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) investigators in Jakarta on Saturday midnight, the antigraft body has revealed.

According to a statement from the KPK, the two investigators were in Hotel Borobudur, Central Jakarta, investigating a tip from a member of the public about alleged corruption. In the middle of the investigation, the graft busters were assaulted by unknown assailants.

The assault continued even though the investigators showed their KPK identification cards to the assailants.

Apart from the assault, the assailants allegedly confiscated some of the investigators belongings, although KPK spokesman Febri Diansyah declined to specify what was taken from the injured officers.

He said the injured investigators had been rushed to the hospital for treatment. [As of Sunday afternoon] they are being prepared for surgery for a broken nose and other facial injuries.

Febri added that the KPK had reported the assault to the Jakarta Police on Sunday afternoon. The police responded to the report by assigning its violent crimes subdirectorate (Jatanras) under the general crimes directorate to investigate the case.

This was an assault against law enforcers who were doing their duty. We will coordinate with the Jakarta Police and hope the case can be solved immediately, in order to prevent similar assaults against other law enforcement officers, the spokesman said.

KPK workers union head Yudi Purnomo echoed the antigraft bodys statement, calling this another terror [attack] against KPK employees.

The assault occurred less than a month after a suspicious package was left at the private residence of KPK chairman Agus Rahardjo in Bekasi, West Java. At the same time, the remains of two Molotov cocktails were found at the home of the commissions deputy chairman Laode Muhammad Syarif in Kalibata, South Jakarta. These cases are still under investigation by the police.Share this article Whatsapp

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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sun, February 3, 2019 10:17 869 ab327006fac3d4a4e8af45a51b1462ca 4 City Chinese-New-Year,Chinese-New-Year-2019,imlek Free

The capital's oldest temple, Kim Tek Ie Temple, also known as Dharma Bhakti Temple, located on Jl. Kemenangan III in Glodok, West Java, is providing the poor with cheap nasi kuning (yellow rice) ahead of Chinese New Year.

The temple management is handing out 75 packages of yellow rice every day for those who live near the temple. Each package is sold for Rp 3,000 (22 US cents).

They can eat all they want with only Rp 3,000, Dharma Bhakti Foundation management head Gunawan Djayaputra said on Friday as quoted by tempo.co.

The yellow rice, sold in the temple compound at the "Halal Yellow Rice Corner Stall" from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. every day, was first offered on Jan. 16 and will continue to be sold until Chinese New Year on Feb. 5.

Gunawan said the foundation was working with yellow rice sellers from around the temple to supply the packages. The packages typically cost Rp 12,000.

The idea to provide food for the poor began during Ramadan in 2018.

Built in 1650, Dharma Bakti Temple is the oldest temple in Jakarta. Around 5,000 Buddhists celebrated Chinese New Year in the temple last year. The temple management predicted a spike in visitors for this years celebration. (gis)Share this article Whatsapp

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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sun, February 3, 2019 16:18 869 ab327006fac3d4a4e8af45a51b154a91 1 Politics election,Kanisius-College,jakarta,Jokowi,jokowidodo,Jokowi-Maruf Free

Prominent alumni of Canisius College in Jakarta have declared support for the Joko Jokowi Widodo-Maruf Amin pair and vowed to fight against the spread of hoaxes and fake news in campaigning for the incumbent president and his running mate.

Among the alumni are Ginandjar Kartasasmita, Airlangga Hartarto, Wimar Witoelar, Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, Prof. Harijono Djojodiharjo, Akbar Tanjung, Sofyan Wanandi and J. Wishenda.

The declaration event was held at Gedung Joeang 45 museum in Central Jakarta on Sunday. It was also attended by senior members of the Jokowi campaign such as Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) secretary-general Hasto Kristiyanto,

Alumni from other Jakarta schools, such as Pangudi Luhur, SMAN 7 high school, SMAN 3 high school, De Britto College and SMAN 6 high school, also attended the political event.

"Only leaders who can serve the people are able to advance Indonesia further. And Pak Jokowi has proven his ability to do that," said Irlan Suud, the head of the declaration committee.

"The reason [voters] should vote for Jokowi is that we are already experienced. Kanisius alumni like Agus Gumiwang and I participate in the control of the government, so it is only natural [for us to choose Jokowi]," said Airlangga, the current industry minister and Golkar party chairman.

To help Jokowi win the election in the capital, the group introduced the slogan #JokowikanJakarta (#MakeJakartaJokowi) and vowed to combat fake news targeting the sitting President.

Elections are won in the ballot box, not with noise and fake news, said Kanisius College alumnus Wimar Witoelar.

Wimar is the founder of Intermatrix Communications and former spokesperson during the Abdurrahman Gus Dur Wahid era.

He said voters should maintain a sane mind and focus on the quality of the candidates instead of the hoaxes revolving around them.

President Jokowi claimed he had been a victim of hoaxes and smear campaigns targeting his faith, his background and policies after he was elected president in 2014.

Jokowi has often been portrayed as anti-Islam and being connected to the now-defunct Indonesian Communist Party (PKI). The President has repeatedly denied the accusations.

Earlier this year, the General Elections Commission (KPU) reported several people for spreading false online information that seven containers of ballots from China had been found in Tanjung Priok, North Jakarta. The ballots, they falsely claimed, had been pierced for Jokowi.

A 2018 study by IT news portal Daily Social indicated that 57 percent of Indonesian internet users received false information via messenger applications, prompting Facebook and WhatsApp to use encryptions and limit the forwarding of messages.

Several online initiatives have helped to fight the spread of fake news, including the hashtag #AkuSiapBersikap (ImReadytoTakeAStand), Facebook group Forum Anti Fitnah, Hasut dan Hoax (Forum Against Defamation, Sedition and Hoaxes) and fact-check systems like the turnbackhoax.id website and the Hoax Buster app on the Google PlayStore. (mai)Share this article Whatsapp

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Linkedin Kharishar Kahfi (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sun, February 3, 2019

When President Joko Jokowi Widodo began his tenure in 2014, he uttered his wish to finish a number of infrastructure projects immediately, including the construction of a highway and a railway in Kalimantan.

With dense forests, mountains and many rivers, Kalimantan, the Indonesian part of the Borneo island, is faced with transportation problems that have increased production costs. According to the Public Works and Housing Ministry, there were only 6,363 kilometers of main roads connecting cities and provinces across Kalimantan in 2014 and only 68 percent of them were in good condition.

The construction of roads in Kalimantan started in 2015 and, recently, concerns were raised by experts who said that such infrastructure projects were the worlds scariest environmental threat and could impact the lives of rare animal species such a...Share this article Whatsapp

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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sun, February 3, 2019 10:08 869 ab327006fac3d4a4e8af45a51b14578b 1 National cyberviolence,gender-based-violence,KomnasPerempuan Free

In April last year, Kennedy Jennifer, a filmmaker, started receiving calls and messages on her smartphone asking for a "massage service". She responded by saying that she offered no such services. The calls and chats intensified that night, with callers demanding that she perform the service because she had "asked" for the money.

When she posted a clarification on her Facebook account, she discovered that she was not the only one who had fallen prey to this form of harassment.

The cyber harassment that she experienced was just one of the many forms of gender-based violence online (GBVO) that women on the internet face.

There is a form of gender inequality that stems from the heteronormativity in society concerning those who identify as women or those whose gender identity is becoming a woman, Nabilla Saputri of SAFEnet  a nongovernmental organization specializing in advocating freedom of expression  said recently.

According to Nabila, GBVO could take many forms, including the use of sexist language, catcalling, sexist gossiping, online exploitation and doxxing.

The social construction reflects the unequal relationship between the genders that focuses on legitimizing the patriarchal culture that is permissive toward violence, including violence against women, she explained.

Nabila herself has been a victim of revenge porn, a form of GBVO, as her former partner threatened to spread intimate photos of her that they took when they were together if she continued to "flirt" with other men.

When I was still with my ex, I was on the phone [talking] with a [male] friend, she recounted. We were just talking, but at that time, my ex told me that if I dared to talk to him again, he would spread photos of me from when we were having intimate relations.

She admitted that the experience had traumatized her.

I didnt go to work for a week because I felt traumatized seeing people who may have seen the photos my ex had spread on social media. Even if some of them didnt care or didnt know, I still felt afraid, she said.

Kennedy had a different experience. She managed to get information from the people who had been harassing her and went to the Jakarta Police, filling out a police report for her case, after she went to the Communication and Information Technology Ministry and the chat app B Talk. The latter gave her a couple of phone numbers that were used to make the fake accounts that were spreading her number.

When I reported my case, the police asked me if I was an important personage. I told them that I wasnt, but should I not be reporting this? I was harmed by this, she said, adding that her report was eventually accepted on April 28 last year.

The police arrested the perpetrator in November. The motive was political  Kennedy had announced that she was making a documentary on former Jakarta governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama, around a week before the harassment started  and the perpetrator admitted that he did not like President Joko Jokowi Widodo and Ahoks supporters.

Because I was a filmmaker who was filming a documentary on Ahok, I was framed as the victim. I was promoted as a sex worker, as a woman who offered massages, Kennedy said.

Indriyati Suparno, a commissioner of the National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan) said that for the last few years, the number of cases of violence against women online has risen.

In 2017, we recorded as many as 98 cases, and 65 of them were reported directly to our complaint center. It includes cyber grooming and cyber harassment, of which there were as many as 20 cases, Indriyati said.

She further said we could be certain that the number of cases recorded before 2018 would not be much different.

[The problem is that] the regulations and laws used are not those used to protect women, but those that concern the cyber sphere, and that does not solve the problem, because it places the victim in a more vulnerable position where she can be victimized further, she said. (spl)Share this article Whatsapp

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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sun, February 3, 2019 09:00 869 ab327006fac3d4a4e8af45a51b144581 4 City Marie-Kondo,Tidying-up-with-Marie-Kondo,South-Tangerang,security Free

Japanese tidying expert Marie Kondo would be proud of Slamet Gunaedi. The 47-year-old security guard at SMAN 4 South Tangerang state high school has a knack for keeping things organized. And for him, organizing motorcycles in the schools parking lot is what sparks his joy the most.

Slamet's orderliness has gone viral following social media posts of him showcasing lines of motorcycles in the school that he organized. Slamet decided to arrange hundreds of motorcycles  owned by teachers and students  based on brand, type and color.

I love order. Besides, [the arrangement] also helps the owners, for example if someone is sick and needs to leave school, if the motorcycles are parked messily it will be difficult to get it out, he explained as reported by kompas.com.

Slamet said he had been doing his job for the past 19 years. Working from 5:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. every school day, he chooses to do all the work by himself as he once had an experience of relying on another worker who was dishonest. He said the person took belongings stored inside the motorcycles.

Lines of motorcycles arranged based on brand and color at SMAN 4 South Tangerang state high school in Banten. (Tribunnews.com/Jaisy Rahman Tohir)

The contract worker keeps doing what he does even though it is not easy.

As a contract worker, his salary often comes late. To help him make ends meet, he works as an online motorcycle taxi driver after work.

I get my paycheck once every two or three months, he said adding that his Rp 1.25 million salary (US$90) was not sufficient to pay his monthly house rent of Rp 1.7 million and other expenses including for his childrens needs.

But thank God there is always a way.

Slamets impeccable tidying skills have won him the attention of netizens, who have praised him for the lines of organized motorcycles. His skills also landed him an award from the South Tangerang Police, who gave him a security guard innovation award on Friday.

South Tangerang deputy police chief Comr. Arman said the award aimed to honor Slamet, who was innovative and cared for the students and the school.

Usually security guards only focus on security, but Slamet cares for the students, Arman told kompas.com.

Moreover, students can learn a lesson from Slamet's actions.

Slamet teaches discipline and orderliness to students from the arrangement of the parked motorcycles, Arman added. (ggq)Elizabeth City, NC (27909)

Today

Plenty of sunshine. High 93F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Clear to partly cloudy. Low 77F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph.Share this article Whatsapp

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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Mataram  Sat, February 2 2019

A police officer has been named a suspect in relation to the recent escape of alleged drug dealer Dorfin Felix from the West Nusa Tenggara Police detention center.



The officer, Comr. Tuti Maryati, who is the head of the inmate security unit at the West Nusa Tenggara Police, allegedly took bribes from the French national and allowed him to have a cell phone, television and other facilities at the detention center.



West Nusa Tenggara Police inspector Sr. Comr. Agus Salim said Tutis alleged actions had been discovered after police questioned 14 personnel who had been on guard during the escape. [Felix] got the money from his parents in France, Agus said on Wednesday.



Tuti allegedly received a total of Rp 14.5 million (US$1,039) in two deliveries by Western Union and then bought the items for Felix, as well as registering the cell phone in her name.She also ...Share this article Whatsapp

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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sat, February 2 2019

The second phase of construction for the Jakarta MRT has again been postponed from a revised plan to break ground in January, due to lack of approval from the State Secretariat.



The second phase, which is to build the route connecting the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle in Central Jakarta to Kota Station in West Jakarta, had already been pushed back from the initial plan to start work in December 2018.



PT MRT Jakarta president director William Sabandar said the State Secretariats delayed approval was related to a land use issue concerning the Medan Merdeka area in Central Jakarta.



We are ready to break ground at any time. We have [already] decided on the developer. The ticket to starting this [phase] is the State Secretariats approval, William said on Wednesday, as quoted by wartakota.tribunnews.com.



William said that another obstacle to...Share this article Whatsapp

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Linkedin Frank Palmos (The Jakarta Post)  Sat, February 2 2019

In 1962, despite having lived here for almost two years, I was perplexed when a brief, unnerving drama unfolded and astonished a team of senior sub-editors working on the Indonesian Observer, Jakartas only English-language daily newspaper.



At that time, the papers staff had hired me  the only foreigner  after Ali Alatas at the Foreign Ministry had informed the editor I had been in journalism for six years before coming to Indonesia, and I might help on the subs desk.



A newly hired Balinese aristocrat was on his first day with us as a guest sub-editor. He hoped to learn enough English to run the familys tourist business in Denpasar.



I mistakenly handed him a Reuters news agency report from Singapore about a helicopter crash landing on the Sarawak border, in which two or three Gurkha soldiers had been killed or seriously injured. He was holding an A...Mexican film "Roma", which is tipped for Oscars glory, was Saturday named best Latin American picture at the Goyas, the main Spanish film awards held in Seville.

Shot in black and white by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Alfonso Cuaron, "Roma" has already won the Golden Lion at Venice, two Golden Globes and four awards at the Critics' Choice Awards.

Set in Mexico City in the 1970s, it has 10 nominations for the 91st Academy Awards to be held in Hollywood on February 24.

The 33rd Goya Awards' best picture went to "Campeones" (Champions), by director Javier Fesser, Spain's most successful film last year.

Read also: For Cuaron fans visiting Mexico, all roads lead to 'Roma'

Rodrigo Sorogoyen took the best director award for his political thriller "El Reino" (The Realm) and the best actor gong went to Antonio de la Torre in the same film, while Susi Sanchez took the best actress award for her role in "La enfermedad del domingo" (Sunday's Illness).Vice Media unveiled plans Friday to cut 10 percent of its staff, or some 250 jobs, in the latest round of job slashing in the once-sizzling digital media sector.

Chief executive Nancy Dubuc made the announcement to staff as part of a plan to refocus Vice and move toward profitability at the fast-growing firm which produces online news, television programs and more.

"Having finalized the 2019 budget, our focus shifts to executing our goals and hitting our marks," Dubuc wrote in the memo, initially revealed by The Hollywood Reporter and later confirmed by AFP.

"We will make Vice the best manifestation of itself and cement its place long into the future."

The reorganization will trim international operations and focus on growth in areas like film and television production and branded content, according to the memo.

Vice has been one of the rising stars of the digital media world, raising more than $1 billion from Disney, 21st Century Fox and others and valued as high as $5.7 billion. It has operations in some 40 countries.

The news comes after similar cuts in recent days at other digital media stars including BuzzFeed and HuffPost, raising fears of a major retrenchment in what had been a growing media segment.

BuzzFeed is trimming some 200 jobs out of a staff of 1,700 people.

Read also: Vice apologizes for boys club culture: We let far too many people down

At HuffPost, about 10 percent of journalists, or 20 people, were laid off as part of a belt-tightening move at parent firm Verizon's media unit, which also includes Yahoo other websites.

Dubuc took over as CEO last year from founder Shane Smith, who built a youth-focused digital group which faced concerns about a difficult workplace environment.

Vice was founded in 1994 as a Canadian magazine and grew into an online media group with news websites and television operations.The Chemical Brothers have just revealed that their forthcoming album "No Geography" will be released in April, and they've shared its latest preview, the euphoric single "Got to Keep On."

The electronic duo has likewise shared the full track listing for the LP, which features the previously released tracks "Free Yourself" and "MAH":

1. "Eve Of Destruction"

2. "Bango"

3. "No Geography"

4. "Got To Keep On"

5. "Gravity Drops"

6. "The Universe Sent Me"

7. "We've Got To Try"

8. "Free Yourself"

9. "MAH"

10. "Catch Me I'm Falling"

A description of the album offers some insight into its genesis: "At some point during the recording of 'No Geography,' Tom Rowlands and Ed Simons pushed the reset button. It began with the construction of a studio within a studio -- a tiny makeshift room that housed the kind of kit they'd previously used to record the bulk of their first two albums.... That experimental space offered a freedom and the chance to create music and tell their own story in a way they hadn't done for years."

Read also: Holy rap! 'Funky' Japan monk gets grannies in a spin

It continues, "Songs were road tested in front of audiences as part of the 2018 live set (which took in two shows at Alexandra Palace -- the band's biggest UK headline shows to date) and honed in regular DJ sets the world over."



"No Geography" will be released on April 12. In May, the duo will head out for a string of live shows in North America, the UK and Europe.With the Lunar Year of the Pig starting on Tuesday, pig lovers in Taiwan fear that a rush of people wanting to usher good fortune into their homes by getting a piglet as a pet may lead to a wave of abandoned pigs later on.

Anita Chen, who runs a social media forum for pet pig owners and has two pig pets at her home in Taipei, said the first thing owners have to consider when raising pigs was freedom and flexibility.

Pigs like her "Xin-Xin" and "Mei-Mei" have the intelligence of a five-year-old child and can open everything from fridges to doors and drawers, often ripping out everything inside, to the horror of their homecoming owners.

"Piglets are very attached to people, they will constantly squeak to make you play with it or feed it," Chen said, adding that many overwhelmed owners abandon their pet piglets in just a few months.

Visitors at a petting farm in the northern city of Taoyuan get a kick out feeding milk to piglets in a pen, and many want to take one home.

"We don't advise this as they are farm animals," said farm owner Yang San-guei.

Bama pigs, the species most commonly kept as pets in Taiwan, may be small and cute when they are young but they can grow to a hulking 60 kg, Yang said.

But if visitors won't be warned off, Yang said he is willing to sell a piglet for 3,000 NTD ($98). The other little piggies go to market when they outgrow their pen.

Veterinarian Chang Chien-ming advised anyone thinking of getting a pig to do their research thoroughly to avoid nasty surprises.

Read also: Bring home the bacon: Taiwanese woman living with four pet pigs

"So that they know how big these pigs can grow and find an adequate veterinary hospital and educate themselves about the medical and nutritional aspects," he said.

He said he had also seen renewed enthusiasm for pigs as pets over the past year.

Veterinary clinics willing to treat pigs are hard to find, Chang said, with only one in a hundred accepting pig patients.

Many owners also soon realize that having a porcine pet can seriously crimp their holiday plans. Pethotels do not accept pigs.

Abandoned pigs in Taiwan have a harder time finding a new home than cats and dogs.

Publicly funded shelters don't accept pigs as they are not classified as pets, leaving it to pet loversor private shelters to take them in.EDWARDSVILLE  Two people from Glen Carbon were indicted Thursday with theft of governmental funds for allegedly failing to remit thousands of dollars in sales tax funds from the state.

Charged were Himanshi N. Patel, 41, of the 1600 block of Coles Court, Edwardsville, and Tejendra N. Patel, 34, of the 3100 block of Alexandria Drive, Glen Carbon. It was unclear if the two cases are related.This weekend, we're remembering the late Farrah Fawcett on her 72nd birthday. The Hollywood star, who was best known for her role as Jill Munroe on "Charlie's Angels," was born on February 2, 1947, in Corpus Christi, Texas.

In the fall of 1965, Fawcett enrolled at The University of Texas at Austin, where she joined the Delta Delta Delta sorority. The following year, a celebrity publicist asked her to go to California to work as a model, according to Biography.com. Within two weeks she landed a modeling contract and never returned to college.The Nebraska Legislature has the opportunity to put rural communities on a level playing field with the states metro areas. LB549, introduced this session, would make important investments in broadband service mapping across the state. For too long, these maps have given the wrong service information, blinding the Legislature as it tries to decide where to invest resources for broadband expansion.

Whether it is seeking medical advice, expanding a small business or completing an education, rural Nebraskans, like me, depend on reliable access to broadband every day. Unfortunately, too many communities across the state are being left behind in an increasingly connected world. My town of less than 150 residents shouldnt be cut off from participating in a modern economy.

As I drive through my hometown of Belgrade, I see everyday Nebraskans whose lives are impacted by broadband access. Small business owners count on a secure connection to serve their customers. Local volunteer firefighters depend on broadband to access resources for training and emergency preparedness  broadband matters in rural communities.

The unfortunate reality is that too many rural communities in our state have been cut off from this fundamental economic development tool. As the Legislature considers LB549 this session, I strongly urge all of our senators, including my senator, Curt Friesen of District 34, to support this crucial investment in rural Nebraska. The time has come to step up on rural broadband. The time has come to connect Nebraska.Trump should call their bluff. He should go back to the experts at the Department of Homeland Security and ask them: If Democrats refuse to give you the addition physical barriers you have said are essential to secure the border, what other funding would you need to make up for it? How many extra border agents would you need in the absence of a wall? How many more canine units? How much more for improved coordination with state and local law enforcement in our border communities? How many more Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents for interior enforcement? How much for underground sensors, radar, unmanned drones and fixed towers with infrared cameras? How much more advanced detection technology at our ports of entry? How many more portable scanners to detect smuggled narcotics, weapons and other dangerous materials? How much for construction of new ports of entry? How many more immigration judges? How much for employment eligibility verification? How much more in humanitarian assistance and medical support for those detained at the border? How many more detention beds and temporary housing units for migrant families? How much more for DNA testing to establish family relationships? How much to set up a new system that will allow Central American minors to apply for asylum in their home countries?No one delivers that authentic deli taste like the King, he said.

Before becoming part of Little King family, Gooden gained experience managing and operating restaurants for various chains.

He said when he was younger, he always wanted to be a teacher.

We had quite a few teachers in our family, Gooden said.

And while the classroom setting was something he wasnt interested in, he said he found another way to fulfill his desire to teach.

I thought I could impact the lives of others as a business owner, Gooden said.

To achieve that goal, he started Aequitas Management, LLC. Aequitas is Latin for fairness and equality.

Gooden said he has found the perfect place to achieve his vision and practice his business philosophy.

I have a lot more control at Little King than at other franchises, he said. I have had opportunities to buy a lot more businesses, but Little King was a good fit for me. It has a good culture and concept.

The biggest thing I like about Little King is its history and heritage.Matt Maser of Grand Island has become a councilor on the Knights of Aksarben Foundation Board for 2019.

Maser recently rejoined Koley Jessen as counsel in the firms corporate and mergers & acquisitions practice areas.

For the past nine years he has been general counsel for West Family Holdings, LLC. He previously worked for Koley Jessen from 1997 to 2010,

Maser splits his time between Omaha and Grand Island, working primarily from his Grand Island office. He is a graduate of both the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the University of Nebraska College of Law.

Uden recertified as master technician

Jim Uden of Rich & Sons RV Headquarters in Grand Island has renewed his certification as a Master Certified RV Technician.

The industry certification lets consumers know the service technician working on their RV has developed well-rounded RV repair, diagnostic, and component part replacement skills. Certified technicians must renew their credentials every five years. They are required to participate in 20 hours of industry-sponsored training and have continuous employment in the industry.As we begin a new year here in Central Nebraska, I want to take this opportunity to fill you in on a few of my thoughts and what is taking place within your Grand Island Chamber of Commerce.

First, we have much to be thankful for, as we all have the privilege to live in a wonderful part of our great nation! We enjoy clean air and water and can come and go wherever our schedule demands without traffic jams. Our children attend good and safe schools. We have a strong and faithful workforce and are blessed with a good economy  especially when considering the current turmoil within the agricultural sector.

Continued development and improvements can be seen within every area of town. Considering the passage of the additional half-cent sales tax increase this past year, additional infrastructure improvements to make the city even better will be occurring as well.

As most of you have likely noticed, there are many changes happening within our economy both locally and nationally. It can be argued that some of the changes are good and some are likely bad.

Either way, the changes are occurring, and we all must adapt to them.This is a favorite time of year for Carreagan Endorf.

The 12-year-old always looks forward to the day Girl Scout Cookies are distributed so she can sell the tasty product.

Now in her sixth year as a Girl Scout, Endorf is a veteran cookie-seller. She has taken to the craft so well that she was among the top in the state last year  selling 1,719 boxes. That was the seventh-most in Nebraska.

Cookies were delivered to Grand Island on Friday, and Endorf, a seventh-grader at Trinity Lutheran School, is ready to start peddling Thin Mints, Thanks-A-Lot and other kinds of cookies to hungry customers.

Cookies will be sold now through March 10. Endorf usually heads out the door each day to sell cookies for about an hour once she gets her homework finished. The drive she has to sell is simple.

I just like selling cookies and eating my Peanut Butter Patties. I will literally buy a box for myself, she said of her favorite variety.

Endorf is also inspired to sell cookies for the prizes she can earn. Girl Scouts can get rewards depending on the number of boxes sold. Last year, Endorf had her eyes set on an iPod, which she got by reaching the required mark of 1,400 boxes.To be sure, although Abdullahs family was reunited, we know there are countless other families eagerly waiting to embrace their loved ones. Najib is a dentist in Virginia, and his elderly mother in Syria patiently awaits the opportunity to be granted a waiver so she can spend time with her grandchildren in the U.S. Sudi is a hard-working American, and her husband in Somalia is hoping for a response to his visa application. He has yet to see his newborn. Mohammed, a graduate of the University of Buffalo and a structural engineer, has been separated from the love of his life, Amal. She was initially told her visa was approved but was later denied due to the ban. His mother bought her a wedding dress to be worn at the party they would host; it remains unworn to this day in Mohammeds room.Whats behind your closet door? Orderly rows of shoes, stacks of folded T-shirts and hanging clothes arranged by color and season?

Or do you have a situation that could be declared a national disaster? If the latter, you might ask the president for federal disaster relief funds, or you could just get organized.

Knowing you would feel guilty taking funds from tornado victims, here are simple steps to find calm in all that chaos. By the way, these same principles apply to linen and utility closets, too.

Step 1: Remove everything. This lets you see exactly the space you have to work with. Prepare to be shocked by the pile of stuff that comes out of that closet.

Step 2: Now that you can see the light of day, give that closet a good cleaning from top to bottom. Follow with a fresh coat of white paint.

Step 3: Separate the items you removed. Most people hate this step because it means getting rid of everything you do not use or wear. But theres no way you could get all of it back into the closet, so buck up, and lets get this job done. Label three containers:Woman Killed Newborn Baby Before Hiding Him, Gets Only 1 Year in Switzerland: Reports

A woman who gave birth at home to twins and later killed one of them was jailed for just one year in Switzerland, according to reports.

The Mirror reported that a Serbian woman, named only as Jelica S., was living in Lucerne, Switzerland, when she gave birth in 2015. Photos of the woman published online already blurred her face.

After the two were born, she is accused of killing one of the boys and neglected the other one before hiding both from her family.

Woman Killed Her Newborn Twins, Bashed One Babys Head Against a Wall Then Hid Bodies  LifeNews.com  201921

The report said she hid one in a laundry basket in the kitchen and the other inside a giant teddy bear.

The woman said, I did not know how a child is born. I filled the bathtub when it started, according to the report.

She said, I do not remember today how I did it. I just remember lying in the bathtub and looking on the internet for what to do.

She said she delivered one of the babies herself but was scared because he (the baby) did not scream properly.

Horor!  Espreso.rs  201922

The woman then admitted to killing one before hiding the baby in a teddy bear.

In court, she said, I just put him there. I do not know what went on in my head.

Jelica then delivered the second one about 31 hours later in the bath. The child was reportedly stillborn.

However, the court found that the child died through her negligence, the report said.

An expert said that if she had gone to the hospital after the first birth, the second child may have survived.

Prosecutors said the mother should have been jailed for eight years.

The accused has two faces. She seems naive. In truth, she is tough and calculating, a prosecutor said. The court estimates the factual culpability to the crime to be very high, but it said that it subjectively was an emergency situation, the judge said in the verdict, according to the report.

However, she got only 12 months in prison and another 22 months of a suspended sentence, reports said.

After the story went viral on Facebook, a number of people thought the 12-month prison term was ludicrous.

The people who sentence her to one year should go to prison, said one person.

Only one year? She has murdered two lives! added another.

Another wrote: Double homicide one year does not add up to justice.

Options?

A number of countries have programs and laws to help mothers who might abandon their babies, or worse.

In the United States, safe haven laws allow mothers who are in crisis to leave their newborns in a safe environment, including at a fire station or hospital.

This week, in San Bernardino County, California, a mother surrendered her newborn twins to a fire station under the states safe haven law.

This is exactly why the Safe Surrender program was created, Fire Chief Mark Hartwig was quoted by Fox17 as saying.

This young mother did the right thing by bringing her babies to the fire station. Regardless of your circumstances, the Safe Surrender program is a viable and loving optionno questions asked, he said.

This young mother did the right thing by bringing her babies to the fire station. Regardless of your circumstances, the Safe Surrender program is a viable and loving option  no questions asked.  WZTV FOX 17 News, Nashville  2019131

Other countries also have baby drop boxes that allow women to give up their babies.

The boxes are designed to keep the child warm and comfortable and are equipped with an alert to tell officials the child is inside.Demonstrators protest against the government of Nicolas Maduro on the main avenue of Las Mercedes, municipality of Baruta, on Feb. 2, 2019 in Caracas, Venezuela. (Edilzon Gamez/Getty Images)

Venezuelan Opposition Continues to Gather Momentum

Optimistic protesters fill streets across Venezuela to demand Maduros exit

BOGOTA, ColombiaTens of thousands of protesters took to the streets of remote towns and metropolitan cities across Venezuela on Feb. 2 to call for the resignation of Nicolas Maduro, who is facing growing pressure to step down as president.

Despite suffering widespread food and medicine shortages alongside persistent power and water cuts, the scenes were of jubilation rather than despair. Crowds jumped up and down in streets and metro stations across Caracas waving the countrys tricolor flag and singing Venezuelas national anthem lifted by a growing sentiment that the military-backed government could be in its last days.

Today, thanks to the support of the international community, hope flourishes in all of us and we expect a change in our country soon. Please, dont abandon us, said Vanessa Lloreda, 35, who took to the streets of Caracas to march for the restoration of democracy.

There is light at the end of the tunnel, said a cheery Francisco Lucena Bravo, 64, in Los Teques, 15 miles from Caracas. Men, women, the elderly, children, and people of all social classes are united for this cause. This must end soon.

Maduro simultaneously drew his own big crowd in central Caracas for the 20th anniversary of the Bolivariana socialist movement founded by the late Hugo Chavezwhere he denounced what he called foreign violation of the nations sovereignty. How long are they going to hurt the country? Enough of all the damage theyve done to our country, he told loyal crowds.

The country is currently embroiled in an international power struggle with leader of the opposition and national congress, Juan Guiado, having sworn himself in as interim president on Jan. 23 to the instant recognition of most Western nations including the United States.

Maduro, who claims he is the victim of a coup directed by the United States, continues to rule thanks to the support of the military and a pro-Maduro filled constituent assembly which he created to sideline the opposition-controlled National Assembly, headed by Guiado.

Protests of discontent are not new with some 12,000 recorded in 2018 as dire conditions in the country deteriorated to untenable levels. But the marches on Feb. 2 are unprecedented in scale and in character, and point to a further drop in Maduros dwindling support.

In recent weeks, protests broke out in neighborhoods previously deemed to hold an unshakeable loyalty to Maduro and the socialist revolution of his predecessor, Chavez. They also took place in small, remote towns such as Araure in western Venezuela, with a population of only 12,000.

This is unlike anything we have seen before, said Geoff Ramsey, assistant director for Venezuela at the Washington Office on Latin America. Its a huge development and its one that really highlights just how strong the consensus is in Venezuela that the status quo needs to change.

Violence

Recent crackdowns by special forces in working class neighborhoods have been widely reported in what appears to be an effort to intimidate the public as Maduro loses even hard-line Chavista supporters.

For the first time during major protests, no violence was reported Feb. 2, and in the city of Barquisimeto, video footage captured police forces abandoning their posts after being hugged by protesters.

The air of optimism was boosted by the defection that morning of General Francisco Yanez, an air force commander. People of Venezuela, 90 percent of the armed forces of Venezuela are not with the dictator, they are with the people of Venezuela, he said in a video that circulated on Twitter. But hopes that other military leaders would follow like dominoes were short-lived.

Maduro announced to his supporters that he would call for new parliamentary elections earlier than planned, in a move to remove the opposition from the bourgeois National Assembly, a proposal that it will almost certainly reject.

Ramsey says how much the opposition can hold sway is highly dependent on how much it can keep alive the frenzy that continues to draw mass crowds into the streets.

If they cant maintain this sense of growing momentum, if they cant show this is leading to something, they are going to have a serious problem.Uyghur Woman Urges French President to Free Her Mother Persecuted in China

When she was young, Gulhumar Haitiwaji dreamed of France. Her wish was fulfilled the day she moved from Xinjiang Province of China to Paris in 2004 with her parents and sister.

In my 14-year-old head, France was about the Eiffel tower, beautiful women, beautiful streets, and buildings. When I arrived, I was very, very happy, she says.

Haitiwajis mother decided to keep her Chinese citizenship to keep in touch with her family and work. She was also allowed unpaid leave at the factory where she was a mechanical engineer. While she made several round trips over the past years, her husband and daughters stayed in their new host country.

Growing up in France was full of cheerful memories for Haitiwaji. She learned French in about a year, followed a regular curriculum, and now works in luxury jewelry. In August 2016, she got married. But a few months later, the life of this family took a tragic turn.

My mum got a phone call from her former boss, in China. He was a friend of ours. He said mum needed to go to his place and sign paper that would allow her to apply for her retirement pension. First time, he just mentioned it on the phone. And then he called non-stop for a week.

Gulhbahar had a very bad feeling about this, her daughter remembers. Her family convinced her to go to China, because she could get some rest after Gulhumar Haitiwajis marriage. She eventually decided to fly to Beijing. But once she arrived, the police confiscated her passport. She was arrested and put in a tiny cell for 24 hours, without food, water, or anything to rest on.

By the time she was allowed to called her family in France, Haitiwaji said, Her voice was shaking. She said the police took her passport and when she arrived at her former bosss office, policemen were waiting for her. It was all a trap from the beginning.

Crackdown on Uyghurs Living in Foreign Countries

Uyghurs are an ethnic minority primarily of Sunni Muslim faith. They have lived in northwest China for millennia. But they have endured harsher crackdowns on their culture, faith, and language since 1949, just like Tibetans, Christians, and Falun Gong practitioners, when the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) took power in China. Since then, the CCP has used the Soviet-backed East Turkestan claim as a means to justify its repression of the Uyghur people.

For Gulhumar Haitiwaji, in the past months, there has been a surge of arrests in Uyghurs living outside of China, and her mother was just another target among others community members.

During a police interview, Gulbahar found out why she was arrested. She was shown a picture taken in Paris of her daughter during a Uyghur demonstration. Gulbahar herself was never involved in any dissident activities.

My mother was crying on the phone, saying I should never have gone to that demonstration. I remembered that I just held a bouquet of flowers that someone gave me for a few second before taking it back. Then a French photograph took a picture with my permission, and the photo went on social medias. Thats how Chinese Communist Party eventually found us.

The CCPs crackdown on foreigners aims to infiltrate Uyghur communities as well as intimidate their members.

When you are becoming someone good, when you try to educate yourself or if you have faith in religion, the Chinese government try to persecute you.

If youre reading books, if you have influence on people, if youre in a dinner and say something good, or try to raise awareness to people, its very dangerous.

You can be sure that someone among your friends is going to tell the Party about you. This is how much the Chinese government is afraid of its own people.

Im sure they asked my mother to spy for the Chinese police. I know my mother, she has a rightful mind, she did nothing wrong, so she probably refused anything they might have asked her to do, Gulhumar said.

For months, Gulhumar had no news of her mother. She finally learned that she was sent to a re-education camp. Her aunt gave her news occasionally. Gulhumar said her aunt had told her, Your mother is okay, shes eating meat.

Thats just ridiculous, Gulhumar said in response to her aunts information. Shes talking like a policemen is seating next to her and telling her what she has to say.

I called her on December 24 to tell her to wish my mother a happy birthday. She replied, Your mother is well. I went to see her and she was having a party to celebrate.

Its like my mother was at school. That is nonsense.

Urging the French President

But when Gulhumar asked where her mother was, she never got an answer. Her aunt spoke non-stop on the phone, and as a result, they werent able to have a proper conversation.

Gulhumar found hope in 2017 when a Canadian Uyghur women was released from a Chinese prison camp. Haitiwaji went to interview her, as she was in the same camp and knew her mother. She was arrested at the same time as her mother in 2016.

But her hope was dashed. The husband of that women told Haitiwaji that she had gone crazy. She talked to herself, spending all day standing next to the window whispering the Chinese patriotic songs that she was forced to learn.

Now, Gulhumar has lost contact with her family in Xinjiang and has no news of her mother. She worries about what will happen next.

Its hard for me to think about the future. Me and my husband are thinking about having a child but I cant imagine if my mother come back some day to find my grown up children, she would be happy but it would be such a shock for her, considering how shes now  I cant do that to her.

So for the last two years, I only work hard without thinking of anything. Its so hard, Gulhumar said.

Gulhumar has refused to give in to pressure from Chinese authorities in France and repeatedly calls the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to help free her mother. She has launched an online petition, which has been signed by over 436,800 people. She is now trying to reach out to French President Emmanuel Macron to ask him to take action for her mothers release.

Watch Next:

Miss World Canada 2015 Says Chinas Schools Should Not Be Teaching Children Political SlogansPeople wait to get through security at the Orlando International Airport following a security incident on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Passengers on shuttles to gates at Florida's busiest airport had to be brought back for a second screening, bringing security checkpoints to a temporary standstill. A spokeswoman for Orlando International Airport told television station WKMG on Saturday that the passengers were returned in "an abundance of caution" after some passengers may have gotten through the checkpoints without being screened property. (Jonathan Hayward/The Canadian Press via AP)

TSA Officer Jumps to His Death at Orlando Airport in Apparent Suicide

An officer from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) fell to his death off a hotel balcony inside Floridas busiest airport on Feb. 2, creating chaos among passengers who were waiting in line at security checkpoints.

Authorities said the 40-year-old man jumped from the Hyatt Regency Hotel into the atrium area of Orlando International Airport at 9:30 a.m. He was found in a critical condition and later pronounced dead in hospital.

Police said the initial investigation suggests that the incident was an apparent suicide.

Our hearts are with the @ TSA family during this very difficult time, Orlando police said in a statement.

At 9:30 a.m., an individual jumped from the Hyatt Regency Hotel into the atrium area of the airport. A male in his 40s was found in critical condition and transported to the hospital where he was pronounced deceased. Preliminary information suggests an apparent suicide.  Orlando Police (@OrlandoPolice) February 2, 2019

According to a statement from TSA, several panicked passengers rushed past the security checkpoints unscreened after the man fell. The confusion and temporary closure at the checkpoints were then causing flight delays.

TSA will be rescreening passengers and will continue to work with the Orlando Police Department and the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority to return operations to normal, the statement said.

Statement regarding very sad incident today @MCO. pic.twitter.com/HTLKI7v28A  Jenny Burke (@tsaspox) February 2, 2019

About two hours after the incident, Orlando International Airport tweeted that the security checkpoint wait time was less than 15 minutes.

The east checkpoint wait time is now <15 mins. As several flights have been cancelled, passengers are advised to contact their airline for flight status, esp Southwest passengers. Residual delays possible as airline partners work toward normal ops. Thanks again for your patience.  Orlando International Airport (@MCO) February 2, 2019

The airport said they were working toward normal operations and reminded passengers going to the airport to allow extra time to get through security.

The east checkpoint & gates 70-129 affected by the incident have reopened. Experiencing delays at the checkpoint for passenger screening. Appreciate the patience of all as we work w/ TSA & airlines to get back to normal ops. Check w/ your airline for flight updates & arrive early  Orlando International Airport (@MCO) February 2, 2019

The TSA offered its condolences to the mans family, according to their statement. The man has not yet been identified by the authorities.

According to flight tracking website FlightAware, there were over 90 flight cancellations and 180 delays at the airport, as of 4:40 p.m. on Feb. 2.Trump to Offer Optimistic Vision in State of the Union Address

WASHINGTONIn his second State of the Union address, President Donald Trump will hit on several major bipartisan topics, but a focus on border security will likely outweigh them all.

The theme of the Feb. 5 speech is choosing greatness, according to a senior administration official who briefed reporters at the White House on Feb. 1.

In his address, the president will cast an inspiring vision of American greatness, the official said. He will outline a policy agenda that both parties can rally behind to achieve this vision. The president will express confidence in this hopeful future and encourage Congress to reject the politics of resistance and retribution, and, instead, adopt a spirit of cooperation and compromise so we can achieve it.

The official outlined five key areas of the speech, including immigration, protecting American workers, infrastructure, lowering health care costs, and national security.

Tightening border security and decreasing illegal immigration have become hot-button issues that culminated in the longest government shutdown in history, with another one looming.

The president will reaffirm the determination to stop illegal immigration, human trafficking, the flow of drugs and crime, the official said.

Trump intends to update Congress on the trading relationship with China, as well as urge the chambers to pass both the United States, Mexico, Canada Agreement (USMCA) and the Reciprocal Trade Act.

High-level U.S.China trade talks concluded on Jan. 31, with progress made toward a trade deal and a Chinese commitment to buy more U.S. soybeans. The White House has said that if both sides fail to reach a satisfactory outcome by March 1, the United States will increase tariffs on Chinese goods.

The president will also talk broadly about rebuilding America, the senior administration official said. Hell ask Congress to produce an infrastructure package that delivers substantial investments in vital national infrastructure projects.

Trump will also tout last years success in lowering drug prices and call on Congress to support the administrations efforts to lower the cost of health care and prescription drugs.

Finally, the president will update Congress on his diplomatic and military efforts around the world and reaffirm his determination to protect American interest and bring to an end our endless foreign wars, the official said. The official said Trump will address the political turmoil in Venezuela, but declined to name other countries included in the speech.

When asked whether Trump will weigh in on the recent furor over late-term abortions and infanticide, the official said the president will talk about the fundamental importance of respecting human life.

The official reiterated the broad, bipartisan support for the main topics.

Democrats have talked for years about lowering the cost of drugs and the cost of health care, he said. Theyve talked about the need for infrastructure. Theyve talked about protecting American workers and theyve talked about putting an end to Americas foreign engagements. And frankly, theyve also talked about the need to have a safe and secure border. So there is very broad agreement.

The official said the tone of the State of the Union speech is optimistic, visionary, and will likely run a little short of last years 81 minutes. Trump will make references to gallery guests, as he did last year with the parents of children killed by illegal aliens, a North Korean defector, guests related to the opioid crisis, law enforcement, and business and trade.

The official provided an excerpt from the speech as prepared for delivery: Together, we can break decades of political stalemate, we can bridge old divisions, heal old wounds, build new coalitions, forge new solutions, and unlock the extraordinary promise of Americas future. The decision is ours to make.

Democrats have chosen former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams to deliver their response to the State of the Union.The Flawed Logic of Hepatitis B Vaccine Mandates

Summary:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that newborn babies receive the hepatitis B vaccine on their first day of life.

The infants, toddlers and young children receiving this vaccine face little to no chance of hepatitis B infection, but the vaccines impose significant risks, including the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders, autoimmune illness and even death.

In the 0-1 age group, there is at least a 20:1 ratio of reported vaccine injuries/deaths associated with hepatitis B vaccines compared to cases of hepatitis B infection.

The constitutionality of hepatitis B vaccine mandates in these populations where there is little risk for disease is arguably questionable.

Hepatitis B vaccination mandates fail to honor young childrens liberty, equal protection, and health.

unless their mothers harbor the virus (determined by routine prenatal blood testing), newborns are probably the least likely human beings on the planet at risk of actually getting hepatitis B.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) strongly recommend that newborn babies get the hepatitis B vaccine on their first day of life. About 12 million doses are administered to American babies in any given year. However, unless their mothers harbor the virus (determined by routine prenatal blood testing), newborns are probably the least likely human beings on the planet at risk of actually getting hepatitis B. Infection risks are also extremely low for young school-age children, butin all but two states (Alabama and South Dakota)three to four doses of hepatitis B vaccine are not only recommended but mandated for preschool attendance, K-12 education or both.

New cases of hepatitis B were low in the 1970s; they began climbing in the early 1980s (coincident with the HIV/AIDS epidemic) but then started falling again. Although the CDC first began recommending hepatitis B vaccination on a limited basis in 1982 for the small population of at-risk adults (and infants of infected mothers), the agency attributes the decline in hepatitis B cases during the 1980s and early 1990s to reduction of transmission among men who have sex with men and injection-drug users, as a result of HIV prevention efforts.

At the time, hepatitis B was a relatively obscure infection of little direct relevance to most Americans, but in the early 1990s the picture of hepatitis B being held up before Americans changed, as the CDC began promoting a more comprehensive hepatitis B vaccine dragnet. With a stark shift in policy emphasis toward universal vaccination for all newborns (1991), adolescents(1995) and children through age 18 (1999), a vaccine with a limited initial target population [came] to be accepted as compulsory for every child in the country.

Whereas the young people being vaccinated face little to no chance of hepatitis B infection, the vaccines impose significant risks 

A Questionable Rationale

From the beginning, hepatitis B vaccines have had their critics, who question the public health logic of across-the-board hepatitis B vaccination for infants and children. Whereas the young people being vaccinated face little to no chance of hepatitis B infection, the vaccines impose significant risks, including the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders, autoimmune illness, and even death. In the decade from 1991 to 2001 (when hepatitis B vaccines contained the mercury-based preservative thimerosal), vaccine exposure in early infancy resulted in an estimated 0.5-1 million U.S. children being diagnosed with learning disabilities, representing lifetime costs in excess of $1 trillion. Other hepatitis B vaccine ingredients (including aluminum adjuvants and yeast), as well as the vaccines use of recombinant DNA technology, have been linked to a variety of adverse outcomes.

In 1986 (five years before the CDC began pushing for vaccination of all newborns), the nation documented fewer than 280 cases of hepatitis B infection in children under age 14; by 2006, the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) had received over 23,000 reports of adverse events related to hepatitis B vaccination in the 0-14 age group, including nearly 800 deaths.

In congressional testimony in 1999, the father of a five-week-old who died immediately following a hepatitis B shot described a 20:1 ratio of VAERS reports compared to cases of hepatitis B infection in the 0-1 age group (likely an underestimate due to VAERS underreporting). Given that the vaccine has been shownby the CDC itselfto wear off well before the age of any likely exposure to hepatitis B virus, the father concluded that hepatitis B mandates for newborns represented a teaming up of ravenous corporate greed and mindless bureaucracy against common sense.

The Out-Of-Date Legal Context for Mandates

The legal framework that seemingly permits compulsory childhood vaccination, including hepatitis B vaccine mandates for preschoolers, is astonishingly out-of-date. The U.S. Supreme Court has not addressed compulsory vaccination in any depth for over a century and has not revisited the issue at all since 1922, despite the fact that the contours of the vaccine issue have changed fundamentally since the early 1900s.

These are some of the points made by New York University legal scholar Mary Holland in a far-reaching discussion of hepatitis B vaccine mandates in the Yale Journal of Health Policy, Law, and Ethics, published in 2013. As Holland explains, the 1905 Supreme Court decision that set the stage for vaccine mandates (Jacobson v. Massachusetts) did so in response to the markedly different one-disease-one-vaccine context of smallpox. Although the Court upheld smallpox mandates, in most cases, noncompliant individuals faced no worse than a relatively small monetary fine. Subsequent courts, however, have used Jacobson to justify results that the original decision did not condone: vaccination mandates exclusively for children with no imminent disease outbreaks and with serious penalties for noncompliancenot just forfeiture of the right to an education but also outcomes such as social isolation, parents loss of custodial rights, child-neglect sanctions against parents, and, even, forced vaccination.

 neither the federal government nor states have alleged that [hepatitis B] transmission among preschoolers is a serious threat to public health.

Holland finds the constitutionality of hepatitis B vaccine mandates for preschoolers questionable, particularly in light of other legal precedents. What might happen if todays Supreme Court were to evaluate a legal challenge to a states hepatitis B mandate? Although the Courts historical track record displays a legal tug-of-war between limits set on individual liberty and support for individuals fundamental claims to bodily integrity and autonomy, Holland suggests that the Courts fairly reasoned answer to each of the following six questions ought to be a clear no:

Is there a sufficient public health necessity to impose a preschool hepatitis B vaccination mandate?

Holland observes that neither the federal government nor states have alleged that [hepatitis B] transmission among preschoolers is a serious threat to public health.

Does a vaccination mandate for preschoolers constitute a reasonable means of addressing hepatitis B in broader society?

At least two factors undermine the presumption of reasonableness, including shockingly inadequate safety testing in the targeted age groups (infants and young children) and poor long-term efficacy. The prelicensure clinical trials for GlaxoSmithKlines Engerix-B vaccine monitored about 5,000 subjects (adults and children) for just four days following administration of the vaccine, without disclosing the proportion of subjects who were children or their ages. The pediatric prelicensure trials for Mercks Recombivax HB vaccine involved a grand total of 147 infants and children monitored for five days after each dose.

Is a hepatitis B vaccination mandate proportionate to the risk of disease (i.e., do disease risks outweigh vaccine risks)?

Holland states that this would be very difficult to prove since incidence of the disease in the preschool population is exceedingly low, yet the risks of adverse events from the vaccine, including anaphylaxis, encephalopathy, and death, are well-documented.

Does the government provide for harm avoidance and offer a fair process for allowing medical exemptions?

Medical exemptions were one of the core requirements established by the 1905 Jacobsondecision. A federal policy that arm-twists parents into vaccinating their newbornswhose medical history is largely a blank slatemakes harm avoidance almost impossible.

Is the hepatitis B vaccination mandate non-discriminatory?

A mandate imposed on young children not primarily for their benefit can be construed as arbitrary and discriminatory in application.

Do parents have a liberty interest in being able to refuse an unwanted medical intervention?

Holland notes that the Court has repeatedly acknowledged that the right to bodily integrity and to refuse unwanted medical treatment is deeply rooted in the historical traditions of the United States.

Prescient Justices

Hollands conclusion is straightforward: The hepatitis B vaccination mandate has failed to honor young childrens liberty, equal protection, and health. In support of this conclusion, she cites comments by three past Supreme Court Justices over the century since Jacobson:

Justice Harlan foresaw, in 1905, that mandates might be exercisedin such arbitrary, unreasonable manner, or might go so far beyond what was reasonably required for the safety of the public, as to authorize or compel the courts to interfere for the protection of such persons.

In 1942, Justice Jackson cautioned that There are limits to the extent to which a legislatively represented majority may conduct biological experiments at the expense ofa minority.

And in 1990, Justice Stevens discussed the sanctity, and individual privacy, of the human body as obviously fundamental to liberty, adding that every violation of a persons body is an invasion of his or her liberty.

Holland also reminds us that the millions of doses of hepatitis B vaccine administered to babies every year represent a substantial annual income stream for vaccine manufacturersin this instance, Merck and GlaxoSmithKline. Vaccine companies freedom from liability for injuries and deaths related to childhood vaccines also creates manifold financial motivations to continue to expand vaccine recommendations and mandates, even when the latter do not lead to optimal or even rational public health outcomes.

Encountering pushback from concerned parents, legislators and the medical/pharmaceutical establishment are resorting to threatening tactics that include forced vaccination, apparently heedless of the fact that all vaccines and medicines, including hepatitis B vaccines, come with sizeable risks.

Honoring Young Childrens Liberty, Equal Protection, and Health

Across the country, state legislatures are introducing vaccine mandate bills requiring all vaccines for all children, even threatening to go after the medical exemptions that the Jacobson decision insisted were vitally important. Encountering pushback from concerned parents, legislators and the medical/pharmaceutical establishment are resorting to threatening tactics that include forced vaccination, apparently heedless of the fact that all vaccines and medicines, including hepatitis B vaccines, come with sizeable risks. For the sake of childrens present and future health, we must keep up public pressure to resolve financial conflicts of interest, insist on the highest standards of vaccine safety and persist in questioning both the overt and underlying premises of unjustifiable vaccine mandates.

Childrens Health Defense, Inc. This work is reproduced and distributed with the permission of Childrens Health Defense, Inc. Want to learn more from Childrens Health Defense? Sign up for free news and updates from Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and the Childrens Health Defense.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.Customers line up to buy the new Apple Watch as the smartwatch goes on sale for the first time in Taipei on June 26, 2015. (Sam Yeh/AFP/Getty Images)

Taiwan Police Break Up Chinese-Linked Criminal Ring Selling Fake Apple, Samsung Smartphones

TAIPEI, TaiwanPolice in Taiwan have broken up an alleged criminal operation with ties to China that sold counterfeit iPhone and Samsung phones.

Almost 3,900 items, including smartphones and accessories such as headphones and chargers, were seized by police at a store in the northern Taiwanese city of Taoyuan recently, according to a Jan. 30 article by Taiwan daily newspaper Liberty Times. The report didnt specify the exact date.

The items, if authentic, would have a market value of over 10 million New Taiwan Dollars (about $324,900), according to the police.

Police acted on a tip that the store was selling second-hand phones and demo units carrying the Apple and Samsung brands, at 2,000 to 5,000 New Taiwan Dollars ($65 to $162). Demo units are phones used for display at a store and are eventually sold at lower prices.

The police found that the phones easily malfunctioned upon purchase.

The fake phones and their accessories were also being sold on Ruten and Shopee, both popular e-commerce platforms in Taiwan.

After analyzing 135 fake iPhones and 44 Samsung smartphones, the police determined that many of these knockoffs were built with completely fake componentsexcept for the chip that powered the phones. For example, a fake iPhone 6 had an authentic A6 chip that would be used to power a real iPhone 5. The phones were assembled in China.

The police arrested four people: a 22-year-old man from China identified only by his surname of Li, and three employees hired to work at the Taiwan store.

Li told police that he was hired by a ring located in central Chinas Hubei Province, for a monthly salary of 12,000 New Taiwan Dollars (about $390) to travel to Taiwan and manage operations there. He added that he also repaired cellphones and took part in online sales.

Li also said that he had come to Taiwan under the cover of getting aesthetic surgery, and was scheduled to fly back to China, if he hadnt been arrested.

Taiwan offers a 15-day medical tourism visa; many mainland Chinese have been known to come for medical services, including getting vaccinations, because of repeated scandals involving substandard vaccines in China.

An account book seized from the store indicated that the sales of fake phones had generated a monthly revenue of about 2 million New Taiwan Dollars ($64,986) since May 2018, according to the police.

According to Liberty Times, the four arrested have been charged with violations of Taiwans trademark law.

China is known as the worlds largest manufacturer of counterfeit products, ranging from shoes, clothes, to electronic gadgets.

U.S. customs officials have seized some mass shipments before they made it to the U.S. market.

In Oct. 10 last year, San Francisco-based digital media The Information reported on a fraudulent scheme involving iPhones in China. The scheme involved buying or stealing iPhones, removing the components, replacing parts, and returning the manipulated phones to Apples retail stores, with the claim that they malfunctioned under normal conditions. That way, the criminals could ask for a new replacement phone.Students Sue School District Over Unconstitutional Bible Ban

Cumberland County High School students filed a lawsuit against their Pennsylvania school district over what they call an unconstitutional ban on distributing the Bible on campus.

The students, leaders of the Christians in Action Student Club, filed their lawsuit against Mechanicsburg Area School District (MASD) Wednesday with the help of Independence Law Center after the district refused to rescind its policies preventing the students from handing out Bibles on campus during non-instructional hours. The law firm, a local pro-bono legal organization, initially sent a letter to school district administrators challenging them to rescind their Bible ban. (RELATED: Pennsylvania High School Students Demand Repeal Of Campus Bible Ban)

The school district responded to the challenge, claiming the law firms allegations were misleading and that the students never formally requested to hand out Bibles and were therefore never officially prohibited from distributing scripture. The law firm disputed the districts claim, saying that email records proved otherwise.

Despite what the school district has later said, the students requested permission to share Bibles at lunch and were explicitly denied the ability to do so by the principal, Randall Wenger, chief counsel for the law center, said in a press statement. The principal by email told the students they are not permitted to handout Bibles during the school day, which itself is unconstitutional.

The students alleged that their school principal, David Harris, denied their request to hand out Bibles to their friends during lunch and told them that they would have to get approval from the school administration even if they wanted to hand out Bibles after school hours. School policy reportedly relegates students free speech to 30 minutes before school and 30 minutes after school on sidewalks bordering school property.

MASD has taken away student speech rights in the school and even seeks to regulate their speech rights during non-school hours on public sidewalks that every member of the general public possesses, the legal complaint reads.

The lawsuit, like the law centers initial challenge, seeks the removal of policies that reportedly violate students constitutional right to free speech.

By Joshua Gill

Follow Joshua on Twitter

Send tips to joshua@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.In a statement on the archdioceses website, Archbishop Leonard P. Blair wrote: I have been a bishop now for almost 20 years and most of them have been overshadowed by the sin and scandal of sexual abuse and its devastating effect on the victims, survivors and their families, on the morale of our priests and on the faith and even the practice of the faith among the Catholic people.Lights illuminate police vehicles as authorities respond to a standoff at an apartment complex in Ohio, about 20 miles east of Cincinnati on Feb. 3, 2019. (FOX19Now.com via AP)

Sheriffs Deputy Killed in Ohio Standoff That Ends With Gunmans Surrender

An Ohio sheriffs deputy has been killed and another injured during a standoff with a barricaded suspect at an apartment complex near Cincinnati, following a law enforcement response to what officials said was a psychiatric call.

The Clermont County Sheriffs Office (CCSO) told a Sunday morning press conference that two deputies had been shot in a Feb. 2 standoff at the Royal Oak Apartments in Pierce Township, Fox19 reported, with one officer in the hospital with injuries and the other dead from a gunshot wound.

The deadly 11-hour standoff continued into Sunday, with the suspect still firing rounds at the scene, WCPO reported early Sunday.

Deputies used megaphones to call on the gunman to come out with your hands up. We dont want to hurt you, according to the station.

In the early morning hours of Sunday, a WXIX-Fox19 reporter shared on Twitter a video from the scene, captioning it as eyewitness Troy Elder noted the suspect had surrendered.

About 10 minutes ago he surrendered, a voice presumed to be Elders can be heard on the video, adding, I believe he set fire to his apartment, a bunch of ammunition was going off. The fire department was quick to put out the fire.

EXCLUSIVE VIDEO inside Royal Oak Apts as eyewitness Troy Elder sees the suspect surrender @fox19 ending the standoff where 1 Clermont Deputy got shot & killed, another in stable condition. pic.twitter.com/vfVBkZEAJL  Stef DiPietrantonio (@StefDFOX19Now) February 3, 2019

Capt. Jeff Sellars of the CCSO told reporters that officers originally responded to a 911 call from a male who said there were people in his apartment that were refusing to leave. The person making the call also told officers that there were weapons inside his home. Sellars added that when police arrived at the location, they were unable to make contact with the person who had earlier called 911.

Lt. Julie Poe with Pierce Township police told WCPO that a suspect had barricaded himself inside his apartment shortly before 7 p.m.

The first shots were fired at about 8:15 p.m., captain Sellars said, with a multiagency special response team arriving shortly afterward and attempting to engage the subject in negotiation.

More shots were fired from inside the apartment at 10:37, Sellars said, and two deputies were struck by bullets reportedly fired by the suspect.

One deputy was killed and the other remains in stable condition at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. The deputies have not been named.

BREAKING NOW: LISTEN TO THE GUNSHOTS FIRED a viewer sent us gunfire he recorded at the Royal Oak Apts in Pierce Township, Clermont County. Still a very active scene there right now. Heavy police presence. We have a crew at the scene. Stay tuned as we learn more. @FOX19 pic.twitter.com/XtU4WJVjzH  Stef DiPietrantonio (@StefDFOX19Now) February 3, 2019

Police did not fire back at the suspect, Pierce Township police told the WCPO, but they did fire a flash-bang grenade just before midnight.

In the early morning hours of Sunday, reporters on the scene noted that the suspect had surrendered to the police. There were reports he had set his apartment on fire and ammunition was exploding.

Clermont County officials said they would provide an update at 10 a.m. on Sunday.

BREAKING: EXCLUSIVE pix Eyewitness Troy Elder says fire appears to be under control. Hes hearing suspect may have set his own apt/ammunition on fire. @FOX19 pic.twitter.com/Js0OkW4kOQ  Stef DiPietrantonio (@StefDFOX19Now) February 3, 2019

Fallen In The Line of Duty

According to the Officer Down Memorial Page, the past year saw 150 officers lose their lives in the United States in the line of duty.

The largest number of law enforcement officers53died from gunfire. One of those deaths was deemed accidental, the remaining 52 were shot with intent to kill.

Automobile crashes claimed 25 officer lives in 2018, the second most common cause of death among law enforcement agents.

So far in 2019, the total line of duty deaths stands at 11, according to the website, which notes the most recent officer death to be that of Cpl. Shane Totty of the Baton Rouge Police Department in Louisiana, who reportedly died in a motorcycle crash.

The as yet unnamed Ohio officer killed Saturday in the line of duty would bring that total up to 12.Ohio Girl Abducted and Killed on Way to School; Parents File Lawsuit Against School

The parents of a 14-year-old Ohio girl, who was abducted on her way to school before she was killed, claim the school didnt inform them of her absence, saying school officials wasted hours that might have been used to help find her.

The girl, Alianna DeFreeze, was found dead inside a vacant Cleveland home in January 2017. Police and her family spent days searching for her before her body was located, WKYC reported at the time.

Christopher Whitaker was convicted in her killing and was sentenced to death in March 2018, News5 Cleveland reported. DeFreeze was followed by Whitaker after exiting the bus before he abducted, assaulted, and killed her.

In their wrongful death lawsuit, Alianna's parents allege that the school is at fault for not alerting them about her absence, wasting hours that might have been used to search for her.  People  2019131

This week, parents Damon DeFreeze and Donnesha Cooper, as well as their attorneys, filed a wrongful death lawsuit in the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas, according to News5.

Unfortunately when these cases happen, you have to  hold every single person accountable, lawyer Allen Boseman said. You cant let anyone off the hook and here, everyone played a role.

The Cleveland Metropolitan School District, E Prep and Village Prep Woodland Hills, the City of Cleveland, Whitaker, Lynesha Richardson, and Friends of Breakthrough Schools were named as the defendants in the lawsuit.

DeFreeze's parents claim that if they had been immediately notified of her absence at school or within a reasonable amount of time, she may have been located before she was tortured, raped and killed.  News 5 Cleveland  2019128

The school district utterly and without question breached a critical duty owed to each and every parent to provide notice of a missing childno text messages, phone calls, emails or any other form of communication, the lawsuit claimed, People magazine reported.

Defendants have tried to cover up their fatal inaction by claiming that they sent [Aliannas mother] a message  notifying her of Aliannas absence, but that the system malfunctioned.  Upon information and belief, defendants school system have lied about their action of sending a message, said the lawsuit.

DeFreeze had attended E Prep for two years, and the Cleveland school district came up with a system that allowed school administrators at E Prep to sent out an automated message notification to parents about their children, including absences, News5 reported.

It had been called a monument to hellCrews demolish Alianna DeFreeze murder site  Andrew Horansky WKYC  20181215

But her parents were not informed about the childs absence from school until about 4 p.m. when she was declared missing, People reported.

In the $15 million lawsuit, her parents said that they wasted valuable time and could have moved to find DeFreeze before she was killed.

While its not about the money, we want the family to feel like Alianna left something for them, left some type of legacy so they can take this money and use it for good, Boseman told News5.

The Friends of Breakthrough Schools, a parents organization, issued a statement about the matter.

We cannot comment on pending litigation at this time other than to say, Aliannas death was a terrible loss to our entire school community and we have tried to stay in touch with the parents and be supportive to the parents along the way, it said.

People are put on notice when they have to dig in their pocketbooks and pay someone, Boseman continued. I think their attitudes change. You see real change. The law was great, but it was not something the school did. Its not what the owner of the home did. Its what a state senator pushed for.

Alianna Alert

Since her death, the DeFreeze family pushed for an Alianna Alert that requires schools to notify parents to absent students in a timely manner.

The law passed late last year and is slated to go in effect in Ohio on April 4, 2019, WKYC reported.

It requires schools to tell guardians or parents within two hours if a student is marked absent and parents havent previously notified the school.

Other details about the lawsuit are not clear.

Damon DeFreeze, who now operates the Alianna DeFreeze Make a Change Foundation, said the organization is working to raise money to buy vehicles to transport children safely.

The support of the community has been astounding, Damon told the local news station.Memorial for Victoria Chavez near the Southwest Mesa area where bodies have been discovered on the west side of Albuquerque, N.M., on Feb. 23, 2009. (Adolphe Pierre-Louis/Albuquerque Journal via AP)

New Mexico Ceremony Marks Horrible Discovery of Bodies

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.The notes are written on paper tags, tributes to the nine women, two teenage girls, and an unborn child found buried 10 years ago atop a New Mexico mesa.

One bears a stick-figure angel and a message from a woman who said the victims watch over her. Another expresses hope that authorities will find the killer.

The authors, advocates said, are women who spend their days in the district with a history of drugs and sex trafficking that many of the victims were known to frequent.

The bodies were discovered a decade ago this weekend, kicking off an investigation into the largest crime scene in Albuquerques history. The cases remain unsolved.

All but one of the victims had fallen into prostitution and struggled with drug abuse, according to police.

Its really a sad and horrible anniversary, said Christine Barber, executive director of Street Safe New Mexico, a nonprofit that seeks to boost safety for women who live and work on Albuquerque streets. Here is that mark of 10 years. Looking back, what has changed for women on the streets?

Her organization recently gathered the notes from the women it meets with weekly, and volunteers tied them to fencing near the former crime scene Saturday, Feb. 2, to mark the anniversary.

Known as the West Mesa killings, the victims deaths have resulted in no arrests, despite the massive homicide investigation police launched after discovering the makeshift graves.

Police said a woman walking her dog reported finding what appeared to be a femur on the mesa. That discovery of a single bone led to a monthslong dig, as police used DNA and dental records to identify the women and girls.

Many of the victims families reported them missing years earlier. Ida Lopez, an Albuquerque police detective, also noticed sex workers vanishing. She compiled a list of the missingnot all of whom have been found, raising concern there might be more victims.

For homicide investigators, the case posed challenges from the start, said Dirk Gibson, a communications and journalism professor at the University of New Mexico who has authored numerous books on serial killings. Years had passed from the time the women and girls disappeared, likely limiting available evidence.

You cant have a colder cold case, Gibson said. In this case, there was almost nothing but bones.

Gilbert Gallegos, an Albuquerque police spokesman, said detectives receive hundreds of tips in the case each year, and they continue to follow different leads while retesting evidence as DNA and other investigative technology advances.

Police havent ruled out that there might be more victims, and detectives still have multiple suspects, Gallegos said.

Since 2009, families of some victims have stressed publicly that the women and girls were loved. Several women had children now being raised by relatives.

They didnt deserve what they got. Its awful what happened to them, Myra Salazar, the mother of 27-year-old victim Evelyn Salazar, said in a statement. They all had families that care for them.

She released her statement through Young Women United, a nonprofit where she helps with programs geared toward assisting women in need.

Evelyn Salazar disappeared in the spring of 2004 with her 15-year-old cousin Jamie Barela after police said they went to a park together.

Barela is the only victim who police say wasnt known to have been subjected to sex trafficking.

Syllania Edwards, also 15, was the only one not from New Mexico. She was from Lawton, Oklahoma, and was reportedly last seen in Denver, police said.

The victims were remembered Saturday at a brief memorial service organized by Street Safe New Mexico next to a place where city officials in June broke ground on a memorial park. For now, the handwritten tributes to the victims hang from the fencing that lines the park.

Barber said the organization hoped the notes written by women who today live on the margins in Albuquerque will highlight the continued struggles for some of the citys most vulnerable.

Street Safe was founded in 2009, aiming to ensure volunteers kept a steady presence in an area along historic Route 66 while handing out clothing and other products each Friday. That way if women start disappearing again, there might be more advocates who notice and help in raising concerns, Barber said.

You have to know people, their names, and what they look like to know people are missing, she said.

By Mary HudetzA 3D printed Huawei logo is placed on glass above a display of EU and U.S. flags in this illustration taken on Jan. 29, 2019. (Dado Ruvic/Reuters)

Mobile Network Operators Body Considers Excluding Huawei from Global Markets

PARIS/FRANKFURTThe global trade organization for mobile communications operators, GSMA, has proposed that its members discuss the possibility that Chinese network vendor Huawei will be excluded from key markets.

The European Commission is weighing a de facto ban on Huaweis 5G network equipment for next-generation mobile networks in the European Union because of security concerns, sources in Brussels have told Reuters.

GSMA Director General Mats Granryd has written to members proposing to put the debate around Huawei onto the agenda of its next board meeting, a spokesman for the federation told Reuters on Feb. 2.

The meeting will be held in late February on the sidelines of the Mobile World Congress, the industrys biggest annual gathering, in Barcelona.

It is to be confirmed for now, he said.

Some Western countries, including the United States and Australia, have restricted Huawei from building next-generation mobile networks, citing concerns that its equipment may contain backdoors opening it up to cyber-espionage.

Western governments are also concerned that Chinas National Intelligence Law requires its companies and people to collaborate in espionage efforts. Approved in June 2017, the regulation stipulates that all Chinese citizens and entities have the responsibility to supply intelligence information if requested by authorities.

Huawei, the global market leader with annual sales of more than $100 billion, denies the existence of any backdoors. The company and its founder, Ren Zhengfei, have repeatedly denied they spy for China.

Many operators rely on Huawei to build out 5G networks, and a de-facto ban would be a considerable setback for Europes efforts to stay competitive in communications, with implications for connected factories, self-driving cars, and medical technology.

Deutsche Telekom, Europes largest telecoms company, has said that if it had to rip out Huawei equipment from its existing networks, this could delay its plans to roll out new services by two to three years.

Elsewhere across Europe, telecom operators are already shutting out Huawei.

Germany is considering stricter security requirements in an effort to exclude Huawei from building the countrys next-generation 5G networks, while French telecommunications company Orange announced it wouldnt hire Huawei system for 5G in France. The UKs BT Group also banned Huawei from 5G and said it would remove the companys equipment from its existing 3G and 4G operations.

Meanwhile, Czech intelligence agencies warned of the security threats from Huawei. In mid-December, Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis ordered the Czech Government Office to stop using Huawei mobile phones.

Poland is also set to exclude Huawei from its future 5G network in favor of European players, after a Huawei employee was arrested and charged with espionage.Cpl. Shane Totty, a four-year veteran of the Baton Rouge Police Department, was killed in the line of duty escorting a funeral procession in Baton Rouge on Feb. 1, 2019(Baton Rouge PD photo)

Louisiana Policeman Who Survived Being Shot in Face Is Killed During Funeral Procession

A Louisiana police officer who survived being shot in the face last year died on Feb. 1 while escorting a funeral procession, when a vehicle slammed into his motorcycle.

Baton Rouge police Cpl. Shane Totty was killed in the line of duty when a pickup truck pulled out of an apartment complex and struck the motorbike he was riding, according to reports.

Totty was rushed to hospital but died from his wounds.

BRPD Cpl. Shane Totty, 31, succumbed from his traffic crash injuries late this afternoon at a local hospital. Please continue to keep the Totty family and our department in your prayers, the Baton Rouge Police Department said on its Facebook page.

His police motorcycle collided with another vehicle that pulled out in front of him at approximately 2:40 p.m. Bystanders and responding officers performed CPR before he was transported to a local hospital. He succumbed to his injuries a short time later, a note on the Officer Down Memorial Page states.

BRPD Chief Murphy Paul and East Baton Rouge Sheriff Sid Gautreaux told local media on Feb. 2 that the incident was under investigation.

The Sheriffs department has been tasked with investigating that accident, said Paul, adding, were asking you to keep our officers in your prayers.

The Sheriffs office is investigating the accident, said Gautreaux, adding, were going to look at all the evidence involved. A young man was involved in the accident, were going to have to wait for toxicology to come back from him.

Gautreaux added there were charges pending against the driver, but what those charges are we cant say until we get finished with the investigation.

Its a sad day today, Paul said, adding, it just highlights how our officers put their lives on the line every day.

Its a tragedy thats felt by all law enforcement, Gautreaux said, adding its unfortunate, but it goes along with the territory.

Hes a Fighter

Totty was shot in the face last February, The Advocate reported, when a suspect shot into the windshield of Tottys police vehicle. Totty was hit in the eyes and face by flying glass and shrapnel, WBRZ reported, and a bullet was found in his headrest.

Eugene Thomas Jr., 34, a man with severe mental health issues, was identified as the gunman in that shooting.

Totty managed to make a full recovery and returned to work. He requested a switch to motorcycle duty.

Hes a fighter, the BRPD chief said Friday night, KCCI reported, recalling visiting Totty in the hospital. He was a really bright young man. He had a bright future with the police department.

WBRZ reported that the same surgical team that treated Totty after last years shooting, fought to save the deputys life after Fridays collision.

Totty was also reportedly a new father to a baby girl and was planning a wedding with his fiancee.

Life was good for him. He had survived this near-death experience and everything was positive and going his way, said Capt. Don Kelly, according to Fox News. How tragic that everything could be taken away in the blink of an eye. Were all hurting.

Kelly, who previously supervised Tottys motorcycle unit, described the deputys death as heartbreaking.

Its such a sad irony after what happened and everything he went through  its just cruel, Kelly told The Advocate. Its unbelievable. Its heartbreaking.

Fallen In The Line of Duty

According to the Officer Down Memorial Page, the past year saw 150 officers lose their lives in the United States in the line of duty.

The largest number of law enforcement officers53died from gunfire. One of those deaths was deemed accidental, the remaining 52 were shot with intent to kill.

Automobile crashes claimed 25 officer lives in 2018, the second most common cause of death among law enforcement agents.

So far in 2019, the total line of duty deaths stands at 11, according to the website, with the most recent entry being that for Cpl. Shane Totty.Nick Sandmann from Covington Catholic High School stands in front of Native American activist Nathan Phillips while the latter bangs a drum in his face in Washington on Jan. 18, 2019. (Kaya Taitano via Reuters)

Lawyer for Covington Student: Letters Sent to Dozens Of Media Outlets, Celebrities to Preserve Evidence for Lawsuit

Ahead of a potential defamation lawsuit, lawyers for Covington Catholic High School student Nick Sandmann sent letters on Feb. 1 to more than 50 people and companies, including The Washington Post, The New York Times, CNN, The Guardian, and NPR, as well as celebrities such as Bill Maher, Kathy Griffin, and Jim Carrey. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) is on the list too.

The letters urge the recipients to preserve records, including electronic ones, related to the incident, where a number of media and people with substantial social-media followings spread claims about Sandmann and his classmates that turned out to be false or misleading.

What Happened

Following the Jan. 18 March for Life in Washington, students of the Kentucky religious private school were waiting for their bus near the Lincoln Memorial, when they were approached by several Native American activists.

The encounter was extensively covered by media using short video clips that made it appear that the students were chanting and cheering in mockery at one of the Native American activists, Nathan Phillips, 64.

There was a rush by the media to believe what it wanted to believe versus what actually happened, Todd McMurtry, the lawyer who sent the letters, told Cincinnati Enquirer.

However, as longer videos from the scene documented, the students had started cheering and chanting their school chant to drown out offensive remarks being made by a small group of Black Hebrew Israelites nearby. Some of the students were wearing hats with President Donald Trumps campaign slogans, such as Make America Great Again.

While Phillips told media outlets that the students had harassed him, the longer videos showed it was he who approached them, inserted himself into their crowd, and, for several minutes, banged his drum within inches of the face of Sandmann, who responded by standing silently with a smile.

Many media and social-media users have retracted and corrected their initial articles and posts about the incident as they reviewed additional information. But the initial coverage resulted in threats against and harassment of the students, their families, their school, and others.

The aftermath has permanently stained [Sandmanns] reputation, McMurtry said.

For the mob to just go tear apart a 16-year-old boy is inexcusable, he said. Hell never be able to get away from this.

The Enquirer published the list of the letters 54 addressees on Feb. 1.

Teach People a Lesson

Not everyone on the list will necessarily be sued, said McMurtry, whos with the Kentucky-based Hemmer DeFrank Wessels firm. But he and L. Lin Wood, an aggressive libel lawyer who also is representing the Sandmann family, concluded we have a good-faith basis to sue, McMurtry said.

We want to change the conversation. We dont want this to happen again, he said. We want to teach people a lesson.

The lawyers will demand retractions and apologies, too.

They know they crossed the line, McMurtry said. Do they want 12 people in Kentucky to decide their fate? I dont think so.

McMurtry specified that an example of a false report would be claiming that it was Sandmann who got into the face of Phillips.

Those on the list can be expected to raise legal defenses and challenges that well have to overcome, he said. But thats the way it goes.

He expected to next begin conversations with lawyers of the people and organizations on the list, and possibly filing lawsuits.

Kentucky libel laws are relatively broad when the damaged party is a private citizen, according to lawyer Robert Barnes, who also represents some of the Covington families. Mere unflattering impression given and putting a persons reputation in a false light out of negligence is enough to sue, he said.Anti-abortion marchers rally at the Supreme Court during the 46th annual March for Life in Washington on Jan. 18, 2019. (Joshua Roberts/Reuters)

Virginia Lawmaker Apologizes for Co-Sponsoring Abortion Bill Without Reading It

Virginia Democratic state legislator Dawn Adams said shes sorry for lapsing on her due diligence and not reading a proposed abortion bill closely enough before she co-sponsored the measure.

You know that I do my best to read and research every bill I vote on, she said in a Jan. 30 newsletter to her constituents. But I did not read a bill I agreed to co-patron and that wasnt smart or typical. I will work harder and be better for it.

The bill, proposed by Virginia Democrat state lawmaker Kathy Tran, caused a backlash after she acknowledged it would allow abortions up to the point of birth if having the baby would endanger the mothers mental health. The bill failed to make it out of legislative committee.

I vaguely remember signing on to this, Adams said. And I did this in solidarity with my colleague and as a symbolic gesture for a womans right to choose.

She explained that she thought the bill only reversed what she called onerous additions to the code made in 2012, known as the Virginia ultrasound bill.

While Trans bill did that, it sought to do much more, Adams said. It would have ended the requirement for two extra doctors to approve the abortion, and remove the words substantially and irremediably from the law.

When the pushback came, Adams reconsidered.

I made a mistake, and all I know to do is to admit it, tell the truth, and let the chips fall where they may, she said. She added further in the statement, I am sorry that I did not exercise due diligence before this explosion of attention; had I done so, I would not have co-patroned [the bill].

Abortion Pushed to the Forefront

While Trans bill galvanized the abortion issue in Virginia, Gov. Ralph Northam, a Democrat, added to the backlash when he appeared to say during a radio interview that a woman could have a baby and then decide whether to kill it or not.

If a mother is in labor, I can tell you exactly what would happen. The infant would be delivered. The infant would be kept comfortable. The infant would be resuscitated if thats what the mother and the family desired, he said. And then a discussion would ensue between the physicians and the mother.

Northam later released a statement in response to the backlash but it seemed to confirm what he said, only restricting the option to killing newborns with severe fetal abnormalities or those that doctors deemed nonviable.

The Virginia affiliate of Planned Parenthood, an abortion provider, contributed some $3 million to help elect Northam.

A law similar to the one Tran proposedallowing abortion to the point of birth if necessary to protect the womans healthwas recently passed in New York, sparking controversy there. A similar measure has been on books in California for years.

Since 2009, the law in Virginia has allowed women in their third trimester to choose to abort their pregnancy right up to the moments before birth but only if three doctors certify that continuing with the pregnancy was likely to kill the woman or substantially and irremediably impair the womans mental or physical health.

Prevalence of Late Abortions

Only 28 percent of Americans think abortion should generally be legal after the first trimester and the support drops to 13 percent for third-trimester abortions, according to Gallup.

Still, about one in nine abortions happens in the second trimester or later, according to the left-leaning Guttmacher Institute.

There doesnt seem to be any comprehensive data for third-trimester abortions, though anecdotal evidence suggests they do happen.

NTD reporter Zachary Stieber contributed to this report.Judge Brett Kavanaugh departs after testifying before the Senate Judiciary Committee during the first day of his confirmation hearing to serve as Associate Justice on the U.S. Supreme Court at the Capitol in Washington on Sept. 4, 2018. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times)

Identity Politics, Covington Catholic, and the Soul of Our City

Commentary

Plato famously suggested that the city is the soul writ large and that its thus easier to understand justice as it is displayed in the political community than in an individual. The Covington Catholic High School media maelstrom was a perfect storm of every identity-politics trigger in our political landscape.

What, then, can we learn about justice and the soul of America from what happened on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on Jan. 18?

For the past 50 years, we have turned to identity politics as a chemotherapy to eradicate the cancer of various social inequalities. Despite these attempts, the divisions in our country appear to be growing worse. Further, recent events suggest that our attempts to manipulate society are twisting us into something ugly, even devilish.

The present cure of identity politics is proving not only worse than the disease, its also metastasizing the very evil it loathes throughout the body politic.

Confirming Our Beliefs

Last September, after then-Judge Brett Kavanaugh gave his testimony regarding allegations leveled against him by Christine Blasey Ford, something strange happened. People who watched the same footage drew opposite conclusions from what they saw. To some, Kavanaugh was clearly lying; to others, he was clearly telling the truth. In the Covington Catholic debacle, the same thing happened. Even nowafter all the footage is insome people still see a sinister smirk, where others see a sanguine smile.

Its not that people merely suspect Kavanaugh and the Covington boys of malice; its that they believe it has to be true and want it to be true that is so disturbing. To dare paraphrase Shakespeare, to err in accusing someone is human, but to insist that it become true is diabolic.

An often-cited study on the subject of confirmation bias argues that a degree of confirmation bias is natural and even necessary to proper functioning in the world. Nonetheless, it warns that there is a point where we use evidence already processed in a biased manner to bolster the very theory or belief that initially justified the processing bias.

To a degree, this fact seems inescapable. Thus, it matters a lot if our beliefs are good or not, for everything we experience will tend to entrench them.



Widening Divide in Our Beliefs

Regardless of anyones beliefs about the matter (or anyones own truth, Sen. Corey Booker), Kavanaugh either did or did not assault Ford. The Covington boys either did or didnt harass Nathan Phillips. Each of these cases involves the noble human capacity for choice.

The recent anniversary of his birth brings to mind Martin Luther King Jr.s eloquent summation of this aspiration. I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. If as humans we have the ability to use reason to make moral choices, then its right that we praise and blame each other for those choices alone.

But this moral paradigm is changing. Its being replaced with an ethic of cultural Marxism. According to this ideology, a persons morality is determined by the guilt or innocence of the group with which he or she is identified, and every group is either a historical oppressor or a historically oppressed class.

This mythology is shaping the way we think. Far too many people dont really care if Kavanaugh actually assaulted Ford or if the boys in MAGA hats actually accosted Phillips. They were guilty merely because of the status of the groups with which they are identified, i.e., guilty for being white males and not apologizing for it.

As journalist Rich Lowry noted: This is why very little outrage has been directed at the venomous, freakishly anti-gay, openly racist Black Hebrews who berated and taunted the [Covington] students.

The New Ethic Is the Old Problem

Cultural Marxism has been ingrained so deeply with the left that not only do they themselves see everything in terms of this new ethic, but they cant help but think the right also does.

A recent New York Times article argues that the proposed border wall is a stand-in for the larger promise of broad racial (and religious) exclusion and domination.  [Y]ou can almost think of the wall as a modern-day Confederate monument.

Lost to the author is any recognition that the United States is the country most welcoming to immigrants in the world or any conception of the rights of sovereignty for the children of those who immigrated legally to this country in the past.

The same reason the left believes it is immoral for a white boy with a Trump hat to stand his ground unapologetically when approached by members from historically oppressed groups is the same reason they believe its immoral for the United States to erect a border wall unapologetically that will stand up to the demand to enter from oppressed migrants.

Its believers consider this neo-Marxist paradigm the height of morality, but, in fact, its moral foundation is the same as that for every genocide. According to the present ethos, racism that punches up is acceptable, while racism that punches down is the mother of all sins. Turns out that neo-Marxist racism is no different in essence from the old racism.

What we all witnessed in the social-media storm following the Covington craziness was an electronic lynching mob. In righteous indignation after the initial report, a liberal acquaintance of mine unleashed his own ire on social media, alerting anyone with more courage than he that there is a guy on the bus wearing a MAGA hat. In Seattle on the 8 bus. What was he hoping to instigate?

How much longer are we going to drink this poison of identity politics, convinced that it will only kill off the worst of us, while our whole society sickens?

Clifford Humphrey is originally from Warm Springs, Georgia. Currently, he is a doctoral candidate in politics at Hillsdale College in Michigan. Follow him on Twitter @cphumphrey

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.French Yellow Vests March Through Paris

PARISSeveral thousand yellow vest protesters marched through Paris and other French cities on Feb. 2 during the 12th weekend of action against the government, despite opinion polls pointing to a recovery in President Emmanuel Macrons popularity.

The protestsnamed for the fluorescent jackets that French motorists are required to carry in their carsbegan in mid-November over plans to raise fuel taxes before developing into a broader revolt against the government that mobilized tens of thousands of demonstrators nationwide each Saturday.

The government warned on Feb. 1 police wouldnt hesitate to use flash balls in case of violence by demonstrators after it was authorized by Frances highest administrative court.

Protesters in Paris paid homage to those injured in the past months, denouncing the use of flash ball riot-control guns banned in much of Europe.

Between 10,000 and 13,800 protested in the capital according to police and independent media estimates. Riot police used tear gas to disperse some protesters who set trash cans and a scooter alight, although the situation remained relatively calm compared to previous weekends. Thousands also took to the streets in other cities, including Tours, Valence, Marseille, and Bordeaux.

About 1,000 police officers have been injured along with 1,700 demonstrators since the start of the protests, according to official figures.

Its true that this intermediate weapon can hurt, but faced with rioters, the police need it to defend themselves against those who attack them, said Interior Minister Christophe Castaner.

Opinion polls show a recovery in Macrons battered popularity rating after he launched consultations, including town hall debates, to try to quell social unrest.

As in previous weeks, protesters on Feb. 2 carried French flags and held signs attacking Macron as out of touch or calling for referendums tabled by citizens.

Protesters injured in previous weeks of violence were put at the front of the protests with some wearing eye patches with a target sign on them.

By Johnny CottonFive Children Killed in Maryland Crash: Evidence Shows No Seat Belts Fastened

A car with seven people crashed into the woods, ramming into several trees, and ejecting five minors from the car, who were then pronounced dead at the scene in Maryland on Feb. 2, 2019. The crash is currently under investigation by the Maryland State Police.

London Dixon, 8; Paris Dixon, 5; Zion Beard 14; Rickelle Ricks, 6; and Damari Herald, 15, were identified in the preliminary investigation, according to the police report. Dominique R. Taylor, 32, and Cornell D. Simon, 23, were the only survivors, with Taylor identified as the driver, and Simon believed to be the front seat passenger.

The Prince George County Fire Department notified Maryland State Police of the crash before 5:00 a.m, which took place on northbound Rt. 301, on Pointer Ridge Drive. It is unknown what caused the crash, but the investigation has indicated that the 2005 Chrysler Pacifica traveled off the highway, and spun onto a snow-covered hill. Somewhere in the chaos, the children were ejected.

Five Children With No Seat Belts

Evidence found that the five children, who are believed to have been the rear passengers, were not wearing seatbelts during the crash. Both adults were wearing seatbelts, and are now being treated at the University of Maryland Prince Georges Hospital Center for injuries.

In the press release, it was not stated if the two adults were the parents of the children, while only two of the children had matching last names: Dixon. Three children were from Washington, and all other passengers were from Maryland.

According to Crash Radar, The 5 children were from the same extended family.

5 Children Zion Beard, Rickell Ricks, Damari Herald, Paris, and London Dixon Die in Fatal Bowie Maryland Car Crash Saturday, February 2, 2019 https://t.co/Vor7zHERSd via @US Car Crash News  US Car Crash News (@USCarCrashNews) February 3, 2019

The Governor of Maryland, Larry Hogan, sent a tweet a few hours after the incident.

Deeply saddened by this tragic auto accident in Prince Georges County. Praying for everyone involved, including first responders. https://t.co/Mg2JSabepx  Governor Larry Hogan (@GovLarryHogan) February 2, 2019

Four Daughters With No Seat Belts

Last year in Delaware, a crash between a minivan and a truck resulted in the death of the four daughters of 61-year-old Audie Trinidad, the driver, who was also pronounced dead at the scene, according to Delaware State Police. It was found that the four girls were not wearing seat belts during the crash.

NJ mom loses husband, 4 daughters in crash  All gone in blink of eye: The victims of a car crash in Delaware have been identified as members of the Trinidad family from New Jersey. Continue reading https://t.co/iL1zIoiAsM pic.twitter.com/uFngpo3oGs  WOBM (@wobm) July 7, 2018

Trinidads wife, and mother of the four daughters, Mary Rose Ballocanag, 56, survived the crash and said that she intends to sue Alvis S. Hubbard, 44: the owner of the Ford pickup truck who crashed into the familys minivan, according to Patch. Hubbard drove off the southbound side of the road, crossed through the median strip, causing two crashes.

Donovan Florence places a lit candle at the Vigil for the Trinidad family at Votee Park in Teaneck, NJ on Saturday July 11, 3018. Four of the five members of the Trinidad family were killed in an automobile crash on Friday in Delaware. Shot #onassigment for @northjerseynews pic.twitter.com/GeOlcniZPt  Anne-Marie Caruso (@AnneCarusoPhoto) July 11, 2018

Passengers from all cars involved had their seat belts fastened, except for the four girls, who were the only fatalities in the incident.As the Congressman representing the Submarine Capitol of the World, it is a great honor to welcome todays guests to southeastern Connecticut and the 17th commissioning of the Virginia-class program, the USS South Dakota, Courtney, whose district includes Electric Boat and the sub base, said at the ceremony. It is particularly special to welcome our friends from South Dakota  the new governor, Kristi Noem, my former House colleague, Senator Rounds from the Senate Armed Services Committee, and South Dakotas new member of Congress Dusty Johnson. Senator Blumenthal, our senior senator, of course is here, and Connecticuts new governor, Ned Lamont, and his wife Annie are here for their first commissioning. I want to quickly add that though it may be their first commissioning, its not Neds first visit to the Groton shipyard. His frequent trips here in the last five months shows the base and the yard rank high on his priority list for his administration.Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao with the five Chinese-American veterans honored with the Congressional Gold Medal at a ceremony in Washington D.C. on Jan. 29, 2019. Left to Right: James Eng, Harry Jung, Henry Lee, Robert M. Lee and Elsie Seetoo. (Lynn Lin/The Epoch Times)

First Chinese-American WWII Vets Recognized With Congressional Gold Medal

Elsie Seetoo was 25-years-old when she joined the U.S. Army Nurse Corps in China to help the American forces in WWII.

Last September, Seetoo celebrated her 100th birthday.

In late January, the centenarian was one of five Chinese-American WWII veterans to be awarded with the Congressional Gold Medal during a ceremony held at the Department of Veteran Affairs in Washington D.C on Jan. 29.

Your service to our nation  has been most amazing and wonderful, and the honor due to you now through the Congressional Gold Medal is well overdue, said Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos at the ceremony.

The honorees were the first Chinese-American veterans to be formally recognized with the highest civilian honor of the United States as part of an effort to honor nearly 20,000 Chinese-Americans who served for the U.S. military in WWII.

In December, President Donald Trump signed the Chinese-American World War II Veterans Congressional Gold Medal Act into law, after it was unanimously passed by both houses of Congress. The law was passed as a result of a campaign spearheaded by the Chinese American WWII Veterans Recognition Project, a program of the National Chinese American Citizens Alliance.

Showing Americas Gratitude

Seetoo was the oldest and highest-ranked veteran to be honored at the ceremony.

Born in California, Seetoo and her family moved back to Xinhui in Chinas southern Guangdong province when she was a teenager.

After high-school, Seetoo trained to become a nurse in Hong Kong. In 1942, she walked 700 miles from Hong Kong to the city of Guiyang in southwest China to join the Chinese Red Cross Medical Relief Corps, where she worked in the operating room before becoming a medical trainer.

In 1944, she joined the U.S. Army Nurse Corps as a first lieutenant. She became a member of the Air Service Command to the 14th Air Force, successor to the famed Flying Tigers, commanded by Major General Claire Chennault. She was also assigned to hospitals in the cities of Kunming, Chengdu, and Shanghai.

Seetee returned to the United States after the war and settled in Washington D.C. after being discharged from the Army. With her husband Joseph Yuen, they raised four children, seven grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.

James Eng, Harry Jung, Henry Lee, and Robert Lee were also honorees at the ceremony, and were recognized by Veterans Affairs Acting Deputy Secretary James Byrne, Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, and Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao on behalf of the White House for their service.

They are heroic reminders that Asian-Americans are contributing to every part of mainstream America, said Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao.

Today is a little step in showing Americas gratitude for all that you have done for us.

James Eng, 95, was also recognized at the ceremony. He was a petty officer in the U.S. Navy and was stationed in San Diego Naval Station, controlling the bases radio station during the war. For the next three decades, Eng continued his service to the U.S. government, working for organizations including the Air Force, Army, and NASA.

America was wonderful to me, Eng said, referring to his long career of service.

Chinese-American Contribution

Nearly one in five Chinese-Americans served in WWII, despite the fact that many faced discrimination, in part as a result of the Chinese Exclusion Act being in place.

The Chinese Exclusion Act 1882 barred Chinese immigration to the United States and prevented non-U.S. born Chinese-Americans from being granted citizenship. The law was not repealed until the Magnuson Act in 1943.

About 40 percent served without citizenship, according to the Veterans Recognition Project.

Up until last December, Chinese-Americans were the only minority group not recognized with a Congressional Gold Medal for their service during WWII.

Out of the approximately 18,000 Chinese-American WWII veterans, only about 50 are alive today, according to E. Samantha Cheng, Project Director of the Veterans Recognition Project.

The honorees at the ceremony will receive their Congressional Gold members in October.

With reporting by Lynn Lin.Thousands of people attended the Groundhog Day ceremonies on Saturday at the Gobbler's Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. The famous groundhog predicted an early spring. (Chris Flook/CC-BY-SA 4.0)

Early Spring Predicted: Americas Famous Groundhog Doesnt See His Shadow

In a ceremony watched by thousands, Americas most famous groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, predicted an early spring on Saturday, Feb 2, as he didnt see his shadow at the sunrise.

Punxsutawney Phil appeared from his burrow in Pennsylvania on Groundhog Day just before 7.30 a.m. and didnt see his shadowan indication of early spring.

Groundhog Day ceremonies were watched by thousands who were chanting Phils name so that he would come out of his hole and make the predictions, according to the videos shared by Groundhog.org on its social media.

A German Legend says that on Feb. 2 if the rodent retreats into its burrow on seeing its shadow, it indicates that winter will continue. But if the sky is overcast and it doesnt get to see its shadow, this predicts an early spring.

Feb. 2 was originally celebrated by Christians as the Candlemas when Christians would take all their candles to church to be blessed for use in the coming year. When this festival got to Germany, a groundhog got introduced into it.

According to the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club that started in 1887, the first Groundhog Day appeared in a local newspaper in 1886.

The following year brought the first official trek to Gobblers Knob. Each year since then has seen a steady increase in participation of the celebration from people all over the world, the website said.

Gobblers Knob is a small hill outside Punxsutawney. The inner circle of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club is responsible for carrying on the tradition of Groundhog Day and also for taking care of Punxsutawney Phil!

Three hundred miles away on Staten Island a similar series of events unfolded where Chucks handlers also predicted an early spring. Chuck is another famous groundhog.

Phils predictions are not made on the Groundhog Day, they are made before Feb. 2 by the inner circle. Last year Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow and predicted a prolonged winter.

The Groundhog Club has shared videos on its Instagram of Saturdays ceremonies. A video shows thousands of people watching the predictions.

Other Famous Groundhogs

Other groundhogs that would be predicting this Saturday are:

Staten Island Chuck: Chuck was earlier known as Charles G. Hogg. This groundhog lives in New Yorks Staten Island Zoo and was in the news for reasons other than the Feb. 2 predictions. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio dropped Chuck in a Groundhog Day ceremony in 2014. That year Chuck was actually secretly replaced by his granddaughter, Charlotte.

GROUNDHOG DAY: Staten Island Chuck doesnt see his shadow, predicting an early spring https://t.co/EvoBDcrRjy pic.twitter.com/evxKcVLOK9  1010 WINS (@1010WINS) February 2, 2019

A few days after the fall Charlotte died; the zoo, however, said that the death was not caused by the fall, according to Fox News.

De Blasio has not attended another Staten Island Groundhog Day ceremony since then. The Groundhog Day ceremony had made headlines earlier when former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg was bitten by the groundhog during the ceremony in 2009.

View this post on Instagram Early spring!!! #groundhogday #punxsutawneyphil A post shared by groundhog club (@punxsyphil) on Feb 2, 2019 at 4:59am PST

View this post on Instagram A post shared by groundhog club (@punxsyphil) on Feb 2, 2019 at 8:09am PSTHoney, a bottlenose dolphin, is seen at abandoned Inubosaki Marine Park Aquarium, in Choshi, Japan, Aug. 15, 2018. (PEACE/Handout via Reuters)

Dolphin Has Been Carrying Body of Dead Calf on Its Back for Days: Report

About six months ago, an orca carried the body of its dead calf for weeks, capturing the worlds attention.

The bottlenose dolphin has been carrying the calf on its back in waters near New Zealands Bay of Islands.

The New Zealands Department of Conservation (DOC) said it thinks that the bottlenose dolphin is the mother because it is displaying strong maternal bond behavior as is typical with marine mammals, including carrying the calf on her back and vocalizing on the calf.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/200410703460660/permalink/1217398715095182

If in doubt avoid all dolphin groups in the Bay of Islands, said Dr. Catherine Peters, with the DOC, in a statement. The DOC said it is urging boaters to keep away from the dolphin and calf.

Peters said the dolphin is grieving the loss of its calf, and people in the water need to give the animal extra space.

The rest of the dolphin group has at times separated from the female leaving her vulnerable. She has dropped the calf frequently as she tried to swim, and then circles back to retrieve it, the DOC also wrote.

During the summer, which is now in New Zealand, is when most dolphins give birth.

If dolphin mothers are subject to ongoing disturbance they are prevented from doing what is necessary to care for themselves and their calves, the statement said.

The DOC also issued recommendations on how to approach dolphins.

-Carefully approach dolphins from their side and slightly to the rear

-Operate your boat slowly and quietly at no wake speed within 300m

-Dont approach a group of dolphins if three or more boats are already within 300 meters (1,000 feet) of the group

A new creature has been spotted mourning the loss of her baby.  People  201921

-Maneuver your boat carefullydo not obstruct their path, cut through a group, or separate mothers from calves

-If you would like to observe bottlenose dolphins switch off your motor and give the animals plenty of space

-This lets the dolphins carry on with important activities like nursing and catching fish. If they are not interested leave them alone

-Give dolphin mums and calves extra space

-If you spot a dolphin less than half the size of an adult, keep your vessel 100 m away from the mother and calf

-Give bottlenose dolphins a break from all boats between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.do not approach them during this time

Orca Carries Dead Calf

Last year, an orca named J35, or Tahlequah, was carrying its dead calf since it was born on July 24.

The calf only lived a few hours, it was reported at the time.

After it died, the animal refused to let it sink to the bottom to be eaten by predators. Instead, it kept the calf afloat, pushing it with her forehead while heading east from the southeast tip of Vancouver Island, Canada toward San Juan Island, north of Puget Sound.

Weeks later, the orca eventually let go of the calf.

The animals tour of grief is now over and her behavior is remarkably frisky, said the Center for Whale Research.Hoveizeh, Iran's new cruise missile is shown during an exhibition in the capital Tehran on Feb. 2, 2019. (Atta Kenare/AFP/Getty Images)

Days After Trumps Warning, Iran Tests New Long-Range Cruise Missile

Iran claimed to have successfully tested a new cruise missile with a range of 800 miles on Feb. 3, days after President Donald Trump warned about the threat emanating from the Islamic regime.

Iran displayed the new missile on state television to mark the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The surface-to-surface weapon, named Hoveizeh, is from the Soumar family of cruise missiles, which Iran added to its arsenal in 2015, according to Defense Minister Amir Hatami.

This cruise missile needs a very short time for its preparedness and can fly at a low altitude, Hatami said.

Later on Feb. 2, a senior Revolutionary Guard commander suggested that pressure by European countries for talks on curbing Irans ballistic missiles development could prompt Tehran to expand it beyond current limits.

The Islamic regime has expanded its missile program, particularly its ballistic missiles, in defiance of opposition from the United States and expressions of concern by European countries. Tehran claims the program is purely defensive.

Trump warned about the dangers posed by Iran on Jan. 30 while criticizing his intelligence chiefs for being naive about the threat from the Islamic regime. At an annual briefing to Congress on global threats to national security, Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats said that the threat from Iran is not particularly immediate.

The Intelligence people seem to be extremely passive and naive when it comes to the dangers of Iran, Trump wrote on Twitter on Jan. 30. They are wrong! When I became President Iran was making trouble all over the Middle East, and beyond.

A day later, Trump met with the intelligence chiefs and said they are in agreement on the potent threat from Iran. The president said that his initial comment was in response to inaccurate news coverage on the intelligence communitys testimony.

The intelligence agency chiefs said that they were totally misquoted and  it was taken out of context, Trump said. They said it was fake news.

Trump pulled the United States out of the Iran nuclear deal and reimposed sanctions on Tehran last year. The sanctions have crippled Irans economy, although U.S. allies were given time to reduce their dependence on Iranian oil.

Since ending the terrible Iran Nuclear Deal, they are MUCH different, but a source of potential danger and conflict, Trump wrote. They are testing Rockets (last week) and more, and are coming very close to the edge.

Iran carried out a failed attempt to launch a satellite into space on Jan. 15, defying a warning from Trump. The carrier vehicle for the satellite uses similar technology to an intercontinental ballistic missile, triggering concerns that Tehran is developing weapons that can reach the United States and Europe.

The Intelligence people seem to be extremely passive and naive when it comes to the dangers of Iran. They are wrong! When I became President Iran was making trouble all over the Middle East, and beyond. Since ending the terrible Iran Nuclear Deal, they are MUCH different, but.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 30, 2019

.a source of potential danger and conflict. They are testing Rockets (last week) and more, and are coming very close to the edge. There economy is now crashing, which is the only thing holding them back. Be careful of Iran. Perhaps Intelligence should go back to school!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 30, 2019

France, one of the remaining parties in the Iran deal, condemned the attempted satellite launch and urged Iran to discontinue all ballistic missile tests, which violate U.N. resolutions.

Hoveizeh

Iran had overcome initial problems in producing jet engines for cruise missiles and could now manufacture a full range of the weapons, according to Amirali Hajizadeh, head of the Revolutionary Guards aerospace division.

The Defense Ministrys website carried an undated video purportedly showing the Hoveizeh being test-fired from a mobile launcher. It quoted Hatami as saying the missile had successfully hit targets at a distance of 745 miles.

Since agreeing to a 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, Iran has expanded its missile program despite warnings from the United States. Washington asserts that some of the tests and weapons, including the satellite vehicle, are in violation of a U.N. Security Council resolution that enshrined the Iran nuclear deal. The resolution called upon Tehran to refrain for up to eight years from work on ballistic missiles designed to deliver nuclear weapons.

Iran said its missile tests arent in violation of the resolution, and denies its missiles are capable of carrying nuclear warheads.

On Jan. 15, Irans atomic energy chief said that the Islamic regime has stockpiles of uranium enriched to 20 percent purity, a level thats far above the 3.67 percent the Islamic regime agreed to not surpass as part of the Iran deal.

Ali Salehi, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, told Fars, a semiofficial news agency, that Iran could produce more 20 percent uranium on a four-day notice.

On Jan. 8, the European Union imposed the first set of sanctions on Iran since some of its members signed onto the Iran nuclear deal. The measure froze the assets of an Iranian intelligence unit and two of its staff. On the same day, the Netherlands accused Iran of two killings on its soil and joined France and Denmark in alleging Tehran plotted other attacks in Europe.

France said last month it was ready to impose further sanctions on Iran if no progress was made in talks about the missiles.

Strategic Leap

Brig. Gen. Hossein Salami, deputy head of the elite Revolutionary Guard, again rejected any talks on Irans missile program, in response to a demand raised by France and other European countries, according to Fars.

Salami said Irans decision to limit the range and the number of its ballistic missiles is based on its current strategy, which could change based on circumstances.

If today, the Europeans or others try to plot and pursue Irans missile disarmament, then we will be forced to resort to a strategic leap, Fars cited Salami as saying, an apparent threat that Iran may seek to boost the range or the number of the missiles.

Epoch Times reporter Petr Svab contributed to this report. Reuters and The Associated Press contributed to this report.A sign is posted in front of a California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in Corte Madera, Calif. on May 9, 2017. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

California Lawmakers Call for Independent Audit of Motor Voter Program

Four Republican assembly members from California have sent a letter to the states Joint Legislative Audit Committee calling for an audit into the Motor Voter program.

The Feb. 1 letter to Chairman Rudy Salas was written by Jim Patterson from the 23rd District and signed by Vince Fong from the 34th District, Kevin Kiley of the 6th District, and Tom Lackey of the 36th District.

The Motor Voter program has had serious and concerning problems since its rollout in April 2018, the letter said. The Department has acknowledged making 105,000 registration errors, including mishandling voter registration information for 23,000 drivers and double-registering as many as 77,000 others.

A bombshell report revealed repeated warnings about Californias failed Motor Voter Program were ignored by the man in charge of CA elections. Since then, thousands of voter registration errors have been made. I submitted my audit request Friday. Its time we know the truth. pic.twitter.com/kJWiUIruzh  Jim Patterson (@JimPatterson559) February 2, 2019

Included in this are 1,500 ineligible voters registered by the DMV, and over 500 Californians may not have been able to vote in this past election because the DMV did not send their information to the Secretary of States office in time, continued the letter.

The letter follows what Patterson called a bombshell report on Jan. 31 by the Sacramento Bee, in which election officials said they warned that the Motor Voter program wasnt ready to launch so close to an election. However, the state went ahead and started the program on April 23, 2018.

Republican state Sen. John Moorlach, from the 37th District, also addressed the issue in a Jan. 31 statement on his website.

The Democrats have been dominating Californias Capital for four decades, he wrote. This is not enough. Consequently, in their efforts to pile on in the 2018 elections, they rushed Motor Voter registrations at the Department of Motor Vehicles to juice up their numbers.

VOTER FRAUD WATCH: Election officials said DMV wasnt ready to launch Motor Voter. California went ahead anyway https://t.co/m17l6xUkly  Tom Fitton (@TomFitton) January 31, 2019

Patterson called for an independent audit of the DMV in 2018 due to numerous other reported problems, such as long wait times and inefficiency. However, the request failed to pass the joint audit committee in August, with not enough support from Democratic Senators.

However, then-Gov. Jerry Brown suddenly called for a DMV audit by the Department of Finance a month later. Although legislators who had supported an independent audit had hoped the audit would have been conducted by the state auditor, they were still happy the audit was scheduled to occur.

Since then, disturbing developments have come to light within the continued rollout of the Motor Voter program, said Patterson in his recent letter.

The letter requested the audit to investigate 10 areas of particular concern:

1. When did the DMV, secretary of state, and Department of Technology (CDT) first become aware of issues with the Motor Voter program? How did they become aware? At what points were these concerns expressed?

2. What was done to address concerns about the programs readiness before the program rollout in April 2018?

3. What steps or training procedures were taken by the DMV to ensure both employers and the programs were performing tasks correctly before implementing the Motor Voter program in April 2018? What did the implementation process look like?

4. Has the DMV informed Secretary of State Alex Padilla of any potentially illegitimate, duplicate, or incorrect registrations? In what ways did the DMV work with the secretary of states office to rectify the issue of improper voter registrations?

5. How much money has been spent rectifying technical problems with the program that were uncovered after its rollout?

6. In October 2018, Padilla expressed serious concerns over the DMV and CDTs ability to administrate the Motor Voter program and called for an independent third-party review of their practices and procedures for the new Motor Voter program. Did this independent audit occur? What were the results?

7. How has the DMVs outdated technology inhibited successful implementation of the Motor Voter program? Are the errors with the program due primarily to technology malfunctions or technician errors? To what extent have these issues been addressed?

8. What is known about the accuracy and legality of the 2.8 million voters, who registered, re-registered, or changed their address through the Motor Voter program?

9. Using a sample of completed registrations, determine how many registrants were affected by errors, either by DMV mistakes or programming errors; being opted in against their will; or having their party registration changed or registered to vote without the legal right to do so.

10. To what extent within internal communications were political calculations weighed in deciding to begin registering voters before the program and operators were ready for implementation?Burial Site of Fifty Mummies Discovered in Egypt

Egyptian archaeologists have uncovered an ancient burial site containing 50 mummies dating back to the Ptolemaic era in Minya, south of Cairo, the Ministry of Antiquities said on Saturday, Feb. 2.

The mummies, 12 of which were of children, were discovered inside four, nine-meter-deep burial chambers in the Tuna El-Gebel archaeological site.

Egypt says it has discovered a number of ancient burial chambers containing some 40 mummies in desert province of minya, south of cairo.

The mummies found in good condition and atleast 10 are of children. Some were decorated with their domestic handwriting. pic.twitter.com/zRiwMcvUf8  Shubham Raghuvanshi (@raghuvanshi__21) 3 februari 2019

The identities of the mummies are still unknown, according to Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities Mostafa Waziri.

Visitors gathered at the discovery site where 40 of the mummies were exhibited during the announcement.

Some of the mummies were found wrapped in linen, while others were placed in stone and wooden coffins or sarcophagi.

The archaeological finding was the first of 2019 and was unearthed through a joint mission with the Research Centre for Archaeological Studies of Minya University.

Read Next:

Ancient Greek Shipwreck From Black Sea Is Worlds Oldest Intact

The ancient Greeks once sailed the seas aboard ships like the ones depicted on ancient murals and vases from the time of Plato. In modern times, though, we have never actually laid eyes on onethat is, until now.

In the depths of the Black Sea, more than 80 kilometers (49 miles) off the coast of Burgas, Bulgaria, an ancient Greek merchant ship, resembling paintings of the vessel used by Homers Odysseus, was recently discovered by an Anglo-Bulgarian research team.

From carbon dating, the ship is thought to be over 2,400 years old, making it the worlds oldest ship ever found that is still intact. The vessel measures 23 meters long (75 feet), and its rudder, rowing benches, as well as the contents of its cargo hold remain preserved despite being two dozen centuries old.

The Black Sea Maritime Archaeology Project (MAP) team located the ship at a depth of 2,000 meters (6,500 feet) below the surface (well beyond the reach of modern divers) using two underwater robotic explorers to digitally map the wreck in 3D. They also took samples for carbon dating.

Its when the ROV drops down through the water column and you see this ship appear in the light at the bottom so perfectly preserved it feels like you step back in time, MAP researcher Dr. Helen Farr told BBC.

Its like another world.

It is believed that the vessel, which was found lying on its side, was preserved due to the super-salty and anoxic (oxygen-deprived) conditions of the Black Sea. The depth at which it was located also made it impossible for treasure hunters to disturb it.

Its preserved, its safe, Farr said. Its not deteriorating and its unlikely to attract hunters.

The ships design resembles the one depicted in the ancient Siren Vase, dating back to 480 B.C., where Odysseus is tied to the mast of his own ship sailing past the sirens (whose song leads sailors to crash into the rocks and meet their demise), which is currently in the British Museum.

The ships cargo is currently unknown, yet the MAP team hopes to return for further exploration, though more funding is still needed.

Normally we find amphorae (wine vases) and can guess where its come from, but with this, its still in the hold, Dr. Farr said. As archaeologists, were interested in what it can tell us about technology, trade, and movements in the area.

For the past three years, the MAP team has charted over 2,000 square kilometers, (772 square miles) of the sea floor in the Black Sea, and has discovered 67 wrecks, including Roman trading ships and a 17th-century Cossack trading fleet.

The Epoch Times reporter Michael Wing contributed to this report.The island state of the Republic of Nauru awaits the arrival of 521 mainly Afghan refugees, 11 September 2001 which have been refused entry into Australia. (Torsten Blackwood/AFP/Getty Images)

Australia Says Last Asylum-Seeker Children Will Soon Leave Nauru

The Australian government announced on Feb. 3 that there will soon be no children held in its immigration detention camps on the Pacific island of Nauru.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said in a statement that the final four asylum-seeker children in the Australias offshore processing camps on Nauru have all had their claims to be resettled in the United States processed.

[1/2] With the last four children booked to leave for the US, every asylum seeker child will now be off Nauru. pic.twitter.com/yp17a8S1sR  Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) February 3, 2019

Every asylum-seeker child has now been removed from Nauru or has had their claim processed and has a clear path off the island, Morrison said, in a joint statement with Immigration Minister David Coleman and on Twitter.

Under Australias strong border protection policies, illegal immigrants who are intercepted at sea, including genuine asylum seekers, trying to reach the country are sent to offshore processing camps, like those established under the Gillard-Rudd Labor government in the neighbouring states of Papua New Guinea and Nauru.

While all asylum seekers that come to Australia illegally by boat are in the eyes of the law unlawful non-citizens, Australia is a nation that chooses to offer refuge and humanitarian assistance to refugees according to the 1951 Refugee Convention through four offshore refugee visa categories; refugee, in-country special humanitarian, emergency rescue, and women at risk, as well as its global special humanitarian visa.

For 2018-19, Australia has said it will take in another 18,750 refugees.

Australia has stopped publishing data on the number of refugees held in the offshore processing centres since the number of boat arrivals has been dropping steadily since the Abbott government introduced its policy Operation Sovereign Borders in 2013 to combat the spike in illegal arrivals that started in 2009.

According to statistics released by the Department of Home Affairs, as of Dec. 31, 2018, only 1,285 asylum seekers remain in detention, of which less than 20 percent are in offshore facilities. At the end of 2013, 6,122 people were being held in immigration detention.

Of the 1,285 asylum seekers currently in detention, the majority remaining are from New Zealand (150), followed by Iran (138), Vietnam (110), Sri Lanka (84), and Sudan (57). There were also significant numbers of detainees from India, the UK, Afghanistan, Iraq, and 45 detainees who are stateless.

In addition to those detained, another 15,674 are living in the community on a bridging E visa and another 696 are living in the community after being approved for residency determination.

By Will Ziebell. Epoch Times writer Alan Cheung contributed to this article.

Support for Australian Government Rises Ahead of Election

Support for Australias conservative government edged higher over the last two weeks, a widely watched poll showed on Jan. 29, boosting Prime Minister Scott Morrisons reelection prospects less than four months out from the next election.

The Newspoll published in The Australian newspaper showed the Liberal-National coalition government trails the main opposition Labor party by a margin of 53 percent to 47 percent on a two-party preferred basis under Australias preferential voting system, where votes from minor parties are redistributed.

While still on course for an election defeat, the Newspoll is the best result for Morrisons government since the ousting of former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull in August 2018.

The removal of Turnbull, which ushered in Morrison as the sixth different prime minister in the last decade, saw voters abandon the government amid widespread anger at the ousting of the popular liberal lawmaker.

Morrisons government was quickly plunged into minority form after voters selected an independent to replace Turnbull, who quit politics shortly after his removal.

Morrison must return to the polls by May 2019, an election that is poised to be fought over inequality.

Morrisons government, which late last year delivered its strongest fiscal outlook in 10 years, is expected to promise tax cuts and sweeteners in the final budget in April.

Labor has pledged to cut capital gains tax discounts and scrap a favorable tax scheme for owners of multiple properties, known as negative gearing, amid soaring house prices.

By Colin PackhamA Chefs Guide to Valentines Day: Food Gifts to Buy and Make for Your Loved Ones

Food is surely a universal language of love. On Valentines Day, what better gift is there to give?

Whether you head for the chocolate shop or your own kitchen, theres a perfect food gift for any loved one in your life. For inspiration, chefs across the country reveal their favorite edible ways to express their love for their own.

To Buy

Like the Italians Do

For Valentines Day, Italians always gift bacio perugina [kiss-shaped gianduja chocolates]. I eat them daily and think part of the reason I became a pastry chef was to eat them more often. My favorite gift to give to a loved one on Valentines Day is a pasticcini (little pastries) box. This is something that you can enjoy alone or with someone else. It reminds me of my childhood in Italy, because every Valentines Day, my mom would take me to a pastry shop and I would pick eight little pasticcini for us to share.

Katia Delogu, head pastry chef, Eataly USA, New York City

Eataly NYC Downtown and Eataly NYC Flatiron offer customizable pasticcini boxes starting at $6.80 for a box of four. Heart-shaped monoporzioni, desserts made for one, are $6.40.

A Box of Out-of-the-Box Truffles

Whether it is Christmas or Valentines Day, I always go to Sixth Course Artisan Confections. Those ladies get creative. For Christmas this year, I bought chocolate puzzles and little gnome cakes. Last Valentines Day they made cookies with anti-Valentines on it, which I love.

Kim Alter, chef and owner, Nightbird, San Francisco

Handmade truffles start from $15 for a box of six at SixthCourse.com

New York City Nostalgia

One of my favorite edible gifts to give is from William Greenberg Desserts, because it reminds me of when I lived in New York City, and it keeps me dreaming of living there. I think they have the worlds best black and white cookiesand everyone goes crazy for them! You can have them shipped almost anywhere, and they arrive moist like they were just out of the oven. Theyre never dried out and they ship perfectly.

Donald Moore, chief culinary officer, The Cheesecake Factory, Calabasas, California

Classic Black and White cookies, as well as Pink and White cookies, special for the holiday, are $45 for a dozen at WMGreenbergDesserts.com

Classic Champagne and Sweets

When I think of Valentines Day, rose Champagne comes to mind. My wife loves Champagne and nothing is better than a bottle of Bollinger rose. In terms of edible sweets, I tend to lean toward macarons and my wife loves a simple chocolate truffle. I would recommend ordering from a well-known patisserie or chocolatier, such as Jacque Torres Chocolates, or if you plan enough time, Fauchon or Laduree in Paris.

Bill Greene, chef, Peppervine, Charlotte, North Carolina

Laduree macarons available in stores or online through GoldBelly.com, where a box of 12 is $41.

To Make

Beauty in Simplicityand Dry-Aged Beef

I just had my 12-year (I think) anniversary with my partner, and I am not going to lie: He is the cook in the family. My go-to dish is constantly changing, but a winner every time would have to be meatjust a simple, beautiful aged piece of beef with a glass of wine.

Kim Alter, chef and owner, Nightbird, San Francisco

Snake River Farms offers a beautiful selection of dry-aged American Wagyu and USDA Prime beef at SnakeRiverFarms.com.

A Pasta Dish From the Heart

After long days in the kitchen and at the restaurant, my go-to dish that I make at home to impress is usually something flavorful, but also something relatively simple. A dish I continually revisit is something I made my wife when we first started dating, chitarra pasta with braised pork ribs. Using a very simple Provencal-style sauce of tomato, fennel, eggplant, roasted sweet peppers, and saffron, I braise the ribs until theyre incredibly tender and flavorful and add them to the pasta. Its a simple dish thats not crazy labor intensive, but its from the heart.

Bill Greene, chef, Peppervine, Charlotte, North Carolina

Risotto, Upgraded

I should make this more often, actually  but I leave it to Valentines Day to really blow my wife away once a year. I make her a red wine risotto with French black truffles from Plantin in France. It is the best and is one of her favorite dishes. Typically, risotto is cooked with white wine, but I love cooking it for her with red wine just because it gives it a touch of the Valentines Day color. The decadence of black truffles also adds to the treat of it being a special, once-a-year dish for her.

Hugo Bolanos, executive chef, Wolfgang Puck at Hotel Bel Air, Los Angeles

Breakfast for a Queen (or King)

My favorite Valentines Day tradition is making my wife breakfast in bed. Each year I make my chocolate chip brioche bread pudding, specifically because it was the dessert I made her for our first Valentines Day dinner as newlyweds. She loved it so much that she woke up the next morning and ate it for breakfast. Its rich, decadent, and indulgentall the things a Valentines Day breakfast should beand a special way for us to celebrate that memory.

Guara Pimenta, executive chef, Les Zygomates, Boston

Chocolate Chip Brioche Bread Pudding With Vanilla Apple Brandy Sauce

Serves 8

2 cups sugar

5 large eggs

1 cup milk chocolate chips

2 cups whole milk

2 teaspoons vanilla paste

5 cups cubed brioche (Pimenta recommends a high-quality, store-bought version like St. Pierre Bakery s brioche loaf)

1/2 cup light brown sugar

1/2 stick unsalted butter, softened

1 cup pecans

For the sauce:

1 cup sugar

1 stick unsalted butter, melted

1 egg

2 teaspoons vanilla paste

1/3 cup apple brandy

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Mix together sugar, eggs, chocolate, and milk in a bowl. Add vanilla paste. Pour over the cubed bread and let sit for 15 minutes.

In a bowl, mix brown sugar, butter, and pecans together to create a crumble.

Pour bread mixture into a square Pyrex pan or casserole dish and sprinkle the brown sugar crumble mixture over the top. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes until set. Remove from the oven.

For the sauce: Mix together the sugar, butter, egg, and vanilla paste in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir together until the sugar melts. Add the apple brandy, stirring well. Finish by pouring over the bread pudding.

Best served warm or cold.

Recipe courtesy of Guara Pimenta

A Family Affair

My go-to dish to impress is a deconstructed clam oreganata. Its a spin on a dish I grew up with in Maryland, and the flavors take me right back to my childhood. It features all of the traditional ingredients in clams oreganata (clams, bread crumb, wine, garlic) but instead of serving it in individual portions, Ive changed it to a big pot recipe so that I can sit around the table with family and friends and we can all share this one delicious pot of food while spending time together. I love to serve it with sourdough bread from Gjusta in Venice, Californiathey have the worlds best bread and its so delicious dipped in the garlic wine sauce!

Because Ive spent my entire adult life working in restaurants and serving guests on Valentines Day, my favorite thing to do is to have dinner at home with my family. I have three young boys and we have a tradition of making dinner for my wife on Valentines Day. Every year we make crab legs, shrimp, and corn for her for dinner and I serve it with a nice bottle of wine. My boys love to help cook and serve dinner to their mom to really make it the special day that she deserves!

Donald Moore, chief culinary officer, The Cheesecake Factory, Calabasas, Calif.

Deconstructed Clams Oreganata

Serves 6 to 8

For the breadcrumbs:

2 tablespoons butter

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/4 loaf of your favorite sourdough bread, cut into 1/4-inch pieces

1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped

2 tablespoons Parmesan, freshly grated

For the pasta:

1/2 pound bacon, diced

Olive oil

68 cloves garlic, minced

3/4 teaspoon chili flakes

1/2 cup white wine

1/2 cup chicken broth

Juice of 2 lemons

2 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and ground black pepper, to taste

5 pounds littleneck clams, scrubbed and washed (discard any open clams after tapping)

1 pound bucatini pasta, cooked al dente

4 tablespoons butter

45 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

For the breadcrumbs: In a saute pan, heat the butter and oil (add more or less if youd like) to a light sizzle. Add the bread pieces to the pan and cook until the bread is crispy on the outside but still chewy on the inside. Add the remaining ingredients and toss to coat evenly. Grate the Parmesan over the croutons in the pan to toast the parmesan slightly. Set aside to cool.

Bring a large pot to a high heat and add the bacon. Render until crispy. Remove and set aside. Discard half of the bacon fat.

In the same large pot, add olive oil, garlic, and chili flakes to the remaining bacon fat. Sweat the garlic. Add the white wine, chicken broth, lemon juice, and fresh and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste and reduce sauce to your liking.

Add the clams and cover the pot with a lid. Cook until the clams are just open. Remove the clams from the pot and set aside, leaving the sauce still in the pot.

Add your cooked pasta, butter, and parsley to the pot and toss to incorporate evenly, cooking the sauce into the pasta slightly.

Spread half of the clams onto a platter and pour the pasta and sauce onto the clams. Top the pasta with the remaining clams and sprinkle with cooked bacon, breadcrumbs, and olive oil. Squeeze a little lemon juice on top if youd like.

Recipe courtesy of Donald MooreIt happened in the blink of an eye: Texas A&M lost its voice on the state House Committee on Higher Education. State Rep. John Raney, who had served on the committee in the last legislative session was not re-appointed to the post by new House Speaker Dennis Bonnen.

Perhaps it is just coincidence that Raney initially supported someone else in the race to replace House Speaker Joe Straus, who chose not to run again -- a loss for Texas to be sure.

Raney also was not reappointed to the House Appropriations Committee. Instead, Bonnen named Raney to the Transportation Committee and the International Relations & Economic Development Committee -- certainly important committees, but neither in the league of Appropriations or High Ed.

Raney's District 14 includes most of Bryan and College Station, including the Texas A&M campus.

State Rep. Kyle Kacal -- whose District 12 includes rural Brazos County -- was appointed by Bonnen to the Culture, Recreation & Tourism and the Environmental Regulation Committees.

To be sure, Speaker Bonnen has the authority and the right to appointment members of every House committee, but he failed miserably in particular to his appointments to the Higher Ed Committee.November 26, 1929 - January 30, 2019

Velma Zaryske, 89, of Bryan, peacefully entered eternal rest in the arms of Jesus surrounded by family and friends at St. Joseph Hospital in Bryan, Texas.

Visitation will be held at Hillier Funeral Home in Bryan, Texas, on Monday, February 4, 2019, from 5  8 pm with the Rosary Vigil at 6:30 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Bryan on Tuesday, February 5, 2019 at 10 am. Interment will be at Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery immediately following mass.

"May angels escort you into paradise, and at your arrival, may the martyrs embrace you and lead you into the Holy City Jerusalem. May a choir of angels bear you up and with Lazarus, who was poor, may you have everlasting rest."

Please visit Velma's tribute page at www.hillierfuneralhome.com to view a full life story.On Monday afternoon, the state Department of Public Health said the second case also involves an adult from the New Haven area. The agency has not identified any links between the first and second cases, although both were probably exposed to measles in early January.He is survived by his wife Roxy; a sister Dorothy Selzer and his two children LeAnn and Gary. His family tree continues to grow with eleven grandchildren, one great granddaughter and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family. Leonard married Roxy Ann Peters in August of 1959. This union was blessed with two children, Daughter, LeAnn Pike Dakake and Son, Gary Leonard Pike. Leonard and Roxy were married 59 years. They met in 8th grade and were high school sweethearts. No one in their families had ever attended college before but with the encouragement of two of their teachers, Mr. Stivers and Mrs. Stovall, they enrolled in Southern State College three days after they graduated from Lakeside High School. They attended Southern State College at Magnolia and The University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, and Leonard received both his BS and MS in Horticulture. Pike was accepted by Michigan State University, East Lansing Michigan, where he obtained his PhD in Horticulture. Then, Leonard and Roxy moved south to College Station, Texas where he was a Professor at Texas A&M University. They planted their roots there and called it home for nearly 50 years."I couldn't be more pleased," she said, noting the work of Chief of Staff Ginger Carrabine to organize the event and district and campus administrators to put together their booths and presentations.

The Texas A&M University System's RELLIS Campus was one of those academic partners with a booth set up Saturday, able to answer questions about the program, which is still in its infancy, for traditional and nontraditional students. Of all the events Cleveland Jones Jr., attends as an admissions coordinator for the campus, he said, the Bryan ISD Showcase is the largest one he has been to since starting his job a year ago.

When Whitbeck first arrived at the district, one of her goals was to give people one day where they can see everything BISD does, and that was the goal of the Showcase event when it was established last year.

"This has been eye-opening internally and externally," she said. "I think that's my big takeaway from it.  I just believe there's a niche for every child."

Elizabeth Desern, a fourth-grade teacher at Crockett Elementary, had her children with her so they could see the programs and demonstrations also.

"It's neat to see what all the other schools offer and then to see what my two girls will be able to do as they get older," she said.He doesn't seek credit for the volunteer work he's done over the years, though.

"People call and ask me to do it, and I do," Garrett said.

Jay Socol, a friend of Garrett's who first met him while working at KORA in the 1980s, said this is typical of his tendency not to seek attention outside of his work persona. Over the decades he's known Garrett, Socol, now the director of public communications for the city of College Station, said he's watched the veteran DJ lead his congregation and perform community work "very quietly and with great humility."

Those who only know Garrett by listening to him on the radio may have one idea of who he is, Socol said, but "he is quietly so much more than that for a lot of people."

"Roger Garrett has been a radio talent in one of the largest markets in the country, but he chose long ago to live here and to raise a family here, and he has invested in this community because it's important to him," Socol said.

John Seigler, general manager of KORA, said that not only does Garrett make sure his listeners are informed about what's going on the community, he's "what people want to wake up to." Seigler calls him "the voice of KORA."Coleman and the documentary make the argument that the 1910 D.W. Griffith film Birth of a Nation is, itself, a horror film. White actors used blackface to portray black characters, and Coleman said it codified representations of black men as unintelligent and lustful toward white women.

"I make that case, because the film gives birth to brutal and lasting images of black people, and then it's screened at the White House by Woodrow Wilson, which gives it legitimacy. There's a direct line between Birth of a Nation and everything we're seeing right now in terms of our political discourse," Coleman said.

Coleman described her work at Texas A&M as helping the university look beyond a sole focus on numerical diversity. "A key part of my job is belonging and inclusion," she said. "It's not just recruiting people here and checking a box. It's once they get here, they have to have a sense of belonging and need to thrive -- and not just for students, but for faculty and staff as well."

Coleman reflected on the triumphant ending of Get Out, a film based on the premise of a black man's visit to his white girlfriend's hometown. After Chris, the lead character, navigates a series of progressively more disturbing events, viewers are led to believe he has no way out of his predicament.For more than 30 years, Larry Johnson put his personal safety on the line to protect the lives of others through his work as a College Station police officer. Now his daughter, LaRhesa, will make a sacrifice of her own to save her dad's life.

On Wednesday, the two will travel to Temple and go under the knife together so that Johnson can receive one of his daughter's kidneys.

Johnson, 62, retired from the CSPD in 2012 after 34 years of service. Just three years later, he was told he was experiencing renal failure and needed a kidney transplant.

"You have weakness and generally just don't feel well," he said. "You can't taste food and can have a loss of appetite, and just a loss of feeling."

Renal failure is ultimately fatal if not properly treated. After some temporary problems with receiving support from his insurance provider, he was placed on a transplant list soon after his diagnosis. Johnson was told by his doctors that it could take anywhere between five to six years to receive an organ.

"So many people need a transplant and there are so few donors," Johnson said. "Sometimes the wait can take a very long time."Two people were arrested Friday on drug charges after a search warrant was executed on a home near an elementary school.

According to College Station police, authorities had been monitoring a home in the 1500 block of Hawk Tree Drive, which is a few hundred feet from Southwood Valley Elementary School. A police report notes investigators had seen Mark Kendrick Morris, 30, selling drugs to customers directly from the home. A search warrant was granted on the house, and authorities on Friday raided the residence, where they arrested Morris and Ashley Monique White, who turned 30 on Saturday.

Inside the home, authorities say they found 176 grams of what's described as Ecstasy or methamphetamine, along with cash, sandwich bags, containers with hidden compartments, a digital scale with drug residue and a loaded handgun. Morris told police he sometimes travels to New Orleans and purchases large quantities of narcotics that he sells locally, a report notes. Police said they also found several Ecstasy tablets in White's purse.

Morris is charged with dealing 176 grams of drugs near a school, a first-degree felony punishable by up to 99 years in prison; and unlawful possession of a firearm as a felon, a third-degree felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison. He is being held in the Brazos County Jail on $58,000 bond.

White is charged with possession of Ecstasy near a school, a third-degree felony; and a misdemeanor drug charge. She was released from jail on $14,000 bond.A College Station woman was arrested Friday night after authorities say she stabbed a man in the shoulder.

According to College Station police, around 11 p.m. Friday first responders were dispatched to an apartment complex on Redmond Drive on a report of a possible robbery. When authorities had arrived, they were told a stabbing victim had been taken to the College Station Medical Center.

Police spoke to the victim at the hospital while he was being treated for a stab wound to his right shoulder. The man said he and 19-year-old Holly Breann Boyd, whom he knows, had gotten into an argument in one of the apartment units. The man said Boyd shoved him and he shoved her back, knocking her to the ground. When she stood up, the man told authorities she grabbed a pocket knife and said Im going to stab you, before stabbing him in the shoulder, a police report notes.

Authorities spoke to Boyd, who admitted stabbing the man, but said it was accidental.

Boys is charged with aggravated assault of a family member/dating violence with serious bodily injury, a second-degree felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison and $10,000 in fines. She remains in the Brazos County Jail. Bond has not yet been set.Writer: Susan Himes, 325-657-7315, Susan.Himes@ag.tamu.edu

SAN ANGELO  The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Services District 7 recently welcomed four new agents and assistant agents to their ranks. District 7 is the agencys West Central Texas district and serves a 23-county area.

MEYER

Hayley Meyer started Dec. 17 as a 4-H and youth development agent for Tom Green County. She was involved in 4-H throughout her college career, making her a natural fit to join District 7, administrators said.

Meyer recently earned her masters degree in agricultural leadership, education and communications from Texas A&M University. She also earned her bachelors degree in agricultural leadership and development there.

While a graduate assistant, Meyer served as the Texas contact for all participants attending the Western National 4-H Roundup and assisted with the creation of the Agriculture Identification Contest for the State Fair of Texas in 2017 and 2018. She also coordinated the Texas delegation to the National 4-H Conference in Washington D.C. as well as for the 2018 National Congress in Atlanta.

While working on her undergraduate degree, Meyer was a student technician for Texas A&M AgriLife, assisting with the 2015 and 2016 Texas 4-H Roundup. Her duties included managing budgets and assisting with the Texas delegations that qualified to attend different National 4-H Contests.

Meyer also has experience judging shows. In 2017, she judged the public speaking contest at the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo. That same year she served as a judge for the Consumer Decision Making contest at the 2017 Western National Roundup. She later judged the Fashion Revue Contest at the 2018 Western National Roundup.

GROTE

Holly Grote started Jan. 9 as an AgriLife Extension assistant for 4-H and agriculture and natural resources in Taylor County. She graduated this past summer from the University of Nebraska at Kearney with a bachelors degree in parks and recreation management, with an emphasis in natural resources.

Grotes experience includes working as a camp counselor at the Texas 4-H Conference Center in Brownwood. Grote herself was a member of 4-H and served as a junior leader for two years.

I wanted to be a part of the AgriLife team because as a child in 4-H for 10 years, I had a lot of very influential adults in my life who were there to mentor me through the program, Grote said. Im excited about the opportunity to give the same guidance and encouragement to the youth in my county.

Grote worked for the City of Kearney in the parks and recreation department and was named their Recreation Major of the Year. She was responsible for grounds maintenance and served as the Nature Barn manager.

Grote cared for the animals and educated the public on various species and their care. She was awarded the Nebraska Parks Recreation and Parks Association scholarship, which recognizes those who display leadership, altruism and knowledge.

As a people person, I believe strongly in investing my time getting to know people in Taylor County by building new relationships with the youth and adults, Grote said. In my time here in Taylor County, a goal of mine is to gather as much knowledge as possible about AgriLife Extension and build strong relationships.

MILES

Kim Miles has served as an AgriLife Extension county agent for over 21 years. Most recently, Miles served in Jones County before transitioning to her new position as a family and community health agent for Taylor County on Jan.15.

In her past positions, Miles was responsible for developing programs in the areas of child and family studies, health, weight management, nutrition, food safety and leadership. She has served as a manager of 4-H and youth development programs in both rural and urban settings.

I truly believe in the mission of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and strive to provide high-quality, relevant education to improve the lives of the clientele I work with on a daily basis, Miles said.

In her past roles, Miles mentored six new-hire AgriLife Extension agents and supervised family and consumer science interns and three Better Living for Texans paraprofessionals.

Miles received her masters degree in family studies from Texas Womens University and her bachelors degree in human sciences education from Tarleton State University, cum laude.

WHITE

Haley White joined the AgriLife Extension office in McCulloch County Jan. 2 as an extension assistant, family and community health and 4-H. She has a bachelors degree in agricultural services and development from Tarleton State University.

White worked as an AgriLife Extension intern for Guadalupe County last year and has performed goat and lamb validation for Hays County. She interned at the Larimer County Fairs Critter Fitter program as well as providing guided livestock tours as part of the MooU program. She has also worked at Cracker Dog Ranch, where she prepared livestock for buyers and shows.

White said as a youth she was heavily involved in both 4-H and FFA. She served as the West San Marcos 4-H president and county council president and was the Wimberley FFA treasurer. White participated in the District 10 4-H leadership lab and the Hays County 4-H Water Fair.

I grew up within the 4-H program and volunteering with various AgriLife programs, White said. I saw firsthand the impact it made within my own childhood, and I knew early on I wanted to be a part of the AgriLife family. In my role, I hope to strengthen the involvement within the 4-H program as well as the FCH programs within the county. 

Whites volunteer work includes assisting with the West San Marcos 4-H Annual Dove Hunt and the Rodeo Austin Junior Leaders Committee.

-30-Love old or unusual movies but never know when they're on? Here are several I recommend:

Good-Bye, Mr. Chips (1939): One of the only major Oscars that Gone With the Wind didn't bag was Best Actor. As iconic as Clark Gable's Rhett Butler was, he lost the prize to the great Robert Donat for his heartbreaking, sweet and resonant performance as a teacher at a British boys' school. Donat ages 63 years during the course of the film. It's sentimental and even a bit creaky, but the movie is also irresistible. Featuring a notable turn by Greer Garson as the love of his life.

Turner Classic Movies, 2:15 p.m. Monday

The Letter (1940): Here's one of Bette Davis' absolute best melodramas. In this steamy Somerset Maugham tale, she plays the wife of a rubber plantation owner who, in the shocking opening shots of the film, shoots her lover to death. Watch crafty Bette try to get away with it by pleading self-defense, supported by frequent co-star Herbert Marshall. The ever-exotic Gale Sondergaard is on hand as the mysterious and powerful widow of Bette's lover and who seems to have an incriminating letter. The great William Wyler directed, and the results are mesmerizing. Can the widow nail our evil heroine with the letter? Watch and see.Click the image to the left and log in to get your exclusive reader perks.Tim Lomperis is a Maryville resident, former military intelligence officer, author and political science professor emeritus at Saint Louis University. He worked in the Vietnamese Resettlement Program from 1975-76. His email is tjlomperis@gmail.com.Oneonta, NY (13820)

Today

Scattered thunderstorms early, mainly cloudy late with a few showers. A few storms may be severe. Low 56F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms early, mainly cloudy late with a few showers. A few storms may be severe. Low 56F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60%.As the Calendar Girlz organization has grown, so has its reach and impact. The calendar itself has gone international since the second release, and the organization's members say there is a certain fulfillment they get out of supporting their cause and meeting people they have helped.Towanda, PA (18848)

Today

Thunderstorms, some strong this evening followed by occasional showers overnight. Low 59F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms, some strong this evening followed by occasional showers overnight. Low 59F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%.This subscription will allow current subscribers of The St. Helens Chronicle to access all of our online Subscriber-Only content, including the E Editions area.

NOTE: To claim your access to the site, you will need to enter the Last Name and First Name that is tied to your subscription in this format: SMITH, JOHN

If you need help with exactly how your specific name needs be entered, please call us at 1-503-397-0116.Rome: Only a third of Italians say the country's populist ruling coalition is doing enough to foster economic growth, while more than half say those efforts are insufficient, according to an opinion poll in newspaper Corriere della Sera.

Italian PM Giuseppe Conte still has the support of the majority of Italians despite their feelings about the economy. Credit:Bloomberg

"In general, the work of the government on economic issues doesn't let you foresee an overall improvement among the majority of citizens," Ferdinando Pagnoncelli, president of polling company Ipsos Italia, wrote in presenting the poll's results in Sunday's edition.

Fifty-four percent of the 2000 people surveyed last month said the government was doing little or nothing for economic growth.

Still, the Ipsos survey shows 59 percent of Italians are satisfied with Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte's administration, a slip of only one point from December. Pagnoncelli acknowledged that the results were incongruous, but said they were due in part to Italians' conviction that the coalition will follow through on its ambitious promises.Fees at some of Melbourne's most renowned private schools have risen by as much as 5 per cent since last year, with the most expensive tuition fees charged tipping over $40,000.

Xavier College ($29,870) and Haileybury College ($32,580) hiked their fees by 5 per cent while Melbourne Grammar's fees ($34,260) increased by 4 per cent.

Rachael Jakubik with daughters Ella, 14, and Caitlin, 17, who go to Donvale Christian College. Credit:Scott McNaughton

Geelong Grammar prices were the most expensive at $41,260 for the 2019 school year, a 3.4 per cent rise after charging $39,900 a child in 2018.

Overall, an analysis of 15 of the state's private schools found fees rose by an average of 3.6 per cent in 2019 which was slightly below the 4 per cent rise for 2018.Victoria Bushfires LIVE: bushfire in Walhalla, in Baw Baw region, could threaten homes and lives

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Open Menu The Age SubscribeAt first glance the Prime Ministers approach to the banking royal commission report seems crazy.

The report, due to be released this afternoon, will be explosive. The list of sins  charging dead people fees and other acts of naked greed  will be damning. There is a fair chance it will suggest criminal charges should be laid.

But there was Scott Morrison, at the end of last week, seeming to pave the way for ignoring some recommendations. In principle the government is keen to accept them all, but in practice, the Prime Minister says, it depends on what is recommended. In one sense thats a statement of the obvious. But it is also a massive gamble. Is he really preparing to defend the banks?

Labor will be thrilled if he follows through. It wont care which recommendation he rejects  any which one will do. Labor sees this week as an opportunity to remind voters of its favourite line: that Morrison voted 26 times against the royal commission. The opposition insists its a vote changer. Its not a statistic many voters can reel off, and Labor wants to change that.Getting stung by a bluebottle is an Australian rite of passage, but conventional wisdom around treatment may have been - up until now - all wrong.

Forget ice packs or vinegar, the most effective way to manage the pain is simple: hot water.

If you are going to the beach in the summer, take an extra bottle of water and let it heat up in the sun or sand; then you are always ready, Professor of Clinical Epidemiology at the University of Sydney Angela Webster said.

There is a common misconception that cold water or ice can alleviate bluebottle stings, but they can speed up the protein in the venom, making the pain more intense, said Professor Webster.London: Carmaker Nissan has scrapped plans to build its new X-Trail SUV in Britain, warning that uncertainty over Brexit was making it harder to plan for the future.

Nissan will instead move its entire X-Trail SUV production to Japan at a time when falling demand for diesel cars in Europe has forced the company to invest in other technologies and save costs.

It cut hundreds of jobs at its Sunderland factory in the north of England, Britain's biggest car plant, last year as output slumped 11 per cent, hit by levies and crackdowns on diesel.

"Nissan has increased its investments in new powertrains and technology for its future European vehicles," the firm said. "Therefore the company has decided to optimise its investments in Europe by consolidating X-Trail production in Kyushu."Dong Phuong Bakery Inc., purveyor of one of New Orleans' most sought-after king cakes, is locked in a bitter legal dispute that has meant the Village de l'Est dough puncher has had to ditch all of the distinctive brand imagery that customers have become familiar with in recent years. Read the full storyThose around the country trying to comprehend a federal lawsuit over a referees call, or rather lack thereof, need look no further than the business communitys reaction to the Baton Rouge school board not embracing a $2 million tax break for one of the worlds largest corporations.

When one of the states largest employers is negatively impacted by our anti-business culture, all of Louisiana loses, Tyler Gray, president of the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil & Gas Association, said in a statement about ExxonMobils decision to withdraw Industrial Tax Exemption Program requests pending before the Baton Rouge Metro Council and East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriffs Office, after the parish school board opposed giving up its portion of its property taxes to the corporation.

ExxonMobil stated the action was necessary because the school boards decision exposed ongoing uncertainty involving ITEP.

Exxon drops tax break requests after being rejected by EBR school board ExxonMobil on Tuesday said it will drop its pending requests for property tax breaks in Baton Rouge and warned the uncertainty surrounding t

The Baton Rouge Business Report last week blamed that precariousness on left-wing activists made up mostly of  spit, spit  Democrats, teacher union members and some from the faith-based community.

Louisiana Chemical Association President Greg Bowser said the changes made to ITEP earlier this year sends a signal to companies that Louisiana is an unpredictable place.

Stephen Waguespack, president and CEO of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry, is scheduled to weigh in Monday at the Press Club of Baton Rouge.

That Louisiana is somehow anti-business and chasing manufacturers to Texas, as the Henny Pennys claim, seems to forget that for nearly a decade state government annually came up about $1 billion short in revenues while giving about $13 billion in subsidies to business, according to Good Jobs First and Corporate Research Project, a leftist-oriented group in Washington, D.C.

+7 Broome holds pep rally for ExxonMobil after tax break rejection; legislators seeking to redo ITEP In the halls of the legislature and on the steps of City Hall, in advertisements, social media and meetings with the press, Baton Rouge leader

What all this rhetoric is really aimed at is returning ITEP to the exemption it was before Gov. John Bel Edwards revamped the essentially automatic 10-year tax break, in which the state forgave revenues local governments use to pay for services like law enforcement, schools and roads. Edwards executive order requires local weigh in on the exemption applications that have been vetted by state officials and approved by the Board of Commerce and Industry.

Where the business community may have a point, however, is their contention that know-nothing local officials can negate millions, perhaps billions, of investment dollars in complex business arrangements. Half of the incumbent mayors and councilmen in last falls elections were ousted in favor of newbies, many of whom are discovering for the first time that governing is harder than their campaign slogans suggested.

Two Republican state legislators with stellar rating from various business groups  Sen. Bodi White, of Central, and Rep. Franklin Foil, of Baton Rouge  are putting together legislation for the upcoming session that would limit local involvement in ITEP.

But even that isnt simple.

Foil said Thursday his aim isnt so much to eliminate local involvement as much as it is to provide a more predictable structure. What legal wording is necessary to accomplish that goal is being researched now. He expects to meet with the governors staff as well as the business community to help him and White hammer out some sort of compromise.

The real hurdle is that this is the last session of a Legislature that hasnt agreed on much in four years, and likely will be looking at all bills through a prism of how it will impact their reelection campaigns this fall. Foil hopes to address the issue with changes to state statutes, which would require 53 votes for approval, rather than sweeping changes to the Constitution, which would require 70 votes.

As head of the Louisiana Department of Economic Development, Secretary Don Pierson was the primary author of Edwards new ITEP procedures. He tried to balance criticisms of the 80-year-old program by local governments and activists with the wants of a business community happy enough with the status quo.

+2 What do new Industrial Tax Exemption Program rules mean? More power to states, tax authorities A state board gave final approval Wednesday to changes in the handling of a controversial 80-year-old tax break for manufacturers.

He opposes the idea of not allowing their (local) voice, Pierson said Thursday, adding that the new ITEP procedures is a fair way to include the local voice. It is their revenue stream.

Forty-three states offer a similar tax break and not a one includes a state mandate, he said.

ITEP is a go-to tool when trying to attract to and keep in Louisiana manufacturers whose businesses provided thousands of jobs paying $87,212 per year on average, he said.

The issue shouldnt be about changing the rules to allow less participation but about making a better effort to detail how many jobs the project will create or keep and what that means to the community.

The educational process has not been fully executed, Pierson said.To win re-election, Gov. John Bel Edwards hopes to get by with a little help from his friends. If, that is, their efforts dont draw much scrutiny.The lunatic asylums of yore could inflict worse cruelties than any prison, and the mentally ill once commanded such little sympathy that the old Bedlam Hospital in London charged admission so the public could enjoy watching the comical antics of the inmates.

These days an obviously homicidal maniac is left to move freely in our midst until the inevitable bloodbath occurs.

Clearly we have taken humane reform too far. Dakota Theriot needed help, and five people are dead after state authorities did not, or could not, provide it. Anybody who came in contact with him lately could see he was going to lose it one day.

Mental health care is lacking all over the country, but particularly so in Louisiana, yet another legacy of the fiscal disaster that was the Bobby Jindal administration.

Autopsies for murder suspect Dakota Theriot's parents reveal shots to the head, sheriff says The parents of Dakota Theriot were both shot in the head at their home in Ascension Parish autopsy results show, according to Ascension Parish

Once upon a time Theriot would almost certainly have been locked up. Involuntary confinement does still happen, but only in extreme cases, and by no means always then. The modern way is to leave the likes of Theriot largely to their own devices.

Revulsion over the institutional atrocities of the bad old days spawned legislation during the JFK administration that put many a mental institution out of business and shifted the emphasis to outpatient treatment. Abandoned and dilapidated hospitals in various parts of the country are testimony to what was an enlightened change of policy.

At least it would have been enlightened had enough money been provided to meet the need for psychiatric care. What were called Community Mental Health Centers were unable, or unwilling, to cope with the large numbers of severely disturbed patients who were once consigned to mental hospitals. Lots of them wound up in jail or took up residence under overpasses.

Meanwhile, the libertarian streak in the American body politic asserted itself in calls to starve the beast  to force government to downsize by resisting taxation. Americans always have had a healthy suspicion of politicians, and the proposition that an overweening government squanders money is sometimes hard to dispute.

But when government is required to economize, some wheat will inevitably be ditched along with the chaff. Mental health care is high on the list of worthy government services that have been cut back in recent years. Nowhere have the cuts been more savage, or caused more misery and suffering than in Louisiana.

Much of the responsibility falls on Jindal, who kept cutting mental health spending to prove his right-wing chops in a deluded quest for the GOP presidential nomination.

Mental health spending, already well below the national average when he took office, fell by some 30 percent on his watch.

It had been obvious, perhaps for as long as three years before he allegedly murdered five people, that Dakota Theriot was too crazy to be left at large. Even our bare-bones system provides long-term care for the most desperate cases, and Theriot clearly qualified. He is only 21,but has been in constant trouble with the law and has been referred for brief mental evaluation a few times. His father tried to get him admitted for long-term treatment, but had been rejected, he told deputies summoned on one of the occasions Dakota Theriot was threatening harm.

If the father, Keith Theriot, had found a place for his son, maybe he, his wife Elizabeth and three members of the Ernest family would be alive today. When Dakota Theriot started dating Summer Ernest, he moved in with her family. Soon after, he allegedly shot her, her father Billy and her brother Tanner before driving to his parents' home.

Deputies certainly knew the way to their home. Keith Theriot summoned them one night when Dakota was kicking the door in, having recently promised to burn the place down with his parents inside. He had also been having lengthy conversations with himself and, indeed, proceeded to have one in the patrol car on the way to a hospital emergency room.

Shortly before that, according to a police report around the same time, Dakota Theriot was incoherent and hearing voices when threatening his parents after being released from a mental health clinic. He was crying out to be committed.

Email James Gill at Gill1407@bellsouth.net.During much of the 19th century, New Orleans was home of the largest slave market in the nation. Louisiana found itself on the wrong side of history when it came to slavery.

Slavery represented a betrayal of the principle that all men deserve the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. These days, abortion violates that same principle as hundreds of thousands of babies are denied their right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness by abortionists each year in our nation. But in the struggle to combat this injustice, this time, Louisiana finds itself on the right side of history thanks to Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards and Republican State Attorney General Jeff Landry.

We have become in recent days ground zero in the battle to protect and save the lives of babies targeted for execution while living in their mothers womb.

The Supreme Court is expected to soon rule on the constitutionality of a Louisiana law requiring abortionists to have admitting privileges at a hospital within 30 miles of their clinic. Abortion-rights advocates claim the law will close the three remaining abortion clinics in Louisiana. There is currently a clinic in Shreveport, Baton Rouge and New Orleans.

The law would leave only one doctor at each clinic to perform the procedure, a limitation that "cannot possibly meet the needs of approximately 10,000 women who seek abortion services in Louisiana each year," said the Center for Reproductive Rights, representing the challengers of the law.

Louisiana abortion law won't take effect Monday, after U.S. Supreme Court intervention A law that would require abortion providers to have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals wont go into effect on Monday as scheduled, afte

The Supreme Court ruled a similar admitting privileges law passed by the Texas legislature unconstitutional in 2016. But the makeup of the court is more conservative now and a lower court recently ruled the Louisiana legislation was different from the Texas law. The upcoming ruling from the Supreme Court could indicate how the new makeup of the court may impact future abortion cases, including the potential overturning of Roe v. Wade which legalized abortion in 1973 and has since led to the death of more than 60 million American babies.

Proponents of the law say it will make abortions safer for the mother and the fact that abortion rights advocates are fighting it speaks volumes.

It is disappointing that the abortion industry has again delayed enforcement of this law, said Benjamin Clapper, executive director of Louisiana Right to Life. Abortion facilities should not receive special loopholes opting them out of requirements that apply to all other outpatient surgical facilities.

While Louisiana is leading the effort to protect and defend the lives of the innocent babies whose only crime is living in the safety and comfort of their mothers womb, other states are working to increase abortions even right up to the point of birth.

Recently, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, signed a law allowing abortionists to end the life of a baby up until the very second of delivery in many cases. The law has come under fire by many devout Catholics and religious leaders, who call it inhumane. Some Catholic leaders have called on Cuomo to be excommunicated for signing the law.

And in Virginia, Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam supported a bill allowing a fully developed child born in the third trimester to be kept alive, but only long enough for the abortionist and mother to discuss and decide whether to end the childs life.

If a mother is in labor the infant would be delivered. The infant would be kept comfortable. The infant would be resuscitated if thats what the mother and the family desired, and then a discussion would ensue between the physicians and mother, said Northam in explaining the legislation that eventually failed to pass.

Northams comments shocked and repulsed many in the pro-life community. Northams condoning the killing of a baby after the child is born should make him nothing short of a monster in a society that values life.

Both sides of the abortion battle are standing their ground and intensifying their efforts. Thanks to our state Legislature, Landry and Edwards, Louisiana could go down in history as a key part of winning the fight to end one of the greatest injustices of all time.

Email Dan Fagan at faganshow@gmail.com. Twitter: @FaganShow.The state is putting finishing touches on contracts that will allow private companies to operate their businesses in state parks and at historical sites.

The first rollout of private offerings is expected to begin in coming days, said Gene Reynolds, who oversees the states 21 parks and 19 historic sites. The announcement should include the small and expected businesses: horseback riding at Bogue Chitto State Park near Franklinton; canoe rentals at Fontainebleau State Park near Mandeville and Tickfaw State Park near Springfield; ice sales and souvenir shops at most of the parks.

Food trucks and zip lines are on the way as are pontoon boats.

We have about 25 partnerships that we will be ready to pull the trigger on very, very soon, Reynolds told The Advocate last week. He was reluctant to identify specific vendors because the contracts, which, although approved by Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser, still need to be vetted by the Division of Administration before they can be finalized.

Reynolds said he and his staff looked at the business plans, checked the financing of the companies and went to look at the sites to see how the vendor would fit in. Contractors also must agree to a list of restrictions and pay a fee that would go into a fund for park maintenance and operations.

The contracts would allow private vendors to operate within a park. He did not entertain any proposals that would turn over operations of the entire park to private entities.

About 30 states turned to outsourcing in reaction to decreased appropriations. Thirty-five campgrounds in Arizona state parks are run by a private business. The Natchez Trace State Park near Wildersville, Tennessee, contracted with a private company to run the restaurant, and host meetings and weddings.

Five Georgia state parks are wholly operated by a private company, though they remain the property of the state and are funded by taxpayers.

Private operators can raise fees for activities that are free now but save the state money through personnel costs  salaries and benefits account for almost 70 percent of Louisiana park system costs.

Several of those that contracted or sought to contract entire park operations, like Pennsylvania and Tennessee, ran into a buzz saw of public opposition arguing that monetizing public parks limits who can enjoy the natural splendor. Oklahoma authorities are seeking to investigate the private contractor running a park in that state, according to media accounts.

A Tennessee State University study found that privatization didnt always raise the money expected and concluded privatization of facilities in state parks is not a widely successful public policy.

Reynolds said Louisianas plan is to keep privatization within narrower limitations than what some other states have done.

He received about 100 proposals, some of which were rejected out of hand, like renting go-karts. Others are still receiving serious consideration, like a rum distillery; a hotel at Fontainebleau; a lazy river at Sam Houston Jones State Park near Lake Charles; and a convention center.

Restaurants could be in the offing, but Reynolds said more effort needs to go into seeing what the impact would be on nearby establishments.

The scoop on state politics in your inbox Get the Louisiana politics insider details once a week from us. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

It should go a long way to putting the parks in the black, Reynolds said, adding that privatization will provide the money to maintain state parks in the coming years and, perhaps at some point in the future, make the parks self-sustaining.

It could raise, well, we really dont know how much, Reynolds said. The ranges are from a few million to $150 million. Well have to see. But we can say itll fund parks like theyve never been funded before.

Six months ago, Reynolds was reviewing lists of which parks to close  about half of them  and which employees would receive pink slips  102 out of 199. All the historical sites were slated to be closed. Only three of the 21 public parks made money in 2017. State appropriations have been decreasing for years  down from $29.7 million in 2008 to $19.7 million last year, with an additional 10 percent budget cut being proposed for fiscal year 2019.

Because this years budget was not cut and reparations from the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill arrived, some repairs were done. Two closed parks with overnight cabins  the parks biggest money makers  were reopened. The number of visitors increased by 5 percent and revenues went up to $11.9 million from $9.5 million, Reynolds said.

Theres enough money this year to replace sewers, a $5.5 million cost, and about $11 million to repave roads, he said.

Beaches are being cleaned up with sand being reclaimed and raked at Grand Isle State Park, Bogue Chitto and Fontainebleau as well as a number of parks that are centered on lakes.

Letting private businesses into the public parks, for a price, were cornerstones of Nungessers 2011 and 2015 campaigns for lieutenant governor.

Political Horizons: Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser rejuvenates push for private partnerships in public parks as budget cuts loom Though not real excited about what he expects to be a 10 percent cut in the operating budget of the states parks and historical sites, Lt. Go

Since winning in 2015, Nungesser has barnstormed the state arguing that developing underutilized land in state parks would generate badly needed revenue for the underfunded park system. As the states chief tourism officer, state parks fall under his purview.

"Were putting Band-Aids on things," Nungesser told a luncheon hosted last year by the Greater Hammond Chamber of Commerce at Southeastern University. "But were going to fix it, and were going to do it with private-public partnerships. ... There are some real opportunities that we can do without ruining the attractiveness of the outdoorsy-ness."With each spin through the revolving door that brings police and the mentally ill together, accused killer Dakota Theriot grew more unstable.

Law enforcement was aware of Theriot before he was accused of killing five people last month. Police and court records reflect relatively minor offenses, such as smoking weed with his parents, to horrifying violence that included beating his wife and threatening to kill his family. He never faced a lengthy prison term or longterm hospitalization. For many offenses, he was never arrested.

He's now accused of destroying two families in shootings on Jan. 26 that shocked the capital region.

This case is an extremely horrific example of what we all have known are the shortcomings of our national system of mental healthcare, St. Charles Parish Sheriff Gary Champagne said.

Theriot, 21, once threatened to burn the family house down. His ex-wife told police there was a time Theriot "snapped," pulling the side mirrors off her car to use as a weapon. He also was accused of choking her, knocking out her teeth and throwing her through a window and breaking her wrist.

Investigators said he smoked weed and drank alcohol that mixed poorly with the anti-psychotic medication hed been prescribed. His wife told police he had been diagnosed with schizophrenia.

The fact that someone is mentally ill does not dictate homicidal violence, but the accusation that Theriot killed five people in a rampage that spanned at least an hour and two parishes is one that experts say is a poignant and tragic reminder of the dangerous reality that can fester in a broken mental health system where treatment is little more than crisis stabilization.

According to St. Charles Parish law enforcement records, Theriot's loved ones made frequent calls to police  particularly during 2016 when Theriot was staying at the modest Norco home he shared with his parents and under the tireless cloud of steam billowing from the Shell refinery for which the town is named a block over. Often, he was hospitalized on an involuntary hold after those police encounters.

+2 Records: Dakota Theriot hallucinated, threatened arson before allegedly killing five people Keith Theriot locked the front door of his Norco home the night of June 10, 2017, desperately attempting to keep his son outside.

Theriot had found himself living in a region where every deputy has completed the 40-hour crisis intervention training known as industry standard for de-escalating mental illness-related calls. Champagne, a former president of the National Sheriffs Association, has spent years noticing how law enforcement conferences had become dominated by talking about how police have replaced asylums as the frontlines for mental health care.

Hes more heightened to the issue than maybe other law enforcement leaders are, and when the news broke about Theriots alleged crimes, he reviewed his own deputies prior interactions with the suspect to ensure they had responded efficiently.

There are a lot of people, not just in our parish but all over the place, that fit that kind of bill, Champagne said Thursday, sitting before a series of fanned-out incident reports in his expansive department headquarters. He ends up killing five people and everybody looks and says Oh, well, what didnt we do? Well I dont know what couldve been done more at this point in time. Hes going in to people who are supposed to be treating him and helping him and Im sure they did the best they could with what they had and released him after hed stabilized, but hes an adult and once they release him and stabilize him (hes gone.)

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Experts say that, generally, those within the system respond to mental health crises in the way theyre designed. Families offer concern, police respond, emergency room doctors stabilize and release, usually with the promise the client will continue outpatient treatment. Most do continue that treatment because they are lucid enough to realize that clinic visits are a better way to live than in a psychiatric ward or prison, according to Stephen Aguillard, who runs the Capital Area Human Service Districts mental health branch.

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But many others dont. The systems failure comes in the unpredictable nature of an adult, who ultimately is responsible for their own behavior and health care, when they are also tasked with wading through life with an altered state of mind, Aguillard said.

If you have a gap in the service anywhere, Id say its that you have a lot of family members who have some type of psychological illness or behavioral issue and theyre trying to get help for them but their hands are tied because that persons an adult, they still have the rights to choose what they want, he said. It can be very, very frustrating for the family.

There are options, such as seeking an order of protective custody from the parish coroner to execute an involuntary hospitalization, or seeking longer-term facility, the former of which requires imminent danger and the latter a costly and scarce option.

Aguillard hopes the recently voter-approved Bridge Center in Baton Rouge will act as an option between long-term and crisis care, a place that eases the burden on police response. But then there are other critical issues like transportation and housing that can overshadow mental health care in a patient's life, and the funding for home-visit clinicians is limited.

Mental health facility coming to Baton Rouge after voters approve tax in landslide On their second try, mental health and law enforcement advocates convinced voters to pass a property tax to fund a psychiatric crisis center.

If youre not going to have longer term beds, you need more oversight of managing these people, he said. None of the insurance pays for case managers to say what are the physical needs you may have that may make this person not capable of having ongoing outpatient treatment. Theres no reimbursement for that so they arent provided for those people, they may have burned their family out or their family doesnt know what to do anymore so theyre not around.

Christine Miller, a neuroscientist and retired academic, spent much of her career researching schizophrenia but most recently has begun studying the intersection of illicit substance abuse and mental illness.

She points to studies that have found that subjects who both use drugs and have schizophrenia  such as Theriot  are nine times more likely to commit murder or other extreme acts of violence.

When people with psychosis are on the anti-psychotic medications it does really help control the delusional thinking, the paranoia, the hallucinations, and all of those are involved with violence The single most dangerous symptom is paranoia because nothing causes violence like fear, Miller said.

Louisiana sheriff says 'a monster,' Dakota Theriot, admits killing 5 with stolen gun Alleged mass murderer Dakota Theriot has admitted to killing five people near Walker and Gonzales during the weekend and has admitted shooting

Reports obtained by The Advocate do not indicate Theriot's compliance with anti-psychotic medication, but do point to consistent drug use, specifically marijuana. The documents note his parents, Keith and Elizabeth Theriot, asking police for hospitalization to help their son, and talking about wanting long-term care for him.

Theriot drove from Louisiana to Virginia after the Jan. 26 shootings to seek refuge with family members, particularly his grandmother, in the area, police have said. Theriot's public defender said at an extradition hearing Friday that the suspect wanted to kiss his loved ones goodbye, knowing he'll never see the outside of a jail again, according to The Associated Press. Even with that objective, Theriot still pulled up at his grandmother's home with a gun in his hand.

Records about Theriot's police interactions over the last four years in Louisiana don't outline the relationship he had with family in Virginia, and they have chosen not to speak with media, but school officials have previously said Theriot lived in Virginia for several years as a teenager. He was returned to Louisiana on Friday to face charges in the killings.

Champagne said he often sees parents and other family members coming to the sheriffs office wanting advice or direction. Their loved one may be worrying them, but not yet meet the involuntary committal criteria of being a danger to themselves or others. They may not have insurance or the finances to cover extensive treatment, and are exasperated, exhausted.

Champagne is, too.

(Theriots) parents, I think like all parents, probably wanted to help him and didnt want to see us lock him up and throw away the key.  I wish there was something else I couldve done but this guy isnt the only person out there with these issues and which one is going to end up snapping some day and trying to kill out his whole family we dont know, he said. Im not trying to excuse him or justify him at all, frankly hes got to deal with (his actions).  Im not justifying it at all, hes still responsible for his behavior.

He and Aguillard both believe the solution is funding for options like follow-up care after crisis hospitalizations and expanding court services including diversionary programs or probation conditions that mandate outpatient treatment. Further, Champagne noted a need to address health privacy laws that dont allow law enforcement any background knowledge on a suspects prior mental illness treatment, hospitalizations or diagnoses before theyre responding to a potentially dangerous response situation.BAYOU SORREL  When Ashlyn Melton turned the corner in the early hours that morning, she first saw the police lights piercing through an otherwise dark Addis street.

There were people standing around outside the house, strangers. As she noticed the coroners van, she searched, unsuccessfully, for the one face she wanted to see.

Are you Noah Daigles mom? an officer asked, breaking the news that Meltons 13-year-old son had died in an unintentional shooting at the hands of a friend two years his senior during a sleepover.

Noahs death is a statistic in a slew of unintentional shootings carried out by kids  usually young children  who have taken up a firearm irresponsibly stored by an adult. But Melton, a Bayou Sorrel woman whos been grieving the loss of her son now for more than seven years, is pushing for a specific law in Louisiana that would punish parents who are responsible for securing weapons.

Shes gone back and forth with gun safety groups like the Brady Campaign and Everytown for Gun Safety telling her story. In 2017, she spoke to the U.S. Senate on Mothers Day weekend about the need for a child access prevention law, and the need to view it as a public safety campaign rather than an attempt at gun control.

Now, she says, with several states having pushed for gun safety reforms in the wake of mass tragedies like the Parkland, Florida, school shooting and the Las Vegas concert shooting, she believes there could be more hope for a shift in Louisiana, a state thats historically proved an uphill battle for advocates with intentions like hers.

+3 How law enforcement handles accidental shootings involving children varies across Louisiana Journee' Campbell wears a pink helmet adorned with lollipop and party hat stickers, yet she's too young to be riding a tricycle. The 1-year-ol

Noah was a hunter. He was very, very educated in gun safety, but that didnt save him, she said. Noah didnt die because someone was exercising their right to bear arms. Noah died because an adult wasnt keeping their kids safe, period. I always wanted this to be a public safety issue, not a Second Amendment issue, but it just so happened that he died in a time when the country was so divided on what we do with our guns.

Noahs friend, the 15-year-old, was charged with negligent homicide and spent five years on probation. Melton said she asked the District Attorneys Office to charge the parents also, but they found no basis to do so.

People say, Well, charging the parents, hows that going to help? Its not going to bring them back. Well, creating a speed limits not going to stop everybody from speeding, but if you dont do it and someones driving 100 (mph) and hits somebody, you dont have anything to fall back on and charge them with, Melton said. I think that it would make people not so complacent, because complacency seems to be this big thing now, and if you say, 'Lock your guns up,' people are so divided; theyre indignant about it.

The 18th Judicial District Attorneys Office declined to comment, and state Sen. Rick Ward  whom Melton said she spoke to about her child access prevention law push several years ago  did not respond to a request for comment.

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But an analysis The Advocate completed in 2017 of unintentional child shooting deaths shows inconsistencies in how adults are punished.

In some cases, responsible adults were arrested on cruelty to juveniles counts, and others didnt face any charges. Most law enforcement officials and prosecutors interviewed at the time spoke to the difficulty of pressing charges in those cases, noting how critical individual circumstances are in assessing an adults responsibility.

Melton has been working with Victoria Coy, the founder of the Louisiana Violence Reduction Coalition, for several years, hoping to find a way to criminalize improper gun storage if it leads to the injury or death of a child.

Coy said there are similar laws in at least 25 states, including Mississippi and Texas, and the climate around gun safety in 2019 could present an opportunity to revisit introducing such legislation.

I think the stigma is that you dont want to charge the grieving parent whos just lost a child, but I think Ashlyns case is unfortunately a poignant reminder that it isnt always parents, Coy said. She had no way to seek justice for Noahs death because there wasnt a negligent adult. She did everything she could do; she taught Noah about guns and safety and hunting, but another adult outside of her control cost her child his life.

Coy said that in 2016, she drafted a child access prevention law policy and spoke to legislators but was told Louisiana wasnt ready for such a bill.

Ahead of this year's legislative session, Coy is hoping for a law that would allow people in a time of crisis, or who may face a time of crisis, to add themselves to a voluntary gun purchase prohibition list that would bar them from buying a firearm they could use to harm themselves.

With that effort keeping her busy, Coy said she likely wont be able to take on the child access prevention law push before then, but she and Melton hope with consistent effort, it will gain traction as other states take notice of firearm legislation.

This is a hunting community. Most people out here are hunting right now. Ill hear gunshots every morning, and I dont have an issue with that. My whole issue is gun safety is not gun control; its about keeping our kids safe, Melton said.

I just want to share Noahs story and keep his name out there because hes not here and its so senseless. Theres just no reason in the world we shouldve buried him, none.Purchases made via links on our site may earn us an affiliate commissionWhat's Included

With a Digital Only subscription, you'll receive unlimited access to our website and e-edition. Our digital products are available 24/7 and are accessible anywhere, anytime.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, please call our customer service team at 319-283-2144 or email circ@oelweindailyregister.com.Vanuatu turns the Corner LETS USE THIS AS A SPRINGBOARD FOR THE FUTURETwo days after the Diocese of Baton Rouge revealed the names of 37 clergy members credibly accused of sexual abuse, the congregations of two local Catholic churches learned more about allegations that surfaced during an initial probe into church sexual abuse.

Church leaders at St. Thomas More and St. Aloysius read prepared statements provided by Baton Rouge Bishop Michael Duca in which he called on congregants to come forward with any information on the two new claims of abuse.

During a Thursday press conference, Duca said the diocese received credible allegations that a church volunteer at St. Aloysius, the late Everett Gauthier Sr., sexually abused parish altar boys while volunteering at the church in the mid-1960s.

And at St. Thomas More, church officials are seeking possible leads on a priest accused of sexually abusing a parishioner in the mid-1970s. The victim was not certain of the identity of the perpetrator but it is believed to be a priest, Duca said.

Each of the churches had two priests credibly accused of abuse in recent decades. The accused priests were the Revs. David William Chaloux and Clyde Landry at St. Aloysius, and the Revs. David Joseph Clark and Rodrigue Alphonse Hemond at St. Thomas More.

+3 Abuse reported at 31 churches across Baton Rouge Diocese; some churches had more than one abuser The Diocese of Baton Rouge revealed Thursday that Roman Catholic priests and a seminarian have been accused of sexually abusing minors or vuln

Though both churches read Ducas letter at their respective Saturday Vigil services, they differed in the degree to which each parish confronted the allegations.

At St. Aloysius, the Rev. Eddie Martin did not directly name the two priests accused of abuse at the church, but he did call on parishioners to confront evil in the world with love and to maintain the faith despite the sins of clergy leaders.

We cannot lose our trust in the church as the body of Christ, with Christ as our head leading us, even if very fallible individuals entrusted with his flock have not followed his teachings in an inexcusable, shameful way, Martin said.

During the Prayers of the Faithful, parishioners prayed that the victims of any abuse be cared for with dignity and find peace.

After Mass, Martin said the church is making sure all potential leads on abuse are reported to the diocese so claims can be thoroughly investigated and victims can receive the help they need. The church parish is still grappling with how to handle the situation and leaders are looking to the diocese for guidance, he said.

We were all shocked by this, Martin said. But so far, he said, congregants have shown resilience.

The Rev. Michael Alello, at St. Thomas More, offered no commentary on alleged abuse beyond the bishops mandated letter.

In a homily that touched on the importance of having difficult discussions with a parish congregation, Alello made no reference to abuse. Later, at the end of the service, he let the bishop's letter speak to the issue without further elaboration.

After the letter was read, Alello hurried on to share what he described as exciting news about a recent gathering of people interested in becoming Catholic. Alello declined to comment on the issue of abuse when approached after Mass.

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+4 At least 19 clergy on Baton Rouge list of credibly accused had not been named locally before Before Clarence Biggers came to the Diocese of Baton Rouge in 1964, multiple girls told their parents that the Marist priest had kissed them, 

Though parishioners at both churches were subdued as the letters were read, after the services some congregants shared their thoughts and concerns with reporters from The Advocate.

An elderly parishioner who declined to give her name and has been a member of the parish of St. Thomas More for more than 20 years said she feels this is a universal problem.

It has nothing to do with our church or our faith, she said. In every church, there are people like that.

Marcy and Frank Simoneaux, whove been members of St. Aloysius on and off since 1961, said the abuse revelations havent destroyed their faith.

This is a sinful world, its always been. Its disappointing when its part of your own Catholic faith, Frank Simoneaux said. We need to continue to strive to keep the faith strong.

Marcy Simoneaux said shes thankful church leaders are coming out with it and being honest.

Earl LeBlanc, 86, grew up serving as an altar boy and has been a member of St. Thomas More parish with his wife for over four decades.

Though he believes this revelation of abuse in the parish is a sad situation, he also worries about the impact on young men considering a priestly vocation.

Its discouraging, he said. The world is not pretty sometimes.

Other congregants are searching for healing and a renewal of trust in the institution of the church.

Adam Stewart, who has been a parishioner of St. Thomas More for a little over a year, has been mulling over the bishops statement since Thursday.

Im just praying for those whove been affected by it, that they get some closure, Stewart said. I also hope that those who could make change can continue to make change.Local business and community leaders will discuss the economic forecast for Acadiana during the The Advocates Acadiana Economic Outlook Summit Feb. 19.

The roundtable discussion will include representatives from different areas of the community and will focus on issues expected to to affect the region in 2019.

The event will be held at the Picard Center, 200 E. Devalcourt St., with a continental breakfast at 7:30 a.m. and the panel discussion from 8-10 a.m.

[TICKET INFO: Click here to buy tickets to the event!]

The meeting comes after The Advocate hosted a similar event in Baton Rouge last month that was well-attended.

Part of our mission at The Advocate is to shed light on local issues and create dialogue in the communities we serve, Advocate president Judi Terzotis said. This forum is an excellent opportunity to do both. Our summit in Baton Rouge sold out, and we expect to do the same in Acadiana.

Panelists are Bill Fenstermaker, chairman and CEO of Fenstermaker; Troy Wayman, president and CEO of One Acadiana; Flo Meadows, commercial Realtor with Latter and Blum; Joe Zanco, chief financial officer with Home Bank; Natalie Harder, chancellor of South Louisiana Community College; Matt Sias, owner of MSJ Insurance Agency; Gregg Gothreaux, president and CEO of Lafayette Economic Development Authority; Don Pierson, secretary for Louisiana Economic Development; Phillip May, president and CEO of Entergy Louisiana; Will LaBar, vice president of consulting services at CGI; David Callecod, president of Lafayette General Health; and University of Louisiana at Lafayette President Joe Savoie.

The goal of the summit is to provide information that gives business leaders and the public a big-picture understanding of the Acadiana economy.

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+3 Advocate expands Acadiana newsroom with hire of six journalists; new chief revenue officer also named Two veteran media executives with deep ties to Lafayette will be joining The Acadiana Advocate, and the news organization has doubled the size

Were in a difficult time and to help get a feel for what 2019 will bring, The Acadiana Advocate is bringing together a panel of business leaders to discuss the challenges and opportunities of the new year, Advocate Editor Peter Kovacs said.

Tickets for the summit can be purchased at theacadianaadvocate.com/econ2019 for $20, plus fees. The summit is sponsored by Entergy, Home Bank, Lafayette General Health and Acadian Companies.

Can't see the form below? Click here.A native of New Jersey and graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Will LaBar doesnt plan on moving away any time soon.

After locating here almost 20 years ago and now heading up Montreal-based CGIs operations in Lafayette as vice president, LaBar eats crawfish and makes his own roux. Hes got a certificate signed by the mayor that declares him an Honorary Cajun.

He's in a sector the Acadiana area wants to grow, along with a workforce to support it.

Its been a trade-off of sorts for LaBar and his new hometown as CGI has become a shining star in Lafayette's technology sector, which already has grown significantly since the company first broke ground on its Acadiana operations in 2015 with plans for 400 jobs.

The global information technology firm announced last year that it expects to add yet another 400 jobs by 2023. The company, LaBar noted, is a bit ahead of schedule in that.

The company has 100 openings right now, and the search has begun.

If you have about 15 dot-net developers, we can probably get them going tomorrow, he said. The open positions "span the gamut. I think by 2024 we will have hit 800. Were going to continue the rapid growth that weve had.

The company wont be alone. As community leaders grow the tech sector in Acadiana, the challenge will be to fill those jobs at CGI, Waitr or other companies. The number of graduates from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette have grown in recent years, which gives companies a pool of talent to pick from.

Its a shift from 2014, said Gregg Gothreaux, president and CEO of the Lafayette Economic Development Authority, when the university was producing more graduates than local job openings.

Nationally, there is a shortage of experienced software developers, he said. Acadiana is competing with major markets for these workers, but local companies have had success in attracting this specialized workforce.

Having a network of tech-intensive companies with local upward mobility opportunities makes recruiting talent and other companies to the region easier.

Chad Theriot will tell you hes been around IT for a long time. There was the Tech South summit in 2005 at the Cajundome, where people got together and dreamed of creating an industry for themselves.

The term Silicon Bayou became popular. And once the film industry came seeking tech people and other companies started tech firms, the race for talent was on in an area where for years qualified people went looking elsewhere for employment.

We knew that was coming for a long time, said Theriot, a UL-Lafayette grad and president of CBM Technology in Breaux Bridge. Weve been a producer of tech people exports. Its a brain drain. I was one of them. I left because there were no jobs here in IT. I did great and then came home.

Inside info on doing business in Acadiana We'll keep you posted on the Acadiana economy. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

This whole IT surge is bringing a lot of people home, but were having to ramp up the number of people who understand IT investing in town.

Theriot and his partners bought CBM in 2011, and staffers there do a number of services, including hardware, video, programming and software development. Software developers, he noted, can be hard to find.

A lot of times software developers are weird birds, he said. I get it. Were geeks. In fact, we make geeks look like normal people. But software developers need to fit into the communities theyre living in. We want to find someone who feels comfortable.

Now companies are competing with nearby metro markets as the tech industry surges worldwide. DXC Technology has opened an office in New Orleans, with plans to employ 300 within a year and 2,000 by 2025.

IBMs move to hold a job fair in Lafayette last month for its Baton Rouge operations may have raised eyebrows as an attempt to poach local tech talent.

The race for talent, especially in Louisiana, has begun.

Everything we do as a company is to win the war for talent, LaBar said. This is about: 'Does our community have the right ingredients to attract, retain and grow a workforce in this sector that now spans many sectors?' When were recruiting, we have to hit all those different levers.

Data from UL-Lafayettes School of Computing and Informatics shows enrollment has climbed considerably in the past six years. In 2012-13, 436 students were enrolled in computer science and informatics programs, and that number rose to 666 in 2017-18 and 713 last fall.

The enrollment is ahead of schedule, said Ramesh Kolluru, vice president of research, innovation and economic development and professor at UL-Lafayette.

Its never been better as far as the job market and the opportunity to find employment in the Lafayette region, Kolluru said. Weve always had a steady base of companies that have hired and continue to hire tech folks with the oil and gas sectors and so on. Do people have opportunities? Certainly the answer is better than they ever have before.

Kolluru and the university actively work with CGI and other agencies on workforce needs. The state also has made commitments to keep those large tech companies anchored in Louisiana, which will provide careers for students without having to leave the state.

They love the fact that theyre creating opportunities for our graduates, Kolluru said. But we also love theyre bringing in talent. For a state that has dealt with brain drain, that adds to our economy here, our culture and what we consider ourselves as a community. Thats very gratifying to see.This map of snowpack in Colorados eight major river basins shows our area colored a relatively healthy yellow; last year at this time, it was an alarmist red. (Image courtesy of Natural Resources Conservation Service)Authorities are warning attendees of a recent auto show in Detroit that they may have been exposed to rubella, from an attendee who was possibly contagious at the time of the event. Those who are unsure about their vaccination status are advised to contact their health care providers.

Auto Show In Detroit

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is warning everyone who attended the North American International Auto Show in Detroit last Jan. 13 to 15 that they might have been exposed to measles. The warning comes after authorities from another state warned them that one of their residents who attended the event was diagnosed with rubella.

Evidently, the potential exposure occurred during a press review where thousands of journalists from all over the world gathered to interview executives and watch some vehicles being revealed.

Spokesperson for the MDHHS Lynn Sutfin stated that she is unaware of exactly which state the individual came from, but did say that it was possible that the individual was contagious while in Detroit. She further states that their efforts are out of an abundance of caution especially for pregnant women, for whom rubella may be particularly dangerous.

Rubella

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, symptoms may begin from 12 to 23 days after the exposure, but the ill person may be contagious for seven days before and seven days after the rashes begin to appear.

Rubella is particularly harmful for unvaccinated pregnant women because having rubella while pregnant may result in miscarriage or serious birth defects. That said, it can be prevented with a vaccine, which is included in the Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine that is typically included in most childhood routine vaccinations.

As such, anyone who thinks they might have been exposed to rubella during the event is encouraged to contact their health care provider, especially if they are unsure about their vaccination status. According to authorities, the last time rubella, also called German measles, was reported in Michigan was in 2007.

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.Christie's announces the auction of a rare heart-shaped meteorite will be between Feb. 6 and Feb. 14, just in time for Valentine's Day.

The 9-inch long meteorite originated from one of the greatest meteorite showers in several thousand years. It was part of an enormous iron mass that detached itself from the asteroid belt and glided through space before landing in Sikhote-Alin Mountains, Siberia, on Feb. 12, 1947.

The Big Bang Of Meteorites

The auction house website revealed that after penetrating the Earth's atmosphere, the large meteorite broke into smaller meteorites and blazed over Siberian mountains in a fireball that was as bright as the sun.

The website also notes that the iron mass explosion disintegrated chimneys, shattered the windows, and uprooted the trees. A 20-mile smoke trail was seen suspended in the sky for hours, while sonic booms could be heard as far as 200 miles following the crash.

"Many of the resulting meteorites produced impact craters as large as 26 meters [85 feet]  with nearly 200 craters having been catalogued," the auction house added.

'Heart Of Space' Costs A Bomb

Christie's explains that not all meteorites found in the Sikhote-Alin are as attractive as the "heart of space." The ones that broke away from the main body at a lower altitude are twisted and uneven, looking more like shrapnel than a desirable heart-shaped artifact.

However, Christie's prized possession may have split at a much higher altitude, forming aerodynamic indentations, known as regmaglypts.

Sarah Crowther, from School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Manchester, told CNN that "heart of space" belongs to a rare group of iron meteorites known as IIAB.

"There are currently 134 type IIAB iron meteorites, out of a total of over 60,000 known meteorites, so this type is fairly rare," Crowther said.

She also added that for an iron meteorite, the price is rather high. Other pieces belonging to the same meteorite cost in the range of $1 to $4 per gram.

The high value of this meteorite can be attributed to its unique shape, the regmaglypts, and the size of the specimen, Crowther explained.

The auction house expects to sell "heart of space" for somewhere between $300,000 and $500,000.

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.Police found suspected methamphetamine and more than 80 guns at a Max Meadows residence on Monday after going there to arrest the homeowner on two drug indictments, according to a search warrant.

Barry Randolph Smith, 59, was charged with two felony counts of distributing meth  charges that were handed down Jan. 22 by a local grand jury. The indictments were sealed until Smith was taken into custody.

According to the indictments and a search warrant application, Smith is accused of selling the powerful stimulant to a police informant on Dec. 28, 2017, and Jan. 5, 2018. The informant bought the drugs at Smiths 5364 East Lee Highway residence, according to court records.

When Virginia State Police Special Agent M.A. Shaver and other members of the Claytor Lake Drug Task Force went to Smiths residence on Jan. 28, Smith invited them inside and walked them back to his bedroom.

This affiant asked Mr. Smith if there was any meth, or illegal narcotics in his residence, Shaver wrote. Mr. Smith stated yes I was getting ready to fire one up when yall got here, its in a box on the bed. Do you already have a paid subscription to any of the SWNewsMedia newspapers? If so, you can Activate your Premium online account by clicking here. Activation will allow you to view unlimited online articles each month. To activate your Premium online account, the email address and phone number provided with your paid newspaper subscription needs to match the information you use in setting up your online user account. If you are having trouble or want to confirm what email address and phone number is listed on your subscription account, please call 952-345-6682 or email circulation@swpub.com and we'll be happy to assist.Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced the creation of a new skills and employment initiative  Te Ara Mahi (Pathways to Work)  to support workers and employers in regional New Zealand.

The Provincial Growth Fund will provide an investment of up to $82.4 million towards initiatives to boost skills and employments.

A cornerstone of the PGF is to create jobs, which means ensuring local people have the opportunity to take up work and support the delivery of PGF-funded projects around the country, says Jacinda.

We want to support people to learn the skills needed for local jobs while also helping employers meet their growing labour force needs."

The government will set aside $60 million for programmes in five of the PGFs surge regions (Northland, Bay of Plenty, Tairawhiti, Hawkes Bay and Manawatu-Whanganui), which face particular challenges including high unemployment, low wages and lower productivity compared to the rest of New Zealand.

An additional $20 million will be allocated to non-surge regions with the remaining $2.4m to support programme delivery.

We will be investing in two specific programmes that support Maori and Pasifika  He Poutama Rangatahi and the expansion Ministry for Pacific Peoples successful Pacific Employment Support Service," says Jacinda.

"Both programme target rangatahi who are Not in Employment, Education or Training (NEET)."

The PGF investment will also support the development of employment hubs to bring government agencies together to respond to specific needs of local employers and potential local workers.

Were supporting businesses and employers to access the workforce they need when they need it, and giving them confidence to invest in expanding operations in the regions. This will help to accelerate job creation, leading to sustainable economic growth.

These hubs will empower communities by bringing people and business together to access the full range of government employment support services, including access to work-readiness courses and training opportunities."

Regional Economic Development Shane Jones joined the Prime Minister and Employment Minister Willie Jackson at Mangatoa Station near Kaikohe to make the announcement.

New Zealands economy is growing and unemployment is at its lowest in a decade. Regional New Zealand deserves to share in the economic prosperity of a strong economy, and this funding will equip them with the skills and capability to succeed, says Shane..

Through the PGF we are able to amplify our investment in local people, including rangatahi Maori, who feature disproportionately high in NEET statistics.

Were also able to scale-up the support available to employers to ensure they are able to take on local people to deliver on local projects.

The PGF was always intended to improve employment outcomes for people in the regions. By working with people and business, were making a real difference in the regions and supporting local communities to thrive."Click the image above to watch the video

In todays weather forecast we are expecting a fine day with some evening cloud. Also light winds and sea breezes.

Its a one-clothing layer day today with a high of 25 and an overnight low of 16 degrees. Humidity is 74 per cent.

Low tide is at 1.50pm and high tide at 7.50pm(Tay St). Theres a sea swell of 0.6m and sea temperature is 23 degrees. Sunset tonight is at 8.23pm.

If youre going fishing the next best fish bite time is between 12 noon and 2pm.

On this day in NZ history in 1975 the first woman swam the Cook Strait. American Lynne Cox swam from the North Island to the South in 12 hours 7 minutes. The fourth person to do so, she battled heavy seas and strong winds.

In 1985 USS Buchanan was refused entry to New Zealand. New Zealand's Labour government refused the USS Buchanan entry because the United States would neither confirm nor deny that the warship had nuclear capability.

On this day in world history in 1789 George Washington was unanimously elected the first president of the United States by the Electoral College. He was unanimously elected again in 1792.

In 1795 France abolished slavery in her territories and conferred citizenship on the slaves.

In 1906 the New York Police Department began fingerprint identification.

In 1932 Governor Franklin D. Roosevelt inaugurated the Winter Olympics at Lake Placid, N.Y.

In 1945 the Big Three, American, British and Soviet leaders, met in Yalta to discuss the war aims.

In 1974 newspaper heiress Patty Hearst was kidnapped by the Symbionese Liberation Army, beginning one of the most bizarre cases in FBI history.

Today is the birthday of Clyde Tombaugh, the astronomer who discovered Pluto. Born in 1906, he once said I think there's a supreme power behind the whole thing, an intelligence. Look at all of the instincts of nature, both animals and plants, the very ingenious ways they survive. If you cut yourself, you don't have to think about it.

To get involved in activities around the Bay of Plenty, please check out our Whats on page.

Have a great day!Ever wondered whats bubbling below us in Rotorua?

GNS Science and Bay of Plenty Regional Council have been investigating volcanic hazards and deep geothermal energy resources in the Taupo Volcanic Zone for the last decade and can how share the latest findings to interested members of the public, at a meeting to be held February 12.

Since 2009, GNS Science has been collecting magnetotelluric or MT measurements to further understand volcanic hazards and the deep geothermal engery resources in the Taupo Volcanic Zone, including Rotorua.

Magentotelluric measurements help to build a picture of where geothermal fluid may be present deep within the earth  in the case of the Taupo Volcanic Zone, three  seven kilometres underground, and the underlying magmatic heat sources of the geothermal systems.

Along with GNS Science government research funding, the Bay of Plenty Regional Council contributed to the MT data collection exercise which focused on the area east of Lake Rotorua.

The most recent results from this research will be presented at a meeting, open to the public, at the Bay of Plenty Regional Council Rotorua office, 1125 Arawa Street, Rotorua, on February 12, from 5.30pm.

GNS geophysicists Ted Bertrand says the results of the research were proving to be extremely interesting.

Over the last few years, we have started to see the connection between the shallow parks of geothermal fields and the underlying magmatic systems which provide the heat.

Results from the Rotorua lakes region and similar research north of Taupo, have enabled us to start to understand how geothermal systems like Rotorua work from tip to toe  from the surface features down to their volcanic roots.

GNS geophysicists Grant Caldwell says as a Crown Research Institute, one of their aims was to provide information that would encourage future exploration and research into sustainable geothermal resources at depths greater than currently explored.

Its been a tremendous help for us to have the additional support from the Regional Council for this research.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council Geothermal Programme Leader Penny Doorman says as managers of the resource, it was important that this type of work was undertaken.

For the Regional Council, our aim is to increase our understanding of the wider geothermal resource and volcanic hazard in the region surrounding Rotorua.

Geothermal is recognised as an important asset for the Bay of Plenty region but also as a natural hazard. Having good information on which to base our decisions assists council in managing the resource as effectively and efficiently as possible for its long-term sustainability, as well as knowing how to address associated risks.Bay of Plenty

If you love working out doors and in a small team then we have the role for you. We are needing someone who has either maintenance...



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Sponsored By: Arvest BankAt the end of 2018 Ukraine ordered two Bayraker TB2 UAV systems, for $69 million from the Turkish manufacturer. Each system contains six UAVs, three truck-mounted ground control systems, two remote video terminals (which troops can use) and maintenance gear. The first system will be delivered in 2019 and the other in 2020. Ukraine is the second export customer for Bayraker, as Qatar had earlier ordered one system. The primary customer is the Turkish military, which already has six systems and plans to buy 151 UAVs (mostly as systems but also spares for expected operational losses).

The small Turkish firm that developed Bayraktar borrowed heavily from commercial technology that has already proved itself. As a result, Bayraktar was the first locally designed and built UAV of its class to enter service (with the Turkish Air Force) in 2014. Bayraktar is a 650 kg (1,433 pounds) aircraft with a 55 kg (110 pound) payload and an endurance of 24 hours. In 2016 Bayraktar TB2 was equipped to carry two 22.5 kg (50 pound) Turkish made Mam-L laser-guided missiles. With a range of 8 kilometers, the Mam-l weighs half as much as the American Hellfire and is light enough for Bayraktar TB2 to carry two of them. These are used regularly against PKK separatists in Turkey and Islamic terrorists and rebel groups in Syria.

The same firm also developed the much smaller Bayraktar Mini UAV which is a 4.6 kg (9.9 pounds) aircraft that is battery powered and hand launched. Endurance is 60 minutes and the Bayraktar can operate up to 15 kilometers from the operator. The Turkish Army has been using the Bayraktar Mini since 2007. The Turkish national police have also ordered the Bayraktar Tactical.

Since the late 1990s, Turkey has developed and deployed several workable UAVs. In early 2018 the Turkish Air Force received six of 40 Anka UAVs they had ordered back in 2013. At that point eight Ankas had been built but two have crashed during testing. Anka is actually delivered as a system. Each Anka system consists of three UAVs plus ground control equipment and all necessary maintenance and ground operations gear. Looking very similar to the American Predator, the Anka is a 1.6 ton aircraft propelled by a rear-facing propeller. The payload is 200 kg (440 pounds) and endurance is 24 hours, and Anka can operate up to 200 kilometers from its controller. Max altitude is 7,900 meters (26,000 feet). A UAV like this would sell for over $2 million each. The Turkish military was supposed to receive its first Anka by the end of 2013 but that was delayed by technical problems. Turkey also announced a larger (four ton) version of Anka that can carry missiles or a lot more reconnaissance equipment. That has also been delayed and none have entered service yet. In 2016 Turkey put the original Anka UAV into service for the first time but deliveries of production models only began in 2017. The Turkish Air Force ordered 30 aircraft (ten systems) in 2013.

Turkish UAV development has been going on since the late 1990s when Israel was still an ally and supplier of weapons and tech to the Turks. But by 2003 an anti-Israel Islamic government was running Turkey and local UAV development was crippled but not destroyed as military and technical relationships with Israel were severed.

Anka was clearly a military UAV, of the type the Israelis had pioneered in the 1980s. The Turkish government apparently ordered a state-owned firm to match the leased Israeli Heron UAVs used by Turkish forces. These Herons were eventually (2017) returned to Israel. Building large UAVs similar to the Heron has proven difficult to do. One of the disputes with Israel was over electronic accessories Turkey wanted to add to the Israeli UAVs. The Turkish developer was perpetually late and when delivery was made there were problems installing in on the Israeli UAV. The Turks blamed the Israelis and the Israelis kept quiet until they got their UAVs back and then details of the over-promised and under delivered Turkish technology were released. This situation was not unique to the large UAVs like Anka but with other ambitious defense projects where the government demanded more than Turkish firms, especially state-owned ones, could deliver. With the Israelis out of the picture, there was no one the government could blame for the years of delays in getting the Anka operational so few updates were released.

The smaller Turkish firm that developed the two Bayraktar UAVs paid closer attention to the Turkish experience with Israeli UAV tech and managed to develop and manufacture competitive UAVs sooner than the larger Turkish firms that paid more attention to Turkish politics than to customer needs. The Bayraktar TB2 was very similar to the Israeli Heron UAV, which was the primary UAV for the IDF (Israeli Defense Forces). Bayraktar also paid a lot of attention to software development, learning much from the experience of the Israelis and Americans. The latest Bayraktar TB2 flight software not only takes off and lands automatically but can also move from its parking spot on an airfield, taxi to the runway and takeoff without human intervention other than commands from the airbase flight controllers. In flight, the control software has several redundancies (backup procedures for various emergencies) that make Bayraktar TB2 a safer and easier to operate UAV. Ukraine probably could have obtained a similar UAV from China for less money but Bayraktar already had a reputation for reliability and better software than most. Another bonus for Ukraine to buy UAVs from Turkey is that Russia is trying, with mixed success, to turn Turkey into an ally. The Turks are not cooperating. Ukraine also does business with China, which is also an ally with Russia but believes business is business.

The Heron Shoval UAVs Israel sold/leased to Turkey are very similar to the American Predator A (or MQ-1). The Shoval weighs about the same (1.2 tons) and has the same endurance (40 hours). Shoval has a slightly higher ceiling (10,000 versus 8,100 meters) and software which allows it to automatically take off, carry out a mission, and land automatically. Not all American large UAVs can do this. Both Predator and Shoval cost about the same ($5 million), although the Israelis are willing to be flexible on price. The Shoval does have a larger wingspan (16.5 meters/51 feet) than the Predator (13.2 meters/41 feet) and a payload of about 137 kg (300 pounds).

Meanwhile, the anti-Israel Turkish government thought Shoval would be easy to replicate because Turkey's economy has been booming since 2000 and the Islamic government made good on its pledge to crack down on the corruption that had long crippled the economy. As the economy grew, the government sought to make Turkey more self-sufficient in military equipment, and UAVs are considered part of this program. But this was mainly for show, not for real. One exception was Turkish commercial firms developing, and delivering less ambitious UAVs like the Bayraktar TB2 and Mini UAVs. By 2017 state owned firms caught on. That year STM, a state owned Turkish firm, put on the market three new locally developed UAVs. These UAVs (Alpagu, Kargu and Togan) are simpler and smaller than earlier Turkish efforts. STM declared that the three new UAVs were already in service, which meant that Turkish troops and police tested them and found them useful. What the manufacturers want is export sales and these UAVs address a market that is currently very crowded and competitive.

Alpagu is a 3.7 kg (8.2 pounds) fixed-wing UAV that can do surveillance but is primarily meant for use as a portable cruise missile as it carries half a kilogram warhead and can be guided to a target up to 5,000 meters away by a soldier. This is similar to the American Switchblade, a one kilogram (2.2 pound) expendable (used only once) UAV that can be equipped with explosives. The Switchblade is launched from its shipping and storage tube, at which point wings flip out, a battery-powered propeller starts spinning and a vidcam begins broadcasting images to the controller. The Switchblade is operated using the same gear the larger (two kg/4.4 pound) Raven UAV employs. Moving at up to a kilometer a minute, the Switchblade can stay in the air for 20-40 minutes (depending on whether or not it is armed with explosives) and entered service in 2011. This led to a larger version in 2017. This one weighed 2.2 kg (5 pounds) with up to 30 minutes endurance and a 9 kilometer range. Meanwhile, Israel was offering its similar Hero 30, a three kg (6.6 pounds) UAV with 30 minutes endurance. Based on past experience Turkey wont have much luck finding export customers and appears to have put together these three new small UAVs mainly to show that Turkey can develop and ship this sort of thing.

The other two new STM UAVs (Kargu and Togan) are based on commercial quad-copter designs. Kargu is a 6.3 kg (13.8 pounds) UAV while Togan is a 7.5 kg (16.5 pounds) quad-copter design. These also carry a wide variety of accessories already available for UAVs like this. The problem with smaller UAVs like this is that they compete in a crowded commercial market, largely dominated by several Chinese firms. The companies are constantly innovating and introducing new models. Israel recognizes what is going on here and has adopted the Chinese quad-copters for military and police use.The brutal murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi was preceded a few weeks by a major event that could be the key for why his assassination was ordered. That event was the cancelled stock market sale of Saudi Aramco shares, the kingdoms state-owned oil company.

The Initial Public Offering of Aramco  the worlds biggest oil company  was the brainchild of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), as told in this recent documentary. When he became heir to the throne in early 2017, the young prince made the partial sell-off of the state-owned asset the cornerstone for his far-reaching plans to reform the ultra-conservative desert kingdom.

MBS, the favored son of aging King Salman, was given free rein over major policy decisions, including trying to modernize the Saudi economy away from its near-total dependence on oil. The Crown Prince drew up a Vision 2030 master plan to reinvent Saudi Arabia as a hi-tech business hub for the Middle East. The plan  widely hailed by Western news media as an ambitious new beginning  also included social reforms to give women more rights and to open up more lax leisure facilities, such as cinemas and sporting venues. The Western plaudits for the young royal pandered to his ego and vanity.

However, the thirty-two-year monarch has since fallen out of favor among his erstwhile Western backers over the gruesome murder of Jamal Khashoggi. Khashoggi was killed in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2 in what many believe to have been an assassination plot ordered by Crown Prince MBS. The House of Saud vehemently deny his involvement and claim that the murder was a rogue operation by Saudi intelligence agents who were sent to Istanbul to forcibly return Khashoggi to his native country. Few people  most notably US President Donald Trump  believe the official Saudi claim of MBS innocence.

The timeline of events is important here. Khashoggi went in self-exile in September 2017, a few months after MBS became heir to the throne. His next-in-line promotion was seen by many observers as a breach of the kingdoms succession rules. MBS, with his fathers approval, bypassed other heirs who were higher up the succession ladder. It was a power grab by the sharp-elbowed MBS who is known for being arrogant and impetuous.

During his US exile, Khashoggi became a regular columnist for the Washington Post and a prominent guest speaker at various influential think tanks on Middle Eastern matters. A cardinal theme for the dissident was criticism of MBS and highlighting serious policy mistakes. Khashoggi was critical of Saudi Arabias war in Yemen, the blockade of Qatar, its destabilizing interference in Lebanons political affairs, as well as exposing the darker side of MBSs authoritarian rule during the round-up and alleged torture of other royals, which the Crown Prince had been claiming was an anti-corruption crackdown. The young royals reformist image was therefore being marred by Khashoggis insider insights.

All this negative publicity  from high-profile media platforms in the US  is bound to have impacted on the strategy concerning the share sell-off for Aramco. The Initial Public Offering (IPO) of Aramco was said to be worlds biggest-ever stock-market listing. It had investors drooling. New York was vying with London for the deal.

The company was valued by the Saudi Crown Prince and his advisors at $2 trillion. The intended 5 per cent sell-off of company shares was calculated to raise $100 billion. That windfall was then supposed to be used to drive forward the ambitious Vision 2030 which MBS was staking his entire reputation and ego on.

But foreign investors began to lose confidence in Aramcos valuation at $2 trillion  reckoned to be unrealistically high. Secondly, there were growing doubts about MBS as a reliable ruler. The much-vaunted stock-market launch of the company began to fade from the end of 2017 through early 2018. Investors became leery of what had been touted as the most spectacular capital venture ever.

As Aramcos prospects dwindled, it was reported that King Salman eventually stepped in to pull the plug on whole concept.

Al Jazeera reported: The king spoke  and a $2 trillion dream went up in smoke. The Financial Times commented at the time: Shelving the Saudi Aramco IPO [sell-off] is a blow to Crown Prince For the king it maybe was too much to go down as the man who sold the crown jewels.

The abrupt cancelling of the Aramco stock-market plan came as a severe knock-back to MBS. The young royal is known to see himself in the same mold as global entrepreneurs. When he was on a two-week visit to the US last year, he smooched with Silicon Valley figures and other business leaders. One can easily imagine the personal insecurity of this pampered Saudi heir trying to prove himself among what he considers icons of success.

With MBS Aramco brainchild aborted, the whole reform master plan of his Vision 2030 was also then thrown into disarray. No exaggeration, his world must have been turned upside down and his reputation badly dented. Its hard to overstate how bruising the turn of events must have been for the visionary royal.

A CIA assessment of Crown Prince MBS, as reported by the Washington Post, refers to him as a good technocrat but also an arrogant and impetuous character. He doesnt seem to understand that there are some things you cant do, quoted the Post.

All this earth-shattering news came at the end of August, 2018, when the Western media revealed that Aramco stock-market plan was being ditched. Whats more, it was also clear that the once-buoyant image of MBS was being checked by his father.

Barely five weeks later, Jamal Khashoggi was lured to Istanbul on false pretenses to collect a legal document from the Saudi consulate. That was on October 2 when it is believed that he was tortured to death inside the consulate, and his body cut up with a bone saw for disposal. His remains have never been recovered.

It is claimed that MBS organized the plan to entice Khashoggi to Istanbul. The journalist was fearful of returning to Saudi Arabia because of his media criticism. MBSs younger brother, Khalid, who was based in Washington as US ambassador, reportedly phoned Khashoggi to assure him that he would be safe to go to Istanbul. That must have been sometime during September. The Saudi embassy denies the phone call was made.

Jamal Khashoggi is not known to have expressed any public opinion on the proposed Aramco stock-market plan. But it can be fairly deduced that his critical writings concerning the reformist Crown Prince and the latters lack of credibility dealt a serious downer  at least indirectly  to the whole venture.

In MBS egotistical rage over his dream being squelched, Jamal Khashoggi probably emerged as the bane of the Crown Princes ambitions. In a five-week period, the journalists fate was sealed by a murder plot that bears the hallmarks of rage and revenge.It is a scene depressingly familiar to inhabitants of Political Washington over the past 30 years since US armed invasion of small or vulnerable countries came back into fashion after being briefly discredited following the Vietnam War. This time it is Venezuela and its twice democratically-elected President Nicolas Maduro that is being demonized as a Diabolical Menace to the very survival of All That is Good and True.

One does not have to uncritically admire everything President Maduro has done as leader of his country to confidently predict what will happen if the US government succeeds in toppling him and imposing its own ridiculous figurehead  boyish, fearful, eager-to-please little Juan Guiado: Venezuelas version of Mario Rubio and the nonentity being touted as his countrys liberator (how the spirit of Simon Bolivar must be raging  or laughing uncontrollably!).

Then, the miseries of the unfortunate Venezuelan people will not end: They will only just have begun.

Washingtons Armchair Heroes are determined to transform the Bolivarian Republic into the Gulliverian Republic  a joke of a state presided over by worthless tiny midgets.

We have seen this same infernal script play out in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya and Ukraine with efforts to impose it on Syria and Yemen.

The outcome is always the same: Worse wars, worse suffering, huge increases in civilian death tolls, collapses of economies, violent anarchy, flourishing extreme Islamist and other terrorist groups where previously there were none, enormous rackets sexually enslaving children and young women, soaring per capita drug abuse rates.

The philosopher-statesmen and wise pundit-prophets of Washington shake their heads sadly and move on every looking for new worlds to liberate  and destroy.

Why is this happening yet again as it has remorselessly before under the previous five successive US presidents?

The answer is simple: President Donald Trump has now surrounded himself with neoconservative super-hawks. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and National Security Adviser John Bolton are driving policy. They have eagerly recruited Elliott Abrams, who was widely accused of supporting the genocide of the Mayan native peoples of Central America back in the time of Ronald Reagan more than 35 years ago as their Special Envoy to restore Democracy in Venezuela  a title with a devilishly Orwellian touch: For Abrams, of course will not rest until the last vestiges of democracy and meaningful freedom and independence are destroyed in Venezuela.

Most insane of all, at a time when the awful wars that George W. Bush and Barack Obama have unleashed across the Middle East, Eurasia and South Asia blaze on with no end in sight (except for the total defeat of the United States and the annihilation of all those forces shortsighted, greedy and just plain stupid enough to trust them), Trump, Pompeo, Bolton and Abrams are now determined to open up a brand new war front on an entirely different continent. And once again they are charging in with a political grand strategy certain to guarantee inevitable total defeat. Once again, the Gadarene Swine are in full stampede.

How can a nation and its ruling establishment commit so cavalierly to repeating catastrophic policies that produced nothing but horror and humiliation and failure throughout the 21st century without exception? We must go back more than 100 years to get a hint of the deeper answer to this vital question.

An amazing letter the great English philosopher Lord Bertrand Russell wrote about the work of Sigmund Freud in 1917 explains the nature of the warmongering madness and stampede to global destruction that has again taken over the US political and media elites.

In their recent enormous study Freud in Cambridge, John Forester and Laura Cameron quote a genius of a century ago, Russell, talking about another one  Freud.

In a 1917 letter to his young mistress Lady Constance Colette Malleson, Russell wrote, as World War I was still raging, I am reading Freud on dreams  most exciting. I see in my minds eye a great work on how people come to have the opinions they have  interesting scientifically and undermining ferocity (emphasis in the original) the base (unmasking, I ought to have said)  because it is always hidden behind a mask of morality. The psychology of opinion, especially politically opinion, is really an untouched field and I am excited about it.

Russell, as usual was centuries ahead of his time. He recognized, as Freud and George Orwell in their unique ways also did, the crucial roles of emotional irrational hatred welling up from the unconscious, summoned by simple, primitive cliches endlessly repeated in a numbing, hypnotic drumbeat of mass brainwashing. People of Oceania! We are at war with Eurasia! We have always been at war with Eurasia! We are at War with Venezuela! We have always been at war with Venezuela!

Today 320 million Americans are once again being led by the nose into another needless, bungled, unnecessary open-ended war for the power and profit of a tiny few. And even most of them will not even get that  or at least, not for very long.

Today more than ever, we need the insights of these three great minds, Freud, Orwell and Russell to explain the delusional madness sweeping political and media Washington.

Once again, as Russell so clearly recognized and warned, crazed ferocity hides behind a mask of morality and claimed high mindedness in advocating and pushing through policies that imperil human survival. The Gadarene Swine stampede through the broad boulevards of Washington, intent on spreading their madness and destruction to the entire world.These are the most-read letters from last week.The November election results underscored the Republican Partys need to shore up its support in places it used to dominate  especially suburbia. Voters who once viewed the GOP as a beacon of responsible, law-and-order governance are seeing in the Trump era a party that flouts rules and coddles bigots.

So what could St. Louis Countys Republican Party possibly have been thinking when it invited a racist lawbreaker like former Maricopa County, Ariz., Sheriff Joe Arpaio to keynote its annual convention in March? The party should rethink this.

For 24 years as sheriff, Arpaio waged war against not only undocumented immigrants but virtually anyone who seemed Hispanic. He also used his law enforcement powers against political opponents and journalists.

Latinos, regardless of citizenship status, were routinely harassed, arrested and, in at least one case, transported to the site of an immigration raid in progress. Arpaio took on an immigration-enforcement role that far exceeded his legal authority. Under his command, according to court documents, anyone of Hispanic descent could be stopped and questioned, or even arrested, as a suspected undocumented immigrant.Grover Thompson has finally received a posthumous exoneration more than three decades after his wrongful conviction and imprisonment, but Illinois still declines to make his family whole for the injustice the state inflicted. In 1996, Thompson died in prison at age 60 after serving the first 14 years of a 40-year sentence for a brutal attack and attempted sexual assault of a woman in Mount Vernon, Ill.

In 2007, serial-killer Timothy Krajcir confessed to the attack along with nine murders and additional sexual assaults. Krajcir, who is white, accurately drew and described the victims apartment from memory during his confession.

Police arrested Thompson, then in his 40s, when they found him sleeping in a post office near the victims apartment. He was homeless and diagnosed with schizophrenia.

The only evidence connecting Thompson to the attack was witness testimony that the victims assailant had been black. The witness described the attacker as having escaped by climbing out a window and running away. Thompson, permanently disabled after being hit by a car, could barely walk. He was never advised of his right to a lawyer before being subjected to a one-person police lineup.

An all-white jury convicted him in under four hours.More than 200 passengers hoping to head to Hawaii, many about to start a tropical vacation, experienced a rough day of ups and downs  figuratively and literally.

A Hawaiian Airlines flight from Los Angeles International Airport to Maui on Friday took off from LAX not once, not twice, and pushed back from the gate a third time before it was canceled, according to news reports.

The airline's senior manager said all of the aborted flights happened because of separate mechanical issues, CNN reported.

The passengers all received a refund and a $100 credit for a future flight, plus accomodations on other flights, meal vouchers and hotel rooms.

The airline said in a statement that it canceled the flight out of "an abundance of caution" because of regulations covering long-distance flights over water. The airline also said similar troubles on flights over land often continue with no interruption, but with no place to land safely between Los Angeles and Hawaii, the plane stayed where it was.Feral hogs have been a mushrooming problem in Missouri. But the on-the-ground fight to control them is a challenging race against their smarts, their prolific ability to multiply, and the people who introduce them to the state.ST. LOUIS  Two St. Louis men have pleaded guilty regarding their role in a deadly drug gang and now face at least 15 years in prison.

The plea hearings of Timothy Lamont Rush, 53, and Andre Alphonso Rush, 54, were not on the public docket last week. The case involves the murder of one man accused of cooperating with law enforcement and another killed because the conspirators thought authorities couldnt use evidence linked to him if he was dead, plea agreements obtained Friday by the Post-Dispatch say.

Timothy Rush pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to four felonies: conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, conspiracy to distribute more than one kilo of heroin, and attempting to possess with the intent to distribute both drugs. He will face at least 15 years in prison when sentenced later this year.

Andre Rush pleaded guilty to three charges: conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, conspiracy to distribute more than one kilo of heroin and a gun charge linked to the two deaths. Both sides in his case have agreed to recommend 25 years in prison.The upper house of the Romanian Parliament, the Senate resumes works on Monday in its first ordinary session of 2019 and fifth of the 2017-2020 legislature.

The Senate's Standing Bureau gathers at 13:00hrs, the parliamentary groups at 14:00hrs, and the first plenary sitting will start at 16:00 hrs sharp.

The lower house of the Romanian Parliament, the Chamber of Deputies is also summoned on Monday afternoon with 16:00hrs sharp in first ordinary session of 2019.

Moreover, the Standing Bureau of the Chamber of Deputies is called for 14:00hrs, same day.Blog Archive Apr 2010 (22) May 2010 (25) Jun 2010 (8) Jul 2010 (12) Aug 2010 (18) Sep 2010 (19) Oct 2010 (29) Nov 2010 (30) Dec 2010 (18) Jan 2011 (13) Feb 2011 (21) Mar 2011 (23) Apr 2011 (19) May 2011 (31) Jun 2011 (36) Jul 2011 (46) Aug 2011 (26) Sep 2011 (12) Oct 2011 (15) Nov 2011 (17) Dec 2011 (7) Jan 2012 (18) Feb 2012 (4) Mar 2012 (12) Apr 2012 (18) May 2012 (10) Jun 2012 (21) Jul 2012 (8) Aug 2012 (15) Sep 2012 (7) Oct 2012 (17) Nov 2012 (20) Dec 2012 (10) Jan 2013 (58) Feb 2013 (59) Mar 2013 (60) Apr 2013 (98) May 2013 (135) Jun 2013 (204) Jul 2013 (293) Aug 2013 (351) Sep 2013 (363) Oct 2013 (348) Nov 2013 (374) Dec 2013 (442) Jan 2014 (547) Feb 2014 (476) Mar 2014 (526) Apr 2014 (527) May 2014 (469) Jun 2014 (408) Jul 2014 (472) Aug 2014 (522) Sep 2014 (443) Oct 2014 (472) Nov 2014 (497) Dec 2014 (536) Jan 2015 (539) Feb 2015 (520) Mar 2015 (582) Apr 2015 (658) May 2015 (679) Jun 2015 (673) Jul 2015 (728) Aug 2015 (803) Sep 2015 (923) Oct 2015 (924) Nov 2015 (802) Dec 2015 (791) Jan 2016 (782) Feb 2016 (835) Mar 2016 (929) Apr 2016 (866) May 2016 (947) Jun 2016 (1044) Jul 2016 (882) Aug 2016 (1035) Sep 2016 (967) Oct 2016 (918) Nov 2016 (854) Dec 2016 (885) Jan 2017 (881) Feb 2017 (777) Mar 2017 (897) Apr 2017 (872) May 2017 (851) Jun 2017 (851) Jul 2017 (971) Aug 2017 (1040) Sep 2017 (998) Oct 2017 (1144) Nov 2017 (1046) Dec 2017 (838) Jan 2018 (873) Feb 2018 (769) Mar 2018 (885) Apr 2018 (809) May 2018 (827) Jun 2018 (820) Jul 2018 (840) Aug 2018 (854) Sep 2018 (844) Oct 2018 (852) Nov 2018 (870) Dec 2018 (912) Jan 2019 (919) Feb 2019 (827) Mar 2019 (957) Apr 2019 (913) May 2019 (1007) Jun 2019 (935) Jul 2019 (950) Aug 2019 (936) Sep 2019 (910) Oct 2019 (920) Nov 2019 (874) Dec 2019 (908) Jan 2020 (942) Feb 2020 (849) Mar 2020 (898) Apr 2020 (848) May 2020 (822) Jun 2020 (789) Jul 2020 (819) Aug 2020 (858) Sep 2020 (841) Oct 2020 (873) Nov 2020 (812) Dec 2020 (780) Jan 2021 (765) Feb 2021 (716) Mar 2021 (819) Apr 2021 (805) May 2021 (815) Jun 2021 (584)For the last 60 years, many of the residents of the Fairview community in northern Statesville have gone to the same place to get their hair cCandidates are lining up to run in 2020 and weve heard those running on a more liberal or progressive platform, as well as those espousing a more conservative agenda. Theres one big segment of our population being left out.

Im talking about middle class, middle income citizens. Depending on which report you read, they make up 30 to 60 percent of all households. With such large numbers why arent politicians laser-focused on them, talking about their hot-button issues? Most middle-class citizens were raised believing that if you vote, pay your taxes and work hard to support your family things will turn out alright. Because most arent rabble-rousing activists, politicians pay them only lip service, instead favoring those who are making noise, protesting and demanding.

The one exception was Donald Trump. His whole campaign was directed to the middle class. Trump heightened their fears, telling them he felt their pain and he alone could provide solutions to their problems. But Trump hasnt delivered on these promises and the pain continues, as Richard Vague discovered.Hate and lies are dividing our country. The Associated Press was allowed to put a lie about or president in our newspaper. They surely didnt hear both sides of what went on in the meeting with our president, Democrats and the Republicans concerning the border wall.

Pelosi and Schumer came out first. Schumer said the president had a temper tantrum, slammed his hand on the table and walked out of the meeting. He didnt do that according to what the vice president and other said who also were in the meeting.

Schumer said to sign the bills they already passed so the government would open. These bills did not include the wall. Democrats said if he would sign them in 30 days they would talk about it. The president asked Pelosi if she would agree to build a wall if he signed their bills. She said no, that there will never be a wall.

He got up and calmly walked out telling them that all of this was a waste of his time.

Schumer said Trump was not fit to be president. I say he is more fit than a lot of presidents before him. He works hard and has got a lot done for us poor people, our countrys economy and welfare. I trust our president. He is speaking and doing for the American people like no other president Ive ever known.A bald eagle named Challenger shot into the sky on that day in April 2008 as the Newseum celebrated the unveiling of its sumptuous building with the soaring facade just steps from the U.S. Capitol. A Marine band played before an A-list audience that included the speaker of the House of Representatives, the chief justice of the Supreme Court and titans of the newspaper industry.

Al Neuharth, the brash USA Today founder whose grand vision was coming to fruition, enthused about "this glamorous glass house" that had sprouted on land bought at the highest price ever for a chunk of real estate in the city's history. The new museum's chief executive, Charles Overby, declared that they were "laying down a marker right here on Pennsylvania Avenue that the First Amendment is the cornerstone of our democracy."

It was a dazzling start that gave no hint of the dizzying fall to come.

"Everyone was so mesmerized," recalled University of Maryland journalism professor Edward Alwood. "We thought . . . this thing can't lose."

Just 10 years later, the Newseum is shrinking into an uncertain future, the distress sale of its building to Johns Hopkins University marking the end of a troubled tenure that has become a cautionary tale of bloated budgets and unrealized ambition. Weighted down by crushing debt and beset by management upheaval, the museum's downfall has long been foretold, but it is still a gut punch to an industry labeled the "enemy of the people" by President Donald Trump and struggling with digital-era financial troubles galore.

Over the next year - before it closes to the public in January 2020 - the museum will welcome visitors into its light-splashed atrium on their way to see artifacts as heartbreaking as a charred remnant of the New York tower that terrorists toppled on September 11 and as inspiring as its popular gallery of Pulitzer-winning photographs. Even as visitors walk past those sights, planning will be underway to scatter the collection into a storage facility and, in some cases, to return items to donors.

"We plan to continue the Newseum's crucial work of increasing public understanding of the importance of a free press and the First Amendment for decades to come - through digital outreach, traveling exhibits, and web-based programs in schools around the world, as well as hopefully in a new physical home in the area," Maeve Gaynor Scott, the Newseum's director of collections, said in an email last week to individuals and institutions that have lent pieces to the museum.

Neuharth's daughter, Jan Neuharth, who helms the Freedom Forum, the museum's primary benefactor, has said a new location in the city will be found after the $372.5 million sale to Hopkins. But in an interview with The Washington Post last year as the depth of the museum's financial woes were deepening, Nueharth mused aloud about myriad possibilities, including a home in some digital "cloud."

"The short answer," she said then, "is we don't know what it will look like."

* * *

The Newseum originally opened in 1997 in an office building over a Metro subway stop in Rosslyn, Virginia, with a geodesic dome its only recognizable feature. About 400,000 visitors a year enjoyed free entry to its interactive exhibitions, innovative video displays and a memorial to fallen journalists. Good reviews and enthusiastic crowds prompted Al Neuharth to dream bigger, and in the coming years, he was imagining a splashier space across the Potomac River.

The Freedom Forum had a reputation for excess, so it wasn't a shock that it plunked down $100 million for a parcel on Pennsylvania Avenue with a prime view of the Capitol - a record-setting sale.

To pull off the real estate deal, the foundation had to make a choice: Pay for the building in Washington or continue to maintain its network of overseas offices, which supported democratic ideals.

"We chose Washington," Overby told the American Journalism Review in 2001.

Overby has not responded to interview requests.

Eliminating the overseas offices wasn't enough. The next year, the foundation axed its Freedom Forum Fellows program, which helped working journalists get academic credentials to teach at universities. It shuttered its old location in Rossyln, as well.

With its plans fixed on swanky new digs in Washington, the foundation also needed piles of cash. It took out $350 million in loans to pay for construction. The risks were acceptable, according to executives involved, because their coffers were fat. The Freedom Forum's assets topped $1.1 billion in the late 1990s, when planning for the new building began.

Marrying vision and execution proved problematic. Costs soared. Delays mounted. By the time the Newseum was ready to open its doors, the project was three years behind schedule, and its price tag would eventually swell to $477 million.

"I thought this day would never come," Overby said at the dedication ceremony for the steel-and-glass building - with the First Amendment etched in stone and facing Pennsylvania Avenue.

The museum's leaders brimmed with confidence. They looked at the millions who visited the Smithsonian's Air and Space and Natural History museums - which had average annual attendance of 7.4 million and 5.3 million in the early 2000s - and figured they could reasonably expect to draw 1 million a year. High-tech exhibits, a conference space and a restaurant from famous chef Wolfgang Puck would serve as the lure.

But there was a difference between their museum and the popular, admission-free Smithsonians: They would charge an entrance fee - one of the highest in city. It now stands at $25 a person.

They never met their goal. In 2017, the museum's best attendance year, it fell short with 855,000 visitors. And the money wasn't coming in, either. From 2008-2017, admission revenue never broke $10 million, meaning the average ticket was steeply discounted to under $10. During the same 10-year span, the Newseum's rental and catering revenue kept the organization afloat, averaging $15.2 million - more than double the amount generated by admissions.

Meanwhile, the museum cut expenses. There have been five rounds of staff cuts in the past 10 years, the first in 2009 and the most recent in 2017, when it laid off 10 percent of its staff. All the while, the Freedom Forum poured money into the struggling operation, handing over an average annual subsidy of $29 million, according to tax filings. Even with that yearly injection of cash, the Newseum has had deficits every year.

While operating in the red, the Newseum kept paying big salaries to upper management, including $1.2 million to chief executive James C. Duff in 2014. His successor, Jeffrey Herbst, pocketed $632,441 in 2016. Even so, the museum has had five chief executives since 2014.

Jan Neuharth, who declined to be interviewed for this article, has blamed the economy for the institution's financial problems. The Great Recession hit just months after Newseum 2.0 opened in Washington, cutting into its admissions and donations. By 2013, the Freedom Forum's $1.1 billion endowment had shriveled to about $340 million, tax records show.

"I don't think we're bad about money," Jan Neuharth said when pressed about the financial problems in an interview last year. "We have thoughtfully and thoroughly addressed a situation that happened. I don't think anybody saw '08 coming."

When the economy rebounded after the 2008 stock market convulsions, the Newseum failed to bounce back. The stock market roared to record highs, but the museum couldn't manage to capitalize by attracting some of that newly created wealth.

The news industry was contracting and consolidating, leaving the museum with fewer doors to knock on and smaller grants from its early supporters. Big fundraising campaigns were promised but never materialized. More than $300 million in loans became the organization's albatross, and donors traditionally have little enthusiasm for making gifts to retire debt.

* * *

One of the hallmarks of the original Newseum was its forward-leaning embrace of technology. At its new location, however, it struggled to reflect dramatic changes in the media industry. It opened a year after the iPhone hit the market. But its galleries displayed another era's idea of advanced news technology, such as satellite trucks and studios with green screens, at a time when the most innovative news organizations were beginning to fling themselves into the digital era.

"I don't think we all agree, as we did in the past, about what 'news' means," said Alwood, the Maryland professor. "The Newseum is trying to portray an industry that is ill-defined, therefore the Newseum is ill-defined."

Critics groused about exhibits that focused on pop culture, including an early show on Elvis Presley and more recent ones on rock music and presidential dogs, rather than tackling such issues as the changing media and consumer habits. The advent of the Trump era created a minefield for an institution that increasingly seemed unsure of its footing. Instead of using its authority to push back on Trump's claims that journalists are the enemies of the people and that the media traffics in "fake news," the Newseum shop sold red "Make America Great Hats" and "fake news" T-shirts. It pulled them last summer, after a firestorm of criticism.

Still, there was something that visitors - especially journalists - found endearing about the place. As its financial troubles spiked to crisis levels, many journalists turned to social media to share their despair. They thought it was something worth saving, even after a decade of frustration.

In August, Douglas Cumming, a journalism professor at Washington and Lee University who had been a Freedom Forum fellow, proposed a panel on redesigning the Newseum.

"Surely the history of journalism and the inspiration of the First Amendment deserve a museum for the masses," according to his proposal. "It may be too late or irrelevant for saving the Newseum, but what ideas might be generated for a sustainable business model."

He asked Newseum officials to participate.

They turned him down.

Cumming is one of many professors who rely on the museum.

"We used to take classes there, busloads of kids," he said. "It's good. The civil rights exhibit, the history section, with primary sources. They are a good resource for journalism education. Maybe they can come up with something new that doesn't have to do with a dazzling building in the middle of Washington."

Erika Pribanic-Smith, a professor at the University of Texas at Arlington, wants the Newseum to expand its digital content to better serve a society gripped by partisan bickering and suspicious of media bias.

"We need journalism education now more than ever," she said, noting that she uses the museum's digital archives and "Today's Front Pages" frequently. "Anything that they can do, like traveling exhibitions, is fantastic. I think the building was a wonderful beacon, a wonderful monument to journalism. But the more they can do with their digital space, to get the word out there, that's so much more accessible."

Such retrenchments are rare, and difficult. In 2011, the American Folk Art Museum in New York was forced to sell its 10-year-old showcase space next to the Museum of Modern Art because it defaulted on construction loans. It returned to its smaller building at Lincoln Square. Financial problems forced the National Academy of Design in New York to sell two of its three buildings, including one on Fifth Avenue. Its school and museum are "on hiatus."

The Newseum's next chapter is less certain.

"They have to suck up the loss," Andrew Taylor, an arts management professor at American University, said of the sale. "It feels like a failure, and it's disappointing. But if they care about the mission, they need to regroup."SCOTTSBLUFF  From the funny papers to hardbound superhero graphic novels fit for a coffee table, comics combine art and story telling in a way few other mediums can.

A course offered by West Nebraska Arts Center aims to give students the tools to tell those stories through its Intro to Comics & Sequential Art course for ages 14 and up.

Under the instruction of Mathew Rhys and Barry Tetz of Ideal Comics, the class is divided into six 1-hour sessions and will be held in the downstairs classroom at WNAC on Tuesdays, Feb. 5 through March 12, from 5:30-7 p.m.

One of the things thats great about comics is it combines the visual with the literary arts, Rhys said. Youve got pictures with implied movement, implied space and all of those artistic techniques, and those are married with sound effects, dialogue and text.

Rhys said students will get the opportunity over the course to produce their own eight-page ash can mini-comic.

Ash can comics are low-budget, short and simple, Rhys said. But for the beginner or intermediate comic artist, theyre great places to start.TORRINGTON, Wyo.  Saturday brought a rude awakening to Jackie Rush and her family when they were informed that their business, Roys Cold Storage, was on fire. Family members had owned it for several years, and the Rushes assumed ownership in 2013.

While standing on 19th Avenue east of the fire Saturday, Rush expressed concern about a vehicle inside a concrete block addition to the rear of the cold storage plant. As of late afternoon, the pickup appeared to have survived the fire, and firemen and family and friends were debating the best way to retrieve it while a backhoe was knocking down the remains of the main structure.

Damage estimates wont be available until the state fire marshal completes his report. In addition to the plant damage, neighbors east of the fire face cleanup from hours of smoke clouds engulfing their homes.

Assisting Torrington firemen were fire department from the City of Scottsbuff, Morrill, Lingle, Veteran, Camp Guernsey, and the Goshen County Emergency Medical Service and Shelly Kirchhefer, of Goshen County Emergency Management.We hope to have more children this year, said Mackenzie Watson, teen librarian and assistant childrens librarian.

Kindergartners can get their card through the end of the school year, but Carlson hopes they come as soon as possible to maintain the energy and enthusiasm they have when they learn about the library.

If they come now, theyre in the mood to see their library, Watson said.

Students in St. Agnes kindergarten teacher Teri Ramirezs class recognized Carlson and Watson as soon as they entered the classroom. Many have already been to programs at the library, but they are now old enough to obtain their own card. The library card, which is free, opens the door to books, movies, magazines and more.

Carlson said its also important for parents to understand that kindergarten is the beginning phase of their lifelong learning and reading is an important aspect of learning. Ramirez agreed it was important to be able to read.

It helps them to learn and reading is everything, Ramirez said. You need to know how to read in all subjects.Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription, or activate your access, to continue reading.Ogden jazz icon Joe McQueen may be gone, but his memory and legacy live on. One physical reminder of his life, McQueen's lifelong home at 3158 Grant Ave., has now become available for sale. The house received extensive remodeling, but as investor Richard Casperson has said, "Joe's energy is V irginia governor Ralph Northam, who faces calls to resign over a racist yearbook photo, revealed he can still Moonwalk in appropriate circumstances" in a bizarre exchange with reporters.

A photograph emerged last week of Mr Northam's 1984 medical school yearbook which shows one person in blackface and another wearing a Ku Klux Klan outfit.

He initially apologised over the picture, but has now denied being in the image and claims that he had not seen the yearbook until Friday.

During a press conference yesterday, during which the Democrat insisted he would not resign, a journalist asked him if he was still able to perform Michael Jackson's trademark dance move after it emerged he performed it at a dance competition.

Apology: the racist photo. It is not clear which of the men in the picture is Mr Northam / AP

The politician looked to his wife Pam, before responding: My wife says in appropriate circumstances.

There have been widespread calls for the governor to quit, including from many 2020 Democratic presidential candidates.

President Trump criticised the 59-year-old governor on Twitter, writing: Democrat Governor Ralph Northam of Virginia just stated, I believe that I am not either of the people in that photo.

This was 24 hours after apologising for appearing in the picture and after making the most horrible statement on super late term abortion. Unforgivable!

Ed Gillespie, who ran for Governor of the Great State of Virginia against Ralph Northam, must now be thinking Malpractice and Dereliction of Duty with regard to his Opposition Research Staff.

If they find that terrible picture before the election, he wins by 20 points!

In a written apology on Friday, Northam called the costume he wore "clearly racist and offensive" but didn't say which one he had worn.

In a subsequent video statement, Northam said he was "deeply sorry" but remained committed to serving the "remainder of my term."U S President Donald Trump has said military intervention could be an option as nations continue to call for President Maduro to stand down.

The United States, Canada and several Latin American countries have chosen to recognise opposition leader Juan Guaido as the countrys leader.

In an interview with CBS on Sunday, the US president said that military intervention was being considered.

His comments come after Russia warned against destructive meddling.

Mr Trump said that action was an option and added that Mr Maduro had requested a meeting with him months ago.

Mr Trump said military intervention was an option / Getty Images

I turned it down because were very far along in the process. So I think the process is playing out.

The Trump administration last week issued crippling sanctions on Venezuelan state-owned oil firm PDVSA, a key source of revenue for the country suffering medicine shortages and malnutrition.

Mr Maduro, who has overseen an economic collapse and the exodus of millions of Venezuelans, still maintains the powerful backing of Russia, China and Turkey, and the critical support of the military.

Russia, a major creditor to Venezuela in recent years, quickly urged restraint.

Thousands of people have taken to the streets to protest against President Maduro's government / AP

"The international community's goal should be to help (Venezuela), without destructive meddling from beyond its borders," Alexander Shchetinin, head of the Latin America department at Russia's Foreign Ministry, told Interfax.

France and Austria said they would recognize Mr Guaido if Mr Maduro did not respond to the European Union's call for a free and fair presidential election by Sunday night.

Mr Guaidos allies plan to take a large quantity of food and medicine donated by the United States, multilateral organizations and non-profit groups across the Colombian border into the Venezuelan state of Tachira this week, according to a person directly involved in the effort.

The group has not yet determined which border point they will cross, said the person, who asked not to be identified because he is not authorized to speak publicly about the issue.

A general view of opposition supporters as they take part in a rally against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro / REUTERS

It is unclear whether Mr Maduro's government, which denies the country is suffering a humanitarian crisis, will let any foreign aid through.

Mr Maduro on state television promised peace for the country without specifically responding to Trump.

Tens of thousands of people thronged the streets of various Venezuelan cities on Saturday to protest Mr Maduro's government.

Opposition activists pour to the streets to back Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido's calls for early elections / AFP/Getty Images

"In Venezuela, there will be peace, and we will guarantee this peace with the civil military union," he said in the company of khaki and black-clad soldiers who were earlier shown carrying guns and jumping from helicopters into the sea.

Venezuela's ambassador to Iraq, Jonathan Velasco, became the latest official to recognize opposition leader Mr Guaido this weekend.

Air Force General Francisco Yanez in a video also called on members of the military to defect but there were no signs the armed forces were turning against Mr Maduro.

An opposition activist demonstrates as thousands pour to the streets / AFP/Getty Images

Venezuela has as many as 2,000 generals, according to unofficial estimates, many of whom do not command troops and whose defection would not necessarily weaken the ruling socialists.

The police have also fallen in line with Mr Maduro.

A special forces unit called FAES led home raids following unrest associated with opposition protests in January, killing as many as 10 people in a single operation in a hillside slum of Caracas.T he classic family film Mary Poppins has been branded racist by a US academic who accuses Dame Julie Andrews of 'blacking up' with soot while dancing with chimney sweeps.

In a piece for the New York Times, Professor Daniel Pollack-Pelzner criticises one of the film's iconic moments, when Mary Poppins joins Dick Van Dyke's Bert to dance on a rooftop for the classic song Step in Time.

He writes: "When the magical nanny (played by Julie Andrews) accompanies her young charges, Michael and Jane Banks, up their chimney, her face gets covered in soot, but instead of wiping it off, she gamely powders her nose and cheeks even blacker."

"This might seem like an innocuous comic scene if Traverss novels didnt associate chimney sweeps blackened faces with racial caricature. Dont touch me, you black heathen, a housemaid screams in Mary Poppins Opens the Door (1943)."

An academic has sparked a row by criticising Mary Poppins over the use of blackface

"When the dark figures of the chimney sweeps Step in Time on a roof, a naval buffoon, Admiral Boom shouts, Were being attacked by Hottentots! and orders his cannon to be fired at the cheeky devils.

"Were in on the joke, such as it is: These arent really black Africans; theyre grinning white dancers in blackface. Its a parody of black menace; its even posted on a white nationalist website as evidence of the films racial hierarchy."

Fans were divided over the professor's remarks.

One wrote online: "I think this is a reach. She was friends with a chimney sweep. When she went out and danced with him she got soot on her face if I recall this correctly."

Another wrote: "Mary Poppins wasnt flirting with black face! It was soot in their faces from being a chimney!!!"

A third said: "This is a candidate for the stupidest New York Times article of all time."

However others agreed with some of the points raised.

Michael Schulman, ,a writer for the New Yorker said: "This made me think about class, too - how Mary Poppins, a posh domestic, scrambles the class divide and introduces Jane & Michael to the much more fun world of pleb chimney sweeps. Further scrambled in the sequel when the Bankses are also in the poorhouse."

Author Mr Pollack-Pelzner posted online after his article was published: "The chief reason I wrote this article was the hope that a Disney exec would read it, take another look at the forthcoming Dumbo remake, and ask if there was anything just a little bit racist they might want to rethink before it hits the big screen.P olice in Hong Kong have destroyed a First World War hand grenade found inside a shipment of potatoes.

The grenade was found at a food processing facility after arriving from France.

Employees at the facility reported a suspicious object encased in mud.

The bomb squad concluded that the 2.2lb object was a hand grenade, possibly made in Germany.

Wong Ho-hon, Tseung Kwan O police assistant district commander told the South China Morning Post: We identified it as a German-made weapon believed to have been used during the first world war.

We chose to disarm it because it had not exploded at the time it was thrown so there was an immediate need to do so. We did it using a high-pressure water firing technique.

Dave Macri, a military historian told the SCMP: The grenade was likely to have been left behind, dropped by soldiers there during the war.

Last year, two World War Two bombs were found in Hong Kongs Wan Chai district.A senior Trump administration official has said that President Trumps complexion is a result of good genes.

The official told the New York Times that the president only applies a touch of translucent powder before television appearances.

The White House response came after several claims were made in various books by people formerly close to the President.

In former FBI Director James Comeys tell-all book, he claimed that Mr Trump had bright white half-moons under his eyes which he suggests come from tanning goggles.

He added that Mr Trumps face appeared slightly orange.

Omarosa Manigault Newman was the former White House aide to President Donald Trump. / EPA

While former aide Omarosa Manigault Newman claimed in her 2018 memoir that Mr Trump had a tanning contraption installed inside the White House.

She claimed that Mr Trump tans in the mornings so that he will look good for the rest of the day.

Ms Manigault Newman added that Trump was alone in the room that contains his tanning bed while he sent out his famous covfefe tweet.

However in the piece published by the New York Times, three sources who spent time in the White House said that there is not a tanning bed in the premises.

President Trump participates in a roundtable discussion at the U.S. Border Patrol Station in McAllen, Texas / REUTERS

A top Washington dermatologist told the Times that it is possible that Mr Trump uses tanning creams or lotions to achieve his look.

Dr. Tina Alster said: "He looks more orangey than he does tan."S ir Patrick Stewart has condemned the self-interest of politicians and claimed that he would support young people being allowed to vote.

The veteran Shakespearean actor expressed his contempt for the voices of the political class, and accused leaders of seeking only to extend their power.

Sir Patrick has said he despises the self-serving motivations he sees in politicians, and would push for change by extending the voting franchise.

He said that young people should have the right to cast their vote in elections, and is impressed with the determination and activism of the millennial generation, believing younger teenagers should be given the chance to vote.

Sir Patrick said he would support young people being given the vote (Harold Cunningham/Getty Images) / Getty Images

"I hear talk now that 14-year-olds should have the vote. I would certainly vote for that, he said.

"They want to have an impact. That's what young people today have already been having, politically. We see it every day in the newspapers.

The veteran of stage and screen was asked for his views on the quality of leadership in a United Kingdom gripped by Brexit.

Sir Patrick said: "There is too much self-interest in politics at the moment: holding on to power, increasing their power, being proved to be right. All those things I despise."

The star spoke at a screening of his latest film venture, The Kid Who Would Be King, where he offered wisdom to the younger cast on-screen and off.

He was impressed by the awareness and self-determination of his young colleagues during filming, and believes there is hope for the future if it is in the hands of the upcoming generation.

Sir Patrick said: "I spend a lot of time in the United States. There have been remarkable incidents where young teenagers have stood up, gone in front of the cameras and pronounced what it is that has to be changed, to make this world not only a better world for them, but in their generosity and their forward looking, for everybody."

He added there was "undoubtedly" hope for the future.

The Kid Who Would Be King, an Arthurian tale of teenagers learning the qualities of leadership, will be released nationwide on Friday February 15.T he search for a missing university student who disappeared from a union bar on Thursday has entered its fourth day.

Police are "extremely concerned" for the welfare of Daniel Williams, 19, who was last seen around midnight at the University of Reading's Whiteknights campus bar.

He was reported missing after he failed to return to his student accommodation.

Second year computer science student Daniel, who is from Sutton, is described as 6ft tall and slim, with short light brown hair and blue eyes.

He was wearing dark jeans, black shoes, and a black hooded top, under which he wore a black t-shirt bearing a distinctive white logo.

In a statement, Thames Valley Police Superintendent Jim Weems said: "We remain open-minded as to the circumstances behind Daniel's disappearance, but naturally, as the search enters its fourth day, our concern for him is growing.

"I would like to appeal to Daniel directly, if he sees this, please make contact with Thames Valley Police or your family.

"You are not in any trouble, but we want to ensure you are safe and well."

Investigating officer Sergeant Bradley Pitt added: "We are appealing for anyone with information about Daniel's whereabouts to get in contact with police as we are extremely concerned for his welfare.

"It is out of character for Daniel to be missing so please report any possible sightings of him to officers as soon as possible."W hitehall officials are drawing up plans to evacuate the Queen from London in the event of rioting triggered by a no-deal Brexit, it was reported today.

The monarch, and other members of the royal family will be whisked from the capital in the event of major public disorder, according to the Sunday Times.

The plans are a "repurposed" version of proposals drawn up to rescue the royal family during the Cold War.

The plans would see the Queen and Prince Philip taken to a secret location.

They have been "repurposed in the event of civil disorder in the event of no-deal Brexit," a Cabinet Office source told the paper.

Prince Philip and the Queen will be taken into hiding / PA

It comes as Theresa May said she will be "battling for Britain" when she returns to Brussels to seek a "pragmatic" Brexit deal that can win over both the European Union and her own MPs.

Writing in the Sunday Telegraph, she suggested that Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn had agreed with her that the Irish border backstop as set out in the Withdrawal Agreement had to change.

Mrs May said she was listening to figures from across politics, the trade union movement and business in her quest for a feasible Brexit compromise.

She said: "It's why when I return to Brussels I will be battling for Britain and Northern Ireland, I will be armed with a fresh mandate, new ideas and a renewed determination to agree a pragmatic solution that delivers the Brexit the British people voted for, while ensuring there is no hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

"That is what Parliament instructed me to do on Tuesday night.

Buckingham break-in: Buckingham Palace / Getty Images/Tetra images RF

"Although Jeremy Corbyn didn't vote with us, he also believes the potential indefinite nature of the backstop is an issue that needs to be addressed with Brussels. That is exactly what I'm doing."

Last week Mrs May secured Parliament's backing to go back to Brussels in the hope of hammering out a fresh agreement that does not include the Irish border backstop - which is unacceptable to the DUP and Brexiteer Tories - and which will command a majority in the Commons.

The Prime Minister is due to report back to Parliament on her negotiations with the EU on February 13, with a further series of votes by MPs expected the following day.

Wrangling in the Commons has seen backbench MPs put forward a range of alternative plans to find a way out of the morass.

Mrs May found herself with some rare good news on Sunday after a new opinion poll suggested the Tories had moved into a seven-point lead over Labour.

The Opinium poll for the Observer found that Jeremy Corbyn's party had fallen from 40% to 34% since the key Commons votes on the mechanics of Brexit took place, falling behind the Tories who went from 37% to 41%.

Public approval of Mr Corbyn's personal handling of Brexit also fell to a new low of just 16%, from 18% two weeks previously.

His disapproval rating is 61% and he has support from little more than four in 10 Labour voters (42%), according to the poll.

But Downing Street denied reports in the Mail on Sunday that Mrs May's team are planning for a general election on June 6 - the 75th anniversary of D-Day.

Mr Corbyn used a trip to Scotland to call again for a snap election.

Speaking on a visit to charities in Glasgow, he said that "the people who are bearing the brunt of nine years of austerity cannot wait years for a general election".

His deputy John McDonnell had earlier accused the Prime Minister of trying to get pro-Brexit Labour rebels to "sell their votes" in a "dangerous" bid to win support for her deal.

The shadow chancellor claimed reports Mrs May might offer incentives to pro-Brexit backbenchers was the latest example of what he called the Conservatives' use of "pork barrel" politics, following its post-election spending deal with the DUP.

Mr McDonnell also said talk of such "contractual" arrangements, first reported in the Times, pledging investment in the constituencies of MPs who back Mrs May's deal, was "dangerous for our democracy".

On a visit to Stoke-on-Trent on Saturday, he said: "I don't think any MP will sell their votes in that way - that sort of bribery and corruption."

Whitehall could be overwhelmed by a no-deal Brexit with the Department for Transport (DfT) unable to cope with more than two emergencies at once, according to leaked papers reported on Saturday.

The Times said the Government made the admission in a document seen by its reporters that formed part of a contingency plan called Operation Yellowhammer.

It reportedly states that in the wake of Britain crashing out of the EU without a deal, for months after, the Government may have to engage in a 24/7 emergency approach.

And that priorities in the event of a no-deal will be "welfare, health, transport and security of UK citizens at home and abroad, and the economic stability of the UK".

The 37-page document, which sets out a guide to working in the DfT operations centre, also states that the "scale of the operation is potentially enormous", according to the Times.S inn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald has said it would be grossly reckless and irresponsible of the government to allow Brexit to compromise the Irish peace process.

The Irish politician called for a unity referendum in the case of a hard Brexit, and said the people of Northern Ireland did not consent to Brexit."

Speaking on The Andrew Marr Show, Ms McDonald insisted that the backstop was the bottom line and that Ireland must protect its national interest.

She said: "As the Brexit drama comes to a climax, we have to accept there is a possibility, if not a probability, of a hard Brexit crash and in those circumstances, we believe that the disruption and damage to the island of Ireland would be such that, don't imagine that we will philosophically take it on the chin.

Sinn Fein's newly elected president Mary Lou McDonald / PA

Put simply, if the border in Ireland cannot be mitigated, cannot be managed in the short term, well then you put the question democratically in the hands of the people and allow them to remove the border.

"The backstop is the bottom line.

"On the issue of the border poll, there's no point us burying our heads in the sand and wish away a hard Brexit.

"We prepare for the worst scenario and protect our national interest.

"One of the biggest symbols of success of the peace process is that people can travel unimpeded over the border.

Sinn Fein's seven elected MPs do not take their seats in the House of Commons, despite repeated calls to do so during key Brexit votes.

Ms McDonald, who has led the party since last year, insisted that no one will accept the hardening of the border.

She added: Any controls or checks or security checks, any question of British soldiers at the border - the taoiseach has been clear there will be no Irish soldiers on the border- no one will accept the hardening of the border on our island.

"The peace process is very solid, very robust, we are only going forward and we are not going back, it would be grossly reckless and irresponsible of the Tories to play a game of chicken with that progress.Home Secretary Sajid Javid has insisted Britain will remain one of the safest countries in the world in the event of a no-deal Brexit.

Appearing on The Andrew Marr Show on Sunday, Mr Javid said despite a change in capability upon crashing out of the EU, the country would still be protected.

He was pressed by Mr Marr after a series of comments from high-profile policing figures, including counter-terrorism chief Neil Basu, suggested no-deal would be very bad for the security of this country.

Mr Javid said although he wants to leave the EU with a deal on March 29, it makes sense to plan for all contingencies, including no-deal.

Home secretary Sajid Javid speaks to the media about the migrant crisis at the Home Office in London / Stefan Rousseau/PA

He said: "It is absolutely true that if we have a no-deal situation there will be certain capabilities that we rely on for security with the EU such as databases, arrest warrants, others, that of course will change.

"Keeping that in mind, we have been working on mitigants and I'm not pretending for a second through Interpol or through the Council of Europe on extradition you can have a like-for-like capability. So there will be a change in capability."

He added: "There will be a change in capability but it's worth putting it all in perspective.

"Most of these capabilities were only relevant for us from 2015 onwards and I'm absolutely certain as Home Secretary this is my job is to do everything I can to keep this country safe.

"I am absolutely confident that we will continue to be one of the safest countries in the world even in a no-deal scenario."

The Home Secretary also said he is totally against a customs union and doesnt think one would get a majority in the Commons.

He said: In principle, I am totally against a customs union, because it would not deliver on Brexit - we need to have our own independent trade policy.

The number of police has fallen by 21,000 since 2010 / PA

Practically, I dont think it would get a majority, because while you might gain Labour votes, you would lose votes on the Conservative side  Jeremy Corbyn should start having talks with the Prime Minister in the national interest.

The row came on the same day that it was revealed Whitehall officials are drawing up plans to evacuate the Queen from London in the event of rioting triggered by a no-deal Brexit.

The monarch would be whisked from the capital in the event of major public disorder, according to the Sunday Times.

He visited Dover to meet Border Force staff last month / PA

Mr Marr also quizzed Mr Javid on the rise in violent crime, particularly knife crime, reiterating that there were 21,000 fewer police officers in England and Wales since 2010  a fall of 19 per cent.

Youth prevention service funding has also been halved, from 145 million to 72 million since 2010.

Mr Javid said he was very, very concerned about the senseless rise in violent crime, and said we need to do everything we can to fight it.

Discussing the cause of the rise, he said: There are a number of issues, but most prominent are changes in the global drug markets  the price of Class A drugs has collapsed and gangs are looking to protect their revenue by expanding their markets, leading to fights.

I recognise that we need to put more resources into policing to fund thousands more officers, and part of the answer is more frontline resourcing, but its about much more than that.

We need better use of existing powers such as stop and search  police want to use it more and it makes a real difference.S tunning archive images demonstrate how Londons Chinese New Year celebrations became one of the worlds biggest annual attractions.

Ahead of Chinese New Year on Tuesday - and the official London celebrations on Sunday next week - organisers said the UK capitals festivities are the biggest outside China itself.

Lawrence Lee, of the London Chinatown Chinese Association, said the first celebrations in the 1970s centred around a single stage in Chinatown and attracted a few thousand people. By comparison, an estimated 700,000 descended on Soho last year.

Dr Lee, who has been on the associations Chinese New Year organising committee since 1991, told the Standard: It grew and we moved it to Leicester Square, and since 2003 it has been in Trafalgar Square. Its jam-packed. You can barely walk now.

Chinese New Year - The year of the pig

The London celebrations are the biggest in the world outside China. Chinese culture is well accepted here, and a lot of Chinese people are now coming to the UK from the mainland. These influences have helped it grow.

Where todays extravagant celebrations are a melting pot of different cultures, Dr Lee said the earlier events were smaller gatherings for Londons Chinese community.

Back in the 70s and 80s, he said, it was mainly Chinese immigrants: many feeling homesick. Many people were single or without their families, so Chinese New Year in London was a great opportunity to come together.

Gradually, it got bigger and bigger, with more tourists. Now Chinese people have families and have settled, so the celebrations have changed quite a bit.

Chinese New Year celebrations in London 2017 1 /16 Chinese New Year celebrations in London 2017 The Chinese year of the Rooster leapt into life at London's Trafalgar Square EPA Performers take part in a dragon dance during the Chinese New Year celebrations in Trafalgar Square Getty Images A lion dance curing the central London parade, 2017 Getty Images Performers put the finishing touches to their outfits ahead of the parade PA Traditional lion costumes used in the parade which began in Trafalgar Square PA London mayor Sadiq Khan onstage in Trafalgar Square PA Dancers perform a traditional dragon dance PA The colourful parade drew thousands of spectators PA The parade wove its way through a bustling Chinatown Getty Images Dancers celebrate the start of year of the rooster PA The festivities began at 10am but went on all day PA Performers await the start of the Chinese New Year parade PA The Chinese New Year celebrations in London are always a colourful affair woth lots of costumes PA Performers wait for the parade to begin in central London PA Dragons are a typical part of a Chinese New Year celebration PA Performers of all ages took part in the parade PA

We look to make it a joint collaboration. We have people of all nationalities on our committee. Its a Chinese celebration but we want it to be multicultural.

Dr Lee said he was struck by peoples devotion to the celebrations over the years: The most memorable moment for me was very touching: one year it was very heavy snow, but all these people were still there. And another year, it was pouring down with rain, but people were still there in Trafalgar Square.

It feels so good that we are getting more and more people joining in. I walk around and see peoples faces, and its such a happy time.T wo youths, believed to be in their teens have been attacked in west London.

Police were called to Feltham by the London Ambulance Service at around 2.30pm to reports that a male had been stabbed in the area of Harlington Road East.

The victim, believed to be in his late teens, was taken to a south London hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Police then received another call a short time later, saying a second male, believed to be in his mid teens, had been slashed on Hounslow Road.

The victim has been taken to hospital for slash wound injuries which are thought to be non-life threatening.

It is believed the two victims may have been attacked in Feltham Park.

Hussun Youseff, manager of Lahore restaurant in Hounslow Road, told My London that he helped one boy with stab wounds.

He said: "I was the first one there. I was the one who called the police. There was a 15 or 16-year-old boy who had been stabbed. He was bleeding."

Police are investigating whether the two assaults are linked, and no arrests have been made.

Officers remain in the area and ask anyone with information to call 101 ref: 4160/3Feb.A lawyer representing speedboat killer Jack Shepherd has said he thought of marrying his victim Charlotte Brown, in a claim branded a cynical ploy by her father

Shepherd, 31, is in custody in Georgia, where he is fighting extradition to Britain.

He went on the run and was convicted in his absence last year of killing Ms Brown, 24, on a first date in December 2015 when the speedboat they were in overturned in the Thames.

The marriage claim was made via his lawyer in Georgia Mariam Kublashvili, who told the Sunday Mirror: "He said to me, 'I wanted with this girl a future, a family and maybe she will be my wife.'

Mariam Mariam Kublashvili, a defence lawyer for Shepherd, made the astonishing claim / AP

"He said it was new and was the first date, but added 'We had communication -before and I saw it as serious.'

"He said, 'We had feelings for each other and then she died."'

Jack Shepherd handed himself into police (right). He had been on the run after being convicted of the manslaughter by gross negligence of Charlotte Brown (left).

Ms Brown's father Graham, 55, of Sidcup, Kent, pointed out that Shepherd married his long-term girlfriend just two months after Charlotte's death.

He told the Sunday Mirror: "He was so -serious about my daughter that he went out and married another woman.

"My daughter would have soon got the measure of Shepherd. It was a first date, my daughter had been in a long-term relationship for four years.

"She was too smart and would soon have seen through him. He's trying everything to avoid the fact he's got a six-year sentence waiting for him here."

Shepherd, who was convicted of manslaughter at the Old Bailey, handed himself in to Georgian authorities last month.It was reported this week that Gov. Ned Lamont, with few options on revenues, is considering removing the sales tax exemption on things such as food and medicine  a move that would disproportionately burden Connecticuts neediest residents. Lamonts spokesman declared that they would leave no stone unturned in crafting their budget proposal.

It is often said that budgets are moral documents. Connecticuts approach to fiscal policy reveals what our state leaders value.

A 2017 Connecticut Voices for Children report found that the business tax breaks that were reported and quantified cost Connecticut $707 million in lost revenue in one year. The Office of Fiscal Analysis tax expenditure report does not quantify all the costs of tax breaks. For example, OFA does not estimate the loss of revenue of completely exempting insurance companies and certain financial service companies from taxes in Connecticut.

Thus, the approximately three-quarters of a billion dollars in lost tax revenue is an underestimate. While Connecticut has improved over past lax practice in reporting lost revenue, the state still does not require a full accounting of just how much revenue is lost to business tax breaks. Without an accounting of exactly how much these tax breaks cost Connecticut, it is impossible to assess whether they are worth it.

What does Connecticut get for this lost revenue? We do not know because Connecticut does not require any rigorous and regular evaluation of the purported benefits to the state of these tax breaks. The Department of Economic and Community Development provides some reporting on the impact of tax breaks but it is not complete.

By contrast, our neighbor Rhode Island enacted a law requiring regular evaluation of the costs and benefits of business tax credits.

How are business tax breaks connected to K-12 education, the topic I am charged with addressing?

First, tax breaks affect the money available to spend on public education. According to recent report by the organization Good Jobs First, a new accounting rule that requires reporting the costs of tax breaks has revealed that American school districts lost at least $1.8 billion over the past fiscal year as a result of corporate tax subsidies. Moreover, this number represents incomplete reporting in only 28 states.

In 2014, the Institute on Tax and Economic Policy and Citizens for Tax Justice found that between 2008-2012, more than half of corporate profits escaped taxation, costing state governments about $73.1 billion.

State spending on public systems, such as our education system, benefits business as well as our communities. The Connecticut Voices report noted that for every dollar of government spending that benefits business, business pays only 80 cents  the third best return on investment for tax dollars in the nation.

Yet for all the benefit of public spending on public systems, Connecticuts leaders seem to prefer giving business tax breaks, with questionable returns. The Connecticut Voices report found that from fiscal year 2016 to fiscal year 2017, state spending on children decreased by $81.2 million, while the cost of business tax breaks increased by $12 million. The share of our general fund spent on early child care, education, health and human services is at a record low -29.2%.

Moreover, according to the Institute of Tax and Economic Policy, Connecticut overall has a regressive tax system. Incomes are more unequal in Connecticut after state and local taxes are collected than before.

Second, the way our leaders approach fiscal policy mirrors the way they approach education policy. Our leaders, especially in the past decade, impose sweeping and often ill-conceived mandates on our schools without first considering the fiscal and educational impact on our communities, schools and children. And for years our leaders have tinkered futilely with Connecticuts school funding system with no assessment of how much education actually costs in this state.

Connecticut is called the land of steady habits. The failure to examine the costs and benefits of fiscal and educational policy is one habit Connecticut must break.

Leaving no stone unturned means conducting a thorough evaluation of how much business tax breaks cost and benefit the state. We also must conduct a thorough evaluation of how much public education costs today  including the cost of operating a parallel system of publicly funded, privately run charter schools.

We owe it to ourselves to start with a transparent assessment of the impact of our fiscal policies on the private and public sphere. Only then will we be able to craft and implement a budget that reflects the best of our state values.

Wendy Lecker is a columnist for the Hearst Connecticut Media Group and is senior attorney at the Education Law Center.A weekly feature in which we're trying to find the most compelling, best acted, written, directed and just generally great, memorable scenes that we've seen in past seven days on TV.It has been quite a journey since the first time we've met Black Siren. She's been both a villain and an unexpected friend of some of the main characters, but the part of her story that left the biggest impact on me was her relationship with E1 Quentin Lance. He inspired her to do better, to be the person he was hoping she could be and she's been trying to make him proud ever since. That's probably why this scene felt even more powerful than one could expect. We knew that E2 Laurel's father died a long time ago, killed by a drunk driver. This week Laurel comes face to face with the E1 version of the man and it hits her hard. She's finally ready to admit to Felicity exactly what happened on the night of her dad's death. It's clear she's been struggling with this memory and is not willing to forgive herself for her part in the events. That's when Felicity offers her support and reassures her that his death was not her fault. It's quite surprising how these two managed to become friends despite their history but I continue to really enjoy all their scenes together. This one was especially well done. Beautiful performance by Katie Cassidy Rodgers with the support of Emily Bett Rickards. I hope to see more of these two in the future. Kudos!I could watch Regina Hall's brash, unapologetic, hilarious turn as Dawn all day. This scene was Black Monday at its best. For all the show's unevenness, it was amazing to watch Cheadle and Hall go toe-to-toe with snappy, fast-paced banter as Dawn demanded her due.Paula wakes up after her heart attack and talks with Rebecca who makes her promise to take better care of herself and in return Rebecca agrees to take better care of her own health by exploring medication. In an episode that parallels taking care of your physical health as well as your mental health, we have these two amazingly strong women who have a lot to deal with but promise to put themselves first for each other's sake. Bloom and Champlin's chemistry has been off the charts since the pilot and their friendship is the true love story of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend.After being so reluctant to do the work Rebecca is reminded that her diagnosis is not something that can be cured and forgotten for the rest of her life, she has to do the work if she wants to be healthy, and that is true for most things in life. I'm not surprised about this route they're taking towards the series finale but I'm happy about it. I just hope it doesn't mean she has to end up alone to be able to take care of herself.He hasn't always been the greatest father and she hasn't always been the most supportive daughter, but Fallon took a big step this week in recognising just how far she's fallen and turning to her father for help. It's not something that comes naturally to her, but I love whenever these two have scenes like this even if it's short because Elizabeth and Grant always bring it.Ed is fierce like a bullet just fired out of a gun when confronting Oswald, blaming him for the destruction of Haven and all Ed's been going through the last few weeks. Ed is a desperate, broken mess when he says that this is the worst thing Oswald has done to him. Then Oswald so sincerely comes back at him saying that he saved Ed, that he's his only friend left, and he wouldn't do this to him. Robin Lord Taylor and Cory Michael Smith are so great here, letting this friend/enemy relationship that's gone so back and forth for years culminate to this point.Meredith holds Thatcher and talks to him about his grandkids while he dies. This was one of the biggest open threads of the series (we haven't seen Thatcher in 8 years) and I'm thrilled that they wrapped it up so well. Despite all of the ways that he failed her as a father, Meredith and Thatcher were able to get closure before he died. It was amazing to see how much she's matured over the years, since the first time she rang his doorbell back in season 2 looking for answers.After finishing her surgery on Catherine, Amelia attends her AA meeting and looks back on her recovery and how good it feels to be present enough to experience all her life has to offer and allow her to give back by doing her job and saving people who need help. It's amazing to see how far this character has come and celebrate it, Caterina Scorsone absolutely nails the raw vulnerability and emotional weight of scenes like these.Catherine wakes up from the surgery.Frank searches the house for Bonnie. To be honest, I was torn between this scene and Frank stopping Bonnie from committing suicide earlier in the episode. Since that one was already nominated, I choose the more Frank-centered scene. If Bonnie's almost suicide was a tribute to Liza Weil, this scene is a tribute to Charlie Weber's acting skills. When Frank enters the house and realizes Bonnie is not downstairs where he left her, he starts to panic. Each room he goes through makes him even more sure that he's going to find her dead body. It all culminates in the bathroom, where he steels up his nerve to look in the shower and then breaks down in his relief that she's not there. When he finally hears her voice and realizes she has not tried to kill herself again, the viewer can let out a sigh of relief as well. Great acting and an intense scene.Frank finds Bonnie in the car. The relationship between these two has been so sweet, it's absolutely understandable the way Bonnie feels, especially after we're reminded just how good Miller was to her, and the fact that it all could've been avoided if they weren't so quick to jump to conclusions just makes it all worse. I love that everyone's keeping an eye on her but her relationship with Frank will always be special, and to see her so vulnerable in his arms was heartbreaking.Jay sneaks into a morgue to get exclusive pictures of a murdered woman. When he is almost caught, he ducks into one of the chambers that holds the bodies and gets locked in. In his desperation, he realizes that he has no way out and starts laughing, hysterically. It was so not a funny situation, but I couldnt help laughing, too. This scene tells us a lot about this character Jay Singletary. He is a reporter who has lost his way and we are privy to how far or how low he is willing to go. What a superb show from director Patty Jenkins.This was another strong episode for Legacies and actually had some genuinely terrifying scenes and special effects. After Landon pulls the demon back into reality, it emerges as a giant, winged beast that rampages the school. Hope is the one to fight it and her entrance is amazing. I loved the fact she was the protector while the boys were the ones she was fighting to protect instead of the other way around.Of all the stereotypical melodrama that would be expected in an Outlander season finale, this was one of few better turnarounds after a rather sad departure from the Fraser clan. To see Ian's face light up, being accepted into tribe, made the episode for me.This is the moment that has been the most publicized about the show. The image of Hynek staring into an incubation tank with an alien floating in it has been used as the central promotional image for the show. The build-up to the scene was delightfully eerie. It creates a world of promise for things to come.Douglas can sometimes be a hard character to empathize with, which is what makes this scene all the more poignant. Not only did he leave his own award ceremony to help one of his daughters, but he makes an impassioned speech to his other daughter, Amy, convincing her that she may not be mathematically gifted like her sister but she is gifted in art and creativity. It was a beautiful scene of a father's love made all the more touching because it was from the father least likely to demonstrate that love in such a forthright way.As I said in my review, it would've been really easy for the writers to bring Maddie's mum back and make everything rosy, but they're not and it's giving both actresses some great material to work with. Granted her mum was completely wrong with her thoughts, but Maddie still made an excellent point that trust is earnt instead of just given out and I'm really looking forward to seeing how their relationship progresses.There was a lot of setup, reveals, and turnarounds in this week's episode of Discovery and although I am grateful that the plots didn't all linger too long, I do wish we could have seen some of it last for an episode or so more. This scene with Tilly yelling at her pseudo-fictionalized-dead friend from childhood, making it look like to everyone else that she's just yelling at Pike was a great highlight and one of few funnier moments in the episode. I also kind of love the way Tilly has been made to look like she's going crazy, juxtaposing the mystery about Spock's disappearance at the psychiatric facility aboard a star base. Just brilliant writing there.First of all, congratulations to the cast & crew of the show on the recent news about season 15! It's absolutely incredible, but especially because I still find myself genuinely caring about these characters and (after recently rewatching a number of older episodes) I'm very much interested to see what's going to happen next. With a series as long as this one there will always be some parts that you might not necessarily enjoy as much as others, but there's so much to love about the show that I'm excited to see where it's all going. Reason number one on the list of things to love about Supernatural have to be scenes like this one. Dean's been struggling with his plan to stop Michael for a while now. It's clear how scared he is but he's determined to follow the only path that seems to be leading towards saving the world from an archangel locked in his mind. That is until Sam finds a way to break through to him. Sam is angry and heartbroken to see his brother give up and asks him to believe in them. His words made me think of another moment, from episode "Hello, Cruel World", back when Sam was struggling with hallucinations caused by Lucifer and it's Dean who's asking him to "Believe me!" Just another in a series of memorables scenes with these two. This week when it looks like Dean's almost ready to leave he embraces Sam after he hits him and the camera stays on his face for a few seconds, showing the exact moment when he decides to give it another chance, to believe in his family, to find another way. But if not, Dean asks Sam and Cass to promise they will stand by his plan if everything else fails before they all drive away to continue the fight. Beautiful performances by both Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles. Kudos!Sam breaks and begs Dean not to go through with his plan to stop Michael. It was such an emotional moment between the brothers and I'm not over it. I'm not surprised that Sam falling apart - crying and punching Dean - is what convinced him to change his mind - this is the kid he raised after all. And then they hugged again! I loved it.Erica asks Beverly to persuade Geoff's dad she's a good person, and Murray gives her home truths. This was an extremely amusing scene in an all round great episode. Erica turned to Beverly as a last resort to save her relationship, only for Murray to not so gently tell her she's a wreck. Best part was Eric's thanking Beverly for putting a nice spin on his critique.The end scene where the vigilante group approaches Woodard's house which is rigged with booby traps.I have no idea what it all means, but it sure threw me for a loop, I don't want to make any assumptions since it could be interpreted in many different ways, but after Gretchen thanked Jimmy for paying his mortgage meaning they could have a forever-home, seeing it on sale seemed ominous. I hope it isn't.While loving, the relationship between Connie and her daughter Mary can sometimes be a bit intense. They are very different people with opposite approaches to how best to raise children, which often leaves Mary feeling like the bad guy. After Mary thanks Connie for helping Missy see how awesome Mary is as a mother, Connie compliments Mary on what a great job she is doing with her kids. It is exactly what Mary needed to hear and Connie admits that moms don't get enough praise for all the hardwork they do for their families.The Hubble Space Telescope shows the luminous explosion of supernova 1987a within the Large Magellanic Cloud, the neighboring galaxy to the Milky Way.

On Feb. 23, 1987, the light from a giant, exploding star reached Earth. The event, which took place in the Large Magellanic Cloud, a small galaxy 168,000 light-years away that circles our Milky Way, was the closest supernova to occur in nearly 400 years, and the first since the invention of modern telescopes.

More than 30 years later, a team has used X-ray observations and physical simulations to accurately measure the temperature of elements in the gas around the dead star for the first time. As the hyperfast shockwaves from the heart of the supernova slam into atoms in the surrounding gas, they heat those atoms to hundreds of millions of degrees Fahrenheit.

The findings were published Jan. 21 in the journal Nature Astronomy. [11 Fascinating Facts About Our Milky Way Galaxy]

Going out with a bang

When giant stars reach old age, their outer layers slough off and cool into enormous, remnant structures around the star. The star's core creates a spectacular supernova blast, leaving behind either an ultradense neutron star or a black hole. Shock waves from the explosion travel out at one-tenth the speed of light and hit the surrounding gas, heating it up and making it shine in bright X-rays.

NASA's space-based Chandra X-ray telescope has been monitoring the emissions from supernova 1987A, as the dead star is known, since the telescope was launched 20 years ago. In that time, supernova 1987A has surprised researchers time and again, David Burrows, a physicist at The Pennsylvania State University and co-author of the new paper, told Live Science. "One big surprise was the discovery of a series of three rings around it," he said.

A simulation shows the ring of material that we know as supernova 1987A (Image credit: F. Summers and G. Bacon (STScI); Simulation Credit: S. Orlando (INAF-Osservatorio Astronomico di Palermo)/NASA/ESA)

Since around 1997, the shock wave from supernova 1987A has been interacting with the innermost ring, called the equatorial ring, Burrows said. Using Chandra, he and his group have been monitoring the light created by the shock waves as they interact with the equatorial ring in order to learn how the gas and dust in the ring heats up. They wanted to figure out the temperatures of different elements in the material as the shock front engulfs it, a long-standing issue that has been difficult to determine accurately.

To help in the measurements, the team created detailed 3D computer simulations of the supernova that disentangled the many processes at play  the speed of the shock wave, the temperature of the gas and the resolution limits of Chandra's instruments. From there, they were able to pin down the temperature of a wide range of elements, from light atoms like nitrogen and oxygen, all the way up to heavy ones like silicon and iron, said Burrows. The temperatures ranged from millions to hundreds of millions of degrees.

The findings provide important insights into the dynamics of supernova 1987A and help test models of a specific type of shock front, Jacco Vink, a high-energy astrophysicist at the University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands, who was not involved in the work, told Live Science.

Because the charged particles from the blast are not hitting atoms in the surrounding gas, but rather scatter the gas atoms using electric and magnetic fields, this shock is known as a collisionless shock, he added. The process is common throughout the universe, and so understanding it better would help researchers with other phenomena, such as the solar wind's interaction with interstellar material and cosmological simulations about the formation of large-scale structure in the universe.

Originally published on Live Science.SPEAK OUT

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Letters, including e-mail, which do not include the writer's street address and telephone number will not be considered for publication. This information is kept confidential but is necessary for verification purposes.

Letters may be mailed to the Editorial Department, South Bend Tribune, 635 S. Lafayette Blvd., Suite 138, South Bend IN 46601; emailed to vop@sbtinfo.com, faxed to 574-236-1765, or submitted through our online form here.

Due to volume, it is not possible to print all submissions. Except in special circumstances, we do not print poetry or thank-you letters. We do not print letters announcing events to come, extensive quotations from other material, open letters or form letters.Ted Booker

South Bend Tribune

SOUTH BEND  After Navarre Middle School received a failing accountability grade from the state for the sixth straight school year in 2017-18, leaders of the South Bend Community School Corp. began scrambling to come up with a plan to turn things around.

And at its monthly meeting on Wednesday in Indianapolis, the Indiana State Board of Education will review where things stand with that comeback plan.

Under state law, schools with six straight years of failing grades face the potential for drastic action, such as a forced merger, closure or state takeover. The Board of Education has the right to take such action.

But Kenneth Spells, the outgoing superintendent of South Bend schools, is optimistic that drastic measures will be avoided at Navarre, which is on the citys west side.

Spells said he plans to discuss at Wednesdays meeting the corporations plan to launch a transformation zone that would include Navarre and its four feeder elementary schools: Wilson, Warren, Harrison and Coquillard.

Spells said those schools, whose students end up at Navarre, are also under-performing, and it is possible that other schools could be part of the zone.

Creating a zone would give the corporation flexibility with state rules and provide a multiyear period to improve academic achievement at the schools.

A leader would be hired to oversee the plan for schools within the zone, and the corporation would be eligible to apply for grants to add staff and improve curriculum.

Spells said the corporation plans to finalize a plan for the zone in the coming months and present it to the Board of Education this spring to consider for approval. He thinks board members will be receptive to it.

We want to make sure we have the right resources in those buildings and great leadership. And we have to make sure there is community involvement, said Spells, who will leave his post at the end of this school year.

Spells alluded to how the Kokomo School Corp. had a transformation zone approved last year by the Board of Education. Under that seven-year plan, the corporation wants to overhaul three under-performing schools, and the goal is to cover the cost with several million dollars in grants.

If the South Bend zone is approved, Spells said, there would be a national search for a leader to oversee the schools.

Thats the key piece, he said. We would look for somebody with a lot of experience turning around schools.

John Anella, president of the South Bend school board, said including feeder schools in the plan makes sense because elementary students at those schools end up at Navarre.

You cant fix the middle school without fixing the feeder schools, he said, adding that schools in the zone would have several advantages. It gives them more autonomy to fix things ... And it gives more control to a leader to transform those schools in a stated amount of time.Success! An email has been sent with a link to confirm list signup.Caleb Bauer South Bend Tribune

South Bend Tribune

SOUTH BEND  At the corner of Eddy and Cedar streets, during a lull in the dismal weather last week, 23-year-old Bradley Tener pointed up at a small white contraption strapped to the overhanging traffic signal pole.

Thats our newest model, Tener said, explaining the capabilities of the infrared camera that can measure road temperature, air temperature, dew point and humidity.

Originally from the Lake Tahoe area at the northern California- Nevada border, where snow is often measured in feet rather than inches, Tener knows severe winter weather well.

And using a series of infrared cameras at intersections throughout South Bend, hes hoping to collect data that will help save the city money on de-icing and save lives by improving road treatment during the winter months.

It was during his time as an engineering undergraduate at the University of Notre Dame that Tener realized how much of an impact sensors can have on road treatment and de-icing during the winter.

The big thing with road temperatures is that if road temps drop, your salt starts to become less effective, Tener said. But cities really dont have a handle on road temperatures because units are way too expensive.

Tener said current prices for a Road Weather Information System, or RWIS, can exceed $20,000 per unit, and in a city the size of South Bend, he estimated that the ideal number of sensors would be around 30.

The infrared cameras are focused on a roughly one-foot circle of pavement immediately below traffic signals, and send information on the streets temperature to applications that city employees and Tener can view on computers and smartphones.

Those high prices have prevented small and mid-sized cities from incorporating road temperature measurement into their winter treatment processes.

The only time you see units that measure road temperature are on highways and at airports, Tener said. And so cities have always been a little bit in the blind on that aspect.

But the recent Notre Dame graduates startup, Frost Control Systems, hopes to change that with sensors that are thousands of dollars cheaper. Beginning in 2017, Tener installed six sensors in South Bend at no cost to the city, in a trial to gauge their effectiveness.

At first, Tener assembled the housings for the infrared camera sensors in his basement.

Last month, Teners startup received $20,000 from the entrepreneurship nonprofit Elevate Ventures, as part of its High Potential Startup grant program, and Tener is it the midst of a $250,000 round of fundraising from local investors.

Frost Control Systems has trials ongoing not just in South Bend but also in Lincoln, Neb., Battle Creek, Mich., and Wyoming, Mich., with plans to expand to Grand Rapids and add more sensors to existing cities in the future.

Public Works Director Eric Horvath said the new sensors have made a difference for road crews, helping during the late fall to determine when roads needed brine or when the ground temperature was warm enough to melt off snowfall, and aiding in pre-application for colder temperatures when city street crews apply differing combinations of brine and BEET HEET, a beet-based de-icing product.

Our street crews are looking at the temperature of the roads, and thats how they make decisions on what the mix is going to be when wed send out, Horvath said.

In temperatures above 30 degrees, city crews typically apply a brine solution. But the lower the temperature, the higher percentage of BEET HEET is mixed with the brine, to combat refreezing.

Before Tener installed the sensors, street crews relied on air temperature readings to determine pre-treatment and post-freeze de-icing, Horvath said. But often the road temperature can vary significantly from the air temperatures, depending on sunshine, temperature in previous days and precipitation.

During the extreme cold on Wednesday and Thursday, data from the sensors showed that the road temperature was significantly warmer than the air temperature.

At 8 a.m. Wednesday, when the air temperature was minus 16 degrees Fahrenheit, the road temperature was minus 7 degrees. By noon, sunshine caused the road temperature to increase to 14 degrees, while the air temperature was still minus 12 degrees.

Now, the network of sensors allows the city to get a better impact of how those treatments impact the roads and how we can better apply based on that.

Its not merely about saving staff and salt costs, Horvath said, its also about saving lives and reducing accidents.

As far as future plans, Tener said he hopes to see full systems implemented in multiple cities, providing increased data points and insights for municipal street crews. The city plans to continue evaluations of the sensor system, but hasnt made specific determinations on if additional sensors are needed yet.

As far as his companys future, Tener plans to keep it located here.

Were based out of South Bend, Tener said, and we plan to stay here.Andrew S. Hughes

South Bend Tribune

Jonathan Dryden Taylor wants to defend Goneril  one of the five characters he plays in Actors From the London Stages production of King Lear that opens Wednesday at the University of Notre Dames Washington Hall.

When we first meet her, she sees herself as a good person, he says. She knows what her duty is and how to behave and is someone who has been good in the sense of conventional.

But shes been raised in a toxic environment where her father, Lear, clearly favors her youngest sister, Cordelia, over her and middle sister Regan.

I think shes frightened of her father, Taylor says, and that has manifested itself in that conventionality.  To be in the position of this one parent who has the power of life and death over you and openly favors one of your siblings, it must be a very uneasy place to find yourself in.

So when she has the opportunity to place some restraints on her father after he turns half of his kingdom over to her, Goneril takes it.

I think Gonerils unhappiness has corroded any possibility she had of being a kinder, warmer human being, Taylor says. All she knows is fear and the removal of obstacles.  In this world, shes convinced its kill or be killed, and it is.

First performed in 1606, King Lear opens with the titular ruler announcing he has decided to retire and divide his kingdom among his three daughters  provided each one sufficiently stokes his ego with a declaration of how much she loves him.

Goneril and Regan lie and are rewarded with half of the kingdom each after Cordelia, who does love her father, refuses to participate in this contest of flattery.

Hes an irrational man, Tricia Kelly says about her main character, Lear. He relies on autocratic rule. He flies into rages. Whether thats always been the case  I think it has  but I think hes losing some of his ability to govern his rages and think rationally.  It is a bleak play about a ruler who makes bad decisions for himself, his family and his country.

Lear disinherits Cordelia, marries her off to the king of France and declares he will retain a retinue of 100 knights and divide his time between Gonerils and Regans households, where he expects his loving daughters to treat him, well, royally.

But they have other plans and quickly leave him defenseless when they force him to dismiss his 100 knights.

I think hes been a man who has been allowed to follow his will as king, but the moment he gives up being king, why should anyone allow that? Kelly says. Hes been used to following his whims and rages, and he thinks hell have a great time.

Quite the opposite happens when Goneril and Regan spurn him and war breaks out because of his abdication.

Its a story of a, probably, autocratic ruler and parent who makes a very foolish judgment at the beginning of the play and it sends him through a dark night of the soul, madness and abandonment, Kelly says. But in the bleakest part of the play, he learns to think about other people, which I dont think he did at the beginning of the play.

Rather, she says, hes a very angry man at the beginning who doesnt know himself.

At the end, you have to find a man who recognizes he did wrong, Kelly says, and he has to be punished for that.  He unravels and he suddenly realizes he doesnt have all that power and hes fallible. Hes on the heath raging at the rain. Hes just a human once hes lost all the trapping. Thats what Im playing.

She also is playing Lear as a king, not as a woman impersonating a man, although she says there are some lines that have a different resonance when spoken by a woman.

There are words where Lear is going mad and losing his mind and he talks about his women being fiends down from the waist, Kelly says. Its very violent language, very misogynist. We had a discussion about whether we wanted to keep that in. I thought we should because I thought it would be interesting to hear it from a female Lear because Im talking about my own gender. Well see.

For AFTLS King Lear, where the companys five actors each play multiple roles and co-direct the production, Taylor says he and his cast mates decided to emphasize the plays many themes about familial relationships and how they reflect society as a whole.

What it says about families is that love in families is gained, he says. Its not something that can be assumed. Its something that has to be backed up by actions. Cordelia says love is active, love is a verb.

Although Lears family and that of the Earl of Gloucester and his legitimate son, Edgar, and illegitimate son, Edmund, are royalty, Kelly says, their stories hold some lessons for any family as it faces the aging and eventual death of the parents.

Before they die, sometimes they may not be as rational as we wish them to be or they were in their younger days, so families and siblings do make judgments about that, she says.

I think thats common to many families that had elderly parents who didnt want to give up their power, or even stop driving. Then, if there are favorite children, that becomes a very toxic mix.

But, as Kelly says, King Lear is one of the big beasts of Shakespeare and its multiple intersecting plotlines touch on leadership, politics, and loyalty and where it should be placed, among other themes in addition to familial relationships.

I think every time you do King Lear, Taylor says, there will be moments that will feel just as if it was written the day before yesterday.

That seems especially true for the actors, whose country remains in turmoil because of Brexit, and their American audiences because of the generally chaotic, disruptive nature of Donald Trumps approach to the presidency.

Without laboring it too much, its a play about how leadership can make a foolish decision that turns a country into disarray, Kelly says. Lack of judgment leads to a divided kingdom and a country that then descends into chaos and vying for position, and in the end, there is a sort of void because there is no leader because everyones trying to take the throne. Hopefully, there are some wise people who take responsibility.

For those who seek leadership, Taylor says, the play contains cautionary messages.

I think it says power seems seductive but may not be everything you hope for, he says. I dont think either Trump or our (prime minister, Theresa May) is particularly happy to be in charge.  I think the message for 2019 is think about whether you really want to be in charge, because being in charge may not be a barrel of laughs.Somerset, KY (42501)

Today

Thunderstorms, some strong this evening, then cloudy with rain likely overnight. Damaging winds and large hail with some storms. Low 59F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms, some strong this evening, then cloudy with rain likely overnight. Damaging winds and large hail with some storms. Low 59F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%.Dubai: Iran has displayed a new cruise missile with a range of 1300 kilometres during celebrations marking the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution, state television reported.

Iran has expanded its missile program, particularly its ballistic missiles, in defiance of opposition from the United States and expressions of concern by European countries. Tehran says the program is purely defensive.

On Saturday, a senior Revolutionary Guard commander suggested that pressure by European countries for talks on curbing Iran's ballistic missiles development could prompt Tehran to expand it beyond current limits.

Speaking during the unveiling ceremony, Defence Minister Amir Hatami said: "This cruise missile needs a very short time for its preparedness and can fly at a low altitude."The UN refugee agency officially estimates there are around 97,000 recognised refugee living in Thailand. Most are ethnic minorities from Myanmar. But there are tens of thousands more undocumented people. The tiny cohort of Pakistani Christians and Achmadis, most of whom fled between 2012 and 2014 when tourist visas were readily available, is just one drop in a vast ocean. The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age spent a day with Kelly, meeting some of the families at Xavier Hall and travelling to their tiny flats on the outskirts of the capital. Unable to work legally, they live jammed into one room flats that cost between 3000 and 5000 Thai Baht per month ($130-$220), fretting away their days inside, afraid to go out lest they be arrested and sent to Bangkok's notorious Immigration Detention Centre. Pakistani Christian refugees arrive at the Immigration Detention Centre in Bangkok, Thailand. Credit:AP

One man shared a harrowing story of how his wife had been raped, five days earlier, by Thai police. They did not want their names published, and were afraid that if they went to authorities they would invite further legal problems upon themselves. The wife sobbed, shoulders shaking. Another woman, Soniazahid Younis, spoke though she was afraid of Thai authorities, who have held her husband Zahid in the IDC for more than a year. She came to Xavier Hall with her four sons, Shahzaib, 16, Shahwaiz, 14, Sharaiz, 10 and Zohaib, 8, to share her story. One day, Soniazahid says, her eldest son translating, some men came to their house, in a small village outside Lahore, and demanded that they be allowed to pray inside the house. The men were Muslims, and the Younis family is Christian. "After that, the trouble started. They said we had converted. They said my husband's name was now Mohammed. But we are Christians. So they submitted a report of blasphemy. We were accused of desecrating the Koran" she says.

One day 40 or 50 men surrounded their home. "They tried to choke me. They cut my husband's hand. They threatened to cut off his head," she says. "First my husband went to Dubai, but we didn't have money for Dubai visas. So a pastor helped us, he said he had friends in Thailand. So we came here." That was nearly six years ago. Since then, the family has lived in hiding and been unable to work. They get by on donations from Kelly and his community, and on remittances from Soniazahid's elderly father. Undocumented refugees live in limbo in cities such as Bangkok in fear of being arrested by the authorities and taken to the Immigration Detention Centre. Credit:AP

In January 2018, the older members of the family were thrown into the IDC, Soniazahid in the women's section of the prison, her husband and two older boys in the men's section. Her 10- and eight-year-old boys were cared for by friends. It was only in December 2018 that a mystery benefactor paid their fines and Soniazahid and her older boys were allowed out. Her husband remains in detention. "All we want is a better place to live, where my kids can study, where we can get a job and a house. We can never go back to Pakistan," she says. Where does she want her family to go? Perhaps Australia, or Canada? "The country which God has blessed for us," Soniazahid replies.

Later, Simon Sultan, a 12 year old boy from Pakistan, invites us in to his home. He is sitting on the double bed he shares with his mother, 11-year-old sister and four-year-old younger brother. Their flat is perhaps 20 metres square, ancient, the yellow paint on the walls fading, but everything is neatly arranged in the tiny space. It's 3 o'clock on a hot January afternoon and the fan is shuddering and squeaking overhead. Simon's mother, Rifaffat, doesn't want to be photographed but she wants the world to know her story. "It was August 17, 2013, at around 10.30 am. That's when my husband would open his shop. He fixed motorbikes. Another man, Amjad Ali, he was jealous. So he came to the shop and he took the Koran and he ripped it. And then he told other Muslims that my husband had ripped it," she explains, her son Simon helping with the translation. "After 10 or 15 minutes he came back with other men and that's when they tried to kill my husband. So we fled to Thailand."

"They hit him with screwdrivers and other mechanical parts, they threw food at him and spat on him. When my father ran, they tried to shoot him. But he jumped over a wall behind our shop, so the bullets hit the wall," Simon adds. Loading Rifaffat's husband, Justin, has been in the IDC for more than a year. One day, he went out to buy milk for their youngest son and was picked up by Thai police. Rifaffat makes money by baking naan bread for a rich Indian family, which helps them scrape by, and sends food to her husband in the prison each day via a neighbour. "When we came from Pakistan we thought we would go to a third country after one year. But we can't go anywhere," she says. As the Sultans' share their story, Kelly nods, grim-faced. He's heard hundreds of stories like this.Beijing: It is the hypothetical question that hangs like a cloud over Australians in China in these uncertain times of US-Sino trade wars, as middle powers get caught in the middle.

Huawei chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou arrives at a parole office in Canada. Credit:AP

What if Huawei executive heiress Meng Wanzhou had been transiting through an Australian airport, instead of Canada, when the United States issued her arrest warrant?

Former solicitor-general of Australia, Gavan Griffith, says the Canadian situation could happen in Australia.

Griffith, a Queens Counsel who works from London on international disputes, and was Australia's solicitor-general for 14 years, says if the United States made a proper extradition request, "Australia would be required to detain".Johannesburg: South Africa has accused Western powers of breaching diplomatic protocol after the United States and other governments wrote to President Cyril Ramaphosa to urge him to tackle corruption in the country.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, in January. Credit:Bloomberg

South Africa's Sunday Times newspaper reported that the United States, Britain, Germany, the Netherlands and Switzerland had sent a joint memorandum to Ramaphosa through their diplomatic missions in Pretoria to warn that foreign investment was at risk unless South Africa took tangible action against corruption and other serious crimes.

The countries also expressed concern over what they called "obstacles" to foreign investment such as "constant changes of goal posts" in the regulatory framework for mining and black economic empowerment targets, the paper said. It did not say when the memo was sent.

South Africa's Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) said it had noted "with disappointment the dispatching of a memorandum to the office of the presidency" by the five embassies."[Former Premier] Bob Carr tried to say Sydney was full. Thats got to be the attitude now. Weve got to be demanding a big cut in the national immigration program to recognise that Sydneys got big enough," Mr Latham said. On this front, the policies of One Nation and the Berejiklian government bear similarities. Premier Gladys Berejiklian has called for NSW's net migration levels to be halved to "Howard era levels" of around 45,000 people per year, arguing the state needs a "breather" from immigration-driven population growth to allow infrastructure to "catch up". One Nation's policy calls for "Sydney to take a break from population growth" and advocates a return to the "20th Century average of 70,000 per annum" as the ideal benchmark for Australia's overall permanent migrant intake. As part of a One Nation's return, Mr Latham says the party intends to contest around 15 lower house seats.

Among its targets are three Sydney seats -Sports Minister Stuart Ayres's seat of Penrith, and the Sutherland Shire seat of Miranda, held by Liberal backbencher Eleni Petinos, and Hornsby in the city's north held by Better Regulation Minister Matt Kean. The party has also announced candidates in the vulnerable Coalition-held regional seats of Murray and Goulburn. Mr Latham has ruled out a bid for Barwon, in western NSW, where the National Party is under threat from the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party, despite One Nation polling a primary vote above 10 per cent in the seat. Weve got a preference swap in the upper house with the Shooters, so were not racing around the state to cut each others throat in the lower house," he tells the Herald. Ultimately, One Nation is unlikely to win any lower house seats, but its presence could splinter the conservative vote, leaving Coalition MPs more vulnerable to Labor or a strong independent challenger.

Additionally, the visibility of on-the-ground seat campaigns will help bolster the party's prospects in the upper house. Mr Latham's election is considered a fait accompli by both pollsters and his competitors. There is no credible poll which shows anything other than Mark Latham being elected. The question is whether One Nation get a second candidate elected, ABC's electoral analyst Antony Green says. Polls have placed One Nation's statewide vote well above the 4.5 per cent quota needed to win a seat in the Legislative Council and a ReachTEL poll for the Herald in November placed it as high as 7 per cent. Optional preferential voting makes the composition of the upper house notoriously hard to predict, but a rag-tag group of crossbenchers is likely to once again emerge with the balance of power.

In this scenario, Mr Latham's vote may become a bargaining chip, which could put him at the negotiating table alongside his former Labor comrades. But with his disdain for his former party well-documented, would they be willing to broker deals with him? "Some people in the Labor party still do open lines of communication with me," he says. Ive got to get elected first so well wait and see." The crossbench may also prove a decisive force on issues such as voluntary euthanasia, Sydney's lock out laws, and abortion decriminalisation, which are likely to re-emerge during the next parliamentary term. Once a vocal supporter of voluntary euthanasia, Mr Latham says he was now "re-thinking my position".

"If it came up Id want to have a close look at the legislation. Im not ambivalent about many issues, but on this one Im rethinking my approach. On abortion, he said his position was best summarised by the phrase made famous by Bill Clinton in the 1990s - that it should be "safe, legal, and rare". But he is dismissive of decriminalisation efforts to remove the regulation of abortion from the Crimes Act, describing it as a "Green indulgence". "I don't see the need to change the laws weve got now," he says. However, he may prove an ally of movement to wind back Sydney's lockout laws, which he says have gone "way too far" and are "suppressing economic growth and denying Sydney its natural reputation as an international city." On the party's website, Mr Latham's policy discussions are a little more dense.

They are peppered with the argot of the culture wars around which Mr Latham has rebuilt his public persona as right wing commentator wielding the cudgels against what he calls the shibboleths of the Left, with feminism, the ABC, Islam, and immigration frequently his target. A policy to reform the NSW school curriculum, for example, clocks in at over 3,000 words. It proposes stripping the curriculum of "fad teaching programs" and "removing any promotion of gender and sexual fluidity", while claiming government schools have "become social laboratories for the worst aspects of identity politics and cultural Marxism". Another policy makes a 4000-word case for the need to overhaul the state's anti-discrimination framework in response to the "PC-censorship of the identity-Left" and the "rise of anti-white racism and attacks on Western Civilisation. Ultimately, One Nation's notorious volatility and propensity to self-implode has fuelled speculation around how long its star recruit will remain committed to the party after the election. But Mr Latham dismisses suggestions he would follow the pattern of high profile defections in the partys federal ranks, which has seen three Senators part ways acrimoniously with Ms Hanson.Scott Morrison and Josh Frydenberg are poised to accept almost all the recommendations of the Hayne royal commission that is set to demand an overhaul of the nation's banking, superannuation and financial advice industries.

In what is expected to the biggest shake-up to the finance sector and its regulation since the HIH royal commission, Commissioner Hayne's year-long report will be released on Monday afternoon with the government to immediately deliver an interim response.

Commissioner Kenneth Hayne's report into the finance sector will be released on Monday, prompting concerns about its potential impact on the economy Credit:AAP

The government spent the weekend working through the report amid concerns from the industry that heavy-handed intervention could bring on a nationwide credit squeeze and political worries that the Coalition could be punished electorally if it failed to respond sharply to the examples of potential criminality revealed at the commission.

Extra resources and changes to key regulators including the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) are set to be proposed by Commissioner Hayne.Arriving on campus for the first time as a freshman can be stressful for a multitude of reasons, so keeping yourself busy is key to settling into a healthy routine. In order to get into this new college lifestyle, Virginia Tech provides its students with plenty of opportunities outside the cThe practice of gay conversion therapy will be banned in Victoria, after the Health Complaints Commissioner found overwhelming evidence it does serious and long-term harm to those who receive it.

Victoria will be the first jurisdiction in Australia to outlaw the practice of psychological therapy or counselling to try to suppress or change a persons sexuality or gender identity.

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In some cases conversion therapy includes exorcisms, the Health Complaints Commissioners inquiry found.

Premier Daniel Andrews announced the ban of what he called bigoted quackery in St Kilda on Sunday, before the start of the annual pride march.Cladding likely to be 'fuel' for fire Metropolitan Fire Brigade assistant chief fire officer Trent Curtin said the emergency response to the fire was escalated as soon as they knew the building had cladding on the outside. "The combustible cladding appears on small parts of the building around the balconies and we believe at this stage the combustible cladding will have been one of the fuels that escalated the fire," he said. "It's unclear at this stage how much of an effect it would have had on the fire." He said the firefighting effort to ensure the building was safe to reoccupy was being hampered by residents who are refusing to leave despite repeated warnings from authorities.

Firefighters inspect the damage from the blaze. Credit:Jason South MFB investigators have also found some of the residents had put plastic over their smoke alarms. "It's been observed at this point that a number of occupants that have covered their smoke alarms with plastic in order to stop their fire alarms from activating," Mr Curtin said. "It's my understanding occupants have taken plastic and wrapped it around the smoke alarm to stop it activating in the case of cooking or other products of combustion in an apartment." He said other "building management issues" which were affecting the emergency response included residents who refused to leave despite repeated pleas from firefighters.

The Spencer Street building is clad in the same materials involved in the Grenfell Tower fire, which killed 72 people in London in 2017, MFB chief officer Dan Stephens said. "It is my understanding that the building is cladded [sic] with aluminium composite materials, the sort of cladding that was on the Grenfell Tower," Mr Stephens said. Asked how dangerous the ACM cladding is, Mr Stephens said: "I probably don't need to answer that, we saw what happened [in Grenfell] in London, back in 2017." It is understood the building has recently undergone a renovation but was deemed safe by Melbourne City Council.

"There are a whole range of issues that are undertaken to determine compliance with the building code," said Adam Dalrymple, who led the MFB's policy response to the Lacrosse tower fire in 2014. "In this particular building here, the fire services have real issues with combustible cladding, and our view is any building with an effective height over 25 metres shouldn't have cladding on it at all." Fifteen fire trucks responded to a call about the fire just before 5am. There was no hope of reaching the blaze from outside the building  firefighters had to climb the stairs and extinguished the fire from the inside. There have been no serious injuries reported, but one man in his 20s was treated for smoke inhalation and was taken to the Royal Melbourne Hospital in a stable condition.

Residents say it's the second fire in the building in recent years. Testing will have to be done on the cladding on the apartment building. Credit:Jason South The building's construction was completed in 2007 by LU Simon. Asked what the builder knew about the cladding and if any steps have been taken to remove it, a spokeswoman said "we are not in a position to comment as we have not received sufficient information or any official reports". The Victorian Building Authority was aware that the building at 200 Spencer Street was fitted with "non-compliant cladding material" and it was referred to the Municipal Building Surveyor.

Following an audit in 2016, the MBS determined the building was "safe for occupation and no further action was required". The same builder was involved in the Lacrosse building, which was devastated by fire in 2014. The fire at the Lacrosse tower in 2014 sent shockwaves through the nation's construction industry, sparking major concerns over aluminium cladding used over four decades on thousands of Australian buildings. Owners of buildings across the state were ordered to remove dangerous cladding, creating a legal nightmare for many residents involved. 'We saw the smoke billowing from our apartment': Residents share their stories

Couple Thomas Rumble, 25, and Gabby Angelone, 24, had lived in the Spencer Street apartment building for two years. Mr Rumble couldn't sleep and had gotten up early to make tea when he heard the sirens from the trucks. He roused his girlfriend and they left immediately. "We didn't hear an alarm until we were halfway down the stairs," he said. "Before that it was silence. Now I'm thinking what if I hadn't been up early. We could smell it as well ... we saw the smoke billowing from our apartment." Mr Stephens also said there may have been an issue with one of the alarms in the building. He said the MFB would investigate whether any suspicious circumstances were involved. The Spencer Street apartment building that caught fire this morning is believed to be covered in combustible cladding. Credit:Simone Fox Koob

George Fittje was staying in an Airbnb in the Spencer Street apartment building when he and a friend were evacuated before 6am. He said his friend went out onto the balcony, looked down and saw the flames. "It was on the side in the building," he said. "Everyone was in the stairwell. It looked like it started on the 16th floor and went to about the 23rd. No idea what caused it." Hairdresser Lucy has lived in the apartment block for seven months. Her partner works early and called her at 5.50am to ask if she was safe. "I said, 'What do you mean?'," she said. "I walked out to balcony and saw all the fire trucks." About 200 residents have been evacuated. Credit:Jason South"They are doing a full assessment to see if there have been any further losses," he said. "Given the conditions we were under where we had wind coming from all directions, we had flames crowning in the trees. Its not a bad thing given that the losses could have been a lot greater." Earlier, he described the fire as a "bizarre experience", showing how the sky was dark in one direction because of the fire, but light on the other. Firefighting crews at Hepburn Springs. Credit:Brendan McCarthy/The Courier The Timbarra fire, which has been burning since January 16 has burnt out about 15,500 hectares of bush in East Gippsland.

"We knew today was going to be a tough day for our state, for our firefighters and for our emergency services, and that's the way it is panning out at the moment," emergency management commissioner Andrew Crisp said. Loading Mr Crisp said the Hepburn fire, which started on Saturday evening, had burnt about 28 hectares. About 70 houses that were in direct risk were door-knocked in Hepburn on Sunday morning. It has been reported that Hepburn Primary School, Daylesford Primary School and Daylesford Secondary College will be closed on Monday.

"We are very, very focused on doing whatever we can to protect property. As you can imagine our priority is protecting life and then it's about how we protect assets and that's using the retardant. Property protection is critical for us, however protection of life is even more important," Mr Crisp said. Map of the Hepburn and Hepburn Springs area affected by bushfires. VicEmergency have given an emergency warning for the area. He said there were 23 incident control centres set up across the state in eight regions, with about 500 people working in control roles. "Out on the ground there are literally hundreds and hundreds of firefighters working on fires that have been going in some cases for the last two to three weeks," he said.

As of Sunday afternoon, there were 69 aircraft working "very, very hard" and "effectively". The fires were fanned by soaring temperatures, hitting 43.3 degrees in the Mallee, 43.1 degrees in Hopetoun, 42.2 in Mildura, 41.1 at Melbourne Airport and 38.2 in Melbourne's CBD. The Bureau of Meteorology's Richard Russell said high winds and thunderstorms were expected throughout the night. Loading

"A severe thunderstorm warning is for damaging wind gusts, in this case exceeding 90km/h, which can easily bring down tree limbs. They are very much a safety risk and can greatly influence fire behaviour which were all working very closely with and trying to update frequently on how thats panning out," he said. Mr Crisp said emergency service resources were being carefully monitored in case more fires sparked as thunderstorms rolled through. "I've had a look at the numbers and there's over 1000 firefighters (that) have been working on those fires and given the terrain ... it is very steep so theres a special skill-set for those remote and arduous firefighters, and there are only so many of those. "If there are more fires, if we need we will get additional resources" Those evacuated because of the Hepburn fire attended a relief centre at Victoria Park in Daylesford.

People on social media were offering emergency accommodation, support to house animals and the Grantville Pharmacy Bass Coast was offering personal care items such as toothbrushes and medication. The Department of Health and Human Services advised anyone with tank water to be wary of contamination from ash, fire retardent or water bombing. If water smells, looks or tastes unsual, DHHS advises not to use it for drinking, food preparation or for animals. Loading Brendan Hutchinson, a Daylesford local, said many in the town were frightened and tense. Everyone is scared, and people are trying to look out for each other, he said.Two police officers helping evacuate residents from rising floodwater in north Queensland were themselves rescued after their car was swept away.

With up to 500 homes already under water in Townsville and surrounds at the weekend, another heavy deluge of rain pushed Ross River Dam levels to almost 250 per cent capacity, forcing authorities to open the floodgates.

In the 24 hours to 5am on Monday, the State Emergency Service received 850 calls for help, most from Townsville residents asking for sandbags and supplies.

Police officers had rescued one group of people on Sunday night and were going back for another, on Charters Towers Road in the Townsville suburb of Hermit Park, when the conditions changed and they needed to be rescued themselves."I vehemently reject this claim," she said. "These comments not only undermine the role of Chairman of Brisbane City Council, but are also defamatory as there is nothing to substantiate them." A debate broke out between several councillors and the chair at the March 20 meeting after Labor councillor Kara Cook told the chair she was finding it difficult to hear because councillor Julian Simmonds and councillor Vicki Howard were having a conversation. Cr Cook: I'm finding it increasingly difficult to hear what's being said here due to this conversation here. Cr Owen: Cr Cook, I can't hear a word that Cr Simmonds is saying and quite frankly, he's not saying anything. I can see his face and

Cr Johnston: Oh, hello. Cr Simmonds: Point of order Cr Owen: Excuse me, sit down. I'm speaking. Section 41. I've put up with a lot of nonsense tonight. Cr Simmonds was not saying anything. I could clearlydon't you argue with me, Cr Johnston. I could clearly see his face. He was just nodding and Cr Howard was whispering. It was not an audible conversation, not like some of them that have taken place in the opposition benches tonight. So, Cr Johnston, finish your general business, thank you. Cr Johnston: Point of order, Madam Chairman. Cr Owen: Point of order.

Cr Johnston: I move dissent in your ruling. Cr Owen: There being no seconder, dissent is not upheld. Finish your general business. Cr Johnston: Well Cr Kara Cook was on her feet and very clearly Cr Owen: Cr Johnston, finish your business. Cr Johnston: Very clearly

Cr Owen: Finish your general business. Cr Johnston: Thank you. Point of order, Madam Chairman. I rule dissent in your decision to not recognise Councillor Cr Owen: Cr Johnston, you can't rule anything. Continue your general business. Opposition Leader Peter Cumming wrote to the council's chief executive to formally complain about Cr Owen's conduct. Credit:Glenn Hunt Cr Cumming said in his letter it was in his opinion that Cr Owen abused her authority as chair in a purely partisan attempt to provide cover for her LNP colleague.

The verbal assault, which Cr Owen witnessed and ignored, included aggressive gesturing," he said. The minutes record Cr Cook describing the attack as bullying, harassment. Later, in the most flagrant breach of proper meeting procedure that I have witnessed in 24 years as a councillor, Cr Owen shut down general business while Cr Johnston was mid-speech and with three Labor councillors awaiting their turn to speak. "I have never witnessed such a ruthlessly biased ruling and want to place on the record the increasing level of frustration from opposition councillors to Cr Owens consistently biased rulings. When Fairfax Media approach the council for comment, a spokesman said the administration would not comment on any individual circumstances, but confirmed Mr Jensen reviewed all complaints he received.

Cr Cumming wrote to Mr Jensen on Friday, March 23, and on Monday evening he was yet to receive a response or acknowledgement from the chief executive. The minutes Cr Cook: Point of order. I find that conduct to be bullying, harassment Cr Owen: Excuse me, stop Cr Cook: Do not point your finger at me ever again.

Cr Owen: Enough. You don't rise on a point of order in this place until you are called. I was discussing the amount of time that was remaining with the clerks. I did not see what went on and I will not have councillorsdon't speak when I am speaking. Read the Meetings Local Law, section 51. The behaviour and the carry on is absolutely atrocious in this place. I should be able to confirm with the clerks how much time a councillor has got remaining in their speech in general business without the nonsense going on. Now I don't know what happened right then and there, but it ceases. I'm putting all councillors on notice. You are in this place. It is a place of political debate, but it is also a place of decorum. There are meetings local laws and when I give a ruling, I give a ruling. The same that happens in the State Parliament and the same that happens in the Federal Parliament. So start learning. When a ruling is given, just because you don't like it, it is not a reason to move dissent. Learn the rules. Cr Johnston, you have 30 seconds. Cr Johnston: Point of order, Madam Chairman. Cr Owen: Point of order, Councillor Johnston.A Wollongong woman accused of organising for two male friends to bail up her Sydney sugar daddy for cash during an early morning rendezvous has been denied bail for a third time, despite her lawyer claiming prosecutors had no case against her.

Police allege the victim agreed to pay Shannon Haynes $1000 a week after meeting her via the dating website Seeking Arrangement in October last year, but then later changed the amount to $300.

Shannon Haynes' lawyer said his client denied the allegations.

It is alleged Haynes asked the man for $1000 when they met for sex a few days later at her mothers house in Fernhill.

When the man refused to pay more than $300, Haynes allegedly called a friend saying, I need you right here.A NSW police officer who was involved in a head-on crash in Sydney's south last week has died in hospital.

Timothy Proctor, 29, a probationary constable who worked in the Liverpool region, was driving northbound on Heathcote Road at Lucas Heights about 2pm on Thursday when a Honda Civic crossed to the wrong side of the road and crashed into him and two other cars.

Probationary constable Timothy Proctor had been a police officer since April 2018. Credit:Proctor Family/NSW Police

Mr Proctor was cut out of his car and rushed to Liverpool hospital, where he remained in a critical condition until his death on Sunday morning.

NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller paid tribute to Mr Proctor's time in the police force and offered his condolences to the man's family.There is nothing fair about Labor tax changes Peter Hartcher characterises Labors proposed tax changes as redistributive in the interests of greater fairness (Shorten shows true grit. Hell need it, February 2-3). Quite to the contrary, these changes would reduce fairness.

If an income earner pays too much PAYG tax through the year, the government refunds the excess. But if a dividend earner has paid too much tax (in the form of a reduced payment, since the company has already paid the tax), no refund would be paid. Further, if an income earner receives franked dividends, the government would refund the franking credits to them in the form of a tax deduction. But if a person has no income other than dividends, no refund would be paid.

It is clear the proposals favour those dividend recipients who also earn a separate taxable income, i.e. those better off, over those who rely on dividends as their sole income, i.e. those worse off. How is this in the interests of fairness? - Richard Grant, Roseville Teachers, hairdressers, nurses, paramedics, firefighters, aged, disability and early childcare workers are typical of those taxpayers who contribute to the yearly $5 billion cash payments for refundable franking credits. Labor believes that this largesse, provided by John Howard, is unfair and unsustainable in the future and plans to remove it.

Meanwhile, these same taxpayers are helping to fund hundreds of thousands of dollars to Scott Morrison and senior Liberals as they tour the country, not promoting policies of their own, but predicting fire and brimstone should Labor succeed.

Judicious use of taxpayers money? Go figure. - Jill Szonyi, Willow Vale Franking credits do not belong to the government, but the shareholder. It is dividend money that has been sent to the government by companies to forward pay a shareholders possible tax obligation. Thirty per cent of the dividend is sent to the government and 70 per cent is sent to the shareholder. When I submit my tax return, this 30 per cent of my dividend (franking credit) is counted towards what I owe the tax office (like PAYG tax). If my tax obligation is reduced to zero through this prepaid money I am entitled to have the balance returned to me (similar to many taxpayers who receive tax refunds from overpaid PAYG tax). This money is the balance of my dividend. It is my money, not the governments. The Labor Party is planning to steal it. - Julie-Ann Hamilton, Hamilton East

If I have shares in a company that has not paid tax, do I get franking credits on my shares, or do I have to pick up the slack? - Neville Warner, East Lindfield Falling house prices a mixed bag For years we complained about the unrealistic high prices being paid for Sydney houses. Now prices are stable or falling buyers should be rejoicing. Instead the economists tell us its bad news (Analysts fear house price fallout, February 2-3). Before the term housing market was created people bought houses to live in, raise a family. Now we buy and sell houses to make money. Its good news if you can now afford a place to live in; tough luck if you are a profit seeker. - Bill DunLany, Hunters Hill I have always been confused by the pronouncements of economists, but now I am more puzzled than ever (Property owners fear staying in the market, February 2-3). All levels of government, federal, state and local, have adopted policies to make housing more affordable. Now that it is actually becoming more affordable, we are told Australias top economists have concerns about the potential damage this will do to the economy. - John Roseth, Mosman Fear of Not Getting Out: when will the realisation dawn? If house prices are falling and you are a genuine home owner looking to change your home, it really makes no difference. If your house price has gone down so has the price on your next property. If you are speculating on a capital gain it is a different story. - Judith Leslie, Bulga

Pokies pain That the Australian Hotels Association is one of the biggest political donors comes as no surprise (Politicians hit gambling donations jackpot as pokies contributions soar, February 2-3). This organisation promotes the evils of poker machines and was a key player and advocate for the recent reductions in penalty rates. The AHA is far from being a community-focused organisation as it purports to be. The clubs it represents take millions of dollars from those who can least afford it whilst having one of the highest levels of insecure employment. It seems obvious that only politicians benefit from the activities of the AHA and this needs to stop. - Tony Heathwood, Kiama We do not allow advertising of gambling, tobacco or alcohol in the media in any form because of the proven harm they do to our physical, mental, material and moral wellbeing. It should be likewise prohibited for any political party to receive donations or in any way profit from the companies or lobby groups associated with these things. The upcoming political campaign will be sickening enough without the knowledge that it is funded by destructive businesses like these. - Sally Morris, Leichhardt Ill bet neither major party does anything about reducing the harm from poker machines (Labors dirty little pokie secret (and its brave Tassie rebels, February 2-3). Theyre winning too much revenue despite the fact the rest of us are losing big time! - Moya Gibb Smith, Paddington Car death concern

The sympathetic tone and soft sentence of the brief article about the Uber driver who accelerated as his passenger was leaving the car is typically representative of the tolerance, even acceptance, we have to death by car (Haunted driver will not face jail, February 2-3). The driver, a person who carries passengers for commercial benefit, was more focused on the green traffic light than the customer climbing out of his car among traffic. He should be utterly traumatised. And while prison isnt necessarily the place for people who kill by car, we do need to recognise that our acceptance of death by car is enormous. - Brigid Kelly, Glebe Electric buses are better Its just as well the tree didnt fall across tram lines (Extremely lucky to be alive, Sun-Herald, February 3).

Buses were diverted via Margaret Street, Kent Street and Erskine Street to return to York Street and were missing stops along York Street at Wynyard. Where would the tram have gone? Nowhere.

We would be better off with electric buses, as being trialled in the Illawarra and recently praised by Transport Minister Constance. - Rob Domone, Denistone Political donations Australia is an immigrant country and politicians are subjected to lobbying from community, business and political groups linked or not linked to a foreign government (Abbott rues dinner with China influence pedlars, February 2-3). Every country has an agenda and it is up to our government to remain independent despite lobbying. The media reporting is biased, sensational and discriminatory; and appeared polarised by geopolitics. Political donations are labelled sinister because of a polarised political view.

Both major parties accept donations in a level playing field where the law applies to all. The Foreign Interference Transparency Scheme Act 2018 applies to all. This only applies to lobbying. To be really transparent, the bill should be extended to cover the donor, the amount and to which political party.

The general philosophy is lobby all you like with whatever financial means but we are protected by Transparency Bills and the faith in our politicians to have integrity and making decisions in our national interests. If that was the case, former PM Abbott wouldnt have to say, I didnt know them. - Anthony Pun, Kingsgrove

Nauru children I shouldve cheered at the news (All refugee children off Nauru within days, Sun-Herald, February 3). But, I couldnt. I felt sick to the stomach to think these last few children and their families were most likely held over for electioneering. It seems Scott Morrison has more to say about Bill Shorten and border control. Oh, dear. Trumps apprentice was more concerned about fear-mongering than the children on Nauru. Sad. - Caroline Butt, Bensville Different interpretations There is one quite notable difference between the Bible and the Koran on the point of violence (Letters, February 2-3). The message of the Koran will never be changed. Unlike nearly all of the Old Testament verses of violence, the verses of violence in the Koran are mostly open ended, meaning that they are not restrained by the historical context of the surrounding text as in the Bible.

They are part of the eternal, unchanging word of Allah. - Richard Merrell, Penrith Pride in our pilots

In the battle for Mosul, it is alleged 18 civilians were killed by Australian Defence Force Super Hornets ("PM says 'not clear' ADF killed civilians", Februrary 2-3). Were we at war? Yes? Do civilians get killed as collateral damage in wars? Yes. Then why is there always a fuss about such minimal deaths? I am proud of our ADF, and especially proud of the accuracy of our skilled pilots who risk their lives in strategic battles instigated by our politicians. Alastair Browne, Cromer Heights ... and the beanbag brigade I am proud to be an Aussie when I read: "Officers negotiated with a man before firing beanbag rounds to resolve the situation" ("Man charged after 'emergency situation' at Brisbane International Airport", smh.com.au, February 3).

How good is it to read that instead of a person being killed by gunfire? - Arthur Hennessy, Gymea Bay Chartering tankersHazardous material teams recorded "extremely hazardous" levels of hydrogen sulphide in a toilet cubicle of a luxury cruise vessel in the hours after a woman's body was found on Saturday afternoon.

The woman, who can now be identified as Shalina Abdul Hussien, was found slumped in a confined toilet cubicle on the Lady Rose, a three-level vessel owned by cruising company All Occasion Cruises Pty Limited.

The Lady Rose cruise ship, on which a 39-year-old woman was found dead. Credit:Instagram

It is now understood that while earlier readings conducted by Fire and Rescue teams on Saturday afternoon were "not alarming" and reflected a "safe atmosphere," by 8.30pm on Saturday further testing by HAZMAT teams recorded "extremely hazardous" levels of hydrogen sulphide, that reached the highest possible levels that could be recorded by testing machines.

Despite these findings, a spokesman for Fire and Rescue NSW disputed them, saying that the levels were "not consistent with what we found on Saturday," adding that the readings taken at the time of the incident were of such a safe atmosphere that crews did not even return to the vessel for further testing on Sunday.Like any new mum, Ami Summers longed to tell the world about her beautiful daughter, Arla; to gush about her cupid lips, her long elegant fingers, her cute button nose.

She was ... the most beautiful thing Id ever seen. Breathtaking, Mrs Summers said. When I saw her, I was ... filled with joy and pride and amazement. Its still the happiest [my partner] ever saw me.

Ami Summers. Credit:Simon Schluter

Mrs Summers and her husband Dave McCarthy had only 10 precious hours with baby Arla, who had been stillborn at 38 weeks.

As a mother, she wanted to share her experience, but found people didn't always know how to talk to her, or what to say.Posted Saturday, February 2, 2019 2:32 pm

Summer temperatures in portions of the Columbia and Snake rivers are up by 1.5 degrees Celsius since 1960 because of the combined effects of climate change and dams, according to a new draft analysis by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Temperatures are so high, sometimes exceeding 70 degrees, that they kill migrating salmon.

The state Department of Ecology on Wednesday initiated a public comment period on proposed new regulations on federal dam operations. Ecologys goal is to work toward meeting state water-quality standards, including temperature, at federal dams on the Columbia and Snake. Washington has long had an uppermost temperature limit of 68 degrees (20 degrees Celsius) in state waters, but its never been enforced at federal dams.

This is a big deal, said Heather Bartlett, head of Ecologys water-quality division. We want for the first time to have parity at federal dams with the nonfederal dams. They are either meeting state standards, or they have set up a strategy to meet them.

It is up to dam operators to determine how they would come into compliance with state standards, under plans such as those already implemented at dams run by private investor-owned utilities, irrigation districts, public utility districts and municipalities.

Its a path, not a light switch, Bartlett said of the compliance process, which is intended to strike a balance between environmental protection and energy generation.

But some were skeptical about how much can really be done.

Ritchie Graves, head of the hydropower division for the West Coast region at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, said the Snake historically heated up in summer above the standard before the dams were built, with temperatures nearing 79 degrees at its confluence with the Columbia. What can be done with the dams in place today to modify temperature already is being done, Graves said.

Its all well and good to say there is a new sheriff in town, [saying] we are going to get to 68 degrees, but I am not sure how you get there, Graves said. In the face of climate change, can you achieve that?

The state wants to ensure its standards are met, but recognizes the value of regional hydropower generation, Bartlett said.

The energy sector they fill is an important niche. I look at what we are doing as a good balance between the need to meet the state standard and the need to provide the region with cheap electricity, she said.

Action by the state to regulate federal dams is sure to stoke ongoing controversy over the structures, and their effect on salmon and orcas. Those are already the subject of litigation, legislation and lobbying before the state Legislature this session.

Dams are important for hydropower, irrigation and barge transportation. But in summer their mileslong reservoirs can act like giant heat sinks. Portions of the rivers get hot  so hot they exceed in some places the states upper limit on temperature of 68 degrees for weeks at a time.

Unprecedented Analysis

In examining water-quality data from 2011-2016, EPAs Region 10 office found river temperatures in August to exceed 68 degrees more than 90 percent of the time at seven of 11 dams on the Columbia, and two of four dams on the Lower Snake. The John Day dam is the worst, with on average 65 days each summer in which the river exceeds 68 degrees, measured in waters just below the dam, known as the tailrace.

The agency looked at the source of the problem, and determined climate change and dams are the dominant forces raising river temperatures, with impacts that are an order of magnitude higher than any other influence. Nothing else, not inputs from tributaries, agricultural water withdrawals or permitted discharges to the river, came close.

In addition to dams constructed between 1932 and 1982, the warming trend due to climate change has significantly affected the rivers since the 1960s, and the impacts continue to increase, the agency found. Climate change has increased summer temperatures in the Columbia and Snake by 1.5 degrees Celsius since 1960 with .5 degree margin of error, according to the EPA.

The EPA also modeled potential water temperatures under different conditions, and found that taking out the four Lower Snake River dams can dent the problem, bringing temperatures there into compliance in August. Nothing, however, was projected to fix the Lower Columbia River in August, where the best option for fish is protecting refuges of cold water that currently exist, particularly in tributaries.

The EPAs draft report was released to the state, tribes and federal agencies in December for peer review as part of a separate process long in the works for the EPA. The agency is also working for the first time to set temperature limits in the rivers under the Clean Water Act.

Columbia Riverkeeper was successful in 2014 and again in 2017 in winning settlements that are spurring the EPA to issue pollution discharge permits for the Corps of Engineers and Bureau of Reclamation for operations of dams on the Columbia and Snake.

It is the issuance of those permits, which Ecology now has under review, that opened the door for the state to regulate federal dam operators to work toward meeting all of Washingtons water quality standards. The public comment period closes on Feb. 19.

Next, EPA will issue its permit, with Ecologys conditions, for public review.

Many are eager for Ecology to step into a regulatory role and work with dam operators to make progress on water temperatures at federal dams.

The temperature standard has been violated for some time, said Dennis McLaren, an attorney advising Columbia Riverkeeper and a former administrator of EPA Region 10 under the Obama administration.

Heat Kills

The damaging effects of climate change and water temperature on salmon migration and spawning in the Columbia and Snake are well-known. Sockeye were slaughtered in the Columbia in 2015, a year of record heat and low flows, with thousands of fish dying before they could even make it back to their home tributaries to spawn.

Steelhead were the next to suffer, struggling home in hot water and record low numbers in 2017.

Scientists predict salmon are in for worse conditions as the climate bakes, particularly species at the southern edge of their range and traveling long distances to inland spawning grounds.

The conditions faced in 2015, when 95 percent of sockeye headed to the Stanley Basin of Idaho died in the Columbia, were extreme in terms of drought, low flows and hot weather.

But because of climate change, those could become typical conditions, scientists found in a 2018 paper published in the scientific journal Transactions of the American Fisheries Society.

That is because climate change means more winter moisture comes as rain rather than snow. Less snowpack leads to lower stream flows earlier in summer, even as air temperatures warm. Warmer water also expands the range of predators, and warm water aids the spread of disease. If the water is hot enough for long enough, fish eventually become lethargic and die.

Some federal agencies had a wait-and-see reaction to Ecologys new role. At the Bureau of Reclamation, Michael Coffey, spokesman for the agency, said the bureau has an excellent relationship with Ecology, and was ready to work as required toward solutions.

I am sure when they are ready to sit down and have conversations with us, we are more than happy to find ... solutions for the challenge we face, Coffey said.

Federal dam operators already are taking steps to moderate temperature at the dams, said David Wilson, a spokesman for the Bonneville Power Administration, which markets power from the dams. Cold water is released from the depths of the reservoir behind Dworshak Dam in Idaho in summer and provides significant cooling in the upper portion of the Lower Snake River. However, the cooling benefit diminishes toward the mouth of the Snake, the EPA analysis found.

Pumps also have been installed to move cool water in to fish ladders at Lower Granite and Little Goose dams, also on the Lower Snake, Wilson said. On the ground, habitat work on both rivers also is underway to address changing climate conditions and anticipate what fish and wildlife will need to survive, Wilson said.

Columbia Riverkeeper won another lawsuit last September, requiring the EPA to issue its first temperature limits for the Columbia and Snake. That work is ongoing, pending the result of an appeal from the U.S. Department of Justice to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.

It was for the development of those temperature limits that the EPAs Region 10 office undertook the assessment of the effects of climate change on the rivers.

McLaren said Ecology has an important role to play that can start making a difference now for orcas and salmon.

This is a chance to get a seat at the table ... to address more water quality issues that are really impacting the salmon and the orcas. There are likely things that could help that doesnt necessarily call the ultimate question on dam removal that could make a difference in salmon and orca recovery.

He envisions a gradual approach.

Lets take a hard look at all the things that make a difference, knowing management for the river is changing, and see what could be done. We may reach a determination that we cant meet the standard, and then there are harder questions to come.

The state Legislature already this session is smack in the middle of the states long-running conflict over the Lower Snake River dams, with a proposal from Gov. Jay Inslee to put $750,000 in the state budget to study the effects of dam removal. Ports and municipalities and public utility districts from Pasco to Lewiston have written Inslee strongly opposing the idea, which came out of his orca-recovery task force.

After decades of using other arguments in their attempts to justify removing the four Lower Snake River Dams some environmental groups have latched on to the plight of the orcas, the letters state.  ... these groups are using the orcas to play on the publics sympathies.

The Orca Salmon Alliance, a consortium of 17 environmental groups, also wrote to Inslee, urging that Ecology pursue its authority to implement water quality attainment plans at the dams.

Both sides already are gearing up to make their case to lawmakers. Dam busters are organizing a Free the Snake Advocacy Day on Feb. 4, and the Washington Association of Public Utility Districts organized a what you need to know briefing for lawmakers about the Columbia and Snake river dams Wednesday, with briefings from dam operators and power marketers.

Meanwhile, a fight over dam operations on both rivers has ground on in the federal courts for more than 20 years. A new environmental impact statement  including an analysis of the effects of the dams in the era of climate change  was court-ordered in 2016, and is underway.

Federal agencies recently issued a new timetable for the review per an order from President Donald Trump. He demanded the new environmental impact statement for the federal hydropower system be completed by the end of 2020.

His order lopped a year off the schedule agencies had requested to give them enough time for their work. Trumps new schedule also truncated time for public review and comment by eight months.The actor said he was attacked in Chicago around 2 a.m. Tuesday by "two unknown offenders" who yelled racial and homophobic slurs, poured an unknown "chemical substance" on Smollett and wrapped a thin, white rope around his neck. Chicago police said they are investigating the assault against the actor, who is black and openly gay, as a hate crime.

Smollett performed songs from his debut record and the Fox show Empire, on which he portrays an openly gay R&B singer, at West Hollywood's Troubadour club, where he said he is "not fully healed yet, but I'm going to (be), and I'm gonna stand strong with y'all."

Jussie Smollett appeared publicly for the first time after being reportedly attacked in Chicago earlier this week.

"There are so many words on my heart that I want to say. The most important that I can say, to keep it simple, thank you so much... Regardless of what anyone else says, I will only stand for love," a misty-eyed Smollett said on Saturday before launching into his emotional set. "We hope that you all stand with us."

Actor Jussie Smollett told police he was the victim of a brutal homophobic and racist attack. Credit:AP

The actor appeared despite his family reportedly cautioning him against performing.

"If I'm honest, as his big brother, I wanted Jussie to sit this one out," Joel Smollett Jr. told People. "I sincerely wanted him to stay out of the public until he heals. Then, after much debate, some arguing and many tears, my family and I realised that tonight is an important part of Jussie's healing."

But Smollett said he "had to be here tonight," adding that he couldn't let his attackers win. "I will always stand for love, I will never stand for anything other than that. Regardless of what anyone else says, I will only stand for love. I hope that you all stand with me."Norway has built a reputation as one of the calmest and most predictable corners of the global oil industry, but lately it's been full of surprises.

Output is tipped to fall to a 31-year low in 2019, with production expected to be almost 60 million barrels short of its previous forecast for this year and in 2018. Credit:Bloomberg

During the worst downturn in a generation, from 2014 to 2016, companies would regularly exceed official forecasts as oil production rose in defiance of falling prices. More recently, with crude surging back to multiyear highs, they've run into trouble.

The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate now expects output to fall to a 31-year low in 2019, with production expected to be almost 60 million barrels short of its previous forecast for this year and in 2018. That's 80,000 barrels a day less than expected.

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A subscription to our digital content is so much more than just access to our valuable content. It means youre helping to support a local community institution that has, from its very start, supported the betterment of our society. Thank you very much!STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- With thousands of Staten Island residents seeing serious spikes in their property tax bills in recent years, some are being forced to reevaluate their living situation.

I just had the discussion this morning with my wife. I said, Its time to leave. We cant stay here," said Carl Pustizzi, a retired city corrections officer and disabled veteran from Princes Bay.

I can go to Florida or Texas, vet-friendly, disabled-friendly states and pay no property tax. But this is where my home is; this is where my kids are, and its hard, he added.

He was one of dozens of Staten Island residents who gathered Saturday afternoon at a property tax rally, hosted by Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis (R-East Shore/Brooklyn) and Assemblyman Michael Reilly (R-South Sore), to voice their frustration with Staten Islands ever-increasing property taxes and to call on Governor Andrew Cuomo to include New York City in a two percent cap on the property tax levy.

During his State of the State address, Gov. Cuomo said New York City would not be included in the two percent cap on the property tax levy, claiming that city residents dont experience the same burden as other state municipalities.

The levy refers to the gross property tax collected by the city, determined by the New York City Council on an annual basis.

What we want is for Gov. Cuomo and our colleagues in the legislature to join us in ensuring that we get a two percent cap in the state budget, imposed on New York City as well, said Malliotakis. We should not be exempt, we should be included, and get the same protections as the other municipalities in the state of New York.

Said Reilly: Im hit by these property taxes as well. Ive been living in my home since 2003 and my taxes have gone up from approximately $1,800 to $6,300 in that time. And guess what? I have a wife, I have three kids, we all have that burden. And you know what? Im here to support these people behind me because theyre getting hit a lot worse than I am probably.

EQUITABLE RATES

Residents in attendance called for equitable tax rates throughout the city, noting that they pay higher property taxes on homes with lesser values than others located elsewhere in New York City.

The mayors houses market value was appraised at almost $2 million, his assessed taxable amount was $20,000 and his property tax was $4,100. Now when you look at mine, my property value is $1.1 million, assessed taxable was $64,000 and my property tax, with the veteran exemption, is nearly $11,000," said Pustizzi.

Its ludicrous, the assessed taxable amount should be across the board, for all five boroughs. No one is paying more than the others. Lower ours a little bit, pick up the others and make it fair, Pustizzi added.

INCREASED TRANSPARENCY

During the rally, residents also called for increased transparency regarding the market value evaluation process, claiming that their propertys market values have been unjustly inflated.

I have contested my property evaluation several times in the past, said Steve Nardon of West Brighton. The form that you file specifically asks you for three comparable pieces of property. Not only did I submit the three, but I also submitted supplemental information where I did a statistical analysis of the entire spreadsheet and said, Youve put me so far ahead of the entire population.'

Nardon said his property value was raised $90,000 last year and $117,000 this year, which he viewed as out of line with the increases of similar properties. When pleading his case to the Department of Finance, the city retained their stance on the evaluation, without providing appropriate justification, according to Nardon.

I got a response back after I contested it back and forth. The first one said, Weve looked at your claim. Weve determined that were right. Thank you," said Nardon. So I went back a couple of times and said, 'Hold on a second. What exactly did you compare my property against. They said, We use some computer model and what we publish on the site in terms of contesting yours is not what we used."

A representative of the city Finance Department wasnt immediately available for comment about Nardons situation.

Malliotakis and Reilly said they will file a Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request with the city to determine the exact criteria being used to determine the market values.

I want to know that these are the factors that were taken into consideration. I want to be able to model it out and get exactly to the rate I should see, said one crowd member. I should be able to come up with a calculation that is clear and transparent.

CITYS REASON FOR RISING VALUES

The Department of Finance said that this year Staten Islands market values went up more than other parts of the city due to new construction around the Island.

This years roll confirms steady construction activity in New York City, which is not just concentrated in Manhattan, said Commissioner Jacques Jiha, of the New York City Department of Finance in a recent report. We are seeing construction in all of the boroughs, particularly Staten Island showing the highest year-over-year percentage increase in construction for commercial properties.

From fiscal year 2019 to 2020, Staten Island saw a 10.4 percent increase in market values from $72.6 billion to $80.2 billion -- the highest increase of the five boroughs.Posted Saturday, February 2, 2019 2:35 pm

The Nisqually Indian Tribe donated 500,000 Chinook fry from Clear Creek Hatchery to Gig Harbors Minter Creek Hatchery in an effort to help replenish the roughly 6.2 million Chinook lost during a power outage in December.

Jim Jenkins, south Puget Sound hatcheries manager for Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife  which manages Minter Creek Hatchery  specified that out of the 6.2 million fish lost, 4.2 million were Deschutes fall chinook fry, 1.5 million were Minter Creek fall chinook fry and a half million were White River spring Chinook fry.

While the Nisqually Indian Tribe donated 500,000 Chinook, the Suquamish Tribe donated 250,000 and a collection of Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife facilities donated a combined two million.

The people at Minter Creek Hatchery are very grateful that all these entities came forward in collaboration to help restore its program this year, Jenkins said.

He said these fish represent about half of the volume the Minter Creek Hatchery usually works with, at about 2.5 million. Thanks to the donors, when these fish are sent into the ocean, they have the opportunity to yield a high return.

We only represent less than a quarter of the life of each fish, Jenkins said. If there are good ocean conditions, the loss (in December) might not have as much of an impact on the program, as well as bad ocean conditions would be the inverse.

While Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife manages Minter Creek Hatchery, it works in tandem with Nisqually Indian Tribe on salmon restoration efforts in the region.

We are co-managers of the resource, said Bill St. Jean, who works for the Nisqually Indian Tribe as the enhancement program manager for multiple salmon hatcheries, including Clear Creek Hatchery. We all care about the animals and it will benefit everyone for (Minter Creeks) program to continue.

When a hatchery loses power, it can be expected that a back-up generator will take over, but at Minter Creek, the generator failed. The fish, which were at a delicate stage in development, needed a constant flow of water through the stacks they inhabited, St. Jean said. If the water stopped moving for as much as twenty minutes, the fish would have used up all the oxygen in the water.

Thats what happened at Minter Creek  it took too long to get the generator up and running, and the fish died because of it, St. Jean said, adding that there is no evidence that the people at the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife did anything to jeopardize the fish in any way.

I think the tribe is doing the right thing, St. Jean said. The programs feed the orcas and benefit the animals.

He said the tribe was able to spare the 500,000 Chinook without disrupting the programs going on at Clear Creek.

Such programs consist of rearing 3.5 million Chinook and 300,000 coho a year at Clear Creek Hatchery, which is located on Joint Base Lewis McChord, St. Jean said. The movement to establish Clear Creek Hatchery was spearheaded by Billy Frank Jr. in the 80s and has been open since 1991.STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Cops face danger and the potential for injury just about every day.

Its part of the job.

But one Staten Island police officer, hurt when an alleged emotionally disturbed person pushed him down the stairs at a New Springville residence last summer, has sued the homeowners, contending they are liable for his injuries.

A civil complaint alleges P.O. Gareth Echevarria responded to the Elwood Avenue home of Richard and Doreen Prezioso around 4 a.m. on July 4.

The complaint does not say why Echevarria was dispatched to the residence.

While there, Echevarria was seriously injured when an emotional(ly) disturbed person (EDP) suddenly became violent and pushed him down the stairs, alleges the complaint.

The complaint doesnt identify the alleged emotionally disturbed person.

The homeowners were negligent for failing to supervise and control the alleged emotionally disturbed person and for failing to warn Echevarria and his fellow officers of that individuals dangerous propensities, the complaint alleges.

In addition, the homeowners failed to have the EDP involuntarily confined to a hospital and did not properly maintain the premises, alleges the complaint.

The complaint doesnt specify Echevarrias injuries but says he became totally disabled for a period of time.

Public records indicate he is 33.

Echevarria is suing under the provisions of several municipal laws and codes which require building owners to safely maintain their premises and which allow police officers to sue those persons whose willful omission  or culpable conduct results in a cops injuries.

Filed in state Supreme Court, St. George, the suit seeks unspecified monetary damages.

Joseph L. Decolator, Echevarrias lawyer, did not immediately return a phone call seeking comment on the suit, nor did the Preziosos.STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.-- A multi-vehicle crash Sunday in Port Richmond involved a privately owned ambulance, according to a source with knowledge of the incident.

The crash was reported at about 10:30 a.m. near the intersection of Jewett and Post avenues, and resulted in seven people with minor injuries, according to an FDNY spokeswoman.

The spokeswoman said one patient was transported by the FDNY to Richmond University Medical Center in West Brighton, while sources say the others were either transported to the same hospital by other means, or refused medical attention.

A Priority 1 Ambulance vehicle was hooked to the back of a tow-truck following the crash, and appeared to have sustained damage to the front-end. It remains uncertain if any EMTs were injured in the crash. A spokeswoman for the company declined to comment.

It also remains uncertain if any charges will be filed in connection with the incident.

This is a breaking story, for updates, check back with silive.comYou are now listening to the sounds of the New Generation. A podcast created for those who desire a new way of gaining information rather than reading a traditional newspaper. In our show we will discuss everything from sports, pop culture, politics, and local news. To stay up to date on our latest episodes every week be sure to follow us on your favorite podcast service. And dont worry, we keep it short.This is the moment locals were sent into a looting frenzy after 80,000 cans of beer spilt from an overturned lorry in Thailand.



Driver Somporn Primjarus, 58, was delivering the boxes to a warehouse when he lost control on a corner and toppled over on January 11 in Phuket.



The cans of fresh Leo beer were sent sprawling onto the road - causing hundreds of residents to descend on the scene and loot the alcohol after the crash at sunrise.



Driver Somporn said: ''I was only one kilometre away from the logistics centre which was waiting for the beer.



''I went around the corner and could not keep control of the truck. I don't know how it happened. I think the road was slippy or because it was dark.''



Several street food stalls, cars, and shop fronts were damaged also damaged, causing more chaos in the area.



Locals rushed to the area to collect the beer - prompting police to warn that they could be arrested for theft. Four residents were later arrested for theft.



Lieutenant Colonel Sompong Thip-aphakun from Phuket City Police said that the investigation would look at the causes of the crash and the subsequent thefts.



He said: ''In the case of an accident, the traffic officer must investigate the truck driver due to the damage to the properties. Another part is the group of people who went to collect cans. They can be charged for theft.



''The logistics company who owns the beer trailer has reported the thefts. Officers will proceed the investigation which is not difficult since there are clips and pictures posted in the social media.''Posted Saturday, February 2, 2019 2:26 pm

Banks and credit unions throughout Washington, Oregon and Idaho are cautioning customers after seeing an increase in fraudulent account activity over the last few months.

Some precautions taken at Fibre Federal Credit Union in Longview caught a local customer by surprise last week.

Tamara Norton, a 40-year customer of Fibre Federal, saw her account shut down last week after making local purchases on things like gas and groceries. Unsure of what was causing the trouble, she went to Fibre Federal and had her card looked at for issues.

Norton said her account was locked after Fibres fraud detection deemed the activity suspicious. Luckily, she said, there were no real fraud charges but she was locked out of her account without notice.

Norton said she has had to get a new card in the past due to a risk of account exposure, but that she hasnt been locked out of her account before.

Because of (the uptick) they have gone the other way about watching accounts, Norton said. Theyre trying to be so careful it seems to be interrupting.

Norton said she was told by a Fibre Federal employee the company has recently hired a third party to help monitor for fraud and that the company lost around $125,000 last month to fraud transactions.

Heather Snyder, a spokeswoman for Fibre Federal, said she was unable to confirm specific numbers or dollar amounts regarding the fraud increases.

Cowlitz County cardholders were affected in December after a rash of account hacks were made possible by ATM skimmers. Now, area financial institutions including Red Canoe Credit Union and Fibre Federal Credit Union are taking precautions to protect customers from fraud in a time when technology like ATM skimmers and computer hacking is becoming more common.

Snyder said this week that the credit union couldnt confirm a dollar amount lost to fraud in the last month, but that the company is seeing an unusual uptick in fraudulent transactions at a frequency she hasnt seen before.

It seems to be coming from all over, Snyder said. (There has been) a number of skimming devices on ATMs throughout the region ... and breaches with various companies. It is by no means exclusive to Fibre Federal, Red Canoe or any other financial institution.

Snyder said it seems that any consumer with a credit or debit card could be affected. The best way for a customer to protect their money, she said, is to regularly monitor accounts and anticipate expenses.

Fibre Federal and Red Canoe have partnered on a few fraud awareness efforts like public service announcements on the radio, mailing postcards with anti-fraud tips and putting up signage in their buildings to increase awareness.

If we see something unusual with transactions, we will try to reach out and make sure that its (the customer), Snyder said. We do offer a free mobile app for debit and credit cards.

Snyder said using the app can be a first line of defense for customers, because it lets them turn off their cards remotely.

In some cases, a card or account will be shut down by the financial institution instead of the customer, but Snyder said that would only happen in a pressing situation. She also said Fibre Federal will almost always try to contact the customer before doing so.

We take a number of steps to educate our members, Snyder said, adding that the company is looking into an anti-fraud seminar in the near future and that Fibre Federals website also has tips for account protection.MOSCOW  Following in the footsteps of the U.S., Russia will abandon a centerpiece nuclear arms treaty but will only deploy intermediate-range nuclear missiles if Washington does so, President Vladimir Putin said Saturday.

President Trump accused Moscow on Friday of violating the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces treaty with impunity by deploying banned missiles. Trump said in a statement that the U.S. will move forward with developing its own military response options to Russias new land-based cruise missiles that could target Western Europe.

Moscow has strongly denied any breaches and accused Washington of making false accusations in order to justify its pullout.

The collapse of the INF Treaty has raised fears of a repeat of a Cold War showdown in the 1980s, when the U.S. and the Soviet Union both deployed intermediate-range missiles on the continent. Such weapons were seen as particularly destabilizing as they only take a few minutes to reach their targets, leaving no time for decision-makers and raising the likelihood of a global nuclear conflict over a false launch warning.

After the U.S. gave notice of its intention to withdraw from the treaty in six months, Putin said Russia would do the same. He ordered the development of new land-based intermediate-range weapons, but emphasized that Russia wont deploy them in the European part of the country or elsewhere unless the U.S. does so.

We will respond quid pro quo, Putin said. Our American partners have announced they were suspending their participation in the treaty, and we will do the same. They have announced they will conduct research and development, and we will act accordingly.

The U.S. has accused Russia of developing and deploying a cruise missile that violates provisions of the pact that ban production, testing and deployment of land-based cruise and ballistic missiles with a range of 310 to 3,410 miles. Trumps move also reflected his administrations view that the pact was an obstacle to efforts needed to counter intermediate-range missiles deployed by China, which isnt part of the treaty.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the treaty would terminate in six months unless Russia accepts U.S. demands that it destroy the cruise missiles that Washington claims are in violation. NATO allies have strongly backed Washington and urged Moscow to save the treaty by returning to compliance.

Vladimir Isachenkov is an Associated Press writer.MANILA  Philippine troops clashed with Abu Sayyaf gunmen Saturday in fierce jungle fighting that killed five soldiers and three militants, as the military pushed forward with a fresh offensive sparked by a deadly church bombing blamed on the extremists.

Regional military spokesman Col. Gerry Besana said another five soldiers and 15 militants were wounded in nearly two hours of fighting between the army and about 150 Islamic State group-linked fighters in the jungles near Patikul town in Sulu province.

The militants were led by Abu Sayyaf commander Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan, who is suspected of helping plot the Jan. 27 bombing of a Roman Catholic cathedral in the Sulu capital of Jolo that killed 22 people and wounded more than 100. Sawadjaan apparently withdrew and escaped with the rest of the gunmen, military officials said.

President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered government forces to destroy the Abu Sayyaf following the bombing of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral. The attack has renewed terrorism fears across the Philippines, where the national police have been put on full alert and security has been strengthened in churches, shopping malls and other public areas.

Abu Sayyaf, which has about 300 to 400 armed fighters, has been blacklisted by the United States and the Philippines as a terrorist organization because of years of bombings, kidnappings and beheadings in the predominantly Roman Catholic nation.

Government forces have over the years sought to crush the group, including in Jolo, a poverty-wracked island of more than 700,000 people where Muslims are the majority.

Since the church attack, the air force has launched air strikes on suspected militant bases near Patikul.

Duterte told reporters last week that the Jolo church bombing was a suicide attack carried out by a militant couple.

Interior Secretary Eduardo Ano said Friday that an Indonesian couple was behind the suicide bombing and it was aimed at fomenting sectarian conflict in the south. The Indonesian man reportedly used the nom de guerre Abu Huda and Philippine authorities said they would coordinate with their Indonesian counterparts to try to validate the identities of the two.

Jim Gomez is an Associated Press writer.HAVANA  A Cuban government push to legalize same-sex marriage has set off an unprecedented reaction from the islands rapidly growing evangelical churches, whose members are expected to widely reject a state-proposed constitutional reform in a nationwide referendum this month.

The reform is almost certain to pass by a broad margin of Cubas 7 million voters  language opening the door to same-sex marriage is only one element of the reform  but the evangelical vote could shave hundreds of thousands of votes from its victory.

With many pastors promoting no votes from the pulpit, the swelling evangelical rejection of the measure is a novel development for a state that prides itself on projecting an image of ideological unanimity. Cuban government-endorsed candidates and proposals typically receive yes votes well above 90 percent in one of last communist nations on earth.

I cant vote for something that goes against my principles. Its sad but its a reality, said pastor Alida Leon, president of the Evangelical League of Cuba. Hers is one of a dozen evangelical denominations that are actively speaking out against the reform.

There are an estimated 100 evangelical denominations active in Cuba, 52 legally registered, and many are taking softer lines against the new constitution, or staying officially neutral. The same is true for many Catholic and non-evangelical protestant clergy.

There is no official count of evangelicals in Cuba, whose people have historically been Catholics and followers of the African religions known as Yoruba or Santeria. The number of evangelical and non-evangelical protestants is estimated to total a million people.

Raul Castro handed the presidency last year to Miguel Diaz-Canel, the first top Cuban leader from outside the Castro family since the revolution. Under Diaz-Canel, the Cuban government maintains its near-total control of life on the island but has made a series of concessions to interest groups including artists, entrepreneurs and evangelicals.

The constitutional reform maintains Cubas single-party political system and centrally planned economy while recognizing private property and small businesses, which have been part of the islands economy without formal legal status for more than a decade.

Andrea Rodriguez is an Associated Press writer.CARACAS, Venezuela  Opposition leader Juan Guaido renewed his call for the military to defect from the countrys socialist government on Saturday, as President Nicolas Maduro appeared to intensify a deepening political standoff by proposing to hold early National Assembly elections that could potentially oust his challenger.

Speaking from behind a podium decorated with Venezuelas presidential seal, Guaido vowed to thousands of roaring supporters that he would keep his opposition movement in the streets until Maduro stopped usurping the countrys presidency and agreed to organizing new presidential elections overseen by international observers.

The 35-year-old president of Venezuelas National Assembly outlined the oppositions recent moves and called on blocks of the military to defect from Maduros administration and get on the side of the Venezuelan people.

We dont just want you to stop shooting at protesters, Guaido said. We want you to be part of the reconstruction of Venezuela.

Earlier Saturday, Venezuelan air force Gen. Francisco Yanez defected from the Maduro administration and called on his compatriots to participate in protests against the socialist leaders rule. Yanez is the first high ranking officer to leave Maduros government.

Guaido also said that in the following days, the opposition movement would try to move humanitarian aid into the country by land and sea along three border points, including the Colombian city of Cucuta. He described the move as a test for Venezuelas armed forces, which will have to choose if they allow the much needed aid to pass, or if they instead obey the orders of Maduros government.

Just minutes later, Maduro dug in his own heels by insisting he was the only president of Venezuela and proposing to hold new elections to replace Venezuelas opposition-dominated National Assembly.

I agree that the legislative power of the country be re-legitimized and that we hold free elections with guarantees, and the people choose a new National Assembly, Maduro said at a pro-government demonstration in the capital of Caracas.

Maduro has described the latest protests against his rule as part of a U.S.-led coup attempt and called on his supporters to organize their own march in defense of his Bolivarian Revolution.

Manuel Rueda and Fabiola Sanchez are Associated Press writers.SAO PAULO  Weak regulations, chronic short staffing and a law that muffled the voices of environmentalists on mining licenses made the devastating collapse of a dam in southeastern Brazil all but destined to happen, experts and legislators say.

The failure of the dam holding back iron ore mining waste on Jan. 25 unleashed an avalanche of mud that buried buildings and contaminated water downstream. At least 121 people have died, and another 226 people remain missing.

But one of the cruelest parts of the tragedy in Brumadinho is that it has happened before: In 2015, a mining dam burst about 80 miles away in Mariana in what is considered Brazils worst environmental disaster.

Whats more, it could happen again, as many Brazilian states and the federal government move to ease regulation in the name of economic development.

In the three years since the Mariana rupture killed 19 people, the regulation of the industry has gotten less, not more, rigorous in Minas Gerais state.

It felt like it was just a matter of time before something bigger would happen, said Josiele Rosa Silva Tomas, the president of the Brumadinho residents association.

Problems that existed when the dams in Mariana burst, like dramatic short-staffing, have persisted, while a new law has reduced the say of environmental groups in the project licensing process.

And the danger remains widespread: A 2017 report from the National Water Agency classified more than 700 dams nationwide as at high risk of collapse, with high potential for causing damage.

Environmental groups accused the previous Congress and president of rolling back significant protections, and many expect further weakening under President Jair Bolsonaro, who has said environmental regulation hamstrings several industries, including mining.

But the politics that contributed to the collapses in Minas Gerais are much more local. For centuries, the mineral-rich state has revolved around the mining industry  its name, given by Portuguese colonizers, translates to General Mines. More than 300 mines employ thousands in the state, often in poor, rural areas.

Minas Gerais has a centuries-long history of being lenient with the mining sector. Its cultural, said Joao Vitor Xavier, a state deputy. The industry creates a discourse where they dangle jobs and economic growth in front of people, but they put profit over safety.

Anna Jean Kaiser is an Associated Press writer.If you want to grow a business online in 2019, you need to be a digital marketing pro. All companies regardless of size have embraced it and entrepreneurs need to as well. Dive in with The Complete Digital Marketing Course and learn the basics you need to know to build a powerful campaign.

When you take this online class, you get access to 169 lectures and more than 19 hours of content that are available to you online 24/7. Youll get hands-on practice in todays most key digital marketing tools, like search engine optimization and Google AdWords, so your pages rank high when people Google you for information. The entire course is basically a bootcamp in market research best practices too and aims to give you a data-driven foundation in analyzing digital traffic. With so many businesses hiring digital marketers, its one of the most lucrative jobs you can have in 2019.Every single marine mammal analyzed in a recent study had ingested plastic, researchers found.

The scientists, who published their findings Thursday in the journal Scientific Reports, examined the digestive tracts of 50 seals, whales and dolphins from 10 different species that had washed up on British shores. They found tiny pieces of broken-down plastic in every single one of them.

The number of particles found in the animals was fairly low, lead author Sarah Nelms said in a statement, suggesting the plastics "eventually pass through the digestive system, or are regurgitated."

Most of the particles the scientists found were made of synthetic fibers, used in fishing nets and clothing and toothbrushes. Others were fragments of larger pieces of plastic, like plastic bottles and food packaging.

Nelms, of the University of Exeter, said the findings were "shocking  but not surprising."

The animals in the survey died of a variety of causes, but those that perished due to infectious diseases had a slightly higher number of particles than the other animals, the study found.

Brendan Godley, a professor at the Centre for Ecology and Conservation at the University Exeter, said in the statement that the team cannot "draw any firm conclusions on the potential biological significance of this observation."

The effects of microplastics, and the chemicals in them, on marine mammals is not yet known, and the study authors stressed the need for further research.

Godley called the report a "benchmark" for future studies to be compared with.

"Marine mammals are ideal sentinels of our impacts on the marine environment, as they are generally long lived and many feed high up in the food chain," he said. "Our findings are not good news."

Read Michelle Robertson's latest stories and send her news tips at mrobertson@sfchronicle.com.

Start receiving breaking news emails on wildfires, civil emergencies, riots, national breaking news, Amber Alerts, weather emergencies, and other critical events with the SFGATE breaking news email. Click here to make sure you get the news.The tiny town of Arbuckle in Northern California sank more than two feet in nine years.

The revelation comes from a new survey that tracked subsidence  the gradual sinking of land  in the Sacramento Valley between 2008-17. The report was released last week by the California Department of Water, in coordination with 19 local and state agencies.

Located about 50 miles north of Sacramento, Arbuckle (pop. 3,028) sank more than any other surveyed area. The town now sits 2.14 feet lower than it did in 2008. DWR analyzed over 300 sites across the Sacramento Valley.

Subsidence has long been an issue in California, but its recent acceleration was likely fueled by an extreme drought that plagued California between 2012-16. A lack of rainfall spurred the voracious pumping of groundwater, which was largely utilized for agriculture.

While the bulk of areas surveyed in the report were not significantly affected by subsidence, parts of Yolo County experienced the most widespread land surface decline. Over 30 survey sites measured subsidence between .3 and 1.1 feet.

Other statistically significant levels of subsidence  defined as land surface elevation decreases greater than or equal to 0.17 feet  were observed at three survey sites in Glenn County (between .44 and .59 feet of subsidence) and five survey sites in Sutter County (between .20 and .36 feet of subsidence).

"We've long known that excessive groundwater pumping causes subsidence, which is one of the many reasons we've pushed for sustainable groundwater management and pursued innovative tools to better manage and report subsidence throughout the state," said DWR Director Karla Nemeth in a statement. "Data provided by studies like this inform water managers and owners of large infrastructure so they can plan for and prevent against subsidence."

Land subsidence can damage infrastructure, including aqueducts, bridges, roads and levees, and over time, it can permanently reduce underground aquifer water storage capacity. Longterm subsidence has already destroyed thousands of public and private well casings in the San Joaquin Valley, according to a 2015 DWR report of NASA findings. The report discovered parts of the San Joaquin Valley were sinking faster than ever, with some land surface areas declining by nearly two inches per month.

The most recent report recommended subsidence surveys in the Sacramento Valley occur at a more frequent interval, such as every three to five years, to better capture when and why sinking occurs.

Read Michelle Robertson's latest stories and send her news tips at mrobertson@sfchronicle.com.

Start receiving breaking news emails on wildfires, civil emergencies, riots, national breaking news, Amber Alerts, weather emergencies, and other critical events with the SFGATE breaking news email. Click here to make sure you get the news.Posted Saturday, February 2, 2019 2:27 pm

Lets say you did something that got you in some serious legal trouble, such as trying to outrun a cop to avoid a speeding ticket or writing a bunch of bad checks.

After some time in jail, you get your day in court and are found guilty. In addition to the sentence the judge imposes, he starts rattling off a bunch of fees youll have to pay: reimbursing the county for holding you in jail, collecting your DNA for a state database, convening a jury to hear your case, and so forth.

In some cases, this can add up to tens of thousands of dollars. And, if youre like most people who find themselves in court, you probably dont have that kind of money on hand. And with a criminal record, getting a job to make that money wont be easy.

Do you risk going to jail again because you cant pay?

For the past couple of years, Washingtons judges have had to consider whether a defendant has  or ever will have  the wherewithal to pay those fees. If a defendant cant pay, he or she is usually assessed a mandatory $600 on top of whatever fines are assessed or restitution the court believes the defendant is capable of paying.

While Yakima County Superior Courts presiding judge says the county strives to stay within the law and not use the county jail as a modern-day debtors prison for those who cant afford to pay, a legal advocate for the poor says that even the current fee structure puts an undue burden on low-income defendants who are trying to get a fresh start in life.

Relying on fees, fines and costs for someone who cannot pay them is not a good long-term or short-term solution, said Nick Allen, who works on Columbia Legal Services institutions project. Theres a lot of work to be done.

When courts sentence people for crimes, along with options for fines and jail time, there is also what are known as legal financial obligations, which are designed to cover various costs in the court system, ranging from victim restitution to costs for a public defender.

Some of the fees are discretionary, meaning a judge is not required to add it on to a defendants sentence, while others  such as the victim penalty fee and the $100 charged to collect DNA from the defendant  cannot be waived.

Its a concept not unique to Washington state. Other jurisdictions have applied such fees and have been criticized by civil liberty groups for using them as a source of income.

State and National Issue

In the wake of civil unrest following the shooting of an unarmed black teenager by a police officer in Ferguson, Mo., a federal investigation found that the St. Louis suburbs municipal court imposed fines and fees in such a manner as to impose crippling debt on people living in poverty, while using the court fees to fill city coffers.

A 2014 study by the Washington chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union and Columbia Legal Services found that the average amount of legal financial obligations imposed in the state was $2,540. Eighty to 90 percent of people charged with felonies in the state were considered indigent by the courts.

The study found that some courts did not take into account a defendants poverty status in imposing fees, and that 20 percent of people booked into the Benton County jail were there for not paying legal debts.

Allen, who has worked extensively on the fee issue, said such practices create barriers for people who are trying to straighten out their lives. A court case cannot be expunged until the fees are satisfied.

The following year, the state Supreme Court ruled in State v. Blazina that judges have to consider a defendants financial state, and whether he or she is likely to be gainfully employed after serving time, before imposing a discretionary fee.

That ruling was codified recently in state law requiring judges to ask.

Yakima County

Presiding Yakima County Superior Court Judge David Elofson and presiding District Judge Brian Sanderson said their courts have been following the Supreme Courts ruling since it came out.

In every criminal case, we have to determine whether an individual defendant has the money to pay the fees, Sanderson said.

Elofson said that process is identical to what judges do in preliminary hearings  the hearing where a judge determines if there is probable cause that a crime happened, and whether the defendant could have done it.

The questions focus on whether defendants have a job, or are likely to have one when they get out, and whether they have enough money to support themselves and their families.

And many times, the answer to those questions is no.

The reality is, most people we see dont make a lot of money, Elofson said.

In those cases, judges will strike the discretionary fees. Elofson and Sanderson said the courts hands are tied on the victim penalty assessment  which costs $500 for felony and gross-misdemeanor convictions, and $250 for misdemeanor offenses  and the DNA testing.

And even one of the discretionary fees carries a cap, Sanderson said. While a judge can impose as much as $100 a day to recoup incarceration costs, they cannot go above the actual cost to the county, which in Yakima County is $87.95 a day.

The judges said the DNA testing fee can be waived if a defendant has had it done previously.

If a defendant posted his or her own bail, that is usually forfeited upon conviction and used to pay any legal fees and restitution.

Recent Cases

While Yakima County judges follow the rule for the most part, there were two recent cases where an appeals court found that local judges didnt inquire sufficiently into a defendants future earning potential when imposing fees.

In May 2018, the Spokane-based Division III Court of Appeals found that Superior Court Judge Gayle Harthcock did not take Aristeo Garcia-Rubios finances into account when she ordered him to pay up to $300 for incarceration costs. Garcia-Rubio, a former paraeducator with the Yakima School District, was convicted of second-degree child rape, and the appeals court said his chances of finding gainful employment after completing his 10-years-to-life sentence were not promising.

Likewise, the appellate court found in October that Superior Court Judge Ruth Reukauf did not adequately question Luis Gomez-Monges about his ability to repay $1,100 in assessed court costs following his conviction for first-degree murder in the killing of real-estate broker Vern Holbrook.

While Yakima County strives to keep its court-ordered assessments to the minimum for indigent defendants, Allen with Columbia Legal Services said that is not enough in some cases.

While $500 may not seem like a large amount to you or me, it is a large amount to someone whose income (qualifies) for public assistance and cannot get a high-paying job because of the felony conviction, Allen said.

Hes seen people who have had multiple convictions, and even though their indigency is taken into account by the courts, they wind up with bills in the thousands because a mandatory fee is tacked on, along with fines, for each conviction.

That causes problems when people have otherwise reformed their lives, Allen said, because paying off the legal fees is a prerequisite to having their criminal record expunged. And that means they are not able to get a good job that would allow them to pay off the debt in a timely manner.

No Jail for Nonpayment

While other jurisdictions have put people in jail for not paying the fees, Elofson and Sanderson said Yakima County will not do that, particularly if it is a case where someone doesnt have the means to do it, as opposed to someone who can pay it but refuses.

If we have someone go to jail for 24 hours, that increases their chances of recidivism, Elofson said.

Instead, Yakima County sends such cases to collections, where the person can work out a payment plan and stay out of jail.

While Yakima County District Court uses a collections agency, the Yakima County Clerks Office under then-Clerk Janelle Riddle assigned a couple of staff members to collect court fees, Elofson said.

Tracey Slagle, Riddles successor, said she is still evaluating that program, as well as looking to hire additional financial staff for her office. She took office a month ago.

Allen said sending the case to collections is not an ideal solution. Rather, the fees should be eliminated completely if a person has no ability to pay.Posted Saturday, February 2, 2019 2:44 pm

OLYMPIA  People running for president would have to release five years worth of tax returns in order to be on the ballot in Washington under a bill that supporters say would boost transparency and opponents say is probably unconstitutional.

Sen. Patty Kuderer, D-Bellevue, said then-candidate Donald Trump's refusal in 2016 to release returns "up-ended 40 years of tradition" of presidential candidates releasing their tax information.

Trump said he was precluded from releasing his returns because he was being audited, although critics pointed out there was no legal prohibition for that.

In 2020 and beyond, the bill would require a presidential candidate to release the most recent five years of tax returns at least 63 days before the state's presidential primary; party or independent nominees for president and vice president would release them at least 63 days before the general election. Otherwise, the secretary of state couldn't allow their names to be printed on the ballot.

Representatives of citizen activist groups like Majority Rules, Fix Democracy First and North Seattle Progressives said they support the change.

Susan Edwards, of Renton, told the Senate State Government, Tribal Relations and Elections Committee she filed an initiative to the Legislature in 2017 to require presidential candidates to release their tax forms. Although popular with voters she approached, Edwards said she didn't have the organization or the financial backing to get all the signatures needed.

The state elections office has some concerns about the proposal, said Jay Jennings, legislative director for the secretary of state. Courts have ruled against states that try to add qualifications to people running for federal office beyond what's in the U.S. Constitution, he said.

Ryan Ottele, of Renton, said he supports the concept but suspects that if the law passes and the state disqualifies a candidate, "there's going to be lawsuits, and media circus galore." Other states are working on similar legislation so maybe Washington should let them handle it.

Tim Eyman, who regularly sponsors and raises money for anti-tax initiatives, called it "ridiculously unconstitutional" because the courts have struck down other add-on provisions like term limits and supermajority requirements to raise taxes. Eyman said he's not a lawyer, but has represented himself in some court proceedings, and declared the proposal "really dumb."

Supporters shouldn't worry because Donald Trump isn't going to win Washington anyway, he said.

Kuderer, who is a lawyer, replied: "I agree with you on one thing. You're not an attorney. Whether or not it's constitutional remains to be seen."

On another issue involving upcoming presidential elections, the committee also will consider a bill to change penalties for Washington members of the Electoral College who vote for someone other than the presidential candidate who wins the most votes in the state.

In 2016, four of Washington's 12 electors voted for someone other than Democrat Hillary Clinton, and were fined $1,000 under the state's "faithless elector" statute for not keeping the pledge they signed to do so. Three of them have appealed that fine in a case currently before the state Supreme Court, claiming they can't be fined for changing their minds and voting their conscience.

The bill, also sponsored by Kuderer, would remove the fine but require any elector who doesn't honor their pledge to be automatically replaced by an alternate who will cast an electoral vote for the candidate who received the most votes.

"They dishonor the will of the people," Kuderer said of faithless electors. "If you're not going to live up to your word, we're going to replace you with someone who will."

The committee will decide in the coming weeks whether to send the bills to the full Senate.Posted Saturday, February 2, 2019 2:24 pm

Mary Kay Nelson, marketing consultant for the White Pass Scenic Byway, has been elected to serve a three-year term on the Washington Tourism Alliances board of directors.

Nelson will represent the Southwest Washington Region on the board, consisting of Lewis, Cowlitz, Clark, Pacific, Wahkiakum and Skamania Counties. According to a release, Nelson was selected for her 21-year career in tourism marketing.

The WTA is a private organization that has been awarded a five-year contract to serve as Washington States official tourism marketing organization. The official state tourism office closed in 2011 due to lack of funding.SAN FRANCISCO (BCN)



The body of a woman was found Friday afternoon in San Francisco Bay, according to police.



San Francisco police responded about 3:50 p.m. Friday to reports of a body in the water, said Officer Robert Rueca. Foul play is not suspected in the death.



The victim hasn't been identified. An employee at the San Francisco Medical Examiner's Office said the victim wouldn't be identified Saturday or Sunday.





Copyright  2019 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited.ALBANY (BCN)



Police responded to a home burglary overnight at University Village in Albany, according to University of California at Berkeley police.



The burglary occurred while the residents were sleeping between 11:30 p.m. Saturday and 7 a.m. the following morning. The suspect entered the apartment through an unlocked ground floor window and stole two cellphones, police said.



The residents were not harmed during the robbery.



Police are asking anyone with information about this or any similar incidents to call (510) 642-0472 or (510) 642-6760 during non-business hours.



UCPD reminds the campus community to keep outside doors and windows locked and to keep valuable items in their homes out of view.





Copyright  2019 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited.MOUNTAIN VIEW (BCN)



A tire store employee was shot and injured Saturday morning in a carjacking in Mountain View, police said.



Shortly before 11:30 a.m. Saturday, a man approached two employees at the America's Tire store on El Camino Real at the State Highway 237 interchange, and carjacked - at gunpoint - a sedan at the business.



The carjacker shot one of the tire store employee in the leg; he was taken to a nearby hospital, where police spokeswoman Katie Nelson said the victim was listed in stable condition Saturday night.



No arrests had been made as of Saturday night, and police continue to investigate, Nelson said.









Copyright  2019 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited.Approximately 1,700 members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees union working for San Mateo County are planning a two-day strike Feb. 13 and 14 in protest of health care cuts and what they say are unfair wages.



The workers, members of AFSCME Local 829, work in numerous county departments. They voted 97 percent in favor of the two-day action after negotiations between the union and the county reached an impasse, a union press release said.



The county and the union have met 25 times over the past seven months without reaching an agreement.



The county has offered a 9 percent cost of living adjustment over three years, as well as additional increases for classifications substantially behind market-rate pay and/or experiencing worker recruitment and retention issues.



But union officials said San Mateo County's proposed increases fall far short of offsetting steep increases in health care costs, said union officials, adding that their members have given back tens of millions of dollars in wage concessions.



In a statement Friday, San Mateo County Manager Mike Callagy said, "The county's proposal is generous, fiscally responsible and in line with the agreements reached with other labor groups.



"It is my sincere hope that rather than strike, they can come back to the table and continue to negotiate in good faith," Callagy added.







Bay Area diners will get their last chance Sunday to eat hot tostada salad, mole enchiladas and coconut mango cake at the 102-year-old Estrada's Restaurant in Daly City.



The restaurant, which offers Mexican and Caribbean cuisine, is closing with a big party on Super Bowl Sunday, and San Mateo County Supervisor David Canepa will make an appearance at 5 p.m.



"We owned (Estrada's) for 12 years, working long hours. We gave it our all," said Bernadette Aggen, who owns the restaurant with her husband Julio Mercedes. "We're not walking away with any money. We are walking away with memories."



Aggen said people have been sharing their stories "of how their grandparents met here, how they had their weddings" at the 102-year-old restaurant ever since the two announced that that Estrada's was closing.



In 2013, the hit Food Network show "Restaurant Impossible," a reality show that helps struggling restaurants, featured Estrada's. The host, Robert Irvine, revamped the menu and redid the dcor. Sales went up 30 percent shortly after the show aired, but ultimately, the worn-out owners decided to retire.



The owners sold the restaurant to a friend who will feature Mediterranean cuisine, Aggen said.







A tire store employee was shot and injured Saturday morning in a carjacking in Mountain View, police said.



Shortly before 11:30 a.m. Saturday, a man approached two employees at the America's Tire store on El Camino Real at the State Highway 237 interchange, and carjacked - at gunpoint - a sedan at the business.



The carjacker shot one of the tire store employee in the leg; he was taken to a nearby hospital, where police spokeswoman Katie Nelson said the victim was listed in stable condition Saturday night.



No arrests had been made as of Saturday night, and police continue to investigate, Nelson said.







A man died Saturday night after he was struck by a car on the Port Chicago Highway north of state Highway 4, Concord police said.



The pedestrian, identified by police only as a white man, was struck by a southbound vehicle on Port Chicago Highway at Arnold Industrial Way at about 6:20 p.m. Saturday. The man, who appeared to be trying to cross the road, was pronounced dead at the scene, said Concord police Lt. Sam Staten.



The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene and is cooperating with the police investigation, Staten said.



Alcohol does not appear to be a factor in the collision, he added.



Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Concord Police Department traffic investigator Justin Wilson at (925) 603-5962.







Two men were hospitalized with life-threatening injuries after a verbal altercation led to a shooting late Friday afternoon, San Francisco police said.



The shootings took place about 5:35 p.m. Friday in front of a store in the 4800 block of Third Street, in the Bayview/Hunter's Point neighborhood, police said. Two men had a verbal altercation; one pulled out a gun and shot the other. Police said another man also was shot, and both suffered serious injuries, police said.



Police were still looking for the lone suspect Saturday afternoon.







The Walnut Creek City Council on Tuesday will decide whether to extend a year-old public bikeshare pilot program long enough to develop a more expansive city pilot program, according to a city staff report.



The existing agreement between Walnut Creek and Lime (formerly called Limebike) is set to expire Feb. 28, before city staff would be ready to unveil that more extensive program. The extension to be discussed Tuesday, according to a city staff report, would continue the existing "stationless" bikeshare program through no later than Aug. 31.



Walnut Creek and Lime launched the citywide program in May 2018. As of December, nearly 26,000 rides had been recorded, and approximately 9,000 separate riders had used a Lime bicycle at least once. Being "stationless," they can be left and used anywhere. Users activate the bikes with smart phones, and pay a fee for using them. They are indeed bicycles, and not the electric scooters used in several Bay Area cities.



An October survey found that 73 percent of the more than 300 responders support the city's bikeshare pilot program.



Tuesday's meeting begins at 6 p.m. at City Hall, 1666 N. Main St., Walnut Creek.







At least one person has died after a wrong-way driver was involved in two separate traffic collisions on northbound U.S. Highway 101 in San Francisco early Sunday morning, according to the California Highway Patrol.



The CHP said the first collision was first reported at 2:33 a.m. as a wrong-way, hit-and-run collision with a vehicle traveling southbound in the northbound lanes just north of Vermont Street.



A vehicle vs. pedestrian collision was then reported a few minutes later on the freeway, just a few miles south of the initial collision on the freeway just north of Alemany Street, according to the CHP. The victim in that collision has died.



There is no estimated time of reopening. No further information is immediately available.





Copyright  2019 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited.Vallejo police said Thursday they're conducting an internal affairs investigation after a man said he suffered a concussion while being detained for filming the officer conduct a traffic stop.



According to police, Vallejo police Chief Andrew Bidou ordered the investigation, although the department has yet to receive a citizen's complaint regarding the traffic stop.



The Jan. 22 incident was filmed by Adrian Burrell, 28 and posted to Facebook on Thursday morning.



Police said the entire incident was also captured on the police officer's body-worn camera and that footage will be reviewed as part of the investigation.



According to Burrell, the incident began when he was at his home on Byron Street and saw his cousin outside on his motorcycle with his hands up. Vallejo police Officer David McLaughlin was crouched behind the door of his patrol car, pointing his gun at Burrell's cousin, he said.



When Burrell went outside, he told the officer that his cousin couldn't hear him because he was wearing a helmet.



McLaughlin then allegedly ordered Burrell to go back inside the house. That's when Burrell said he took out his phone and began filming.



In the video, McLaughlin, with his gun drawn, says to Burrell's cousin, "Why you taking off like that?" and then looks at Burrell, who is on his porch, and says, "Get back!"



When Burrell refuses, McLaughlin says to the man on the motorcycle, "Keep your hands where I can see them, keep your hands right up," holsters his weapon and walks toward Burrell.



"You're interfering with me my man? You're interfering. You're going to get one from the back of the car," McLaughlin says.



"That's fine," Burrell says.



McLaughlin appears to begin handcuffing Burrell.



"Stop resisting me or I'm going to put you on the ground," McLaughlin says.



"I'm not resisting. Put me on the ground," Burrell says.



Eventually the camera swings around and lands on the ground.



According to Burrell, McLaughlin mashed his face into a wall and swung him into a pole. McLaughlin also allegedly applied the handcuffs so tight it broke the skin on his right hand and left his fingers numb.



Burrell said McLaughlin then put him in the patrol car and asked if he was on probation. Burrell said he's not on probation and has no criminal record.



Eventually, Burrell said he asked McLaughlin if he could be handcuffed in front, as he had injuries from being in the military. McLaughlin then said, "Oh you're a vet? You sure weren't acting like one," according to Burrell.



But Burrell says McLaughlin told him that he would let him go because he was a veteran, thanked him for his service and let him out of the car.



Burrell said he then went to the hospital and was diagnosed with a concussion. He is still seeking treatment and says his fingers remain numb from the handcuffs.



Burrell said he was in the U.S. Marine Corps for four years before he was honorably discharged in 2012. He now works as a filmmaker.







San Francisco Unified School District leaders hope a planned revamp of class scheduling will result in "deeper learning" for students of the district's middle schools.



The idea, said Brent Stephens, the school district's chief academic officer, is to enact a "block" schedule that affords both more class choices and longer class sessions, which he said promote "deeper learning" in any subject. The first two middle schools are scheduled to have new schedules by the start of the 2019-2020 school year.



"There are two main issues," Stephens said. "One is that it's an access issue. An English language learner who must take a language class right now can't always fit everything in, can't take that computer science class.



"The second issue is increasing the time students spend in individual classes," Stephens said. "Longer classes mean more time to focus on each subject, more chances for inquiry and experiences."



The longer classes wouldn't necessarily meet as many times per week, Stephens added.



Revising the overall scheduling system, he added, will give more middle school students access to computer science, performing arts/creativity, world languages and accelerated math and reading classes.



The schedule changes are also expected to give teachers more "professional learning time" to collaborate or otherwise enrich their craft. Students would get out of classes early one day a week, the same day for all schools, allowing time for the teachers to meet with each other.



These changes, first proposed and studied in 2015, are scheduled to begin first at the Francisco and Theodore Roosevelt middle schools. Stephens said the plan is for similar schedule revamping to be adopted at two or three middle schools each year until schedules have changed at all of the district's 13 middle schools.



Several middle and K-8 schools have already rolled out some elements of the "deeper learning," according to a news release from the school district, which are most notably "project-based learning opportunities" that go beyond standard classroom instruction.







A Concord man accused of shooting a man who refused to sell him marijuana two years ago was found guilty last week of attempted murder.



Guido Ginochio fired two shots at a Concord man, hitting him in the back, the evening of Feb. 7, 2017, prosecutors said. The victim was outside his home and was trying to get back inside after refusing Ginochio's request to sell him marijuana.



Hours later, Ginochio fired seven rounds into the Adaptive Learning Center on Clayton Road in Concord, according to prosecutors. During the shooting into the business, Ginochio was wearing a ballistic proof body vest, authorities said.



On Wednesday, a jury found Ginochio guilty of attempted murder with the enhancement of discharge of a firearm causing great bodily injury; and discharge of a firearm with gross negligence.



Ginochio faces a maximum sentence of 34 years to life in state prison. His sentencing will be May 3.



"All credit should be given to the victim, who bravely stood up to the defendant by testifying in court, and the jury for being attentive throughout the trial and ultimately delivering justice," said Adam McConney, Contra Costa County Deputy District Attorney.







An ongoing narcotics investigation resulted in the arrest of two Fairfield men and the seizure of nearly a pound of suspected methamphetamine last week, police said.



As part of the investigation, search warrants served Thursday at three Fairfield addresses, in the 4300 block of Central Place, 1800 block of Virginia Street and the 2600 block of Beecham Court.



While the Central Place address was being searched, Fairfield resident William Gordon ran away, with police in pursuit. He discarded a bag during the chase, which was later found to contain suspected methamphetamine, heroin and other items that indicated the drugs were possessed for sale, police said.



He was captured a short time later without further incident.



During the searches on Virginia Street and Beecham Court, 52-year-old Fairfield resident Richard Peralta was detained. Searches at those addresses turned up more suspected methamphetamine, a loaded handgun and further evidence pointing to sales of controlled substances.



In total, close to a pound of suspected methamphetamine was recovered, according to police.



Gordon was booked into the Solano County Jail for possession of a controlled substance for sale, and a post-release community supervision violation due to already being on probation for possession of a controlled substance for sale.



Peralta was booked into jail for possession of a controlled substance for sale and possession of a controlled substance while armed with a firearm.







A Sonoma State University fraternity has been banned from the campus for five years after being investigated for hazing recruits, university officials said Friday.



Students at a Tau Kappa Epsilon informal chapter event Nov. 20 were allegedly paddled and intimidated, according to the university.



An investigation by the university's office of student conduct and the fraternity's international office concluded the hazing occurred, according to a release from campus officials.



The suspension is effective as of Friday and will conclude on Jan. 31, 2024.



"Sonoma State takes pride in being a leader in higher education that supports student success, and we simply will not tolerate blatant violations of our student code," said SSU Dean of Students Ryan Jasen Henne.



There are more than 1,500 student members of fraternities and sororities at the campus, Henne said.









Copyright  2019 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited.SAUSALITO (BCN)



A 51-year-old San Francisco man was arrested Friday night when officers found a loaded, unregistered handgun in his Jeep, shortly after the suspect tried to pass two counterfeit $100 bills at a Sausalito liquor store, police said.



Officers went to a liquor store in the 3000 block of Bridgeway at about 7 p.m., where the clerk said a man tried to pass two counterfeit bills, according to Sausalito police Lt. Bill Fraass. The clerk recognized the man, whom police said had successfully passed a counterfeit $100 bill at the same store a few weeks earlier.



The man and the clerk got into an argument, and the clerk seized both the bill and the man's cellphone. The man fled the store, with the clerk chasing him, threatening to hit him with a liquor bottle. The man climbed into the passenger seat of a Jeep with Texas plates, which then drove off.



Police located the Jeep shortly thereafter and found a loaded, unregistered semiautomatic pistol, as well as two more fake $100 bills and burglary tools.



Kevin Dean was arrested and booked into Marin County Jail on suspicion of being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession of ammunition by a "prohibited" person, forgery and possession of burglary tools. The Jeep's driver was not arrested.





Copyright  2019 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited.NOVATO (BCN)



A 63-year-old man was arrested Friday in connection with an assault the previous day, according to the Marin County Sheriff's Office.



At about 10 a.m. Thursday, deputies responded to a call of an assault between a bicyclist and a hiker in the Mount Burdell Open Space in Novato. The suspect, Jeffrey K. Skelton, allegedly started yelling at the victim and her dog.



Skelton then got off his bike and started kicking her dog. When the victim tried to push Skelton away from the dog, he knocked her to the ground and choked her, according to police.



Skelton left the area in a van, leaving his bicycle and personal items behind.



On Friday, police found Skelton, who claimed he was assaulted by the hiker, in the Hamilton area of Novato. He was booked into Marin County Jail on suspicion of assault likely to produce great bodily injury, cruelty to an animal and violation of probation.



Neither the victim nor the dog suffered serious injuries.





Copyright  2019 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited.State Highway 35 in Santa Cruz County is currently closed in both directions at Summit Road due to wires and a tree down, according to the California Highway Patrol.



The CHP said the closure was first reported at 11:02 p.m. Saturday. There is no estimated time of reopening.



No further information is immediately available.







Summit Road and 35.





Copyright  2019 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited.DALY CITY (BCN)



Bay Area diners will get their last chance Sunday to eat hot tostada salad, mole enchiladas and coconut mango cake at the 102-year-old Estrada's Restaurant in Daly City.



The restaurant, which offers Mexican and Caribbean cuisine, is closing with a big party on Super Bowl Sunday, and San Mateo County Supervisor David Canepa will make an appearance at 5 p.m.



"We owned (Estrada's) for 12 years, working long hours. We gave it our all," said Bernadette Aggen, who owns the restaurant with her husband Julio Mercedes. "We're not walking away with any money. We are walking away with memories."



Aggen said people have been sharing their stories "of how their grandparents met here, how they had their weddings" at the 102-year-old restaurant ever since the two announced that that Estrada's was closing.





In 2013, the hit Food Network show "Restaurant Impossible," a reality show that helps struggling restaurants, featured Estrada's. The host, Robert Irvine, revamped the menu and redid the decor. Sales went up 30 percent shortly after the show aired, but ultimately, the worn-out owners decided to retire.



Regular customers mourned the decision on Estrada's Facebook page.



"My dad made the wrought-iron window grills! Sad. Love your hot salad that I have been getting since the 70s," Renee Sallein-Roehm commented.



Aggen anticipates that hundreds of people will show up Sunday to watch the Super Bowl on the restaurant's six TV screens and say goodbye. Reservations are required for the last day.



The owners sold the restaurant to a friend who will feature Mediterranean cuisine, Aggen said.



"I'm very proud that we were able to keep it going. This is an institution in this town. People come here from all over the Bay Area," Aggen said.



We attempted to send a notification to your email address but we were unable to verify that you provided a valid email address. Please click here to update your email address if you wish to receive notifications. Otherwise, you may click here to disable notifications and hide this message.Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 3)  Four suspects in the killing of a Quezon City barangay head were nabbed by authorities on Friday.

QC Police District Director Chief Supt. Joselito Esquivel said the suspects in the slay of Bagong Silangan Barangay Captain Crisell Beltran were arrested during operations in Barangay Commonwealth.

They were identified as Teofilo Formanes, Ruel Juab, Orlando Juab and Joppy Juab.

Firearms and a hand grenade were seized from the four suspects.

Beltran and her driver, Melchor Sita, were killed in a shooting incident on January 30.

A day after the slay, police released a cartographic sketch of one of the suspects.

Police said they are looking at Beltran's position as barangay captain, politics, or a personal conflict as possible motives behind the slay.

The city council approved a reward of 5 million for information leading to the arrest of Beltran's killers.

On Sunday, police said they are looking for two other suspects who escaped during the police operations.

Despite the arrests, Esquivel said they are still investigating who the mastermind was behind Beltran's killing, as well as the motive.

Meanwhile, Quezon City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte said a committee will be formed to determine who will get the 5 million reward offered by the city government for the resolution of Beltran's killing.LOS ANGELES  The federal government has moved closer to imposing water delivery cuts along the drought-depleted Colorado River after California and Arizona failed to meet a deadline for inking a broad agreement on how the seven states that depend on the river would cope with shortages.

The federal official who manages the lower Colorado River had set Thursday as the deadline for the states to agree on a drought plan. Without a deal, the Interior Department would step in and begin to develop its own shortage plans, Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Brenda Burman had warned.

All eyes were on Arizona last week as state lawmakers took a last-minute vote on their part of the pact. They approved the plan Thursday afternoon, just hours before the deadline, but Arizona officials still havent finalized a variety of documents.

In addition, a California irrigation district with huge river rights has yet to sign off on the agreement.

On Friday, Burman acknowledged that the states had made tremendous progress on their drought contingency plan. However, she added, close isnt done.

The Interior Department has broad legal authority to manage the lower Colorado River, and Burman said the agency would start the formal legal process of soliciting comments on how it should impose cuts.

But she also said the department would end that process if all the necessary parties have signed the states drought plan by March 1.

The river that fills faucets and irrigation ditches from Colorado to Southern California has been mired in drought since 2000. The driest 19-year period in the recorded history of the Colorado River basin has left its two biggest reservoirs, Lake Powell and Lake Mead, just 40 percent full.

Federal river managers say there is a 57 percent likelihood that Lake Mead levels will fall so low next year that the officials will have to declare a shortage for the first time.

The drought contingency plan spells out how the three states supplied by Lake Mead  California, Arizona and Nevada  would reduce river use to keep the reservoir from plunging even further toward disastrous levels that could end hydropower production and even releases from Hoover Dam.

A shortage has been looming over the seven-state basin for more than a decade, only to be narrowly averted time and again when rain and snow in the upper basin pushed reservoir levels above the shortage trigger.

Even without prolonged drought, it has become obvious in recent decades that the river is over-allocated. The states divvied up flows in the early 20th century, a period that in hindsight was unusually wet and presented an unrealistic picture of what the Colorado could produce year in and year out.

Add the effects of climate change  higher temperatures, more evaporation, less snow in the upper basin  and the reality of a drier future is setting in. The drought plan is buying the states time to figure out how to deal with the fact that Mead and Powell may never again be full.

California is entitled to more Colorado River water than any other state, amounting to 4.4 million acre-feet a year. Under the drought plan, the state  which holds some of the oldest river rights  would reduce its diversions sooner than if the basin strictly adhered to the water-rights pecking order.

The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, which has been importing Colorado River water for nearly 80 years, approved the accord in December.

Metropolitan General Manager Jeffrey Kightlinger said he was optimistic that California and Arizona would soon finalize their agreements. If they dont and Interior pushes ahead on its own, I think that would be a real problem, he said. There would be litigation and all sorts of politics.

The sprawling Imperial Irrigation District, which is the single largest user on the entire length of the river, has withheld its final signature on the drought pact until other parties sign and it gets a commitment from the federal government to help pay for Salton Sea restoration.

On Thursday, Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., urged the Trump administration to provide the money through conservation provisions passed in last years farm bill.

Bettina Boxall is a Los Angeles Times writer.RICHMOND, Va.  Gov. Ralph Northam, facing pressure from his own party to resign, said Saturday he would not quit and denied that he appeared in Ku Klux Klan robes or in blackface in an image from his medical school yearbook that have upended his governorship.

I am not either of the people in that photo, Northam, a Democrat, told reporters at a news conference in the governors mansion. My first impression actually was, This couldnt be me.

Pressed on why he initially apologized anyway, Northam said he wanted to take credit for recognizing that this was a horrific photo that was on my page with my name on it.

But Northam may have made his effort to remain in office more difficult by revealing that he had darkened his face with shoe polish in the 1980s at a Michael Jackson-inspired dance party in Texas when he was a young Army officer. I look back now and regret that I did not understand the harmful legacy of an action like that, he said.

Virginias legislative black caucus did not wait for the news conference to end before issuing a statement reaffirming their call for the governor to quit. The group of legislators, all Democrats, said: The damage that has been done by these revelations is irreparable.

Others soon followed with similar reactions. The Virginia Democratic Party said it stood by its call earlier Saturday for Northam to resign. And the chairman of the Democratic National Committee, Tom Perez, also urged the governor to step aside.

The governors refusal to resign plunged Virginia into political turmoil and created a crisis for national Democrats, who have assailed President Trump for his demagoguery on racial issues and will not abide a prominent party member who is associated with emblems of bigotry.

With the 2020 Democratic presidential primary race getting under way, the pressure on Northam has been intense: The partys White House hopefuls were some of the first officials to call on him to resign Friday night, beginning a cascade of demands that extended through Saturday when other potential Democratic candidates, and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, urged the governor to step down.

By Friday night, Northam was increasingly isolated, but in phone calls Saturday morning he said he had no recollection of the yearbook image.

In addition to calling state Democratic officials, Northam started calling former classmates at Eastern Virginia Medical School in an effort to determine more information about the picture  and to survive a crisis that is threatening his year-old governorship, according to a Democrat familiar with Northams calls.

At his news conference Saturday, Northam said that he had a chance to sit down Friday night and look at the photo closely. He said he also consulted with his family and friends, including a classmate who said that there were photo mix-ups on other pages in the yearbook.

It is definitely not me, he said.

The furor has resonated nationally with top party leaders. With African American voters a crucial constituency for Democrats, many of the announced and likely 2020 presidential candidates called for Northams exit. On Friday, they included Sens. Kamala Harris of California, Cory Booker of New Jersey, Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Kirsten Gillibrand of New York.

By Saturday, Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and former Vice President Joe Biden, both weighing candidacies, had added their voices.

Jonathan Martin, Trip Gabriel and Alan Blinder are New York Times writers.CLINTON, Iowa  For Democrats looking to retake the White House, few midterm election results provided a bigger thrill than victories in Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania  the once-blue states Donald Trump won by excruciatingly narrow margins in 2016, in large part because of support from white, working-class voters.

Enough of those voters came back in 2018 to deliver victory to Democratic governors and U.S. senators across the industrial belt. Now as a big field of 2020 presidential candidates takes shape, Democrats face an urgent question: Who, if anyone, can keep those voters in the fold?

Sherrod Brown of Ohio, a progressive third-term senator with strong ties to organized labor, thinks he may be the answer.

Little known outside his home state, Brown has gained attention while exploring a presidential bid because he sees a void in the field:

Youve got to talk to workers, he said after meeting with union members Saturday in eastern Iowa. I dont think anybodys done that loudly enough, strongly enough and emphatically enough.

Conducting a three-day tour over the weekend through this influential early voting state, Brown flashed his political badge of honor: In 2018, he was the only Democrat to win statewide in Ohio, holding the support of tens of thousands of Trump voters in a state Hillary Clinton lost by eight points.

If Brown can win in Ohio, an increasingly conservative state that many Democrats say is all but lost to the party in presidential races, surely he can carry Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania, he and his backers say.

That pitch found a receptive audience in Iowa.

Tim Powers, a retired firefighter in Waterloo, sees in Browns lunch-bucket liberalism a possible antidote to Democrats 2016 defeat. We left the lunch box behind, and we got our ass kicked in the last election, he said.

Keeping a focus on blue-collar issues is easier said than done when many in the progressive wing of the party are animated by social issues such as LGBTQ rights and immigration policies to the left of the views held by many working-class families.

Noting that a large share of Democrats 2018 victories were built on increasing support from upscale, suburban women, Republican pollster Bill McInturff said, The energy inside the Democratic Party and their issue focus suggests they have moved on from competing for white, working-class voters, especially men.

But Democratic strategists argue that even if Democrats cant win back all the voters who moved to Trump in 2016, they cant give up the fight to hold a share of the white, working-class vote.

If you look at the chances for Democrats in 2020, one thing they absolutely have to do is take back those states in the Upper Midwest, said Ruy Teixeira, a political analyst at the liberal Center for American Progress. Brown, he said, is among the best to do that.

In 2016, Trump won Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania by fewer than 80,000 votes. That was enough to smash the blue wall of states on which Democrats had relied since 1992.

In those states and elsewhere, Clinton suffered resounding losses among white, working-class voters. Nationwide, she lost them by 39 points  the largest margin for a Democrat going back to 1980 when exit polls first started tracking those voters.

Brown cuts a different profile than many of his potential Democratic rivals from the East and West coasts.

Even in a political era where authenticity is highly valued and Sen. Bernie Sanders, independent-Vt., set a low bar for polish, Brown is a standout: His trademarks are unkempt hair, disheveled suits and a gravelly voice.

Hes the Columbo of the Democratic Party, said David Axelrod, a Democratic strategist who advised President Barack Obama.

Janet Hook is a Los Angeles Times writer.RICHMOND, Va.  Gov. Ralph Northam clung to office Sunday amid nearly unanimous calls from his own party to resign over a racist photo in his 1984 medical school yearbook, going silent after a bizarre 24 hours in which he first admitted he was in the picture, then denied it.

The Democrats stunning about-face  at a weekend news conference where he also acknowledged putting on blackface for a dance contest decades ago and appeared to briefly entertain the notion of doing the Michael Jackson moonwalk  only seemed to make things worse.

The chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus declared that Northam still does not understand the seriousness of his actions. The photo shows someone in blackface and another person in a Ku Klux Klan hood and robe.

I think hes been completely dishonest and disingenuous, Rep. Karen Bass, D-Los Angeles, said on NBCs Meet the Press. He knew this picture was there, and he couldve come clean and talked to African Americans that hes close to decades ago.

Northam worshiped at his home church, the predominantly black First Baptist in Capeville, but otherwise kept out of sight on Sunday as calls intensified for him to step down.

Even if Northam doesnt resign, the scandal threatens to cripple his ability to govern. He has lost the support of virtually all of the states Democratic establishment. Top Republicans in the Virginia General Assembly also urged him to resign, as did many declared and potential Democratic presidential candidates.

Virginia governors can be removed for malfeasance in office, corruption, neglect of duty, or other high crime or misdemeanor under the state constitution, but top Democrats said they dont believe it will come to that. Former Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe predicted that Northam  who served as McAuliffes lieutenant governor  will eventually leave office.

Ralph will do the right thing for the Commonwealth of Virginia, McAuliffe said Sunday on CNNs State of the Union.

Northam apologized Friday for appearing in the photograph on his yearbook page. He did not say which costume he was wearing, but said he was deeply sorry for the decision I made to appear as I did in this photo. On Saturday, though, the governor reversed course and said the picture is definitely not me.

While talking with reporters, Northam admitted he once used shoe polish to put on blackface as part of a Michael Jackson costume for a 1984 dance contest in Texas, when he was in the Army. Northam said he regrets that he didnt understand the harmful legacy of an action like that.

Asked by a reporter if he could still do Jacksons famous moonwalk, Northam looked at the floor as if thinking about demonstrating it. His wife put a stop to it, telling him, Inappropriate circumstances.

Both of Virginias U.S. senators, Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, joined the dean of Virginias congressional delegation, Rep. Bobby Scott, in saying they no longer believe Northam can serve effectively.

Alan Suderman is an Associated Press writer.News this week that the Knicks traded Kristaps Porzingis to free up enough cap space for two max contracts left many wondering: Will Kevin Durant team with his close friend Kyrie Irving in New York next season?

When I put the call out Friday on Twitter for mailbag questions, I got so many about Durants upcoming free agency that I had to put another call out for some non-Durant queries. Here are my responses:

@ScottInTheBay: With the Knicks getting 2 spots for max offers via trades and the Lakers potentially having a lot of open spots if they acquire AD (Anthony Davis), what percentage chance do you feel that Klay is committed long-term to the Warriors? Rocco is already on board with the Dubs.

Im going to go with 95 percent. Thompson has said multiple times that he wants to play his entire career with Golden State, and his dad even told me he doesnt expect Thompson to go anywhere. This is the perfect situation for Thompson, in many ways, and I think he realizes that.

@paulkoehorst: Im puzzled by Jordan Bells development. Whats his most likely role with the Warriors moving forward?

Bell has had a curious season, for sure. Though he has shown flashes of his potential, he has failed to be consistent enough to warrant consistent minutes. The good news for Golden State: Bell hasnt necessarily put himself in a position to warrant much interest in restricted free agency this summer, which means he could come back on a minimum deal.

Even if the Warriors arent super high on him anymore, they could use another young, cheap big man. Damian Jones is currently their only center under contract for next season.

@deligloria2014: How is Jones rehab process going?

From everything Ive heard, hes progressing well. There is no way he comes back this season, however.

@Dubs408: What should the Warriors do next season with the center position, especially if/when Boogie leaves, Looney possibly being gone, and Jones only playing about 50 career games entering year 4?

Thats a really interesting question. The truth is, a lot of it will depend on whether Durant re-signs. If Durant leaves, the Warriors might want to use the taxpayer mid-level exception on his replacement. If Durant comes back, they could prefer to use that money on Cousins replacement.

I have to think that Golden State would like to have a center on the roster next season who is at least somewhat of an offensive threat. Again, Jones is currently the teams only center on the roster for next season. Looney is an unrestricted free agent this summer, and Bell is a restricted free agent. After his best season to date, Looney might command more money on the open market than the Warriors can offer.

@Dtweez1: Whats Joey Light Years plan if KD leaves?

If Durant signs elsewhere this summer, the Warriors cant do much  in the immediate term, at least. They figure to be capped out for the 2019-20 season, leaving them to try to replace Durant with someone on the mid-level exception.

Things would really get interesting in the summer of 2020, when the contracts of Andre Iguodala and Draymond Green expire. Its not out of the question that Golden State could have more than $30 million in cap space that year. With just a bit of tinkering, the Warriors might be able to free up room for a max contract.

@owenwho12: If KD leaves, is there any way, under the cap, that the Dubs can retain Boogie long-term?

Not realistically. Even if Durant leaves, the Warriors can only offer Cousins a 20 percent raise (roughly $6.4 million) for next season and another 75 percent raise (about $11.2 million) for 2020-21. Not until the summer of 2021, when hes 30 years old, would Cousins be eligible for a max contract.

Based off what weve seen from Cousins so far, Im under the impression he could more than triple his current salary next season on another team. Why would he take way less money than necessary for two more years?

@KimChau28: Are we going after Wes Matthews or DeAndre Jordan, if theyre bought out?

Interactive How Curry's 3-point shooting changed the game Stephen Curry has not only led a Warriors resurgence since entering the league, he has changed the game with his long-distance shooting.

Matthews makes a lot more sense for the Warriors than Jordan. Though Jordan is a former All-Star who happens to be close friends with Durant, he would only further clog an already-crowded frontcourt. Golden State is already in good shape with Cousins and Looney.

Matthews, however, would be intriguing. Though he has yet to return to his pre-Achilles-injury form, Matthews is a versatile wing defender who can hit the open 3-pointer. Consider him a better, more-proven version of Alfonzo McKinnie, whom the Warriors might not be comfortable playing in the playoffs.

@BabbSports: Do you see Cousins minutes restriction changing in the coming weeks? Will we eventually see a 30 min/30-plus-min Boogie, and what would you say the timeline would be?

Ive honestly been a little surprised that Cousins still hasnt cracked the 25-minute mark. As far as I can tell, he is moving well and his conditioning is better than many expected.

Still, few can blame Kerr for being cautious. I expect Cousins to slowly bump into the high-20s in the next few days, possibly reaching the 30-minute range by Fridays game in Phoenix.

@Dubnation2471: Whats the vibe around the team regarding KD and the Knicks rumors?

Pretty good, as far as I can tell. Keep in mind: The Warriors are no strangers to distractions.

Talking to some people around the team, players seemed to learn from that Green-Durant argument in mid-November. Though he might not admit it publicly, I think Green understands that he went too far in bringing up Durants free agency. Even if players arent necessarily pleased with how Durant has handled this situation, I think they know better than to make it a bigger deal than it needs to be.

Connor Letourneau is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: cletourneau@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @Con_ChronThe flight deal gurus at Thrifty Traveler have teamed up with SFGate to provide a weekly roundup of the best domestic and international flight deals from the San Francisco Bay Area.

This week our deals include flights from Bay Area airports to Phoenix, Long Beach, Hawaii, Australia, and New York City. All fares listed are round trip. We will only suggest highly restricted "Basic Economy" fares for flights of less than two hours.

(This is our weekly feature called Friday Fare Deals. If you are a Bay Area bargain hunter, be sure to tune in each Friday morning or sign up for our free bi weekly email alerts. )

NEW YORK CITY: JetBlue has its nonstop transcontinental route from San Francisco to New York City priced at just under $200 right now. Flights to New York from the Bay Area are usually between $270 - $350, so book ASAP! Flights at this price are available February through April. Flights at this price on JetBlue are also available out of San Jose (SJC) airport. JetBlue flights include advance seat assignment, free carry-on bag, free in-flight WiFi, and more generous legroom.

$196 - San Francisco (SFO) to New York City (JFK) - JetBlue

LONG BEACH: Get to SoCal for under $100! JetBlue is offering $96 nonstop flights to Long Beach from San Francisco right now. Flights from the Bay Area to Long Beach are typically $160. This flight deal is available in May. More dates February through May are available for $116. JetBlue flights include advance seat assignment, free carry-on bag, free in-flight WiFi, and the most legroom in Economy than any US carrier.

$96 - San Francisco (SFO) to Long Beach (LGB) - JetBlue

PHOENIX: Airfare to Phoenix has dropped to under $100. Nonstop flights from Oakland to Phoenix on American Airlines are just $94 right now. Flights to Arizona are typically double that price. This American Airlines flight is basic economy, which includes a free carry-on bag but not advance seat assignment. Upgrade for $60 to receive advance seat assignment.

$94 - Oakland (OAK) to Phoenix (PHX) - American Airlines (upgrade for $60 more ($154 total) to get advance seat assignment)

Check out Thrifty Traveler Premium for daily international flight deal notifications.

HAWAII: Volcanic activity on the Big Island has simmered down, and flights to Hawaii are under $300 right now, so book ASAP! Fly from Oakland to Kona from February through May. Fares to Hawaii from the Bay Area are usually closer to $450 during this time. This cheap fare is on Hawaiian Airlines, and includes advance seat assignment and a free carry-on bag. Just one short stop each way. Book quick -- this price wont last long!

$299 - Oakland (OAK) to Kona, Hawaii (KOA) - Hawaiian Airlines

AUSTRALIA: Fiji Airways cheap flights will save you hundreds on airfare to Australia right now. Cheap fares from San Francisco to Sydney from February through June for just $692, and August through November for $694. There is also some availability at these prices into Melbourne. Flights from San Francisco to Australia are typically $900 - $1,100, so these flights could save you $400. Fiji Airways fares include advance seat assignment, meals, and checked bags. Just one short stop each way.

$692 - San Francisco (SFO) to Sydney, Australia (SYD) - Fiji Airways

All flights are best found via the Google Flights links list here. New to Google Flights? Check out Thrifty Travelers guide. All fares are round-trip and valid at the time of posting, but as always, are subject to change.

Have our Friday Fare deals helped you find a cheap trip? Let us know what you think in the comments!

Read all recent TravelSkills posts here

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Chris McGinnis is the founder of TravelSkills.com. The author is solely responsible for the content above, and it is used here by permission. You can reach Chris at chris@travelskills.com or on Twitter @cjmcginnis.Jessica Lefebvre, the founder of People, Animals, Love and Support East Bay, walks past a barrier into a homeless encampment near Interstate 880 in Oakland carrying a McDonalds bag. The devout vegan wouldnt ordinarily touch the burger inside, but she knew a friend in the camp would adore it.

Suddenly, a portly pit bull makes a beeline toward her, but Lefebvre isnt alarmed. Chata is the friend shes coming to see.

In the two years shes known the dog, Chata has been shot twice defending her owner, stabbed by another dog owner during a fight and hit by a car. Her owner was later shot and killed, leaving his girlfriend to care for the dog.

Chata survived because Lefebvre helped get the medical care she needed every time through her organization. Chata hasnt forgotten that.

Fifteen miles away in North Richmond, Jill Posner, executive director of the Paw Fund, comforts Anitra Dasalla as she cries and says goodbye to her pit bull puppy, Egypt. Dasalla had called Posner to give her the puppy so she could be adopted after realizing she couldnt keep a whole litter.

As Egypt licked Anitras face, her siblings and parents barked and jumped behind a chain-link fence before a volunteer with Posner took the puppy into another waiting car. She wouldnt fit in Posners minivan because it was already filled with six pugs she had picked up nearby. Three adults to be neutered and returned to the owner, and three puppies that were a surprise surrender  all in a days work for Posner.

For both Posner and Lefebvre, providing easy, free medical care for pets of the homeless and low-income residents living in Alameda and Contra Costa counties has a twofold benefit. It helps eliminate preventable diseases and keep uncontrolled breeding to a minimum, but also seeks to maintain the dignity of pet owners who otherwise would not be able to provide care.

Medications are provided in part by the East Bay SPCA and purchased with private donations.

Carlos Avila Gonzalez / The Chronicle

The Paw Fund and PALS East Bay hold monthly clinics where clients get free vaccination and vet checkups for their pets, sometimes helping hundreds of animals.

But seeing the pets in the camp rather than at free clinics is important for better overall care and assessing their quality of life. In going into the field, you see what their true needs are  hopefully getting preventative care before it becomes an emergency vet visit, Lefebvre says.

Posner says: We focus on quality of life for the animals because we cant solve homelessness. We want to mitigate the problems that people cause for themselves and their family members, whether human or animals  (and) empower people by providing basic services that help them feel like theyre better pet owners.

Lefebvre agrees and adds that their efforts have paid off in educating homeless and low-income clients. Word has spread, and efforts to reduce the spread of parvovirus have been largely successful, according to anecdotal evidence from vets in the high-risk areas they service.

Posner, who helped lead the ballot initiative to build Berkeleys animal shelter in the early 2000s, knows all too well the fight for proper animal care and the stigma the homeless face when keeping a pet. She began her outreach with the homeless at the Albany Bulb when she moved to Berkeley and continued helping the residents when they had to leave the Bulb in 2014. She still gets calls from people critical of the homeless having pets.

She says its an unfair criticism. We strip away the humanity of individuals who are out and visible on the streets, she says. They have nowhere to go, so they are viewed as uncaring. There is no question that the (pet) is the reason some of the homeless get up in the morning. They have another creature they know that has to be cared for.

The Regulars is a photo and video column that offers a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people in the Bay Area, caught in routine activities of modern urban life.Catharine Baker was the only Republican representing the Bay Area in either the Legislature or Congress, until she lost her re-election bid to the Assembly in November. Now there is none.

The two-term incumbent practically ran as a Democrat, and still lost to a political neophyte. That raised the question: If Baker cant win in the Bay Area, what Republican can?

The answer Baker found after spending weeks combing through post-election data and campaign trail anecdotes should be a red flag for Republicans in the Bay Area and beyond in California, heading into President Trumps 2020 re-election campaign.

Ninety percent of the feedback we received was, I cant vote for you because youre Republican, Baker said. That message to Republicans is, Your brand is toxic in this state. Thats why the party has a very faint pulse right now.

Being a Republican wasnt a problem for Baker before Trumps presidency. The Dublin resident won two elections in a district that stretches through the suburbs of central Contra Costa and eastern Alameda counties, where Democrats outnumber Republicans, by advocating policies that appeal across party lines.

Baker is pro-choice. She supports same-sex marriage rights and a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants. She voted for the states leading-edge climate change law. She supported gun control measures in the Legislature.

Baker reached out to Democrats and independents  she held 16 town hall meetings with Democratic state Sen. Steve Glazer of Orinda, whose district overlapped hers. She said internal polling showed that 60 percent of voters surveyed in her 16th District approved of her job performance.

Yet Baker lost in November by two percentage points to Rebecca Bauer-Kahan, a Democratic attorney from Orinda who had never run for public office before.

Baker drowned in a wave election with a concrete R chained to her ankle.

She wasnt alone. The GOP lost half the 14 House seats it controlled in California. As usual, no Republicans were elected to statewide office  the last time a GOP candidate won one of those races was in 2006. There are so few Republicans in the Legislature that Democrats tried to invent a word (giga-majority) to describe what now amounts to more than a two-thirds supermajority.

Paul Chinn / The Chronicle 2018

Last month, the GOP lost another one. San Diego Assemblyman Brian Maienschein left the Republican Party to join the Democrats because he couldnt stomach Trump any longer.

I can either keep fighting to change the Republican Party, or I can fight for my constituents, Maienschein said. There wasnt a way that I could continue and feel good about myself and the choices I was making.

Baker was as anti-Trump as any Republican in the state. She said she wrote in former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rices name on her 2016 presidential ballot and supported motions to censure Trump while in the Assembly.

She said shes lost Republican friends and donors by publicly opposing Trump. Some told Baker that they supported her despite her liberal positions on abortion, same-sex marriage and the environment, and couldnt understand why she wouldnt stand by the president despite their differences.

I just felt he was too far out of the bounds, Baker said in an interview for The Chronicles Its All Political podcast. She was still happy to accept Republican help while disapproving of the partys standard-bearer: I suppose theres a hypocrisy there, but one that Im OK with.

Like every self-respecting Republican who has opposed Trump, Baker said, she is constantly asked why she doesnt leave the party.

For me, it is not the right path, Baker said. I feel it is so important to not give up on the principles that made me a Republican.

Baker, 47, grew up during Ronald Reagans presidency. She says he stood for things that appealed to her: individual freedom, small government, the power of the free market.

She paraphrased Ohio Gov. John Kasich, a prominent GOP Trump critic, in explaining her decision to stay in the party. If someone comes in and robs your house, Baker said, you dont help them pack or just sit there and watch. You fight.

The challenge for Baker and others who share her frustrations is what to do next. How to get her party to win again. How to change.

For starters, she is concerned about who will be the next California Republican Party chair. In particular, shes concerned about former Orange County Assemblyman Travis Allen.

The party chair, who will be elected at the state Republican convention this month, is not only the public face of California Republicans, but must raise money to help elect GOP candidates across the state.

Allen has the most name recognition among the three top candidates for chair after his failed run for governor last year. He finished a distant fourth in the June primary, with 10 percent of the vote. But he has a robust social media presence and has tapped into a vein of pro-Trump supporters in the state  even though Trump endorsed another Republican in the governors race, San Diego County businessman John Cox.

Allen has said he wants to rebuild the Republican Party by stressing Republican values instead of the backward thinking of trying to act more like Democrats. Its hard to get to the right of him on most issues.

During his campaign for governor, Allen said the verdict is still out on climate change as it will take quite some time for the science to be settled on this. He promised that he would cut taxes, get tough on crime, fix our roads and expand our freeways with no new taxes, fix our broken education system, and complete the California state water project. He offered few policy details beyond his promises to fix and get tough, even on his campaign website.

He focuses much of his ire on Bay Area elites like Gov. Gavin Newsom and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi for ruining the state with liberal ideas.

Baker said the GOP needs to articulate a more positive vision of Californias future. But most troubling of all for Baker is Allens argument that Republicans must support our Republican president.

Supporting Trump would be a path to death for the Republican Party in California, Baker said.

Allen defended his support of Trump, telling The Chronicle in an email that Republicans in California didnt lose because our country has the best economy in decades or record low unemployment. We didnt lose because weve fixed international trade deals or strengthened our military. Republicans in California lost because the California Democrats out planned, out spent, and out executed the establishment Republican Party.

Baker thinks it was more than a case of the GOP being outhustled. In California, at least, the party has to embrace comprehensive immigration reform instead of lining up only behind Trumps plan for a wall on the Mexican border, she said. Most Republicans say they dont want to address the question of the nations 11 million undocumented residents until its borders are secure. But Baker says Republicans must do both and must give undocumented immigrants a way to become citizens.

If our party cant come to terms with that  and I mean immediately  we are done in California, she said.

The other area where Republicans are seriously out of touch with the state is the environment, Baker said. She was one of seven Assembly Republicans in 2017 to support then-Gov. Jerry Browns extension of the states cap-and-trade program to combat climate change. Its a market-based approach to curbing greenhouse gas emissions, under which companies must buy permits for every metric ton of gas they emit. Baker said Republicans should recognize that its better than heavy-handed government regulation.

But Republicans excoriated Baker and the other GOP lawmakers who backed Browns measure, calling them traitors. Chad Mayes, who led the party in the Assembly, was forced to resign his leadership post over it.

I thought it was one of the most conservative votes I cast in my four years in the Legislature, Baker said. We offered a solution thats consistent with our principles, and the pitchforks came out. You would have thought that Republicans were anti-environment.

Its hard to see a political future for someone like Baker. Her state party is largely to the right of her and seems to think its biggest problem is that its not conservative enough. There were once enough Democrats open to the idea of electing a moderate Republican, but Bakers experience shows that may no longer be true.

Baker, however, isnt discouraged. Shes working as a lawyer now, still in her old district, and pondering her next political step.

My time in public service, she said, is not over.

Joe Garofoli is The San Francisco Chronicles senior political writer. Email: jgarofoli@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @joegarofoliRegarding State judge upholds ruling to protect endangered wolves (Nation, Jan. 30): The courts ruling is a victory for Californians who want gray wolves to thrive (and we are the majority) so they can do their part building a healthy environment in our beautiful state. Gray wolf recovery is not a conservation success story  yet. But the fact that wolves have instinctively moved into California proves that they belong here. Gray wolves have only been back in California for a short time and there are still too few, but if we protect them they will help us repair our battered environment. California certainly needs all the help from nature that it can get!

Colleen Kelly, Redwood City

Accountability matters

Regarding 50 years after horrible spill, the call remains: Get oil out! (Insight, Jan. 27): I was very appreciative of David Helvarg taking the time to walk us through the history of environmentalism in the state. I just hope that Californians realize that change does not happen just by talking about an issue; it happens because people hold their politicians accountable for creating the results they want. With 2020 on the horizon, people who care about the environment should start to put their money and time toward candidates who help create a cleaner, greener future for all Americans.

Jonathan Maltz, San Francisco

Controversial symbol

Regarding Bigoted Iowa representative disregards American ideals (Insight, Jan. 13): I share your readers incredulity concerning Jonah Goldbergs assertion that not everyone who displays a Confederate flag is a racist. While I do extend a benefit of the doubt to Southerners of my grandparents generation who held a solemn reverence for the lost cause of the Confederacy, the public display of the flag represents an entirely different sentiment, namely white supremacy, which even they would have never countenanced, especially given its conspicuous association with the Ku Klux Klan. Contrary to Goldbergs apparent belief that there are good people on both sides of this issue in the South, there are not.

Amos Lawrence, San Francisco

Crooked cake of a street

So the residents of the crookedest stretch of Lombard Street have had it with traffic? This popular tourist destination has always been this way, and owners of the multimillion-dollar homes along here have known that too. Like many parts of San Francisco, traffic has gotten worse. But to put a toll on a public street to shoo away tourists sets a very bad precedent. I hope it doesnt happen, but if the city were to get approval from the state to charge a toll, residents along this stretch should surely have to pay that toll too. You cant have your crooked cake and eat it too.

Paul Svedersky, San Francisco

Unified caucus needed

Regarding Analysis: Pelosi schools president in art of politics in a two-party Congress (Front Page, Jan. 26): Over the past few days, political observers have credited House Speaker Nancy Pelosi for taking down President Trump in the battle over the shutdown. And credit where credit is due: Pelosi is one of the most skilled politicians out there, and she deftly played her hand. But, make no mistake: Her triumph was born not out of a brute-force attack. Whether you love him or hate him, Trump is a political juggernaut and excels at one-on-one combat. Rather, Pelosi saw the power of a unified Democratic caucus. Like Steve Kerrs Golden State Warriors, she recognized that games arent won by a few superstars, but through the strategic deployment of the entire team. Democrats should remember this play when looking toward the 2020 presidential election.

David Perry, San Rafael

Fire coverage rewarding

I appreciate the reports and articles about the fires and devastation of the North Bay and California. People need to know the suffering and crisis this has meant to those of us who live here. It is impossible to fathom the pain and trauma unless you have lived it. I am speechless.

Katy Byrne, Sonoma

Independent candidates

As an independent skeptical of the two major political parties, I welcome the prospect of independent candidates for president as long as they register and run in one of those two parties. Why? Because President Trump is so awful and dangerous that he must be defeated, and an independent such as former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz could draw votes away from the Democratic nominee and quite possibly throw the Electoral College to Trump.

Gary Wesley, Mountain ViewOne should never feel sorry for anyone working in President Trumps White House. They volunteered for this dreadful and chaotic administration. But its hard to envy those tasked with writing drafts of his State of the Union address.

Trump is an incumbent who behaves as if he is in the opposition. He relishes bemoaning the terrible things happening to the country on his watch  after two years of unified Republican government.

At the same time, its hard to recall a president more boastful about how great he is and how he has accomplished more than anyone who has ever held his job, which presumably includes Washington, Lincoln and FDR.

Trump is so in love with bragging that he even touts events that are anything but achievements.

On Jan. 4, 2018, Trump proudly tweeted: Dow just crashes through 25,000. Congrats! He recycled the same thought Wednesday: Dow just broke 25,000. Tremendous news! Think about it: Taken together, the news from the two tweets is that the stock market has been flat for a year, hardly joyous tidings for investors.

But recall that Trump told us years ago, in The Art of the Deal, that he engages in truthful hyperbole, which can play to peoples fantasies. The problem is that we never know for certain if the fantasist himself believes the tales he is spinning.

Tuesdays delayed speech to a joint session of Congress thus promises to be an exercise in whiplash between despair and triumphalism.

The crisis at our southern border will be cast as an existential threat to the nation. Its hard to imagine we wont hear at least some of his staple references to criminal aliens, drug dealers and, of course, those coyotes he loves to summon. The president, as my Washington Post colleague Monica Hesse pointed out last week, regularly (and questionably at best) describes female migrants as being tied up, with duct tape on their faces.

On Thursday, Trump even predicted that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who continues to resist his edifice-as-policy approach, would someday be begging for a wall. The president likes the idea that people  particularly, it seems, women  will beg him for things.

Amid the darkness, hell no doubt point to a few shafts of light, starting with Fridays government report showing that the economy added 304,000 jobs last month. Trump may well talk about all the regulations he has scrapped (though probably not with a lot of specifics, since most voters dont cotton to dirtier air and water or less policing of shady banking practices). He might mention his corporate tax cut, even if it is unpopular and has fallen far short of all the promises made on its behalf.

But Trump can never get too upbeat, because he decided long ago that his political project depends upon inciting anxiety and anger as well as hostility toward (nonwhite) outsiders. This requires him to conjure a dystopian world because what he fears the most is a world in which fear is abating.

There was one truly unforgettable line in his inaugural address: This American carnage stops right here and right now. But the carnage can never end, because Trump must argue that he and his wall are all that stand between us and chaos, duct tape, gangs and coyotes.

This isnt working. Even members of that base hes obsessed with expect the president they voted for to solve problems and not simply exploit them. Thats why his core support is shrinking. The survey number that should trouble Trump most is in a recent Washington Post/ABC News poll finding that only 28 percent of Americans said they would definitely vote for him in 2020.

The Democrats choice of Stacey Abrams to respond to Trump will highlight his dilemma.

Selecting Democrats 2018 Georgia gubernatorial nominee certainly underscores the partys diversity and the importance of African American women in its coalition, as the Posts Eugene Scott noted. But as important is the fact that she describes herself with two words that are often miscast as polar opposites: progressive and pragmatic. Shes also an optimist who believes that the further ahead we get, the harder it is to drag us back.

The largest contrast Tuesday night thus will not be the obvious disparity in the backgrounds of two speakers but in their spirit: Hope versus Carnage.

No matter how hard his speechwriters work to make him buoyant, Trump needs to depict a country facing a petrifying crisis. Its the only way he can justify what he does.

 2019 Washington Post

Writers Group

Twitter: @EJDionneWhat makes California the very picture of health? Its neither sunshine nor silicone.

Our health secret is immigration.

While the president blames immigrants for being sources of disease, Californians have long known that immigrants make us healthier.

Those health benefits go beyond the immigrant health advantage, the fact that new arrivals to this country are healthier than the native-born. Throughout California history, immigrants have adapted cultural practices and introduced new ideas that have expanded our definition of health.

Today, it is impossible to separate the issues of health and immigration in California. For one thing, our rapidly aging state relies heavily on immigrants to deliver our health care. In many communities, more than half of doctors are foreign-born, and statewide, one-third of the health care workers are immigrants.

You can see the impact of immigration on health across all stages of life. In matters of birth, East Asian cultural practices  like the Chinese tradition of a soup nanny to assist a new mother in recovery after birth  have been imported and are prompting greater attention to postpartum care. In our homes, multigenerational living, long associated with immigrants, has gone mainstream; sharing a house both saves money on rent and helps older people live longer, while reducing stress for kids.

To learn more Zocalo Public Square will host a public event - "How Are Immigrants Changing Our Definition of Health?" - at 7 p.m. Monday at the Mechanics' Institute, 57 Post St., San Francisco. www.zocalopublicsquare.org/event See More Collapse

At lifes end, immigrants from Latin America have opened up conversation around death and turned it into a celebration everywhere from Hollywood Forever Cemetery to Dia de los Muertos. In the process, weve validated Canadian immigrant Mort Sahls quip: You havent lived until youve died in California.

For better and worse, Californians associate health with our bodies, and immigrants have shaped how we maintain them. Our devotion to wine as elixir dates to Frenchman Jean-Louis Vignes, Californias first commercial winemaker, who used his fortune to build a hospital.

Californias concepts of healthy eating also have immigrant roots. Catherine Nimmo, a doctor from the Netherlands, founded Americas first vegan society in our state in 1948. Spicy food was seen as dangerous before immigrants, introducing spicy tacos and curries and the wonder sauce sriracha, persuaded us otherwise. Eating raw fish seemed dangerous until sushi chefs arrived in Los Angeles from Japan in the 1960s. We dont call it the California roll for nothing. And, after an American epidemic of peanut allergies, Israeli emigrants helped introduce a baby-friendly peanut puff called Bamba , which Trader Joes now sells.

When we burn off those calories so we can look more like the beautiful immigrants Hollywood casts in films, we lean heavily on practices brought here by immigrants. What is more California than a yoga workout? The state has seen waves of immigrant yogis make and remake yoga practice, from the guru Paramahansa Yogananda to Indra Devi to Bikram Choudhury (known for hot yoga before he became a fugitive).

And after an hour on the yoga mats, Californians love nothing more than a soak in a hot tub, an idea that came from Japan and was adapted by California winemakers, who used their barrels to make the first such baths. Or if youre really hurting, you might slip into a whirlpool bath, with jets first invented as a rheumatoid arthritis cure by an Italian immigrant to California named Candido Jacuzzi.

It is no exaggeration to say that Californians have chosen to be ruled by immigrant visions of health. After all, it was two brothers from Canada, Joe and Ben Weider, who popularized bodybuilding and working out with weights, sparking the gym industry, which is an inescapable feature of the state landscape.

The Weiders were helped in this work by a young man who, at their urging, immigrated to Los Angeles from Austria. Arnold Schwarzenegger became such an avatar of muscular American fitness that Californians elected him governor in 2003.

He couldnt balance the budget, but he got good reviews for his policies on health care.

Joe Mathews writes the Connecting California column for Zocalo Public

Square. To comment, submit your letter to the editor at SFChronicle.com/letters.Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349By Benedikt Kammel, Christopher Jasper, Benjamin D Katz, Bloomberg News | Feb. 02, 2019

For all its imposing size and commanding presence in the skies, the Airbus SE A380 hasn't managed to leave much of an imprint with most airlines, relegated instead to an afterthought for carriers who built their stables around nimbler planes.

As the A380 faces yet another existential crisis -- this time because a life-saving order with key customer Emirates is at risk of imploding -- airlines won't have much trouble moving on from the double-decker. No carrier is rushing to save the behemoth, being content instead with the small numbers they have and focusing on powerful twin-engine models that do the job just as well and can be cheaper to operate.

"We're very happy with what we've got," Qantas Airways Ltd. CEO Alan Joyce said at a gathering of Oneworld alliance chiefs in London on Friday. Joyce said the Australian carrier won't be converting options it holds to buy eight further A380s to add to its fleet of 12, with the plane increasingly ill matched to the bulk of its routes. "We don't see a use for any more."

Malaysia Airlines Bhd. said at the event that it could sell its six superjumbos, which are too large for its needs, while British Airways is focused on buying smaller wide-bodies after concluding that the A380 is too expensive. (The aircraft is by far Airbus's costliest, with a list price of $445 million -- though customers typically get massive discounts).

Since entering commercial service in 2008, the A380 has faced an ever-shrinking fan base. Passengers love the plane for its modern layout, perks like spacious bars in business class and even enclosed cabins and showers in some first-class offerings, but airlines have been much harder to win over. Some early prospective customers dropped out, others scaled back their order book. Only Emirates became a true champion of the A380, building a large part of its globe-spanning fleet around the plane, with already more than 100 in operation.

But even Emirates has proven harder to convince. A follow-up order that looked all but secured didn't materialize in November 2017, leaving Airbus executives red-faced and empty-handed at a planned signing ceremony at the Dubai Air Show. When Emirates did pull through the following January, it was hailed as a life-saving deal for the program, whose production numbers have steadily slowed to a mere trickle to help space out the output.

Now Emirates, too, appears to be having second thoughts. The Gulf carrier may convert some or all of its most recent 20 superjumbo orders into smaller A350s, people familiar with the matter said. The A330neo, another wide-body, is also in the mix, said one of the people. Airbus said in a statement that it's in discussions with Emirates in relation to the A380 contract, which includes 16 options. The Toulouse, France-based company didn't elaborate.

On paper, the A380 seemed like the perfect plane when it was devised two decades ago. Air traffic was on the rise, particularly in Asia, and airports in the Western hemisphere were increasingly constrained. The A380, with its unparalleled capacity, could help overcome the bottleneck.

Airbus also sought to crack the hold of arch-rival Boeing Co.'s 747 on the market for very large aircraft. As the European manufacturer pushed hard into the larger jets that were Boeing's natural habitat, the jumbo category looked like an obvious extension of its portfolio.

Asia, in particular, appeared ripe for the A380. Japanese carriers, traditionally loyal to Boeing, had deployed the aging 747 on heavily commuted short-distance routes. China, with its growing class of tourists and a rapidly expanding economy, seemed like an obvious place to land. In the end, actual orders were disappointing. One early Japanese customer, a discount carrier, collapsed under the financial weight of its commitment, leaving ANA Holdings Inc. to step in and take the planes.

Malaysia Air has withdrawn its six A380s from the mainline fleet after concluding they're too big for its routes. The carrier failed to find a buyer, and is using three to transport Muslim customers on the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages, and to fill in when demand is high. The other three are on standby.

Chief Executive Officer Izham Ismail said that he'd consider all options for the planes, including selling them. The expansion of Gulf carriers in the region has led to a fragmentation of market share so that fewer routes have the critical mass to support it, Ismail said. Besides Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways PJSC also operate the A380, albeit in much smaller numbers.

"The A380 depends on the market," Ismail said. "For Emirates and BA it's fine. But for Malaysian it's too big. It's a beautiful aircraft but it does not fit with our network."

To be sure, Boeing too has seen only very limited appetite for its latest jumbo, the 747-8. Deutsche Lufthansa AG is oneof the few customers for the passenger version, but the freighter variant has done better.

Airbus had previously envisioned a cargo version for the A380, a plan that never materialized. Because of its double-decker structure, the belly space in the passenger version is more limited than in other long-range aircraft.

"Every airline builds a fleet based on their network," said Rupert Hogg, the CEO of Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd., which doesn't operate the A380. From Hong Kong, the airline can reach both U.S. coasts "with existing big twin technology and do it very efficiently and with no payload constraints -- and we carry an awful lot of cargo."

Cathay has opted instead for Airbus's twin-engine A350, and Hogg called the Boeing 777 a "wonderful workhorse." It's a view shared by many airline executives who value nimble, versatile aircraft -- and passengers looking for more direct-route options.

Hub and Spoke

When Airbus pushed ahead with the A380, Boeing went the other way, arguing that future traffic would be built less around the hub-and-spoke model of mammoth airports, and instead focus more on point-to-point travel. Its 787 Dreamliner has turned out to be a massive hit for the Chicago-based company, and set the tone for fuel-efficient models built in large parts of light-weight carbon composites.

Because only Emirates has made the A380 the linchpin of its fleet, other airlines are struggling to generate the same economies of scale with the plane. The jet can be expensive to operate with its four engines, particularly with the spacious layouts favored by many airlines that puts luxury over efficiency. Most customers have configurations of 450 to 550 passengers in three classes, and Emirates only recently pushed beyond 600 seats on some of the A380s on select routes.

"We've made it clear to Airbus that we might consider more, but only at a price that we have not been able to reach," said Willie Walsh, the CEO of British-Airways parent International Consolidated Airlines Group SA. "The A380 works extremely well but the price has not been as attractive as it needs to be."

Airbus itself has acknowledged that its timing might have been ill-advised. Former commercial head Fabrice Bregier said that the plane was probably introduced a decade too soon, and faced instant headwinds from the global financial crisis that forced companies around the world to cut back, hurting travel flows and investments. Singapore Airlines Ltd., the first customer to take the planes in 2008, has dropped two aging aircraft from its fleet after the lease ran out and the owner was unable to find another buyer.

Those models now face an inglorious fate near the site where they were born in Toulouse, southern France. Here, in the foothills of the Pyrenees mountains, the pair of giant planes sit idle, waiting to be broken up into parts, just a decade after their maiden flight.VANCOUVER, Wash.  A measles outbreak in the Portland, Ore., area has revived a bitter debate over philosophical exemptions to childhood vaccinations as public health officials across the Northwest scramble to limit the fallout.

At least 44 people in Washington and Oregon have fallen ill in recent weeks with the extraordinarily contagious virus, which was eradicated in the U.S. in 2000 as a result of immunization but arrives periodically with overseas travelers. More than a half-dozen more cases are suspected, and people who were exposed to the disease traveled to Hawaii and Bend, Ore., raising the possibility of more diagnoses in the unvaccinated.

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee recently declared a state of emergency because of the outbreak.

I would hope that this ends soon, but this could go on for weeks, if not months, said Dr. Alan Melnick, public health director in Clark County, Washington, just north of Portland. The county has had most of the diagnosed cases so far.

Of the confirmed cases, 37 are people who were not immunized. Most of the confirmed cases have been children younger 10.

The outbreak has lawmakers in Washington state revisiting nonmedical exemptions that allow children to attend school without vaccinations if their parents or guardians express a personal objection. Liberal-leaning Oregon and Washington have some of the nations highest statewide vaccine exemption rates, driven in part by low vaccination levels in scattered communities and at some private and alternative schools.

Four percent of Washington secondary school students have nonmedical vaccine exemptions. In Oregon, which has a similar law, 7.5 percent of kindergartners in 2018 were missing shots for nonmedical reasons.

Washington and Oregon are among 17 states that allow some type of nonmedical exemption for vaccines for personal, moral or other beliefs, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

A measure introduced by Republican Rep. Paul Harris of Vancouver, Wash.  the epicenter of the current outbreak  would remove the personal exemption specifically for the combined measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, or MMR. Its scheduled for a public hearing in Olympia this week.

California is one of the few states that stripped away personal belief vaccine exemptions for children in both public and private schools. The law passed in 2015 after a measles outbreak at Disneyland sickened 147 people and spread across the U.S. and into Canada.

Gillian Flaccus is an Associated Press writer.For people of means, a smartphone is a handy essential. For those without a home, its a lifeline.

Data plans are the real luxury. Many homeless people go seeking internet access at public libraries and fast-food chains. Little more than half of adult shelters in San Francisco have wireless internet.

Thats starting to change, because San Francisco city officials and community leaders have seen how phones help the neediest people stay safer on the streets and reconnect with society. Theyre promoting wireless links to help in the fight against homelessness.

Phones are a necessary part of survival for any of us, said Sherilyn Adams, executive director of Larkin Street Youth Services, the citys largest nonprofit working to end youth homelessness. But young people experiencing homelessness need that lifeline, probably more than I do, when I have a regular place to lay my head.

Not a single shelter or resource center affiliated with Larkin Street had Wi-Fi until a few months ago. ShelterTech, a San Francisco nonprofit, is using city funds to wire shelters and single-room occupancy hotels with Wi-Fi. The all-volunteer group has paid to install and carry internet at 10 sites since its founding in 2016 and has selected its next eight recipients, all of them affiliated with Larkin Street.

Jana Asenbrennerova/Special to The Chronicle

Though exact figures arent available, substantial numbers of people sleeping on city streets have smartphones. Lifeline, a program funded through the Federal Communications Commission, gives smartphones to many homeless people and subsidizes the monthly cost. Others pay for phones with paychecks or savings, while some share a phone and its costs with friends.

In 2017, the Mayors Office of Housing and Community Development awarded ShelterTech an annual grant of $95,454 for three years. That money supports projects like AskDarcel, a website that helps case managers and their homeless clients find services and learn how to access them. ShelterTech volunteers are building a chatbot to give people recommendations from AskDarcels database.

Chatbots and Wi-Fi alone wont solve homelessness. But for young people like Daaimah Tibrey, 25, who spent six months without a home last year, smartphones and the internet access they provide are crucial tools. Without the phone, she said, the crisis would have lasted longer.

Tibrey left Fresno for San Francisco in 2017 to take a promotion with her employer, a nonprofit that helps people with disabilities find work. Her family  Tibrey, her husband, a 4-year-old daughter and an infant son  checked into a hotel near the Moscone Center until she could find an apartment.

The promotion came with a small raise, but it wasnt enough to cover their expenses while her husband, from the Dominican Republic, took English classes and looked for jobs working on heating and cooling systems. They ran out of money in just two weeks.

Suddenly homeless, Tibrey and her family slept in their cramped 1991 Mitsubishi Diamante. She turned to her Samsung Galaxy Note 3.

Jana Asenbrennerova / Special to The Chronicle

Tibrey planned her day in 15-minute increments on Googles calendar app. She used it the same way people of means do, for scheduling drop-offs at day care centers around her commute, and keeping track of appointments. But it also held the details they needed to survive. Every free meal the family received from a church or food pantry appeared as a color-coded calendar event.

Tibrey connected with social services that clothed her children, provided child care and gave her financial advising. Compass Family Services moved the Tibreys into a private room with bunk beds at a shelter in Civic Center.

Every five minutes I spent on my phone would be the difference between my kids having a backpack, shoes or a place to live, Tibrey said.

The family went from living in their car to a rental in Hayward in less than a year. In January, Tibrey entered a six-month coding boot camp that has a mission to place low-income women and minorities in tech jobs. She credits her success, in part, to her Samsung phone.

It helped me to accelerate us out of homelessness, Tibrey said.

People without homes rely on their smartphones to navigate the web of bureaucracy that surrounds the citys homelessness services.

If you just Google, Im homeless in San Francisco, what do I do?  theres not necessarily something that pops up, said Molly Cohen, a senior policy analyst at the city treasurers office and executive director of ShelterTech.

Organizations that provide food and shelter have different hours and eligibility requirements. A Hunters Point church opens its food pantry to any resident with a photo ID, while St. Anthonys invites seniors and families with children to eat lunch earlier than the general public. Securing a bed at one of Larkin Streets shelters, which serve adults ages 25 and under, means calling every day to hold a spot on the waiting list.

It takes so much mental energy to be homeless, Cohen said. Then, on top of that, people have to manage complicated bureaucratic processes at multiple organizations.

Having a smartphone eases life for the homeless, but those benefits skew to young people. A UCSF study published in December found that the vast majority of older homeless adults had access to cell phones, but they were usually low-tech phones that could not access the internet. Researchers dont know how many younger homeless adults own smartphones, though advocates say the devices are nearly ubiquitous.

Liz Hafalia / The Chronicle

At the Haight Street Referral Center, a homeless youth drop-in site affiliated with Larkin Street, program manager Camilla Bolland said she sees clients share phones and chargers.

Sharing is more adaptive than coveting, Bolland said. If theres one piece of pizza left, rather than it leading to a fist fight, the kids will split it in half and share. Because thats how you survive.

For some, a phone provides a way to locate services in a city that has a reputation for being friendly to the homeless but is still a place where people struggle to get certain benefits.

At 21, Shakari Sanchez was homeless in San Francisco after leaving foster care. She heard horror stories about living on the streets of the Tenderloin and the Mid-Market neighborhood, where nearly half of the citys homeless denizens reside. As a newly homeless person there, she said, I felt like a little kid trying to maneuver and get to know places.

But Sanchez, now 24, has had a smartphone since she was 11. Relying on the NextBus app to learn public transit routes and timing, Sanchez was able to sleep on buses instead of sidewalks. She called her biological brother or cousins to let them know if her phone had a low battery so they wouldnt worry if they couldnt reach her. Having a phone helped her feel safe, she said, because I could always call somebody.

Interactive Vaccine Tracker: Latest developments Detailed information about the coronavirus vaccines as it becomes available.

A smartphone also helps homeless people find jobs  no different from their housed peers using Craigslist and Indeed.com.

Isabella Black left Bakersfield for San Francisco in 2014 after she came out as transgender and became homeless. She slept two weeks with her back pressed against the rocks at Lands End, and three weeks at a youth shelter, before moving into transitional housing.

Most days she woke up, lifted the iPhone from her bedside and checked her in-box for emails from recruiters. Im the fastest email replier on this side of the Mississippi, Black said.

Black, now 26, used her phone to apply for a job in security at Target and find affordable housing near Civic Center. She also plays Pokemon Go, a pleasant distraction that turned the streets she roamed into virtual arcades.

Santiago Mejia / The Chronicle

Advocates are starting to appreciate the importance of smartphones, and the internet access they provide.

In interviews with case managers, Cohen learned that many of their clients choose a shelter based on its amenities, of which Wi-Fi is the most critical.

The vast majority of people who are homeless have access to smartphones but dont have much data, Cohen said. Imagine they have this computer in their hands but dont have access to all the information out there.

On an afternoon in November, case manager Pamela Brown stood in the doorway of her office as workers tinkered in a wiring closet at the Larkin Street housing facility. Residents had been begging staff to provide Wi-Fi, which gave them access to the internet on their phones without a costly data plan. At last, ShelterTech came through.

Brown said she would be happy if her clients stayed in to binge-watch television on their phones all day. She pointed to boredom as a reason many hang out on the streets and take drugs. The internet provides an outlet, she said, that keeps them safe and gets their needs met here.

Moving into a shelter is often the first step in getting off the streets permanently, Adams said. Under her leadership, the Larkin Street organization has doubled the number of beds in its shelters and transitional housing since 2005.

The goal, however, is getting young adults out of Larkin Streets care completely, she said. Thats true of most homeless youth centers. They want to surround people with the support they need so they can go on to be independent.

Adams described the internet as an important carrot to bring young adults inside the centers.

Come for the Wi-Fi  stay for the help.

Melia Russell is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: melia.russell@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @meliarobinThe Bay Area continued to be doused by on-again, off-again showers Sunday but avoided the flooding and evacuations that forecasters warned of in days leading up to the storm.

Steve Anderson, a National Weather Service meteorologist, said at midday Sunday that another half inch of rain was expected in San Francisco over the next 24 hours, bringing the total precipitation of the current system to an inch and a half.

Well see more scattered showers and gusty winds before this is over, he said.

On Sunday morning, the weather service listed rainfall totals for the previous 48 hours that ranged from 0.42 of an inch in Hayward to nearly 6 inches at Big Sur and west of Healdsburg in Sonoma County.

Showers are likely to continue into Tuesday, after which there should be two days of dry weather before the chance of rain picks up again in time for the weekend.

While the storm has not brought the downed trees and power lines that caused chaos during the previous storm in mid-January, the precipitation is helping to bring San Francisco up to its rainfall average. San Francisco has received 12.29 inches since Oct. 1, just shy of the average for this time of year, which is 13.5 inches.

Blizzard and avalanche warnings were issued for the High Sierra from midnight Sunday to 10 p.m. Monday. A blizzard could add 5 feet of snow around Lake Tahoe and another 8 feet in the highest elevations.

Strong gusts were expected to produce whiteout conditions with zero visibility along with high drifts of snow, the weather service wrote in a tweet, adding that the situation is dangerous and life-threatening and that people should not travel.

This next blast of winter will come with colder air, which will probably bring snow down to elevations around 2,000 feet in the Bay Area. That could mean snow for the curvy Summit Road, which winds through the steep, rugged terrain near the border between Santa Cruz County and Santa Clara County. That area doesnt get snow more than once or twice a year, said Anderson.

Beyond the Bay Area, an unusually cold storm Monday and Tuesday is expected to bring rare snowfall to Redding, which could see as much as 1.5 inches, according to the weather service. Redding gets an average of 40 inches of rain per year, but only 2 inches of snow.

The current storm has thus far dumped 28 inches of fresh powder on the Kirkwood ski resort, 19 inches on Heavenly and 15 inches on Squaw Valley and Northstar.

The storm did not produce the problems some feared in parts of Southern California. Santa Barbara County residents who were asked to evacuate over concern about mudslides were allowed to return home Sunday.

J.K. Dineen is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jdineen@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @sfjkdineenBy Danny Lee, South China Morning Post | Feb. 02, 2019

The global alliance which represents heavyweight airlines Cathay Pacific, British Airways, American Airlines and Qantas has rolled out customer service upgrades to try and stop frequent fliers defecting to rivals.

Technology improvements and information sharing to enhance the user experience aim to persuade 225 million customers of the 13 member airlines in the Oneworld alliance to stick with those carriers.

Travellers flying with more than one airline in the same journey will only need to check in, obtain all boarding passes and access their itinerary from one carrier online to simplify the experience.

Eight million customers embarked on a multi-ticket journey in the past year.

Oneworld is also working on improvements to the customer experience at major airports, which will include alliance-branded lounges. CEO Rob Gurney described the changes as a relaunch of the alliance on its 20th birthday.

Trips involving more than one airline were previously a hassle as passengers commonly needed to use multiple airline apps to access details of each flight. The tech upgrades will mean Cathay customers being able to use the company's website or app to access any booking with a Oneworld partner, doing away with the need for login details with each airline.

Oneworld is formed of 13 airlines and 30 affiliate carriers and celebrated its 20th birthday in London on Friday, where it unveiled a raft of changes.

The grouping is one of three global airline pacts. The others are Star Alliance, which counts Singapore Airlines as a top member, and Skyteam, which has Delta Air Lines.

"We are effectively relaunching Oneworld, and it's designed to have relevance for stakeholder groups, our customers and our member airlines," Gurney said.

Cathay and Qatar Airways are the first pairing to have started using new digital functions that enable the upgrades.

Cathay CEO Rupert Hogg told an audience in London that Oneworld was on the right path to keep the grouping relevant and contemporary. The three alliances have increasingly become less important as airlines prefer to partner with carriers outside their alliances where it makes sense for business. Questions have been asked about their future with the strength of budget and non-alliance airlines.

These problems were acknowledged by Willie Walsh, CEO of International Airlines Group, the parent company of British Airways.

"For this alliance to stay relevant in an ever-changing world, we have got to change and evolve," he said.

Oneworld-branded lounges are also being planned - at least three by 2020 - to boost the alliance's appeal, especially at airports where there is no home carrier with the alliance. Proposed locations are being narrowed down to airports where the grouping and its members have proposed sharing check-in desks to improve service quality.

Oneworld said the new Beijing Daxing International Airport, due to open later this year, was a good opportunity. Ten members currently fly to Beijing operating 175 flights a week.

"We've been engaged in discussions with the Chinese authorities and the airport operators about co-locating in the new airport. Not every airline will be there. But we believe we will have a critical mass of Oneworld airlines," Gurney said.

The alliance's members currently serve 1,110 airports in 180 territories, with 14,000 daily flights carrying 550 million passengers annually on a fleet of 3,500 aircraft.Keene, NH (03431)

Today

Thunderstorms likely this evening. Then a chance of scattered thunderstorms overnight. A few storms may be severe. Low 67F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms likely this evening. Then a chance of scattered thunderstorms overnight. A few storms may be severe. Low 67F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70%.Thank you for reading!

You have reached your 30-day limit of free access to SentinelSource.com, The Keene Sentinels website. If you would like to read two more articles for free at this time, please register for an account by clicking the sign up button below.

We hope you find The Sentinels coverage of the Monadnock Region valuable. We rely on our subscribers to bring you strong local journalism and hope you will consider supporting our work by taking advantage of this special subscription offer here.China Aviation Daily | Jan. 31, 2019

In the 2019 IATA Summer season, S7 Airlines will launch four new scheduled flights from Pulkovo St. Petersburg Airport. The carrier will offer services to the cities of Palma de Mallorca, Barcelona (Spain), Nice (France) and Anapa (Russia).

Flights on the St. Petersburg - Palma de Mallorca route will be new for the schedule of Pulkovo Airport and will be performed twice-weekly (Tuesdays and Fridays) starting April 26, 2019.

On April 28, 2019, S7 Airlines will commence scheduled service from St. Petersburg to Barcelona, one of the most popular international destinations from Pulkovo. The flights will be operated on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Starting June 1, 2019, the carrier will launch flights from Pulkovo to Nice on the French Riviera, also departing twice a week. The service from St. Petersburg to the Black Sea resort of Anapa will be provided three times a week from April 26, 2019.

Additionally, in May 2019, S7 Airlines will launch scheduled flights from St. Petersburg to Irkutsk located close to the famous Baikal Lake. The city pair has had no direct air connection since 2012.

S7 Airlines is one of the top three airlines for passenger traffic from Pulkovo Airport. In 2018, the airline served 1.4 million people in St. Petersburg, which is 20% more year-on-year. S7 Airlines won the LED Together 2018 Prize awarded by Pulkovo Airport for the most dynamic development of the route network from St. Petersburg.

With the new additions, the route network of S7 Airlines from Pulkovo in 2019 will include 21 destinations: 12 domestic and 9 international.

S7 Airlines is a member of oneworld airline alliance. The carrier is one of the world's TOP-100 best airlines and ranks third in Eastern Europe according to Skytrax.

Contributed by Pulkovo St. Petersburg AirportThe air in Seattle buzzed Saturday as tens of thousands of people crowded from South Lake Union to SoDo and said hello to the new state Route 99 tunnel -- and bid one final farewell to the Alaskan Way Viaduct.

Crowds bopped along as they walked to upbeat songs like "Teenage Wasteland" and "Tequila" blasting over stereo systems. Some donned numbers from the morning's 8K over the viaduct and back through the tunnel. Others wandered through exhibits, such as a tapestry showing the size of Bertha, the tunnel-boring machine tasked with drilling out the hole for the new tunnel, while munching on snacks purchased at food trucks lining the streets.

Meanwhile, crews could be heard in the background continuing the work necessary to open the new tunnel in time for Monday morning's commute.

RELATED: The end of 'viadoom' is near: New SR-99 tunnel set to open Monday

The project faced years of setbacks and wound up being millions of dollars over-budget. Regardless, one thing was clear to all 99,000 people attending Saturday's various events: This is a historic moment for the Emerald City.

"There's only one first day," Teri Smith, a one-year resident of Seattle, said. She and her friends Cheryl DeBoise and Guyanna Young posed in front of the "exit" signs inside the south end of tunnel after Saturday's ribbon-cutting ceremony.

DeBoise and Young have lived in the city for decades, first locating in the city in 1983 and 1980, respectively. DeBoise enjoyed the views from the viaduct as she drove home from the airport, but she said she's excited to see how taking the viaduct down will help connect downtown.

RELATED: DeMay: As the Alaskan Way Viaduct closes, so closes a chapter of Seattle history

Young said she was sad to see the viaduct go, but wanted to visit the new tunnel.

"I think it's historical," she said.

"We've been watching this story for years now," DeBoise said.

Opening up the waterfront will bring Seattle back to its cultural roots while propelling it to the future, officials said during a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Virginia Cross, chairwoman of the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, and Leonard Forsman, chairman of the Suquamish Tribe, explained how the Seattle waterfront has ties to their histories. Building a vibrant waterfront will honor

King County Executive Dow Constantine related the opening of the tunnel to the Athenian Oath -- in which those who take it promise to "transmit this city not only, not less, but greater and more beautiful than it was transmitted to us."

ALSO: A timeline of the Alaskan Way Viaduct's checkered history:

Whether you say a fond farewell or good riddance to the viaduct, it is clear that the city is moving forward. That's why Joel Yeager, who lives in Bothell but works in Seattle, brought his young children to see the tunnel and viaduct. They were lined up with a crowd of hundreds waiting to enter the north end of the Battery Street Tunnel and walk onto the viaduct one last time.

"I don't know if they'll appreciate the impact now, but someday, maybe," he said. "It's good for them to understand how things get built in the city."

RELATED: 'The safest place to be': Why the new SR-99 tunnel will withstand large earthquakes

He said he is excited for the tunnel, both because of the aesthetic possibilities along the waterfront and the decrease in noise for pedestrians in the area. The tunnel will also be safer in the event of an earthquake.

Indeed, Gov. Jay Inslee said during the ribbon-cutting ceremony that finishing the tunnel means the state of Washington has "won the ultimate race against time." It was complete before the next big earthquake hit.

Like it or not, the tunnel is finally here, and it's set to open in time for Monday morning's commute. Later this month, crews will begin tearing down the viaduct. In a few months, the tunnel will be tolled.

Producer Natalie Guevara can be contacted at natalie.guevara@seattlepi.com. Follow her on Twitter. Find more from Natalie on her author page.When you finish watching the Super Bowl on Sunday, take a look outside. Depending on where you are, snow may begin falling in lowland areas as early as Sunday afternoon.

The National Weather Service updated their forecast on Sunday morning to share how the winter weather would blow into the area. Though Sunday morning most communities will see scattered showers, by Sunday afternoon that rain has switched over to snow in some areas.

The snow forecast remained "very uncertain" Saturday evening. The National Weather Service tweeted a map of the state with large areas circled and numbered. Each area could see snow, with areas near Bellingham getting hit first as early as Sunday afternoon. Northern interior areas could see anywhere from trace amounts of snow to 3 inches.

RELATED: 69 years ago: Seattle experiences its coldest temperature on record

By Sunday night, heavier snow showers will likely continue around the Sound and along the Strait, with lighter showers elsewhere.

Most of the Puget Sound region likely won't see snow before Sunday night or early Monday morning. The coast could see snow as late as midday Monday. On Sunday, the NWS also issued a winter storm watch for the Admiralty InletS, eastern and western Strait of Juan de Fuca, with anywhere from 2 to 8 inches of snow possible.

Seattle likely won't see more than an inch, but up to 3 inches is possible. Though the NWS now predicts that many locales will see snow, they don't anticipate there being too much accumulation.

However, Monday morning commuters will likely see icy roads on Monday morning, as freezing temperatures settle in.

A high wind warning will also take effect in the northern interior areas at 7 p.m. Sunday and last through 4 a.m. Tuesday. Gusts of up to 55 mph are possible, NWS tweeted. The weather service advised that people plan a bit of extra time in their Tuesday commutes to avoid any potential snapped tree limbs or localized power outages.

The cold air will remain in place on Tuesday and Wednesday, with highs in the 30s and lows in the 20s. Dry conditions will continue throughout the week, until Thursday and Friday, when another cold system could bring some lowland snow into Western Washington. However the NWS said it's too early to speculate on where snow could fall later this week.MARION -- Robert Joseph McIntyre, Jr., died at his Sunnyside Farm home in the Wahee Community, Marion, SC, on February 1, 2019. Joe was the son of the late Robert Joseph McIntyre, Sr., and Dorothy Lee Dozier McIntyre. He was born in Marion County on October 21, 1946.Joe is survived by his wife Rhonda Wise McIntyre, three siblings: Dorothy Robin McIntyre Moseley, Irmo, SC; Betsy Anne McIntyre Roberts (Roy), Marion; and Alexander "Al" Douglas McIntyre (Marie), Marion; and brother-in-law Russell Wise, Aynor. His extended family of survivors include nephews, nieces, and great nephews/nieces.A graduate of Marion High School, Joe attended NC State College, and served in the SC National Guard. He began his law enforcement career with the SC Highway Patrol and worked thirty-two years with the SC Department of Natural Resources. Captain McIntyre retired from DNR in 2003. He was honored to be the 1984 Wildlife Conservation Officer of the Year. In addition to law enforcement, Joe managed the family farm and enjoyed many years of planting, harvesting, and raising cattle. Joe loved nature and always worked to help preserve South Carolina's natural resources. In 2004 he was Marion County's Outstanding Conservationist.Mr. McIntyre was a lifelong member of Marion Presbyterian Church and served as a Deacon. He was a member of the Marion County Genealogical Society.A memorial service to celebrate the life of Robert Joseph "Joe" McIntyre, Jr., will be Monday, February 4, 3:00 p.m., Marion Presbyterian Church, 208 South Main Street, Marion. Following the service, visitation will be in the church fellowship hall. A private burial service will be at the McIntyre Family Cemetery, Sunnyside Farm, Wahee Community.The McIntyre family appreciates the loving care, visits, cards, prayers, and multiple kindnesses provided by their extended family, church members, friends, and neighbors. Should one wish to remember Mr. McIntyre with a memorial gift, Marion Presbyterian Church, POB 186, Marion, SC 29571, was a vital part of his life, and he greatly benefited from the ministry of this congregation.An online register is available at RichardsonFH.netFLORENCE, S.C.  Fathers, save your first and last dance for your daughters  no moms allowed  on Friday at the 20th annual Florence Family YMCA Father-Daughter Dance.

The event will be held from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Southeastern Institute of Manufacturing and Technology Center on the Florence-Darlington Technical College campus. Tickets are $25 per family and are available at the YMCA. All proceeds benefit the Florence Family YMCA Scholarship Fund.

Dorothy Krasias, the YMCA event coordinator, said the little girls always love the balloons the best. That is one thing she plans to have plenty of this year.

The event has been so well attend throughout the years that the venue had to change to accommodate the numbers, Krasias said. She said they started out hosting it in the YMCA gym. It was later moved to SiMT to accommodate the growing numbers. Last year, between 1,200 and 1,300 people attended.

Krasias said she knows of two fathers that have come with their daughters every year since it started.A blanket is a practical gift, but it was a huge reminder about how we were covered in prayer and how the Lord worked in our lives, Tracy Woodard said.

Combining Tracys training and skill in graphic communication with Tys lifelong farming experience, they decided to create a business that would allow them to work together while sharing the story of their family and farm.

Although they had a passion for their cause, it was not a simple matter to transform their raw cotton into ornate blankets. With a clear vision of what they wanted to accomplish, Ty and Tracy Woodard used contacts at Cotton Incorporated and some internet research to find family-owned businesses to help them.

To make the blankets, cotton harvested from Woodard Farms near Darlington travels to the cotton gin in Hartsville. From there, it goes to the spinner in Thomasville, North Carolina, then to the yarn plyer in Hickory, North Carolina, down to the weaver in Blacksburg, and it returns to the farm as 100 percent ring-spun cotton throws.

Weve worked closely with all local family-owned businesses right in our backyard of the Carolinas, Ty Woodard said. The amount of grace and generosity they gave us was so incredible. We are committed to invest in American families and businesses as we lay the foundation for the future.Saturday was Groundhog Day, and like any early rising good ol country boy, I think its happening again: This country mouse is going to the city.

In fact, this week I will be talking with the farmers growing product this spring for the Pee Dee Food Hub. The Pee Dee Food Hub in Marion is where produce is brought together from our area farms to be delivered fresh to grocery stores and restaurants throughout our state, thus bringing the country to the city.

I have been blessed throughout my life to enjoy the fruits of both country and city lives, and today many farmers have enjoyed and learned the need of both. It appears that the dream of just about every city person is to someday have a farm in the country and supply produce back to the city folks.

Through the years I have found a few differences between country- and city-based farms. I have always thought of the country farm as a means of survival  to feed local families  and the city farm as providing luxury to city folks. However, today the role and mindset of the different farms have drastically changed, because people are moving and changing, and most farms depend on both the country and city markets to stay in business.Danvers, MA (01923)

Today

Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Low near 70F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Low near 70F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph.Mumbai, Feb 3: Karisma Kapoor says she does not miss being on the movie sets and is enjoying her time off camera. The 44-year-old actor, who last appeared in 2012 film "Dangerous Ishqq", said she never had a career plan as she believed in doing what interested her as an artiste. "I am not missing being in front of the camera. Everybody says I should do something. But I have never planned anything in my life. So, you never know I may do a movie soon," Karisma told PTI.

The actor, who was the first grandchild of film icon Raj Kapoor to enter the movies, said her family legacy was never the reason for her success. She worked as hard as any other person to make a mark in the film industry, she said. "It is not easy for star kids. I had to work really hard to reach where I am. It was tough but I don't regret anything. I did have to work doubly hard but it was a great journey and a beautiful learning experience."

Kareena Kapoor

Following her success, her sister Kareena Kapoor Khan, cousins Ranbir Kapoor, Armaan and Aadar Jain joined films. Karisma was talking on the sidelines of Lakme Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2019, where she walked the ramp for designer Punit Balana Sunday. Punit unveiled his new collection 'Maya' on the final day of the fashion week, which begun on January 30. The collection was an ode to the French novel "Madame Bovary" and the designer included his signature block prints to the garments to give them a traditional touch.

"I really love the outfit and the block print. Punit is extremely talented and different. I really like that he has put in so much effort to give a chance to the craftsmen from Jaipur. The best part is the colours and the fabric everything is eco friendly. It is very fascinating," Karisma said. The actor said even though celebrities are expected to have their fashion game always on point, she never dresses up to impress anyone.

Ranbir Kapoor

"I always dress for myself. I don't dress for pictures or follow trends blindly. I wear what I feel good in and style it the way I find it comfortable. I enjoy fashion so I don't feel the pressure in dressing up. "Today actors are lucky to have immense talent around them to dress them up. Earlier, there were only a few designers. Now we have so many young designers and stylists. We are lucky to work with them," she said.The aircraft deserving this flight was forced to return to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) three times before ultimately being canceled Friday. According to the airline, all of the returns were due to separate and unrelated issues. The passengers were given refunds and a $100 credit for a future flight, hotel rooms and food vouchers. They were also accommodated on other flights.



Hawaii

Safety is our top priority, and we apologize for the inconvenience to all our guests who were aboard Flight 33 from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Mauis Kahului Airport today, Hawaiian Airlines said. These flights have more rigorous safety requirements because of the greater distance between suitable airports, the spokesperson added. Some passengers complained on Twitter, with one saying, I always use @HawaiianAir for inter-island flights, but chose to do domestic with them this time and I realize it was a mistake. Hawaiian Airlines is the 10th largest commercial airline in the US. operates flights to Asia, American Samoa, Australia, Hawaii, New Zealand, and the United States mainland. It is the oldest US carrier that has never had a fatal accident or a hull loss throughout its history.The image of an elegant spy as an integral feature of a diamond market has been hardwired in the brains of diamond jewellery mass-market customers after the Diamonds are forever novel by Ian Fleming was published in 1956. Since that time, a huge number of films and books have been created about the involvement of the intelligence services in the rough and polished diamond operations and they were rich in unbelievable story lines, as a rule, rather far from the reality. Even though the reality is more down to earth, still there are interesting details allowing make several important points on the historiography of the diamond business.

Lets begin with the excerpt of the record of interrogation dated 02.04.1937 of Genrikh Yagoda, People's Commissar for Internal Affairs of the USSR in 1934 to 1936 (he was shot in 1938)1:

Question: Were the polished diamond operations secret?

Answer: For a foreign state, yes, if they did know that the seller was the Soviet state. And since they knew that Lurier was a private person and Frenkel was a private one, too, there was no need in secrecy.

Question: Did Frenkel know that Lurier was an NKVD (People's Commissariat for Internal Affairs) man?

Answer: Yes, he did, of course. I remember this.

Question: Why did you allow Lurier to make operations via the obvious spies?

Answer: Because only Frenkel was suspected of spying.

Question: Did you know via whom Lurier sold polished diamonds? He did inform you in advance via whom he was going to make his operations.

Answer: Yes, I told you, via Frenkel, Oppenheimer, Gerstein and Berenzon.

Question: Why did you authorize Lurier to sell to these particular people?

Answer: They were major polished diamond customers and paid better.

Question: It is wrong. Did you receive several signals from a number of organizations, for example, from Kustexport, that Lurier, having private transactions with these buyers sells polished diamonds to them at the price lower than they cost?

Answer: The Kustexport has never told me that. To put it right, Kustexport wrote to me that Lurier sold polished diamonds at a lower price than that of the Kustexport, but this, to my mind, was not correct, it was wrong, because when the polished diamonds were compared their quality was different.

Here, some clarifications should be made. . Ya. Lurier mentioned above held the rank of the major of state security, at that time it corresponded to the Army rank of a brigade commander (one-star general), he was awarded the Order of Lenin, the highest state award of the USSR, and had been involved in the polished diamond trade since 1922 when he was an intelligence officer working under diplomatic cover in Latvia. He was executed by a firing squad in 1937.

Gerstein and Berenzon were the largest European diamond dealers at that time. Frenkel was an intermediary agent between the diamond dealers and the NKVD. There is no need to introduce Oppenheimer - a major polished diamond customer to you.

The Kustexport was a public company operating in 1928 to 1936 under the aegis of the People's Commissariat for Foreign Trade of the USSR and dealing  among other things - with selling the polished diamond bought by the Torgsin from the population.

The relations of the top level NKVD officials with the major polished diamond customers were rather strong, one can say, friendly, as evidenced by another excerpt of the record of interrogation cited:

Question: Have the similar agent information reports about repeated secret meetings of Lurier with Ulrikh been submitted to you by the Operations Department for several years?

Answer: Via the Operations Department, one or two agent information reports from the National Hotel were given to me once about the meeting of Lurier with foreigners - Berenzon, Oppenheimer and Frenkel.

Question: What information was in those reports?

Answer: About the dinner that Lurier had with the foreigners.

Question: Is that all?

Answer: I was also informed about the loathsome behavior of all the foreigners mentioned and Lurier with call-girls. I told Bulanov to call Lurier and warn him that if the same happens again he will be arrested.

Official historiography suggests that the first visit of the Oppenheimers dynasty representative to the USSR was in 1959, but according to the revelations made by Genrikh Yagoda, this outstanding event took place somewhat earlier. More details should be given about the events that preceded the grotesque adventures of the major polished diamond customers in the apartments of the Moscow National Hotel specially rented for such piquant purposes pursued by the NKVD.

In 1926, the USSR diamond traffic was divided into two unequal parts. The first  legal one (although quite secret) - was supervised by Anastas Mikoyan, who was appointed the People's Commissar of Foreign Trade of the USSR that year and was elected as an alternate member of the Politbureau of the CPSU CC. From that time on, Mikoyan held various posts in the government and the party and kept on supervising the diamond industry of the USSR until early 1960s. He supervised all the organizations somehow involved in the export-import rough and polished diamond operations: the Soviet trade representative offices, AMTORG, ARCOS, DERUTRA, Kustexport, Antikvariat, Soyuzpromexport, the Department of State Material Reserves. Those were the channels used to sell the polished diamonds bought by the Torgsin and the Yuvelirtorg from the population, as well as the property confiscated by the Customs and - after the World War 2  the polished diamonds captured from the enemy and the rough diamonds mined by the Uralalmaz.

The second part of the diamond traffic was conducted by secret services. In 1927, Genrikh Yagoda started supervising this field who was appointed the Chief of the Secret Operations Directorate of the OGPU (All-Union State Political Administration). The operations with polished diamonds made under the aegis of the secret services were in fact illegal: they were not documented, did not go through customs or accounting control. To some extent, it made perfect sense because the money from selling the polished diamonds were mainly used to finance the agents abroad. As compared with the Mikoyans scope of activities, there were not many deals but the goods offered were unique and rare polished diamonds of exclusive quality from the stones confiscated from the representatives of the upper class and the Church. The clients were of the same level, the major polished diamond customers were not interested in people of modest means, by default.

It is worthy of note that the period of 1926  1927 was a kind of a landmark in the history of the Soviet rough and polished diamond industry. At that time, Lev Trotsky lost his political influence, and his proteges were dismissed from all the bodies dealing with the rough and polished diamond trade (Peoples Commissariat for Foreign Trade, Peoples Commissariat for Finance, Gokhran (State Precious Metals and Gems Repository)) and replaced with the Stalins sympathisers. Interestingly, all the important documentation of the Gokhran from 1927 to the present day is still classified.

Later on, the role of the rough and polished diamond industry gradually enhanced. In 1939, the Gokhran became a part of the NKVD. This key organization remained under the secret services until May 1960. The Gokhran was an accumulator and distributor of all the diamond flows, so from time to time it was a scene of collision of competing groups in the secret services.

One episode is of interest that took place in 1949 when the Gokhran was a Special Department under the Ministry of State Security of the USSR. At that time, the MSS was headed by Viktor Abakumov, and Nikolai Baulin was the Head of the Special Department (Gokhran). Abakumov (arrested in 1951 and shot in 1954) had many influential enemies in the top tiers of power. No wonder that in summer 1949, the Gokhran was audited by the Ministry of State Inspection of the USSR and L. Mekhlis personally run this audit. For any Soviet official, when hard fisted Mekhlis came down on him it was a black ordeal and in most cases the outcome was fatal for those under auditing. The fact that you belong to the MSS was not a kind of protection  everybody understood that Mekhlis fulfilled the Stalins will, and the leader was already distrustful of Abakumov at that time. But miracle happened! The inspectors of Mekhlis left the Gokhran and came away none the wiser, and Mekhlis was forced to confer the Order of Lenin upon Colonel Baulin. This case  unique for the practice of the Ministry of State Inspection  shows that Colonel Baulin was higher than many generals and even marshals in the informal power structure. Indeed, all the ministers who were Baulins superiors during Stalin's time came to a bad end: two of them (Abakumov and Beria) were shot, and the third one (Kruglov) was expelled from the party, deprived of his generals retirement benefit, apartment and he died under mysterious circumstances under the wheels of a commuter train near Moscow. There were tens of deputy ministers, chiefs of directorates, heads of the departments at the NKVD, MIA, MSS who died by their colleagues hands from 1939 to 1953. However, a person who knew absolutely everything about the official and unofficial channels used for the distribution of huge fairy tale treasures and for many years held a really hit post being put solidly in the cross hairs by the country's top leaders - but he escaped with his life. Around him, both men of political stratagem and world-class intelligence and counterintelligence officers died and were deposed, as well as the people faithful to the regime, but he remained safe and sound and gained orders, including the combat decorations, without leaving his comfortable office.

After Stalins death and deposition of Beria (1953), the Soviet secret services practically wound down their independent rough and polished diamond trade operations. The diamond industry was withdrawn from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the Gokhran  although it remained under the law-enforcement agencies  was in fact controlled by the Ministry of Finance. Nevertheless, the role of intelligence services in the diamond space remained significant in solving the tasks of legendizing the industry, ensuring informal contacts with De Beers, developing and handling the operations in a number of African diamond mining countries.

It should be noted that the Soviet diamond industry was fully transparent for De Beers since the time when the major polished diamond customers had fun in the National Hotel under the support of the NKVD agents. On the whole, such transparency was useful for the market and allowed De Beers timely neutralize all the possible sudden and quick moves made by the Soviets that could really threaten the monopoly of the corporation and, hence, the pricing fundamentals on the diamond market. Their undoubted achievement in this respect was the freezing of the MIAs project in 1951 aimed at the development of the Yakutian diamond fields. For this success, De Beers had to pay the price and deliver the unprecedented volume of industrial diamonds to the USSR in 1952 - at dumping prices. In return, they managed to postpone the injection of the Yakutian rough diamonds into the market for several years.

This consensus was about to be destroyed after the discovery of the first primary diamond deposit in Yakutia in 1954. The matter is, that Nikita Khrushchev who replaced Stalin as a Soviet leader was very good at under-the-carpet battles in the administration, but had neither experience nor intuition of his predecessor in understanding the foreign political realities and tended to take rash ill-advised decisions, next door to his display of idiocy. Moreover, Khrushchev was a poor negotiator who preferred to raise the stakes up to the critical level without providing for all the consequences. There existed a blunt threat of the uncontrolled unloading of the Soviet rough diamonds in the market.

In some months after the Zarnitsa deposit was discovered, in late 1954, De Beers set up an International Diamond Security Organization (IDSO), a corporate service to fight against the illegal diamond turnover. This new organization was headed by Percy Sillitoe, a former Director General of MI5, the United Kingdom's internal secret service. Today, the official MI5 website says that Sillitoe was appointed the IDSO Director General because De Beers wanted to curb the illegal diamond supply channels from Sierra Leone, which was not true to the fact. Sillitoe took charge of the United Kingdom's internal secret service in 1946, and earlier, he was at first a Chief Constable of Police in Sheffield, Glasgow and Kent, and had never anything to do with Africa. However, he had a bone to pick with the USSR. The Russian direction was the main for MI5 in the period from 1946 to 1953, and Sillitoe suffered a great defeat on this front. In 1951, Guy Burgess and Donald Duart Maclean, the members of the so-called Cambridge Five, the Soviet intelligence network in England, defected to the Soviet Union. Burgess was a MI5 agent, in other words, a subordinate of Sillitoe. As a result of the investigation of this incident, Sillitoe had to step down. De Beers could have found an experienced expert to fight against the African illegal trafficking in their own country  in the Union of South Africa. However, it was difficult to find a better professional than Sillitoe to fight against the anticipated USSR expansion on the diamond market. He knew the Soviet direction perfectly well, and the possibility to take revenge for the previous defeat he suffered from the USSR was an excellent professional motivation. It is interesting to note that when Sillitoe started forming an IDSO team and invite his former MI5 colleagues, John Collard was appointed his deputy, who had never worked in Africa but had been a key figure in the counterintelligence operation to catch Klaus Fuchs, an atomic spy, in 1950.

Setting up the IDSO became a weighty argument in the negotiations between De Beers and the USSR in London within the framework of the regular purchases of industrial diamonds from 1954 to 1956. There was no longer any sense in those purchases as the USSR had a 10-year inventory of industrial diamonds starting from 1953, and after the discovery of the Yakutian diamond fields the import of the industrial diamonds was of no interest to the Soviet party. However, the purchase of diamonds were continued in significant parcels  for 5 mln gold roubles. It was the only opportunity to take part in the negotiations in a civilized way. By the end of 1956, the scope of the agreement was outlined, the USSR refused to enter the diamond market independently and was satisfied with the role of a De Beerss satellite. In January 1957, the collegium of the Ministry of Non-Ferrous Metallurgy of the USSR took the decision about the establishment of the Yakutalmaz group, and launching the commercial rough diamond production in the Yakutian diamond fields. In April 1957, the IDSO was disbanded.

Starting from 1957, the relations between the Committee for State Security and De Beers could be called a partnership. This partnership was especially efficient in the eradication of the apartheid regime in South Africa. The main reason of the struggle against the apartheid lay in the old 'Boer issue: the white government of South Africa claimed to have their control over the diamond mining corporations and did this increasingly aggressively from one year to another. The USSR having diplomatic relations with South Africa since 1942, suddenly expressed the concern about abusing the human rights of the black population of this country in 1956, just exactly at the time when the negotiations with De Beers in London were over, and it broke off the diplomatic relations unilaterally. Later on, the USSR assumed the role of a patron and sponsor of the radical organizations of the black people (African National Congress, Umkhonto we Sizwe (Spear of the Nation), etc.) striving for overthrow of the white government via a military coup. Interestingly, a considerable part of funding the black rebel fighters went through the KGBs London embassy station, one official of which, Oleg Gordiyevsky, who coordinated such operations, was at the same time an agent of the British intelligence service. The KGB also played a key role in depriving South Africa of the possibility to have nuclear weapons (the mission of Colonel A. M. Kozlov), which was considered by the countrys white leadership as the only effective chance to resist Cuban expansion from the territory of Angola. Modern Russian sources indicate: The documentary evidence collected by Alexey Kozlov in South Africa regarding the atomic bomb tests in 1979 performed jointly with Israel and the development of enriched industrial uranium in the occupied Namibia made it possible for the USSR to persuade the United States and a number of Western European countries to strengthen the international sanctions against South Africa. The work of Alexey Kozlov resulted in an embargo on South Africa imposed by all countries, which led to a change of this countrys government.

Sergey Goryainov, Rough&Polished

1The Central Archive of the Federal Security Service. . 5446. . 86. . 1244. . 2.







We continue to publish archive documents on diamonds:

1. The Russian Centre for Storage and Study of the Modern History Documents. . 17. . 84. . 96. . 2. 1920. Telegram of the VChK (All-Russian Extraordinary Commission) about the deliveries of the polished diamonds to the Southern Bureau of Comintern.







2. the Russian State Archives, Economy. . 8153. . 5. . 1195. . 154. 1951. The Letter of N. Baulin, Head of Special Department of the Ministry of State Security, to F. Kharitonov, Head of the Special Chief Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, about the lost rough diamonds.





3. the Russian State Archives, Economy. . 8153. . 5. . 1166. . 161. 1951. The proposals of the Special Chief Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, about the transfer of the Yakutian diamond deposits to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the USSR.







4. The State Archive of the RF. . 5446. . 51. . 4839. . 10. 1949.The Ministry of State Security of the USSR as the exporter of industrial diamonds. The Stalins order about the deliveries to Germany.



University officials said the robots would not displace human workers. They pointed out that demand for delivery robots has already created a new occupation on campus: robot runner, the individual tasked with placing food orders inside robots, locking them up and sending them on their way using a tablet. Jeff McKinley, district manager for Sodexo  a company that manages food services for GMU  said several robot runners have already been hired and more positions are expected to open as new campus dining outlets join the delivery program.

Its a great position for a student, he said.

Critics have accused delivery robots of encouraging laziness and giving a generation glued to their phones another excuse to avoid human interaction. Tuohy said he strongly disagrees, arguing that the Starship fleet actually appeals to busy people, not lazy ones.

The robots are really about giving people back the gift of time, he said. Imagine youre a student and you have an hour between classes and you have to either study or write a paper or do some sort of work, but youre hungry. If you have to spend that hour going somewhere to get food, waiting in line, and coming back, you didnt accomplish your work.It was clear that many people had lost faith in DEQ and felt that DEQ was not protecting their water quality to the extent promised during the water quality certification hearings.

From time to time during 2018, I saw photographs taken by local residents of situations on the ground that appeared to be water quality impacts or failed erosion control measures.

In response to my inquiries about site conditions, I was repeatedly told by DEQ Director David Paylor that the local residents are untruthful and their photographs were misleading. In the week before Hurricane Florence, when weather forecasts indicated potential catastrophic rainfall in the region, Director Paylor told me that work had stopped even though video and photographs provided by local residents showed otherwise. When I further questioned Director Paylor about apparent water quality impacts, Director Paylor accused me of working for the opposition with such ferocity that I felt compelled to defend myself in writing.

Given the more than 300 water quality-related violations cited in Attorney General Herrings complaint, photographs and personal accounts of local residents, and my own observations on the ground, I feel confident that my concerns about water quality were well-founded and relevant to my sworn duty as a State Water Control Board member.January 21, 2019 Martha C. Phillips, 83, of Christiansburg, Va., passed away on Monday, January 21, 2019. A Celebration of Life will be held from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, February 9, 2019, at the Christiansburg Fire Department.The racist behavior depicted in the photos has no place in Virginia, and I strongly condemn it, said Cline, who served for 16 years in the House of Delegates before being elected to Congress last year. I hope the Governor will make the best decision for the future of our Commonwealth and step down immediately.

U.S. Rep. Denver Riggleman, R-Nelson County, said he didnt believe Northams Saturday explanation . As the representative of Charlottesville, where white supremacists converged for a 2017 rally that resulted in a counter-protesters death , he said the photo, hit more than a nerve.

Riggleman said debating whether Northam staying in office would aid the Republican Party, or if his departure would help the Democratic Party shouldnt be part of the equation.

This has gone beyond party politics, and this is not a political issue, Riggleman said. This is a human issue. People need to say were sick of racism.

Roanoke City Councilman Anita Price, one of councils three black members, said Northams credibility for me personally is shot.

She campaigned for Northam, and she said she now feels betrayed.There wasnt a consensus, Landes said. So we decided to go with what people could agree on: having a fund, having an improvement plan, and having a committee.

It may not be politically popular to push for a measure that takes money out of peoples pockets, but Obenshain still maintains tolls would have been effective at getting the highway improvements people want.

What I really wanted to do was break the logjam and advance the cause of finding the way of making the improvements to the interstate, Obenshain said after presenting his revised bill on Thursday.

Austin said education on the bills could have been better. People were confused about what the tolling system would be like. He said people were unaware of how they could potentially drive on I-81 for free once a day.

While lawmakers were disappointed that they werent able to agree on a funding source, they said the revised bills at least keep the effort moving forward.

People say we need to do something about I-81, Landes said. This will move us forward, so well be back next year with how to fund projects.Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 3)  The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) vowed to bring justice for the killing of National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) peace consultant Randy Malayao last week.

"The revolutionary forces vow to attain justice for Ka Randy and punish the perpetrators of this fascist crime," its statement on Sunday said.

The NDFP represents CPP in peace talks with the government.

The CPP in its statement Sunday accused the police for spreading "false information," saying they have not conducted any investigation on Malayao's killing. It said the Philippine National Police (PNP) is covering up President Rodrigo Duterte's hand in the crime.

"The Philippine National Police Regional Office 2 is not conducting any investigation on the brutal murder of Malayao on January 30, but is engaged in cover up by spreading intrigue and slandering Ka Randy, who has served the people throughout his life," the CPP said.

This comes after CPP founder and NDFP Chief Political Consultant Jose Maria Sison said they will reconsider their stance of remaining open to peace negotiations with the government. He said the killing of Malayao attests to the President's alleged plan to forego the peace talks altogether.

"In view of the murder of NDFP consultant Randy Malayao, the NDFP and all revolutionary forces within its fold are now in the process of reconsidering its policy of being open to peace negotiations with the GRP under the Duterte regime and are more than ever determined to carry out the overthrow of the treasonous, tyrannical, murderous and corrupt Duterte regime," Sison said Wednesday.

Malayao was shot and killed while on board a passenger bus in Nueva Vzcaya on January 30. On Friday, the police released facial composites of two alleged suspects behind his killing. The PNP also relieved two officers for "apparent lapses in the investigation of the slay, particularly the mishandling of evidence at the crime scene."Richmond, KY (40475)

Today

Thunderstorms, some strong this evening, then cloudy with rain likely overnight. Damaging winds and large hail with some storms. Low 58F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms, some strong this evening, then cloudy with rain likely overnight. Damaging winds and large hail with some storms. Low 58F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%.ARMSTRONG, Deborah Gergesha, passed away unexpectedly on January 25, 2019, in Richmond, Va., with her family at her side. She will be sorely missed by her family, especially her two sons, David and A.J.; and her beloved dog, Tyson. Debbie was a kind, fun-loving person and a joy to be with. Her laughter and smiles were contagious and filled our hearts with joy. Debbie was born the youngest of three daughters to Edward and Mary Gergesha on February 4, 1970, in Fort Hood, Texas. Her sisters, Cathy Lowe and Carol Sikorski will miss her big laugh, love and spontaneity. She graduated from South Bend Adams High School in 1988. She earned an Associate's degree from Vincennes University and worked as a respiratory therapist for several years. Debbie loved her job as a stay-at-home mom, and her sons were the center of her universe. Anticipating that they would soon be leaving the nest, she returned to college and proudly graduated summa cum laude from the University of Richmond with a Bachelor of Science in Professional Studies last May at the age of 48. Her family and friends will gather to celebrate her life on Saturday, February 9, 2019, at the First United Methodist Church, 333 N. Main St., South Bend, Ind. 46601. The family will greet friends starting at 11:30 a.m. with a memorial service at 1 p.m.Culpeper pregnancy center vandalized

CULPEPER  Authorities say a pregnancy center in Culpeper has been vandalized days after a debate over late-term abortion in the state capital sparked controversy nationwide.

Police said the vandalism reported early Friday at the Pregnancy Center of Culpeper included spray-painted messages on the building and signs and a broken window. Images from the scene show the messages include YOU HATE WOMEN and FAKE.

The center is one of the Pregnancy Centers of Central Virginia. The Christian nonprofits website says it is dedicated to women and families facing unplanned pregnancy and doesnt perform or refer for abortions. President DJ Carter said they havent experienced vandalism before and that hes unsure of the vandals motivation. The organization is changing its name to Thrive Womens Healthcare.

Parole bid rejected again for Soering in 85 killings

RICHMOND  For the 14th time, Virginia officials have rejected a parole bid from a German diplomats son serving life in prison for the 1985 killings of his ex-girlfriends parents.The monitoring and long-term impact of capping in place would basically add an expense that would go on forever, Wagner said. By dealing with this problem today, it takes it off the table.

The text of the deal was finalized during a Senate subcommittee meeting Thursday afternoon. The start of the meeting included a mix-up over the exact text of the deal, which Wagner said was due to his being left out of negotiations.

The language approved by the subcommittee will come before the full Senate Commerce and Labor committee on Monday.

As it stands, the deal would direct Dominion to work with local officials on a transportation plan for any ash that is transported off site. Residents near coal ash sites had expressed concern that heavy truck traffic would disrupt their communities.

Lawmakers said during Thursdays news conference that the bill would lead Dominion to store the ash in new landfills at its power plants everywhere except Chesapeake. The text of the bill, however, makes no such commands.

Instead, Surovell said that because the on-site landfills are likely the lowest-cost option, state regulators tasked with approving the project would require that alternative.Chesterfield County police issued arrest warrants for a 53-year-old man accused of killing his parents who were found dead in their home in the Queensmill neighborhood in Chesterfield.

Police found the bodies of Jan Ralph, who was in his mid-80s, and Victoria Sophia Ralph, 79, in their home in the 1000 block of Castle Hollow Road after responding to a call at about 4:30 p.m. Saturday for a welfare check.

After discovering the body that they believed was Jan Ralphs, police initially were not able to find Victoria Ralph and issued a missing person report. After obtaining a search warrant for the home, they located her body inside.

Chesterfield police began a search for the Ralphs son, Robert Raff, also known as Robert James Ralph.

On Saturday, police officers in Avon, Ohio, took him into custody after someone reported suspicious activity, Chesterfield police said in a news release.MOSCOW -- Thousands of people have taken to the streets across Russia to voice anger over the environmental consequences of poorly managed landfills and household waste disposal.

The protesters gathered in some 30 regions on February 3 to take part in nationwide demonstrations called Russia is not a dump, organizers said.

Speaking at a rally in Moscow, opposition politician Ilya Yashin said: I turn on the television and see all these people talking about patriotism. If you love your country so much, why are you turning it into a dump?

On January 1, Russias so-called national garbage reform took effect, which tasked regions with choosing operators to collect waste. But critics have said the plan will only increase the costs of garbage collection.

Many protesters were also angry over Moscows plan to send its waste to surrounding and far-flung regions in an effort to solve its trash crisis.

The highest turnout of the February 3 rallies was said to be in Arkhangelsk, a northwestern region set to take in Moscows waste.

In Moscow, several hundred people protested in front of an administration building in Taganka district, one of the four neighborhoods where so-called ecoclusters have been built, according to The Moscow Times.

The citys trash is to be packed in such sites before being shipped off to so-called ecotechnoparks in other regions.

Holding posters reading slogans such as Russia is not a dump and I want to breathe, the protesters called for measures to recycle waste.

In the center of the capital, individual pickets were held outside the State Duma building and on Pushkin Square.

The demonstrations follow similar protests across Russia last year.

The largest rallies occurred in the Moscow region town of Volokolamsk where dozens of children were rushed to hospitals with symptoms of gas poisoning.

Residents blamed gases leaking from a nearby landfill.

With reporting by The Moscow TimesFormer Macedonian Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski says he fled to Hungary to avoid a two-year prison term at home because he had received a threat that he would be killed in confinement.

In his first interview since fleeing, Gruevski on February 2 told Macedonia's Sitel television that he initially intended to go to jail despite what he called "crazy judgments with no legal basis."

"But...I received information that someone was planning my liquidation in prison. Then I changed my decision," Gruevski said.

He said he received information from "people who were well informed inside prison" about a planned assassination attempt.

"I cannot say publicly who is behind this plot because I cannot prove it at the moment. I decided to leave Macedonia afterwards," he said.

Gruevski has previously asserted that he had received death threats in Macedonia, an accusation about which the government of Prime Minister Zoran Zaev expressed skepticism, denying the former premier was a victim of political persecution.

Gruevski, who has strong ties to Hungary's autocratic prime minister, Viktor Orban, fled to Budapest in November 2018 after being convicted on corruption charges in Macedonia and sentenced to two years in prison. Budapest granted Gruevski asylum from what it called "political persecution" in Macedonia.

Gruevski said he chose Hungary because it is a member of NATO and the European Union and a country with "independent institutions."

Gruevski, who served as prime minister from 2006 to 2016, was convicted in May of using a 600,000 euro ($675,000) Mercedes bought with state funds for personal travel.

Skopje, which has issued an international warrant for his arrest, has since charged Gruevski with other corruption-related offenses.

Gruevski ruled Macedonia for nearly a decade until 2016, when evidence appearing to show a widespread wire-tapping scheme by his administration led to his downfall.

Macedonia, which was officially recognized in 2005 as a candidate to join the EU, has been implementing reforms to ensure the independence and effectiveness of its judicial system as part of its efforts toward eventual membership.

With reporting by AP and AFPMOSCOW -- Russian officials announced recently that the head of the IK-14 prison colony and several other officials had been dismissed after a surprise inspection revealed female convicts were being tortured and forced to work under slave-labor conditions.



The news came five years after Nadezhda Toloknnikova, a Pussy Riot protest artist who served nearly two years at IK-14 for a performance at Moscow's Christ the Savior Cathedral, published an open letter detailing the horrific conditions at the Soviet-built barracks in a remote, "swampy" region southeast of the capital. She wrote that women were forced to work up to 17 hours a day with one day off every eight weeks and were subject to threats and violent abuse.



Tolokonnikova's letter followed years of complaints about conditions at IK-14, complaints that continued long after the Federal Penitentiary Service (FSIN) claimed it investigated the allegations and found them unsubstantiated. The complaints continued apace after Tolokonnikova's release on amnesty in December 2013.



"Apparently, Tolokonnikova was correct," FSIN Deputy Director Valery Maksimenko told TASS on December 24.



The case capped off a tough 2018 for Russia's prison system.



Simply 'Off Their Rockers'



In July, a video emerged showing at least 17 guards at a prison in Yaroslavl abusing and beating prisoner Yevgeny Makarov.



"They methodically beat the spread-eagled man on the shins and the bottoms of his feet with rubber truncheons," the independent Novaya Gazeta described the abuse. "The man screams plaintively, howls, begs for mercy. From time to time, they pour water over his head from a bucket."



In November, four guards at a prison in Chelyabinsk were convicted of beating inmate Sultan Israilov to death. Officials wrote his death off as a suicide until a mass hunger strike caused a national outcry and prompted an investigation.

In January, two officials at IK-7 in Karelia were sentenced to prison terms for torturing prisoners and extorting millions of rubles from convicts and their families.



Throughout the year, prisoners-rights activists, including another Pussy Riot member, Maria Alyokhina, who spent two years in prison in the same case as Tolokonnikova, waged a public-awareness campaign under the slogan "FSIN = Gulag."



Despite these cases and many more, FSIN deputy head Maksimenko in a year-in-review interview with Interfax on January 8 flatly rejected the comparison between his agency and the Soviet gulag.



"There is not the slightest trace of the gulag in our system today," he said. "Those times are far behind us. If you understand by the term 'gulag' mass violations of human rights, mass repressions, unjust sentences, executions, torture, forced confessions, and so on, then what has this to do with the present day?... If one of our employees beats a prisoner, it isn't a legacy of the gulag. It is, pardon the expression, that a specific employee is off his rocker."



Maksimenko attributed such cases to "burnout" brought on by the "colossal psychological pressure" prison employees face from constant contact with criminals.

He added that because of Federal Penitentiary Service's own commitment to openness, the installation of 22,000 video cameras, and the active monitoring of human-rights ombudsmen and civic organizations, the prison system "has become more transparent than ever before." The numerous reports of abuse are, in fact, a sign that "people who have been in the prison system are no longer afraid to tell the truth about what they've seen there."



A System 'Built On Violence'



Makarov, the prisoner who was tortured in the Yaroslavl video, is among the many former prisoners and activists who would disagree. He spent 80 days in punitive solitary confinement after the video went public.



The Russian prison service "has created a little slave state of its own," he told journalists when he was released after completing his sentence in October. "The law is not being obeyed there at all."



Nikolai Kavkazsky, an opposition Yabloko activist who has served time on political charges, agrees, saying, "Russia's entire penitentiary system is built on violence."



"It isn't just torture in the normal sense," he tells RFE/RL. "It is in the day-to-day conditions and in the attitudes of the guard toward the prisoners. The entire system must be reformed."



There is more behind the behavior of abusive prison guards than "burnout," says Aleksei Fedyarov, head of the legal department of the prisoners' rights organization Russia Behind Bars (Rus Sidyashchaya).



"These are normal people," he says. "Have you read [Erich Maria] Remarque's Spark Of Life? Middle-class people. Today they are sitting around drinking beer, and tomorrow they become Nazis, and the next day they are among the Nazis who work in concentration camps and burn people in ovens. Then they retire and live out the rest of their lives. Everyone is capable of this. There is a fascist inside everyone."



Russian prison guards, Fedyarov argues, know what they are getting into. "They go to work there because, most often, they are from poor regions where every schoolchild dreams of a salary of 20,000 to 30,000 rubles ($300-460) and the chance to retire at the age of 35," he says. "They go there fully aware and voluntarily. And if they are required to beat or kick someone, then that's what they do because everyone is doing it.... They are going to work in a system that has rotted to the core and that only allows people to work in this way."



"Is this emotional burnout?" he says. "No. It is just such a person inside such a system."



It is a system based on violence and humiliation as well as on a strict code of silence regarding such violations, activists say.



According to statistics provided by Russia to the Council of Europe in 2015 on its prisons for the previous year, 4,097 prisoners died in custody out of a total prison population of 671,027. Of those, 404 were listed as suicides, while the homicide figure was "not available." Russia's mortality rate of 61.1 per 10,000 prisoners was among the highest of the 47 countries studied.



Russia has not provided figures for subsequent Council of Europe reports on prison conditions.



According to FSIN deputy head Maksimenko, in 2017, Russia's prison population had been reduced to 523,000. Deaths in prison have likely also been reduced because of new legislation making it easier for gravely ill prisoners to receive amnesties.



Emotional Issue



Lawyer Vera Goncharova, who is representing prisoners in Omsk in a high-profile abuse case involving allegations of beatings, torture by electric shock, threats of rape, urinating on prisoners, and more, says she has spent many hours speaking with guards while visiting prisons over the years.



"They know where they are going and why," she says. "I wouldn't say there is some sort of sadness or hopelessness in their eyes or thoughts. On the contrary, it is a convenient, reliable job, a job where working for just a few years qualifies you to retire early."



"In Omsk, you meet many taxi drivers who used to work in the [prison] system, since there are many prisons in Omsk," she adds. "Now they're still young people getting their pensions and doing what they like with their time. Obviously, prison work isn't easy, but they go there consciously."



Goncharova says the only former prison guard she met "with pain in his eyes" was a man who left the system quickly because "he couldn't handle it morally."



"When he talks about it, he cries," she says. "He goes to church now. He drank for a while, but he has straightened himself out. To this day, he is afraid -- afraid of the law and afraid of revenge on the part of his former colleagues."



Illegal acts, Goncharova says, go unpunished and are covered up by the silence and complicity of other prison officials. As a result, the behavior "assumes monstrous forms."



"It isn't just that the guard who does such things is psychologically damaged," she says. "But he also cripples the minds of others."



On January 16, a district court in Karelia sentenced the former head of IK-7, Sergei Kossiyev, to 2 1/2 years in prison for the beating of political dissident Ildar Dadin and for extorting millions of rubles from prisoners and their families over a period of several years. Former prisoners from around the country traveled to Karelia to testify against Kossiyev.



One of them, Vasily Shambur, tells RFE/RL that the verdict and the sentence filled him with emotion.



"For me and for many others, Sergei Kossiyev is the embodiment of all the traits associated with fascism," Shambur says. "In his every interaction with people, you could feel his arrogant, humiliating, slave-owning mentality. He didn't care at all about human rights and had a tendency to inflict pain. The figure of Kossiyev is a monument to sadism that has been pulled down."



"I would write on the high walls of IK-7 in large letters: 'FSIM employees! Remember where Kossiyev is. Everyone is equal before the law,'" he adds. "That would be a good lesson for those who have forgotten what it means to be human. And there are still a lot of people like that."



Activist Sergei Mokhatkin, who has served several terms in connection with his political activism and was most recently released on December 14, also says the legacy of the Soviet prison system is clearly evident in Russian prisons today.



"There are still posters hanging from Soviet times that say that a prison guard is not just a guard but an educator," Mokhatkin says. "That is garbage, of course. And it really prevents the system from functioning properly. We need to transform it from a system of criminalization to one of socialization. But for now, it is just the opposite: People are not socialized in Russian prisons; instead, their physical and mental health are destroyed."

RFE/RL Russian Service correspondents Natalia Demina, Vladimir Kara-Murza, and Gleb Yarovoi contributed to this report.The skull of the legendary Caucasian warrior Hadji Murad -- who was beheaded by Russian troops in the 19th century -- is one step closer to being returned to his relatives in Daghestan, Russian officials say.



Known as the Red Devil by his Russian foes for his red clothes and daring fighting, Hadji Murad battled tsarist forces with fellow legend Imam Shamil in the Caucasian War for decades, though he also switched sides and joined his longtime Russian enemies, who eventually detained and killed him in 1852.



But the long battle for the fearless Avars head -- kept in St. Petersburgs famously freaky Kunstkamera museum for several decades -- seems to finally be moving toward a resolution.



Vladimir Tolstoy --a great-great-grandson of Russian writer Leo Tolstoy -- announced on January 21 that the Russian presidential commission that he leads had agreed, in general, to support the return of Murads skull to the Russian republic of Daghestan, where he was born.



Tolstoy added that after consulting with the Daghestani government, the committee had decided to hand over Murads remains to officials in Makhachkala at a later date, taking into account the current internal political situation in the republic. It's unclear exactly what Tolstoy was referring to, but violence is common in Daghestan, where Islamic militants mount frequent attacks against police, public officials, and moderate Muslims.



Tolstoy's committee was formed in November 2015 by order of the Russian Culture Ministry and charged with verifying Murad's remains as well as deciding on the specifics of their return and burial.



Magomedarip Hadzhimuradov, a great-grandson of Murad who has been designated as his primary heir, has said it was the dream of his ancestors to bury his famous relatives skull with his remains, which lie in a poorly maintained grave in the northern Azerbaijani district of Qakh, close to where he was killed and not far from Azerbaijans borders with Daghestan and Georgia.

Long Time Coming

Hadzhimuradov says his relatives first sought the return of their ancestor's skull from Soviet authorities in the 1930s. But he, activists, and many of Murads other relatives also petitioned the Kremlin in 2017.



That was followed later that year by a strong appeal from mercurial Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, who first called for Russian officials to bury the mummified body of Vladimir Lenin while also requesting that Murads head be returned to the Caucasus where it, too, could be properly laid to rest.



"Both Lenin's body as well as that of Hadji Murat...whose head is to this day kept in a museum in St. Petersburg -- should be buried," he said.

Kadyrov's widely publicized call did not sit well with many Daghestanis, who saw it as unwanted interference in their republic's affairs.



"Solving the reunification of the remains of Hadji Murat and their burial is the prerogative of his descendants," said Magomedrasul Magomedrasulov, a representative of the Leo Tolstoy and Daghestan Heritage Committee.



Murad is viewed by many as a national hero in the North Caucasus, a region that has been wracked by Islamic extremist violence, corruption, and poverty since the fall of the Soviet Union.



Many see the return and possible celebratory reuniting of Murads head with his body in a remote part of Azerbaijan -- a move that his relatives support -- as a way to bring tourism to the area.



If this monument is included on the list of tourist sites, it will definitely become popular with visitors given Hadji Murads historic significance and that he was Tolstoys character [in a famous book], Natiq Mantash, an Azerbaijani historian, told the Caucasian Knot website.

Tolstoy Favorite

Leo Tolstoy mythologized Hadji Murad with tales of wondrous fighting and grand escapes when he wrote the eponymous novella about him, published in 1912, two years after the legendary Russian writers death.



The book was seen as pointedly critical of Russias decades-long, bloody takeover of the Caucasus and made Tolstoy a beloved personality in the region, where he has towns named after him and societies and museums devoted to him.



As Maria Dmitriyevna, a character in Tolstoys fictional story said after seeing Russian soldiers reveling at the sight of Murads bloody head: You are butchers, and thats all there is to it. A dead body should be decently buried and they make mock of it.



But the idea of allowing the skull to return for burial in the Caucasus does not have everyones approval.



Magomedrasulov told RFE/RL late last year that a member of the Russian Academy of Sciences had queried: Is there any guarantee that people will fill dozens of buses and be proclaiming 'Allahu Akbar!' as they go to visit [Hadji Murads] tomb?"



Others suggested that the site of a reburied Hadji Murad could serve as a place of homage for extremists.



Official Azerbaijan has been silent about any possible burial, wary of stirring up ethnic tensions in a part of the country with a large population of Lezgins and Avars, the same ethnic group as Murad.



The Kunstkamera, which was founded by Peter the Great in the 18TH century, has a recent precedent in returning the skull of a famous rebel against Russian rule.



After years of unfulfilled requests by his relatives, Russian officials in 2016 returned the head of Kazakh nationalist leader Keiki Batyr.



Also known as Nurmaghanbet Kokembaiuly, Batyr was a main leader of the Kazakh uprising against tsarist Russia in 1916.



Killed by the Bolsheviks in 1923, he was beheaded and his skull sent to St. Petersburg and the Kunstkameras ghoulish exhibit.



In 1991, the museum said it held 457 skulls in its collection, many of them chopped-off heads of ethnic group leaders vanquished by Russian forces and given to tsars as proof of their death.



But the descendants of Hadji Murad are hopeful there will soon be one less Russian trophy-head in the St. Petersburg museum.



I hope [this dream of my ancestors and mine for his skull to be returned to us] will become a reality before I leave this world, the elderly Hadzhimuradov told journalists in Makhachkala in November 2018.

Written by Pete Baumgartner and based on reporting by RFE/RLs North Caucasus Service and Eurasianet.Serbian opposition supporters protested against the government for a ninth Saturday in a row on February 2. Protesters put stickers on the entrance doors to Serbia's public radio and television broadcaster, RTS, which they believe favors the government and ignores the opposition. The Saturday marches started after unknown thugs assaulted Serbian Left party leader Borko Stefanovic on November 23, 2018. The protesters initially called for an investigation into the attack and later added demands of resignations of top officials, including President Aleksandar Vucic.Note: We've recently updated our online systems. If you can't login please try resetting your password. You must login with an email address. If you don't have an email associated with your account email please call (208) 542-6777 for help.



We get it. You don't want to see the ads.

We'd just ask you to understand that those ads help us pay the bills  and our reporters. Please, consider white-listing the Standard Journal in your ad-blocker or, even better, purchase a subscription so that you can help support quality local journalism.TORRINGTON  A benefit dinner for Mason Gero, a local child who is in need of a heart transplant, will be held Saturday, March 2, 4-8 p.m. at the Columbia Club (Knights of Columbus Hall) 152 Litchfield St., Torrington.

Tickets are $10 per person and include pasta with meatballs, salad, bread and dessert, plus raffle prizes, a 50/50 raffle and music by a DJ. Tickets will be sold at the door. Residents are encouraged to attend the dinner and show their support to this local family.

According to event organizers, Masons first surgery in February 2018 was not successful in repairing his heart from congestive heart disease, and has required him to be listed for a heart transplant. His heart anatomy cannot last forever and due to his ventricular dysfunction (heart failure) he is no longer a candidate for another repair/surgery. It is too risky. Masons parents have been in the process of getting a second and third opinion for his next step. Until that time, they are playing the waiting game.

Mason will eventually end up in the hospital as his condition changes to await a heart or better yet a miracle. For now he is home, surrounded by love as he lives every day to the fullest. Our Heart Warrior as we so fondly call him has never stopped beating the odds. We wont stop praying for healing.

Red Cross babysitting course offered

MORRIS  A Red Cross babysitting course is being offered in Morris on Saturday, March 23, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. in the Community Room at the Morris Senior Center. The course is $70 per person; participants should bring their own lunch.

Created by industry-leading experts, the American Red Cross' Babysitting Basics class covers a wide range of information that can help new babysitters gain the skills and confidence needed to care for infants and children.

The course includes information on how to care for infants and children; what to do in an emergency and how to stay safe; choosing activities that are age appropriate; recognizing, understanding and handling certain behaviors; and starting a babysitting business. Recommended for those ages 11 to 15

Checks should be made payable to Jackie Nemcik. Co-sponsored by Morris Beach & Recreation and Warren Parks & Recreation.

Enrichment classes offered

LITCHFIELD  Foothills Adult & Continuing Education, a program of EdAdvance of Litchfield, covering Litchfield County, offers enrichment classes in computers, arts & crafts, recreation, finance, cooking, excursions, and are held at several locations. Register online www.edadvance.org, Adult Learners tab FOOTHILLS, or call 800-300-4781.

The Perfect Pair benefits library

NEW HARTFORD  The fifth annual The Perfect Pair: A chocolate & wine affair will be held Saturday, Feb. 23, 5:30-8 p.m., at the Bakerville Library Annex. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door and include wine, beer, liquor, and chocolate tasting, hors d'oeuvres, music, and door prizes, as well as special event prices on bottles ordered that night. Tastings are provided by Ledgebrook Spirit Shop in Winsted; chocolate crafters are to be announced. The event is for ages 21 and over.

For tickets, call the Friends of the Bakerville Library at 860-307-3243, or visit bakervillelibrary.org. Credit cards accepted.

For more information and updated chocolate offerings, visit bakervillelibrary.org.

5K race benefits suicide awareness

BETHLEHEM  The 3rd Annual Run for Hope 5k race will be held on Saturday, May 18 at the Bethlehem Fairgrounds. Registration is now open!.

The race is intended to raise awareness for suicide and mental health issues. Register at https//lcchrunforhope.itsyourrace.com

Hospital hosts Mental Health First Aid training

SHARON  To prepare communities with the knowledge and skills to help individuals experiencing a mental health problem or crisis, Sharon Hospital will host a Mental Health First Aid training program in February and April.

Eight-hour training sessions will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 17, and Saturday, April 20, in the hospitals Board Conference Room 2, 50 Hospital Hill Road.

This complimentary event is open to the public and has limited seating.

Additional sessions will be scheduled through the remainder of the year. They will be posted in the community calendar at healthquest.org when they become available.

The training, led by Jim Hutchison, clinical navigator at Sharon Hospital, will teach participants about common risk factors, warning signs of mental health issues, how to better assist someone experiencing a crisis, and offer concrete tools and answers to key questions such as What do I do? and Where can someone find help?

Participants only need to attend one of the eight-hour training sessions to complete the program.

Early intervention leads to early recovery, and we want to bring the training here to the tri-state community so our friends, family and neighbors will reap the benefits of this incredible program, Hutchison said.

Online registration is required. To register, visit healthquest.org/mentalhealthfirstaid.

For more information, contact Hutchison at jhutchis@health-quest.org or call 860-364-4493 (TTY: 800-842-9710).

TheatreWorks holding casting call

NEW MILFORD  TheatreWorks New Milford is seeking 2 males and 2 females ages 60 or older for Ronald Harwood's comedy, Quartet.

Auditions will be held Feb. 23, 3-6 p.m. and Feb. 24, 7-9 p.m. at TheatreWorks, 5 Brookside Avenue (20 Elm St Extension for GPS), New Milford.

The director is Jane Farnol of Kent. All roles are available, and both professionals and amateurs are welcome. TheatreWorks is a non-equity company and does not offer compensation.

Rehearsals begin in mid-March and the production runs weekends from April 26-May 18.

Actors should be prepared to read selected sides from the script with an English accent and bbring a headshot and resume. More information can be found at https://theatreworks.us/actors/index.php

For more information, contact the theatre at 860-350-6863 or email info@theatreworks.us.

.The theatre is located at 5 Brookside Avenue , just off Route 202 (next to CVS), in New Milford. Parking is located behind the Catherine E. Lillis Administration Building at 50 East Street, New Milford.Beckley, WV (25801)

Today

Scattered thunderstorms, some strong this evening, then cloudy with rain likely overnight. Damaging winds and large hail with some storms. Low 59F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms, some strong this evening, then cloudy with rain likely overnight. Damaging winds and large hail with some storms. Low 59F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%.Source:

February 03, 2019 20:40 IST

IMAGE: Congress president Rahul Gandhi during Jan Akanksha Rally at Gandhi Maidan, in Patna, on Sunday. Photograph: PTI Photo

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Sunday said his party would waive farm loans and give a big push to the food processing industry if voted to power in the Lok Sabha elections.

Alleging that the Centre's crop insurance scheme is 'aimed at taking away the hard-earned money of farmers to fill up the pockets of big businessmen', he promised that the Congress would initiate a number of steps to deal with farmers' distress and unemployment.

Gandhi said, his party's governments in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh waived farm loans within a few days of coming to power.

The Congress president, who was addressing the party's first rally in Patna in about three decades at the Gandhi Maidan, repeated his slogan 'chowkidaar hi chor hai' (the watchman is the thief) in an allusion to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Gandhi said that he had already told the chief ministers of Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh that these states should take the lead in ushering in the second Green Revolution.

"We will do what is needed for providing relief to farmers and jobs to youths. We will waive their debts and give a major boost to the food processing industry.

IMAGE: Gandhi with Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel during their Delhi-Patna flight, in New Delhi, on Sunday. Photograph: Handout Photo via PTI

"I have told the Chief Ministers of Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh that these states should take the lead in ushering in the second Green Revolution," he said.

"We fulfilled our promises in the three states within weeks of coming to power. We will do so across the country once elected at the Centre," the Congress president said.

He said the Congress would also ensure a minimum income for every poor person unlike the 'false promise' of Rs 15 lakh to all made by Modi ahead of the 2014 Lok Sabha polls that was never fulfilled.

"The winds of change are blowing. The Congress will win the next Lok Sabha polls with the help of allies and our alliance will also win the next Assembly polls in Bihar," Gandhi claimed.

After the rally, in a moving Facebook post in Hindi, he said, "Bihar has been the land of peace but when the time comes, it transforms into a land of revolution. Today, millions lent their voice to the call for change at Gandhi Maidan. We have to strengthen the hope it has roused. We have to build an India of the aspirations of Indians."

Addressing the rally, Gandhi accused the NDA government at the Centre of committing irregularities in the Rafale deal.

He said when the Congress was in power, it had started negotiating the Rafale deal, insisting that aircraft be manufactured at the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Bengaluru.

This would have benefitted jobless youths from Karnataka, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha etc but Modi changed all that, the Congress president said.

"He (Modi) undertook tours of various countries and came up with defence deals which would benefit only a private person like Anil Ambani. Manohar Parrikar, who was formerly the defence minister, expressed his disapproval and so did officers of the Indian Air Force, but Modi went on to have his way," Gandhi charged.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot were also present at the rally.

Alliance partners like Rashtriya Janata Dal's Tejashwi Yadav, former Union minister Sharad Yadav and ex-Bihar chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi were present at the rally.

Lamenting that Bihar has become 'a centre of unemployment' unlike the centre of learning" in the ancient times, Gandhi promised that in the event of his party coming to power at the Centre, Patna University would be granted central status.

It may be noted that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had made a fervent request for grant of central status to the university at its centenary celebrations in 2017 which was attended by PM Modi.

The prime minister had virtually rebuffed the plea stating that the system of granting central status had become outdated.

"Modi failed the youths of Bihar as he was unable to provide them jobs. When they went to BJP-ruled states like Maharashtra and Gujarat in search of livelihood, they faced physical assault and insults," the Congress president said.Source:

Last updated on: February 03, 2019 17:59 IST

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narender Modi with BJP state president Ravinder Raina and others during a public rally after laying the foundation stone of AIIMS and Jammu-Akhnoor four-lane Highway during his visit at Vijay Pur in Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir, on Sunday. Photograph: PTI Photo

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday took a swipe at the Opposition for criticising his government's farmers' income plan, saying people sitting in air-conditioned rooms in Delhi do not know the importance of Rs 6,000 for a poor farmer living in distant and difficult areas.

To woo distressed farmers ahead of the general elections, the Centre has in the Interim Budget announced direct income support of Rs 6,000 per year to those holding cultivable land up to two hectare.

Speaking at the inauguration and laying of foundation schemes of various schemes, Modi said, Leh and Ladakh will also be benefited by this.

"Most of farmers here fill this criterion and will get Rs 6,000 annually. It will be disbursed in three installments and first installment will reach soon. I will be sending guidelines to state government Sunday," he said.

Modi said during his days as a Bharatiya Janata Party worker in the region he used to get demands from people in Delhi to bring vegetables from Leh because of their quality.

"Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) is a phenomenal scheme for farmers. People sitting in air conditioned rooms in Delhi do not know what Rs 6,000 mean for a poor farmer living in distant and difficult areas of the country," he said.

Modi was in Leh to launch the first-ever university in Ladakh region.

It will be a cluster university comprising degree colleges of Leh, Kargil, Nubra, Zanskar, Drass and Khaltsi having administrative offices at Leh and Kargil.

The prime minister also laid foundation stone of the new terminal building of Kushok Bakula Rimpochee (KBR) Airport in Leh by unveiling the plaque.

The new terminal will be a modular, energy efficient and self-sustaining building of 18,985 sq. metres.

Modi also opened new tourist and trekking routes in Ladakh.

Ahead of elections, the prime minister also made a pitch for his return to the post, saying he will return to inaugurate schemes for which he is laying foundations stones today.

"I have inaugurated schemes which I had inaugurated earlier and I will come back to inaugurate schemes for which I am laying foundation stones today," he said.

He said the foundation stone for Rs 2,000 crore Leh-Kargil transmission line which will reduce power problems in the area was laid by him and he is inaugurating it too.

"Our work culture is different. Country has left behind work culture of delay and deflect ('Latkane' aur 'Bhatkane'). I have to oust this culture from the country in the coming five years. It is ensured that the project which is initiated is completed on time," he said.

He said weather brings to you a lot of hardship and the central government is committed to alleviate these problems of the area.

He said he has inaugurated and laid foundation stones of schemes and projects worth Rs 3,000 crore.

"The projects which have been inaugurated or whose foundation stones have been laid will improve not only the power situation but also connectivity of Leh region with other cities of the country, tourism, employment and education for the youth of the country," he said.

The climate of Leh is so great that if we create good education institutions, youths from across India will like to come here to study.

"We have to dream these things. In my mind I have such dreams," he said.

He said central is expanding connectivity to this region through Railways and Airways.

"Work on railway connectivity and new airport terminal is going on. No thought was spared to expand 30 year old building. Today I have laid foundation stone for new building and soon it will be inaugurated too," he said.

He said the terminal will provide ultra modern facilities and enhanced passenger handling.

"The survey on Bilaspur Mandi railway line has started. Some places work has started. Once completed, Leh to Delhi distance will reduce. Roads get disconnected during winters. This line will reduce this problem to a large extent," he said.

The PM said Leh is a important destination for spirituality, scenic beauty, art, culture, and adventure sports.

"To improve tourism, five new trekking routes have been opened. The Centre has increased duration of protected area permit from 7 to 15 days.This will help tourists to take their time to enjoy their visits and increase employment of the youths," he said.

Modi said three lakh tourists have visited the area and one lakh have gone to Kargil which shows that more than half of tourists in Jammu and Kashmir have come to Leh.

Forty percent of Leh population comprises young students who have been demanding a University which has been fulfilled today, he said.

This cluster University will use resources of degree colleges running in Leh, Nubra, Zanskar, Kargil, he said.

"Government is trying to reach people who have not been getting the benefit development. The Government has also taken a big decision for nomadic tribes who are difficult to reach for extending government benefits," he said.

The government has decided to form a welfare development board for these people so that development benefits reach them quickly, he said.

"The budget of central government has emphasised on development of SC and ST. 30 per cent increase in funds for the budget of ST while 35 per cent increase in funds for SC community," he said.

"I am happy that Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council Act has been amended to give more powers to the Council in financial areas," he said.

"Now you do not have to go to Srinagar and Jammu for your needs. Most of the works will be completed here", he said.

Later in Jammu, attacking the Congress over its promise of farm loan waiver, Modi said on Sunday that the party uses the measure only to win elections.

The Congress had promised to waive farmers' loans worth Rs 6 lakh crore in 2008-09, but it gave a loan relief of Rs 52,000 crore only after coming to power, he claimed.

"CAG report found that about 25-30 lakh people who got loan waiver were not even eligible for it," Modi said at a rally at Vijaypur in Jammu.

Ridiculing the loan waivers given by the Congress in Madhya Pradesh, the prime minister said some beneficiaries have been given cheques of Rs 13 only.

He said under his direct benefit transfer PM-KISAN scheme, Rs 75,000 crore will be allocated annually. It means Rs 7.50 lakh crore will be deposited in farmers' accounts in the next 10 years.

The scheme aims to cover 90 per cent of the farmers who have less than five acres of land. Rs 6,000 will be transferred to their accounts annually in three equal installments of Rs 2,000 each, he said.

"People know the track record of the country's 'naamdar'. They get 'fever' of loan waivers just before elections... They try to act as 'messiah' of farmers by announcing farm loan waivers once in 10 years," he said referring to the United Progressive Alliance rule.

Ironically, the BJP had also announced loan waivers for farmers in Uttar Pradesh ahead of assembly elections in 2017.

After assuming power, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had announced loan waivers of up to Rs 1 lakh relating to small and marginal farmers.

Making a strong pitch for the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, Modi said his government would stand with the children of 'Maa Bharti' who have faced persecution in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh.

Addressing a rally in Vijaypur, Modi said 'there are many children of Maa Bharti who have faced persecution in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh... We will stand with those who were part of India at one time, but got separated from us' due to the Partition in 1947.

Targeting the Congress for its opposition to the piece of legislation, he said that party, when it was in power, did not pay 'attention of the pain of our brothers and sisters'.

"But we have brought the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill with a commitment... If they are discriminated on the basis of faith, the country will stand up with them," the prime minister said.

He also referred to the Kartarpur Corridor issue to target the Congress.

"The previous governments had the tendency to ignore the necessities and sentiments of the country. You are well aware of that.

"Take Kartarpur corridor issue for instance. Had they paid attention, then the land of Guru Nanak Dev would have been a part of India," Modi said, referring to the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur in Pakistan where Sikhism founder Guru Nanak had settled.

Modi addressed public meetings in Leh and Vijaypur in Jammu, after inaugurating several development projects in Jammu and Kashmir.

He said the BJP-led government at the Centre was dedicated to the causes of Kashmiri Pandits, who had to abandon their homes in Kashmir Valley in the wake of spread of terrorism.

"They had to leave their homeland, the pain that they had to undergo, I have never said this but their pain is within me too," Modi said.

Modi on Sunday laid foundation stones for several development projects, including an All India Institute of Medical Sciences and an Indian Institute of Mass Communication, in Jammu.

Modi said setting up of new AIIMS would transform health care facilities and will also provide new opportunities to the youth.

The people of Jammu protested for almost two months for setting up of AIIMS in the region.

The National Conference and the Congress also staged demonstrations here in support of the demand.

The proposed AIIMS will be a 700-bedded hospital.

The prime minister said Rs 750 crore has been granted to the state for setting up of five new medical colleges.

"The sessions will start soon (in these medical colleges). From the last 70 years, there were only 500 (MBBS) seats, but the BJP government has now doubled the seats," Modi said.

He also laid the foundation stone for northern regional centre campus of IIMC in Jammu. It will be set up at a cost of Rs 16 crore.

"It is moment of pride for us that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has laid the foundation for IIMC campus here," said IIMC Director General K G Suresh.

In addition, 15 acres of land has already been earmarked for setting up of a permanent campus in Kotbalwal area of Jammu city, he said.

The prime minister laid the foundation stone for 624-MW Kiru hydroelectric project in Kishtwar. It is a run-of-the-river project across the Chenab and once completed, it will generate 2272 million units of electricity annually.

He inaugurated the 9-MW Dah hydroelectric project. Located in Dah near village Datang, this project is a run-of-the-river scheme.

Modi also dedicated to the nation the 220-KV Srinagar-Alusteng-Drass-Kargil-Leh transmission system. The foundation stone of the prestigious project was laid by Modi in August 2014.

He laid the foundation stone for 1,640-metre span double-lane bridge over the Chenab river in Sajwal.Source:

February 02, 2019 18:37 IST

IMAGE: BJP president Amit Shah during the Haridwar-Tehri Lok Sabha Trishakti Sammelan in Dehradun, on Saturday. Photograph: PTI Photo

Bharatiya Janata Party president Amit Shah on Saturday said a Ram temple should be built in Ayodhya at the earliest and dared the Congress to spell out its own stand on the issue.

"The Kumbh fair is on and it is only natural that the demand for a Ram temple is being raised," he said at a meeting of the party's booth-level workers in Dehradun, virtually launching the BJP's campaign in Uttarakhand for the Lok Sabha polls.

"The BJP's stand has always been clear on the issue and I want to declare today that the Ram Temple in Ayodhya should be built at the earliest. Will Rahul Gandhi too define his stand on the issue?" Shah said to loud cheers of Jai Shri Ram.

At the Parade Ground meeting, the BJP chief also hit out at opposition attempts to forge a 'mahagathbandhan', or a grand alliance, for the parliamentary elections just months away.

He accused the Congress of putting up obstacles to the temple's construction through 'its lawyers' in the Supreme Court.

Shah was referring to a plea in 2017 by Kapil Sibal, who was representing the Sunni Waqf Board, to postpone hearings in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute till the Lok Sabha elections are over.

"The Congress should come forward and explain why it had sought deferment of the hearing in the country's oldest title suit," Shah said.

The Supreme Court had turned down the plea.

Shah contrasted this with the recent petition by the BJP government in the Supreme Court, seeking to return the land around the disputed Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid site to its original owners.

His remarks follow increasing demands on the BJP-led government from Hindutva organisations, and seers who held meetings at the Kumbh Mela recently, to ensure an early construction of the temple.

Shah called the mahagathbandhan' a desperate coming together of political forces opposed to each other as they cannot think of taking on Modi alone.

"The bua-bhatija (aunt and nephew) have come together in UP. Do you think they will stay together," he said, referring to the alliance between the Bahujan Samaj Party's Mayawati and the Samajwadi Party's Akhilesh Yadav in Uttar Pradesh.

"Who is going to listen to a Chandrababu Naidu at a public meeting in Haldwani or a Deve Gowda in Dehradun? They are leaders of regional parties with a limited appeal," the BJP leader said.

"Their only aim is 'Modi Hatao' (Remove Modi) whereas Modi wants to remove poverty, corruption and disease," he said.

He said casteism and dynastic politics had no future in the country and urged people to bring back Modi with a clear mandate if they wanted a government capable of delivering on its promises.

He asked them to ensure that the party wins all the five Lok Sabha seats in Uttarakhand, as it did in 2014.

"Uttarakhand is Prime Minister Narendra Modi's priority," he said and referred to the makeover of Kedarnath after the 2013 floods.

He praised the interim Budget presented Friday, saying it took care of all sections of society, particularly farmers, women, the poor and the marginalised.

Highlighting the Budget provisions for the farmers, he mocked the Congress.

"Do you understand the difference between Rabi and Kharif? Do you know the problems of the farmers? Have you really connected with them ever?" he said, without naming anyone.

Shah credited the Modi government with implementing the One Rank One Pension scheme for military veterans, saying successive Congress governments had failed to achieve this.

He said the booth-level workers are the party's real strength and they alone can steer it to a thumping victory.

Shah said coming to address their meeting reminded him of his initial days in the party.

"This is possible only in a party like BJP which is governed by democratic principles. A small party worker like me who pasted party posters on poles and pillars rose to become its president and a tea seller's son the country's prime minister," he said.Source:

February 03, 2019 09:29 IST

Seven young students from different parts of the country had a surprise dinner interaction with Congress president Rahul Gandhi where over Chinese food they shared their ideas about improving the lives of people and were promised that some may be included in the party manifesto.

IMAGE: The group of seven youngsters from Delhi, Assam, Assam, Maharashtra, Kerala and Uttar Pradesh were surprised when Rahul Gandhi walked into the upmarket Chinese food joint as they had been told that will have an interaction with Congress party, but not that it will be the party president himself. Photograph: Ravi Choudhary/PTI Photo

From bringing out Congress manifesto in Braille, setting up gender-neutral toilets to steps for removing inequalities in education system and caste discrimination in society, the conversation touched diverse issues as the youngsters opened up to a warm and affable Gandhi.

With the crucial Lok Sabha polls drawing near, Gandhi has started the outreach Apni Baat Rahul ke saath and this group of seven youngsters from Delhi, Assam, Assam, Maharashtra, Kerala and Uttar Pradesh were the first to interact with him.

Gandhi will have several such sessions with students.

Critics might point out that the Congress has often mocked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for engaging with students, including his recent interaction with Class X and XII students Pariksha Pe Charcha programme, and his radio programme Mann ki Baat.

But Congress leaders say Rahul Gandhis interactions are more personal, where he takes out time to listen to the people, a view endorsed by Pratishtha Deveshwar, a Delhi University student studying political science in Lady Shriram College.

IMAGE: The meeting with the students is part of Rahul's outreach Apni Baat Rahul ke saath. Gandhi will have several such sessions with students. Photograph: Ravi Choudhary/PTI Photo

He is not an I know everything kind of person and he was open to a conversation and discussion in trying to understand things, said Deveshwar who was in the group that interacted with Gandhi for nearly two hours.

Such a friendly humble person, he was actually serving me from his plate. You do not expect such things from a person of this stature. It really breaks the ice between the big politicians and the aam aadmi, she said.

Abhilash Karri, an IIT student from Mumbai, recalls how surprised they were when they saw a beaming Rahul Gandhi walking into the dining area of an upmarket Chinese food joint in New Delhi on late Friday evening where they sat. The students had been told that will have an interaction with Congress party, but not that it will be the party president himself.

The meeting was informally structured with Gandhi hearing the new age voters on their priorities for themselves and their countrymen.

IMAGE: One of the students at the meeting, Pratishtha Deveshwar, a Delhi University student studying political science in Lady Shriram College, said that Rahul was an I know everything kind of person and he was open to a conversation and discussion in trying to understand things. Photograph: Ravi Choudhary/PTI Photo

Among the invitees was an LGBTQ rights activist who suggested gender neutral toilets for the trans people in order to ensure they are not body shamed.

Kunal Ramteke of the prestigious Tata Institute of Social Sciences said he discussed caste based discrimination with Gandhi and described the Congress chief as one who is sensitive towards the issue. I hope he will implement suggestions to end caste based discrimination.... His talk was very inspirational, he said.

During his conversation, Karri said he stressed on making education accessible to all by introducing a fee structure which can be afforded by the underprivileged.

We need to evolve our own ideology suited to Indian conditions.

We also discussed the effects of 10 per cent reservation to the upper caste poor, he said.

I did not know that he was coming. It was great moment for me, he said.

IMAGE: Issues such as caste based discrimination and issues affecting the LGBTQ community were also discussed. Photograph: Ravi Choudhary/PTI Photo

Karri said the good schemes brought by one party need to be continued by another as our ultimate aim should be to serve the country.

Deveshwar said Gandhi told her that he will work on issues like making colleges and universities more accessible.

I also suggested that the Congress needs to come out with its manifesto in Braille, that is for people who are visually impaired. That is the first step that the parties can take in this regard and he has assured me that they will do this, she said.

About Gandhis response, he said, He told me that you are pretty impressive for a 20-year-old, which is a compliment that I am going to hold onto myself for my entire life. He knows how to give importance to everyone.

Rohan Reje Mathews, an engineering student in Dharwaad and LGBTQ activist, said the interaction was pretty nice.

He was articulate. I would be somebody who would take him seriously. We need to be taken seriously, we cannot be taken for a joy ride and our lives matter. Transwomen are being murdered everyday and transmen need attention. The gay men, lesbians all require attention from the community and the government as these are oppressed, ostracised people, he said.

IMAGE: Another student said that Rahul told him that he was 'pretty impressive for a 20-year-old' -- a compliment that he would hold onto for the rest of his life. Photograph: Ravi Choudhary/PTI Photo

Gandhi promised to put him across to those involved in drafting the manifesto for the Congress party.

We would be happy to discuss our issues with the party so that they can be added to the manifesto. Our concerns are surrogacy laws, civil marriage laws and gender neutral bathrooms and not third gender bathrooms. We cannot be body shamed any longer. Trans-men need to be given more attention, he said.

Shemaila Ali Khan, an MBBS student from Delhi, said she highlighted before Gandhi the issue of girls education in Muslim community.

Anil Kumar Maurya, a law student from Agra in Uttar Pradesh, discussed the issue of atrocities against Dalits and expressed the hope that the Congress party would take it up.Source:

February 03, 2019 14:25 IST

Pakistan has no intention to interfere in India's internal matters and New Delhi should not make an issue out of his telephonic conversation with Kashmiri separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has said.

India on Wednesday summoned Pakistan envoy Sohail Mahmood and categorically told him that Qureshi's telephonic conversation was a 'brazen attempt' to subvert India's unity and violate its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Mahmood was 'cautioned' by Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale that persistence of such behaviour will have 'implications'.

Talking to the media in Multan on Saturday, Qureshi said that Pakistan has no intention to interfere in the internal matters of India, but New Delhi should also stop blaming Islamabad for its problems, Dawn News reported.

The foreign minister acknowledged that he spoke with Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz and India should not make it an issue.

"We want to resolve the Kashmir dispute through dialogue but India is making undue hue and cry," Qureshi was quoted as saying by The Express Tribune.

"Issues are emerging in India but Pakistan has no role in that," he said.

Qureshi said that he would highlight Pakistan's view point on Kashmir issue at an event in the House of Common in London this week.

The foreign minister said that election in India was an internal matter and Islamabad would try to hold talks with the new government if it wanted to work with Pakistan.

India has made it clear to Pakistan that talks and terrorism cannot go together.

Pakistan's relations with many countries have improved because of successful diplomacy of the incumbent government, he claimed.

He said Saudi crown prince would visit Pakistan this month. "New agreements will be signed during his visit," Qureshi said.

The Pakistan Foreign Office said Tuesday that Qureshi spoke with the Hurriyat leader and discussed with him efforts of Pakistan government to highlight the Kashmir issue.

In New Delhi, the Ministry of External Affairs asserted that the entire Jammu and Kashmir 'has been, is and shall remain the integral part of India and that Pakistan has no locus standi in any matters related to the State of Jammu and Kashmir, has been made clear again to the High Commissioner of Pakistan'.

According to the government sources in New Delhi, India was particularly anguished over Pakistan's statement on Tuesday, sharing details of the conversation that centred around the Kashmir issue.

Though Pakistani leaders may have telephoned separatists in Kashmir in the past but perhaps, it was the first time in recent years that Islamabad put out a statement highlighting the talking points which New Delhi felt was a clear case of violation of the red lines, the sources said.

Meanwhile, Pakistan's major political parties issued a joint declaration at the end of All Parties Kashmir Conference on Saturday and said that peace in the region was not possible without resolving the Kashmir issue.

The declaration called on the Pakistan government to prepare an effective foreign policy to resolve the long-standing issue of Kashmir.Source:

February 03, 2019 12:40 IST

A sessions court in Mumbai has issued non-bailable warrants against two Pakistan Army officials -- Major Abdul Rehman Pasha and Major Iqbal -- in connection with the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks case.

While Major Pasha has retired, the prosecution believes Major Iqbal is still serving as an Inter-Services Intelligence official in Pakistan, as disclosed by United States born Lashkar-e-Tayiba terrorist David Coleman Headley, an approver in the case.

Both Major Iqbal and Major Pasha are shown as wanted accused in the charge sheet filed by the city police's crime branch in the case.

Additional Sessions Judge S V Yarlagadda on January 21 allowed an application filed by special public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam.

The application was filed before the court which is presently conducting trial against alleged LeT operative Sayyed Zabiuddin Ansari alias Abu Jundal in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks case.

Nikam said in the application that the role of the two Pakistani Army officials was revealed further during the testimony of Headley on the conspiracy hatched in the case.

Headley, who is presently lodged in a US jail, turned approver in the case and his testimony was recorded via video conference in 2016.

"David Headley's testimony has vindicated the stand of India that the terror attacks of November 26, 2008 were not only sponsored by militant groups of Pakistan but were, in fact, actively supported by Pakistan Army officials," Nikam told PTI.

Judge Yarlagadda, after perusing the application, supplementary charge sheet filed by the crime branch and hearing brief arguments from Nikam, said he was allowing the application.

"The application filed by the prosecution for issuance of non-bailable warrant against the two persons (Pasha and Iqbal) is allowed. These two persons are shown as wanted suspects. The approver, David Headley, has named them in his evidence," the court said.

"Hence, issue non-bailable warrants against both the accused persons," the court ordered and posted the matter for further hearing on February 6.

Headley in his testimony before the court here had claimed that during the conspiracy to commit the terror attacks in Mumbai, Major Iqbal and Major Pasha were present in the meetings during which targets were selected.

LeT operatives Sajeed Mir, Abu Kaahfa and Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi were also present in the meetings, Headley had said.

Nikam said Headley's oral testimony is not the only evidence against these two persons (Pasha and Iqbal) and that the prosecution also has in its possession corroborative documentary evidence.

Headley had visited Mumbai in September 2006 and informed Major Iqbal about his surveillance of Hotel Taj in south Mumbai and on his return to Pakistan, he had handed over photographs and videos of the same.

He also said that Major Iqbal gave him USD 25,000 to do intelligence work in India.

Headley further claimed that Major Iqbal had asked him to also get classified information about Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) here and of political party Shiv Sena's office, 'Sena Bhawan', located in central Mumbai.

He said he had also received Rs 80,000 from Major Pasha for carrying out surveillance work in India.

According to Nikam, Headley had been in regular contact with Major Pasha during the course of the conspiracy, planning and execution of the attack.

"It is pertinent to note that Headley in his testimony had said Pasha wanted the National Defence College in New Delhi also to be included in the target list and had, in fact, told Headley that if the attack on the army college was successful then they would be able to kill more brigadiers and generals than they have in the past," Nikam said.

On November 26, 2008, 10 Pakistani terrorists arrived by sea route and opened fire indiscriminately, killing 166 people, including 18 security personnel, and injuring several others, besides damaging property worth crores.

The attacks lasted three days. The places that were attacked included south Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus railway station, the Taj Hotel, the Trident Hotel, Cafe Leopold and Chabad House.

While nine of the terrorists were killed during the siege, Ajmal Kasab was caught alive by Mumbai Police and later awarded death sentence.Source:

February 03, 2019 20:20 IST

Veteran Manipuri filmmaker Aribam Syam Sharma on Sunday said that he would return the Padma Shri as a mark of protest against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2016, terming it 'anti-Northeast'.

The 83-year-old director, known for Manipuri films such as Olangthagee Wangmadasu, Imagi Ningthem and Ishanou, was bestowed with the country's fourth highest civilian honour in 2006.

He said the plea of the Northeast people to not let the bill pass was not being heard by the Centre.

"The bill is against the interest of the Northeast and its people, especially in Manipur. All the leaders of the states in the Northeast have already requested the central government to reconsider (on the bill's passage).

"But yesterday when I was following the news, our honourable prime minister announced that the bill would be passed soon. He also requested the chief minister of West Bengal to help him pass the bill. That means the government, rather the BJP, is determined to pass this bill. They are not listening to us," Sharma told PTI.

Citing the example of Tripura, the filmmaker said history would repeat itself in Manipur if the bill is passed.

"We have already seen this in Tripura. Tripuris are having no say in Tripura... The population of Manipur is only 28-29 lakhs, which is less than the population of a district in Uttar Pradesh.

"The smaller states like Nagaland, Mizoram and Meghalaya have protection. Even then they are protesting because if the bill is passed the indigenous people will have no place. They will be wiped out. It may not happen now, but it will happen 50 years from today," he said.

Sharma said returning the award was the only way in which he could raise his voice against the bill.

"I'm not a politician. I'm not at all concerned with the politics. I'm just a filmmaker. I have seen a lot in life. But this is the worst. If the bill passes, there will be no place for us. This is against the Northeast.

"I can't do anything else. This is the only way in which I can protest... We feel neglected. Some kind of racial differences are happening... If not paid attention, the consequences will be severe. I'm worried about this," he said.

Addressing a rally in West Bengal on Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a strong pitch for the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, insisting it would bring "justice and respectability" to those who faced religious persecution.

"India got Independence after splitting it into pieces. People thought they can make a living in the country of their choice, but there they faced atrocities and torture because of communal malice... Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Parsis.

"It was because of this that we brought the Citizenship Bill. These people have no place to go other than India. Should they not be given justice and respectability? I ask the TMC to support the Bill and facilitate its passage in Parliament," he said.

The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill seeks to grant nationality to religious minorities such as Hindus, Sikhs and Parsis from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh after six years of stay in India, instead of the currently required 12 years.

Protests were witnessed in different parts of the country, particularly the Northeast, over the Bill which has been passed by Lok Sabha.Out of 25 active IFC fraternities at the university, only 10 have Instagram pages, eight of which have posted once within the past two years. By comparison, all 19 of the active Panhellenic sororities at the university maintain active Instagram accounts, all of which have posted regularly in the past year.Dancers perform in traditional outfits at India Night, an event organized by the University of Georgia Indian Cultural Exchange on Feb. 2, 2019 at the Classic Center in Athens, Georgia. The event showcased different dance teams from around the country blending traditional Indian dance with contemporary themes. (Photo/Julian Alexander)Asylum processes at the U.S.-Mexico border in Tijuana, unpaid labor for those incarcerated and a documentary regarding the human remains found at the University of Georgias Baldwin Hall in 2015 were among the topics the Athens for Everyone board of directors discussed on Monday night.Riverside County, and the rest of the state, reopened June 15 with capacity limits and physical distancing requirements removed for most businesses and events. However, other safety measures may be needed based on the type of business or event.Traverse City, MI (49684)

Today

Some clouds. Low 43F. Winds NNW at 10 to 20 mph, becoming SW and decreasing to less than 5 mph..

Tonight

Some clouds. Low 43F. Winds NNW at 10 to 20 mph, becoming SW and decreasing to less than 5 mph.Leupold announced 2018 was a year of success and one which broke previous company records. In 2018, Leupold said they built more riflescopes than years prior. This is promising news, considering some people believe the industry is in a gun-sales-slump.

In a press release, the company said:

American Success Story: Leupold Sets Company Record for Riflescopes Built in a Year

BEAVERTON, Ore.  Leupold & Stevens, Inc., has set a new company record, having manufactured more riflescopes in its Beaverton, Oregon factory in 2018 than any previous calendar year to date.

New-for-2018 launches like the Mark 5HD and VX-Freedom line were adopted immediately by consumers throughout the marketplace  and were also quick to become award-winning products. The companys top-tier Gold Ring riflescopes, the VX-5HD and VX-6HD, were in heavy demand, as were the VX-3i and VX-3i LRP lines.

Our riflescopes are  and always have been  the most rugged and reliable optics in the industry, said Bruce Pettet, President and Chief Executive Officer for Leupold & Stevens, Inc. Our core consumers continue to demand more every year, and our entire team responded with a relentless effort. Every Leupold riflescope comes straight from our Beaverton factory, and Im proud to say that more than 700 hardworking Americans came together to help make 2018 the single most productive year the company has ever had. I want to sincerely thank our retail partners, distributors  both domestic and international  and our loyal Leupold consumers for their support.

Leupold began building riflescopes more than 70 years ago, after Marcus Leupold  son of Fred, the legendary co-founder of Leupold & Stevens, Inc.  threw aside a scope that failed him on hunt in his native state of Oregon and vowed to build something better. That spirit of innovation and a relentless dedication to American manufacturing continues to thrive to this day in the companys halls.

Weve built our riflescopes in Oregon since the very beginning, and thats not going to change, Pettet said. Every Leupold product thats meant to be mounted on a firearm is designed, machined, and assembled right here in the United States  and theres no other major optics manufacturer in the industry that can say the same.

For more information on Leupold products, please visit us at Leupold.com.

Join the discussion on Facebook, Facebook.com/LeupoldOptics, on Twitter at Twitter.com/LeupoldOptics or on Instagram at Instagram.com/LeupoldOptics.

Founded in Oregon more than a century ago, Leupold & Stevens, Inc. is a fifth generation, family owned company that designs, machines and assembles its riflescopes, mounting systems and tactical/Gold Ring spotting scopes in the USA. The product lines include rifle, handgun and spotting scopes; binoculars; rangefinders; mounting systems; and optical tools, accessories and Pro Gear.Property details:

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Nearby ResidentialChina is building specialized nuclear warheads so potent that a single one may be enough to devastate America with its enhanced electromagnetic pulse (EMP), according to a report the Department of Defense (DoD) recently declassified.

The report, Nuclear EMP Attack Scenarios and Combined-Arms Cyber Warfare, was written by Dr. Peter Vincent Pry for a congressionally mandated commission investigating the threat from EMPs to the United States.WWE WORLDS COLLIDE REPORT: WHO EARNS A FUTURE TITLE MATCH IN NXT, NXT UK, OR 205 LIVE?

We are in Phoenix, Arizona and your announcers are Tom Phillips and Byron Saxton.

Match Number One: Bracket Determining Battle Royal

We are told that the order of elimination will determine the first round matches and the winner of the battle royal will get a first round bye.

Tyler Bate, Jordan Devlin, Mark Andrews, Travis Banks, and Zack Gibson represent NXT UK. Humberto Carrillo, Drew Gulak, Tony Nese, TJP, and Cedric Alexander represent 205 Live. Velveteen Dream, Dominik Dijakovic, Shane Thorne, Keith Lee, and Adam Cole represent NXT.

The bell rings and people pair up with Cole going after Lee while Devlin and Thorne battle. Bate is sent to the apron while TJP hangs on to the ropes and stays in the match. Carrillo punches Gibson. Alexander goes after Thorne while Dream sends Andrews to the apron. Gibson eliminates Carrillo. TJP with a full nelson on Bate while Lee eliminates Gibson while Gibson taunts Carrillo.

Gibson and Carrillo push each other and have words as they are sent to the back. Cedric Alexander has been eliminated by Velveteen Dream. Thorne hangs on ot the ropes as Drewam tries to eliminate him. Dream with a double sledge off the turnbuckles to Devlin. Drew tries to eliminate Dream but Dream holds on. Dream rolls back into the ring. Gulak tries to suplex Dream to the floor but Dream holds on to the ropes.

Nese is sent to the apron and Dijakovic tries to send Tony to the floor. Dream sends Gulak to the apron but Drew slides back into the ring. Dreawm holds on and rolls back into the ring when Gulak tries to eliminate Dream. Dream kicks Gulak to get back into the ring. Devlin stays in the ring as Banks tries to eliminate him. Bate with punches to Dijakovic. Dijakovic with forearms to Bate and he clotheslines Bate over the top rope to eliminate Tyler. Banks stops Lee from eliminating Gulak.

Everyone goes after Lee and Lee pushes them away. Lee and Dijakovic square off but Nese, Thorne, and Cole get involved. Dream with forearms to Dijakovic and Dream almost goes to the floor but he holds on to the ropes and gets back into the ring. Thorne and Dream appear to have an alliance but Thorne tries to eliminate Dream but Dream is the one to send Thorne over the top rope to the floor. Dijakovic with a forearm to Dream and Dream holds on to the ropes. Devlin and TJP work over Lee in the corner. Devlin is sent into the turnbuckles. TJP and Nese work over Cole. Nese with a forearm and then TJP and Nese send Cole over the top rope but he land son the apron. Cole fights his way back into the ring but Dijakovic with forearms but Cole holds on. Cole tries to get back into the ring and Nese with a knee and Cole is eliminated thanks to a slingshot side kick from TJP.

Lee and Dream go for suplexes and Dream goes to the apron. Gulak kicks Dream. TJP holds on to the ropes and Andrews tries to eliminate him but TJP kicks Andrews and gets back in. Nese chops Andrews and Dijakovic does the same. Andrews fights back and chops Dominik and Tony. Nese sends Andrews over the top rope but Andrews holds on. Meanwhile, Keith Lee eliminates Drew Gulak. Andrews chops Dijakovic and connects with a series of forearms. Dijakovic catches Andrews and holds on for back breaker and tosses Andrews over the top rope to eliminate him.

Dijakovic with a forearm to Devlin while Dream tries to send Lee over the top rope but Dreams back gives out. Banks tries to eliminate TJP but TJP holds on to the ropes and applies a triangle. Devlin punches Lee. TJP tries for a suplex on Dijakovic while Devlin and Dream work over Lee and Devlin with a forearm to Lee. Dijakovic suplexes TJP and Nese. Devlin and Banks with kicks but Banks sends Devlin to the apron. Devlin avoids Banks and Banks goes to the apron. Devlin kicks Banks in the knees to eliminate him. Devlin goes to the floor and sends Banks into the ring steps and hits a spinning toe hold knee drop. Devlin stomps on the injured leg. Dream holds on to the ropes and stays on but TJP tries to kick Dream to the floor.

Nese holds on to the ropes while TJP and Dream fight on the apron. TJP with punches but Dream with a punch. Lee and Dijakovic exchange chops in the ring. Dream sends TJP back into the ring. Lee is sent to the apron by Dijakovic but Lee holds on. Lee with a punch and Nese and Dream go after Lee and so do Devlin and TJP. Dijakovic with a cyclone boot and eliminates Lee. Devlin, TJP, Dream, and Nese eliminate Dijakovic.

The final four are TJP, Tony Nese, Jordan Devlin, and Velveteen Dream. Nese and TJP discuss strategy while Dream has something to say to Devlin. Devlin tells Dream to go after Nese and TJP while he watches. Dream punches Nese and TJP and then he punches Devlin. Nese and TJP work over Dream in the corner. Nese with a hard Irish whip to Devlin. Dream with a chop to TJP. TJP is sent to the apron and Dream with punches to TJP and Devlin. Dream sends TJP over the ring post to the floor to eliminate him.

Devlin and Dream try to eliminate Nese. Nese kicks Dream in the corner and he does the same with Devlin. Nese with an Irish whip and Devlin lands hard in the corner. Nese kicks Dream. Dream with chops and Nese with forearms and jabs. Dream goes to the apron and holds on. Nese kicks Dream and tries to send him to the floor. Devlin hits Nese from behind. Nese sends Devli over the top rope but Jordan holds on to the ropes. Dream with punches but Nese with a forearm.

Dream avoids Nese and Dream clotheslines Nese over the top rope. Dream holds on and gets back into the ring but Devlin drop kicks Dream over the top rope to the floor.

Winner: Jordan Devlin

Your first round matches are:

Zack Gibson versus Humberto Carrillo

Cedric Alexander versus Tyler Bate

Shane Thorne versus Adam Cole

Drew Gulak versus Mark Andrews

Travis Banks versus Keith Lee

Dominik Dijakovic versus TJP

Tony Nese versus Velveteen Dream

Jordan Devlin (bye)

We go to the Worlds Collide Control Center with Charly Caruso.

We see the brackets for the tournament and in one quarter, we have Dominik Dijakovic versus TJP and Tyler Bate versus Cedric Alexander. The winner of that quarter will face the winner of the quarter featuring Adam Cole versus Shane Thorne and Keith Lee versus Travis Banks. On the other side is the quarter with Jordan Devlin facing the winner of Drew Gulak versus Mark Andrews. The winner of that quarter will face the winner of the quarter with Velveteen Dream versus Tony Nese and Humberto Carrillo versus Zack Gibson.

Match Number Two: Zack Gibson versus Humberto Carrillo in a First Round Worlds Collide Tournament Match

Gibson attacks Carrillo before the match starts and Gibson continues the attack once the bell rings. Gibson with a forearm and he Irish whips Carrillo but Carrillo floats over and flips away. Carrillo with a springboard sunset flip but Gibson does not go over. Carrillo gets a near fall. Carrillo with kicks and a springboard arm drag. Carrillo with a drop kick.

Gibson with a double thrust to the throat after the referee tells Carrillo to break. Gibson with punches. Gibson gets a near fall. Gibson with a cobra clutch. Gibson with a suplex and then he kicks Carrillo in the head. Gibson with a clothesline for a near fall. Gibson with a half nelson and chin lock. Carrillo backs Gibson into the turnbuckles but Gibson maintains the hold. Carrillo with a handspring back elbow. Carrillo is sent to the apron and he hits a missile drop kick followed by a rolling moonsault for a near fall. Gibson with an arm drag but Carrillo lands on his feet and hits an enzuigiri for a near fall.

Carrillo goes up top and lands on his feet on a moonsault when Gibson moves. Gibson drops Carrillo onto the top rope and then he hits a double knee gutbuster for a near fall. Carrillo lands on his feet on a German suplex attempt. Gibson gets a near fall with a sunset flip. Carrillo with a springboard round kick and then Carrillo goes up top for a headstand Arabian Press and gets the three count.

Winner: Humberto Carrillo

We look at the brackets for the Quarterfinals. Dominik Dijakovic faces Tyler Bate. Jordan Devlin faces Drew Gulak. Humberto Carrillo faces Velveteen Dream. Adam Cole faces Keith Lee.

We take a look at highlights from the first round.

We also take a look at highlights from the Quarterfinals. Velveteen Dream, Tyler Bate, and Adam Cole advance.

Your announcers for the next match are Vic Joseph and Byron Saxton.

Match Number Three: Jordan Devlin versus Drew Gulak in a Quarterfinal Match in the Worlds Collide Tournament

They lock up and they go around the ring and then have a stalemate. Gulak and Devlin with a Greco Roman Knuckle Lock. Devlin with a wrist lock take down but Gulak goes after the ankle. Gulak with a wrist lock and take down. Devlin with a kick to the back but Gulak with a knee drop to the arm. Devlin with a reverse chin lock and he traps the arm as well. Gulak escapes and then they push each other.

Gulak with a wrist lock and leg trip. Gulak with a hammer lock using the leg while he goes after the ankle. Devlin gets to the ropes and Gulak releases the hold. Devlin with a waist lock into a side head lock. Devlin with a shoulder tackle. Devlin goes for the ankle but Gulak slaps Devlin. Gulak with a cravate and he gets a near fall. Devlin with a punch and a uranage followed by astanding moonsault for a near fall. Devlin with a boot to the head. Gulak with punches and forearms but Devlin fires back. Drew sends Jordan to the mat with a forearm. Devlin with a jawbreaker.

Devlin with a back breaker onto his shoulder. Devlin with a snap mare and arm bar. Gulak sends Devlin to the apron and Devlin with a shoulder and sunset flip attempt but Drew holds on to the ropes and he sees what Drew is doing before he makes the three count. Devlin with a rollup and he uses the ropes but the referee sees that and stops his count.

Drew calls Devlin a cheater and punk. They push each other and then they go to forearms and elbows. Devlin is sent into the turnbuckles. Devlin with punches and a European uppercut. Drew with a head butt and kicks in the corner. Devlin kicks Drew away but Drew grabs the ankle. Drew with an elbow and then both men go for clotheslines and slaps. Devlin with a jumping knee and Drew responds with a spinning back fist. Both men fall to the mat.

Devlin escapes a slam and he goes for a quebrada but Drew catches Devlin and applies the GuLock. Devlin tries to escape and Drew suplexes Devlin to the apron. Devlin with a slingshot cutter for a near fall. Devlin with a clothelsine but Drew stays on his feet. Devlin with another clothesline but Drew stays on his feet. Drew catches Devlin on a leap frog and gets a near fall with a sunset flip. Devlin with a victory roll for a near fall. Devlin with a jumping knee followed by a ripcord Saito suplex for a near fall. Devlin with a forearm to Gulak.

Devlin kicks Drew and he tells Drew that he is the Ace of WWE. Devlin with forearms but Drew with a reverse Sharpshooter and he applies an arm bar to keep Devlin from getting to the ropes. Devlin is able to escape the hold and both men are down. Drew avoids a forearm and Drew with a clothesline into the corner. Devlin with Irelands Call for the three count.

Winner: Jordan Devlin

The semifinals are set with Jordan Devlin facing Velveteen Dream and Adam Cole versus Tyler Bate.

Your announcers for the rest of the tournament are Vic Joseph and Nigel McGuinness.

Match Number Four: Adam Cole versus Tyler Bate in a Worlds Collide Semifinal Match

They lock up and Cole with a wrist lock. Bate with a reversal into a wrist lock. Cole with a reversal. Bate with a reversal but Cole backs Bate into the turnbuckles and Cole with a clean break BAY BAY. They lock up and Bate with a side head lock and Bate with an arm drag and hip toss. Bate with a drop kick and Cole goes to the floor. Cole takes his time getting back into the ring but Bate grabs Cole and Cole with an enzuigiri to send Bate to the floor.

They return to the ring and Cole punches Bate. Cole with a neck breaker and he sends Bate into the turnbuckles and kicks him. Cole chokes Bate in the corner. Cole with a snap mare and knee to the back followed by a reverse chin lock after coming off the ropes. Bate with elbows and a punch. Cole with a back elbow. Cole taunts Bate while kicking him in the head. Tyler punches Cole and then hits a European uppercut. Bate with a back body drop and running European uppercut into the corner. Cole with an Irish whp and Bate with a knee lift and elbow off the turnbuckles. Bate with an airplane spin and then hits a pop up European uppercut for a near fall. Cole with a jaw breaker and a running elbow into the corner but Bate catches Cole and hits an exploder. Bate with a running shooting star press for a near fall.

Bate sets for the Tyler Driver 97 but Cole blocks it. Cole with a back body drop but Bate lands on his feet. Cole gets Bate on his shoulders but Bate escapes. Cole with a knee to Bate and he gets a near fall. Cole goes for the shoulder breaker but Bate blocks it and gets a near fall with an inside cradle. Bate with an enzuigiri and he goes for a deadlift German suplex but Cole blocks it. Cole misses an enzuigiri and Bate hits the deadlift German suplex despite Coles attempts to block it. Bate gets a near fall.

Bate and Cole exchange forearms until Cole kicks Bate in the knees. Cole with forearms and then he sets for a super kick. Bate with punches and Cole goes down. Bate goes for the rebound clothesline but Cole with a super kick and brainbuster shoulder breaker followed by a Shining Wizard for a near fall. Cole pulls down the knee pad but misses the Last Shot. Bate with a punch and rebound clothesline followed by Tyler Driver 97 for the three count.

Winner: Tyler Bate

Match Number Five: Velveteen Dream versus Jordan Devlin in a Semifinal Match in the Worlds Collide Tournament

Devlin wants the referee to tell Dream to remove his shirt. Dream eventually removes his puffy shirt to show that his ribs are taped up. They lock up and Devlin with a waist lock but Dream gets to the ropes. They lock up and Devlin with a wrist lock and he returns to the waist lock but Dream with a take down and side head lock. Devlin with forearms but Dream with a shoulder tackle and he favors his ribs. Dream catches Devlin on a leap frog but Dream cannot take advantage because of the damage done to his ribs.

Dream with a drop kick and they go to the floor. Dream with a European uppercut on the floor. Dream sends Devlin into the guardrails and then back into the ring. Devlin with a uranage followed by a standing moonsault. Devlin kicks Dream in the ribs. Devlin with a shoulder to the ribs in the corner and then Dream pushes Devlin away but Devlin with a shoulder to the ribs. Devlin with a kick to the ribs.

Devlin with a European uppercut and then he chokes Dream in the corner. Dream with a double thrust to the midsection and he goes for a sunset flip but Devlin stays on his feet and he hits a knee drop to the midsection for a near fall. Devlin with a seated abdominal stretch. Devlin with a European uppercut. Devlin with a back breaker for a near fall. Devlin with a rear chin lock.

Devlin with forearms to Dream but Dream punches back. They continue the exchange. Dream blocks a kick and this a clothesline. Devlin runs into boots from Dream and Dream with a twisting double sledge from the turnbuckles. Dream gets Devlin up for a moment but cannot hold on. Dream with a super kick for a near fall.

Dream goes to the turnbuckles but Devlin hits the ropes and Dream is able to avoid it and get to the apron. Devlin with a shoulder and then he goes for a sunset flip power bomb to the floor but Dream holds on to the ropes. Dream with a moonsault off the apron onto Devlin. Dream sends Devlin back into the ring and then Dream goes up top and hits a cross body. Devlin rolls through and gets a near fall.

Dream kicks Devlin away and Devlin with a lungblower and gets a near fall. Dream with a sunset flip for a near fall and Devlin with a near fall of his own. Dream rolls through and picks up Devlin but Devlin escapes. Dream with a twisting DDT for a near fall. Dream goes to the turnbuckles but he goes to the mat when Devlin rolls away. Devlin with a head butt and he hits the ripcord Saito suplex but Dream kicks out.

Devlin goes up top and Dream gets his knees up on the moonsault. Dream hits the rolilng Death Valley Driver and then Dream goes up top for the elbow drop and the three count.

Winner: Velveteen Dream

Match Number Six: Tyler Bate versus Velveteen Dream in the Worlds Collide Finals

Bate with a wrist lock and Dream tries for a reversal and succeeds. Bate escapes and rolls away from Dream. Bate mocks Dream. Dream slides to the floor. Bate with a waist lock and Dream escapes. They go to the floor and Bate chases Dream. They get back into the ring and Dream goes back to the floor and he punches Bate. Dream goes up top but Bate with a punch to the midsection. Bate with shoudlers to the midsection in the corner and then Bate with an elbow drop to the ribs for a near fall.

Bate with an arm bar and he adds pressure to the injured ribs. Bate turns it into an abdominal stretch and he applies more pressure with his elbow to the ribs. Dream escapes with a hip toss and then he punches Bate. Bate with head butts to the injured ribs. Bate with a slam and he gets a near fall. Bate with a forearm to the upper back. Bate with a body scissors but Dream leans back to get a near fall. Bate holds on to the body scissors. Dream turns around and picks up Bate for a slam. Dream goes to the turnbuckles but Bate hits the ropes and Dream lands on the top turnbuckle on his ribs. Bate sets for a gorilla superplex and hits it and gets a near fall. Bate with knees to the injured ribs. Bate kicks Dream in the ribs and then applies a waist lock and hits a German suplex. Bate holds on to the waist lock. Dream with elbows but Bate with a forearm to the lower back. Bate with a head butt to the ribs.

Bate with a European uppercut and a head butt to the midsection. Dream with a knee to Bate and he punches Bate. Dream with a kick and punches. Dream with clotheslines and a back body drop. Dream with elbows and he sets for the twisting DDT but Bate escapes. Dream with a super kick and Fameasser for a near fall.

Dream goes up top but Bate moves and Dream misses the elbow drop. Bate with a crucifix for a near fall. Bate with a rolling kick but Dream rolls through and gets Bate on his shoulders and hits a rolling Death Valley Driver for a near fall. Dream goes for another rolling Death Valley Driver but Bate with elbows. Bate with the rebound clothesline and Bate goes for the Tyler Driver 97 and hits it but Dream kicks out.

Bate goes for a Liontamer and then he applies a Boston Crab. Dream tries to get to the ropes but Bate stands on Dreams head and stomps on it. Dream gets a second wind and he almost gets to the ropes but Bate pulls Dream into the center of the ring. Dream rolls over and kicks Bate in the head. Dream with an inside cradle for a near fall. Dream misses a super kick and Bate with a punch to the ribs. Dream with a punch and he goes for a power bomb but Bate counters with a rana and gets a near fall. Dream sends Bate over the top rope to the floor and Dream goes up top and hits a double sledge to the floor. Dream goes up top again and Bate with a jumping head butt to stop Dream. Bate goes to the apron and punches Dream. Dream with a back fist and Dream goes up top as well. Dream sets for a superplex but Bate grabs the ribs to stop him. Bate with a jab and he sets for a Super Tyler Driver 97 but Dream counters with a back body drop. Dream with an elbow drop for the three count.

Winner: Velveteen Dream

We go to credits.

If you enjoy PWInsider.com you can check out the AD-FREE PWInsider Elite section, which features exclusive audio updates, news, our critically acclaimed podcasts, interviews and more by clicking here!ROH TELEVISION REPORT: BANDIDO VS HASKINS, FINLAY VS WILLIAMS, ISOM VS YOUNG, AND MORE

We are in Atlanta, Georgia and your announcers are Colt Cabana and Ian Riccaboni. They are joined by Juice Robinson.

Match Number One: David Finlay versus Tracy Williams

They lock up and Finlay with a waist lock and Williams with a take down. Finlay with a hammer lock but Williams with an arm bar. Finlay with a wrist lock into a side head lock. They lock up and Williams with a side head lock and shoulder tackle for a near fall. Williams stomps on the ankle and he applies an ankle lock on the other leg. Williams with a rollup for a near fall and then he tries for a cross face but Finaly escapes and hits a drop kick.

Finlay with a pescado onto Williams. Finlay sends Williams back into the ring and Williams with head butts to the midsection. Williams with chops and a suplex for a near fall. Williams with a half Japanese stranglehold but Finlay escapes. Williams with chops. Williams with a front face lock suplex for a near fall. Williams works on the arm with a hammer lock using the leg. Williams falls back to add more pressure to the shoulder. Williams with a chop and European uppercut followed by more chops. Finlay with a jumping European uppercut followed by a running European uppercut into the corner followed by a European uppercut off the turnbuckles for a near fall.

We go to commercial.

We are back and Finlay with chops. Williams counters a uranage with an arm drag but he misses a splash into the corner. Williams with a back elbow and he goes to the turnbuckles. Finlay with a forearm to stop Williams. Williams drops Finlay on the turnbuckles and hits a clothesline for a near fall. Williams goes for a piledriver but Finlay escapes and connects with a forearm. Williams with a forearm. They go back and forth.

Finlay with European uppercuts but Williams gets Finlay on his shoulders for a moment but Finlay escapes an hits a uranage back breaker for a near fall. Finlay with a clothesline for a near fall. Finlay goes for a suplex but Williams blocks it and applies a crossface but Finlay with a rollup for a near fall. Finlay blocks a piledriver and gets a near fall with a rollup. Williams with a Death Valley Driver for a near fall.

Williams with a piledriver for the three count.

Winner: Tracy Williams

We go to commercial.

We are back with comments from The Kingdom. TK ORyan tells Villain Enterprises to get down on your knees and thank and praise the Real Ring of Honor World Champion for giving you the opportunity to show what you can do, and they were not impressed.

Vinnie Marseglia says that the Kingdom will continue to reign in Ring of Honor. Continue to bring your umbrellas.

Match Number Two: Mark Haskins versus Bandido

They lock up and Haskins with a wrist lock and Bandido escapes. Haskins with a judo throw but Bandido with a wrist lock. Haskins with a head scissors and Bandido escapes. Haskins with a side head lock take down. Haskins avoids a head scissors. Bandido with a side head lock and a handspring back flip. Bandido avoids a leg sweep and sends Haskins to the mat with a wrist lock take down. Haskins has a round kick blocked and Bandido sets for a power bomb.

Haskins counters and gets a near fall with a sunset flip. Bandido with a headstand and he avoids a kick from Haskins. Haskins with a drop kick. Haskins leap frogs Bandido and Bandido goes to the floor. Bandido with a suicide dive and we go to commercial.

We are back and Haskins with a dragon screw leg whip. Haskins goes for another dragon screw leg whip but Bandido blocks it and kicks Haskins. Bandido with an elbow and a corkscrew cross body to Haskins and he kicks Haskins to the floor. Bandido with a Fosbury Flop onto Haskins. They return to the ring but Haskins drop kicks Bandido off the apron. Haskins sets for a dive to the floor but Bandido returns to the ring and hits a pop up cutter for a near fall.

Haskins blocks a kick and gets a near fall with an OConnor roll for a near fall. Haskins with a Falcon Arrow for a near fall. Bandido with a forearm and elbow followed by a crescent kick. Haskins with a forearm and both men go for flying kicks and both men are down. They exchange forearms and Haskins gains the advantage. Bandido with with a knee to the head for a near fall. Bandido goes up top for a moonsault but Haskins moves and Bandidos knee may have buckled. Haskins with a Sharpshooter. Bandido gets to the ropes and Haskins with a kick from the apron. Haskins goes up top and hits a double stomp for a near fall. Haskins with a bridging Fujiwara arm bar. Haskins pulls Bandido into the center of the ring and Bandido escapes and hits a super kick. Bandido with a Twenty-OnePlex for the three count.

Winner: Bandido

We go to commercial.

We are back with comments from NWA World Champion Nick Aldis. He says next week he will give you another first. He is the first NWA Champion to defend the title in China. He is the first British born World Champion of a major promotion. He will be the first to defend the ten pounds of gold on Ring of Honor Television. You will find out why he is the NWA World Champion.

We take a look at what happened in Philadelphia with The Briscoes, Shane Taylor, Bully Ray, and Silas Young.

Match Number Three: Silas Young versus Eli Isom in a Number One Contender Match for the Ring of Honor Television Title

They lock up and Young with a hammer lock and take down. Isom with a wrist lock but Young with a reversal. Isom with a wrist lock and Young with chops. Isom with an arm drag but Silas avoids a second one and gets a near fall with a roll up. Young with a front face lock. Young and Isom with forearms but Young with a knee to stop Isom. Silas goes for a suplex but Isom lands on his feet and gets a near fall with an OConnor Roll. Isom with a knee and then he is sent to the apron.

Isom with a forearm and he misses a springboard drop kick when Young moves out of the way. Silas with a springboard clothesline to knock Isom off the apron as we go to commercial.

We are back and Young with a slingshot stomp to Isom. We see footage from the commercial when Silas slammed Isom on the floor. Back to the live action and Young with kicks in the corner. Young with a gourdbuster throw and then he chops Isom. Young with a belly-to-back suplex and he gets a near fall. Young with an Irish whip and he sends Isom face first into the mat for a near fall. Young with a reverse chin lock and body scissors. Isom sends Young face first to the mat. Isom with an overhead belly-to-belly throw for a near fall. Isom gets Young on his shoulders but Young escapes and connects with a forearm to send Isom to the mat.

Young slaps Isom while taunting him. Isom with a double leg take down and punches. Isom with Emerald Frosion for a near fall. Young goes to the floor and Isom misses a pescado.

We go to commercial.

We are back and Young with a full nelson but Isom escapes. Isom sets for a German suplex but Young counters with a victory roll for a near fall. Young with a back breaker and clothesline. Young gets a near fall. Young with a Finlay Slam and headstand springboard elbow drop for a near fall. Young sets for a superplex and hits it. Isom kicks out at one. Isom wants more and he connects with a forearm. Young tells Isom to hit him and Isom with forearms. They exchange punches. Young with a chop and Isom chops back. They return to punches and Isom with a back slide for a near fall. Young with a knee to the chest and Misery for the three count.

Winner: Silas Young

After the match, Young gets on the mic.

He says everyone knows that Jeff Cobb is the ROH Television Champion, but what some of you may not know is that Jeff Cobb is an Olympic athlete. Jeff Cobb gets to go home and take that title and put it against those Olympic medals that dont exist. He is like all of you. He is a disappointment to his parents and children. He is a disappointment to eveyrone in his life.

ROH Television Champion Jeff Cobb makes his way to the ring. They will meet in four weeks for the title.

Shane Taylor tries to attack Jeff from behind but Jeff senses it coming. Cobb is ready to challenge both men and he connects with punches to both. Cobb picks up Taylor for a slam but Young with a low blow and Taylor hits Greetings from 216.

We go to credits.

If you enjoy PWInsider.com you can check out the AD-FREE PWInsider Elite section, which features exclusive audio updates, news, our critically acclaimed podcasts, interviews and more by clicking here!Climate - Change Your Mind there is no substantial evidence to support the idea that most of the global warming is anthropogenic ... In fact, the evidence points to the contrary. This should be seriously considered before allocating substantial public resources. Past News Releases RSS

On Jan. 25, 2019, the World Economic Forum reported on the statement of 16-year-old Swedish child climate activist, Greta Thunberg, who told the Davos gathering of jet-setters that our house is on fireI want you to panicI want you to feel the fear I feel every day but Friends of Science Society says world policy-makers should be listening to calm and rational qualified scientists like Dr. Nir Shaviv instead of a child.

On Nov. 28, 2018, Dr. Shaviv presented a statement in person to the German Bundestag saying there is no substantial evidence to support the idea that most of the global warming is anthropogenic (human-caused) ... In fact, the evidence points to the contrary. This should be seriously considered before allocating substantial public resources.

Dr. Shaviv is the Chair of the Racah Institute of Physics, Hebrew University. His 2015 presentation to Friends of Science Society is here.

The Trump administration in the US has obviously listened to Dr. Judith Curry and Dr. John Christy, both of whom presented evidence to the US Senate showing that recent warming is mostly natural, there has been no increase in extreme weather events, and that carbon dioxide is not a control knob that can fine tune climate. The precautionary principle invoked for implementing drastic climate change and energy policies cannot be justified when scientific research shows that the house is not burning down and that natural forces like the sun and oceans have much greater impact on climate than humans.

Thus, the likelihood of a carbon tax controlling the global temperature is non-existent.

In Canada, as reported in the Hill Times on Jan, 29, 2019, a group of foreign-funded Environmental Non-governmental Organizations (ENGOs) hope to block the Canadian Senate from doing a cross country tour to get citizen responses to a draconian new Parliamentary Bill C-69. Bill C-69 is largely reliant on the precautionary principle and catastrophic climate rhetoric. Some of these ENGOs are identified as having been funded by the 2008 Corporate Ethics Tar Sands Campaign to land-lock Canadian resources.

Resource companies and economic experts warn that Bill C-69 will destroy investment in Canada. Houston Energy Banker PPHB called Canada hostile to investment in an April 2018 issue of Musings. In that same issue, they pose the question: Is Climate Change in Danger of Becoming Irrelevant?

As outlined in Friends of Science Societys recent report Dark Green Money, issued Jan. 10, 2019, the ENGOs pushing for ever-more climate change action are also the greatest recipients of Canadian tax dollars, both as tax-subsidized charities and as enormous consumers of tens of millions of dollars in grants for questionable climate projects that are rarely audited for outcomes.

Climate change has gone from a cottage industry to a castle-building empire, thanks to the foreign-funding of the ClimateWorks billionaires who are pushing global cap and trade, carbon pricing and renewables, says Friends of Science. (Nisbet, 2018)

Taxpayers voices and concerns are drowned out when World Economic Forum elites, many of whom are key players in global carbon markets that rely on climate catastrophe mythology, honor child activists over rational scientists who demonstrate that the sun drives climate change, not you and not CO2.

About

Friends of Science Society is an independent group of earth, atmospheric and solar scientists, engineers, and citizens who are celebrating its 16th year of offering climate science insights. After a thorough review of a broad spectrum of literature on climate change, Friends of Science Society has concluded that the sun is the main driver of climate change, not carbon dioxide (CO2).

Friends of Science Society

P.O. Box 23167, Mission P.O.

Calgary, Alberta

Canada T2S 3B1

Toll-free Telephone: 1-888-789-9597

Web: friendsofscience.org

E-mail: contact(at)friendsofscience(dot)org

Web: climatechange101.caOmolara Otaigbe, M.D., medical director of Radiant Reflections Weight Loss Clinic & MedSpa in Hattiesburg, MS has expanded her service offerings to include HydraFacial to reveal glowing, younger-looking skin without downtime or side effects. Loved for its immediate benefits, HydraFacial is one of the worlds most popular skin care treatments because it affords dramatic complexion benefits with no side effects or downtime, making it an ideal party-prepping treatment.

HydraFacials patented, multi-step resurfacing method cleans, extracts, exfoliates, and infuses skin with a potent combination of antioxidants, hyaluronic acid and peptides. This invigorating yet gentle process provides a wide range of benefits, including improved tone and texture, reduced pore size, and diminished redness and blemishes. HydraFacial is a favorite go-to treatment for anyone who wants a visible skin boost in about 30 minutes with maximum comfort and ease.

In addition to HydraFacial, Radiant Reflections proudly offers a highly competitive medical aesthetic menu featuring the leading non-surgical cosmetic treatments, including CoolSculpting, the Vampire Facelift, Elos Plus laser, Botox, dermal fillers, Rejuvapen microneedling (with or without platelet-rich plasma, or PRP), chemical peels, microdermabrasion, spa packages, massages, medical-grade facials, body wraps, hormone testing, weight loss, and much more.

About Dr. Omolara Otaigbe

Originally from Nigeria, Dr. Otaigbe has traveled the world, spending time in Great Britain before coming to the United States with her husband, Joshua. Dr. Otaigbe and her husband lived in upstate New York and Waterloo, Iowa, where Dr. Otaigbe finished her residency. The Otaigbe's have lived in Mississippi for the last 17 years. Today, Dr. Otaigbe serves as medical director at both Southern Medical Care, PLLC, and Radiant Reflections, PLLC in Hattiesburg, MS. With the practices located right next door to one another, Dr. Otaigbe is able to float between locations when the need for her expertise arises. Dr. Otaigbe and her team are thrilled to be members of the Area Development Partnership and Hattiesburg Chamber of Commerce.

About Radiant Reflections Weight Loss Clinic & MedSpa

Radiant Reflections Weight Loss Clinic & MedSpa offers a relaxing and luxurious environment in which patients can experience the highest level of medical spa products and services. The Radiant Reflections team offers more than 50 years of combined medical experience and offers complimentary consultations for every cosmetic procedure to ensure patients fully understand all their options and achieve their desired results.

By providing a comprehensive range of the leading non-invasive and minimally invasive medical spa treatments and services, Radiant Reflections rivals any medical spa you would find in a larger market. In addition to receiving the highest quality products and services in a retreat-like atmosphere, every client will be attended to by a dedicated and highly skilled staff to realize their goals.Dark, booming and infinitely sexy, 'Trapped In A Bassline' is a wickedly good progressive-house music track that spotlights Tommy Capretto and Richard Fraiolis hitmaking alchemy.

Dark. Booming. Sexy. Global house music lovers have been clamoring for a higher level of progressive house music for some time. Heeding that call, the U.S.s Tommy Capretto and Richard Fraioli release their latest dancefloor destroyer. Richard Fraioli & Tommy Caprettos Trapped In A Bassline (Summoned Records) is out now.

As the track title suggests, the distinguishing characteristic of this composition is its all-encompassing, mighty bassline, one thats sultry and alluring with hints of intense stimulation to come. When the obscenely liquid, rich bassline hits and the 4/4 beat kicks-in in all its glory, its all one can do to keep from jumping out of ones skin and onto a packed, blistering dancefloor. Dark, booming and infinitely sexy, Trapped In A Bassline is a wickedly good progressive-house music track that spotlights Tommy Capretto and Richard Fraiolis hitmaking alchemy. As music-makers, their balance and flow in the recording studio is reflective of their camaraderie as DJs when they perform live at the nations top nightclubs and parties. Trapped In A Bassline is progressive-house music at its best.

About Tommy Capretto

Tommy Capretto is a house music DJ and producer from the greater Philadelphia area. Having launched his career as a music producer in 2006, 2015 was the year things started kicking into high gear. With music releases on leading record labels, Universal Music, Capitol Records, Armada Music, Juicy Music, HoTL Records and others, Capretto has built a reputation as a go-to producer for club hits. As a remixer, Capretto has completed official remixes for artists including Beck, Niall Horan, Hailee Steinfeld, MNEK and Dragonette, among others. Capretto helms his own independent imprint, Summoned Records. Caprettos music is supported by fellow global DJs Don Diablo, Laidback Luke, Oliver Heldens, Roger Sanchez, Robbie Rivera, BlasterJaxx and many others. As a performing DJ, Capretto has played an immense schedule of nightclub and festival events including Rumor Philadelphia, Fire & Ice Lounge Miami, Electric Glow Festival Scranton, NOTO Philadelphia and VNYL New York. On the radio, Capretto has hosted his own mixshows on WPTY-FM Party 105 Long Island, Beats 360 Washington D.C., Strictly Dance Radio Chicago, Radio Danz Miami and others. Beginning March 2019, Capretto will host his very own weekly mixshow, Club Capretto, on the worlds biggest digital commercial-free radio network, DASH Radio, on the ElectroCity channel; the mixshow series will be celebrated during a special live two-hour broadcast from DASH Radios Dream Studios located at the Dream Hollywood Hotel in Los Angeles on March 22nd, 2019.

About Richard Fraioli

The DJ/producer Richard Fraioli is a fixture on the international electronic dance music (EDM) scene with releases on Pacha Recordings, 418 Music and Summoned Records. Passionate, professional, but above all, fun, Fraiolis love of music is evident when hes behind-the-DJ decks performing. As a DJ, Fraioli has held numerous DJ residencies throughout Florida, New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Arizona. Fraioli has also been direct support for international DJs from Avicii to Laidback Luke, Erick Morillo to Mark Knight. Years ago, Fraiolis sound caught the ear of Americas #1-selling DJ, Louie DeVito. Years later, Fraioli found himself as a DJ at Ultra Music Festival Miami, where he has maintained 12 consecutive appearances since 2005. Fraiolis productions can be heard on many mix compilations and his music garners the support of DJs including Laidback Luke, Chuckie, Diplo and Nervo. On the radio, Fraioli has been a resident mixshow DJ since 2002 on Arizonas Energy 92.7FM and Energy 101.1FM, that states premier dance music radio station. Today, he can be heard on Energy981.com. Additionally, Fraiolis mixshows can be heard on UMF Radio on SiriusXM, as well as his own house music-based collective, "That MOTHER F#%KING House Music.

Get Richard Fraioli & Tommy Caprettos Trapped In A Bassline (Summoned Records), here: https://Tommy-capretto.lnk.to/Trapped-in-a-BasslineEM

For information on Tommy Capretto, Ice-T, Mr. X, Electronic Beat Empire and EBE Nation, Andrew Rayel, Markus Schulz, MaRLo, Maro Music (Marek Walaszek), Dan Popi (Cat Music), Zander (Traveler), Brussels Airlines (proud partner of Tomorrowland), and artists like Armin van Buuren, contact: EMILY TAN Media Relations (U.S.), +1(917) 318-3758, EmilyEmilyTan@aol.com. Follow EMILY TAN Media Relations: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilyemilytan/, https://www.facebook.com/EMILYTANMEDIARELATIONS, https://twitter.com/EmilyEmilyTan, https://www.instagram.com/emilytanmediarelations/.Spin Markket We use a variety of digital and social media marketing strategies to tell that story about the clients we serve, states Cheryl OHern with Spin Markket. "Posting an open job position is just not enough anymore with such a low unemployment rate across the state.

Iowa Workforce Development recommended Spin Markket as a business that the Governor should visit. The discussion focused on how Spin Markket works with businesses around the state to tell their story about their business for customers and use that same strategy for recruiting new employees.

Governor Reynolds Condition of the State Tour is talking to businesses about Future Ready Iowa and Empower Rural Iowa Initiative that focuses on broadband, housing, and workforce across the state.

How a business appears online is a critical element in creating that positive story. With 95% of future customers viewing businesses online before they decide to buy, how that business appears is the deciding factor between a sale and no sale. The exact same scenario applies to recruiting employees. The first place that a potential employee goes is online to learn more about that business before submitting a resume or inquiry about the job opportunity.

We use a variety of digital and social media marketing strategies to tell that story about the clients we serve, states Cheryl OHern with Spin Markket. That same strategy is used when that client is looking at growing their employment opportunities within their business. Posting an open job position is just not enough anymore with such a low unemployment rate across the state.

Governor Reynolds also had a great conversation with Jessica Nemechek who will be an intern with Spin Markket starting in March. Jessica is a student at Buena Vista University and will be graduating in May with a degree in business and marketing. Internships are just one of the ways businesses can recruit future employees and create jobs that keep our graduating youth in the state.

The discussion also addressed two additional initiatives that Spin Markket participates in that focus on recruitment and community branding.

Dental Connection is a non-profit advisory group that works with dental professionals and graduating dental students in providing practice management support. The Advisory Group with Dental Connection is composed of professionals that specialize in services for dental professionals. In the group, dental professionals and students can network with a cpa, bank loan officer, healthcare real estate specialist, lawyer, dental equipment, construction and technical advisor, dental supply and systems advisor, marketing advisor, dentist and dental hygienist.

Branding communities to recruit future workforce along with potential businesses is the focus of #ThisIsFortDodge. The community branding campaign kicked off in 2016 and has grown to reach thousands every week through a strategically managed digital and social media marketing plan. It is common to receive posted comments from visitors across the world every week that routinely follow the community through #ThisisFortDodge.

Spin Markket is located at 726 1st Avenue North, Fort Dodge, IA. Additional information on the business can be found at http://www.spinmarkket.com, by emailing to info@spinmarkket.com or calling 515-302-8026. Everyone is invited to follow along on Facebook, YouTube, and TwitterTelmar, the pioneer in advertising and media planning software, has announced that Carolyn Edge, a longtime Nielsen veteran, has joined Telmar North America as VP, Business Development & Client Services for Canada. Based in Montreal, CA, Ms. Edge will report to Eurel Tobias, Chief Growth Officer.

Eurel Tobias, Chief Growth Officer at Telmar: Carolyn is a fantastic addition as we continue to expand Telmars growth in Montreal and Canada as a whole. She brings a unique and critical set of skills: a deep understanding of the advertising media industry, in-depth knowledge of media planning software and the databases available for the Canadian marketplace, along with years of building strong business relationships.

Carolyn joins Telmar from Nielsen IMS, where she led their business presence and growth throughout Quebec, tripling their client base. Her responsibilities included new client proposals, managing existing client relationships, annual sales forecasting and overseeing the development/implementation of training programs. Prior to Nielsen, Carolyn was Associate Director of Media Services at Academie Ogilvy and the Media Group Head at PNMD Communications. In these positions, she was responsible for media planning and execution of accounts across all media including broadcast, digital, print and outdoor.

Carolyn Edge: I am thrilled to be joining Telmar, an organization that is known in Canada and around the world for being strategic, agile and reactive to their clients needs. My approach has always been about delivering the best possible outcomes and experiences for clients. I look forward to helping Telmar grow our client base, expand our partner offerings and achieve our overall growth objectives.

Notes to Editors: Telmar provides strategic targeting and media planning solutions to advertisers, agencies, media companies and data suppliers. Over 25,000 users across 100 countries use Telmar systems to analyze thousands of consumer and media data sets to assess target markets, audience reach and frequency and media performance. Data sets can either be syndicated data to which rightful access has been granted by the data supplier or customers' own proprietary data. Telmar provides data integration services which support fix fusion, ascription, and Telmar's leading data integration technique: MultiBasingTM. Telmar's platform of systems are cloud based with applications available via desktop browsers and iOS mobile. API web services are available for access to Telmar analytic engines to support specific customer needs. http://www.telmar.comBeirut, Feb 4 : Hezbollah's deputy leader Sheikh Naim Qassem has denied Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's allegations about Hezbollah controlling the government in Lebanon, media reported.

"These allegations are not important. Hezbollah considers itself part of a national unity government in Lebanon," Qassem was quoted as saying by Elnashra, an online independent newspaper.

Netanyahu declared earlier in the day that Iran controls the Lebanese government via Hezbollah, Xinhua news agency reported on Sunday.

Moreover, the US voiced its concerns over Hezbollah's participation in the new cabinet. The US expressed its deep concerns because this is the first time that Hezbollah controls the health ministry which has the country's largest budget.

Meanwhile, Qassem clarified that the health ministry will offer its services to all Lebanese without any discrimination.

The new health minister, Jamil Jabak, has said his priorities include improving government hospitals and bringing down drug prices.Ankara, Feb 4 : Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that talks were underway at lower levels with Syria, ruling out any contact at higher levels with Damascus.

"Talks at lower levels must continue with Syria even if not between leaders," Erdogan said during a live-broadcast interview with Turkish broadcaster TRT, Xinhua news agency reported on Sunday.

Turkey broke all contacts with the Syrian government at the start of the civil war in 2011 and sought to oust President Bashar al-Assad by offering support to some rebel groups.

During their last meeting in Moscow on January 23, Russian President Vladimir Putin encouraged Erdogan to establish some form of contact with the Syrian leadership, invoking a Turkish-Syrian security pact signed in 1998 that could be reactivated to address the security concerns of the two neighbours.Kolkata, Feb 4 : In a virtual no-holds-barred clash between the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Central and West Bengal governments, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee began a sit-in here on Sunday accusing the Centre of attempting a coup to destabilise the state after an ugly face-off between the CBI and the state police over the federal probe agency's bid to grill city police commissioner Rajeev Kumar in connection with the Ponzi scheme scam case.

The showdown started after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officers showed up near the official residence of Kumar, a day after CBI sources said they were "looking for" him, and claimed he might be arrested if he failed to respond to the CBI's summons.

Kumar, a 1989 batch IPS officer, headed the Special Investigation Team set up by the Banerjee government after the Saradha ponzi scam came to light in 2013, a year before the CBI took up the case on Supreme Court order.

On Sunday, the evening drama began as a group of CBI officers approached Kumar's Loudon Street residence, but were stopped by city police personnel, who also forcibly took five federal probe agency officers to a police station.

The Chief Minister, who had extended support to Kumar earlier in the day, rushed to his house and was closeted with other top officers, including state police Director General Virendra.

A visibly angry Banerjee came out of Kumar's residence after over an hour, and alleged that National Security Advisor Ajit Doval was giving instructions to the CBI at the behest of Modi and BJP President Amit Shah.

"I am sorry to say National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is giving instructions to the agency. He is implementing what PM Narendra Modi is asking for," Banerjee said.

"I will start a dharna (sit-in) at Dharamtala area to save institutions, constitution and the federal structure of the country. This is a satyagraha," she said.

Minutes after she began the sit-in, the police commissioner and other officers, state ministers and Trinamool leaders joined her, and scores of ruling party activists converged in the area from Kolkata and nearby districts.

Banerjee said a meeting of the state cabinet would be held on Monday at the sit-in venue to ratify the state budget slated to be presented during the day.

Banerjee said she would skip Assembly proceedings, but the House would continue as usual.

Banerjee also alleged CBI officers came to Kumar's residence without any search warrant to conduct a secret operation.

"You are coming to the commissioner's residence without any warrant to conduct a secret operation. It is (nothing but) instruction from Narendra Modi and Amit Shah."

"There is a constitutional break-down and they are trying to organise a coup to destabilise the state. They are trying to run a parallel administration," she told reporters outside the Commissioner's house.

"I have come here because I have a constitutional and personal responsibility to give protection to my forces," she said.

In a rare exhortation, Banerjee appealed to all security forces to be together and condemn the attitude of the Modi government.

She called the developments a 'blow' to the country's federal structure, and claimed that the Supreme Court in its judgement had said both central and state agencies can discuss mutually if they have any queries.

Addressing the media at the sit-in venue, Banerjee said a large number of opposition leaders have telephoned her to back her movement.

"Leaders of various opposition parties, including Akhilesh Yadav (Samajwadi Party), Mayawati (BSP), Tejashwi Yadav (RJD), Chandrababu Naidu (TDP), Omar Abdullah (NC), Ahmed Patel (Congress) and M K Stalin (DMK), have called me to extend their solidarity and support," she said.

It all began around 6 p.m., when CBI officers, led by its deputy superintendent Tathagata Bardhan, were spotted near Kumar's residence, but within a few minutes some senior Kolkata police officers rushed there and were seen having animated discussions with the federal team.

A little later, another CBI team reached the spot.

Meanwhile, a strong city police team was seen near the CBI's state headquarters at CGO Complex in the Salt Lake area. However, they left after a couple of hours.

The drama intensified near Kumar's residence around 7 p.m., as three deputy commissioners of city police and some officers of the anti-rowdy section reached the spot, following which there ensued a scuffle between the CBI team and cops.

The five CBI officers including Bardhan were bundled into three vehicles and taken to the Shakespeare Sarani police station.

They were released later in the night.

CBI Joint Director Pankaj Srivastava said his officers went to Kumar's residence to question him, but were stopped from entering the house.

Meanwhile, the Central Reserve Police Force troopers have been deployed at the CBI headquarters at CGO Complex as also at its city office Nizam Palace.

Trinamool spokesperson and Rajya Sabha MP Derek O'Brien said his party would raise the matter in Parliament on Monday.New Delhi, Feb 4 (IANS) Despite there being thousands of candidates eligible for admission, the Indian Council of Agricultural Rsearch (ICAR) left more than 2,500 seats vacant from its all-India quota in the last four years, an RTI has revealed.

The ICAR, an autonomous body for coordinating agriculture education in India, working under the Ministry of Agriculture, conducts the All India Entrance Exam for Agriculture (AIEEA) for undergraduate and Postgraduate courses for about 80 government institutes or those deemed by it as such across India every year.

The entrance is conducted for 15 per cent of total UG and 25 per cent of total PG seats in these institutes/universities, barring a few chosen (where the council reserves 100 per cent seats under AIEEA).

According to the data given by the council in response to the RTI, a total of 2558 seats were left vacant for both UG and PG combined in last four years across these institutes/universities- the latest year for which exam was conducted was 2018.

Separately, a total of 1,095 seats were left vacant for the PG courses and 1463 for the UG courses during these years. ICAR conducts exams for agriculture and allied activities (except veterinary science).

The RTI applicant termed the vacancies a glaring indictment of wastefulness of the government.

"This is when there were thousands of eligible candidates who could have taken admission. But the ICAR left the job of filling these seats to states, which could not care less," Chandrashekhar Gaur told IANS.

The admission procedure involves an online counselling for the selected candidates, for which the latter have to apply paying a fee of Rs 2000. The candidates are given choice in university and course, but not in college. There may be one or several rounds of counselling.

The ICAR in its information bulletin says that if the seats are not filled after rounds of counselling, it will leave the job up to the universities to fill them up.

"The ICAR quota seats after the final round of online counselling if remain vacant, shall automatically stand released to the Agricultural University concerned for filling up at their level and as per the procedure in vogue at the respective university. These seats will no more be called as ICAR seats and treated as university seats.

"Once the counselling/ admission process is over, filling up of any subsequent vacancies created due to any reasons, shall not be the responsibility of ICAR. No correspondence in this regard will be entertained either from the universities or from any candidate," it reads.

Gaur took exception to the clause questioning its propriety. He said if the government has taken the task of conducting an exam for which thousands aspire every year, it should take the responsibility of filling the seats also.

"There should ideally be a mopping up round after the counselling. And if any seats still remain vacant, they should be filled through spot counselling. They can't wash their hands off it like this," he said.

The primary reason why many candidates prefer to go for AIEEA instead of taking the state university test, is that the former gives them the opportunity to get access to universities in other states.

This much is stated by the ICAR also, which on its website cites a reduction in "inbreeding in agricultural education by encouraging mobility amongst students outside their home state" as one of the AIEEA's objective.

In 2018, for 1954 UG seats across India, a total of 25,246 candidates registered for counselling paying Rs 2000.

The RTI -- reply for which was received on December 10, 2018-- revealed that the ICAR is yet to refund Rs 4,52,34000 to those candidates who could not be given admission.

The information bulletin does not specify any deadline within which the amount must be refunded after the admission process is over.

The amount to be refunded for the candidates for the PG courses was Rs 1,31,36000 for 9447 candidates who registered but were not given admission.

The Director General ICAR TRilochan Mohapatra did not reply to queries from IANS which were sent to him through email.Balurghat/Raiganj : , Feb 4 (IANS) Lashing out at Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and BJP leader Yogi Adityanath on Sunday said she has no faith in democracy or the country's Constitution and dubbed her government "anti-democratic, anti-people and anarchic".

Adityanath was scheduled to address two rallies at Balurghat in Dakshin Dinajpur district and Raiganj in Uttar Dinajpur district, but the saffron party accused the West Bengal government of denying permission to his helicopter to land here.

"Out of fear, Bengal's Trinamool government did not allow me to go there and that is why I am with you through Modi ji's Digital India programme. The Bengal government is playing with national security," said Adityanath.A

"This is an anti-democratic, anti-people and anarchic government. The state government is upset as it is scared of BJP's rise," he said while addressing the rally over phone.

He also accused Trinamool government of obstructing BJP President Amit Shah's 'Rath Yatra' rally and assured party activists that "we are all with you in the fight against this anti-democratic government".

In a democracy, there is a difference of opinion, but in Bengal, the opposition's voice is being suppressed, he said.

"It has been seen that candidates from opposition parties in the panchayat elections were brutally beaten up. These incidents prove that Mamata Banerjee and her party have no faith in democracy and also the country's Constitution," Adityanath said.

Killing of opposition workers and beating up of candidates opposing the ruling party in the state poses a challenge to democracy and country's constitution, he said, addressing a rally at Raigunj later in the day.

Adityanath flayed the Mamata Banerjee government, accusing it of involving in conspiracy for not allowing the central welfare schemes to be implemented.

"Central government introduced various schemes for farmers, unorganised workers, women, youths and small businesses of the country. But the Bengal government are not allowing these schemes to be implemented. They are doing conspiracy and as a result, farmers, youths women are deprived of getting benenefit of the scheme Refering to the January 19 public meeting of 23 anti-BJP parties in Kolkata, he said the leaders who attended the event should hide their faces now because the Bengal government has been continuously suppressing people's opinion.

The leaders at the January 19 rally had given a call to uproot the Modi government at the Centre in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Adityanath also alleged that efforts were made to stop Durga puja worship by Hindus during Navratri in West Bengal, and that the Calcutta High Court had to finally intervene.

He urged party activists to fight against "goons of Trinamool Congress" and assured the audience that the state government would "fail to stop the rise of the saffron outfit in the state" and that the "BJP would come to power".

"We will succeed to bring paribartan in the state and seeing the huge turn-out at Raiganj through videos, I am sure the paribartan is possible," he said.A

Citing Budget proposals, he said 12 crore farmers would benefit from Prime Minister's Kisan programme and over 10 crore workers would get pension of Rs 3,000 a month after attaining 60 years of age.

"The Budget provides security guarantee to four crore small businesses and gives increased confidence to the middle class and salaried people towards a better future," he said.Mumbai, Feb 4 : Actor Ranveer Singh, who combined ramp walk with live rap performance at the Lakme Fashion Week, says it was a unique show and experience for him.

Actor Ranveer Singh along with entire Gully Boy hosted an impromptu rapping session on the sidelines of on-going Lakme Fashion Week 2019 on Sunday evening.

Ranveer Singh, Naezy and entire Gully Gang took the center stage and crooned massive hits from Gully Boy - 'Asli Hop Hop and Apna Time Aayega', for the audiences and they went wild. Ranveer even jumped into the crowd like a rock star.

Talking about the show, Ranveer said, "It was a very unique show. Our film is closely connected to the music and the music was the heart of our show. There were unique performance, live music show, the entire gang is authentic rappers and they contributed the film, dialogues, and music of the film.

"It was a unique show and a unique experience for me and I am thankful to the entire team for having me along with Ranveer Singh, the entire 'Gully Gang', rapper Nazy, filmmaker Zoya Akhtar, film producer Ritesh Sidhwani was present at the event.

Actor Ranveer Singh turned show-stopper for Love Gen at the Lakme Fashion Week 2019. The 'Simmba' actor was seen sporting a jump-suit, sweatshirt and cap as he walked the ramp for hip and vibrant new Love Gen collection.

This is the first time a movie and fashion show has successfully amalgamated on-ramp. Talking about the experience, Ranveer said, "I loved it! It is the first time that any of movies had merchandise, turned right"

'Gully Boy' is directed by Zoya Akhtar, it is loosely based on the life of street rappers Divine and Naezy. The film also stars Alia Bhatt, Kalki Koechlin, Vijay Raaz and Siddhant Chaturvedi in supporting roles.

The film releases on February 14.Kolkata, Feb 3 : In an unprecedented confrontation between the Narendra Modi-led Central and West Bengal governments, chief Minister Mamata Banerjee began a sit-in on Sunday here accusing the Centre of trying to run a parallel administration in states, saying there is a "constitutional break-down" after an ugly face-off between the CBI and the state police.

The showdown started after the federal probe agency's officers showed up near the residence of Kolkata police commissioner Rajeev Kumar, who has been under the scanner in connection with the CBI probe into the ponzi scheme scam case.

On Saturday, CBI sources said they were "looking for" Kumar, a 1989 batch IPS officer, and even claimed that he might be arrested if he failed to respond to the CBI's summons.

On Sunday, the evening drama began in front of Kumar's official residence on Loudon Street as a group of CBI officers approached the house, but they were stopped by city police personnel, who also forcibly took five federal probe agency officers to a police station.

The Chief Minister, who had extended support to Kumar earlier in the day, also rushed to his house and was closeted with other top officers, including state police Director General Virendra.

A visibly angry Banerjee came out of Kumar's residence after over an hour, and alleged that National Security Advisor Ajit Doval was giving instructions to the CBI at the behest of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President Amit Shah.

She announced she would begin a sit-in at the city hub Dharamtala.

"I am sorry to say National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is giving instructions to the agency. He is implementing what PM Narendra Modi is asking for. He should tell the people that it is not correct," an agitated Banerjee said.

"I will start a dharna (sit-in) at Dharamtala area to save institutions, Constitution and the federal structure of the country," she said.

Minutes later she began the sit-in, as the police commissioner also joined her at Metro Channel.

Banerjee said a meeting of the state cabinet would be held on Monday at the venue of sit-in to ratify the state budget which would be presented during the day.

She said Assembly proceedings would continue as usual.

Banerjee also alleged CBI officers came to Kumar's residence without any search warrant to conduct a secret operation.

"You are coming to the commissioner's residence without any warrant to conduct a secret operation. It is (nothing but) instruction from Narendra Modi and Amit Shah.

"How can they come? One day, they will go to my home, Chief Secretary's home and Home Secretary's home. There is a constitutional break-down and they are trying to run a parallel administration in the states," she told reporters outside the Commissioner's house.

"I have come here because I have a constitutional responsibility to give protection to the forces and it is my personal responsibility. Even, it is our government's responsibility. I will stand by our forces in the state as well as other security forces of the country. If the chief of an organisation is humiliated, how will it work?"

Banerjee appealed to all security forces to be together and condemn the attitude of the Modi government.

She called the developments a 'blow' to the country's federal structure, and claimed that the Supreme Court in its judgement had said both central and state agencies can discuss mutually if they have any queries.

"Subsequently, CBI went to Supreme Court issuing notices and the apex court suggested they go to the Calcutta High Court, which has issued a stay order on the CBI notices. Despite that, CBI officers came to CP's residence to conduct the secret operation," she said, and remarked that a "super emergency" has been clamped on riwal tweeted.

"Modi ji has made a complete mockery of democracy and the federal structure. A few years back, Modi ji captured anti-corruption branch of Delhi government by sending paramilitary forces. Now, this. Modi-Shah duo is a threat to India and its democracy. We strongly condemn this action," he added.

Kejriwal's reaction came after Banerjee began the sit-in "to save the federal structure of the country".

According to government sources, Kejriwal may also visit Kolkata on Monday.

Last year, Banerjee had extended support to Kejriwal and had visited him when he was protesting at the residence of Delhi Lieutenant Governor.

Kejriwal, along with three Cabinet Ministers, camped in the Raj Niwas for 10 days demanding a direction to the IAS officers working in the Delhi administration to end their undeclared 'strike' and the Centre to approve Delhi government's proposal to deliver ration to the poor at their houses.

Banerjee started her 'dharna' following a high drama in front of Kolkata police commissioner Rajeev Kumar's official residence on Loudon Street when a group of CBI officers were stopped by city police personnel from approaching Kumar's house.

The Kolkata police personnel also forcibly took the federal probe agency officers to a police station after bundling them into several vehicles.Hyderabad, Feb 3 : Telangana Chief Minister K.A. Chandrashekhar Rao on Sunday conducted an aerial survey of Yadadri to inspect the works undertaken for renovation of Yadadri temple, which he wants to develop on the lines of famous Tirumala temple of Andhra Pradesh.

He observed the ongoing works of the main temple, temple city, and construction of Presidential suite on the hill.

He later visited Sri Laxmi Narsimha Swamy temple and conducted the rituals.

KCR, as Rao is popularly known, personally examined the works taken up in and around the main temple sprawling 173 acres. He also visited the hill and reviewed the works of temple city.

He said funds will be sanctioned for the construction of outer ring road covering two hills.

Earlier known as Yadgirigutta, the temples was renamed as Yadadri after formation of Telangana State in 2014.

KCR government has announced mega plans to develop the hill temple at a cost of Rs 1,800 crore. In 2015, KCR decided to club adjoining nine hills to make it a mega centre of pilgrimage.

Meanwhile, Raju Vegesna Foundation, a non-governmental organization which conducts charitable programmes in Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam, has donated Rs 10 crore for the construction of Annadana Satram.

Foundation President Anantha Koti Raju, Secretary Ananda Raju and other members met CM and handed over the cheque.

KCR said many philanthropists were coming forward for the construction of guest houses and choultries. He thanked 43 donors who have come forward to donate Rs 2 crore each.Shillong, Feb 3 : Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said that he would discuss the draft Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 with other political parties and civil society groups.

Singh told Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and senior political leaders from the northeastern states who met him to discuss the controversial Bill which has rocked the northeastern states.

The Meghalaya Chief Minister was accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister, Prestone Tynosng, Asom Gana Parishad leaders among others.

"The Home Minister told us that he would discuss the draft law with other political parties and civil society organisations. I think it is a very positive indication and now everything will move forward only after detailed consultation with everyone," Sangma said.

In a video-taped statement issued here, the Chief Minister said said the Home Minister mentioned that he is taking the sentiments of the people of the North East into consideration.

"We will try our best to ensure that the government does not go ahead with this Bill, and our opposition and our work will continue," Sangma said.

Meanwhile, leaders of North East Students's Organisation, which is spearheading the protest against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill across the northeastern states, called on Chief Minister Sangma , leaders of Biju Janata Dal, Janata Dal United and leaders of regional political parties from the northeastern states urging them to vote against the Bill if tabled in the Rajya Sabha.

The Bill which was already passed in the Lok Sabha on January 8 seeks to remove hurdles for eligible migrants from six minority groups from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan from getting Indian citizenship.Amaravati, Feb 3 : Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday condemned the happenings in Kolkata, terming it a glaring example of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President Amit Shah destroying the institutions.

Naidu, also the President of Telugu Desam Party (TDP), tweeted that attacking political opponents in different States, few days before the Parliament elections, will have disastrous consequences in the country.

"This is shocking and we strongly condemn this. We stand by Chief Minister of West Bengal to preserve and protect the Constitution and spirit of federalism in the country," tweeted Naidu "After opposition parties started uniting and started to fight together to save democracy, the Modi led BJP is losing all hope. The misuse of institutions by the union government to victimize political opponents in States is reaching dangerous proportions," said Naidu.

He was reacting to the happenings in Kolkata, where a group of CBI officers were spotted near the residence of police commissioner Rajeev Kumar. This led to a scuffle between CBI and Kolkata policemen.

The CBI was reportedly looking for Kumar in connection with its probe into ponzi scheme scam case.Kolkata, Feb 3 : In an unprecedented confrontation between the Narendra Modi-led Central and West Bengal governments, chief Minister Mamata Banerjee began a sit-in on Sunday here accusing the Centre of trying to run a parallel administration in states, saying there is a "constitutional break-down" after an ugly face-off between the CBI and the state police.

The showdown started after the federal probe agency's officers showed up near the residence of Kolkata police commissioner Rajeev Kumar, who has been under the scanner in connection with the CBI probe into the ponzi scheme scam case.

On Saturday, CBI sources said they were "looking for" Kumar, a 1989 batch IPS officer, and even claimed that he might be arrested if he failed to respond to the CBI's summons.

On Sunday, the evening drama began in front of Kumar's official residence on Loudon Street as a group of CBI officers approached the house, but they were stopped by city police personnel, who also forcibly took five federal probe agency officers to a police station.

The Chief Minister, who had extended support to Kumar earlier in the day, also rushed to his house and was closeted with other top officers, including state police Director General Virendra.

A visibly angry Banerjee came out of Kumar's residence after over an hour, and alleged that National Security Advisor Ajit Doval was giving instructions to the CBI at the behest of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President Amit Shah.

She announced she would begin a sit-in at the city hub Dharamtala.

"I am sorry to say National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is giving instructions to the agency. He is implementing what PM Narendra Modi is asking for. He should tell the people that it is not correct," an agitated Banerjee said.

"I will start a dharna (sit-in) at Dharamtala area to save institutions, Constitution and the federal structure of the country," she said.

Minutes later she began the sit-in, as the police commissioner also joined her at Metro Channel.

Banerjee said a meeting of the state cabinet would be held on Monday at the venue of sit-in to ratify the state budget which would be presented during the day.

She said Assembly proceedings would continue as usual.

Banerjee also alleged CBI officers came to Kumar's residence without any search warrant to conduct a secret operation.

"You are coming to the commissioner's residence without any warrant to conduct a secret operation. It is (nothing but) instruction from Narendra Modi and Amit Shah.

"How can they come? One day, they will go to my home, Chief Secretary's home and Home Secretary's home. There is a constitutional break-down and they are trying to run a parallel administration in the states," she told reporters outside the Commissioner's house.

"I have come here because I have a constitutional responsibility to give protection to the forces and it is my personal responsibility. Even, it is our government's responsibility. I will stand by our forces in the state as well as other security forces of the country. If the chief of an organisation is humiliated, how will it work?"

Banerjee appealed to all security forces to be together and condemn the attitude of the Modi government.

She called the developments a 'blow' to the country's federal structure, and claimed that the Supreme Court in its judgement had said both central and state agencies can discuss mutually if they have any queries.

"Subsequently, CBI went to Supreme Court issuing notices and the apex court suggested they go to the Calcutta High Court, which has issued a stay order on the CBI notices. Despite that, CBI officers came to CP's residence to conduct the secret operation," she said, and remarked that a "super emergency" has been clamped on the country.

"They are hatching a conspiracy to heckle everyone. They are trying to control even the media. Governors' houses across the states have become BJP's party offices," she added.

The CBI officers, led by its deputy superintendent Tathagata Bardhan, were spotted near Kumar's residence around evening, but within a few minutes some senior Kolkata police officers rushed near the residence and were seen having animated discussions with the CBI team.

A little later, another CBI team reached the spot in another car, while Bardhan contacted his higher-ups and said "no" when asked if they were retreating from the spot.

Meanwhile, a strong city police team was seen near the CBI's state headquarters at CGO Complex in the Salt Lake area. However, they left after a couple of hours.

The drama intensified near Kumar's residence around 7 p.m., as three deputy commissioners of city police and some officers of the anti-rowdy section reached the spot, following which there ensued a scuffle between the CBI team and cops.

The five CBI officers including Bardhan were bundled into three vehicles and taken to the Shakespeare Sarani police station.

The CBI officers were released later in the night.

Meanwhile, the Central Reserve Police Force troops were deployed at the CBI headquarters.

Trinamool spokesperson and Rajya Sabha MP Derek O'Brien wondered whether the BJP was planning a 'constitutional coup' and said his party would raise the matter in Parliament on Monday.New Delhi, Feb 3 : A 41-year-old property dealer was arrested for brandishing a pistol at Uber driver in a case of road rage at south Delhi, police said on Sunday.

The incident occurred on Friday when the accused, identified as Rajan Bharar, a resident of Kirti Nagar, came to attend a birthday party in a restaurant at East of Kailash area.

"After the party, Rajan went to drop his friend at Amar Colony. Returning home, he picked a fight with an Uber driver while overtaking. Rajan broke the glass of the cab and threatened to kill the Uber driver by showing off a pistol," said Deputy Commissioner of Police Chinmoy Biswal.

"The Uber driver, Salman, 22, told the police in his complaint that while he was waiting for his passenger, Rajan Bharar kept honking behind his cab. He later abused him and damaged the mirror of his vehicle. Bharar then brandished a pistol at Salman," the DCP added.

"All the night patrolling motorcycles and picket staff were alerted. A PCR van also assisted in the chase. The car Hyndai I10 was seen in Amar Colony area. On seeing the police team, Bharar tried to flee. He was later arrested after police vehicles intercepted his car," he added.

"During interrogation, Bharar said he got the illegal automatic pistol from his contact in Uttar Pradesh's Meerut. He had also contested MCD's councillor election in 2012 from Kirti Nagar but lost," the officer added.Puri, Feb 3 : BJP President Amit Shah on Sunday equated the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) government in Odisha with a "burnt transformer" for failing to transfer the Central fund to the people.

He said even though the Centre has allocated Rs 5.13 lakh crore to Odisha, the fund did not reach the grassroots level.

"Would power go to your home without a transformer? BJD government in Odisha is like a burnt transformer. When a transformer is burnt, it has to be discarded. Similarly, the BJD government has to be uprooted and thrown out for failing to transfer the Central fund to the people in the state," said Shah.

Addressing BJP ST Morcha's two-day national convention at Puri, he attacked the Congress and BJD for doing nothing for Odisha's development.

"Naveen babu's party is a B team of Congress. They are two sides of same coin. Congress ruled for so long in Odisha. Did Odisha develop? Naveen Patnaik also ruled for 19 years. Did Odisha develop?" asked Shah.

He claimed that only BJP under the leadership of Narendra Modi can ensure Odisha's development.

He said despite being rich in resources, Odisha has not witnessed any substantial development as there is not an abled Chief Minister who can run the government.

Mocking Naveen Patnaik for his poor understanding and speaking in Odia language, Shah said, "Naveen Babu is not able to hear peopleaAs voice as he does not understands or speaks the regional language.a "Make sure the next Chief Minister you elect is someone who can speak the Odia language. This is a matter of respect for the Odia language," said Shah.

On the occasion, the BJP president urged the Odisha government to implement the Ayushman Bharat Yojana for the health benefit of the people in the state.

"We have started Ayushman Bharat for 50 crore people. But Naveen babu's government has stopped the programme. He fears that Modi would become popular. Please remove our name, but at least run the scheme in Odisha for the benefit of people," said Shah.New Delhi, Feb 3 : The BJP on Sunday lashed out at West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for allegedly denying permission to land Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's chopper in Uttar Dinajpur and dubbed her government as "undemocratic" and "fascist".

"It is deeply regrettable and condemnable. The true to the undemocratic record of Trinamool Congress and its leader Mamata Banerjee, today the helicopter of Yogi Adityanath, who had gone to campaign for the party, was not allowed to land in Dinajpur area of West Bengal where he was to address two rallies," Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad told reporters.

Adityanath was scheduled to address two rallies at Balurghat in Dakshin Dinajpur district and Raiganj in Uttar Dinajpur district, but the safforn party accused the West Bengal government of denying permission to his helicopter to land. He later addressed the gathering through mobile phone.

"It has not happened for the first time. The helicopter of our national President Amit Sah was also not allowed to land. Earlier, the entire yatra of the BJP was stopped. What is happening in Bengal?" the BJP leader asked.

Referring to Mamata Banerjee's Kolkata rally attended by several opposition parties, Prasad said they accused us of being undemocratic but today's incident was another glaring case of an "undemocratic, fascist behaviour" of the TMC.

"And all the opposition parties are silent," he said.

He alleged that chief of the country's ruling party was not being allowed to hold rallies and the Prime Minister's meeting was disturbed.

"The only reason is panic and the sense of fear in Trinamool Congress. All the rallies of BJP leaders are drawing massive crowd and the Bengal is gearing for a change," he said.

The senior BJP leader also urged the Election Commission to take due notice of the incidents in West Bengal.

"Nothing can be more regrettable and condemnable that in India the ruling party's leaders are not allowed to campaign by rank abuse and police powers. This is plainly unacceptable," he said, adding that this kind of crushing of contrary opinion Bengal has never tolerated.Guwahati, Feb 3 : Referring to their common thread particularly through Buddhism and Hinduism, Union Minister of State for Tourism K.J. Alphons on Sunday stressed the need to strengthen the bonds between India and the ASEAN.

"There is so much common among the ASEAN countries and India," he said while speaking at the inaugural session of the 2nd ASEAN-India Youth Summit here.

"The Buddhist philosophy and Hindu philosophy are so deeply embedded in the entire ASEAN region and this keeps them united. We must work together to strengthen the bond and build on the ideals," he said.

The Minister said that it were the youths who will determine the future of the world.

He also stressed on the need for the active involvement of the youth in political, economic and social spheres for sustainable peace and all-round development.

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal hoped that the confluence of youth leaders from India and the 10 ASEAN countries will lead to a shared understanding of the challenges the countries face.

More than 150 youth leaders from India and ASEAN members Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam will take part in the deliberations over five days.Chinsurah : , Feb 3 (IANS) Hitting out at the proposed grand alliance of anti-BJP parties across states, Union Home Minister and senior BJP leader Rajnath Singh on Sunday asked who will "run the vehicle of mahagatbandhan."

He also said a decisive leadership to take strong decisions is essential to run a government.

"I am seeing that Trinammol leader Mamata didi (Mamata Banerjee) is concentrating less on West Bengal and trying to form a 'mahagatbandhan' (grand alliance). If the government is formed by a grand alliance, who will run the vehicle of mahagatbandhan? They will have to first decide who will hold the steering and who will press the brakes," he said while addressing a rally here.

To run a government, it is "essential to have a decisive leadership which should have the power to take strong decisions," he said.

The Narendra Modi-led Central government is "committed to curb corruption" in the country and has undertaken several schemes to check cases of graft and Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) is one of them, Singh said, adding that the Centre saved over Rs 1 lakh crore through the introduction of DBT.

Speaking on the alleged money laundering in the Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal, Singh said, "Corruption was detected in the deal. People had earlier raised doubts that how the accused persons who were abroad would be extradited. We were successful in bringing back Christian Michel along with two persons and have arrested them. No corrupt person would be spared."

Michel, a Dubai-based Englishman and the alleged middleman in the VVIP chopper scam, and co-accused Rajiv Saxena along with corporate lobbyist Deepak Talwar were recently extradited from the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

With the surgical strike across the Line of Control in 2016, India has shown that it can take bold steps in tackling terrorism while Maoist activities too have been reduced sharply in the last four-and-a-half years, Singh said, adding that India was no longer a weak country.

"People used to tell us earlier that you are wasting time in West Bengal. But now they are saying BJP can win more than 20-25 Lok Sabha seats from Bengal," he said.

Addressing the rally here in Hooghly district, Singh appealed to the leaders, activists and supporters of the BJP to fight against the ruling Trinamool Congress in the state, assuring that the central leadership is with them.

"Do not let the BJP's head down," Singh said.

He also said the Centre has decided to seal West Bengal and Assam's borders with Bangladesh by putting in place a comprehensive integrated border management system.

"This will prevent smuggling of cows, drugs and stop the entry of fake notes and infiltrators," he said.

Citing the recent budgetary announcements, Singh said that farmers would benefit immensely from the direct income support of Rs 6,000.Itanagar, Feb 3 : Indian Army chief General Bipin Rawat on Sunday called on Arunachal Pradesh Governor retired Brig. B.D. Mishra at Raj Bhavan.

Gen Rawat is on a two-day visit to Arunachal Pradesh.

The Army Chief praised the people of Arunachal Pradesh who he said had always helped the Indian Army in a big way.

The General, while acknowledging the efforts of the Governor in facilitating the recruitment of local youths in the Army, said there were many good officers of Arunachal Pradesh in the Indian armed forces.Ranchi, Feb 3 : Maoist guerrillas set on fire 10 vehicles in Jharkhand's Ramgarh district early on Sunday, police said.

The incident took place at Dulmi village. The Maoists, numbering around 15, raided a private road construction company and fired in the air to threaten the staff.

They then poured petrol on the vehicles on set them on fire. Refusal to pay protection money to the Maoists apparently led to the arson.New Delhi, Feb 3 : D Day has arrived yet again for Reid & Taylor at the National Company Law Tribual (NCLT), with its next hearing slated for February 5 in Mumbai. This is when the fate of the latest bidder Indian Gas Ltd will be decided.

During the hearings, the NCLT Bench has thrown into stark relief that they now don't believe the Employee Association at all and are even extremely suspicious that there is a definitive effort to sabotage the process of resolution.

In the continuing saga replete with twists and turns by way of bids and withdrawals to participate in the CIRP for Reid & Taylor, despite time of statutory 270 days period having elapsed, Indian Gas Ltd with its last minute bid informing the Bench that the company, which has Rs 1,500 crore net worth, is in the hunt. But recent history may well repeat itself on Tuesday when the new bid is turned out.

The reason being that records of Registrar of Companies reveal that Indian Gas Ltd has total shareholders' funds of Rs 5,72,31,856 and share capital of Rs 6 crore as on March 31, 2018, according to the Balance Sheet for FY 2017-18.

On closer examination into the internal financials (paid up capital) of the group entities associated with one of the Directors of Indian Gas Ltd, Thamburaj Mohan including Indian Power Projects Ltd (Rs 5 crore), MRC Services Pvt Ltd (Rs 9 lakh), Indian Gas Ltd (Rs 6 crore), Indian Integrated Energy Ltd (Rs 10 crore), Thamara Green farms Pvt Ltd (Rs 1 lakh), Thithukudi Green Farms Pvt Ltd (Rs 1 lakh), Nellai Dry Land Agro Farms Pvt Ltd (Rs 1 lakh), IMP Infra Holding Pvt Ltd (Rs 1 lakh), Venthan Enterprises Pvt Ltd (Rs 1 lakh), MRC Green Energy Pvt Ltd (Rs 1 lakh) amounting up to about Rs 21.15 crore in all.

In reality, in its submission through Rinav Manseta, Indian Gas Ltd had informed the NCLT Mumbai Bench of having a net worth of Rs 1,500 crore.

Another investor SPGP had earlier this month claimed a net worth of Rs 67 crore but eventually could prove a net worth of a meagre Rs 6 crore and then backed out apologizing to the Bench for the company's inability to participate in the Resolution Process.

The NCLT Mumbai Bench during the hearing had said that only due to the humanitarian angle they had considered a smallest opportunity that was available to the company to revive itself even after the statutory deadline of 270 days had passed.

In the last hearing, the NCLT Mumbai Bench had noted that if the investor (Indian Gas Ltd) fails to deposit non-refundable EMD of Rs 2 crore by February 5, it will be construed that the said the person representing Indian Gas Ltd had made false statements for obtaining adjournment for which they may proceed against this person under section 420 of IPC.

Finquest had opposed the claim of Indian Gas Ltd to participate in the Resolution Process of R&T saying the time of statutory 270 days period should not be extended under any circumstances. Its counsel Zal Andhyarujina said that its client feels that Indian Gas has not come to NCLT with genuine interest.

In one of the hearings, on the issue of KPMG forensic report, the Bench noted that there is no doubt that there was fraud committed by the erstwhile promoters in the company. The Bench had then observed that there was a clear case of fraud that can be treated under IPC also and if required, the Bench can request the police and other authorities to look into it and initiate suitable proceedings.Amaravati, Feb 3 : Voicing concern over the pendency of cases and vacancies of judges, Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice Ranjan Gogoi on Sunday said the twin factors have made the judicial dispensation system extremely vulnerable.

Inaugurating an interim building of the Andhra Pradesh High Court and laying the foundation stone for a permanent structure here, the CJI indicated the problem was imminently solvable and urged judges to take a solemn pledge to take the system forward.

He said the pendency figures of three crore cases were alarming but pointed out that 81 lakh cases were just about one year old. "When you file the case, by the time it gets ready it takes little time. Therefore, 81 lakh cases which are less than one year old really cannot be said to be pending," said the CJI.

Gogoi said 50 lakh cases out of the three crore were petty cases like breach of the Motor Vehicles Act, Weights and Measures Act and small violations of the excise law which call for the imposition of a token fine. "I appeal to the Chief Justices of the high courts to give a thought on how best we can deal with these 50 lakh cases."

He termed as 'worrisome and troublesome' the figure of 25 lakh cases which were 10 years old. "This is not a good sign. I think some serious reflection on this is necessary. There is no way to deal with this except for an utmost degree of commitment and devotion to see that these 25 lakh cases, which are black spots on the judiciary, are wiped out as quickly as possible."

The Chief Justice said there were 392 vacancies of high court judges but the high courts of the country had not made recommendations for 270 posts.

"There are 130 posts in the pipeline. Out of which, 100 are before the Supreme Court Collegium and 14 before the Union Government. Let us not blame anybody. Recommendations for 270 posts are yet to be made by the high courts. I appeal to the Chief Justices of the high courts to make these recommendations," said Gogoi, adding that the 100 pending posts before the Supreme Court would be cleared in the next two to three weeks.

He pointed out that recently the Supreme Court took up the job of filling up 5,000 vacancies in the district judiciary. He was optimistic that these 5,000 vacancies in the cadres of district judges and subordinate judges will be filled very soon. "May be 75 per cent of these 5,000 vacancies will be filled up by the end of 2019."

The CJI said he always believed that dispensation of justice and morality travel together. "Whether it is a criminal court punishing somebody for a crime committed or a civil court dealing with property dispute, it is ultimately the morals, the principles of morality that are upheld which are entwined with law.

"As you go higher to the constitutional courts, the situation and the picture become very complex. How a state should treat its citizens, whether the state is discriminating or whether the state is being unfair, whether a particular legislation is invalid -- all these have to be tested on the touchstone of moral principles. Here is the danger. As judges we do not permit our individual notions to come and affect our judgment or our decision making process," Gogoi said.

He said he believed that principles of constitutional morality are a better, safer and more realistic test. "As judges we never do something that we have to justify. The very thought of a judge justifying a decision is wrong. We do what is right and what we think is right, guided by principles of constitutional morality."

Gogoi said the members of the bar had a bigger role to play in shaping up and in making the system dynamic than what has ever been thought. He believed that their role goes beyond the court room.

"Evolving new ideas of judicial management, evolving new practices of court management, of case management can only happen if the bar is realistic," he said while appealing to the members of the bar to reflect and cooperate in making the system dynamic.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Supreme Court judges Justice N.V. Ramana, Justice L. Nageswara Rao, Justice R. Subhash Reddy, acting Chief Justice of the Andhra Pradesh High Court Justice C. Praveen Kumar, Chief Justice of the Telangana High Court Justice T.B. Radhakrishnan, judges of the High Court and senior officials attended the ceremony.Amaravati, Feb 3 : Chief Justice of India Justice Ranjan Gogoi on Sunday said the twin factors of pendency of court cases and lack of judges have made the judicial dispensation system extremely vulnerable.

Inaugurating the new building of the Andhra Pradesh High Court here, he indicated the problem was imminently solvable and urged judges to take a solemn pledge to take the system forward.

He said the pendency figures of 3 crore cases was alarming but pointed out that 81 lakh cases were just about one year old. "When you file the case by the time it gets ready it takes little time. Therefore 81 lakh cases which are less than one year old really cannot be said to be pending," said the Chief Justice.

Justice Gogoi said 50 lakh cases out of the 3 crore were petty cases like breach of Motor Vehicle Act, Weights and Measurement Act and small violations of the excise law which call for the imposition of a token fine. "I appeal to the chief justices of the high courts to give a thought how best we can deal with these 50 lakh cases."

He termed as 'worrisome and troublesome' the figure of 25 lakh cases which were 10 years old. "This is not a good sign. I think some serious reflection on this is necessary. There is no way to deal with this except for an utmost degree of commitment and devotion to see that these 25 lakh cases which are black spot on judiciary are wiped out as quickly as possible."

The Chief Justice said there were 392 vacancies of high court judges but the high courts of the country had not made recommendations for 270 posts.

"There are 130 posts in the pipeline. Out of which 100 are before the Supreme Court Collegium and 14 before the Union Government. Let us not blame anybody. Recommendation for 270 posts are yet to be made by the high courts. I appeal to the chief justices of the high courts to make these recommendations," said Justice Gogoi, adding that the 100 pending posts before the Supreme Court would be cleared in the next two to three weeks.

He pointed out that recently the Supreme Court took up the job of filling up 5,000 vacancies in the district judiciary. He was optimistic that these 5,000 vacancies in the cadres of district judges and subordinate judges will be filled very soon. "May be 75 percent of these 5,000 vacancies will be filled up by the end of 2019."San Francisco, Feb 3 : Google is reportedly testing a set of new inbox features like pinned messages, reminders and category bundles for the new Gmail for Android.

"A screenshot shared by a redditor today claims to show an internal build of the revamped Gmail for Android with the new features," 9T05Google reported on Saturday.

In September 2018, Google announced the addition of bundles to help users deal with multiple messages at once -- an organisational feature that was first introduced in 2014 that brings emails of similar slugs together for users to expand and archive in mass.

"If this screenshot is reliable, Google is working on reminders that users are able to quickly create and schedule along with the ability to only show pinned items in the feed," the report said.

Google rolled out the big redesign of Gmail last year and added several new features including Smart Reply, email snoozing, follow-up Nudges and hover actions as well as the recent inline attachments and images on Android.

"According to the redditor, 'there is still plenty of work to be done'. Meanwhile, this screenshot apparently represents only one of the 'different design iterations' being worked on, and that it's still 'very early,'" the report added.Mumbai, Feb 3 : Debt-laden Dewan Housing Finance Ltd's (DHFL) parent company Wadhawan Global Capital (WGC) has agreed to sell its 70 per cent stake in Aadhar Housing Finance (AHFL), while DHFL will also sell its over 9 per cent stock in AHFL as a corporate debt cutting measure.

According to a WGC release here, the company has signed a definitive agreement with US private equity major Blackstone to sell nearly 80 per cent shares of affordable homes firm Aadhar Housing Finance for an undisclosed amount.

"As a part of the deal, WGC will be selling the entire 70 per cent of its stake in the company. DHFL, which holds a 9.15 per cent stake in AHFL, will also be exiting the company as a part of the transaction," the statement said.

"The deal will significantly reduce WGC's outstanding corporate debt."

Commenting on the development, WGC Chairman Kapil Wadhawan said in a statement: "The transaction with Blackstone is a part of our multi-pronged strategy to reduce the corporate debt levels and strengthen our balance sheet.

"The sale unlocks the latent value within the WGC Group while reinstating our immediate and long-term focus on DHFL, the flagship company of Group."

The DHFL stock came under heavy pressure during the week plunging as much as 20 per cent on Thursday following a Cobrapost report that the DHFL promoters routed around Rs 31,000 crore through dubious companies and parked it outside India to acquire assets.

Rejecting the allegations, DHFL said it had met all its obligations to its lenders by paying them back over Rs 17,000 crore in the last three months.

Later in the week, DHFL said it had appointed an "independent" chartered accountant firm to verify the scam allegations.Bhubaneswar, Feb 3 : Former Congress MLA from Koraput Krushna Chandra Sagaria joined the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) in Odisha here on Sunday.

Sagaria said he was willing to take on Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik in the next Assembly elections.

"If Mayawati (BSP President) allows, I am prepared to contest against Patnaik from any Assembly constituency he contests in the upcoming polls," Sagaria said.

Sagaria joined the BSP in the presence of the party's Odisha in-charge Dharamveer Singh.

The tribal leader had resigned from the Assembly on November 6, 2018 citing failure to provide justice to Kunduli gang rape victim.

A minor Dalit girl was allegedly gang-raped on October 10, 2017. She committed suicide on January 22, 2018.

Sagaria along with former Union Minister Srikant Jena was expelled from the Congress on January 19 for indulging in anti-party activities.

BSP state in-charge said the party would field candidates in every constituency of Odisha.Mumbai, Feb 3 : Karisma Kapoor believes that the new generation of actors are blessed to have a huge pool of design and style talent to choose from.

Over the years, Karisma's own fashion sense has evolved.

"I think it's a great compliment," Karisma told IANS here on the sidelines of the Lakme Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2019.

"Even though I am not actively doing films, people like my fashion sense. In that sense, it's a personal style that has evolved over the years.

"Earlier, we had to wear what we were told in movies. Overtime, then I had a say in what I wanted to wear and what I didn't want to wear. Today, there are so many talented designers and stylists out there, and today's generation (actors) are very lucky to have the talent that they can use," added the charismatic beauty.

She turned showstopper for Jaipur-based designer Punit Balana's line 'Maya'.

Calling his style "innovative and creative", Karisma praised the fact that the designer uses eco-friendly fabrics and dyes.

"The most important thing is that he gives a chance to local artists to showcase their talent along with his own. His line ranges from western silhouettes to Indian styles and they are very wearable," Karisma said.

Balana's line is an ode to the French novel "Madame Bovary".It is impossible to delink a political motive from the revival of Subhas Chandra Bose under the NDA. The result, however, goes beyond politics. The discourse around him, even though pushed by the ruling party, has led to the mainstreaming of Netaji and given him a far bigger stage than the one he has generally had as one of the icons of the freedom movement from Bengal.

What had started with the declassification of a part of the Netaji papers has now reached full momentum with the opening of the Netaji Museum in the Kranti Mandir complex at the Red Fort. For his followers, this is a sort of rehabilitation. He is back on centre-stage in the national discourse, and that includes on the social media, the pre-eminent medium of communication in the digital age. Even Congressmen suggesting that there were no major differences between him on the one side and Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi on the other only succeed in keeping him on the national stage.

Bose is a good vehicle to use in the effort to reinstall icons from the Congress party and outside overshadowed by the Nehru-Gandhis and the Mahatma. His views led to the formation of the Leftist Forward Bloc but that does not make him an untouchable for India's Rightwing. His obvious nationalism, and a militaristic approach to it, make him a ready-favourite. One of his most-quoted lines, "Give me blood and I shall give you freedom," from his speech to the Indian National Army in Burma in 1944 is the kind of stuff that drives the Rightwing. His life story gives a dimension that is more substantive than merely placing him in the space opposite Gandhi and Nehru and other Gandhian acolytes. In that sense he gets a heads-up when compared to say, Bhagat Singh, the other Leftist icon of the freedom movement.

More than politics and ideology, the key words while referring to Bose are nationalism and patriotism. Taking up his cause helps the ruling party to score high on the patriotism index. This is one of the legs on which the BJP's push for new constituencies stands - the others being a wave of welfare populism signified in the budget, talking Bharat ahead of India, and finding ways to ensure its upper caste vote which is illustrated in the move for quota in the general category.

Whether the pursuit of Bose and his legacy by the BJP will polarise the vote bank is an open question. In West Bengal where it is hoping to win at least 20 seats, and the Prime Minister has campaigned aggressively, the party has been moving in stages. There was an elaborate, almost ritualistic celebration of Swami Vivekananda, and Modi has made no secret of the fact that he has been an avid reader of Vivekananda's teachings. Once again, social media has highlighted this. That apart, there has been an attempt to introduce 'shastra pujan', or a worship of weapons, a practice that did not originate in the state. The common thread running through these is nationalism/patriotism.

Taking up Bose and Vivekananda in Bengal is a bit like selling coal to Newcastle. So it is doubtful whether they alone will bring in new voters for the BJP. But it is part of an overall package as mentioned earlier. The state is certainly providing the setting for a definitive electoral battle. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has positioned herself at the vanguard of the anti-Modi alliance. The recent all-party meet in Kolkata has shown that. The BJP has matched that with a campaign strategy to up its presence in the state, and that is going to increase in the lead-up to the Lok Sabha elections. If the vote count in Uttar Pradesh will have a bearing on the constitution of the next Lok Sabha, the polls in Bengal will provide the setting for the ideological battle between the two sides.

Politics is about legacy. It is a constant. But political choices are like the swing of a pendulum. They move from one extreme to the other. A liberal discourse ruled for a long time. There is now a course correction towards the Right. It has come more than 90 years since the formation of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh by K.B. Hedgewar in 1925 and over 60 years since the Bharatiya Jana Sangh was founded by Syama Prasad Mookerjee in 1951. The mainstreaming of Netaji becomes relevant in this context. Whether or not the Rightwing discourse is the dominant one will not be determined by the Lok Sabha polls because of the number of factors involved in the world's largest democracy. But it will be a key determining factor.Agartala, Feb 3 : Security forces on Sunday detained seven children of Rohingya Muslims at a railway station in northern Tripura adjoining Assam, a Railway Protection Force (RPF) official said here.

With this, 68 Rohingya Muslims, mostly children, have been apprehended in Tripura and the Assam-Tripura border in two weeks.

"Six girls and a boy belonging to Rohingya Muslims were detained at the Dharmanagar Railway Station (in northern Tripura). The children, all under 18, would be handed over to Tripura Police today (Sunday) for further legal formalities," an official of the RPF of the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) said.

He said that these children accompanied by touts reached Dharmanagar from Agartala by bus and intended to go to Badarpur in southern Assam by train.

"Sensing the presence of RPF troopers, the touts, who were accompanying the children, escaped from the spot (190 km from Agartala). We are also unable to understand the language the children speak.

"Railway tickets up to Badarpur railway station were found on them. They might have been trafficked by middlemen," the RPF official said.

A police official said the teenagers would be lodged in a juvenile home run by the Tripura government.

North Tripura Superintendent of Police Bhanupada Chakraborty said that the police would investigate the matter to ascertain how these children came to Tripura.

On January 22, the Border Security Force (BSF) had handed over 31 Rohingya Muslims, including nine women and 16 children, who were stranded along the India-Bangladesh border since January 18, to the Tripura Police.

They are now in judicial custody.

On January 21, another 30 Rohingyas were caught along the Tripura-Assam border by the Assam Police. They are also in judicial custody in southern Assam.

According to the BSF, 62 Rohingya Muslims were arrested last year after they entered India (Tripura) illegally.

Tripura has a 856 km-long international border with Bangladesh, most of which is fenced except a stretch of nearly 20 km.Patna, Feb 3 : Bihar opposition leader Tejashwi Yadav on Sunday said that Congress President Rahul Gandhi was qualified to be the Prime Minister.

"Rahul Gandhi is capable and qualified to hold the PM's post," Tejashwi Yadav said in his address at Congress 'Jan Aakansha' rally here.

The RJD leader reiterated that all like-minded parties should unite to defeat the Bharatiya Janata Party and its National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

He alleged that Prime Minister Narendar Modi had forgotten all the promises made during the 2014 Lok Sabha election campaign and failed to fulfill any of them.Abu Dhabi, Feb 3 : An Indian expat won 10 million dirhams ($2.7 million) in a raffle held in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.

Prashanth Pandarathil bought the ticket online on January 4. The second prize of 100,000 dirhams was only won by another Indian, Kuldeep Kumar, reports The Khaleej Times.

There were six Indians in the top 10 winning list.

Last month, Abhishek Kathel, a Sharjah-based Indian expat, won $1 million in a Dubai Duty Free raffle.

In another lucky draw also last month, Dubai-based Sarath Purushothaman was announced the winner of 15 million dirhams at the Abu Dhabi International Airport.Islamabad, Feb 3 : Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has said that India should stop blaming Islamabad for its problems as it has no intention of interfering in New Delhi's internal affairs.

Talking to the media here on Saturday, the Minister said it was not a big issue if he had a telephone conversation with senior Kashmiri separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, reports Dawn news.

Qureshi on January 29 telephoned Mirwaiz Farooq to brief him about Islamabad's efforts to highlight the human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir blamed on India and also to invite him to a conference being held in Britain's House of Commons.

"India gets annoyed if the Kashmir issue is highlighted despite the fact that it is a resolvable issue," he said.

He said the real face of India would be exposed by presenting Pakistan's point of view on the issue at the international conference.

The Minister said regardless of which party wins the next election in India, Pakistan would reciprocate "good gestures" by the new government in New Delhi.

"Pakistan's foreign policy will be devised according to the wishes of the nation and in the interest of the country," he added.

Following the telephone call, India on January 30 told Pakistan to lay off on the issue of Jammu and Kashmir.Seoul, Feb 3 : A top US diplomat on Sunday travelled to South Korea to meet representatives from Pyongyang and prepare for the second summit between American President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

Stephen Biegun, US Special Representative for North Korea, will meet South Korea's top nuclear envoy Lee Do-hoon, to coordinate on talks with the North Korean regime over its denuclearization, Efe news agency reported.

On Monday, the US envoy is scheduled to meet North Korea's new negotiator for talks with Washington, Kim Hyok-chol, at the border village of Panmunjom to finalize details of the summit between Trump and Kim.

These meetings are expected to iron out the details and set the date and venue of the summit, two weeks after Trump announced it would be held at the end of February in Vietnam.

Kim Hyok-chol was part of the delegation accompanying former North Korean military Intelligence Chief, Kim Yong-chol, to Washington last month to meet Trump and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

According to US media reports, the Vietnamese city of Da Nang, located along the coast of the South China Sea, is the venue preferred by negotiating teams from both.

North Korea and the US hope that the second summit will restart the stalled denuclearization talks.

At the first summit in Singapore last June, the two leaders agreed to work towards the denuclearization of the Korean Pensinsula in exchange for security guarantees from Washington, but there has been little developments since.Honolulu, Feb 3 : Tulsi Gabbard, the first Hindu US Congresswoman, has officially launched her 2020 presidential campaign in Hawaii.

"It is this principle of service above self that is at the heart of every soldier, at the heart of every service member, and it is in this spirit that today I announce my candidacy for President of the United States of America," CNN quoted Gabbard as saying said on Saturday at an event here.

"I will bring this soldier's principles to the White House, restoring the values of dignity, honour and respect to the presidency and above all else, love for our people and love for our country.

"I ask you to join me, join me in putting this spirit, this spirit of service above self at the forefront and to stand up against the forces of greed and corruption.

"The road ahead will not be easy. The battles will be tough. The obstacles great, but I know when we stand united by our love for our people and for our country, there is no obstacle we cannot overcome. There is no battle we cannot win," said Gabbard, who is not of Indian descent but comes from a Hindu family in Hawaii.

The official launch of the 37-year-old four-term Democratic congresswoman's campaign gives her presidential bid a chance at a reset after weeks of discord heading into the announcement.

Gabbard, an Iraq War veteran who gained national prominence in 2016 as an outspoken supporter of Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders' 2016 campaign, will run for President as an anti-interventionalist Democrat who supports a populist economic agenda.

While the Congresswoman has highlighted health care access, criminal justice reform and climate change as key platform issues for her presidential run, her tenure in Congress has been defined by her anti-interventionist foreign policy positions.

Gabbard, who sits on the House Armed Services Committee, is the only military veteran to declare her candidacy and could be relying on her two tours in the Middle East to differentiate her from many Democratic presidential candidates, including Indian and African-Jamaican descent Senator Kamala Harris, Senator Elizabeth Warren and former Housing Secretary Julian Castro.

She is popular for some progressive policies, though she received flak even within her own party over a 2017 meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and past positions opposed to LGBTQ rights.New Delhi, Feb 2 : Ruling out fiscal deficit as a real concern, Economic Affairs Secretary Subhash Chandra Garg on Saturday said the government has managed to stick to the fiscal consolidation path and if one considers the revised GDP numbers released earlier this week, it has done even better than the targets.

He said if one ignores the Rs 20,000 crore provision allocated for direct income scheme for farmers in the current fiscal, the government was bang on target or might have even done better than the 3.3 per cent fiscal deficit target set in the Budget Estimates.

"Also, the revised numbers for GDP have come now and according to that, the fiscal deficit would be only 3.2 per cent. So we are, in fact, doing better," he told Times Now TV channel.

The government on Thursday revised the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rates by 110 basis points from 7.1 per cent to 8.2 per cent for 2016-17 and by 50 basis points from 6.7 per cent to 7.2 per cent for fiscal 2017-18.

After revision, the real GDP or GDP at constant (2011-12) prices for 2017-18 and 2016-17 stood at Rs 131.80 lakh crore and Rs 122.98 lakh crore respectively.

Garg said the government's own commitment to bring fiscal deficit to three per cent by 2021 was on track.

"We are on that glide-path, which is not a straight line. It glides through that and we are going according to that," he said.

"For the current year, we said 3.3 per cent, we have revised it to 3.4 per cent. This is after accomodating the Rs 20,000 crore provision, which is 0.1 per cent. Somebody may simply say that other than that you are bang on target or better. So there's not much of a change from that perspective," the Secretary said, adding that in real numbers, the gap between 3.3 per cent and 3.4 per cent was even smaller, and between about Rs 3,000 and Rs 4,000 crore.

"Many people have been saying they probably feared worse. They were thinking th3/6c56de6e9409a8f46237fea1abc937eb.jpg' hspace='10' align='left' width='171' height='100' data-title='Subhash Chandra Garg. (File Photo: IANS)' />

Ruling out fiscal deficit as a real concern, Economic Affairs Secretary Subhash Chandra Garg on Saturday said the government has managed to stick to the fiscal consolidation path and if one considers the revised GDP numbers released earlier this week, it has done even better than the targets.

He said if one ignores the Rs 20,000 crore provision allocated for direct income scheme for farmers in the current fiscal, the government was bang on target or might have even done better than the 3.3 per cent fiscal deficit target set in the Budget Estimates.

"Also, the revised numbers for GDP have come now and according to that, the fiscal deficit would be only 3.2 per cent. So we are, in fact, doing better," he told Times Now TV channel.

The government on Thursday revised the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rates by 110 basis points from 7.1 per cent to 8.2 per cent for 2016-17 and by 50 basis points from 6.7 per cent to 7.2 per cent for fiscal 2017-18.

After revision, the real GDP or GDP at constant (2011-12) prices for 2017-18 and 2016-17 stood at Rs 131.80 lakh crore and Rs 122.98 lakh crore respectively.

Garg said the government's own commitment to bring fiscal deficit to three per cent by 2021 was on track.

"We are on that glide-path, which is not a straight line. It glides through that and we are going according to that," he said.

"For the current year, we said 3.3 per cent, we have revised it to 3.4 per cent. This is after accomodating the Rs 20,000 crore provision, which is 0.1 per cent. Somebody may simply say that other than that you are bang on target or better. So there's not much of a change from that perspective," the Secretary said, adding that in real numbers, the gap between 3.3 per cent and 3.4 per cent was even smaller, and between about Rs 3,000 and Rs 4,000 crore.

"Many people have been saying they probably feared worse. They were thinking that possibly this will be 3.5 or 3.7 per cent. So the government managed to stick to the fiscal deficit as it is.

"That is what is also reflected in our borrowing. We have not revised our borrowing targets much. Next year's borrowing is also almost flat at the current year. So I think there is no real concern to be feeling bad about," he added.

The Interim Budget announced by Finance Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday reflected a slippage in deficit targets for 2018-19 and 2019-20 by 10 and 30 basis points respectively to 3.4 per cent of the GDP for each fiscal.Washington, Feb 3 : An off-duty official fell to his death from a hotel balcony inside an airport in the US state of Florida, causing flight delays and sending confused travellers scattering past security checkpoints unscreened, the media reported.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officer died after falling from balcony at the Hyatt Regency Hotel onto an atrium floor in the main terminal of the Orlando International Airport on Saturday, reports CNN.

TSA spokeswoman Jenny Burke confirmed that the victim was an off-duty agency officer and said that he fell from one of the multilevel hotel's balconies, which overlooks an area where people line up for one of the airport's security checkpoints.

The man was found in critical condition and taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced brought dead, the police said.

The TSA said that several passengers scattered past the security areas without screening.

All passengers at gates 70 to 129 had to be rescreened, the airport said.

On Saturday evening, the airport tweeted numerous flights had been cancelled.

As of Saturday night, 117 flights from the airport had been delayed and 45 were cancelled, according to the flight-tracking site FlightAware.com.

Dozens of flights coming into the airport also were delayed or cancelled.New Delhi, Feb 3 (IANS) Regarded as one of the foundational figures in Indian English literature, poet, novelist and columnist Dom Moraes wielded his pen for about five decades, winning the admiration of numerous readers in India and abroad. Two timely offerings travel down memory lane as the very best of his travel writings and profiles keep the readers company.

Titled "Under Something of a Cloud" and "Where Some Things Are Remembered", they have both been edited by Sarayu Srivatsa and published by Speaking Tiger.

The former, which is a collection of his selected travel writings, carries an elaborate introduction by Srivatsa in which she takes the readers a step closer to the iconic writer that Moreas was. She asserts that his mind "brewd words", he "wrote with pure grit", and that he narrated things as he perceived them, "not with his eyes, but from the inner reels of his mind".

The editor, much to the fortune of the readers, has romanticised the text with plenty of anecdotal references that go a long way in sketching Moraes' personal ideals and equations with the book as a body of work.

Moraes is quoted as saying that one must have a structure before one starts a book, that the number of pages, sections, chapters, and each chapter should be approximately of the same length, that a book should not be boring, and that a writer has to be responsible: "If you have written a book you darned well try and promote it."

Srivatsa maintains that in the collection of Moraes' profiles, "each person is a part and a whole, both special and strange, who were all swept up, one way or another, across order and chaos, in the social tumult of the country". In the offering, readers will find the Dalai Lama laughing with him and Mother Teresa teaching him a lesson in empathy. They will also come across Laloo Prasad Yadav and Indira Gandhi -- all written about with Moraes' characteristic fervour.

Srivatsa gives a glimpse into the kind of traveller that Moraes was to allow a sneak peek into his travel writings. She mentions that on her road trips with Moraes, she would find him noting down extensive details about the landscape that they passed. These were done, Moraes' explained to her, "for the atmosphere".

"The smells, noises and sounds, he put them down too", says Srivatsa, who had earlier co-authored "Out of God 's Oven: Travels in a Fractured Land", with Moraes.

She observes that Moraes had the "astounding ability" to "visualise and improvise".

"He created his own mythical world... With poetic prose and vivid imagery, not just to be seen but felt, he fabricated a sense of atmosphere", she maintains.

The travels featured in this book include a childhood tour of Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia and Australia with his father Frank and mother Beryl, who was then rapidly sliding into madness; and a darkly comic trip to the Sikkim-Tibet border under preoccupation of a Chinese aggregation, among others.

(Saket Suman can be contacted at saket.s@ians.in)Caracas, Feb 3 : Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has vowed to defend his homeland as the country has been embroiled in a political turmoil since National Assembly leader Juan Guaido claimed himself interim President.

Both Maduro and Guaido on Saturday held separate rallies in Caracas and from their respective bastions promised to put in order a country that today is weathering an unprecedented economic, political and social crisis, reports Efe news.

"I vow, 20 years after the Bolivarian Revolution, to defend our beloved country, maintain its civic-military union, and crush imperialist intervention," Maduro said before thousands of supporters from west Caracas.

Maduro, who interprets Guaido's declaring himself the interim President as a coup d'etat planned in Washington, addressed US President Donald Trump to call himself Venezuela's only President and say he will remain in power "all the days" of his term in office.

He added that US Vice President Mike Pence, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and Trump's National Security Adviser John Bolton are "hawks" who are "obsessed with Venezuela" and have tricked the US President into thinking the opposition now rules the Caribbean country.

"They fooled you and you, what do you think? The emperor of the world? Do you think Venezuela will knuckle under and obey your orders? Well listen, Venezuela won't surrender, Venezuela is moving on," Maduro said.

He reiterted that he wants dialogue with the opposition and again thanked Mexico, Uruguay, Bolivia and the Caribbean Community (Caricom) for taking steps to promote these talks among Venezuelans.

Guaido, however, made it clear that he will only enter into talks with Chavismo on condition that Maduro cease to "usurp" the presidency, and that he opens the way to a transition government and "free elections".

"It's not just about standing behind the constitution as a soldier of the nation. No, your role is to reconstruct Venezuela, enforce sovereignty, drive out the ELN from the Venezuelan border, and establish governability, sovereignty and security," Guaido said from the platform where he addressed thousands of supporters.

But at the same time Venezuela's opposition maintained pressure on leftist President Nicolas Maduro with nationwide protests on Saturday, supporters of the leftist head of state were holding a simultaneous pro-government rally in Caracas.

The anti-government demonstrators had taken to the streets to express thanks to the European Parliament for adopting a resolution on Thursday recognising Guaido, the speaker of the opposition-led National Assembly, as interim president.

They also are showing their support for an ultimatum issued by major European nations, including Germany, Spain, France and the UK, which say they also will formally recognise Guaido if Maduro does not announce snap elections by Sunday.

The US and several Latin American countries were the first to recognise Guaido after he proclaimed himself to be Venezuela's legitimate president on January 23.Bengaluru, Feb 2 : Karnataka's wanted underworld don Ravi Suliya Pujari was traced and arrested at Dakar in West Africa's Senegal recently, said the state government in a statement on Saturday.

Karnataka's wanted underwarmila, daughter of former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy, had last month met the Hyderabad Police Commissioner, urging him to act against those maligning her in the social media.

Sharmila, who is also a leader of the YSR Congress Party, called on Police Commissioner Anjani Kumar to lodge a complaint against those posting objectionable material against her.

She rubbished the propaganda linking her with the popular Telugu film actor Prabhas as "false" and alleged that it was a conspiracy by the vested interests to defame her ahead of the general elections to get political mileage.

She alleged involvement of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) in the conspiracy.

However, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP President N. Chandrababu Naidu condemned Sharmila's allegations and criticised her for lodging a complaint with the Telangana Police instead of filing a complaint in Andhra Pradesh.LOS ANGELES, Feb. 3, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony's Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse won Best Animated Feature at the 46th Annual Annie Awards Saturday evening, and garnered top honors across seven categories including Character Animation  David Han; Character Design  Shiyoon Kim; Directing  Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey and Rodney Rothman; Production Design  Justin K. Thompson; Writing  Phil Lord and Rodney Rothman; and Editorial  Bob Fisher, Andrew Leviton and Vivek Sharma. Best Animated Feature  Independent was awarded to MIrai (Studio Chizu).

This year, a new category was added - Best Virtual Reality Production - and awarded to Crow: The Legend (Baobab Studios). Mary Poppins Returns (Walt Disney Studios) won Best Animated Special Production; Best Animated Short Subject - Weekends (Past Lives Productions); Best Animated TV/Broadcast Commercial  Greenpeace 'There's a Rang-Tan in My Bedroom' (Passion Animation Studios); Best General Audience Animated TV/Broadcast Production BoJack Horseman Eps. 'The Dog Days are Over' (Torante Productions, LLC for Netflix); Best Animated TV/Broadcast Production for Children Hilda (Hilda Productions Limited, a Silvergate Media Company, Netflix Inc. and Mercury Filmworks); Best Animated TV/Broadcast Production for Preschool Children Ask the StoryBots (JibJab Bros. Studios for Netflix); and Outstanding Achievement for Character Animation in a Live Action Production Mary Poppins Returns (Walt Disney Pictures).

"What a terrific night," remarked ASIFA-Hollywood Executive Director, Frank Gladstone. "While the weather was a challenge this year, everyone rose to the occasion and we had a brilliant time. This year's awards garnered the largest amount of submissions yet, leading to a great list of nominees, so it was no surprise that the Annie recipients continued to showcase animation's rising influence and diversity."

VIP Guests and Presenters included Pixar Chief Creative Officer, Pete Docter and Disney Creative Officer, Jennifer Lee; Brad Bird; Holly Hunter; Diane Warren; Frances Fisher; Brenda Chapman; Simon Wells; Steve Hickner; Phil Lord; Christopher Miller; Rob Paulsen; Maurice LaMarche; Jim Cummings; John Ratzenberger; and Patrick Warburton.

This year's Winsor McCay recipients were Frank Braxton (posthumously), Ralph Eggleston and Andrea Romano. The Winsor McCay Award stands as one of the highest honors given to an individual in the animation industry in recognition for career contributions to the art of animation.

The June Foray award was given posthumously to Adam Burke. Burke was widely acknowledged to be a talented artist and even better person. His absence is deeply mourned. The June Foray award honors an individual(s) who has given significant and benevolent contributions to the art and industry of animation.

Blender Open Source Animation Software was given the Ub Iwerks Award. Ton Roosendaal, Dutch software developer and film producer, accepted the award. And, the Certificate of Merit recipient was presented to dedicated ASIFA-Hollywood volunteer, Jason Jones.

The Annie Awards honor overall excellence as well as individual achievement in a total of 36 categories from best feature, best feature  independent, production design, character animation, and effects animation to storyboarding, writing, music, editing and voice acting, and have often been a predictor of the annual Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. The ceremony was live-streamed again this year at www.annieawards.org/watch-it-live where animation enthusiasts and those unable to attend the event, could watch the show. A complete list of winners can be viewed at www.annieawards.org. Photos will be posted on the Annie Awards social media sites and video highlights of the ceremony will be uploaded to the Annies website in the next few days.

ASIFA-Hollywood is the world's first and foremost professional organization dedicated to promoting the art of animation and celebrating the people who create it. Today, ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international organization ASIFA, supports a range of animation activities and preservation efforts through its membership. Current initiatives include the Animation Archive, Animation Aid Foundation, animated film preservation, special events, classes and screenings.

Created in 1972 by June Foray, the Annie Awards have grown in scope and stature for over four decades. For more information on the Annie Awards, please visit www.annieawards.org. For information about ASIFA-Hollywood, visit www.asifa-hollywood.org.

SOURCE The Annie Awards

Related Links

http://www.annieawards.org

SHANGHAI, Feb. 3, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- ReneSola Ltd ("ReneSola" or the "Company") (www.renesolapower.com) (NYSE: SOL), a leading fully integrated solar project developer, today announced that the Company entered into a bridge financing agreement with Eiffel Energy Transition Fund for its photovoltaic projects in Hungary and Poland.

Under the terms of the agreement, Eiffel Energy Transition Fund will finance ReneSola's 41.3 MW projects in Hungary and 55MW projects in Poland in the amount of 13,428,000 Euro.

Mr. Xianshou Li, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ReneSola, commented, "We are excited to partner with Eiffel Energy Transition Fund. This facility demonstrates the confidence that the capital markets put in our ability to successfully develop projects in international markets. We continue to expect both Hungary and Poland to be growth markets in the years ahead, and we look forward to further supporting solar deployment in these geographies."

Mr Pierre-Antoine Machelon, fund manager of Eiffel Energy Transition, said, "We are happy to contribute to the acceleration of ReneSola's investments in Poland and Hungary. We look forward to supporting ReneSola in these promising geographies for the solar industry."

Mr. Josef Kastner, Vice President of Renesola Projects Europe commented: "Our new cooperation with Eiffel will bring benefits to the growth of our European solar projects business, enabling us to further expand our project development activities. We are confident this partnership will strengthen our position in Europe."

About ReneSola

Founded in 2005, and listed on the New York Stock Exchange in 2008, ReneSola (NYSE: SOL) is an international leading brand of solar project developer. Leveraging its global presence and solid experience in the industry, ReneSola is well positioned to develop green energy projects with attractive return around the world. For more information, please visit www.renesolapower.com.

About Eiffel Energy Transition

Eiffel Energy Transition Fund S.L.P. is a specialized 350m investment vehicle, strictly reserved for institutional investors, with a 10 years life span. The fund meets the financing needs of energy transition players, both in terms of renewable energy production and energy efficiency solutions. It offers short-term debt to developers while they await long term funding for their projects. Eiffel Energy Transition is managed by Eiffel Investment Group and is sponsored by the European Investment Bank, the French environmental agency (ADEME) as well as mutual insurance companies and first rank banks.

About Eiffel Investment Group

Eiffel Investment Group is an asset manager specialized in businesses financing. Eiffel Investment Group invests in European corporate credit through listed markets, private debt and online lending platforms. The group manages around  2 billion and offers companies a wide range of financing solutions. The group ensures a strong alignment of interest with its institutional investors. Eiffel Investment Group is an independent company, owned by its team alongside IMPALA, the holding of French entrepreneur Jacques Veyrat.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

In China:

ReneSola Ltd

Mr. Willy Lin, CFA

+86 (21) 6280-9180 x155

[email protected]

The Blueshirt Group Asia

Mr. Gary Dvorchak, CFA

+86 (138) 1079-1480

[email protected]

In the United States:

The Blueshirt Group

Mr. Ralph Fong

+1 (415) 489-2195

[email protected]

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/645392/RENESOLA_appointment_of_new_CFO_Logo.jpg

SOURCE ReneSola Ltd.

Related Links

http://www.renesolapower.com

SUZHOU, China, Feb. 3, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- On February 1, 2019, GeneQuantum Healthcare of Suzhou and MITRO Biotech of Nanjing signed the "Strategic Cooperation Agreement on Next Generation Radionuclide Conjugates Development" in Nanjing. Dr. Gang Qin, President of GeneQuantum and Dr. Xinping Li, CEO of MITRO, attended the signing ceremony with their teams.

In pursuit of achieving mutually beneficial win-win cooperation, the two parties intend to integrate the leading bioconjugation platform of GeneQuantum and the unique advantages of MITRO in radiolabeling and molecular imaging technique to jointly develop next generation radionuclide conjugates for rapid and efficient companion diagnosis and precision target therapy on tumors.

"Since its establishment, GeneQuantum has been committed to building a differentiated innovation platform to solve the key challenges of the biopharmaceutical industry. Based on our proprietary ligase dependent conjugation technology (LDC), GeneQuantum has gradually established intelligent automatic conjugation system (iLDC) with concurrent fully integrated manufacturing process; combined with our comprehensive quality system which meets global standard, GeneQuantum can provide a holistic solution for the efficient development and manufacturing of any kinds of site-specific bioconjugates. MITRO, on the other hand, has a unique radionuclide production and labeling technology platform," said Dr. Gang Qin. "We are pleased to work with a distinctive and leading technology partner such as MITRO to develop next generation radionuclide conjugates for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, meeting the unmet clinical needs of cancer patients worldwide."

"MITRO focuses on the development and application of isotope labeling and molecular imaging technology, and is committed to establishing a biomedical innovation and transformation research platform, using the advanced isotope labeling and molecular imaging technology to develop new drugs," said Dr. Xinping Li. "We are glad to work with GeneQuantum Healthcare based on our mutual interest of advanced medicine. This cooperation will fully integrate the technical and resource advantages of GeneQuantum in site-specific bioconjugation and MITRO in isotope labeling and non-invasive molecular imaging technology. The collaboration will create an internationally competitive platform of radionuclide bioconjugates for medical use. This will contribute to the most efficient non-invasive diagnosis of cancer and precise targeted therapy, as well as a systemic solution of novel biomedical drug development."

About GeneQuantum Healthcare

Founded in Suzhou Industrial Park in 2013, GeneQuantum Healthcare (Suzhou) Co., Ltd. is a Biotech enterprise focusing on development of innovative therapeutic and diagnostic biologics. The company has independent innovative and leading platform for bioconjugating drug development and manufacturing, and is engaged in developing series of next generation anti-tumor Antibody-Drug-Conjugates (ADCs) to satisfy the unmet clinical demands worldwide.

About MITRO Biotech

MITRO is the first molecular imaging CRO in China and a national high-tech enterprise. The company was founded in Wuxi in 2010 and settled in Nanjing Jiangning National High-tech Industrial Development Zone in 2012. The company uses isotope labeling and in vivo molecular imaging technology to provide customers with comprehensive solutions and outsourcing technical services for new drug development, including drug screening, biodistribution, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics. MITRO provides the translational research service from nude mice, rats, monkeys to human. The technology has outstanding advantages of in vivo imaging, dynamic quantitative, self-control and continuous observation can greatly shorten the drug development cycle, reduce the R&D cost, and reduce the risk of failure. www.mi-tro.com/en/

SOURCE GeneQuantumWASHINGTON, Feb. 1, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Elementary school students from California will have an opportunity to talk with a NASA astronaut aboard the International Space Station next week. The Earth-to-space call will air on NASA television and the agency's website.

Anne McClain will speak with students from William Brooks and Buckeye elementary schools in El Dorado Hills, California, at 1:35 p.m. EST Tuesday, Feb. 5. Students at both schools have prepared for the event through participation in space station and other space-related STEM events and activities as a part of the schools' "Year in Space."

The event will be held at William Brooks Elementary, 3610 Park Drive, El Dorado Hills. Media interested in covering should contact Alicia Smith at [email protected] or 916-747-7654.

Linking students directly to astronauts aboard the space station provides unique, authentic experiences designed to enhance student learning, performance and interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Astronauts living in space on the orbiting laboratory communicate with NASA's Mission Control Center in Houston 24 hours a day through the Space Network's Tracking and Data Relay Satellites (TDRS).

Follow the astronauts on social media at:

https://www.twitter.com/NASA_astronauts

See videos and lesson plans highlighting research on the International Space Station at:

https://www.nasa.gov/stemonstation

SOURCE NASA

Related Links

http://www.nasa.gov

Zero Hedge

February 3, 2019

Just one week ago, we warned that the government  helped by Congress (which adopted legislation allowing police to collect and test DNA immediately following arrests), President Trump (who signed the Rapid DNA Act into law), the courts (which have ruled that police can routinely take DNA samples from people who are arrested but not yet convicted of a crime), and local police agencies (which are chomping at the bit to acquire this new crime-fighting gadget)  was embarking on a diabolical campaign to create a nation of suspects predicated on a massive national DNA database.

As it turns out we were right, but we forgot one key spoke of the governments campaign to collect genetic information from as many individuals as possible: innocent, commercial companies, who not only collect DNA from willing clients, but are also paid for it.

FamilyTreeDNA, one of the pioneers of the growing market for at home, consumer genetic testing, confirmed a report from BuzzFeed that it has quietly granted the Federal Bureau of Investigation access to its vast trove of nearly 2 million genetic profiles.

While concerns about unrestricted access to genetic information gathered by testing companies had swelled since April, when police used a genealogy website to ensnare a suspect in the decades-old case of the Golden State Killer, that site, GEDmatch, was open-source, meaning police were able to upload crime-scene DNA data to the site without permission. However, the latest arrangement marks the first time a commercial testing company has voluntarily given law enforcement access to user data.

Worse, it did so secretly, without obtaining prior permission from its users.

The move is of significant concern to much more than just privacy-minded FamilyTreeDNA customers. As Bloomberg notes, one person sharing genetic information also exposes those to whom they are closely related. Thats how police caught the alleged Golden State Killer. And here is a stunning statistics  according to a 2018 study, only 2% of the population needs to have done a DNA test for virtually everyones genetic information to be represented in that data.

Get your exclusive guide today: Eight legal ways to sidestep Inheritance Tax and find out how to legally shield your assets from the taxman  so that your kids will never need to worry about footing an Inheritance Tax bill in the event of your death.

Thanks to its millions of customers, FamilyTreeDNAs cooperation with the FBI more than doubles the amount of genetic data law enforcement already had access to through GEDmatch. According to BuzzFeed, and as confirmed by the company, on a case-by-case basis the company has agreed to test DNA samples for the FBI and upload profiles to its database, allowing law enforcement to see familial matches to crime-scene samples.

There is one caveat: FamilyTreeDNA said law enforcement may not freely browse genetic data but rather has access only to the same information any user might. Which of course, is ridiculous when the FBI has the same access as every single user.

Having been caught abusing client privacy, the company decided to make the best of it and despite the (coming) outrage over privacy abuse, Family Tree officials touted their work with the FBI to BuzzFeed.

Without realizing it [Family Tree DNA founder and CEO Bennett Greenspan] had inadvertently created a platform that, nearly two decades later, would help law enforcement agencies solve violent crimes faster than ever, the company said in a statement.

Also without realizing it, the company is advertently about to go bankrupt, because its justification sounds frankly ridiculous:

Officials at Family Tree said customers could decide to opt out of any familial matching, which would prevent their profiles from being searchable by the FBI. But by doing so, customers would also be unable to use one of the key features of the service: finding possible relatives through DNA testing.

One wonders how many paying clients would have opted in had they known they were also sharing their DNA with the FBI.

* * *

A d v e r t i s e m e n t



Needless to say, the genealogy community has expressed dismay, and for people who used the service not knowing the FBI had access to it  which would be all of them  the news was concerning.

All in all, I feel violated, I feel they have violated my trust as a customer, Leah Larkin, a genetic genealogist based in Livermore, California, told BuzzFeed News. Ive got to decide whether I want to opt out of matching or delete my kits.

Larkin, one of the administrators of a Facebook genealogy group with about 50,000 members, predicted that enthusiasts will be split, from those who will be fine with law enforcement gaining access to their DNA profiles to others who will be outraged by the invasion of privacy. I think its going to cause a lot of uproar, she said. Were going to get the full spectrum.

He may be right, but the split will be 1 fine with giving the FBI access to their DNA, to 999,999 not fine.

We are nearing a de-facto national DNA database, Natalie Ram, an assistant law professor at the University of Baltimore who specializes in bioethics and criminal justice, told BuzzFeed News. We dont choose our genetic relatives, and I cannot sever my genetic relation to them. Theres nothing voluntary about that.

Others aired similar concerns.

I would be very against Family Tree DNA allowing law enforcement to have open access to their DNA database, Debbie Kennett, a British genealogy enthusiast and honorary research associate at University College London said. I dont think its right for law enforcement to use a database without the informed consent of the consumer.

Last summer, FamilyTree DNA was among a list of consumer genetic testing companies that agreed to a suite of voluntary privacy guidelines, but as of Friday morning, it had been crossed off the list after it was revealed that the company had been lying all along.

The deal between FamilyTreeDNA and the FBI is deeply flawed, said John Verdi, vice president of policy at the Future of Privacy Forum, which maintains the list. Its out of line with industry best practices, its out of line with what leaders in the space do and its out of line with consumer expectations.

Some in the field have begun arguing that a universal, government-controlled database may be better for privacy than allowing law enforcement to gain access to consumer information: after all whats the difference if the companies will simply hand over all the information secretly. At least this was the public will know that Uncle Sam  and who knows who else  will have access to ones genetic code.

FamilyTreeDNA said its lab has received less than 10 samples from the FBI. It also said it has worked with state and city police agencies in addition to the FBI to resolve cold cases.

The genealogy community, their privacy and confidentiality has always been our top priority, the company said  supposedly with a straight face  in an email response to questions submitted by Bloomberg.

And why would it tell the truth: just like search engines and social networks, where the user is the product, and all the information about the user is carefully collected, isolated and stored, then sold to the highest bidder, or quietly handed over to the government, consumer DNA testing has become a giant business: Ancestry.com and 23andMe Inc. alone have sold more than 15 million DNA kits. Concerns about an industry commitment to privacy could hamper the industrys rapid growth.

To be sure, there are some fringe benefits  like authorities actually doing what they said they would do  since the arrest of the suspected Golden State Killer, more than a dozen other suspects have been apprehended using GEDmatch. By doubling the amount of data law enforcement have access to, those numbers are likely to rise. But at what cost?

The real risk is not exposure of info but that an innocent person could be swept up in a criminal investigation because his or her cousin has taken a DNA test, said Debbie Kennett, a British genealogist and author. On the other hand, the more people in the databases and the closer the matches, the less chance there is that people will make mistakes.

And, of course, if every persons DNA is in one giant genetic database, there would be no mistakes. Now if only the risk of abuse of this information was also nil, then everything would be great. Alas, as Snowden revealed when he exposed the flagrant abuses at the NSA years ago, this will never be the case especially when the objective and impartial FBI is involved.

Last June we asked Millions Trust Ancestry.com With Their Genetic Code: What Could Go Wrong? Now we know.

This article was posted: Sunday, February 3, 2019 at 7:32 am

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Comment on this articleZero Hedge

February 3, 2019

One week after a Yellow Vest organizer was handicapped for life by French police, protesters dedicated Saturdays demonstrations to denouncing police violence  only to be beaten and gassed by said police.

There have been 1,900 protesters and around 1,000 police injured since the movement began in November, and 10 fatalities, including an 80-year-old Marseille woman who was killed when a police tear-gas canister was launched into her apartment window while she was trying to close the shutters. She was taken to a nearby hospital but died during an operation after suffering shock, according to a local media report.

More French police throwing down, beating, batoning, and abusing their own people. Seems to be the usual now every Saturday in Paris.pic.twitter.com/A8Mm0IMtPT#GiletsJaunes #Acte12 #ActeXII #YellowVest  Luke Rudkowski (@Lukewearechange) February 2, 2019

#Paris Blessee par un tir de grenade de desencerclement a la jambe tout comme de nombreux manifestants. Les risques du metier

Merci au confreres pour leur aide.#GiletsJaunes #ActeXII #Acte12 #2fevrier pic.twitter.com/krNZAaibiw  Stephanie Roy (@Steph_Roy_) February 2, 2019

#Paris Une des figures des gilets jaunes Thierry Paul Valette qui a lance une ligne de gilets jaunes aux europeennes, victime d un jet de projectile.#GiletsJaunes #ActeXII #Acte12 #2fevrier pic.twitter.com/9y2l554nGp  Stephanie Roy (@Steph_Roy_) February 2, 2019

Police used several weapons against the activists on Saturday, including rubber bullets and Flash Ball weapons. The French Interior Ministry said that 80,000 security officials had been deployed across France, including 5,000 in Paris.

In Valance in the south of France, the mayor said measures had been taken to prepare for about 10,000 demonstrators. Authorities fear up to 1,000 of those could be violent rioters. Daily Mail

Protesters in Paris began chanting Macron Resign Saturday morning as they threw bottles and other projectiles at police, resulting in the deployment of tear gas.

We want him out, but we also want the police to stop wounding us with their Flash Ball weapons, said 33-year-old Yellow Vest Jacques Caron.

Yellow Vest organizer Jerome Rodrigues, 40, was handicapped for life last weekend after being struck with a projectile fired by police, which his attorney said was a flashball. Rodrigues addressed a Paris crowd on Saturday before the days protests.

Like others who have been mutilated in recent months, he said he was hit by a so-called Flash Ball  rubber projectiles fired from police guns. A bid to have them outlawed failed last week, and numerous officers were seen carrying them today. Dramatic video of the Rodrigues incident led to other Yellow Vests calling for a mass uprising against the Macron administration. In turn, police suggest that a non-lethal grenade exploded in front of Mr Rodrigues, and he was hit by shrapnel. Daily Mail

Earlier in the week Rodrigues said that he had received messages of support from several French police officers. The police have orders but I know there are men behind the armour, Rodrigues told RT. He was placed in an artificial coma following the incident at the Bastille monument last Saturday.

Yellow Vest organizer Eric Drouet, meanwhile, said that French police had aimed at the head, telling BFM-TV that it was a homicide attempt.

When we aim at the head, we try to kill. How should this weapon be used? We must not aim our head.

Drouet says that Rodrigues incident justifies a mass uprising without precedent by all useful and necessary means.

On Friday, Frances top administrative court ruled that police could continue to use rubber bullets blamed for dozens of injuries during the protests.

The French Council of State justified the use of police force due to the threat of violence which has accompanied the protests.

Contrary to what the applicants claimed, the organisation of operations to maintain order during the recent demonstrations did not indicate any intention by the authorities not to respect the strict rules governing the use of such less-lethal weapons, said the court, which added that the use of specialized defense ball launchers (LBDs) is particularly appropriate for responding to these types of situations, as long as the rules governing their use are respected.

Protesters have been joined by extremists from the far Right and the ultra-Left, as well as anarchists intent on causing as much damage as possible. The independent Mr Macron, leader of the Republic On The Move party, won the French presidential election in a landslide in 2017, but he is now dubbed the President of the Rich with polls showing his popularity rating struggling to get above 30 per cent. Todays ugly scenes are typical of ugly scenes that have regularly reduced Paris and other towns and cities around Paris to a war zone. Daily Mail

These less-lethal weapons are essential, they allow us to keep protesters and rioters at a distance, or to approach them for arrest without having to use weapons that can kill, said junior Interior Minister Laurent Nunez in an interview with RTL Radio.

This article was posted: Sunday, February 3, 2019 at 7:38 am

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Judiciary not above criticism  NDC tells CJ, stands with Dr Ayine The NDC has jumped to the defense of Dr Ayine after the Chief Justice seeks toPolice arrest two Karela fans over attack on Medeama players Police have arrested two persons believed to be Karela United fans who attacked

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Ethiopian couple forego wedding party for Tigray aid An Ethiopian couple has donated funds they had set aside for a lavish weddingPlattsburgh, NY (12901)

Today

Thunderstorms, some strong during the evening will give way to mostly cloudy skies after midnight. Damaging winds and large hail with some storms. Low 59F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms, some strong during the evening will give way to mostly cloudy skies after midnight. Damaging winds and large hail with some storms. Low 59F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%.Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 3)  Eight members of an ISIS-inspired terrorist group were killed while 10 others were injured during a military operation in Maguindanao over the weekend, the Army said.

Major General Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Philippine Army's 6th Infantry Division and concurrent commander of the Joint Task Force Central (JTFC), said the operation was conducted at Sitio Tatak, Barangay Tugal in the town of Sultan Sa Barongis at 6 a.m. Saturday.

Sobejano identified five of the casualties as Hashim, Abo Salik, Abo Tutin, Saidin Kusain and Guabar Sulaima.

Meanwhile, Salahudin Hassan, the sub-commander of Daulah Islamiyah, was among the wounded, Sobejana said.

In a statement, the military said it has also destroyed a hideout of the group in Sitio Tatak, Barangay Tugal following an intensified operation in the area by the JTFC.

The task force "launched surgical air, artillery and ground operation" that led to the "destruction of suspected 20-capacity bunkers and foxholes" of the group, the military said.

According to Sobejana, the military was able to locate the group's camp through the information provided by Gani Saligan, a long-time brigade commander of a faction of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters who surrendered on Friday.

Sobejana added several foreigners were also seen at the site, including two Arabian-looking individuals, a Singaporean and an Indonesian.The congressman consistently supported Alzheimers related issues including passage of the National Alzheimers Project Act with the goal of preventing and effectively treating Alzheimers by 2025, enactment of the Alzheimers Accountability Act where the National Institutes of Health releases a requested budget for Alzheimers research to Congress, a historic $425 million in fiscal year 2018 for Alzheimers research activities, and the implementation of the Hope for Alzheimers Act for comprehensive care planning. On Dec. 31, President Trump signed into law the Building Our Largest Dementia (or BOLD) Infrastructure for Alzheimers Act, again supported by the congressman, which allows the nation to address Alzheimers as the urgent public health crisis it has become. Thanks to LoBiondo, we are one step closer to a world without Alzheimers.In the post-Superstorm Sandy era, the state Department of Environmental Protection has sought a Blue Acres beachhead along the ocean and back bays. The Lakes Bay area of Pleasantville looked promising and the program in September found 25 residents there eligible for buyouts. The number accepting has been so small that the DEP recently would only describe it as a few.

Perhaps increasing property values are more convincing to homeowners near the ocean and bays. One of the first studies to look at shore real estate appreciation in this era of concern about global warming and rising seas estimated that Ocean City would have seen values increase $530 million more if it werent for such concerns. But during the same decade, city properties actually appreciated $3.8 billion, swamping worries about loss of home values at the shore.

Money also makes it unlikely that Blue Acres or any other government program will offer anything near fair value for barrier island properties anytime soon, if ever. With Ocean Citys ratable base alone at $11.8 billion, its hard to imagine a source of such funding that would be seen as fair by the majority who live inland.The letter said the organizations have no position on increasing the state wage, but asked that state, counties, municipalities, and school districts, which all comply with the federal minimum wage requirements, continue to be exempt.

This decades-old distinction is important because it recognizes the impact on property taxpayers. If anything, this distinction is even more critical today, the letter read, citing the states 2 percent levy cap.

Because of the reality of the levy cap, subjecting entities previously exempt from the state minimum wage will have an immediate impact on local budgets, the letter reads.

The NJSBA in its digest to members regarding the bill said it believes the increase could increase the cost of contracted goods and services.

There are not many school employees who make less than $15 an hour, but those who do are usually teacher aides, school food-service providers and other non-certificated positions. In addition, there are various contractors for various services from supplies to personnel that may be affected by the wage increase.PLEASE BE ADVISED: Soon we will no longer integrate with Facebook for story comments. The commenting option is not going away, however, readers will need to register for a FREE site account to continue sharing their thoughts and feedback on stories. If you already have an account (i.e. current subscribers, posting in obituary guestbooks, for submitting community events), you may use that login, otherwise, you will be prompted to create a new account.ADVERTISEMENT

The Vice-Chancellor of the First Technical University (Tech-U), Ibadan, Ayobami Salami, on Wednesday announced plans by the university to appoint professors of practice to join its growing faculty.

Mr Salami, a professor, made this known during the universitys second matriculation ceremony and investiture of its university scholars.

Addressing the audience, Mr Salami said as a way of enriching the experience of its students, Tech-U is putting finishing touches to a policy of attracting highly experienced industry players for appointment as Professors of Practice.

According to him, Professors of Practice are professionals, either practicing or retired, with or without traditional academic backgrounds, who have exceptionally distinguished themselves in their fields of practice.

Mr Salami said the policy is strategic to the university which prides itself for its disruptive model of tertiary technical education, as it would further deepen the integration of academic scholarship with practical industry experience. He noted that when fully implemented, the university would set the pace as the first institution in Nigeria to introduce this innovation.

The vice-chancellor said: Knowing that delivering on our mandate of a unique educational model requires capable, experienced and passionate manpower, we have consistently ensured that we recruit the brightest hands in the various fields of study to teach our students.

I am proud to say our growing faculty consists of some of the best from the available pool of experts. Additionally, we have also engaged scholars in the diaspora as visiting lecturers to strengthen the pool.

Speaking further, the he noted, On our part, we will not leave any stone unturned in ensuring that we motivate our staff, who already are about the best paid in the public tertiary education system in Nigeria, to be able to nurture our students to become intellectual giants who dictate trends in their fields.

The universitys matriculation ceremony, which is coming 10 months after the first, had in attendance Oyo State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Bimbo Kolade, and other dignitaries including chairpersons of local governments areas in Oyo.

The event also doubled as the investiture ceremony of 14 outstanding students, dubbed as Tech-U scholars, who bagged First Class in their first sessions with the Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) ranged between 4.50 and 4.91 on a maximum scale of 5.0.

Mr Salami noted that out of the pioneer students honoured, 12 of them were beneficiaries of the scholarship scheme endowed by Chairmen of Local Governments Areas of Oyo State.

Presenting their letters of award, the vice-chancellor announced that the Scholars, in addition to the symbolic honour of joining procession during all University programmes, will also be paid stipends of N10, 000 stipend monthly while the overall best student, James Ogunro of the Mechanical Engineering Department will collect N15, 000 monthly, among other privileges.

Mr Salami also used the occasion to reel out achievements of the university over the last one and half years of its debut. These, according to him, included stable academic calendar, the establishment of over a billion Naira worth of Scholarship Bank to support brilliant but indigent students, robust partnerships with notable international and national organisations, TetFund enlistment, infrastructural development, among others.

Located in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, Tech-U prides itself as Nigerias premier technical university, with focus on STEM and other development-focused areas of learning.The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Bisi Egbeyemi, on Friday urged members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state not to betray the party in the upcoming general elections.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that he made the appeal while inaugurating the APC Ekiti Central Senatorial Campaign Council for the 2019 elections.

He said the only thing he foresaw that could dim the chances of the party in the coming polls was acts of betrayal.

NAN reports that the council was saddled with the responsibility of campaigning across the 57 wards and the five local government areas in the senatorial district.

They were expected to work for the victories of President Muhammadu Buhari and the senatorial candidate, Opeyemi Bamidele, at the polls.

They were also expected to canvass votes for the House of Representatives candidates in constituencies 1 and II: Sola Fatoba and Wunmi Ogunlola respectively, and the House of Assembly candidates in the elections.

Mr Egbeyemi said: The task is not too much for us to achieve. We are here today because Bamidele did not die during the gunshot of June 1, 2018.

*God specifically preserved him for the senatorial ticket, because he will win.

There are those who cannot be trusted in our party, particularly, when it comes to mobilising for elections. We should do the mobilisation for the sake of our party.

If you are given any logistic, make judicious use of it in the interest of our party. Let us be dedicated. All we want is free and fair elections, we will not tolerate crises.

We must learn from the mistakes of the last governorship election. If you are given campaign tools and you diverted it, God shall punish such person. We must be faithful to our party and the people.

When I saw the list of the council, I had a conclusion that these were people that own the district, so the job has been made easier if only we can go home and work hard.

I want you to visit those areas where our people did not do well in the last election and correct those mistakes.

We are not going to buy votes, we are not used to it.

All we need to tell our people is that our candidates will do well the way governor Kayode Fayemi has been doing, he said.

Also, Opeyemi Bamidele, the senatorial candidate for the district under APC, said candidates in the district would run a joint campaign since it was about the survival of the party and not about individuals.

Also speaking, the APC State Chairman, Paul Omotoso, urged members to eschew division and educate voters to be careful when they wanted to cast their votes in the forthcoming elections.

He said that would help to reduce the number of votes that would be voided , saying that affected the party in the last governorship election.

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Mr Omotoso urged them to begin voter education, bemoaning that the party lost over 18,000 votes to poor voting in the last governorship election held in the state thereby reducing the margin of defeat to 19,000.

No one will be willing to join the PDP today because it is crisis-ridden. So, as we are trying to poach good people from the opposition, dont allow crises that can dissuade those who want to join us. We must work like a team for the coming polls

We are not going to tolerate a situation whereby you will be our member and you will vote for PDP on the day of election.

We are monitoring you, if we get you to be a mole in APC, then you are finished politically. The APC will not allow the PDP to win again in Ekiti, we will never make such a mistake, so you need to beware and be loyal.

The PDP is no longer a credible alternative in Ekiti and Nigeria, he said.

NAN reports that, in line with the composition of the Campaign Council, the deputy governor is the grand patron of the council, J.F. Alake is the Chairman while the activities of the campaign would be co-chaired by Chief Remi Oguntuase.

The list also includes Adio Afolayan as the Campaign Coordinator, Ropo Ige as the Deputy Coordinator, the representatives of the civil servants and other eminent APC members from the zone.

(NAN)ADVERTISEMENT

The Association of South-East Town Unions (ASETU) has endorsed the candidacy of Atiku Abubakar and his running mate, Peter Obi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the 2019 presidential poll.

The endorsement was contained in a communique issued on Sunday in Enugu at the end of an extraordinary expanded meeting of its National Executive Council (NEC).

The meeting held at ASETU secretariat in Enugu on January 27 produced a three-page document signed by eight NEC executives of the association.

The group agreed that in line with the associations natural disposition for self-survival, it would continue to support those who mean well for the South-east and Nigeria at large.

That the wide acceptance of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi combination, a detribalised team, committed to the unity, peace and progress of the country by the people of South-East at home and abroad for the Feb ruary16 election is hereby endorsed by the town unions.

This is in alignment with the earlier position of Ohaneze Ndigbo and in completeness of the Igbo mans grassroots oriented and egalitarian nature.

That our position is predicated on our conviction by the consistent promise of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to `restructure the country for the good of all Nigerians

We are further motivated by the meritorious choice of an illustrious and credible Igbo son, Mr Peter Obi as the Vice Presidential Candidate, a position that has been denied the Igbo Nation for over 40 years.

That as custodians of the grassroots, the town unions shall rise up in defence of the wishes of the majority of our people and stoutly resist any attempt by a few discredited individuals and political merchants who are attempting to trade off the South-East for their personal pecuniary interests, it disclosed.

It urged Igbo to take their destinies in their hands by trooping out to vote for the Atiku/Obi ticket in all their places of residence across the country.

The group decried the marginalisation of Ndi Igbo evidenced in the complete exclusion of the zone in appointments to critical positions of authority such as the National Security Council.

On federal projects, we also note that there is a grand design to totally cut off the South-east in the ongoing Rail projects of the present government.

The communique was jointly signed by its National President, Emeka Diwe; National Secretary, Gideon Adikwuru; Chairman, Board of Trustees, I.I. Onwubuya, and others.

(NAN)The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has explained why he ran away and remained in exile since September 2017 when the army raided his residence in Abia State.

I ran away because Jubril (President Muhammdu Buhari) sent the military to my house to come and kill me and they expected me to stay and confront them. Im unarmed just as IPOB members are unarmed group, Nnamdi Kanu said in a broadcast on Radio Biafra monitored on its Facebook page.

He was responding to his critics who mock him for running away and abandoning his followers in Nigeria.

The live broadcast is his second after he resurfaced in a video that trended last October showing him in Israel.

Mr Kanu has been at the vanguard of the call for an independent Biafra Republic from the Nigerian state through a referendum.

The IPOB leader, who is facing charges of treasonable felony at the Federal High Court in Abuja, had called for a boycott of elections in Anambra in November 2017 if the government failed to set a date for a referendum.

The call for a boycott failed as thousands participated in the election.

Last September, two months before the Anambra election, a clash occurred between IPOB members and soldiers when the military commenced an operation in South-east states.

Since then, Mr Kanus whereabouts remained unknown until his reappearance in an online video.

Mr Kanu in Saturdays broadcast said he fled to Israel because it is the safest place for him to stay alive and achieve his dream of a Biafra republic.

I want to ask those that criticise me about what they have done in their life, the separatist leader said.

Did you know that Nelson Mandela ran to Nigeria for safety during his time?

No one in Nigeria has done what I have done. I came home and I confronted the army, I went to their court, I was unlawfully detained, I went home, conducted a rally and they sent their army to come and kill me.

Nnia Nwodo, Okezie Ikpeazu, Obiano, and Umahi were the ones that signed and brought the army to kill me.

Yes, I fled to Israel because it is the safest place for me and I needed to stay alive and achieve Biafra republic. Tell those who said that I ran away to read their history book, they will find out that all the popular human rights activists, both dead and alive, ran away when its the best time to.

The IPOB leader also reiterated his call for a boycott of the February 16 elections, calling on all Biafrans to sit at home on election day.

By voting, all you are doing is perpetuating the misery of our people.

To vote in the zoo means to endorse 1999 fraudulent constitution. By voting, all you are doing is perpetuating the misery of our people.

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The police in Enugu have arrested suspected members of a five-member kidnapping gang and freed an Abia State businessman they held captive.

Police spokesperson in the state, Ebere Amaraizu, said operatives of the command trailed the suspects to their hideout where they were rounded up.

The suspects gave their names as Kingsley Nwafor of about 23 years residing at Aba, Abia state, Chukwu Ebuka of about 28 years residing at Aba,Nelson Morris of about 24 years from Owerri, Ikechukwu Onwuabueke of about 26 years residing in Onitsha Anambra state and their lady gang member identified as Miriam Oguejiofor who also resides in Aba Abia state.

They had allegedly abducted their victim identified as one Anthony Okeke of about 46 years of St Michaels road Aba, Abia state, Mr Amaraizu said.

According to the spokesperson, Miriam Oguejiofor, a female member of the gang allegedly lured their victim to Agbani in Enugu under the pretext of having a contract for him to execute.

When the victim got to Agbani, the suspects surfaced and pretending to be business associates of Miriam, allegedly took him to their hideout located inside a lodge at Amakatanga axis of Agbani, Nkanu West Local Government Area where they kept him naked and commenced demand of N10 million from the victims relations.

Mr Amaraizu said that the suspects later reduced the ransom to N5 million before the operatives acting on intelligence information stormed the hideout on Saturday and arrested them.

Police arrest five suspected kidnappers.

He said the businessman was also rescued unhurt and without payment of any ransom.

A full-scale investigations have commenced into the alleged incident as suspects are helping the operatives in their investigations in relation to their alleged nefarious activities amongst other things, added the spokesman.

He advised members of the public to be security conscious at all times and be cautious whenever business deals are presented to them so as not to fall into the hands of criminals.ADVERTISEMENT

Hassan Mijinyawa, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Darius Ishaku of Taraba who was abducted on January 30 has regained freedom.

Bala Dan-Abu, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Publicity, confirmed this to journalists on Sunday in Jalingo.

He said the CPS was released in the late hours of Saturday and had been reunited with his family.

The senior special assistant said no ransom was paid for his release and the CPS was hale and hearty.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Mr Mijinyawa was abducted by unknown gunmen while on his way to Gembu along Bali-Gashaka road.

(NAN)ADVERTISEMENT

The Nigerian Army on Sunday said it had uncovered a plot by Boko Haram insurgents to win public sympathy through the unconditional release of rustled cattle to the owners.

In a statement, Onyema Nwachukwu, Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Operation LAFIYA DOLE, reported the Theater Commander, Benson Akinroluyo, as disclosing that the insurgents deceived people by voluntarily returning cattle, hitherto rustled from the owners in the northeast.

Mr Nwachukwu, a colonel, disclosed that the commander raised the alarm while addressing troops of Sector 2 during a three-day operational tour conducted between Jan. 31 and February 2.

The army has uncovered the employment of deception by Boko Haram terrorists to win the confidence and support of locals in the North-east.

Boko Haram terrorists now engage in cattle rustling and later return the rustled cattle to their owners, thereby deceitfully creating the impression of Good Samaritan and presenting themselves as protector of the people.

Mr Nwachukwu described the gimmick as a dangerous ploy, stressing that the trend must be checked to avoid escalation.

He tasked the troops to prevent any form of cattle rustling by the insurgents, noting that they now use it as a means of psychological warfare to make the locals see them in a positive light and be receptive to their ideology.

The commander also called on community and opinion leaders to educate members of their communities on the development.

You must be vigilant and not fall for the antics of the terrorists; cattle rustling has earlier been identified as a means of raising funds for Boko Haram terrorists.

Now they invented deceit by first stealing the cattle and later returning same to their owners to make the locals believe they are pious and possibly turn blind eyes to their nefarious activities 

The army, therefore, called on the youth to shun the insurgents propaganda and not to be persuaded to join the group, describing them as an enemy of the people.

The Theatre Commander, accompanied by the Commander Sector 2, Mohammed Dala, also visited the troops at the Nigerian Army Special Forces School and 27 Task Force Brigade in Buni Yadi, as well as 159 and 233 Battalions at Geidam and Damaturu

According to him, the military authorities accords priority to address operational challenges and improvement of the troops welfare.

The commander also visited troops undergoing medical treatment at the Sector 2 Field Ambulance.

(NAN)The head of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Enoch Adeboye, on Sunday led a Thanksgiving Service where prayers were held for Vice President Yemi Osinbajo who survived a helicopter crash.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how a chopper carrying Mr Osinbajo crashed in Kogi State on Saturday. The vice president and all other passengers survived the crash.

Mr Osinbajo, a law professor, is also a pastor of the RCCG.

The churchs Thanksgiving Service for the vice president was televised and streamed worldwide.

In his sermon, Mr Adeboye recalled his earlier statement that there would be no mourning in the congregations families this year.

Would you please join me in thanking God that there is no mourning in our family this morning, he told the congregation at the headquarters at the church at Ebute Metta, Lagos.

At the February Holy Ghost Service of the church on Friday, he said, The Lord has asked me to tell someone tonight that it doesnt matter what the enemy might try there will be no mourning in your family this year.

He also called for prayers for the forthcoming general elections.

Pray for mercy for Nigeria. Pray for mercy before the elections, pray for mercy during the elections and pray for massive mercy after the elections. Nigeria needs mercy.

He urged people to cast their votes and ensure the votes are counted before they leave polling centres if the security situation permits.

Earlier, the pastors wife, Folu Adeboye, who is also a pastor of the church, had prayed for peaceful elections.

Preaching a sermon on Isaiah 60:1  3, under the theme, Swimming in Glory 2, the General Overseer reiterated a message he preached in January, that one can only arise and shine in light or Jesus and not in Satan, who represents darkness.

When he made an altar call for people to come into the light, hundreds responded in the old and new auditoriums at the Redemption Camp.

The nights sermon dwelt on one word from the text, Arise, which he said is not an advice or plea but a command from God for us to move ahead from whatever position we are in.

Adeboye leads thanksgiving Service for Osinbajo. [PHOTO CREDIT: Segun Komolafe] Adeboye leads thanksgiving Service for Osinbajo. [PHOTO CREDIT: Segun Komolafe] Adeboye leads thanksgiving Service for Osinbajo. [PHOTO CREDIT: Segun Komolafe] Adeboye leads thanksgiving Service for Osinbajo. [PHOTO CREDIT: Segun Komolafe] Adeboye leads thanksgiving Service for Osinbajo. [PHOTO CREDIT: Segun Komolafe]

Taking the various positions one after the other and what the command means, he said arise to someone who is dead means come back to life; to someone to who is mentally dead is come back to your right senses, and to someone who is materially or financially dead is to be debt-free.

Arise materially means for loses to be restored, he continued. Arise to those who are dead spiritually is to come out of sinful life; arise from physical death, which symbolizes hopelessness is to refuse to lose hope in life.

He illustrated this with the testimony of his uncle, who lost hope in life and planned to commit suicide but had an encounter with God during a church service.

He recalled: There was this uncle of mine. He was very poor, so poor he could not afford decent clothing. One day he asked his wife to use her wrapper to make buba and soro with which he had planned what to do.

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He had decided that enough was enough. So, he made up his mind he was going to die but that he was going to do so in style. He planned to go to church where he would sing and dance so much that everybody would notice him, and then come home and commit suicide so people would say, Oh, we didnt know he was celebrating his departure.

Fortunately, my uncle was struck by the words of the preacher that fateful Sunday. When the preacher told of how Shedrack, Meshach and Abednego said, We dont know how God will deliver us but we know He will, my uncle changed his mind.

He said Aaah, I dont how God can bring me out this storm, but I refuse to die.

And the Prince of Peace spoke peace to his storm.

The day he was sharing his testimony, he had just purchased fourteen cars for his company.

Continuing, he said arise to one who is sleeping means to wake up.

Arise to someone sitting down means stand up. Sitting means resting too soon, or complacency or even retrogression.

Adeboye leads thanksgiving Service for Osinbajo. [PHOTO CREDIT: Segun Komolafe] Adeboye leads thanksgiving Service for Osinbajo. [PHOTO CREDIT: Segun Komolafe] Adeboye leads thanksgiving Service for Osinbajo. [PHOTO CREDIT: Segun Komolafe] Adeboye leads thanksgiving Service for Osinbajo. [PHOTO CREDIT: Segun Komolafe] Pastor E. A. Adeboye [PHOTO CREDIT: Segun Komolafe]

Arise to someone who is standing means jumping into action; keep moving or for one to take steps to fulfil their potentials.

Arise to someone who is walking means start running; arise to someone who is running means to accelerate or do greater things.

He recalled how he started serving God with zeal soon as he gave his life to Christ. He said at the University of Lagos, where he was a teacher, he started prayer and bible studies in his office during break periods with a small group of his staff, but his office soon became so small that they had to move to a classroom.

He said the numbers continued to grow with such rapidity that the late professor, Chike Obi, who was his Head of Department, complained it was difficult to get typists to work for him during Mr Adeboyes prayer meetings.

Arise to someone who is already running means begin to fly, which also means for the Holy Spirit to take one to a height in life never imagined, a height one would know only God could make possible.

Illustrating this point, he said earlier in life, the best he could do was to fast for three hours, and when he saw a small girl testify that she got a miracle after dry-fasting for three days, he was amazed. But by the Grace of God, he can now fast for 40 days without food, he said.

Finally, he said arise to someone who is already flying means move from glory to glory. He cited the example of Apostle Peter, who became increasingly powerful, performing miracles.

Mr Adeboye rounded up the sermon with congregational prayers with 10 prayer points he gave.

Much earlier, youth pastors from among the children from the headquarters of the church preached to the large congregation.ADVERTISEMENT

The Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), a civic group, has commended the Nigerian government for its utilisation of the $322.5 million tranche of the Abacha loot repatriated from Switzerland.

The Executive Director of the organisation, David Ugolor, gave the commendation at a three-day media workshop organised for journalists in Abuja.

The workshop, supported by the Swiss Embassy in Nigeria, was put together to train journalists on Asset Recovery and Anti-Corruption issues within the global community. It was also aimed at exposing journalists to various means of accessing information on asset recovery from different sources across the globe.

Speaking at the event, Mr Ugolor commended the Nigerian government for following the agreed process in the disbursement of the Abacha loot, saying rumours of sharp practices in the disbursement processes are unfounded. He explained that the fund is being channeled to improve the living conditions of Nigerias poor people.

We have monitored 11 states, met with beneficiaries of the N5,000 monthly Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT), Programme and we are impressed, he explained. He added, however, that the disbursement system is not perfect as there are challenges but it still serves its intended purpose.

Some people will say is it benefitting the poor? It does. People sit in the comfort of their home in Abuja and Lagos and say what will N5,000 do? But we met with very poor people who have not had access to such money before, they are now able to buy drugs to treat their children, at least work together to undertake some livelihood project and others.

That for me is something that is very remarkable and something to build on, though there is room for improvement.

The ANEEJ boss also commended the Swiss government for its intervention. He added that for the first time in Nigeria, ANEEJ was involved in signing the MoU about the repatriation between Switzerland and Nigerian governments. Its involvement, he explained, has ensured transparency and accountability in the disbursement process.

Speaking further, the ANEEJ boss solicited global support for the repatriation of other looted funds domiciled in other jurisdictions aside Switzerland. He explained that with the organisations Monitoring of Recovered Asset through transparency and Accountability project (MANTRA), it will ensure that the recovered money is judiciously used.

He also called on the National Assembly to pass the Proceeds of Crime Bill into law, adding that it will provide institutional support for asset recovery in the country.

Meanwhile, also speaking at the event, Nick Idoko urged the journalists to be professional and diligent in their reporting. Mr Idoko, a professor of Mass Communication, said professional reportage of issues around corruption and asset recovery would contribute to transparency in the nations corridor of power.

The communication scholar also took journalists through the various means of ensuring effective communication and addressing various barriers to effective communication.The self-exiled leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has stirred another controversy from his hideout, alleging that Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is not a citizen of Nigeria but a Cameroonian indigene.

Do you know that Atiku Abubakar is from Cameroon? His area of Adamawa was in Cameroon, Nnamdi Kanu said in a live broadcast on Radio Biafra which commenced 6 p.m. on Saturday.

Mr Kanu did not provide any evidence for his allegation, just as he provided none when he claimed President Muhammadu Buhari had been replaced with a look-alike from Sudan named Jibril.

The live broadcast, monitored on the Radio Biafra Facebook page, comes four months after social media went agog over a video showing Mr Kanu praying in Israel 13 months after he disappeared with whereabouts unknown.

Many IPOB supporters accused the military of killing the IPOB leader. His trial for felony was also stalled due to his absence as his lawyer insisted he was either killed or kidnapped by soldiers who attacked his family house during the military exercise.

Although the video of his first appearance last October showed him in Israel, the Israeli government said Mr Kanu had not entered the country recently and the video could be an old one.

The separatist leader was however said to have made Saturdays broadcast from his hideout in London.

He blamed Mr Abubakar for Alex Ekwuemes failure in the 1999 presidential primary of the PDP.

Some of you do not understand that the person behind the failure of Ekwueme in 1999 during PDP convention was Atiku.

Mr Ekwueme, a former vice president of Nigeria, lost the presidential ticket of the PDP in 1999 to Olusegun Obasanjo. Mr Obasanjo later picked Mr Abubakar as his running mate and won the election. He governed the country for eight years with Mr Abubakar as his vice.

Mr Kanu also took shots at President Muhammadu Buhari whom he has continued to refer to as Jibril over his illegal removal of Nigerias chief justice, Walter Onnoghen.

Nobody is saying you cannot remove the chief justice but there are certain procedures to follow. But someone will sit down in Aso rock and say I wont follow the procedure.

That was what Im saying about black people. Look at what they are doing to people, imagine what they would do if they win again.

The IPOB leader also reiterated his call for a boycott of the February 16 elections, calling on all Biafrans to sit at home on election day.

By voting, all you are doing is perpetuating the misery of our people.

To vote in the zoo means to endorse 1999 fraudulent constitution. By voting, all you are doing is perpetuating the misery of our people.

The boycott fall, going by previous similar ones, may be ignored by Igbos. A similar one made during the Anambra governorship election was ignored by voters in the South-eastern state.

Mr Kanu said the boycott can only be called off if the government agrees to sign the documents given to them.

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Those pressuring me to call off the election boycott know what to do. Sign that document I gave to you and I will call off the election boycott, you know what the document contains.

IPOB recently announced February 16 as the date for a referendum to ascertain the number of Nigerians who want a separate Biafra republic through a peaceful and democratic process.

February 16 is the date for Nigerias presidential election.ADVERTISEMENT

The impeachment crisis hovering over the head of the Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, has been resolved following a meeting between the national leader of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu, and other leaders of the party in the state.

The Lagos State House of Assembly had threatened to commence impeachment proceedings against Mr Ambode over allegations of illegal budgetary spendings and gross misconduct.

Mr Ambode is yet to present the 2019 budget before the lawmakers.

A statement made available to PREMIUM TIMES on Sunday said a special Governors Advisory Committee (GAC) held a meeting in Marina, Lagos, where the issues between the two parties were resolved.

We held a meeting on behalf of entire Lagosians, Mr Tinubu was quoted as saying in the statement.

In the last one week or so, there has been some talk about a conflict between the Executive and the Legislature in Lagos. This is of great concern to us.

We looked at the source of the conflict, which is normal in a democracy, and that is why there are also conflict-resolution mechanisms.

Mr Tinubu, a former governor of Lagos State, said the meeting examined the grievances on both sides.

As leaders, we also looked into areas where there has to be a compromise. In order to build institutions and encourage consensus-building, we have to do what is right, he said.

There is no impeachment. Let there be more communication and consensus-building and understanding. All these are inbuilt in the democratic system.

We thank the Speaker and the leadership of the House. We thank the Governor and the Deputy Governor. They have all demonstrated respect for the party leadership in Lagos. You know when Lagos sneezes, other areas catch cold. We are happy that we are able to resolve the conflict and things will start moving well going forward.

An APC leader in the state, Tajudeen Olusi, was quoted as saying conflict is an institutional part of the governance and the executive and legislature must work together.

The APC leader (Mr Tinubu) has spoken, Mr Olusi, a top party member from Lagos Central senatorial district, said.

This is just to further confirm the decisions that we reached. We have reached a decision that they must work together amicably. And very soon, both the Legislature and the Executive must resolve the grey areas in their relationship.

The GAC is considered the highest decision-making body of the APC in Lagos State.

Also in attendance at the Marina meeting were Mr Ambode; his deputy, Idiat Adebule; House speaker, Mudashiru Obasa; deputy speaker, Wasiu Esinlokun; among others.The Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, has accused the management of the some of Nigerias tertiary institutions of mismanagement of funds.

Mr Adamu said this during the sixth edition of the weekend ministerial press conference in Abuja on Sunday.

He said his ministry would soon set up visitation panels to probe the finances of the institutions.

May I at this juncture express the serious concern of the federal government over the lack of accountability in some of our tertiary institutions.

Let me reiterate that the federal government will not fold its arms to watch public educational institutions funded from the public purse to flout the laws of public accountability, he said.

The minister did not name the institutions accused of mismanagement.

Mr Adamu said within the last four years, more than N727 billion has been released to the various tertiary institutions through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).

During the period under review, the federal government through the instrumentality of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) allocated a total of N727,225,862,128.86 worth of investment in critical areas of infrastructural development in our tertiary institutions, he said.

According to Mr Adamu, a breakdown of the funding efforts by the federal government indicates that in 2015, each public university (federal and states) got N337 million. This brings the total allocation to public universities to N24,938,000,000 for that year.

In 2016, each public university was allocated 1,009410,000 (1,009,410,000 x 74 institutions), bringing the total allocation to public universities to N74,696,340,000 for year 2016.

In 2017, each of the 74 public universities was allocated N659,150,000. This brings the total allocation to public universities in 2017 to N48.8 billion

In 2018, each public university in the country was allocated N 785,823,700 (N785,823,700 x 74 universities), bringing the total allocation to public universities N58,150,953,800.00 for year 2018, he said.

Mr Adamu said the total allocation to public universities during the four years stands at N206,562,393,800.

For polytechnics, the minister said in 2015, 50 public polytechnics were each allocated N250 million, amounting to N12.5 billion.

The amount of Six Hundred and Ninety-One Million, Six Hundred and Thirty-Two Thousand naira (N691,632,000) was allocated to 54 Polytechnics in 2016, amounting to Thirty-Seven billion, Three Hundred and Forty-Eight million, One Hundred and Twenty-Eight Thousand naira only (N37,348,128,000).

Mr Adamu said N450,800,000 was allocated to 54 polytechnics in 2017, amounting to N24,343,200,000.

In 2018, 54 polytechnics got N536,703,502,000 amounting to N28,981,989,108.

Mr Adamu said the total allocation to polytechnics during the period under review stood at N103,173,317,108.00.

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I must also report that states universities got a total allocation of N74,620,416,900).

For the colleges of education, the total allocation during the period under review stood at N101,631,304,500.

Giving the breakdown for colleges of education, Mr Adamu said N12,485,000,000 was allocated to colleges of education in 2015.

N37,348,135,000.00) was given in 2016, N23,743,500,000) in 2017, and N28,054,669,500 in 2018, he said.

Speaking on the ongoing strikes by university and polytechnic lecturers, ASUU and ASUP respectively, the minister said the strikes will soon be suspended as most of the unions demands will be resolved.

For ASUP, we have virtually resolved all issues as we await the union to also call off their strike in the coming days. In particular, we have reached agreement in the following areas; Review of Polytechnic Act, and Revitalization of Polytechnics and Colleges of Education, he said.

Mr Adamu said the government is committed to the revitalisation of facilities in its public tertiary institutions and has directed the minister of finance to source for additional of N30 billion for the purpose, with particular reference to polytechnics and colleges of education.

He said N16.8 billion has been released to settle outstanding arrears.

Both ASUU and ASUP have been on strike since late 2018 based on issues of funding of their institutions and non-implementation of previous agreements by the federal government.With only two weeks to the presidential election, political parties intensified their campaigns across the country last week.

Sunday

APC Removes Governor Okorocha As Imo Campaign Coordinator

The National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) removed Governor Rochas Okorocha as Imo State All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign coordinator, few days after the committee chaired by Mathew Omegara summoned the governor and six others to appear before it.

The National Publicity Secretary, Lanre Issa-Onilu, who confirmed that the APC has removed Mr Okorocha as Imo campaign coordinator, said the decision followed the recommendation of the disciplinary committee set up by the Imo APC over allegations of anti-party activities levelled against the governor and others.

Monday

Buhari meets APC senators, candidates

President Muhammadu Buhari hosted all senators and senatorial candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC), to a dinner.

The dinner held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

APC appoints ex-governor jailed for fraud into campaign council

The All Progressives Congress (APC) appointed a former governor of Plateau State, Joshua Dariye , as a member of the campaign council for the re-election of Governor Simon Lalong.

Mr Dariye is currently serving a jail term at the Kuje prison over graft. He was in June 2018 sentenced to 14 years in prison by an Abuja high court for stealing Plateau funds while in office. The court of appeal in Abuja subsequently reduced the jail term to 10 years.

Mr Dariye, representing Plateau Central in the Senate, was jailed after being found guilty of diverting N1.7 billion state ecological fund when he was governor between 1999 and 2007.

Senate approaches Supreme Court, suspends plan to reconvene

The Nigerian Senate has filed a case at the Supreme Court to seek clariication on the suspension of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen.

Relying on an order from the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), President Muhammadu Buhari last Friday suspended the chief justice replacing him with another Supreme Court justice, Tanko Mohammed.

On Monday, the Senate approached the apex court seeking its interpretation on whether President Buhari acted within the provision of the constitution in his suspension of Mr Onnoghen.

Tuesday

Reps pass new minimum wage bill

The House of Representatives passed the new National Minimum Wage bill, a day after conducting its public hearing.

The lawmakers, during plenary on Tuesday, considered the report of the ad-hoc committee clause by clause.

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The Senate is expected to concur with the recommendations of the House when it returns from the elections break before transmitting to the president.

Buhari: Ive fulfilled 2015 campaign promises

President Muhammadu Buhari said he had fulfilled the campaign promises he made to Nigerians in 2015.

He spoke in Imo and Abia states where he visited in continuation of his campaign for a second term.

Atiku capable of uniting country  Jonathan

Former President Goodluck Jonathan said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, is a man capable of bringing Nigeria together in unity and in peace.

Mr Jonathan spoke on Tuesday at Ox-bow Lake Pavillion in Yenagoa, when Mr Abubakars campaign train hit the Bayelsa State.

Elections: Nigeria cant afford to fail  US Envoy

United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Stuart Symington, said Nigeria should get the 2019 elections right in order not to disappoint those that looked up to it after the feat recorded in 2015.

Mr Symington made the remarks when he paid a visit to the Police Command in Kaduna State.

Again, Nigerian govt alleges plans to cause violence during elections

The Federal Government of Nigeria again said it had uncovered plans by some politicians to cause violence during the forthcoming general elections.

The latest announcement was made by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Babagana Monguno, on Tuesday in Abuja.

He made the claim while addressing governors of the 36 states of the federation.

Wednesday

Three reasons I support Atiku for president  Obasanjo

A former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has again defended his decision to support the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar.

Mr Obasanjo in a statement to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Lagos Island Club said he has been called several names for sticking his neck for his former deputy.

Thursday

APC out in Rivers, Zamfara as INEC lists 2019 governorship, state assembly candidates (FULL LIST)

The electoral commission, INEC, released the full list of candidates cleared to contest the state assembly and governorship elections.

The governorship and state assembly elections are scheduled to hold on March 2 across Nigeria.

In the list sent to PREMIUM TIMES by the commission, no candidates of Nigerias ruling party, APC, were listed for Rivers and Zamfara states.

Governors from Niger Republic join Buharis Kano rally

Governors of Zinder and Maradi from Niger Republic were among the dignitaries that attended the mega rally of President Muhammadu Buhari in Kano.

This was revealed in a tweet by Salihu Tanko Yakasai, the media aide of Governor Abdulahi Ganduje of Kano.

Lagos Gubernatorial: Jimi Agbajes campaign team attacked

A campaign vehicle of the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Jimi Agbaje, in Lagos was attacked on Thursday.

Mr Agbaje said the attack on his campaign bus in Lagos is a sign of the growing intolerance of the ruling party in the state against opposition figures and supporters.

According to a statement issued by Mr Agbajes campaign office on Thursday, some hoodlums believed to be supporters of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) attacked the PDP candidates convoy and left several people injured.

Atikus endorsement: Ohaneze Ndigbo suspends secretary general

The Igbo socio cultural organisation, Ohaneze Ndigbo has suspended its Secretary General, Uche Okwukwu, for allegedly misrepresenting the organisation.

A statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the organisation, Uche Achi-Okpaga, made available to journalists on Thursday in Enugu said the decision was taken at an emergency meeting.

Mr Achi-Okpaga said the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the organisation had evaluated the conducts of its scribe and found him wanting.

#Gandujegate: Supporting Ganduje doesnt diminish Buharis corruption stance  Presidency

President Muhammadu Buhari dismissed claims that his association with Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano has diminished his commitment to the war against corruption.

Mr Ganduje is enmeshed in bribery allegations after being caught in a series of video clips receiving dollars from contractors to Kano State.

The presidency in a statement Thursday said that there is a difference between perception and reality.

I never threatened to break up Nigeria if Buhari rigs election  Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo denied a statement credited to him that he would fight to divide Nigeria if President Muhammadu Buhari rigs the February 16 presidential election.

Mr Obasanjo made the denial through a statement by his media aide, Kehinde Akinyemi, on Thursday.

He said as a Nigerian who fought for the unity of Nigeria and spit part of my blood in the war front. I am a strong believer in non-divisibility of Nigeria

Mr Akinyemi said Mr Obasanjo spoke at the public presentation of a book, Politics As Dashed Hopes in Nigeria, written by Auwalu Anwar at the YarAdua Centre, Abuja.

Friday

PDP demands Buharis disqualification from February 16 presidential election.

The Peoples Democratic Party has called on the electoral commission, INEC, to disqualify President Muhammadu Buhari from the February 16 presidential election.

The National Chairman of the PDP, Uche Secondus, made the call on Friday evening while speaking at the presidential campaign rally of his party in Enugu, South-East Nigeria.

Opposition parties criticise Buhari over Onnoghens suspension

Three Opposition Parties Have Criticised The Illegal Suspension Of The Chief Justice Of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen By President Muhammadu Buhari, Calling It An Abuse Of Power.

KOWA party, the Abundant Nigeria Renewal Party (ANRP) and the Alliance for New Nigeria (ANN) in seperate statements condemned the action which has also drawn widespread reactions including a boycott of courts for two days by lawyers.

KOWA also accused the media and relevant institutions of the government of not doing their jobs in curtailing the presidents action.

Saturday

Osinbajo survives as helicopter crash lands

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo survived as his helicopter crash-landed in Kogi State, his spokesperson said.

Mr Akande in a tweet said, VP Osinbajos Chopper crash lands in Kabba, but he and the entire crew safe. He is continuing with his engagements and plans for the day in Kogi State.

It is the second time Mr Osinbajos helicopter would crash-land.

In June 2017, he survived a similar accident when the chopper he was traveling in crash-landed shortly after take-off in Gwagawalada, Abuja.A week after clashes between Yoruba community and their Fulani neighbours over grazing rights and land ownership forced him to flee his village, Shuaibu Tirimisiyu and his family are still taking refuge in an almost empty room in Akesan, a community in Oyo town, completely dependent on hand-outs from sympathisers.

When asked what he and the 15 members of his family have been surviving on since they became displaced, he replied, whatever is donated to us, as his children played in the passage of the decrepit house.

Mr Tirimisiyu and other Yoruba families had travelled almost 50 kilometres from the three villages  Agbegun, Oniyanrin and Monde  that make up their community to find protection in Akesan following fear of retaliatory attacks from their Fulani neighbours, they claim.

Some members of the Fulani community, however, denied that they were planning to attack the Yoruba community explaining that those who fled were hiding from the law, after they raided the Fulani community, setting their houses on fire.

Alfa Rahman, an Islamic leader in the Yoruba community, who fled to Jabata in Oyo town, lamented that the crisis in the community has rendered him unproductive.

I go every day to farm and I am the Imam for the Yoruba community there, but I cant go to the farm for now, said Mr Rahman, who also told PREMIUM TIMES that he was the main target of the Fulani.

But the Yoruba farmers and their families are not the only people bearing the brunt of the clashes. Though their Fulani neighbours can now graze their cattle unchallenged, most of them are forced to sleep outside under trees after their houses were burnt in the fracas.

Trouble Over Land

For ages, the Fulani and the Yoruba have lived together in Agbegun, Oniyanrin and Monde villages in Afijio Local Government Area. They have, however, endured a frosty relationship, typical in Nigerian communities shared by herders and farmers due, largely, to disagreement over grazing rights and land ownership.

Razed home of the Fulani

PREMIUM TIMES investigation revealed that the Fulani had settled in the community since, at least, 1996. At that time, they did not claim land ownership. Mr Tirimisiyu told PREMIUM TIMES that the Fulani were originally paying rent to his father before he died. He said due to the rent they were collecting from the Fulani settlers, his family endured endless disagreements with the Fulani, mostly caused by the destruction of farms by cattle.

But their endurance soon ran out and the Yoruba asked the Fulani to leave.

Land Dispute Within The Yoruba

Meanwhile, among the Yoruba, there was a dispute over the true owners of the land.

Three families  the Tirimisiyu, the Lahan and the Onimi of Imini  lay claim to the land. In 2017, the customary court at Imini ruled in favour of the Tirimisiyu family.

With the judgement, the family told the Fulani occupants to vacate the land they occupy. But unknown to them, the monarch of the Onimi family, John Mobolaji, who died in 2016, had already sold the land to the Fulani.

The Fulani refused to vacate the land.

Ask them, began Aliyu Usman, a Fulani leader, if they took us to court. We were not a party to the case at the court; so, we were not ordered to leave the land.

PREMIUM TIMES confirmed that indeed, the Fulani were not a party to the case at the customary court. The case was between Mr Tirimisiyus family and the Lahan family.

Yes, but the court says the land belongs us, argued Mr Rahman.

Frustrated by the refusal of the Fulani to vacate the land, the Yoruba approached a lawyer, asking him to help them drive a process of executing the customary court judgement. The Yoruba told PREMIUM TIMES that apart from the customary court ruling, they also got an Ibadan high court judgement ordering the Fulani (to leave) after they approached the lawyer.

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Our investigation, however, revealed that the claim was not true.

Their lawyer, Salawudeen Adeoye, said there was no high court judgement as the case was never instituted there. He said after he was approached for help last year, he only complained to the deputy registrar at the court in Ibadan, Oyo State police commissioner and the police officer in charge of legal matters in Ibadan.

He said having approached the police and the deputy registrar of the high court, in November 2018, he placed notices that read: possession taken by the high court on the buildings.

Yet the Fulani stood their ground. They said they have a document proving they purchased the land they occupy and some more areas, almost the size of each of the villages, from the Onimini, whose right to the property other Yoruba families, dispute.

Razed home of the Fulani

PREMIUM TIMES saw a 2016 document containing land sale agreement between the Fulani and the Onimini.

Mr Usman who showed us the document insisted the land now belongs to the Fulani.

They say Fulani cannot buy and have land here. Are Fulani not human beings? he asked rhetorically.

Resort to self-help

At Monde, where the disputed land is situated, the Fulani community has been razed to the ground. PREMIUM TIMES can authoritatively report that the attack on the Fulani was carried out by their Yoruba neighbours.

On January 15, when the Fulani were not in their homes, leaving only two members including a teenager, Sodiq, behind, some Yoruba men under the guise of surveying the land, burnt the houses in the Fulani community. While Sodiq fled, his brother was not too lucky. He was cut with a machete in the neck by the attackers.

In separate interviews, Mr Tirimisyu and Mr Rahman told PREMIUM TIMES some members of their (Yoruba) families merely removed the roofs of the Fulani homes as a step to forcing them to vacate our land.

It was without my knowledge, said Mr Adeoye, the lawyer to the Yoruba, as he lamented the violent resort to self-help. He disclosed he had warned his clients against resorting to self-help pending the determination of an appeal of the earlier judgement on the land at the customary court of appeal in Ibadan.

Sodiq, who fled the attack, informed his kinsmen of the attack. The Fulani reported the incident to the police. But before the polices arrival, the Fulani had mobilised more people, waylaid and attacked the returning Yoruba men.

Mr Usman denied the Yoruba were attacked. But some of his kinsmen who participated in the retaliatory attack, as well as a police source confirmed that the Yoruba were attacked.

Mallam Usman, Fulani leader with his kinsmen

When the police arrived, they arrested the Yoruba men who attacked the Fulani community and took them to Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. Those who escaped with injuries were also later arrested while receiving treatment in a private clinic in nearby Ilora town.

The spokesperson of the police in Oyo State, Adekunle Ajisebutu, told PREMIUM TIMES that those arrested would be prosecuted.

He said at least one person was arrested while receiving treatment in the hospital.

Mr Ajisebutu said: all the suspects are allowed access to medical treatment in detention.

But regardless of the police intervention, the Fulani clan are threatening more violence against the Yoruba, a situation which has forced the latter to flee from their homes.

Again, Mr Usman denied this. He said those who fled were merely scared of being picked up by the police.

But, many of his kinsmen told PREMIUM TIMES the community was now out of bound to their Yoruba neighbours, with clear threats of violence.

Labourers from Benin Republic, like Baba Fasila and Ishola, who live in the community, also told this newspaper the Yoruba families had fled for fear of being attacked by the Fulani, who according to the labourers, are on guard, looking for Yoruba families.

They know; they must not come back, Sodiq, the teenager, said, holding a machete as he conducted us around the assets destroyed by the Yoruba.

Mr Tirimisiyu in the decrepit house where he and his family now take refuge

All the homes of the Yoruba families visited by PREMIUM TIMES were under lock. As of last Saturday, the lawyer to the Yoruba, Mr Adeoye, confirmed the families were still not able to return to their homes and farms.

Spinoff Of Dry Season

Dry seasons present a harsh spinoff: scarcity of resources required for farming and cattle husbandry. The impacts of the scarcity are most severe in the countrys semi-arid North.

This pushes Fulani herdsmen towards the Middle Belt and further south, where farmers already confront the challenge of reduction in the land available for cultivation due to housing and industrial expansion.

It has also resulted in intense competition between farmers and herdsmen, which is increasingly causing bloody clashes in rural communities.

Our problem is the dry season, said Mr Usman. During the wet season, we dont face any problem because water and pasture are available.

Fulani home destroyed

Several farmers told PREMIUM TIMES that the tension between them and Fulani herdsmen grows every dry season.

They destroyed my cassava farm and even a Fulani could enter the farm to uproot cassava and peel for cattle to feed, said a farmer, Lukman Odunerin at Akodudu village in Atiba Local Government Area of Oyo State.

In response, some of the farmers who asked not to be mentioned admitted to PREMIUM TIMES that they sometimes poison water bodies to kill cows, to prevent their crop from being eaten and their farms trampled upon.

It is conflicts like these that caused the Yoruba indigenes of Agbagun, Monde and Oniyanrin to demand the Fulani vacate their land.

The Fulani herders who spoke to PREMIUM TIMES did not deny that their cattle destroy farms. They say it is inevitable. They, however, said they are prepared to pay compensation to the farmers whose farms are destroyed.

We cant live together without fighting, said Mr Usman. We told them (Yoruba) when cows destroy a farm, they should report to us and well compensate but they should not kill our cows in retaliation.

Last year, in a memo, a former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC); Attahiru Jega, a former Minister of External Affairs, Ibrahim Gambari; and other scholars, posited that nomadic pastoralism is unsustainable in Nigeria. They, instead, canvassed a progressive transformation of pastoralism into settled forms of animal husbandry such as grazing reserves and ranches.

Fulani families living under tree

But, even where the Fulani want to buy land for restricted pastoralism, they say they are usually denied property rights. The refusal to sell land to herders is rooted in the history of tension and distrust shared by the Fulani and several communities in Nigerias Southern and North Central regions.

However, Segun Balogun, a programme officer for the Yoruba Academy, a research institute of the Afenifere Renewal Group, said several Fulani families are already settled in the Southwest with defined property rights.

Several of them are settled and able to produce milk and cheese, impossible to do without being settled, said Mr Balogun.

But he explained that it might be difficult for new nomadic Fulani families coming to the region to be sold land to, because of the recent escalation of clashes between Fulani herdsmen and farmers in the North-central.ADVERTISEMENT

Babafemi Ojudu, a political adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari, on Sunday thanked safety measures and quick response of security personnel for saving himself and 11 others who were in the helicopter that crashed on Saturday.

Mr Ojudu was on the delegation of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo when the accident occurred as their chopper was landing in Kabba, Kogi State.

The incident occurred around 3:00 p.m. Messrs Osinbajo and Ojudu escaped unhurt with 10 other persons on the helicopter. The minister of state for labour and productivity, Stephen Ocheni, was also onboard.

Caverton Group, an air charter service which operated the Augusta A139 helicopter, blamed unusual weather conditions for the crash in a preliminary statement. Further investigations are expected.

The vice president spoke shortly after the incident, saying he was alive and well and that campaign activities for the upcoming presidential elections would continue as scheduled.

Nigerians of divergent political and religious affiliations have congratulated Mr Osinbajo and all others in the fated helicopter.

The vice president, a Pentecostal Christian, is expected to take part at a thanksgiving service in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, this Sunday morning, according to persons familiar with his schedule.

He would then proceed to Ida, another major town in the state, for campaign tour. The presidential elections hold on February 16, and the administration is seeking reelection.

In a Facebook update, Mr Ojudu said he was calm during the accident, although the focus was largely on the vice presidents safety.

To family, friends and associates thank you all for your concern and show of love and affection. I cant thank you enough. It was a miracle we survived.

The belts did a marvelous job and so were the security men on ground who quickly pulled us out of the wreckage not minding their own safety.

We were also calm all through the ordeal. There was no panic of any kind.

The immediate concern of all of us was the safety of our principal. We ensured he got out first. He too ensured we were all out before going into a vehicle.

When we were all safely in the bus he insisted the assignment must go on and we drove to the palace of Obaro of Kabba.

The Kabba people gave us a warm welcome and showered us with prayers. We thank them all.

Above all God must be praised for providing us that umbrella of protection and prevented the helicopter from exploding in flames, the former senator from Ekiti State said.ADVERTISEMENT

An air charter service, Caverton Helicopter, on Saturday blamed hazy weather conditions for the helicopter crash involving Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo.

The Lagos-based firm said the incident occurred at about 3:00 p.m. in Kabba, Kogi State, confirming earlier account of Mr Osinbajos office.

Josiah Choms, an executive at Caverton, said Mr Osinbajo was being conveyed in an Augusta AW139 chopper when it lost control as it was about to touch down.

Mr Osinbajo was on a campaign mission ahead of the presidential elections later this month.

The accident was due to unusual weather conditions, Mr Choms said, adding that there were no injuries to the passengers or crew members as they were all quickly and safely evacuated.

The relevant authorities have been duly informed and an investigation into the incident has commenced. We will, of course, support the authorities as required, the statement added.

Mr Osinbajo, who is the running mate of President Muhammadu Buhari in the elections scheduled for February 16, has been inundated with congratulatory messages from Nigerians of different political affiliations.

Labour minister, 10 others on-board

Meanwhile, the vice-presidents office has released additional details about the incident.

Laolu Akande, a presidential spokesperson, said 12 people including the minister of state for labour and productivity, Stephen Ocheni, senior presidential aides, security officials were on board the helicopter.

We are grateful to God for His protection and safety, and we thank the crew and security personnel for their prompt response and service. We are also grateful for the tremendous expressions of concern and affection, as well as prayers from all.

As is procedural, a full investigation into the causes of the incident would be conducted by aviation authorities, the spokesperson said.

He added that Mr Osinbajo had since continued his campaign. The vice-president himself stated this earlier in his first tweet posted shortly after the accident.

The crash comes three years after James Ocholi, a former minister state labour and productivity, James Ocholi, was killed alongside his wife and son in a car accident along Kaduna Abuja Highway. The ministers driver was said to be driving without a valid licence.JOHESU prepares for nationwide strike

The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) held a crucial meeting on Thursday in preparation for the resumption of the nationwide strike it suspended last year May.

The meeting was called ahead of the expiration on Sunday of the two-week ultimatum it gave the government to resolve issues in there dispute elapsed today.

The meeting will determine the format of the strike and how it should go, Ogbonna Chimela, the national vice chairman of JOHESU said.

JOHESU is the body of all health workers, except doctors. Since 2014, it has been asking the government to increase the pay and improve the working conditions of its members, among other demands. This has resulted in strike actions over the period.

Nigeria records 42 deaths from Lassa fever  Official

Health officials have confirmed the death of 42 persons from a Lassa fever outbreak in Nigeria.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on January 21 declared the outbreak following an increase in the number of cases.

NCDC situation report for week four on the outbreak of the disease shows that from January 1 to 27, 538 suspected cases were reported from 16 states. Of these, 213 were confirmed positive, two probable and 325 negative.

Since the onset of the 2019 outbreak, there have been 42 deaths in confirmed cases.

How Ill transform UCH  New CMD

The Chief Medical Director-designate of the University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan, Jesse Otegbayo, has pledged to transit the facility from a tertiary to a quaternary healthcare institution.

Tertiary is the 3rd level while quaternary is the last and the 4th level and that is where we want to go, Mr Otegbayo said.

He said there are lots of clinical services and investigations that are highly technical that are done at the quaternary level and may not be available at the tertiary health level.

Things like Assisted Reproductive Technology- Invitro Fertilization (IVF), Heart transplant, Cardiac Catheterisation and all kinds of transplantation including Liver, Kidney and so on

Why we still charge Nigerians fees for birth certificate despite Reps resolution  Agency

Despite a resolution by lawmakers that birth certificates should be issued free of charge to Nigerians, the National Population Commission (NPC) has continued to charge a fee for the document.

The House of Representatives last year declared as illegal, payment of money to the commission to obtain birth certificates for newborn babies.

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The NPC, however, says it is yet to be formally notified of the resolution by the lawmakers.

PCN licenses 78 pharmaceutical stores in Gombe

The Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria (PCN) in Gombe State said it gave licences to 78 pharmaceutical stores in 2018.

The state officer, Rhoda Stephen, said the stores were registered after the agency sealed over 596 pharmaceutical stores after inspection and monitoring activities.

She said before the inspection, there was no regulation in Gombe. She said the people were doing as they liked and so many illegal practices were going on.

Resident doctors, FG partner on Lassa fever

The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has concluded plans to partner the Federal Ministry of Health to bring the outbreak of Lassa fever in Nigeria under control.

The NARD National President, Olusegun Olaopa, and the Secretary-General, Anthony Ude, said that the recent resurgence in reported cases of Lassa fever was worrisome.

Lassa fever is caused by the Lassa fever virus. It is transmitted directly to humans through contact with infected multimammate rat, its urine and faeces. It is also transmitted indirectly through contact with household items, foods which are contaminated with rodents saliva, blood, graces, urine and person to person contact.

Many health workers have succumbed to the deadly disease, which has been a source of concern for the government.

Six out of 10 people in Nigeria have cataract  Ophthalmologist

Six out of 10 people in Nigeria from age 60 years and above have some evidence of lens opacity otherwise known as cataract, an Ophthalmologist, Gboyega Ajayi, has said.

Mr Ajayi drew the figure from the 2009 National Survey on Blindness and Low Vision as well as other local studies carried out by experts.

He also said that old age and injury are among the factors responsible for nine out of ten cases in the country.

He.said everyone is a potential cataract patient because the most important cause of cataract is age. He advised people to get regular eye check as they grow older.

Doctors strike cripple activities in Nepal hospitals

Doctors in Nepal shut hospitals across the country in solidarity with one of their colleague who has been on hunger strike for 23 days.

The doctors asked the government to accept the demands of Govinda KC, a senior orthopaedic surgeon, who embarked on hunger strike demanding amendments to a medical education bill that would reform the countrys medical education system.

The 61-year-old doctors demands include healthcare services for poor people in remote regions and an end to the commercialisation of medical education.

Nursing assistant arrested for performing illegal plastic surgery

A South Korean nursing assistant was arrested for illegally performing plastic surgery on about 1,000 patients for the past three years, Yonhap news agency reported on Thursday citing Police.

The nursing assistant, only identified as a 70-year-old man, posed as a doctor from 2015 to 2018, performing some 1,500 illicit cosmetic surgeries on 1,000 victims.

Through the illegal medical practices, he earned about 1 billion won (about $900,000).

Waist-stature ratio can indicate the risk of cardiovascular disease

Health experts have warned for years that men and women with excess abdominal fat run a greater risk of developing cardiovascular problems. However, individuals with abdominal or central obesity are not the only ones in danger, according to a new study.

The study found that physically active men who were not overweight but whose waist-stature ratio (WSR) was close to the risk threshold were also more likely to develop heart disorders than individuals with lower WSRs.

The study was conducted by Brazilian researchers affiliated with Sao Paulo State University (UNESP) in Presidente Prudente and Marilia in collaboration with colleagues at Oxford Brookes University in the UK. The study resulted from a research project supported by Sao Paulo Research Foundation  FAPESP and is published in the journal Scientific Reports.The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja 11, on Saturday likened the Yoruba deity, Oluorogbo, with Jesus Christ, drawing similarities between them.

The Ooni spoke Saturday to journalists at the resuscitated Edi Annual Festival in Ile-Ife, meant to celebrate Oluorogbo, who according to mythology, ascended to heaven, after being killed by her mother, Moremi as a sacrifice for the gods.

There is no difference between Oluorogbo and Jesus Christ, the son of God that Christians believed in, for they both sacrificed their lives for the salvation of all souls, Oba Ogunwusi said.

Oba Ogunwusi described Oluorogbo as a selfless deity that turned himself into a sacrificial lamb for humanity, to bring peace and sanity among other deities to the world.

He added that as Jesus Christ brought peace and unity to the whole world, so also did Oluorogbo deliver people at the time of trouble by allowing peaceful coexistence to reign supreme.

Pushing his point further, Oba Ogunwusi said Oluorogbo was the son of God who stood for purity and godliness that signified what God stands for, adding that Oluorogbo was among the deities that were specially made.

Unlike Jesus Christ who came 2019 years ago, Oluorogbo preceded the creation of the whole universe and as Christians are expecting the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, Oluorogbo will forever remain, the Ooni said.

Oba Ogunwusi debunked the perception that Ife indigenes are idolaters.

On the contrary, he said, by celebrating their deities, the Ife people are only worshiping the Almighty God and upholding the cultural heritage and tradition of the Yoruba race.

He said that some people have ignorantly tagged the cradle of Yoruba, Ile-Ife as a town that practised idolatory.

Ooni urged the populace to give room for peace and unity. He also urged them to be altruistic for no one can achieve greatness in life without showing love to others.

He urged all and sundry to emulate the Oluorogbo in giving all they have to assist others in trouble.

The Obalase Oluorogbo Agbaye, Adebayo Orisayemi, Awosola 111, thanked Oba Ogunwusi for resuscitating the Oluorogbo festival and urged other traditional rulers to emulate him in promoting their tradition.

According to Yoruba mythology, Oluorogbo was the only son of Moremi, who she used for sacrifice to the river goddess to deliver the people of Ile-Ife from Igbo predators.

One Ife myth said Olurogbo survived the sacrifice. He made a rope of grass and climbed to heaven where he is said to have lived ever since with the gods and immortal heroes of Yorubaland.

Professor of Anthropology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil, Deborah Lime, urged Yoruba to value their cultural heritage.

Ms Lime, a professor, appealed to people of Ile-Ife and Yoruba at large to ensure that they support Ooni to take Ile-Ife to greater heights

The Iyalode Osun Ife Worldwide, Nilsia Lourdes dos Santos, who came from Brazil to Ile-Ife for the festival, condemned the indifference of Yoruba to their tradition.

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Ms Santos said that Ile-Ife as the source of all Yoruba has all the deities, one of them being Oluorogbo that delivered the race from the destruction of the enemies.

United Kingdom based Princess Folasade Adegoke said foreigners value Yoruba culture than the owners.

Ms Adegoke explained to those keeping away from Yoruba culture, because of the religion they uphold that culture is quite different from religion.

She appealed to all Yoruba to embrace their cultural heritage to keep the memories of their past heroes alive.

(NAN)It is day two of the 2019 Big Brother Nigeria auditions holding in major Nigerian cities.

Thousands of youth besieged the venues with hopes of being chosen as housemates in the Big Brother Naija House, competing for the ultimate prize.

When PREMIUM TIMES visited D Podium Event Centre, venue of the Lagos auditions on Saturday, the crowd was overwhelming.

As expected, the Lagos venue has been adjudged to have hosted the largest crowd with an estimated 6,000 BBNaija hopefuls on day one (Friday) of the auditions.

An official, who confirmed this to our correspondent at the venue, said a total of 13,000 participants were recorded across the eight Nigerian cities.

Passers-by and onlookers at the Aromire Avenue where the auditions held, compared the audition crowd to typical carnivals and other religious concerts.

Meanwhile, a cross section of the BBNaija hopefuls who wrestled their way into the auditions confirmed to this newspaper that they slept over at the venue to beat the crowd.

On the other hand, another group of persons said they defied the rains and arrived at the venue as early as 5am.

Apparently, punctuality wasnt a criterion as most people who had made it to the place in the wee hours of the morning were still scrambling and fighting to make their way into the audition ground.

It also appeared the organisers, MultiChoice Nigeria, anticipated the turnout and prepared adequately for it as there were private security men, police officers, and LASTMA officials, who were on ground to coordinate vehicular traffic.

Medical officials were also present to manage health issues that may arise.

To however ensure optimum safety, contestants were implored to be orderly and follow on-ground instructions.

While some desperate ones resorted to bribing their way in by paying a token of N5000 to N10, 000 to the security officials, those who couldnt afford such luxury were left frustrated outside.

Several people climbed over the fence and barricades of the event center used for the audition. The chaos caused by the event attracted the attention of the police who had to calm the agitated crowd.

Because the organisers announced that there were no age restrictions, it was an interesting mix.

Most of the people who were auditioned came out expressing their hopelessness and doubt on their chances of scaling through while a few others were optimistic about it.

A cross section of the hopefuls who spoke to this newspaper affirmed that the fame, exposure, and prize of N45m (the organisers say it will be more), is indeed worth fighting for.

Last years reality show broke all records as Miracle Igbokwe, a certified pilot, won the ultimate prize defeating Cee-cee Nwadiora and Tobi Bakare.

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Check out some videos and photographs captured by PREMIUM TIMES on Saturday.

BBNaija hopefuls defy downpour to attend Lagos audition BBNaija hopefuls defy downpour to attend Lagos audition BBNaija hopefuls defy downpour to attend Lagos audition BBNaija hopefuls defy downpour to attend Lagos auditionADVERTISEMENT

The Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Hadiza Bala-Usman, has urged the staff of the authority to work hard to improve their productivity and boost revenue generation.

Ms Bala-Usman made the plea during the 40th Anniversary of the Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government Owned Companies, (SSASCGOC), Maritime Branch, on Saturday in Lagos.

Ms Bala-Usman, who was represented by the General Manager, Human Resources of NPA, Yahyah Buka, urged the workers to maintain their drive towards integrity, honesty and transparency.

Ms Bala-Usman encouraged the union to continue to embrace dialogue with the authoritys management of NPA to resolve industrial disputes.

As an association of senior employees, the management of NPA appreciates your contributions to the smooth operations at the ports.

The present management of NPA has demonstrated in many ways that the welfare of workers is of topmost priority and you will recall that the management held the first-ever interactive session with all categories of workers in December 2017.

The meeting enabled the management to rub minds and compare notes with the union leaders on the overall performance of the authority in the discharge of its mandate, she said.

The President of the association, Adamu Yau, urged both the Federal Government and the management of NPA to work toward achieving quick delivery of cargo and improve the turn around time of vessels, which had been a priority of NPAs management.

He said all the roads leading to the nations sea ports should be urgently rehabilitated to achieve this goal.

Mr Yau said an improvement in the turn around time of vessels would improve the earnings (revenue) of the NPA.

Mr Yau said the vision and mission statement of the authority would have been difficult to achieve if there was lack of harmony between the management and union.

The association had provided the needed strategy to see to the growth of NPA and the welfare of the workforce; and grievances were jointly tackled by the two umbrella unions of NPA.

They are Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government Owned Companies (SSASCGOC), Maritime Branch and Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), he said.

A former President of the association, Oddy Enebeli, commended Ms Bala-Usman for supporting the union.

(NAN)The Newseum is a museum about the American news media, principally newspapers. Its the creation of Al Neuharth (full disclose, a one-time client), the founder of USA Today and former chairman of Gannett and the Freedom Forum.

The Newseum is housed in a huge building on Pennsylvania Avenue. Neuharths operation bought the property it occupies for $100 million, reportedly the highest price ever paid for a chunk of real estate in Washington, D.C. The building cost almost $500 million to construct.

Al didnt like doing things in a small way.

Neuharths Freedom Forum had a huge endowment when it bought the property on Pennsylvania Avenue and built the Newseum. However, the recession of 2008  the year the Newseum opened  hit the Freedom Forum hard. To have any hope of financial viability, the Newseum had to charge a comparatively steep admission fee. Today, that fee is $25, in a city whose great museums are almost all free.

The Newseum hoped to attract 1 million people a year, but never has. Its rental and catering revenue kept the organization afloat. But it has operated in the red for years.

Finally, the Freedom forum had to sell the building. Johns Hopkins University purchased it for $372.5 million. The Newseum will close its doors to the public in January 2020. The Washington Post describes the closure as a gut punch to an industry labeled the enemy of the people by President Trump and struggling with digital-era financial troubles galore.

I have mixed feelings about the closure. Im a big fan of museums  all kinds of museums. Im also a fan of the First Amendment, which the Newseum is intended to celebrate. And, the American news media is certainly more than consequential enough to deserve a museum.

On the other hand, the Newseum is too glitzy, too into exhibits about pop culture, too self-congratulatory, and too liberal for my taste. Its exhibits dont just glorify the press. They often glorify liberal causes.

The Newseums current feature exhibit is pretty typical. Its called: Rise Up: Stonewall and the LGBTQ rights movement.

The LGBTQ movement may be worth celebrating. But why should it be celebrated in a museum about journalism? (From what I remember, Al Neuharth was a liberal, but not one to infect his papers reporting with bias and advocacy.)

Id like to see a scaled-down Newseum housed in a more modest dwelling and less prone to celebrating political causes and pop stars. Id also like to see a Newseum that pays more attention to the news media in the digital age.

It might happen  at least the scale-down, modest dwelling part. According to the Post, Jan Neuharth, Als daughter who now heads the Freedom Forum, has said a new location in the city will be found. Well see.

If a scaled-down Newseum could be sustained without charging a hefty admissions fee, maybe it wouldnt have to run exhibits about pop stars and liberal causes. Maybe it could focus on educating people about the First Amendment, the history of the press in America (warts included), and the challenges the news media now faces.

Such a Newseum wouldnt be the monument to journalism Al Neuharth had in mind. It would be something better.Minnesota Fifth District Rep. Ilhan Omar makes a cameo appearance in Washington Free Beacon editor Matt Continettis column Democrats lose their minds. He writes:

Lets see  what else happened in the busy world of crazy  excuse me while I flip through my files  Ah yes, there was congresswoman Ilhan Omar, parroting the Kremlin-Havana-Tehran line on the democratic uprising in Venezuela, calling it a U.S. backed coup. A few days later, Omar, a supporter of the anti-Semitic Boycott Divestment Sanctions movement whom the Democrats have awarded with a place on the House Foreign Relations Committee, said she almost chuckles because we still uphold the Jewish State of Israel as a democracy in the Middle East. I chuckleand begin seriously to worrythat someone who cannot distinguish between tyranny in Latin America and democracy in the Middle East commands such acclaim and receives such attention. Omar has former Obama adviser Valerie Jarrett in her corner. When Omar dismissed Congressman Lee Zeldins criticism of her views by Tweeting, Dont mind him, he is just waking up to the reality of having Muslim women as colleagues who know how to stand up to bullies!, Jarrett replied, Shake him up! Zeldin is a Jewish Republican.Sound Off is a forum to spur dialogue from residents of the communities we serve on topics of interest in those communities. Fair game are comments that raise issues of note or amplify ongoing debates. We will not publish comments that are potentially libelous, slanderous, mean-spirited, vulgar or inappropriate. Publications of Sound Off comments are at the sole discretion of the publisher.Note: We've recently updated our online systems. If you can't login please try resetting your password. You must login with an email address. If you don't have an email associated with your account email circulation@postregister.com for help creating one.The Work Zone

My son and I were running errands on a recent day, when he said, Dad, did you ever think about suicide? Read moreCharleston, SC (29403)

Today

Scattered clouds with the possibility of an isolated thunderstorm developing late. Low 76F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 30%..

Tonight

Scattered clouds with the possibility of an isolated thunderstorm developing late. Low 76F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 30%.The Russian newspaper Komsomolskaya Pravda repeated, in late January, a claim by the Iranian media agency Tasnim that U.S. troops liberated 38-40 ISIL fighters from a Taliban prison in Badghis province, Afghanistan, killing 20-30 Taliban.

In mid-January after a special operation conducted by the U.S. military in the Badghis province in Afghanistan, 38-40 inmates believed to be the leaders of ISIL (Islamic State) formations have been transported on board of the U.S. military helicopters from the prison near Panjabis village to an unknown location, the article said.

Komsomolskaya Pravda interviewed an expert, Semyon Bagdasarov, the Director of the Center for Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies, who alleged that the U.S. has been transporting these Islamic State fighters to the border with Turkmenistan where they are preparing a major offensive targeted at destabilizing Russia and China.

The allegations are likely false.

Lt. Col Abdul Qayoum Nooristani, Afghan Special Operation Corps spokesperson, told the VOA Extremism Watch Desk that the operation was conducted not by the U.S. but by the Afghan troops, and that the Islamic State members then have been transferred under the control of the Afghan Intelligence Agency  the National Directorate of Security.

On January 13, the Afghan Special Operations Corps released a statement, saying that, The Afghan Special Operations first brigade conducted a nighttime special operation in the vicinity of Ghorb village, Jawand district of northern Badghis province.

The special operations corps stated, 11 Taliban terrorist were killed and 36 Islamic State members, including 18 men, 6 women and 12 children, kept as captives by Taliban, were arrested and transferred to National Directorate of Security.

There is no mention of any U.S. troops taking part in the operation, though the Afghan military always makes clear when such operations are conducted jointly with the coalition or the U.S. forces, a journalist from the VOA Extremism Watch Desk, an expert on Afghanistan, told Polygraph.info.

The Pentagon did not respond to a Polygraph.info inquiry regarding the operation. Reports on the death of a U.S. Army Ranger, Sgt. Cameron Meddock, in Afghanistan on January 13 raise some question whether U.S. soldiers might have been in the vicinity. The Army Times website said Meddock was killed by small-arms fire in an operation in Badghis province, but did not mention the attack on a Taliban prison by the Afghan Special Forces.

Also in January, Russian Interior Ministrys representative Igor Zubov said that, unidentified helicopters in Pakistan are transporting Islamic State fighters massively to the border of Tajikistan to prepare an offensive in that Central Asian country, with an aim at destabilizing Russia, information similar to the foreign ministrys debunked statement but naming a different Central Asian country as the destination for IS transfers.

The Radio Free Europes Tajik service investigated the Russian assertions finding no merit in the claim that the United States military was behind such a move.

The Commander of the Afghanistan Defense Ministrys 209 Division General, Alimohammad Akhmadzai told RFE/RL, that the coalition and Afghan forces have been conducting airstrikes in the northern provinces against the ISIL compounds but there are still terrorist strongholds remaining in the region.

In mid-January, the Russian Foreign Ministry alleged (based on a statement by the Taliban), that the U.S. military liberated a group of ISIL terrorist from a prison in northern Afghanistan and transported them on helicopters to an unknown location. Polygraph.info looked into the Russian claim but found no proof to support it.

The report by Komsomolskaya Pravda appears to be mirroring a less specific statement by the Russian Foreign Ministry on January 16 that meandered from Syria to Afghanistan. Polygraph.info debunked the claim shortly afterwards, yet Russian officials and state media continue to repeat it.

The narrative has been constantly present in the Russian Defense and Foreign Ministries public statements, many of which Polygraph.info has investigated and debunked. Well over a year ago, a Russian official, without evidence, said the U.S. was using an Islamic State group to destabilize the situation in Central Asia.

Last year, there was a similar claim in Russian state media of mysterious helicopters supposedly providing support to Islamic State fighters. Polygraph.info verified the video published by the Russian state media agency Sputnik showed a helicopter, which was not U.S military.Advertising

Trump claimed that it didnt matter if ISIS reclaimed lost territory in Iraq and Syria because the US has fast planes and can fly troops back in.

Transcript via CBSs Face The Nation:

MARGARET BRENNAN: Because the concern in here by your intelligence chiefs, though, is that you could in that vacuum see a resurgence of ISIS.

PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP: Sure.

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MARGARET BRENNAN: See a resurgence of terror groups like Al-Qaeda

PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP: And you know what well do? Well come back if we have to. We have very fast airplanes, we have very good cargo planes. We can come back very quickly, and Im not leaving. We have a base in Iraq and the base is a fantastic edifice. I mean I was there recently, and I couldnt believe the money that was spent on these massive runways. And these- Ive rarely seen anything like it. And its there. And well be there. And frankly, were hitting the caliphate from Iraq and as we slowly withdraw from Syria. Now the other thing

Video:

.@realDonaldTrump says well come back if we have to when @margbrennan asks about a potential resurgence of ISIS in Iraq and Syria, We have very fast airplanes, we have very good cargo planes. We can come back very quickly. pic.twitter.com/cEaC0i8Qk1  Face The Nation (@FaceTheNation) February 3, 2019

Putin wants the US out of Syria

Trumps attitude of being able to fly troops back in quickly hides the real point of his withdrawal. Putin wants the US forces out of Syria. If the US pulls out of Syria and Iraq intelligence officials, say that ISIS will regain the territory that it lost in 6-12 months. To liberate that territory again, Trump will have to send more troops and shed more blood than would be necessary if he would leave current US forces in place.

Putin wants the US out, so Trump is going to give Putin what he wants.

Trump doesnt care that he is jeopardizing national security

Republicans in the Senate voted against Trumps Syria withdrawal. Trump is creating a serious national security threat by strengthening terrorists. This is all happening because Trump wants to make Putin happy and be able to claim that he defeated ISIS and brought US troops home during his reelection campaign. The US cant fly some troops in to fight a war and then fly them home.

Trump is making America less safe, and showing that the biggest threat to US national security is his presence in the Oval Office.

For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.

Follow Jason Easley on Facebook395 SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard

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In a CBS interview broadcast Sunday Donald Trump said that he plans to keep U.S. troops in Iraq to watch Iran, and he may use military force in Venezuela.

Concerning Iran, Trump All I want to do is be able to watch. Then he added:

We have an unbelievable and expensive military base built in Iraq. Its perfectly situated for looking at all over different parts of the troubled Middle East rather than pulling up.

And this is what a lot of people dont understand. Were going to keep watching and were going to keep seeing and if theres trouble, if somebody is looking to do nuclear weapons or other things, were going to know it before they do.

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NEWS: The full transcript of our three-part interview with @realDonaldTrump is out. Airs this morning at 10:30AM ET. https://t.co/DJfAVLmSzf  Face The Nation (@FaceTheNation) February 3, 2019

Trump has criticized U.S. troops being in Iraq for many years. Today he said invading Iraq was one of the greatest mistakes that weve ever made.

During the interview Trump also said sending U.S. troops to crisis-torn Venezuela is an option.

Face the Nation host Margaret Brennan specifically asked Trump about military intervention in the South American country. He said he has no current plans to send the military to Venezuela, but certainly its something thats on the table  its an option.

He also also said Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro requested a meeting a number of months ago and he turned it down.

I decided at the time, no because so many really horrible things have been happening in Venezuela when you look at that country, he said.

That was the wealthiest country of all in that part of the world which is a very important part of the world. And now you look at the poverty and you look at the anguish and you look at the crime and you look at all of the things happening, he added.

So, I think the process is playing out  very, very big tremendous protests.

Last month several countries, including the United States, recognized Juan Guaido, the president of Venezuelas National Assembly, as the nations interim president. But the crisis has not yet been resolved.

In todays interview Donald Trump is using bluster to try to achieve foreign policy goals. But no matter what threats he makes, or how tough he tries to appear in TV interviews, it wont change anything.

Donald Trump has no idea what he is doing in the arena of foreign policy, and the country would be better off if he just kept his mouth shut and let the experts decide what needs to be done to achieve our foreign policy goals.2k SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard

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Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) wasnt having any of the usual media excuses for Trump as he flat out told Chuck Todd that Trump is a racist.

Transcript via Meet The Press:

CHUCK TODD:

What does it say that something like this is now  folks are now being held accountable for blackface in ways, frankly, that we didnt, we didnt have that kind of, that strong of a moral code, I would argue, in our politics, until recently? Why do you think that is?

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SEN. SHERROD BROWN:

Well, I think this country hasnt dealt well with the issues of race. I mean, we have a president whos a racist. Who we have, you know 

CHUCK TODD:

Let me pause you there. You believe, in his heart, hes a racist?

SEN. SHERROD BROWN:

Well, I dont know what, in his heart, means. I know that he built his political career, knowing what he was doing on questioning the legitimacy and the birthplace of the President of the United States. I know, early, and we  there have been all kinds of news reports about what he did early in his career on housing. We know, I mean, read TheNew Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander. Read The Color of Law, about housing discrimination and decades and decades and decades of housing discrimination. And we know that the Trump family, including the now-sitting president, played to that and deepened that. So these issues, this is not a recent  Charlottesville was only a symptom and a more-public viewing and outing, if you will, of the presidents views about race. I mean, theres just no question about that. We know the president doesnt tell the truth frequently. We know he lies frequently. And we know of his racial back  racist comments and background.

Video:

Sherrod Brown Ran Through Trumps History Of Racism

Sen. Brown didnt just drop the bomb of calling Trump a racist and then backing off. Brown laid out why Trump is a racist and his history of racism. Trumps presidential campaign began when he called Mexicans rapists. His rise in Republicans politics came from racist birther attacks on Obama. None of this includes his documented business history of racism that Sen. Brown mentioned.

The media, which is always white people, who suggest that we have to know what is in Trumps heart to call him racist are dancing around a subject that they dont really want to talk about. The idea that Trump is a racist makes them uncomfortable. They dont want to face the truth about Trump.

Sherrod Brown didnt just speak the truth. He made Chuck Todd face it and backed up his claim with facts.

For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.

Follow Jason Easley on Facebook4.3k SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard

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Reuniting thousands of migrant children separated from their parents or guardians at the U.S.-Mexico border will be impossible say Trump administration immigration officials.

According to NBC News:

The Trump administration said in a court filing that reuniting thousands of migrant children separated from their parents or guardians at the U.S.-Mexico border may not be within the realm of the possible.

The report also says that the Trump administration does not know how many migrant children were separated from their parents at the southern border in the year before the zero-tolerance policy launched, and is unlikely to figure it out.

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Last month, an internal government report found that during the Trump administration, thousands more kids may have been separated from their parents at the border than was previously known and that a steep increase of separations began in the summer of 2017, almost a year before the zero-tolerance policy was announced by then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions in the spring of 2018.

The findings by the Health and Human Services Inspector Generals office indicate that tough immigration policies caused to the family separations.

Also, poor communication among federal agencies and inadequate tracking systems made it impossible to find out if the kids ever ended up with their parents or guardians. In short, the government has no idea where thousands of kidnapped children are, and has no clue on how to reunite them with their parents, as the law requires.

The total number of children separated from a parent or guardian by immigration authorities is unknown, according to the Inspector General.

Jallyn Sualog, deputy director of the department of Health and Human Services Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) disclosed the new information in a court filing that was an ordered response in an ACLU lawsuit. The ACLU has been challenging the governments separation of at least 2,737 children of migrants detained at the border since summer 2017.

Sualog said her office doesnt have the resources to track down the children, whose numbers could be thousands more than the official estimate.

Even if performing the analysis Plaintiffs seek were within the realm of the possible, it would substantially imperil ORRs ability to perform its core functions without significant increases in appropriations from Congress, and a rapid, dramatic expansion of the ORR data team, she said.

Lee Gelernt, the ACLUs lead attorney in the suit being heard by U.S. District Court Judge Dana Sabraw in San Diego, called the response shocking.

The Trump administrations response is a shocking concession that it cant easily find thousands of children it ripped from parents, and doesnt even think its worth the time to locate each of them, he said in a statement. The administration also doesnt dispute that separations are ongoing in significant numbers.

Sualog argued that taking minors from their new stateside guardians could be damaging to their psyches, saying:

ORR would have the authority or resources to forcibly reunify minors who are no longer in ORR custody. Finally reunification of minors already residing with close relatives, parents or family friends could interfere with the childs routine and currently established relationships.

This means that the Trump administration has essentially given up on reuniting the children stolen from their parents. It was a crime to take children from their parents, and failure to even try to bring them back together makes Trumps crime even worse.

The Trump administration must be held accountable for stealing these children, which was a crime against humanity. Now that Democrats are in control of the House, it is hoped that they will hold Donald Trump and his subordinates accountable for these crimes.207 SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard

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WASHINGTON/CHICAGO (Reuters)  Foxconn Technology said on Friday it will build a factory in Wisconsin after the companys chairman spoke to U.S. President Donald Trump, following a Reuters report earlier this week that the Taiwanese company was reconsidering its plans.

Reuters reported that Foxconn was reconsidering making liquid crystal display panels at a planned $10 billion Wisconsin campus and intended to hire mostly engineers and researchers there. But after conversations between Trump and Foxconn Chairman Terry Gou, the company said it would move forward with our planned construction of a Gen 6 fab facility, which is a type of plant that produces displays.

The 20-million-square-foot campus marked the largest investment for a brand new location by a foreign-based company in U.S. history when it was announced at a White House ceremony in 2017. It was praised by Trump as proof of his ability to revive American manufacturing. The apparent reversal was seized upon by Democrats in Congress this week.

Trump tweeted on Friday: Great news on Foxconn in Wisconsin after my conversation with Terry Gou!

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Heavily criticized in some quarters, the Foxconn project was championed by Wisconsins then governor, Scott Walker, a Republican who helped secure around $4 billion in tax breaks and other incentives before leaving office. Critics called the deal a corporate giveaway that would never result in the promised manufacturing jobs and said it posed serious environmental risks.

Foxconn initially planned to manufacture advanced large-screen displays for TVs and other consumer and professional products at the facility, which is under construction. It later said it would build smaller Generation 6 LCD screens instead.

In comments published on Wednesday, Louis Woo, special assistant to Foxconns Gou, told Reuters those plans might be scaled back or even shelved, citing the steep cost of making advanced TV screens in the United States, where labor expenses are comparatively high.

After the Reuters report, Foxconn, a major supplier to Apple Inc, issued a statement confirming the global market environment that existed when the project was first announced had changed and necessitated the adjustment of plans for all projects, including Wisconsin.

By Friday the company shifted again. The campus will serve both as an advanced manufacturing facility as well as a hub of high technology innovation for the region, Foxconn said in a statement. The statement did not reiterate its commitment to create 13,000 jobs as it did on Wednesday.

Woo spoke with Wisconsins new Democratic governor, Tony Evers, a past critic of the deal, on Friday, Evers told reporters. The governors office said on Wednesday Evers team had been surprised by Woos comments on changing plans.

From what I heard today it looks like theyre going to focus on the generation 6 technology, Evers said. They made commitments and were going to make sure they live up to them.

(Reporting by David Shepardson in Washington and Karen Pierog in Chicago; editing by Leslie Adler)581 SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard

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SHANGHAI (Reuters)  The United States should resolve its differences with Russia through dialogue instead of threatening to withdraw from an important nuclear arms control agreement between the two nations, Chinas foreign ministry said on Saturday.

The United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Friday that Washington would withdraw from the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty with Russia within six months unless Russia returned to full and verifiable compliance with the treaty.

Washington claims Russias new Novator 9M729 cruise missile violates the agreement, which bans ground-launched ballistic and cruise missiles with ranges of between 500 and 5,500 km (310 to 3,420 miles).

As an important bilateral treaty in arms control and disarmament, the Intermediate-Range Treaty has great significance in improving relations between major powers, strengthening international and regional peace, and maintaining global strategic balance and stability, Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement posted on its website.

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China is opposed to U.S. withdrawal action and urges the United States and Russia to handle their differences properly through constructive dialogue, the statement said, warning that unilateral withdrawal could trigger negative consequences.

The agreement officially expires in early 2021 but can be extended by another five years if both Washington and Moscow agree. However, Russian officials have accused the United States of inventing a pretext to end the treaty, allowing them to develop new weapons.

Chinas foreign ministry said it was not in favor of drawing up a multilateral arms control agreement to replace the Intermediate-Range Treaty, saying the issues were too complicated and that existing agreements should instead be maintained and implemented.

(Reporting by David Stanway; Editing by Joseph Radford)It's not a bad record to have in Melbourne; two trips to the Aussie Millions and two Main Event final tables. Mike Del Vecchio was always going to headline the final day's play should he have made it to the final table, but after snatching the chip lead away from Hamish Crawshaw in dramatic fashion on Day 4, the American sits atop the pile with over five million in chips.

In 2018, Del Vecchio came into the final table fourth in chips and eventually finished fifth for AU$370,000 (US$299,033). This year he's coming in as the chip lead, and will be eyeing up one of the bigger scores when play gets underway.Support local journalism

We are making critical coverage of the coronavirus available for free.

Please consider subscribing so we can continue to bring you the latest news and information on this developing story.

When it comes to awe-inspiring public lands, Pennsylvanias is home to some of the nations best hidden gems. Millions of acres of federal, state, and local public lands provide Pennsylvanians with a superior quality of life and enhance our economy. In fact, Pennsylvanias outdoor recreation economy is the fifth largest in the nation. Continued, sustained investment in these outdoor assets is needed to assure that they remain ready to enjoy.

The recently-ended federal shutdown  the longest of its kind in U.S. history  has shone a bright spotlight on Americas national park system and the important role of federal oversight and stewardship needed to protect the nations most iconic outdoor places.

Yet the reality is that our national parks have been in dire need of more funding, greater maintenance, and heightened protection even when the government is open.

Thats because even before the government shutdown occurred, programs that protected our parks were on the chopping block.

The clearest example of these ongoing threats to our parks is the expiration of the cornerstone program that funds our national parks and forests, along with state and local parks and outdoor spaces.

Last September, despite broad partisan support, Congress failed to reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund, or LWCF. For more than 50 years, the LWCF has preserved and improved federal, state, and local parks and open spaces.

Incredibly, the LWCF has supported projects in every state and nearly every county in the U.S., from iconic sites like the Gettysburg National Park, the Appalachian Trail and the Flight 93 Memorial to Pennsylvanias state parks and local trails, pools, and playgrounds.

In Pennsylvania alone, the LWCF has provided more than $315 million to preserve and maintain public lands, including Penn-Roosevelt State Park, Middletown Municipal Swimming Pool, and Fort Hunter Park in Dauphin County.

Recently, we were proud to join local officials and community leaders in Bethlehem to celebrate a $1 million grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) to renovate the citys largest and most popular pool, Memorial Pool in Monocacy Park. That grant, to renovate the 60-year-old pool, was funded by the LWCF. It is a prime example of how this program is used to protect outdoor and recreational spaces that improve the communitys quality of life.

We all have our own memories of connecting with nature and exploring the outdoors. That includes camping and hiking the Appalachian Trail at the Pine Grove Furnace State Park, paddling canoes through the Delaware Water Gap, or spotting wildlife at French Creek State Park, all of which have benefited from LWCF funding.

It is easy to take these experiences for granted. But without government investments and protections, like a continued LWCF, the parks and lands we enjoy for hunting, fishing, camping, kayaking, and other outdoor activities will no longer be available.

LWCF has done more than help create memories. It also gives a boost to the economy. Recreational activities in Pennsylvania produce about $29 billion in consumer spending annually and support more than a quarter million jobs, according to the Outdoor Industry Association. The LWCF contributes to these economic benefits through its investments in outdoor spaces and recreational opportunities.

LWCFs successful record has earned it bipartisan support in Congress. Nevertheless, legislation to permanently reauthorize and fully fund the program remains stalled.

It is time for LWCFs Congressional supporters, including its many members here in Pennsylvania, to work to ensure that permanent LWCF reauthorization and full funding is brought up for a vote as soon as possible.

Continued delay will put more of the outdoor places we love at risk. For the sake of the millions of Americans who work in the outdoor recreation industry and the countless families who want to continue to enjoy nature, stay healthy, and make memories, Congress must act.

--

Cindy Adams Dunn is secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and has worked in both public and non-profit roles in conservation. David Masur is the executive director for PennEnvironment, the statewide citizen-based non-profit environmental advocacy group.Theres no official start to presidential races. The 2020 gate opened long ago, although nobody was paying particularly close attention.

In fact, there are almost 500 (483 on the date of the writing this column) presidential candidates officially registered with the Federal Election Commission. Most of them are obscure folks who, in the deep recesses of their own minds, conjure up a scenario in which millions glom on to their up-until-now solitary vision of themselves as the leader of the free world.

The chances that Christina Gerasimos Billings-Elias or Joshua Becker, two already announced Democrats, are going to take the oath of office for president of the United States are roughly the same as mine are of becoming pope.

There is, however, a large and growing number of serious Democratic candidates, as well as a smattering of potential Republicans and a couple of well-known independents, who have announced theyd like to take on President Trump in 2020.

They view the president as vulnerable, unable to appeal to voters beyond his base. Most of them think that merely being anti-Trump is enough to win the presidency against a man they see as politically unpopular to the point of toxicity.

They should think again.

Democrats tried the resistance strategy in several special elections in 2017, each time claiming theyd finally found the right candidate and message to win swing congressional seats. Until they nominated a centrist Democrat who promised not to vote for Nancy Pelosi, they lost every one.

The problem for the Democrats is that virtually all of their announced candidates are jockeying for position on the far left of the political spectrum, endorsing policies and positions that have no appeal to middle America and to undecided, persuadable voters, without whose votes capturing the White House is impossible.

Senators Kamala Harris (CA), Cory Booker (NJ), Kirsten Gillibrand (NY) and Elizabeth Warren (MA) are either all in or have taken the first step of forming an exploratory committee.

Among their policy proposals are Warrens wealth tax, Harris call for the elimination of private health insurance and Bookers idea that every child born in America should have a tax-payer-financed bank account.

Few senators have ever gone from the Senate directly to the presidency, so theres an additional line of Democrats who are already in the hunt.

Former HUD Secretary and Mayor Julian Castro, former Congressman John Delaney, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, businessman Andrew Yang and Mayor Pete Buttigieg of South Bend, Indiana, have announced or formed committees.

Waiting in the wings are big names like Beto ORourke, Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders. And there are more.

Sanders, who would be 83 at the end of his term should he be elected, has led the way with socialist proposals. But many in the field now are not going to be outdone when it comes to offering up increasingly radical notions about how to spend other peoples money. Yang, for example, says he wants $1,000 a month paid to every American over 18.

John Delaney, whom the media casts as the centrist in the field, still thinks we should increase corporate taxes to levels that would make us uncompetitive in the world economy. Delaney has spent the last two years camped out in Iowa, which holds the first caucus. Yet the latest poll out of the Hawkeye State shows him netting just 1 percent.

Recently many Democrats have expressed great alarm over the potential candidacy of former Democrat Howard Schultz, the former Starbucks CEO. Theyre frightened that if he runs as an independent, he will split the anti-Trump vote and insure four more years of the Trump presidency.

Schultz, who did far more for ordinary workers standard of living than some of the hair-brained schemes being proposed by the far left, has been very clear in reacting to the far-left tilt of the Democrats presidential field.

Warrens wealth tax? Schultz calls it ridiculous. Harris plan to eliminate private health insurance? Not American, says Schultz. And Alexandria Ocasio-Cortezs (shes too young to be president) proposed 70 percent marginal tax rate?

I dont think we want a 70 percent income tax in America. These arent the words of a right-leaning Republican. These are from a fairly liberal Democrat. The rest of his party would do well to pay attention.

Merely being anti-Donald Trump isnt going to carry the day for the Democrats in 2020. Hillary Clinton tried that in 2016. So did George McGovern, who tried to meld far-left policies with personal opposition to Richard Nixon back in 1972. He carried one state.

The Trump economy continues to do well. The January Jobs Report showed more than 300,000 new jobs and an unemployment rate holding at a low 4 percent. A socialist rebuttal of economic growth might carry more than one state in 2020, but it certainly isnt going to win a majority.

--

PennLive Opinion contributor Charlie Gerow is CEO of Quantum Communications in Harrisburg. His Donkeys & Elephants column appears weekly opposite Pennsylvanias former lieutenant governor, Mark S. Singel.A Carlisle Borough councilman took to social media to say that hate has no place in his community shortly after local police announced that malicious/unsolicited fliers had been circulated.

Obviously, these type of fliers are disturbing and unacceptable and it is my hope that the perpetrators are apprehended and held responsible for distributing such hate, Councilman Sean Crampsie said.

Local police Sgt. Josh Bucher confirmed later that the fliers were printed with Ku Klux Klan rhetoric.

Carlisle Police were made aware of malicious /unsolicited flyers being passed out today. We are attempting to identify those responsible but have received very little info. Anyone with helpful info please contact Carlisle Police at 717-243-5252 or our crimewatch tip line.  Carlisle PD (@carlislepapd) February 2, 2019

Bucher did not provide specific details about what message was printed on the fliers, but a photo shared by Crampsie shows a sheet of paper referencing an open border policy.

It also includes a website address for a site operated by the Loyal White Knights of the Ku Klux Klan and a phone number near a message reading call to join.

According to the Anti-Defamation League, the Loyal White Knights is "one of the largest and most active Klan groups in the United States and is most know for its distribution of racist, anti-Semitic, anti-immigrant, homophobic and Islamophobic propaganda.

Bucher said the Carlisle Police Department received only a single call about the fliers, and they recovered only two. One of the fliers, he said, was found in a driveway and the other in a nearby yard.

The fliers were found in the area of West South and Glendale streets, Bucher said.

According to local dispatcher Mike Clepper, the fliers were distributed in bags filled with birdseed. The photo shared by Crampsie also shows a bag filled with birdseed.

Bucher said the birdseed likely was included simply to weigh the bags down.

I know of no other reason, he said.

It appears, Bucher said, that the bags were thrown toward the yard and driveway, probably from a vehicle.

A message shared by Crampsie also said that a vehicle was being used to distribute the fliers, possibly a red SUV.

That type of distribution is against borough rules, and could lead to charges of scattering rubbish, Bucher said.

Though Bucher said only two fliers were found, others responded to a Facebook posts by the local police department, claiming that they were found elsewhere, including attached to a vehicle last weekend.

Bucher did not provide an exact timeline of when the fliers were circulated.

The fliers made references to at least one ethnic group.

And Crampsie said an anti-discrimination ordinance approved by borough officials in 2016 made clear that hate and discrimination in any form would not be tolerated.

It is a shame that in 2019 we see this type of hate rear its ugly head, Crampsie said.

And in a separate set of posts to Twitter, Crampsie took aim at the Ku Klux Klan directly, poking fun at their robes, which include cone-shaped hoods and masks.

The modern day cowards who hide behind white hoods will not intimidate us or stop us from making our community one of love and acceptance, he said.

This is not the first time that Ku Klux Klan fliers have been circulated in central Pennsylvania. Last August, similar fliers were spread throughout the parking lot of a York County movie theater.

In December, Ku Klux Klan fliers were found in the driveways of several Somerset County homes. The same was true that month in parts of Maryland and Delaware, according to a report from DelmarvaNow.

And late last month, dozens of homeowners received fliers from the Confederate Knights of Ku Klux Klan in Moorestown, N.J., according to the Cherry Hill Courier-Post.

Carlisle police said they are trying to identify those who distributed the fliers in the most recent incident, and asked anyone with information about the fliers to contact them at 717-243-5252.A 21-year-old was killed and a 20-year-old driver was seriously injured in a one-vehicle crash Saturday night in Lebanon County.

According to the Pennsylvania State Police at Jonestown, Zachary A. Follette, 20, of Lancaster, was driving north on Hopeland Road in Heidelberg Township and failed to negotiate a curve near Canaan Grove Road.

He went off the right shoulder, hit the snow-covered roadside and struck a tree.

His passenger, a 21-year-old man from West Chester, was pronounced dead at the scene. His identity has not yet been released.

Follette was flown to Hershey Medical Center for treatment.Patna: Speaking at Patnas Gandhi Maidan before a large crowd while being surrounded by a dozen or so anti-NDA leaders, Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Sunday tore into the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) declaring Prime Minister Narendra Modi had failed to deliver on his electoral promises and had encouraged cronyism in the government at a level never seen before in the history of independent India.



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When Arun Jaitley is asked to waive the loans of farmers, he says its not in the NDA policy. So he can waive the loans of the industrialists but when it comes to farmers, he hides behind the policy shield, he said at the Jan Akanksha Rally that was also attended by the leaders of many political parties and state.

The Congress leader also took the Modi government to task on a number of other issues including education saying Patna University and Nalanda University were once the ultimate destinations for education but were now the center of unemployment in the nation.

The university cannot even hold exams or issue degrees on times. There are not enough professors in these universities. I want to ask the Prime Minister what has he done for Patna University in the last five years. He should also explain what has he done to improve employment scenario in Bihar, Rahul Gandhi, the son of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, the grandson of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, and the great grandson of Indias first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, said at the Gandhi Maidan that was named after Mahatma Gandhi and not after any member of the Nehru family.

If the Congress came into power, it would immediately grant central university status to Patna University, he pledged.

Congratulating the Chief Ministers of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh where Congress was able to uproot the BJP government in recently-held state elections, Gandhi said that the three Chief Ministers, immediately after assuming power in their respective states, waived loans to the farmers and set up food processing units to improve their profit margin.

Chief Ministers from the three states Ashok Gehlot, Bhupesh Baghel, and Kamal Nath were also present at the stage.

With the jury still out the demonetization issue, Gandhi ridiculed the move saying they (NDA) did not like the look of Rs. 500 and Rs. 1000 notes so they decided to declare them illegal forcing women to deposit their hard-saved money in banks and forcing others to surrender their money to the government adding demonetization was the worlds largest financial scam ever.

Gandhi assured the people of Bihar and the nation that this NDA nightmare was about to end as voters were disillusioned and frustrated with the BJP policies that had put the nation on the brink of an economic and social disaster.Patna: Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejaswi Yadav, speaking at the Rahul Gandhis Jan Akanksha rally at Patnas Gandhi Maidan on Sunday showered praise on the Congress president saying Gandhi checked all the boxes required from a Prime Ministerial candidate and would be a great leader who would work for each and every sector of the society and not just for millionaires and billionaires.

Speaking directly to Gandhi, Yadav, the son of imprisoned party leader Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi, both former Chief Ministers of Bihar, said that the Congress chief possessed all the qualities that were needed to become a successful Prime Minister but it was up to him to ensure he takes all Mahagathbandhan parties together to ensure a true democratic administration at the Center.

We all should come together to defeat the BJP in the coming Lok Sabha elections but it was up to the Congress and Rahul Gandhi to save democracy from the clutches of fascists and communalists of the nation, Yadav said.

Referring to some of the BJP leaders rhetoric that they would send those who spoke against Narendra Modi to Pakistan, the former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister said that India was not the personal property of anyones father that they would get rid of all those who did not agree with their policies.

Narendra Modi had promised to create two crore new employments for the youths. What happened to that? Modi sends his CBI and ED dogs after anyone who dares to question his motives. But these moves are not going to intimidate us. Lalu ji is a lion and we are his children and the Prime Minister is not going to frighten us to surrender before him, Yadav said.

The RJD leader also took a stab at the BJP by telling a joke saying both Lord Ram and Sita were sitting in the heaven when suddenly Lord Ram started to hiccup.

Sita ji then asked Lord Ram what was the matter to which the Lord said, election must be getting close; BJP leaders are remembering me, Yadav cracked.

Former Janata Dal  U president Sharad Yadav, Rashtriya Lok Samata Party (RLSP) president and former NDA leader Upendra Kushwaha, Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) chief and former Bihar CM and NDA leader Jitan Ram Manjhi, Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) leader Mukesh Sahni, Communist Party of India (CPI) secretary Satyanarayan, Congress leaders Sadanand Singh and Tariq Anwar (former Nationalist Congress Party leader), and former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar were among many others who also spoke on the occasion.Patna: Rashtriya Lok Samata Party (RLSP) chief and former partner in the NDA Upendra Kushwaha experienced the wrath of lathi-toting policemen in Patna on Saturday when his party, during an anti-NDA rally, ran into a wall of cops on its way to the Governors residence, a no-entry zone.



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Leading the procession to coincide with the birth anniversary of late Kushwaha leader Jagdeo Prasad, the Rashtriya Lok Samata Party (RLSP) chief, accompanied by hundreds of lathi-wielding supporters, were stopped by the Patna police at the Dak Bungalow crossing. This enraged Kushwaha supporters who began attacking the men in uniform.

Police then retaliated by first using water cannon on the protestors but when that failed to stop them from making advance, police then resorted to lathi charge in which many RLSP leaders, including Upendra Kushwaha, were hurt.

Many people, including Kushwaha, were taken to the hospital and later released. Though showing visible sign of being shaken up by the incident, there was no sign of him actually being injured. Doctors have taken him to take rest, said a party leader.

Calling it a black day in the history of Nitish administration, Kushwaha accused the government of using the police force to crush the voice of the opposition.

Our march was peaceful and there was no need for the use of force. Nitish Kumar and the NDA is afraid of the Mahagathbandhan and that is why it is trying to suppress free speech in the state, the former NDA leader said.

Meanwhile, JD-U leader Ajay Alok pooh-poohed Kushwahas injuries saying there was no sign of him being hurt but he was doing his best to milk the confrontation with the law enforcement officers to score political points.

If the rally was peaceful as Kushwaha is saying then why were they carrying batons in their hands, Alok said.Patna: On the day when a number of politicians in Bihar were celebrating the 96th birth anniversary of Congress leader Lalit Narayan Mishra by paying homage to the then Railway Minister who was killed in a bomb blast at Samastipur railway station in 1975, his grandson Rishi Mishra, quit Janata Dal  U and joined Congress Party in the presence of party state president Madan Mohan Jha.

I couldnt stay in a party any longer that is an ally of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). For the last 18 months or, I have been struggling to justify my presence in the NDA and I have failed to convince myself. I have contested state elections against the BJP and because Nitish Kumar chose to go back to the NDA about a year and a half ago, I felt hard to go back to my constituency and show my face to my people, Mishra, the son of Vijay Kumar Mishra, a Lok Dal leader and an MP from Darbhanga between 1984 and 1989, said.

As in such situation countless times in the past, Jha welcomed Mishra in the party saying Congress was glad to have him back as his presence was going to strengthen the party.

I have set no condition before Congress and I am here only to strengthen the party. I will work tirelessly to ensure huge win for the party that my father and grandfather belonged, Rishi Mishra said.

Earlier, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Governor Lalji Tandon paid floral tribute to LN Mishra at his statue in Patna while Bihar Education Minister Krishna Nandan Prasad Verma opened the annual function at the L N Mishra Institute in honor of the slain Congress leader.With the nations longest-ever government shutdown now relegated to history, Congress must focus on actually fixing our broken immigration system.

That does not mean building an ineffectual wall on the United States southern border, a costly and mostly symbolic measure that lacks broad political support. Six Senate Republicans proved as much when they voted for a Democratic plan to reopen the government that omitted money for the presidents wall.

In the process, those senators made it clear that a physical barrier should not be the political centerpiece of U.S. immigration policy going forward.

Instead, this should be an opportunity for Congress to dust off the bipartisan immigration proposals of the past and improve on them. Ultimately, comprehensive immigration reform must include a path to citizenship for the estimated 11 million people living in the country without legal permission.

In particular, people brought to the country illegally as children  commonly known as Dreamers  need more than an extra few months of assurance that they wont be deported. The president should also abandon attempts to clamp down further on asylum-seekers, something he floated in the waning days of the partial government shutdown.

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Such an approach would not mean abandoning a commitment to border security. House Democrats, for instance, have proposed investing in a smart wall that would include drones, sensors and more fencing, but not a solid wall from the Gulf of Mexico to the Pacific. After reaching a deal with congressional leaders to temporarily reopen the government, President Donald Trump indicated he is amenable to something other than a concrete wall.

These types of alternative investments, when coupled with additional customs agents and Border Patrol staffing, can be more effective at deterring illegal border crossings than a physical barrier alone.

Congress also must put money toward adding judges and other personnel to ease the untenable backlog of cases in U.S. immigration courts.

These measures are sensible ones that Democrats and Republicans should be able to come together to pursue.

Above all, the president should not seek to invoke emergency powers to try to build his wall. Such a move would not only be legally questionable but could derail bipartisan progress toward more effective solutions at the border.

Congress has the opportunity to avoid ending up mired in the same debate over border-wall funding a few weeks from now.

They should seize it  and, above all, prevent a replay of the 35-day shutdown that just concluded.

Love 1 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0Cannabis is now legal in a number of states, but the money it generates is still seen as tainted.

The reason for this is a clash between state laws legalizing recreational marijuana and federal laws that label it a controlled substance. As a result, some business owners operating legally under state laws have been fingered as potential money launderers, and many have been kicked out of the banking system altogether. Federal regulators need to remedy the situation.

Currently, very few banks and credit unions accept marijuana-related businesses as customers, even though they are legally allowed to, according to the U.S. Treasurys Financial Crimes Enforcement Network. Treasury has advised banks and credit unions that handling such business is legal. But the guidance doesnt effectively address the core reason many banks wont deal with customers in the marijuana trade: expensive and onerous paperwork required from the banks about such customers under anti-money-laundering regulations.

Federal regulations against money laundering require filing suspicious-activity reports on customers banks suspect are depositing revenue garnered from illegal activities. Filing these reports is expensive and can open up banks to potentially large fines and regulatory sanctions. Once a bank has identified a customer as suspicious, it has to continually file on both deposits and payments. This makes sense if the idea is to follow the money to uncover hidden criminal enterprises. But it makes no sense when applied to state-licensed marijuana businesses, which operate openly and are easily located on Google Maps.

Still, as marijuana has become legal in more places, the number of suspicious-activity reports filed by banks has mushroomed. About 3 million reports were filed in 2017, more than double the 1.3 million filed in 2010. Theres no way of saying for sure how many of these additional 1.7 million transactions involve cannabis, since information contained in the filings is secret. But something is driving this spike. Today, one in five Americans live in a state with commercial recreational cannabis.

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Banks that want to steer clear of the cannabis industry often adopt internal rules prohibiting accounts for customers they have reason to believe are engaged in the trade. Those rules, along with fear of violating federal regulations, have led to banks closing the accounts of people involved with marijuana, a process known as de-risking. Marijuana-related businesses such as dispensaries are at highest risk of being turned down by a bank or subject to federal reporting, but those in the next ring are also becoming targets.

CEOs of cannabis companies have had their personal bank accounts closed, and their storefront employees have as well. Even those not part of the cannabis industry but doing business with such firms are at risk. Witness the lawyer in California whose account was closed because he represented marijuana companies.

Nor are politicians immune. Last year, Wells Fargo closed the campaign account of a Democratic candidate for Florida agriculture commissioner because she received a campaign contribution from a cannabis firm (she won the election).

Banks will one day have to face the question of whether state and local governments, which receive tax revenue from cannabis, should be subject to reporting or de-banking. This year, for example, Colorado is expected to surpass $1 billion in total government revenue from marijuana since it began legalizing and taxing the industry in 2014.

If a state or local governments account were deemed suspicious, reporting would entail not only the funds going into the account, but also money going out. Does this mean a bank would need to file suspicious-activity reports on teachers, police officers or municipal debt holders who were being paid by governments that collected taxes from marijuana-related businesses?

There are simple solutions. The Treasury Department, which has the regulatory pen, could simply exempt banks from reporting on state-licensed marijuana businesses. Another easy move would be to exempt state and local governments from any filing as a result of depositing tax revenue from this industry. Bank regulators who examine institutions for compliance should clarify the process for both serving marijuana firms and for dealing with existing customers who do business with those firms.

Yes, there are political risks to fixing the situation. But failure to act has created an absurd situation. Conservatives who dislike costly regulation and progressives who favor state-legalized cannabis ought to be able to agree and fix it.

Klein is a fellow in economic studies at the Brookings Institution.

Love 0 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0ALTON, Ill. (AP)  OSF Saint Anthony's Health Center registered nurse April Dawn Ferguson sets examples for peers and community alike, particularly those overcoming disabilities.

April Dawn  named for the month and time of day she was born in 1989  has congenital hearing loss in both ears, but overcame this obstacle and challenge, not only through self-determination, but also because of strong support systems, such as family and health professionals. April, 29, of Godfrey, made a serious contemplative decision when she was age 20 to get a cochlear implant  a surgically implanted neuroprosthetic device  for which she has no regrets.

She started wearing hearing aids when she was 2 and at age 3, she attended a pre-school-age class for the hearing impaired, held at South Roxana Elementary School. April made such strides that, in short order, she went on to enroll in mainstream education, graduating from Alton High School in 2007.

Oddly enough, April's father, Kurt Ferguson, before he ever met his future wife and April's mother, Zoe Ferguson, felt what could be considered a premonition. In college  more than 10 years before April's birth  he learned sign language during the summer between his junior and senior year.

"It all started in 1975," Kurt recalled. "I felt I would probably date a deaf woman, so I took that class. I learned to read lips before I was five years old, because I had ear problems myself, having my eardrums lanced four times as a child (now children have 'tubes in their ears' for such problems). A tonsillectomy fixed my hearing problems, but reading lips really became important, because April reads lips like crazy."

April's parents met when Kurt moved, from Iowa, to Alton, Illinois, in 1985, to work as an underwriter for Millers Mutual Insurance Co., where Zoe also worked. Kurt approached Zoe by saying in sign language, "I think you are a beautiful girl." They began dating about three months later and, as the saying goes, the rest is history. Zoe learned sign language once the couple discovered their youngest child was hearing impaired.

When April was slow to start speaking, her parents began to wonder why.

"At three years old, I couldn't get her to shut up," April's dad said, proudly.

April, born at Alton Memorial Hospital, underwent Auditory Brainstem Response testing at St. Louis' SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital when she was 1.5 years old. She was diagnosed with moderate to severe hearing loss, at first using a temporary hearing aid that her parents moved from ear to ear, unsure what was enough aid to help her hear. Three months later, they ordered two hearing aids. At age 2, April also underwent speech therapy at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

"We waited for the 'aha moment' with the temporary aid, but nothing happened," Kurt and Zoe recalled to Health Watch.

Thereafter, April visited Cardinal Glennon once a year and excelled in school, as she does to this day, currently enrolled at SIUE, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She received an associates in science and an Associate of Science of Nursing in 2015 from Lewis and Clark Community College, in Godfrey, and now works full time at Alton's Saint Anthony's intensive care unit.

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For kindergarten, April attended school full days, with one half the day in class for hearing impaired, and one half in mainstream class, in the same building at South Roxana Elementary. Then, for first grade, she continued with mainstream education only, at the former J B Johnson Elementary School (in the Alton district, where AHS is now). In second grade, April received the annual Alton Administrators' Excellence In Education Award, for which her teachers described her as "well rounded" and "progressing in leaps and bounds." At the time, only 34 students received Alton Administrators' awards, out of more than 7,000 students.

April also achieved perfect attendance during first and second grades that her parents fondly chalk up to April's "FOMO"  fear of missing out. If not for her dad making her stay home from school one day in third grade due to a high fever, she would have had perfect attendance throughout her primary and secondary school years, with the exception of one-half day in junior high and an excused absence on "senior skip day" in 12th grade. And, she achieved perfect attendance in nursing school.

"When I told her she wasn't going to school that day in third grade, the look on her face said it all," her dad said. "She cried."

Additionally, April's early education included playing the violin starting in fourth grade, making first chair that first year; cheerleading in seventh and eighth grades; and, dance team during high school.

In sixth grade, when students move from classroom to classroom, April decided to discontinue using a Phonic Ear device, which she had utilized since starting her primary education.

"I was never inclined or encouraged to hide my hearing impairment, but I had to get a microphone from each classroom, each time, and I was over it," she recalled to Health Watch. "I relied on lip reading, my hearing aids and communication at the beginning of each year with my teachers."

The next hurdle April encountered, at age 16, was finding her first part-time job, for which those hiring at the time did not seem keen to hire a hearing-impaired applicant, she noted.

"I applied, in person, for tons of jobs," said April, who finally got her first job, readily hired by Ferguson family friend Bill Huebener at Huebener Dairy Barn in Brighton, where she worked from 2005 through 2008; she worked at an Alton chain restaurant from 2008 through 2013, with help from her sister, Alicia "Ali" (Ferguson) Berns, who already worked there, and from Bill's wife, Gayle, since the restaurant's management seemed hesitant to hire her.

Then, while still attending school at LCCC, where April enrolled in fall 2007, she worked at Schnucks Pharmacy, for which she became a certified pharmacy technician and worked from 2013 through 2016. She began her first nursing position at Saint Anthony's in 2016.

April still uses facial expressions of others to pick up on social cues. Once, as a child, she asked her dad what was wrong; he said, "Nothing, why?" She explained that he wasn't smiling.

"So, ever since, I make sure I'm smiling," he said. "She has always cared about the feelings of others, which has worked perfectly in providing TLC to her patients. She was destined to be a nurse."

April, a multiple nominee for the international nursing honor, the Daisy Award, who won once in recent years, said the same about herself. She also was voted Best Nurse in the Riverbend in The Telegraph's Best of The Best contest last fall.

"I don't think I had any one inspiration to choose my profession," she noted. "I've always been an empathetic being and always been drawn to the hospital setting. I love getting to put my touch on a person's journey in their life."

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0State Rep. Dan Caulkins, R-Decatur, is Central Illinois' newest state lawmaker, replacing longtime State Rep. Bill Mitchell, who has retired from his seat representing the 101st House District.

Caulkins said constituents know him as a small business owner, military veteran, former car and insurance salesman, Decatur city councilman and Eastern Illinois University trustee.

In the heavily conservative district that includes all or parts of Champaign, DeWitt, Macon, McLean and Piatt counties, Caulkins defeated Democrat Jennifer McMillin by a margin of 33,043 to 14,379 votes in April.

In the General Assembly, he said, he will focus on constituent concerns about agriculture, education, infrastructure, property tax relief and the Second Amendment.

Caulkins discussed his philosophy with Capitol News Illinois with the new legislative session underway. The conversation was edited for length and clarity.

Capitol News Illinois: In 2017, Rep. Mitchell voted for the states first complete budget since 2015, ending the historic two-year impasse while passing a 1.2 percentage point income tax increase. Considering your experiences, especially as an EIU trustee, do you think this was the correct decision?

Caulkins: I know Rep. Mitchell had his reasons for it, but its not helpful to me to get into that type of discussion. But I would not have voted for it, because it wasn't a balanced budget, even though it was sold as a balanced budget.

The problem is that none of the bad spending habits were addressed in those negotiations. And that continues to be a problem. The state government has a habit of spending more money than they take in. They just continue to tax and spend and borrow and tax and spend, and it's been a vicious cycle for, I don't know, 15-18 years, since we've had a truly balanced budget without gimmicks.

CNI: You mentioned bad spending. Do you have any specifics on what you believe the bad spending is?

D.C.: I think it is any project, any programs that are not basic to the core mission of state government. I cant sit here and say we shouldnt be paying for specific programs.

If we have things that we need to do that we can't afford, we set them aside and prioritize them. And if the money becomes available, then we would go back and look at those projects.

It would be very difficult for me to vote for an unbalanced budget. But if I knew that we had a two- or a three-year plan that would get us to a balanced budget, I would look at that as a win.

If we produced a two-year budget, I think the bondholders would appreciate it. I know the citizens would appreciate it. And the business community would have to be enthused by that, that we're finally putting our priorities right and we're going to try to solve this financial mess.

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CNI: Do you have specific agencies or areas you would target for initial cuts?

D.C.: I don't go about the budgeting just that way.

I would start with income. It's just like at home  you know how much you're going to make this year, you know how much your family income is going to be, and that number isn't all that flexible.

We need to start on the income side and agree that we're not going to sell the Thompson building for $300 million for the third year. And we're not going to count on some fake savings from pension reform that really never materialized, and they knew it when they did it.

After we agree on income, then you start your budgeting process with fixed costs such as the cost of your employees, insurance, utilities, your pension payment, higher education, health care. All of that money can be put on the books, then it becomes a math problem and then at the end of that, you go, well, how much is left?

CNI: If such a two-year plan included more tax revenue, such as a graduated income tax which taxes higher incomes at higher percentages, would you be able to get on board with that?

D.C.: No. I think it goes back to Illinois having a spending problem, not a revenue problem. If we just passed a graduated income tax to get more money, I think it would be in bad faith because we've done it, we've been there, done that and it didn't work. So why would you give the politicians in Springfield more of your money when they haven't been able to manage the money that we've given them in the past?

CNI: Do you think Illinois can achieve a path to financial stability with cuts alone?

D.C.: I don't know that we can. I'm open to other revenue streams. I'm not open to raising taxes. I just don't see how that works. You know, we need to find ways to get money from people that don't live in Illinois. We don't need to tax the businesses that are here more, we need to go outside and bring in new businesses that will generate revenue.

We don't need to put a casino in Danville or Sparta or wherever and try to entice our residents to gamble more for the revenue. That's not a winning combination.

I think we should put a casino or casino complex in Chicago, under certain conditions. You can imagine a boost to tourism a casino complex might be and the money that's generated from that operation.

But we're not going to be able to tax our way out of this by going after more revenue by raising the income tax and fees on the people that live here. It's counterproductive. The old economic axiom is, if you want a lot less of something, tax it.

CNI: Is there any specific pieces of legislation you immediately plan to sponsor?

D.C.: I'll sign on as co-sponsor to good legislation  I already signed onto fair map resolution. But I'm not going to Springfield to get my name on this bill or that bill. Yes, there will be things that I will come up with, but I'm not rushing. Just to dump 10 or 12 bills in the hopper that aren't going to go anywhere doesn't interest me.

Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit news service operated by the Illinois Press Foundation that provides coverage of state government to newspapers throughout Illinois. The mission of Capitol News Illinois is to provide credible and unbiased coverage of state government to the more than 400 daily and weekly newspapers that are members of the Illinois Press Association.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1BLOOMINGTON  Billy Tyus will work as Decatur interim city manager right through his last day on Wednesday.

The next day he'll start working for his former boss, Tim Gleason, as Bloomington's deputy city manager, the No. 2 on the city manager's administrative team.

It's a work ethic that Tyus, 47, learned from his parents while growing up on Decatur's south side.

His father, who died in 2004, worked for 38 years in the Herald & Review newspaper's press room in Decatur.

"My mom, Sherley, has been at Caterpillar here in Decatur for almost 50 years," said Tyus, "She's still working."

And while Tyus is hardworking, he attributes many of his successes, including rising to the top of Decatur's city government over 18 years, to his hometown.

"Decatur has had a huge impact on whom I have been able to become," said Tyus. "We didn't have a lot, meaning we were a working-class family, but, frankly, as a kid I didn't know that. Part of my being able to have the opportunities that I have had, both in city government and in life, is because of growing up around people who were encouraging to me."

But he and his wife, Mia, who also grew up in Decatur, started about two years ago thinking about moving because they wanted a new experience for themselves and their twin son and daughter, who turn 9 on Monday.

"Obviously, managing your hometown could be exciting and great, but at the time it wasn't what I felt was best for my family," said Tyus. "We had talked for some time about moving. Having been here our entire lives we were looking for a new experience, and that had nothing to do with the Decatur community. I think there is something to be said about showing your children something different."

In Bloomington, Tyus will be filling a position Gleason created after Steve Rasmussen resigned in October from the assistant city manager post. Rasmussen was a finalist for the city manager post that went to Gleason.

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There will be a public reception from 5-6 p.m. Feb. 11 in the City Council chambers to meet Tyus.

"One of the things that was very appealing about this position was having the opportunity to work with Tim Gleason again," said Tyus. "I feel like he is a true leader who cares about his employees, who wants us to grow and gives us the tools to go out and do the work we need to do. He's a teacher."

Gleason is equally excited to have Tyus back on his administrative team. Tyus was chosen after a nationwide search that included 30 applicants. Tyus will be paid $152,500 annually.

"Having worked with Billy, he is someone that I know I can trust completely, on top of being fully qualified to be a city manager in any comparably sized community anywhere in the United States," said Gleason. "He has the background, the experience, the technical know-how. I know that some of the things I want to accomplish I can hand that off to Mr. Tyus with total assurance that it will be completed."

In Decatur, Tyus was named to the newly-created position of deputy city manager in 2017, and previously served as assistant city manager of development services, assistant city manager for public information, assistant to the city manager and public information officer.

He has been interim city manager since Gleason departed in July after three years as Decatur's city manager to take the same position in Bloomington. The Decatur City Council has found a replacement in Streator's city manager, Scot Wrighton.

"I've read about some of the things Bloomington wants to do. I've read about some of the issues as well," Tyus told The Pantagraph last week. "But I come in the door fully open and wanting to hear from people. I don't think there are any two cities that are the same ... so I think it is important to listen. It's an us thing; not a government separate from the people."

Tyus said in his new role he will take direction from the city manager who takes his direction from the elected officials in carrying out their goals and desires and those of the public.

"I see myself in this role, in part, facilitating the work that our team will need to do based on the direction they (Gleason and the council) gives to us," Tyus said.

"My interaction with the current staff (in Bloomington) has been very encouraging, and I am very excited about getting to know them and some of the things they have on the table and how we can work together to move those forward."

Photos: Interim City Manager Billy Tyus through the years

Contact Maria Nagle at (309) 820-3244. Follow her on Twitter: @Pg_Nagle

Love 4 Funny 3 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0Ever wonder why we have a Pancake Street and Butchers Lane? Did you know there's a Sesame Street in Bloomington? Check out these interesting streets and how they got their names.CLINTON  Opposing sides for a proposed wind farm in DeWitt County say they are prepared for up to 35 hours of scheduled meetings before the Zoning Board of Appeals, beginning Tuesday night at Clinton High School.

Its going to be a long month, said Andrea Rhoades, a rural DeWitt County resident who opposes the project.

Tradewind Energy has applied for a special-use permit to develop a $300 million wind farm in northwestern DeWitt County. Its the first wind farm application in the county.

Last month, the Regional Planning Commission voted 3-1 with two abstentions against a positive recommendation, but that wasnt necessarily a defeat, said Tom Swierczewski, a development director for the proposed Alta Farms II project.

I think there are a lot of project details that are being overlooked, he said. People really havent had the chance to ask questions about the specifics and that is an important part of the ZBA process.

Five-hour meetings at the high school are scheduled for Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, as well as Feb. 19 through Feb. 22. The meetings are scheduled to start at 5 p.m. and conclude by 10 p.m. They are open to the public, but those wanting to speak must sign up between 4 and 5 p.m. Tuesday at the school.

The ZBA will then consider making a recommendation to the DeWitt County Board that likely will consider the special-use permit in March.

Rhoades, who lives in the footprint of the planned project, leads a vocal group of opponents who have fought to keep the wind farm out of the county, fighting for changes to the countys wind farm zoning codes and campaigning to block the project.

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We are aware of some of the questions and comments from some of the concerned citizens, and I think they will get answers to a lot of those questions through our presentations, Swierczewski said.

I am not sure they are going to be satisfied with all of our answers, but we are going to answer openly and honestly. This is the first time to have this extensive of an overview in the years time that we have been planning for this. Thats a big part of this process.

The project, if approved by the county board, would generate more than 200 jobs during construction and 12 permanent jobs during operation, Swierczewski said.

Also, nearly $5 million will be paid to DeWitt County in property taxes over the life of the project and another $3.3 million in property taxes will go to the Barnett, Clintonia and Wapella townships. School districts, such as the Clinton School District, and community colleges, fire departments and libraries would benefit as well, he added.

But none of that is worth it, argue a number of opponents, such as Dale Naffziger, who previously testified against the project before the planning commission and ZBA. Last year, both panels considered and recommended some changes to zoning codes that were later approved by the county board.

When I bought my property eight or nine years ago, I looked around and realized that this is where I want to live, said Naffziger. I came here for the scenery. I love the way the county feels. I have taken hundreds of pictures of sunsets. We had an ice storm in early January and I posted pictures on Facebook and hundreds of people commented. ... I would not have bought my property if I thought a wind farm was going to be built a quarter of a mile away. I wouldnt have done it.

If approved, ground would be broken on the project in late spring with completion by the end of 2020, said Tradewind.

Since this is the first time an industrial wind project has been proposed for our county, its important we get it right the first time, Rhoades said. The majority of residents in DeWitt County are not in favor of this project. That was made clear with the elections in November. This hearing is yet another opportunity for the community to share their concerns about the negative impacts this project will have for our county.

But Swierczewski said there are plenty of supporters, too  and not just the roughly 160 participating landowners.

Through the road use and maintenance agreements, the project would improve approximately 32 miles of local roads in the project area at no cost to the residents or the townships, he said.

Each turbine location would be located with at least a 2,000-foot setback to non-participating houses. No turbines would be located within a 1.5 mile-radius of the city limits of Clinton, Waynesville or Wapella, according to the application.

Last week, the company signed a power purchase agreement with the Indiana Municipal Power Agency for power generated from the project. In the agreement, agency would purchase 75 megawatts of the 200 megawatt project.

Wind has been a success story in Illinois in the past 15 years, said Swierczewski, noting that the 25 largest wind farms in Illinois have created 20,173 full-time equivalent jobs during construction, and support nearly 900 permanent jobs in rural Illinois for the operation and maintenance of wind farms.

Alta Farms II would help further the vision of the county, he said. Illinois wind farms signify economic stability, well-funded school districts and great roads.

Contact Kevin Barlow at (309) 820-3238. Follow him on Twitter: @pg_barlow

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The business news you need With a weekly newsletter looking back at local history. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.URBANA -- Ethanol production has increased sharply in the United States in the past 10 years, leading to concerns about the expansion of demand for corn resulting in conversion of non-cropland to crop production and the environmental effects of this. However, a new study co-authored by a University of Illinois researcher shows that the overall effects of ethanol production on land-use have been minimal.

The research, published in the American Journal of Agricultural Economics, looks at the effects of ethanol production capacity and crop prices on land use in the U. S. from 2007 to 2014.

The increase in corn ethanol production has led to concerns that it would raise the price of corn and the demand for cropland; thus making it worthwhile to bring land that was not previously cultivated (such as grasslands) into production, says Madhu Khanna, a professor of agricultural and consumer economics at U of I.

Studies have simulated the crop price effects of producing 15 billion gallons of corn ethanol and shown that they could lead to large expansion in crop acres, Khanna says. We now have actual data on land-use change that has occurred since the ethanol expansion began in 2007 and can test whether the predictions of these models have held up. Interestingly, the raw data shows that although corn ethanol production more than doubled between 2007 and 2014, total cropland acres in 2014 were very similar to those in 2007 and the crop price index was lower in 2014 than in 2007.

Khanna and her co-authors, including Yijia Li, a graduate student at U of I and Ruiqing Miao from Auburn University, analyzed cropland data from the U.S. Department of Agricultures National Agricultural Statistics Service to explain the extent to which changes in cropland acres could be causally attributed to changes in crop prices and proximity to ethanol plants.

Establishment of an ethanol plant in a county can increase corn acres and total cropland acres by reducing grain transportation costs and increasing the net revenue from corn production, creating an incentive to plant more corn, Khanna says. Additionally, higher crop prices that accompany the expansion in ethanol production can also create incentives for increasing crop acres even in locations that do not have an ethanol plant in their vicinity.

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Khanna adds that in examining the causes of changes in cropland acres that have taken place it is important to consider both of these effects. Previous studies have looked at one of the other, but not simultaneously at both.

Corn ethanol capacity went up from about 6 to 14 billion gallons between 2007 and 2014 and the number of plants doubled, from about 100 to about 200, so its a pretty dramatic increase, Khanna says. There was also a sharp upturn in corn prices between 2008 and 2012, but by 2014 the prices were almost down to 2007 levels again.

Khanna and her co-authors found that while crop prices had a greater effect than plant proximity, overall changes in land use were minimal over the seven years included in the study.

And while the higher corn prices did lead to an 8.5 percent increase in corn production, most of that increase came from conversion of other crops rather than non-cropland.

Total cropland increased by 2 percent between 2008 and 2012, so in the aggregate it was relatively small, Khanna says. In fact, by 2014 a lot of the land which did convert into crops actually went back into non-crop, so the change in cropland, if you look at 2008 to 2014, was only by half a percent. We find that land use does respond to prices, but not by a lot.

Studies using satellite images of cropland to compare acres in 2008 and 2012 have suggested that there was a significant and irreversible increase in those acres, all attributed to corn ethanol. But a careful analysis of the data all the way to 2014 shows that the overall impact of corn ethanol production on increasing total crop acreage was very negligible.

Moreover, the impact of crop price varied over time; it was a bit higher up to 2012 but then reverted almost back to previous levels in 2007-2008 by 2014 as crop prices dropped, Khanna concludes. Our study shows that changes in land use should not be considered irreversible; as prices dropped after 2012, land reverted back to non-crop uses close to levels in 2007 and 2008.

The paper, Effects of Ethanol Plant Proximity and Crop Prices on Land-Use Change in the United States, was published in the American Journal of Agricultural Economics and is available online. Authors include Yijia Li and Madhu Khanna, Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences and the Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation, University of Illinois, and Ruiqing Miao, Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology, Auburn University.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0Rep. Mary Gaskill speaks about one of the serious issues that came up Saturday during a forum with the Ottumwa League of Women Voters and their co-sponsors on Saturday. From left are Rep. Holly Brink, Gaskill, Sen. Mariannette Miller-Meeks and Sen. Ken Rozenboom.The Cafe on Hawk Creek (4505 Salem Ave., Neskowin; 503-392-4400), located in the perfectly charming village of Neskowin, is no secret on the Oregon Coast. On any given evening, people are lined up out the door and down the sidewalk of this gourmet bistro.

To make the already cozy atmosphere even better, Owners Genie and Frank Ulrich have recently remodeled the 1982 building. The outdoor deck makes for a fabulous place to gather with friends on a warm evening. The menu offers many rustic scratch-made pizzas, all cooked in the wood-fired oven. Other scrumptious offerings for lunch and dinner include steaks, seafood, pastas, crisp entree salads and homemade soups. Burgers and sandwiches seem to be popular, too. Although Id have to say they have quite the reputation for breakfast, which includes a variety of omelets, hearty biscuits and gravy, signature pancakes, French toast and more. Most importantly, dont miss the desserts. If freshly brewed coffee and espressos dont cut it for you, expect a wide selection of Northwest wines, brews and cocktails. Cafe hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday; 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday; closed Tuesday.

Neskowin Trading Co. and Beach Club Bistro (48880 U.S. 101 S., Neskowin; 503-392-3035), an attractive gourmet market, deli and bistro/bar, also has become a cornerstone of the Neskowin community. Owners Kim and Mike Herbel turned this 1984 building into a welcoming village market offering all the necessities and gourmet delights for vacationers and local patrons. You can make your selection from the tasty sandwiches, salads, quiches, fresh-baked pastries, deli treats and espresso bar or opt for a take and bake pizza and fill your growler while youre at it. If you prefer wine, ask Mike for help in selecting a great bottle.

The latest addition to the market is the Beach Club Bistro, with a full-service bar (Beach Bar). Choose from a delicious menu with an international flair. Popular choices are calamari with sweet and hot Thai sauce, handmade potstickers and fresh local fish. The Bistro has received a Best of the Coast award for clam chowder. Also of note, Kim runs the Beach Club Bistro and her art is shown in the restaurant. Winter bistro hours (January through March) are 4:30 to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. The deli/market is open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Summer months offer wine tastings and live music on the patio as well as extended hours.

The all-new fourth edition of Gerry Franks Oregon guidebook is available through oregonguidebook.com; 503-585-8411; gerry@teleport.com; amazon.com; Macys; and P.O. Box 2225, Salem, OR 97308.Time will tell whether Portland City Commissioner Jo Ann Hardestys power grab on Thursday portends a recurring problem or amounts to a rookie mistake for the citys newest council member.

But Hardestys decision to sabotage a new ordinance requiring owners of unreinforced brick buildings to post signs alerting the public to seismic hazards reflects terrible judgment regardless. Hardesty, who serves as the commissioner in charge of the Portland Fire Bureau, said Thursday that she has directed inspectors to simply not enforce the ordinance, which has generated blowback by owners fearful of the financial impacts of posting such signs. By refusing to enforce the ordinance, Hardesty has decided that her opinion alone  not a decision by the City Council  is the only thing that matters. Hardesty should reverse herself and recognize that such actions diminish her own credibility and undermine the legitimacy of the council as a whole.

Certainly, its fair for Hardesty to point out concerns with the ordinance that many have expressed  including the Portland chapter of the NAACP, of which she previously served as president. Owners understandably fear how their business will be affected, decry the lack of public funding for retrofit financing and worry that such information will result in some owners just selling their property.

But she should also recognize the research, thought and consideration that city commissioners already devoted to this issue when they passed it 3-0 months before she joined the council. The ordinance smartly delays the effective date for different groups of building owners to give them and the program time to adjust. The information that these buildings are unsafe in an earthquake isnt new  its already listed in a database that is publicly available, provided people know to find it on the Bureau of Development Services website. Many of the claims about potential consequences of a placard are overblown. But most important, there is a fundamental public interest in informing customers, employees, congregants and tenants that the buildings in which they visit, worship or live would likely collapse in a major earthquake. Hiding such information helps no one and does nothing to change Portlands collective denial that a major earthquake is long overdue.

Hardesty didnt have to unilaterally suspend enforcement. Rather, she could have brought the matter to council for further consideration. But I was elected to lead, she told The Oregonian/OregonLive Editorial Board. Leadership, however, involves lighting the way for others to achieve a common goal. This is acting as a one-person roadblock.

But this problem of commissioners acting beyond the scope of their role isnt limited to just Hardesty. Its endemic to our form of city government, in which the mayor and four commissioners serve dual roles as legislators who set policy and executives who manage their assigned city bureaus.

Editorial Agenda 2019 Transform education for students benefit Keep Oregon solvent Work toward more evenhanded justice in Oregon Put Portland on the right track ________________________ Read more about the editorial board's priorities for 2019.

A single elected official should not be able to hijack the will of the other four by simply ignoring decisions with which they disagree. And that power cuts five ways.

Hardesty wants to pull Portland Police out of the FBIs Joint Terrorism Task Force and is seeking a vote by City Council later this month. But Mayor Ted Wheeler oversees the police bureau. If a majority vote to withdraw, would he be justified in ignoring a council decision? Hardesty said she would strongly object and that Wheeler would have to answer to the community. But she also said that as head of the police bureau, Wheeler would have such authority. For the good of the city, Portland bureaus should not be set up as fiefdoms, but Hardesty seems fully comfortable with such an approach.

Its unclear what consequences Hardestys action will have on the ordinance. The Bureau of Development Services, led by Wheeler, also has authority for enforcement and is looking at how to respond, a spokesman said.

But the decision will likely carry consequences for Hardesty who, in one fell swoop, revealed a lack of respect for the decisions made by her colleagues after a public process, public testimony and public vote. She would do well to recognize that achieving her goals will require the collaboration and trust of her fellow commissioners  trust that comes when you accept the legitimacy of council decisions, even when you disagree.

Portland voters should recognize this incident as one more data point  among many  showing that we must change our city form of government. For example, a non-elected city manager, who answers to the City Council as a whole, would be responsible for carrying out City Council policies. That could be the one good consequence coming out of a bad decision.

-Helen Jung for The Oregonian/OregonLive Editorial BoardThe child killed in a house fire Friday had recently moved into the Stayton home where he died, relatives said Saturday.

He was a young child, and he will be very dearly missed, said Karen Pearce, of Aumsville, a relative who confirmed the victim was a 2-year-old boy.

Its a very devastating time.

Several law enforcement agencies are investigating the fatal fire near downtown Stayton. Oregon State Police said Friday that the fire appeared to be intentionally set but have released few other details since then, including the victims name, age or gender. A Stayton Fire dispatcher referred all questions to the State Police.

State Police Capt. Timothy Fox said he doesnt know when the agency will disclose more information because investigators decide when to make information public.

Pearce said the boy and his mother had been living at the Stayton home with friends. The house sits along Washington Street, near the heart of the Marion County town of 8,000.

Owner Adam Crowther said Antonio and Karen Cervantes had rented the home for five or six years. Pearce said the boy was not related to the couple. A working phone number to reach them wasnt immediately available Saturday.

Crowther filed court papers in January to evict the couple under a 60-day no-cause process. All three attended a court hearing Thursday in Marion County Circuit Court and agreed to a move-out date of Feb. 10, Crowther said. A court document shows the tenants agreed to pay a balance of $858 by 5 p.m. Friday.

The house fire was reported at 3 p.m.

Crowther said he suspected other people were living in the two-story house but didnt know who and for how long. He never knew a toddler lived there, he said.

Crowther drove to the house Friday after learning about the fire. Police blocked him from accessing the home, which is next to two other rental properties he owns.

They wouldnt tell me anything, and I cant get into the building for a while, possibly days, to check for myself, he said.

Pearce said the boys family knows little about what happened. Officers havent explained to them why the fire was described as arson. She said the family hopes that more facts come to light to end speculation.

Knowing what happened wont resolve the familys hurt but may eventually bring some solace, she said.

As the boys relatives grieve, Pearce said they find comfort in a growing memorial next door to the home.

-- Molly Young

myoung@oregonian.com

Visit subscription.oregonlive.com/newsletters to get Oregonian/OregonLive journalism delivered to your email inbox.Two Portland eighth-graders face disciplinary action after school officials say the pair supplied marijuana edibles to more than a dozen classmates.

Fifteen students at Harriet Tubman Middle School likely ingested the drug Wednesday, a district spokesman confirmed Saturday. Officials notified parents the same day of the incident.

This of deep concern to us, and we are committed to ensuring our students understand the risks associated with any drug, including marijuana, and are safe in our schools, spokesman Harry Esteve said in a statement provided to The Oregonian/OregonLive. He did not specify if the districts count of 15 students included the two who supplied the drugs.

When school leaders learned what had happened, they immediately launched an investigation to identify all the students involved, he said. They also contacted police. Esteve said the two students who provided the marijuana are now going through the schools disciplinary process. Its not clear whether all the students knew the edibles contained marijuana.

The recreational use of marijuana is illegal in Oregon for anyone younger than 21.

The incident came to light after Harriet Tubman Principal Natasha Butler sent an email to parents Wednesday describing what happened. She said two students brought the marijuana to the school in dessert snack form.

The parents of the students who ingested the drug were called to the school to pick up their children, who were all expected to be fine, Butler wrote.

I am relieved that it appears no one was seriously hurt today, and I regret that these incidents occurred, the email said.

The North Portland middle school reopened this academic year after several years dormant. It serves 491 students in the sixth through eighth grades, making it one of the districts smallest middle schools in terms of enrollment.

-- Molly Young

myoung@oregonian.com

Visit subscription.oregonlive.com/newsletters to get Oregonian/OregonLive journalism delivered to your email inbox.Neurostimulation Devices Market 2024 Global Analysis By Key Players - Boston Scientific Corporation, Medtronic, St Jude Medical, Bayer Corporation, Cyberonics, Interpace, Inc., Neuronetics, Inc

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MarketStudyReport.com Adds New Neurostimulation Devices Market 2017  2024 research report providing information and data By Product, By Application, Industry Analysis, Regional Outlook, Application Potential, Trends, Competitive Market Share & Forecast spreading across 130 Pages with table and figures in it.Historical data from 2013 is provided Neurostimulation market along with estimates and forecasts to 2024 based on segmentation of Neurostimulation industry by Product, by Application, companies and regions. Previous years data offers fact based information on trends and growth graph while the forecasts aim to show an outlook of Neurostimulation market for the next few years keeping in mind the advancements happening in the sector.Coming back to the premium report on Neurostimulation market for 2017-2024, companies profiled in this research include Boston Scientific Corporation, Medtronic, St Jude Medical, Bayer Corporation, Cyberonics, Interpace, Inc., Neuronetics, Inc, Neuronetics, Inc, Nevro Corp, Uroplasty, ImThera Medical Inc, Neuropace.Request a sample of this premium report at:Neurostimulation devices market will exceed USD 16.0 billion by 2024. Growing geriatric population suffering from neurological disorders will propel neurostimulation devices market growth over the coming years. Rising incidences of neurological disorders including Parkinson's disease, dementias, Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy and migraine should fuel demand for neurostimulation devices in the future.U.S. neurostimulation devices market was dominating the industry due to rising prevalence of neurological disorders along with presence of geriatric patient pool. According to the American Neurological Association, stroke prevalence in the country is nearly 6.8 million and chronic low back pain affects nearly 32 million people. This leads to increase in demand for neurostimulators to treat such chronic disorders.Germany will drive Europe neurostimulation devices market due to growing prevalence of neurological disorders coupled with increasing baby boomers in the country. Increasing annual mortality rate associated with neurological diseases will further fuel development of new products and increase demand for neurostimulators in the future.Increasing burden of neurological disorders including dementia, epilepsy, Parkinson disease coupled with increasing R&D expenditure will drive China neurostimulation devices market growth. Surging elderly patient pool suffering from such disorders is another major factor propelling demand for neurostimulators in the country.Request a discount on standard prices of this premium report at:Rapid technological advancements along rising adoption of minimally invasive therapies will substantially influence neurostimulation devices market. Favorable reimbursement scenario for neurostimulators in developed countries is another factor accelerating industry growth.Table of Content:Chapter 1. MethodologyChapter 2. Executive SummaryChapter 3. Neurostimulation Devices Industry Insights3.1. Industry segmentation3.2. Industry landscape, 2013 - 20243.3. Industry impact forces3.3.1. Growth drivers3.3.1.1. Increasing demand for minimally invasive technologies in the developed countries3.3.1.2. Rising prevalence of neurological disorders in U.S and Europe3.3.1.3. Growing adoption of innovative and technologically advanced products3.3.1.4. Increasing number of elderly patients with neurological disorders in the U.S and European countries3.3.2. Industry pitfalls & challenges3.3.2.1. Complications associated with neurostimulation devices3.3.2.2. Lack of skilled healthcare practitioners3.4. Growth potential analysis3.4.1. By product3.4.2. By application3.5. Pricing analysis3.5.1. U.S3.5.2. Europe3.6. Regulatory landscape3.6.1. U.S3.6.2. Europe3.7. Porter's analysis3.8. Company market share analysis, 20163.8.1. Strategy dashboard3.9. PESTEL analysisChapter 4. Neurostimulation Devices Market, By Product4.1. Global Neurostimulation devices market share, by product, 2016 & 20244.2. Sacral nerve stimulators4.2.1. Market estimates and forecasts, 2013-2024 (USD Million)4.3. Spinal cord stimulators4.3.1. Market estimates and forecasts, 2013-2024 (USD Million)4.4. Gastric electric stimulators4.4.1. Market estimates and forecasts, 2013-2024 (USD Million)4.5. Deep brain stimulatorsChapter 5. Neurostimulation Devices Market, By Application5.1. Global Neurostimulation devices market share, by application, 2016 & 20245.2. Epilepsy5.2.1. Market estimates and forecasts, 2013-2024 (USD Million)5.3. Depression5.3.1. Market estimates and forecasts, 2013-2024 (USD Million)5.4. Dystonia5.4.1. Market estimates and forecasts, 2013-2024 (USD Million)5.5. Pain management5.5.1. Market estimates and forecasts, 2013-2024 (USD Million)5.6. Gastroparesis5.6.1. Market estimates and forecasts, 2013-2024 (USD Million)5.7. Parkinson's Disease5.7.1. Market estimates and forecasts, 2013-2024 (USD Million)5.8. Urinary and fecal incontinence5.8.1. Market estimates and forecasts, 2013-2024 (USD Million)5.9. Essential tremor5.9.1. Market estimates and forecasts, 2013-2024 (USD Million)5.10. Others5.10.1. Market estimates and forecasts, 2013-2024 (USD Million)Chapter 6. Neurostimulation devices Market, By RegionChapter 7. Company ProfilesMore Details on This Report:Global Implantable Neurostimulation Devices Market 2018 by Manufacturers, Regions, Type and Application, Forecast to 2023This report focuses on the Implantable Neurostimulation Devices in global market, especially in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, regions, type and application.North America region is the largest supplier of implantable neurostimulation devices, with a production market share nearly 82% in 2016. Europe is the second largest supplier of implantable neurostimulation devices, enjoying production market share nearly 12% in 2016.North America is the largest consumption place, with a consumption market share nearly 42% in 2016. Following North America, Europe is the second largest consumption place with the consumption market share of 31%.Market competition is intense. Medtronic, Boston Scientific, St. Jude Medical (Abbott), etc. are the leaders of the industry, and they hold key technologies and patents, with high-end customers; have been formed in the monopoly position in the industry.About Us:Marketstudyreport.com allows you to manage and control all corporate research purchases to consolidate billing and vendor management. You can eliminate duplicate purchases and customize your content and license management.Contact Us:Market Study Report4 North Main Street,Selbyville, Delaware 19975USAPhone: 1-302-273-0910US Toll Free: 1-866-764-2150Email: sales@marketstudyreport.comWebsite:Blog:'My last': Anna Hazare to launch protest for farmers in Jan

Farmers' Protest: Former Maharashtra CM to meet Anna Hazare ahead of his hunger strike

Will return Padma Bhushan if govt doesn't fulfil promises: Anna Hazare

India

oi-PTI

New Delhi, Feb 04: Social activist Anna Hazare, whose indefinite hunger strike entered the fifth day on Sunday, warned that if the Narendra Modi government did not fulfil its promises, he would return his Padma Bhushan.

Earlier in the day, Bharatiya Janata Party ally Shiv Sena came out in Hazare's support, urging him to emulate socialist leader Jayaprakash Narayan and lead an agitation against corruption.

Hazare has been on a hunger strike since last Wednesday at his native Ralegan Siddhi village in Maharashtra's Ahmednagar district, demanding appointments of Lokpal and Lokayuktas and resolution of farmers' issue.

"If this government does not fulfil its promises made to the country in the next few days, I will return my Padma Bhushan," he told PTI Sunday evening. "(The) Modi government has breached the faith of people.

The 81-year-old was awarded the third-highest civilian honour of the country in 1992.

Hazare's demands include immediate appointment of anti-corruption ombudsmen Lokpal at the Centre and Lokayuktas in states, implementation of Swaminathan Commission's recommendations for tackling agrarian distress and electoral reforms.

In the morning, in support of the Army man-turned- activist's demands, a group of farmers and youths blocked the Ahmednagar-Pune highway at Supa village in Parner tehsil, 38 km from here.

The police tried to pacify the protesters and asked them to end the blockade as vehicles had backed up for around six km on both sides, Supa police station inspector Rajendra Bhosale said.

As many as 110 protesters were detained in the afternoon and released after the traffic resumed, Bhosale said.

Dr Dhananjay Pote, who checked Hazare in the morning, said he had lost 3.8 kg in the past five days and his blood pressure, blood sugar and creatinine level in the urine had gone up.

Around 5,000 farmers from the district are likely to stage a protect outside the Ahmednagar collector's office on Monday to support Hazare's agitation, his associates said.

The decision to hold the protest was taken at a gram sabha (village meeting) at Ralegan Siddhi on Saturday night.

Leaders of various political parties from Parner tehsil were present at the meeting.

Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray appealed to the BJP-led state government -- of which his party is a part -- to intervene and asked it to not to "play" with Hazare's life.

Thackeray also asked Hazare to take to the streets instead of "giving up" his life, and urged him to emulate the role played by Narayan in the 1970s when the socialist leader took on the Indira Gandhi government.

Hazare should not meet the fate of activist G D Agrawal, who died during a fast for his campaign for clean Ganga, the Sena leader said.

Hazare had earlier declined to meet state government envoy and minister Girish Mahajan for talks.

The anti-corruption crusader had told PTI that he welcomed the Maharashtra cabinet's decision to bring the office of the chief minister under the ambit of the Lokayukta.

"However, the strike will continue till the government fulfils promises they made before coming to power about passage of Lokayukta Act, appointment of Lokpal (at the Centre) and to tackle farmers' issues," he said.

PTI

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Story first published: Monday, February 4, 2019, 0:33 [IST]Yogi in Delhi: Change in guard in UP baseless say sources

'Daughter of Ganga': Newborn girl found in wooden box floating in river, gets UP CM Yogi Adityanath's help

WB: Mamata govt declines permission for Yogi Adityanath rally

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

Lucknow, Feb 03: The Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government, on Sunday, denied permission for the landing of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's chopper at Balurghat ahead of his rally in the state, which stood cancelled now.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Office said,''The permission for the CM Yogi Adityanath's rally in West Bengal today has been declined by the West Bengal government without any prior notice.''

Reacting to the development, BJP leader Mukul Roy called it "undemocratic attitude of the government. "Ultimately, BJP will get permission at Balurghat. There is a regular airport at Balurghat. What is the harm of giving permission to land helicopter on that regular helipad? So, it is absolutely undemocratic attitude of the govt of West Bengal," the former TMC leader told ANI.

Last month, there was a row between the BJP and the Mamata Banerjee government over a landing spot for BJP president Amit Shah's helicopter ahead of his rally in Malda.

The TMC and BJP governments have been at the loggerheads ever since Chief Minister Mamata denied permission to saffron party's 40-day long 'rath yatra' or the chariot rally in the state, asserting that the programme would trigger violence.Uttarakhand a priority for PM says Amit Shah

India

oi-Oneindia Staff

By Anuj Cariappa

Dehradun, Feb 03: BJP president Amit Shah said Uttarakhand is Prime Minister Narendra Modi's priority and urged people of the state to help the party win all the five Lok Sabha seats in the coming general election as they had done in 2014.

"Uttarakhand is Prime Minister Narendra Modi's priority. It is his vision which has been behind the makeover of Kedarnath (devastated by flash floods in 2013)," Shah said addressing BJP's Trishakti Sammelan at the Parade Ground here.

Amit Shah dares Rahul to take stand on Ram Temple

"The all-weather road project launched by the prime minister will make it possible for people to visit Himalayan shrines centres of faith for millions of Indians living in the country and abroad," he added.

Shah said the "double-engine" government provided by Modi at the Centre and Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat had fast-racked all-round development of the state.

Rawat government's biggest achievement has been the elimination of corruption, he said and asked booth-level BJP workers to publicise the development work carried out by it to ensure the party's victory in the five Lok Sabha seats in the state.

He praised the workers, saying his experience has shown that they are capable of converting even the bleakest of electoral scenarios into emphatic victories for the party.

Mamata dares PM to prove paintings charge, issues defamation notice to Shah

The BJP has the five Lok Sabha seats in Uttarakhand in its kitty but faces the challenge to retain them against the Congress, which won assembly polls in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh in December.

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Story first published: Sunday, February 3, 2019, 7:03 [IST]Imran Khan's offer of dialogue should be seriously considered by new Modi govt: Mirwaiz

Track II: With funds flowing from Pakistan, can Hurriyat be trusted with talks

Better late than never says Mehbooba on Hurriyats willingness to talk

J&K: Political leaders begin signing bonds to secure release, assure not to indulge in politics

Separatist leader, Mirwaiz under house arrest ahead of PM visit

India

oi-Oneindia Staff

By Anuj Cariappa

Srinagar, Feb 03: Moderate Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was placed under house arrest ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's scheduled visit to Jammu and Kashmir.

The Mirwaiz has been put under house arrest for maintaining law and order as separatists have called for a complete shutdown on Sunday, officials said.

BJP can't afford to turn 'soft' on terror before LS polls, Hurriyat leader writes in Pak daily

A posse of police personnel has been deployed outside the main gate of his residence in Nigeen area of the city.

The Mirwaiz said on Twitter that the government had gotten into panic mode ahead of the Prime Minister's visit.

"Ahead of @narendramodi visit, panic buttons pressed by the authoritarian state and control tightened as searches and CASO conducted even in Lal Chowk! Today morning I was put under #HouseArrest !" he tweeted.

Kashmir: Yasin Malik detained, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq put under house arrest

Modi is scheduled to visit all three regions of the state on Sunday during which he will lay foundation stones for several projects.

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Story first published: Sunday, February 3, 2019, 7:14 [IST]Power-drunk Modi govt lost all sense of responsibility towards people: Cong on ex gratia for Covid victims

At all party meet with PM, J&K parties to demand for restoration of statehood

To revamp road network, Centre has provisioned Rs 40 cr, says PM Modi in Jammu

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

Jammu, Feb 03: PM Narendra Modi first visited Leh today, where he interacted with locals and dedicated key education and power projects to residents of the region. He is currently in Jammu, from where he will head to Srinagar. The prime minister will also make a stop at the famous Dal lake.

Addressing a public meeting, Modi said,''Once Bilaspur-Manali-Leh rail line is completed, the distance from Delhi to Leh will be reduced. It will also benefit the tourism sector. Protected Area Permit's validity has been increased to 15 days, now tourists will be able to enjoy their journey to Leh.''

''I'm happy that changes have been made to Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Act, & the council has been given more rights concerning the expenditures. Now the Autonomous Council releases the money sent for the region's development,'' he said.

Apart from laying the foundation for two AIIMS institutes in Jammu and Srinagar, PM Modi also inaugurated the University of Ladakh. The two AIIMS institutes will be built in Vijaypur (Jammu) and Awantipora (Srinagar), a statement from the PM's Office said. Setting up of the two new AIIMS would transform health care facilities, as well as health education and training in state, it said.

While addressing a rally in Vijaypur, the prime minister said, "I am fortunate enough to come once again in the canopy of Maa vaishno. Whenever I come here, energy inspires me to do my job with more power."

Addressing a rally in Jammu, PM Modi said that Jammu and Kashmir had 500 MBBS seats in the past 70 years, but with the efforts made by the BJP government, the seats will be doubled soon.

The BJP government has provisioned Rs 40 crore in the Pradhanmantri Vikas package to improve the road network, connecting far-flung areas together.

This will be the first visit of Prime Minister Modi to Jammu and Kashmir after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) withdrew its support to the Peoples' Democratic Party (PDP) in June last year.

A three-tier security grid has been put in place around the S K International Conference Centre in Srinagar and traffic has already been diverted to alternate routes to secure the venue.Uh-oh! It could be you, or it could be us, but there's no page here.Patna: Grand alliance will remove BJP, Nitish from Bihar, says Rahul at Congress rally

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

Patna, Feb 03: Congress President Rahul Gandhi addressed the 'Jan Aakansha' rally at Patna's Gandhi Maidan on Sunday, 3 February, which is the first public meeting organised by the party at the venue in nearly three decades.

Incidentally, it is the first public meeting that has been organised by the Congress party at Gandhi Maidan in nearly 30 years.

While addressing at Congress' 'Jan Aakanksha' Rally in Patna's Gandhi Maidan, Congress Rahul Gandhi said, "Our chowkidar in a thief. He goes to France, USA and England and engages in scam arm deals."

"Modi gave 30,000 crore rupees to Ambani but he announced Rs 17 per day to farmers, that's Rs 3.5 per member of that farmer's family," Rahul said.

Rahul also promised to elevate Patna university to a central univerity if Congress comes to power in the centre. "Bihar used to be known for its quality education in Patna and Nalanda universities, but now Bihar is known for its high rate of unemployment", he added.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath and RJD's Tejashwi Yadav were among the other leaders who addressed the rally in Patna on Sunday.

Speaking at the Jan Aakansha Rally at Gandhi Maidan in Patna, Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel said that Constitution and constitutional institutions were under threat nowadays. He said, "Clouds of problems have darkened today. Constitution&constitutional institutions are under threat. Farmers are in trouble. Unemployment is at the peak. There is organized loot. I'm confident that Bihar will rise once again."

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath also addressed the historic Congress rally at Gandhi Maidan today. He said that his government would waive off the farm loan of 30 lakh farmers by March 3 this year. He said, "The first thing I did, after assuming the charge as the CM, was waiving off the farm loan. Today is 3 Feb, till 3 March we will waive off the farm loan of 30 Lakh farmers. After 3 March, we will waive off farm loan of rest of the 15 Lakh farmers."

Slamming PM Narendra Modi, Kamal Nath also said, "PM Narendra Modi government had planned to clean Ganga but then they cleaned banks while Rahul Gandhi kept his promise to farmers with loan waiver."

AICC in-charge of Bihar, Shaktisinh Gohil said on Saturday that invitations have been sent to alliance partners like Tejashwi Yadav, Upendra Kushwaha and Jitan Ram Manjhi for the event. Congress is part of Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) in Bihar which also comprises RJD, RLSP and HAM of former chief minister Manjhi.

While Manjhi has confirmed his presence at the event, there is no word about participation of RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav. Yadav had earlier said that RJD would be present at the rally, but did not confirm if he would personally attend. It also needs to be seen whether Kushwaha will make it to the programme or not. BPCC sources said party leaders have held at least 400 public meetings across the state in the recent past in a bid to galvanize support for the rally, which would serve as a veritable sounding of bugle for the Lok Sabha polls which may be announced next month.

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav praised Rahul Gandhi's leadership and said that the Congress President was fit to be the Prime Minister of the country. He said, "Rahul Gandhi has the ability to be the prime minister. Narendra Modi is the seller of lies. We have to be united to defeat the BJP. They carry out riots, be alert."Opposition leaders extend support to Mamata as CBI faces off with Kolkata police

India

oi-Deepika S

Kolkata, Feb 03: Soon after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced that she would be sitting on a dharna near the Metro Channel "to save the federal structure", leaders from across the country came out in her support.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said he has made a complete "mockery of democracy and federal structure".

Kejriwal, who is known to share a good rapport with Banerjee, said he spoke to her and expressed solidarity.

Taking to Twitter, the Delhi CM said, "Modi ji has made a complete mockery of democracy and federal structure. Few years back, Modi ji captured Anti- Corruption Branch of Del govt by sending paramilitary forces. Now, this. Modi-(Amit) Shah duo is a threat to India and its democracy. We strongly condemn this action."

Also Read CBI-police Showdown: Detained probe agency officials released; Mamata launches dharna

"Spoke to Mamta didi and expressed solidarity. Modi-Shah duo's action is completely bizarre and anti-democracy," Kejriwal added.

Devegowda compares the situation to emergency

The former Prime Minister of India H. D. Devegowda compared the situation in Kolkata to the 'emergency days' with the hashtag #SaveDemocracy

Blatant misuse of CBI in West Bengal: Sharad Pawar

NCP chief Sharad Pawar tweets: #Assualtondemocracy - blatant misuse of CBI in #WestBengal to intimidate the opposition and settle political scores.

We stand by Chief Minister of West Bengal: N Chandrababu Naidu

After opposition parties started uniting and started to fight together to save democracy, the Modi led BJP is losing all hope. The misuse of institutions by the union government to victimize political opponents in States is reaching dangerous proportions, tweets Naidu.

We strongly condemn the incidents happening in Kolkata, a glaring example of how Modi-Shah duo are destroying the institutions. Attacking political opponents in different States, few days before the Parliament elections commence, will have disastrous consequences in the country.

Every institution compromised under fascist BJP government, says Stalin

"The independence of every institution has been compromised under this fascist BJP Government. I stand with Mamata Didi in her fight to protect the federal structure of this country and to save democracy," Dravid Munnetra Kazhakam (DMK) leader MK Stalin tweeted.

Entire opposition and people are getting united to defeat BJP: Akhilesh Yadav

Samajwadi Party national president Akhilesh Yadav through a tweet has said that he and his party supports the West Bengal chief minister in her dharma against the BJP government's vendetta policies by misusing CBI politically putting democracy and the Constitution in threat. "Today, entire opposition and people are getting united to defeat BJP in elections," he said.

Mehbooba Mufti extends her support to Mamata Banerjee

In solidarity with @MamataOfficial

History stands testament to how JK has faced the wrath of central agencies. Its disheartening to see how institutions are being hijacked only to discredit political opponents . Doesn't bode well for the Centre - State relationship.

I am with Mamata Banerjee: Lalu Prasad Yadav

I am with Mamata Banerjee. Democracy is in danger today, tweets RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav.

In an unprecedented development Sunday evening, Banerjee sat on a dharna, protesting CBI's attempt to quiz Kolkata Police chief Rajeev Kumar in connection with chit fund scams.

Banerjee had asked all opposition parties to unite to bring down the Modi government and, in a rare exhortation by a political leader, called upon personnel of security forces of the Centre and states, besides the Army, to "condemn" the attitude of the Modi government.

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Story first published: Sunday, February 3, 2019, 23:55 [IST]Not one, but these three women who may upset Modi and BJPs applecart in upcomng LS polls

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

New Delhi, Feb 03: There may not be just one, but three women who might just turn out to be biggest nightmares for the BJP and chances of Prime Minister Narendra Modi winning a second term in a general election due by May.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, the firebrand Chief Minister of West Bengal state, Mamata Banerjee, and Mayawati, a former Uttar Pradesh CM may all prove to be a thorn in Modi's rosy aspirations. The three have a huge following in different part so the country, combined together it may spell danger for BJP.

"The opposition has more powerful women leaders than the NDA, and therefore they will be able to carry conviction with voters generally, and with women voters, in particular," said former Finance Minister Yashwant Sinha.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, part of the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty that has ruled India for much of the time since its independence from the British in 1947, joined the struggle in January, when the opposition Congress party made her its face in the nation's most populous state, Uttar Pradesh.

The other two women seen threatening Modi's grip on power have tremendous experience than Priyanka, and both could be seen as potential Prime Ministerial candidates. They are BSP's Mayawati and Banerjee of the Trinamool Congress (TMC).

According to the opinion poll, Modi remains, for now, the most popular leader in the country. But then the popularity that these three women enjoy cannot just be ignored.

Congress has said it wants to form a post-poll partnership with Mayawati's BSP and SP alliance, though it will be fighting against it in 78 seats in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

There is however, also no formal alliance between Banerjee and Congress, though she does know Rahul and Priyanka, personally. Dinesh Trivedi, a former Union Minister, said Banerjee enjoys a good personal relationship with Sonia Gandhi, a former Congress president, and so working with her two children would not be a problem.

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Story first published: Sunday, February 3, 2019, 7:58 [IST]Mamata slams Centre, says CBI action against Kolkata Police chief 'politically vindictive'

India

oi-PTI

Kolkata, Feb 03: Launching a scathing attack on the Centre after a Central Bureau of Investigation team made an unsuccessful bid to question the Kolkata Police commissioner on Sunday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bharatiya Janata Party president Amit Shah of trying to organise a coup in the state.

She also alleged that National Security Advisor Ajit Doval was directing the CBI to harass political opponents, as per orders of the prime minister.

"I feel ashamed to talk to such a prime minister who has blood on his hands," she said.

"Narendra Modi and Amit Shah are trying to organise a coup in the state as we had organised the opposition rally on January 19.

CBI-police Showdown: Detained probe agency officials released; Mamata launches dharna

"We were aware that the CBI will attack us after we organised the rally," Banerjee said, referring to the Brigade rally attended by leaders of about 20 opposition parties.

Banerjee said the CBI's action is politically vindictive.

"Our government arrested chit fund owners when we came to power. It is we who formed an SIT to probe the matter," she said in a hurriedly-called press conference outside Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar's residence.

She said she would stage a dharna in central Kolkata on Sunday night.

In an unprecedented development, a number of CBI officers, who had gone to question Kolkata Police chief Rajeev Kumar in connection with chit fund scam cases, were bundled into police jeeps, whisked to a police station and detained on Sunday.

The ruling Trinamool Congress wondered whether the BJP was attempting a constitutional coup in the state.

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Story first published: Sunday, February 3, 2019, 21:55 [IST]Mamata Banerjee wants to protect the corrupt in her state, like a dictator: BJP

India

oi-Deepika S

New Delhi, Feb 03: Calling the CBI versus Kolkata police episode as an "unfortunate incident", the BJP slammed the Mamata Banerjee-led government in West Bengal after and accused it of making a mockery of governance, democracy and constitutional propriety.

The party said the state government's action is a direct assault on the constitutional scheme of things and reflects dictatorial streak of the chief minister.

"The development in Kolkata and the resistance to the CBI investigation is bizarre, unprecedented and reflect Banerjee's dictatorial attitude. She has violated the very Constitution she had sworn by," party spokesperson GVL Narasimha Rao said.

Noting that the CBI has been probing the chit fund scams on the Supreme Court's order, he said the city police's action amounts to disrespect and disobedience to the apex court.

Nalin Kohli, another BJP spokesperson, described the situation in the state as unprecedented and said it is an indication of "total collapse" of law and order.

Mamata slams Centre, says CBI action against Kolkata Police chief 'politically vindictive'

Never before a premier investigation agency like the CBI has been stopped from doing its work, which is working under the court's direction.

"It is clear that the state government under Mamata Banerjee has lost sight of all constitutional propriety. People can see what a mockery of governance, democracy and constitutional propriety taking place," he said.

A team of CBI officers was stopped from entering the residence of Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar in Kolkata on Sunday when they had gone to question him in connection with chit fund scam cases.

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Story first published: Sunday, February 3, 2019, 23:07 [IST]Curfew in Ahmedabad extended till 6am on May 21; Night curfew to continue in 36 cities for another 3 days

Gujarat: Ahmedabad airport evacuated over bomb scare; No flights disrupted

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

Ahmedabad, Feb 03: Authorities at Ahmedabad airport received a hoax call about a bomb at Terminal 2 in the wee hours of Sunday. Following the bomb threat call, security was tightened up at Ahmedabad airport. Flight operations remained normal.

According to reports, the caller has been identified as Chirag Mehta who made the bomb threat call following which the security was tightened up.

Director, SVP International Airport, Ahmedabad said,''A bomb threat call for T-2 (Int'l Terminal) was received through Air India office, Mumbai at 03:38 am. Bomb Threat Assessment Committee assessed the call as 'non-specific'.Security strengthened. No Flight disrupted. All operations normal.''

Security personnel were immediately alerted and commandos from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), which is tasked with civil aviation security in India, boarded the plane to conduct search operations.Gaganyaan: Why is crew escape module important? Recalling Apollo 1 disaster

India

oi-Vikas SV

New Delhi, Feb 4: When humans need to be launched into space, the mission becomes much more complex than sending satellites, in which the ISRO has mastered the technology. ISRO has sent probes to the Moon and Mars, but when sending humans to space is considered, the mission becomes complicated because the safety of lives is paramount.

For a manned mission, the key distinguishing capabilities that ISRO is working on includes the ability to bring the spacecraft back to Earth after the flight, and to build a spacecraft in which astronauts can live in Earth-like conditions in space.

Re-entry of the spacecraft into earth's atmosphere is also a challenge. But there is another technology called crew escape mechanism which is extremely vital. The crew escape system is an emergency escape measure designed to quickly pull the crew module along with the astronauts to a safe distance from the launch vehicle in the event of a launch abort.

[Two technologies key to ISRO's ambitious Gaganyan mission]

If something goes wrong at any point during the launch, then there has to be way for the crew to escape so that lives can be saved. The mechanism ensures the crew module gets an advance warning of anything going wrong with the rocket, and pulls it away to a safe distance, after which it can be landed either on sea or on land with the help of attached parachutes. The system is typically controlled by a combination of automatic rocket failure detection, and a manual backup for the crew commander's use.

ISRO in July last year carried out the first in a series of tests to qualify a crew escape system. According to the ISRO, the five-hour countdown was smooth. The crew escape system along with the simulated crew module with a mass of 12.6 tonne, lifted off at 7 am at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh. The test was over in 259 seconds, during which the crew escape system along with crew module soared skyward, then arced out over the Bay of Bengal and floated back to Earth under its parachutes about 2.9 km from Sriharikota.

When crew escape system saved lives:

There has only been one occurrence of a launch escape system being used during an active mission: In 1983, the crew of the Soviet Soyuz T-10-1 were carried away from their launch vehicle via their LES two seconds before the launch vehicle exploded due to a pad fire. The crew survived.

[ISRO setting up third launch pad for Gaganyaan mission]

In 2018, the crew of Soyuz MS-10 separated from their launch vehicle after a booster rocket separation failure occurred at an altitude of 50 km during the ascent. However, at this point in the mission the LES had already been ejected and was not used to separate the crew capsule from the rest of the launch vehicle. Backup motors were utilized to separate the crew capsule resulting in the crew landing safely and uninjured approximately 19 minutes after launch.

Apollo 1 disaster:

Planned as the first low Earth orbital test of the Apollo command and service module with a crew, to launch on February 21, 1967, the mission never flew; a cabin fire during a launch rehearsal test at Cape Kennedy Air Force Station Launch Complex 34 on January 27 killed all three crew members.

Apollo was the name of the program to land the first men on the Moon.

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Story first published: Sunday, February 3, 2019, 5:00 [IST]Different terror groups, one master: What has made terrorists desperate in Kashmir

Forces gun down woman naxal in encounter

India

oi-Oneindia Staff

By Anuj Cariappa

Raipur, Feb 03: A suspected woman naxal was killed and another injured in an encounter between security forces and ultras in Chhattisgarh, police said.

The skirmish took place early this morning in the forest of Rengaiguda village, around 450 kms from Raipur, under Polampalli police station limits when a joint team of security forces was returning after an area domination operation, Sukma Superintendent of Police Jitendra Shukla told PTI over phone.

The combine squad of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and District Force (DF) was returning to their camp from Pidmel when they were fired upon, he said, adding that Maoists fled after a brief exchange.

Squeezed out of Chhattisgarh, the naxal menace takes shape in Kerala

"During search, two suspected women naxals, dressed as civilians, were found injured in the forest. No weapons were recovered from them," Shukla said.

He said the women were rushed to the field hospital of the CRPF in Dornapal where one of them died during treatment while the condition of other woman is stable.

Efforts are on to ascertain their identity, the SP added.

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Story first published: Sunday, February 3, 2019, 7:31 [IST]Elgaar Parishad: Court terms Teltumdes arrest illegal

India

oi-Oneindia Staff

By Anuj Cariappa

New Delhi, Feb 03: In an embarrassment for the Pune police, a sessions court termed Dalit scholar Anand Teltumbde's arrest in the Elgar Parishad case as "illegal", and ordered that he should be released immediately.

Teltumbde, a professor at the Goa Institute of Management, was arrested at Mumbai airport in the early hours of Saturday.

Additional Sessions Judge Kishor Vadane noted that the Supreme Court while rejecting Teltumbde's plea seeking to quash the FIR against him, had given him protection from arrest for four weeks, that is till February 11, so that he could approach the competent authority for legal relief.

The competent authority includes high court as well as the apex court, it said.

Therefore, arresting him before the protection period ended was "illegal" and he should be released immediately, the court said.

The sessions court had Friday rejected Teltumbde's anticipatory bail application.

"Since his pre-arrest bail plea was rejected by the court in Pune on Friday, we decided to arrest him," Assistant Commissioner of Police Shivaji Pawar, who is investigating the case, had said.

Teltumbde's lawyer Rohan Nahar, however, had pointed out that the Supreme Court had given him protection from arrest till February 11.

According to the Pune Police, Maoists had supported the Elgar Parishad conclave held here on December 31, 2017, and the inflammatory speeches there led to violent clashes at the Koregaon Bhima war memorial the next day.

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Story first published: Sunday, February 3, 2019, 6:49 [IST]Yogi in Delhi: Change in guard in UP baseless say sources

'Daughter of Ganga': Newborn girl found in wooden box floating in river, gets UP CM Yogi Adityanath's help

Days of TMC government in Bengal numbered: Yogi Adityanath slams Mamata

India

oi-PTI

Kolkata, Feb 03: Denied permission to land his helicopter for a rally in West Bengal on Sunday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath lashed out at the "anti-people" Trinamool Congress government in West Bengal, saying the days of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee''s rule are "numbered".

Addressing the rally via phone, Adityanath urged the leaders, who had attended the Trinamool Congress's January 19 opposition rally in Kolkata, to introspect on how democratic rights were being scuttled by the state government.

"The TMC government didn't allow me to come and meet you all. That is why I had to resort to Digital India of Modi-ji to address you. This TMC government is anti-people, anti-democratic and have compromised with national security," Adityanath said.

WB: Mamata govt declines permission for Yogi Adityanath rally

This is the second instance landing permission has been refused for a chopper carrying a BJP leader.

Earlier this month, permission was withheld for the chopper of BJP chief Amit Shah. The state government said the landing facilities were inadequate at the Malda airstrip. The BJP chief was forced to opt for a private helipad.

The TMC government is afraid of the BJP as it very well knows that its days in Bengal are numbered, Adityanath said.

Alleging that the Trinamool government had "tried to stop Durga Puja" in West Bengal in order to pursue its appeasement policy, Adityanath urged BJP workers to fight hard in order to ensure that the party forms the next government in the state.

"Mamata Banerjee should remember that she cannot misuse the government and its agencies in the state. It is shameful that government officials are acting as TMC cadres in the state," he said.

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Story first published: Sunday, February 3, 2019, 19:00 [IST]Cong urges Parrikar to resign gracefully, says going to assembly with pipe in nose doesn't suit you

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

Panaji, Feb 03: The Congress on Saturday demanded the resignation of Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar in the face of his failing health.

Congress leader Reginaldo Lourenco on Saturday said Parrikar should honourably resign or rather give charge to somebody. Talking to ANI, Lourenco said, "I'm not here to dictate terms, his party will dictate terms to him. But don't go to assembly with that pipe in the nose, all things coming out from your pocket. It doesn't suit you."

As a leader, he should have some class. It is his own leadership quality which shows that what sort of a person he is. A leader who is not determined," Lourenco further said.

The Congress legislator's remark came just a day after Parrikar was admitted to the Cancer department of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) on Friday.

Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has also hit back at the grand old party saying that the Congress' demand for Parrikar's resignation was a result of their frustration.

The Congress has been demanding that it should be allowed to form the government in the state and claimed that Parrikar's illness and inability to attend office was taking a toll on day-to-day affairs of the state.

Parrikar has been under rigorous treatment over the last 12 months. After returning from a New York-based medical facility in May last year, the former Defence Minister was hospitalised at the AIIMS in June. He has subsequently been in and out of hospitals in Goa, Mumbai, Delhi and New York since then. After eight months Parrikar made a public appearance on January 27 when he inaugurated a 5.1-km bridge in Mandovi along with Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari. Parrikar, earlier in the week, also presented the State Budget in the Goa Assembly.

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Story first published: Sunday, February 3, 2019, 8:20 [IST]CBI-police Showdown: Detained probe agency officials released; Mamata launches dharna

India

oi-Deepika S

Kolkata, Feb 03: In an unprecedented development, the Kolkata Police Sunday evening detained a CBI team which had reached the city's Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar residence to question him in connection with ponzi scam cases.

According to the reports, a team of the investigating agency arrived at Kumar's residence in the evening in connection with the chit fund scam were stopped outside the IPS officer's house, following which some CBI officers were forcefully taken to police station.

Hitting out at the Centre, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah of trying to organise a coup in the state. She also alleged that National Security Advisor Ajit Doval was directing the CBI to harass political opponents, as per orders of the prime minister.

BJP pursuing political vendetta, Kolkata police chief among best in world: Mamata

"Narendra Modi and Amit Shah are trying to organise a coup in the state as we had organised the opposition rally on January 19. We were aware that the CBI will attack us after we organised the rally," Banerjee said, referring to the Brigade rally attended by leaders of about 20 opposition parties. Banerjee said the CBI's action is politically vindictive.

Mamata Banerjee said, "Attack on my forces is an attack on federalism. I will sit on a dharna from today. Without notice, you are coming to Kolkata Police Commissioner's house. We could have arrested CBI but we left. I do not fear Modi, won't be bogged down."

The CBI has been trying to locate Kumar to question him in connection with Rose Valley and Saradha ponzi scam cases and might arrest him as the last resort, the officials said. The IPS officer, who led a Special Investigation Team of West Bengal Police probing the scams, needs to be questioned regarding missing documents and files but he has not responded to notices to appear before the agency, they said.

When the CBI team reached Kumar's residence, it was stopped outside by officials and sentries, they said.

A team of Kolkata Police officers rushed to the spot to speak to the CBI officials and tried to enquire whether they had required documents to question Kumar.

A statement was issued Sunday from Kolkata Police, dismissing reports of him being missing from work.

"Please take note that not only is the CP Kolkata available in the city, but has also been attending office on a regular basis, with the exception of January 31, 2019, when he was on leave for a day. All concerned may please take note that if any news is spread without proper verification, Kolkata Police will initiate strict legal action against defamation of both the CP Kolkata and Kolkata Police," the police said.

Senior Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien tweeted, asking if BJP was planning a coup by sending 40 CBI officers to the home of the police commissioner.

BJP planning a constitutional coup ? 40 CBI officials surround Kolkata Police Commissioners home. Destruction of institutions goes on unabated. Our demand in #Parliament on Mon. Modi has to go. We are reaching out and sharing this with all Oppn parties who want to #SaveDemocracy  Derek O'Brien |   (@derekobrienmp) February 3, 2019

Earlier on Sunday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had extended her support to Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar, who has been summoned by the CBI, accusing the BJP of pursuing political vendetta.

The chief minister alleged that the saffron party was "misusing power to take control of the police and all other institutions".

"The highest levels of the BJP leadership are doing the worst kind of political vendetta. Not only are political parties their targets, they are misusing power to take control of the police and destroy all institutions. We condemn this," Banerjee tweeted.CBI to move Supreme Court against detention of agency officials by Kolkata Police

India

oi-Deepika S

Kolkata, Feb 03: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) will move the Supreme Court on Monday against the West Bengal government for obstructing the CBI from interrogating Kolkata Police Commissioner in relation to the Saradha Chit Fund Scam case

"Tomorrow the CBI will approach the Supreme Court on the matter as the West Bengal police is not cooperating," ANI quoted CBI interim chief M Nageshwar Rao as saying.

Earlier in the evening Rao accused Rajeev Kumar of destroying evidence in the chit fund cases.

Backing the CBI officers move, Nageshwar Rao said that there is evidence against Rajeev Kumar and he has been instrumental in causing the destruction of this evidence and obstructing justice.

"We are investigating these chit fund cases as per the directions of the SC. A SIT has been constituted by the West Bengal government prior to SC's direction under the chairmanship of Rajeev Kumar, who is currently the Kolkata police commissioner," Rao added.

The CBI interim chief alleged that the West Bengal government is not co-operating with the agency in investigating the chit fund scams. "They have taken charge of all the evidence, seized all the documents.They have not been cooperating with us in handing over all the documents and a lot of evidence has been destroyed or caused to disappear," Rao said.

Mamata slams Centre, says CBI action against Kolkata Police chief 'politically vindictive'

"We are contacting our senior law officers about the Kolkata incident. Whatever they suggest will be followed," Nageshwar Rao told news agency ANI .

In May 2014 the Supreme Court had handed over the investigation of Saradha chit fund case to CBI.

A team of CBI officers was stopped from entering the residence of Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar in Kolkata on Sunday when they had gone to question him in connection with chit fund scam cases.BJP wants Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, says Shah; asks other parties must make stand clear on the issue

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

New Delhi, Feb 03: As the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) kicked off its poll campaign for the 2019 elections with the 'Bharat Ke Mann ki Baat' event on Sunday, party president Amit Shah asked Opposition parties to make clear their stand on the contentious Ram Mandir issue.

The BJP chief reiterated the party's commitment towards the construction of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.

Speaking at the event in New Delhi, Shah said, "The case is pending in court. The BJP-led government had decided to return the land belonging to Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas which was acquired in 1993. Today, I request the opposition through this platform not to be an obstacle in the running of the case and allow it to run smoothly."

Shah also lambasted the previous UPA regime saying that the country had suffered because of their populist policies. "Before 2014, parties made false promises and did not do anything concrete, this led to all the economic downfall of the country. There was no financial stability. For 30 years, no concrete or visionary steps were taken to solve the problems of the country," he said.

He also showered praise on PM Narendra Modi stating that the NDA government has changed the country's position in the last five years. His (PM Modi) visionary policies have laid the foundation for long-term development in the country. At present the world looks at India with respect," Shah asserted.

At the Sankalp Patra launch, Amit Shah also said that to incorporate suggestions from people across the country for the party manifesto, "carts and suggestion boxes will be sent to different states".

"This will be a month-long exercise to seek suggestions from across the country," Amit Shah announced.

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Story first published: Sunday, February 3, 2019, 14:55 [IST]At Jan Aakansha' rally, Tejashwi Yadav backs Rahul Gandhi for PM

India

oi-Deepika S

Patna, Feb 03: Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav on Sunday said that Congress President Rahul Gandhi was qualified to be the Prime Minister. However, Yadav reminded Rahul and the Congress party that the onus lies on them to take along all the other parties.

"You have all the qualifications to be the next PM, abut onus also lies in you and the Congress party to take along all the other parties," Tejashwi Yadav said in his address at Congress 'Jan Aakansha' rally here.

The RJD leader reiterated that all like-minded parties should unite to defeat the Bharatiya Janata Party and its National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

"Narendra Modi is the seller of lies. We have to be united to defeat the BJP. They carry out riots, be alert," he added.

Patna: Grand alliance will remove BJP, Nitish from Bihar, says Rahul at Congress rally

Rahul Gandhi also reciprocated Tejashwi Yadav's suggestion, saying the Congress will not only contest the Lok Sabha elections with allies like the RJD but also jointly fight other battles, including the assembly elections next year, with someone "young and dynamic" as Mr Yadav who "who doesn't lie and has proven his mettle in governance."

DMK leader MK Stalin has made clear who his choice for prime minister is -- Congress president Rahul Gandhi.

Speaking during the unveiling of a statue of his father and legendary Tamil leader M Karunanidhi in Chennai on December 16, Stalin said "I propose we will install a new Prime Minister in Delhi. I propose the candidature of Rahul Gandhi from Tamil Nadu. He has got the ability to defeat the fascist Modi government."

Later, justifying his proposal, Stalin said it was "the right thing to unite secular forces". He added that the Congress president was "responsible for victory in three BJP bastion states".

However, other Opposition parties have not warmed up to the Rahul-for-PM call.Amit Shah urges people to oust BJD from Odisha

India

oi-Deepika S

Puri, Feb 03: Bharatiya Janata Party chief Amit Shah on Sunday lashed out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi and Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik accusing them of having neglected the tribal people.

Shah projected his party as the champion of tribalsa and said that the Narendra Modi government has raised budgetary allocation for their welfare to Rs 50,000 crore from Rs 30,700 crore made during by the Congress-led UPA dispensation.

Noting that a separate ministry for tribal affairs was started by the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government, the BJP chief said the party-led government has floated the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) with huge funds for the development and welfare of tribals living in mineral-rich areas.

Uttarakhand a priority for PM says Amit Shah

The funds under the DMF are being utilised by various states where mining activities are affecting the people and environment, he said.

The BJP chief also attacked Naveen Patnaik for not implementing schemes by the central government. "If you want, you can remove our names from the scheme but why are you troubling the poor people of Odisha?" he said.

He further said that the Odisha CM had not implemented the Ayushman Bharat Yojana in the state as he fears that it will increase PM Modi's popularity.

The BJP's love and respect for tribals is evident from the fact that the party has the maximum number of tribal MPs in Lok Sabha. Of the 32 tribal members in the lower house of Parliament, 28 belong to the BJP, he said.

Saying that the BJP had launched a Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme, Shah said that the Congress too had a DBT scheme.

"In our tenure, Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) ensures money is directly credited into the account of the beneficiaries. The Congress too had DBT yojana - Dealer Broker Transfer - where the money was credited into the accounts of the middlemen," Shah said.

Shah's visit to this seaside pilgrim town is seen as an exercise to woo tribals, who constitute around one fourth of Odisha's population, ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha and state Assembly elections.

This was the BJP chief's second visit in five days as he had held a rally in Salepur in Cuttack district on January 29.

OneIndia News (with PTI inputs)

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Story first published: Sunday, February 3, 2019, 19:30 [IST]One might not expect the United States first and largest planted forest to be in Nebraska, but the 222-square-mile Nebraska National Forest holds that distinction.

Established in 1907 near Halsey, the forest is a testament to the passion and drive of botany professor Charles E. Bessey, the father of modern botany and a pioneer in agricultural extension.

Born in Ohio and educated at Michigan State University, Bessey came to the University of Nebraska in 1884 with a vision for students to learn by observation and experimentation. He replaced a curriculum then heavy on library reading, lectures and recitations with lab and field studies.

Acclaimed for his devotion to his students, Bessey taught more than 4,000 of them over a 45-year career, many hundreds of whom made significant contributions to the sciences. Besseys students developed the disciplines of plains ecology and range management and advanced the fields of agronomy, plant genetics and crop physiology.From new buildings to new research tools and treatments, change is a constant in todays health care landscape, both locally and globally. Most experts would even tell you that change is accelerating, both in terms of research and treatment and the business side of health care. Heres a look at some of the more visible examples in the metro arena.

Medical marijuana

One of the biggest changes has already taken place across the river.

One of Iowas five new medical marijuana dispensaries opened in December in Council Bluffs. Nebraska residents, however, cant purchase medical marijuana at Have A Heart Compassion Care off Interstate 29.

Only Iowa residents who are certified by an Iowa-licensed physician as having a qualifying condition can apply for a special ID card. Qualifying conditions include untreatable pain, side effects of cancer, seizures and ALS.

Physicians dont prescribe or recommend the products. Instead, they certify that patients are eligible based on those and other qualifying conditions.

Dosing recommendations occur at the dispensaries. Prices range from $40 to $120 for a roughly 30-day supply, and the products are not covered by insurance.WASHINGTON  Holy Chestnut Praline Latte!

There was Howard Schultz, the former Starbucks CEO, making a case Wednesday for why Americans would flock to him if he decides to run for president as an independent.

Theyre not going to vote for a left-wing Elizabeth Warren, Kamala Harris candidate, he explained.

The crashing you heard just then was the sound of thousands of Caramel Macchiatos hurled at televisions broadcasting Morning Joe, where the coffee king appeared.

Was I alone in wondering why the man who thinks he will save our nation yoked together two very different female candidates as the collective image of all he sees wrong with the Democratic Party? Was it really just about their views on health care or taxes?

First, lets put the most sympathetic spin on Schultzs exertions: Hes hawking books. Ill even help him here: His memoir is called From the Ground Up.

His toying with the presidency might thus be another illustration of the marketing genius that persuaded so many to believe (wrongly, in my view) that Starbucks is better than Dunkin. Were all talking about him! Promote, Howard, promote!The former Baldwin Filters manufacturing plant in Gothenburg will be purchased to help recruit a new employer, according to two community leaders.

Gothenburg Improvement Co., a volunteer economic development group, has signed a contract to buy the 100,000-square-foot plant from Baldwin.

The company relocated its operations and jobs to its Kearney headquarters late last year.

Baldwin announced its intentions in late 2017, giving Gothenburg leaders time to negotiate to buy the plant after it closed, GIC President Nate Wyatt said in a press release.

We are excited for the opportunity to purchase this asset for the community of Gothenburg, and we have already begun marketing it to prospective businesses, Wyatt said.

The economic development group has formally asked the city of Gothenburg to cover the purchase price with city sales tax proceeds.

City voters overwhelmingly agreed in February 2018 to dedicate part of their sales tax proceeds to economic development under Legislative Bill 840, enacted in 1991, the same year the Baldwin plant opened.

Gothenburg won a three-way battle with other west-central Nebraska communities when Baldwin decided to expand.You can thank Anne Boyle for championing your ability to keep your phone number when you break up with your cellphone company. And you can thank her for pushing for lower breakup costs. You can thank her for being a steadfast Democrat in steadfast Republican Nebraska because debate is good in a free society. And you can thank her for putting political party aside when serving on the state regulatory commission.

Ive always found with Anne, with enough time and enough discussion, we could reach a compromise. We both got something, said Landis who is as, shall we say, ardent a Republican as Boyle is a Democrat. We both got something. Its really been a pleasure working with her. And its been an honor.

Dont count on the 72-year-old Boyle to be apolitical. The grande dame of the Nebraska Democratic Party  she is a former state chairwoman  plans to remain vocal about the rights of immigrants and gays. And with her husband, former Mayor Mike Boyle, still serving on the Douglas County Board, Anne will remain in the public sphere.

Whats next for her? During an interview inside her colorful, neat-as-a-pin midtown condo, Boyle demurred.

Boyle said she plans to enjoy what she considers her greatest accomplishment: family. Eighteen grandchildren, five children and one husband of nearly 50 years.Hernandez said he could probably help house 30 to 35 veterans with all of the donations from the furniture fundraiser alone, not including what he already has stored in his warehouse.

Moving Veterans Forward helps provide homeless veterans free furniture and other household items after they find housing.

The organization also helps move them into their homes.

It moved 279 veterans around the metro area in 2018 and 1,249 since the programs beginning in 2011.

Even after receiving all of the furniture donations, Hernandez is still raising money to replace the stolen trailer.

The goal is to raise $3,800 and so far hes raised $700.

To make donations or to volunteer, contact Hernandez at 402-301-6300 or email him at movingvetsforward@yahoo.com.

It was a minor tragedy, Hernandez said of the theft, but it was a great blessing that we received all of these donations from everybody.The World-Herald creates lots of important journalism  stories, photos, video  that is both timely and compelling. But we also know our readers are busy.

Here is a convenient roundup of some of our best work from the last several days that's worth checking out.

* * *

She was a freshman at Omaha North High School and the favorite aunt in a family teeming with nieces and nephews. Sarah loved to laugh, joke and sing, even if she typically botched the words to virtually every song she heard. But life wasnt all braces and bubble gum for the 16-year-old.

Omaha girl told police she was raped before taking her own life. Rapist says 'I am the victim.' She had a secret, a dark detail that she had told only her mother, her siblings and an investigator. She had been raped repeatedly, by a family friend, in 2014. Three days after the accused had been charged, she hanged herself in the bedroom where she had been raped without a note or explanation.

* * *

The Nebraska woman who has been charged with incest told a police officer that she wanted to have sex with her father because of a competition with her half sister to see who could do it first.

Nebraska woman told police she competed with half sister over who could sleep with her father first Travis Fieldgrove, 39, and his 21-year-old daughter, Samantha Kershner, each has been charged with one count of incest in both Hall and Adams Counties.

* * *

Shawn Wilson arrived at a blood drive held by his employer in November 2017 ready to donate a pint and go on with work as usual. As it turned out, the appointment helped save his life.

An Omaha man tried to donate blood. The visit helped save his life Dr. Nagendra Natarajan said finding cancer during the course of other medical procedures isn't a common thing, although he does have one other patient who was diagnosed in a similar way. Young patients often don't go to primary care doctors on a regular basis, because they're healthy.

* * *McCOOL JUNCTION, Nebraska  The letter arrived, promising cash.

It had to be a scam. Stuff like this doesnt just happen out of nowhere.

Despite her suspicions, McCool Junction Public Schools art teacher and librarian Marcia Clark took the professional-looking letter to McCool Junction Public Schools Superintendent Curtis Cogswell.

Cogswell called the number on the letterhead to verify that it was legit. It was.

I filled out the paperwork and sent it to the law firm, Clark said. When I received the check in the mail, I could not believe it, Clark said. I said to the secretary, Get this in the bank so we know its real. 

The check, from the estate of Waldo A. Johnson, was in the amount of $47,933.29. Johnson died in 2017 at age 104.

This is by far the most exciting thing that has happened to me in my 42 years of teaching, Clark said.

Waldo Anderson Johnson was born in McCool in 1913, eventually graduating from McCool Junction Public School. Clark and Cogswell found a photo of Johnson in high school, circa 1930s.Anne Boyle, the grande dame of the Nebraska Democratic Party, is retiring.

Boyle, 70, has decided not to seek re-election to the Nebraska Public Service Commission in 2014.

Boyle, who has been on the commission for 17 years, also previously served as the chairwoman of the Nebraska Democratic Party. She and her husband, Mike Boyle, have been active in Democratic politics for decades.

Mike Boyle is a former mayor of Omaha who currently serves on the Douglas County Board.

It has been an honor and a privilege to serve on the commission and, it has been a joy to work for the people of Omaha and the State of Nebraska, said Boyle. The commission's hardworking staff members and my fellow commissioners are the greatest people with whom I have worked. I will miss them all.

Among its many duties, the Public Service Commission regulates telephone companies in Nebraska.

Boyle represents the district that includes Omaha.

Boyle not only announced her retirement Wednesday, but she also announced an endorsement.A blue quilt serves as a bedspread in the Greeley, Colorado, home of Jerold Thompson. It is composed of 48 blocks, each one representing a U.S. state, featuring the colorful stitched outline of that state's official bird and flower.

It is a unique blanket, perhaps the only one of its kind still in use, Thompson suspects. But he treasures it for a different reason.

To the 79-year-old Thompson, the quilt is an invaluable physical link to a mother he can barely remember, to a family he lost in a tragic accident when he was just a boy.

"I don't know too much about my mother," Thompson said recently. "I was about 3 years old when they were killed, so anything I do know is hearsay."

What he does know: She was handy with a needle, and she read the newspaper.

In the 19th and early 20th century, publications across the country marketed themselves to women by printing serialized quilt patterns that often ended with an exhibit or contest, according to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's International Quilt Study Center & Museum.

Daily newspapers, including The World-Herald, eventually followed the trend, printing their own patterns and employing expert columnists to offer tips and tricks for quiltmaking.His wife, Amanda, later saw the Red Cross phlebotomist who had encouraged Wilson to go to the doctor during another donation drive. She thanked Tammy Parker for saving her husbands life.

Parker said she cant recall a similar situation in her 10 years with the Red Cross. That was very nice to hear, and I was glad to hear he addressed the issue and sought treatment, Parker said.

Natarajan said finding cancer during the course of other medical procedures isnt a common thing, although he does have one other younger patient who was diagnosed in a similar way. Young patients often dont go to primary care doctors on a regular basis because theyre healthy.

Wilson, of Omaha, said he was initially surprised at the low iron counts. He had blood work done the year before, and everything was fine. It stumped me a little bit, he said.

The type of leukemia Wilson has is more typical of kids, teens and younger adults. The treatment path for that particular type is better mapped out and has a high cure rate.Joslyn also has its main exhibitions mapped out for 2019.

We have a couple of really terrific programming things happening, Becker said.

On Feb. 2, the museum opened its 30 Americans exhibition, which features artwork from contemporary African-American artists. It includes paintings, works on paper, sculptures, installations and videos from Nina Chanel Abney, Kehinde Wiley, Xaviera Simmons, Nick Cave and Wangechi Mutu, among many others.

Joslyn also will host a 20th-century design show (The Art of Seating: 200 Years of American Design) this summer and an exhibition of the first handwritten illuminated bible commissioned by Benedictine monks in centuries (Word and Image: The Saint Johns Bible) this fall.

Last year, artist Ed Ruscha donated 18 paintings, prints and sculptures spanning his career. An Omaha native, Ruscha also donated 20 more works from colleagues and friends, including Terry Allen, Joe Goode and Ed Moses.

Joslyn is still deciding how to handle the glut of artwork.

Because of 30 Americans, the exhibition is so large, theres not a lot of space in the gallery, Becker said. Were trying to figure that out as we speak.Pope Francis started a landmark, three-day visit to the United Arab Emirates on Sunday, becoming the first pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church to visit the Arabian Peninsula.

The visit offers a rare note of hope for Christians in the Middle East, who in recent decades have come under intense pressure in the region where their faith has its roots. Many have been persecuted, killed or forced to flee.

[Read more: A Historic Gulf Tour Amid Yemen Crisis and Christian Repression]

The popes presence in the Gulf  an area where religious freedom has traditionally been highly restricted  will shine a light on the broader role of Christianity in the Middle East. Before his plane took off, the pope also addressed the situation in Yemen, where a dire humanitarian crisis is unfolding  a pointed intervention because his Emirati hosts are among the wars leading belligerents.

Christianity has been threatened, particularly in the Gulf.

Wars, jihadist violence and sectarian tensions have reduced the proportion of Christians in the Middle East to about 4 percent of the population today, from about 20 percent before World War I, according to the Vatican.LONDON  Should Britain stumble out of the European Union without a deal and riots erupt in the streets, officials have a plan:

Evacuate Queen Elizabeth II from London, local news outlets reported on Sunday.

Reports of a scenario to save the queen and senior members of her family came to light as the deadline for Britains withdrawal from the European Union loomed. With fewer than 55 days until the formal divorce, now set for March 29, the country has been flooded with news of emergency preparations in the event no deal is reached.

Reports of Britons stockpiling groceries, medicines and other supplies have proliferated. Nissan Motor, the automobile giant, confirmed on Sunday that it would manufacture the new version of its X-Trail S.U.V. in Japan instead of Sunderland, in northeast England, where Nissan has been making cars since 1986.

Sony, the Japanese corporation, announced in January that it would move its European headquarters to Amsterdam from Surrey; Airbus and Bentley called the prospect of a no-deal Brexit a killer and a disgrace.

But the report of an emergency exit plan for the 92-year-old monarch gave a different weight to the possibility of a no-deal Brexit.Sweden, once one of the most welcoming of nations for immigrants and long considered a moral superpower, as the political scientist Lars Tragardh put it, has experienced a rise in anti-immigration sentiment amid increasing globalization, immigration and anxiety about national and cultural identity.

The episode occurred days after a prominent TV investigative program reported on racial profiling in Sweden. TV4s Kalla Fakta spoke with about 100 Swedes with foreign backgrounds who said they had been stopped, checked and treated by the police in a disparaging and condescending way.

John Stauffer, chief legal counsel with the Stockholm-based Civil Rights Defenders, said by phone that ethnic profiling was widespread. The rights group published a report on the issue in 2017, showing that people were being stopped, questioned and controlled.

We can see that people experience being profiled on a daily basis and in everyday situations, such as on the subway system, on the way to work and school, moving around in public places, he said.

Interviews on Sunday with the woman  who insisted on being identified only by her given name, Jeanine, because she feared for her safety  and with others revealed that she is originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo and worked at a beauty salon.

She said that she had been on her way to the hospital with her 5-year-old daughter on Thursday evening because she was having contractions. She said she had her travel card with her at the time but could not find it. By the time she pulled it from her pocket, she said, the ticket controller had already issued a fine.ATHENS  Greeces decade-long economic crisis has taken a heavy toll: Hundreds of thousands of jobs were lost, incomes were slashed and taxes were raised. Hopes for the future were dashed.

For Anna, 68, the crisis had particularly devastating consequences. Her husband, a retired bus driver, killed himself in a park two years ago at age 66 after a series of pension cuts deepened his despair.

He kept saying, Ive worked so many years. What will I have to show for it? How are we going to live? said Anna, who asked that her full name not be published to protect her familys privacy. After two years of therapy, she now volunteers to help others struggling with mental health issues.

Depression and suicide rates rose alarmingly during the Greek debt crisis, health experts and studies say, as the countrys creditors imposed strict austerity measures that cut wages, increased taxes and undermined the ability of health services to respond to a crisis within a crisis.Its a very emotional topic, confided Stefan Gerwens, the head of transport and mobility at ADAC, an automobile club with 20 million members, which is opposed to any speed limit.

So emotional, apparently, that facts and figures count for little.

Germany is woefully behind on meeting its 2020 climate goals, so the government appointed a group of experts to find ways to lower emissions in the transport sector. Cars account for 11 percent of total emissions, and their share is rising.

A highway speed limit of 120 kilometers an hour, or 75 miles per hour, could cover a fifth of the gap to reach the 2020 goals for the transport sector, environmental experts say.

Of all the individual measures, it is the one that would be the most impactful  and it costs nothing, said Dorothee Saar, of Deutsche Umwelthilfe, a nonprofit environmental organization that has lobbied for a speed limit.

But when it comes to cars, Ms. Saar sighed, the debate tends to become irrational.

There are already speed limits on almost 30 percent of roughly 8,000 miles of autobahn, imposed to regulate noise near urban centers and reduce safety risks on roads deemed unfit for unlimited speeding. The number of deadly accidents on stretches of autobahn that have a speed limit is 26 percent lower than on those without.

In 2017, 409 people died on the autobahn and in almost half the cases, the reason was inappropriate speeding, according to the German statistics office.SYDNEY, Australia  The Australian government said on Sunday that the last remaining children held on the Pacific island of Nauru while seeking asylum would be resettled in the United States, a long-awaited end to a controversial practice and a victory for migrant advocates.

Every asylum-seeker child has now been removed from Nauru or has had their claim processed and has a clear path off the island, Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Immigration Minister David Coleman said in a joint statement.

The move is a milestone for a coalition of lawyers, doctors and caseworkers who have pushed the government to transfer all critically ill people held in offshore detainment facilities to Australia. Currently, asylum seekers who try to reach Australia by sea are barred from settling there.

Since 2013, more than 3,000 refugees and asylum seekers have been detained on Nauru and Manus Island, which is part of Papua New Guinea. About 1,000 such migrants remain on the islands.Older 737s had another way of addressing certain problems with the stabilizers: Pulling back on the yoke, or control column, one of which sits immediately in front of both the captain and the first officer, would cut off electronic control of the stabilizers, allowing the pilots to control them manually.

That feature was disabled on the Max when M.C.A.S. was activated  another change that pilots were unlikely to have been aware of. After the crash, Boeing told airlines that when M.C.A.S. is activated, as it appeared to have been on the Lion Air flight, pulling back on the control column will not stop so-called stabilizer runaway.

The preliminary results of the investigation, based on information from the flight data recorder, suggested that the pilots of the doomed flight tried a number of ways to pull the nose back up as it lurched down more than two dozen times. That included activating switches on the control yoke that control the angle of the stabilizers on the planes tail  and when that failed to stop the problem, pulling back on the yoke.

There is no indication that they tried to flip the stabilizer cutout switches, as the emergency checklist suggests they should have. Findings from the cockpit voice recorder could establish in more detail what culpability, if any, rests with the Lion Air pilots.

Boeings position that following the established emergency checklist should have been sufficient understates the complexity of responding to a crisis in real time, pilots said.

Referring to Boeings focus on the need for pilots to flip the stabilizer cutout switches, Dennis Tajer, the spokesman for the American Airlines pilots union and a 737 pilot, said, They are absolutely correct: Turning those two switches off will stop that aggressive action against you.

Still, Mr. Tajer added, a pilot needs to know what systems are aboard so that they become a part of your fiber as you fly the aircraft.NEW DELHI  India has lodged a protest with the United States government after several Indian students were detained there in connection with their enrollment in a fake university, after an undercover operation.

The American authorities said this past week that they had indicted eight people accused of exploiting the countrys student visa system. They were said to have helped foreign nationals illegally remain in the United States by enrolling them into the University of Farmington in Farmington Hills, Mich., which billed itself as a nationally accredited business and STEM institution with an innovative curriculum, flexible class schedules and a diverse student body.

But the private university was being secretly operated by agents of the Department of Homeland Security to expose immigration fraud, according to federal prosecutors who announced charges in the case.

The Indian government said on Saturday that it had issued a rare demarche to the United States Embassy in New Delhi, telling it that Indian officials needed immediate consular access to the detainees.WASHINGTON  After years of Republican-led debate over how to pare back Social Securitys rising costs, Democrats are flipping the script with an ambitious plan to expand the New Deal-era social insurance program while making gradual changes to keep it solvent for the rest of the century.

The Social Security 2100 Act, which was introduced this past week in the House and the Senate, represents a sea change after decades dominated by concern that aging baby boomers would bankrupt the government as they begin drawing benefits from Social Security and other entitlement programs. It would be the first major expansion of Social Security since 1972 and the most significant change in the program since 1983, when Congress stepped in to avert a financial crisis by raising taxes and the eligibility age for Social Security.

The bill would provide an across-the-board benefit increase equivalent to about 2 percent of the average Social Security benefit. It would raise the annual cost-of-living adjustment to reflect the fact that older Americans tend to use more of some services like health care. And it would increase the minimum benefit to ensure that workers with many years of low earnings do not retire into poverty.

The bill would cut federal income taxes on Social Security benefits for about 12 million middle-income people while raising taxes elsewhere. The payroll tax rate would rise to 14.8 percent over the next 24 years, from 12.4 percent, and the payroll tax would be imposed on earnings over $400,000 a year.Mr. Northam, 59, now teeters precariously on the top rung of a political ladder that he ascended in just 10 years, aided by his biography as a pediatrician, an Army officer and a rural Virginian in a state where Democrats have little strength outside cities and suburbs.

His low-key manner, which on the campaign trail manifested as a doctors reassurance, appeared to work against Mr. Northam at a news conference on Saturday at the Executive Mansion in Richmond, suggesting a kind of obliviousness. At one point, he seemed on the verge of demonstrating Michael Jacksons moonwalk  which he said he once did in a dance contest while wearing shoe polish to darken his face  until his wife, Pam, who was standing next to him, whispered, Inappropriate circumstances.

Mr. Northam was recruited into politics in 2007 by Levar Stoney, then an official with the state Democratic Party and now the mayor of Richmond. He gave Mr. Northam the nickname Blue Crab because of his roots on the states Eastern Shore, a center of crab and oyster fishing and farming. Mr. Stoney, an African-American, was among the Democratic leaders who called for the governor to quit.

Mr. Northam was raised on an inlet of Chesapeake Bay, the son of a judge and heir to a long lineage in the racially diverse Accomack County. Today, the small town where he grew up, Onancock, is reached past cotton fields, barns with fallen roofs and the rusty rails of a moribund railroad. Antique stores and real estate offices line the handful of commercial blocks along Market Street.

The governor attended the Virginia Military Institute for his undergraduate studies and then Eastern Virginia Medical School, which is in Norfolk.Both chambers of the Legislature are scheduled to meet on Monday morning for sessions that could bring fresh condemnations of the governor. As of Sunday evening, Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax, who would succeed Mr. Northam if he resigned, had not been notified that the governor was stepping down.

Mr. Northams troubles began on Friday with the surfacing of a photograph on his medical school yearbook page, which showed a person in blackface posing with another in a Ku Klux Klan robe. The governor at first acknowledged that he was one of the figures in the image, and then denied it on Saturday, all while drawing widespread calls for his resignation. Until this episode, Democrats appeared to be on a steady roll in Virginia, a state that had increasingly become a source of strength for the party in major elections.

[Read: Ralph Northam rose to power quickly. His fall might be even faster.]

Since 2008, when Barack Obama became the first Democratic presidential candidate in more than four decades to carry the state, Virginia has shifted steadily leftward. For the last decade, both of the states senators in Washington have been Democrats. And more recently, the party has gained greater sway at the Capitol in Richmond.

Two years ago, Democrats picked up 15 seats in the House of Delegates, where they had been locked out of the majority for more than two decades. They are now two seats away from control in both chambers. The biggest prize in controlling the statehouse would be the power, under current law, to draw congressional and legislative districts after the 2020 census.

More power in the Legislature has already translated into significant policy wins for Democrats. Since Mr. Northam was elected in 2017, the party has achieved long-prized goals, like the expansion of Medicaid, and seized new credit for the states economic growth.This is about morals, said Steven Drahozal, the chair of the Dubuque County Democrats in Iowa. He said voters in Iowa, the critical early primary state, will actually appreciate a candidate who recognizes and acknowledges previous shortcomings. But he said Democratic candidates need to be acutely sensitive to those who in the past have been left behind. Not intending to offend is not an excuse, he said.

What is less clear is whether what works in a primary will be harmful in the general election and whether the cascade of apologies risks making Democrats look like the hypersensitive, politically correct crowd Republicans make them out to be  especially when compared with President Trump, who often insults and offends people and almost never apologizes for anything.

The zero tolerance on issues of race also played out in the almost immediate demands by nearly all the Democratic presidential candidates that Gov. Ralph Northam of Virginia resign over a racist yearbook photo. (Mr. Northam began with an apology but pivoted to a new defense when he triggered a crush of calls for him to resign.)

Political strategists and crisis communication experts said the sensitivity speaks to how quickly the center of gravity has shifted for Democrats on key issues. As recently as 2006, national Democrats including former President Barack Obama expressed wariness about immigrants ability to assimilate into American culture and did not openly embrace gay marriage  two talking points that would probably be deeply damaging for any 2020 candidate.

For candidates seeking to lead the party into its post-Obama era, their hope is that the base is more concerned with defeating President Trump and Republicans than holding every candidate to rigid standards of ideological purity.Tish, who was employed in a department store, worked tirelessly through her pregnancy. Bergdorf Goodman, the luxury retailer on Fifth Avenue and 57th Street, allowed scenes to be filmed in their store, but with a caveat.

They were really cool about us shooting there, but we had to get there when they closed and be out of there before they opened, Mr. Friedberg said.

After a lot of prodding, Mr. Friedberg was able to film in El Quijote, the Spanish restaurant at the Hotel Chelsea which operated for 88 years before it closed last year. (There are tentative plans for the restaurant, at 226 West 23rd Street in the Chelsea neighborhood, to reopen after a renovation.) In the film, El Quijote stood in for El Faro, a long-gone Spanish restaurant that was located at the corner of Greenwich and Horatio streets in Greenwich Village.

Fonny has a basement apartment on Bank Street in the West Village, which was extensively designed by Mr. Friedberg on a sound stage to resemble an older apartment, complete with a bathtub in the kitchen. In the novel, Tish is accosted at a market on Bleecker Street by a deranged man, which resulted in Fonny defending her and subsequently being framed for rape by a racist police officer; the filming for those dramatic scenes was completed on location in the Bronx.

On Arthur Avenue, the Little Italy of the Bronx, located south of Fordham Road, a few minutes from the Fordham Road station (B and D lines) and the Fordham Metro North station, excellent pizzerias, delis and bakeries remain a way of life. It is a perfect stand-in for 1960s-era Greenwich Village.

The area still has the last bit of its Italian commercial culture, Mr. Friedberg said. Also, like Greenwich Village, the streets dont perfectly line up in that area.To the Editor:

Re A Frat Boy and a Gentleman, by Alexandra Robbins (Sunday Review, Jan. 27):

Over all, I agree with Ms. Robbinss argument that fraternities have the potential to present a vital opportunity for college-age men to develop a healthier sense of masculinity. As a woman in a coed business fraternity, I have even seen how breeding a healthy emotional space for young men can help them to be more empathetic and emotive.

However, Ms. Robbinss breakdown of this issue is oversimplified. Fraternities have been backed by misogynistic policies as long as they have existed. Even worse, many colleges continue to enable fraternities despite the huge number of incidents of sexual violence.

If we are to make space for all-male Greek organizations in our #MeToo culture, we need to put institutional pressure on fraternities to combat their hypermasculinized culture. This means that, at a minimum, universities need to enforce more strict ethical standards, and that there need to be mandatory sexual assault and consent seminars for every student who enters the Greek system.

Devon Thomas

Chicago

To the Editor:

I was delighted to read Alexandra Robbinss article. While there are any number of heinous things that have happened at fraternities in recent years, there are also many good things that happen that are rarely mentioned.Behrouz Boochani could not be in Melbourne to receive Australias most prestigious literary award on Thursday . He was on a small Pacific island 2,500 miles away, near the Equator, where he, along with hundreds of other refugees and asylum seekers, has been locked up by Australia for nearly six years now.

I have been in a cage for years but throughout this time my mind has always been producing words, and these words have taken me across borders, taken me overseas and to unknown places, he said in his acceptance speech, delivered by video. I truly believe words are more powerful than the fences of this place, this prison. This is not just a basic slogan. I am not an idealist. I am not expressing the views of an idealist here. These words are from a person who has been held captive on this island for almost six years.

Mr. Boochanis words are indisputably powerful. An Iranian Kurd who was a journalist and filmmaker, he said he was compelled to flee after the police arrested several of his colleagues and raided his office. But his efforts to reach Australia by boat were stymied by the Australian Navy, and he was shunted off to a detention center for refugees on Manus Island in Papua New Guinea.

Mr. Boochani continued to write on Manus, now mostly through WhatsApp messages to his translator so the words would be preserved, despite regular searches by guards who often seized phones. In addition to articles for local and international outlets, he shot a documentary and worked on a book about his detention. That book, No Friend but the Mountains, won this years Victorian Prize for Literature and the 125,000 Australian dollars (about $90,000) that come with it.[What you need to know to start the day: Get New York Today in your inbox.]

Shintaro Okamoto spent several long hours outdoors in Manhattan on Friday, a day so cold that anyone who could stay indoors did. But for Mr. Okamoto, the 21-degree weather was fine.

He is an ice sculptor.

He has shaped blocks of ice into everything from old-fashioned locomotives to giant beer bottles. He has done ice sculptures in Alaska when it was 30 degrees below zero. That is too cold. The ice wont join together, he said. The joining is done by squirting water between the blocks, like mortar. At 30 below, the water freezes before we can squirt it.

On Friday, bundled-up subway riders were still shivering on chilly train platforms and coffee-cart vendors were stomping their feet, but Mr. Okamoto did not have to worry about water problems. Several gallons were sloshing around in a huge plastic jug that looked as if it had been snatched from a water cooler. What fused the blocks was not squirted but poured.

Like a surgeon preparing to operate, Mr. Okamoto laid out his tools  chain saws, chisels and grinders. And then he and some of his ice-sculpting colleagues went to work, happily, on a replica of one of the most famous statues in the world, the Statue of Liberty.Organizers said they were prepared for skeptics.

But they did not expect the vitriol unleashed when a photo of their new, double-parked patrol cars on Fifth Avenue in Bay Ridge turned up Dec. 21 on Facebook, and later on Instagram. The hostility spread after a far-right Canadian website, Rebel Media, posted a snippet on YouTube. The ugly online comments included accusations that the group was a stalking horse for Shariah law, and worse.

I expected some sort of, Wait, what is that? but not, Wait, what the hell is that? Mr. Rabah said. Theres a big difference.

Some in the Muslim community were equally startled, but for a different reason: The cars resemblance to New York City police cruisers stoked anxieties rather than allayed them.

Somia Elrowmeim , the adult education and womens empowerment manager at the Arab American Association of New York, based in Bay Ridge, said a single misstep from the patrol could reflect poorly on the citys entire Muslim community. She said more outreach to community leaders was essential before patrols began operating.

Until then, Ms. Elrowmeim, 34, offered this message: We dont want you near our community.

The 68th Precinct, serving Bay Ridge and Dyker Heights, fielded a flurry of calls from concerned residents after the social media posts, leading police officials to hold an introductory meeting with Muslim Community Patrol members to discuss parameters: Call 911 if they encounter something suspicious, and take no enforcement action on their own. We expect them to follow the law in general, a Police Department spokesman said.

No date has been finalized for the start of patrols, Mr. Rabah said. Before the rollout, members will attend community board meetings to explain the patrols mission and to answer questions from residents. On Friday, the group met with members of the influential Arab American Association of New York, whose vice president, Habib Joudeh, had said he was not told about the patrol group until after the backlash prompted by the photo of the car.

You have to inform people of whats going on first, Mr. Joudeh said.

Unlike the Shomrim, which patrols in vehicles and on foot, the Muslim patrol will operate only from patrol cars, Mr. Rabah said.PARK CITY, Utah  The real me is not photographable.

Thats the claim made by Benedetta Barzini in The Disappearance of My Mother, one of several memorable documentaries in this years Sundance Film Festival. A former Italian supermodel, Barzini (born in 1943) inhabits various roles in the movie, which was directed and primarily shot by her son Beniamino Barrese. Now in her 70s  and after years of being a photographically fetishized subject  Barzini has decided that she would like to disappear. The work were doing, she says to her son, is a work of separation.

Deeply personal and shot through with fascinating contradictions, The Disappearance of My Mother is a portrait of a woman in rebellion. Born into privilege  her father was a well-regarded writer and her mother an heiress  Barzini survived anorexia and indifferent parenting, and began modeling in New York in the early 1960s after catching the eye of Diana Vreeland, who was then at Vogue. Barzini worked alongside Richard Avedon and Irving Penn, but soon expanded her horizons: She studied with Lee Strasberg, befriended Salvador Dali and hung out at Andy Warhols Factory, posing with Marcel Duchamp for one of Warhols short Screen Test films.

In The Disappearance of My Mother, Barrese selectively grazes over Barzinis past and incorporates archival still and moving images into the mix, including some fabulous footage of her on the job. (Her geometric poses fluidly enhance the lines of the clothing.) Most of the images, though, were taken by Barrese, an obsessive chronicler of his mother. He began shooting her when he was young, turning his photographic gaze on a woman who, as she grew older, became more and more tired of being in front of the camera, to the point of hostility. She continues to model, strolling one catwalk with hauteur that edges into contempt, but its complicated.

[Read more from Sundance: The festivals good (and even great) movies]

Those complications surface in the documentary piecemeal. Barzini is Barreses subject (and apparent muse), but shes also his mother, which creates some productive friction. A feminist and Marxist who now also teaches, Barzini is a severe, unsparing critic of the commodification and exploitation of the female body by men, which greatly complicates her sons insistent, at times intrusive gaze. It also deepens the movie, making the personal ferociously political. Hes forever shooting her and she routinely swats him away, asking and sometimes yelling at him to stop. Yet she also poses for him, and as her face brightens, it seems shes not ready to vanish just yet.Can Alfonso Cuaron be beat for the best director Oscar?

Certainly, hes the front-runner after the Directors Guild of America weighed in Saturday night, awarding Cuaron its top prize for directing the black-and-white film Roma. Nearly every D.G.A. winner repeats in this category at the Oscars, and Cuaron already has plenty of momentum after taking the best director honor from the Golden Globes and Critics Choice Awards last month.

[Heres a complete list of Oscar nominations.]

Cuaron, who used his acceptance speech to praise the Oscar-nominated leading women of Roma, Yalitza Aparicio and Marina de Tavira, was given the award by his friend Guillermo del Toro, who won the honor last year for directing The Shape of Water. Between Cuaron, del Toro and Alejandro G. Inarritu, Mexican directors have taken five of the last six Directors Guild awards.

Still, though many D.G.A. categories, including television prizes, had a racially diverse lineup of contenders, few women were nominated and none of them won, prompting the host, Aisha Tyler, to dub the ceremony a multiethnic sword fight.

Among the nights other big winners was the Eighth Grade director Bo Burnham, who pulled out a surprise win for first-time feature filmmaking. I really did not think this was mathematically possible, Burnham said in his acceptance speech, and neither had most pundits, who predicted that the Star Is Born director Bradley Cooper would have this debut award sewn up.Molly Maureen Hurff and James Robert Price were married Feb. 2 on a beach on Anna Maria Island, Fla. Trevor Giles, the grooms brother who is a minister ordained in the Church of God, officiated.

Ms. Hurff, 28, is an associate public finance investment banker at J. P. Morgan in New York, where she specializes in infrastructure financing. She previously worked as a model and was represented by Ford Models and Elite Model Management. She graduated from N.Y.U.

She is a daughter of Susan A. Hurff and Donald A. Hurff Jr. of Holmes Beach, Fla. The brides father, who is retired, was an air traffic control software programmer for the Computer Sciences Corporation, an information technology and professional services company that was based in Tysons, Va. Her mother, who is retired, was a chef at Sorella Rose Avalon, a restaurant in Avalon, N.J.

Mr. Price, 33, is an equity trader at Tremblant Capital, an asset management firm based in New York. He graduated from Columbia. From 2003 to 2009, he was an infantry paratrooper in the Armys 82nd Airborne Division; he was deployed for three combat tours in Iraq.Melanie Rae Adelson and Benjamin Klebanoff were married Feb. 2 at the Miami Beach Edition Hotel in Miami. Rabbi Judith Siegal officiated.

Ms. Adelson, 32, is an underwriting counsel for Ambridge Partners, a transactional insurance underwriting firm in New York. She graduated with great distinction from McGill University in Montreal, from which she also received a graduate diploma in public accountancy. She holds a joint law degree and masters degree in tax law, cum laude, from the University of Miami. She is a certified public accountant in both the United States and Canada.

She is a daughter of Cynthia Adelson and Andrew Adelson of Montreal. The brides father is the vice president for development of the Westcliff Group, a commercial and residential real estate management firm in Montreal. Her mother is the founder of a residential interior design firm in Montreal that bears her name.

Mr. Klebanoff, 31, is a litigation associate at Shearman & Sterling, a law firm in New York. He graduated from Oberlin College in Oberlin, Ohio, and received a law degree with honors from Emory University in Atlanta.Permian production has quadrupled over the last eight years, in contrast with the decline of most other established oil fields, for several reasons.

Companies found ways to lower exploration and production costs in tapping the Permians accommodating shale. New technologies for drilling and hydraulic fracturing helped bring the break-even price for the best wells from over $60 a barrel to as low as $33.

The Permian, as vast as South Dakota, is distinct from other shale fields because of its enormous size, the thickness of its multiple shale layers  some as fat as 1,000 feet  and its proximity to refineries on the Gulf of Mexico. Some shale fields produce too much natural gas, which is worth less than oil. Others have uneven layers of rock difficult to drill through. The Permian is rich in oil, and its shales are relatively easy to tap with todays rigs.

Today the biggest risk, at least for producers, is that too much output might drive down prices too much and jeopardize their profitability. They could also prompt another round of aggressive actions from OPEC and its new ally, Russia.

If U.S. production grows another two million barrels a day, we could take market share, but how long would OPEC allow that to happen? said Scott D. Sheffield, chairman of Pioneer Natural Resources, a major Permian producer. You could have another price war.

That may be inevitable.

As many as 15 oil and gas pipelines serving the Permian are expected to be completed by the middle of 2020, potentially increasing exports from the Gulf of Mexico fourfold to eight million barrels a day after 2021, according to a recent Morningstar Commodities Research report.For the first time in history, the United States Navy conducted a flyover using all female pilots on Saturday. The nine women participated in a Missing Man Flyover over a cemetery in Maynardville, Tenn., in honor of Capt. Rosemary Mariner, a retired Navy pilot who died last week.

Captain Mariner was one of the Navys first female pilots and the first woman to command a naval aviation squadron. She later fought to lift the ban on women serving in combat. She died at age 65 in Knoxville, Tenn., on Jan. 24 after battling ovarian cancer.

The flyover typically involves four aircraft, which fly in a V-shaped formation until one of them peels away, flying sharply upward. The women who participated said Captain Mariners work was instrumental in enabling them to pursue their careers.Representative Jerrold Nadler, whose district includes parts of Brooklyn and Manhattan, denounced what he called a total lack of urgency and concern by the warden, Herman Quay, and jail management. Inmates who needed electrical power for sleep apnea machines were at risk of a stroke, Mr. Nadler noted.

When Mr. Nadler announced that contracted electricians had already left, and that power was unlikely to be restored over the weekend, the crowd grew angry.

The Federal Bureau of Prisons released a statement on Saturday night on behalf of the jails management, saying that a new electrical panel had been installed by an outside contractor that day and that the facility is working to restore power as expeditiously as possible. It expected work to be completed by Monday.

The statement continued: Inmates have hot water for showers and hot water in the sinks in the cell. Essential personal hygiene items and medical services continue to be provided.

On Friday night, a court order allowed the lead federal and public defender in the Brooklyn office, Deirdre von Dornum, to tour the jail for four hours. Because the electrical fire had knocked out the lights and outlets, inmates could not use computers to contact relatives or request prescription refills, including for psychiatric medications, she said.

As officials toured the prison on Saturday afternoon, the protesters outside, including many relatives of inmates there, marched around the jail chanting, Where is the warden? Where is the heat?

As a brass band played outside, inmates pounded on the narrow windows of their cells, in their own form of protest.Thank you for reading The Cascadia Advocate, the Northwest Progressive Institutes journal of world, national, and local politics.

Founded in March of 2004, The Cascadia Advocate has been helping people throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond make sense of current events with rigorous analysis and thought-provoking commentary for more than fifteen years. The Cascadia Advocate is funded by readers like you and trusted sponsors. We dont run ads or publish content in exchange for money.

Help us keep The Cascadia Advocate editorially independent and freely available to all by becoming a member of the Northwest Progressive Institute today. Or make a donation to sustain our essential research and advocacy journalism.

Your contribution will allow us to continue bringing you features like Last Week In Congress, live coverage of events like Netroots Nation or the Democratic National Convention, and reviews of books and documentary films.

Become an NPI member Make a one-time donationYou'll hear from some of best and brightest Northwest Indiana health-care professionals as they take you into operating rooms, senior care facilities, orthodontist chairs and examination rooms where the world's leading standards of medical innovation are in play every day.

Through this section, you'll learn medical innovation isn't always about complicated technologies, though the Region has that tech in spades. Several examples of the best innovation come in outside-the-box treatment that crosses health disciplinary fields.

The quality and level of care in force in our Region should make us feel fortunate and proud.

Quality of place means so much to all of us, and Northwest Indiana health-care providers are contributing a bounty of factors to this end.

Today's section is but a sampling of the best that Northwest Indiana health care has to offer.

In the coming year, The Times will make every effort to continue telling more of these stories.

Local News Editor Marc Chase can be reached at (219) 933-3327 or marc.chase@nwi.com. Follow him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/marc.chase.9 or Twitter @nwi_MarcChase. The opinions are the writer's.

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Catch the latest in Opinion Get opinion pieces, letters and editorials sent directly to your inbox weekly! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.When we need new employees, we interview candidates of all ages and genders, he says. We do get a healthy number of young candidates, especially for seasonal work. No matter what age we bring in, we always incorporate the soft skills of the Work Ethic program into our training program.

Douglas says that Employer Expectation posters provided by NWIWB adorn walls in the lunchroom, break room, and the HR department. Its more than a slogan, he claims. This is a customer-driven business, and we have to understand the criticality of being on time, responsible, safe and communicative. Customers have options. We need to make sure they have no need to look elsewhere.

Indiana Beverage has a history of promoting from within. Douglas explains that the majority of management began in the warehouse or as a delivery helper. We always make sure our employees understand that they can find a fulfilling, full-time career at Indiana Beverage.

Showing a positive attitude, following directions, being on time, honesty and dependability, and managing time effectively are important on the job floor. Douglas says that he tries to teach young employees that these same skills transfer to all walks of life.The puzzling thing is by then the Soviet Union had already crumbled and Russia could no longer afford to subsidize the Cuban basket case suffering from the U.S. embargo initiated following the missile crisis. But Chavez, megalomaniac that he was, saw himself as a new Simon Bolivar, the Venezuelan champion who led the liberation of much of South America from Spain 200 years ago.

Furthermore, Chavez likely saw similarities between Castro and himself. Both had led failed insurrections in their countries, been captured, tried, jailed and released to public acclaim before eventually coming to power. Both longed to play on a wider stage. Castro tried by tweaking the Yankee behemoths nose from time to time and sending troops to fight in Africa. Chavez tried by pushing what he called the Bolivarian Revolution, establishing 21st century socialism, cobbling Venezuela, Bolivia, Ecuador and Nicaragua into a political bloc and establishing BancoSur to sidestep the World Bank and International Monetary Fund. But most of all, Chavez admired Castros internal security forces as a means of controlling internal dissent.

Chavezs ambitions were aided by the fact Venezuela has the worlds largest oil reserves, and at that time oil prices hovered in the $100 per barrel range. Since Russia no longer provided subsidized oil to Cuba, Chavez decided to take up the slack. He made it so easy that Cuba didnt even have to pay cash but provided Venezuela with about 25,000 doctors to work in remote areas. Ever the showman, Chavez established PetroCaribe to provide oil to Caribbean and Central American countries in a scheme that would bind them to him plus give him influence over their economies and foreign policies. According to the CARICOM website, Venezuela offers oil agreements to member countries, which must pay 60 percent of the bill within 90 days. The remaining 40 percent can be financed over 25 years at one percent interest, should oil prices stay above US$40 per barrel. Financing takes into account the current cost of oil, allowing for more favorable terms when the cost is higher. Countries may also offer goods and services to pay off oil shipments; ranging from food such as beans and sugar, to human capital such as doctors.The last time I was with Dan Coats, we had breakfast at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland. He looked and sounded like a man ready to retire and enjoy his grandkids. He had been a public servant since 1980, his career coursing through the U.S. House, Senate and as ambassador to Germany, taking that post just hours before the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks.

Coats was a late supporter of Donald Trump. He and his wife, former Republican National Committeewoman Marsha Coats, had concerns about candidate Trump. Marsha wrote Trump a letter, hand-delivered by her husband, and at a subsequent appearance in Fort Wayne, Trump "sought her out, the senator said. He said, Marsha, I will not let you down.' This Donald Trump listened and asked questions.

But Coats understood the political attraction of Trump, in awe that he could draw 20,000 people to an arena. As for Trump's style, Coats told him, If you change your speech, you might draw 250 people. I think you really need to be Donald Trump, but what I see now is a Donald Trump who listens and asks questions.

Coats didn't retire at the end of 2016. By appeal from Vice President-elect Mike Pence, Coats became director of National Intelligence. He is guardian of the American empire, boss to spies and spooks, assessor of the plethora of threats we face and our ardent defender.REPUBLICAN SHUTDOWN PLAN: The Senate rejected a cloture motion to end debate on an amendment sponsored by Sen. Richard C. Shelby, R-Ala., to the Supplemental Appropriations Act (H.R. 268). The amendment would have provided funding through Feb. 8 for government agencies affected by the ongoing shutdown, and provided $5.7 billion of border security funding. Shelby called on the Senate to "put the bitterness behind us and do what is right for the American people  end the shutdown and secure the border." An opponent, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said Republican insistence that border security be included in a bill to end the shutdown was holding hostage government workers who are not being paid during the shutdown. The vote, on Jan. 24, was 50 yeas to 47 nays, with a three-fifths majority required for approval.The public is invited to attend one of two free training workshops for prospective volunteer monitors of local frog populations. Staff from Shirley Heinze Land Trust, The Field Museum and Indiana University Northwest will present the workshops on Feb. 9 in Michigan City, and on Feb. 13 in Valparaiso. The two sessions are identical in content. Workshop participants will learn about the characteristics of each species, their preferred habitat and how to identify the calls of 13 local frog and toad species. Newcomers to the program will be assigned a preserve or natural area close to their home, or they may attend the session just to learn about the issue. Spencer Cortwright, biology professor at Indiana University Northwest, will lead the workshop from 10 a.m. to noon Feb. 9 at Barker House, 444 Barker Road in Michigan City. Alan Resetar, Amphibian and Reptile Collections manager at The Field Museum, will lead the workshop from 7 to 9 p.m. Feb. 13 at Meadowbrook Conservation Center, 109 W. County Road 700 North, Valparaiso. Call 219-242-8558.Members of the Munster High School Theater program, under the leadership of Auditorium Director Ray Palasz and theatre faculty Peggy Matanic, performed competitively at the Indiana Thespians State Conference at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis. More than 900 middle and high school students from active troupes of the International Thespian Society came together for a weekend of auditions, workshops and competitions. This is the third year that Munster High School has attended, and the first year that Wilbur Wright Middle School was also represented. Together it was the largest delegation from Munster, with 31 students participating. The Indiana Thespians is the state-level organization for the Educational Theatre Association, which also sponsors the International Thespian Society.In late December, as Guzman was still in the ICU, doctors told Schmidt to expect the worst. With her son no longer able to breathe on his own, Schmidt began making funeral plans and told doctors to remove her babys ventilator. Days later, her baby was still breathing.

We dont know how to explain how that happened, Schmidt said. Hes a rock star.

About a week later, Guzman was discharged. Schmidt took him home and returned to giving dialysis care and new breathing treatments. However, Guzman would still spend two more stints in the hospital  going back once with a 105-degree fever and again when a doctor discovered a bad case of bronchitis at a regular appointment.

While Schmidt is counting down the days until she can bring her son home next, she said having him in the care of Rileys doctors and nurses brings her peace of mind.

Its a scary thing as a mother, Schmidt said. At home, you have this fear as a mother; are you going to wake up to your son being dead?

But, Schmidt holds on to hope. She said her son may be discharged from Riley once again this weekend. Her focus now is helping her son make it through his first year. Doctors have told her when Guzman can hit that benchmark, his chances of living a longer life will be much greater.The city of Gary remains the property tax rate capital of Indiana.

The Indiana Department of Local Government Finance recently released the 2019 annual budget for all 50 of Lake County's taxing districts.

Gary's rate is more than 43 percent higher than any other tax rates in Lake County, more than double the highest rates in Porter and LaPorte counties and more than three times the average tax rate for all of Indiana's 2,057 community, school and other special tax districts.

The state's database indicates Gary has the highest rate in Indiana for the seventh year in a row.

The rates, recalculated annually to bill about 240,000 parcels of residential and business real estate across the county, are all over the map.

They are down from the previous year for Cedar Lake, most of Crown Point, Hammond, Highland, Lake Station, Lowell, Merrillville, Munster, New Chicago and Schneider.

Hammond's rate, which is set this year at $5.16 per $100 assessed value, is a 10 percent reduction from last year. Heather Garay, Hammond chief financial official, said the city has beaten down its tax rate by cutting spending across the board, and is reaping the benefits of projects that is growing the city's assessed value and tax base.Upon spotting Beard's red Hyundai, Michigan City police led a chase with multiple squad cars pursuing Beard's car eastbound on I-94 and then eastbound on U.S. 20.

Beard allegedly attempted to strike the side of a pursuing squad car and swerved in and out of lanes on I-94, police said.

At one point, Beard rolled down his window and waved for the squad cars to get next to him. Detective Al Schutz pulled up and rolled down his window and yelled for Beard to pull over, to which Beard yelled back, You didn't help me, Schutz, you were supposed to help me, Schutz! before waving, rolling up his window and continuing to drive.

The chase ended in the 4600 clock of W. U.S. 20 in LaPorte when officers surrounded and blocked in Beard's vehicle. Beard then allegedly rolled down his window two inches, yelled that nobody tried to help him, and then rolled the window back up, refusing to get out of his car.

As they surrounded him, police saw Beard hold a can of air duster to his mouth several times before an officer broke out the side windows of the vehicle to get Beard out of the car.

Beard was arrested and transported to Franciscan Health Michigan City, where police requested a drug screening to detect difluorethane, an active ingredient in Ultra Duster.Merrillville police had 564 warrant arrests last year. Officers had 348 warrant arrests in 2017.

The guys are serving more warrants, Petruch said.

Reports of assault dropped from 352 in 2017 to 287 last year, according to police data.

Merrillville had seven rape cases in 2018 and three in 2017.

The six homicide cases last year was one more than the town had in 2017.

Rice noted the number of homicides from 2018 includes a police-involved shooting of a 30-year-old South Dakota man.

Jimmy M. Terry was fatally shot by police in February last year outside of the Art Hill Ford Lincoln dealership.

Terry was holding a knife at the dealership and threatened to harm people during the incident, according to police. He was shot after he disregarded orders to drop the knife.

It was determined Merrillville police were justified in the shooting.

Although the number of homicide cases was consistent with 2017, the town wants no homicides to take place, Petruch said.

After reviewing the crime data, Petruch said he was pleased with what the department was able to accomplish in 2018.

We had another good year, he said.

Love 0 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0GARY  A Gary councilwoman called her alleged abuser and former Lake County Councilman Jamal Washington a "master of deception," Saturday in a statement.

Washington, 45, was formally charged Friday with five felony counts related to criminal confinement, domestic battery and intimidation in an incident involving Gary Councilwoman LaVetta Sparks-Wade, who long has been one of his biggest supporters and political allies and is currently running for Gary mayor.

"Domestic violence does not occur overnight, nor does it transpire suddenly," Sparks-Wade said in a written statement. "It presents as a gradual erosion of the character, self-esteem and confidence of its victims until they no longer recognize themselves. This is a difficult experience; I know that this was not my fault and I want other women to know, it is not their fault. I may be battered and bruised, but I am not broken. I have no idea what the path to healing holds, but in the words of Wess Morgan, 'God will get me through this.'"

In her statement, Sparks-Wade said she could not speak to details of the incident, but said she felt it was important to speak to the residents of Gary.

Sparks-Wade told police Washington threatened to kill her, and in a fit of rage, battered and held her against her will in her home, newly filed court records show.IUN graduate student Toni Dickerson, who in her role as president of IUNs Black Student Union helped organize February events on campus, said through taking some of these classes, shes been able to dive deeper into her studies of black history than her high school classes allowed.

She said the programs emphasis on social justice has carried over into her work with the Black Student Union, which is working to engage with Gary high school students and encourage them to pursue degrees at IUN. She said she often thinks about the students who came before her who fought to make such classes possible.

For them to say this is what we need, we need to learn about ourselves and our truth, that goes without words, Dickerson said. To be a part of it for 50 years, thats wonderful that it is still going, and were trying to make it stronger.

A full-circle celebration

Even after his successes demanding observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Deloney said he wasnt readily embraced by the IU community.Aside from being easy to train, the dogs are a lot of fun and great people dogs, Short said.

They are alert, attentive and lively, and are happy to be active, especially outside. They also work well inside, because they are not barky, but they will alert if someone comes to door, Short said.

They are used to working alone and pack well together, but dont necessarily like other dogs, Short said. They like their space. They wouldnt bite, but they would growl. Most dog people know that.

Kooikers have a high prey drive and can be noise sensitive, so breeders work on noise sensitivity training with puppies to help them get used to loud noises, like fireworks, gunshots and train whistles.

Shorts husband, David Mattix, is retired, so he keeps the dogs company while she is at work.

For fun, we like walking and hiking, Short said. We spend a lot of time outside with them, because they are good outdoor dogs.

Short said adding her four Kooikerhondjes to the family also has reshaped her approach to her medical practice.Her new music video, filmed in the Ukrainian capital Kiev, features a defiant pink rhino charging at a man who has abandoned her at the altar. She says the song presents a more "raw, real" version of female empowerment than last year's upbeat anthem.

Barzilai says that since her Eurovision victory, she's faced overwhelming pressure, both personal and political. "With all this love obviously comes a lot of hate," she said, especially from those who see her as nothing more than a "one hit wonder, a hit-maker," with ridiculous dance moves and outrageous clothes.

But she says she's trying to become the feminist role model her fans expect, adding that her win not only changed the course of her career, but altered the way she sees herself.

"After this experience, the people made me into some kind of idol for empowerment, self-acceptance and love," she said. "But what they don't know is that's actually what empowered me."Fair Oaks Farms plans to show off the art in its brand new Fairfield by Marriott Fair Oaks Farms hotel that opened last month.

The agritourism destination is hosting The Art of Hospitality in which artists featured in the public spaces and guest rooms of the $15 million barn-shaped hotel will give TED-like talks and auction off their works, with proceeds benefiting Saint Joseph's College, the shuttered liberal arts college in Rensselaer that's been working to get back on its feet.

The swanky soiree will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16.

We are pleased to host the Art of Hospitality charity event, benefiting Saint Josephs College, and we are honored to have the event co-sponsored by the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority, Newton County, Jasper County, Indiana, and the Northwest Indiana Forum," Fair Oaks Farms Chief Strategy Officer Michael McCall said. "Our new Fairfield by Marriott Fair Oaks Farms is a very special hotel, with contemporary barn architecture and art-filled interiors, which we are excited to bring to the Northwest Indiana region. Celebrating the hotels uniqueness for the benefit of a very worthy cause, Saint Josephs College, with brilliant artists and their wonderful creations, amply augmented with food and libations, will combine to create a party to remember."A charity Valentine's lunch event for Honor Flight Chicago will take on a Hollywood theme in Northwest Indiana next weekend.

The event "Hollywood Headlines" takes place at noon Feb. 10 at Teibel's in Schererville. In addition to lunch, there will be a special program featuring film clips, photographs, and various displays of autographs, letters and more showcasing Hollywood greats and other famous names from the last 50 years. Notables in the spotlight will be everyone from Bob Hope and Zsa Zsa Gabor to musical artists, U.S. Presidents and others.

Host for the 11th annual fundraiser will be journalist/author Philip Potempa. Prizes also will be given away during the festivities.

Guests will have a lunch choice of either Teibel's Fried Chicken, the restaurant's Famous Boned and Buttered Lake Perch or Beef Sirloin Tips. Every lunch is accompanied by a choice of beverage and cake and ice cream for dessert.

For the last few years, the Valentine's luncheon has been a fundraiser for Honor Flight Chicago, which honors U.S. veterans from Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland by offering them a flight to Washington D.C. where they are celebrated during a day of activities and special tributes.The South Shore Line has designated $40 million over five years starting in 2020 to the acquisition of new rail cars it will add to the fleet on its main line while allowing rehabilitated cars to be transferred to the planned West Lake Corridor.

The Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District Board of Trustees approved a contract with the New York-based firm STV at its January meeting that would have the firm advise the railroad on the purchase of new rail cars, including identifying a manufacturer and specific features.

STV has had similar consulting experience recently with Metra and with a Virginia commuter railroad, NICTD Purchasing Manager Tony Siegmund told the board. STV will be paid $39,800 for a process intended to last about four months.

The manufacturer of the South Shore's current two-level gallery cars, Nippon Sharyo, pulled out of the U.S. market.

"We really need to look at all options, whether we can get someone to build our current gallery-style, or, we need to look at other style cars," South Shore President Michael Noland said.

The railroad is looking at buying 26 cars in coming years, and Noland said the decision on the new cars will likely set a precedent for future purchases."Shell is pleased to have reached a tentative agreement with the United Steelworkers International Union at the national level," Shell said in a statement. "We believe this agreement respects the needs of our employees, underpins our resolute commitment to safety and ensures the economic health of Shells facilities. The tentative agreement is being put before the USWs membership at our refineries and chemical plants for ratification in the coming days. While some local issues are still being addressed at various sites around the country, national contract issues have been resolved. ... We look forward to the contract being ratified and continuing in our mission to safely provide quality products to our customers."The Lord taketh away but also sometimes giveth.

Many fans of traditional Mexican food were bummed out when the beloved Memo's Taco Mex restaurant closed in Highland last fall.

But another Mexican place with a cult following plans to take over the 40-seat eatery at 2128 45th St. in Porte De L'eau Plaza.

Fat Burrito, which has been stuffing Crown Point residents since 2012, is renovating the restaurant space and hoping to open its second location within the next few months.

Co-owners Ben Parades Rojas and David Huetra De Jesus have been looking to expand for some time because of the brisk business at the original location at 1302 N. Main St. in Crown Point. De Jesus said they hoped to open the Highland Fat Burrito in a few months, possibly as soon as March, but that a lot of renovation still needed to be done.

"We're going to have to do some work in it," he said. "We don't know the date we're going to open yet."

Fat Burrito serves a variety of Mexican fare but is especially known for its huge namesake Mission-style burritos made with a 16-inch tortilla, melted cheese and red or green sauce on the top. They are indeed fat and not for the faint of appetite.

OpenIndianapolis, IN (46208)

Today

Cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy after midnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 52F. Winds N at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy after midnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 52F. Winds N at 10 to 15 mph.Roseburg, OR (97470)

Today

A mix of clouds and sun. Hot. High 94F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Mainly clear. Low around 60F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph.Nebraska high school journalists are well aware that the stories they write must be acceptable to their school administrators.

Its not about whether its accurate, said Gracia Lantis, an editor of North Platte High Schools newspaper. Its about whether or not the story is good for my schools image. Knowing that schools are supposed to teach democracy and civics, this makes no sense to me.

Lantis and other students, along with journalism teachers, testified Friday before the Nebraska Legislature in favor of a measure introduced by State Sen. Adam Morfeld of Lincoln.

Legislative Bill 206 would establish greater independence for high school and college newspapers from their schools administrations.

Lantis said she was worried that printing the truth could mean the end of the newspaper or could cost her teacher her job.

Speaking today makes me nervous for my job security, said Lori Larson, the North Platte High School journalism teacher.

I do not want to dumb down the curriculum just to make everything look great, she said.Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 2)  Back in 1966, National artist for literature Nick Joaquin wrote about how thousands of pushing and screaming fans welcomed the Beatles when the British group arrived at the airport for their Manila concert.

It is 2019 and it seems like not much has changed.

Korean pop group Black Pink arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) last night to thousands of Filipino fans wanting to get a chance to meet their idols.

However, it was not the warm welcome the ardent fans of the group had hoped for. Videos soon spread on twitter of people climbing cars and screaming.

One fan pointed out that it looked like something out of a zombie movie.

omg look at them  thats a police mobile btw pic.twitter.com/Y4Sw4WnKS9  else  (@winkatblackpink) February 1, 2019

I know how excited and hype you are but please not like this it's so disappointing.. our blackpink babies doesn't look happy and you guys gonna hurt yourself too, another netizen said.

#BLACKPINKinMANILA don't want to compare but damn.this is too much.. i know how excited and hype you are but please not like this it's so disappointing.. our blackpink babies doesn't look happy and you guys gonna hurt yourself too.. safety is first like jennie said pic.twitter.com/bBIVG7llQr  Pristineee (@BlinkPristine) February 1, 2019

<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Security eventually had to step in to berate the rowdy fans.

One fan is also gaining the ire of netizens for bragging about how he touched one of members of Black Pink when she passed by.

On the other hand, the concert held Saturday night seemed to have gone without a hitch. And hopefully, that would be enough to make up for the wild welcome the K-pop stars had the night before.Saidi Ringenberg of Lexington and Abigail Olson of Sargent represented Nebraska at the National Make It With Wool competition in conjunction with the American Sheep Industry Association Convention, Jan. 24-26, in New Orleans, Louisiana.

The wool contest has been conducted for 71 years.

Junior Division contestant Ringenberg was first runner-up. She received a Brother International serger/overlock machine, Madam Sew 32-piece presser foot set, wool fabrics from Pendleton and Fields Fabrics, Westcott shears, Wild Ginger pattern making software, Coats and Clark threads, a McCalls pattern and sewing notions.

For her entry, she constructed and modeled a coat using burgundy jacquard wool fabric. Her coat features a shawl collar, raglan sleeves, and front button closing. To coordinate with the coat, she constructed black tapered wool knit pants. Ringenberg is the daughter of Joel and Stephanie Ringenberg.

Olson was third runner-up in the senior division. She received a Nancys Notions gift certificate, wool fabrics from Pendleton and Elfriedes Fine Fabric, Coats threads, Fiskars shears, a Butterick pattern and sewing notions. In the contestant drawing, Olson won the refurbished Brother Project Runway sewing machine.All classmates, spouses, and friends are invited to join us.

Farm and Ranch Expo lunch proceeds go to Hershey After Prom

Proceeds from the Wednesday and Thursday lunches at the Farm and Ranch Expo on Wednesday and Thursday will go to the Hershey After Prom program.

Pulled pork and sloppy Joes will be served. The After Prom is designed to keep students safe, and offer activities for them after prom.

Father-daughter night to be at Rec Center

From walking her to her first day of school to walking her down the aisle, a daddy wishes so many things for his little girl. A special evening at the North Platte Recreation Center on Feb. 15 will celebrate these bonds.

The father-daughter night at the Rec Center is for daughters in kindergarten through fifth grades and their dads.

The evening includes dinner for two, sweet treat buffet and dance. Daughters can make a butterfly ornament for their dads. Professional photographer Amy Minshull will be available to capture this special evenings memories for an additional fee.

Dinner will be served at 6 p.m. in the Rec Center gym followed by dancing until 9 p.m.Chad Johnston, an ag and commercial lender at Equitable Bank, was recently named chairman of the Nebraska Independent Community Bankers Association, where he will serve a two-year term. He has served on the Board of Directors for five years and on the executive committee for four years. Prior to his appointment he served as vice chairman.

After graduating from Thedford High School in 1988, Johnston studied Finance at the University of Wyoming. Since then, he has been in banking for over 25 years. In that time he served as president of a local community bank for 7 years, before bringing his expertise to Equitable Bank.

As chairman of the NICBA, Johnstons duties include visiting independent banks in Nebraska, lobbying the unicameral and the US Congress. Major concerns include the high property taxes, agricultural economics and banking laws and regulations. In April he will fly to Washington, D.C., to meet with congressional staff, senators and representatives. He will be the voice for the Nebraska Independent Bankers. His position gives him the opportunity to address the rules and regulations small banks must comply with and show the difference between community banks and large corporate banks. He feels his position is to stand up and be vocal to roll back regulations for community banks which in turn will be a benefit to the customers.

Johnston and wife, Audra, have five children. He currently serves as director for the Nebraska High School Rodeo Association, and before that as president of the Nebraska State Rodeo Association. Johnston is a former steer wrestling champion. He spends his spare time caring for their cattle and horses or in the arena helping the kids with their given rodeo events. They working on the ranch, go to sporting events and attend high school rodeos.With just her mother, her father and herself growing up, she remembers going to purchase fertilizer and receiving nasty stares, she said.

But Penna, too, described an overall positive experience.

Im really lucky for being around people who have uplifted me and not pushed me down for being a woman in agriculture, she said.

She added that having a place in her family business helped.

In October, Penna realized just how much support she had when her father died. As Penna took time off from school, her professors were understanding and supportive. The family that boards Kiwi, the horse Penna bought at college, immediately agreed to care for her while Penna was gone.

When it came time to return to school, I felt like I should stay at home, Penna said. Her mother urged her to return and finish her studies.

She is an exceptional student, said Meredith Cable, an assistant professor of animal science. She didnt skip a beat. She aced every class I had with her.

After her fathers death, some days have been harder than others for Penna.LINCOLN  The Nebraska Agriculture Leaders Working Group has announced its support for a bill introduced by Sen. Curt Friesen to fix major inequities in how Nebraska funds K-12 schools, while lowering property taxes for all Nebraskans.

With numerous legislative proposals dealing with school funding and tax relief having been introduced, the agriculture leaders believe LB 497 is the best bill from which to start.

We appreciate all of the different ideas that have been brought to the table. We understand that no bill dealing with these critical issues will look the same at the end of the session as it does at the start, but we think this bill is the most comprehensive in addressing the issues. Im sure there will be things we will find to make it even better, said Steve Nelson, Nebraska Farm Bureau president, in a provided statement.

The bills guarantee that all Nebraska students receive at least 50 percent of their basic education funding from the state is key to the groups support.The 26,000 square feet facility, which is expected for completion in August 2020, will feature a 9,459 square foot demonstration area, 1,117 square feet of seminar and conference room, 1,804 square feet of commons, 5,098 square feet of classroom and lab space, plus a 185-seat auditorium, allowing for ATEC to bring in large conferences.

If you think about retraining people, retooling and all the needs of the agricultural community, this building is going to provide the infrastructure to do that, Hansen said.

Hansen said that EWCs Ag program traditionally hovers around about 70 students. With the addition of ATEC, he hopes that number will double, especially once the college expands its precision agriculture courses which will prepare students for a workforce that has become increasingly reliant on technological knowhow.

Hansen said that the goal of the projects program has been to produce the kind of employees needed to help grow the local and regional agriculture industry.

He said that one third of EWCs ag students return to the farm or ranch to put their skills to use, but they can also use them later in the commercial world, such as in the precision ag market.Next week, which is being referred to as Charter Week, there are many events planned to celebrate the establishment of the University of Nebraska. For the complete overview go to https://n150.unl.edu/.

We recognize that the city of Lincoln is a long way from the Nebraska Panhandle. So, we at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Panhandle Research and Extension Center and District are teaming up with the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) School of Nursing and UNMC Department of Dental Hygiene, which both have programs located in Scottsbluff, along with several gracious community members, to plan to celebrate the birthday of our institution in the west.

Although the Panhandle celebration will not take place during Charter Week, we are finalizing plans for an N150 party to be held in Scottsbluff later this spring. Once we have tied down a date with an invited VIP, we will announce further details of this celebration.A post on Reddit allegedly contains a screenshot of a Gmail app interface that integrates many features taken from Inbox. They include a pinned-only toggle, per-subject bundling and Assistant-esque reminders. They may have been picked for preservation by Google before Inbox shuts down for good.

Working For Notebookcheck Are you a techie who knows how to write? Then join our Team! Especially English native speakers welcome! English-Chinese-Translator - Details here



A screenshot posted by the Redditor moodio shows what appears to be a version of Gmail with extra added Inbox features. The latter app was once the Google service du jour due to its innovative AI-powered features. However, its experimental nature meant it never really caught on, leaving the company to compensate by transferring its capabilities to Gmail over time. They have included inline attachments, Nudges, Smart Replies and email snoozing. Now, it appears that more Inbox attributes are being cherry-picked for Gmail.

According to the new leak, these include an option to see pinned emails only in a Gmail feed. The purported new version of Gmail can also apparently bundle emails based on similar titles or subject-matter. There are also Reminders visible in this screen-shot, which suggests Assistant or Google Task integration. The screenshot also shows reminders at the top of the app's feed.

The screenshot also suggests a degree of app re-design in order to accomodate all of these new features. Fans of Dark Mode may be disappointed to learn that this app has a high white content in its background. As for Inbox itself, it is reportedly in line for the axe some time next month.The following incidents in Lycoming County are compiled from faxed police reports received from Pennsylvania State Police in Montoursville since January 28, 2019:

Overdose - 1/31/19 between 5:45 and 6:15 a.m. at Talmar Road, Jordan Township. Police responded to a report of a heroin overdose. The victim was responsive upon EMS arrival.

Theft of Items from Motor Vehicle - 1/24/19 between 3 and 6 p.m. at 100 block of Harvest Moon Park, Woodward Township. An unknown suspect(s) entered the victim's vehicles, removed items from the center console and put items on the passenger seats and floor. The suspect(s) did not take anything. The victim was home at the time.

DUI Crash Alcohol - 1/20/19 at 1955 Warrensville Rd., Loyalsock Township. Police said John Kiess, 53, of Montoursville, crashed his vehicle and fled the scene. Charges are pending blood alcohol content results.

Harassment Physical Contact - 1/20/19 at 8:20 p.m. at Schmouder Drive, Jackson Township. Police said Allison Hanze, 39, of Meadville, pushed a female victim.

Burglary Residential No Force - Between 5 p.m. 1/18/19 and 8 p.m. 1/19/19 at N. Woods Road, Jordan Township. An unknown actor(s) unlawfully entered two residences and stole tools, household appliances and other miscellaneous items. Anyone with information may contact PSP Montoursville at 570 368-5700.

Theft by Deception - 1/7/19 at 6:02 p.m. at McGill Hollow Rd., Woodward Township. An unknown actor impersonated an Apple employee via telephone and fraudulently used $600 from the victim's Google Play gift cards.

Theft - Between 1/1/19 and 1/17/19 at 15000 block of Coudersport Pike, Cummings Township. Police are investigating the theft of a victim's cell phone in which the suspect purchased $299.87 of services.

Drug Possession - 12/30/18 at 10:43 p.m. at Route 220 South, Williamsport City. Police pulled over Ryan Michel, 44, of Jersey Shore, for multiple traffic violations. Upon contact, marijuana and paraphernalia were located inside the vehicle. It was determined Michel was driving while under influence of marijuana. Misdemeanor drug and paraphernalia charges, as well as summary traffic violations were filed against Michel.

Drug Possession - 12/23/18 at 1:24 p.m. at Old Montoursville Rd./Barneys Dr., Loyalsock Township. Police pulled over a 20-year-old man of Williamsport for a traffic violation and found he was driving under the influence of marijuana. A search of the vehicle yielded a small amount of marijuana. He was arrested for drug possession. A passenger was also arrested for an outstanding warrant.

PFA Violation - 12/22/18 at 3:16 p.m. at 1729 E. Third Street, Loyalsock Township. Maurice Thomas, 30, of Shamokin, was arrested for a protection of abuse order violation.

Burglary Commercial Force - Between 10/23/18 and 12/4/18 at Wertman's Train and Tackle, 173 W. Water St., Muncy Creek Township. Someone attempted to pry open the doors of the business with a pry bar or similar instrument. Anyone with information should contact PSP Montoursville at 570 368-5700.

Theft - Between 10/10/18 and 1/31/19 at McDonald's office, 301 Country Club Drive, Loyalsock Township. An unknown actor(s) used account information for the corporate payroll office to make online transactions. Amount used was $48,185.07. Anyone with information may contact PSP Montoursville at 570 368-5700.North Augusta, SC (29841)

Today

Partly to mostly cloudy with a chance of thunderstorms. Low 74F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Partly to mostly cloudy with a chance of thunderstorms. Low 74F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 60%.The U.S. Department of Energy quietly shipped a half-metric-ton of weapons-grade plutonium out of South Carolina and into Nevada prior to November 2018, according to documents recently filed in district court. And Nevada politicians are not happy about it.

National Nuclear Security Administration General Counsel Bruce Diamond disclosed the once-classified  secret for national security purposes, Diamond said  shipments in a Wednesday court declaration.

The plutonium shipments  sent by way of secure trucking, according to a July 2018 NNSA environmental study  were handled before the state of Nevada sued the DOE to preempt them, according to Diamond. South Carolina in mid-January was granted intervenor status in Nevada's lawsuit.

Diamond did not describe the route taken and did not provide a specific timeframe or date.

District judge grants S.C. intervention in lawsuit; hearing scheduled for mid-January A district court judge has approved the state of South Carolina's request to intervene in a plutonium-related lawsuit filed in Nevada.

The plutonium relocation, and expected long term staging, seemingly blindsided Nevada officials.

On Twitter, Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak said he was "beyond outraged" and described DOE's confidential transport as "unacceptable deception." On Twitter, as well, U.S. Rep. Susie Lee, D-Nevada, said "this move" by DOE was dangerous.

"Nevada is not the nation's nuclear dumping ground," she tweeted.

U.S. Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nevada, had similar things to say: The senator said the DOE's actions were "unconscionable."

"I'll be demanding they explain why these agencies ignored a federal court and how this reckless decision was made," Cortez Masto said Wednesday in a prepared statement.

The DOE refuted the myriad statements on Thursday, claiming Nevada leaders were kept in the loop as much as possible.

"The Department of Energy was as transparent as operational security would permit," the DOE said in an afternoon statement.

The plutonium relocation, from the Savannah River Site to the Nevada National Security Site, was spurred by a 2017 court order. The order, issued by U.S. District Court Judge J. Michelle Childs, requires the DOE to remove 1 metric ton of weapons-usable plutonium from the state by 2020.

The shipments were in compliance with the order, the DOE said Thursday.

NNSS is located almost two hours northwest of Las Vegas.

An NNSA spokesperson in November 2018 told the Aiken Standard a half-metric-ton of the plutonium would be shipped out of South Carolina before year's end. The other half  potentially headed to the Pantex Plant in Texas  would be removed in 2019, the spokesperson continued.

Budget report: Plutonium pit production could cost $9B over next 10 years Fully satisfying the U.S. energy and defense departments' fiscal year 2019 nuclear-related requests would cost $494 billion over the next deca

No more plutonium related to the SRS removal campaign will be sent to NNSS, according to court documents filed by the federal government.

"All other shipments of plutonium  are going elsewhere," a filing reads.

All things considered, the 1 metric ton will be introduced into the nation's defense stockpile and will be used for plutonium pit production at Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico, according to the NNSA analysis. Plutonium pits are nuclear weapon cores.

"This material will ultimately be used for vital national security missions and is not waste," reads a Nov. 20 letter written by NNSA Chief of Staff William "Ike" White.

White's letter was sent to government officials in Nevada.Norman, OK (73070)

Today

Partly cloudy skies. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 56F. NE winds at 10 to 20 mph, decreasing to less than 5 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 56F. NE winds at 10 to 20 mph, decreasing to less than 5 mph.Strong comments from a man with limited foreign relations experience who has offered no evidence to support his claims!

Rep. Adam Schiff, D-California, chairman of the House intelligence committee, credited the agencies with providing rigorous and realistic analyses of threats facing the nation. Its deeply dangerous that the White House isnt listening, he tweeted.

Mark Warner of Virginia, the senior Democrat on the Senates intelligence panel, was even blunter in expressing his displeasure with Trumps comments.

The president has a dangerous habit of undermining the intelligence community to fit his alternate reality, Warner tweeted. People risk their lives for the intelligence he just tosses aside on Twitter.

Then on Thursday, a day after he lashed out at the U.S. intelligence agency chiefs, Trump abruptly reversed course and said that he and the intelligence community are all on the same page.

He said he met with top security officials and they told him their Senate testimony on Tuesday had been mischaracterized by the news media, adding the intelligence chiefs said they were totally misquoted and  it was taken out of context. Trump told reporters, They said it was fake news.In 1867, Anton Rosner, then 26, his 21-year-old wife Barbara and baby Joseph left their native Austria-Hungary and came to the United States, settling in Council Bluffs.

Their first home was on Pierce Street. It was in this house that their other children were born: Anton in 1868, Mary (Maria) in 1870, John, in 1878 and a one-month-old baby identified in the 1880 census only as Rosner, 1/12. The baby was not listed in the following census.

Anton was a bricklayer, working for Larson & Sons. Among the many Council Bluffs buildings he helped to erect were the original Masonic Temple at 508-510 West Broadway, the International Order of Odd Fellows (I.O.O.F.) Hall and the original building at the Iowa School for the Deaf. The brick pillars that once graced the entrance are no longer there, but the red brick building on the hill looks out over the campus still today.

On Jan. 9, 1878, Anton Rosner purchased several lots on Madison Avenue and established a vineyard and apple orchards. H.H. Field, in his History of Pottawattamie County, writes: Fruit raising during the early settlement of the county was not attended with much success. At first the young trees would kill out during the winters, some of which were severe, but the real cause was found to be the long distance from which they were brought.Farmers should concentrate on getting grain sold using their cost of production, current market structure and seasonality for pricing, he said.

He recommended producers have a significant percentage of corn and soybean production sold by July 4, but be aware of the possibility that there may be far fewer soybean acres planted and more acres of corn put in this year.

Markets this year will be affected by outside forces and events, Mussman said. Contributing to the volatility will be the amount of agricultural products coming from South America, specifically Brazil and Argentina.

Weather conditions in the United States during the growing season will have an impact on agricultural output, depending on if there is too little, or too much, moisture at critical periods.

The stability of the ethanol industry will play a significant role in whether there will be an increased demand for corn.

And the effect of a trade war between the United States and China, involving tariffs placed on imports of agricultural items, could cause more turmoil and reduce the markets for products from American farms.

In addition, Mussman said, producers should not ignore the fact that the worlds production capacity continues to exceed the growing demand base.Tens of thousands of Louisianas youngest children are being left behind. Their families cant afford quality preschool or child care, leaving them unprepared for kindergarten and damaging their future.

But a study commission appointed by the Legislature has an ambitious plan to fix that.

The Early Childhood Care and Education Commission approved a plan Tuesday to ask legislators for $85.8 million in next years budget to provide preschool to 5,520 children in need who are on a waiting list for services. The money also would be used to increase subsidies for existing preschool seats and to continue funding for 800 4-year-olds who are served by a grant that is ending.

Then, each year for the next nine years, the commission wants the Legislature to add funding for 9,630 more children  providing services to a total of 92,000 additional children from birth to age 3 over the next decade.

The investment will increase access, quality and affordability of early childhood education to significantly bolster childrens readiness for kindergarten, the commission said in its report.

While a childs brain is 90 percent formed by age 5, Louisiana provides quality child care services to less than 7 percent of children birth to two years old and less than 33 percent of 3- year-olds.

This isnt only detrimental to individual families. Two out of three children under age 5 in Louisiana have both parents or their single parent working, according to the 2018 Kids Count report. Research also found that Louisianas economy loses an estimated $1.1 billion each year due to absences by parents because of breakdowns in child care.

The findings of that 2017 report by the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children, LSU, Loyola University and Entergy were bleak: 14 percent of parents turned down a promotion because of child care issues; 18.5 percent went from full-time to part-time work; 16 percent had to quit their job, and more than 40 percent had to miss work or leave early during a 90-day period.

The Council for a Better Louisiana also pointed out the connection: As important as early education is in the cognitive development of children and their preparation for school, it is also becoming a workforce development issue of growing importance to businesses.

So, investing in early childhood education is smart.

Educators and other advocates for Louisiana children have pushed the Legislature for years to increase funding for preschool. A coalition of more than 45 business, advocacy and community groups called Ready Louisiana  which includes the Committee of 100 for Economic Development, League of Women Voters, Louisiana Budget Project and Stand for Children  are dedicated to getting resources for preschool.

Legislators talk about the importance of preschool, but they havent committed the states money to it.

In 2018, lawmakers put $28 million in new federal funding into the Child Care Assistance Program, which provides aid for low-income working parents in school or job training. But there was no new state money committed to the program.

The Child Care Assistance Program was serving almost 40,000 children under age 4 a decade ago, but it only had money for 15,000 by 2017. The infusion of federal funding was expected to take care of some of the children on a waiting list, but there are thousands more who need services.

Those are the children the $85.8 million requested by the early childhood commission would help.

The funding wont be easy to find, but the Legislature must do it. The state has made this kind of commitment before with its LA 4 program.

State funding was ramped up over a decade and supplemented by federal funding, and now 90 percent of 4-year-olds in need have access to quality pre-K classes. The program has led to fewer students repeating kindergarten, better test scores and a reduced need for special education placements, according to a study by the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

Creating an LA B to 3 program for children from birth to age 3 could have a similar impact. Only 22,000 children in Louisiana get those services now. The early childhood commissions plan would raise that number to 114,000 children in need over the next 10 years.

Rep. Stephanie Hilferty, a Metairie Republican, and Sen. Beth Mizell, a Republican from Franklinton, said after Tuesdays meeting that they hope lawmakers will approve funding for the plan.

This to better prepare our youngest learners from kindergarten and beyond, to solve our workforce crisis, and to position Louisiana for a brighter future, Rep. Hilferty said.

Its a win-win-win. The Legislature ought to be able to see that.Bow Wow was arrested after a woman told police the rapper assaulted her in Atlanta early Saturday (Feb. 2), according to CNN.

The rapper, whose birth name is Shad Moss, was booked with misdemeanor battery, CNN reported. The woman faces the same charges.

When police arrived at the scene, the woman said Moss assaulted her. Moss also told police that the woman attacked him.

Both suffered minor injuries from the fight, according to the report. Moss bond was set at $8,000.

Read the full story from CNN.Might end up needing to add prophet to CC Sabathias resume.

In early January, the Yankees starting pitcher said on his R2C2 podcast with Ryan Ruocco that he hoped Manny Machado ended up in the Bronx.

And then he explained why he thought why that could happen.

I dont know what they offered him, Sabathia said. "I dont know whats going on. I feel like the longer that it goes on the better chance that we have.

Obviously hes not getting the offers that he wants. And if it comes back around, everything being even, how do you not sign with the Yankees?

Watch Yankees beat reporter Brendan Kuty break that quote on Machados future down in the video above.

Heres the Yankees' release on their spring training non-roster invites:

The New York Yankees announced today that they have invited 21 non-roster players to 2019 Major League Spring Training. Of the group, 13 were signed (or re-signed) to minor league contracts for the 2019 season: LHP Rex Brothers, OF Billy Burns, LHP Danny Coulombe, C Kellin Deglan, C Francisco Diaz, RHP Danny Farquhar, RHP David Hale, RHP Drew Hutchison, RHP Brady Lail, C Ryan Lavarnway, OF Matt Lipka, C Jorge Saez and INF Giovanny Urshela. Deglan, Diaz, Hale, Lail, Saez and Urshela spent time in the Yankees organization last year and return in 2019 after signing new minor league deals, while Farquhar returns to the Yankees after a brief minor league stint with the organization in 2012. The number of players scheduled to report is 61.

Eight other Yankees farmhands were also extended invitations to big league camp, bringing the total to 21 additional players: OF Trey Amburgey, LHP Nestor Cortes Jr., RHP Cale Coshow, RHP Raynel Espinal, OF Estevan Florial, INF Mike Ford, INF Kyle Holder and RHP Michael King. Of this group, Coshow, Espinal, Florial and Holder were in Yankees camp in 2018. Amburgey and King will attend their first Major League Spring Training. As Rule 5 draftees a year ago, Cortes (Baltimore) and Ford (Seattle) both spent the spring in big league camp with their respective clubs before being returned to the Yankees later in 2018.

Brendan Kuty may be reached at bkuty@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @BrendanKutyNJ. Find NJ.com Yankees on Facebook.New Jerseys paid family leave program may soon soon be expanded big-time, which means you would get paid more for taking time off from your job while caring for a newborn or ill family member.

A bill to beef up paid family leave is now Gov. Phil Murphys desk after it was passed by both houses of the Democratic-controlled Legislature on Thursday.

The program, which covers those who work in New Jersey, is one of just a few in the country. But labor advocates for years have argued it does not reimburse workers enough for wages they lose by taking off from work. They say many low- and middle-income families simply cant afford to take the time off.

Right now, new parents or caregivers can receive up to six weeks of benefits equal to two-thirds of their pay, but capped at $633 a week.

The bill (A3975) would increase the eligibility period from six to 12 weeks and raise the cap on the reimbursement an applicant can receive to 85 percent of their wages  up to $859.

Far too many workers were not taking leave, even though they pay into the program, because they either didnt know about it or couldnt afford to use it, Sheila Reynertson, a senior policy analyst for New Jersey Policy Perspective, said in a statement.

By improving wage replacement rates, more low-income workers can afford to take leave when they need it. And by expanding the length of leave from 6 weeks to 12 weeks, more new parents can take the necessary time to recover from birth and bond with a new child.

Dena Mottola Jaborska, associate director of New Jersey Citizen Action, which advocated for the changes, said the goal is to design a program low- and middle-income workers can use and to make the numbers work for families with two earners who want time off to bond with a newborn.

Siblings, grandparents, grandchildren and parents-in-law also would be newly covered as caregivers. Under the current law, only children, parents, spouses, domestic partners and civil union partners qualify.

The bill also confers job protections as part of the insurance plan to employees of businesses with at least 30 employees, down from 50.

This bill also sets aside $1.2 million to advertise and promote the paid leave program.

The expansion does come at a cost to New Jersey workers. The paid family leave program is funded by workers through a small payroll deduction. As of Jan. 1, every worker is contributing on their first $34,400 in wages, or a maximum of $27.52 a year.

The bill adjusts this formula to tax the first $131,000 in wages, Reynertson said. Its not clear exactly how much more those working in New Jersey would pay because the rate is changed each year.

Assemblyman Anthony Bucco, R-Morris, said Thursday the increased payroll deduction is an unfair tradeoff for enhanced leave benefits.

I think if you asked folks whether or not theyd rather keep the money in their pocket than have an expansion to the family leave act, that they may or may not ever use, I think most people would say theyd rather keep the money in their pocket, he said.

Murphy is expected to sign the bill, and the increased benefits would take effect in July 2020.

The nonpartisan Office of Legislative Services estimates insurance claims paid out will increase by $287 million to $365 million a year once the expansion is implemented.

From 2009 to 2015, family leave insurance paid out nearly half a billion dollars in benefits for more than 200,000 claims. About eight in 10 claims are to bond with a child, while two in 10 are to take care of a family member.

Samantha Marcus may be reached at smarcus@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @samanthamarcus. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.I was standing at a strip mall in Iowa, the state where presidential campaigns are born and often die, and Cory Booker was about to walk in the door.

Gretchen Aschoff, 55, a nurse in Cedar Rapids, was waiting for him.

I am enraged, and I am looking for someone to channel my rage, said Aschoff, not really sure if the junior U.S. senator from New Jersey could be the one.

For Booker  and all the other candidates aiming to take on on President Donald Trump in 2020  that may be the key issue. Many disaffected Democrats say they are looking for a firebrand to unleash the fury kindled by a Republican president they see as unqualified, undisciplined and sometimes unhinged.

They want a living rage doll to scream for them.

It is not a role Booker has cast for himself. Even at this strip mall, he talks about "the lines that divide us are nowhere near those that unite us. And now that he has entered the presidential race, he faces a high-stakes dilemma  will a party rocked by outraged Berniecrats shrieking, I told you so! for the last three years pipe down long enough to hear him out?

Or more pointedly, is Cory Booker progressive enough to unite the Bernie Bros, Blue Dogs, Green New Dealers and who/whatever the hell else is carving up the Democratic Party ahead of 2020? Will all these disparate progressives be in any mood to trade purity for unity when they believe thats what cost them the election last time?

When I sit down with Booker in New Jersey to ask him this a few weeks after his Iowa trip, he acknowledged the problem, but said its one of semantics, not politics.

My problem is that these labels mean different things to different people, Booker observed, sliding into a Montclair diner booth to have a conversation about how he might surf the blue wave that flipped the House of Representatives all the way to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.

I label myself a progressive, but thats not how I start, said Booker as he stirred some almond milk into his coffee. I start with where my values are. My passion has always been Issues of poverty, issues of housing, issues of injustice."

To be sure, Booker has proposed  and succeeded  in passing some recent bipartisan initiatives that have met with applause from the left, like sentencing reform.

But many of the progressive ideas he supports may stand little chance. Booker supports a guaranteed universal income, and an innovative baby bonds program that would set up all Americans with a $1,000 trust account at birth that they could use to buy a home or pay for college. Appalled by the Flint, Mich. water crisis, hes sponsored bills strengthening environmental protections for Americas poorest.

Yet progressive initiatives that have had actual, broad-based Democratic support  like importing generic drugs from Canada to alleviate price-gauging of seniors  are where Bookers faltered in the past. Some progressives wonder if, when this guy addresses powerful, moneyed Wall Street interests, will he speak truth, or ask for a donation?

If you go outside New Jersey, people think hes wonderful, said Berton Lefkovic, a New Jersey progressive activist and Bernie Sanders delegate in 2016, But inside New Jersey, progressives dont trust him. Hes given progressives in New Jersey more than enough reason not to trust him."

Lefkovic points to a now-infamous January 2017 amendment to lower prescription drug prices for Americans by importing drugs from Canada" that failed in the Senate, noting that Booker was among the 52 senators who narrowly killed it.

Until recently, Booker has tried to explain it away as only a symbolic amendment  a non-binding measure that doesnt get signed by the president or become law  and that he voted no only because of genuine concerns about the safety of such drugs.

Then, recently, Booker stood next to Democratic socialist U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., at a press conference and decried the outrageous and unjustifiably high cost of prescription drugs.

U.S. Sen. Cory Booker stands between U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., at a Jan. 10, 2019, press conference at the Capitol announcing legislation to lower the cost of prescription drugs.

Booker then signed onto drug pricing reforms that would allow Medicare to negotiate drug prices, strip drug companies of a monopoly if their prices rose above those in other developed nations and, yes, to allow the importation of drugs from Canada.

Ive always supported imports," Booker said, rewriting history just a teensy bit. And we have a piece of legislation right now that will ensure safety, will drive down costs to taxpayers and will give people access to prescription drugs.

But his lack of full-throated support when the electoral stakes were at their lowest gives progressives like Lefkovic pause.

Obama was for a public option  until he wasnt. Booker also says hes for a single payer, (healthcare system)" Lefkovic said. Ill believe him when he casts a vote for it.

FLIRTING WITH THE WRONG CROWD?

When first running for the U.S. Senate in a 2013 special election, Booker took almost three-quarters of a million dollars from the securities and investment industry. By 2014, when he sought reelection  in an uncontested primary, by the way  Booker received $1.87 million from Wall Street. That was more than the top Republican recipient, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky pulled in that very same year.

Even Booker seemed to acknowledge the problem last February: After progressive candidate Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez promised not to accept donations from political action committees, she crushed longtime U.S. Rep. Joe Crowley, D-N.Y., making him the first House Democrat in the nation to lose a primary in 2018.

Almost immediately, Booker took the same no PAC money pledge as Ocasio-Cortez, saying that the campaign finance system was broken."

It may or may not help that a giant Wall Street reformer is sticking up for Booker on this front. Former U.S. Sen. Christopher Dodd, D-Conn., whose name is synonymous with the most comprehensive curb on the power of Wall Streets banks of the last decade, the Dodd-Frank Act. Dodd predicts it wont be crippling, especially given his track record on other progressive issues.

There will be some who try to bring up anything to disqualify someone, but I will quickly add that in Corys case, it shouldnt, said Dodd in an interview with NJ Advance Media.

I know Cory pretty well," said Dodd, who himself ran for president but lost to Barack Obama in the 2008 Democratic primary. " I dont necessarily draw the conclusion that because someone has received contributions that they all of a sudden have been bought by the (banking and financial services) industry."

At the same time, unlike Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, who have raised more than half of their campaign cash from grassroots giving, Booker has the lowest percentage of small-donor funds of any senator weighing a presidential bid. He relies on Wall Street cash more than any senator from either party. And he also came within a cats breath of being Hillary Clintons running mate, with the campaign reportedly going so far as to have Clinton-Booker 2016 signs printed up.

But forget the money for a second. Can Booker even wear the progressive mantle? Does a guy who burnished as a reformer in the hardball political arena of New Jersey, often doing so with a message of conciliation and a frequent stump speech that used the word love, have the street cred to carry a progressive message?

Candidates have been calling themselves progressive' all over the political spectrum because they realize thats where the energy and momentum is in the Democratic Party, said Neil Sroka, communications director for the left-leaning advocacy Democracy for America, which grew out of Gov. Howard Dean of Vermonts 2004 bid for the White House.

But 'progressive in politics has become like whole grain in cereals ," Sroka said. "So Democrats are like, Yeah, I want that, but I need more before I trust you just because you call yourself that. 

Steve Phillips, a San Francisco-based civil rights attorney and Democratic donor, has created a super PAC called Dream United thats already raised $4 million to run issue ads, even though it cant contribute to or coordinate directly with a Booker campaign.

Theres nobody more eloquent or passionate addressing poverty and promoting racial healing than Cory Booker. And theres clearly a desire for younger leadership. But how do progressives relate to the countrys profound and persistent racial inequality, as well as economic inequality? Well have to see.

Even Booker acknowledges the progressive label can mean different things to different people.

There are people who label themselves progressives, who think I am a progressive champion star, and have a whole bunch of evidence for that," he said."And then there are people that progressives who prolly think that I am not Bernie Sanders and therefore not pure in some way, and thats OK."

On the national stage, Booker has repeatedly told the story of how he and his parents were very nearly shut out of decent housing over racial bias and how that motivated him to enter public service.

Im a guy who grew up in Bergen County in an affluent town that we almost didnt get into because of the messed up housing policies in the state of New Jersey, said Booker at our sit down in Montclair, patting the diner booths table for emphasis. We have a shameful history of housing policies that disadvantaged people based on race and income. And I was very aware of that as a young black kid growing up in a white community, so by the time I was a teenager, my mission was to deal with these inequities."

Yet Booker has a way of effectively playing to both sides.

During a trip to Iowa in October to campaign for the midterm elections, I watched as Booker went out of his way to simultaneously take a shot at Wall Street and plant a kiss on public school teachers.

Who contributes more to this economy? Booker asked of a crowd of family farmers in Boone, Iowa in October. A 25-year-old stock broker in New York who makes a million dollars a year, or a 55-year-old school teacher who educates the workers of the future?

As the crowd exploded into sustained applause, Booker thundered on. Who should get the tax breaks? Who should get the loan forgiveness? Who should get free college? Cheers erupted.

Theres still a lot of distrust over all the corporate money and the charter schools, so thats going to be a big question mark hanging over him, said Jordan Zakarin, founder of Progressives Everywhere, a newsletter and website that spotlights and fundraises for progressive Democrats around the country.

CARRYING THE PROGRESSIVE TORCH

Its true Bernie Sanders was the top 2020 choice of self-identified progressives surveyed by the progressive political action committee Democracy for America in December, drawing 36 percent of the 94,000 progressives surveyed. And Booker, it should be said, was at the bottom, in single digits. But so were liberal darlings like U.S. Sens. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Kamala Harris of California, as well potent swing state Democrats like Sens. Sherrod Brown of Ohio and Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota.

In short, no single potential presidential candidate has full command of the Democratic Partys progressive base.

Cory Booker will face at least three other Democratic senators in the race for president in 2020, including Kamala Harris, D-Calif., (right), as well as Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Kirsten Gillibrand D-N.Y. (PennLive file)

A big chunk of Bernies support was that he was not Hillary, Phillips said. That constituency has many more options now., and a lot of young people seeking new energy and authenticity see that in Cory."

Perhaps having watched former Gov. Chris Christies disastrous effort to rebrand himself as an arch-conservative in 2015, Booker doesnt seem to be terribly interested in shoe-horning himself into progressivisms glass slipper.

Those people didnt care about the labels; they only care that they came home and had a job, Booker said. I know if i run in a national election, Im not going to win 100 percent of the vote. There are people who are going to be staunchly against me, and I can do nothing about it."

Indeed, many angry  livid, really  progressive voters I spoke with as I followed Booker through Iowa say his message of radical love for countrymen whove supported Trump policies they view as racist and boundlessly cruel say hes asking too much of them.

Dodd, having been steamrollered by Barack Obamas theme of Hope in the Iowa Caucuses of 2008, thinks that Bookers use of an uplifting message will ultimately resonate.

Its an aspirational country, Dodd said. "Were a big bunch of dreamers. You can mess with all of reality, that doesnt bother me. You mess with my dreams, Im going to have problems with you. Obviously, Cory understands that.

Perhaps where Booker is most clearly out of step with progressives is his lack of rage and bile. Progressives now outnumber conservative Dems 4 to 1 in Congress, and the liberal-leaning bloc is now the largest, most powerful and arguably the angriest its ever been. Booker, by comparison, speaks of the word patriot as meaning someone who loves their country, and he argues you cannot love your country without loving your fellow countrymen and countrywomen.

That radical unity of Obama isnt what progressives want right now, Zakarin said.

Its not that progressives are looking for anger," Zakarin said. Progressives dont want a candidate who says Lets get back to more civility. They want someone who will acknowledge things are screwed up, that we need, big, big changes. When AOC talks about the Green New Deal,' its not the just the green part that resonates; its the New Deal part.

When I asked Booker if hes not letting down angry voters who want a candidate to carry their message with fury, he offered a disarming response.

Nobody can say that my hero, Dr. King, was not a hard fighter, that he didnt stand up and fight Bull Connor, Booker said, referencing the Commissioner of Public Safety for the city of Birmingham, who infamously turned attack dogs and water cannons on civil rights marchers.

He just used a really ingenious strategy that took Bull Connors energy as, like, a jiujitsu move, and used judo to use his energy against him.

And its probably true that you cant prevail in a depravity contest with Bull Connor.

I dont think you win  and Ive watched Marco Rubio and a whole bunch of other people try it, including Elizabeth Warren recently trying to take him on his Native American slurs  I dont think you win with Trump by fighting him on his turf," said Booker, draining his coffee mug.

He stared at it a moment.

"So for me, this is about staying authentic: No matter what I choose to do, (seek) reelection or President of the United States, I want to stay in my authentic space that Ive been in for 20 years in American politics. And you know what? Im a black guy and a United States senator. Its kinda worked, said Booker, before pausing to add. You know ... so far.

As for Gretchen Aschoff back in Iowa, she remains concerned that Booker couldn't, or wouldn't, be able to give voice to the very real anger that Democrats were feeling without alienating voters. She was not taken in by his stump speech talking of what unifies us all.

"This is not a Kum-ba-ya moment, she said. So I think hell make a very good...Senator.

When I asked Booker about what she said, he remained unfazed.

Youre gonna walk into any room, two people are going to like you no matter what you say. Two people are going to hate you, no matter what you say. You cant do anything to change that, Booker said. But theres six people in that room youre gonna talk to. Im trying to talk to people who are open to listening, open to hearing my ideas, open to feeling my spirit.

Claude Brodesser-Akner may be reached at cbrodesser@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @ClaudeBrodesser. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.In the hours after multiple wounds from law enforcement officers bullets killed an armed man who had taken two women hostage at a Logan Township workplace on Dec. 14, the New Jersey Attorney Generals Office announced that its Shooting Response Team would investigate the circumstances of the fatal shooting.

While the death of William Owens, 39, of Sicklerville, would seem to be a justified response to three-hour standoff that risked the lives of not just the hostages, but the entire workforce at a UPS warehouse, every police interaction that results in the death of a suspect has to be investigated. The seemingly minor point here is who is doing the investigation. Customarily, in New Jersey, that would be the county prosecutors office that serves the jurisdiction where the fatality occurred.

In the Logan case, the probe normally would be handled by Gloucester County Prosecutor Charles Fiore. But state Attorney General Gurbir Grewal intervened directly, his office stated, because the Gloucester County SWAT Team (a unit under Fiores command) was among the law enforcement agencies that responded. The SWAT team includes municipal police officers from several Gloucester County municipalities.

The potential for conflict of interest that Grewal cited here makes it ironic that he testified in December against a bill that Gov. Phil Murphy (who appointed the AG) had the good sense to sign on Wednesday.

The new law requires every investigation into a killing by a local police officer to be conducted at a state level, bypassing the close relationship that local police departments typically have with county prosecutors. The local-county collaboration thats essential for a medium-sized county like Gloucester to field a responsive, well-equipped SWAT force is yet another reason that these investigations all belong at a level above the closest county prosecutor.

State Senate President Stephen Sweeney, D-Gloucester, tried to get the legislation passed since 2016, but it finally cleared both houses in December. Most likely, the bill initially stemmed from widespread community concerns about how a couple of high-profile police shootings were handled in neighboring Cumberland County.

Its understandable that groups representing local police officers lobbied against the law, seeing it a measure that implies that neither they nor the county prosecutors can be trusted. But what the law really represents is a check and balance on those agencies, one that ought to build citizen confidence that probes into police-involved killings are not being whitewashed. NJ Advance Medias recent investigation exposing cops who use violence with unusual frequency when responding to dicey situations provides another reason to monitor fatalities at the attorney generals level.

Grewals opposition to the law appeared to be more logistical-based than policy-based. He fears that statewide investigators will not be able to get to scenes quickly enough to collect and preserve evidence. If Grewal doesnt trust county detectives to do that during their initial response, there may be bigger problems with the states law-enforcement structure that have not come to light.

Still, it would not have been surprising if Murphy had conditionally vetoed the bill to address some of the attorney generals concerns. At this point, its good that the law was signed. If it turns out that the AGs response team is spread too thin to handle about 17 police-involved fatal shootings a year (2017 data), the crew can be beefed up later.

Send a letter to the editor of South Jersey Times at sjletters@njadvancemedia.com

Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and find NJ.com Opinion on Facebook.People in New Jersey speak a staggering variety of languages. Some are in danger of extinction.

At stake is each dialects unique take on the world, said Ross Perlin, co-director of the Endangered Language Alliance in New York. Theres a complexity, a texture, a character to each language which can never be translated, he said.

Losing a language also comes with a cost for the speakers, said Charles Haberl, chair of Rutgers Universitys Department of African, Middle Eastern, and South Asian Languages and Literatures.

When people ... get separated from their cultures," Haberl said, it seems to take a psychological toll.

Almost a third of New Jersey reports speaking a language other than English, according to U.S. Census data. In comparison, only three other U.S. states report a larger share of non-English speakers.

That variety is especially pronounced in the northern part of the state. In a dozen towns, more than two-thirds of the population speaks a language other than English.

Statewide, a sizable number of people still only speak English, while Spanish clocks in as the second-most popular language.

Those categories, however, mask many lesser-known languages: Aramaic, Basque, Ladino, Mam, Garifuna, Scottish Gaelic, Kalmyk.

Just last year, even a hospital far from the states major urban centers like the the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in Hamilton had to call on translators speaking 32 different languages, according to a spokeswoman.

Spotlight: Mam

Bartolo Vail, a Guatemalan immigrant in Morristown, estimated that the Maya language Mam was still used by about a thousand people in the area.

It is my mother tongue, the language of the people, Vail said in Spanish.

Central America is known for its Spanish, but many indigenous groups still rely on pre-colonial languages like Kiche and Kaqchikel. Some of those, including Mam, are threatened even in places like Guatemala, prompting local groups to launch literacy efforts to keep them alive.

Immigration from Central American has also increased the demand for Mam translators in U.S. immigration courts, according to statistics compiled by the U.S. Department of Justice.

Spotlight: Aramaic

In Paramus, the Syriac Orthodox Church still uses Aramaic during services.

Its our identity, said Saliba Kassis, a priest at Paramus' Mor Aphrem Center. Although the use of Aramaic is decreasing, Kassis said, thousands of people in the area still speak it.

Aramaic originated in the Middle East millennia ago, and is similar to Hebrew. Because it was spoken in first century Palestine, you can hear the actor Jim Caviezel use it in 2004s The Passion of the Christ.

Spotlight: Kalmyk

If you visit Howells town website, a considerable chunk of its history is devoted to the Kalmyks, an ethnic group with deep Mongolian and Russian ties.

David Sanderson, a lay leader at a Buddhist Temple in Howell who married an ethnic Kalmyk, estimated that only a few hundred people in the area still speak the language fluently. That has affected his wife, especially after her mother died.

Theres nobody that, on a daily basis, she can speak Kalmyk with, he said. So whenever she has the chance, she does.

Strangely enough, Kalmyk was also the foundation for the language spoken by the Teddy Bear-like Ewoks in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi.

Ross Perlin, with the the Endangered Language Alliance in New York, said New Jersey lacks a similar group to document and preserve the states linguistic diversity.

Because theres really no organization," Perlin said, "I dont think anybody has really gone underneath the top layer.

Blake Nelson can be reached at bnelson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at@BCunninghamN.A 14-year-old boy fell through an ice-covered canal at a Trenton park Sunday and had to be pulled from the water by rescuers, who rushed him to a local hospital, officials said.

The teen was with a group of friends when he chased a basketball that rolled onto the ice of the Delaware & Raritan Canal in Cadwalader Park around 12:30 p.m., Trenton Police Detective Lieutenant Peter Szpakowski said.

Rescue teams were able to pull the teen from the icy water and he was taken to Capital Health Regional Medical Center, police said.

At 4 p.m., Fire Director Derrick Sawyer said he was being transported to Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia by medevac.

A spokesperson from Mayor Reed Guscioras office urged residents to exercise extreme caution around the citys icy canals and rivers.

Our hearts go out to the teen and his family and we pray for the best," Gusciora said.

A rescue crew on the Delaware & Raritan Canal, after a 14-year-old fell through the ice in Trenton. (Brian McCarthy | For NJ.com)

Ice can look deceptive right now, said Jonathan OBrien, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Mount Holly. The surface of the ice that formed in places like the Delaware & Raritan Canal froze quickly in the cold snap last week. But it usually takes sustained cold weather for ice to freeze fully.

"It takes the ice underneath a long time to thicken, and around here we don't really get that," he said.

The warm weather Sunday with temperatures in the 50s made the ice even more dangerous, OBrien said. The United States Geological Survey reported that the water temperature in the Delaware River in Trenton Sunday morning was 32.5 degrees.

Cadwalader Park, which recently received a $2.4 million upgrade, is a sprawling, 100-acre park near the Delaware River that was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, who also created Central Park in New York City.

Erin Petenko may be reached at epetenko@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @EPetenko. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Paige Gross may be reached at pgross@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter@By_paigegross. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip?Tell us. nj.com/tips

Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters.BAYONNE  Nunziata Servodio stood Saturday night facing the house she was born in before it would turn into debris.

Two doors down from her Andrew Street four-family home, firefighters continued to douse hot spots, the last gasp of a devastating five-alarm had spread from one house to a second and then a third, collapsing roofs and destroying what more than 50 people called their homes.

I heard kids running out of the house, yelling in the street, Fire! Fire! Fire!'" Servodio told The Jersey Journal Saturday night as she stood across the street from her destroyed home. I had to knock on all my tenants doors and tell them to get out, adding that she owns one of the three houses that went ablaze in Saturdays fire.

The smoke from the fire could be seen for miles.

Firefighters arrived at 86 West Andrew St. Saturday around noon and found there was heavy smoke, Bayonne Fire Chief Keith Weaver said . According to witnesses, the fire started at 84 Andrew St. and then jumped to two adjacent residences  86 and 88 West Andrew St., between Avenue C and Kennedy Boulevard.

The fire displaced 58 people and left two with minor injuries, Weaver said. He added he could not immediately confirm the cause, noting the investigation is ongoing. In the meantime, displaced residents were relocated by American Red Cross. Servodio said her home must be demolished.

Around 10 p.m. Saturday, banks of piercing lights turned the night into day on the street, between Avenue C and Kennedy Boulevard, as construction workers and firefighters continued with the postmortem of the blaze. At 9 p.m., firefighters were seen damping down the house where witnesses say the fire started. Piles of wood and debris rested on icy ground while icicles formed on trees and electric wires.

The 55-year-old Servodio, who said she owns the four-family home at 88 Andrew St., said she was home at the time of the fire and was devastated when she saw her house catch fire.

Numb ... you dont feel anything. You just feel numb," she said, adding she lost all her documents, paperwork and personal items in the fire. This couldve been avoided. Its why Im numb. Its stupid."

A neighbor across the street said she watched in horror as she heard glass breaking before she saw flames that reminded her of the California wildfires.

I looked out the window, and I freaked out, the neighbor said. I started crying because all I saw was huge amounts of fire.

The woman and her husband, who didnt want to be named, said they were afraid the fire would engulf their house by traveling through electric wires that connect all the homes on the block. I was crying. I was a mess.

Although several GoFundMe fundraising pages have been created for individual families, this page is for all who were displaced the fire.

Servodios niece, Sandra Baron, was with Servodio, surveying the damage and mourning the loss of the home where she also grew up.

Its sad because that was our family house forever, Baron said. My grandfather made that house ... All of our families grew up there ... We lost everything.BAYONNE  Bayonne authorities are searching for a man who is accused of stealing more than $1,100 in lottery tickets  the most expensive ones.

The man was caught on security camera footage at Broadway Care Pharmacy during the brazen theft, a pharmacy employee said.

Yeah, he came in here, the worker said, "and he didnt pay for the tickets.

Bayonne Alerts and Whats Happening Now  a local Facebook page  posted the information and photos of the alleged thief. He was last seen wearing black-rimmed glasses with a grey cap, grey Nike sweatshirt and dark colored pants, the post says.

The man entered the pharmacy and asked a clerk for the most expensive tickets. Once he had roughly $1,120 in tickets, he walked out of the store, the clerk said.

We were under the impression that he was making a call to fix one of the numbers for another ticket (he was going to purchase), he said. And he never came back.

The man asked the clerk for quick draw" tickets, which means the numbers are selected randomly by the lottery machine.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Bayonne Police Department at 201-858-6900.

This story was updated on Feb. 9 with new information.JERSEY CITY  Firefighters battled a two-alarm fire on Magnolia Avenue Sunday afternoon.

The residence, on the corner of Magnolia and Chestnut avenues near Dickinson High School, was fully engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived, according to Joe Shine, a freelance photographer who was on the scene.

No one was in the house at the time of the fire, Shine said.JERSEY CITY  A former Jersey City firefighter was convicted on federal charges that he possessed and distributed heroin, authorities said.

Carlos Jimenez, 52, of Englishtown, was convicted after a 12-day trial in December on one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin, and one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin. His sentencing is scheduled for April 24.

Jimenez was arrested by Drug Enforcement Administration agents at the Jersey City Fire headquarters in May 2016, stemming from a more than 5-year undercover investigation.

Jimenez, along with another man, Ivan Cruz-Rivera, had been targets of the investigation since January 2011, when an undercover witness began working with police and purchasing heroin from Jimenez.

The charges stemmed from an incident in October 2013, when the two met with the cooperator and provided a cardboard box containing heroin in exchange for $7,500.

Jimenez reportedly told the witness that he drove for the drug delivery because it was less likely that he would get in trouble if they were pulled over because he was a firefighter.

A state trooper followed their car after the drop-off and pulled them over after they committed a traffic violation. A search found a bag that troopers said contained bundles of money totaling $44,000, as well as three cell phones, including one in the bag with the money.

The cash was seized and the two men were released. Jimenez posted a $50,000 bail, allowing he only travel in New Jersey and Massachusetts.

Jimenez worked on Engine 17 on Kearney Avenue, and was earning an annual salary of $111,300. After his arrest he was suspended without pay, and has since had his pension taken away due to his conviction.

His employment with the JCFD was terminated effective Jan. 29. Jimenez had been with the Jersey City Fire Department for more than 20 years.

Both men face a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and no greater than 40 years in prison.JERSEY CITY  Some $65,000 is being used to help veterans and young adults brush up on their technology skills.

AT&T wrote a $65,000 check on Friday to NPower, which provides free IT-training from underserved military veterans, young adults and women.

The nonprofits 23-week training program focuses on technology education and prepares students for careers in information technology.

More than 80 percent of NPowers graduates are employed full-time or enrolled in higher education after a year of completing the program.On a weekday morning in February, 1947, as Grace Healey is rushing to her job, an accident in front of Grand Central Station that killed a woman pedestrian has brought all movement to a standstill. Forced to detour through the station, Grace notices a lone suitcase underneath a bench.

Grace looks around for the owner of the unattended case, but can find no one searching for it. So she sits down, places it on the bench and opens it. Inside, she can find no identification of its owner, but she spots a bundle of photos of young women, carefully wrapped in lace. For reasons she cannot explain even to herself, she removes the photos, returns the case to where she found it and leaves.

This linear opening of Pam Jenoff's "The Lost Girls of Paris" (Park Row Books, 368 pp., $16.99 paperback) soon leads to a complex search for the identities of the young women in the photos and for the owner of the suitcase. Some inquiries will be fruitless, some will yield bits of information, but Jenoff's compelling telling of the search quickly reels in the reader.

In the process, Jenoff's chapters toggle between Grace, a recent widow who is hiding out in Manhattan to escape her well-meaning, overly-solicitous family, and the critical but unacknowledged roles the young women played in the weeks leading to the successful invasion of France by Allied forces.

This much documented history is known: The young women, some barely 18, were secret operatives recruited and trained by the British to aid the Resistance. Once deployed out of London, they worked in occupied Europe - mostly in and around Paris - entirely beneath the radar. Because they were never formally commissioned, they had no official status either with the British government or the military when they went missing.

The absence of official status for these 50 female agents in enemy territory resulted in no public recognition of their deeds nor hero status conferred on them after the war. The casualty rate among this group was high. Fifteen died while engaged in active service, and 13 were executed in concentration camps.

Jenoff imagines the group being conceived by Eleanor Trigg, a fictitious Special Operations Executive (SOE) secretary, after the division's director laments the continual captures of male soldiers assigned to radio transmission and courier service in Europe. She convinces him women could more effectively do the covert work without appearing suspicious, and undertakes their recruitment, training and deployment.

(In fact, the enterprise was established and run by an SOE employee whose background was similar to the one Jenoff creates for Trigg.)

When, after a highly successful launch, the girls begin disappearing, Trigg becomes concerned that some of the transmission equipment has been compromised. But the director who agreed to her visionary plan dismisses Trigg' alarm and insists, to her dismay, that the girls continue to transmit.

Trigg knows someone sold out her girls. But who?

In the course of illuminating a little-known aspect of Allied operations, Jenoff also conjures two engaging romances, one threatened by the perils of war, the other by uncertainty and reluctance.

Fran Wood, retired op-ed columnist and former books editor for The Star-Ledger, blogs at nj.com.Note: This story has been updated on Feb. 3 with a response from the principal of West Orange High School.

Comedian Chris Gethard is taking his New Jersey alma mater to task after school administrators allegedly suggested that his act, which prominently features talk of suicide, would have to be toned down for high school students.

Gethard is the former host of The Chris Gethard Show on truTV, which began as a monthly show at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in New York. He also has an HBO special, Chris Gethard: Career Suicide, in which he talks about his mental health history and times when he felt suicidal.

Gethard, 38, is an alumnus of West Orange High School like other famous figures including former governor Brendan Byrne, astronauts Mark and Scott Kelly (who will be featured in a Super Bowl commercial for Amazon) Ian Ziering (90210, Sharknado) and Okieriete Onaodowan, a cast member of the original Hamilton.

My high school wont have me back to speak to students because theyre scared Id talk about suicide, Gethard said in an Instagram post on Friday. So my only option was to write said speech and post it publicly and also maybe expose some of the not cool stuff about their school system in the process.

Gethard shared the speech he would have given at West Orange High School in a post on Medium. But before that, he recounted the story of how he came to find out that the school would require him to change his act, along with a few other issues hes had with the school, starting from the time he was a student.

The comedian, author of the 2018 book Lose Well and the 2012 book A Bad Idea Im About to Do: True Tales of Seriously Poor Judgment and Stunningly Awkward Adventure, said he never asked to give a speech at the school. A fellow alumnus had asked him why the school hadnt invited Gethard to come back to speak to students.

I told him honestly that I dont know and that I wasnt really interested anyway, Gethard said. But his old schoolmate emailed, asking administrators to host Gethard.

From there, the comedian shared the response his fellow alum said he received from the school district:

The Superintendent is glad to pass this opportunity over to the principal but would require an outline of the presentation or a direct contact with a publicist for Chris Gethard," the reply said. "The presentation would need to be tailored to be appropriate for students as compared to the program that airs on HBO. As always, we very much appreciate your consideration of the West Orange Public Schools. Thank you.

This is 85% a reasonable answer, Gethard wrote. But I wont lie, it pissed me off.

It was that one line  the line about the program needing to be tailored to be appropriate  that stuck in his craw. Gethard said while some parts of his comedy would be inappropriate, the topic of suicide in his HBO special should be considered anything but inappropriate.

I think its the most appropriate thing for high school students I have ever made, he wrote, saying he thinks it could help a student who might see themselves in Gethard, someone from their hometown. I think its more appropriate for high school students than a lot of things you probably already show them.

Gethard said that if he had heard the content of his HBO special when he was a teen, maybe he would have sought help at that time.

That might have saved me a subsequent seven more years of hell before finally taking the plunge and seeing a doctor, he said.

Gethard pointed to the suicide of Jonah Eskin, who attended West Orange High School just a few months before he did, though his photo wasnt in the yearbook. Eskin hanged himself in 1994, at summer camp after his freshman year.

The comedian, a West Orange native, shared a New York Times story about the efforts of Eskins mother, Marcia, who was banned from establishing a scholarship in her sons name. Four years later, there was a change in district policy, which at the time prohibited memorials for student or staff members who commit suicide, out of fear that they would glorify those deaths or lead to copycat incidents.

Eskins suicide came seven years after Bergen and Passaic counties were rocked by the 1987 suicides of four teens in Bergenfield, who had made a death pact and died of carbon monoxide poisoning. They were found inside a garage, in a car with its engine running. The teen suicides were followed by a suicide of another teen in Clifton, who asphyxiated himself in his car just a week later, and an attempted suicide of two more teens in the same Bergenfield garage.

Because of the policy at the time, Gethard recalled that West Orange High School would not allow the music department to dedicate a concert to Eskins memory.

Chris Gethard said he was bullied in high school and teachers told him that if they couldn't see it, they couldn't do anything about it. He later slit his wrists in a school bathroom.

I dont remember anyone saying a thing about it to us, he wrote in the Medium post. I remember kids whispering about it. I remember hearing his name. I remember people pointing out who his friends were. But I dont remember a single teacher, administrator, counselor, or anyone taking any time to explain to us students what had happened.

Gethard qualified that statement by saying that he may not have remembered that time 20 years ago enough to make that claim without reservation.

But among friends Ive talked to  not one person remembers the adults taking the time or effort to help us understand what happened, he said, accusing the school of sweeping Eskins story under the rug.

Thats  simply put  not kind, Gethard wrote. Not kind to Jonah. Not kind to his family. Not kind to the students, whose maturity and intelligence and capacity to understand you so severely underestimated then. And it seems, unfortunately, that you continue to now.

Gethard recalled receiving no help from teachers after being bullied by students during his freshman year, then slashing his wrists with a razor in a school bathroom.

The way you handled Jonahs death only made me feel ashamed that I had those feelings too, he said.

You know what I think is far more inappropriate than anything I said on HBO? Gethard wrote. Judging a child for how he died.

NJ Advance Media has reached out to West Orange High School for comment.

On Sunday, after the publication of this article, West Orange High School Principal Hayden Moore tweeted a reply to Gethard.

I cant speak for previous administration, but can tell you your request never hit my desk. Fact, Moore said. Mental health is one of my key platforms & I would love to speak w/ u about coming to speak to our students. DM me."

Hi Chris. I'm the current Principal at West Orange High School. I can't speak for previous administration, but can tell you your request never hit my desk. Fact. Mental health is one of my key platforms & I would love to speak w/ u about coming to speak to our students. DM me.  Mr. Moore (@MrMooreWO) February 3, 2019

Here is what Gethard would have said if he were invited to speak at West Orange High School. His full post, titled A Speech for My High School, can be read on Medium.

Hello!

My name is Chris Gethard. I grew up down the hill. Shout out to all the down the hill kids, thats whats up. You up the hill kids are fine too. Im not a hater. I took a bus and went to Redwood as a kid so I walked between those worlds. Were all good.

That being said, I did go to Edison when it was still EDISON. It was pretty messed up.

I tell ya something, when I graduated WOHS I went to Rutgers. And when me and all the kids I was meeting from other towns would sit around the dorm telling stories about our high school days, invariably Id share something that I thought was funny. You know, hilarious stories about fights and bullying and rumors about teachers wed hear. And the other kids would look at me like I said something truly disturbing.

This town is a weird place. Nobody in a position of authority likes to tell you that straight up, so I will; if you get the sneaking sense in your gut that this town is weird, youre not wrong.

Its a beautiful place. Im so glad I grew up here. I wouldnt trade it for the world. But its weird.

Its tougher than it needs to be. Theres a strange pride in toughness. I think a lot of North Jersey is like that. But I get the sense we amp it up to eleven. I dont know why. It makes me wonder, though  why is there so much anger and so much pain under the surface of this town?

Heres my theory, but I might be wrong: I think it would probably help if anyone in this town ever talked to us about why some neighborhoods are so much better off than others. I think you all see that. And honestly, I think youre all cool with that. We grow up young and we get along. But at a certain point we hit an age where were prone to emotions and anger and all that stuff anyway, and someone validly says, How come theres a secret hidden private town for rich people in the middle of our town that were not allowed to enter or drive through? Thats kinda odd. How come some of the elementary schools in this town are visibly nicer even from the outside than ones in other neighborhoods? How come some kids in this school show up on their seventeenth birthday in new BMWs while other kids are on food assistance programs? AND MOST OF ALL, HOW COME WE NEVER TALK ABOUT ANY OF THIS? Its that last part that makes things so tense around here sometimes, if you ask me.

All that being said, this town is amazing.

West Orange is the most wonderfully diverse town Ive ever seen. Im one of the only people I know who things got LESS diverse around me when I went to college. And honestly? LESS diverse when I moved to New York City. Thats not how its supposed to go! West Orange has everybody. And we all learn about each other and from each other. Its beautiful.

But I think there are hard conversations to be had about this town. And they get dodged because of how difficult they might be.

I think thats a real and true shame. Its such a disservice to all of us. Because the dividends those conversations would pay highlight everything amazing about this place. But fear means the powers that be look the other way in this town, way too often, and the lack of those conversations makes things real rough around here at times. It sucks.

Its not on you guys. Its on the adults.

(At this point the entire student body would leap from their seats cheering and Id motion for them to please quiet down.)

A lot of the things that make this place feel slightly off, slightly dangerous, and often strange are actually things that have served me so well. Heres some things I know about West Orange people:

We know how to talk to anybody.

We put our heads down and do hard work.

We never make excuses.

When things get nuts, we dont freeze up.

Any employer you meet down the line will value all those things.

I wish this school was less scared of having hard conversations.

I believe in you guys. Youre West Orange kids.

Stay tough, although I think its unfair that you so often have to.

And maybe more importantly, when you dont have to be tough, choose not to. You will be shocked at how much further empathy and compassion can take you in life than toughness can; we should be told that much sooner than we are around here.

And please, if things get dark, if you feel hopeless, if you ever start to think you want out, look at me and know Im from where youre from. Ive felt what you felt. And I am SO SO SO happy that I never checked out. This isnt a health class presentation. This isnt by any book. Its me telling you face to face that I grew up here. Im one of you. I know you have it in you to make it. Seek help. Dont be ashamed. Let your guard down. Keep asking people you trust to help you until someone steps up and does. Someone will. Their warmth and goodwill will surprise you. Find it.

Stay alive.

And obviously, more important than anything else 

F*** Livingston.

Thank you and have a great day!

Have a tip? Amy Kuperinsky may be reached at akuperinsky@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @AmyKup or on Facebook.

Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters.A trolley that was built in the early 20th century has been kept in storage in a building in Cape May County. The trolley is headed to Iowa to be restored, and will return to New Jersey. Here is the story of the trolley, as told by the trolley itself.

I have sat here alone for more than 20 years in an unofficial tomb of bricks in Cape May County.

As you can imagine, time has not been kind to me. As each year, month, minute, and second has gone by, my once vibrant, youthful look has eroded and has turned me into a carcass of what I once was.

When I was first born in 1913 in Philadelphia, I was considered ahead of my time. The factory, J. G. Brill, churned out others like me. My brothers and sisters of many wheels would be sent to various parts of the country, all with one purpose to serve: Get from point A to point B, all the while being comfortable and safe.

Wildwood was my home. I would travel for miles, listening to the bells of someone winning a prize. I would go on to see many of families parade around the boardwalk, carry couples to their destinations and see a city on an island in Cape May County grow and become the talk of the region.

The electric that flowed through me allowed me to help families create those unique, concrete memories that last for a lifetime for those who were young for the Five Mile Beach Electric Railway.

Time, like the currents in the ocean, moved forward. The technology changed and a new generation came and began to take over. I didnt mind at all. Change is good. However, I did not foresee how this new technology would start to encroach on the regions identity.

Interior of a trolley that operated in Wildwood built in 1913 about to be restored in Iowa

The automobile and buses started to take off. I was still in use, but families gravitated to these new toys. I continued to do my job.

One day, the higher-ups decided it would no longer be my time to be in operation. Dejected, I went for one more ride, right in the middle of World War II.

I wanted to continue to be useful, trying to earn my keep and remain relevant. Dogs stayed inside me as a shelter to keep warm. That didnt last long. Eventually, I became a storage area. That too didnt last long. Finally, I was banished to a building owned by the Atlantic City Electric Company. This building would become my tomb. My mausoleum. My place to sit and decay for more than 20 years.

A lot can happen in that time. Presidents change, movements come and go. Vandalism can occur, and has been one of the biggest threats to things like me.

As the world moved forward, I remained in this brick silo, remembering the sounds of the waves crashing, people getting engaged, and the general good times that were synonymous with summer living. I was the one taking everyone there.

Then, the people who were holding watch over my unofficial tomb got a phone call. Someone saw me on a computer and told a man by the name of Capt. William McKelvey. He is the is the director and chairman of the non-profit, Berkeley Heights-based Liberty Historic Railway, Inc. (LHRy). He said I was donated to them by the Wildwood Historical Society.

McKelvey said he talked to his board of directors, and they are interested in having me return to my original, dapper self.

Im surprised because there are no others like me left.

McKelvey said there has been a rebirth of trolley and streetcars across the United States and the rest of the world, many that are now branded as light rail systems.

It is great to hear a new generation of trolleys like me are making a comeback. There is some other news. McKelvey says New Jersey does not have an official transportation museum, and most of the collections are private. What is a trolley supposed to do?

There are some very large private collections in the state of New Jersey of vehicles just like me but not a public museum, McKelvey said. Maybe there should be a museum. I did help move people around and help the economy. Who knows, maybe it can be another tourism location in the state.

I am happy someone is interested in me. Some people came to see me in person. Apparently, I am to be shipped off to Iowa, but it will take a lot of work to make me look like what I was before time took its toll. McKelvey gave a conservative estimate of $500,000 to make me what I was when I was proudly traversing the streets of Wildwood, so they are always looking for donations to help out. McKelvey said someone has already anonymously donated $300,000.

Now, Im packed up and waiting to be taken by Venezia Enterprises, a Lancaster, Pa. business that has experience with moving delicate, old rail cars, and fixed up by Gomaco Trolley Company in Iowa. It feels nice to be wanted again. Who knows, maybe I will have a home one day, and you could see me again as I looked in my glory days.

Chris Franklin can be reached at cfranklin@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @cfranklinnews or on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips.Niagara Falls, NY (14301)

Today

Partly cloudy this evening, then becoming cloudy after midnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 52F. Winds WNW at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy this evening, then becoming cloudy after midnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 52F. Winds WNW at 10 to 20 mph.If there was ever a year for enhanced gun safety, its 2019.

Yep, a lot of the heavy lifting was done in the immediate aftermath of the 2012 Newtown School massacre, when the inadequacies of the states firearms laws became so sharply defined, after a disturbed 20-year-old shut-in killed 26 people with a rifle designed for warfare, after dispatching his mother with a target rifle.

So we  in our representative Democracy  banned military-style rifles and large-capacity ammunition magazines. We required gun permits, even for those buying ammunition. Are we safer?

Well, safety is as safety does, and the recently expired two-year tie in the Senate is good news for those who favor more public safeguards for those who want to exercise their Second Amendment freedoms. See, with the 18-18 Senate deadlock, Republicans became committee co-chairmen after the 2016 election. Those lawmakers who apparently desired to upgrade their National Rifle Association ratings became, in more than a few cases, obstacles to further gun safety.

There are still some ultra-cons on the General Assemblys Judiciary Committee, but with the recently pronounced Democratic majorities now in the House and Senate, their effect will likely be marginalized. Who knows? Maybe some Republicans will vote for a new law banning so-called ghost guns: untraceable weapons built with parts ordered over the Internet, owned by people who have not submitted to background checks.

The argument against this bill in particular is that ghost guns arent really on our streets, Rep. Steve Stafstrom, the new co-chairman of the Judiciary Committee, said Friday afternoon following a meeting with state police chiefs in the Capitol. Thats certainly not the case. Theyve been confiscated off the streets of Bridgeport.

Seems like a no-brainer for the legislative process, but there are those NRA rankings that are oh-so important to a certain strata of politician.

Another slam dunk would be a requirement that even unloaded guns should be kept in a gun safe or made harmless with trigger locks. Yes, current law lets you to keep your Glock on the nightstand, unloaded, and your bullets in the drawer below, the simple ingredients for domestic tragedy.

Safe storage in the home, and the ghost-gun bill are likely to receive significant support across the aisle, said Stafstrom, of Bridgeport, who leads the law-writing committee along with Sen. Gary Winfield of New Haven. Everything, from gun laws to legal cannabis has to go through their committee.

In recent years, I have been bugged by the brazen ability of those who openly carry their handguns, to refuse to show their permits to police.

In a 2016 Bridgeport case, a man seen packing in a Subway sandwich shop declined to surrender his permit. That just seemed totally ridiculous, until urban lawmakers pointed out that the cops could use those occasions to racially profile minorities. So, their trepidations, combined with the NRA acolytes, doomed that proposal until at least this year.

The underlying intent is to stop those trying to provoke the police into a confrontation because they know an officer doesnt have the ability to demand their permits, Stafstrom said. But we need to take everyones thoughts and comments under consideration.

Me? I just want a safer state. I dont need to see someone whos not in uniform packing a firearm. I still hold a grudge against that big multi-national coffee company  the one named for a character in Moby Dick  that actually promoted open carry. Yeah, Im in a race for bitterness with their strange brew, which I have been boycotting for years.

Another bill pending before the Judiciary Committee would require the safe storage of handguns in cars, to make the firearms harmless  with locks or small, $100 safes  to hinder smash-and-grab occurrences in which stolen guns end up being used in crimes.

Youd think that after Sandy Hook, all the avenues of gun control would have been fulfilled by Connecticut. Last year, the phenomenon of so-called bump stocks that make rifles continuously, like machine guns, was addressed with a ban. This year, with the Democratic majorities, their goals can become more aggressive.

The NRA folks can pout.

Ken Dixon, political editor and columnist, can be reached at 203-842-2547 or at kdixon@ctpost.com. Visit him at twitter.com/KenDixonCT and on Facebook at kendixonct.hearst.The state Capitol is buzzing with new proposals to tax Connecticut residents. But before Democrat lawmakers get ahead of themselves with new taxes, we are urging all legislators to consider what policies have worked for our state and which have not.

While Connecticut endured years of massive tax increases that only led to bigger budget deficits, todays budget numbers look very different.

The General Assemblys 2018/2019 bipartisan budget has resulted in significant surpluses, economic growth and a historic amount of money in our rainy day fund.

Connecticut still has significant challenges on the horizon, and the legislature should not squander the opportunity to learn from what has worked, and use that as a base for continued efforts to improve our state.

Where are we now?

The latest numbers from the nonpartisan Office of Fiscal Analysis anticipate a budget surplus of $487 million in the General Fund, a surplus of almost $70 million in the Special Transportation Fund, and a deposit of over $1 billion into the states budget reserve fund  growing our rainy day pot to over $2 billion.

How does this compare to past years?

The bipartisan budget single-handedly built up the states savings from practically nothing. Connecticut closed its 2017 books with a disappointing $213 million in our rainy day fund, a small amount for a state our size. But that was typical of the previous governors administration which averaged less than $300 million in the reserve fund prior to the bipartisan budget. In fact, Connecticut hasnt had anywhere near $1 billion in the rainy day fund since 2009, but now we are on pace to exceed $2 billion this year and approach $3 billion by fiscal year 2022.

Also in recent years under the Malloy administration, one-party-created budgets repeatedly underperformed projections, creating budget deficits that required last minute painful cuts just to balance.

This year, that pattern ended. We are not facing last minute cuts. We are actually seeing numbers exceed growth expectations. At the same time our rainy day fund is surging.

Why the change?

The bipartisan budget included historic reforms that are starting to shift the direction of our state and rebuild peoples confidence in Connecticut. This includes:

1) A real spending cap. Connecticut finally has implemented a cap, first approved by voters more than 25 years ago, to spend no more than we can afford.

2) Borrowing caps. Under one party rule led by Governor Malloys administration, Connecticuts bonded indebtedness increased by $6 billion, skyrocketing fixed costs and making it more difficult to fund core services. The bipartisan budget, for the first time ever, put limits on what the state can put on its credit card to reduce debt.

3) A volatility cap. Connecticut has a history of using temporary increases in revenue to spend over and above what our state truly can afford. The bipartisan budget stops this practice by directing volatile revenue streams to our rainy day fund.

4) Tax cuts for seniors and retirees. By eliminating taxes on pensions and Social Security income for more seniors, Connecticut is keeping more money in peoples pockets and creating incentive for people to stay here.

5) A transportation funding mechanism. The bipartisan budget included a historic amount of funding for transportation, thanks to its inclusion of a portion of the Republican Prioritize Progress plan to reprioritize investments in transportation without tolls or new taxes. The budget also fully funded the states Special Transportation Fund creating five years of projected surpluses. This commitment speaks volumes to job creators and residents who want to see Connecticut improve transportation. We need to continue this trend over the long term, and fully implementing Prioritize Progress offers a clear path to fulfill a bipartisan vision for dramatically better transit.

6) Reductions to future deficits. While future deficits still exist and our work is far from done, the bipartisan budget did reduce projected deficits by hundreds of millions of dollars. We need to continue promoting economic growth that can reduce those deficits even further. We have to build peoples confidence in Connecticut to promote growth.

As lawmakers look ahead to more challenges, we need to understand what has worked and what has not.

Under one-party Democrat rule, dramatically increasing taxes led to decline and deficit.

Under a bipartisan budget, the strategy of keeping more money in peoples pockets led to growth and surplus.

Exchanging ideas produced a successful budget and set a new course for our state. Lets not lose that momentum.

The writers serve as leaders of the Connecticut Senate Republican Caucus. Senator Fasano represents Durham, East Haven, North Haven and Durham. Senator Witkos represents Avon, Barkhamsted, Canton, Colebrook, Granby, Hartland, Harwinton, New Hartford, Norfolk, Simsbury and Torrington. For more information visit www.ctsenaterepublicans.com.NEW HAVEN  Yale New Haven Hospital has treated two patients with measles in the past two weeks.

The hospitals spokesman confirmed the cases of the highly contagious disease on Sunday morning, but did not have further details.

The state Department of Health said last week that a man from New Haven County contracted the states first case of the measles this year.

Elizabeth Conklin, spokeswoman for the state Department of Health, said health officials are working with the hospital and that more information would be released on Monday.

Our experts are investigating with health care providers, she said in an email. As soon as we have sufficient and accurate information, we will inform the public.

There were three cases of the measles in the state last year.

Measles spreads quickly among those who are not vaccinated, but most people are not at risk of getting the disease because they have been vaccinated or have had it before, the state Department of Health said.

The single best way to protect yourself and your children from measles is to be vaccinated, DPH Commissioner Raul Pino said in a statement last week. While most people have had the measles vaccination, its important to know your vaccination status and to be aware of the signs and symptoms of measles so you can get medical attention.

Vaccines are available at various pharmacies and doctors offices.

The majority of Connecticut residents have been vaccinated, according to DPH. Students who attend schools and colleges in the state are required to receive two doses of the vaccine, but children with medical or religious reasons are except from this rule.

The number of students receiving exceptions jumped 14.9 percent between 2016-17 and 2017-18. Still, 97 percent of students were vaccinated by kindergarten in 2016-17, according to DPH.

Last month, there were 79 cases of measles reported in the country, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Aside from Connecticut, cases were seen in California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Texas and Washington.

This year, there have been three measles outbreaks in New York City, Washington State and New York State, according to the CDC. The CDC defines a measles outbreak as three or more cases of the disease.

These outbreaks are connected to travelers who brought measles back from Israel and Ukraine, where large outbreaks have been occurring, according to the CDC.

Many countries throughout the world either do not place a priority on or do not have access to vaccinations, so as people from the United States travel abroad, especially individuals who have not been vaccinated, the likelihood of bringing the disease back here and exposing people at home increases, Pino said last week. Vaccination is critical to protect yourself from getting measles and spreading your infection to others,

Symptoms of measles include a high fever, cough, runny nose and conjunctivitis. Two to three days later, patients then get white spots on the inside of their mouth, followed by flat red spots elsewhere on the body, according to the CDC.More than a week after resigning, Florida's former Secretary of State Michael Ertel apologized Sunday over photos from 2005 that show him in blackface, the Tallahassee Democrat newspaper reported.

"I'm a better man than I was 14 years ago," Ertel wrote. "Yet, over the past week, I have been rightfully apologizing for something I did Halloween night, 2005."

The statement on his personal Facebook profile, which also called the pictures "an opportunity for revenge," comes as Democrats and Republicans call for Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, a Democrat, to resign over a racist photo on Northam's medical school yearbook page.

In the photos of Ertel, he wore blackface with red lipstick and a New Orleans Saints bandana. He also donned a shirt that read "Katrina Victim," according to the newspaper.

The photos were reportedly taken at a party two months after Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans and other areas of the Gulf Coast. At the time the photos were taken, Ertel was the supervisor of elections in Seminole County. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican, appointed Ertel secretary of state on Dec. 28, 2018.

When presented with the images by the Tallahassee Democrat in late January, Ertel, 49, acknowledged he was the man in the picture, the Democrat reported. Florida's top elections official submitted his resignation the same day.

"I did something stupid 14 years ago, which presented someone from my past with an opportunity for revenge," Ertel said Sunday on Facebook, without elaborating.

DeSantis' office, which said it had not previously seen the photos, accepted Ertel's resignation. In a news conference, the governor said he accepted the resignation because he didn't "want to get mired in side controversies."

"It's unfortunate," DeSantis said. "He's done a lot of good work."

He added that he thinks Ertel regrets the incident but that he felt it was best to "accept the resignation and move on." The governor faced his own controversy while campaigning in August after saying Florida voters shouldn't "monkey this up" by supporting then-gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum, a black Democrat.

When DeSantis appointed Ertel to replace Secretary of State Ken Detzner, he lauded the eight-year Army veteran for his leadership qualities and expertise in elections. Ertel was re-elected Seminole County supervisor of elections four times and received an award named after the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. for registering voters, the Tallahassee Democrat reported.

In a December statement, DeSantis said Ertel would preserve "the state's historical and cultural heritage" and enhance Florida communities through grant programs.

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board endorsed the selection early last month, noting that Ertel said ex-felons should be able to register to vote as soon as Amendment 4 took effect on Jan. 8. The amendment, which Florida voters passed in November, restored voting rights to 1.4 million felons.

The editorial board at the time said Ertel's selection offered a "glimmer of hope that the new administration won't be packed with partisan ideologues."

On Sunday, Ertel did not offer details on his plans for the future, according to The Associated Press, adding that "while public revenge may be sweet" for those who made the photos public, "my private redemption, new family, and blessed life have been sweeter."

"Regardless of the circumstances which ended my public role," Ertel wrote, "I'm a better private citizen for having served my fellow countrymen, first in the military, then in elected office and most recently as Secretary of State."

- - -

The Washington Post's Jenna Portnoy , Gregory S. Schneider and Laura Vozzella contributed to this report.

- - -

NBC video embed codePolice have released the identities of the officer killed and the officer wounded during a nearly 12-hour-long SWAT standoff in Pierce Township, Ohio.

The standoff began when officers responded to St. Andrews Drive in Pierce Township at the On the Green Royal Oaks Apartments shortly before 7 p.m. Saturday for a report of barricaded suicidal subject, police said.



The suspect, Wade Edward Winn, 23, was taken into custody after firing rounds at officers during the standoff, police said.

A fire broke out around 6:30 a.m. Sunday in the apartment building where the SWAT standoff was taking place. Crews were able to quickly extinguish the flames. It is unknown how the fire broke out or if it resulted in any injuries.

Detective Bill Brewer, a 20-year-veteran, was taken to Mercy Hospital in Anderson where he died from his injuries, police said.

Brewer left behind a wife and 5-year-old son, police said.

"Deputy Brewer gave his life attempting to help a person who was admittedly suicidal. This will forever change the atmosphere of the Clermont County Sheriffs Office Sheriff Steve Leahy said.

Lt. Nick DeRose, a 22-year-veteran, was taken to University Hospital, where he was treated and released.

A procession of law enforcement from across the greater Cincinnati area escorted Brewer's body from Mercy Hospital to the Hamilton County Coroner's Office, where an autopsy is to be conducted.

Another procession happened around 11 a.m. A fire truck took Brewer's body from the coroner's office to E.C. Nurre Funeral Home in Amelia. The route went east on Martin Luther King Drive to southbound I-71 then to I-471 to east I-275 and to State Route 125.

Cincinnati police shut down streets from the coroner's office to I-71.

Anyone with information about the incident can call the Clermont County Prosecutors Office, 513-732-7313 or David ONeil with The Bureau of Criminal Investigations and Identifications at 614-728-6069 or police at 614-302-7990.BROOKFIELD  Three boards will meet Tuesday evening to discuss the proposal for a $44.4 million school budget.

The Board of Education will present the plan to the selectmen and finance boards at 7 p.m. in the media center of the high school.

The proposal represents a 3.9 percent spending increase from the 2018-19 budget and is $65,000 less than the superintendents original proposal.

A majority of that spending hike is due to contractual salary and benefit increases for employees, as well as the rising cost of supplies and various services. The board also proposed hiring four new full-time teachers, among other investments.

The first selectman must approve his version of the town and school budgets by Feb. 15.

The Board of Selectmens proposal is due to the finance board by March 1. The finance board must submit its version to the town clerk by March 22. A referendum will be held in the spring.New Delhi:

Being cheated on by your partner can shatter you into a hundred pieces. What follows the heartbreak is  sleepless nights, more crying and useless attempts of seeking closure. However, what this guy did after being cheated on by his girlfriend will leave you in splits. This Australian man turned up in the arrival area at the Melbourne airport to confront his girlfriend for allegedly cheating on him, holding a giant card that read, I know you cheated.

Melbourne traveller Krsytal snapped the pic and posted on social media which now has over 75k likes and more than 24k retweets. He tweeted saying, ''At Melbourne airport today. He was waiting to greet his cheating partner... I AM DECEASED.''

At Melbourne airport today  he was waiting to greet his cheating partner... I AM DECEASED pic.twitter.com/zhqJ4TwRIp  Kryz (@KrystaalA) January 23, 2019

As soon as the picture was posted on the social media, Twitterati couldnt stop themselves from commenting on it. Here are some of the reactions that will make you go ROFL!

I wonder if it had anything to do with his communication style?  Megan Morris (@newfingernail) January 25, 2019

I think he is a teacher waiting for one of his students  HowsYaPie (@HowsYaPie) February 1, 2019

Um who is he, Ill be loyal af to him  Ki (@kosmickianaa) January 24, 2019

I actually felt a pang of sorrow for the https://t.co/tDpBCuMruK would have to be pretty gutted to do something so public  Glenn Hampson (@GlennHampson) January 25, 2019

 wish we had video footage of partners face when sign is read!!  Ben Friedlander (@BennyB11) January 25, 2019

Gone are those days when people used to sit back and cry for being cheated on. Its time to step out and make plans to get things even!

For all the Latest Offbeat News News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.New Delhi:

Congress president Rahul Gandhi will address a rally on Sunday, the first public meeting organised by the party at the Gandhi Maidan in nearly three decades. The state unit of the Congress relegated to the status of a marginal player ever since Mandal burst on the political scene in the 1990s - appears to have shed its ennui and working overtime to ensure that the rally is a grand success.

AICC in-charge of Bihar, Shaktisinh Gohil said on Saturday that invitations have been sent to alliance partners like Tejashwi Yadav, Upendra Kushwaha and Jitan Ram Manjhi for the event.

Congress is part of Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) in Bihar which also comprises RJD, RLSP and HAM of former chief minister Manjhi. Manjhi has confirmed his presence at the event. It needs to be seen whether Kushwaha, who is nourishing wounds at PMCH following a clash with the police, will be able to make it to the programme or not.

There, is, however, no word about the participation of RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav. BPCC sources said party leaders have held at least 400 public meetings across the state in the recent past in a bid to galvanize support for the rally, which would serve as a veritable sounding of bugle for the Lok Sabha polls which may be announced next month. Arrangements have been made at various places in the city, including residences of many of the party's legislators, for lodging Congress supporters, who are expected to converge from far-off corners of the state to witness the first rally of the party in more than two decades.

This would be the first public meeting to be addressed by Rahul Gandhi in Bihar after he took over as the party president a little over a year ago and this has led to palpable enthusiasm among young cadre, who have put up colourful posters across the city, many of these taking jibes at the Narendra Modi government with earthy slogans. Some others have stoked minor controversies by depicting Gandhi as deities like Lord Siva and Lord Rama. Inside the Gandhi Maidan, independent MLA from Mokama Anant Singh can be seen looking after the catering arrangements and he says, "I will be there along with my supporters to ensure the success of the rally though I may not yet be a member of the Congress." Singh has expressed his desire to contest from Munger Lok Sabha seat on a Congress ticket, drawing criticisms from the ruling JD(U)-BJP combine which accuse the Grand Old Party of providing a platform to a bahubali. However, AICC in-charge of Bihar Shaktisinh Gohil dismisses such criticisms, pointing out that Singh was a member of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's JD(U) and also had access to Deputy CM and BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi.

"Our rally will create history. It is for the first time in three decades that the Congress is holding its own rally in Gandhi Maidan. Though our top leaders like Sonia Gandhi have, in the recent past, spoken at rallies organized by coalitions of which we are a part," Gohil said, adding, "but tomorrow, we will be the hosts and alliance partners like Tejashwi Yadav, Upendra Kushwaha and Jitan Ram Manjhi have been sent invitations to lend strength to our fight against the BJP."

Elaborate security arrangements are in place for the rally. According to Superintendent of Police, Patna, Garima Malik, nearly 3,000 police personnel, including constables, sub-inspectors and officers of DSP rank would be deployed in the city to maintain law and order even as a temporary outpost has been set up in the vicinity of the venue of the rally. In addition, Quick Response Teams and Anti-Terrorist Squad would be deployed inside the sprawling Gandhi Maidan where more than 100 CCTV cameras have been installed to keep a close watch on the movement of people, Malik added. Notably, the Gandhi Maidan which has witnessed rallies by luminaries like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and Rajendra Prasad in the pre-Independence era and Jayaprakash Narayan, Indira Gandhi and Atal Bihari Vajpayee later on - was hit by a series of bomb explosions in 2013 when Narendra Modi, then the Chief Minister of Gujarat and the BJPs Prime Ministerial candidate, had addressed his maiden election meeting in Bihar.

A year later, a stampede at the huge ground with a perimeter of nearly 2.5 kilometers during Dussehra celebrations had claimed more than a score of lives.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.New Delhi:

Barely hours after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) made a failed bid to quiz Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar in connection with chit fund scam case, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday sat on a dharna at Esplanade in a bid to save the "federal structure" in the country. In an unprecedented development, a number of CBI officers, who had gone to question Kolkata Police chief Rajeev Kumar in connection with chit fund scam cases, were bundled into police jeeps, whisked to a police station and briefly detained on Sunday.

Amidst escalating tension between West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the Centre, Loudon Street in central Kolkata witnessed a virtual showdown between the state police and the CBI. Even though there were initially conflicting reports about some CBI officers being arrested, the city police later denied the claim, adding that the officers were taken to the Shakespeare police station to check if they had the documents required to question Kumar. However, all five CBI officers that were detained at the police station in Kolkata have been released later in the evening.

As politics played out on the street of Kolkata, social media has been flooded with reactions of different politicians from across party lines.

Derek O'Brien, TMC:

Reacting strong to the unprecedented incident, TMC spokesperson Derek O'Brien said that the party has spoken to all like-minded parties and given them an update on what happened today in Kolkata. It has happened to Akhilesh Yadav, Mayawati, Congress, TDP, AAP and all the parties.

Rahul Gandhi, Congress:

"I spoke with Mamata Di tonight and told her we stand shoulder to shoulder with her. The happenings in Bengal are a part of the unrelenting attack on Indias institutions by Mr Modi AND the BJP. The entire opposition will stand together & defeat these fascist forces," tweeted the Congress chief.

I spoke with Mamata Di tonight and told her we stand shoulder to shoulder with her.



The happenings in Bengal are a part of the unrelenting attack on Indias institutions by Mr Modi & the BJP.



The entire opposition will stand together & defeat these fascist forces.  Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) February 3, 2019

Abhishek Singhvi, Congress:

Taking to Twitter, Congress national spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi said, Modi and Shah have ensured a non-functional Parliament and non-productive session by doing such assaults on federal polity on Sunday evening. Did the CBI land up to have coffee with the CP on Sunday? No warrant mere section 160 notice. All this despite operating the HC stay in favour of the police officer.

#Modi #shah hav ensured a non functional parl &non productive session by doing such assaults on federal polity on Sunday evening. Did cbi land upto hv coffee with #CP on Sunday? No warrant mere section 160 notice. All this despite operating #hc stay in hc in favour of police offr  Abhishek Singhvi (@DrAMSinghvi) February 3, 2019

Akhilesh Yadav, SP:

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav also launched a scathing attack at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, saying "We have full support to Mamata Banerjee Ji's dharna against the aggressive policy of the BJP government and the political misuse of the CBI. "Today the Opposition and the people of the country are united to defeat the BJP in the next elections," the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister added.

"The BJP wants to stay in power by hook or by crook. They are so scared of losing that CBI is being used as election agents. This is undemocratic and against the spirit of the constitution. We demand due process be followed so that CBI is not used as a tool of political interference," Yadav wrote in another tweet.

The BJP wants to stay in power by hook or by crook. They are so scared of losing that CBI is being used as election agents



This is undemocratic and against spirit of the constitution. We demand due process be followed so that CBI is not used as a tool of political interference.  Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) February 3, 2019

MK Stalin, DMK:

Extending his support to the West Bengal chief minister, DMK president MK Stalin said, "The independence of every institution has been compromised under this fascist BJP Government. I stand with Mamata Banerjee - 'Didi' in her fight to protect the federal structure of this country and to save democracy".

The independence of every institution has been compromised under this fascist BJP Government.



I stand with @MamataOfficial Didi in her fight to protect the federal structure of this country and to save democracy.#SaveDemocracy  M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) February 3, 2019

Tejashwi Yadav, RJD:

"Spoke to respected Mamata Banerjee Ji. Extended RJDs support, BJP has not only venomous and nefarious agenda against opposition leaders but Indian Administrative Service and Police Officers. Might visit Kolkata tomorrow," said RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav.

Spoke to respected @MamataOfficial ji. Extended RJDs support, BJP has not only venomous & nefarious agenda against opposition leaders but Indian Administrative Service & Police Officers. Might visit Kolkata tomorrow  Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) February 3, 2019

Arvind Kejriwal, AAP:

"Spoke to Mamta didi and expressed solidarity. Modi-Shah duos action is completely bizarre and anti-democracy," Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted.

Spoke to Mamta didi and expressed solidarity. Modi-Shah duos action is completely bizarre and anti-democracy  Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) February 3, 2019

N Chandrababu Naidu, TDP:

Condemning the unprecedented incident in Kolkata, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said, "After opposition parties started uniting and started to fight together to save democracy, the Modi led BJP is losing all hope. The misuse of institutions by the union government to victimize political opponents in States is reaching dangerous proportions".

"We strongly condemn the incidents happening in Kolkata, a glaring example of how Modi-Shah duo are destroying the institutions. Attacking political opponents in different States, few days before the Parliament elections commence, will have disastrous consequences in the country," Naidu added.

"This is shocking and we strongly condemn this. We stand by Chief Minister of West Bengal to preserve and protect the constitution and spirit of federalism in the country," the TDP president wrote in a series of tweets.

This is shocking and we strongly condemn this. We stand by Chief Minister of West Bengal to preserve and protect constitution and spirit of federalism in the country. #SaveDemocracy  N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) February 3, 2019

GVL Narasimha Rao, BJP:

On the BJP's side, GVL Narasimha Rao said, "Incident taking place in Kolkata is unfortunate. Mamata Banerjee wants to protect the corrupt in her state, like a dictator. She is obstructing an investigation of the CBI which was there as per the Supreme Court order. She is shredding apart the constitution. We condemn this".

GVL Narasimha Rao: CBI is working as per directions of SC, no state govt has the power to obstruct or detain them. It's unconstitutional&undemocratic...We hope SC gives a direction to WB govt, keeping this incident in view otherwise no agency will be able to work in this country. https://t.co/VYPz9pXGR4  ANI (@ANI) February 3, 2019

Omar Abdullah, NC:

Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah said, "Just spoke to Mamata Banerjee Didi to convey the support of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference as she sits on dharna. The use of the CBI as a political tool has crossed all limits as has the Modi government s misuse of institutions. A former CM having such little regard for Indias federalism is shocking".

Just spoke to @MamataOfficial didi to convey the support of @JKNC_ as she sits in dharna. The use of the CBI as a political tool has crossed all limits as has the Modi governments misuse of institutions. A former CM having such little regard for Indias federalism is shocking  Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) February 3, 2019

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.New Delhi:

Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief and West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee sat on a 'dharna' in front of Metro Cinema to protest the CBI action against Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar in connection with the Rose Valley and Sarada ponzy scam case on Sunday. Kolkata Police Chief Kumar is also present at the spot.

"West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee sitting on her 'Save the Constitution' dharna at Metro Channel, Kolkata. Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar is also present," the news agency ANI reported.

Earlier, Banerjee reached out to Kumar's Loudon Street residence amid a face-off between the Kolkata Police and the CBI. In a dramatic turn of event, a number of CBI officers, who had gone to question Kumar in connection with chit fund cases, were bundled into police jeeps and detained at Shakespeare Sarani police station. However, all five CBI officers that were detained by police at Shakespeare Sarani police station in Kolkata have been released.

The TMC chief also met West Bengal Director General of Police at Kumar's residence and discussed all possible measures to take the situation under their grip. "I am going to stage a dharna to save the federal structure. From today I'm going to sit near the Metro Channel. Tomorrow proceedings in state assembly will take place where I will hold a meeting. This dharna means satyagraha," ANI quoted the CM as saying.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee sitting on her 'Save the Constitution' dharna at Metro Channel, Kolkata. Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar is also present. pic.twitter.com/nB6ASQIYFp  ANI (@ANI) February 3, 2019

Terming the CBI action against Kumar "politically vindictive", the West Bengal chief minister said the BJP is torturing Bengal and is in a desperate attempt to destroy the state just because she organised the January 19 brigade rally to unite the opposition parties in Kolkata.

Banerjee also dubbed Kumar the best police officer in the world and accepted her responsibility to give protection to the force. "Without any notice, you are coming to Kolkata Police Commissioner's house. We could have arrested CBI but we left," Banerjee was quoted as saying outside Kumar's house.

"I will stand with my force. I respect them. I felt very sad today. This is the destruction of the federal structure," the TMC chief went on to claim further.

In the wake of this unprecedented situation, Banerjee has sought support and solidarity from other opposition parties towards her "fight to protect the constitution". The All India Trinamool Congress also decided to stage a state-wide strike against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government at 3 pm on Monday. According to sources, senior Congress leader Ahmad Patel has given a detailed report to party chief Rahul Gandhi over the ongoing situation in West Bengal.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.New Delhi:

The West Bengal government on Sunday denied permission to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath from holding a rally in the state without any prior notice. Adityanath was supposed to address a rally in North Dinajpur, near Malda. The permission for the CMs rally has been declined by the West Bengal government without any prior notice, news agency ANI reported quoting the UP chief ministers office. In the run-up to the Lok Sabha election due this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi kickstarted his poll campaign in West Bengal by addressing rallies in Thakurnagar and Durgapur.

Last month, there was a row between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Trinamool Congress government over a landing spot for BJP president Amit Shahs helicopter ahead of his rally in Malda. The Malda district administration had told the BJP that permission to land a helicopter on the ground opposite the Hotel Golden Park, where the aircraft of chief minister Banerjee also lands, will not be possible as the airport was being renovated and that construction material was lying on the runway.

According to reports and sources, the BJP plans to organise up to 200 public meetings in Bengal to boost ahead of the Lok Sabha Polls. PM Narendra Modi and Amit Shah have already held rallies in the state. Modi is scheduled to address another public meeting on February 8. Union ministers Rajnath Singh, Smriti Irani are among BJP leaders who will address the rallies in Bengal in the next few weeks. Bengal is crucial in the BJPs plan for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls and the party has set itself a target of 22 seats in the state. The party which currently holds two seats in the state --- Darjeeling and Asansol --- has been bolstered with a number of senior Trinamool Congress leaders joining it.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.New Delhi:

India will play New Zealand in the fifth and final ODI in Wellington. India have won the toss and will bat first. Congress president Rahul Gandhi will address a rally on Sunday, the first public meeting organized by the party at the Gandhi Maidan in nearly three decades. AICC in-charge of Bihar, Shaktisinh Gohil said on Saturday that invitations have been sent to alliance partners like Tejashwi Yadav, Upendra Kushwaha and Jitan Ram Manjhi for the event. Australia's last refugee children in Pacific camp to be moved.

16:37 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Law ministry Sources: Law ministry has granted sanction to the CBI to prosecute former Finance minister P Chidambaram in INX media case.

13:31 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In

Karnataka: Former Karnataka Chief Minister and Congress leader Siddaramaiah met BJP leader&former External Affairs Minister SM Krishna, in Kolar.















Karnataka: Former Karnataka Chief Minister and Congress leader Siddaramaiah met BJP leader&former External Affairs Minister SM Krishna, in Kolar pic.twitter.com/hfCMFMF0uU

 ANI (@ANI) February 3, 2019



13:29 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Seven Rohingya children, including six girls and a boy, who crossed over from Bangladesh to enter into Assam, have been arrested from Dharmanagar Railway Station, North Tripura:Railway Protection Force.

13:25 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Andhra Pradesh: Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi & CM N. Chandrababu Naidu at the inauguration of Andhra Pradesh High Court in Nelapadu village in Amaravati.



Andhra Pradesh: Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi & CM N. Chandrababu Naidu at the inauguration of Andhra Pradesh High Court in Nelapadu village in Amaravati. pic.twitter.com/IL0yfjimtA

 ANI (@ANI) February 3, 2019



13:20 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Congress to hold nationwide protest tomorrow at all the state headquarters to protest against the members of Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha who used a pistol to shoot effigy of Mahatma Gandhi and garland the statue of Nathuram Godse on January 30 in Uttar Pradesh.

11:40 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Chennai: DMK President MK Stalin paid tribute to former Tamil Nadu CM CN Annadurai on his death anniversary at Marina Beach Memorial, earlier today.



Chennai: DMK President MK Stalin paid tribute to former Tamil Nadu CM CN Annadurai on his death anniversary at Marina Beach Memorial, earlier today. pic.twitter.com/tSA7Tkf3pt

 ANI (@ANI) February 3, 2019



08:57 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Tamil Nadu: K Manikandan, a 26-year-old police constable attached to the Armed Reserve battalion, who was on duty at the IG office of Kilpauk, allegedly committed suicide by shooting himself today.

08:13 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In India lose their 4th wicket, Dhoni out for 1. India 18/4.

08:00 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In India lose the third wicket, Shubhnam Gill out for 7 runs.

07:55 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In India lose its second wicket, Shikhar Dhawan out for 6.

07:37 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Maharashtra: Visuals from Mumbai's Lower Parel Railway Station that is closed for 11 hours- from 10 pm yesterday to 9 am today, due to the demolition of Delisle Road Bridge. 205 local trains and 23 long-distance trains have been cancelled for the said period.



Maharashtra: Visuals from Mumbai's Lower Parel Railway Station that is closed for 11 hours- from 10 pm yesterday to 9 am today, due to the demolition of Delisle Road Bridge. 205 local trains and 23 long-distance trains have been cancelled for the said period. pic.twitter.com/GVnjQVUwWN

 ANI (@ANI) February 2, 2019



07:37 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Delhi: Major pollutants PM 2.5 at 222 and PM 10 at 229, both in 'Poor' category in Lodhi Road area, according to the Air Quality Index (AQI) data.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.New Delhi:

In a jolt to the Congress ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, former Union minister V Kishore Chandra Deo resigned from the primary membership of the party on Saturday. He tendered his resignation to Congress president Rahul Gandhi. According to sources, he said that the party is in coma in Andhra Pradesh and the party leadership lacks responsiveness. The veteran parliamentarian was the tribal face of the Congress from Andhra Pradesh.

The Congress is extinct in Andhra Pradesh. It has gone down the hill. Party is in coma in Andhra Pradesh and theres nothing that is being done or can be done to revive it, said Deo as quoted by the Tribune. If reports are to be believed, the veteran Congressman is set to join N Chandrababu Naidus Telegu Desam Party (TDP). Deo contested for Araku Parliament Segment in the last elections on Congress Ticket but lost.

Deo was the Union Cabinet Minister for Tribal Affairs & Panchayati Raj from July 2011 to May 2014 in the UPA-II. Deo had also served as Central Minister in 1979-80, as Minister of State for Steel, Mines and Coal after his maiden election to the Lok Sabha in 1977. He was re-elected on four other occasions, besides being a member of the Rajya Sabha for one term. He headed the parliamentary investigation into the 2008 cash-for-votes scandal.

The veteran leader, however, clarified that he was only quitting the Congress and not politics. He said that his attempts to engage Rahul on affairs related to Andhra had failed. Four people take decisions in the Congress and theres no space for anyone elses opinion, Deo said. He also said that he would disclose his future course of action soon.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.New Delhi:

The All India Mahila Congress (AIMC) along with the Delhi women wing of the party will lodge an FIR over sexist remarks against AICC General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra at social networking sites. All India Mahila Congress (AIMC) President Sushmita Dev and Delhi Mahila Congress President Sharmistha Mukherjee will register the complaint around 12:30 pm at Parliament Police Station on Monday, February 4, 2019.

Speaking to news agency IANS, AIMC chief Dev said, "Ever since Priyanka Gandhi joined active politics, several BJP leaders made derogatory remarks. While we chose to ignore them, it has triggered a malicious campaign against her on social media".

Filing of FIRs will begin with the national capital - Delhi and the party will further reach out to all state capitals seeking police action against the accused, Dev said. The decision has been taken with an aim to make politics a safer place for women, she added.

"Today there are not many women politicians because often they are subjected to harassment like this. Our aim is to seek action not just for the remarks against Gandhi but all women who are subjected to such attacks on social media or otherwise," Dev went on to claim further.

Gandhi, who last month was appointed the Congress General Secretary for Uttar Pradesh (East), is scheduled to formally take charge in Lucknow on Monday.

With Priyanka's formal entry into politics, Uttar Pradesh is expected to witness a triangular contest between the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), SP-BSP alliance and the Congress in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections 2019.

Also, the fact that Prime Minister Narendra and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath both hold constituencies in eastern UP, makes the job tougher for Priyanka.

Vadra is likely to contest the General Elections from her mother Sonia Gandhis constituency Raebareli. The reports hold significance as the UPA chairperson has recently indicated that she will soon retire from politics.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.New Delhi:

In an unprecedented development, a number of CBI officers, who had gone to question Kolkata Police chief Rajeev Kumar in connection with chit fund scam cases, were bundled into police jeeps, whisked to a police station and briefly detained on Sunday, officials said. Amidst escalating tension between West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the Centre, Loudon Street in central Kolkata witnessed a virtual showdown between the state police and the CBI. Banerjee began a sit-in protest at a city landmark over the CBI's attempt to question the Kolkata Police chief, insisting it stifled the spirit of "Constitution and federalism".

In a dramatic showdown with the Modi government, a furious Banerjee, wrapped in a brown woollen shawl, began a sit-in right in front of the Metro Cinema to protest "insults" she faced at the hands of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah, hours after a CBI team that had gone to question Kumar was detained in a rare face-off between the police establishments of the Centre and the state.

A day earlier, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) claimed that Kumar had been "absconding" and "being looked for" in connection with Saradha and Rose Valley ponzi scam cases. As the CBI team landed at the city police chief's residence, a team of Kolkata Police officers rushed to the spot to speak to the CBI officials and tried to enquire if they had the documents required for questioning Kumar. Later on, a small team of CBI officials was taken to Shakespeare Sarani police station for further discussions.

In 2014, in a major setback to Banerjee-led West Bengal (WB) government, the Supreme Court handed over the multi-crore Saradha scam investigation to the CBI. The court had asked the state agencies to cooperate with the CBI.

The question is can states opt out of general consent to CBI to conduct corruption probes?

On November 8, the Andhra Pradesh government withdrew the "general consent" accorded to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to exercise its authority in the state. Following Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal government said it had also withdrawn its consent accorded to the CBI to conduct investigation and raids in the state.

What does this development mean?

It means the CBI has to seek permission from the chief minister of these states on a case-to-case basis. This will also be applicable to big-ticket corruption cases within a state. This means raids in fresh cases will also require consent from the state concerned or else from a high court or the Supreme Court.

What does the law say:

6. Consent of State Government to exercise of powers and jurisdiction.Nothing contained in section 5 shall be deemed to enable any member of the Delhi Special Police Establishment to exercise powers and jurisdiction in any area in a State, not being a Union territory or railway area], without the consent of the Government of that State.

(Section 6 of the Delhi Special Police Establishments Act, 1946)

What it means:

All states (except Delhi and union territories) have the discretion to give their consent to the CBI for a probe in the state.

What was the position till now:

There was a blanket permission from all states to the CBI for corruption probes.

Does that mean that the CBI can no longer probe any case in the two states?

According to The Indian Express, The CBI would still have the power to investigate old cases registered when general consent existed. There is ambiguity on whether the agency can carry out a search in either of the two states in connection with an old case without the consent of the state government. However, there are legal remedies to that as well. The CBI can always get a search warrant from a local court in the state and conduct searches. In case the search requires a surprise element, there is CrPC Section 166, which allows a police officer of one jurisdiction to ask an officer of another to carry out searches on his behalf. And if the first officer feels that the searches by the latter may lead to loss of evidence, the section allows the first officer to conduct searches himself after giving a notice to the latter.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.New Delhi:

Days after the Supreme Court cautioned Karti Chidambaram, not to play with the law and asked him to appear before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on March 5, 6, 7 and 12 for interrogation in the Aircel Maxis and INX cases, the Law Ministry today has granted sanction to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to prosecute former Finance Minister P Chidambaram in INX Media Case, sources tell news agency ANI.

The CBI had sought law ministry's opinion about taking action against P Chidambaram. It has now got the ministry's nod. The CBI and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday (January 25) had told the Delhi High Court that custodial interrogation of the veteran Congress leader was required in the INX media case.

The CBI has already got a go-ahead from the Central Government to prosecute P Chidambaram in Aircel Maxis case.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.New Delhi:

Renowned Manipuri filmmaker Aribam Syam Sharma has returned his 2006 Padma Shri Award in protest against Citizenship Amendment Bill 2016. Addressing reporters at his Imphal residence on Sunday afternoon, Syam said the people in Manipur need protection. Manipur has been witnessing massive protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill since it was passed in the Lok Sabha on January 8.

A group of students from Manipur were detained on Wednesday for protesting against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill in Lutyens' Delhi. According to the Manipur Students' Association Delhi, they staged a sit-in at Parliament Street, following which they were detained and taken to Mandir Marg police station. The protesters claimed that their women colleagues were manhandled by police, a charge denied by the force. According to a senior police officer, 50 people were detained.

They should respect us as a state - small or big. It should not be counted on the population basis. I raise this because the Union of India is made up of states, Hindustan Times quoted Sharma as saying.

When the Northeastern states jointly represent or present something in the government, they should consider it and if they do not consider, naturally we have to oppose.So, as part of showing solidarity, I decided to return the award, Sharma said.

The 83-year-old prominent filmmakers move came days after family members of the people who lost their lives during the anti-illegal immigrant movement in the eighties in Assam decided to return the awards which were given by the Sarbananda Sonowal government in 2016. Manipur Peoples Party (MPP) president O Jugindro said the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, if passed in the Rajya Sabha, would reduce the population of indigenous people of the Northeastern states, including Manipur, to "microscopic minority".

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.New Delhi:

A sessions court here has issued non-bailable warrants against two Pakistan Army officials - Major Abdul Rehman Pasha and Major Iqbal - in connection with the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks case. While Major Pasha has retired, the prosecution believes Major Iqbal is still serving as an ISI official in Pakistan, as disclosed by US born Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist David Coleman Headley, an approver in the case in Mumbai. Both Major Iqbal and Major Pasha are shown as wanted accused in the charge sheet filed by the city polices crime branch in the case. Additional Sessions Judge S V Yarlagadda on January 21 allowed an application filed by special public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam.

The application was filed before the court which is presently conducting trial against alleged LeT operative Sayyed Zabiuddin Ansari alias Abu Jundal in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks case. Nikam said in the application that the role of the two Pakistani Army officials was revealed further during the testimony of Headley on the conspiracy hatched in the case.

Headley, who is presently lodged in a US jail, turned approver in the case and his testimony was recorded via video conference in 2016. "David Headleys testimony has vindicated the stand of India that the terror attacks of November 26, 2008 were not only sponsored by militant groups of Pakistan but were, in fact, actively supported by Pakistan Army officials," Nikam told PTI.

Judge Yarlagadda, after perusing the application, supplementary charge sheet filed by the crime branch and hearing brief arguments from Nikam, said he was allowing the application.

The application filed by the prosecution for issuance of non-bailable warrant against the two persons (Pasha and Iqbal) is allowed. These two persons are shown as wanted suspects. The approver, David Headley, has named them in his evidence, the court said.

Hence, issue non-bailable warrants against both the accused persons, the court ordered and posted the matter for further hearing on February 6.

Headley in his testimony before the court here had claimed that during the conspiracy to commit the terror attacks in Mumbai, Major Iqbal and Major Pasha were present in the meetings during which targets were selected.

LeT operatives Sajeed Mir, Abu Kaahfa and Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi were also present in the meetings, Headley had said. Nikam said Headleys oral testimony is not the only evidence against these two persons (Pasha and Iqbal) and that the prosecution also has in its possession corroborative documentary evidence.

Headley had visited Mumbai in September 2006 and informed Major Iqbal about his surveillance of Hotel Taj in south Mumbai and on his return to Pakistan, he had handed over photographs and videos of the same. He also said that Major Iqbal gave him USD 25,000 to do intelligence work in India.

Headley further claimed that Major Iqbal had asked him to also get classified information about Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) here and of political party Shiv Senas office, Sena Bhawan, located in central Mumbai.

He said he had also received Rs 80,000 from Major Pasha for carrying out surveillance work in India. According to Nikam, Headley had been in regular contact with Major Pasha during the course of the conspiracy, planning and execution of the attack.

It is pertinent to note that Headley in his testimony had said Pasha wanted the National Defence College in New Delhi also to be included in the target list and had, in fact, told Headley that if the attack on the army college was successful then they would be able to kill more brigadiers and generals than they have in the past, Nikam said.

On November 26, 2008, 10 Pakistani terrorists arrived by sea route and opened fire indiscriminately, killing 166 people, including 18 security personnel, and injuring several others, besides damaging property worth crores.

The attacks lasted three days. The places that were attacked included south Mumbais Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus railway station, the Taj Hotel, the Trident Hotel, Cafe Leopold and Chabad House. While nine of the terrorists were killed during the siege, Ajmal Kasab was caught alive by Mumbai Police and later awarded death sentence.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.New Delhi:

After hosting a grand reception at Mumbai's JW Marriott for their friends from the Bollywood and TV industry, Kapil Sharma and Ginni Chatrath hosted another wedding reception for their close pals and family in Delhi. As per a report in Times Now, the reception was also held for Kapils politician and bureaucrat friends. Kapil shared a photo of himself with Ginni on his social media account. Needless to say, the two completed each other in navy blue attires.



Kapil captioned the image as, ''Celebrations are unstoppable.. need ur blessings  #love #blessings #family #friends #delhi #reception #celebrations #gratitude @ginnichatrath.''

While Kapil wore a blue bandhgala with white trousers and blue shawl. Ginni, on the other hand, looked beautiful in a blue anarkali. She rounded off her look with earrings and coral shade lipstick. Check out the pictures below:

Kapil and Ginni tied the knot on December 12 last year in Jalandhar. The event was attended by TV personalities like Bharti Singh, Sumona Chakravarti, Krushna Abhishek, Sudesh Lehri, Rajiv Thakur and others.

The two had known each other for a long time but they started dating only during that tough phase of Kapils life when he was fighting depression and she helped him in the same. On the professional front, Kapil made a much-awaited return to the television with the second season of The Kapil Sharma Show that premiered on December 29 last year.



Mumbai:

Neha Dhupia has slammed a fashion magazine for its fat-shaming article on her post-pregnancy weight gain. The 38-year-old actor took to Twitter and shared screenshots of the article published by the magazine with the headline, "Neha Dhupia Shocking Weight Gain Post Pregnancy".

Neha and her husband Angad Bedi became parents to a baby girl in November last year. Her post was accompanied by a statement in which she hit out at the outlet for its "vile" article.

"I don't owe anyone an explanation because fat-shaming like this doesn't bother me one bit. But I do want to address this as a larger problem because fat-shaming needs to stop for EVERYONE and not just celebs.''

Neha said as a mother, she does not feel bound by the society's beauty standards and its idea of fitness. "As a new mom, I want to be fit, healthy and energetic for my daughter. So I work out everyday, sometimes twice a day because for me... 'Fitness' is a priority and not 'fitting into' society's standards regarding looks," she said.

"And I hope in the future people are kinder to each other while making such vapid and vile comments. To quote @Pattonoswalt... 'Be kind. It's chaos out there'," she concluded.

She found support in filmmaker Karan Johar and actor Sonam Kapoor. "Neha! You are an amazing Woman! You walk so many paths with humour...with intelligence and with abandon! It's never about losing weight, it's always about gaining perspective! And I hope the woman who wrote this has gained some today..." Karan wrote while sharing her post.

Neha! You are an amazing Woman! You walk so many paths with humour...with intelligence and with abandon! Its never about losing weight its always about gaining perspective! And I hope the woman who wrote this has gained some today.... https://t.co/VhlGJtM4Oj  Karan Johar (@karanjohar) February 2, 2019

Sonam said, "You are beautiful no matter what any one says."

Actor Taapsee Pannu tweeted, "Whatever shape and size, you make it look super stylish! @NehaDhupia."

 whatever shape n size, u make it look super stylish ! @NehaDhupia  https://t.co/Hz0iTKstYW  taapsee pannu (@taapsee) February 2, 2019

Director Onir said the publication and its writer "needs basic class in learning the meaning of respect/dignity and priority".

"Stupid insensitive comment on what is a part of a life giving process. Anyway irrespective of that the comment lacks taste/kindness," he added.

For all the Latest Entertainment News, Bollywood News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.New Delhi:

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Sunday addressed the 'Jan Aakansha' rally, the first public meeting organised by the party at Patna's Gandhi Maidan in nearly three decades. Apart from the Gandhi scion, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath, his Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh counterparts - Ashok Gehlot and Bhupesh Baghel and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav were among other leaders who attended the rally in Bihar's capital city Patna.

Taking a dig at the Narendra Modi-led BJP government during his address, the Congress president said, "Our chowkidar is a thief. He goes to France, US and England, and engages in scam arm deals". He also accused the prime minister of insulting the farmers by announcing Rs 17 per day income support in the Interim Budget 2019.

Gandhi also promised to waive off farm lone across the country if the party comes to power in 2019. It is widely believed that the promises of farm loan waiver made by Rahul Gandhi helped the Congress to sweep three Hindi heartland states - Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan in 2018.

Addressing the gathering, the Congress chief further vowed to elevate Patna University to a central university if the Congress returns to power at the Centre in the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections 2019. "Bihar used to be known for its quality education in Patna and Nalanda universities, but now Bihar is known for its high rate of unemployment", Gandhi said while accusing the government of depriving the state of opportunities in terms of jobs and education.

Rahul said the Congress will also construct open food processing factories in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, where the party was voted to power in the recently concluded Assembly Elections 2018.

LIVE: Congress President Rahul Gandhi addresses #JanAkankshaRally at Gandhi Maidan, Patna. https://t.co/9jn5q71Pob  Congress (@INCIndia) February 3, 2019

The Congress president alleged that PM Modi has given crorepatis crores of rupees in the last five years and, therefore, he decided to ensure a minimum income to every poor person if he comes to power in 2019. "We will put money in poor people's accounts," Gandhi was quoted as saying by media.

Launching a scathing attack over the government's demonetisation move, Gandhi said PM Modi decided that he does not like Rs 500 or Rs 1,000 note and thus he made the common man stand in lines to get rid of black money.

Accusing the prime minister of not fulfilling a single promise in the last five years, the Congress chief said, "Wherever PM Modi goes, he always ends up making promises and so does Nitish Ji".

In praise of RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, Rahul said he is a youth leader and does whatever he promises to people in the state. To conclude his speech at Gandhi Maidan in Patna, Gandhi asked the people of Bihar to ensure that the grand alliance comes to power in the state.

The Congress is part of Bihar Grand Alliance (Mahagathbandhan) which comprises RJD, RLSP and HAM of former chief minister Manjhi.New Delhi:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday amid tight security. During the visit, the prime minister will inaugurate several developmental projects in the state and lay the foundation stone of two AIIMS in the state - a long pending promise he had made in the 2015-16 budget. With 2019 Lok Sabha elections around the corner and its vote bank shrinking, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led by Modi is on a spree of laying foundation stone of various developmental projects across the country. The prime minister will inaugurate new projects worth Rs 35,000 crore at Vijaypur and dedicate completed projects worth Rs 9,000 crore in Kashmir and Ladakh. Besides this, Modi will also inaugurate rural Kashmirs Bandipore district.

Here are the live updates of Modis Kashmir visit:

14:18 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In "Congress had promised to waive Rs 6 lakh crore of farmers' loan in 2008-09 but only waived Rs 52,000 crore. Congress using promises of farm loan waivers to win elections only," says Modi.

13:51 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Watch: What Prime Minister Narendra Modi says on Citizenship Amendment Bill in Vijaypur, Jammu:



#WATCH: Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks on Citizenship Amendment Bill in Vijaypur, Jammu, says, 'Pakistan, Afghanistan aur Bangladesh mein aise anek Maa Bharti ke santaan hain, jin ke saath atyachaar hua hai...' pic.twitter.com/71Y8SfUlMm

 ANI (@ANI) February 3, 2019



13:36 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In "The previous governments had the tendency to ignore the necessities and sentiments of the country, you are well aware of that. Take Kartarrpur corridor for instance. Had they paid attention, then the land of Guru Nanak Dev would have been a part of India," says Modi.

11:14 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Update: Internet services have been suspended in Srinagar ahead of Modi's visit. Security has also been tightened. The prime minister will lay the foundation stone of AIIMS in Srinagar.

10:58 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Changes have been made to Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Act and the council has been given more rights.



PM Modi in Leh: Im happy that changes have been made to Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Act, & the council has been given more rights concerning the expenditures. Now the Autonomous Council releases the money sent for the regions development.#JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/xqK3134sLD

 ANI (@ANI) February 3, 2019



11:00 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In "Once Bilaspur-Manali-Leh rail line is completed, the distance from Delhi to Leh will be reduced. It will also benefit the tourism sector. Protected Area Permit's validity has been increased to 15 days, now tourists will be able to enjoy their journey to Leh," says Modi in Leh.

10:53 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Upon reaching Leh in Jammu and Kashmir, the prime minister walked down the road the meet locals and party workers standing there.



#WATCH: Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets locals in Leh. PM will lay foundation stone of new terminal building of the Airport in Leh, later today. #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/4ZkeYC17Eq

 ANI (@ANI) February 3, 2019

New Delhi:

The Left Front today organised a rally at West Bengals Brigade ground where the leaders launched a blistering attack against both state and center governments. The rally is being seen as Lefts counter to Mamata Banerjees United India rally which was organised on January 19. The ailing CPI (M) patriarch and former West Bengal chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee also attended Sunday's Left Front rally. Bhattacharjee, who arrived at the rally ground around 1.30 pm, was seen sitting inside his car along with his wife. The CPI(M) leader had been bed-ridden for the past several months due to Compulsory Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD). "Buddhada joining the rally, even if it is for few minutes, will boost the morale of party cadres. He is the tallest leader of our party in Bengal. His popularity among the cadres is still unmatched," a senior CPI(M) leader said.

Earlier, there were speculations over ex-chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee attending the rally. "Although there is a huge demand for the former to address the event, he won't be present as he is not in good health," said a CPM leader. A message from Bhattacharya will be read out at the rally.

Describing Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "chowkidar" (watchman), under whose watch loot and communalism were rampant in the country, CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury sought the formation of an alternative democratic government at the Centre. "We have to defeat the Chowkidar Modi in the next elections. We don't need such a chowkidar, in whose presence loot is going on in the country. They have spread the poison of communalism across the country.

"The Centre, which has looted the country for past five years, is now doling out sops ahead of elections," Yechury said, while addressing a rally at Brigade Parade Ground here. The CPI(M) leader also said the country needs a change in policy for its overall development. "We are not calling for his (Modi's) defeat just because we don't like him, we are calling for a change so that there can be alternative polices. We have to fight for an alternative secular and democratic government at the Centre," he said.

Terming the Budget a "jumla", he said the people of this country "won't be fooled by his false promises". The veteran leader also attacked the ruling Trinamool Congress in the state, stating that the "saffron party and the Mamata Banerjee-led party were two sides of the same coin". "It is important to defeat the TMC in the state in order to defeat BJP at the Centre," he added.

The meeting was attended by senior Left leaders namely Sitaram Yechury, Biman Basu, Mohammed Salim and others. Former Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union leader Kanhaiya Kumar, who is facing a sedition charge, was scheduled to address the rally but cancelled his plans as he is unwell. Sources said lakhs of Left Front supporters from across West Bengal are coming to attend the event.

Earlier, there were reports that suggested that actor Shabana Azmi and Bharipa Bahujan Mahasangh chief Prakash Ambedkar, a grandson of B R Ambedkar, may also attend the rally.Shamokin, PA (17872)

Today

Thunderstorms, some strong early, then variable clouds overnight with still a chance of showers. Damaging winds and large hail with some storms. Low 62F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms, some strong early, then variable clouds overnight with still a chance of showers. Damaging winds and large hail with some storms. Low 62F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%.Scores of wildfires raged in heatwave conditions across much of drought-parched Australia on Saturday.

Townships in Tasmania, an island off Australia's south coast, remained on high alert. Some residents were forced to flee their homes and national parks and reserves were closed.

Fires also broke out in the west of the country, with around 80 firefighters battling to contain a massive blaze in Perth.

Bureau of Meteorology forecasters say this January is on track to become Australia's hottest January on record with heatwave conditions likely to persist.

Last year was Australia's third-warmest on record.

APTNShane Jones has strongly defended giving Maori landowners $100 million from the Government's Provincial Growth Fund.

The Regional Economic Minister responded to criticism of the funding boost announced on Sunday, telling The AM Show it's unfair that Government funding is often unbalanced.

"Why should the Callaghan institute and others fund the guy in Mahia Peninsula firing rockets into the sky, but you're complaining about Maori landowners?

"Why should we fund all of these flash Callaghan-orientated things in science funding?"



Callaghan Innovation is a Crown entity tasked with making Kiwi businesses more innovative. In 2014, it chipped in up to $15 million over three years for NZ-US company Rocket Lab, which has successfully launched rockets from Mahia Peninsula.

The Accident Compensation Corporation of New Zealand, a Government agency, is also an investor in Rocket Lab. The company said last year it had secured US$140 million (NZ$206 million) to fund expansion and research projects.

Mr Jones implied that Maori people are too often left out when it comes to Government funding, and that too much time is spent "wandering the corridors of Parliament" trying to change Maori land laws.

"We've set up a fund [and] we've got Rodger Finlay, one of New Zealand's leading commercial identities, advising the Government on what sort of propositions should pass," the New Zealand First MP said.

When Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced the $100 million funding package, she said research shows 80 percent of Maori freehold land is under-utilised and unproductive.

There are concerns, however, that the reason the land is under-utilised is because it's unsuitable for development in economic terms and that its significance is more cultural.

Mr Jones responded: "We'd rather make the attempt, be very diligent, find partners that have a proven track record, and bring these Maori landowners and their aspirations into the real world."

Asked why taxpayers should take the risk on developing Maori land when Australian banks have said they won't, Mr Jones said it's because the banks "don't know how to overcome the obstacle of this colonial system of land administration".

"The banks are keen to work with Maori landowners but they've all said to us that there's too much risk associated with the ownership structure."

National leader Simon Bridges said handing money to Maori won't achieve anything and that Maori land laws need to change first under the Te Ture Whenua Maori Bill.

Newshub.New Zealand's Labour-led Government announced its support of the non-legally binding UN Migration Pact in December last year, which increases the rights of migrants worldwide.

The protest leader, a woman, was talking to a crowd of passers-by when tensions escalated.

A man from the crowd confronted her holding a sign saying, "almost everything they just said is wrong. NZ loves migrants. Love not fear".

When he approaches the protest group with the sign, one can be heard asking him to leave, saying he's intimidating the speaker, a woman.

"I think you've made your point, now you're intimidating someone," a man tells him.

A group of bystanders then moves into the space that the protesters were in, refusing to move, before a squabble sees police step in.

A woman from the crowd grabs the hat off one of the protesters, an older man, and another pushes him. Amid yelling from both sides of the debate, police move between the groups.

The police presence is enough to deter the commotion, and the protest speaker can be heard saying that she will wrap up the protest with a rendition of the national anthem.

The crowd boos through the song, and the woman leading the protest at one point forgets the words to the Maori verse.

There have been protests around the world against the pact, which has the support of 152 countries so far.

Newshub.OPINION: Labour promised voters world class cancer care but, of all the rocks I've looked under, I can't find any evidence anyone has done anything - and the clock is not only ticking but people are dying waiting.

Of the few dozen women who demanded better breast cancer drugs at a rally at Parliament last year, I was told late last night five have died waiting.

One of our guests Wiki Mulholland, who has advanced breast cancer, got access to chemo and to some new drugs and has just been told she's in technical remission. Great news, she may well survive. But the family is cautious.

We as New Zealanders should be demanding better drugs and more funding.

Twenty-three thousand Kiwis got cancer last year, 9000 will die. It's our greatest killer, but we are getting third class medicines - why?

A woman with stage four breast cancer will live five years in Holland, but just 13 months here.

In 10 years, one in two Kiwis will get cancer. That's what one expert told a recent cancer conference. It's grim news isn't it.

And, in the time Australia has approved 24 new cancer drugs, we have approved - wait for this - none.

Today the group Cango - which is made up of most of the not-for-profit cancer support groups - will go public, demanding an inquiry into Pharmac and why we don't get the best medicines.

My sources tell me the health select committee also wants a proper inquiry into Pharmac.

This time tomorrow I'll ask the Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern if she agrees - because my sources are telling me, for some reason, the ninth floor at the Beehive isn't keen.

But New Zealanders deserve answers on this and I urge the PM to back the inquiry.Marc Daalder for The Spinoff

Are we missing the rise of the far right? Marc Daalder speaks to the angry middle-aged men who want to see nationalism rise in New Zealand.



Hundreds of Kiwis pledged to march on Saturday against an obscure UN migration pact today under the guise of a brand-new organisation calling itself NZ Sovereignty.

The central issue emphasised by the group, which ran advertisements in newspapers yesterday, concerns the New Zealand Government's support for the Global Compact on Migration. Opposition to the agreement first emerged on sites like the alt-right website Breitbart and neo-Nazi website Daily Stormer which warned it would "Bring 60 Million Brown People to Europe".

Can the furore over the UN pact, which explicitly draws misguided inspiration from the "yellow vest" demonstrations in France, be seen as a warning sign of a greater problem? A burgeoning far-right, or "alt-right", political movement in New Zealand?

Are we missing the rise of the far-right? What would the symptoms of such a movement be, and how could the media better cover them?

It can happen here

Paul Spoonley is the Pro Vice-Chancellor of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Massey University. Spoonley has spent decades studying immigration and identity in New Zealand and extremist politics both here and in the United States. In July, he wrote a "beginner's guide to the Alt-Right" for the New Zealand Herald ahead of the visit by Canadian provocateurs and extremists Lauren Southern and Stefan Molyneux.

Spoonley says he sees two possible constituencies for the far-right in New Zealand: disaffected people and the conspiratorial-minded.

While much of the far-right in the US and Europe is motivated by economic discontent, Spoonley believes "New Zealand has adjusted to the new way of doing business in the twenty-first century in a way that's quite different to that in the northern hemisphere".

Instead, New Zealand's far-right could be more motivated by social concerns about multiculturalism and the loss of traditional white male hegemony.

"There are people in New Zealand who feel very disempowered and disenfranchised", Spoonley explains. "They feel as though the new stress on contemporary, liberal multiculturalism is something that they're excluded from".

Thus, many nascent right-wing groups in New Zealand have latched onto a criticism of political correctness or "Social Justice Warriors" - the online right's term for liberal-minded individuals who they see as naive crusaders against problems (like racism or sexism) that are exaggerated. The far-right takes full advantage of this rejection of political correctness by accompanying it with harsh Islamophobic rhetoric.

While the total numbers of those involved remain small, many of them have coalesced online in a number of inter-connected Facebook groups. Here, they share news articles from fringe sources and worry about the coming Muslim invasion, particularly after the UN migrant pact is signed. For example, in 'Yellow Vest New Zealand', a Facebook group run in part by NZ Sovereignty leader Jesse Anderson, a simple search reveals calls to "ban Islam in NZ".

Another post in the group enters some bizarre territory. "Porirua where i live is immigrant city including Newtown In wellington", a commenter writes. "Combine that with 9+ mosques in Auckland. Its partially here and 99 percent of our food are halal which by Islamic Shariah law is under their law".

It's unclear what the user means by "under their law". They finish by warning it's only a "Matter of time untill NZ has no go zones", referencing the popular conspiracy theory that Muslim immigration in Europe has turned some cities into "no-go zones".

Islamophobia is not the only fashionable prejudice in these right-wing groups, however. One user shared a post they had written about the UN's official agenda for 2030, in which they warned the United Nations sought to "Criminalize Christianity, marginalize heterosexuality, demonize males and promote the LGBT agenda everywhere. The real goal is never "equality" but rather the marginalization and shaming of anyone who expresses any male characteristics whatsoever".

In another thread, users debated the extents to which they would allow anti-Semitism. One member threatened to leave the group "if I see anymore posting [...] of this zionist programming".

A second retorted, "come out of the cave mate". A third: "What is the difference between Zionists and deep state? Imo it's same thing, very much current".

Although group administrators kicked the first user out, other anti-Semitic postings were ignored, including a rant about the UN being out to "destroy all western countries they are our natural enemies dominated by Jews, Catholics n muslims, after the eventual stock market crash and global meltdown and American army depleted they will show there true colours, there Muslim armies are well and truely positioned to cause maximum damage".

When I tried to join a group titled 'Kiwis United Against the Radical Islamification of New Zealand', a group moderator rejected my application. Seeing that I was Jewish, the moderator also kindly reached out to me to inform me that there was "no room for kikes in my neighbourhood. Tell ya mates to get their hook noses ready gor the lynching of the century. [...] The showers and ovens shall be fired up again". Clearly, the movement has yet to settle its internal anti-Semitism debate.

When I spoke with NZ Sovereignty's Jesse Anderson about the planned march and his broader movement, however, he insisted it was neither racist nor right-wing. "We have no tolerance for racism, for sexism, for any of that. If we see anyone who is expressing awful views, we will ask them to move along," he vowed. Anderson later added, in response to questions about NZ Sovereignty's political leanings, "I don't see patriotism as right-wing, I don't see nationalism as right-wing".

But everything the movement stands for is straight out of the far-right playbook. The conspiratorial assertions that the UN pact will result in censorship of the press or an influx of migrants originated on alt-right forums and news sites. The naked Islamophobia, homophobia, anti-Semitism and other despicable views are characteristic of the modern far-right. Protestations to the contrary are worth little in the face of self-evident facts.

Conspiracy central

There is, however, a section of New Zealand society that is vulnerable to the far-right but is not yet inherently left- or right-wing. This is the second potential constituency that Spoonley sees. He calls them adherents of "new wave conservative conspiracy politics. For example, the opposition to 1080, the opposition to fluoridation, the scepticism about vaccinations. These communities are not inevitably part of the constituency [of the far-right] but they offer up some activists who are capable of translating their opposition to the modern state into far-right politics."

The dangers here are two-fold. First, as Spoonley indicates, these groups are already predisposed towards anti-state behaviour. Second, their mentality extends beyond that into a refusal to acknowledge almost any traditional authority. The media, health professionals, and academic scholars are all summarily ignored by anti-vaxxers and their brethren. The combination of these factors make them easy pickings for the far-right.

Indeed, there is considerable crossover between the two groups. Conspiracy theorist David Icke, who believes a race of lizard people secretly governs the world and that vaccines are dangerous, is a popular source in the anti-UN Facebook groups. A poll in 'Yellow Vest New Zealand' about whether vaccines should be mandatory prompted a number of outraged comments. "No vaccination fascism!" cried one. "No fluoride in the water where I live, I can still use my pineal gland", promised another.

The anti-1080 crowd has similar elements. While the overall view is more mainstream, that has only encouraged some to take more militant stances. In New Plymouth last week a man pleaded guilty to blackmail for threatening to poison milk and meat processing plants if DOC didn't stop using 1080. In December 2017, protesters even threatened to shoot down DOC helicopters over the use of the poison. This should be a broader warning sign for observers of the far-right and conspiracy-minded: as their views become more palatable to the broader populace, their methods may become more dangerous.

What both of these potential constituencies have in common is a knack for presenting dangerous ideas innocuously. Far-righters believe they can ignore commonly-accepted facts because they are promulgated by "globalists" and the "mainstream media", while conspiracy theorists blame "Big Pharma" and the like for inconvenient truths. At the same time, these groups are ace recruiters, presenting their crusades as issues of free speech or "just asking questions".

Paul Spoonley observed Kiwis falling for this strategy when the far-right Lauren Southern and Stefan Molyneux visited New Zealand. People "reduced what those two activists had to say to an issue of free speech without ever considering the politics of the Alt-Right," he says. This was taking the two extremists at their word. When Southern and Molyneux were dropped by their Auckland venue, they cried censorship.

"What they were seeking to do was be martyrs", Spoonley explains. "To portray it as simply a free speech issue is misleading."

"If there is gay pride and black pride, why can't there be straight pride or white pride?" seems an innocuous question but enquiries of its ilk can quickly lure unsuspecting individuals down a right-wing rabbit hole (this is, by the way, the same strategy used by Holocaust deniers, who argue the social taboo against interrogating the truth of the Holocaust is actually just convenient cover for something that never happened).

Will the far-right rise in New Zealand?

There is clearly potential for a homegrown far-right movement. It might not exactly resemble those of Europe or the United States, but it would espouse the same fundamental beliefs: white supremacy, patriarchy and xenophobia, all enabled by a healthy helping of alternative facts and an immunity to truth.

Moreover, there are a number of larger groups serving as effective gateways to the seedier and more conspiratorial factions that I discussed earlier. Hobson's Pledge perfectly exemplifies the disaffected attitude of people who feel their privilege is being stripped away by the onset of multiculturalism - and it's easy to see how one might make the jump from the party of Brash to that of Anderson. The New Conservatives - an attempt at resurrecting the Conservative Party from the ashes of Colin Craig's legal battles - have taken to posting memes lambasting political correctness. A New Conservative leader will speak at today's march.

This doesn't mean that the rise of a far-right movement is inevitable. It helps that relatively few major politicians are echoing the far-right in New Zealand. Judith Collins occasionally shares fake news and the National Party have made similar points to those held by the alt-right in opposing the UN Migration Pact. Those could be seen as dangerous precedents, but there isn't a figure like Donald Trump unabashedly championing the far-right cause.

Truth, then, has a chance. Donald Trump in the United States has effectively created an entire independent apparatus for disseminating disinformation through right-wing media and his own Twitter account, without serious backlash from half of the political establishment. In New Zealand, meanwhile, the traditional sources of authority - media, politicians, the judiciary, etc - are largely speaking with one voice against the far-right.

Trust in conventional media remains high. A 2017 survey by Colmar Brunton found that seven in eight Kiwis trust newspapers and radio, while only 38 percent trust Facebook as a news source. If the media effectively combat far-right propaganda and fake news - something American outlets initially tripped up on - trust can remain high.

This requires abandoning 'he-said-she-said' journalism which allows habitual liars to spread falsehoods virtually unchallenged. A great example of how to do it better is Andrea Vance's article for Stuff on the New Conservatives' latest consultant, former NZ Rugby head David Moffett.

Vance notes that "To back up his opinions, Moffett reaches for conspiracy theories he's read on the internet. He struggles to articulate them, or convincingly defend them." She fact-checks each claim he makes throughout the article, such as in this exchange:

"Recently, Australia had an agreement with the United States to take some of the people on Manus Island - unfortunately, when they got to America they found out that there weren't all these free hand outs and they wanted to go back," he says. "They've got their foot into America and they don't want to be there because it is too tough. These people - in a lot of the cases - are not genuine refugees."

Moffett is unsure where he sourced this example. In fact, it has been reported that almost three quarters of the refugees were rejected by the US, apparently because they were born in Muslim countries.

"Well, it's been in the news," he says. "Perhaps, if the mainstream media was to report some of this stuff, they would see ... you'll find it in an Australian newspaper somewhere."

Journalism is another of Moffett's bugbears. He says the 'mainstream' media aren't reporting on the migration pact, or any of the other issues he's worried about. "You have to understand that there is something called the global mass media. It is basically run by nine companies around the world and they have made decisions about what they want the world to look like."

Who are these nine companies? "I don't know what their names are, but you know who they are - the Murdoch empire."

Earlier, Moffett had told me he first learned of the migration pact on Sky News Australia.

It's important, too, to understand the way coded language is deployed. References to "globalism", for example, are often not merely directed at the idea of open borders or free trade. Instead, according to Spoonley and numerous civil rights organisations, "globalists" is frequently a dog whistle for Jews, who are thought to be controlling finances, media, and other major parts of society. The far-right believe it is Jews who encourage mass migration, supposedly in an attempt to destroy Western society from the inside.

Likewise, Pepe the Frog isn't just a harmless green meme - it's been co-opted by white supremacists according to the Anti-Defamation League. The number 1488 references the 14 words, a well-known white supremacist slogan and "Heil Hitler" (where the 8s represent the 8th letter of the alphabet). Knowing these and other obscure codes are important to accurately covering the far-right.

In the long-term, New Zealand media outlets should dedicate reporters to covering political extremism, as Forbes has done with journalist J.J. MacNab, The Huffington Post with Luke O'Brien, and Buzzfeed with Charlie Warzel. People who understand the ways in which right-wing extremists communicate, how they think, and what they want can produce clearer and more accurate reporting than general assignment reporters who have little to no experience with the more arcane aspects of far-right movements.

After adopting new methods of covering Trump in the age of fake news, American outlets have enjoyed a veritable trust renaissance. In mid-2018, a poll found a majority of Americans had "a great deal" or "a fair amount" of trust in media, for the first time since Trump burst onto the scene.

Whether the far-right comes about in New Zealand is not yet a foregone conclusion, but it is certainly possible. Vigilance is sorely needed to prevent that movement from prevailing - and Saturday's march will prove the first test for New Zealand's media and the country at large.

Marc Daalder is a guest writer for The Spinoff Flash

An archaeologist excavates mummies inside the newly excavated tombs in Tuna el-Gebel necropolis of Minya province south of the capital Cairo, Egypt, Feb. 2, 2019. The Egyptian minister of antiquities announced on Saturday the discovery of three ancient tombs with more than 40 well-preserved mummies in Tuna el-Gebel necropolis of Minya Province south of the capital Cairo. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)

The Egyptian minister of antiquities announced on Saturday the discovery of three ancient tombs with more than 40 well-preserved mummies in Tuna el-Gebel necropolis of Minya Province south of the capital Cairo.

"This is the first archeological discovery announced in 2019 after excavation work that started on Nov. 25 last year by a joint mission from the Ministry of Antiquities and the Research Centre for Archaeological Studies of Minya University," Khaled al-Anany said at a press conference in the archeological site.

On the sidelines of the announcement, the minister told Xinhua that this is the third discovery announced in Minya.

Two of the tombs are connected, which include the large number of mummies, while the third has a couple of limestone, pottery and wooden coffins.

The event was attended by Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities Mostafa Waziri, Egyptian Tourism Minister Rania al-Mashat, Minya Governor Qassem Hussein, professors from Minya University as well as diplomats from more than 10 foreign countries.

"We discovered three tombs with a shaft whose depth is about nine meters," Waziri told Xinhua.

"We found more than 50 mummies, some of which have been moved to a nearby storehouse and here we have more than 40 mummies in perfect condition of preservation," he added.

The tombs are about 2,000 years old, according to Ahmed Ata, a professor of archeology at Minya University and a member of the joint mission.

"We found out the age of the tombs through the Greek letters written on the legs of the mummies," the professor told Xinhua, adding that about six mummies of dogs have also been discovered.

The tombs are part of a familial grave that probably belonged to a family from the elite middle class.

The Egyptian tourism minister said the attendance of foreign diplomats to witness the discovery is "a very important message" that the world is interested in and keen on visiting Egypt and seeing its archeological treasures.

"Today's new discovery creates a lot of interest and curiosity of tourists about the Grand Egyptian Museum, which is expected to be opened in 2020," she added.As people with theater backgrounds, I think its super cool to be able to use that background to help educate people  not just younger audiences, but we had grown adults here, Crosby said. I dont think the learning ever stops when you grow up.

Crosby said the national tour has brought her from the Pacific Northwest to the American South since joining the company last month. She estimated she has performed in 30 to 40 plays since over the last three weeks, all centering around the achievements of African-Americans. She said the stories are meant to inspire the best in children and to show whats possible when striving for justice.

The people in these stories were living at such a hard time and they saw that things were not the way they should be, Crosby said.

So, Crosby said, they took it upon themselves to make it better, not only for themselves but for a whole generation coming after them.

Campbell County resident Rebecca Payne attended the event with a friend and her six-year-old grandson Jhmauri.

I brought him so he can learn more about people of color and what people went through to get where we are today, Payne said, praising the library and theater company.

Katie Lane, the youth and community outreach coordinator for the Campbell County Public Library system, said the event was held to coincide with the start of Black History Month and to celebrate the impact brave black men and women have made throughout the course of American history.

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.Mathew and Segal said this model will end up saving taxpayers money as residents move into the job market and have stability.

Segal said he currently is vetting the bill with national organizations such as the National Coalition for Homelessness and the Poor Peoples Campaign, which have goals of lifting up those in poverty.

Over the next few months, he will work with members of Lighthouse to build a coalition of supporting organizations before identifying a member of Congress to sponsor the bill. Segal said he also will hold town hall meetings across the country where citizens who were homeless will speak directly to residents and congressional representatives.

Mathew said it was important to understand the legislation must be a team and bipartisan effort that wont happen overnight.

We want to work with everyone, he said. This is a people issue. This is not a Republican issue or a Democrat issue. Everyone needs to get behind ending this issue that we have in our nation. Theres way too much [information] for us to not take it seriously.

At the conclusion of Saturdays meeting, Mathew urged over a dozen citizens who attended to support the bill and take advantage of an opportunity to fix systems that are broken in America.

This is a monumental movement for our city, our community and our nation, he told them. We can do this. I strongly believe we can make a difference.Are you ready to step up and give what you have to serve this community?While staging a dharna, Mamata Banerjee reiterated her solidarity with the Police Commissioner and her faith in the Indian Judiciary and the media. She said, "The Prime Minister has gone mad, he will never win the elections. These are all his elections conspiracies." The CM also urged her party workers to not block roads and cause inconvenience in any form of protest.

This drama in Kolkata by BJP and TMC is not a fight for any principle but only to save their corrupt and hide their corruption. CPI(M) has fought both these undemocratic, corrupt, communal and dictatorial regimes in the Centre and the state and will continue to do so. (2/2) https://t.co/m2vvHMYtEp

Kolkata Showdown LIVE Updates: High drama ensued outside the residence of Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar after a scuffle broke out between a team of CBI and police officers on Sunday. Throwing her weight behind the city police chief, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee rushed to the Loudon Street residence of Kumar in central Kolkata, and sat on a dharna. She has received support of several opposition leaders, including Arvind Kejriwal, Akhilesh Yadav, MK Stalin and HD Deve Gowda.According to initial report, a team of the investigating agency arrived at Kumar's residence in the evening as part of their investigation in Rose Valley and Saradha Ponzi scams. However, they were stopped outside the IPS officer's house, following which nearly 15 CBI officers were forcefully taken to police station.

BJP planning a constitutional coup ? 40 CBI officials surround Kolkata Police Commissioners home. Destruction of institutions goes on unabated. Our demand in #Parliament on Mon. Modi has to go. We are reaching out and sharing this with all Oppn parties who want to #SaveDemocracy  Derek O'Brien |   (@derekobrienmp) February 3, 2019

A team of 40-odd agency officers arrived at his residence a day after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) claimed that the IPS officer had been "absconding" and "being looked for".The Rose Valley scam is worth over Rs 15,000 crore and Saradha scam is about Rs 2500 crore. In both cases, the perpetrators allegedly have links with the members of the ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal, officials said.Senior Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien tweeted, asking if BJP was planning a coup by sending 40 CBI officers to the home of the police commissioner.Earlier on Sunday, CM Mamata Banerjee had described Kumar as the best police officer in the country. Slamming the BJP for "worst kind of political vendetta", Banerjee said the Kolkata police chief is among the best in the world and was not absconding as claimed by the CBI. "He is working 24x7, and was on leave for only one day recently. When you spread lies, the lies will always remain lies," she tweeted.The tense situation poses the first immediate challenge for new CBI chief Rishi Kumar Shukla, who has previously served as the Madhya Pradesh police chief.It is also the first big confrontation between the Bengal CM and the Centre after the state government followed Andhra Pradesh in withdrawing general consent accorded to the CBI to conduct probe and raids in the state.The general consent, accorded to the CBI by the then Left Front government in 1989, enabled the central agency to conduct any investigation without taking separate permission from the state government.Following the withdrawal of general consent in November last year, the CBI is required to obtain permission from the West Bengal government to carry out any sort of investigation except those ordered by the courts. The CBI functions under the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act.Banerjee had late last month described the CBI as "an ally" of the BJP-led central government, alleging that the Centre was using the agency to harass the opposition parties throughout the country.Longview, TX (75601)

Today

Partly cloudy with a slight chance of thunderstorms. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 92F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms likely this evening. Then a chance of scattered thunderstorms overnight. Low 68F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%. Locally heavy rainfall possible.Thank you for reading!

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Artillery shelling attacks killed Saturday an Islamic State (IS) leader in Baquba, capital of Iraq's eastern province of Diyala, a local security source said.

Sadiq al-Husseini, head of the security committee in Diyala provincial council, told Xinhua that head of the IS motorcycle contingents was killed in Himreen mountains some 56 km northeast Baquba in artillery shelling carried out by paramilitary Hashid Shaabi.

"The shelling came after an accurate intelligence report indicating where the militants had gathered. The leader was responsible for many activities including providing hosts and transportation for the militants in Himreen mountain area," al-Husseini added.

The security situation in Iraq has been dramatically improved after Iraqi security forces fully defeated the extremist IS militants across the country late in 2017.

However, small groups and individuals of extremist militants melted or regrouped in urban and rugged areas, and have been carrying out attacks against the security forces and civilians despite operations from time to time to hunt them down.



Mexican filmmaker Alfonso Cuaron won the top film award for the monochromatic drama film "Roma" at the 71st Directors Guild of America (DGA) Awards held at the Hollywood and Highland Center here on Saturday night.

Director Alfonso Cuaron, center, poses in the press room holding a plaque for his feature film award for "Roma" with actors from the film Marina De Tavira, left, and Yalitza Aparicio at the 71st annual DGA Awards at the Ray Dolby Ballroom on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019, in Los Angeles. [Photo:AP]

Cuaron picked up the Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Feature Film, beating out fierce rivals, including Bradley Cooper for "A Star Is Born," Spike Lee for "BlacKkKlansman," Adam McKay for "Vice," and Peter Farrelly for "Green Book."

Written and directed by Cuaron, the critically acclaimed autobiographical drama "Roma" follows the life of a live-in housekeeper to an upper middle-class family. The film won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival last year and took home two wins last month at the 76th Golden Globe Awards, including best foreign language film and best director. It also won four awards, including best director, at the 24th Critics' Choice Awards last month.

Cuaron is widely considered one of the front-runners in the best director category in this year's Academy Awards race. "Roma" led the race for the 91th Academy Awards, or the Oscars, with 10 nominations.

The DGA Awards are issued annually by the Directors Guild of America to honor outstanding directorial achievements in feature films, documentaries, television and commercials. The Directors Guild of America represents the interests of more than 17,500 film and television directors in the United States motion picture industry and abroad.Help support your local hometown newspaper/website. Independent local news reporting matters. Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription, for as little as $3, so we can continue to provide independent local reporting on our communities.Support local journalism

Now, more than ever, the world needs trustworthy reportingbut good journalism isnt free. Please support us by making a contribution.Police are investigating a reported water department scam in Stoughton, Massachusetts.

According to authorities, a resident in the area of Halliden Place had a man posed as a member of the water department force his way into her home around 1:30 p.m. Saturday.

Authorities say two men in a silver SUV pulled into the driveway of the elderly resident.

One man then exited the vehicle and knocked on the door. When the elderly resident opened the door, the Spanish-speaking man pointed to an ID lanyard on his chest, stated "water department" and entered the home by pushing the homeowner. He then demanded to see the water meter.

Once in the basement, the woman knew this man was not who he claimed to be. She reached for the phone to call 911, but the man ripped it from her hand. He then tried to rip the phone off the wall and the woman ran upstairs, police said.

The intruder escaped through the basement door.

Police say the man was described as Spanish-speaking with a clean-cut beard, a black winter hat, Bluetooth headphones, a blue jacket and work gloves.

Police ask anyone with information with regard to the incident to call them at 781-344-2424.

They also warn residents that similar incidents have occurred around the state and remind them they never have to allow anyone into their home without confirmation of who they are and the company for whom they work.A struggling college in western Massachusetts will not admit a full freshman class this fall as it seeks a merger.

The Daily Hampshire Gazette reports Hampshire College trustees voted Friday to accept only students already granted a spot at the liberal arts college in Amherst. The newspaper says about 77 students have been accepted through deferred admission and the early acceptance process. The college has roughly 1,300 students.

Board Chair Gaye Hill told protesters Friday that it's a "time of extreme anxiety'' at Hampshire, which was founded in 1970 and is known for its alternative education model with no grades or majors.

The college announced last month it's seeking a "strategic partnership'' to support its future. Several small New England schools have closed or sought mergers in recent years.Police are looking for the suspect in an armed robbery in Manchester, New Hampshire.

According to police, they responded to Shawn's Corner Market at 912 Somerville Street for a panic alarm just after 6:15 p.m. Saturday.

When officers arrived, they learned that a man had entered the store, threatened the clerk with a firearm and demanded money. The suspect then fled the store with an undetermined amount of money, police said.

The suspect was last seen running east on Somerville Street.

He is described as being between 5'8" and 5'10" and between 20 and 30-years-old. He was last seen wearing a black mask, black hooded sweatshirt and dark jeans.

A K9 track was conducted, but the suspect was not located.

The investigation is ongoing.

Police ask anyone with information to contact them at 603-668-8711.Police have charged a man with operating under the influence after he passed out in a McDonald's drive-thru.

According to police, they were dispatched to the McDonald's in Hooksett, New Hampshire, for a report of a man who was passed out in his vehicle in the drive-thru lane.

Officials identified the man as Joshua Irizarry, 23, of Southington, Connecticut.

Officers said when they spoke with Irizarry he showed signs of impairment and stated that he drank alcohol prior to driving.

Irizarry agreed to take a standardized field sobriety test and was subsequently arrested for OUI, police said.

He was then transported to the Hooksett Police Department where he agreed to take a breath test. Officials say he blew a 0.09 BrAC.

Irizarry was charged with a OUI and released on personal recognizance.

He is scheduled to appear in the 6th Circuit Hooksett District Court on Feb. 21 at 8:15 a.m.

It is unclear whether Irizarry has an attorney.The Maine State Police say a man was killed after losing control of his car and hitting a utility pole in the town of Wayne.

Police say 35-year-old Michael Fitzherbert, of Hartford, was traveling north on Route 133 at about 1:30 a.m. Saturday when his car went off the right side of the roadway, struck the pole and came to rest on its roof.

Fitzherbert, who was not wearing a seat belt, was partially ejected and died at the scene of the crash.

Maine Route 133 was closed for three hours after the crash.

Police say the preliminary investigation suggests speed was a contributing factor in the crash.You are here: World

 Flash

At least nine people have died of H1N1 flu in Morocco, Health Minister Anas Doukkali announced on Saturday.

Doukkali stressed at a press statement that the number of reported cases remains "normal" compared with previous years.

The H1N1 flu is also the dominant sub-type this year, with over 80 percent, according to the World Health Organization, he added.

He said that the health authorities are closely monitoring the epidemiological situation in the country.

He urged elderly people, children under five years, pregnant women and patients suffering from chronic diseases, to be cautious and get vaccinated against the flu.

The confirmation of the first death from the H1N1 virus on Monday has raised concern among the local people.

The minister said that the number of people going to hospitals slightly increased this week.Venezuela's opposition leader called on more members of the military to abandon the country's socialist government following Saturday's defection of a high-ranking general, while President Nicolas Maduro proposed holding early National Assembly elections that could potentially oust his challenger.

Maduro's call for early legislative voting is likely to intensify his standoff with rival Juan Guaido, who heads the opposition-controlled National Assembly and is demanding a new presidential election. Guaido declared himself Venezuela's legitimate ruler on Jan. 23, and has the support of Washington and most South American nations.

Speaking from behind a podium decorated with Venezuela's presidential seal, Guaido told supporters he would keep his opposition movement in the streets until Maduro stopped "usurping" the presidency and agreed to a presidential election overseen by international observers. On Saturday, tens of thousands of Venezuelans joined opposition protests against Maduro in Caracas and other cities.

Guaido called on "blocks" of the military to defect from Maduro's administration and "get on the side of the Venezuelan people."

"We don't just want you to stop shooting at protesters," Guaido said in a hoarse voice. "We want you to be part of the reconstruction of Venezuela."

He said that in the coming days, the opposition would try to move humanitarian aid into the country by land and sea along three border points, including the Colombian city of Cucuta. He described the move as a "test" for Venezuela's armed forces, which will have to choose if they allow the much needed aid to pass, or if they instead obey the orders of Maduro's government.

Maduro also dug in his heels, insisting he was the only president of Venezuela and describing Saturday's anti-government protests as part of a U.S.-led coup attempt.

"I agree that the legislative power of the country be re-legitimized and that we hold free elections with guarantees, and the people choose a new National Assembly," Maduro said at a pro-government demonstration in Caracas.

The opposition controls the National Assembly while government supporters control the more-powerful Constituent Assembly, so calls for a vote to replace the former and not the latter was seen as a move against Guaido.

The socialist leader also had words for the administration of President Donald Trump which recently imposed sanctions on Venezuelan oil exports in an effort to undermine Maduro's main source of income and weaken his grip on power.

"Do you think you are the emperor of the world?" he asked Trump. "Do you think Venezuela is going to give up and obey your orders? We will not surrender."

The standoff comes amid what appears to be growing dissension among the ranks of Venezuela's powerful military.

Earlier Saturday, a Venezuelan air force general defected from Maduro's administration and called on his compatriots to participate in protests against the socialist leader's rule.

Gen. Francisco Yanez is the first high ranking officer to leave Maduro's government since Jan. 23, when Guaido declared himself the country's legitimate leader by invoking two articles of the Venezuelan constitution that he argues give him the right to assume presidential powers. He considers Maduro's election win fraudulent.

In a YouTube video, Yanez described Maduro as a dictator and referred to Guaido as his president. He didn't say if he was still in Venezuela or had left the country.

The officer confirmed in a phone call with The Associated Press, from a Colombian number, the veracity of his declaration and said he would not provide further statements until given authorization by "the commander-in-chief of the legal armed force, which is President Juan Guaido."

The military controls some of Venezuela's key assets including the state run oil company, and until now, its top brass has helped Maduro to survive rounds of mass protests in 2014 and 2017 by jailing activists and repressing protesters.

Yanez said in his video that "90 percent of the military" is against Maduro, but it is unclear how many will actively support the opposition.

Shortly after protests broke out against Maduro last week, Venezuela's most important regional military commanders and its defense minister issued a statement in support of Maduro, describing Guaido as a coup monger backed by Washington.

Venezuela's aerospace command of the armed forces shared a picture of Yanez on its Twitter account with the words "traitor" above it.

"We reject the declarations made by General Yanez who betrayed his oath of loyalty to our nation and chose to follow foreign plans," the command wrote.

On Saturday, Maduro said he was willing to sit down for talks with the opposition in an effort to promote national "harmony."

But that offer has been rejected by Guaido, who describes it as a ploy by the Maduro administration to buy time.

Previous talks between the government and opposition have failed to change electoral conditions in the South American country, and many political leaders have been forced into exile.

At a pro-Maduro rally, supporters blamed the opposition for undermining the Bolivarian Revolution with years of protests and seeking financial sanctions against the Venezuelan government.

Zeleyka Muskus, a 53-year-old tax collector from Caracas, said the opposition was responsible for the country's current economic woes, saying they have staged years of protests that have gotten people injured and killed.

"Chavez is the love of my life," she said, referring to late Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez.

Other public workers attending the pro-government demonstration said they had been forced to go there by their bosses.

Meanwhile, streams of marchers from middle-class and poor neighborhoods walked to another part of the capital and said they were demanding Maduro's resignation and a transitional government that would hold new presidential elections in the South American country.

Xiomara Espinoza, 59, said she felt a change of energy in the crowd, whose hopes for a transition in Venezuela have previously been dashed.

"We are around the corner from freedom," she said, banging on a pot and wearing a Venezuelan flag.

___

Associated Press writers Scott Smith, Joshua Goodman and Jorge Rueda contributed reporting from Caracas, Venezuela.A plan to clear 240 acres of forest for a Georgetown University solar farm has drawn complaints from environmentalists and Maryland residents.

The Washington university has positioned the 100,000-panel farm as a major step toward halving its carbon footprint. Audubon Society volunteer Bob Lukinic tells The Baltimore Sun the focus on clean energy is laudable, but Georgetown should find a different site.

Audubon deems the site an "important bird area." Residents say they'd like to keep one of the few remaining areas of contiguous forest.

Edwin Moses is with project developer Origis Energy USA. He didn't provide estimates, but said the farm would more effectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions than the trees.

A Georgetown spokesman says an expert will assess the project.

Maryland's environmental agency has yet to issue approval.February is Black History Month, a time to highlight the stories, history and culture of the African diaspora. Whether you want to catch an innovative performance, visit a historic site or dive in deep to a historic talk, we've got you covered.

Here are ways you can partake throughout the D.C. area.

Take in music, theater or dance

Urban Bush Women

Dance Place

3225 8th St. NE

Feb. 16 and 17

Urban Bush Women explore perceptions of beauty, identity and race at this performance featuring music, history and dance. You can enjoy the opening night party on Feb. 16 at 6:30 ahead of the 8 p.m. performance ($25 to $100). There will be an encore performance on Sunday, Feb. 17.

[NATL-DC] A Look Back at DC's 'Black Broadway'

Celebrate black artists through film

Brentwood Arts Exchange

3901 Rhode Island Ave., Brentwood, Maryland

Wednesdays through Feb. 20 at 7 p.m.

Enjoy fiction and non-fiction films celebrating black artists, including "Slam" and "Bronx Gothic."

Angelika Pop-Up at Union Market

550 Penn St. NE

Wednesdays in February

This Northeast movie theatre is highlighting black artists' films. Head to Angelika on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. to catch films in the series Black is the New Black.

Feb. 13  "Do the Right Thing"

Feb. 20  "Poetic Justice"

Feb. 27 "The Color Purple"

DC Public Library Black Film Festival

Screenings of a number of new releases and classics go on this month. The Woodbridge Public Library will host a family-friendly film each Friday at 4 p.m.

Here are just a few more options, but you can find a full list on the library website.

Feb. 12, 6 p.m.  "BlacKkKlansman" at Georgetown Public Library

Feb. 19, 6 p.m.  "Chi-Raq" at the Tenley-Friendship Library

Feb. 28, 6 p.m.  "Their Eyes Were Watching God" at West End Library

Photos: Free and Cheap Things to Do in Washington, DC

Dive into a history or culture talk

The History of the NAACP: The Baltimore Connection

The Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture

830 E. Pratt St., Baltimore, Maryland

Feb. 16, noon

Buy a ticket to the museum to attend.

African American Passages: Black Lives in 19th Century America

Library of Congress' Kluge Center

10 1st St. SE

Feb. 21, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Georgetown history professor Adam Rothman discusses what he's learned from an archive of personal stories from African-Americans during slavery, emancipation and reconstruction. Rothman will cover both well-known figures like Federick Douglass and lesser-known writers.

Genealogy, Art, Science and History with the DC Public Library

Libraries throughout the city will host a number of events, ranging from talks on genealogy to book discussions to a film festival.

A few highlights include a meet-and-greet with Simba Sana, the local author behind "Never Stop," "Getting Started: African American Genealogy and DNA Testing," a party at Deanwood Library, Black History Jeopardy and more.

Fun, Free and Cheap Things to Do in Northern Virginia

Visit a museum or historic site

Frederick Douglass Home

1411 W St. SE

Abolitionist and freed slave Frederick Douglass lived his last 17 years in Washington, D.C. and the National Park Service preserves his legacy at this historic site. You can go inside the home on a free guided tour  Reservations are recommended.

On Feb. 16 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., the site will celebrate Douglass' birthday with a commemorative ceremony, oratory contest and neighborhood walking tour.

Prince George's African American Museum & Cultural Center

4519 Rhode Island Ave., North Brentwood, Maryland

This month, the museum opens a retrospective into the work of D.C.-based artist Quest Skinner.

[NATL-DC] A Look Back at DC's 'Black Broadway'

National Museum of African American History and Culture

1400 Constitution Ave. NW

Walk through the most momentous eras of black history in America, where you can learn about the heartbreak of slavery, segregation and movements since the 1960s. Passes are no longer required for weekday visits in February.

Free and Cheap Things to Do in Maryland

How to get around

Lyft

Thoughout February, Lyft is offering free rides worth up to $10 to or from three D.C.-area museums that celebrate black history: the Alexandria Black History Museum, the Anacostia Community Museum and National Museum of African American History and Culture.

There's a limit of one ride per customer. More details and the full list of participating cities, including Richmond and Baltimore, are available here.A sheriff's deputy was shot and killed during a 12-hour standoff at an apartment complex in Ohio that left another deputy wounded and a suspect in custody, authorities said Sunday.

Capt. Jeff Sellars of the Clermont County Sheriff's Office said officers responded about 7 p.m. Saturday to the Royal Oaks Apartments in Pierce Township, about 20 miles (32 kilometers) east of Cincinnati, following a 911 call from a man who said he believed someone was inside his residence.

Authorities say the caller then said that he was armed and eventually told the dispatcher that he was suicidal.

But it was unclear from authorities' statements whether the caller was referring to himself or to the person he said was inside his home. It was also unclear whether the suspect himself made the call. Authorities found only one person in the home.

Authorities say 23-year-old Wade Edward Winn was taken into custody. Clermont County Municipal Court records show Winn has been charged with aggravated murder and attempted aggravated murder.

David O'Neil, a spokesman for Ohio's attorney general, confirmed the charges Sunday but said he couldn't disclose where the suspect was being held.

The Clermont County Sheriff's Office said Detective Bill Brewer died from his wounds. The other deputy, Lt. Nick DeRose, was treated for a gunshot wound in the ankle and released from a hospital, O'Neil said.

"Deputy Brewer gave his life attempting to help a person who was admittedly suicidal," Sheriff Steve Leahy said in a press release. "This will forever change the atmosphere of the Clermont County Sheriff's Office."

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost said in a separate release that Brewer's "valor is now recorded for all time, written in blood."

"We mourn and we will remember," Yost said

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine on Sunday ordered all U.S. and state flags throughout Clermont County and at the Statehouse flown at half-staff in honor of Brewer. The Republican governor's order is in effect from Sunday until sunset on the day of Brewer's interment.

A court hearing was scheduled for Winn at 10 a.m. Monday in Clermont County Municipal Court in Batavia, O'Neil said.

Authorities say the investigation is ongoing.A racist photo tied to Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam spurred the first major test for how Democratic presidential hopefuls will address racial tensions that have polarized American life.

Nearly every major declared and potential Democratic candidate called for Northam's resignation after disclosure of the photo, which shows one person in blackface and another hooded in white Klan regalia.

Their reactions came before Northam, 59, who is white, said during a news conference Saturday that he was not in the photo on his page of the 1984 yearbook. He acknowledged using blackface when he dressed as pop icon Michael Jackson for a dance contest, also in 1984.

That leaves Democrats running for president or considering bids to navigate an explosive and embarrassing story as they mount campaigns intended to serve as a contrast with racial divisions that have intensified under the presidency of Donald Trump.

"The candidates were right on this, but this one was easy; the questions and issues on race will only get harder," said Symone Sanders, one of the Democratic Party's most visible black strategists and an aide to Bernie Sanders' 2016 presidential campaign.

Northam's refusal to step down, Sanders added, threatens to "bring down the Democratic ecosystem" when candidates already face challenges explaining their own records on racially fraught matters. "How do you tell black, brown and young disillusioned voters who didn't vote in 2016 to come out and take on Donald Trump and take America with this in the party?" she said. "It's a real concern."

That means more potential pitfalls for candidates as varied as California Sen. Kamala Harris, the daughter of Indian and Jamaican immigrants, and former Vice President Joe Biden, a white man who prides himself on his working-class heritage.

Harris touts her record as a prosecutor but faces critiques from the left for her role in a system that has for decades disproportionately imprisoned young men of color. Biden, a longtime senator before he was President Barack Obama's political partner, recently expressed regret for supporting a 1994 crime bill that toughened sentencing laws. He had defended the vote for years.

Antjuan Seawright, a veteran of campaigns in South Carolina, which hosts the first presidential primary with a large black vote, said candidates must explain their pasts and use them  and Northam  to talk about institutional racism. "There's a larger discussion here about the poisonous effects of racism on the country and how these things really serve a hindrance for all of us moving forward," he said.

Harris and former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julian Castro were the first declared candidates to call for Northam to step down. Among the party's most prominent Latino figures, Castro called the photo "racist and unconscionable." Harris wrote on Twitter that "the stain of racism should have no place in the halls of government."

Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who has faced her own troubles over her claims of Native American heritage, followed suit.

New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker, a black man who launched his campaign Friday, the first day of Black History Month, put the incident into historical perspective. "These images arouse centuries of anger, anguish and racist violence," he wrote on Twitter.

New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, campaigning in the first primary state of New Hampshire, initially stopped short of calling for resignation, telling reporters she'd not seen the picture that she still called "very racist." She later issued a statement saying she'd seen the image for herself and believed Northam should step down.

"There aren't two sets of rules for our friends and our foes: Right is right and wrong is wrong ... and racism cannot be excused in our government or anywhere else," she wrote.

Gillibrand helped lead calls for Minnesota Sen. Al Franken to resign after he was accused in 2017 of sexual harassment.

Most of the presidential hopefuls sidestepped what would happen should Northam resign: A black man, Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax, would become the state's second black chief executive.

The most prominent white men in the potential Democratic field, Biden and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, both waited until Saturday morning to issue resignation calls.

Biden has deep ties in the black community, both from two unsuccessful presidential campaigns but also from two terms as the top lieutenant to the nation's first black president.

Sanders, who represents a state that is almost 95 percent white and less than 2 percent African-American, has tried to expand his relationships in the black community after his gaps proved a major liability in his 2016 presidential nominating fight against Hillary Clinton. Sanders, who hasn't said whether he'll run again, did well in much whiter states, but Clinton dominated him in states where black voters held strong sway, building an early delegate lead Sanders couldn't reverse.

Seawright, the South Carolina Democrat, dismissed any concerns over comparing candidates' response times over less than 24 hours. He said Republican leaders had ignored years of racist comments from Iowa Rep. Steve King before finally issuing a condemnation and ousting him from House committees in January after he questioned why "white supremacy" is considered offensive.

"We just can't be the party of hypocrisy ... and direction is more important than immediate timing," Seawright said.

North Carolina NAACP leader William Barber, a minister who has spoken at Democratic National Conventions, said he is keeping no scorecard on who has called on Northam to step down.

"People calling for his resignation, or Steve King's for that matter, they have a right to do so," Barber said. But "to simply have all this discussion about racism when we have some pictures and some words, as ugly and grotesque as they are, but not call out the structural racism that is often presented in more genteel ways  by denying health care, by gerrymandering unconstitutional legislatures, by a prison system that is the new Jim Crow to do that is not to deal with what racism actually is."

___

Associated Press writer Darlene Superville in Jupiter, Florida, and Alan Suderman in Richmond, Virginia, contributed to this report.Petal the Elephant has been saved from destruction.

The 37-year-old life-size pachyderm sculpture faced an uncertain future as the building it was commissioned for  the Burlington Center Mall  was slated for redevelopment.

Petal's creator, Philadelphia-based sculptor Zenos Frudakis, led a charge to save the 2,500 lb. artwork over the past several weeks. Still, as the new year began, Petal's future remained in doubt.

On Friday, news came that the fiberglass sculpture would be saved. The Rotary of Burlington pledged $15,000 to have the statue moved, restored and installed along the Burlington City River Walk, the artist's spokesman said.

The mall's owners donated the sculpture, which carries the formal name "The Watering Hole" and features an 11-year-old boy riding on top of Petal, to the nonprofit Art Guild New Jersey.

Petal was removed from the defunct shopping center Friday afternoon. It'll head to Chester, Pennsylvania, for restoration and then be moved to the riverwalk in the coming months.

Frudakis based the sculpture on an elephant of the same name from the Philadelphia Zoo.Multiple fire agencies agencies responded as a blaze broke out at an oil refinery in Delaware, releasing thick black smoke into the air Sunday afternoon.

The fire started at the Delaware City Refinery on the 4500 block of Wrangle Hill Road, the Delaware State Police said. The DSP helped to close nearby roads and advised people to avoid the area.

"I saw all this black smoke and at first I thought it was like rain clouds," Eileen Maher of Delaware City said.

Firefighters could be seen dousing the blaze from the ground as large flames shot into the air and released a plume of thick black smoke hundreds of feet high. Eventually they brought the flames and smoke under control.

"It seemed to travel very high due to meteorological conditions and seemed to travel out and dissipate without any fallout into our communities," Jamie Bethard of the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control said.

No one was injured during the fire. Officials told NBC10 they will be testing the air quality in the area for awhile. They continue to investigate the cause.Dozens of senior citizens were forced out of their assisted living facility on a cold Saturday evening after a pipe burst.

Firefighters were called to the Sacred Heart Senior Living facility on E. 21st Street in Northampton, Pennsylvania, around 3 p.m. A pipe in the ceiling of the building's third floor, the top floor, broke open causing water to flood the facility. Parts of the ceiling also came down, officials said.

Ninety seniors living at the home were loaded onto buses and taken to a community center nearby. They'll spend at least the night at the center while officials assess the damage and necessary repairs.

Theres pretty decent damage. The ceiling tiles were collapsing and everything," Northampton Fire Dept. Chief Keith Knoblauch said.

Gale Yastrop, the facility's executive director, said the residents will either stay with relatives or be taken to a sister facility until repairs were finished. Flash

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Saturday that Russia will suspend its participation in the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty in a mirror response to the United States' decision.



"We will come up with a tit-for-tat response. American partners have announced the suspension of their participation in the treaty, and we are suspending it as well," Putin said at a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu.

The Trump administration announced Friday that the United States is withdrawing from the INF Treaty with Russia within six months, starting from Feb. 2.

U.S. President Donald Trump said Friday that his country will "move forward with developing our own military response options."

The United States "will work with NATO and our other allies and partners to deny Russia any military advantage from its unlawful conduct," said Trump.

Moscow is concerned over the U.S. military's task to create low-power nuclear munitions and Washington's possible plans to use it on medium-range missiles, Lavrov said Saturday at the meeting with Putin and Shoigu, according to Sputnik.

"We are also concerned about the fact that recently, a year ago, the U.S. 'Nuclear Posture Review' set the task to create low-power nuclear munitions, which will probably be used on medium-range missiles," Lavrov said.

Noting that the United States has begun developing and manufacturing weapons, Shoigu proposed to develop new arms including ground-based complexes of hypersonic medium- and shorter-range ballistic missiles. Shoigu's proposal has Putin's support.

"They announced that they (the United States) are engaged in research and development work, and we will do the same," Putin said.

The president requested more information on the execution of Russia's state defense programs, including the Dagger hypersonic air-launched ballistic missile, the Peresvet combat laser systems, the newest Avangard hypersonic missile defense system and the Sarmat missile.

He also noted that some countries are starting to deploy weapons in space, saying that it is necessary to come up with certain plans to counter this "possible threat."

Despite the retaliatory measures, Russia will not be dragged into an arms race, Putin said.

"I want to draw your attention to the fact that we should not and will not be drawn into an expensive arms race," he told the ministers.

Russia would not deploy medium- and shorter-range missiles in any region as long as the United States avoids doing this in respective regions, he added.

Meanwhile, Putin asked the ministers not to initiate any negotiations on the arms control issue and wait until Washington is ready to engage in dialogue.

"All our proposals, as before, in this area remain on the table. The door for negotiations is open," Putin said. "Let us wait until our partners are ready to conduct an equal, meaningful dialogue with us on this crucial topic -- both for us and for our partners, and for the whole world."

The INF Treaty was signed in 1987 between the Soviet Union and the United States on the elimination of intermediate-range and shorter-range missiles.

Moscow and Washington have been accusing each other of violating the agreement in recent years amid increasing tensions.

In October, U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington would pull out of the INF Treaty on account of Russia's alleged breach of the agreement, a charge which Moscow has repeatedly denied.

Washington's decision to leave the INF Treaty also prompted questions about the fate of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, which is another disarmament agreement signed by Washington and Moscow in 2010 and will expire in 2021.

Russia had a right to ensure that the United States would guarantee the New START implementation and not to reverse the process by modifying missiles to non-nuclear configuration, Lavrov said Saturday at the meeting with Putin and Shoigu, according to Sputnik.Five children, ages 5 to 15, were killed and two adults were hurt in Bowie early Saturday after a car they were riding in crashed into several trees and spun into a field, police say.

Maryland State Police believe the children riding in the back of a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica, an SUV, were not restrained properly as they headed north on Route 301 near Pointer Ridge Drive.

The driver, 32-year-old Dominique R. Taylor, lost control of the car about 4:30 a.m. and veered off the side of the road, hitting several trees, a preliminary investigation revealed.

Police say the five children were thrown from the car as it hit the trees and spun out into a field.

London Dixon, 8, and Paris Dixon, 5, both children of Taylor who lived in Bowie and attended Northview Elementary School, and Zion Beard, 14, Rickelle Ricks, 6, and Damari Herald, 15, from D.C, were pronounced dead at the scene.

Taylor was sent to a hospital. Her condition is unclear. Cornell D. Simon, 23, of Oxon Hill, is in critical condition, according to police.

It appears all five children were riding in the backseat, and police said the Chrysler Pacifica only had one row of seats in the rear. Photos from the scene showed extensive damage to the car.

Police have not yet ruled out any possible causes of the crash, but a reconstruction team is working to determine what happened. Roads throughout Maryland were icy, but police haven't confirmed whether weather contributed to the crash and said the state salted roads.

"Every collision where we lose life is a tragedy," said Maryland State Trooper Capt. Daniel Pickett. "And where children are involved, it's more of a tragedy."

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan and Prince George's County Executive Angela Alsobrooks expressed their condolences in Twitter posts.

Deeply saddened by this tragic auto accident in Prince George's County. Praying for everyone involved, including first responders. https://t.co/Mg2JSabepx  Governor Larry Hogan (@GovLarryHogan) February 2, 2019

The road was closed for more than seven hours after the crash but has since reopened.India said it is closely monitoring the detention of several Indian students in the U.S. and has urged authorities there to not deport them against their will.

Indian news reports say as many as 129 Indians were among those detained Jan. 30 by U.S. immigration authorities in connection with enrollment at a fake university. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said that the university was set up by authorities as part of sting operation to catch people violating the terms of their visas.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement Saturday that it has been in contact with U.S. officials and has expressed concern for the detained students. The ministry said it urged the U.S. to release them "at the earliest" and cautioned that some "may have been duped."

"Our concern over the dignity and well-being of the detained students and the need for immediate consular access for Indian officials to the detainees was reiterated," the statement said.

It also said the students "should be treated differently from those recruiters who have duped them."

In a statement Jan. 30, ICE said eight people had been charged with conspiracy to commit visa fraud and harboring aliens for profit.

"Homeland Security Investigations special agents uncovered a nationwide network that grossly exploited U.S. immigration laws. These suspects aided hundreds of foreign nationals to remain in the United States illegally by helping to portray them as students, which they most certainly were not," Steve Francis, the Homeland Security Investigations special agent in charge, said in the statement.

The university in the Detroit area was operated for almost two years by HSI special agents as part of an undercover operation, the statement said.

The eight alleged recruiters assisted foreign citizen students in "fraudulently obtaining immigration documents from the school and facilitated the creation of false student records, including transcripts, for the purpose of deceiving immigration authorities," it said.

"All participants in the scheme knew that the school had no instructors or actual classes," the statement said.U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard kicked off her presidential campaign with a rally in her home state of Hawaii on Saturday.

"We must stand against powerful politicians from both parties who sit in ivory towers thinking up new wars to wage and new places for people to die," she told a small gathering of supporters. "Wasting trillions of dollars, hundreds of thousands of lives, undermining our economy and security, and destroying our middle class."

The Democratic congresswoman's first rally came a month after she formally launched her effort with an online video and declaration on CNN.

Her nascent campaign swiftly ran into trouble as critics pounced on her efforts to block the legalization of same-sex marriage in Hawaii and a meeting she held with Syrian President Bashar Assad. She released a video apologizing for advocating against gay rights.

State Sen. Kai Kahele, a Democrat, then announced he would run for Gabbard's congressional seat in 2020. Gabbard hasn't said whether she plans to run for re-election as a congresswoman while simultaneously seeking the presidency.

Politico reported this week Gabbard campaign manager Rania Batrice was leaving.

The rally will be held on a lawn at a sprawling Hilton hotel complex in Waikiki.

Gabbard, 37, has said she's running for president because U.S. military action in Iraq, Libya and Syria has destabilized the Middle East, made the U.S. less safe and cost thousands of American lives. She says terrorist groups like Al Qaeda and the Islamic State group are stronger than before the Sept.11 terrorist attacks.

She was a fierce opponent of same-sex marriage when she served in the state Legislature in her 20s. But she has since disavowed those views and professes her support for LGBTQ rights.

Gabbard has represented Honolulu's suburbs and rural Hawaii in the U.S. House since 2013. She is a combat veteran who served in Iraq and Kuwait with the Hawaii National Guard.President Donald Trump's nominee for attorney general will tell senators "it is vitally important" that special counsel Robert Mueller be allowed to complete his Russia investigation, and said he believes Congress and the public should learn the results, according to remarks prepared for his confirmation hearing.

William Barr also insisted in testimony he'll deliver Tuesday to the Senate Judiciary Committee that Trump never sought any promises, assurances or commitments before selecting him to be the country's chief law enforcement officer.

In releasing written testimony ahead of his hearing, the Justice Department moved to pre-empt the most significant questions Barr is likely to face from Democrats on the panel  including whether he can oversee without bias or interference the final stages of Mueller's probe into potential ties between Russia and the 2016 Trump campaign, and whether he will permit the findings to be made public.

"I believe it is in the best interest of everyone  the President, Congress, and, most importantly, the American people  that this matter be resolved by allowing the Special Counsel to complete his work," Barr said.

He described Mueller, a former Justice Department colleague, as a friend he has known personally and professionally for 30 years. Mueller headed the department's criminal division while Barr served as attorney general from 1991 to 1993.

The special counsel is required to confidentially report his findings to the Justice Department. Barr stopped short of directly pledging to release Mueller's report, but he expressed general support for disclosing the findings, whatever they may be.

"For that reason, my goal will be to provide as much transparency as I can consistent with the law," Barr said. "I can assure you that, where judgments are to be made by me, I will make those judgments based solely on the law and will let no personal, political, or other improper interests influence my decisions."

The remarks are intended to reassure Democratic senators troubled by Barr's past comments on the special counsel's probe, including an unsolicited memo he sent the Justice Department last year criticizing the inquiry into whether the president had obstructed justice.

Barr also sent the memo to White House lawyers and discussed it with Trump's personal attorneys and a lawyer who represents Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, he said in a letter to Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham. Copies also were sent by Barr to White House lawyer Emmet Flood, Solicitor General Noel Francisco and Pat Cipollone, who is now White House counsel. Barr said he discussed the contents of the memo with Trump's attorneys, Jay Sekulow and Jane and Martin Raskin.

Barr also previously said the president's firing of FBI director James Comey was appropriate and said the Mueller prosecution team, criticized by Trump for including prosecutors who have contributed to Democrats, should have had more "balance."

Those stances raised alarms that Barr could stifle the investigation as it reaches its final stages or make decisions that protect the president. Among the questions that he might confront if, as expected, he is confirmed would be whether to approve a subpoena for Trump if he refuses to answer additional questions, and whether to disclose to Congress whatever report or conclusions Mueller turns in.

Barr, who also moved to quell concerns during private meetings last week with lawmakers, insisted that Trump had "sought no assurances, promises, or commitments from me of any kind, either express or implied."

"As Attorney General, my allegiance will be to the rule of law, the Constitution, and the American people," Barr said. "That is how it should be. That is how it must be. And, if you confirm me, that is how it will be, and I have not given him any, other than that I would run the Department with professionalism and integrity."

The mere fact that Barr felt compelled to deny any sort of commitment or pledge to Trump reflects the delicate and unusual circumstance he finds himself in. He would serve a president who requested loyalty from an FBI director he later fired and who berated  and eventually forced out  his first attorney general, Jeff Sessions, for recusing himself from the Russia investigation.

Barr's supervisory role in the Russia probe may be especially important since Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who appointed Mueller and has overseen his day-to-day work, expects to leave the Justice Department soon after Barr is confirmed. It is not clear how much of the investigation will be left by then.

Barr would replace acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker, who declined to recuse himself from the investigation  despite the advice of a Justice Department ethics official and calls from Democrats who cited Whitaker's past critical comments on the probe.

Barr's June memo to top Justice Department officials criticized as "fatally misconceived" the theory of obstruction that Mueller appeared to be pursuing. He said presidents cannot be criminally investigated for actions they are permitted to take under the Constitution, such as firing officials who work for them, just because of a subjective determination that they may have had a corrupt state of mind.

Justice Department spokeswoman Kerri Kupec has said Barr wrote the memo on his own initiative and relying only on publicly available information. She said senior ethics officials were consulted about the memo and have advised that it presents no conflict of interest to Barr's work as attorney general.

In his prepared remarks, Barr said the memo was narrowly focused on a single theory of obstruction that media reports suggested Mueller might be considering. Barr said he wrote it himself "as a former Attorney General who has often weighed in on legal issues of public importance."

"The memo did not address  or in any way question  the Special Counsel's core investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election," Barr said.

Meanwhile, Barr once warned of a lack of "political supervision" at the Justice Department that he said gave too much leeway to career prosecutors and made it "very easy for prosecutors to go hunting for scalps," NBC News reported on Monday.A man faces animal cruelty charges after a goat wandering the streets of Hartford led police to a collection of farm animals Thursday night.

Police said their investigation started when they got a report of a roaming goat chasing pedestrians. They tracked the goat back to 31 Blue Hills Ave. and found over a dozen other goats, roosters and chickens in a small area in the back of the home.

The animals were in "filthy" conditions, according to police, and many were injured or malnourished.

Kenya Miller, 41, was arrested and charged with 25 counts of animal cruelty. The 16 goats, eight roosters, one hen and two ducks were seized and will be relocated to a better home.

No other details were immediately available.Southwest Airlines is charting a course for a Texas destination it hasn't served in more than 30 years.

The Dallas-based carrier announced this week that it plans to fly from Dallas Love Field to Corpus Christi International Airport, a route it hasn't flown nonstop since 1986. Flights will operate once per week on Saturdays, beginning Aug. 10.

Corpus Christi is a gateway to tourist destinations along the Gulf Coast, including Port Aransas, Mustang Island and North Padre Island.

Read more from our media partner The Dallas Morning News.After years of planning and construction, St. Jude Thaddeus Church has revealed a colorful mosaic composed of almost 1 million minuscule pieces of glass from Italy.

The Beaumont Enterprise reports the mural depicts the 12 apostles of the Catholic faith along with four North American born saints, St. Juan Diego, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, St. Katharine Drexel and St. Kateri Tekakwitha. In the center of the mural, a circle of light, symbolizing the tabernacle, frames a 9-foot statue of Jesus.

"The decision to put a mosaic on that wall came as a way to get back to the original theme for the church over 40 years ago," Father Tom Phelan said. "That theme is completely built around Chapter 6 of John's Gospel `The Bread of Life."'

A belief central to the Catholic faith holds that the bread served during Mass is transformed into the body of Christ, given up for the people as a means of forgiveness of sins.

St. Jude's 715-square-foot mosaic stands about three stories tall, covering the main wall behind the altar. It consists of hundreds of thousands of tiny pieces of glass known as smalti tesserae, which are cut in Italy.

"We went with a company called Cavallini Co. Inc. They helped design the picture and then sent it to Italy so that it could get cut. Once it came back to the U.S., it was installed here by their artists," Phelan said.

Cavallini is based in San Antonio and was founded in 1953. Beaumont is home to several pieces the company has worked on, including stained-glass designs in St. Jude's chapel, stained glass in the McFadden Ward House and hurricane-resistant stained glass at St. Anthony's Cathedral.

The process of bringing the mosaic to St. Jude's began near the end of 2017 when Phelan met with Cavallini owner and president Adrian J. Cavallini to develop the design.

After the approval of the design in February 2018, it was sent to Italy to be cut. In September, the unassembled mosaic pieces rode on a boat for almost six weeks in a voyage across the ocean back to the United States.

"The biggest issue we had was trying to assemble the mosaic around the existing 9-foot tall statue of Christ," Cavallini said. "It was by far the biggest mosaic I personally have ever worked on. We never would have completed the project on time if it weren't for my son."

Cavallini's son, whom he described as a master of the artform, served as primary leader on the project.

Cavallini said the assembly of such an elaborate mosaic is exacting. As small but crucial a detail as too much or too little water in the mix as the pieces are set in place could ruin the whole thing.

The words "I am the bread of life" are inscribed on the mural between the two clusters of saints. At the top of the mural, in front of a space colored with shades of blue, red and yellow, a 6-foot crucifix is suspended.

The crucifix is transparent so that the swaths of color formed by the mosaic tiles behind it are visible.

"The point of the crucifix is really to tie all of the aspects of Catholicism together without being overbearing and taking away from the main message of Christ being the bread of life," Phelan said.

Since the unveiling of the mosaic, the church has received positive feedback.

"I got to see the piece at every stage of the process," said Kelly Broussard, a church parishioner. "The first time I saw it was at night and I didn't have any words for how beautiful it was. But then I saw it again when the sun was coming through the windows and hitting it, and it brought tears to my eyes."

The idea for the mosaic originated with Phelan, who wanted to change the "monochromatic" feel of the church.

First he began using the original altar again. Then he removed the massive wooden cross that sat next to the statue of Jesus. The wooden cross is now being transformed into smaller crosses for parishioners, Broussard said.

Finally, Phelan pitched the idea of the mosaic, which was then drafted and set into motion.

"In the Catholic faith, it is a tradition to tell the stories through art and the way the space is decorated," Broussard said. "I believe the mosaic has really enhanced the sacred space of the church."A civil rights group has sued Texas for advising counties to review the citizenship of tens of thousands of eligible voters in the state with flawed data, claiming it violates the voting rights of U.S. citizens and legally registered Texas voters who are foreign-born.

The lawsuit filed by the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund alleges the state has "singled out for investigation and removal" the names of U.S. citizens who are registered voters because they were born outside the United States. It asks for an injunction to prevent recently naturalized citizens from being investigated and a rescission of the state's advisory to comb through a list of 58,000 people whom state officials said had potentially voted while not citizens.

The complaint, filed late Friday night in Corpus Christi, names Secretary of State David Whitley, Attorney General Ken Paxton and Gov. Greg Abbott as defendants. It also includes Galveston County Tax Assessor Collector Cheryl Johnson, who serves as that county's voter registrar. The lawsuit alleges that Johnson sent letters to more than 830 people questioning their citizenship.

Read more from our media partner The Dallas Morning News.In the first week of 2019, an investigation by Oregon's labor agency deemed the state Capitol to be a hostile workplace because of an unchecked pattern of sexual harassment among lawmakers.

A few days later, two Washington state lawmakers accused of sexual misconduct resigned. Then came new allegations of sexual wrongdoing in Georgia, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts, where a veteran male lawmaker was accused of groping a newly elected female colleague during a pre-session reception.

"We've heard for a long time that this is the culture in the building, and then of course we get there and it immediately surfaces," said Massachusetts state Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa, a first-time lawmaker.

Barely a month into the 2019 legislative sessions, it already is clear that the #MeToo movement was not a one-year phenomenon in many state capitols. New claims of sexual misconduct are continuing to be made public concerning actions ranging from a few weeks ago to many years ago.

The latest came Friday, when Montana legislative leaders revealed that a previously unpublicized allegation of sexual harassment helped drive their current push to update policies on harassment, discrimination and retaliation.

Although half of all state legislative chambers updated their sexual harassment policies last year, an Associated Press review found that many are still looking to make changes this year.

Some states are taking their first steps since the October 2017 media reports alleging sexual misconduct against movie mogul Harvey Weinstein sparked a national movement of people coming forward with accounts of sexual assault or harassment. In other states, lawmakers and women's advocates are looking to take the second or third steps in what they say is a long trek toward changing attitudes and behaviors.

Sabadosa is sponsoring legislation that would create an independent commission to investigate complaints of workplace harassment by Massachusetts lawmakers. She said a House rule change adopted last year didn't go far enough when it created a new staff position for an equal employment opportunity officer to investigate complaints.

"It feels important for the first-year class to come in and say, 'We are done, this is enough, that culture needs to end and we're going to be the people to make sure that it happens,'" she said.

Across the country, at least 90 state lawmakers have resigned or been removed from office, faced discipline or other repercussions, or been publicly accused of sexual misconduct since the beginning of 2017, according to an ongoing tally by The Associated Press. Sexual misconduct allegations also have toppled high-ranking executive branch officials, including Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens, New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman and Louisiana Secretary of State Tom Schedler.

More than a half-dozen members of the U.S. Congress accused of sexual misconduct also resigned. A new federal law that took effect in January extended sexual harassment protections to congressional interns, gave victims access to confidential advisers and made lawmakers personally liable for financial settlements stemming from harassment or retaliation.

An AP review last August found that about half of the 99 state legislative chambers had updated their own sexual harassment policies since the #MeToo movement began (Nebraska has just a single legislative chamber). The most common response was to boost their own training about sexual harassment, typically by making it mandatory or providing it more frequently. Only a few legislatures passed measures that apply to private-sector workers.

Indiana legislators passed a law last year requiring them to take at least one hour of sexual harassment training annually and creating a committee to develop new sexual harassment policies.

In January, the House and Senate followed through by adopting policies expressly forbidding unwanted sexual advances and retaliation against those who make complaints. The policies also ban any sexual contact between lawmakers and interns.

The new Indiana policies come after a year in which the state attorney general and House speaker both were named in sexual misconduct allegations, which they denied.

"We want to make sure people understand we realize the importance of these issues," said Republican Sen. Liz Brown, an attorney who helped draft the new rules.

Brown, who is chairwoman of the Senate's ethics committee, said the rules were "thoroughly vetted and very thoroughly researched," protect confidentiality and provide flexibility for legislative investigators to get outside help if needed.

But Jennifer Drobac, an Indiana University law professor who has written a textbook on sexual harassment law, described the new policies as disappointing. She said they use outdated definitions of sexual harassment, require a higher standard of proof than most civil cases and fail to require an outside investigation of complaints.

"What they have adopted is a late-20th century, lukewarm approach to the problem," Drobac said. "It's not committed, it's not rigorous, it's not up to date, and it does not instill confidence in my mind."

Other states also have received both praise and criticism for their responses to sexual harassment.

The Missouri House generally was praised for working with the nonprofit Women's Foundation to rewrite its sexual harassment policies after a House speaker resigned in May 2015 while acknowledging he had sent sexually suggestive text messages to a Capitol intern.

This past week, the House revised its policies again, allowing its ethics committee to close preliminary hearings that were previously public. Although some lawmakers objected to the potential secrecy, others said it's intended to protect victims.

"Preliminary hearings, particularly involving sexual assault and harassment, should be not politicized," said Democratic Rep. Gina Mitten, who supported the change.

As one of his first acts in office, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, a Republican, issued an executive order that strengthened the sexual harassment reporting processes and mandated training for executive branch employees.

But that same day, the Republican-led Georgia Senate changed its rules to make it harder to bring some sexual harassment complaints. The new rules require misconduct complaints against senators and staff to be made within two years of the incident, raise the burden of proof for investigations to go forward from "reasonable grounds" to "substantial credible evidence," require accusers to keep complaints confidential and allow penalties against those who publicize complaints or make frivolous claims.

The changes came as Republican state Sen. Renee Unterman, who was removed from a committee leadership post, publicly declared that "in the last couple of weeks, I have had sexual harassment against me." Unterman has not provided any specific details about her allegations.

Other states have moved in the opposite direction on transparency.

The Massachusetts Senate this past week amended its rules to prohibit nondisclosure agreements, which have been used in some states to keep sexual harassment settlements secret.

In Oregon, House and Senate leaders facing a civil rights complaint over the alleged culture of harassment have pledged a variety of improved policies. One bill would establish an "equity office" to conduct outreach programs and investigate complaints. Another would allow courts to temporarily exclude an elected official from the Capitol if a judge determines that the person's presence creates a hostile environment.

Legislative chambers in Idaho, Louisiana and North Dakota already have enacted updated sexual harassment policies for 2019. The New Hampshire House voted overwhelmingly in January to make sexual harassment training mandatory, although some male lawmakers said that carried an insulting implication that all lawmakers were harassers.

The California Legislature opened an independent office to handle investigations of alleged workplace misconduct, including sexual harassment or discrimination. A panel of outside experts will be responsible for evaluating the unit's findings and advising the Legislature on whether to take disciplinary action against accused colleagues.

The nonprofit National Women's Law Center in Washington, D.C., is spearheading a coalition seeking to strengthen protections against sexual harassment in workplaces, schools and communities in at least 20 states by 2020. About 300 state lawmakers from 40 states, including men and women of both major parties, have signed on to the pledge.

"The outpouring of #MeToo stories shows how profoundly inadequate our laws have been for so long," said Andrea Johnson, senior counsel for state policy at the National Women's Law Center. She added: "It's not something that gets fixed in one session."A man riding a moped has died after police said he crashed into an oil delivery truck in New Haven on Friday afternoon.

Officers said a man driving a moped on Lexington Avenue crashed into the back of a parked oil delivery truck around 3:45 p.m.

The driver, later identified as a 58-year-old New Haven man, was transported to Yale-New Haven Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Police have not released the man's identity.

The oil delivery truck was not occupied at the time of the crash, police said.

The crash is under investigation. Anyone who may have witnessed it is asked to call the New Haven Police Department at (203) 946-6316. Flash

China opposed the United States' withdrawal from a decades-long Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty with Russia, according to a Foreign Ministry spokesperson.

"China opposes the withdrawal of the United States and urges the U.S. and Russia to properly settle their differences through constructive dialogue," spokesperson Geng Shuang said on Saturday.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Friday announced that the United States will suspend its compliance to the nuclear treaty from Saturday, which will trigger a six-month countdown period leading to a permanent exit from the pact inked in 1987 between the United States and the then-Soviet Union.

"As an important bilateral treaty in arms control and disarmament, the treaty is of great significance for smoothing relationships between major powers, promoting international and regional peace, and safeguarding global strategic balance and stability," Geng said while expressing regret for the withdrawal.

The unilateral withdrawal of the United States will possibly trigger a series of negative outcomes, and China will closely follow the latest developments, he said.

In response to a question about China's stance on the negotiation of a new multilateral treaty on arms control, Geng said that China is opposed to the multilateralization of the treaty.

Multilateralization of the treaty involves a series of political, military and legal issues that are complicated, and many countries are quite concerned, Geng said.

"The top priority is to safeguard and implement the existing treaty well, rather than drafting a new one to replace the old one," he said.A former Connecticut Boy Scout leader already behind bars in Massachusetts for child rape is back in Connecticut to face related charges.

The Norwich Bulletin reports that 57-year-old David Kress was transported from a Massachusetts prison to a Connecticut jail recently ahead of a court appearance Feb. 14 to face several counts of employing a minor in an obscene performance.

Kress in December 2016 pleaded guilty to seven counts of child rape for assaulting members of his troop and was sentenced to up to seven years in prison.

Kress was a scout leader in Thompson, Connecticut, but pleaded guilty to assaulting the boys in Massachusetts in the 1990s.

Connecticut police say Kress provided the victims with alcohol and pornography before molesting them.

His lawyer did not respond to a message Sunday.A Vietnam veteran from Andover is heading to Washington D.C. for the State of the Union Address on a mission to rally support from federal lawmakers to make health care more accessible to veterans exposed to the toxic chemical known as Agent Orange.

Gerry Wright spoke exclusively to NBC Connecticut about his upcoming trip to the Capitol, the next step in a journey that has already taken him to 32 states speaking with veterans and their families about the long-term side effects of Agent Orange exposure.

American soldiers sprayed the herbicide that came to be referred to as Agent Orange over dense jungle in Vietnam in a military effort to kill foliage providing cover to enemy soldiers.

Wright has amassed shelves full of photographs, testimonials, newspaper clippings and studies at his home in Andover. He pointed to one picture in particular of a truck he remembers riding while spraying the toxic chemical.

We would stand on the back of here and spray around our compound. No hat, no shirt, no masks, Wright said.

He now suffers from heart, skin and nerve conditions associated with Agent Orange. He receives treatment from the VA hospital for heart disease, but does not qualify for treatment of his other ailments because of a rule requiring soldiers to have reported symptoms within a year of chemical exposure.

Wright says he and many of his fellow veterans did not recognize those symptoms until it was too late.

Last year, he traveled 10,000 miles around the country towing a trailer painted, sprayed and betrayed, and collecting more than 6,000 signatures from supporters, he said.

Now, he is working with Connecticut congressmen Joe Courtney and John Larson, who are co-sponsors on a house bill introduced last month to remove that requirement. Senator Richard Blumenthal is expected to introduce a corresponding Senate bill soon, and invited Wright to be his guest at Tuesday nights State of the Union Address.

Lawmakers introduced similar bills in both houses of Congress last year that were not successful.

Wright hopes to use the remainder of his trip to Washington to speak to as many lawmakers as he can on both sides of the aisle. He believes the stakes could not be higher for veterans like him who need treatment. Were still dying from this, he said.An off-duty female Chicago police officer was found shot Saturday night on the Near West Side.

The incident happened at 9:33 p.m. in the 900 block of South Bell in the Tri-Taylor neighborhood, according to Chicago police.

The woman, a 47-year-old who lived on that block, was pronounced dead at 9:55 p.m., according to the Cook County medical examiners office. An autopsy was scheduled for Sunday.

The Chicago Tribune reported that initially, reporters were told that a suspect was in custody, however, authorities now say that is inaccurate.

Chicago Police Spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi tweeted around 8:40 a.m. Sunday saying, "CASE UPDATE: Prelim investigation reveals possible self-inflicted gunshot wound. Detectives have classified this as a death investigation as we investigate the circumstances leading up to the shooting & await confirmation & additional info from the medical examiner."

CASE UPDATE: Prelim investigation reveals possible self-inflicted gunshot wound. Detectives have classified this as a death investigation as we investigate the circumstances leading up to the shooting & await confirmation & additional info from the medical examiner. https://t.co/gS5M6qrdFU  Anthony Guglielmi (@AJGuglielmi) February 3, 2019

Depending on the medical examiners ruling, the death could mark the second suicide of the year involving a Chicago police officer. Last year, four CPD officers took their own lives.

Authorities did not immediately release more details about the death.

Eight @ 8 on Feb. 2, 2019: Week In ReviewA federal judge on Friday cautioned longtime Donald Trump confidant Roger Stone not to treat the charges against him like a public relations campaign or book tour, and said she may issue a gag order in the case.

U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson said she had already noticed a significant amount of publicity in the case, including television appearances in which Stone has asserted his innocence.

"This is a criminal proceeding and not a public relations campaign," Jackson said, adding that "it behooves counsel and the parties to do their talking in this courtroom and in their pleadings and not on the courthouse steps or on the talk show circuit."

She said Stone may have "justifiably felt the need to get his story out," but his public statements risk tainting a pool of jurors who may ultimately decide his case.

Jackson did not immediately issue an order barring Stone or prosecutors from discussing the case, giving both sides until next week to weigh in. She said even if she did issue an order, the talkative political operative would still be free to opine on other matters.

"It would not be a bar on all public relations, activities or press communications, but only those related to this case," she said. "A party could discuss foreign relations, immigration or Tom Brady as much as they wanted."

Stone, 66, who was arrested last week in a pre-dawn raid at his Florida home, is the sixth Trump aide charged in special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into possible coordination between Russia and Trump's 2016 presidential campaign. He has pleaded not guilty to felony charges of witness tampering, obstruction and false statements.

Wearing a double-breasted pinstripe suit, Stone emerged from the courthouse after Friday's hearing and struck his two-handed victory pose in homage to former President Richard Nixon. He was then whisked away into a waiting vehicle amid supporters holding "Roger Stone did nothing wrong" signs. A protester held up a placard reading "Treason."

Stone made the rounds on television last weekend and held a news conference Thursday at a Washington hotel, where he said he was prepared to tell the truth to Mueller but he had no derogatory information about Trump, his longtime friend.

"I have great affection and remain a strong and loyal supporter of the president," Stone said.

He also said he was prepared to adhere to a gag order if the judge issued one but that he would likely appeal it. Among his lawyers is a noted First Amendment attorney who successfully represented the rap group 2 Live Crew in an obscenity court case nearly 30 years ago.

A seven-count indictment accuses Stone of misleading Congress about interactions with friends in which he discussed emails that were stolen from Democratic groups and in the possession of WikiLeaks. The anti-secrecy website released the communications in the weeks before the presidential election in an effort to harm Hillary Clinton's campaign.

But the indictment doesn't charge Stone or anyone close to the campaign of coordinating directly with WikiLeaks or having advance knowledge of its plans.

"I am not accused of Russian collusion, I am not accused of collaboration with WikiLeaks, I am not accused of conspiracy," Stone said Thursday. "There is no evidence or accusation that I knew in advance about the source or content of the WikiLeaks material."

In a court filing Thursday, prosecutors said the FBI seized physical devices from his home, apartment and office. They said multiple hard drives containing several terabytes of information have been recovered, including bank and financial records and the contents of numerous phones and computers.

Jackson also presides over Mueller's prosecution of former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort and issued a gag order in that case after one of Manafort's attorneys addressed reporters outside the courthouse following his first court appearance.A billing policy that has saddled insured patients with huge debt after being treated for emergency and trauma services at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital will be changed, city leaders said Friday.

Mayor London Breed and Supervisor Aaron Peskin on Friday called for a temporary halt to "balance billing" - surprise bills sent to a patient when their private insurer doesn't cover the full cost of treatment.

Most of the hospital's patients are uninsured, but the 6 percent with commercial insurance who seek emergency care at SF General are affected by the hospital's policy against accepting private insurance.

"Although 'balance billing' affects a very small number of ZSFG patients, the stress and hardship they experience when it happens is very real," Mayor Breed said.

The city's Department of Public Health, which operates the hospital, will work with hospital officials to address the dilemma of those patients stuck in the middle of disputes between the hospital and their insurance provider, Breed said.

The hospital will pursue agreements with private insurance companies and study regional hospital charges, comparing trauma centers, academic medical centers, San Francisco and Bay Area hospitals, according to the city's announcement Friday.

In addition to halting balance billing for 90 days, immediate changes will include making financial assistance easier to get and assess a patient's eligibility for assistance rather than waiting for them to apply, according to the city's announcement.

Charity care and sliding scale policies will be adjusted to expand the number of people who are eligible.

"While hospital billing in the United States is very complicated, patients should not be caught in the middle of disputes between hospitals and insurance companies," said Dr. Susan Ehrlich, the hospital's chief executive officer.A powerful storm descended on California Saturday, threatening flooding in the entire San Francisco Bay Area and areas stripped bare by devastating wildfires.

The storm brought hail in some parts of the Bay Area and winds reached 80 mph in the mountains, 10-foot waves in the Pacific and several feet of snow in the Sierra Nevada and other mountain ranges.

A wind advisory was issued across the Bay Area Saturday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service.

According to the National Weather Service, high tide is receding and areas of coastal flooding will diminish.

Heavy downpour came overnight but there was no major flooding on Russian, Napa or Guadalupe Rivers. However, smaller creeks and streams could fill up with more rain, according to NBC Bay Area meteorologist Jeff Ranieri.

Scattered thunderstorms were seen in the morning but a small break came around noon Saturday.

The storm caused several road accidents and power outages in parts of the Bay Area.

On Sunday, another storm will bring on and off rain, which could bring an additional quarter-inch to half-inch, as well as chances of thunderstorms, Ranieri said.

In the Sierra Mountains, a winter storm warning started on Friday with heavier snow expected Sunday, according to Ranieri. The area may see 1 to 3 feet of snow, but areas above 7,000 feet could see up to 5 feet.

Wind gusts of 40 to 70 mph are expected at times, which could result in avalanche and blizzard warnings.

The Bay Area will also have the chance of a snow dusting on Monday as well with snow levels 2,000 to 2,500 feet, Ranieri said.

Evacuations were ordered or recommended for many areas of Northern and Southern California that were hit by wildfires in recent months. Authorities fear that an inch of rain an hour could send fire debris, mud and boulders sluicing down denuded hillsides.

The weather service issued flash-flood watches for areas burned by the Mendocino Complex, Camp and Carr wildfires in Northern California.

The state transportation agency has closed a key Southern California highway because of flooding after a powerful storm dropped more than a half-inch of rain in five minutes.

Caltrans says several miles of U.S 101 is shut Saturday in Santa Barbara County because of water and mud in lanes. The highway is a vital route between Los Angeles and parts north and west.

The weather service issued flash-flood watches for areas burned by the Mendocino Complex, Camp and Carr wildfires in Northern California.

In the Holy Jim fire area southeast of Los Angeles, where an August wildfire scoured tens of thousands of acres in the Cleveland National Forest, volunteers using heavy equipment removed debris and deepened a creek bed to help prevent flooding.

Santa Barbara County ordered evacuations of residents in designated debris-flow risk areas near the Thomas, Whittier and Sherpa fire scars. Nearby residents were urged to also consider leaving.

It has only been a little over a year since a downpour on the huge Thomas Fire burn scar unleashed a massive debris flow that destroyed or damaged hundreds of homes in the seaside community of Montecito.

The disaster killed 21 people, and two others have never been found.

Numerous areas of the state were under warnings for high winds, some that could potentially knock down trees and power lines.

Two cold weather systems will follow on Sunday and Monday, bringing additional widespread showers and snow, forecasters said.Mountain View Police are searching for two suspect who shot an employee at a tire shop Saturday morning.

The shooting happened around 11:30 a.m. off El Camino Real at the Americas Tire shop where an employee suffered a gunshot wound to the leg. The suspect then carjacked a sedan from the shop. Police have not disclosed the make and model of the car.

First responders applied a tourniquet to the victim and that person was taken to an area hospital where they are listed in stable condition, Katie Nelson form the Mountain View Police said.

Police are reviewing surveillance video from the shop and neighboring businesses in an effort to get a description of the suspect.A Bay Area delegation of immigrant rights activist headed to church Saturday ahead of an important trip to Washington D.C.

Central American Resource Center of San Francisco and East Bay Sanctuary Convent are among the Northern California organization joining other delegations from across the country to the Capitol next week to lobby lawmakers for the protection of Temporary Protected Status, TPS, for immigrants.

The activists were welcomed Saturday into Saint Anthony's Church in San Francisco for a blessing. The 26-person delegation plan to meet with lawmakers from Feb. 10 to 13 to stress the importance of extending the TPS program, as well as the American Promise Act.

They say many hard working undocumented immigrants have been living in a state of fear due to immigration raids, the separation of families at the border and the termination of TPS and DACA programs.

We can still do something. We just need to get together, support each other, tell our stories, so people can see how we are connected with the country, how we are integrated completely with the country," Vanessa Velasco with Community Outreach said.(Natural News) If you dont have a box of tissues nearby, you might want to grab one before reading any further.

A little over two years ago, former UFC fighter Nick The Jersey Devil Catone suffered the loss of his precious son, Nicholas Jr., who died after being injected with the MMR vaccine for measles, mumps, and rubella.

Catone recently mourned the second anniversary of his sons death on Facebook, explaining to his friends and followers what happened to young Nicholas as a result of going along with the governments recommended vaccination schedule  which ultimately killed his innocent son.

On January 10, 2017, Catone brought young Nicholas in to see the familys pediatrician for a Well Visit, during which the infant was given both the MMR vaccine and the Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type B) vaccine. The very next day, young Nicholas went from being a happy, smiling little boy to a clearly vaccine-damaged victim of Big Pharma corruption  and he died not long after that.

Photos shared by Catone show Nicholas in his healthy state prior to getting vaccinated, as well as post-vaccine photos in which young Nicholas appears confused, traumatized, and what Infowars.com writer Adan Salazar describes as a countenance indicative of neurological trauma.

Catone directed his Facebook post to young Nicholas directly, expressing sorrow and remorse over his decision to have his son vaccinated.

Wish i knew what i know now and we were able to put it all together, Catone wrote.

Im so sorry Nicholas. I just broke down going through these pictures and typing this. Makes me sick that you are gone. Still cant believe this happened to our family. Worst possible thing in the world. Its so hard. Ill never stop fighting for you. I love you more than you could ever imagine Nicholas. Heartbroken forever without you. I miss you, Nicholas goodnight up in heaven.

Nick Catone boldly declares that VACCINES CAUSE AUTISM

The very next day, Catone shared another post on Facebook that presented factual data showing that vaccines arent safe, and that they do cause autism. He linked to an article written by Ty Bollinger from The Truth About Cancer entitled, Vaccines and Autism: Expert Exposes DOJ Vaccine Fraud, that delineates this point.

My son should be here, Catone wrote in his Facebook post, published on January 11. Healthy 20 months olds just dont pass away, he added, explaining that the vaccine agenda is based on lies and deception.

In order to help other parents avoid making the same mistake he did, Catone wants the world to know that vaccines cause autism  and more importantly, that vaccines kill.

Wake up people, he warned. Dont let it happen to you. Its disgusting whats going on. So much corruption and lies. All they care about is money. These are our children we are talking about. Makes me sick.

Meanwhile, Fox News is keeping busy pushing the pro-vaccine agenda. As we recently reported, the cable news networks Medical Correspondent, Dr. Marc Siegel, openly stated during a segment that aired on January 28 that doctors who sign off on exemption forms for parents to opt out of mandatory vaccinations should be prosecuted for exercising their right to health freedom.

It is one of the greatest inventions in the history of public health, Dr. Siegel disgustingly screamed on Fox, referring to the very same MMR vaccine that killed young Nicholas Catone.

Read VaccineDeaths.com for more stories about how vaccines are unsafe and ineffective.

Sources for this article include:

Infowars.com

Facebook.com

TheTruthAboutCancer.com

Facebook.com

NaturalNews.com(Natural News) By now it should be obvious that the Democratic Party is engaged in a full-on push to legalize what amounts to infanticide  the wanton, purposeful murder of full-term babies in the womb as well as some outside of the womb if theyve been marked for death by the mother and her physician.

In January the Democrat-run New York legislature shocked the consciences of tens of millions of Americans when it passed, and Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed, legislation that that, according to some experts whove read the measure, allows doctors to abort an unborn baby right up to term.

Meanwhile, Virginia Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam, in a Wednesday morning interview, could not definitely answer whether he opposes a bill in his state that sanctions abortion right up until birth, even suggesting that an infant could be born while the mother and her doctor then discuss what should happen next, which could include killing the newborn, The National Review reported.

Now the Catholic governor of Rhode Island, Gina Raimondo, also a Democrat, is pushing a radical pro-abortion bill in her state while clinging to the Church, which remains vehemently against the procedure, LifeNews reported.

Like the law in New York and legislation in Virginia, the Rhode Island bill both contradicts the teachings of the Catholic Church while legalizing abortions for basically any reason up to birth, the news site reported, adding that the state legislature was scheduled to vote on the bill this week.

Last month, Raymond pledged her support for the bill during her State of the State Address, according to NBC 10.

Lets make this the year we codify womens access to reproductive health care here in Rhode Island, she said. (Related: Abortion extremists on the Left are going to trigger new Supreme Court restrictions.)

Safe, legal, and rare is no longer the abortion standard for Democrats

LifeNews noted further:

The Rhode Island Reproductive Health Care Act, co-sponsored by state Sen. Gayle L. Goldin and Rep. Edith H. Ajello, would strip away even minor, common-sense abortion regulations  ones that a strong majority of Americans support. It would eliminate all protections for unborn babies and codify Roe v. Wade into state law in case the U.S. Supreme Court overturns the ruling.

Regarding the 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling, as The National Sentinel reported, allows women to have the procedure up to the point of fetal viability, a term which is now increasingly under debate as neonatal care and technology dramatically improve chances for early birth survival.

In addition, per most state statutes, ending a babys life after it is born is unlawful. In fact, former abortion provider Dr. Kermit Gosnell was sentenced to life in prison for killing babies either born or leaving them to die after they were born. A recently-released film starring Dean Cain, famous for his role as Superman, about Gosnells practice and trial was largely ignored by the establishment media.

The Democrats position on abortion has shifted dramatically  that is, become very much radicalized  since the mid-1990s when then-President Bill Clinton declared that abortion should be safe, legal, and rare. Then, National Review Onlines Jim Geraghty wrote, his position appeared to be an acceptable middle ground, though pro-life Americans would disagree.

But there was always an uncomfortable contradiction in Clintons formulation, Geraghty noted further. If abortion was sufficiently morally justified to be safe and legal, why did it have to be rare?

Subsequent studies since Clintons declaration found that the procedure wasnt rare, and wasnt performed for health reasons. Rather, most women choose the procedure, are on government assistance, and not terribly concerned about the morality of the issue.

That Democrats have now arrived at this juncture shouldnt surprise anyone. The Left has been moving this direction for years  at least since 2012 when liberal academics at Oxford University argued there is a moral case for after-birth abortion because newborn babies arent really persons yet.

Read more about the Lefts violence against the unborn at Violence.news.

Sources include:

NewsTarget.com

NationalReview.com

TheNationalSentinel.com

LifeNews.com(Natural News) Bisphenol A (BPA), a synthetic chemical widely used in manufacturing plastic products, has long been associated with a host of adverse health conditions. BPA is classified as an endocrine disruptor and is tied to various diseases including diabetes, cardiovascular disease and abnormal liver function. Experts have looked into using chemical substitutes such as Fluorene-9-bisphenol (BHPF) in hopes of minimizing BPA exposure, but such a move proves to be futile according to new research.

A recent study published in Nature Communications suggests that BHPF may pose a threat to the public health much in the same way as BPA. Researchers from China and Japan examined yeast cells exposed to BHPF and found that the synthetic chemical prevented the cells from binding with others in normal ways. Research data also showed that BHPF is proven to block the effects of estrogen, rather than mimicking its mechanisms like BPA or Bisphenol S  another synthetic substitute.

An analysis of pregnant mice also showed that BHPF exposure led to various adverse effects including uterine problems, smaller litters and miscarriages. The chemical was also tied to decreased expressions of estrogen-responsive genes in pregnant mice.

Researchers said the results provided evidence that anti-oestrogenic chemical exposure may cause adverse pregnancy outcomes, suggesting that environmental anti-oestrogens, as well as their adverse effects on human reproductive health, should be of concern.

This study raises questions about the safety of BPA substitutes and the current toxicological management of substitutes for hazardous chemicals, the researchers added.

BHPF traces found in human bloodstream

The experts also examined samples of bottled water to check for BHPF release when in contact with high temperatures. The analysis revealed that 23 of 52 samples released BHPF when filled with hot water, three of these being baby bottles.

The researchers also analyzed blood samples from 100 college students who reported drinking from water bottles. Research data revealed that traces of BHPF were seen in the bloodstream of seven respondents. Experts noted that while there is no solid evidence linking BHPF exposure to adverse health effects, the toxicity of chemicals used in manufacturing food containers should be assessed prior to production.

An outside experts opinion

Outside expert, Prof. Richard Sharpe, Group Leader of the Male Reproductive Health Research Team at the University of Edinburgh, expressed his insights regarding the studys results.

As far as regulatory bodies such as EFSA and FDA are concerned there is no convincing evidence for replacing use of bisphenol A by substitute chemicals, though environmental pressure groups continue to press for a ban on use of bisphenol A and its replacement. This study highlights that such replacement may be jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire, by showing that one of the suggested replacement chemicals may itself have potential to cause adverse endocrine effects, although it is unclear from the studies if humans would be exposed sufficiently for this to cause harm.

A huge amount is known about bisphenol A in terms of its activity, human exposure, metabolism etc, and it is this level of understanding that has enabled regulatory bodies to determine the risks that our exposure poses to our health. In contrast, we have very little understanding about the suggested replacement chemicals. Therefore this study, which appears generally well-designed and executed, reminds us that replacing use of one chemical by another needs to be an evidence-led process, otherwise we may do more harm than good.

Be on the lookout for the latest developments and updates on health care. Visit Toxins.news for more information about BHPF exposure.

Sources:

ArsTechnica.com

Chem.info

MedicalXpress.com

ScienceMediaCenter.org(Natural News) Perhaps its all the anti-white propaganda these days thats causing some white people to go clinically insane, as yet another biological Caucasian woman has decided that shes now a trans black woman, simply because she injected her skin with melanin to make it dark; enhanced the size of her breasts and butt; and now wears traditional African clothing.

Martina Big from Germany has been featured numerous times on Great Britains This Morning program to discuss her transition, having told the shows hosts that shes always had an affinity for the shape and look of black womens bodies.

When I was younger, I admired the curves, Big stated on the program back in April 2017, highlighting the physical changes shes been making to her own body to look more like a black woman. My next step is going to be to pump up my lips, she revealed.

Fast-forward to October 2017, and Big was then claiming that the color of both her eyes and eyebrows had changed as a result of her transition, which she actually believes is causing her to turn into a real-life black woman.

I can feel in myself that Im changing into a black woman, she stated. My regrowing hair is changing  and becoming curly and more dark  This is 100 percent; Im really sure that Im black, Big contends.

When asked about how she viewed herself when she was still white and blonde, Big had this to say:

I like my natural blonde beauty, but its like when boys get a new car, she stated, comparing her transition into a trans black women to boys who modify their cars from stock vehicles into custom rides.

This medicine is not only working only for the skin. Its changing everything together, (including) my feelings, Big says.

Merkels sanctioned refugee invasion of Germany causing native Germans to go insane trying to make their skin color darker

Its a similar situation to Rachel Dolezal, another biological Caucasian woman from Spokane, Washington, who turned her hair frizzy; got a little bit tanner; and declared herself to be black  and even went so far as to become president of the Spokane chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

In both cases, these two women seem to have fallen for media propaganda telling them that being white isnt okay, which could explain their desire to become black. In Bigs case, it could also have to do with her country being overrun with dark-skinned refugees, who are being brought in by the tens of thousands, thanks to the globalist agenda of German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

The injections only started the process, but being black is not only being a different color  its everything in total, Big says.

For example, when I go outside now, I am getting in touch with the dark people much easier, and I have a lot of stuff, when I compare to my African friends, I have more in common with them than with my German friends.

Big is also convinced that when she and her husband Michael, a trans black man, have children, that these little ones will also be black.

It is a mix of Michael and me  and Im really sure it will be black, or if it is milk chocolate or a little bit lighter, it doesnt matter, Big believes.

Big says she was baptized in Kenya by a clergyman, which she believes sealed the deal of her transformation into becoming a real African woman. This Swahili baptism afforded her the new name Malaika Kubwa, which roughly translates into English as Big Angel. Big also now claims to be a glamor model.

For more insane, anti-scientific news like this, be sure to check out FakeScience.news and GenderConfused.com.

Sources for this article include:

TheGatewayPundit.com

TwentyTwoWords.com

NaturalNews.comPresident Emmerson Mnangagwa has launched a diplomatic offensive in an effort to tell his side of the story in the face of global condemnation sparked by the deadly clampdown by the army in the aftermath of the January 14 protests against steep fuel price increases.

On Friday, the United States and the United Nations added their weight to calls by the international community for Mnangagwa to rein in the army, which is accused of killing 12 people and shooting of over 78 civilians.

According to his spokesperson George Charamba, the Zanu PF leader was forced to skip his so-called Thank You rally scheduled for Mt Darwin in order to apprise regional leaders about the situation in Zimbabwe ahead of an Africa Union Summit set for Ethiopia in a few days time.

Charamba said Mnangagwa had also sent special envoys to neighbouring countries to brief their governments about the crisis.

His Excellency the President, Cde ED Mnangagwa, today, Saturday, spent the day at his Munhumutapa offices from where he made contact with a number of heads of state and government from the region and continent, Charamba said in a statement.

The prime objective was for him to brief his colleagues on the situation obtaining in the country following opposition-instigated violent demonstrations which affected the country two weeks ago.

He also received reports from returning special envoys he had despatched to selected countries in the region and on the African continent for the same mission.

US top diplomat for Africa Tibor Nagy said Washington was deeply concerned about the events in Zimbabwe and the UNs local office said it was worried about trails of destruction, looting, mass arrests and detentions that followed the protests.

The US is deeply concerned about continued reports of human rights violations in Zimbabwe, Nagy tweeted.

We call on the government to respect human rights, hold accountable those responsible for human rights violations and immediately end all violence by government forces.

Mnangagwa had earlier in the week accused Western countries of fuelling the violence.

Soldiers are accused of raping more than 12 women since the clampdown began and over 1 000 people were arrested for various offences allegedly committed during the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions-organised mass stayaway.

The MDC led by Nelson Chamisa says its officials have become targets of abductions by soldiers who make regular raids at peoples homes in the dead of the night.

Police and the army last week issued a statement claiming that impostors were behind the human rights violations.

However, government officials, including Mnangagwa and Agriculture minister Perrance Shiri, have defended the clampdown claiming the opposition posed a security risk.

While regional leaders have remained mum about the situation in Zimbabwe, South African opposition leader Mmusi Maimane has demanded a meeting with Mnangagwa this week to discuss the clampdown against the opposition.

Maimane told The Standard in an exclusive interview that his party, the Democratic Alliance (DA), and Southern African Partnership for Democratic Change, a coalition of opposition parties in the Southern African Development Community, which he leads, were filling a void left by regional leaders due to their refusal to intervene in Zimbabwe.

The DA has threatened to take Mnangagwa to the International Criminal Court over the killings.

 The Standard

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Related Zimbabwe Latest NewsFormer Minister of Local Government Public Works and National Housing, Ignatius Chombo, was on Thusrday found guilty for willfully defaulting court on Wednesday.

Chombo, who was issued with a warrant of arrest after he missed his remand date, appeared yesterday before Harare regional magistrate Hosea Mujaya who found him guilty of willful default.

He was ordered to pay $30 fine or face five days imprisonment.

In default inquiry, Chombos lawyer Professor Lovermore Madhuku told the court that there was a mix up of the dates as Chombo is facing two charges, one of criminal abuse of office and the other of criminal nuisance.

There was a miscommunication of dates as the record would show that in his last appearance he was given his passport with the intent to receive medical attention in South Africa and it was to be returned on January 30.

The understanding was that the passport was to be returned on that date and he was to appear on the 30st.

His medical practitioner had scheduled an appointment at 10am with the understanding that he would be appearing in court today, with that being said, his lawyers were engaged at the High Court in a matter he is applying for temporary stay of prosecution so we pray that the warrant be cancelled, said Madhuku.

The State did not oppose the cancellation of the warrant considering the given circumstances.

In giving his ruling, Magistrate Mujaya said he was opposed to the view of the State and the defense counsels and found Chombo in willful default.

In the other record, magistrate Rumbidzai Mugwagwa cancelled the warrant of arrest.

The matter was remanded to today for trial commencement.

Chombo in the criminal nuisance charge is being jointly charged with Kudzanai Chipanga and Innocent Hamandishe for wearing ZANU PF party regalia knowing full well that they had been expelled.

 HMetro

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Related Zimbabwe Latest NewsVice President Constantino Chiwenga was airlifted to a South African hospital on Saturday in what government sources described as a medical emergency.

The former army general, who executed a coup that ousted former President Robert Mugabe in November 2017, is being treated at Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town.

There was no official reaction to Chiwengas latest medical trip, after he was treated in Johannesburg last October for what a government spokesman later said was exhaustion and 1980s injuries from the war of liberation.

Hes in a terrible shape. His condition sent the entire government into panic, a top government official told ZimLive on condition they were not named.

Chiwenga and his wife, Mary, have been losing their skin pigmentation, a rare phenomenon he has suggested was caused by poisoning. His recent public appearances, in which he has appeared agitated and angrily fidgety, have raised fears about his health.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who was due to resume his thank you rallies celebrating his disputed electoral victory with an appearance in Mt Darwin, cancelled his trip and dispatched Vice President Kembo Mohadi to represent him instead.

Mnangagwas spokesman George Charamba said the Zanu PF leader had spent the day in his office calling foreign leaders to brief them on the situation obtaining in the country following opposition-instigated violent demonstrations which affected the country two weeks ago.

Mnangagwa is under pressure after Britains Minister for Africa Harriet Baldwin flew to the region last Thursday to press Zimbabwes neighbours to speak up against an ongoing crackdown by security forces which rights groups say has left at least 16 people dead and nearly 600 requiring hospital treatment after beatings and torture.

The Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights and the Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum, in updated statistics, said Saturday that at least 81 people had been shot and were in various stages of recovery.

 ZimLive

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Related Zimbabwe Latest NewsSan Antonio police are investigating after three people were injured in two separate shootings across San Antonio overnight.

A woman was transported to University Hospital in critical condition after officers say they found her unresponsive, having been shot while sitting in a white Ford Expedition outside a residence near the intersection of Five Palms Drive and Fairshire about 3 a.m. on the far Southwest Side.

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The woman and her male companion were both struck several times after a black vehicle pulled up to the SUV they were in and opened fire, police at the scene said.

The male victim was taken to the same hospital in serious condition, but officers say he was able to give them a description of the vehicle. According to police, the man said he did not know why the two were targeted.

Three hours earlier, on the 4000 block of Sunrise Creek on the Northeast Side, police say someone in a gray vehicle began shooting up and down the block about 12:03 a.m.

RELATED: Deputies recover 19 stripped vehicles on the Southeast Side

A man standing outside his residence was hit in the ankle by one of the bullets and transported by a friend to an area hospital.

Police at the scene said they are investigating if the victim was the intended target, or if he was just hit by a random shot. Several vehicles were also hit by the gunfire.Nineteen vehicles were recovered Saturday night after a complaint about a residence on the far Southeast Side resulted in a bust by Bexar County Sheriff's Office of what deputies are calling a "chop shop."

BCSO auto theft investigators, SWAT and other deputies executed a search warrant for a property on the 5700 block of Higdon Road around 9 p.m., according to Deputy Johnny Garcia, BCSO spokesman.

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"Ultimately there was 19 vehicles in total that were recovered stolen," Garcia said. "Ranging from pickup trucks, to four-door sedans, to sport vehicles." He said the value of the recovered vehicles is more than $150,000.

Two women at the property were arrested on unrelated warrants, but Garcia said no one has yet been arrested in connection to the vehicles.

"This residence here, it's been known to potentially have been a chop shop for quite some time," Garcia said.

Ground and air surveillance of the property included assistance from San Antonio police and it was when deputies got a "ping" off a vehicle recently reported stolen in San Antonio that law enforcement was able to secure a search warrant.

The recovered vehicles had all been completely stripped, according to Garcia, some down to the frames. None were in drivable condition.

"So you're talking about a brand new vehicle completely stripped to the frame," Garcia said of a Ford F-250 reported stolen two days ago. "It shows you what these individuals here do on a regular, daily basis. These people are going out looking to steal people's vehicles."

Investigators said they believe all the recovered vehicles were stolen from the San Antonio area.Wearing a clean, new cowboy hat, little Colt Grist came dressed for the Western Heritage Parade and Cattle Drive.

The 4-year-old was among hundreds clustered in front of the Alamo on Saturday morning, as the sound of hooves clopping along downtown streets, mixed with cheers from the crowd. Colts mom gave him a piggyback ride for a clear view of the cowboys on horseback, driving close to 100 Longhorns past the historic Mission.

Logan Frank, 11, stood beside Colt, caught up in the scene. The San Antonio Pipes & Drums was his favorite, parade participant, but the cattle came in a close second.

There were a lot of them, he said. They were cool.

The parade and cattle drive kicked off the official start of the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo with participants representing the legacy of the Old West and the Lone Star state. The procession started at 11 a.m., from Interstate 35, along West Houston Street, east to Alamo Street, ending at La Villita at Nueva Street.

Related: San Antonio was pulse of great cattle drives

The Stock Show & Rodeo starts Thursday at the AT&T Center and the adjacent Freeman Coliseum. Activities will continue through Feb. 24.

Veronica Flores, director and parade coordinator, said the route is reminiscent of trails that fed into San Antonio. Her favorite part of the parade is watching the faces of little kids who are seeing a horse, up close for the first time.

Its definitely something you dont see everyday, Flores said. Its not a typical parade.

The parade was one of several rodeo-related events that took place Saturday.

On Pleasanton Road, hundreds came out for the Third Annual Bexar County Rodeo Breakfast, where more than 10,000 free breakfast tacos were handed out.

Before the parade began, runners and walkers took part in Stock Show Stampede 5K Run/Walk at La Villita. The historic arts village was also the site for the Rodeo Wrangler Breakfast and the new Vaquero Cook-Off that featured entries for charro beans, carne guisada, menudo and Spanish rice.

The herd moved at a fast clip. At East Market Street, a cowboy nudged his horse toward orange-protective netting lining the curb for a boy to pet.

His name is Bandit, he told the youngster.

By the time the center ranks of the parade passed Alamo Plaza, the cowboys were corralling steers near La Villita.

Fog obscured the top floors of the Hilton Palacio Del Rio, as several guests were watching the procession from their balconies.

A variety of groups followed the herd. Members of the South San Antonio High School Future Farmers of America bore their banner with pride. Onlookers cheered the pageantry of Escaramuza Rosas de Castilla, an all female equestrian group, wearing multicolored ruffled dresses.

Mayor Ron Nirenberg was among the people lining South Alamo Street capturing scenes with cellphone cameras.

Top hits: Get San Antonio Express-News stories sent directly to your inbox

Julian Rodriguez, 28, sat along a low wall across from Ripleys Believe It or Not on South Alamo Street. In past years, hed arrive early for the familys favorite spot at Houston and St. Mary streets, but was running behind Saturday. He said he did make it in time to watch the military entrants, such as the Fort Hood 1st Calvary Division Horse Detachment and the Bexar County Buffalo Soldiers.

Its always good, Rodriguez said. I like the history.

Vincent T. Davis is a reporter in the Greater San Antonio and Bexar County area. Read him on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | vtdavis@express-news.net | Twitter: @vincentdavisATLANTA (AP)  Authorities in Atlanta say rapper 21 Savage is in federal immigration custody.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokesman Bryan Cox says the Grammy-nominated artist, whose given name is Sha Yaa Bin Abraham-Joseph, was arrested in a targeted operation early Sunday in the Atlanta area.

Cox says Abraham-Joseph, 26, is a British citizen who entered the U.S. legally in July 2005 but overstayed his visa, which expired in July 2006. Cox said Abraham-Joseph was convicted on felony drug charges in Georgia in October 2014.

Cox says Abraham-Joseph has been placed in deportation proceedings in federal immigration court.

ALSO: Rams owner has bad start to Super Bowl Sunday

The veracity of 21 Savage's birth country has, before now, never come into question publicly. As of Sunday afternoon, his Wikipedia page said he was born in Georgia in 1992 and, since coming into stardom, he's been considered a home-grown celebrity. For the last three years, he's hosted a back-to-school supplies giveaway for DeKalb County Schools.

A story on last year's giveaway in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution says the event was held where Abraham-Joseph "used to hang around as a teen." This would match ICE's timeline, which has the rapper arriving in America when he was about 14.

His debut mixtape, "The Slaughter Tape," was released in May 2015.

ALSO: The most streamed Spotify artists of the last decade

Abraham-Joseph is nominated for two awards at next week's Grammys, including record of the year for "Rockstar" alongside Post Malone. He performed as recently as Thursday, appearing at a pre-Super Bowl concert in his once-assumed hometown of Atlanta.

A representative for Abraham-Joseph did not respond to an email seeking comment.Never once at the start of my workweek  not in my morning coffee shop line, not in my crowded subway commute, not as I begin my bottomless inbox slog  have I paused, looked to the heavens and whispered: #ThankGodItsMonday.



Apparently, that makes me a traitor to my generation. I learned this during a series of recent visits to WeWork locations in New York, where the throw pillows implore busy tenants to Do what you love. Neon signs demand they Hustle harder, and murals spread the gospel of TGIM. Even the cucumbers in WeWorks water coolers have an agenda. Dont stop when youre tired, someone recently carved into the floating vegetables flesh. Stop when you are done. Kool-Aid drinking metaphors are rarely this literal.



Welcome to hustle culture. It is obsessed with striving, relentlessly positive, devoid of humor and, once you notice it, impossible to escape. Rise and Grind is both the theme of a Nike ad campaign and the title of a book by a Shark Tank shark. New media upstarts like the Hustle, which produces a popular business newsletter and conference series, and One37pm, a content company created by the patron saint of hustling, Gary Vaynerchuk, glorify ambition not as a means to an end but as a lifestyle.



The current state of entrepreneurship is bigger than career, the One37pm About Us page states. Its ambition, grit and hustle. Its a live performance that lights up your creativity ... a sweat session that sends your endorphins coursing ... a visionary who expands your way of thinking. From this point of view, not only does one never stop hustling  one never exits a kind of work rapture, in which the chief purpose of exercising or attending a concert is to get inspiration that leads back to the desk.



Ryan Harwood, the chief executive of One37pms parent company, told me that the sites content is aimed at a younger generation of people who are seeking permission to follow their dreams. They want to know how to own their moment, at any given moment, he said.



Owning ones moment is a clever way to rebrand surviving the rat race. In the new work culture, enduring or even merely liking ones job is not enough. Workers should love what they do and then promote that love on social media, thus fusing their identities to that of their employers. Why else would LinkedIn build its own version of Snapchat Stories?



This is toil glamour, and it is going mainstream. Most visibly, WeWork, which investors recently valued at $47 billion, is on its way to becoming the Starbucks of office culture. It has exported its brand of performative workaholism to 27 countries, with 400,000 tenants, including workers from 30 percent of the Global Fortune 500.



In January, WeWorks founder, Adam Neumann, announced that his startup was rebranding itself as The We Co., to reflect an expansion into residential real estate and education. Describing the shift, Fast Company wrote, Rather than just renting desks, the company aims to encompass all aspects of peoples lives, in both physical and digital worlds. The ideal client, one imagines, is someone so enamored of the WeWork office aesthetic  whip-cracking cucumbers and all  that she sleeps in a WeLive apartment, works out at a Rise by We gym and sends her children to a WeGrow school.



From this vantage, Office Space, the Gen-X slacker paean that came out 20 years ago next month, feels like science fiction from a distant realm. Its almost impossible to imagine a startup worker bee of today confessing, as protagonist Peter Gibbons does: Its not that Im lazy. Its that I just dont care. Workplace indifference just doesnt have a socially acceptable hashtag.



Its Grim and Exploitative



Its not difficult to view hustle culture as a swindle. After all, persuading a generation of workers to beaver away is convenient for those at the top.



The vast majority of people beating the drums of hustle-mania are not the people doing the actual work, said David Heinemeier Hansson, the co-founder of Basecamp, a software company. Theyre the managers, financiers and owners. We spoke in October, as he was promoting his new book, It Doesnt Have to Be Crazy at Work, about creating healthy company cultures.



Heinemeier Hansson said that despite data showing long hours improve neither productivity nor creativity, myths about overwork persist because they justify the extreme wealth created for a small group of elite techies. Its grim and exploitative, he said.



Elon Musk, who stands to reap stock compensation upward of $50 billion if his company, Tesla, meets certain performance levels, is a prime example of extolling work by the many that will primarily benefit him. He tweeted in November that there are easier places to work than Tesla, but nobody ever changed the world on 40 hours a week. The correct number of hours varies per person, he continued, but is about 80 sustained, peaking about 100 at times. Pain level increases exponentially above 80.



Musk, who has more than 24 million Twitter followers, further noted that if you love what you do, it (mostly) doesnt feel like work. Even he had to soften the lie of TGIM with a parenthetical.

Arguably, the technology industry started this culture of work zeal sometime around the turn of the millennium, when the likes of Google started to feed, massage and even play doctor to its employees. The perks were meant to help companies attract the best talent  and keep employees at their desks longer. It seemed enviable enough: Who wouldnt want an employer that took care of your dirty laundry?



But today, as tech culture infiltrates every corner of the business world, its hymns to the virtues of relentless work remind me of nothing so much as Soviet-era propaganda, which promoted impossible-seeming feats of worker productivity to motivate the labor force. One obvious difference is that those Stakhanovite posters had an anti-capitalist bent, criticizing the fat cats profiting from free enterprise. Todays messages glorify personal profit, even if bosses and investors  not workers  are the ones capturing most of the gains. Wage growth has been essentially stagnant for years.



Perhaps weve all gotten a little hungry for meaning. Participation in organized religion is falling, especially among U.S. millennials. In San Francisco, where I live, Ive noticed that the concept of productivity has taken on an almost spiritual dimension. Techies here have internalized the idea  rooted in the Protestant work ethic  that work is not something you do to get what you want; the work itself is all. Therefore any life hack or company perk that optimizes their day, allowing them to fit in even more work, is not just desirable but inherently good.



Aidan Harper, who created a European workweek-shrinkage campaign called 4 Day Week, argues that this is dehumanizing and toxic. It creates the assumption that the only value we have as human beings is our productivity capability  our ability to work, rather than our humanity, he told me.



Its cultist, Harper added, to persuade workers to buy into their own exploitation with a change-the-world message. Its creating the idea that Elon Musk is your high priest, he said. Youre going into your church every day and worshipping at the altar of work.



King Jay Davila, the 8-month-old infant who was found wrapped in a blanket and buried in a backpack in a Northwest Side field last month, died of a blunt force trauma injury, the Bexar County Medical Examiners Office said Friday.

His death has been ruled a homicide.

The ruling comes nearly a month after the boys father, Christopher Davila, 34, called police to report that his car had been stolen from a West Side convenience store with his infant son inside.

On ExpressNews.com: Asked what happened to the baby, grandfather says: Only God knows

Police discovered King Jays body a week later and charged Davila with injury to a child, child endangerment and tampering with evidence, along with two other unrelated charges. Police believe Davila staged the kidnapping with the help of two family members to cover up foul play.

Davila remains in the Bexar County jail on a $1.25 million bond. Now, he says King Jay died after the car seat holding the boy fell off a bed and hit the floor. He says he did not call 911 because he panicked.

Officials have hinted that they do not believe Davilas latest account.

On ExpressNews.com: Public memorial service planned for King Jay

His mother, Beatrice Sampayo, 64, and his cousin, Angie Torres, 45, also remain in jail. They face charges of tampering with evidence for their roles in trying to cover up the death, police said.

The investigation into King Jays death is ongoing. The Medical Examiners Office completed it autopsy in January but did not release the results until Friday at the request of the San Antonio Police Department.

In a statement, SAPDs Public Information Office said additional charges could be upgraded at the completion of the investigation.Ludwig being taken into custoday View Photos

Sonora, CA  A frantic grandmother reported to Sonora Police that a man tried to sexually assault her 10-year-old granddaughter.

The incident happened a week ago on Thursday (February 24) in the parking lot at the Down Town Plaza on Stockton Road. Once on the scene, the Grandmother detailed to officers that the girl left the store to get something from their vehicle parked outside the store and that is when a man approached her. He allegedly talked to the girl about touching her private parts and then reached out at her. The girl took off running and the man took off running, according to police.

Detectives began investigating the case and on Friday (February 1) they arrested 41-year-old Michael P. Ludwig III while he was on the job at a downtown Sonora business. Police would not reveal the name of the business. Ludwig was taken into custody without incident for felony assault to commit lewd acts against a child. His bail was set at $100,000.A Jacksonville native and Western Illinois University student assisted on a mapping project done by the universitys Geographic Information Systems Center in conjunction with the Illinois Emergency Management Agency.

Jason Wiegand, a junior GIS major from Jacksonville, was among students who assisted on the project to map warming centers across the state during this weeks extreme weather, according to the school.It will now be March before Meredosias police chief faces charges of domestic battery and aggravated assault, leaving at least one village trustee frustrated with having to pay the chief longer for not working.

Curtis Williams, 48, of rural Chambersburg was arraigned Tuesday in Pike County court. His case was continued to March 5.

Meanwhile, Williams  who is defended by Pittsfield attorney Keisha Morris  remains on paid administrative leave. He has been on paid leave since his Dec. 8 arrest, getting about $4,500 a month plus benefits.

Village trustee Johnny Rentz has expressed frustration with the way the city has handled the incident so far and said he would like more involvement by trustees in the matter.

This has been very secretive. The mayor hasnt talked to us about anything, Rentz said. The only thing that was discussed at the regular board meeting was that they made a point to see that with the police there are a different set of rules for them when it comes to discipline or discharge.

Rentz said he thinks the arrest violates village code that says village employees are expected to represent the best of the village of Meredosia, thereby modeling behavior reflective of honest, hard-working and reputable citizens. As such, employees that do not reflect this model will not be retained as employees.

Williams is accused of shoving Sherrie B. Gilbert, named as a family or household member, placing a gun to the back of her head and threatening to shoot her Dec. 8.

He has been free after posting a required 10 percent of $5,000 bail. Williams was told to refrain from any contact with Gilbert and her property, to refrain from any possession of firearms and to attend a mens group.

He initially was appointed a public defender after signing an affidavit Dec. 11 saying his employer was the Village of Meredosia (most likely dismissed) and his assets totaled just $400  $200 in a bank account and $200 cash-in-hand. He listed his monthly income as nothing. He has since retained a private attorney.

On Dec. 21, at the request of Gilbert, the condition to refrain from any contact with her was modified to any harmful/offensive contact with her. Additionally, Williams was to not consume or possess alcohol or enter any establishment that has the sale of alcohol as its primary source of revenue.

Rentz said its important to consider whether someone accused of such actions should be representing the village in a position as important as police chief.

In our village, do we want a person as police chief, or a policeman, whatever, anyone in law enforcement working for us that has been arrested [for] this? Rentz asked. I dont want him representing the village in that capacity.

Mayor David Werries said he could not comment on the status of the chiefs employment with the village.

Trustee Steve Staake, chairman of the villages police committee, declined to comment on the involvement of the committee in the matter.

Moving forward, Rentz said he hopes trustees are brought in to discuss the issue.

Nick Draper can be reached at 217-245-6121, ext. 1223, or on Twitter @nick_draper.Illinois counties will likely be seeing an increase in lead program interventions after the Illinois Department of Public Health lowered the threshold for lead levels in the blood.

The Joint Committee on Administrative Rules approved lowering the intervention level from 10 micrograms per deciliter of blood to 5 last month, bringing Illinois regulations in line with the Center for Disease Control.

Melaney Arnold, a spokeswoman for the Illinois Department of Public Health, said the change will cause those children with the lower level to receive interventions earlier.

The new lower action level means that more children will be identified as having lead exposure, allowing parents, doctors, public health officials, and communities to take action earlier to reduce the childs future exposure to lead, Arnold said. There is no safe level of lead exposure, which is why it is important to identify children with elevated blood lead levels quickly and take steps to intervene.

Prior to the rule change, intervention steps, which include blood work, home visits and even environmental studies to determine the source of the lead, would only be taken after a childs blood level registered 10 or above.

Things such as lead paint or pipes can add to the levels in a childs blood.

Linda Evans, the director of nursing for the Morgan County Health Department, said it is essential that children with higher blood levels receive interventions.

Evans said the department has 32 cases in the county they are working with.

Once a child has been tested and a blood level of 5 micrograms per deciliter, the child will have a different blood test to get an exact level, before the department will do a home survey to help parents determine the source of the lead.

At 10 micrograms, the case will go up to the Illinois Department of Public Health for more interventions, including a full environmental study and testing.

Andrew English, the public health coordinator for the Cass County Health Department, said he doesnt foresee much of a change for his department, as they were already starting interventions before blood levels reached 10 micrograms.

It is a stricter number, English said. We changed to a lower level about a year ago, so we are use to doing these things.

Lead toxicity can cause problems for those exposed, including developmental delays, learning disabilities and behavioral problems.

The health effects of lead exposure cannot be entirely reversed, Arnold said.

English said lead is something that is common across the state.

This is a problem in central Illinois in general, English said. Many of the counties share a similar level. It isnt unique to Cass County.

Cases of lead poisoning are common in the region.

In 2016, the Illinois Department of Public Health reported 142,759 children under the age of three that received testing. Of those 4 percent had blood levels above the 5 microgram threshold, while 1 percent tested above 10 micrograms.

In Brown County, the Illinois Department of Public Health recorded 44 children tested, 9.1 percent of which had levels of 5 micrograms or above. About 2.3 percent had levels above 10 micrograms.

Cass County tested 173 children under the age of 3, 7.5 percent testing above 5 micrograms and 1.7 above 10 micrograms.

Greene County tested 170 children, with 5.3 percent testing above 5 micrograms and less than 1 percent testing above 10 micrograms.

There were 337 children tested in Morgan County in 2016, with 8.3 percent testing above the 5 micrograms threshold and 2.1 percent above the 10 micrograms.

Pike County tested 180 children, with 5.6 percent above 5 micrograms and 1.1 percent above 10 micrograms.

Scott County tested 102 children, with 7.8 percent testing above 5 micrograms and 2.9 percent above 10 micrograms.

Arnold said the lower level will increase the number of intervention cases for many counties.

Its anticipated local health departments will see an increase in the number of cases and IDPH is in the process of increasing funding to those local health departments who take on the Illinois Lead Program, Arnold said.

Samantha McDaniel-Ogletree can be reached at 217-245-6121, ext. 1233, or on Twitter @JCNews_samantha.During a speech to U.S. Air Force personnel station in the United Kingdom recently, President Joe Biden warned that global warming is the greatest physical theat to the nations security. Biden has suggested that climate change poses a threat to U.S. military security on multiple occasions. In February, he noted that he had directed the Pentagon to reimagine the countrys strategy for dealing with the impact of climate change. Do you agree with the President that climate change is the great physical threat to the United States? Choices are:

You voted:Discuss this article with your neighbors or join the community conversation.

Click here to get accessMuskogee, OK (74401)

Today

Cloudy. Some light rain will fall throughout the day. Cooler. High 69F. Winds N at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%..

Tonight

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low around 55F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph.Muskogee, OK (74401)

Today

Cloudy skies. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 69F. Winds N at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low near 55F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph.A bill proposed by Virginia state Delegate Kathy Tran -- ultimately voted down -- would have made certain forms of baby killing legal. The proposed law would have reduced the number of doctors required to sign a baby's death warrant and expanded the number of excuses for why a mother could choose at the last minute to ask for one. A video of Tran explaining how, under her bill, a fully developed baby could be terminated even during labor, ignited a burning controversy.

The flames shed light on movements in other states, particularly New York and Rhode Island, to make abortion legal past the point of viability, meaning past the point where the baby could live independent of its mother.

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam threw gasoline on the fire when he defended the legislation clumsily (to put it charitably), making it sound like he believed a viable baby could be fully delivered before the doctor and mother decided whether it should be permitted to live.

Many in the mainstream media -- who often treat conservative reactions to an outrage as the "real" story rather than the outrageous thing itself -- have been falling over each other to demonstrate how much more complicated and nuanced this issue is.

And they have a point -- or points. Tran now says she misspoke and acknowledged that the way she had described the law would have run afoul of anti-infanticide laws.

It's also true that the number of women who will bring a baby fully to term only to terminate it during the 40th week is indeed extremely small.

But it is only small in comparison to the total number of abortions in this country. According to the respected (and pro-abortion rights) Guttmacher Institute, there were some 926,000 induced abortions in 2014 (the most recent year for which data is available), and 1.3 percent -- or roughly 12,000 -- of those were after the 20th week.

Meanwhile, it's not necessarily true, as Northam has tried to argue, that most women who seek late-term abortions do so solely for compelling health reasons or in response to a severe fetal deformity. According to a 2013 Guttmacher study, "most women seeking later terminations are not doing so for reasons of fetal anomaly or life endangerment."

If you don't think late-term, post-viability abortions are morally troubling, you might want to ask yourself why we are only one of seven countries in the world that allow elective abortions after 20 weeks. It's unclear how many countries allow abortion at 40 weeks, mid-delivery, but it's possible that the U.S. and North Korea would be the only members of that club.

I'm all in favor debating such details, but what bothers me about these abortion controversies is the way utilitarian arguments are given the presumption of moral superiority. In almost every other sphere of debate where progressives claim the moral high ground, they are categorical. "If it saves just one life, it's worth it," they say about gun control, health-care reform, police abuse, etc.

Imagine if I were to argue that since lynchings are so rare, we don't really need strict laws against lynching. Infanticide, like racism, murder and rape, is a moral category. It's not less evil if it's rare. It is rare -- thank God -- because we've agreed to treat it as evil.

Many people have trouble being 100 percent certain that a fertilized egg or a blastocyst is a human being, but vanishingly few of us dispute that a delivered baby outside the womb is a human being. And it is not a large leap in logic or morality to believe that a partially delivered viable baby is a human being. If you want to argue that the status of the baby gets murkier as you wind the clock backward, fine. But that's a different argument. It's not murky at 40 weeks.

In debates over the death penalty, there is one thing virtually everyone agrees upon: It's profoundly wrong to execute the innocent. Our criminal justice system is rightly crammed with all manner of checks to minimize the risk of a terrible mistake. Well, a viable baby is surely innocent, too. And yet, among abortion rights maximalists, it is considered the morally sophisticated position to remove as many checks as possible from preventing infanticide. If you think it's worth tolerating a certain number of baby killings to protect abortion rights, you should say so. But please don't pretend the moral ground you're standing on is very high.

Distributed by Tribune Content AgencyEditor's note: A previous version of this story reported that the street value of the methamphetamine was $250,000. This figure has been corrected to $25,000.

An alleged "documented gangmember" is one of the two people that were arrested in Bacliff Wednesday after police found over 400 grams of methamphetamine with a street value of over $25,000 allegedly in their possession.

According to a release from the Galveston County Sheriff's Office, 22-year-old Herbert Goeler and 18-year-old Payton Dominy were arrested after officials executed a search warrant and found 433 grams of meth in the bedroom of a Bacliff home off Sevan Street.

Per the release, three other people were inside the home and detained. Officials also found three loaded handguns and more than $2700 in cash, according to the release.

The home where the drugs were found was located 1000 feet from an elementary school, Kenneth E. Little.

THE NEWS YOU NEED: Chron.com Catch-up. Delivered to your email. Sign up now.

"There were preventative measures taken to ensure the safety of the children," the release stated. "The warrant was executed without incident."

Goeler was charged with manufacturing and delivery of a controlled substance in a school drug-free zone and being a felon in possession of a firearm. His two bonds were set at $250,000 each. Dominy was charged with manufacturing and delivery of a controlled substance in a school drug-free zone. Her bond was set at $20,000.

Per the release, Goeler "has 2 felony convictions, is a documented gang member, and is on Parole with the Texas Department of Corrections."

Rebecca Hennes covers community news. Read her on our breaking news site, Chron.com, and on our subscriber site, houstonchronicle.com. | rebecca.hennes@chron.com | Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message

Moultrie, GA (31768)

Today

Scattered thunderstorms early, then mainly cloudy overnight with thunderstorms likely. Low 73F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%. Locally heavy rainfall possible..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms early, then mainly cloudy overnight with thunderstorms likely. Low 73F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%. Locally heavy rainfall possible.President Donald Trump speaks in the Rose Garden of the White House, Jan 25, 2019, in Washington.From left, Elyria's Jeryy Chizmar, a seventh-grade science teacher at Northwood Middle School, Heidi Banjoff, an eighth-grade science teacher at Northwood, and Keith Rybarczyk, an intervention specialist for seventh- and eighth-graders at Westwood Middle School, participate in a NASA Engineering session at Elyria High School during Professional Development Day on Feb. 1, 2019.More than 300 works of art from 70 schools across North Carolina, including Mount Mourne Middle School at 1431 Mecklenburg Hwy. in Mooresville, were received as submissions for the state visual art competition, Art Showcase. Submissions were then sent to judges to be scored.

The Art Showcase, a Scholastic Competition, recognizes both the best individual artists and best art programs in North Carolina schools. Students are presented with a prompt and given approximately one month to create their submission. This years prompt is Selfie: No Filter.

Mount Mourne Middle School is an IBO World School for sixth through eighth graders, which considers fine arts a core subject, having equal standing with math, reading, science and the other traditional core subjects.

The Mount Mourne School has an outstanding fine arts program, said Courtney Frasier, art teacher at the school. Working here is a dream for me. Art Showcase gives my students the opportunity to receive critical feedback and compete at a regional and state level.

The club, which is open to all, starts with approximately 30 students, shared Frasier, and through peer evaluations and critique sessions, the art work of eight students using eight different medium are selected to compete.On Sunday evening, after Brother Ormond's sermon, under prayer, the Lord displayed his power in an increasing manner. The heavens were black with clouds, the thunder and lightning were awful, and the ground seemed covered with sinners. The wounded were taken to the tents, but some staid at the stand in the hardest rain, and pleaded with the Lord, and about midnight they were delivered. The storm of rain was so powerful that the wicked were obliged to keep close to the tents, and the Lord mowed them down on every hand. Mr. Hall, Mr. King and myself continued the whole night in prayer for the mourners. Next morning I preached, and not withstanding the rain they heard with the greatest attention. Among the subjects of this work was a doctor who came with salts of hartshorn to apply to those who fell, but the Lord brought him down, and many others with him, who went home praising God. This is a little of what I have seen in Yadkin Circuit. I am more than ever bound for glory.February 03, 2019

U.S. Coup Attempt In Venezuela Lacks International Support

There is little doubt where 'western' media stand with regards to the U.S. led coup-attempt (vid) in Venezuela. But their view does not reflect the overwhelming international recognition the Venezuelan government under President Nicolas Maduro continues to have.

The Rothschild family's house organ, the Economist, changed the background of its Twitter account to a picture of the Random Dude, Juan Guaido, who the U.S. regime changers created to run the country.

The tweet is quite revealing:

The Economist @TheEconomist - 23:59 utc- 31 Jan 2019 Juan Guaido and Donald Trump are betting that sanctions will topple the regime before they starve the Venezuelan people econ.st/2DMOeEk

It is quite obvious that Trumps Illegal Regime Change Operation Will Kill More Venezuelans. The Economist supports that starvation strategy.

The supposedly neutral news agencies are no better than the arch-neoliberal Economist. The Reuters' Latin America office also changed its header picture to Random Dude. It reverted that after being called out.

Agence France-Press stated at 11:10 utc yesterday that "tens of thousands" would join a rally.

AFP news agency @AFP - 11:10 utc - 2 Feb 2019 Tens of thousands of protesters are set to pour onto the streets of Venezuela's capital #Caracas Saturday to back opposition leader Juan Guaido's calls for early elections as international pressure increased on President #Maduro to step down http://u.afp.com/Jouu

That was at 7:10am local time in Caracas several hours before the rally took place. Such "predictive reporting" is now supposed to be "news". A bit later AFP posted a video:

AFP news agency @AFP - 15:50 utc - 2 Feb 2019"> VIDEO: Thousands of opposition protesters pour onto the streets of Caracas to back Venezuela's opposition leader Juan #Guaido who is calling for early elections, as international pressure increases on President Nicolas #Maduro to step down

That was at 11:50am local time. The attached video did not show "thousands" but some 200 people mingling around.

Hours later a pro Random Dude rally took indeed place. From what I gathered it was attended by some 50-80 thousand people. (Others calculate less.) Flags of the United States and Israel were raised: 1, 2, 3, 4.

Pro Chavismo rallies took place in several Venezuelan cities. These were not billed as anti-coup demonstrations but as commemorations of the 20 year anniversary of socialist policies. That might have effected their size. The rally in Caracas was attended by some 20-30 thousand people: 1, 2, 3.

The New York Times report on yesterday's events in Venezuela mentions the pro-government rallies only in paragraph 33 to 35 of its 37 paragraph long story.

The shorter Washington Post report puts them in paragraph 15 and 16 with lines that are consciously constructed to make the rallies seem tiny and Maduro look like a liar:

The pro-government demonstration in central Caracas had drawn about 300 people by 10:30 a.m. Dressed in red and carrying ruling party flags, they were marching toward the presidential palace. Our people, once again, overflowing this avenue, Maduro said, addressing his supporters. Those who accuse us of being a dictatorship must know that since the foundation of the revolution, we have become a profoundly free and democratic people. Venezuela will never have a dictatorship.

The rally took place after noon. How many people walked somewhere at 10:30am is irrelevant to the total participation. The pictures prove that the venue where the rally took place was indeed quite full.

During his speech Maduro called for new elections to the Venezuelan parliament, the National Assembly. The parliament, currently not functional as the Supreme Court blocked its power for not following its judgments, is controlled by the opposition.



The U.S. is now trying some gambit over 'aid' it wants to deliver to the opposition in Venezuela. National Security Advisor John Bolton originally planned to deliver it through the Red Cross:

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said last Saturday that we would be prepared to donate an initial $20 million dollars to the Red Cross, to the UN High Commission for Refugees. So were looking at all this very carefully.

But the Red Cross rejected such politicization of its traditionally neutral role:

Alexandra Boivin, ICRC delegation head for the United States and Canada, said the ICRC had told U.S. officials that whatever plans they have to help the people of Venezuela, it has to be shielded from this political conversation.

...

ICRC director of global operations Dominik Stillhart said the committee would only take part in such coordinated efforts if they are executed with the agreement of the authorities, whoever the authorities are.

A new scheme was though out:

[Random Dude] said that in the coming days, the opposition would try to move humanitarian aid into the country by land and sea along three border points, including the Colombian city of Cucuta. He described the move as a test for Venezuelas armed forces, which will have to choose if they allow the much needed aid to pass, or if they instead obey the orders of Maduros government.

The 'aid' must be thoroughly checked before it enters the country and the government should take care to distribute it evenly. During the war on Syria so called 'humanitarian aid' from Turkey, Israel and Jordan was used as cover for large scale weapon and munition transports which mostly ended up in the hands of Jihadists.

So far the Venezuelan military proved to be solidly in the camp of the government. Two officers, a military attache in the Venezuelan embassy in Washington DC and an air force general who fled to Columbia, are the only known defectors. Both had office jobs and did not command any operational units. This analysis provides that without military support the coup attempt is unlikely to be successful. As the Venezuelan author concludes:

For now, Venezuela faces a government weak in the economic and social arenas, but with strong judicial and military institutions. This will be the case unless weakened by international pressure Chavismos emerging fissures gather momentum and are able to undermine the governments stability. However, as long as the U.S. governments strategy operates on the basis of threats, Chavismo will have a reason to remain strong and unified.



The U.S. failed to get sufficient international support for its recognition of Random Dude as president of Venezuela. So far only Canada, Israel and 14 Latin American states took its side. A few European nations are slowly following.

But no international organization supports the position. Mexico and Uruguay, both members of the Lima group - a 'coalition of the willing' created by Canada, rejected to recognize Guaido and called instead for new elections. Secretary of State Pompeo's attempt to get the Organization of American States (OAS) on his side failed:

The efforts were unsuccessful, garnering only 16 favourable votes out of the 34 countries, with US allies Guyana, Santa Lucia, and Jamaica abstaining.

The United Nations Secretary General Guterres announced that the UN only recognizes the Maduro government. Italy blocked a European Union recognition of the Random Dude while the EU parliament, which has no power in foreign policies, followed the U.S. position. The EU now only demands new elections to be held sometime in the future. The African Union supports Maduro and spoke out against the coup attempt. Russia, China, NATO member Turkey, South Africa, Iran and Syria spoke in support of the Maduro government.

The media are misleading on the international support. On February 1 Reuters headlined EU states move to recognize Venezuela's Guaido: diplomats. But the piece itself contradicts the headline. It found only four out of twenty eight EU states, Britain, France, Germany and Spain, that were expected to announce support. On February 4 the Washington Post headlined European nations recognize Guaido as Venezuelan leader but the report says that only Spain, France and Sweden took that step. The Guardian also headlines: EU countries recognise Juan Guaido as interim Venezuelan leader but names only five countries, Spain, France, the UK, Sweden and Denmark, one of which is poised to leave the EU.

In total the 'international support' the U.S. led coup attempt has gained so far is quite thin. It has no international legitimacy. Unfortunately only few if any of the 'western' media will point that out.

Posted by b on February 3, 2019 at 17:31 UTC | Permalink

Comments

next page Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro speaks during a meeting with ministers in Caracas, Venezuela. (REUTERS)

Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro has threatened to bring forward parliamentary elections in a bid to sideline opposition leader Juan Guaido's challenge to his authority.

Guaido is the parliament president but declared himself acting president of the country on January 23.

The National Assembly head led a mass opposition street protest in Caracas on Saturday demanding Maduro resign and hold new presidential elections.

But speaking at a rival pro-regime rally celebrating the 20th anniversary of the socialist revolution led by his predecessor Hugo Chavez, Maduro said he was in favor of a Constituent Assembly proposal to bring forward to this year parliamentary elections set for the end of 2020.

"I agree and I will hold to this decision," said Maduro, who was making his first public appearance in six months.

"They (the opposition) want to bring forward elections, let's have elections," he said defiantly.

Four major European nations - Britain, France, Germany and Spain - have said they will join the United States and several Latin American countries in recognizing Guaido as interim president if Maduro doesn't call presidential elections by midnight on Sunday.

The National Assembly is the only branch of government in opposition control.

However, it has been powerless since 2016 when the regime-loyalist dominated Supreme Court stripped it of its powers.

Maduro created the Constituent Assembly in 2017 to replace parliament, with the new body announcing itself the institution with supreme power in the country.

When new parliamentary elections are held, the opposition could lose its majority.

Backed by increasing international support, Guaido has been stepping up the pressure on Maduro in a bid to force him from office.

He claims to have the constitutional right to set up a transitional government ahead of new presidential elections as the National Assembly has declared Maduro a "usurper" over his controversial reelection last year.

Several opposition leaders were unable to stand in that election having been jailed, exiled or barred, leading opposition parties to boycott.

The US, European Union and Organization of America States all dismissed the election as fraudulent.The government in its Interim Budget on February 1, raised the allocation for Ayushman Bharat scheme by a whopping 167 percent to Rs 6,400 crore for 2019-2020.

The allocation for the healthcare scheme stood at Rs 2,400 crore in 2018-2019.

According to Interim Finance Minister Piyush Goyal, so far, one million people have been benefited from the scheme and have saved around Rs 3,000 crore in hospitalisation charges.

The 167 percent increase, may make a good headline, but the allocation is still short of around Rs 1,000 crore as sought by the National Health Authority, according to reports. The National Health Authority is the implementing agency of the scheme.

It was earlier estimated that the scheme would need at least Rs 12,000 crore per annum.

The grand health insurance announced in the Union Budget 2018-19, and launched in September 2018 aims to provide health coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh per year to 10.74 crore poor families, or to 40 percent of Indias population.

While the Centre contributes 60 percent of the funds for the scheme (special category states will get 90 percent of the funding), states have to bear rest of the cost, including execution.

To set up 1.5 lakh health and wellness centres, which was also part of Ayushman Bharat, the government raised allocation by 35 percent to Rs 1,349 crore.

But, what is worrying is that the allocations for health expenditure remained flat beyond Ayushman Bharat.

The total budget allocation for the Department of Health and Family Welfare for 2019-2020 stood at Rs 61,398.12 crore. That is an increase of 13 percent compared to the current financial year. That remains just a little over 1 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), as opposed to the National Health Policy direction of 2.5 percent of the GDP.

Excluding the Ayushman Bharat scheme, the increase in health allocation is 6 percent.

The allocations for the crucial National Health Mission that covers gamut of health services such immunisation, neonatal care, ASHA workers, Vector Borne Diseases, TB, Leprosy and communicable diseases, grew 3.46 percent.

The allocation of immunisation or vaccination programme was cut 7 percent to Rs 6,758.46 crore.

This was exactly what some of the healthcare experts are concerned about. The concern is that the public health insurance schemes could eat into the spending of other important health interventions.

Through Ayushman Bharat, the government pushed the demand for healthcare services, but the supply side has not kept pace.

The government was silent on providing incentives for setting up hospitals across the country.The ruling Congress in Madhya Pradesh lashed out at Governor Anandiben Patel on February 3 after a video where she is purportedly seen telling a group of people to keep Prime Minister Narendra Modi in mind went viral.

Patel, a former Gujarat chief minister, was acting as if she was still a worker of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and not a governor, the Congress alleged.

The video was apparently shot during Patel's visit to a solar power plant at Gudh in Rewa district Saturday.

During an informal chat with a group of local people, the governor was heard saying, "This is an excellent project. It will benefit you all."

When a person said they were happy to meet her face-to-face, Patel said, "Aisa (mauka) kai (baar) aayega. Modi sahab par dhyan rakho." (Such occasions will come often. Keep paying attention to Modi sahab.)

After the video circulated on social media, state Congress' media cell head Shobha Oza alleged that Patel was behaving as if she was still a BJP worker.

"If she wanted to work like a BJP worker, she should resign and fight Lok Sabha elections," Oza said. "Earlier too she was seen advising BJP workers at Satna airport about how to win votes. During her address in the Assembly, she did not read the point about farm loan waiver (announced by the newly-elected Congress government) and read a BJP slogan which was not part of the written speech. She should resign immediately," Oza demanded.

The BJP defended Patel.

"The governor told people to keep paying attention to Modi. What is wrong with that? Narendra Modi is the prime minister of the country. He is PM to every citizen. She meant to say help implement and reap benefits of schemes launched by Modi like Clean India, Ujjwala, Ayushman Bharat, etc," said Bhopal MP and BJP leader Alok Sanjar.

"Such accusations (by the Congress) are just a political gimmick," he added. "The BJP never disrespected the governor appointed during the UPA government. The Congress should also learn to respect the governor," he added.New Delhi: BJP National President Amit Shah addresses a press conference, in New Delhi, Friday, Dec. 07, 2018. (PTI Photo/Arun Sharma) (PTI12_7_2018_000032B)

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh will talk to different political parties, including those from the Northeast, on the Citizenship Bill, BJP president Amit Shah said on February 3, asserting the legislation is "very important" for the country.

Shah said if any consensus emerges from Singh's consultations with different parties then they will certainly move forward with that.

He underlined his party's commitment to the bill, which seeks to grants citizenship to persecuted non-Muslim refugees from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh, saying such large number of refugees cannot be left to their fate. "We are firm on this," he said.

"The home minister is talking to all parties from Northeast and other parties, which wants to give suggestion during this session. He is talking to them one by one and has already spoken to some parties," he said at a party event.

Describing the bill as "very important" for the country, he said the BJP has brought it after lot of deliberations.

"After taking suggestions from everybody, if there is some consensus we will certainly move forward with that but this bill is very important for the country," he said.

Shah's comments came amid indications from BJP leaders that the government may not push the bill for passage in the ongoing session of Parliament after facing a strong resistance from different parties, including its own allies.

The bill provides for according Indian citizenship to Hindus, Jains, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists and Parsis from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan after six years of residence in India. The legislation was passed by the Lok Sabha during the Winter Session on January 8 and has been awaiting Rajya Sabha nod.

There has been strong opposition in Assam and other Northeastern states against the bill.Mamata banerjee_TMC_

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on February 3 extended her support to Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar, who has been summoned by the CBI in connection with Rose Valley and Saradha ponzi scams, accusing the BJP leadership of pursuing political vendetta.



The highest levels of the BJP leadership are doing the worst kind of political vendetta. Not only are political parties their targets, they are misusing power

to take control of the police and destroy all institutions. We condemn this 1/2

 Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) February 3, 2019

"The highest levels of the BJP leadership are doing the worst kind of political vendetta. Not only are political parties their targets, they are misusing power to take control of the police and destroy all institutions. We condemn this," Banerjee tweeted.

The CBI has been trying to locate Kumar to question him in connection with the scams, with officials in the central investigating agency stating on February 2 that they might arrest the Kolkata police chief as a last resort.

The IPS officer, who led a Special Investigation Team of West Bengal Police probing the scams, is not responding to notices to appear before the agency, they said.

"The Kolkata Police Commissioner is among the best in the world. His integrity, bravery and honesty are unquestioned. He is working 24x7, and was on leave for only one day recently. When you spread lies, the lies will always remain lies," Banerjee added.



The Kolkata Police Commissioner is among the best in the world. His integrity, bravery and honesty are unquestioned. He is working 24x7, and was on leave for only one day recently. When you spread lies, the lies

will always remain lies 2/2  Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) February 3, 2019

Kumar, a 1989-batch IPS officer of West Bengal cadre, had also skipped a meeting with Election Commission officials last week.Pakistan has no intention to interfere in India's internal matters and New Delhi should not make an issue out of his telephonic conversation with Kashmiri separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has said.

India on January 30 summoned Pakistan envoy Sohail Mahmood and categorically told him that Qureshi's telephonic conversation was a "brazen attempt" to subvert India's unity and violate its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Mahmood was "cautioned" by Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale that persistence of such behaviour will have "implications".

Talking to the media in Multan on February 2 , Qureshi said that Pakistan has no intention to interfere in the internal matters of India, but New Delhi should also stop blaming Islamabad for its problems, Dawn news reported.

The Foreign Minister acknowledged that he spoke with Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz and India should not make it an issue.

"We want to resolve the Kashmir dispute through dialogue but India is making undue hue and cry," Qureshi was quoted as saying by The Express Tribune.

"Issues are emerging in India but Pakistan has no role in that," he said.

Qureshi said that he would highlight Pakistan's view point on Kashmir issue at an event in the House of Common in London this week.

The Foreign Minister said that election in India was an internal matter and Islamabad would try to hold talks with the new government if it wanted to work with Pakistan.

India has made it clear to Pakistan that talks and terrorism cannot go together.

Pakistan's relations with many countries have improved because of successful diplomacy of the incumbent government, he claimed.

He said Saudi crown prince would visit Pakistan this month. "New agreements will be signed during his visit," Qureshi said.

The Pakistan Foreign Office said on January 29 that Qureshi spoke with the Hurriyat leader and discussed with him efforts of Pakistan government to highlight the Kashmir issue.

In New Delhi, the Ministry of External Affairs asserted that the entire Jammu and Kashmir "has been, is and shall remain the integral part of India and that Pakistan has no locus standi in any matters related to the State of Jammu and Kashmir, has been made clear again to the High Commissioner of Pakistan."

According to the government sources in New Delhi, India was particularly anguished over Pakistan's statement on Janaury 29, sharing details of the conversation that centred around the Kashmir issue.

Though Pakistani leaders may have telephoned separatists in Kashmir in the past but perhaps, it was the first time in recent years that Islamabad put out a statement highlighting the talking points which New Delhi felt was a clear case of violation of the red lines, the sources said.

Meanwhile, Pakistan's major political parties issued a joint declaration at the end of All Parties Kashmir Conference on Saturday and said that peace in the region was not possible without resolving the Kashmir issue.

The declaration called on the Pakistan government to prepare an effective foreign policy to resolve the long-standing issue of Kashmir.India said it is closely monitoring the detention of several Indian students in the US and has urged authorities there to not deport them against their will.

Indian news reports say as many as 129 Indians were among those detained January 30 by US immigration authorities in connection with enrollment at a fake university.

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement said that the university was set up by authorities as part of sting operation to catch people violating the terms of their visas.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement Saturday that it has been in contact with US officials and has expressed concern for the detained students. The ministry said it urged the US to release them "at the earliest" and cautioned that some "may have been duped."

"Our concern over the dignity and well-being of the detained students and the need for immediate consular access for Indian officials to the detainees was reiterated," the statement said.

It also said the students "should be treated differently from those recruiters who have duped them."

In a statement January 30, ICE said eight people had been charged with conspiracy to commit visa fraud and harboring aliens for profit.

"Homeland Security Investigations special agents uncovered a nationwide network that grossly exploited US immigration laws. These suspects aided hundreds of foreign nationals to remain in the United States illegally by helping to portray them as students, which they most certainly were not," Steve Francis, the Homeland Security Investigations special agent in charge, said in the statement.

The university in the Detroit area was operated for almost two years by HSI special agents as part of an undercover operation, the statement said.

The eight alleged recruiters assisted foreign citizen students in "fraudulently obtaining immigration documents from the school and facilitated the creation of false student records, including transcripts, for the purpose of deceiving immigration authorities," it said.

"All participants in the scheme knew that the school had no instructors or actual classes," the statement said.Arun jaitley_

Union Minster Arun Jaitley on February 3 said his medical treatment at a US hospital is all over but hinted that he may not return to India in time to reply to the debate on Interim Budget in Parliament.

Jaitley, 66, had missed presenting the sixth and final budget of the Narendra Modi government's present term as he had to fly to the US due to ill health.

In his absence, the charge of the finance ministry was given to Railway Minister Piyush Goyal, who on February 1 presented the Interim Budget for 2019-20 financial year.

Jaitley had on the Budget day stated that he would be back in India soon.

In an interview to PTI, he said he was on recovery course and his return to India in time to reply to the Budget debate in Parliament will depend on when his doctors allow him to leave.

"It depends on after my treatment here, which is all over. I am on the recovery course. It's when my doctors allow me to go back. As of present, as I understand, Piyush Goyal will be replying (to the Budget debate in Parliament)," he said.

Jaitley had last month flown here for treatment of an unstated illness. Neither he nor the government has commented on the nature of his illness but reports suggest he was suffering from soft tissue cancer and had to be operated upon.

This is his first overseas visit after he underwent a renal transplant surgery on May 14, 2018, at AIIMS. That time too, Goyal was given the additional charge of the finance ministry.

Jaitley, who had stopped attending office at the beginning of April, was back in North Block -- the seat of the finance ministry -- on August 23.

He had in September 2014 undergone a bariatric surgery to treat weight gain that he suffered because of a long-standing diabetic condition.A sessions court has issued non-bailable warrants against two Pakistan Army officials - Major Abdul Rehman Pasha and Major Iqbal - in connection with the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks case. While Major Pasha has retired, the prosecution believes Major Iqbal is still serving as an ISI official in Pakistan, as disclosed by US born Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist David Coleman Headley, an approver in the case.

Both Major Iqbal and Major Pasha are shown as wanted accused in the charge sheet filed by the city police's crime branch in the case.

Additional Sessions Judge S V Yarlagadda on January 21 allowed an application filed by special public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam.

The application was filed before the court which is presently conducting trial against alleged LeT operative Sayyed Zabiuddin Ansari alias Abu Jundal in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks case.

Nikam said in the application that the role of the two Pakistani Army officials was revealed further during the testimony of Headley on the conspiracy hatched in the case.

Headley, who is presently lodged in a US jail, turned approver in the case and his testimony was recorded via video conference in 2016.

"David Headley's testimony has vindicated the stand of India that the terror attacks of November 26, 2008 were not only sponsored by militant groups of Pakistan but were, in fact, actively supported by Pakistan Army officials," Nikam told PTI.

Judge Yarlagadda, after perusing the application, supplementary charge sheet filed by the crime branch and hearing brief arguments from Nikam, said he was allowing the application.

"The application filed by the prosecution for issuance of non-bailable warrant against the two persons (Pasha and Iqbal) is allowed. These two persons are shown as wanted suspects. The approver, David Headley, has named them in his evidence," the court said.

"Hence, issue non-bailable warrants against both the accused persons," the court ordered and posted the matter for further hearing on February 6.

Headley in his testimony before the court here had claimed that during the conspiracy to commit the terror attacks in Mumbai, Major Iqbal and Major Pasha were present in the meetings during which targets were selected.

LeT operatives Sajeed Mir, Abu Kaahfa and Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi were also present in the meetings, Headley had said.

Nikam said Headley's oral testimony is not the only evidence against these two persons (Pasha and Iqbal) and that the prosecution also has in its possession corroborative documentary evidence.

Headley had visited Mumbai in September 2006 and informed Major Iqbal about his surveillance of Hotel Taj in south Mumbai and on his return to Pakistan, he had handed over photographs and videos of the same.

He also said that Major Iqbal gave him USD 25,000 to do intelligence work in India.

Headley further claimed that Major Iqbal had asked him to also get classified information about Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) here and of political party Shiv Sena's office, 'Sena Bhawan', located in central Mumbai.

He said he had also received Rs 80,000 from Major Pasha for carrying out surveillance work in India.

According to Nikam, Headley had been in regular contact with Major Pasha during the course of the conspiracy, planning and execution of the attack.

"It is pertinent to note that Headley in his testimony had said Pasha wanted the National Defence College in New Delhi also to be included in the target list and had, in fact, told Headley that if the attack on the army college was successful then they would be able to kill more brigadiers and generals than they have in the past," Nikam said.

On November 26, 2008, 10 Pakistani terrorists arrived by sea route and opened fire indiscriminately, killing 166 people, including 18 security personnel, and injuring several others, besides damaging property worth crores.

The attacks lasted three days. The places that were attacked included south Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus railway station, the Taj Hotel, the Trident Hotel, Cafe Leopold and Chabad House.

While nine of the terrorists were killed during the siege, Ajmal Kasab was caught alive by Mumbai Police and later awarded death sentence.Chandan Taparia

Nifty index had a volatile Budget day but overall witnessed strong recovery of 400 points from recent swing low of 10,583 to 10,983 zones in last four sessions.

It corrected from higher zones in the last week but again managed to attempt the same key hurdle area.

It formed a Bullish candle on weekly while a High Wave candle on daily scale as it has been trying hard to surpass 10,985 zones since last 10 weeks.

It has seen been making higher highs - higher lows from last three trading sessions and needs to hold above 10,820 zones to extend its move towards 10,985 then a fresh leg of rally towards 11,080 and 11,176 zones.

While on the downside, support exists at 10,777 then 10,700-10,650 zones. Index has got stuck in a broader trading range and requires a decisive range breakout for the next leg of rally.

Nifty has got stuck in the grip of the Option writers for most part of the January series and has been settling near to 10,800 zones from last three consecutive series.

India VIX fell down by 11.14 percent at 15.72 levels in this week which is giving some comfort to bulls but needs to hold below 16 zones to get a decisive range breakout above 10,985 zones.

On the option front, maximum Put OI is at 10,700 while maximum Call OI is at 11,000 followed by 11,200 strike.

Call writing is seen at 11,200 and 11,100 strikes while Put writing is seen at 10,800 and 10,900 strike.

Option band signifies an immediate trading range in between 10,700 to 11,000-11,200 zones. Nifty future has seen Rollover of 61.84 percent which is lowest in last 17 series since August 2018, lower Rolls suggests that participants are waiting to build fresh position on a decisive range breakout.

Bank Nifty remained under pressure as it failed to hold above 27,500 zones and drifted towards 27,000 zones.

It formed a Bearish candle on daily while a Long Legged Doji on weekly scale which indicates an absence of follow up buying interest at higher zones.

It has to cross and hold above 27,150 zones to witness an up move towards 27,350 then 27,500-27,750 zones while on the downside support exists at 26,850 then 26,666 zones.

Sector wise positive view on IT, FMCG and Pharma stocks while a negative setup in PSU Banks and Media stocks.

Stock specific positive view on Reliance Industries, Infosys, Tech Mahindra, Hexaware, Dr Reddy, Divis Lab, Havells, Voltas, HUL, Dabur and Britannia.

(The author is Derivatives & Technical Analyst at Motilal Oswal)You are here: China

One pedestrian was killed and nine were injured in an accident in downtown Huangpu District on Sunday morning.

A car, driven by a 31-year-old man surnamed Zhao, suddenly lost control and ran into pedestrians at the intersection of Xujiahui Road and Dapu Road at 9:28am, police said based on their initial investigation.

The accident happened when Zhao was driving his girlfriend to work, police said. He is now in police custody.

All the injured were receiving treatment, police said, and investigation is ongoing.Ravindra Rao

After having been bearish throughout December, cotton futures stabilised in the first half of January.

Since early December, nearby MCX cotton futures fell more than 7 percent in early January to Rs 20,550 a bale, the fall due to a substantial drop in exports (around 17 lakh bales in the first three months of the 2018-19 crop year (October-September).

Nevertheless, with a further reduction in India's 2018-19 cotton output estimates, prices have now shown signs of recovery.

Along with developments in domestic markets, positive momentum is being seen in global markets, too, amid optimism about Chinese purchases.

Since the beginning of the cotton year 2018-19, The Cotton Association of India has twice trimmed its production estimates. Industry sources expect output to be even lower than official estimates.

The latest 2018-19 estimated cotton output, at 335 lakh bales (1 bale=170 kg), is 5.25 lakh less than the November's estimate and almost 30 lakh down from last year's 365 lakh bales. Moisture deficiency this season has led to farmers uprooting cotton plants, resulting in no scope for the third and fourth pickings.

The present trend in overseas sales is not so promising with only 17 lakh bales exported from October to December. Judging by the current trend in overseas demand and less cotton available in the home market, exports in 2018-19 may be around 51-54 lakh bales, lower than last year's 69 lakh.

Global cotton prices, though not very attractive from a fundamental perspective, still hold potential to move up considering seasonal price trends. This and renewed confidence that the US and China will end their trade dispute would support upward movement in the benchmark ICE cotton futures.

Of the few fundamental factors that supported the bears in global cotton markets was lower demand from China, hampered by trade disputes with the US. With seven months left for the 2018-19 global cotton year to end, it is still possible for Chinese imports to rise after mill inventories start to decrease.

Considering all these factors, we expect a gradual recovery in cotton prices as, with receding supplies in domestic markets, supply shortages may be felt.

(The author is Head - Commodity Research & Advisory, Anand Rathi Commodities)Government will continue to increase support of private kindergartens and encourage nongovernmental sectors to run kindergartens, said an official from the Ministry of Education Saturday.

Existing private kindergartens in urban communities should be handed over to local education authorities and be turned into public kindergartens or private ones whose facilities and fee charging standards are better regulated, according to a notice issued by the State Council in January.

This has been misinterpreted as a sign that private kindergartens will effectively no longer exist.

But the official said while public kindergartens are being promoted with great efforts across the country, private ones are receiving active support in providing standard and affordable services for the public.

The official said this was necessary to tackle problems associated with the shortage of public kindergartens, such as rocketing tuition fees for private kindergartens.

In 2017, close to 63 percent of kindergartens in China were private. The government plans to turn 80 percent of the private kindergartens into state-regulated ones, from 43 percent in 2017.Premier Li Keqiang has called for efforts to deepen reform and opening-up, advance economic and social development, and improve people's wellbeing.

During his inspection tour of North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region from Friday to Saturday, Li, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, visited poverty-stricken rural households in the city of Ulanqab.

Li asked relevant departments to make research on promoting potato planting as part of efforts on eliminating poverty through agricultural development.

When visiting a farmers' market, Li learned about the price and sales of beef and mutton. He said more efforts should be made to increase residents' income to make them more willing to spend money.

At a train station, Li boarded a slow train and chatted with migrant workers about whether they had received their wages on time. He called for coordinated development of high-speed trains and inexpensive but slower trains to serve passengers with different demands.

At a shanty town area, Li underscored the importance of speeding up renovations in order to make local residents live in warm and comfortable houses.Lu Gang has just finished recording his observations of waterfowls wintering in China's southernmost province. "People often ask me how many kinds of birds there are in Hainan," he said. "You can know more about the ever-changing number through investigation."

Lu is the founder of the civil Haikou Duotan Wetlands Institute. Duotan, in Chinese characters, stands for a wonderful place of water, woods and marshes.

Hainan launched its regular waterbirds survey in 2003, when Lu, then a college teacher, fell in love with birdwatching.

He joined the Kadoorie Conservation China (KCC) four years later and has been dedicated to environmental protection ever since.

"We find 102 black-faced spoonbills this year, which sets a new record," said the veteran birdwatcher.

Protected under China's Wildlife Protection Law, the black-faced spoonbill is one of the world's most endangered birds and has been listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species.

Lu has wandered around wetlands in Hainan throughout the years, and is familiar with every one of them, no matter large or small.

He knows the shorebirds better -- black-winged stilts, marsh sandpipers, redshanks, Mongolian plovers, red-billed starlings and coucals, you name it.

Lu has gained rich experience through nearly two decades of observation and filming, and can tell one bird from another with a glance through his telescope. He maps the lives of the aquatic birds and introduces their habits to Dong Yuying, a birdwatching volunteer, from time to time.

"I've recognized many new species and learned quite a lot about them," Dong said. "The investigation means a lot to me, and I can't wait to share the joy with my kids when I go back."

Dong has lived in Canada for five years and was on home leave in Hainan when she found that Hainan Bird Watching Society was looking for volunteers. Big on nature, she signed up to get the picture of wetland protection in her hometown.

Birds are highly sensitive to environmental change, which indicates that a greater diversity means a better environment. The bird survey result is a barometer of the health of wetland eco-systems in Hainan, according to Lu.

"Investigations in earlier years were short-handed since there were few birdwatchers in Hainan," Lu said. The increasing number of staff and volunteers in conservation areas has made it possible today to complete the survey by locals.

The State Forestry Administration (now the National Forestry and Grassland Administration) said that wetland in Hainan covered 320,000 hectares by the end of November 2016. The ecological environment of the island is among the best in the country, with waterbird species numbers increasing.

According to his observations, a higher number of 21,297 birds of 65 species were recorded in major habitats on the island last year. However, Lu has every reason to worry since it's still less than half the number in the Mai Po Nature Reserve, known as Hong Kong's Bird's Paradise.

Feb. 2 marks the 23rd anniversary of World Wetlands Day, which is annually held to celebrate wetlands, which are lands saturated in water and help maintain biodiversity.

According to statistics, China has over 53 million hectares of wetland and sees an average reduction of 1,980 square kilometers of desertified land per year, compared with an annual increase of 3,436 square kilometers of desertified land in the late 20th century.Shanghai has 240,000 new-energy vehicles (NEVs) by the end of 2018 and remains one of the biggest NEVs markets among Chinese cities, according to statistics released by the traffic control office of Shanghai's public security organ.

Statistics also indicate that Shanghai saw over 73,000 new NEVs registered last year, a year-on-year surge of 20.2 percent.

Since 2016, over 360 types of NEVs had been launched in Shanghai as the city continues to keep its NEVs market open, said an industry expert in Shanghai.

For example, U.S. electric carmaker Tesla Inc. broke new ground with its Shanghai factory on Jan. 7, becoming the first to benefit from a new policy allowing foreign carmakers to set up wholly-owned subsidiaries in China.

Moreover, Shanghai has turned to NEVs for public transport to reduce pollution from the urban transport system, and the growing private users still dominate the NEVs market.

Shanghai has built nearly 10,500 charging stations in 2018, bringing the total number to 210,600. The city plans to build more charging stations to meet the growing demand.US President Donald Trump says he wants to keep a military presence in Iraq to watch Iran, as well as all over the troubled Middle East. He also confirmed the desire to retain an intelligence presence in Afghanistan.

When asked if the troops were needed to strike Iran, Trump insisted that he merely wanted to watch.

Were going to keep watching and were going to keep seeing and if theres trouble, if somebody is looking to do nuclear weapons or other things, were going to know it before they do.

DETAILS TO FOLLOWThe option of sending US military to Venezuela is on the table, while talking to President Nicolas Maduro is not, President Donald Trump said in an interview on Sunday.

While talking to CBS's Face the Nation, Trump would not expand on the prospects of Washington's military involvement in the crisis in the Latin America country besides replying that "it's an option." DETAILS TO FOLLOW

Trump confirms use of US military in Venezuela among options on table

Trump confirms use of US military in Venezuela among options on table

Source : RT - Daily newsA new weapon installed on Russian warships can make enemy soldiers miss targets by blinding them, while also causing hallucinations and making them want to vomit.

Two Russian frigates were fitted with the new non-lethal dazzler-type weapon, the 5P-42 Filin (eagle-owl), the manufacturers representative told RIA Novosti. The weapon is designed to temporarily blind the enemy.

It creates a strobe-like effect that disrupts eyesight, seriously hampering the soldiers ability to aim at night, Ruselectronics (which produces the weapon) stated.

During testing, volunteers used assault rifles, sniper rifles, and machine guns to shoot targets placed up to 2km away and protected by the device. They all had trouble aiming because they couldnt see the target.

Forty-five percent of the volunteers reported feeling dizzy, nauseous, and disoriented. Twenty percent are said to have experienced hallucinations, described as a ball of light moving in front of [our] eyes. The company didnt specify how many people participated in the tests.

Filin is also capable of effectively suppressing night vision tech, laser distance sensors, and even pointing systems for anti-tank missiles from a range of up to 5km, according to the manufacturer.

The ships equipped with the new high-tech stations are the state-of-the-art frigates Admiral Gorshkov and Admiral Kasatonov, both of Russias Northern Sea Fleet. Each has two stations. Two more frigates, currently under construction, are also expected to be fitted with the device.

The company first unveiled the blinding weapon in December as a tool for law enforcement. The design team said that it can be used during raids against terrorists and other criminals.

Think your friends would be interested? Share this story!British Tory MP Daniel Kawczynski is drowning in ridicule after he claimed the UK liberated half of Europe in WWII and received no Marshall Aid for their troubles.

The Shrewsbury pro-Brexit MP made the wildly inaccurate claim in a tweet about the ungrateful EU. He complained that Britain mortgaged herself up to eyeballs to liberate Europe, but got no Marshall Plan compensation payments.

READ MORE: God save the Queen... from Brexit? Cold War plan revived to rescue royals from riots  media

People were quick to point out Kawczynskis glaring error, explaining that not only did the UK receive Marshall aid ($2.7 billion of it), but actually received the biggest slice of the pie.

The Marshall Plan, or European Recovery Program, was a 1948 US aid initiative to rebuild Europe after the war, and extend US influence to counter the spread of communism. Britain received 26 percent of the funds, while West Germany only got 11 percent.

Labour MP David Lammy wondered whether Kawcyznskis account was a parody one and slammed the jingoistic nationalism of the remarks, urging his fellow MP to pick up a history book.

Others expressed horror that such inaccuracies could be spouted by an elected official.

Kawczynski meanwhile appears unruffled by the deluge of fact-checking taking place in his Twitter mentions.

There are many people in this country who want to whitewash the sacrifice that Britain has made over generations for Europe, he told the Shropshire Star. They say it is not appropriate to look at a country's history to understand her credentials. Those affiliated to Europe in this country hate any challenge to their point of view.

Also on rt.com EU irks London by branding Gibraltar Colony of British crown

Think your friends would be interested? Share this story!The four remaining children in a refugee camp in Nauru are preparing to fly to the US, Australian PM has said. They would be resettled as part of a deal, struck under Barack Obama and slammed by Donald Trump as dumb.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that the four minors were the last child asylum seekers living in the Nauru camp. Their looming move, Morrison said, is a proof that his governments approach to implementing Australias hardline immigration policy bears fruit. The PMs Liberal government changed the migration policy, saying the Labor Party, which steered the country from 2007 to 2013, had made many mistakes.

We have got all the children Labor put in detention centers out, and we have shut down all the detention centers Labor opened, including on Christmas Island, Morrison, who became the third Australian PM in six years in August, said.

The childrens resettlement was made possible thanks to the refugee-swap deal agreed by former US President Barack Obama and former Australian PM Malcolm Turnball. Pursuant to the deal, the US was to take up 1,250 of people held in Nauru and on Manus Island in Papua New Guinea in exchange for Australia accepting Honduran and Salvadorian refugees from Costa Rica.

Trump, an immigration policy hardliner, has strongly objected to the deal, calling it dumb. The deal made headlines in August 2017, when it was brought up in a heated telephone conversation between Trump and then-PM Turnball, the transcript of which was leaked to the media. During the call, the US president said that he would hate taking these people, as they were bad and were rightfully in prison right now.

Despite all of the US Presidents grievances, Vice President Mike Pence at the time said that the US would abide the deal out of enormous importance of the historic alliance with Australia. Pence said that all refugees considered for resettlement would be thoroughly vetted by the US security agencies.

Also on rt.com Australian asylum system explicitly designed to inflict damage, amounts to torture  Amnesty

The US has so far accepted some 440 refugees, rejecting at least 185, half of them Iranian nationals.

While there are no more child asylum seekers in Nauru, about 450 adults still remain there in addition to 600 at the Manus Island detention center. Both centers have become symbols of rampant human rights abuse, being compared by human rights advocates to brutal prisons where rejected asylum seekers are forced to survive in abhorrent conditions.

Nauru was nicknamed the island of despair by the Amnesty International in its 2016 report over alleged mistreatment of refugees happening there, including systematic denial of health services and psychological intimidation.

People held at the male-only Manus detention facility staged numerous protests over the lack of adequate healthcare and power and water shortages.

The centers are the most visible parts of the Australias controversial offshore resettlement policy. The country pays the Pacific nations to hold the refugees that try to arrive to the country by boat until they can be resettled elsewhere or qualify for the US program.

Some 2,450 asylum seekers were housed in the camps on Manus Island and Nauru in 2014. The Liberal government has significantly reduced the number of the detention facilities, closing 19 of them.

Think your friends would be interested? Share this story!Who is at fault for Yellow Vest protests raging in France since November? For President Emmanuel Macron it's not actual economic problems or his own decisions, but the right, the left, social media and, of course, Russes.

Macron blasted the nation's mainstream media for failing to control the narrative and argued that social networks and the Russians are driving all content instead, with traditional outlets falling into line. The president's calculated outburst was published by the weekly Le Point on Friday, just before the Yellow Vests officially marked the 12th consecutive week of staging large-scale protests against the government.

The president dismissed Eric Drouet, the 33-year-old trucker who emerged as a prominent figure in the protests, as a media product, a product of social networks, and claimed that the demonstrators are being advised from outside, without elaborating. He argued that 90 percent of the chatter online about the Yellow Vests comes from the [far] rightists, leftists, and the Russians.

First slackers, now trolls

Yet, 18 months after bending the French party system to his will and his triumphant win against bien-pensant pariah Marine Le Pen, Macrons excuses for disappointing expectations are running thin.

Also on rt.com Le Pens Eurosceptic party beats Macrons in EU parliamentary election poll

His first cannonade in what was intended to be a sweeping march of modernity, was a labor reform that he claimed would help small businesses. It was met with protests from unions, public sector workers who said it made firing easier, and those fearing loss of benefits.

In a preview of what has now become the norm, Macron dismissed the opponents of his policies as slackers. In spring the following year thousands were back in the streets protesting against an education reform that makes it more difficult for students to attend public universities of their choice, and taxes that favored the rich.

Unlike the Yellow Vests which began on November 17, 2018, these did not become a weekly feature of French political life. Nor did they spill into nationwide discontent.

This time not only are the protesters demanding more, but the dismissive tone of the government is helping to only inflame them, not dampen things down.

It took Macron four straight weeks of clashes, tear gas, and cannons all across France to finally address the nation. He did so only after the rallies descended into violent street battles with police, with injuries on both sides and hundreds of protesters detained.

"Not enough"

The government has already suspended the fuel tax hike that caused the traffic law-mandated vests to be put on in the first place, while the president has promised to raise the minimum wage.

But for many demonstrators these actions are belated, and do not address underlying issues. It's not enough. We still have to fight the current taxes, the ones that have been in place for years. We should have woken up years ago, and now we have to make up for the years we missed, one of the original and most popular Yellow Vests, Ghislain Coutard, told Deutsche Welle, adding that Macron should come out of his hole and face the people.

Macrons Houdini move out of this predicament has been the organization of months-long nationwide debates that are intended to both defuse and diffuse the anger. So far, many of the Yellow Vest leaders have turned down the opportunity to talk, particularly with the latest Macron statements suggesting the president is no more prepared to listen.

Also on rt.com Look into their eyes: Yellow Vests march through Paris blaming police for bloody violence (VIDEOS)

On Thursday Macron did try to be more understanding, regretting his arrogance when saying he is a gilet jaune, and claiming the past 12 weeks of protests left him scarred as he talked to three major French outlets. The next day however, he altered his tune, slamming the media and blaming the protests on Russian trolls.

to RT newsletter to get stories the mainstream media wont tell you.Ankara has warned that the states refusing meaningful dialogue with the legitimate authorities of Venezuela only help to plunge the country into more chaos and uncertainty, rather than contribute to resolving the problem.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu cautioned that there is a spark that can turn into a fire at any moment. A crisis like that should be defused through dialogue, and Venezuelan authorities have expressed readiness for it  yet foreign states are apparently not interested.

Is that how it happened? No. On the contrary, [the crisis] was fueled from the outside. The people of Venezuela were punished. Millions of people were forced to leave Venezuela.

Turkeys top diplomat was speaking on Sunday before the election ultimatum, given to the government of Nicolas Maduro by several European countries, expires. Twelve days ago, Juan Guaido declared himself interim president of Venezuela, claiming current President Nicolas Maduro is no longer fit to lead and that he essentially usurped power.

Following the announcement, Venezuela saw thousands-strong rallies, both for and against Maduro. Some of the countrys high-ranking officials, including a defense attache in the US, also announced their support for Guaido, while the majority remained loyal to Maduro, including the army.

Almost immediately after what has been labeled a coup by officials in Caracas, the US announced that it is backing the new interim leader and pledged their full support. A number of Washingtons Western allies and Latin American countries also recognized Guaido. Turkey, Russia, Mexico, and a number of other countries say they still consider Maduro the legitimate president and will continue to back his government.

In a bid to put more pressure on Nicholas Maduro, the UK, Spain, Germany, and France issued a blunt ultimatum, calling on him to announce new elections by the end of Sunday (February 3). If Maduro does not relent, they pledged to automatically recognize Guaido as the president of Venezuela. The ultimatum was slammed by Moscow, which pointed out the identical wording of the threat.

On Saturday, amid rallies both in support of and against his government, Maduro proposed snap elections to the national Assembly (a body dominated by opposition). Yet, he did not name any exact date, signaling he is unlikely to cave in to the ultimatum.

US Vice President Mike Pence said this is no time for dialogue, but rather the time for action.

Also on rt.com Inhuman humanitarianism: Caracas slams US as it vows to send aid to Venezuela while backing coup

Echoing the tough talk from Pence, National Security Advisor John Bolton doubled down, saying Washington will send humanitarian aid to the people of Venezuela, adding: Its time for Maduro to get out of the way.

Firing back, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza accused the US of waging unjust wars and subjecting economies to a blockade, while causing death, hunger, destruction and suffering.

Think your friends would be interested? Share this story!Colombian military kill rebel leader, who rejected 2016 peace deal

Colombian military kill rebel leader, who rejected 2016 peace deal

A Colombian rebel commander, who refused to abide by the peace agreement between the government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), has been killed in a military operation, President Ivan Duque said. The president called the man known by his nom de guerre, Rodrigo Cadete, one of the most feared figures of terrorism in our country. Some 1,800 FARC fighters split from it after rejecting the 2016 peace deal, which ended five decades of guerilla and turned the group into a legitimate political force in Colombia.Source : RT - Daily newsYou are here: Business

Construction of China's first public-private partnership (PPP) funded high-speed railway has kicked off, China Railway Construction Corporation said Saturday.



The 266.9-km railway will start from the city of Hangzhou, crossing Shaoxing and ending in Taizhou, all cities in east China's Zhejiang Province.

The rail line is designed to run at a top speed of 350 km per hour, according to the company.

A total of 44.9 billion yuan (about 6.69 billion U.S. dollars) will be invested in the construction of the project, with private firms accounting for a 51-percent share.

Connecting the cities boasting the most remarkable growth of private economy nationwide, the rail line is expected to be a significant part of China's railway network.

China is redoubling its efforts to build the world's most extensive and sophisticated railway network. By 2020, China will have 150,000 km railway including 30,000 km high-speed railway, according to the government's plan.A TSA agent has jumped off a hotel balcony inside Orlando International Airport in an apparent suicide. The incident saw panicked passengers rushing through checkpoints, causing nearly 100 flights to be cancelled.

A man in his 40s, later confirmed as an off-duty Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agent, jumped from the upper floor of the Hyatt Regency Hotel located within the airport and landed near a security area. The Saturday morning freefall provoked mayhem, scaring many passengers into breaching security checkpoints in the ensuing chaos.

Also on rt.com FAA briefly halts flights into New Yorks LaGuardia Airport, citing staff shortage amid govt shutdow

The airport authorities made a decision to rescreen all the passengers in dozens of gates affected by the incident, which led to massive backlogs. At least 45 outbound and 49 inbound flights were cancelled. Photos on social media showed long queues of people waiting for their turn at security lines, as the airport asked passengers to arrive early to be on time for their flights.

Some of the passengers appeared to cross police lines, struggling to cram into the narrow waiting space.

The TSA said in a statement that the agent fell from hotel balcony, without providing further details on the incident.

Orlando police said that according to preliminary reports, the man appeared to have committed a suicide.

The identity of the agent has not been immediately revealed. Neither was an explanation of what might have prompted him to allegedly kill himself in an airport area bustling with people. However, an ABC affiliate in Miami, Florida, reported, citing a source, that police believes that the man was hoping to send a message to the public by ending his life in such a dramatic way.

A spokesman for the TSA said that the deceased man just wrapped up his shift before his demise. A witness told the news outlet he saw the agent climbing over the railing but thought that he was merely inspecting the security area.

Also on rt.com FBI protests missed pay & air traffic controllers sue as shutdown breaks records

Florida Senator Marco Rubio has sent his condolences to the family and all impacted by the incident.

Rep. Darren Soto (D-Orlando) appeared to drag politics into the so far unexplained death, tweeting that the apparent suicide only adds to tragedy experienced at Orlando International due to the record-long government shutdown.

His remark was slammed as inappropriate attempt at political gain by some commenters.

Trump ended the 35-day shutdown, the longest in American history, on January 25 by signing a stopgap bill to fund the government through February 15. The move came after air traffic controllers at New Yorks LAGuardia Airport started calling in sick, disrupting the air traffic along East Coast.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi urged Trump at the time to reopen the government, tweeting that it was pushing airspace to the breaking point.

In the run-up to the temporary resolution, the president of Association of Flight Attendants (AFA) also threatened to call in a general strike to stop the shutdown that has affected some 800,000 federal workers, with half being forced to work without pay.

Think your friends would be interested? Share this story!Russian investigators are set to re-examine the chilling mystery of a deadly hiking trip made by group of Soviet students in 1959. The story spurred more than 70 theories and even inspired Hollywood thriller, The Devils Pass.

Known as the Dyatlov Pass incident the deaths of a Soviet student hiking group in a remote area in the Urals six decades ago remains one of Russias most chilling unsolved mysteries. It shocked and bewildered investigators right from the start. After the original probe failed to produce any results, the case was shelved and, by some accounts, even classified.

The eerie story inspired Hollywood director Renny Harlin to make the thriller Devils Pass in 2013. Now the authorities are determined to finally uncover what happened.

Investigators are officially reopening the probe, spokesperson for the Prosecutor Generals Office, Aleksandr Kurennoy, announced on Friday. The victims relatives, media and the public want to know the truth, he said.

A group, led by Igor Dyatlov, embarked on their last hiking trip in February 1959. They were mostly in their 20s, graduate students at a local technical university. All were well-equipped, experienced hikers. The plan was to trek 350km (217 miles) through extremely harsh terrain in the northern Urals.

One student had to drop the hike due to leg pains, returning home early. That decision saved his life. Others went on. They took pictures along the way and kept journals, describing the trips joyful atmosphere and other fairly mundane things hikers do. All seemed like a typical trip to the mountains.

The hikers failed to send a signal from the scheduled endpoint however and a rescue team was dispatched to find them. The scene the rescuers stumbled onto was gruesome and puzzling at the same time.

Also on rt.com Another victim? Tourist disappears in Dyatlov Pass, where 9 hikers mysteriously died in 1959

The tent was found on a slope, which translates to The Mountain of the Dead in the local dialect. It was empty, cut open from the inside by a sharp object. All belongings, including shoes, had been left there, intact. This led many to believe the students were forced to flee in terror, desperately trying to get out as quickly as they could.

The first two shoeless hikers, dressed only in their underwear, were found lying under a pine tree about 1.3km away from the tent. Three more bodies were then located on the way out from the tent. The last four victims were found several months later  buried under meters of snow in a creek nearby.

Four hikers sustained massive internal injuries, skull fractures and chest damage. One woman had her eyes, tongue and part of her lips missing.

The Soviet criminal probe could never establish why the hikers suddenly left the tent half-naked or explain their conditions. The notes and photos, made by the victims, offered no clues. The final report only stated that everyone was killed by an unknown overwhelming force.

The case sparked more than 70 theories on what caused the hikers deaths, ranging from secret military tests and radiation, to UFOs and paranormal activity. The prosecutors are aiming to sort through them to find a plausible explanation.

The crime-related scenarios have already been discarded due to lack of evidence, prosecutors say. They plan to start by examining if the hikers could have killed by an avalanche or a snow storm. Kurennoy said a group of investigators and forensics experts will visit Dyatlov Pass in March to determine the details of the tragedy.

Think your friends would be interested? Share this story!MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TEXAS  A man who was arrested in Grand Rapids and faces murder charges in Texas has escaped police custody, according to the Montgomery County Sheriffs office.

Cedric Joseph Marks, 44, escaped while he was being transported by a private company in Conroe, Texas, according to a post shared Sunday, Feb. 3, on the sheriffs Facebook page.

He was last seen wearing an orange jump suit and is considered extremely dangerous, according to the sheriffs office.

Update: Conroe Police Department, Montgomery County Sheriff's Office will be holding a press conference regarding... Posted by Montgomery County Sheriff's Office on Sunday, February 3, 2019

A deputy with the sheriffs office said the transport van carrying Marks stopped for food when he escaped, TV station KWTX reports.

Marks was arrested in Grand Rapids on Jan. 8 by U.S. Marshals and was extradited to Bell County, Texas, to face a burglary charge. The sheriffs office now says Marks faces three pending murder charges but did not elaborate on who he is being accused of killing.

The burglary occurred at the home of Jenna Scott, 28, who was found dead in Oklahoma with her friend, 32-year-old Michael Swearingin, according to police in Temple, Texas.

Scott and Swearingin went missing early Jan. 4 from the Temple, Texas, area and police say they found what was believed to be their bodies in rural Okfuskee County in Oklahoma a week later.

The car they were in, a Huyndai Genesis, was found parked and unlocked in an Austin neighborhood, according to the Temple Daily Telegram.

Police did not identify Marks as a suspect or person of interest in the disappearance of Scott and Swearingin, but the burglary he is being charged with occurred at Scotts home in August 2018, police said.

Marks and Scott had been in a previous relationship and a Bell County judge issued a civil personal protection order against Marks on July 30, according to the Telegram. Later, he was accused of illegally entering Scotts home on Aug. 21. A burglary arrest warrant was issued in early November for the incident.

Court records showed that Scott told police that Marks threatened her during the August incident and told her not to call the police.

Two women were charged with obstructing justice, destroying evidence and harboring Marks while he was in Michigan. One of the women, Maya Maxwell, is Marks' current girlfriend. She was arrested along with Marks in Grand Rapids and was later extradited to Bell County after appearing in Muskegon County Circuit Court.HOLLAND, MI  A company that makes electrical components used in the furniture, medical and home office industries is opening a manufacturing building in Holland, a $2 million investment thats expected to create 95 jobs over a three-year period.

Kaidi LLC, a subsidiary of China-based Cangzhou Kaidi Electrical Co., will lease space at 342 E. 40th St. The company has a building in Mississippi, but the Holland location will be its first manufacturing warehouse in the U.S., according to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

The MEDC approved a $450,000 performance-based grant to cover Kaidis cost of finding and training new employees.

Kaidi is excited to add Holland as a manufacturing location to service current and new customers in the medical, home goods, cinema and furniture industries, Sean McCarthy, director at Kaidi, said in a statement. We would also like to thank Lakeshore Advantage, MEDC and other local agencies for helping to make Holland a great place to build upon.

A news release announcing the project did not indicate when Kaidi will begin operating at its Holland location. McCarthy could not be reached for comment Friday afternoon.

Under Kaidis agreement with MEDC, the company will begin receiving the $450,000 grant as it meets job creation goals.

To receive the first payment of $225,000, it must demonstrate that it created 50 jobs. The company will receive another payment of the same amount if it can demonstrate it created another 45 jobs  for a total of 95 jobs.

When an international company like Kaidi chooses Michigan over other states for its expansion, that is a statement about our states business attractiveness, talented workforce, and leadership in advanced manufacturing, Jeff Mason, CEO of MEDC, said in a statement. This project will provide good employment opportunities for Michigan residents and will create a long-term positive impact on the local economy, and we thank Kaidi for choosing to invest in Michigan.

Lakeshore Advantage, an economic development organization based in Holland, said it worked with Kaidi on site location and establishing local project commitment for this expansion.

Kaidis decision to locate their design and manufacturing facility here shows this region is a top international choice for advanced manufacturing investment, Jennifer Owens, Lakeshore Advantages president, said in a statement.FLINT, MI -- Parents looking for someone to do with their kids ahead of the big game can head to the Flint Childrens Museum -- for free.

Admission to the Flint Childrens Museum, 1602 University Avenue, is free of charge to all visitors from noon-5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 3 through a sponsorship by Kohls Healthy Kids and Hurley Medical Center during Heart Health Month.

Visitors can make pink parfaits, participate in Pound Fitness with Hurley Medical Center volunteers, and take in the museums numerous exhibits including How Things Work that offers a gravity wall and Slide & Sketch, Transportation Alley with a vintage fire truck, and Discovery Zone that offers a chance to build a skyscraper or log cabin.

The Kohls Foundation previously awarded the Hurley Foundation a $250,000 grant on behalf of the Hurley Childrens Hospital. The grant money supports many childrens health initiatives such as events promoting healthy eating and exercise, rehabilitation, asthma and childhood injury prevention.

Healthy snack ideas and tips for healthy habits can be found online at www.kohlshurleykids.com.

The Flint Childrens Museum is an independently operated nonprofit organization supported solely by individuals, corporations, foundations, and grants. It is not funded through the Arts Education & Cultural Enrichment millage.

For more information on the event or to sponsor a free day at the Flint Childrens Museum, contact Kimberly Roddy, the museums executive director at 810-767-KIDS (5437) or email kroddy@flintchildrensmuseum.org.GENESEE COUNTY, MI  Improvements set to be made to the Lum Drain will close a portion of Elms Road this week in two Genesee County communities.

The Genesee County Road Commission announced Elms Road is scheduled to close on Monday, Feb. 4 between Grand Blanc and Reid roads in Gaines Township and Mundy Township to allow for the improvements by the drain commission.

Work will close the portion of road to all traffic, including school buses and emergency vehicles, for a total of five days, according to the county road commission.

A posted detour takes motorists to Reid Road, Linden Road, and Grand Blanc Road. Motorists are advised to allow extra time to reach their destination.PITTSFIELD TWP., MI - Tears filled Rebhi Mohammeds bruised eyes when students and staff at Multicultural Academy presented him with a $20,000 token of their support on Friday, Feb. 1.

Its been one week since Mohammed, 63, was attacked by two men while driving an afternoon bus route to drop off Multicultural Academy students in Detroit. The men boarded the charter schools bus and hit Mohammed multiple times in the face and head before fleeing, according to Detroit police.

There were about 10 children on the bus at the time, and none of them were harmed.

Video of the beating - recorded by the school bus surveillance camera - circulated on social media. Ebtesam Farha, a math teacher at Multicultural Academy, asked Muslims of the World, an initiative to rewrite the Muslim narrative, to share what happened to Mohammed.

People wanted to show their support, and a GoFundMe campaign for him raised more than $20,000 in 24 hours.

Sajjad Shah, founder of Muslims of the World who lives in Indiana, said the response shows how the Muslim community comes together for someone in need.

At the school on Friday morning, Shah surprised Mohammed with a giant check for $20,000. The presentation left Mohammed speechless for a few moments, and he embraced the students who carried in the check.

We really appreciate the compassion that you have for the kids, Shah told Mohammed. We know obviously what happened was horrific, but Allah will always open up doors.

Mohammed thanked everyone who donated money to him and his family. Usually one to shy away from the spotlight, he slipped out of the room as soon as the news cameras turned away.

Detroit police are still looking for the two men who assaulted Mohammed. The men boarded the bus when it pulled over around 3 p.m. Jan. 25 in the area of Asbury Park and Diversey Avenue in Detroit, according to police.

If anyone recognizes the suspects, they are asked to contact Detroit Police Department 6th precinct Investigative Unit at 313-596-5640 or CRIMESTOPPERS at 1-800-SPEAKUP.

Mohammed said the men were in a vehicle that he accidentally swiped while driving the bus, but he said that did not justify the physical attack.

These people shouldnt be on the street, he said. They should be punished. I hope the police catch them.In a move that slipped through the MLBTR cracks, the Mets have reportedly agreed to a minor league contract with IF/OF Arismendy Alcantara.

Alcantara, 27, spent much of 2018 in the Mexican League after being designated for assignment by Cincinnati in late 2017. The versatile Dominican, whos appeared at six positions during his four-year MLB tenure with the Cubs, As, and Reds, figures to be in the utility mix for a Mets club thats been on a depth-piece binge for the better part of the offseason.

The 59 switch hitter burst onto the national prospect landscape after a strong 2013 showing for Chicagos AA affiliate, slashing .271/.352/.451 with 31 steals in 133 games. A solid follow-up the next season left the then-22-year-old poised to become the charter MLB member of Chicagos burgeoning minor-league crop, but big-league pitching soon stopped him in his tracks. Alcantara slashed just .205/.254/.367 in his first stint with the Cubs, and never seemed to regain his upper-minors mojo in subsequent demotions to AAA.

The Cubs quickly soured on the switch-hitter: a June 2016 trade sent Alcantara to Oakland, where he received scant opportunity with the parent club. The Reds picked him up the following year, where he scuffled through an injury-riddled campaign before being jettisoned in late summer. Alcantara did show promise in last years Mexican League stint, and still boasts considerable upside, given his both-sides power and ability to hold down multiple defensive forts, if he can somehow recapture his mid-decade form.A lot required to make Pakistan Madina-like state: Dr Hassan Mohi-ud-Din Qadri

Chairman Supreme Council of the MQI Dr Hassan Mohi-ud-Din Qadri has welcomed the statements of running Pakistan on the pattern of the state of Madina. However, he said that in order to achieve this purpose, security and safety of life of the masses will have to be given top priority and the equality of law will have to be established. He said that there is no space for Model Town and Sahiwal-like tragedies in the Madina state. He said that all provisions are there in the constitution to make Pakistan a Madina-like state, what is missing is the intention to implement them.

Dr Hassan Mohi-ud-Din Qadri expressed these views while talking to different delegations and senior leaders at the central secretariat yesterday. He said that both Muslim and non-Muslim citizens enjoyed security of life in equal measure in the state of Madina. He said that the Holy Prophet (pbuh) laid the foundation of an egalitarian society through a system of justice and establishment of law and order marked by equality of law for all. He said that the reason why the Islamic empire spread through East and West was Muslims exemplary justice system.

Dr Hassan Mohi-ud-Din Qadri said that the Madina pact still holds the recipe for our peace, and progress. He said that the constitution of Pakistan is clear about fair distribution of resources, accountability, provision of justice, and security of life. He however added in the same breath that these provisions of the Constitution are not being implemented. He said that the state of Madina will not come into being merely by citing it as an ideal, stating that decisive policy actions will have to be undertaken for this purpose.

The Chairman Supreme Council said that when honest representatives of the people will be elected to the Parliament, law will be respected. And if the Parliament is manned by the people with criminal record, the dream of rule of law will not be fulfilled. He said that Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri has always advocated the agenda of reform in the system, for it patronizes the elements that thrive on evils of corruption, loot and plunder of the national resources. He said that there can be no bigger joke with the nation than the fact that a former Chief Minister who is in jail on charges of corruption of billions of rupees has been made Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee to audit government departments. He said that hundreds of thousands of the PAT workers will continue to play their role for reform of the system under the leadership of Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri.Foxconn Technology said on Friday that it will move forward with its planned factory in Wisconsin after the company's chairman talked with U.S. President Donald Trump.



The confirmation came after "productive discussions with the White House and the company" and a "personal conversation" between Trump and Foxconn's founder and chairman Terry Gou, the company said without details about employment.

Trump described the clarification as "great news" on Twitter on Friday.

Before that, Reuters reported on Wednesday that the iPhone maker was reconsidering the plant plan due to the high cost of manufacturing in the country.

Louis Woo, special assistant to Gou, was quoted in the report that the construction plan might be scaled back or even shelved due to the high cost of making advanced TV screens in the U.S., which includes expensive local labor.

In a later statement, the company said the global market environment has changed compared with when the deal was first announced in 2017.

The 20-million-square-foot plant, which is expected to offer up to 13,000 jobs, has the potential to be the largest foreign investment in the U.S. and is praised by Trump as a signature project to bring manufacturing back to the country.

However, controversy plagues the ambitious plan. The state of Wisconsin offered 3 billion U.S. dollars in subsidies to persuade Foxconn to build the plant, and an estimate released in August 2017 by the local legislature's nonpartisan budget office said that Wisconsin would not start collecting any new tax revenue until 2032 and would not break even for more than 25 years.The Air Force Knew It Had an Ejection Seat Problem, But Didn't Speed Up a Fix. Then a Pilot Died

And his widow fears that another pilot may suffer the same fate.Three Marine Corps installations in North Carolina suffered catastrophic damage during Hurricane Florence, requiring billions of dollars in repairs so forces there can remain ready to respond to the nation's crises.

Last year's late-summer hurricane hovered over the East Coast for days, dumping up to three feet of rain in some areas. It left in its wake $3.8 billion in damages to facilities and housing at Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Stations New River and Cherry Point, Brig. Gen. Benjamin Watson, head of Marine Corps Installations East, said Friday.

Between the three bases, 800 buildings and 4,000 houses were damaged by the deadly storm. Watson called the destruction a "gut punch" for the service and said it could have serious implications for national security.

The bases are host to II Marine Expeditionary Force, which makes up a third of the Corps.

Having installations from which Marines are called on to deploy in disrepair could leave the country vulnerable, Watson said.

"We just can't afford to be inoperable or unable to accomplish our mission as America's 911 force," he told local leaders and community members during a forum about the storm's aftermath.

Florence forced the Marine Corps to delay several of its deployments and East Coast training missions.

"A couple of the railroad trestles were destroyed, which has made the railroad unable to handle the traffic we need in order to deploy forces from [the East Coast]," Watson said.

The damage to base facilities left 3,000 service members displaced, he added, and 4,000 military families suffered varying levels of destruction to their on-base housing. Those homes are now in the process of being rebuilt or repaired, but when families are in limbo, Watson said it distracts Marines from their mission.

"What allows them to be successful is the fact that we have the facilities, people and resources to prepare them for what they do when they go overseas in the service of our nation," he said. "What allows them to focus while they are overseas is the collective effort we put as a community into taking care of their families while they're gone."

Much of the infrastructure damaged in the storms were old buildings the Marine Corps had been "putting Band-Aids on for years," Watson said.

Many are now uninhabitable and need to be torn down and rebuilt to withstand future storms -- because they're coming, he said.

"We're only about six months out from the next hurricane season," Watson said. "That's scary."

The Marine Corps needs support from leaders at the state and national level as it requests the $3.8 billion for repairs.

"Our resilience kind of works against us in some ways," Watson said. "As military members ... [we] are resilient. But we need help here to get well from last year's storms."

-- Gina Harkins can be reached at gina.harkins@military.com. Follow her on Twitter @ginaaharkins.Minors fleeing violence or poverty in their native country sometimes travel without parents, tagging along with others. Some manage to fly to Canada and enter the United States through the northern border. Others must connect with smugglers who lead groups to the Mexican border before handing them off to a different runner.

Thats was the reality for the more than 2,000 unaccompanied minors placed in homes by the state in 2018.

Representatives from area nonprofits and the state Department of Children & Families last week held a panel discussion at Unitarian Church in Westport focusing on human trafficking and unaccompanied minors. The panelists, from Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants, the Connecticut Coalition Against Trafficking, Love146 and the Department of Children & Families, started by discussing unaccompanied minors or children younger than 18 who enter the United States without legal immigration status and dont have a parent or guardian present.

The children are often apprehended by an immigration official at the border after traveling hundreds or thousands of miles with others also fleeing their country.

Many travel to the United States after witnessing violence, sex assault, forced labor and other hardships. Some children are victimized on their trip to America. Most unaccompanied minors are hoping to reunite with a family member or guardian already living in America. A classic situation is a childs family member dies in their native country and the only relatives the minor has left are living in the U.S.

The problem is, the child and the sponsor often havent seen each other in years, said William Rivera director of multicultural affairs and immigration practice at the Department of Children & Families. Often, the sponsor doesnt have the childs best interest at heart with many surreptitiously posing as the childs family member, when they in fact, are not. In those situations, the Department of Children & Families investigates by requesting DNA, for example.

These minors are cared for by the Department of Health and Human Services until theyre granted immigration relief or deported.

The average age of unaccompanied minors traveling to Connecticut is between 14 and 17, and some arrive pregnant or as young as 1-year-old, said Alicia Kinsman, a staff attorney at Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants. If officials are unable to ascertain the childs age, medical examinations like bone scans are requested. Often, the child is tasked with finding a lawyer to handle their case once they reach the United States.

On average, a trip costs the sponsor about $7,000 per child and the minors are expected to work and pay back the sponsor. As a result, many are at risk for labor exploitation or domestic servitude.

Police often call the Department of Children & Families to report a child working late at a restaurant and teachers call to say one of their students is sleeping in class after working all night.

We have hundreds of those cases, said Rivera of the DCF. The experience leads some children to request deportation back to their country, he said.

Working with refugees and immigrants like any other vulnerable populations has never been easy but it is certainly more difficult now than any other time in history, Kinsman said. There is a dominance of myth over fact and all of that is contributing to fear  and the current administration hasnt done much to correct it, she said.

Her clients are terrified of deportation.

For them that doesnt just mean the inconvenience of detention or being ripped from your home or sent to a place with less employment opportunity, but it means theyre sent back to a place where they left running, Kinsman said. Many wont call police or peruse immigration relief. Some let protective orders lapse because they fear interaction with the government  or even her, their attorney.

When youre dealing with vulnerable populations who are already voiceless, this climate heightens all of that and they are so terrified of coming forward or asking for help, Kinsman said.

The recent government shut down led to a backlog of cases in the immigration court system, she said. She pointed to thousands of immigrants who had court hearings canceled amid the recent federal goverment shutdown and now must wait two to three years for another court date.

Rivera concurred, saying families think DCF is synonymous with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Its been more difficult to engage families and get them to trust us, he said. In most cases we really dont want to take your child, we want to get them services.

Leonela Cruz Ahuatl of the Connecticut Coalition Against Trafficking said some of her clients wont answer her calls or are scared to open the door when she visits. Some minors placed in Connecticut are nowhere to be found when she calls to check on them, and others will move to another state from fear of deportation.

The forum also looked at risk factors that contribute to human trafficking among at-risk American youth. Cynthia Melendez, a survivor and social worker at Love146, said social media has made it easier for perpetrators to traffic local youth. Victims often run away, isolate themselves or show up at home with gifts such as another cell phone from an unknown source. Secretive, compulsive texting with a stranger could indicate the child is being trafficked, she said.

Were in between Boston and New York with cross-cutting highways that are frequently travel ways and we are a wealthy state, Kinsman said. There are factors here that make it worthwhile for traffickers to operate here. Many diplomats live here and thats been an unfortunate pipeline for victims here too.

One man attending the event asked how he or the community could help, and Kinsman said raising awareness about human trafficking is a good first step. People can support nonprofit organizations that fight against human trafficking or donate money, food, clothing or their time to local organizations, she said.

The Department of Children & Families has a care line people can call if they suspect human trafficking at 800-842 2288. The National Human Trafficking Resource Center has a tip line at 888-373-7888.Interview with Dr. William N. Brown for "Hi Chinese." [Video by China.org.cn]





On Friday, Chinese President Xi Jinping congratulated an American professor for publishing a book about China.





The book, "Off the Wall  How We Fell for China," written by Dr. William N. Brown, a business professor of southern China's Xiamen University, is compiled of roughly 50 letters detailing his life in Xiamen, which he sent back home to his family and friends in the United States. Upon completing the book, he sent a copy to President Xi Jinping and was surprised to receive a reply.





"I have received your letter and your book. Congratulations on your new book." Xi replied in a letter to Dr. Brown, "Xiamen is an amazing city. It is now your second hometown. I used to work there, and that experience has given me many wonderful memories. You have been a teacher in Xiamen University for 30 years and dedicated precious time of your life to China's education. I am very moved by your affection to Xiamen and China."





Dr. Brown moved to south China's Fujian province from the U.S. with his wife and sons in 1988, a decade after the implementation of China's reform and opening-up policy.





Having worked at Xiamen University for 30 years, Dr. Brown is often locally referred to as the city's most famous foreigner. In 1992, he became Fujian province's first foreigner to receive permanent residency. An honorary citizen of the province, he has helped 13 Chinese cities, including Xiamen and neighboring Quanzhou, win the International Livable Communities Competition.





His book, published by Foreign Languages Press affiliated to China International Publishing Group (CIPG), contains many amusing and touching stories that have happened throughout his time in China. One particularly humorous letter details Dr. Brown's difficulties in managing to buy a turkey for thanksgiving in 1989, despite no turkeys being sold in Xiamen back then.





"As an eyewitness to China's reform and opening-up, you have represented Xiamen and Fujian province, and painted a real picture of China for the world. I really appreciate your attitude of integrating into the Chinese community," Xi said in his letter to Dr. Brown, "You said in the letter that you are optimistic about China's future. I am also confident that you will see a better and more prosperous China that will bring even more benefits to the world and humanity, and therefore the Chinese stories you tell in the future will be even more wonderful."





"I am very surprised yet very happy and honored to get a reply from President Xi. Despite shouldering the huge responsibility and pressure of being the president of a country with the largest population in the world, he still managed to write back to an ordinary foreign teacher like me," Dr. Brown told China.org.cn, "I am more than willing to witness China's development in the following decades."





"With a state leader like Xi, the Chinese dream will surely come true and set an excellent example for the world." Dr. Brown added.



Estonians celebrated the "Happy Chinese New Year" activities and watched colorful performance in the Estonian capital on Saturday afternoon.

The annual event featured dragon and lion dances, Estonian acrobatic fire show, Chinese kung fu show, traditional Chinese dance, folk music, Kunqu Opera and shadow play.

Speaking at the event, Tallinn mayor Taavi Aas said that it is the tenth "Happy Chinese New Year" celebration in Tallinn, which has brought Beijing closer to Tallinn, in spite of the geographical distance.

He sent greetings to the Chinese people to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China in 2019, which is also the year of Tallinn's 800th anniversary celebrations of its first recorded mention of the city in 1219.

Chinese Ambassador to Estonia Li Chao said the "Happy Chinese New Year" performance and a lantern show are parts of the cultural exchange to bridge the hearts of the people of the two countries.

The ambassador expected the friendly ties between the two peoples will continue to be enhanced, as bilateral ties developed rapidly in 2018, when Estonian President Kersti Kaljulaid visited China in September.

On Friday night, the 90-year-old Estonian former president Arnold Ruutel and his wife Ingrid Ruutel, as well as Tallinn Deputy Mayor Vadim Belobrovtsev and Kalev Kallo, former chairman of the City Council of Tallinn, were among the several hundred spectators who appreciated the performance by Chinese artists.

The Chinese New Year falls on Feb. 5 this year.We unequivocally condemn tonights attack at the building of the Embassy of Italy, which resulted in material damages.



Unacceptable actions of this kind do not impact the excellent relations nor the long-standing ties of friendship between Greece and Italy.



The competent Greek authorities are taking all necessary action to investigate the incident and bring those responsible to justice.NOTICE OF SALE OF ABANDONED PROPERTY The property to be sold is described as follows, to wit: a 1993 Ford Tempo DL, MN license plate 949-AWB, V.I.N. 2FAPP36X8PB138402 , will be sold at public auction by the Mille Lacs County Sheriff on the 5th day of November, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. at The Mille Lacs County Search & Rescue, 38658 100th Avenue, in the City of Onamia, County of Mille Lacs, State of Minnesota and associated tow bill in the amount of $150.00 and associated storage fees and document fees as computed to the date of sale. Any purchaser is herein further notified that purchasers rights are subject to the provisions of MN. Stat. 345.15, Subd. 1. All vehicles will be sold as is with no warranty expressed or otherwise. All vehicles are described as not running and not road worthy. Dated: October 15, 2018. Mille Lacs County Sheriffs Office 640 3rd Street SE Milaca, MN 56353 320-983-8250 Published in the Mille Lacs Messenger October 24, 31, 2018 870823

Ad details NOTICE OF SALE OF ABANDONED PROPERTY The property to be sold is described as follows, to wit: a 1993 Ford Tempo DL, MN license plate 949-AWB, V.I.N. 2FAPP36X8PB138402 , will be sold at public auction by the Mille Lacs County Sheriff on the 5th day of November, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. at The Mille Lacs County Search & Rescue, 38658 100th Avenue, in the City of Onamia, County of Mille Lacs, State of Minnesota and associated tow bill in the amount of $150.00 and associated storage fees and document fees as computed to the date of sale. Any purchaser is herein further notified that purchasers rights are subject to the provisions of MN. Stat.  345.15, Subd. 1. All vehicles will be sold as is with no warranty expressed or otherwise. All vehicles are described as not running and not road worthy. Dated: October 15, 2018. Mille Lacs County Sheriffs Office 640 3rd Street SE Milaca, MN 56353 320-983-8250 Published in the Mille Lacs Messenger October 24, 31, 2018 870823CITY OF STILLWATER ORDINANCE 1110 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE STILLWATER CITY CODE CHAPTER 31, ENTITLED ZONING ORDINANCE, BY AMENDING THE ZONING MAP OF THE CITY TO REZONE CERTAIN PROPERTY WITHIN THE AP AGRICULTURAL PRESERVATION DISTRICT BY ADDING THEM TO THE RA ONE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT The City Council of the City of Stillwater, Washington County, Minnesota, does ordain: Section 1. The zoning of the subject property, location of which is legally described as: Lot 7, Block 2, Neal Meadows is hereby amended to RA, One-Family Residential. This proceeding is known as Planning Case No. 2018-38. Section 2. This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after publication according to law. Section 3. In all other ways the Stillwater City Code shall remain in full force and effect. Adopted by the City Council this 18th day of September, 2018. CITY OF STILLWATER /s/ Ted Kozlowski Ted Kozlowski, Mayor ATTEST: /s/ Diane F. Ward Diane F. Ward, City Clerk Published in the Stillwater Gazette September 21, 2018 860396

Ad details CITY OF STILLWATER ORDINANCE 1110 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE STILLWATER CITY CODE CHAPTER 31, ENTITLED ZONING ORDINANCE, BY AMENDING THE ZONING MAP OF THE CITY TO REZONE CERTAIN PROPERTY WITHIN THE AP  AGRICULTURAL PRESERVATION DISTRICT BY ADDING THEM TO THE RA  ONE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT The City Council of the City of Stillwater, Washington County, Minnesota, does ordain: Section 1. The zoning of the subject property, location of which is legally described as: Lot 7, Block 2, Neal Meadows is hereby amended to RA, One-Family Residential. This proceeding is known as Planning Case No. 2018-38. Section 2. This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after publication according to law. Section 3. In all other ways the Stillwater City Code shall remain in full force and effect. Adopted by the City Council this 18th day of September, 2018. CITY OF STILLWATER /s/ Ted Kozlowski Ted Kozlowski, Mayor ATTEST: /s/ Diane F. Ward Diane F. Ward, City Clerk Published in the Stillwater Gazette September 21, 2018 860396Meridian, MS (39302)

Today

Thunderstorms likely. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 87F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms likely. Rainfall will be locally heavy at times. Low 69F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Locally heavy rainfall possible.Ever since Finance Minister Piyush Goyal presented the budget in the Lok Sabha, the whole nation has been busy deliberating its pros and cons, and what it might have in store for the Indian citizens. Being NDA government's last budget before the 2019 general elections, it was looked upon as a potential chance to woo the voters.



From financial support to farmers to noticeable tax rebates, the Budget 2019 had many offerings which allowed it to dominate social media trends over the weekend. There were hilarious memes, funny jokes and all the chatter you needed about the new budget. But, amid all that, there came an epic photobombing episode that made a young girl an internet sensation overnight.



After the new budget was tabled in Lok Sabha, Union Minister Jayant Sinha was busy expressing his views while talking to the reporters outside Parliament. But, as Sinha spoke about how the government has always presented a good budget and this year is no different, a young girl standing behind him made full use of the opportunity to photobomb his interview.



Walking back and forth behind Sinha, the white sweatshirt-wearing teenager made her presence felt by looking in the camera and then sticking her tongue out. She, then, did the same thing multiple times till the interview ended. While Sinha went about his business, the young girl, with her antics, went viral on the social media platforms.

Who's this kid?



Photo bombing a minister outside parliament on budget day is no mean feat. #Budget2019 pic.twitter.com/pwIpGXaF9e  Devjyot Ghoshal (@DevjyotGhoshal) February 1, 2019





Lololol... Most funny pictures from the budget series https://t.co/TMd5ohXBeO  Ninad Kharkar (@ninadkharkar) February 1, 2019









this kid going rock on social media sooooooooooon.  Deepak Rana (@DeepakR85680) February 1, 2019





The kid won the day. https://t.co/2xMtIrkK0M  Mandar Kagade (@MandarKagade) February 1, 2019





The kid was probably there to explain 7th grade economics to Pappu ji.  Cara  (@Cara07352870) February 1, 2019



A new study shows that ultraviolet disinfection technology eliminates up to 97.7 percent of pathogens in the operating room. Using this light wavelength might help defeat superbugs.

Share on Pinterest Could light help lower the risk of dangerous infections in hospitals?

The study, published in the American Journal of Infection Control, examined the effects of a type of ultraviolet (UV) light technology called PurpleSun.

This technology is designed for use in operating rooms, patient rooms, and other healthcare settings.

The study shows that the device can help reduce the risk of infections acquired in the hospital.

These infections cost billions of dollars, and some estimates state that they cause almost 100,000 deaths each year in the United States.

In the current study, researchers used over 3,000 microbiological samples from 100 different surgical cases at three hospitals in the New York area.

Researchers then looked at how well the PurpleSun technology worked. They found that it eliminated most pathogens.

PurpleSun is unique, as it has foldable partitions, which means that it can surround equipment on all sides, and its light hits five surface points. It also uses high levels of UV intensity in 90-second intervals for optimum effect.

[UV] light technology will not replace manual cleaning and disinfection with chemicals, but it has a place in healthcare settings, says Donna Armellino, lead author of the study and vice president of infection prevention at Northwell Health. She explains:Pointing to a series of black and white figure sketches hung on the wall, Finnish visual artist Mia Waire said she painted them specifically with ink to meet the requirement for artists to participate in the ongoing Finland-China Contemporary Ink Art Exhibition in Helsinki.

Waire told Xinhua that she had used a sharpened reed straw, dipped in the ink, to quickly record the momentary movements of the model. She said the ink is a sensible medium and can produce artistic effects that oil painting cannot achieve.

Graduating from Vantaa Vocational collage Varia and Metropolia University of Applied Sciences in Finland, Waire started painting with ink in 2009. "The ink is organic, made from ash, and also my tool is organic, and the paper that I use is organic as well," said Waire.

"The combination of these organic elements is fascinating to go back in the history and think how these elements have been used already thousands of years ago in ancient China or Egypt," she said.

Mikko Ilmari Hallikainen, another Finnish artist, has applied Chinese ink since 1993. He told Xinhua that he has been making ink himself, using burned charcoal mixed with soya source, red wine and coffee.

The rewarding artist presented several ink paintings at the exhibition, one of them named Quasimodo. The graffiti style painting was most appreciated by Yu Cun, a retired professor of Chinese painting.

Yu said Hallikainen was probably inspired by American graffiti artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, with the ability to express his consciousness thoroughly while at the same time knowing how to better control the emotional expression.

The depiction of the "bell tower geek" in the novel Notre Dame de Paris reflects the concern of the bottom of society, Yu explained.

Yu has been engaged in art teaching for 36 years and has just retired from a professorship in an art school in southern China. Although he does not know any foreign languages, he likes to put foreign words in his paintings after looking them up in English, Korean, Japanese, Greek and Finnish dictionaries.

Participating in the ongoing exhibition, Yu presented the image of Finnish President Sauli Niinisto on a piece of rice paper. The relaxed and humorous style was beloved by the audience.

"It doesn't matter if the language works or not. The innocent nature of people is the same. My work expresses the original nature, so I think this is the reason why my works are well received by foreign counterparts," Yu told Xinhua.

Ink, as an ancient medium for brush painting and calligraphy in East Asia, has been introduced to the West for decades, adding unique senses and more diversities to modern artistic creation, said Rain Lin, a Finnish Chinese artist and the organizer of the event.

The exhibition, which collects 50 pieces of ink art works from two Finnish, four Chinese, one Canadian Chinese, one American Chinese, one French Chinese and a Finnish Chinese, is supposed to serve as a platform to show the diversity in defining the ink by artists from various backgrounds and to provide an opportunity for the exchange of their views. It was opened on Dec. 15 last year and will end on Feb. 15 this year.

"I hope this will broaden their horizons and help the cultural communication between the east and the west," said Lin.

Hallikainen said the Chinese have a long history of using ink. "In this exhibition they have succeeded very well in taking the history into consideration and also overcome the limitation of Chinese ink painting," he said.

He believed the historical mind and modern thoughts could enable the Chinese artists to find more common grounds with Western contemporary artists.

Hallikainen's favorite was "Portrait", presented by Chinese artist Liang Yue, saying that the painter used lighter ink to provide a backdrop to highlight the heavier ink, which makes the painting more impressive.

Hallikainen and Waire both believed that ink is a pure natural material with strong expressiveness and is therefore popularly used by contemporary artists.

Liang said that ink is not only a painting material, but a form of expression as well. While Chinese artists are learning the oil paintings, western artists are also learning from the techniques of Chinese ink painting. If Chinese painters care more about the happenings around the people, they will find themselves more easily to integrate into the modern world.Scott and Grace Kelly Herbert, the husband and wife co-founders of the Finding Shelter Animal Rescue pose with Victoria, the German Shepherd they rescued from a Lancaster County puppy mill. Victoria's the namesake of Victoria's Law, a proposal to ban the sale of commercially-bred puppies in pet stores statewide. Local ordinances banning pet store sales of commercially-bred puppies are already in place in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.Did you see a photo in today's print edition that you'd like to order? Would you like to order a reprint of today's front page?

Order ReprintsThrough the hub, small business owners will have a place to make their food products.

It wont be available to just farmers and food-related business owners from McDowell County but to others across the region as well.

We recognize the food system is beyond county lines, said Edwards. We invite regional farmers to use the hub because we want to build a strong collaborative network of producers and consumers in our region.

The hub will have refrigerators, freezers and other equipment needed for the storage of food. It will be a central place where local pantries and ministries can get food items from MANNA FoodBank in Asheville.

One of those local pantries is the Meals that Heal program at Clinchfield United Methodist Church.

"As the pastor at Clinchfield UMC, housing the Meals That Heal, having this food hub means that it will make it easier for programs such as ours to get the food we need for those who are find getting nourishment challenging," said the Rev. Jim Mathews. "It will also allow us to better serve those we meet who have suddenly find themselves unable to get food, whether through an emergency situation such as fire, or a sudden illness or job loss.HOLLAND  An elderly couple who was scammed out of about $3,400 is being assisted by a non-profit company which will help pay their tax bill.

The scammers initially phoned the couple on Jan. 25 and told them they won the Publishers Clearing House sweepstakes, but to receive their prize they had to mail cash to addresses in Pennsylvania and New Hampshire to cover so-called interstate tax fees, police said.

The couple grew suspicious after mailing a second payment of $400 to Portsmouth, New Hampshire and called police. Chief Bryan Haughey and Lt. Stewart Swain began an investigation and contacted the U.S. Postal Inspection Service to ask for assistance, police said.

"Fortunately, the inspectors were able to coordinate an intercept of the $400 which was ultimately returned to the couple," police said.

But the couple had already mailed about $3,000, which law enforcement has not been able to recover. The couple had been saving that money to pay their tax bill due Feb. 1, police said.

Police contacted the town's outreach coordinator Jennifer Mott, who is also the treasurer of Stop Abuse Today Inc., a non-profit company designed to help victims of domestic abuse, elder abuse and bullying. The organization agreed to help and will pay the balance of the couple's tax bill, police said.

Police are continuing to investigate the case and are trying to identify the suspects.

This is an ongoing scam which has claimed several victims in Western Massachusetts in the recent past. In May, 2017 a Monson family was cheated out of $10,000 in a nearly identical scam. In September, a West Springfield man nearly sent $500 to scammers pretending to be the Publishers Clearing House before relatives stopped him and reported it to police.

People should always ensure any organization requesting money is legitimate and can phone police if they have questions. If people do believe they have sent money to an illicit group they should contact police as quickly as possible because officers can sometimes intercept the transaction, police said.

We are very grateful to have a group like this local to us and we would like to thank Jennifer (Mott) and the remaining members of the group for helping this couple in need, Haughey said on Facebook.A former Connecticut scoutmaster who admitted to raping boys during Boy Scout troop outings at a Massachusetts college now faces more charges in Connecticut.

The Bulletin reports 57-year-old David Kress was transferred from a Massachusetts prison to a Connecticut jail last week so he can appear in a Connecticut court on Feb. 14.

The newspaper reports Kress faces nine counts of employing a minor in an obscene performance in Danielson Superior Court.

Kress was first charged in Connecticut in 2014, but he was then brought to Massachusetts where he eventually pleaded guilty to seven counts of child rape in Worcester Superior Court.

Kress pleaded guilty in December 2016 and was sentenced to serve 5-to-7-years in prison. He was also sentenced to five years of probation.

The Telegram & Gazette reported Kress was the scoutmaster of Troop 66 in the 1990s. He provided victims with alcohol during assaults, the newspaper reported. The assaults occurred during outings at Nichols College in Dudley.

Court documents reviewed by The Bulletin accuse Kress of sexually assaulting boys from 1989 to 1999 while he was the troop leader in Thompson, Connecticut.

Authorities accuse Kress of sexually assaulting boys at various locations in Connecticut. The boys ranged in age from 10 to 16, the newspaper reports.The Confucius Institute at Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu held late Friday the "Golden Pig New Year" Spring Festival Gala, a Chinese cultural party carried out completely by Romanians, from the host to the nearly 150 performers.

The party started with the video show "Beautiful China Blissful Holiday," a short film that presented New Year blessings sent from and to people around the world.

Young performers at the gala came from various schools where Chinese language courses are offered in Romania. They performed Chinese chants and sang Chinese songs with their clear and accurate Chinese pronunciation.

What the audiences liked the most was the Taichi performance co-performed by students from a Taichi class in Sibiu, a central city in Romania, and a Chinese class in Fagaras, in Romania's central county of Brasov.

Their performance was the combination of softness and hardness, with moves like floating cloud and flowing water, pushing the party to a climax.

It is also worth mentioning that the short drama of a Chinese historical story performed by the Chinese major freshmen of Lucian Blaga University in Sibiu showed the Chinese historical figures Mu Guiying, Hua Mulan, Wu Zetian and Li Qingzhao in various forms such as a Taichi stick show and ancient poetry singing.

Local residents as well as officials from the County Council and School Inspectorate of the county of Sibiu gathered together to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year.

On the same day, the Confucius institutes in the capital city of Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca, northwestern Romania, also held a series of celebrations.

The Confucius Institute in Bucharest organized a cultural celebration titled "Welcome to the New Year of Golden Pig."

The students of the international school read the "Spring Festival Nursery Rhymes" in Chinese, followed by a medley consisting of "Happy New Year," "Jasmine," "Golden Snake Dance" and other Chinese songs. A final kungfu performance was even more amazing to the local audience.

The Confucius Institute in Cluj-Napoca held a grand Chinese New Year party at Aurel Vlaicu University in the western county of Arad. Performances of the Chinese teachers and local students received applause from the audience including Romanian Education Minister Ecaterina Adronescu and Prefect of Arad County Florentina Horgea.SPRINGFIELD  Police officer Thomas Hervieux was the subject of at least eight excessive force complaints prior to the night in 2013 when he hit Lee Hutchins Sr. with a baton during domestic disturbance.

But, according to a former police commissioner's deposition in Hutchins' federal lawsuit  which ended this week in a $250,000 jury award  none of the eight cases led to discipline for the officer, and none were presented to the city's Community Police Hearing Board.

In finding that Hervieux used excessive force and committed assault and battery on Hutchins, the Boston jury laid much of the blame on the city itself. According to the verdict slip returned Wednesday morning in U.S. District Court, the city "was deliberately indifferent to the civil rights of its citizens through a policy or custom of inadequately supervising or disciplining its police officers."

Lawyers in previous excessive force cases against the Springfield Police Department have argued there are broad failures in the department's ability to police itself  an idea that's been echoed by city councilors seeking to revive a police commission to dole out discipline. But the Hutchins case marks a rare instance in which a jury has weighed in on the question.

"The jury in this case only reiterated what many of us have been saying all along," said City Council President Justin Hurst. "Our police department has deep-seated and systematic issues around holding rogue officers who operate with impunity accountable for their actions."

In the wake of the verdict, City Solicitor Edward Pikula said the city is reviewing all of its options for post-trial motions and appeals, and called the department's disciplinary process "robust." We are cognizant of the fact that police put their lives, reputation and careers on the line every day they go to work and also cognizant of the fact that the city has implemented a robust disciplinary process and continues to review it to assure we are implementing best practices," Pikula said.

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno also said this week that the city would also review the decision for "possible recourse options."

Domestic violence calls are very dangerous and difficult confrontational situations for our brave and dedicated men and women in blue, the mayor said.

The suit, filed against the city and officers Daniel J. McKay, Felix Romero and Hervieux, said Hutchins was pepper sprayed and beaten at his Daytona Street home on Jan. 20, 2013 as he tried to defuse a melee involving his sons. The incident began when a woman arrived in the early morning hours to pick up a child she had with one of Hutchins' sons.

The jury found that Hervieux, who joined the Springfield Police Department in 2001, was the only one of the three who violated Hutchins constitutional rights by using excessive force.

According to the complaint, Hervieux struck Hutchins twice with a police baton  knocking him to the ground  after another officer had already pepper sprayed Hutchins.

Testimony at the trial included a video deposition by former Police Commissioner William Fitchet, recorded Jan. 15 at Springfield City Hall.

According to a transcript of the deposition, Fitchet  who was scheduled to be out of the country during the trial  said that before the incident with Hutchins, Hervieux had been subject to eight complaints or internal investigations regarding force issues.

But Fitchet, who served as commissioner from 2008 to 2014, stressed that in each case there was conflicting testimony about whether Hervieux's use of force was excessive.

Asked by attorney Luke Ryan, who represented Hutchins, whether any of the incidents resulted in a hearing by the Community Police Hearing Board, Fichet said, I dont think so, sir.

Asked if Hervieux ever received any discipline related to his use of force as a police officer, Fitchet said, Id have to review his entire file. According to these, no. But he could have for previous cases or subsequent cases. I would have to review his file to be sure.

Ryan Walsh, spokesman for Springfield police, said Hervieux and McKay remain active with the department. Romero resigned in 2017 for personal reasons.

'Nothing more than paper

The Hutchins case recalls a federal lawsuit involving city and state police that ended in a $60,000 settlement two years ago.

In that case, convicted jewel thief and gun-peddler Justin Douglas said police used excessive force in his 2012 arrest at a West Springfield motel.

Worcester attorney Hector Pineiro, who represented Douglas, planned to argue that the Springfield Police Department failed to supervise and discipline its officers. The city sought to have the case dismissed  but in October 2016, U.S. Magistrate Judge Katherine A. Robertson not only ruled that it could go forward, but that Pineiro could advance his argument about the alleged disciplinary failures.

In her ruling, Robertson cited internal affairs records detailing 131 civilian complaints against the seven city officers named as defendants  including Detective Gregg A. Bigda, who has since been indicted in a separate case on federal charges of excessive force, abusive interrogations and falsifying reports.

The complaints Robertson reviewed, which included 71 allegations of excessive force, led to few findings in favor of the complainants and scant discipline for the officers. Four complaints were resolved with retraining and one resulted in a verbal reprimand.

A reasonable finder of fact could also infer that there were flaws in the city's investigation of civilian complaints that demonstrated deliberate indifference to the risks posed by officers against whom large numbers of civilian complaints about excessive use of force had been made," Robertson wrote in her ruling.

In an interview this week, Pineiro said the case opened the gates for this idea there was a systemic problem in the police department.

Pineiro said the Hutchins case, much like the Douglas case, shows the department's policies "are essentially meaningless."

"When people complain to the police they do an official investigation and if there is a conflicting story the cops always win," Pineiro said. "The cops always get a benefit of a doubt.

Pineiro called the Hutchins case an incredible win, and said Hutchins lawyers clearly put an incredible amount of work into it.

Attorney David P. Hoose, who represented Hutchins with Ryan and attorney Samantha LeBoeuf, said he is hopeful the Hutchins case will spark change in how Springfield supervises and disciplines its officers.

His thoughts on the case, however, echo Pineiros.

We think our evidence clearly showed that while the (City of Springfield) has a policy to protect its citizens from police misconduct, it is nothing more than paper," Hoose said. "In reality nothing happens to officers who are credibly accused of misconduct. This happens primarily because the city will not sustain any complaint where there is a material conflict in the evidence. That is virtually every case.

Springfield City Council President Justin Hurst. (The Republican file)

'Tip of the iceberg

Several city councilors said this week that the award, and the jurys finding that the city has a custom of failing to discipline officers, is disturbing and perhaps the tip of the iceberg  but not surprising.

Some councilors said the case supports the argument to resurrect a citizen police commission to handle disciplinary matters.

Under the current system, Springfield's Community Police Hearing Board hears disciplinary cases and issues recommendations, but final disciplinary authority rests with the police commissioner.

"This certainly does not reflect well on our police department," said Councilor Orlando Ramos, chairman of the council's Public Safety Committee. "I'm not sure how much more evidence Mayor Sarno needs before he finally appoints a police commission."

In December the council voted to resurrect a police commission, and then overrode a veto from Sarno. But the mayor said he is sticking by the current system, and has argued that a citizen commission would be a weaker, dysfunctional system that politicizes the issue.

Councilor Jesse Lederman said that the majority of the police department works diligently and continuously faces "danger in unpredictable situations."

However, he said he continues to push for the five-member civilian police commission and for a review of all the procedures of the police department.

"In general, I've been steadfast in the assertion that we need a transparent process around the discipline of police officers both for the benefit of the public and the officers," Lederman said.

Hurst, who is among several councilors who have been critical of various police misconduct cases, settlements and judgments in recent years, said the Boston jury award "is just the tip of the iceberg that cost taxpayers over a million dollars in settlements and if this case is any indication will cost citizens even more money this year."

According to city records, Springfield paid $3.9 million for police misconduct lawsuits from 2006 through the end of 2017. In October, the City Council approved legal settlements totaling $885,000 to four men who claimed they were beaten by off-duty police officers outside Nathan Bills Bar and Restaurant in 2015.

Other cases are still pending.

A long, arduous process

Members of the council's Public Safety Committee are meeting with officials from the police and law departments Monday to discuss the Hutchins case, as well as a current study on possible policy changes for the police department's Internal Investigation Unit. The councilors are also seeking an update on the city's plans to begin outfitting police with body cameras.

The city announced a year ago that it had hired the Police Executive Research Forum of Washington D.C. for a $128,9000 study to assess the operations of the IIU, in part to determine how the department can improve its complaint and investigation process. In August, the city announced a three-phase plan to purchase and outfit officers with body-worn cameras.

Ramos said councilors want more information on the IIU study and body cameras.

"Perhaps the implementation of a body camera policy would prevent something like this from happening," Ramos said of the jury award in the Hutchins case.

Sarno said he has continued to push hard for the use of body cameras, and that he is "disappointed in the current pace to get them implemented.

Sarno said he has sent a message to the powers that be to get this done ASAP  were not reinventing the wheel here. Maybe this would help clarify and/or stop lawsuits, by simply going to the tape to verify if anything was done unlawfully or not.

Hurst said the current situation is "unacceptable," and pointed to an ongoing probe of the department by the U.S. Department of Justice.

"They are only here because we lack the courage to do what we know is right, which is a complete overhaul of the leadership of the police department starting from the top," Hurst said.

Councilor Melvin Edwards joined others in saying he was not surprised by the jury's statement on police policy and custom.

"It's not anything new and it's not unique to Springfield either," Edwards said. "The city is consistently paying off in lawsuits. Holding police accountable for bad behavior is difficult."

People are supportive of police, and "have a certain trust" in police, Edwards said. But, he added: "If we don't have checks and balances, these are the types of things that happen inherently."

While Police Commissioner John R. Barbieri is trying to implement new policies, he said, changes won't happen overnight.

"It will be a long, arduous process, Edwards said.The work of Smith College photojournalist and graduate Cynthia Elbaum, who was killed covering the war in Chechnya in the 1990s, will go on view this month at the college's Campus Center in Northampton.

"Portraits of War: Cynthia Elbaum Photographs of Chechnya, 1994," can be seen daily, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., from Feb. 7 through 21, in Nolen Art Lounge in the college's Campus Center, 100 Elm St.

The photos were given to the college's Sophia Smith Collection by Elbaum's mother and are from seven rolls of film that journalists were able to smuggle out of Russia at the time.

Elbaum, who graduated from Smith in 1989 with a degree in Russian studies, documented the war in Chechnya and was killed there in 1994 at the age of 28.

The upcoming exhibition is part of the college's Phoebe and John D. Lewis Global Studies Center's three-day symposium "Understanding Russia: Perspectives on Politics and Culture."

Russia's invasion of Chechnya under President Boris Yeltsin in 1994 to stop the republic's push for complete autonomy resulted in two years of fighting and the deaths of more than 40,000 people and displacement of 300,000 Chechens.

Elbaum, who was fluent in Russian, was killed by a rocket during the third consecutive day of air raids on the capital of Grozny about a week into the war.

Jude Elbaum has said her daughter knew her work as a freelance photojournalist for such outlets as Time, the BBC and the Moscow Times was "dangerous" but was not one to be deterred from a goal.

Cynthia Elbaum was credentialed as a press photographer in Chechnya through the Shelburne Falls & West County News.

Her name is on the glass panels that constitute the Freedom Forum Journalists Memorial at the Newseum in Washington, D.C.

She is listed by the Committee to Protect Journalists to have been killed Dec. 22, 1994 in Grozny where separatists sporadically continue their fight for Chechnya's independence from Russia.RIDGEWAY  In 1945, 17-year-old North Carolina farmer Boyd Gray found himself facing a decision.

I was young back then. I knew I was going to be drafted into the Army, but I wanted to be in the Navy, so I volunteered, Gray said.

Unlike many soldiers who grew up quickly because of their involvement in World War II, Grays life had changed drastically at only 13 years old. His father had passed away when Gray was 6, leaving his mother to raise four young children. Then seven years later his mother dropped dead at the familys cook stove.

An orphan by the age of 13, Gray grew up caring for his younger brother, while his two sisters went to live with nearby relatives. The brothers remained on their family farm under the supervision of an uncle. However, when WW II broke out, Gray felt the desire to serve his country.

His great-grandfather had fought in the Confederate Army during the Civil War, so Grays decision to join the Navy wasnt based on family tradition.

It was something I wanted to do, Gray said.

And now, all these years after his service, Gray has been honored for what he contributed in the service, showing his commitment and effort werent forgotten even if he played a very small role.Call volume has increased about 8 to 10 percent a year. The number of calls being referred to other EMS departments also has been increasing, rising steadily from 131 in 2015 to 182 last year. Without the third ambulance, Shrader estimated, there probably would have been more than 200 unattended calls in 2018.

The minimum number of employees assigned to a shift had been reduced from seven to six in fiscal year 2018, and was increased temporarily to eight during the trial period, he said.

Staffing that third ambulance during the trial period reduced the number of unanswered calls in that same time period from 41 in 2017 to 12 in 2018, he said.

Other concepts

But there are other options to compensate for the loss of Stone:Henry County authorities continue to search for a 17-year-old they think shot and killed a man on Saturday night.

The Henry County Sheriff's Office didn't release any new details about the suspect on Monday, but officials said as of mid-afternoon the teenager, identified only as male, remained at large.

He is suspected in the death of Eric Montequilla Barksdale, 32 of 1648 Rivermont Heights Road.

Deputies responded to that address shortly before 11 p.m. Saturday after receiving a call that someone had been shot outside the home, according to a news release the sheriff's office.

They found Barksdale on the front porch with apparent gunshot injuries. Barksdale was transported to Sovah Health-Martinsville, where he was pronounced dead.

Authorities report there had been an argument between Barksdale and a 17-year-old male.

The victim and juvenile went outside, where the juvenile shot Barksdale then fled on foot, the release stated.A 17-day-long festival initiated by Dublin City Council to celebrate the upcoming Chinese New Year kicked off here on Friday night with lion dances, a reception served with dumplings and a concert presented in a combination of Chinese and Irish music.



Lord Mayor of Dublin Nial Ring, Chinese Ambassador to Ireland Yue Xiaoyong, and Irish Ambassador to China Eoin O'Leary were among the 200-strong representatives from different walks of life attended the opening reception of the festival which was held at Dublin City Gallery.

Addressing the event, Dublin City Mayor Nial Ring said that the festival for this year is the largest of its kind ever held by Dublin City Council since its inception in 2008.

"The Chinese culture is exceptional," he said, adding that the festival will help increase the status of Dublin as a diversified and inclusive international cosmopolitan.

He said this year is the Year of the Pig for the Chinese and he wished all the members of the Chinese community in Dublin as well as in Ireland a happy and prosperous new year.

The mayor disclosed in his speech that he was born in the year of the pig in 1959, and he extended an invitation to all the guests at the event to participate in a birthday party he is going to host in the Mansion House, his official residence in Dublin, on May 16.

Chinese Ambassador to Ireland Yue Xiaoyong and Irish Ambassador Eoin O'Leary also addressed the event, during which both of them said that 2019 marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic ties between the two countries and they both wished a more fruitful new year for the China-Ireland relations.

Yue and O'Leary also jointly unveiled the opening of the festival and enjoyed a concert together with local audience at the ground hall of the gallery.

The performances jointly presented by a young Chinese female percussionist and a young Irish male violinist provided a unique experience for music lovers.

Dublin Chinese New Year Festival has been held for 12 consecutive years, and the festival for this year is the largest of its kind, said Aimee Van Wylick, who has been a producer of the festival for the last five years.

According to Wylick, over 80 programs will be staged during this year's celebrations, including concerts, acrobatic and dance performances, film, painting and calligraphy shows, various cultural workshops and lectures as well as Chinese fairs.

She said that as the Chinese New Year is drawing closer, more and more exciting celebrations will be rolled out which will include a launch ceremony to light all the main landmark buildings in Dublin city on Sunday and a Chinese New Year concert to be staged by RTE National Symphony Orchestra at National Concert Hall in collaboration with Chinese musicians on Feb. 5, the first day of the Chinese New Year for this year.

Prior to the opening of Dublin Chinese New Year Festival 2019, Irish President Michael D. Higgins sent a message to the organizing committee of the festival in which he said the Chinese community have played a critical role in the creation of a multicultural Ireland and he wished all members of the Chinese community in Ireland a happy and truly prosperous new year.

Earlier in the day, an event entitled "Meeting China-Digital Art Exhibition" was inaugurated at the Confucius Institute of University College Dublin as part of the Happy Spring Festival activities organized by the Chinese embassy in Ireland.

The three-day event, which introduces traditional Chinese culture such as shadow plays and paper cutting arts through high-tech means in an interactive way, provides a brand new and interesting experience for Chinese culture lovers. The event is expected to attract over a thousand visitors, said the organizers.Hispanics are like everyone else who comes to Americafeatured

UTICA

Third suspect pleads in smash-and-grab at jewelry storeEnsure you get a print copy of the Loudoun Times-Mirror delivered weekly to your home or business!

Complete online access is included with all print subscriptions purchased online. Plus, up to four other members of your household can share online access through this subscription with their own, individual linked accounts at no additional charge.

(Are you a current advertiser? Ask your sales rep for our special advertiser rate code!)As the INMO confirmed that they are escalating their strike action plans, the General Practitioners of Ireland are now also warning that there may be limited access nationwide to GP services for patients this Wednesday.

This Wednesday (February 6) the General Practitioners of Ireland will take to the streets to march on Dail Eireann. Hundreds of GPs, some of them expected to be from Longford will congregate on Kildare and Molesworth Street at 2pm.

The NAGP say their voices will add to the growing number healthcare professionals who are witnessing first-hand the complete meltdown of our health service.

Dr Andrew Jordan Chair of the NAGP said: "We are calling on this Government to immediately reverse cuts that have been inflicted on General Practice that are dangerously impacting on patient and doctor safety."



Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (FEMPI) has seen 38% in cuts in resources to General Practice over the last decade. This has meant that practices the length and breadth of the country have had to cut services to match these swingeing cuts.

Referring to the protest on Wednesday, Dr Andrew Jordan warned: "Unfortunately, in certain parts of the country there may be limited access to GP services for patients on this day."

"We are becoming increasingly alarmed at the speed of the demise of General Practice," he said

At a recent NAGP meeting the warning from GPs was stark: "The citizens of Ireland maybe looking at the last generation of General Practice as we know it."

Dr Andrew Jordan continued: Future generations will be relying on hospitals to provide their healthcare unless urgent intervention to save General Practice is implemented by this government. Currently this government is killing General Practice.

Dr Maitiu O Tuathail President of the NAGP said This is why GPs from all over Ireland will be protesting on Wednesday, February 6. We are sick of saying sorry to our patients - sorry you cannot find a GP to register with, sorry you have to wait more than a week to get an appointment.



Dr O Tuathail said: The reality is our newly qualified vocational GPs are emigrating as they cannot deliver the service they were trained to do. Established GPs are having to retire early due to burnout and stress.



The number of doctors who have closed their lists to new patients is now running at 70%. This is effectively the latest scandal in the Irish health service," he said.





Longford Womens Link (LWL) is a partner in a new Erasmus+ project on digital competencies and skills and attended the first meeting in December in Brussels, hosted by IHF.

The DELSA project addresses the issue of low digital competencies and skills and will develop concrete training and educational resources to advance digital abilities of adults.

The two-year project has eight partners from six European countries (Belgium, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Poland and Spain) and is co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Commission under Key Action 2: Strategic Partnerships for Adult Education.

The resources developed by the DELSA project will be developed according to an accurate evidence-based assessment, ensuring a bottom-up approach which will produce outcomes fully relevant and consistent with the actual needs of the target group.

At the Brussels meeting, the partners had the opportunity to introduce themselves and share relevant knowledge from each country.

The meeting then focused on the project implementation, focusing on specific actions to analyse the issues, produce project outputs and disseminate the learning widely to ensure that the actions have results are visible across Europe.

Multiplier Events in each project country are envisioned during the DELSA lifetime to foster project visibility and to disseminate its methodology and outputs.

The DELSA project lead partner is Irish Rural Link and LWL are represented on the IRL board by Deputy CEO Tara Farrell.

Tara is also the Chairperson of AONTAS, the national adult learning organisation in Ireland.

For the full story, see www.longfordleader.ie.

For more information about DELSA and LWL initiatives, see www.lwl.ie, or find @LongfordWomensLink on Facebook or @LWLLongford on Twitter.Logan, WV (25601)

Today

Thunderstorms, some strong this evening will give way to steady rain overnight. Damaging winds and large hail with some storms. Low 62F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall may reach one inch..

Tonight

Thunderstorms, some strong this evening will give way to steady rain overnight. Damaging winds and large hail with some storms. Low 62F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall may reach one inch.Editor's note: Museums and art galleries in Beijing have prepared choice exhibitions for visitors to celebrate the upcoming Spring Festival, or Chinese Lunar New Year, which falls on Feb. 5 this year. Based on a 12-year cycle, each lunar year in the cycle has an animal symbol and 2019 marks the Year of the Pig. The following exhibitions will present how Chinese people celebrate the new year and why pigs are seen as the symbol of wealth in Chinese culture.

1. The Palace Museum

Exhibition: Han Meilin: Chinese Zodiac Art Exhibition

Location: Hall of Literary Brilliance (Wenhua Dian)

Dates: Jan. 6 - Feb. 20, 2019

This exhibition presents Han Meilin's depictions of the Chinese Zodiac (also known as Sheng Xiao, the twelve animals) in painting, calligraphy, sculpture, ceramics, purple clay pottery, wood carving, ironwork, furniture and folk art.Stay up to date on COVID-19

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Sign up now to get our FREE breaking news coverage delivered right to your inbox.Connor Hoffman/StaffFrom left, Common Council President Mark Devine, Adam Matthews, Mayor Michelle Roman, Vincent Wiese and Desiree Michalak pose for a photo at the Rail Yard Skate Park. Wiese says the skate park is showing its age and wants to bring a concrete skate park to the city.Mia Summerson/staffBarbara Hughes, president of the Carnegie Art Center's board of directors, addresses the crowd at the 2016 Art Off the Wall event. She recently stepped down from her position with the North Tonawanda art gallery.The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo practically makes family its brand, what with so many animal attractions, carnival rides and other activities for cowpokes of all ages. Heres a roundup of new and returning rodeo fun for the entire family.

Whats new

First up, quite literally, are two new displays of amazing aerial stunts. The Trickline Collective professional slackliners will perform flips, jumps and other tricks at the rodeo on a narrow nylon webbing thats like a bouncy tightrope, while the Off Axis Acrobatic Stunt Show will showcase high-flying athletes who soar with trampolines.

Another new rodeo show features stunts of a more canine nature. Behold the doggone good fun of the Extreme Dogs stunt show, as talented dogs jump, dive and weave for your amusement.

Also new to the rodeo is master bowman Frank Addington Jr., who will perform behind-the-back archery trick shots that would make Katniss and Robin Hood weep.

And whats a rodeo without  alligators? The Floridians behind the Scales, Tails and Teeth road show bring the nations largest reptile to the rodeo grounds for an unforgettable display of gator wrestling and other capture techniques.

RELATED: All of the discounts and promotions to take advantage of during the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo

More animals make their rodeo debut with the Wild Things ZOOfari show, which offers hands-on time with exotic and native animals, and the San Antonio Zoo, which features zoo animals.

The rodeo is also adding Rodeo After Dark, which will feature live music Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at five stages in the fairgrounds. As the name indicates, most of the shows are scheduled for the evening with some ending just after midnight. Theres also a mechanical bull for both kids and adults inside the food court pavilion.

Whats back

It wouldnt be a stock show and rodeo without the usual array of engaging and entertaining wildlife.

You cant talk rodeo classics without shouting sooey! The ever-popular Swifty Swine Pig Races showcase some of the fastest piggies on turf, as they blaze around the track for Oreos and glory.

For rodeo animals of a more familiar nature, Texas Longhorns 101 will widen eyes with its informative, in-the-flesh look at the Lone Star cattle breed with the perfect name, thanks to Banderas Cross T Ranch.

Meanwhile, the rodeos Great American Petting Zoo once again features friendly goats and other farm critters for petting in a barrier-free enclosure, while the Pony Rides take tykes for a leisurely ride on gorgeous, pure-bred Welsh ponies.

Zoomagination also returns for another live animal exhibition featuring macaws, two-toed sloths and other critters.

For other hands-on fun, the Cowboy Boot Camp is back to show children how to rope steer, pan for gold, milk a cow and engage in other on-the-ranch activities.

RELATED: San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo names final 2019 entertainers

Kids also can learn more about the agricultural side of farm and ranch life. At Little Buckaroo Farms, visitors can marvel at a live beehive, snap a selfie with a farm animal and even give goat-milking a go. Then theres Agricadabra, Brad Matchetts agriculture-based magic show featuring tricks, dancing and a magic rabbit named Houdini.

Want more returning magic? Award-winning sand sculptor Lucinda Wierenga, better known as Sandy Feet, returns to create four giant sand sculptures with her team.

And when youre ready to see the rodeo sights from spinning and dizzying heights, the rodeo carnival has you covered.

Wade Shows returns with its dynamic array of roller coasters, whirlers and other rides to fill the air with screams of laughter and just plain screams. Just remember that carnival rides are not included in grounds admission.

The rodeo does have special promotions that are friendly to a familys budget.

Dollar Days offers $1 fairgrounds admission until 6 p.m., with carnival rides and select food items $1 all day. Dollar Days run Friday, Feb. 8, Monday, Feb. 18, and Friday, Feb. 22.

Two Dollar Tuesdays promises grounds admission, carnival rides and select food items for $2 all day every Tuesday. And the final Sunday of the rodeo, Feb. 24, has fairgrounds admission at $5 for adults and free for children and seniors.

Rene A. Guzman is a staff writer in the San Antonio and Bexar County area. Read him on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | rguzman@express-news.net | Twitter: @reneguzChildrens hospitals in Texas are facing a dire future  their collective Medicaid losses, across the eight nonprofit institutions statewide in less than 10 years, are a breathtaking three-quarters of a billion dollars.

The population served by these hospitals include Texas poorest and most at-risk children.

Childrens hospitals are crucial safety nets, purposefully created many years ago to provide the best health care to children with the most severe conditions: cancer, organ failures, premature birth issues and other chronic, life-threatening illnesses.

Often, the only place a child can get this lifesaving care is at a childrens hospital.

For many years, the hospitals have been supported with Medicaid funding, which has been cut back virtually every legislative session over the past decade. We have, quite simply, almost reached the point of no return.

This is why the Childrens Hospital Association of Texas is asking for $100 million  $50 million per year  to be included in the biennial budget that will be considered by the 86th Legislature, which convened in Austin last month.

But why do we care? Cant other hospitals pick up the slack?

In a word, no.

The childrens hospitals in Texas are strategically located around our huge state  Dallas, San Antonio, Fort Worth, Lubbock, Austin, Corpus Christi, Houston and El Paso  and this geographic reach gives them the ability to take care of sick children from virtually every county. They are the first line of critical care for the kids they treat.

About 3.4 million  one-half of all children living in Texas  are enrolled in Medicaid or the Childrens Health Insurance Program. Children under 18 make up 75 percent of all Medicaid cases in Texas. Childrens hospitals depend on Medicaid funding, as between 50 percent and 80 percent of the days spent by children at a childrens hospital in Texas are paid for by Medicaid.

And no, other hospitals are not well positioned to handle this population if the childrens hospitals can no longer perform their vital role. Many of the services that childrens hospitals provide can be found only at a childrens hospital. Our most vulnerable children and their families see a centralized treatment team of pediatric specialists dedicated to caring for that child in one location.

Childrens hospitals serve as the safety net for both urban and rural hospitals, as kids who are too sick to be treated at these other hospitals are often transferred to one of our childrens hospitals for care.

Investing in the health of our children, especially those who are sickest, is an investment in the future of our state. Employers indicate that quality health care  including excellent childrens hospitals  is key to decisions about where to locate headquarters.

Additionally, treating children as early as possible gives them a much better chance of living productive lives. The future of Texas depends on having a thriving and well-educated population as the years unfold, and a fundamental building block of that prosperity is keeping the population healthy.

Most important, these hospitals save lives. For many Texas families, a childrens hospital is the only hope their child has for survival.

You may be wondering why were only asking for $100 million for the biennium when the shortfall is so much greater than that.

Childrens hospitals in Texas have become skilled at keeping their doors open on the thinnest of operating margins. The current situation is something they cannot sustain, so the $100 million allows them to continue operating until a longer-term solution can be found.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has announced a sweeping commitment to public education in our state, which we applaud. We must keep our children healthy enough to benefit from that education, or we will make a mistake that will haunt Texans for generations.

Please let your elected representatives know that this issue is important to you, and ask them to vote yes to funding childrens hospitals in Texas.

Stacy E. Wilson, J.D., is the president of the Childrens Hospital Association of Texas.I have a story to share about the Texas medical cannabis program.

I recently had the pleasure of meeting Julia, a 16-year-old girl diagnosed with intractable epilepsy. When she first came to the Compassionate Cultivation dispensary in February of last year, she had been experiencing multiple debilitating seizures every week, sometimes multiple seizures a day.

Epilepsy controlled Julias day-to-day life: She couldnt go to a normal school; she couldnt go to summer camp; she really couldnt do any of the things most healthy teens take for granted. Doctors had tried every traditional epilepsy medication to no avail. But everything changed after she received a prescription from her neurologist for medical cannabis under the Texas Compassionate Use Program, or CUP.

Julias new treatment plan included low-tetrahydrocannabinol high-cannabidiol cannabis oil, and the results were dramatic and immediate, with a near-elimination of seizures. Julia could finally do activities on her own  like getting her drivers license and socializing normally with family and friends  things she couldnt have imagined possible less than a year ago.

Across Texas, there are patients like Julia who have seen vast improvements in quality of life thanks to locally made CBD medicine thats strictly regulated.

Indeed, a significant body of research has demonstrated cannabidiol, or CBD can effectively reduce seizure frequency and intensity for many epilepsy patients  as evidenced by the U.S. Food and Drug Administrations landmark approval of a cannabis-derived CBD drug for certain forms of epilepsy.

There is no question that the Texas medical cannabis program is working; its keeping patients safe and ensuring physicians are involved in a patients treatment every step of the way. But countless Texans suffer from debilitating conditions that arent included in the state program.

When Texas lawmakers passed the Compassionate Use Act in 2015, the existing body of scientific research on potential medical benefits of cannabis was much smaller than it is today. Given that relative lack of hard evidence outside of intractable epilepsy, the limited scope of the Texas program made sense at the time.

But the past three years have seen a surge in scientific discovery.

A 2017 report by the World Health Organization concluded CBD has a high safety profile and is associated with minimal negative side effects compared with traditional pharmaceutical medications. Further, a comprehensive review by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine of 10,000 scientific abstracts on cannabinoids noted there is conclusive evidence for therapeutic use for relieving chronic pain; spasticity in multiple sclerosis patients; and chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting.

Studies also indicate cannabinoids may be helpful for treating a number of other conditions, including chronic inflammation and related pain; post traumatic stress disorder; autism; opioid addiction disorders; and spasticity associated with various neurological conditions. Strong research also indicates CBD can minimize debilitating side effects of cancer treatment and postoperative pain.

Armed with a growing body of scientific evidence, it is time for state lawmakers to reconsider the value of this medicine.

Expanding our states qualifying conditions list to provide a wider range of patients safe access to medical-grade cannabis-based medicine is a natural and necessary next step in the evolution of the Texas medical cannabis program.

Its time to ease the restrictive nature of statutes that limit accessibility to the program, such as language requiring physicians to prescribe rather than recommend medical cannabis  which has curtailed physician participation. It is also incumbent on Texas lawmakers to support the understanding and utility of cannabis-derived medications by creating a legal research and development program to facilitate investigation of further medical applications in our state.

Imagine how many Texans might regain their physical mobility, health and autonomy if we permitted broader access and robust research for medical cannabis.

So, what are we waiting for?

If you agree, please take a few minutes to reach out to your state representatives through Capitol.Texas.gov and let them know how you feel.

Morris Denton is chief executive officer of Compassionate Cultivation, the first and only Texas-owned and -operated licensed medical cannabis company in the Lone Star State.Under Congressman Viscloskys leadership, the Congressional Steel Caucus has been one of the most effective caucuses in Congress. We are confident that he will remain a strong voice for the steel industry as he assumes the chairmanship of yet another important committee. We welcome Congressman Lamb and look forward to working with him and his caucus on advancing policies that impact the future of our USA business and the domestic steel industry, Brett said.Finally, the GOP is calling out a chief executive for his appalling insensitivity on an issue of race: Saturday, via Twitter, Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., the highest-ranking Republican in the House of Representatives, decried that chief executive's "past racist behavior" and said "He should resign." In two tweets on Saturday, Republican Party chair Ronna McDaniel listed off what she sees as that same chief executive's callousness on race, including, apparently, his appearance, in a photo, 35 years ago, in which one person is in blackface and the other is wearing a Ku Klux Klan hood and robe. The conduct that these Republicans denounced clearly deserves condemnation, no matter how or when it occurred.

Unfortunately, they've reserved their scorn for one chief executive, Virginia's Gov. Ralph Northam, a Democrat, and held back when it comes to criticizing a chief executive from their own party, President Donald Trump, for his racially divisive statements and public positions. That is naked hypocrisy.

Northam, without doubt, brought this criticism on himself: Friday he released a statement apologizing for appearing, in a 1984 medical school yearbook photo, "in a costume that is clearly racist and offensive," saying, "I am deeply sorry for the decision I made." Then on Saturday, he went before live cameras to say "I believe then, and now, that I am not either of the people," in the photo in question. A risible, flimsy explanation, unacceptable for anyone, let alone the governor of a state.

Republicans, sensing a relatively rare moment when, for once, the other party had to own a race-relations debacle, joined Democrats in calling for Northam's ouster. In addition to McCarthy and McDaniel, Virginia GOP chair Jack Wilson called on Northam to step down, saying the governor has "lost the moral ability" to lead. Ever since Election Day 2016, when Trump's supporters promised he wouldn't be as awful as his critics - including me - warned he'd be, Republicans have longed for a moment when they could at least pretend to gain the high moral ground.

But while Democrats, and decent people everywhere, have a right to demand that Northam step down, Republicans who continue to support a party dominated by Trump can't be taken seriously on this point.

Trump's record on race issues is abysmal. For years, he fueled birtherism to attack President Barack Obama. He once argued that a federal judge, Gonzalo Curiel, couldn't be impartial in a case involving Trump because, as Trump said, "He's a Mexican. We're building a wall between here and Mexico." Early in his presidential candidacy, Trump called for a "total and complete ban on Muslims entering the country." In office, he ruminated on America needing more immigrants from places such as Norway and fewer immigrants from "shithole" countries, referencing Haiti, El Salvador and African countries.

Despite polls taken at various times during his presidency which show that significant percentages of Americans either see Trump as racist or, at a minimum, someone who has "emboldened" racists, the president still enjoys the support of members of his party in Congress and 78 percent approval among Republicans in the latest Washington Post/ABC News poll. For the most part, the party has indulged his race-baiting comments and his crude handling of racial issues. But somehow party leaders, who stand firmly behind him, and a national party which just passed a resolution expressing "undivided support" for him, seems to have no qualms about calling out Northam.

How Northam got all the way to the Viriginia statehouse without the yearbook photo being discovered will wind up as a case study in future training for political opposition researchers and for reporters. Regardless of how it happened, it's fair to view his inconsistent statements and conclude that he never thought he would have to explain any of this until after it became public. That disingenuousness is damning in itself, and if the voters and elected leaders of Virginia decide that this episode disqualifies him from serving honorably in office - it appears they do - that's their choice. (I happen to agree with them.)

Democrats don't have completely clean hands on race issues; if nothing else, the Northam episode illustrates that. But when commentators such as David Limbaugh ask if Trump supporters must "forfeit the right to pass any moral judgments" because of their continual excuse-making for him, the only reply is: yes. Criticizing Northam for "past racist behavior" and his present equivocation after more than two years of overlooking an astonishing record of divisiveness reflects little more than a self-serving, morally repellent double standard. There are plenty of good arguments for kicking Northam out of his job. The newfound racial piety of a party that sold its soul to Trump isn't one of them.OSF Saint Anthonys Health Center registered nurse April Dawn Ferguson sets examples for peers and community alike, particularly those overcoming disabilities.

April Dawn  named for the month and time of day she was born in 1989  has congenital hearing loss in both ears, but overcame this obstacle and challenge, not only through self-determination, but also because of strong support systems, such as family and health professionals. April, 29, of Godfrey, made a serious contemplative decision when she was age 20 to get a cochlear implant  a surgically implanted neuroprosthetic device  for which she has no regrets.

She started wearing hearing aids when she was 2 and at age 3, she attended a pre-school-age class for the hearing impaired, held at South Roxana Elementary School. April made such strides that, in short order, she went on to enroll in mainstream education, graduating from Alton High School in 2007.

Oddly enough, Aprils father, Kurt Ferguson, before he ever met his future wife and Aprils mother, Zoe Ferguson, felt what could be considered a premonition. In college  more than 10 years before Aprils birth  he learned sign language during the summer between his junior and senior year.

It all started in 1975, Kurt recalled. I felt I would probably date a deaf woman, so I took that class. I learned to read lips before I was five years old, because I had ear problems myself, having my eardrums lanced four times as a child (now children have tubes in their ears for such problems). A tonsillectomy fixed my hearing problems, but reading lips really became important, because April reads lips like crazy.

Aprils parents met when Kurt moved, from Iowa, to Alton, Illinois, in 1985, to work as an underwriter for Millers Mutual Insurance Co., where Zoe also worked. Kurt approached Zoe by saying in sign language, I think you are a beautiful girl. They began dating about three months later and, as the saying goes, the rest is history. Zoe learned sign language once the couple discovered their youngest child was hearing impaired.

When April was slow to start speaking, her parents began to wonder why.

At three years old, I couldnt get her to shut up, Aprils dad said, proudly.

April, born at Alton Memorial Hospital, underwent Auditory Brainstem Response testing at St. Louis SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Childrens Hospital when she was 1.5 years old. She was diagnosed with moderate to severe hearing loss, at first using a temporary hearing aid that her parents moved from ear to ear, unsure what was enough aid to help her hear. Three months later, they ordered two hearing aids. At age 2, April also underwent speech therapy at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

We waited for the aha moment with the temporary aid, but nothing happened, Kurt and Zoe recalled to Health Watch.

Thereafter, April visited Cardinal Glennon once a year and excelled in school, as she does to this day, currently enrolled at SIUE, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She received an associates in science and an Associate of Science of Nursing in 2015 from Lewis and Clark Community College, in Godfrey, and now works full time at Altons Saint Anthonys intensive care unit.

For kindergarten, April attended school full days, with one half the day in class for hearing impaired, and one half in mainstream class, in the same building at South Roxana Elementary. Then, for first grade, she continued with mainstream education only, at the former J B Johnson Elementary School (in the Alton district, where AHS is now). In second grade, April received the annual Alton Administrators Excellence In Education Award, for which her teachers described her as well rounded and progressing in leaps and bounds. At the time, only 34 students received Alton Administrators awards, out of more than 7,000 students.

April also achieved perfect attendance during first and second grades that her parents fondly chalk up to Aprils FOMO  fear of missing out. If not for her dad making her stay home from school one day in third grade due to a high fever, she would have had perfect attendance throughout her primary and secondary school years, with the exception of one-half day in junior high and an excused absence on senior skip day in 12th grade. And, she achieved perfect attendance in nursing school.

When I told her she wasnt going to school that day in third grade, the look on her face said it all, her dad said. She cried.

Additionally, Aprils early education included playing the violin starting in fourth grade, making first chair that first year; cheerleading in seventh and eighth grades; and, dance team during high school.

In sixth grade, when students move from classroom to classroom, April decided to discontinue using a Phonic Ear device, which she had utilized since starting her primary education.

I was never inclined or encouraged to hide my hearing impairment, but I had to get a microphone from each classroom, each time, and I was over it, she recalled to Health Watch. I relied on lip reading, my hearing aids and communication at the beginning of each year with my teachers.

The next hurdle April encountered, at age 16, was finding her first part-time job, for which those hiring at the time did not seem keen to hire a hearing-impaired applicant, she noted.

I applied, in person, for tons of jobs, said April, who finally got her first job, readily hired by Ferguson family friend Bill Huebener at Huebener Dairy Barn in Brighton, where she worked from 2005 through 2008; she worked at an Alton chain restaurant from 2008 through 2013, with help from her sister, Alicia Ali (Ferguson) Berns, who already worked there, and from Bills wife, Gayle, since the restaurants management seemed hesitant to hire her.

Then, while still attending school at LCCC, where April enrolled in fall 2007, she worked at Schnucks Pharmacy, for which she became a certified pharmacy technician and worked from 2013 through 2016. She began her first nursing position at Saint Anthonys in 2016.

April still uses facial expressions of others to pick up on social cues. Once, as a child, she asked her dad what was wrong; he said, Nothing, why? She explained that he wasnt smiling.

So, ever since, I make sure Im smiling, he said. She has always cared about the feelings of others, which has worked perfectly in providing TLC to her patients. She was destined to be a nurse.

April, a multiple nominee for the international nursing honor, the Daisy Award, who won once in recent years, said the same about herself. She also was voted Best Nurse in the Riverbend in The Telegraphs Best of The Best contest last fall.

I dont think I had any one inspiration to choose my profession, she noted. Ive always been an empathetic being and always been drawn to the hospital setting. I love getting to put my touch on a persons journey in their life.Nine men  up from six earlier this week  are being force-fed under court order in a detention center in El Paso, Texas, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said.

One hunger striker, a 22-year-old man from India who called Associated Press on Friday, described how he is dragged from his cell three times a day and strapped down on a bed. He said a group of people force-feed him by pouring liquid into tubes pushed through his nose.

The man, who AP is identifying only by his last name Singh out of family concerns for his safety, stopped eating more than a month ago. In mid-January, ICE obtained court orders to begin non-consensual hydration and feeding, and so for weeks they've had nasal tubes inserted in their noses and IVs in their arms.

"They tie us on the force-feeding bed, and then they put a lot of liquid into the tubes, and the pressure is immense so we end up vomiting it out," said Singh. "We can't talk properly, and we can't breathe properly. The pipe is not an easy process, but they try to push it down our noses and throats."

Speaking through an interpreter, Singh said he has lost 50 pounds since he began his hunger strike to protest guards' unfair treatment of him and others from Punjab. He said they are being denied bond while detainees from other countries were released.

In a statement, ICE said it fully respects the rights of all to voice their opinion without interference.

"ICE does not retaliate in any way against hunger strikers. ICE explains the negative health effects of not eating to our detainees. For their health and safety, ICE closely monitors the food and water intake of those detainees identified as being on a hunger strike," ICE said.

The AP's reports on the force-feeding have garnered international headlines and angry responses from policymakers and human rights advocates.

U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar, an El Paso Democrat, visited some of the men, tweeting their situation is "unacceptable."

Hunger strikes among immigrant detainees and court orders authorizing force-feeding are rare, said an ICE official.

Although the agency doesn't keep statistics on this, attorneys, advocates and ICE staffers who AP spoke with did not recall a situation at an immigration detention site where it has come to this.

Detainees' attorneys have said that up to 30 men have been on hunger strikes over the last month. ICE says 10 detainees from India and Nicaragua in El Paso have refused nine consecutive meals. The International Red Cross, American Medical Association and World Medical Association condemn force-feeding strikers as unethical.Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo tweeted out a screenshot of what appears to be a threatening Facebook direct message to him Saturday morning.

"I'm glad those pigs were shot, hopefully you're next," the screenshot says. "I hope you have a year of absolute terror. I hope cops are murdered everyday this year so you know true fear. Hopefully those pigs die."In a preliminary report, Gates boyfriend told police she exited his vehicle after an argument at Indiana 231 and Lane Street, just east of Broadway, and began walking in the eastbound lane of Indiana 231. Police were called at 2:30 a.m., according to a report.Near the end of December 2014, scientists realized satellites were spotting a volcanic plume from territory within the nation of Tonga in the Pacific Ocean. By the end of January 2015, the eruption was over  and new land stretched between two older, small islands called Hunga Tonga and Hunga Ha'apai. (This third small island is referred to unofficially as Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai.)

Dan Slayback, a scientist at NASA who focuses on using remote sensing data, watched the eruption unfurl and started plotting a way to see the new land in person. And in October, he and a team of scientists arrived. [Photos: Mars Volcano Views Revealed by Spacecraft]

"We were all like giddy schoolchildren," Slayback told NASA's blog devoted to Earth expeditions. "It really surprised me how valuable it was to be there in person for some of this."

Plants have begun to grow in the flat plain surrounding the volcano of a new island in the South Pacific island nation of Tonga. The island Hunga Tonga-Hunga Haapai formed in 2015. (Image credit: Dan Slayback/NASA GSFC)

The island is an unusual survivor; most newborn islands disappear in just a couple months, as this one was predicted to do. But a 2017 analysis by NASA revised the island's life expectancy to between six and 30 years. It's one of only three volcanic islands to live longer than a few months in the past 150 years and the first to do so since a fleet of satellites began watching Earth's surface.

But when scientists stepped foot on the new island, it didn't quite match what they had expected based on their satellite views. The elevation changes were more dramatic than researchers had predicted, for example. The data that the team gathered on the ground should help scientists hone the model that they use to convert satellite images to ground heights, according to NASA.

The cliffs of a crater lake on the new island of Hunga Tonga-Hunga Haapai look otherworldly in this image by NASA scientist Dan Slayback during a visit to the nascent island with Woods Holes Sea Education Association (SEA) Semesters South Pacific cruise in 2018. (Image credit: Dan Slayback/NASA GSFC)

Slayback also collected rock samples with permission from a Tongan representative, and the researcher said he hopes that the data gathered during the trip will help scientists understand how long the island may survive.

NASA scientists have been particularly interested in the little island because it might be the closest we can get to ancient Mars as that planet would have looked before its oceans evaporated away and its volcanoes fell dormant.

A drone operated by the Woods Hole Sea Education Association (SEA) Semesters South Pacific cruise visits a new volcanic island in the South Pacific island nation of Tonga. The new island was born in 2015. (Image credit: Woods Hole)

That's a particularly intriguing comparison because of a mystery Slayback discovered when he arrived on the island. Pale-colored streaks of material coming out of the volcano's cone, visible on satellite images, turned out, in person, to be sticky mud, not volcanic ash, which is pulverized rock. "I'm still a little baffled of where it's coming from," Slayback told NASA.

Email Meghan Bartels at mbartels@space.com or follow her @meghanbartels. Follow us @Spacedotcom and Facebook. Original article on Space.com.WHEN the World Science Fiction Convention or Worldcon comes to Dublin for the first time in its history in August, Jack Fennell from Rathkeale will be there. And loving every minute of it.

Jack, who holds a PhD from UL, has done more than most to excavate and mine the world of Irish science fiction and is the author of a ground-breaking book on the subject. He is also the compiler and editor of a widely-praised anthology of Irish science fiction stories published by Tramp Press before Christmas which is likely to prove very popular.

What I would argue is that good science fiction is a bit like listening to jazz, he says. You have to let it wash over you. It kind of bombards you, drops you into an unfamiliar place. It engages the problem-solving part of your brain and has applications far outside what you read for pleasure.

He is only too well aware that science fiction is not well regarded in some quarters. Science fiction, he says, is not considered literature by people who should really know better. And he has been disheartened at times to see the Irish literati fall into that trap as well.

But Jack is happy to take on that misapprehension and to demolish it. Even more specifically, he has lent his considerable talent and research to helping to demolish the idea that Irish science fiction is a bit of a laughing matter. He is also keen to scupper the notion that Irish science fiction doesnt really exist.

And he points to Irish literary history, to Jonathan Swifts Gullivers Travels, to Oscar Wildes Doran Gray and to Bram Stokers Dracula as evidence.

Science fiction, Jack argues, is about making the imaginative leap but with an inner logic. In science fiction, anything can happen given enough time. It teaches you to look for the underlying logic, that somewhere there is a structure. If I pay attention, I will understand.

A century ago, for example, anybody using the then telephones would have regarded as preposterous the idea of a smart-phone turning on an oven from miles away. And the time-phone idea is one that Jack uses often to explain science fiction.

His own love affair with the genre began in childhood and he grew up, he explains, convinced that rural Ireland was just as likely a destination for aliens as anywhere else in the world. Consequently, the idea of an Irish science fiction was never alien to him and in time, it became a major interest.

It happened in stages.

His love of literature generally brought him first to a degree in Language and Cultural Studies at UL but then, for his MA, he worked on Monsters and the Grotesque, picking different authors and looking at how they used monsters in their work.

When it came to the Ph D, that was the big one. You really have to pick something broad enough so you dont get hemmed in, and something you like, Jack explains. The key thing when you are doing any substantial project is you to pick something you are deeply interested in. If you are only lukewarm, you run out of steam.

His initial idea was to write a comprehensive overview of Irish science fiction.

I thought that I had picked a nice handy topic, he laughs. I thought there couldnt be that many Irish science fiction novels and short stories out there, and whatever amount there was, must be very recent.

Instead, he discovered a rich seam of work, much of it forgotten or overlooked and he had to cut back his scope. His research however earned him a PhD and subsequently a book, Irish Science Fiction published by Liverpool Press, a book which he stresses is not an encyclopedia.

It is an academic book and there was a flurry of interest to begin with, Jack explains. Of course, there were comments such as why didnt you include so and so? But, he adds with a wry grin: I knew it was going to start arguments.

Many of those arguments, thrashed out with relish by both academics and sci-fi fans, centre on what is Irish science fiction and who can be regarded as an Irish sci-fi writer.

If Irish people write sci-fi is it really Irish or just Irish writers aping English or American writers? Is a writer who lives in Ireland a Irish sci-fi writer or does being set in Ireland make it Irish sci-fi? Jack asks.

To the uninitiated, the idea of Irish science fiction seems slightly odd; the countrys culture is generally assumed to be more invested in the past than the future, and to value the fantastic over the supposedly rational, he explains. Not so, he argues. And he believes the large amount of material that has been turned up and that keeps turning up, proves otherwise. It is something he welcomes.

It is brilliant that it is there. It shows we are not totally fixated on the past, on the stereotypes and cliches of past literature, he says.

And he hopes that his latest undertaking, A Brilliant Void: A selection of Classic Irish Science Fiction will go some way towards changing that perception. Perhaps even more so, he hopes it will convince the sceptical that the work should be regarded as literary in its own right. Putting the anthology together was a labour of love, following an approach from Tramp Press.

They had been looking for a while to publish something in Science Fiction or Special Fiction, Jack explains. They were interested in an anthology and I immediately said yes.

He researched for a year, making his selections.

Historically, the majority of writers in science fiction have been men. But there are significant numbers of women writers as well, although women are sometimes sidelined.

I was despairing of finding more women writers to include in the anthology and thought we might have to broaden the book, he continues. But he discovered that a lot of women writers had been mislabelled, categorised quite often under fairy tales. He discovered also that there was quite a bit of Irish language science fiction too and he has translated some stories himself and included them in the anthology.

A Brilliant Void was launched in December as part of Tramp Presss Recovered Voices series and, happily for Jack, has received good reviews. Meanwhile, Dr Jack Fennell is looking forward to attending WorldCon in Dublin, with its huge numbers of sci-fi writers and thousands of fans.

I will always champion the stuff, he says.

A Brilliant Void: A selection of classic Irish Science Fiction, published by Tramp Press, is available in local bookshops or online.ADARE has taken the first steps to drawing up a five-year-plan for the entire community.

Up to 130 people, including individuals and representatives from the many groups and organisation in the parish, took part in a meeting called by the Adare Community Trust (ACT) to launch the initiative.

The high turnout demonstrates the great level of commitment within the community, ACT chairman Dan Neville said. The involvement of the broader community is extremely encouraging, he added.

The objective, explained Mr Neville, was to get a plan that would guide development in an orderly way over the next five years and to identify projects that would enhance the village. The plan would also play a part in accessing funds, he said.

There was a positive vibe at the meeting, said Meriel Clarke, secretary of ACT and she believes it tapped into the positive spirit abroad in the village.

The meeting looked at different elements that needed to be included and addressed as part of, and during the lifetime of, the plan. These included infrastructure, enterprise, tourism and community.

Accommodation is a key issue in Adare with a lot of new housing now in the pipeline. This includes some 200 new private homes as well as 30 new social houses.

Providing the infrastructure to support these will be vital and includes sewerage treatment, a traffic management plan, a new streetscape and adequate parking And the villages good broadband could open up further possibilities for an innovation hub.

The contribution of Adare Manor and the hope of getting the Ryder Cup are positives but developing Adare as a destination hub, for longer stays by visitors will be crucial to any tourism strategy. Enhancing the Heritage Centre will also be part of this. The by-pass is also expected to open further possibilities for festivals to be developed as it will allow the streets to be closed off and aspirational projects such as a footbridge to Adare Castle are to be looked at. Community facilities will also be examined, with the continuing development of the leisure and sporting facilities at Manor Fields a priority along with further works at the Village Hall.

Consultants Tom OLeary & Associates will draw up the plan which is being funded by West Limerick Resources and Mr Neville hopes to have a draft by April.

We are on our way, Ms Clarke said. What we dont want is a document that is going to sit on the shelf.

The next immediate step will be to invite people to take part in an online survey or to fill in a hardcopy survey which will be available at the library. The various groups and organisations in Adare will also be consulted within the coming months.

What we want is ownership of the plan by the community, that there is a sense of ownership across the board when the plan is launched, Mr Neville said.

We are on our way, Ms Clarke said. What we dont want is a document that is going to sit on the shelf.

Adare Community Trust was set up in 2017 to act as an umbrella organisation for all the voluntary, business and sporting organisations in the parish.MINISTER of State Patrick ODonovan is seeking a meeting with the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) following the announcement that the authority had withdrawn as the main sponsor of the Foynes Air Show.

Show director, Margaret OShaughnessy announced on Tuesday that the air spectacular would not be going ahead this year. The withdrawal of the IAA sponsorship and the difficulty in finding a new sponsor at short notice had forced the cancellation, she said.

The disappointment has been compounded by the fact that this year is a big year for the Foynes Flying Boat and Maritime Museum as it celebrates its 30th birthday on July 8, and we also mark the 80th anniversary of the first commercial passenger flight over the Atlantic this year, Ms OShaughnessy said.

Minister ODonovan described IAAs decision to change their funding criteria as regrettable.

I have written to the IAA looking for a meeting to see what their proposals would be on an ongoing basis regarding their presence in the Mid-West, he said. He also wants to ascertain if a strategy could be put in place for 2020 and beyond.

But, he pointed out, Limerick City and County Council has a significant budget for festivals. A lot of the major events funded by the council such as the St Patricks Day Festival and the summer festivals are pretty much city oriented, he said.

Are there locations outside the city centre where they could invest to a greater degree? he asked. It is also something, he hoped, would be addressed in the councils new tourism strategy.

Meanwhile, Ms OShaughnessy expressed her deep disappointment at having to cancel the air show after five years, a show that last year attracted some 20,000 spectators and was worth an estimated 750,000 to the local economy.

The IAA sponsorship, which covered all in-the-sky action, was worth an estimated 100,000 to Foynes in a joint deal with Bray Air Show and the show overall cost an estimated 200,000.

When the IAA notified them in December that they had reviewed their Corporate Social Responsibility remit and were withdrawing their sponsorship, Ms OShaughnessy said they took a long, hard look at what could feasibly be cut out.

We contacted all the other sponsors but there was still too big a deficit between what we could get in and what it would cost, she said.PLANS for a floating data centre at Limerick Docks could be under threat after a slew of objections to the multi-million euro proposal.

As exclusively revealed by the Limerick Leader, planning permission is being sought for a new 35m floating data centre at Ted Russell Dock, in a move which could see a total of 124 new positions.

However, 17 parties have responded to the planning application before Limerick City and County Council, mainly expressing their opposition to the plans, with the local authority now seeking further information.

With centres providing information technology power for businesses being sought after, the Shannon Foynes Port Company has teamed up with Californian firm Nautilus which plans to moor a floating vessel providing commercial data storage at Ted Russell Dock.

The Limerick Port Users group, which in itself represents 16 businesses on the docklands, has launched a formal submission against the proposals, with its chairman Liam Woulfe, of Grassland Agro, saying the group believe the data centre will severely and irrevocably compromise the ability of the port to meet the existing needs of its users.

The objection continues: The Limerick Port users have conducted a study which outlines the proposed development will reduce the capacity of the dock by 23% severely hindering its ability to handle current tonnage levels and hinder future development.

The group  which includes Irish Cement, Shannonside Timber Products, Greenstar and United Metals  has claimed already one port user has been prevented from carrying out shipments due to space.

Limerick port users having a wealth of marine knowledge would like to draw attention to the naivety of the promoter of the proposed development who despite having been in existence since 2013, and after a number of failed attempts have yet to construct an operational floating data centre, they add.

However, support for the proposals came from the Limerick Chamber and the Action Plan for Jobs.

Its chairman Barry OSullivan wrote: New innovations have catalytic impacts on regional economies. The proposed floating commercial data storage vessel at Limerick Docklands would be such a catalyst for the city-region and in this regard, we cannot emphasise enough the importance of this application.

He urged council in the regions and the nation's interest to pass the application.

The applicant, the Foynes Port Company has been contacted for comment.Abbeyleix came to a standstill on Saturday morning in mourning for the funeral mass of its late Parish Priest Fr John Cummins.

Bishops, priests, family, friends and local people gathered in the Church of the Most Holy Rosary on a crisp bright winter's morning to bid farewell to the Newbridge native, who left such an indelible mark in just under two years of ministry in Abbeyleix and Ballyroan.

Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin Denis Nulty was chief celebrant of the Requiem Mass for the priest who was killed in a freak car accident outside his home in the Laois town last Wednesday, January 30.

Opening the Mass the bishop warmly welcomed the large congregation to the funeral Mass in a parish where Fr Cummins has served for the past 18 months. Prior to that, Fr Cummins had served in Naas for four years, five years in Rome and a further five years as Chaplain at Carlow IT and 12 years in Carlow Cathedral 11 as administrator.

More below picture.

Bishop Nulty said many who knew Fr Cummins during his various posts had been shaken by his sudden passing.

"There are so many people feel bereft and adrift when someone so gifted, so able, so talented is taken away literally in the twinkling of an eye.

"We are indeed broken and crushed. In the inadequacy of our language, in the heartbreak of our grief, we turn to God. We find our answer in the Crib here in Abbeyleix. God's son came to be with us not to take away the pain but to accompany us to walk with us," he said.

The bishop extended his sympathy to Fr John's family who hail from Newbridge and travelled to Abbeyleix for the mass. He also welcomed the many members of the clergy, including, Archbishop Kieran O'Reilly of Cashel and Emly and Bishop Fintan Monaghan of Killaloe.

In his homily to a packed church, Bishop Nulty described Fr Cummins as a man dedicated to his ministry since he was ordained in 1991 after entering Maynooth in 1984.

"He loved being a priest. He gave his life to the church and for the church. He made being holy positive again. At a time when the church needs more good priests on the pitch, it feels if God scored an own goal last Wednesday evening. John was not just a good priest he was a great one," he said.

Bishop Nulty said he appointed Fr Cummins to an evangelical role for the dioceses in 2014.

"I think that the past few days have been a powerful message for all of us - priest and people - of evangelicalism. It crystalised the fondness the people of all ages, faiths and levels of commitment, engagement and practice have for their local priest. The gift of the priesthood is deeply appreciated by one and all. The church is very dynamic, very alive at a local parish level," he said.

He recalled his first Christmas in Carlow as Bishop of the diocese. He remembered Fr Cummin's multilingualism as shown when he celebrated midnight mass in Carlow Cathedral.

He also recalled that the crib remained in place in the cathedral until February 2 - something John had a 'thing' for. Poignantly, the crib was still in place in the Church of the Holy Rosary Abbeyleix for the funeral mass last Saturday.

Bishop Nulty said Fr Cummins was not a man for an orderly desk because he was always working and planning.

"I am certain he left his desk in Abbeyleix last Wednesday afternoon with plans to return to complete the Catholic Schools week liturgy in Heywood the following day," he said.

The bishop said he and the diocese have been inundated with tributes.

"Every message, every tribute said the same thing. John was gentle, loyal pastoral ...he was a great man to stay in touch with friends as many lay as clergy," he said.

Fr Cummins was described as someone who wore his high academic qualifications very lightly but had 'razor-sharp intellect'. He was also described as wearing his spirituality on his sleeve and was a man of deep prayer and reflection with more to contribute.

"None of us knew what destiny the Lord had in mind for John Cummins but what we do know is that the Church of Kildare and Leighlin, indeed the Irish Church, is poorer for his absence," he said

Bishop Nulty touched on Fr John's humanity. He spoke of an old backpack that went everywhere with Fr John from his trips abroad to the Festival of the Families where the bishop ended up wearing John's much smaller Alb after his own vestments went missing in the RTE tent with the Killaloe dioceses.

He remembered a skydive the late priest did in Clonbollogue with three other priests in 2015 to raise funds. "He wasn't back to normal for weeks," said the Bishop.

He thanked all who attended and sensitively managed the scene of the accident.

Concluding the Mass Bishop Nulty thanked Fr Ger Ahern, the predecessor of Fr Cummins as PP of Abbeyleix for overseeing the organisation of the mass. He thanked the community of Abbeyleix, local schools for their role in the funeral mass. He also thanked the Ballyroan and Abbyelix choirs.

Students from Scoil Mhuire, Abbeyleix, Scoil Eoin Phoil Naofa II, Ballyroan and Heywood Community School formed a guard of honour as the remains were taken from the church led by Bishop Nulty and other priests.

Teachers joined the students as they escorted the hearse, which was followed by hundreds of local people to Heritage House, where the Rosary was recited led by Bishop Nulty.

Immediately afterwards, the remains were taken to repose at the Cummins family home in Newbridge. Mass will be celebrated at 11 am on Monday morning in St Conleth's Parish Church with interment afterwards in St Conleth's Cemetery.A 70-year-old woman has succumbed to her injuries after being struck by a vehicle while she was crossing a street that had no crosswalk, state police said.

The woman was identified as Dzefka Islamova of Lower Macungie Township, according to the Lehigh County Coroners Office. Islamova was wearing dark clothing at the time of the early evening accident, according to the Pennsylvania State Police in Fogelsville. Authorities did not release the name of the driver involved.

Islamova was attempting to cross the street at Lower Macungie Road just south of Hamilton Boulevard in Lower Macungie Township just before 6 p.m. on Saturday when she was hit. Taken to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest in Salisbury Township, she was later pronounced dead, state police said.

The cause of death was multiple blunt force injuries and her death was ruled accidental, according to the coroners office.

Also responding was the Lower Macungie Fire Dept., Lower Macungie Emergency Medical Services and the Lehigh County District Attorneys Office. The accident remains under investigation by Pennsylvania State Police in Fogelsville, the Lehigh County Coroners Office and Lehigh County District Attorneys Office.

Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @pamholzmann. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.Most of those who work at the courthouse have literally taken it in stride, noting they are getting more exercise walking from the county building though the Washington Street overpass to the new tower. Its perhaps not amusing for those carrying large amounts of files and discovery materials to and from the courtrooms.He also values his failures, he said. I wouldnt have access to any of my success without my failures, Williams said. For any young person, embrace your failures. Do not run away from them. Its easier said than done, but failure is like a rocket on your back, he said, adding it will launch you to greatness.Rome, January 30 - Discussion in the Italian Chamber of Deputies on motions regarding a high-speed rail line (TAV) will be held in the second week of February, party whips decided on Wednesday. The Democratic Party (PD) disagreed with the decision. The discussion is expected to be held after that on the Carige bank rescue law and the draft constitutional law concerning referendums. "If it goes well, it should be held at the end of the month," PD whip Graziano Delrio said, adding that "the majority is hiding and (Deputy Prime Minister Matteo, Ed.) Salvini prefers to show off instead of debating and telling the truth."Through the years, people from every part of the city have shared their stories with me  meaning with you, the Tribunes reader, writes Mary Schmich in her farewell column. I learned from all of them, was changed by them all.Bill Bennett: Democrats have made a sharp left turn  Here's what's behind it

Its been two years since the end of the Obama presidency and in that span, the mainstream Democratic Party has made an extreme shift to the far left. In 2019 the Democrats have put their weight behind increased taxes, universal health care, open borders, and third-trimester abortions.

How do we account for this radical trend?

A journalist friend of mine reports that his generally liberal college son was somewhat somnolent and indifferent during the Obama years, lulled into quiescence by liberal policies and moderate talk. Then came Trump. A huge splash of cold water hit his face and he and his cohorts were galvanized into angry action.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM BILL BENNETT

Flannery OConnor wrote that sometimes you have to, push back against the age as hard as it pushes against you. Trump pushed hard, and the liberals have become the left, pushing back even harder.

The problem is that their blind indignation for President Trump is clouding their judgment and pushing them to the brink. Theyre punching back at their magnified perception of Trump, not his actual policies.

Trumps policies are conservative, but mostly traditionally so with a good dash of moderation and compromise.

This isnt a Newtonian equal and opposite reaction by the Democrats. Itsunequal and opposite and may cost them dearly.

Trumps policies are conservative, but mostly traditionally so with a good dash of moderation and compromise.

Lets examine the issues.

Its not a new concept for Democrats to favor higher taxes than Republicans. What is new, however, is the momentum around dramatic tax increases for the super wealthy, which would have a large impact on the economy.

Specifically, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-NY, is proposing a 70 percent marginal tax rate on individuals making $10 million a year or more. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., is proposing a 2 percent annual tax on citizens with a net worth of over $50 billion. Currently, the highest tax rate in the US is 37 percent. It was 39.6 percent under Obama.

As it always does, tax increases on the very wealthy will lead to tax increases on the not so wealthy and middle class in order to even approach getting the revenues needed for the lefts hugely expensive schemes.

Building on the socialist momentum from her party, 2020 Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris, D-Calif., has said she wants to do away with private health insurance in favor of Medicare for all. Unlike with ObamaCare, health insurance companies are not on board here and will fight this tooth and nail.

Now lets discuss the wall.

Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., was on record as supporting border and immigration control, including walls and barriers in 2009. Now its chief opponent, he recently tweeted, The shutdown cost the U.S. economy $11 billionwhat a devastating & pointless exercise this has been. With an estimated cost of $5 billion dollars, Schumer could have approved the wall, saved $6 billion dollars, avoided a shutdown, and been in line with his partys stance on immigration reform during the Obama administration.

So why now the vehement contention? The Democrats care more about sticking it to Trump than common sense.

Apparently, judging from the absence of any explicit policy pronouncements, they believe in neither borders or limits to immigration.

Consider abortion.

In Virginia, embattled Gov. Ralph Northam and other Democrats are supporting The Repeal Act, which would dramatically ease restrictions on third-trimester abortions.

By his own language and subsequently the language of support of other Democrats, this policy would, if enacted, result in the explicit and direct killing of a born child. This isnt progressive, this is infanticide and murder.

Thankfully the public feels the same way. Only 13 percent of Americans and 18 percent of Democrats favor third-trimester abortions.

If Democrats want a chance at winning the presidency, they should listen to Schultz and Bloomberg and step back from the cliff.

These days the billionaire former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz are too moderate for these Democrats and they are putting the lie to this New Democrat Extremism.

Schultz called the Medicare for all idea not American.

Bloomberg condemned Warrens proposal, stating:

"We need a healthy economy and we shouldn't be embarrassed about our system. If you want to look at a system that's not capitalistic, just take a look at what was once one of the wealthiest countries in the world and now people are starving to death: it's called Venezuela."

If Democrats want a chance at winning the presidency, they should listen to Schultz and Bloomberg and step back from the cliff.

That President Trump has pushed them is indeed true, but they are pushing back much harder and recklessly so. He has made them so crazy with anger that their fury and policies know no bounds. But in the end, they will hit a wall, maybe not at the border, but of their own making.

William J. Bennett joined FNC as a contributor in 2017. He is the former U.S. secretary of education, under President Ronald Reagan and the nations first director of the Office of Drug Control Policy, under President George H.W. Bush.MISSOULA, Mont. (AP) - A bounty hunter will not serve jail time after pleading guilty to criminal endangerment and unlawful restraint in a case that raised questions about Montana's lack of regulations for the industry.

The Missoulian reports Vaness Baker was given a three-year deferred sentence and a suspended six-month sentence in county jail by Missoula District Judge Robert Deschamps on Friday.

Baker pleaded guilty in November.

Authorities initially filed an aggravated burglary charge against Baker related to his pursuit of a man who owed $115 to a bail bondsman.

According to court documents, Baker broke into the man's home and aimed a rifle at the man, his wife and their four-year-old child.

Baker told the judge he was sorry the child was scared and glad no one was hurt.

(Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)The hunter advancement program has extended their application deadline to February 18.

Lead Instructor George Bettas said the program allows participants to become a certified "Master Hunter," allowing them to hunt on private lands and ranches.

The Master Hunter course was offered as a pilot program in Bozeman last year, graduating 25 certified hunters. Those hunters were connected with local farmers and ranchers and hunted on 13 ranches this past fall.

"It provides the hunter with one an enhanced set of skills and 2 opportunities to hunt private property where the land owners are looking for hunters who are respectful of private property who understand farming and ranching," said Bettas.

This year, the program will expand to Missoula and Billings.

The program will have a focus on wildlife conservation, provide advanced hunting skills, and discuss hunting ethics among other topics.

MHAP in Billings will go for five successive Saturday's starting on May 4th.

The program costs $200 a participant, and need-based scholarships are available on request.

For more information you can go to http://mtmasterhunter.com/Local colleges and Shreveport Memorial Library team up to help students with the FAFSALeigh Moran of Fort Wayne has had wonderful, painful, frightening and uplifting experiences, centered around her relationship with God, that she shares in her writings. She has seen what faith can do for each of us. She and her husband have three children and three granddaughters. A former teacher and a social worker, she is a 12-year breast cancer survivor. She has a ministry for cancer patients in Indiana and Nashville, Tennessee.Kendallville, IN (46755)

Today

Evening clouds will give way to clearing overnight. Low 44F. Winds NNW at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Evening clouds will give way to clearing overnight. Low 44F. Winds NNW at 10 to 15 mph.St. Barnabas Hospital is the subject of a lawsuit in a case of mistaken identity.**Embargo: Davenport, IA-Rock Island-Moline, Ill.** A 69-year-old FedEx worker has been found dead outside this delivery hub in western Illinois, and police believe the extreme cold snap that hit the country this week played a role.Tracy Watkins writes:

From being feted as the Davos darling by the worlds media, Jacinda Arderns return to New Zealand must have felt like a bucket of cold water in her face.

Ardern arrived back to a KiwiBuild shambles, an unsettled back office, cancer waiting times, cost of living gripes, state sector strikes, (another) employer backlash over industrial relations reforms, fresh NZ First rumblings, tensions with China, and a bunch of political headaches that are about to land on her desk  chief among them how to sell a capital gains tax, but also a raft of reports and inquiries on problems that Labour kicked down the road after getting into office.

No wonder Ardern looked like shed rather be anywhere but here when she fronted her first Beehive press conference after Cabinet on Tuesday.

A number of media commented on how irritable the PM was at that press conference. One said it was the sort of behaviour you normally get from a PM after seven or eight year, not one.

There are now serious questions within her Government over whether the policy is still fit for purpose. There are even more serious questions about whether Housing Minister Phil Twyford is the person who can fix it.

To be fair to Twyford he inherited the draft policy. Some of what he wants to do such as abolish the Auckland rural boundary is very sensible. He should get on with it.

Some immediate tweaks will help. It seems that only now are the schemes architects planning on surveying the tens of thousands of people who registered for KiwiBuild to find out what they want. The big question is why that never happened in the first place.

Hmmn, basic market research.

Her back office is in a state of flux, with a number of key staff leaving and others forced to reapply for their jobs as a result of restructuring.

Ive never heard of a PMs office restructure where people reapply for their jobs. That is so 1980s. Restructures are quite common, but you basically just decide who is and is not working out, and implement it. Forcing press secretaries to reapply for their jobs is the worst thing you can do, as it tells them you think you can do better than them.

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The Herald reports:

Air New Zealand is pulling its controversial safety rap video from planes and replacing it with a previous version after heavy criticism.

The video, which features local musicians Kings, Randa and Theia rapping about plane safety over beats from Run DMC and Sisters Underground, is being removed from flights at the end of today.

In its place, a previously released safety clip called Summer of Safety starring Rachel Hunter and used in 2016 would screen in its place.

Air New Zealand says its decision is based on a new campaign to stimulate domestic travel and promote tourism to Northland.

That safety video was terrible. Ive liked or even loved most of the Air NZ ones but the rap one was unwatchable it was so bad.

May it never be seen again.

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NORTHWOOD, Iowa - Ever tried Scandinavian beer or cuisine? Olfest might be up your alley.

The Worth Brewing Company hosted their annual winter festival Saturday in Northwood.

Scandinavian potato sausages, warm potato salad and spent-grain bread wer served, and beer imported from Norway itself was also poured, as well as a commemorative lager using German malt dried over a beechwood fire. In addition, the festival featured live music from Bill and Lee, as well as giveaways and even "beer poking".

Misty Ehlertson with the Worth Brewing Company says it's a great way to get in touch with area roots.

"Northwood was settled by a majority of Norwegians, so we try to bring that back to the community every year."PINE ISLAND, Minn.- Tomorrow marks the 60th anniversary of the plane crash that took the lives of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and JP Richardson also known as the Big Bopper.

They were leaving from a concert at Clear Lake's surf ballroom heading to Moorhead Minnesota.

Today, fans of the three musicians are paying their respects by visiting the site where it took place in 1959.

Tributes are happening in Minnesota as well.

Today this evening, The Olde Pine Theater seats filled with eager music fans.

Joe Covert and his bandmates will sing some of the greatest hits from Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper.

Covert and the crew are setting up to pay homage to music legends.

This night is special because it is the 60th anniversary. I suspect this will be the biggest anniversary ever, he said.

Although this makes 60 years since the crash, covert says the music lives on forever.

It is the 60th anniversary and I suspect this will be the biggest anniversary. The 50th anniversary was huge but a lot of people still remember these songs and they turn out in droves, he said.

The tribute continues, Joe and his band members will play in Saint Michaels Minnesota on February 15th at the La-Musique theater.STEWARTVILLE, Minn. -

Brutally frigid temperatures and snow days usually mean children take a break from learning, but not in Stewartville.

Stewartville Public Schools were out for 5 days due to the weather.

On the third day, the schools implemented a flexible learning day in which students were offered activities to accomplish at home. It was the first year the District enacted the plan.

Superintendent Brenda Selfors says the plan allows schools to stay on schedule.

"If it hadn't been in existence, right now we would be scrambling to try and figure out when we are going to make up the time we would miss," Selfors said. "Having a flexible learning day plan which was approved by the Minnesota Department of Education allows us to deliver instruction, have students engaged in educational activities and continue with their education."

Selfors says that had it not been for this e-learning plan, students would have had to go to school on President's Day, Easter Monday, Spring Break and some of the summer.2K Shares Share

A rapidly escalating measles outbreak near Portland, OR has led local health officials to declare a public health emergency, with 44 confirmed cases, almost all in unimmunized children. Meanwhile, New York and New Jersey have been facing a similar crisis over the past few months, with over 200 confirmed cases of the measles tearing through the ultra-orthodox Jewish communities in the area, where individuals are also largely unvaccinated. The Centers for Disease Control reports that 2018 had the second-highest number of annual measles cases since measles was eliminated in the U.S. in 2000.

The fact that the measles spreads so rapidly through unprotected populations should be no surprise. Measles is among the most highly infectious viral diseases known, and up to 90% of non-immune exposed individuals will catch the disease. The measles virus lives in the throat and nasal mucous of the infected patient, and spreads by a means known as droplet transmission. A patient harboring the measles virus can cough or sneeze in an enclosed airspace and the shed measles virus can float there for up to two hours, a malignant invisible cloud waiting to attach to the next unsuspecting victim who walks through, long after the first patient has come and gone. Furthermore, infected individuals are contagious for up to 4 days before evincing signs of the characteristic measles rash, and if not put in quarantine, can continue to infect others for up to four days afterwards. In the current Portland outbreak, public health officials have determined that during their window of infectivity, patients with the measles had visited schools and churches, Costco, Ikea, and Concourse D of the Portland International Airport, exposing all those moving unsuspectingly in their wake.

Stories of these outbreaksor news that the World Health Organization has named Vaccine Hesitancy (defined as the reluctance or refusal to vaccinate despite the availability of vaccines) one of the top ten threats to global healthleads to a host of predictable public reactions. There is the standard public excoriation of those who choose not to vaccinate (selfish, uneducated should be jailed/banished/executed are common epithets should you choose to wade through the online comments section of such articles, though I recommend against it) while on the other side, the vaccine-reluctant dig in further, often with the sincere belief that they are doing the right thing and protecting their loved ones from the greater harm. These are well-worn trenches and fleshing them out further is not my goal at the moment. What I want to make particular note of is the imagery accompanying the media stories of each new outbreak.

Scrolling through my news feed, I cant help but notice that nearly every top image included in articles about vaccine-preventable outbreaks shows the same few vignettes, as if culled from the same massive themed stock photo set. And somehow, the focus is always on the needle-stick (or the jab, as British call it with what feels like barely restrained glee). Theres the ultra-close-up of the syringe aspirating back from the bottle of multi-dose vaccine, or being brandished menacingly by a masked healthcare provider, poised to strike. Theres the image of the needle in the arm depicting the moment of peak anxietythe pointed tip actually tenting the skin before the moment it pierces through. And then, of course, theres the countless images of children wailing and being restrained, the medical staff looming over them like assailants as they deliver their immunogenic payload. Invariably, the photos accompanying the articles I come acrosssolidly medical, pro-science articles coming out strongly in favor of near universal vaccination and preventative caresomehow sabotage their own message by highlighting the point of maximal tension in the vaccine schism. In discussing the dangers of under-immunization, are we often accidentally advertising for the other side?

And in all honesty, Ive lived at that point of tension. Many of us have, regardless of our background. Im a physician, and I never once doubted that I would fully immunize all my children on the standard schedulethat immunizing them was the best thing I could do to keep them healthy. And yet, theres still  that moment. You bring your infant into the pediatricians office, the small, soft infant youve tried to keep safe at all cost, strip them down in a cold room through youve always tried to keep them warm, allow sharp needles to pierce that fresh new skin you work so hard to keep intact, and inject densely labeled pharmaceutical agents into their body when everything so far has been deliberately simple and overtly sterilized and gently fragrance-free. Its a tension that exists beyond logic. Its a tension of nearly pure emotion. I, of course, wanted my baby to be vaccinatedcelebrated the opportunity to so effectively protect them from diseasebut theres that other, sub-cerebral instinct to protect that occasionally runs the intellectual facts you know to be true.

As a physician, I am as exasperated by vaccine refusal. But I am also sensitive to that inchoate instinct towards protection. And at times I view vaccine refusal in some ways as that protective instinct run amok. Buffered by gut feeling, discomfort, and questionable information, people who avoid vaccinating their children do so because theyre more afraid of the vaccine than the diseases we seek to prevent.

It has been said that the universal vaccination campaign is a victim of its own success, and that as immunization efforts push once common diseases further into the background, parents have the luxury of focusing on what feel like the more pressing dangersmysterious chemical peril, pain, the post-immunization fevers that in fact show that the healthy body is responding precisely as they should. Vaccine refusers have reframed the picture and perceive immunization as the threat itself. And images focusing on that key moment of tension, no matter what the intent of the narrative itself, does nothing to shift that perception.

In 2012, the CDC launched a $54 million national media campaign aimed at helping current smokers to quit, and to prevent new smokers, particularly children, from ever starting. This campaign, named Tips From Former Smokers, used personal stories and graphic picturespost-operative pictures of disfiguring cancer resection surgeries, excised lungs, respiratory stomato more effectively drive home the prevention message in a way mere printed warnings could not. Although they may be tough to watch, the ads show real people living with real, painful consequences from smoking, said CDC Director Thomas R. Frieden at the time of this campaigns launch. There is sound evidence that supports the use of these types of hard-hitting images and messages to encourage smokers to quit, to keep children from ever beginning to smoke, and to drastically reduce the harm caused by tobacco. Though there are multifactorial influences on national smoking rates (including taxes on cigarettes and public smoking bans), anti-smoking campaigns have played a role, and per CDC figures the U.S. smoking rate in 2018 hit an all-time low.

Public health campaigns aside, regulations regarding general media depictions of tobacco use have also been found to influence smoking rates. The National Cancer Institute has concluded that Media communications play a key role in shaping tobacco-related knowledge, opinions, attitudes, and behaviors among individuals and within communities, and that mass media campaigns designed to discourage tobacco use can change youth attitudes about tobacco use, curb smoking initiation, and encourage adult cessation. The prevalence of glamourized smoking in films, particularly youth-rated movies, has been associated with initiation of tobacco use in young people, and the CDC has gone as far as to suggest that slapping an R rating on movies showing tobacco use could potentially reduce the number of teen smokers by 18%, and prevent up to 1 million premature smoking deaths. In other words, efforts to minimize exposure in vulnerable populations to images which may inadvertently support a harmful false narrative could have a significant positive public health effect.

Control of media imagery worked for tobacco prevention. Why cant we apply these same principles to vaccine promotion?

Ideally, medical counseling ultimately should not hinge on fear. Community health workers should start from a position of trust to most effectively serve their patients. But sometimes, when the dangers are real, people need to be a little more scared. And its time to stop being so gentle on the issue.

Measles is an acute respiratory illness. It is characterized by fever as high as 105F, cough, stuffy nose, and red eyes. The characteristic flat rash usually appears about 2 weeks after initial exposure, spreading down from head to trunk to lower extremities like a blotchy coating of red paint. Even in previously healthy children, measles can cause serious illness requiring hospitalization. One in twenty children who gets the measles will develop pneumonia, the most common fatal complication in young children. One out of every 1000 children with the measles will develop acute encephalitis, often resulting in permanent brain damage. One out of every 1000 children with the measles will die of respiratory or neurological complications. One rare but fatal degenerative condition called subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) can develop 7 to 10 years after measles infection, a fatal degenerative disease of the central nervous system characterized by behavioral and intellectual deterioration and onset of seizures.

These are the real risks of measles infection. This is what measles look like. The images may be graphic, or upsetting, because its hard to see sick children suffer. But thats precisely the point, and, Id argue, one made more effectively with pictures than words. This should be what people see in their news feeds. And they are worth the provoked response, particularly in people who glance by and choose not to read the rest of the article.

Public health measures ideally should not hinge on fear, but sometimes, people need to be scared of the right things. So in our public depictions of vaccination and disease prevention, lets help patients understand what there is to be scared of. Lets choose the right images. Like it or not, we live in a society where people skim the headline, look at the pictures, and scroll on. In framing the topic, and choosing how to illustrate it, lets focus on whats actually frightening, and channel that instinctive protective response against what truly endangers our children.

Michelle Au is an anesthesiologist and author of This Wont Hurt A Bit (and other white lies): My Education in Medicine and Motherhood.

Image credit: Michelle AuKEARNEY - A neighbor is credited with minimizing fire to a house at Countryside Trailer Park early Saturday morning in west Kearney.

At 3:50 a.m. the Kearney Volunteer Fire Department was called to 1920 W. 15th St. No. 98 for a reported structure fire. When they arrived firefighters found a neighbor using a hose to try and extinguish a couch that was on fire outside against trailer No. 98.

One man and one woman were home at the time of the fire, were alerted by the neighbor and escaped without injuries, said Jim Tacha, KVFD chief. A second man who lived at the house wasn't home.

Fire spread up the side of the house, Tacha said, but was under control at 4:10 a.m. The state Fire Marshal was called to the scene to investigate the cause, which remains under investigation.

The house is uninhabitable, Tacha said, and the Kearney American Red Cross was providing assistance to the tenants. Tacha estimated damage to the house at $1,500 and its contents at $300.

The Kearney Police Department, along with 35 firefighters, three engines and one tanker truck all responded to the scene.The LEAD fellows also visited international businesses, entrepreneurs and several farms, including vegetable, fruit and row crop farms growing corn and wheat. There were also visits to the Port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands; the European Parliaments Visitors Center in Brussels; Bayer Monheim, Headquarters of the Crop Science Division in Germany; Bioenergie Park near Osnabruck, Germany; Autostadt Wolfsburg, headquarters of Volkswagen; Checkpoint Charlie and the Berlin Wall Museum; the Wielkopolski National Park near Poznan, Poland; the University of Warsaw Dairy Research Farm; and the POLIN Museum, where the fellows learned about the history of Polish Jews in Warsaw.

The people-to-people encounters provided the members of Nebraska LEAD Group 37 an opportunity to view characteristics, conditions and trends in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and Poland and determine relationships to issues and situations in our country, Hejny said. Through this experience, participants develop techniques in identifying comparisons and contrasts of the countries we recently studied in areas such as agriculture, politics, economics, energy, religion, culture and history, as well as technology, trade, food, art and philosophy.Rosa Maria Brooks is one of many small business owners who have benefited from the Rural Investment Corporation.

The Rural Investment Corporation is a subsidiary of the Center of Rural Affairs in Lyons. It was recently awarded a $200,000 grant from Wells Fargo.

Brooks business offers therapeutic massage, nutrition services, spiritual counseling and more was recently awarded a grant from the corporation. That was made possible because of grants, such as the one from Wells Fargo, which helps the CFRA provide loans and business counseling to Brooks.

I was scared because of my English, because my first language is Spanish, but my experience with the center has been wonderful, Brooks said. I was given directions on how to open a business in the U.S., as well as how to build a client base.

Today she is a successful businesswoman with a practice in Hastings  Rosa Marias Wellness Spirit and Astrology of Healing Center; plus 8 to 12 clients a day, two days a week at Century House Chiropractic in York.The goal of the Young Cattlemens Conference is to expose young and emerging leaders to a variety of areas of the beef industry and provide them with necessary leadership tools. During the two-year program, YCC members are provided training on professional communication, given the opportunity to tour multiple Nebraska-based agriculture production facilities and learn to navigate state agencies and legislative processes.

YCC is the flagship educational program offered to members of Nebraska Cattlemen. The program receives sponsorship from Farm Credit Services and Nebraska Cattlemen Education and Research Foundation and is coordinated by NC Director of Producer Education Bonita Lederer.

For more information, visit www.nebraskacattlemen.org.

UNL crop budget workshops set for Feb. 8

HASTINGS  The use of crop budgets that are developed by Nebraska Extension can be helpful when making plans for the coming growing season. These crop budgets are updated annually and include close estimates on the cost of all typical crop inputs and operations. It is helpful for farmers to understand how to use the budgets when preparing to grow a crop. It has been reported that working with budgets may likely return the most dollars for time spent in the crop production process.Tim and Beverly Nyden stopped in Kansas City on Tuesday to get some much needed rest after leaving Lynchburg, Virginia the night before."No untarnished liberal from the North could ever have gotten the Great Society programs passed," Moran said, "but he was able to work with his Southern colleagues because he knew where they were coming from. We still have a conservative Republican legislature and, frankly, I think that Ralph will have the highest motivation possible to bring us further away from this horrible past of racism."Senior U.S. and South Korean officials met Sunday to discuss an expected second summit between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Trump's special envoy for North Korea, Stephen Biegun, arrived in South Korea earlier Sunday amid reports that he'll meet North Korean officials soon to work out details for the summit. Trump said last Thursday that he'll announce this week the site and date for his meeting with Kim, expected around the end of February.

Seoul's Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Biegun and his South Korean counterpart Lee Do-hoon held consultations about working-level U.S.-North Korea talks ahead of the summit.

South Korean media reported Biegun and his North Korean counterpart Kim Hyok Chol will likely meet at the inter-Korean border village of Panmunjom or in the North's capital of Pyongyang early this week.

Little progress has been made toward ridding North Korea of its nuclear weapons since Trump and Kim held their first summit in Singapore last June. During that summit, Kim pledged to work toward complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, though he didn't provide a timetable or roadmap for his disarmament steps.

Last year, North Korea suspended nuclear and missile tests, dismantled its nuclear test site and parts of its rocket launch facility and released American detainees. The North demanded the United States to take corresponding measurers such as sanctions relief.

U.S. officials have said sanctions will stay in place until North Korea denuclearizes.An alternative

If the Confederate soldier statue is relocated to Salem Cemetery, who can guarantee that it wont be vandalized? If it is vandalized, who will pay for the guard necessary to protect the statue as well as the surrounding cemetery? If the city, the NAACP and the United Daughters of the Confederacy would consider the following alternative, it could be awin, win for everyone.

Place the statue in the New Winston Museum. Erect an educational exhibit with the statue as a centerpiece. Present a fact-based overview of the war between the states that does not gloss over any truth in an effort to support emotions and opinions. No hyperbole, no justifications. Just the facts. Then present the facts surrounding the Jim Crow era and the erection of the Confederate statue. If Winston-Salem could bravely take a public look at the unvarnished truths of our shared history, our museum exhibit could be the paradigm for other Southern cities struggling with the same dilemma.

We are in the midst of another civil rights era. Moving the Confederate soldier statue to Salem Cemetery feels like an effort to sweep the problem under the rug. Is that really the best that Winston-Salem can do? We have an opportunity to lead the way on reformation. Good for the museum, good for the city and good for the country.An MMA fighter suspected of killing two people, including an ex-girlfriend, was captured Sunday after escaping from a prisoner transport van in Texas, authorities said.

Cedric Marks was taken into custody after a nine-hour manhunt involving multiple law enforcement agencies, Conroe police Lt. Scott Spencer said in a tweet Sunday evening.

Marks escaped from the private prison transport van during a stop at a McDonald's in Conroe about 40 miles north of Houston, police Lt. Dorcy McGinnis said.

McGinnis said murder warrants were issued Sunday for Marks in last month's killings of an ex-girlfriend, Jenna Scott, and a friend of hers, Michael Swearingin, who disappeared Jan. 4 and were found buried in a shallow grave in Clearview, Oklahoma, on Jan. 15.

Marks was arrested in Michigan last month on a Bell County, Texas, charge alleging that on Aug. 21, he broke into Scott's home in Temple, which is about 60 miles (100 kilometers) north of Austin. Authorities say he escaped while being transferred to Bell County to face that charge.

Scott requested a protective order against Marks last July, accusing him of choking her unconscious twice, Temple television station KCEN reported.

"Each time he allowed me to regain consciousness and then he choked me out again," Scott said in an affidavit.

The protective order request was denied.

She also reported to police that Marks had broken into her home in August while her daughter, who was 9, was there. She said he took her cellphone to prevent her from calling 911.

The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office's initial tweet about Sunday's escape said Marks was facing three "pending murder charges," but it didn't immediately respond to requests for further information about those charges.

Police in Bloomington, Minnesota, say Marks remains a person of interest in the 2009 disappearance of April Pease, who was the mother of one of his children. The two were involved in a fierce custody dispute in Washington state and Pease, who had a drug problem, went to live in a Bloomington women's shelter because she said she was afraid of Marks. Like Scott, Pease alleged that Marks had choked her unconscious on more than one occasion, according to a court custody investigator. Pease went missing in March 2009 and Marks got custody of their son.

Pease's mother, Dottie Pease, told KCEN last month that she had believed her daughter might have had a drug relapse, but that given the developments in Texas, she thought it was possible that Marks might have had something to do with her daughter's disappearance.

Two women were arrested in Michigan on charges related to Marks.

Maya Maxwell is charged with evidence tampering and is jailed in Bell County, Texas, on $150,000 bond. According to an arrest affidavit, she told detectives that she drove Swearingin's vehicle to Austin in an attempt to hide it from investigators. It was found abandoned in the city Jan. 6.

Ginell McDonough, who is Marks' wife and the mother of two of his two children, is jailed in Muskegon County, Michigan, on an obstruction of justice charge. She is accused of allowing Marks and Maxwell to stay in her home between Jan. 5 and Jan. 9.

Jail records do not list an attorney for either woman.

Marks compiled a record of 31-28-0 during his professional MMA career, which began in 1999, according to mixedmartialarts.com. His last fight was in September.Then Barber, a hulking figure, body bent by ankylosing spondylitis, which causes joints and vertebrae in the spine to fuse, made his way slowly to the podium.

Im too old to play now, he said, explaining his no-nonsense rhetoric, which is rich in biblical passages and quotations from the founders of our country and leaders of various social justice movements, past and present.

Everybody comes (to MLK events) to say they love Dr. King, he said with more than a hint of sarcasm. Corporations come. They even give you a little breakfast now. Politicians come. (But) politicians cant say they love Dr. King and how he stood for love and unity but refuse to support his agenda.

He paused, looked at the audience with an expression that telegraphed that something was coming, then said, looking over his right shoulder in the general direction of the gathered politicians, Right, Governor? Right, Congressman? The audience erupted.

Then he asked, How many folks in here believe like Dr. King that everybody should have what Teddy Roosevelt, a Republican, asked for 100 years ago, and thats health care for every citizen? Everybody believes that stand up. Lee was one of few who remained seated.Greg Weiner, author of the best book about Madisons thought (Madisons Metronome), rightly celebrates the way the 35-day government shutdown ended: The House stared down the presidency and won. In losing, Donald Trump behaved (reluctantly) as a president should, as a constitutional actor subservient in policymaking matters to the will of Congress. Pelosi acted like a speaker of the House laying a claim to primacy in policymaking. Says Weiner, This was institutional hardball between branches not just with respect to policy but, more important, with respect to authority. Madisonians should rejoice.

In his 1962 State of the Union address, President John Kennedy told his congressional audience, The Constitution makes us not rivals for power, but partners for progress. Such anesthetizing bromides serve the interests of presidents by diverting Congress from a truth expressed by the American Enterprise Institutes Jay Cost: Congress is not, as its members too often and too plaintively insist, a coequal branch. It is superior. It creates all executive-branch offices other than president and vice president, and all Article III courts other than the Supreme Court, and can deny appointments to the executive and judicial branches, whereas the other branches are largely incapable of interfering with Congress. The executive power enforces the law, the judicial power resolves controversies under the law. The legislative power makes the law: It comes first.Ahab never understood the magnitude of his mission. He naively believed that tacking a gold doubloon to the post for the individual who killed the white whale could justify his monomaniacal mission of revenge. He didnt have a plan B. Not only does the president have no plan B, he assumed poorly his threats to shut down the government would cause Democrats to capitulate.

His obsession leaves him, like Ahab, floating aimlessly at sea, caught in the hell of his own creation. Without thinking through the gravity of the undertaking, he unleashed the barbarity of cruelty on government employees. His soul was hollowed by his inner demons. But unlike Ahab, who at least had the tangible goal of capturing the white whale, the president has no such clear indicator. Feeding his unexamined narcissism, void of any systematic application, the presidents instincts convinced him that shutting down the government, along with its immoral implications, served his interests.

Ahab was imprisoned by desires he could not fully express. Your president may find himself in a similar predicament.

Trump has created the fog of malaise that threatens to permanently alter Americas democratic norms. You entrusted him to sustain democratic guardrails that he paradoxically does not respect, unless he derives a direct benefit in the moment.Authorities are searching for a Winston-Salem man who they believe is responsible for an armed robbery at a Rural Hall bank Friday.

Sherman Bias Jr., 60, was identified by surveillance camera at the First Citizens Bank at 8175 Broad St. in Rural Hall, according to the Forsyth County Sheriffs Office.

A warrant has been issued charging Bias with one felony count of robbery with a dangerous weapon in the incident, which occurred around 10:30 a.m. Friday, said Christina Cooley Howell, public affairs officer for the sheriffs office.

He is described as 5-foot-11 and approximately 250 pounds. He drove away in a white four-door sedan.

We have not located him at this time, Howell said Saturday night. We are asking that anyone with information regarding his location please contact us.

The sheriffs office can be reached at 336-727-2112 or tips can be called in to Crimestoppers anonymously at 336-727-2800.Ron Stallworth, the first black detective in the Colorado Springs Police Department whose memoir inspired Spike Lees film BlacKkKlansman, will deliver the Black History Month keynote address at Wake Forest University.

Stallworth will speak at 6 p.m. Thursday in Wait Chapel as part of the Journeys to Success speaker series sponsored by the WFU Intercultural Center and Student Union. The event is free and open to the public.

In 1978, Stallworth worked undercover and infiltrated the Ku Klux Klan chapter in Colorado Springs. By recruiting his partner Chuck to play the white Ron Stallworth in person, while speaking as himself to Klan members over the phone, he helped sabotage cross burnings, expose white supremacists in the military and combat domestic terrorism. Later on, he led an undercover investigation into the anti-Klan protesters of the Progressive Labor Party.

Stallworths book, Black Klansman: A Memoir, is the basis for the major motion picture BlacKkKlansman. The film has been nominated for four Golden Globe Awards and six Oscars.

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.Q: Downtown traffic has become a nightmare since Business 40 closed. There have been few changes made to remedy the daily mess. There is no police presence. Why arent green left-turn signals operational on our downtown streets? I only see yellow blinking left turn signals, which are of little help. Also on streets with no left turn signals, why are left turns allowed during rush hours? A few simple changes would help alleviate this bad situation.

N.D.

Answer: The city of Winston-Salem is aware that traffic has increased at several locations as a result of the Business 40 Closure, according to Laura Whitaker with the city Department of Transportation. Staff has adjusted the traffic signal system schedules to help monitor and adjust traffic signal timing in both the morning and evening peak times, she said. Staff has made many adjustments during the closure and will continue to analyze the corridors throughout the project.Experience shows that many purchases you make, because of your concern that the item will be sold if you wait, can be made the next day, or even later. Vendors often (and properly, generally) try to convey a sense of urgency to purchases. Unless there is a no-nonsense strict deadline, it is almost always wise to wait until you can think through the impulse. The old adage to sleep on it saves citizens from a lot of less-than-ideal, or untimely, purchases.

This is particularly true for time-share purchases. You go to a nice area at the resort owners expense to view the property, and you imagine yourself taking full advantage of the time you purchase. But what you think you will do, and what your schedule allows to do, are two entirely different things. There are very few all/never answers in life, but time-share purchases made on the spot are pretty close to the never buy category.

Among other challenges, the maintenance expenses really add up. Shares are often very hard to sell later for any price, and certainly not for anything near the price you paid for them.

Go online and review websites that provide tips on buying and selling time-shares. You will learn to be very cautious about buying this alluring asset.Officers were called to the 900 block of South Bell Avenue in the Tri-Taylor neighborhood shortly after 9:30 p.m. Saturday and found the 47-year-old officer dead from a gunshot wound, police have said. The sergeant with her was questioned by investigators but was not charged with a crime, according to the sources. As of Monday, he was not facing any disciplinary action by the department.Trudeau said that at a town hall that took place at Craig Kielburger Secondary School in Milton, Ont. on Thursday night.

4G,5G5G5G

Excellent Thank you very much Ray for that question. It's a very topical issue that has a couple of elements to it. First of all, you mentioned Huawei.We know were moving towards...Right now our cellular systems are all on 4G,we are moving towards 5G which will be significantly more connected, significantly more powerful but also potentially significantly more vulnerable around security concerns. And thats why were making sure that our security experts are working with experts around the world to evaluate how we gonna move forward in a way that will ensure that we can continue to keep Canadians safemake sure that our data is safe,make sure that our secure comunications are secure. But also make sure that we are taking on the best technology in the world at affordable prices. And navigating that in a responsible way is something you cant really approach with a political mindset. you have to approach with a thoughtful, fact-based, evidence-based mindset. And thats why we are trusting our national security and intelligence agencies to do the analysis ,our experts and communications experts to do the analysis necessary to make recommendations on how we move forward in that way,and you know, which providers, and who can be part of Canadas 5G network. Thats on one side of things. The other issue that is come up recently with China is the situation where two Canadians have been detained in China on national security charges. They were detained immediately after a Chinese citizen, a prominent Chinese citizen was detained in Vancouver on an extradition order from the United States. Now we have an extradition treaty with the United States like we do with all sorts of different countries around the world. And along with terms of those treaties if someone commits a crime that would be a crime in Canada we try them in our justice system and make a determination based on our independent, rigorous justice system on whether or not to extrdite them to the United States.This is a process that is steeped in and anchored in the rule of law and the independent justice system that Canada has. Now,the Chinese govement has been asking us to release that prominent Chinese citizen and interfere with the functioning of our independent judiciary. Now, different countries do things differently. But in Canada, politicians dont get to weigh in on court proceedings. We have a judiciary that is independent of political pressures and political processes and thats a good thing(applaud from the audience). It is something that, quite frankly,is a cornor stone of Canada of our laws and our values but its also a cornor stone of an awful lot of countries around the world who are our friends and allies. And while China has benn putting pressure on us to release their citizen this way, and detaining, somewhat arbitrarily, our own two citizens. We have been talking with our friends and allies around the world, a broad range of countries, from our traditional allies to less likely allies who are all very much in agreement, many of them privately, many of them publicly that standing up for the rule of law, standing up for the safety of Canadians those two Canadians detained right now,and any other Canadians who happen to travel to China when there might be challenge in diplomacy or political relationship between Canada and China. We need to make sure that China understands that Canada is going to unequivocally stand up for the rule of law, respect our international treaties and obligations and always put the safety of Canadians first. That is where we stand(audience applaud and cheer). But of course we dont want to escalate. We recognize China is an extremely important and growing economy, a significant player on the world stage. We look forward to continuing to trade with China.But we need the Chinese authority to understand that when it comes to rule of law, Canada and an awful lot of other countries will stand firm regardless of the political pressures they put on us.Edwards was found strangled to death shortly after 11 a.m. Thursday in an apartment in the 1400 block of East 70th Street in the Grand Crossing neighborhood, where she lived, according to police and the Cook County medical examiners office. The medical examiner ruled her death a homicide, caused by asphyxiation.David Abel, 72, died June 18th, 2021, at his home in El Dorado, AR, surrounded by his family after a short battle with cancer. David was born November 26, 1948, in Sacramento, CA, to Earnest "Bood" Abel and Peggy Downing Abel. David attended school in Miami, OK, and graduated in 1967. He joiNASHVILLE, Tenn.Boasting a whos who of Christian rock's biggest acts, the City RockFest Tour is set to launch its fifth year in February as Christian musics top multi-artist hard rock outing. Industry leaders and tour founders Seventh Day Slumber anchor the 2019 lineup, which brings metalcore favorites Righteous Vendetta to the RockFest stage for the first time. In addition, the tour will showcase Billboard hitmakers Random Hero, The Protest and Zahna, as well as metalcore trio Amongst The Giants.



Presented by ChildFund International, the City RockFest Tour kicks-off February 21 in West Dundee, Illinois, and will visit more than 20 markets across the country, including Memphis; Boise, Idaho; Cheyenne, Wyoming; Paris, Texas; Colchester, Connecticut and Englewood, Florida, among other cities.



Its both humbling and amazing to realize the City RockFest Tour has been going strong for five years now, said tour founder and Seventh Day Slumber frontman Joseph Rojas. Our tour mates are like family, and we have a blast each night. Theres no place Id rather be than alongside these incredible artists sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ to a hurting world.



A consistent force on Christian CHR and rock radio, Dove Award-winning Seventh Day Slumber has sold a combined total of nearly 500,000 units to date, landing two Billboard #1 albums, five #1 singles and 14 Top 10 hits in a career spanning 20 years. Comprised of Joseph Rojas (lead vocals/guitar), Jeremy Holderfield (guitar), Blaise Rojas (drums) and Ken Reed (bass), the bands signature songs include Oceans From The Rain, Inside Out, "Caroline," "Finally Awake" and "Wasted Life." Their 2017 album release, Found, debuted at #25 on Billboards Heatseekers Albums chart and #3 on Nielsen Christian SoundScans Rock/Alternative chart.



Seventh Day Slumbers Joseph Rojas, creator of the City RockFest, Summer RockFest and Small Town America tours, is also the founder and president of Nashville Label Group. The companys RockFest Records imprint is home to some of the top names in Christian hard music, including Seventh Day Slumber, Random Hero, The Protest, Zahna, The Persuaded and Amongst The Giants.



For further information, visit seventhdayslumber.com or turningpointpr.com. Follow the City RockFest Tour on Facebook.

###Security intelligence firm Recorded Future claims to have discovered the most likely source of a collection of data from breaches stretching back years; given the moniker Collection #1, it was disclosed recently by security professional Troy Hunt and said to contain 773 million email addresses and corresponding passwords.

The company said in a blog post that this collection, plus an additional 611 million credentials, had been originally created and sold by a threat actor known as C0rpz.

Multiple threat actors, including one known as Clorox, had claimed to be source of Collection #1, Recorded Future said, adding that another actor from a well-known Russian hacking forum had also been found to be sharing a large database of 100 billion user accounts, some of which were likely to be the same as those found in Collection #1.

The company's research team, known as Insikt Group, found a forum post created by Clorox on 17 January with seven links to separate databases on the file-sharing site Mega, containing different variations of user credentials: email addresses and passwords; usernames and passwords; and cell phone numbers and passwords.

The Insikt Group said Clorox had claimed the 773-million dump publicised by Hunt was only part of the whole, and the entire data dump was being sold on another forum.

Further analysis led the Insikt Group to conclude that the individual named a C0rpz had been the original seller, putting out the collection on the Web as early as 7 January.

But the possibility that an actor from a Russian-speaking forum was behind Collection #1 was not ruled out, with the Insikt Group saying this actor had posted a link to a database containing 100 billion user accounts hosted on a personal website and made it clear that Collection #1 was also included therein.The mobile operators trade body, GSM Association, has proposed that its members hold a discussion about possible exclusion of Chinese telecommunications equipment vendor Huawei Technologies from many developed markets, with operators fearing this may set them back by years.

Reuters cited a spokesman for the organisation as saying that its director-general, Mats Granryd, had written to members that the Huawei issue should be part of the agenda for the next board meeting which will be held later this month during the annual World Mobile Congress in Barcelona.

According to its website, the GSMA represents mobile operators worldwide, uniting more than 750 operators with over 350 companies in the broader mobile ecosystem, including handset and device makers, software companies, equipment providers and internet companies, as well as organisations in adjacent industry sectors.

The US unveiled criminal and fraud charges against Huawei on Monday, just a couple of days before Washington and Beijing resume talks on a trade dispute. Washington has already banned the company from any role in 5G in the country, and is pushing other countries to do the same.

In the indictments, the company was accused of violating US sanctions on Iran and also of theft of trade secrets from an American business partner.

Huawei has been banned from any role in the rollout of 5G networks in Australia and New Zealand. The European Union has said it will look at the issues that have been alleged by the US.

The Chinese giant has steadfastly denied that it is undertaking espionage on behalf of Beijing, with even its normally reclusive founder, Ren Zhengfei, speaking to international media to deny any such collusion.

The Reuters report cited Deutsche Telekom, the largest telco in Europe, as having said that, removing Huawei gear from its networks, could mean a two- or three-year delay in building any new services.Ithaca, NY (14850)

Today

Thunderstorms, some strong this evening followed by occasional showers overnight. Damaging winds and large hail with some storms. Low 57F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms, some strong this evening followed by occasional showers overnight. Damaging winds and large hail with some storms. Low 57F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%.An 18-year-old man got himself to the University of Chicago Medical Center and told police he was shot in the shoulder outside the lounge. He was in good condition, police said.Huntsville, TX (77320)

Today

Thunderstorms with locally heavy downpours. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 91F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms early, then mainly cloudy overnight with thunderstorms likely. Low 73F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%. Locally heavy rainfall possible.Guest Column Solution to the Myitsone Deadlock: A Referendum?

Kachin CSOs protest against the Myitsone Dam project in Myitkyina in 2017. / The Irrawaddy

Recently, there has been a marked escalation in the Chinese governments attempts at reviving the controversial Myitsone Dam project. Since a tense meeting by the Chinese Embassy with Kachin leaders, the actions of both the Chinese and Myanmar governments have only heightened fears that the mammoth US$3.6-billion, 6,000 MW dam will be pushed forward, risking the livelihoods of thousands of people and endangering crucial biodiversity.

The NLD governments rhetoric over the project has been, at best, feeble. Minister for Investment and Foreign Economic Relations U Thaung Tun stated that, while public anxiety should be respected, the project should continue as companies have already heavily invested in it. His remark echoed a comment by State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi (who had been an ardent critic of the dam in 2011) in Kalay the previous week in which she called for deals made under the previous government to be respected. According to U Thaung Tun, alternative areas have been explored. So far, however, these areas have not been outlined to the public, which only serves to fuel speculation.

Respect for public anxiety: What, in practice, has that entailed so far? As of this moment, this respect has taken the form of hollow reassurances that match up little with actions on the ground. The most notable example of this was the recent dismissal of three ministers in Kachin State. The said ministersU H Hla Aung, U Mya Thein and U Thin Lwinwere each responsible for key areas that would have been impacted by the Myitsone project. No reason has been given for their dismissals, which the Transparency and Accountability Network Kachin have demanded. Moreover, the decision by the Ministry of Electricity and Energy to draft a brand-new Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) with the China Renewable Energy Engineering Institutea Chinese National Energy Agency-affiliated think tankhas drawn further public ire, as the MOEE had backed out of endorsing an International Finance Corporation (IFC) SEA.

Do unconvincingly hollow statements, broken promises and unexplained dismissals amount to respect?

If the Minister and the State Counselor truly wish to respect not only the will of the people, but also the immediate future of Myanmar-China relations, there remains one course of action: a government-sanctioned popular referendum on the Myitsone project.

Repeat: a popular referendum on the Myitsone project.

Why this particular route?

Firstly, a popular referendum to decide the progress of a Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) project would be unprecedented. What has been done thus far includes suspensions or scale-backs by leaders, either out of fear of indebtedness (as seen in the Kyaukphyu deep seaport) or through the need to fulfil anti-China electoral pledges, as shown in Malaysia. No government to date has used a general vote to decide the progress of a BRI projectyet.

Secondly, the Myitsone project is a national issue; the consequences of the project going ahead will impact future generations for years to come.

Moreover, there exist no legal barriers to holding a referendum on the Myitsone project. According to experts, the time frame for organizing a nationwide referendum ranges from three to five monthsleaving just enough time before 2020.

The barriers that exist are political, and understandably so. As Brexit in the U.K. has shown, a poorly concocted and unnecessary power-play referendum can backfire spectacularly. On the surface, the same would seem to apply if the NLD entertained this idea, given its recent rhetoric. However, calling for a referendum on the project would, contrary to assumptions, strengthen the governments position among the public at a very crucial time.

It is no secret that the NLDs popularity has been on the wane since it officially took power in 2016. A step toward building a public consensus against what many in the country have deemed a neo-colonial incursion would strengthen the governments (and the partys) bargaining position in dealing with its Chinese counterparts. Equally important is that a referendum would address the issue of public consultation in a way that no other mechanism could, for the time being. BRI projects have been criticized for failing to take into account local concernsan issue a referendum could address to a considerable, nationwide degree.

Added to that, recognition by China of the referendums outcome could go some distance toward repairing the countrys image among the Myanmar publican image that received a minor boost following Chinas support for Myanmar on the international stage in the wake of the Rakhine crisis. China has repeatedly vowed to respect the sovereignty of Myanmar, a critical BRI partner, and it must recognize the democratic will of the people in host countries. A Cornell University study published in 2017 highlights the fact that locals in Myanmar would not discriminate against Chinese investment so long as community concerns are acknowledged.

Both the Myanmar and the Chinese governments need to recognize that being against the Myitsone project is NOT being anti-China or anti-Chinese investment. The project as it stands hurts and will continue hurting the complex yet indispensable relations between the two countries. It can even be argued that the way the Myitsone project is handled will determine the success of other projects under the BRI banner.

In theory, at its core, the BRI is about respectrespecting the notion that building up infrastructure is intended to mutually benefit China and the recipient countries by improving ties and lives. Acknowledging the democratic desire of the people is at the core of mutual respect, and as such China should and must respect the decision of Myanmars peoplea decision that can be consolidated by a referendum.

On this issue, it is critical for people to rise above politics. The very same people that elected the NLD to power are, at a minimum, owed a stake in the progress of a project that affects their country.

Aung Zin Phyo Thein is a graduate student in the U.K. whose independent research focuses on the Belt and Road Initiative.Pope Francis has urged politicians of all faiths to safeguard the rights of the unborn and has exhorted abortion opponents to also assure that children are born into a world where they can live with dignity.

Francis spoke on Saturday at the Vatican to an Italian Catholic anti-abortion group.Spike Island in Cork was among two Cork sites to place in the top five attractions in Irelands Ancient East at the Irish Tourism Awards, held in Dublins Clayton Burlington hotel on Friday last.

The island attraction joined Jameson Distillery Middleton in the top 5 of an extremely competitive field that included the Waterford Greenway, Castlecomer Discovery Park and the House of Waterford Crystal.So while we were able to become acquainted with a new restaurant through Restaurant Week, next time we might skip the three-course special and just order off the regular menu. On this night, it seemed a great place to dig into an appetizer and try one of the pastas. And without Restaurant Week, you can do that any time of the year.The actual burden to WestJet could eclipse $150,000 when including costs such as passenger reimbursement, the paper reported. Provincial Judge Brian Stevenson gave WestJet the option to pursue damages through a civil case. The airline declined to say if it planned to do so.Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring has joined the calls for Gov. Ralph Northam to resign after a whirlwind 24 hours since a racist yearbook photo from Northam's 1984 yearbook page began circulating on social media.

The photo purportedly shows Northam, a medical student at the time, either in blackface or a Ku Klux Klan costume. The governor apologized twice Friday night for appearing in the photo, though he didn't explain which person he was in the photo. On Saturday, Northam said during a long press conference that he now is convinced that he is not in the photo at all.

The claims during the press conference did nothing to silence critics, including many state and national leaders in his own party.

A two-term state attorney general, Herring had announced in early December that he plans to run for governor in 2021. The move was seen by many as an attempt to get out ahead of a potential campaign from the other statewide officer, Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax.

If Northam resigns, Fairfax will become the state's 74th governor.

It is no longer possible for Governor Northam to lead our Commonwealth and it is time for him to step down," Herring said, before turning to the obvious next question.

"I have spoken with Lieutenant Governor Fairfax and assured him that, should he ascend to the governorship, he will have my complete support and commitment to ensuring his success and the success of our Commonwealth," he said.

Herring's call for Northam's resignation joins a chorus of other party leaders, but the governor told a crowd of reporters on Saturday that he'll stay in office as he looks for ways to prove he is not in the photo, possibly including face-recognition technology.

Northam said resigning would be taking the easy way out, and he wants to continue to serve to correct the record. He also said he will remain in office until he feels he cant effectively govern any more.

Fairfax said in a statement Saturday afternoon that he cant condone Northams past actions, but stopped short of calling for his resignation.

As we commemorate the 400 years since the first enslaved Africans were brought to Virginia, it is painful to experience such a searing reminder of the modern legacy of our nations original sin, he wrote.

At this critical and defining moment in the history of Virginia and this nation, we need leaders with the ability to unite and help us rise to the better angels our nature."

Fairfax, a former federal prosecutor and partner in a D.C. law firm, is the great, great, great grandson of a slave freed by Lord Thomas Fairfax in 1798. He had in his pocket Simon Fairfaxs papers freeing him from slavery in 1798.Woodbridge, VA (22192)

Today

Scattered clouds with the possibility of an isolated thunderstorm developing late. Low 69F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%..

Tonight

Scattered clouds with the possibility of an isolated thunderstorm developing late. Low 69F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%.There are so many different ways that you can hug a person. Obviously, each type of hug is going to have a little different meaning to it,...Chalta kya hai masjid ke andar? It was a question 28-year-old Vikas Gavali had thought of often, but never ended up asking even his closest Muslim friends. There was always a fear. What if they felt bad, he says. In December last year, Gavali confronted this apprehension of the unknown, when he visited a mosque for the first time in Punes Azam Campus locality. He asked questions about Islam, and wandered through the white corridors and long halls covered in blue carpets.

Gavali was among the 350 people who visited the mosque in a programme helmed by the Pune Islamic Information Centre (PIIC). For the first time in many years, the mosque at Azam Campus, an educational hub, opened its doors to men and women from other communities. The idea was to allay doubts and dispel misconceptions around the religion and its practices.

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It is an initiative that is slowly gathering strength across the country. Apart from the Pune mosque, Al-Fukran in Mumbra (Mumbai), Masjid Umar Bin Khattab in Ahmedabad and three mosques in Hyderabad including the well-known Spanish Mosque have opened their doors for anyone interested in paying a visit.

The trend started abroad. Mosques in the UK have been holding open days for decades, but a concerted effort started in February 2015 when as part of #VisitMyMosque, 20 mosques held an open house on the same day. Since then, 200 mosques have joined the UK initiative. Similar campaigns are running in Canada and the US.

Karimuddin Sheikh of PIIC, who helped organise the weekend open house, knows the challenge he is up against. It is a toxic atmosphere stoked by fake social media forwards that allege mosques spread violence and hatred, and madrassas breed terrorists. The organisers tackled rumours spread through social media head-on with placards depicting the consequences of spreading unverified news.

Sheikh, who owns a sportswear manufacturing business, noticed the change in peoples attitude some years earlier when he went looking for a home to rent and was refused repeatedly. Over the last six years we have organised inter-faith dialogues and seminars on festive occasions hoping to begin conversations. But the hatred spewed by social media has just taken over young peoples minds, he says. People would ask him, Why arent mosques open for everyone? What are you hiding? We felt that we had to take a more drastic step, he says.

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Moinuddin Nasrullah, trustee of the Umar Bin Khattab mosque in Ahmedabad, has encountered the ugly face of prejudice often. He recounts how an elderly man walked away from him at a book fair saying,  Tum logon se jitni doori banai jaye utni achchi hai (Its best to keep a distance from people like you). The comment stung but also left Nasrullah reflecting about what to do. It took a year but the mosque hosted its Visit My Mosque programme last month.

This is not all. Nasrullah is also trying to bring his community closer to the people. The mosque is active on Facebook and Twitter, using these to post pictures and videos of the open house and teachings of the Quran. Nasrullah hopes to inspire other mosques to use social media and increase public interaction.

It was an eye-opener, says Jignesh Dhanak, a 35-year-old cloth merchant who lives in Ahmedabad and visited the masjid with some friends. Many who had never been inside a mosque or read about Islam were surprised to find that namaz was read facing a wall and not in front of an idol. Arabic teacher Kubra Naik says that despite living together for so many years, awareness levels are still low. People dont really know each other. When I tell people my name or they see me in a hijab, I know they have reservations about what I am going to say. But when I speak about how it is important for us to live in peace their attitude changes, she says.

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Naik is a volunteer with the NGO A Little Kindness Trust, that has so far conducted open days in three Hyderabad mosques. The most successful gathering was at the Spanish Mosque in August 2018, when over 2,000 people turned up.

Harsh Mander, who started the Karvaan-e-Mohabbat project as an outreach for Muslim victims of lynchings and riots, says the effort is touching but it must be the majority community that reaches out to others. The worrying part is that the present climate has legitimised bigotry. The more educated, more privileged Indians are far more prejudiced than those who are less educated, he says.

However small, the organisers are hoping their efforts will have an impact. Punes Karimuddin has plans to hold another open house in February while Nasrullah has been getting calls from other mosques in Gujarat for advice.  Mahol ko badalna hoga, aur humme hi kuch karna hoga (Things have to change and we have to take the initiative), Nasrullah says.India has a very lax approach when it comes to protecting the nation from environmental degradation. Lack of awareness and stringent measures by the government has turned north India into a gas chamber.

Whether it is stubble burning that has made the capitals air hazardous or industrial waste that is spewing toxic chemicals into river bodies, Indians are suffering from chronic health ailments. Many hospitals had even installed a clean pair of lungs to display the lethal effects of Delhis deteriorating air quality index.

Now, a new discovery has been made which indicates that people staying in various districts of Sonipat are suffering from deadly diseases like cancer for consuming polluted industrial water.

Photo: BCCL/Representative Image

Residents of Saboli, Nathupur, Kundli, Akbarpur Barota Safiabad and Sersa have been affected by industrial waste. According to ANI these areas house quite a few plastic, rubber and polyester factories of medium and large scale size. The industrial pollution that enters the nearby areas include toxic substances like dioxin, furan and benzene which cause reproductive and developmental problems in people living in that area.

The villagers are not only inhaling toxic air but are also drinking polluted water which is leading to skin infections. A 78-year-old resident of Saboli village, Mahendra Singh told the news agency, I was detected with throat cancer in August 2018. The source of our drinking water is getting severely affected due to industrial waste. He went onto say that corruption was acting as an impediment to finding a solution.

Photo: BCCL/Representative Image

Another daily wage earner said that the situation wasnt this worse a decade ago. Now, the future generations are also getting affected. The people are left with no other option but to resort to water filters to make sure that they are drinking clean water.

However, villagers who cannot afford these filters have no other option but to drink polluted water.

Project Coordinator, Sustainability Vision Foundation Trust Vijay Kumar Saroha said that unplanned industrial developments had disrupted the life of villagers. Moreover, none of these industries follow waste disposal system.

Photo: BCCL/Representative Image

Locals also expressed other social concerns like they had problem finding suitable marriage partners for their children. The villagers claimed that once people hear of the life-threatening diseases, they would no longer be interested in the proposal.

Industries can have long-lasting effects on their surrounding areas. For instance, the Bhopal Gas Tragedy of 1984 which is also popularly called Corporate Crime continue to have reproductive and developmental effects on the residents. Long-term health effects resulted in chronic conjunctivitis, scars on the cornea, respiratory problems like aggravation of TB and chronic bronchitis, impairment of memory and intellect among people living near the abandoned Union Carbide factory.As the northeast continues to boil over the proposed Citizenship Amendment Bill renowned Manipuri filmmaker Aribam Syam Sharma has said that he has decided to return the Padma Shri award to protest against the controversial legislation.

The 83-year-old announced his decision in Imphal on Sunday, stating that his move was in protest against the Bill as "people in Manipur need protection".

Sharma, an acclaimed filmmaker and music composer was awarded the Padma Shri in 2006.

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His announcement comes a various citizen groups and NGOs in the northeast have promised to step up their opposition to the bill.

The Citizenship Amendment Bill is aimed at providing citizenship to illegal migrants from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan on the basis of religion.

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The move has however not gone down well in the northeast, even within the BJP and its NDA allies.

Even local BJP leaders from the region have made their opposition clear and have made it to the leadership in Delhi that the bill will have an adverse effect on the party's prospects in the Lok Sabha Elections.A day after his death, in what was initially believed to be an accidental fall, Police now says that IIT Hyderabad student Anirudhya Mummaneni jumped to his death from the seven-storey hostel building on the campus.

PTI reported that before he committed suicide, Anirudhya had written an email to his friends hinting that he was ending his life.

The decision to end my life is purely logical, based on my estimation of what the future contains. Life holds no intrigue anymore and the daily grind is becoming more difficult with time, the email which has surfaced after his death read.

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According to police the 21-year-old final year mechanical and aerospace engineering student was depressed and had even taken counselling from a psychiatrist a few days ago.

Anirudhya, the only son of his parents was on the terrace of the hostel building on Thursday. He was reportedly talking on the phone when he jumped off, leading to initial suspicion that it was an accident.

His father M Rajan, a businessman, is in a state of depression because Anirudhya was his only son. The boys elder sister got married to a doctor recently, a police officer said.

It is not yet clear that what drove Anirudhya to depression and subsequently ending his life.

A look on his Facebook profile too gives out nothing. Anirudhya appears to be not so active on social media and the last time he posted a photo of him was back in 2015. Since then the only public activity on his account are occasional profile picture changes, which are just comic characters.

Anirudhya is the latest name in a growing list of students of India's premier technical institution ending their lives.

In January, IIT Madras saw two suicides inside its campus, Gopal Babu, a first year student of M.Tech committed suicide in his room in Brahmaputra hostel on January 28.

On January 1, Ranjana Kumari, a PhD scholar at IIT-M's metallurgy department had committed suicide in her hostel room.

On January 7, Pannem Pavan, a B Tech student from IIT Guwahati has committed suicide in the campus premises.The Karnataka High Court recently stayed a notification which banned cultivation of eucalyptus trees across the state.

Karnataka Government had in 2017 banned fresh cultivation and planting of eucalyptus, citing the drop in groundwater levels due to the plantations.

It was challenged farmers who claim that the decision was taken without consulting them and argued that various studies have found that eucalyptus trees do not drain ground water as widely believed.

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Over the years eucalyptus have emerged as the mainstay for the paper and pulp industry in India.

According to those in the industry and farmers, eucalypts are fast-growing and can be made available for pulp production within four to five years after planting.

This they say is a win-win situation for the industry and farmers.

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However large scale eucalyptus cultivation, especially in areas where the groundwater levels are low has always been controversial.

It is estimated that a single a eucalyptus tree consumes around 90 litres of water a day. This, many say has an adverse effect on the groundwater levels, during the summers.

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Others however argue that there have been no concrete study to prove the correlation between eucalyptus cultivation and groundwater levels.

In 2015 even the National Green Tribunal (NGT)had stated that based on studies in different countries eucalyptus, has no adverse environmental impact nor is it disastrous for water table.Remember the legendary images of people scaling walls to hand over chits to students writing exams?

Well, Bihar wants to end such practices and make sure that no one like 'Prodigal Science' fame Ruby Rai tops the exams by cheating.

With an aim to end the malpractice of mass cheating in exams the Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB) has come up with some stringent measures.

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As part of this, students have been asked not to wear socks and shoes inside the exam halls. They will also be frisked twice before entering the examination hall.

BSEB Chairman Anand Kishor told The Times of India that students who are caught using unfair means during the exams, will be suspended.

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Kishor added that to prevent incidents of question paper leaks, nobody, including teachers, will be allowed to take cellphones inside the exam hall. He also said that the BSEB has prepared 10 sets of questions which are different from each other.

Matriculation and Intermediate examinations in Bihar are scheduled to begin on February 6 and 21, respectively.For every actor, being chosen for a role for a new season of the show that mattered to them once is a big achievement. For Nimrat Kaur, returning to the final season of Homeland has come as a big surprise.

During a recent interaction with PTI, she said she never thought she would reprise her role in the hit American TV series.

Just to jog your memory a little, Nimrat, Tasneem Qureshi, an ISI officer in the fourth season of the award-winning show and is now all set to return for the eighth installment. Talking to PTI, Nimrat said,

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When I did season four, I had no idea I will be brought back. It was just one season deal. This offer came as a surprise to me. Who would have thought? I had never thought I would go back on the show as that character again."

Recollecting how she got a chance visit to Los Angeles played an integral role in bagging the last season, she added,

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They (the team) wanted to meet me as they were in the process of scripting the final season. Luckily, I was in Los Angeles at the same time. They wanted my character to return because it did well for them."

Kaur is excited for the opportunity and she said that she's looking forward to playing Tasneem again.

Twitter

The opportunity to play it again and to jump into that universe is exciting. It is for the first time that I am repeating what I played onscreen, she said.

She recalled it was tough adjusting to a different type of role and a different working environment in Hollywood. It was a little challenging when I got there as it was first time I was working abroad so the system was new to me. It is out and out grey character and I had to train myself to be comfortable playing the part.

Even though she had limited screen time in the fourth season, Nimrat said it garnered universal acclaim and opened new avenues for her.

People come to me at airports and say they dont like me. It is rewarding to see that people hate this character. It makes me feel job well done. It is the last and final season so it is exciting to be part of it, she said.

The 36-year-old actor said her character has evolved in the past four years.

She (Tasneem) is now at the senior level in the ISI and she is the face of Pakistan. She has moved up in authority and is a figure of great importance. There will be pivotal decisions taken by her. I dont know the complete arc of the character so I am not aware how she becomes in the end. I just have the script of the first few episodes in my hand"

In such a scenario, she truly believes it is essential to have faith in the makers as they know the overview better. She said what she has learnt working on the series is the level of planning and the time the makers invest in pre-production.

There is proper clarity on the sets, everything works as per the clock. There is no room for error. I learnt to be spontaneous and not be worried about how it will pan out. I went with the flow and had trust.

remaining of

Thank you for Reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading.While the moral equivalence between the two concepts in the readers querynational security versus welfareescapes me, the questions nonetheless cut to the core of much of the political debate before us.

Anyone who thought the 2016 election was monumental (and it was) should buckle up tightly because the next presidential election may actually set the tone for an entire generation, or two. That depends on how long it takes the electorate to come to its senses.

Heres why: Radical Democratswhich increasingly is to say, simply, Democratshave embraced socialism as the party platform heading to 2020. Theyll cloak the confiscation of income and wealth in any number of euphemistic terms, but itll remain what it is, socialism.

Well hear the term democratic socialism, which is an oxymoron if ever one existed, and well hear about how the rich should be paying their fair share. Well hear about the rights we have to free education, free healthcare, and how a green society benefits mankind.

Much of it will have one goalto entice millennials and Gen Z voters to turn out in droves. Thats why well hear all the rhetoric about free government services over the next 20 months or so.When I was a young fellow, right there in the short window between post-toddler and preschooler, I had an invisible pet squirrel I kept in my pocket.

You might think thats nuts and I could say youre close, but in my post-toddler/ preschooler imagination, that invisible squirrel in my pocket was just as real as Bugs Bunny and Captain Kangaroo.

I was a bit of precocious child, some might say deeply troubled and in desperate need of help, but I prefer precocious. I spent a good deal of time hanging out at a Shell service station on the hill above the oil company where my dad worked, breathing in the 1970s leaded gasoline fumes, scooting around on a mechanics creeper and standing on the counter near the cash register reciting the Pledge of Allegiance for anyone who would listen.

And, of course, I showed off the invisible squirrel I kept in my pocket, pulling him out and opening my hand with an upturned palm for everyone to see.

This is my pet squirrel, I would announce.

The reply was usually, Thats nice, son. Is my car ready yet? or That boy up on the counter aint right.5. Finally, the latest word Ive heard associated with Christians is homophobe. In other words, because we believe that homosexuality is a sin, it is assumed that we hate homosexuals. This truth was lived out a few years ago in an interview between Piers Morgan and Christian actor Curt Cameron. While Cameron proclaimed his love for all people, he, along with the rest of us, get lumped in with the Christians who show scorn rather than love for those who sin, no matter what the sin may be. But, we have no one to blame other than ourselves. In our zeal to condemn the sinner, some of us have stepped over the line and condemned the sinner, too. Moreover, we have been more silent about what is wrong within our church than we have when it comes to what is wrong in the world.Photo: CTV News

BC Transplant says they helped save 502 lives last year with your help.



"Thanks to the incredible gift of organ donation, 502 British Columbians received a transplant in 2018, setting a new record for the total number of transplants in a calendar year," says Health Minister Adrian Dix.



Last year's record beat the old record by one transplant and translates into a deceased donor rate of 24.9 per million people, an increase of 71 per cent compared to five years ago.



Im proud to celebrate the selfless act of donation from so many British Columbians, said Health Minister Adrian Dix. This record number of transplants is a testament to the spirit of our residents, who gave the greatest gift of all last yearthe chance at a new life for others.



BC Transplants Organ Donation and Hospital Development Team, have worked hard to maintain BCs position as one of the national leaders for organ donation and transplantation.



It takes an incredible team effort to make organ donation happen, says Dr. Sean Keenan, BC Transplants medical director of Organ Donation Services. Once a family selflessly consents to organ donation on behalf of their loved one, upwards of a hundred people are initially involved for each organ donor and transplant recipient.



A new kidney transplant milestone was also reached last year with 339 transplants.

There were also 28 heart transplants in 2018 (tying the record set in 2016), 50 lung transplants and 77 liver transplants.



I am so grateful for the generosity of not one, but two families who have had the strength to say yes to organ donation in the midst of tragedy, says Katie Welsh. She was Canadas first pediatric heart-transplant recipient in 1987 and underwent her second heart transplant at St. Pauls Hospital last year. I am a mom, wife, daughter, sister, and friend because of them.



Right now there are more than 1.35 million British Columbians who have registered their wishes to be an organ donor. As of January 1, 2019, 669 people are still waiting for an organ transplant in BC, and the need remains strong.

British Columbians are encouraged to register their own decision about organ donation and share their wishes with family.

Virginia governor Ralph Northam apologised on Friday for appearing in a photograph that featured a man in blackface and a second person in a Ku Klux Klan hood and robe (Steve Helber/AP)

The governor of a US state is refusing to quit over a racist photo in his medical school yearbook, despite growing calls for him to resign.

Virginia governor Ralph Northam has now insisted it is not him pictured, despite originally apologising on Friday for the photograph that featured a man in blackface and a second person in a Ku Klux Klan hood and robe.

In a video he posted on Twitter, the Democrat said he could not undo the harm my behaviour caused then and today.

But on Saturday, Mr Northam said he was not in the picture after all, adding that he had not seen the photo before Friday because he had never bought a copy of the 1984 yearbook or been involved in its preparation 35 years ago.

It has taken time for me to make sure that its not me, but I am convinced, I am convinced that I am not in that picture, he told reporters during a press conference in Richmond.

Expand Close Mr Northam, left, with his wife, Pam, during the news conference (Steve Helber/AP) / Facebook

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Whatsapp Mr Northam, left, with his wife, Pam, during the news conference (Steve Helber/AP)

Calling the picture offensive and horrific, Mr Northam, who is one year into his four-year term, again rejected demands that he step down.

While talking with reporters, the governor admitted he once used shoe polish to put on blackface as part of a Michael Jackson costume for a 1984 dance contest in Texas, while he was in the Army.

He said he regrets that he did not understand the harmful legacy of an action like that.

Asked by a reporter if he could still do Jacksons famous moonwalk, Mr Northam paused before his wife Pamela interjected to say it was inappropriate circumstances.

The governors shifting explanations did little to sway prominent Democrats calling on him to resign.

Both of Virginias US senators, Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, joined the dean of Virginias congressional delegation, Representative Bobby Scott, in saying they no longer believe Mr Northam can serve effectively.

My statement with Senators @timkaine and @MarkWarner urging Governor Northam to resign. pic.twitter.com/caAx6Im0Ga  Rep. Bobby Scott (@BobbyScott) February 2, 2019

But his refusal to step down could signal a potentially long and bruising fight between Mr Northam and virtually all of the states Democratic establishment. Top Republicans in the Virginia General Assembly also urged him to quit.

Mr Northam was pushed repeatedly by reporters to explain why he had issued an apology if he was not in the photograph, and he conceded that people might have difficulty believing his shifting statements.

My first intention  was to reach out and apologise, he said, adding that he recognised that people would be offended by the photo. But after studying the picture and consulting with classmates, Mr Northam said: I am convinced that is not my picture.

My fellow Virginians, earlier today I released a statement apologizing for behavior in my past that falls far short of the standard you set for me when you elected me to be your governor. I believe you deserve to hear directly from me. pic.twitter.com/1rSw1oxfrX  Governor Ralph Northam (@GovernorVA) February 2, 2019

The Eastern Virginia Medical School yearbook images were first published on Friday by the conservative news outlet Big League Politics.

The governor, a paediatric neurologist, has recently come under fire from Republicans who have accused him of backing infanticide after he said he supported a bill loosening restrictions on late-term abortions.

In a tweet on Saturday, President Donald Trump weighed in on proceedings, calling Mr Northams actions related to the photo and abortion debate unforgivable!Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was rocked by the highest-ranking military defection from his regime yesterday, as tens of thousands marched through Caracas calling for an end to his grip on power.

A general from the Venezuelan air force announced he no longer recognised Maduro as president, adding to growing pressure on the increasingly isolated government.

The general, apparently speaking from Colombia, said 90pc of the country's armed forces "are not with the dictator, they are with the people of Venezuela". He added: "He should go. The time for democracy is now."

Juan Guaido, leader of the National Assembly and Maduro's rival, set the stage for confrontation with the armed forces by announcing that convoys of international aid, previously blocked by the regime, were en route. He told a rally in Caracas that he had arranged humanitarian support from neighbouring Colombia and Brazil and Caribbean nations, organised in co-ordination with the US.

It leaves the Venezuelan military with a tough choice - block the much-needed medicines and food, or defy their commander-in-chief and accept the deliveries.

Maduro has in recent weeks been trying to shore up Venezuela's sinking economy with cash injections, as the US tightens the noose with sanctions on the oil industry. He has tried and failed to access 1.2bn in gold from the Bank of England, and sold some gold to the UAE in return for euros in cash. But his options appeared to be narrowing as the UAE ceded to international pressure and said that they would not assist the regime with further transactions.

Today marks the deadline imposed by the EU for Maduro to call elections. If he fails to do so, Europe will tomorrow officially recognise Guaido as Venezuela's legitimate interim president - following the lead set by the US on January 23, and swiftly followed by Canada, Australia, Israel and a host of Latin American countries.

Russia, China, Turkey and Iran remain loyal to Maduro, while Mexico and Uruguay have called for dialogue.

There was new energy in the air yesterday as thousands heeded Guaido's call to create the country's "biggest ever" street protest. Music was playing, food sellers were out, and the atmosphere was festive as Venezuelans demanded change, with hope that finally the tide could be turning.

A rival protest in support of Maduro was staged in another part of Caracas. Maduro told the crowd that the armed forces were "the spinal column" of the country, and that he had every faith in them.

Maduro also proposed bringing forward elections for the opposition-held National Assembly, scheduled for 2020, to this year, as he sought to damp down demands for fresh presidential elections.

Telegraph

Telegraph Media Group Limited [2021]Right on the eve of this month's unprecedented so- called 'Sex Abuse Summit' in the Vatican, Pope Francis was this week rudely reminded of the seemingly intractable problem facing the Catholic Church.

This time, the many-headed Hydra monster that is clerical sex abuse manifested itself on the Pope's doorstep, in the hallowed environs of the Congregation of the Doctine of the Faith (CDF), once better known as the Holy Office. Last Monday, Austrian priest Father Hermann Geissler, one of three office managers at the CDF, resigned from the job he has done for the past 26 years.

A Vatican statement said Father Geissler had resigned in order "to limit the damage already done to the Congregation and to his Community [religious order]", adding that "he affirms that the accusation made against him is untrue".

So, what is the accusation? It goes back 10 years ago. German Doris Wagner, a former nun with the male and female religious community, "The Work" (Familia Spiritualis Opus), has accused Father Geissler, also a member of "The Work", of soliciting sex from her while hearing her confession in 2009.

This case highlights an aspect of the Catholic Church's sex abuse problem that has become more prominent. While for much of the past 20 years, clerical sex abuse investigations/reports/media coverage have understandably focused on abuse of minors, it has long been clear that the church has an equally big problem with the abuse of those in positions of subservience to powerful superiors, such as seminary students and nuns.

Last Friday, even the Vatican's own magazine, Women Church World, published along with the Vatican daily, L'Osservatore Romano, highlighted the problem. Citing the Pope's analysis of abuse, the magazine denounced the sexual abuse of nuns by priests - and the resulting "scandal" of religious sisters having abortions or giving birth to children who are then not recognised by their fathers.

Expand Close FORMER NUN: Doris Wagner / Facebook

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Whatsapp FORMER NUN: Doris Wagner

If there has been a common denominator in the unfolding sex abuse story of the last year, it has concerned the abuse of power and rank by senior churchmen engaged in sexual harassment of either seminary students or nuns, from Chile to Pennsylvania and from Australia to Hondouras. These often silent victims clearly come under the category of "vulnerable adults".

Doris Wagner's accusations, filed to the CDF in 2014, first became known to many during the Voices of Faith event, "Overcoming Silence - Women's Voices in the Abuse Crisis", held in Rome last November. In a compelling and moving talk, Ms Wagner recalled the horrors of her experience.

She not only alleged that Father Geissler had solicited sex from her during confession, but she also said that she had been raped by the male superior of the convent where she lived. That had occurred in 2008 when she was 24, Ms Wagner explained: "I joined religious life when I was 19... At that moment, like any young sister, I was following an ideal... I was ready to follow Christ wherever he would lead me so that when my superiors told me that the way to perfection consisted in obeying orders even when I did not understand them, when they told me not to read books, not to speak with my fellow sisters about personal matters, not to contact my family without permission...when they told me always to smile, I trusted them..."

That trust however exploded in her face. Five years after she had joined the community and just some months after she had taken her solemn vows, she said, "the male superior of the house came into my room and raped me".

She added: "When he came in to undress me, the only thing I was able to say was 'you are not allowed to do this' which obviously did not help at all. Instantly I knew that whomsoever I would speak to about this in the community would blame me, not him. And so, I kept silent."

Ms Wagner also told how, one year later, "a priest working to this day as capo ufficio at the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith" [Father Geissler] and a fellow member of the community asked to be appointed as her confessor. She alleges that Father Geissler tried "to hold me and kiss me", telling her that "even though we couldn't marry, there would be other ways..."

When she complained to her female superior, she was told: "Yes, Father Geissler has a certain weakness for women but we have to put up with it."

Ms Wagner left the community and abandoned religious life two years later, in 2011. Now married with one child, she has in the meantime completed theology studies in Germany and written a book about her experiences, Nicht Mehr Ich (Not Me Anymore).

She thought she was "the only nun who had ever been raped by a priest" but soon learned otherwise. Her research drew her attention to the work of Irish missionary nun Sister Maura O'Donoghue

Having spent six years as Aids co-ordinator for the Catholic Fund for Overseas Development, O'Donoghue (and others) produced a report in the mid 1990s which detailed widespread sexual abuse of nuns by male superiors, in 23 countries including Ireland, Italy and the USA.

Sme experts estimate that 30pc of religious females experience sexual harassment from male "colleagues". Ms Wagner now says that she tells her story because "unless victims speak out then the abuse will just go on forever".

Contacted by email this week by the Sunday Independent, Ms Wagner said that she was "relieved" by Father Geissler's resignation, adding: "At the same time I am quite shocked that he does not admit [to the abuse] and has even managed to include a threat [to take legal action] into the official Vatican press statement. Also, I am wondering why he has not been removed from his office when I first reported him in 2012 - and after he had admitted 'imprudent gestures on two occasions' in 2014. Finally, I am wondering what the apparently ongoing canonical process is about, who is leading it, whether I will be questioned in this process and what the outcome will be."

Vatican spokesman Alessandro Gisotti said Geissler was "under examination by the Superiors of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, who reserve the right to take the appropriate initiatives".

Father Geissler's resignation remains a huge embarrassment as part of the CDF's brief is to deal with the most serious offences against the sacraments, above all including sex abuse cases.

As we move into 2019, on the clerical sex abuse front things are not getting a lot better for Pope Francis. Last year was marked by sex abuse scandals in Chile, Honduras, Australia and Pennsylvania which, in different ways, featured senior churchmen such as Cardinals Pell, Maradiaga, McCarrick and Errazuriz (and the list does not end there).

2019 has begun not only with this week's Geissler case but also with a potentially much more damaging case involving Argentine Bishop Gustavo Zanchetta, appointed by Francis in 2013.

He is accused of the sexual harassment of seminary students, the posting on social media of naked selfies and other acts of "obscene" behaviour by the Bishop. Bishop Zanchetta's own vicar general, Father Juan Jose Manzano, has told Associated Press that the Holy See was informed of these accusations against Bishop Zanchetta in both 2015 and 2017. Even the naked selfies were sent to the Holy See, he claims.THE NUCLEAR OPTION: The 1987 deal being signed by Gorbachev and Reagan. Photo: AFP/Getty

Following in the footsteps of the United States, which on Friday announced that it was pulling the plug on the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty over alleged Russian violations, Russia yesterday announced that it will abandon the centrepiece nuclear arms treaty.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said yesterday that his country will only deploy intermediate-range nuclear missiles if Washington does so.

US President Donald Trump accused Moscow on Friday of violating the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces treaty with "impunity" by deploying banned missiles. Trump said in a statement that the US will "move forward" with developing its own military response options to Russia's new land-based cruise missiles that could target Western Europe.

Moscow has strongly denied any breaches and accused Washington of making false accusations in order to justify its pullout.

The collapse of the INF Treaty has raised fears of a repeat of a Cold War showdown in the 1980s, when the US and the Soviet Union both deployed intermediate-range missiles on the Continent. Such weapons were seen as particularly destabilising as they only take a few minutes to reach their targets, leaving no time for decision-makers and raising the likelihood of a global nuclear conflict over a false launch warning.

After the US gave notice of its intention to withdraw from the treaty in six months, Putin said Russia would do the same. He has ordered the development of new land-based intermediate-range weapons - but emphasised that Russia won't deploy them in the European part of the country or elsewhere unless the US does so first.

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"We will respond quid pro quo," Putin said. "Our American partners have announced they were suspending their participation in the treaty and we will do the same.

"They have announced they will conduct research and development, and we will act accordingly."

The US has accused Russia of developing and deploying a cruise missile that violates provisions of the pact that ban production, testing and deployment of land-based cruise and ballistic missiles with a range of 500 to 5,500km.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the treaty would terminate in six months unless Russia accepts US demands that it verifiably destroy the cruise missiles that Washington claims are in violation.

NATO allies have strongly backed Washington and urged Moscow to save the treaty by returning to compliance.

But Russia has categorically rejected the US claims of violation, charging that the missile, which is part of the Iskander-M missile system, has a maximum range of 480km. Russian officials claimed that the US assertions about the alleged breach of the pact by Moscow were intended to shift the blame for the pact's demise to Russia.

Putin has argued that it makes no sense for Russia to deploy a ground-based cruise missile violating the treaty because it has such weapons on ships and aircraft, which aren't banned by the pact.

Speaking yesterday in a televised meeting with his foreign and defence ministers, Putin instructed the military to work on developing new land-based weapons that were previously forbidden by the INF treaty.

Russian defence minister Sergei Shoigu reported to Putin that they would include a land-based version of the Kalibr - a ship-based cruise missile - and also a new hypersonic intermediate-range ballistic missile.

Putin emphasised that such new weapons won't be deployed unless the US does so first. "Russia will not station intermediate-range weapons in Europe or other regions until similar US weapons appear in those regions," he said.

The Russian leader said that Moscow remains open to talks with Washington, but added that it would be up to the US to take the first step. "Let's wait until our partners are mature enough to conduct an equal and substantive dialogue on those issues," he said.

At the same time, Putin told his ministers that he would like to review the progress on building other prospective weapons that don't fall under the INF treaty, including the intercontinental Avangard hypersonic glide vehicle and the Poseidon underwater nuclear-powered drone.

He noted his defence minister's report that a key stage in testing of the Poseidon was completed several days ago. The drone is designed to carry a heavy nuclear weapon that could cause a devastating tsunami wave.

The Russian leader last year unveiled an array of new nuclear weapons, including the Avangard and the Poseidon, saying that they can't be intercepted.

Putin also noted during yesterday's meeting that he would like the military to prepare a response to the possible deployment of weapons in space, echoing Trump's calls.

The Pentagon's new strategy unveiled last month calls for a new array of space-based sensors and other high-tech systems to more quickly detect and shoot down incoming missiles.

Putin instructed the military to make sure the research and development works on new weapons don't swell military spending. He said the military must reconfigure the existing defence budget to find money for the new weapons.

"We must not and will not be drawn into a costly arms race," he said.

Associated Press

White House wary of threat from China

When the Trump administration pulled the plug on a decades-old nuclear arms treaty with Russia, it set the stage for delicate talks with US allies over potential new American missile deployments.

The Trump administration thinks the arms treaty was an unacceptable obstacle to more forcefully confronting not only Russia but China. China's military has grown mightily since the treaty was signed, and the pact has prevented the US from deploying weapons to counter some of those being developed in Beijing.

Leaving the INF pact, however, risks aggravating relations with EU allies, who share the Trump regime view that Russia is violating the treaty - but have not endorsed a US withdrawal.

The INF treaty was the first arms control measure to ban an entire class of weapons: ground-launched cruise missiles with a range of between 500 and 5,500km. At the time, in the late stages of the Cold War, the US and its allies were mainly concerned by the perceived threat of Russian medium-range nuclear missiles that were targeted at Europe. The US deployed similar missiles in response, in the 1980s, leading to negotiations that produced the INF treaty.

Administration officials have dismissed concerns that the treaty's demise could trigger a race to develop and deploy more intermediate-range missiles.

US officials have emphasised their fear that China, which is not party to the treaty, is gaining a significant military advantage in Asia by deploying large numbers of missiles with ranges beyond the treaty's limit.

Whether the US will now respond by deploying INF non-compliant missiles in Asia is unclear. In any case, it seems unlikely Beijing would agree to any negotiated limits on its weaponry.

Earlier last week US intelligence officials called attention to efforts by China and Russia to expand their global influence, particularly in Asia and the Middle East.

Over the past five years, Chinese forces have steadily consolidated and expanded their presence in the South China Sea through land reclamation efforts. China's building of artificial islands on tiny reefs in the middle of the South China Sea created a fresh theatre for geopolitical manoeuvres.Hilde Schramm, the daughter of Adolf Hitler's favourite architect, was nine years old when she had her photograph taken with the Nazi leader.

The image, showing the girl smiling in a pink dress while the author of the Holocaust's arm rests on her shoulder, would have overshadowed many lives. But Schramm has refused to be defined by her past.

For the past 25 years, she has worked to give back to Germany's Jews a little of what was stolen from them by the Nazis, and now she has been honoured with an award from the Obermayer Foundation, set up by an American Jewish philanthropist to recognise those who keep Germany's Jewish legacy alive.

At a time when governments face criticism for not doing enough to restore artwork looted by the Nazis to their rightful Jewish owners, Schramm (82) has shown the way. She set up Zuruckgeben - meaning Restitution, or Giving Back - five years before the declaration of the Washington Principles, an agreement by 44 countries to work for restitution.

Her work stands in contrast to the bitter struggle many Jewish heirs still face to get back artworks looted by the Nazis. Last year it emerged that a collector had asked a Jewish family for 1m "compensation" for the return of a Degas that was rightfully theirs. Several German museums have still not catalogued their collections for possible looted works.

For Schramm, restitution began in 1993 when she inherited part of the art collection of her father, Albert Speer, who worked with Hitler.

"I didn't want to have the paintings because they might have belonged to Jewish people," she said. "It was a powerful feeling."

None of the paintings were by major artists and it wasn't possible for Schramm to research their history, so she sold them and use the money to give something back.The paintings raised around DM160,000 - "Not a lot of money to start a foundation," she says in flat in south Berlin.

She used it to set up Giving Back, which encourages anyone who feels they might own, or have benefited from, something that was looted from Germany's Jews to make a donation. The money is used to fund bursaries for artistic or creative work by Jewish women in Germany.

Schramm later discovered the paintings she inherited were almost certainly not stolen from Jewish owners. But, she says, that doesn't matter. "From the beginning I was chilled by the idea that he had bought the pictures with money he made from being in a leading position in the National Socialist government. For me, it was contaminated money."

Speer was the architect of the Nuremberg rally grounds and Hitler's planned - but never fulfilled - redesign of Berlin. He was also minister for armaments and war production. After the war, Speer claimed he didn't know about the Holocaust, but historians have cast doubt on that. He pleaded guilty at the Nuremberg trials but was spared the death penalty.

Schramm freely admits part of her motivation in setting up Giving Back was to escape his shadow. "I wouldn't let myself be identified by my father," she said. "So many women are defined by their fathers. I didn't want my father's history always to be the centre of my life. It isn't."

Giving Back's work is about more than just stolen art works, she says: "So much was taken from Jewish people in so many ways. Germans who were bombed were given free furniture by the National Socialist government. Often, that furniture had been taken from Jewish families."

Unlike many of those honoured by the Obermayer Foundation, her work is not focused on the memory of Germany's lost Jewish heritage, but on its living Jewish community.'Cork' waterproof ankle boots lined with GORE-TEX waterproof membrane and with elasticated side gussets, 270, available in a number of shades including cigar, chestnut, russet and black

'Devlin' down-filled quilted and hooded jacket, new to Dubarry's collection of performance outerwear, in black, 329, also available in navy and olive

When Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, recently wore Dubarry of Ireland's best-selling jacket, the Bracken, bosses at the Irish brand were not exactly surprised.

"Apart from the fact that it was a perfectly natural fit for her inimitable crossover town and country styling, the extended British royal family have long been customers of Dubarry," explains Michael Walsh, marketing director.

Named after a French courtesan, Dubarry had humble beginnings, starting out as a co-operative company established in 1937 to provide employment in Ballinasloe.

The native county gave them the name for their signature 'Galway' leather and suede boot which is promoted at shows by staff standing in a large bucket of water to prove their waterproof credentials.

The utilitarian aspects of the country clothing brand with its attractive outdoorsy palette has crossed a major point of difference and has helped the Irish brand attract a growing number of urban customers - it rains in the city too! The Dubarry line-up of waxed jackets, Teflon-coated tweeds and GORE-TEX-treated waterproof boots and clothes has attracted a whole new tranche of faithful customers; from the girls wearing short tweed skirts with fitted jackets and leather boots, to the hardcore hunting 'n' shooting set, many of whom buy the Irish brand at its London store located on King's Road, in the heart of fashionable Chelsea.

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Fans of the Galway boot (pictured above) include three generations of royals - Queen Elizabeth, her daughter Princess Anne and Anne's daughter Zara Phillips. A special orange-laced pair of Galways were made for Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, for her work with the National Osteoporosis Society.

The Irish company has achieved household name status among its target market by selling at the Cheltenham Races, Badminton horse trials, the Royal Windsor Show and Chelsea Flower Show. In a leap across the Atlantic, it picked up Bruce Springsteen and family as clients after showing at the Hampton Classic in New York. Bruce rocked his 'Galways' onto the main stage at Glastonbury a few months later.

The current collection plays to the strengths of firmly held principles: function and fashionable appareil.Vogue Williams takes her role as an unofficial Irish fashion ambassador seriously. The tv star (33) chose an all-Irish designed ensemble for a day at Leopardstown Racecourse with her glamorous mother Sandra Wilson, who opted for a chic monochrome look.

Vogue, who divides her time between London and Dublin, flew home to spend time with her family and she and her mother, who lives in Spain, were guests of honour invited to enjoy the racing festivities. It's clear her relationship with Paul Costelloe is stronger than ever as she paired a tweed wool biker coat and embellished skirt yesterday, after he designed her wedding dress and son Theodore's christening gown last year.

Costelloe previously described the former model as his muse and a "joy to work with", gushing, "She's a beautiful woman, a credit to her generation and to Ireland." As for accessories, her Flower Zipped Tote by Louis Vuitton is brand new from the French fashion house's SS19 collection and a pair of round metal classic sunglasses by Ray Ban added some variety to the look, but the runaway hit came in the form of Joanne Hynes' yet-to-be-released mesh pearl headband with bow detail.

Williams is still riding high from the success of her reality show with husband Spencer Matthews, which was generally well-received among viewers as they documented their new life as parents with E4 cameras and the newlyweds have just been confirmed as two of the participants in the upcoming season of Celebrity Gogglebox.The Good Friday Agreement is a landmark achievement of Ireland, the UK and the people and political parties of the North. It is an international treaty struck between neighbours and 21 years of peace on our island has flowed from it. That allowed us to move on from the 30 years of death, fear and indescribable pain that had gone before.

Peace, and the fragility of it in Northern Ireland, was most certainly forgotten during the Brexit referendum campaign. I'm sorry to say there were times it seemed sadly forgotten in the House of Commons last week.

I have said it many times: Brexit is a lose, lose, lose situation. The European Union stands to lose a valued member state which designed some of its very best features. Ireland stands to lose our closest neighbour from the group. Britain stands to lose the most. Many in the UK will fundamentally disagree with me on that last point. But there is not much by way of credible economic data or studies that say Britain will be better off after Brexit. Although we deeply regret the outcome of the UK's referendum on EU membership, we must respect it.

For Ireland, peace on our island is most important of all. We saw from very far out that Brexit will damage us economically, but more importantly, it had the potential to threaten peace too. That is why we made maintaining an open border and protection of the Good Friday Agreement our overarching objectives. That led to our partner in the peace process, the UK, giving a firm commitment in December 2017 that it would ensure its pursuit of Brexit would not cause a hard border on the island of Ireland under any circumstances.

The best people in the EU and UK worked remarkably hard last year to reach a Withdrawal Agreement negotiated around UK red lines and that allowed for a British demand for a UK-wide backstop on customs. If used, that backstop will only be temporary and we will work hard to replace it with a better deal. It is a safety net for peace, no more, no less. The UK won a further concession by the EU agreeing to a review clause.

No matter what, we expect Prime Minister May to live up to her commitments on the Border from December 2017 and we expect the Prime Minister will always fulfil Britain's role as a co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement.

If the UK leaves the EU on March 29 with no deal, everyone will suffer more then they need to and Northern Ireland will stand to suffer the most. In those circumstances, the UK will still need to live up to its obligations and responsibilities under the Good Friday Agreement. In my view, a solution based on regulatory alignment will remain the best and most sensible option. One thing is certain: the technology to maintain the open border we have today does not exist. Where technology is currently used around the world, it is generally to assist or facilitate border infrastructure and controls, not to replace them.

It is a tragedy that Northern Ireland's voice has been drowned out during the Brexit negotiations. This is in no small part because the Executive at Stormont lies dormant. While the DUP has an important voice, it does not speak for the majority in Northern Ireland who voted against Brexit and who support the Withdrawal Agreement in its entirety, including the backstop. Wider British society needs to listen to Northern Ireland. Cross-community businesses, farmers, manufacturers and civic groups all support the backstop, as do a majority of elected representatives to the Northern Ireland Assembly.

They know that the backstop is not a constitutional threat to the UK or Northern Ireland's place within it.

The only silver lining last week was the Commons vote to reject leaving the EU without a deal. That now needs to be put into action by UK politicians. The Withdrawal Agreement will not be re-opened and the backstop will not be changed, the EU could not be clearer on that.

Brexit will not be advanced by a UK government-backed amendment which sees it go back on its word. That is no way to do business. I made this very clear to the British Foreign Secretary when I met him in Romania on Friday.

We need instead to see a further mapping out of the future relationship Britain wants with the EU. The offer is there from the EU to revise the Political Declaration to make it more ambitious, if the UK so wishes.

The initiative needs to come from the source of the problem, London. If more time is needed for this, Britain is free to ask the EU.Leo Varadkar is facing his Harry Truman moment. What he does next will define his place in history for decades to come. It is said that the Taoiseach is "Zen" at the moment. Perhaps. Sometimes though, the more it is said that somebody is calm and relaxed the more likely it is that the opposite is the case.

Truman was the only 20th Century US president without a college degree. Within three months of being elected vice-president, he was called to the presidency. And it was widely expected he would be woefully out of his depth.

At the time, 1945, Truman had not been briefed about the late President Roosevelt's issues with the Soviet Union, or the development of the atomic bomb, the dropping of which on Hiroshima and Nagasaki he authorised within four months. "I felt like the moon, the stars, and all the planets had fallen on me," he subsequently said.

Next month the moon, stars and all the planets will threaten to fall on Leo Varadkar. He may have to make a decision, or decisions which will not only define his place in history, not only impact the economy here, and therefore social outcomes for years, but which will have a significant effect throughout Europe and on economies around the world.

It is no exaggeration to say that Leo Varadkar is, or is about to become, one of the most important global political leaders of the modern age. No pressure then.

After the various votes in the House of Commons last week, it has become more likely that one of the decisions he will have to take is whether to relent on the backstop, or fudge it in such a way as to not lose face.

If Varadkar is in a tight spot, then his only consolation is that the UK Prime Minister, Theresa May, is in an even tighter one.

As the Brexit negotiations go down to the wire, it is more apparent that game theory is in play - even if Jean-Claude Juncker said last week: "This is not a game." But still, who will blink first?

For all the pressure the Taoiseach is under - he must be flapping furiously under the surface of the water - it is still more likely that, collectively, the Commons will blink on February 14.

From the outset, Theresa May has played a poor hand poorly, and then more poorly still.

In this regard, the greatest advantage the EU secured at the start was to structure the Brexit negotiations in consecutive phases: withdrawal arrangements first and then the future relationship.

This gave the EU all of the leverage in negotiating a withdrawal agreement before, as the UK craves, talks on a future trade deal could begin.

For the UK, it would have been better had the talks been conducted concurrently, so that it could obtain benefits for concessions made, and to better sell the final package to its people.

The truth is, in this game theory, the UK has allowed itself to be on the back foot from the beginning, and there is little to indicate that it will bound to total success at the last moment.

The opposite, in fact: right now, the UK resembles a man tottering on a cliff edge, holding a gun to his own head.

And the risk is that it will grab Ireland, then the Netherlands, Belgium, up to seven EU countries most directly linked by trade, and pull them with it as it goes over that edge, ripples to touch the US, China and elsewhere globally as it hits rocks in the water below.

What Leo Varadkar will be required to do in the next few weeks is help the UK lower the gun from its own head, but remain on the cliff edge. As Angela Merkel's spokesman said last week, sometimes you have to stare into the abyss before you pull back.

To facilitate a breakthrough, Varadkar may have to relent on, or help to design such creative fudge on the backstop, without losing face.

In the Commons last week, Theresa May was afforded a final opportunity to re-open the withdrawal agreement. The EU understands that its interests depend on staying united behind a coordinated strategy. Within moments of the Commons decision, Europe showed its united front.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker issued a statement in which he paraphrased a segment of a speech he had made in the Dail last June: "Sometimes, from time to time, I have the impression that some hope that the 26 other countries will abandon the backstop and so Ireland at the last minute. But this is not a game. And neither is it a simple bilateral issue. It goes to the heart of what being a member of the European Union means. Ireland's border is Europe's border - and it is our Union's priority."

Insofar as it goes, that is fine, but it was noted in Dublin that Juncker also referred to the backstop as a "safety net", a new term first used by Theresa May last week.

So, is the "backstop" about to be super-fudged into a "safety net"?

In game theory, internal divisions can be costly, and divisions within the UK, and especially the Conservativs, have seriously weakened the UK's negotiating position.

By necessity, positions are evolving all the same.

The Commons also showed last week that it was opposed to a no-deal Brexit, albeit in a non-binding vote, a decision which points towards a collective blink nonetheless.

Since then, it has been agreed that there will be a further series of votes in or around February 14, St Valentine's Day, by which time Theresa May will have been outwardly shown little love by EU.

There are also indications that several in Theresa May's Cabinet will resign their positions rather than allow a no-deal Brexit.

Further to that, there were tentative indications that the Labour Party is starting to engage in the process towards a customs union and some single market alignment-soft Brexit.

All of which points to one thing: the Commons will vote to defer Brexit on February 14.

But with a view to what? The gun will only be lowered when the UK and EU get into talks on a future trade deal: effectively, but without actually saying it, for the two phases of the talks to run concurrently.

This is where the moon, the stars, and all the planets will weigh heavily upon Leo Varadkar.

Should he relent, or a creative fudge be designed on the backstop, the suggestion is that the withdrawal agreement could be, ahem, parked for two years for a trade deal to be agreed.

In two years, the EU can always stand back, gesture towards the cliff edge and invite the UK to jump if it so wishes.

But having looked into the abyss, the view or hope is that a soft Brexit deal, involving customs and some single market alignment, will ultimately be negotiated to avoid a hard border in Ireland.

There are so many risks associated with this scenario, however. The Brexiteers may lay claim to the Conservative Party leadership, in which case the DUP will also double down on a hard Brexit; or of course, there may be an election and relative wisdom could ultimately prevail in the House of Commons.

Either way, to coin another Harry Truman statement, it is starting to look like the buck is about stop with Leo Varadkar in March. Zen, manPhoto: The Canadian Press Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido, who has declared himself the interim president of Venezuela, greets supporters as he arrives at a nationwide demonstration demanding the resignation of President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's office says he has spoken with the man Canada and many of its allies consider the legitimate leader of Venezuela.

Trudeau's office says he spoke with Juan Guaido about the need for countries to send a clear message about what the PMO calls "the illegitimacy of the Maduro regime."

A statement from the PMO says the two also discussed the need to respect Venezuela's constitution and to have free and fair presidential elections.

The call comes a day before Canada and its allies in the so-called Lima Group are set to meet in Ottawa.

The gathering of more than a dozen of Canada's Western Hemisphere allies is meant to find new ways to support the Venezuelan opposition and ease the refugee crisis in neighbouring Brazil and Colombia

The agenda was still being finalized on Friday, in part because of the speed at which the Venezuelan crisis is unfolding.

Canada has already contributed $2.2 million for the humanitarian crisis in Venezuela that has forced three million people from their homes.

Trudeau's office says he told Guaido that Monday's meeting will look at any ways countries can "can further support the people of Venezuela, including through immediate humanitarian assistance.

"The prime minister commended Juan Guaido for his courage and leadership in helping to return democracy to Venezuela and offered Canada's continued support," the statement says.It's a curious thing that whenever there is rising consternation about some public project that's gone ludicrously wrong, the person who ends up carrying the can for it is rarely a government minister.

Instead the search for scapegoats invariably ends up honing in on someone that few ordinary voters have ever heard of, and whose departure they must simply take on trust that it will immediately make things better. The latest to fit the pattern is Tom Costello, chair of the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board (NPHDB) for the past six years.

After another week of criticism of a project whose costs have rocketed to nearly 1.7bn, he announced his resignation in a statement yesterday, citing his concern at the "reputational damage that the ongoing commentary about the increased cost of the hospital is having on this critically important project". It comes just a day after Health Minister Simon Harris reassured detractors that there would be "accountability" and "personnel changes" in how the project is being run. It's almost as if he knew something in advance about Mr Costello's impending resignation.

The now former chair of NPHDB is, no doubt, a household name in his chosen field. According to his biography on the new children's hospital website, Mr Costello is a chartered engineer and Fellow of Engineers Ireland, and, as a former managing director of Sisk's Irish operation, he did oversee "the successful completion of many of the largest and most significant projects built in Ireland", including Dundrum Town Centre.

He must have sounded like an ideal fit to bring the new children's hospital in on time and on budget. That obviously failed to happen and, since it's now feared that costs will eventually exceed 2bn, he surely knew what was expected of him, especially after a week in which he'd faced mounting personal criticism for his role. His resignation is many things, but a surprise isn't one of them. The NPHDB does have statutory responsibility for building and equipping the hospital, after all. The buck might not necessarily stop there, but the winding road to wherever the buck stops certainly goes through there en route.

But that's an altogether different matter to the one which really counts - namely, who is actually to blame for the fiasco? Who knows? All we do know is that Tom Costello satisfies the inevitable requirement in this age of news management to provide a resignation to make it seem as if those at the top are in control.

Casual onlookers are meant to see the headlines, presume the culprit has been found who wasted all their money, and then get on with their lives, content that justice has been done. Only a spoilsport would upset the choreography by pointing out that, no matter how high-ranking a role it may be to act as chair of the development board on a project of this size and importance, it's not as if the Government just handed him a book of blank cheques.

There's a long and complex chain of command in place; there are many people to answer to, as well as regular assessments, meetings, updates, reviews. Plenty of people are in the know, most of them equally anonymous in the eyes of the general public, but some very familiar.

The Health Minister, for example, who's been in his job since May 2016. The National Children's Hospital is easily the largest capital expenditure he will oversee as a minister, possibly in his entire career in politics, so it presumably takes up a significant corner of his mind day to day. He has to make the right appointments, and ensure that everything's going tickety boo.

Leo Varadkar, who got the ball rolling when he was health minister, at which stage he was satisfied that it would cost only 650m - satisfied enough to sign off on the project in the first place - is another person who might reasonably be expected to have questions to answer. He is the Taoiseach now, after all. Ambitious politicians run for office promising that they will take personal control of what's wrong with the country. Once in office, personal control turns into collective responsibility and some waffle about a general system failure.

There seem to be question marks hanging over how much the two men were told, and how much they weren't, but that doesn't absolve them from blame. If anything, it raises a host of new and intriguing issues as to what questions they were asking.

Most of us, if we were spending that much money, would never stop making a nuisance of ourselves by asking questions, even if it wasn't actually our money and we were just looking after it on behalf of somebody else. If it's the case that the development board should have been giving weekly briefings to the Department of Health, the minister is equally at fault for not demanding them.

Then there are all those TDs who sits on various committees, overseeing the work of government. Is it not their job to make sure that public money is well spent, and to know how to get some answers when it isn't?

Not so long ago, TDs and senators were seeking the power to run Oireachtas investigations into "any matter of general public importance". If their inability to spot billions of euro disappearing down the plughole is anything to go by, it suggests that voters did the right thing by rejecting that proposal in a referendum in 2011.

As for senior civil servants who handle the day-to-day running of departments, and who might be expected to notice when things are going seriously awry on their watch, an explanation of their role in all this will have to wait on the report of financial consultants PriceWaterhouseCoopers, who've been drafted in at a (not inconsiderable) cost of 450,000 to make sense of the mess.

Their findings, due to be delivered at the end of March, are now eagerly awaited by the poor schmucks out there who ultimately pay for all this bureaucratic extravagance.

Prepare for disappointment. There may be a smattering of further resignations along the way, but chances are it won't be anybody we know by name or sight, not least because the terms of reference for that review into the escalating costs of the National Children's Hospital state explicitly that it will ascertain only the "role and accountability of the relevant key parties", and will "stop short of determining culpability at the individual level".

Surely the least one might expect in return for the guts of half a million euro is to learn who was to blame?

If Tom Costello is the only one who ends up taking the fall for the spiralling cost, it will feel suspiciously as if he's been offered up as a public sacrifice, in the same way that former HSE chief Tony O'Brien and clinical director Grainne Flannelly were the only ones to resign over the cervical cancer screening scandal.

Two billion euro is a lot of money, but people will get bored of talking about it eventually and move on to other concerns. In the meantime, the hospital will be built, and will in all likelihood be a magnificent facility and a credit to the nation. It ought to be at that price.

Like all such grand projects, it will then be remembered in future for having been built in the reign of this particular minister and that particular taoiseach, and conveniently forgotten will be that both men were in grave danger of making a pig's ear of it along the way. Would the Government have realised the need for a shake-up in governance of the project if it hadn't been for public pressure? And if not, why do they now expect brownie points for belatedly springing into action?

The media probably bears some responsibility for this traditional farce by allowing them to pull such a blatantly cynical bait-and-switch.

Eagerness to shine a spotlight on another example of government incompetence fuels public discontent, which those with the most to lose then seek to dampen down by tossing them a symbolic resignation.

It's a reminder that, when it comes to wriggling off the hook, politics operates by the same golden rule as the dodgiest casino: The house always wins.All states have interests in the wider world. They pursue those interests in a range of ways: from exercising whatever power they have to persuading others to want what they want. Democracies, unlike non-democracies, must also consider their values in deciding how they act in the world. When interests and values clash, governments in democracies can be in a very difficult position.

Ireland has long been in that position on corporation tax. A comparatively low rate of tax on profits, and a cast-iron guarantee that it will never be hiked, has been central in making Ireland a hub in the transatlantic economy. But the tax regime for business here has led to frequent charges - abroad and at home - that Ireland is a tax haven for megacorporations.

It has been a particular bone of contention with some European partner countries. The constant raising of the issue in one guise or another by France, Germany and the European Commission has led to something approaching paranoia in Ireland on the subject.

But the chances of changes taking place at EU level that would transform Ireland's corporation tax regime have always been greatly exaggerated. Every one of the more than two dozen EU member countries wields a veto when it comes to collective action on tax. If Ireland had been forced to wield that veto again and again over the years there would be reason to believe that sooner or later a government would find that it could no longer resist holding out against the wishes of all the others. But this has never happened. It hasn't happened because there are always plenty of other countries who see downsides for their economies of EU-level changes. This was to be seen - yet again - recently when a proposal for a new EU-wide tax on increasingly unpopular technology companies generated multi-country opposition.

Despite all the focus on Europe posing a threat to Ireland's profit tax regime, the real risk has always come not from the east, but from across the Atlantic to the west. Changes in the positions of the US government or US companies have always had the potential to cause the biggest problems for Ireland.

A radical change to the US tax regime a year ago raised concerns that the incentives for American companies to invest abroad would change. Despite the fact that the legislation was explicitly designed to encourage US companies to invest more at home and less abroad, there has been no sign to date that the flow of American capital into Ireland has slowed.

So far, so good from an Irish perspective. But last week something potentially very significant emerged at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), a think tank best known for its wide-ranging research on economic and policy matters.

The official leading the technical work on finding ways to curb tax avoidance by globalised companies, Pascal Saint-Amans, was quoted in the Financial Times as saying that the US position had undergone "a fundamental change". The change he was referring to was one that strikes fear into the hearts of the people who run Ireland's public finances.

Before looking at the issue and what's at stake, some context is needed.

Big companies have always employed legions of accountants and lawyers to find ways to minimise their tax bills. As more and more companies have come to operate in multiple jurisdictions over recent decades, the focus of tax professionals has moved to exploiting entirely legal loopholes at the interface of national tax systems.

The Irish authorities have closed many of these loopholes in recent years, in part because of a desire to reduce reputational damage, but also because playing by international rules is an Irish value in and of itself. The Government has committed itself to helping improve these international rules so that the opportunities for tax avoidance are narrowed.

Then last week, the OECD group working on these rules came out with new proposals. These have similarities to measures Ireland has fought tooth and nail against at EU level. Most centrally, they would see a shift in taxing companies based on where they operate to where their sales are recorded. According to reports, other big global players support the proposals, such as China, Brazil and India. But the US, still the world's most powerful country by a distance, is the country that counts. If it puts its weight behind such a profound change in global taxation, then it is very likely to happen.

For once, Irish paranoia on tax may be justified. The head of the OECD is Jose Angel Gurria, a bureaucratic entrepreneur with boundless energy. He has worked to make his organisation the brains trust of the G20, a grouping of the world's largest economies which has become the most important global forum on international economic affairs. When he spoke at an event at Davos with Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe 10 days ago he criticised "sweetheart deals" given to companies such as Apple. It seemed odd at the time that an operator as wily as Gurria would embarrass his fellow panellist in that way. His comments make more sense following the new OECD plans that emerged last week.

If the OECD discussions are now going in the direction of profoundly changing how globalised companies are taxed, Ireland won't be able to do much about it. Unlike at EU level, there are no vetoes in the OECD's bases erosion and profit-shifting (BEPS) process. While it is formally driven by consensus, if the big countries from across the world line up behind the proposal, then it will be a done deal whether the small countries like it or not.

For Ireland, the main effect would be on the public finances.

Despite the closing of the loopholes, which has likely led to less cash flowing through Ireland for tax avoidance purposes, profit tax revenues have exploded, growing by 150pc over the past half decade or so. Last year revenues topped 10bn. Ireland's overall public finances are now more dependent on profit tax revenues than almost any other country.

Nobody expected this to happen, least of all the Government and the mandarins of the Department of Finance. If the cash had been treated as a windfall there would be much less cause for concern. But none of these windfall revenues have been saved. They have all been spent. If they had been spent on one-off projects like rural broadband or a children's hospital it would be one thing. But they haves gone on spending lines, such as public sector pay, which are locked in as far into the future as one can see.

Ireland faces many big risks over which it has little or no control. That it has added to those risks by becoming dependent on revenues which may vanish is depressing.

In an accompanying column in the Business section of this newspaper and online, Dan O'Brien looks at changes to the wider international environment for small countries and how these changes could affect Ireland in the long runA senior executive at one of Sean Quinn's former companies had scalding water thrown in his face while a second was punched repeatedly in the head, in a blatant escalation of a campaign of violence and intimidation against the firm and its staff.

Kevin Lunney, chief operations director at Quinn Industrial Holdings (QIH), and Dara O'Reilly, chief financial officer, were attacked last Friday lunchtime when they went to a local service station and restaurant in Ballyconnell to eat.

According to an informed source, the suspect entered restaurant before they arrived. When the executives came in, the suspect filled a container with water from the hot water dispenser and threw it in Mr O'Reilly's face, and turned on Mr Lunney whom he punched several times.

"Staff and locals intervened and tried to pull him off, he then vacated, and we presume went across the Border to safety," said the source. It is understood that Mr Lunney was treated in hospital for his injuries while Mr O'Reilly escaped without being seriously hurt. The suspect, who was recognised by a number of those present, lives on the Northern Ireland side of the Border. Last Friday's attack is the latest in a series of assaults and arson attacks on QIH property and staff that resumed late last year. It occurred just months after the company's board wrote to the Garda Commissioner, Drew Harris, and Charlie Flanagan, the Minister for Justice, asking them to step up investigations into the attacks. Adrian Barden, chairman of QIH, warned the Minister that the board had "deep concerns that the activity will result in serious injury, whether intentional or not, and it now seems inevitable that the perpetrators become more and more emboldened in being able to conduct their nefarious activities with apparent impunity". The letter noted that despite the possibility of paramilitary involvement in the attacks, the company was unaware of any suspects having been arrested or detained. QIH was originally part of Sean Quinn's empire until the tycoon was ousted in 2011 over his 2bn debts to the former Anglo Irish Bank. A local consortium secured international investors to buy QIH. Sean Quinn returned to the business as a "consultant" but later left. QIH employs 800 people and profits rose by almost 60pc this year. An online campaign against the company claims it is destroying the business. Mr Quinn has publicly and repeatedly condemned the attacks on QIH. John McCartin, a Fine Gael councillor and a director, said the attack was a "disgusting and cowardly act, and that whatever the perpetrator intended to achieve, he can be sure it will only serve to strengthen our resolve to continue to serve the business and the community". Liam McCaffrey, Chief Executive of QIH, issued a statement expressing gratitude to the locals and QIH staff who intervened. "Cowardly unprovoked attacks of this nature cannot be allowed to go unpunished and we trust the authorities will deal with this accordingly," it said. Gardai confirmed they are investigating an assault at Ballyconnell.Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has mounted a strong defence of the escalating cost of the National Children's Hospital, comparing it to "bad press" controversies over other major state infrastructural projects in the past and claiming "nobody will think it a poor investment" when the hospital is opened.

Speaking exclusively to the Sunday Independent yesterday, shortly after the chairman of the hospital's development board, Tom Costello, resigned citing concern about "reputational damage" over "ongoing commentary", Mr Varadkar defended the spiralling cost when spread over eight to 10 years and described estimates that the final cost could be between 1.75bn and 2bn as "misleading".

He said: "The cost of construction is higher than we budgeted for. There's no denying that. We budgeted for 1bn and it will cost around 1.4bn or 1.5bn, but that's spread over eight to 10 years."

The Taoiseach also said that other infrastructure projects would not be cancelled as a result of the cost overrun, stating "some projects might be deferred by weeks or months" which, he said, the Government would clarify over the next two weeks.

"Bear in mind," he said "the 10-year capital budget for health is 10bn - less than 20pc of that will be spent on the children's hospital. More than 80pc will be spent on other healthcare projects all over the country."

Speaking while on his way to the Ireland vs England Six Nations rugby international, Mr Varadkar said: "I predict it's going to be a bit like the inter-urban motorways, the Luas or the new airport terminals in Dublin or Cork. There will be bad press, claims and counterclaims about costs and delays, but once open to the public, nobody will be sorry it was built and nobody will think it a poor investment.

"Once it's built, it's an asset we'll have for 150-200 years. Children in school today will have it if they need it and so will their grandchildren who will use it in the 22nd Century."

While the Taoiseach was careful to state that the "huge focus" on cost was "understandable" and to refer to "enormous anxieties" about the impact on other projects, his trenchant defence of the cost will cause some surprise and may fuel criticism ahead on an ongoing Public Accounts Committee examination and a review by business consultants PwC, a report which Mr Varadkar claimed would itself cost between 200,000 and 400,000 and not 450,000 as reported.

The PwC review will stop short of determining culpability at an individual level.

Notwithstanding the Taoiseach's attempt to defend the project, and direct the public's imagination to a "state-of-the-art and one of the best in the world" hospitals when completed, the Sunday Independent understands that there are serious tensions between the departments of Public Expenditure and Health over the scale of the overrun.

Yesterday, Fianna Fail Public Expenditure spokesman Barry Cowen accused the Government of being "economical with the truth" on the "spiralling costs", claiming Health Minister Simon Harris knew last September that the cost was 200m ahead of budget but did not tell the Dail.

A source close to Mr Harris yesterday said "commercially sensitive information" was never disclosed by the Government while costs were still being negotiated and said that this has been privately pointed out to Mr Cowen.

Mr Cowen also criticised the Department of Public Expenditure for its handling of the overrun: "The department were able to leak to the media that it had supposedly expressed concerns to the Department of Health some two years ago. It's not clear however, what it did to act on these concerns other than to simply express them," he said.

The Department of Public Expenditure is responsible for policy on allocating public funds across each area of government spending and ensuring that expenditure is managed in line with allocations. "Well, it has clearly failed in this case," Mr Cowen said.

However, Mr Varadkar said: "I have heard figures like 1.75bn or even 2bn. I think this is misleading. Those figures include parts of the project that are commercial, and that won't be paid for by the taxpayer like the multi-storey car park, retail and restaurants, as well as IT and equipment, all of which we'd have to upgrade and pay for anyway if we stayed in Crumlin and Temple Street. It even includes 40m spent mostly by Fianna Fail on the failed plan to build it at the Mater. I think people using those figures are just trying to undermine the new hospital and aren't giving the public the full picture.

"We need this hospital; our children need it and deserve it. We will work hard over the next few weeks to restore public confidence in the project through changes in personnel and an independent review. We'll also examine ways to recover some of the cost - 150m will be recovered in VAT, for example. When the Crumlin site is vacated, there will be value that can be realised in terms of a health asset and also for housing."

Yesterday, Mr Costello said: "I have acted with professionalism and integrity in all my dealings with the project stakeholders including the Minister for Health and his department. Every decision made by the board has been guided by what was deemed best for the project. I am concerned about the reputational damage that the ongoing commentary about the increased cost of the hospital is having on this critically important project and so I have decided to step down from my role to help ensure that focus is restored on delivering the project."

The resignation came just a day after the Health Minister, Mr Harris, said there would be personnel changes and accountability. Yesterday, Mr Harris thanked Mr Costello for his service and his "exceptional commitment" to the project.IRELAND is falling behind in the war against smoking  so it is time to use vaping as a helpful quitting tool, the Government has been told.

Fine Gael senator Catherine Noone said Ireland is at serious risk of not achieving its target of getting tobacco smoking below its target of 5pc in the next six years.

She said that increasingly anti-cancer and anti-smoking campaigners are reluctantly accepting that vaping can help people quit smoking.

She said that the organisation, Cancer Research UK, suggests that studies so far have shown that e-cigarettes are far less harmful than smoking conventional cigarettes. They do not contain tobacco, which causes the damage from smoking, but usually contain nicotine, which while addictive does not cause cancer.

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For some, e-cigarettes could be an option to help them stop smoking tobacco, the organisation states on its website.

Ms Noone, a senator since 2011 who is standing for the Dail in the Dublin Bay North constituency next time out, argued that Public Health England has adopted vaping as a help for people quitting smoking.

This strategy has proved helpful with smoking falling below 15pc of the population  while Ireland is still around 20pc.

We are currently on track to miss our smoke-free deadlines in Ireland and I believe that we can correct this course by potentially incorporating e-cigarettes in our policies," Ms Noone told Independent.ie.

"In an ideal world none of these products would be necessary, however, we must recognise the challenges in front of us and do everything we can to tackle smoking.

Health Department officials have stated that more research is required on e-cigarettes and vaping. Opinion is divided in the public health world with some critics arguing that many people who use e-cigarettes also smoke conventional cigarettes.Striking nurses from the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) protest outside Naas General Hospital in Co Kildare in a row over pay and staffing levels (Niall Carson/PA Wire).

Members of the INMO during their 24-hour stoppage at Crumlin Childrens Hospital. Photo: Mark Condren

The Government fears capitulating to nursing union demands could result in pay claims from other public sector workers costing 2.3bn, the Sunday Independent has learned.

The Government has claimed the INMO is seeking a 12pc pay increase for their members and the Department of Finance said a similar pay hike for all public sector workers would cost the State almost 2.3bn.

The revelation comes as the nursing union led by Phil Ni Sheaghdha dramatically escalated plans for industrial action. Ms Ni Sheaghdha announced two more days of strike action - February 19 and 21, in addition to the already-announced strikes on the 5th, 7th, 12th, 13th and 14th - which means the health service will be brought to a standstill for seven days this month.

It is understood nurses are considering reducing cover for GP out-of-hours' services during the next round of strikes which will put increased pressure on hospital emergency departments. Community nursing services will also be stripped back. Last night, Ms Ni Sheaghdha accused the Government of responding to the industrial action with "threats and intransigence". "Everybody - except the Government - recognises that there is a serious under-staffing problem in our health services," she said. "The public support for the strike last Wednesday showed that the Irish people stand with nurses and midwives. "Our message is clear. We will not be going away - resolving this dispute requires direct engagement from the Government, recognising the real recruitment and retention problems in Irish nursing and midwifery," she added. Meanwhile, senior Department of Public Expenditure and Reform officials have been locked in talks with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions with the aim of finding a resolution to the escalating industrial relations crisis. The INMO's decision to strike last Wednesday was the first industrial action by a nursing union in almost 20 years. The majority of the union's almost 40,000 members will also strike on Tuesday and Thursday this week. The industrial action has caused health service chaos and resulted in thousands of vital hospital appointments being cancelled. The union is demanding better pay and conditions for members which would be equivalent to a 7,000 or 12pc pay increase. However, the Government insists it cannot afford to increase nurses' pay as Brexit looms. The union claims the Government costings for their pay demands are exaggerated. The INMO last year signed off on the Lansdowne Road public sector pay deal. The agreement secured pay increases for nurses over the next three years, which in some cases could total more than 7,000. However, the union is insisting on re-opening the agreement to discuss further pay increases for members. Central to their claim is a call for nurses to receive the same pay as equivalent health workers such as physiotherapists. They have also raised concerns about staffing and recruitment levels in the HSE.The fight broke out in the departures lounge of the airport on Saturday night. Credit: Astrit Zekaj

Police have launched an investigation after an "altercation" broke out between passengers at Belfast International Airport last night.

Belfast International Airport has said videos on social media do not show "the rapid intervention of police" after a fight broke out in the building.

The incident happened on Saturday night in the departure lounge of the airport as crowds of passengers looked on in shock.

Footage from the scene circulating on social media shows one man armed with a metal pole charging at another individual, swinging the weapon wildly.

A fire extinguisher, rubbish bins and metal baskets are also thrown during the altercation, which several witnesses said lasted for around 20 minutes before police intervened.

One video of the trouble on Twitter has been viewed almost 40,000 times as of Sunday morning.

In a statement, a Belfast International Airport spokesperson said police arrived on the scene within three minutes.

"The incident involving two groups of passengers on Saturday evening was unsettling for both passengers and staff alike.

"The incident, in its entirety, lasted seven minutes with police arriving on scene within three minutes. The rapid intervention of police was not captured in the videos posted on social media.

"Airport police, PSNI and staff are to be commended for their professionalism in dealing with this incident in such a swift manner.

"A police investigation into this incident is continuing.

A PSNI spokersperson said: "PSNI provided assistance to airport police following a report of an incident at Belfast International Airport yesterday evening. The matter is being dealt with by airport police."Four people appeared in court yesterday in Spain following the discovery of a body believed to be that of missing Dubliner Carl Carr.

Carr, a convicted drug dealer originally from Casino Park in Marino, had been living in Spain for a number of years and went missing following a dance event in the Costa Blanca resort of Cabo Roig near Torrevieja on September 16 last.

His mother Marie Carr, from Dublin, said Spanish detectives told her yesterday the man they found buried near a Costa Blanca motorway was her 38-year-old son. "We are heartbroken," she said.

One theory is that his murder may be linked to a personal dispute rather than a gangland feud.

His body was discovered beside a highway between Benijofar and Algorfa around 30km from where he was last seen.

Court sources confirmed the investigation was being treated as a murder or homicide probe and the four suspects - two men and two women - had been remanded in custody following a behind-closed-doors court appearance in the Costa Blanca resort of Torrevieja.

The source said: "Two men and two women have appeared at Torrevieja Court of Investigation Number Two this morning. They have been remanded in custody pending an ongoing investigation.

"The investigation is being treated at this stage as a homicide or murder probe.

"The man suspected of being the material author was among the four that appeared in court.

"The other three are being investigated on suspicion of concealment, although one of the women is also under investigation on suspicion of illegal weapons possession.

"A fifth person, a woman, also appeared in court after being interviewed by police and she was released but remains under investigation."

No details on the nationalities of the detainees, believed to be British and Irish, were revealed.

Another well-placed source said: "The court appearances followed the discovery of a body.

"The victim is believed to be an Irish national who disappeared last September."

The court investigation stemming from Carl Carr's disappearance was initially led by a court in the nearby town of Orihuela.

But local reports said it was moved to Torrevieja, a 40-minute drive east on the Costa Blanca, because investigators suspected that is where the killing took place.

The suspected killer is also understood to be under investigation for extortion as part of a separate court probe which is still being led by the court in Orihuela.

Preliminary court appearances always take place in private in Spain. Only trials are open to the press and public.

Carr moved to Spain after serving an eight-year sentence in Ireland following a 1.4m heroin and cocaine seizure in 2008.

He was a close associate of Kenneth Finn who was shot dead in Coolock, north Dublin, last year.

Both men had links to the north Dublin crime boss known as Mr Big.

Several associates of Mr Big are based in Spain where they help arrange drug shipments to Ireland.Entrepreneur Pearse Lyons, founder of the global animal nutrition group Alltech, who died in the United States almost a year ago, has left more than 21m in his will.

Although best known as the founder of the Kentucky (USA)-based conglomerate which has its European headquarters in Dunboyne, Co Meath, he also opened distilleries in Dublin and Lexington and was a pioneer of the craft-beer renaissance in Ireland and the Commonwealth of Kentucky, where he lived in Jessamine County.

Born in Dundalk, Co Louth, in August, 1944, he worked in the Harp brewery during his summers while attending University College Dublin. He developed an interest in brewing, distilling and the science of fermentation, which according to various Rich Lists, made him one of Ireland's coterie of billionaires in later life.

He went to the University of Birmingham in England and graduated with a PhD in biochemistry in 1978. He then returned to UCD to do a Master's in Business Administration (MBA), which he didn't complete. He got a job with Irish Distillers which eventually took him to Kentucky, the heartland of bourbon whiskey distilling. In 1980 he set up Alltech in the garage of the home he shared with his wife Deirdre, a solicitor and their two young children Mark and Aoife, with savings of $10,000. Initially, the company specialised in advising brewers on the fermentation process and was said to have successfully concluded more than $1m worth of business in its first year. He later branched out into animal nutrition products, which soon outstripped the brewing side of the business and now has branches in many different countries. "Everything he did, he did with three things: passion for life, a commitment to excellence, and he always had fun in everything he did," his son Mark told his funeral in Kentucky last year. With over 5,000 employees worldwide, Alltech allowed him to pursue his personal interest in brewing and distilling. He established the Pearse Lyons Distillery in an old church in Thomas Street, Dublin, which opened in 2017, and he also established the Lexington Brewing and Distilling Company in Kentucky where he made his home. In a 12-page document, mostly concerned with tax-planning and the operation of his trust funds, Thomas Pearse Lyons, described as an entrepreneur of Avenue of Champions, Nicholasville, Kentucky, USA, who died on March 8, 2018, at the age of 73, left estate valued at 21,200,293. Mr Lyons left "all my tangible personal property" to his wife, Deirdre. This is described in a further clause in the will as "personally held art, antiques, stamp and coin collections and other collectables". It also included membership of exclusive clubs and frequent flyer air miles. Mr Lyons left the residue of his estate to be administered by the trustee of the Thomas P Lyons 2014 Revocable Trust. Regarding the company he founded, Alltech Worldwide Holdings, Mr Lyons stipulated in his will: "It is my desire and wish that my personal representative in the exercise of my personal representative's duties and powers should, to the greatest extent possible, maintain ultimate ownership of Alltech Worldwide Holdings and Alltech Inc." His funeral was held in Lexington, Kentucky, on St Patrick's Day 2018.Photo: The Canadian Press Peter Oyeniyi (left), a van outreach worker in the Salvation Army Extreme Environment Response Vehicle, assists a man to put gloves on his frozen hands as they drive around Winnipeg street, February 2, 2019.

In a city where winter can be almost guaranteed to bring temperatures below -30 C, saving homeless people and other vulnerable persons from severe frostbite or even death is a complex project.

It relies on a lot of goodwill and elbow grease from Winnipeg's non-profit groups and, despite efforts, street people still often need to shuffle between spots to find somewhere warm to stay at certain times of day.

"The city needs a central place ... where people can come and go and feel safe there, and where there's no sobriety restrictions," says Nancy Chippendale, an activist who has waged a lengthy battle on social media to try to persuade city hall to set up a 24-hour warming centre.

She feels any such centre would have to be run by the government instead of relying on non-profits, which have different rules, capacities and operating hours at their shelters.

As it stands now, she said, homeless people move between fast-food restaurants, shopping malls, the downtown library and soup kitchens. And when those locations close for the night, the outdoors can be the last option.

Toward the end of an extreme cold snap recently when wind-chill values fell below -50, Mayor Brian Bowman said there is always some space available at shelters as they co-ordinate among themselves  even if a specific one is full.

He suggested city-run warming centres, such as ones in Toronto, can present their own challenges.

"What we were advised by the agencies that are in the business of providing this care is that if you open up a space, you need to make sure that it's properly staffed for the protective safety and well-being of those that are provided it."

Other cold-weather cities take less formal measures. Edmonton, for example, will leave some light-rail transit stations open overnight when the temperature plummets.

Figures provided to The Canadian Press by Manitoba's chief medical examiner's office show 24 people died from hypothermia in Winnipeg between 2010 and 2017. They were among 100 hypothermia deaths across the province in that period.Insurance brokers are advising customers to stay away from new policies with companies regulated in UK territories such as Gibraltar because of concerns over Brexit.

Customers are being warned of a risk to their policies and that they could be left without insurance if the UK crashes out of the EU without a trade deal. Brokers said they are in the dark about what standing firms regulated in the UK and Gibraltar will have post-Brexit.

Last week a broker told the Sunday Independent it is advising its customers not to take up car insurance with Gibraltar-regulated companies.

The broker said it could not guarantee these insurers would continue to be regulated here once Britain leaves the EU.

It said that if an issue arose about how insurance companies regulated abroad are to be recognised here post-Brexit, customers would be at risk of having their insurance declared null and void.

This would result in premiums being lost and customers left scrambling for new insurance cover.

An example was given of a customer taking out a new year-long motor insurance policy now with a company regulated in Gibraltar and paying for it up front.

"You could be left without insurance from March 29 if Britain leaves the EU without a deal on Brexit," said the broker.

"It is too risky, so we are making our customers aware of this risk and advising them to consider an alternative.

"If their cheapest option is UK or Gibraltar-based, we supply them with two quotes."

Gibraltar is a hub for many financial services companies, insurers and bookmakers because of tax incentives offered to international businesses.

Many of these companies underwrite insurers in the Irish market and are regulated in the British overseas territory at the mouth of the Mediterranean.

The Central Bank of Ireland, which regulates the insurance industry here, has conceded Brexit poses issues for insurance companies and customers.

Brokers Ireland, the representative body for 1,200 insurance brokers, said its members advise customers of risks associated with policies and the options available to minimise exposure to these.

"Like so many areas impacted by the upheaval and uncertainty of Brexit, in the event of a no-deal, Brokers Ireland would advise consumers to keep in touch with their broker in this rapidly changing and unprecedented situation," a spokeswoman told the Sunday Independent.

A spokeswoman for the Central Bank of Ireland said a primary concern from "a regulatory and supervisory perspective" is to ensure regulated firms operating here with "direct or indirect exposures to the UK economy" plan for the negative impacts of Brexit.

Last month, Central Bank deputy governor Ed Sibley said it was working with the Department of Finance to support the drafting of legislation to protect insurance customers.

The Dail will vote on a Government 'mega bill' if a no-deal becomes likely.

It is expected to contain 17 sections to legislate for changes across a variety of sectors including energy and transport.

"The draft legislation provides for a temporary run-off regime, which will allow certain UK/Gibraltar insurers and brokers to continue to service existing insurance contracts with Irish policyholders in the event of a 'no-deal' Brexit," Mr Sibley said.

"The legislation does not allow these firms to write new business, including renewal of existing policies; it is exclusively for the servicing of contracts (policies) that were in place prior to Brexit."

He warned that niche products, such as pet insurance or protection for gadgets and mobile phones, were more likely to be impacted by a post-Brexit regulatory friction between the EU, UK and Gibraltar.

However, some brokers are responding by warning customers away from the risk of having their policies wiped out by a change to how the EU will look upon regulatory bodies in the UK after March 29.

Brokers Ireland said it would not comment on advice offered by individual brokers, but added: "It's the job of brokers to advise consumers in terms of the best terms, product and product producer which best suits their particular requirements."Abortion pills are still being ordered over the internet from abroad and are continuing to be seized - despite abortion services being legal in Ireland since January 1.

The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) confiscated nine abortifacient tablets, all containing mifepristone, in January, according to figures supplied to the Sunday Independent.

A total of 740 abortifacient tablets - 711 containing misoprostol and 29 mifepristone - were confiscated by the HPRA during 2018, up from 487 in 2016. The figures come as the HSE has pledged to investigate any breaches of abortion patient medical data.

Last week one woman who underwent an abortion in a Dublin maternity hospital posted on social media that after her termination she was contacted by a man who had her personal details and address, asking her to "re-book a scan".

She later received a text message telling her to go to a clinic at an address in Dublin.

The woman said she was confused so contacted the hospital, which confirmed that it was not aware of the phone call and was not looking for her to re-book any scan.

The woman said she then rang the person who sent her the text. After claiming he was from the HSE's official My Options service, he then verbally abused her, telling her she was "disgusting" for having an abortion and if she knew the risks of terminations.

The man's phone number is linked to a rogue abortion counselling service and an anonymous Twitter account. The woman said she didn't want other women to suffer the same harassment.

"The HSE takes any potential breach of confidential patient data very seriously and is establishing the facts surrounding the incident reported on Thursday," a spokesperson told the Sunday Independent. The Data Protection Commission is also investigating.

Meanwhile, there have been protests outside Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, in Drogheda, by pro-life activists who claimed to have information that abortions were being carried out on particular days, again leading to calls for investigation of patient data breaches and the introduction of exclusion-zone legislation to stop such activities outside facilities that provide abortion and maternity services.

Data on the total number of terminations that have been carried out to date nationally is not yet available.

The HSE said there was an average of 500 calls to its My Options helpline (1800 828 010) during the first two weeks of January, with the figure falling to just over 300 last week. About 10-15pc of calls are from healthcare professionals.

So far, 259 GPs have signed up to provide termination of pregnancy services up to nine weeks.THE review into the spiralling costs of the National Children's Hospital (NCH) will now find individuals accountable if mistakes were made after a government u-turn on its terms of reference.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has confirmed that the investigation by PWC will now probe if there was any individuals responsible for the soaring costs.

It comes after the opposition was highly critical of the original terms of reference for the review.

Mr Varadkar has now said they will be revised "to enable PWC to find individuals accountable or to identify individuals who made particular mistakes, if thats what they find."

He said the decision to change the terms of the review comes after discussions with the minister for health Simon Harris.

Meanwhile, in an interview with RTE Radio's This Week programme Mr Varadkar also expressed confidence in Mr Harris to manage the NCH project into the future.

Mr Varadkar said: " Im confident hes the person thats going to deliver it".

He said the idea of building a national hospital for children first originated in 1962 and that some facilities at Temple Street and Crumlin hospitals are "very poor and very much out of date".

"This [the NCH] is a good project. Its finally happening," he added noting that the first satellite centre in Blanchardstown will open to children this year another in Tallaght will open next year and the main hospital at St James's is to be finished in 2023.

Mr Varadkar said: "this is a project that I know is going to be dogged in controversy over the next couple of years  whether its around cost or other issues.

But he argued: "A little bit like terminal two at Dublin Airport... or the motorway programme or the Luas or Dublin Port Tunnel, once its opened, nobodys going to regret that it was built and nobodys going to think that it was a bad investment."

The Childrens Hospital has been at the centre of controversy since it emerged that construction costs soared from 983m to more than 1.4bn. Another 300m is due to be spent fitting out the hospital with ICT equipment the total cost is expected to be more than 1.7bn.

The chairman of the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board (NPHDB), Tom Costello, resigned on Saturday.

He said he was concerned about the "reputational damage that the ongoing commentary about the increased cost of the hospital is having on this critically important project".

He said he stepped down to help ensure that focus is restored on delivering the project. Mr Costello said he has acted with professionalism and integrity in his dealings with the project stakeholders including the minister for health and the Department.An Irish general in the British Army refused to take command of police and spying operations in Ireland during the War of Independence.

Lt-General Sir Edward Bulfin twice defied an order from British authorities to help lead the fight against forces seeking Irish independence.

As the nation continues to plan centenary commemorations of events of the War of Independence, Bulfin remains "Ireland's forgotten general", said military historian and author John Powell.

The WWI actions of the Dublin-born general will be recounted by Powell in a lecture organised by the Military History Society of Ireland at Griffith College in Dublin this Friday evening.

"He was a fascinating individual. He was an Irish Catholic and, given the times at the end of the 19th Century and the beginning of the 20th Century, the British Establishment treated Irish Catholics with a degree of suspicion," said Powell (72), who is a retired British Army brigadier.

"He was a man not only of physical courage but of moral courage," said the author, adding Bulfin "has pretty much been forgotten" both in Britain and Ireland.

"Bulfin became the most senior Irish Catholic general of the First World War His first cousin, William Bulfin, was a fervent nationalist whose son, Eamon Bulfin, raised one of the Irish Volunteer flags on the GPO at Easter 1916," he said.

Bulfin was born in Woodtown Park in Rathfarnham in 1862. His father, Patrick, later became Lord Mayor of Dublin. His grandfather was Edward Bulfin, from Derrinlough, Co Offaly. Bulfin was sent to school in England and returned to study at Trinity College in Dublin. He joined the army without graduating and in 1890 was dispatched to India and saw active service in Burma in 1892.

He was sent to South Africa in 1898 and travelled there with Tipperary-born General Sir William Butler as assistant military secretary. Butler was known to have a sympathy for underdogs, and was reputed to have said he preferred the Zulus to the English, said Powell.

Before embarking, Bulfin married his Irish girlfriend, Mary Frances 'Fanny' Lonergan. The couple went on to have three children: Eddie, Eileen, and a daughter Kathleen, who died at one month old.

When the Second Boer War broke out the following year, he was promoted to brigade major and was present in several battles.

At the outbreak of WWI, he was a senior army officer and was sent to the Western Front. In the first battle of Ypres, he led two critical counter-attacks which saved the Allied lines. His actions won him praise from First Corps commander General Douglas Haig who described Bulfin as "a tower of strength".

He was promoted again and led the 28th Division through heavy German gas attacks at the Second Battle of Ypres and at the Battle of Loos.

He was badly wounded at Ypres when he was forward with his troops. His tactical headquarters was a dugout just 200 yards from the front line. He was injured by an exploding shell that killed a soldier beside him and injured a junior officer.

Bulfin wrote in his diary about surgery he received in hospital: "They took out a lot of metal from my head."

A soldier in an English regiment wrote about the wounding of the Irish brigadier, stating: "Every man in the brigade felt very keenly the loss of the brigadier Not a better general or a braver or cooler soldier under fire ever stepped on a field of battle."

At the end of 1916, Bulfin was transferred to Salonika. He was moved to Palestine in 1917 and promoted to lieutenant-general and given command of XXI Corps under General Edmund Allenby. He led his formation through Ottoman defences in the Third Battle of Gaza and commanded the corps in the victory at the Battle of Megiddo, the site of the Biblical Armageddon. He was knighted while in the Middle East.

After the war, he was sent back into action to put down unrest during a revolution in Egypt in 1919.

At a British Cabinet meeting in May 1920, Lt General Sir Nevil Macready, in command of the British army's campaign to subdue armed resistance in Ireland, asked Prime Minister Lloyd George and his ministers for extra troops and vehicles.

He also requested that Bulfin be sent to Ireland as chief of police and head of secret intelligence. At that period in time, the War of Independence had become a bloody conflict with tit-for-tat killings on both sides.

But Bulfin refused outright to go to Ireland, turning down the instructions of both Field Marshall Sir Henry Wilson, Chief of the Imperial General Staff, and Winston Churchill, who was Secretary of State for War. Wilson, a member of the Church of Ireland who was born in Co Longford, was assassinated in London two years later.

Powell told the Sunday Independent: "Macready wanted a senior army officer to draw together all the activities of the various police forces - the Royal Irish Constabulary and the Dublin Metropolitan Police - and also a number of 'Specials'.

"Macready put forward the name of Bulfin because he thought he would be an ideal choice, not only because of his military experience and his experience of civil powers, but the fact that he was an Irishman and a Catholic and therefore impartial," he said.

Winston Churchill explained what happened later in a letter to the King's private secretary. Churchill wrote: "Macready wanted to take General Bulfin as head of the police, of both the RIC and the Dublin Metropolitan Police, and to build up a composite Secret Service from uncoordinated and departmental branches which are at present dealing with Irish matters.

"This is an appointment of great importance. So obviously the Cabinet was determined to find the right chap for this job.

"What then happened was Sir Henry Wilson called for Bulfin to tell him that was the job he was going to get."

Wilson stated later that Bulfin flatly refused to take on the job.

Churchill, who was civilian head of the army, stated: "I thereupon sent for General Bulfin and he flatly refused that, on the grounds that as a Catholic and an Irishman, it would be distasteful for him to do any work of this kind."

Powell told this newspaper he believed that Bulfin was always a loyal soldier in doing his duty for the empire but he nonetheless then defied orders from the very top of the establishment.

Said Powell: "As he left no papers concerning this period, all we can deduce from that is that Bulfin, with his customary stubbornness and moral courage, obviously made it clear that he was not prepared to order policemen to fire on his own countrymen."

He was never known to downplay his Irish origins and some colleagues said he "played on his Irishness".

Bulfin's refusal put a stop to any further advancement in his career. He ended up being sent to Iraq and to India. In Iraq, he was given the "very unglamorous job" of disposing of surplus stores.

He retired in 1926. He suffered heartbreak three years later when his only son, Eddie, a captain in the Green Howards, died of suspected food poisoning while stationed in Palestine.

Bulfin lived in Bournemouth where he died in 1939 at the age of 76. He was buried in a local cemetery. His headstone bears the inscription 'Here sleepeth until the great reveille sounds'.

John Powell's book 'Haig's Tower of Strength: General Sir Edward Bulfin - Ireland's Forgotten General' (Pen and Sword Books). His lecture is at 8pm this Friday in Griffith CollegeA murder trial witness whose boyfriend went missing after leaving her house has said she felt as though people were saying she had something to do with his disappearance.

Mary Lowry (52) has finished giving evidence at the Central Criminal Court in the trial of Patrick Quirke (50), of Breanshamore, Co Tipperary. Mr Quirke has pleaded not guilty to the murder of 52-year-old Bobby Ryan - a DJ known as Mr Moonlight.

Ms Lowry also confirmed that she spent a night in a hotel in Killiney, Dublin, with the accused following Mr Ryan's disappearance.

She said she felt pressured by Mr Quirke and was "a bit scared" during the stay.

She said she got drunk and nothing happened between them. "We did not rekindle our affair," she said.For four days on the witness stand, Mary Lowry "bared" her soul.

She told the murder trial at the Central Criminal court "everything in her whole life". Some of it, she was "ashamed of", she admitted, but said she had put "everything in" to try and solve this case.

And so, we heard forensic detail about her relationships and about her life.

Of how she had been born the third child of a small farmer in Newport, Co Tipperary, where her brother, Eddie, still lives. Her maiden name had been Quigley.

After school, she got a job doing reception duties and "a small amount" of accounts with a meat company in Limerick, where she spent 14 years. She had also had other jobs, she told the court, working in a credit union and also in a co-op, as well as with another large meat processors.

Ms Lowry became visibly emotional as she recalled how she had been introduced to Martin Lowry, her late husband, by a woman she worked with, in a night club in 1986 or '87 - it was where lots of people met in those days, she explained.

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At several times during her testimony, Mary Lowry mentioned her great love of dancing throughout her life.

"I think anyone that knows me knows that I love dancing," she told the court at a later point.

Martin had farmed all his life on the family's 50 acres at Fawnagowan, Co Tipperary, and he had a bit of land in Bansha as well, she explained.

It had been his father's farm before he passed it on - she wasn't sure at what stage this had occurred.

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Martin was the eldest boy of the family and had two brothers, Jimmy and Johnny, as well as four sisters, Mary, Ann, Catherine and Imelda - who is married to Pat Quirke, she told the court.

After three or four years together, she and Martin decided they would get engaged and she started to put money away in the credit union.

Choosing to get married had not been a "big romantic gesture", she explained at one point, saying Martin "did not get down on one knee".

Financially, they did not have much at first.

In 1995, they got married and she worked full-time until their three children were born.

Afterwards, "the children were my job and Martin ran the farm", she explained.

But in 2007, her husband was diagnosed with cancer, after suffering ill health for a year and a half before that.

Their children were just 10, eight and three and a half when he died in September of that year.

It was a difficult time, she said. But she tried to be a good mother and she always put her children first, she told the court.

Financially, she was good. After her husband's death, she inherited the farm - but claimed she knew little about the financial operations of some of the investments Martin had made.

Martin and Pat Quirke, both being dairy farmers, had some investments together and had shared machinery, she said.

But she wouldn't describe them as great friends, she said.

Pressed on this during cross-examination by Bernard Condon SC, for the defence, Ms Lowry claimed that while Martin had been Pat's best man when he got married, "Pat was not Martin's best man."

Pat Quirke was a great help to her at that time, she said, explaining that she knew nothing of the online selling of shares, for example. However, she claimed he was "constantly" looking for money.

In January 2008, her relationship with Pat Quirke became a sexual one.

She believed he "crossed the line. I was very vulnerable at the time," she said.

She found him "overpowering", she claimed. If she was ever late on a day she was supposed to meet him, "he would not be pleased", she said.

She felt guilt over their relationship, knowing that he was a "happily married man", she said.

On many times over the four days, she described it as a "seedy affair" - denying claims by defence counsel that she was doing this to "rewrite history".

She tried to finish it "many times", she said.

In the summer of 2010, she broke it off, saying she wanted to enjoy her life. "There's nothing nice about having an affair, nothing," she told the court.

That August, she met Bobby Ryan and they "got on like a house on fire".

But Pat Quirke seemed "very down", she said.

Bobby thought he could be of help, having gone through a hard time when his marriage split up and he "nearly became an alcoholic", said Ms Lowry.

The three of them had a meeting at Hayes's Hotel in Thurles - "the famous one", Ms Lowry confirmed. It was amicable and ended with the two men shaking hands.

But her relationship with Mr Quirke deteriorated, she said.

On Valentine's Day 2011, she had a letter from Social Services claiming they had a report she was not taking care of her children properly. She said they had received an "anonymous phone call".

That same February, she read a letter on the problem page of the 'Sunday Independent' and instantly recognised her own situation. Confronting Mr Quirke, he admitted having written it, she told the court. He said he had no one else to turn to.

At the end of May 2011 - the weekend before his disappearance - she went for a night away with Mr Ryan in Bundoran.

She was anxious to spend "quality" time with him - but was later questioned about whether she told gardai she was "raging" when she had spotted him dancing with another woman.

She told the court she had been annoyed he had been talking to another woman and they had rowed on the journey home and decided to end things.

But things resolved themselves and on June 2, Mr Ryan spent the night with her at her house. The next morning, he awoke some time between 6am and 6.20am and dressed.

She thought he took a while longer than usual to leave the house, she told the court.

As usual, she said, she listened for the sound of his van going over the cattle grid at the gate but, again, thought there was a delay.

At 8.30am, Pat Quirke came up the driveway and she told the court she thought this was usually early for him. She denied a suggestion by Mr Condon that this was "a very obvious lie".

Later that morning she met up with Mr Ryan's daughter, Michelle, and Ms Lowry drove in the direction of her home. Michelle was crying, saying: "I think he's in a wood."

Ms Lowry missed the turn, she told the court, and ended up at Kilshane Wood - where they spotted Bobby Ryan's van.

On December 3, 2012, the court heard, CCTV footage on the farm captured Mr Quirke walking around Ms Lowry's yard and near her clothes line. Ms Lowry decided to terminate his lease on her land and on April 29, 2013, made a comment to him about "stealing knickers" off a clothesline.

The following day, gardai came to her property and told her they had discovered a body in a tank on her land. Ms Lowry has not returned to her house since, she told the court.

The trial continues.Sitting in Slattery's bar as the slanting winter sun brightened the other side of the street, you wouldn't think Rathmines had changed an iota since I first walked across those well-worn floorboards and ordered a bottle of stout almost a half-century ago.

At that time Slattery's and Rathmines probably hadn't changed much in the previous half-century either. Dominated by the 128ft-high clock tower, known locally as the "four-faced liar" because each of its dials tells a different time, this small township has been the balcony of Dublin.

With its impressive town hall, its Victorian library and the great green dome of the church of 'Our Lady of Refuge', it has an air of detachment from the city on its doorstep. But as I stepped back out into the street, I realised that apart from Slattery's pub and these three grand public buildings all my yesterdays have disappeared.

The streets of Rathmines are now lined with trendy coffee shops, wine bars, up-market barbers, art galleries and even one restaurant offering falafel - whatever that might be? The gentrification of the township over the past five or six years has been stunning.

"We would like to think that," says art gallery proprietor Deirdre Irvine, whose gallery, The Open Window, a couple of doors from the Stella Cinema, has a colourful display of art and a welcoming air, looking out on Castlewood Avenue.

"We have the Stella cinema and some trendy bars and The Swan [shopping centre]has upped its game - but we're not in competition with Ranelagh yet. There is still a reasonably nitty-gritty atmosphere about the place."

That air of seediness that once pervaded Rathmines does strike you when you cross from the bridge from Portobello into Lower Rathmines Road. Apart from some notable exceptions, the once-grand Georgian townhouses still look as if they're a staging post and the people living in what are now called apartments, rather than flats, are on their way to somewhere else.

In my time in the early 1970s, and for a decade afterwards, Rathmines was not just Dublin's, it was Ireland's 'bedsit' land. Country lads and girls spent their weekdays in dingy flats that emptied out at the weekends as they poured by bus and train back to the small towns of Ireland for two frantic nights in the pubs and the dance halls with showbands on stage and a mineral bar at the back of the hall.

That transient atmosphere has disappeared. It has taken on a more permanent look and even in January people were sitting outside having a coffee, watching the world go by and the workmen doing up an old red-brick building which used to be the Belfast Bank.

"When I came here first five years ago it was unusually downmarket in comparison to Ranelagh - but since then a lot of money has come in," says Deirdre, as she steers me towards the Stella Cinema.

The revival of the cinema, a relic of the past which closed due to lack of interest in 2004, only to rise again in 2017, has become the metaphor for the revival of Rathmines itself. Its rivals like Xtravision and Golden Discs came and went and after a makeover by Paddy McKillen Jnr's Press Up Group, 'hip' and 'happening' came back to the street where it first opened in the optimistic days of the Irish Free State in the mid-1920s.

Of course that has triggered some less welcome developments, because rents have risen considerably and many of the previous shop-owners have had to move on.

"In the last five years I have noticed a huge difference, we're not quite there yet, we need a couple of really good restaurants, but people are taking pride in their shop fronts and Rathmines has become very multi-cultural," says Deirdre.

"I wanted to bring quality art, but I have a policy that everyone is welcome to come in - too many galleries have a stuffy attitude and I didn't want that. Rathmines is ideal for me because the hinterland is quite wealthy and there are a lot of discerning buyers."

The employees in the trendy new coffee bars are mostly foreign and less inclined to talk about the gentrification of the town. Some don't seem to have noticed; to them Rathmines is just another part of another big city. They've arrived with little inclination of the past or the folk memory many Irish people have of Rathmines as the place where they first found freedom. The new arrivals do their jobs and the managers or owners are not around to explain what attracted them to this part of town.

But for Robert Feighery, who owns Doran's barber shop, just off the Main Street on Castlewood Ave, the shop and the town go hand in hand. He takes down a big box of old photographs of Jimmy and Willie Doran, the last family proprietors of the shop founded in 1912. One is of two old barber chairs, where it is said Padraig and Willie Pearse sat to have their hair cut before going off to the Easter Rising and their deaths. Another is a picture of Brendan Gleeson dressed in a white coat outside the shop, preparing for a stage role as a barber.

"There has been a huge change in the years since I have taken over," says Robert. "A lot of the older people think Rathmines is losing its character. Shops are opening and closing all the time... but you can't stand still in business and I think it's for the best."

Rathmines was the first place in Ireland to have its own Urban District Council under local government reform in 1840. It was under this regime that it got its impressive public buildings, but such freedoms were not tolerated in the new Free State and it was abolished in 1930. It left Rathmines stranded between the city and the growing suburbs and the upper-middle classes who populated the grand roads without the power to influence its development, as they did in the past.

William Clegg, whose grandfather, also William, moved from North King Street in 1946 and modelled his shoe repair shop on the one he had left behind, has noted the changes from behind the counter of his shop on Lower Rathmines Road.

"It had an upgrade in recent years, but it still has the same character. People come in all the time and they have a connection with Rathmines although they no longer live here. They had a flat once, or they used to drink here," he says. He notes the arrival of The Mart, an art collective in the old Fire Station, as one of the welcome changes, along with the swimming pool.

Sometimes people returning for a brief visit think Rathmines should have stayed the same, but, apart from Slattery's, the bars have changed dramatically, the night-time scene has an edgier feel than other parts of the city with a younger crowd.

At one time Rathmines was a place you passed through on the way to somewhere else; now it seems to have found its own character. It's an outpost of the city but separate, a place with its own distinct feel that has got over its embarrassment with itself and seems happy to proclaim its own identity.Darren Kennedy and Karen Byrne dancing during the fifth live show of Dancing With The Stars. Photo: Kyran O'Brien

TV stylist Darren Kennedy relived painful memories from his childhood during Dancing with the Stars this week but failed to evoke an emotional reaction from the TV audience, as he was voted off despite giving his all.

The RTE presenter and stylist danced a salsa with partner Karen Byrne to 'Maria' by Ricky Martin.

Reliving tough memories from 1996, when Darren was just 15, he told how Ricky Martins music helped him during a time when he was struggling.

In 1996, I was 15 and struggling. I didnt fit in and felt isolated, Darren said.

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In tears, the presenter added 1996 was the "year Ricky Martin burst onto the scene and opened my world.

The broadcaster dedicated his dance to Anyone struggling. Tomorrow is a new day, be proud of who you are.

The couple scored 18 and though he was wearing sequin trousers, Darren didnt sparkle enough to reach the top of the leader board and then failed to pull the necessary support from the Irish public.

As he was voted off the RTE show, Darren said: Ive had an amazing journey, Ive done something I never thought Id do but tomorrow its back to Kennedy and Co, selling grooming products.

Its been so much fun, its a great group of people - its a competition, it was never perfect but I think to learn a skill, it was a full time job and it was amazing.

Darren told the media afterwards: I feel really grateful for the experience, I wanted to rinse every bit of fun out of, it hence my trousers. Has it ended prematurely, I think it has but thats the nature of the beast,"

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I met this amazing person, we bonded very quickly and had so much fun," he said of his dance partner Karen Byrne, who was also gutted they'd exited the show, as she won the crown last year with Jake Carter.

Demi Isaac Oviawe and pro dance partner Kai Widdrington gave the most emotional performance of the show yet failed to hit the top of the leader board despite the 18-year-old actress dancing in memory to her father.

2016 is the year my dad passed away, he died from complications of a brain tumour he had, the Young Offenders star said.

He was our rock, there are no words to describe how great my dad was.

Despite the heartfelt performance and Demi breaking down as she completed the rumba, the pair only scored 16 points.

Judge Lorraine Barry said: Your father lives on in you, youve created another memory that will be on film forever.

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Judge Brian Redmond told the schoolgirl she was brave, for telling the nation about her dad.

RTE presenter Mairead Ronan also provided a highly emotive performance dedicating her dance, a contemporary ballroom, to Take Thats Rule The World, to her young son, Dara.

Mairead and pro dance partner, John Nolan, danced to the song in memory of Daras birth in 2007 and the mother told how it was her most memorable year, the year I became a mum.

She added: When I became a mum I realised how much I missed my mam who passed away six years earlier.

I feel like I didnt mourn her death til Dara came along. Rule the World is a very emotional dance for us.

As she told the TV audience how her son had saved my soul, Mairead scored the top score of 25.

Fair City actress Clelia Murphy and pro dance partner, Vitali Kozmin, danced the viennese waltz, to a song which reminded her of the TV soap, The Fair City Walz.

The song was a reminder of 1998, A year of complete joy for me when my daughter was born, Clelia said.

I was 22 and just joined Fair City. I wasnt sure when work was coming in. Being a single parent and an actor, Fair City was the anchor that allowed me to carry on.

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Clelia said her daughter Clarabell is her support network.

Shes the reason I get up in morning, shes the reason I breathe.

The actress scored an impressive 21 points for her dance.

Comedian Fred Cooke and dance partner Giulia Dotta, bagged 17 points for their tango to Michael Jacksons Beat It.

Fred chose the song as a reminder of a special 1998 memory, when he was just eight-years-old and went to a Michael Jackson concert.

Judge Julian Benson told Fred: Youre the king of pop tonight, what a thiller of a performance.

Rugby legend Peter Stringer relived his wedding dance to the emotional A Thousand Years by Christina Perri with dance partner, Ksenia Zsikhotska. The pair scored 19 points.

Peter, who married Debbie in 2015, performed the viennese waltz infront of his wife in the RTE audience.

Debbie is an incredible person, beautiful intelligent, Ill be paying tribute to Debbie and hopefully get across the feeling I had (on his wedding day.)

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Whatsapp Demi Isaac Oviawe with Kai Widdrington during the Fifth live show of Dancing With The Stars. Photo: Kyran O'Brien

Julian told Peter: It was lovely to see a softer, more sophisticated side of you. He referred the athlete as being a leading man.

But judge Brian Redmond told Peter he felt his performance was similar watching the match last night, it didnt quite deliver.'One strength of our economy is that a generation of companies has developed which are successfully delivering fantastic products and services to multinationals.' Stock image

As an island nation with a dynamic open economy, Ireland enjoys exporting success around the world. That success is growing, with more than 215,000 people now employed by companies supported by Enterprise Ireland - a record high.

A new workshop series from Enterprise Ireland, Essentials of Exporting, kicks off this month. The series - run in partnership with the Local Enterprise Office network - is aimed at unearthing the latent potential that could drive even greater exporting success.

Ireland's exporting activity is like a pyramid, at the top of which are large overseas multinational companies with a presence here. Next is the cohort of major Irish multinationals and large locally-based exporters.

It's the tier underneath these, the long tail of progressive Irish SMEs selling excellent products and services mainly, or only, into the domestic market, the workshop is aimed at: Irish companies whose exporting potential is, as yet, untapped.

These companies may have never considered exporting or may be "accidental exporters", trading overseas in an ad hoc way after a request from a multinational customer in Ireland.

One strength of our economy is that a generation of companies has developed which are successfully delivering fantastic products and services to multinationals. The focus for such companies is typically domestic, but if they are to grow they must export. Equally, there are innovative Irish companies which have developed intellectual property for their own purposes with the potential to be spun out, productised and exported. These are the "rough diamonds" of exporting, which the new workshops can help hone. From developing a compelling export value proposition to sales pipeline management in a new market, participants will be walked through the issues they must consider before embarking on their export journey.

The initiative provides senior teams with a framework to put their thoughts on paper in a structured environment. The workshops will help them to identify the practical steps involved, enabling them to establish the foundation of an export plan.

These are not general, informational events. They are active workshops in which participants work on their own business, using tools to help them make informed decisions about export potential.

They are open to top teams, and not just individuals. We know from working with Enterprise Ireland clients further along the export journey just how powerful this format is.

Many barriers can inhibit the diamonds in the rough of the exporting world. Sometimes the biggest barrier is simply being too successful in the domestic market to consider it.

In other cases, those who began exporting due to a request from a domestic client do not usually have the strategy or structure in place to capitalise on the activity.

For others still, it is a fear of the unknown, rooted in a concern about the drain on resources exporting might impose. Essentials of Exporting fills in those nerve-inducing blanks and shows participants how to get the information they need to save them time and money.

The vital pre-training piece enables participants to hit the ground running, getting a better return from limited resources. The workshops develop skills to identify opportunities overseas and the funding supports available to help.

Irish companies are already selling innovative products and services at home. The presence of so many of the world's top multinational companies here has helped us to develop a very strong skills base.

To those non- or barely-exporting companies with a really good product or service and a really good team, our message is simple - join the Essentials of Exporting workshops.

You'll come away with gems, including practical advice in language that's easy to remember, a new way to look at your business, and key tools to help you start your journey to exporting brilliance.

To learn more about Essentials of Exporting, visit enterprise-ireland.com/ExporterDevelopment. Fergus McMahon is Department Manager for Exporter Development at Enterprise Ireland.Photo: Surveillance image

RCMP report they have their suspect in custody after a transit police officer was shot on Jan. 30.

An intense manhunt followed the shooting at the Scott Road SkyTrain station.

Police said in a press release issued just before 8 a.m. that suspect Daon Glasgow is now in custody.

Glasgow was arrested in Burnaby at 5:30 a.m. Sunday in an operation that involved Surrey RCMP's Serious Crimes Unit, the Lower Mainland Emergency Response Team, police dogs, the RCMP helicopter and Burnaby RCMP.

No one was injured in the takedown.

RCMP have scheduled a press conference for 10 a.m. in Surrey with Assistant Commissioner Dwayne McDonald, Metro Vancouver Transit Police, and Deputy Chief Barry Kross.Ireland's pillar banks have lost sight of small and medium business and gifted a marketplace to alternative lenders, according to the head of specialist lender CapitalFlow.

Chief executive Ronan Horgan said that the likes of AIB and Bank of Ireland are more interested in "vanilla-style" residential mortgages, car loans, and large-scale corporate facilities.

His business has lent around 260m to smaller companies across the country since establishing here three years ago. The company has also announced plans to lend more than 300m in 2019 and add an extra 20 staff.

Horgan's business plans to operate in the sectors that have not been focused on by the pillar banks.

"I think if you were to set up a bank in today's world you wouldn't have branches, you would probably do residential mortgages, personal mortgages, car loans, and it would be all online. At the moment banks probably have 50 different products that they have to manage, which is far too many.

"This has provided us with a golden opportunity and our disruptive business model is to reintroduce traditional lending practices."

CapitalFlow targets corporate loans, typically below 5m, taking on numerous customers that "wouldn't be touched by the banks".

"We're very traditional, we like that old-school style of banking. You go out, you meet, you get to know the client. You hear their growth story and the financial information and then you make a decision," he said.

"If he got his house repossessed 10 years ago but he's back on track again and you can see his repayments over the last three or four years we'll back him again on the basis that he doesn't do something stupid. "

That flexibility, Horgan claimed, will remain should one of its clients get into trouble as a result of Brexit.

"The uncertainty of Brexit has kept a lid on the Irish economy to a certain extent, probably in a positive way," he said.

"If our customers get into trouble and trading conditions become more challenging, we'll be quite flexible with them. The reason for that is that we know what it's like when there are bumps in the road. We're talking about developing 30- or 40-year long relationships with these people."

The company is also pushing forward with its invoice discounting products to encourage more management buyouts. Under the discounting product, CapitalFlow lends on the value of a company's debit book, providing up to 80pc of its value to create cash to buy an owner outright.

"Using invoice discounting like that hasn't really taken off in Ireland in the last three or four years because there hasn't been a lot of enquiring and management buyouts, but we can see that activity ramping up," he said.

"People have more confidence now and the big thing is now 'when am I going to sell? I've gotten through the recession, I was going to retire when I was 50, now I'm 60. Things are a bit better now - now is my opportunity to get out'."

Since 2015, Horgan said the company has been focused on creating an stable platform for lending that will allow it to "push the boat out". One of the main avenues for growth targeted by Horgan is references from financial advisers, accountants, and brokers.

"Most of the time SMEs listen to their accountant or their broker," he said.

"We get lots of our business from that market at the moment but we haven't make a concerted effort to target it and what we want to do is reach out to that community because that's how we're going to scale our business. We won't scale our business by doing lots of advertising and going directly to each individual SME."

CapitalFlow plans to exceed the level extended by fellow specialist lender Linked Finance, which operates on a peer-to-peer basis. Horgan conceded that there was "certainly a demand" for peer-to-peer lending and said that he would be open to creating a similar product in the wake of consumer demand.

"On the peer-to-peer lending, while the business of the economy is going well I'm sure the peer-to-peer businesses will do fine. It's actually when the tide goes out that we all have to be careful about how we manage that," he said.

The future ownership of Horgan's business is unclear. It was acquired by UK-based fund Pollen Street Capital back in 2016, which has since invested more than 45m in the business. Originally part of RBS, Pollen Street was spun out into a separate business in 2014.

In January of last year, the non-bank lender merged with BFF Capital Partners to beef up its real estate division.

The move marked the firm's entry into property lending and bridging loans.In a previous career, more than 25 years ago, I was a retailer with a number of stores in Dublin. One of them was located in a Dublin shopping centre that was struggling in the mid-1980s. Even though it had a strong anchor tenant, footfall into the centre was poor in the early years.

There were about 15 other stores in the centre owned by independents just like me. Although I was only 24-years-old when I opened it, I had more retail experience than most of the others. That doesnt say a lot for how the landlord selected its tenants.

As with most centres, we each paid rent and a service charge in proportion to the size of our units. By market standards, both charges were high relatively speaking.

One of the other retailers suggested that we all come together to badger the landlord for a rent reduction. In my naivety I went along with this battle, which took hours and hours of meetings. After months of mediation meetings, legal shenanigans, rows and threats, we got a reduction of about 25pc on the rent.

At the time, my rent accounted for about 20pc of net sales. So that reduction of 25pc allowed for a 5pc drop in my gross sales target. I think anyone reading this would say that is a positive result. And it was.

But, in hindsight, I wonder if we had all spent the same amount of time working together and focused our energies on marketing ideas to drive footfall, might we have increased our sales by more than 5pc? I personally would prefer an increase in full-margin sales of 5pc, which means getting more customers, clearing more stock, paying employees, etc.

The rent reduction was, of course, an appropriate correction  but that battle was all-consuming. It was a very negative distraction for too long a time. Each one of us signed a lease, with our numbers crunched in advance, knowing full well what we were getting in to. Why was fighting with the landlord our only answer?

Who is accountable?

In recent days Ive listened to radio interviews, read articles and attended conferences where the challenges of business are the central theme. There will always be ups and downs in industry, such as Brexit, recessions, currency crises, increases in rent rates and insurance, minimum wage legislation, digital disruption, Vat changes, mass exodus from rural areas, and so on.

Real entrepreneurs know this before they start a new venture. But far too often when the tide turns the wrong way, we blame others: The Government need to do this, the council needs to do that. Perhaps some of that is true. But in our capitalist system where free trade is encouraged and SMEs are respected for being the backbone of our economy, handouts or government intervention is not the only answer. I have clients in Lebanon, the Philippines and the Middle East. Many of them envy the support mechanisms that we have.

In most cases, each one of us business owners is accountable for our own success or failure. I do understand that when the tide turns, there can be external factors that cause problems.

Its natural, tempting and sometimes easier to blame, as our pride and our dignity is at stake. Government does have to act in certain cases, but that often takes time. In the meantime, we need to get on with it  because the buck stops here. All of this I say with the greatest of respect to those who hit difficult times. My point is more about taking control and being accountable for taking proactive action when the chips are down.

When the chips are down, take control

If and when you experience a prolonged negative turn in your business, take time to reflect on your own business first.

1 Seek market intelligence from suppliers, competitors, peers and customers if possible. Get as wide an understanding of the macro issues as you can. What are the causes? Is it short or long term?

2 Bring your team together and, in a positive upbeat tone, seek their input and opinions. Debate the macro issues and their impact on your business.

3 With your team and using these categories as prompts: people, product, place, marketing, internal controls conduct a SWOT analysis. This is a list of internal strengths and weaknesses and external opportunities and threats. Be really honest regarding the internal weaknesses.

4 Develop an action plan to take corrective action.

The Last Word

The stress and the pressure of missing targets can be enormous and frightening. It can take you over and cause you to lose control. But the case study below of MoveHome shows that innovation and clever thinking can make any business stand out from the crowd.

Agents orange: colour scheme makes property player stand out

Expand Close Ronan Crinion, managing director of MoveHome estate agents. Photo: David Conachy / Facebook

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Whatsapp Ronan Crinion, managing director of MoveHome estate agents. Photo: David Conachy

Business: MoveHome estate agents

Set up: 2005

Founder: Ronan Crinion

Turnover: 4m

No of Employees: 10

Location: Drumcondra, Dublin 9

As economies go up and down, a key barometer that gets lots of airtime is the price of houses. During the boom, prices escalated beyond reason and of course we know what happened in the crash.

Selling a property is a skill that few vendors will tackle without the support of a qualified estate agent. Consequently, according to Pat Davitt, CEO of The Institute of Professional Auctioneers and Valuers, there are more than 5,000 independent estate agents in Ireland in addition to a number of franchise groups. Because we as a nation move home less often than in the UK and there is less property flipping going on, there is a lot of competition for limited stock. Standing out from a crowded market is an ongoing challenge.

MoveHome Estate Agents

Ronan Crinion was a retailer in Dublin for 15 years. His family had a number of toy shops called Tommys and he himself developed the chain of independent newsagents called Tom Stanleys. The business enjoyed much success, but Ronan anticipated challenges in the sector due to a decline in tobacco and print sales. He reinvented himself and became an estate agent in 2005. Initially working from an office in Walkinstown, he planned to win with high volume and low fees.

Then, after a short spell working out of a retail kiosk unit in Omni Shopping Centre in Santry, Dublin, he relocated to a prominent unit on Drumcondra Road Upper, near DCU.

This road is the third-busiest artery into Dublin, with 30,000 vehicles per day passing the door. Anyone travelling that road will know MoveHome, the brand that Crinion developed. Its a very attractive estate agents showroom which has won awards for its shopfront.

The Business Model

Most independent estate agents develop their business in the local community in which their showroom is located. MoveHome caters mainly for Dublins northside. Staying independent is a challenge, especially when a business is up against the large multi-site groups. MoveHome punches well in this regard, with 75pc of its revenue coming from sales and 25pc from lettings.

The business has a number of tools to help it deliver that success. One is the consistent and strong branding that runs throughout the business. Using a friendly orange colour against a white background, the branding starts with the shopfront and logo, website, brochures, font, stationery, pens, interior decor and so on.

It is consistent and is tastefully done. The distinctive shopfronts are clearly a selling point and with 10 different window schemes per year planned well in advance they are a significant driver of enquiries.

We know that retailers buy stock from suppliers, they put on a margin and they sell it. Estate agents, however, have to compete for their stock (properties) with other agents.

We get stock by making a big effort with our potential vendors. We have a strong local presence with our showroom and the striking orange boards that we use on vendors properties send a strong message to other potential vendors, said Crinion.

Over the years, I have run many workshops with estate agents and I always ask: Who is your customer?. The resounding answer is the vendor. I do, of course, appreciate that its the vendor that gives the instruction to the estate agent and therefore the agent is working to maximise the price.

But the industry as a whole is moving more to a balanced model of recognising the need to give great service to buyers also.

After all, if buyers are not treated with great respect, theyll go elsewhere, and then the vendor suffers anyway.

I quizzed Crinion on this and was reassured with some great examples. Google reviews are another driver of prospects.

The Future

The business intends to continue its sponsorship of local GAA club Na Fianna, and its link with Drumcondra Tidy Village Group. Crinion has also just signed for an additional premises on the corner of Capel Street and Ormond Quay in Dublin. True to his strategy in Drumcondra which is about catering for the local market, he will target Dublin 1, 2, 7 and 8. Ill look forward with anticipation for more best windows awards when Im driving down the quays in May.

Alan ONeill, author of Premium is the New Black, is managing director of Kara Change Management, specialists in strategy, culture and people development. Go to www.kara.ie if youd like help with your business. Business advice questions for Alan can be sent to sundaybusiness@independent.ie

In association with Electric Ireland, Irish businesses can now receive the personalised insights needed to manage their energy usage and save on costs with SME Premium Insights.

For more details see http://www.electricireland.ie/businessReturning emigrants are facing a financial minefield when they come back to Ireland - and the prospect of being out of pocket to the tune of thousands of euro, or more, a year.

As well as having to find an affordable place to live in the midst of a housing crisis, Irish expats could have to pay much more for insurance when they return home than they would have if they had never left. They could also face an uphill battle for social welfare.

Health insurance

Returning emigrants could pay thousands of euro more a year for private health insurance than they need to - if they don't take it out within nine months of their return. This is because most of those over the age of 34 who take out private health insurance today for the first time are hit with loadings on their premium. The loadings are applied at a rate of 2pc a year for each year that an individual is over the age of 34. The loading could be as much as 70pc if you're aged 69 or older - and are buying health insurance for the first time.

Returning emigrants can escape the loadings if they buy private health insurance within nine months of their return - depending on when exactly they left Ireland, and when they returned. For example, if you left Ireland to work abroad before May 1, 2015, and you have since returned to Ireland, you are exempt from the loadings if you have never bought private health insurance before - but only if you buy the insurance within nine months of your return.

"There are a lot of returning emigrants who are not aware of this, and who have missed the nine-month window - and who face the full loading as a result," said Dermot Goode, health insurance expert with totalhealthcover.ie.

Anyone who left Ireland after May 1, 2015, and who has since returned home, might escape or avoid the full force of the loadings - depending on when they returned home. People who left after May 1, 2015, who then returned before November 1, 2018, and who never had private health insurance before, typically face the full force of the loadings. However, people who left after May 1, 2015 and who returned on or after November 1, 2018 can get a credit for the time spent outside Ireland - as long as they buy private health insurance within nine months of their return.

"In some cases, the credit could wipe out the loadings, depending on your age," said Goode.

Even if the loadings are not wiped out, the credit should reduce the loadings - and make your private health insurance a bit more affordable.

"Let's say you emigrated after May 1, 2015 - and you plan to return home in the summer of 2020," said Goode. "You'll be 44 years old when you return and you have never bought private health insurance before. Normally, you'd face a loading of 20pc if buying insurance for the first time at that age. However, as you will have been away for five years, you'll be entitled to a credit of five years - which will reduce your loading to 10pc."

As you could be paying loadings for up to 10 years, it's vital that returning emigrants buy the cover within nine months of their return - if they're entitled to a loading exemption or credit. "The legislation around loadings is currently under review and may change, so it's worth checking the position on loadings in advance of your return home," said Goode.

Returning emigrants must also grapple with the thorn of insurance waiting periods - which typically require new customers to have Irish private health insurance for a certain amount of time before they're covered. Those who have been diagnosed with a serious illness such as cancer when abroad, for example, and who then return home, could face a five-year wait before their private health insurance will cover them here.

Read More

Dental & eye freebie

Returning emigrants may have to wait up to five years before they're entitled to the free dental check up or free eye test available under the State's Treatment Benefit Scheme - depending on the country they emigrated to. Irish workers are entitled to a certain amount of free dental and eye care under that scheme, including the cost of a dental scale and polish once a year (as long as treatment costs no more than 42) and the cost of a pair of glasses once every two years (as long as they have basic frames and are a certain type).

However, to be eligible for these benefits, you must have paid a certain type and amount of PRSI (Pay Related Social Insurance) - and that PRSI must also have been paid in particular years. For example, those aged between 25 and 65 must usually have paid at least 260 PRSI contributions in Ireland to qualify for the benefits - and 39 of these contributions must have been paid two years before the year that a benefit is being claimed. You must usually be working for five years to build up 260 PRSI contributions.

Irish people who are returning home after emigrating to the EU may still qualify for benefits under the Treatment Benefit Scheme - because social insurance contributions paid in other EU countries can count towards one's eligibility for the benefits. Even if you have paid enough social insurance when in the EU, to be able to take up the scheme after your return to Ireland, you must have started to work in Ireland since your return - and have paid at least one PRSI contribution.

Irish people who are returning home after emigrating to a country outside the EU (such as Australia, New Zealand or the US) are at a disadvantage here though - any social insurance paid outside the EU doesn't count towards the Treatment Benefit Scheme. "Social insurance contributions paid in other non-EU countries which Ireland has reciprocal agreements with can be used to qualify for long-term benefits (such as pensions), but are not reckonable for short-term benefits such as Treatment Benefit," said a spokesman for the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (DEASP). Such returning emigrants could therefore face a five-year wait for Treatment Benefit.

Social welfare

Returning emigrants face delays and difficulties getting certain types of social welfare - such as child benefit, the carer's allowance, the jobseeker's allowance, the disability allowance, the one-parent family payment, and the non-contributory State pension. This is because habitual residence is one of the conditions which you must meet to be eligible for these social welfare payments - and it often isn't as easy to prove habitual residence as people expect.

"Irish people returning home might think that as they are just coming home, they're automatically habitually resident in Ireland," said Karen McHugh, chief executive of Safe Home Ireland, which provides support to those returning or moving to Ireland. "But when it comes to meeting the habitual residence condition for social welfare payments, it's not enough to be Irish. You must prove your connection with the State and that your intention is to continue to live here."

Returning emigrants must also prove that they have "severed ties with the country they have left", according to a spokesman for the DEASP. You could very easily run into stumbling blocks here. "You may have a bank account abroad which you haven't closed," said McHugh. "That doesn't show that you have ceased all contact with the country you have left."

Unless you have planned your return home and have all the paperwork in place to prove habitual residence, you could get refused certain social welfare payments, according to McHugh. Although you can appeal such a decision, it could take months - or even a year - for you to get your social welfare. "We know of a case where a carer came back from Europe to look after his uncle - and he had to wait a full year to get his carer's allowance," said McHugh.

Returning emigrants could even find it difficult to get a Personal Public Service Number (PPSN), according to McHugh. This is because you must usually provide proof of an Irish address when applying for a PPSN. You need a PPSN to claim State benefits, such as the free GP care for children under the age of six. You also need a PPSN to avoid getting hit for emergency tax.

To avoid such problems, returning emigrants should get advice from an organisation such as Safe Home Ireland or Crosscare before, or shortly after, they come home.Are credit unions subject to too much regulation by an overbearing Central Bank hell-bent on keeping them down? That is certainly the view of many in the sector who feel that the locally-owned lenders are hampered at every turn by their regulators at a time when the challenges they face have never been greater.

Many in the sector complain about what they regard as heavy regulation from the Central Bank. A multiple of new regulations were imposed on credit unions since the banking collapse a decade ago.

They also argue that they are forced to pay four different levies administered by the Central Bank to cover failures in the sector.

Yes, there have been six credit union failures in the last few years. Newbridge, Berehaven, Rush and Charleville were shut down, while the High Court ordered the transfer of Howth Sutton and Killorglin to larger neighbours after they got into difficulty.

There are now 264 active credit unions, down from close to 400 in 2013 following a spate of Government-encouraged mergers.

But the scale of the collapses in the credit union sector have been nothing like those in banking.

At one stage the Government and the Central Bank were warning that a 1bn bailout would be required for the sector.

In the end, just four credit unions have needed public funding, with the total cost a fraction of the initial estimate.

And 250m Exchequer funds put in place to ease the merger of weak credit unions with stronger ones has only used 12m of its funds.

Credit unions also compete with one hand tied behind their backs.

They compete in the motor finance space with providers of PCS (personal contract plans), which are largely unregulated.

Crowdfunding is also unregulated, but this too eats into the borrower pool for credit unions. The registrar for credit unions, Patrick Casey, rejects any notion that the sector is over-regulated.

Suggestions they are overburdened is out-dated, he told a Credit Union Development Association (CUDA) conference.

The regulation is tailored and proportionate. All of that is true, but the Central Bank needs to put more stress on the unique nature of credit unions, which are member-owned and have a community ethos.

Tiered regulation would help, as it would mean the larger ones would be regulated differently to smaller ones.

They are not banks and have not stolen tracker mortgages like banks. Credit unions deserve to be encouraged and fostered - as well as regulated - by the Central Bank, as they are in Canada.Specialist SME lender CapitalFlow has applied for a retail credit licence as part of its plans to lend to private property investors, chief executive Ronan Horgan has said.

The Swords-based company has lent 260m worth of loans to 1,650 businesses across the country since it was established three years ago. It predominantly offers the likes of hire purchase, invoice discounting, refinancing and property lending to its clients.

If approved, CapitalFlow will come in line with rival specialist lender Linked Finance, which is regulated by the Central Bank.

Horgan said he was trying to build a 500m balance sheet over the next three years.

"The licence will allow us to lend to professional property investors in their own name, if your main occupation is something else we're not interested," he told the Sunday Independent.

"It's a demand that has come from the customers really. We'd also love to become part of the lenders out there who are regulated."

The application was made by McCann Fitzgerald on behalf of CapitalFlow in December, with a decision due on the matter by the end of March.

During the week, Horgan announced that he intends on advancing 300m worth of loans in 2019 alone, a significant ramping up of operations here. He also said that a further 20 staff will be added, bringing the headcount up to 90, and that a regional office in Co Cork will be opened.

CapitalFlow was acquired by London-based equity firm Pollen Street Capital in 2016. Since then the owners have pumped around 45m into the business. Horgan said he did not have any insight into how long Pollen would stay as investors in the business. "There will be an exit at some stage, Pollen will want to get their return back," he said.

Horgan also noted the increase in alternative lenders in the market, including a number of peer-to-peer operators. He stated that peer-to-peer lending was a product that the company may explore but that it was not on the horizon currently.

He also claimed that problems can arise in peer-to-peer lenders when economic downturns begin to take shape.The topline figures for the Irish grocery market for Christmas 2018 painted a very upbeat picture for supermarkets. According to Kantar Worldpanel, the grocery market grew by a healthy 3pc over the 12 weeks to December 30, with the research firm hailing it as "a record festive period" for retailers.

But few grocery retailers were patting themselves for a job well done.

While the so-called multiples are not facing quite the same woes as grocers on the beleaguered British high street, the market here is extremely competitive.

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) recently published a detailed analysis of the degree of local competition facing upmarket food chain Donnybrook Fair before it cleared its acquisition by SuperValu and Centra owner Musgrave.

It found that within a 10-minute drive of Donnybrook Fair on Baggot Street in Dublin city centre there are almost 300 rival outlets. That includes 24 Centra stores, 22 Tescos, 58 Spar stores, 116 independent stores and three Marks and Spencer outlets. There are also 12 discounters within that distance.

It might be expected that a city centre store would have a huge number of alternatives on its doorstep, but competition is intense in other parts of the city, according to the CCPC tally.

There are 136 outlets within a 10 minutes drive of the Stillorgan Donnybrook Fair outlet.

Dozens of those competitors are small independent operators but well over half are outlets owned by large chains such as Dunnes.

The competition was less intense in locations such as Malahide and Greystones, which is to be expected given the less densely populated nature of these stores' catchment areas.

But nonetheless, the CCPC research is a clear illustration of the cut throat nature of the Irish grocery scene.

Over in the UK, much attention was given to the announcement from Tesco last week that it will cut 9,000 jobs and ditch meat and cheese counters in dozens of stores. The retail giant said it was adapting to changing habits which mean fewer people are doing a big weekly shop.

Tesco said it does not plan to make any significant changes to bakeries this year.

However, Clive Black of Shore Capital said while such clarification might offer some relief to Tesco's bakery teams, it does not give any assurances on bakeries in future years.

He believes that taking out speciality counters may cause ripples around the wider market which may benefit supermarkets with a strong commitment to counter services.

Morrisons and independent grocers came to mind in the UK - in Ireland Dunnes Stores with its ever more Epicurian counters would no doubt get a boost, as might SuperValu which is also moving up the value chain.

Black believes that the main focus of Tesco's immediate efforts are in the UK, not Ireland, "not least because Tesco has many more large stores with more extensive counter arrangements than is the case in much of Ireland.

"But perhaps it is inevitable that an increasingly pared-back Tesco is on its way," he added. The company has not yet commented on any plans for Ireland, but stepping back from fresh counters would be quite a bold move for the company which has to carry out a delicate balancing act in Ireland.

The market share pattern in the UK is quite different from Ireland.

In the UK, Tesco commands 27.8pc of the grocery market, while Aldi has 7.4pc and Lidl has 5.4pc. In Ireland, Tesco's position is weaker with a 22.3pc share, while Aldi has 10.8pc and Lidl has 10.5pc.

In Ireland, Tesco had a flat Christmas, while Dunnes and the discounters claimed the stand-out performances.

Aldi and Lidl continue to own the value side of the market.

Dunnes has marked itself out by bringing more specialised food into its stores with the likes of Sheridan's cheese and James Whelan Butchers providing high quality counter expertise.

In an increasingly polarised grocery market, will a pared back Tesco find itself in the squeezed middle?

Goodbody shareholder Fexco is unlikely to let the idea of an exit from the business slip away too easily. But now that a deal to sell the business to Chinese investors has fallen through, there are no obvious buyers for Goodbody at the moment - and certainly not at the 150m price tag previously agreed.

As reported in these pages last week, a dividend might go some way to appeasing staff and management that had mentally banked the Chinese windfall.

But, as the financial whizzes at Goodbody know all too well, the tax implications for dividends are quite different from the capital gains tax that would have been liable under the sale of the business.

A sale would still be a preferred option for the shareholders.

In any case, Davy certainly jumped the gun with its new advertising campaign which recently proclaimed that the firm remained the country's only Irish-owned broker.'Bank of Ireland, AIB and Ulster Bank are all said to be very open to backing projects in the market.' (stock photo)

The two biggest nursing home operators in Ireland have made significant moves in recent weeks to consolidate their positions  both with the backing of huge overseas funds. Its a sign that the opportunity presented by the undersupplied Irish nursing home market is starting to drive consolidation but there are many challenges ahead for the sector too.

AXA Investment Managers-Real Assets (AXA IM)  which operates a Europe-wide healthcare fund with almost 1.7bn invested  last week announced that it had bought a portfolio of 10 nursing homes with a total of 600 beds. It is to partner with the largest operator of nursing homes in the Irish market  Mowlam Healthcare.

That deal followed another eye-catching French-backed investment announcement over Christmas. The Sunday Independent reported that the countrys second-biggest nursing home operator, Carechoice, has kicked off a 100m investment plan that will see it build, extend and acquire new homes across the country.

Carechoice was acquired in 2017 by French investment fund InfraVia Capital Partners for a reported 70m. UK venture capital fund BGF was also recently reported to have invested 10m into another Irish nursing home operator, Brindley, and it has just appointed former health minister Mary Harney to its board, suggesting further developments are ahead.

So what is going on in the Irish nursing home sector that is attracting such investor attention?

The simple answer is demographics. The 2016 Census showed that the population aged over 65 had increased by 19.1pc since 2011. Indeed, the census recorded 456 centenarians, an increase of 17.2pc on 2011 and the projection is that the number of people over the age of 80 will have risen by 130,000 by 2020.

People are living longer and that is a success story but with that there are challenges, says Bank of Ireland head of healthcare Hilary Coates. She has a long track record in the health sector including helping to set up the nursing home regulator in 2007. In September she and her team at the bank published detailed research into supply and demand in the Irish nursing home sector that highlighted starkly a growing shortfall of beds over the next decade. The bank predicts a total shortfall of 7,500 nursing home beds nationwide by 2026.

People over 80 use the health services more and the costs of care for people over 80 are two to three times of those under 60, she says. International figures suggest that between 18pc and 22pc of over 84-year-olds need residential long-term care, according to Coates.

In Waterford, for example, the banks projections suggest that by 2026 the number of people over the age of 85 will have grown from just over 1.700 people in 2016 to over 2,500 people by 2026, with a fifth of them requiring long term residential care.

That translates into a projected shortfall of more than 300 nursing home beds in Waterford if no new long term residential care units are built in the county.

At todays construction costs, a nationwide investment of at least 1.2bn in new private nursing home beds will be required to bridge this gap, quite apart from the hugely expensive upgrade that is likely to be needed in the state-run system.

Undoubtedly activity has picked up but those in the industry who have looked at planning permission applications that are coming down the track say that, for now, there remains a huge disconnect between future demand and supply and that proposed projects will do little more than replace older homes as they are removed from the system in the decade to come.

Nevertheless, the figures do explain the uptick in interest from major European long-term funds and investors.

Andrew Ovey led the acquisition, announced last week, by AXA IM of 10 Irish nursing homes. He believes that matching the long-term investment strategy that AXA IM brings to its healthcare investments with a high-quality local operator like Mowlam Healthcare is the best way to ensure high standards of care while also taking cost out of the market.

As a long-term investor in healthcare it is important to build partnerships with operators and to understand that the key thing is the residents. Healthcare is about people looking after people and although we do our part through a real estate investment, we like to work with partners who provide great care.

There are huge challenges ahead as the population of older people grows rapidly, says Ovey.

The doubling of over 85-year-olds in the next 15 years presents a huge burden on healthcare provision, he says. Im excited about the sort of opportunity we have in Ireland because there is a need for more beds, theres a funding structure that supports the delivery of care and we are working with a top-quality care provider. These fundamentals mean we can bring institutional capital into the sector that can help lower the overall cost of care.

Ovey is not prepared to say whether AXA IMs clients will invest further in the Irish nursing home sector.

I think the market has expansion potential. But the level of fragmentation is phenomenal. Outside of Mowlam Healthcare, there is just one group operating more than 10 care homes. There isnt the opportunity to do a 250m sale and leaseback deal with one operator that would be more typical in the UK and across Europe.

Consequently it can takes a huge amount of effort to find and execute the right deals in such a fragmented market, he says.

We need to make sure that we underwrite secure investments for our clients and doing that piecemeal is challenging.

Nevertheless, Ovey believes that the Irish market will see a consolidation of smaller players, not least because of pressures on funding, staffing and regulation.

The burdens that these headwinds place on a Mum and Pop care home are disproportionate to the business that they run. Economies of scale in compliance and human resources can be really significant for a portfolio of homes. Ultimately its all about providing quality care for residents.

Recent deals suggest that Irish nursing homes are selling for 10 to 12 times their earnings, meaning the price of an average-sized home could be at least 15m, say well informed sources. This means, they say, that despite the huge opportunity presented by demographics, the use of this type of institutional capital  by the likes of AXA IM and Mowlam or Infra Via and Carechoice  is the only real way available to overcome the significant barriers to entry into the market.

Bank of Ireland, AIB and Ulster Bank are all said to be very open to backing projects in the market. For example, Bank of Ireland has a 700m lending fund available for nursing home projects and this could grow says Hilary Coates.

Acquisitions are beginning to drive consolidation in the sector but ultimately the only way the supply gap will be bridged is if new homes are built or existing ones are extended, says one source. And there is one huge problem that has greatly slowed activity: the huge rise in construction costs in the Irish economy.

In 2015, the average cost of construction per bed was 135,000 but that has risen in just four years by 20pc to 165,0000, according to sources. By contrast, the amount paid to nursing homes by the Fair Deal scheme  the Governments nursing home support scheme which is the sometimes controversial mechanism for paying the fees of at least 90pc of nursing home residents  has only increased by 4pc in the same period.

What was an eight-year payback on a typical project is now a 12-year payback, according to one well-informed industry source. Obviously the remit of Fair Deal is to get the best value for the State but it can place a difficulty on nursing home operators who see costs spiral but have no way to increase sales.

The fee that the Fair Deal scheme pays out is based on a county average. So, for example, a nursing home in Dublin might receive 1,250 per resident per week, while a home in Donegal could receive 825.

But the cost base, for example what you have to pay nurses, is pretty much the same wherever you are and certainly not enough to bridge the gap between sales, says the source. I believe you are going to see homes in rural areas fall away.

CBRE Healthcare director Cormac Megannety says he is also seeing the same trends in the nursing home market. We have seen a lot of interest from big European funds in this sector, some of which has translated into deals. But no one is looking at building nursing home in the countryside.

The economics dont work in rural Ireland. It is all Dublin-based. If I want to build 100 beds in both Donegal and Dublin it is going to cost 16m in both places but I will be paid about 50pc less per patient in Donegal. That means that the nursing home I build in Donegal is only worth half of the one I build in Dublin. When you go to a bank to fund that it is hard to justify.

Of course, there are challenges facing those who want to build in urban areas too. Suitable sites are not plentiful and expensive, says Megannety. Residential developers are also looking for sites and they will outbid those looking to build nursing homes. But we have sold a lot of sites in this sector in the last two or three years.

The upshot of this, according to a number of sources, is that, although investment in the sector will mean that the supply gap will be narrowed or even closed in urban areas such as Dublin, rural areas are facing a supply crisis in the future.

In other words, older people and their families who live in rural Ireland who require nursing home care will increasingly need to leave their communities and head far from home to find a place in a nursing home.

While ever-improving standards mean that the quality of the home will be better than ever, this does present a big challenge to a sector that first and foremost benchmarks itself on the quality of care.

Again, the Bank of Ireland research highlights this. Some of the major shortfall in nursing home beds in 2026 is expected in counties including Tipperary (an expected shortfall of 439), Donegal (expected shortfall of 581), Galway (expected shortfall of 487), Mayo (expected shortfall of 480) and Kerry (expected shortfall of 500).

With Dublin benefiting from more attractive Fair Deal rates and better access to staffing, the expected level of nursing homes built in counties with lower Fair Deal rates may not materialise, says Coates. The capital value of greenfield nursing homes once operational may, as a result of the Fair Deal rates and increased staff costs, be lower than the development costs.

Staffing is a huge headwind for the industry but in terms of rising costs and big turnover rates, she says. Others in the industry agree. One knowledgeable source says that turnover of the two key grades of employees  nurses and health care assistants - is as high as 48pc.

Imagine working in an environment where this time next year half the people you are working with could be gone because they see opportunities elsewhere. Bigger operators are able to introduce employee assistance, education, training and career pathways to reverse attrition. But it is putting huge pressure on smaller operators.

Megannety believes that deals such as the AXA IM acquisition and the plans outlined by Carechoice do provide an obvious model for badly needed consolidation amongst the countrys smaller nursing homes that can help to alleviate some of these problems.

The sale and leaseback model is ideal for those people in the industry who have run a home for 30 years but who are now approaching retirement. This model allows them to stay in the business they love but instead of owning their own business they now pay rent on the premises. The advantage is the support they have from a bigger group and the fact they can pass on the business to their children debt-free, he says.

It is a very attractive model that is going to become more the norm. The European guys who have come over here to look at the sector wonder why all of these owners arent looking at this model.

Coates agrees that there will be consolidation both nationally and locally in a similar way to how the pharmacy sector has developed. But she does see a continuing place for smaller rural often family operated nursing homes in the future.

Its not an easy sector to enter. There are always tensions between business and care. This sector is at its core not a property model but a care model and the quality of care for older people is completely key. When we are assessing nursing homes what we look for is an alignment of interests. If it is good for the resident then it is good for the investor. The first issue is the quality of care.

She believes that the model in rural Ireland will be about existing operators extending their homes to give additional beds.

There is very much a place for both smaller operators and consolidated operators. There is already great innovation out there. I was in a nursing home recently that was a converted hotel. The lobby had been used as a coffee shop and local people would come in for food and for a place to chat. It has become a real hub in a village that previously had no community centre or even a cafe. That is a very different model but for rural people who have been used to their neighbours calling in all their life it is a model that works. There is an advantage to both models.

Whatever approach is taken, research by Coates and the observations of those in the industry, suggests that there will need to be plenty of activity in the coming years if the country is not to face a nursing home crisis in a few short years.Around 100 Davy clients who are long-term investors in the US venture fund Tiger Global have already seen a paper return on a stake in payments firm Stripe, which was founded by Limerick brothers Patrick and John Collison, in just a few months.

Irish investors had access to a fundraising in Stripe last October via Davy Private Equity Strategies II (DPES II Fund)/Tiger Global fund.

At the time of that fundraising, Stripe was valued at $20bn. A new fundraising last month put a value of $22.5bn (19.6bn) on the business. That equates to a 12.5pc increase in one quarter.

The company raised an extra $100m (87.5m) in follow-on finance from Tiger Global following the $245m it announced last year from the same venture fund.

The move comes as Stripe builds out its products and services, expanding into areas such as fraud prevention and physical payment devices for shops, such as its new Stripe Terminal.

"Stripe is rapidly scaling internationally, as well as extending our platform into issuing, global fraud prevention, and physical stores with Stripe Terminal," a spokesman said last week. "The follow-on funding gives us more leverage in these strategic areas."

Stripe was founded in 2010 by the Collison brothers.

Its headquarters is in San Francisco with hubs in Dublin and Singapore and a number of other international offices.The business cabin, with direct-aisle access from each seat, on the new 787-9 Dreamliner at Dublin

Some of the top brass from American Airlines were in town as the US carrier counted down to the launch of its new daily Dublin-Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) service running from June 6 till the end of September.

The route - operated by a new Boeing 787-9 "straight out of the hangar", according to Tom Lattig, MD of EMEA sales - will make the airline the third-biggest operating out of Dublin this summer.

So what's the deal for the corporate traveller? The big advantage is that its main DFW hub offers 900 flights a day, many to Central and South America - regions under-served out of Ireland.

Flights arrive into Texas in the evening, with minimum connection times of 60-90 minutes in its single-terminal airport offering good connections.

The most tempting ones for Irish business are Brazil's commercial capital of Sao Paulo, as well as airports in Mexico. There's also a good link to the convention capital of Las Vegas, the airline said.

If Texas was a standalone country, it would boast the world's 10th biggest economy by GDP, ahead of Canada and South Korea, and its exports value is larger than New York and California combined.

Not surprisingly, it's home to roughly one in 10 of America's Fortune 500 corporations, the third-highest in the nation.

DFW also offers same-day connections to Austin, Texas, where Enterprise Ireland has had a base exploring opportunities in the state since 2013.

Sensing opportunities in America's fourth-largest metropolitan area, the DAA's Paul O'Kane said that "Dallas has long been on our hit list as one of the markets underserved".

The route will feature 30 seats in business class, each offering direct-aisle access; something that rival United Airlines has been rolling out with its Polaris business class on Irish and other international routes.

With the new aircraft, headphones have been switched from Bose to Bang and Olufsen full noise-cancelling models, while high-end Casper bedding is standard, and DFW features a new Flagship Lounge, with shower rooms and waiter service dining.

Lattig told this column that one advantage is the airline's membership of the One World alliance, which has been going on for 20 years now. Passengers can fly out on American, and return via London with its British Airways partner. "Hopefully in the future Aer Lingus too," he added, saying that an alliance with the Irish carrier would make joint route openings more feasible rather than going it alone.

For business travellers on a tighter budget, the new Dreamliner service will also feature 21 seats in premium economy, an area where the airline is particularly strong.

On an even tighter budget, the main cabin features 198 seats with wifi and power ports, but there will be extra legroom in 36 of these, dubbed 'extra seats'.

n PA jumped the gun recently announcing Hainan Airlines' latest route from Dublin. The airline told this column that "we still have some issues on this route", and the report of its first direct Irish service, to Shenzen in southern China, hadn't been officially confirmed.

The route has now been greenlighted, with Hainan in competition with Cathay Pacific which flies from Dublin to Hong Kong. The two airports are just 28km apart, so it'll be interesting to see the pricing given that Shenzen Airport has good local transport links to downtown Hong Kong. The new Shenzen service, running on Mondays and Friday, will be operated by Dreamliner, and portable electronic devices can be used throughout the flight, with business class offering 180-degree lieflat beds.

n Etihad Airways will be flying a number of groups of athletes and their families and supporters to the upcoming Special Olympics being held in its Abu Dhabi home from March 14-21.

In all, a 91-strong Team Ireland squad will compete in the 2019 Special Olympics World Summer Games, the world's largest sporting event this year.

Special Olympics Ireland is appealing to the business community as it needs to fundraise 5,000 per athlete. Special Olympics Ireland chief executive Matt English said that "companies large and small can show their support for Team Ireland by visiting specialolympics.ie and getting involved in our support an athlete campaign."Photo: RCMP

Sixty years after two men vanished when their float plane crashed on a northern Saskatchewan lake, RCMP divers have helped bring some closure to their relatives by recovering their remains from deep underneath the lake's frozen surface.

"I can't say enough about their efforts. They really wanted to see this through," said Martin Gran, the pilot's nephew, who waited by a hole in the ice on Peter Pond Lake last week as divers entered the plane's cabin 18 metres below.

"I was happy that I could talk to them and impress upon them how important it was for our family to just see this through. They understood completely."

The wreckage of the Saskatchewan Government Airways crash, which killed pilot Ray Gran and conservation officer Harold Thompson, was located in July by a private search effort launched by the pilot's daughter and son-in-law.

Gran was an experienced pilot in the Second World War and had earned the Distinguished Flying Cross. He and Thompson took off from Buffalo Narrows, Sask., on Aug. 20, 1959. They were heading out to investigate poaching and deliver mail to La Loche, Sask., but were never seen again.

Mounties initially said when the wreck was found last summer that a dive would be too dangerous. They later agreed to try in August, but strong winds and powerful waves on the lake hampered the search. The team said they would make another attempt in winter, when the lake was frozen and underwater visibility would hopefully be clearer.

Martin Gran, who lives in Sudbury, Ont., got a call two weeks ago that the dive would be happening in a few days, and that the team would allow him to come along and watch from the surface.

He arrived in Buffalo Narrows last Monday. On Tuesday, he rode in a snowmobile to a tent on the ice, where the team of more than a dozen people, including divers, support staff and a medic, performed the search.

"It was 35 below," Gran recalled. "It was one of those mornings where the extension cord you use to plug in your truck feels like it's going to snap it's so cold."

RCMP posted daily updates on Facebook, explaining that the ice was around two feet thick and they used a chainsaw to remove rectangular chunks to insert sonar equipment to confirm the wreck's location.

On Tuesday, police said a diver took a line down to the plane to help them find their way back and forth to the hole at the surface. A second dive was then meant to take video of the wreck, but visibility was only about one metre, and initial inspection revealed part of the aircraft appeared to be buried, with pieces of debris and metal that divers needed to manoeuvre around.

Wednesday was when the divers got inside the plane, but visibility was close to zero.

Police said some remains of the two occupants of the aircraft were recovered, as well as personal items such as boots, a pendant, a camera, a knife and a wallet.Preaching the gospel of evidence, experiment and reason since 2003.Research shows that based on current fungicide chemistries it is estimated that the potential loss of chlorothalonil would result in a significant reduction in net margins, reflecting a significant loss in disease control and yield, according to Teagasc Senior Research Officer Steven Kildea.

To determine what impact the resistance and loss of chlorothalonil will have may have on production, a review of Teagasc winter wheat trials investigating Septoria control was undertaken and showed that both had a negative impact on farmers pockets, he explained at the Teagasc Tillage conference.

Why do we need these is often a question being asked. Productivity is and is going to be key, and at the moment and something projected in the future, we need these effective chemistries to maintain our productivity.

Within the European Union all crop protection chemistries must meet specific criteria set out by Regulation 1107/2009, such as potential impacts on human and environment health, prior to their authorisation, he explained at the conference.

It is anticipated in the coming years, when some of the widely used chemistries that farmers use today come up for review, they will not pass the strict criteria of 1107/2009 and such will no longer be available to use on European crops said the Oak Park-based Senior Research Officer.

Furthermore, the development of resistance in all three pest categories is further reducing the availability of effective crop protection chemistries, he explained. He said it is therefore of upmost importance that all means that reduce resistance development and spread is implemented.

Theres increased criteria that these pesticides have to overcome to get on the market and not only this, but the way they are being assessed has also changed, he said.

He said to minimise these potential reductions increased emphasis must now be placed on varietal resistance, agronomic practices including sowing date, but also careful consideration to fungicide application timing and fungicide choice, according to Steven.

He credited the Irish climate of combinations of plentiful rain during the growing season and long day lengths during the grain filling period to allow for high yielding crops, however he said inevitably these same conditions cause pressures that require effective chemistries to control.Cabinet ministers were warned the beef, dairy and pig meat industry could be "wiped out" if Britain crashes out of the European Union, the Sunday Independent can reveal.

Ministers were also told a no-deal Brexit would also "seriously jeopardise the viability of large sections" of the country's fishing industry.

The stark warnings were part of a confidential briefing presented to the Cabinet by Agriculture Minister Michael Creed. The minister said the agri-food sector is "uniquely exposed" to Brexit.

However, Mr Creed told colleagues the beef industry will be the most dramatically impacted by a cliff-edge Brexit with farmers facing a 40pc drop in their income.

The massive cut in income will be caused by beef prices plummeting 20pc, according to figures compiled for the Government by State agriculture agency, Teagasc. The Brexit fallout would make beef farming "completely unviable" and ultimately impact on employment in rural Ireland where more than 174,000 people work in farming.

The minister said the entire agri-food industry could face tariffs totalling 1.7bn which could "potentially wipe out Irish exports of beef, dairy and pig meat to the UK market".

He said alternative markets would be found over time for the dairy and pig meat industry but the beef sector would be severely impacted as it is hugely reliant on UK exports.

The minister is acutely concerned about the tariffs which will be applied by the UK if the country leaves the EU without a trade deal.

The EU's tariffs on agri-food from outside the union are far higher than those applied to other products.

The Government fears the UK will apply similar tariffs to those used by the EU if World Trade Organisation rules are introduced when Britain leaves in March.

Mr Creed also set out concerns facing food exporters who transfer goods through the UK to mainland Europe.

He said additional custom checks and queues at ports could have a detrimental impact on produce, especially goods with a short shelf-life.

The minister said the fishing industry is also worryingly exposed if Britain crashes out of the EU, as almost a third of fish are caught in UK waters.

A no-deal Brexit would mean Irish fishermen would no longer have access to a 200-mile zone in British waters.

Details of Mr Creed's briefing were not released after the Cabinet meeting but he did say the farming industry was facing an "existential challenge".

Speaking before an Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) event, Mr Creed insisted the Government was "well prepared" for a no-deal Brexit but said they "don't have a clear line of sight" on what the impact will be on the agri-food sector. After the Cabinet meeting, the Department of Finance announced that a no-deal Brexit could result in economic growth slowing and 55,000 job loses.

It also said Mr Creed will meet with EU Commissioner Phil Hogan to discuss the potential impact of a disorderly Brexit on the Irish agri-food and fisheries sectors.

"The discussion also covered the need to deploy market response measures, including exceptional aid, under the CAP to provide necessary supports to Ireland's agri-food sectors, given our specific exposure to the UK market," it said.

"Minister Creed and Commissioner Hogan agreed to remain in close contact as the situation develops and we have more clarity about the nature of the UK's departure," the statement added.

Meanwhile, Tanaiste Simon Coveney has said Brexit is a "lose, lose, lose situation".

"The European Union stands to lose a valued member state which designed some of its very best features," Mr Coveney says in today's Sunday Independent.

"Ireland stands to lose our closest neighbour from the group. Britain stands to lose the most. Many in the UK will fundamentally disagree with me on that last point, but there is not much by way of credible economic data or studies that say Britain will be better off after Brexit. Although we deeply regret the outcome of the UK's referendum on EU membership, we must respect it," he added.

The Tanaiste will this week travel to Washington to discuss Brexit with key figures in US politics. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar will hold talks in Brussels with EU leaders.Pictured is Michael Kavanagh from Coolgreany, Co Wexford on his farm. Picture: Patrick Browne

While dozens of young men and women continue to leave the Irish farming sectors each year in favour of more lucrative jobs, it is comforting to see 25-year-old Michael Kavanagh building a nice career for himself.

"I have a serious love of farming. It's hard going and it's 24/7 but I make the most of it," he says.

Michael has the right attitude. He takes in a decent holiday once a year, and last week he wrapped up his involvement in the local drama production of 'Juno and the Paycock'.

"Farming can be a lonely job so it's important to have a social outlet. I love the drama as you get to meet so many people. I also love travelling and I'm just back from a skiing trip," he says.

Expand Close Pictured is Michael Kavanagh feeding his cows. Picture: Patrick Browne / Facebook

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Whatsapp Pictured is Michael Kavanagh feeding his cows. Picture: Patrick Browne

A graduate in civil engineering from UCD, Michael had no intention of a career on the home farm until he spent six months working at a dairy unit in New Zealand in 2014. That stint changed his mind.

"When I came home I did my Green Cert in Kilmuckridge and then built a separate milking parlour and yard on the outside farm, which is a few miles down the road from the home place," he says.

"I also got my own herd number."

Michael milks a herd of 60 Holstein/Friesian crosses, while his father Peter milks a further 150 on the home farm. They supply to Strathroy Dairy.

In total the farms cover some 300 acres and are situated near Coolgreaney outside Gorey, Co Wexford.

"It works well for us to have two independent set-ups and in time I would love to expand," says Michael. "My brother Edward is also involved in dairy and works on a neighbour's farm."

In the next few weeks work will step up a gear with spring calving, and it will be all hands on deck.

"It is impossible to get someone to work full-time in the spring but we have some locals who help out when it gets busy," says Michael.

They sell off their bull calves from the farm and retain the heifers as replacements.

Michael says the drought last summer was testing, but they pulled through it thanks to some clever forward planning.

"Thankfully there was some softness in the ground before the hot weather came so we managed to get three cuts of our own silage in total," he says.

"We could see trouble down the line early on, so for the first time we also bought in a further 30 acres of silage and 20 acres of whole crop wheat.

"We were lucky to get it at a good price before things got really bad. We figured it was better to buy in fodder rather than sell off stock. It wasn't attractive to sell at the time.

"We still have plenty of fodder but there will be no surplus, so hopefully 2019 will be better."

Michael is also optimistic that milk prices will steady for 2019, but he is worried about what the future holds for Irish farming should there be a no-deal Brexit.

"It is a worry for sure. There needs to be a complete turnaround as a no-deal would be a disaster for Irish agriculture across all sectors."

In conversation with Siobhan EnglishFor a self-confessed avid follower of politics in these islands and across the Atlantic, the office of Donagh O'Sullivan, CEO of Galliard Homes, has an apt setting, on the edge of Westminster in the heart of London and just around the corner from the home of Channel 4 television. The 50 year-old Corkman, who grew up in Cullen, near Millstreet, was one of seven sons of parents who owned a petrol station and bus- hire company in the village.

A graduate of UCC, he has lived in the English capital for 28 years and now runs what is the second largest residential developer in the city, with FTSE-listed Berkeley Group ranking number one.

With a staff of 650, and employing up to 8,000 indirectly at any one time, Galliard is majority owned by British businessman Stephen Conway and his family, with senior management, including O'Sullivan, sharing a stake.

It has 3.8bn (4.3bn) of developments under way - typically including up to a dozen 20 to 40-storey towers at any one time - and is the 17th largest home builder in the UK, but the ninth most profitable, so it punches above its weight.

It's a long way from when he joined the firm as a contracts manager in 2001, when it had only 25 employees, building 75 homes.

Mostly focused on London and England's south-east today, it also has projects under way in Birmingham, Edinburgh, Bristol, Exeter, Cornwall and Bath. Its bread and butter is apartment blocks aimed at investors - many of whom buy off-plan - and first time buyers. Some developments are mixed use, with a bit of commercial space.

The firm is planning to do more on a build-to-rent basis, where the firm will retain ownership and have a rental income, he said.

"Selling off-plan might become more difficult [though a no-deal Brexit and a subsequent crash in the pound might bring a flurry of investment seeking to take advantage of that.]"

There are also two hotels at London landmarks under way. One is a serviced apartment style property at Tower Bridge. The second sees Galliard building and owning the property, while hotel group Hyatt will operate what will be the five-star Great Scotland Yard at the original home of the Metropolitan Police in Whitehall, whose moniker was 'The Yard.'

The model isn't unusual. Galliard works with a lot of joint venture partners. The firm usually takes between a 20pc and 40pc stake - the latter being the average - in each of its developments.

"Our partners are a diverse group; from individual wealthy people, landowners, funds, banks and other developers. We're very flexible, and the growth of the business has been driven by this way of working," said O'Sullivan. "Investors who make money in the time that their apartment takes to build - usually two to two-and-a-half years - will often return to buy from us again."

Several construction partners are Irish-owned, including Toureen, Modebest, JRL Group and the largest, O'Shea, with which Galliard frequently partners, and which has over 1.75bn of developments under way in London.

Earlier this month, O'Shea and Galliard announced they'd bought a 25m site at Nine Elms Park, nestled between the new US Embassy and Battersea Power Station, where they will build a block of 262 apartments.

"We have traditionally been very successful at off-plan sales. Of our current book of 3.8bn, we have forward sold about 75pc of that, and it might take three-and-a-half years to build it all out. We like to buy sites where we have something to contribute and are very much about creating primarily homes where people will enjoy living and will want to live.

"We do everything, from land acquisition, to the planning, sales and marketing, construction, after-care, and property or estate management all in-house," O'Sullivan added.

"Traditionally we've been very good at helping to regenerate parts of London. With 33 boroughs and 8.65 million people, 75pc of what we build is there, and there are always opportunities somewhere in the life cycle of communities. Britain has a target of building 300,000 homes a year, but to date has only achieved 210,000 at best."

As high streets change with the growth of online shopping and demise of several previously successful household names, he could see a future for residential development in some of them.

Following UK legislation that bypassed the planning process to increase new homes after a shortfall since 2013, Galliard has already done office conversions, about 20 schemes amounting to about 2.500 homes.

"We strip back buildings to the structure and build apartments to the same high standards as total new-builds. They have a 10-year warranty and all the appropriate building controls," said O'Sullivan. "We stand by our developments, and have retained them to let out on long leases. If there are opportunities to convert former retail space, as the government has talked about, we'd look at that as well."

A new Galliard division, Evolve, has four sites in the London commuter belt, where effectively a twist on co-working spaces will be developed. It would see startups and small businesses operating in 700 sq ft units - the size of a small terraced house or two-bedroom apartment. All covered by fast 1Gb broadband, communal facilities are housed in a barn conversion-like building featuring showers, a gym, meeting and kitchen spaces.

"People are looking for a better quality of life, and it's expensive to commute. These cater to a certain section of the market not being served, so we're doing it." The first site has 90 of the units and they start at 99,000 (113,000.)"

Has Galliard ever looked at building in Ireland? "We looked in Dublin elsewhere, before the crash. But each time I did, we didn't go ahead.

"I couldn't understand the basic maths, in terms of affordability for the people who'd need to buy the homes to make it a success. Land and development costs, and then what the selling prices needed to be: I couldn't see how the market could sustain those three elements.

"I'm not claiming to be an expert in that I saw the potential for a crash. As we all know, the banks were exposed twice, lending to developers and then lending for mortgages. It was mad. We recruited some people from Ireland in the aftermath of the crash. My Dad sent some recruits our way as well who needed work.

"But also, we are a pretty simple business. There has to be a fair chance that there are enough people who want to and can afford to buy where you've built. We did some experimental developments in other countries that didn't work out, so we will stick to what we know here in the UK."

He's acutely aware of the various issues in construction and housing in Ireland at the moment. "Barretstown, where I'm a director, is about to build a new accommodation block for volunteers, but I've seen the budget for that, the building costs are about 30pc higher than the initial estimates."

With those costs perhaps likely to rise further in the wake of Brexit, Galliard will also be hit on its material costs, although he believes that the date of Britain leaving will be delayed.

"Brexit is like throwing sand into a gearbox. We'd see a contraction in the housing market, no economic growth, and material costs rising by 10pc to 15pc giving a 5pc to 7pc overall rise in our build costs. But myself and my colleagues think it will be delayed, perhaps by a year or more. There's the impossibility of the border issue. And 'no deal' just cannot be an option.

"My biggest issue is around our staff. Our HR department will support all of our staff from the EU who require settled status. It will take them through the whole process. We're looking after our people. We want them to know we care about them."

Softly spoken, but with a discernible steely resolve never far from the surface, the Corkman gives a forthright and passionately held opinion on why he believes Brexit is a mistake, and makes no economic sense for Britain.

It's not difficult to imagine him as a politician - an early childhood ambition was to be the US President, he laughed - although he insisted that he's never had any political ambitions in adulthood. He believes that his personal confidence is better suited to answering to shareholders - who are more engaged with details and results than voters.

"Having been in London since September 1990, the day after the referendum in 2016 was the first day that I felt very upset. The country had chosen to leave the EU, in my view due to an argument about stopping immigrants coming in. I'm one who'd been here 26 years.

"I've wholeheartedly contributed in my own modest way to the country, making a reasonable mark in my circle of influence, never having taken from the state.

"I'm completely immersed in London. It's my home, where my life is, where my love is and where my heart is. Leaving the EU is such a backward step in terms of openness to other countries, cultures, ways of life and approaches to life. Integration of people improves our understanding of the world, of cultures and different points of view."

He pointed to several of his staff in the small open plan office next door to his, who are from Ghana, Dublin and Spain. "I've got staff from all over the world. They make this company a success and, as in many other businesses like it, small and large, and all of that makes Britain a success."Political crises bring out the best in some people and the worst in others. What is it about Brexit that when it comes to the British political classes, Brexit's unique brand of toxicity only serves to bring out the worst?

This was never more evident than in the House of Commons last week when British Prime Minister Theresa May dumped the backstop as government policy and decided to do a U-turn on the need for a legally binding safety net to ensure there is no hard border in Ireland.

The British government is now truly in unique territory where ministers are saying the backstop must go, having agreed as a government, to introduce it in a major international agreement signed by their prime minister.

It might have some credibility if a different British government or different prime minister was advocating this new position for pragmatic reasons. But Theresa May remains in place.

There have been so many Brexit phrases in the last two and a half years which have meant different things to different people. When Theresa May began to yield to reality in the negotiations by softening her position, some in Westminster described it as the 'Brexit betrayal'.

When an EU Commission spokesman said there would be a hard border in a no-deal scenario, it was seen here as a 'Brexit backstab'. But the most unnerving and slippery phrase used about Brexit came from Boris Johnson when he was interviewed in Dublin by Bryan Dobson a few weeks ago. He was asked why he signed up to the backstop in December 2017, given that he actually sees it as unnecessary and unacceptable.

Johnson said he saw the backstop at the time as a "convenient fiction" - something which simply allowed the talks to progress.

Former Brexit secretary David Davis at the time said he saw it as a "statement of intent" rather than something that was legally enforceable.

These are the very reasons why the Irish Government was right to push for a backstop in the first place. How could any sovereign government trust the word of someone who signs up to something in writing only to say they simply saw it as a convenient fiction?

Theresa May saw it through as far as a vote defeat in the House of Commons but has now abandoned it. The backstop may well be politically dead, as far as getting it through the House of Commons goes, but how could the Irish Government or Brussels negotiate with such a failed British government leader?

Unfortunately, the prime minister's decision to put the stubbornness of a minority in her political party against the interests of her country, has brought the whole process closer to a no-deal scenario in which everybody loses. The suggested alternatives to the backstop include:

a trusted trader scheme - which will help with large-scale businesses but will still require regular physical checks of goods. It would be a smuggler's charter without regular actual checks.

mutual recognition of rules with the EU - This simply won't work because it implies the EU would recognise UK rules while the UK reserves the right to introduce its own rules. It makes no sense unless there is a formal agreement not to change rules.

technological solutions - These remain something of a illusive fantasy.

time limit on the backstop or unilateral exit from it - this means it is not a backstop at all, just an extension of the transition period.

The path through this mess which doesn't end up with a no-deal exit is becoming harder to identify. A second referendum looks more distant after this week. It is quite possible that a second referendum in the short term would bring about a similar leave result anyway. An acceptable deal that protects the status quo along the Border is disappearing.

The ratcheting up of rhetoric around the Border issue has got so bad, there is an expectation all along the Border that any kind of infrastructure built there in the future will be blown up. People would now be surprised if it wasn't. This contributes to making it a self-fulfilling prophesy.

The pressure on the Irish Government to back down on the backstop is already substantial. It will build and build, even if the British government secures an extension to the March 29 deadline. Dublin is very much in the Tories' sights. The British government will target the Irish Government week-in and week-out until the cracks appear.

It really is time for businesses to batten down the hatches and prepare for the worst.

Smurfit share price faces a long road back after latest hit

Paper and packaging giant Smurfit Kappa saw its shares take a hit on Thursday as the stock fell by 5.5pc. It wasn't the only blue-chip Irish stock to fall but it put a dent in what had otherwise been a pretty solid start to 2019. Smurfit shares fell to 25.18 despite completing a new 1.3bn revolving credit line with 21 banks and a successful 400m bond placing.

The original bond target had been 300m but there was a strong appetite among investors. The yield was 2.75pc which was very similar to a 2.8pc yield on a 600m bond issue last year. The share price blip puts into focus the decision by management and the board to rebuff a takeover approach from International Paper (IP) last year. IP came in with a revised take-it-or-leave-it offer of 38.80 back in June but the Smurfit board did not want to seriously engage.

As of this week Smurfit Kappa's market capitalisation is 3.2bn lower than the value placed on the company by IP.

According to FT market data, nine analysts offering 12-month price targets had a median target of 34.75, with a high estimate of 39.05 and a low of 25. At the time of the rejection of the IP approach, Smurfit Kappa said it believed it had "superior prospects" as a standalone business and it remained "excited" about short, medium and long-term prospects.

Perhaps it only needs time. But how much time?

Low-key Land Development Agency is in it for the long haul

Housing minister Eoghan Murphy announced details of the new Land Development Agency back in September. At the time it said it would have 1.25bn to invest in procuring State land and providing 150,000 housing units over the following 20 years.

Its establishment was described in dramatic terms and compared with the vision and foresight used in setting up ESB back in the early days of the State.

It is definitely a long-term project and doesn't seem to be in as big a hurry as the minister was in deciding to announce it.

Its chief executive John Coleman is "interim" chief executive. Its chairman, former Department of Finance secretary general John Moran, was appointed in December as an "interim" chair.

This is because it is still awaiting the primary legislation to underpin it.

After a high-profile launch, it is staying fairly low-key and it currently has a temporary holding website. It says its updated full website is "coming soon". It also says it is involved in preliminary work with State bodies on eight sites.

Sounds like it's playing the long game.Britain's Secretary of State for International Trade Liam Fox is seen outside Downing Street in London

A SENIOR British government minister has warned that if Ireland isnt prepared to negotiate on the so-called backstop, the likely outcome will be a no-deal Brexit and a hard border.

International trade secretary Liam Fox has attempted to ramp up pressure on Ireland and the European Union to renegotiate the Withdrawal Agreement with Britain.

I comes after British prime minister Theresa Mays government last week rejected the backstop it had previously agreed and backed a House of Commons vote to dump it in favour of undefined alternative arrangements.

Mrs May is to return to Brussels seeking changes to the deal.

Both the Irish government and the EU have been adamant that the Withdrawal Agreement - including the backstop top avoid a hard border - wont be renegotiated.

Mr Fox this morning said: Are they really saying that they would rather not negotiate and end up in a no-deal position? 

He claimed this seems to me quite irresponsible.

And speaking to Sophy Ridge on Sky News he also made a warning to the Irish government.

He said: If they wont negotiate on it then they are likely to end up with no deal and the European Union said thats the best route to get a hard border.

So for the Irish I think its even more important than most that they are willing to talk to us about what the alternative ways are of achieving no hard border because thats the stated position of both the Irish government, the British government and indeed the European Union.

Writing in the Sunday Independent today Tanaiste Simon Coveney again said : The Withdrawal Agreement will not be re-opened and the backstop will not be changed, the EU could not be any clearer on that.

He said that if the UK leaves the EU without a deal on March 29 everyone will suffer more than they need to and Northern Ireland will stand to suffer the most.

He said in those circumstances, the UK will still need to live up to its responsibilities under the Good Friday Agreement and in his view a solution based on regulatory alignment  as proposed in the backstop  will remain the best and most sensible option.

He added: One thing is certain: the technology to maintain the open border we have today does not exist.

Brexiteers in the British parliament have claimed that technology could be an alternative to the backstop as a way of avoiding a hard border.

Mrs May, writing in the Sunday Telegraph, said that the Hosue of Commons voted to support the Withdrawal Agreement if there are changes ot the backstop.

She said: "When I return to Brussels I will be battling for Britain and Northern Ireland.

"I will be armed with a fresh mandate, new ideas and a renewed determination to agree a pragmatic solution that delivers the Brexit the British people voted for, while ensuring there is no hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

"That is what Parliament instructed me to do on Tuesday night."

She rejected any suggestion that seeking alternative arrangements to the backstop constitutes "ripping up the Good Friday Agreement".

She said: "As prime minister of the United Kingdom, I would never do anything to put that union at risk or jeopardise the hard-won peace."

Mrs May argued that under the current Withdrawal Agreement the EU has already accepted the principle of alternative arrangements to supercede the backstop should it ever be required.The Government has been accused of not respecting nursing enough (Peter Byrne/PA)

Irish nurses working abroad say the Government does not respect the workforce, and gives emigrants no reason to come home.

On Saturday, The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) announced two additional strike dates amid an ongoing row over pay and staffing retention issues.

The strikes will take place on February 19 and 21, in addition to action on February 5 and 7, and February 12-14.

Expand Close Anna Enright works as a nurse in Melbourne / Facebook

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Anna Enright, from Tralee, Co Kerry, has lived and worked as a nurse in Melbourne, Australia, for five years.

When I first started I worked in hospitals in the midlands on three-month contracts for 13.60 euro an hour, she said.

For the love of god... pay and support the nurses. They literally carried the health service through the recession ...continually understaffed #IStandwithNursesandMidwives #timesup. ai  Deirdre O'Kane (@DeirdreOKane1) February 1, 2019

We were worked to the bone in unsafe conditions because of chronic understaffing.

There was no support, no room for job growth, not to mention the salary.

There are amazing nurses in Ireland, they work so hard considering what theyre put through.

Im very angry over it, Ive been speaking to the girls at home who are striking, my heart breaks for them.

I honestly feel bad, and kind of guilty at how good we have it over here, we make money that allows us to have a great lifestyle, we enjoy work, are so supported to grow in our field.

Nursing is highly respected over here, whereas I feel in Ireland it never will be, to be honest I cant see a change happening, the Government dont respect nursing as a profession to increase our pay, its not that we are greedy for money, we need to be able to live.

More than 30,000 nurses took to picket lines in freezing conditions outside hospitals across the country last week after talks aimed at resolving the issue failed.

Nurses are calling for a pay increase of about 12%, but the Government has said it is not in the position to borrow money.

Update for INMO members on today's Executive Council. pic.twitter.com/tX2zd1SjgR  Irish Nurses & Midwives Organisation (@INMO_IRL) February 2, 2019

The Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe, said: The nursing unions are seeking a significant increase in pay over and above all of the benefits of the current Agreement seeking parity with other health professionals.

Concession of this pay claim, even if possible, would have serious consequences for the public finances and for public pay policy generally with estimated costs of 300 million euro annually based on a 12% claim in pay.

However, it would not end there. It would, I have no doubt, generate knock-on or leapfrogging claims from the rest of the public service workforce, where there are already other well aired pay grievances.

Last week, protests were organised in Melbourne, Sydney and London by Irish nurses to show their solidarity with their colleagues at home.Almost two thirds of Sunderlands electorate voted to leave the EU, despite a warning by Nissan of the advantages of remaining within the EU.

Now Nissan is pulling investment on the future X-Trail SUV. The pro-Brexit lobby will claim that this has nothing to do with Brexit, but a survey of more than 1,200 companies, published on 1 February from the Institute of Directors, shows that nearly a third of companies are either moving or actively considering doing so in connection with Brexit.

This is why Brexiteers are terrified of allowing the people to now have an informed say on whether they wish to accept the consequences of the lies, fantasies and wishful thinking spewed out at the referendum.

Governments are supposed to lead, and to lead in the interests of the nation. Focusing on placating dogmatists and fanatics is not leadership.

Cowering behind the will of the people  a narrow decision based on fantasies and falsehoods, underpinned by obscure funding which has attracted serious questions  is not leadership.

For this government to then manoeuvre to drive the nation down what is now evidently a disastrous course is simply irresponsible. The Conservative party does not lead. It has shown itself entirely derelict in its duty to the nation.

Arthur Streatfield

Bath

Sean OGradys article, Nissans U-turn is the beginning of the end for Britains revived car industry (3 February) paints a bleak but realistic picture.

But he proudly voted for Brexit.

Is this the primary problem with our Brexit dichotomy?

Paul Kerwin

Nantwich

We don't need a snap election

One seriously wonders how crazy and serious things have to get before the political classes wake up to this crisis.

The latest blow is from Nissan and the almost certain decision not to build the X-trail model in Sunderland.

We are already only too aware of other car manufacturers cutting back; only a fool would ignore such corporate manoeuvrings.

But what have we heard from the Labour party in the last few days? The old chestnut of fighting for a general election. They must get a grip, the next general election will be 2022 and by that time tens of thousands of Labour voters jobs will have evaporated.

And if they do manage to gain power at that point, I predict some crazy scheme of nationalising the remnants of the car industry.

Anyone over 50 should be able to remember British Leyland. For goodness sake, are we to have a rerun of the shambles of that era?

A moribund economy, crippled NHS, high unemployment, anger, crazy populist parties, and an endless campaign to rejoin the EU.

This is what we have to look forward to.

Robert Boston

Kingshill

Delivering Brexit will prevent civil unrest

It's not so much riots as a result of no deal that authorities need to be concerned with, but civil unrest if there's no Brexit, a seriously delayed Brexit or a losers' vote.

Neil Coppendale

Address supplied

Hopeless MPs

Over the last few weeks, I've heard less sense from MPs on important issues that affect us all than from David Attenborough, Jamie Oliver, Martin Lewis, Chris Packham and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall combined.

John Laker

Marlow

Steiner schools arent all the same

The letter from Amanda Spielman, head of Ofsted, to Damian Hinds (reported 1 February) about Steiner schools raises serious and concerning questions.

It discloses that Spielman lumps all Steiner schools together and questions Steiner pedagogy itself.

Steiner schools may share a common approach to education, but they are not an homogenous group.

Our school (Steiner Academy Bristol) is entirely free-standing as are all the other state-funded Steiner academies and we should be assessed on our own merits.

We contend that this did not happen with our own inspection in November which we assert was flawed from beginning to end. It is for this reason we are applying for the inspection to be judicially reviewed.

The key feature of Steiner pedagogy is that it is age-appropriate and takes a holistic approach to child development.

Around the world, and in countries that top the world league tables, state-funded Steiner schools are held up as beacons of effective education.

Much academic research now endorses the Steiner approach. Does Ofsted understand this at all? Or do they have a standardised, one-size-fits-all view of education?

Are we seeing a campaign against a different way of educating our children? If so, that is deeply worrying and arguably discriminatory.

Roy Douglas

Bristol

Pope Francis is no stranger to the Islamic world

Najah al-Otaibi has misrepresented history by claiming that Pope Francis's visit to the UAE will be the first of its kind to the Islamic world. Pope Francis has visited Turkey, Jordan and the Palestinian territories.

In Turkey, his holiness prayed at the blue mosque, and in the holy land, he visited the Jordan river where Jesus Christ was baptised by John.

In Palestine, he visited the church of the nativity, the birthplace of Jesus and prayed for peaceful coexistence, universal harmony and healing in our time.

We face formidable challenges from sectarian strife, ignorance, distrust, inter-religious conflicts to poverty and unemployment.

Let us hope that his holiness's visit will bridge relations between the Christian and Muslim world, and create an invincible defence against those who sow division and discord.

Munjed Farid Al Qutob

London NW2For more than a decade in Cairo I have used the same well-worn phrase in Arabic to order a packet of cigarettes. And so, on Wednesday it slipped out, when I was at one of my local newsagents in West Jerusalem, where the usual Palestinian staffers nickname me Egyptian girl due to my heavy Cairo accent.

But that day, there was a new man at the till

This is Israel, why are you speaking Arabic? he said sharply, causing many in the store to turn around.

If youre in a country you should speak the language  if I was in the UK I would never dream of talking anything but English. Speak Hebrew.

Granted, at that moment I was on the Israeli side of the 1967 armistice line which snakes through the contested city of Jerusalem. But even on this side of the line in Israel around 20 per cent of the population  1.8 million people  are Arab-Israeli. There are also Jewish native Arabic speakers in the country.

Arabic was, until the ratification of the controversial Nation State law last year, an official state language. Right now, it has special status, and is certainly not foreign : for example street signs across Israel are written in Hebrew, Arabic and English.

Jerusalem itself is claimed by both Israelis and Palestinians as their capital and according to the United Nations it is still contested: the citys final status and borders are supposed to be laid out in a final peace deal.

Sadly my terse exchange is not an isolated incident. Many Palestinians  whether East-Jerusalemites, West Bank residents or Arab Israelis  told me this week, when I posted about the incident, that they are often ordered to speak Hebrew by Israelis or are afraid of speaking Arabic for fear of backlash and even violence.

Over the years there have also been several instances of people from Israels Arabic-speaking minority, the Druze (who are fiercely loyal to the state and do not identify themselves as Palestinians), being physically attacked. In February 2015 an Israeli Druze soldier was hospitalised after he had been beaten up by Israeli youth for speaking Arabic in a nightclub. It marked the second such attack that week.

Racism has soared in Israel over the years, as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has surged and ebbed. Increasingly right-wing governments have peddled anti-Arab, anti- Palestinian and scaremongering security agendas to curry favour with the Israeli public, who have lived through different peaks of violence.

And as the country goes to the polls on 9 April, that sentiment has bled into the election trail, with many individuals and parties using open racism as a way of winning votes.

 Benjamin Netanyahus son banned from Facebook in wake of post calling for all Muslims to leave Israel

I am frequently ordered to speak Hebrew. Two months ago in a cafe, I made my order in Arabic and he wouldnt serve me until I repeat it in Hebrew, said Samir al-Sharif, a Palestinian from East Jerusalem who works as TV producer.

I worry about my children who live in West Jerusalem  what if they accidentally speak Arabic? What could happen to them?, he added.

Al-Sharif fears the upcoming elections will be the most racist yet, and ultimately impact a peace process in the future, because if being anti-Arab and anti-Palestinian is lauded by those in power, how could a peace agreement be reached?

The right wing feels they have the power in the government in the street  they dont care how racist they are. Especially the American government supporting it, he added.

The campaign videos which have been flooding social media suggest he could be right.

Elizabeth Tsurkov, research fellow at the Forum for Regional Thinking, a progressive Israel think tank, said that many of the videos are centred around competing over which candidate killed the most Palestinians.

Every election season is a time where Israelis get a concentrated dose of racist incitement playing on TV, on social media even in texts, she told me.

I think what we are seeing in this campaign is the targeting of Palestinian minorities in Israeli. Israeli politics keeps shifting to the right. Now the main competition is among a multiple of right-wing parties, she added.

She pointed to the campaign video for parliamentarian Anat Berko of Benjamin Netanyahus ruling Likud Party, which is bizarre to watch. In it, her husband, dressed as a Palestinian, appears to kidnap Dr Berko. In the short clip, Berko lists her military credentials in fighting foreign terrorists (ie Palestinians) as the kidnapping plays out. She then mocks Arabic language and pronunciation as proof that the Palestinians never had a state of their own.

Another chilling video was released by the campaign team of Benny Gantz, Israels former chief of staff, who is supposed to be the moderate alternative to Netanyahu. Lieutenant-General Gantz, who oversaw the Gaza war in 2014, has soared in the polls this week to a very close second to the incumbent prime minister.

In his latest video, footage of funerals of fighters in Gaza is overlaid with a scrolling Palestinian death toll count from the 2014 conflict ,during which over 2100 Palestinians and 70 Israelis were killed. It concludes by saying that Lt-Gen Gantz was responsible for killing 1,364 Gaza militants in the seven-week military campaign. The problem is that militant body count is even higher than Israels agreed numbers and nearly double the United Nations figures.

If you break down the percentages, Gantzs campaign have included the 935 Palestinians killed that Israel believes were fighters, as well as more than 420 males of fighting age (so aged between 16-50) who were killed in the war but whose status is unclear.

In short, the video effectively glorifies the killing of civilians.

Arab-Israeli politicians have also come under fire from their Jewish counterparts. The Likuds popular MK Oren Hazan used a Facebook Live to call Palestinian members of the Knesset terrorists and repeatedly referred to Arab Israeli MK Jamal Zahalka as Zahalkaka which basically means sh***y Zahalka.

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Ms Tsurkov says part of the problem is increasing American support for the ring-wing agenda in Israel in the age of Donald Trump, who controversially moved the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, recognising it as Israels capital in May. Last year he also slashed funding to the UNs agency for Palestinian refugees, saying he disgreed with the UNs refugee count.

Before, issues like racism were kept in check by the left in Israel and the Jewish diaspora in countries like the States, with many arguing that prejudice towards Arabs was only bad for Israel, isolating the country and making it tougher to reach a peace settlement with the Palestinians.

But that backlash seems to have quietened. There was little to no reaction abroad when the Israeli parliament pushed through the Nation State law last year, which critics said was akin to apartheid legislation.

It downgraded the Arabic language from an official state language, promoted the creation of Jewish-only settlements and defined national self-determination as the unique right of the Jewish people. It was passed with little more than a whimper outside of Israel.

Right now, [the] right is absolutely vindicated, Ms Tsurkov concluded.

Before, the left would say [Israel was] leading us into international isolation with [this racism] which was the only card that [they] kept playing. That is no longer true anymore, she added.Photo: The Canadian Press U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, D-NJ, speaks during a news conference outside of his home, Friday, Feb. 1, 2019, in Newark, N.J. Booker earlier in the day declared his bid for the presidency with a sweeping call to unite a deeply polarized nation around a "common purpose."

A racist photo tied to Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam spurred the first major test for how Democratic presidential hopefuls will address racial tensions that have polarized American life.

Nearly every major declared and potential Democratic candidate called for Northam's resignation after disclosure of the photo, which shows one person in blackface and another hooded in white Klan regalia.

Their reactions came before Northam, 59, who is white, said during a news conference Saturday that he was not in the photo on his page of the 1984 yearbook. He acknowledged using blackface when he dressed as pop icon Michael Jackson for a dance contest, also in 1984.

That leaves Democrats running for president or considering bids to navigate an explosive and embarrassing story as they mount campaigns intended to serve as a contrast with racial divisions that have intensified under the presidency of Donald Trump.

"The candidates were right on this, but this one was easy; the questions and issues on race will only get harder," said Symone Sanders, one of the Democratic Party's most visible black strategists and an aide to Bernie Sanders' 2016 presidential campaign.

Northam's refusal to step down, Sanders added, threatens to "bring down the Democratic ecosystem" when candidates already face challenges explaining their own records on racially fraught matters. "How do you tell black, brown and young disillusioned voters who didn't vote in 2016 to come out and take on Donald Trump and take America with this in the party?" she said. "It's a real concern."

That means more potential pitfalls for candidates as varied as California Sen. Kamala Harris, the daughter of Indian and Jamaican immigrants, and former Vice-President Joe Biden, a white man who prides himself on his working-class heritage.

Harris touts her record as a prosecutor but faces critiques from the left for her role in a system that has for decades disproportionately imprisoned young men of colour. Biden, a longtime senator before he was President Barack Obama's political partner, recently expressed regret for supporting a 1994 crime bill that toughened sentencing laws. He had defended the vote for years.

Antjuan Seawright, a veteran of campaigns in South Carolina, which hosts the first presidential primary with a large black vote, said candidates must explain their pasts and use them  and Northam  to talk about institutional racism. "There's a larger discussion here about the poisonous effects of racism on the country and how these things really serve a hindrance for all of us moving forward," he said.

Harris and former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julian Castro were the first declared candidates to call for Northam to step down. Among the party's most prominent Latino figures, Castro called the photo "racist and unconscionable." Harris wrote on Twitter that "the stain of racism should have no place in the halls of government."

Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who has faced her own troubles over her claims of Native American heritage, followed suit.

New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker, a black man who launched his campaign Friday, the first day of Black History Month, put the incident into historical perspective. "These images arouse centuries of anger, anguish and racist violence," he wrote on Twitter.

New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, campaigning in the first primary state of New Hampshire, initially stopped short of calling for resignation, telling reporters she'd not seen the picture that she still called "very racist." She later issued a statement saying she'd seen the image for herself and believed Northam should step down.

"There aren't two sets of rules for our friends and our foes: Right is right and wrong is wrong ... and racism cannot be excused in our government or anywhere else," she wrote.

Gillibrand helped lead calls for Minnesota Sen. Al Franken to resign after he was accused in 2017 of sexual harassment.

Most of the presidential hopefuls sidestepped what would happen should Northam resign: A black man, Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax, would become the state's second black chief executive.

The most prominent white men in the potential Democratic field, Biden and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, both waited until Saturday morning to issue resignation calls.

Biden has deep ties in the black community, both from two unsuccessful presidential campaigns but also from two terms as the top lieutenant to the nation's first black president.

Sanders, who represents a state that is almost 95 per cent white and less than 2 per cent African-American, has tried to expand his relationships in the black community after his gaps proved a major liability in his 2016 presidential nominating fight against Hillary Clinton. Sanders, who hasn't said whether he'll run again, did well in much whiter states, but Clinton dominated him in states where black voters held strong sway, building an early delegate lead Sanders couldn't reverse.

Seawright, the South Carolina Democrat, dismissed any concerns over comparing candidates' response times over less than 24 hours. He said Republican leaders had ignored years of racist comments from Iowa Rep. Steve King before finally issuing a condemnation and ousting him from House committees in January after he questioned why "white supremacy" is considered offensive.

"We just can't be the party of hypocrisy ... and direction is more important than immediate timing," Seawright said.

North Carolina NAACP leader William Barber, a minister who has spoken at Democratic National Conventions, said he is keeping no scorecard on who has called on Northam to step down.

"People calling for his resignation, or Steve King's for that matter, they have a right to do so," Barber said. But "to simply have all this discussion about racism when we have some pictures and some words, as ugly and grotesque as they are, but not call out the structural racism that is often presented in more genteel ways  by denying health care, by gerrymandering unconstitutional legislatures, by a prison system that is the new Jim Crow to do that is not to deal with what racism actually is."The big challenge in Australia right now is to tell a story to millions of workers that explains why their material standards of living are, like those of British workers, going nowhere or backwards in real terms while corporate profits have surged.

The stories being told by Australias major political parties are unpersuasive in this context. A more convincing story is to be found in the economics of Karl Marx.

Bill Shortens opposition Labor Party is telling a story of inclusive economic growth where inclusive means moderately fairer tax outcomes.

It argues the wealthy should pay their fair share of tax, and that investors buying their seventh property while young people cannot break into the housing market is unfair.

Most Australians do not care if some individuals or businesses make a lot of money or own lots of properties.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. 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Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty

Australians care when financial institutions steal from their customers, they care when politicians are dishonest, they care when politicians remove leaders they feel they voted for, and they care when queue-jumping asylum seekers appear to get preferential treatment.

These concerns took off politically because social procedures were playing out in ways that offended peoples basic sense of what is right and wrong.

Labor appears likely to win the upcoming federal election not because of its plans to reduce economic inequality, but mostly because of the incumbent Liberal Partys state of disarray.

The Liberal Party story champions economic growth as a way to make everybody better off overall and appeals to an idea of fairness that, to quote freshly installed Prime Minister Scott Morrison, is not about everybody getting the same thing. If you put in, you get to take out.

Economic growth was never convincing as a central focus of any story. It is hard to translate GDP growth into everyday experience, despite the obsessive reporting by media outlets.

The central economic insight of Marx contends that the Liberal Party view of fairness is violated by private enterprise on a daily basis. Namely, the large group of people in societies like Australia who must (as a group) sell their capacity to work to the relatively small group of people who own most of the productive assets are paid less than they produce.

Many of us already get that a capital owner will usually pay a worker $30 for an hour of work only if she produces more than $30 worth in that hour. If the worker produces $60 worth, the $30 difference is taken by the owner.

The following numbers give you a rough idea of the price Australian workers are paying to maintain this arrangement. Around 80 cents in every dollar of value added in the Australian mining industry as a whole in 2018 was taken by owners of capital for their consumption. They took 45 cents in construction, 39 cents in manufacturing, and 33 cents in the retail trade sector.

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Australian owners of capital and their political supporters have also, against some opposition, mostly successfully organised to institutionally secure a greater difference between the value of what workers produce and the pay they receive.

Notable victories include the legislative prohibition of industry-wide bargaining and strikes, and the elimination of the Rudd Labor governments mining super profits tax.

Both the Labor and Liberal stories rest on the same basic economic understandings. Those understandings hold that the wealth and income we have is the result of individual choices.

Centrist economic stories have reached a dead end in many advanced countries because this conclusion no longer fits with the lived experience of growing numbers of people.

The more persuasive and accessible narrative says that the lifters inside businesses are structurally getting back less than they put in  and this is wrong.

Chad Satterlee is a political economist based in Western AustraliaIt felt like deja vu. After the supreme court in Pakistan rejected a challenge to the acquittal of Asia Bibi on blasphemy charges, conflicting reports of her release and departure from the country started to hit the airwaves.

The nation watched with bated breath, fearful of a repeat of the events from last year when violent protesters held Pakistan hostage in the aftermath of the landmark supreme court verdict that overturned the death sentence.

The riots had been led by the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), a political party made up of religious extremists dedicated to punishing blasphemy, who called for the justices to be killed and for army officers to commit mutiny. These werent peaceful protesters marching for their rights, these were fanatics destroying property and making death threats.

After Imran Khan, the Pakistan prime minister, went on the air to strongly rebuke the armed protesters and warn them against clashing with the state, it seemed to signal that a line had finally been drawn in the sand in a country where religious hardliners are normally given a free pass to do as they please, often at the expense of other citizens.

Forgotten Women: The sisters fighting for human rights in Pakistan Show all 5 1 /5 Forgotten Women: The sisters fighting for human rights in Pakistan Forgotten Women: The sisters fighting for human rights in Pakistan Forgotten Women: The sisters fighting for human rights in Pakistan Human rights activist Gulalai Ismail was apprehended by Pakistan officials upon landing in Islamabad after a flight from London Forgotten Women: The sisters fighting for human rights in Pakistan Forgotten Women: The sisters fighting for human rights in Pakistan Forgotten Women: The sisters fighting for human rights in Pakistan

However, many were disappointed to learn that despite the tough rhetoric, the government had been in negotiations with the group. An agreement was reached, with one of the conditions being that the government should take legal measures to put Bibis name on the exit control list. The review petition filed against the supreme courts judgement was another. It read like a surrender on the part of the government.

At a time when Pakistans economy was on the brink and the government struggled to secure financing, the cost of the armed protests, estimated by one government official to be $1.2bn (900m), was indefensible. Yet no one was held to account back then.

Emboldened by the lack of any meaningful action being taken against them, the TLP and other hardline religious outfits began making announcements of taking to the streets once more if things did not go their way.

This led to legitimate questions about the effectiveness of the governments policy. As the old adage goes, Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

Even back then, there were members of the government who knew that nothing good comes from appeasing extremists. Shireen Mazari, Pakistans minister for human rights, tweeted, It is unfortunate we dont study history  appeasement historically never works as Chamberlains Munich appeasement towards Nazis showed.

As Mazari noted in subsequent tweets, appeasing violent non state actors to avoid bloodshed not only undermines the concept of peaceful protests as a democratic right, it sets a dangerous precedent and leaves state institutions vulnerable  with the government appearing unable to enforce the rule of law.

There were signs that the government was finally beginning to heed their own ministers advice. Likely spurred on by the 2018 attack on the Chinese consulate in Karachi, to avoid any further loss of confidence from international investors, the government launched a crackdown against the TLP after the organisation had called for another mass rally on 25 November.

On this occasion, Khadim Rizvi, the radical preacher at the helm of the TLP, was also taken into protective custody.

Almost immediately, other hardline religious organisations began to distance themselves from the TLP and the planned rally. The day came and went without further incident.

This demonstrated that the state is perfectly capable of taking action when motivated, and illustrates the drastic impact even the smallest step it takes towards asserting its writ can have.

In a similar fashion, the government launched a division-wide crackdown in several cities last week, arresting over 55 workers of different religious parties after calls to hold a protest demonstration against the dismissal of the review petition by the supreme court.

No major disruptions were reported in the aftermath  something that would have been unthinkable even just a few months ago.

Kanwal Shauzab, the parliamentary secretary for planning, attributed the absence of protests to improved management and social media monitoring by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-led government.

The prime ministers supporters would have you believe that this was the plan all along. Khan was playing chess, while his opponents were playing checkers. They credit him for defusing a volatile situation with the protesters last year without any bloodshed.

After all, those responsible for the chaos are in jail, while Bibi is now free. His critics have a less favourable view, likening him to a stubborn, bumbling fool who had to be forcefully dragged kicking and screaming to an obvious conclusion.

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To deny the magnitude of this achievement would be extremely disingenuous. Both the supreme court and the government need to be lauded for staying the course in the face of immense opposition. I dont see any other political party in Pakistan with enough leverage or goodwill with all the requisite stakeholders to have successfully pulled this off.

However, the bravery and perseverance of Bibi, her family, and her legal team should not be overshadowed. The grave injustice done to her is one that could never be made right.

In any other country, an innocent woman languishing in jail for almost a decade over a crime she never committed would have been cause for outrage.

In Pakistan, however, just the fact that she was released is seen as a silver lining. Forget rightful compensation, not succumbing to extremist pressure and merely letting her leave the country would be considered quite the feat.

My heart prays that the reports of her safely reuniting with her family in Canada are true. She deserves nothing less than a happy ending.

In compelling the state to re-evaluate its long-held toxic policy of appeasement of religious extremists, she leaves behind a nation that might not be appreciative today, but owes her a significant debt of gratitude nonetheless.It is the worlds fastest shrinking nation, with young people leaving in droves for other corners of Europe, birth rates falling off dramatically, and even Syrian and Afghans refugees fleeing war are bypassing it for sunnier or more lucrative areas of the globe. Bulgaria has lost nearly 2 million of its 9 million inhabitants since the end of communism 30 years ago. Corruption casts a dark cloud over the capital, Sofia.

But in Plovdiv, an ancient city in the countrys Thracian heartland, Katya Staykova bounds with sunny optimism as she darts around town in her sleek jet black Mercedes. A bubbly public relations maestra of 54, she exudes an air of can-do as a native-born booster of Plovdiv, which is one of Europes two capitals of culture in 2019.

I personally believe that the constant flow of bad news is meant to control people, Ms Staykova says. This is how to keep people from acting by making them feel hopelessness.

Katya Staykova is one of Plovdivs biggest promoters (Borzou Daragahi)

An oasis of optimism and good fortune in a region beset by woes, Plovdiv is blessed with warmer weather than the capital, Sofia, and a dramatic hilly setting that has drawn young people from all over Europe. In contrast to much of the Balkans, it has bucked the trend in Bulgaria and the neighboring countries and is growing year after year, even attracting expatriates from far away. The citys can-do attitude may provide lessons for other dying eastern European cities

We decided to start a business here, says Melissa Manche, a 24-year-old Peruvian chef who moved to Plovdiv with her Bulgarian husband to launch a chic bistro and bar that serves a fusion of Latin American and Balkan cuisine. The market for gastronomy here has just started to develop.

The ancient city, which dates back 8,000 years, is one of the worlds oldest continuously inhabited settlements

Their restaurant, Tams House, is located within The Trap, a once-dilapidated and abandoned warren of narrow pedestrian streets that housed 19th century craftsmen, and rebuilt over the last decade as a hipster haven, with galleries adjacent to vintage clothes shops and cafes.

Last year the population of 360,000 grew by 2,500 people, said the citys deputy mayor, nearly triple the growth rate of the capital. With a renovated ancient quarter filled with bars, cafes, and hip shops, and graceful architecture and parks throughout the city, including 50km of bicycle paths, the city makes for an attractive place for young people. A diverse population includes ethnic Greek, Turkish, Armenian, Jewish, Russian, and Roma minorities.

People walk through The Trap, a neighbourhood of shops and cafes (Borzou Daragahi)

But city officials say the heart of Plovdivs success and appeal is jobs, specifically a series of industrial commercial zones established far outside the city centre more than 20 years ago.

From humble beginnings as producers of German and Italian confections, they now employ 30,000 people in light industries such as automotive parts, as well as in information technology, and have begun to forge ties with other institutions in the city.

People hanging out in The Trap (Borzou Daragahi)

The truth is that with these economic zones were trying keep the young people here, and we have close ties with universities and schools and so they provide the right types of skills and education, says Stefan Stoyanov, deputy mayor for business development.

You can work here and get a good salary, or start a business, he says. And its cheap.

The economic success has not come easy. The city began losing population 10 years ago following the global financial meltdown, but step by step refound its path, said Plamen Panchev, CEO of Sienit Holding, which oversees the half dozen or so economic zones around the city. Not everything is nice but every year something gets better, he says.

Georgi Dimitroff quit his job at the state orchestra to play violin on the streets of Plovdiv (Georgi Dimitroff)

The citys upbeat spirit attracts risk-takers like violinist Georgi Dimitroff. He returned to the city, where he had studied at the music academy, after he quit low-paying, full-time work at government orchestras. He put on a 18th century wig and costume in the style of Amadeus Mozart and began playing classical music on the streets, with his dog Tera by his side. He became a local hit, earning up to $200 per day, saving up enough to buy a building with his girlfriend and open a three-room guest house, called Fun and Rest.

We can do something we love, and we can do something we want, and we can be our own bosses, and our own slaves, he says of his entrepreneurial lifestyle.

Ms Staykova and other boosters hope the citys status, alongside the southern Italian city of Matera, as a European capital of culture will put it on the map.

A street artist performs on 12 January, the night of the European capital of culture opening ceremony (AFP) (Dimitar DILKOFF / AFP)

Cultural highlights of the year include an exhibit of artwork from the Berlin Wall, which was breached 30 years ago this year with the collapse of the eastern bloc, an exhibit on southern Bulgarias once thriving tobacco industry, and a performance by the US rock band Garbage.

Civic leaders note that their ancient city, which dates back 8,000 years, is one of the worlds oldest continuously inhabited settlements, and was once a major crossroads between the Middle East and the rest of Europe.

The difference between us and other European capitals of culture, says Svetlana Kuyumdzhieva, artistic director of the Plovdiv 2019, is that no one even knew that we existed.

Milena Hristova contributed to this reportThe Australian army helped to evacuate residents in the coastal city of Townsville after dam gates were fully opened to release water during heavy monsoon rains.

Members of the 3rd brigade used 15 boats, each holding six people at a time, to move people to safety as major flood warnings were issued for the Ross River in northern Queensland.

Residents were also urged to stay out of the water due to crocodile and snake sightings around the city.

The Bureau of Meteorology said dangerous and high velocity flows of around 1,900 cubic metres of water per second would be released from the Ross River dam from Sunday night into Monday morning.

Unprecedented areas of flooding will occur in Townsville, the bureau said in a statement warning of risk to life and property. Expect access routes to be cut. Conditions will change rapidly and continuously.

Townsville, Australia - Monsoon Show all 29 1 /29 Townsville, Australia - Monsoon Townsville, Australia - Monsoon Evacuations under way in Townsville on February 4 AFP/Getty Townsville, Australia - Monsoon Army vehicles enter Townsville to help evacuate people on February 4 AFP/Getty Townsville, Australia - Monsoon A major intersection in the flooded Townsville suburb of Idalia on February 4 Getty Townsville, Australia - Monsoon An Australian soldier helps a Townsville resident evacuate her home as the military is deployed to tackle the floods on February 4 AFP/Getty Townsville, Australia - Monsoon A boat steers down a flooded road in Townsville on February 4 Getty Townsville, Australia - Monsoon A flooded neighbourhood in Townsville on February 4 EPA Townsville, Australia - Monsoon Rosslea residents Stephen Jubbs, Stacie Little and Stephen Dobbs take their boat around floodwaters in Rosslea, Townsville, Queensland, Australia, 02 February 2019. Thousands of residents downstream from the Ross River dam were evacuated after flash floods hit the region following heavy rains, media reported. EPA/Andrew Rankin Townsville, Australia - Monsoon A child is seen playing in floodwater in the suburb of Idalia in Townsville, Queensland, Australia, 01 February 2019. Authorities asked Townsville residents downstream from the Ross River dam to evacuate an emergency measure after high-risk that up to 100 homes could be flooded. EPA/Andrew Rankin Townsville, Australia - Monsoon A resident rides his bicycle in floodwaters in the suburb of Idalia in Townsville, Queensland, Australia, 01 February 2019. Authorities asked Townsville residents downstream from the Ross River dam to evacuate an emergency measure after high-risk that up to 100 homes could be flooded. EPA/Andrew Rankin Townsville, Australia - Monsoon Townsville Residents are seen watching the raging floodwaters of the Ross River in the suburb of Douglas on February 01, 2019 in Townsville, Australia. Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has declared Townsville a disaster area and has ordered school closures today after heavy rains caused flooding and landslides in the area. The bureau of meteorology is predicting 400mm of rain to fall over the weekend and into next week. Ian Hitchcock/Getty Townsville, Australia - Monsoon Seen is a lone tree in raging floodwaters of the Ross River on February 01, 2019 in Townsville, Australia. Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has declared Townsville a disaster area and has ordered school closures today after heavy rains caused flooding and landslides in the area. The bureau of meteorology is predicting 400mm of rain to fall over the weekend and into next week. Ian Hitchcock/Getty Townsville, Australia - Monsoon An Australian soldier from 3CER helps sandbag a home in the suburb of Railway Estate on February 01, 2019 in Townsville, Australia. Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has declared Townsville a disaster area and has ordered school closures today after heavy rains caused flooding and landslides in the area. The bureau of meteorology is predicting 400mm of rain to fall over the weekend and into next week. Ian Hitchcock/Getty Townsville, Australia - Monsoon Seen is a flooded street in the suburb of Railway Estate on February 01, 2019 in Townsville, Australia. Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has declared Townsville a disaster area and has ordered school closures today after heavy rains caused flooding and landslides in the area. The bureau of meteorology is predicting 400mm of rain to fall over the weekend and into next week. Ian Hitchcock/Getty Townsville, Australia - Monsoon Seen is a 4WD vehicle in a flooded street in the suburb of Railway Estate on February 01, 2019 in Townsville, Australia. Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has declared Townsville a disaster area and has ordered school closures today after heavy rains caused flooding and landslides in the area. The bureau of meteorology is predicting 400mm of rain to fall over the weekend and into next week. Ian Hitchcock/Getty Townsville, Australia - Monsoon Warning signs are seen on a flooded road in the suburb of Railway Estate on February 01, 2019 in Townsville, Australia. Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has declared Townsville a disaster area and has ordered school closures today after heavy rains caused flooding and landslides in the area. The bureau of meteorology is predicting 400mm of rain to fall over the weekend and into next week. Ian Hitchcock/Getty Townsville, Australia - Monsoon Residents are seen in floodwaters in the suburb of Idalia in Townsville, Queensland, Australia, 01 February 2019. Authorities asked Townsville residents downstream from the Ross River dam to evacuate an emergency measure after high-risk that up to 100 homes could be flooded. EPA/Andrew Rankin Townsville, Australia - Monsoon Locals are seen filling sand bags supplied by the Townsville City Council at Hermit Park in Townsville, Queensland, Australia, 01 February 2019. Authorities asked Townsville residents downstream from the Ross River dam to evacuate an emergency measure after high-risk that up to 100 homes could be flooded. EPA/Andrew Rankin Townsville, Australia - Monsoon Kyle Konings, Courtney Turner and Luke Eketone walk through floodwaters in Townsville, Queensland, Australia, 01 February 2019. Authorities asked Townsville residents downstream from the Ross River dam to evacuate an emergency measure after high-risk that up to 100 homes could be flooded. EPA/Andrew Rankin Townsville, Australia - Monsoon Floodwaters across Ross River in Townsville, Queensland, Australia, 01 February 2019. Authorities asked Townsville residents downstream from the Ross River dam to evacuate an emergency measure after high-risk that up to 100 homes could be flooded. EPA/Andrew Rankin Townsville, Australia - Monsoon Wayne Clayton with Cooper walk through floodwaters in Mundingburra, Townsville, Queensland, Australia, 01 February 2019. Authorities asked Townsville residents downstream from the Ross River dam to evacuate an emergency measure after high-risk that up to 100 homes could be flooded. EPA/Andrew Rankin Townsville, Australia - Monsoon Courtney Turner and Luke Eketone walk through floodwaters in Townsville, Queensland, Australia, 01 February 2019. Authorities asked Townsville residents downstream from the Ross River dam to evacuate an emergency measure after high-risk that up to 100 homes could be flooded. EPA/Andrew Rankin Townsville, Australia - Monsoon Rocks are seen blocking Muller Street in Wulguru, in Townsville, Queensland, Australia, 01 February 2019. Authorities asked Townsville residents downstream from the Ross River dam to evacuate an emergency measure after high-risk that up to 100 homes could be flooded. EPA/Andrew Rankin Townsville, Australia - Monsoon Floodwaters are seen at Aplins Weir in Townsville, Queensland, Australia, 01 February 2019. Authorities asked Townsville residents downstream from the Ross River dam to evacuate an emergency measure after high-risk that up to 100 homes could be flooded. EPA/Andrew Rankin Townsville, Australia - Monsoon Residents Kerry and Josephine Guinea observe rocks blocking Muller Street in Wulguru, in Townsville, Queensland, Australia, 01 February 2019. Authorities asked Townsville residents downstream from the Ross River dam to evacuate an emergency measure after high-risk that up to 100 homes could be flooded. EPA/Andrew Rankin Townsville, Australia - Monsoon Floodwaters at Alpins Weir along Ross River in Townsville, Queensland, Australia, 01 February 2019. Authorities asked Townsville residents downstream from the Ross River dam to evacuate an emergency measure after high-risk that up to 100 homes could be flooded. EPA/Andrew Rankin Townsville, Australia - Monsoon Residents of the suburb of Idalia are seen playing in floodwaters in Townsville, Queensland, Australia, 01 February 2019. Authorities asked Townsville residents downstream from the Ross River dam to evacuate an emergency measure after high-risk that up to 100 homes could be flooded. EPA/Andrew Rankin Townsville, Australia - Monsoon Wayne Clayton with Cooper walk through floodwaters in Mundingburra, Townsville, Queensland, Australia, 01 February 2019. Authorities asked Townsville residents downstream from the Ross River dam to evacuate an emergency measure after high-risk that up to 100 homes could be flooded. EPA/Andrew Rankin Townsville, Australia - Monsoon Rocks are seen blocking Muller Street in Wulguru, Townsville, as flooding continues in northern Queensland, Australia February 1, 2019. AAP Image/Andrew Rankin via Reuters Townsville, Australia - Monsoon Local resident Paul Shafer and his daughter Lily stand in floodwaters near star pickets that show where the storm water cover has been removed in Hermit Park, Townsville, northern Queensland, Australia February 2, 2019. AAP Image/Andrew Rankin via Reuters

Forecasters estimated 450mm of rain would fall in the dam catchment area over a 24 hour period.

The dam had reached almost 250 per cent capacity by the early hours of Monday morning.

Townsville City Council issued a flood map and urged residents in more than 20 suburbs to move away from riverbanks and get to higher ground".

Residents still in their homes in these suburbs should move to the highest ground in their dwelling, it added.

Footage showed torrents of water being released from the dam before it was closed to the public on Sunday evening.

The 3rd brigade said defence members were working as hard and as quickly as they can to meet the need for evacuation in the Idalia and Oonooonba areas of Townsville.

Those seeking evacuation should take minimal personal items as the size of the boats will not allow for baggag, it said in a statement.

Pets will be evacuated but need to be on a lead or otherwise suitable contained.

Townsville airport said it had cancelled all flights after 6pm on Sunday due to safety concerns.

The city was already suffering from once-in-a-century flooding after days of monsoon rains lashed the region, with an estimated 500 homes under water by Sunday.

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Meteorologist Adam Blazak said: Normally a monsoonal burst might last a few days, but this ones been going on over a week now and is set to continue for a few more days as well.Australia has announced that the last child refugees held on the Pacific island of Nauru will soon be sent to the US, ending the banishment of children under its harsh asylum seeker policy.

The psychiatric and physical suffering of children has been the major criticism of the governments asylum seeker policy. Since 2013, the rule has seen those arriving by boat sent to an immigration camp on Nauru or men-only facilities on Papua New Guinea.

Prime minister Scott Morrison said the last four asylum seeker children on Nauru would soon be resettled with their families in the US under a deal struck in the final months of President Barack Obamas administration.

Every asylum seeker child has now been removed from Nauru or has had their claim processed and has a clear path off the island, Mr Morrison said in a statement.

The US agreed in 2016 to accept up to 1,250 refugees.

Recommended Doctors refuse to discharge a baby from hospital to go back to Nauru

More than 1,000 others remain on the islands and face uncertain futures.

Law firm Maurice Blackburn said it would continue its legal fight until all asylum seekers were removed from the island camps.

This action has taken far too long and at times has been very hard fought  in the last year alone we have had to take court action repeatedly to help secure the medical evacuation of 26 critically ill people on Nauru with many of these children, including some as young as six months old, lawyer Jennifer Kanis said in a statement.

In many of those cases, the delay in access to medical treatment has risked serious and life-threatening consequences for the children and adults concerned, she added.

In 2017, the Australian government reached a settlement of around 90m Australian dollars (50 million) with more than 1,900 asylum seekers who sued over their treatment at an immigration camp in Papua New Guinea.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty

The asylum seekers, all men, were seeking damages in the Victoria state Supreme Court for alleged physical and psychological injuries as a result of the conditions on the Manus Island camp, as well as for false imprisonment following a Papua New Guinea court ruling that their detention was unconstitutional.

When Mr Morrison took office in an internal government leadership ballot in August, there were 109 asylum seeker children on Nauru.

Australia has all but ended the people-smuggling traffic from southeast Asian ports since it announced that any asylum seekers who attempt to reach Australian shores by boat from 19 July 2013 would never be allowed to settle in Australia.

Pressure has mounted on the government to make an exception for children, but some government politicians argue that would only encourage asylum seekers to put children at risk by bringing them on treacherous voyages to Australia on rickety fishing boats.

Immigration minister David Coleman said families with children who had been brought to Australia from Nauru would not be allowed to stay.

The important principle... is that permanent resettlement in Australia is not available to people who arrived unlawfully by boat and that people who arrived unlawfully by boat will be resettled in third countries, Mr Coleman told reporters.

Richard di Natale, leader of the minor Greens party, welcomed the childrens removal from Nauru, but said it was long overdue.

Theyve been languishing there for years and years, Mr di Natale told Sky News television.

These are kids that will have years of counselling ahead of them.

The announcement comes ahead of parliament resuming for the first time this year on 12 February.

Mr Morrisons unpopular minority government will go to elections by the end of May.

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The opposition Labour Party and Greens are pushing for a law change that would give doctors more say on whether asylum seekers on Nauru and Papua New Guinea are brought to Australia for medical treatment.

Opposition leader Bill Shorten also welcomed the removal of children from Nauru.

We want to keep making sure that we treat people with a proper duty of care and with access to proper medical treatment, Mr Shorten said.

APA Nepalese woman has died of suspected suffocation from smoke inhalation while banished to an abandoned hut during her period, police said.

Her death comes just weeks after the death of a mother and two children in similar circumstances sparked outrage.

Parbati Bogati, 21, sequestered herself in the abandoned house on Wednesday evening, in keeping with a centuries-old taboo that declares menstruating women impure.

As the temperature dropped below freezing, she tried to keep warm by apparently burning wood and clothing. By the next morning, her legs were charred and she was dead.

It seems she also died from suffocation, said Lal Bahadur Dhami, deputy superintendent of the areas police. At least three other people died this year while following the same superstition.

Recommended Woman and children die in hut after being banished for menstruation

The taboo, which has its roots in Hinduism, is called chhaupadi, from the Nepali words meaning someone who bears an impurity.

During womens periods, it bars them from touching neighbours food or entering temples. They cannot use communal water sources or kitchen utensils. It is considered bad luck to touch them.

Instead, women who observe the taboo are banished to mud or stone huts, some of them no bigger than closets. Each year, at least a couple of women die in these huts from exposure, animal bites or smoke inhalation after building fires to stay warm during the Himalayan winter.

Many women who follow chhaupadi say they do so out of social pressure or guilt. Reports of sexual assault from men who prey on them while they are alone are also common.

A 2010 Nepali government survey, which was cited in a State Department human rights report, found that 19 per cent of women ages 15 to 49 in the country followed chhaupadi.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty

But in Nepals midwestern and far western regions, some of the poorest pockets of Asia, the proportion climbed to 50 per cent.

Womens rights activists have desperately tried to end chhaupadi. Nepals Supreme Court banned the practice in 2005. In August, the government went a step further and criminalised it. Anyone who forces menstruating women into huts faces up to three months in jail.

But the law has barely rippled through many villages in western Nepal, and activists say the police are not enforcing it.

In January, Amba Bohara, 35, and two of her sons  aged seven and nine  apparently suffocated in a menstruation hut after lighting a fire to stay warm. Nobody has been arrested in their deaths.

Officials said no men forced Ms Bogati to follow chhaupadi in her village of Purbichauki, a small outpost in western Nepal. Ms Bogatis father-in-law was dead.

Her husband, Shankar, was in Malaysia for a job. She stayed more or less on her own, which complicated the task of filing charges, the police said.

She was alone in her house, Ms Dhami said. Tell us, who should be held responsible for this crime?

Mr Dhami said the local government had organized more than 50 programs educating people from Bogatis district about the dangers of chhaupadi and its illegality. A few days before her death, Ms Bogati had attended one of these programmes, according to a distant relative, Dirgha Raj Bogati.

That did not stop her from following chhaupadi. One villager, Chandra Bogati, blamed M Bogati for her death.

She would be alive if she had not gone to the abandoned house to follow chhaupadi and burned the fire, he said.

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Activists said they planned to demolish many menstruation huts starting in March. But Amrita Thapa, a lawmaker based in Kathmandu, Nepals capital, said it was hard to imagine the situation improving anytime soon.

On a recent visit to the village where Bohara and her two children died in January, she found shocking levels of resistance.

I realised that changing peoples mindsets and ending chhaupadi was more difficult than hardships we endured while fighting in the war, she said, referring to a conflict with a Maoist insurgency in Nepal in which thousands of people died.

New York TimesDonald Trump has said sending troops to crisis-hit Venezuela is an option as western nations increase pressure on socialist leader Nicolas Maduro to hand power over to self-proclaimed president Juan Guaido.

In an astonishing interview, the US president also revealed he had turned down a request to meet Maduro, whose tenure as president has seen the country fall into economic turmoil amid a growing humanitarian crisis.

Asked if he might dispatch American troops there, Mr Trump said: Certainly its something thats on the  its an option.

Excerpts from the interview  carried out by CBSs Face The Nation show  were released as thousands of Venezuelans took to the streets to protest against Mr Maduros regime, which has been criticised for destroying the economy and disappearing opponents.

When pressed over whether the two leaders might talk, Mr Trump answered: Well he requested a meeting and Ive turned it down because were very far along in the process.

Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Show all 18 1 /18 Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Protesters clash with the Bolivarian National Police during a demonstration against the government of the Venezuela and president Nicolas Maduro in Caracas on 23 January 2019 EPA Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Demonstrators cheer as Venezuela's National Assembly head Juan Guaido declares himself the country's "acting president" at a rally in Caracas AFP/Getty Images Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Opposition supporters take part in a rally against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government REUTERS Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Opposition supporters take part in a rally against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government in Caracas REUTERS Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Juan Guaido, head of Venezuela's opposition-run congress, declares himself interim president of the nation until elections can be held during a rally in Caracas demanding leader Nicolas Maduro's resignation AP Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Opposition supporters carry letters to form the word "Democracy" while taking part in a rally against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government REUTERS Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Police watch over marching anti-government protesters in Caracas EPA Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government A vehicle is overturned as opposition demonstrators block a road during a protest against the Venezuelan government AFP/Getty Images Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government A National Police officer fires rubber bullets during a protest against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government in Caracas REUTERS Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government A demonstrator throws back a gas canister while clashing with security forces during a rally against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government in Caracas REUTERS Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Security forces look on after clashing with opposition supporters participating in a rally against Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro's government REUTERS Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Demonstrators during a protest against the government of Nicolas Maduro at Plaza Altamira in Caracas Getty Images Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Demonstrators during a protest against the government of Nicolas Maduro at Plaza Altamira in Caracas Getty Images Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government EPA Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government AFP/Getty Images Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government The remains of a statue of Venezuela's late President Hugo Chavez is seen hanging from a pedestrian bridge after it was destroyed in San Felix, Venezuela REUTERS Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Riot police on motorcycles clash with opposition demonstrators during protests in Caracas AFP/Getty Images Venezuela protests: thousands rally against government Supporters celebrate Juan Guaido declaration that he is Venezuelan president EPA

He added: I would say this. I decided at the time, no because so many really horrible things have been happening in Venezuela when you look at that country.

That was the wealthiest country of all in that part of the world which is a very important part of the world.

And now you look at the poverty and you look at the anguish and you look at the crime and you look at all of the things happening.

So, I think the process is playing out  very very big tremendous protests.

The US and EU, along with several South American countries, have already recognised the leadership of Juan Guaido, the president of the National Assembly of Venezuela.

The 35-year-old has promised to end the financial crisis in what was once South Americas richest country, and restore democracy.

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He made his challenge to Mr Maduro last month after the latter was sworn in for a second six-year term in office following widely disputed elections in 2018.

On Saturday, a Venezuelan air force general defected from the government and urged others to do the same.

The move has been called significant because the armed forces  who, for now, remain loyal to Mr Maduro  are the key to holding power.Donald Trump's special representative for international negotiations has begun tweeting Palestinian officials more than a year after they last agreed to meet or even speak with representatives of the US administration.

Over the past few weeks, Jason Greenblatt has been tweeting his thoughts, requests and criticisms to Palestinian leaders who are active on the popular social media platform.

And on Saturday, he seemed to confirm his new brand of tweet-diplomacy, writing: And who says the US and the PA aren't talking? The only difference now is that we are speaking about these matters in public via twitter so the public can understand everyone's positions. Transparency is better for all.

Since December 2017, when Mr Trump announced he would recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital and transfer the US Embassy there from Tel Aviv  a move considered highly controversial and one-sided by the Palestinians  leaders and peace negotiators from the Palestinian side have waved off all US diplomatic efforts.

Despite the cold shoulder, the US administration says it has forged ahead with what Mr Trump once described as the deal of the century to solve the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Recommended Opening of new Jerusalem embassy spurs violence and deaths

In recent weeks, there has been speculation that this improbable peace plan will be unveiled following Israel's general election, which takes place on 9 April. There has been no official indication of it, however.

In fact, there has been little indication of any aspect of the plan, and any suggestions of what it might contain have immediately been denied by Mr Greenblatt.

It was such a denial that kicked off this latest round of tweet-diplomacy on 17 January.

Israeli journalist Barak Ravid reported and tweeted that he had some details about the opaque peace plan. Mr Ravid's report immediately sparked a response from Mr Greenblatt:

While I respect @BarakRavid, his report on Israel's Ch. 13 is not accurate. Speculation about the content of the plan is not helpful. Very few people on the planet know what is in it ... for now ...

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty

A few days later, as people on Twitter discussed what might or might not be accurate about the points raised by Mr Ravid and Mr Greenblatt's brush off, Hanan Ashrawi, a member of the Palestine Liberation Organisation's executive committee, tweeted:

You need a large grain of salt to believe any leak from Israeli sources, especially in the context of elections rhetoric. Anyway this has been vehemently denied by @jdgreenblatt45. Hypotheticals & red herrings to distract & divert. The US administration has zero credibility.

Greenblatt promptly responded: @DrHananAshrawi: you may dislike our policies & decisions, but to say we have zero credibility is simply not factual. @POTUS has kept his commitments, such as recognizing #Jerusalem as the capital of #Israel & moving our Embassy to #Jerusalem.

The message was followed by a long thread that seemed to shine a spotlight on the Trump administration's frustrations with the Palestinian leadership for its continual refusal to to meet with or speak to US officials.

Since moving the US Embassy to Jerusalem last May, the administration has further alienated the Palestinians by cutting back on almost all avenues of aid and funding, even to the point where the financial lifeline that supports the Palestinian Security Forces  essential for assisting the Israelis in maintaining security and peace in the area  also looks set to end.

This contentious point was highlighted Friday by Nabil Abu Rudeineh, a spokesman for Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. He said the cutbacks would have a negative impact on all and increase instability.

Almost immediately, Mr Greenblatt responded on Twitter: Disingenuous quote from Nabil Abu Rudeineh, spokesman for Palestinian President Abbas: 'The suspension of aid to our people, which included critical sectors such as health and education, will have a negative impact on all, create a negative atmosphere, and increase instability.' 

That was followed by another long stream of tweets explaining why the aid was cut  mostly, said Greenblatt, because the Palestinians refused to take responsibility and engage in change:

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Mr Abu Rudeineh: time to get serious. Either work on peace and/or work on helping Palestinians. The old messages and methods don't work anymore  not with the US, and not with many other countries. It's only a matter of time until other countries say this out loud too.

Mr Greenblatt highlighted comments made recently by other prominent Palestinian leaders who have been highly critical of the United States, eventually working his way back to Dr Ashrawi, who appeared to have called the American adviser out on his new brand of online diplomacy:

Twitter diplomacy/policy is the triumph of narrow minds, anaemic intellects & minuscule attention spans, precluding thorough & responsible analytical/critical interactions that are honest, contextual & insightful. We are witnessing the global ramifications of this failure.

To which Mr Greenblatt responded: Dr Ashrawi  my door is always open to the PA & Palestinians to speak. In fact, I've met many Palestinians over the past 14 months & continue to. I'm happy to meet anytime  you, Saeb (Erekat) &all your colleagues are ALWAYS welcome to visit me at the @WhiteHouse to speak in person.

Washington PostPresident Donald Trump has weighed in on the controversy surrounding Virginia governor Ralph Northam and a racist photo from the Democrats 1984 medical school yearbook.

The president said the 59-year-olds conduct was unforgivable, fuelling demands for Mr Northam to resign over the image  which shows a man in blackface next to another in a Ku Klux Klan outfit.

His remarks came shortly after Mr Northam, who had previously acknowledged he was in the image, rowed back on the admission by telling a press conference he no longer believed he appeared in the picture.

He said, rather, he wore shoe polish on his face to impersonate Michael Jackson for a dance contest that same year.

Mr Trump condemned Mr Northams U-turn on Twitter, writing: Democrat Governor Ralph Northam of Virginia just stated, I believe that I am not either of the people in that photo.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty

This was 24 hours after apologising for appearing in the pictureUnforgivable!

He also appeared to criticise Mr Northams 2017 Republican challenger, Ed Gillespie, by saying he should have found the photo and used it against his opponent in the race.

Ed Gillespie, who ran for governor of the great state of Virginia against Ralph Northam, must now be thinking malpractice and dereliction of duty with regard to his opposition research staff, he posted. If they find that terrible picture before the election, he wins by 20 points!

Calls for Mr Northam to resign have increased since the photo first emerged and, crucially, come from both sides of the political divide.

Among those demanding he step down are activists within the Virginia party itself, several 2020 Democrat presidential candidates and former vice-president Joe Biden.

 Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events

But some have accused Mr Trump of hypocrisy over the remarks, given his history of backpeddling during his time in the White House. Last week, the president said he was in agreement with the US intelligence services, despite branding them naive just days earlier.

Other topics he has flip-flopped on include withdrawing troops from Syria and calling China a currency manipulator.A teenager robbed a bank in Texas before escaping on an electric scooter, police said.

Luca Mangiarano, 19, was arrested on 24 January and charged in connection with a bank robbery in Austin.

This was a learning experience for me and the robbery unit, detective Jason Chiappardi said. We had never had a scooter involved in a robbery. One of the first things I learned was that every scooter has its own design based on their decals and other specific differences.

The incident on 18 December began when Mr Mamgiarano entered the BBVA Compass bank and handed a teller a note demanding cash, police said.

Authorities declined to say how much money was stolen, but Fox 7 Austin reported that police said the note included specific instructions: This is a robbery, please give me all your 100s and 50s in a envelope and everything will be ok.

Once the employee gave him the cash, Mr Mangiarano left the bank, police said, leaving police a trail of electronic bread crumbs waiting to be plucked from the cloud.

Another bank employee spotted a man resembling Mr Mangiarano hop on an electric scooter, police said. Investigators managed to find surveillance video that captured a man dressed like the suspected robber riding away from the crime scene  on the pavement, police said.

One of the biggest things we do is look for video, Mr Chiappardi said. It helps us immensely, and in this case it led us to seeing the suspect on the scooter.

Using the video, police were able to recognise a Jump scooter, police said. Because Jump  which has placed bright-red scooters in seven cities around the country  is owned by Uber, detectives sent the ride-sharing giant a court order requesting geolocation data and user information for the scooter, police said.

After receiving the court order, police said Uber provided investigators with Mr Mangiarano's contact information  a phone number and email address  as well as a credit card number. Surveillance video taken from in front of the teenager's apartment  which resembled still photos taken inside the bank convinced investigators that they had identified the perpetrator, police said.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty

Investigators claimed that Mr Mangiarano's mobile information placed him in the vicinity of the bank at the time of the robbery.

We knew that the scooter used GPS because if the company needs to retrieve them, they need to know where the scooters are, Mr Chiappardi said.

I sent a search warrant to Uber, and they were able to give us any of the account information for each ride. As an Uber user myself, I know what info I have to provide to use an Uber, and I was hoping it would be the same case with an electric scooter  and it was.

Uber has a law enforcement operations team made up of former law enforcement professionals who work directly with detectives on investigations, the company said.

We appreciate the Austin Police Department's work in this case that led to an arrest of this individual, the company said in a statement about the bank robbery.

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We fully cooperated with law enforcement and will continue to provide any information to them that may be helpful on their investigation.

Mr Chiappardi said technology is rapidly changing the way investigators do their jobs because much of their time is spent tracking down digital clues, whether they're found inside a suspect's computer, phone or a recently used e-scooter.

In the past you were looking for fingerprints and then it was DNA, and now you're looking more and more towards examining people's digital footprint, he added.

Mr Mangiarano is not the first person alleged to have used an electric scooter as a means of escape after a crime.

In September, police were searching for a suspected burglar who fled the scene using a Bird scooter, according to ABC News.

In August, St Louis police said they were investigating an incident involving a 35-year-old St Louis woman who said she was carjacked by a man who approached her riding a Lime scooter, according to NBC affiliate KSDK.

Washington PostPhoto: CTV News Ramazan "Ramo" Gencay

A Simon Fraser University professor who turned up dead in Colombia in December is believed to have been poisoned.

CTV News reports Ramazan "Ramo" Gencay disappeared on Dec. 6 from Medellin, and his body was found three weeks later.

His widow, Carole Gencay, told CTV News she believes he was poisoned with a laced drink while he was out at dinner.

Colombian media have reported two women and a man have been arrested in connection with Gencay's death.

A celebration of life for Gencay was held in North Vancouver on Jan. 18.

"We returned Ramo his dignity by giving a proper goodbye," Carole Gencay told CTV News. "A victim of such indignity deserves to have dignity recovered and maintained."

Gencay had been an economics professor at SFU for 15 years.

 with files from CTV NewsThe father of one of the victims of the Parkland school shooting in Florida has hit back at Louis CK for mocking the shooting during a stand-up routine by recording his own stand-up set.

Parents were angered after Louis CK joked about the students affected by the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High in a set leaked from one his appearances at the Comedy Cellar in December.

My daughter was killed in the Parkland shooting. My son ran from the bullets... Why don't you come to my house and try out your new pathetic jokes? one father tweeted after the audio of the set was released online.

Mr CK, who is attempting a career comeback after admitting he masturbated in front of female colleagues, defended his decision to tell the joke while onstage at a San Jose comedy club later in the same month.

In one joke, he confronted his indiscretions and addressed why he mocked the Parkland victims.

If you ever need people to forget that you jerked off, what you do is you make a joke about kids that got shot, Mr CK said, according to Daily Beast writer Stacie Solie, who watched the comedian's routine.

One father responded in an unconventional way. Instead of blasting Mr CK on Twitter, Manuel Oliver got back at the comedian by recording his own comedy set.

Recently, I heard this great line from a comedian, Mr Oliver begins, standing in front of a microphone on what appears to be a dark stage. A nearly empty bottle of water sat on a stool next to him. He said, 'If you want people to forget that you were jerking off, just make a joke about kids getting shot.'

And I thought, 'Jokes about kids getting shot?' I can do that.

Mr Oliver then tells the story of a student who went to school one Valentine's Day. A skinny kid wearing headphones. His father dropped him off at school. I love you, he told his father before getting out of the car. He was shot to death a couple of hours later.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty

You guys ever heard dead baby jokes? I got a dead baby. His name was Joaquin Oliver. He's going to be 18, but now he's dead, Mr Oliver says, pausing and looking straight at the camera. And that's not a joke.

Mr Oliver then quietly walks away.

It was not immediately clear if Mr Oliver actually performed at a comedy club, or if the routine was filmed elsewhere. The video was published this week as part of a public service announcement by Change the Ref, a gun control organisation that Mr Oliver and his wife, Patricia, started.

Mr Oliver did not immediately return a call seeking comment on Saturday.

His son, Joaquin, or Guac, was one of the 17 students and staff who were killed on 14 February 2018, when a gunman opened fire at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

The Parkland survivors have since become activists. They spoke at rallies, testified in front of lawmakers and appeared on the cover of Time magazine. Their voices advocating for gun control have been among the loudest that they themselves have become targets of criticisms, ridicule and conspiracy theories.

David Hogg, for example, was accused of being a crisis actor. Fox News host Laura Ingraham ridiculed the Parkland survivor for being rejected by four California universities. Mr Hogg later said he was accepted into Harvard University, where he'll major in political science.

During CK's comedy routine at a Long Island comedy club last December, he criticised the student survivors for testifying before Congress.

What are you doing? You're young. You should be crazy, unhinged. Not in a suit, saying 'I'm here to tell...' Mr CK said in the audio clip.

You're not interesting because you went to a high school where kids got shot. Why does that mean I have to listen to you? How does that make you interesting. You didn't get shot. You pushed some fat kid in the way and then, now I gotta listen to you talking?

Recommended Sarah Silverman reveals Louis CK masturbated in front of her

He went on to question why people are distraught by school shootings.

Everybody gets upset when there's a shooting at a high school. I don't really see why it's any worse than anybody else dying. I don't. Cuz a lot of people die, every day 7,500 people die in America, OK, so that day 17 kids got shot in a school. What about the other... 7,500 people. They didn't die in their sleep. Some of them got electrocuted. By their parents. People get upset because they're young. Because they died so young. That's offensive to me.

Controversy erupted on social media. Aalayah Eastmond, a Parkland survivor who testified before Congress that she hid beneath a dead classmate's body during the shooting, urged Mr CK talk to her directly instead of mocking her behind closed doors.

Back onstage at the San Jose comedy club in mid-January, Mr CK explained the crudeness of his jokes. The whole point of comedy is to say things that you shouldn't say, he said, according to Ms Solie's account.

Efforts to reach Mr CK on Saturday were unsuccessful.

 Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events

Mr CK's career came to a halt in November 2017, when the New York Times reported that the comedian, who often joked about masturbation, actually masturbated in front of female colleagues. Other popular and powerful men have since fallen from grace over sexual misconduct allegations amid the #MeToo movement.

Mr CK disappeared from public view and came back in August, less than a year later. He showed up unannounced at New York's Comedy Cellar and performed a brief set.

He has since been trying to make a comeback, appearing at comedy clubs where protesters have, at times, gathered.

Washington PostDenver voters are set to decide whether to decriminalise possession of small amounts of the hallucinogenic drug psilocybin, which would make it the first city in the US to halt prosecution of people caught with magic mushrooms.

The Colorado city will ask residents to vote on the proposal in May, which does not seek to legalise magic mushrooms but instead make them a low priority for law enforcement.

Under the proposals, growing would also be decriminalised, although the changes would stop short of allowing the drug to be sold.

If successful, it would follow the state-wide relaxing of laws around cannabis which came into force in 2012.

Election officials announced the referendum would be held after a petition asking for such a poll received 5,500 supporting signatures.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty

After reviewing signatures submitted by the Denver Psilocybin Mushroom Decriminalization Initiative it has been determined that they submitted a sufficient number of valid signatures and the question will appear on the 7 May municipal election ballot, the citys Elections Division said in a statement.

Recommended Royal College of Psychiatrists to consider cannabis legalisation

Kevin Matthews, director of the initiative, said that even if psilocybin wasnt decriminalized as a result of the poll, he hoped the resulting debate would educate people about the drug and reduce the number of users going to prison.

I think its going to be pretty big, the 33-year-old, who says he use mushrooms for depression, told The Denver Post. There are a lot of people throughout our country that want to see the drug policy laws change around psychedelics and psilocybin in particular.

Theres a lot of support, and now that were on the ballot and this is official, we have a real chance here to have this national conversation.

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But many in the city have already indicated they would be against any such move, including the mayor Michael Hancock.

He will not be supporting this ballot measure, his office said.

Additional reporting by agenciesThe Queen would be evacuated from London if riots broke out following Brexit, according to reports.

She would be joined by the whole royal family in a safe house away from the capital in an alleged revival of emergency Cold War plans should civil unrest unfold if Britain leaves the EU without a deal.

These emergency evacuation plans have been in existence since the Cold War, but have now been repurposed in the event of civil disorder following a no-deal Brexit, a cabinet office source told The Sunday Times.

The proposals have been dusted off as the chances of the UK leaving the EU without a deal becomes increasingly likely.

Experts, business groups and MPs  including cabinet members  have warned of potential widespread disruption if no agreement is reached before the countrys departure date on 29 March, with civil unrest, food and medicine shortages and gridlock touted as possible outcomes of a no-deal Brexit.

Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Show all 11 1 /11 Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Anti-Brexit protester Steve Bray (left) and a pro-Brexit protester argue as they demonstrate outside the Houses of Parliament Getty Images Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament A pro-Brexit protester argues Getty Images Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Police surround the pro-Brexit protester after he confronted Steve Bray, a pro-European protester Getty Images Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament A leave supporter is spoken to by a police officer as he argues with a remain supporter, Steve Bray, outside Parliament PA Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament MPs in Parliament are to vote on Theresa May's Brexit deal next week after her December vote was called off in the face of a major defeat Getty Images Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament A leave supporter is spoken to by a police officer PA Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Police look on as anti-Brexit protesters demonstrate outside the Houses of Parliament. Getty Images Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Police hold back a leave supporter PA Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament A police officer speaks with anti-Brexit protester Steve Bray Getty Images Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Police surround a pro-Brexit protester after he confronted a pro-European protester Getty Images Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Conservative MP David Davies, wearing a gopro camera, speaks to anti-Brexit protester Steve Bray Getty Images

In such a situation, officials say they are right to consider the threat of civil agitation and the safety of the 92-year-old monarch.

But prominent Brexiteer Jacob Rees-Mogg told the Mail on Sunday that the contingency proposals show unnecessary panic in Whitehall, pointing out that senior royals remained in London during the Blitz.

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In January a speech by the Queen to a Womens Institute group was widely interpreted as a call for politicians to reach agreement over Brexit.A police chief who was forced to apologise for her role in one of Britains worst child sex trafficking scandals is to lead the countrys fight against modern slavery.

Sara Thornton, who currently heads up the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC), will become the Home Offices independent anti-slavery commissioner later this year. Her appointment is set to be announced officially next week.

The senior officer was chief constable of Thames Valley police when the force failed to help up to 373 children, mostly female, who were groomed, given vast quantities of drugs and alcohol and sexually abused in Oxford.

Campaigners raised concerns that, having previously been described as David Camerons favourite police officer, Ms Thornton would lack independence from government.

The former Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Kevin Hyland, resigned from the post last May last year citing government interference in his work  saying independence was vital for the success of the role.

A former advisor to Mr Hyland, Emily Kenway, who is now a senior advisor at Focus on Labour Exploitation (FLEX), told The Independent this independence risked being diminished further after the job specification was updated to state that the commissioner would be appraised by the Home Office.

As an ex adviser to the previous commissioner, I know first-hand that our attitude of independence wasnt always appreciated by the Home Office, she said.

It is right that there will be concerns about how independent Ms Thornton will be able to be, particularly as she will now have her performance appraised by Home Office officials which seems to fly in the face of genuine scrutiny.

The fact that a police officer is being appointed to the role also provoked criticism, as ministers have been accused of placing too much focus on law enforcement when dealing with modern slavery rather than looking at wider factors such as immigration.

In a recent hearing conducted by the Home Affairs Select Committe, Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall Police Shaun Sawyer said the UK was failing to transform its approach to modern slavery other than in law enforcement, adding: To me that is not a transformation; that is a sticking plaster.

Ms Kenway said it was concerning that Ms Thornoton was from a police background, adding: Modern slavery is a crime but we cannot arrest and prosecute our way out of it.

Its causes are systemic; we have an economy which relies on cheap exploitable labour and a hostile environment which makes undocumented people unable to work for anyone but those willing to flout the law, pushing them into abuse.

I hope she will address these deeper causes, highlighting that a Britain without modern slavery means a country where people are put before profit and the wellbeing of all, regardless of immigration status, is put above anti-immigrant policy.

The government is facing mounting criticism over its efforts to tackle modern slavery. It has taken ministers eight months to appoint a new commissioner, a delay campaigners say has hindered Theresa May's bid to become world leader in fighting the crime.

The High Court ruled in November that a government decision to slash weekly subsistence benefits for suspected trafficking victims was unlawful, and the Home Office this week admitted more than 1,200 inidviduals had been deprived of support.

A Home Office spokesperson said: Tackling human trafficking and modern slavery remains a top priority for this government and we are committed to stamping out this abhorrent crime.

The Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner (IASC) plays a crucial role in providing scrutiny of the Governments response to modern slavery.

We are currently undertaking the recruitment process to appoint a candidate, which will be announced shortly.Dangerous criminals could go free in the UK after Brexit if police officers cannot access European conviction records, a senior official has warned.

British police will be left blind to crimes committed abroad if the system for sharing information is switched off after 29 March in the event of no deal, said Rob Price, head of the Acro criminal records office.

He told The Independent that EU conviction records were critical to decisions on whether to charge or release foreign suspects, and how to protect the public.

Now is the time for people to really understand this is not just something you can pass off and say it will be alright, Mr Price said.

Politicians use the term sub-optimal and what does that mean? It means high risk and less secure.

Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Show all 11 1 /11 Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Anti-Brexit protester Steve Bray (left) and a pro-Brexit protester argue as they demonstrate outside the Houses of Parliament Getty Images Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament A pro-Brexit protester argues Getty Images Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Police surround the pro-Brexit protester after he confronted Steve Bray, a pro-European protester Getty Images Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament A leave supporter is spoken to by a police officer as he argues with a remain supporter, Steve Bray, outside Parliament PA Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament MPs in Parliament are to vote on Theresa May's Brexit deal next week after her December vote was called off in the face of a major defeat Getty Images Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament A leave supporter is spoken to by a police officer PA Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Police look on as anti-Brexit protesters demonstrate outside the Houses of Parliament. Getty Images Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Police hold back a leave supporter PA Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament A police officer speaks with anti-Brexit protester Steve Bray Getty Images Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Police surround a pro-Brexit protester after he confronted a pro-European protester Getty Images Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Conservative MP David Davies, wearing a gopro camera, speaks to anti-Brexit protester Steve Bray Getty Images

The official said police officers and staff were trying their best to mitigate the loss of EU systems but they cannot be replaced, adding: Stuff is going to get missed, stuff is not going to get done.

Were going to have to explain that to the public at some point, we may even have to explain that to victims and witnesses.

Acro makes around 600 requests to other counties for foreign suspects criminal records every day, and two-thirds of those are European.

Mr Price said the information was necessary to avoid an intelligence gap on potentially dangerous offenders, adding: Somebody may be arrested for shoplifting here but back home they could have a serious conviction. There could be a reason why they are here.

Acro data shows that it currently takes one or two days for most EU countries to answer British requests for foreign suspects records, but that outside Europe responses can take more than 100 days or never come at all.

The UK and other EU nations currently fast-track data through the European Criminal Records Information System (ECRIS), but Britain will be locked out on 29 March in the event of no-deal Brexit, or at the end of the transition period for any withdrawal agreement.

Mr Price said that both scenarios would amount to a cliff-edge, but Theresa Mays rejected agreement would not be going off the same height of cliff that as in the event of no deal.

Acro is working to set up bilateral agreements with every EU country but conversations are in their very early days and countries will have to be prioritised.

Recommended Andrea Leadsom cancels February break so MPs can work on Brexit

In a short timescale were not going to be able to get 27 agreements, Mr Price said. Bilaterals are a lot slower, a lot clunkier.

ECRIS is a really important part of our business  turning that off is going to have a significant impact on our ability to make this country safer and to make European countries safer as well.

Law enforcement bodies in the UK prefer to steer clear of politics and were reluctant to comment on Brexit as negotiations continued, but have become increasingly frustrated at feeling disregarded and ignored.

As 29 March approaches and the risk of no deal increases, leaders are starting to speak out over the impact leaving the EU will have on policing and national security.

Largely ignored during the referendum and parliamentary debates, the issue warranted only 14 out of 599 pages in the EU withdrawal agreement.

 Jeremy Hunt admits the government may need 'extra time' if a Brexit deal is agreed

The agreement itself only grants the UK access to ECRIS, the European Arrest Warrant, Schengen Information System II and other measures until the end of the transition period or shortly after.

For law enforcement, the best-case scenario means replacements will have to be ready by the end of 2020, or 2022 if the transition period is extended.

Rebuilding what weve got can take a long, long time, Mr Price warned. In some places youre pushing against an open door and in others you are most certainly not.

He denied being part of what hardcore Brexiteers dub project fear, saying law enforcement leaders now have a professional responsibility to spell out the impact of leaving the EU.

None of us want to look back in three months time and say where were you? Why didnt you say this stuff, why didnt you tell us? he added.

Acro has recruited 10 per cent more staff and restricted annual leave as part of what Mr Price called crisis footing.

It has been forced to put aside a contingency budget of 350,000 for translators, as the 1959 convention being relied upon lets EU countries demand requests in their respective languages.

Rob Price, the CEO of Acro criminal records office (ACRO)

And there are questions over whether European countries will hold the UK compliant with data adequacy rules after it drops out of GDPR.

ECRIS is also used by EU counties to send the UK information on British citizens arrests and convictions, so that if they arrive back into the country they can be monitored.

Acro currently holds records on more than 600 British nationals convicted of sex offences overseas, and officials fear the increased time, money and manpower needed to transmit such information in future could stop countries sending it.

A Home Office spokesperson said: The UK is unconditionally committed to Europes security now and after our withdrawal from the EU  the continued safety of all citizens is our top priority.

The governments position remains that the agreement reached with the EU, which includes ambitious internal security arrangements that maintain operational capabilities at current levels as far as possible, is in the UKs best interests.

However, we are working intensively with operational partners to put no-deal plans into action to ensure we can continue to tackle fast-evolving threats. These plans include moving to tried and tested alternative mechanisms already used for security cooperation with many non-EU countries.India has urged the US to release 129 students who were arrested for enrolling at a fake university set up to expose immgration fraud.

The ministry of external affairs said it was concerned that its citizens may have been duped into enlisting at the University of Farmington in Michigan and called for them not to be deported against their will.

It said it had made a demarche, a formal diplomatic request or protest, to the US Embassy in New Delhi.

Our concern over the dignity and well-being of the detained students and the need for immediate consular access for Indian officials to the detainees was reiterated, the ministry said in a statement on Saturday.

We underlined that students, who may have been duped into enrolling in the university, should be treated differently from those recruiters who have duped them.

We have urged the US side to share full details and regular updates of the students with the Government, to release them from detention at the earliest and not to resort to deportation against their will.

Families belong together protests over Trump immigration policy Show all 8 1 /8 Families belong together protests over Trump immigration policy Families belong together protests over Trump immigration policy Mishawaka, Indiana AP Families belong together protests over Trump immigration policy Washington DC AFP/Getty Images Families belong together protests over Trump immigration policy New York Mayor Bill De Blasio speaks in Tornillo, Texas alongside the many other US mayors who have called for detained immigrant children to be reunited with their families AP Families belong together protests over Trump immigration policy Albuquerque Mayor Tim Kelle leaves a teddy bear as a gift for detained immigrant children in Tornillo, Texas AP Families belong together protests over Trump immigration policy Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti leave sandals as gifts for detained immigrant children in Tornillo, Texas AP Families belong together protests over Trump immigration policy San Diego, California EPA Families belong together protests over Trump immigration policy US embassy, Mexico City AFP/Getty Images Families belong together protests over Trump immigration policy San Diego, California EPA

Undercover agents with the Department of Homeland Security had posed as the owners and employees of the university in the suburbs of Detroit since February 2017.

Farmington billed itself as a nationally accredited business and STEM institution  but had no curriculum, no classes and no real students, according to officials.

Eight recruiters, who are said to have made around $250,000 (191,000) in profit by enlisting more than 600 people, have been charged with conspiracy to commit visa fraud and harbouring aliens for profit.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) also detained 130 people who had enrolled at the university - all but one of them from India, according to reports.

Homeland Security Investigations special agents uncovered a nationwide network that grossly exploited US immigration laws, said Steve Francis, the special agent in charge said in a statement.

These suspects aided hundreds of foreign nationals to remain in the United States illegally by helping to portray them as students, which they most certainly were not. All participants in the scheme knew that the school had no instructors or actual classes.

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The Indian Ministry of External Affairs said officials had contacted around 30 detained students and was working to contact the others. A 24-hour helpline has been set up at the Indian Embassy in Washington DC.

The government of India and the Indian Embassy and consulates in the United States attach the highest priority to the welfare of the detained students and will continue to work with the US authorities and other stakeholders to address the issue, it added.The government is facing a potential court date in Europe after six years of failing to stop sewage leaking at sites in Sunderland and London.

Locals complain of raw sewage seeping from manholes and washing up on their beaches after hundreds of thousands of tonnes were spilled last year.

The EU is now threatening the UK with fines for its insufficient response, but with Brexit looming there is uncertainty about whether it can continue fighting for British water quality.

This latest development follows a European Court of Justice ruling in 2012 that the UK had broken water quality rules and had five years to resolve the problem.

Major upgrades to water infrastructure have since been undertaken at the northern village of Whitburn and on the River Thames to cope with excess water during storms and prevent contamination.

Environment news in pictures Show all 8 1 /8 Environment news in pictures Environment news in pictures Davos 2019: David Attenborough issues stark warning about future of civilisation as he demands practical solutions to combat climate change Sir David Attenborough has issued a stark warning about climate change to business figures gathered in Davos, telling them that "what we do now...will profoundly affect the next few thousand years". On the eve of this year's World Economic Forum, the renowned naturalist told the audience that the worlds of business and politics should "get on with the practical solutions" needed to prevent environmental damage. "As a species we are expert problem solvers. But we've not yet applied ourselves to this problem with the focus it requires. "We can create a world with clean air and water, unlimited energy, and fish stocks that will sustain us well into the future. But to do that, we need a plan," he said. The broadcaster made his speech after receiving a Crystal Award, which is awarded by the forum to "exceptional cultural leaders". AFP/Getty Environment news in pictures At least 60% of wild coffee species face extinction triggered by climate change and disease Two decades of research have revealed that 60 per cent of the worlds coffee species face extinction due to the combined threats of deforestation, disease and climate change. The wild strain of arabica, the most widely consumed coffee on the planet, is among those now recognised as endangered, raising concerns about its long-term survival. These results are worrying for the millions of farmers around the world who depend on the continued survival of coffee for their livelihoods. As conditions for coffee farming become tougher, scientists predict the industry will need to rely on wild varieties to develop more resilient strains Alan Schaller Environment news in pictures Warming Antarctic waters are speeding the rate at which glaciers are melting The Antarctic ice sheet is losing six times as much ice each year as it was in the 1980s and the pace is accelerating, one of the most comprehensive studies of climate change effects on the continent has shown. More than half an inch has been added to global sea levels since 1979, but if current trends continue it will be responsible for metres more in future, the Nasa-funded study found. The international effort used aerial photos, satellite data and climate models dating back to the 1970s across18 Antarctic regions to get the most complete picture to date on the impacts of the changing climate. It found that between 1979 and 1990 Antarctica lost an average of 40 gigatonnes (40 billion tonnes) of its mass each year. Between 2009 and 2017 it lost an average 252 gigatonnes a year. This has added 3.6mm per decade to sea levels, or around 14mm since 1979, the study shows Nasa/Getty Environment news in pictures Greater Manchester to ban fracking, paving way for confrontation with government over controversial industry Greater Manchester is to effectively ban fracking, raising the prospect of fresh confrontation with the government over the controversial industry. All of the regions 10 councils are to implement planning policies which create a presumption against drilling for shale gas in their areas, Manchester mayor Andy Burnham has announced. Campaigners said the move was the latest sign that the tide was turning against fracking, which has been the subject of multiple legal battles across the country. Critics of fracking say it poses environmental and health risks. Drilling at the UKs only operational fracking site, run by Cuadrilla in Lancashire, has repeatedly been halted due to earth tremors. But ministers support the industry and last year unveiled plans to accelerate the development of new drilling sites Ross Wills Environment news in pictures Japan confirms plan to resume commercial whaling in its waters from next year Japan will resume commercial whaling next year for the first time in more than three decades, in a move that has provoked strong criticism from campaigners and the international community. Chief cabinet secretary Yoshihide Suga said his nation would leave the International Whaling Commission (IWC) to resume hunting the marine mammals in Japanese waters. However, he stated the activity would be limited to Japans territory and the 200 mile exclusive economic zone along its coasts. This means controversial scientific trips to Antarctica in which Japanese vessels killed hundreds of whales, as well as activity in the northwest Pacific, will stop in 2019 AP Environment news in pictures COP24: Environmental groups criticise morally unacceptable climate deal reached after major Poland summit Diplomats from around the world have agreed a major climate deal after two weeks of United Nations talks in Poland. But climate campaigners warned the deal  effectively a set of rules for how to govern the 2015 Paris climate accord  agreed between almost 200 countries lacked ambition or a clear promise of enhanced climate action. Activists cautiously welcomed elements of the plan, saying important progress had been made on ensuring that efforts to tackle climate change by individual nations can be measured and compared. But environmental groups were also highly critical of the agreement, warning it lacked ambition and clarity on key issues, including financing for climate projects for developing countries. The COP24 deal, which is aimed at providing firm guidelines for countries on how to transparently report their greenhouse gas emissions and their efforts to reduce them, was confirmed on 15 December, after talks overran Reuters Environment news in pictures Unprecedented changes needed to stop global warming as UN report reveals islands starting to vanish and coral reefs dying Greenhouse gas emissions must be cut almost in half by 2030 to avert global environmental catastrophe, including the total loss of every coral reef, the disappearance of Arctic ice and the destruction of island communities, a landmark UN report has concluded. Drawing on more than 6,000 scientific studies and compiled over two years, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) findings, released this morning, warn enormous and rapid changes to the way everyone on Earth eats, travels and produces energy need to be brought in immediately. Though the scientists behind the report said there is cause for optimism, they recognised the grim reality that nations are currently nowhere near on track to avert disaster AFP/Getty Environment news in pictures Africas three biggest elephant poaching cartels exposed using DNA from illegal ivory shipments DNA taken from massive shipments of ivory has been used to identify the three largest wildlife trafficking gangs operating at the height of Africas elephant poaching epidemic. Ivory tends to be shipped around the world from African ports in bulk, and scientists have used genetic evidence gleaned from intercepted batches to reveal their origins. Led by Dr Samuel Wasser from the University of Washington, they traced a number of these shipments to three cartels operating out of Kenya, Uganda and Togo. Evidence collected by Dr Wasser has already helped convict ivory kingpin Feisal Mohamed Ali, and as his team joins the dots between shipments they plan to shore up the cases against more of the continents most prolific smugglers Art Wolfe

These include the construction of a massive new super sewer in London, which the European Commission welcomed as significant progress.

However, with waste still seeping in at levels above legal limits, European authorities have deemed them inadequate.

The EU has now given the UK two months to explain itself or face another court appearance and financial sanctions. The deadline will land barely a week before the date of Brexit.

While in the initial ruling European judges did not specify the penalty it would impose, a similar case in 2010 saw Belgium threatened with a fine of 15m (13m).

Whitburn residents have been recording sewage discharges including debris such as toilet paper appearing on the beach over the past few years (Bob Latimer)

The effort to tackle pollution in the northeast has been led for years by Bob Latimer, a local engineer and former fisherman whose house overlooks the storm water system pumping untreated waste into the sea.

I kept seeing sewage on the beach and reporting it and reporting it, and nobody did anything about it, he said.

Before the system was upgraded, Mr Latimers family would find tampons and toilet paper on the beach, but the system now in place means any spillage is ground into a slurry.

An assessment by the commission found nearly 300,000 tonnes of untreated sewage had been spilled at the Whitburn site in the first eight months of 2018, right after the problem had supposedly been fixed.

According to North East Labour MEP Jude Kirton-Darling, the company responsible  Northumbrian Water  took the full five years to act and had still not made sufficient progress.

In response to the EUs decision, the companys wastewater director Richard Warneford noted beaches in the area had been granted excellent status for the past three years, based on Environment Agency sampling.

But Ms Kirton-Darling said British authorities had not taken the situation seriously, and that the EU had ended up being the last remaining advocates for Mr Latimer and his fellow campaigners.

My concern is: what happens post-Brexit when we are not there? she said.

 British motorists must apply for 70-year-old permit to drive in EU after no-deal Brexit, Simon Calder explains

London Labour MEP Seb Dance said it was clear the government cannot be left to its own devices when it comes to keeping our water sources safe.

Should the UK deregulate, diverge from and weaken EU environmental standards after Brexit, there will be yet more pollution flowing, he added.

EU environmental law expert Dr Viviane Gravey noted that if there is a transition period, the ongoing legal proceedings should continue uninterrupted. However, without a deal there is likely to be a governance gap while equivalent bodies are set up to hold the government to account.

Dr Peter Spillett from Thames Water said that in London the solution was already in place to prevent storm overflows, but would take another three to four years to be complete. He added that he thought Brexit was unlikely to affect this.

One can be worried about less environmental protection and governance after Brexit, although in this instance I dont think it makes any difference, he said.

Responding to the EUs comments, a spokesperson from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said: The UK compliance levels with the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive are at or above the EU average and comparable with the better-performing member states.

The government is already taking significant action to achieve compliance in these locations  with much of these, such as in Whitburn, already complete.

The government is considering the Letter of Formal Notice in relation to compliance with EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive in London and Whitburn and will respond in due course.Vice President Pence at Venezuela Solidarity Event

Doral, Florida - Remarks by Vice President Pence at Venezuela Solidarity Event:

THE VICE PRESIDENT: Buenas tardes a todos! (Applause.) Thank you, Governor DeSantis; First Lady Casey DeSantis; members of Congress; Ambassador Trujillo; distinguished guests. Karen and I are so honored to join you here in this beautiful place of worship with our fellow Americans and so many proud sons and daughters of Venezuela. (Applause.)

And as I begin allow me to bring greetings from a friend of mine, and a great champion of liberty in Venezuela and all across this hemisphere of freedom. I bring greetings from the 45th President of the United States of America, President Donald Trump. (Applause.)

AUDIENCE: USA! USA! USA!

THE VICE PRESIDENT: Not long ago, on the Presidents behalf, I came here to this very city to deliver a message to you. I told you that we would be with you, that America would stand for a free Venezuela.

And, today, the United States is proud to stand with the Venezuelan people. And I believe the day is coming when Venezuela will be free once more  (applause)  when Venezuela reclaims its libertad!

AUDIENCE: Libertad! Libertad! Libertad!

THE VICE PRESIDENT: Now, on the Presidents behalf, I want to thank you all  so many heroes in the room  for your tireless efforts. But let me give special thanks, before I begin, to four relentless champions of freedom for the Venezuelan people  four leaders who have been at President Trumps side since day one, championing freedom and the restoration of democracy for the Venezuelan people. Would you join me in thanking Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart, Senator Rick Scott, Governor Ron DeSantis, and Senator Marco Rubio? (Applause.)

The President asked me to be here to show our unwavering commitment to the good people of Venezuela. For too long, the people of Venezuela have suffered under the heavy hand of oppression. But now there is hope. There is hope in Venezuela. Across that country, in the largest cities and the smallest towns, people are rising up in defense of their rights. And as President Trump said just last week, the fight for freedom has begun. (Applause.)

And to be clear: The struggle in Venezuela is between dictatorship and democracy, and freedom has the momentum. Nicolas Maduro is a dictator with no legitimate claim to power, and Nicolas Maduro must go. (Applause.)

Just three weeks ago, the National Assembly - the only legitimate elected body in Venezuela - declared that it no longer recognized the Maduro regime. The National Assembly invoked the constitution and recognized a new leader, a man who speaks for the people of Venezuela and cherishes their rights.

And last week, as hundreds of thousands of citizens marched through the streets in the name of freedom, that leader stood before his country and took an oath before Almighty God. And the United States of America was proud to be the first nation on Earth to recognize the only legitimate President of Venezuela, President Juan Guaido. (Applause.)

I spoke to Juan Guaido the night before he took that oath, and Ill never forget it. I marveled at his calm, his courage, and his faith. Just two days ago, President Trump spoke to President Guaido and congratulated him on his historic assumption of the presidency of Venezuela. (Applause.) He reinforced our strong support for his leadership and for Venezuelas fight to regain its freedom.

And the United States has made it clear: The safety and security of President Guaido and his family are of great importance to the American people. (Applause.)

Just yesterday, Maduro threatened President Guiados family, sending paramilitary police to his home. But we know that President Guaido and the Venezuelan people will never be intimidated, and neither will we. (Applause.)

The United States is proud to recognize Juan Guaido as Venezuelas interim president. And Brazil, Colombia, Canada, Argentina, and many other countries have followed Americas lead. All told, more than 20 nations have announced their support for President Guaido. (Applause.)

But let me make it clear to leaders around the world: That is not enough. There can be no bystanders in the struggle for Venezuelas freedom. The United States, today, calls on every nation to recognize Juan Guaido as Venezuelas President, and take the side of freedom. (Applause.)

The United States has also taken action to support the National Assembly and the government of Juan Guaido. And just this week, it was my privilege to welcome its newest representative to the White House  a man who was imprisoned twice by the Maduro regime, forced into exile here in Florida. But despite all hes faced, he still works tirelessly to restore democracy in his homeland. Would you join me in thanking the new Ambassador to the United States of America from a free Venezuela, Ambassador Carlos Vecchio. (Applause.)

As I told Ambassador Vecchio, the National Assembly and President Guaido have our full support because we recognize the truth that Nicolas Maduros dictatorship is destroying Venezuela. When the dictator came to power six long years ago, he promised to deliver an agenda of socialism. And sadly for the Venezuelan people, Maduro did just that.

As we gather here, Venezuelas socialism has shrunk their economy by nearly half. More than 9 out of 10 people live in poverty, and the average Venezuelan has lost more than 20 pounds through deprivation and malnutrition. Thousands of Venezuelan children are starving at this very hour.

And rising desperation has fueled a mass exodus. More than three million Venezuelans have now abandoned their beloved country. And if things dont get better, another two million are expected to follow them before the year is out.

And those who stay behind are subject to lawlessness and crime, as well as deprivation. Thieves in Venezuela dont target banks; they target restaurants. Vicious gangs and government-backed cartels have turned the streets into literal warzones. Venezuela now has the second-highest murder rate in the world, and more than 70 people are slaughtered every single day.

For years, the Venezuelan people have tried to save their country in the ballot box. In 2015, they elected the National Assembly that is still Venezuelas best hope. But in response, the dictator imprisoned his opponents, orchestrated sham elections, cracked down on protests with lethal force. In fact, in just the past two weeks, security forces have jailed more than 850 protestors, and murdered at least 40 more.

We will never forget them. We will always honor the memory of the martyrs who died for democracy in Venezuela. (Applause.)

Just a few moments ago, Karen and I had the privilege to meet with several Venezuelans who have fled in search of a better life. We heard their stories. And they told us then that they werent there to tell us their story; they were there to represent all of those who could not speak in this moment.

We spoke with Jose and Francis, who took their children and left their home two years ago. Jose had spoken out for freedom, placing his own life in danger.

We heard from Jesus, a former councilmember from the city of Valera. The government gangs began to target him, even telling his mother that they would murder him. He had to leave his home to save his life.

We listened to Raul, wrongly accused and imprisoned for seven years, where he was tortured by the regime and witnessed others tortured as well. He saw the murder of fellow inmates. And he spoke today on behalf of those who are still being held.

To all of these courageous men and women, to all of you who have fled Venezuela: We are with you, and I promise we will stay with you until you can safely return home to a free Venezuela. (Applause.)

Venezuelas plight has captured not just the attention of our President and our people, it has stirred the United States of America to act. We do this because it is what justice requires. We also do this because it is in our interest, as well.

Venezuela is a failed state, and failed states know no boundaries, have no borders. A Venezuela overrun with drug smugglers, gangs, human traffickers is a danger to all people and all nations in this hemisphere.

The very crisis on our southern border today is driven, in large part, by criminal organizations that have overwhelmed countries across our hemisphere. Let me be clear: The United States of America wants every nation in our hemisphere to be a place where people can flourish and build their own futures in their own homeland. (Applause.)

And so we stand. We stand for freedom and security for the Venezuelan people. We stand for the security of both our nations. And I promise you, the United States will continue to stand with the Venezuelan people, and we will continue to stand up to their oppressors. (Applause.)

At President Trumps direction, the United States has imposed sanctions on more than 50 current and former Venezuelan officials, targeting known drug-runners and human rights abusers, and government thieves whove enriched themselves by impoverishing the people.

And since oil is the lifeblood of that corrupt regime, this week the United States of America sanctioned Venezuelas state-owned oil company. Venezuelas oil belongs with the Venezuelan people. (Applause.)

And you can be assured the United States will always support the Venezuelan people as they work to restore a constitutional government and hold free and transparent elections. But lets be clear: This is no time for dialogue; this is time for action. (Applause.) And the time has come to end the Maduro dictatorship once and for all. (Applause.)

AUDIENCE: USA! USA! USA!

THE VICE PRESIDENT: To that end, the United States will continue to exert all diplomatic and economic pressure to bring about a peaceful transition to democracy.

But those looking on should know this: All options are on the table. (Applause.) And Nicolas Maduro would do well not to test the resolve of the United States of America. (Applause.)

Maduros tyranny must end, and it must end now. But as the Venezuelan people know, their oppressors do not act alone. Under President Donald Trump, the United States has also stood up to those who have aided and abetted the dictatorship in Venezuela. The truth is, the dictator has lost the support of his people, and even now is beginning to lose the support of his military. The only way he clings to power is with the help that he receives from communist Cuba. (Applause.)

The people of Venezuela know Cubas leaders are the real imperialists in the western hemisphere. (Applause.) The truth has to be told. For decades, Cuba has tried to create client states across the region. While normal countries export goods, Cuba exports tyranny and strong-arm tactics. Cubas influence has driven Venezuelas failure, and the time has come to liberate Venezuela from Cuba. (Applause.)

Cubas malign influence is evident in Venezuela, and also in Nicaragua, where the regime of Daniel Ortega is oppressing the people and denying their basic rights. (Applause.) Thats just one more reason why President Trump kept his promise when he reversed the failed policies of the last administration toward Cuba, because the Cuban people have the same birthright of liberty that God gave us all.

Venezuela deserves to be free. Nicaragua deserves to be free. And in this White House, under this President, it will always be Que Viva Cuba Libre! (Applause.)

AUDIENCE: USA! USA! USA!

THE VICE PRESIDENT: In addition to the strong actions President Trump has taken  economic and diplomatic efforts  I want to assure all of you that America has also been there for the Venezuelan people, over $100 million in humanitarian support so far.

You know, Karen and I saw firsthand the hardship facing families whove fled the collapse of Venezuela when we travelled through the region last year. Like the grandmother my wife and I met in Cartagena, Colombia. She literally gathered her four grandchildren with her because she told me how it had gotten so bad in their small town in Venezuela that the children had to rise at four in the morning to gain a ticket to buy one piece of bread at four in the afternoon. So she gathered up her grandchildren and she made the journey to Colombia.

We gathered with families in Manaus, Brazil. And Ill never forget the father, with his two little boys at his side looking up, who told me how hard it was, and how many times he had to tell those boys, Were not going to eat today.

Let me assure them and you: The United States of America stands ready to deliver humanitarian aid to the Venezuelan people in Venezuela, as well. (Applause.)

We are prepared to work with the legitimate government of Venezuela, the National Assembly, and President Guaido. The American people will marshal our resources and the resources of nations around the world to provide millions in humanitarian relief.

The truth is, it is unconscionable that Maduro himself has publicly refused to accept even a penny from America or the wider world in the form of humanitarian relief for his people.

The truth is, every day the dictator remains in power is another day of starvation and suffering. For the sake of the men, women, and children of Venezuela, Maduro must go. (Applause.)

Thank you all for being here today. Were truly honored by your presence and your support. You know, freedom springs from the hearts of all the people of across this New World, doesnt it? And in the words of Simon Bolivar, A people that loves freedom will, in the end, be free. (Applause.) And we believe that.

Tomorrow, for the second time this week, from the shores of the Caribbean to the streets of Caracas, to the foothills of the Andes, the Venezuelan people will rise again in peaceful protest. They will speak again with one voice, as one movement, with one purpose as they take to the streets to demand their rights, and the United States of America will stand with them. (Applause.)

And to them we say, as you make your voices heard tomorrow, on behalf of the President of the United States and the American people, we say to all the good people of Venezuela: Estamos con ustedes. We are with you, we stand with you, and we will stay with you until democracy is restored. (Applause.)

And we also say from our hearts that as you take to the streets again, know that you do not go alone. You go with the support of the American people and with freedom-loving people all across the world. And you also go, I believe with all of my heart, with the author of freedom, who said, Do not be afraid; stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today for where the spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. (Applause.)

With faith in that great promise, faith in all who have joined us in this hemisphere of freedom, with faith in the courage and strength of the Venezuelan people, and the generosity and strength of the American people, I believe with all my heart: The day is coming soon when Venezuela will once more be free, when her people will see a new birth of freedom, in a nation reborn to libertad.

So to the good people of Venezuela: As you go to seek your freedom, we go with you. You go with God. Vayan con Dios. God bless you, God bless the good people of Venezuela, and God bless the United States of America.Imperial Valley News Center

Canadian, Mexican Agriculture Leaders to Take Part in USDAs 2019 Outlook Forum

Washington, DC - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that the agriculture leaders of Canada and Mexico will speak at USDAs 95th Agricultural Outlook Forum, held Feb. 21-22, 2019, at the Crystal Gateway Marriott Hotel in Arlington, Virginia.

Minister Lawrence MacAulay of Canada and Secretary Victor Villalobos Arambula of Mexico will join U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue for the forums keynote address on February 21. The plenary session will mark the first time the three ministers have spoken jointly at a public forum since the signing of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) in November 2018.

Im delighted to have Minister MacAulay and Secretary Villalobos join me at the forum. This will be an opportunity to highlight the challenges and opportunities facing agriculture and rural communities in North America. Trade has been a powerful force for supporting farm income and rural communities in all three countries. This meeting gives us a chance to focus on how the USMCA will facilitate agricultural trade among our three countries, Perdue said.

This years Agricultural Outlook Forum, themed Growing Locally, Selling Globally, highlights current issues and trends affecting agricultural production and global markets. It offers a platform for exchanging ideas, information and best practices among producers, processors, policymakers, government officials, and non-governmental organizations, both domestic and foreign. Concurrent sessions will explore topics such as global trade trends, innovations in agriculture, developments in animal and crop biotechnology, frontiers in conservation, and outlooks for food and commodity markets. An exhibit hall will showcase resources from USDA agencies and private organizations. Last year, nearly 1,600 stakeholders attended the forum.

Register today for the 2019 Agricultural Outlook Forum.

USDAs 95th Agricultural Outlook Forum (PDF, 113 KB)Photo: CTV

Homicide investigators in Surrey are seeking the publics help with their investigation into the shooting death of a man in Surrey Friday night.

They have identified the man as Bikramjit Khakh, 30, who was shot at a residence in the 13900 block of 58A Avenue around 7:20 p.m. A white, four-door Mercedes sedan was seen fleeing the area after the shooting.

Surrey RCMP were alerted to a burning vehicle in the area of Colebrook Road at King George Boulevard at 7:30 p.m., roughly 3 kilometres from the scene of the shooting. Detectives now believe the two incidents are linked.

We believe Bikramjit Khakh was targeted for murder, said Corporal Frank Jang of the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team. Developing the timeline of Mr. Khakhs activities prior to his death will be one of the priorities for our detectives and we urge anyone who can help us do so to contact us immediately.

Khakh was known to police, and they believe his murder to be linked to ongoing gang conflict in the Lower Mainland.

Anyone with information is asked to call the IHIT information line at 1-877-551- IHIT (4448), or by email at [email protected]Note: We've recently updated our online systems. If you can't login please try resetting your password. You must login with an email address. If you don't have an email associated with your account email circulation2@journalnet.com for help creating one.I know its not the fault of the people who are working here. They are trying very hard with the resources they have, she said. Still, for me, Id rather just grieve and not have to come back here four times to sort out the paperwork because they dont have the personnel.Community Information

If you would like to submit an upcoming event or community announcement, please contact our staff at 208-232-4161 or send an email to cjohnson@journalnet.com. We will also accept news from local clubs and engagement, wedding and anniversary announcements. You can post your community or club events on our calendar.

Obituaries

Submit an obituary/notice All obituaries must be placed by your mortuary or onlineDeadline is 3 p.m. for publication the next day. The ISJ is not responsible for spelling, grammar, or basic mistakes.We've recently updated our online systems. If you can't login please try resetting your password. You must login with an email address. If you don't have an email associated with your account email circulation@idahopress.com for help creating one.We're always interested in hearing about your Opinion. Let us know yours.

SubmitNow, not all of those households were retirees, and a majority did move to neighboring Virginia, Pennsylvania and Delaware, which all have some advantages when it comes to retirees and taxes, but because of their proximity, could be attractive for a number of other reasons, too. But its also notable that states like Florida, Texas and North Carolina, places that all rank highly when it comes to taxes and retirement, also land in the top 10 places Marylanders are moving.Meet Yoko Ono  Radios Biggest Fan

Fred Jacobs explores a recent compelling tweet from one of the music's more controversial figures, Yoko Ono, who recently and somewhat unexpectedly took to Twitter in support of radio.

________________________________

Guest post by Fred Jacobs of Jacobs Media Strategies

If you want to make a hardcore Beatles fan go absolutely apoplectic  and there are millions of them in the world today  theres a 4-letter word that is guaranteed to send them over the ledge:

YOKO

As the history of the Fab Four  their rise, their heights, their breakup  has been written, theres an antagonist in the story. Yoko Ono will forever be known as the woman who all but kidnapped John Lennon, and lured him away from his mates, Paul, George, and Ringo.

She may be one of the most mysterious, misunderstood figure in the history of rock music. And her association with the demise of the Beatles is right up there with Steve Bartman and the Cubs or Roseanne Barr andRoseanne Barr.

Yoko is no stranger to being misunderstood. In the more than three decades that have slipped by since her husband was assassinated in front of their home, the Dakota in New York City, Yoko is still very much a mystery woman, often pilloried by morning shows and comedians. Her art and her music has been widely mocked. All these years later, Beatles devotees still seethe about her role in the Beatles rapid coming apart.

So, it struck me as unusual and more than a little ironic that Yoko posted a truly amazing tweet a few weeks ago  in support of radio. In her own understated style, she captures the essence of the medium:

And if you open up the comments and scroll down a bit, youll read one hug and kiss after another in praise of the broadcast medium called radio.

The other night I was at a big outdoor barbecue, and I met a very successful woman in the community. When she asked what I did for a living, and I proudly said, Im in radio, she made a face that I simply cannot communicate in words. It was almost like she was saying to me, You seem like a smart guy  what are you doing working in radio?

That happens too frequently these days, often from people who know better, who listen to more radio than they care to admit.

Does the broadcast industry have problems, some of which are gnarly and existential? To be sure. But there are also millions of fans pulling for the medium to figure it out, address its excesses, and embrace the future while not forgetting the past. Yokos tweet  along with the unbridled comments from radio fans eager to express their enthusiasm  should be a simple reminder to all of us in this medium theres a massive audience out there, ready, willing, and able to rekindle their love affair with radio.

If we give them a reason to do so.

As someone who has made a nice living on nostalgia over the decades, thanks to the success of the Classic Rock format, I can attest just how powerful a force wonderful memories truly are for most people. Broadcast radio has that foundation  a medium that was and continues to be part of millions of lives.

Yes, there are serious speed bumps and roadblocks ahead. That massive, up and coming bulge you see coming up fast in your rear-view mirror are Gen Z kids, a generation larger than their challenging predecessors  Millennials. Most of them are not growing up with broadcast radio. In fact, many of them dont know exactly what radio is.

For a member of AARP like Yoko to sing radios praises is a nice kiss on a warm August day in 2018. But rather than serving as a reminder of the way it used to be, perhaps wed be wiser to take Yokos words to heart, and paint a picture of the way it could be for the next generation.

(Just like) starting over.

Thanks to Lori Lewis for sending me Yokos tweet.

For another happy radio story about Yoko, heres a link to a blog post published almost 12 years ago. She was a fan of radio then, too.

_______

Fred Jacobs founded Jacobs Media in 1983, and quickly became known for the creation of the Classic Rock radio format. Jacobs Media has consistently walked the walk in the digital space, providing insights and guidance through its well-read national Techsurveys. In 2008, jacapps was launched  a mobile apps company that has designed and built more than 1,200 apps for both the Apple and Android platforms. In 2013, the DASH Conference was created  a mashup of radio and automotive, designed to foster better understanding of the "connected car" and its impact. Along with providing the creative and intellectual direction for the company, Fred consults many of Jacobs Media's commercial and public radio clients, in addition to media brands looking to thrive in the rapidly changing tech environment.

Share on:As an existing print subscriber it is easy to get FREE access to all our online content.

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The account number and zip code are easily available on your most recent issue of the High Plains Journal or Midwest Ag Journal in the address fields as is shown here. Sometimes the account number has extra zero's in front of it, just ignore those.Subscribing to our services is a three step process. First you have to create an account and then you have to pick if you want to subscribe to digital and or print.

Some people only want to be a digital subscriber to get access online and others want to also receive the print edition.

If you are already a print subscriber and want online access, it is free, you simply have to create an online account and then attach your print subscription account number to the online account you create.Patrol officers are supposed to spend a portion of their time on proactive policing, like stopping pedestrians and cars and interviewing people, as well as spending time getting to know the community on their beat. The department reported that in 2016, officers spent 14 percent of their time doing such work, falling short of a goal of 40 percent. In 2017, the goal was reduced to 20 percent, and the department reported officers spent 29 percent of their time on such tasks.Texas is best, the feeling goes. Texas nationalism is the core distinguishing characteristic of the states politics and culture, the best way to sell a product or win a vote. But Texas hasnt always had so much going for it. A hundred years ago the state was an impoverished, backward, isolated and fearful place.

In 1920, the states oil business was in its relative infancy, and its cities were small and unimportant. San Antonio, the states most populous, was the countrys 41st biggest city. The urban hubs that did exist were, as Frank L. Reed of the University of Texas wrote that year, small islands almost submerged in a great agricultural sea.

Texans were farmers, ranchers and agricultural workers, and a great many of them were mired in a cyclical and cruel kind of agrarian penury, dependent totally on the fates  which is to say, the banks, railroads and weather. None of those were particularly kind. The state was economically subordinate to the rest of the country: Everything a farmer needed was made somewhere else and shipped at great expense. Almost no part of rural Texas had electricity, and wouldnt for decades.

A good deal of the population spoke German or Spanish as a first or only language. Schools were shoddy, culture was almost nonexistent, and public health was in such atrocious shape Galveston spent much of 1920 contending with an outbreak of the bubonic plague. Lynchings were common, and the Ku Klux Klan was a powerful and undisguised political force in the state.

These days, Texas is home to six of the 20 largest cities in the country, internationally renowned centers of finance, energy, high technology, education and culture. It produces avant-garde cinema and manned space missions. Its a radically diverse and generally peaceful place, and if it were a country it would have the 10th largest economy in the world.

What happened?

A lot happened, of course. A big part of the states accumulated riches is in its geology, and you can attribute that to luck. But you can tell a lot about a person by what other explanations they tend to favor most. The simplest is Texas exceptionalism  the idea that there is something about the state and its people that tends toward greatness over time.

Its more than a sense that there is a lot thats unique about Texas; its a kind of tautology that explains everything without saying anything. Great people who are from Texas are great because they are from Texas.

Its a belief that Id argue is especially strong among people who moved here from somewhere else. If Texas greatness is inherent, it will continue forever, and, the thinking goes, the enemies of the state are people that would dilute that greatness  the federal government, say, or Mexicans, or Californians.

Exceptionalism turns Texas into a brand, a way to leverage your pride in the place to sell stuff. Buc-ees gas, Lone Star beer, Blue Bell ice cream. The blinding power of exceptionalism became clear when Blue Bell restarted production in 2015 after experiencing a recurring and deadly problem with listeria and Texans rushed to the stores to eat it anyway.

Theres another explanation for our states success. Texas got better over the last century because a lot of people in and out of government worked to make it better. In the early part of the century, as the state struggled with the plague and illiteracy, political leaders were laying the seeds of future prosperity. In this story, the faceless government bureaucrat is as much to credit as the cowboy and the wildcatter that Texans prefer to associate with.

You can find the fruit of that in the Houston Ship Channel, opened in 1914, which sealed the future of southeast Texas, or the Colorado River dams that brought electricity to so much of central Texas in the 1930s. The states major universities were carefully nurtured and expanded with federal largesse  the Austin of today is the offspring of the University of Texas. Politicians with serious clout shamelessly lobbying to bring NASA to Houston and to keep it there.

The state nurtured and protected domestic industry, in an often heavy-handed way, and reinvested the proceeds from mineral extraction in vast sovereign wealth funds that supported education even when legislators forgot to do the same. When vast numbers of Americans started moving to Texas in the 1960s and 70s, they were doing so not because they sensed the spirit of 1836, but because people they would never know the names of had built a framework for prosperity and tolerance.

Theres another reason why this understanding of the states prosperity is less commonly offered. Greatness is timeless. But what one generation created, another can destroy. For the states current generation of politicians, it is enough to take credit for past accomplishments. Pay attention, when you can, to how political leaders in Texas talk about the future, and youll come to notice that what they usually describe is a continuation of the present. Growth will go on forever, and the party will never end.

In truth, Texas future is on shaky footing. All but the wealthiest Texans pay a high tax rate, and the local debt burden is one of the largest in the country, but we get comparatively little for it. The next generation of Texans needs strong state services to support them, but almost 1 in 5 Texans are uninsured, and our public school system is often ranked as one of the 10 worst in the country.

Todays equivalent of the extraordinary infrastructure projects of the last century would be on the order of the Ike Dike  an effort to secure Houston from the next century of climate change and severe weather  or to radically reform the way Texas cities are structured, to encourage denser development that would save shrinking water resources and consume less energy. But its hard to imagine change like that could be procured given the difficulty Texas congressional delegation recently had simply securing Hurricane Harvey aid.

But it ought to be the kind of thinking that people demand.When the boom years end sometime down the road, and they will, the state risks something that ought to be offensive to Texans  mediocrity.Regarding Officers did jobs (Editorial, Wednesday): In your fine and sympathetic editorial you have again recognized the essential role that our police officers play in the life of Houston. We can forgive some of the anguished intemperance of the union official quoted. He is speaking for his fellow officers in solidarity in their shared grief. Predictably they will counsel him that threats against his fellow citizens help no one.

Britt D. Davis, Katy

Just a thought

The main impediment for building the wall on the southern border of the United States as proposed by President Trump, appears to be financing it with taxpayer funds. Why not pay for it with Homeland Security bonds sold through private enterprises?

Then, after the wall is built, charge toll fees for people of all nationalities, including Americans, entering the United States legally for whatever planned duration of their stay. The tolls could be used to pay dividends on the bonds and to cover other expenses related to Homeland Security operations.

R.W. Conner, Friendswood

Eyes on AOC

Regarding AOC? No (Letters, Tuesday): It is regrettable the writer is not able to see why Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez was duly elected by her constituents for, yes, serious reasons. She is secure enough in her position as a member of the U.S. Congress to have a little fun. She is not minimizing the importance of her job.

I was impressed with the freshman New York congresswomanduring her campaign and with her standing on the issues as well as her intelligence and competency. I am not a millennial, but with my 60-plus years of taking politics seriously, I am happy to see members of the talented next generation take their places in U.S. government. And it doesnt bother me that they act goofy, eat ice cream or dance for the cameras in their free time.

Maris Helfrich, Houston

Hogging the passing lane

Regarding Regional police agencies join forces in campaign against unsafe drivers (Front page, Sunday): The article on unsafe driving was on the mark. Most of the article was about the crackdowns on drunk and erratic driving which is necessary. However, another glaring problem not often recognized is slow drivers in the left lane. This practice, which I believe creates the No. 1 one reason for road rage, also accounts for traffic jams and slowdowns.

Driving in the far-left lane also seems to be where people go to text or talk on the cell phone which adds to the danger, as now they are also distracted.

Impeding the flow of traffic in Texas by continuing to drive in the left lane is punishable by a fine of up to $200.When will laws against this highly unsafe practice start getting enforced?

Mark Stavrakis, FriendswoodBullying is one of the most vexing problems that schools, students and parents can face.

Despite the anti-hate and pro-empathy campaigns, no one has found a magic bullet that keeps students from singling out others for verbal and sometimes physical abuse. That doesnt keep us from trying to understand the phenomenon.

One surprising discovery in a study by the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and partners in California and Alabama offers a clue. The study, which analyzed data from 4,300 students at public schools in and around Houston, Los Angeles County, Calif., and Birmingham, Ala., found that children identified as bullies were most likely to suffer violent injuries outside of school, including gun and knife wounds. So-called bullies were 41 percent more likely to be violently injured than other children.

This substantiates what teachers in low-performing urban districts across America have been saying for years. Too many children with injuries suffered in violent off-campus settings are unable to concentrate in class.

The research helps explain the proverbial chip many bullies are said to carry on their shoulder. Its a logical conclusion that many bullies act out because they are victims of violent behavior.

The study, which followed children in the fifth, seventh and 10th grades, said the likelihood of their being violently injured increased as they got older; with 1 in 3 of the high school students surveyed saying they had sustained a gunshot, stabbing or other assault-related injury that required medical attention.

For bullies, the incidents of violence were especially serious. By 10th grade, more than a quarter of the injuries suffered by bullies were gunshot wounds. Katelyn K. Jetelina, an assistant professor at the UTHSC Dallas campus and lead author of the study, said those children could be involved in gangs, drugs and alcohol use.

What can we do with this data?

We know children who come to school hurt, hungry or scared have a hard time paying attention. We know it takes a special teacher who understands what her students face when they go home to reach them. We know we dont have enough of those special teachers.

One reason is teacher pay. Theres no question that compensation plays a role in who becomes a teacher, especially in a challenging urban environment. Another problem is teacher training. Colleges must do a better job of preparing teachers to educate victims of violence.

The pay now or pay later adage applies to education. Invest in our teachers, so they can invest in our children, or we all will suffer the consequences.SAN YGNACIO  As President Donald Trumps demand for a border wall roils Congress and the country, a deepening siege mentality reigns along the Rio Grande.

The debate nationwide swirls around narcotics, migrants and a presidents agenda. Those same arguments ricochet in border communities.

But for many living here  like those on other isolated stretches of the U.S.-Mexico frontier  the fretting also entails land, family legacies and the lost essence of a place seared by sacrifice.

Its been our land for close to 300 years, says Mauricio Vidaurri, 60, who with seven siblings owns a sizable remnant of what originally was a 350,000-acre riverfront ranch granted to an ancestor by the Spanish crown. Thats a lot of history. Our history. Youre going to put a wall on this land?

Trump wants to do exactly that.

Hes pressing for the first installment on a formidable barrier as part of a $5.7 billion allotment from Congress this year. Democratic lawmakers so far have denied him. But Trump is vowing either to fund the wall by executive order or shut down the government again in a few weeks.

The Wall is getting done one way or the other! Trump vowed amid a fresh salvo of tweets Thursday. Construction has started and will not stop until it is finished.

Congress previously approved money to replace some sections of the 654 miles of existing walls and fencing on the border. It also has funded several miles of new construction downriver from here near McAllen.

As the standoff in Washington continues, many residents on the banks of the Rio Grande, where some of the earliest colonial settlements in Texas were established, only can watch and worry. With a lot at stake in the outcome, theyve got painfully little influence over it.

Historically, this town has stood up against a lot of threats, says Christopher Rincon, program consultant of the River Pierce Foundation, which has been financing the preservation of colonial heritage in San Ygnacio, a village of fewer than 700 souls perched on a river bluff 35 miles downstream from Laredo. Now, I feel we have to continue that spirit of resistance.

While there are no immediate plans to build a barrier in this area, fencing was installed years ago near Laredo and is planned for the city of Roma, an hours drive downriver.

Unnerved by the continued violence in Mexico, some area residents contend that a wall is the only solution, and a few ranchers say they are willing to donate land for the effort.

Its not that I want to give my land away, its just that there are bigger issues involved, says Lannie Mecom, 75, owner of the sprawling Los Corralitos ranch upriver from San Ygnacio that contains a tiny 250-year-old settlers fort said to be the oldest continuously occupied structure in Texas.

We have had people crossing here all the time. It was no big thing, says Mecom, who spent much of her childhood on the ranch, which her grandfather acquired more than a century ago. But now you have the bad mixed in with the good. We dont know if they are illegals or the cartel.

A ribbon of life through an arid and exacting patch of land, the Rio Grande has been contested since long before it became the border.

Migrants from deep inside Mexico built precarious settlements nursed by the stream, their rough-hewn forts providing refuge from attacks from the Comanche and Apache bands they had dispossessed. As revolution raked Mexico a century ago, cross-river raiders and U.S. troops skirmished here.

The Rio Grande as international border, just seems such a synthetic line that divides one part of the Spanish colonization from another, says conservation architect Frank Briscoe, 61, who has devoted years to the restoration of the forts and other buildings in both Los Corralitos and San Ygnacio. Over the centuries, its played out in different kinds of tensions, culminating in this one.

Through recent decades, human and industrial wastes from swelling cities upstream fouled the river. A steady trickle of job-seeking migrants and profit-minded smugglers grew over time. Frequent droughts, diseases and market drops too often made ranching a pastime instead of a profession.

The stiffened U.S. border security of recent decades has made it harder for migrants or narcotics to cross the river, driving up smugglers fees. That, in turn, has turned an always lucrative industry into a gold mine, leading more powerful and violent criminal cartels to shove aside local gangs.

Now those gangs, operating under varied and changing names, hold sway in the ranch lands, towns and entire cities barely a slingshots reach across the river.

Their menace has throttled what once were thriving cross-border societies knitted by extended families, friendships and shared history. Theyve created a psychological wall even where a physical one does not yet exist.

Mexicos criminal violence has claimed more than 250,000 lives, according to its governments count, in little more than a dozen years, including a record 33,000 in 2018, the Mexican government reports. Many of the killings have taken place near the Rio Grande, as rival bands battle for control of vice rackets and smuggling routes for narcotics and migrants.

On the early January day that Trump visited the South Texas border to press for his wall, Mexican officials reported at least 21 people killed in an inter-gang battle across the river from Roma  an hours drive south of San Ygnacio. Other shootouts in recent days have rattled the city of Reynosa, across the border from McAllen in the lower Rio Grande Valley.

This always was no-mans land. It was too far for the Mexicans to control and Washington didnt want it, says Diana Uribe, 63, a retired educator and deputy director of the River Pierce Foundation, who traces her roots in San Ygnacio back seven generations on one side of her family and five on the other.

Do we need more security? Yes. Do we need a wall? No, Uribe says. We need to find another way.

Mauricio Vidaurris ranch holds a decaying settlement his ancestors long occupied and a cemetery on a river bluff, where his father is buried. The lay of the land here dictates any wall will put the cemetery on the Mexican side of it, he says.

Were 100 percent pro-border security, says Vidaurri, who like many border residents supports electronic surveillance and more Border Patrol boots on the ground. But lets do it the right way. Why do we have to lose our land for something that is not going to work?

For some, todays violence is an echo of the past, the river bearing witness to unending turmoil.

There are just too many overlaps to what happened in the past and whats happening now, says painter and sculptor Michael Tracy, 75, an Ohio native who migrated to San Ygnacio 40 years ago via Austin and Galveston. Its probably too easy to put it all on the cartels. Its a cycle of reciprocal revenge, of wanton violence.

Among Tracys more recent works is Para Mexico, five panels of dark acrylic on canvas that powerfully evoke the carnage consuming much of Mexico. He displays the piece in a windowless room in one of his workshops, seen by only a few.

Tracys more public legacy will be the restoration of San Ygnacios colonial fort and adjoining compound  the Trevino-Uribe Rancho  largely paid for by the River Pierce Foundation, which he founded.

This strip of earth is filled with paradox, Tracy says, trying to explain what drew him to this river-dissected desert as an artist and what holds him here still. Everything here originally had some kind of prick or thorn attached to it.

In such an environment, Tracy says, walls have marked boundaries for centuries. Though he takes pride in the forts restoration, he now finds himself identifying more with the raiders it was meant to keep at bay.

You either identify being inside the wall or outside the wall, Tracy says. I am outside the wall.

Lannie Mecoms paternal grandfather, Harvey, first started ranching at Los Corralitos in 1915, during the Mexican Revolution, acquiring it from a member of the Vidaurri clan.

He had agreed with a handshake that he would preserve the small fort and the adjoining ranch house  scarcely 200 yards from the river  in honor of the settlers buried there, she says.

Having lived much of the year on the ranch since she was a young girl, Mecom says, shes devoted to keep her fathers word and to the legacy of her border ranch.

While she favors Trumps wall now  out of fear of Mexicos violence  she hopes its construction can be matched by an overall deal for legal immigration, Mecom says. Texas ranchers need Mexican cowboys, she says. And Mexicans need an economic future.

They are our neighbors and they are poor, Mecom says. Give some amnesty, let those who have been here for 20 years stay. There are a lot of good people who are getting hurt.

I want to see this go toward a positive situation instead of a so negative a one, she says. Mexico is our neighbor, and I want to keep it a friendly one.As a candidate for Harris County Precinct 2 commissioner, Adrian Garcias shoe-leather campaign raised money from a wide swath of residents. Wage workers and police officers chipped in alongside lawyers and real estate agents, while the big-dollar donors who dominate county politics largely ignored him.

They instead donated heavily to his opponent, two-term incumbent Jack Morman. After Garcia narrowly defeated Morman on Election Day, however, he welcomed the donors who had spurned him  engineering and architecture firms who compete for lucrative county contracts, over which commissioners hold significant influence, to design and build roads, bridges and flood infrastructure.

They gave generously.

In the final two months of last year, Garcia raised more money than he had in the first 10, even though he will next appear on the ballot in 2022. Two-thirds of the $478,500 he raised from Election Day to Dec. 31 came from firms, including their employees and family members, who have done business with the county in the past two years. During his campaign, that figure was 15 percent.

The reliance of commissioners on donations from companies who receive county contracts  a practice that took root in Harris County politics long before Garcias election  creates the impression businesses must contribute in order to receive work, scholars said. Rice University political science Professor Mark Jones said the stark shift in Garcias donor base after Election Day was not the result of engineers suddenly having a change of heart about him, but rather a recognition he soon would control millions of dollars of infrastructure spending.

More Information Commissioners Court 2018 monetary campaign donations Pct. 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis: $664,550, 78 percent from county vendors Pct. 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia: $1,397,257, 42 percent from vendors Pct. 3. Commissioner Steve Radack: $873,000, 88 percent from vendors Pct. 4 Commissioner Jack Cagle: $803,378, 82 percent from vendors County Judge Linda Hidalgo: $470,907, 8 percent from vendors* *The county judge's office has no infrastructure budget and, thus, less influence over contracts See More Collapse

Under the logic of pay-to-play, you give to power, and Garcia did not have power until his victory on November 6, Jones said. The moment he became a county commissioner, engineering firms and others who do business with the county flocked to him like flies to manure.

Even with his end-of-year windfall, Garcias reliance on vendor cash is dwarfed by the other three county commissioners. Each raised at least $660,000 last year, almost exclusively from this donor pool: Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis, 78 percent; Precinct 3 Commissioner Steve Radack, 88 percent; and Precinct 4 Commissioner Jack Cagle, 82 percent. Only Cagle was up for re-election in 2018.

Many of those vendor donations are difficult to trace. Fewer than 20 percent were made through political action committees set up by firms, as corporations are prohibited from donating directly. The rest were given individually by firm principals or their spouses, whose occupations often are left off of the commissioners campaign finance reports.

Garcia raised no objection to Jones argument that engineers and other vendors have flooded his campaign coffers in hopes of receiving Precinct 2 business. He said the cash will play no role in his offices hiring and purchasing decisions.

If you look at my voting history over the years, Ive made decisions and taken votes that worked against some of the interests of people that contributed to me, said Garcia, who previously served as a Houston city councilman and Harris County sheriff.

Garcias haul included some of the largest individual checks any commissioner candidate received in 2018, including $30,000 from a political action committee for S & B Engineers and Constructors, $20,000 from a principal at Cobb Fendley & Associates and $15,000 from engineering firm IDC, Inc. president James Gonzales.

Garcia has taken the opposite approach of County Judge Lina Hidalgo, a fellow Democrat and the other new Commissioners Court member. Hidalgo took few donations from county vendors during her campaign and in January announced she would not accept any more, citing a desire to act ethically. Unlike commissioners with their precincts, the county judge has no infrastructure budget and, thus, less influence over road and bridge spending.

Subjective criteria

Harris County hires scores of outside firms to perform many services, including road building, flood control projects, mowing and a phone system for inmates at the county jail. Many of these contracts are put out to competitive bid through the countys purchasing office and awarded to the lowest bidder.

Commissioners, however, ultimately decide which firms receive professional services contracts  no-bid agreements required by Texas law to hire certain types of skilled labor, including engineers, lawyers and architects. Each contract must be approved by the five-member Commissioners Court, though the body long has followed an unwritten rule that commissioners refrain from meddling in each others precincts. Votes usually are unanimous and court members rarely discuss individual infrastructure contracts at their twice-monthly meetings.

County Engineer John Blount said commissioners must select engineers from a list of 290 firms approved by the county. Blount typically recommends a handful of engineering firms for a project based on their qualifications, but said commissioners make the final call.

If we gave them a list of three or seven, and they said hey, could I use so and so? They worked real well, if they were qualified, wed say yes, Blount said.

Blount said he never has looked at commissioners campaign finance reports and pays no attention to their relationships with engineer donors. He said commissioners in the past have asked him, along with leaders of the flood control district and toll road authority, to attend fundraisers so engineers could introduce themselves.

Art Storey, the former head of Harris Countys Public Infrastructure Department, likewise said choosing qualified firms for county work was his primary responsibility. He declined to share his views on how he believed commissioners made their selections.

My job was to make sure that the projects were done competently, with people who were qualified, Storey said. He added, Am I telling you everything I know, or believe, or suspect about those choices? Hell no, Im not.

Ed Emmett, who served as Harris County judge from 2007 until this year, said engineering firms should not need to become campaign donors in order to do business with the county. He said engineers have said they feel pressure to contribute to a commissioner in order to improve their chances of winning a contract that depends on his whims.

I dont think theres any question about that, Emmett said. Its just under state law, the way engineers and architects need to be selected, it allows it to be subjective criteria.

Few engineers were eager to discuss their contributions. The Houston Chronicle contacted the principals of 31 engineering firms who do business with the county and donate to commissioners. Two agreed to interviews.

Sirrus Engineers Inc. President Sujeeth Draksharam, who donated $40,000 last year between commissioners Ellis, Radack and Garcia, said he felt no need to contribute in order to receive jobs. Harris County paid Sirrus $685,737 for work in 2018, according to the county vendor database.

Draksharam acknowledged the relationship between donations given and contracts received may appear a quid pro quo arrangement but said in his experience, a commissioners priority is selecting competent engineers. He said they are loathe to re-hire firms that perform substandard work.

If a commissioner is a friend, and you screw it up, you hear about it immediately, he said. They dont hesitate to pick up the phone.

The head of a small Houston engineering firm, who asked not to be identified because he feared losing business with the county, said he donated $4,000 to a commissioner last year because he liked his ideas. The man said he suspects there is a correlation between donations and awarded contracts.

All you have to do is see whos getting the projects and see whos contributing, said the engineer, whose firm did $30,000 in county work last year. I think you can draw a parallel chart to see thats the case.

Harris County awarded 119 professional services contracts through the county engineers office in 2018, totaling $29.1 million, according to county records. Ninety-one percent of those contracts, which included designing roads and subdivision drainage, went to companies connected to donors. Those firms, which received $26.4 million in county work, collectively contributed $2.5 million to commissioners.

Reform a hard sell

Past county judges have proposed campaign finance reforms, without success. In the late 1990s, Robert Eckels, whose father resigned as Precinct 3 commissioner after pleading no contest to corruption-related charges, proposed a $250 limit on campaign contributions from county vendors. He was unable to convince a single commissioner to support it.

Emmett, Eckels successor, created an ethics task force that recommended a number of reforms, including the creation of a county ethics board. Emmett said the county attorney concluded Commissioners Court lacked the authority to enact much of what the task force proposed, but he acknowledged some commissioners were not keen on new rules. The court at that time included Precinct 4s Jerry Eversole, who resigned in 2011 after pleading guilty in a federal corruption case in which he was accused of steering county business to a friends firm in exchange for more than $100,000 in cash and gifts.

None of the four current commissioners said they plan to follow Hidalgos pledge to refuse donations from county vendors. University of Houston political science Professor Brandon Rottinghaus said a steady stream of checks from engineers enables commissioners to maintain massive campaign accounts. Those war chests often deter challengers and all but guarantee them the ability to out-spend opponents.

Having a bunch of money is a way to make sure nobody thinks twice about trying to match you, dollar for dollar, Rottinghaus said.

As a result, he said, turnover on Commissioners Court is low and elections seldom are competitive. Since 1960, there have been fewer Harris County judges than popes in Rome; from 1974 to 2016, more Commissioners Court members left office after criminal indictments than were defeated at the ballot box.

Ellis said he is open to contribution limits but said the realities of politics trump academic discussions. To remain in elected office, as he has for most of his life as a Houston councilman, state senator and county commissioner, Ellis said a politician must constantly maintain a sizable campaign fund to fend off opponents.

I got my Ph.D.  by practicing the art of politics, he said as he pedaled a stationary bike in his office. Not by just reading about it.

Former Houston mayor Annise Parker said vendors should be able to contribute to city and county political campaigns, since firms have an interest in ensuring politicians are competent. She noted Houston has made reforms Harris County has not, including placing limits on how much donors can contribute and how long city council members may serve.

Zach Despart covers Harris County for the Chronicle. You can follow him on Twitter or email him at zach.despart@chron.com .The Year of the Pig was welcomed with a hefty side of politics at a Chinese New Year festival in southwest Houston Saturday.

Candidates for office stumped as advocates registered once-reluctant voters at the Texas Lunar Festival. The heightened political awareness among Asian Americans was triggered by President Donald Trumps policies regarding trade and immigration, said Wea H. Lee, who hosts the celebration that thousands attend in the parking lot of his Southern News Media Group.

U.S. and China relations are the most important trade relationship in the world. We, as Chinese Americans, really need to be aware of whats going on in Washington D.C., he said. We want to see the current trade disagreements resolved; that is very important to our community.

Lee has operated the Southern News Group for 23 years and has hosted the Lunar New Year Festival each of those years. His business has grown to include 10 Asian-American newspapers published across the United States. Over the same span, Lee said hes watched more than 500 new businesses, almost all run by Asian-American immigrants, open in southwest Houston.

The diverse community of new immigrants includes Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean and African Americans. He said many are disappointed by Trumps immigration policies and the effect it has had on Houstons Asian American community.

Now Playing: Lion Dancers and Musicians from the Shaolin Temple Cultural Center perform at the Texas International Lunar Festival in Houston, Tx on Feb. 2, 2019 Video: Houston Chronicle

We need to attract more highly educated immigrants to this country. But, the current government doesnt really encourage foreign students to immigrate to America any more. We need to fix that, he said.

Sandwiched between dancers, bubble tea and colorful clothing at the festival sat a table with voter registration forms and information distributed by the non-profit group United Chinese Americans.

It is so important to get folks registered and involved in the process, particularly in the Houston area because our community is so diverse, said volunteer Raj Salhotra, who is running to an at-large seat on the Houston City Council in the November election. Everybodys voices need to be heard and everybodys voices has to be represented.

The former Teach for America teacher attended Harvard Law School and then returned to Houston to help with the issues he saw working at YES Prep  a cycle of poverty.

I think what were seeing now is the Asian American community is realizing that elections matter and that voter is important, he said. I think our community is awakened and we are hungry for more candidates and more representation because ultimately you have to have a seat at the table. I think that is what our community is trying to get.

United Chinese American volunteer Helen Shih said she also felt inspired to help with voter registration at the festival.

Our organization works very hard to educate and advocate for Chinese Americans and to help them understand the importance of voting, Shih said. But, there are so many different minority communities that have been disenfranchised. They live in fear and they dont know what to do. They feel they have been bullied or maybe intimidated. Its very important to help them to come out and vote.

Shih said recent wins by local Asian American candidates had brought new energy to the political community. But, there was still much work to do.

We have some interest but I see there is still a lot of reluctance. Many Chinese Americans leave their home countries out of fear and came to the U.S. because it is a free country. Back home, they feel they have no voice. But here in America, they feel empowered, she said.

Shih said there are many older Asian Americans who have never voted and dont know where to go or how to begin.

Because they grew up in a very different political and social environment, many people from China are very afraid of the government. There is fear. But, in 2016 many Chinese Americans realized how dangerous this country is becoming and if they dont vote, they dont have a voice and they will become a victim, Shih said. Thats why we are here, to help being those in the Asian American community into the conversation and show them they can have a place at the table.Venezuelans in Houston joined a worldwide rally that spanned more than 20 cities Saturday demanding the cessation of what they call the usurpation of their countrys government, while calling for volunteers and donations to send help to their countrymen in the economic and politically devastated South American country.

Nearly 1,000 Venezuelans congregated in a parking lot in Katy, wielding the flags of their country and wearing patriotic red, blue and yellow hats and T-shirts. Artists, comedians and personalities from the South American country living in Houston exchanged microphones between speeches of activists and politicians calling for unity behind acting President Juan Guaido, the leader of the opposition to the government of Nicolas Maduro, who was reelected in May.

Now Playing: As tensions rise in Venezuela with two opposing leaders claiming to be the president of the country, Venezuelans in Houston and around the world will rally in favor of Juan Guaido, the head of the National Assembly who declared himself as acting president under the nation's constitution. Video: Karen Warren/Houston Chronicle

United we are going to prevail, said Fanny Carreno, a Venezuelan at the event. Guaido is a person with good values and principles, and he is going to prevail; God is with us.

Many of the participants believe that Maduro is going to be defeated soon.

How to help Donations: Humanitarian donations of non-perishable food, grains, baby formula, children and adult diapers, personal care articles, medicines and clothing. Packing: Organizers ask that donors bring clothing articles separated and marked as "for girls", boys, women, men, babies or toddlers. Collection point: Drop off your donation in front of the garage at this address, anytime all week long: 12009 Whittington Dr. Houston, TX, 77077. Pickup: Volunteers may be able to pick up from donors' places. Send a text message (no calls), preferably via WhatsApp, to (832) 755-4114. More information: Accion Social - Venezuela. See More Collapse

I believe we are in the crucial hours in Venezuela, said Houston resident Cruz Graterol, a magistrate who belongs to a Supreme Court of Venezuela that operates from abroad.

Graterol told the crowd they should be packing their bags because the time to return to help rebuild Venezuela is approaching.

Mary Olivarez, an organizer who has been an opposition coordinator for previous presidential elections celebrated at the Houston consulate, urged patience, faith and getting organized because this process could take months to be completed.

Guaido took the mantle on Jan. 23 under a constitutional mandate in his position as the head of the Venezuelan National Assembly by declaring a void of governance from a fraudulently reelected Maduro. The country is in a gridlock with both Maduro and Guaido claiming to be president.

Maduro represents the line of the Chavismo, the populist regime installed in Venezuela by Hugo Chaves when he was elected in 1999 and stayed in the presidency until he died in 2013, leaving Maduro as his successor.

Chavez initially enjoyed strong support from the country that was the wealthiest Latin American nation until oil prices plunged in the 1980s. The period witnessed widespread governmental corruption, massive protests and three coup attempts.

The leftish president created popular programs and subsidies for the poor sustained by a revival of the oil prices, but his radical nationalistic and regulatory policies alienated the private sector and foreign investment, said Luis Duno-Gottberg, a Rice University professor born in Venezuela and specialized in Latin America.

While Chavez began to face widespread scarcities to fulfill promises for the poor, The government of Maduro, which I like to call Madurismo for it became a different animal, spiraled Venezuela down into an unattainable situation, said Duno-Gottberg. Its inadequacy created a lack of basic necessities from food to medicines and everything in between. Mounting calamities propelled an unprecedented migration of around 2 million Venezuelans to neighboring countries and the U.S.

Protests have been a sign of the times during the last decade in Venezuela, but a key difference in what we see now is that the poor are no longer supporting Maduro for the first time; they are rallying now for Guaido said Luis Duno-Gottberg. In a disastrous economy where $1 is equivalent to 138,518,000,000 Venezuelan bolivars, a currency no longer a legal tender in international exchange markets, cash subsidies are not reaching or are meaningless for the poor.

The quality of my country in general is deplorable everywhere you look, said Yohanna Colina, a Venezuelan resident in Houston who previously supported the Chavismo and visited the country last month.

It broke my heart; I did not recognize my country, and it filled me with pain, Colina said, adding that she saw people eating from garbage on the streets and heard of people dying from a lack of medical and dialysis supplies.

Its a disaster, she said. People do not even use the Bolivar (currency) anymore, its so devaluated that it has actually become the money with which they play monopoly.

Call for help

An initiative called Accion Social Venezuela (Venezuela Social Action) was collecting forms of volunteers at the rally to be mobilized for a massive program to send help to people in Venezuelan.

We have been working relentlessly to help people back in Venezuela, but we are only 25 and need the help of Houstonians, said Diana Ment, the leader of Venezuela Social Action.

Ment explained that the group has been collecting and sending goods to Venezuelans for several years. However, she said that they now have the help of the U.S. government, which provided a container, but the task to collect goods and fill the container is way over our capacity.

The group is receiving donations this Sunday at three locations, while two places are going to be opened all days next week. The group has a Facebook page under Accion Social Venezuela.

We Venezuelans abroad have raised the voice of the Venezuelans who are inside the country around the world, said Ment. She added that the work of Venezuelan expats and immigrants had played an instrumental role in calling attention from the U.S. and other nations about the conditions in their country of origin.

During the last few years, Venezuelans, mostly from Florida and Texas where they have their largest concentrations, have lobbied legislators and organizations such as the United Nations and the Organization of American States in Washington to take measurements against Maduros government.

The U.S. lent legitimacy to Guaido by supporting his declaration as the new president Jan. 23, followed by Canada and most Latin American nations except Mexico, Cuba, Bolivia, Nicaragua and Uruguay. The European Nations position is calling for new elections, which is part of Guaidos plan. Countries such as Russia, China, Turkey, India, Syria, Iran and South Africa are backing Maduro.

Limbo in consulate

Meanwhile, Venezuelans in Houston and the U.S. are finding themselves in legal limbo after Maduro called for the closing of embassies and consulates in the U.S. last week. The Venezuelan consulate in Houston closed its doors Jan. 23 without notice or placing information in its website. As a result, Venezuelan people continued to go to the office, located west of 610 Loop, many of them driving from faraway places as it serves the four states of Texas, Kansas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma.

I feel very impotent and frustrated after driving seven hours from Midland only to find (the consulate) closed, Emmanuel Sanchez said on Tuesday morning outside the consulate in Houston. He said he was hoping to update his Venezuelan passport.

Jose Molero said he had driven from Port Arthur to get a travel permit for his son. This is a not at all good surprise, to find that they are closed without informing the public!

We are hoping that the Venezuelan situation gets resolved for the democracy and liberty with Guaido; it has been 20 years of misery; thats enough, said Hugo Vivas, another of the about ten people that went to the consulate that morning.

Workers at a contiguous office said they saw consulate officers coming briefly on Jan. 24 to the office, packing things and leaving. A person familiar with the office said that some of the diplomats flew back to Venezuela but that acting consul Katherina Liceras is in hiding after disavowing Maduros government.

A post circulating on social media from Chavista loyalists shows a photo of Liceras and other Venezuelan diplomats from Miami and Chicago labeled as traitors to Maduro.

Tensions and hopes

Experts have concerns about potential geopolitical tensions arising from the opposing powers between U.S. and Russia.

But the predominant development this week has been certain consolidation of Guaido as a form of paralleled government, as opposed to a weakening, said Duno-Gottberg.

Guaido has moved with great prudence, very pondered, with a style that contrasts with the forceful, militaristic that has dominated the country, and at the same time establishing alliances that benefit its consolidation, said the professor.

Many Venezuelans in Houston believe that troops entering from Colombia would resolve the gridlock between the two presidencies, a theory sparked by a recent photo that showed the U.S. national security adviser John Bolton carrying a notebook with a written phrase reading  5,000 troops to Colombia.

Duno-Gottberg said it could be a mistake to think that replicating a formula such as the U.S. military operation in Panama that took down the presidency of Manuel Noriega in 1989 would work the same for Venezuela.

Maduros government still has some support from highly urban sectors of the population that have high violence experience, he said. Controlling those sectors with people that are armed by military force could easily lead to a massacre.

A scenario that many would find more desirable could be an international brokerage to provide a way out for Maduro, such as an exile arrangement.

I would not be surprised if backdoor conversations are already happening, said Duno-Gottberg.

A question remains as to which country would take such responsibility when even longtime ally countries like Cuba or China are showing lukewarm support to the Venezuelan government.

An escape could also increase the exposure of Maduros high-ranked loyalists who are charged in U.S. courts for alleged drug dealings.

In any case, Venezuelans are tired of this regime; we want Maduro out now, said Fabiola Colmenarez, a representative of Guaidos party Voluntad Popular (Popular Will), who resides in Houston.

olivia.tallet@chron.com

Twitter.com/oliviaptalletThese days people live in their smartphones, and that includes C-Suite executives. Here are five apps to help supercharge your digital capabilities on the go.

Expensify

iOS, Android

Free, paid versions

Filing expenses is the worst, no matter where you fall in an organization, but Expensify turns drudgery into something that is - dare we say it - maybe a little fun. Using artificial intelligence and a well-stocked database, Expensify recognizes merchants in many scanned receipts and categorizes them for you. In some cases, Expensify works with merchants like Uber and Lyft to instantly import your receipts.

If youre a one-person operation or a small business, Expensify works as a standalone application. But it can also plug into big, popular business accounting systems such as QuickBooks to make filing expenses almost seamless. And if your company doesnt officially support Expensify, there are ways to get your reports from your phone into your employers systems.

Houston Chronicle screenshot / Houston Chronicle screenshot

CamCard

iOS, Android

Free, paid versions

Business cards should be a relic of the previous century, but no. They stick around to clutter our wallets, purses, desktops and belly drawers. CamCard turns them into what they should be - contacts in your phone, ready to be called up with a tap.

CamCard uses your phones camera to scan cards and convert them into contacts. The scans can also be shared with other CamCard users, and cloud syncing makes sure they are available on all your devices. The paid version gets you more advanced features, including a Secretary Mode that lets you delegate the scanning process to an assistant. Theres also a version designed to worth the Salesforce customer relationship management system.

Courtesy of TripIt / TripIt

TripIt

iOS, Android

Free, paid versions

If you can get over any wariness you have about dispatching your travel booking emails to a generic email address, youll love TripIt. When you make that leap of faith, the service takes those emails and generates a detailed travel itinerary for your next business or pleasure trip.

The paid version, TripIt Pro, goes a step further by helping manage your trip. It can monitor traffic conditions to give you a good time to leave for the airport, send you flight alerts, warn you about long lines at security checkpoints and even give you a map of unfamiliar airports. The paid version is a $49 annual subscription, but if you travel frequently, its worth it.

Houston Chronicle screenshot / Houston Chronicle screenshot

SmartNews

iOS, Android

Free

If youre an iPhone or iPad user, SmartNews may look familiar to you. While its similar in concept to Apple News - curating stories across a variety of topics, and allowing publishers to have their own channels - it actually predates Apples product. In fact, in 2013 Apple named it one of its Apps of the Year. Maybe SmartNews inspired Apple News?

Regardless, its a great way to drill down into breaking news and detailed stories about topics you care about from trusted sources. Add topics to its tabbed selection, and add publishers to get the content you prefer. With its SmartView display choice, you can read stories ad-free and without an internet connection. You can even have it send you notifications at specified times of the day so you never miss an important story.

Courtesy of ScanBot / ScanBot

Scanbot

iOS, Android

Free, paid versions

If youre trying to get rid of as much paper as possible, Scanbot can help you achieve that goal. Scanbot uses your smartphones camera to take photos of documents, which can then be converted into PDF files. If you shell out for the paid Scanbot Pro, you can also convert the document to editable text.

The New York Times-owned Wirecutter recommendation site liked Scanbot Pro so much, it was named their top pick for mobile scanning software. They praised its character recognition accuracy in 60 languages, intuitive interface and rich set of editing tools. Strangely, its $7 for iOS and only $3 for Android, but either way its worth it if you need to reduce the paper in your life.

dwight.silverman@chron.com

twitter.com/dsilverman

houstonchronicle.com/techburgerVera reported to police threats she said she got from a man who called her business twice Thursday threatening to harm her and burn down her restaurant if she did not take down the poster that shows an image of President Donald Trump with a message in Spanish that roughly translates to Donald, you are stupid. Its one of several similar ones inside the restaurant that are critical of Trumps policies or pro-immigration.JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding.



You should upgrade or use an You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.You should upgrade or use an alternative browserBloomington, IN (47401)

Today

Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 53F. Winds NNW at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 53F. Winds NNW at 10 to 15 mph.Click here to find out where to get a COVID-19 vaccine or test.

To find out how many local residents have been vaccinated for COVID-19, click here. Use the map to find numbers for individual counties.

Find detailed statistics about COVID-19 tests, cases and deaths by county and for the state as a whole on the Indiana State Department of Health's online dashboard.Lima, OH (45805)

Today

Mostly cloudy. Isolated shower possible. High around 77F. Winds NW at 15 to 25 mph..

Tonight

Cloudy skies this evening will become mostly clear late. Low 49F. Winds NW at 5 to 15 mph.Copyright  2019 at Sun Newspapers. Digital dissemination of this content without prior written consent is a violation of federal law and may be subject to legal action.Copyright  2018 at Sun Newspapers. Digital dissemination of this content without prior written consent is a violation of federal law and may be subject to legal action.Tulsi Gabbard, the first Hindu in US Congress, officially launched her White House bid with an anti-war message, denouncing US interventions abroad and slamming powerful politicians in both parties for seeking new wars to wage.

Gabbard has struggled to keep together her bid, marked already by the exit of her campaign manager and parting of ways with a consulting firm. She had to apologise for her past anti-LGBTQ activities. On Saturday, the four-term Democratic Representative launched her campaign from her home state Hawaiis best-known beach in Honolulu, Waikiki, which would give her a chance to reset her bid, which has excited Hindu Americans, most of whom are of Indian descent.

When we raise our right hand and volunteer to serve, we set aside our own interests to serve our country, to fight for all Americans. We serve as one, indivisible, united, unbreakable, united by this bond of love for each other and love for our country, said Gabbard, who served two tours of military duty in Iraq and is a major in the national guard. It is in this spirit that today I announce my candidacy for president of the United States of America.

We must stand against powerful politicians from both parties who sit in ivory towers thinking up new wars to wage & new places for people to die, she said. Wasting trillions of dollars, hundreds of thousands of lives, undermining our economy and security, and destroying our middle class.

These powerful politicians dishonor the sacrifices made by every one of our service members, and their families - they are the ones who pay the price for these wars, she added.The International Centre at Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) wore a solemn, stoic and poetic look on Friday, as members of IN Haiku (Japanese art form), Haiku enthusiasts and guests trickled in for the sixth edition of Triveni, World Haiku Utsav 2019 from February 1-3, 2019.

A wide-eyed Shreya Narang is in a deep conversation with Kashmir-based teacher Gurpreet Dutt. The two young women have been mesmerised by the art of Haiku and have flown down to Pune especially to be a part of the three-day Haiku Utsav.

In its sixth edition, the festival is the brainchild of Kala Ramesh a musician who is passionate about Haiku. She is one of the founding members of World Haiku Club India.

This year is very special as we complete 10 years of the World Haiku review and launched our anthology titled Fuga No Makoto. I started out by organising a meet for barely 11 people in 2006 and today I have 50 people attending. It says a lot of how we have evolved over the years, says Kala, as she juggled between welcoming the guests and ensuring that everything was in place for the event.

Susumu Takiguchi, a haiku poet, critic, artist and essayist was seen interacting with the members and guests at the event.

Takiguchi who is based in London, came down to be a part of the event as he was eager to see Haiku grow on a large scale.

I was a part of a Haiku conference held in Bengaluru in 2008, organised by Kala and now this is my second one in India. I am happy to see the results on how Indians have been developing with Haiku. So far, the outcome is great. I want to experience what the people have here to share about the art. I havent seen the contents of all of their works. But I can see that it is almost like a small explosion, said Takiguchi

He adds that he can feel the vigour and enthusiasm with which people are not only trying to write but he can also see a rising trend in the literature.

Ultimately, the purpose is to see Haiku grown in the country. I want people to not merely adapt the art but to also bring in Indian sensibilities and what their cultures have to say in it, added Takiguchi.

Susumu was one of the first Haiku poets who initiated the World Haiku Club in India.

Gurpreet, an intermediate school teacher had been introduced to Haiku two years ago during a workshop. Since then, she has used all her time after work to create poems and Haiku.

I come from a disturbed area and depression is very prevalent because of issues in our surroundings. Haiku helped me overcome this depressed feeling and atmosphere. When you live in a troubled area, you need something to hold on to and feel alive. Haiku has helped me feel that passion and search myself. It helps me bring a sane balance in my life, said Gurpreet.

Shreya, a Class 12 student from Punjab, has come down with her father to experience the Utsav. She had been introduced to Haiku six years ago. However, she took keen interest only a year ago.

I took time to learn it step by step. The best part is that I have access to online social media groups where I can seek advice and guidance. It has helped me hone my poetry skills, says Shreya.

Members of the club, K Ramesh, who is a headmaster in a Chennai-based school was first introduced to the concept of Haiku in the year 2000.

The brevity of the art and the fact that you can say a lot in few lines appealed to me. I have seen, over the years, how a young crowd has grown interested in the art. They are exploring the medium and trying it out too. The Internet has been very useful and helpful to us. It has opened a huge opportunity for us.

The Utsav is a close-knit affair strictly only for enthusiasts. It is still a niche market, looking for funding and strong support.

It is lovely to see like-minded and interested people. It is wonderful and rewarding to listen to other peoples poetry and meeting people face to face also enhances the experience. It is still a very niche space but we have seen an increase in people and thats good, says Johannes Manjrekar, who works with Haiku and (Haibun- a prosimetric literary form originating in Japan).

On what advice, would they like to give aspiring poets? Takiguchi adds, Probably, the most important advice is to not set any dos and donts. I would suggest, read your poem aloud, once it is ready. This will help you understand it better and tweak it the way you want. Also, always, follow your instinct. Never, change what you have written because someone asks you to. Like in a carriage, the horse has to be in front, followed by the carriage, similarly, in your work, your sensibility should be the priority and then the grammar and rules.

Nobody wants to fund a Haiku event

A Hindustani classical music exponent, Kala Ramesh is glad to have been able to bring together the sixth edition of Triveni, World Haiku Utsav at International centre, Savitribai Phule Pune University from February 1-3, 2019.

Kala was introduced to Haiku in 2005 when she was working towards being a professional musician.

When I got to know of Haiku, I developed interest but it was a lonely struggle. Back then, in India, there were no references and no one to consult. My first works were published in Simply Haiku, a Haiku magazine, and then I received a mail from Susumu Takiguchi, a haiku poet, critic, artist and essayist , said Kala.

Susumu wanted Kala to explain why she liked Haiku, and how would she help spread awareness about it in India. He was on the lookout for someone from the past 15 years. He wanted a helping hand in India to help spread this form of poetry. I was recently bitten by the bug and decided to be of help, added Kala

Together they formed the World Haiku Club India. I was unknown to the world of Haiku, Susumu, roped in 20 like-minded poets and thats how we got together. We had our first meet in 2006, followed by a one-of-its-kind Haiku conference in Bengaluru 2008, owing to help from Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and Tata Trust.

The meets continued in 2010, 2013, 2014 and 2016. We are not a funded group and use self-funds for all our events. It is sad that nobody wants to fund a poetry event especially a Haiku one. They are unaware of the art form and it is still unknown to many, said Kala.

She added that she is grateful to NS Umrani - pro vice-chancellor, Savitribai Phule Pune University and Ashok Chaskar, professor and author, for providing the space. I am so happy that we have a space midst nature to experience poetry and more.RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav has once again pitched for Rahul Gandhi as a prime ministerial candidate. Addressing a Congress rally at Patnas Gandhi Maidan on Sunday, Tejashwi said the party must lead the oppositions efforts to dethrone the BJP from power in 2019.

Rahul Gandhi has all the qualities required be the Prime Minister, said Tejashwi. He also targeted the BJP-led government at the Centre for unleashing central investigative agencies on its political opponents.

The Congress rally by party chief Rahul Gandhi is being held at Patnas Gandhi maidan after a gap of 28 years  the last was addressed by the then prime minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1989. The rally is significant for the Congress which had been on decline in the state since 1998 when it joined hands with Lalu Yadav -led Rashtriya Janata Dal.

The Congress is looking to contest about 12-15 seats out of 40 in the coming Lok Sabha elections. However, the RJD is looking at a larger pie. Bihar assumes larger significance for Congress after it was left out of the alliance between the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party in Uttar Pradesh.

The Congress had won two out of the 12 seats it had contested in 2014 Lok Sabha polls in alliance with the RJD. In assembly, it had contested 41 seats and managed to emerge victorious in 27 seats.

Tejashwi, who was the deputy CM in the mahagathbandhan government with JD(U), had earlier also batted for Rahul Gandhi as a PM candidate.

DMK president MK Stalin had also batted for Rahul Gandhi as PM candidate in December last year. The Congress though prefers to keep the leadership issue of an anti-NDA alliance open till the 2019 elections.

Stalin had said that Rahul Gandhi has the ability to defeat the Narendra Modi government. I appeal to the leaders of all the parties on the dais. We will strengthen the hands of Rahul Gandhi and save this nation. Welcome Rahul Gandhi, give us good governance.Congress president Rahul Gandhi will kick off his partys election campaign for the Lok Sabha polls with a rally at the historic Gandhi Maidan today.

Being held after a gap of 28 years  the last was addressed by the then prime minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1989  the Congress rally, titled Jan Akanksha rally, is significant for the party which had been on decline in the state since 1998 when it joined hands with Lalu Prasad-led Rashtriya Janata Dal.

By holding the rally on its own, the Congress will also explore the possibility of going it alone in future elections, said Bihar Congress spokesman Harkhu Jha, adding that the party does not want to leave coalition partners away either.

All India Congress Committee (AICC) in-charge Shaktisinh Gohil, who has been supervising the partys campaign to mobilise peoples support for the rally, has put off seat-sharing talks because of the rally. Party leaders claimed the success of the rally would help the Congress finalise the seat-sharing exercise with renewed confidence.

The Congress is looking to contest about 12-15 seats out of 40 in the coming Lok Sabha elections. However, the RJDs insistence of being the big brother in the grand alliance is making the job difficult for the party in Bihar. The Congress has decided to go it alone in UP . If the RJD does not offer a respectable number seats in Bihar, Congress is free to fight alone here as well, said a senior Congress leader.

The Congress had won two out of the 12 seats it had contested in the last Lok Sabha elections in alliance with the RJD. In assembly, however, it had contested 41 seats and managed to elect 27 MLAs in alliance with the RJD and JD(U) in 2015. The RJD had won four seats and NCP one in the last Lok Sabha polls.

Meanwhile, Rishi Mishra, former MLA of JD(U) and son of JD(U) MLC Vijay Kumar Mishra, joined the Congress on Saturday along with his supporters in presence of BPCC chief Madan Mohan Jha. Rishi is grandson of former Union minister Lalit Narayan Mishra.

Many other leaders, including former NCP MP Tariq Anwar and president of Bihar Pradesh Vaishya Mahasammelan Jagannath Gupta, have joined the Congress. Many sitting MPs of the NDA are waiting for opportune moment to become flag-bearers of the Congress and strengthen hands of Rahul Gandhi, said party spokesman Rajesh Kumar Rathore.

Besides the CMs of three states recently wrested by the Congress, former deputy CM and RJD leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, former CM Jitan Ram Manjhi, RLSP chief Upendra Kushwaha, former JD(U) president Sharad Yadav and president of Vikassheel Insan Party Mukesh Sahni are slated to share the dais with Rahul Gandhi and address the crowd.Congress president Rahul Gandhi shared a photo on Instagram of himself with Madhya Pradesh CM Kamal Nath, Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot, Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel and Ahmed Patel flying economy class to Patna sitting in the same row as optics played out in election season.

On our way to the Congress Rally at the Gandhi Maidan in Bihar, with our new CMs & Party Treasurer. Tough getting all these gentlemen together on a single row, but we pulled it off!, the Congress chief captioned the photograph.

The post drew almost 69,000 likes in a few hours while the same picture in Congress partys Instagram page drew more than 11,000 likes in six hours.

In poll season when optics can play a role in influencing voters, political parties often strategise to share photographs to underline that their leaders are closer to the masses. In Gandhis case, it is perhaps even more given his constant attack on the Narendra Modi that he runs government for the rich and the powerful.

Ahead of the general elections, Rahul Gandhi has positioned himself as a leader who listens to the voice of the underprivileged and keeps his promise to them. He has recently been citing the example of the new Congress government in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan which waived off farm loans as promised in the partys election campaign.

The Congress has again since then tried to position itself as a party that listens to the voice of the people and attacks the BJP for being suit-boot ka sarkar.

Read more| Rahul Gandhi slams govts cash transfer scheme, promises farm loan waiver across IndiaPrime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday launched a scathing attack against the Congress on a number of topics ranging from Kartarpur Gurdwara to the loan waivers for farmers.

Speaking at a public meeting in Jammu, Modi launched his attack on the Congress with Kartarpur Gurdwara. The previous governments had the tendency to ignore the necessities and sentiments of the country. Take Kartarpur corridor for instance. Had they paid attention, then the land of Guru Nanak Dev would have been a part of India, he said.

Speaking of the Rs 6,000 assistance that is going to be provided to farmers, he said that when the Centre opened the Jan Dhan accounts for everyone, the opposition made fun of it. Now they know how the Jan Dhan accounts are going to be used. In the near future, Rs 6,000 will be transferred to these accounts in three instalments of Rs 2,000 each. As much as Rs 75,000 crore will be transferred to the farmers accounts. This will not involve any middleman or broker. This will help the crores of small farmers who have never received any help from the government, Modi said, while referring to the PM-KISAN scheme that was announced in the budget 2019 by finance minister Piyush Goyal.

Modi then moved on to the issue of the farm loan waivers, the plank on which the Congress defeated the BJP in the three Hindi heartland states of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan. The Prime Minister targeted the Congress and termed farm loan waivers a gimmick just to win votes.

The farmers debts dont go away because of loan waivers. It only fattens the middlemans pockets, Modi said.

Ten years ago, in 2008-09, the Congress promised loan waivers to the farmers. At that time, the outstanding debt was Rs 6 lakh crore. That was when the remote control government was in place. But after the elections, when they came to power, they only waived off debts worth Rs 52,000 crore. They cheated the farmers, he said.

When the CAG investigated the waivers, it found that there were 30-35 lakh people who did not need the loan waivers. You tell me, which was the hand that emptied the treasury? Who were these people? Where did that money go? You know the track record of the naamdaars, Modi said.

Continuing his assault, he said, that those who had received the loan waivers are now again in debt.

Today, ten years later, the Congress is again promising loan waivers to farmers. But what did they do in Madhya Pradesh? They promised loan waviers, but the farmers who deserve loan waivers have got cheques for only Rs 13. They have even waived off loans of those farmers who did not have loans, he said.

He said that the Congress was going about doing the same in Rajasthan as well. The Congress government in Rajasthan has said it cant do it. They have no intention to waive loans. They are only fattening the middlemens pockets. These people cannot function honestly, he said.Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath was on Sunday forced to telephonically address the people gathered in South Dinajpur for his rally.

The situation arose after the Trinamool Congress government in West Bengal refused landing permission for his helicopter.

Addressing the people collected at Balurghat in Bengals South Dinajpur, Yogi said, Mamata ji must accept that you dont misuse administration in a democracy, the way its being done in West Bengal. The way Bengals administration is functioning as the workers of TMC, should not be acceptable at all.

The permission for the CMs rally has been declined by the West Bengal government without any prior notice, news agency ANI reported quoting the UP chief ministers office.

Last month, there was a row between the BJP and the Mamata Banerjee government over a landing spot for BJP president Amit Shahs helicopter ahead of his rally in Malda.

The Malda district administration had told the BJP that permission to land a helicopter on the ground opposite the Hotel Golden Park, where the aircraft of chief minister Banerjee also lands, will not be possible as the airport was being renovated and that construction material was lying on the runway.

The BJP pointed out that the landing spot was already being used by the Bengal government. Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad accused Mamata Banerjee of abusing her power to block Shahs helicopter from landing in Malda and using falsehood to deny permission.

Banerjee later said that her government gave the permission to the BJP chief to use a helipad in the town and said we believe in democracy.

The BJP plans to organise up to 200 public meetings in Bengal to boost its seat tally in 2019 Lok Sabha polls. PM Narendra Modi and Amit Shah have already held rallies in the state. Modi is scheduled to address another public meeting on February 8. Union ministers Rajnath Singh, Smriti Irani are among BJP leaders who will address the rallies in Bengal in the next few weeks.

Bengal is crucial in the BJPs plan for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls and the party has set itself a target of 22 seats in the state. The party which currently holds two seats in the state, has been bolstered with a number of senior Trinamool Congress leaders joining it.Inaugurating a number of projects in Jammu and Kashmirs Leh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that the speed with which the government was working was proof that it did not believe in the culture of delays.

Our government believes in working faster. The country has left behind the culture of delays. In the next five years, I want to rid the country completely of this culture of delays. Whatever project we begin, we try our level best to finish it within the stipulated time, he said.

With the inauguration of the projects, the connectivity of this region will improve, tourism in Ladakh will increase and employment opportunities will also increase, Modi said.

The PM also announced the opening of five new trekking routes. These routes will allow you to enjoy your journey, he said.

Speaking about the changes made to the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Act, he said, The council has been given more rights concerning the expenditures. Now the Autonomous Council releases the money sent for the regions development.India has conveyed to the US that its talks with the Taliban should not in any way jeopardise Afghanistans political and constitutional structure or the presidential elections scheduled for July 20, according to people familiar with the developments.

Indias position on the US-Taliban talks to end 17 years of conflict, and its concerns about the rapidly evolving situation in the war-torn country, were relayed to US special representative Zalmay Khalilzad when he visited India for the Raisina Dialogue last month. Khalilzad had met external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj and foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale during the trip.

At the same time, the Indian government has adopted a multipronged approach towards the situation in Afghanistan, including intensive consultations with a cross-section of Afghan leaders in Kabul and New Delhi and discussions with other key players such as Russia and Iran. As part of this approach, India plans to reach out to China for talks on the future of Afghanistan, the people cited above said.

Taking a cue from its handling of recent political crises in the Maldives and Sri Lanka, the Indian government will not act in haste despite pressure to spell out its position in response to the fast-paced developments in Khalilzads talks with the Taliban, the people said. The situation is being monitored regularly at the top level. Just because we havent taken a public position, it doesnt mean we are not active in securing our interests, said a top official who asked not to be named.

Against the backdrop of reports that the US-Taliban talks could lead to an interim government that includes the militants, Khalilzad was told by his Indian interlocutors that New Delhi favoured retaining Afghanistans political structure created with great difficulty over the years, and did not favour interim arrangements, the people said.

The US special representative was told India favours an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled process. While we understand the US compulsions to withdraw, Afghanistans existing political and constitutional structure has to be safeguarded, added the top official.

As part of its engagement with regional players on Afghanistan, India plans to discuss the evolving situation soon with China, a country with which there had been no meetings since Khalilzad launched his initiative. The people quoted above said these talks will be at a high level.

India has also stepped up behind-the-scenes consultations with Afghan leaders such as former President Hamid Karzai in Kabul and New Delhi. Several Afghan leaders have quietly visited India for these talks. India was perceived as being closer to the Tajik-dominated Northern Alliance, and the government has ensured these consultations have included the Pashtun leadership, widely seen as being within Pakistans sphere of influence, the people said.

Despite the widely reported comments of the Indian Army chief, Gen Bipin Rawat, that India should consider talking to the Taliban without preconditions, the people said there had been no change in Indias policy on not engaging the militants. Our history with the Taliban is a sensitive issue and talking to them would find no acceptability within the system or among the people, the top official said.

The people noted that Pakistan appeared to be the only country in the region that is taking comfort in the possible creation of a government in Kabul with the Taliban as a dominant player. But even Pakistans close ally China wouldnt want an unstable Afghanistan with the Taliban in a dominant role. China also has its concerns about the East Turkestan Islamic Movement, and they want to keep Xinjiang safe from such groups, the top official added.

India will continue its developmental assistance for Afghanistan, for which it has committed more than $3 billion, much of it for infrastructure and connectivity projects, and reconstruction and small development schemes. India is the only country in the region with such significant assets on the ground. There are now plans for more projects such as the Shatoot dam, which will supply drinking water to Kabul, said a second official who spoke on the condition of anonymity.Days after dialling Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi discussed the Kashmir issue with hardline Hurriyat chairman Syed Ali Geelani.

On Saturday evening at 8:35pm, Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi called Geelani on phone and discussed the current volatile situation in Jammu and Kashmir, said a statement issued on Sunday by the Valleys senior-most separatist leader.

Qureshis conversation with Geelani came days after he made a similar phone call to Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and discussed with him Islamabads efforts to highlight the Kashmir issue, a move that angered India.

In a separate statement, the foreign office Pakistan said in a statement that Qureshi and Geelani discussed about an international conference to be held in London to express solidarity with the Kashmiri people.

After Saturdays call, Geelani thanked Pakistan for its moral, political and diplomatic support to our just cause and struggle since 1947.

We pray to Almighty Allah for peace, strength, stability, progress and prosperity of Pakistan for a strong and stable Pakistan is very important for the peaceful resolution of Kashmir dispute, Geelani said in the statement.

Geelani appealed people of Pakistan to maintain peace and work for the prosperity of the nation and serve and respect minorities in that country.A CBI team in Kolkata to question the city police chief was detained on Sunday evening and West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee launched a sit-in demonstration, as an unprecedented conflict broke out between the state government and the Centre.

Interim CBI chief M Nageswara Rao alleged the city police took charge of all evidence pertaining to the Saradha chit fund scam, some of which might have been destroyed or caused to disappear. But the state government received support from several opposition parties that said the Centres action would jeopardise the countrys federal structure.

The Supreme Court asked us to unearth the larger conspiracy, including the involvement of influential (individuals). We will bring it to the notice of the Supreme Court, CBI joint director Pankaj Srivastava told a local TV channel. Nageswara Rao told news agencies that CRPF personnel were deployed to protect CBI and other central government offices in Kolkata.

At the time of going to press, Banerjee was on her indefinite sit-in demonstration at Esplanade in the heart of Kolkata over the central probe agencys attempt to question city police chief Rajeev Kumar over the alleged scam that has already landed some of her party leaders in jail.

Read more| Chit fund cases: CBI to move Supreme Court against Kolkata Police on Monday

The CBI has been probing the matter since 2014 on instructions from the Supreme Court.

In November last year, West Bengal withdrew its general consent granted to the central investigating agency to conduct raids and probe cases in the state.

The CBI team led by deputy superintendent of police Tathagata Bardhan was barred by police personnel led by DCP (south division) Meeraj Khalid from entering Kumars residence and taken to the Shakespeare Sarani police station. The CBI officials were later released.

Banerjee rushed to the city police chiefs residence and accused the Centre of trying to destroy the countrys federal structure. Modi and Amit Shah have launched unprecedented atrocities on Bengal. They are trying to engineer a coup in Bengal because I organised the United India rally against them, she said before heading to Esplanade, where she sat on a chair placed along a road until a dais was raised.

Sitting there, she received phone calls from Congress president Rahul Gandhi, NCP supremo Sharad Pawar and SP chief Akhilesh Yadav. Banerjee also received support from other opposition leaders, including Omar Abdullah of the National Conference, Arvind Kejriwal of the AAP, MK Stalin of the DMK, Lalu Prasad of the RJD and Chandrababu Naidu of the TDP.

I spoke with Mamata Di tonight and told her we stand shoulder to shoulder with her. The happenings in Bengal are a part of the unrelenting attack on Indias institutions by Mr Modi & the BJP. The entire opposition will stand together & defeat these fascist forces, Gandhi tweeted.Internationally acclaimed film maker from Manipur Aribam Syam Sharma on Sunday announced that he was returning the Padmashree awards in solidarity with the ongoing public protests against Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2016.

Addressing reporters at his Imphal residence this afternoon, renowned film director and composer Syam said the people in Manipur need protection.

Saying that the state has only one or two MPs in a house of 500 plus members, he questioned what voice can the northeast have in Parliament.

They should respect us as a state - small or big. It should not be counted on population basis. I raise this because the Union of India is made up of states, he said. When the northeastern states jointly represent or present something in the government, they should consider it and if they do not consider, naturally we have to oppose.

So, as part of showing solidarity, I decided to return the award, says the 83-year-old prominent filmmaker who debuted in the Manipuri film scene as an actor in the first Manipuri film Matamgi Manipur in 1972.

Late president Dr APJ Abdul Kalam had conferred the Padmashree award to the noted filmmaker for his contribution to Manipuri cinema and world of films in 2006.

Manipur has been witnessing continuous public movement against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill after the Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha on January 8.

People staged sit-ins against the Bill during the day while torch rallies were held in the evening demanding the withdrawal of the Bill.

Similarly, a delegation of political parties from Manipur has urged Union Home affairs minister Rajnath Singh to incorporate a safeguarding clause for the protection of the indigenous people of northeast region in general and the state of Manipur in particular in the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill before its passage in Rajya Sabha.

A memorandum was submitted to the Union minister in this regard on Thursday. Manipur Chief Minister N Biren and Manipur BJP president K Bhabananda led the political parties delegation.

Last month, the Manipur cabinet observed that the population of the state, which has a large number of ethnic groups each with unique dialects, customary laws and practices, is only about 0.2 per cent of the whole countrys. Adequate constitutional protection is necessary to protect this small indigenous population, said a statement released by the CMs secretariat in Imphal recently.Seven young students from different parts of the country had a surprise dinner interaction with Congress president Rahul Gandhi where over Chinese food they shared their ideas about improving the lives of people and were promised that some may be included in the party manifesto.

From bringing out Congress manifesto in Braille, setting up gender-neutral toilets to steps for removing inequalities in education system and caste discrimination in society, the conversation touched diverse issues as the youngsters opened up to a warm and affable Gandhi.

The interaction with a select group of students took place at Pings Cafe Orient in Delhis Lodhi Colony market.

With the crucial Lok Sabha polls drawing near, Rahul Gandhi has started the outreach Apni Baat Rahul ke saath and this group of seven youngsters from Delhi, Assam, Assam, Maharashtra, Kerala and Uttar Pradesh were the first to interact with him. Gandhi will have several such sessions with students.

Critics might point out that the Congress has often mocked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for engaging with students, including his recent interaction with Class X and XII students Pariksha Pe Charcha programme, and his radio programme Mann ki Baat.

But Congress leaders say Rahul Gandhis interactions are more personal, where he takes out time to listen to the people, a view endorsed by Pratishtha Deveshwar, a Delhi University student studying political science in Lady Shriram College.

He is not an I know everything kind of person and he was open to a conversation and discussion in trying to understand things, said Deveshwar who was in the group that interacted with Gandhi for nearly two hours.

Such a friendly humble person, he was actually serving me from his plate. You do not expect such things from a person of this stature. It really breaks the ice between the big politicians and the aam aadmi, she said.

Abhilash Karri, an IIT student from Mumbai, recalls how surprised they were when they saw a beaming Rahul Gandhi walking into the dining area of an upmarket Chinese food joint here late Friday evening where they sat. The students had been told that will have an interaction with Congress party, but not that it will be the party president himself.

The meeting was informally structured with Gandhi hearing the new age voters on their priorities for themselves and their countrymen.

Among the invitees was an LGBTQ rights activist who suggested gender neutral toilets for the trans people in order to ensure they are not body shamed.

Kunal Ramteke of the prestigious Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) said he discussed caste based discrimination with Gandhi and described the Congress chief as one who is sensitive towards the issue. I hope he will implement suggestions to end caste based discrimination.... His talk was very inspirational, he said.

During his conversation, Karri said he stressed on making education accessible to all by introducing a fee structure which can be afforded by the underprivileged.

We need to evolve our own ideology suited to Indian conditions.

We also discussed the effects of 10 per cent reservation to the upper caste poor, he said.

I did not know that he was coming. It was great moment for me, he said.

Karri said the good schemes brought by one party need to be continued by another as our ultimate aim should be to serve the country.

Deveshwar said Gandhi told her that he will work on issues like making colleges and universities more accessible.

I also suggested that the Congress needs to come out with its manifesto in Braille, that is for people who are visually impaired. That is the first step that the parties can take in this regard and he has assured me that they will do this, she said.

About Gandhis response, he said,He told me that you are pretty impressive for a 20-year-old, which is a compliment that I am going to hold onto myself for my entire life. He knows how to give importance to everyone. Rohan Reje Mathews, an engineering student in Dharwaad and LGBTQ activist, said the interaction was pretty nice. He was articulate. I would be somebody who would take him seriously. We need to be taken seriously, we cannot be taken for a joy ride and our lives matter. Transwomen are being murdered everyday and transmen need attention. The gay men, lesbians all require attention from the community and the government as these are oppressed, ostracised people, he said.

Gandhi promised to put him across to those involved in drafting the manifesto for the Congress party. We would be happy to discuss our issues with the party so that they can be added to the manifesto. Our concerns are surrogacy laws, civil marriage laws and gender neutral bathrooms and not third gender bathrooms. We cannot be body shamed any longer. Trans-men need to be given more attention, he said.

Shemaila Ali Khan, an MBBS student from Delhi, said she highlighted before Gandhi the issue of girls education in Muslim community.

Anil Kumar Maurya, a law student from Agra in Uttar Pradesh, discussed the issue of atrocities against Dalits and expressed the hope that the Congress party would take it up.Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay the foundation or inaugurate various development projects, including two All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Jammu and Srinagar divisions during a day-long visit to Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday amid tight security.

He will inaugurate projects worth Rs 35,000 crore at Vijaypur, while in Kashmir and Ladakh he will be dedicating projects worth Rs 9,000 crore. He will also be inaugurating a BPO centre in north Kashmirs Bandipore districtthe first BPO in rural Kashmir.

This will be the first visit of Prime Minister Modi to Jammu and Kashmir after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) withdrew its support to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in June last year.

Prime Minister Modi will also address a rally at Vijaypur in Jammu. He will be kick-starting his election campaign from the rally.

Also read | Three women who could be PM Modis biggest nightmare in Lok Sabha elections

Officials said that the PM will arrive in Leh in the morning and then fly to Jammu where besides laying foundation and inaugurating several developmental projects, he will be addressing a public rally.

BJP state spokesperson Altaf Thakur said, The PM will be meeting panches and sarpanches and will hold a separate meeting with the BJP leaders and workers in the evening.

A three-tier security grid has been put in place around the S K International Conference Centre in Srinagar and traffic has already been diverted to alternate routes to secure the venue.

On Saturday, police seized dozens of two wheelers which were found without papers. On Friday evening, forces launched a cordon and search operation at business centre at Lal Chowk in Srinagar.

Separatist Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL) comprising Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Syed Ali Geelani and Yasin Malik had called a day-long strike against the PMs visit to Jammu and Kashmir. Ahead of the visit, Hurriyat chairman, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has been placed under house arrest.

Ahead of @narendramodi visit, panic buttons pressed by the authoritarian state and control tightened as searches and CASO conducted even in Lal Chowk! Today morning I was put under #HouseArrest, tweeted Mirwaiz Umar Farooq.

Former legislator, engineer Rashid who had announced to hold protests in Srinagar on Sunday was also placed under house arrest.

Also read | Tenure ends in a month but Modi not mentally prepared to go: Mamata BanerjeeAbout two dozen Opposition parties will hold joint symposiums on key issues, such as jobs and farmers plight, across the country in their latest campaign against the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) ahead of the summer Lok Sabha elections.

The parties are also exploring the possibility of going to the Supreme Court to seek voter verifiable paper audit trails (VVPAT) for at least 50% electronic voting machines (EVMs) for the elections, likely in April-May.

Experts and activists will be invited to these meetings for a wider opinion on issues that are also likely poll planks for the Opposition parties. Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu proposed at the Opposition parties meeting on Friday that the first symposium could be held at the countrys newest state capital, Amravati, after the budget session ends on February 13.

The anti-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) group has picked three issues  agrarian crisis, unemployment and attacks on democratic institutions  for discussion at the symposiums.

The campaign on specific issues, according to insiders, is a good way to keep differences between individual parties at bay and project a united face in the run-up to the general election.

In the last meeting too, fissures were visible as the parties debated the EVM issue. Some parties, including the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), wanted no EVMs but ballot papers while the Communist Party of India (Marxist) was against withdrawal of EVMs. Finally, we reached a common ground. We decided to demand at least 50% paper trail in the polls, and if the victory margin is less than 5% in any constituency, then its votes should be recounted using VVPAT, said a senior leader.

The parties will submit a memorandum to the Election Commission (EC) on Monday.

But if the EC doesnt accept our proposals, we may even go to the apex court, said Derek OBrien, Trinamool Congresss Rajya Sabha floor leader.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi, BSPs Satish Mishra, SPs Ramgopal Yadav, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, OBrien, CPIM leader Md Salim and others have signed the petition.

In the meeting, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leadership suggested that communalism should be added to the three other key issues, but the proposal was rejected by most leaders. Many feared that talking aggressively about communalism may not be as productive as campaigning about jobs and farm crisis, a leader said, not wishing to be named. Let us not dwell on our differences, a senior Opposition leader said amid diverging opinions on how to form their strategy.

Other leaders said it was Gandhi who suggested that the Oppositions joint campaign should stick to only three raging issues, at least for the time being.Leaders of various opposition parties on Sunday came out in support of Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee after she began a dharna to protest a CBI raid on the Kolkata Police Commissioners residence in connection with chit fund cases.

Congress chief Rahul Gandhi spoke to Banerjee and expressed solidarity with her. BSP President and NCP founder Sharad Pawar also spoke to the chief minister.

I spoke with Mamata Di tonight and told her we stand shoulder to shoulder with her.



The happenings in Bengal are a part of the unrelenting attack on Indias institutions by Mr Modi & the BJP.



The entire opposition will stand together & defeat these fascist forces.  Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) February 3, 2019

Opposition leaders took to Twitter to express their support for the Trinamool Congress chief and flay Prime Minister Narendra Modi for misusing the CBI.

National Conferences Omar Abdullah said it was shocking to see a former CM having such little regard for Indias federalism .

Just spoke to @MamataOfficial didi to convey the support of @JKNC_ as she sits in dharna. The use of the CBI as a political tool has crossed all limits as has the Modi governments misuse of institutions. A former CM having such little regard for Indias federalism is shocking  Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) February 3, 2019

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav accused the BJP of using the CBI as election agent while Delhi chief minister and Aam Admi Party s national convener Arvind Kejriwal said Modi-Shah duos action is completely bizarre and anti-democracy.

The BJP wants to stay in power by hook or by crook. They are so scared of losing that CBI is being used as election agents



This is undemocratic and against spirit of the constitution. We demand due process be followed so that CBI is not used as a tool of political interference.  Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) February 3, 2019

Spoke to Mamta didi and expressed solidarity. Modi-Shah duos action is completely bizarre and anti-democracy  Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) February 3, 2019

This is shocking and we strongly condemn this. We stand by Chief Minister of West Bengal to preserve and protect constitution and spirit of federalism in the country, said Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu.

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav also tweeted his support for Mamata Banerjee, All these leaders had attended Mamata Banerjees mega United India Rally in Kolkata on January 19.

Spoke to respected @MamataOfficial ji. Extended RJDs support, BJP has not only venomous & nefarious agenda against opposition leaders but Indian Administrative Service & Police Officers. Might visit Kolkata tomorrow  Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) February 3, 2019West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee began her Save the Constitution dharna around 8:45 pm Sunday at Esplanade in the heart of the Kolkata to protest the move of the CBI to question Kolkata Police commissioner Rajeev Kumar as she accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President Amit Shah of plotting a coup.

The site of her dharna is close to where she carried out a hunger strike protesting the Tata Nano plant in Singur in 2006.

I will start a dhrana in front of Metro as long as this attack is not stopped. I shall go to the spot and launch the dharna right now, Banerjee said earlier in the evening. Tomorrow I have the state budget. We will make a makeshift room where I shall hold the cabinet meeting to pass the budget.

She said her struggle will continue till the situation is resolved. Her comments came as she visited the police commissioners residence after a CBI team which showed up to quiz the Kolkata Police chief was detained by the local police.

Narendra Modi and Amit Shah have teamed up to humiliate Bengal. They are trying to stage a coup in the state simply because I organised the opposition meeting on January 19. This is worse than the Emergency.

In the national capital, Union minister of state for personnel Dr Jitendra Singh defended the CBI action.

When Prime Minister Narendra Modi was chief minister of Gujarat, he set an example by cooperating with all the CBI probes launched against him, though all the allegations against him were unfounded. Here in the case of West Bengal, the cases are supported by reasonable evidence but still the state government has fought with the CBI which show they have something to hide and it also indicates their guilt, he said.

She accused National Security Adviser Ajit Doval of being the Prime Miisters handmaiden. Mr Doval who is in charge of NSA is carrying out instructions of Modi. Doval is giving instructions to the CBI, she alleged.

The chief minister said her government had formed a Special Investigation Team and returned Rs 300 crore to the poor people who lost their money in the Saradha scam.

Saradha was formed in 1980. CPI(M) brought them, but there was no investigation against them. Its more than five years since the investigation began. Whenever there is an election -- 2014 LS polls, 2016 Assembly polls, 2018 panchayat polls -- this issue is raked up, she alleged.

They cannot fight me politically. If you have any documents, warrants, you can certainly come, she remarked.

How can you visit the house of the Kolkata Police commissioner without a warrant? Is it a secret operation?... Next they will visit the house of the home secretary and the chief secretary, she added.

If Modi cant be removed, the country will be ruined. Will they now proceed to Article 355 and 356? she said.

(With input from Rajesh Ahuja)Biliaiah, a 59-year-old farmer in Maddur taluka of drought-hit Karnataka, killed himself by drinking poison on his three-acre plot a month ago. His widow Shashikala is yet to figure out how deep in debt he was or even who his creditors were.

All she knows is that he took new loans to pay off old debts at a time when he had been forced to leave most of his land fallow because he couldnt afford to pay for a new borewell. He also borrowed money to admit his son and daughter in private colleges in Mandya town. He wanted them to study so they could stay far away from agriculture.

As far as I know, the loans were taken by pledging whatever little jewellery we had because we didnt have proper land documents, making us ineligible for banks loans, Shashikala said. She estimates that Biliaiah took up to Rs 3 lakh in loans, most of which were borrowings from other farmers and relatives.

Biliaiah is one of 154 farmers in Karnataka who have killed themselves in the past six months, according to the Karnataka agriculture department which, farmers unions claim, routinely plays down the death count.

After assuming office in May, chief minister HD Kumaraswamy said he would waive all crop loans farmers had taken from commercial banks and cooperative societies in a bid to reduce agrarian distress in the drought-prone state. The waiver, estimated to cost the state Rs 45,000 crore, was by way of fulfilling promises made in the manifesto of the Janata Dal (Secular) that is now ruling Karnataka in alliance with the Congress. In addition, the state government promulgated the Karnataka Debt Relief Ordinance, which is yet to receive the Presidents assent.

To be sure, Karnataka isnt alone in confronting agrarian distress that has forced debt-burdened farmers to kill themselves. Across the country, farmers are battling a crisis caused by a slump in commodity prices after producing a bumper harvest. On Friday, the Centre announced a Rs 75,000 crore income support scheme for small and marginal farmers in its interim budget ahead of general elections.

Similar farm loan waivers were announced by recently installed Congress governments in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, too. Yet, most farmers in Karnatakas Mandya believe the move is a mere palliative and does not strike at the root of the problem, a fact even the chief minister has acknowledged multiple times.

Although Biliaiah hails from Maddur, one of only 20 taluks among Karnatakas 176 that has not been declared drought-hit, he had to rely on borewells because water from the Cauvery river barely reached his village. That is why I had to work on other farmers plots to support my husband, Shashikala said.

Without proper documents for the land that is registered in his grandfathers name, Biliaiah had no option but to depend on other farmers, pawnbrokers and private moneylenders to find capital to invest in his land, she said.

Compared to the distress suffered by Biliaiah, the story of Chandrashekhar, who cultivates sugarcane and paddy on his two-acre plot, is upbeat. He is set to benefit from loan waivers for a second time.

Last year, about Rs 50,000 he had borrowed from cooperative banks was waived as part of a scheme announced by former chief minister Siddaramaiah. Now, another Rs 50,000 taken from a commercial bank is set to be waived by Kumaraswamy. I havent received the debt-free certificate yet, but Ive been promised that I will benefit, he said. Getting down to the nitty-gritty, he continued, Of course, the waiver is necessary but if you deduct Rs 50,000 from [my dues] this year, that leaves me with a cumulative debt of ~3 lakh, mostly taken from private moneylenders and some relatives.

There have been complaints about the alleged delay in implementation of the waiver, with farmers getting restive after the third year of drought in four years. A senior government official involved in the disbursement, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that as of January 28, ~768 crore worth of loans taken from cooperative institutions and Rs 672.5 crore borrowed from commercial banks had been waived, benefitting 290,000 farmers. The delay, a term the official protested against, was caused by the need to collect data on the extent of debt owed by the states farmers. With each family set to benefit by ~ 2 lakh, it was imperative to collect more details about the 4.1 million crop loan accounts.

Armed with a new software, the government has created a vast database, the government official cited above said. We forced cooperative institutions to digitise their records to ensure the same person would not get a waiver for loans taken from both cooperative and commercial banks, he said. That process has been completed and the waiver picked up pace in January.

However, Chandrashekhars concern lies elsewhere. Clearly, it will help, but there are more pressing issues that governments need to address. For example, even where it has set a floor price for crops like paddy at Rs1,700 per quintal, we get only Rs 1,200, he said. That figure is just about the average cost of cultivation calculated by the Karnataka Agricultural Prices Commission (KAPC), which had estimated the cost per quintal for 2017-18 at Rs 1,150.

Agricultural economist Prakash Kammaradi, who is chairman of the KAPC, said a comprehensive approach is required to tackle indebtedness. Unfortunately, we are looking at it only from a political angle, he said.

Kammaradi said there would be no solution to the crisis in agriculture without acknowledging the low profitability in the sector. This is shown, for example, in the fact that as on date 16% of cultivable land has been left fallow in the state, he said.Only those who steal are afraid: Dharmendra Pradhan

It was after the Supreme Courts direction in 2013 that an inquiry began. If Mamata ji is so fearless, why is she opposing it? What is she so scared of? Only those who steal are afraid: Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan tells ANI

Dharna will continue till Friday: Mamata

This demonstration will continue till February 8. Since board examinations are starting soon, we will not play loudspeakers so that students are not disturbed: Mamata Banerjee

Tejashwi Yadav, Kanimozhi join Mamata on dharna

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav and DMK leader Kanimozhi meet Mamata Banerjee at the stage where she has been sitting on Save the Constitution dharna since 9 pm last night.

Bengal govt and states political leadership created obstruction in probe: Rijiju

This is not a face-off for us. This is just that the West Bengal government and the political leadership of the state have created unnecessary obstruction in the way of investigation going on under the direction of the Supreme Court: Union minister Kiren Rijiju

Tejashwi Yadav, Kanimozhi arrive in Kolkata to meet Mamata

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav and DMK leader Kanimozhi arrive at Kolkata airport to meet Mamata Banerjee.

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav and DMK leader Kanimozhi arrive at Kolkata Airport to meet West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee. pic.twitter.com/Z47tAUiFt8  ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2019

Everybody who is supporting Mamata is equally corrupt: Babul Supriyo

Lets not forget that everybody who is supporting Mamata di is equally corrupt. Didi is heaping praise on her police and thats a cruel joke! Shes kept more than 50% DA pending for govt employees and police who, she says works overnight in every festival, gets nothing for these extra hours and duties, Union minister and Asansol BJP MP Babul Supriyo says in a series of tweets.

Babul Supriyos dig at Mamata Banerjee

Mamata Banerjee asking singers to sing on her dharna stage.. is this a joke? She thinks Bengal will sit and watch all this? tweets Union minister and Asansol BJP MP Babul Supriyo.

SC bench to hear CBI plea against Bengal govt tomorrow

Three-judge Supreme Court bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, Justice Deepak Gupta and Justice Sanjiv Khanna will hear CBIs pleas tomorrow against Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar and West Bengal govt for alleged non-cooperation in a case connected with Saradha chit fund scam, reports ANI.

CBI files contempt plea in Supreme Court

CBI files contempt plea in Supreme Court against West Bengals chief secretary, Director General of Police and Kolkata Police Commissioner for wilful and deliberate violation of apex courts orders, reports ANI.

Got angry when they tried to insult the chair of Kolkata Police Commissioner: Mamata

I am ready to give my life but I will not compromise. I did not take to the streets when you touched Trinamool leaders. But I got angry when they tried to insult the chair of the Kolkata Police Commissioner: Mamata

Wont accept disrespect to policemen: Mamata

A policeman who has worked for his entire life, if he is not given respect, we will not accept it: Mamata

Police cannot promise their families that they will come home safe: Mamata

We have recruited many civic volunteers, some are absorbed as home guards. Our police cannot promise their families that they will come home safe. If a policeman dies on duty, a family member is immediately provided a job. I will definitely take the issue of transfers with EC: Mamata

Mamata praises her police

Kumbh mela connected on rail. Ganga sagar not connected by rail. 40 lakh visit ganga sagar. has there been one incident? Lakhs of people perform namaaz and celebrate Christmas. Has there been one incident? Some people provoke. Whether its bridge collapse or fire, police are always there: Mamata

Police work in stressful conditions: Mamata

Police work in stressful conditions. Whether its rain or thunder, our policemen perform their duty. Not easy to organise pujas at such a huge scale. Our policemen do it: Mamata Banerjee

Mamata attends police event

Mamata Banerjee attends a West Bengal Police and Kolkata Police event at the dharna spot. Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar also present.

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee attend a West Bengal Police and Kolkata Police event. Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar also present. pic.twitter.com/zyFgfzJwHa  ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2019

CBI joint director of Kolkata leaves for Delhi

CBI joint director of Kolkata, Pankaj Srivastav, leaves for Delhi, reports ANI.

Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Joint Director of Kolkata Pankaj Srivastav leaves for Delhi. pic.twitter.com/Id8QcGIzgs  ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2019

BJP office in Mamatas constituency vandalised

BJP office in Bhawanipore, Mamata Banerjees constituency, has been vandalised.

Kolkata: BJP office in Bhabanipur has been vandalised. More details awaited. #WestBengal pic.twitter.com/LvKXrQqtHW  ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2019

Trinamool workers protest in Kolkata

Trinamool workers protest against Narendra Modi and central government in Kolkata.

West Bengal: TMC workers protest against PM Narendra Modi and Central govt over CBI issue in Kolkata. pic.twitter.com/gg7w2MLusR  ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2019

Circumstances prove that police commissioner knows a lot: RS Prasad

The suspicious circumstances surrounding the situation in Bengal prove that this police commissioner knows a lot: Ravi Shankar Prasad

BJP office vandalised in Mamatas constituency

West Bengal BJP alleges that Trinamool Congress workers vandalised their party office in Bhawanipore, Mamata Banerjees constituency.

.@mamataofficials goons have vandalised the BJP party office in Bhawanipore, South Kolkata. Mamata represents the Bhawanipore constituency.



Law and order has completely collapsed! No one is safe under TMC. #MamataFreeBengal pic.twitter.com/v28er7Sb80  BJP Bengal (@BJP4Bengal) February 4, 2019

Mamata hands over awards to police officers

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee hands over awards to police officers.

All these inquiries in Narada, Saradha scams started before us: Ravi Shankar Prasad

Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad: In 2014, Congress tweeted Rahul Gandhis statement that 20 lakh people lost their money in chit fund scam in West Bengal. We took oath on May 26,2014, so all these inquiries in Narada, Saradha scams started before us.

Police Commissioner is sitting on a dharna with politicians?: Ravi Shankar Prasad

Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad: What is happening? A Police Commissioner is sitting on dharna with politicians? What is the meaning of this? By sitting on dharna, West Bengal CM is following the footsteps of Arvind Kejriwal.

Our satyagraha is not against any agency, but Modi govt atrocities: Mamata

Our satyagraha is not against any agency, it is against Modi governments atrocities, said West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee at her dharna in Kolkata, as reported news agency ANI.

Inquiry began on Supreme Courts direction in 2013: Dharmendra Pradhan

It was after the Supreme Courts direction in 2013 that an inquiry began, if Mamata Ji is so fearless, why is she opposing it? What is she so scared of? Only those who steal are afraid, said Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

If you oppose BJP, central agencies unleashed on you: Mamata

We can have differences. But if you oppose BJP the central agencies are unleashed on you, you are sent to jail, you are termed an anti-national, says West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee at dharna in Kolkata.

This is a big fight and we have received support from across India, she added.

Mamata Banerjee assured that official work of the Bengal government will not suffer because of protest.

Sirji, whats happening: Shatrugan Sinha

Sirji, whats happening? Why are we playing with fire through the much maligned, disgraced and condemned govt institutions?

That too when the elections are around the corner...

By targeting the tried and tested mass leader with impeccable image, Bengal Tigress the lady who is identified with hawai chappal and cotton saris.

We have almost lost our credibility and people are not accepting whatever we are saying. Lets not get into knee jerk panic action reaction. Jai Hind !, tweeted Shatrugan Sinha.

Bengal Governor prepares confidential report, sends to MHA

A confidential report prepared by West Bengal Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi has been sent to Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

If institutions continue being discredited, federal structure will be fractured: Mufti

Manner in which constitutional institutions in this country, like CBI, are being misused to settle scores with opponents is unfortunate...We stand with Mamata ji. If institutions continue being discredited like this federal structure will be fractured, said former Jammu and Kashmir CM Mehbooba Mufti, as reported by news agency ANI.

Until EC announces election date, anything can happen: Nitish Kumar

These things can only be explained by people who are doing it. I dont react to such things.CBI and the government in question will explain. Until the Election Commission announces the date of elections, anything can happen in the country, said Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar.

Mamata holds state cabinet meeting to pass budget

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee is holding a state cabinet meeting at a temporary enclosure on the pavement to pass the budget.

Gorkha Janmukti Morcha takes out rally in Darjeeling

Gorkha Janmukti Morcha took out a rally in Darjeeling today in support of chief minister Mamata Banerjee, reports news agency ANI.

TMC doesnt believe in democracy: Nirmala Sitharaman

In interest of wanting free and fair environment in which Lok Sabha polls can be conducted,we have come to bring to the notice of the Election Commission the certain happenings in West Bengal, which has complete cooperation of TMC.Instances we highlighted point out that TMC doesnt believe in democracy, said Nirmala Sitharaman as reported by news agency ANI.

What Centre did in Bengal is dangerous: Kejriwal

Whatever central government did in West Bengal is very dangerous, and is against constitution and democracy...Every state has an elected government, if the prime minister sends CBI and ED like this and try to scare the officers then this country will not be safe, said Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, reports news agency ANI.

Additional Director Intelligence Bureau (SIB) West Bengal meets with Governor

Additional Director Intelligence Bureau (SIB) West Bengal Manoj Lal, has met West Bengal Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi at Raj Bhawan

CBI in its investigation till now had found involvement of many political persons, SC had said: Rajnath Singh

The Supreme Court in its earlier order on the CBI investigation of Saradha chit fund case had said that CBI in its investigation till now had found involvement of many political & influential persons, said home minister Rajnath Singh in the Lok Sabha.

We are a mature democracy, professionalism should be maintained: BJD

We are a mature democracy and professionalism should be maintained. Even in Odisha, sudden action of CBI just before Panchayat elections in past and now before general elections smacks of unprofessional conduct and coloured with the political motive, said BJDs Sasmit Patra.

Which is true, Rahul supporting Mamata or Oppositions demand for president rule in WB, asks Javadekar

Its a state of emergency in West Bengal. Leader of Opposition had asked to impose presidents rule in West Bengal, but at the same time Congress chief Rahul Gandhi is supporting Mamata. Which one is the truth?

SC ordered probe in Saradha chit fund case: Rajnath Singh

Rajnath Singh said the fight between probe agenciesCBI and the Kolkata Police is a danger to the federal structure of the country.

Rajnath was addressing the Lok Sabha amid CBI tota hain (CBI is a caged parrot) slogans by opposition members.

The action was taken after the Supreme Court had ordered an investigation into Saradha chit fund case, he said.

This is Mamatas emergency: Prakash Javadekar

Ye Mamata ji ki emergency hai Bengal mein. Hamari nahi hai, Mamata ji ki hai (This is Mamatas emergency in West Bengal, and not the Centres), said Union Minister Prakash Javadekar as reported by news agency ANI.

Mahagathbandan divided by region and united by corruption: Javadekar

Opposition parties have supported Mamata Banerjee. Who are these people? They are out on bail. Such people are standing together. This is not Mahagathbandhan, they are divided by regions and united by corruption. The corrupt are standing together, said Union Minister Prakash Javadekar as reported by news agency ANI.

Is it CBI vs Mamata or Mamata vs BJP: Shiv Senas Sanjay Raut

If the chief minister of a big state as West Bengal,is sitting on dharna, then it is a serious matter. Is this CBI vs Mamata Banerjee or Mamata Banerjee vs BJP, well find out soon. If CBI is being misused, its a matter of dignity of the nation, and prestige of the agency, said Shiv Senas Sanjay Raut.

Central govt misusing CBI: SP chief Akhilesh Yadav

Besides West Bengal, such things have been heard from other states too. BJP and the central government have started misusing CBI as elections are approaching. Not only I, not only Samajwadi Party, but all political parties are saying this, said SP chief Akhilesh Yadav outside the Parliament House today.

There was CBI row, centre was scared of a CBI director, now they are trying to scare everyone using CBI. Who has misused the institutions? If someone has politicised the institutions, it is BJP, he added as reportred by news agency ANI.

No party more corrupt than BJP: Congress Ghulam Nabi Azad

From the day BJP has come to power at the Centre, they have paid very less attention towards working for the country but towards eliminating opposition parties, this has been their focus for the past 5 years.There is no other party more corrupt than BJP, said Congress Ghulam Nabi Azad.

Mamatas right, country is in danger: Farooq Abdullah

Her (Mamata Banerjee) allegation is right. This country is in danger as its becoming dictatorial. They (Central govt) are not masters of this country, people are, Farooq Abdullah, National Conference on the Mamata-CBI face-off in West Bengal.

Modibabu promises double farmers income by 2022, it has trebled in Bengal already: Mamata

Modibabu (PM Modi) is promising that farmer income will double in 2022. In our state it has trebled already. If the govt changes after the LS polls, we will put our heads together to deliver benefits to the farmers

Agriculture labourers brought under social security scheme: Mamata

The agriculture labourers have also been brought under a social security scheme. Under this one, if farmers pay Rs 25, the state govt pays Rs 30. Upon reaching the age of 60, they will get a sum of Rs 2 lakh and a pension, said Mamata in Kolkata at dharna site.

Mamata lists state govt measures for farmers

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee listed the steps her govt have taken for the farmers such as financial assistance of Rs 5,000 per acre and other steps such as waiver of khajna (land tax).

The state govt pays the premium for crop insurance for farmers in Bengal. Last year we paid Rs 6.25 billion on this count.

About 1 lakh farmers get old age pension. The number of beneficiaries have gone up from 65,000 to 1 lakh this year.

We have revised the MSP on paddy from about Rs 1,100 per quintal in 2011 to Rs 1,700.

However, farmers have been badly hit by demonetisation, said chief minister Mamata Banerjee at her dharna site in Kolkata.

Mamata holds Modi govt responsible for miseries of millions of farmers

Mamata lashes out at the Modi government and holds it responsible for miseries of millions of farmers. The Central govt has given the farmers community sleepless nights, the chief minister said while addressing farmers via a phone call.

There is an agrarian crisis. Farmers are committing suicide but the central government doesnt care, she added.

Mamata vs Centre reaches parliament, both houses adjourned

The CBI and Mamata Banerjee face-off reached the Parliament today. Amid uproar by TMC members, Rajya Sabha was adjourned for the day, while Lok Sabha has been adjourned till 12 noon.

Rajnath calls up Governor

Home minister Rajnath Singh called up Governor of West Bengal Keshari Nath Tripathi to be apprised of the facts of the unfortunate and unprecedented situation of officers of a Central Investigating Agency being manhandled, detained, intimidated and obstructed, reported news agency ANI.

Akhliesh Yadav sends Kiranmay Nanda to express solidarity

To express solidarity Akhliesh Yadav has sent Kiranmay Nanda, a leader of Samajwadi Party, who reached the dharna mancha around 10 am.

If Kolkata Police Commissioner even thinks of destroying evidence, he will regret: CJI Gogoi

If Kolkata Police Commissioner even remotely thinks of destroying evidence, bring the material before this Court. We will come down so heavily on him that he will regret, CJI Gogoi said.

Chief Justice to hear plea tomorrow

Chief Justice of India says we will hear the matter tomorrow CBIs plea in SC seeking directions to Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar to cooperate with the investigation in Saradha chit fund case:

Our team arrested, kept in custody, Kolkata Police Commissioner should immediately surrender: Solicitor general

Our team was arrested and kept in alleged custody. Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar should immediately surrender, solicitor general Tushar Mehta representing CBI submitted before Supreme Court.

Spoke with Oppn parties, need to save Constitution: Derek OBrien

We have spoken to all opposition parties, we all will go forward. We have to save the Constitution, the country and the federal structure. Later today, all opposition parties will go to the Election Commission, said TMCs Derek OBrien in Parliament.

Kolkata top cop summoned multiple times, didnt cooperate: CBI

CBI in its petition says Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar was summoned multiple times but failed to cooperate and created hurdles in the investigation.

CBI moves SC, asks for Kolkata top cop to cooperate with probe

CBI moves Supreme Court seeking directions to Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar to cooperate with the investigation in Saradha chit fund case.

Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi calls chief secretary, DGP for meeting

The governor of West Bengal, Keshari Nath Tripathi has asked chief secretary Malay De and DGP Virendra Kumar to come to his residence to take stock of the situation. They could reach around 11 am.

Will hold discussions with opposition party leaders in Delhi: Naidu

We will hold discussions with opposition party leaders in Delhi today and draft an action plan on a nation-wide movement. TDP MPs will strongly protest along with other opposition leaders today, said Andhra Pradesh chief minister and TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu on CBI issue in West Bengal, reported news agency ANI.

Kolkata police commissioner Rajeev Kumar leaves dharna site

After meeting Mamata Banerjee, Kolkata police commissioner Rajeev Kumar (in grey shirt) left from the site of the chief ministers Save the Constitution dharna.

Supporters gather to catch glimpse of Mamatas dharna

Supporters of Trinamool Congress gathered to catch a glimpse of Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee during her dharna to save Democracy against BJP led central government, at Esplanade in Kolkata on Monday.

Supporters of Trinamool Congress trying to have a glimpse of Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee during dharna to save Democracy against BJP led central govt, at Esplanade in Kolkata on Monday 4th February 2019. ( Arijit Sen/HT Photo )

Memorandum signed by all opposition parties, will be submitted to EC: Mamata

A memorandum has been signed by all the opposition parties and it will be submitted to the Election Commission, said West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee during Save the Constitution dharna in Kolkata.

Police disperses TMC supporters who blocked NH 60

In the morning TMC supporters blocked NH 60 at Gangajalghati in Bankura district. The police dispersed them after some time.

An attack on a states federal rights: HD Kumaraswamy

What happened in West Bengal is an attack on a states federal rights guaranteed by our constitution. We stand with West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy tweeted this morning.

Mamata Banerjee returns to dharna mancha

After having gone for about an hour to freshen up, West Bengal chief minister returned to the dharna mancha to continue her protest the move of the CBI to question Kolkata Police commissioner Rajeev Kumar.

Watch| Mamata Banerjee begins her Save the Constitution dharna, accuses BJP of plotting coup

CBI to move SC after face-off with Kolkata policemen

Following the face-off between CBI and Kolkata policemen outside city Police Commissioners official residence, the central agency said it would move the Supreme Court Monday, alleging the investigation in chit fund scam cases were being hindered and investigation officers were harassed.

Centre making mockery of federal structure: Kejriwal

Amid the stand-off between the West Bengal government and the CBI, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal Sunday said the Centre was making a mockery of democracy and federal structure.

Kejriwal, who is known to share a good rapport with Banerjee, said he spoke to her and expressed solidarity.

Modi ji has made a complete mockery of democracy and federal structure. Few years back, Modi ji captured Anti- Corruption Branch of Del govt by sending paramilitary forces. Now, this. Modi-(Amit) Shah duo is a threat to India and its democracy. We strongly condemn this action.

Will continue Satyagraha till country is saved: Mamata Banerjee

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who began a sit-in protest over the CBIs attempt to question the Kolkata Police chief in connection with chit fund scams, said Monday she will continue her Satyagraha till the country and its Constitution are saved.

The Chief Minister skipped meals and remained awake the entire night on a makeshift dais here along with some senior ministers and party members.

This is a Satyagraha and Ill continue till the country is saved, Banerjee told reporters who accompanied her at the place of dharna.

TMC supporters prep for rallies

TMC supporters have begun preparations to organise protest rallies all over Bengal from 2 pm today.

Some of the TMC supporters stayed at Esplanade overnight to express solidarity with their leader Mamata Banerjees dharna.

Central forces guard gates of central govt office complex

Central forces are guarding the gates of the central government office complex at Nizam Palace and Salt Lake. Entry to Nizam Palace campus has been restricted. Usually none asks for identity and purpose of visit to this campus which is being done now.

Mamata up all night, TMC supporters from all districts reaching dharna spot

TMC supporters from all districts began coming to the spot of Mamatas dharna manch early morning Monday.

For most part of last night, a few ministers such as Indranil Sen and Firhad Hakim were at the dharna spot.

TMC leaders were seen making phone calls for most parts of the night, while chief minister Mamata Banerjee was seen awake for almost all night.

TMC supporters hold placards near metro channel

TMC supporters hold placards near metro channel where West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee is holding the Save the Constitution dharna over the ongoing CBI issue.

TMC supporters hold placards near metro channel where West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee is holding the dharna. ( ANI/Twitter )

Latest visuals from near Metro Channel where Mamata Banerjee is holding her dharna

Kolkata: Latest visuals from near Metro Channel where West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee is holding her Save the Constitution dharna over the ongoing CBI issue.

Kolkata: Latest visuals from near Metro Channel where West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is holding her 'Save the Constitution' dharna over the ongoing CBI issue pic.twitter.com/jNA3mTDb6N  ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2019

BJP to approach Election Commission against Mamata government for blocking its rallies

A delegation of senior BJP leaders will meet the Chief Election Commissioner on Monday to complain about the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government for blocking rallies of BJP leaders. Union Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will be a part of the delegation along with other senior leaders of the party.

Also Read| Yogi Adityanaths Bengal rally denied permission by Mamata govt

This fight is not by my party. It is for my government: Mamata Banerjee

Mamata Banerjee said she was getting calls from politicians, including former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav, Madhya Pradesh chief minister Kamalnath, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and Gujarat MLA and Dalit leader Jignesh Mevani.

Asked if any of the leaders would arrive in the city to meet her, Banerjee said, Ive no idea about that. If someone wants to come, we will welcome them. This fight is not by my party. It is for my government.

Will continue Satyagraha till country is saved: Mamata Banerjee

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, who began a sit-in protest over the CBIs attempt to question the Kolkata Police chief in connection with chit fund scams, said she will continue her Satyagraha till the country and its Constitution are saved.

This is a Satyagraha and Ill continue till the country is saved, Banerjee told reporters.

Central Bureau of Investigation to move Supreme Court today

CBI Interim Director M Nageshwar Rao yesterday said the CBI will approach the Supreme Court today on the matter as the West Bengal police is not cooperating.

8 hours on, Mamata stays put at dharna site over CBI face-off

8 hours on, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee stays put at dharna site over CBI face-off.

Opposition leaders took to Twitter to express their support to Mamata Banerjee

Opposition leaders took to Twitter to express their support for the Trinamool Congress chief and flay Prime Minister Narendra Modi for misusing the CBI.

Independence of every institution has been compromised under fascist BJP Government: MK Stalin

MK Stalin tweets: The independence of every institution has been compromised under this fascist BJP Government.

I stand with @MamataOfficial Didi in her fight to protect the federal structure of this country and to save democracy.

Different ethnic and interest groups had been told to assemble at Esplanade: Trinamool minister tells HT

A Trinamool minister told HT on condition of anonymity that different ethnic and interest groups had been told to assemble at Esplanade. The results are showing, he said.

Also Read| Mamata Banerjee says PM Modi, Amit Shah forced CBI to act against her

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee takes rest

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee takes rest.

Trinamool workers stage road blockade at Siuri in Birbhum district and in Bankura town

Trinamool workers stage road blockade at Siuri in Birbhum district and in Bankura town in the dead of the night.

Drama by BJP and TMC is to save corrupt and hide their corruption: Sitaram Yechury

This drama in Kolkata by BJP and TMC is not a fight for any principle but only to save their corrupt and hide their corruption. CPI(M) has fought both these undemocratic, corrupt, communal and dictatorial regimes in the Centre and the state and will continue to do so, says Sitaram Yechury.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on ongoing CBI issue in West Bengal: CBI has got to do its job or not? When CBI does it, it's political vendetta, when it doesn't do it, it's caged parrot. Let them make up their minds. pic.twitter.com/0u2A2iV22f  ANI (@ANI) February 3, 2019

TMC leadership responds by staging a drama to protect its corrupt: Sitaram Yechury

Sitaram Yechury, General Secretaryof CPI (M) tweets: Corruption cases against TMC govt in chit fund scam have been public for years but Modi govt chose to stay quiet as top mastermind of the scam joined BJP. It does a drama to act now, after 5 years, and TMC leadership responds by staging a drama to protect its corrupt.

Mamata Banerjee says she wont have dinner

Mamata says she wont have dinner although party workers got some food. Right now a makeshift enclosure is being set up on the stage by some young men so that she may have some privacy.

Mamata picks up chordless microphone and says, Please stop it now and go home

On stage with Mamata Banerjee is MLA Mahua Moitra and four women leaders and ministers. The men have left the stage. Trinamool workers are still shouting slogans. Mamata picks up the chordless microphone and says, Please stop it now and go home. She appears annoyed.

Mamata Banerjee changes her shawl and sits on a chair on the newly-constructed stage

Mamata Banerjee changes her shawl and sits on a chair on the newly constructed stage.

Wear black badges and carry black flags to register your protest: Mamata Banerjee

Mamata Banerjee tweets: Organise rallies tomorrow between 2-4 PM in every block of the State. Wear black badges and carry black flags to register your protest

We are not afraid. If he wants to impose Presidents Rule, we will see. We have to ensure Modi is ousted from power in 2019

Applaud and support the stand taken by Mamata Banerjee: Raj Thackeray

Raj Thackeray tweets: We applaud and support the stand taken by Mamta Banerjee against the autocracy and tyranny of the Central government. The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena firmly stands behind her and the fight against this tyranny.

Security is being tightened in and around Esplanade

Kolkata Police senior officers say on condition of anonymity that security is being tightened in and around Esplanade since Mamata Banerjee will be frequently visiting the spot.

West Midnapore: TMC workers stage rail roko protest at Midnapore Railway Station

West Midnapore: TMC workers stage rail roko protest at Midnapore Railway Station over the ongoing CBI issue.

West Midnapore: TMC workers stage 'rail roko protest' at Midnapore Railway Station over the ongoing CBI issue. #WestBengal pic.twitter.com/8lIQVsWJT7  ANI (@ANI) February 3, 2019

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on ongoing CBI issue in West Bengal

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on ongoing CBI issue in West Bengal: CBI has got to do its job or not? When CBI does it, its political vendetta, when it doesnt do it, its caged parrot. Let them make up their minds.

A temporary room is being built beside the stage set up for Mamatas dharna

A temporary room is being built beside the stage set up for Mamatas dharna. We will hold a meeting of the state cabinet in this room tomorrow morning before we place the crucial state budget at the Assembly, says Mamata Banerjee.

Mamata tells her leaders that they will take turns in carrying out dharna and spend 6 hours each

Mamata tells her leaders that they will take turns in carrying out the dharna and spend six hours each at Esplanade.

PM Modi, Amit Shah called CBI and said Kuch to karo: Mamata Banerjee

Narendra Modi and Amit Shah were trying to put pressure on me before I organised the United India rally (in Kolkata). After the rally, they called CBI officers from Kolkata and said, Kuch to karo, says Mamata Banerjee.

Have proof that deputy CM of Assam took Rs 3 crore from a chit fund: Mamata Banerjee

I have definite proof that the BJP deputy chief minister of Assam took Rs 3 crore from a chit fund. Bengals BJP leader Locket Chatterjee took a flat and gold bars. Were they touched ? No, says Mamata.

Please save India, save democracy: Mamata Banerjee

Please save India, please save democracy, please save Saare jahan se achha, Hindustan hamara. I am grateful to all regional parties for their support. I request all TMC workers to demonstrate peacefully. Take out processions in all districts tomorrow but dont cause convenience to the public. BJP may provoke you. But dont fall it. They may plan Presidents rule in Bengal but we will show them our might, Mamata says at Esplanade.

Trinamool workers start demonstration at Midnapore railway station

Trinamool workers start demonstration at Midnapore railway station. Burns wood on the tracks.

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee continues her Save the Constitution dharna

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee continues her Save the Constitution dharna with her supporters at Metro Channel, over the ongoing CBI issue. She is sitting there since 9 pm.

Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee continues her 'Save the Constitution' dharna with her supporters at Metro Channel, over the ongoing CBI issue. She is sitting there since 9 pm. pic.twitter.com/9nIflitip2  ANI (@ANI) February 3, 2019

CBI unnecessarily kept our MP Sudip Bandopadhyay in jail for six months: Mamata Banerjee

Rajeev Kumar headed the special investigation team that we formed to probe the chit fund. We recovered Rs 300 crore. But CBI unnecessarily kept our MP Sudip Bandopadhyay in jail for six months, says Mamata Banerjee.

Rajeev Kumar is not a crook. He is the best officer: Mamata Banerjee

Rajeev Kumar is not a crook. He is the best officer. He was never involved in the chit fund scam. From where did CBI gain such audacity to raid a police commissioners residence. Law and order is a state subject. Narendra Modi should not forget that. This entire operation is planned by Ajit Doval, Mamata Banerjee says while addressing the crowd at midnight

A temporary stage has been built on the road

A temporary stage has been built at record speed on the road racing Metro Cinema at Esplanade. All Trinamool ministers, senior IAS and IPS officers and hundreds of Trinamool workers are present at Esplanade.

TMC will begin a state-wide agitation from Monday

Trinamool Congress will begin a state-wide agitation from Monday.

Kolkata Police even deployed a force outside residence of CBI joint director Pankaj Srivastava

Kolkata Police even deployed a force outside the Kolkata residence of CBI joint director Pankaj Srivastava. The unit was removed at night.

Hooghly: TMC workers stage a rail roko protest in Rishra over the ongoing CBI issue

Hooghly: TMC workers stage a rail roko protest in Rishra over the ongoing CBI issue.

Hooghly: TMC workers stage a 'rail roko protest' in Rishra over the ongoing CBI issue pic.twitter.com/uQwdwfudha  ANI (@ANI) February 3, 2019

CRPF units deployed at two CBI offices in Kolkata

Central reserve police force (CRPF) units deployed at the two CBI offices in Kolkata. One is at Nizam Palace in south Kolkata and the other at the CGO complex at Salt Lake. This was done after CBI asked for security arrangements. Earlier in the evening Kolkata Police deployed huge forces at these two places but removed the men after Mamata Banerjee started her dharna.

Bengal governor summons chief secretary, home secretary and DGP

Bengal governor Keshari Nath Tripathi has summoned the chief secretary, home secretary and director general of police to Raj Bhawan, senior state officials said on condition of anonymity. Top CBI officers in Kolkata had earlier sought an appointment with the governor.

Entire opposition will stand together and defeat these fascist forces: Rahul Gandhi

Congress president Rahul Gandhi tweets: I spoke with Mamata Di tonight and told her we stand shoulder to shoulder with her.

The happenings in Bengal are a part of the unrelenting attack on Indias institutions by Mr Modi & the BJP.

The entire opposition will stand together & defeat these fascist forces.

Detention of CBI officers in Kolkata amounts to constitutional crisis: Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury

Former Bengal Congress president Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury says the detention of CBI officers in Kolkata amounts to constitutional crisis. This calls for promulgation of Article 356, he said.

Blatant misuse of CBI in West Bengal: Sharad Pawar

NCP chief Sharad Pawar tweets: #Assualtondemocracy - blatant misuse of CBI in #WestBengal to intimidate the opposition and settle political scores.

Tomorrow CBI will approach Supreme Court as the West Bengal police is not cooperating: M Nageshwar Rao

CBI Interim Director M Nageshwar Rao: Tomorrow the CBI will approach the Supreme Court on the matter as the West Bengal police is not cooperating.

Also Read| SC asked us to probe conspiracy: CBI officer on face-off with Kolkata cops

Mehbooba Mufti extends her support to Mamata Banerjee

PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti tweets: In solidarity with @MamataOfficial

History stands testament to how JK has faced the wrath of central agencies. Its disheartening to see how institutions are being hijacked only to discredit political opponents . Doesnt bode well for the Centre - State relationship.

In solidarity with @MamataOfficial

History stands testament to how JK has faced the wrath of central agencies. Its disheartening to see how institutions are being hijacked only to discredit political opponents . Doesnt bode well for the Centre - State relationship .  Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) February 3, 2019

A Bhattacharya, Secy Home Affairs, W Bengal writes to state Election Commission

A Bhattacharya, Secy Home Affairs, W Bengal writes to state EC: He has clarified that he (Kolkata Police Commissioner) was absent from meeting on 31 Jan as he had applied for casual leave for personal reasons, he intended no offence or disrespect to Election Commission of India.

A Bhattacharya, Secy Home Affairs, W Bengal writes to state EC: He has clarified that he (Kolkata Police Commissioner) was absent from meeting on 31 Jan as he had applied for casual leave for personal reasons, he intended no offence or disrespect to Election Commission of India. pic.twitter.com/Sej4MbgxwY  ANI (@ANI) February 3, 2019

Opposition leaders spoke to Mamata and expressed solidarity

Rahul Gandhi, Omar Abdullah, Akhilesh Yadav, Tejashwi Yadav, Chandrababu Naidu, Mayawati, Sharad Pawar, and Arvind Kejriwal spoke to Mamata Banerjee over phone and expressed solidarity, reports news agency ANI.

Andhra Pradesh CM N. Chandrababu Naidu is speaking with all opposition leaders

Andhra Pradesh CMO: Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu is speaking with all opposition leaders.

We stand by Chief Minister of West Bengal: N Chandrababu Naidu

N Chandrababu Naidu tweets:This is shocking and we strongly condemn this. We stand by Chief Minister of West Bengal to preserve and protect constitution and spirit of federalism in the country.

Strongly condemn the incidents happening in Kolkata: Andhra CM

N Chandrababu Naidu tweets: We strongly condemn the incidents happening in Kolkata, a glaring example of how Modi-Shah duo are destroying the institutions. Attacking political opponents in different States, few days before the Parliament elections commence, will have disastrous consequences in the country.

Misuse of institutions by union government to victimize political opponents is reaching dangerous proportions: Chandrababu Naidu

Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu tweets: After opposition parties started uniting and started to fight together to save democracy, the Modi led BJP is losing all hope. The misuse of institutions by the union government to victimize political opponents in States is reaching dangerous proportions.

Constitutional crisis created by Mamata: Babul Supriyo

Babul Supriyo tweets: Presidents Rule should be imposed on West Bengal to control this Rogue #TMchhi Govt under a corrupt CM MamtaBanerjeeThis is a constitutional crisis created by Mamta to shield her corrupt & tainted accomplices.

Presidents Rule should be imposed on West Bengal to control this Rogue #TMchhi Govt under a corrupt CM MamtaBanerjeeThis is a constitutional crisis created by Mamta to shield her corrupt & tainted accomplices  Babul Supriyo (@SuPriyoBabul) February 3, 2019

Babul Supriyo tweets over the ongoing situation in West Bengal

BJP MP Babul Supriyo tweets over the ongoing situation in West Bengal.

What's happening in Bengal?



- Arrests CBI

- Denied permission for rallies

- Doesnt let @AmitShahs choppers land

- Lets her goonda party men to kill BJP supporters

- Insults federal system



We demand #PresidentRuleInBengal. #MamataFearsBJP #MamataBlocksCBI  Babul Supriyo (@SuPriyoBabul) February 3, 2019

Entire opposition and people are getting united to defeat BJP: Akhilesh Yadav

Samajwadi Party national president Akhilesh Yadav through a tweet has said that he and his party supports the West Bengal chief minister in her dharma against the BJP governments vendetta policies by misusing CBI politically putting democracy and the Constitution in threat. Today, entire opposition and people are getting united to defeat BJP in elections, he said.

TMC workers burn an effigy of PM Modi in Asansol over the ongoing CBI issue

West Bengal: Visuals of TMC workers burning an effigy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Asansol over the ongoing CBI issue.

West Bengal: Visuals of TMC workers burning an effigy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Asansol over the ongoing CBI issue. pic.twitter.com/DiYkBzaK2g  ANI (@ANI) February 3, 2019

Opposition leaders have offered me support: Mamata Banerjee

Leaders of various Opposition parties including Akhilesh Yadav, Tejashwi Yadav, Chandrababu Naidu, Omar Abdullah, Ahmed Patel, MK Stalin had called me to extend their solidarity and support, Mamata Banerjee said at the venue of her sit-in demonstration.

I am with Mamata Banerjee. Democracy is in danger today: Lalu Prasad Yadav

I am with Mamata Banerjee. Democracy is in danger today, tweets RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav.

West Bengal: TMC workers stage a protest in Asansol over the ongoing CBI issue

West Bengal: TMC workers stage a protest in Asansol over the ongoing CBI issue.

West Bengal: TMC workers stage a protest in Asansol over the ongoing CBI issue. pic.twitter.com/qHjVuzZcyW  ANI (@ANI) February 3, 2019

We are going to continue the dharna overnight: Mamata Banerjee

We are going to continue the dharna overnight. Please save India, says Mamata Banerjee.

CBI seeks time from West Bengal Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi to discuss the ongoing issue

Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) seeks time from West Bengal Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi to discuss the ongoing issue.

Detaining CBI officials is unconstitutional: GVL Narasimha Rao

GVL Narasimha Rao: CBI is working as per directions of the Supreme Court, no state government has the power to obstruct or detain them. Its unconstitutional and undemocratic...We hope the Supreme Court gives a direction to West Bengal government, keeping this incident in view otherwise no agency will be able to work in this country.

GVL Narasimha Rao: CBI is working as per directions of SC, no state govt has the power to obstruct or detain them. It's unconstitutional&undemocratic...We hope SC gives a direction to WB govt, keeping this incident in view otherwise no agency will be able to work in this country. https://t.co/VYPz9pXGR4  ANI (@ANI) February 3, 2019

Mamata Banerjee wants to protect the corrupt in her state, like a dictator: BJP leader GVL Narasimha Rao

GVL Narasimha Rao, BJP: Incident taking place in Kolkata are unfortunate. Mamata Banerjee wants to protect the corrupt in her state, like a dictator. She is obstructing investigation of CBI which was there as per SC order. She is shredding apart the constitution. We condemn this.

Modi has to go, Amit Shah has to go, otherwise constitution is in danger: Derek OBrien

Derek OBrien: Modi has to go, Amit Shah has to go, otherwise constitution is in danger, institutions are in danger and the country is in danger. Mamata has fought many battles before and another one starts tonight at 9 pm.

TMC has given update to like-minded parties on what happened today: Derek OBrien

Derek OBrien: TMC has spoken to all like minded parties and given them an update on what happened today in Kolkata. It has happened to Akhilesh Yadav, Mayawati, Congress, TDP, AAP and all the parties.

The perpetrators are actually Modi, Shah and Ajit Doval: Derek OBrien

Derek OBrien, TMC: They landed with 40 CBI officials at police commissioners residence in Kolkata. They dont even have a search warrant. The perpetrators are actually Modi, Shah and Ajit Doval, I heard it from my sources and I say this with full responsibility.

Feel ashamed to talk to such a prime minister who has blood on his hands: Mamata Banerjee

I feel ashamed to talk to such a prime minister who has blood on his hands, says Mamata Banerjee.

A team of CBI officers came without any papers: Praveen Tripathi, Joint Commissioner Crime

Praveen Tripathi, Joint Commissioner Crime, Kolkata Police: A team of CBI officers came without any papers for what they called a secret operation. When asked what the operation was about, they could not give a satisfactory response.

Praveen Tripathi, Joint Commissioner Crime, Kolkata Police: A team of CBI officers came without any papers for what they called a 'secret operation'. When asked what the operation was about, they could not give a satisfactory response. pic.twitter.com/CyS83Z1aKC  ANI (@ANI) February 3, 2019

Amit Shah and Narendra Modi cannot fight TMC: Derek OBrien

TMC leader Derek OBrien: Amit Shah and Narendra Modi cannot fight TMC. They are resorting to political vendetta after what they saw in United India rally. BJP knows TMC slogan has arrived - 2019-BJP Finish

NSA Ajit Doval is giving instructions to CBI: Mamata Banerjee

I am sorry to say National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is giving instructions to the agency. He is implementing what PM Narendra Modi is asking. He should tell the people that it is not correct, says West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee.

Bengal govt not cooperating with CBI indicates their guilt: Jitendra Singh

Minister of state for personnel Dr Jitendra Singh: When Prime Minister Narendra Modi was chief minister of Gujarat, he set an example by cooperating with all the CBI probes launched against him, though all the allegations against him were unfounded. Here in the case of West Bengal, the cases are supported by reasonable evidence but still the state government has fought with the CBI which show they have something to hide and it also indicates their guilt.

A lot of evidence has been destroyed or caused to disappear: M Nageshwar Rao

Interim CBI chief M Nageshwar Rao to ANI: They have taken charge of all the evidence, seized all the documents. They have not been cooperating with us in handing over all the documents and a lot of evidence has been destroyed or caused to disappear.

We are investigating these chit fund cases as per directions of Supreme Court: M Nageshwar Rao

Interim CBI chief M Nageshwar Rao to ANI: We are investigating these chit fund cases as per the directions of the Supreme Court. An SIT has been constituted by the WB govt prior to SCs direction under the chairmanship of Rajeev Kumar, who is currently the Kolkata police commissioner.

There is evidence against Rajeev Kumar: Interim CBI chief M Nageshwar Rao

Interim CBI chief M Nageshwar Rao to ANI: There is evidence against him (Rajeev Kumar), he has been instrumental in causing destruction of this evidence and obstructing justice.

Modi-Shah duos action is completely bizarre and anti-democracy: Arvind Kejriwal

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal tweets: Spoke to Mamta didi and expressed solidarity. Modi-Shah duos action is completely bizarre and anti-democracy.

Spoke to Mamta didi and expressed solidarity. Modi-Shah duos action is completely bizarre and anti-democracy  Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) February 3, 2019

All 5 CBI officers that were detained by police have been released

West Bengal: All five CBI officers that were detained by police at Shakespeare Sarani police station in Kolkata have been released, reports news agency ANI.

CRPF units arrive at CBI regional office at CGO Complex, Kolkata

West Bengal: Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) units arrive at CBI regional office at CGO Complex, Kolkata.

Mamata Banerjee sits on Save the Constitution dharna

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee sitting on her Save the Constitution dharna at Metro Channel, Kolkata. Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar is also present.We have clamped down on anti-national forces: Rajnath Singh

We have clamped down on anti-national forces. The security forces have broken the back of Naxalism. We want India to be the sudarshan chakra for anti-India forces.

BJP gave Indians the worlds largest health cover Ayushman Bharat: Rajnath Singh

Our government has given Indians the worlds largest health cover Ayushman Bharat. Education and health are two sectors out government has done a lot but we believe theres still a long way to go.

PM Modi accepted the challenge to fulfill peoples expectation: Rajnath Singh

People have expectations only from those who work for their betterment. PM Modi has accepted the challenge to fulfill those expectations.

10% quota for poor is a historic decision: Rajnath Singh

The BJP government is working for an inclusive growth. We have started 10% reservation for the poor, this was a section which has been ignored for years for governments.

Rs 6,000 per year for farmers should be seen as an income benefit: Rajnath Singh

Our government gave farmers a good minimum support price (MSP). To double income of farmers by 2022, we have given cash benefit to farmers in the interim budget. Rs 6,000 per year for farmers should be seen as an income benefit.

Strength of democracy lies with people: Rajnath Singh

The strength of democracy lies with people. For the first time, a political party is starting such a scheme to take suggestions from the public for a sankalp patra (agenda for governance).

Union home minister Rajnath Singh speaks on Bharat Ke Mann Ki Baat

Union home minister Rajnath Singh takes to stage.

Over the next one month, 11 crore BJP workers will reach out to 10 crore households: Amit Shah

Over the next one month, 11 crore BJP workers will reach out to 10 crore households to find out what is their idea of new India and what are their expectations from Narendra Modi.

Your voice is of utmost importance, tweets PM Modi

Your voice is of utmost importance. Urging you all to take part in Bharat ke Mann ki Baat, Modi ke Saath, a unique effort by @BJP4India to get citizen feedback, PM Modis twitter handle wrote.

Your voice is of utmost importance.



Urging you all to take part in 'Bharat ke Mann ki Baat, Modi ke Saath, a unique effort by @BJP4India to get citizen feedback.



What you all share will form the blueprint of our Sankalp Patra for the 2019 elections. https://t.co/TvajNFN9RF  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 3, 2019

Participative democracy is an article of faith for our party. We have always worked to be an effective voice for rights and well-being of each and every Indian and to build a strong and prosperous India.#BharatKeMannKiBaat  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 3, 2019

Bharat ke mann ki baat is not a programme of the BJP: Amit Shah

We will contest the 2019 polls under the leadership of Narendra Modi. Bharat ke mann ki baat is not a programme of the BJP, it is a programme of the people of India.

BJP believes in internal democracy: Amit Shah

BJP is a party that believes in internal democracy and is a party with ideology. Other parties contest elections to win, we dont take part in elections only to win. It is a festival of democracy. It is a chance to connect with the people

Development happens when governments continue for longer than 5 years: Amit Shah

Governments are not for five years, they are in continuity, that is when development happens. These govts that ran for years made the country go back 30 years.

Before 2014, there was no financial discipline: Amit Shah

Before 2014, populist policies were announced to win only elections, there was no financial discipline.

Amit Shah addresses the gathering

BJP president Amit Shah takes the stage and addresses the gathering.Our country has immense potential for tourism: PM

Our country has immense potential for tourism... The first requirement of tourism is the one should be proud of their countrys things: PM Modi

Tourism              



Tourism           



Tourism           tourism       : PM  PMO India (@PMOIndia) February 3, 2019

If country decides to get rid of poverty, no force can keep us poor: Modi

A student from Kurukshetra university asks if India can become poverty free nation in the future.

If the country decides that we want to get rid of poverty, no force on Earth can keep us poor. If we use our natural and human resources in a planned way, it is not difficult to get rid of poverty: PM Modi.

According to UN and other agencies, India is rapidly getting out of the poor bracket. The bulk of middle-class and neo middle-class in increasing. They have also said that Schedule Caste and Muslims of India, these two categories have been the biggest beneficiary. : PM Modi

According to studies, India reducing poverty at fastest pace in the world: Modi

There are 2 realities today which make us proud. India is the fastest growing large economy in the world. According to studies, India is also reducing poverty at the fastest pace in the world: PM Modi

My satisfaction lies in giving birth to new dreams: PM Modi

PM Modi says he is satisfied with the work he could do in the last 4 and half years.

My satisfaction doesnt lie in patting myself but in giving birth to new dreams: PM Modi

Want people from abroad to come and study in India: PM

We should develop such education institutions that instead of students leaving the country to study abroad, people from outside should come to India... Im working with that dream: PM Modi

We want to achieve global standards of education: PM Modi

A young girl asks PM Modi if he is satisfied with his efforts in education sector. PM responds saying, In terms of effort, Im content we are in the right direction.... And the standard of education that exists in the world, we want to achieve those global standards.

PM Modi lays foundation stone and inaugurates development projects in Srinagar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi lays foundation stone and inaugurates development projects in Srinagar.

Government with every martyr: PM

The government will be standing with you at every step with the family of every martyr. I also reassure families facing firepower from across the border that their safety is being tried every possible.

Congress gets the fever of loan waiver when elections are around the corner: PM Modi

The Congress party gets the fever of a loan forgiveness as soon as the elections are around the corner, once in 10 years.

Congress partys intention has never been about freeing debts of farmers. But in the name of farmers, the Congress has always filled the pockets of intermediaries.

PM Modi on Rs 6000 allotment to farmers

For the first time in the countrys 70-year history, more than 12 crore small farmer families of the country, which have land of up to 5 acres, will now get Rs 6,000 every year in their bank account.

Pm Modi on citizenship bill

Our government has brought a proposal to amend the citizenship law. These are part of the resolution by which we will stand with all the people who were ever part of India and have separated us from the circumstances in 1947.

PM Modi on Kashmiri Pandits

The Centre is committed to the preserving the rights of the Kashmiri Pandits, the Kashmiri displaced brothers and sisters, and is devoted to their dignity and pride.

Central government is dedicated to giving youth equal opportunities: PM Modi

Central government is dedicated to giving youth equal opportunities.

Recently, 10% reservation to poor general-class youth in government services and educational institutions was allotted.

To improve road network, BJP govt has provisioned Rs 40 crore: PM

The BJP government has provisioned Rs 40 crore in the Pradhanmantri Vikas package to improve the road network, connecting far-flung areas together.

Jammu and Kashmir had 70 MBBS seats: PM Modi

Jammu and Kashmir had 70 MBBS seats, now with BJPs work, the numbers will turn double.

Happy to come once again in the canopy of Maa vaishno: PM Modi

Happy to come once again in the canopy of Maa vaishno. Whenever I come here, energy inspires me to do my job with more power.

PM Modi inaugurates development projects in Jammu

PM Narendra Modi lays foundation stone and inaugurated development projects in Jammu.

PM Modi on the budget

In ST welfare, the budget has given around 30% increase and nearly 35% budget has been alloted for the development of Dalits.

PM Modi on Kisan Honour Fund scheme

The government has decided that farmers who have less than 5 acres of land will get money in their bank accounts directly every year: PM Shri

Once Bilaspur-Manali-Leh rail line is completed, the distance from Delhi to Leh will be reduced: PM

Once Bilaspur-Manali-Leh rail line is completed, the distance from Delhi to Leh will be reduced. It will also benefit the tourism sector. Protected Area Permits validity has been increased to 15 days, now tourists will be able to enjoy their journey to Leh.

Left behind the culture of delays: PM Modi

Weve left behind culture of delays, says PM Narendra Modi

Your affection gives me a great motivation: PM Modi

Those who live in difficult situations, they challenge every difficulty. Your affection gives me a great motivation to keep working hard.

PM Modi on new trek routes

Life gets easier, economically as well once a city is well connected. We have decided to launch five trekking routes.

PM applauds crowd for attending the event in chilling cold weather

After welcoming everyone, PM Modi applauded the crowd for attending the event in chilling cold weather in Leh.

PM Modi reaches Ladakh, inaugurates various development projects in Leh

PM Modi reached Ladakh on his one-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar and Ladakh. He inaugurated and lay foundation stone for various development projects in Leh.

Mobile internet services suspended in Srinagar

Mobile internet services suspended in Srinagar ahead of PM Modis visit, according to news agency IANS.

Police carry rigorous search operations

On Saturday, police seized dozens of two wheelers which were found without papers. On Friday evening, forces launched a cordon and search operation at business centre at Lal Chowk in Srinagar.

For PMs visit, tight security put in place

A three-tier security grid has been put in place around the S K International Conference Centre in Srinagar and traffic has already been diverted to alternate routes to secure the venue.

PM to hold separate meeting with BJP leaders

The PM will be meeting panches and sarpanches and will hold a separate meeting with the BJP leaders and workers in the evening, BJP state spokesperson Altaf Thakur had said.

PM Modi to kick-start his election campaign

PM Modi will also address a rally at Vijaypur in Jammu. He will be kick-starting his election campaign from the rally.

PM will inaugurate projects worth Rs 35,000 crore

He will also inaugurate projects worth Rs 35,000 crore at Vijaypur, while in Kashmir and Ladakh he will be dedicating projects worth Rs 9,000 crore.

PM Modi to visit Jammu and Kashmir today

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate various development projects in Jammu and Srinagar during a day-long visit to Jammu and Kashmir today.Kolkata Police chief Rajeev Kumar has expressed regret for not attending a meeting with the Election Commission officials last week, stating that he was on a casual leave, West Bengal government has said in a letter to the poll panel. In a letter to Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal dated February 1, state home secretary Atri Bhattacharya said Kumar intended no offence or disrespect to the poll panel by not attending the meeting.

The issue has been discussed with the Commissioner of Police, Kolkata. He has clarified that he was absent from the meeting on 31st January 2019 as he had applied for Casual Leave for personal reasons, and that he thereby intended no offence or disrespect to the Election Commission of India, to Commissioners or to the officers. The error is regretted and would not be repeated.

This may kindly be placed before the Chief Election Commission, the letter said.

Kumar, a 1989 batch IPS officer of West Bengal cadre, did not attend a meeting with Election Commission officials who went to Kolkata regarding election preparedness.

In an unprecedented development Sunday evening, a number of CBI officers went to question Kumar in connection with chit fund scam cases. They were denied permission to enter Kumars Loudon Street residence, bundled into police jeeps and were whisked to a police station and detained, officials said.

The CBI wants to quiz Kumar, who led a Special Investigation Team of West Bengal Police probing the scams, regarding missing documents and files, according to officials.The Central Bureau of Investigation is looking for Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar in connection with its probe into ponzi scheme scam case.

A CBI source on Saturday told IANS that Kumar, a 1989 batch IPS officer, considered close to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, may be arrested if he does not respond to the CBIs summons.

The source said that Kumar had headed a probe by a Special Investigation Team related to both Saradha and Rose valley ponzi scams prior to the CBI taking up the case in 2014 on Supreme Courts orders.

The SIT was set up by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in 2013 after the multi billion rupee Saradha scam came to light, when the Saradha groups companies downed shutters across Bengal, unable to pay back the depositors.

The group had raised huge money, mainly from poor people who, lured by the promise of huge returns, parked their lifes savings with the firm.

The federal agency, now probing the ponzi scam cases, needs documents related to the investigation from Kumar.

Kumars last public appearance was on Thursday when he attended the inauguration of the International Kolkata Book Fair where Banerjee was also present.

Kumar was also seen at the stall put up by the city police, where the chief minister unveiled a number of books. However, Kumar had stayed away from a scheduled meeting with the visiting full bench of the Election Commission on Thursday.

The Election Commission on Friday said it has sought an explanation about his absence from the state home secretary, Kumars reporting boss. Hours later on Friday, Banerjee said Kumar was on leave, and apologised to the election panel for his absence.

The CBI had last month arrested Bengali film producer Shrikant Mohta for his connection with Rose Valley chit fund case.Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday called victims of endosulfan pesticide for talks after they took out a march to his residence over his silence on their demand that congenitally deformed children be included in the list for financial assistance.

He has promised to widen the list and include all affected in the package. So we are suspending our fast now, said convener of the endosulfan action committee A Kunjikrishnan. The CMs office also released a statement saying the government will consider their demands favourably.

The governments climbdown came six days after victims of endosulfan pesticide including many with a dozen deformed children pitched camp outside the secretariat demanding that the government include the children as well in the list for financial assistance.

A day earlier, Kerala Health Minister K K Shailaja had drawn fire for her comment that it was not right for endosulfan victims to exhibit their children, suffering the effects of the deadly pesticide, in front of the secretariat. Activists said her comments were shocking and cold hearted.

The ministers comment came after parents with a dozen congenitally deformed children continued to camp outside the secretariat demanding that the government include the children as well in the list for financial assistance.

It was really shocking. The minister is also a mother. She lacks conscience and is cold-hearted, said activist Daya Bhai who had been on a hunger strike in support of the children.

Protesters said when they conducted a similar agitation in 2016 the minister, then in the opposition, took part in it and she did not feel these children were exhibits then.

It is sad sick children were being used and exhibited as showpieces by those leading the hunger strike before the secretariat, Shailaja had said, claiming that most of the demands were accepted by the government. But protestors say the minister skirted real issues.

We need revision of the guidelines. As per the government list only 287 people are eligible for medical and financial assistance. It is turning a blind eye to the fact that there are 1900 people affected by the pesticide, said Endosulfan Peeditha Janakiya Munnani leader Muneesa Ambalathara. What really angered agitators was the statement of the Health Minister K K Shylaja who said some forces were exhibiting sick children.

The scourge of endosulfan began in the 1970s in north Keralas Kasargode district when Plantation Corporation, a state PSU started aerial spraying of the pesticide in cashew farms. It continued for more than two and a half decades. The extensive use of the pesticide triggered cancer, congenital deformity and spastic cases in villages bordering cashew farms leading to the Kerala High Court banning the spraying in 2002.

Experts say endosulfan is not easily degradable and contaminated soil and water in many villages and still many new-borns in the area are still affected by some malady or the other. The [protesters claim there are 2000 affected people in 15 villages of the district. After the intervention of the National Human Rights Commission in 2013 the Kerala government had announced a package for the affected people.

But some of the agitating parents say their cases were excluded and many ineligible people got into the list.

In 2011 the Supreme Court banned the production and sale of endosulfan after the CPI (M)s youth wing, the Democratic Youth Federation of India moved a public interest litigation (PIL) to ban the toxic pesticide.Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi on Sunday said the pendency of cases in courts was worrisome and troublesome.

Speaking at a function after inaugurating a temporary complex of Andhra Pradesh high court at Nelapadu in Amaravati, Gogoi said, This is not a good sign. Both the bar and the bench need to take a serious view and work in close coordination to meet this challenge.

Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu and a host of Supreme Court and high court judges also attended the inauguration.

Amaravati is getting its own high court after Andhras birfucation in June 2014.

The CJI said the pendency figure of three crore cases in the country was alarming, but pointed out that 81 lakh cases were just about one year old and that they cannot be said to be pending.

Gogoi said 50 lakh cases out of the three crore were petty cases like breach of the Motor Vehicles Act, Weights and Measures Act and small violations of the excise law, which call for the imposition of a token fine.

I appeal to the Chief Justices of the high courts to give a thought on how best we can deal with these 50 lakh cases.

Efforts are in progress to fill up 5,000 vacancy posts of district judge and subordinate judge all over the country, he said.

The chief justice said 400 high court judge posts are vacant, and recommendations for filling of those posts from the courts were awaited.

Filling of another 100 vacancies in the cadre of Supreme Court judge is in the pipeline, he said.

CM Naidu urged judges to bring down litigations for the progress of the bifurcated state, highlighting the need to harness technology to address pendency of cases.

After all, Andhra Pradesh is an emerging state, struggling hard to heal its bifurcation wounds. It wants to grow and develop on a fast track for which a litigation-free situation is essential, Naidu said.Three golden crowns adorning the deities Lord Govinda Raja Swamy and his consorts Bhudevi and Sri Devi were found missing from the Govinda Raja Swamy temple at Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh, police said on Sunday.

The Tirupati urban superintendent of police KKN Anmburajan told Hindustan Times that a manhunt has been launched with six teams headed by two sub-divisional police officers.

Tirupati Tirumala Devasthanams (TTD) Assistant Executive Officer Kola Bhaskar said the theft was noticed around 10.30pm on Saturday and the TTDs vigilance wing immediately informed the police.

The main doors of the temple were closed after the evening ritual of naivedyam was offered to the deities. When the doors were re-opened half-an-hour later, the crowns were found missing, he said.

The crown adorning deity Govinda Raja Swamy weighs 528 grams while those of Sri Devi and Bhu Devi weigh 528 grams and 408 grams respectively. As there were no visitors after naivedyam, the police are suspecting one of the temple staffers to be involved in the theft, Bhaskar said.

Three priests perform duties in shifts. The theft was noticed after the first priest finished his duties and was replaced by the next priest, he explained.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ONSaying that the BJPs stand on the Ram temple was clear, BJP president Amit Shah has said that the other parties must clear their stand on the issue.

I want all parties to make their stand clear on the Ram temple issue. Our is clear, we want a temple at the same spot, Shah said.

Earlier, at the launch of the partys national programme Bharat ke mann ki baat, Narendra Modi ke saath in New Delhi, Shah on Sunday criticised the previous governments that had run the country and said that the country had suffered because of their populist policies that had no financial discipline.

Watch| BJP wants Ram temple, other parties should make position clear: Amit Shah

For 30 years, no concrete or visionary steps were taken to solve the countrys problems, Shah said.

Before 2014, parties made false promises and did not do anything concrete, this led to all the economic downfall of the country. There was no financial stability, he said.

Saying that the country had been mismanaged by the coalition governments, he said, About 10 crore families used to think if the government can deliver?

Earlier, the governments were limited to five years. That is not how governments should be. They should run in continuity. It is only then that the country can progress, Shah said.

After 30 years in 2014, the people of the country voted in a majority government and made Narendra Modi the prime minister. In the last five years, the Narendra Modi government has changed the countrys position. The Prime Ministers visionary policies have laid the foundation for long-term development in the country. Today the world looks at India with respect, Amit Shah said.

As the prime minister, Narendra Modi took decisive and tough steps to put the country on the path of development and progress, Shah said.

There is a huge difference between Bharatiya Janata Party and the rest of the parties. The BJP is the only party in the country which believes in internal democracy. The party that has internal democracy is the party that can strengthen the democracy of the country, he said.

Elaborating the BJPs new campaign, he said, Over the next one month, 11 crore BJP workers will reach out to 10 crore households to find out what is their idea of new india and what are their expectations from Narendra Modi.The Congress has called for a nationwide strike on Monday in all state headquarters.

The protest will be held against the re-enactment of Mahatma Gandhis assassination and the garlanding of a statue of Naturam Godse by some members of the Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha on January 30.

In a press release issued on Sunday, the Congress said, The provocative and reprehensible actions, happening in the BJP ruled states take place with the candid and clandestine support given by the ruling party and the same reveals the deep hatred still carried by the right wing groups against the father of the Nation and his ideas of secularism, ahimsa and brotherhood.

Announcing the protest, the Congress said that it will begin at 10 am in all state headquarters.

The protest should preferably be held with placards etc in the places associated with the life of Mahatma Gandhi or near statues of Mahatma with an aim to highlight his messages, the press release said.BJP president Amit Shah on Sunday took on Congress president Rahul Gandhi and Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik and accused them of not having done enough for the people of Odisha.

Addressing a rally at Puri in Odisha, Sha claimed that neither the Congress government at the Centre nor the BJD government had done anything for the development of the state. Saying that the UPA government had given Rs 79,000 crore for the state, he said, In the last five years, the BJP government has given Rs 2.11 lakh crore for the development of the state.

Referring to the PM-KISAN scheme announced in the 2019 budget, Amit Shah said the face of Congress president Rahul Gandhi was ashen when the scheme was announced.

We will give Rs 75000 crore to farmers this year. Rahul Gandhi is not able to understand this. He does not know what is a Rabi crop and what is a kharif, he said.

Saying that the BJP had launched a Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme, Shah said that the Congress too had a DBT scheme.

In our tenure, Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) ensures money is directly credited into the account of the beneficiaries. The Congress too had DBT yojana - Dealer Broker Transfer - where the money was credited into the accounts of the middlemen, Shah said.

Also read: Congresss OROP is Only Rahul Only Priyanka: Amit Shah

Amit Shah said that the state had not implemented the Centres Ayushman Bharat scheme because the Patnaik government was afraid that Narendra Modi would become popular in the state.

Please remove our name, but at least run the programme in Odisha. Would the Odisha health scheme work for Odiya youths who have migrated to Surat or any other part of the country? No, it wont. But the Ayushman Bharat scheme will work work there. Elections are at least 3 months away, please adopt the Ayushman Bharat scheme, Amit Shah said.

He said that it was a matter of shame that the state was being run by a chief minister who did not understand or speak the states language Odiya.

Saying that the Congress and the Naveen Patnaik led Biju Janata Dal (BJD) were two sides of the same coin, he said that the BJD was the B-team of the Congress.

Naveen babus party is the B-team of the Congress. They are two sides of the same coin. The Congress ruled for so long. Did Odisha develop? Naveen Patnaik has also ruled for so long. Did Odisha develop? Shah questioned.

Equating the BJD government in the state to a burnt transformer, Shah asked if power would go to the peoples homes if the transfer was gutted.

Would power go to your home without a transformer? The BJD transformer has been gutted. When a transformer is gutted, it has to be replaced. This BJD government has to be thrown out, Shah said.Interim CBI chief M Nageshwar Rao on Sunday accused Kolkata Police commissioner Rajeev Kumar of destroying evidence in the chit fund cases.

There is evidence against him (Rajeev Kumar), he has been instrumental in causing destruction of this evidence and obstructing justice, he told ANI.

Rai was reacting after Kolkata Police detained a CBI team which had gone to quiz the citys police commissioner chief was detained by the local police in the evening before being released.

Rao said a Special Investigation Team (SIT) which was constituted by the Bengal government to probe the chit fund cases under the chairmanship of Rajeev Kumar .before the Supreme Courts direction to the CBI had destroyed evidences.

 We are investigating these chit fund cases as per the directions of the SC. An SIT has been constituted by the WB govt prior to SCs direction under the chairmanship of Rajeev Kumar, who is currently the Kolkata police commissioner.

They have taken charge of all the evidence, seized all the documents. They have not been cooperating with us in handing over all the documents and a lot of evidence has been destroyed or caused to disappear.According to the VFD president, the contract is for five years with options for up to 20 years. So the VFD will continue to reap the meager rewards after it moves to a location on Generals Highway, a move that has been planned and certainly will happen well before the contract ends.West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Sunday extended her support to Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar, who has been summoned by the CBI in connection with Rose Valley and Saradha ponzi scams, accusing the BJP leadership of pursuing political vendetta.

The highest levels of the BJP leadership are doing the worst kind of political vendetta. Not only are political parties their targets, they are misusing power to take control of the police and destroy all institutions. We condemn this, Banerjee tweeted.

The CBI has been trying to locate Kumar to question him in connection with the scams, with officials in the central investigating agency stating Saturday that they might arrest the Kolkata police chief as a last resort.

The IPS officer, who led a Special Investigation Team of West Bengal Police probing the scams, is not responding to notices to appear before the agency, they said.

The Kolkata Police Commissioner is among the best in the world. His integrity, bravery and honesty are unquestioned. He is working 24x7, and was on leave for only one day recently. When you spread lies, the lies will always remain lies, Banerjee added.

Kumar, a 1989-batch IPS officer of West Bengal cadre, had also skipped a meeting with Election Commission officials last week.Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati hit out at the Congress government in Madhya Pradesh saying that oppression is still continuing in the state.

There is significant relief among the people after the BJP could not form government in Madhya Pradesh. However, the initial work done by the new (Congress) government has not generated much satisfaction among the people. The atmosphere of oppression is still prevailing, Mayawati said according to a statement released by the party.

The short statement in Lucknow came after she reviewed the partys preparedness in various states for the upcoming parliamentary election.

Instructions were also issued to party workers to rectify shortcomings and focus on preparations for the election, the statement said.

The BSP fought the assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh alone. It has two members in the 231-member house. The party decided to back the Congress which won 114 seats, to form the government which was sworn in on December 17 ending a 15-year rule by the BJP.

But relations between the Congress and the BSP have been uneasy with BSP MLA Rambai Singh going public twice in four days last month with her grouse at not being given a ministerial berth.Without naming the BJP, Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister (DCM) and AlADMK coordinator O Panneerselvam (OPS) said on Sunday said that party leaders are in talks with a friendly national party for an alliance for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

While the Congress party has already entered into an alliance with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), the BJP has been on the hunt for a partner even as several senior AIADMK leaders including Lok Sabha deputy speaker M Thambidurai have opposed any tie-up with the saffron party.

But Panneerselvam who along with CM K Palaniswami (EPS) is one of the co-ordinators of AIADMK, said the Dravidan partys seat-sharing committee is conducting talks with like-minded parties in the state and friendly national parties.

We have been speaking with both the state and national parties. We are looking tie up with like-minded and friendly parties. Our alliance will be a grand one, OPS told reporters.

His statement comes a week before Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP national president Amit Shah are to address an election campaign meeting in the textile hub of Tiruppur on February 10.

He said the criticism of BJP and its policies views by Lok Sabha deputy speaker M Thambidurai, ministers Kadambur Raju and Sellur Rajus did not represent the voice of AIADMK.

Some AIADMK men who criticized BJP have explained their position to us. I want to make it clear that they have not reflected the official views and stance of AIADMK. When the high-command will take a decision on the alliance, all our party members will accept that, OPS said.

He asserted that the AIADMK will lead a grand alliance in Tamil Nadu for the 40 LS seats (39 in TN and 1 in Puducherry). Once the seat-sharing talks are successful, we would address the media. Also, our party will lead the alliance in the state, OPS said.

While the BJP needs a regional party to get a foothold in Tamil Nadu where it won only on seat in 2014, the AIADMK has been considerably weakened after it spilt following Jayalalithaas death.

According to Ramu Manivannan, Professor and Head, Department of Politics and Public Administration of the University of Madras, since DMK formed a rainbow alliance with Congress, Left parties, MDMK and VCK, the ruling AIADMK and BJP have no option but to form an alliance together.

Some AIADMK leaders criticising BJP publicly is a merely negotiating tactic ahead of seat-sharing talks. When we look into OPSs statement, it is clear that things have consolidated and the alliance would be announced soon. Though there are some voices of dissent coming from AIADMK on the likely tie-up, they have no other option, than joining hands with BJP, said Manivannan.A novel artificial intelligence (AI) enabled tool can help diagnose schizophrenia more accurately than other such systems, according to a study led by an Indian origin scientist.

The tool called EMPaSchiz, developed by researchers at the University of Alberta in Canada, examined brain scans from patients who were diagnosed with schizophrenia and predicted the diagnosis with 87 per cent accuracy.

The finding, published in the journal NPJ Schizophrenia, follows on a previous study in 2017 in which researchers at IBM and Alberta developed a tool capable of predicting schizophrenia with 74 per cent accuracy.

Schizophrenia is characterised by a constellation of symptoms that might co-occur in patients. Two individuals with the same diagnosis might still present different symptoms. This often leads to misdiagnosis, said Sunil Kalmady, a post-doctoral fellow at the University of Alberta.

Machine learning, in this case, is able to drive an evidence-based approach that looks at thousands of features in a brain scan to lead to an optimal prediction, said Kalmady, who led the study.

There are ways to estimate how accurate this tool will be and how often it will provide the correct diagnosis, said computing scientist Russ Greiner, who supervised Kalmadys research.

The researchers noted EMPaSchiz is one of the first machine learning tools trained exclusively on data from patients who were diagnosed but not yet taking any medication to treat their illness, which could make it more valuable in the early stages of diagnosis.

Mental health disorders are highly complex in terms of causes and manifestation of symptoms, said professor Andrew Greenshaw.

Machine learning and future AI are approaches that enable a multi-dimensional, data-driven inroad that captures the level of complexity and objectivity that we need to unravel the wicked problems of understanding mental illness, Greenshaw said.

Follow more stories on Facebook and TwitterBy Anuradha Nagaraj

Each night after her children finally go to sleep, Mehala Sekar spends hours at her home in south India, sewing, cutting and checking clothing given to her by a garment factory contractor.

For each finished item, Sekar earns less than one Indian rupee ($0.0141), and like millions of other invisible home-based workers in India, she is being exploited by the countrys garment industry, according to research published on Friday.

If I went to a factory, I would earn more and get overtime money, a bonus and other benefits, Sekar told the Thomson Reuters Foundation in a phone interview from Tirupur, one of the biggest garment manufacturing hubs in southern India.

But I have three children to take care of and cannot join a factory. The price I pay for that is very low wages.

The Indian garment sector employs more than 12 million people in factories but according to the study by the University of California, millions more work from home.

These workers are involved in the many stages of garment production - from cutting sleeves to stitching buttons, embroidery, bead work and giving other finishing touches to items of clothing.

The new research, which focused on Indias home-based workers, showed that most are women and girls from minority or marginalised communities.

The robust profits global retailers enjoy and the inexpensive clothing that consumers then wear, is partly due to the penny wage and exploitation endured by these workers in India, the report said.

They are a powerless population whose vulnerability is directly exploited by the subcontractors who engage them, and the garment industry at large, author of the report Siddharth Kara said in an email.

The lack of transparency and formality of the work is also noteworthy, as are the anaemic wages of between $0.13 and $0.15 per hour.

The youngest worker documented in the survey, that interviewed 1,452 people in garment hubs in southern and northern India, was just 10 years old.

Up to 19 percent of the workers documented in the report were in the age group of 10-18 years.

Eighty-five percent of the workers exclusively worked in supply chains for the export of clothing to the United States and European Union.

NO IDEA

Besides being denied minimum wages, home-workers have virtually no avenue to seek redress for abusive or unfair conditions, the study said.

It recommended that the entire garment supply chain be formalized to include contracts, decent wages, labour inspections, and systems in place to tackle exploitative practices.

Industries have changed their ways of working and have entered the homes of workers to avoid vigilance by government departments and international certification agencies that visit only factories, said Varun Sharma, a labour rights campaigner.

They (brands and auditors) have no idea about the work that has been outsourced and there is no mechanism to monitor them, said Sharma, who researched child labour in home settings in Jaipur, western Rajasthan, last year.

For most like Sekar, working form home is the only way to earn an income but their role in the industry is missing from official data and rarely researched, campaigners said.

Ajay Tewari, a senior official in the labour welfare division of Indias labour and employment ministry, said the exploitation of home-based garment workers was rampant.

We are going to undertake a headcount of unorganised workers in 125 sectors - including garment manufacturing - and give them an identification number that will help them avail social security schemes, he said.

The new plan to provide benefits and assistance to home-based workers would be completed by the end of 2019, he added.

($1 = 70.9975 Indian rupees)

(Reporting by Anuradha Nagaraj @AnuraNagaraj; Additional reporting by Roli Srivastava; Editing by Michael Taylor. Please credit the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters, that covers humanitarian news, womens and LGBT+ rights, human trafficking, property rights and climate change. Visit http://news.trust.org)

Follow more stories on Facebook and TwitterThe Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow registered 100% final placements for its 33rd batch of 460 students within three days. The recruitment drive saw participation from over 147 domestic and international recruiters, an official said.

The top four segments based on roles offered were consulting, finance, sales and marketing and business development including some extremely sought after and niche profiles in the finance domain. But IIML did not disclosed the pay packages of its students, according to sources.

A lot of companies were looking for students having previous work experience. we exactly cant comment why there is a shift. But it was certainly there, Prof Uppal. This year participation from consulting and finance firm was also significant, he said.

Profile breakup

The top segments based on roles offered were consulting (32%), general management (14%), finance (16%), sales and marketing (16%), e-Commerce (15%) and systems/IT (10%).

The strong focus on finance at IIM Lucknow supported us in attracting diverse roles in the finance domain. Rest of the offers came from domains such as market research, analytics, business development, social media marketing, and HR among others.

The rest of the offers came from domains such as operations/supply chain, general management, systems/IT, market research, analytics, and HR.

The highlight of the placement season was the participation of firms like Alvarez and Marsal, Aditya Birla Group, Bain and Co, Hindustan Unilever, JP Morgan Chase, MasterCard Advisors, McKinsey and Company, and The Boston Consulting Group.

The participation of these firms also marked the ascent of IIM Lucknow as a preferred recruitment destination for consulting, finance and marketing roles in the country, said Prof Nishant Uppal.

Some of the top recruiters across different sectors were Accenture, Amazon, Deloitte, Flipkart, and The Boston Consulting Group. Our first-time recruiters include Artefact, ACT, Axis Capital, Bain & Company, IQVIA, KOIS Invest, Ola, Optum, Udaan, Whiteboard Capital, and Xiaomi among others. International profiles were offered by Artefact, IQVIA, and Splash (Landmark group). The institute also saw the highest number of offers being made during its lateral placement process.

Consulting and General Management sector

In the consulting domain, Accenture, Alvarez and Marsal, Bain and Co, McKinsey and Co and the Boston Consulting Group among others made 145 offers, with Accenture, Deloitte, and the Boston Consulting Group being the top 3 recruiters.

The General Management domain saw participation from companies such as Aditya Birla Group (ABG), Airtel, Hinduja Group, Lodha Group and RPG among others. ABG and RPG are the highest recruiters in this domain.

BFSI sector

Banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI) sector saw the participation of a number of firms hiring for a diverse set of profiles. BFSI sector saw a total of 81 offers by firms such as Axis Capital, Avendus Capital, Citibank, DBS, Edelweiss, ICICI Bank, JP Morgan Chase, KOIS Invest, Kotak Bank, Whiteboard Capital and among others. The major roles were in front end investment banking, global markets, investment research, corporate/wholesale/retail banking, market research, trading, and operations.

FMCG/consumer goods/telecom/digital media sector

In the FMCG/consumer goods/telecom/digital media sector, over 70 offers were made with some of the top firms being Airtel, Colgate Palmolive, Dr. Reddys, GSK, Hindustan Unilever, ITC, P&G, Pepsi, Puma, Samsung, and Star TV. In addition to the traditional sales & marketing roles, these firms offered roles in supply chain management, IT, corporate finance, HR and analytics with some of them being exclusive roles for IIM Lucknow.

IT/e-Commerce/Technology sector

Some of the firms from the IT/e-Commerce/Technology sectors were Amazon, Flipkart, Google, and Wipro. These firms opened not only IT/Systems profiles but also roles such as category management, sales enablement, business development, supply chain management, product marketing, strategic alliances, program manager and analytics.

This year, having placed one of the largest IIM batches within three days, securing the highest number of lateral offers ever and having achieved consecutive 100% placements, IIM Lucknow has raised the bar for placements in Indian B-schools, claimed Prof Uppal in a press communique.At a time when there are almost daily reports of man-animal conflicts across the country, the Indian governments pledge to protect tiger habitats and tiger corridors is a heartening piece of news. The second part of the promise is of utmost important because, while Indias total tiger population went up from 1,411 in 2006 to 1,706 in 2010 and 2,226 in 2014, the country recorded a 12.6% decline in tiger occupancy in connecting tiger habitats outside tiger reserves between 2006 and 2010, the latest period for which this data is available. This promise to protect tiger habitats and corridors was published on Monday in the fourth edition of the Global Tiger Action Plan.

Unfortunately, the action plan didnt release data on the decline in the tiger population outside protected areas for 2014. The 2018 tiger census estimations, likely to be released on March 31, may see an increase in overall tiger numbers but may not offer any trends on their numbers in corridors (outside the protected areas) because it follows a different methodology.

Saying that India has changed its approach to tiger conservation to focus on the corridors, The Global Tiger Action Plan adds that now the country prioritises source-sink dynamics (how variation in habitat quality may affect the population of tigers) by restoring habitat connectivity. This includes providing incentives to local people for conserving forests along tiger corridors and providing subsidised LPG connections to people to reduce dependence on timber from the forest.

Along with these steps, the Indian State needs to invest heavily in other areas if it is keen to protect tigers, no matter where they are: increase recruitment; improve ground-level infrastructure in forests (vehicles for patrolling, staff quarters with basic facilities); and provide better training and arming of forest guards, the first line of defence against poaching and illegal public intrusion, who at present, operate with outdated guns and little training.

India is currently the most dangerous country in the world for forest rangers. In 2017, 29 rangers were killed on duty in India; the Democratic Republic of Congo (17) and Thailand (8) made for a distant second and third, says a report of the International Ranger Federation. On January 27, unidentified poachers with weapons hacked to death two guards in the Valmiki Tiger Reserve in Bihar.

In January, in an unprecedented incident, more than 50 forest and police personnel were injured when a mob of relocated villagers brutally attacked them at the Melghat Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra.

To save tigers outside reserve areas  a hugely challenging task  the department needs better tiger tracking systems and specially trained teams to keep an eye on big cats moving outside the protected areas.The Citizenship Amendment Bill  which provides for the grant of Indian citizenship to non-Muslims of Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh  is among the most contentious legislations in Indias recent history. Pushed fiercely by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), it was passed in the Lok Sabha on January 10. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government now hopes to get it cleared in the Rajya Sabha though it lacks the numbers on its own in the Upper House. This actually creates room for a rethink on the amendment itself.

This proposal is constitutionally suspect and politically dangerous. It also jeopardises the internal security environment, can deepen social cleavages and goes against the tenets of Indian nationhood.

Here is why. For one, the basic principle of the constitutional order on which the Indian State runs is that there shall be no discrimination on the basis of religion. By prioritising people from certain religions  primarily Hindus  and explicitly excluding one particular community  Muslims  the amendment appears to legitimise the idea that India is fundamentally a Hindu State. India is indeed a Hindu-dominated society. But the State has no religion, and must not craft policies on its basis. India can very well develop a comprehensive refugee policy. It should be open to giving shelter to those fleeing persecution. But this must have no religious connotation.

The amendment has already made the whole of Northeast volatile. The politics of the region has often been driven by the suspicion and fear of immigrants. States like Assam have not made a distinction between Hindu and Muslim immigrants from Bangladesh. The BJP, for its part, is seeking to make precisely this distinction for electoral purposes elsewhere, primarily in Bengal. But this betrays a poor understanding of the delicate ethnic equations in the Northeast. Besides opening up security threats, the amendment is also self-destructive for the BJP  which, to its credit, had been expanding in this unlikely corner of the country. Given the local resentment, the partys hopes of sweeping a majority the 25 seats in the region suddenly look far more difficult. The BJP should pull back on the amendment and stop playing with fire.A 24-year-old man was stabbed to death by three men, including the son of a Delhi policeman, for intervening in a quarrel between two groups of people in outer Delhis Rohini on Friday night, the police said.

According to the police, they arrested all the three suspects and recovered the knife used in the alleged killing. The arrested men include Gaurav Dahiya, the son of an assistant sub-inspector (ASI), a senior police officer who did not want to be identified said.

The other two suspects were identified as Prince and Sachin Mishra. Police said that Gaurav and Sachin have criminal cases against them .

The deceased, Rajat Chaudhary, lived with his parents in Rohini and ran a mobile phone shop in the Avantika Market, close to his home. On Friday night, Rajat and two of his friends were having soft drinks at the market around midnight. Standing close to them were two other men, Lokesh and Vipin. The latter owns a paan shop in the market, Gaurav Sharma, deputy commissioner of police (outer north), said.

The police said that the problem started when Gaurav, Prince and Sachinall three of them allegedly drunk at the timerode into the market on a Royal Enfield motorcycle and asked Vipin for paan. Since Vipin had already downed his shutters, he refused to oblige the trio. That allegedly led to the trio abusing and hitting him.

The man (Vipin) was repeatedly slapped; he begged Rajat for help. Rajat intervened and asked the trio to let go of the man, but Gaurav told Rajat, you dont know who you are taking on, Rajats uncle, Sanjeev Kapoor, who claimed to be an eyewitness to the murder, alleged.

According to the DCP, Gaurav then whipped out a knife and stabbed Rajat twice. The suspects then rode away on their motorcycle. Rajat was rushed to a private hospital nearby, where he was declared dead on arrival.

Since Rajats friends and other eyewitnesses knew the suspects from before, the police raided their hideouts in outer Delhi neighbourhoods and arrested them.

The murder, meanwhile, led to local residents protesting against the law and order situation in Rohini and blocking the nearby road for a few minutes before the police arrived at the spot and convinced them to clear the road. The murder also saw many shops in the Avantika Market downing their shutters in protest.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ONJanuary saw the culmination of the latest battle in a decades-long war between the Maharashtra government, and bar dancing. In Indian Hotel and Restaurant Association v State of Maharashtra, the Supreme Court (SC) was asked to consider the constitutional validity of a 2016 Maharashtra law (and some attendant rules), which was ostensibly passed to regulate bar dancing. The law was enacted on the heels of an SC judgment in 2013, which had struck down a previous legislative attempt by the government to ban bar dancing entirely (while exempting certain elite establishments from the ban). The governments response to that judgment was to pass a fresh law in 2016, which imposed such a stringent set of conditions and licensing requirements, that made bar dancing virtually impossible.

In its judgment delivered this month, the SC invalidated some of these conditions, and liberalised others, thus giving the bar dancers some much-needed breathing space. For example, it struck down a restriction upon performances within one kilometre of a religious or educational institution, correctly observing that in a city as densely populated as Mumbai, this would effectively amount to an absolute prohibition. It also struck down as arbitrary a requirement that the same establishment could not be granted a licence both as a discotheque or orchestra, and for the purpose of bar dancing. It further struck down a prohibition on any form of tipping (while upholding a ban on showering of notes), and held that making a licence conditional upon the proprietors good record and lack of criminal antecedents was unconstitutionally vague. And finally, it struck down a number of rules that were redolent of old-fashioned colonial morality, such as the mandatory installation of CCTV cameras and a prohibition on serving alcohol.

To the extent that the SCs judgment gets rid of some of the most stifling restrictions in Maharashtras law  which had, effectively, ensured that not one single licence was granted after the law was passed  it deserves praise. However, unfortunately, the judgment also represents a missed opportunity, as it fails to engage with two of the most crucial issues in the case, that were brought to the fore by the Bharatiya Bar Girls Union, one of the petitioners before the court.

The Bar Girls Union argued, first, that the prohibition on obscene dancing was unconscionably vague. Obscenity was defined as that which appeals to the prurient interest. More than that, however, a term such as prurient interest inevitably concealed within it majoritarian and moralistic assumptions about what constituted prurience. The SCs response to this was disappointing: it simply stated that the test of prurience had been consistently applied for many years, and its scope was clear. What the SC bench failed to consider, however, was that in its 2017 privacy judgment, and in its 2018 judgment decriminalising homosexuality, the court itself had signalled a fundamental shift in its jurisprudence: as far as individual rights were concerned, the time had come to move away from giving credence to perceived majoritarian or communitarian norms, and, instead, to place autonomy, dignity, and liberty at the heart of the constitutional order. Words such as prurience with their antediluvian antecedents  mark a regression to an age in which the instinctive moral taste of those in power substitutes constitutional values.

The Bar Girls Union also raised a more fundamental legal challenge, however: on the constitutionality of a licence requirement in the first place. Bar dancing, it argued, was protected expression under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution. And to impose the requirement of a licence upon expression was tantamount to imposing  what, in technical terms, is known as  a prior restraint: that is, a restriction before expression can enter the marketplace of ideas, as opposed to punishing someone after they actually break a law. It is on par with requiring all films to get clearance from a censor board (which is currently the law), or requiring all books to be cleared by a censor before they are published (which would be unconstitutional). Unfortunately, however, the SC failed to engage with this argument at all.

Thus, the SCs judgment on bar dancers arrives at an unsatisfactory halfway house: it lifted some of the most draconian restrictions on the basis that constitutional rights were being violated, but failed to take its own constitutional reasoning to its logical conclusion. The judgment  as mentioned above  provides a breather, but also leaves wide loopholes for continued exploitation by the police and the government.

Gautam Bhatia is an advocate in the Supreme Court

The views expressed are personalIts not something Ive been focused on at all.  Im flattered that all these people are talking about that, Hogan said Monday on WBAL radio after several national media outlets ran pieces speculating about him possibly challenging Trump. Its a little bit surprising to me that so many people are making such noise about this. Im intrigued and listening to it, but its not something Ive been involved in at all.Two words have gained currency in Indian politics in recent times strong and weak. A section of political stalwarts, on the one hand, are trying to woo voters by advocating a strong government at the Centre, on the other hand, however, are those who want a weak government in New Delhi.

No doubt, a strong government has its advantages, But there are some example, where some leaders, despite being called weak, didnt surrender during crucial moments. But lets first go through the performance of coalition governments, often considered weak.

In the general elections of 1967, the Congress lost power in eight states for the first time. And with that the culture of khichdi or coalition governments in India came into being. In Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Rajasthan and Punjab, anti-Congress parties formed coalition governments. But these political compromises proved to be shortlived. In the next four years, 32 governments were formed and they all crumbled. During this time, Bihar actually set a record of its own. Nine governments were formed there, and they collapsed. In Uttar Pradesh too six governments were formed and fell during this period.

Now lets talk about the cycle of power at the Centre. Six prime ministers -- Morarji Desai, Charan Singh, Vishwanath Pratap Singh, Chandrashekhar, HD Deve Gowda and Inder Kumar Gujaral were the prime ministers virtually born out of political erosion and decay. Even Atal Bihari Vajapayee himself proved to be the prime leader for only 13 days in his first tenure. Did these prime ministers take any significant decisions for the country? While examining this question, we come across many surprising facts.

I remember, Vishwanath Pratap Singh implemented the Mandal Commission before his government lost the vote of confidence. A huge ruckus was created over the implementation of Mandal Commission but this ultimately became a medium to promote and improve the condition of the backward, downtrodden and marginalised sections of society.

Among the names I have mentioned, only Deve Gowda is with us today. He regrets the fact that he has not been considered a strong prime minister. Recently, during the gathering of political veterans in Kolkata on West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjees invitation, Deve Gowda mentioned that two significant projects- the metro rail in Delhi and Indias largest bridge Bogibeel were projects cleared in his tenure.

Narasimha Rao, Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh had also put their coalition governments at stake while taking tough decisions. Narasimha Rao became the prime minister after Rajiv Gandhis assassination. It was under his direction that Manmohan Singh laid the foundations of economic liberalisation. Today if India dreams of becoming the largest economic power in the world, it is because of the vision of Narasimha Rao and Manmohan Singh.

In the same way, the Vajpayee government propped up by Mayawati, Mamata and Jayalalithaa conducted the nuclear test in Pokhran and proved to the world that Indias nuclear programme is not just an illusion but a reality.

Manmohan Singh too had the courage to risk losing the support of an old ally, the Left, while signing the nuclear energy agreement. Had the Samajwadi Party (SP) not supported the government at that time, the UPA government would have collapsed.

Doesnt this show that the intentions of the leader are either weak or strong not that of the coalition?

Today whether it is the Congress or the BJP, both are facing difficulties in keeping their allies together. The attitude of Shiv Sena is well known. Uddhav Thackeray doesnt let go of any opportunity to criticise the Union government directly or indirectly. The Shiv Sena has made it clear that in the next elections the party will play the role of big brother in Maharashtra. In the same manner, Nitish Kumar has also taken on the role of big brother in Bihar. The JD(U)s representation in the Lok Sabha was very low as compared to Shiv Sena, despite this, it managed to get the same number of seats from the BJP for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The Ram Vilas Paswan-led LJP also was able to make the BJP accept its conditions in the same way.

This is true of the Congress also. To prevent the Modi and Shah juggernaut, Rahul Gandhi has shown outstanding political skill in Karnataka. He supported the JD (S) which had only 37 seats to form the government and HD Kumaraswamy became the chief minister. Its a strange coincidence. The day Shiv Sena was making disapproving noises about the BJP, Kumaraswamy in Karnataka was threatening the Congress. Before this, the old ally of the Congress in Uttar Pradesh, the SP, tied up with the BSP ignoring the Congress completely.

It is certain that both national parties will have to face such political manoeuvrings in the days to come. But one thing is certain -- the regional parties will keep reminding the leadership of the Centre of their compulsions and vulnerabilities. This cycle is not going to stop in a vast and pluralistic country like India.

Shashi Shekhar is editor-in-chief, Hindustan

The views expressed are personalA day after the Union government hiked allocations to programmes for the scheduled castes (SC) and scheduled tribes (ST) by 35.6% and 28%, respectively, a clutch of SC/ST organisations said it would not help the marginalised communities because the interim budget proposals lacked details and were misdirected.

On Friday, acting finance minister Piyush Goyal announced a substantial increase in the allocation to SC and ST welfare  Rs 76,801 crore for SC and Rs 50,086 crore for ST. But activists said a bulk of the money was allocated for so-called non-targeted schemes -- designed for the general public and not specifically tailored to impact SC/ST members. This was an election budget with big numbers and no depth, said Beena Pallical of the National Commission for Dalit Human Rights (NCDHR).

Activists pointed out that the most discussed feature of the interim budget  Rs 500 monthly income support for small and marginal farmers  was unlikely to help a large section of SC/ST population because many Dalits didnt own land. Data from the 70th round of Land and Livestock Holdings Survey of the NSSO shows 58.4% of rural Dalit households are landless and 71% of SC farmers are agricultural labourers.

Another concern was the alleged lack of details for eradication of manual scavenging, which was allocated 65 crore, and the low amount of money given to ensuring alternative livelihood options (Rs 30 crore). At a time when several sanitation workers have died across the country, there was no mention of technology to end these practices or a special budget, Pallical said.

Activists complained that schemes that directly helped the SC/ST communities  such as post-matric scholarships  had not been given enough attention. ...There are key schemes where the allocation has been reduced, such as post-matric scholarships, said N Paul Divakar, chair of the Asian Dalit Rights Forum.

SC form 16.2% while STs 8.2% of the population according to the 2011 census, and experts say the increase in allocation was aimed at wooing the communities ahead of general elections. The budget has kept in mind the welfare of SC and STs, said Union consumer affairs minister and the National Democratic Alliances Dalit face, Ram Vilas PaswanActor Sidharth Malhotra has opened up about his breakup with Alia Bhatt. In an appearance on Karan Johars chat show, Koffee with Karan - the episode will air on Sunday - the actor said that he isnt bitter about the breakup, and that their relationship is civil.

Sidharth said that he hasnt met Alia after the breakup, but recognises the history that they have together. We havent met after it. Our relationship is civil... I dont think its bitter. Its been a while. I have known her for much longer even before we dated. I gave my first ever shot with her in SOTY so there is so much history, he said, according to Pinkvilla.

Sidharth continued, There is a reason why two people decide not to be together. There were lots of ups and downs. When you take yourself from a situation, you look at all the happy and good memories.

Sidharth and Alia made their Bollywood debut in Karans Student of the Year, which also starred Varun Dhawan. The actors appeared opposite each other for the second time in Kapoor & Sons. They started dating in 2016 but broke up a year later. He has since been linked up with Jacqueline Fernandez and more recently, Kiara Advani.

Watch | Koffee with Karan teaser: Aditya Roy Kapur and Sidharth Malhotra

When she appeared on Koffee with Karan, the host asked Alia which actor shed like to set Sidharth up with, and she replied, Kiara. When she was asked whom shed want to set Jacqueline up with, Alia said, Sid, if the one with Kiara doesnt work out.

Alia is currently making headlines for her relationship with her Brahmastra co-star Ranbir Kapoor. The couple has been making several public appearances together lately, the most recent being at the Mumbai polices Umang event.

Also read: Only one person can bring Alia Bhatt, Sidharth Malhotra back on screen

After a string of high profile flops such as Baar Baar Dekho, A Gentleman and Aiyaary, Sidharth will next be seen in Jabariya Jodi, with Parineeti Chopra. Alia will be seen opposite Ranveer Singh in Gully Boy.

Follow @htshowbiz for moreActor Anil Kapoor just saw the release of his film, Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga, to positive reviews this Friday and was all smiles as he walked the ramp on Saturday at the ongoing Lakme Fashion Week in Mumbai.

Looking dapper in a black kurta pajama, the actor was joined by his niece, Janhvi Kapoor, who sizzled in a black outfit by designer Raghavendra Rathore. And cheering them on from the sidelines was none other than Ranveer Singh.

True to his nature, Anil even drifted from his walk to accept Ranveers greetings before finishing with perfection.

Ranveer Singh joins Anil Kapoor and Janhvi Kapoor on the ramp. (Varinder Chawla)

Ranveer Singh at the Lakme Fashion Week. (Varinder Chawla)

Anil Kapoor meets Ranveer Singh at Lakme Fashion Week. (Varinder Chawla)

Ranveer Singh and Anil Kapoor shake a leg. (Varinder Chawla)

Anil later took to Twitter to share his feelings and a few pictures from the event. He tweeted, Walking for #RaghavendraRathore was a two-fold pleasure for me! I got to walk with my beautiful niece #JanhviKapoor & shake a leg with my Tiger @RanveerOfficial ! Thank you for the honor & opportunity!

Walking for #RaghavendraRathore was a two-fold pleasure for me! I got to walk with my beautiful niece #JanhviKapoor & shake a leg with my Tiger @RanveerOfficial ! Thank you for the honor & opportunity! @LakmeFashionWk pic.twitter.com/WJkR7Tuqu8  Anil Kapoor (@AnilKapoor) February 3, 2019

The actor, who has previously spoken about his fondness for Ranveer, had once told Deepika Padukone, Chhodna mat isko, mera ye ladka superb hai (Never leave this guy. My boy is superb). Perfect choice. You cant get a better boy. He had shared the story on Neha Dhupias chat show No Filter Neha, where he recalled saying this to Deepika when she visited the sets of Dil Dhadakne Do to meet Ranveer.

Also read: Kangana Ranaut, Malaika Arora, Tahira Kashyap add glamour to Lakme Fashion Week. See pics

Also read: Sushmita Sens boyfriend Rohman Shawl wins the fathers race for her daughter Alisah. Watch video

Dressed in a printed bandhgala, Ranveer also greeted Janhvis sister, Khushi Kapoor, post the show.

On the work front, Ranveer is now gearing up for the release of his film Gully Boy. Directed by Zoya Akhtar, the film is inspired by the lives of Mumbai-based rappers such as Divine and Naezy. It stars Alia Bhatt as the female lead.

Meanwhile, Anil shared the screen with daughter Sonam Kapoor for the first time in Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga. The film opened to positive reviews and collected over Rs 3 crore on the day of its release. It revolves around Sonams character, who is in a same sex relationship, but is struggling to share her secret with her family.

Follow @htshowbiz for more6000 people from India and abroad visited exhibition so far and many of them show interest in joining HJS activities

Prayagraj (Kumbhanagari) : Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) has held photo-exhibition FACT showing grave truth about atrocities against Hindus from Kashmir and Bangladesh. This exhibition has been held from 15th January at Bhuma Niketan Peethadhishwar Mandap. 6000 devotees have visited this exhibition in last 15 days and many devotees showed interest in joining activities undertaken by HJS. Many people have been expressing anger over government for their brethren staying as refugees in own country.

After visiting this exhibition, many people understood seriousness of the issue and called up others accompanying them to Kumbh Mela for seeing this exhibition. Few devotees brought their colleague to see this exhibition. Few devotees said that they were not even aware of blood-shed of Hindus in their own country and felt HJS was doing good job by creating awareness amongst all Hindus by holding such exhibition. Some of the devotees cannot hold their tears while seeing the photographs displayed in exhibition while some become speechless.

Many people requested to hold the exhibition in their area and were ready to extend necessary help; among them were devotees mostly from Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Mathura in UP and other districts.

Dr. Vijay Shankar Dubey, President of Bajarang Dal from Bhulamor, Ayodhya said that his organization was also creating awareness amongst people towards Dharma matters and for that, information available with HJS was useful. He took photos of many exhibits and boards and assured to arrange such exhibition in his area. He said that even if HJS activists held such exhibition in his region including nearby villages, he would help in its publicity. A visitor named John from France listened to Kashmir problem in detail. He checked SSRF website and showed interest in joining activities. He has come to India for doing sadhana since last few years. One rickshaw-driver was passing by the venue of exhibition, carrying passengers. He visited the exhibition hearing the announcements and spent two hours seeing the exhibition.A 20-year-old Hickory woman accused of shooting and killing a Hickory teen will appear in Catawba County Superior Court the week of Feb. 4 along with several other defendants charged with murder.

Cheyenne Kenniston is charged with one felony count of second-degree murder without regard for human life. She was released on a $100,000 bond in October.

In July, Kenniston was at 17-year-old Katlyn Wittcops house when Katlyn was shot in the head. According to court documents, Kenniston was playing with a firearm and did not know it was loaded when she accidentally shot Katlyn.

Kenniston is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Also the week of Feb. 4:

 Daniel Jeremiah Minton, of Lenoir, is charged with murders of 18-year-old Branique McKnight of Conover and 20-year-old Janarion Kaverio Knox, 20, of Hickory. Co-defendant Maurice Craig Brown, of Lenoir, is charged with two counts of accessory after the fact in their deaths. He will also appear in court the week of Feb. 4.For the unacquainted, bocce involves strategically lobbing balls to earn points and combines some aspects of bowling and horse shoes. The team with their balls closest to the jack or pallino, a smaller ball tossed onto the court at the beginning of the round, gets the points.Uniontown, PA (15401)

Today

Thunderstorms, some strong this evening, then cloudy with rain likely overnight. Damaging winds and large hail with some storms. Low 59F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms, some strong this evening, then cloudy with rain likely overnight. Damaging winds and large hail with some storms. Low 59F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%.I never had to tell that community to focus on what we are doing for the poor or what we are doing for social justice, Smith said. They were always ahead of me on that. They really sought out opportunities to be of service.Staff reports

The Herald-Mail

On Sept. 4, 1966, I was returning from Charles Town, W.Va., and just came through Sandy Hook where all the houses are on one side of the street.

I was on my way home, headed up Harpers Ferry Road on that very same path that Lincoln traveled when he came to visit Antietam in 1862 a few weeks after that great battle between a divided country.

As a lad of 18, the next morning I would be headed to Fort Holabird and Uncle Sams Army as a result of my military enlistment.

It was a nice day around mid-afternoon, and as I passed by the railroad track tunnel at the bottom of Maryland Heights, there standing in the middle of the road was a young goat.

He was black and white and not very big.

Back in those days, there was a herd of goats that lived in those hills and cliffs of Maryland Heights, high above the tunnel.

Being a young astute hill climber from Dargan, filled with all sorts of vinegar and hot peppers, I thought for a moment that I could catch this goat, put him in the back seat of my 56 Mercury and take him home to my grandmother.

He would adjust well with the ducks, chickens and other critters of the Dargan neighborhood and keep the grass and weeds down around our home, was my thinking.

I pulled my car just off the road, got out and commenced to chase that goat up the rocky hillside. He would jog a few feet in front of me, then stop and looked back in curiosity.

I came close to him a couple of times, but it was obvious that he had a head start and my efforts to apprehend him would fail.

I knew one day, however, I would have the opportunity to share this story.

Goats can be pretty smart at times, and for sure they can climb rough terrain better than any two-legged creature.

But at other times goats can be pretty dumb.

Not so long ago, I happened to read one of Aesops fables about goats.

Some say Aesop was a fairly smart fellow with a rough appearance. Some say, too, he was a slave who lived back during the sixth century B.C. in Athens, Greece, during the time of those ancient philosophers.

He was a storyteller who would compose a few short tales that often contained much wisdom.

Im not sure if any of those political leaders back then paid much attention to Aesops fables, but for sure his writings were very insightful.

One such fable involves the behavior of two goats. Perhaps you are familiar with it:

Two goats, frisking gaily on the rocky steeps of a mountain valley, chanced to meet, one on each side of a deep chasm through which poured a mighty mountain torrent.

The trunk of a fallen tree formed the only means of crossing the chasm, and on this not even two squirrels could have passed each other in safety. The narrow path would have made the bravest tremble. Not so our goats. Their pride would not permit either to stand aside for the other.

One set her foot on the log. The other did likewise. In the middle they met horn to horn. Neither would give way, and so they both fell, to be swept away by the roaring torrent below.

Aesop offered a moral to his story: It is better to yield than to come to misfortune through stubbornness.

Im beginning to think, in the aftermath of our most recent government shutdown, that we may have a few goats of our own for leaders.

I know for sure that herd of goats on Maryland Heights is long gone from those high cliffs. Ive never once suspected, until recently, however, that two of them might have possibly ended up in Washington, D.C.

It seems that Aesop offered us a little common sense and a valuable lesson in regard to that behavior of goats. He also provided a useful warning about stubbornness and the end results thereof.

I wish our country had a few less goats for leaders, dont you?

Lloyd Pete Waters is a Sharpsburg resident who writes for The Herald-Mail.Matthew Umstead

mumstead@herald-mail.com

MARTINSBURG, W.Va.  Eastern Panhandle school districts stand to gain more than $5.6 million in additional local share funding with the passage of the proposed comprehensive education reform bill now pending in the West Virginia Legislature.

Berkeley County Schools would receive $3,233,878 for the 2019-2020 school year, followed by $2,292,544 for Jefferson Countys school district and $133,923 for Morgan County with the passage of Senate Bill 451, according to preliminary calculations released last week by Senate Finance Committee Chairman Craig Blair.

Altogether, school districts across the state would receive a total of about $32.3 million by instituting a cap at 2015-2016 funding levels, according to the funding proposal.

On third reading in the senate, the bill is on track to be passed Monday and reported to the House of Delegates for further consideration.

The funding-formula change is among multiple funding and salary adjustments specified in the legislation;

Provides supplement for certified math teachers by adding three years of experience for purposes of salary schedule

Provides a one-time, $2,000 supplement to middle and high school math teachers that complete a specialized math course and teach math at least 60 percent of the time.

Allows county school boards to provide salary supplements to teachers who are certified, and who teach a critical need and shortage subject in schools in remote locations, or teach in locations that have experienced high rates of turnover in experienced teachers.

Provides 5 percent pay raises for teachers and service personnel.

In remarks on the Senate floor last week, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Charles Trump, R-Morgan, said the proposed funding changes had not received nearly as much attention as other SB 451 proposals to allow charter schools in the state and provide for the establishment of education savings accounts.

I would say from my perspective ... it is the most important component of this bill, Trump said of the proposed funding-formula changes.

SB 451, as amended, also would allow county school districts to increase their levy rates, but only if a majority of county voters approve such a change.

In explaining the school funding-formula changes, Trump noted that the local share funding calculation adjustment is provided by instituting a cap at the 2015-2016 funding levels of each of the states 55 counties.

The Legislature essentially would be forced to stop penalizing counties when their tax base grows as a result of the funding formula changes, Trump said.

Were going to stop this horrible ... indefensible trend of whenever a local tax base raises an additional $1 for education, what does it do? Does it help their children? No. It helps us, Trump said.

It comes back to the general revenue budget of the state. Its just a dollar that we dont provide to them in the school aid formula under the way that its constructed now.

For counties that do not have growing levies, Trump said the state would remain obligated to make sure they have 100 percent of what they need to run their school systems.

Trump said the funding change gives school districts a tool to confront varying challenges across the state, whether it be to provide teacher pay supplements to recruit and retain educators or to put school buses on accelerated maintenance schedules due to higher daily mileage.

What we dont do enough is give them the tools to solve their own problems, Trump said.

Trump also noted that the legislation establishes a funding floor for small counties as if they have an enrollment of 1,400 students, even if they actually have substantially fewer.

It recognizes that if youre going to run a school system, theres a certain fixed cost, it doesnt matter how many students you have, Trump said.

During Fridays discussion of proposed bill amendments, Trump questioned fellow Eastern Panhandle Sen. John Unger, D-Berkeley, about whether he was aware of the funding changes that would benefit his county given that Unger proposed an amendment to remove all facets of the bill, except the pay raise proposal for teacher and service personnel.

Ungers keeping the promise amendment was defeated by a mostly party line 15-18 vote.

We are playing politics here with ... a promise to the people that was out there, by attaching ... all of these different issues onto this one bill  onto the teachers and service personnels pay raise  to try to get through things that would normally not get through the system on its own merits, said Unger, who acknowledged he was aware of the funding formula changes.

Things that ... we could originate right away and get through (the Senate)  we agree  but theyre just wanting to say ... take it all or leave it, Unger said.

Unger and other Democratic senators have voiced concerns that the entire bill, including the pay raises and other salary adjustments, could be wiped out by a state Supreme Court ruling given a non-severability clause in the legislation that binds all of the various proposals together.

Trump has insisted the clause would act to shield the legislation from excessive judicial intervention by an activist judge. Sen. Corey Palumbo, D-Kanawha, however, described the non-severability clause as mean spirited in an unsuccessful attempt to remove it.

In response to concerns aired about the impact and operation of public charter schools as compared with traditional public schools, SB 451s lead sponsor Sen. Patricia Rucker, R-Jefferson, and other proponents have countered that the legislation provides the West Virginian Board of Education with oversight and rule-making authority, among a number of other accountability and restrictive protections.

In testimony last week, Emily Schultz of the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools lauded the states proposed law as being able to ensure that any charter schools established in West Virginia would be available to the students who need them most.

Schultz highlighted a proposed requirement that every charter school would be required to annually submit a recruitment and retention plan that would list specific strategies the school would use to attract, enroll and retain a student population, including at-risk students, special education, low-income students and those limited English proficiency.

West Virginia is among only six states that have not passed laws allowing public charter schools, Schultz said. Washington D.C., Puerto Rico and Guam also have passed charter school laws, she said.

There are more than 7,000 public charter schools serving nearly 3.2 million students, or about 6 percent of 50 million public school students in the U.S., Schultz said.Mike Lewis

mlewis@herald-mail.com

SHARPSBURG  Customers served by the Sharpsburg Water Treatment Plant are under a boil order in the wake of a water main break.

The Washington County Department of Water Quality issued the order at about 3 p.m. Saturday, after the line had been repaired and water service had been restored.

County officials recommend that customers boil all water used for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth and making ice until further notice. Customers are advised to bring the water to a rolling boil for at least one minute, which is sufficient to ensure the water is safe to use for consumption, then let the water cool before use.

Ice that has been made recently should not be consumed or used for drinking, according to the announcement.

The water may be used for bathing and washing without boiling.

The water quality department has pulled samples for testing, but it will be more than 24 hours before the results are known.

The advisory will be lifted after tests verify the safety of the water supply.

Bottled water was being provided at Sharpsburg EMS, 110 1/2 Chapline St., until 6 p.m. Saturday.

Customers will be notified when the boil water advisory is no longer in effect.

According to an earlier announcement, water service to 586 customers in Sharpsburg was interrupted Saturday by the water main break, which was caused by extreme low temperatures.

The break happened during the overnight hours of Friday night to Saturday morning at the South Church stream crossing, according to the announcement.The Herald-Mail

ANNAPOLIS  Death and taxes might be inevitable, but Andrew Serafini has been conducting a long-term campaign to make your Maryland tax burden a little easier.

On the whole, the Republican senator from Washington County hasnt made much measurable progress, but hes kept the conversation going at the Maryland State House, hoping hell eventually persuade his colleagues that its time for a few changes.

After all, the federal government made sweeping changes to its tax code in late 2017, and Serafini and other Republicans  including Gov. Larry Hogan  have argued that Maryland needs to catch up.

But Serafinis been pushing for state income tax reform for years. In fact, he first recommended the state replace its tax code with a flat tax  a code that would tax most Marylanders at the same rate, but eliminate deductions  back in 2013.

He was a member of the House of Delegates then, and for a time even had a powerful co-sponsor: former Del. Frank Turner, D-Howard, who served with him on the House Ways and Means Committee. But their legislation failed.

Nevertheless, Serafini has filed a bill for a flat tax every year since. And while its been tweaked a bit, he still believes it would be an easier, fairer way to collect state income taxes.

But its simplicity is also its problem.

Give my llamas a break?

One of the reasons the flat tax has failed is that, like the recent federal overhaul, it eliminates deductions.

People love their deductions, Serafini says, and are loathe to let them go.

Heres the issue with this, and let me just lay it right out, this is why people dont like this: We get rid of all deductions and special tax breaks, he told his colleagues on the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee last week.

Thats the problem  when we give you a special break for home-ownership, thats nice. But what about the person thats renting? he said. When we give you a special break because you have llamas in your backyard thats nice, but what about the person that  doesnt want to be spit on by their pets, because thats what they do? The issue is this: We want to treat everybody fairly.

He emphasized that as the federal governments goal was to make income tax returns simpler, his bill would make state returns simpler, too  though its still open to question whether they would fit on a postcard.

We dont have to worry about whether people are cheating on their deductions, we dont have to worry about enforcement, it is what it is, he said.

This years bill proposes a flat tax of 3.9 percent for individuals or spouses filing a joint return with federal adjusted gross income of more than $30,000.

Anyone earning below a gross income of $30,000 would owe nothing. Even so, Serafini said setting a flat rate of 3.9 percent would generate the same tax revenues the state is getting now, while eliminating filing altogether for low-income households. Income for the state would be more predictable, he added.

And taxpayers would save money. Current income tax rates are 4.75 to 5.75 percent for most residents.

Will it fly?

If past is prologue, the bill will generate little more than conversation. But other states have had success with flat taxes, he said, and some dont have income taxes at all.

With the large turnover in the General Assembly after the November election, Serafini found himself starting that conversation fresh as many hadnt heard his flat tax idea yet.

And as many of the new legislators are progressive Democrats, he acknowledged that a flat tax might be a harder sell. Democrats in the General Assembly have frequently called for higher taxes on wealthier residents.

Im not sure Ill win them over, Serafini told Herald-Mail Media. It might be even more difficult than what Ive had in the past.

What to do with the windfall

As a result of the changes to the federal tax code, some Maryland residents could feel some deduction pain. Thats because those who take the now higher standard deduction on their federal returns will lose deductions on their state income taxes. The General Assembly last year took some steps to mitigate that increase by allowing those taxpayers to claim a personal exemption and by raising the states standard deduction and expanding the earned income tax credit for young taxpayers.

But the state still anticipates a windfall of $200 million that normally would go back to taxpayers. That money has been earmarked for education funding.

So Serafini, the original drafter of the bill to raise the standard deduction last year, has offered legislation this year to raise it a little more  up to $6,000 for individuals with incomes over $40,000.

Many, many more people are gonna use the (federal) standard deduction, Serafini told committee members last week. When we tell people they have to follow the federal (deduction options), its gonna have a negative impact. Were gonna get a lot of calls from people as they do their taxes, if you havent already, he said.

Whether he can maneuver another increase in the standard deduction  which would effectively erase the states windfall  remains to be seen. Committee members were silent as he presented both bills on Wednesday.

Im going for a bigger shot at it, Serafini told Herald-Mail Media. And well see where that goes. But Im for putting it back in the taxpayers wallet. I think when that happens, it helps the economy and it rewards them for increased earnings if theyve had that.Mike Lewis

mlewis@herald-mail.com

BALTIMORE  The Maryland Department of Commerce led a delegation of Maryland companies last week to Arab Health 2019, the worlds second-largest health care exhibition.

Held in Dubai, this is the sixth year the state agency has exhibited at the trade show, promoting the states healthcare assets as well as a number of small and mid-size companies to a global audience.

Exhibiting at Arab Health is an excellent opportunity to increase Maryland visibility in the global market and promote our states world-class health care assets to international companies looking to expand into the U.S., Gov. Larry Hogan said in a news release. Our administration is also proud to support several Maryland companies by providing grants through our Export MD program to help them attend this show.

Maryland Commerce Secretary Kelly Schulz added, Arab Health is known for hosting some of the most innovative and advanced healthcare products and equipment in the world,. This years event expects more than 84,000 attendees from 160 countries, giving our Maryland companies plenty of opportunities to expand their reach with new international customers and partners.

The 10 Maryland companies that traveled to Arab Health this year include ACell Inc. (Columbia); Beluga Products (Silver Spring); ClickMedix (Gaithersburg); Health Solutions Research (Rockville); Integrated Pharma Services (Frederick); Man & Machine Inc. (Landover); mdlogix (Owings Mills); Shreis Scalene Sciences (Gaithersburg); Vivavoya (Bethesda); and 20/20 GeneSystems Inc. (Rockville).

Beluga Products, an all-natural, organic health, wellness and beauty company in Montgomery County, is attending Arab Health for the first time. The company is looking forward to traveling overseas and introducing its products to a brand new customer base with help from an ExportMD grant.

Weve always appreciated the business-friendly environment here in Maryland and we are excited to be a part of the Maryland delegation at Arab Health, said Dave Jobes, Ph.D., head of business development for Beluga Products. Our goal is to introduce our all natural, vegan, and Halal nutritional supplements to a new audience in the Middle East, which would not be possible without support from the great team at the Maryland Department of Commerce.

Commerce recently awarded several ExportMD grants to local companies to help them expand into the global marketplace. Established in 1999, the ExportMD program provides matching grants up to $5,000 from Commerces Office of International Investment and Trade. ExportMD is funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, which has awarded multiple State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) grants to Maryland Commerce to help fund the program. The next application deadline for the ExportMD program is February 1, 2019 and eligibility requirements can be found on our website.| BY Kim Shaw |

M&C Saatchi Sydney has released its first campaign for John Boston craft beer that taps into the unexpected legend behind the man that inspired the tasty drop.

John Boston, a jack of all trades, master of none, landed on our shores more than 200 years ago. He crafted Australias first beer in 1796 using corn, bittered with love-apple stalks, but when it failed the taste test of local guards in Old Sydney Town, Boston jumped ship to America. Sadly, he never made it, eaten by cannibals somewhere in the South Pacific.

Unlike John, his beer, an award-winning, easy drinking craft beer, lives on today. However, much like John, the beer had little brand awareness. In order to get people drinking and sharing it proudly, the team at M&C Saatchi has created an out of home and digital campaign that celebrates the fact John Boston beer tastes amazing, and according to cannibals, so did John Boston.

Brewed in honour of legends remembers the harebrained ideas, the silly failures and, most importantly, the spirit of the great man to carry on. The campaign introduces the legend of John Boston with the platform offering the flexibility to celebrate other unexpected legends.

The campaign is led by out-of-home posters on train station platforms that detail the journey of the man who inspired the beer, supported by digital out-of-home and social.

The aesthetic of the work is reflective of the era in which John Boston lived, using wood etched illustrations and long-form typography as well as a cheeky, Aussie vernacular.

Says Cam Blackley, chief creative officer, M&C Saatchi: John Bostons story is about as outrageous as it is unknown. We know that he was among the first brewers in Australia and that his original beer was eye-wateringly bad.

In fact, we know that the man failed at everything he did except dying in an incredibly interesting way. But he had this quality that is hard not to admire  he got back up and tried again every single time. This campaign is about celebrating a legend and the quality beer that remembers his gumption.

Says Rachel Hofman, marketing manager at Pinnacle Drinks: The goal of the campaign is to celebrate John Boston the man who started it all but also to recognise the classic Australian spirit of getting back up and having a crack despite failure.

The result is a compelling brand platform which fully embraces John Bostons cheeky, tell-it-how-it-is tone of voice to share the brand story, delivering visually impactful tailored messages on targeted platforms. The take-out overall is engaging and witty creating talkability.

Creative Director: Cam Blackley

Writers: Avish Gordhan and Andy Flemming

Art Directors: Mandie van der Merwe and Luke Simkins

Design Director: Simone Cherry

Strategy Director: Anthony Lockhart

Group Head: Vanessa Boueyres

Senior Account Director: Helene loakimidisMike Lewis

mlewis@herald-mail.com

Two students from the Tri-State area are continuing to the final round of the 13th annual Collegiate Student Business Plan Competition, hosted by West Virginia Universitys College of Business and Economics.

Advancing are:

 William James Renner, a Shepherd University business administration major, with his business, Loudoun Aerial Solutions LLC. The company provides photography, orthomosaic mapping, 3D modeling and inspection services by drone.

 Caroline Thorp, an agribusiness student at Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, with her plan for Hydro Sustainable LLC.

The announcements were made by the respective educational institutions.

The competition is hosted by the College of Business and Economics at WVU. This year, 281 business plans from students throughout West Virginia were entered in three categories: lifestyle and innovation, hospitality and tourism, and STEM.

Students are competing for a grand prize of $10,000, in addition to receiving free legal and accounting advice, and for the opportunity to start a new business in the state.

The finals are scheduled for April 12 at the High Technology Consortium in Fairmont, W.Va.The Herald-Mail

Gov. Larry Hogan is fond of reminding constituents about the difference between politics in Annapolis and stalemate in Washington, and due to recent tensions over whether U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., would allow the president to deliver his State of the Union address in the U.S. House chamber, Hogan took the opportunity last week to tout bipartisanship in Maryland once again.

As he began his State of the State address in the House of Delegates chamber Wednesday, Hogan drew a chuckle from everyone when he grinned and thanked House Speaker Mike Busch for extending the courtesy of allowing me to give this address in the House chamber.

Technologically challenged

As he dove into his speech, Hogan suddenly grabbed a notebook on the lectern, fumbled a statement about how the divided politics of the nation shouldnt divide the politics of the state, and confessed to the assembled legislators that his teleprompter went out.

But he quickly recovered, finding his place in the hard copy and announcing, Im gonna read the speech. How bout that?

The scarves were a hit

Wednesday also was Washington County Day in the General Assembly, sponsored each year by the Washington County Community Coalition  a broad group of local agencies who travel to the capital to press issues important to the county  and Leadership Washington County.

The coalition holds a legislative reception every year, and as an added incentive for legislators to attend this year, coalition members brought along 100 scarves made in Washington County with Marylands flag design. The first 100 legislators to attend would get one, state Sen. Andrew Serafini, R-Washington, told his colleagues as he displayed one in the Senate chamber.

That one had been promised to Senate President Pro Tem Katherine Klausmeier, D-Baltimore, he said, but Im open to other offers.

Over in the House, Del. William Wivell, R-Washington, made the same offer as Del. Mike McKay, R-Washington/Allegany and the self-proclaimed eye-candy of the delegation, strutted up and down the aisle wrapped in one of the scarves  prompting Busch to observe the runway will never be the same after that.

Stealth tax increase

The Washington County visitors heard from a number of Annapolis power brokers last week  from members of Hogans cabinet and staff to Speaker Busch, who promised funding would continue for downtown Hagerstowns Urban Improvement Project  to other legislative leaders.

Senate Majority Leader Guy Guzzone, D-Howard, took a moment to praise this years budget proposal from Hogan, a Republican.

This actually is a pretty great budget, he said. But he added, one of the reasons I believe its a great budget is that (legislators) mandate things in the budget.  This is the best-funded Democratic budget Ive ever seen.

And House Minority Leader Nic Kipke, R-Anne Arundel, praised Hogan for moderating the legislature, but criticized the Democratic majority for not taking more action last year to decouple Marylands tax code from the federal code. Because of changes to the federal code, some Marylanders will pay higher state taxes this year.

Kipke had a name for that.

Its a stealth tax increase, he said.

 Compiled by Tamela BakerMike Lewis

mlewis@herald-mail.com

BERKELEY SPRINGS, W.Va.  A person was burned and two pets died Friday in a house fire in Morgan County, W.Va.

The resident was taken to Berkeley Medical Center in Martinsburg to be treated, according to Marshall Younker, deputy chief with the Berkeley Springs Volunteer Fire Co.

Younker said the one-story home is a total loss. The cause of the fire had not been determined.

According to Morgan County emergency services, the fire was reported at 5:17 a.m.

Ben Hoopengardner, deputy chief with the Hancock Volunteer Fire Co., was among the first firefighters on the scene at 204 Potter Road.

When we first pulled up, the house was fully involved. ... Everyone was out of the house minus two pets (a cat and a dog) who did perish in the fire, he said.

Two people were at the home when the fire broke out, Hoopengardner said. One was taken to the hospital. The other was helped by the American Red Cross.

A vehicle parked nearby also was damaged by the heat from the fire, Younker said.

Firefighters battled freezing temperatures, as well as heat from the flames.

To my knowledge, they had no water-supply issues, Younker said. He credited some experienced pump operators for keeping the water flowing despite the temperatures.

Hoopengardner said, The cold didnt hamper our efforts.

In addition to crews from Berkeley Springs and Hancock, firefighters from the Hedgesville, Bedington, Great Cacapon, Back Creek Valley and Little Orleans fire companies were on the scene.

The last firefighters left at 8:27 a.m., according to emergency services.The longest government shutdown in U.S. history is over, leaving thousands of families without the means to pay for food, rent, electricity or other basic needs in its wake. Organizations and communities have stepped up to provide for the families of federal workers.

Most of these federal employees normally work behind the scenes to keep the nation running smoothly. The shutdown dragged them into the middle of a brutal policy fight.

The 363 members of the prison staff at Lee prison and TSA agents at the Tri-Cities Regional Airport went without pay, many with families to support. Thousands more in Southwest Virginia were indirectly affected. The human cost of the shutdown was misery and uncertainty for people across the area. And the financial cost? Stores and businesses across the region were emptier, according to owners, and business is down. Overall, the U.S. economy lost $11 billion, according to the Congressional Budget Office.

Several organizations in our region compared the effects of the shutdown to a natural disaster.

Now, in the midst of this crisis, we have to recognize and celebrate the work of our neighbors across the Mountain Empire who provided for our federal workers when they needed it most.These Republicans have internalized no lessons, it seems, from the morally and intellectually ruinous effort to defend Trump at all costs. They cannot imagine a political universe in which he is not the nominee  or they are afraid to say so. They, in short, remain enablers of Trumps incompetent, deceitful and cruel administration. They bear blame for his attacks on democratic institutions, his normalization of bigotry, and his undermining of U.S. influence and stature in the world.

When it comes to national security, other Republicans have recognized that Trump has become a menace. The incident in which the spy chiefs told the country what the world really looks like provoked another Trump tweet tantrum.

I prefer the President would stay off Twitter, particularly with regard to these important national security issues where youve got people who are experts and have the background and are professionals, said Sen John Thune, R-S.D., according to a CNN report. I think in those cases when it comes to their judgment, take into consideration what theyre saying. ... I think we need to trust their judgment.

And yet the vast majority of elected Republicans are willing to leave a wholly irrational commander in chief in place  and vote for another four years of his rants, self-delusion and out-and-out lies.Charles "Whistle" Minnich, Jr., 98, passed away on September 3, 2009, in Crossville, Tennessee, and Josephine Snodgrass Minnich, 102, passed away on Saturday, December 1, 2018, in Bristol, Virginia. It was their wish as husband and wife, to have their service together and be buried together. A Celebration of their lives will be held Friday, February 1, 2019, which would have been their 78th wedding anniversary, at 2 p.m. at Glenwood Cemetery with the Rev. Jonathan Jonas officiating. Military honors will be rendered by the DAV Chapter #40 Honor Guard and members of the TN Army National Guard to honor Mr. Minnich's service in the United States Army. Arrangements especially for Mr. and Mrs. Minnich and their family have been made through Oakley-Cook Funeral Home & Crematory.Whether we have two of them on the field, all three of them on the field, well get creative and have some fun with it," defensive coordinator Joe Barry said.The Virginia State Police are investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred this morning on Interstate 81 in Pulaski County.

Police were notified to be on the lookout for a GMC pickup truck following a hit-and-run crash in the town of Pulaski, according to a written statement.

A short time later the driver of the GMC called 911 and notified the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office of his location on Interstate 81 at the 104 mile marker just inside the Pulaski County line from Montgomery County.

Virginia State Police and the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office responded to that location and encountered the subject inside his pickup on the shoulder of I-81. The subject exited the vehicle armed with a shotgun. The trooper and deputies attempted to negotiate with the male subject to put down his weapon and surrender. The armed subject instead fired a shot into the hillside, then pointed the shotgun at the officers who then fired striking the suspect.

The adult male subject was flown to Roanoke Memorial Hospital where he is being treated for serious injuries.

In accordance with Virginia State Police policy, the trooper has been placed on administrative leave pending the ongoing investigation.

The Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation's Wytheville Field Office is investigating the officer-involved shooting. The investigation remains ongoing at this time.

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.Anderson, IN (46016)

Today

Cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy after midnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low around 50F. Winds N at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy after midnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low around 50F. Winds N at 10 to 20 mph.Shane Ragsdale, formerly of Greenville, beloved son of Sheila June Winters and father Sariah Vanderwal-Ragsdale, passed away May 31, 2021 in the ICU of Hilo Hawaii hospital of pneumonia. Hi memorial service was held June 12, in Makapala, Hawaii. His fellowship on Earth will be missed; anticiThe coat of arms of Edward J. Burns, the bishop of the Diocese of Dallas. On Thursday, a list of 31 former priests in the diocese who had been "credibly accused of sexual abuse of children" was posted on the diocese's website. Burns wrote in a letter that accompanied the list, "Our failure to protect our most vulnerable from abuse, and hold accountable those who preyed on them, fills me with both sorrow and shame."Note: We've recently updated our online systems. If you can't login please try resetting your password. You must login with an email address. If you don't have an email associated with your account email customercare@heraldandnews.com for help creating one.Huntington, WV (25701)

Today

Strong thunderstorms likely. Damaging winds and large hail with some storms. High 88F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%..

Tonight

Showers and thundershowers this evening, then cloudy with rain likely overnight. A few storms may be severe. Low near 60F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%.Mourners remember Ron Metzger as 'the ultimate giver'

Mourners filled the sanctuary of First United Methodist Church on Saturday to celebrate the life of Ronald C. Ron Metzger, a high school dropout who became a social worker and mental health administrator, a fulltime repairer of hurting humans, a "world-class" maker of cocktails and cookies and the ultimate giver.

Metzger died on Tuesday, Jan. 28, at Carolina Village from complications from Alzheimers at age 79.

Born in Sabetha, Kansas, he was one 10 children of Bertha and Philip Metzger. After dropping out of high school, he got a job as an apprentice baker, arriving at 1 a.m. to knead the dough, fire up the oven and bake bread, then setting out to deliver the bread, the Rev. Mark Ralls said.

Metzer volunteered for the U.S. Army as a conscientious objector, assuming hed be ordered to permanent K.P.

After all, he had lots of practice, Ralls said.

Instead, the Army made him a medic and assigned him to a psychiatric ward, caring for soldiers struggling with mental illness.

One day, walking the down a street, he spotted a sign about getting a G.E.D. And he would say years later it was that moment that changed his life, Ralls said He vowed to become a social worker.

After his discharge from the Army, he enrolled at Kansas State, where he met and fell in love with Sherri. When he left for graduate school at the University of Kansas, Ron and Sherri were apart but never separate. Ron and Sherri wrote each other almost every day." Although they could only afford one long distance call a week that was enough. "All those letters and that phone call were enough to keep the fires burning, Ralls said. Sherri saved Rons letters, sealing the more amorous of them in a plastic bag labeled Open at your own risk.

Early in their courtship, Ron gave Sherri three roses.

One for him, one for her and one for their spirit together, the minister said. He continued the tradition throughout their long and happy marriage. Three roses for every anniversary. Then came their daughter and the three roses represented mom, dad and Emily.

When Ron and Sherri moved to Hendersonville in 1974, he started his career as a mental health counselor and later administrator. Over time the small mental health clinic had grown to 250 employees in a building that bears his name, Ralls said. And all through those years of service Ron demonstrated again and again that the greatest gift any of us can give is to give ourselves.

In the early days, with space in short supply, Ron the director of the program set up his office in the hallway, a hanging cloth the only means of privacy. Although subordinates protested, Ron insisted it was more important for our clients to have privacy and dignity.

Besides his degrees from Kansas State and Kansas, Metzger completed post-graduate work at UNC at Chapel Hill and at the National Institute of Mental Health. After he retired from Trend in 1997, he joined Sherri in real estate sales at Beverly Hanks & Associates. He was a member of the Rotary Club for 40 years and served on the board of the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce among other local boards.

His daughter, Emily Freeman, remembered when her dad let her stand on his feet when they danced, when he opened the blinds every morning to wake her up, when he made breakfast every day for her and Sherri and made sure we would all get our day started right as a family, how he would always make Mom and me feel like we were the center of his world.

Besides Sherri and Emily, he is survived by his son-in-law, Mark Freeman, and granddaughter, Kinley.

Near the end of his career at Trend, Metzger was asked to sum up his philosophy.

It is to have and to give and to share with others, he told the gathering.

This is not only how he lived, the Rev. Ralls said, this is also how he died. Near the end of his days, as Sherri was leaving his room, Ron absolutely insisted she take a small figurine on the table as a gift from him, a giraffe. Giraffes, you may know, are a symbol of peace. Perhaps Ron knew that in the weeks and months to come Sherri and all the family would need this gift, Ralls said. He said I want you to have it, because when I go to sleep tonight Im not getting out of this bed.

He was right. That night he fell and never recovered from the fall. He never got out of that bed.

And yet who among us would be surprised to learn, Ralls said, that Ron Metzgers final act was the giving of a gift.

* * * * *

The family thanked the staff of Carolina Village and particularly thanked Dr. Peggy Noel of Memory Care, who will forever remain in our hearts for her tireless compassion. The family asked that memorial donations be directed to MemoryCare.org through the Community Foundation of Henderson County.Editor: The last lyrics of our National Anthem are, the land of the free, and homPublished on 2019/02/03 | Source

Travelers walk at Lotte's duty-free shop in Seoul's Sogong-dong on Sunday.

Tourism between Korea and Japan reached historic numbers last year despite worsening spats between the two governments that increasingly seem to leave their populations cold.

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Some 2.95 million Japanese tourists visited Korea last year, up 27.6 percent from the previous year and the largest increase since 2009, according to the Korea Tourism Organization on Sunday. Kim Man-jin of the KTO credited warming relations with North Korea, which eased the fears of more timid Japanese tourists.

At the same time about 7.54 million Koreans visited Japan, an all-time record, mainly encouraged by the weak yen.

Worsening spats between the two governments over historical issues increasingly seem to bypass their younger populations, who see more similarities than differences between the neighbors.

Duty-free sales here also jumped thanks to a growing number of Japanese visitors this year. Duty-free sales to Japanese tourists increased even amid a furious tiff between the two governments over Japanese spy planes' flybys over Korean warships in the East Sea that started late last year.

Sales at Lotte's flagship duty-free shop in Seoul's Sogong-dong soared between Jan. 1 and 20, up more than 30 percent on-year. Those at Shinsegae near the Myeong-dong shopping district to Japanese tourists also jumped 53 percent on-year.Published on 2019/02/03 | Source

President Moon Jae-in (right) and others lay flowers for the late sex slavery victim Kim Bok-dong at a memorial altar in Seoul on Tuesday.

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President Moon Jae-in paid his last respects on Tuesday to Kim Bok-dong, who was forced into sexual slavery by the Japanese Army in World War II and died of cancer on Monday. She was 93.

Kim was a vocal activist calling on Japan to apologize for its wartime atrocities. This is the first time an incumbent Korean president has paid his respects at the funeral of a sex slavery victim.

"If she had survived a little longer, she could have celebrated the 100th anniversary of the March 1 Independence Movement Day and even visited Pyongyang following the U.S.-North Korea summit", Moon said.

The president added that victims "are dying one by one. It breaks my heart to see them go while the problem remains unresolved".

Kim was a symbol of the plight of Korean women who were forced to serve as sex slaves for Japanese troops during the war. More than 1,000 people paid their last respects at her memorial altar.

The funeral ceremony will be held in front of the Japanese Embassy in downtown Seoul on Friday.By Panos Kotzathanasis | Published on 2019/02/02

Having a newcomer director and a newcomer protagonist in a movie is already a hard task, and Yi Okseop even took it a step further by implementing an episodic narrative that looks more like a collage of ideas than a compact movie. The result, however, is interesting.

"Maggie" (festival entry) is screening at the International Film Festival Rotterdam

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An X-ray of a couple having sex causes a scandal in a hospital in Seoul. For reasons not exactly logical, Nurse Yeo Yoon-yeong suspects the ones depicted may be she and her boyfriend, and decides to submit her resignation. However, when she returns to the hospital the next day, she finds it abandoned, with the exception of the head nurse, since all employees seem to be sick. As the two women embark on a trip that has them question confidence and faith, the film also begins to focus on Yoon-yeong's relationship with her boyfriend, a truly lazy guy who eventually starts working to fill some sudden sinkholes that have started appearing all over Seoul.. All the while, a catfish that can predict earthquakes functions as the narrator of the film

Evidently, following such an abstract narrative is not the easiest thing one can do, with Yi Okseop changing themes, protagonists and subjects almost with every scene, with her own and Koo Kyohwan's editing probably being the hardest task in the movie. At the same time, her whole approach towards this collage of ideas is rather funny, particularly regarding the way people perceive meanings like confidence and faith in each other.

Probably as a whole, the movie does not make sense, but if one could perceive it as a collection of ideas from Okseop's rich imagination, the viewing becomes much easier. One could say that the various episodes have allegorical meaning, regarding the difficulty of maintaining relationships in contemporary Korea, the blights of unemployment, while the sudden sinkholes may represent the emotional gap people feel in this setting. However, the abstract narrative makes it quite hard to understand those metaphors fully, to the point I am not even sure if they actually exist.

One thing that is undeniable is the prowess in the visual department, with Lee Jaeu making a great job in portraying the different, and occasionally surrealistic settings, while Kim Hyu-jin's set design is exceptional in that fashion, with a number of sets like the one for the people demonstrating, being truly memorable.

Another rewarding aspect of the film is the acting, with Lee Joo-young as Yoon-yeong, Koo Kyo-hwan as her boyfriend, and the always excellent Moon So-ri as the head nurse having adapted fully to the unusual narrative of the film. Koo Kyo-hwan in particular, is the main source of comedy, with the scenes where he is sleeping in different, quite loud settings, and his overall aloof composure being hilarious.

More like a collection of shorts that come together through an abstract narrative that a compact movie, "Maggie" however, manages to be rather entertaining, particularly to the viewer who can overcome the lack of linearity and occasionally, coherence.

Review by Panos Kotzathanasis

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"Maggie" is directed by Yi Okseop, and features Lee Joo-young, Moon So-ri, Koo Kyo-hwan and Dong Bang-woo.Published on 2019/02/03 | Source

Bullying is more prevalent in elementary school than in middle and high school, according to a survey of about 90,000 fourth to 11th graders across the country published by the Education Ministry on Thursday.

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Some 3.6 percent of elementary schoolchildren said they experienced violence, compared to 2.2 percent in middle school and 1.3 percent in high school. And 9.6 percent of elementary schoolkids said they saw their friends suffer violence in school, compared to 7.8 percent in middle school and 5.9 percent in high school.

However, violence in middle and high schools is often more serious than among younger children.

Punishments in elementary schools such as suspension from school and transfer to another class or school have nearly tripled from 252 in 2013 to 611 in 2017. In secondary schools the increase was slower, from 4,270 to 4,491 in middle schools and from 1,588 to 2,646 in high schools.

It now takes the form not only of physical violence but also verbal abuse and cyberbullying. More and more children hit or swear at their friends and even teachers, according to the ministry. Defiance of a teacher's authority, including hitting or groping, tripled in elementary schools from 58 cases in 2013 to 167 in 2017. But there has been a drastic decrease in middle schools from 2,937 to 1,008 and in high schools from 2,567 to 1,391.

The surge in violence in elementary schools may be due to rapid physical growth among children and their easy access to pornographic and violent content online.

One elementary-school teacher in Seoul said, "It seems that children have become insensitive to verbal abuse or violence, considering it a prank or fun if they've been exposed to it from a young age".

But the spike may also be due to the fact that children are more sensitive to violence and their parents intervene more aggressively. "These days, children tend to take issue with anything uncomfortable and call it violence", the principal of one elementary school in Seoul said. "Middle and high school students like to solve slight quarrels among themselves, while elementary school children tend to report them to parents or teachers".



Haiti - Politic : 88 new young agronomists in the public administration





This week at the National Palace, President Jovenel Moise in the presence of Jobert C. Angrand, the Minister of Agriculture and Josue Pierre Louis the Coordinator of the Office of Human Resources Management (OMRH), organized a ceremony of gratification in honor of 88 young agronomists recently integrated in the public administration, laureates of a competition organized on June 10, 2018 by the Ministry of Agriculture https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-24653-icihaiti-agriculture-recruitment-competition-for-agronomists.html with the support of the Office of Human Resources Management (OMRH). These new executives will lead the various Commune Agricultural Offices (BAC) of the country.



The Head of State took the opportunity to congratulate the laureates, the Ministry of Agriculture, the OMRH and the members of the Jury, stressing that it is this kind of initiative that the country needs. "By acting through competition, the country chooses to take precedence over favoritism", adding "such an approach will only be beneficial to the development of the country."



For his part Minister Angrand, promised to support at all levels the new Heads of BAC stating that 100 brand new motorcycles, tractors, plows and other agricultural equipment will be made available to agronomists to enable them to effectively fulfill their mission.



Josue Pierre Louis pointed out that in the framework of the reform of the public administration, recruitment by competition, is the new slogan of the public administration, recalling that in 2018, 3 competitions were organized and indicated that from this month, other competitions will be held adding in conclusion that "the development of the country is dependent on qualified and competent executives."



See also :

https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-24653-icihaiti-agriculture-recruitment-competition-for-agronomists.html



HL/ HaitiLibre





















Haiti - Petit-Goave : The opposition gets organized and strengthens against the Head of State





Saturday, February 2, at the local of Christian Complex of Petit-Goave, activists and supporters of the opposition, from Gressier, Leogane, Grand-Goave, the Second Plain and members of grassroots organizations and the Senator Nenel Cassis (Famni Lavalas) took part in a Forum to constitute a strong and united front, to lead an effective fight against the administration Moses-Ceant during a big mobilization against the power in place, envisaged the 7 February next https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-26828-haiti-news-zapping.html



"Our schools are in crisis. The Gourde currency is significantly depreciated against the US dollar. Life is difficult because of rising prices of product of first necessities. Our future is mortgaged. The solution is the resignation of Jovenel," said a highly motivated activist.



The organization "Dmmi Nan Bwa" of the Second Plain, close to the opposition, is ready to demonstrate on February 7 to demand the resignation of the Head of State.



At the forum, individuals from the Digue threw stones at the Christian Complex, creating a moment of disruption and panic. but everything was quickly back in order and the meeting continued, after young opposition supporters of the popular district "Persin" put the disrupters to flight.



Mobilization! Mobilization! Departure of President Jovenel Moses! These are the summary of the resolution adopted by the opposition members at the end of the Forum.



An opposition that accuses the former Deputy Jacques Stevenson Thimoleon current Director of the Ministry of Planning for having sponsored this attack against the building where the forum was held.



An accusation denied by the team of Thimoleon, denying any involvement of the latter in this incident stating vigorously "the former Deputy of Petit-Goave has no connection with the individuals who threw stones at the Christian Complex where was held this meeting." Thimoleon's team condemns "these baseless accusations by the local opposition branch on local radio stations, which only serve to fuel a climate of needless rancor".



See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-26828-haiti-news-zapping.html



HL/ HaitiLibre / Guyto Mathieu (Correspondant Petit-Goave)





















Haiti - Army : 15 young professionals in military training in Mexico





Saturday, February 2, the Ambassador of Haiti to Mexico Guy G. Lamothe accompanied by Councilor Jean Claude Lappe visited the 15 Haitian soldiers aspirants (8 women and 7 men https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-26689-haiti-army-250-aspiring-soldiers-of-the-fad-h-in-training.html ) of the Corps of Engineering (engineers, doctors and agronomists), currently in training at the military base of Temamatla (State of Mexico).



The Mexican General Porfirio Fuentes accompanied Ambassador Lamothe who was received by General Gomez Ruiz Commander-in-Chief of the base.



The future military professionals spoke with Ambassador Lamothe, who did not fail to congratulate them for their commitment and good behavior during their training.



The Ambassador visited the facilities where our compatriots are trained and ensured follow-up of the terms of the agreement signed in October 2018 https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-25768-haiti-army-the-minister-of-defense-signs-a-military-cooperation-agreement-with-mexico.html , between the two defense ministers of Haiti and Mexico.



See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-26804-haiti-washington-minister-joseph-outlines-haiti-s-defense-strategy.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-26689-haiti-army-250-aspiring-soldiers-of-the-fad-h-in-training.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-25768-haiti-army-the-minister-of-defense-signs-a-military-cooperation-agreement-with-mexico.html



HL/ HaitiLibre





















Haiti - FLASH : Shipwreck off the islands of Abaco, 16 dead and 15 Haitian survivors





On Saturday morning, 16 people died and 15 were saved in the sinking of a Haitian boat-people boat off the islands of Abaco in the Bahamas archipelago.



Following the discovery by residents of 4 dead bodies on the shoreline near Man-o-War Cay near Marsh Harbor, police, fire and rescue services, as well as Immigration and The Royal Bahamas Defense Force (RBDF) stationed at Great Abaco conducted searches near Fowl Cay and Man-o-War Cay.



Rescue teams were then joined by an RBDF patrol vessel HMBS "Durward Knowles" and a US Coast Guard helicopter.



15 Haitian shipwrecked were found alive and were hoisted aboard the HMBS under the command of Lieutenant Commander Omarv Saunders and then transported to the Marsh Harbor Clinic for evaluation before being handed over to the officers of the immigration and police for further investigation.



On Saturday afternoon, the shipwreck wreckage was spotted by the US Coast Guard helicopter in reef-laden waters near Fowl Cay. A diving operation conducted by RBDF divers and a local diver revealed the presence of 12 additional bodies of Haitians lifeless in the boat at the bottom of the sea bringing to 16 the total number of deceased victims in this new drama of the sea...



Remember that this is the 6th boat of compatriots fleeing the misery of Haiti in search of a better life, (5 intercepted, 1 sinking) in the archipelago of the Bahamas since the beginning of the year...



See also :

https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-26723-icihaiti-security-rescue-of-31-haitians-by-the-us-coast-guard.html

https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-26633-icihaiti-social-130-haitian-boat-people-intercepted-off-the-bahamas.html

https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-26594-icihaiti-bahamas-4th-boat-of-illegal-haitian-migrants-intercepted-in-7-days.html



SL/ HaitiLibre





















Have any questions? Please give us a call at 520-625-5511We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on!

SubmitWe've finally finished off January and are heading into Mobile World Congress' month. The last week of the first month was quite busy and we got a lot of big stories to talk about.

As is often the case lately the Samsung Galaxy S10 was the focal point in the tech world. This week we saw the cleanest and highest-quality renders yet of the Galaxy S10 and S10+ as well as the S10+ in a revealing image in the wild.

We also learned that the Galaxy S10+ will have a more premium configuration with 12GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. Samsung has already started mass producing its upcoming lineup of flagship phones in order to cope with the demand at launch.

In related news Samsung finally unveiled its revamped entry-level phones. The Galaxy M10 and M20 will go on sale in India on February 5 at very aggressive prices.

As with previous weeks the Sony Xperia XZ4 was not heavily leaked but what few stories we saw were very popular. This week we heard some tempting first whispers of the flagship's specs. While unconfirmed, the specs suggest a 6.5-inch 21:9 OLED display, a 4,400mAh battery and a 52MP camera.

Oppo is developing an in-screen camera but it doesn't seem ready for prime time just yet. Rumor has it that it will be embedded into an app icon.

Redmi, Xiaomi's newly separated sub-brand, was in the news this week. Starting with the upcoming Redmi Note 7 Pro - it will offer a 6GB + 128GB version. Redmi's CEO started a poll asking Redmi fans what they wanted most out of the Note 7 Pro and a faster processor was the most requested upgrade.

Also, Redmi's first Android Go phone became a reality this week - the Redmi Go costs just 80.

As the MWC draws near it became clear that LG is prepping a big announcement - it will show off both the LG G8 and the V50 ThinQ at the congress.

Speaking of phones that will come to the MWC - we learned that the Nokia 9 PureView will come with 18W fast charging (like Google's Pixels).

Finally we saw concept images of what the iPhone XI might look like with a squarer flatter design.

See you in a week!



Samsung Galaxy S10+ poses for the camera once again Another full frontal photo of the Samsung Galaxy S10+ just appeared on Weibo.





Redmi CEO polls fans on the most-desired Redmi Note 7 Pro upgrades The poll ends in two days but there's a clear favorite - and if rumors are to be believed, people will get what they want.





vivo APEX 2019's full display fingerprint reader impresses on video Touch anywhere to unlock seems like an awesome feature. The video also demos the touch buttons and the piezo loudspeaker.





Sony Xperia XZ4 to have 52MP sensor Could this be the year that Sony goes all out in the smartphone space?





Concept ad imagines iPhone XI with SE-like design and regular triple camera This video presents an alternative to the rounded pebble with a wonky triple camera that was allegedly based on official designs.





Another Redmi Note 7 flash sale ends in minutes This time 100,000 units were pushed in exactly 10 minutes 56 seconds.

Suppose you were told that there is something responsible for nearly 1 of every 5 deaths of Americans, and that it is completely avoidable. Would you believe  today  that "something" is cigarette smoking?

If you're a college graduate, you might not believe it. You don't smoke. Your friends and colleagues don't smoke. You never see smoke in your workplace, nor in the restaurants and bars you frequent. Like many of the nation's most educated citizens, you may well regard the problem of smoking as largely solved. Because the educated population is also the most politically engaged, cigarette smoking has virtually disappeared from the nation's health policy agenda.

I'm not a smoker, although like many of you I was one (45 years ago, in my case). As a student of tobacco policy for over 40 years, I have helped to document the remarkable progress we have made against smoking. But I also appreciate why smoking remains our nation's most avoidable cause of disability and premature death. The lack of policy attention to smoking is a public health tragedy.

The good news and the bad news

No one can deny the extraordinary victories against smoking. Since the 1964 Surgeon Generals report on smoking and health, adult smoking prevalence has dropped by two-thirds, from 43 percent to 14 percent.

The decrease among young people has been even more substantial. For example, since smoking peaked among high school seniors 20 years ago, smoking prevalence in the past 30 days has plummeted by nearly 80 percent.

Prompted by tobacco control initiatives, Americans decisions to quit smoking and not to start in the first place avoided 8 million premature deaths from 1964 to 2012. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention considers tobacco control one of the 10 greatest public health achievements of the 20th century and of the first decade of the 21st.

Thats the good news. The bad news is that 1 of every 7 adults still smokes. And smoking kills nearly 500,000 Americans every year. That number exceeds  by a lot  the sum total of all deaths caused by the opioids and other drugs, alcohol, motor vehicle injuries, homicide, suicide, HIV/AIDS and fires.

Who smokes now? The role of education

What accounts for the divergence between common perceptions about smoking and the dismal reality? In large part it is remarkable changes in who is smoking. Increasingly, todays smokers are those with lower education, lower income and - importantly - a higher incidence of mental illness.

Consider this: In 1966, the smoking rate of Americans who hadnt graduated high school was just 20 percent greater than that of college grads. By 2017, in contrast, the smoking prevalence of the least educated was nearly four times greater than that of the most educated.

Smoking has declined substantially at both ends of the education spectrum but to a much higher degree among college graduates: by half among Americans lacking a high school degree, but by 85 percent among college graduates.

For college grads, the rate of smoking in 2017 was vanishingly small. For those without a high school degree, and indeed for high school grads too, fully 1 out of 5 remain smokers. The difference matters. Research attributes a fifth to a third of a large education-related gap in life expectancy to differences in smoking.

Money matters

A similar pattern of smoking holds with respect to income classes, themselves highly correlated with educational attainment. According to the latest data, Americans who live below the federal poverty level were three times more likely to smoke than Americans with incomes at least 400 percent above the federal poverty level. The gap has widened since the early 1990s.

There is an enormous difference in life expectancies between the nations richest and poorest citizens. Smoking is again a significant factor in this disparity.

Mental health does, too

An enormously important factor in smoking today is that the smoking prevalence of people suffering from serious mental illness is more than double that of the population not so afflicted (28 percent and 13 percent, respectively, in 2014). People with mental health problems or substance use disorders constitute a quarter of the U.S. population but consume 40 percent of all cigarettes smoked. They have more difficulty quitting smoking.

Rates differ by mental illness condition. In 2007, nearly 60 percent of schizophrenics smoked. That was three times the rate of the general population. Smokers with serious psychological distress (SPD) lose 15 years of life expectancy. Nonsmoking victims of SPD lose five years. Research has thus attributed up to two-thirds of the life expectancy reduction of SPD victims who smoke to their consumption of cigarettes.

Sexual orientation, race and ethnicity

Smoking also disproportionately afflicts members of the LGBT community. Among racial/ethnic groups, American Indians and Alaskan Natives had the highest smoking rates in 2016, while Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders had the lowest.

In general, women have substantially lower smoking rates than men. The exceptions are American Indians/Alaska Natives, among whom women have slightly higher smoking prevalence than men, and non-Hispanic whites, among whom men smoke at slightly higher rates.

Marginalized smokers

As these data indicate, the principal victims of smoking are members of marginalized populations. Despite the enormous continuing importance of smoking in U.S. health, the issue is submerged. Smoking no longer afflicts the nations most economically advantaged population, and those it does burden lack an effective voice in the nations political life.

Besides, smokers tend to blame themselves for the behavior.

In point of fact, smoking is a tenacious addiction, one that the vast majority of smokers acquired in their youth. They were assisted in so doing by an avaricious tobacco industry that marketed aggressively to young people. Kids have been referred to as replacement smokers, the new smokers needed to replenish the industrys customer base as its most loyal customers succumb to smoking-produced diseases.

Restoring tobacco control to the nations public health agenda

What can be done? The simple  and incomplete  answer is more of the same. Public education has contributed to decreased smoking, as have policy interventions: cigarette taxation, smoke-free workplace laws, prohibitions on product advertising and promotion, and media anti-smoking campaigns. Evidence-based smoking cessation treatments can help as well. Interventions increasingly need to be targeted to specific high-risk groups.

These evidence-based measures are unlikely to be enough, however. A potentially complementary tool may lie in a highly controversial recent development: the emergence of e-cigarettes. Novel reduced-risk nicotine delivery products like e-cigarettes may serve as alternatives to smoking, especially for those smokers otherwise incapable of quitting cigarettes.

Vaping may hold the potential to help significant numbers of Americans to quit smoking. The risks of vaping are clearly substantially less than those of smoking. At the same time, however, there are concerns about the attraction of e-cigarettes to young people and uncertainty about the health effects of long-term vaping.

While the ultimate impacts of e-cigarettes and other novel non-combusted tobacco products remain to be seen, there is widespread agreement that it is the burning of tobacco  primarily in the form of cigarette smoking, with its 7,000 chemicals  that is by far the most deadly method of consuming tobacco.

The enormous successes of tobacco control notwithstanding, smoking remains Public Health Enemy No. 1. Today, the burden of smoking falls primarily on marginalized populations  the poor, the poorly educated, and those suffering from mental health problems. A compassionate public would renew the battle against smoking with a vigor not seen in decades.

This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit source of analysis from academic experts. Author Tiffany Mitchell Patterson is Assistant Professor of Secondary Social Studies at West Virginia University.Former Reidsville High School classmate Vivian Smith suggested taking dulcimer lessons at Rockingham Community College. Since Benfield had a dulcimer she had purchased at Dollywood as a decorating accessory, she, Smith and my little Dollywood dulcimer went to class the first night.

Instructor Bill Rakes tried to tune her dulcimer but quickly returned it to Banfield, telling her to take it home and put it back on the wall. Thats all it was good for.

Anderson fixed me right up with a cardboard dulcimer and an instruction song book, Banfield said. Now she has three dulcimers that dont hang on the wall.

You cant cry and play dulcimer, so I had to quit crying and practice, Banfield said. It has been good for me every since.

Not only has she learned a new skill, but she has developed a wide circle of friends from throughout the county and state as a result of the lessons. She has attended workshops in Kentucky; Ferrum, Va.; and Cullowhee.

Madison resident Pat Forbes recalled hearing the dulcimer group perform at Kellam Grove Methodist Church several years ago. She followed Anderson to her car to tell her how much she had enjoyed the program and was invited to come to one of the classes.Newly empowered Democrats in the state legislature have hit the ground running, filing bills on their first official day at work to expand Medicaid coverage for North Carolina residents.

If passed, the identical bills  one in the House and one in the Senate  would expand health care coverage for between 500,000 and 670,000 North Carolinians who currently have none, BH Medias Richard Craver reported Thursday.

Unfortunately, both bills face uphill battles in legislative chambers still controlled by Republicans.

There should be no denying of the need. About 10.7 percent of the states population, or about 1.1 million North Carolinians, are uninsured or underinsured through high-deductible insurance plans, according to the N.C. Justice Center. Medicaid expansion would be available to individuals between 19 and 64 who have a modified adjusted gross income that is at or below 133 percent of the federal poverty level and who are not otherwise eligible for Medicaid coverage under the N.C. State Plan. Many of these likely recipients work low-wage jobs and some are veterans.The University of North Carolina could never have the national reputation it has if it were not for the fact that there is a faculty, student body and staff who love the place, are committed to it and want to commit their lives and their futures to a great institution and improving a great institution, Watson added. If you kill off their sense of participation in that institution, you kill off the whole thing.

Nassirian agreed. He said that in his nearly 30 years of working in public education policy, he has observed that the more political a university system becomes, the more alienating it is to those who make it valuable.

Public universities are funded by the public, he said. Its right that elected officials should have significant say over the financial piece of things, for instance. But to be a university requires you to pursue the truth, be objective, not become an opportunistic creature of the times.

In treating the university as though its no different than the DMV  I won an election, I can do what I want with it  you can kill the goose that laid the golden egg, Nassirian said.

William Sturkey is an assistant professor of history at UNC-Chapel Hill who has been on the front lines of the controversy over the Silent Sam Confederate statue.It should be thankful for Jackie Robinson (yes, that Jackie Robinson) was poised to fight abroad in the Army during World War II, if only the Army had let him. Robinson, a second lieutenant, was court-martialed in 1944  for refusing to move to the back of a military bus. Ultimately, Robinson was acquitted by a panel of nine white officers. But in the wake of the charges he was transferred out of his original unit  a tank battalion called the Black Panthers that was the first such unit to see combat in the war. (Obviously, Robinson went on to make history in other ways.)

And America should be thankful for the 1.2 million descendants of slaves who served during World War II, only to come home to a country that, by federal policy, shortchanged them on veterans benefits and hemmed them into red-lined communities, helping to create a black-white wealth gap that persists to this day.

An overlooked chapter in U.S. history is the Double V campaign, conceived by a black newspaper, the Pittsburgh Courier, during World War II to fight for freedom abroad  and at home. The campaign was inspired by a letter to the editor from an African-American soldier who had posed the question: Should I Sacrifice to Live Half American? 

If nothing else, the campaign confirmed black peoples deep affection for a country that doesnt always love them back. Among the more passionate supporters of Double V were the United Autoworkers ... and a small, land-grant institution in North Carolina called A&T.McCready, on the other already, began raising money right away. He began actively fundraising in December. Three announced Democratic presidential candidates  Elizabeth Warren, Kamala Harris and Kirsten Gillibrand  made fundraising appeals on his behalf

He raised $503,000 over the same period. Much of it  $379,000  came though ActBlue, a clearinghouse for contributions to Democrats. Among McCready's recent donors were actress Lilly Tomlin and former presidential adviser David Gergen, a North Carolina native.

Harris could not be reached Friday. Jason Williams, his 2018 campaign manager, told The Charlotte Observer earlier this week that Harris is "not in an active campaign."

"Mark Harris is the Congressman-elect," Williams said at the time, "and since his election on Nov., he has been working tirelessly preparing to represent the citizens of the 9th District."

McCready, on the other hand, began laying the groundwork for a new campaign. About a dozen staffers from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee came to North Carolina to help resurrect the campaign, cranking up digital and fundraising operations.

"What we've seen over these last few weeks is just how invested people across the state and across the country are about what's happening in the 9th District," McCready spokesman Aaron Simpson said Friday. "What's happening in the 9th District is not just about one election. It's an attack on our democracy. That's why it's so important."Jack Kroustalis of Westbend Vineyards near Lewisville, to my mind, is the Ray Kinsella character in Field of Dreams. Kroustalis decision to plant French vinifera in the central Piedmont was met with ridicule from N.C. State University, its Cooperative Extension agents, and area farmers loyal to tobacco, corn and soybeans.

Chardonnay? Cabernet Sauvignon? It will never grow. That man is crazy!

Kroustalis carried his wares to area restaurants and was met with similar derision. He challenged them to blind tastings, pouring from a brown paper bags his Chardonnay against Kendall Jacksons. Which do you prefer?

By the late-1980s, Westbend Vineyards was gaining ground. Robert Parker, critic for The Wine Advocate, called Westbend the Souths best kept wine secret.

Westbend was the catalyst for the Yadkin Valleys explosive wine growth in the mid-1990s.

North Carolinas wine story is also about denial. This state lead the nation in wine production before the Civil War bled off resources. This state resurrected its national wine profile in the early 1900s before Prohibition killed it off.Note: We've recently updated our online systems. If you can't login please try resetting your password. You must login with an email address. If you don't have an email associated with your account email circulation@skagitpublishing.com for help creating one.Do not let anyone  anyone  tell you that local leaders in Danville and Pittsylvania County or top state officials in Richmond are anything but totally committed to an economic rebirth of this region. Mondays announcement of the Institute for Advanced Learning and Researchs Center for Manufacturing Advancement should be all the evidence anyone needs to see that all the political and economic muscle available is behind this region.

IALR Executive Director Mark Gignac made the announcement of the $25.5 million training and startup facility Monday morning. Plans are to have it up and running by 2021.

And just what is a Center for Manufacturing Advancement? Well, think of it as a rental home for businesses that have announced plans to locate operations in the region but are in need of immediate space while their facilities are being constructed. Or an incubator for a new business as planning for its facilities is finalized. Or a concierge service for foreign companies coming to the U.S. for the first time and in need of assistance navigating local, state and national regulatory routes. Or an already-certified inspection lab that could reduce the length of a manufacturers start-up time by eight to 10 months. Or a cross-platform innovation center that would bring together manufacturers, tech companies and engineers to explore new products and emerging technologies.Gov. Ralph Northam refused to resign his office Saturday and instead attempted to ride out a scandal threatening to end his political career by denying he was one of the two men in a racist photo that appeared in his medical school yearbook.

Resisting intense pressure from his Democratic allies to step aside, Northam, 59, said in an afternoon news conference he doesnt believe he was in the photo from his yearbook page showing one man in blackface and another in Ku Klux Klan robes.

This was not my picture. I was not in that costume either as blackface or as KKK. And it's not me, Northam said.

That runs counter to Northams first statement on the controversy Friday night, in which the governor apologized for appearing in the photo and for the hurt it has caused. On Saturday, Northam suggested that he had been overzealous in his initial apology, saying he did not have a copy of the yearbook and was unaware of what was on the page. After taking more time to look at the photo, Northam said, he came to the conclusion it was not him in it. He added that hed be willing to use facial recognition software to try to prove it.

I recognize that many people will find this difficult to believe, Northam said.Northam EVMS roommate: 'Neither of them looked like Ralph to me'

Dr. Rob Marsh, who was Northams roommate for two years at EVMS, said when he first saw the photo, he didnt think it was real.

"I don't remember that ever happening, said Marsh, who graduated from the school one year before Northam did and now has a medical practice in Middlebrook.

Marsh, 63, said Northam was very respectful to others as a medical student, and he never heard Northam mock anybody of any other race.

I did not recognize either one of those people or that event. Neither one of them looked like Ralph to me, Marsh said.

Marsh said he did not remember details of how the school yearbooks were put together. He said he remembers Northam at the time as a super straight guy.

He wasnt going to do anything to embarrass his family. I find it bizarre, Marsh said.

 Graham Moomaw

Medical school president releases statement on yearbook photo: 'Racism and discrimination in any form is not acceptable'Other advisories include limiting flathead catfish less than 32 inches, and other types of fish such as striped and white bass, to two meals per month or less.

Sediment and water column monitoring by the VDEQ has been discontinued, but routine monitoring will be conducted for water quality at stations that are part of the departments 2018-19 plan, said Ann Regn, VDEQ spokeswoman.

Fish tissue collection continues and those data are forwarded to VDH for their review regarding fish consumption advisory decisions that are the purview of VDH, Regn said.

Over the following year after the spill, state and federal agencies and Duke Energy conducted emergency response monitoring to look for affects to aquatic life in the Dan River. Water sample results taken by the DEQ at four river and two reservoir locations in Virginias portion of the river showed no violations of water quality standards, according to the 2018 Chesapeake Bay and Virginia Waters Clean-Up Plan.

Drinking-water testing by the VDH in Danville, South Boston and Clarksville showed that all finished water met state and federal standards, according to a section of the plan focusing on the coal ash spill and state response.U.S. Intent To Withdraw from the INF Treaty February 2, 2019

Press Statement

Michael R. Pompeo

Secretary of State

Washington, DC

February 2, 2019

On December 4, 2018, the United States announced that the Russian Federation is in material breach of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, an assessment shared by all NATO Allies. The United States also provided notice that unless Russia returned to full and verifiable compliance in 60 days, the United States would suspend its obligations under the Treaty as a consequence for Russia's material breach.

Russia has not taken the necessary steps to return to compliance over the last 60 days. It remains in material breach of its obligations not to produce, possess, or flight-test a ground-launched, intermediate-range cruise missile system with a range between 500 and 5,500 kilometers. The United States has gone to tremendous lengths to preserve the INF Treaty, engaging with Russian officials more than 30 times in nearly six years to discuss Russia's violation, including at the highest levels of government. Despite our efforts, Russia continues to deny that its noncompliant missile system  the SSC-8 or 9M729  violates the Treaty. In accordance with customary international law, the United States has suspended its obligations under the INF Treaty, effective today, in response to Russia's material breach.

In addition, today the United States provided Russia and other Treaty Parties with formal notice that the United States will withdraw from the INF Treaty in six months, pursuant to Article XV of the Treaty. The United States has concluded that extraordinary events related to the subject matter of the Treaty arising from Russia's continued noncompliance have jeopardized the United States' supreme interests, and the United States can no longer be restricted by the Treaty while Russia openly violates it. If Russia does not return to full and verifiable compliance with the Treaty by eliminating all 9M729 missiles, their launchers, and associated equipment in this six-month period, the Treaty will terminate.

The United States takes its treaty obligations seriously and will not stand idle when others flout their obligations. Violations of treaty obligations must have consequences. The United States remains committed to effective arms control that advances U.S., allied, and partner security; is verifiable and enforceable; and includes partners that comply responsibly with their obligations. The United States stands ready to engage with Russia on arms control negotiations that meet these criteria. Regrettably, the INF Treaty is no longer effective due to Russia's ongoing material breach. Today's actions are to defend U.S. national security and interests and those of our allies and partners.US Has No Plans to Deploy Nuclear-Armed Systems in Post-INF Europe - Pentagon

Sputnik News

05:04 02.02.2019(updated 05:06 02.02.2019)

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - The United States does not have any plans to deploy missiles or nuclear-armed systems in Europe after exiting the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF), US Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, David Trachtenberg, said at a forum.

"There are no plans to go forward and deploy missiles in Europe or nuclear armed systems in Europe", Trachtenberg said on Friday. The current situation, he added, is nothing like the circumstances that led to the INF Treaty in the 1980s.

Russia's foreign ministry in a statement said the United States exited the INF agreement because it wants to impose on the world a set of rules that satisfies Washington's own opportunistic foreign policy needs.

The ministry also said that Moscow consistently, continuously and unconditionally fulfills its commitments in the field of arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation.

The INF Treaty, signed by the United States and Soviet Union in 1987, bans all ground-launched ballistic missiles with ranges between 310 and 3,400 miles.

The United States has repeatedly claimed that Russia's 9M729 missile violated the terms of the INF treaty, allegations repeatedly denied by Moscow. Russia, for its part, has organized a special briefing on the disputed missile of 9M729 ballistic system for foreign military attaches.

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, military attaches and representatives of CSTO, BRICS, EU and NATO military-diplomatic corps, as well as some other European and Asian countries were invited to the briefing. However, US, UK, French and German, as well as EU and NATO representatives, did not attend the briefing.

Russia has repeatedly stressed that US defense systems in Europe are equipped with launchers capable of firing cruise missiles at intermediate ranges.

US President Donald Trump has announced the United States would suspend its obligations under the INF Treaty beginning on 2 February and will start the withdrawal process within six months.

Meanwhile, a senior Trump administration official said Friday that the DoD is examining options to enhance US capabilities after Washington withdraws from the INF Treaty.

In recent years, Moscow and Washington have regularly accused each other of violating the INF Treaty. Russia has repeatedly stated that it strictly complies with its obligations under the contract. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has noted that Moscow has very serious questions regarding the implementation of the treaty by the United States.

In a Time magazine essay published in early December, former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, who signed the INF with then-US President Ronald Reagan in 1987, said one of his main accomplishments with the United States was the effort to destroy thousands of strategic and tactical nuclear weapons, historic results that were now at risk as the world faces a new arms race. Only US-Russian joint efforts can avert a devastating war and restore a more just and human world order, the former Soviet premier concluded in the essay.

 SputnikNATO Releases Official Statement of Support Ahead of US INF Withdrawal

Sputnik News

10:59 02.02.2019

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced earlier that the Washington will suspend its obligations under the treaty starting Saturday.

The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation released an official statement in support of the US's unilateral withdrawal from the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF) on Friday.

The document has been released following US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's announcement that on Saturday the US will suspend its obligations under the INF Treaty and begin a six-month withdrawal process.

The statement says the bloc fully supports the US's decision to withdraw from the INF treaty, adding that the move was made "in response to the significant risks to Euro-Atlantic security posed by Russia's covert testing, production, and fielding of 9M729 ground-launched cruise missile systems."

"Allies strongly supported the finding of the United States that Russia is in material breach of its obligations under the INF Treaty and called upon Russia to urgently return to full and verifiable compliance," the document says.

According to US allegations, the 9M729 is a ground-based missile that could be used at prohibited distances of 500 to 5,500 km. Russian military officials say the missile can only fly up to 480 km because its payload is much heavier than that of its scrapped predecessor, while engine power and fuel capacity remains the same. The treaty does not extend to water- and air-launched missiles.

The document underscores that member nations "engaged" Russia on its alleged violation, but "regret" that Russia continues to deny any wrongdoing.

"Allies regret that Russia, as part of its broader pattern of behaviour, continues to deny its INF Treaty violation, refuses to provide any credible response, and has taken no demonstrable steps toward returning to full and verifiable compliance," it says.

The document says Russia must destroy all 9M729 systems, or it will "bear sole responsibility for the end of the Treaty".

In the meantime, NATO allies will "continued to consult each other" in order to assess "the security implications of Russian intermediate-range missiles".

Nevertheless, the statement says the alliance continues to seek to engage in "constructive relationship with Russia, when Russia's actions make that possible", adding that Russia has six remaining months to "return to full and verifiable compliance to preserve" the treaty.

An earlier report indicated that the alliance has been preparing for the US's withdrawal announcement for months. The US first hinted its intention to withdraw in October 2018, when US National Security Adviser John Bolton called the treaty "outdated."

As a response, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo went to Twitter to thank Washington's NATO allies for their support.

Russia has been constantly rejected all the allegations and even has organised a special briefing on the disputed 9M729 ballistic system for foreign military attaches.

According to the Russian Defence Ministry, the military attaches and representatives of CSTO, BRICS, EU and NATO military-diplomatic corps, as well as some other European and Asian countries were invited to the briefing. However, the US, UK, French and German, as well as EU and NATO representatives did not attend the briefing.

The INF Treaty was signed by the Soviet Union and the US in 1987, and provides for the elimination of all nuclear-armed ground-launched ballistic and cruise missiles, along with their launchers, that operate at ranges of between 500-1,000 kilometres (short-range) and 1,000-5,500 km (intermediate-range).

 SputnikChina Opposes Washington's Exit From INF Treaty, Calls for US-Russia Dialogue

Sputnik News

11:33 02.02.2019(updated 12:11 02.02.2019)

Earlier, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced that Washington will suspend its obligations under the treaty starting Saturday.

China opposes US withdrawal from the INF Treaty and has called on Washington and Moscow to engage in a dialogue, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Gen Shuang said.

"China opposes the actions of the United States (to exit the INF Treaty) and calls on Washington and Moscow to properly resolve their differences through constructive dialogue," Gen Shuang said.

The diplomat warned about possible negative implications of US withdrawal from the agreement.

"The US unilateral withdrawal from the INF Treaty may trigger a series of adverse consequences. China will closely follow relevant developments," he said.

China opposes the expansion of the number of parties to the INF treaty and has called on the two parties to observe the current treaty, reach an agreement, and fulfilling their obligations, Geng added.

On Friday, US President Donald Trump said that Washington will take steps on 2 February to withdraw from the INF treaty.

The INF Treaty, signed by the United States and Soviet Union in 1987, prohibits all ground-launched ballistic missiles with ranges of between 310 and 3,400 miles. The United States has repeatedly claimed that Russia's 9M729 missile violated the terms of the INF treaty, allegations constantly denied by Moscow.

In turn, Russia has organised a special briefing on the disputed 9M729 ballistic system for foreign military attaches.

 SputnikChinese voices opposition to US suspension of Cold War-era pact with Russia

Iran Press TV

Sat Feb 2, 2019 06:15PM

China has opposed a US decision to suspend a landmark Cold War-era nuclear arms control treaty with Russia, a move which prompted Moscow to give a tit-for-tat response.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang in a statement on Saturday urged Washington and Russia to hold "constructive" discussions about the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF).

"China is opposed to the US withdrawal and urges the US and Russia to properly resolve differences through constructive dialogue," the statement read.

Elsewhere in the statement, Geng warned that the US decision could trigger "a series of negative consequences." He also echoed warnings by both Russia and Europe that a pullout might lead to a new arms race.

This comes after US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced Friday that Washington would suspend the INF for 180 days and would fully withdraw from it later if Moscow did not stop what he called "violations" of the treaty.

Reacting to the US announcement, Russia's Foreign Ministry said Moscow was still ready to maintain dialogue on the INF but reserved the right to respond to a possible US withdrawal from the pact.

On Saturday, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that his country was suspending participation in the treaty following a similar decision by the US.

"We will proceed as follows. We will have a tit-for-tat response. American partners have announced that they are suspending their participation in the treaty, so we are suspending ours as well," Putin said, adding, "They announced that they are engaged in research & technological development work, and we will do the same."

The Russian leader, however, said "we will wait until our partners have matured enough to conduct an equal, meaningful dialogue with us on this important topic."

Shortly after Pompeo's announcement, US President Donald Trump said in a statement that he would work with NATO and draw up Washington's own set of plans, including military ones, to counter Russia's gains from its "unlawful conduct."

Trump announced last year that Washington would withdraw from the INF, which was signed toward the end of the Cold War in 1987 by the then US president Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev.

The INF bans all land-based missiles with ranges of 500 to 5,500 kilometers, or 310 to 3,420 miles and included missiles carrying both nuclear and conventional warheads. It does not cover air-launched or sea-launched weapons.

Tensions have boiled over the fate of the INF.

Washington insists that Russia's new 9M729 missile is in violation of the treaty and should be dismantled immediately.

But Moscow insists the disputed 9M729 missile is allowed under the treaty.U.S. announces withdrawal from landmark nuclear treaty with Russia, sparking worry, criticism

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 07:32, February 02, 2019

WASHINGTON, Feb. 1 (Xinhua) -- The Trump administration announced on Friday that the United States is withdrawing from a landmark nuclear arms control pact with Russia, a move seen as exacerbating the risk of an international arms race.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo made the announcement at the State Department, citing Russia's violation of the deal which he believes "put the United States at a military disadvantage." Moscow has repeatedly denied Washington's accusations.

Pompeo told reporters that the United States will suspend its compliance to the treaty from Saturday, which will trigger a six-month countdown period leading to a permanent exit from the pact inked in 1987 between the United States and the then-Soviet Union.

U.S. President Donald Trump said later in the day that his country will "move forward with developing our own military response options."

The United States "will work with NATO and our other allies and partners to deny Russia any military advantage from its unlawful conduct," said Trump in a statement released by the White House.

Moscow on Friday expressed regret over Washington's intention to pull out of the treaty, calling the move a pre-decided action.

"The Americans' reluctance to hear any arguments, their reluctance to conduct any substantive negotiations, suggests that the decision to dismantle the treaty was made by Washington a long time ago," said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov quoted by TASS.

NATO backed Washington's decision in a statement released after Pompeo's remarks, urging Russia to "return to full and verifiable compliance" to the treaty.

In his remarks, Pompeo also said that the United States will provide Russia and the other treaty parties with formal notice that the United States is withdrawing from the INF Treaty "effective in six months."

Meanwhile, the top U.S. diplomat said Washington would reconsider its pulling-out decision in the following months if Russia could take actions toward what the United States regards as bringing the country back into compliance with the treaty.

Washington and Moscow have been accusing each other of violating the historic deal on the elimination of intermediate-range and shorter-range missiles. The agreement marked the first-ever pact reached by the two sides on nuclear disarmament and a major step forward in restricting arms race.

In early December, Pompeo sent an "ultimatum" to Moscow concerning the INF, saying that the United States would suspend its obligations under the pact in 60 days unless Russia returns to full compliance with the agreement.

Washington's latest move has generated concerns and criticism inside and outside America.

"The Trump Administration is risking an arms race and undermining international security and stability," said U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in a statement.

The administration has "yet again decided that America should go it alone, this time, by paving the way for a dangerous arms race, with costly new weapons," Senator Ed Markey said in a tweet.

"Withdrawing from the INF nuclear treaty will make the world less safe," the 72-year-old Democrat added.

Talk of a U.S. withdrawal from the treaty has caused great concern in Europe, where the result likely would be a discussion about possible nuclear rearmament. Military leaders say that would be the only way to secure a long-term balance of power and deterrence.

"It is important that disarmament and the international arms control architecture are put back on the international agenda," German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas told reporters.

Many experts believe Washington's exit decision is self-centered and counterproductive, putting the whole world in an arms control crisis with the United States seeking to gain more.UN Needs $162M for Most Vulnerable in E. Ukraine This Year

By Lisa Schlein February 02, 2019

The United Nations is appealing for $162 million to provide protection and life-saving assistance to 2.3 million of the most vulnerable people in eastern Ukraine, which is in its fifth year of civil war.

The United Nations reports more than 3,300 people have been killed and up to 9,000 injured since 2014 when civil war broke out in eastern Ukraine between Russian-backed separatists and the government.

The conflict remains active and potentially deadly for millions of civilians who are liable to be hit by daily shelling and sniper fire. Nearly 2 million of the 2.3 million people the U.N. plans to assist this year are located on both sides of the contact line. This is the 500-kilometer line of separation between Ukrainian Government and rebel forces.

Spokesman for the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Jens Laerke, tells VOA the increasingly protracted nature of the conflict is having a particularly severe impact on the elderly. He says they comprise one-third of people in need, the highest proportion of elderly affected in the world.

"That is a special problem not least because they have limited mobility. They cannot go and collect their pensions," said Laerke. "They cannot go to health centers. They cannot get out of their homes and houses. So, they are suffering alone in their homes. These days it is extremely cold. They may not have fuel. They do not have access to the food that they need. They do not have access to the medicine that they may require."

Laerke says this grim picture is magnified by the risks people encounter along the contact line. He says large stretches of populated areas in the buffer zone dividing the warring factions are littered with landmines and explosive remnants of war. The United Nations reports these weapons caused 270 deaths and injuries last year.

Money from the appeal will provide food, shelter and household items, access to clean water, education and health. It also will support winterization activities, such as supplying people with warm blankets, kerosene for heating and other relief needed to help them survive the harsh winter.Britain irked by EU's designation of Gibraltar as 'colony'

Iran Press TV

Sat Feb 2, 2019 03:33PM

The UK government has been irked by the European Union's designation of the Mediterranean port of Gibraltar as a British 'colony' as new hostilities emerge between London and Brussels in the midst a controversial Brexit process.

"Gibraltar is not a colony and it is completely inappropriate to describe in this way ... Gibraltar is a full part of the UK family," said a British government spokeswoman on Saturday.

The comments came a day after top EU diplomats signed off on a legislation on visa-free travel for British and EU citizens after Brexit which placed people in Gibraltar in a different category.

Britain's ambassador to the EU had also objected the wording of the text ratified on Friday which spelled out Spain's claim to sovereignty over "The Rock" at the United Nations.

"Gibraltar is a colony of the British Crown. There is a controversy between Spain and the United Kingdom concerning the sovereignty over Gibraltar," said the text although it gave the Gibraltar citizens same travel rights to the EU as people in the UK.

The UK government managed to reclassify Gibraltar, a former southern Spanish territory ceded to Britain in 1713 after a war, as a "British overseas territory" in 2002. For decades before that, the EU had called the territory a "crown colony".

However, Spain has revived its full claims over Gibraltar since a referendum in 2016 in which Britons decided with a narrow majority to leave the EU.

That comes as an overwhelming majority of people in Gibraltar voted to stay in the EU in the vote although they mostly want to remain part of Britain.

EU sources said on Saturday that the bloc would favor Spain over Gibraltar after Britain's withdrawal.

"The Union position ... was the British position ... But with Brexit, the Union position is now the Spanish position. We will always take the side of a member against a non-member," said an EU official.

Britain is set to leave the EU on March 29 although the government has yet to secure a withdrawal agreement in the parliament to avoid a disorderly exit.Turkey captures four Daesh suspects near border with Syria

Iran Press TV

Sat Feb 2, 2019 03:58PM

Soldiers have detained at least four suspected members of the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group in a Turkish town on the Syrian border while they were trying to cross the frontier illegally.

The Turkish Defense Ministry on its official Twitter account on Saturday said that border units from Turkish armed forces captured the four "Daesh terrorists" on Friday in the Akcakale district of Sanliurfa province in the country's southeast.

The state-run Anadolu news agency reported that one of the suspects, identified as Feride Samur, was being sought with a red notice arrest warrant.

In recent years, Daesh terrorists have carried out a series of gun and bomb attacks in Turkey.

Back in October 2015, twin bombings targeted a pro-Kurdish peace rally in the capital Ankara, killing 103 people and injuring more than 500. The government put the blame on Daesh terrorists.

Turkey has stepped up anti-terror operations against Daesh's network inside the country in the last couple of years, arresting many suspected terrorists and busting several terror cells across the country.

In July last year, Turkish security forces arrested dozens of people suspected to be foreign members of Daesh in an array of counter-terrorism operations across Istanbul.

Daesh, which once held large swaths in Syria and Iraq, has not lost all of its urban bastions in both Arab countries, thanks to constant counter-terror operations carried out by the Syrian and Iraqi armies. However, remnants of Daesh conduct sporadic attacks against government troops and civilians alike in the war-torn countries.

In recent months, thousands of Daesh terrorists fled after Syrian army troops liberated Syrian cities, towns, and villages from militants and terrorists.Intl Coalition Conducts Airstrike on Syrian Army Artillery, 2 Injured - Report

Sputnik News

01:47 03.02.2019(updated 03:51 03.02.2019)

DAMASCUS (Sputnik) - The US-led international coalition conducted an airstrike on an artillery mount of the Syrian Armed Forces, located near the eastern Syrian city of Abu Kamal, destroying it and injuring two servicemen, a Syrian military source told Sputnik on Sunday.

According to the report, international coalition airstrikes on Syrian Army artillery located near the eastern city of Abu Kamal injured at least two servicemen.

"At around 23:30 local time [Saturday, 21:30 Saturday GMT] the aviation of the international coalition conducted an airstrike on the artillery mount of our forces operating in As Sukkariya region to the west of Abu Kamal As a result of the airstrike, the mount was destroyed and two servicemen were injured", the source said.

US-led forces have killed at least 1,190 civilians while battling the Daesh terrorist group in Syria and Iraq over the last three and a half years, Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR) said in its monthly casualty assessment on 31 January. In late December, the coalition reported 1,139 civilian deaths from 31,406 strikes during the entire campaign.

Combined Joint Task Force  Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR) said in a press release on Wednesday that the coalition conducted 645 strikes in Syria and nine in Iraq during the two-week period from 13 January to 26 January.

According to the CJTF-OIR, the strikes engaged 394 Islamic State tactical units, and destroyed 244 fighting positions, 172 supply routes, 85 staging areas, 21 vehicles, 17 buildings, 15 vehicle borne improvised explosive devices and 14 mortar launching sites.

The strikes were conducted as the United States was preparing to withdraw its ground forces from Syria on orders from President Donald Trump, who said the Daesh had been defeated in the country.

Syria has been in a state of civil war since 2011, with the government forces fighting against numerous opposition groups and terrorist organizations.

In 2014, the US-led coalition of more than 70 countries launched a military campaign against the Daesh terror group in Syria that has been not authorized by the Syrian government or the UN Security Council.

The Syrian government has repeatedly said that all foreign forces operating in Syria without the permission of the country's government are there in violation of domestic and international law and must withdraw.

Daesh (also known as ISIS/ISIL/IS) is a terrorist group banned in Russia and many other countries.

 SputnikTurkey accused of stealing Syrian olives to finance FSA militants

Iran Press TV

Sat Feb 2, 2019 08:10AM

Turkey has been accused of stealing olive crops in northern Syria and sending them as "Turkish olive oil" to the European Union to finance Ankara-backed militia.

A Swiss lawmaker alerted the Swiss government of Turkey's olive looting from Syria's Afrin and passing them off as their own olive oil to sellers in the EU countries, including Spain.

"In Turkish-occupied Afrin, the olive groves are being pillaged by both Turkish forces and the militias they support. The olives they steal have been sold to Spain, and the sale will continue," Bernhard Guhl of Switzerland's Conservative Democratic Party said on January 15.

The Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army forces captured Afrin in northern Syria from the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) in March 2018.

Spanish newspaper El Publico also said Turkey is using intermediary companies to export olive oil seized from former Kurdish-held areas into Spain. The claim was also made by the Kurdish Firat News Agency and the so-called Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

The seized olives are pressed in local mills by paramilitary teams and then transported through the border to Turkey where it's falsely labeled as Turkish olive oil before being exported to EU countries, locals told the El Publico.

El Publico quotes a dossier on the alleged looting of olive oil from the Afrin area that states the haul from last year's crop could be worth $80 million, with a quarter of revenues due to be handed to FSA militias.

Turkish media, meanwhile, quoted Turkey's agriculture minister as saying that his government does not want the revenues from Afrin to fall into the hands of the Kurdish YPG forces, which are viewed by Ankara as the Syrian branch of the PKK terrorist group.

Guhl told El Publico that "it doesn't matter if the final destination is Spain or Germany but, I believe it is very important that the country or countries concerned launch a criminal investigation to determine whether companies are trading in stolen olives or olive oil."

Reports said Spanish politicians on Tuesday called on their government to make sure Spain and other European countries are not buying oil made from olives "plundered" from Afrin.

Turkey is the third-largest exporter of olive oil into the EU behind Tunisia and Morocco.Russia Joins US, Will Suspend INF Nuclear Treaty

By Jeff Seldin February 02, 2019

The United States and Russia are making tit-for-tat moves with their participation in a nuclear treaty, something politicians and analysts see as a burgeoning arms race.

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced Saturday that Russia is suspending its participation in the Cold War-era Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty. The Russian move follows a similar action Friday by the U.S.

"The American partners have declared that they suspend their participation in the deal, we suspend it as well," Putin said in a televised address Saturday.

Putin said that Russia will start work on creating new missiles, including hypersonic ones. He told his foreign and defense ministers not to initiate disarmament talks with Washington.

US suspends compliance, blames Russia

In a statement Friday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced the U.S. is suspending its compliance with the decades-old treaty, accusing the Kremlin of willfully breaking the deal.

"For far too long, Russia has violated the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty with impunity, covertly developing and fielding a prohibited missile system that poses a direct threat to our allies and troops abroad," Trump said.

"We will not remain constrained by its terms while Russia misrepresents its actions," he added.

But later Friday, speaking to reporters, Trump left open the possibility of some sort of deal.

"I hope that we are able to get everybody in a very big and beautiful room and do a new treaty that would be much better," he said. "Certainly, I would like to see that. But you have to have everybody adhere to it."

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Saturday in a statement, "The United States has concluded that extraordinary events related to the subject matter of the treaty arising from Russia's continued noncompliance have jeopardized the United States' supreme interests, and the United States can no longer be restricted by the treaty while Russia openly violates it. If Russia does not return to full and verifiable compliance with the treaty by eliminating all 9M729 missiles, their launchers, and associated equipment in this six-month period, the treaty will terminate."

China's foreign ministry said Saturday that Beijing is opposed to the U.S. withdrawal action and urges the United States and Russia to handle their differences through constructive dialogue.

The INF treaty, signed by the U.S. and the Soviet Union in 1987, was the world's first arms control pact to prohibit an entire class of weapons, banning ground-launched cruise missiles with a range of 500 to 5,500 kilometers.

INF violations

Yet the U.S. has been become increasingly vocal about what it says are Russia's blatant violations.

U.S. defense and intelligence officials charge those violations date back to at least 2014, when Russia began deploying its 9M729 missile, following years of tests designed to skirt the treaty's constraints.

Now, officials say, Russia is fielding multiple military battalions that are equipped with the missile in question.

"We must respond," U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told reporters Friday. "We can no longer be restricted by the treaty, while Russia shamelessly violates it."

"We provided Russia an ample window of time to mend its ways and for Russia to honor its commitment. Tomorrow that time runs out," he said.

Saturday the U.S. will provide the Kremlin and other former Soviet States with formal notice of its intent to withdraw from the INF Treaty, triggering a six-month window.

Officials say if Moscow refuses to verifiably destroy the missiles, as is expected, the treaty will terminate, and the U.S. will be free to pursue its own intermediate range, ground-launched ballistic or cruise missiles.

Russian denial

Russian officials reacted quickly Friday to the announcement, denying any treaty violations, while alleging it is Washington that wants to expand its missile arsenal.

The U.S. withdrawal deals "a serious blow to the international arms control system and the system of non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, which exist for now," Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told reporters.

Ryabkov also suggested other arms control agreements, like the New START treaty, which limits both countries to fewer than 1,550 strategic nuclear warheads, could also be in jeopardy.

"What will come next is a huge question," the deputy foreign minister told Russian television. "I fear that the New START may share the fate of the INF Treaty. It may just expire on Feb. 5, 2021, without an extension."

New arms race?

But U.S. officials held firm, insisting the onus is on the Kremlin to ease tensions.

"Let's be clear. If there's an arms race, it is Russia that is starting it," senior administration official said Friday.

"We simply cannot tolerate this kind of abuse of arms control and expect for arms control to continue to be viable," the official said. "We cannot permit a scenario where we are unilaterally bound to a treaty, we are denied the ability to have a military capability to deter attacks."

Concern, support for US action

In a statement issued shortly after the U.S. announced its plans to withdraw from the INF Treaty, NATO said its members "fully support this action."

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg wrote on Twitter:

At the United Nations, officials expressed concern.

"For the Secretary-General, his hope [is] that the parties will use the next six months to resolve their differences through dialogue," spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters. "The INF is a very important part of the international arms control architecture."

Trump's decision to withdraw from the INF Treaty also garnered a mixed response from U.S. lawmakers.

"Russia's repeated violations over the years demonstrate that the INF is no longer in the best interest of the United States," the lead Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Michael McCaul, said in a statement.

But the top Democrat in the House of Representatives, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, was wary.

"The Trump administration is risking an arms race and undermining international security and stability," Pelosi said in a statement.

"Russia's brazen noncompliance with this treaty is deeply concerning," she said. "But discarding a key pillar of our nonproliferation security framework creates unacceptable risks."

Few good choices

Still, some analysts caution that Russian President Putin has given the U.S. and its European allies few good options.

"Putin's decision to build weapons that violate this important arms control treaty is another of his attacks on the peace in Europe," according to Jorge Benitez, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council.

"Russia is an aggressive military," he said. "Europe needs to strengthen deterrence to further dangerous behavior from Moscow."

The U.S. has already started spending on such deterrence  $48 million on research to develop its own intermediate-range, ground-launched missiles. And officials say there have already been some initial discussions with allies.

No nukes

"We are some time away from having a system that we would produce, that we would trains soldiers or airmen or Marines to deploy," a senior administration official said, adding that for now nuclear-armed missiles were not under consideration.

"We are only looking at conventional options at this time," the official said. "Nothing the United States is currently looking at is nuclear in character."

The pursuit of the new missiles, though, could also give the U.S. additional options in countering growing threats from China and Iran.

Neither Beijing no Tehran were subject to the INF Treaty, and U.S. officials believe both countries have more than 1,000 intermediate-range, ground-launched missiles in their arsenals.

But some experts warn any increase in the number of such missiles, by the U.S. or Russia, will only escalate missile production and tensions in the Middle East and the Asia Pacific.

VOA United Nations Correspondent Margaret Besheer and VOA's Wayne Lee contributed to this report.Analysts Call Scrapping INF 'Strategic Catastrophe' for Kremlin

By Pete Cobus February 02, 2019

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday suspended the Cold War-era Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty in response to a similar move by the United States on Friday.

"The American partners have declared that they suspend their participation in the deal. We suspend it as well," Putin announced during a televised meeting with foreign ministers and military brass.

The U.S. vowed to withdraw from the INF Treaty in six months unless Moscow ended what it called violations of the landmark 1987 arms control pact.

Putin said Russia would start work on creating new missiles, including hypersonic weapons, and told ministers not to initiate disarmament talks with Washington.

During the meeting, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov accused the United States of violating the INF and other arms deals, joining a chorus of Russian defense officials and legislators who condemned Washington for gambling with global security. Yury Baluyevsky, former chief of the General Staff, even said Russia was prepared to respond "militarily."

Impact assessments vary

Numerous Moscow-based arms control experts, however, offered a more measured assessment of the standoff.

"U.S. withdrawal from #INF doesn't presage nuclear crisis on the model of early 60s or early 80s, but it ushers in new strategic environment where stability is no longer regulated by arms control agreements," tweeted Dmitri Trenin, director of the Moscow-based Carnegie Center and a former Soviet army official who was directly involved in U.S.-Russia nuclear talks in Geneva.

"In that [environment], survival requires deterrence [plus communication and] restraint," he wrote. "Cool heads, above all."

Independent Russian military analyst Aleksandr Goltz, however, offered a much bleaker view.

"My assessment is that for the next three, four or maybe five years, we're reasonably safe, as it will take the United States years to design, test and deploy medium-range missiles," said Goltz. "But make no mistake, we are now witnessing the total destruction of all systems of nuclear arms control.

"The problem is that the INF Treaty is very deeply interconnected with the New START Treaty," he said, referring to a separate arms pact that limits both countries to fewer than 1,550 strategic nuclear warheads. "If START does not survive, in 2021 we'll find ourselves in a situation shaping up for the next Cuban missile crisis."

Asked whether there's a chance the INF treaty could still be saved, Goltz said there was none.

"No, absolutely no chance. Because Trump has said he would only continue with the INF Treaty if China joined, and this is completely impossible," said Goltz, explaining that 90 percent of China's arsenal is deployed for medium range, implying that Beijing INF compliance would be tantamount to eradicating its arsenal.

Blaming both countries for the mutual suspension, he said Russia, in his opinion, stood to lose far more in a new arms race.

"This is an absolute strategic catastrophe for the Kremlin," he said. "We are returning to the situation of the 1970s or early 1980s, where the U.S. can deploy warheads that reach Moscow or St. Petersburg in six or seven minutes, which is just a strategic disaster. I mean, within minutes you can do nothing."

Arms control expert Alexei Arbatov, a full member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, however, called himself a "hopeless optimist" who called six months "a very long" time to resolve differences.

"U.S. and Russian officials are centimeters apart on key differences," he said, describing technical discrepancies that violate INF strike range guidelines.

According to the Washington-based Arms Control Association, the treaty requires the United States and Russia "to eliminate and permanently forswear all of their nuclear and conventional ground-launched ballistic and cruise missiles with ranges of 500 to 5,500 kilometers."

Arbatov said the treaty could be resuscitated immediately if Russia could prove its missiles are technically INF-range compliant, and the U.S. can prove that anti-ballistic launch systems in Poland and Romania aren't designed to defend against a Russian nuclear assault on Europe.

"This has been at the surface for quite a long time ... but only political hostilities, intransigence and total distrust" between the countries is impeding a swift resolution.

Neither side liked treaty

"And I blame both sides," he added. "Americans have never much cared for the treaty, because it doesn't really concern their security," he said, alluding to the fact that the INF strike range includes Russia's European neighbors, but not U.S. soil.

"And Russians never cared for it because many argued that it required Russia to destroy too many missiles and left the country unable to target American missile defenses," he said. "Neither side was really interested in saving the treaty, for the wrong reasons, and both sides were mistaken.

"I only hope that during the next six months, the position on both sides will change."

Asked whether he anticipated any kind of nuclear standoff reminiscent of the Cuban Missile Crisis, Arbatov was dismissive.

"Unless Russia positions nuclear warheads in Cuba, Venezuela or Nicaragua, then, no, we're not even close," he said.

Accusations on both sides

The U.S. and NATO accuse Russia of violating the INF restrictions by developing land-based, intermediate-range cruise missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads and hitting European cities on short notice, but the Kremlin, which last week displayed its missiles to foreign military attaches in Moscow, says the missiles' short range puts them outside the INF Treaty.

U.S. officials said there was no way of verifying that information because the missiles have been shown publicly only in a "static display" that gives no indication of their flying distance.

On Saturday, Russia's Lavrov told Putin that the U.S. has been in breach of INF provisions since 1999, a charge the U.S. denies.

"According to our information, the United States started violating that undated treaty in 1999 when it began trials of combat unmanned flying vehicles with specifications similar to those of ground-launched cruise missiles banned by the treaty," he told Russia's state-run TASS news outlet.

Lavrov also castigated the U.S. for a Romania-based anti-ballistic missile system capable of firing Tomahawk medium-range cruise missiles. The United States says that system is designed to defend against "rogue" states such as Iran and provides no protection against Russia's nuclear arsenal.

The INF has largely deepened Russia's international isolation, and Russia accuses the United States of inventing a false pretext to abandon the treaty in order to develop new missiles.

Some information for this report came from AP and Reuters.US Was Preparing to Produce Missiles Banned Under INF Over Past 2 Years - MoD

Sputnik News

15:30 02.02.2019(updated 17:14 02.02.2019)

Earlier, US President Donald Trump has announced the United States would suspend its obligations under the INF Treaty beginning on 2 February and begin a six-month withdrawal process.

The United States began preparations for the production of medium- and short-range missiles prohibited under the treaty two years before accusing Russia of violating it, the Russian Defence Ministry said in a statement.

"In Washington, two years before the public unsubstantiated accusations of Russia's alleged violation of the INF Treaty, they not only made a decision, but also began preparations for the production of banned medium- range and short-range missiles," the statement said.

According to data from the Russian Defence Ministry, the "Raytheon" military-industrial corporation, situated in Tucson, Arizona, launched a program in June 2017 to expand and modernise production capacities to create medium- and short-range missiles prohibited by the INF Treaty.

Over the past two years, the plant's area increased by 44 per cent, from 55,000 to 79,000 square metres, and the number of the enterprise's employees increased by almost two thousand, according to the Russian Defence Ministry.

At the same time, the United States has repeatedly insisted that Russia's 9M729 missile violates the terms of the INF treaty, an allegation that has been denied by Moscow.

The INF Treaty, signed by the United States and Soviet Union in 1987, bans all ground-launched ballistic missiles with ranges between 310 and 3,400 miles.

 SputnikPutin authorizes development of advanced missiles in response to US suspension of INF

Iran Press TV

Sat Feb 2, 2019 11:05AM

Russian President Vladimir Putin has suspended a Cold War-era agreement after the US abandoned, authorizing his military forces to push ahead with development of new missiles.

"Our American partners have announced they are suspending their participation in the deal, and we are also suspending our participation," Putin announced in a televised meeting with his foreign and defense ministers on Saturday.

"We will wait until our partners have matured enough to conduct an equal, meaningful dialogue with us on this important topic," he added.

Putin said Russia would to work on its advanced intermediate-range missiles, including supersonic ones.

However, Moscow won't deploy any new missiles unless Washington does so, because Russia does not want to enter a new arms race with the US, he added.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced Friday that Washington would suspend the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF) for 180 days and fully withdraw from it later if Moscow did not stop what he called "violations".

Reacting to the US announcement, Russia's Foreign Ministry said Moscow was still ready to maintain dialogue on the INF but reserved the right to respond to the US withdrawal from the pact.

On Saturday, however, Putin told his ministers not to initiate disarmament talks with the White House.

US President Donald Trump announced last year that Washington would withdraw from the treaty, which was signed toward the end of the Cold War in 1987 by then US President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev.

Under the treaty, both sides were banned from creating ground-launch nuclear missiles with ranges from 500 kilometers to 5,500 kilometers and led to the elimination of nearly 2,700 short- and medium-range missiles.

Washington insists that Russia's new 9M729 missile is in violation of the treaty and should be dismantled immediately.

Russia rebutted the claim last month by unveiling the missile and its key specifications. Russian chief of missile and artillery troops Major General Mikhail Matveevsky said then the missile's maximum range is around 480 kilometers, well within what is allowed under the INF.

Shortly after Pompeo's announcement on Friday, Trump said in a statement that he would work with the NATO and draw up its own set of plans, including military ones, to counter Russia's gains from its "unlawful conduct."

'Another US step towards destruction'

Konstantin Kosachev, the head of the foreign affairs committee in the upper house of Russia's parliament, said on Friday Washington "has taken another step toward [the whole world's] destruction today."

Russian Senator Igor Morozov said that Washington's move "carries a threat to the entire system of international security, but first of all for Russia, because after leaving the INF the Americans will deploy these missiles in European countries."

Director of a Russian think tank Ivan Konovalov said Washington "uses [Russia] as a pretext to withdraw from the agreement and keep its face."

He also warned that if the US were to deploy nuclear-capable missiles to Europe after scrapping the treaty, it would literally put the host nations at a gunpoint.Possible US Troop Exit Prompts Pakistan to Accelerate Afghan Border Fencing

By Ayaz Gul February 02, 2019

Pakistan says a unilateral construction effort will have fenced off nearly half of its largely porous border with Afghanistan before the spring fighting season in the neighboring country. Military officials say the pace of the massive border security project has lately been accelerated to guard against a possible spill over of "terrorism" from Afghanistan in the event of a widely anticipated U.S. military drawdown there.

The military recently flew a group of journalists to the North Waziristan border district to showcase the installation of the pair of nine-foot chicken wire fences, with a six-foot gap, and topped with barbed wire along the nearly 2,600 kilometer Afghan border.

"(Almost) 900 kilometers has been completed and the remaining 300 kilometers, inshallah (God willing), we will be completing in two to three months time," army spokesman Major-General Asif Ghafoor told reporters in Ghulam Khan, one of the several border crossings. "Thereafter, wishfully by the end of this year, or at best mid of next year, we will be able to compete the entire (2,600 km) fencing," he said.

The fence runs along rugged terrain and snow-capped mountains as high as 12,000 feet. Additionally, hundreds of new forts and outposts have been established or are under construction, Ghafoor explained and estimated the unprecedented construction effort will cost about $500 million.

Pakistan has also stepped up political efforts to promote peace in the turmoil-hit neighboring country. Islamabad takes credit for convincing Taliban insurgents to come to the table and negotiate with the U.S. a peaceful settlement to the 17-year-old Afghan war.

General Ghafoor appeared cautiously optimistic about a positive outcome of the dialogue but said insecurity in Afghanistan will remain a challenge for neighboring countries.

"Our biggest worry now is the reconciliation is taking place in Afghanistan and it is going to be a mess whether Afghanistan is exited by the U.S. in an announced and organized way or abruptly. We are doing this fencing with speed we are doing development (in border districts) with speed. We will not let that thing (terrorism) come to Pakistan," he vowed.

Ghafoor insisted the fence is strengthening Pakistani efforts to prevent cross-border terrorism from threatening security gains the country has made over the past decade. North Waziristan used to be known as the epicenter of international terrorism and a hub for the outlawed Pakistani Taliban. U.S. and Afghan officials have also long alleged Islamabad's counterterrorism efforts ignored sanctuaries of the Afghan Taliban on its soil.

Pakistani officials deny those charges and assert years of military operations have dismantled terrorism structures in and around the Waziristan region, killing thousands of militants and forcing remnants to flee and take refuge in Afghan border areas. The army spokesman said that the militants continue to stage terrorist attacks against Pakistan but the fencing is helping to neutralize the threat.

"Attempts to physically infiltrate the border have been completely blocked In areas where have erected the fence. Fire raids at our posts from the other side are still continuing but inshallah (God willing), they will also come to an end after all the forts and an electronic surveillance system are in place. With the help of this fence, everyday we are gaining more strength to stop the terrorism from that side," Ghafoor noted.

U.S. Praises Border Security Project

U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham during his visit to Islamabad last month praised Pakistan's border fencing effort and emphasized the need for a matching response from the Afghan side.

"There is a big debate about building a wall back home to make us safe. If you want to see somebody building a fence or wall come to Pakistan. The plan to secure the border on the Pakistani side is very robust," the American senator noted.

Afghan Objections

Gen. Ghafoor called for the Afghan government to reciprocate and boost border security on their side to promote regional peace, though he acknowledged Afghan forces have capacity and manpower issues. Kabul has been critical of Islamabad's border security measures because Afghanistan traditionally disputes the former British era demarcation called the Durand Line.

Pakistani officials dismiss the objections and insist their security measures on what they say is the international bounder with Afghanistan will help prevent terrorist infiltration in either direction.

"We have achieved peace in our country. But if the situation continues to be volatile and chaotic in Afghanistan we fear terrorism would hit back Pakistan. That's what prompted us to begin fencing of our border. Only legal entry will be possible through dedicated terminals we are or have established at the border once we are able to install the fence along the entire boundary," Ghafoor stated.

Waziristan Returns To Normalcy

Area commanders said that 95 percent of the more than a million tribesmen displaced by anti-militancy operations have returned to North Waziristan where new markets, roads and other facilities have been constructed or are under construction to help in their rehabilitation process.

Efforts are also under way, they said, to facilitate the repatriation of more than 4,000 families who fled to the Afghan side of the border just before the Pakistan military launched a major ground and air offensive against militant bases in Waziristan nearly five years ago.

Army officials also drove journalists around the district headquarters of Miran Shah and gave them free access to discuss with residents problems facing them while they try to resume normal life. Most of them acknowledged improvement in security conditions and infrastructure but demanded authorities restore cell phone services and address electricity outages.

"I am happy and feel safe. Reconstruction activities are underway. But that is not enough," said Usman Wazir, a trader by profession who recently returned home with his family.

"We face electricity outages for the whole day. Our (cell) phones are not working and we don't have finances to revive our businesses," he lamented.

Generally, tribesmen appeared happy with the changed and relatively modern outlook of markets and roads in their areas but they demanded government pay urgent attention to rebuilding health and education facilities.

Border Security Hits Mutual Trade

The new tight border controls and visa restrictions have undermined Pakistan's already mistrustful political relations with Afghanistan in recent years. It has also impacted negatively economic and trade ties between the neighbors. Around 60,000 people commute across the Pakistan-Afghanistan border on a daily basis. That cross-border movement continues and Pakistani officials promise things will improve further due to measures being taken to solidify bilateral ties in all fields.

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan last week instructed government departments to take the necessary steps over the next six months so the main northwestern Torkham crossing with Afghanistan could be kept open 24 hours.

"This measure is a major step to promote bilateral trade and transit of goods between the two countries and also to facilitate enhanced people to people contacts. Pakistan will take more such steps to further solidify economic and trade relations as well as the strong bonds between the peoples of the two countries," says Foreign Ministry spokesman Mohammad Faisal.

He noted that Pakistan remains the largest market for Afghan exports, receiving almost 60% of the neighboring country's total exports, and estimated that Pakistan consumes 90% of Afghan fresh fruits and vegetables. Faisal said Islamabad waived off regulatory duties on fresh fruit imports from Afghanistan, leading to a 29% increase in Afghan exports to Pakistan.

Leaders in Kabul, however, remain skeptical and suspicious of Pakistani efforts toward peace building in Afghanistan. They continue to blame Islamabad for the prolonged deadly war in their country, charges officials in Pakistan maintain stem from simmering internal Afghan political disputes, insecurity, governance issues and rampant corruption that have emboldened the Taliban to take control of nearly half of Afghanistan.Australia admits it has killed up to 18 civilians in Mosul air raid

Iran Press TV

Sat Feb 2, 2019 03:22AM

Australian Defense Force officials admit that a 2017 airstrike by the country's jet fighters on the northern Iraqi city of Mosul has claimed the lives of six to 18 civilians.

The defense minister, Christopher Pyne, described the deaths as "deeply regrettable" but said a 12-month investigation into the airstrike on June 13, 2017 could not come to a conclusion over who was at fault.

"After a thorough investigation conducted by the Australian Defense Force it's been determined that between six and 18 civilians were killed in a coalition airstrike and that an Australian platform may have been part of that airstrike [and] may have been responsible," Pyne told the Nine Network.

He said it was "not possible" to determine which missiles were responsible and if the casualties "occurred as a result of the Australian airstrike, the nearby Coalition airstrikes, or from other actors."

In a briefing, the chief of joint operations, Air Marshal Mel Hupfeld, said there was no "specific intelligence" indicating civilians were present at the targeted site but admitted there was "a degree of uncertainty surrounding this incident."

"We know that the Australian strike does not precisely correspond with the information provided in the claim, however it was close by. We do not definitively know how these people were killed," he said.

"Ultimately we have determined that it is possible civilians were unintentionally killed by the Coalition during these strikes."

Australia has previously announced "involvement" in three separate reports where civilians were among the death toll from airstrikes which formed part of the Mosul offensive, Operation Okra, in March, May and June 2017.

Australia was part of a US-led coalition which has been carrying out airstrikes in Iraq and Syria since 2014 allegedly targeting Daesh and other Takfiri terrorists. The raids, which did little to dislodge the terror outfits, on numerous occasions claimed many civilian lives and inflicted damage on the two countries' infrastructure.

In a report released on December 30, 2018, the US military admitted killing over 1,100 civilians in airstrikes over the last four years.

War monitoring groups, however, estimate that the raids have killed thousands of civilians.

"The Coalition conducted a total of 31,406 strikes between August 2014 and end of November 2018. During this period, based on information available, CJTF-OIR assesses at least 1,139 civilians have been unintentionally killed by Coalition strikes since the start of Operation Inherent Resolve," said the report.Iran Unveils Massive New Cruise Missile Amid US Taunting

Sputnik News

14:37 02.02.2019

Earlier, amid celebrations of the 40th anniversary of the revolutionary events which overthrew Iran's monarchy and gave rise to the Islamic Republic, the US State Department released a series of tweets attacking the revolution's "failed" legacy.

Iran unveiled new medium-range surface-to-surface cruise missile dubbed the Hoveyzeh at a defence exhibition dedicated to the 40th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution on Saturday, Press TV has reported.

The Iranian English-language TV network released footage of the missile, which has a reported range of over 1,350 km, as it blasts off and strikes down on its target at a test range.

The new cruise missile is named after the southwestern Iranian city of Hoveyzeh, which straddles the border with Iraq and which faced heavy casualties and damage during the Iran-Iraq War of 1980-1988.

In a speech at the weapon's unveiling ceremony, Iranian Defence Minister Brig. Gen. Amir Hatami boasted that the missile "needs a very short time for its preparedness and can fly at a low altitude." The missile is also capable of precision strikes, and can carry a heavy payload, Hatami added.

The Hoveyzeh was developed by Iran Aviation Industries Organisation (IAIO), a state-owned aviation and aerospace concern.

Once deployed, it will serve with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Aerospace Force.

Tensions between Tehran and Washington escalated last May, after the US withdrew from the landmark 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action nuclear deal and introduced a series of crippling sanctions on Iran.

In recent months, the US and its allies have voiced concerns about Iran's rocketry and missile testing activities, threating further sanctions against the country and claiming that testing activity violates the terms of the nuclear deal. Iranian authorities have countered, arguing that their missile testing activities are in full compliance with international treaties, and stressing that Iran's "defensive" missile capabilities are "not negotiable."

Iran has a large arsenal of domestically-developed short, medium and long-range missile systems, which the US, the European Union, Saudi Arabia and Israel have argued are a threat to regional security.

Tensions between Iran and the US were ratcheted up further on Friday, when, amid celebrations dedicated to the 40th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution, the US State Department issued a series of tweets about the "failure" of the Islamic Republic.

 SputnikIran Claims Successful Test Of New Cruise Missile

February 02, 2019

State media in Iran have reported the successful test of a new cruise missile with a range of 1,350 kilometers.

The February 2 test came as Iran was celebrating the 40th anniversary of its 1979 Islamic Revolution.

"The test of the Hoveizeh cruise missile was carried out successfully at a range of 1,200 kilometers and accurately hit the intended target," Defense Minister Amir Hatami said on state television.

He also said the missile was manufactured entirely in Iran without foreign assistance.

One of the reasons that the United States gave for withdrawing from a landmark 2015 agreement that restricted Iran's nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief was that it did not prevent Iran from developing missiles that could threaten Israel.

UN Security Council Resolution 2231, adopted in 2015, "calls upon" Tehran to refrain from developing nuclear-capable missiles for a period of eight years.

Tehran says its missiles cannot carry nuclear warheads.

The test could not be independently verified, and Iran frequently overstates the capabilities of its weaponry.

Based on reporting by dpa, AP, and AFP

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-claims-successful-test- of-new-cruise-missile/29747693.html

Copyright (c) 2019. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.BORDERLAND BEAT

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Iran unveils long-range Hoveyzeh cruise missile

Iran Press TV

Sat Feb 2, 2019 06:52AM

Iran has unveiled a surface-to-surface missile with a range of more than 1,350 kilometers during celebrations marking the 40th anniversary of the 1979 Islamic revolution.

The missile, named Hoveyzeh after a city in southwest Iran known for its resistance during the 1980s Iraqi war, was showcased at an exhibition of defense achievements in Tehran on Saturday.

"This cruise missile needs a very short time for its preparedness and can fly at a low altitude," Defense Minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami said during the unveiling ceremony.

Hatami said the missile, which has been designed and manufactured by experts at the ministry's aviation industries organization, has a range of over 1,350 kilometers.

Hoveyzeh is from the Soumar family of cruise missiles. It has high precision and accuracy and is capable of heavily destroying ground targets, the defense minister said.

The flight test on Saturday was carried out on a 1,200 km range and the missile accurately hit its targets, Hatami said.

"The Hoveyzeh missile is the symbol of self-belief and an important defense achievement based on today's technological progress in the world."

The missile, he noted, shows that "no obstacle can hinder the Iranian nation's determination and will in the defense field."

Hatami cited remarks by Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei who has said Iran "will decisively respond to any kind of threat at the same level."

Head of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corp (IRGC)'s aerospace division General Amirali Hajizadeh said at the event Iran could now manufacture a full range of missiles after overcoming initial problems in producing jet engines for cruise missiles.

"The long-range Hoveyzeh cruise missile is the long arm of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the cruise missile defense field," Hatami said.

Iran's "success in achieving this technology after the 700-km Soumar cruise missile is an impressive step in increasing the capabilities of the armed forces and the country's deterrent power," he added.

Tehran has reiterated that its missiles are defensive and used for deterrence in the face of repeated foreign threats. The country has said it will not negotiate on its missile capabilities under any circumstances.

Last September, Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said that a military war against Iran was out of question, but called on the country's Armed Forces to boost their capabilities capabilities.

"The Armed Forces must upgrade their human and military hardware capabilities on a daily basis through vigilance as well as efficient and dynamic management," Ayatollah Khamenei stated.

'Great capacity'

Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani said at the event that the eight-year Iraq-imposed war on Iran inflicted heavy costs on the country, but also led to great achievements such as deterrence.

"Iran's capability is a great capacity that should be taken into account," he said at the exhibition of defense achievements.

Larijani stressed that Iran has managed to make progress independently in the nuclear field.

"Regarding the nuclear issue, Iran did not rely on anyone, stood on its own feet and could make progress despite all problems created for Iran," he said.

"We are using our own capacities, and are not dependent on anyone as we have tasted the poison of dependence under the former regime," he said.

Larijani the international community has now "accepted that Iran never wants to lose its dignity."INSTEX promising step in Iran-Europe trade: AEOI head

Iran Press TV

Sat Feb 2, 2019 06:38PM

Iran's nuclear chief says the establishment of a new mechanism to ease trade with Iran despite US sanctions is a promising step but the Europeans must act more swiftly and adopt final measures in this regard.

"The Europeans took a promising step in terms of economy and we hope that they will keep racing ahead on the same path," the head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), Ali Akbar Salehi, told reporters on Saturday.

The European signatories to the historic nuclear agreement, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), issued a joint statement on Thursday, announcing the launch of a long-awaited direct non-dollar payment mechanism meant to safeguard their trade ties with Tehran in the face of the sanctions.

Following months-long preparations, the foreign ministers of France, Germany and Britain finally unveiled the mechanism, officially called the Instrument in Support of Trade Exchanges (INSTEX), after a summit in Bucharest, Romania.

Salehi further criticized the "belated" announcement of the trade mechanism and said, "Of course, this is not certainly the final step and we expect them to take final steps."

He emphasized that the AEOI would make necessary decisions if the opposite side failed to fulfill their commitments under the JCPOA.

President Donald Trump withdrew Washington in May 2018 from the landmark Iran nuclear agreement, reached between Iran and the P5+1 group of countries in 2015, and decided to re-impose unilateral sanctions against Tehran.

Under the deal, Iran undertook to put limits on its nuclear program in exchange for the removal of nuclear-related sanctions.

Trump's administration announced re-imposition of the "toughest" sanctions ever against Iran's banking and energy sectors with the aim of cutting off the country's oil sales and crucial exports.

On Friday, China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang appreciated the efforts made by European countries to uphold the JCPOA after the US withdrawal from the agreement.

"It (INSTEX) fully demonstrated the EU's determination to uphold multilateralism. China firmly supports the continued cooperation between the EU and Iran to put the mechanism into operation as soon as possible and open it to third parties so as to promote normal economic and trade cooperation between the international community and Iran," he said.

Despite Washington's withdrawal, Iran has not left the deal yet, but stressed that the remaining signatories to the agreement have to work to offset the negative impacts of the US pullout for Iran if they want Tehran to remain in it.Islamic Revolution standing firmly against enemies' attacks: Military Spox

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Bushehr, Feb 2, IRNA -- The Islamic Revolution of Iran has stood firmly against enemies' attacks, spokesman for the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) said.

Addressing a ceremony which was held on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the victory of the Islamic Revolution, Brigadier General Ramezan Sharif said the Islamic Revolution has preserved Iran's dignity and independence without paying attention to media hypes.

Stressing the fact that today Americans have nothing to say in the region, he urged enemies of the Islamic Revolution to know that economic pressures have inflicted no damage to the Iranian establishment.

He reiterated that Iranians have no fear of these difficulties and pressures.

Despite all threats, Iran is now in a position that 5000 military equipment have been indigenized, Sharif said.

The 10-day period from Imam Khomeini's return to Tehran from exhile on February 1, 1979 until the revolution's victory on February 11 is celebrated in Iran annually and is dubbed as the Ten-Day Fajr (Dawn).

9376**1771Military diplomacy on Iran Armed Forces agenda: Cmdr

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Tehran, Feb 2, IRNA -- Iranian armed forces have put on the agenda military diplomacy as one of the ways to develop relations with other countries, Deputy Commander of the Islamic Republic Army for Coordination Affairs said.

Speaking in an interview with the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) on Friday, Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari said military and defense diplomacy is one of the ways for promoting ties with friends.

Iran Navy has established relations with many ports in countries of northern and southern Indian Ocean, Pacific Ocean, South Africa, Mediterranean and the Caspian Sea, he added.

The military diplomacy includes enhancing military cooperation with friends and allies, he noted.

9376**1771Iran unveils new indigenous missile 'Hoveyzeh'

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Tehran, Feb 2, IRNA -- Iran's surface-to-surface missile 'Hoveyzeh' was unveiled in a ceremony marking the 40th anniversary of the victory of the Islamic Revolution attended by the country's Defense Minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami here on Saturday.

Addressing the ceremony, General Hatami said the Islamic Republic of Iran is increasing its defensive strength day by day to safeguard its national security and interests and does not need any permission in this regard.

He added that the Hoveyzeh missile is a symbol of self-confidence and an important defensive achievement which enjoys state-of art technology.

General Hatami pointed out that no barrier could hinder the will of Iranian people in the field of defense.

As per Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei's guidelines, the senior commander said the country would proportionately counter any threats by the enemy.

He said the missile has a range of 1,350 kilometers and can hit a specified target on the ground precisely.

The senior commander counted the rapid preparation and response, low altitude, high navigation accuracy, high destructive power as the outstanding features of the cruise missile.

He underscored that the flight test of the missile was carried out at a range of 1,200 km and it successfully targeted the set goals.

The missile has been developed by Iran Aviation Industries Organization (IAIO) experts and scientists and would be delivered to the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force.

9060**1771Chinese Foreign Minister: Beijing committed to maintain JCPOA

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Tehran, Feb 2, IRNA -- China's foreign ministry quoted Foreign Minister Wang Yi that as saying that Beijing has committed itself to solve major global crises, including the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), Syria and Palestine and will provide solutions.

Wang Yi at a New Year's Feast, said, 'As Beijing considers world peace preservation as one of its necessary commitments in its diplomacy, in the new year will strive to play a greater role in resolving international crises and realizing this and will therefore offer its solutions. '

He called this year a turbulent year for the final resolution of the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula by negotiations between the US and North Korean leaders and solving the controversy over the resolution of the Iranian nuclear program's crisis and continuing efforts to maintain the JCPOA and emphasized that Beijing will not hesitate to try to resolve it peacefully.

9455**2050Trump Denounces Pelosi Over Border Wall Funding

By VOA News February 02, 2019

The president of the United States has lambasted House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, calling her "very bad for our country" and saying that "she doesn't mind human trafficking" because she opposes designating money for a wall at the U.S. border with Mexico.

In an interview Friday with CBS News, Donald Trump said Pelosi is "very rigid" and that she is attempting "to win a political point' by refusing to give him money for the wall that was a major component of his successful presidential campaign.

During the campaign, however, Trump promised that Mexico would pay for the wall. Mexico has refused. Now Trump wants Congress to give him money for the border wall, and the Democrats who are in control of the House of Representatives have refused.

"Democrats have put forward strong, smart and effective border security solutions in the bipartisan conference committee," said Drew Hammill, a Pelosi spokesman, adding that the president "still refuses to take a second shutdown off the table."

Trump recently ended a 35-day partial government shutdown without getting the $5.7 billion he wanted for the wall.

National emergency option

The president said Friday he will consider calling for a "national emergency" as the path forward to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border because he doesn't think negotiations among lawmakers will produce the necessary funding.

"We will be looking at a national emergency because I don't think anything is going to happen. I think Democrats don't want border security. And when I hear them talking about the fact that walls are immoral, walls don't work  they know they work," Trump said Friday.

However, The Washington Post reports that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who is a Republican, has privately warned Trump that a declaration of a national emergency could divide the Republican Party.

The Post, citing two Republican sources, said McConnell told Trump that such a declaration could lead Congress to pass a resolution disapproving the emergency declaration.

On Thursday, the president called bipartisan congressional talks over border wall funding a "waste of time."

In a White House interview with The New York Times Thursday, Trump again hinted he may declare a national emergency in order to bypass Congress and build the wall without its approval.

"I'll continue to build the wall and we'll get the wall finished. Now whether or not I declare a national emergency, that you'll see ... I've set the table, I've set the stage for doing what I'm going to do."

Government shutdown option

In less than three weeks, if there is no deal on border security that Trump would sign, there could be another government shutdown.

If Trump does declare a national emergency, Democrats who don't want any money for a border wall will probably immediately challenge Trump in court.

The president had strong words for Pelosi who has said over and over again she will not agree to give Trump the $5.7 billion he wants for a wall.

Pelosi has said she was open to other kinds of barriers along the border, but Trump said that was unacceptable.

More troops to the border

Meanwhile, the Pentagon said it is sending an additional 3,500 troops to the U.S. southern border with Mexico to assist with border security measures.

Democrat Adam Smith, chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, released the latest troop numbers after slamming the Pentagon's lack of transparency in a letter to Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan.

A defense official confirmed that the Pentagon was sending 3,500 more active duty troops to the border, for a total of 5,800 active duty troops and 2,300 National Guard troops supporting the Department of Homeland Security's request for additional border security.

The official, who spoke to VOA on the condition of anonymity, added that this "initial pop" in the number of troops would not be sustained through September.

Some of these 3,500 will be replacing troops who will be leaving soon, while others are only assigned to the border for 30 or 60 days in order to set up large coiled barbed wire in specific areas, according to the official.

Without giving any details, Trump tweeted Thursday "More troops being sent to the Southern Border to stop the attempted Invasion of Illegals, through large caravans, into our Country. We have stopped the previous Caravans, and we will stop these also. With a Wall it would be soooo much easier and less expensive."

Trump, as he often has, claimed erroneously that "Large sections of WALL have already been built with much more either under construction or ready to go." The U.S. has been repairing existing barriers, which Trump called "a very big part of the plan to finally, after many decades, properly Secure Our Border. The Wall is getting done one way or the other!"

At various times, Trump has called the barriers at the border an impenetrable concrete wall, and other times "steel slats," or a see-through barrier, even "peaches," if people preferred.

On Thursday, though, Trump said, "Let's just call them WALLS from now on and stop playing political games! A WALL is a WALL!"Two injured in fresh separatist attacks in UK's Northern Ireland province

Iran Press TV

Sat Feb 2, 2019 05:11PM

Police in the UK province of Northern Ireland say two men were shot and wounded in "paramilitary style attacks" which was later claimed by a group calling itself the Irish Republican Army (IRA).

Police said Friday that they were investigating two separate shootings in the Ballymagorarty area of Londonderry..

"We are treating both incidents as paramilitary-style attacks; attacks that were brutal and vicious and will leave these two men with both physical and psychological scars," said police commander Michelle Boyd.

"These attacks are yet again more examples of how criminal groups seek to control communities through fear and violence," said the police commander.

The attacks are the latest to come from a renewed surge of separatist violence in Northern Ireland, a British province where many people still prefer a separation from London and a union with the Republic of Ireland.

The incident highlighted the threat still posed by militant groups opposed to a 1998 peace deal that largely ended three decades of violence in the British-run province.

London believes that the IRA, known for years of militant activity on the island of Ireland, became defunct following the 1999 implementation of a peace treaty with the Irish government.

Police in Londonderry said the two men injured in shootings were in good condition in a hospital.

Authorities also sought to rejects claims that attacks in the region could mean a fresh surge in religious and sectarian violence.

"Innocent residents shouldn't have to worry about criminal thugs shooting people outside their homes," said the police department in a tweet.Trump Advisor Calls on Venezuelan Military, Central Bank to Join Opposition

Sputnik News

02:57 03.02.2019

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - The national security advisor to US President Donald Trump, John Bolton, late Saturday called on the Venezuelan military and on employees of the country's Central Bank to side with the opposition amid the ongoing political crisis.

"To the Venezuelan military high command, now is the time to stand on the side of the Venezuelan people. It is your right and responsibility to defend the constitution and democracy for Venezuela! [] Venezuelan Central Bank employees and other bankers should accept [interim] President [Juan] Guaido's amnesty now rather than be held accountable for plundering the country's wealth", Bolton tweeted.

Bolton  a known military hawk appointed by Trump to advise on matters of national security  posted a link to a Bloomberg article claiming that "tensions inside the [Central] bank are brewing" and a link to a video allegedly showing police officers leaving the scene of an anti-governmental rally in the northwestern Venezuelan city of Barquisimeto after refusing to arrest anti-Maduro protesters.

On Saturday, both those opposed to and those in support of current President Nicolas Maduro took to the streets amid an escalating political crisis in the country.

On January 23, Juan Guaido, speaker for the opposition-led National Assembly, proclaimed himself the nation's interim president. The opposition figure was quickly supported by the United States and a number of other countries. Russia, China, Mexico, Iran, Turkey and several other states have backed Maduro, however, as Venezuela's president. Maduro has repeatedly blamed Washington for attempting a coup in Venezuela.

Bolton claimed on Friday that the Trump administration has no plans to militarily invade Venezuela, but suggested that all options remain on the table, adding that there is allegedly overwhelming support among Latin American countries for a transfer of power away from Maduro, the current constitutionally-elected president, to the self-proclaimed interim chief Guaido.

Bolton avowed that he and Trump talk several times a day about the situation in Venezuela, and asserted that there are a wide range of economic and political steps that could be taken.

In July 2018 the Associated Press news agency reported, citing an unnamed representative of the US administration, that in August 2017, Trump, during a meeting in the Oval Office, asked his aides about the possibility of a military intervention in the country. In particular, Trump reportedly pointed to what he considered past cases of "successful gunboat diplomacy" in the region, such as the invasions of Panama and Grenada in the 1980s, AP reported, citing a US official.

According to AP, citing two senior Colombia officials, Trump also raised the issue with then-Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos.

After media reports alleging a possible US military intervention emerged, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro called on the country's servicemen to be prepared to repulse US aggression.

Acting US Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan told reporters on Tuesday that he has not discussed with Bolton any military option to solve the current political crisis in Venezuela.

During a press briefing on Monday about new sanctions against Caracas, Bolton was photographed holding a yellow notepad that read: "5,000 troops to Colombia", prompting widespread speculation that senior US security officials are discussing plans to deploy military forces to the Latin American country, which borders Venezuela, to assist a US-plotted military invasion.

The Russian Foreign Ministry has repeatedly stressed that it considered any military options with regard to Venezuela unacceptable and warned that they would only further escalate the situation in the country.

On Monday, Bolton warned that the US would take action if its diplomatic staff or Guaido are threatened with violence in Venezuela on the same day that Washington seized billions of the country's oil assets by blocking PDVSA in the US jurisdiction and imposing a ban on business deals with the company.

US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told reporters on Monday that by blocking PDVSA's assets, the Trump administration was taking care of the company "in the interests of the people" of Venezuela, and also protecting the oil market.

Maduro has dubbed Guaido a "US puppet", accusing the Trump administration of throwing its weight behind the usurper in the hopes of getting its hands on Venezuela's vast oil reserves, one of the world's largest.

 SputnikSelf-Proclaimed Leader Guaido Vows to Ask EU to Protect Venezuela's Assets

Sputnik News

04:07 03.02.2019(updated 04:28 03.02.2019)

MEXICO CITY (Sputnik) - Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido announced that he would ask the European Union to protect the country's assets, adding that a new leadership would be appointed at Citgo, a US-based subsidiary of Venezuelan state-owned oil company PDVSA facing Washington's sanctions.

"We will also ask [the European Union] to protect our assets in Europe. I'll say it once again: the money of the Venezuelan people will not be stolen", Guaido said late on Saturday in an address for his supporters, as quoted by Nacional newspaper.

He also announced that in the coming days, a new leadership would be appointed at Citgo.

On Monday, the United States blocked all assets of PDVSA in its jurisdiction amid political crisis in Venezuela, which the country's constitutionally elected president Nicolas Maduro, accuses Washington of orchestrating the state coup.

The United States has also imposed a ban on deals with the company, claiming that it was acting in the interests of the people of Venezuela. Maduro has slammed the move as unlawful and has also accused Washington of attempts to "steal" Citgo.

Venezuela is currently facing anti-government protests with opposition leader Guaido having declared himself the country's interim president on 23 January. Maduro has accused the United States of plotting to overthrow him and suggested that Guaido was being instructed by Washington.

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Federica Mogherini said Thursday that the EU countries have decided to set up an international contact group on Venezuelan crisis. According to Mogherini, the group will be coordinated by the European Union and will be operating for a limited time frame of 90 days. After this period, the results of the group's work would be assessed and it would be terminated in the absence of sufficient progress.

The contact group's work will be aimed at creating a common understanding of the situation Venezuela by key international players and will seek peaceful resolution of the current crisis in the South American country.

On Thursday, the European Parliament voted 439-104 for a non-binding resolution that recognized the self-proclaimed president Guaido and urged the EU external action service to follow suit.

The United Kingdom, Germany, France and Spain declared on 26 January their intention to recognize the head of opposition-controlled National Assembly of Venezuela, Juan Guaido, as the country's interim president if Caracas does not announce new elections within eight days.

Russia, China, Mexico, Uruguay, Iran, Turkey and other countries, have expressed support for the Maduro government as Venezuela's only legitimate authority.

 SputnikRival Throngs Protest in Venezuela as General Defects

By VOA News February 02, 2019

Supporters of Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido and President Nicolas Maduro participated in rival demonstrations Saturday in Caracas as a member of the country's air force high command disavowed Maduro's socialist government and said he recognized Guaido as the interim president.

Thousands of Guaido's supporters, carrying flags and blowing horns, converged on a handful of locations around Caracas in support of his call for early elections and the establishment of a transitional government amid mounting global pressure for Maduro to step down. Guaido arrived at one of the rallies with his wife, Fabiana, and was quickly surrounded by exuberant supporters.

Pro-Maduro demonstrators took to the streets on the western side of Caracas to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Bolivarian revolution that led to the rise of socialist Hugo Chavez, Maduro's deceased predecessor. Maduro addressed the crowd, the first time he has appeared at a public rally since Aug. 4.

Maduro called for new parliamentary elections earlier than planned, repeated he was the country's legitimate president and told the crowd, "I am very ashamed to see this group of opposition coup perpetrators" take orders from Washington.

As he announced his defection, Gen. Francisco Yanez called on other members of the military to defect. Top military leaders have helped Maduro survive previous mass demonstrations in recent years by jailing activists and repressing opposition protesters. It remains unclear how much military support there is for Guaido.

Guaido said in an interview with VOA Noticias he had offered "amnesty and guarantees" to high-ranking military officials as part of a broader effort to get "this usurpation to end."

Sunday deadline

The demonstrations marked the second week of heightened tensions in Venezuela and came before a Sunday deadline set by major European countries for Maduro to call snap elections. Britain, France, Germany and Spain have said they will follow the U.S. in recognizing National Assembly Speaker Guaido as Venezuela's interim president if Maduro does not order new elections by Sunday.

Guaido declared himself interim president last week, a move that was supported by some two dozen countries. Guaido said during the VOA interview he would order new elections "when we achieve the capacity to convene elections." First, Guaido said, "we have to achieve the necessary force in order for this usurpation to end."

Guaido has rejected offers from Mexico's and Uruguay's presidents to negotiate with Maduro. He told them in a letter that "to be neutral is to be on the side of the regime that has condemned hundreds of thousands of human beings to misery, hunger and exile, including death."

Maduro has presided over Venezuela's economic collapse that has resulted in chronic food and medicine shortages. He blames the U.S. for supporting what he calls a coup to remove him from power and exploit Venezuela's vast oil reserves.

Guaido told supporters Saturday that the opposition would start collecting humanitarian aid in Brazil, Colombia and an unnamed Caribbean island, and he called on the military to allow the aid into the country.

'No time for dialogue'

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence met Friday with exiled Venezuelans in the southeastern U.S. city of Miami. He reassured them the U.S. would continue efforts to oust Maduro from office.

"This is no time for dialogue," Pence said. "It is time to end the Maduro regime."

Saturday's opposition protests were the second such action taken this week. Guaido led a peaceful demonstration Wednesday in Caracas, a week after street protests deteriorated into days of violence that resulted in the deaths of nearly three dozen people during clashes with government security forces.Belgium Agrees to Take In Former Ivory Coast President

By VOA News February 02, 2019

Belgium has agreed to take in former Ivory Coast president Laurent Gbagbo after his shock acquittal at the International Criminal Court.

He was granted a conditional release by the ICC. He must remain in his host country. He is also not allowed to contact any witnesses from his case or speak publicly about the case.

Gbagbo's lawyer Emmanuel Altit unsuccessfully argued that conditional release went against the very principle of this client's acquittal.

Belgium spokesman Karl Lagatie said his government took in Gbagbo because it is "part of the framework of our support for international criminal jurisdictions."

Gbagbo and his co-defendant Charles Ble Goude were acquitted of crimes against humanity on January 15, but the ICC refused to release them until a host country was found.

Judges said the prosecution's case was exceptionally weak in trying to link the men to election-related violence in Ivory Coast in 2010 and 2011 that left roughly 3,000 people dead.

Prosecutors are planning to appeal.

Last month's acquittal has intensified criticism of the ICC, which has convicted only four people in nearly 20 years of operation. One of themformer Congolese vice-president Jean Pierre Bembawas later acquitted on appeals.

Critics say the court is ineffective and overly focused on African cases. Supporters note the so-called "court of last resort" is probing other regions of the world, and they say the court has insufficient means to realize a daunting mandate.Air Force Academy professor leads new DOD hypersonic research institute

By Jennifer Spradlin, U.S. Air Force Academy Public Affairs / Published February 02, 2019

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. (AFNS) -- Chuck Yeager broke the speed of sound in 1947, and the Air Force has never looked back.

The Air Force partnered with NASA to develop and test the X-15, a hypersonic, rocket-powered aircraft in the late 1950s and most of the 1960s.

A great deal of human capital and money was invested in making the leap from supersonic to hypersonic -- the potential to travel at five times the speed of sound or more than 3,000 mph.

But a series of near misses and research "gotchas" stalled much of the advancement in hypersonic capabilities, according to Dr. Russ Cummings, Air Force Academy professor of aeronautics, and newly-appointed director of the Department of Defense Hypersonic Capabilities Modernization Program's Hypersonic Vehicle Simulation Institute.

Now DOD leaders are seeking to combat the weaponization of hypersonic capabilities by peer adversaries.

At a Washington lecture series on hypersonics in December, Michael Griffin, the undersecretary of defense for research and engineering, said, "In the last year, China has tested more hypersonic weapons than we have in a decade. We've got to fix that."

Griffin has pinpointed hypersonic capabilities as his "highest technical priority" since taking office with the goal of creating a decisive American advantage.

The HVSI stood up in 2018. The DOD program will issue $6 million in grants over the next three to five years to universities for research to fill computational modeling gaps in the field of hypersonic simulation.

"Outdated modeling leads to conservative engineering approaches," Cummings said. "For example, having inaccurate estimates for designing to mitigate the high heating on hypersonic vehicles impacts the weight and volume of the design, which can take away from the size of the payload."

The grants will be used to fund applied science research in ten categories to help engineer accurate computer codes for hypersonic vehicles while jump-starting interest and scholarship in the field.

Ten-to-15 percent of the research will take place in the aeronautics department here. Many test facilities were closed in the 1970s, but the Academy has two on-site high speed wind tunnels, including a Mach 6 Ludwieg Tube. Starting this summer, cadets will join industry and university partners in a variety of hypersonic-related summer research programs.

"We're excited to see HVSI become the latest center added to (U.S. Air Force Academy's) research portfolio," said Col. Donald Rhymer, the Academy's dean of research. "Dr. Cummings brings the necessary expertise and leadership to direct the institute, as well as the pulse of the hypersonics community. I'm confident his work will ultimately benefit both the cadets and the Air Force."UN chief hopes for new agreement after Israel concludes international observation mission

2 February 2019 - United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his gratitude to the Temporary International Presence in Hebron (TIPH), West Bank, after Israel decided not to renew its mandate.

Noting a joint statement issued by the Foreign Ministers of the TIPH's contributing countries  Italy, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and Turkey  the Secretary-General conveyed his hope on Friday "that an agreement can be found by the parties to preserve the TIPH's long-standing and valuable contribution to conflict prevention and the protection of Palestinians in Hebron".

The UN chief said that he is "grateful" to them "and the service of their respective observers over the past 22 years".

According to news reports, hundreds of Jewish settlers guarded by thousands of soldiers live in the heart of Hebron, which has a population of over 200,000 Palestinians.

The TIPH was established pursuant to the provisions of the 1995 Interim Agreement, known as the Oslo II Accord, between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization.

Mr. Guterres said that he continues to engage with relevant Member States and the parties on the ground "to ensure the protection, safety, and wellbeing of civilians".

He also reiterated his "commitment to the two-State solution" and to safeguarding the principles and vision enshrined in the Oslo framework, relevant UN resolutions, and other applicable agreements.UN calls for support to implement Central Africa's newly minted peace agreement

2 February 2019 - After 10 days of negotiations, the Central African government and 14 armed groups reached a peace agreement on Saturday, according to a tweet from the United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).

"Let us mobilize to support the implementation of the peace agreement," Jean-Pierre Lacroix, UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, said on Twitter after the peace agreement was concluded in the Sudanese capital of Khartoum.

The agreement was made possible under the African Initiative for Peace and Reconciliation in the Central African Republic (CAR) led by the African Union (AU) and with UN support.

MINUSCA quoted Smail Chergui, the AU Commissioner for Peace and Security, as stressing the parties' exemplary cooperation at the Khartoum talks, and saying on Twitter: "This is a great day for the CAR and for all the people of the Central African Republic" .

The Head of the Central African government's delegation to the talks, Firmin Ngrebad, said he was determined to work with the Head of State and his government to respond to the concerns "of the brothers who took up arms."

He also underscored that Central Africans' support of the agreement will enable "the people of the Central African Republic to embark on the path of reconciliation, concord and development".

According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), in 2019, 2.9 million people, more than half of whom are children, will need humanitarian and protection assistance; more than 63 per cent of a population of 4.6 million.

Concerned with the security, humanitarian, human rights and political crisis within the country and its implications for the region, MINUSCA began operating in 2014 under Chapter VII of the UN Charter.

With the protection of civilians as its utmost priority, Chapter VII provides for the use of force  meaning, with Security Council authority, peacekeepers may respond to acts of aggression in kind.US Urges New Lebanese Govt to Avoid Support for Hezbollah - State Department

Sputnik News

03:16 02.02.2019

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - The United States urges the newly formed Lebanese Cabinet to ensure that Hezbollah does not benefit from the resources and services available to the government ministries that it now heads, State Department spokesperson Robert Palladino said on Friday.

"We call on the new government to ensure the resources and services of these ministries do not provide support to Hizballah", Palladino said in a statement.

Lebanon unveiled the new Cabinet lineup on Thursday, ending eight months of political deadlock during which the country had only an interim government.

The United States welcomes the formation of the government and is eager to work with the newly appointed Lebanese ministers, Palladino said.

He added that US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo "looks forward to traveling to Lebanon".

But Palladino said the United States was concerned over the fact that Hezbollah would continue to hold ministerial posts, as it has in previous governments.

The State Department official noted that Hezbollah was allowed to name Jamil Jabaq to the post of Minister of Public Health. Jabaq, a cardiologist, is reportedly not a member of Hezbollah but is affiliated with the party.

Palladino also called on the new Lebanese government to avoid escalating tensions along the Blue Line, or the United Nations-demarcated border between Lebanon and Israel.

"We welcome Lebanese leaders' recent statements committing to abide by United Nations Security Council resolution 1701 and appreciate their recent efforts to avoid escalating tensions along the Blue Line", Palladino said in a statement.

Lebanon had been mired in a political crisis that left the country without a government since May, when the last Cabinet resigned following parliamentary elections, as required by the country's constitution.

Long delays in the formation of cabinets are common in Lebanon due to the country's political system, which allocates power on the basis of sectarian affiliation.

 SputnikBolivian President Expresses Support for Maduro During Meeting in Venezuela

Sputnik News

05:45 02.02.2019(updated 05:46 02.02.2019)

MEXICO CITY (Sputnik)  Bolivian President Evo Morales said he had arrived in Venezuela to meet with his counterpart Nicolas Maduro and express support for the Venezuelan president amid a political crisis in the country.

"We are meeting with my fellow President of Venezuela Nicolas Maduro and expressing all our support to him in the face of the overthrow and intervention by the empire that wants to appropriate Venezuela's national wealth in violation of international law. Bolivia supports dialogue aimed at avoiding conflicts," Morales wrote on Twitter.

The Bolivian president also published a photo taken during his meeting with Maduro.

Venezuela is currently facing large-scale anti-government protests with opposition leader Juan Guaido having declared himself the country's interim president in a bid to ouster Maduro. Moreover, the United States, which has supported Guaido, has seized millions of worth of assets of Venezuela's state-owned oil and gas company PDVSA.

In response, Maduro called Guaido a puppet of Washington, accusing the United States of plotting to overthrow him.

Russia, China, Mexico, Uruguay, Iran and Turkey among other countries, have voiced support for Maduro as the only legitimate president of Venezuela.

Mexico and Uruguay are planning to convene a conference on Venezuela on 7 February in the Uruguayan capital of Montevideo to lay the foundation for the creation of a new dialogue mechanism that would contribute to the return of stability and peace in the country. Representatives from over 10 countries are expected to take part in the meeting. Bolivia has expressed readiness to join the initiative.

 SputnikMissile Defense Chief: US Completes Hypersonic, Directed Energy Weapons Analysis

Sputnik News

05:56 02.02.2019(updated 06:05 02.02.2019)

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - US Missile Defense Agency (MDA) Director Lieutenant General Samuel Greaves said Friday the analysis would be released soon without giving a specific time frame.

The United States has completed a study of new weapons needed to destroy hypersonic gliders and directed energy lasers, Greaves said at a think tank.

"The [Missile Defense] Agency and the Department [of Defense] have completed an analysis of alternatives, looking at hypersonic defense of which fast interceptors are one option, directed energy is another and there are some other options in there", Greaves said on Friday.

During the analysis, private industry was also consulted to assess whether the current suite of interceptors is fast enough to "win the tail chase" to hit a hypersonic target, Greaves added.

Offensive hypersonic weapons are typically unpowered gliders that fall to Earth at speeds of up to 20,000 miles per hour in erratic, knuckleball-like trajectories. As a result, the weapons are difficult to track with accuracy, let alone destroy with existing missile defenses.

Test of hypersonic gliders by China and Russia have prompted the United States within the past year to revive a long-stalled effort to develop hypersonics, according to Pentagon officials.

US President Donald Trump unveiled the new US Missile Defense Review in a ceremony at the Pentagon in January. The new strategy calls for pursuing space-based inceptors and deploying more systems in Europe and the Middle East. In particular, the document points out Russia's hypersonic glide vehicles (HGV) that can maneuver and travel at speeds of Mach 5 in or above the atmosphere.

The document also highlights that Russia's SSC-8 cruise missile presents a potential major threat to US military operations and deterrence goals. Moreover, the document said China is also developing advanced technologies such as re-entry vehicles and HGVs that pose a potential nuclear threat to US forces abroad and to US allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Russian Foreign Ministry said last week that the document demonstrates that Washington has real plans to use space for military operations and warns that US implementing its new space strategy would affect the system of providing security for space activities.

US House Armed Services Committee Chairman Adam Smith has objected to plans in the new Missile Defense Review to invest in cost-prohibitive space-based interceptors and warned that the new strategy may drive Russia and China to boost their nuclear arsenal.

Russian President Vladimir Putin in an interview with Serbian newspapers published in January reiterated that Russia is not interested in an arms race but will not close its eyes to US cruise missile deployment in Europe.

 SputnikVenezuela Halts Gold Sales as US, UK Target Caracas' Hard Assets - Report

Sputnik News

11:39 02.02.2019(updated 11:41 02.02.2019)

Friday saw reports about Venezuela's plans to sell 15 tonnes of its central bank gold to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in return for euros in cash; the alleged goal was to sell 29 tonnes in total to the UAE by February, so as to obtain liquidity for the import of basic products.

Caracas has scrapped a plan to ship 20 tonnes of Venezuelan gold out of the country, Bloomberg cited a source familiar with the matter as saying.

The source added that the gold bars, worth about $850 million, had allegedly been prepared for transportation at the Venezuelan Central Bank but that they will "not be sent out anytime soon".

Those who were handling the transaction were ostensibly angered by increasing international drive to "ring-fence" Venezuela's hard assets, according to the source.

The reported developments come after the United Arab Emirates (UAE)'s investment company Noor Capital claimed that it had bought three tonnes of gold from Venezuela's Central Bank following media reports about Caracas' plans to sell 15 tonnes of gold in order to back the country's troubled currency, the bolivar.

The firm argued that its relationship with Venezuela's Central Bank had been regulated by "clear commercial contracts" and that it does not engage in any illegal or prohibited transactions.

Earlier this week, Reuters reported, citing an unnamed senior official with knowledge of the plan, that Venezuela will sell 29 tonnes of its central bank gold to the UAE in order to provide liquidity for the import of basic products.

Last week, the Bank of England reportedly denied Venezuela's request to pull out its gold bars after US National Security Adviser John Bolton and US State Secretary Mike Pompeo announced sanctions against the country and froze the Maduro government's foreign assets.

Earlier in January, media reported that Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido had sent a letter to UK Prime Minister Theresa May and Bank of England Governor Mark Carney, asking them to prevent Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro from pulling out any of gold held in the UK's central bank.

Venezuela has been mired in a political crisis, which escalated after Guaido declared himself the country's interim president in a move immediately supported by the United States.

President Maduro accused Guaido of being a "puppet" and slammed Washington for orchestrating a coup in Venezuela. Russia, China and several other countries said in turn that they recognize Maduro as the country's only legitimate head of state.

 SputnikCAR Government, Armed Groups Secure Peace Agreement - AU Commissioner

Sputnik News

18:01 02.02.2019

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The government of the Central African Republic (CAR) and opposition groups reached a peace agreement on Saturday during their talks in Sudan's capital, Khartoum, African Union (AU) Commissioner for Peace and Security Smail Chergui said.

"#Centrafrique: I am humbled to announce that with the exemplary cooperation I received from both the Government of the CAR(@GouvCF) and the 14 armed groups, we have secured a #peace agreement today in the interest of the people of #CAR. #AfricanInitiative," Chergui wrote on Twitter.

The landlocked CAR has been suffering from a drawn-out conflict since a coup in 2013. Much of the fighting in recent years has been between Muslim-majority Seleka and Christian Anti-Balaka militias.

The UN imposed sanctions barring weapons exports to the country in 2013, but a lack its peacekeeping mission's success, MINUSCA, led it to provide an exception for Russia in December 2017.

In August 2018, the two groups agreed to establish a platform for consultations on sustainable peace in the CAR.

 SputnikVenezuelan Military Slams 'Traitor' Air Force General Who Defected to Opposition

Sputnik News

19:50 02.02.2019(updated 20:00 02.02.2019)

Venezuela descended into chaos last week after National Assembly chief Juan Guaido proclaimed himself acting president, with the US and its allies in Europe and Latin America recognising him as such, while Caracas accused Washington of attempting to topple the country's democratically elected government.

The Venezuelan military has characterised General Francisco Esteban Yanez Rodriguez' decision to switch sides and recognise Guaido as a betrayal of the highest order. In a post on one of its official Twitter accounts, the armed forces stressed their continued loyalty to the Maduro's government.

"We in the Armed Forces will not put up with such actions. The Venezuelan Air Force remains loyal to our president, and we will prevail in spite of such traitors," the military said, posting an image of Yanez with the word 'TRAITOR' written across the picture in bold red letters.

Other officers and military departments similarly attacked Yanez over his desertion, with the air force's official account accusing him of being an "unworthy man of arms" who has "betrayed" his oath of allegiance and "kneels before imperialist demands."

The account of the country's military flight training centre insisted that "for every traitor, thousands of patriots will emerge who will know how to defend Venezuela."

Earlier Saturday, in a clip circulating on social media, General Yanez, director of strategic planning at Air Force high command, denounced President Nicolas Maduro's "dictatorial authority" and said he recognised "Deputy Juan Guaido as the president in charge of Venezuela." Saying that he was confident that 90 percent of the country's military were supportive of Guaido, Yanez insisted that "the transition to democracy is imminent," and urged Venezuelans to take to the streets for mass protests.

Protesters did come out on Saturday, with both pro-government demonstrators and Guaido supporters taking to the streets of the Venezuelan capital despite fears of possible clashes.

Yanez is now the highest-ranking officer to defect to Guaido's side. Last week, Venezuela's Defence Ministry accused Col. Jose Luis Silva, a military attache at the Venezuelan Embassy in Washington, of committing "an act of treason and cowardice toward the homeland" after the officer said he did not recognise Maduro as Venezuela's president.

Guaido denounced Maduro and proclaimed himself the country's interim president, pending fresh elections, on January 23. The United States, its allies in Latin America, Canada, and several European powers have expressed their support for the lawmaker. Russia, China, Mexico, Iran, Turkey, Cuba, Bolivia, and Nicaragua have voiced their support for Maduro as the country's legitimate president, and called on outside powers not to meddle in Venezuela's internal affairs.

 SputnikKhartoum Talks: CAR Border Security Agreed, Final Accord to Be Signed Next Week

Sputnik News

22:55 02.02.2019(updated 23:36 02.02.2019)

MOSCOW (Sputnik) Sofya Grebenkina - The government of the Central African Republic (CAR) will sign a peace agreement with armed groups in the country's capital of Bangui on Monday or Tuesday (4-5 February), Adolphe Nahayo, the Economic Community of Central African States'(ECCAS) ambassador to CAR, told Sputnik.

"The agreement will be signed in Bangui on Monday or Tuesday", Nahayo said. The African Union-brokered negotiations between the CAR government and militant leaders began last week in Sudan and ended on Saturday.

The parties to the African Union-brokered talks in the Sudanese capital agreed on a mixed-border security mechanism between Bangui, the armed groups and the UN mission to the crisis-torn country.

"They agreed on mixed mechanism between MINUSCA [UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission], the government, UN troops, and some people from armed groups and national forces where they can be deployed. [This mechanism] will secure the borders and to keep safe the animals which are passing through some areas", Adolphe Nahayo said.

The CAR government and armed groups also agreed to appoint a special commission to track all crimes committed beginning in 2013.

"Now in justice they agreed that they will appoint a commission  armed groups and government  to account all the crimes which have been committed since 2013, during this crisis and they will make a report to a national commission of reconciliation, which will clarify which crime is against humanity, which crime can be a war crime, because those have to pass to the International Criminal Court. For the others it will be transitional justice. And between the work of that commission there will be no judicial action", Adolphe Nahayo said.

According to Nahayo, the president of the Central African Republic (CAR), Faustin-Archange Touadera, will appoint a new prime minister one week after the signing ceremony for the peace accord.

"Now, when the agreement is done, the president will appoint a new prime minister and they will compose a new, inclusive government. [The appointment] will take place as soon as possible [] A week after [the peace agreement is signed] they are supposed to appoint a new prime minister", Nahayo said.

The African Union-led talks that commenced January 24 are the first direct talks between the government of CAR and 14 opposition groups. The CAR government sent a delegation of senior ministers to the talks, led by the president's chief of staff, Firmin Ngrebada.

Landlocked CAR has been suffering from a long-drawn-out conflict following a 2013 coup. Much of the fighting in recent years has been between Muslim-majority Seleka and Christian Anti-Balaka militias. According to UN data, up to 6,000 people have been killed.

In August 2018, the two groups agreed to establish a platform for consultations on sustainable peace in CAR. The groups then also called on the government to engage in reconciliation with support from Russia, the European Union and other regional and international powers.

The Russian Foreign Ministry said in late October that it intended to maintain assistance to CAR in rebuilding its armed forces. The ministry said that in early 2018 Moscow supplied CAR's army with small arms and ammunition as well as sending 175 military advisers to train CAR servicemen.

The ministry added that Moscow would send additional military advisers and a second shipment of military supplies to the African country, and stressed that all such assistance programs were being carried out in compliance with the UN Security Council (UNSC) sanctions regime.

Meanwhile, the UNSC unanimously voted for an extension of the arms embargo against CAR, for an additional year.

Under a draft resolution sponsored by France, the UNSC established benchmarks to meet met by the end of April, including reforming the government's security sector, disarming and demobilizing militias, and managing weapons, as a means of lifting the embargo. If the CAR government meets key benchmarks by September 30, the UNSC will reconvene to address easing the arms embargo measures, according to the text of the resolution released on Thursday.

 SputnikPence says US considering 'all options' against Maduro

Iran Press TV

Sat Feb 2, 2019 08:33AM

US Vice President Mike Pence has reiterated support for Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido, saying Washington will forgo "dialogue" and consider "all options" to help the Latin American country's self-proclaimed president against the legal government of President Nicolas Maduro.

"The United States will continue to assert all diplomatic pressure to bring about a peaceful transition to democracy, but those looking on should know this: All options are on the table," Pence told a crowd of Venezuelans in the state of Florida on Friday.

"And Nicolas Maduro would do well not to test the resolve of the United States," he warned. "This is no time for dialogue. This is time for action."

The remarks came days after Maduro said he was ready to sit down with the opposition leader, Guaido, who declared himself "interim president" last month.

"I am ready to sit at the negotiation table with the opposition for us to talk for the benefit of Venezuela, for the sake of peace and its future," Maduro told Russian news agency RIA in an interview broadcast on Wednesday.

The administration of President Donald Trump has wasted no efforts in stepping up pressure on Maduro since Guaido challenged his leadership. Trump immediately recognized the opposition leader as the legitimate president of the oil-rich country, and soon after that Washington imposed unilateral sanctions on Venezuela's oil industry in an attempt to boost the opposition.

The move prompted a furious response from Maduro, who vowed to take legal action against Washington.

Bolton threatens to send Maduro to Guantanamo

Meanwhile, Trump's national security adviser, John Bolton, who has floated possible military action against Venezuela, pushed the envelope even further, suggesting that Maduro should choose between retirement or possible imprisonment in the US military's notorious detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

"I wish him [Maduro] a long, quiet retirement on a pretty beach far from Venezuela. And the sooner he takes advantage of that, the sooner he's likely to have a nice, quiet retirement on a pretty beach rather than being in some other beach area like Guantanamo," Bolton .told a radio interview on Friday.

Guaido desperately trying to reach out to soldiers

Guaido, who had claimed earlier that he was involved in talks with military and civilian officials in Venezuela "behind the scenes" to convince them to defect, published an open letter, calling on the military to abandon Maduro and join him.

He also called on his supporters to take to the streets on Saturday and demand Maduro's resignation.

The self-proclaimed president also said that he would guarantee "safe passage out of the country" for Maduro and "everyone who is prepared to put themselves on the side of the constitution in order to recover the democratic order."

Maduro, who began his second six-year term as president in January, has the backing of the country's army amid the political crisis. Reiterating support for Maduro, Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino said earlier this week that his soldiers were ready to die for the country.

EU divided over Venezuela

On Thursday, the European Parliament recognized Guaido as the de facto head of state in Venezuela and urged the European Union (EU)'s all 28 member states to follow suit and consider him "the only legitimate interim president."

Italy, however, defied the call, warning the bloc against a Libya-style regime change.

"Today, the greatest interest we have is to avoid a new war in Venezuela," Manlio Di Stefano, Italy's deputy foreign minister, said Thursday.

Referring to the 2011 ouster of Libya's former dictator Muammar Gaddafi during a NATO-led military intervention, he called the decision to invade the African country a "mistake" as it led to more instability not only for the country but the whole region.

"We must prevent this from happening in Venezuela," Di Stefano warned.

Libya has been the scene of increasing violence since 2011, when Gaddafi, who had ruled the country since a 1969 coup, was toppled from power.

Maduro himself has warned that Washington's actions were motivated by the desire to "steal" Venezuela's massive oil reserves, "as they did in Iraq and Libya."

Bolivia stands with Venezuelan president

Bolivian President Evo Morales, who was in Caracas on his way home from a trip to the United Nations in New York City, wrote in a Twitter post that he stopped in the Venezuelan capital to express his full support to Maduro.

"We are meeting with my fellow President of Venezuela Nicolas Maduro and in the face of the overthrow and intervention by the empire that wants to appropriate Venezuela's national wealth in violation of international law. Bolivia supports dialogue aimed at avoiding conflicts," Morales wrote.

Besides Bolivia, other countries like Russia, China and Iran have also expressed support for Maduro against what he has described as a coup openly led by the United States.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has also made it clear that he would only work with Maduro to help resolve the tensions.Venezuelan president visits military commandos, calls for strengthening intelligence

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 13:51, February 02, 2019

CARACAS, Feb. 1 (Xinhua) -- Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro visited the headquarters of the Bolivarian National Guard (GNB) here on Friday, where he called for strengthening intelligence and preventive work.

"We must improve and strengthen intelligence systems, the intelligence of the Bolivarian National Guard is extraordinary; on that base we must expand the preventative intelligence," Maduro said.

He affirmed that intelligence should be used to confront terrorism, coups and crime in all forms.

"Who wins the intelligence area, wins the battle of security, peace," he stressed.

"The Bolivarian National Armed Forces is the backbone of the integrity and unity of the nation, and the Bolivarian National Guard as a component is the central element for the guarantee of national peace," said the president.

Venezuela's GNB is part of its armed forces and can serve as gendarmerie, civil defense force or reserve force.

Maduro also said the GNB makes a great contribution to peace in the country and is the "guardian of co-existence and sovereignty, if there is peace in the republic, there will be sovereignty."

Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez accompanied the president on his visit, during which some 2,000 GNB commandos demonstrated their military capabilities.

Since the beginning of the week, Maduro has visited the country's main military bases as part of preparations for the military exercises to be held on Feb. 10-15.Blue Blasters Hornet Sundown Ceremony Marks the End of an Era

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS190202-04

Release Date: 2/2/2019 11:27:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class K.R. Jackson-Smith, Commander, Naval Air Forces Atlantic Public Affairs

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 34 hosted a sundown ceremony and fly-over for the legacy F/A-18C Hornet aircraft at Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach, Va., Feb. 1.

Active duty service members, aviation leadership, local media and visitors were in attendance to commemorate the aircraft's 35 years of active service in the fleet.

"Today our VFA-34 family and the operational farewells an old friend," said Cmdr. William Mathis, commanding officer of VFA-34. "Born more than 40 years ago, the Hornet entered operational service for the U.S. Navy in 1984 and for the next 35 years, she proudly served the nation from the flight deck of aircraft carriers in all the seas across the globe."

The Blue Blasters of VFA-34 were the last squadron in the Navy flying the Hornet, most recently joining USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) to conduct Freedom of Navigation patrols in the South China Sea in 2018.

"First, it's a great feeling being the last squadron to take these hornets into combat because we made history," said Master Chief Gene Garland, command master chief of VFA-34. "Secondly, this represents the ending of an era because these jets have been around for a long time and the professionals you see all around you in this squadron maintained our Hornets and kept them flying. I thank God for the mindset of my Sailors. They are hard-workers, dedicated and they truly are a reflection of the culture of our squadron. This final flight means we and the legacy Hornets have accomplished the mission."

Lt. Frank McGurk, who piloted one of the three hornets that were part of the ceremony alongside the squadron's Commanding Officer and Operations Officer, shared some details of the historical experience.

"We went out to one of our working areas over the ocean about 80-100 miles out," said McGurk. "From there, we left the area and flew northbound along the coast up past the [Wright Brothers] First Flight Memorial around Kitty Hawk, NC where we took a few photos over the area then made our way back to Oceana for the fly-over."

Lt. McGurk also spoke on how he felt regarding the Hornet's last flight.

"This aircraft has been super reliable for us and has proven itself over the years," he said. "I believe there are many aviators out there who know how good of an airplane this is to fly. Although I've only had a taste of it, I can feel the history and lineage of that. There were a lot of people who came here to this base to see this old bird take her last flight and I think that's pretty cool."

The F/A-18C Hornet is being replaced by the F/A-18E Super Hornet, which is capable of executing the same missions as the Hornet, but with significant advancements in mission systems that will dramatically enhance its effectiveness.

"The Hornet is known as many things," said Cmdr. Mathis. "Legacy, highly reliable, multi-role attack fighter but to us, she will always be an old friend. The Hornet will continue to serve with the Marine Corps and Navy support units but for the operational Navy, it is time to say goodbye. So from the men and women who flew and maintained the legendary F-18 Hornet, we say thank you for your service and job well done."Ansarallah: Breach of truce, Saudis' attempt to wage new war in Yemen

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Tehran, Feb 2, IRNA -- A high-ranking official in Yemen's Ansarallah said continuation of aggressions in Al Hudaydah and breach of truce agreement shows that Saudi coalition is to start a new war in Yemen.

According to the Yemeni media 'Al-Masirah', Salim Meghles stressed the fact that Ansarallah is complying with Stockholm peace agreement.

If Saudi coalition continues aggressions in Al-Hudaydah, Yemenis will take necessary position, he added.

The United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 2451 to support the Stockholm Agreement on deployment of a team in order to facilitate monitoring and implementing the

Agreement and establishing truce in important Yemeni ports.

The resolution mainly focuses on sending essential commodities to the Yemeni people, supporting the Stockholm Agreement, assigning the Secretary-General of the United Nations to implement it and observing the ceasefire.

The fourth round of Yemen peace talks kicked off in Stockholm, Sweden on December 6 with the attendance of the UN special envoy Martin Griffith and the government representatives. It agreed to establish truce in Yemeni ports of al-Hudaydah, al-Salif and Ayn Issa.

Saudi Arabia and its regional allies attacked Yemen in March 2015 to bring back to power the deposed president of Yemen Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi.

Since then, the invaders have committed horrible war crimes against Yemeni civilians.

9376**1771Five ways Gov. Polis can be the conservation champion we needGillette, WY (82718)

Today

Sun and clouds mixed. High 78F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Clear to partly cloudy. Low around 50F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph.

Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading.Local

Racine tiny homes offered as model for Janesville's homeless

Veterans Outreach of Wisconsin Executive Director Jeff Gustin enters one of the few vacant tiny homes at Veterans Village in Racine built to serve as transitional housing for homeless veterans. Anthony Wahl Three of the 15 tiny homes that make up the Veteran Village in Racine are handicap accessible.

JANESVILLE

In the heart of Racine, wedged between a blue-collar residential neighborhood and an industrial district, sits Veteran Village, a collection of 15 tiny houses just 128 square feet each.

The tiny homes are clustered on a 1-acre lot. The rectangle-shaped bunkhouses are about the size of college dorm rooms with sloped roofs, rustic siding, windows and front stoops.

The tiny homes are used as transitional housing for homeless veterans under management by Racine nonprofit Veterans Outreach of Wisconsin.

In Janesville, a local man wants to try something similar to help the homeless.

Rich Snyder, a craftsman and stained glass artist, is best known locally for leading a multimillion-dollar revamp of the Oak Hill Cemetery chapel that at one time faced the wrecking ball.

Snyders latest dream is to build a cluster of five or six 200-square-foot tiny homes on a residential lot somewhere in Janesville.

In Racine, the vets earn money at jobs and live rent-free in tiny homes. Their residency is paid under a privately-funded program run by Veterans Outreach.

The houses give residents their own roofs, their own spaces and doors that lock behind them as they sleep. The village of 15 homes, along with an on-site community center where five Veterans Outreach full-time employees work, creates a feeling of security, self-worth and community for people whove spent time isolated in homelessness, the agencys executive director, Jeff Gustin, said.

Anthony Wahl A village of tiny homes in Racine stands as an example of how one nonprofit group offers transitional housing for homeless people.

The groups aim: to help its clients build enough momentum to escape homelessness and, at some point, find permanent housing.

Were trying to give them a sense of pride and ownership. Thats the big thing that we want to thrive into their future, Gustin said.

The Janesville idea

The tiny homes Snyder proposes for Janesville would serve as a small transitional housing village for the local homeless population. Snyder envisions the tiny homes as rent-free quarters where people recovering from homelessness could live while saving money for an apartment or permanent home.

Snyder believes it would take a local nonprofit to run and manage the tiny homes as a self-sustaining program. The directors of one area nonprofit that serves homeless people plans to discuss his idea with its board this month, he said.

Meanwhile, about 15 people associated with the Oak Hill Cemetery chapel project have said theyd donate labor to the project. Hes now applying for a grant that could put some of the tiny home building in the hands of local students.

Snyder in January pitched his idea and some tiny home plans to city officials. He said he has gotten some feedback from the city.

Anthony Wahl Each 128-square-foot tiny home in Racine has a coffeemaker, microwave, refrigerator, television, loft bed and couch. The goal is to encourage residents to utilize the community center for much of their everyday needs outside of their tiny homes.

Under Snyders proposal, the homes would be prefabricated before being set on concrete slabs on a city-owned residential lot. Ideally, he said, theyd be linked to city services.

Snyder said he has eyed two vacant lots adjacent to a residential area west of the former General Motors assembly plant. Both sites, he said, are close to a city bus stop.

Snyder believes that with donated materials and labor it could cost about $40,000 to build five or six tiny homes. Snyder believes the total project could be less than $200,000, although he said that estimate might not include the price of land.

This month, Snyder hopes to build a prototype tiny home with a bathroom, kitchenette and sleeping and living quarters. Hed use it to showcase the project to potential donors or volunteers.

I havent really had anybody tell me, yet, that its a bad idea. I feel like as soon as we had some concrete plan, we could produce them, Snyder said.

Tiny homeshomes typically smaller than 400 square feetarent allowed in Janesville because theyre far too small to meet city residential code requirements. City rules require homes to have floor space of at least 800 square feet, and the rules allow a single one-unit or two-unit dwelling on a typical residential lot. A tiny home village would place multiple homeseach one potentially with its own electric, gas and water serviceon a single lot.

According to city rules, a proposal such as Snyders could be presented to the citys plan commission as a planned-use development.

Under city rules, the plan commission would have the authority to make exceptions to city housing standards for specific housing proposals.

One city council member, Douglas Marklein, told The Gazette he has been in touch with Snyder on the proposal.

Anthony Wahl Sun streams into a tiny home at Veteran Village in Racine.

Marklein, a professional home builder, said he lauds Snyders idea but said a tiny home proposal would likely face months of research by city staff and a slew of questions from city residents.

More power to him, Marklein said. I wouldnt discourage him, but its a lot of questions and few answers. I think he understands that hes got a hill to climb, but everything starts that way if its hard.

Among the largest questions, Marklein said, would be who might manage and maintain such a village.

Safety and growth

The Racine tiny homes at Veteran Village have electric heat and air conditioning but no running water and no bathrooms.

Residents can use a communal garden and courtyard.

On the lot where Veteran Village is located, Veterans Outreach retrofitted a former Teamsters union hall into a hub serving most of the residents daily needs. Its where the residents shower, cook, eat and get job placement and counseling services. The center also serves as a food pantry.

As Gustin explained, his agencys tiny homes are spartan. Theyre set up mainly as places to relax and sleep.

Its a place where they feel safe. If you can imagine living totally homeless or in a shelter, its a huge thing when you can actually have your own space where the door locks behind you, your possessions are safe when youre not there, Gustin said.

The village and its community center run as a self-contained neighborhood and social service office for the residents. Gustin said it costs about $500,000 a year to maintain and operate. Its privately funded through grants, donations and fundraising, he said.

Anthony Wahl Sun streams into a tiny home at Veteran Village in Racine.

Over time, he said, some people from the neighborhood next to Veterans Village have begun to pitch in and get involved with the neighborhood.

Many residents of Veteran Village are recent military veterans who suffer from anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder. The villages community center helps the clientsa population that can tend toward personal isolationgel as a mini-community and self-sustaining support network.

The village has been up and running for about a year as transitional housing, Gustin said. The village is a dry and drug-free community.

Its residents face background screening for violent crimes and sex offenses, and they must follow curfew rules and submit to random drug and alcohol testing.

Gustin said all the residents are employed, and each has a personalized program based on goals they set themselves. Veterans Outreach tries to help the residents learn to manage their finances and rebuild social, workplace and life skills.

The program is designed to put clients on track to live independently in a year or two, Gustin said. Of the villages first 15 residents, one formerly homeless military vet recently transitioned out of his tiny home and into an apartment.

The man now works nights monitoring a group home for people with disabilities. Its a job Veterans Outreach helped him find. The mans horizons have expanded beyond a 128-square-foot home, Gustin said.

People can grow. As they grow, the idea is theyll start to outgrow a tiny home, Gustin said.

Patience and review

As Marklein suggests, Snyder or anyone interested in his Janesville plan might need patience.

Anthony Wahl An American flag flies at one of the 15 tiny homes in Veteran Village in Racine.

Amy Connolly, development director for the city of Racine, said it took about six months of discussion between city planners and Veterans Outreach before the groups tiny home proposal came before the plan commission and city council.

She said it took a few months for public hearings and review, but there was little neighborhood resistance to the project. The city monitors Veterans Village for code compliance, and Connolly said there have been no problems in that area.

During earlier discussions, Connolly said, Racine city officials worked up creative zoning ideas that permit a tiny homes village as a standalone entity. Ultimately, Connolly said, the city used a rooming house designation for zoning similar to a motel that classifies each tiny home as an individual rooming unit.

Its an approach that would only work for this model and this situation, she said.

Gustin said city officials were up front with his group about one core concern.

Everybodys concern was that wed build this village, and all the sudden every slumlord in town was going to come in with a proposal to build some tiny homes, Gustin said.

Janesville City Manager Mark Freitag told reporters after his annual state of the city address Thursday that the city is considering a plan that would permit homeless people living in their cars to park and sleep overnight in a designated parking lot.

Its among about a dozen concepts Freitag has talked about in the months since the city launched a public-private task force on homelessness. The task force initially was formed last summer to respond to homelessness thats rooted in the citys downtown, officials said.

Freitag said hes aware of Snyders tiny homes idea. He said the city Community Development Authority is studying tiny homes and similar transitional housing concepts, but he said the city has nothing tangible in the works for such housing.

Snyder said officials in the citys Neighborhood Services division have suggested Snyder focus instead on constructing larger homes of 400 to 600 square feet.

Snyder said hes more interested in homes that are small enough to operate rent-free. He thinks many homeless people who are trying to rebuild their lives might find a tiny home easier step than a small house with rent marginally lower than market rate.

In Racine, Veterans Village wasnt a clean fit for a typical municipal housing project, Connolly said.

Projects such as Veterans Village are unlikely to qualify for federal housing subsidies municipalities can offer. She said federal housing funds are designed for permanent housing projects, and transitional tiny homes kind of flip the model used by programs under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.(tncms-asset)8ee9084b-d996-5d92-8721-782efd4ca8cd[5](/tncms-asset)

Snyders not proposing the city subsidize a Janesville tiny homes development or take on its management.

The plan is not for the city to run this or organize it. A private organization with experience dealing with the homeless population would be the ideal group to run and manage a tiny home village, Snyder said. What Im asking the city to look at is zoning, and if theres land the city owns, if they could help with a land donation.

Snyder started work on his tiny home idea last year after hed learned about the local task force on homelessness. He realizes that his proposal would take time for the city to vet.

While hes not a member of the task force, he said his idea seems to match the groups initiatives.

The city says it needs new ideas of how to approach homelessness. Well, heres an idea, he said.

Something like this, youve got to start beyond just talking about it, Snyder said. Look at the weather weve had the last few weeks30 degrees below zero. Weve got homeless shelters that go over capacity in winter.

We need a solution now. This is a small project that could help so many.A sense of value

Elwess said it was at the Benton Center that her mother, a lifelong doodler, began to get more serious about her art and began entering pieces in the state fair. Elwess said she has a bunch of drawings by her mom that won blue ribbons for in the fair.

(Art) gave her a sense of value, especially when she could enter the fair and win blue ribbons for it.

Mary VanderLinden, who does case management work at the Benton Plaza, said not many people knew about Turners artwork.

She was not the kind of person who would open up to strangers. She was very protective of herself.

VanderLinden said she got to know Turner as a kind, caring person with a good sense of humor and a tough edge that was a response to a tough life, but few people got to really know her.

A lot of people just viewed her as that strange lady outside the Benton Plaza with the beehive, who smoked, she said.

VanderLinden said for Turner, the hair was a kind of self-defense mechanismXem them

...

Tin bai cuoi cung

Khong con du lieu e loadNews

editor's pick centerpiece

Peninsula residents ponder move to Chambers County

kelseywalling / KELSEY WALLING/The Daily News Diana and Charles Martin, while eating breakfast at The Big Store in Crystal Beach, talk about the possibility of Bolivar Peninsula, which is part of Galveston County, becoming part of Chambers County, and how that would change life on the peninsula on Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2019. kelseywalling / KELSEY WALLING/The Daily News David Harris, while at Bolivar Tourism and Visitors Center, takes a moment to think about what would change on Bolivar Peninsula if it became part of Chambers County Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2019.

BOLIVAR PENINSULA

Katryna Harris said she heard about the idea for the first time on Tuesday.

But before then, the topic never came up in the three years since she moved to the peninsula.

What if Bolivar Peninsula, which has been a part of Galveston County since the county was formed, became part of its northern neighbor, Chambers County?

I just think its silly, said Harris, standing behind the counter of Swedes Quick Stop in Crystal Beach. Whats the benefit? I would need to understand what they get out of it. Its just strange to me.

A week after state Rep. Mayes Middleton announced he would hold a public meeting to talk about the idea of the peninsula becoming part of Chambers County, residents seemed intrigued, if not fully invested, in the idea.

At the small eating area in The Big Store, the only grocery store on the peninsula, Charles and Diana Martin, seven-year residents on the peninsula, said they could be convinced of such a change  if Chambers County could prove it values the people that live on the peninsula.

Its not like Galvestons ever done anything for Bolivar, Diana Martin said. They dont do much over here, yet we pay a lot of taxes.

That idea, that Bolivar is missing out on things because the county is spending tax money elsewhere, has some people feeling overlooked, she said.

Middletons office said he wasnt taking a position on the proposal. Rather, he was simply responding to things people told him on the campaign trail as he ran for office in 2018, they said.

The meeting caught Galveston County officials off guard. County Commissioner Darrell Apffel, who represents Bolivar Peninsula, said hed never heard anyone broach the idea of separation. County Judge Mark Henry said the proposal was raised before, and then dismissed in 2012 and hadnt come up since.

But on Bolivar Peninsula, some residents said the idea has been around for much longer.

This has been going on for 10, 15 years, David Harris, the owner of Bolivarpeninsulatexas.com, a website that markets tourism on the peninsula. I know its been going for at least 10 years.

Some county officials are skeptical of peoples claims, online and elsewhere, that the motivation for a move is concern over increased taxes or uneven spending.

Galveston County has lowered its ad valorem tax rate in each of the past eight years, officials said. Those decreases have been balanced by increasing property values and has left the county collecting about the same amount in property tax revenue every year.

The county claims to spend $2 on Bolivar for every $1 collected, one official said, citing a study commissioned by former county commissioner Ryan Dennard. That study was conducted at least four years ago, and the county was not able to provide a copy of the analysis to The Daily News this week.

With the renewed interest in the idea, the county said it was again analyzing its spending on the peninsula and planned to release new figures in the coming week.

A county line change wouldnt necessarily move Bolivar taxpayers away from taxing entities that do raise their tax rates.

For instance, Galveston Independent School Districts boundaries extend nearly the length of the peninsula, and those wouldnt necessarily change with adjustments to the county line. Similarly, water service on the peninsula is provided by a special utility district, independent of the county.

The two major services the county does provide to the peninsula are security, in the form of the Galveston County Sheriffs Office, and beach cleaning, officials said.

Those services are most essential when summer crowds flock to the peninsula, Harris said. When it comes down to working on the coast, experience matters, he said.

Some people probably dont want to leave Galveston, because of the information they have, he said. How are they going to take care of the beach? Right now, our beach is cleaner than its ever been.

If a move to Chambers County also means a reduction in services, the idea would be rejected, Harris said.

Theyre not going to go for that, he said.In a statement Saturday afternoon, EVMS President Dr. Richard V. Homan apologized and said the school shares the outrage, alarm and sadness voiced by our alumni, the press and many on social media.

This is a time for self-reflection and humility. On behalf of our beloved EVMS, I sincerely apologize for the past transgressions of your trust, Homan said. We recognize the need to address and rectify any issues of racism and discrimination that arise, at any point  and will continue a long tradition of action to build a strong culture of diversity and inclusion.

Homan said the schools administration is planning to hold a meeting with students and its board of visitors to discuss the issue and find a way to address it.

In a second statement Saturday night, Homan said he would direct that an external investigation be conducted as soon as possible to review all our past yearbooks.

Several current students near campus Saturday declined to comment or provide their names, but a few of them said the photo was shocking.

Dr. Rob Marsh, who was Northams roommate for two years at EVMS, said that when he first saw the photo, he didnt think it was real. He said he was skeptical about whether Northam is either of the people in the photo.By Friday evening, the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus and Democratic leaders in the General Assembly were calling on Northam to resign.

By Saturday morning, Republicans and liberal advocacy groups echoed that demandand protesters assembled in front of the Executive Mansion. In the afternoon, Northam emerged from his residence, apologized to Virginians but made it clear he wont resign. Here is a timeline of how the scandal unfolded.The Rappahannock Area Community Services Board will provide Mental Health First Aid training for adults at the Rappahannock United Way, 3310 Shannon Park Drive, Spotsylvania, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 19 and 8:30 a.m. to noon June 20. Participants learn about risk factors and warning signs of mental illnesses, as well as community resources. The $25 registration fee includes a workbook, refreshments and lunch on the first day. Classes are limited. To register, contact Jennifer Bateman at 540/374-3337, ext. 100 or jbateman@rappahannockareacsb.org.They would most likely ignore you -- stuck to the pole as you were -- in their search of their precious feral cats. You might even hear the crazy cat ladies chattering, about the names they've given to their feral cats, about odd feline personality traits and so on, and you'd wave your arms in panic, and make high-pitched sounds, but they wouldn't see you. They're on a mission.We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.GREENVILLE, SC (FOX Carolina)- The Greenville City Police Department says they arrested a suspect after one person was killed during a fatal shooting on Saturday on Jenkins Street.ANDERSON, SC (FOX CAROLINA) -The Anderson County Sheriff's Office says a man threw about 80 grams of meth out of the window while he was trying to flee from deputies during a traffic stop.(CNN/Meredith) -- Dakota Theriot, the man accused of killing five people in Louisiana, was captured Sunday morning in Richmond County, Virginia, according to a joint statement from the Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office and the Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office.

Theriot, 21, was apprehended following a night on the run after being named a suspect in the shooting deaths of his parents, his girlfriend, and her father and brother in two separate shootings Saturday.

Elizabeth and Keith Theriot, both 50, were at their home near Baton Rouge when the suspect killed them, Ascension Parish Sheriff Bobby Webre said.

When authorities arrived at the scene, Keith Theriot was still alive and told them his son shot them, authorities said.

Another crime scene 30 miles away

Dakota Theriot's girlfriend, Summer Ernest, and her relatives were found dead in a home 30 miles away. The dead included her father, Billy Ernest, 43, and her brother Tanner Ernest, 17, according to authorities.

Theriot was dating Summer and had lived with the Ernests for several weeks, Livingston Parish Sheriff Jason Ard said. He was recently asked to leave the residence and not return, according to authorities.

A 7-year old and a 1-year-old were found in the home, but were unharmed and are now with their mother.

Authorities believe the shootings stemmed from a "boyfriend [and] girlfriend type of dispute," CNN affiliate WAFB reported.

"This is probably one of the worst domestic violence incidents I've seen in quite a while," Webre said. "For a young man to walk into a bedroom and kill his mother and his father, and then kill friends in Livingston that he had a connection with."

There were no red flags ahead of the two shootings Saturday morning and other than a simple possession of drug paraphernalia charge, Theriot had no other run-ins with the Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office, Ard said.

Theriot had last been seen driving a gray and silver 2004 Dodge pickup truck belonged to the Ernest family, authorities said.

Theriot will be taken back to Ascension Parish, Louisiana, and booked on two counts of first-degree murder, home invasion and illegal use of weapons, investigators said Sunday.Two of my daughters worked for Kenny at his plant on Regester Avenue, said Ray Brooks of Towson, a friend for more than 40 years. He was just a gentle, nice guy who we called the Candy Man. He had a big round face and cheeks, and in the wintertime, they would turn red, and he looked just like Santa Claus.MOBILE COUNTY, Ala. (WALA) - A Mississippi woman is dead following a crash in Mobile County.

Alabama State Troopers said 40-year-old Tabatha Smith of Lucedale was killed when her vehicle left State Line Road and struck a tree. The crash happened around 6:15 p.m. on Saturday, February 2, 2019.

Troopers said Smith was not using a seat belt and was pronounced dead at the scene.Oil is a volatile commodity prone to frequent and dramatic price swings. That was made clear in 2018, when oil plunged into a bear market in just a matter of weeks in the back half of the year. Despite near-term ups and downs, though, oil remains a vital source of energy. If you are looking at the sector, you should make sure to include at least one energy company in your portfolio that can ride the highs and lows in stride. That basically means you should buy either ExxonMobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) or Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX), two U.S. energy giants with real staying power.

Structure counts

In 2012, ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP) enacted a major corporate overhaul. It spun off its downstream assets (which is what refining and chemicals businesses are called in industry lingo) so it could focus on its upstream (or drilling) business. This shift meant oil and natural gas prices were the main factor driving the company's top and bottom lines. When oil prices plummeted in mid-2014, going from over $100 a barrel to the $30 range, it wasn't long before ConocoPhillips was forced to cut its dividend.

The 66% dividend cut in 2016 was a painful hit for income investors. And while ConocoPhillips has been increasing its dividend lately, that dividend cut should always be in the back of your mind, because the next oil downturn could lead to a repeat. Neither Exxon nor Chevron cut their dividends during that rough spot for the oil market.

One key reason why is that Exxon and Chevron have diversified operations encompassing both the upstream and downstream sides of the energy business. This is important because the refining and chemicals businesses they operate use oil and natural gas as key inputs. Low prices, then, are a net benefit because they lead to lower operating costs on the chemicals and refining side.

To put a number on that, Exxon's upstream earnings declined nearly 75% in 2015. But the company's downstream earnings roughly doubled, helping to offset the hit from low oil prices and limit the company's overall earnings decline to just 50% or so. And in 2014, 2015, and 2016, Exxon was able to raise its dividend. Chevon, which is a little more heavily weighted toward oil drilling, hiked its dividend at the end of 2014, held its dividend steady throughout 2015, and increased it again at the end of 2016.

The foundation is vital

The inherent balance in these companies' business models is important, but there's another key factor to consider with Exxon and Chevron: rock-solid balance sheets. One of the best ways to see this is looking at financial debt to equity. Both Exxon and Chevron sit at the low end of their closest peers on this metric, which examines how much leverage a company uses. That's pretty much where this pair always sits when it comes to debt.

That gives Exxon and Chevron more leeway to use debt to maintain operations when energy prices inevitably fall. For example, going into the 2014 downturn, Chevron's long-term debt stood at around $20 billion, or about 12% of the capital structure. That's a very low number for any industry. To maintain its capital spending and support its dividend during that deep energy bear market, the company increased its leverage, upping long-term debt to around $35.2 billion by the end of 2016.

That 75% increase in long-term debt only pushed Chevron's long-term debt to around 20% of the capital structure -- a still reasonable, perhaps even conservative number. With oil prices up off their lows, Chevron has started to reduce its debt again. The picture at Exxon, by the way, is roughly similar, only Exxon has historically been even more conservative on the debt front.

The mixture of balanced business models and industry-leading balance sheets is what makes Exxon and Chevron so resilient to oil downturns. It helps explain why their streaks of annual dividend increases are at 36 years and 31 years, respectively. It's rare for any company in any industry to achieve a dividend record like that, let alone companies that operate in a highly volatile commodity sector.

Here's the thing: Even though ConocoPhillips' financial debt to equity is similarly low today, it doesn't have the portfolio balance provided by downstream operations. And while Italy's Eni S.p.A. has a diversified business, its heavy use of leverage makes it harder for the company to get through oil price swings without taking drastic actions (like cutting the dividend during the 2014 oil downturn). One or the other isn't really enough -- a company needs a balanced business and a strong balance sheet.

Check out the latest Exxon, Chevron, and ConocoPhillips earnings call transcripts.

Oil is volatile again, but who cares?

The steep drop in oil in the back half of 2018 is a reminder that the energy industry is volatile. Unless you are attempting to time the ups and downs of oil and natural gas (not a great long-term investment tactic for most investors), you are better off sticking to a company with a balanced business model and a conservative balance sheet. On that score, two names stand out: ExxonMobil and Chevron. If you are interested in the energy sector, one of these two stocks should be in your portfolio.On a frigid winter morning as rain poured in Milan, around 200 men, most of them Pakistanis, gathered outside the Indian mission at the Piazza Castello to protest New Delhis illegal occupation of Kashmir.

On a frigid winter morning as rain poured in Milan, around 200 men, most of them Pakistanis, gathered outside the Indian mission at the Piazza Castello to protest New Delhis illegal occupation of Kashmir. The demonstration on 5 February, 2017 might not have made news but it did announce to the world another outpost that Pakistans jihadists, backed by its all-powerful spy agency the Inter-Services Intelligence, had successfully created.

The Milan protesters were bussed from the industrial hub of Brescia, 106 km away, that has a thriving Pakistani community and an expanding jihadist network that has bled India more than once.

A rich and picturesque city, Brescia flashed on the radars of the Indian intelligence community for the first time in 2008 when a group of Pakistani terrorists from the Lashkar-e-Taiba hit Mumbai, killing at least 174 people.

Within days of the carnage, the Italian police arrested the two owners of Madina Trading, a money transfer agency, in Brescia. Pakistani citizens Mohammad Yaqub Janjua and Amir Yaqub had transferred large sums of money ahead of the strike but also arranged for internet calls that allowed the handlers to talk to the terrorists through the three-day siege. The voice over internet protocol, better known as VOIP, makes it difficult to intercept or trace a call, or establish the whereabouts of the callers.

The two men were freed by a court immediately. It was only later that links of Javed Iqbal, to whom the money was transferred, to the Mumbai attack were established. The owners, however, remained free though monitored.

Madina Trading shut down but the father-son set up a one-room call centre, Help Services, in the old town of Bresica.

In September 2016, Indian agencies alerted Italian police about Help Services after an Enforcement Directorate probe found that funds for the separatist Hurriyat Conference in Kashmir were being routed through the call centre.

The ED, responsible for preventing money laundering and monitoring foreign funds, got six international arrest warrants issued against Pakistani citizens in Italy. Indian agencies said the money was used in the 18 September, 2016 Uri attack. The worst strike against the Indian Army in Kashmir in recent years left 18 soldiers dead.

Help Services is still in business, so is the ISI whose footprint is growing in Italy, where jihadist groups have it easy right now with the focus on Islamic State and its foot soldiers, many of whom are heading home after the fall of the Caliphate in Syria and Iraq.

Italy is also the first port of call for migrants fleeing troubled West Asia and parts of Africa, raising fears of Islamic extremists finding their way into the country.

ISI in industrial hub

Metallurgy, machine tools and firearms are among the businesses that have made Brescia Europes industrial centre and a magnet for immigrants.

For years, the second-largest city in the northern region of Lombardy, and its neighbouring towns have been favoured by Pakistanis. So much so that in 2013, Nawaz Sharif, seeking a third term as prime minister, visited Brescia and got a rousing reception.

Records show there are 110,000 Pakistanis in Italy. But add those who are living illegally, the figure zooms to between 130,000 and 150,000. Most of them are economic migrants, well integrated in their adopted communities.

But things are changing.

In 2017, of the 80,000 asylum seekers, more than 11,000 were Pakistanis requesting refugee status. Most of them are Punjabi boys from middle-class families with a decent education and who, on paper, have no reason to seek asylum  they are not a persecuted minority or an ethic group like the Balochs or Ahmadis.

The Pakistani Punjab is the hunting ground of terror outfits and for long harboured anti-India groups. The Lashkar is well-networked and several of its recruits are from the province. Muridke, a busy commercial centre, is believed to be the outfits headquarters.

A network of madrasas, charities and educational institutions and impoverished southern parts provide a ready pipeline of recruits.

In Italy, immigrants are supported by their countrymen as well as the social or Pakistani charities created or bankrolled by the ISI such as the Jamaat-ud-Dawa, a front for the Lashkar, or the Kashmir Centers based in many European cities.

Little surprise then that last year Italy, too, joined the network of countries where anti-India "Martyr's Day" protests are organised by Pakistan.

Though it was in support of occupied Kashmir, there were only a handful of Kashmiris among the protesters. Most were Pakistanis and the event was organised by Tehrik-i-Kashmir, an outfit based in various European capitals with links to the Jamaat-ud-Dawa and Kashmir centres.

Among the protesters were also Sikhs who gathered under the banner of the Khalistan Khalsa, giving credence to New Delhis claims that the ISI was trying to revive Sikh separatism and was meshing it with the Kashmiri separatism.

Muscle-flexing

But it is not just India that should worry about Pakistani jihadists in Italy.

The Pakistani army and ISI have for decades infiltrated agents, created pressure groups and lobbied at both institutional and academic levels in Europe and the rest of the world.

Such outfits claim to stand for human rights and highlight Indias atrocities but choose silence on violations in Pakistan.

The official line is always the same: Islamabad has suffered the most because of terrorism, rights violations are an aberration and the work of extremists. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is being thrown around to burnish the countrys business credentials.

The Pakistani line has found takers in Europe and across the Atlantic in the US.

It was an example of Pakistans clout when Free Balochistan posters were recently removed in Bern and London, with China backing Islamabad. Days later, in Zurich, Mehran Marri and his family were expelled from Switzerland. The UN representative for the rights of the Balochs, Marri was accused of terrorism on the basis of a document apparently provided by the ISI. The hotel reservations of other Baloch representatives were cancelled.

Media reports have often expressed concern over northern parts of the country emerging as a hub of terror funding. In 2016, some Pakistanis were arrested and repatriated for links with terrorist organisations. A year earlier, some owing allegiance to the Lashkar were arrested for subversive activities.

Between 2009 and 2012, an Anglo-Pakistani criminal network stole one billion lire from the Italian tax office. The money was traced by American and British services to the Taliban-held areas along Afghanistan-Pakistan border.

So deeply entrenched is the ISI that the few Balochs who live in Italy keep their distance from boys, as their countrymen in the pay of ISI are known.

The Pakistani outfits, unlike the Islamic State, have chosen the shadows over limelight. They know as long as they keep a low-profile and dont target the West, they can go on undisturbed in Italy.

For instance, the Laskhar, like Islamic State, talks of jihad. Kashmir has been its focus but it is part of a larger global struggle. But, the Lashkar lies low that sits well with its handlers who have no intention to end up in the crosshairs of the Western intelligence.

Working in the shadows for the "good" terrorists is much cheaper and guarantees a prosperous future.

(The author is a journalist and South Asia expert who has written Apocalypse Pakistan with B Natale)CAIRO (Reuters) - The Central African Republic reached a peace deal with 14 armed groups following talks conducted in Khartoum, the United Nations said on Saturday, potentially ushering in a period of stability in the volatile country. Central African Republic has been rocked by violence since 2013 when mainly Muslim Selaka rebels ousted then president Francois Bozize, prompting reprisals from mostly Christian militias. U.N

CAIRO (Reuters) - The Central African Republic reached a peace deal with 14 armed groups following talks conducted in Khartoum, the United Nations said on Saturday, potentially ushering in a period of stability in the volatile country.

Central African Republic has been rocked by violence since 2013 when mainly Muslim Selaka rebels ousted then president Francois Bozize, prompting reprisals from mostly Christian militias. U.N. peacekeepers were deployed in 2014.

"We have finalized a peace agreement in Khartoum, enabling the people of Central African Republic to embark on a path of reconciliation, agreement and development," the African Union's Commissioner for Peace and Security, Smal Chergui, said in a tweet on Saturday.

The terms of the deal were not immediately clear.

Conflict in Central African Republic has uprooted more than one million people, the United Nations said, and has until now shown little sign of abating.

The talks, which started on Jan. 24 with support from the United Nations and the African Union, were meant to stem the violence that has spread across the provinces and over which the overstretched armed forces have had little control.

Peace is not certain, despite the deal. Similar agreements in 2014, 2015 and 2017 all broke apart.

(Reporting by Lena Masri; writing by Edward McAllister and Lena Masri; Editing by Janet Lawrence, William Maclean)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.By Marta Nogueira BRUMADINHO, Brazil (Reuters) - Brazilian miner Vale needs to change its behavior, cooperate more with authorities and be more transparent after a deadly dam collapse at one of its mines that likely killed more than 300 people, Brazil's solicitor general said on Saturday. Speaking with reporters in the town of Brumadinho, near Vale's Corrego do Feijao mine that collapsed late last month, Andre Mendonca added that Vale's actions had not improved since another deadly tailings dam collapse in 2015, the Samarco project that it joint-owned with BHP Billiton. 'Firstly, we need a change of behavior.

By Marta Nogueira

BRUMADINHO, Brazil (Reuters) - Brazilian miner Vale needs to change its behavior, cooperate more with authorities and be more transparent after a deadly dam collapse at one of its mines that likely killed more than 300 people, Brazil's solicitor general said on Saturday.

Speaking with reporters in the town of Brumadinho, near Vale's Corrego do Feijao mine that collapsed late last month, Andre Mendonca added that Vale's actions had not improved since another deadly tailings dam collapse in 2015, the Samarco project that it joint-owned with BHP Billiton.

"Firstly, we need a change of behavior. There has been a behavior of resistance to complying with obligations and we need effective cooperation, not only in words, but in gestures, in acts, that demonstrate responsibility for what happened," said Mendonca.

"We need to have an effective assumption by Vale of its responsibility for the event ... So, we expect effective, quick responses from Vale regarding the disaster."

With 121 people confirmed dead and another 226 still missing, according to the latest tally on Saturday, the Brumadinho dam burst could be Brazil's deadliest mine disaster.

The disaster poses a headache for the new government of far-right President Jair Bolsonaro, whose new business-friendly administration must juggle public anger over the tragedy and its own desire to ease mining and environmental regulations to kick-start growth.

Hildebrando Neto, Minas Gerais' deputy minister for environmental regulations, told Reuters that all evidence suggests the burst was caused by liquefaction, whereby a solid material such as sand loses strength and stiffness and behaves more like a liquid.

Neto said liquefaction caused the 2015 collapse of the Samarco dam, which led to the deaths of 19 people.

Major Brazilian TV outlets obtained dramatic security camera video showing the outer wall of the dam collapsing and an avalanche of mud crushing trees, houses and cars in its path. Closeups replayed throughout the day showed cars and people scrambling unsuccessfully to escape the torrent.

Mendonca highlighted concern that Vale is not complying with obligations applied after the Samarco tragedy. He said compensation payments, as well as greater transparency and judicial compliance, have not been met.

In a statement, Vale said it had been cooperating with authorities, and "providing all support to the population and the families of those affected."

Asked if members of Vale's executive board could be arrested, Mendonca said "no hypothesis can be ruled out."

(Reporting by Gabriel Stargardter; Editing by Nick Zieminski)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.tech2 News Staff

We're barely a few weeks away from Samsung unveiling its much-awaited Galaxy S10 series. While we've had leads and renders galore showing the Galaxy S10 and S10+ so far, a new batch of alleged official press renders appears to have appeared showing off the Galaxy S10E or the S10 Lite, as some would like to call it.

German publisher WinFuture revealed photos and specifications for what is supposed to be the Galaxy S10E. While these images aren't official press renders of any sort, given the publication's track record, they are fairly accurate to the real deal.

The photos show off the front, back and sides of the Galaxy S10E. The phone appears to have fairly thin bezels but not as thin as those on the Galaxy S10 and S10+. Leaving the Infinity-O display aside, the front seems a lot like the Apple iPhone XR, which makes sense since the S10E is expected to be the most affordable of the three Galaxy S10 devices expected to be announced.

The back of the phone features a dual-camera setup instead of a triple-camera setup seen on the renders of the S10 and S10+. The report by WinFuture also states that Samsung is expected to move the fingerprint scanner on the Galaxy S10E from under the display to the side-mounted sleep/wake button. This move does seem possible considering we've seen similar implementation from Samsung on the Galaxy A7 (2018). The phone also gets a dedicated Bixby button below the volume rocker, which is a common feature on all Samsung flagships.

In addition to the design, the images also reveal the colours in which the Galaxy S10E may arrive in  Prism Black, Prism Green and Pearl White. A Canary Yellow variant is also expected, but there aren't any renders to show it off yet. The phone is expected to be priced at EUR 750 which is approximately Rs 61,200.Zowd, who continued traveling in the parking lot before stopping, may have suffered a medical emergency prior to striking the pedestrian, police said. Zowd was transported to Howard County General Hospital for evaluation. A passenger in the Ram was not injured.Reuters

An Asian internet lobby group, whose members include Alphabets Google and Facebook, on Thursday criticized Indias plans to regulate social media content.

The proposal drafted by Indias technology ministry in December would compel Facebook, WhatsApp and Twitter to remove within 24 hours content deemed to be unlawful, including anything affecting the sovereignty and integrity of India.

Tech giants are preparing to fight the changes in the intermediary guidelines, Reuters has reported.

While Internet intermediaries fully support addressing issues like malicious misinformation, we strongly feel that blanket regulation that is overly broad and contains vague and ambiguous language will jeopardize citizens fundamental rights to privacy and free speech, Jeff Paine, Managing Director of the Asia Internet Coalition (AIC), said in a statement.

The AIC has also voiced its concerns in a letter responding to an invitation by Indias Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology for public comments and suggestions on the draft rules by 31 January.

In addition to interfering with the fundamental rights of freedom of speech and expression, and right to privacy ... the Draft Rules impose burdensome obligations on the intermediaries, the AIC said in the letter.

The draft rules come ahead of Indias general election which is due by May and amid a rise in so-called fake news, which has been blamed for mob beatings and killings.

Indias two main parties accuse each other of spreading fake news, which could sway votes, while denying they do so themselves.

The 24-hour time limit does not allow intermediaries to analyze the request for taking down content or take legal recourse, the AIC said, adding that it also raises challenges for firms which have few employees working during daytime.

The draft rules would require social media firms to preserve such information and any related records for 180 days. AIC said the storage period should instead remain at 90 days.

The proposals would also compel tech firms to enable the tracing out of such originator of information when required by authorized government agencies.

Internet freedom activists say this will weaken encryption and compromise user privacy as well as security.

Mozilla, which runs an open source browser Wikimedia Foundation that hosts online encyclopedia Wikipedia and coding website GitHub, urged the government to abandon the proposed rules.Smriti Irani on Sunday said she would leave politics the day Prime Minister Narendra Modi decided to hang his boots, though she asserted that he would be around for 'long years'.

Pune: Union minister Smriti Irani on Sunday said she would leave politics the day Prime Minister Narendra Modi decided to hang his boots, though she asserted that he would be around for "long years".

She was speaking at the Words Count festival in Pune in a discussion titled 'Scripting Her Story, From Star to Star Campaigner'.

A member of the audience asked her when would one see her as a "pradhan sevak" (prime servant), a title often used by Modi to describe his role as the head of the Union government.

"Never. I entered politics to work under charismatic leaders. I was very lucky to work under the leadership of late Atal Bihari Vajpayee and I am currently serving under Modi ji," Irani replied.

"The day 'pradhan sevak' Narendra Modi decides to hang his boots, I will also leave Indian politics," she said.

"I decide for myself how much of my life I will give for my country, my society. In an independent country, if I cannot take a decision for myself, what is the use of that independence?" she said.

On whether she did not wish to serve under leaders other than Modi, the textile minister said, "Am I not currently working under leaders like Rajnath Singh ji, Nitin Gadkari ji? There are leaders with whom I have worked within the organisation for the last 18 years. I also had the opportunity to work under leaders like Vajpayee and LK Advani."

"You are presuming Modi won't be there for long, but let me tell you, he is going to be around for very, very long years," she told the audience.

The BJP leader was also asked whether she would contest the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls from Amethi against Congress chief Rahul Gandhi.

She said the decision would be taken by her party and its chief Amit Shah.

"In 2014, when I fought the election, they were asking who is Smriti. In 2019, they know who I am," she asserted.

Irani had lost to Gandhi in the 2014 general elections from Amethi.

Speaking on the menace of trolling on social media platforms, the actor-turned-politician said she had been trolled by celebrated journalists and politicians and not just by anonymous netizens.

"I might be one of the few people who have been equally trolled by celebrated journalists and politicians and by anonymous trolls," she said.

Talking about the women politicians she admired, Irani named Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj and Lok Sabha Speaker and Indore MP Sumitra Mahajan.

"When they began their journey, it was comparatively tougher. They have made a difference in Indian politics without any additional support. I look up to them as my source of inspiration," she added.Besides Rahul Gandhi, Opposition leaders like Tejashvi Yadav, Upendra Kushwaha and Sharad Yadav will also address the Jan Akanksha Rally at Patna's Gandhi Maidan.

Patna: Congress president Rahul Gandhi will address the 'Jan Akanksha Rally' in Bihar's Patna on Sunday, the first public meeting organised by the party at Patna's Gandhi Maidan in almost three decades.

Earlier in 1989, Rahul's father and former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi had addressed the rally in Bihar at the same venue.

However, Congress' performance in the state has not been good, and it has been confined to a small partnership in the alliances from time to time.

Rahul is also expected to announce another election sop from the rally, as he did at the Kisan Aabhar Rally in Raipur when he announced a universal basic income for the poor, a source in the party said.

Earlier, Congress leader and MLC Prem Chand Mishra had said that the party has invited top opposition leaders from across the country to attend the rally. "It will be a huge rally as the party is holding it after 28 years without any alliance. All party workers, MPs or MLAs have geared up to make this rally a big success. We have invited all Opposition leaders to attend this rally in Patna. People of Bihar have the right to know what the Central and Bihar government has done so far for poor and common people," he added.

Besides Rahul, Opposition leaders like Tejashvi Yadav, Upendra Kushwaha and Sharad Yadav will also address the rally.

The chief ministers Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhatisgarh  Ashok Gehlot, Kamalnath and Bhupesh Baghel  the party's Bihar-unit chief Shaktisinh Gohil, senior leader and Rajya Sabha MP Ahmed Patel and Mahila Congress president Sushmita Dev will also be present on the occasion.

While the NDA in Bihar, led by state Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's JDU has already announced its seat-sharing formula, the Opposition here is yet to arrive at a consensus.

BJP, JDU, and LJP have already announced the seat-sharing formula for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls with the BJP and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's JDU contesting 17 seats each, leaving six seats for Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan's LJP.An all-out war broke out between the Centre and the Mamata Banerjee government on Sunday.

An all-out war broke out between the Centre and the Mamata Banerjee government on Sunday, with the feisty West Bengal leader beginning a sit-in protest at a city landmark over the CBI's attempt to question the Kolkata Police chief in connection with chit fund scams, insisting it stifled the spirit of "Constitution and federalism".

In a dramatic showdown with the Modi government, a furious Banerjee, wrapped in a brown woollen shawl, began a sit-in right in front of the Metro Cinema to protest "insults" she faced at the hands of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah, hours after a CBI team that had gone to question Kumar was detained in a rare face-off between the police establishments of the Centre and the state.

Banerjee, one of the prime movers behind the effort to cobble together an anti-BJP alliance ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, claimed the CBI knocked on the doors of Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar without a search warrant.

She alleged they want to impose President's rule in whatever states the Opposition is in power.

"I can assure you...I am ready to die but I am not ready to bow down before the Modi government and we won't allow imposition of Emergency...please save India, save democracy, save the Constitution," she said.

Banerjee asked all Opposition parties to unite to bring down the Modi government and, in a rare exhortation by a political leader, called upon personnel of security forces of the Centre and states, besides the Army, to "condemn" the attitude of the Modi government.

The fast-paced developments started unfolding as soon as a team of 40-odd agency officers arrived at Kumar's residence at Loudon Street in central Kolkata on Sunday afternoon, but were stopped by sentries and officials.

CBI joint director Pankaj Srivastava said the agency's officials had gone to question Kumar in chit fund scam cases and "we would have rounded him up if he hadn't cooperated with us".

According to the CBI, Kumar, a 1989-batch IPS officer of West Bengal cadre who led a Special Investigation Team of West Bengal Police probing the scams, needs to be questioned regarding missing documents and files but he has not responded to notices to appear before the agency.

A day earlier, the CBI had claimed that Kumar had been "absconding" and "being looked for" in connection with Saradha and Rose Valley ponzi scam cases.

As the CBI team landed at the city police chief's residence, a team of Kolkata Police officers rushed to the spot to speak to the CBI officials and tried to enquire if they had the documents required for questioning Kumar.

Later on, a small team of CBI officials was taken to Shakespeare Sarani police station for further discussions.

Thereafter, more men arrived at the spot and a commotion ensued. Some CBI officers were then forcibly bundled into police jeeps and taken to the police station.

As politics played out on the street, the chief minister, who rushed to the residence of Kumar, said, "Narendra Modi and Amit Shah are trying to organise a coup in the state as we had organised the Opposition rally on 19 January. We were aware that the CBI will attack us after we organised the rally." She was referring to the Brigade rally attended by leaders of about 20 Opposition parties.

West Bengal DGP Virendra and ADG (Law and order) Anuj Sharma too reached Kumar's residence.

In a tit-for-tat move, a team of Kolkata Police officials also cordoned off the CGO Complex  the state headquarters of CBI.

CBI officer Srivastava said, "I have also been detained and there are police officers standing outside my house."

Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Pravin Tripathi said the CBI officers have been let go from the police station after questioning.

"They just said they had come for a secret operation. We don't know what kind of operation it is," Tripathi said.

Later in the evening, central forces arrived at the CBI office in Kolkata. Subsequently, Kolkata Police personnel vacated the compound.

A statement was issued earlier in the day from Kolkata Police, dismissing reports of Kumar being missing from work.

"Please take note that not only is the CP Kolkata available in the city, but has also been attending office on a regular basis, with the exception of January 31, 2019, when he was on leave for a day. All concerned may please take note that if any news is spread without proper verification, Kolkata Police will initiate strict legal action against defamation of both the CP Kolkata and Kolkata Police," the police said.

The city police commissioner, who appeared briefly outside his residence after the chief minister's press conference, said he would talk to the media on Monday.

He was later seen at the dharna site of the chief minister.

Speaking at the dharna site, Banerjee said leaders of several Opposition parties have called her up to extend their support and solidarity towards her "fight to protect the Constitution".

In Delhi, the Congress said the CBI action in Kolkata was clearly "mala fide" and an "assault" on the federal polity.

Party spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi said the antipathy of Modi and Shah towards Banerjee is "visceral". He alleged that the BJP and the prime minister are desperate to create a controversy in the state for "cheap publicity and divisiveness" to get some space in 2019 elections.

He claimed the Modi government has ensured a non-functional and non-productive Parliament session going by such assaults on the federal polity on a Sunday evening.

Singhvi called for opposition unity after this action, which he described as "political vendetta" and an "assault on federalism".

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said, "Spoke to Mamta didi and expressed solidarity. Modi-Shah duo's action is completely bizarre and anti-democracy."

Rashtriya Janata Dal national president Lalu Prasad also came in support of the TMC supremo.

He said the Constitution and constitutional institutions in the country were facing an "unprecedented crisis" and alleged that there were "attempts to plunge the country into a civil war".

According to party sources, the RJD supremo's younger son and political heir Tejashwi Yadav has spoken to Banerjee over phone and he might visit Kolkata on Monday in a show of solidarity.

National Conference leader and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also threw his weight behind Banerjee, saying the use of the agency as a political tool has crossed all limits.

With inputs from PTIOf the 14.40 crore electorate in Uttar Pradesh, over 12 lakh youth are expected to exercise their franchise for the first time in the upcoming Lok Sabha election.

Lucknow: Of the 14.40 crore electorate in Uttar Pradesh, over 12 lakh youth are expected to exercise their franchise for the first time in the upcoming Lok Sabha election.

"Names of 12,36,000 voters have been added to the electoral roll in the state. Voters in the age-group of 18-19 is 16.75 lakh. The total number of voters in the state is 14.40 crore," UP's chief electoral officer L Venkateshwar Lu said.

Parties have been trying to woo this segment in the politically crucial state which sends 80 MPs to the Lok Sabha.

The BJP's youth wing, the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha, had last month launched a drive across the country to reach out to first-time voters. The exercise came following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call to the BJP to connect with those born in this millennium as they would get voting rights from this year.

The saffron party had won 71 out of 80 seats in Uttar Pradesh in 2014 Lok Sabha polls securing 42.63 percent of the votes. BJP's ally the Apna Dal bagged two seats. Samajwadi Party won five seats with a vote share of 22.35 percent while the BSP did not win any seat but secured 19.77 percent votes.

In the last general elections, the Congress had registered wins on two seats in the state, bagging just 7.53 percent of the votes.Narendra Modi was in Leh to launch the first-ever university in the Ladakh region. It will be a cluster university comprising degree colleges of Leh, Kargil, Nubra, Zanskar, Drass and Khaltsi having administrative offices at Leh and Kargil.

Leh: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday took a swipe at the Opposition for criticising his government's farmers' income plan, saying people sitting in air-conditioned rooms in Delhi do not know the importance of Rs 6000 for a poor farmer living in distant and difficult areas.

To woo distressed farmers ahead of the general elections, the Centre has in the Interim Budget announced direct income support of Rs 6,000 per year to those holding cultivable land up to two hectares.

Speaking at the inauguration and laying of foundation schemes of various schemes, Modi said, Leh and Ladakh will also be benefited by this. "Most of the farmers here fill this criterion and will get Rs 6000 annually. It will be disbursed in three instalments and the first instalment will reach soon. I will be sending guidelines to state government Sunday," he said.

Modi said during his days as a BJP worker in the region he used to get demands from people in Delhi to bring vegetables from Leh because of their quality. "Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) is a phenomenal scheme for farmers. People sitting in air-conditioned rooms in Delhi do not know what Rs 6,000 mean for a poor farmer living in distant and difficult areas of the country," he said.

Modi was in Leh to launch the first-ever university in the Ladakh region. It will be a cluster university comprising degree colleges of Leh, Kargil, Nubra, Zanskar, Drass and Khaltsi having administrative offices at Leh and Kargil.

The prime minister also laid the foundation stone of the new terminal building of Kushok Bakula Rimpochee (KBR) Airport in Leh by unveiling the plaque. The new terminal will be a modular, energy efficient and self-sustaining building of 18,985 square metres.

Modi also opened new tourist and trekking routes in Ladakh.

Ahead of elections, the prime minister also made a pitch for his return to the post, saying he will return to inaugurate schemes for which he is laying foundations stones on Sunday. "I have inaugurated schemes which I had inaugurated earlier and I will come back to inaugurate schemes for which I am laying foundation stones today," he said.

He said the foundation stone for Rs 2,000 crore Leh-Kargil transmission line which will reduce power problems in the area was laid by him and he is inaugurating it too. "Our work culture is different. The country has left behind work culture of delay and deflect (latkane aur bhatkane). I have to oust this culture from the country in the coming five years. It is ensured that the project which is initiated is completed on time," he said.

He said weather brings to you a lot of hardship and the central government is committed to alleviating these problems of the area. He said he has inaugurated and laid foundation stones of schemes and projects worth Rs 3000 crore. "The projects which have been inaugurated or whose foundation stones have been laid will improve not only the power situation but also connectivity of Leh region with other cities of the country, tourism, employment and education for the youth of the country," he said.

The climate of Leh is so great that if we create good educational institutions, youths from across India will like to come here to study. "We have to dream these things. In my mind I have such dreams," he said.

He said that the Centre is expanding connectivity to this region through railways and airways. "Work on railway connectivity and new airport terminal is going on. No thought was spared to expand the 30-year-old building. Today I have laid the foundation stone for new building and soon it will be inaugurated too," he said.

He said the terminal will provide ultra modern facilities and enhanced passenger handling. "The survey on Bilaspur Mandi railway line has started. Some places work has started. Once completed, Leh to Delhi distance will reduce. Roads get disconnected during winters. This line will reduce this problem to a large extent," he said.

The prime minister said Leh is an important destination for spirituality, scenic beauty, art, culture, and adventure sports. "To improve tourism, five new trekking routes have been opened. The Centre has increased the duration of protected area permit from 7 to 15 days. This will help tourists to take their time to enjoy their visits and increase employment of the youths," he said.

Modi said three lakh tourists have visited the area and one lakh have gone to Kargil which shows that more than half of tourists in Jammu and Kashmir have come to Leh. Forty percent of Leh population comprises young students who have been demanding a University which has been fulfilled today, he said.

This cluster University will use resources of degree colleges running in Leh, Nubra, Zanskar, Kargil, he said.

"Government is trying to reach people who have not been getting the benefit development. The Government has also taken a big decision for nomadic tribes who are difficult to reach for extending government benefits," he said.

The government has decided to form a welfare development board for these people so that development benefits reach them quickly, he said. "The budget of the central government has emphasised on the development of SC and ST. 30 per cent increase in funds for the budget of ST while 35 per cent increase in funds for SC community," he said.

"I am happy that Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council Act has been amended to give more powers to the Council in financial areas," he said. "Now you do not have to go to Srinagar and Jammu for your needs. Most of the works will be completed here", he said.Bengal provides BJP with the best chance to reverse its fortunes due to its unique demographic character and political climate.

While all eyes are on Uttar Pradesh for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, West Bengal could provide an equally intriguing battle. Narendra Modi's twin rallies on Saturday were, as he said in a different context, "just the trailer". Even as the prime minister held forth in Thakurnagar in the afternoon and Durgapur in the evening, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh flew in to address a rally at Falakata in Alipurduar district of north Bengal.

In the next eight days, BJP's star campaigners may hold more than 10 rallies in the state, according to reports. Modi may address another rally in Jalpaiguri on Friday, Singh may visit Chinsurah while Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath may address four rallies in the next few days. Former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan is also flying in to hold a couple of rallies. The controversy over Amit Shahs recent rally is yet to die down. The BJP is clearly training all its guns on Bengal, and in Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee it has an astute and fiery adversary.

The Trinamool Congress-ruled state in India's eastern corner provides 42 seats to the Lok Sabha. The BJP is desperate to corner at least half of these seats though its stated target is 23. BJP's focus comes out of a general consensus and a belief  reinforced by its recent reverses in three Hindi heartland states  that its performance in north and central India this time will not be able to match the highs of 2014, when it along with allies won 73 out of 80 seats in Uttar Pradesh, and altogether 78 out of 80 seats in the states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Gujarat.

If Assembly polls in these states are any metric, the BJP scraped through in Gujarat and was pipped at the post by a resurgent Congress in the other two states. It is going to be impossible for BJP, therefore, to do an encore due to reasons that may vary from a combined Opposition, dip in rural economy due to farmers distress, rising graph of unemployment or reflexive anti-incumbency that is the hallmark of Indian democracy.

It is important for the BJP to concentrate on the east coast of India. The five states of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and West Bengal together provide 144 out of 543 Parliamentary seats and it is this stretch where BJPs performance was abysmal even during the so-called wave election in 2014.

Among these states, Bengal provides BJP with the best chance to reverse its fortunes due to its unique demographic character and political climate. After decades of irrelevance except influence in pockets, the BJP is slowly taking on the role of principal Opposition. Its voter base is rising, and it has already relegated the states other two once-dominant players  CPM and the Congress  to the shade.

It still has a mountain to climb, as this columnist has written in a previous piece, but Saturdays well-attended rallies held by the prime minister show that the party is getting traction, spreading its footprint and working to a plan.

It is fascinating to watch how the BJP is going about its job. It knows that in Mamata it has a powerful regional chieftain who has national ambitions, hence its approach so far has been controlled aggression  ratcheting up the public connect, taking on the chief minister, trying not to instigate ruling party despite provocation such as tearing of Modis posters  as well as a strategy to exploit the states demographic character. The last point was evident in Modis choice of attending the Matua Mahasammelan (congregation of Matua community members) on Saturday. Though ostensibly not a political meeting, BJPs plan became evident when the prime minister visited the residence of Binipani Devi, the ailing nonagenarian matriarch of the community, ahead of the rally.

The Matuas are a group of religiously persecuted Hindus  a sect founded by Harichand Thakur, a social reformer from the 19th century in erstwhile undivided India that later became East Pakistan and eventually Bangladesh. Members of this community were forced to leave Bangladesh and settle in the Indo-Bangla border in towns such as Thakurnagar that lies around 80 kilometre from Kolkata. Their numbers swelled during Partition and they later spread to Howrah, the two 24-Parganas, Nadia, Malda, Cooch Behar, South and North Dinajpur. They constitute Bengals second largest Schedule Caste population.

This extremely well-organised community of refugees, who are estimated to be around 30 million in Bengal (2011 census puts it lower) are nevertheless an important constituency in Bengal electoral politics. For BJP, that is trying to gain a foothold in the state, they hold an added significance.

The 2003 Citizenship Amendment Act identifies Matuas who arrived after 1971 as "illegal infiltrators". They are yet to receive full citizenship and vote as D (doubtful) voters. Though deportation has stopped as the group became politically powerful, Matuas prime demand of full citizenship is yet to be met. This situation dovetails with BJPs Citizenship (Amendment) Bill that seeks to give religiously persecuted Hindus from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan full citizenship.

It isn't difficult to understand now why Modi visited Binapani Devi (or Boro-ma) and his rally was so well attended that the venue couldn't contain the rally-goers resulting in a near-stampede like situation. Even during his short 14-minute speech, the prime minister picked up the topic and challenged the TMC government to extend support to the Citizenship Amendment Bill, 2019, that may be taken up during the ongoing Budget Session.

"Due to communalism, people from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh had to flee from their countries. People from various religions including Hindu, Jains, Parsi found no other place but India. It is for these people that we have got the citizenship bill. I appeal to TMC to support this bill and let it pass in the Parliament, said the prime minister.

In Durgapur, Modi was less tactical and more aggressive. In fact, one struggles to remember when was the last time he launched such a scathing attack on the chief minister, whom he identified as the epitome of corruption and alleged that the states growth has been stunted due to syndicate tax and 'Trinamool Tolabaazai Tax'  both slogans for extortion rackets allegedly run by TMC-backed goons.

He also made elaborate references to the budgetary provisions, especially to the PM Kisan Yojana that assures an annual income support of Rs 6000 to small and marginal farmers. Modi also spent considerable amount of time in criticising the Bengal chief minister for showing alleged signs of authoritarianism and intolerance towards democratic norms, disallowing rival parties to hold rallies or targeting rival cadres.

"Now I know why Didi is resorting to violence," said Modi with a flourish, "because she is scared of your love for me." There were references to Mahagathbandhan, since Mamata was the prime mover behind the 'United India' rally, and termed it as an opportunistic bandying of erstwhile rivals who until recently were threatening to put each other in jail.

Modi received thunderous response from the crowd, and Mamata's furious reaction later in the day indicated the arrows have hit home, but BJPs problem is that it is still a one-man show. On the very day that the prime minister was addressing well-attended rallies, Rajnath Singh's public meeting in Falakata in north Bengal, where BJP is traditionally strong, drew poor response. It could be organizational lacuna or a comment on Singh, but it shows that that Modi, and Modi alone must do the heavy lifting in Bengal.Yogi Adityanath and state BJP president Dilip Ghosh were scheduled to address two 'Ganatantra Bacaho Rallies' at Balurghat in South Dinajpur district and Raiganj in North Dinajpur district.

The chopper war in West Bengal aggravated Sunday as BJP workers staged a protest outside the South Dinajpur district magistrate's house alleging that the Mamata Banerjee administration denied permission to Yogi Adityanath's helicopter.

The Uttar Pradesh chief minister and state BJP president Dilip Ghosh were scheduled to address two "Ganatantra Bacaho Rallies" at Balurghat in South Dinajpur district and Raiganj in North Dinajpur district. The rallies were scheduled to held at 1 pm and 3 pm respectively. Yogi Aditynath's chopper was scheduled to land near the venue of the meeting at Balurghat. However, reports claimed that permission to land the chopper was withdrawn at the last moment.

"We are yet to get permission to land the chopper. So our party workers are staging a protest rally outside the DM's residence demanding permission to land the chopper," Ghosh told PTI. According to ANI, the chief minister will address the rally via teleconference.

West Bengal: Visuals from Balurghat in South Dinajpur district. UP CM Yogi Adityanath will address a public rally though mobile phone, shortly. pic.twitter.com/t6vQNTZy8C  ANI (@ANI) February 3, 2019

The development comes days after BJP president Amit Shah cancelled his rally scheduled at Jhargram. The decision came amid reports that the Jhargram district magistrate had denied the party permission to land Shah's helicopter near the venue, citing security concerns.

However, the BJP did not confirm whether the denial of permission to land a helicopter near the venue was the only reason behind cancelling Shah's rally. Earlier, reports said Shah was heading back to Delhi because of his ill health and was unlikely to attend the Jhargram rally.

Similarly, BJP workers alleged that a conspiracy was afloat to prevent BJP leaders from campaigning when Smriti Irani had to cancel her Birbhum rally on 23 January. Reports suggested that the pilot of Irani's helicopter refused to take flight as the union minister arrived at the helipad after the permissible landing hours deemed safe for choppers. However, BJP leaders claimed the whole incident was a "conspiracy".

Shah had also stoked controversy in the state in December 2018, when West Bengal government denied permission for a proposed BJP 'rath yatra' from Cooch Behar, on grounds that it might cause communal tension. The matter went all the way to the Supreme Court, which on Tuesday issued a notice to the West Bengal government after hearing the state BJP's plea against a Calcutta High Court order for not allowing its Rath Yatra to progress in the state.

Currently, the BJP has fresh plans to start the rallies from four places in Bengal and covering all 42 of the state's Lok Sabha constituencies.

With inputs from PTIThe BJP launched its Bharat Ke Mann Ki Baat campaign, wherein citizens can inform the ruling party of its concerns, and in turn, the party will include said concerns in its manifesto for the upcoming Lok Sabha election.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday launched its Bharat Ke Mann Ki Baat campaign, which is touted to be a people's platform where citizens can inform the ruling party of its concerns in the span of one month, and in turn, the party will take note of said concerns while preparing its manifesto for the upcoming Lok Sabha election.

BJP national president Amit Shah and Home Minister Rajnath Singh addressed the BJP workers at the project's launch event in New Delhi, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi encouraged citizens to join the campaign via Twitter. Singh is also the head of the party's manifesto committee for the Lok Sabha election.

Your voice is of utmost importance. Urging you all to take part in 'Bharat ke Mann ki Baat, Modi ke Saath, a unique effort by @BJP4India to get citizen feedback. What you all share will form the blueprint of our Sankalp Patra for the 2019 elections. https://t.co/TvajNFN9RF  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 3, 2019

Shah in his speech said that people had lost faith in a democracy under previous governments' regimes until the BJP took power in 2014. "No concrete steps were taken to resolve the nation's problems before 2014. All one needed to do to win elections before 2014 was make false promises," he said, in a subtle jibe at the Congress.

He added that the BJP is different from other parties as it believes in democracy, and claimed that it is the only party which can take the nation forward.

Answering questions of reporters, Shah said that the BJP will give a full account of the promises it made in its 2014 manifesto, maintaining complete transparency on what it could fulfill and the progress report on the promises that remained unfulfilled.

Meanwhile, Singh in his address noted various progressive steps taken by the Centre, including those taken against anti-national forces and terrorists. He also said that the government is "committed to national security" and infrastructure development. "Our government wants to improve India's national security ring and make it strong enough that it looks like a Sudarshan Chakra to our opponents," he said.

He also noted that India's greatest strength is its culture and heritage, and said that promoting it would not be possible without the BJP.

He urged citizens to take part in the Bharat Ke Mann Ki Baat "with full enthusiasm" so that the Modi government can match their expectations and include it in their manifesto for upcoming elections.Manisha Gera Baswanis installation Postcards from Home is that rare thing, an earthly assemblage in the middle of an otherwise shiny and rigid art fair.

Between the halls at the India Art Fair, under the open sky, people are gathered around a strange yet intriguing installation. Wheat sacks lean on each other with hundreds of postcards sitting on them. People are perplexed, dumbfounded, even amused. But everyone is intrigued. Manisha Gera Baswanis installation Postcards from Home is that rare thing  an earthly assemblage in the middle of an otherwise shiny and rigid art fair. It has the earthliness of the mela, the touchability of the street and the ruggedness of our entire past. There is no shortage of interest, as people gawk and ask a range of questions. Not only is Postcards from Home interactive, and therefore millennial, it does something unique  it lets you take a piece of the work home.

Baswani meets me on the side, continuously being showered with glances and greetings. I started photographing artists in their homes, in their studios, sixteen years ago. I am a painter, but I have always been a photographer as well. Without me really knowing, this exercise turned into a project in itself  to document Indian artists, she says. Along with Indian artists, Baswani started photographing Pakistani artists after visiting the neighbours during a solo exhibition in Karachi, in 2015. The reason, she says, is unclear even to her. Im just organic that way. I just wanted to, she says. The conversations that she had with the Pakistani artists made her realise that a majority of them had roots in India, or the Partition that cut through it. Both of her own parents fled Pakistan during the Partition. Stories of which, she says, have always been around the household.

Each sack of wheat placed as part of her installation has postcards with images of artists on them, on the back, their personal stories or those of their family related to the Partition. A voice inside me had started to tell me I needed to do something with this. So I sent messages to Punjabi and Sindhi communities. Thank god for the age of technology, I thought. People who could not write, sent voice recordings. I could connect with so many people, listen to their stories. The response was fantastic, Baswani says. In a way, hers is a project millennial in its process, but historic and vintage in its relevance. The Partition has been subject of a million artistic imaginations, but hers is as deceptively simple as it is affecting. Why? Because it lets you become a part of itself. I wanted people to know these artists and the stories that not everyone asks of them. When have we ever approached an artist with the intention of knowing about his history, or the circumstances that have shaped their family, or who they are, she says.

As an exploration of the Partition itself, Baswanis installation offers heartening personal narratives, of migration, struggle, even loss. These stories seamlessly travel either side of the border. After a point, it becomes impossible to segregate, or even nationalise. Then there are moments, experiences that Baswani says were indescribable in the making of it all. At a shoot in Lahore, an artist was supposed to have a prayer for someone. The prayer was in Gurbani. Because that is how they prayed before the Partition. How does one describe that feeling, it was overwhelming, she says. After having travelled to Pakistan, and undertaking a project that personalises an otherwise thick space, Baswani says she has had a transformative experience. Had I not crossed over, I would have never known any of this. I am happy that I can carry these stories in both directions, either side of a border that seems porous after having experienced it, she adds.

Of the 47 artists she has documented almost half of them Pakistani, some, like Satish Gujral, have experienced the Partition first-hand. Others have inherited it. To add to that, this is also a unique attempt at documenting artists  a blind-spot in our culture. I have received nothing but love from everyone who has participated in this, Baswani says. Naturally, people who have seen the exhibit at the fair, she says, have expressed the desire to offer their own stories. I have already had some people tell me they would like to share their own stories. Two of them, I have already decided to record. I dont know what I will do with them. But for now, this project is taking a shape of its own, she says. Her project has already been shown in Lahore and has come to Delhi for the first time.

As we wrap our conversation, a fresh stock of postcards has arrived. People have walked around, read the cards and filed a number of them into the pockets of their backpacks. It is a strange, yet heartening sight. The possibility of taking a piece of the work home, maybe learning from it or keeping it for memory is decidedly uncommon. The wheat Baswani says she chose because it has two meanings. It is called kanak in Lahore which to them means gold. In India, we know it is used to refer to wheat. And the sacks stand against each other because the two combined become that rich harvest of life, culture and history that we all crave. On a personal level, Baswani hasnt enjoyed working on something quite as much. My mom said ye project tujhse khuda ne banwaya hai [God has made you work on this project], I truly believe it. Im just the tool here. It has found me, she says. Before I leave her sight she is surrounded by schoolchildren, captivated, curious. It is now their turn to ask questions.Baltimore County police said they arrested Jon Codi Moenius of the 11000 block of Silver Spruce Terrace on Friday. Charged with armed robbery, first degree assault and related charges, Moenius is being held without bail at the Baltimore County Detention Center. He is awaiting a bail hearing.Talking to the media in Multan on Saturday, Qureshi said that Pakistan has no intention to interfere in the internal matters of India, but New Delhi should also stop blaming Islamabad for its problems,

Lahore: Pakistan has no intention to interfere in India's internal matters and New Delhi should not make an issue out of his telephonic conversation with Kashmiri separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has said.

India on Wednesday summoned Pakistan envoy Sohail Mahmood and categorically told him that Qureshi's telephonic conversation was a "brazen attempt" to subvert India's unity and violate its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Mahmood was "cautioned" by Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale that persistence of such behaviour will have "implications".

Talking to the media in Multan on Saturday, Qureshi said that Pakistan has no intention to interfere in the internal matters of India, but New Delhi should also stop blaming Islamabad for its problems, Dawn news reported.

The Foreign Minister acknowledged that he spoke with Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz and India should not make it an issue. "We want to resolve the Kashmir dispute through dialogue but India is making undue hue and cry," Qureshi was quoted as saying by The Express Tribune.

"Issues are emerging in India but Pakistan has no role in that," he said.

Qureshi said that he would highlight Pakistan's viewpoint on Kashmir issue at an event in the House of Common in London this week. The Foreign Minister said that election in India was an internal matter and Islamabad would try to hold talks with the new government if it wanted to work with Pakistan.

India has made it clear to Pakistan that talks and terrorism cannot go together.

Pakistan's relations with many countries have improved because of successful diplomacy of the incumbent government, he claimed.

He said Saudi crown prince would visit Pakistan this month. "New agreements will be signed during his visit," Qureshi said.

The Pakistan Foreign Office said on Tuesday that Qureshi spoke with the Hurriyat leader and discussed with him efforts of Pakistan government to highlight the Kashmir issue. In New Delhi, the Ministry of External Affairs asserted that the entire Jammu and Kashmir "has been, is and shall remain the integral part of India and that Pakistan has no locus standi in any matters related to the State of Jammu and Kashmir, has been made clear again to the High Commissioner of Pakistan."

According to the government sources in New Delhi, India was particularly anguished over Pakistan's statement on Tuesday, sharing details of the conversation that centred around the Kashmir issue.

Though Pakistani leaders may have telephoned separatists in Kashmir in the past perhaps, it was the first time in recent years that Islamabad put out a statement highlighting the talking points which New Delhi felt was a clear case of violation of the red lines, the sources said.

Meanwhile, Pakistan's major political parties issued a joint declaration at the end of All Parties Kashmir Conference on Saturday and said that peace in the region was not possible without resolving the Kashmir issue. The declaration called on the Pakistan government to prepare an effective foreign policy to resolve the long-standing issue of Kashmir.Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday to lay the foundation or inaugurate various development projects, including two All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Jammu and Srinagar divisions and the University of Ladakh.

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday to lay the foundation or inaugurate various development projects, including two All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Jammu and Srinagar divisions and the University of Ladakh. He will also visit the Dal lake in Srinagar during his visit to the state.

The prime minister will lay of the foundation stones of two AIIMS in Vijaypur and Awantipora, a statement from the Prime Ministers Office said. The Union Cabinet had recently approved setting up of the premier hospitals in the border state.

Setting up of new AIIMS will transform health care facilities, health education and training in the region, it said. Modi will also lay the foundation stone of northern regional centre campus of Indian Institute of Mass Communication in Jammu.

University of Ladakh will also be launched by the prime minister. It will be the first-ever university in the Ladakh region of the state. It will be a cluster university comprising degree colleges of Leh, Kargil, Nubra, Zanskar, Drass and Khaltsi. The university will have administrative offices in Leh and Kargil.

A four-tier security apparatus has been put in place for the prime minister's visit. "We have made all necessary security arrangements," a senior police officer said. Vigil has also been tightened along the border in view of the visit.

The prime minister will also digitally launch various projects under the Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA). He will unveil plaques via video-conference to lay foundation stones of 54 new model degree colleges, 11 professional colleges and one women's university in the country.

He will also inaugurate 16 model degree colleges, and 66 entrepreneurship, innovation and career hubs in the country. Besides, he will lay the foundation stones of three model degree colleges in Kishtwar, Kupwara and Baramulla in Jammu and Kashmir.

Modi will declare 100 percent electrification of households in Jammu and Kashmir under the central government's Saubhagya Scheme. Modi will lay the foundation stone of 624-MW Kiru hydroelectric project in Kishtwar. It is a run-of-the-river project across the Chenab.

He will also inaugurate the 9-MW Dah hydroelectric project. Located in Dah near village Datang, this project is a run-of-the-river scheme. Modi will dedicate to the nation the 220-KV Srinagar-Alusteng-Drass-Kargil-Leh transmission system. The foundation stone of this prestigious project was laid by Modi in August 2014.

The 400-KV D/C Jalandhar-Samba-Rajouri-Shopian-Amargarh (Sopore) transmission line will also be dedicated to the nation by Modi. The project has augmented the grid connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir. The prime minister will lay the foundation stone of 1,640-metre span double-lane bridge over the Chenab river in Sajwal.

The project will provide an alternative route for the population of Sajwal and Indri Pattian. With the completion of this bridge, the distance between Sajwal and Indri Pattian will be reduced to 5 kilometres from 47 kilometres earlier, the statement said. Modi had earlier visited Jammu, Srinagar and Leh on 19 May, 2018 to lay the foundation stones of various infrastructure projects in the state.The warrant was issued against Major Abdul Rehman Pasha and Major Iqbal in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks case. While Major Pasha has retired, the prosecution believes Major Iqbal is still serving as an ISI official in Pakistan.

Mumbai: A sessions court in Mumbai has issued non-bailable warrants against two Pakistan Army officials  Major Abdul Rehman Pasha and Major Iqbal  in connection with the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks case.

While Major Pasha has retired, the prosecution believes Major Iqbal is still serving as an ISI official in Pakistan, as disclosed by US-born Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist David Coleman Headley, an approver in the case in Mumbai.

Both Major Iqbal and Major Pasha are shown as wanted accused in the charge sheet filed by the city police's crime branch in the case.

Additional Sessions Judge SV Yarlagadda on 21 January allowed an application filed by special public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam. The application was filed before the court which is presently conducting a trial against alleged LeT operative Sayyed Zabiuddin Ansari alias Abu Jundal in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks case.

Nikam said in the application that the role of the two Pakistani Army officials was revealed further during the testimony of Headley on the conspiracy hatched in the case. Headley, who is presently lodged in a US jail, turned approver in the case and his testimony was recorded via video conference in 2016.

"David Headley's testimony has vindicated the stand of India that the terror attacks of November 26, 2008 were not only sponsored by militant groups of Pakistan but were, in fact, actively supported by Pakistan Army officials," Nikam told PTI.

Judge Yarlagadda, after perusing the application, supplementary charge sheet filed by the crime branch and hearing brief arguments from Nikam, said he was allowing the application."The application filed by the prosecution for the issuance of non-bailable warrant against the two persons (Pasha and Iqbal) is allowed. These two persons are shown as wanted suspects. The approver, David Headley, has named them in his evidence," the court said.

"Hence, issue non-bailable warrants against both the accused persons," the court ordered and posted the matter for further hearing on 6 February.

Headley in his testimony before the court here had claimed that during the conspiracy to commit the terror attacks in Mumbai, Major Iqbal and Major Pasha were present in the meetings during which targets were selected. LeT operatives Sajeed Mir, Abu Kaahfa and Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi were also present in the meetings, Headley had said.

Nikam said Headley's oral testimony is not the only evidence against these two persons (Pasha and Iqbal) and that the prosecution also has in its possession corroborative documentary evidence.

Headley had visited Mumbai in September 2006 and informed Major Iqbal about his surveillance of Hotel Taj in south Mumbai and on his return to Pakistan, he had handed over photographs and videos of the same.

He also said that Major Iqbal gave him $25,000 to do intelligence work in India.

Headley further claimed that Major Iqbal had asked him to also get classified information about Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) here and of political party Shiv Sena's office ,located in central Mumbai. He said he had also received Rs 80,000 from Major Pasha for carrying out surveillance work in India.

According to Nikam, Headley had been in regular contact with Major Pasha during the course of the conspiracy, planning and execution of the attack. "It is pertinent to note that Headley in his testimony had said Pasha wanted the National Defence College in New Delhi also to be included in the target list and had, in fact, told Headley that if the attack on the army college was successful then they would be able to kill more brigadiers and generals than they have in the past."

On 26 November, 2008, 10 Pakistani terrorists arrived by sea route and opened fire indiscriminately, killing 166 people, including 18 security personnel, and injuring several others, besides damaging property worth crores.

The attacks lasted three days. The places that were attacked included south Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus railway station, the Taj Hotel, the Trident Hotel, Cafe Leopold and Chabad House. While nine of the terrorists were killed during the siege, Ajmal Kasab was caught alive by Mumbai Police and later awarded death sentence.Aribam Syam Sharma said that Manipur has only one or two MPs in a house of 500 plus members, he questioned what voice can the northeast have in Parliament.

Manipuri filmmaker Aribam Syam Sharma on Sunday returned his 2006 Padma Shri award in protest against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill. The 82-year-old made the announcement in Imphal, NDTV reported.

Sharma has directed 11 feature films, and 27 non-feature films. He debuted in the Manipuri film scene as an actor in the first Manipuri film Matamgi Manipur in 1972. Late president Dr APJ Abdul Kalam had conferred the award to the filmmaker for his contribution to cinema in 2006.

Hindustan Times quoted Sharma as saying that the state has only one or two MPs in a house of 500 plus members. He questioned what voice can the northeast have in Parliament.

"They should respect us as a state  small or big. It should not be counted on a population basis. I raise this because the Union of India is made up of states," he said. "When the northeastern states jointly represent or present something in the government, they should consider it and if they do not consider, naturally we have to oppose."

"So, as part of showing solidarity, I decided to return the award," he said.

The development comes as the seven Northeastern states  Assam, Manipur, Tripura, Nagaland, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya  have unitedly opposed the Bill. The controversial bill, passed in the Lok Sabha on 8 January, seeks to provide Indian citizenship to non-Muslims from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan after six years of residence in India instead of 12 years, which is the norm currently, even if they do not possess any document.

Protests have broken out across all the states, including activists of the Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad (AJYCP) staging a semi-clad protest in Tezpur town of Sonitpur district in lower Assam.

BJP spokesperson Mehdi Alam Bora on 8 January resigned from all posts of the party in protest against the development. "I oppose the Citizenship Amendment Bill. I truly feel that it will harm Assamese society," Bora said in his resignation letter.

He added that the Bill will bring a crisis to Assamese language and culture and will "completely nullify the Assam Accord."

In Guwahati, a citizens' protest meeting was organised, at which prominent personalities from the Assam Sahitya Sabha, AJYCP, Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS), among others, spoke against the bill and demanded that it be scrapped.

Six student organisations in Manipur  All Manipur Students' Union (AMSU), Democratic Students' Alliance of Manipur (DESAM), Manipur Students' Federation (MSF), Kangleipak Students' Association (KSA), Students' Union of Kangleipak (SUK) and Socialist Students' Union of Manipur observed a "Black Day" on 13 January at various places.

Meanwhile, in Tripura, prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) have been clamped for an indefinite period at Madhabbari and adjacent areas, where at least seven people were injured when Citizenship Bill protesters clashed with police on 9 January. This came after NESO, a joint platform of eight student organisations, including the TSF, had called for an 11-hour-long northeast bandh to protest against the Bill.

With inputs from agenciesOn 25 January, the investigative agency told the Delhi High Court that it wanted to carry out custodial interrogation of P Chidambaram in the case, in which the court had reserved its judgment.

New Delhi: The law ministry granted sanction to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to prosecute former finance minister P Chidambaram in connection with the INX media case, according to law ministry sources.

On 25 January, the investigative agency told the Delhi High Court that it wanted to carry out custodial interrogation of Chidambaram in the case, in which the court had reserved its judgment. "We are opposing the anticipatory bail of P Chidambaram and want to take him on the police remand for interrogation. We want to exercise our statutory right to investigate the case," Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta told the court while appearing on behalf of the CBI.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is probing the role of Chidambaram in the INX media money laundering case for giving a Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance to the group in 2007.

The ED probe so far showed that for the FIPB approval, INX Media directors Peter Mukerjea and Indrani Mukerjea met the senior Congress leader, so that there was no delay in their application.

The ED has attached properties worth Rs 54 crore belonging to Chidambaram's son, Karti Chidambaram, and a firm in the case. It has also attached properties belonging to the Mukerjeas in regard with the same case. (ANI)In a move which was frowned upon by the regional political parties in Jammu and Kashmir, Governor Satya Pal Malik has amended the Jammu and Kashmir Municipal Ombudsman Act, 2000, arguably diluting the eligibility criteria for the post of ombudsman.

Srinagar: In a move which was frowned upon by the regional political parties in Jammu and Kashmir, Governor Satya Pal Malik has amended the Jammu and Kashmir Municipal Ombudsman Act, 2000, arguably diluting the eligibility criteria for the post of ombudsman.

According to the amended Act, an official of the rank of Commissioner Secretary will also be eligible for appointment as Ombudsman, whereas earlier, only a judge of a high court or a person eligible to be appointed as judge of high court could have been appointed as an Ombudsman to examine issues of corruption by municipal bodies.

Furthermore, the amendment also specifies that the governor would appoint a person to the office on the recommendation of a committee comprising of advisors to the governor and the chief secretary. The earlier version of the act had mandated the governor to make the appointment acting on the advice of the chief minister of the state after consultations with the Speaker of Legislative Assembly, Chairman of Legislative Council and Leader Of Opposition.

The governor has also amended the Jammu and Kashmir Protection of Human Rights Act, 1997, allowing government to take three months, instead of one month time to respond to the State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) recommendation on rights violations. Following the amendment, the SHRC also can't inquire into matters of human rights violations which are older than one year.

The Commission shall not inquire into any matter after the expiry of one year from the date on which the act constituting violation of human rights is alleged to have been committed; provided that provision of this subsection shall not apply to inquiries pending before the Commission on 28-11-2018, the amendment reads.

Justifying the changes, Law Secretary, Achal Sethi, said that the amendment in the states human rights act has been made in accordance with the provisions in the central act. We have done two amendments in Human Rights Act. One is to increase the response time period, and we have specified that in new complaints of human rights only those would be entertained in which the cause of action is within one year. There is a similar provision in the central act under which the National Human Rights Commission functions.

He said that the government had to amend the Ombudsman Act as a new committee was to be constituted to make the appointment after the dissolution of Assembly.

The amendments in the Acts have come only a few days after Malik introduced a new law to constitute a separate "security force" for providing security to him as well as his family members. Under the Jammu and Kashmir Governors Special Security Force Act, 2018, the command and supervision of the force shall vest in the Director of the force who shall also be assigned such number of Joint Directors, Deputy Directors, Assistant Directors and other officers as may be appointed by the government with the prior concurrence of the governor."

The move drew sharp reaction from political parties which said that Malik was using legislative powers to take decisions even in matters which should have been left for the elected governments to decide on. The parties rued that the governors rule is a transitory arrangement only meant to uphold basic functioning of the state machinery till an elected government takes over. In such a scenario, the

National Conference provincial president, Nasir Aslam Wani, said, Proprietary doesnt demand that Governor should be going for spree of ordinances. As many as 35 new bills have been approved through an ordinance route, which should have been left to the wisdom of the next elected government. He added,  Governor should have had an idea that his tenure has only got extended after the Presidents rule.

Human rights activist, Mohammad Ahsan Untoo, said that the Governor has amended the Human Rights Act to curtail the powers of SHRC.  The government has come under fire from different human rights groups in last two years, at the international level, for the repeated rights violations in Kashmir due to which they now want to curtail the work of the SHRC. He said that while the governments response to the recommendations of the Commission earlier was poor, they now got officially the permission to delay the implementation.The media might not have spread the clip on social media, but it was definitely responsible for bringing the mock assassination of Gandhi into millions of homes all through the day.

The Aligarh unit of Hindu Mahasabha had informed the local and national media that they were going to re-enact the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi on 30 January at 12 am. It was the media that made the video that went viral, they allege, betraying a tinge of embarrassment over what they've done.

The media might not have spread the clip on social media, but it was definitely responsible for bringing the mock assassination into millions of homes all through the day.

What if the media had ignored the event? Or, having covered it, decided not to telecast it? But which editor would have refuse cover such a sensational event? And even if a few news organisations decided that the event was too offensive to be publicised, wouldnt the thought that others would be anyway doing so, have put paid to that option?

By some miracle however, had it been possible for all media outlets to have collectively decided not to give the oxygen of publicity to an event so shameful, imagine the result. No one outside the walls of one office in Aligarh would have known about the gleeful and vulgar re-enactment of an event that had plunged India into grief, and which is commemorated to this day. Shooting mock bullets into the effigy of the Father of the Nation when the camera angle was just right, and at the exact spot where balloons would squirt out red liquid, would not then have seemed so grand to the handful of young Hindus who participated in this horrid event.

But past experience shows that the only time the media decides to boycott an event is when their tribe is hurt: either physically or by an insult, or when theres an attempt to muzzle them. The latest such boycott was by the Kashmiri media of the official Republic Day event in Srinagar, after some of them were barred from entering the venue by security men who cited "adverse reports" about them.

Early this year, the Kerala media boycotted BJP press conferences on 3 January, the day the party had called a hartal on the Sabarimala issue, because journalists covering the hartal were attacked by BJP supporters.

Both these boycotts were legitimate. But are there other events that the media should consider boycotting? Should the media adopt a neutral attitude to all incidents that constitute news? If they do, should there be a code on how incidents aimed at spreading hatred and violence should be covered? By covering such events, is the media doing a public service by exposing the nature of the persons involved, or is it helping the latter by spreading their message to those beyond their reach?

There are no clear answers. Sometimes though, the answers come from the personalities covered.

After the October 2009 Maharashtra Assembly elections, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray thanked the media for his unexpected victory in 13 seats. This was a year after his first political act: assaults on unarmed North Indians by his "boys" in Mumbai and Maharashtra, which left two dead. Immediately after those attacks, he had been given more than half a page in a leading Marathi daily to justify the violence.

So the thanks were well-deserved. Indeed, it can be said about this politician whose only ideology is anti-"outsider", that though his own MLAs and municipal corporators left him after the electorate rejected him, the one section that continues to stand by Raj Thackeray is the media  both English and Marathi.

A similar fascination was shown by the media towards his uncle, whose ideology was even more divisive. Every utterance of Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray got front page coverage in the national press, thereby bringing his thoughts to sections of people who otherwise would not have heard or read them. Perhaps the medias most debatable coverage of Thackeray was when he called a few Sikh businessmen to a press conference in April 1988, and threatened them with an economic boycott if they didn't try to stop Khalistani violence in Punjab.

What if the media had walked out of that press conference? It would not only have disgraced Mumbai's biggest demagogue, it would have sent a message of solidarity towards a community that was being unfairly humiliated.

Purists may say it is not the media's job to send such messages. But it sends messages all the time in the way it covers news. Even the use of the word "fringe group" for the Hindu Mahasabha by news channels, sent a definite message. As it turned out, Puja Shakun Pandey was not that much on the fringes of the ruling party.

Was it necessary to telecast her re-enactment of Gandhi's assassination all through the day? And, if this news was going to remain in the spotlight all day, why were reactions of ordinary Aligarh residents not sought? Surely that would have shown how isolated these few people were. In fact, one of the members of the group that organised the event admitted to a newspaper the next day that they didnt have "much public base."

Here it must be pointed out that both anchors and reporters of news channels did express their outrage at what was done, and demand the immediate arrest of those involved. But words are rarely as effective as images. Over the last four years, Nathuram Godse is being celebrated as a hero by more people and far more openly than earlier. The visual of the re-enactment of his deed could only have served as a vindication for these people.

On the other hand, it can also be said that the coarseness of the production, and the raw glorification of the political assassination of an unarmed old man, did succeed in exposing the mentality of the Mahasabha members, as well as of all admirers of Godse.

One thing is sure: the media attention did ensure that the police made some token efforts to arrest five of the 13 people booked for the crime. Having telecast this deed across the country, its now up to the media to ensure the perpetrators face justice by staying with the story.The BJP is clearly training all its guns on West Bengal, and in Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee it has an astute and fiery adversary.

Citizenship Bill, controlled aggression, attack on Mamata: Narendra Modis twin rallies reveal BJPs Bengal strategy

In the next eight days, BJP's star campaigners may hold more than 10 rallies in West Bengal, according to reports. Modi may address another rally in Jalpaiguri on Friday, Singh may visit Chinsurah while Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath may address four rallies in the next few days. Former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan is also flying in to hold a couple of rallies. The controversy over Amit Shahs recent rally is yet to die down. The BJP is clearly training all its guns on Bengal, and in Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee it has an astute and fiery adversary.

Hindu Mahasabha recreates Mahatma Gandhi's assassination: Is media coverage of such events doing more harm than good?

It must be pointed out that both anchors and reporters of news channels did express their outrage at what was done, and demand the immediate arrest of those involved. But words are rarely as effective as images. Over the last four years, Nathuram Godse is being celebrated as a hero by more people and far more openly than earlier. The visual of the re-enactment of his deed could only have served as a vindication for these people.

On the other hand, it can also be said that the coarseness of the production, and the raw glorification of the political assassination of an unarmed old man, did succeed in exposing the mentality of the Mahasabha members, as well as of all admirers of Godse.

Davis Cup 2019: Despite all the doubts and criticism, tournament's new format takes off on a positive note

Over the years, few Indians have cared enough about Davis Cup to bother finding out where to check the live scores. The Davis Cup official website  was (and still is) one of those dysfunctional relics of the web world that look like they havent had a tech upgrade in years. However, despite the obsoleteness of the official website, there have been very few complaints. But now, with a brand new format and a compressed schedule, its suddenly a lot easier to track whats happening in the tournament, especially with the new mobile app.

Budget 2019: Govt's scheme to provide Rs 6,000 direct cash transfer to small farmers is a result of rising unemployment

The idea that individuals cannot survive without direct cash transfers from the state is not limited to India. In fact, the origins of the idea are abroad. In the United Kingdom, unemployed couples get 114 per week (Rs 42,000 per month) from the government. Families that dont have a house or are living in cramped conditions are given government housing in highly subsidised Council homes. Unemployment benefits and food stamps are offered in the United States also.

Firstpost at Sundance: Keira Knightley's Official Secrets is a cautionary tale high on righteous fury, low on drama

Official Secrets tells a timely story about how the world's biggest champions of democracy can just as easily undermine the democratic process if it serves their own selfish interests. While enough has been written, said, documented and filmed about the underhand tactics employed by the US and the UK to feed their appetite for war in Iraq and Afghanistan, it's important we remember those who took a stand for their convictions even if it meant being imprisoned for what could be deemed unpatriotic. Before we got to the current Trump-May hell, it is important to remember the cripplingly dysfunctional administrations that got us here.Jussie Smollett, in his statement, also disputed rumours circulating on social media that he has been less than cooperative with the police and has changed his story time and again.

Empire star Jussie Smollett has opened up about the racist and homophobic attack on him in downtown Chicago.

Smollett was attacked on the morning of 29 January when he was leaving a restaurant in Chicago. Two men shouted racial and homophobic slurs towards him before they attacked him.

In a statement to Essence, the 35-year-old black and openly gay actor said he is "ok".

"My body is strong but my soul is stronger. More importantly, I want to say thank you. The outpouring of love and support from my village has meant more than I will ever be able to truly put into words," he added.

During the attack, the suspects punched him and poured an unknown chemical substance over him. One of them even wrapped a rope around the actor's neck.

Smollett, who was hospitalised for his injuries, told the police that the attackers yelled pro-"Make America Great Again" (MAGA) comments during the attack.

In his statement, the actor disputed rumours circulating on social media that he has been less than cooperative with the police and has changed his story time and again.

"I am working with authorities and have been 100% factual and consistent on every level. Despite my frustrations and deep concern with certain inaccuracies and misrepresentations that have been spread, I still believe that justice will be served," he said.

"As my family stated, these types of cowardly attacks are happening to my sisters, brothers and non-gender conforming siblings daily. I am not and should not be looked upon as an isolated incident. We will talk soon and I will address all details of this horrific incident, but I need a moment to process," he concluded.

On Empire, Smollett plays musician Jamal Lyon, the gay son of Lucious (Terrence Howard) and Cookie (Taraji P Henson).

The show's team has expressed shock and anger over the attack on Smollett.

Actor Ellen Page also spoke about his case on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert. She criticised media for contemplating whether his attack should be treated as a hate crime or not.Social activist Anna Hazare's indefinite hunger strike entered the fifth day on Sunday even as villagers blocked a state highway in support of his agitation in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, leading to traffic jams in the area.

Social activist Anna Hazare's indefinite hunger strike entered the fifth day on Sunday even as locals blocked a state highway in support of his agitation in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, leading to traffic jams in the area.

Hazare has been on a hunger strike since Wednesday in his native Ralegan Siddhi village in Ahmednagar demanding the appointment of anti-corruption watchdogs at the Centre and in Maharashtra and resolution of farmers' issue.

In support of the 81-year-old Army man-turned-activist's demands, farmers and youth blocked the Ahmednagar-Pune state highway at Supa village in Parner tehsil in the morning, resulting in huge traffic jams.

They supported Hazare's demands for the immediate appointment of Lokpal at the Centre and Lokayuktas in states where such statutory anti-corruption watchdogs do not exist, implementation of the Swaminathan Commission recommendations on ways to address agrarian distress, besides some electoral reforms, the protest's convener, Shahir Gaikwad, told PTI.

The police, however, tried to pacify the protesters and asked them to clear the road blockade as there were around six-kilometre-long traffic jams on both sides of the road, Supa police station's inspector Rajendra Bhosale said. The police also detained around 110 protesters in the afternoon to clear the blockade and later let them off, he said.

Dr Dhananjay Pote, who conducted a health check-up of Hazare in the morning, said the anti-corruption crusader has lost around 3.8 kilograms of weight in the last five days and that his blood pressure, blood sugar and creatinine level in urine have gone up.

Around 5,000 farmers from the district are likely to stage a protest outside the Ahmednagar collector's office on Monday to support Hazare's agitation. The decision for the protest at the collector's office was taken at a gram sabha (village meeting) in Ralegan Siddhi on Saturday night.

Leaders of various political parties from Parner tehsil were present at the meeting and expressed their support to Hazare's protest. Those present at the meeting also condemned NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik for levelling "false allegations" against Hazare.

However, Hazare appealed people to protest in a non-violent manner and also asked them to use decent and respectful language while expressing their feelings. Hazare had earlier declined to meet state government envoy and minister Girish Mahajan for talks over his demands.

Speaking to ANI, 81-year-old Hazare said, "People will remember me as a person who tackled situations and not as somebody who added fuel to the fire. If something happened to me, people will hold prime minister responsible."

"Through Lokpal, even the prime minister can be investigated if people will give any evidence against him... Similarly, in Lokayukta a chief minister and all ministers and MLAs under him can be investigated if somebody gives any evidence against them. That's why they don't want it. No party wants it. Lokpal was passed in the Parliament in 2013, but the government is yet to appoint it," Hazare had told ANI earlier.

The anti-corruption crusader had earlier told PTI that he welcomed the Maharashtra Cabinet's decision to bring the office of state chief minister under the ambit of Lokayukta.

"However, the strike will continue till the government fulfils promises they made before coming to power about passage of Lokayukta Act, appointment of Lokpal (at the Centre) and to tackle farmers' issues," he had said. The Lokayukta is a statutory body that is empowered to probe complaints of abuse of position and corruption against public servants.

Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday also appealed to the BJP-led Maharashtra government to intervene in Anna Hazare's hunger strike and asked it not to "play" with the social activist's life.

Thackeray in a statement expressed concern over the activist's health condition. He dubbed a purported letter from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) conveying good wishes to Hazare as "condemnable" and "laughable". Supporters of Hazare had claimed that the Gandhian had received a "cold response" from the PMO in response to a letter sent by the activist.

The Sena president said Hazare's fight was against corruption  a problem faced by the country. He asked Hazare to take to the streets in this fight to create an awakening among people, instead of giving up his life by fasting.

"At present, people in the country have been given anaesthesia and the need is to bring them out of this situation," he said. Hazare should don the role of freedom activist Jayaprakash Narayan to usher in a new revolution, he said.

Thackeray also said activist GD Agrawal had sat on a huge protest in Haridwar district of Uttarakhand over his demand to clean Ganga and maintain free flow of the river. "But, the government did not take note of the situation and let the professor die. Anna should give up his fast and lead an agitation over his demands, and I assure Shiv Sena's support wherever possible."

Agrawal, 86, had died of a heart attack at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Uttarakhand's Rishikesh, in October last year, 111 days after he began a fast for a pollution-free Ganga. The Shiv Sena is an ally of the BJP at the Centre and in Maharashtra.

With inputs from agenciesPolice in Greensboro, Md., appear to have failed to even try to de-escalate an encounter with Anton Black, a 19-year-old man who ultimately died in their custody in September after being Tasered and restrained. His death was tragic  and entirely preventable.As private equity investors look to Southeast Asia in the search for the next Alibaba or Tencent, countries like Cambodia or Myanmar may not be on everybodys radar.

But Alex Odom, chief investment officer of Phnom Penh-based Belt Road Capital Management, believes now could be the perfect time to snap up a stake in a local enterprise.

Cambodia is one of the easiest to invest in as an outsider, compared to Myanmar or Laos for instance, Odom said.

Belt Road Capital, with a $50 million fund in place, has deployed nearly 60% in investments in Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar and Southeast Asia regionally, mainly in...2020 was a year marked by hardships and challenges, but the Fauquier community has proven resilient. The Fauquier Times is honored to serve as your community companion. To say thank you for your continued support, wed like to offer all our subscribers -- new or returning --

4 WEEKS FREE DIGITAL AND PRINT ACCESS.

We understand the importance of working to keep our community strong and connected. As we move forward together into 2021, it will take commitment, communication, creativity, and a strong connection with those who are most affected by the stories we cover.

We are dedicated to providing the reliable, local journalism you have come to expect. We are committed to serving you with renewed energy and growing resources. Let the Fauquier Times be your community companion throughout 2021, and for many years to come.The proposed new body for overseeing environmental legislation must be 'truly independent' if farmers are to have confidence in it, the Agricultural Law Association has warned.

In its response to the draft Environment (Governance & Principles) Bill, the law firm says the new Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) should report directly to parliament, not just to government departments.

The green watchdog will hold the government to account and will help to prevent damage to the environment through Brexit and beyond by supporting farmers to care for the countryside.

The OEP will have the power to take businesses, public bodies and the government to court over any breaches of environmental law.

Mike Holland, consultant and adviser at the ALA, said: As an independent body, the OEP will be giving advice on proposed changes to environmental law, but under the current wording of the draft Bill the Minister wont be required to present this advice to parliament, which has the real possibility of limiting the scrutiny of any future changes.

Environmental law has a direct effect on land use and management. For the agricultural industry to have confidence in the OEP it absolutely must be transparent, open and independent, and for that to be the case it must report directly to parliament.

In addition, the ALA recommends that the OEP has an internal panel with legally qualified members to deal with any authority which fails to comply with environmental law or issues arising from misinterpretation of government policy

This panel should have the power to set up a judicial inquiry, to ensure policy implementation is robust, the law group says.

Another area of concern is how the Environment Bill will dovetail with the Agriculture Bill. With all the pieces of legislation coming from Brexit there is a danger that they wont tie up together.

Mr Holland said: It is vitally important that the contents of the proposed Environment Bill reflect the direction of government policy contained in Defra's Health and Harmony consultation in 2018.

This is particularly important with regard to new regulatory baselines that will apply to the environment; the starting point for the governments 25-Year Environment Plan.

While baseline data will be used to measure the success of environmental schemes, its not clear how the data will be collected or used, or how those baselines will be established, said Mr Holland.

It is fundamental to the agriculture sector that the Government is clear on the evaluation methods that will be used and supported at farm level.

In the longer term, it is also vital that we have clear and transparent environmental law governance outside of the EU, to ensure the rural sector is not over-burdened with regulation that hinders its ability to respond to the challenges ahead, he added.The Farm and Food File is published weekly throughout the U.S. and Canada.by Brendan Tuma | Cardinals Correspondent | Sun, Feb 3rd 9:51am EST

Rockies owner Dick Monfort says he is optimistic the team can sign Nolan Arenado to a long-term extension. (MLB.com)

Fantasy Impact:

Monfort added "I think we're to the point where we're to the finals". Anything an owner says can't be taken for face value, but it's at least a positive Colorado is expressing interest in re-signing their superstar third baseman. Normally Arenado would head for free agency without question, but he might be looking at what's happening to Bryce Harper and Manny Machado and decide to stay with the Rockies. Arenado and the team recently avoided arbitration by agreeing to a record $26 million contract for 2019.Wall Street analysts have given iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF a "N/A" rating, but there may be better buying opportunities in the stock market. Some of MarketBeat's past winning trading ideas have resulted in 5-15% weekly gains. MarketBeat just released five new stock ideas, but iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF wasn't one of them. MarketBeat thinks these five companies may be even better buys.

View MarketBeat's top stock picks here.Ad Legacy Research 837 Interested This Week

To Any American Who Owns a Cell Phone

If you own a cell phone, then mobile service providers hope you never get to see this video that could soon go viral. His experiment could strike a bad chord with mobile phone companies. But youve got to see what this man discovered and what it means for phone users in the weeks ahead.Some of the most serious allegations were brought against five male teachers. A woman told investigators she was 14 years old when one of the men got her pregnant, then paid for her abortion. Another said teachers kept photos of students in nude and sexual positions.Sociedad QuAmica y Minera de Chile S.A. produces and distributes specialty plant nutrients, iodine and its derivatives, lithium and its derivatives, potassium chloride and sulfate, industrial chemicals, and other products and services worldwide. The company offers specialty plant nutrients, including potassium nitrate, sodium nitrate, sodium potassium nitrate, specialty blends, and other specialty fertilizers for crops, such as vegetables, fruits, and industrial crops. It also provides iodine and its derivatives for use in medical, pharmaceutical, agricultural, and industrial applications comprising x-ray contrast media, polarizing films for LCD and LED, antiseptics, biocides and disinfectants, pharmaceutical synthesis, electronics, pigments, and dye components. In addition, the company offers lithium carbonates for various applications that include electrochemical materials for batteries, frits for the ceramic and enamel industries, heat-resistant glass, air conditioning chemicals, continuous casting powder for steel extrusion, primary aluminum smelting process, pharmaceuticals, and lithium derivatives. Further, it supplies lithium hydroxide for the lubricating greases industry, as well as cathodes for batteries. Additionally, it offers potassium chloride and potassium sulfate for various crops, including corn, rice, sugar, soybean, and wheat; industrial chemicals, including sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate, potassium chloride, and solar salts; and other fertilizers and blends. The company was founded in 1968 and is headquartered in Santiago, Chile.

Read MoreSince 2016, Teeka Tiwari has trumped the stock market. His investment recommendations have each averaged 281%. Thats 17 times the S&P. And 112 times the average investor, according to JPMorgan! However, one investment Teeka just uncovered could top them all It involves former President Biden, billions of dollars, several large banks, and a super-rich family. As well as a MAJOR potential upgrade to our credit cards. Teeka, who ended up correctly picking the last investment of the decade, is declaring this his top pick for the 2020s.

Envestnet, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, provides wealth management software and services in the United States and internationally. It operates through Envestnet Wealth Solutions and Envestnet Data & Analytics segments. The company's product and services include Envestnet | Enterprise, which provides an end-to-end open architecture wealth management platform, as well as offers data aggregation and reporting, data analytics, and digital advice capabilities; Envestnet | Tamarac that provides trading, rebalancing, portfolio accounting, performance reporting, and client relationship management software; and Envestnet | MoneyGuide that provides goals-based financial planning solutions to the financial services industry. It also provides Envestnet | Retirement Solutions, which offer a suite of services for advisor-sold retirement plans; and Envestnet | Portfolio Management Consultants that provide research and consulting services to assist advisors in creating investment solutions for their clients, and portfolio overlay and tax optimization services, as well as data aggregation and data intelligence platform, which offers cloud-based innovation for digital financial services. The company primarily serves banks, wealth management and brokerage firms, internet services companies, and registered investment advisers. Envestnet, Inc. was founded in 1999 and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.

Read MoreNatural Gas Services Group, Inc. provides natural gas compression services and equipment to the energy industry in the United States. It fabricates, manufactures, rents, and sells natural gas compressors and related equipment. The company primarily engages in the rental of compression units that provide small, medium, and large horsepower applications for unconventional oil and natural gas production. As of December 31, 2020, the company had 2,224 natural gas compression units in its rental fleet with 438,524 horsepower. The company also engages in the design, fabrication, and assembly of compressor components into compressor units for rental or sale; engineers and fabricates natural gas compressors; and designs and manufactures a line of reciprocating compressor frames, cylinders, and parts. In addition, it is involved in the design, fabrication, sale, installation, and service of flare stacks and related ignition and control devices for the onshore and offshore incineration of gas compounds, such as hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, natural gas, and liquefied petroleum gases. Further, the company offers customer support services for its compressor and flare sales business; an exchange and rebuild program for small horsepower screw compressors; and maintains an inventory of new and used compressors. Its primary customers are exploration and production(E&P) companies that utilize compressor units for artificial lift applications; E&P companies that focuses on natural gas-weighted production; and midstream companies. Natural Gas Services Group, Inc. was incorporated in 1998 and is headquartered in Midland, Texas.

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Click here to see whyFord Motor Company designs, manufactures, markets, and services a range of Ford trucks, cars, sport utility vehicles, electrified vehicles, and Lincoln luxury vehicles worldwide. It operates through three segments: Automotive, Mobility, and Ford Credit. The Automotive segment sells Ford and Lincoln vehicles, service parts, and accessories through distributors and dealers, as well as through dealerships to commercial fleet customers, daily rental car companies, and governments. The Mobility segment designs and builds mobility services; and provides self-driving systems development services. The Ford Credit segment primarily engages in vehicle-related financing and leasing activities to and through automotive dealers. It provides retail installment sale contracts for new and used vehicles; and direct financing leases for new vehicles to retail and commercial customers, such as leasing companies, government entities, daily rental companies, and fleet customers. This segment also offers wholesale loans to dealers to finance the purchase of vehicle inventory; and loans to dealers to finance working capital and enhance dealership facilities, purchase dealership real estate, and other dealer vehicle programs. Ford Motor Company has a strategic collaboration with ARB Corporation Limited to develop a suite of aftermarket products for the new Ford Bronco. The company was founded in 1903 and is based in Dearborn, Michigan.

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See how this tiny, unknown gold company secured a prime land package right next door to the worlds two largest gold producers in Nevadas famed Carlin Trend where 84 Million gold ounces have already been extracted. Best of all, investors can still get in well below US$0.50 per share.STAMFORD  Venezuelan nationals and other members of the community joined for a peaceful rally in front of the citys government center on Washington Boulevard.

The rally, held in front of 888 Washington Boulevard on Saturday, was held in conjunction with a series of worldwide rallies and protests, set up to support the people of Venezuela.

The rally was extremely peaceful and the Stamford Police Department would like to thank the organizers for coordinating with us to make this a successful extension of their First Amendment rights, said Police Capt. Diedrich Hohn

He said Stamford police work hard to be proactive in working with organizers of rallies and protests weeks prior to the scheduled event.

He said the captains of the districts explain to organizers to explain what is and is not allowed during the gathering. Then, he said, the group is vetted by police to ensure there have not been previous problems at other rallies. Officers are assigned to cover the rally for compliance purposes.

Very rarely do we need to intervene with the rally, Hohn said. In fact, simple communication to the organizer is usually all it takes to bring the rally back to order.

Hohn said the task of the police at these events is to ensure everyones safety.

We are there to keep the peace, monitor, observe and to keep the sidewalks and thoroughfares open for other, he said. Connection with the community is paramount to our success and that was evident today.GREENWICH  The announcement from First Selectman Peter Tesei that he would not seek another term as Greenwichs top elected official sent politicians scrambling for the start line of what could be a wide open 2019 municipal election.

After six terms in office, Teseis announcement created a void at the top of the Republican Party in town. But two GOP leaders have already expressed interested in filling it.

State Rep. Fred Camillo, R-151, and Board of Estimate and Taxation member Michael Mason had previously said they would be interested in running for first selectman if Tesei did not seek re-election. Following Teseis announcement, they that took that interest further.

Mason, the former chair of the BET, went so far as to declare himself an official candidate for first selectman.

The town is losing a good leader, Mason said. (Tesei) is someone who has meant a lot to this community through all of his government service.

Camillo also praised Tesei for his lifelong dedication to the town. But the six-term state representative did not go so far as to declare himself an official candidate yet.

I want to express my gratitude to the many Republicans, Democrats, independents and unaffiliated voters who have reached out and offered their encouragement for me to run for first selectman, Camillo said. Their support has been overwhelming and I am truly honored by it. I will be making an announcement shortly.

Former town Tax Collector Tod Laudonia has also been mentioned as a possible Republican candidate for first selectman. On Friday, he expressed serious interest in the position.

That would be something I would explore, Laudonia said.

Selectman John Toner, however, does not appear like he will be running for first selectman. The Republican did not reveal his plans on Friday at Teseis announcement but said he had made a decision about his political future.

Republican Town Committee Chair Richard DiPreta said the party is well positioned for the fall with many qualified candidates. However, he did not tip his hand about which candidate the RTC might back.

I know Peters decision to not seek a seventh term as first selectman was a difficult one, DiPreta said. Today I applaud the man that he is, and all that he has done for Greenwich. Tomorrow, Republicans will move forward together to continue his legacy of leadership in the First Selectmans Office.

There is also political uncertainty about what will happen with Greenwich Democrats as Selectman Sandy Litvack has not announced his plans for the 2019 election. This past week, Litvack did not answer a question about whether he would seek a second term on the board or run again for first selectman. But he said he would probably make an announcement in the next couple of weeks, and said his decision was not dependent on Teseis plans.

Litvack made waves in his run for first selectman in 2017, heavily cutting into Teseis margin of victory. While Tesei and Toner won with 75 percent of the vote in 2015, Litvack outperformed all other Democrats who had run against Tesei. In 2017s race, Tesei got 54 percent of the vote.

After the election, Litvack at first was uncertain whether he would serve as a selectman. Uner Greenwichs unique election laws, he was elected a selectman even though he ran for first selectman. He soon decided to join the board as a selectman.

Democratic Town Committee Chair Tony Turner said the party is optimistic about the fall election.

We began working as soon as the last election was over to recruit candidates to run at every level of the municipal election, Turner said. Not to sound too confident, but there is truly a line at the door.

Turner, a member of the BET, said for now he will not be a candidate for first selectman, saying the work in the Greenwich Democratic Party is not done. But he did not close the door to the idea completely. He said there will be a lot more talk within the party about who will make up the ticket.

I think Peters announcement will help to accelerate conversations for all the positions, Turner said. Were feeling very good about it. We know it will be a hard fought race, but there is some advantage to running for an open seat as opposed to unseating an incumbent.

In addition to Litvacks unexpected results in 2017, Greenwich Democrats have seen their fortunes improve in the last two election cycles. In 2017, Democrat Howard Richman was elected as tax collector and the party won control of the BET for the first time in Greenwich history.

Then in 2018, Greenwich Democrats broke Republicans historic stranglehold on the towns seats in the state Legislature. A Democrat from town won a seat in the state Senate for the first time in about 80 years, and in the state House for the first time in more than a century.

kborsuk@greenwichtime.comTara O'Neill / Hearst Connecticut Media

MILFORD  A city resident faces additional charges after he was taken into custody on two active warrants Thursday, according to police.

Timothy Aronson, 30, of New Haven Avenue in Milford, was charged with violation of probation, disorderly conduct and third-degree assault.TRIP REPORT

INDEX

Written by William



Here is a short trip report from Zurich to Zagreb on Croatia Airlines' turboprop in business class.





There were two and a half rows in business class on the Bombardier Dash 8 taking us to Zurich on this occasion. On the port side there is a row 1 and 2. On the starboard side however, there is only a row 2, which is the bulkhead row. It is also the emergency exit row, so legroom is in fact rather good here. The flight was completely full and I suspect there were at least four commercial upgrades in business class. And incidentally, the seat next to you is not kept empty in business class.









There were two ladies working the cabin and they were perfectly charming, very friendly and elegant. Of course it helps that their uniforms look pretty sharp. While we were on the ground, the crew offered Croatian newspapers and pre-packed cold towels. The flight time was announced at one hour and twenty-five minutes.









After departure, the meal was delivered on a tray. Breakfast was served and it consisted of the following:





- Fruit salad.

- Muesli with yogurt and prunes.

- A plate with cheese, tomato and olives.

- A bun and a croissant with butter and this really tasty orange and fig jam.

- Tea or coffee.

- Apple juice









I thoroughly enjoyed the meal. The muesli was tasty and quite filling, especially with the large bottle of yogurt. The fruit salad tasted fresh and the variety of cheese was good.









I had a second coffee to keep me going (awake). But it was of no use, it was just too early when I started on my way home and before I knew it, my head was tilting forward and I started dribbling into my polo shirt.





I was awakened by the cabin crew who patted me on the shoulder and asked me to replace my tray table.





Zurich Airport really is quite impressive, I must say. Despite the fact that the place is very busy with arriving and departing aircraft, by the time I reached the luggage belt I only had to wait for another two minutes before the suitcases started arriving. Mine was the third off the belt.





Overall, the flight was rather enjoyable.

Share your travel experience by submitting a trip report to exyu@exyuaviation.comThe Helotes mansion owned by felon and former state Sen. Carlos Uresti wont be heading to Tuesdays foreclosure auction, after all.

The foreclosure of the 8,100-square-foot estate at 15530 Spur Clip has been canceled, according to Brian Engel, an Austin attorney for the trustee who was going to conduct the sale. Engel had no additional information.

Daryl Fields, a spokesman for the U.S. attorneys office, confirmed the foreclosure has been canceled. A sale of the property to an undisclosed party is expected to be completed this month, he said.

A mortgage servicer for Security Service Federal Credit Union on Jan. 14 had posted the property for foreclosure. The property was slated to be sold outside the Bexar County Courthouse.

On ExpressNews.com: Uresti estate heading for foreclosure

Security Service had loaned $1.2 million to Uresti and his now-estranged wife, Lleanna, in 2014. The loan was secured by the property.

Uresti on Sept. 14 had received court approval to sell the mansion, about a week after receiving an offer. The mansion, which features six bedrooms and six full bathrooms, is listed for $1.5 million on Realtor.com.

Uresti has been trying to sell the property after his conviction nearly a year ago on 11 felonies in connection with his involvement in FourWinds Logistics, a now-defunct oil-field services company that defrauded investors.

The longtime San Antonio Democrat was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison and ordered to pay $6.3 million in restitution. He has been free on bail pending his Feb. 12 sentencing in an unrelated bribery case out of Reeves County in West Texas.

Uresti in October pleaded guilty to a single bribery conspiracy charge, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. As part of his plea, he agreed to drop the appeal of his conviction in the FourWinds case. Prosecutors have said they will recommend that Uresti serve his two sentences concurrently.

On ExpressNews.com: Uresti pleads guilty in bribery case

A court order issued following Urestis conviction in the FourWinds case barred him, his friends and family, and others from disposing of any of his assets without a judges approval.

Prosecutors asked for the order after alleging Uresti was selling furniture, statues and artwork, which they said could hinder Urestis victims ability to recover their losses.

Patrick Danner is a San Antonio-based staff writer covering banking and civil courts. Read him on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | pdanner@express-news.net | Twitter: @AlamoPDAn advocacy group alleged in a lawsuit Friday that three top state officials conspired to violate thousands of foreign-born citizens' voting rights when they advised counties to review the citizenship status of suspected non-citizen voters.

The federal lawsuit, filed in Corpus Christi by the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, names Secretary of State David Whitley, Gov. Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton as defendants. It contends that Whitley, in questioning the status of more than 95,000 registered Texas voters, singled out naturalized citizens because they were born outside the country.

Soon after Whitley sent out a Jan. 25 advisory in which he flagged registered voters who had indicated in driver license records they were not citizens, county officials discovered that the list contained thousands of citizens.

Whitley acknowledged the errors but his office has not withdrawn the list, MALDEF noted.

MORE FROM HOUSTON CHRONICLE: County officials removing thousands of names from state's list of potentially ineligible voters

The lawsuit seeks an injunction that would revoke the state's list until it proves the voters are ineligible to vote, and bar Whitley's office from probing citizens who were recently naturalized.

MALDEF's complaint claims that the state's actions violate the federal Voting Rights Act and the Fourteenth Amendment's equal protection clause.

Thomas A. Saenz, MALDEF's president and general counsel, cast the episode as further evidence of the state's "aggressive efforts to target legitimate voters and to deter or suppress their participation."

"Targeting naturalized citizens is particularly perverse given the high level of participation in voting and civic engagement among those who chose to become United States citizens," Saenz said in a statement.

Also named as a defendant is Galveston County Tax Assessor-Collector Cheryl Johnson, who mailed letters to people earlier this week seeking citizenship verification.

Abbott on Thursday noted that Whitley, whom he appointed in December, had made clear that the list contained "weak" matches. State and local election officials should work "swiftly together to make sure our voter rolls are accurate to ensure integrity in the election process," Abbott said.Greg Brockhouse has a big announcement to make.

Next Saturday, the freshman councilman will host a West Side gathering at Del Bravo Record Shop, an event the store is promoting with the retro-dream promise of food, music, classic cars and street rods.

Barring a ninth-inning curveball, Brockhouse will use the occasion to officially launch his campaign for mayor. It will be the moment, at long last, when inevitability shakes hands with political reality.

Brockhouse is a smooth-talking courier of frequently divisive messages; an affable man who often projects public anger.

His expected candidacy will mark only the second time in the past 20 years that a member of the City Council has challenged a sitting mayor. Theres a good reason why it rarely happens. Going against a dais colleague is a little like taking a family member to court. Its nasty business.

Of course, the one other council member who recently fired up an intrafamily revolt was Ron Nirenberg, who successfully challenged then-Mayor Ivy Taylor two years ago.

Neither Nirenberg nor Brockhouse particularly enjoys the comparison, but its fair to note that Nirenberg approached Taylor in much the same way that Brockhouse has handled Nirenberg: looking for openings, decrying the mayors lack of respect for process and positioning himself as an alternative to the status quo.

The big difference is that Nirenberg argued, with some justification, that the city was drifting under Taylor; that she was responding to problems but not assertively shaping San Antonios future.

Brockhouse, by contrast, has gained a following of disaffected conservatives seeking someone to put the brakes on City Hall action, not accelerate it. They resent the fact that, in one of the reddest states in the country, theyre saddled with a municipal government dedicated to equity funding, mandated paid sick leave and ambitious climate change initiatives.

On ExpressNews.com: Saldana, Brockhouse in spat over smuggling incident

Brockhouse is an imperfect messenger for those conservative interests because hes less a right-wing ideologue than an intuitive populist.

After all, he worked as a council staffer for Mary Alice Cisneros and Rey Saldana, both Democrats, and built his name (and grew his bank account) by advising the police and fire unions in their efforts to secure rich, budget-bulging contracts with the city. But hes the only real messenger theyve got.

On ExpressNews.com: Waiting is hardest part for mayoral hopefuls

As Brockhouse approaches his big announcement, hes making an unmistakable pivot. On Monday, he called on his obstinate allies in the San Antonio Professional Firefighters Association to return to the bargaining table after four years of stonewalling.

In what felt like a perfectly synchronized piece of political choreography, the fire union responded by declaring their newfound willingness to negotiate and crediting Brockhouse with inspiring their conciliatory move.

Brockhouse also has gone to extraordinary lengths to praise Erik Walsh  whom the council appointed Thursday to be the next city manager  after years of dogging his predecessor and mentor, Sheryl Sculley.

Brockhouse said Thursday that he was honored and proud to vote for Walshs appointment and told him, The work youre going to do, I think, is going to be transformative, and Im really thankful for your friendship and helping keep me straight.

The fly in the ointment had recast himself as the mayorly peacemaker.

Will it sell?

It depends on whether Brockhouse can pass the Ted Kennedy/Roger Mudd test: answer, in a coherent way, why he wants to be mayor and what he hopes to accomplish, other than simply beating Nirenberg. Is he running simply because hes come too far in his two-year crusade against Nirenberg to turn back now, or does he have a coherent alternative vision for the city?

Nirenberg, a decent, earnest man whose dedication to public service is stronger than his political acumen, will carry into the election a strong portfolio of effort  on transportation, housing, environmental policy, etc.  and a limited record of concrete achievement.

Will Brockhouse castigate him for doing too much or fault him for not doing enough?

In Brockhouses council District 6, local attorney Melissa Cabello Havrda is not waiting for him to make his announcement. Havrda, who lost a heartbreaking runoff to the councilman two years ago, formally launched her council campaign Saturday.

I dont know, one way or another, if he (Brockhouse) is going to run for mayor or run for District 6, Havrda told me. But my thinking was that I wanted to pick up where I left off.

If Brockhouse wavers at the last minute and decides to stay put in District 6, hell face a major challenge from Havrda. If he follows through with his mayoral bid, hell be climbing a hill with the wind in his face.

But underestimating Brockhouse in 2019 is a bit like underestimating Donald Trump in 2016: tempting, but foolish.

Gilbert Garcia is a columnist covering the San Antonio and Bexar County area. Read him on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | ggarcia@express-news.net | Twitter: @gilgamesh470Wearing a clean, new cowboy hat, little Colt Grist came dressed for the Western Heritage Parade and Cattle Drive.

The 4-year-old was among hundreds clustered in front of the Alamo on Saturday morning as the sound of hooves clopping along downtown streets mixed with cheers from the crowd. Colts mom gave him a piggyback ride for a clear view of the cowboys on horseback driving close to 100 longhorns past the historic mission.

Logan Frank, 11, stood beside Colt, caught up in the scene. The San Antonio Pipes & Drums was his favorite parade participant, but the cattle came in a close second.

There were a lot of them, he said. They were cool.

The parade and cattle drive kicked off the official start of the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, with participants representing the legacy of the Old West and the Lone Star State. The procession started at 11 a.m., going from Interstate 35 along West Houston Street, east to Alamo Street and ending at La Villita at Nueva Street.

Related: San Antonio was pulse of great cattle drives

The Stock Show & Rodeo starts Thursday at the AT&T Center and the adjacent Freeman Coliseum. Activities will continue through Feb. 24.

Veronica Flores, parade coordinator, said the route is reminiscent of trails that fed into San Antonio. Her favorite part of the parade is watching the faces of little kids who are seeing a horse up close for the first time.

Its definitely something you dont see every day, Flores said. Its not a typical parade.

The parade was one of several rodeo-related events that took place Saturday.

On Pleasanton Road, hundreds came out for the Third Annual Bexar County Rodeo Breakfast, where more than 10,000 free breakfast tacos were handed out.

Before the parade began, runners and walkers took part in the Stock Show Stampede 5K Run/Walk at La Villita. The historic arts village was also the site for the Rodeo Wrangler Breakfast and the new Vaquero Cook-Off, which featured entries for charro beans, carne guisada, menudo and Spanish rice.

At the parade, the herd moved at a fast clip. At East Market Street, a cowboy nudged his horse toward orange-protective netting lining the curb so a boy could pet the animal.

His name is Bandit, the cowboy told the youngster.

By the time the center ranks of the parade passed Alamo Plaza, the cowboys were corralling steers near La Villita.

Fog obscured the top floors of the Hilton Palacio Del Rio, as several guests were watching the procession from their balconies.

A variety of groups followed the herd. Members of the South San Antonio High School FFA bore their banner with pride. Onlookers cheered the pageantry of Escaramuza Rosas de Castilla, an all-female equestrian group wearing multicolored ruffled dresses.

Mayor Ron Nirenberg was among the people lining South Alamo capturing scenes with cellphone cameras.

Top hits: Get San Antonio Express-News stories sent directly to your inbox

Julian Rodriguez, 28, sat along a low wall across from Ripleys-Believe-It-or-Not! on South Alamo. In past years, hed arrive early for the familys favorite spot at Houston and St. Mary streets, but he was running behind Saturday. He said he did make it in time to watch the military entrants, such as the Fort Hood 1st Cavalry Division Horse Detachment and the Bexar County Buffalo Soldiers.

Its always good, Rodriguez said. I like the history.

Vincent T. Davis is a reporter in the Greater San Antonio and Bexar County area. Read him on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | vtdavis@express-news.net | Twitter: @vincentdavisWhen a Colorado man heard that the Archdiocese of San Antonio would release its list of priests credibly accused of the sexual abuse of minors last week, he was ready to click on the document as soon as it went online.

His own predator priest  who he said molested, kissed and fondled him over the course of 10 years, stalked him and finally sexually assaulted him  was there for the public to see: Father Galeb Mokarzel.

The entry was short, easy to overlook in a report that covered almost 80 years and 150 sex-abuse accusations against 54 priests. But it offered some relief  now 70, the man had only recently begun to grapple with what happened to him half a century ago as a high school student, he said.

As with several victims who spoke to the Express-News after the long-awaited report was released, the Colorado mans story takes longer to tell than its simple summary: In 2019, a survivor alleged that as a minor teenager he was sexually abused by Mokarzel in the 1960s.

He and the other victims didnt want the newspaper to publish their names. They spoke of the stigma they felt, problems with family members, guilt, anger, and how their experiences with a priest affected their faith.

Clergy sexual abuse The Archdiocese of San Antonio released a report Thursday identifying priests "credibly accused" of sexual abuse since 1941. Find the report at ExpressNews.com/clergy. The Lay Commission on Clergy Sexual Abuse issued a separate report on the archdiocese's procedures for handling abuse complaints. Go to ExpressNews.com/laycommission to read the report. Victims Anyone who has suffered sexual abuse or knows of such an incident is asked to contact police and the Archdiocesan Office of Victim Assistance and Safe Environment at 210-734-7786 or 877-700-1888. See More Collapse

It remains an incomplete reckoning. Only a few of the priests were charged or went to prison. Some are long dead.

Texas removed the statute of limitations for the most serious crimes against children in 2007, but anything that occurred prior to September of 1987 probably cannot be prosecuted because its just too old of an offense, Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales said in a prepared statement.

To compile the report, the archdiocese defined sexual abuse of a minor using Texas laws against human trafficking, sexual assault, indecency with a child and other related offenses. Its own review board examined records of allegations dating to 1940, in some cases consulting with outside professionals, to see if there was reason to believe the allegation was true.

In the end, it identified the highest number of credibly accused priests among Texass dioceses, which together named nearly 300 in a simultaneous statewide accounting. Often based on a single uncorroborated statement of the abuse survivor sometimes the conclusion was bolstered by multiple accusations, criminal convictions or priests own admissions of guilt, the report stated.

Over the years, the archdiocese has tightened its response to initial outcries of abuse. Today it reports the allegations to police if the priest is alive and hires a private investigative firm led by a retired FBI agent if the initial evidence justifies an investigation, the report stated.

Across the nation, the allegations are tearing the Church apart, Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller wrote in the opening words of the report. Its release Thursday does not bring an end to this work; it will continue.

A retired law enforcement officer, the Colorado man said he has been writing reports about his abuse, filing complaints against Mokarzel with police departments, with the priests religious order, the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, and with the San Antonio archdiocese and the dioceses of Brownsville and Dallas.

He tells them, as best he can, where and when the assaults happened, naming churches, buildings and rooms, starting in San Antonio with the now-closed St. Anthony High School Seminary that the Oblates ran.

He tells of the time Mokarzel followed him and other seminarians when they traveled to the South Texas town of Sarita, where their Oblate Novitiate class was located, and about a stop they made in McAllen.

He wrote of being in a room in the rectory next to a parish church in McAllen for hours as Mokarzel initially molested, abused, and assaulted me; I then recall taking a short nap, and awaking when he abused and molested me again  he fondled me, my entire genital area, inside and outside of my pants, and upper body; Mokarzel continuously and repeatedly kissed me, and for long periods at a time, with his tongue completely inserted in my mouth.

What I recall about this and all my assaults by him, is the side of his face rubbing against mine, as he had what I can only describe as heavy stubble or facial hair, like sand paper, he wrote. I will never forget that.

The Oblates concluded the allegation was credible and placed Mokarzel under supervision at a retirement facility in San Antonio, the archdiocese report states.

A family friend

A registered nurse in St. Louis, Missouri, began watching Garcia-Sillers address Thursday on her cell phone, but turned it off after a few minutes, flooded by memories of being groped by a priest here in 1980.

I got so annoyed at the churchy part when they talk about how much they care that I couldnt watch anymore, said the woman, 56. I dropped my faith altogether after trying to get the church to deal with this correctly.

She said Father Charles H. Miller, 84, a Marianist priest, was a family friend when he taught at St. Louis University. By 1980, when she was 17 and a high school senior, he was a theology professor at St. Marys University and invited her to San Antonio to look at nursing schools.

During that visit, she said in interviews with the Express-News in 2009 and last week, the priest gave her massages, fondled her breasts and further abused her on a camping trip at Pedernales Falls State Park.

I dont want to state what else happened. I dont feel comfortable. I kind of pretended like it didnt happen, she said. I blocked it so much that I even had him come to my first wedding in 1987.

In 2005, the woman grew upset when she came across an old family photo of a grinning Miller hugging her when she was about 14, his hand on her buttocks.

She wrote him, asking him to acknowledge the abuse. She also wrote to the Marianists, notifying its provincial, or national leader, of her allegations. At the time, Miller, a former dean of the universitys School of Humanities and Social Sciences, was directing overseas trips for St. Marys alumni.

A Marianist review board validated her claims two years later  after she prodded them with another letter  and paid for years of counseling. St. Marys forced Miller to resign. He lives in a Marianist facility in Rome, under supervision  removed from both priestly ministry and university service, a Marianist official said.

On ExpressNews.com: St. Marys ousted former dean after abuse complaint

The nurse said she never consulted an attorney or considered reporting the incidents to police. I just didnt want him to continue to hurt anyone, she said.

Attempts to reach Miller in Rome were unsuccessful.

The woman said few Catholics understand that priests in religious orders can escape accountability from bishops, who control only their diocesan priests.

A lay commission that reviewed the abuse allegations in the archdioceses report issued its own conclusions Thursday, saying both the archdiocese and religious orders had improved their responses to complaints in the past decade but recommending more precise coordination.

Thomas Mengler, the St. Marys president, chaired the lay commission. Five of its seven members were St. Marys graduates, he noted in a letter to the university community. In it, Mengler called the church-wide abuse crisis devastating and said St. Marys and the Marianists were committed to protecting students, reporting abuse claims to police and supporting survivors.

One priest, 10 victims

In 1963, a third grader at the St. Vincent de Paul school near Lackland AFB came to dread his teacher's daily selection of a boy to bring milk to the class from the priests office.

Wed knock on the door, said the former student, now 63, who asked to be identified only as David. And there would be Father (Michael J.) OSullivan. Hed stop you and make small talk  and then hed say, `Come here and hug me.

And Im 9 or 10, hugging him, and he would grab my hand and put it on his penis outside his pants. I knew as a kid that this was wrong and pull my hand away, but hed say, `Dont worry, son, and put it back. It happened several times, enough that I never wanted the teacher to choose me to get the milk.

David called the Express-News after reading of the archdiocese report, which documented 10 allegations of abuse against OSullivan, starting in 1962 when he was at Blessed Sacrament Parish in San Antonio.

The report says OSullivan was treated by a psychiatrist after the 1962 incident, assigned to St. Vincent de Paul, where he re-offended, then was sent to a residential treatment center in Georgia. The archdiocese refused to take him back but the diocese of Savannah, Georgia, accepted him in 1965. After that diocese suspended him in 1971 for molesting a child, he returned to his native Ireland, where more allegations were made.

David said he asked his parents what had happened to OSullivan and they said he had gotten sick and had to go away.

As I got older I really had forgotten about it. It never really affected me, but after my father died in 2001, I mentioned the incident to my mother after the funeral and said something like, `Im really glad you turned OSullivan in, and she said, We never turned him in.

It was not until 2006 that OSullivan was referred to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith to seek his removal from the priesthood. He died in 2013.

Im sure the abuse happened to a lot of boys back at St. Vincent de Paul, said David, who went on to San Diego State University, joined the Navy and is now a retired engineer.

He was representing God. He used peoples faith to prey on them.

Still coming forward

Some victims stories are still being reported and investigated, though the archdiocese declined to say how many new ones it has received since Thursday.

A man who lives in Georgia and works for a nonprofit organization said he told the archdiocese Friday about abuse he endured 50 years ago from Father Patrick Walsh at St. Anthony de Padua Parish here.

Now 60, the San Antonio native said he long has feared what the traumatizing information might do to his mother, who is still alive.

It was my mother, unknowingly, who put me in harms way, the man said, describing how Walsh would call her to ask that her son, an altar boy, be sent to the parish to help prepare for Mass or do chores.

I would tell mom that I did not feel well, the man said. I didnt want to go. She was quite insistent and would never go against the wishes of a priest.

For two years, the man said, Walsh fondled him and forced him to undress in the priests bedroom.

My perpetrator did not make the list of reported abusers, the man said. I have suffered in silence.

But he did confront Walsh 30 years ago, face to face, and the priest both denied the abuse and asked for forgiveness, the man said.

It began on the day he and another boy told Walsh they wanted to be altar boys. I recall vividly that Father Walsh asked the (other) boy to sit outside in the parking lot, then walked him behind the altar to the sacristy and fondled him.

I didnt know what was going on. I knew it wasnt right, I knew, he said. But as a 10-year-old, I couldnt reason. I never said a word to my friend as we walked home.

Over the years, he told a few friends, but no one in his family. He said Walsh gave him money after each episode, from a few quarters to $5. He recalled not being able to get the priests odor off him. It took forever, he said.

One time my older sister saw me in a fetal position in bed after I came back (from church), he said, crying during the interview and unable to speak for a few moments. She hugged me and said, Whats wrong? What is wrong with you?

He said he was in therapy, never married and that the abuse even kept him from developing close relationships with his nieces and nephews. But he hasnt let it define him or affect his relationship with God  he has devoted his life to working for nonprofit causes and has been generally happy, he said.

The Georgia man said he never gave Walsh the forgiveness he asked for.

The priest, he said, had told him he prays for me and the people that he has offended, the man recalled. I told him, No, you need to pray for you, not for me, pray for your soul.

He said Walsh also worked at St. Henrys Catholic Church, which the archdiocese spokesman, Jordan McMorrough, verified Friday, though he could not say where Walsh might be residing or if he was alive.

All new allegations are being processed according to the policies stated in the archdiocesan report, McMorrough said. He could not confirm if the Georgia mans account was among them.

Elaine Ayala covers religion and minority affairs in the San Antonio and Bexar County area. Read her on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | eayala@express-news.net | Twitter: @ElaineAyalaAUSTIN  After Justice of the Peace Judge Nicholas Chu called their case numbers, four defendants casually made their way to the front of the Travis County courtroom.

Im going to read you your rights, let you know what youre being charged with, and let you know about the next steps of the process, Chu said. You have all been charged with theft of property, a Class B misdemeanor.

Within 10 minutes, Chu approved their bonds and directed them to a building across the courtyard, where they had their mugshots taken and were fingerprinted. Within an hour and a half, the four defendants were on their way.

They were taking part in Travis Countys cite-and-release program, a sort of shortcut through the criminal justice labyrinth.

Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales said something similar will be coming to San Antonio this spring.

That has been a pet project of mine, he said.

Under cite and release, people accused of certain low-level misdemeanors, such as theft, possession of a few ounces of marijuana or driving with an invalid license, are issued citations rather than arrested. In some ways, the citation is like a traffic ticket.

Cite and release can be paired with programs that divert offenders cases from the regular court system, making that process shorter and faster. Depending on the specifics of the program in a particular county, the offender can avoid a criminal record.

Cite and release in Bexar County These offenses could become eligible for cite and release in Bexar County: Class A possession of marijuana, 2 to 4 ounces Class B possession of marijuana, 2 ounces or less Class B theft Class B theft of service Class B driving with an invalid license See More Collapse

Cite-and-release programs have been lauded for freeing up police officers time to focus on more serious crimes, especially violent ones. The programs also can help unclog courts and open up space in jails.

Defendants benefit, too. Now, someone accused of a Class A or B misdemeanor is arrested, handcuffed, taken to jail and booked, before bonding out several hours later. The person could lose a day of work or school and, in some situations, have his or her car impounded.

Worse, there is a permanent criminal record, which can hinder a persons ability to get a job or housing. San Antonio police arrested 6,563 people in 2017 for misdemeanors that could fall under cite and release.

In Travis County, the defendants in Chus courtroom that day had been cited by a police officer and instructed to appear in court sometime within a month.

Because they were charged with theft and ineligible for pretrial diversion, they had to be fingerprinted and booked. But other defendants, those accused of marijuana possession for example, could have been directed to a pretrial diversion program and avoided a criminal record.

Gonzales told the San Antonio Express-News that he has looked at Travis Countys cite-and-release program and a similar one for marijuana possession in Harris County. Travis Countys more closely matches what he said he wants for San Antonio.

Former District Attorney Nico LaHood, whom Gonzales defeated in last years Democratic primary, launched a pilot cite-and-release program with the Bexar County Sheriffs Office last year, but it was marred by problems from the start.

Still, sheriffs deputies continue to issue citations even as Gonzales works out the details of a revised program.

If it gets a couple people out of my jail, thats a good thing, Sheriff Javier Salazar said last week.

On ExpressNews.com: Records show cite and release had rocky beginning

According to Gonzales, Bexar County cite and release will apply to: possession of less than 4 ounces of marijuana, theft, theft of service  such as leaving a restaurant without paying the bill  and driving with an invalid license.

Gonzales said he would pair cite and release with a diversion program for each of the offenses.

Graffiti and criminal mischief, two other crimes that are eligible under state law for cite and release, will not be included.

He said anyone who receives a citation will be required to appear before a prosecutor to determine whether he or she is eligible for a pretrial diversion program. If not, the case would be handled as a criminal case.

Those in pretrial diversion will not have their mugshot taken or be fingerprinted, avoiding a criminal record, Gonzales said. They would be required to take a class or complete community service. If they dont, then they would face a criminal charge. Such diversion programs are used in the criminal justice system now.

The prosecutor will decide on a case-by-case basis who goes into the diversion program , Gonzales said. Those with a lengthy criminal record may not be eligible.

Gonzales said he hopes to have the cite-and-release program ready by Fiesta in April.

He anticipates cite and release will operate from in the Bexar County Re-entry Services Program on South Comal Street, where dozens of organizations provide support for people who have been incarcerated.

The San Antonio City Council will discuss cite and release Feb. 13, though it is not clear what, if any action, the council would take. Gonzales does not need the councils approval to proceed.

Laquita Garcia, a campaign coordinator for the Texas Organizing Project, a nonprofit that advocates for criminal justice reform, said she is hopeful Gonzales program will be successful, but has several concerns.

She wants the City Council to pass a cite-and-release ordinance, which could shield the program from any future changes in leadership at the district attorneys office or the Police Department.

On ExpressNews.com: SAPD is ready to implement cite and release

Another concern is the potential for discrimination.

San Antonio Police Chief William McManus supports cite and release but has said his department would participate only if officers are given the discretion to decide when to issue a citation.

Such discretion, Garcia thinks, could lead to racial disparities in citations, like those that have been documented involving traffic stops in some places. Police departments should be required to track which officers issue citations and how often, she said.

She said the program could be invaluable for people accused of low-level crimes, especially those who express remorse.

Im not justifying crime, Garcia said. But theres a reason why crime happens to a degree. I believe violent criminals should be in jail. But if you live up to your mistake, then you should be given another opportunity.

Paving the way

Cite-and-release programs started after 2007 when the Texas Legislature, in response to overcrowded county jails, passed a bill that set up an alternative to arresting and booking people accused of certain Class A or B misdemeanors.

Travis County was one of a handful that quickly adopted cite and release.

Over the years, it evolved and Travis added a diversion program that allows people accused of certain crimes  including possession of marijuana and driving with an invalid license  to take a class rather than have an arrest on their record.

The program has had growing pains. Since its inception, about 40 percent of defendants who received citations have failed to appear.

Joe Ptak, who heads Texans Smart on Crime, a group working to implement cite-and-release statewide, said some people dont realize they are required to show up in court after receiving a citation.

Last month, several of the defendants in Judge Chus courtroom were confused by the process. One woman asked if she could pay a fee to get the case dismissed. No, Chu explained, she needed to attend a pretrial hearing and speak to a lawyer to discuss her options.

This year, in an effort to address the no-show rate, Travis County plans to hire staff to track down the people who dont appear in court.

Commander Pat Connor, who oversees the Austin Police Departments cite-and-release program, said officers should stress to the people they cite the importance of appearing in court on time; otherwise a warrant will be issued for their arrest and they could face an additional charge.

The department now is designing a pamphlet to get the word out.

Theres always going to be kinks, Connor said. Were constantly trying to make it better.

He said the cite-and-release program still is an asset for police officers, who otherwise would spend several hours transporting and booking a suspect who will bond out within a few hours due to the relative minor nature of the misdemeanor.

Its also a help to offenders, especially those who are indigent and cant afford to miss a day of work because of an arrest or pay the fees associated with getting their cars impounded, Connor said.

The judge agreed.

Instead of wasting peoples time and wasting the countys resources to arrest an individual, we can use those resources to focus on violent crime, Chu said.

In 2017, Harris County established a similar program that focuses solely on marijuana possession.

Nathan Beedle, the misdemeanor division chief at the Harris County district attorneys office, said no other county in the nation has one exactly like it.

Rather than issuing a citation, police officers in Harris County direct the individual to sign a contract agreeing to take a four-hour class about marijuana within 90 days. No arrest, no criminal record, no court appearance.

If the individual fails to complete the class, then prosecutors can file a criminal charge.

There is no limit to the number of times a person can take the class.

Since enacting the policy in March 2017, Needle said the benefits have been immeasurable. The district attorneys office has filed more cases against violent offenders, he said, not because there is more violent crime but due to the increase in resources.

Looking back

San Antonio resident Joe Bolivar said he wishes a cite-and-release program existed in 2013, when he first was arrested.

Bolivar, 32, was the first person in his family to graduate from high school and continue to college, but soon after, his life took turn for the worse.

In college, he began hanging out with the wrong crowd. He picked up a drug habit. His desire for cocaine soon turned into a need for heroin, which he couldnt afford.

I never saw myself as a thief, Bolivar said. But its what I needed to do to pay for the drugs.

Bolivar, who had a clean record, was arrested twice in 2013 on misdemeanor theft charges, both of which would be eligible for cite and release now.

Both times he pleaded no contest. In November 2013, he was sentenced to 30 days in jail and ordered to pay a $500 fine in addition to court costs, according to court records.

Both times, Bolivar said the judge didnt ask why Bolivar was stealing or suggest any type of drug treatment program. He kept using.

Over the next five years, Bolivar was in and out a jail. Only once, Bolivar said, did a judge offer any type of drug treatment program. It wasnt until early last year that during another stint in jail, he decided to get clean. Since then, he said, hes been drug-free.

He said a pretrial diversion program that included drug treatment could have helped address the underlying causes of his criminal behavior.

Its a struggle every day, but this time Im really done, Bolivar said. It doesnt get me anywhere but the bottom.

Emilie Eaton is a criminal justice reporter in the San Antonio and Bexar County area. Read her on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | eeaton@express-news.net | Twitter: @emilieeatonMourners stood near the altar of Christian World Worship Center church, their heads bowed and arms raised, surrounding family members of King Jay Davila as they prayed.

More than 75 people gathered at the church Saturday morning for a memorial service honoring the infant who was found dead in a backpack in a field on the North East side.

His father, Christopher Davila, 34, has been charged with child endangerment, injury to a child and tampering with evidence and two other relatives face charges of tampering with evidence in the case.

But Jasmine McGill, an advocate who has been working with other members of his family, said that while a handful of adults failed King Jay, many of his relatives are beautiful, beautiful people.

Although Baby King Jay has quickly become San Antonios baby, we know that he leaves behind a family that grieves his loss, said Kenny Vallespin, a pastor from Summit Christian Center who spoke at the service.

Many relatives from King Jays maternal family, as well as neighbors and family friends, gathered Saturday first at the church and then in the field where the body was found.

Before leaving the church, Pastor Paco Garcia called all attendees toward the pulpit, asking them to surround the family with love and prayers.

Let them feel your warmth, your closeness, your friendship, he said.

In the field near Christopher Davilas home, where King Jays body was discovered, family members laid bouquets and planted wildflower seeds, hoping to beautify the site of the tragedy.

We dont want this to be a place of sorrow and grief, said Pamela Allen, a longtime advocate and co-founder of Eagles Flight Advocacy & Outreach, an organization that provides support and burial services for abandoned infants and children who are victims of deadly abuse. We want this place to bloom. We want to remember him, she said.

Four doves were released  one first in honor of King Jay, followed by three more to represent the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. But while three flew away together, the first settled on the overpass directly above the discovery site, remaining there without moving while the family gathered below.

Members of Riders United 4 Children and Guardians of the Children, groups of bikers who advocate against child abuse, escorted mourners, helping them across the small creek running through the field, while others picked up trash near the memorial.

Brenda Godinez, a close family friend, thanked neighbors and community members for coming together for the event.

While King Jays burial was private, the ceremony was a chance to mourn and grieve collectively, she said.

Before dispersing, they gathered again in the field, holding hands and forming a circle around the family while Garcia prayed, asking again to surround them with love.

Many of the speakers Saturday called on attendees to be voices against child abuse, and to speak for other children who, like King Jay, cant speak for themselves.

So many kids need a voice, McGill said. We can change the fate of so many other kids.

LTeitz@Express-News.netThe 2020 primary battle has started early for Rep. Henry Cuellar, a Laredo Democrat with conservative leanings who hasnt had a serious challenge in more than 10 years.

Justice Democrats, the group that recruited freshman firebrand Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to run for office in New York, announced earlier this month that ousting Cuellar will be its top priority in the 2020 primary elections, calling him a fake Democrat.

Were now leading a grassroots candidate recruitment effort to find a real Democrat to run against Cuellar, the group said. That effort also includes a Primary Cuellar Fund to raise small-dollar donations, though the group has not said whether any candidates have stepped forward or how much money the fund has raised in its first few weeks.

Cuellar has been one of the least liberal members of his caucus since he arrived in the House of Representatives in 2005. He is a member of the fiscally-conservative Blue Dog Coalition and has supported the oil and gas industries  his 28th Congressional District, which stretches from San Antonios East Side to Laredo, includes part of the Eagle Ford Shale reserves.

His support for oil is a particularly egregious transgression for liberal groups like Justice Democrats that are pushing a wholesale diversion from fossil fuels. The group lists a Green New Deal as the first item of its platform, describing the program as meeting 100 percent of power demands with renewable energy sources.

Hes ideologically a pretty obvious choice for them to target, said Walter Wilson, a professor of political science at the University of Texas at San Antonio, where he studies American politics and legislatures.

In targeting Cuellar, Justice Democrats also pointed to his A-rating from the National Rifle Association last year and his 68.8 percent Trump Score, a tracker from the news site FiveThirtyEight that monitors how often members vote in line with the presidents interests. Cuellars score was the highest among House Democrats last Congress.

Cuellars team said his moderate tendencies on Capitol Hill are reflective of his constituents, and that he doesnt cast votes based on political metrics.

We feel that we know the district pretty well, and we feel that his voting pattern reflects the diversity and the values of the district, said Colin Strother, his campaign manager. This isnt some liberal stronghold. Theres a lot of oil and gas, a lot of hunting and fishing in this district.

The congressman is popular among his colleagues and a prolific fundraiser. He also has a spot on the powerful appropriations committee charged with writing the federal budget. Strother said Cuellar has leveraged that position to pour millions of dollars into San Antonio, including for the Mission Reach and San Pedro Creek projects.

In a relatively low-turnout affair like a Texas primary, where only the most energized voters turn out, I think anyone could be vulnerable, Wilson said.

The congressman himself got to Washington after toppling an incumbent in a primary. He won a bitter and incredibly narrow victory over San Antonian Ciro Rodriguez in 2004.

Cuellar has mostly eluded electoral challenges since then. He hasnt faced a serious primary opponent in more than a decade.

The congressmans camp also points to his leadership position in the House of Representatives. He is the second-most senior member of the Bexar County delegation, the only Texas Democrat on appropriations and a senior whip under Rep. James Clyburn, House Speaker Nancy Pelosis top deputy. He is also the only border delegate on the congressional conference negotiating border security.

He holds some very, very important committee assignments, and hes a pretty senior member of the leadership at this point, Strother said. Itd be a huge loss for Bexar County and the entire region if he were unseated.

But Justice Democrats hasnt shied from targeting senior leadership in the past. The organization helped propel several newcomers to Congress over popular and long-serving incumbents in 2018.

Ocasio-Cortezs win over Joe Crowley, then one of the highest-ranking Democratic congressmen, was the most eye-popping upset. The group also backed Rep. Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts in her victory over Michael Capuano, who had been in Congress for 20 years.

Justice Democrats said it would look for a progressive, working class leader who will better represent the policy preferences of the Democratic base in the district.

They have time. The filing deadline for the March 2020 primary elections isnt until December.

Dylan McGuinness covers local politics and the Bexar County government for the Express-News. Read him on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | dylan.mcguinness@express-news.net | Twitter: @DylMcGuinnessOn Saturday, the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo received a celebratory kick off South Side Style. Hundreds of South Side residents rose early to attend the third annual Bexar County Rodeo Breakfast in the BiblioTech parking lot, located at 3505 Pleasanton Road.

Officials said the event was their way to celebrate the spirit and ways of rodeo season. It was one of several events leading up to the Stock Show & Rodeo, which will start Thursday.

Police officers stopped traffic for clusters of people crossing to the parking lot as Tejano music blared from speakers. Volunteers offered a variety of information, ranging from health tips to how to register to vote.

Local dignitaries gathered on stage, including Precinct 1 County Commissioner Sergio Chico Rodriguez and Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff to express their gratitude to the community.

The South Side is alive and well, Wolff said. Thank you for being here this morning and celebrating the South Side of San Antonio.

Related: Western Heritage Parade and Cattle Drive kicks off San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo

They were joined by other notables, including El Rey Feo, Dr. Salvatore Barbaro III, and the Spurs Coyote, who led the throng in chants of Go Spurs, Go!

A light drizzle fell as long lines of attendees filed up to several food-vendor tents.

Blue-gloved volunteers handed out free breakfast tacos of different varieties, including country sausage and egg, barbacoa and menudo. Officials said more than 10,000 free tacos were prepared for the event.

Smoke drifted from smoldering grills. Volunteers, wearing plastic gloves, wrapped the hundreds of tacos in aluminum foil. Cooks chopped sausage and egg spreads with spatulas.

Warren Dean, project manager with consulting engineering firm, Terracon, said the attendance was doubled last years estimate of 1,000 people. Dean was one of 11 volunteers from his company. He said they recognized people they had worked with professionally in the neighborhood.

Its a fantastic turnout, Dean said. Its great to come out here and give back to the community.

People surrounded Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar on his horse, and two fellow members of the Bexar County Mounted Patrol.

Each of their horses is named after a fallen deputy. His horses name is Sgt Kenny, after Sgt. Kenneth Gary Vann Sr., who was killed in 2011 while on duty.

These are moving tributes to our deputies, Salazar said.

Top hits: Get San Antonio Express-News stories sent directly to your inbox

Kids lingered at the petting zoo, which featured a llama, porcupine and rabbits. At noon, the parking was still crowded and lines still stretched from the booths.

The breakfast was the first area event for Samantha Hernandez, her husband, Oscar, and their three daughters. She said theyre happy living in the community where they plan to raise their girls, who range in ages from newborn to 4.

Oscar Hernandez, 30, agreed, saying they had chosen the best place for their family.

If you ask some people, they dont have anything good to say about the South Side, Samantha Hernandez, 30, said. Its very diverse here, and you can see all types of people and resources. Everybody is together in a safe environment.

Vincent T. Davis is a reporter in the Greater San Antonio and Bexar County area. Read him on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | vtdavis@express-news.net | Twitter: @vincentdavisSCHERTZ  The board of trustees of Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City Independent School District voted Saturday to censure trustee Gary Inmon for the second time in less than a year and asked him to resign, days after he pleaded guilty to two felony charges.

In a resolution approved 6-0, trustees said that this censure is the only option available to the board and requested his immediate resignation. Inmon abstained from voting and did not resign.

As he left the building after the special meeting, Inmon said, Ill give it some thought and will follow up with the board.

He said in a text message last week that his actions were solely personal in nature and were not related to SCUC-ISD or the Board of Trustees.

Trustees vehemently disagreed with that claim during the meeting but said that, legally, they were not able to take action to remove him.

Inmon, an attorney, admitted Wednesday to misapplying fiduciary property and to committing aggravated perjury. He was the executor for the estate of a 91-year-old woman who died in Schertz in 2016 and whose assets were valued at more than $130,000. The beneficiaries of her will never received the proceeds, a lawyer for one of her stepchildren said in a court filing.

As part of the plea agreement, Inmon is required to pay $120,000 in restitution. He made a $60,000 payment toward that Wednesday.

Because Inmon has not been finally convicted of a felony by a jury, our hands are tied, board president Robert Westbrook said.

If Inmon refuses to resign, the board will seek to limit his ability to represent the district publicly, Westbrook said. Inmon will not be able to use district funds to travel to conferences or events, he said, including an upcoming presentation he is scheduled to give at a national conference.

Board vice president Amy Driesbach refuted Inmons claim that his actions dont reflect the district because board members and staff have had to devote time and money to addressing it.

Inmon, who was elected in 2000, is the boards longest-serving member. Driesbach said that by digging in and staying on the board rather than resigning, he is negating all the good hes done for the district previously.

She asked him to uphold the same traits that the district expects of its graduates, including leadership and good moral character, and to resign.

I wish there was more we could do, board member David Pevoto said. Were limited by statute and law.

Pevoto previously spoke in favor of Inmon after he was arrested and charged with assaulting his adult stepson during an altercation in late 2017.

Inmon, who has not been indicted in that case, has said he was acting completely in self-defense to protect himself and his son, then 8. Pevoto spoke in defense of that action but said Saturday that this is totally out of that spectrum and asked him to resign.

Trustee Letticia Sever said she worries about the message that Inmons actions send to the districts students, who are expected to act ethically, and to the community, whose trust in the board is vital.

If we dont have the publics trust, we have nothing, she said.

The resolution said Inmons personal matters continue to be a distraction to the board and hurt the district by attracting negative attention, damaging its reputation among parents and the community and affecting staff morale.

Several community members attended the meeting and applauded trustees calls for Inmons resignation.

If Gary had an ounce of character and integrity, he would resign, Michael Dahle said.

Every month, we honor students for their leadership, Irene Petrisky said. He needs to be an example.

Its a betrayal to the community he grew up in, she said.

The board previously voted to censure Inmon in June 2018 after he was indicted, publicly voicing its disapproval of his actions.PARK CITY, Utah  Tim Tsai wasnt even born when tensions between Vietnamese refugees and longtime commercial crab fisherman on the South Texas coast erupted into violence, catapulting the small town of Seadrift into the national news in 1979.

But the Austin-based filmmaker became obsessed with telling the story after reading about it in a book called Asian Texans, with a chapter on Vietnamese Texans detailed by sociologist Thao Ha, a Houston native. The result is Seadrift, a riveting documentary that premiered at the Slamdance Film Festival, a showcase for independent filmmakers that takes place at the same time as the larger Sundance Film Festival.

When you think about Texas history and civil rights history, you dont think about Asian-Americans, but this story really is a significant part of American history, the 38-year-old filmmaker told an appreciative audience after the screening.

Tsai had been working on the project for more than seven years but needed additional funds when he learned in late November of last year that the film was accepted to Slamdance. The films co-producer Andrew Lee launched a Kickstarter campaign that raised more than $50,000 in 31 days to finish the film in time for the festival, which began Jan. 25.

Says Lee, a Sugar Land native, Ive done five funding campaigns (for other films), and its the quickest one Ive done.

Tense and timely

The project was started long before Donald Trump was elected president, but Tsai believes it remains timely because its themes of the debate over immigration and fears stoked by white nationalists remain a focal point of todays news.

What has struck me working on the film, the archival footage of what (Texas Ku Klux Klan Grand Dragon) Louis Beam was saying back in the early 80s is almost word for word what people are saying now, Tsai says in an interview. As a nation, we havent progressed as much as maybe a lot of us thought we had.

After the fall of Vietnam in 1975, hundreds of thousands of Vietnamese refugees were resettled in the United States. Many made their way to Houston and South Texas, where the humid weather and proximity to the coast resembled their homeland.

Seadrift, a small town with a population of a little over 1,000 located about a two-and-a-half-hour drive southwest of Houston, became home to a growing number of refugees when a Maryland businessman brought them in to work in low-wage jobs at a factory processing crabmeat.

A clash of cultures developed when local fisherman feared that the new immigrants were overfishing the waters and the Vietnamese believed their livelihood in their new homeland was being threatened.

The tensions came to a head on Aug. 3, 1979, when a local crabber, Billy Joe Aplin, was shot and killed by Sau Van Nguyen in a dispute over fishing territory. Nguyen and his brother were charged with murder, but a jury acquitted them on the grounds of self-defense.

The KKK zeroed in on the dispute with rallies that escalated tensions. Several houses and boats were burned, and a number of Vietnamese residents fled Seadrift for Louisiana.

Nobody wanted to talk

When Tsai set out to film the documentary, no one wanted to talk to him. Their first question to me was, Why? Theyve gotten past the shootings, but they werent willing to talk about what happened, he recalls.

But with help of Diane Wilson, a lifelong Seadrift resident, author and activist who made her living crabbing and shrimping on the Gulf Coast, Tsai gained the trust of the local white fishermen as well as the daughter of the slain man.

Tsai, whose family emigrated to the United States from Taiwan, doesnt speak Vietnamese, found it even harder to gain the trust of the Vietnamese fishermen. Has father, who lives in the Houston area, came to the rescue, serving as a translator and helping to persuade some to talk.

Tsai sought to present an even-handed account, unlike some previous efforts, including the 1985 film Alamo Bay, a fictionalized version that displeased residents who thought it portrayed everyone in Seadrift as bigots and rednecks.

Tsais documentary notes how residents rallied at a local city council meeting to demand that the KKK stay out of their town. A landmark federal lawsuit by the Southern Poverty Law Center and the Vietnamese Fishermans Association eventually halted the Klans activities.

Wilson says many of the misconceptions could have been cleared up if only there had been more communication. When the Vietnamese came, I dont recall any compensation, any town meetings, any get-togethers, she says, noting there were white fishermen who could have explained the established rules of fishing the seas around Seadrift.

But that wasnt done, and it just escalated, she says.

Seadrift today

Seadrift retains few traces of that turbulent time. Vietnamese-American residents, which make up about 10 percent of the towns population, have assimilated into the community. The crab-packing plant is now owned by a Vietnamese-American family, and Vietnamese-American fishermen coexist alongside their non-Vietnamese counterparts.

People didnt know how to control the situation, and they acted sometimes in the worst manner. But, basically, the bottom line is Seadrift is a town of good people, says Wilson, who continues to live there. And with the Vietnamese, were better for it.

With the successful Slamdance premiere behind him, Tsai is hoping to present the film in Seadrift and in Houston later this year to mark the 40th anniversary of the shooting and its aftermath. He wants to foster dialogue about what was learned and how it relates to todays world.

Ha, who now teaches sociology at Miracosta College in Oceanside, Calif., says its important for Asian-Americans like Tsai, Lee and others to tell their stories on film and in books.

If we dont do it, who will? she says.

Clifford Pugh is a Houston-based writer.From: American Evaluation Association (AEA) For Immediate Release: Dateline: Washington , DC Sunday, February 3, 2019

Greetings! Im Kathryn Lowerre, communications co-chair at NM Evaluators (

In 2019, NM Evaluators is building from our October 2018 annual conference, Evaluation with New Mexicos Diverse Communities, with a keynote event led by Dr. Michele Suina (Cochiti Pueblo) on Rethinking Data: Meaningful and Respectful Practices, engaging a range of attendees from in and out of state. This was followed by events at the national AEA conference in Cleveland, where several members shared their work.

In January we held a strategic planning session at UNMs Cradle to Career Policy Institute, with our current president, Scott Hughes. We were delighted to have thoughtful, committed individuals (not only board members) call in and come in to help us plan for 2019.



Lessons Learned: A couple of notes on The Land of Enchantment: Some visitors have the idea that NMs all desert, but it encompasses lush river valleys and mountain forests.

No single racial or ethnic group predominates, with American Indian (19 pueblos, 3 Apache tribes, and the Navajo Nation), White, and Hispanic communities each comprising 9 to 49 percent of the total population in 2017 (

Diverse communities, natural beauty and natural resources are among NMs strengths. Among the challenges, NM has high child poverty rates and much of the state is considered a health professional shortage area. Programs often rely on federal funding, and large blocks of land are national parks, monuments, or forests, or otherwise federally owned, like Los Alamos National Laboratories. Outside of cities like Albuquerque and Las Cruces, its a very big and often very rural place.

Many NM communities have historically struggled for representation back in Washington D.C. and fought to have their voices heard in decision-making that affects them. Newcomers like me (Ive only lived in NM for 5 years) have a lot of listening and catching up to do.

Following are some accounts of practicing evaluation in New Mexico which we hope will be of interest to other AEA365 readers.

[photo credit: Geri Jaramillo]

The American Evaluation Association is celebrating New Mexico (NM) Evaluators (

About AEA The American Evaluation Association is an international professional association and the largest in its field. Evaluation involves assessing the strengths and weaknesses of programs, policies, personnel, products and organizations to improve their effectiveness. AEAs mission is to improve evaluation practices and methods worldwide, to increase evaluation use, promote evaluation as a profession and support the contribution of evaluation to the generation of theory and knowledge about effective human action. For more information about AEA, visit www.eval.org. Greetings! Im, communications co-chair at NM Evaluators ( www.nmeval.org ) and evaluator for the Drug Overdose Prevention Program at the NM Department of Health. Following the lead of fellow affiliates (like our neighbor, AZENet), were sponsoring a week of blogs around evaluation in NM.In 2019, NM Evaluators is building from our October 2018 annual conference, Evaluation with New Mexicos Diverse Communities, with a keynote event led by Dr. Michele Suina (Cochiti Pueblo) on Rethinking Data: Meaningful and Respectful Practices, engaging a range of attendees from in and out of state. This was followed by events at the national AEA conference in Cleveland, where several members shared their work.In January we held a strategic planning session at UNMs Cradle to Career Policy Institute, with our current president, Scott Hughes. We were delighted to have thoughtful, committed individuals (not only board members) call in and come in to help us plan for 2019.A couple of notes on The Land of Enchantment: Some visitors have the idea that NMs all desert, but it encompasses lush river valleys and mountain forests.No single racial or ethnic group predominates, with American Indian (19 pueblos, 3 Apache tribes, and the Navajo Nation), White, and Hispanic communities each comprising 9 to 49 percent of the total population in 2017 ( www.ibis.health.state.nm.us ). Many New Mexicans speak more than one language. And in NM, past is present: just one example, Taos Pueblo (a World Heritage site), has been continuously inhabited for over 1,000 years, making 400 year-old Santa Fe new construction.Diverse communities, natural beauty and natural resources are among NMs strengths. Among the challenges, NM has high child poverty rates and much of the state is considered a health professional shortage area. Programs often rely on federal funding, and large blocks of land are national parks, monuments, or forests, or otherwise federally owned, like Los Alamos National Laboratories. Outside of cities like Albuquerque and Las Cruces, its a very big and often very rural place.Many NM communities have historically struggled for representation back in Washington D.C. and fought to have their voices heard in decision-making that affects them. Newcomers like me (Ive only lived in NM for 5 years) have a lot of listening and catching up to do.Following are some accounts of practicing evaluation in New Mexico which we hope will be of interest to other AEA365 readers.[photo credit: Geri Jaramillo]The American Evaluation Association is celebrating New Mexico (NM) Evaluators ( www.nmeval.org ) Week. Do you have questions, concerns, kudos, or content to extend this aea365 contribution? Please add them in the comments section for this post on the aea365 webpage so that we may enrich our community of practice. Would you like to submit an aea365 Tip? Please send a note of interest to aea365@eval.org. aea365 is sponsored by the American Evaluation Association and provides a Tip-a-Day by and for evaluators.

Pound Canadian Dollar (GBP/CAD) Exchange Rate Falters as UK Construction Growth Strikes 10-Month Low

UPDATE: The Pound to Canadian Dollar (GBP/CAD) exchange rate struck a fresh one-week low on Monday morning, falling as low as C$1.7085 after the UKs construction PMI came in well below expectations, thanks to a contraction in commercial construction activity.

Helping the Loonie to capitalise on Sterlings weakness at the start of the session was also a solid rise in oil prices, with Brent crude jumping over 1% on Monday.

Last week saw the Pound Sterling (GBP) give up some of its recent gains a basket of peers including the Canadian Dollar (CAD) as markets re-priced the elevated possibility of a no-deal Brexit outcome for the GBP.

The GBP/CAD exchange rate was last seen in a developing short-term down-trend, trading at CA$1.71429 after a Friday session two-week low of CA$1.70853.

Ahead of the Bank of England (BoE) policy meeting and rates decision later in the week, the GBP is likely to remain in the grip of Brexit developments. Mondays data schedule is relatively sparse with the notable exception of the purchasing managers index (PMI) for the construction industry, forecast to edge lower from a previous 52.8 to 52.6.

Pound Sterling Canadian Dollar (GBP/CAD) Exchange Rate Sheds Most of Previous Weeks Gains

Various factors weighed on the Pound throughout last weeks trade session, making it easier for a commodity-boosted Canadian Dollar to push the British Pound to Canadian Dollar (GBP/CAD) exchange rate lower throughout the week. Sterlings potential to regain its losses may be limited, unless there are optimistic Brexit developments in the coming week.

After opening last week near half-year high of 1.7514, GBP/CAD spent most of the past week plunging. On Friday, GBP/CAD trended near the level of 1.7168  which was much closer to the previous weeks opening level of 1.7062.

GBP/CAD was on track to lose around three cents throughout the week overall, as investors sold the Pound on Brexit and economic concerns, while the Canadian Dollar strengthened on commodity news.

However, its worth noting that the Canadian Dollar is known for over-performing in January  so that strength may not last.

Pound to Canadian Dollar (GBP/CAD) Exchange Rate Plummets on Brexit Jitters and UK Data

Despite a lack of particularly strong Canadian data last week, the Pound plummeted versus the Canadian Dollar. In the end, the Canadian Dollar was one of the weeks best-performing major currencies.

For most of the week, investors sold the Pound amid expectations that the UK government would not be able to renegotiate the contentious Irish backstop with the EU, despite Parliament voting in favour of further negotiations.

With a resolution to Brexit still out of reach, investors became slightly more anxious that time could run out and lead to a worst-case scenario No-deal Brexit.

This left the Pound weaker, making it easier for a resurgent Canadian Dollar to benefit.

Investors bought the relatively risky trade-correlated Canadian Dollar last week, thanks to risk-sentiment and stronger prices in oil, Canadas most lucrative commodity.

Hopes that US-China trade negotiations would see progress, as well as a dovish tone from the Federal Reserve during its January policy decision, made investors a little more willing to take risks again.

This was despite Canadas data either meeting expectations or falling short last week. Canadian growth came in at -0.1% in November as expected, while Canadas January manufacturing PMI from RBC slowed from 53.6 to 53.0.

Disappointment in Canadas manufacturing stats was countered by reaction to Fridays UK manufacturing PMI, which indicated Britains manufacturing sector could be headed towards recession and led to late-week Pound weakness.

Pound (GBP) Exchange Rate Forecast: Less Than Two Months until Brexit

The formal Brexit date is still set for the 29th of March 2019  and that day is now less than two months away.

As the date approaches without any clarity on how exactly the Brexit process will unfold, fears of a No-deal Brexit becoming reality will persist and the Pounds potential for gains will remain limited.

As a result, the Pounds best chance at rising in the coming week will be potential Brexit developments.

If the UK and EU are able to renegotiate despite doubts, or UK Prime Minister Theresa Mays Brexit deal becomes more popular domestically, the Pound will strengthen. Any signs of a delay to the Brexit date would also bolster Sterling.

Next Thursday, the Bank of England (BoE) will hold its February policy decision. However, unless the bank influences the Brexit outlook in some way its influence on Sterling may be limited.

Canadian Dollar (CAD) Exchange Rate Forecast: Canadian Trade Data and Job Stats Ahead

Analysts predict that the Canadian Dollar could weaken in February, as the currency over-performs in January and investors will sell the currency from its recent highs.

However, the Canadian Dollar could still remain strong and appealing if investors remain hungry for risks and if upcoming Canadian data impresses investors.

Developments in US-China trade negotiations and further strength in oil prices would keep riskier currencies appealing to investors.

As for Canadian data, investors will be anticipating Canadian trade stats on Monday, housing figures on Tuesday and job market data from January on Friday.

Recent Canadian data has disappointed investors, so the Pound to Canadian Dollar exchange rate may be in for further losses if upcoming Canadian data is stronger than expected.US targets Venezuelas oil and gold reserves

In its battle against the rule of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, US has been trying to block the government's ability to secure funds and run the country.

The US is trying to shift the political balance in Venezuela in its own favor through the latest economic sanctions on state-owned oil company PDVSA, according to an economist from London-based Capital Economics.

US PRESSURE COULD DEVASTATE ITS ECONOMY

The sanctions have frozen all of PDVSA and its subsidiaries' assets in the US -- a move that will greatly diminish Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's grip on politics and oil revenues, which are vital for the country's already weakened economy.

The move will likely "lead to a large loss of export earnings in the next few months," Edward Glossop, a Latin America economist at Capital Economics, told Anadolu Agency.

"If Maduro can cling on to power during this time, perhaps by securing loans from China and Russia, he may be able to ride this out until oil exports can be diverted elsewhere. But this looks like a tall order. Political change is close," he cautioned.

While China, Russia and Turkey continue to stand behind Maduro, most Western countries led by the US shifted their support towards Venezuelan National Assembly President Juan Guaido, who declared himself interim president last week.The services celebrating and honoring the life of Loretta Ball, 91, of Enid are pending under the direction of Brown-Cummings Funeral Home. Condolences and special memories may be shared with the family online at WWW.Brown-Cummings.com.Athens, AL (35611)

Today

Thunderstorms with locally heavy downpours. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 87F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%..

Tonight

Showers and thundershowers early, then overcast overnight with occasional rain. A few storms may be severe. Low 63F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%.Elkhart, IN (46516)

Today

Mostly cloudy early, then clearing overnight. Low 46F. N winds at 10 to 20 mph, decreasing to less than 5 mph..

Tonight

Mostly cloudy early, then clearing overnight. Low 46F. N winds at 10 to 20 mph, decreasing to less than 5 mph.(Photo:  Marianne Ejdersten / WCC)World Council of Churches general secretary, Rev. Olav Fykse Tveit and Dr. Ahmad Al-Tayyeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar mosque in Cairo Egypt at an April 26, 2017 meeting in Cairo, Egypt.

Pope Francis has arrived in the United Arab Emirates for the first ever visit by a pontiff to the Arabian Peninsula during a flurry of recent interfaith activity in Abu-Dhabi.

His historic visit was preceded by a call from the general secretary of the World Council of Churches Rev. Olav Fykse Tveit at an international, interreligious conference in Abu-Dhabi, for the use of religious influence and institutions to nurture tolerance and respect.

Tveit was speaking at a Feb.3-4 conference organized by the Muslim Council of Elders, the Global Conference on Human Fraternity.

Among those attending are Pope Francis, the WCC, international religious, intellectual and media personalities from a variety of religious traditions and included, along with the Grand Imam of Al Azhar, Dr Ahmad Al-Tayyeb.

Francis landed in Abu Dhabi on Sunday where he was greeted by Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan.

The Pope will take part in the interfaith conference and on Feb. 5 will hold Mass in which 120,000 people are expected to attend.

Before leaving he expressed concern about the war in Yemen, in which the UAE is engaged as part of the Saudi Arabia-led coalltion.

"The population [in Yemen] is exhausted by the lengthy conflict and a great many children are suffering from hunger, but cannot access food depots," the Pope said, the BBC reported.

"The cry of these children and their parents rises up to God," he said.

With a population of just over eight million, the UAE is home to nearly a million Roman Catholics, most of them from the Philippines or India.

Some have been queuing for passes for Tuesday's Mass, reported the BBC.

One told AFP news agency the Pope's visit "opens doors for conversations about tolerance that the whole world needs to hear".

In a video message before he left the Pope said: "Faith in God unites and does not divide, it draws us closer despite differences, it distances us from hostilities and aversion."

He paid tribute to the UAE as "a land that is trying to be a model of coexistence, of human brotherhood, and a meeting place among diverse civilizations and cultures."

While in Abu Dhabi, the Pope will also hold a meeting with Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb, the grand imam of Cairo's al-Azhar mosque, which is the highest seat of learning for Sunni Muslims.

EVIL INFLUENCE OF RACISM

In his Sunday speech, the WCC's Tveit said that the evil influence of racism challenges all, from whatever faith.

"Racism is a reality, degrading, discriminating and excluding others. Racism is a human sin and one of the most dangerous poisons in our lives as one human family," said the WCC leader.

Citing 20th-century genocides, particularly of the Jews in World War II, Tveit warned of present dangers posed by exclusivisms.

Linking one God and one humanity, he noted, the role of religious communities is to "inculcate the value and concept of citizenship on the basis of diversity, promotion of freedom of religion and belief, and solidarity among different religious communities."

"Today a new communal narrative and a new social pact are needed for us, everywhere, also in the Middle East, the cradle of our three Abrahamic religions.

(Photo:  Peter Kenny) Dr Ahmad al-Tayyeb, the Grand Imam of Cairo's Al-Azhar mosque and university and the General Secretary of the World Council of Churches Rev. Olav Fykse Tveit at the WCC's Ecumenical Institute in Bossey on Oct. 1, 2016.

"Particularly the most vulnerable should experience the true support and solidarity of all. Among those who have been suffering the longest from lack of solid citizenship, lack of equal rights and proper protection, are the Palestinian people" said Tveit.KEENE - Francis (Frank) Gitschier, age 49 of Lowell and Keene, NH, passed away June 4, 2021. He was born on July 29, 1971 in Lowell to the late Patricia Saunders and Francis Marcotte. Frank cared for everyone and everything with a huge heart and best intentions. He was an avid Bruins fan, loClaremont, NH (03743)

Today

Scattered thunderstorms. High near 90F. Winds SSW at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 50%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms during the evening will give way to cloudy skies after midnight. A few storms may be severe. Low 66F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%.Readers Survey

As our valued readers, we want to hear from you. Please take a moment to fill out the survey below. - Thank you, Eastern Arizona Courier Click HereOne of the most senior members of the German Cabinet has pledged the ongoing support of the EUs most powerful State to the retention of the backstop contained in the withdrawal agreement reached between the UK and EU Member States, including Ireland.

The so-called backstop is designed to prevent a hard border in Ireland which could arise as a consequence of the UKs decision to leave the European Union.

Senator Ged Nash explained: Katarina is a member of Labours sister party, the German SPD. She contacted me to arrange this high level visit as she was anxious to see for herself what life is like in a border community, how life has changed for the better in recent years and precisely why businesses, workers and the local community in general need the protection that the backstop gives Ireland in the context of the UKs planned withdrawal from the EU.

The visit saw Katarina visit Flagstaff and journey along the narrow country roads that weave from north to south. She could see for herself how the border effectively no longer exists thanks to the Good Friday Agreement and Ireland and the UKs joint membership of the EU, the single market and the Customs Union.

Our meetings with Border Communities Against Brexit, Dundalk Chamber of Commerce, SIPTU, Louth County Council, the East Border Region Committee and the Centre for Cross Border Studies left the Minister under no illusions as to the importance of Germany and our other EU colleagues continuing support for the agreed backstop and for the integrity of the Good Friday Agreement.

I was pleased to arrange this important visit and to see the German government recommit its support for the Irish position as we enter the Brexit endgame.Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content.

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If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider subscribing to our ePaper and/or free daily Newsletter .

Support our mission and join our community now.ADA [ndash] Wanda Lee Brewer, 91, of Ada, Oklahoma passed away Sunday, June 13, 2021, in Ada. Services for Wanda will be held Thursday, June 17, 2021, at 10 a.m. at the Estes-Phillips Funeral Home Chapel, with Bro. Roger Arter officiating. Interment will follow at New Bethel Cemetery. For upA woman faces multiple charges after leading law enforcement officers on a four-county chase.

According to Dale County Chief Deputy Mason Bynum, at approximately 3:30 p.m. Friday deputies with his office conducted a traffic stop on Pea River Road in Ariton for failing to stop at a stop sign.

As deputies were obtaining vehicle information they learned that the vehicles license plate was switched. Bynum said the driver, Lisa Griggs, was acting erratically as deputies were speaking to her during the stop and she was instructed to exit the vehicle.

Griggs briefly exited but was able to re-enter the vehicle and fled. One deputy was briefly drug on the side of the vehicle but was able to free himself.

Deputies then initiated a pursuit which traveled into Barbour, Pike and Bullock counties. During the pursuit Griggs rammed the deputys vehicle multiple times. Deputies attempted a pursuit intervention technique but were unsuccessful.

Once the pursuit entered Bullock County on Highway 29 deputies lost visual but an ALEA Trooper spotted the vehicle a short time later and pursued Griggs down Bullock County Road 113 where she went down a dead end drive and was taken into custody.But authorities' decision to rely on every tool at their disposal paid off: Dykes had planted an explosive device in a ventilation pipe he'd told negotiators to use to communicate with him on his property in the rural Alabama community of Midland City, and also placed another explosive device inside the bunker, the FBI said in a statement late Tuesday.

Dykes appears to have "reinforced the bunker against any attempted entry by law enforcement," FBI agent Jason Pack said in the statement.

The FBI said in an email late Wednesday that bomb technicians had "completed their work today and cleared the crime scene. No additional devices were found." Dykes' body was removed, and an autopsy is scheduled for Thursday. The news release said the crime scene will be processed over the next few days and that a shooting review team dispatched from Washington was continuing its investigation.

The raid on the bunker was carried out by the FBI's hostage response team, which serves as the agency's full-time counterterrorism unit, Pack said Wednesday. Trained in military tactics and outfitted with combat-style gear and weapons, the group was formed 30 years ago in preparation for the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles.Negotiations started deteriorating, Olson said. If he asked you to do something and you didnt do it, he would follow up with his threats. He had given us a deadline to come up with things he requested that we were not gonna be able to do.

Following a firefight, Dykes was left dead, Ethan was rescued and a community began the slow process of recovery.

Olson said everyone in the community was affected by the crisis, including the other kids on the bus and the officers on the scene.

He credits the power of prayer to helping save Ethan, and he said more prayer is needed to help people heal.

Its time for our community to begin to heal, and I feel thats gonna be a long process, Olson said after the meeting. It was a traumatic experience for a lot of people, law enforcement, first responders, the board of education, the teachers, the bus drivers. Its a tough time for all of us. We want to stay focused on that.

He also said he has learned from the experience.

Weve looked at changing some of the things we do, Olson said. Weve looked at what equipment needs we have now that we didnt have before. We want to train our people, to help equip them better. Theres always room for improvement.

Get Breaking News Alerts Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.As the INMO confirm following yesterday's meeting in Dublin that they are escalating their strike action plans, the General Practitioners of Ireland are now also warning that there may be limited access nationwide to GP services for patients this Wednesday.

This Wednesday (February 6) the General Practitioners of Ireland will take to the streets to march on Dail Eireann. Hundreds of GPs, some of them expected to be from Donegal will congregate on Kildare and Molesworth Street at 2pm.

The NAGP say their voices will add to the growing number healthcare professionals who are witnessing first-hand the complete meltdown of our health service.



Dr Andrew Jordan Chair of the NAGP said: "We are calling on this Government to immediately reverse cuts that have been inflicted on General Practice that are dangerously impacting on patient and doctor safety."



Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (FEMPI) has seen 38% in cuts in resources to General Practice over the last decade. This has meant that practices the length and breadth of the country have had to cut services to match these swingeing cuts.

Referring to the protest on Wednesday, Dr Andrew Jordan warned: "Unfortunately, in certain parts of the country there may be limited access to GP services for patients on this day."

"We are becoming increasingly alarmed at the speed of the demise of General Practice," he said

At a recent NAGP meeting the warning from GPs was stark: "The citizens of Ireland maybe looking at the last generation of General Practice as we know it."

Dr Andrew Jordan continued: Future generations will be relying on hospitals to provide their healthcare unless urgent intervention to save General Practice is implemented by this government. Currently this government is killing General Practice.

Dr Maitiu O Tuathail President of the NAGP said This is why GPs from all over Ireland will be protesting on Wednesday, 6th February. We are sick of saying sorry to our patients - sorry you cannot find a GP to register with, sorry you have to wait more than a week to get an appointment.



Dr O Tuathail said: The reality is our newly qualified vocational GPs are emigrating as they cannot deliver the service they were trained to do. Established GPs are having to retire early due to burnout and stress.



The number of doctors who have closed their lists to new patients is now running at 70%. This is effectively the latest scandal in the Irish health service," he said.





Fortune Brands Home & Security, Inc. provides home and security products for residential home repair, remodeling, new construction, and security applications. It operates in three segments: Plumbing, Outdoors & Security, and Cabinets. The Plumbing segment manufactures, assembles, and sells faucets, accessories, kitchen sinks, and waste disposals in the United States, China, Canada, Mexico, Southeast Asia, Europe, and South America directly through its own sales force, as well as through independent manufacturers' representatives to wholesalers, home centers, mass merchandisers, and industrial distributors. The Outdoors & Security segment offers fiberglass and steel entry door systems under the Therma-Tru brand; storm, screen, and security doors under the Larson brand; composite decking and railing under the Fiberon brand; and urethane millwork under the Fypon brand. This segment also manufactures, sources, and distributes locks, safety and security devices, and electronic security products under the Master Lock and American Lock brands; and fire resistant safes, security containers, and commercial cabinets under the SentrySafe brand. It serves home centers, hardware and other retailers, millwork building products and wholesale distributors, specialty dealers, and remodeling and renovation markets, as well as locksmiths, industrial and institutional users, and original equipment manufacturers in the United States, Canada, Europe, Central America, Japan, and Australia. The Cabinets segment manufactures custom, semi-custom, and stock cabinetry, as well as vanities for the kitchen, bath, and other parts of the home directly to kitchen and bath dealers, home centers, wholesalers, and builders in North America under the Aristokraft, Diamond Now, Mid-Continent, Homecrest, Kitchen Craft, Omega, EVE, Diamond Reflections, Diamond, Kemper, Schrock, Starmark, Ultracraft, and Mantra brands. The company was incorporated in 1988 and is headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois.

Read MoreThe Southern Company, through its subsidiaries, engages in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity. It operates in four segments: Gas Distribution Operations, Gas Pipeline Investments, Wholesale Gas Services, and Gas Marketing Services. The company also constructs, acquires, owns, and manages power generation assets, including renewable energy and battery energy storage projects and sells electricity in the wholesale market; and distributes natural gas in Illinois, Georgia, Virginia, and Tennessee, as well as provides gas marketing services, wholesale gas services, and gas pipeline investments operations. It owns and/or operates 30 hydroelectric generating stations, 24 fossil fuel generating stations, 3 nuclear generating stations, 13 combined cycle/cogeneration stations, 44 solar facilities, 13 wind facilities, 1 fuel cell facility, and 1 battery storage facility; and constructs, operates, and maintains 75,924 miles of natural gas pipelines and 14 storage facilities with total capacity of 157 Bcf to provide natural gas to residential, commercial, and industrial customers. The company serves approximately 8.6 million electric and gas utility customers. It also provides products and services in the areas of energy efficiency, and utility infrastructure. In addition, the company offers digital wireless communications and fiber optics services. The Southern Company was incorporated in 1945 and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.

Read MoreHighlights:

An Israeli website has claimed that iOS 13 will not be supported on iPhone 6s and below

A bunch of iPads wont run iOS 13

Old iPhone users were in for a treat last year when Apple announced that the iOS 12 would support all the phones through iPhone 5s. It now seems that the company wont be releasing any major OS updates for a series of old iPhones. Israeli media outlet The Verifier has claimed that the iOS 13 will be unavailable on the iPhone 5s, iPhone SE, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6s, and iPhone 6s Plus.

When it comes to iPads, the news platform claims that Apple will allegedly drop support for the iPad mini 2, iPad mini 3, iPad Air, iPad Air 2, and the iPad mini 4. The sixth-generation iPod touch is also said to be incompatible with iOS 13. The website does not mention about the fifth generation of iPad, which uses the same A9 chip as the iPhone 6s. If Apple drops iOS 13 support from iPhone 6s, it means that the fifth generation iPad will also not be supported.

Further, the website claims that along with a drop in support for iOS 13 on an array of devices, Apple will also drop support for some iOS 13 features to newer models to force user to upgrade to the latest iPhone models. It is true for a fact that Apple limits some features of the new iOS on some older devices due to hardware limitations. This could be taken as a fair argument, given that Apple has been supporting older devices for years after launch. The iOS 12 support on iPhone 5s is an example.

Last year, Counterpoint Research attributed the lengthening replacement cycle as one of the reasons for the iPhones sales decline in the US and Europe. Analysts also said that the high cost of iPhones and the intense competition from Chinese smartphone makers were the reasons for Apples worst performance since 2014 in India, which is among the fastest-growing smartphone markets in the world.

Famous analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has predicted a rocky start of 2019 for the Cupertino-based company, claiming that the iPhone sales will continue to be weak in the first half of 2019. For this, IDC says, Apple needs to tell a strong iPhone and, more importantly, ecosystem story to succeed. Counterpoint Research said that people are opting for Chinese phones because it doesnt make sense to pay sky-high prices for a product [iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max and iPhone XR] that doesnt have new features.

Related Read:

Overall iPhone sales down 20% YoY in November: Counterpoint Research5 Bollywood Actors Who Still Get Surprised At Their Flops But We Dont

Hit or flop- the cycle continues in Bollywood forever and every Friday the luck and hardwork of many are put to test. Most stars have expressed how Fridays still come as a shock to them as there is no telling what would happen. As unnerving as that sounds, it is true for almost all actors in the industry.

However, when it comes to certain actors, we have almost made peace with their flops. Throughout their careers they have given us enough training to not be shocked at their flops. But, even though we have got the memo, it seems like they are late for their own party as they still behave surprised when their films flop. Here are the ones we are talking about.

Siddharth Malhotra

It pains our heart to write this because lord knows the boy looks delicious, but we are unfazed by Sidhharth Malhotras flops any more thanks to a horde of disappointing films like Brothers, A Gentleman, and Aiyaary. However, he surely has not made peace with his string of flops as recently he revealed that he becomes quiet and aggressive after every flop. Well, thats a whole lot of quiet and aggressive for Siddharth Malhotra then.

Arjun Kapoor

Arjun Kapoor, apart from his love story with Malaika Arora, has hardly spoken about the royal disaster that was Namaste England. One can surely assume that he is still reeling from the after-effects of it. However, we have seen Mubarakan, Tevar and Ki & Ka and that has prepared us well to expect flops from him.

Parineeti Chopra

Yet another survivor of the Namastey England debacle, we have almost forgotten the last film hit film that Parineeti delivered. After a string of flops she has probably actually gone in shock and reportedly expressed her will to only work with big stars to avoid flops. Dear Pari, it is not really your co-stars who are pulling you down, its probably you.

Sonakshi Sinha

Apart from Lootera, even Sonakshis hits do not have a lot of contribution on her part. With disasters like Akira, Happy Phirr Bhaag Jayegi and of course Welcome to New York, Sonakshi is having a hard time coming to terms with her box-office.PARK CITY  Most undocumented people try to avoid immigration detention. But not Marco Saavedra and Viridiana Martinez.

In 2012, Saavedra and Martinez, two young adults in their early 20s, decided to turn themselves in to authorities to get inside the Broward Transitional Center, a for-profit immigration detention facility in Florida that houses 600 men and 100 women. Their goal was to show the world what immigration detention is really like and to advocate for the release of detained individuals without criminal records.

Their story is the subject of the movie Infiltrators, directed by Alex Rivera and Cristina Ibarra, which premiered Jan. 25 at the Sundance Film Festival.

Across the nation, there are 200 detention centers housing 40,000 detainees, according to the film. These facilities are not jails or prisons, but are used to house people suspected of illegal immigration while they await a judges decision on whether they will be deported or released back into the community  something that can take months or years.

Illegal immigration is a civil not a criminal offense, and advocates say its inhumane to lock people up and separate them from their families when they have committed no crime. But Andrew Arthur, a resident fellow in law and policy at the Center for Immigration Studies, says detention centers are necessary to hold people who may be living in the United States unlawfully and are likely to hide from authorities to avoid deportation. "The law is clear. There are limited bases on which individuals who do not have status are allowed to stay in the U.S., and the standards are high," he said.

"The scariest part for me was getting in," Martinez told the Deseret News.

The first time she tried, customs agents were suspicious because they saw her being dropped off, she spoke English well, and she was dressed nicely, Martinez said. Before approaching the facility a second time, she changed her clothes and practiced speaking broken English. She told the agents her husband had been deported and she wanted to go back to Mexico.

The film depicts Martinez, once inside, meeting a woman who left Venezuela under political pressure and is terrified of going back. Another woman from Congo has been in detention for three years after trying to report her husband for domestic abuse. Saavedra, Martinezs counterpart on the mens side of the facility, meets others including a man married to a U.S. citizen with four children who left Honduras where gangs killed two of his brothers.

During the few weeks they were both detained, Saavedra and Martinez helped multiple people get released by coordinating with their friends on the outside via phone calls and in-person visits in order to draw media and political attention to individual cases. Saavedra, Martinez and their friends are part of the National Immigrant Youth Alliance, a group of "dreamers," or young people brought to the United States illegally as children, who advocate for the rights of the undocumented.

After Saavedra and Martinez were discovered and kicked out of Broward, their story attracted both praise from those who said their efforts were heroic and dismay from people who said undocumented immigrants like them do not have a right to stay in this country and should be deported.

Seven years later, Martinez estimates the National Immigrant Youth Alliance's efforts, including training they provide to other advocacy groups, have gotten thousands of people released from detention.

The film, which weaves documentary-style interviews with dramatized recreations, takes place in 2012, before President Barack Obama announced the Deferred Action Plan for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), an executive branch memorandum granting young undocumented immigrants work permits and protection from deportation. In 2017, the Justice Department announced it would no longer accept DACA applications.

While "Infiltrators" is a story from the Obama administration, directors Rivera and Ibarra say it's relevant now because there have not been significant changes to immigration law in more than a decade.

"Its a deeper story than this moment in time. We hope to raise a deeper question about whether this system should exist at all. Should families be put in cages for moving here?" said Rivera.

What immigration detention centers are like

Management and Training Corporation (MTC), one of the largest for-profit prison corporations in the U.S., is planning to build a 600-bed immigrant detention center in Evanston, Wyoming. The facility, 83 miles from Salt Lake City, would provide a closer location to house detainees from Utah. Currently, the closest detention facilities are in Denver and Las Vegas, said Jason Stevenson, strategic communications manager for the American Civil Liberties Union of Utah.

Uinta County Commissioner Craig Welling told Wyoming Public Media that city and county officials voted unanimously for the facility because it would bring jobs. Immigrant advocates object, saying the more beds there are, the more people will be detained, and the more lives will be disrupted. Whats more, MTC has faced a string of lawsuits related to mismanagement and abuse of inmates.

Media reports from around the country have revealed cases of neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse and mistreatment of inmates' medical conditionsinside America's immigration detention centers. NBC News reported that 22 immigrants have died in ICE detention centers during the past two years. In addition, there is currently a class-action lawsuit against GEO group, the company that runs the detention center featured in the film, alleging wage violations and forced labor.

"Infiltrators" does not depict any of these abuses, but it shows a man named Victor being put in solitary confinement for encouraging inmates to participate in a group fast, to gain spiritual strength and demonstrate how much they want to be released. Another man named Beni is threatened by officers who tell him they know where his wife and son live.

The law is very clear on this. You have right to a lawyer, just not a free one.  Andrew Arthur, a resident fellow in law and policy at the Center for Immigration Studies

Arthur, who worked as a judge in the York immigration court in Pennsylvania from 2006 to 2015, said human rights abuses within detention centers are rare and that "without a doubt" conditions are better than they are in prisons. During Arthur's time as a judge, he made it a point to go through the York County Prison detention facility every day, eating in the cafeteria and using the fitness room.

"The actual facilities are better. There's more freedom to move around and more oversight from special interest groups about them," Arthur said, contradicting the advocates narrative that detention centers are unsafe.

The quality of the conditions doesn't change the fact that some people are detained for two, three or more years as they apply for asylum or appeal their cases, usually without a lawyer. A court backlog, which President Donald Trump has addressed by proposing to hire 75 new immigration judges, adds to delays.

According to Stevenson, detainees are not provided with legal representation because their cases are civil, not criminal.

"The law is very clear on this. You have right to a lawyer, just not a free one," Arthur said.

In 2016, the American Immigration Council found that only 14 percent of detained immigrants acquired legal counsel.

"There are not enough private attorneys or NGOs that can meet the need," said Mohammad Abdollahi, an Iranian-born member of the National Immigrant Youth Alliance who also appears in the film.

Who should be detained?

In 2011, prior to DACA, the Department of Homeland Security began to relax the enforcement of U.S. immigration laws at the urging of the open borders lobby through a series of memos called the Morton memos. They called for a case-by-case review of all aliens in deportation proceedings and the granting of administrative amnesty to low risk persons, like those who were brought to the U.S. as a child, were pursuing an education or had no criminal record, for example.

"We found out that by 2012, less than 4 percent of 350,000 total cases were actually closed," said Abdollahi, indicating that Obamas policy was not being implemented to the degree advocates had hoped.

Victor Rojas, an Argentinian father who appears in the film, had been living in the United States for a decade and had no criminal record, but he was nonetheless detained at a time when Obama said ICE was focusing on felons, not families. "That was the dissonance the infiltrators jumped into to prove that schism was so real," said Rivera.

Despite the Trump administrations decision to stop considering new applications for the DACA program, Abdollahi told the Deseret News, "Trump has been very good for immigrants."

You dont really get the birds and bees talk growing up, you get the ICE talk.  Olivier Jimenez, a barber in West Valley City

Not only were there far fewer Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) administrative arrests so far during the Trump administration compared with the first seven years of the Obama administration, but Trump's calls to construct a wall and declare a national emergency at the border have brought increased awareness to immigration issues in general, Abdollahi said.

According to Stevenson, when someone is picked up by ICE, it disrupts not only their families, but their workplaces, schools and communities. "The collateral damage is much more catastrophic than you might think," Stevenson said.

Olivier Jimenez, 20, a barber in West Valley City, saw the film Sunday in Salt Lake City. Jimenez came to the U.S. when he was 5 years old with his mother, who was escaping economic hardship in Mexico. He is protected under DACA, but his mother is not.

"Many people have the privilege to not think about this subject, but its very real and it affects more people than you think," Jimenez told the Deseret News. Jimenez has witnessed ICE roaming around his neighborhood and conducting what he thinks were illegal sweeps, where they had a warrant for one person yet asked for documentation of anyone they encountered.

"You dont really get the birds and bees talk growing up, you get the ICE talk," he said. "You get told what to do when someone you know gets deported, what to say to ICE, who to alert and who to call."

Inside Broward, Martinez found she could identify with every one of the women she met who had been separated from their families. Family is sacred, she said. What would I want someone to do for my family?

According to Arthur, wanting to keep a family together is not a good enough reason to let an undocumented person remain in the U.S. The legal standard is that a person must have been physically present in the country for 10 years, have good moral character and be facing a situation where their removal would result in "exceptional and extremely unusual hardship" to their family members, Arthur said.

"Family separation is not unique to immigration," said Arthur, noting that many families are separated under different circumstances, including military service. "Again, it is the choice of the family members to remain when one gets deported."

To put it in a simple way, no human being is illegal. Breathing air in a foreign country should not be a crime.  Olivier Jimenez, a barber in West Valley City

Stevenson said that under the Trump administration, ICE has demonstrated less discretion in terms of the types of people, criminals or not, that get detained. A 2018 ACLU report notes an increase in arrests taking place at courthouses, including in Utah, where noncitizens come to testify or check in with immigration officials.

"The presence of these officers and increased immigration arrests have created deep insecurity and fear among immigrant communities, stopping many from coming to court or even calling police in the first place," the ACLU report reads.

The debate comes down to the question of whether undocumented immigrants who are living peacefully and contributing to society should be left alone or detained.

To put it in a simple way, no human being is illegal. Breathing air in a foreign country should not be a crime, said Jimenez.

"The reality is that immigrants are criminals in the eyes of all nonimmigrants, said Martinez. We are criminals. Have we committed a crime? No, its a civil offense. But that doesnt matter to them."The 2019 Utah Legislature opened Monday, Jan. 28, with two new leaders at the helm  Utah Senate President Stuart Adams and House Speaker Brad Wilson.

Key issues during the first week of the 45-day session included Utah's sales tax laws, education funding, digital drivers' licenses and SB96, a bill that is pitched by proponents as a more financially responsible way of expanding Medicaid coverage than the voter-approved Proposition 3.

Here's a brief look at five major legislature stories from last week that you won't want to miss:

Newly sworn-in House Speaker Brad Wilson began his first few minutes on the dais Monday calling for an even larger tax rate cut than Gov. Gary Herbert gave lawmakers in his budget proposal.

Wilson said he's suggested legislators now working on writing a tax reform bill shoot for a bigger cut to the sales tax rate while broadening the tax base  one he said would be the "largest single tax cut in Utah's history."

Read the full story:New Utah House speaker calls for even larger tax rate cut as Legislature convenes

The Utah State Board of Education announced its priorities for the 2019 Legislative Session  along with several massive asks for funding  amid a year the state is seeing more than $1 billion in budget surplus.

Among the board's top asks: About $176 million to increase the value of the weighted pupil unit to 5.5 percent. The WPU is the basic building block of per-pupil education funding.

Read the full story:Utah State Board of Education requests more money for school safety, big IT upgrade

Gov. Gary Herbert delivered his annual State of the State address Wednesday night to the Utah Legislature, describing 2018 as a year fraught with drought and wildfires but teeming with faith and courage.

Grid View Gov. Gary Herbert greets people on his way into the House chamber before delivering his State of the State address at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2019. Spenser Heaps, Deseret News

Gov. Gary Herbert delivers his State of the State address at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2019. Behind Herbert are Speaker of the House Brad Wilson, R-Kaysville, and Senate President Stuart Adams, R-Layton. Spenser Heaps, Deseret News

Gov. Gary Herbert greets people on his way into the House chamber before delivering his State of the State address at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2019. Spenser Heaps, Deseret News

Gov. Gary Herbert delivers his State of the State address at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2019. Spenser Heaps, Deseret News

Gov. Gary Herbert delivers his State of the State address at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2019. Behind Herbert are Speaker of the House Brad Wilson, R-Kaysville, and Senate President Stuart Adams, R-Layton. Spenser Heaps, Deseret News

Gov. Gary Herbert leaves the House chamber after delivering his State of the State address at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2019. Spenser Heaps, Deseret News

Speaker of the House Brad Wilson, R-Kaysville, second from left, and Senate President Stuart Adams, R-Layton, third from left, listen as Gov. Gary Herbert delivers his State of the State address at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2019. At far left is Wilson's wife, Jeni Wilson, and at far right is Adams' wife, Susan Adams. Spenser Heaps, Deseret News

Speaker of the House Brad Wilson, R-Kaysville, second from left, and Senate President Stuart Adams, R-Layton, third from left, listen as Gov. Gary Herbert delivers his State of the State address at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2019. At far left is Wilson's wife, Jeni Wilson, and at far right is Adams' wife, Susan Adams. Spenser Heaps, Deseret News

Auditor John Dougall, Attorney General Sean Reyes and Treasurer David Damschen listen as Gov. Gary Herbert delivers his State of the State address at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2019. Spenser Heaps, Deseret News

Gov. Gary Herbert delivers his State of the State address at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2019. Spenser Heaps, Deseret News

Jeanette Herbert, wife of Gov. Gary Herbert, Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox and his wife, Abb Coxy, listen as Herbert delivers his State of the State address at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2019. Spenser Heaps, Deseret News

Gov. Gary Herbert delivers his State of the State address at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2019. Spenser Heaps, Deseret News

Gov. Gary Herbert delivers his State of the State address at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2019. Spenser Heaps, Deseret News

Gov. Gary Herbert shakes hands with Speaker of the House Brad Wilson, R-Kaysville, after Herbert delivered his State of the State address at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2019. Spenser Heaps, Deseret News

Jeanette Herbert, wife of Gov. Gary Herbert, leaves the House chamber after the governor delivered his State of the State address at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2019. Spenser Heaps, Deseret News

Senate President Stuart Adams, R-Layton, announces Gov. Gary Herbert before Herbert's State of the State address at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2019. Spenser Heaps, Deseret News

Jennie Taylor, wife of slain Utah National Guard Maj. Brent Taylor, center, and Tammy Taylor, Maj. Taylor's mother, stand as the House chamber audience rises to honor the families of Utahns killed in the line of duty in the last year during Gov. Gary Herbert's State of the State address at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2019. Spenser Heaps, Deseret News

Read the full story: Utah Gov. Gary Herbert in his State of the State address: Greatest challenge for Utah? Growth

Gov. Gary Herbert's plan to slash the state sales tax rate to just 1.75 percent was shot down Thursday by the lawmaker working on what's expected to be the GOP legislative leadership's tax package.

Read the full story:Utah Gov. Gary Herbert's proposed sales tax cut 'not going to happen,' lawmaker says

Backers of the Medicaid expansion ballot initiative approved by voters in November are spending more than $100,000 to run TV commercials pushing back against a replacement plan advancing quickly through the Legislature.

Additionally, more than 40 Utah faith leaders have signed on to a letter released Thursday urging Gov. Gary Herbert and Republican legislative leaders to oppose efforts "to delay or limit" the full Medicaid expansion approved by voters.

Read the full story:Prop. 3 backers set sights on Utah lawmakers in new TV adsSALT LAKE CITY  When the small California company Hampton Creek was founded in 2011 by entrepreneur Joshua Tetrick it introduced a plant-based mayonnaise and named it Just Mayo.

It was a product in line with the company's plans to produce healthy and affordable alternatives to the sometimes questionable food everyone is accustomed to. Healthy in this case meant it would be a plant-based product.

What? Mayonnaise made without eggs? That caught the attention of those in the mayonnaise business and the American Egg Board, a U.S. Department of Agriculture "check off" program that gets its funding from commodities produced in hopes of providing a singular national voice in the marketing and promotion of (in this case) eggs. But the egg board went beyond its stated mission and was actually advocating and fighting against Just Mayo. It was the old guard trying to stop something new.

As Tetrick said last year about his company  now renamed Just, Inc.  I did not know many of the things that I know now when I started this. What I did know for sure is that eating well is a basic right, as quoted in Food Business News.

There's something in that statement: a basic right.

Inside the newsroom this week, the conversation turned to mayonnaise and Just Mayo when New Jersey Democrat Cory Booker ended a busy week for presidential candidates by announcing that he, too, is now running for president. He chose the first day of Black History Month to make his announcement with the statement, "Together, America, we will rise.

Booker knows a little something about the mayonnaise business. It was he and Utah Sen. Mike Lee who saw the problem with a federal agency trying to quash an upstart food business in a decidedly un-American way. So the Republican Lee and the Democrat Booker worked together to push forward the Opportunities for Fairness in Farming Act of 2017, clarifying the proper role of a "check off" program.

Basic rights of having healthy food, and fairness to allow consumers to make a choice. Those are important principles and we applied them this week in our conversation about coverage of the presidential race.

If the candidacy of Donald Trump taught us anything it was that unpredictable outcomes are possible. That can scare each establishment party (Donald Trump bested 16 other GOP candidates and roiled the party) into trying to do what it can to control the election process.

But using bullying tactics or by threatening potentially "horrible outcomes" to take the decision away from the electorate is decidedly un-American  or ought to be.

Which brings us to the very public debate surrounding the possible candidacy of Howard Schultz, the billionaire former CEO of Starbucks who told "60 Minutes" in last Sunday's broadcast that he was considering a run as a "centrist independent."

That promptly brought outrage from corners of the Democratic Party who said his run will simply siphon off votes from whomever emerges as the Democrat in the race and hand the election to Trump.

Noted economist and columnist Paul Krugman, writing in the New York Times this week, did a strong takedown of Schultz, using the label "fanatical centrists." to describe "the powerful factions that are committed to the false views of the world, regardless of the evidence."

It is a reasoned piece and worth reading. But I take issue when labels are used to cast aside candidates that voters just might want to hear from, as was reflected in this statement from the same piece:

"Over the past few days weve been treated to the ludicrous yet potentially destructive spectacle of Howard Schultz, the Starbucks billionaire, insisting that hes the president we need despite his demonstrable policy ignorance."

The "ignorance" may rightfully be explored. But was it really a "destructive spectacle" for him to consider running for office as an independent?

The documentarian and political activist Michael Moore took it quite a few steps further. Appearing on "Late Night with Seth Meyers," he urged everyone to boycott Starbucks "until he announces hes not running. He then attacked would-be candidate Schultz's claim that he was self-made and started in on the latest trend beginning to emerge  calling billionaires immoral, apparently discounting all the good billionaires do. Tens of billions of dollars are given to charities providing for the health and education of millions throughout the world. (The Giving Pledge notes 188 of the world's wealthiest people who have pledged to give away most of their wealth to good causes.)

The morality of an economic system that produces billionaires is a topic for another day. The point is that Cory Booker and Howard Schultz, as well as previously announced candidates Kamala Harris, Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and the many others who will join them, will bring ideas and policy proposals to the public, and the public will choose a president.

According to the Library of Congress, "Legal requirements for presidential candidates have remained the same since the year Washington accepted the presidency. As directed by the Constitution, a presidential candidate must be a natural born citizen of the United States, a resident for 14 years, and 35 years of age or older. These requirements do not prohibit women or minority candidates from running."

Nothing on income or wealth. Nothing on education or work experience. Nothing on military service or volunteerism. The founders left it to voters and the Electoral College to sort out who they want to place in that high office.

That means 37-year-old Pete Buttigieg, the mayor of South Bend, Indiana, and a Navy veteran, is qualified by two years to enter the presidential race, which he announced last month he just may do as he's now established an exploratory committee.

Who knows if such a young man is qualified to be president. We have time to learn that. And to dive deeper into the views of all the candidates, and President Donald Trump for that matter, who will have his presidential record and promises for the future to run on.

The media will be there to ask plenty of questions and the public will be there at town hall meetings, picnics and barbecues interacting with the candidates. Who knows, we just might find out which candidates prefer catsup and which lean the other way  toward mayo.PROVO  A Lehi man who organizes concerts and other events and once owned the popular Sammy's Cafe now faces 26 felonies for allegedly getting people to invest in a marijuana farm that prosecutors say never existed.

Samuel Harris Schultz, 37, was charged Thursday in 4th District Court with 13 counts of communications fraud and 13 counts of theft by deception, all second-degree felonies.

According to charging documents, at the time of the alleged crime, Schultz "was in a music band." In 2012 he co-founded Seventy3 Events, and according to a 2014 article in the Daily Herald, he has worked with promoting artists such as David Archuleta, Imagine Dragons and Neon Trees.

In July 2017, Schultz met a man "who acted as an agent, securing performances for the band. While doing a performance in the Marshall Islands, (he) told Schultz that if he invested $50,000 in a marijuana farm, (the agent) would get him a return of $285,000 in six weeks," according to charging documents.

Schultz made the payment as well as two additional investments of $30,000 "for a promised return of $637,000 in three weeks" and a "return of a $2 million dollars in three weeks," the charges state.

But between December 2017 and May of 2018, the agent "insisted Schultz pay additional money to protect his investment," according to charging documents,

"To make these payments, Sam approached family and friends and told them they could invest in the marijuana farm and promised them double and triple returns on their investments, said he would personally guarantee their investment, represented that the farm was legal despite having no knowledge of the farm which ultimately proved non-existent, and said that he had previously invested in the farm and been paid back with generous returns as promised," the charges state.

Schultz recruited at least 13 "investors" who gave him a total of $323,000, the charges state.

In the court documents, prosecutors say he never told the investors that the payments were being made to guarantee his initial investment and that he had never received any return on his investment in the farm.

"To date, neither Schultz nor any other investor has seen any money from (the agent)," the charges state.

When reached by the Deseret News, Schultz declined to comment but said he may comment at a later time.

The investigation into the man who allegedly got Schultz to invest in the marijuana farm was still ongoing as of Friday, according to authorities familiar with the case. That man, a Utah County resident, has previously been convicted multiple times of theft by deception.MORONI, Sanpete County  After dealing with the shock of losing a loved one, a Utah family is now dealing with sticker shock over an enormous medical bill  $50,000 for rabies vaccinations.

Gary Giles, 55, died from the rare disease in November, the first death of its kind in Utah since 1944.

He and his wife, Juanita Giles, didn't realize the bats that had frequented their home were carriers of the highly contagious and deadly virus.

"The bats never hurt us, and we were always catching them in our hands and releasing them outside because you hear all the time about how bats are good for the insect population, and you don't want to hurt them," Juanita Giles said at the time.

In the midst of her grief, Giles got a call from the Utah Department of Health two days after her husbands death informing her he died from rabies. She said she was told she needed to get to the hospital right away.

They called the closest ER and called me right back, and said, They are waiting for you, Giles said, adding she was told by the health department not to worry about the cost.

Giles and 25 family members were given the rabies vaccine in case they were exposed to the disease through contact with Gary Giles in the hospital.

It can be passed by saliva, and thats why the health department told us to get the shots, Catherin Dalton, Gary Giles sister, said.

Thanks to the vaccinations, no one in the family contracted the fatal disease. But now, even after insurance, family members owe a total of $50,000.

The family says even though their case is rare, they believe the Utah Department of Health needs to develop a new protocol to better deal with families who may be exposed to a human case of rabies.

I know they are trying to save lives, but if you lead somebody to believe there is help out there, you ought to stand behind that, too, Giles said.

Heaven forbid this ever happens again, that this can be a learning experience that we can take better care of the next family this happens to, Dalton said.

In a written statement, the Utah Department of Health said:

We recognize this family has been through a lot. The situation they now find themselves in is very unfortunate, and we sympathize with them. We also want to support them. There are financial assistance resources available through vaccine manufacturers and health care providers and weve worked with the family to provide them with this information and help steer them in the right direction. Were committed to continue working with the family to hopefully help them find a resolution.MIDVALE  A review panel has recommended that the State School Board extend reprieves to two schools facing sanctions over poor academic performance.

On Friday, the Utah State Board of Education will consider the panel's recommendation to give Midvale Elementary School and Entheos Academy, a charter school in Magna, more time to sufficiently improve their academic performance or face more rigorous action.

In Entheos Academy's case, school closure is a possibility if it does not sufficiently improve, according to the review panel's recommendations.

In 2015, the schools were identified by state education officials as turnaround schools, which means they had three years to improve student proficiency and growth or face sanctions.

Turnaround schools are those in the lowest 3 percent of student achievement statewide as measured by end-of-year tests in math, language arts and science.

Schools identified as a state's lowest performing receive grants and assistance from experts intended to increase student achievement. A school forms a turnaround committee that includes parents, educators, a school administrator and the local school board representative.

Canyons School District's Midvale Elementary, Entheos Academy and Granite School District's Oquirrh Hills Elementary School were part of a cohort of schools identified for turnaround in 2015. None of the three exited that status within three years.

The review panel offered no recommendation regarding Oquirrh Hills Elementary School.

Last month, the Granite School District Board of Education voted to close the school, which board member Gayleen Gandy said "was the best choice that we have. If we look at the other choices, they are much worse in their consequences."

Other consequences included permanently transferring control of the school to a public or nonprofit entity; temporarily appointing a public or nonprofit entity to manage and operate the school; involuntary transferring staff or changing school boundaries.

Granite chose to close the school and redraw boundary lines of nearby schools.

In a letter to State Superintendent of Public Instruction Sydnee Dickson, Granite School District Superintendent Martin Bates wrote that closing a school "is perhaps one of the most difficult decisions for members of a local board of education to take, both personally and politically."

The administration recommended redrawing boundaries of nearby schools and the closure of the school "believing it to be the absolute best action on behalf of the children of Oquirrh Hills Elementary."

An additional benefit to that decision was boosting the enrollment of adjacent schools, which are below "three to five teachers per grade, generally considered optimum."

Canyons School District took another approach: It asked the State School Board for more time to implement a restructuring plan for Midvale Elementary, which administrators say has already resulted in student growth since it was put in place at the start of the school year.

In December, the State Charter School Board recommended that the State School Board grant an extension to Entheos Academy.

The board also took the step to place the charter school on "warning status," noting its status will be evaluated in a year.

The review panel's recommendations for Midvale Elementary and Entheos Academy call on the schools to undergo new comprehensive needs assessments and root cause analyses and update their school improvement plan.

In Midvale Elementary's case, the panel recommended that the school align its restructuring plan with the results of the needs assessment and root cause analysis.

According to a State School Board press release, nearly 90 percent of 26 schools that entered Utahs school turnaround program in 2015 met exit criteria or qualified for an extension.SALT LAKE CITY  Police say a Salt Lake man with a history of impaired driving recently drove over a parkway, took out a tree and then tried to drive away.

But the man's actions did not go unnoticed. A driver who was behind him witnessed what happened, followed the driver, then told him to go back to the scene of the crash.

That witness was Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill.

Gill was later subpoenaed to testify at the man's preliminary hearing. The hearing was continued, however, because the suspect, Joel Duffin Carlson, picked up additional DUI arrests.

Gill found himself in the odd position of being both a key witness in one case, and the chief prosecutor in two others.

This week, a global resolution was reached for all three cases and Carlson, 38, was sentenced to up to five years in the Utah State Prison.

The unusual series of events began on March 29. Gill was on his way to work about 8 a.m. and driving near 1700 South and 1700 East when the car in front of him went across the oncoming lanes of traffic, over a driveway, through a park strip, took out a tree and then nearly hit other vehicles parked along the side of the road. A Salt Lake police report noted that two trees were hit.

"At that point, Im not certain whether he has had a health issue, and is he safe to drive? Gill said. "It was almost an autonomic kind of response because one, I was just generally concerned that I thought this guy might be having a heart attack or a stroke or something. So I was just trying to get to him as a matter of safety."

Gill, who spotted what he believed was a child in the passenger seat, followed the car and began hitting his horn to get the driver's attention. Gill finally caught up with the man and pulled up next to him.

"Hey, are you OK? Because Im a little concerned. I just saw you take off through a tree and it looks like you have a kid, Gill told Carlson.

He said Carlson claimed he was fine and that he didn't need any help.

"He said, 'No, I just fell asleep. But theres something else going on here, something more, Gill noted. "I can tell his speech is a little slurred and his mannerisms are a little bit different.

"I could see the way he was driving. He is lucky he didnt hit any oncoming traffic. Hes lucky he didnt hit any of the parked cars, he continued.

He then told the man, "I want you to go back and tell the guy whose tree you just ran over what happened."

As police noted in a report: "Sim Gill followed the suspect, confronted him and made him return to the scene."

As Gill followed the man back to the scene of the crash, he called 911. Once police arrived, Gill said Carlson got out of his car and began pulling items out of the trunk of his car and appeared to be putting something in his pocket.

"Gee, what are you going to do now, Sim? was the thought going through Gill's head. "Im getting nervous now because I dont know who this guy is, what hes going to pull out."

To buy some time, Gill told Carlson to go knock on the resident's door and tell him what had happened. In the meantime, Gill went to the passenger side of the car and instead of finding a child, he discovered an adult woman slouched down in the seat.

"They look like theyre just high. Theyre just intoxicated, he said.

Gill said as he was trying to keep an eye on both Carlson and the woman, Carlson  rather than walking up to the residence  "grabs the tree he knocked out, pulls it, and then starts walking. So I start walking after him because hes taking off."

Carlson continued walking toward a nearby gas station where Salt Lake police later determined using store surveillance video that he was holding syringes and other drug paraphernalia in his hand and tried to get rid of them by putting them in a trash can.

Police caught up with Carlson and arrested him. When they brought him back to the scene of the accident, Gill, who had not identified himself, said Carlson looked at him and said, "I know who you are," as if he just realized who had been following him.

After Carlson was released from jail later that same day, he got into another DUI-related crash at 9 p.m. that night  about 13 hours after his first incident, in almost the same area, 1530 S. 1300 East, according to a police affidavit.

While Carlson was free and awaiting his court proceedings, he was involved in a hit-and-run crash on Sept. 10 near 945 E. 2100 South. Drugs and alcohol were factors, according to court records. No one was seriously injured. Carlson was then arrested for investigation of DUI on Sept. 15 at 51 N. 200 West.

According to state court records, Carlson has been convicted of DUI six times.

Gill said the whole incident was a unique experience as he found himself on a different side of the criminal process.

"It was interesting. I filled out my witness statement, talked with law enforcement, shared all my information with them," he said. "I dont think I did anything different than anyone else would have done."SALT LAKE CITY  In 2007, Utahns flexed their collective political muscle to emphatically overturn a newly passed state law allowing publicly funded vouchers for students to attend private school.

Since that crushing referendum, state lawmakers have not dared touch the issue again.

And that ballot measure's success energized other groups and individuals in the next several years to launch citizen initiatives on various matters. But all of them over the past decade ultimately fell to the wayside.

In fact, it wasn't until 2018 that a citizens' initiative actually made it on the ballot as a confluence of voter frustration and legislative inaction on brewing issues came to a head.

Initiatives on medical marijuana, Medicaid expansion and creating an independent redistricting commission all qualified for the ballot  the most ever in the state for a single election  and all three passed. Another initiative on Utah's candidate nomination process also qualified for the ballot, but was bumped off after 3,000 petition signers removed their names.

Whether the success ignites another surge in citizen initiatives remains to be seen. But because of the difficulty of getting a measure on the ballot, Utah won't be a California or Oregon where the process is much less onerous and ballots often contain long lists of initiatives.

"I dont think we're going to be like California where any frivolous issue can get on the ballot. I think we've got a pretty good balance," said LaVarr Webb, UtahPolicy.com publisher.

To qualify for the ballot, an initiative in Utah must have more than 113,000 voter signatures  10 percent of votes cast for president in the most recent election  that meet specific thresholds in at least 26 of Utah's 29 state Senate districts. Utah has a 30-day period after the petitions are turned in for signers to remove their names if they want to.

In California, initiatives required the signatures of at least 5 percent of all people who voted in the last gubernatorial election.

"It has very little do with a states liberal or conservative lean, and everything to do with how easy is it is to qualify," Brigham Young University political science professor Adam Brown said of the ability to get initiatives on the ballot.

Secondary to that, he said, is how insulated a voter-approved law is to legislative interference. In Utah, lawmakers can rewrite a law right after it passes.

There were 63 citizen initiatives on ballots across the country last year, 32 of which passed, according to the Initiatives and Referendum Institute at the University of Southern California. The average number in even-year elections since 2008 is 55.

California voters considered six initiatives in 2018 and eight in 2016, along with several citizen-initiated state constitutional amendments. Utah does not allow initiatives for constitutional changes.

It has very little do with a states liberal or conservative lean, and everything to do with how easy is it is to qualify.  Adam Brown, political science professor at Brigham Young University

The chance to vote on a citizen initiative doesn't come around often in Utah. Of the 12 initiative petitions started since 2007, only three  the ones last year  reached the ballot, according to Ballotpedia, an independent website that tracks ballot initiatives in states.

"It just shows a certain moment in time of how the voters are feeling about their representation in government on certain issues," said Chase Thomas, Alliance for a Better Utah executive director.

Those issues just bubbled over to the point that Utahns wanted a decision, he said.

Derek Monson, Sutherland Institute vice president of policy, suggests there might be something else at play that helped initiative backers collect enough voter signatures to qualify for the ballot last year.

The state law allowing candidates to circulate petitions to get on the primary election ballot gave rise to the hiring of paid signature gatherers in Utah, and that has spilled over to initiatives.

What used to be a huge volunteer effort, Monson said, has become a professional industry.

"That's a dynamic that hasn't existed," he said, adding that he favors the state regulating signature gathering firms. "It kind of lowers the bar."

Now that people know they can get initiatives on the ballot as last year showed, do other people "come out of the woodwork or not?" Monson said.

The three recent initiatives have made an obvious impact on the state, but so have ones that voters didn't get the chace to weigh in on.

Utahns for Ethical Government failed twice a few years ago to get its initiative on the ballot seeking voter approval for an independent ethics commission to oversee the state's elected officials.

To pre-empt the initiative, lawmakers passed their own ethics reform package, including placing a constitutional amendment on the ballot to create an ethics commission, which passed.

Faced with losing the state's longstanding caucus and convention system for nominating candidates to direct primary elections in 2014, the Legislature reached a compromise with the Count My Vote initiative. SB54 maintained the traditional conventions while allowing candidates to collect voter signatures to get on the primary ballot.

"So there is a trend, and that's what it looks like," said Brown, who tracks the Utah Legislature at UtahDataPoints.com. "People who've been involved in these have seen that we can push the Legislature to do things they otherwise would not do, even if we don't actually put it on the ballot."

And the Legislature has the power to push back when an initiative does pass  in mores ways than one.

Utah lawmakers have changed the citizens' initiative process over the years to make it more difficult, especially after a measure passes. They might take a ratchet to it again this year on the heels of the successful medical marijuana, Medicaid expansion and redistricting initiatives.

"Its simply anti-democratic, not what Utahns want. It is wrong," House Minority Leader Brian King, D-Salt Lake City, said about such legislative efforts during the Democrats' response to Gov. Gary Herbert's State of the State speech Wednesday.

Several bills have been filed this session to make changes to the initiative and referendum petition process:

 HB88 changes the deadline for requesting the removal of a signature from a petition.

 HB133would delay the effective date of voter-approved laws to 60 days after the Legislature adjourns from general session.

HB145 requires initiative sponsors to submit signed petitions to county clerks as they collect them and counties to post the names of signers on their websites.

 HB195 bases the percentage of required signatures on the number of "active" voters rather than on the number of voters in the previous presidential election.

More controversial than changing the process, though, is the Republican-controlled Legislature tinkering with or scrapping, at least in part, voter-approved laws.

Legislators replaced the medical marijuana initiative with their own bill a month after it passed. They're now swiftly doing the same with Medicaid expansion, and are poised to pass a bill that would cover fewer Utahns with a lower federal-to-state funding match.

In addition to not tightening the initiative petition process, Democrats argue initiatives should stand as passed.

"The Legislature should never be quick to overrule the will of Utah voters when ballot initiatives pass," King said.

Webb said it isn't inappropriate for lawmakers to make some changes to initiatives.

"I think they should be careful in making wholesale changes that make new laws unrecognizable," he said.

Monson contends that citizen initiatives shouldn't put legislators in that position to begin with. Shortcomings in the process make it easier for voter-approved laws that "haven't been well-considered" to pass, he said.

He suggested stoking a competition of ideas by giving voters more than an all-or-nothing choice. The timing of signature gathering for ballot initiatives could be adjusted so the Legislature could put an alternative option on the ballot, he said.

Voters, Monson said, could choose the initiative, the Legislature's proposal or neither, leaving the status quo.

Correction: An earlier version incorrectly referred to Chase Roberts instead of Chase Thomas.NEPHI  Heroin landed Merry Hosie back in a Nephi courtroom last month.

The 33-year-old warehouse worker is not alone in Juab County, a stretch of desert at the foot of Utah's urban corridor.

Most who answer criminal charges in Juab are accused of carrying or selling drugs. But for those who can't afford an attorney, a lone overstretched public defender long struggled to represent them at each court date and connect them to rehabilitation programs.

As she starts in on a court-ordered plan to fight the addiction that forced her to turn over her three children to state custody and repeatedly pushed her into jail, Hosie says she is encouraged by an effort to strengthen the office that has legally defended her, and by early evidence of its success.

"Everybody does better with supervision. I need it to stay clean right now, and I definitely think Nephi is in need of it with their courtrooms and their police officers, because everybody has the potential to misbehave when they're not being watched," she said recently in Nephi's 4th District courthouse.

"There's a small trickle of fresh water coming in."

'A huge benefit'

Juab County was first to secure help after Utah claimed oversight of the public defender system statewide in 2016, joining all but one other state in the nation in agreeing to help local governments manage and pay for indigent defense. Only Pennsylvania remains a holdout.

Before 2016, it was up to each county in Utah to fund their legal defenders. And many counties, particularly the smaller ones, struggled to come up with the funding.

An infusion of about $142,000 in state money more than tripled the manpower of the Juab office in 2017 and beefed up the budget for appeals  part of an overhaul that transferred supervision of the new attorneys to the Utah County public defender's office.

The result is "drastic," according to a recent progress report from the Utah Indigent Defense Commission, which oversees the grants and sets standards for public defenders in Utah.

Hearings now move quicker. Defendants aren't rushed into taking plea deals, because their lawyers can meet with them ahead of court dates instead of right before a judge calls their case, the report states. Five attorneys now share hundreds of cases, with two more who step in when needed.

"Caseloads are key," said Joanna Landau, director of the commission. "It helps the whole system, because these attorneys have fewer cases, so they can spend more time on each. They can do more investigation of each, and they can make sure they're listening to their client and getting the right outcome from their client."

For nearly four decades prior, Hosie and others who were declared indigent were represented by Milton Harmon, who retired in 2016 at age 81.

Work was slow in the first few years but steadily picked up speed, in part due to a dogged highway trooper, Harmon recalled. It never slowed. By the time he retired, the workload that he and secretary Cheryl Nielsen shared "was absolutely stupendous," he said, sometimes with up to 40 court hearings in a day.

"I did everything I could and I thought we gave good representation to every client," he said. "All you can say is you gave it your all, and there wasn't anything else left that you could do."

Hosie recalled Harmon as a hard worker who once told a judge that she is "meant to do big things in her life."

Tate Bennett, a lawyer who occasionally stepped in to help Harmon in cases when several people were accused in a single crime or when Harmon knew a victim personally, estimates that Harmon's yearly felony caseload reached up to 150, meeting the maximum national standard.

But on top of that, Harmon had roughly 200 other clients, said Bennett, who is now one of the five attorneys splitting up the work in Juab County. Most faced misdemeanor charges. Others, like Hosie, had child welfare proceedings to determine if they could keep their kids, which can take years to resolve. He argued still other cases on behalf of children and teens in the juvenile system.

The budget for defense of the poor has not kept pace with demand. Juab  a county of nearly 10,700  spans from central Utah west to the Nevada border. It is home to more square miles than households.

Its roughly $8 million budget, used in large part to maintain 1,300 miles of roads, "doesn't ever seem to stretch as far as you want it to or you need it to," said Juab County Commissioner Clinton Painter.

About 13 percent live in poverty, higher than in neighboring Tooele County and denser Salt Lake County.

The 2017 boost for its public defenders has been "a huge benefit," Painter said, ensuring a person's right to effective representation even if they can't afford it on their own  a tenet affirmed by the U.S. Supreme Court.

The state's help makes "a big difference in what a small county can provide," said Jared Eldridge, the former Juab County attorney who served on a public defender workgroup and sought out the grant before he became a judge.

"When there's a good defense and a good, vigorous prosecution, the public has more confidence in what the outcome is," Eldridge said. "I think the public looks at that and says, OK, we can have confidence the system worked."

'More possibilities'

Earlier this month, on a break from her job packaging vinyl fences, Hosie appeared in court with her attorney and pleaded guilty to selling 24 grams of heroin to a police informant. Part of a deal with prosecutors, the plea allowed her to enter into drug court, which grants lighter sentences to those who check in with the judge regularly and complete treatment.

She was first introduced to marijuana by her co-workers at Wendy's when she was about 16, she said, later turning to methamphetamine and heroin to cope with bouts of depression. Other factors have compounded her dependence, including the heartbreak of losing custody of her daughter, 5, and her sons, 8 and 2. She estimates she has been jailed six times. Bailiffs at the courthouse greet her by her first name.

"I feel like a failure that I relapsed, but I feel like I get to start right where I left off," said Hosie, now in drug court for the second time.

About five years ago, during her first time in the program, she snagged a spot in an inpatient treatment program that had "seemed almost impossible" to clinch, she said, following an extended wait period and no help from the legal system. She is not planning another stint at a residential center, she said, but will receive counseling and outpatient care.

Hosie said she has seen the influx of new attorneys push harder for such services. The report indicates such a trend: 14 Juab cases went to drug court in 2017, compared to an average of nine over the prior three years.

"People's minds are more open," she said. "There's more open possibilities."

Work not done

Juab County Attorney Ryan Peters, whose office filed the criminal charge against Hosie, sees it similarly. The shift builds on 2015 justice reforms in Utah that seek to rehabilitate offenders, not just penalize them, he said.

"Youve got these public defenders who are aware of programs we dont necessarilly have," he said. The new crop has connections to Utah County treatment centers and advocates who can help defendants apply for Medicaid, the federal health insurance program for low-income people.

"We can bounce ideas off each other, but not just each other  we have the entire public defender's office to back us," said Stephen Frazier, Hosie's attorney.

In the year after Frazier took on the bulk of public defender cases in Juab County, judges agreed to reduce bail by more than in the past, when defendants sometimes argued their own cases at bail hearings, according to the analysis. Police also have stepped up their investigations, the commission's report says.

The ACLU of Utah, which has fought to improve indigent defense in Utah, says the report is encouraging but the work isn't done.

"These types of advances are only possible when the system is properly funded and meaningful standards are in place," said John Mejia, ACLU legal director. "We continue to call for these efforts to continue in earnest statewide.

Juab has renewed the contract for three additional years, with more money coming to help train attorneys and bring on a full-time social worker. Other counties and towns have entered into smaller multiyear deals to boost defense, and the commission is seeking $5 million from the Legislature this year to grow the program.

In Juab, Hosie said, "I just want the flow to continue."

The sentiment applies to her own treatment. The prospect of spending more time with her husband, who is also in recovery, fuels a desire to stay sober. So holds out the possibility of visiting one day with her children, who are now being raised in other families.

"I want to live," she said. "It's been hard to find the want to live, but I do."

Correction: An earlier version misspelled defense attorney Stephen Frasier's first name. It is Stephen, not Steven.At the Angelus, Pope Francis calls for "powerful prayer," because "they are the children who are hungry, thirsty, are in danger of death". "The cry of these children and their parents rises to God". "Authentic prophecy is required to pay" a price that is "fatigue, rejection, persecution and defeat", as Jesus of Nazareth. Best wishes for the Lunar New Year to the peoples of the Far East. The Day for Life, to "promote births". The message of the peace of young people of Catholic Action and the launch of balloons.

Vatican City (AsiaNews) - A few hours ahead of his trip to Abu Dhabi, as the first pontiff to visit the Arabian peninsula, Pope Francis launched an appeal for Yemen at his Angelus address.

The country lies just 2 thousand km from the emirate and is victim of the Saudi-led coalition war, which also includes Abu Dhabi and various Arab countries. The pontiff highlighted above all "the humanitarian crisis in Yemen", where "the population is exhausted by the long conflict and many children suffer from hunger, but it is not possible to access food stores".

The war that broke out in March 2015 pits the Houthi, desiring greater autonomy and supported by Teheran, against the Sunni leadership of the deposed president Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi, supported by Riyadh. Attempts at peace talks and truces have always failed. In the war, the Saudis even attack the humanitarian convoys trying to reach the port of Hudaydah. According to the UN, so far the war has caused over 10 thousand dead and at least 55 thousand injured. In fact, some independent bodies set the budget (between January 2016 and end of July 2018) at around 50,000 deaths. Children are among the primary victims, dying under the bombs or from very serious malnutrition. Recently UN experts have said that at least 14 million Yemenis are at risk of hunger. "The cry of these children and their parents - Francis continued - rises up to the presence of God. I appeal to the interested parties and the international community to urgently encourage compliance with the agreements reached, ensure the distribution of food and work for the good of the population. I invite everyone to pray for our brothers and sisters of Yemen ". And he recited Hail Mart, together with the pilgrims in St. Peter's Square.

"Let us pray earnestly - he added - because they are children who are hungry, thirsty, they are in danger of death".

Previously, the Pope commented on the passage from today's Gospel (4 Sun. for year C, Luke, 4, 21-30), which tells of the refusal that the inhabitants of Nazareth oppose to Jesus, demanding He preform the miracles of Capernaum. "God - Francis said - wants faith, they want miracles; God wants to save everyone, and they want a Messiah to their advantage ".

"This Gospel - he continued - shows us that the public ministry of Jesus begins with a rejection and with a threat of death, paradoxically on the part of his fellow citizens. Jesus, in living the mission entrusted to him by the Father, knows that he must face fatigue, rejection, persecution and defeat. A price that, yesterday like today, true prophecy is called to pay. This harsh rejection, however, does not discourage Jesus, nor does it stop the path and fruitfulness of his prophetic action. He goes on his way (see verse 30), trusting in the love of the Father.

Even today, the world needs to see in the disciples of the Lord of the prophets, that is, of the courageous and persevering people in responding to the Christian vocation. People who follow the 'push' of the Holy Spirit, who sends them to proclaim hope and salvation to the poor and the excluded; people who follow the logic of faith and not of miraculousness; people dedicated to the service of all, without privileges and exclusions. In short: people who open themselves to accept in themselves the will of the Father and commit themselves to bear witness to it faithfully to others ".

The Pope then recalled that today in Italy we celebrate the Day for Life, entitled "It's life, it's the future", "to promote births" in ways that involve "the institutions and the various cultural and social realities, recognizing the family as the generative womb of society ".

He also greeted the Eastern world for the Lunar New Year, which is celebrated next February 5th, under the sign of the Pig. "On February 5 - he said - in the Far East and in various parts of the world, millions of men and women will celebrate the lunar new year. I would like to greet everyone warmly, hoping that in their families those virtues are practiced that help us to live in peace with ourselves, with others and with creation. I invite you all to pray welcome and nurture the gift of peace".

Finally, Pope Francis greeted the children of the Catholic Action of the diocese of Rome who, at the end of a month dedicated to the theme of peace ("Peace is needed"), visited him. A boy and a girl, flanked the Pope at the window of his study, read a message of peace and then, together with the children in the square, released balloons, which Francis said to be "a symbol of our prayers for peace in world".

The Pope ended the Angelus appointment by asking for prayers for his upcoming trip to Abu Dhabi. His departure from Rome was scheduled at 13.Scott, the first in his family to attend college, has money saved for his schooling but is worried about how he will balance academic demands and full-time work while pursuing an engineering degree.

Maria is returning to college two decades after dropping out to work and raise a family. Shes not sure how shell adapt as an older, part-time student.

We understand the anxiety of the Scotts and Marias on our campuses. National research shows slightly more than half of students entering four-year institutions earn their degrees in six years. For those entering community colleges with the intent of transferring to complete a baccalaureate degree, the odds are even more daunting. In fact, more than 25 percent of Utah adults identify as having some college but no degree.

Earning a college degree and/or certificate has never been more important. Currently, the U.S. lags behind other countries in college attainment, with just 48 percent of young adults completing at least an associate degree. This lack of degree attainment jeopardizes their future financial prospects and our communities prosperity. Studies show the earnings differential between college graduates and those with a high school diploma or less has never been greater. Among millennials, those with a college degree earn about $17,500 more annually than those with only a high school education.

As leaders at Salt Lake Community College, or SLCC, and the University of Utah, we are familiar with students experiencing real dilemmas such as those in the examples above. We know that creative collaborations across institutions can change the odds for degree completion in Utah, so we are working together to improve outcomes. Heres our good news.

With SLCC as the lead institution, we are proposing a shared building on SLCCs Herriman Campus. Once funded, this building will be the first of its kind to house two Utah System of Higher Education institutions in the same space, making the transition between an associate degree and a bachelors degree seamless. Financial and physical access are both necessary for todays busy students to achieve their educational goals, and the SLCC/U. Herriman building will bring the best of each institution to students in one of the fastest growing corners of our state.

In the past decade, the southwest area of the Salt Lake Valley, encompassing Herriman, Riverton and Bluffdale, has grown by 66 percent, among the highest rates in Salt Lake County. Subsequently, enrollment at SLCC from students living in this area has risen by 65 percent, while undergraduate enrollment at the U. has increased by 49 percent. By 2040, the population in southwest Salt Lake County is estimated to rise by another 62 percent, ensuring continued enrollment growth. A higher education presence in Herriman will expand access for all.

Well offer 2+2 programs designed to complement each institutions strengths and focus on high-demand economic development clusters. SLCC will provide the first two years of specific degree programs offering an open access, affordable and teaching-focused experience. Students wanting to continue their educations will be able to take upper division coursework from the states flagship university. Programs to be offered will lead to careers in computer science, software engineering, business and nursing and will develop the educated workforce needed to fill the high-demand jobs expected to come with the expansion of Silicon Slopes and at the Point of the Mountain.

Together, SLCC and the U. can help more Utahns earn college degrees. Together, these programs will help students achieve their academic pursuits affordably, conveniently and with their career goals in mind.

Together, we can change the future for Utah students.SALT LAKE CITY  Heres a look at the news for Jan. 31.

The Utah Senate approved a replacement for a voter-approved Utah Medicaid expansion. Read more.

Utah lawmaker wants to move drivers licenses from wallets to cellphones. Heres how it would work.

Utahs food bloggers share their nine favorite Super Bowl snacks. Read more.

The Salt Lake Stallions first roster includes 17 players from BYU, Utah and Utah State. Read more.

Utah Rep. John Curtis cries foul over Democrats bill to expand Bears Ears National Monument. Read more.

Gov. Gary Herbert says the greatest challenge for Utah may be growth. Read more.

Sundance is showing a film about Satanists. What does it have to do with religious liberty? Read more.

More from our featured voices:

A look at our most-read stories:

News from the U.S. and world:Previously, the starting price for a Model 3 in China was 499,000 yuan, for an all-wheel-drive long range version.

Tesla currently imports all the cars it sells in China but is in the process of building a factory in Shanghai.

US electric vehicle maker Tesla Inc said it will start taking orders in China on Friday for a lower-priced version of its Model 3 car, as it seeks to accelerate China sales hit by trade friction between Washington and Beijing.

The California-based firm said in a statement that Chinese customers will be allowed to place orders for a long range, rear-wheel-drive Model 3 variant whose price will start at 433,000 yuan (USD 64,300.56).

Previously, the starting price for a Model 3 in China was 499,000 yuan, for an all-wheel-drive long range version. Tesla said earlier this year that it plans to start delivering Model 3 cars to customers in China in March.

Tesla currently imports all the cars it sells in China but is in the process of building a factory in Shanghai that will manufacture Model 3 cars in the initial phase.

Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk said on a post earnings call on Wednesday that Teslas Fremont factory is focussed almost entirely on building Model 3s for China and Europe.

Its very important to get those cars, especially to China, as soon as possible. We hope the trade negotiations go well , but its not clear. But we need to get them there while theres sort of a de facto - sort of a truce on the tariff war, Musk said.

Tesla has sent two ships and at least one cargo plane with Model 3 vehicles to China, a logistics source familiar with the matter said.

The company said in October that its China sales have been hammered after Beijing raised tariffs on imports of US autos to 40 percent in July. China has since temporarily suspended the additional 25 percent tariff, reducing it to the 15 percent level.

Tesla has adjusted prices of its US-made cars in China to keep its cars affordable in the country, a move also aimed at helping it fend off competition from a swathe of domestic electric vehicle startups such as Nio Inc, Byton and XPeng Motors.

Tesla has said that it wants to start production at its Shanghai plant in the second half this year and is aiming to build 3,000 Model 3 vehicles per week.Denton, TX (76205)

Today

Windy with scattered thunderstorms. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 76F. Winds NNE at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Widely scattered showers or a thunderstorm this evening. Then partly cloudy. Low 61F. Winds NNE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 40%.editorial

Echoes of Pittsburgh in new push for gun control in Pa.education

New Elwyn prez wants to move to less on-campus housingYou are the owner of this article.On February 1, 2017, then Finance Minister Arun Jaitley made what appeared to be a very important announcement as a part of his Budget speech in the Lok Sabha. The Budget had a separate section titled Transparency in Electoral Funding. The first of the two paragraphs in this section declared the governments resolve to cleanse the system of political funding in India, while the second mentioned the specific steps the government intended to take to make that happen. The steps consisted of amending four laws -- the Representation of the People Act, the Income Tax Act, the Reserve Bank of India Act, and the Companies Act. He was putting in motion the Modi governments Electoral Bonds scheme.

The same day, in his post-Budget media interaction, the FM said, These bonds will be bearer in character to keep the donor anonymous. Accordingly, the press release of the PIB carries a seemingly innocuous sentence, It will not carry the name of the payee.

It seemed to defy logic that an instrument which would keep the donor anonymous and will not carry the name of the payee could lead to transparency.

The next step was the release of the complete Budget Papers which contained the specific amendments that were proposed to the four Acts. Reading the fine print of the amendments showed unambiguously that all the amendments moved political and electoral funding further in the direction of opacity, exactly the opposite of transparency, which was stated to be the purpose of the entire exercise.

Withholding the names of the buyers (donors) and the recipients of electoral bonds turned out to be merely the tip of the iceberg. For example, a more insidious move, hidden in the amendment of the Companies Act, was to remove the 7.5% ceiling on the proportion of the profits of a company that could be donated to a political party. Another proposed amendment was to just delete the provision which required companies to disclose the name of political parties to whom they had donated, and the amounts donated. These two seemingly innocuous amendments made it possible for a company to donate its entire profit to a political party without declaring the name of the party or the amount donated.

The Scheme of Electoral Bonds to cleanse the system of political funding in the country was notified on January 2, 2018. The only redeeming feature, if one may call it that, is that donations made through electoral bonds cannot be completely hidden. The transparency, however, is severely limited. Each political party is required to declare the total amount of money they have received through these bonds but WHO gave how much money is NOT KNOWN. Similarly, a corporate buying and giving electoral bonds to political parties has to only declare the total amount of money donated to political parties through electoral bonds but does NOT have to declare how much it gave to which political party. For example, BJP and Congress declared that they received Rs 215 crore and Rs 5 crore in electoral bonds in financial year 2017-18, but no one is any wiser, and certainly not We, the People, as to WHO gave that money to these parties! Some transparency, indeed!!

So, what is wrong with electoral bonds? One, there is no transparency whatsoever because both the giver and receiver of the money are NOT KNOWN, even though both get the advantage of tax exemption. Two, with the 7.5% limit and the disclosure requirement gone, it is perfectly possible for any dubious entity to set up a company, or a shell company, and route money to political parties completely UNKNOWN to anyone except the State Bank of India. There are two issues with this: (a) These dubious entities can well be foreign companies or even drug or arms mafias, (b) With only State Bank of India knowing who buys the bonds, how long will it take for this information to move to the Reserve Bank of India, and in turn, to the finance ministry, is not difficult to guess. And once it goes to the finance ministry, how long does it take to reach the political party in power is also not a mystery. What that would mean is that the political party in power can, and in all likelihood will, exert pressure on the buyer of electoral bonds to donate the bonds to itself and not to the opposition parties. This will happen irrespective of the party in power. This is perhaps the reason why no political party really opposed this provision in Parliament.

This choking of the flow of funding to opposition parties was only an apprehension when the bonds were introduced in 2017. Sadly, it has been proved correct by the information disclosed by political parties in the Audited Accounts Contribution Statements submitted by them to the Income Tax Department and the Election Commission of India for the financial year 2017-18. These submissions reveal that BJP received Rs 215 crore worth of electoral bonds while the Congress received Rs 5 crore. No other party has declared receiving any contribution by way of electoral bonds.

An added concern is the way electoral bonds were introduced, as part of the Union Budget, and therefore as part of a Money Bill. The Constitution provides that Money Bills do not need to be passed in the Rajya Sabha, it can only comment on them. The Constitution also defines the conditions that need to be satisfied for a bill to qualify as a Money Bill. The provisions of electoral bonds do not meet the criteria to qualify as a Money Bill. The rationale by the government is that since the Budget is a Money Bill, anything contained in it is automatically considered to meet the requirements of a Money Bill. A similar misuse of the Money Bill has been the retrospective amendments to the Foreign Currency Regulation Act (FCRA) which the government has done, not once but twice, in attempts to save the BJP and the Congress from being prosecuted for violations of FCRA as decided by the Delhi High Court.

The electoral bonds scheme has been challenged in a PIL in the Supreme Court on two counts: (a) that this has affected transparency in political funding, as a result of which the Election Commission and the citizens of the country will not get to know the vital information regarding political contributions; and two, passing this as a Money Bill and thereby bypassing the Rajya Sabha, is unconstitutional and violates the doctrine of separation of powers and the citizens fundamental right to information, which are parts of the basic structure of the Constitution. The PIL was filed in October 2017, the Ministry of Finance filed its response on January 2018 and the Law Ministry responded in March 2018. The matter is still to come up for hearing.

Electoral bonds are yet another link in the long saga of political parties thwarting attempts to bring any semblance of transparency in political funding.

The UPA government had introduced electoral trusts with similarly high-sounding objectives. It was later held by the Delhi High Court that both BJP and the Congress were guilty of having violated the FCRA under the guise of receiving donations from electoral trusts. The NDA government has brought in electoral bonds which have made it perfectly legal for political parties to receive completely anonymous contributionsand it is always done with the hallowed aim of increasing transparency.

(The writer is a former Professor, Dean, and Director In-charge of Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad)The products began to disappear from Amazon India late on Thursday as it began complying with the regulations.

Indias revised e-commerce rules caused widespread disruption on Amazons India website when they kicked in on Friday, forcing the company to take down its key grocery service and remove a wide range of products such as sunglasses and floor cleaners.

The products began to disappear from Amazon India late on Thursday as it began complying with the regulations before a midnight deadline, two sources with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters.

In December, India modified foreign direct investment rules for its burgeoning e-commerce sector, which has drawn major bets from not only Amazon.com but also the likes of Walmart Inc, which last year bought a majority stake in homegrown e-commerce player Flipkart.

Indias new e-commerce investment rules bar online retailers from selling products via vendors in which they have an equity interest, and also from making deals with sellers to sell exclusively on their platforms.

Numerous items sold by Amazon vendors such as Cloudtail, in which Amazon holds an indirect equity stake, were no longer available on its India site. Amazon Pantry, a grocery service primarily managed by company affiliates, was also discontinued, though grocery products could be purchased individually.

Pantry is completely empty, how I am suppose to grocery shop, Twitter user Pamela wrote on the social network. Whatever government rules are, (I) dont care, you guys fix it, I need to shop.

Amazon, which saw record sales and profit during the holiday season, has forecast first-quarter sales below Wall Street estimates due to the uncertainty in India - one of its key growth markets.

The situation in India is a bit fluid right now, but the country remains a good long-term opportunity, Amazon Chief Financial Officer Brian Olsavsky said. The companys main goal was to minimize the impact of the new rules on customers and sellers, he added.

Flipkart CEO Kalyan Krishnamurthy warned last month that it faced significant customer disruption if the new rules were implemented from Feb. 1. On Friday, the company said it was disappointed the government acted in haste, but assured compliance.

We are committed to doing everything we can to be compliant with the new rules, Flipkart India executive Rajneesh Kumar said in a statement, without explaining how the website was impacted.

The new policy was announced after complaints from small Indian traders who said the e-commerce giants used their control over inventory from affiliated vendors to create an unfair marketplace where they could offer discounts. Such arrangements will now be barred.

Both Amazon and Walmart unsuccessfully lobbied against the latest rules and pushed for a delay in their implementation. The US government too urged India to protect the investments of the two retailers, Reuters reported last week.

But Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modis administration stood firm as the move was widely seen as one to appease small traders in the run-up to a general election due by May.

Industry sources have said the new rules will dent foreign investor sentiment and force the big online retailers to change their business structures, raising compliance costs.

The company has no choice as they are fulfilling a compliance requirement, the customers will suffer, said one of the sources. It is very upsetting for foreign investors.

Both companies have bet heavily on India being a big growth driver: Amazon has committed to investing USD 5.5 billion there, while Walmart last year spent USD 16 billion on Flipkart.

Amazons own range of Presto-branded home cleaning goods and other Amazon Basics products such as chargers and batteries vanished from its website late on Thursday.

Clothing from Indian department store chain Shoppers Stop was also no longer available, as Amazon owns 5 percent of the company.

The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), which supported tougher scrutiny of large e-commerce players, said the removal of products by Amazon was a step in the right direction.

Exclusive deals with sellers, in compliance with the revised rules, will also be discontinued on Amazon India, the two sources said.

It was unclear how long the disruption will last. On Friday, Amazons own range of Echo smart speakers, which were earlier removed as they were sold by a company affiliate, returned for sale via other sellers on the platform.

However, buyers would now need to wait for up to 36 days to get some of the speakers delivered even under Amazons fast-delivery Prime service, which often delivers goods in a day or two.The exercise aims at boosting the joint operational capabilities of the participating countries` naval forces for peace and stability in the region.

Islamabad: Pakistan Navy will host the sixth multi-national Naval Exercise AMAN, 2019 this month.

According to spokesperson from Pakistan Navy, more than 40 countries will participate in the exercise with the resolve of Unity for Peace.

The exercise aims at boosting the joint operational capabilities of the participating countries` naval forces for peace and stability in the region.

Exercise AMAN is a biennial multinational maritime exercise being hosted by Pakistan Navy since 2007 wherein navies of the world cruise together and share experiences to enhance interoperability for peace, said a military statement.

Pakistan Navy held a special programme at the Cantonment Station in Karachi on Sunday in connection with the multinational exercise AMAN-2019. Under the programme, the trains departing from the Cantonment Station were decorated with banners of AMAN-2019 bearing the messages of peace.

The ceremony was attended by Navy officials while the band of Pakistan Navy presented tunes of national songs and entertained the passengers.

The spokesperson of Pakistan Navy said Pakistan is a peace loving country and we are all united for the sole cause of peace.The Foreign Minister acknowledged that he spoke with Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz and India should not make it an issue (File Photo)

Lahore: Pakistan has no intention to interfere in India's internal matters and New Delhi should not make an issue out of his telephonic conversation with Kashmiri separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has said.

India on Wednesday summoned Pakistan envoy Sohail Mahmood and categorically told him that Qureshi's telephonic conversation was a "brazen attempt" to subvert India's unity and violate its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Mahmood was "cautioned" by Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale that persistence of such behaviour will have "implications".

Talking to the media in Multan on Saturday, Qureshi said that Pakistan has no intention to interfere in the internal matters of India, but New Delhi should also stop blaming Islamabad for its problems, Dawn news reported.

The Foreign Minister acknowledged that he spoke with Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz and India should not make it an issue. "We want to resolve the Kashmir dispute through dialogue but India is making undue hue and cry," Qureshi was quoted as saying by The Express Tribune.

"Issues are emerging in India but Pakistan has no role in that," he said.

Qureshi said that he would highlight Pakistan's view point on Kashmir issue at an event in the House of Common in London this week. The Foreign Minister said that election in India was an internal matter and Islamabad would try to hold talks with the new government if it wanted to work with Pakistan.

India has made it clear to Pakistan that talks and terrorism cannot go together. Pakistan's relations with many countries have improved because of successful diplomacy of the incumbent government, he claimed. He said Saudi crown prince would visit Pakistan this month.

"New agreements will be signed during his visit," Qureshi said. The Pakistan Foreign Office said Tuesday that Qureshi spoke with the Hurriyat leader and discussed with him efforts of Pakistan government to highlight the Kashmir issue.

In New Delhi, the Ministry of External Affairs asserted that the entire Jammu and Kashmir "has been, is and shall remain the integral part of India and that Pakistan has no locus standi in any matters related to the State of Jammu and Kashmir, has been made clear again to the High Commissioner of Pakistan."

According to the government sources in New Delhi, India was particularly anguished over Pakistan's statement on Tuesday, sharing details of the conversation that centred around the Kashmir issue.Washington DC: Indian Ambassador to the US, Harsh Vardhan Shringla on Sunday said that the "weight of the government of India" is behind the detained students in the country, while confirming that the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) will have access to all students by Monday.

Speaking exclusively to ANI, Shringla said, "We are obviously concerned and distressed that so many Indian students have been implicated in this issue regarding the University of Farmington in Farmington Hills, Michigan. We have been very quick off the block in trying to ensure that the interests of our students are protected."

"We have either met or are scheduled to meet shortly a majority of students under detention. We have had our people go to each and every center across the country to access our citizens and to ensure the students are okay. By Monday we will have access to almost all our students," he added.

Shringla, the former High Commissioner to Bangladesh, said that they have been advising the students on various legal options and that the students can also access a panel of lawyers. Shringla said that the hotlines set up for the students have so far received over 100 calls.

"Each of our five Consulates in the country has identified a nodal officer who could be contacted for any issue in this situation. We have been given instructions from the foreign secretary that this should be handled with the highest priority, to be proactive in helping our students and we have been doing that. The students can be assured that they are not alone, the weight of the Government of India is behind them," he said.

On Saturday, India issued a demarche to the US Embassy in New Delhi over the detention of the students and expressed its concern over their well-being while also seeking immediate consular access.

In a statement, the MEA said that 30 Indian students have been contacted by Indian consular officers and efforts to contact the remaining Indian students are underway.

In a nationwide crackdown on Wednesday, US authorities arrested scores of Indian students, mainly from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, who were illegally staying in the country.

A US federal court charged eight Indian student recruiters- six from Detroit and one each from Florida and Virginia. The Department of Homeland Security, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency have also issued warrants for the arrest of 600 persons.

The students had allegedly enrolled in a fraudulent university in order to take advantage of the US government's pay-to-stay scheme.

The Department of Homeland Security had set up a fake university in Farmington Hills to target foreign students who wanted to stay in the US without proper authorization, in search of jobs under the CPT (Curricular Practical Training) student visa program, according to federal indictments unsealed in Detroit.The diaspora is already gearing up to help them with their defence but the sensational case may stretch India-US ties at a time when the President of the host country is fighting his own battle to build a wall against illegal Mexican migration.

Rare as the demarche served on the US on Saturday is, it does serve to express Indias concern over the plight of 129 students who have been detained by immigration and customs enforcement officials after they enrolled themselves in a fake university.

The point being made in Indias diplomatic maneuver is that the students, mostly Telugu-speaking and from the states of Andhra and Telangana, should be treated differently from the recruiters who duped them into the pay to stay scheme in the illusory Farmington University in Michigan run as a sting operation by US homeland security. The US case is that the Indian nationals were aware and willingly entered into a fraudulent scheme to keep their immigration status valid with the recruiters  eight persons of Indian origin have been indicted in the case  providing them with work permits in a clear case of abuse of the F-1 student scheme.

The point to ponder is whether the Indians who enrolled themselves in this manner, by paying a hefty fees to the recruiters, are innocent. However, regardless of their knowledge of the illegal nature of the scheme, it may be Indias duty to try and help so many citizens detained by US authorities in a removal process. Of course, if they are guilty of having waded into the scheme with their eyes open in order to stretch their stay in the US, they would have to defend themselves legally in the US and the Indian government cannot be seen to be supporting criminal activity in a foreign land.

The diaspora is already gearing up to help them with their defence but the sensational case may stretch India-US ties at a time when the President of the host country is fighting his own battle to build a wall against illegal Mexican migration.

It would be extremely charitable on the part of the US to absolve the 130 students (including one from Palestine). India can plead for those who were unwittingly drawn into this if their papers are otherwise in order.

Students from China, India and South Korea constitute more than 50 per cent of overseas students in US varsities. As Telugus form a prominent proportion of the Indian diaspora in the US, it does appear that many youngsters are attracted to the land of opportunity.

They would be well advised though to follow the law of the land they are trying to stay in or live in. Any Indian citizen going abroad would be conscious of having to punctiliously follow the laws of the country he/she is visiting and no student can afford to be an exception.

The attractions of this kind of economic migration through the student route hoping to gain the right to stay on and work, cannot be wished away when India is stretched to provide opportunities to its youth.Telangana state Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao interacts with people as he inspects renovation works at the Yadigiri temple on Sunday.

Hyderabad: The Telangana state government has decided to demand that the 15th Finance Commission recommend an increase in the states tax share to the Centre.

It will also ask the Commission to allocate the tax share by taking into consideration the population as per the 1971 Census, amid disquiet that using the 2011 Census as a basis would result in the more populous northern getting a greater share funds.

The Commission is visiting the state on February 18 and will hold meetings that day and the day after at Jubilee Hall with Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao and senior officials.

The Commission will visit the Kaleshwaram project and witness a Mission Bhagiratha project on February 20.

The 14th Finance Commission has recommended to the Centre to devolve 42 per cent share in taxes to the state government as per the 1971 Census.

In view of recent news reports that the 15th Commission was likely to recommend to the Centre for devolution of taxes to state governments as per the 2011 Census, state government authorities were worried that TS share will reduce.

The Telangana state government is of the view that if the 2011 Census is taken as a basis for devolution, southern states would be at a loss compared to northern states.

The officials argue that southern states have been observing fiscal discipline and family planning since 1971, unlike northern states.

The authorities say that though TS had the advantage of getting good tax share, it stood second in the country in Ease of Doing Business and also got recognition as a progressing state, but if the 2011 Census be the basis, it was likely to get less tax share from the Centre. In this backdrop, the authorities are preparing the memorandum with a demand to allocate tax share as per 1971 Census.Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao takes an aerial survey of the renovation works of the Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple at Yadadri on Sunday.

Hyderabad: Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao on Sunday announced that Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple at Yadadri would be reopened after conducting a maha yagna of sahasraashta (1,008) yagnagundams, soon after completion of the ongoing renovation work.

Speaking to reporters after inspecting the work, Mr Rao said Vaishnavites from 133 countries would participate in the ceremonies to reopen the temple and 6,000 seers would perform the maha yagna.

The Chief Minister said work was nearly completed and they wanted to complete the project, including building the presidential suites coming up on the temple premises to accommodate guests and the ring road between the temple and the temple city which is being developed on a 1,000-acre site.

Mr Rao explained that 10 to 15 lakh devotees were expected on the day of reopening of the temple, apart from the President, Prime Minister, chief ministers and governors.

Alleging that the Yadadri temple was neglected by the erstwhile Andhra Pradesh government, he said `70 crore has been sanctioned for land acquisition near the temple.

The Chief Minister said construction of seven gopurams on the temple premises was on in full swing and majority of the work had already been completed.

He earlier conducted an aerial survey of the renovation works and also checked new constructions on the temple premises. He also had a darshan of the deity at Balalayam and offered special prayers.

After prayers, he inspected renovation work of the sanctum sanctorum, inner and outer prakrams, Rathashala and construction of the Shivalayam and various streets in the temple town.

The Chief Minister told architect Anand Sai and engineer-in-chief Ravin-der Rao and other officials supervising the works not to compromise on the quality of construction.

Mr Rao received a cheque of `10 crore as donation from the Raju Vegesna Foundation for construction of annadana satram at the temple town. He said many people were coming forward to donate money for construction of guest houses and choultries in the temple town. So far, 43 donors had come forward to donate `2 crore each.

Mr Rao said he would visit the temple after 15 days to inspect the progress of renovation work and the new constructions.

He said the temple town will be linked to the temples at Kolanupaka, some 20 km away, and Basaraju project to develop Yadadri as a tourist spot.CHENNAI: The AIADMK will lead the alliance in Tamil Nadu and it has begun talks in that direction, party convener and Deputy Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam said on Sunday.

The alliance negotiations are top secret now. We will let you know when the knot is untied, Mr Panneerselvam told reporters when reacting to queries from the media on whether the BJP or any other party has approached the AIADMK for alliance and if the AIADMK would head the alliance.

So far as Tamil Nadu is concerned we are a strong force and hence the alliance will be formed under our leadership. Accordingly talks with friendly parties  regional and national, to forge an alliance (for the upcoming Lok Sabha election) have commenced, said Mr Panneerselvam who earlier participated in a samabandhi (community feast) held at Sri Marundeshwar temple here in connection with the 50th death anniversary of Dravidian stalwart and former Chief Minister C. N. Annadurai.

The State government had organised the Samabandhi in about 313 temples across the State, including 34 in Chennai. AIADMK co-convener and Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami participated in the community feat organised at the Sakthi Vinayagar temple in K. K. Nagar while Ministers, MPs and MLAs took part in similar events at various temples.

On Saturday while launching numerous developmental initiatives in Salem, Mr. Palaniswami had said his government would overcome all hurdles with the blessings of the people and return to power.

Mr Panneerselvams assertion comes amidst speculation in the media and political parties as well of a possible alliance with the BJP, which appears to be the only option for the party with almost all the parties including the Congress, VCK, MDMK and the Left parties supporting the principal opposition DMK. AMMK leader T. T. V. Dhinakaran has already made it clear that his party would have no truck with AIADMK or BJP."He (PM Modi) keeps talking but has not given education or jobs to the youth of Bihar. Patna University will be given central university status if Congress comes to power at the Centre," Rahul Gandhi said. (File Photo)

Patna: Patna University will be granted the status of a central university if the Congress wins the forthcoming general elections, party President Rahul Gandhi announced on Sunday.

Addressing the first rally at Patna's Gandhi Maidan after 28 years, the Congress chief said that Prime Minister Modi keeps talking about his baseless schemes, but has kept the youth of the state deprived of opportunities in terms of jobs and education.

"He (PM Modi) keeps talking but has not given education or jobs to the youth of Bihar. Patna University will be given central university status if Congress comes to power at the Centre," he said.

Rahul promised a guaranteed minimum income to the poor if the Congress comes to power following the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

He mocked the budget 2019 announcement of Rs 6,000 minimum annual income support to farmers and alleged, PM has given Rs 30,000 crore to Anil Ambani, but only Rs 17 per day to the farmers of the country.

Rahul said the BJP makes promises while Congress keeps them. Modi ji, you said you will provide two crore jobs every year. Did anyone receive jobs? No. I had promised farm loan will be waived off within 10 days in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan."

Centre's crop insurance scheme aimed at taking away farmer's money

Taking on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress president Rahul Gandhi Sunday alleged the Centre's crop insurance scheme is aimed at taking away farmers income to fill up pockets of big businessmen.

At his first rally in Bihar after taking over as party president, Gandhi accused the Nitish Kumar government in the state of making "empty promises" like Modi. He promised that if the Congress is voted to power in the Lok Sabha polls a number of steps would be taken to deal with farm distress and unemployment. Raising the slogan of "chowkidaar chor hai" (the watchman is the thief) -- an allusion to Modi, Gandhi accused the NDA government at the Centre of committing irregularities in the Rafale deal. He alleged that policies of the Modi government, including crop insurance, were "aimed at taking away hard-earned money of farmers to fill up the pockets of big businessmen". In contrast, he said, his party's governments in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh waived farm loans within a few days of coming to power. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot were also present at the rally. Besides, alliance partners like RJD's Tejashwi Yadav, former Union minister Sharad Yadav, and former Bihar Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi were present.

The Congress is part of Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) in Bihar which comprises of RJD, RLSP and former Bihar Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi-led Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM).The proposed amendment in the Bill will make the persecuted migrants eligible to apply for citizenship. Under the proposed amendment, the minimum residency period for citizenship is being reduced from the existing 12 years under the present law to seven years. However, citizenship will be given to them only after due scrutiny and recommendation of district authorities and the state government. (Photo: ANI)

Vijaypur: Batting for the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said his government would stand with the children of "Maa Bharti" who were separated from their motherland during 1947 partition.

He said the Bill will facilitate people who faced persecution in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh.

The Citizenship Amendment Bill, 2016, was passed in the Lok Sabha on January 8. The bill is yet to be passed in the Rajya Sabha and would be tabled in the Upper House during the ongoing budget session of the Parliament.

The bill will facilitate citizenship of six identified minority communities namely Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Christians and Parsis from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh who came to India before 31 December 2014.

We have brought in a proposal to amend the Citizenship law to help those who had to leave the country during the partition. There are many sons and daughters of Maa Bharti in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh who had to suffer during the circumstances which emerged during 1947, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing a rally in Jammu and Kashmirs Vijaypur.

The proposed amendment in the Bill will make these persecuted migrants eligible to apply for citizenship. Under the proposed amendment, the minimum residency period for citizenship is being reduced from the existing 12 years under the present law to seven years. However, citizenship will be given to them only after due scrutiny and recommendation of district authorities and the state government.

Launching a scathing attack on the Congress, PM Modi said, Whenever elections come up, the Congress party gets a fever of loan waivers. There were loans of about Rs. 6 lakh crore but when the Congress came into power they approved only Rs. 52000 crore worth loan waivers.

One Rank One Pension scheme was lingering for so many years but nothing was done. Our government has given Rs. 35000 crore for it already. When our finance minister was reading out the budget on Friday, the faces of the opposition leaders were hung up, they lost their senses, he added.

Speaking next on Kashmiri Pandits, the Prime Minister said, Today, I want to speak on a very important issue  Kashmiri Pandits. The centre is committed for their pride and honour. India can never forget the time of violence and terror when they had to leave their homes.

He further assured the family of the martyrs that the central government is with them at every step. I also want to assure the families who are facing shelling from across the border that all efforts are being made to strengthen their security, the Prime Minister added.

He added that when he started the campaign to open bank accounts, people made fun of it.Now, you understand the benefit of the Jan Dhan Yojna? Rs. 75000 would go straight into the accounts of the farmers, Prime Minister said.Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was scheduled to address two rallies in the West Bengal on Sunday. (Photo: File)

Indore: The BJP on Sunday condemned the TMC government in West Bengal over not granting permission to hold Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's rallies in the state.

The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister was scheduled to address two rallies in the state today, one in North Dinajpur district's Raiganj and the other in South Dinajpur district's Balurghat. However, the Mamata Banerjee-led government state government declined permission for both without any prior notice.

Speaking to ANI, BJP National General Secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya said, "We requested permission from the district officials for holding a rally and landing a helicopter, but they have not approved the same yet. Since yesterday they have been saying we will give the permission, today is the rally but they have not approved it yet. This unconstitutional behaviour is the Mamata government's doing."

He further said that the officials say they are being pressured by the government for not sanctioning permission for the rally.

"This is the murder of democracy and we condemn it. We also call on all citizens to vote against this kind of undemocratic government in the upcoming polls," Vijayvargiya said.

Commenting on Mamata's remarks that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's time in power is nearing its expiry and he is not mentally prepared to make an exit, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya said, "Mamata Ji must be very desperate after the Prime Minister's two rallies yesterday. Whatever event we conduct, be it the Prime Minister's or a small leader's, we are drawing huge crowds".

Maurya added, "She is petrified at the prospect of not only losing the Lok Sabha elections but also the next legislative assembly elections in the state".

Meanwhile, Yogi's Information Advisor, Mritunjay Kumar said, "It is because of the Chief Minister's popularity among the people that Mamata Banerjee did not permit the landing of his helicopter".

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday kick-started the BJP's campaign in West Bengal for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections with two rallies, in Thakurnagar and Durgapur.The European Commission is weighing a de-facto ban on Huaweis 5G network equipment.

Some Western countries, including the United States and Australia, have restricted Huawei from building next-generation mobile networks.

Mobile communications industry body GSMA has proposed a crisis meeting to discuss a plan to ban Huawei 5G equipment in the European Union amid mounting industry concerns that such a move could set operators back by years.

The European Commission is weighing a de-facto ban on Huaweis 5G network equipment for next-generation mobile networks due to security concerns, sources told Reuters.

Some Western countries, including the United States and Australia, have restricted Huawei from building next-generation mobile networks and Germany is considering whether to do so.

GSMA Director General, Mats Granryd, had written to members proposing to put the debate around Huawei onto the agenda of its next board meeting, a spokesman for the federation told Reuters on Saturday.

The meeting will be held in late February on the sidelines of the Mobile World Congress, the industrys biggest annual gathering, in Barcelona.

It is to be confirmed for now, he said.

As many operators are relying on Huawei to build out 5G networks, a de-facto ban would be a considerable setback for Europes efforts to stay competitive in communications, with implications for connected factories, self-driving cars and medical technology.

Deutsche Telekom has said it would set its plans to roll out the new services back by two years.A meeting of the BJP's Core Committee was held at the party headquarters in the city on Sunday under the leadership of its election in-charge Mr Aravind Limbavali.

Hyderabad: Telangana state BJP leaders have decided to start their campaign for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections from this week. Several national-level leaders of the party will visit the state and discuss strategies with the leaders and workers in various constituencies in the state.

A meeting of the BJP's Core Committee was held at the party headquarters in the city on Sunday under the leadership of its election in-charge Mr Aravind Limbavali. The committee discussed several steps to be followed in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Union minister Nitin Gadkari will meet the party workers from Hyderabad, Secunderabad and Malkajgiri LS constituencies on February 5. Mr Limbavali will address a meeting of all important leaders of the party in Telangana state February 9. On February 13, the saffron party's national president Amit Shah will tour Telangana.

The most important mission assigned by the BJP high command to its state-level leaders is to inform the people about what the Central government has done for the state. The results of the Lok Sabha elections will be different from that of the recent Assembly polls. We are confident that the wave in favour of Prime Minister Narendra Modi will help in Telangana too. Our strategies will be decided in the meetings that will be held from this week, said BJP senior leader G. Kishan Reddy.

Former Union minister Bandaru Dattatraya said, Mr Narendra Modi has proved to be the best Prime Minister and people will vote for him. The BJP will win the elections with the vote of 40 Crore beneficiaries in the country. The TRS leaders allege that the Centre has not given funds to the state. We are ready for a debate on this. The Central government is launching several welfare schemes for the poor, but the TS government is not implementing them.Mumbai: Union minister Nitin Gadkari said party workers should fulfil their domestic obligations first because those who cannot do that cannot manage the country.

He was speaking at a gathering of former Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad workers in Nagpur on Saturday.

I meet many people who say they want to devote their lives for the BJP, for the country, Mr Gadkari said.

I asked one such person what he does and who all are there in his family. He said he has a wife and children and has shut his shop as it was not doing well. I asked him to first take care of his home, because one who cannot manage his home cannot manage the country. First manage your home and look after your children properly, only then work for the party and country.

The statement is being seen as yet another apparent salvo at Prime Minister Narendra Modi. After the BJPs defeat in the recently-concluded Assembly polls in three states, Mr Gadkari had said that leaders should accept the responsibility of the partys defeat and failures.

The ministers recent statements are seen as attempts to push his claims to become Prime Minister after the Lok Sabha polls if Mr Modi does not get the requisite majority.

Mr Gadkari has always denied that he was in the race for prime ministership.COIMBATORE: Save Western Ghats Movement (SWGM) has decided to celebrate February 1 as 'Save Western Ghats Day' every year for conserving the mountain chain for the survival present and next generation.

At the end of third National conference conducted at Sri Krishna Colleges of Engineering and Arts and Science campus in Coimbatore, the core committee members from six states along with eminent environment scientists and researchers released the declaration of the 9th National Conference of Save the Western Ghats Movement on Sunday.

The declaration concerns humanitys anxieties about the fate of the Western Ghats mountains ecosystem. The federal and state governments should under the Environment Protection Act- 1986, halt the steady degradation of the mountain chain that has taken place over the past decades, before it became irreversible, they urged.

The declaration asserts that the people of the Western Ghats all of whom depend upon this ancient mountain ecosystem for their water, livelihood and survival will use all means at our disposal to ensure that the authorities install a collective and holistic protective regime grounded in law for all the six states together.

The Western Ghats is an important geological land form on the fringe of the west coast of India and it is the origin of Godavari, Krishna, Cauvery and a number of other rivers and extends over a distance of approximately 1500-km from Tapti river in the north to Kanyakumari in the south and traverses through six States namely, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

The mountain chain has many unique habitats which are home to a variety of endemic species of flora and fauna.

The UNESCO has included certain identified parts of Western Ghats in the UNESCO World Natural Heritage List because Western Ghats is a cradle for biological evolution.

Regretting lack of a tourism policy, the convention came down on every place becoming a target for tourism promoters. Nearly 30,000 youth from various parts of India and from foreign countries including USA, UK and Kenya benefitted from this unique conference.New Delhi: Several top leaders of Delhi BJP were left red faced in front of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) top functionary Manmohan Vaidya, when they were asked to recite the RSS anthem (prayer) at a meeting held recently at union minister Dr Harshvardhans residence.

According to party insiders, senior BJP leaders from national capital Dr Harshvardhans, union minister Vijay Goel and state general secretary (organisation) Sidda-rthan, a RSS pracharak for 15 years, could not recite the RSS anthem at a meeting called on February 1 to chalk out strategy for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in the city.

Interestingly, meeting was held in the absence of Delhi BJP president Manoj Tiwari.

A party insider told this newspaper that Mr Vaidya had chaired the meeting to discuss plan and strategy to counter Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the city and to repeat BJPs performance of 2014, when party swept all the seven seats.

Meeting was attended by Dr Harshavardhan, Mr Goel, Mr Siddarthan, leader of opposition in Delhi assembly Vijender Gupta, state general secretaries Kuljeet Singh Chahal, Rajesh Bhatia and Ravinder Gupta and few others. It is learnt that during discussion, several ideas and plans were presented before Mr Vaidya.

Mr Goel told about his Dhol Andolan to expose Arvind Kejriwal government.

Not a single idea could impress upon Mr Vaidya. Unhappy with the poor ideation, Mr Vaidya called off the meeting, said another party leader.

But party leader clarified that following the RSS practice before calling off the meeting, Mr Vaidya asked for the recital of Sangh anthem.

Interestingly, not a single senior Delhi BJP leader or office bearers present there able to recite RSSs anthem. Unable to find anyone to recite the anthem, Mr Vaidya asked Mr Siddarthan to recite the same, which he failed to do so, said another leader adding that Mr Vaidya told state general secretary (organisation) Siddarthan, a RSS appointee, that it was not expected from him, who worked as pracharak for 15 years.

Talking about this, a party leader present at the meeting said that it was not a case of not remembering the anthem but a case of forgetting few words here and there.

Nothing should be read between the lines, we all are Swayamsevaks of the Sangh and all of us remember our prayer (anthem), but that day we forget a few words and nothing else, he added.Chennai: Former Cuddalore MP K. S. Alagiri, was appointed on Saturday as the new president of the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee. Known to be the loyalist of former Union minister P Chidambaram, he replaces S. Thirunavukarasar whose scalp many in the state Congress have been demanding for quite some time and in fact, were camping in Delhi pleading for change.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi has also appointed H. Vasantha Kumar, K. Jayakumar, M. K. Vishnu Prasad and Mayura Jayakumar as new working presidents to assist PCC chief Alagiri, according to a statement from AICC general secretary K. C. Venugopal.

"The party appreciates the contribution of outgoing TNCC president Thirunavakkarasar," said a statement from the AICC official, seeking to placate the bruised feelings of the outgoing state chief, who had even recently proclaimed that he would continue in the post and the party high command had immense faith in his stewardship.

This is perhaps one of the rare instances of the AICC changing guard at the Satyamurthi Bhavan so close to Parliament polls. The new team will have very little time to prepare the high command for the pre-poll maneuvers and alliance talks with the 'big brother' DMK chief M. K. Stalin; but then, it has always been the 'bane' of the TNCC to wait at the doorsteps of the AICC for the list of candidates for the elections-be it for Parliament or for the State Assembly-till the eleventh minute.

There are other reasons why it's not going to be smooth sailing for Alagiri. With the AICC appointing four 'working' presidents to "assist" him, the man will find the going tough at Satyamurthi Bhavan, where there will now be four additional cabins next to his and there would be multiple media conferences by them all.

"It will be chaotic at the Bhavan. Sure, there will be flood of cars there for a change now whereas Thirunavukarasar hardly functioned and barely collaborated with the rest of the party seniors during his controversial term as the PCC chief. Now with Alagiri as the head, the state unit will be indirectly controlled by Chidambaram-in fact his son Karti. PC already controls the Congress group in the Assembly since the CLP leader K. R. Ramasamy is his man", said a Congress senior, requesting anonymity.Kolkata: An all-out war broke out between the Centre and the Mamata Banerjee government on Sunday, with the feisty West Bengal leader beginning a sit-in protest at a city landmark over the CBI's attempt to question the Kolkata Police chief in connection with chit fund scams, insisting it stifled the spirit of "Constitution and federalism". In a dramatic showdown with the Modi government, a furious Banerjee, wrapped in a brown woollen shawl, began a sit-in right in front of the Metro Cinema to protest "insults" she faced at the hands of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah, hours after a CBI team that had gone to question Kumar was detained in a rare face-off between the police establishments of the Centre and the state. Banerjee, one of the prime movers behind the effort to cobble together an anti-BJP alliance ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, claimed the CBI knocked on the doors of Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar without a search warrant. Banerjee asked all opposition parties to unite to bring down the Modi government and, in a rare exhortation by a political leader, called upon personnel of security forces of the Centre and states, besides the Army, to "condemn" the attitude of the Modi government.

The fast-paced development started unfolding as soon as a team of 40-odd agency officers arrived at Kumar's residence at Loudon Street in central Kolkata this afternoon, but they were stopped by sentries and officials. CBI joint director Pankaj Srivastava said the agency's officials had gone to question Kumar in chit fund scam cases and "we would have rounded him up if he hadn't cooperated with us". According to the CBI, Kumar, a 1989-batch IPS officer of West Bengal cadre who led a Special Investigation Team of West Bengal Police probing the scams, needs to be questioned regarding missing documents and files but he has not responded to notices to appear before the agency. A day earlier, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) claimed that Kumar had been "absconding" and "being looked for" in connection with Saradha and Rose Valley ponzi scam cases.

As the CBI team landed at the city police chief's residence, a team of Kolkata Police officers rushed to the spot to speak to the CBI officials and tried to enquire if they the documents required for questioning Kumar. Later on, a small team of CBI officials was taken to Shakespeare Sarani police station for further discussions.

Thereafter, more men arrived at the spot and a commotion ensued. Some CBI officers were then forcibly bundled into police jeeps, taken to a police station. As politics played out on the street, the chief minister, who rushed to the residence of Kumar, said, "Narendra Modi and Amit Shah are trying to organise a coup in the state as we had organised the opposition rally on January 19. We were aware that the CBI will attack us after we organised the rally." She was referring to the Brigade rally attended by leaders of about 20 opposition parties. Party spokesperson Derek O' Brien tweeted, "BJP planning a constitutional coup ? 40 CBI officials surround Kolkata Police Commissioner's home.

Destruction of institutions goes on unabated. Our demand in #Parliament on Mon. Modi has to go. We are reaching out and sharing this with all Oppn parties who want to #SaveDemocracy." West Bengal DGP Virendra and ADG (Law and order) Anuj Sharma too reached Kumar's residence. In a tit-for-tat move, a team of Kolkata Police officials also cordoned off the CGO Complex- the state headquarters of CBI. CBI officer Srivastava said, "I have also been detained and there are police officers standing outside my house." Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Pravin Tripathi said the CBI officers have been let go from the police station after questioning. "They just said they had come for a secret operation. We don't know what kind of operation it is," Tripathi said. Later in the evening, central forces arrived at the CBI office in Kolkata. Subsequently Kolkata Police personnel vacated the compound. A statement was issued earlier in the day from Kolkata Police, dismissing reports of Kumar being missing from work.

"Please take note that not only is the CP Kolkata available in the city, but has also been attending office on a regular basis, with the exception of January 31, 2019, when he was on leave for a day. All concerned may please take note that if any news is spread without proper verification, Kolkata Police will initiate strict legal action against defamation of both the CP Kolkata and Kolkata Police," the police said. The city police commission, who appeared briefly outside his residence after the chief minister's press conference, said he would talk to the media Monday. He was later seen at the dharna site of the chief minister.

Speaking at the dharna site, Banerjee said leaders of several opposition parties have called her up to extend their support and solidarity towards her "fight to protect the Constitution". "Leaders of various opposition parties, including Akhilesh Yadav Samajwadi Party), Tejashwi Yadav (RJD), Chandrababu Naidu (TDP), Omar Abdullah (NC), Ahmed Patel (Congress) and M K Stalin (DMK), have called me to extend their solidarity and support," she said. In Delhi, the Congress said the CBI action in Kolkata was clearly "mala fide" and an "assault" on the federal polity.however, said the two students of the Zilla Parishad High School of Jillelaguda in Meerpet police station area of Rachakonda police commissionerate had fought over a girl. (Representational Image)

Hyderabad: A Class X student and his friend were injured after a classmate attacked them with a beer bottle following a brawl. Sources blamed a common love interest for the fight between the two boys, but the police cited a monetary angle.

A case has been registered and further investigations are on. Sources, however, said the two students of the Zilla Parishad High School of Jillelaguda in Meerpet police station area of Rachakonda police commissionerate had fought over a girl.

They had got into an argument on Friday morning and another fight broke out on Saturday morning when one of the boys had stepped out to attend to natures call. One of the boys picked up a dumped beer bottle and attacked the other. A friend of the boy was also attacked. One suffered neck injuries and the other was hurt in the stomach.

One of the boys owed money to the other and a fight broke out, Meerpet police inspector Mr N. Yadaiah said. In a fit of rage, one boy picked up a beer bottle and attacked his friend.

Yadaiah denied the love affair angle. It is not true. Some are even saying a fight between English medium and Telugu medium students while others are ascribing other reasons.

Last October, two Class X students were burnt alive in an alleged clash over a girl in Telanganas Jagtiyal town, about 190km from Hyderabad.

Excess crime in movies, TV serials and social media is driving children towards negatively and sometimes even making criminals out of them, Achyut Rao from Balala Hakkula Sangham said.

He demanded a ban on movies and TV serials that contain excess crime and vulgarity and also demanded counselling children before they are sent to boys homes.He also slammed Congress president Rahul Gandhi for ridiculing the scheme announced in the Interim Budget for 2019-20 by equating it to Rs. 17 a day dole (File Photo)

New York: Finance Minister Arun Jaitley today hinted that the Rs. 500 a month cash dole to small farmers may be increased in the future as the government's resources grow and said states can top up this amount with their own income support schemes.

He also slammed Congress president Rahul Gandhi for ridiculing the scheme announced in the Interim Budget for 2019-20 by equating it to Rs. 17 a day dole, saying the opposition leader must "grow up" and realise that he is contesting a national election and not a college union poll.

The plan to give Rs. 6,000 cash to 12 crore small and marginal farmers every year together with government schemes for giving them a house, subsidised food, free healthcare and hospitalisation, free sanitation, electricity, roads, gas connections, twice the amount of credit at very cheap rate are all aimed at addressing farm distress, Mr Jaitley said.

"This is the first year where it (farmer income support scheme) has begun. I am sure as the government resources improve, this can be increased," he said.

On nearly 15 crore landless farmers being left out of the scheme, he said they have rural employment guarantee scheme MNREGA plus other benefits for the rural population.

"What is the biggest thing that the Congress claims that they ever did? P Chidambaram announced a Rs. 70,000 crore farm loan waiver... (but) actual distributed was only Rs. 52,000 crore. (Also), CAG said a large part of that money went to traders and businessmen and converted itself into a fraud," he said.

The present government, he said, is "starting off over and above the lakhs of crores we are putting into rural areas."

"We are starting off with Rs. 75,000 crore a year and I foresee this amount increasing in the years to come. And if the states top it up, some states have already started with the scheme, I think the others must emulate them, it will increase," he added.

Mr Jaitley, who is in the US for medical treatment, said the state governments too have a responsibility to address farm distress by bringing their own income support schemes.

"Some state governments have started it," he said. "So my advice to what I call the 'nawabs of negativity' is ask your own state governments to top it off with their own income support schemes. Ideally, like the GST, this is a case where all political parties must defy party lines and in the spirit of cooperative federalism, have a centre plus state scheme," Mr Jaitley said.

He said most of the central schemes are divided into 60:40 ratio, so "let us enhance this to 60:40 in the spirit of cooperative federalism" and instead of "giving criticism, let the states give 40 (per cent)."Bengaluru: BMTC is installing CCTV cameras that are capable of live-streaming videos in 1,000 buses to ensure safety of women passengers. Though the announcement had been made earlier, the project had been stalled due to lack of funds. Since the transport corporation has received funds from the central government, it is going ahead with it now.

BMTC has been allotted Rs 56 crore under Nirbhaya Fund. The cameras will be installed in a few months, and we have received a good response to CCTV cameras in other buses. They have acted as a deterrent and prevented miscreants and bus staff from behaving rudely with women. They have also curbed pickpocketing," a senior BMTC official told Deccan Chronicle.

According to a BMTC reply to a Right to Information Act (RTI) query, copy of which is with Deccan Chronicle, only 500 buses were fitted with CCTV cameras in 2014 at a cost of Rs 3.4 crore. Those CCTVs cannot live-stream videos and the footage can be stored only for two weeks.The revised expenditure for the textile ministry has been pegged at Rs 6,943.26 crore during 2018-19. (Photo: PTI)

New Delhi: Finance Minister Piyush Goyal has proposed Rs 5,831.48 crore budgetary allocation for the textile ministry for 2019-20, which is 16.01 per cent lower than the current fiscal.

As per the budget document tabled in Parliament on Friday, the revised expenditure (RE) for the textile ministry has been pegged at Rs 6,943.26 crore during 2018-19.

The original budget proposal was Rs 7,147.73 crore to fund various programmes and schemes for the textile sector.

"The low allocation for ATUF & ROSL schemes for textiles is worrisome as it is clearly not sufficient to meet obligations under the schemes, both backlog and expected fund requirements in 2019-20.

"However, since this is an interim budget, we hope more funds will be allocated for these schemes," Confederation of Indian Textile Industry Chairman Sanjay Jain told PTI.

According to the budget document, Rs 700 crore has been allocated towards the Amended Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (ATUFS) for the next fiscal, as against Rs 622.63 crore for 2018-19.

Besides, a provision of Rs 1,000 crore has been made towards the Remission of State Levies (ROSL) as compared to Rs 3,663.85 crore in the revised estimate of 2018-19.

The government had earmarked Rs 2,163.85 crore for ROSL in the previous year's Budget.The panel heard more than four hours of arguments in the first court hearing on the FCCs controversial decision.

The arguments focused on how internet providers should be classified under law - either as information service providers as the Trump administration decided or as a public utility, which subjects companies to more rigorous regulations - and whether the FCC adhered to procedural rules in dismantling the Obama-era rules. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)

A federal appeals court asked pointed questions of the Federal Communication Commission on Friday in hearing a challenge to whether the Trump administration acted legally when it repealed landmark net neutrality rules governing internet providers in December 2017.

The panel heard more than four hours of arguments in the first court hearing on the FCCs controversial decision to reverse the Obama administrations 2015 rules, which barred internet service providers from blocking or throttling traffic, or offering paid fast lanes, also known as paid prioritisation.

The arguments focused on how internet providers should be classified under law - either as information service providers as the Trump administration decided or as a public utility, which subjects companies to more rigorous regulations - and whether the FCC adhered to procedural rules in dismantling the Obama-era rules.

We are creating rules that are built to last, FCC general counsel Tom Johnson told the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia.

Judge Patricia Millett repeatedly pressed Johnson over the FCCs legal basis for treating telephone calls differently than internet traffic and asked if the FCC had properly considered the public safety impacts.

Millett raised the example of police needing to send urgent photos or video of a suspect that could be delayed if some internet traffic was prioritised.

We cant anticipate all harms, Johnson said. As he sought to play down the concern Millett interjected: Theres no evidence because they havent done it yet.

In its 2017 decision the Republican-led FCC voted 3-2 along party lines to reverse the net neutrality rules. The agency gave providers sweeping power to recast how users access the internet but said they must disclose any changes in users internet access.

The appeals panel is made up of Judges Millet and Robert Wilkins, two appointees of Democratic former President Barack Obama, and Stephen Williams, an appointee of Republican Ronald Reagan.

A group of 22 state attorneys general and the District of Columbia asked the appeals court to reinstate the Obama-era internet rules and to block the FCCs effort to pre-empt states from imposing their own rules guaranteeing an open internet.

Several internet companies are also part of the legal challenge, including Mozilla Corp, Vimeo Inc and Etsy Inc (ETSY.O), as well as numerous media and technology advocacy groups and major cities, including New York and San Francisco.

The challengers also got difficult questions about their legal rationale for seeking reinstatement of the rules.

Kevin Russell, a lawyer for the challengers, said hypothetically an internet provider could now block the Daily Caller website or graphic animal abuse videos as long as they disclosed it.

We never get a straight answer from the commission whether it thinks blocking and throttling must always be prohibited or only if it applies to punishing a competitor, Russell said, arguing that the FCC failed to engage in a reasoned analysis and did not properly assess consumer complaints.

Johnson conceded that providers could block or throttle traffic under the FCC rules but said it was unlikely. He said the Federal Trade Commission could take action against anticompetitive conduct.

Millett suggested that under the rules that providers would be free to block pro-Nazi websites or other objectionable content without facing antitrust issues.Thank you for reading!

Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription and are still unable to access our content, please link your digital account to your print subscription If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue.The immediate implication of this move is the inevitable centre-staging and involvement of Pakistan in the new realm.

The controversial New York Times bestseller, Fire and Fury, on US President Donald Trumps quirks and whimsicalities by Michael Wolff, quotes the economic adviser Gary Cohns mail, Its worse than you can imagine Trump wont read anything  not one-page memos, not the brief policy papers, nothing. He gets up halfway through meetings with world leaders because he is bored. While the book was expectedly and personally rubbished by Donald Trump as a phony book, the undeniable optics of the mass-exodus of key Trump administration appointees, testified to the inability of the professionals to align themselves with Mr Trumps fickleness. Even the famous anonymous Op-ed in the Washington Times had posited the Trump officials as the real resistance within the system who tried to control Mr Trump  however, since that article, the revolving door of the Trump administration has consumed among others, the attorney general, the chief of staff, the interior secretary and most recently, the defence secretary James Mattis. The irreconcilability of the presidential outlook with that of the nuanced perspective of his professional appointees had led James Mattis to allude to the undermining of international order that is most conducive to our security, prosperity and values.

Amongst the many policy disagreements that Mr Mattis had locked horns with Mr Trump included the initial war-mongering with North Korea, withdrawal of the Iranian nuclear deal, etc. however the sudden announcement of withdrawing US troops from the Syrian and Afghanistan theatres was the proverbial last straw. Mr Mattis had argued in vain about his contrarian views owing to four decades of immersion on these issues, yet Mr Trump was unilaterally committed to troop-reduction in Afghanistan, and basically tied itself and the region into uncomfortable knots. This announcement of withdrawal was without the consent of the Trump officials or the most important stakeholder i.e. the Afghan government in Kabul. The immediate implication of this move is the inevitable centre-staging and involvement of Pakistan in the new realm. After months of very acrimonious accusations of duplicitous sovereign-behaviour and insincerity towards the war on terror by Islamabad, the US is now forced into seeking Pakistans help in negotiations with the Afghan Taliban. Pakistan would be grinning at its new-found status and role that essentially legitimises its interferences in Afghanistan, which it considers its Strategic Depth. Expectedly, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani remains skeptical of the move, especially of the role of Pakistan on terrorism, about whom he recently said at Davos, We have been promised repeatedly in the past so much as saying that next week they will be changed, and next week, we have seen intensification of the conflict. New Delhi too is concerned about an emboldened Islamabad in Kabul affairs, which is marked by its consistent infamy in patronising extremist groups and escalating the Afghan civil-war to its advantage. However, the sudden announcement by Mr Trump has forced a complete US retraction on its long-held positions in the region.

Significantly, even the latest Worldwide Threat Assessment report submitted by the US director of National Intelligence, Daniel R. Coats, reiterates the Pakistani recalcitrance by stating, Militant groups supported by Pakistan will continue to take advantage of their safe haven in Pakistan to plan and conduct attacks in India and Afghanistan, including against US interests. While the expert opinion of the intelligence community still insists that Pakistan will, almost certainly frustrate US counterterrorism efforts against the Taliban, the presidential diktat flies in the face of common sense, experts and the historical narrative. The ground situation in Afghanistan is a no-win stalemate between the Afghan government troops and the extremist organisations like the Taliban, ISIS, etc. Thus the planned withdrawal of almost half of the 14,000 US troops will decisively tip the scales in favour of the Pakistan-supported extremist organisations. Already the negotiations with the Taliban representatives (supposedly with a nudge from Islamabad) are afoot in Doha, the US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad has confirmed a principle in agreement for a framework of peace with the Taliban. Ironically, a few months back, Zalmay Khalilzad had himself suggested designating Pakistan as a state sponsor of terrorism and had noted, Pakistan has provided just enough sporadic assistance to give an impression of helpfulness, while at the same time harbouring, training, and assisting violent extremist groups. Today he too has to repudiate and recant from his stated position to deliberately carve a crucial role for Pakistan in the future of Afghanistan!

From Tehran to Pyongyang, the repudiation of the official US positions, agreements and policies has been stark and unprecedented now, the tinderbox of Kabul has been added to the list of flip-flops by the Trump presidency. Afghan President and statesman, Ashraf Ghani, has presciently forewarned on the far-reaching ramifications of the unilateral Trump move, Afghanistan has national dimensions, neighbourhood dimensions, the regional dimension, from India to Russia, the Gulf, Islamic and international. If we dont get all the pieces right, one piece alone doesnt suffice. Yet the voice of reason and concern in Kabul or New Delhi, as indeed within the expert opinion in Washington itself, will not reach Mr Trump who is given to his own temperamental impulses. The looming General Elections in India will unfortunately distract, downplay and defray the importance of the changing strategic dynamics in the Af-Pak region, even as the import of the same can play havoc with Indias own security calculus. New Delhi has a healthy and trustworthy relationship with the government in Kabul and has multiple common grounds with them  it must leverage the combined voice of concern on the exact contours, nature and role of the Pakistanis in the forthcoming days. Unlike the Pakistan-propped Taliban regime of 1996-2001 that was marked by regressive bigotry, violence and revisionism, the current regime in Kabul that is inimical to Pakistan is both progressive and modern. While the Taliban is not a monolithic entity and that challenges Pakistans ostensible control over it, yet a Talibanised Afghanistan may be the inadvertent outcome of Mr Trumps misplaced, heedless and uninformed approach towards global security concerns.Today we know why, as Americas armies plan a mad scramble from Afghanistan, arms akimbo.

In Freedom at Midnight, that cheery ode to empire, we read that the natives have made a mess of things. Just a month after Independence, Nehru and Patel throw themselves at the last viceroys mercy like a pair of chastened schoolboys, per that same viceroy, Louis Mountbatten.

Were in an emergency and we need help, pleads Nehru. Will you run the country?

Mountbatten is tickled pink. But hes also appalled at how these crazy brown men are behaving. My God, he says, Ive just got through giving you the country and here you two are asking me to take it back! Despite kicking and screaming, dickie Mountbatten ends up chairing a secret emergency committee there and then, and restores peace to the land.

If its not already apparent to ones gag reflex, this is some top-shelf white saviour fantasy, one last con job that the last viceroy pulled on the books authors. All along, Mountbatten was, as Pankaj Mishra recently quoted, a mendacious, intellectually limited hustler.

But decades after Freedom at Midnight soft-soaped the Raj, the full scale of the Crowns crimes has yet to be uncovered. As per economist Usna Patnaik, the British could well have stolen up to $45 trillion from British India. Which is why, in the time since, one would think thered be some sort of readjustment: their hands pried free from their former colonies, the British ruling class could now fade into the sunset, content as the worlds fifth largest economy, nestled safely within the EUs cold, competent super-apparatus.

The opposite has happened: Britains denial, its failure to come to terms with the end of empire, has led to the most moronic decision in memory  the Great Brexit Disaster of 2016, with a parade of disasters since. Come 2019, and weve already seen Theresa May lose her Brexit deal; seen her hang on for dear life as Tory leader after the worst government defeat in history; and watched as Barclays Bank makes off with 190 billion out of London and into Dublin (bear in mind, were barely into February).

The Tories couldnt care less. While they yearned for the Raj, their austerity cuts drove voters to reach an angrier conclusion: leaving the EU. The welfare state is dead  as Maggie Thatcher put it, the problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other peoples money. Maggie herself, as many have pointed out, never did run out of other peoples money funding death squads in Northern Ireland. This brings us back to the same point: Britain loses money it never had, to prop up schemes that could never work, to relive an empire it never deserved.

Equally appropriate is the British mania for conquest  one it no longer has the capacity for  carrying over to its American cousins. Writing in the Spectator a month after 9/11, conservative Max Boot was among the few dumb enough to make the comparison a virtue. Afghanistan and other troubled lands today cry out for the sort of enlightened foreign administration once provided by self-confident Englishmen in jodhpurs and pith helmets, wrote Boot. Is imperialism a dusty relic of a long-gone era? Perhaps.

Today we know why, as Americas armies plan a mad scramble from Afghanistan, arms akimbo. Yet Boot doesnt budge, Building a national consciousness, while hardly impossible (the British turned a collection of princely states into modern India), is a long-term task.

Just how long, we dont know: the Americans tried 17 years and failed. The British tried 200 and failed. Even the jodhpurs those self-confident Englishmen wore were stolen from Pratap Singhs riding churidars from Jodhpur. But who cares?

Britain may still see sense of course, and stick to the EU. Its leaders may yet understand there can be no pride in empire, just as there can be no pride in plunder. And its librarians can move Freedom at Midnight to the fiction section, alongside Churchills speeches. Until then, Brexit awaits.

By arrangement with DawnCBI bid to question city police chief foiled; CM launches sit-in on road.

Kolkata: A routine attempt by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to question Kolkata police chief in connection with various chit fund scams snowballed into an all-out war between the Centre and the Mamata Banerjee government on Sunday, with the feisty West Bengal leader beginning a sit-in outside the citys landmark Metro cinema while accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah of plotting a coup and stifling the spirit of Constitution and federalism.

In a dramatic showdown with the Modi government, a furious Mr Banerjee, wrapped in a brown woollen shawl, began the sit-in close to where she had carried out a hunger strike protesting the Tata Nano plant in Singur in 2006.

Ms Banerjee began her protest against the insults she alleged she had faced at the hands of Mr Modi and Mr Shah hours after a CBI team that had gone to question Kolkata police commissioner Rajeev Kumar was detained in a rare face-off between the police establishments of the Centre and the state.

PM Modi and Amit Shah are planning a coup in Bengal. The highest levels of the BJP leadership are doing the worst kind of political vendetta. Not only are political parties their targets, they are misusing power to take control of the police and destroy all institutions. We condemn this, Ms Banerjee said.

Narendra Modi and Amit Shah have teamed up to humiliate Bengal. They are trying to stage a coup in the state simply because I organised the Opposition meeting on January 19. This is worse than the Emergency, she said from the site of her Save the Constitution dharna.

According to the CBI, Mr Kumar, a 1989-batch IPS officer of West Bengal cadre who led a special investigation team (SIT) of West Bengal police probing the chit fund scams, needs to be questioned regarding missing documents and files but has not responded to notices to appear before the agency.

On Saturday, the CBI claimed that Mr Kumar had been absconding and a search was on to locate and question him in connection with the Saradha and Rose Valley ponzi scam cases.

The fast-paced developments on Sunday started unfolding as soon as a team of 40-odd agency officers arrived at Mr Kumars residence at Loudon Street in central Kolkata in the afternoon, but they were stopped by sentries and officials.

CBI joint director Pankaj Srivastava said the agencys officials had gone to question Mr Kumar in chit fund scam cases and we would have rounded him up if he hadnt cooperated with us.

As the CBI team landed at the city police chiefs residence, a team of Kolkata police officers rushed to the spot to inquire if they had the documents required for questioning Mr Kumar. More men arrived at the spot, including West Bengal DGP Virendra and ADG (law and order) Anuj Sharma, and a commotion ensued.

Some CBI officers were then forcibly bundled into police jeeps and taken to the Shakespeare Sarani police station. They were released later.

After the CBI investigators left the police station, joint commissioner of police (Crime) Pravin Tripathi said, They just said they had come for a secret operation. We dont know what kind of operation it is.

In a tit-for-tat move, a team of Kolkata Police officials cordoned off the CGO Complex  the state headquarters of CBI  but left the compound later.

CBI officer Srivastava said, I have also been detained and there are police officers standing outside my house.

A statement was issued earlier in the day by Kolkata Police dismissing reports of Mr Kumar being missing from work. Please take note that not only is the CP Kolkata available in the city, but has also been attending office on a regular basis, with the exception of January 31, 2019, when he was on leave for a day. All concerned may please take note that if any news is spread without proper verification, Kolkata Police will initiate strict legal action against defamation of both the CP Kolkata and Kolkata police, the police said.

The city police commissioner said he would talk to the media Monday. He was later seen at the dharna site of the chief minister.

On Saturday, the chief minister had showered praise on Mr Kumar saying, The Kolkata police commissioner is among the best in the world. His integrity, bravery and honesty are unquestioned. He is working 24x7, and was on leave for only one day recently. When you spread lies, the lies will always remain lies.

Ms Banerjee, one of the prime movers behind the effort to cobble together an anti-BJP alliance ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, claimed the CBI knocked on the doors of Kolkata police commissioner without a search warrant.

The chit fund scams allegedly involve some leaders of the ruling Trinamul Congress and any action against them ahead of the Lok Sabha polls may have an adverse impact on the performance of Ms Banerjees party.

On Saturday, Mr Modi while addressing a rally in the state had targeted the ruling TMC and Ms Banerjee by claiming that his fight against black money has scared many political leaders, a veiled reference to alleged wrongdoings and corruption in the state.

As politics played out on the street on Sunday, Ms Banerjee asked all Opposition parties to unite to bring down the Modi government and, in a rare exhortation by a political leader, called upon personnel of security forces of the Centre and states, besides the Army, to condemn the attitude of the Modi government.

Dragging National Security Adviser Ajit Doval into the controversy, Ms Banerjee accused him of implementing PM Modis nefarious designs.

I am sorry to say National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is giving instructions to the agency. He is implementing what PM Narendra Modi is asking. He should tell the people that it is not correct, an agitated Ms Banerjee said.

TMC spokesperson Derek OBrien tweeted, BJP planning a constitutional coup? 40 CBI officials surround Kolkata Police Commissioners home. Destruction of institutions goes on unabated. Our demand in #Parliament on Mon. Modi has to go. We are reaching out and sharing this with all Oppn parties who want to #SaveDemocracy.

In the national capital, Union minister of state for personnel Jitendra Singh defended the CBIs action.

When Prime Minister Narendra Modi was chief minister of Gujarat, he set an example by cooperating with all the CBI probes launched against him, though all the allegations against him were unfounded. Here in the case of West Bengal, the cases are supported by reasonable evidence but still the state government has fought with the CBI which shows they have something to hide and it also indicates their guilt, he said.

Several Opposition parties extended support to Ms Banerjee in her fight to protect the Constitution.

Leaders of various opposition parties, including Akhilesh Yadav (Samajwadi Party), Tejashwi Yadav (RJD), Chandrababu Naidu (TDP), Omar Abdullah (NC), Ahmed Patel (Congress) and M.K. Stalin (DMK), have called me to extend their solidarity and support, she said.

In Delhi, the Congress said the CBI action in Kolkata was clearly mala fide and an assault on the federal polity.

The BJP slammed the Mamata government, accusing it of making a mockery of governance, democracy and constitutional propriety.

The party said the state governments action is a direct assault on the constitutional scheme of things and reflects dictatorial streak of the chief minister.

The development in Kolkata and the resistance to the CBI investigation is bizarre, unprecedented and reflect Banerjees dictatorial attitude. She has violated the very Constitution she had sworn by, party spokesperson G.V.L. Narasimha Rao said.PM Modi seeks support for Citizenship Bill, Mamata Banerjee says no way.

Kolkata: Virtually launching the BJPs Lok Sabha campaign in West Bengal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday targeted the ruling Trinamul Congress (TMC) and chief minister Mamata Banerjee by claiming that his fight against black money has scared many political leaders, a veiled reference to alleged wrongdoings and corruption in the state.

A day after presenting a middle-class friendly Budget, the Prime Minister addressed two rallies in the state, where the BJP holds only two out of the 42 Lok Sabha seats, and accused the ruling TMC of indulging in organised extortion, shielding corrupt leaders allegedly involved in scams like Saradha, resorting to political violence against BJP workers and killing the aspirations of middle-class.

They are showering curses on me just because I am going after corruption... Corrupt people dont like Modi. That is why Central investigating agencies are not allowed in West Bengal, said the Prime Minister.

Addressing Ms Banerjee, Mr Modi described himself as chowkidar, and said, Arey Didi, agar kuch galat kiya nahi, toh itna gabrana kya hai? Kis baat ka darr hai? (Didi, why are you scared if you have not done any wrong? What are you worried about?). He also accused the TMC government of creating hurdles in Central government-sponsored schemes. The TMC is killing peoples aspirations, but the Centre will fulfil their (peoples) dreams. The TMC doesnt take interest in initiating development projects where there is no share for the syndicate... Where there is no malai (cream), he told a rally in Durgapur.

Taking a swipe at the TMC over alleged corruption, Mr Modi said West Bengals ruling party is known for Triple TTrinamool Tolabaji Tax. In local parlance, tolabaji is roughly understood as an act of organised extortion.

At another event of the Scheduled Caste Matua community at Thakurnagar in North 24 Pargana district, Mr Modi made a strong pitch for the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, insisting it would bring justice and respectability to those who faced religious persecution. He also requested the TMC supremo to facilitate the passage of the Bill.

However, Mr Banerjee on Saturday reaffirmed her Opposition to the contentious legislation and sought its withdrawal, saying there was no way she will support the controversial Bill. The Centre will have to withdraw the Citizenship Bill. There is no question of supporting it. We will oppose it. We will not let him (Modi) succeed, Ms Banerjee said in Kolkata.She also said Mr Modi and Union home minister Rajnath Singh should worry about winning their own Lok Sabha seats before dreaming of victory in West Bengal.

Ms Banerjee said that the BJP leaders are outsiders and not from West Bengal and have zero idea about the culture and customs of the state.

There was a near stampede and several people, including women, were injured at the Thakurnagar rally venue. Mr Modi had to interrupt his speech several times to urge people to calm down.

After witnessing these scene, I now understand why Didi has resorted to violence, he said, apologising to the crowd for the situation at the rally.

Continuing his tirade against Ms Banerjee, the PM observed that the BJPs rising popularity has stumped the chief minister who is using strong arm tactics.

Reaching out to saffron party workers allegedly facing political violence, he said the TMC chief is treading the path of the previous Communist dispensation despite being a victim of its violent brand of politics.

Sitting in Delhi I thought that since Didi (Mamata) had suffered so much at the hands of the Left, she would never take that route. Now I am surprised as to why such things are happening in Bengal. Now I know that it is your love (for Modi) that has made her loose her sleep, Mr Modi said, taking a dig at Ms Banerjee.

He also took a swipe at the Oppositions grand alliance in Kolkata last month. Those who assembled in Kolkata had a frightened look on their faces because of this chowkidar. Those who were at each others throats four years ago are now embracing each other, Mr Modi said.

Earlier, clashes broke out between BJP and TMC activists in Durgapur town in West Burdwan district over the alleged removal of Mr Modis posters near the venue of his proposed rally.

Activists of the BJP were injured in the incident that took place on Friday night, the partys state general secretary Sayantan Basu said.

For the Prime Minister, the Thakurnagar visit was significant as it is a part of the Bongaon Lok Sabha seat whose MP, Trinamuls Mamatabala Thakur, is also the daughter-in-law of the Thakur family that heads the Matua community headquartered at Thakurnagar. She was married to Boroma Bani Devis older son, Kapil Krishna Thakur, who passed away some years ago. Boroma Bani Devi, the 100-year-old matriarch of the Matuas, lives with Mamatabala Thakur and is known to be very close to Ms Banerjee and has even shared the dais with her in the past. There was a lot of speculation over whether Mr Modi would meet her or not. But he set all that to rest on Saturday, walking up to her home for a conversation that lasted about five minutes.West Bengal CM says her party will oppose the bill tooth and nail.

Kolkata: With hours of Prime Minister Narendra Modis appeal seeking support to the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, Trinamul Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee has clearly rejected his call.

The West Bengal chief minister not only vowed to oppose the bill, but also demanded the withdrawal of the bill. To justify her decision she pointed out that the north eastern states have been on the boil due to violent protests by different political parties and groups over the proposed legislation.

Ms Banerjee said, The central government must have to withdraw the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill. The question of supporting it does not arise anyway. We will oppose it tooth and nail. We will not allow him (Mr Modi) to succeed. Our top priority is to oust him from power this time.

Ms Banerjee elaborated, Do we need to prove our citizenship after living in this country for so many years? They (BJP) are trying to displace people in some states. Somewhere they are doing it with the Biharis elsewhere the Bengalis are being targeted.

She further alleged the government of trying to create a division between different communities and to trigger a fight between them on the pretext of introducing National Register of Citizens and Citizenship (Amendment) Bill ahead of the Lok Sabha Elections.

Countering the forecast made by Mr Modi and union home minister Rajnath Singh during the day about end of her partys term in the state, Ms Banerjee sarcastically advised them to concentrate on their fate first in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

Ask Mr Modi to think first about his seat (the PM chair) in New Delhi. Will he succeed to win from Varanasi this time also? Will Mr Singh get a ticket this time? Ask Yogi Adityanath to look after his own state: Uttar Pradesh, the Trinamul chief said.

Expressing her anguish over a series of BJP leaders visit to the state recently she claimed, They should stop thinking about West Bengal. They have no idea about the culture and heritage of our state. Instead they must focus on their own states. West Bengal is capable of looking after itself. We do not need outsiders.

Ms Banerjee also punctured Mr Modis allegations against her government on corruption, scams and violence. He is the kingpin of corruption, be it demonetisation or GST or Rafale scams. He orchestrated riots in Gujarat. The final bell for him to go out of power has been rung, she said.Northam seems to have done something irresponsible and stupid 35 years ago, but youthful indiscretions should be seen as such and usually have little to do with attitudes and worth of a long career. On the other hand, in 2017, Northam supported a despicable political ad that implied Ed Gillespie, his Republican opponent, was a brutal racist.I would like to comment on the Jan. 28 Daily Progress story about whether Frank Altimari would be sentenced or treated for killing his father (Prison or treatment for mentally ill murderer?).

The assailant was psychotic at the time of the crime. Steven Benjamin, former president of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, is quoted as saying an insanity defense is almost impossible to prove in Virginia. That has not been my experience as a member of the statewide panel of experts evaluating persons who have been acquitted on the basis of insanity. There is a regular stream of such persons.

Virginia does not use the but for standard for insanity cases: but for the mental illness, the criminal act would not have occurred. Virginia requires that as a result of severe mental illness, the individual did not appreciate the nature, character or consequences of his acts.

However, Mr. Altimari followed his dad and mother to a restaurant in his car, purchased an ax while they were eating, followed them home, ran into his ambulatory parents with his car, assaulted his father with the ax (43 times), wore gloves, and changed out of his blood-stained hoodie. Such behavior makes it more challenging to meet the Virginia standard. The judge was understandably thoughtful re: his sentencing decision.

Barbara Haskins, CharlottesvilleThis includes a spike in friendly votes among Senate Republicans on the going-nowhere Equal Rights Amendment  probably because it was going nowhere. The House GOP favors the biggest pay raise for public school teachers in 15 years  despite the fact that few Republicans are backed by the teachers organization, the Virginia Education Association.

And House Republicans  for two decades, beneficiaries of gerrymandering  are supporting a constitutional amendment sharply limiting the legislature's redistricting power. If the proposal survives the General Assembly this year, would Republicans have the guts to vote for it again next year to put it on the ballot  when they might be back in the minority?

Such is the maneuvering of Republicans whom Marshall would describe as "me-too Democrats."

GOP activists will tolerate only so much from Democrat-imitating Republicans, said Marshall, who's been back in Richmond lobbying against the ERA as a green light to unrestricted abortion rights and mandatory shared bathrooms for men and women.

"You can maybe look like them, but you can't vote like them," Marshall said.American health care has plenty of problems, and we can learn by observing other countries achievements. But unfortunately, one of the more popular modes of research is also one of the most uninformative (counter-informative, really). That mode is asking people in various countries, How satisfied are you with your countrys health care system? and pretending the responses are meaningful and comparable.

With some regularity, my friends and colleagues return from overseas to tell me, as one doctor did: People I talked to over there seemed very happy with their system. I asked whom he talked to and, unsurprisingly, they were well-to-do urbanites vacationing at the same pricey inns where he stayed. People in slums or on remote farms, I responded, might have been less enthusiastic.

But even with demographically representative samples, cross-country comparisons of subjective responses are hopelessly entwined with cultural idiosyncrasies.

America was founded by discontented, cranky people who never accepted limits on their aspirations. Our tendency to whinge and smash ceilings is what made America the worlds engine of creativity. Quiescent folk who are content with their countries health care systems arent the likeliest candidates to redesign care or find the cure for cancer.But one suspects that feasibility isn't the goal here. It's of a piece with the Republicans who kept promising to "repeal and replace" Obamacare without bothering to game out the "replace" part. Also of a piece with the progressive penchant for ever-larger spending plans based on ever-more-fanciful math. All are symptoms of Congress' growing inability to legislate.

If you can't do anything anyway, then why not make your presidential promises really amazing, rather than tepidly realistic? If the plans die in committee, voters may never find out the truth; better yet, they may blame the opposition rather than your excessively vibrant fantasy life.

Political theater has always been a key part of lawmaking, but now that Congress has given up on lawmaking, it's all we have left. Fiery monologues  wild applause from fans  impassioned booing from the peanut gallery  then bring down the curtain and start getting ready for the next performance.He said his memory of that is vivid, and thats why he doesnt think he is in the yearbook photo.

I have made my mistakes in the past, Northam said.

Northam says resigning would be an easy path but he took an oath to serve to the best of his ability and believes he can continue. He says this moment can be a small step to a discussion.

Northam says he knows people will not immediately believe his account of events but wants an opportunity to show that the person he was is not the man he is today.

I am far from perfect and I can always strive to do more, he said.

Northam said he submitted three of the four photos in the yearbook, but does not know where the photo of a man in blackface and one in KKK garb came from.

"I'm telling the truth today," he said, "that was not my picture."

"I was not in that picture," he said, "... either as blackface or KKK."

Northam was asked why he apologized Friday night if he's not in the picture: "I saw this last night, it was horrifying to me ... I just felt it important to reach out and let people know I was sorry this picture ... was on a page with my name on it."The photo that surfaced Friday appeared on Northams page in the 1984 yearbook for Eastern Virginia Medical School, which Northam attended while he was in his mid-20s.

Though he denied being in the yearbook photo, Northam admitted that he used shoe polish to darken his face for a Michael Jackson dance contest that same year in San Antonio, where he did his medical residency.

Northams shifting explanations threatened to plunge the state into a leadership crisis at the midway point of the General Assemblys legislative session. Democrats and Republicans alike have demanded Northams resignation as lawmakers prepare to return to Richmond to continue their work on the state budget and critical tax policy issues.

Northams comments Saturday run counter to his first statement Friday night, in which the governor apologized for appearing in the photo and for the hurt it had caused.

On Saturday, Northam suggested that he had been overzealous in his initial apology, saying he did not have a copy of the yearbook because he never bought one and was unaware of what was on his page. After taking more time to look at the photo, Northam said, he concluded he was not in it. And he said hed be willing to use facial recognition software to try to prove it.They attacked near his eye with a sharp object. In this attack Anupam has suffered injuries near his eye and on his face.

New Delhi: Swaraj Partys national vice-president and spokesman Anupam was attacked with sharp weapons by unidentified assailants, who even snatched away his mobile phone and fled away from the spot.

The victim has alleged that the entire incident was part of a conspiracy against him.

The incident took place on Friday night around 11 pm in East of Kailash area of southeast district. He was talking on phone when two bike-borne assailants with their faces covered attacked him in a preplanned manner.

They attacked near his eye with a sharp object. In this attack Anupam has suffered injuries near his eye and on his face. The party national president alleged that his eye narrowly escaped the attack as he was wearing glasses.

The entire incident has been reported to the local police. Swaraj India Party president Yogendra Yadav also tweeted on this whole issue and asked the Delhi police for necessary action. After the attack, the police has registered a case of snatching and initiated a probe. Police has detained five persons in this regard.

So far no one has been arrested but we have detained some suspects and are questioning them, said DCP (southeast) Chinmoy Biswal.

Commenting on the issue, Swaraj India founder Yogendra Yadav asked if the Delhi police would take this case seriously, adding that Anupam almost lost his eye in the attack.

Govind Mishra, a member of Yuva Halla Bol  a youth movement for job opportunities and fair selection that is also led by Anupam  tweeted the details of this assault. He wrote to the Delhi police, the Office of the Home Minister of India, the commissioner of police in Delhi and home minister Rajnath Singh, asking them to find the assaulters.Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax, who will become Virginias next governor if Gov. Ralph Northam resigns, described Saturday afternoon how Northam called him to a meeting Friday evening to apologize for a racist photo in Northams 1984 medical school yearbook that has put the state government in crisis.

Fairfax said he learned of the photo after the General Assembly session adjourned Friday and while he was doing work in his office. He was planning to meet with his family but had to change plans because of the fast pace of the information coming out.

Northam reached out to Fairfax on Friday and they sat down for a meeting in the Patrick Henry Building where the governors offices are located around 5:30 p.m., at first just the two of them and then with several aides present.

He apologized for the photographs and also said he had sincere regrets about the entire situation, Fairfax said Saturday in a meeting with reporters. The two men also spoke later on the phone, around 10 p.m. Friday and again Saturday morning.

He indicated that these were photos that did appear on his page for his medical school yearbook. He told me that while he didnt recall the specifics of the event, he apologized, that he had thought that it may have depicted him, Fairfax said.Brian Cannon, the director of OneVirginia2021, urged attendees to contact their delegates and ask them to support SJ 306 now that the bill has crossed over from the Senate.

The commonwealth will redistrict in 2021, after the next national census, and passing SJ 306 is the first step to ensuring fair redistricting, Cannon said.

The proposed amendment seeks to create the Virginia Redistricting Commission, a 16-member group tasked with establishing districts for the United States House of Representatives and Senate and both bodies of the General Assembly. The commission will consist of eight legislative members and eight citizen members.

Of the eight legislators, four will be from the state Senate and four will come from the House of Delegates, with equal representation given for both major political parties. The citizen members will be chosen by a selection committee consisting of five retired judges of the circuit courts of Virginia. Six votes from the legislators will be required to pass a map.

SJ 306 passed the full Senate by a unanimous vote Thursday and now must pass through the House of Delegates. If it clears that hurdle, it must go through the General Assembly again in 2020 before it can be put before voters.The current holders of those three offices are Attorney General Mark Herring, a Democrat; Sen. Steve Newman, R-Lynchburg, the president pro tempore of the Senate; and House Speaker Kirk Cox, R-Colonial Heights. None has suggested triggering the section in an effort to remove Northam.

Under the constitutional provision, if the governor contests the finding in writing to the House and Senate clerks, that effectively cancels out the action of the three officers. The governor would then resume the office unless the three officials  or a majority of the total membership of the General Assembly  press the point and insist to the clerks, in writing, that the governor is unable to discharge his duties.

If that were to happen, the General Assembly would settle the issue  and the bar to remove a governor is high.

The General Assembly becomes the forum for deciding the fate of the governor at that point, Howard said.

If three-fourths of the elected membership of each chamber then determines that the governor is unable to discharge his duties, the governor would be removed from office and the lieutenant governor would become governor. If the vote does not reach three-fourths of each house, the governor resumes the office.When these things flare up, its hard to just move away from it because you have to look at the individuals record, Wilson said. It really makes you wonder when you look over his record and his life how much of that kind of thinking was reflected in the decisions that he made.

Though he said he would not be the first to cast a stone, Wilson said it may be best for the commonwealth if Northam resigned.

For years, Wilson and others have been combating the proposed station, and on Nov. 9, two members of the State Air Pollution Control Board expressed concerns about the danger air pollution from the station could pose to the Union Hill community.

Less than a week after expressing their concern, the two members, Rebecca Rubin and Samuel Bleicher, were notified by Northams administration that they were being removed. Although their terms had expired in June, some say the timing of their removal from the seven-member board was related to the compressor issue.

Union Hill resident Ruby Laury said she was surprised when Northams yearbook photos surfaced, but she then came back to his actions around the Union Hill compressor station.We are delighted that visitors from across Virginia will have the opportunity to see life in 17th-century Europe through the eyes of Wenceslaus Hollar, Nyerges said. He was an amazing talent and obviously particularly well known and respected during the Baroque era.

The exhibit was curated by Mitchell Merling, VMFAs former Paul Mellon curator and head of the department of European art, and Colleen Yarger, VMFAs curatorial assistant for European art and also the Mellon collections and interim head of the department of European art.

Hollar is almost an exact contemporary of rhetoric and artists that if you open up a 17th-century survey textbook hes undoubtedly in there, in sometimes great depth, Yarger said. But if you flip back to the index, rarely ever will you see Hollars name appear, and so that is something that we are trying to change with this exhibition.

According to Yarger, the VMFA now has 10 percent of the 2,500 prints in Raysors Hollar collection, making the museum one of the worlds five major Hollar repositories.

Its very heartening to know that theres a good home for my stuff, Raysor said.Bancolombia S. A. provides various banking products and services to individual and corporate customers in Colombia, Panama, Puerto Rico, El Salvador, Costa Rica, and Guatemala. The company operates through nine segments: Banking Colombia, Banking Panama, Banking El Salvador, Banking Guatemala, Trust, Investment Banking, Brokerage, International Banking, and All Other. It offers checking and savings accounts, fixed term deposits, and investment products; trade financing, loans funded by domestic development banks, working capital loans, credit cards, personal and vehicle loans, payroll loans, and overdrafts; financial support to real estate developers and mortgages for individuals and companies; and financial and operating leasing services. The company also provides hedging instruments, including futures, forwards, options, and swaps; and brokerage, investment advisory, and private banking services, including selling and distributing equities, futures, foreign currencies, fixed income securities, mutual funds, and structured products. In addition, it offers cash management services; foreign currency transaction services; life, auto, commercial, and homeowner's insurance products; and online and computer banking services. Further, the company provides investment banking services comprising project and acquisition finance, debt and equity capital markets, principal investments, M&A, restructurings, and structured financing; money market accounts, mutual and pension funds, private equity funds, payment trust, custody, and corporate trust; and digital banking platform, transportation, securities brokerage, maintenance and remodeling, advertising and marketing, and outsourcing services, as well as credit cards. As of December 31, 2020, it operated 1,057 branches; 18,631 banking correspondents; 535 PAMs; 215 kiosks in El Salvador and 137 in Colombia; and 6,124 automatic teller machines. Bancolombia S.A. was incorporated in 1945 and is headquartered in MedellAn, Colombia.

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This company owns the bestselling drug in the world, which brought in $19.9 billion in revenue last year. And today, I want to give you the name, the ticker symbol and my full analysis completely free - no strings attached.

Click here to get it.Fomento EconAmico Mexicano, S.A.B. de C.V., through its subsidiaries, operates as a bottler of Coca-Cola trademark beverages. The company produces, markets, and distributes Coca-Cola trademark beverages, including low-sugar or sugar-free carbonated beverages; refreshing juices, nectars, and fruit-based drinks; purified, and carbonated and flavored water; coffees, teas, and sports and energy drinks; and dairy products and products based on vegetable protein. It also operates small-box retail chain stores in Mexico, Colombia, Peru, the United States, Chile, and Brazil under the OXXO name; retail service stations for fuels, motor oils, lubricants, and car care products under the OXXO GAS name in Mexico; and drugstores in Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Mexico under the Cruz Verde, Fybeca, SanaSana, YZA, La Moderna, and Farmacon names. In addition, the company is involved in the production and distribution of coolers, commercial refrigeration equipment, and plastic cases; food processing, preservation, and weighing equipment; and provision of logistic transportation and maintenance, point-of-sale refrigeration, and plastics solutions, as well as distribution platform for cleaning products and consumables. As of December 31, 2020, it operated 19,566 OXXO small-format stores; 3,368 drugstores; and 558 OXXO GAS service stations. Fomento EconAmico Mexicano, S.A.B. de C.V. was founded in 1890 and is headquartered in Monterrey, Mexico.

Read MoreThe farmers, numbering around 500 from Gautam Buddh Nagar, Ghaziabad, Aligarh, and Meerut, had stayed put until Saturday afternoon.

New Delhi: Scores of farmers from Uttar Pradesh, who were agitating near the DND flyway for enhanced compensation in lieu of their land acquired before 2013, ended their protest on Saturday after authorities assured them in writing.

The Delhi-Noida-Direct (DND) flyway, a crucial route connecting UP and Delhi, was shut briefly on Friday evening as farmers from western UP districts protested there, throwing traffic movement out of gear.

The farmers, numbering around 500 from Gautam Buddh Nagar, Ghaziabad, Aligarh, and Meerut, had stayed put until Saturday afternoon. Many of them were women from villages with their heads covered. They had their hands raised and tied with a piece of cloth in a symbolic gesture expressing helplessness.

The protest got over around 2.30 pm and farmers vacated the spot, senior SP (Gautam Budh Nagar) Vaibhav Krishna said. They agreed to leave after they got an assurance in writing from the district magistrate. They have been assured of a meeting in a week with local authorities, like the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA), over their grievances, he said.

Earlier on Saturday, the farmers and their leader Manveer Teotia had declined talking to city magistrate Shailendra Mishra and SP (Traffic) Anil Kumar Jha. Mr Teotia said that farmers in Tappal, Mathura, and Aligarh have been protesting for two years over irregularities in land acquisition between 2008 and 2012, but the state government has not listened to their requests.

He said that the farmers wanted local authorities and administrations to take up the matter with UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath. However, nothing fruitful has happened so far, hence the protest.

Gautam Budh Nagar district magistrate B.N. Singh met the farmers on Saturday morning and assured them that he would take up the matter with the state government. Reportedly, two policemen and two farmers were killed in clashes in May 2011 following protests over acquisition of land in Greater Noidas Bhatta Parsaul, the Jat-dominated village which had become the epicentre of protests for land acquisitions in the country.

Two years since that upheaval, the country got the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehab-ilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 (also known as the Land Acquisition Act, 2013).

The new law was aimed at providing fair compensation to those whose land was taken away, bring transparency to the process of acquisition of land to set up factories or buildings, infrastructure projects, and assure rehabilitation of those affected.The following companies are subsidiares of HEICO: Radiant-Seacom Repairs, Radiant Power IDC, Seal Q, 16-1741 Property, 16-1741 Property Inc., 3 McCrea Property Company, 3D, 3D Acquisition Corp., 3D Plus SAS, 3D Plus U.S.A, 3D Plus U.S.A. Inc., 60 Sequin, A2C Air Cost Control SAS, AD HEICO, AD HEICO Acquisition Corp., ATK, ATK Acquisition Corp., Action Research Corporation, AeroAntenna Technology, AeroDesign, AeroDesign Inc., AeroELT, Aerospace & Commercial Technologies, Aerospace & Commercial Technologies LLC, Aeroworks (Asia), Aeroworks (Asia) Ltd., Aeroworks (Lao) Co., Aeroworks (Lao) Co. Ltd., Aeroworks Composites, Aeroworks Composites (Asia), Aeroworks Composites (Asia) Ltd., Aeroworks Composites B.V., Aeroworks Europe, Aeroworks Europe B.V., Aeroworks Inc., Aeroworks International Holding, Aeroworks International Holding B.V., Aeroworks Lao II Co., Aeroworks Lao II Co. Ltd., Aeroworks Manufacturing Services (Asia), Aeroworks Manufacturing Services Ltd., Aeroworks Special Products, Aeroworks Special Products B.V., Air Cost Control Germany GmbH, Air Cost Control PTE, Air Cost Control US, Aircraft Technology, Aircraft Technology Inc., Analog Modules, Analog Modules Inc., Apex Holding, Apex Microtechnology, Arger Enterprises Inc., Associated Composite Inc., Astro Property, Astro Property LLC, Astroseal Products Mfg., Astroseal Products Mfg. 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Ltd., De-Icing Investment Holdings, De-Icing Investment Holdings Corp., Decavo, Dielectric Sciences, Dielectric Sciences Inc., Dukane Seacom, Dukane Seacom Inc., Dynatech, Dynatech Acquisition Corp., EMD Acquisition, EMD Acquisition Corp., EMD Technologies Incorporated, Engineering Design Team, Engineering Design Team Inc., Essex X-Ray & Medical Equipment, Essex X-Ray & Medical Equipment LTD, FerriShield Inc., Ferrishield, Freebird Semiconductor Corporation, Future Aviation, Future Aviation Inc., HB Fuel Systems, HB Fuel Systems LLC, HEICO Aerospace Corporation, HEICO Aerospace Holdings, HEICO Aerospace Holdings Corp., HEICO Aerospace Parts, HEICO Aerospace Parts Corp., HEICO East Corporation, HEICO Electronic Technologies, HEICO Electronic Technologies Corp., HEICO Flight Support, HEICO Flight Support Corp., HEICO International Holdings, HEICO International Holdings B.V., HEICO Parts Group, HEICO Parts Group Inc., HEICO Repair, HEICO Repair Group Aerostructures, HETC I, HETC II, HETC III, HFSC II Corp., HFSC III Corp., HFSC IV, HFSC V, HFSC VI, HNW Building, HNW Building Corp., HNW2 Building, HNW2 Building Corp., HVT Group, HVT Group Inc., Harter Aerospace, Harter Aerospace LLC, High Voltage Technology Limited, IRCameras, IRCameras LLC, Inertial Airline Services, Inertial Airline Services Inc., Interface Displays & Controls, JA Engineering I, JA Engineering I Corp., JA Engineering II, JA Engineering II Corp., Jet Avion Corporation, Jetavi Engineering Private Limited, Jetseal, Jetseal Inc., LLP Enterprises, LPI Industries Corporation, Leader Tech, Leader Tech Inc., Lucix Corporation, Lumina Power, Lumina Power Inc., McClain International, McClain International Inc., McClain Property, McClain Property Corp., Meridian Industrial, Meridian Industrial Inc., Midwest Microwave Solutions, Midwest Microwave Solutions Inc., Moulages Plastiques Industriels de L'essonne SARL, Niacc-Avitech Technologies, Niacc-Avitech Technologies Inc., Northwings Accessories, Northwings Accessories Corp., Optical Display Engineering, Parts Advantage, Parts Advantage LLC, Prime Air, Prime Air Europe Limited, Prime Air LLC, Quell Corporation, Radiant Power, Radiant Power Corp., Radiant-Seacom Repairs Corp., Ramona Research, Ramona Research Inc., Reinhold Holdings, Reinhold Holdings Inc., Reinhold Industries, Reinhold Industries Inc., Research Electronics International, Robertson Fuel Systems, Robertson Fuel Systems L.L.C. Arizona, Rogers-Dierks, Rogers-Dierks Inc., SBIR, SI-REL, SI-REL Inc., SST Components, Santa Barbara Infrared, Santa Barbara Infrared Inc., Seal Dynamics, Seal Dynamics LLC, Seal Dynamics LLC (Singapore Branch), Seal Dynamics Limited, Seal Q Corp., Sensor Technology Engineering, Sierra Microwave Technology, Sierra Microwave Technology LLC, Solid Sealing Technology, Specialty Silicone Products, Sunshine Avionics, Sunshine Avionics LLC, Switchcraft, Switchcraft Far East Company, Switchcraft Far East Company Ltd., Switchcraft Holdco, Switchcraft Holdco Inc., Switchcraft Inc., TTT-Cubed, Thermal Energy Products, Thermal Energy Products Inc., Thermal Structures, Thermal Structures Inc., Thermal Structures Thermal Insulation Product (Tianjin) Co. Ltd., Turbine Kinetics, Turbine Kinetics Inc., VPT, VPT Inc., dB Control, and dB Control Corp..Schaeffler AG, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells precision components and systems for automotive and industrial applications in Europe, the Americas, China, and the Asia Pacific. The company's Automotive OEM division offers engine systems, including rolling bearing solutions, belt and chain drive products, valve train components, and systems for variable valve trains; and transmission systems, such as torsion and vibration dampers, clutches and double clutch systems, torque converters, CVT components, lightweight differentials, bearing solutions, and synchronizing and gearshift components. This division also provides chassis systems comprising wheel bearings, bearing solutions, steering components, electromechanical actuators for roll stabilizers, and power-assisted steering systems; and hybrid and electrical drive systems that include hybrid modules, electrical axle drives, and electrical wheel hub drives. Its Automotive Aftermarket division offers repair solutions for passenger cars, light commercial vehicles, heavy commercial vehicles, and tractors, as well as supporting services. The company's Industrial division provides components and systems. This division serves customers in the mobility, energy and raw materials, production machinery, aerospace, and industrial distribution. It has a strategic partnership with Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft. The company was formerly known as INA Beteiligungsgesellschaft mit beschrAnkter Haftung and changed its name to Schaeffler AG in October 2014. The company was founded in 1946 and is headquartered in Herzogenaurach, Germany. Schaeffler AG is a subsidiary of IHO Verwaltungs GmbH.

Read MoreOil States International, Inc., through its subsidiaries, provides oilfield products and services for the drilling, completion, subsea, production, and infrastructure sectors of the oil and gas industry worldwide. The company operates in three segments: Well Site Services, Downhole Technologies, and Offshore/Manufactured Products. The Well Site Services segment offers a range of equipment and services that are used to drill for, establish, and maintain the flow of oil and natural gas from a well throughout its lifecycle. It also provides services, including wellhead isolation, frac valve, wireline and coiled tubing support, flowback and well testing, pipe recovery, gravel pack and sand control, blowout preventer, and drilling services. The Downhole Technologies segment provides oil and gas perforation systems, and downhole tools in support of completion, intervention, wireline, and well abandonment operations. This segment also designs, manufactures, and markets its consumable engineered products to oilfield service, and exploration and production companies. The Offshore/Manufactured Products segment designs, manufactures, and markets capital equipment utilized on floating production systems, subsea pipeline infrastructure, and offshore drilling rigs and vessels; and short-cycle and other products. Its products include flexible bearings, advanced connector systems, high-pressure riser systems, deep water mooring systems, cranes, subsea pipeline products, and blow-out preventer stack integration products. This segment also provides short-cycle products, such as valves, elastomers, and other specialty products that are used in the land-based drilling and completion markets; and other products for use in industrial, military, and other applications. In addition, it offers specialty welding, fabrication, cladding and machining, offshore installation, and inspection and repair services. The company was incorporated in 1995 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.

Read More7 hours ago

| June 21st | 2021 8:00 AM

Why You Might Have to Retire Later Due to COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic in general increased retirement uncertainty. In fact, Lincoln Financial Group reported three different sentiments regarding the pandemic and specific age groups: Pre-retirees: The age group from 55 to 64 saw the biggest drop of retirement-ready confidence. Mid-career: Individuals between the ages of 35 and 54 saw aThe following companies are subsidiares of The Procter & Gamble: "Procter & Gamble Services" LLC, "Procter & Gamble" LLC, Agile Pursuits, Agile Pursuits Franchising, Arbora, Arbora & Ausonia, Arborinvest, Billie, Braun (Shanghai) Co., Braun GmbH, Braun-Gillette Immobilien GmbH & Co. KG, Celtic Insurance Company, Compania Procter & Gamble Mexico, Compania Quimica S.A., Corporativo Procter & Gamble, Cosmetic Products Pty. Ltd., Detergent Products B.V., Detergent Products SARL, Detergenti S.A., Eurocos Cosmetic GmbH, FPG Oleochemicals Sdn. Bhd., Fameccanica Data S.p.A., Fameccanica Industria e Comercio Do Brasil LTDA., Fameccanica Machinery (Shanghai) Co., Fater S.p.A., Fountain Square Music Publishing Co., Gillette (China) Ltd., Gillette (Shanghai) Ltd., Gillette Aesop Ltd., Gillette Australia Pty. Ltd., Gillette Canada Holdings, Gillette Commercial Operations North America, Gillette Diversified Operations Pvt. Ltd., Gillette Egypt S.A.E., Gillette Group UK Ltd, Gillette Gruppe Deutschland GmbH & Co. oHG, Gillette Holding Company LLC, Gillette Holding GmbH, Gillette India Limited, Gillette Industries Ltd., Gillette International B.V., Gillette Latin America Holding B.V., Gillette Management LLC, Gillette Nova Scotia Company, Gillette Pakistan Limited, Gillette Poland International Sp. z.o.o., Gillette Poland S.A., Gillette U.K. Limited, Gillette del Uruguay, Giorgio Beverly Hills Inc., Hyginett KFT, Industries Marocaines Modernes SA, LLC "Procter & Gamble Novomoskovsk", LLL "Procter & Gamble Distributorskaya Compania", Laboratorios Vicks, Liberty Street Music Publishing Company, Limited Liability Company 'Procter & Gamble Trading Ukraine', Limited Liability Company with foreign investments Procter & and Gamble Ukraine, MDVIP, MERCK KGAA NPV, Marcvenca Inversiones, Modern Industries Company - Dammam, Modern Products Company - Jeddah, New Chapter, New Chapter Canada Inc., Olay LLC, Oral-B Laboratories, P&G Distribution Morocco SAS, P&G Hair Care Holding, P&G Industrial Peru S.R.L., P&G Innovation Godo Kaisha, P&G Israel M.D.O. Ltd., P&G K.K., P&G Northeast Asia Pte. Ltd., P&G Prestige Godo Kaisha, P&G Prestige Service GmbH, P&G South African Trading (Pty.) Ltd., PGT Health Care (Zhejiang) Limited, PGT Healthcare LLP, PPI ZAO, PT Procter & Gamble Home Products Indonesia, PT Procter & Gamble Operations Indonesia, Phase II Holdings Corporation, Procter & Gamble (Chengdu) Ltd., Procter & Gamble (China) Ltd., Procter & Gamble (China) Sales Co. Ltd., Procter & Gamble (East Africa) Limited, Procter & Gamble (Egypt) Manufacturing Company, Procter & Gamble (Enterprise Fund) Limited, Procter & Gamble (Guangzhou) Consumer Products Co. Ltd., Procter & Gamble (Guangzhou) Enterprise Management Service Company Limited, Procter & Gamble (Guangzhou) Ltd., Procter & Gamble (Health & Beauty Care) Limited, Procter & Gamble (Jiangsu) Ltd. China, Procter & Gamble (L&CP) Limited, Procter & Gamble (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Procter & Gamble (Manufacturing) Ireland Limited, Procter & Gamble (Shanghai) International Trade Company Ltd., Procter & Gamble (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., Procter & Gamble Acquisition GmbH, Procter & Gamble Administration GmbH, Procter & Gamble Algeria EURL, Procter & Gamble Amazon Holding B.V., Procter & Gamble Amiens S.A.S., Procter & Gamble Argentina SRL, Procter & Gamble Asia Pte. Ltd., Procter & Gamble Australia Proprietary Limited, Procter & Gamble Azerbaijan Services LLC, Procter & Gamble Bangladesh Private Ltd., Procter & Gamble Blois S.A.S., Procter & Gamble Brazil Holdings B.V., Procter & Gamble Bulgaria EOOD, Procter & Gamble Business Services Canada Company, Procter & Gamble Canada Holding B.V., Procter & Gamble Chile , Procter & Gamble Chile Limitada, Procter & Gamble Colombia Ltda., Procter & Gamble Commercial LLC, Procter & Gamble Commercial de Cuba S.A., Procter & Gamble Czech Republic s.r.o., Procter & Gamble DS Polska Sp. z o.o., Procter & Gamble Danmark ApS, Procter & Gamble Detergent (Beijing) Ltd., Procter & Gamble Deuttschland GmbH, Procter & Gamble Distributing (Philippines) Inc., Procter & Gamble Distributing New Zealand Limited, Procter & Gamble Distribution Company (Europe) BVBA, Procter & Gamble Distribution S.R.L., Procter & Gamble Eastern Europe, Procter & Gamble Ecuador Cia. Ltda., Procter & Gamble Egypt, Procter & Gamble Egypt Distribution, Procter & Gamble Egypt Holding, Procter & Gamble Egypt Supplies, Procter & Gamble Energy Company LLC, Procter & Gamble Espana, Procter & Gamble Europe SA, Procter & Gamble Export Operations SARL, Procter & Gamble Exportadora e Importadora Ltda., Procter & Gamble Exports, Procter & Gamble Fabricacao e Comercio Ltda., Procter & Gamble Far East, Procter & Gamble Finance (U.K.) Ltd., Procter & Gamble Finance Holding Ltd., Procter & Gamble Finance Management S.a.r.l., Procter & Gamble Financial Investments LLP, Procter & Gamble Financial Services Ltd., Procter & Gamble Financial Services S.a.r.l., Procter & Gamble Finland OY, Procter & Gamble France S.A.S., Procter & Gamble Germany GmbH, Procter & Gamble Germany GmbH & Co. Operations oHG, Procter & Gamble GmbH, Procter & Gamble Grundstucks-und Vermogensverwaltungs GmbH & Co. KG, Procter & Gamble Gulf FZE, Procter & Gamble Hair Care, Procter & Gamble Hellas Ltd., Procter & Gamble Holding (Thailand) Limited, Procter & Gamble Holding France S.A.S., Procter & Gamble Holding GmbH, Procter & Gamble Holding S.r.l., Procter & Gamble Holdings (UK) Ltd., Procter & Gamble Home Products Private Limited, Procter & Gamble Hong Kong Limited, Procter & Gamble Hungary Wholesale Trading Partnership (KKT), Procter & Gamble Hygiene & Health Care Limited, Procter & Gamble Inc., Procter & Gamble India Holdings, Procter & Gamble Indochina Limited Company, Procter & Gamble Industrial - 2012 C.A., Procter & Gamble Industrial Colombia Ltda., Procter & Gamble Industrial S.C.A., Procter & Gamble Industrial e Comercial Ltda., Procter & Gamble Interamericas de Costa Rica, Procter & Gamble Interamericas de Guatemala, Procter & Gamble Interamericas de Panama, Procter & Gamble International Operations Pte. Ltd., Procter & Gamble International Operations SA, Procter & Gamble International Operations SA-ROHQ, Procter & Gamble International S.a.r.l., Procter & Gamble Investment Company (UK) Ltd., Procter & Gamble Investment GmbH, Procter & Gamble Italia, Procter & Gamble Japan K.K., Procter & Gamble Kazakhstan Distribution LLP, Procter & Gamble Kazakhstan LLP, Procter & Gamble Korea, Procter & Gamble Korea S&D Co., Procter & Gamble Lanka Private Ltd. Sri Lanka, Procter & Gamble Leasing LLC, Procter & Gamble Levant S.A.L., Procter & Gamble Limited, Procter & Gamble Manufacturing (Thailand) Limited, Procter & Gamble Manufacturing (Tianjin) Co. Ltd., Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Belgium N.V., Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Berlin GmbH, Procter & Gamble Manufacturing GmbH, Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Procter & Gamble Manufacturing SA (Pty) Ltd, Procter & Gamble Marketing Romania SRL, Procter & Gamble Marketing and Services doo, Procter & Gamble Maroc SA, Procter & Gamble Mataro, Procter & Gamble Mexico Holding B.V., Procter & Gamble Mexico Inc., Procter & Gamble Middle East FZE, Procter & Gamble Nederland B.V., Procter & Gamble Netherlands Investments B.V., Procter & Gamble Netherlands Services B.V., Procter & Gamble Nigeria Limited, Procter & Gamble Nordic, Procter & Gamble Norge AS, Procter & Gamble Operations Polska Sp. z o.o., Procter & Gamble Overseas India B.V., Procter & Gamble Overseas Ltd., Procter & Gamble Pakistan (Private) Limited, Procter & Gamble Partnership LLP, Procter & Gamble Peru S.R.L., Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals France SAS, Procter & Gamble Philippines, Procter & Gamble Polska Sp. z o.o, Procter & Gamble Portugal - Produtos De Consumo, Procter & Gamble Product Supply (U.K.) Limited U.K., Procter & Gamble Production GmbH, Procter & Gamble Productions, Procter & Gamble Productos de Consumo, Procter & Gamble RHD, Procter & Gamble RSC Regional Service Company Ltd., Procter & Gamble Retail Services BVBA, Procter & Gamble S.r.l., Procter & Gamble SA (Pty) Ltd, Procter & Gamble Satis ve Dagitim Ltd. Sti., Procter & Gamble Seine S.A.S., Procter & Gamble Service GmbH, Procter & Gamble Services (Switzerland) SA, Procter & Gamble Services Company N.V., Procter & Gamble Services Ltd., Procter & Gamble Share Incentive Plan Trustee Ltd., Procter & Gamble South America Holding B.V., Procter & Gamble Spol. s.r.o. (Ltd.), Procter & Gamble Sports and Social Club Ltd., Procter & Gamble Sverige AB, Procter & Gamble Switzerland SARL, Procter & Gamble Taiwan Limited, Procter & Gamble Taiwan Sales Company Limited, Procter & Gamble Technical Centres Limited, Procter & Gamble Technology (Beijing) Co., Procter & Gamble Trading (Thailand) Limited, Procter & Gamble Tuketim Mallari Sanayii A.S., Procter & Gamble UK, Procter & Gamble UK Group Holdings Ltd, Procter & Gamble UK Parent Company Ltd., Procter & Gamble Universal Holding B.V., Procter & Gamble Verwaltungs GmbH, Procter & Gamble Vietnam, Procter & Gamble d.o.o. za trgovinu, Procter & Gamble de Venezuela S.C.A., Procter & Gamble de Venezuela S.R.L., Procter & Gamble do Brasil S/A, Procter & Gamble do Brazil, Procter & Gamble do Nordeste S/A, Procter & Gamble-Rakona s.r.o., Progam Realty & Development Corporation, Redmond Products, Richardson-Vicks Real Estate Inc., Richardson-Vicks do Brasil Quimica e Farmaceutica Ltda, Riverfront Music Publishing Co., Rosemount LLC, SPD Development Company Limited, SPD Swiss Precision Diagnostics GmbH, Scannon S.A.S., Series Acquisition B.V., Shulton, Surfac S.R.L., Sycamore Productions, TAOS - FL, TAOS Retail, Tambrands Inc., Temple Trees Impex & Investment Private Limited, The Art of Shaving - FL, The Dover Wipes Company, The Gillette Company, The Gillette Company LLC, The Gillette co., The Procter & Gamble Distributing LLC, The Procter & Gamble GBS Company, The Procter & Gamble Global Finance Company, The Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Company, The Procter & Gamble Paper Products Company, The Procter & Gamble U.S. Business Services Company, This is L., US CD LLC, Vidal Sassoon (Shanghai) Academy, Vidal Sassoon Co., WEBA Betriebsrenten-Verwaltungsgesellschaft mbH, Walker & Company Brands, and iMFLUX Inc..Ad Resource Stock Digest 1,324 Interested This Week

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The whip issued by the Congress Party on Sunday. (Photo: ANI)

New Delhi: The Congress party issued a three-line whip to its MPs to be present in Parliament from Monday to Friday.

"All Members of Congress Party in the Lok Sabha are requested to kindly remain present in the House from 11:00 am onwards till the adjournment of the House on 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 February 2019 without fail and support the party stand," a note from the party read.

The party has asked its MPs to be present during the Budget session to attend discussions on the interim Budget that was presented on February 1.

The Budget Session of Parliament, which commenced on January 31, will continue till February 13, spread across 10 sittings.

It will be the last session of the Lok Sabha before the general elections which are due before May.Finance PhD: Move your money BEFORE June 30th  (Ad)

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Today, the Wall Street legend who picked the last investment of the decade months (even years) before his peers will finally reveal his new #1 pick for the 2020s.



Its not 5G, artificial intelligence, EVs, or clean energy. The answer will surprise you.

Click To See This #1 Pick.GlaxoSmithKline plc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the creation, discovery, development, manufacture, and marketing of pharmaceutical products, vaccines, over-the-counter medicines, and health-related consumer products in the United Kingdom, the United States, and internationally. It operates through four segments: Pharmaceuticals, Pharmaceuticals R&D, Vaccines, and Consumer Healthcare. The company offers pharmaceutical products comprising medicines in the therapeutic areas, such as respiratory, HIV, immuno-inflammation, oncology, anti-viral, central nervous system, cardiovascular and urogenital, metabolic, anti-bacterial, and dermatology. It also provides consumer healthcare products in wellness, oral health, nutrition, and skin health categories. The company offers its consumer healthcare products in the form of nasal sprays, tablets, syrups, lozenges, gum and trans-dermal patches, caplets, infant syrup drops, liquid filled suspension, wipes, gels, effervescents, toothpastes, toothbrushes, mouthwashes, denture adhesives and cleansers, topical creams and non-medicated patches, lip balm, gummies, and soft chews. It has collaboration agreements with 23andMe; Lyell Immunopharma, Inc.; Novartis; Sanofi SA; Surface Oncology; and CureVac AG., as well as strategic partnership with IDEAYA Biosciences, Inc. and Vir Biotechnology, Inc. GlaxoSmithKline plc was founded in 1715 and is headquartered in Brentford, the United Kingdom.

Read MoreThe following companies are subsidiares of Occidental Petroleum: 1PointFive Inc., 1PointFive P1 LLC, APC Aviation Inc., APC International Holdings LLC, APC Midstream Holdings LLC, APC Venezuela Srl, ARCO Long Beach, Altura Energy, Amarok Gathering LLC, Anadarko 20-25 Company, Anadarko 20-36 Company, Anadarko 20-47 Company, Anadarko 20-48 Company, Anadarko 20-49 Company, Anadarko Algeria Block 403 c/e Company, Anadarko Algeria Block 406B Company, Anadarko Algeria Company LLC, Anadarko Algeria Oil & Gas Company, Anadarko Brazil Investment I LLC, Anadarko Brazil Investment II LLC, Anadarko Canada E&P Limited, Anadarko China Holdings 2 Company, Anadarko Colombia Company, Anadarko Consolidated Holdings LLC, Anadarko Cote d'Ivoire Block 103 Company, Anadarko Cote d'Ivoire Company, Anadarko DBMOS Operator LLC, Anadarko Development Company, Anadarko Development Holding Limited, Anadarko E&P Onshore LLC, Anadarko Egypt Holdings Company, Anadarko Energy Holding Limited, Anadarko Energy Services Company, Anadarko Exploracao e Producao de Petroleo e Gas Natural Ltda., Anadarko Finance Company, Anadarko Gabon Company, Anadarko Ghana Mahogany-1 Company, Anadarko Global Energy S.a.r.l, Anadarko Global Funding 1 Company, Anadarko Global Funding II Ltd., Anadarko Guyana Company, Anadarko Holding Company, Anadarko International Development S.a.r.l, Anadarko International Energy Company, Anadarko International O&G Company, Anadarko International Trading Corporation, Anadarko Jordan Company, Anadarko Kenya Company, Anadarko LMM S.a.r.l, Anadarko Land Corp., Anadarko Mexico B.V., Anadarko Mexico S.a.r.l, Anadarko Midkiff/Chaney Dell BR Corp., Anadarko Midkiff/Chaney Dell LLC, Anadarko Natural Gas Company LLC, Anadarko New Zealand Company, Anadarko OGC Company, Anadarko Offshore Holding Company LLC, Anadarko Offshore Well Containment Company LLC, Anadarko Oil & Gas 5 LLC, Anadarko Peru B.V., Anadarko Petroleum, Anadarko Petroleum Corporation, Anadarko Realty LLC, Anadarko Rockies LLC, Anadarko Royalty Holdings Company, Anadarko UK Corporate Limited, Anadarko US Offshore LLC, Anadarko USH1 Corporation, Anadarko Venezuela Company, Anadarko Venezuela LLC, Anadarko Venezuela Srl, Anadarko WCTP Company, Anadarko West Texas BR Corp., Anadarko West Texas LLC, Anadarko Worldwide Holdings C.V., Atlantic Rim Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Aventine LLC, Baseball Merger Sub 2 Inc., Bear Branch Exploration LLC, Big Island Trona Company, Bitter Creek Coal Company, Bravo Pipeline Company, Cain Chemical, Cain Chemical Inc., Carbon Finance Labs LLC, Concord Petroleum Corporation, Conn Creek Shale Company, D.S. Ventures LLC, DMM Financial LLC, Deerwood Exploration LLC, Downtown Plaza II, Elk Hills Field, FLAG Development LLC, FP Westport Commodities Limited, FP Westport GmbH, FP Westport LLC, FP Westport Limited, FP Westport Services LLC, FP Westport Trading LLC, Fosters Mill Exploration LLC, Glenn Springs Holdings Inc., Globrep Representaciones S.A., Grand Bassa Tankers Inc., Grupo OxyChem de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Headwater II LLC, Houndstooth Resources LLC, INDSPEC Chemical B.V., INDSPEC Chemical Corporation, INDSPEC Chemical Corporation, INDSPEC Chemical Export Sales LLC, INDSPEC Holding Corporation, Ingleside Cogeneration GP LLC, Ingleside Cogeneration Limited Partnership, Interore Trading Ltd., Joslyn Partnership, KERR-McGEE TT E&P LTD., KM BM-C-Seven Ltd., KM International Insurance Ltd., Kerr-McGee Corporation, Kerr-McGee Natural Gas Company Inc., Kerr-McGee Oil & Gas Onshore LP, Kerr-McGee Shared Services Company LLC, Kerr-McGee Stored Power Corporation, Kerr-McGee U.K. Energy Corporation, Kerr-McGee Worldwide Corporation, Kerr-McGee do Brasil Ltda., Kerr-McGee of Canada Northwest Ltd., Laguna Petroleum Corp., Laguna Petroleum LLC, Liwa Oil & Gas Ltd., MC2 Technologies LLC, Mariana Properties Inc., Marico Exploration Inc., Miller Springs Remediation Management Inc., Moncrief Minerals Partnership L.P., NGL Ventures LLC, Natural Gas Odorizing Inc., New OPL LLC, OEVC Energy LLC, OEVC Midstream Projects LLC, OIH LLC, OLCV CE Holdings ULC, OLCV CE US Holdings Inc., OLCV Net Power LLC, OLCV Services LLC, OOG Partner LLC, OOOI Chem Holdings LLC, OOOI Chem Sub LLC, OOOI Chemical International LLC, OOOI Chile Holder LLC, OOOI Ecuador Management LLC, OOOI Oil and Gas Sub LLC, OOOI South America Management LLC, OPM GP Inc., OPM Holdco LLC, OTCF LLC, OTH LLC, OXY CV Pipeline LLC, OXY Campus LLC, OXY Inc., OXY LPG LLC, OXY Libya E&P Area 103 BR4 B.V., OXY Libya E&P Area 35 Ltd., OXY Libya E&P Concession 103 Ltd., OXY Libya E&P EPSA 102 B.V., OXY Libya E&P EPSA 1981 Ltd., OXY Libya E&P EPSA 1985 Ltd., OXY Libya E&P NC 143 144 145 150 B.V., OXY Libya Exploration SPC, OXY Libya LLC, OXY Little Knife LLC, OXY Mexico Holdings I LLC, OXY Mexico Holdings II LLC, OXY Middle East Holdings Ltd., OXY Oil Partners Inc., OXY PBLP Manager LLC, OXY Support Services LLC, OXY Tulsa Inc., OXY USA Inc., OXY USA WTP LP, OXY VPP Investments LLC, OXY West LLC, OXY of Saudi Arabia Ltd., OXYCHEM (CANADA) INC., OXYMAR, Oakwood Exploration LLC, Occidental (Bermuda) Ltd., Occidental (East Shabwa) LLC, Occidental Advance Sale Finance Inc., Occidental Al Hosn LLC, Occidental Angola Holdings Ltd., Occidental CIS Services Inc., Occidental Canada Holdings Ltd., Occidental Chemical Asia Limited, Occidental Chemical Belgium B.V.B.A., Occidental Chemical Chile Limitada, Occidental Chemical Corporation, Occidental Chemical Export Sales LLC, Occidental Chemical Far East Limited, Occidental Chemical Holding Corporation, Occidental Chemical International LLC, Occidental Chemical Investment (Canada) 1 Inc., Occidental Chemical Receivables LLC, Occidental Chemical de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Occidental Chile Investments LLC, Occidental Chile Minority Holder LLC, Occidental Colombia (Series G) Ltd., Occidental Colombia (Series J) Ltd., Occidental Colombia (Series K) Ltd., Occidental Colombia (Series L) Ltd., Occidental Colombia (Series M) Ltd., Occidental Colombia (Series N) Ltd., Occidental Colombia (Series O) Ltd., Occidental Crude Sales Inc. (Canada), Occidental Crude Sales Inc. (International), Occidental Dolphin Holdings Ltd., Occidental Energy Marketing Inc., Occidental Energy Ventures LLC, Occidental Exploradora del Peru Ltd., Occidental Exploration and Production Company, Occidental Hafar LLC, Occidental International (Libya) Inc., Occidental International Corporation, Occidental International Exploration and Production Company, Occidental International Holdings Ltd., Occidental International Oil and Gas Ltd., Occidental International Services Inc., Occidental Joslyn GP 2 Co., Occidental LNG (Malaysia) Ltd., Occidental Latin America Holdings LLC, Occidental Libya Oil & Gas B.V., Occidental MENA Manager Ltd., Occidental Middle East Development Company, Occidental Midland Basin LLC, Occidental Mukhaizna LLC, Occidental Oil Asia Pte. Ltd., Occidental Oil Shale Inc., Occidental Oil and Gas (Oman) Ltd., Occidental Oil and Gas Corporation, Occidental Oil and Gas International Inc., Occidental Oil and Gas International LLC, Occidental Oil and Gas Pakistan LLC, Occidental Oil and Gas of Peru LLC, Occidental Oman (Block 27) Holdings Ltd., Occidental Oman Block 51 Holding Ltd., Occidental Oman Block 51 LLC, Occidental Oman Block 65 Holding Ltd., Occidental Oman Block 65 LLC, Occidental Oman Block 72 Holding Ltd., Occidental Oman Block 72 LLC, Occidental Oman Gas Company LLC, Occidental Oman Gas Holdings Ltd., Occidental Oman North Holdings Ltd., Occidental Oriente Exploration and Production Ltd., Occidental Overseas Holdings B.V., Occidental PVC LLC, Occidental Peninsula II Inc., Occidental Peninsula LLC, Occidental Permian Ltd., Occidental Permian Manager LLC, Occidental Permian Services Inc., Occidental Peruana Inc., Occidental Petrolera del Peru (Block 101) Inc., Occidental Petrolera del Peru (Block 103) Inc., Occidental Petroleum (Pakistan) Inc., Occidental Petroleum Corporation, Occidental Petroleum Corporation Political Action Committee, Occidental Petroleum de Venezuela S.A., Occidental Petroleum of Nigeria, Occidental Petroleum of Oman Ltd., Occidental Petroleum of Qatar Ltd., Occidental Power Marketing L.P., Occidental Power Services Inc., Occidental Qatar Energy Company LLC, Occidental Red Sea Development LLC, Occidental Research Corporation, Occidental Resource Recovery Systems Inc., Occidental Resources Company, Occidental Shah Gas Holdings Ltd., Occidental South America Finance LLC, Occidental Specialty Marketing Inc., Occidental Tower Corporation, Occidental Transportation Holding Corporation, Occidental West Texas Overthrust Inc., Occidental Yemen Ltd., Occidental Yemen Sabatain Inc., Occidental del Ecuador Inc., Occidental of Abu Dhabi (Bab) Ltd., Occidental of Abu Dhabi (Shah) Ltd., Occidental of Abu Dhabi Holdings Ltd., Occidental of Abu Dhabi LLC, Occidental of Abu Dhabi Ltd., Occidental of Bahrain Ltd., Occidental of Bangladesh Inc., Occidental of Colombia (Chipiron) Inc., Occidental of Colombia (Cosecha) Inc., Occidental of Colombia (Medina) Inc., Occidental of Colombia (Putumayo) Ltd., Occidental of Colombia (Teca) Ltd., Occidental of Colombia PUT-36 LLC, Occidental of Dubai Inc., Occidental of Iraq Holdings Ltd., Occidental of Iraq LLC, Occidental of Oman Inc., Occidental of Russia Ltd., Occidental of South Africa (Offshore) Inc., Occidental of Yemen (Block 75) LLC, Oceanic Marine Transport Ltd., Opcal Insurance Inc., Oryx Crude Trading & Transportation Inc., Oxy BridgeTex Limited Partnership, Oxy C & I Bulk Sales LLC, Oxy Canada Sales Inc., Oxy Carbon Solutions LLC, Oxy Carbon Storage LLC, Oxy Climate Ventures Inc., Oxy Cogeneration Holding Company LLC, Oxy Colombia Holdings LLC, Oxy Colombia TopCo Ltd., Oxy Delaware Basin LLC, Oxy Delaware Basin Plant LLC, Oxy Dolphin E&P LLC, Oxy Dolphin Pipeline LLC, Oxy Energy Canada Inc., Oxy Energy Services LLC, Oxy Expatriate Services Inc., Oxy FFT Holdings Inc., Oxy Holding Company (Pipeline) Inc., Oxy International Ventures Ltd., Oxy LPG Terminal LLC, Oxy Levelland Pipeline Company LLC, Oxy Levelland Terminal Company LLC, Oxy Low Carbon Ventures LLC, Oxy Midstream Strategic Development LLC, Oxy Oleoducto SOP LLC, Oxy Overseas Services Ltd., Oxy Permian Gathering LLC, Oxy Permian Plaza LLC, Oxy Petroleum de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Oxy Renewable Energy LLC, Oxy Salt Creek Pipeline LLC, Oxy TL LLC, Oxy Taft Hub LLC, Oxy Technology Ventures Inc., Oxy Transport I Company LLC, Oxy Vinyls Canada Co., Oxy Vinyls Export Sales LLC, Oxy Vinyls LP, Oxy Westwood Corporation, Oxy Y-1 Company, OxyChem Ingleside Ethylene Holdings Inc., OxyChem do Brasil Ltda., OxyChile Investments LLC, Oxychem Shipping Ltd., Permian Basin JV Tax Matters Member LLC, Permian Basin Limited Partnership, Permian VPP Holder LP, Permian VPP Manager LLC, Phibro, Placid Oil LLC, Ramlat Oxy Ltd., Rio de Viento Inc., Rodeo Midland Basin LLC, San Patricio Pipeline LLC, Scanports Shipping LLC, SequestCo LLC, Stetson Exploration LLC, Sun Offshore Gathering Company, Swiflite Aircraft Corporation, Transok Properties LLC, Troy Potter Inc., Turavent Oil GmbH [in liquidation], Tuscaloosa Holdings Inc., UP Petroleo III Ltd., Upland Industries Corporation, Venezuela US SRL, Vintage Gas Inc., Vintage Petroleum, Vintage Petroleum Argentina Ltd., Vintage Petroleum Boliviana Ltd., Vintage Petroleum International Finance B.V., Vintage Petroleum International Holdings LLC, Vintage Petroleum International LLC, Vintage Petroleum International Ventures Inc., Vintage Petroleum Italy Inc., Vintage Petroleum South America Holdings Inc., Vintage Petroleum South America LLC, Vintage Petroleum Turkey Inc., WGR Asset Holding Company LLC, WGR Canada Inc., Wardner Ranch Inc., Western Gas Resources Inc., Western Gas Resources-Westana Inc., Western Midstream Holdings LLC, Woodlands International Insurance Ltd., and YT Ranch LLC.Police believe that the murder could be the outcome of brewing enmity between rivals groups in Siwan.

Criminal turned politician and former RJD MP Mohammad Shahabuddin facing trial in over 40 criminal cases was sent to Tihar jail in February 2017 after he was found controlling his gang from inside Siwan prison.

Patna: Deteriorating law and order scenario and rise in high profile murder cases ahead of general elections has raised political temperature in Bihar.

In the last 24 hours at least three persons including Yusuf, a nephew of former RJD MP Mohammad Shahabuddin, were killed in Bihar. Sources claimed that he was partying with his friends in his village Pratappur when unidentified assailants killed him.

Alert was sounded in Siwan and adjoining districts following the murder on Saturday. According to the police, a case was registered and a manhunt has been launched to nab the criminals who fled away from the scene of the crime after murdering Yusuf on Friday evening.

A gun and three bullet shells were also recovered by the police from the crime scene. Police believe that the murder could be the outcome of brewing enmity between rivals groups in Siwan.

Sources claimed that Yusuf was close to Shahabuddin and his son Osama. The incident occurred a few days after the court framed charges against Shahabuddin in connection with journalist Rajdeo Ranjan murder case.

Criminal turned politician and former RJD MP Mohammad Shahabuddin facing trial in over 40 criminal cases was sent to Tihar jail in February 2017 after he was found controlling his gang from inside Siwan prison.

Two other incidents which highlight the crumbling law and order scenario in the state was the killing of a councillor in Buxar and a police encounter with hardened criminal Kundan Singh in Muzaffarpur on Saturday.

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav who has been hinting at using law and order as poll agenda highlighted these issues in a letter to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Saturday.

While urging Nitish Kumar to initiate tough action against criminals Tejashwi Yadav said, It seems that anti-social elements have been presented with a free run to go about their business fearlessly. Many incidents of broad daylight contract killings, political killings, rapes, abduction for ransom and different organized crimes backed by people close to the establishment are getting reported from all parts of the state these days. Helpless citizens of the state have already concluded that there is no rule of law and thus nobody is feeling safe.Wall Street Legend Who Picked Bitcoin in 2016 Shares #1 Pick for the 2020s (Ad)

Picking the right investment of the decade can transform your life



Microsoft in the 80sAmazon in the 90sApple in the 2000sBitcoin in 2016...



Any one of these could have made you a millionaire many times over. Today, the Wall Street legend who picked the last investment of the decade

The answer will surprise you.The following companies are subsidiares of Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft: 87 Leonard Development LLC, ABFS I Incorporated, ABS MB Ltd., Acacia (Luxembourg) S.a r.l., Accounting Solutions Holding Company Inc, Alex. Brown Financial Services Incorporated, Alex. Brown Investments Incorporated, Alfred Herrhausen Gesellschaft mbH, Amber Investments S.a r.l., Ambidexter GmbH, Ambidexter GmbH i.L., Argent Incorporated, BHW - Gesellschaft fur Wohnungswirtschaft mbH, BHW Bausparkasse Aktiengesellschaft, BHW Holding GmbH, BHW Kreditservice GmbH, BNA Nominees Pty Limited, BT Globenet Nominees Limited, BTAS Cayman GP, BTD Nominees Pty Limited, Baincor Nominees Pty Limited, Bainpro Nominees Pty Ltd, Baldur Mortgages Limited, Bankers Trust Investments Limited, Barkly Investments Ltd., Bayan Delinquent Loan Recovery 1 (SPV-AMC) Inc, Bayan Delinquent Loan Recovery 1 (SPV-AMC) Inc., Berkshire Mortgage Finance, Betriebs-Center fur Banken AG, Biomass Holdings S.a r.l., Birch (Luxembourg) S.a r.l., Blue Cork Inc, Blue Cork Inc., Borfield Sociedad Anonima, Breaking Wave DB Limited, Cape Acquisition Corp., CapeSuccess Inc., CapeSuccess LLC, Cardales UK Limited, Cardea Real Estate S.r.l., Career Blazers LLC, Career Blazers Management Company Inc, Career Blazers Management Company Inc., Career Blazers Personnel Services Inc, Career Blazers Personnel Services Inc., Career Blazers Personnel Services of Washington D.C. Inc. Washington D.C., Caribbean Resort Holdings Inc, Caribbean Resort Holdings Inc., Carpathian Investments Designated Activity Company, Cathay Advisory (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Cathay Advisory (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Cathay Asset Management Company Limited, Cathay Capital Company (No 2) Limited, Cedar (Luxembourg) S.a r.l., Centennial River 2 Inc., Centennial River Corporation, Chapel Funding, Charlton (Delaware) Inc, China Recovery Fund LLC, China Recovery Fund LLC, Cinda - DB NPL Securitization Trust 2003-1, City Leasing (Thameside) Limited, City Leasing Limited, Consumo S.p.A., Consumo Srl in Liquidazione, Cyrus J. Lawrence Capital Holdings Inc., Cyrus J. Lawrence Capital Holdings Inc., D B Investments (GB) Limited, D&M Turnaround Partners Godo Kaisha, D.B. International Delaware Inc., D.B. International Delaware Inc., DAHOC (UK) Limited (in members' voluntary liquidation), DAHOC Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH, DB (Barbados) SRL, DB (Malaysia) Nominee (Asing) Sdn. Bhd., DB (Malaysia) Nominee (Tempatan) Sendirian Berhad, DB (Pacific) Limited, DB (Pacific) Limited New York, DB (Pacific) Limited New York, DB Abalone LLC, DB Alex. Brown Holdings Incorporated, DB Alps Corporation, DB Aotearoa Investments Limited, DB Asia Pacific Holdings Limited (in voluntary liquidation), DB Asset Finance I S.a r.l., DB Asset Finance II S.a r.l., DB Aster II LLC, DB Aster III LLC, DB Aster Inc., DB Aster LLC, DB Beteiligungs-Holding GmbH, DB Boracay LLC, DB Capital Investments Sarl, DB Capital Markets (Deutschland) GmbH, DB Capital Partners Inc., DB Capital Partners Inc., DB Cartera de Inmuebles 1 S.A.U., DB Cartera de Inmuebles 1 S.A.U., DB Chestnut Holdings Limited, DB Commodity Services LLC, DB Consorzio S. Cons. a r. l., DB Corporate Advisory (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., DB Covered Bond S.r.l., DB Credit Investments S.a r.l., DB Delaware Holdings (Europe) Limited, DB Direkt GmbH, DB Elara LLC, DB Energy Commodities Limited (in members' voluntary liquidation), DB Energy Trading LLC, DB Enfield Infrastructure Holdings Limited, DB Equipment Leasing Inc., DB Equipment Leasing Inc., DB Equity Limited, DB Finance (Delaware) LLC, DB Finance (Delaware) LLC, DB Finance International GmbH, DB Ganymede 2006 L.P., DB Global Markets Multi-Strategy Fund I Ltd., DB Global Technology Inc., DB Global Technology Inc., DB Global Technology SRL, DB Group Services (UK) Limited, DB HR Solutions GmbH, DB Holding Fundo de Investimento Multimercado Investimento no Exterior Credito Privado, DB Holdings (New York) Inc., DB Holdings (New York) Inc., DB Holdings (South America) Limited, DB IROC Leasing Corp., DB Immobilienfonds 1 Wieland KG, DB Immobilienfonds 2 KG i.L., DB Immobilienfonds 4 KG i.L., DB Immobilienfonds 5 Wieland KG, DB Impact Investment (GP) Limited, DB Impact Investment Fund I L.P., DB Impact Investment Fund I L.P., DB Industrial Holdings Beteiligungs GmbH & Co. KG, DB Industrial Holdings GmbH, DB Intermezzo LLC, DB International (Asia) Limited, DB International Investments Limited, DB International Trust (Singapore) Limited, DB Investment Managers Inc., DB Investment Managers Inc., DB Investment Partners Inc., DB Investment Partners Inc., DB Investment Resources (US) Corporation, DB Investment Resources Holdings Corp., DB Investment Services GmbH, DB Io LP, DB Litigation Fee LLC, DB London (Investor Services) Nominees Limited, DB Management Support GmbH, DB Managers LLC, DB Municipal Holdings LLC, DB Nexus American Investments (UK) Limited (in members'voluntary liquidation), DB Nexus Investments (UK) Limited (in members' voluntary liquidation), DB Nominees (Hong Kong) Limited, DB Nominees (Singapore) Pte Ltd, DB Omega BTV S.C.S., DB Omega Holdings LLC, DB Omega Ltd., DB Omega S.C.S., DB Operaciones y Servicios Interactivos Agrupacion de Interes Economico, DB Overseas Finance Delaware Inc., DB Overseas Finance Delaware Inc., DB Overseas Holdings Limited, DB PWM, DB Portfolio Southwest Inc., DB Print GmbH, DB Privat- und Firmenkundenbank AG, DB Private Clients Corp., DB Private Wealth Mortgage Ltd., DB RC Holdings LLC, DB Re S.A., DB Service Centre Limited, DB Service Uruguay S.A., DB Services Americas Inc., DB Services Americas Inc., DB Servizi Amministrativi S.r.l., DB Strategic Advisors Inc., DB Strategic Advisors Inc., DB Structured Derivative Products LLC, DB Structured Derivative Products LLC, DB Structured Finance 1 Designated Activity Company, DB Structured Finance 2 Designated Activity Company, DB Structured Holdings Luxembourg S.a r.l., DB Structured Products Inc., DB Structured Products Inc., DB Trustee Services Limited, DB Trustees (Hong Kong) Limited, DB U.S. Financial Markets Holding Corporation, DB UK Bank Limited, DB UK Holdings Limited, DB UK PCAM Holdings Limited, DB USA Core Corporation, DB USA Corporation, DB Valoren S.a r.l., DB Value S.a r.l., DB VersicherungsManager GmbH, DB Vita S.A., DBAB Wall Street LLC, DBAH Capital LLC, DBAH Capital LLC, DBCIBZ1, DBCIBZ2, DBFIC Inc., DBFIC Inc., DBNZ Overseas Investments (No.1) Limited, DBOI Global Services (UK) Limited, DBOI Global Services Private Limited, DBR Investments Co. Limited, DBRE Global Real Estate Management IA Ltd., DBRE Global Real Estate Management IB Ltd., DBRE Global Real Estate Management IB Ltd., DBRE Global Real Estate Management US IB L.L.C., DBRMS4, DBRMSGP1, DBUK PCAM Limited, DBUKH No. 2 Limited, DBUSBZ1 LLC, DBUSBZ1 LLC, DBUSBZ2 S.a r.l., DBUSBZ2 S.a r.l., DBX Advisors LLC, DBX ETF Trust, DBX Strategic Advisors LLC, DBO Vermogensverwertung GmbH, DEBEKO Immobilien GmbH & Co Grundbesitz OHG, DEE Deutsche Erneuerbare Energien GmbH, DEUFRAN Beteiligungs GmbH, DEUKONA Versicherungs-Vermittlungs-GmbH, DEUTSCHE BANK A.S., DG China Clean Tech Partners, DI Deutsche Immobilien Treuhandgesellschaft mbH, DIB-Consult Deutsche Immobilien- und BeteiligungsBeratungsgesellschaft mbH i.L., DISCA Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH, DNU Nominees Pty Limited, DSL Portfolio GmbH & Co. KG, DSL Portfolio Verwaltungs GmbH, DTS Nominees Pty Limited, DWS Alternatives France, DWS Alternatives Global Limited, DWS Alternatives GmbH, DWS Asset Management (Korea) Company Limited, DWS Beteiligungs GmbH, DWS CH AG, DWS Distributors Inc., DWS Distributors Inc., DWS Far Eastern Investments Limited, DWS Group GmbH & Co. KGaA, DWS Group Services UK Limited, DWS Grundbesitz GmbH, DWS International GmbH, DWS Investment GmbH, DWS Investment Management Americas Inc., DWS Investment Management Americas Inc., DWS Investment S.A., DWS Investments Australia Limited, DWS Investments Hong Kong Limited, DWS Investments Japan Limited, DWS Investments Shanghai Limited, DWS Investments Singapore Limited, DWS Investments UK Limited, DWS Management GmbH, DWS Real Estate GmbH, DWS Service Company, DWS Trust Company, DWS USA Corporation, De Heng Asset Management Company Limited, De Meng Innovative (Beijing) Consulting Company Limited, DeAM Infrastructure Limited, Deloraine Spain S.L., Delowrezham de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Deposit Solutions, Deutsche (Aotearoa) Capital Holdings New Zealand, Deutsche (Aotearoa) Foreign Investments New Zealand, Deutsche (Mauritius) Limited Port, Deutsche (New Munster) Holdings New Zealand Limited, Deutsche Access Investments Limited, Deutsche Aeolia Power Production Societe Anonyme, Deutsche Alt-A Securities Inc., Deutsche Alt-A Securities Inc., Deutsche Alternative Asset Management (France) SAS, Deutsche Alternative Asset Management (UK) Limited, Deutsche Asia Pacific Holdings Pte Ltd, Deutsche Asset Management (India) Private Limited, Deutsche Asset Management (Japan) Limited, Deutsche Asset Management (Korea) Company Limited, Deutsche Asset Management S.A., Deutsche Asset Management S.G.I.I.C. S.A., Deutsche Australia Limited, Deutsche Bank (Cayman) Limited, Deutsche Bank (Chile), Deutsche Bank (China) Co. Ltd., Deutsche Bank (China) Co. Ltd., Deutsche Bank (Malaysia) Berhad, Deutsche Bank (Suisse) SA, Deutsche Bank (Uruguay) Sociedad Anonima Institucion Financiera Externa, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft, Deutsche Bank Americas Holding Corp., Deutsche Bank Bauspar-Aktiengesellschaft, Deutsche Bank Capital Finance LLC I, Deutsche Bank Capital Finance Trust I, Deutsche Bank Europe GmbH, Deutsche Bank Financial Company, Deutsche Bank Holdings Inc., Deutsche Bank Holdings Inc., Deutsche Bank Insurance Agency Incorporated, Deutsche Bank Insurance Agency of Delaware, Deutsche Bank International Limited, Deutsche Bank Investments (Guernsey) Limited, Deutsche Bank Luxembourg S.A., Deutsche Bank Luxembourg S.A. - Fiduciary Deposits, Deutsche Bank Luxembourg S.A. - Fiduciary Note Programme, Deutsche Bank Mutui S.p.A., Deutsche Bank Mexico S.A. Institucion de Banca Multiple, Deutsche Bank Mexico S.A. Institucion de Banca Multiple, Deutsche Bank National Trust Company, Deutsche Bank National Trust Company Los, Deutsche Bank Nominees (Guernsey) Limited, Deutsche Bank Nominees (Jersey) Limited, Deutsche Bank Polska Spolka Akcyjna, Deutsche Bank Representative Office Nigeria Limited, Deutsche Bank S.A. - Banco Alemao, Deutsche Bank S.A. - Banco Alemao Sao, Deutsche Bank SPEARs/LIFERs Series DBE-8011 Trust, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Deutsche Bank Securities Limited, Deutsche Bank Services (Jersey) Limited, Deutsche Bank Sociedad Anonima Espanola, Deutsche Bank Sociedad Anonima Espanola, Deutsche Bank Societa per Azioni, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Delaware, Deutsche Bank Trust Company National Association, Deutsche Bank Trust Company National Association, Deutsche Bank Trust Corporation, Deutsche CIB Centre Private Limited, Deutsche Capital Finance (2000) Limited, Deutsche Capital Hong Kong Limited, Deutsche Capital Management Limited, Deutsche Capital Markets Australia Limited, Deutsche Capital Partners China Limited, Deutsche Cayman Ltd., Deutsche Colombia S.A.S., Deutsche Custody N.V., Deutsche Domus New Zealand Limited, Deutsche Equities India Private Limited, Deutsche Finance Co 1 Pty Limited, Deutsche Finance Co 2 Pty Limited, Deutsche Finance Co 3 Pty Limited, Deutsche Finance Co 4 Pty Limited, Deutsche Finance No. 2 Limited, Deutsche Foras New Zealand Limited, Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Immobilien-Leasing mit beschrankter Haftung, Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Immobilien-Leasing mit beschrankterHaftung, Deutsche Global Markets Limited, Deutsche Group Holdings (SA) Proprietary Limited, Deutsche Group Services Pty Limited, Deutsche Grundbesitz Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH, Deutsche Grundbesitz Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH i.L., Deutsche Grundbesitz-Anlagegesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung, Deutsche Holdings (BTI) Limited, Deutsche Holdings (Grand Duchy), Deutsche Holdings (Luxembourg) S.a r.l., Deutsche Holdings (Malta) Ltd., Deutsche Holdings Limited, Deutsche Holdings No. 2 Limited, Deutsche Holdings No. 3 Limited, Deutsche Holdings No. 4 Limited, Deutsche Immobilien Leasing GmbH, Deutsche India Holdings Private Limited, Deutsche International Corporate Services (Ireland) Limited, Deutsche International Corporate Services Limited, Deutsche International Custodial Services Limited, Deutsche Inversiones Dos S.A., Deutsche Inversiones Limitada, Deutsche Investments (Netherlands) N.V., Deutsche Investments India Private Limited, Deutsche Investor Services Private Limited, Deutsche Knowledge Services Pte. Ltd., Deutsche Leasing New York Corp., Deutsche Mandatos S.A., Deutsche Master Funding Corporation, Deutsche Mexico Holdings S.a r.l., Deutsche Morgan Grenfell Group Limited, Deutsche Morgan Grenfell Group Public Limited Company, Deutsche Mortgage & Asset Receiving Corporation, Deutsche Mortgage Securities Inc., Deutsche Mortgage Securities Inc., Deutsche Nederland N.V., Deutsche New Zealand Limited, Deutsche Nominees Limited, Deutsche Oppenheim Family Office AG, Deutsche Overseas Issuance New Zealand Limited, Deutsche Postbank, Deutsche Postbank Finance Center Objekt GmbH, Deutsche Postbank Funding LLC I, Deutsche Postbank Funding LLC II, Deutsche Postbank Funding LLC III, Deutsche Private Asset Management Limited, Deutsche Securities (India) Private Limited, Deutsche Securities (Proprietary) Limited, Deutsche Securities (SA) (Proprietary) Limited, Deutsche Securities Asia Limited, Deutsche Securities Australia Limited, Deutsche Securities Inc., Deutsche Securities Israel Ltd., Deutsche Securities Korea Co., Deutsche Securities Mauritius Limited, Deutsche Securities Menkul Degerler A.S., Deutsche Securities S.A., Deutsche Securities S.A. de C.V. Casa de Bolsa, Deutsche Securities S.A. de C.V. Casa de Bolsa, Deutsche Securities Saudi Arabia, Deutsche Securities SpA, Deutsche Securities Venezuela S.A., Deutsche Securitisation Australia Pty Limited, Deutsche Services Polska Sp. z o.o., Deutsche StiftungsTrust GmbH, Deutsche Strategic Investment Holdings Yugen Kaisha, Deutsche Trust Company Limited Japan, Deutsche Trustee Company Limited, Deutsche Trustee Services (India) Private Limited, Deutsche Trustees Malaysia Berhad, Deutsche Wealth Management S.G.I.I.C. S.A., Deutsches Institut fur Altersvorsorge GmbH, Durian (Luxembourg) S.a r.l., EC EUROPA IMMOBILIEN FONDS NR. 3 GmbH & CO. KG i.I., Elba Finance GmbH, Elizabethan Holdings Limited, Elizabethan Management Limited, Emerald Asset Repackaging Designated Activity Company, Erste Frankfurter Hoist GmbH, European Value Added I (Alternate G.P.) LLP, Exinor SA, FARAMIR Beteiligungs- und Verwaltungs GmbH, FRANKFURT CONSULT GmbH, Fiduciaria Sant' Andrea S.r.L., Finanzberatungsgesellschaft mbH der Deutschen Bank, Franz Urbig- und Oscar Schlitter-Stiftung Gesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung, Freddie Mac Class A Taxable Multifamily M Certificates Series M-037, Freddie Mac Class A Taxable Multifamily M Certificates Series M-039, Freddie Mac Class A Taxable Multifamily M Certificates Series M-040, Freddie Mac Class A Taxable Multifamily M Certificates Series M-041, Freddie Mac Class A Taxable Multifamily M Certificates Series M-043, Freddie Mac Class A Taxable Multifamily M Certificates Series M-044, Freddie Mac Class A Taxable Multifamily M Certificates Series M-047, Funfte SAB Treuhand und Verwaltung GmbH & Co. Suhl "Rimbachzentrum" KG, G Finance Holding Corp., G.O. IB-US Management L.L.C., G918 Corp., GAC-HEL Inc., GWC-GAC Corp., Galene S.a r.l., Gemini Technology Services Inc., German American Capital, German American Capital Corporation, Gladyr Spain S.L., Global Markets Fundo de Investimento Multimercado, Global Markets III Fundo de Investimento Multimercado - Credito, Greenwood Properties Corp., Grundstucksgesellschaft Frankfurt Bockenheimer Landstrae GbR, Grundstucksgesellschaft Kerpen-Sindorf Vogelrutherfeld GbR, Grundstucksgesellschaft Leipzig Petersstrae GbR, Grundstucksgesellschaft Wiesbaden Luisenstrae/Kirchgasse GbR, HTB Spezial GmbH & Co. KG, Hollandsche Bank-Unie, IOS Finance EFC S.A., ISTRON Beteiligungs- und Verwaltungs-GmbH, IVAF I Manager S.a r.l., IVAF I Manager S.a r.l., Immobilienfonds Buro-Center Erfurt am Flughafen Bindersleben I GbR, Immobilienfonds Buro-Center Erfurt am Flughafen Bindersleben II GbR, Immobilienfonds Mietwohnhauser Quadrath-Ichendorf GbR, Immobilienfonds Wohn- und Geschaftshaus Koln-Blumenberg V GbR, J R Nominees (Pty) Ltd, Joint Stock Company Deutsche Bank DBU, Jyogashima Godo Kaisha, KEBA Gesellschaft fur interne Services mbH, Kidson Pte Ltd, Konsul Inkasso GmbH, Kradavimd UK Lease Holdings Limited, LA Water Holdings Limited, LAWL Pte. Ltd., Latitude Australia Secured Personal Loans Trust, Leasing Verwaltungsgesellschaft Waltersdorf mbH, Leonardo III Initial GP Limited, Lindsell Finance Limited, London Industrial Leasing Limited, MEF I Manager S. a r.l., MEF I Manager S. a r.l., MHL Reinsurance Ltd., MIT Holdings Inc., MIT Holdings Inc., MPP Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH, Maher Terminals Holdings (Toronto) Limited, Morgan Grenfell & Company, MortgageIT, MortgageIT Inc., MortgageIT Inc., MortgageIT Securities Corp., Motion Picture Productions One GmbH & Co. KG, NCW Holding Inc., Navegator - SGFTC S.A., Navegator - SGFTC S.A., New 87 Leonard LLC, Nordwestdeutscher Wohnungsbautrager Gesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung, OOO "Deutsche Bank TechCentre", OOO "Deutsche Bank", OPB Verwaltungs- und Beteiligungs-GmbH, OPB Verwaltungs- und Treuhand GmbH, OPB-Holding GmbH, OPB-Nona GmbH, OPB-Oktava GmbH, OPB-Quarta GmbH, OPB-Quinta GmbH, OPB-Septima GmbH, OPPENHEIM Capital Advisory GmbH, OPPENHEIM Flottenfonds V GmbH & Co. KG, OPPENHEIM PRIVATE EQUITY Manager GmbH, OPPENHEIM PRIVATE EQUITY Verwaltungsgesellschaft mbH, OPS Nominees Pty Limited, OVT Trust 1 GmbH, OVV Beteiligungs GmbH, Opal Funds (Ireland) Public Limited Company, PADUS Grundstucks-Vermietungsgesellschaft mbH, PARTS Funding LLC., PB Factoring GmbH, PB Firmenkunden AG, PB International S.A., PB Spezial-Investmentaktiengesellschaft mit Teilgesellschaftsvermogen, PBC Banking Services GmbH, PCC Services GmbH der Deutschen Bank, PT Deutsche Sekuritas Indonesia, PT. Deutsche Verdhana Sekuritas Indonesia, Pan Australian Nominees Pty Ltd, Peruda Leasing Limited, Plantation Bay Inc., Plantation Bay Inc., Postbank Akademie und Service GmbH, Postbank Beteiligungen GmbH, Postbank Direkt GmbH, Postbank Filialvertrieb AG, Postbank Finanzberatung AG, Postbank Immobilien GmbH, Postbank Immobilien und Baumanagement GmbH, Postbank Immobilien und Baumanagement GmbH & Co. Objekt Leipzig KG, Postbank Leasing GmbH, Postbank Service GmbH, Postbank Systems AG, QR Tower 2 LLC, Quantiguous, R.B.M. Nominees Pty Ltd, REO Properties Corporation, RREEF, RREEF America L.L.C., RREEF China REIT Management Limited, RREEF European Value Added I (G.P.) Limited, RREEF Fund Holding Co., RREEF India Advisors Private Limited, RREEF Management L.L.C., RTS Nominees Pty Limited, Reference Capital Investments Limited, RoPro U.S. Holding Inc., RoPro U.S. Holding Inc., Route 28 Receivables LLC, Route 28 Receivables LLC, SAB Real Estate Verwaltungs GmbH, SAGITA Grundstucks-Vermietungsgesellschaft mbH, SAPIO Grundstucks-Vermietungsgesellschaft mbH, SCUDO Grundstucks-Vermietungsgesellschaft mbH i.L., SEDO Grundstucks-Vermietungsgesellschaft mbH i.L., SENA Grundstucks-Vermietungsgesellschaft mbH & Co. Objekt Kamenz KG, SIFA Grundstucks-Vermietungsgesellschaft mbH, SOLIDO Grundstucks-Vermietungsgesellschaft mbH, SP Mortgage Trust, SPINO Grundstucks-Vermietungsgesellschaft mbH i.L., SPV I Sociedad Anonima Cerrada, SPV II Sociedad Anonima Cerrada, STATOR Heizkraftwerk Frankfurt (Oder) Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH, Sal. Oppenheim, Sal. Oppenheim Alternative Investments GmbH, Sal. Oppenheim jr. & Cie. AG & Co. Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien, Sal. Oppenheim jr. & Cie. Beteiligungs GmbH, Sal. Oppenheim jr. & Cie. Komplementar AG, Sechste Salomon Beteiligungs- und Verwaltungsgesellschaft mbH, Sechste Salomon Beteiligungs- und Verwaltungsgesellschaft mbH i.L., Service Company Four Limited, Sharps SP I LLC, Singer Island Tower Suite LLC, Somkid Immobiliare S.r.l., Stelvio Immobiliare S.r.l., Structured Finance Americas LLC, Structured Finance Americas LLC, Swabia 1. Vermogensbesitz-GmbH, Suddeutsche Vermogensverwaltung Gesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung, TAKIR Grundstucks-Vermietungsgesellschaft mbH, TELO Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH, TEMATIS Grundstucks-Vermietungsgesellschaft mbH i.L., TERRUS Grundstucks-Vermietungsgesellschaft mbH i.L., TESATUR Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH & Co. Objekt Halle I KG i.L., TESATUR Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH & Co. Objekt Nordhausen I KG i.L., TOSSA Grundstucks-Vermietungsgesellschaft mbH, TRIPLA Grundstucks-Vermietungsgesellschaft mbH, TRS Aria LLC, TRS Leda LLC, TRS Maple II LTD, TRS Oak II LTD, TRS SVCO LLC, TRS Scorpio LLC, TRS Tupelo II LTD, TRS Venor LLC, TRS Walnut II LTD, Tagus - Sociedade de Titularizacao de Creditos S.A., Tasfiye Halinde Deutsche Securities Menkul Degerler A.S., Tempurrite Leasing Limited, Thai Asset Enforcement and Recovery Asset Management Company Limited, Tianjin Deutsche AM Fund Management Co. Ltd., Treuinvest Service GmbH, Triplereason Limited, UKE Beteiligungs-GmbH, UKE Grundstucksgesellschaft mbH, UKE s.r.o., Ullmann - Esch Grundstucksgesellschaft Kirchnerstrae GbR, Ullmann - Esch Grundstucksverwaltungsgesellschaft Disternich GbR, Ullmann Ullmann Krockow Krockow Esch GbR, VCJ Lease S.a r.l., Vesta Real Estate S.r.l., VOB-ZVD Processing GmbH, WEPLA Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH, WEPLABeteiligungsgesellschaftmbH, Wealthspur Investment Ltd., Whale Holdings S.a r.l., World Trading (Delaware) Inc., World Trading(Delaware)Inc., Zumirez Drive LLC, db PBC, and norisbank GmbH.Could This Be the Biggest US Gold Discovery in Years? (Ad)

See how this tiny, unknown gold company secured a prime land package right next door to the worlds two largest gold producers in Nevadas famed Carlin Trend where 84 Million gold ounces have already been extracted. Best of all, investors can still get in well below US$0.50 per share.

Details Here.The following companies are subsidiares of Crane: "CPI-Kiev" LLC, ARDAC Inc., AeroHose, Alfa Laval - The Industrial Flow Group, Armature d.o.o., Automatic Products (UK) Ltd., Automatic Products international - Assets, B. Rhodes & Son Ltd., Barksdale GmbH, Barksdale Inc., CA-MC Acquisition UK Ltd., CR Holdings C.V., CashCode Co - Assets, Coin Controls International Ltd., Coin Holdings Ltd., Coin Industries Ltd., Coin Overseas Holdings Ltd., Coin Pension Trustees Ltd., Conlux Matsumoto Co. Ltd., Consolidated Lumber Co, Corva Corp, Crane (Asia Pacific) Pte. Ltd., Crane Aerospace Inc., Crane Australia Pty. Ltd., Crane Canada Co., Crane Composites Inc., Crane Composites Ltd., Crane Controls Inc., Crane Currency, Crane Electronics Corporation, Crane Electronics Inc., Crane Environmental Inc., Crane European Financing LLC, Crane Fengqiu Zhejiang Pump Co. Ltd., Crane Fluid & Gas Systems (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., Crane Global Holdings S.L., Crane GmbH, Crane Holdings (Germany) GmbH, Crane International Capital S.a.r.l., Crane International Holdings Inc., Crane International Trading (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Crane Ireland Ventures Designated Activity Company, Crane Ltd., Crane Merchandising Systems Inc., Crane Merchandising Systems Ltd., Crane Merger Co. LLC, Crane Middle East & Africa FZE, Crane Ningjin Valve Co. Ltd., Crane North America Funding LLC, Crane Nuclear Inc., Crane Overseas LLC, Crane Payment Innovations GmbH, Crane Payment Innovations Inc., Crane Payment Innovations International Ltd., Crane Payment Innovations Ltd., Crane Payment Innovations Pty Ltd., Crane Payment Innovations Sarl, Crane Payment Innovations Srl, Crane Pension Trustee Company (UK) Limited, Crane Process Flow Technologies (India) Pvt. Ltd., Crane Process Flow Technologies GmbH, Crane Process Flow Technologies Ltd., Crane Process Flow Technologies S.P.R.L., Crane Process Flow Technologies S.r.l., Crane Pumps and Systems Inc., Crane Resistoflex GmbH, Crane SC Holdings Ltd., Crane Stockham Valve. Ltd., Crane Yongxiang (Ningbo) Valve Company Ltd., Croning Livarna d.o.o., Cummis-Allison Corp, Delta Fluid Products, Delta Fluid Products Ltd., Dixie Narco, Donald Brown (Brownall) Ltd., ELDEC Corporation, ELDEC Electronics Ltd., ELDEC France S.A.R.L, Edlon - PSI division, Environmental Products USA, Etex Group - Business, Flow Technology Inc., Friedrich Krombach GmbH Armaturenwerke, General Technology Corp., Hattersley Newman Hender - Assets, Hattersly Newman Hender Ltd., Hydro-Aire Inc., Inta-Lok Ltd., Interpoint S.A.R.L., Interpoint U.K. Limited, Kessel (Thailand) Pte. Ltd., Kontron America - Mobile Rugged Business, Laminated Profiles - Assets, Lasco Composites, Liberty Technologies, MCC Holdings Inc., MEI Australia LLC, MEI Auto Payment System (Shanghai) Ltd., MEI Conlux, MEI Conlux Holdings (Japan) Inc., MEI Conlux Holdings (US) Inc., MEI Payment Systems Hong Kong Ltd., MEI Queretaro S. de R.L. de CV, MEI de Mexico LLC, MOVATS - Nuclear Valve Division, Merrimac Industries, Merrimac Industries Inc., Mondais Holdings B.V., Money Controls, Money Controls Argentina SA, Money Controls Holdings Ltd., Multi-Mix Microtechnology SRL, NABIC Valve Safety Products Ltd., Nippon Conlux Co. Ltd., Noble Composites, Noble Composites Inc., Number One Supply, Owens Corning - FRP Panel Business, P.L. Porter, P.T. Crane Indonesia, Pegler Hattersly Ltd., Resistoflex, Sequentia Holdings, Signal Technology, Sperryn & Company Ltd., Stentorfield, Streamware, Telequip, Terminal Manufacturing Co., The Dow Chemical - Plastic-Lined Piping Products division, The Krombach Group, Triangle Valve Co. Ltd., Unidynamics / Phoenix Inc., Ventech Controls, Viking Johnson Ltd., W.T. Armatur GmbH, Wade Couplings Ltd., Wask Ltd., Westlock Controls, Xomox, Xomox Chihuahua S.A. de C.V., Xomox Corporation, Xomox Corporation de Venezuela C.A., Xomox France S.A.S., Xomox Hungary Kft., Xomox International GmbH & Co. OHG, Xomox Japan Ltd., Xomox Korea Ltd., Xomox Sanmar Ltd., and Yilme Holdings B.V..Wall Street analysts have given iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF a "N/A" rating, but there may be better buying opportunities in the stock market. Some of MarketBeat's past winning trading ideas have resulted in 5-15% weekly gains. MarketBeat just released five new stock ideas, but iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF wasn't one of them. MarketBeat thinks these five companies may be even better buys.

View MarketBeat's top stock picks here.DXC Technology Company, together with its subsidiaries, provides information technology services and solutions primarily in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. It operates in two segments, Global Business Services (GBS) and Global Infrastructure Services (GIS). The GBS segment offers a portfolio of analytics services and extensive partner ecosystem that help its customers to gain rapid insights, automate operations, and accelerate their digital transformation journeys; and software engineering and solutions that enable businesses to run and manage their mission-critical functions, transform their operations, and develop new ways of doing business. This segment also uses various technologies and methods to accelerate the creation, modernization, delivery, and maintenance of secure applications allowing customers to innovate faster while reducing risk, time to market, and total cost of ownership. In addition, it offers business process services, which include digital integration and optimization of front and back office processes, and agile process automation. The GIS segment adapts legacy apps to cloud, migrate the right workloads, and securely manage their multi-cloud environments; and offers security solutions help predict attacks, proactively respond to threats, and ensure compliance, as well as to protect data, applications, and infrastructure. It also provides IT outsourcing services support infrastructure, applications, and workplace IT operations, including hardware, software, physical/virtual end-user devices, collaboration tools, and IT support services. In addition, this segment offers workplace and mobility services to fit its customer's employee, business, and IT needs from intelligent collaboration; and modern device management, digital support services, Internet of Things and mobility services. The company has a strategic collaboration with Microsoft. DXC Technology Company was founded in 1959 and is headquartered in Tysons, Virginia.

Read MoreChina Mobile Limited provides mobile telecommunications and related services in Mainland China and Hong Kong. The company offers local calls; domestic and international long distance calls and roaming services; and value-added services, such as caller identity display, call waiting, conference calls, and others. It also provides wireless Internet service, as well as digital applications comprising music, video, reading, gaming, and animation; wireline broadband services; and wireline voice services. In addition, it offers dedicated line and IDC services to corporate customers in a range of industry sectors; and basic corporate communication products comprising corporate VPMN and SMS, and tailor made solutions. Further, the company provides international telecommunications services, which includes IDD, roaming, Internet, MNC, and value added business services. Additionally, it offers telecommunications network planning, design, and consulting services; roaming clearance, IT system operation, and technology support services; value-added platform development and maintenance services; mobile data, and system integration and development services; network construction and maintenance, network planning and optimizing, and training services; electronic communication products design and sale of related products; and non-banking financial services. It also provides mobile cloud research and development services; call center services; e-payment, e-commerce, and Internet finance services; and mobile Internet digital content services, as well as operates a network and business coordination center. The company serves 950 million mobile customers and 187 million wireline broadband customers. The company was formerly known as China Mobile (Hong Kong) Limited and changed its name to China Mobile Limited in May 2006. The company was incorporated in 1997 and is based in Central, Hong Kong. China Mobile Limited is a subsidiary of China Mobile Hong Kong (BVI) Limited.

Read MoreThe Prime Ministers Special Protection Group (SPG) has taken over all the venues that Mr Modi is scheduled to visit.

Srinagar: Kashmirs chief Muslim cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, some other separatist leaders and a former lawmaker were on Saturday placed under house arrest to prevent them from organising protests during Prime Minister, Narendra Modis, visit of restive Jammu and Kashmir.

During his daylong stay on Sunday, the Prime Minister is scheduled to lay foundation stones of projects worth Rs 35,000 crore and inaugurate projects worth Rs 9,000 crore in all the three regions of the State-Jammu, Kashmir Valley and Ladakh. He will also address a rally of the recently elected village heads in summer capital Srinagar and a public meeting in Vijapur area of frontier Samba district in Jammu division.

The security forces have sounded a high alert across the state. The Prime Ministers Special Protection Group (SPG) has taken over all the venues that Mr Modi is scheduled to visit. The security forces including the Army, Central armed forces and J&K police are maintaining highest level of alertness and synergy elsewhere in the State.

The J&K police and other security forces carried out three-day-long searches in Samba district falling close to the International Border with Pakistan to ensure security for the Prime Ministers public rally at Vijaypur.

The BSF troops guarding the IB have been put on high alert too. The area often witnesses skirmishes between the facing border guards.To Any American Who Owns a Cell Phone (Ad)

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Click here to see this video before it's removedI only buy one kind of stock. 37 of these cash cows are in my portfolio right now... and for every dollar invested in them they are sending us 69 cents in dividends. That's an effective yield of 69% a year-every year. All without leverage, options, or gimmicks.

Bank of America Corporation, through its subsidiaries, provides banking and financial products and services for individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses, institutional investors, large corporations, and governments worldwide. Its Consumer Banking segment offers traditional and money market savings accounts, certificates of deposit and IRAs, noninterest-and interest-bearing checking accounts, and investment accounts and products; and credit and debit cards, residential mortgages, and home equity loans, as well as direct and indirect loans, such as automotive, recreational vehicle, and consumer personal loans. The company's Global Wealth & Investment Management segment offers investment management, brokerage, banking, and trust and retirement products and services; and wealth management solutions, as well as customized solutions, including specialty asset management services. Its Global Banking segment provides lending products and services, including commercial loans, leases, commitment facilities, trade finance, and commercial real estate and asset-based lending; treasury solutions, such as treasury management, foreign exchange, and short-term investing options and merchant services; working capital management solutions; and debt and equity underwriting and distribution, and merger-related and other advisory services. The company's Global Markets segment offers market-making, financing, securities clearing, settlement, and custody services, as well as risk management products using interest rate, equity, credit, currency and commodity derivatives, foreign exchange, fixed-income, and mortgage-related products. As of April 15, 2021, it served approximately 66 million consumer and small business clients with approximately 4,300 retail financial centers; approximately 17,000 ATMs; and digital banking platforms with approximately 40 million active users. The company was founded in 1784 and is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Read MoreAxalta Coating Systems Ltd., through its subsidiaries, manufactures, markets, and distributes high-performance coatings systems in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia Pacific, and Latin America. It operates through two segments, Performance Coatings and Transportation Coatings. The company offers water and solvent borne products and systems to repair damaged vehicles for independent body shops, multi-shop operators, and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) dealership body shops. It also provides functional and decorative liquid and powder coatings used in various industrial applications, including architectural cladding and fittings, automotive coatings, general industrial, job coaters, electrical insulation coatings, HVAC, appliances, industrial wood, coil, rebar, and oil and gas pipelines; and wood coatings for building product, cabinet, flooring, and furniture markets under the Voltatex, AquaEC, Durapon, Hydropon, UNRIVALED, Tufcote, and Ceranamel for liquid coatings; and Alesta, Nap-Gard, Abcite, and Plascoat brands for powder coatings. In addition, the company develops and supplies electrocoat, primer, basecoat, and clearcoat products for OEMs of light and commercial vehicles; and various coatings systems for various commercial applications, including HDT, bus, and rail under the Imron, Imron Elite, Centari, Rival, Corlar epoxy undercoats, and AquaEC brands; and sells and ships its products to light vehicle OEM customers. It also sells its product under the Audurra, Challenger, Chemophan, ColorNet, Cromax, Cromax Mosaic, Durapon 70, Duxone, Harmonized Coating Technologies, Imron ExcelPro, Lutophen, Nason, Spies Hecker, Standox, Stollaquid, Syntopal, Syrox, and Vermeera brand names. The company was formerly known as Axalta Coating Systems Bermuda Co., Ltd. and changed its name to Axalta Coating Systems Ltd. in August 2014. Axalta Coating Systems Ltd. was founded in 1866 and is headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Read MoreSince 2016, Teeka Tiwari has trumped the stock market. His investment recommendations have each averaged 281%. Thats 17 times the S&P. And 112 times the average investor, according to JPMorgan! However, one investment Teeka just uncovered could top them all It involves former President Biden, billions of dollars, several large banks, and a super-rich family. As well as a MAJOR potential upgrade to our credit cards. Teeka, who ended up correctly picking the last investment of the decade, is declaring this his top pick for the 2020s.

Berry Global Group, Inc. manufactures and supplies non-woven, flexible, and rigid products in consumer and industrial end markets. Its Consumer Packaging International segment offers closures, dispensing systems, and applicators; inhalers and dose counters; polythene films; packaging solutions for consumer and industrial applications in personal care, beverage, and food markets; injection molded and thermoformed containers, and lids; and molds and molded components, as well as recycles rigid and flexible end of life materials from industrial and consumer sources. Its Consumer Packaging North America segment provides containers and pails for branded and private label customers; lightweight polypropylene cups and lids for hot and cold beverages; child-resistant, continuous-thread, and tamper closures, as well as aerosol overcaps; bottles and prescription vials; and extruded and laminate tubes. Its Engineered Materials segment offers engineered materials, including stretch and shrink films, and converter films; trash-can liners and food bags; cloth and foil, splicing and laminating, flame-retardant, flashing and seaming tapes, double-faced cloth, masking, mounting, OEM, and medical and specialty tapes; and food and consumer films, retail bags, and agriculture films. Its Health, Hygiene & Specialties segment provides medical garment materials, surgical drapes, household cleaning wipes, and face masks for infection prevention; components for baby diapers, adult incontinence, and other absorbent hygiene products, elastic films and laminates, and substrates for dryer sheets; and products and components for geosynthetics and filtration products. The company sells its products through direct sales force of professionals and distributors in the United States, Canada, Europe, and internally. The company was formerly known as Berry Plastics Group, Inc. and changed its name to Berry Global Group, Inc. in April 2017. Berry Global Group, Inc. was founded in 1967 and is headquartered in Evansville, Indiana.

Read MoreCrawford & Company provides claims management and outsourcing solutions to the risk management and insurance industry, and self-insured entities. The company's Crawford Claims Solutions segment offers claims management services related to property, casualty, and catastrophe losses caused by physical damage to commercial and residential real properties, and personal properties, as well as marine losses. It also offers services in the areas of field investigation, catastrophe, evaluation, and resolution of property and casualty insurance claims; and various on-demand inspection, verification, and other task specific field services for businesses and consumers through a mobile platform. Its Crawford TPA Solutions segment provides claims and risk management services; desktop claim adjusting and claims evaluation services; initial loss reporting services for claimants; loss mitigation services, such as medical bill review and case management, and vocational rehabilitation services; and risk management information services, as well as administers trust funds established to pay claims. It offers services for workers' compensation, auto and liability, disability absence and medical management, and accident and health markets. The company's Crawford Specialty Solutions segment offers claims management services related to large and complex losses in various industries, such as commercial property, aviation, forensic accounting, marine and transportation, retail, building and construction, cyber, and energy. It also provides a customer-centric solution for various loss types comprising high-frequency and low-complexity claims, and large complex repairs; and outsourced contractor management services to personal and commercial insurance carriers, and consumer markets. The company operates in the United States, the United Kingdom and the rest of Europe, Canada, Australia, and internationally. Crawford & Company was founded in 1941 and is based in Peachtree Corners, Georgia.

Read MoreInvesco Ltd. is a publicly owned investment manager. The firm provides its services to retail clients, institutional clients, high-net worth clients, public entities, corporations, unions, non-profit organizations, endowments, foundations, pension funds, financial institutions, and sovereign wealth funds. It manages separate client-focused equity and fixed income portfolios. The firm also launches equity, fixed income, commodity, multi-asset, and balanced mutual funds for its clients. It launches equity, fixed income, multi-asset, and balanced exchange-traded funds. The firm also launches and manages private funds. It invests in the public equity and fixed income markets across the globe. The firm also invests in alternative markets, such as commodities and currencies. For the equity portion of its portfolio, it invests in growth and value stocks of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap companies. For the fixed income portion of its portfolio, the firm invests in convertibles, government bonds, municipal bonds, treasury securities, and cash. It also invests in short term and intermediate term bonds, investment grade and high yield bonds, taxable and tax-free bonds, senior secured loans, and structured securities such as asset-backed securities, mortgage-backed securities, and commercial mortgage-backed securities. The firm employs absolute return, global macro, and long/short strategies. It employs quantitative analysis to make its investments. The firm was formerly known as Invesco Plc, AMVESCAP plc, Amvesco plc, Invesco PLC, Invesco MIM, and H. Lotery & Co. Ltd. Invesco Ltd. was founded in December 1935 and is based in Atlanta, Georgia with an additional office in Hamilton, Bermuda.

Read MoreFifteen states plus the District of Columbia now permit the recreational use of cannabis and Congress is on track to decriminalize marijuana possession on the federal level. As a result, the North American cannabis market is expected to TRIPLE in size from $30 billion to $100 billion by the year 2027  and one Seattle manufacturer is poised to cash in!

American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. operates as a specialty retailer that provides clothing, accessories, and personal care products under the American Eagle and Aerie brands. The company provides jeans, and specialty apparel and accessories for women and men; and intimates, apparel, activewear, and swim collections, as well as personal care products for women. It also offers sports-inspired apparel clothing under the Tailgate brand name; and menswear products under the Todd Snyder New York brand name. As of January 30, 2021, the company operated approximately 901 American Eagle stores, 175 Aerie brand stand-alone stores, and two Todd Snyder stores in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Hong Kong. It also ships to 81 countries through its Websites; and offers its merchandise at 229 locations operated by licensees in 28 countries, as well as provides products through its Websites ae.com, aerie.com, and toddsnyder.com. American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. was founded in 1977 and is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Read MoreFifteen states plus the District of Columbia now permit the recreational use of cannabis and Congress is on track to decriminalize marijuana possession on the federal level. As a result, the North American cannabis market is expected to TRIPLE in size from $30 billion to $100 billion by the year 2027  and one Seattle manufacturer is poised to cash in!

Allergan plc, a pharmaceutical company, develops, manufactures, and commercializes branded pharmaceutical, device, biologic, surgical, and regenerative medicine products worldwide. The company operates in three segments: US Specialized Therapeutics, US General Medicine, and International. It offers a portfolio of products in various therapeutic areas, including medical aesthetics and dermatology, eye care, neuroscience, urology, gastrointestinal, women's health, and anti-infective therapeutic products. The company also offers breast implants and tissue expanders; and RM-131 (relamorelin), a peptide ghrelin agonist for the treatment of diabetic gastroparesis. In addition, it develops medical and cosmetic treatments; therapies for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and other liver diseases; inhibitor for the treatment of psoriasis and other autoimmune disorders; atopic dermatitis drug candidate; peri-ocular rings for extended drug delivery and reducing elevated intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients; and treatments for neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease. Further, the company develops RST-001, a novel gene therapy for the treatment of retinitis pigmentosa; small molecule therapeutics for inflammatory and fibrotic diseases; topical medicines for fat reduction; and delivery system and botulinum toxin-based prescription products. It has collaboration, option, and license agreement with Lyndra, Inc.; and strategic alliance and option agreement with Editas Medicine, Inc. Allergan plc also has licensing agreements with Assembly Biosciences, Inc.; MedImmune; and Heptares Therapeutics, Ltd. The company was formerly known as Actavis plc and changed its name to Allergan plc in June 2015. Allergan plc was founded in 1983 and is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland.

Read MoreThe campaigns are likely to peak with the coming Lok Sabha elections around May.

New Delhi: In its hey days, the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) was considered to be the backbone of the organisational strength of the Congress. Under Rahul Gandhis stewardship, the Grand Old Party is now trying to regain its brawn lost in the 2014 Modi wave by engaging the youth cadre to reach out to voters through some old-school door-to-door campaigning which involves distribution of pamphlets.

Beginning with the four states of Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Madhya Pradesh, which went to polls late last year, the IYC has begun a series of state-specific campaigns. The thrust is on distribution of pamphlets in local languages to raise both national and state issues. The campaigns are likely to peak with the coming Lok Sabha elections around May.

At the national level, the focus is on Rafale jet deal and the Congress slogan of chowkidar chor hai and posing 10 questions raised to Prime Minister Modi on issues like jobs, demonetisation, GST and farm loans.

Then there are the Chalo panchayat and Chalo ward campaigns where separate pamphlets  Rozgar card and Kisan card  are distributed for showcasing Congress promises for job-seekers and farmers if voted to power.

These two core campaigns have been launched in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Kerala. These will be implemented in most states with a special focus on BJP-ruled states.

Other programmes include campaigns on gender equality, giving rights to the marginalised and making first-time voters aware of key issues in elections.

One of the themes being pursued to specially target the first-time voters is Soch se soch ki Ladai or the battle of ideologies  a campaign around the fight between Congress progressive ideology and BJPs so-called divisive agenda. Apart from distributing pamphlets, a total of 32 events have been held on this issue till now.

Congress sources said that the pamphlets are distributed from door-to-door and an app is used to track cadres to ensure the task is performed properly.

We also generate daily reports and share transparently, a Youth Congress leader who is part of the ongoing campaign told this newspaper.Fifteen states plus the District of Columbia now permit the recreational use of cannabis and Congress is on track to decriminalize marijuana possession on the federal level. As a result, the North American cannabis market is expected to TRIPLE in size from $30 billion to $100 billion by the year 2027  and one Seattle manufacturer is poised to cash in!

Philip Morris International Inc., through its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells cigarettes, other nicotine-containing products, smoke-free products, and related electronic devices and accessories. The company offers IQOS smoke-free products, including heated tobacco and nicotine-containing vapor products under the HEETS, HEETS Creations, HEETS Dimensions, HEETS Marlboro, HEETS FROM MARLBORO, Marlboro Dimensions, Marlboro HeatSticks, and Parliament HeatSticks brands, as well as under the Fiit and Miix licensed brands. It also sells its products under the Marlboro, Parliament, Bond Street, Chesterfield, L&M, Lark, and Philip Morris brands. In addition, the company owns various cigarette brands, such as Dji Sam Soe, Sampoerna A, and Sampoerna U in Indonesia; and Fortune and Jackpot in the Philippines. It markets and sells its products in the European Union, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Africa, South and Southeast Asia, East Asia, Australia, Latin America, and Canada. Philip Morris International Inc. was incorporated in 1987 and is headquartered in New York, New York.

Read MoreFifteen states plus the District of Columbia now permit the recreational use of cannabis and Congress is on track to decriminalize marijuana possession on the federal level. As a result, the North American cannabis market is expected to TRIPLE in size from $30 billion to $100 billion by the year 2027  and one Seattle manufacturer is poised to cash in!

Armstrong World Industries, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, designs, manufactures, and sells ceiling systems primarily for use in the construction and renovation of residential and commercial buildings in the United States, Canada, and Latin America. The company operates through Mineral Fiber and Architectural Specialties segments. The company produces suspended mineral fiber, soft fiber, fiberglass wool, and metal ceiling systems, as well as wood, wood fiber, glass-reinforced-gypsum, and felt ceiling and wall systems; ceiling component products, such as ceiling perimeters and trims, as well as grid products that support drywall ceiling systems; ceilings and walls for use in commercial settings; and acoustical controls and architectural cast ceilings, walls, facades, columns, and moldings solutions. It sells its commercial ceiling and architectural specialties products to resale distributors and ceiling system contractors; and residential ceiling products to wholesalers and retailers, such as large home centers. The company was incorporated in 1891 and is headquartered in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Read MoreFifteen states plus the District of Columbia now permit the recreational use of cannabis and Congress is on track to decriminalize marijuana possession on the federal level. As a result, the North American cannabis market is expected to TRIPLE in size from $30 billion to $100 billion by the year 2027  and one Seattle manufacturer is poised to cash in!

Delta Air Lines, Inc. provides scheduled air transportation for passengers and cargo in the United States and internationally. The company operates through two segments, Airline and Refinery. Its domestic network centered on core hubs in Atlanta, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Detroit, and Salt Lake City, as well as coastal hub positions in Boston, Los Angeles, New York-LaGuardia, New York-JFK, and Seattle; and international network centered on hubs and market presence in Amsterdam, London-Heathrow, Mexico City, Paris-Charles de Gaulle, and Seoul-Incheon. The company sells its tickets through various distribution channels, including delta.com and the Fly Delta app, reservations, online travel agencies, traditional brick and mortar, and other agencies. It also provides aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul services; and vacation packages to third-party consumers, as well as aircraft charters, and management and programs. The company operates through a fleet of approximately 1,100 aircraft. Delta Air Lines, Inc. was founded in 1924 and is based in Atlanta, Georgia.

Read MoreFifteen states plus the District of Columbia now permit the recreational use of cannabis and Congress is on track to decriminalize marijuana possession on the federal level. As a result, the North American cannabis market is expected to TRIPLE in size from $30 billion to $100 billion by the year 2027  and one Seattle manufacturer is poised to cash in!

XPO Logistics, Inc. provides supply chain solutions in the United States, rest of North America, France, the United Kingdom, rest of Europe, and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Transportation and Logistics. The Transportation segment offers less-than-truckload (LTL) services, such as density and day-definite regional, inter-regional, and transcontinental LTL freight services through a network of tractors, trailers, professional drivers, and terminals; and truck brokerage services. This segment also provides freight brokerage services, which comprise intermodal and drayage operations that offer customers with container capacity, long-haul transportation brokered with railroads, road transportation of containers performed by independent contractors, and on-site operational services; asset-light last mile logistics services for the home delivery of heavy goods; and ancillary services. The Logistics segment provides a range of contract logistics services, including value-added warehousing and distribution, e-commerce and omnichannel fulfillment, cold-chain logistics, packaging and labeling, factory and aftermarket support, and inventory management, as well as order personalization and supply chain optimization, such as product flow management services. This segment also offers reverse logistics, which is also called returns management. It provides its services to customers in various industries, such as e-commerce and retail, food and beverage, consumer packaged goods, technology, aerospace, telecommunications, industrial and manufacturing, chemicals, agribusiness, life sciences, and healthcare. The company was founded in 2000 and is based in Greenwich, Connecticut.

Read MoreFifteen states plus the District of Columbia now permit the recreational use of cannabis and Congress is on track to decriminalize marijuana possession on the federal level. As a result, the North American cannabis market is expected to TRIPLE in size from $30 billion to $100 billion by the year 2027  and one Seattle manufacturer is poised to cash in!

Ingersoll Rand Inc. provides various mission-critical air, fluid, energy, specialty vehicle and medical technologies in the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. It operates through four segments: Industrial Technologies and Services; Precision and Science Technologies; Specialty Vehicle Technologies; and High Pressure Solutions segments. The company offers air and gas compression, vacuum and blower products, fluid transfer and management equipment, loading systems, power tools and lifting equipment, displacement pumps, liquid and precision syringe pumps, and compressors, as well as as well as aftermarket parts, consumables, and services. It also designs, manufactures, and markets golf, utility, and consumer low-speed vehicles, as well as integrated systems. The company's products are used in medical, laboratory, industrial manufacturing, water and wastewater, chemical processing, drilling, hydraulic fracturing, well servicing applications, precision irrigation, energy, food and beverage, agriculture, and automated liquid handling end-markets, as well as various manufacturing, industrial facilities applications, and other activities. It serves to various industries and sectors. The company sells its products through an integrated network of direct sales representatives and independent distributors under the Ingersoll Rand, Gardner Denver, Club Car, CompAir, Nash, Elmo Rietschle, Robuschi, Thomas, Milton Roy, ARO, Emco Wheaton, and Runtech Systems brands. The company was formerly known as Gardner Denver Holdings, Inc. and changed its name to Ingersoll Rand Inc. in March 2020. Ingersoll Rand Inc. was founded in 1859 and is based in Davidson, North Carolina.

Read MoreFifteen states plus the District of Columbia now permit the recreational use of cannabis and Congress is on track to decriminalize marijuana possession on the federal level. As a result, the North American cannabis market is expected to TRIPLE in size from $30 billion to $100 billion by the year 2027  and one Seattle manufacturer is poised to cash in!

STMicroelectronics N.V., together with its subsidiaries, designs, develops, manufactures, and markets semiconductor products in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Americas, and the Asia Pacific. It operates through Automotive and Discrete Group; Analog, MEMS and Sensors Group; and Microcontrollers and Digital ICs Group segments. The Automotive and Discrete Group segment offers automotive integrated circuits (ICs); and discrete and power transistor products. The Analog, MEMS and Sensors Group segment provides industrial application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) and application-specific standard products (ASSPs); general purpose analog products; custom analog ICs; wireless charging solutions; galvanic isolated gate drivers; low and high voltage amplifiers, comparators, and current-sense amplifiers; MasterGaN, a solution that integrates a silicon driver and GaN power transistors in a single package; wireline and wireless connectivity ICs; touch screen controllers; micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) products, including sensors or actuators; and optical sensing solutions. The Microcontrollers and Digital ICs Group segment offers general purpose and secure microcontrollers; radio frequency (RF) and electrically erasable programmable read-only memories; and RF, digital, and mixed-signal ASICs. It also provides assembly and other services. The company sells its products through distributors and retailers, as well as through sales representatives. STMicroelectronics N.V. was incorporated in 1987 and is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.

Read MoreUnder the banner of 'Jan Andolan Satyagraha', the social activist launched his indefinite hunger strike on January 30 at his native village

Ralegan Siddhi: Anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare, who is on the fourth day of indefinite hunger strike, said people will hold Prime Minister Narendra Modi responsible if anything were to happen to him.

Speaking to ANI, 81-year-old Hazare said, "People will remember me as a person who tackled situations and not as somebody who added fuel to the fire. If something happened to me, people will hold Prime Minister responsible."

Under the banner of 'Jan Andolan Satyagraha', the social activist launched his indefinite hunger strike on January 30 at his native village Ralegan-Siddhi to demand the setting up of a Lokpal at the Centre and Lokayuktas in the states as the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government "had failed" to set up the anti-corruption bodies.

"Through Lokpal, even the Prime Minister can be investigated if people will give any evidence against him...Similarly, in Lokayukta, a Chief Minister and all ministers and MLAs under him can be investigated if somebody gives any evidence against them. That's why they don't want it. No party wants it. Lokpal Bill was passed in the Parliament in 2013, but the government is yet to appoint it," Hazare had told ANI earlier.Fifteen states plus the District of Columbia now permit the recreational use of cannabis and Congress is on track to decriminalize marijuana possession on the federal level. As a result, the North American cannabis market is expected to TRIPLE in size from $30 billion to $100 billion by the year 2027  and one Seattle manufacturer is poised to cash in!

ICICI Bank Limited provides various banking products and financial services in India and internationally. It operates in Retail Banking, Wholesale Banking, Treasury, and Others Banking segments. The company offers savings, salary, pension, current, and other accounts; and fixed, recurring, and security deposits. It also provides home, car, two wheeler, personal, gold, and commercial business loans, as well as loans against securities and other loans; business loans, such as working capital finance, term loans, collateral free loans, loans without financials, finance for importers and exporters, and secured loans for credit card swipes, as well as loans for new entities, and schools and colleges; and credit, debit, prepaid, travel, and corporate cards. In addition, the company offers insurance products; pockets wallet; fixed income products; investment products, such as mutual funds, gold monetization schemes, and initial public offerings, as well as other online investment services; and farmer finance, tractor loans, and micro banking services, as well as other services to agri traders and processors, and agri corporates. Further, it provides portfolio management, trade, foreign exchange, locker, private and NRI banking, and cash management services; family wealth and demat accounts; commercial and investment banking, capital market, custodial, project and technology finance, and institutional banking services, as well as Internet, mobile, and phone banking services. Additionally, the company offers securities investment, broking, trading, and underwriting services; and merchant banking, trusteeship, housing finance, and pension fund management services. As of March 31, 2020, it had a network of 5,324 branches, 15,688 ATMs, 1,638 insta-banking kiosks, 483,538 POS terminals, and 1,791 cash acceptance machines. ICICI Bank Limited was founded in 1955 and is headquartered in Mumbai, India.

Read MoreFifteen states plus the District of Columbia now permit the recreational use of cannabis and Congress is on track to decriminalize marijuana possession on the federal level. As a result, the North American cannabis market is expected to TRIPLE in size from $30 billion to $100 billion by the year 2027  and one Seattle manufacturer is poised to cash in!

Metro Inc. operates as a retailer, franchisor, distributor, and manufacturer in the food and pharmaceutical sectors in Canada. It operates food stores, including supermarkets and discount stores that provide fresh and grocery products, baked goods, prepared foods, meats, general merchandise, non-perishable goods, dairy products, fruits and vegetables, frozen foods, bakery products, pastries, and deli products, as well as Mediterranean and Middle-Eastern products; and drug stores and pharmacies. As of January 27, 2021, the company operated a network of approximately 950 food stores under various banners, including Metro, Metro Plus, Super C, and Food Basics, as well as approximately 650 drugstores primarily under the Jean Coutu, Brunet, Metro Pharmacy, and Food Basics Pharmacy banners. It also manufactures generic drugs; and provides online grocery shopping services. The company serves restaurants, other chains, non-franchised drugstores, and various health centers, as well as consumers. Metro Inc. was founded in 1947 and is headquartered in MontrAal, Canada.

Read MoreFifteen states plus the District of Columbia now permit the recreational use of cannabis and Congress is on track to decriminalize marijuana possession on the federal level. As a result, the North American cannabis market is expected to TRIPLE in size from $30 billion to $100 billion by the year 2027  and one Seattle manufacturer is poised to cash in!

WESCO International, Inc. provides business-to-business distribution, logistics, and supply chain solutions in the United States, Canada, and internationally. It operates in three segments: Electrical & Electronic Solutions (EES), Communications & Security Solutions (CSS), and Utility and Broadband Solutions (UBS). The EES segment supplies products and supply chain solutions, including electrical equipment and supplies, wires and cables, lubricants, pipes, valves, fittings, fasteners, cutting tools, power transmission products, and safety products, as well as assemblies and components; and provides various value-added services, such as supplier consolidation, design and technical support, just-in-time supply and electronic commerce, and supply chain management services to the construction, industrial, and original equipment manufacturing markets. The CSS segment provides copper and fiber optic cable and connectivity, access control, video surveillance, intrusion and fire/life safety, cabinets, power, cable management, wireless, professional audio/video, voice and networking switches, and other ancillary products; and value-added supply chain solutions, including inventory management, product packaging and enhancement, and customized supply chain services to the network infrastructure and security markets. The UBS segment supplies electrical transmission and distribution, power plant maintenance, repair and operations supplies, and smart-grid products; arranges materials management and procurement outsourcing services for the power generation, transmission, and distribution industries; and offers conductors, transformers, overhead transmission and distribution hardware, switches, protective devices and underground distribution products, connectors, critical components, and lighting and conduit products for the investor-owned utilities, public power companies, and contractors. The company was founded in 1922 and is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

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 2021 Market data provided is at least 10-minutes delayed and hosted by Barchart Solutions. Information is provided 'as-is' and solely for informational purposes, not for trading purposes or advice, and is delayed. To see all exchange delays and terms of use please see disclaimer. Fundamental company data provided by Zacks Investment Research.The Taliban said on Sunday it will send a delegation to Russia for a rare meeting with Afghan Opposition leaders, just days after peace talks with the United States that excluded the Kabul Government.

The two-day sit-down in Moscow, starting Tuesday, will be attended by some of President Ashraf Ghanis chief political rivals, but none of the government envoys tasked with Taliban negotiations.

Ghani has appealed to the insurgents to talk after being frozen out of six days of discussions between the Taliban and the United States in Doha last month that sealed the outlines of a peace deal.

Instead the Taliban, which refuses to recognise Ghanis government, will sit down in Moscow with some of the presidents main opponents to discuss the countrys future -- stirring frustrations in Kabul.

It shows the peak of depression, and begging to terrorists, said Amrullah Saleh, who is running as vice-president on Ghanis ticket in elections slated for July.

A smile to the enemy is a blow to the national spirit, he posted on his Facebook page on Sunday.

Among those who have confirmed their attendance in Moscow is Haneef Atmar, who is running against Ghani in the elections. Former warlord Atta Muhammad Noor and former Afghan president Hamid Karzai -- both Ghani rivals -- are also attending.

Noor on Sunday said the meeting was a pathway towards strengthening the peace efforts led by the US while Atmar described it as an important step towards intra-Afghan peace talks.

A government-appointed council tasked with Taliban engagement said Sunday it was not invited to Moscow.

A senior Taliban official told AFP they would send a delegation, but described the meeting as non-political and arranged by some organizations based in Moscow.

The Russian Embassy in Kabul issued a statement late Saturday on behalf of the Afghan Society of Russia. The group said it had invited influential figures to the dialogue in the President Hotel in Moscow. We are ready to play our role in bringing peace to Afghanistan, the statement read.

It is not clear what role, if any, Russia has in the summit. A spokesman for the Russian Embassy in Kabul could not be reached for comment.

The Taliban are scheduled to hold another round of peace talks with the US in Doha on February 25.

The insurgents said discussions were on the right path -- fuelling speculation of a breakthrough in the 17-year conflict in Afghanistan.

US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad spoke of a draft framework for a deal but warned major hurdles -- including any US withdrawal -- remain. Ghani has refused to accept a temporary deal.

Even if I have one drop of blood in my body, I am not going to surrender to a temporary peace deal, he told Afghan commandos in Kabul on Sunday.

Our goal is to have a peace that comes with dignity.Water supply would be affected in parts of Delhi on Monday and Tuesday due to annual programme for flushing of underground reservoir and booster pumping station.

Areas where supply would not be available or available at low pressure are Dwarka Sector-13,16,17 and 18, Kakrola, Mangolpur Kalan village, Harijan Basti, Kirari Village, Prem Nagar, Delhi University area, Vijay Nagar, Timarpur, Khyber Pass, Metcalf House, Majnu Ka Tila, Old Secretariat and adjoining areas.

Delhi Jal Board has advised residents to store sufficient quantity of water in advance as per their requirement to avoid inconvenience. Water tankers will be available at telephone numbers 1916, 1800117118, 23527679, 23634469, (Central Control Room), 65290868 (Dwarka) 28521123 (D-Block Janakpuri), 25193140, 25174140 (Shivaji Enclave) 27915965 (Mangolpuri Water Emergency), 23810930 (Chandrawal Water Emergency), 27619244, 27617609 (Burari Water Emergency).After West Bengal government denied permission to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanaths chopper to land in the state, Yogi addressed rallies through telephone from Lucknow, hitting out at Mamata Banerjees government, saying it was anti-people, anti-democratic and was spreading anarchy in the state.

Yogi Adityanath was scheduled to address two rallies in Balurghat and Raiganj in south and north Dinajpur districts of West Bengal on Sunday. However, the West Bengal government denied permission to his chopper to land near the rally ground, forcing Yogi to address both the rallies by telephone.

UP Chief Ministers secretariat on Sunday released a statement saying that the West Bengal government denied permission to the chopper of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to land near rally ground without any prior notice. Bharatiya Janata Party in-charge of West Bengal, Kailash Vijayvargiya, in a statement condemned West Bengal governments decision.

In democracy, such act is condemnable. This shows how afraid Trinmool Congress is after Prime Minister Narendra Modis rally in West Bengal, he said in the statement.

The BJP said that three days back permission were sought for the rallies and for the chopper to land at both venues. Though the permission for the rallies was given, but permission was denied to the chopper to land by the district authorities, it added.

UP government spokesperson and state Energy Minister Shrikant Sharma said the TMC government was so afraid of Yogi Adityanath that Mamata Didi directed the district officials to deny permission (to Yogis chopper to land in West Bengal).

On the other hand, the BJP posted a poster in the social media with a title Didi Dar Gayi and a picture of Yogi chasing Mamata with a stick.

Addressing the rally, Yogi said the Mamata government was anti-democratic and it promoted anarchy in the state.

The TMC government of West Bengal is afraid of BJPs popularity therefore it first stopped Amit Shahs Rath Yatra and now prevented me from addressing the rallies. Thanks to the digital initiative of the Narendra Modi government I am able to address the rally, he said.

The need of the hour is to fight this undemocratic government tooth and nail. The political opponents are being killed or beaten up in Bengal whenever they ask for their democratic rights. What can be more unfortunate that people in Bengal are prevented from celebrating Durga Puja in the state because the head of the government believes that such decisions will help her to win votes of a particular religious section of society, Yogi said.

Yogi said the TMC leaders were living in fools paradise as such decisions do not help any government but weaken the democratic values of the country.

Yogi also talked about the policies of the Modi government and how they had changed the face of the country. He said the recent budget was one of the best and would help the people.

Referring to various central schemes which had been stopped from being implemented in West Bengal, Yogi said the TMC had no right to deprive the people from benefits offered by the Central government.

Bengal, which had been the torch-bearer of democracy in the country. is forced to face the dictatorship of the TMC, he said, and added, We have to shatter this undemocratic model.

The UP Chief Minister also referred to former President Pranab Mukherjee, whom, he said, the Government of India honoured with the Bharat Ratna.The experts on Sunday stressed on developing regional climate models and study it in terms of qualitative data instead of quantitative data.

Post to an enlightening discussion on climate change and the future of agriculture on the day one of 4th International Dialogue on Himalayan Ecology, the second day of the dialogue on Sunday took place at National Institute of Technical Teachers Training and Research (NITTTR) campus here.

The national and international delegates discussed an array of topics related to the climate change and ecosystem services.

The first session on changing weather and water stress was chaired by Genevieve Ancel, Dialogue en Humanite, Lyon, France. "We have to learn through dancing in the storm," she said.

Anand Sharma, Deputy Director General, Indian Meteorology Department, New Delhi deliberated on the climate change observations, prediction and projection in the years to come. Sharma said, According to my observation, the existing models are unable to analyze the change of temperature in the Himalayas. So, we need regional climate models and study it in terms of qualitative data instead of quantitative data.

Sharma discussed El Nino and projected, high resources climate model PRECIS show good skill in representing smaller scale features of monsoon.

He raised concern about the Uttarakhands worst climate change disaster in June 2012 and observed, Not a single building that was built by Britishers had collapsed. It is not really the climate change that needs to be blamed, but our own Indians.

Syncing with the same, Ravi Chopra, Former Director, People's Science Institute, Dehradun shared his apprehension about the building of highways on the bank of rivers. We need to understand that projects like Char Dham Highway Project are causing damage to the environment and ultimately causing water stress in the society, said Chopra.

Water conservation must precede water exploitation and spring shed and watershed management should be done more judiciously, he suggested.

Dr P S Negi, Snow & Avalanche Study Establishment (SASE), Chandigarh further enlightened the delegates about snow harvesting and ways to mitigate water scarcity challenges in snowbound regions.

According to the study of recent trends, there has been a reduction in the snow cover season. Since the last few years, everything has become exponential and the same goes for a change in temperature which is the ultimate reason behind the decrease in the surface area of snow, he said.Suspected Peoples Liberation Front of India (PLFI) rebels torched at least 10 vehicles of a private road construction company at Ramgarh districts Dulmi area under Rajrappa police station in the wee hours of Sunday.

Locals told the police that around 15 bike-borne rebels from the splinter outfit entered the road construction company, Classic Engicoms camp office and set the vehicles ablaze. The rebels, they said, also fired five rounds in the air after gutting the vehicles to ashes. Later, the police recovered three cartridges from the spot.

The incident may have been executed in retaliation to the companys refusal to pay levy demanded by the Left Wing Extremist (LWE) group, police said.

While locals claimed that the owners of the company were related to the local legislator Chandra Prakash Choudhary, police refused to comment on this matter.

Although no organisation has claimed responsibility for the incident, we suspect that PLFI may have planned and executed the late night attack. Luckily, no lives were lost and no casualties were reported, said Ramgarh Superintendent of Police, Nidhi Dwivedi.

The police have launched a manhunt to nab the perpetrators, she added.

PLFI is one of the 17 splinter groups active in Jharkhand, where 18 of 24 districts are left wing extremism-affected. The splinter group split from the main CPI (Maoist) organisation and formed their own gang with different ideologies and purposes. The police, however, claim that a majority of the splinter outfits are hired guns and thugs who have unleashed a reign of terror on innocent villagers.

PLFI chief Dinesh Gope had quit the Indian Army in 2003 and formed the Jharkhand Liberation Tigers (JLT) in the same year. It was later renamed PLFI. The organisation has its roots in Khunti and has been responsible for several incidents of attacks on the security forces and private firms in the past.

The vehicles torched on Sunday included four Hyva, two graders and two JCB machines, police said. The attack may have cost the company somewhere close to Rs 1 crore, sources said.Shukla, known for his forthrightness and skill in crisis management, was appointed DGP of MP in 2016.

New Delhi/Bhopal: The government on Saturday appointed Rishi Kumar Shukla, a 1983-batch IPS officer of Madhya Pradesh cadre, as the director of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Mr Shukla will succeed Alok Kumar Verma who was removed as the CBI chief on January 10 along with his deputy, special director Rakesh Asthana.

The decision to appoint Mr Shukla as the CBI chief was taken by the three-member committee chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It included Opposition leader in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge and Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi. The committee held two meetings, first one on January 24 and another one on Friday, to discuss several senior IPS officers who had been short-listed for the post of CBI director. Mr Shukla, his colleagues say, has been a non-controversial officer all through his career in police service. The countrys premiere investigating agency has been in the news for the last few months following the removal of both Mr Verma and Mr Asthana. Both the officers had subsequently approached the court challenging their removal. While the Supreme Court had reinstated Mr Verma as the CBI chief, within two days of the order, the panel headed by PM transferred him to the fire department.

The news of his appointment as CBI chief was a pleasant surprise for Mr Shukla who had been shunted out of the post of director general of police (DGP) of Madhya Pradesh and appointed chairman of the State Police Housing Corporation by the Congress government barely 48 hours ago.

Mr Shukla, who was posted to the housing corporation on January 31, received the news on Tusday afternoon while he was touring Pachmarhi. I am happy with my new assignment. I will try to give my best, he told journalists.

Mr Shukla, known for his forthrightness and skill in crisis management, was appointed DGP of MP in 2016.

After the farmer agitation in 2017 turned violent, leading to the death of six farmers in police firing, Mr Shukla handled the stir in 2018 with a firm hand, ensuring a violence-free agitation.

He has a prompt solution to any crisis situation. His colleagues approach him without any hesitation for a solution whenever they face a crisis situation. He never interferes in the work of his juniors, a senior IPS officer of ADG rank told this newspaper.

The only time Mr Shukla appeared disturbed was when MP hit headlines owing to the growing incidents of rape when he was DGP. Ghar ghar mein Ravan baitha, itne Ram kahan se laun, he reacted while quoting a hymn in Hindi.

Mr Shukla began his career began as superintendent of police, Raipur, in what was undivided MP then. He has also worked with the Intelligence Bureau (IB). Mr Shukla is due to retire in August 2020.

In a much-criticised late-night order on October 23, 2018, which was set aside by the Supreme Court, the Centre had sent both the top CBI officials  Mr Verma and Mr Asthana  on leave in wake of a continuous feud between them with both levelling serious allegations against the other.

Following their removal, the temporary charge of CBI chief was given to M. Nageswar Rao. The post of CBI chief had thus been lying vacant since January 10. The CBI director has a fixed tenure of two years irrespective of the date of retirement.The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Government has informed the Delhi High Court that the students studying in a 99-year-old dilapidated school building would be relocated to other schools from the next academic year. AAP Governments submission came after it told the court that the Centre was refusing to hand over land to shift the school.

It may be recalled that at a meeting held on November 28, 2018 last, in pursuance of the orders of the High Court to work out a solution regarding the future of the school, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has asked the Directorate of Education (DoE) to shift the school to another site, the Delhi Government has told the court.

In an affidavit placed before a Bench of Chief Justice Rajendra Menon and Justice VK Rao, the DoE has said in view of the stand taken by the MoD, it has no other option but to relocate the students to other schools in the next academic year. It has urged the court to direct the Ministry to provide an alternate piece of land to construct a school building or to hand over the site where it is located now.

According to the minutes, the MoD has said the 99-year-old Rajputana Rifles Heroes Memorial Senior Secondary School was presently located on defence land which was not in accordance with the Cantonment Land Administration Rules.

The delegation representing the Army and the Ministry said no land was available to be handed over to the DoE to shift the school and suggested that students studying there be relocated to other schools being run by the state government in the cantonment area.

The MoD has also said while the building has been repaired on orders of the high court, it has outlived its fair life and was unsafe for habitation.

The Ministry has further said the school can run in the building in the current academic year as it was about to end, but not after that.

The court had directed convening of a joint meeting of DoE and MoD while hearing a PIL by NGO Social Jurist which has alleged that the school, taken over by the Delhi government in 1975 and getting 100 per cent aid from it, was in a horrible condition.

Advocate Ashok Agarwal, appearing for the NGO, had earlier said around 450 students are studying in the school, built in 1919, and they have been unjustly deprived of adequate physical infrastructure and academic faculty.

The plea has said though the school is open for all, it mainly caters to the children of servants of military officials who are not in a position to educate their kids in private schools.

It has alleged that the school lacks basic amenities, including potable drinking water, functional toilets, science and computer labs, clean classrooms and proper boundary wall and several posts of teaching staff are lying vacant.

The petition has sought a direction that the existing building of the school be demolished and rebuilt as a state-of -the-art school.The three-day convention of principals from South Asia and Gulf countries organised by Round Square concluded at All Saints College here on Sunday. Principals of 45 schools from various nations expressed their views on the occasion.

On the concluding day of the convention, the school principals and representatives from foreign countries also spoke about how funds can be garnered from the sale of items made from waste materials including wood, plastic, paper and other such materials. They also informed the gathering about their students going to nearby areas and teaching basics of computers, drawing and music among other subjects to children in addition to facilitating construction of toilets, water tanks and similar facilities for the benefit of villagers.

Details of such works done by All Saints College in the Sari village were also shared on the occasion. Deliberations were also held on the subject of plans for the future. Participants also spoke about how Round Square is facilitating education for children outside the classroom in addition to works being undertaken for the welfare of students and society. It was also decided that its international conference will be held in Indore this year.

The principal of All Saints College, Kiran Jeremiah, thanking those who attended the conference, stressed that observing the principles of Round Square, the school will perform better in society. It was a matter of pride not only for the school but also for Nainital that the international convention was held here.

Stating that All Saints College had competed 150 years, she said that it had marked start of the new year with the hosting of this international level event. Round Square board of trustees chairman Rod Fraser from Australia along with principals of 45 prominent schools from India and other nations were also among those present on the occasion.Karuna Shukla-senior politician and niece of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, claimed that Congress President Rahul Gandhi would be the Prime Minister in future and his decision to induct his sister Priyanka Gandhi into party as general secretary was a well thought-out move.

Rahul is a fighter and certainly will be Prime Minister in future, he is the best person to serve billion-plus Indians and take care of countrys interests, the 68-year-old Shukla who disassociated herself from 33-year-long association with the BJP in October 2013, told The Pioneer in an interview.

The former BJP Parliamentarian Shukla was the founding member of the party in 1980. She joined Congress in February 2014 and was believed to be instrumental in devising strategy and energising party cadres to end the winning streak of the BJP in Chhattisgarh.

Congress returned to power in Chhattisgarh in a surprise results in recently held Assembly polls as party bagged 68 seats in a 90-member State Assembly.

Shukla who has been in politics for about four decades hailed Priyanka Gandhis plunge in politics and stated, she would significantly contribute to installing Rahul Gandhi as the Prime Minister.

Like Chhattisgarh Government, Narendra Modi-led BJP Government would too suffer crushing defeat, the days of Modi regime are numbered, she opined, adding, Narendra Modi indulges in cheap popularity, his achievements are zero, he spent his entire tenure in only altering Congress Governments schemes. She further said, I feel more comfortable in Congress rather than the BJP and alleged that the BJP disrespects its senior leaders.

She lavished praise on Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and termed him a fearless, far-sighted and straight forward person who has great affection for people of Chhattisgarh and love the State more than any leader. She stated, Baghel is a workaholic person who believes in thought that nothing is impossible.

She hit out at BJP national vice-president, Raman Singh, who led the party to a crushing defeat in 2018 Assembly polls in Chhattisgarh after serving the mineral-rich State for a record 15 consecutive years. Shukla was considered the key person in helping Raman Singh to become Chief Minister in late 2003 after Congress Government was voted out.Hyuenila from Amar Singh College Srinagar was one of the 300 participants at Patanjali Yogpeeth on Sunday who had come to replicate their performances of Republic Day parade at Rajpath. Students from 16 states of the country and seven ministries showcased their talent on stage here.

When the student Hyuenila was asked to express her experience in Haridwar and compare Jammu and Kashmir with the city of Uttarakhand she said,"Before coming to this state I never realised that other states are beautiful too as my Kashmir. Kashmir is the Crown of India and we would never wish that the crown is beheaded from our country." Another student who performed on behalf of Jammu and Kashmir, Rupali Gupta said it was her dream to come to Uttarakhand especially the holy city Haridwar. Several such students from different states as far as Mizoram, Meghalaya, Assam and Punjab had come to Haridwar from where there will go for sightseeing in other neighbouring cities.

Speaking to The Pioneer, deputy director of Information, KS Chauhan said, "Performers from seven ministeries including defence ministry, KISI, ICCR, railway and others and 16 states have come. From here they would be going to Har ki Paidi and later attend Ganga Arti in Rishikesh."

Presiding as the chief guest pro vice chancellor of Patanjali Yogpeeth, Mahavir Agarwal said that the talent show by performers left everyone impressed. They were filled with the spirit of patriotism.Fighting for Right to Freedom of Speech, hundreds of members from the Youth for Social Media Democracy (YSMD) on Sunday staged a protest against the micro-blogging site, Twitter at its Delhi office. The agitating protesters demanded the Twitter and Facebook to curb the biasness before the Lok Sabha elections.

The main aim behind this project is to create awareness about the biasness of Twitter before Lok Sabha elections. It has been witnessed that in the past few months, the social media networking sites Twitter and Facebook are systematically trying to curb the freedom of speech of individuals and citizens especially those who likes and subscribe the non-Left-wing ideology by suspending their handles, restricting their reach and removing trends from the trends list, said a member of the wing.

The members also added that the Twitter has become so biased. While, the site (Twitter) ignores the offensive and abusing, threatening tweets posted by the Left leaning and the Congress parties. The wing took a silent march from South Delhis Saket to Lado Sarai where the regional office of Twitter is situated.

The youth wing further accused Twitter for spreading selective fake news. Twitter has acquired anti-right wing attitude, block our accounts and impressions of tweets! Wont tolerate this, they will have to change their policy said Laxman Manjunath on Twitter.The State Government has launched the Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income Augmentation (KALIA) scheme to accelerate agricultural prosperity and reduce poverty in the State.

This scheme is progressive and inclusive. It covers 92 per cent of the cultivators, loanee as well as non-loanee farmers, sharecroppers (actual cultivators) and landless agriculture labourers.

It also specifically takes care of vulnerable agricultural families identified through Gram Panchayats and makes crop loans available at 0 per cent interest. It has been programmed to cover about 30.16 lakh small/ marginal farmers/sharecroppers and 5 lakh landless agricultural households this year.

The KALIA scheme is found to be more beneficial in comparison to Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi of Government of India. While under the scheme direct income support of Rs 10,000 per year for small and marginal farmers having land up to 5 acres will be provided, individual beneficiary will get Rs 25,000 in five installments spread over a period of two and a half years.

However, under the Central scheme, direct income support of Rs 6,000 per year for small and marginal farmers having land up to 2 hectares will be provided. While the State scheme stands apart in inclusiveness and covers all farmers, including landless farmers, sharecroppers and agricultural labourers (92% of all farmers of Odisha), in the Central scheme 12 crore farmers with landholding to be included across the country. There is nothing about landless farmers, sharecroppers and agricultural labourers.

KALIA has been programmed to cover 30.16 lakh small and marginal farmers including sharecroppers, 10 lakh landless households for livelihood support and 10 lakh vulnerable agricultural families.

Around Rs10,000 income support to be disbursed in two instalments per year during Rabi and Kharif seasons for landholding farmers. Besides, there is financial assistance of Rs10,000 per year for landless, agricultural labourers and vulnerable farmers households. Rs12,500 for landless agricultural household for allied activities including livestock and fisheries, etc.

Under the Central scheme, cash will be transferred directly to farmers accounts in three equal installments of Rs 2,000 each. Specifics of the cycle of payments will be defined.

Rs10,180 crore has been earmarked for KALIA over three years. Rs 20,000 crore will be allocated for disbursal of first instalment which has already been transferred to accounts of over 13 lakh farmers.

While the KALIA scheme is effective from December, 2018, the first installment will be paid before March. Robust scientific process for identifying actual and eligible beneficiaries along with smooth transfer has already started. However, under the Central scheme, the roadmap of beneficiary selection and transfer is yet to be defined. Massive backend exercise needed, while time at hand is short.

Comprehensive social security through life insurance and personal accident cover of Rs 2 lakh each for every farmer is there in KALIA scheme. For all farmers affected by natural calamities, there is interest subvention of 2 per cent and prompt repayment incentive of 3 per cent on re-scheduling loans. The State Government has already decided to transfer the funds on Akshya Trutiya for Kharif assistance and on Nuankhai for Rabi season well before the unset of season.

On the contrary, there is no specific time period mentioned for transfer of funds to the farmers under the Central scheme.

Under KALIA, detail calendar of operation as well as dateline has been fixed starting from enrolment of farmers to transfer of funds for smooth implementation of scheme. 12, 45,490 small/marginal farmers and 57,614 sharecroppers have already been selected and an assistance of Rs 5,000 each has been transferred to their accounts. Total Rs 651.554 crore has been transferred to their account till January 31 through DBT mode.

But no specific dateline or calendar of operation has been prepared by Central Government to run its scheme.Himachal Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur on Sunday said that successful investors meet were held at Hyderabad and Bengaluru to bring investors to the state.

He said that response and mood of investors is positive for investment in the state.

There is a big scope especially agro farming and farming sector, besides general industries in Himachal, Thakur said.

He also said that diversification of economic sector will generate new platform for employment to youth in the state. The State Government is training youth with to find suitable employment in private sectors, he added.

Having held the Road Show- Business to Government industry conferences in Bangalore and Hyderabad, the Chief Minister had earlier informed that industrial leaders have shown interest to invest in projects like resorts, hotels, roads, tunnels and bridges and setting up integrated renewable energy storage projects in Himachal.

Some industrial houses were keen to set up waste management and bio-medical waste management plants, food processing, real estate, expanding telemedicine facility in remote areas, hospitals and diagnostic centres. There were entrepreneurs who wanted to set up training centres for skill development, dairy infrastructure, biotechnology, automobiles and electric vehicles, Thakur had said.

Notably, representatives of more than 150 companies had attended the Hyderabad conference on January 31. The State Government is hoping to attract an investment of over Rs 80,000 crore for Himachal.The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), Congress, RJD and Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (Prajatantrik) have decided to contest the upcoming general elections together forming Mahagathbandhan (grand alliance) in the State. The grand alliance leaders have decided to make Congress as the face in the general elections, while the JMM will be alliance face in the state elections.

However, the alliance partners have yet to reach to any conclusion on seat sharing formula and decide on the number of seats they will contest on. Sources said that the main hurdle behind finalising the seat sharing formula is Congress strong tactics bargaining for more seats.

JMM general secretary and party spokesperson, Supriyo Bhattacharya said, The alliance will reach on consensus on seat sharing formula within a week. However, the alliance partners are yet to decide on number of seats the four parties will contest for general elections. Bhattacharya, however, claimed that Congress will be in the role of big brother in general elections, while JMM will get more seats in assembly elections.

Echoing the views of Bhattacharya , State Congress spokesperson, Rajesh Thakur said, The seat sharing formula will be settled within a week. The seats will be divided among parties on the basis of winnability of seats. The alliance partners are collecting feedback from every constituency.

Sources said that Congress strong posturing as the big brother in the alliance gains importance as the party is in cloud nine after winning Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, also the Kolebira by-election result has come as an added advantage for the party.

The party before general elections is on expansion mode pan India, with its party national president holding rallies at different parts of country. The party, to regain its old image, organised a rally at Patnas Gandhi Maidan on Sunday which was addressed by Rahul Gandhi. The rally in Patna was held after a gap of nearly 30 years. The Congress was reduced to marginal player in Bihar ever since Mandal burst in political scene in the 1990s.

Sources said that though the final seats sharing formula between four parties is yet to be decided, Congress is going to contest seven to eight Lok Sabha seats, JMM four to five, JVM (P) three seats while leaving the one of two seats for RJD. JMM has pitched for two seats of Santhal Pargana which includes Dumka and Raj Mahal constituency, apart from bargaining for Chaibasa and Giridih seats. Similarly, JVM (P) leadership is lobbying for three seats which include Koderma, Godda and Chatra seats. The RJD is lobbying for two seats which include Palamu and Chatra seats.

Sources said that the coming together of all four parties in grand alliance gains importance as in last Assembly election percentage wise the votes shares of grand alliance parties was more than saffron party BJP. In last Assembly election, BJP has garnered 31.80 percent of total votes share with its alliance partners AJSU having 3.74 percent votes, opposition parties JMM has secured 20.78 percent, followed by Congress with 10.64 percentage, JVM (P) with 10.16 percentage while RJD had secured 3.18 percentage.

However, the ruling party BJP is undeterred with grand alliance. BJP leader and party MLA from Raj Mahal Anant Ojha said, In last general election, the BJP got a vote share of 40.17 percent which is 7 percent more than the total vote percentage of other partiesEven then Congress, JMM and RJD contested the election in alliance. This time they have JVM(P) in kitty, but the party is irrelevant and is hardly going to make any difference.As many as five persons died while 32 others were injured when a bus carrying people returning from JMMs foundation day rally dashed against a tree in the Bodhra forest on the Sarath-Palajori road in Deoghar district at around 4 AM on Sunday.

The deceased include three women and a child namely Pawanpati Besra (38), Surajmani Soren (50), Gulabi Murmu (26), Sunil Marandi (8) and Badan Hansda (60). The deceased persons belonged to Baghmara village in Deoghar district.

Police said altogether 65 persons were returning in the bus after attending the JMM meet at Dumka. Officials informed that the bus was travelling at a high speed when the driver lost control over the vehicle while negotiating a turn.

"After receiving information regarding the accident at around 4: 40 AM, the entire police team at Sarath police station rushed to the spot and started rescue and relief operation. They took the injured persons to the community health centre located five kilometers away in Sarath. The grievously injured persons were later taken to higher medical centers," said the officer-in-charge of the Sarath police station.

With the deceased and the injured persons belonging to Madhupur assembly seat, the local MLA and minister for labour and employment Raj Paliwal announced financial aid of Rs 50,000 to the dependent of each deceased persons. He also visited the victims village with officials and discussed ways to provide maximum benefits of government welfare schemes to the affected families.

The JMM leader Hemant Soren and MLA Badal Patralekh also reached the village later in the day to console the family of deceased persons.

Chairperson of Jharkhand Pradesh Congress Committee, Ajoy Kumar also gave his condolences to the families of the deceased.

It may be stated here that JMM had on Saturday held a massive rally in Dumka to mark its 40th foundation day.Former Koraput Congress MLA Krishna Chandra Sagaria joined the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) at a function organised at Lower PMG here in the presence of senior party leaders, including BSP Odisha in-charge Dharamveer Singh.

Sagaria said he is ready to contest against Chief Minister and BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik in the upcoming Assembly elections.

If Behnji (BSP supremo Mayawati) allows, I am prepared to contest against Naveen Patnaik from any constituency he contests, Sagaria said.

Dharamveer Singh said the party would field candidates in every constituency of Odisha. Mayawati would visit the State for poll campaigning, he added.

Sagaria had on November 6 last year resigned from the legislator post stating that he had no moral rights of holding the position after the Kunduli gangrape and suicide incident as he failed to provide justice to the Dalit girl. Later, he was expelled from the Congress on January 19 for indulging in anti-party activities.The external affairs ministry is trying to ensure that Indian the students are released from detention and not summarily deported.

The India mission and consulates have visited several detention centres throughout the US to extend consular assistance to the detained students, the MEA said.

New Delhi: India on Saturday issued a demarche to the American embassy here expressing its concern over detention of 129 Indian students in the US following their enrolment in a fraudulent university and sought immediate consular access to them. The students, who had been charged with committing visa fraud by enrolling in the fictitious University of Farmington in Michigan State, along with eight recruiters in different US states, were caught in a sting operation.

The external affairs ministry is trying to ensure that Indian the students are released from detention and not summarily deported. The US immigration and customs enforcement agents made the detention on Wednesday.

A spokesperson from the American embassy in India said, We can confirm that the embassy received a demarche from the ministry of external affairs about the Indian citizens detained in the US this week. Our concern over the dignity and well-being of the detained students and the need for immediate consular access for Indian officials to the detainees was reiterated.

The MEA underlined to the US embassy that students, who may have been duped into enrolling in the university should be treated differently from those recruiters who have duped them.

We have urged the US side to share full details and regular updates of the students with the government, to release them from detention at the earliest and not to resort to deportation against their will, the ministry said.

The India mission and consulates have visited several detention centres throughout the US to extend consular assistance to the detained students, the MEA said.

So far, about 30 Indian students have been contacted by our consular officers. Efforts to contact the remaining are continuing, it said.

The ministry said a helpline has been established in the Indian embassy in Washington for assistance related to the detention of Indian students. The helpline numbers are: +1-202-322-1190 and +1-202-340-2590 and email is: cons3.washington@mea.gov.in.Minister for Religious Trusts and Endowments, Public Relations, Law and Legislative Affairs, Science and Technology and Aviation PC Sharma said that cases lodged against the members of Jangda Samaj during the protest and demonstration will be withdrawn. He further mentioned that students of scheduled caste community should get scholarship to pursue studies in Columbia University. He said that a case in which 50 years of record for caste certificate has been asked will be examined.

Minister for Urban and Housing Jaivardhan Singh said that the community should identify land for Dharmshala, remaining work will be done by the urban development department soon. He informed that Bhimrao Ambedkar was the first Indian, who pursued studies from the Columbia University. He also studied from the same university. He further mentioned that benefits of all the government schemes will be provided to the people belonging to the scheduled caste community. He extended best wishes to youth, who were present at the State Level Yuvak-Yuvti Parichay Sammelan.

School Education Minister Prabhuram Chowdhary said that all the children of the community must pursue good education. He mentioned that all facilities will be provided to them for better education.

A souvenir was also released on the occasion. Commemorating Himanshu Bandhewal, talented students and senior social activists were also honoured during the Mahasabha. Students who have secured more than 80 per cent marks in class 10 and 12 were also honoured. The Principal Secretary Women and Child Development JN Kansaotiya was also present at the programme.The State Administrative Tribunal (SAT) has issued a bailable arrest warrant of Rs 5,000 each against Water Resources (WR) Principal Secretary Pradeep Kumar Jena and Minor Irrigation (MI) Chief Engineer Saroj Kumar Pattnaik for violating its order for making deposition.

The tribunal has directed the Commissionerate police to ensure the tow officials deposition on February 7.

As Pattnaiks appointment has allegedly been made in violation of the tribunals order, his salary shall not be drawn from January 2019 onwards till full compliance report is filled, the SAT said in an order.

Both contemnors had been asked to appear before the SAT on January 9 to receive a charge of contempt. However, they skipped appearance.

The SATs directive has come on a petition filed by an Executive Engineer in the Minor Irrigation Cadre against the promotion of engineers in the cadre. Earlier, the SAT had directed the Government to promote him to the senior post accordingly if the engineers of the Irrigation cadre would not have been deputed as the Superintending Engineer and Chief Engineer.

The department was also asked to give him financial benefits, pension benefits and re-fix his last pay accordingly.

The tribunal in its order had asked the authorities not to depute the engineers of the Irrigation cadre to the promotional post of Superintending Engineer and Chief Engineer.

Those who are deputed may be withdrawn and the case of engineers of the cadre who had been promoted vide promotion order dated October 9, 2006, also be considered for promotion. Also the engineers of the cadre who have been denied promotion on account of deputation of engineering personnel of the irrigation cadre to the MI cadre be continued, the SAT order stated.

According to reports, Pattnaik was promoted as Chief Engineer, Minor Irrigation, on deputation basis from Irrigation (major and medium cadre) on March 12, 2018, which is a gross violation to the SATs direction.

The matter was referred to the Law Department whether to prefer a writ appeal against the SAT order of February 26, 2018. The Law Department said not to prefer an appeal before the higher forum and to implement the tribunals order.

However, the WR Department, instead, obtained opinion from Dhubai Charan Das, a Consultant who is an officer on Special Duty attached to the WR Department whose opinion cannot override the opinion of Law Department.Haryana Chief Secretary DS Dhesi on Sunday said that Surajkund fair is a major centre of cultural exchanges as it provide platform to know the culture of other countries.

This world famous fair, not only provides employment to lakhs of people but is also a main stage of preserving the Haryanavi cultural heritage, said the Chief Secretary who visited the ongoing 33rd Surajkund International Craft Mela in Faridabad.

Dhesi congratulated the Mela Authority and the district administration for making all best arrangements. He said that the grandeur of Mela is increasing and it has become center of attraction for all sections. As compared to previous years, this time, representatives of more number of countries have participated in the fair, he said.

On the occasion, the Chief Secretary, also sought the information regarding Madhogarh Fort on the main road in Mahendragarh.

After this, the Chief Secretary went around the stalls put up in the fair. He also sought information about handicrafts at a stall of Thailand country.

He also visited the stalls of South Africa, Netherland and at the stalls of many Indian artisans.The BJP will seek suggestions from 10 crore people across the country to help the party prepare its sankalp patra (manifesto). BJP president Amit Shah and senior party leader Rajnath Singh on Sunday launched Bharat ke mann ki baat, Modi ke saath, a month-long exercise to prepare the manifesto on the basis of feedback received from people from various walks of life.

At a party function here, Shah said the exercise is aimed at democratising the process of preparation of the manifesto, which will accommodate the concerns and inspiration of the country.

What kind of country people want and what is their suggestion to achieve this; this exercise will reach out to them to seek their views, Shah told reporters at an event here, adding that it will help the party realise the dream of a Rs New India.

In the mammoth exercise, the party will involve 300 vehicles that will move across the country with over 7,700 boxes across 4,000 Assemblies to seek peoples views, he said, adding social media and telephonic communication will also be used for this.

Singh, who is also the head of the partys sankalp patra committee, said never before such a massive exercise to prepare a partys manifesto has been launched in a country.

The Home Minister also spoke at length about pro-farmer measures taken by the Government and said the Prime Minister has emerged as the biggest well-wisher of farmers.

On the contentious Citizenship Bill, Shah said the Home Minister will talk to different political parties, including those from the Northeast, asserting the legislation is very important for the country.

Asserting that the BJP was committed for the passage of the Bill, which seeks to grants citizenship to persecuted non-Muslim refugees from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh, Shah said such large number of refugees cannot be left to their fate. We are firm on this, he said.

He said the BJP has brought the Bill after lot of deliberations. After taking suggestions from everybody, if there is some consensus we will certainly move forward with that but this bill is very important for the country, he said.Making a strong pitch for the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday his Government will stand with the children of Ma Bharti who have faced persecution in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh.

Addressing a rally in Vijaypur in Jammu region, Modi said, There are many children of Ma Bharti who have faced persecution in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh...We will stand with those who were part of India at one time, but got separated from us (due to the Partition in 1947).

Targeting the Congress for its opposition to the legislation, he said the party, when it was in power, did not pay attention of the pain of our brothers and sisters.

But we have brought the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill with a commitment... If they are discriminated on the basis of faith, the country will stand up with them, the Prime Minister said. He also referred to the Kartarpur Corridor issue to target the Congress.

The previous Governments had the tendency to ignore the necessities and sentiments of the country. You are well aware of that. Take Kartarpur corridor issue for instance. Had they paid attention, then the land of Guru Nanak Dev would have been a part of India, Modi said, referring to the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur in Pakistan where Sikhism founder Guru Nanak had settled.

During the maharally Prime Minister also welcomed Retired Lt General R K Sharma and Mohammad Haneef, father of Rifleman Aurangzeb, who was martyred by terrorists in the Valley last year.

Amid tight security arrangements, Modi took time off to visit the famous Dal Lake in Srinagar. Modi waved at people from the boat while enjoying the view of the snow-capped mountains surrounding the urban lake, also known as the jewel in the crown of Kashmir

In Leh, Modi launched the University of Ladakh, a first in the region, established under the University of Ladakh Act 2018. It will be a cluster university comprising degree colleges of Leh, Kargil, Nubra, Zanskar, Drass and Khaltsi. The university will have administrative offices in Leh and Kargil.Major political parties and student groups of the Northeast on Sunday intensified their campaign against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill in the national Capital, with a series of meetings with leaders of the BJP, Congress and other parties urging them not to pass it in the Rajya Sabha.

A delegation of 11 political parties of the Northeast, including the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and the National Peoples Party, met Home Minister Rajnath Singh and requested him not to press for passing the Bill in the Rajya Sabha, according to AGP leader and former Union Minister Birendra Prasad Baishya. The delegation was led by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma.

In a related development veteran Manipuri filmmaker Aribam Syam Sharma said that he would return the Padma Shri as a mark of protest against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2016, terming it anti-Northeast.

Earlier in the day, former Assam chief minister and founder-president of the AGP Prafulla Kumar Mahanta along with other party leaders met Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad, Union minister Ram Vilas Paswan and Samajwadi Party leaders urging them to take a stand against the bill.

The leaders of the regional parties of the Northeast, who are camping in Delhi, will meet representatives of all political parties so that the bill is not passed in the Upper House, Baishya said. A team of top leaders of the North East Students Organisation (NESO), comprising major students groups of the region, met Biju Janata Dal leader Bhartruhari Mahtab and requested him to ensure that his party votes against the bill if it is brought in the Upper House.

NESO advisor Samujjal Kumar Bhattacharjya told PTI that they have met the leadership of the JD-U, which already declared its opposition to the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, and will meet leaders of the Congress, Shiv Sena, Akali Dal and some others parties in the next two days.

The bill provides for according Indian citizenship to Hindus, Jains, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists and Parsis from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan after seven years of residence in India instead of 12 years, which is the norm currently, even if they do not possess any document.

The legislation was passed by the Lok Sabha during the Winter Session on January 8 and has been awaiting Rajya Sabha nod. There has been strong opposition in Assam and other Northeastern states against the bill.

The political parties have been protesting on the grounds that the bill seeks to grant nationality to non-Muslims who have come up to December 31, 2014, thereby, increasing the deadline from 1971 as per the Assam Accord.

Also, according to the Assam Accord, all illegal immigrants who have come after 1971, irrespective of their religion, have to be deported and this bill violates that. Addressing the joint sitting of Parliament, President Ram Nath Kovind Thursday said the bill will give justice to persecuted minorities of Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan through Indian nationality.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also announced that the bill is an atonement of the wrong that was done during Indias Partition. India will safeguard all who had been victims of the Partition.

The 83-year-old director, Aribam Syam Sharma, known for Manipuri films such as Olangthagee Wangmadasu, Imagi Ningthem and Ishanou, said the plea of the Northeast people to not let the bill pass was not being heard by the Centre. He was bestowed with the countrys fourth highest civilian honour in 2006.

The bill is against the interest of the Northeast and its people, especially in Manipur. All the leaders of the states in the Northeast have already requested the central government to reconsider (on the bills passage). But when I was following the news, our honourable prime minister announced that the bill would be passed soon. He also requested the chief minister of West Bengal to help him pass the bill. That means the government, rather the BJP, is determined to pass this bill. They are not listening to us, Sharma said.

Citing the example of Tripura, the filmmaker said history would repeat itself in Manipur if the bill is passed. We have already seen this in Tripura. Tripuris are having no say in Tripura... The population of Manipur is only 28-29 lakhs, which is less than the population of a district in Uttar Pradesh. The smaller states like Nagaland, Mizoram and Meghalaya have protection. Even then they are protesting because if the bill is passed the indigenous people will have no place. They will be wiped out. It may not happen now, but it will happen 50 years from today, he said adding returning the award was the only way in which he could raise his voice against the bill.Referring to their common thread particularly through Buddhism and Hinduism, Union Minister of State for Tourism K.J. Alphons on Sunday stressed the need to strengthen the bonds between India and the ASEAN.

"There is so much common among the ASEAN countries and India," he said while speaking at the inaugural session of the 2nd ASEAN-India Youth Summit here.

"The Buddhist philosophy and Hindu philosophy are so deeply embedded in the entire ASEAN region and this keeps them united. We must work together to strengthen the bond and build on the ideals," he said.

The Minister said that it were the youths who will determine the future of the world.

He also stressed on the need for the active involvement of the youth in political, economic and social spheres for sustainable peace and all-round development.

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal hoped that the confluence of youth leaders from India and the 10 ASEAN countries will lead to a shared understanding of the challenges the countries face.

More than 150 youth leaders from India and ASEAN members Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam will take part in the deliberations over five days.

Prince Albert II, the head of state of Monaco, will arrive here Monday on a week-long India visit during which he will hold talks with the top Indian leadership to strengthen bilateral ties, specially in sectors such as trade and energy.

Prince Albert will arrive on Monday morning and will attend the IndiaMonaco Business Forum in the afternoon followed by a round-table on energy and climate change, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.

He will meet President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday.

During the visit, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will also call on Prince Albert, the ministry said.

He will visit Rajasthan before heading home on February 10.America is finally negotiating the very same deal with the Taliban that could have probably been made in 2001. Albeit a bit late, peace talks with the terrorist organisation are better late than never

The Taliban has committed, to our satisfaction, to do what is necessary and prevent Afghanistan from ever becoming a platform for international terrorist groups or individuals, said Zalmay Khalilzad, the US official in charge of Afghanistan peace talks last week. So why didnt the United States (US) have this discussion with the Taliban 17 years ago, in October 2001?

The American representative has just spent six days negotiating with the Taliban in Qatar and he has their promise that they will never let terrorist groups like Al Qaeda or the Islamic State (IS) use Afghanistan as a base. The Taliban are Islamists and nationalists (despite the incompatibility of these two principles), but they were never international terrorists.

The next steps are setting dates for the final American withdrawal from Afghanistan (in around 18 months) and opening direct talks between the US-backed Afghan Government and the Taliban. There is still much to do but this could work.

So congratulations to US President Donald Trump  and shame on the Washington analysts and experts who could never bring themselves to recommend just ending Americas longest-ever war. Some of them are the same people who didnt realise 17 years ago that these talks should have happened then.

The US invasion of Afghanistan in October, 2001, was always about 9/11 and nothing else. The country was targeted because the Taliban, which came to power five years before, had allowed Osama bin Laden and his band of Islamist extremists to set up a base in Afghanistan and they were assumed to be implicated in the horrendous attacks on New York and Washington.

That assumption was almost certainly wrong. The Taliban had come to power in 1996 after a 10-year war against the Soviet invaders and the seven-year civil war that followed. They had been a long time out in the hills and they were really enjoying power.

What the Taliban did in power was both ridiculous and atrocious. They drove women from public life and closed girls schools. They made men grow beard and women wear burqas. They banned music, movies and television.

They mutilated people for small offences and executed them for slightly bigger ones (most of which were not offences at all in other Muslim countries). And they took absolutely no interest in the rest of the world. Under the Taliban, Afghanistan really didnt have a foreign policy at all.

But the leader of the regime, Mullah Omar, was a personal friend of Osama bin Laden, whom he had met in Pakistan in the 1980s. (Both men were then involved in the war against the Soviet occupation.)

So when Bin Laden was forced out of his refuge in Sudan by the Clinton Administration in 1996, Omar let him set up camp in southern Afghanistan and told him not to carry out political activities on Afghan soil. Bin Laden abused that hospitality and approved the 9/11 attacks from there (the actual planning was mostly done in Germany.)

Did Mullah Omar have anything to do with the attacks? Did he even know about them in advance? Try to imagine the telephone conversation. (Bin Laden didnt speak Pashto, but Omar did speak Arabic.)

Omar, habibi, its Osama. How are the wives and children?

Not bad, thanks. Yours?

Listen, Omar, Im giving you a heads-up. Next week my guys are going to attack the United States and kill a few thousand Americans, and Im afraid theyre going to blame you too. So youll get invaded and overthrown, and your Taliban guys will have to spend another 10 years in the hills being hunted by gunships. But its in a good cause. I hope youre OK with that.

Sure, Osama. Good luck with it.

Im pretty sure that conversation never happened. Why would Osama bin Laden tell Mullah Omar about the attack in advance and run the risk that he wasnt okay with it? Most of the Taliban would certainly have been outraged by the mortal danger Bin Laden was exposing them to.

Could the US have persuaded the Taliban to hand Bin Laden over in order not to be invaded and driven from power? May be you couldnt have persuaded Mullah Omar, but many of the younger leaders were really not looking forward to being bombed out of the cities and chased back into the hills.

And if they dont listen right away, spread some money around. You cant buy religious fanatics but you can sometimes rent them if you find the right words to go with the money. Why wasnt it at least tried?

Probably because there was a strong need to kick-ass in the US. Such a horrible crime couldnt be answered with mere diplomacy and legal proceedings. What was needed was bloody vengeance and catharsis. So Afghanistan got invaded and several hundred thousand people died in the next 17 years.

And since it has always been very easy to invade Afghanistan (though almost impossible to stay there), one invasion didnt provide enough catharsis. Thirty months later the then US President George W Bush also invaded Iraq; although there were no terrorists there (and no weapons of mass destruction), and hundreds of thousands more died. And now they are finally negotiating the very same deal with the Taliban that could probably have been made in 2001. It would have saved a lot of time.

(The writer is an independent journalist)A peace deal has been reached between the Central African Republic government and 14 armed groups after their first-ever direct dialogue aimed at ending years of conflict, the United Nations and African Union have announced.

Details were not immediately available.

Central African @GouvCF and 14 armed groups reached an agreement at Kharthoum peace talks  The meeting started on 24 January with @AU_Chergui facilitation and @UN support #CARpeace #AfricanInitiative pic.twitter.com/mccJ8hN01L  MINUSCA (@UN_CAR) February 2, 2019

The talks began on January 24 in Sudans capital, Khartoum.

This is a great day for Central African Republic and all its people

The agreement represents rare hope for the impoverished, landlocked nation where inter-religious and inter-communal fighting has continued since 2013.

Thousands of people have been killed and hundreds of thousands displaced in a conflict that has sent at least two people to the International Criminal Court.

This is a great day for Central African Republic and all its people, said the AU commissioner for peace and security, Smail Chergui.

The fighting in Central African Republic has carried the high risk of genocide, the UN has warned.

Scores of mosques have been burned.

Priests and other religious leaders have been killed.

Many Muslims have fled the country.

The UN helped broker the deal (PA)

After more than 40 people were killed in a rebel attack on a displaced persons camp in November, both the leader of the 13,000-strong UN peacekeeping mission and the countrys prime minister both acknowledged shortcomings in the response.

I knew that we did not have all the necessary means to protect our people, the prime minister said.

The fighting began in 2013 when predominantly Muslim Seleka rebels seized power in the capital, Bangui.

Mostly Christian anti-Balaka militias fought back.

Violence intensified and spread last year after a period of relative peace as armed groups battle over lands rich in gold, diamonds and uranium.

In a grim report last year marking five years of the conflict, the UN childrens agency said fighters often target civilians rather than each other, attacking health facilities and schools, mosques and churches and camps for displaced people.

At least half of the more than 640,000 people displaced are children, it said, and thousands are thought to have joined the armed groups, often under pressure.

As the peace talks began, the Norwegian Refugee Council warned of catastrophe if no agreement was reached, saying repeated cycles of violence in one of the worlds poorest nations had pushed peoples resistance to breaking point.

A majority of Central African Republics 2.9 million people urgently need humanitarian support, the group said.

On Thursday, the UN Security Council voted unanimously to extend an arms embargo on Central African Republic for a year but raised the possibility that it could be lifted earlier as the government has long urged.In a video message posted on Twitter, Ms Dev said one of the reasons why only few women join politics was that they are not treated well.

New Delhi: Accusing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders of making several derogatory statements against newly-inducted Congress general secretary, Priyanka Gandhi, the Congress womens wing has said it would file FIRs in all state capitals on Monday against the malicious campaign targeting the Gandhi family scion.

Following Ms Gandhis entry into active politics by being appointed as AICC general secretary in-charge of Uttar Pradesh (East), there has been a malicious campaign against her, the party units president Sushmita Dev said on Saturday.

In a video message posted on Twitter, Ms Dev said one of the reasons why only few women join politics was that they are not treated well.

I am saddened that Ms Priyanka Gandhi has also been targeted with such behaviour. Since she has become general secretary, many BJP leaders have made such comments that have saddened me, the All India Mahila Congress president said. She added that she would lodge an FIR in Delhi against this malicious campaign. I want my state presidents to lodge FIRs in the capitals of their respective states so that we can reach those who are running this dirty campaign, the Silchar MP added.

The Congress leader said she expects the police officials in the state capitals to register FIRs and act against those behind this campaign.

The Mahila Congress statement comes days after senior BJP leader and Bihar Minister Vinod Narain Jha had said that Priyanka Gandhi has no other quality except being very beautiful and the party should remember that beauty does not garner votes.The big freeze will continue to grip much of Britain, with the mercury poised to drop so low the UK could see its coldest night in almost a decade.

But the plummeting temperatures will be short lived, with milder air expected to push its way across the country from Sunday, the Met Office said.

Thick blankets of snow caused widespread disruption and treacherous conditions across vast swathes of southern Britain on Thursday and Friday.

With 19cm recorded in some parts, motorists were stranded in their vehicles, hundreds of schools were closed, and travellers were hit by long delays and cancelled flights.

The heavy snowfall even caused some trees and branches in Kent to collapse and snap under the weight  cascading into road and over pavements.

Today's winter sunshine has revealed there's some lying #snow in all four parts of the UK at the moment (green on these images) #loveukweather pic.twitter.com/P2WF8u1SP9  Met Office (@metoffice) February 2, 2019

Forecaster Simon Partridge told the Press Association that the snow which has been lying on the ground, and has since partially melted, will refreeze as the temperature drops, causing icy conditions.

Tonight is a pretty dry night, dry with a lot of clear spells which means it is going to be a very cold night as well, he said.

The showers (of sleet, rain and snow) we have got across East Anglia at the moment will drift offshore overnight.

Mr Partridge said there is the potential for the mercury to drop as low as minus 10C in southern England, with a potential of minus 16C in eastern Scotland.

If that happens it would make it the coldest night since 2010, he said.

But there is cloud coming from the West overnight over Scotland, so if it gets in fast enough it might just stop it getting quite that low.

He said average overnight temperatures in February are around 1-2C for southern England, with Scotland usually hovering around minus 3C.

A car stands abandoned as workmen clear trees on Walderslade Woods Road, in Walderslade, Kent (Gareth Fuller/PA)

We are a good 10C below where we should be in some places, he said of Saturday nights potential temperatures.

The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for ice across much of the South and East Anglia, which is in place until 11am on Sunday.

It warns of icy stretches on many untreated road, pavements and cycle paths, and said there is an increased likelihood of accidents and injuries.

The cloud moving in from the West over Scotland during Saturday night into Sunday will usher in rain and some hill snow, Mr Partridge said.

With it, it brings in some milder air so we get a real big temperature contrast tomorrow, he said.

Mr Partridge said 3C is expected in North East Scotland during Sunday, with 10C likely in the South West of England.

That is the beginning of milder air pushing its way in across the UK next week, he said, stating temperatures will be nearer normal.

As a result it will be more unsettled, so windier and wetter weather through the week, so back to our normal winter.Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro has proposed holding early elections for the National Assembly on a day when a senior air force general defected to the opposition.

Meanwhile, opposition leader Juan Guaido, who has declared himself interim president, says aid will be arriving in the country.

Mr Maduros remarks to his supporters appeared to be an effort to outmanoeuvre the opposition that is trying to use its control of the legislature to challenge his rule.

President Nicolas Maduro and first lady Cilia Flores greet supporters (Ariana Cubillos/AP)

Mr Maduro it would be up to the pro-government constitutional assembly to decide whether or not to back his proposal.

Elections for the opposition-controlled National Assembly are not supposed to take place again until 2020.

National Assembly President Mr Guaido is leading a charge to force Mr Maduro from power after he took the oath of office last month for a second, six-year term widely considered illegitimate.

Mr Guaido has said humanitarian assistance will begin flowing into the crisis-wracked country within the next few days, despite the objections of Mr Maduro.

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido (Rodrigo Abd/AP)

Mr Guaido made the announcement on Saturday speaking before tens of thousands of cheering supporters who took to the streets of Caracas demanding that Mr Maduro step down.

Mr Guaido said supplies of badly needed food and medicine will start entering from the Colombian border town of Cucuta.

He said assistance will also come from two more unnamed entry points.

Loyalists of Mr Maduros socialist government flooded the streets in a different part of the capital to celebrate 20 years since Hugo Chavez launched the Bolivarian revolution.

Nicolas Maduros dictatorship is destroying Venezuela. For too long, the people of Venezuela have suffered under the heavy hand of oppression. But now, there is hope. We are with the people of Venezuela, we stand with them, and we will stay with them until democracy is restored. pic.twitter.com/eDlKWjXNiC  Vice President Mike Pence (@VP) February 2, 2019

Earlier, an air force general defected from the administration of Mr Maduro and called on his compatriots to participate in protests against the socialist leaders rule.

General Francisco Yanez is the first high ranking officer to leave Mr Maduros government since January 23, when Mr Guaido declared himself the countrys legitimate leader.

Many foreign leaders, including US President Donald Trump, have recognised Mr Guaido as interim president but others, including Russias Vladimir Putin, have cautioned against regime change.

Thousands of public employees and government supporters gather in Caracas (Ariana Cubillos/AP)

In a YouTube video, Gen Yanez said: The transition to democracy is imminent.

He described Mr Maduro as a dictator and referred to Mr Guaido as his president, but refused to say whether he is still in Venezuela or has left the country.

The officer later confirmed he would not give further statements until given authorisation by the commander-in-chief of the legal armed force which is President Juan Guaido.Macedonia will sign an accession protocol with Nato on Wednesday under its new name North Macedonia after parliaments in the tiny Balkan country and its southern neighbour Greece ratified a historic name change deal.

Nato secretary general Jens Stoltenberg announced Saturday that on February 6 we will write history: Nato Allies will sign the accession protocol with the future Republic of North Macedonia together with (Macedonian) foreign minister Nikola Dimitrov.

On 6 February we will write history: #NATO Allies will sign the accession protocol with the future Republic of North Macedonia together with FM @Dimitrov_Nikola. pic.twitter.com/vyJVHJm9D5  Jens Stoltenberg (@jensstoltenberg) February 2, 2019

The ceremony will take place at Nato headquarters in Brussels.

Greece had blocked Macedonia from joining Nato for three decades because of the name dispute, saying that Macedonias name implied territorial claims toward Greeces northern province.

Macedonia expects Greece to be the first Nato member to ratify the accession protocol.

It will then start calling itself by its new name.A vulnerable couple missing overnight in south-west Scotland have been found safe and well.

Police appealed for help in tracing Mary Smith, 63, and John Smith, 65, from Stranraer, Dumfries and Galloway.

Mary and John Smith from Stranraer have been traced. The media and public are thanked for their assistance.  DumfriesGPolice (@DumfriesGPolice) February 2, 2019

The pair had been last seen in the towns Bellevilla Road on Friday morning.

A Police Scotland statement said: Mary and John have been traced safe and well.

The media and members of the public are thanked for their assistance with this matter.Police are hunting for a knifeman who held up shop, stealing cash and a 24-pack of Budweiser beer.

The robbery happened in Glasgows Castlemilk area on Thursday evening.

A man entered the 101 store at Castlemilk Arcade and threatened two workers with a knife.

He fled with a two-figure sum and the pack of beer.

The suspect is described as white and of stocky build.

He wore a grey tracksuit top with the hood up, a black beanie-style hat, grey jogging bottoms with black socks over them, and white trainers.

A thief made off with cash and beer after holding up a shop in Glasgow (Jane Barlow/PA)

Detective Constable Mark McCallum said: I would like to speak to anyone who noticed a man matching the above description carrying a 24-pack of Budweiser beer in the area to come forward, as well as asking motorists with dash-cams who were in the vicinity of Castlemilk Drive to check their footage, in case they have captured anything which could be of significance to our investigation.A Venezuelan air force general has defected from the administration of President Nicolas Maduro and called on his compatriots to participate in protests against the socialist leaders rule.

General Francisco Yanez is the first high ranking officer to leave Mr Maduros government since January 23, when National Assembly President Juan Guaido declared himself the countrys legitimate leader.

In a YouTube video, Gen Yanez said: The transition to democracy is imminent.

Supporters of the Venezuela regime at a rally (Ariana Cubillos/AP)

He described Mr Maduro as a dictator and referred to Mr Guaido as his president, but refused to say whether he is still in Venezuela or has left the country.

The officer later confirmed he would not give further statements until given authorisation by the commander-in-chief of the legal armed force which is President Juan Guaido.

Nicolas Maduros dictatorship is destroying Venezuela. For too long, the people of Venezuela have suffered under the heavy hand of oppression. But now, there is hope. We are with the people of Venezuela, we stand with them, and we will stay with them until democracy is restored. pic.twitter.com/eDlKWjXNiC  Vice President Mike Pence (@VP) February 2, 2019

In the video, Gen Yanez claimed that 90% of the countrys armed forces are against Mr Maduro.A vulnerable couple have been reported missing in south-west Scotland.

Police have appealed for help in tracing Mary Smith, 63, and John Smith, 65, from Stranraer.

They were last seen near New Look in the towns Bellevilla Road at around 10am on Friday.

It is thought the pair may have travelled to the Ayrshire area.

Police said Mrs Smith requires the use of a wheelchair and her husband may have a walking stick.

Inspector Stephen Bell said: Mr and Mrs Smith are vulnerable and it is extremely important that we are able to trace them as quickly as possible and confirm that they are safe and well.

We believe they have travelled to the Ayrshire area and may have attempted to secure accommodation somewhere.

If anyone has seen the couple, or has even the slightest piece of information which could help confirm their whereabouts, please get in touch immediately.

Mary Smith has been reported missing from the Glenluce area of Stranraer (Police Scotland/PA)

Mrs Smith has grey hair, glasses, and was last seen wearing a red ski jacket.

Mr Smith has grey hair and a pale complexion. He is believed to be wearing a blue jacket, white shirt and black trousers.

They may be carrying a small holdall with Jeep on the side.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Stranraer Police Station on 101.Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald has said that the unionist community needs to be a part of planning for a united Ireland.

Party activists from across Ireland gathered in Dublin on Saturday to discuss the campaign for Irish unity and what they say is a growing demand for a unity poll.

Ms McDonald reiterated her challenge to the government to convene an Irish unity forum and said unionists have to start planning for all eventualities.

She said: Obviously, our unionist brothers and sisters need to be part of planning a new Ireland, their first option, of course, is to maintain the union with Britain and we respect that, but as one ex-leader of the DUP put it, they need to start now planning for all eventualities and unionism needs a Plan B.

Ms McDonald claimed that the growing likelihood of a no-deal Brexit has pushed the idea of Irish reunification to the forefront of politics, but she believes mindset is the biggest stumbling block.

Mary Lou opening Sinn Fein activist discussion on achieving United Ireland. #time4unity pic.twitter.com/76WMZyFXDn  Gerry Kelly (@GerryKellyMLA) February 2, 2019

She added: The Good Friday Agreement provides a route to remove the border once and for all. Regardless of Brexit, there will be a unity referendum.

Mary Lou McDonald said the growing likelihood of a no-deal Brexit has pushed the idea of Irish reunification to the forefront of politics (Niall Carson/PA)

In our time we now have an opportunity denied to generations  a peaceful and democratic route to Irish unity; to build a new and united Ireland.

There are those who believe Irish unity is a pipe dream.

Some old wives tale about the four green fields, some dont yet appreciate the huge opportunity that Irish unity can present for all of us socially and economically, and those that are hostile to the idea.

There are those who are not unionists but part of the establishment here in the south who might be hostile to the idea, or anything that upsets the apple cart, and those people are in the minority, the vast majority of people know that Ireland is changing and needs to change more.

Former Northern Ireland first minister and DUP leader Peter Robinson said in July he believed the North should prepare for the possibility of a united Ireland.

Speaking at the MacGill Summer School in Glenties, Co Donegal, Mr Robinson said he did not think Northern Ireland will want to leave the UK but that there is no reason they should not prepare for it.

I dont expect my own house to burn down but I still insure it because it could happen, he said.Doctors leaders have written to the head of the NHS demanding that hospitals provide inpatients with free sanitary towels and tampons.

The British Medical Association (BMA) argued that it was inconsistent for some hospitals to give out razors and shaving foam but not offer women sanitary products.

The union said towels and tampons are a basic human need  like food  and should be made freely available at all hospitals in the UK.

Some patients cannot afford to buy their own products, while others unexpectedly find themselves in hospital with nobody to rely on, it said.

The BMA sent Freedom of Information requests to NHS trusts and health boards in the UK and received responses from 187.

The research found that 42% either did not supply sanitary products at all, will only supply small amounts, or will supply them only in the case of an emergency.

Hospitals should provide free tampons and sanitary towels to inpatients, the British Medical Association says (Dominic Lipinski/PA)

For those that did have a supply, tampons and towels were often only available on gynaecology or maternity wards.

Only 22% of hospitals said they could easily be bought on site by the patient.

Some trusts and health boards said they spent nothing on sanitary products for inpatients. For those that did, the average spend was 71p per bed per year.

A rough estimate from the BMA suggests UK hospitals could supply the products for around 120,000 per year.

In a letter to NHS England chief executive Simon Stevens, the BMAs board of science chairwoman, Professor Dame Parveen Kumar, said: Action must be taken to ensure that patient experience of care is not jeopardised by the non-availability of these essential items.

Patients must not be deterred from undergoing necessary treatment, or hindered in their recovery, because they are unable to access, or embarrassed to request, sanitary products.

With patient experience and quality of care being such a clear priority for the NHS, sanitary products, which are relatively inexpensive, should be provided for free and readily available to all inpatients at hospital.

BMA medical students committee member Eleanor Wilson, who has championed the issue, said: When patients are under our care in the NHS, we need to make sure that we make them feel as welcome and as looked-after as possible.

By not providing them with something so key to their health and well-being, it has a big impact on their sense of self-worth  we are effectively withholding that dignity from them.

While some hospitals have good provision, in others, patients have had to face embarrassment and hope that relatives can bring them in, which for some is not an option, and it can often become more challenging for young and teenage paediatric patients.

Like razors, shaving foam, toilet paper or food, it should be part of a basic package that is available to patients when they come under our care in hospital.Jeremy Corbyn has been accused of defending a dictator over his stance on Venezuela, by the widower of murdered Labour MP Jo Cox.

Brendan Cox, a former chief strategist at Save the Children, spoke out after the opposition leader attacked outside interference in the socialist South American country.

Mr Cox attacked the leadership of the countrys president, Nicolas Maduro, which has left the country in the grip of a social and economic collapse that has triggered a humanitarian crisis.

The future of Venezuela has been taken out of the hands of Venezuelans by an increasingly corrupt and totalitarian state. By all means call for dialogue but if you dont strongly condemn the subjugation of democracy it sounds like you are defending a dictator. https://t.co/sYtUEpXFxl  Brendan Cox (@MrBrendanCox) February 2, 2019

Writing on Twitter on Saturday, Mr Cox said: The future of Venezuela has been taken out of the hands of Venezuelans by an increasingly corrupt and totalitarian state.

By all means call for dialogue but if you dont strongly condemn the subjugation of democracy it sounds like you are defending a dictator.

Mr Corbyn on Friday criticised Jeremy Hunt, saying the Foreign Secretary was wrong to demand sanctions against the Maduro regime.

Brendan Cox, widower of murdered Labour MP Jo Cox, questioned Jeremy Corbyns views on Venezuela (John Stillwell/PA)

Mr Hunt spoke on Wednesday to Juan Guaido, the president of the National Assembly of Venezuela, who is trying to oust socialist leader Mr Maduro.

The European Union on Thursday recognised Mr Guaido as interim president in place of Mr Maduro, with Mr Hunt calling for sanctions against the latter. The United States has also recognised his leadership.

The future of Venezuela is a matter for Venezuelans. @Jeremy_Hunt's call for more sanctions on Venezuela is wrong. We oppose outside interference in Venezuela, whether from the US or anywhere else.



There needs to be dialogue and a negotiated settlement to overcome the crisis.  Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) February 1, 2019

But in a Friday tweet, Mr Corbyn said: The future of Venezuela is a matter for Venezuelans. Jeremy Hunts call for more sanctions on Venezuela is wrong.

We oppose outside interference in Venezuela, whether from the US or anywhere else.

There needs to be dialogue and a negotiated settlement to overcome the crisis.

Other senior Labour frontbenchers have also criticised the pressure being put on Mr Maduro, who is widely seen as a dictator, accusing the US of attempting regime change.

Shadow chancellor John McDonnell, shadow home secretary Diane Abbott and shadow justice secretary Richard Burgon were among a host of left-wing politicians, union leaders and activists who signed a letter to the Observer on Sunday.

It said: Whatever views people hold on Venezuela, there is no justification for backing the US attempt at regime change under way, which, if successful, could go the way of the disastrous interventions in Iraq and Libya.

Instead, the way forward is the call for dialogue from the Mexican and Bolivian presidents.

Mr Cox resigned from Save the Children in September 2015, amid allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards women.

His wife Jo, the MP for Batley and Spen in Yorkshire, was assassinated by neo-Nazi killer Thomas Mair in June 2016.

Responding to Mr Coxs remarks, Mr McDonnell said: We condemn abuses of human rights wherever they are but the key issue on Venezuela now is the Pope has made an offer, bringing people together for talks. 18

So have the presidents of Mexico and Uruguay, who have been independent throughout this period on those issues.

Were urging people to get round the table and to actually engage in those talks.

That, I think, will secure a peaceful resolution  it gives the offer of that.

Speaking during a visit to Stoke-on-Trent on Saturday, he added: At the same time what weve got to do is make sure everything is done to avoid a civil war and thats the danger that we have at the moment.

So I am urging all sides  all sides  to take up the offer from the Pope. 23The film will now release in June this year and Sushant is excited to see how the audience will react to the film.

Here is a piece of good news for the fans of Sushant Singh Rajput! Even as the actor gears up for the promotions of his upcoming dacoit-drama Sonchiriya, his other film titled Drive is finally ready to hit screens.

The Bollywood remake starring Sushant alongside Jacqueline Fernandez with Director Tarun Mansukhani at the helm of the project was supposed to release in 2017. But, apparently, Karan Johar, who is the producer of the film, was not happy with the final product and wanted to re-shoot certain portions. The film will now release in June this year and Sushant is excited to see how the audience will react to the film.

Actors want each film of theirs to release. We all look forward to our films. You get to learn from each and every film, says the actor and adds that there is honesty in the film but one can never be sure how the audience will view the film.

I never see the monitor when I am shooting. I watch the film for the first time when it comes out, says Sushant and adds, if I have to promote the film, I promise them (audience) that if they like the trailer, come and watch the film. I am telling them that the film is equally good and is, in fact, better than the trailer.

The actor says that his promises are not hollow as there is a sense of responsibility and he wouldn't want to let anyone down as people won't trust him again.

If I have to have a long career, I will need good films to prove myself again and again. So, I wouldn't lie... I am looking forward to the film Drive and want to see how people will react to it, he says further.

Reportedly, Drive is the official remake of the 2011 Hollywood film of the same title starring Ryan Gosling and Carey Mulligan.Mobile phones should be banned from classrooms, with pupils to be lectured about the dangers of device dependency, the schools minister has said.

Nick Gibb said he had concerns about the impact that excessive phone use was having on children, and said the Government would introduce lessons for pupils on how to limit their screen time.

The Daily Mail also reported that parents will be told to limit childrens screen time to protect their health.

Speaking to The Times, Mr Gibb said: Schools obviously are free to set their own behaviour policies but my own view is that schools should ban mobile telephones and smartphones inside school, and particularly inside classrooms.

I believe very strongly that children should be limiting their own use at home.

Every hour spent online and on a smartphone is an hour less talking to family, and its an hour less exercise and its an hour less sleep.

Mr Gibb has concerns about screen time (Lauren Hurley/PA)

And of course it is a lack of sleep that research is showing can have a damaging effect on a childs mental health.

The Daily Mail reported that children will be told to break off at least every two hours and avoid social media before bedtime, according to guidance being drawn up by chief medical officer Dame Sally Davies.

The Department of Health and Social Care said Dame Sallys commentary and advice for parents is still being finalised.

Meanwhile, the National Association of Head Teachers warned banning phones in schools outright could make tackling the associated problems harder.

Outright banning mobile phones can cause more problems than it solves, driving phone use underground and making problems less visible and obvious for schools to tackle, said the associations senior policy adviser, Sarah Hannafin.

Ultimately, schools work to prepare young people for the outside world, giving them the awareness and strategies to responsibly monitor their own screen use and the ability to identify and deal with any negative impacts or problematic content they encounter.

The UK would be following in the footsteps of European counterparts if schools were to introduce a ban on phones, with French pupils being told to leave their smartphones at home when they returned from their summer holidays last year.

Mr Gibb is the latest figure in education to support such a move, with former Ofsted head Sir Michael Wilshaw saying devices were disrupting lessons.

Teachers have also complained about pupils being distracted or using the phones to take upskirt images of staff in the classroom.

Speaking at the Festival of Education at Wellington College last summer, Sir Michael said that any sensible head would ban mobile phones.

Its interesting that President Macron is now bringing in legislation in France to ban mobile phones in state schools in France. We should do the same here.

Its far too distracting for children having mobile phones. Texting, sexting, all this takes place. Mobile phones go off in classrooms, disrupting lessons. Ban them.

If children want to use a phone in an emergency they can use the school phone.

A subsequent study conducted by researchers at Rutgers University in the United States concluded that students scored the equivalent of half a grade less in end-of-term tests if they were allowed to use their devices for non-academic reasons in their classes.CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) - Opposition leader Juan Guaido's calls for Venezuelans to abandon Nicolas Maduro's government are booming across the world outside, but the self-declared interim president is having a harder time delivering his message at home.

Watchdog groups in Venezuela and abroad say Guaido's efforts to reach citizens via the internet have been hindered by the dominant provider - state-run CANTV - in a country where critical newspapers and broadcast media already have been muzzled.

Since Jan. 23, when Guaido proclaimed himself interim president and when protests against Maduro's rule broke out, CANTV has blocked access to social media sites at least four times, according to the monitoring groups.

Those disruptions have coincided with politically significant events, including a rally attended by thousands of people last week and a Jan. 27 night speech that Guaido livestreamed on Periscope to call for a new round of protests and urge members of the military to defect.

CANTV accounts for about 70 percent of Venezuela's fixed internet connections and 50 percent of mobile, and Netblocks, a non-government group based in Europe that monitors internet censorship, found that the government provider blocked Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube during 12 of the 13 minutes that Guaido's speech lasted, so the stream could only be seen without interruptions by people using privately run internet providers.

The organization runs tests from its headquarters with software that captures evidence of connection failures. It also has designed a scanner app that volunteers in affected countries can use to run tests from their own phones or computers.

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido, who has declared himself the interim president of Venezuela, speaks to supporters at a nationwide demonstration demanding the resignation of President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Flanked by his wife Fabiana Rosales, Guaido said humanitarian assistance will begin flowing into the crisis-wracked country within the next few days, despite the objections of President Nicolas Maduro. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd)

"We built tools that could diagnose the problems and differentiate between overload disruptions and actual blocking," said Netblocks director Alp Toker.

VESinFiltro, a Venezuelan internet monitoring group that uses technology developed by the Open Observatory for Network Interference, published similar findings on the Guaido speech.

Rights groups say the targeted disruptions show that methods to silence critics are becoming increasingly sophisticated in Venezuela, where internet providers have been hindering access to news sites and illegal currency exchange sites since 2014.

VESinFiltro director Andres Azpurua said that while internet providers previously restricted access to websites through a technique known as DNS blocking, methods have evolved to allow just-in-time disruptions during different stages of a computer's connection to websites, making it harder for site administrators to evade.

He also said other civil liberties advocates have been urging Venezuelans to try to avoid blockages by using virtual private network software that encrypt data and often hide the origin of a connection, and he said use of VPNs has increased over time.

A study by Venezuela's Press and Society Institute found that 53 websites were partially blocked by internet providers in Venezuela last year, including an investigative news site and the website for one of the country's last remaining opposition newspapers. Analysts say that this year, Guaido's Wikipedia page and social media sites have suffered blocks.

"The previous modus operandi was to place long-term blocks on certain web addresses," Azpurua says. "But the most recent forms of blocking are more tactical. You can tell that someone is investing in the technology to do this." While some analysts have speculated the know-how could come from Russia, Toker points out that technology developed by Western countries to block sites run by terrorist groups can also be reconfigured to block other sites.

Social media include some of the few platforms where Guaido can still be seen by Venezuelans. Local television and radio stations, fearful of government sanctions, have generally refrained from airing opposition rallies for years and avoid interviews with Guaido. A nationally broadcast radio program hosted by journalist Cesar Miguel Rondon was cancelled after it covered last week's turmoil and discussed Guaido's claim to Venezuela's presidency.

The opposition leader argues that Maduro's re-election in May was fraudulent and with no legitimate president, the constitution gives him power to be interim leader because he is head of the congress. The Trump administration and a dozen other countries have recognized Guaido as the country's rightful leader.

The Venezuelan government has previously ordered some internet news content to be blocked, claiming it is defamatory. It has also banned some news networks from cable systems, arguing they violated communication laws.

Venezuela's telecoms regulator and the Ministry of Communication did not respond to requests for comment on the most recent blocks on social media sites.

Technical interference isn't the only problem for internet users in Venezuela, where social media are rife with campaigns of false information benefiting both the government and the opposition.

Twitter last week removed 1,900 accounts located in Venezuela as part of a broader purge of international accounts tied to misinformation campaigns.

Twitter's head of site integrity, Joel Roth, wrote that many of the deleted Venezuelan accounts appeared to be engaged in a "state-backed influence campaign targeting domestic audiences."

Mariengracia Chirino, a researcher at the Venezuelan Press and Society Institute, said that access to information is also hampered by Venezuela's low bandwidth, as telecommunications infrastructure crumbles in the economically struggling nation.

The average connection speed in Venezuela is 1.8 mpbs, which is less than half the average speed in Latin American countries. Chirino said that her organization conducted tests during the Jan. 23 protests that found connection speeds dropping to an average rate of 0.9 mbps, making it difficult to share videos.

"During the protests, we also registered temporary blocks on Google sites like Gmail and YouTube," Chirino said.

Anti-government protesters take part in a demonstration demanding the resignation of President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Momentum is growing for Venezuela's opposition movement led by self-declared interim president Juan Guaido, who has called supporters back into the streets for nationwide protests Saturday, escalating pressure on Maduro to step down. (AP Photo/Juan Carlos Hernandez)

A man holds a painting depicting President Nicolas Maduro and the late President Hugo Chavez, at a pro-government rally in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Maduro called the rally to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Chavez's rise to power. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)

An anti-government protester, holding a Venezuelan national flag with a message that reads in Spanish: "For my children and for my grandchildren" cheers during a demonstration demanding the resignation of President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Momentum is growing for Venezuela's opposition movement led by self-declared interim president Juan Guaido, who has called supporters back into the streets for nationwide protests Saturday, escalating pressure on Maduro to step down. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd)SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador (AP) - A former mayor of El Salvador's capital romped to victory in Sunday's presidential election, winning more votes than his two closest rivals combined to end a quarter century of two-party dominance in the crime-plagued Central America nation.

The Supreme Electoral Court declared Nayib Bukele the winner, saying he had nearly 54 percent of the votes, with nearly 90 percent of ballots counted. Carlos Callejas of the Nationalist Republican Alliance was far behind in second with less than 32 percent, while even farther back were former Foreign Minister Hugo Martinez of the Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front and a minor party candidate.

Bukele surpassed the 50 percent of the votes needed to avoid a March runoff, and he had already claimed victory before a jubilant crowd in the capital and invited supporters to celebrate in the streets.

"We have full certainty that we have won the presidency, and we have won in the first round," Bukele said.

All four candidates promised to end corruption, stamp out gang violence and create more jobs, with crushing crime at the top of the agenda. Roughly 67,000 Salvadorans belong to gangs that terrorize their communities with extortion, murder and other forms of violence.

The candidates proposed creating economic opportunities and restoring social values to dissuade Salvadorans from engaging in criminal behavior.

Supporters of the Grand National Alliance for Unity cheer for their presidential candidate Nayib Bukele in San Salvador, El Salvador, Feb. 3, 2019. Bukele, a former mayor of El Salvador's capital, was making a strong run Sunday to end a quarter century of two-party dominance in the crime-plagued Central American nation. (AP Photo/Moises Castillo)

There were no reports of major problems in voting.

Bukele, 37, made his political debut in 2012 as a small-town mayor with the now-ruling FMLN and won election in the capital three years later, automatically making him a potential presidential contender. But his frequent criticism of the leftist party's leadership led to his expulsion, and he wound up as the unlikely standard-bearer of a small conservative party known as the Grand Alliance for National Unity, whose initials - GANA - mean "win" in Spanish.

The FMLN and the conservative Alliance, known as ARENA, have dominated Salvadoran politics since a 1992 peace deal that ended a brutal civil war. But both parties have been stained by corruption scandals and neither has been able to stem gang violence.

"I came to vote because I want the country to change, because we are tired of so much corruption," said Estela Henriquez, 27, at a polling place in the capital.

More than 4,500 election observers, including representatives of the Organization of American States and the European Union, were on hand.

El Salvador is small both in size and population, with just 6.5 million people. Close to a third of its households live in poverty, while the World Bank says per capita income is $3,560.

Salvadorans searching for a better life have joined recent caravans of migrants trekking through Mexico toward the U.S.

Presidential hopeful Nayib Bukele and his wife Gabriela gesture at a polling station as they are surrounded by the press while voting in the presidential election in San Salvador, El Salvador, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019. The former mayor of El Salvador's capital was making a strong run Sunday to end a quarter century of two-party dominance in the crime-plagued Central American nation. (AP Photo/Moises Castillo)

Supporters of the Grand National Alliance for Unity cheer for their presidential candidate Nayib Bukele in San Salvador, El Salvador, Feb. 3, 2019. Bukele, a former mayor of El Salvador's capital, was making a strong run Sunday to end a quarter century of two-party dominance in the crime-plagued Central American nation. (AP Photo/Moises Castillo)

Polling officials count ballots shortly after voting ended during presidential election in San Salvador, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019. Nayib Bukele, a former mayor of El Salvador's capital, was making a strong run Sunday to end a quarter century of two-party dominance in the crime-plagued Central American nation. (AP Photo/Salvador Melendez)

An election volunteer helps a woman in a wheelchair reach her voting table during the presidential election in San Salvador, El Salvador, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019. Salvadorans are choosing from among a handful of presidential candidates all promising to end corruption, stamp out gang violence and create more jobs in the Central American nation. (AP Photo/Salvador Melendez)

A man casts his vote during the presidential election at a polling station in San Salvador, El Salvador, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019. Salvadorans are choosing from among a handful of presidential candidates all promising to end corruption, stamp out gang violence and create more jobs in the Central American nation. (AP Photo/Moises Castillo)

Nun Zoila Hernandez shows her fingers to electoral authorities prior to voting during the presidential election at a polling station in San Salvador, El Salvador, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019. Salvadorans are choosing from among a handful of presidential candidates all promising to end corruption, stamp out gang violence and create more jobs in the Central American nation. (AP Photo/Moises Castillo)

Presidential hopeful Nayib Bukele waves as he leaves a polling station after casting his vote in the presidential election in San Salvador, El Salvador, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019. The former mayor of El Salvador's capital was making a strong run Sunday to end a quarter century of two-party dominance in the crime-plagued Central American nation. (AP Photo/Moises Castillo)

A man casts his vote during the presidential election at a polling station in San Salvador, El Salvador, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019. Salvadorans are choosing from among a handful of presidential candidates all promising to end corruption, stamp out gang violence and create more jobs in the Central American nation. (AP Photo/Moises Castillo)

Presidential candidate for the Alianza Republicana Nacionalista party (ARENA), Carlos Calleja, and his wife Andrea give a thumbs up to the press, showing their thumbs are inked which means they voted, during the presidential election in San Salvador, El Salvador, Feb. 3, 2019. Salvadorans are choosing from among a handful of presidential candidates all promising to end corruption, stamp out gang violence and create more jobs in the Central American nation. (AP Photo/Salvador Melendez)

A voter searches for his name on voter lists at a polling station during the presidential election in San Salvador, El Salvador, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019. Salvadorans are choosing from among a handful of presidential candidates all promising to end corruption, stamp out gang violence and create more jobs in the Central American nation. (AP Photo/Salvador Melendez)

A man receives his ballot during the presidential election at a polling station in San Salvador, El Salvador, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019. Salvadorans are choosing from among a handful of presidential candidates all promising to end corruption, stamp out gang violence and create more jobs in the Central American nation. (AP Photo/Moises Castillo)

A National Police agent casts his vote during the presidential election at a polling station in San Salvador, El Salvador, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019. Salvadorans are choosing from among a handful of presidential candidates all promising to end corruption, stamp out gang violence and create more jobs in the Central American nation. (AP Photo/Moises Castillo)

Presidential hopeful Nayib Bukele and his wife Gabriela greet supporters at a polling station where they are voting during the presidential election in San Salvador, El Salvador, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019. The former mayor of El Salvador's capital was making a strong run Sunday to end a quarter century of two-party dominance in the crime-plagued Central American nation. (AP Photo/Moises Castillo)

Presidential hopeful Nayib Bukele is surrounded by the press at a polling station during the presidential election in San Salvador, El Salvador, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019. The former mayor of El Salvador's capital was making a strong run Sunday to end a quarter century of two-party dominance in the crime-plagued Central American nation. (AP Photo/Salvador Melendez)RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Gov. Ralph Northam clung to office Sunday amid nearly unanimous calls from his own party to resign over a racist photo in his 1984 medical school yearbook, going silent after a bizarre 24 hours in which he first admitted he was in the picture, then denied it.

The Democrat's stunning about-face - at a weekend news conference where he also acknowledged putting on blackface for a dance contest decades ago and appeared to briefly entertain the notion of doing the Michael Jackson moonwalk for reporters - only seemed to make things worse.

The chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus declared that Northam "still does not understand the seriousness of his actions." The photo shows someone in blackface and another person in a Ku Klux Klan hood and robe.

"I think he's been completely dishonest and disingenuous," Rep. Karen Bass, D-California, said on NBC's "Meet the Press." ''He knew this picture was there, and he could've come clean and talked to African-Americans that he's close to decades ago."

Northam worshipped at his home church, the predominantly black First Baptist in Capeville, but otherwise kept out of sight on Sunday as calls intensified for him to step down.

A Northam official, who was not authorized to speak on the record, said the governor met Sunday evening with minority officials in his administration. It wasn't immediately known what was discussed and the official spoke on condition of anonymity.

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam pauses during a news conference in the Governor's Mansion in Richmond, Va., on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Northam is under fire for a racial photo that appeared in his college yearbook. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

Even if Northam doesn't resign, the scandal threatens to cripple his ability to govern. He has lost the support of virtually all of the state's Democratic establishment. Top Republicans in the Virginia General Assembly also urged Northam to step down, as did many declared and potential Democratic presidential candidates.

Virginia governors can be removed for "malfeasance in office, corruption, neglect of duty, or other high crime or misdemeanor" under the state constitution, but top Democrats said they don't believe it will come to that.

Former Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe predicted that Northam - who served as McAuliffe's lieutenant governor - will eventually leave office.

"Ralph will do the right thing for the Commonwealth of Virginia," McAuliffe said Sunday on CNN's "State of the Union."

Northam apologized on Friday for appearing in the photograph on his yearbook page. He did not say which costume he was wearing, but said he was "deeply sorry for the decision I made to appear as I did in this photo." On Saturday, though, the governor reversed course and said the picture "is definitely not me."

While talking with reporters, Northam admitted he once used shoe polish to put on blackface as part of a Michael Jackson costume for a 1984 dance contest in Texas, when he was in the Army. Northam said he regrets that he didn't understand "the harmful legacy of an action like that."

Asked by a reporter if he could still do Jackson's famous moonwalk, Northam looked at the floor as if thinking about demonstrating it. His wife put a stop to it, telling him, "Inappropriate circumstances."

His shifting explanations did little or nothing to sway prominent Democrats who had swiftly disowned him.

Both of Virginia's U.S. senators, Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, joined the dean of Virginia's congressional delegation, Rep. Bobby Scott, in saying they no longer believe Northam can serve effectively. James Ryan, president of the University of Virginia, said in a statement that it would be "exceedingly difficult" for Northam to continue serving.

If Northam does resign, Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax would become the second African-American governor in the state's history. He stopped short of calling for Northam's departure but said he "cannot condone actions" from Northam's past that "suggest a comfort with Virginia's darker history of white supremacy, racial stereotyping and intimidation."

McAuliffe faulted Northam's handling of the furor.

"If it wasn't him in the photo, he should've said that on Friday," McAuliffe said. "Instinctively, you know if you put black paint on your face. You know if you put a hood on. And so if it isn't you, you come out immediately and say, 'This is not me.'"

Ultimately, McAuliffe said, "It doesn't matter whether he was in the photo or not in the photo at this point. We have to close that chapter. We have to move Virginia forward."

One of the few voices backing Northam on Sunday was former Virginia Rep. Jim Moran, a Democrat who served in Congress from 1991 to 2015.

Moran told ABC's "This Week" that Northam's record - including his support of Medicaid expansion and of public schools in minority neighborhoods - shows that the embattled governor is a friend of African-Americans and that he should ride out the storm.

"I think it is a rush to judgment before we know all of the facts and before we've considered all of the consequences," said Moran, who is white. "I don't think these public shamings really get us all that much."

Northam, a pediatric neurologist who came to politics late in life, spent years courting the black community in the run-up to his 2017 race for governor.

He recently came under fire from Republicans who have accused him of backing infanticide after he said he supported a bill loosening restrictions on late-term abortions.

Late last month, Florida's secretary of state resigned after photos from a 2005 Halloween party showed him in blackface while dressed as a Hurricane Katrina victim.

____

Associated Press writer Ben Finley contributed to this report.

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam arrives for a news conference in the Governor's Mansion in Richmond, Va., on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Northam is under fire for a racial photo that appeared in his college yearbook. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, left, gestures as his wife, Pam, listens during a news conference in the Governors Mansion at the Capitol in Richmond, Va., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Northam is under fire for a racial photo that appeared in his college yearbook. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

This image shows Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam's page in his 1984 Eastern Virginia Medical School yearbook. The page shows a picture, at right, of a person in blackface and another wearing a Ku Klux Klan hood next to different pictures of the governor. It's unclear who the people in the picture are, but the rest of the page is filled with pictures of Northam and lists his undergraduate alma mater and other information about him. (Eastern Virginia Medical School via AP)

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, pauses during a news conference in the Governors Mansion at the Capitol in Richmond, Va., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Northam is under fire for a racial photo that appeared in his college yearbook. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

Demonstrators hold signs and chant outside the Governors office at the Capitol in Richmond, Va., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. The demonstrators are calling for the resignation of Virginia Governor Ralph Northam after a 30 year old photo of him on his medical school yearbook photo was widely distributed Friday. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax speaks during an interview in his office at the Capitol in Richmond, Va., on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Fairfax answered questions about the controversial photo in Gov. Ralph Northam's yearbook page. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

Demonstrators hold signs and chant outside the Governors office at the Capitol in Richmond, Va., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. The demonstrators are calling for the resignation of Virginia Governor Ralph Northam after a 30 year old photo of him on his medical school yearbook photo was widely distributed Friday. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

Demonstrators hold signs and chant outside the Governors Mansion at the Capitol in Richmond, Va., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. The demonstrators are calling for the resignation of Virginia Governor Ralph Northam after a 30 year old photo of him on his medical school yearbook photo was widely distributed Friday. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, left, accompanied by his wife, Pam, speaks during a news conference in the Governor's Mansion in Richmond, Va., on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Resisting widespread calls for his resignation, Northam on Saturday vowed to remain in office after disavowing a racist photograph that appeared under his name in his 1984 medical school yearbook. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

Demonstrators hold signs and chant outside the Governors Mansion at the Capitol in Richmond, Va., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. The demonstrators are calling for the resignation of Virginia Governor Ralph Northam after a 30 year old photo of him on his medical school yearbook photo was widely distributed Friday. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

Demonstrators hold signs and chant outside the Governors Mansion at the Capitol in Richmond, Va., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. The demonstrators are calling for the resignation of Gov. Ralph Northam after a 30 year old photo of him on his medical school yearbook photo was widely distributed Friday. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)BOISE, Idaho (AP) - A company has filed a lawsuit against Idaho State Police and Ada County after authorities seized nearly 7,000 pounds of cannabis from a truck headed to Colorado, the Idaho Statesman reported.

Authorities who stopped the truck said it was filled with marijuana, but Big Sky Scientific LLC, which was shipping the product to Colorado, said in the lawsuit that it's industrial hemp, which is now legal under the recently passed U.S. Farm Bill.

Hemp is a non-psychoactive cousin of marijuana. Both hemp and marijuana are cannabis plants.

Big Sky wants its product returned and wants an admission of wrongdoing from the Idaho authorities, according to the Idaho Statesman.

The truck's driver, Dennis Palamarchuk, 36, of Portland, Oregon, was arrested and charged with a felony.

The truck was stopped on Jan. 24 as part of a routine, random commercial vehicle safety inspection between Boise and Mountain Home, ISP spokesman Tim Marsano said. The driver's bill of lading - a document that details the cargo in the shipment - said the trailer was carrying 31 bags of hemp.

In this undated photo provided by Idaho State Police, authorities believe the leafy, green substance they found in a truck at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Boise Port of Entry in Boise, Idaho, is marijuana. A company has filed a lawsuit against Idaho State Police and Ada County after authorities seized nearly 7,000 pounds of cannabis from a truck on Jan. 24, 2019, headed to Colorado, the Idaho Statesman reported. The Idaho State Police has sent a sample of the product to a lab for testing. (Idaho State Police via AP)

Hemp and marijuana plants look and smell similar, but hemp plants typically contain less than 0.3 percent of THC - the psychoactive chemical in marijuana - while marijuana plants generally contain anywhere from 15 to 40 percent THC.

The plants also have different uses: Hemp can be used to produce a variety of products including food, industrial oil, paper, flour and clothing.

Marijuana plants are often grown for their THC content, and are legal in Oregon, Washington, Colorado, California and several other states but are illegal in Idaho.

The trooper detected a strong odor of marijuana during the inspection and opened one of the bags and performed a field test, Marsano said.

The test showed the plant to be a marijuana plant, and a subsequent team of K9 drug-detection dogs that arrived also indicated that marijuana was present, he said.

Marsano could not say how low of a THC content will generate a positive result by the field tests or whether the dogs were trained to differentiate between marijuana and hemp.

Still, he said transporting anything containing THC is a chargeable offense in Idaho.

Testing on the plant matter is being expedited, Marsano told the newspaper Friday.

___

Information from: Idaho Statesman, http://www.idahostatesman.com

In this Jan. 24, 2019, photo provided by Idaho State Police authorities seized nearly 7,000 pounds of cannabis from a truck headed to Colorado that was stopped for a random, routine commercial safety vehicle inspection between Boise and Mountain Home, Idaho. Authorities who stopped the truck said it was filled with marijuana, but Big Sky Scientific LLC, which was shipping the product to Colorado, said in the lawsuit that it's industrial hemp, which is now legal under the recently passed U.S. Farm Bill. The Idaho State Police has sent a sample of the product to a lab for testing. (Idaho State Police via AP)LOS ANGELES (AP) - The second in a string of powerful storms battered California on Saturday, shutting key highways after water and mud rushed into lanes from bare hillsides in wildfire burn areas where thousands of residents were under evacuation orders.

Flash flood warnings were issued for huge swaths of Southern California and forecasters said the system brought more than 4 inches (10 centimeters) of rain at lower elevations and several feet of snow in the mountains, where whiteout conditions closed roads.

A wind gust in Santa Barbara County topped 80 mph (128 kph) as the storm moved south and at one point dropped more than a half-inch (1.27 centimeters) of rain in five minutes. Trees and power lines were down across the region.

In Malibu, where the Woolsey fire last year destroyed homes and burned hillsides bare, officials closed Pacific Coast Highway and many other roadways after mud carried trees and rocks into lanes. Residents whose homes survived the flames barricaded their properties with sandbags to protect their properties from floodwaters.

Carol Cavella was evacuated during the November fire and again Saturday when the creek behind her house threatened to overflow and inundate her backyard.

The 86-year-old put her cat in the car and drove to a coffee shop on higher ground, her son-in-law, Warren Bowman said.

Law enforcement and other emergency personnel salute at the scene of a fatal accident where a volunteer member of the Ventura County search and rescue team was killed along Interstate Highway 5 south of Pyramid Lake, Calif. Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. The second in a string of powerful storms is battering California, bringing down trees, flooding roadways and prompting evacuations in wildfire burn areas where intense downpours could loosen bare hillsides and cause mudslides. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

"She does not scare easily, but she got a little scared watching that water rise," Bowman said. He was trying to convince her to come to his house in Los Angeles but she said she'd rather wait to see if the waters recede and she can return home.

The California Department of Transportation said Saturday night in a tweet that the both the northbound southbound lanes of U.S. 101, a vital route between Los Angeles and points north and west, have been reopened. Earlier Saturday, in the Montecito area of Santa Barbara County, several miles of U.S 101 were closed because of flooding.

Elsewhere in the county, evacuations were ordered or recommended for neighborhoods near the Thomas, Whittier and Sherpa fire scars.

"This is a dangerous situation," the National Weather Service said, warning that the high rates of rain could send boulders sluicing down denuded hillsides along with the mud and debris.

It has only been a little over a year since a downpour on the huge Thomas Fire burn scar unleashed a massive debris flow that destroyed or damaged hundreds of homes in the seaside community of Montecito. The disaster killed 21 people, and two others have never been found.

Rescue crews scrambled Saturday to pluck motorists from cars caught in rising waters, said Mike Eliason, a spokesman for the Santa Barbara County Fire Department. He urged drivers who come upon flooded intersections to find alternate routes.

"Turn around. Driving through is going to be a costly error in judgment," he said. "It's just not worth it."

Multiple accidents were reported on slick highways, including a crash on Interstate 5 that killed a volunteer member of a sheriff's search and rescue team, and injured several others.

The team from Ventura County was on its way to a training exercise when members stopped to help at the scene of a single-vehicle rollover crash.

A minivan carrying a family was traveling too fast for the wet conditions, lost control and plowed into members of the team, Los Angeles County fire Capt. Tony Imbrenda said. Nine people were transported to hospitals, including three members of the team. The victim, Jeff Dye, was a volunteer with the Fillmore Mountain Search and Rescue Team, the sheriff's department said.

"This is a very unfortunate situation that could've been avoided," Imbrenda said, warning motorists to slow down in the rain.

In the Holy Jim fire area southeast of Los Angeles, where an August blaze scoured tens of thousands of acres in the Cleveland National Forest, volunteers using heavy equipment removed debris and deepened a creek bed to help prevent flooding.

The National Park Service warned visitors to Yosemite National Park of possible road closures and advised drivers to bring tire chains in the event of snow or icy conditions.

Winter storm warnings were in place for the Sierra Nevada along with avalanche warnings on the Nevada side of the range. The Sierra is already loaded with snow from a series of storms in January. The weather service said areas could see accumulations of up to 10 feet (3 meters) over the next few days.

The weather service lifted flash-flood watches for areas burned by the Mendocino Complex, Camp and Carr wildfires in Northern California. About an inch (2.5 centimeters) of rain was recorded in the San Francisco Bay Area before the storm moved south early Saturday.

A weaker storm soaked much of the state on Thursday Two cold weather systems will follow on Sunday and Monday, bringing additional widespread showers and snow, forecasters said.

___

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The body of a volunteer member of the Ventura County search and rescue team is carried past an overturned vehicle after an accident along Interstate Highway 5 south of Pyramid Lake, Calif. Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. The second in a string of powerful storms is battering California, bringing down trees, flooding roadways and prompting evacuations in wildfire burn areas where intense downpours could loosen bare hillsides and cause mudslides. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

In this Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019, photo released by Santa Barbara County Fire, Santa Barbara County firefighters survey the scene of a large eucalyptus tree that fell into a two-story apartment complex on Bolton Walk in Goleta, Calif. Multiple trees have toppled and wires have come down throughout the county as a result of this latest storm. A wind gust in Santa Barbara County topped 80 mph (128 kph) as the storm moved south and later dropped more than a half-inch (1.27 centimeters) of rain in five minutes. (Mike Eliason/Santa Barbara County Fire via AP)

In this Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019, photo released by Santa Barbara County Fire, a large stone pine tree believed to be 100-years-old came down into this Santa Barbara, Calif., home during Saturday's powerful winter storm. A wind gust in Santa Barbara County topped 80 mph (128 kph) as the storm moved south and later dropped more than a half-inch (1.27 centimeters) of rain in five minutes. (Mike Eliason/Santa Barbara County Fire via AP)

In this Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019, photo released by Santa Barbara County Fire, the San Pedro Creek flows under Hollister Ave. near Fairview Ave. in Goleta, Calif. The second in a string of powerful storms battered California on Saturday, shutting a key highway after water and mud rushed into lanes from bare hillsides in wildfire burn areas that are under mandatory evacuation orders. (Mike Eliason/Santa Barbara County Fire via AP)

In this Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019, photo released by Santa Barbara County Fire, a California Highway Patrol Officer walks in the northbound U.S. 101 in Montecito, Calif., where the nearby San Ysidro Creek has overflowed and flooded the highway. In the Montecito area of Santa Barbara County, several miles of U.S 101, a vital route between Los Angeles and points north and west, were closed because of flooding. (Mike Eliason/Santa Barbara County Fire via AP)

In this Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019, photo released by Santa Barbara County Fire, a Caltrans worker stands in the northbound U.S 101, where the nearby Romero Creek has overflowed and flooded in the Montecito area of Santa Barbara County, Calif. Several miles of U.S. 101, a vital route between Los Angeles and points north and west, were closed because of flooding. (Mike Eliason/Santa Barbara County Fire via AP)

Vehicles make their way through flooded streets of Panorama City section of the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Flash flood warnings were issued for vast swaths of Southern California and forecasters said the system will bring several inches of rain at lower elevations and heavy snow in the mountains. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)

The flag-draped body of a volunteer member with the Ventura County search and rescue team, killed in a traffic accident, is loaded onto a coroner van as law enforcement personnel salute along Interstate Highway 5 south of Pyramid Lake, Calif. Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. The second in a string of powerful storms is battering California, bringing down trees, flooding roadways and prompting evacuations in wildfire burn areas where intense downpours could loosen bare hillsides and cause mudslides. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

Emergency personnel huddle around the body of a volunteer member of the Ventura County search and rescue team, killed in a traffic accident along Interstate Highway 5 south of Pyramid Lake, Calif. Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. The second in a string of powerful storms is battering California, bringing down trees, flooding roadways and prompting evacuations in wildfire burn areas where intense downpours could loosen bare hillsides and cause mudslides. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

An overturned vehicle is seen at a scene of a fatal accident, where a volunteer member of the Ventura County search and rescue team was killed, along Interstate Highway 5 south of Pyramid Lake, Calif. Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. The second in a string of powerful storms is battering California, bringing down trees, flooding roadways and prompting evacuations in wildfire burn areas where intense downpours could loosen bare hillsides and cause mudslides. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

Emergency personnel huddle around the body of volunteer member of the Ventura County search and rescue team, killed in a traffic accident, along interstate highway 5 south of Pyramid Lake, Calif. Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. The second in a string of powerful storms is battering California, bringing down trees, flooding roadways and prompting evacuations in wildfire burn areas where intense downpours could loosen bare hillsides and cause mudslides. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

A pick up truck makes it way through flooded streets of Panorama City section of the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Flash flood warnings were issued for vast swaths of Southern California and forecasters said the system will bring several inches of rain at lower elevations and heavy snow in the mountains. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)SAN DIEGO (AP) - The Trump administration says it would require extraordinary effort to reunite what may be thousands of migrant children who have been separated from their parents and, even if it could, the children would likely be emotionally harmed.

Jonathan White, who leads the Health and Human Services Department's efforts to reunite migrant children with their parents, said removing children from "sponsor" homes to rejoin their parents "would present grave child welfare concerns." He said the government should focus on reuniting children currently in its custody, not those who have already been released to sponsors.

"It would destabilize the permanency of their existing home environment, and could be traumatic to the children," White said in a court filing late Friday, citing his years of experience working with unaccompanied migrant children and background as a social worker.

The administration outlined its position in a court-ordered response to a government watchdog report last month that found many more migrant children may have been split from their families than previously reported. The government didn't adequately track separated children before a federal judge in San Diego ruled in June that children in its custody be reunited with their parents.

It is unknown how many families were split under a longstanding policy that allows separation under certain circumstances, such as serious criminal charges against a parent, concerns over the health and welfare of a child or medical concerns.

Ann Maxwell, Health and Human Services' assistant inspector general for evaluations, said last month that the number of separated children was certainly larger than the 2,737 listed by the government in court documents. The department's inspector general report didn't have a precise count, but Maxwell said staff estimated it to be in the thousands.

FILE - In this Tuesday July 15, 2014, file photo, an Immigrant who was detained at the border is held inside the McAllen Border Patrol Station in McAllen, Texas, in an area for juveniles 14 and under. The Trump administration says it would require extraordinary effort to reunite what may be thousands of migrant children who were separated from their parents and, even if it could, the children would likely be emotionally harmed. The position outlined in a court-ordered response to a government watchdog report on a practice that drew widespread criticism last year. (Rick Loomis/Los Angeles Times via AP, Pool, File)

The American Civil Liberties Union, which wants U.S. District Judge Dana Sabraw's order to apply to children who were released to sponsors before his June 26 ruling, criticized the government's position. A hearing is scheduled Feb. 21.

"The Trump administration's response is a shocking concession that it can't easily find thousands of children it ripped from parents, and doesn't even think it's worth the time to locate each of them," said Lee Gelernt, the lead ACLU attorney.

Last spring, then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions said anyone crossing the border illegally would be criminally prosecuted, leading to widespread family separations. President Donald Trump retreated amid an international outcry, days before the San Diego judge ordered that families be reunited

Jallyn Sualog, deputy director of Health and Human Services' Office of Refugee Resettlement, said in Friday's filing that it would take up to eight hours to review each of its 47,083 cases between July 1, 2017, and Sabraw's June order, which translates to 100 employees working up to 471 days. Such an assignment would "substantially imperil" operations without a "rapid, dramatic expansion" in staffing.

The vast majority of children are released to relatives, but many of them are not parents. Of children released to sponsors in the 2017 fiscal year, 49 percent went to parents, 41 percent to close relatives like an aunt, uncle, grandparent or adult sibling and 10 percent to distant relatives, family friends and others.

Sualog, echoing White's concerns, said the government would lack legal authority to take children from their sponsors and "doing so would be so disruptive and harmful to the child."

"Disrupting the family relationship is not a recommended child welfare practice," Sualog wrote.

Evelyn Stauffer, a Health and Human Services spokeswoman, said Saturday that the department does not comment on ongoing litigation.

FILE - In this Jan. 3, 2019, file photo, a migrant from Honduras passes a child to her father after he jumped the border fence to get into the U.S. side to San Diego, Calif., from Tijuana, Mexico. The Trump administration says it would require extraordinary effort to reunite what may be thousands of migrant children who have been separated from their parents and, even if it could, the children would likely be emotionally harmed. (AP Photo/Daniel Ochoa de Olza, File)

FILE - In this Dec. 11, 2018 file photo, an asylum-seeking boy from Central America runs down a hallway after arriving from an immigration detention center to a shelter in San Diego. The Trump administration says it would require extraordinary effort to reunite what may be thousands of migrant children who were separated from their parents and, even if it could, the children would likely be emotionally harmed. An official says removing children from "sponsor" homes to rejoin their parents "could be traumatic." (AP Photo/Gregory Bull, File)RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Resisting widespread calls for his resignation, Virginia's embattled governor on Saturday pledged to remain in office after disavowing a blatantly racist photograph that appeared under his name in his 1984 medical school yearbook.

In a tumultuous 24 hours, Gov. Ralph Northam on Friday apologized for appearing in a photograph that featured what appeared to be a man in blackface and a second person cloaked in Ku Klux Klan garb. In a video posted on Twitter, he said he could not "undo the harm my behavior caused then and today."

But by Saturday, he reversed course and said the racist photo on his yearbook profile page did not feature him after all. The governor said he had not seen the photo before Friday, since he had not purchased the commemorative book or been involved in its preparation more than three decades ago.

"It has taken time for me to make sure that it's not me, but I am convinced, I am convinced that I am not in that picture," he told reporters gathered at the Executive Mansion in Richmond, calling the shot offensive and horrific.

While talking with reporters, Northam admitted that he had previously worn blackface around that time, saying he once had used shoe polish to darken his face as part of a Michael Jackson costume he fashioned for a 1984 dance contest in San Antonio, Texas, when he was in the U.S. Army. Northam said he regrets that he didn't understand "the harmful legacy of an action like that."

His refusal to step down could signal a potentially long and bruising fight between Northam and his former supporters, which includes virtually all of the state's Democratic establishment.

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, left, gestures as his wife, Pam, listens during a news conference in the Governors Mansion at the Capitol in Richmond, Va., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Northam is under fire for a racial photo that appeared in his college yearbook. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

After he spoke, both of Virginia's U.S. senators said they called Northam to tell him that he must resign. In a joint statement Saturday night, Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine and the dean of Virginia's congressional delegation, Rep. Bobby Scott, said the recent events "have inflicted immense pain and irrevocably broken the trust Virginians must have in their leaders."

Since Friday, groups calling for his resignation included the Virginia Democratic Party and the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus. Virginia Attorney General Mark R. Herring, a Democrat, and top Republicans in the Virginia General Assembly also urged Northam to resign, as have many declared and potential Democratic presidential candidates.

"He is no longer the best person to lead our state," the Virginia Senate Democratic Caucus said in a statement.

If Northam does resign, Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax would become the second African-American governor in the state's history. In a statement, Fairfax said the state needs leaders who can unite people, but he stopped short of calling for Northam's departure. Referring to Northam, Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax said he "cannot condone actions from his past" that at least "suggest a comfort with Virginia's darker history of white supremacy, racial stereotyping and intimidation."

Northam conceded Saturday that people might have difficulty believing his shifting statements.

He was pushed repeatedly by reporters to explain why he issued an apology Friday if he wasn't in the photograph.

"My first intention ... was to reach out and apologize," he said, adding that he recognized that people would be offended by the photo. But after studying the picture and consulting with classmates, Northam said, "I am convinced that is not my picture."

Walt Broadnax, one of two black students who graduated from Eastern Virginia Medical School with Northam, said by phone Saturday he also didn't buy the class's 1984 yearbook or see it until decades after it was published.

Broadnax defended his former classmate and said he's not a racist, adding that the school would not have tolerated someone going to a party in blackface.

The yearbook images were first published Friday afternoon by the conservative news outlet Big League Politics. An Associated Press reporter later saw the yearbook page and confirmed its authenticity at the medical school.

In an initial apology about the photograph on Friday, Northam had admitted to being in the photograph but did not say which of the two costumes he had worn.

That evening, he issued a video statement saying he was "deeply sorry" but still committed to serving the "remainder of my term." Northam's term is set to end in 2022.

The scars from centuries of racial oppression are still raw in a state that was once home to the capital of the Confederacy.

Virginians continue to struggle with the state's legacy of slavery, Jim Crow and Massive Resistance, the anti-school segregation push. Heated debates about the Confederate statues are ongoing after a deadly 2017 white nationalist rally in Charlottesville. A state holiday honoring Confederate Generals Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson is a perennial source of discontent.

Northam spent years actively courting the black community in the lead-up to his 2017 gubernatorial run, building relationships that helped him win both the primary and the general election. He's a member of a predominantly black church on Virginia's Eastern Shore, where he grew up.

"It's a matter of relationships and trust. That's not something that you build overnight," Northam told the AP during a 2017 campaign stop while describing his relationship with the black community.

Northam, a folksy pediatric neurologist who is personal friends with many lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, has recently come under fire from Republicans who have accused him of backing infanticide after he said he supported a bill loosening restrictions on late-term abortions.

In a tweet late Saturday, President Donald Trump called Northam's actions related to the photo and abortion debate "unforgiveable!"

Last week, Florida's secretary of state resigned after photos from a 2005 Halloween party showed him in blackface while dressed as a Hurricane Katrina victim.

____

Associated Press writer Ben Finley contributed to this report.

This image shows Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam's page in his 1984 Eastern Virginia Medical School yearbook. The page shows a picture, at right, of a person in blackface and another wearing a Ku Klux Klan hood next to different pictures of the governor. It's unclear who the people in the picture are, but the rest of the page is filled with pictures of Northam and lists his undergraduate alma mater and other information about him. (Eastern Virginia Medical School via AP)

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, pauses during a news conference in the Governors Mansion at the Capitol in Richmond, Va., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Northam is under fire for a racial photo that appeared in his college yearbook. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

Demonstrators hold signs and chant outside the Governors office at the Capitol in Richmond, Va., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. The demonstrators are calling for the resignation of Virginia Governor Ralph Northam after a 30 year old photo of him on his medical school yearbook photo was widely distributed Friday. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax speaks during an interview in his office at the Capitol in Richmond, Va., on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Fairfax answered questions about the controversial photo in Gov. Ralph Northam's yearbook page. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

Demonstrators hold signs and chant outside the Governors office at the Capitol in Richmond, Va., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. The demonstrators are calling for the resignation of Virginia Governor Ralph Northam after a 30 year old photo of him on his medical school yearbook photo was widely distributed Friday. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

Demonstrators hold signs and chant outside the Governors Mansion at the Capitol in Richmond, Va., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. The demonstrators are calling for the resignation of Virginia Governor Ralph Northam after a 30 year old photo of him on his medical school yearbook photo was widely distributed Friday. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, left, accompanied by his wife, Pam, speaks during a news conference in the Governor's Mansion in Richmond, Va., on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Resisting widespread calls for his resignation, Northam on Saturday vowed to remain in office after disavowing a racist photograph that appeared under his name in his 1984 medical school yearbook. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

Demonstrators hold signs and chant outside the Governors Mansion at the Capitol in Richmond, Va., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. The demonstrators are calling for the resignation of Virginia Governor Ralph Northam after a 30 year old photo of him on his medical school yearbook photo was widely distributed Friday. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

Demonstrators hold signs and chant outside the Governors Mansion at the Capitol in Richmond, Va., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. The demonstrators are calling for the resignation of Gov. Ralph Northam after a 30 year old photo of him on his medical school yearbook photo was widely distributed Friday. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam prepares to address a news conference at the Capitol in Richmond, Va., Thursday, Jan. 31, 2019. Northam made a statement and answered questions about the late term abortion bill that was killed in committee. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax speaks during an interview in his office at the Capitol in Richmond, Va., on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Fairfax answered questions about the controversial photo in Gov. Ralph Northam's yearbook page. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam speaks during a news conference in the Governor's Mansion in Richmond, Va., on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Northam is under fire for a racial photo that appeared in his college yearbook. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam arrives for a news conference in the Governor's Mansion in Richmond, Va., on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Northam is under fire for a racial photo that appeared in his college yearbook. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, with his wife Pam at his side, speaks at a press conference in the Executive Mansion at the Capitol in Richmond, Va., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Northam is under fire for a racial photo that appeared in his college yearbook. (Steve Earley/The Virginian-Pilot via AP)

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, with his wife Pam at his side, listens during a press conference in the Executive Mansion on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Northam is under fire for a racial photo that appeared in his college yearbook. (Steve Earley/The Virginian-Pilot via AP)

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, left, with his wife Pam at his side, speaks during a press conference in the Executive Mansion on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Northam is under fire for a racial photo that appeared in his college yearbook. (Steve Earley/The Virginian-Pilot via AP)

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, left, gestures as his wife, Pam, listens during a news conference in the Governors Mansion at the Capitol in Richmond, Va., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Northam is under fire for a racial photo the appeared in his college yearbook. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, left, accompanied by his wife, Pam, speaks during a news conference in the Governor's Mansion in Richmond, Va., on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Northam is under fire for a racial photo that appeared in his college yearbook. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax speaks during an interview in his office at the Capitol in Richmond, Va., on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Fairfax answered questions about the controversial photo in Gov. Ralph Northam's yearbook page. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam pauses during a news conference in the Governor's Mansion in Richmond, Va., on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Northam is under fire for a racial photo that appeared in his college yearbook. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam pauses during a news conference in the Governor's Mansion in Richmond, Va., on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Resisting widespread calls for his resignation, Northam on Saturday vowed to remain in office after disavowing a racist photograph that appeared under his name in his 1984 medical school yearbook. (Bob Brown/Richmond Times-Dispatch via AP)

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam talks about putting shoe polish on his face and dressing as Michael Jackson for a dance contest when he was younger as he spoke during a news conference in the Governor's Mansion in Richmond, Va., on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Resisting widespread calls for his resignation, Northam on Saturday vowed to remain in office after disavowing a racist photograph that appeared under his name in his 1984 medical school yearbook. (Bob Brown/Richmond Times-Dispatch via AP)

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam pauses during a news conference in the Governor's Mansion in Richmond, Va., on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Resisting widespread calls for his resignation, Northam on Saturday vowed to remain in office after disavowing a racist photograph that appeared under his name in his 1984 medical school yearbook. (Bob Brown/Richmond Times-Dispatch via AP)ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) - An officer from the Transportation Security Administration jumped to his death from a balcony inside Florida's busiest airport Saturday, creating panic that brought some security checkpoints to a halt for hours, grounded flights and caused serious delays.

Panicked passengers rushed past checkpoints leading to about half of the gates at Orlando International Airport after the man jumped, resulting in checkpoint closures for up to three hours and some flight cancelations.

"At no point were passengers in any danger," airport officials said in a statement.

Those affected by the stoppage included Alaska, Air Canada, Delta and Southwest airlines.

By Saturday afternoon, Southwest Airlines had cancelled 49 inbound flights and 45 outbound flights, according to the airport.

"This is a peak travel time on Saturdays and two of our busiest airlines were affected, Southwest and Delta, so a couple of thousand passengers may have been affected," Carolyn Fennell, the airport's senior director of public affairs, said in an email.

People wait to get through security at the Orlando International Airport following a security incident on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Passengers on shuttles to gates at Florida's busiest airport had to be brought back for a second screening, bringing security checkpoints to a temporary standstill. A spokeswoman for Orlando International Airport told television station WKMG on Saturday that the passengers were returned in "an abundance of caution" after some passengers may have gotten through the checkpoints without being screened property. (Jonathan Hayward/The Canadian Press via AP)

The TSA officer, in his 40s, died from an apparent suicide, according to the Orlando Police Department, which described it as an isolated incident.

"Our hearts are with the TSA family during this very difficult time," the department tweeted.

The man jumped from a hotel balcony inside the airport into the atrium where passengers wait to get through security.

The officer was pronounced dead after being taken to a hospital, according to the police.

The airport tweeted that passengers who rushed past checkpoints were returned for a second examination out of an abundance of caution. Two airside terminals were closed to passengers during a security sweep, and all flights to and from the affected gates were stopped until security measures were reinstated, according to the airport.

"We ask that you have patience with airport personnel as they work through this tragic incident," the Orlando Police Department tweeted.

Rep. Darren Soto, D-Fla., noted in a tweet that the officer's death comes after TSA employees struggled through a partial government shutdown. Along with other government workers, TSA officers worked without pay during the 35-day shutdown.

"Our @TSA Officers have already suffered so much during the #GovernmentShutdown," Soto tweeted. "This apparent suicide only adds to tragedy experienced at Orlando Int'l."

___

Follow Mike Schneider on Twitter at https://twitter.com/MikeSchneiderAP

People wait to get through security at the Orlando International Airport following a security incident on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Passengers on shuttles to gates at Florida's busiest airport had to be brought back for a second screening, bringing security checkpoints to a temporary standstill. A spokeswoman for Orlando International Airport told television station WKMG on Saturday that the passengers were returned in "an abundance of caution" after some passengers may have gotten through the checkpoints without being screened property. (Jonathan Hayward/The Canadian Press via AP)

People wait to get through security at the Orlando International Airport following a security incident on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Passengers on shuttles to gates at Florida's busiest airport had to be brought back for a second screening, bringing security checkpoints to a temporary standstill. A spokeswoman for Orlando International Airport told television station WKMG on Saturday that the passengers were returned in "an abundance of caution" after some passengers may have gotten through the checkpoints without being screened property. (Jonathan Hayward/The Canadian Press via AP)ATLANTA (AP) - Atlanta police say rapper Bow Wow has been arrested following a fight with a woman.

Police couldn't tell who was the primary aggressor, so both were charged with battery.

Officer Jarius Daugherty said in an email that the rapper, whose given name is Shad Moss, was arrested early Saturday.

When police responded to a call in Midtown Atlanta, Leslie Holden told them Bow Wow had assaulted her. Bow Wow told officers Holden assaulted him.

The rapper's attorney Joe Habachy later said in a statement that two witnesses corroborated his client's version of events indicating Holden was "without a doubt the primary aggressor."

Police say both had minor injuries.

This photo provided by Fulton County Sheriff's Office shows Shad Moss aka Bow Wow. Atlanta police say that the rapper was arrested early Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019, following a fight with a woman. (Fulton County Sheriff's Office via AP)

Habachy said Bow Wow has been released on a signature bond. It wasn't clear if Holden had an attorney who could comment.Birthday wishes

Call 281-422-8302 or email david.bloom@baytownsun.com to wish someone a happy birthday. We will print your birthday wish on Page 2 of The Sun.

Happy Birthday WishesCARACAS, Venezuela (AP) - Venezuela's opposition leader called on more members of the military to abandon the country's socialist government following Saturday's defection of a high-ranking general, while President Nicolas Maduro proposed holding early National Assembly elections that could potentially oust his challenger.

Maduro's call for early legislative voting is likely to intensify his standoff with rival Juan Guaido, who heads the opposition-controlled National Assembly and is demanding a new presidential election. Guaido declared himself Venezuela's legitimate ruler on Jan. 23, and has the support of Washington and most South American nations.

Speaking from behind a podium decorated with Venezuela's presidential seal, Guaido told supporters he would keep his opposition movement in the streets until Maduro stopped "usurping" the presidency and agreed to a presidential election overseen by international observers. On Saturday, tens of thousands of Venezuelans joined opposition protests against Maduro in Caracas and other cities.

Guaido called on "blocks" of the military to defect from Maduro's administration and "get on the side of the Venezuelan people."

"We don't just want you to stop shooting at protesters," Guaido said in a hoarse voice. "We want you to be part of the reconstruction of Venezuela."

He said that in the coming days, the opposition would try to move humanitarian aid into the country by land and sea along three border points, including the Colombian city of Cucuta. He described the move as a "test" for Venezuela's armed forces, which will have to choose if they allow the much needed aid to pass, or if they instead obey the orders of Maduro's government.

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido, center, who has declared himself the interim president of Venezuela, greets supporters as he arrives at a demonstration demanding the resignation of President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Momentum is growing for Venezuela's opposition movement led by Guaido, who has called supporters back into the streets for nationwide protests Saturday, escalating pressure on Maduro to step down.(AP Photo/Juan Carlos Hernandez)

Maduro also dug in his heels, insisting he was the only president of Venezuela and describing Saturday's anti-government protests as part of a U.S.-led coup attempt.

"I agree that the legislative power of the country be re-legitimized and that we hold free elections with guarantees, and the people choose a new National Assembly," Maduro said at a pro-government demonstration in Caracas.

The opposition controls the National Assembly while government supporters control the more-powerful Constituent Assembly, so calls for a vote to replace the former and not the latter was seen as a move against Guaido.

The socialist leader also had words for the administration of President Donald Trump which recently imposed sanctions on Venezuelan oil exports in an effort to undermine Maduro's main source of income and weaken his grip on power.

"Do you think you are the emperor of the world?" he asked Trump. "Do you think Venezuela is going to give up and obey your orders? We will not surrender."

The standoff comes amid what appears to be growing dissension among the ranks of Venezuela's powerful military.

Earlier Saturday, a Venezuelan air force general defected from Maduro's administration and called on his compatriots to participate in protests against the socialist leader's rule.

Gen. Francisco Yanez is the first high ranking officer to leave Maduro's government since Jan. 23, when Guaido declared himself the country's legitimate leader by invoking two articles of the Venezuelan constitution that he argues give him the right to assume presidential powers. He considers Maduro's election win fraudulent.

In a YouTube video, Yanez described Maduro as a dictator and referred to Guaido as his president. He didn't say if he was still in Venezuela or had left the country.

The officer confirmed in a phone call with The Associated Press, from a Colombian number, the veracity of his declaration and said he would not provide further statements until given authorization by "the commander-in-chief of the legal armed force, which is President Juan Guaido."

The military controls some of Venezuela's key assets including the state run oil company, and until now, its top brass has helped Maduro to survive rounds of mass protests in 2014 and 2017 by jailing activists and repressing protesters.

Yanez said in his video that "90 percent of the military" is against Maduro, but it is unclear how many will actively support the opposition.

Shortly after protests broke out against Maduro last week, Venezuela's most important regional military commanders and its defense minister issued a statement in support of Maduro, describing Guaido as a coup monger backed by Washington.

Venezuela's aerospace command of the armed forces shared a picture of Yanez on its Twitter account with the words "traitor" above it.

"We reject the declarations made by General Yanez who betrayed his oath of loyalty to our nation and chose to follow foreign plans," the command wrote.

On Saturday, Maduro said he was willing to sit down for talks with the opposition in an effort to promote national "harmony."

But that offer has been rejected by Guaido, who describes it as a ploy by the Maduro administration to buy time.

Previous talks between the government and opposition have failed to change electoral conditions in the South American country, and many political leaders have been forced into exile.

At a pro-Maduro rally, supporters blamed the opposition for undermining the Bolivarian Revolution with years of protests and seeking financial sanctions against the Venezuelan government.

Zeleyka Muskus, a 53-year-old tax collector from Caracas, said the opposition was responsible for the country's current economic woes, saying they have staged years of protests that have gotten people injured and killed.

"Chavez is the love of my life," she said, referring to late Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez.

Other public workers attending the pro-government demonstration said they had been forced to go there by their bosses.

Meanwhile, streams of marchers from middle-class and poor neighborhoods walked to another part of the capital and said they were demanding Maduro's resignation and a transitional government that would hold new presidential elections in the South American country.

Xiomara Espinoza, 59, said she felt a change of energy in the crowd, whose hopes for a transition in Venezuela have previously been dashed.

"We are around the corner from freedom," she said, banging on a pot and wearing a Venezuelan flag.

___

Associated Press writers Scott Smith, Joshua Goodman and Jorge Rueda contributed reporting from Caracas, Venezuela.

An anti-government protester wears Venezuelan flag motif sunglasses during a demonstration demanding the resignation of President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Momentum is growing for Venezuela's opposition movement led by self-declared interim president Juan Guaido, who has called supporters back into the streets for nationwide protests Saturday, escalating pressure on Maduro to step down. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)

Members of the Bolivarian Militia raise their hands swearing allegiance to the fatherland at a rally in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro called the rally to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Chavez's rise to power. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)

Anti-government protesters take part in a demonstration demanding the resignation of President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Momentum is growing for Venezuela's opposition movement led by lawmaker Juan Guaido, who has called supporters back into the streets for nationwide protests Saturday, escalating pressure on Maduro to step down. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd)

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro and first lady Cilia Flores acknowledge supporters at the end of a rally in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Maduro called the rally to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the late President Hugo Chavez's rise to power. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)

Supporters listen Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro at a rally in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Maduro called the rally to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the late President Hugo Chavez's rise to power. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)

A woman dons a fake mustache emulating that of Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro, at a pro-government rally in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Maduro called the rally to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the late President Hugo Chavez's rise to power. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)BERLIN (AP) - German police say around 800 people have demonstrated in the southwestern city of Stuttgart against a new ban on driving older diesel cars.

Stuttgart, a German auto industry center, on Jan. 1 became the first major German city to introduce a large-scale ban on driving older diesel cars with looser emissions standards. The move aims to fight air pollution but critics say they don't have money to buy new cars.

The dpa news agency reported that nearly half of Saturday's demonstrators wore yellow vests, a reference to anti-government protests in neighboring France that began with protests against a fuel tax hike.

Various diesel bans have been introduced or are upcoming in several other German cities. The protests in Stuttgart started three weeks ago.

Demonstrators carry a banner during a protest in Stuttgart, Germany, Saturday Feb. 2, 2019. German police say around 800 people have demonstrated in Stuttgart against a new ban on driving older diesel cars. Stuttgart, a German auto industry center, on Jan. 1 became the first major German city to introduce a large-scale ban on driving older diesel cars with looser emissions standards. (Marijan Murat/dpa via AP)

Demonstrators carry a banner during a protest in Stuttgart, Germany, Saturday Feb. 2, 2019. German police say around 800 people have demonstrated in Stuttgart against a new ban on driving older diesel cars. Stuttgart, a German auto industry center, on Jan. 1 became the first major German city to introduce a large-scale ban on driving older diesel cars with looser emissions standards. (Marijan Murat/dpa via AP)NEW YORK (AP) - The federal Bureau of Prisons said Saturday that work to restore power to a detention center in New York City where inmates have gone without heat and electricity for a week will be completed by Monday.

But a congresswoman who visited the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn for the second time on Saturday said officials are not taking the situation seriously enough.

"The inmates are very, very angry and complaining," said Rep. Nydia Velazquez, a Democrat whose district includes the jail. "We expressed our frustration that the warden is not approaching this with a sense of urgency."

Velazquez first visited the jail Friday after seeing news reports that hundreds of inmates there have spent the past week largely without heat, power or the ability to communicate with their attorneys or families.

After being denied access to inmates on Friday, Velazquez returned Saturday with fellow Democratic Congress members Jerry Nadler and Carolyn Maloney as well as city and state lawmakers, and this time the elected officials spoke with inmates. "They all complained about the cold," Velazquez said.

The New York Times first reported Friday that inmates at the detention center had been stuck in their cells without lights or heat since last weekend when an electrical fire knocked power out. Lawyers who had been able to speak with their clients at the jail said some inmates were suffering health consequences from the lack of heat.

FILE- This Jan. 8, 2017 file photo shows the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in the Brooklyn borough of New York. Hundreds of inmates at a federal jail in New York City have spent days in cold, dark cells amid frigid weather and without access to visitors or email, attorneys for the inmates said Friday, Feb. 1, 2019. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens, File)

The Bureau of Prisons acknowledged in an emailed statement Saturday that the jail "experienced a partial power outage due to a fire in the switch gear room." The bureau said a new electrical panel is being installed by an outside contractor and work is expected to be completed by Monday.

The bureau said air temperatures in the units "were within acceptable ranges" Saturday.

Velazquez disagreed. She said lawmakers measured the temperature as low as 49 degrees in some cells. "The heat is sporadic and it's uneven," she said.

Lawyers for inmates at the facility, which houses people awaiting trial or awaiting sentencing on federal crimes, have said that clients with health problems have been suffering in cold cells without access to warm clothes or blankets.

Lawyers with the Federal Defenders filed a motion Thursday in Brooklyn federal court on behalf of inmate Dino Sanchez asserting that Sanchez, who suffers from asthma, "has been left to freeze in his short-sleeved jumpsuit in the dark." The court papers say jail officials have taken no steps to provide Sanchez with "an oxygen mask, clothing, blankets, or access to a habitable location that will mitigate his health risks."

Velazquez said she heard similar complaints from inmates Saturday.

"It's a violation of human rights and also it's a matter of health issues, but also compromising the safety and security of correction officers," Velazquez said. "People are angry and they're going to express that in any way they can."

In addition to affecting the heat, the outage has knocked out power to the computers that inmates use to email their families and attorneys and to request refills of prescription medications.

Some inmates have been able to talk to lawyers with the Federal Defenders on a dedicated line, but inmates represented by other lawyers haven't been able to call them.

"I need to find out what's going on with my clients," lawyer Ezra Spilke said Friday. "They've basically been incommunicado from their attorneys since the 27th, which is when the electrical fire happened."

Officials with the American Federation of Government Employees, the union that represents corrections officers at the jail, have confirmed the lawyers' accounts of the jail conditions.

"They're just waiting for a disaster to happen," jail employee Rhonda Barnwell, who works in the facility's medical station, told reporters Friday. "There's only heat in the afternoons since we've been complaining today."

Velazquez first visited the jail Friday afternoon and was not allowed to speak with inmates, although she heard them. "The inmates were banging on the walls, the doors," she said. "It was surreal."

The conditions at the jail drew condemnation from human rights advocates.

"This is worse than countries that we denounce," the Rev. Al Sharpton said at his weekly rally. "This is disgraceful and inexcusable."

Donna Lieberman, executive director of the New York Civil Liberties Union, said in a statement, "It is shocking that the government would hold people for days on end in a dark, freezing jail during one of the coldest weeks in memory."

Dozens of activists including a brass band rallied outside the jail Saturday. One group vowed to camp outside the facility until conditions improve.PASADENA, Calif. (AP) - Two parents who lost daughters in last year's Parkland, Florida, school shooting are calling for their local newspaper to win the Pulitzer Prize, saying the South Florida Sun Sentinel has stayed on the story to demand accountability long after the national media left.

The parents, Ryan Petty and Andrew Pollack, wrote an open letter to judges who decide the Pulitzer that was posted on the website Real Clear Education in recent days.

"If it wasn't for them, everyone would have just moved on," said Pollack, whose daughter Meadow was among 17 people killed at Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School last February. Petty's daughter Alaina was also killed.

The newspaper didn't know about the letter ahead of time, said Julie Anderson, editor-in-chief of the Sun Sentinel who called it "very gratifying." She said the newspaper has entered the competition for journalism's top prize. The Pulitzers will be announced at Columbia University on April 15.

"The work by the Sun Sentinel's reporters remind us of what journalism can and should be, and also what is being tragically lost as local newspapers downsize," their letter said.

Petty and Pollack wrote that national news outlets focused almost exclusively on a handful of student activists who have fought for gun control legislation, turning the tragedy into another flashpoint in the culture wars.

FILE - In this March 14, 2018 file photo, Ryan Petty, left, waits to testify as he sits next to his son Patrick Petty, at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on the Parkland, Fla., school shootings and school safety on Capitol Hill in Washington. Petty and Andrew Pollack, two parents who lost daughters in last year's school shooting are calling for their local newspaper to win the Pulitzer Prize. They say the South Florida Sun Sentinel has stayed on the story to demand accountability long after the national media left. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)

Anderson arrived at the Sun Sentinel two weeks after the Parkland shooting happened. She came to the newspaper from Orlando, where she was working when 49 people were killed in the 2016 shooting at the city's Pulse nightclub. She gathered her staff in the wake of Parkland to tell them this was probably the biggest story ever in Broward County, and they needed to stick with it. They've done that, occasionally shifting resources around.

"It turned out to be a much harder story than we thought because there were so many roadblocks," she said.

Authorities fought the newspaper's attempts to delve into records and seek accountability, she said. A Nov. 30 Sun Sentinel story was headlined "Hide, deny, spin, threaten: How the school district tried to mask failures that led to Parkland shooting."

The newspaper also reported on a "culture of leniency" in the school district that allowed students who were disciplined endless second chances. Another story revealed that Broward County's school district reported fewer disciplinary incidents to the state than they were required to. The newspaper found that the suspect, Nikolas Cruz, had been suspended at least 67 days in middle school and more when he got to high school, until being forced out.

The school district has said it has been as transparent as it can be and that privacy laws prevented it from discussing Cruz's school record. They also argue that discussing security in detail would make schools more dangerous, according to the Sun Sentinel.

Anderson credited the Miami Herald and CNN for helping the newspaper financially in the fight for accountability.

"We felt like we were doing it on behalf of the parents and families who just wanted to know how this happened and what we can do to prevent this from happening again," she said.

The school district asked a judge to hold the newspaper and two of its reporters in contempt for publishing a story on an internal report about the shooting. On Friday, the newspaper filed a lawsuit seeking an emergency ruling to force the district to open to the public meetings on school safety planned for next week with parents of Marjory Stoneman Douglas students.

Pollack said he and Petty felt that what the newspaper has done deserved credit.

"Without them, a lot of this stuff doesn't get uncovered," he said. "I don't know how to do this, investigative reporting. How could we, we're parents? I can't even count the ways that they've been so meaningful."ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) - The notes are written on paper tags, tributes to the nine women, two teenage girls and unborn child found buried 10 years ago atop a New Mexico mesa.

One bears a stick-figure angel and a message from a woman who says the victims watch over her. Another expresses hope that authorities will find the killer.

The authors, advocates say, are women who spend their days in the district with a history of drugs and sex trafficking that many of the victims were known to frequent.

The bodies were discovered a decade ago this weekend, kicking off an investigation into the largest crime scene in Albuquerque's history. The cases remain unsolved.

All but one of the victims had fallen into prostitution and struggled with drug abuse, according to police.

"It's really a sad and horrible anniversary," said Christine Barber, executive director of Street Safe New Mexico, a nonprofit that seeks to boost safety for women who live and work on Albuquerque streets. "Here is that mark of 10 years. Looking back, what has changed for women on the streets?"

Sylvia Ledesma, left, and Lorrain Cordova prepare for a service to remember the victims and call for more protection for marginalized and vulnerable women in Albuquerque, N.M., on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Ten years ago, police began unearthing the remains of 11 women and an unborn child found buried on Albuquerque's West Mesa, marking the start of a massive homicide investigation that remains open. Known as the West Mesa killings, the victims' deaths have resulted in no arrests, despite the massive homicide investigation police launched after discovering the makeshift graves. (AP Photo/Mary Hudetz)

Her organization recently gathered the notes from the women it meets with weekly, and volunteers tied them to fencing near the former crime scene Saturday to mark the anniversary.

Known as the West Mesa killings, the victims' deaths have resulted in no arrests, despite the massive homicide investigation police launched after discovering the makeshift graves.

Police say a woman walking her dog reported finding what appeared to be a femur on the mesa. That discovery of a single bone led to a months-long dig, as police used DNA and dental records to identify the women and girls.

Many of the victims' families reported them missing years earlier. Ida Lopez, an Albuquerque police detective, also noticed sex workers vanishing. She compiled a list of the missing - not all of whom have been found, raising concern there might be more victims.

For homicide investigators, the case posed challenges from the start, said Dirk Gibson, a communications and journalism professor at the University of New Mexico who has authored numerous books on serial killings. Years had passed from the time the women and girls disappeared, likely limiting available evidence.

"You can't have a colder cold case," Gibson said. "In this case, there was almost nothing but bones."

Gilbert Gallegos, an Albuquerque police spokesman, said detectives receive hundreds of tips in the case each year, and they continue to follow different leads while retesting evidence as DNA and other investigative technology advances.

Police haven't ruled out that there might be more victims, and detectives still have multiple suspects, Gallegos said.

Since 2009, families of some victims have stressed publicly that the women and girls were loved. Several women had children now being raised by relatives.

"They didn't deserve what they got. It's awful what happened to them," Myra Salazar, the mother of 27-year-old victim Evelyn Salazar, said in a statement. "They all had families that care for them."

She released her statement through Young Women United, a nonprofit where she helps with programs geared toward assisting women in need.

Evelyn Salazar disappeared in the spring of 2004 with her 15-year-old cousin Jamie Barela after police said they went to a park together.

Barela is the only victim who police say wasn't known to have been subjected to sex trafficking.

Syllania Edwards, also 15, was the only one not from New Mexico. She was from Lawton, Oklahoma, and was reportedly last seen in Denver, police said.

The victims were remembered Saturday at a brief memorial service organized by Street Safe New Mexico next to a place where city officials in June broke ground on a memorial park. For now, the hand-written tributes to the victims hang from the fencing that lines the park.

Barber said the organization hoped the notes written by women who today live on the margins in Albuquerque will highlight the continued struggles for some of the city's most vulnerable.

Street Safe was founded in 2009, aiming to ensure volunteers kept a steady presence in an area along Historic Route 66 while handing out clothing and other products each Friday. That way if women started disappearing again, there might be more advocates who notice and help in raising concerns, Barber said.

"You have to know people, their names and what they look like to know people are missing," she said.

FILE - In this Feb. 25, 2009 file photo, investigators search for human remains at a 100-acre site in Albuquerque, N.M. A decade ago, Albuquerque police began unearthing the remains of 11 women and an unborn child found buried on the city's West Mesa, marking the start of a massive homicide investigation that has yet to be resolved. On the 10th anniversary of the cold case, a small group of advocates and community members plan to gather Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019, near the 2009 crime scene to remember the victims and call for more protections for marginalized and vulnerable women in New Mexico's largest city. (Pat Vasquez-Cunningham/The Albuquerque Journal via AP, File)

FILE - In this Feb. 13, 2009 file photo, crime scene investigators search for human remains in a large expanse of desert in Albuquerque, N.M. A decade ago, Albuquerque police began unearthing the remains of 11 women and an unborn child found buried on the city's West Mesa, marking the start of a massive homicide investigation that has yet to be resolved. On the 10th anniversary of the cold case, a small group of advocates and community members plan to gather Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019, near the 2009 crime scene to remember the victims and call for more protections for marginalized and vulnerable women in New Mexico's largest city.(Pat Vasquez-Cunningham/The Albuquerque Journal via AP, File)

FILE - This Feb. 23, 2009 file photo shows a memorial for Victoria Chavez near the Southwest Mesa area where bodies have been discovered on the west side of Albuquerque, N.M. A decade ago, Albuquerque police began unearthing the remains of 11 women and an unborn child found buried on the city's West Mesa, marking the start of a massive homicide investigation that has yet to be resolved. On the 10th anniversary of the cold case, a small group of advocates and community members plan to gather Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019, near the 2009 crime scene to remember the victims and call for more protections for marginalized and vulnerable women in New Mexico's largest city. (Adolphe Pierre-Louis/Albuquerque Journal via AP, File)VATICAN CITY (AP) - Pope Francis is urging politicians of all faiths to safeguard the rights of the unborn and is exhorting abortion opponents to also assure that children are born into a world where they can live with dignity.

Francis spoke Saturday at the Vatican to an Italian Catholic anti-abortion group. He praised their efforts but stressed that defending life also means assuring that people have health, education and job opportunities.

Francis encouraged politicians to defend the unborn for the common good, saying that the young bring hope and a future to society.

The pope decried "their killing in huge numbers" as undermining "the foundations of the construction of justice, compromising the proper solution of any other human and social issue."

Catholic teaching forbids abortion.

Pope Francis plays with a baby during the weekly general audience he held in the Pope Paul VI hall, at the Vatican, Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2019. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)LOS ANGELES (AP) - The Latest on California storms (all times local):

8:30 p.m.

The California Department of Transportation says the northbound lanes of U.S. 101, a vital route between Los Angeles and points north and west, have been reopened from State Route 150 to Milpas. Earlier Saturday night, Caltrans announced that it had opened the highway's southbound lanes.

Several miles of U.S. 101 had been closed because of flooding from heavy storms.

___

6:15 p.m.

A man carries an umbrella as he crosses the street with the skyline at rear in San Francisco, Friday, Feb. 1, 2019. A powerful storm bearing down on California on Friday was expected to produce heavy rainfall, damaging winds, localized stream flooding and heavy snow in the Sierra Nevada, forecasters said. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

The California Department of Transportation says in a tweet that the southbound lanes of U.S. 101, a vital route between Los Angeles and points north and west, have been reopened, while the northbound lanes of the highway remain closed from State Route 150 to Milpas.

Earlier Saturday, in the Montecito area of Santa Barbara County, several miles of U.S 101 were closed because of flooding.

___

1:45 p.m.

A Malibu canyon neighborhood in a wildfire burn area has been evacuated as floodwaters rise and mud clogs roads during a powerful storm that's walloping Southern California.

It's one of many areas under evacuation orders across the region Saturday as heavy rains loosen hillsides charred by recent fires.

Sheriff's deputies ordered 86-year-old Carol Cavella to leave her Malibu home after nearby Trancas Creek threatened to inundate her property. Her son-in-law, Warren Bowman, says Cavella put her cat in her car and drove to a Starbucks on higher ground.

Highways and roads across greater Los Angeles are closed because of flooding.

Flash-flood warnings are in effect, but forecasters say the storm could begin to die down this evening.

More rain is on the way Sunday and into next week.

___

11:45 a.m.

Mudflows from hillside burn scars in the Malibu area have closed Pacific Coast Highway, the latest major road to be shut during torrential downpours hitting Southern California.

Officials said Saturday that motorists should find alternate routes as crews try to clear PCH near the border of Los Angeles and Ventura counties. Many canyon roads are closed in Malibu, where wildfires scorched hillsides last year.

Ventura County Fire Department Captain Brian McGrath says trees and power lines are down across the region. He says rescue crews have plucked several motorists from cars caught in floodwaters.

Further north, U.S. 101 has been shut in burned areas of Santa Barbara County because of mud in lanes.

Flash flood warnings are in effect for much of Southern California into the afternoon.

The current storm is expected to be followed by several less powerful wet weather systems.

___

10:15 a.m.

The state transportation agency has closed a key Southern California highway because of flooding after a powerful storm dropped more than a half-inch (1.27 centimeters) of rain in five minutes.

Caltrans says several miles of U.S 101 is shut Saturday in Santa Barbara County because of water and mud in lanes. The highway is a vital route between Los Angeles and parts north and west.

Nearby neighborhoods in wildfire burn areas are under mandatory evacuation orders because of the high risk of debris flows.

It's the same area where mud and boulders came down in heavy rain just over a year ago. That disaster in January 2018 killed 21 people, and two others have never been found.

The second storm in three days is flooding roads and bringing down trees across the region.

___

9:15 a.m.

Authorities say a volunteer member of a sheriff's search and rescue team was struck by a vehicle and killed after stopping to help at the scene of a highway traffic collision during heavy rain in Southern California.

Ventura County sheriff's Sgt. Eric Buschow says several people, including two other members of the team, were hurt in the two crashes Saturday on Interstate 5.

Buschow says the team was heading for a training exercise when it stopped to provide aid in the Pyramid Lake area of Los Angeles County. He says another vehicle plowed into them.

Officials didn't immediately say whether the collisions were weather-related. A powerful storm has flooded roadways throughout the region.

Forecasters say up to a half-inch (1.27 centimeters) of rain was recorded in five minutes in some areas.

___

8:15 a.m.

The second in a string of powerful storms is battering California, bringing down trees, flooding roadways and prompting evacuations in wildfire burn areas where intense downpours could loosen bare hillsides and cause mudslides.

Forecasters said Saturday that a wind gust in Santa Barbara County topped 80 mph (128 kph) as the storm moved south.

Flash flood watches and wind warnings were issued for the southern part of the state after being lifted in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Motorists were urged to avoid travel in mountain areas where heavy snow is expected.

The National Weather Service says some sections of greater Los Angeles could see 4 inches (10 centimeters) of rain before the system loses steam.

It will be followed by additional - though less powerful - storms into next week.

___

12:10 a.m.

A powerful storm sweeping California has prompted flash-flood watches and evacuations in areas stripped bare by devastating wildfires.

The storm that began moving in Friday night is expected to bring up to 4 inches of rain in some areas, winds gusting to 80 mph, 10-foot waves and up to 10 feet of snow in the Sierra Nevada.

A flash-flood watch is in place through Saturday morning for the entire San Francisco Bay Area and much of the Central Coast.

Evacuations have been ordered or recommended for many areas of Northern and Southern California that were hit by wildfires in recent months. Authorities fear that an inch of rain an hour could send fire debris, mud and boulders sluicing down denuded hillsides.

The National Weather Service says more rain and snow could arrive with cold weather systems on Sunday and Monday.

A pick up truck makes it way through flooded streets of Panorama City section of the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Flash flood warnings were issued for vast swaths of Southern California and forecasters said the system will bring several inches of rain at lower elevations and heavy snow in the mountains. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)

In this Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019, photo released by Santa Barbara County Fire, the San Pedro Creek flows under Hollister Ave. near Fairview Ave. in Goleta, Calif. The second in a string of powerful storms battered California on Saturday, shutting a key highway after water and mud rushed into lanes from bare hillsides in wildfire burn areas that are under mandatory evacuation orders. (Mike Eliason/Santa Barbara County Fire via AP)

In this Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019, photo released by Santa Barbara County Fire, a large stone pine tree believed to be 100-years-old came down into this Santa Barbara, Calif., home during Saturday's powerful winter storm. A wind gust in Santa Barbara County topped 80 mph (128 kph) as the storm moved south and later dropped more than a half-inch (1.27 centimeters) of rain in five minutes. (Mike Eliason/Santa Barbara County Fire via AP)JERUSALEM (AP) - The U.N. says Secretary-General Antonio Guterres hopes an agreement can be reached to protect Palestinians in the West Bank after Israel said it would suspend the mandate of an international observation mission.

U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement Saturday that Guterres was "grateful" to the five countries that contributed to conflict prevention and the protection of Palestinians under the Temporary International Presence in Hebron for the past 22 years.

On Friday, the TIPH countries - Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, Italy and Turkey - condemned in a joint statement the Israeli government's unilateral decision not to extend the observer force's mission in the flashpoint city.

Hundreds of hard-line Jewish settlers guarded by thousands of soldiers live in the heart of Hebron, which has a population of over 200,000 Palestinians.

Palestinians stand in front of headquarters of the Temporary International Presence in Hebron (TIPH), in the West Bank city of Hebron, Friday, Feb. 1, 2019. Israel says it is suspending operations of TIPH observer force in the occupied West Bank city of Hebron after over 20 years. (AP Photo/Majdi Mohammed)RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - A Virginia Democrat who has spoken with Gov. Ralph Northam has told The Associated Press that the governor now does not believe he was in a racist picture in his 1984 medical yearbook and has no immediate plans to resign.

The official was not authorized to speak on the record to detail a private conversation. The official told the AP on Saturday that Northam plans to address the issue with the public in the afternoon.

Northam is calling Virginia Democrats to try and gain support. Nearly his entire political base has called for him to resign.

Northam's 1984 yearbook page shows a picture of a person in blackface and another wearing a Ku Klux Klan hood next to different pictures of the governor.

After the picture went public Friday, Northam issued a statement saying he was "sorry for the decision I made to appear as I did in this photo."

But the Democrat who spoke to Northam said that after further reflection the governor said he has no memory of wearing either of the racist costumes and doesn't believe he is in the picture.

This image shows Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam's page in his 1984 Eastern Virginia Medical School yearbook. The page shows a picture, at right, of a person in blackface and another wearing a Ku Klux Klan hood next to different pictures of the governor. It's unclear who the people in the picture are, but the rest of the page is filled with pictures of Northam and lists his undergraduate alma mater and other information about him. (Eastern Virginia Medical School via AP)

Northam's efforts do not appear to be successful so far. The Virginia Democratic Party issued a statement demanding Northam's immediate resignation.

The Virginia Legislative Black Caucus, the state House Democratic Caucus and the state Senate Democratic Caucus all called on Northam to resign late Friday, along with several key progressive groups that have been some of the governor's closest political allies.

The yearbook images were first published Friday afternoon by the conservative news outlet Big League Politics. The Virginian-Pilot later obtained a copy from Eastern Virginia Medical School, which Northam attended. The photo shows two people looking at the camera - one in blackface wearing a hat, bow tie and plaid pants; the other in a full Ku Klux Klan robe.

An Associated Press reporter saw the yearbook page and confirmed its authenticity at the medical school.

The president of Eastern Virginia Medical School apologized on behalf of the school for "past transgressions of your trust." In a statement on the school's website , President Richard Homan said the photo "absolutely antithetical" to the school's principles, morals, and values. He said he would convene a meeting of school leadership to address the issue.

Meanwhile, Northam - in his first apology, issued in a written statement Friday - called the costume he wore "clearly racist and offensive," but he didn't say which one he had worn.

He later issued a video statement saying he was "deeply sorry" but still committed to serving the "remainder of my term."

"I accept responsibility for my past actions and I am ready to do the hard work of regaining your trust," Northam said.

A small number of protesters stood outside the governor's mansion Saturday to demand his resignation.

Northam's departure would mean current Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax, a Democrat who is only the second African-American to win statewide office in Virginia, would be the next governor. Northam's term was set to end in 2022.

Black lawmakers said they met with Northam Friday evening, and said in a statement they appreciate his service.

"But given what was revealed today, it is clear that he can no longer effectively serve as governor," the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus said.

State Sen. Louise Lucas of Portsmouth, a close ally of Northam and longtime African-American lawmaker, said she told the governor Saturday that he should have denied he was in the photo immediately after it went public. The delay and his apology raises questions about why he thought it was possible he could have been in the picture.

"That's hard for me to swallow. I don't think I'm being unreasonable. But golly Jesus, he could have said that the minute he saw the picture," Lucas said

Others said there was no question he should step down. Among them: Democratic presidential hopefuls Cory Booker, Julian Castro, Kirsten Gillibrand, Kamala Harris and Elizabeth Warren; newly elected Democratic U.S. Reps. Elaine Luria and Abigail Spanberger of Virginia; the NAACP and Planned Parenthood.

Northam spent years actively courting the black community in the lead up to his 2017 gubernatorial run, building relationships that helped him win both the primary and the general election. He's a member of a predominantly black church on Virginia's Eastern Shore, where he grew up.

"It's a matter of relationships and trust. That's not something that you build overnight," Northam told the AP during a 2017 campaign stop while describing his relationship with the black community. Northam, a folksy pediatric neurologist who is personal friends with many GOP lawmakers, has recently come under fire from Republicans who have accused him of backing infanticide after he said he supported a bill loosening restrictions on late-term abortions.

Last week, Florida's secretary of state resigned after photos from a 2005 Halloween party showed him in blackface while dressed as a Hurricane Katrina victim.

___

Associated Press writer Ben Finley contributed to this report.

Demonstrators hold signs and chant outside the Governors office at the Capitol in Richmond, Va., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. The demonstrators are calling for the resignation of Virginia Governor Ralph Northam after a 30 year old photo of him on his medical school yearbook photo was widely distributed Friday. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

Demonstrators hold signs and chant outside the Governors office at the Capitol in Richmond, Va., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. The demonstrators are calling for the resignation of Virginia Governor Ralph Northam after a 30 year old photo of him on his medical school yearbook photo was widely distributed Friday. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

Demonstrators hold signs and chant outside the Governors Mansion at the Capitol in Richmond, Va., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. The demonstrators are calling for the resignation of Virginia Governor Ralph Northam after a 30 year old photo of him on his medical school yearbook photo was widely distributed Friday. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

Demonstrators hold signs and chant outside the Governors Mansion at the Capitol in Richmond, Va., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. The demonstrators are calling for the resignation of Virginia Governor Ralph Northam after a 30 year old photo of him on his medical school yearbook photo was widely distributed Friday. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

Demonstrators hold signs and chant outside the Governors Mansion at the Capitol in Richmond, Va., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. The demonstrators are calling for the resignation of Gov. Ralph Northam after a 30 year old photo of him on his medical school yearbook photo was widely distributed Friday. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)NEW YORK (AP) - For their supporters, the thousands of Christian schools across America are literally a blessing - a place where children can learn in accordance with biblical teachings, untainted by the secular norms of public schools.

To critics, many of these Christian schools venture too often into indoctrination, with teachings that can misrepresent science and history and potentially breed intolerance toward people with different outlooks.

"These schools are front and center in the politicization of knowledge and that's problematic," said Julie Ingersoll, a professor of religious studies at the University of North Florida.

The polarized views have been highlighted in recent days after the appearance of an #ExposeChristianSchools hashtag on Twitter. It was introduced by Chris Stroop, an Indianapolis-based writer and activist, on Jan. 18, shortly after news broke that Karen Pence, wife of Vice President Mike Pence, would be teaching at a Christian school in northern Virginia that lists "homosexual or lesbian sexual activity" as among the disqualifying criteria for prospective employees.

Stroop, 38, calls himself an "ex-evangelical." He says he attended Christian schools in Indiana and Colorado almost continuously from first grade through high school and recalls pervasive messaging that demeaned LGBT people and discouraged the empowerment of women.

"Not everything about it was bad - I had teachers I liked who encouraged me academically," said Stroop, who went on to earn a Ph.D. at Stanford. "But I don't think education as indoctrination is right."

FILE - In this Jan. 20, 2017 file photo, Karen Pence holds a Bible as her husband, Vice President Mike Pence is sworn in during the 58th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington. Chris Stroop, a writer and activist, introduced the #ExposeChristianSchools category on Twitter in January 2019 shortly after news broke that Karen Pence would be teaching at a Christian school in northern Virginia that lists "homosexual or lesbian sexual activity" as among the disqualifying criteria for prospective employees. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

The news about Karen Pence's teaching job was quickly followed by debate over the behavior of boys from Covington Catholic High School in Kentucky during a visit to Washington, D.C. While opinions varied widely as to whether the boys had behaved badly, that incident further fueled debate over faith-based schools.

Within days, there were thousands of responses to #ExposeChristianSchools on Twitter, including many personal stories of bad experiences by people who attended them.

One man said his school required students to sign an agreement promising not to listen to "worldly" music. Others faulted their curriculum, such as a Christian biology textbook that cited Scotland's fabled Loch Ness Monster as evidence of flaws in Darwin's theory of evolution.

Even as the critiques multiplied, many people took to Twitter to defend Christian schools. Among them was Greg Lukianoff, an attorney active in promoting freedom of speech on college campuses. He said he was an "outspoken atheist" beginning in the seventh grade and frequently skipped school.

"Only as an adult did I realize how kind & tolerant my Catholic high school was towards me," he tweeted.

In a telephone interview Friday, Lukianoff said he had forged close friendships with people from religious and secular schools, and felt it was unproductive to generalize about them.

Even Brian Toale, a 65-year-old New Yorker who says he was repeatedly sexually abused in the early 1970s by a staffer at his Catholic high school on Long Island, recalls many positive aspects of his school years.

"The education itself was top notch," he said. "I did have several extracurricular activities where I learned stuff and made friends I still have today."

But Toale, who eventually converted to Judaism, says the school administration failed to properly vet the person who abused him, and later treated him with disdain when he reported the abuse.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, about 5.9 million students - a tenth of the national prekindergarten through 12th grade total - attend private schools in the U.S. About three-quarters of them attend one of the roughly 22,000 Christian schools.

By far, the Catholic Church accounts for the biggest share of this group, operating more than 6,300 schools serving more than 1.8 million students - about 20 percent of them non-Catholics. The totals are down sharply from the early 1960s when there were more than 5.2 million students in almost 13,000 Catholic schools nationwide.

The Council for American Private Education identifies 4,154 schools as "conservative Christian," serving about 664,000 students.

Julie Ingersoll, the religious studies professor, says those schools are faring well, at least in the eyes of their supporters. She notes that many are now able to access publicly funded tax credits and vouchers in various states, and often can operate with limited regulation.

"But this leaves kids vulnerable on all kinds of levels, which of course was what the hashtag was about," Ingersoll said in an email. "It's been portrayed as a campaign against Christianity from 'the left,' but it was really a group of young adults who grew up in Christian schools (and Christian home schooling) explaining how they believe they were personally harmed by it."

"These harms were often related to sex, gender, shame, and abuse," she wrote. "But stories also detailed impoverished education, especially when it came to science and history."

The Rev. Russell Moore, a high-profile official with the Southern Baptist Convention, said the recent criticisms of Christian schools reflect some broader societal trends that have riled conservative religious leaders.

"There's a certain mindset in America that sees any religious conviction as authoritarian," Moore said.

Overall, Christian schooling "is in a very good place," Moore said. "There are some phenomenal evangelical schools, preparing their children with remarkable academic rigor."

John Gehring, Catholic program director at a Washington-based clergy network called Faith in Public Life, graduated from an all-male Catholic prep school near Baltimore. He has suggested in recent articles that such schools - while admirable in many ways - could do a better job of teaching their students about the church's historical role in exploitation and oppression.

"I'm frustrated by the overheated commentary where Christian and public schools are almost viewed as enemy combatants in the culture wars," Gehring said. "Each has their place, and like any institution they have strengths and weaknesses. The Catholic schools I attended through college shaped my understanding of justice and cultivated a spirituality that frames my life, even if those environments could sometimes be a little cloistered and privileged."

___

Follow David Crary on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CraryAP

This Oct. 5, 2018 photo provided by Christopher Stroop shows him in a coffee shop in Indianapolis. The 38-year-old writer and activist, introduced the #ExposeChristianSchools category on Twitter in January 2019 shortly after news broke that Karen Pence, wife of Vice President Mike Pence, would be teaching at a Christian school in northern Virginia that lists "homosexual or lesbian sexual activity" as among the disqualifying criteria for prospective employees. (Jes Niejjer/Christopher Stroop via AP)RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - The Latest on Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam and a racist photo in a 1984 yearbook (all times local):

8:30 p.m.

President Donald Trump says Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam's Republican opponent would have easily won the 2017 governor's race if the racist photo in Northam's yearbook had been discovered during the campaign.

Trump tweeted Saturday night that Republican Ed Gillespie must believe his opposition research team committed "malpractice" and "dereliction of duty" by not uncovering the photo ahead of the 2017 election.

The photo on Northam's medical school yearbook page shows one person in blackface and another hooded in white Ku Klux Klan regalia.

Northam defeated Gillespie by about 9 percentage points, but Trump says Gillespie would have won by 20 points if someone had found the photo.

This image shows Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam's page in his 1984 Eastern Virginia Medical School yearbook. The page shows a picture, at right, of a person in blackface and another wearing a Ku Klux Klan hood next to different pictures of the governor. It's unclear who the people in the picture are, but the rest of the page is filled with pictures of Northam and lists his undergraduate alma mater and other information about him. (Eastern Virginia Medical School via AP)

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8:05 p.m.

President Donald Trump is weighing in on the racist photo that appeared in the medical college yearbook of Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam.

In a tweet Saturday night, Trump refers to Northam and the photo showing a person in blackface and a person in Ku Klux Klan regalia. Trump ties the governor's statement denying he is in the photo to what Trump calls Northam's "horrible statement" earlier this week on late-term abortions. Trump concludes, "Unforgivable!"

Earlier this week, abortion opponents accused Northam of supporting infanticide. In a radio interview, Northam described a hypothetical situation in which an infant who is severely deformed or unable to survive after birth is left to die.

Trump tweeted after those comments that "Democrats are becoming the Party of late term abortion."

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7:20 p.m.

Both of Virginia's U.S. senators say they have called the state's governor, Ralph Northam, to tell him that he must resign after a racist photo was discovered on Northam's page in a medical school yearbook.

Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine are joined by the dean of Virginia's congressional delegation, Rep. Bobby Scott, in a statement Saturday night that says they have told Northam that they no longer believe he can effectively serve as governor.

Their statement says Northam has served Virginians faithfully for many years but that the events of the last 24 hours "have inflicted immense pain and irrevocably broken the trust Virginians must have in their leaders."

Northam says he is not in the photo, which shows someone in blackface and someone in Ku Klux Klan robes.

___

6:15 p.m.

Democratic presidential hopefuls are getting their first major test on how they will address racial tensions that have polarized American life.

A racist photo tied to Democratic Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam from his days in medical school has prompted them to deal with the question.

Nearly every major declared and potential Democratic candidate called for Northam's resignation after the disclosure of the yearbook photo, which shows one person in blackface and another hooded in white Klan regalia.

Their reactions came before Northam said during a news conference Saturday that he was not in the photo on his page of the 1984 yearbook.

A prominent Democratic strategist, Symone Sanders, says candidates already face challenges explaining their own records on racially fraught matters and now must deal with the Northam issue.

___

6 p.m.

Virginia's attorney general is calling for Gov. Ralph Northam to resign.

Mark Herring said in a statement Saturday that it's no longer possible for Northam to "lead our Commonwealth."

Herring is the latest prominent Democrat to call for the Democratic governor to step down. Others calling for Northam's resignation include the Virginia Democratic Party, the state House Democratic Caucus and many Democratic candidates for president.

Herring's statement followed Northam's press conference at which he denied being in a medical school yearbook photo that shows a person in blackface standing next to someone in a Ku Klux Klan costume.

Northam, however, admitted to wearing blackface as Michael Jackson at a dance contest.

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5 p.m.

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam has admitted to wearing blackface while dressing up like Michael Jackson at a dance contest around the time he was in medical school.

Northam made the admission Saturday at a press conference where he denied being in a photo that shows a man in blackface standing next to someone in a Ku Klux Klan costume.

That image appeared alongside photos of Northam in his medical school yearbook in 1984 and has sparked a torrent of calls for his resignation.

The Democratic governor said he darkened his face with "a little bit" of shoe polish for his Michael Jackson costume at a 1984 San Antonio talent show.

Northam said he regrets that he didn't understand "the harmful legacy of an action like that."

___

5 p.m.

A man who went to medical school with Ralph Northam says he also didn't buy the class's 1984 yearbook or see it until decades after it was published.

Walt Broadnax is one of two black students who graduated with Northam. He said by phone Saturday that students submitted photos for someone else to lay out.

Broadnax saw his yearbook page for the first time Saturday. He said it turned out how he intended with photos of family and a woman he was dating.

Broadnax defended Northam and said he's not a racist. He said he believes Northam's statement that he wasn't in the photo of a man in blackface standing next to someone in a KKK costume.

He said the school never would have tolerated someone going to a party in blackface.

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4:20 p.m.

Virginia's lieutenant governor says the state needs leaders who can unite people and "help us rise to the better angels of our nature."

If Gov. Ralph Northam were to resign, Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax would become the second African-American governor of Virginia.

In his statement issued Saturday, Fairfax doesn't call for Northam to resign because of racist photos on Northam's 1984 yearbook profile page.

But Fairfax does say that he "cannot condone actions from (the governor's) past" that at least "suggest a comfort with Virginia's darker history of white supremacy, racial stereotyping and intimidation."

Northam said Saturday that he hadn't seen photos of one person in blackface and another wearing a Ku Klux Klan until someone showed them to him Friday. He says he won't resign despite widespread calls that he step aside and let Fairfax lead Virginia.

___

3 p.m.

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam has vowed to remain in office despite widespread calls for his resignation after a racist photo surfaced in his yearbook page from more than 30 years ago.

Northam said at a news conference Saturday that he had prematurely apologized for appearing in a picture of a person in blackface and another wearing a Ku Klux Klan outfit. The photo appeared in his 1984 medical school yearbook.

The Democratic governor said Saturday that he, in fact, was not in the photo and had never even seen the yearbook until Friday.

His refusal to resign signals a potential bruising fight between Northam and his former supporters. Leaders in both parties have repeatedly urged Northam to resign, saying he's lost the public's trust.

___

1:35 p.m.

The president of Eastern Virginia Medical School says a racist photo that appears in the 1984 student yearbook is "shockingly abhorrent."

In a statement on the school's website , President Richard Homan said the photo of one person in blackface and another in a Ku Klux Klan hood is "absolutely antithetical" to the school's principles, morals and values.

The photo was on the profile page of Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, who says he believes he's not one of the men in the picture.

Homan also apologized for "past transgressions of your trust." He said he'll convene a meeting of leadership and others to address the issue. ___

12:50 p.m.

North Carolina's governor is calling on Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam to resign because of a photograph on Northam's yearbook profile page.

In an emailed statement, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper said the photograph is both reprehensible and deeply disappointing. He said the photo comes "with pain beyond what many of us can even understand."

Cooper called Northam's resignation "the only way forward."

A photo from a 1984 medical school yearbook surfaced Friday, showing a person in blackface and another wearing a Ku Klux Klan hood. The photo was on Northam's profile page.

Northam was scheduled to speak publicly Saturday afternoon. ___

12:25 p.m.

U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called a photograph on Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam's yearbook profile page "racist and contrary to fundamental American values."

She said Saturday via Twitter that she is joining her colleagues in Virginia in calling for Northam "to do the right thing" so that the people in Virginia can heal and move on.

The Virginia Democratic Party on Saturday called on Northam to resign after the photo from a 1984 medical school yearbook surfaced Friday. The photo shows a person in blackface and another wearing a Ku Klux Klan hood.

Northam was scheduled to speak to the public Saturday afternoon.

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11:35 a.m.

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam is planning a news conference where he's expected to say he's not resigning and believes he was not in a racist picture featured in his 1984 medical yearbook.

Northam's office on Saturday said the 2:30 p.m. news conference would take place at the Executive Mansion.

Northam is calling Democrats ahead of the news conference to try and shore up support. A wide swath of Democrats and Republicans have called on Northam to resign after he apologized Friday for appearing in a photo in which one person is dressed in blackface and another is wearing a full Ku Klux Klan uniform.

But Northam said he now believes he was not in the picture and can prove that it wasn't him, said state Sen. Louise Lucas. ___

10:45 a.m.

A Virginia Democrat who has spoken with Gov. Ralph Northam has told The Associated Press that the governor now does not believe he was in a racist picture in his 1984 medical yearbook and has no immediate plans to resign.

The Democrat was not authorized to speak on the record to detail a private conversation.

Northam is calling state lawmakers Saturday to try and gain support so he can remain in office, the Democrat said.

Northam has faced a torrent of criticism and calls for his resignation after a photo surfaced from decades ago that showed two people in racist costumes: One person is dressed in blackface, and another is wearing a full Ku Klux Klan uniform.The photo appeared in Northam's 1984 medical school yearbook. On Friday, Northam apologized for appearing in the photo.

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10:30 a.m.

Top Republicans in the Virginia General Assembly are calling on Gov. Ralph Northam to resign after he acknowledged appearing in a photo wearing a racist costume.

House Speaker Kirk Cox and Senate Majority Leader Tommy Norment said Saturday the governor had lost the public's confidence, and it is in the state's best interests for him to step down.

The Republicans join a growing chorus of elected officials in Virginia and elsewhere calling for Northam's resignation.

Northam apologized Friday for appearing in a photo in which one person is dressed in blackface and another is wearing a full Ku Klux Klan uniform, but has not said he will resign. The photo appeared in his 1984 medical school yearbook.

___

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam appears to have almost no choice but to resign after losing support from virtually the entire state Democratic party and other key allies, who urged the governor to leave office because of a racist photo in which he appeared more than 30 years ago.

The Virginia Legislative Black Caucus, the state House Democratic Caucus and the state Senate Democratic Caucus all called on Northam to resign late Friday, along with several key progressive groups that have been some of the governor's closest political allies.

Their calls for Northam to step down came in a wave late Friday, after the Democrat had apologized for appearing in a photo in which one person is dressed in blackface and another is wearing a full Ku Klux Klan uniform. The photo appeared in his 1984 medical school yearbook.

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, left, accompanied by his wife, Pam, speaks during a news conference in the Governor's Mansion in Richmond, Va., on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Resisting widespread calls for his resignation, Northam on Saturday vowed to remain in office after disavowing a racist photograph that appeared under his name in his 1984 medical school yearbook. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - In the first week of 2019, an investigation by Oregon's labor agency deemed the state Capitol to be a hostile workplace because of an unchecked pattern of sexual harassment among lawmakers.

A few days later, two Washington state lawmakers accused of sexual misconduct resigned. Then came new allegations of sexual wrongdoing in Georgia, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts, where a veteran male lawmaker was accused of groping a newly elected female colleague during a pre-session reception.

"We've heard for a long time that this is the culture in the building, and then of course we get there and it immediately surfaces," said Massachusetts state Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa, a first-time lawmaker.

Barely a month into the 2019 legislative sessions, it already is clear that the #MeToo movement was not a one-year phenomenon in many state capitols. New claims of sexual misconduct are continuing to be made public concerning actions ranging from a few weeks ago to many years ago.

The latest came Friday, when Montana legislative leaders revealed that a previously unpublicized allegation of sexual harassment helped drive their current push to update policies on harassment, discrimination and retaliation.

Although half of all state legislative chambers updated their sexual harassment policies last year, an Associated Press review found that many are still looking to make changes this year.

FILE - In this June 14, 2018, file photo, Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins, of San Diego, addresses members of the Senate in Sacramento, Calif. On Friday, Feb. 1, 2019, the California Legislature is opening an independent office to handle investigations of alleged workplace misconduct, including sexual harassment or discrimination. "Our goals are clear: we need to protect victims and witnesses, hold perpetrators accountable, and restore employee and public confidence," said Atkins. But she added: "I realize we cannot be satisfied with our progress, because this step alone will not change the culture of this building." (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli, File)

Some states are taking their first steps since the October 2017 media reports alleging sexual misconduct against movie mogul Harvey Weinstein sparked a national movement of people coming forward with accounts of sexual assault or harassment. In other states, lawmakers and women's advocates are looking to take the second or third steps in what they say is a long trek toward changing attitudes and behaviors.

Sabadosa is sponsoring legislation that would create an independent commission to investigate complaints of workplace harassment by Massachusetts lawmakers. She said a House rule change adopted last year didn't go far enough when it created a new staff position for an equal employment opportunity officer to investigate complaints.

"It feels important for the first-year class to come in and say, 'We are done, this is enough, that culture needs to end and we're going to be the people to make sure that it happens,'" she said.

Across the country, at least 90 state lawmakers have resigned or been removed from office, faced discipline or other repercussions, or been publicly accused of sexual misconduct since the beginning of 2017, according to an ongoing tally by The Associated Press. Sexual misconduct allegations also have toppled high-ranking executive branch officials, including Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens, New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman and Louisiana Secretary of State Tom Schedler.

More than a half-dozen members of the U.S. Congress accused of sexual misconduct also resigned. A new federal law that took effect in January extended sexual harassment protections to congressional interns, gave victims access to confidential advisers and made lawmakers personally liable for financial settlements stemming from harassment or retaliation.

An AP review last August found that about half of the 99 state legislative chambers had updated their own sexual harassment policies since the #MeToo movement began (Nebraska has just a single legislative chamber). The most common response was to boost their own training about sexual harassment, typically by making it mandatory or providing it more frequently. Only a few legislatures passed measures that apply to private-sector workers.

Indiana legislators passed a law last year requiring them to take at least one hour of sexual harassment training annually and creating a committee to develop new sexual harassment policies.

In January, the House and Senate followed through by adopting policies expressly forbidding unwanted sexual advances and retaliation against those who make complaints. The policies also ban any sexual contact between lawmakers and interns.

The new Indiana policies come after a year in which the state attorney general and House speaker both were named in sexual misconduct allegations, which they denied.

"We want to make sure people understand we realize the importance of these issues," said Republican Sen. Liz Brown, an attorney who helped draft the new rules.

Brown, who is chairwoman of the Senate's ethics committee, said the rules were "thoroughly vetted and very thoroughly researched," protect confidentiality and provide flexibility for legislative investigators to get outside help if needed.

But Jennifer Drobac, an Indiana University law professor who has written a textbook on sexual harassment law, described the new policies as disappointing. She said they use outdated definitions of sexual harassment, require a higher standard of proof than most civil cases and fail to require an outside investigation of complaints.

"What they have adopted is a late-20th century, lukewarm approach to the problem," Drobac said. "It's not committed, it's not rigorous, it's not up to date, and it does not instill confidence in my mind."

Other states also have received both praise and criticism for their responses to sexual harassment.

The Missouri House generally was praised for working with the nonprofit Women's Foundation to rewrite its sexual harassment policies after a House speaker resigned in May 2015 while acknowledging he had sent sexually suggestive text messages to a Capitol intern.

This past week, the House revised its policies again, allowing its ethics committee to close preliminary hearings that were previously public. Although some lawmakers objected to the potential secrecy, others said it's intended to protect victims.

"Preliminary hearings, particularly involving sexual assault and harassment, should be not politicized," said Democratic Rep. Gina Mitten, who supported the change.

As one of his first acts in office, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, a Republican, issued an executive order that strengthened the sexual harassment reporting processes and mandated training for executive branch employees.

But that same day, the Republican-led Georgia Senate changed its rules to make it harder to bring some sexual harassment complaints. The new rules require misconduct complaints against senators and staff to be made within two years of the incident, raise the burden of proof for investigations to go forward from "reasonable grounds" to "substantial credible evidence," require accusers to keep complaints confidential and allow penalties against those who publicize complaints or make frivolous claims.

The changes came as Republican state Sen. Renee Unterman, who was removed from a committee leadership post, publicly declared that "in the last couple of weeks, I have had sexual harassment against me." Unterman has not provided any specific details about her allegations.

Other states have moved in the opposite direction on transparency.

The Massachusetts Senate this past week amended its rules to prohibit nondisclosure agreements, which have been used in some states to keep sexual harassment settlements secret.

In Oregon, House and Senate leaders facing a civil rights complaint over the alleged culture of harassment have pledged a variety of improved policies. One bill would establish an "equity office" to conduct outreach programs and investigate complaints. Another would allow courts to temporarily exclude an elected official from the Capitol, if a judge determines that the person's presence creates a hostile environment.

Legislative chambers in Idaho, Louisiana and North Dakota already have enacted updated sexual harassment policies for 2019. The New Hampshire House voted overwhelmingly in January to make sexual harassment training mandatory, although some male lawmakers said that carried an insulting implication that all lawmakers were harassers.

The California Legislature opened an independent office to handle investigations of alleged workplace misconduct, including sexual harassment or discrimination. A panel of outside experts will be responsible for evaluating the unit's findings and advising the Legislature on whether to take disciplinary action against accused colleagues.

The nonprofit National Women's Law Center in Washington, D.C., is spearheading a coalition seeking to strengthen protections against sexual harassment in workplaces, schools and communities in at least 20 states by 2020. About 300 state lawmakers from 40 states, including men and women of both major parties, have signed on to the pledge.

"The outpouring of #MeToo stories shows how profoundly inadequate our laws have been for so long," said Andrea Johnson, senior counsel for state policy at the National Women's Law Center. She added: "It's not something that gets fixed in one session."

___

Associated Press writer Tom Davies in Indianapolis and Andrew Selsky in Salem, Oregon, contributed to this report.

___

Follow David A. Lieb at: http://twitter.com/DavidALieb

In this Aug. 20, 2018 photo, Massachusetts state Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa, D-Hampshire, speaks during an interview in Springfield, Mass. Allegations that an incumbent male state lawmaker grabbed the backside of a newly elected female lawmaker during a pre-session reception prompted Sabadosa and another freshmen female lawmaker to sponsor legislation that would create an independent commission to investigate complaints of workplace harassment by lawmakers. (Don Treeger/The Republican via AP)

FILE - This Feb. 9, 2012, file photo shows Sen. Liz Brown. The new Indiana policies come after a year in which the state attorney general and House speaker both were named in sexual misconduct allegations. "We want to make sure people understand we realize the importance of these issues," said Brown, an attorney who helped draft the new rules. Brown, who is chairwoman of the Senate's ethics committee, said the rules were "thoroughly vetted and very thoroughly researched," protect confidentiality and provide flexibility for legislative investigators to get outside help if needed. (Cathie Rowand/The Journal-Gazette via AP, File)WASHINGTON (AP) - Two years into Donald Trump's presidency, his allies in Congress are quietly trying to influence and even reshape his "America First" foreign policy agenda.

The Republican-led Senate is reasserting itself as a check on Trump's instincts, while individual GOP lawmakers are seeking sway - defense hawks vying with noninterventionists - over policy in the Middle East, Latin America and beyond.

Within one recent week, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio led a group of lawmakers to the White House encouraging Trump to back Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido as the interim president. Trump tweeted his support. Days earlier, Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul was at the White House reinforcing Trump's plan to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria and Afghanistan.

The result can often seem like a foreign policy in flux, zigzagging from bold pronouncements to more measured actions as "a number of different voices on the Hill are trying to put their imprint on the policy," said Brian Katulis, a former Clinton administration national security adviser now at the Center for American Progress.

"It's sort of this great improvisation directed by the president of the United States, that doesn't really follow any of the notes or sheets of music," Katulis said. "Like he's making things up as he goes along."

Setting the tone in the Senate, the first bill of the new year reaffirms sanctions on Syrian officials involved in war crimes and soon will include an amendment taking the unusual step of signaling opposition to Trump's plan to withdraw troops from Syria and Afghanistan.

In this Jan. 22, 2019, photo, Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Fla., left, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., and Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., speak to the media after their meeting with President Donald Trump about Venezuela, at the White House in Washington. Two years into President Donald Trump's administration, the president's allies in Congress are quietly trying to influence and even reshape his "America First" foreign policy agenda. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Pushed forward by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the legislation also is driving a political wedge dividing Democrats, particularly those running for president in 2020, over the troop withdrawal and a separate provision supporting Israel.

Rubio, who led the floor debate and is emerging as a foreign policy leader, said the vote was about ensuring that senators and the legislative branch "play our rightful role in the setting of American foreign policy."

"It is important that the Senate be on the right side of this issue so that we can hope to influence future actions and policies before they are taken, and we can help change them once they have been taken in places headed in the wrong direction," Rubio said.

Next up, McConnell is promising a debate on the importance of NATO, as Trump re-evaluates the U.S.'s long-standing commitment to its allies in Europe.

"NATO deserves the Senate's support," McConnell said.

Danielle Pletka, a senior vice president at the conservative American Enterprise Institute, said lawmakers are doing exactly what they should - asserting themselves as a separate but equal branch of government that has been largely dormant on foreign policy.

"It's abnormal for members of Congress to be as disengaged as they have been," she said. "This is a return to normal."

Trump rode a populist wave to the White House with an "America First" approach focused on rebuilding the United States and bringing U.S. troops home, rather than funding wars overseas.

It's an instinct that fits more neatly into Paul's noninterventionist wing, which rose to prominence with the tea party, rather than the worldview of traditional foreign policy conservatives such as McConnell, Rubio and Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina.

Gaveling that divide is the new chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, GOP Sen. Jim Risch of Idaho, who took over from outspoken Trump critic Bob Corker of Tennessee, who retired.

Risch said "don't read too much into" the first vote of the new Congress, saying lawmakers aren't necessarily sending any message or asserting themselves any more than usual.

"I think the Congress recognizes when it comes to construction and implementation of foreign policy, the Founding Fathers gave both the legislative branch and the executive branch a role," he said. "And it isn't really clearly defined as to who's got the upper hand."

Unlike the first years of the administration, when Republicans tested how publicly to oppose the president, often with mixed results, senators now seem to prefer softer diplomacy and private meetings to shape his policies.

Paul said after meeting with Trump in mid-January that no other president in recent history has taken steps as bold as Trump to disentangle the United States from wars.

"We live for the day that somebody will stand up and say, 'I'm going to change history,'" Paul told reporters at the time. "You're really seeing one of the extraordinary things."

A week later, Rubio and a group of lawmakers from Florida were at the White House urging Trump to support the opposition leader in Venezuela over embattled President Nicholas Maduro.

Florida GOP Sen. Rick Scott said the president was in listening mode and Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Fla., said the administration has been "very open to speaking to us."

Trump tweeted his support the next day for the South American nation's opposition leader.

As Trump develops his plan to withdraw troops from Syria and now Afghanistan, the conversations continue.

McConnell talks with the president often. Traditional GOP hawks, including Sens. Tom Cotton of Arkansas and Joni Ernst of Iowa, were among a group of House and Senate Republicans who met with Trump at the White House shortly after he announced his decision for the Syria withdrawal.

Ernst told Iowa reporters this past week that she disagreed with his assessment that the Islamic State group had been defeated in Syria, She said she "will continue to do so when I believe what we're getting from the intelligence community is different from what advisers are giving to the president."

___

Associated Press writer David Pitt in Des Moines, Iowa, contributed to this report.

FILE - In this July 17, 2018, file photo, Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., speaks during a television interview as he defends President Donald Trump and his Helsinki news conference with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Capitol Hill in Washington. Two years into President Donald Trump's administration, the president's allies in Congress are quietly trying to influence and even reshape his "America First" foreign policy agenda. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) - The latest on the political crisis in Venezuela (all times local):

6:05 p.m.

Several thousand Venezuelans rallied in central Spain's capital of Madrid Saturday to show their support for Juan Guaido, the self-proclaimed interim president of Venezuela.

Former Caracas mayor Antonio Ledezma, who escaped a Venezuelan prison and fled to Spain in 2017, attended the rally in opposition to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

The gathering coincided with a major rally Guaido held in Venezuela, where tens of thousands of supporters in Caracas demanded that Maduro step down from power.

Loyalists of Maduro's socialist government flooded the streets in a different part Caracas to celebrate 20 years since Hugo Chavez launched the Bolivarian revolution.

Anti-government protesters stop a truck while blocking a highway with a small group of demonstrators who were returning from a peaceful demonstration called by self-declared interim president Juan Guaido to demand the resignation of President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd)

There was another smaller rally for Guaido in Barcelona, Spain's second largest city.

The number of people born in Venezuela who live in Spain has jumped from 165,000 in 2015 to 255,000 last year, according to Spain's National Institute of Statistics.

___

3:20 p.m.

Venezuela opposition leader Juan Guaido says he hopes Pope Francis will soon weigh in on the crisis.

Italian daily La Stampa asked Guaido in an interview in Caracas what the Vatican or the pope could do to avoid a worsening of Venezuela's political crisis.

The newspaper on Saturday quoted Guaido as replying: "We hope to soon hear a pronouncement by the pope."

But the Argentine-born pontiff said a few days earlier that although he is terrified there could be a bloodbath in Venezuela, his pastoral role doesn't let him take sides.

Guaido has declared himself interim president as he tries to force President Nicolas Maduro from power.

___

2:40 p.m.

Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro has proposed holding early elections for the National Assembly as he seeks to outmaneuver a renewed opposition that is trying to use its control of the legislature to challenge his rule.

Maduro in a speech to supporters Saturday said it would be up to the pro-government constitutional assembly to decide whether or not to back his proposal.

Elections for the opposition-controlled National Assembly aren't supposed to take place again until 2020.

National Assembly President Juan Guaido is leading a charge to force Maduro from power after he took the oath of office last month for a second, six-year term widely considered illegitimate.

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1:40 p.m.

Venezuela opposition leader Juan Guaido says humanitarian assistance will begin flowing into the crisis-wracked country within the next few days, despite the objections of President Nicolas Maduro.

Guaido made the announcement Saturday speaking before tens of thousands of cheering supporters who took to the streets of Caracas demanding that Maduro step down from power.

Guaido said supplies of badly needed food and medicine will start entering from the Colombian border town of Cucuta. He said assistance will also come from two more unnamed entry points.

Loyalists of Maduro's socialist government flooded the streets in a different part of the capital Saturday to celebrate 20 years since Hugo Chavez launched the Bolivarian revolution.

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Noon

Thousands of public employees and government supporters have begun to concentrate on Caracas' downtown Bolivar Avenue.

Some danced to popular songs, while a banner included a large photo of late President Hugo Chavez and read: "20 years of popular victories."

The socialist government of President Nicolas Maduro called the rally to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Chavez's rise to power.

Meanwhile, thousands of anti-government protesters are carrying Venezuelan flags and descending on the eastern part of the city.

Opposition leader Juan Guaido has proclaimed himself interim president of Venezuela and called for demonstrations to increase pressure on Maduro to resign.

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10:30 a.m.

Hundreds of Venezuelans gathered in downtown Barcelona, Spain, on Saturday to express their support for Juan Guaido, who declared himself interim president of Venezuela last week.

The gathering was one of several expected around the world to coincide with a rally planned by Guaido in Venezuela.

The defiant socialist government of President Nicolas Maduro has called on its own loyalists to flood the streets waving flags to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Bolivarian revolution launched by the late Hugo Chavez.

Nancy San Juan, a 78-year-old yoga teacher, says: "This is the end. It's imminent. How is it going to end? We don't know. We don't know because this man (Maduro) doesn't want to leave and is very defiant."

Spain's National Institute of Statistics says the number of people born in Venezuela who live in Spain jumped from 165,000 in 2015 to 255,000 last year.

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9:30 a.m.

A Venezuelan air force general defected from the administration of President Nicolas Maduro on Saturday and called on his compatriots to participate in protests against the socialist leader's rule.

Gen. Francisco Yanez is the first high ranking officer to leave Maduro's government since Jan. 23, when National Assembly President Juan Guaido declared himself the country's legitimate leader.

In a YouTube video, Yanez said: "The transition to democracy is imminent." He described Maduro as a dictator and referred to Guaido as his president, but refused to say whether he is still in Venezuela or has left the country.

In a brief phone conversation with The Associated Press, the officer confirmed, from a Colombian number, the veracity of his declaration and said he would not give further statements until given authorization by "the commander-in-chief of the legal armed force which is President Juan Guaido."

In the video, Yanez claimed that "90 percent" of the country's armed forces are against Maduro.

A Venezuelan woman shouts slogans as she takes part in a rally in Catalonia square, in Barcelona, Spain, Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Hundreds of Venezuelans gathered in downtown Barcelona, to express their support for Juan Guaido, who declared himself interim president of Venezuela last week. The gathering was one of several expected around the world to coincide with a rally planned by Guaido in Venezuela. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

Anti-government protesters gather for the start of a nationwide demonstration demanding the resignation of President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Momentum is growing for Venezuela's opposition movement led by lawmaker Juan Guaido, who has called supporters back into the streets for nationwide protests Saturday, escalating pressure on embattled Maduro to step down. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd)

Anti-government protesters gather for the start of a nationwide demonstration demanding the resignation of President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Momentum is growing for Venezuela's opposition movement led by lawmaker Juan Guaido, who has called supporters back into the streets for nationwide protests Saturday, escalating pressure on embattled Maduro to step down. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd)

Venezuelans take part in a rally in Catalonia square, in Barcelona, Spain, Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Hundreds of Venezuelans gathered in downtown Barcelona, to express their support for Juan Guaido, who declared himself interim president of Venezuela last week. The gathering was one of several expected around the world to coincide with a rally planned by Guaido in Venezuela. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

A Venezuelan man holds his dog as he takes part in a rally in Catalonia square, in Barcelona, Spain, Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Hundreds of Venezuelans gathered in downtown Barcelona, to express their support for Juan Guaido, who declared himself interim president of Venezuela last week. The gathering was one of several expected around the world to coincide with a rally planned by Guaido in Venezuela. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)WARSAW, Poland (AP) - Krzysztof Strzemeski watched with unease as a high school friend voiced support for Poland's nationalist government on social media, followed by hate-filled extremist posts. But when the liberal mayor of Gdansk was stabbed to death in public in January, he could no longer hold back his anger.

"Congratulations for your perseverance sharing right-wing filth," the 58-year-old university lecturer wrote to his former classmate. The two haven't communicated since.

Poland's political fissures have widened in recent months, pitting conservatives - many of them government supporters - against liberal critics who accuse the ruling party of threatening the country's hard-won democracy by undermining the independence of the judiciary and the media.

In this toxic atmosphere, there has been an increase in hate speech, political threats and, most stunningly, the assassination of popular Gdansk Mayor Pawel Adamowicz, a critic of the ruling Law and Justice Party's anti-immigrant policies.

After stabbing Adamowicz during a Jan. 13 charity event, the attacker grabbed a microphone and said that was his revenge against an opposition political party that Adamowicz had once belonged to.

Although there have been suggestions the assailant also had psychological problems, some government critics blamed Poland's heated political discourse, some of it from state television. Commentators had often vilified Adamowicz for his open acceptance of refugees and gays, and his widow said he had been getting death threats, causing the family to live in fear.

FILE - In this May 1, 2018, file photo, anti-fascists shout slogans against members of the far-right National-Radical Camp in Warsaw, Poland. Poland's political fissures have widened in recent months, pitting conservatives, many of them government supporters, against liberal critics who accuse the leadership of threatening the country's hard-won democracy by undermining the independence of the judiciary and the media. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski, File)

Poles have long spoken of "two tribes" in their central European country. Now, increasingly there is talk of a "Polish-Polish war" - a divide that is greater than at any time since the 1980s, when the Soviet-backed Communist regime tried to crush the Solidarity freedom movement by imposing martial law.

The wedge issues that Poland faces are familiar in many other places: immigration and borders, abortion, the relationship of the nation's mostly Catholic society to Jews, Muslims and other faiths, and the rights of gays and women.

On one level, it seems to be a microcosm of the political struggles elsewhere in Europe and in the United States. But Poland is also one of the European Union's largest and most economically dynamic countries, and its course will help shape the continent's future.

Poland's current government has aligned itself with other populist, conservative or nationalist figures - U.S. President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

The Law and Justice Party won the 2015 election amid Europe's migration crisis and a weariness with the centrist government that had been in power for eight years. Party leader Jaroslaw Kaczynski vowed more help for the poor, a tough anti-corruption stance and a hard line against Muslim migrants, who he said carried "parasites and protozoa" dangerous to the native European population.

After mass street protests against his party's plans to overhaul the judicial system, Kaczynski turned his language against internal critics, referring to protesters as "the worst sort of Poles" and "national traitors." His language was widely denounced as reminiscent of the worst of the last century in Europe.

Last year saw a surge in anti-Semitic rhetoric in Poland after the passage of a controversial Holocaust speech law. Some of that was spoken even by public officials and TV commentators, creating a new normal in what seems to be acceptable speech.

On Jan. 27, International Holocaust Remembrance Day, a far-right activist who had been imprisoned for burning an effigy of a Jew in 2015 staged a protest outside the Auschwitz memorial site, saying it was time to "fight Jewry." Holocaust survivors had gathered for solemn observances not far away.

Muslims, while only a tiny percentage of Poland's population, have increasingly been taunted, spat on and even assaulted, according to the Never Again association, which monitors such crimes.

Since Adamowicz's killing, prosecutors have faced criticism for failing to investigate death threats against politicians. Two weeks before his death, the public prosecutor halted proceedings into symbolic "political death notices" that the far-right group All-Polish Youth issued for Adamowicz and 10 other mayors who had pledged support for the integration of migrants.

There also have been dramatic calls on all sides for reconciliation. Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki has met with opposition leaders and urged more "mutual respect" in public debate.

But state television continues to vilify ideological opponents.

Last week, journalists on a talk show lashed out at Rafal Pankowski, a sociologist and the head of Never Again. One of them called him a "terrible" person, among those "who live from a hatred of their own fatherland."

Pankowski, who will be honored by the Anti-Defamation League next week for his work fighting anti-Semitism, decried the "climate of hatred in the air" and the fact that taxpayer money was going to fund such "crass propaganda."

Marcin Makowski, a conservative journalist and commentator, said he believes it's unfair to put all the blame on the government, recalling instances of harsh political rhetoric used by its opponents that fanned hatred and in some cases seemed to call for violence. When Kaczynski's brother, President Lech Kaczynski, died in a plane crash in 2010, some even joked about it, Makowski recalled.

"None of them are saints and pretending as such is pure hypocrisy," Makowski said.

Polish far-right activists enter the former German Nazi death camp Auschwitz-Birkenau, on International Holocaust Remembrance Day in Oswiecim, Poland, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2019.(AP Photo)

Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki,left, and deputy Prime Minister Beata Szydlo ,right,place candles at the Monument to the Victims at the former Nazi German concentration and extermination camp Auschwitz II-Birkenau, during on International Holocaust Remembrance Day in Oswiecim, Poland, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2019.(AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski)

Survivors of Auschwitz arrive at the International Monument to the Victims of Fascism at the former Nazi German concentration and extermination camp KL Auschwitz II-Birkenau walk to place candles on International Holocaust Remembrance Day in Oswiecim, Poland, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2019.(AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski)LONDON (AP) - A British High Court judge has issued an appeal via Twitter to a woman who vanished with her toddler while embroiled in a family court case.

Judge David Williams took the unusual step to appeal to Ellie Yarrow-Sanders, 26, who disappeared with 3-year-old Olly Sheridan in July. Yarrow-Sanders' mother and sister joined in the appeal as did the toddler's father, Patrick Sheridan.

The tweet asked Yarrow-Sanders to "bring missing toddler Olly Sheridan home."

A statement from the court attached to the tweet included a promise that the judge would deal with the case "fairly." The statement, which was also published on the Courts and Tribunals Judiciary website, said Olly's father had agreed he would not make any attempt to have Yarrow-Sanders or her family "punished" if the child is brought back.MT. DARWIN, Zimbabwe (AP) - Zimbabwe's president has skipped his first political rally since last month's deadly military crackdown on protests so he could explain the unrest to fellow African leaders, a spokesman said Saturday.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa's administration has been under pressure amid reports of at least 12 people killed, hundreds wounded and some women raped. The crackdown has hurt government efforts to secure badly needed foreign assistance to rebuild the collapsed economy, and undermined pledges of democratic reforms.

Spokesman George Charamba in a statement said the president was spending the day briefing regional leaders. Mnangagwa earlier in the week blamed Western countries for backing the unrest, a favorite line of his former mentor and longtime Zimbabwe leader Robert Mugabe, who stepped down in late 2017 under military pressure.

The military remains in the streets after being called out last month, and human rights groups, witnesses and opposition figures continue to report abuses in poor and working-class suburbs. In some areas, soldiers have set up tents at police stations where they have taken up residence.

Mnangagwa earlier in the week told local journalists that the use of the military was necessary to maintain public order.

International condemnation continues over the crackdown on the protests over steep fuel price increases that made gasoline in Zimbabwe the world's most expensive. Labor leaders and activists called for people to stay home in protest, while some took to the streets in anger or desperation. Some people who reported venturing out for bread in empty-shelved shops said they were beaten.

A subdued crowd wait for Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa at a rally in Mount Darwin about 200 Kilometres north of Harare, Saturday, Feb, 2, 2019. A spokesman says Zimbabwe's president has skipped his first political rally since last month's deadly military crackdown on protests so he could explain the unrest to fellow African leaders. President Emmerson Mnangagwa's administration has been under pressure amid reports of at least 12 people killed, hundreds wounded and some women raped. (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi)

The top U.S. diplomat for Africa, Tibor Nagy, in a new statement said the United States was "deeply concerned," and the United Nations office in Zimbabwe expressed concern over "trails of destruction, looting, mass arrest and detention," including of children.

The response by African leaders, however, has been muted, with neighboring South Africa criticized after President Cyril Ramaphosa last month again suggested that U.S. and other sanctions on Zimbabwe should be lifted.

Reports of rapes and sexual violence by security forces in recent days have caused outrage. Police said they have recorded only one case of rape, while the president's spokesman dismissed the reports as "bottom-up propaganda."

At the rally on Saturday in a ruling party stronghold, some people started walking out after it was announced the president would not show.

Top officials present had gloomy faces, while Vice President Kembo Mohadi, who stood in for Mnangagwa, told the subdued crowd that Zimbabwe's worsening economic condition was due to the "work of the enemy."

The top officials clapped but the crowd remained muted as the vice president promised good times ahead and described the crisis as short-term and like "mere labor pains."

Meanwhile, fuel lines have begun resurfacing after briefly disappearing following the price increase.

___

Follow Africa news at https://twitter.com/AP_Africa

A woman wipes her face while wearing a doek with a portrait of Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa at a rally in Mount Darwin about 200 Kilometres north of Harare, Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. A spokesman says Zimbabwe's president has skipped his first political rally since last month's deadly military crackdown on protests so he could explain the unrest to fellow African leaders. President Emmerson Mnangagwa's administration has been under pressure amid reports of at least 12 people killed, hundreds wounded and some women raped. (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi)

A seat reserved for Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa remains unoccupied at a rally in Mount Darwin about 200 Kilometres north of Harare, Saturday, Feb, 2, 2019. A spokesman says Zimbabwe's president has skipped his first political rally since last month's deadly military crackdown on protests so he could explain the unrest to fellow African leaders. President Emmerson Mnangagwa's administration has been under pressure amid reports of at least 12 people killed, hundreds wounded and some women raped. (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi)MANILA, Philippines (AP) - Philippine troops clashed with Abu Sayyaf gunmen in fierce jungle fighting that left five soldiers and three militants dead, as the military pushed forward with a fresh offensive following a deadly church bombing last weekend.

President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered government forces to destroy the Abu Sayyaf after the bombing last Sunday of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral in the Sulu provincial capital of Jolo that killed 22 people and wounded more than 100. The attack has renewed terrorism fears across the Philippines, where the national police went on full alert and security has been strengthened in churches, shopping malls and other public areas.

Regional military spokesman Col. Gerry Besana said another five soldiers and 15 militants were wounded in nearly two hours of fighting Saturday between the army and about 150 Islamic State group-linked fighters in the jungles near Patikul town.

The militants were led by Abu Sayyaf commander Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan, who is suspected of helping plot the bombing. The Abu Sayyaf, which has about 300 to 400 armed fighters, has been blacklisted by the United States and the Philippines as a terrorist organization because of years of bombings, kidnappings and beheadings in the predominantly Roman Catholic nation.

Government forces have over the years pressed on sporadic offensives to crush the group, including in Jolo, a poverty-wracked island of more than 700,000 people where Muslims are the majority. A few thousand Catholics live mostly in the provincial capital.

Since the church attack, the air force has launched airstrikes on suspected militant bases near Patikul and police killed a suspected militant on a raid in the city.

Soldiers attend the scene after two bombs exploded outside a Roman Catholic cathedral in Jolo, the capital of Sulu province in southern Philippines, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2019. Two bombs minutes apart tore through a Roman Catholic cathedral on a southern Philippine island where Muslim militants are active, killing at least 20 people and wounding more than 80 others during a Sunday Mass, officials said. (AP Photo/Nickee Butlangan)

Duterte told reporters earlier this week that the church bombing was a suicide attack carried out by a militant couple.

Interior Secretary Eduardo Ano said Friday that an Indonesian couple was responsible for the bombing aimed at fomenting sectarian conflict in the south. The Indonesian man reportedly used the nom de guerre Abu Huda and Philippine authorities said they would coordinate with their Indonesian counterparts to try to validate the identities of the two.

Indonesian Foreign Ministry spokesman Arrmanatha Nasir said the government had not been able to confirm the involvement of Indonesian nationals in the attack.

There has been speculation that the bombing may be a diversionary move by Muslim militants after troops recently carried out an offensive that killed a number of IS-linked extremists in an encampment in the hinterlands of Lanao del Sur province, also in the south. The area is near Marawi, a Muslim city that was besieged for five months in 2017 by hundreds of IS-aligned militants, including foreign fighters.

Troops quelled the insurrection, which left more 1,100 people dead, mostly militants, and the heart of the mosque-studded city in ruins.

Duterte declared martial law in the entire southern third of the country to deal with the Marawi siege, his worst security crisis. His martial law declaration has been extended to allow troops to finish off radical Muslim groups and other insurgents, but bombings and other attacks have continued.

___

Associated Press writer Niniek Karmini in Jakarta, Indonesia, contributed to this report.BRUSSELS (AP) - Belgium says it is willing to receive Ivory Coast's ex-president Laurent Gbagbo after he was released from International Criminal Court custody but is still discussing the details of his stay.

Foreign affairs spokesman Karl Lagatie said Saturday that Belgium had "in principle accepted to receive" Gbagbo but details would be worked out "in the coming days."

Gbagbo faces conditions upon his release and must pledge to return to court if needed and not leave the country that agrees to house him. Prosecution lawyers want to ensure his return for their appeals phase.

Lagatie said Belgium had acted out of support for the court, which is based in neighboring Netherlands.

It is unclear where Gbagbo is at present. He was acquitted of involvement in deadly violence after Ivory Coast's 2010 election.BEIRUT (AP) - Lebanon's new Cabinet held its first meeting Saturday and the country's leaders vowed to deal swiftly with the political and economic challenges the country faces, while playing down the militant Hezbollah group's takeover of the health ministry.

The comments came a day after Washington expressed concerns about Hezbollah naming a health minister and two other posts in Lebanon's Cabinet, and called on the new government to ensure that group is not supported by the ministries' resources.

The new Cabinet was announced Thursday night, breaking a nine-month deadlock that had deepened Lebanon's economic woes.

"There are many challenges ahead of us that we have to face," President Michel Aoun was quoted as telling ministers in a comment on his Twitter account. "There is no time to waste."

In its first meeting, the Cabinet formed a 10-member committee whose job will be to draft a government policy statement to be debated in Parliament ahead of a vote of confidence.

Prime Minister Saad Hariri said the government policy statement would be ready within days, adding that it will be similar to that of the previous government he headed. For years the government policy statement has been a source of tension as it mentions the right of Hezbollah to keep its weapons.

In this photo released by the Lebanese Government, members of Lebanon's new government, pose for an official picture at the Presidential Palace in Baabda, east of Beirut, Lebanon, Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. The new Cabinet was announced Thursday night breaking a nine-month deadlock that had deepened Lebanon's economic woes. (Dalati Nohra/Lebanese Government via AP)

After the 1975-90 civil war ended, Hezbollah was the only group allowed to keep its weapons because at the time it was fighting Israel which occupied parts of southern Lebanon until 2000. Lebanon says Israel is still occupying the disputed Shebaa Farms.

The government policy statement that was issued after Hariri was named prime minister in 2016 said "the Lebanese people have the right to resist Israeli occupation, repel its aggressions and regain all occupied (Lebanese) lands."

Asked about the Health Ministry, Hariri said that the American statements are similar to "what they (U.S.) always say about Hezbollah." He added that none of the ministers, including those of Hezbollah, will make their ministries purely for their group.

"A minister is for all Lebanese and the health minister said this in the first statement he made after the formation," said Hariri.

Asked if he is worried that international aid to the health ministry could be affected, Hariri said everything is "clear and transparent" at the health ministry, adding that those benefiting are "Lebanese citizens no matter to what party they belong."

The new Cabinet was agreed on as Lebanon is dealing with soaring public debt of $84 billion, or 150 percent of the gross domestic product, and unemployment believed to be around 36 percent.

A big slap for Lebanon came in early January when Moody's Investors Service downgraded the country's long-term investment issuer ratings to Caa1 from B3. Weeks later, Moody's downgraded the country's three largest lenders.

Hariri said the Cabinet will enact reforms that will allow it to unlock around $11 billion in soft loans and grants pledged by international donors at a conference in Paris last year. At the time of the CEDRE conference, Hariri pledged to reduce the budget deficit as a percentage of the gross domestic product by five percent in five years.

Hariri said the biggest problem facing the Cabinet is the $2 billion spent annually on the crumbling electricity sector.

"We should do all what we can to reduce budget deficit by 1 percent over the next five years," he added.

Lebanese ministers attend the first meeting of the Lebanese cabinet at the Presidential Palace in Baabda, east of Beirut, Lebanon, Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. The new Cabinet was announced Thursday night breaking a nine-month deadlock that had deepened Lebanon's economic woes. (AP Photo/Bilal Hussein)MOSCOW (AP) - The Latest on the Russia-U.S. dispute over a nuclear arms treaty (all times local):

9:55 p.m.

The top American diplomat says the United States has formally suspended its obligations under a Cold War-arms treaty with Russia.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says the Trump administration has acted after what he calls "Russia's material breach" of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces treaty and its failure to come into compliance in the two months since Washington gave notice of its intent to withdraw from the pact.

Pompeo says in a statement the U.S. provided Russia with formal notice of the American withdrawal in six months, according to terms of the treaty.

He says the U.S. "has gone to tremendous lengths to preserve" the treaty. But he says Moscow "continues to deny that its noncompliant missile system" violates the accord.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, cente, attends a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, and Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu in the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Putin said that Russia will abandon the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces treaty, following in the footsteps of the United States, but noted that Moscow will only deploy intermediate-range nuclear missiles if Washington does so. (Alexei Nikolsky, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)

Pompeo says Russia's actions have "jeopardized the United States' supreme interests, and the United States can no longer be restricted by the treaty while Russia openly violates it."

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6:50 p.m.

NATO member Latvia says it understands why the United States is pulling out of a major nuclear arms treaty as Russia has "seriously violated" it and urged Moscow to take "constructive measures" to preserve the treaty.

A statement from Latvia's Foreign Ministry published late Friday, ahead of Russia's Saturday announcement that it was abandoning the landmark 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, stressed that "effective arms control is a vital element of Euro-Atlantic security."

The ministry said a situation where the U.S. unilaterally complies with the treaty while Russia violates it "by developing and fielding" banned missiles "is unsustainable and is not conducive to security in the Euro-Atlantic space."

The Baltic country that borders Russia referred to Friday's statement by NATO foreign ministers to support Washington's decision to ditch the INF treaty.

___

1:50 p.m.

Russia's foreign minister says that the U.S. pullout from a pivotal nuclear arms control pact has further upset strategic stability.

Sergey Lavrov spoke during a meeting with President Vladimir Putin in the wake of the U.S. decision to pull the plug on the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces treaty over alleged Russian violations.

Lavrov said that Washington has ignored Russia's offer to inspect a cruise missile that the U.S. claimed violated the pact. He charged that the U.S. itself has violated the treaty by deploying missile interceptors in Romania that use the launchers that could hold land-based cruise missiles.

The Russian minister said that another centerpiece nuclear arms pact, the New Start, which is set to expire in 2021, is also in trouble.

___

12:50 p.m.

President Vladimir Putin says that Russia will abandon a centerpiece nuclear arms treaty, following in the footsteps of the United States, and that Moscow will only deploy intermediate-range nuclear missiles if Washington does so.

Putin spoke after the U.S. announced Friday it was pulling the plug on the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty over alleged Russian violations. Moscow denied any breaches and accused Washington of making false accusations in order to justify its pullout.

Following the U.S. notice of withdrawal from the treaty in six months, Putin said in televised remarks Saturday that Russia will do the same. He ordered the development of new land-based intermediate-range weapons, but emphasized that Russia won't deploy them in the European part of the country or elsewhere unless the U.S. does so.

___

12:35 p.m.

China's government has appealed to Washington and Moscow to preserve a nuclear arms treaty following a U.S. decision to withdraw.

The foreign ministry warned Saturday the Trump administration's withdrawal from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty might trigger "adverse consequences."

A ministry statement said: "China is opposed to the U.S. withdrawal and urges the U.S. and Russia to properly resolve differences through constructive dialogue"

The Trump administration announced the decision Friday to shed what it sees as unreasonable constraints on competing with Russia and a more assertive China.

Other governments and arms-control advocates have warned the U.S. move might open the door to a new nuclear arms race.

Russian President Vladimir Putin chairs a Security Council meeting in Moscow, Friday, Feb. 1, 2019. (Alexei Nikolsky, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)LONDON (AP) - Wintry weather brought traffic to a halt in some parts of Britain, as sleet, snow and ice trapped motorists in their cars for hours.

Drivers were stranded early Saturday in southern England, leading to perilous conditions. Police in Kent say the night proved incredibly busy and that there were a number of accidents.

London City Airport shut down its runway briefly Friday night because of heavy snowfall, leading to some flight diversions. Service was back to normal Saturday.

U.K. meteorologists put out warnings for snow and ice and advised the public to "take care if you're heading out and about."

The freeze is expected to continue, with warnings that parts of Scotland could see lows -16 C (3.2 F) over Saturday and into Sunday.

People head out to sledge in the Blue Bell Hill area near Maidstone, England, Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. (Gareth Fuller/PA via AP)

Snow covers houses in Gold Hill, in Shaftesbury, Dorset, England Friday Feb. 1, 2019, after snowfalls overnight brought widespread disruption. (Andrew Matthews/PA via AP)

A duck waddles on ice in front of a canal boat at the Caen Hill Locks on the Kennet and Avon Canal, near Devizes, in Wiltshire, England, Friday, Feb. 1, 2019. Hundreds of drivers in Britain spent the night trapped in cars or sheltered in pubs and schools after heavy snowfall hit much of the country. (Jonathan Brady/PA via AP)DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) - A building damaged during years of war in the Syrian northern city of Aleppo collapsed Saturday, killing 11 people, including four children, said Syria's state news agency.

SANA said the five-story building collapsed early Saturday, killing most of those who were inside and only one person was rescued alive.

The report said the building is in the eastern Salahuddin neighborhood, once held by rebels.

Aleppo had been divided for four years, starting in the summer of 2012, between a government-held west and a rebel-held east. In 2016, the Syrian army launched a months-long offensive that eventually brought the whole city under government control.

Syria's nearly eight-year conflict has left more than 400,000 people dead and left broad parts of the country destroyed.

In this photo released by the Syrian official news agency SANA, people inspect a destroyed building where, according to SANA, the five-story building collapsed early Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019, killing most of those who were inside and only one person was rescued alive, in the northern city of Aleppo, Syria. SANA said that a building damaged during years of war in the northern city of Aleppo has collapsed killing 11 people. (SANA via AP)

In this photo released by the Syrian official news agency SANA, rescue workers carry a victim where, according to SANA, the five-story building collapsed early Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019, killing most of those who were inside and only one person was rescued alive, in the northern city of Aleppo, Syria. SANA said that a building damaged during years of war in the northern city of Aleppo has collapsed killing 11 people. (SANA via AP)

In this photo released by the Syrian official news agency SANA, people inspect a destroyed building where, according to SANA, the five-story building collapsed early Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019, killing most of those who were inside and only one person was rescued alive, in the northern city of Aleppo, Syria. SANA said that a building damaged during years of war in the northern city of Aleppo has collapsed killing 11 people. (SANA via AP)PARIS (AP) - France's yellow vest protesters were back on the streets Saturday to keep up the pressure on French President Emmanuel Macron's government and to decry the number of people being injured by police during the anti-government demonstrations.

Multiple protests in Paris and other cities denounced Macron's economic policies, which they view as favoring the rich, for the 12th straight weekend of demonstrations. Most were peaceful.

In Paris, scuffles broke out between some protesters and police around the Republic plaza, northeast of the city center, where hundreds of demonstrators headed on Saturday afternoon. Police managed to disperse most of the crowd.

Some clashes between protesters and police also took place in the southern cities of Bordeaux, Toulouse and Valence.

Thousands of demonstrators in the French capital paid tribute to the yellow vests who have been injured during clashes with police in an effort to unite the movement despite growing divisions. Several competing groups of yellow vests are getting ready to present candidates for the European Parliament election in May, while other figures insist the movement must remain non-political.

The government says around 2,000 people have been injured in protests since the movement began Nov. 17, including at least four serious eye injuries. Separately, 10 people have died in traffic accidents related to yellow vest actions.

A demonstrator runs by a fire during a yellow vest protest Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019 in Paris. France's yellow vest protesters are taking to the streets to keep pressure on French President Emmanuel Macron's government, for the 12th straight weekend of demonstrations. This week, demonstrators in the French capital are planning to pay tribute to the yellow vests injured during clashes with police. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)

Franck Dideron, 20, said he was protesting peacefully, speaking on the phone to his mother, when his eye was injured by a rubber bullet fired by police during a Dec. 1 protest near the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

"The policeman shot me voluntarily. And I was just turning around - how was that violent behavior? How was I dangerous for him?" he asked The Associated Press. "Today, I would like to see this policeman come and stand in front of me, look me in the eye and tell me why he shot me."

Jerome Rodrigues, a prominent member of the movement who suffered an eye injury last week, was widely applauded by the crowd Saturday.

A French police investigation is still trying to determine how Rodrigues was injured. Video images show Rodriguez collapsed on the ground last Saturday near the Bastille monument, where protesters throwing projectiles clashed with police.

Antonio Barbetta, a 40-year-old protester with injured foot, call the police response to the yellow vests "excessive."

"I'm in contact with a large number of injured people and I can tell you that these were nonviolent people. I myself am against all forms of violence on either side," he said.

France's Council of State ruled Friday that security forces have a right to use controversial high-velocity rubber bullets for crowd control.

Benjamin Cauchy, a yellow vest spokesman from southern France who came to the Paris protest, called that a "regrettable decision."

The weapon "is extremely harmful, imprecise and in the end is causing more sorrow than security," he told BFM television.

The Council of State noted the frequency of violence and property destruction at the protests and concluded the devices are not a "grave attack" on the freedom to demonstrate and are not inhumane treatment.

Interior Minister Christophe Castaner tweeted Friday that "if the law was respected, there would be no injured."

The French parliament is debating a bill to strengthen measures against troublemakers who use protests to attack police. Rights groups and opposition lawmakers, however, say it goes too far in restricting the right to protest.

The bill could let local prefects prevent people they see as a serious threat to public order from taking part in protests. It could also make it a crime for protesters to conceal their faces.

Around 69,000 people nationwide took part in French protests last week, down from more than 80,000 the previous two weekends, according to the French Interior Ministry.

The yellow vests movement began in November and was named after the fluorescent safety vests that French motorists must carry.

___

Alexander Turnbull and Milos Krivokapic contributed to the story.

A wounded protester attends the yellow vests demonstration Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019 in Paris. France's yellow vest protesters are taking to the streets to keep pressure on French President Emmanuel Macron's government, for the 12th straight weekend of demonstrations. This week, demonstrators in the French capital are planning to pay tribute to the yellow vests injured during clashes with police. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)

Yellow vest demonstrators march Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019 in Paris. France's yellow vest protesters are taking to the streets to keep pressure on French President Emmanuel Macron's government, for the 12th straight weekend of demonstrations. This week, demonstrators in the French capital are planning to pay tribute to the yellow vests injured during clashes with police. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)

A protester attends the yellow vests demonstration Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019 in Paris. France's yellow vest protesters are taking to the streets to keep pressure on French President Emmanuel Macron's government and denounce the high number of people injured in demonstrations that they consider as the result of police violence.(AP Photo/Francois Mori)

A wounded protester attends the yellow vests demonstration Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019 in Paris. France's yellow vest protesters are taking to the streets to keep pressure on French President Emmanuel Macron's government, for the 12th straight weekend of demonstrations. This week, demonstrators in the French capital are planning to pay tribute to the yellow vests injured during clashes with police. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)

A wounded protester with a poster reading "Here is the truth" attends the yellow vests demonstration Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019 in Paris. France's yellow vest protesters are taking to the streets to keep pressure on French President Emmanuel Macron's government, for the 12th straight weekend of demonstrations. This week, demonstrators in the French capital are planning to pay tribute to the yellow vests injured during clashes with police. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)

Yellow vest demonstrators march Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019 in Paris. France's yellow vest protesters are taking to the streets to keep pressure on French President Emmanuel Macron's government, for the 12th straight weekend of demonstrations. This week, demonstrators in the French capital are planning to pay tribute to the yellow vests injured during clashes with police. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)

A protester attends the yellow vests demonstration Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019 in Paris. France's yellow vest protesters are taking to the streets to keep pressure on French President Emmanuel Macron's government and denounce the high number of people injured in demonstrations that they consider as the result of police violence.(AP Photo/Francois Mori)

A protester shouts during the yellow vests demonstration Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019 in Paris. France's yellow vest protesters are taking to the streets to keep pressure on French President Emmanuel Macron's government, for the 12th straight weekend of demonstrations. This week, demonstrators in the French capital are planning to pay tribute to the yellow vests injured during clashes with police. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)

Protesters hold a banner against the use of high-velocity rubber ball launchers for crowd control (LBD) during the yellow vests demonstration Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019 in Paris. France's yellow vest protesters are taking to the streets to keep pressure on French President Emmanuel Macron's government and denounce the high number of people injured in demonstrations that they consider as the result of police violence.. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)

Yellow vest protesters wait on the Place de la Republique Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019 in Paris. France's yellow vest protesters are taking to the streets to keep pressure on French President Emmanuel Macron's government, for the 12th straight weekend of demonstrations. This week, demonstrators in the French capital are planning to pay tribute to the yellow vests injured during clashes with police. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)

Riot police officers detain a demonstrator during a yellow vest protest Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019 in Paris. France's yellow vest protesters are taking to the streets to keep pressure on French President Emmanuel Macron's government, for the 12th straight weekend of demonstrations. This week, demonstrators in the French capital are planning to pay tribute to the yellow vests injured during clashes with police. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)

A demonstrator wearing a replica of a Gallic helmet with a vest reading "refractory Gallic" takes part to a yellow vest protest Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019 in Paris. France's yellow vest protesters are taking to the streets to keep pressure on French President Emmanuel Macron's government, for the 12th straight weekend of demonstrations. This week, demonstrators in the French capital are planning to pay tribute to the yellow vests injured during clashes with police. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)

Protestor Thierry Paul Valette is being checked by medics during a yellow vest protest Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019 in Paris. France's yellow vest protesters are taking to the streets to keep pressure on French President Emmanuel Macron's government, for the 12th straight weekend of demonstrations. This week, demonstrators in the French capital are planning to pay tribute to the yellow vests injured during clashes with police. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)

Riot police officers take position on the Place de la Republique during a yellow vest protest Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019 in Paris. France's yellow vest protesters are taking to the streets to keep pressure on French President Emmanuel Macron's government, for the 12th straight weekend of demonstrations. This week, demonstrators in the French capital are planning to pay tribute to the yellow vests injured during clashes with police. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)

A yellow vest demonstrator speaks in a megaphone as riot police officers look on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019 in Marseille, southern France. France's yellow vest protesters were back on the streets Saturday to keep pressure on French President Emmanuel Macron's government and denounce the large number of people injured in demonstrations they say is the result of police violence. (AP Photo/Claude Paris)

A police officer holds a high-velocity rubber bullets for crowd control equipped with a camera during a yellow vest protest Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019 in Paris. France's yellow vest protesters are taking to the streets to keep pressure on French President Emmanuel Macron's government, for the 12th straight weekend of demonstrations. This week, demonstrators in the French capital are planning to pay tribute to the yellow vests injured during clashes with police. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)

A police officer holds a high-velocity rubber bullets for crowd control equipped with a camera during a yellow vest protest Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019 in Paris. France's yellow vest protesters are taking to the streets to keep pressure on French President Emmanuel Macron's government, for the 12th straight weekend of demonstrations. This week, demonstrators in the French capital are planning to pay tribute to the yellow vests injured during clashes with police. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)

A demonstrator covered with a French flag watches a man kicking in a tear gas canister during a yellow vest protest, Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019 in Paris. France's yellow vest protesters were back on the streets Saturday to keep pressure on French President Emmanuel Macron's government and denounce the large number of people injured in demonstrations they say is the result of police violence. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)

A photographer, right, runs away as riot police officers charge during a yellow vest protest, Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019 in Paris. France's yellow vest protesters were back on the streets Saturday to keep pressure on French President Emmanuel Macron's government and denounce the large number of people injured in demonstrations they say is the result of police violence. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)

A demonstrator holding a French flag walks away as tear gas canisters are being thrown during a yellow vest protest, Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019 in Paris. France's yellow vest protesters were back on the streets Saturday to keep pressure on French President Emmanuel Macron's government and denounce the large number of people injured in demonstrations they say is the result of police violence. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)

A demonstrator kicks in a tear gas grenade during a yellow vest protest, Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019 in Paris. France's yellow vest protesters were back on the streets Saturday to keep pressure on French President Emmanuel Macron's government and denounce the large number of people injured in demonstrations they say is the result of police violence. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)

A demonstrator kicks in a tear gas canister during a yellow vest protest, Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019 in Paris. France's yellow vest protesters were back on the streets Saturday to keep pressure on French President Emmanuel Macron's government and denounce the large number of people injured in demonstrations they say is the result of police violence. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)

A medic carries away a demonstrator during a yellow vest protest, Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019 in Paris. France's yellow vest protesters were back on the streets Saturday to keep pressure on French President Emmanuel Macron's government and denounce the large number of people injured in demonstrations they say is the result of police violence. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)

A bleeding demonstrator is taken away by police officers during a yellow vest protest, Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019 in Paris. France's yellow vest protesters were back on the streets Saturday to keep pressure on French President Emmanuel Macron's government and denounce the large number of people injured in demonstrations they say is the result of police violence. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)

A bleeding demonstrator is taken away by police officers during a yellow vest protest, Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019 in Paris. France's yellow vest protesters were back on the streets Saturday to keep pressure on French President Emmanuel Macron's government and denounce the large number of people injured in demonstrations they say is the result of police violence. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)

A demonstrator holds a French flag by a fire on the Place de la Republique after a yellow vest protest, Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019 in Paris. France's yellow vest protesters were back on the streets Saturday to keep pressure on French President Emmanuel Macron's government and denounce the large number of people injured in demonstrations they say is the result of police violence. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)

Yellow vest demonstrators sit on te steps of the Velodrome stadium Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019 in Marseille, southern France. France's yellow vest protesters were back on the streets Saturday to keep pressure on French President Emmanuel Macron's government and denounce the large number of people injured in demonstrations they say is the result of police violence. (AP Photo/Claude Paris)

Police officers try to remove a scooter from a fire set up by demonstrators on the Place de la Republique after a yellow vest protest, Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019 in Paris. France's yellow vest protesters were back on the streets Saturday to keep pressure on French President Emmanuel Macron's government and denounce the large number of people injured in demonstrations they say is the result of police violence. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)

Demonstrators set a fire on the Place de la Republique after a yellow vest protest, Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019 in Paris. France's yellow vest protesters were back on the streets Saturday to keep pressure on French President Emmanuel Macron's government and denounce the large number of people injured in demonstrations they say is the result of police violence. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)

Police officers detain a demonstrator after a yellow vest protest, Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019 in Paris. France's yellow vest protesters were back on the streets Saturday to keep pressure on French President Emmanuel Macron's government and denounce the large number of people injured in demonstrations they say is the result of police violence. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) - The United Arab Emirates has branded a bridge, a new ministry, a family day at the park and even the entire year of 2019 under the banner theme of "tolerance," an elaborate effort that's in overdrive as the country prepares to host Pope Francis starting Sunday in the first-ever papal visit to the Arabian Peninsula.

The state's tolerance-themed project, however, has hard limits. While allowing churches and other places of worship to exist, and marking holidays like Christmas, the Hindu Diwali and Chinese New Year with festivals and celebrations, the government has simultaneously stomped out critical political expression in the name of national security.

Human rights activists and Muslim Brotherhood sympathizers have been imprisoned, academic research deemed sensitive has been curtailed and human rights groups have been barred entry. Political parties are banned and local media are censored.

And while the law prohibits religious discrimination and guarantees the freedom to exercise religious worship, the state's official religion of Islam is tightly monitored and controlled.

A permit is required to hold a Quran memorization circle or lecture, collect donations or distribute books or audio in mosques. The law also prohibits mosque employees from preaching and teaching religious lessons outside of mosques.

Moreover, all imams receive their salaries from the government and - with the exception of the most senior imams - must follow an official weekly guidance on the content of Friday sermons.

FILE - In this Jan. 20, 2019, file photo, a man sells memorabilia for Pope Francis' upcoming trip to the United Arab Emirates at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The United Arab Emirates has branded a bridge, a new ministry, a family day at the park and even the entire year of 2019 under the banner theme of "tolerance", an elaborate effort that's in overdrive as the country prepares to host Pope Francis starting Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019 in the first-ever papal visit to the Arabian Peninsula. (AP Photo/Jon Gambrell, File)

The UAE's Minister of Tolerance, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, said the government is simply doing what "we think is right for our people and for the world."

"We are trying to protect our religion," he told The Associated Press in an interview last week. "We want to restore our real religion, which stems from our holy book the Quran, which believes in living together. It believes in the dignity of a human being."

The UAE, a federation of seven constituent monarchies led by President Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is known for its gleaming cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Modern skylines draw tourists from around the world, bars exist next to mosques, men and women dressed in traditional garb brush past foreigners, and tight security and surveillance ensures high levels of safety.

Government bodies, public relations firms and even banks have been busy promoting the state's version of tolerance in preparation for the pope's visit, which includes a meeting on Monday with Sheikh Ahmed el-Tayeb, the grand imam of Al-Azhar, Sunni Islam's foremost religious institution, and a mass on Tuesday before 135,000 people in Abu Dhabi.

In a video message translated into English and Arabic ahead of his arrival, Pope Francis described the UAE as "a country which strives to be a model for coexistence and human fraternity, a meeting point of different civilizations and cultures. A place where people find a safe place to work, live freely and where differences are respected."

The UAE has a Hindu temple in Dubai and a large one being built in Abu Dhabi on land donated by the country's rulers to help accommodate the roughly 3.3 million Indians who live in the country. It is also home to around 1 million Catholics, including a sizeable Filipino community. In addition to several Catholic churches, there are numerous churches in the UAE of other Christian denominations, a Sikh temple and a space for Jewish worship.

Still, the U.S.-based Freedom House notes that more than 85 percent of the UAE's population consists of foreign residents who lack political rights and electoral opportunities, including tens of thousands of stateless residents- known as Bidoon.

Freedom House says that since 2011, when Arab Spring protests rocked countries throughout the Middle East, the UAE has aggressively cracked down on opposition activists, particularly if they are suspected of belonging to Al-Islah, an Islamist group perceived as an offshoot of the Muslim Brotherhood.

The UAE has branded the Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist organization, viewing it as a threat to the country's system of hereditary rule.

"They're certainly not tolerant of any form of political dissent," Devin Kenney, researcher on the UAE for Amnesty International, said.

"I mean OK, sure, like bars exist and people of multiple faiths are allowed to practice their faiths so it's not culturally totalitarian but it's clearly not a really tolerant place," he added. Kenney said the pope's visit "seems like a fairly straightforward PR gesture."

In recent years, the UAE named dozens of individuals and some 80 groups as "terrorist"- many for their alleged ties with the Brotherhood, which is not deemed a terrorist group in Europe or the U.S.

The list includes political dissenters and opposition voices, but also groups like the Council on American-Islamic Relations, a Muslim advocacy and civil rights group in the U.S., as well as Islamic Relief Worldwide, a UK-based humanitarian aid organization with operations around the world.

In a statement to the AP, Islamic Relief said it is not connected in any way to the Muslim Brotherhood and that the allegation has been "hugely damaging." The group said it was never provided with any evidence by Emirati authorities to substantiate the assertion and has tried to contest it in UAE courts.

"All our attempts to get an open hearing in front of a judge have been rejected on procedural technicalities," the group said.

The UAE is also one of four Arab countries that cut ties with Qatar in 2017, in part over its support of the Brotherhood throughout the region. The UAE banned the news operations of Al Jazeera inside the country, expelled Qatari residents, blocked websites affiliated with Qatar and warned residents that anyone who expressed sympathy for Qatar could face up to 15 years in prison.

"Nobody's perfect in this world ... ," Al Nahyan, the tolerance minister, said. "We're proud of our acceptance, tolerance, respect for human dignity, having laws which protect everybody's right."KOLKATA, India (AP) - India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised a controversial citizenship bill pending in Parliament at a rally Saturday, kick-starting his Hindu nationalist party's campaign to retain power in general elections due by May.

In a speech broadcast live from the rally in West Bengal state, Modi urged the opposition Trinamool Congress party-led government of West Bengal to support the bill, saying "my brothers and sisters here need it."

The bill, which passed the lower house of Parliament earlier this month, would give citizenship to some Hindus, Jains, Parsi and several other non-Muslim religious groups from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Protests against the bill have rocked northeastern Indian states bordering Bangladesh.

The initiative is part of a Modi government effort to promote India as a sanctuary for persecuted Hindus globally.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses a public meeting in Thakurnagar, in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal, Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Modi has praised a controversial citizenship bill pending in Parliament at a rally in West Bengal state, kick-starting his Hindu nationalist party's campaign to retain power in general elections due by May. (AP Photo/Bikas Das)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses a public meeting in Thakurnagar, in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal, Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Modi has praised a controversial citizenship bill pending in Parliament at a rally in West Bengal state, kick-starting his Hindu nationalist party's campaign to retain power in general elections due by May. (AP Photo/Bikas Das)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives for a public meeting in Thakurnagar, in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal, Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Modi has praised a controversial citizenship bill pending in Parliament at a rally in West Bengal state, kick-starting his Hindu nationalist party's campaign to retain power in general elections due by May. (AP Photo/Bikas Das)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi receives a floral garland during a public meeting in Thakurnagar, in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal, Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Modi has praised a controversial citizenship bill pending in Parliament at a rally in West Bengal state, kick-starting his Hindu nationalist party's campaign to retain power in general elections due by May. (AP Photo/Bikas Das)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi waves to the crowd as he arrives for a public meeting in Thakurnagar, in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal, Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Modi has praised a controversial citizenship bill pending in Parliament at a rally in West Bengal state, kick-starting his Hindu nationalist party's campaign to retain power in general elections due by May. (AP Photo/Bikas Das)COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) - Sri Lanka is negotiating a $1 billion loan from China to construct a highway linking the capital Colombo to the hilly resort city of Kandy, even as the heavily-indebted South Asian island nation makes arrangements to pay down $5.9 billion in foreign loans this year.

Finance Ministry spokesman M.R. Hasan said Saturday that he's waiting to hear whether terms of the loan for the highway project have been approved.

A large chunk of Sri Lanka's foreign debt is from China, which sees Sri Lanka as a key link in its transcontinental Belt and Road infrastructure initiative.

President Maithripala Sirisena's government had criticized the previous administration of strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa for leading the country into a Chinese debt trap. However, the government has turned to China to help relieve economic pressures.OWENSBORO, Ky. (AP) - A recount in a Kentucky state House race originally won by a Democrat by a single vote has ended in a tie after the local board of elections decided to open and count five absentee ballots that had previously been rejected. It's unclear what comes next.

Democrat Jim Glenn defeated former Republican state Rep. DJ Johnson on Election Day by a one-vote margin. Kentucky does not have automatic recounts, and the Kentucky State Board of Elections certified Glenn as the winner. He was sworn in on Jan. 5 and has an office and been assigned to committees.

But the Republican-controlled state legislature ordered a recount at Johnson's request, relying on a state law that allows candidates in legislative races to contest election results.

Saturday, the Daviess County Clerk's Office recounted more than 12,000 ballots by hand. Glenn emerged from that process ahead by three votes. But after a personal appeal from Johnson, the Daviess County Board of Elections - which consists of two Republicans and two Democrats - voted to give Johnson one of those votes back, putting him down by two.

The board then reviewed 17 absentee ballots that they had unanimously rejected on Election Day. This time, the board decided five of those ballots were legal, and opened them. Johnson received three of them, Glenn received one and one ballot was blank. That made the final results a tie, with each candidate receiving 6,323 votes.

The next step is for the Daviess County Clerk's Office to send a report to the Election Contest Board, a legislative panel of six Republicans and three Democrats which must decide what to do next and eventually give a report to the House of Representatives, which has the ultimate say in the matter. A state law indicates the board must choose the winner by drawing lots.

FILE - In this Jan. 8, 2019 file photo, incoming state Rep. Jim Glenn, D-Owensboro, is sworn in during a ceremony at the Kentucky House of Representatives in Frankfort, Ky. Election officials in Kentucky are reviewing ballots cast in a Kentucky House race where Glenn was elected by just one vote. The Democrat defeated Republican state Rep. DJ Johnson by one vote in November. But the Republican-controlled state legislature ordered a recount in the race after Johnson asked for it. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley, File)

But Anna Whites, Glenn's attorney, noted Glenn has already been sworn in and seated as a state legislator, and the only way he can be removed is impeachment. She said Glenn would file a lawsuit over any attempt to remove him from office.

Glenn did not attend Saturday's recount. Reached by phone, he indicated he did not accept the results as legitimate.

"I won. I'll say it again," he said. "Normally, you don't count invalid ballots."

Johnson, who attended the recount with his lawyers, said the results show the recount was worth doing.

"Regardless of the outcome, I've always wanted to make sure the votes that should be counted have been counted. And that's what we did today," Johnson said.

The recount process was long and complicated. The Daviess County Board of Elections had to rule on several ballots, including one where the voter partially filled in a bubble for a straight Republican Party ticket, but then crossed it out. Earlier in the day, the board voted to discard that ballot. But after an appeal from Johnson, they gave it back to him.

Most of the district's 12 absentee ballots that had been rejected on Election Day were either missing a signature or were not mailed in the proper envelope as required by law.

But the board voted to accept five of the ballots as legal. One ballot was rejected because the signatures did not match. But the board voted to accept the ballot after noting the voter lived in a nursing home.

"That's the same person. They were just having a bad day that day," said Daviess County Clerk Leslie McCarty, a Republican and member of the Board of Elections.

Another ballot was initially rejected because the voter did not sign the outer envelope. The board voted to accept that ballot after discovering a signature on the backside of the envelope by the seal.

"All you can do is the right thing, regardless of who it helps or hurts," said Daviess County Sheriff Keith Cain, a Democrat and member of the Board of Elections.

The recount cost about $10,200, but Johnson, the Republican candidate, has agreed to pay for it regardless of the outcome.

Election recounts are rare, and it's even rarer for a recount to change the outcome of an election. But of the at least 80 recounts nationwide following the 2018 elections, a total of 382 votes changed, according to research by Johnson's legal team. That's an average of 4.8 votes per race.

Of those 80 recounts, five were decided by one-vote margins, and two of those recounts resulted in ties. In Fairmont, West Virginia, officials chose the winner of a city council seat by flipping buttons in a coffee can.

Daviess County Clerk Leslie McCarty, left, holds up a ballot for Deputy Clerk Kyle Chandler to inspect during a recount for Kentucky state House district 13 on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019, in Owensboro, Ky. Democrat Jim Glenn won the race by one vote in November. But the Republican-controlled legislature has ordered a recount at the request of GOP candidate DJ Johnson (AP Photo/Adam Beam)

From right, Daviess County Chief Deputy Clerk Richard House and deputy clerks Tonya Payne and Kelli Shively review vote totals during a recount of Kentucky House district 13 on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019, in Owensboro, Ky. Democrat Jim Glenn won the race by one vote in November. But the Republican-controlled legislature ordered a recount at the request of GOP candidate DJ Johnson. (AP Photo/Adam Beam)

Lisa Leonard, left, hands ballots to Daviess County Deputy Clerk Sandy Kuegel during a recount of the Kentucky state House District 13 election on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019, in Owensboro, Ky. Democrat Jim Glenn won the race by one vote, but the Republican controlled legislature ordered a recount at the request of GOP candidate DJ Johnson. (AP Photo/Adam Beam)

Kentucky 13th District House race candidate DJ Johnson, center, talks to election officials as Daviess County Attorney Claud Porter, left, looks on, and C. Michael Shull, III, a lawyer for Johnson, listens at right, during a recount of the Nov. 13, 2018 District House race at the Daviess County Operations Center in Owensboro, Ky., on Saturday, Feb 2, 2019. (Greg Eans/The Messenger-Inquirer via AP)SAO PAULO (AP) - Lax regulations, chronic short staffing and a law that muffled the voices of environmentalists on mining licenses made the devastating collapse of a dam in southeastern Brazil all but destined to happen, experts and legislators say.

The failure of the dam holding back iron ore mining waste on Jan. 25 unleashed an avalanche of mud that buried buildings and contaminated water downstream. At least 121 people have died, and another 226 people remain missing.

But one of the cruelest parts of the tragedy in Brumadinho is that it has happened before: In 2015, a mining dam burst about 80 miles (130 kilometers) away in Mariana, in what is considered Brazil's worst environmental disaster.

What's more, it could happen again, as many Brazilian states and the federal government move to ease regulation in the name of economic development.

In the three years since the Mariana rupture killed 19 people, the regulation of the industry has gotten less, not more, rigorous in Minas Gerais state.

"It felt like it was just a matter of time before something bigger would happen," said Josiele Rosa Silva Tomas, the president of the Brumadinho residents' association.

Friends and relatives hold signs with the names of victims, during a march paying homage to the victims of a mining dam collapse a week ago, in Brumadinho, Brazil, Friday, Feb. 1, 2019. A spokesman for the Minas Gerais Fire Department said after the ceremony that authorities were not calling off the search for bodies although no one had been found alive since Saturday. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)

Problems that existed when the dams in Mariana burst, like dramatic short-staffing, have persisted, while a new law has reduced the say of environmental groups in the project licensing process.

And the danger remains widespread: A 2017 report from the National Water Agency classified more than 700 dams nationwide as at high risk of collapse, with high potential for causing damage.

In fact, some fear the risk may only increase. Environmental groups accused the previous Congress and president of rolling back significant protections, and many expect further weakening under President Jair Bolsonaro, who has said environmental regulation hamstrings several industries, including mining.

But the politics that contributed to the collapses in Minas Gerais are much more local. For centuries, the mineral-rich state has revolved around the mining industry - its name, given by Portuguese colonizers, translates to "General Mines."

More than 300 mines employ thousands in the state, often in poor, rural areas.

Civil society groups often struggle to achieve basic guarantees. For instance, Tomas' group has long fought to prevent mining projects from contaminating drinking water.

"Minas Gerais has a centuries-long history of being lenient with the mining sector. It's cultural," Joao Vitor Xavier, a state deputy, told The Associated Press. "The industry creates a discourse where they dangle jobs and economic growth in front of people, but they put profit over safety."

The CEO of Vale SA, which owned and operated the Brumadinho mining complex, acknowledges their regulatory measures fell short.

"Apparently to work under the (current) rules has not worked," Flavio Schvartsman said during a press conference several hours after the dam breach.

Vale officials have said they don't yet know why the dam collapsed.

Arrest warrants have been issued for five people responsible for safety assessments of the dam, including three Vale employees. Vale was also involved in the Mariana rupture: The dams there were administered by the Brazilian giant and Australia's BHP Billiton.

The Mariana collapse unleashed nearly 80 million cubic yards (60 million cubic meters) of mining waste into rivers and eventually the Atlantic Ocean. While its environmental impact is considered the worst in Brazilian history, Brumadinho has already far surpassed its death toll.

In the wake of the Mariana tragedy, Minas Gerais was already struggling to implement what regulation it had: A 2016 audit found the state had only 20 percent of the staff needed at the agency charged with regulating mines. Environmentalists say mining regulation has gotten even weaker since.

In 2015, the state approved a new process for licensing mining projects. It shifted responsibility from a board that included several environmental organizations to the state environmental secretary, who created a new board with a majority of participants favorable to mining industry interests.

Then-Gov. Fernando Pimentel argued the bill would reduce bureaucracy. But days before the law was approved, the Minas Association of Environmental Defense called it "one of the biggest setbacks in environmental regulation in the country."

"The conditions are set so the licenses never get turned down," Maria Teresa Corujo, a rare pro-environmental voice on the new board, told the AP.

In December, Corujo, of the National Forum of Civil Society in Watershed Communities, was the only member of the new board to vote against approving the expansion of the mining complex in Brumadinho. Notes from that meeting show the complex's pollutant rating had been downgraded - a move that is now the purview of the environmental secretary - allowing the company to skip regulatory steps.

In July 2018, Xavier, the state lawmaker who has pushed for a ban on iron ore waste dams, made a grave prediction.

"I'm not saying we might have other dam ruptures in Minas Gerais. I am saying that, from everything I've seen and studied, I have no doubt we will have more ruptures of dams," he told the state assembly.

Today, he still has no doubt that there will be more tragedies unless more rigorous regulations are implemented.

"These dams are not 100 percent safe," he said. "How many of them can rupture? Any one of them."

This combo of satellite images provided by DigitalGlobe shows fields and farm homes near Brumadinho, Brazil on Sept. 23, 2018, top, months before a dam collapsed and covered the area on Jan. 25, 2019; and below the same area seen on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2019. As search-and-recovery efforts continued, authorities also worked to slow the reddish-brown mud that was heading down a small river with high concentrations of iron oxide, threatening to contaminate a much larger waterway that provides drinking water to communities in five of the country's 26 states. (DigitalGlobe, a Maxar company via AP)

A cow sits stuck in a field inundated with mud two after after a dam collapsed in Brumadinho, Brazil, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2019. The collapse on Friday led to an avalanche of mud. Authorities have recovered 99 bodies. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)MEXICO CITY (AP) - Mexico President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said Friday he would not be intimidated by explosives and a threat found near a refinery in the central state of Guanajuato.

Guanajuato is one of Mexico's hot spots for massive fuel theft, which Lopez Obrador has tried to combat by deploying the military.

"We're not going to fall for any provocation," Lopez Obrador said. "We are not going to pay attention to any act of intimidation."

The administration had initially characterized the explosives found inside a pickup truck parked outside a refinery in the city of Salamanca as fake. But the army later confirmed they were real even though they did not present a danger. It did not explain why.

An army spokesperson said late Thursday that soldiers safely destroyed the explosives.

A message allegedly from the leader of a fuel theft ring in Guanajuato threatened Lopez Obrador and was found hung some distance from the refinery. It appeared to reference the explosives.

Drug cartels have long employed such strategies to intimidate rivals and authorities, hanging banners from overpasses and leaving menacing notes.

Fuel theft in Mexico takes place on an industrial scale and is extremely lucrative. Last month, the government reported that 14,894 illegal taps were found on pipelines in 2018. In January, the government cut off the flow of several key pipelines around the country creating a temporary shortage that caused long lines at gas stations for days.

Soldiers and marines now patrol pipelines across the country.

The apparent threat Thursday raised new questions about Lopez Obrador's safety. He has dissolved the equivalent of the U.S. Secret Service and again dismissed the idea that he needed more security.

"He who fights for justice has nothing to fear," Lopez Obrador said.WASHINGTON (AP) - Cory Booker leaped into the 2020 presidential race on Friday with a call for Americans to unite in a time of bitter polarization while some of his Democratic rivals are taking a more combative stance as they vie to take on President Donald Trump.

Booker's entry into the Democratic primary was steeped in history and symbolism, befitting his status as the second black candidate in a historically diverse field. Invoking the legacy of the national movements for civil rights and for women's suffrage, the New Jersey senator urged a return to a "common sense of purpose" and cast his appeal to the nation's better angels as an uplifting alternative to Trump.

The 49-year-old Booker told reporters outside his home in Newark that "love ain't easy," adding: "The people I admire are the people that lead by calling out the best of who we are and not the worst. So, I'm running for president because I believe in us. I believe in these values."

Whether Democrats are in the mood to embrace Booker's optimistic persona after two years of fuming about Trump's presidency remains to be seen. With Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren running as a champion for the middle class in a fight against powerful interests, and California Sen. Kamala running on taking on Trump directly, Booker's fate may hinge on a bet that the electorate will respond again to the soaring oratory that helped Barack Obama break through in 2008.

Known for his easy way with voters during an age of selfies and social media, Booker, the former mayor of Newark, announced his bid with a video that showcased his personal ties to the "low-income, inner city community" he says he led to a comeback. Booker won a special Senate election in 2013 and then a full Senate term in 2014.

Veteran GOP strategist Doug Heye lauded Booker's video for a "fresh perspective" and suggested that the senator could fill a key niche in the 2020 primary.

U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, D-NJ, speaks during a news conference outside of his home, Friday, Feb. 1, 2019, in Newark, N.J. Booker on Friday declared his bid for the presidency with a sweeping call to unite a deeply polarized nation around a "common purpose." (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

"There will be plenty of time for Democrats to 'take on Trump' in the coming months," Heye said. "No doubt that is what a sizable part of the Democratic base wants, but if the campaign is all about who is the true anti-Trump, Democrats could miss connecting with voters who want to see a Washington that works."

Booker hustled to make those connections on Friday, calling in to three radio shows popular with black and Hispanic listeners and appearing on "The View," a staple for female audiences, with his mother in the audience. Asked how a committed vegan could win fans at the meat-and-butter-centric Iowa state fair, Booker said he enjoys "lots of deep-fried stuff" and underscored his family ties to that pivotal early-voting state: His grandmother was born there.

Booker is cultivating key powerbrokers Iowa, as well as early voting New Hampshire and South Carolina. He plans to visit all three states before March.

Before he hit the road, the White House took its own hit at his candidacy. Kellyanne Conway, a counselor to the president, told CBS News that Booker "often sounds like a Hallmark card and not necessarily a person who is there to tell you everything he's accomplished."

Booker will be able to run for a second full Senate term in 2020 while running for president, thanks to a law that New Jersey's governor signed in November.

Booker joined a field getting more crowded and diverse by the week. As many as five more Democratic senators could soon mount their own primary bids, creating a competition for voters' attention. Several of Booker's rivals for the nomination bring higher name recognition to a race that could still include former Vice President Joe Biden.

He could face further difficulty winning the hearts of the progressive Democratic base due to his past financial ties to banking and pharmaceutical interests. Booker said he would stop taking contributions from pharmaceutical companies in 2017, the year that he partnered with potential rival Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont on a bill that would allow importation of prescription drugs from Canada. Asked on Friday about Harris' suggestion that the private health insurance industry be eliminated in the transition to single-payer health care, which both she and Booker support, Booker said that he envisions the continued existence of private providers.

Still, Booker is underscoring his progressive identity by joining many other prominent Democratic White House contenders by forswearing all donations from corporate political action committees and federal lobbyists to his campaign, which is dubbed Cory 2020. A prominent Booker supporter, San Francisco attorney Steve Phillips, says he is working on millions of dollars in committed donations to a so-called super PAC that would boost the senator's candidacy, but Booker's campaign is openly against super PACs playing any role in the presidential race.

And he was resolute on Friday in elevating his message that "the only way we can make change is when people come together."

"We've got to be a country that gets back to sharing a common sense of purpose about what we're for and who we're for," Booker said during a satellite radio interview.

___

Associated Press reporter Michael Catalini in Newark, New Jersey, contributed to this report.

U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, D-NJ, right, walks to his home with staff members Tamia Booker, left, and Thomas Pietrykoski to address reporters during a news conference Friday, Feb. 1, 2019, in Newark, N.J. Booker on Friday declared his bid for the presidency with a sweeping call to unite a deeply polarized nation around a "common purpose." (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, D-NJ, speaks during a news conference outside of his home, Friday, Feb. 1, 2019, in Newark, N.J. Booker earlier in the day declared his bid for the presidency with a sweeping call to unite a deeply polarized nation around a "common purpose." (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

A neighbor of U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, D-NJ, cheers and shouts at him from across the street as he speaks during a news conference outside of his home, Friday, Feb. 1, 2019, in Newark, N.J. Booker on Friday declared his bid for the presidency with a sweeping call to unite a deeply polarized nation around a "common purpose." (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, D-NJ, speaks during a news conference outside of his home, Friday, Feb. 1, 2019, in Newark, N.J. Booker earlier in the day declared his bid for the presidency with a sweeping call to unite a deeply polarized nation around a "common purpose." (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)ISTANBUL (AP) - A Turkish employee of the U.S. Consulate in Istanbul is set to go on trial in March on charges of espionage and attempting to overthrow the Turkish government, a court decided Friday.

A court ruled to keep Metin Topuz, a translator and fixer for the Drug Enforcement Agency, in pretrial detention until trial hearings scheduled for March 26-28, state-run Anadolu news agency reported. Topuz has been in custody since October 2017.

The court accepted a 78-page indictment alleging Topuz had "very intense contacts" with police officers who led a 2013 corruption investigation involving top government officials and their families. The indictment called him a "terror criminal."

The Turkish government alleged the investigation was a "judicial coup" attempt orchestrated by a Turkish cleric who lives in the United States and leads a network that Turkey has labeled as a terror group. The government also blames the cleric, Fethullah Gulen, for a failed 2016 military coup, but he denies involvement.

Topuz told authorities he had been in touch with the officers for narcotics investigations as part of his job.

The indictment said the proposed prison sentence for attempting to overthrow the government was life imprisonment and for espionage, 15 to 20 years. Topuz is also charged with privacy violations and illegally recording personal data.

FILE - In this Monday, Oct. 9, 2017 file photo, members of the media work outside the United States consulate in Istanbul. Metin Topuz, a translator and fixer for the Drug Enforcement Agency, working at the consulate, is set to go on trial in March on charges of espionage and attempting to overthrow the Turkish government, a court decided Friday, Feb. 1, 2019. Topuz, has been in custody since October 2017. (AP Photo/Neyran Elden, File)

Topuz's lawyer, Halit Akalp, told The Associated Press his client rejects the accusations and said, "He has no links to the alleged crimes."

His arrest increased tensions between Turkey and the U.S. in 2017. The two NATO allies suspended bilateral visa services for more than two months.

Relations worsened dramatically last year when U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Twitter increased tariffs on aluminum and steel imports, causing a nosedive of the Turkish lira, to pressure the country into releasing an American pastor.

Pastor Andrew Brunson, who lived in Turkey for two decades, was convicted in October for terror links but was allowed to leave the country after spending nearly two years in detention.

On Thursday, a senior U.S. official said the diplomatic mission's "single most important priority is absolutely securing the freedom of our unjustly detained employees and the American citizens."

Hamza Ulucay, a translator for the U.S. Consulate in Adana, was convicted of aiding terror groups this week and sentenced to 4 years in prison. He was released for time served following nearly two years in pretrial detention but is barred from leaving the country.

Another employee, Mete Canturk, is under house arrest and Serkan Golge, a Turkish-American NASA engineer, is in prison.

The senior U.S. official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue, said "we still have not seen evidence that would support charges against Hamza or Metin or Mete."

The arrests have been part of a widespread crackdown following the coup attempt. More than 77,000 people have been arrested and some 130,000 public employees sacked through emergency decrees. Critics say the purge went beyond the suspects of the coup with the arrests of journalists, lawmakers and activists.

Among the 30 complainants on the indictment against Topuz are Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and former ministers.Usman Khawaja made Australia's fourth century of the match after three tons in the first innings

Usman Khawaja finally found form again to stroke a fine century Sunday and steer Australia into a massive lead over Sri Lanka as the tourists battle to stay in the second Test at Canberra.

At stumps, the visitors were 17 without loss, chasing a huge 516 to win with two days remaining after Tim Paine declared Australia's second innings at 196 for three.

Dimuth Karunaratne and Lahiru Thirimanne were both unbeaten on eight, weathering some 30 minutes before bad light stopped play slightly early.

Sri Lanka had resumed the third day at 123 for three and in a hostile morning session lost four wickets and Kusal Perera, who retired after being hit on the head by a bouncer.

Their resistence folded in the second over after lunch, with Mitchell Starc taking five wickets to leave them trailing by 319 after Australia's first innings 534 for five declared.

Paine opted against the follow-on in Australia's last Test batting opportunity before the Ashes tour to England later this year.

Khawaja padded up knowing his place in that squad was in doubt after managing a high-score of just 72 across six Tests in a lacklustre summer.

He responded in emphatic fashion, smashing his eighth Test ton off 134 balls.

It was Australia's fourth century of the match after Joe Burns, Travis Head and Kurtis Patterson reached the milestone in the first innings.

Paine declared with Khawaja on 101 and Head not out 59, following his first innings 161.

But it was far from plain sailing, with the hosts losing three early wickets.

Marcus Harris again failed, out for 14 with Kusal Mendis taking a superb diving catch at slip off Kasun Rajitha, throwing his Ashes place into question.

Mendis held another catch to dismiss Burns for nine, this time off Vishwa Fernando, and Rajitha struck again to remove Marnus Labuschagne for four.

In an incident-packed morning at Manuka Oval, the ball was handed first up to Jhye Richardson and Pat Cummins and they responded with a slew of bouncers.

Sri Lanka batsman Kusal Perera retired hurt after being hit on the helmet by a delivery from Australia paceman Jhye Richardson

Both Perera, who resumed on 11, and Dhananjaya de Silva, on one overnight, took blows to the head in the opening two overs.

Perera was then hit flush on the helmet ducking into a Richardson ball on 27.

The neck protector flew off and a Sri Lankan physio rushed to his aid. He continued and added two more runs only to call the physio again four balls later.

Once again he opted to bat on but was clearly feeling the effects and was helped off the field soon after. He stayed at the ground monitored by medics, but did not play again.

- Karunaratne returns -

Ironically, the courageous Karunaratne replaced him after being declared fit again after being felled by a brutal bouncer on Saturday from Cummins.

He had laid prone on the ground for at least 10 minutes before being stretchered off in a neck brace, but after a hospital check was cleared of concussion and given the OK to resume his innings.

The opener returned on 46 and smacked a four to bring up his 22nd Test 50 before being caught at gully by Patterson off Starc after adding nine more.

He was out just three balls after de Silva bizarrely hit his own wicket while attempting a pull shot off Starc. As his bat swung around it took one of the bails off and he was gone for 25.

In the next over debutant Chamika Karunaratne fell Nathan Lyon and Niroshan Dickwella was out lbw to Labuschagne on the last delivery before lunch.

When they returned Dilruwan Perera and Ferndano lasted just eight more balls with Starc doing the damage, ending with 5-54 to silence his critics after a lean spell.

Australia won the first Test in Brisbane by an innings and 40 runs.Newly-discovered mummies wrapped in linen found in burial chambers dating to the Ptolemaic era (323-30 BC) at the necropolis of Tunah al-Gabal in Egypt's southern Minya province

They are more than 2,000 years old but remain in "good condition": Egypt on Saturday unveiled over 40 mummies dating back to the Ptolemaic era at a burial site in the centre of the country.

Journalists clambered down a ladder and through an underground chamber beneath the sandy soil of Tunah Al-Gabal, 260 kilometres (160 miles) south of Cairo, to glimpse the recent finds.

An archaeologist displays mummies laid in burial chambers dating to the Ptolemaic era (323-30 BC), in Egypt's Minya province on February 2, 2019

Archaeologist Rami Rasmi told AFP that 12 children and six animals were among the more than 40 mummies, while the rest were adult men and women.

The remains were found laid on the floor or in open clay coffins in the crumbling chamber in Minya governorate.

While mummification is mostly associated with ancient Egypt, the practice continued under the kingdom founded by Ptolemy, a successor to Alexander the Great, which lasted from 323 BC to 30 BC.

An archaeologist brushes a newly-discovered mummy laid inside a sarcophagus, part of a collection found in burial chambers dating to the Ptolemaic era (323-30 BC) at the necropolis of Tunah Al-Gabal in Egypt's southern Minya province

The Minya graves, discovered during an excavation that started in February last year, are in a communal tomb "probably belonging to a petty bourgeois family", the antiquities ministry said.

Archaeologist Mohamed Ragab said two tombs were discovered nine metres underground and contained more than six rooms.

The presence of mummified pets -- mostly dogs -- showed how important they were for the dead.

The partially-uncovered skull of a mummy found in a burial chamber dating to the Ptolemaic era (323-30 BC) at the necropolis of Tunah Al-Gabal in Egypt's southern Minya province

"These animals were so dear to their owners that they buried them... in their tomb," Ragab said.

Shards of pottery and pieces of papyrus found at the site helped researchers to determine its date, the head of Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities Mostafa Waziri said.

Ancient Greek rulers reached the height of their power between the conquests of Alexander the Great and the rise of the Roman empire.Retired Dutch General Patrick (c) Cammaert picked up a government delegation at a rendezvous in the Red Sea before returning to the port of Hodeida to await Huthi envoys who are to arrive on Sunday, a UN statement said

The head of the UN mission in Yemen boarded a vessel on Saturday that will be the venue for key talks between the government and Huthi rebels on shoring up a ceasefire.

Retired Dutch General Patrick Cammaert picked up a government delegation at a rendezvous in the Red Sea before returning to the port of Hodeida to await Huthi envoys who are to arrive on Sunday, a UN statement said.

The sides will discuss the next steps to implement an agreement reached in Sweden in December that calls for a ceasefire in Hodeida and a pullback of forces from the port city.

It is the third meeting of a joint committee on implementing the agreement which has been hailed as a major step toward ending the four-year devastating war in Yemen.

On Sunday, the "parties will then resume joint discussions on the implementation of the redeployment of forces and the facilitation of humanitarian operations, as agreed in the Stockholm Agreement," said a UN statement.

The Saudi-backed government and Huthi rebels have accused each other of violating the ceasefire, while deadlines for the pullback of forces and a prisoner swap have slipped.

UN aid agencies are also trying to gain access to food warehouses in Hodeida that will first require demining teams to clear routes to the storage sites.

The last joint meeting of the truce committee was on January 3.

For nearly four years, Yemen's Iran-backed Huthi rebels have been locked in a war with a regional pro-government alliance led by Riyadh.

The conflict has triggered what the UN calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis, with millions of people at risk of starvation.

The port of Hodeida is the entry point for the bulk of Yemen's supplies of imported goods and humanitarian aid, providing a lifeline to millions.

Up to 75 observers from the UN mission are to be deployed in Hodeida and surrounding ports, but so far only about 20 monitors are on the ground monitoring the ceasefire, according to UN officials.

Cammaert will be replaced in the coming weeks by Danish general Michael Lollesgaard as head of the UN observer mission, which was created by the Security Council last month.The US has said a new Russian medium-range missile system breaches the INF Treaty and President Donald Trump (L, pictured September 2018) said the country was suspending its obligations under the treaty -- a move mirrored shortly after by Moscow

China on Saturday said it opposes the US decision to withdraw from a landmark Cold War nuclear missile treaty and urged Washington and Russia to hold "constructive" discussions.

Moscow and Washington have long accused the other of violating the key Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces agreement, which was signed in 1987 and resolved a crisis over Soviet missiles.

The US has said a new Russian medium-range missile system breaches the INF Treaty and on Saturday President Donald Trump said the country was suspending its obligations under the treaty -- a move mirrored shortly after by Moscow.

"China is opposed to the US withdrawal and urges the US and Russia to properly resolve differences through constructive dialogue," Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said in a statement.

Geng warned the US decision could trigger "a series of negative consequences," echoing warnings by both Russia and Europe that the pull out might lead to a new arms race.

Washington also has an eye on China as the INF pact restricts the United States, but not the rising Asian power.

US officials say that some 95 percent of China's ballistic and cruise missiles -- a core part of Beijing's defense strategy -- would violate the INF treaty if China were a party to it.

Trump said the United States was suspending its obligations as of Saturday and starting a process to withdraw in six months.

China's foreign ministry ruled out the possibility of negotiating a new multilateral pact that includes Beijing.

Brokered by US president Ronald Reagan with last Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, the treaty ended a superpower buildup of warheads that had frightened Europeans, banning ground-launched missiles with a range of 500 to 5,500 kilometers (around 300 to 3,400 miles).Journalist Marzieh Hashemi talks at a press conference in Tehran on February 2, 2019

A journalist for Iranian state TV who was detained in the US for 10 days accused the country on Saturday of violence and discrimination against Muslims and black people.

US-born Muslim convert Marzieh Hashemi was arrested at St. Louis Lambert International Airport on January 13 under a law allowing authorities to detain people suspected of being potential witnesses in criminal cases.

Back in Tehran after being released, she said Saturday the "material witness law" has been "used systematically to target mostly Muslims in America for over two decades".

"I was imprisoned and treated like a criminal under this law without a single charge," she said at a press conference in Tehran, adding that the law uses "false, flimsy or irrelevant evidence to secure arrest warrants against Muslims."

Hashemi, who changed her name from Melanie Franklin after converting to Islam, works as an anchor for Iran's English-language television station Press TV.

Hashemi had been in the US to visit her ill brother and other family members as well as working on an "independent documentary project" on police brutality against African-Americans, she said.

She was unable to give specific details on her imprisonment, for legal reasons, but called it a "fishing expedition" with no credible cause or charge.

A US court said last month her testimony was required over an unspecified case, but that she was not accused of a crime.

Iran's foreign ministry also summoned the Swiss ambassador to Tehran, who represents American interests in the Islamic republic as the two countries broke off relations following the 1979 Islamic revolution.

Iran's Foreign Minister Javad Zarif accused the US of violating the civil rights of black people, slamming Hashemi's arrest as a "political" move that "tramples on freedom of speech".South African opposition figure Julius Malema is leading the Economic Freedom Fighters party in May elections

The far-left South African EFF party unveiled Saturday its programme for legislative elections in May, with land expropriation and jobs at the top of the list.

"We cannot postpone the land question, we can not postpone the jobs questions," said Julius Malema, head of the Economic Freedom Fighters party.

He spoke to several thousand EFF members wearing the party colour red in a stadium in Soshanguve, north of Pretoria, telling them: "We are hungry now, we want to eat now."

Almost three-fourths of South Africa's agricultural land is owned by whites who comprise just eight percent of the population.

The Natives Land Act of 1913 limited land ownership to seven percent of the black population, a level that rose to 13 percent in 1936 before being abolished in 1991.

The country's apartheid policies reinforced such discrimination through the mass relocation of black populations to poor homelands, and progress by the ruling African National Congress (ANC) on resolving the situation has been limited.

A former ANC member, Malema founded the EFF in 2013, and his radical programme rules out "compromises" allegedly agreed to by ANC leaders with the white minority.

Malema, 37, has begun to eat away at ANC support amid chronic unemployment that now stands at 27 percent of the workforce.

But his keystone issue is land redistribution.

"The economy is in the hands of the white community, we want to change that," he told the crowd to cheers and raised fists.

"We are going to place all land under the custodianship of the state, for equal redistribution to all," he pledged.

"They killed our people, they raped our people, we cannot reward rapists, we cannot reward murderers, we want our land back and that issue is not negotiable," Malema declared.

ANC head Cyril Ramaphosa has also mooted a constitutional reform to allow land to be taken from minority white owners without compensation -- a plan that has alarmed many foreign investors.

The ANC is expected to win the general election after Ramaphosa, a relatively moderate pro-business reformer, was appointed president.Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi (R) and his Jordanian counterpart Omar Razzaz meet at the Trebil border point on February 2, 2019

Iraq resumed oil deliveries to neighbouring Jordan on Saturday as the premiers of both countries met along their shared border as part of a bid to boost trade.

Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi met with his Jordanian counterpart Omar al-Razzaz at the Treibil border crossing, referred to as Al-Karameh in Jordan, which reopened in August 2017.

The only crossing between the two countries was shuttered in 2014 as the Islamic State group swept across Iraq, but was reopened after Iraqi forces pushed back the jihadists.

Baghdad declared victory against IS in late 2017.

On Saturday, the two sides agreed that Iraq would provide Jordan with 10,000 barrels of crude a day transported by truck from oil-rich Kirkuk province, Jordan's official Petra news agency said.

Transport costs would be taken into account under the deal, according to Petra, and the possibility of Baghdad granting discounts to Amman has upset some Iraqis.

Amman is pushing to meet its hydrocarbon needs through a pipeline project that would connect Basra on the southern tip of Iraq with the Jordanian port of Aqaba.

The two countries said Saturday they had begun studying its construction.

In January, Jordanian King Abdullah II made his second trip to Baghdad in more than a decade after a flurry of meetings between senior officials of both countries.

For its part, Iraq is looking for solutions to its chronic electricity shortages.

To secure an exemption from US sanctions on Iran, Baghdad has announced plans to curb its reliance on electricity supplied by Tehran and buy power from Jordan, Turkey and Kuwait.

The two premiers agreed Saturday that Jordan would begin providing electricity to Iraq "in less than two years", according to Petra.

The two sides also agreed to lift Iraqi taxes on hundreds of Jordanian products, and to establish a joint industrial zone along the border, according to statement issued by the prime minster's office.US armoured vehicles in the northern Syrian city of Manbij at the scene of a January 16 suicide attack which killed 19, including four Americans

A roadside bomb struck a bus carrying teachers in Manbij killing one person on Saturday, the latest in a spate of attacks in the northern Syrian city since mid-January, a war monitor said.

The device exploded as the bus passed, killing the driver and wounding at least four others, Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, told AFP.

Sherfan Darwish, a spokesman for Manbij's military council, reported on Twitter a "terrorist explosion with an explosive device against a vehicle of teachers".

Manbij is a former Islamic State (IS) group stronghold that is now held by a military council affiliated to the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a Kurdish-Arab force that is supported by a US-led coalition.

On January 16, four Americans were among 19 people killed in a suicide attack in the city claimed by IS.

On Friday, an explosion wounded a senior leader of the military council as he was on patrol, Abdel Rahman said.

The attacks follow US President Donald Trump's announcement in December that he would withdraw American troops from Syria, as he declared IS had been defeated.

After a lightning offensive that saw it seize large swathes of Iraq and Syria in 2014, the group's self-declared "caliphate" has crumbled under pressure from multiple offensives, but the jihadists remain able to launch deadly attacks.

Manbij constitutes a major point of contention between Syria's Kurdish minority, which maintains de facto autonomy in parts of northern and northeastern Syria, and neighbouring Turkey.

In December, Ankara threatened to launch a new offensive to dislodge the People's Protection Units (YPG) -- a Kurdish militia that forms the backbone of the SDF, but is considered a terrorist group by Turkey -- from its borders.

Syria's multi-fronted war has killed more than 360,000 people since it began in 2011 with President Bashar al-Assad's regime bloodily suppressing protests.Niger troops patrolling the region around Bosso, a town near the Nigerian border near where the latest attack happened in Toumour commune

Boko Haram islamists have shot dead six people in a village in south Niger, near the border with Nigeria, a local official said Saturday.

"Six people were killed Friday night by Boko Haram at Bague Djaradi," a village in Toumour commune, the official told AFP, adding the assailants were on foot.

The attack was the latest in a series ascribed to the jihadist group which began a bloody insurgency in 2009 that has spread to neighbouring countries, prompting a regional military response.

Some 27,000 people have been killed and two million displaced, sparking a dire humanitarian crisis in the region.

Militants have targeted soldiers and civilians alike, and are blamed for abductions of children and employees of foreign companies.

Last Tuesday the group was blamed for the deaths of four people in Bosso, a town not far from Toumour, and for the torching of several vehicles.

The Bosso and Toumour attacks follow on a recent military offensive against the group in the area which saw more than 200 militia killed, according to army sources.

Although Lake Chad forms a natural barrier limiting the group's easy access across the border from Nigeria the presidents of Chad, Nigeria, Niger and Cameroon appealed for international support at a November 29 meeting in Chad's capital N'Djamena.Anti-government protests have rocked Sudan since late December

A member of Sudan's top Islamist party has died in detention just days after he was arrested in connection to anti-government rallies that have rocked the country for weeks, a relative said Saturday.

Ahmed al-Kheir, a 36-year-old teacher, was a member of the Islamist Popular Congress Party, which is part of President Omar al-Bashir's government but has called for a probe into the deaths of protesters.

Security agents took Kheir from his home in the city of Khashm El-Girba in the eastern state of Kassala three days ago, his uncle Ahmed Abdelwahab told AFP.

"We didn't know where they took him, but security agents said at that time that he was one of the organisers of protests," Abdelwahab said.

He said the family was told that Kheir had been brought to Kassala hospital Saturday morning, but they were later directed to the mortuary in the town of Gadaref.

"I saw his body there. I saw there were marks of beatings on his back."

Abdelwahab said the family took Kheir's body and buried him in their hometown.

A doctors' committee linked to the Sudanese Professionals Association (SPA), which is leading the protest movement against Bashir's three-decade rule, confirmed Kheir's death.

Sudanese police and security officials were not immediately available for comment.

Deadly protests have rocked Sudan since December 19, with the SPA calling for daily nationwide rallies against Bashir's rule.

Officials say 30 people have died in protest-related violence, while rights groups have put the death toll at more than 40 including medics and children.

Protests first erupted against a government decision to triple the price of bread, but quickly grew into nationwide rallies against Bashir's rule.

The Popular Congress Party, founded by late Islamist leader Hassan Turabi, has two ministers of state in the cabinet and seven lawmakers in parliament.

Days after protests erupted against Bashir's government, the party called for a probe into the deaths of protesters killed during the demonstrations.Worshippers pose for a selfie with a cutout image of Pope Francis at St Mary's Catholic Church in Dubai on January 30, 2019, days ahead of his visit to the United Arab Emirates

Like millions of his compatriots, Filipino migrant Ray Erwin adores Pope Francis. This weekend, he is counting down the hours to a historic papal mass in Abu Dhabi.

"We are very grateful," he told AFP. "It's a chance of a lifetime."

Erwin, 44, will be among 135,000 worshippers expected to gather on Tuesday when "Lolo Kiko" (Grandpa Francisco), as the pontiff is affectionately known in the Philippines, holds a vast open-air mass in the Muslim-majority Arabian Peninsula.

The pope's three-day trip, which starts Sunday, is the first ever papal visit to the Arabian Peninsula -- the birthplace of Islam.

While Muslims make up nearly four fifths of the UAE's population, the country is also home to nearly a million Catholics, according to the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia.

Most are from India or the Philippines -- like Erwin, who has a wife and two daughters and has lived there for 20 years.

Migrants from Asian countries make up about 65 percent of the population.

- 'Connected by faith' -

Decked out with Vatican flags and a lifelike picture of the pope, St. Mary's Catholic Church in the neighbouring emirate of Dubai has been abuzz with worshippers preparing for the pontiff's arrival.

The church, which can hold about 2,500 worshippers, was packed during mass on Friday.

People lined the walls inside while others stood in the open air to watch the sermon on two big screens.

Indian Irene Ann Tomi, 16, said the pope's visit would be "an eye opener for all the Christians and the Muslims in the UAE."

"We are all human," she said. "I believe we are connected by one thread, and that is faith."

Worshippers gather under a cutout image of Pope Francis at St Mary's Catholic Church in Dubai on January 30, 2019, ahead of the pontiff's visit to the United Arab Emirates

On Saturday, the last day to collect tickets for the mass, hundreds of people queued for passes while others lined up in front of a kiosk distributing goodie bags of memorabilia.

Irene, who is involved in youth activities at the church, said the congregation is influenced by the teachings of Pope Francis.

"We all try to incorporate his idea of smiling even when we have difficulties in our life," she told AFP.

Irene said the UAE had given her and her family "a lot of freedom to pray in our churches".

-'Thank you, Lord' -

The UAE prides itself on its religious tolerance and cultural diversity.

It has eight Catholic churches, compared to four each in Oman, Kuwait and Yemen.

Qatar and Bahrain have one each, while ultra-conservative Sunni powerhouse Saudi Arabia bans all non-Muslim places of worship.

The pontiff's trip is widely seen as encouraging inter-religious dialogue in the region.

Pope Francis will take part in an interfaith conference on Monday and will meet Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb, the imam of Al-Azhar, Egypt's highest seat of Islamic learning.

Pope Francis will make the first papal visit to the Arabian penninsula from February 3-5

Early on Tuesday morning, more than 2,000 free buses will transport worshippers from across the Emirates to Abu Dhabi, way ahead of the mass scheduled for 10:30 AM (0630 GMT).

Local media say it will be the largest ever public gathering in the UAE.

Filipina Ruthcel Fermana, a nanny who has been living in Dubai for over five years, said she started jumping on the bed when she found out she would be on one of the buses.

"Early in the morning when I woke up and opened my phone and then saw the message and my name was on the list. I said: 'Thank you, Lord, thank you, Lord, thank you Lord!'" she told AFP.

"Everything happens for a reason."Former Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo was the first former head of state ever to stand trial at the ICC

Belgium said Saturday it has agreed to host Ivory Coast ex-president Laurent Gbagbo pending a possible appeal against his acquittal by the International Criminal Court in The Hague on charges of crimes against humanity.

On January 15, the tribunal acquitted Gbagbo and his aide, Charles Ble Goude, on charges stemming from a wave of violence after disputed elections in the west African nation in 2010.

The following day, the court ruled there were no exceptional circumstances preventing the pair's release from detention in The Hague, and said they could be sent to a member country willing to accept them.

"It was a request from the court to host Mr Gbagbo simply because he has family in Belgium: his second wife, a child in Brussels," Foreign Minister Didier Reynders told RTBF, Begium's public television channel.

"We have concluded that it is alright for him to stay in Belgium while on conditional release," he said, adding that the "conditions" of his stay would be discussed with the ICC including "limits" on Gbagbo's movements.

"There will be surveillance," he added.

According to the Belgian press, one of Gbagbo's wives, 47-year-old Nady Bamba, lives there.

Prosecutors can still appeal the January 15 acquittal, but said in a statement Friday it was awaiting the court's written judgement before deciding how to proceed.

"Only after we have had the opportunity to carefully examine and analyse their reasoning will my office make a decision on whether to appeal," said ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda.

Ble Goude's lawyer said on Saturday his client was still "waiting" for a host country to declare itself willing to take him in.

Gbagbo and Ble Goude went on trial in January 2016 accused of playing a role in murder, rape, persecution, and other inhumane acts during the post-election violence.

More than 3,000 people died on both sides of the Ivory Coast conflict after Gbagbo refused to concede defeat to his internationally backed-rival -- and now-president -- Alassane Ouattara.

- Travel ban -

Prosecutors have expressed fears that if freed, Gbagbo would not return to the court for a retrial if his acquittal is overturned on appeal.

The release conditions include that he surrender his travel documents, report to authorities weekly, avoid contacting witnesses in Ivory Coast, and refrain from making public statements about the case, the court documents said.

Profile of Laurent Gbagbo

Gbagbo was the first former head of state to stand trial at the ICC.

He had been held in the Netherlands since 2011.

The ICC's unwillingness to let Gbagbo return to Ivory Coast could be linked to that country's refusal to surrender Gbagbo's wife, Simone, despite an outstanding ICC warrant for her arrest for her role in the violence.

She was convicted and jailed by the courts there in 2015, but Ouattara granted her an amnesty last year, to allow her release after seven years in detention.

Gbagbo's release comes at a particularly tense time in Ivory Coast.

With presidential elections due in 2020, Ouattara has not said whether he will seek a second term, and the coalition he formed with Henri Konan Bedie, his former ally against Gbagbo, has collapsed.Behrouz Boochani won Australia's most valuable literary prize but could not accept it as he is living in detention on Manus Island in Papua New Guinea

When Kurdish-Iranian journalist Behrouz Boochani won Australia's most valuable literary prize this week, he could not attend the ceremony to accept it.

But as he has done for almost six years, living in Papua New Guinea under Canberra's harsh offshore detention policy, the asylum-seeker still managed to speak out.

"With humility, I would like to say that this award is a victory. It is a victory not only for us, but for literature and art and above all, it is a victory for humanity," he said in pre-recorded acceptance speech given to media.

"A victory against a system that has never recognised us as human beings. It is a victory against a system that has reduced us to numbers," the 35-year-old added.

Boochani, who was sent to Manus after fleeing Iran in 2013, won the Victorian Prize for Literature for his book "No Friend But the Mountains: Writing from Manus Prison".

Under a harsh policy meant to deter asylum-seekers from reaching Australia by boat, Canberra has for years sent arrivals to remote Pacific camps on Nauru and Papua New Guinea's Manus Island for processing, barring them from ever resettling in Australia.

The UN, rights groups and leading health professionals have slammed Canberra for its treatment of asylum seekers, as stories of violent riots, self harm, dire living conditions and even murder have emerged from the camps over the years.

'I ended up in another prison'

The Australian government's treatment of asylum seekers has polarised society

Boochani has been at the centre of many of these reports -- the loudest voice within the Manus asylum seekers, providing a key source for journalists and rights groups while documenting the conditions himself.

His journalism has been published widely in Australian media, he has given speeches remotely to universities around the world and produced a film from the island shot on his phone -- all while continuing to write about Iranian and Kurdish politics for publications in Iran.

Born in Ilam in the west of Iran in 1983, Behrouz graduated from Tarbiat Moallem and Tarbiat Modares Universities in Tehran with a masters degree in political science, political geography and geopolitics.

He was a close collaborator on the Kurdish-language magazine Werya, which in February 2013 was ransacked by the members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard, and nine of his colleagues were arrested.

Some of his friends were released, others were sent to prison.

Fearing for his life Behrouz fled the country in May that year.

"I left Iran because I didn't want to live in prison for a long time, or be killed by the system there," he told AFP from Manus Saturday.

"Unfortunately I ended up in another prison, but a prison that was created by a country that claims it is a liberal democracy."

His boat carrying more than 60 asylum-seekers was intercepted on its way to Australia from Indonesia in July 2013 by the Australian Navy, and soon sent to Manus.

'A part of Australian history'

He has spent years writing the book through his experiences on the island, documented via short messages in Farsi to translators using WhatsApp.

The book crosses a number of genres, from "Australian dissident literature" to "Kurdish literature" to "prison and philosophical literature", translator Omid Tofighian told AFP.

"It describes systematic torture. For so long Behrouz -- through journalism and his film and through public speaking -- has been trying to explain what systematic torture means in this particular site," Tofighian said.

"I think the book does that successfully."

The prison is geographically offshore, but the book conveys it is very much part of "Australian society, history and culture", Tofighian added.

"It positions what is happening in terms of border politics, in a much broader narrative that relates to Australia's colonial character -- or colonial past or present."

Under a deal with former US president Barack Obama, about 450 people of a potential 1,250 had so far been resettled from Manus and Nauru to the United States at the end of last year.

At that time about 160 people remained on Nauru, while Boochani said Saturday some 600 men are still on Manus.

"I think this award proves that already a big part of Australian society accepts me, and other refugees, as members of Australia," he told AFP.

"We are a part of Australian history, and nobody has the power to deny this. We are a part of Australian society."A Thai forest ranger approaches a target during a mock raid on 'poachers' in Khao Yai National Park, as part of training to tackle the lucrative wildlife trade

Camo-clad rangers ambush a camp in a lush Thai national park, kicking away a machete and a firearm and pinning two suspected poachers to the ground -- part of a training exercise to counter a lucrative wildlife trade.

"Go!" team leader Kritkhajorn Tangon yells as the group tackles the actors, who had near them sambar deer antlers and a blade covered in fake blood.

Thailand's conservationists are struggling to stamp out the multibillion-dollar black market in animal parts, finding themselves outgunned by illegal hunters and outflanked by courts.

The country is a key transit point for smugglers moving on to Vietnam and China, two of the world's biggest markets for parts from endangered and protected species.

But efforts by its 14,000 rangers to take down illegal hunters and loggers are often stymied by a lack of resources and training, with about 15 rangers killed each year in deadly encounters.

Thailand's conservationists are struggling to stamp out the multibillion-dollar black market in animal parts

Impunity also reigns for traffickers who are well connected politically and financially, dodging jail time when there is little iron-clad physical evidence to keep them behind bars.

Gathering evidence, protecting a crime scene and using forensic analysis were some of the skills developed by more than a dozen rangers who took part in the training week led by anti-trafficking group Freeland.

Among the participants in the event at Khao Yai National Park, which culminated in Friday's mock scenario, were four officials from neighbouring Cambodia and Laos.

"Our investigation skills are still weak... when they (rangers) encounter these situations, they leave loopholes in the collection of evidence," Kritkhajorn told AFP.

"It could result in the suspect walking free."

Freeland has emphasised the need for material evidence as "it cannot be manipulated, whereas an eyewitness can retract his testimony", said country director Petcharat Sangchai, a retired police major-general.

- Transnational gangs -

The training, funded by the British embassy in Bangkok, comes the same week a Thai court dismissed charges against a suspected wildlife trafficking kingpin.

He was accused of smuggling $1 million worth of rhino horns to Thailand but the case unravelled when the sole eyewitness changed his testimony.

Thailand is a key transit point for smugglers moving on to Vietnam and China, two of the world's biggest markets for parts from endangered and protected species

A successful conviction has to be handled "correctly from the forests to the courts", said Freeland's program director Tim Redford, adding that widespread wildlife poaching and smuggling involves transnational organised crime rings.

"These criminals are exploiting loopholes in the law, they are exploiting weakness of understanding in judges and prosecutors, and that's why they are winning," he said.

One case which left the Thai public incensed involved construction tycoon Premchai Karnasuta, who was arrested last February after rangers stumbled on his camp in a national park in Kanchanaburi province.

Animal carcasses -- including a rare black leopard -- and guns were found, but Premchai, one of Thailand's wealthiest moguls, denied he was poaching and was released on bail.

Investigation is pending and a court verdict is expected in March.

The tycoon's case was at the forefront of all the participants' minds on Friday as the clearest example of what the rich and powerful could get away with in Thailand.

"If you know who my boss is, you'll get shivers! My boss is Premchai!" shouted one of the "poachers" during the exercise, as the rangers laughed in a moment of levity.Virginia Governor Ralph Northam has been under fire over a racist yearbook photo and comments he made about abortion

Ralph Northam, the Democratic governor of the US state of Virginia, is facing calls to resign after he confirmed he appeared in a racist yearbook photo and said he is "deeply sorry."

"Earlier today, a website published a photograph of me from my 1984 medical school yearbook in a costume that is clearly racist and offensive," Northam said in a statement Friday.

"I am deeply sorry for the decision I made to appear as I did in this photo and for the hurt that decision caused then and now," he said.

The photo, which was carried by various US media outlets, depicts two people, one in blackface, the other dressed in a Ku Klux Klan robe and hood.

Northam did not specify which outfit he was wearing in the image, which has prompted calls for him to resign -- including from several Democratic presidential hopefuls.

"These images arouse centuries of anger, anguish, and racist violence and they've eroded all confidence in Gov. Northam's ability to lead. We should expect more from our elected officials. He should resign," tweeted Senator Cory Booker, who is black, hours after announcing he would run in 2020.

California Senator Kamala Harris, another African-American White House hopeful, meanwhile tweeted that "the stain of racism should have no place in the halls of government."

The governor has also been under fire over remarks about a bill that would have rolled back restrictions on late-term abortions.

Republicans took particular issue with comments he made when asked if the bill would allow for abortions to be performed when a woman was already in labor.

"If a mother is in labor, I can tell you exactly what would happen. The infant would be delivered. The infant would be kept comfortable. The infant would be resuscitated if that's what the mother and the family desired," he said.

"And then a discussion would ensue between the physicians and the mother."

Though his spokeswoman, Northam said his words were taken out of context, and were only meant to apply if a woman in dire circumstances went into labor.

The bill failed to advance out of committee, but Republicans including President Donald Trump pounced on the comments.

"Democrats are becoming the Party of late term abortion, high taxes, Open Borders and Crime!" Trump tweeted.

The US Supreme Court legalized abortion nationwide in 1973 with its decision in Roe v. Wade, but the issue remains one of the most politically divisive in the United States.Mitchell Starc has produced his best spell of the summer as Australia left the visitors in real trouble at 7-215 at lunch on day three of the second Test.

After Sri Lanka battled valiantly through the first 50 minutes of day three without loss in reply to Australia's 5(dec)-534, but their morning unravelled when Jhye Richardson struck Kusal Perera on the helmet with a short ball.

Play was stopped for several minutes while his broken helmet was replaced, before he was assessed again at the end of the over by Sri Lankan medical staff.

Perera stayed on but left the field retired hurt just three balls later on 29 after having also copped a blow from Richardson in the first over of the morning.

He was replaced by Dimuth Karunaratne - who himself was only released from Canberra Hospital on Saturday night after an ugly hit to the neck from a Pat Cummins bouncer on day two - but by then all Sri Lanka's momentum was gone.

Four wickets fell in the next hour before lunch - including two in one over to Starc - to leave Sri Lanka struggling to avoid a follow-on target of 335 that Australia would be unlikely to enforce.

Fresh from picking up the dangerous Dinesh Chandimal late on day two, the under-fire Starc unleashed a pacy spell full of bounce on Sunday.

He first got rid of Dhananjaya de Silva for 25, the Sri Lankan batsman trying to pull a short ball but only succeeding in collecting his own stumps with his bat as he swung around.

Starc's removal of Karunaratne for 59 was far more straight forward, as he had him edging a ball well outside the off stump to Kurtis Patterson at gully on the drive.

The left-arm bowler should have had a third, with Usman Khawaja dropping a regulation catch at first slip when Niroshan Dickwella edged an attempted cut shot.

Australia's spinners got the morning's other two wickets, with debutant Chamika Karunaratne caught at leg slip for a duck off Nathan Lyon before Dickwella was lbw to Marnus Labuschagne (25) just before lunch.More than 70,000 children will be pulling on their uniforms, shouldering backpacks and waving goodbye to summer holidays across the ACT.

At the new Margaret Hendry School in the northern Canberra suburb Taylor, staff and students will mark the first lessons by creating a mosaic to liven up the foyer.

There are more than 49,000 students and 3800 teachers returning to Canberra's 88 public schools on Monday.

ACT Education Minister Yvette Berry said the start of a new year was always an exciting time.

"For some it's the start of a big education adventure. For others, it's the next step in that adventure as they return from holidays to catch up with their friends and teachers to get back to their education," she told AAP.A total fire ban has been imposed in Victoria as hot, dry and windy conditions hit the state while firefighters battle to bring blazes under control.

Temperatures are set to climb into the 40s across the western and central parts of the state, including in Melbourne's northwest and Geelong, on Sunday.

Melbourne is expected to top 39C and Mildura 41C, and the Country Fire Authority has declared a total fire ban day.

CFA chief officer Steve Warrington says Victorians should brace for more fires on Sunday because of the volatile weather and lightning strikes without much rainfall.

"The decisions you make on any given day will determine, particularly tomorrow, whether you live or die," Mr Warrington said on Saturday.

The community is urged to tune into the radio, regularly check the VicEmergency website, make a plan and discuss it with their family in case of emergency.

"The reality is tomorrow is a really concerning day for us, and it is time for people to get the information they need. You must do it."

A severe fire danger is forecast for the Mallee, Wimmera, South West and Central districts.

Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Richard Russell said northerly winds in the morning will remain "quite fresh and gusty" ahead of a southwesterly change later in the day.

The change is due to hit Melbourne from 4pm, after crossing the Western Port an hour earlier, while northeast parts of the state won't feel the relief until Monday, he added.

But temperatures may drop about 15C in less than an hour in the south of the state while thunderstorms are due to strike eastern parts without much rainfall.

It comes off the back of the warmest January on record for Victoria.

Fires have been burning in Grantville, Timbarra, Walhalla, the Thomson Catchment, Lerderderg, Arthurs Seat, Rosebud and McCrae.

There have been 2000 bush, scrub and grass fires since the start of summer.A massive monsoonal deluge that has flooded Townsville has been declared a catastrophe by the Insurance Council of Australia.

The one-in-100 year big wet has inundated dozens of homes and businesses and with conditions set to worsen thousands of homes could be affected, the ICA said in a statement.

As of 8pm on Saturday, insurers had received about 1900 claims with insurance losses estimated at $16.7 million.

"The ICA has declared a catastrophe to help escalate the insurance industry's response," said ICA CEO Rob Whelan.

The declaration has been made to "help reduce the emotional and financial stress being experienced by families and businesses, and provide them with peace of mind that their insurer is there to help," he said.

The announcement comes as five hundred homes are under threat of flooding overnight, with torrential forecasts hitting up to 20,000 homes, according to police.Jane Danson's husband Robert Beck was moved to tears as he watched her perform on Dancing On Ice on Sunday, just hours after she fainted in rehearsals.

The Coronation Street actress, 40, dressed as a unicorn as she joined her pro partner Sylvain Longchambon on the ice to skate to A King Of Magic by Queen.

After her fairytale- themed routine, Jane told hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield she was 'absolutely fine' and admitted her dizzy spell had taken her by surprise.

Proud: Jane Danson's husband Robert Beck was moved to tears as he watched her perform on Dancing On Ice on Sunday, just hours after she fainted in rehearsals

'l didnt see it coming, I've been quite tired and I just pushed myself a bit too far I think,' she said.

'I'm so embarrassed, the team and Sylvain have been amazing. I'm fine', she added.

Phil replied: 'Your hubby was crying in the audience there, he was sobbing and sobbing away', while Holly described Jane's fainting spell as 'scary'.

Emotional: Commenting on Robert crying, Phillip Schofield said: 'Your hubby was crying in the audience there, he was sobbing and sobbing away'

Dazzling display: The Coronation Street actress, 40, dressed as a unicorn as she joined her pro partner Sylvain Longchambon on the ice to skate to A King Of Magic by Queen

Faint: Just hours before the live show, Jane was stretchered off the ice, after dramatically fainting during rehearsals

But Jane brushed her health scare off, saying she was thrilled to gain 23.5 points out of her - her best score to date.

She was left feeling overwhelmed when the judges praised her for performing so soon after fainting.

Ashley Banjo told the soap star: 'I have so much respect for you returning so soon, that takes so much guts.'

As the rest of the judges echoed Ashley's sentiments, Robert could be seen wiping his tears away in the audience.

After her fairytale- themed routine, Jane told hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield she was 'absolutely fine' and admitted her dizzy spell had taken her by surprise

biggest supporter: Jane's husband of 15 years couldn't have looked prouder as he cheered her on in the audience

Mere hours before the live show, Jane's participation in the competition was thrown into doubt after she collapsed on the ice.

The Corrie star was stretchered off the ice after being attended to by paramedics.

Following her fall, a DOI spokesperson told MailOnline: 'She has been assessed by show medics and is now resting ahead of the performance.'

Delighted: Jane brushed her health scare off, saying she was thrilled to gain 23.5 points out of her - her best score to date

Brave: Ashley Banjo told the soap star: 'I have so much respect for you returning so soon, that takes so much guts'

Medical team: The television actress was attended to by paramedics after her fall on the ice

Danson began dating former Brookside actor Robert Beck in 1999 and the two married in December 2005.

The couple met at the 1999 British Soap Awards. Danson said that she had a crush on Beck since she was 15.

On their marriage, Danson told OK! Magazine last year: 'Rob's absolutely my best friend in the world. We've only had about two rows in twenty years.'

The couple have two sons together, Harry Alexander Jack, 14, and Sam Alfie Robert, eight.Married At First Sight bride, Martha Kalifatidis, has confirmed she underwent a plastic surgery transformation to look like Kim Kardashian.

Speaking to NW on Monday, the 30-year-old reportedly said she has had extensive surgery including a boob job, nose job, Botox and fillers.

'I don't have fillers in my lips - but I do have them in other places on my face... and I've had my boobs done,' she said.

Botox, fillers, a boob job and more: MAFS' Kim Kardashian (right) lookalike Martha Kalifatidis (left) reveals her plastic surgery secrets... after revealing she's inspired by the reality star

'I do Botox... But I like to keep it really understated and natural, so I don't like to look like I've had anything done ...If you can tell you've had it done, then it's gone wrong.'

The magazine claims she also admitted to having rhinoplasty but denied having butt implants.

She recently told the magazine that she is planning even more plastic surgery, 'probably after I have kids'.

'Everyone's inspired by Kim. She's hot!' The 30-year-old gushed about Kim during her appearance on A Current Affair last week

Kardashian clone! Martha (left) told NW, 'I don't have fillers in my lips - but I do have them in other places on my face... and I've had my boobs done'. Pictured (right) Kim Kardashian

It comes after the busty brunette, who is of Greek heritage, told A Current Affair last week that she's flattered by comparisons to Kim Kardashian.

'Everyone's inspired by Kim... She's hot!' she said.

Prior to marrying her groom on MAFS, she said people were often surprised to learn that she was single despite being so attractive.

Martha's Kardashian obsession seems to run deep, with the Bondi-based makeup artist appearing to recreate many of Kim's iconic looks on social media.

Inspired by Kim? Even Martha's personal style appears to be inspired by the Kardashians

Oh derriere: The magazine claims Martha (left) also admitted to having rhinoplasty but denied having butt implants. Pictured (right) Kim Kardashian

From their identical brunette waves to their plump pouts and bronzed complexions, the similarities between Martha and Kim are endless.

Outside of her physical appearance, Martha also seems to take style cues from the famed American reality star.

Not only does the MAFS bride have the exact same hairstyle as Kim, she also appears to have copied everything from Kim's makeup to her bikinis.Kerri-Anne Kennerley reportedly 'felt abandoned' by Channel 10 after she was accused of being 'racist' by Yumi Stynes live on air last week.

ABC presenter Yumi, 43, had told veteran broadcaster Kerri-Anne, 65, she 'sounded racist' on an episode of Studio 10 which aired on Monday, January 28.

Apparently, the Logie Hall of Famer was disappointed the network didn't support her publicly afterwards, leaving her to arrange her own PR response to the scandal.

'If the network doesn't apologise, I'm walking': Kerri-Anne Kennerley (left) reportedly 'felt abandoned by Channel 10 and had to organise her own PR response' after Yumi Stynes (right) called her racist on air last Monday

A source told Monday's New Idea magazine: '[Kerri-Anne] is not happy with Ten. She couldn't believe they had Yumi on to get a headline, as she is famous for it.

'After the stoush, she told friends, "If the network doesn't apologise, I am walking".'

The insider added: 'She also wasn't happy she had to organise her own publicity to help sort out the situation. She had to call on pals Ben Fordham and Kyle and Jackie O so the public could hear her side of the story.'

New Idea further claimed that Kerri-Anne's relationship with Channel 10 is so bad she is considering leaving for a rival network.

Controversy: During a discussion on Studio 10 last Monday, Kerri-Anne said Invasion Day protesters should be less concerned with 'changing the date' and instead focus on social issues affecting remote Aboriginal communities, such as sexual assault and suicide

Response: Fellow panellist Yumi (right) accused her colleague of 'sounding racist', sparking a heated debate surrounding the appropriateness of Kerri-Anne's remarks. Pictured left: Fellow Studio 10 host Joe Hildebrand

She is apparently 'making a push' to get a job on Channel Nine's Today show and believes she 'would be the perfect addition' to the panel.

However, a Channel 10 spokesperson denied New Idea's report in a statement to The New Daily on Monday afternoon.

'KAK has been a welcome addition to the Studio 10 family and she will remain as a permanent member of the panel through 2019,' they said.

Taking a stand: Kerri-Anne, who is a Logie Hall of Famer, has denied she is racist

During a discussion on Studio 10 last Monday, Kerri-Anne said Invasion Day protesters should be less concerned with 'changing the date' and instead focus on social issues affecting remote Aboriginal communities, such as sexual assault and suicide.

Fellow panellist Yumi accused her colleague of 'sounding racist', sparking a heated debate surrounding the appropriateness of Kerri-Anne's remarks.

In an opinion piece for The Daily Telegraph over the weekend, Kerri-Anne acknowledged that her phrasing could have been better, but stressed she was only trying to highlight 'abuse here and now'.

'The ''racist'' word became the burning headline the spark that started the fire and what a burn it has been,' she wrote.

'To me, the much more pressing issue for not only the indigenous community but the nation as a whole is the horrific rape of children, babies and women in indigenous communities.'

In the aftermath of the Studio 10 blow-up, Yumi has been targeted by racist and sexist trolls on social media.

She has yet to return to Studio 10.Gemma Collins broke down in tears on Dancing On Ice on Sunday night, sobbing the trauma of last week's fall has shattered all of her confidence.

The TOWIE star, 38, had to be consoled by host Holly Willoughby after receiving the lowest score of the night following her performance to Look What You Made Me Do by Taylor Swift.

Dressed as the Evil Queen, Gemma said through sobs her 'legs had turned to jelly' and she felt paralysed with fear as soon as she took to the rink with her partner Matt Evers.

Devastated: Gemma Collins broke down in tears on Dancing On Ice on Sunday night, sobbing the trauma of last week's fall has shattered all of her confidence

Ahead of her routine, Gemma relived the moment she face-planted the ice on the live show last week during her video tape.

'Last week it was really all going to be good to be true and then disaster struck. I was so embarrassed, why is it always me?', she said.

'Whats keeping me going is the support, Im going to crack on and keep going. My mojo is coming back.'

Terrified: Dressed as the Evil Queen, Gemma said through sobs her 'legs had turned to jelly' and she felt paralysed with fear as soon as she took to the rink with her partner Matt Evers

Villain: Gemma performed to Look What You Made Me Do by Taylor Swift and did her best to channel her inner villain

Lowest score of the night: The reality starlet suffered a few stumbles as she got into the roll- step sequence, which were picked up in the marking, gaining just 13.5 points

Emotional: But the TOWIE star, 38, had to be consoled by host Holly Willoughby after receiving the lowest score of the night

During the Fairytale-themed routine, the reality starlet suffered a few stumbles as she got into the roll-step sequence and backwards teapot, and clung onto Matt throughout.

Her 'static' performance was picked up in the marking. Gemma gained just 13.5 points out of 40, which placed her at the bottom of the leaderboard.

And it wasn't long until the GC burst into floods of tears when Phil said: 'We saw you before the show, you said you had lost your confidence.'

Traumatised: The 38-year-old TOWIE star relived the moment she face-planted the ice as she received her score

Gemma said: 'My nerves have gone since the fall. Im really upset. My legs are like jelly, theyve just gone.'

Providing some encouragement, Ashley Banjo said: 'One of my favourite things is that when you fell, you fell trying. Youve knocked your confidence. Better to go out and try and fall, then not try.'

Gemma and judge Jason Gardiner famously fell out on the show a few weeks ago when she accused the choreographer of "selling stories" on her but this week, Jason gave the television personality her highest score from all the judges, a four.

Her rival even offered some kind words: 'I did give you the highest score, the beginning needed stronger execution, you really need to incorporate the evil queen characterisation, the GC queen wasn't there. It was like she left the building.'

Jelly legs: Gemma said through sobs: 'My nerves have gone since the fall. Im really upset. My legs are like jelly, theyve just gone'

Injured: Gemma had to use her mother Joan's wheelchair for a few days this week after her fall due to her knees being bruised and battered from the slip-up

In pain: The Dancing on Ice star complained she was in 'absolute agony' as she bemoaned she had been crying via her Instagram stories on Saturday evening

And Gemma even seemed to bury the hatchet with Jason as she agreed with his comments that her routine needed better execution and even asked if they could be 'friends'.

Agreeing, Gemma replied: 'I agree and let's be friends if anything happened, weve become friends. Im sorry.'

Despite gaining the lowest score of the night, Gemma sailed through to next week while Saira Khan and Mark Hanretty were voted off the show.

Popularity contest? The reality star's survival in the competition caused an uproar on Twitter with some viewers saying they wanted it to be a 'fair contest' and not based on 'popularity'

The reality star's survival in the competition caused an uproar on Twitter with some viewers saying they wanted it to be a 'fair contest' and not based on 'popularity'.

One wrote: 'This is ridiculous- makes a complete farce of the competition. Is she had any dignity She should just say shes leaving and save two people who are really trying & deserve to be there #dancingonice @dancingonice @missgemcollins #gemmacollins'.

Another added: 'How is Gemma still in? She cannot skate to save her life #DancingOnIce #gemmacollins'

A third chimed: '@dancingonice #gemmacollins this is an absolute joke she DOES NOT deserve to be there... total fix.'

Gemma had to use her mother Joan's wheelchair for a few days this week after her fall due to her knees being bruised and battered from the slip-up.

And just a day before the live show, Gemma confessed she had been sobbing over taking another huge tumble on the ice after receiving treatment for her injured knee.

Shaken: Gemma managed to make amends with Jason Gardiner saying she agreed she had lost her confidence

She's a fighter! The Celebs Go Dating star was overwhelmed with emotion after realising she had made it through to next week

Out: Despite gaining the lowest score of the night, Gemma sailed through to next week while Saira Khan and Mark Hanretty (pictured) were voted off the show

The Dancing on Ice star complained she was in 'absolute agony' as she bemoaned she had been crying via her Instagram stories on Saturday evening.

She lamented: The night before dancing on ice Ive had another fall today. Im in absolute agony. Ive been crying like I dont know what.

However, Gemma didn't let her injuries dampen her mood as she joined forces with her Dancing on Ice co-star Brian McFadden.

She elaborated: But Im with the lovely Danielle. Brian McFaddens gorgeous girlfriend. Hes going to marry this one. Hes going to, hes going to stay with this one forever I can tell. This is the one for him.She's already created a giant chicken chili for Super Bowl Sunday.

And Jennifer Garner was once again managing to effortlessly balance all aspects of her life - as she put on an harmonious display with her ex-husband Ben Affeck and their three children.

The 46-year-old actress looked ready for spring in a petal-pink skirt, as she arrived at church in Pacific Palisades, California, on Sunday.

Feeling spiritual: Jennifer Garner arrived at church in Pacific Palisades, California, on Sunday

The Dallas Buyers Club star added a soft cream sweater and stylish crocodile skin flat loafers, as she arrived for the service.

Her hair looked damp, perhaps from her morning shower or from the torrential rain in Los Angeles.

The Miracles From Heaven actress carried her belongings in a classic black tote bag, over one shoulder.

Fresh: The 46-year-old actress looked ready for spring in a petal-pink skirt

Despite the grey clouds, Jen kept her giant sunglasses shielding her eyes, and appeared to have minimal make-up as she showcased her flawless complexion.

Jen - who split with former Batman star Ben in 2015 after ten years of marriage - was joined by her ex and their children.

She shares children Violet, 13, Seraphina, 10, and Samuel, six, with the Argo star.

Classic style: The Dallas Buyers Club star added a soft cream sweater and stylish crocodile skin flat loafers, as she arrived for the service

Co-parenting: Jen - who split with former Batman star Ben in 2015 after ten years of marriage - was joined by her ex and their children

Family time: Ben shares children Violet, 13 (pictured), Seraphina, 10, and Samuel, six, with Jen

No more Batmobile: Meanwhile, it was reported earlier this week that Ben is officially out for Warner Bros.' upcoming superhero movie The Batman

All together: Their daughter Seraphina, 10, was also present for the Sunday morning service

Drenching: Jen braved the heavy rain in her spring-ready outfit

This way: Ben raised a small smile after the service

Ewww: The star looked unimpressed by the deluge

Soggy Sunday: Little Samuel didn't appear to be enjoying the rain either

Jennifer only finalized her divorce from Ben Affleck on October 4, 2018.

Her new beau John also recently went through a divorcee - splitting from violinist Caroline Campbell, with whom he has a daughter also named, Violet, and a son, Quest.

Prior to their divorce and during their separation, Ben dated SNL producer Lindsay Shookus.

Super mom: She's already created a giant chicken chili for Super Bowl Sunday

Knife skills: The star expertly bashed some garlic gloves in the video on her Instagram

Kitchen time: She appeared to be enjoying preparing the dish

Making food: The Alias star concentrated hard on stirring her pot

Concerned: The beauty was not sure her cookware was big enough

Stirring up a treat: She shared her cookery skills with her Instagram followers

Hot stuff: Jen checked whether her chicken was cooked using a meat thermometer

The actor and his girlfriend split in August of last year. Following their break-up, the Berkely, CA native began dating 22-year-old model, Shauna Sexton.

Ben and his much-younger girlfriend broke up in October of last year.

Career-wise, things also seem to be soaring for Jennifer.

Her next role will see her voice June's (Brianna Denski) mother in Paramount Pictures' animated comedy Wonder Park, which hits US theaters March 15 and UK theaters April 8.

Cheer leader: She got into the Super Bowl spirit on Sunday morning with a silly video

Joking around: The star posted the video to her Instagram

Fun mom: It animated the star along with pom poms

Meanwhile, it was reported earlier this week that Ben is officially out for Warner Bros.' upcoming superhero movie The Batman, a project Affleck was once set to star in, write and direct.

There had been rumors for months that Affleck was leaving the franchise, but now Deadline reports that The Batman will focus on a 'younger Bruce Wayne.'

Affleck is still staying plenty busy without playing The Dark Knight, starring in and producing an adaptation of Kate Alice Marshall's novel I'm Still Alive.

He also stars in the upcoming drama Torrance, reuniting with his The Accountant director Gavin O'Connor and he's also attached to star in, produce and direct Witness for the Prosecution.Her critically-acclaimed performance in A Star Is Born has transformed her from a pop sensation into a bona fide Hollywood actress.

But, at age 13 in newly unearthed 1999 yearbook snaps, Lady Gaga - now aged 32 - is barely recognisable as the international superstar, which she has become today.

With bare skin and voluminous brunette tresses, the award-winning actress, who was born Stefani Joanne Germanotta, looks a far cry from the preened, platinum beauty we have come to know.

Who's that girl? At age 13 in newly unearthed 1999 yearbook snaps, Lady Gaga - now aged 32 - is barely recognisable as the international superstar, which she has become today

Lady Gaga - who is hotly tipped for an Oscar gong - appears shy as a teenager in the set of fascinating yearbook photos from her time at Convent of The Sacred Heart.

The seventh grade shots, which are almost 20 years old, show the then-singing-protegee happy as smiling whilst with friends.

In one particular black-and-white image, a young Lady Gaga can be seen with a hat on her head, and her hands on her hips, taking part in an on-stage production, honing her acting skills aged 13.

Another shot shows the chart-topping star gathered with her classmates clad in a school uniform, complete with pleated skirt, white shirt and buttoned up cardigan.

Teenage beauty: With bare skin and brunette tresses, the award-winning actress, who was born Stefani Joanne Germanotta, looks a far cry from the platinum beauty we know today

Now: Lady Gaga is best known for her platinum blonde hair, flawless make-up looks and extravagant ensembles (Pictured in September 2017 at the UK premiere of A Star is Born)

The release of the previously unseen photos come after Lady Gaga's critically-acclaimed film A Star Is Born was snubbed for the Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture gong at the Screen Actors Guild Awards, losing out to Marvel's Black Panther.

The actress put on a brave face as she joined her fiance Christian Carino at the 25th annual ceremony's cocktails party, held at Los Angeles last week.

Despite the snub, A Star Is Born scooped two Critics' Choice awards for Best Actress and Best Song, as well as a Golden Globe for Best Original Song.

The drama has also been nominated for eight Oscars awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Sound Mixing, Adapted Screenplay, Original Song and Cinematography.

The film follows Gaga's character Ally - a girl-next-door who has given up on a music career until she is discovered by grizzled rock star Jackson, played by first-time director Bradley.

Fitting in: Lady Gaga - who is hotly tipped for an Oscar gong - appears shy as a teenager in the set of fascinating yearbook photos from her time at Convent of The Sacred Heart

Star in the making: In one black-and-white image, a young Lady Gaga can be seen taking part in an on-stage production, honing her acting skills aged 13

Following the release of the film, the songstress has thanked her co-star Bradley for changing her life.

While collecting her Best Actress prize at the National Board of Review Awards earlier this month, Gaga couldn't have been more humbled and overjoyed as she took to the stage to deliver a thirteen minute speech.

She began: 'I would not be standing up here if it weren't for you, Bradley. Thank you for entrusting me to be the first leading actress in your directorial debut. This is a tremendous honour.

'Bradley, you truly are a musician. I heard it. I watched it... from the moment you sat at the piano with me and sang, to watching you write songs and watching you create.'

The New York native continued to gush over the American Hustle star: 'Thank you for believing me. Being the director, visionary, co-star and friend that you have been.

Cute: Another shot shows the chart-topping star alongside her classmates (Back row, far left)

'You have taught me so much. You made me a way better actress. I don't even look back at filming a movie, but rather that we became two people who are not us.

'Bradley, thank you for making a film about the importance of compassion, empathy and kindness. This is what we stand for. I couldn't be more happy to be here, which in the name of Jack and Ally, is about true, unconditional love.

'Bradley, our scenes together were challenging and life-changing as an actress and a human. I would never forgot the deep dives we took together.

'What many of you did not get to witness, for Bradley to direct a scene where he was gone, and for me and Sam Elliott, to mourn his death while he was not three feet from us... this is a magician.

'You are something of a modern day directorial Houdini. To live and exist in that pain with you, it changed my life.'They rocked Saturday night with pals at Elton John's concert at The Forum in Inglewood, Los Angeles.

But if Cara Delevingne and her rumored girlfriend Ashley Benson are in a relationship, they didn't show it.

They strolled along separately as the group made its way back to a black SUV.

Out with pals: Cara Delevingne and her rumored girlfriend Ashley Benson spent Saturday night With pals at Elton John's concert at The Forum in Inglewood, Los Angeles

The 26-year-old model-turned-actress wore a dark maroon letterman-style jacket, grey and black plaid skinny pants plus white sneakers.

Pretty Little Liars alum Ashley, 29, donned a black leather jacket over a black-cropped top that gave just a glimpse of her toned tummy.

She teamed it with jeans, a mustard yellow beanie and black sneakers.

The couple spent Christmas in London with Cara's family where they celebrated Ashley's birthday at celeb hotspot Chiltern Firehouse in London on December 19.

Keeping up the rear: The Pretty Little Liars alum, 29, followed a few stepts behind Cara,

Casual style: The 26-year-old model-turned-actress wore a dark maroon letterman-style jacket, grey and black plaid skinny pants plus white sneakers

But they haven't been seen out much together since then.

Cara and Ashley met in 2018 on the set of movie Her Smell, in which they play Akergirls bandmates Cassie and Roxie alongside Dylan Gelula's Dottie O.Z.

Directed by Alex Ross Perry, the nineties riot grrrl band saga also co-stars Amber Heard, Dan Stevens, Eric Stoltz, Elisabeth Moss, Gayle Rankin, Virginia Madsen and Agyness Deyn.

Blonde buddies: Cara, left, and Ashley, met on the set of Her Smell, here seen at the premiere, at the Toronto International Film Festival in Canada in September

It's set to hit US theaters on March 29.

Meanwhile, busy Cara also wrapped filming on her Amazon Video series Carnival Row, alongside Orlando Bloom, late last month posting a few Instagram shots of her last day on set.

Amazon has yet to reveal when it will air the show.

She also has romantic Drama Life In A Year with Cuba Gooding Jr. due out this year and thriller Fever Heart with Alexander Skarsgard in pre-production.They married in a lavish Portugese wedding in 2017 after a two-year courtship.

And Duncan Bannatyne, 70, and his wife Nigora Whitehorrn, 38, looked as in-love as ever as they packed on the PDA during their Barbados getaway on Sunday.

The pair exchanged a kiss as they stood on the idyllic Caribbean island while showing off their swimwear.

Pucker up: Duncan Bannatyne, 70, and his wife Nigora Whitehorrn, 38, looked as in-love as ever as they packed on the PDA during their Barbados getaway on Sunday

They later donned a pair of sunglasses as they took to the waves on a two-person jetski.

Not ones to forgo on protection, they clad their figures in blue life jackets which Nigora modelled to perfection.

As Duncan controlled the cargo he showed off his driving skills to his wife while working up the waves.

Earlier in the day Nigora looked sensational as she slipped into yet another bikini on day two of the couple's holiday.

Good times: They later donned a pair of sunglasses as they took to the waves on a two-person jetski

Pair: Nigora showed off her gym-honed derriere as she looked out across the idyllic sea with her beau

Safety first: Not ones to forgo on protection, they clad their figures in blue life jackets which Nigora modelled to perfection

Activity: The duo looked like they were having a great time while enjoying the soaring temperatures in Barbados

In control: As Duncan controlled the cargo he showed off his driving skills to his wife while working up the waves

Crystal clear: Nigora flashed a glimpse of her toned abs as she covered up in the blue and white life jacket

The Uzbekistan native and her husband soaked up the rays on a beach with the beauty dressed in a sequin two-piece which barely covered her ample assets.

She showed off her sensational figure in the number before wrapping up in a barely-there sarong style dress.

Never one to forgo the glamour, the mother-of-one made sure her lashes and eyebrows were expertly applied before heading out, while leaving her locks loose around her face.

Nigora toted her belongings in a 1,950 Dior tote bag while showing off her many bits of jewellery in the form of gold bracelets, a watch and her very large diamond wedding ring.

Perfection: The beauty showed off her many Cartier bracelets and toned thighs while lounging around on the Caribbean island

Head-turning: Nigora made sure all eyes were on her as she stepped out in the sequined bikini which she worked to perfection

Life's a beach: The Uzbekistan native and her husband soaked up the rays on a beach with the beauty dressed in a sequin two-piece which barely covered her ample assets

Vacation: While Duncan showed off his style in a pair of neon pink swim shorts as he took to the Caribbean beach

Style: She showed off her sensational figure in the number before wrapping up in a barely-there sarong style dress while carrying a 1,950 Dior tote bag

Later in the day, she lovingly applied suncream to her husband's back as he took to the beach in a pair of neon pink swim shorts.

Duncan looked loved-up as he strolled across the shore with his wife while showing off his tanned torso with his eyes covered in large sunglasses.

He was a far-cry from his Dragon's Den days as he looked relaxed while enjoying the break, which began for the pair yesterday.

Glamorous: The mother-of-one made sure her lashes and eyebrows were expertly applied before heading out, while leaving her locks loose around her face

Enviable: The heavily made up beauty covered her peepers in a pair of large sunglasses while contemplating on the beach

Quality time: Duncan looked loved-up as he strolled across the shore with his wife while showing off his tanned torso with his eyes covered in large sunglasses

Romance: Later in the day, she lovingly applied suncream to her husband's back while showing off her very large wedding ring

Thrice-wed Duncan Duncan has four children with his first wife Gail and two with his second wife Joanna. Since marrying Nigora, he has spoken about having children with her.

'Of course we want children together,' Nigora proclaimed during an appearance on This Morning last year, before continuing: 'Well be planning the future family. I would like to have at least two boys.

'I cant wait to be a dad again,' Duncan added to the conversation, before Nigoria relayed the reason why she wants to expand her family with Duncan: 'Hes an amazing father. I'm proud of how he is with my daughter.

'She adores Duncan and couldnt ask for better stepfather. Hes going to be an amazing father to my future children.'She made her name walking the runways for Victoria's Secret and now lives in New York City.

But Victoria Lee says that working at home in Australia keeps her 'grounded'.

The 28-year-old yells The Daily Telegraph: 'It keeps me grounded. It reminds me that I still am a country girl'.

'It reminds me I still am a country girl': Victoria's Secret model Victoria Lee (pictured) says working in Australia keeps her 'grounded' despite move to New York

The beauty really is a country girl, coming from the town of Narrandera in rural New South Wales.

There are just 3,746 people living in the town, which is adjacent to the Murrumbidgee River, according to the last census.

Victoria says that growing up in Narrandera, 'instilled... a very strong work ethic, knowing what's important, doing the best you can, and being a good person'.

Home; Victoria Lee says that working home in Australia keeps her 'grounded'. The 28-year-old yells The Daily Telegraph: 'It keeps me grounded. It reminds me that I still am a country girl'

The Australian model is Down Under to attend David Jones' The Art of Living event at Mona on Tuesday.

Mona, also known as the Museum of Old and New Art, is located in Hobart, Tasmania.

Recently, Victoria shared her five must-have beauty products with Daily Mail Australia.

Local: The beauty really is a country girl, coming from the town of Narrandera in rural New South Wales

Victoria says that growing up in Narrandera: 'Instilled... a very strong work ethic, knowing what's important, doing the best you can, and being a good person'.

The catwalk queen swears by The Beauty Chef's Inner Glow Beauty Powder, Biologique Richerche Lait U Cleansing Milk, Equal Beauty Moisture Veil Mask, Sisley Paris Black Rose oil and Dermalogica's SPF 50+ Dynamic Skin moisturiser.

Victoria emerged in the spotlight after walking for lingerie giant Victoria's Secret at the 2017 Shanghai Fashion Show.

Soon after starring in the show, she was announced as an ambassador for David Jones, following in the footsteps of Megan Gale and Miranda Kerr.Katie Price has suffered another financial blow after being saddled with a parking ticket.

The glamour model, 40, is currently not allowed to drive so she was driven on Saturday night by a chauffeur in her bright pink 4x4.

The mum-of-five was in Liverpool for a nightclub appearance where she was joined by her boyfriend Kris Boyson, 30, fellow Celebrity Big Brother star Austin Armacost, 30, and Kris's friend Sammy.

Mishap: Katie Price, 40, has suffered another financial blow after being saddled with a parking ticket after a night out with boyfriend Kris Boyson (centre-left) and Austin Armacost (far-left)

Katie is said to have forgotten to check where the car was left and returned to it to find a ticket stuck to the windshield.

Austin documented the ordeal on his social media, sharing a snap of the ticket on Instagram.

'Check the signs next time', he wrote alongside the photo. A representative for Katie has been contacted by MailOnline for comment.

The trio were joined by Kris' friend Sammy at the Aloft Liverpool hotel for their night on the town.

Ticket: The glamour model is currently not allowed to drive so she was driven by a chauffeur in her bright pink 4x4

Katie donned a bright red printed sweater dress which she paired with thigh high black boots, styling her brunette locks into a ponytail.

Her other half donned a long-sleeved shirt and slim-fitting jeans while he sipped a gin and tonic.

Earlier in the evening, Austin shared a snap of a shirtless Kris getting ready for their night out.

The personal trainer can be seen ironing his shirt, with Austin writing: 'Katie did good'.

Night out: Katie is said to have forgotten to check where the car was left and returned to it to find a ticket stuck to the windshield

Style: Katie donned a bright red printed sweater dress which she paired with thigh high black boots, styling her brunette locks into a ponytail

Last year was turbulent for Katie after she was arrested for drink-driving, entered rehab, was caught on camera talking about cocaine and she nearly went bankrupt.

She discussed her drug use during an appearance on Loose Women: 'My family and friends were hurt, they didn't know what to do. All these years in the industry I never have [done drugs] but I purely did it to self-medicate, I went to the doctors and told them the truth...

'Self-medicating on drugs really, it was disgusting, but it was my way of dealing with it. At least I can hold my hands up, if I didn't speak out now, I would still be in a rut'.

Katie also dismissed bankruptcy reports and her 'messy' mansion, revealing: 'When I buy houses, I buy homes really rundown, my home is 11 bedrooms, 3 floors, everything needs doing. I concentrated on what needed to be done, the horses, the pool was working but the pumps have now gone.

Other half: Earlier in the evening, Austin shared a snap of a shirtless Kris getting ready for their night out

'I am definitely not bankrupt, successful people, sometimes you go bankrupt or have an IVA. I havent gone bankrupt, nothing like that, it was an IVA it was all to do with tax on one of them (her businesses), it is what it is. I love this clarifying, I have been wanting to do it!'

Katie also discussed selling her hot pink Barbie Suzuki jeep on eBay and it having to be removed due to the abusive messages from online trolls.

She said: 'I dont use the car, I bought it for my German Shepherds, I thought I was going to get rid of it, [it took off on Ebay] I thought this is ridiculous.

'Ebay in Holland took it down as they said we cant allow all this trolling on the site about Harvey. What has Harvey got to do with the car? Its disgusting stuff, I am going to the police tomorrow about it.'Advertisement

They married in a lavish wedding ceremony in Portugal in 2017 surrounded by their nearest and dearest.

And Duncan Bannatyne, 70, and his wife Nigora, 38, continued to look in wedded bliss as they soaked up the sun during an idyllic New Year's breakaway to Barbados on Sunday.

Uzbekistan native Nigora looked sensational in a metallic olive-coloured bikini as she walked along the shoreline with The Dragons' Den star.

Look of love: Duncan Bannatyne, 70, and his wife Nigora, 38, continued to look in wedded bliss as they soaked up the sun during an idyllic New Year's breakaway to Barbados on Sunday

The brunette beauty drew attention to her incredibly toned midriff and slender pins in the slinky swimwear while she made the most of her breath-taking setting.

She complemented her look by leaving her brunette locks in a loose tousled style and donned a pair of kooky white circular shades for their beach day.

A shirtless Duncan looked youthful in a pair of printed board shorts, but it was Nigora who turned heads with her beach display.

The couple looked utterly loved-up as they held hands as they walked along the coastline barefoot and chatting.

Shore thing: Uzbekistan native Nigora looked sensational in a metallic olive-coloured bikini as she walked along the shoreline with The Dragons' Den star

Seas the day: The brunette beauty drew attention to her incredibly toned midriff and slender pins in the slinky swimwear

Mane attraction: She complemented her look by leaving her brunette locks in a loose tousled style

Water about that: She donned a pair of kooky white circular shades for their beach day

Duncan has four children with his first wife Gail and two with his second wife Joanna. Since marrying Nigora, he has spoken about having children with her.

'Of course we want children together,' Nigora proclaimed during an appearance on This Morning last year, before continuing: 'Well be planning the future family. I would like to have at least two boys.

'I cant wait to be a dad again,' Duncan added to the conversation, before Nigoria relayed the reason why she wants to expand her family with Duncan: 'Hes an amazing father. I'm proud of how he is with my daughter.

'She adores Duncan and couldnt ask for better stepfather. Hes going to be an amazing father to my future children.'

Wrapped up: She donned a green lace skirt and matching kimono for the outing

Hand-in-hand: Duncan and Nigora walked along the water's edge hand-in-hand

Cosy: The pair married in a lavish wedding ceremony in Portugal in 2017 surrounded by their nearest and dearest

Print perfection: A shirtless Duncan looked youthful in a pair of printed board shorts, but it was Nigora who turned heads with her beach display

Life's a beach: They pair looked in jovial spirits during their sun-soaked day

In March last year, Duncan's daughter Abi revealed that she is lucky to be alive after she mistook deadly sepsis for a hangover.

Mother-of-two Abi assumed she had partied too hard at a friend's wedding in France when she woke up feeling unwell and shivering last September.

But within 24 hours, she was rushed to hospital - and lay hallucinating on the floor of a busy A&E while doctors rushed to find her a bed.

The 34-year-old had a temperature of 42C - which is so high it could have caused brain damage - after a water infection sparked sepsis.

Reely good: The couple looked utterly loved-up as they walked along the coastline barefoot and chatting

High time: Nigora put her arm out while while they strolled along the shoreline

Chit chat: The couldn't keep their arms off one another

No shade: Duncan complemented his other half's appearance and donned a pair of trendy shades

Sunkissed: The couple boasted golden tans while they strolled

Abi, from Middlesbrough, is now speaking about her ordeal in a bid to raise awareness of sepsis and help others recognise the signs.

'It was a really frightening experience and I dread to think the outcome if I had not listened,' she said. 'It could have been a lot worse.'

Abi only told her father, who currently lives in Portugal, days after her life-threatening ordeal. The wedding was at Le Chateau de la Belle, in Benest - 114 miles (185km) north east of Bordeaux.

She claims she didn't want to worry her father, who has an estimated 175 million fortune, because he was on holiday in Monaco at the time.

'Dad was really worried but I told him not to panic and that I was getting better in hospital,' Ms Bannatyne - who is the second-eldest of six children - added. 'He was calling and texting me every day.'She's been candid in discussing her health issues in recent months.

And Sarah Hyland, 28, made sure to turn heads in her skin-flashing ensemble as she attended DirecTV's Super Saturday Night 2019 in Atlanta.

The Modern Family actress commanded attention in short check skirt and matching blazer, which featured a crystal embellished scorpion on the side.

She can stomach it: Sarah Hyland, 28, made sure to turn heads in her skin-flashing ensemble as she attended DirecTV's Super Saturday Night 2019 in Atlanta

Upping the fashion ante, the TV star opted to leave her check blazer undone and showcased her black blazer underneath.

Aside from highlighting her toned midriff, she rounded things out with a pair of black strapped heels and large glasses.

Sarah wore her dark brown tresses in a long tousled style and applied a heavy dusting of bronzer across cheeks for the soiree ahead of Sunday's Super Bowl LIII which see's the LA Rams face-off against the New England Patriots.

The TV beauty appeared in jovial spirits as she posed for photos with her boyfriend Wells Adams, 34, inside the event which saw Emily Ratajowski and Vanessa Hudgens.

All in the details: The Modern Family actress commanded attention in short check skirt and matching blazer, which featured a crystal embellished scorpion on the side

Dressed to impress: Upping the fashion ante, the TV star opted to leave her check blazer undone and showcased her black blazer underneath

Sarah's animated displays comes after revealed she's previously had 'suicidal thoughts' during an appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show earlier this month.

The petite brunette spoke candidly about her battle with numerous health issues, including two kidney transplants and endometriosis, and how her chronic pain led to severe depression then to considering to taking her own life.

She said: 'After 26, 27 years of just always being sick, of just being in chronic pain every single day, you just don't know when you're going to have the next good day.'

'I would write [suicide] letters in my head to loved ones of why I did it, of my reasoning behind it, how it's nobody's fault...'

Going strong: The TV beauty appeared in jovial spirits as she posed for photos with her boyfriend Wells Adams, 34, inside the event

Posing up a storm: Sarah posed for photos with Zachary Levi and her beau (R)

But finally a friend advised her to seek therapy - and Hyland said just the process of articulating how hopeless she felt helped her.

Hyland is 'doing really well,' after recently revealing she had a secret second kidney transplant after her first one failed.

The actress originally underwent a kidney transplant after her father donated his organ to her in 2012, but after her body began to reject it, she had a second operation in May 2017, when her younger brother Ian was found to be a match.

And now, almost two years on from the second procedure, the four-time SAG Award winner says she's feeling much better and can now enjoy her life, including vacations to Mexico with her boyfriend of over a year, Bachelor in Paradise's Wells Adams.Jeremy Kyle is reportedly set to tie the knot with his girlfriend Vicky Burton.

It'll be a no expense spared ceremony for the couple as the chat show host is said to be planning on bringing his family and friends to the Caribbean next year for the wedding.

Jeremy, 53, and Vicky, 37, who is a former nanny to his children, confirmed their romance in 2016, around 15 months after his divorce from Carla Germaine.

Wedding: Jeremy Kyle, 53, is reportedly set to tie the knot with his girlfriend Vicky Burton, 37

A source told The Mirror: 'Jeremy has been telling those closest to make sure they are available next summer as that is when he is looking to marry.

The pair havent confirmed an exact date but have started thrashing out plans  with the Caribbean being one of their main destination choices.

'But what is important to them is having their friends and family at the bash, if it is abroad they just have to firm up all the logistics.'

The couple regularly holiday in Barbados, where Jeremy owns a home.

Planning It'll be a no expense spared ceremony for the couple as the chat show host is said to be planning on bringing his family and friends to the Caribbean next year for the wedding

In June 2018, the father-of-four became a grandfather after his daughter Harriet, 28, whom he shares with first ex-wife Kristy Rowley, gave birth.

As well as daughter Harriet, Jeremy has daughter Alice, 15, Ava, 13, and Henry, nine, from his marriage to Carla.

Back in October, Jeremy discussed how he is now getting along much better with his ex-wife Carla since becoming a grandad.

A source said: 'Jeremy has been telling those closest to make sure they are available next summer as that is when he is looking to marry'

The presenter also spoke about how his romance with fiancee Vicky has changed his life for the better.

He said during an appearance on on ITV's Lorraine: 'It's great fun being a granddad. Everyone says its because can give them back. We're babysitting for the whole weekend. It's great fun.

He said he and ex Carla have sorted out childcare and sharing the kids, saying: 'It's absolutely fine. We're just getting on with life.

'I did ask Victoria to marry me because she changed my life. There is no shadow of a doubt.'Jacqui Lambie was booted from I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! on Sunday night.

The former Senator was sent packing in the shock eviction, shortly after blasting Tasmania's plans for gender-neutral birth certificates.

'When you are born, you're either a male or a female!' she raged earlier in the episode, during a heated conversation with camp-mate Dermott Brereton.

6662519 'When you're born, you're either a male or a female:' Jacqui Lambie (pictured) is BOOTED from I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! after blasting plans to allow birth certificate changes for transgender people

The star's controversial comment came about after Dermott claimed that the Greens political party had largely moved away from their initial concerns about environmental protection.

Jacqui agreed, stating: 'Now we're into moving Australia Day, we're into transgender and making sure we can change their f**king birth certificates. Stupid Tasmania, they did that just before Christmas time.'

During her rant, the brunette also blasted 'p**s weak politicians' who she claimed were 'selling out Australia's agricultural land to multinational' corporations'.

'Now we're into moving Australia Day, we're into transgender and making sure we can change their f**king birth certificates': Jacqui didn't hold back when discussing the Greens

Her comments were just the latest in a string of outspoken statements made during her stint on I'm A Celebrity.

She also claimed that political correctness is 'killing' Australia and that a visit to Syria made her more 'hardcore' about vetting refugees.

Jacqui also had a memorable clash with former politician Sam Dastyari, during which she defended keeping Australia Day on January 26.

Heading back into politics? During the show, Jacqui even came up with a new campaign slogan

Following her eviction, Jacqui told hosts Julia Morris and Dr Chris Brown that she was hoping to be re-elected to parliament.

During the show, she even came up with a new campaign slogan: 'Vote 1 Lambie. Tough As F**k'.

However, in her post-eviction interview Julia cooed that Australian viewers saw a different side of Jacqui on I'm A Celebrity, remarking on her 'gentility and softness'.She's currently enjoying a summer sojourn in Australia with her country superstar husband, Keith Urban, 51, and their two children.

And over the weekend, Australian actress, Nicole Kidman was the picture of grace as she attended a Sunday church service in Sydney.

Nicole, 51, certainly put on her Sunday best for the auspicious outing as she was seen stepping out in a gorgeous lilac floral dress, paired with a light lavender scarf.

Amazing grace! Nicole Kidman (pictured) stepped out in lilac floral dress and matching leather handbag as she attended a Sunday church service in Sydney

The Hollywood star complimented her purple ensemble with a matching designer handbag.

The Big Little Lies star, who once admitted she was once 'very drawn' to the idea of becoming a nun, aptly adorned her neck with a diamond-encrusted cross pendant.

Nicole completed her pretty-as-a-picture look with a pair of floral embroidered pointed toe flats, which added another degree of femininity to her outfit.

The Oscar winner wore her signature strawberry blonde tresses in a retro hair roll up-do, which complimented the stunning sundress perfectly.

Pretty in purple! Nicole (pictured) completed her pretty-as-a-picture look with a pair of floral embroidered pointed toe flats, which added another degree of femininity to her outfit

Concealing her eyes with a pair of square tortoise shell sunglasses, the age-defying beauty enhanced her peaches-and-cream complexion with a slick of foundation and a sweep of pink blush on the apples her cheeks.

Nicole recently opened up about her role in new thriller film, Destroyer during the Sydney premiere last week.

Speaking on the red carpet at the event, Nicole told Daily Mail Australia that her two youngest children, Faith Margaret, 8, and Sunday Rose, 10, who she shares with husband Keith, would not see her latest racy thriller.

Holy beauty! The Big Little Lies star, who once admitted she was once 'very drawn' to the idea of becoming a nun aptly adorned her neck with a diamond-encrusted cross pendant

'They're not seeing this film right now because it's an R-rated film, they don't see anything R rated,' she said.

Nicole went on to gush over the Jason Momoa blockbuster Aquaman: 'They see the PG, they saw Aquaman and they loved it.'

The actress portrays Erin Bell in her new film, an anti-heroine who is still haunted by a sting operation which went horribly wrong.

Nicole has been making the most of her time Down Under, enjoying the Australian Open with her husband, Keith last month.Australian drag queen Courtney Act has supported actress Ellen Page, on Sunday night's episode of The Project.

The 36-year-old told viewers that homophobia and discrimination is just as much evident in Australia as the US, and that 'who you are is more than enough'.

Ellen slammed US President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence on Thursday's The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, for discriminating against the gay community and stoking homophobia, in the wake of the Jussie Smollett attack.

'Who you are is more than enough': Courtney Act (left), 36, supported Ellen Page (right), 31, on Sunday's The Project, after the actress slammed Donald Trump and Mike Pence for stoking homophobia in passionate speech, in wake of Jussie Smollett attack

Courtney, who appeared on The Project as a guest host, began by saying that discrimination and homophobia is also evident in Australia.

'That sort of thing doesn't just apply to Trump and Pence in America,' the 36-year-old said.

'We don't have to look far in Australia to see politicians who spout these ideas, and the problem with them is that it doesn't just send a message to queer people saying they're not okay.

'It also sends a message to the people in Australia in general to say there's something wrong with boys who like boys and girls who like girls.'

Courtney went on to offer support to the community and those who may be struggling with their identity.

Stance: Courtney told Australian viewers that homophobia and discrimination is just as much evident in Australia as the US

'As someone who's struggled with their own queerness for most of their lives... who you are is more than enough and how you feel is completely appropriate and true and important.

'Don't let anybody else who's telling you who you are, make you feel less than because you are loved.'

Speaking in the wake of the attack on actor Jussie Smollett, openly gay actress Ellen Page said on Thursday's The Late Show with Stephen Colbert: 'It feels impossible to not feel this way right now with the President and the Vice President, Mike Pence, who wishes I coudn't be married.'

'Let's just be clear, the Vice President of America wishes I didn't have the love with my wife. He wanted to ban that in Indiana, he believes in conversion therapy, he has hurt LGBTQ people so badly as the governor of Indiana.'

Impassioned speech: Ellen, who married her wife Emma Porter last year, continued her 'fired up' speech by addressing what Jussie Smollett told police was a racist and homophobic attack by two masked men in downtown Chicago earlier this week

Ellen, 31, who married her wife Emma Porter last year, continued her 'fired up' speech by addressing what Jussie told police was a racist and homophobic attack by two masked men in downtown Chicago earlier this week.

'Connect the dots. This is what happens,' she said. 'If you are in a position of power and you hate people and you want to cause suffering to them, you go through the trouble, you spend your career trying to cause suffering, what do you think is going to happen?

'Kids are going to be abused and they're going to kill themselves and people are going to be beaten on the street.'Fans are used to seeing the beauty in a bikini after she soared to fame on Love Island.

And Katie Salmon, 22, ensured all her assets were in view as she posed on the beach in Cape Verde as she holidays with her pal India Jennings.

Proving that the girls are enjoying their girlie getaway under the African sun the duo put on a sizzling display over the weekend.

Beach babe: Love Island star Katie Salmon, 22, showed off her phenomenal body in a bikini on the beach in Cape Verde over the weekend

Katie showed off her fabulous hour-glass figure in a canary yellow triangle bikini top paired with matching thong bottoms that flaunted her toned physique.

Glowing, the reality TV personality arched her back and popped her hip to showcase her pert bottom and washboard stomach.

The beauty kept her long raven locks braided and shaded the sun from her eyes with aviator style sunglasses.

Girlie getaway: The reality star is enjoying some time away in the sun with her equally glam pal India Jennings

Perky: The star playfully tugged at her bikini bottoms as she posed up a storm on the sand

India, looked every inch of a beach babe in a black swimsuit that featured a cut out detail on the midriff and a high leg design that grazed up her posterior  highlighting her peachy bottom.

The friends playfully tugged at their swimwear as they posed by the sea for snaps.

Katie is certainly no stranger to causing a stir after her Love Island 2016 appearance.

Work it: The raven haired beauty had her hair styled in braids and she donned sunglasses

TV star: Katie is certainly no stranger to causing a stir after her Love Island 2016 appearance

She is best known to viewers of the ITV2 show for pairing up with the late Sophie Gradon on the reality dating series.

Sophie was originally partnered with Tom Powell but later coupled up with Katie after he quit the show.

However, Sophie later dumped Katie and bowed out of the show to be with Tom again, leading Katie to pair off with Adam Maxted. Their romance was short-lived, lasting just two weeks after the series drew to a close.

Uproar: Katie revealed that she was subject to much uproar after her same-sex relationship on Love Island

Katie opened up about the abuse she received from the LGBT community, following her same-sex romance with late Love Island star Sophie.

Speaking on the Victoria Derbyshire programme in September, Katie admitted she was the subject of much uproar after her relationship with Sophie, who was tragically found dead in June aged just 32.

She said: 'In the villa I was so scared because I didn't know what the outside world was thinking, what my family was thinking, what my friends were thinking, so I was really upset that they'd not supported me from my own community.'Rowan Atkinson has reportedly shocked friends with the news he is taking a year off from acting to focus on looking after his youngest daughter.

The Mr Bean star, 64, is father to Ben and Lily with ex-wife Sunetra Sastry while his girlfriend Louise Ford, 35, gave birth to daughter Isla in December 2017.

According to The Sun, Rowan has told pals: 'I am going to take care of Baby Bean while Louise has the chance to concentrate on acting.'

Change: Rowan Atkinson, 64, is taking a year off from acting to focus on looking after his youngest daughter who he has with girlfriend Louise Ford (pictured)

The actor has starred in the lead role of Chief Inspector Jules Maigret on the ITV series Maigret from 2016 to 2018 and he also starred in Johnny English Strikes Back last year.

Louise's acting career has gone from strength to strength recently after she appeared as Kate Middleton in the royal spoof, The Windsors.

A source told the publication: 'Rowan has a habit of surprising people  and he has done it again with this announcement.

Relationship: The Mr Bean star, 64, is father to Ben and Lily with ex-wife Sunetra Sastry while his girlfriend Louise Ford, 35, gave birth to daughter Isla in December 2017

Rowan has told pals: 'I am going to take care of Baby Bean while Louise has the chance to concentrate on acting.'

'He has said he will take a back seat from work to be with Isla, and this will obviously allow Louise to focus on her career which is going well.'

The insider added that it is a kind gesture from the actor as it means his other half will have more time to focus on her own burgeoning career.

MailOnline has contacted a representative of Atkinson's for comment.

It was reported in 2014 that Atkinsons 24-year marriage to former BBC make-up artist Sunetra, 55, hit the rocks after he had a new woman in his life.

Family: The insider added that it is a kind gesture from the actor as it means his other half will have more time to focus on her own burgeoning career

She was subsequently named as Louise Ford, an actress he met while they appeared in the play Quartermaines Terms in 2013.

In 2017, it was reported that Atkinson had moved Louise into his 4.65 million cottage in North London just weeks after his divorce.

Atkinson, who attracted almost 19 million viewers in his role as Mr Bean at its peak, has amassed a fortune of an estimated 70 million.

Rowan first took on the role as an awkward secret agent alongside Natalie Imbruglia in the first installment of Johnny English in 2003.Together with brother Austin, Josh Bonwick is quickly becoming one of most unpopular men in Australia thanks to his 'b*tchy' behaviour on My Kitchen Rules.

And now the TV villain has now taken a controversial swipe at the US island state of Hawaii, calling the people living there 'poor'.

While arriving at flight attendant's Chris and Lesley's palatial Noosa home on Sunday night's episode, the home-schooled reality star drew bizarre comparisons with the wealthy Sunshine Coast enclave.

'Noosa is like Hawaii without the poor people!' MKR villain Josh Bonwick takes a bizarre swipe at the US island state while comparing it to wealthy Sunshine Coast enclave

'Noosa is like Hawaii without the poor people,'' he said in a piece to camera.

Viewers were quick to slam Josh for his comment, with one writing, 'Please tell me he did not just imply that Hawaii and its people were poor.'

Another fumed: '(sic) Ummm Hawaii is not poor have you ever been to?'

Viewers were quick to slam Josh for his comment, with one writing: 'Please tell me he did not just imply that Hawaii and its people were poor

Viewers were quick to slam Josh for his comment, with one writing: 'Please tell me he did not just imply that Hawaii and its people were poor'

Christened the 'dinner party terrorists', Josh, 25 and Austin, 21 proceeded to ignite confrontation with several contestants around the table during Sunday night's episode.

And the iciest encounter occurred between Josh and Ibby, who on Wednesday night was forced to reveal he was a 'professional restaurateur.'

'You're the last person on the table I care about,' he spat at Josh.

The brothers, exposed as secret actors, have made a name for themselves as 'villains' on My Kitchen Rules with their hurtful insults and withering put-downs.

'You're the last person on the table I care about! ' On Sunday night, tensions were high between Josh and Ibby (right), who on Wednesday was forced to reveal he was a 'professional restaurateur'

But on Wednesday, during an appearance on The Morning Show, Josh denied they were racist for doing impressions of foreign accents on the show.

He then launched into bizarre impersonations of MKR hosts Manu Feildel and Pete Evans.

'People call me racist but they have to understand, I'm a massive fan of Saturday Night Live,' he said, referring to the U.S. comedy show known for its celebrity impressions.Chris Hemsworth is set to wrap filming on his new Netflix movie, Dhaka, in the coming days.

And to mark the end of the shoot, the heartthrob is set to shave off director Sam Hargrave's bushy beard.

Chris is getting out the clippers for a good cause, with filmmaker Sam partnering with Beard Season - an Australian charity that aims to raise awareness about the dangers of skin cancer.

Move over Edward Scissorhands! Chris Hemsworth is preparing to shave off director pal's Sma Hargrave's bushy beard in order to raise awareness for skin cancer

It's not the first time a famous actor will shave off Sam's beard, with the grooming act now somewhat of a tradition in Hollywood.

The director has previously had Ben Affleck, Mark Ruffalo and Don Cheadle all tend to his facial hair following film shoots.

Meanwhile, Chris excitedly unveiled his plans to join that exclusive club, sharing an Instagram video with his 24.4 million fans late last week.

'Sam has had this beard for ten months': Chris excitedly unveiled his plans to shave off Sam's facial hair in a recent Instagram video

Speaking directly to the camera, the Thor hunk stated: 'Sam has had this beard for ten months. When we wrap (filming on Dhaka), I'm going to shave it off. A few movies ago, Ben Affleck shaved it off. Another time, Mark Ruffalo and Don Cheadle shaved it off, now it's my turn!'

He then began to stroke Sam's lengthy beard, before saying: 'Who knows what's under here. Stay tuned!'

On his own Instagram account, Sam wrote: 'Chris Hemsworth is going to be joining the 'I shaved off Sam's beard' club.

He's had some famous barbers! Sam has previously had Ben Affleck, Mark Ruffalo and Don Cheadle all tend to his facial hair following film shoots

'And I am teaming up with the amazing charity Beard Season, and it's founder Jimmy Niggles to give this majestic chin cape an even greater purpose. We are hoping to raise awareness about the dangers of melanoma, one of the worlds deadliest cancers.'

He finished off his message by stating: 'Do yourself a favor and get a skin check'.

Sydney-based Jimmy Niggles started Beard Season after losing his close friend to skin cancer at the age of 26.

For a good cause: Sydney-based Jimmy Niggles started Beard Season after losing his close friend to skin cancer at the age of 26

The organisation encourages men to grow their beards over winter, in order raise awareness about the dangers of melanoma and encourage others to get a skin check from their doctor.

Jim even sports his own long beard, and is on a mission to sell it for a million dollars, funding the growth of his charity and a free national skin check program.

He has already had it dipped in gold, trimmed by Sir Richard Branson, advertised on billboards and featured on talk shows.Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys wrapped up their hit spy thriller The Americans last June after six seasons.

And on Saturday the onscreen partners and real-life lovers represented the political drama when they hit the stage as presenters at the 71st Annual Directors Guild of America Awards at The Ray Dolby Ballroom in Hollywood.

The 42-year old Russell struck a chic pose when she hit the red carpet in a sheer black dress with a floral print.

Shining star: Keri Russell attended the 71st Annual Directors Guild of America Awards in Hollywood Saturday night

Leaving little to the imagination, Russell's stylish number showed off her amazingly toned figure with the see-through sheer fabric.

For contrast, there was one full sleeve on the right, while the other side fell off of her shoulder.

For the festive night, she added a pair of black strapped heels and pulled her long dark tresses back into a loose ponytail.

Partners in crime: The actress was joined by The Americans co-star and real-life love Matthew Rhys on the red carpet

After posing in front of the sea of photographers solo, the Fountain Valley, California native was joined on the red carpet by Rhys.

He looked handsome in a very stylish black tuxedo and black bow tie, while still sporting a full beard for the ceremony.

Later in the night, the couple got to present best Comedy Series Award, which went to Barry, Chapter One: Make Your Mark.

Lead actor and show creator, Bill Hader came on the stage to accept the honor.

Dynamic duo: The couple presented the best Comedy Series Award, which went to Barry

Amazing: The 42-year old showed off her toned figure in a sheer black dress with a floral print

Some of the other celebrities on hand for the DAG Awards ceremony included: Bradley Cooper, Sarah Paulson, Constance Wu, Linda Cardellini, Octavia Spencer, Sasha Baron Cohen and wife Isla Fisher, Ben Stiller, Helen Mirren, Dennis Haysbert, Lauren Harrier, Aisha Tyler and Christine Lahti.

Russell and Rhys, who starred side by side on The Americans for six seasons, started dating in 2013, and share a son Sam together.

She also has two older children  Willa Lou, six, and River Russell, 10  from her marriage to Shane Deary.She's been a rising star since she landed the television comedy series Fresh Off The Boat in 2015.

And most recently Constance Wu hit the big time on the silver screen with her role in hit film Crazy Rich Asians.

On Saturday, the 36-year old actress put her star appeal on display when she hit the red carpet for the 71st Annual Directors Guild Of America Awards at The Ray Dolby Ballroom in Hollywood, where the romantic comedy was nominated for an honor.

Rising star: Constance Wu attended the 71st Annual Directors Guild Of America Awards at The Ray Dolby Ballroom in Hollywood on Saturday night

The Richmond, Virginia native looked amazing in a strapless black-patterned dress that, for added flare, had loose feathers adorned around the chest region.

The stylish number hugged her toned curves up top and fell of her figure in all the right ways from the waist down.

She rounded out the ensemble with a black hand clutch and had wore her raven tresses long and flowing to her shoulder with a center part.

Ruffling feathers: The Richmond, Virginia native looked amazing in a strapless black-patterned dress that, for added flare, had loose feathers adorned around the chest region

The small details: The actress rounded out the ensemble with a black hand clutch and had wore her raven tresses long and flowing to her shoulder and with a center part

Some of the other celebrities on hand for the DAG Awards ceremony included: Bradley Cooper, Sarah Paulson, Keri Russell, Linda Cardellini, Octavia Spencer, Sasha Baron Cohen and wife Isla Fisher, Ben Stiller, Helen Mirren, Dennis Haysbert, Lauren Harrier, Aisha Tyler and Christine Lahti.

Wu followed up Crazy Rich Asians by voicing a role for computer-animated comedy-drama Next Gen, which includes the voices of John Krasinski, Charlyne Yi, Jason Sueikis and Michael Pena.

The Taiwanese-American actress has most recently been linked to the upcoming film Hustlers, which is slated to star Jennifer Lopez.

Making her mark: Wu has starred in television comedy series Fresh Off The Boat since 2015Advertisement

She's a bona fide star who'd always embraced her own unique taste in fashion.

And Sarah Paulson pulled out all the stops while gracing the red carpet at the 71st Annual Directors Guild Awards at The Ray Dolby Ballroom in Hollywood on Saturday.

The American Horror Story regular, 44, stunned in a sparkling blue number which boasted a stomach-flashing cutout detail.

Baby blues: Sarah's look consisted a V-neck top that plunged towards a black silken rosette to show off both her delicate cleavage as well as a hint of her flat midsection

Sarah's dress featured a V-neck bodice that plunged towards a black silken rosette to show off both her delicate cleavage.

The Bird Box talent's look transitioned into A-line skirt from the same glittering textile, which accentuated her svelte frame.

She rounded out her look with pointy black heels with sparkling ankle straps. Her earrings matched her embellished heels, tying the whole ensemble together.

The Ocean's 8 put a pop of color on her lips with a bold fuchsia tint. Finishing her beauty look, she tucked her chin-length bob behind her ears.

Shining star! Sarah Paulson was stunning in a blue look during Saturday's Directors Guild Awards

Honour: Sarah honoured Ben Stiller for his turn behind the camera for Escape at Dannemora

Timeless: Bradley Cooper was handsome in classic black tie apparel

Special: The A Star Is Born director was nominated for best directing in a feature film and first-time feature film

By his side: Bradley was there with model love Irina Shayk. Above their seen with his director from The Hangover, Todd Phillips

Sarah was on hand at the event to present Ben Stiller with the Movies for Television and Limited Series Award for Escape at Dannemora.

Meanwhile, Bradley Cooper was handsome in classic black tie at the event, where he was nominated for best directing in a feature film.

Constance Wu wowed in a black gown with white ostrich feathers across the top. Keeping to subtle glamour, she added a slim choker and red lips.

Keri Russell was elegant in a black lace look with one billowing sleeve and a sweeping train, which was sure to turn heads at the elegant soiree.

Ruffling feathers: Constance Wu wowed in a black gown with white ostrich feathers across the top

Lacy lady: Keri Russell was elegant in a black lace look with one billowing sleeve and a sweeping train

Congratulations! Keri Russell and partner Matthew Rhys posed with Bill Hader and his best Comedy Series Award for Barry's 'Chapter One: Make Your Mark'

All that glitters: Octavia Spencer and Aisha Tyler (R) dazzled in sequin-detailed looks

Lady like: Helen Mirren was a vision in a tailored jacket with a billowy skirt

Date night: Dame Helen Mirren (L) brought along director husband Taylor Hackford while Sasha Baron Cohen and wife Isla Fisher also attended the event

She and partner Matthew Rhys were on hand at the star-studded bash to present Bill Hader with his best Comedy Series Award for Barry's 'Chapter One: Make Your Mark'.

Elsewhere, Sasha Baron Cohen and wife Isla Fisher were a perfect pair as they arrived on the red carpet together.

The British star dressed up in a bold blue suit while his other half opted for a plunging red dress which was sure to command attention.

BlacKkKlansman actress Laura Harrier, 28, was chic-as-can-be in a strapless dress which paired a silk bodice with a velvet skirt that fell to the floor.

Stylish: BlacKkKlansman actress Laura Harrier, 28, was chic-as-can-be in a strapless dress which paired a silk bodice with a velvet skirt that fell to the floor

Ravishing: Christine Lahti (L), Elsie Fisher (centre) wearing Akris and Catherine O'Hara (R) showcased their statement style at the event

Purple reign: Roma's Yalitza Aparicio (L) looked breathtaking in a delicate white and lilac look while Linda Cardellini (R) was beautiful in a black gown

Roma's Yalitza Aparicio looked breathtaking in a strapless white and lilac look, which highlighted her petite frame.

The Netflix star worked her hair into a half up, half down style and accessorised her delicate look with a pair of dazzling statement drop-earrings.

Continuing to wow the style brigade, Dame Helen Mirren was a vision in a pair of tailored suit trousers which she teamed with a chic jacket, complete with matching train.

While keeping to a muted colour scheme, she opted to take things up a notch with a pair of bold pink Roger Vivier high heels and clutch as she joined director husband Taylor Hackford at the event.

No time like the present: Constance (L) and Aisha (R) took to the stage to present some of the honours given

Can't go wrong: Dennis Haysbert went with timeless navy blue for his red carpet appearance while director Spike Lee (R) showcased his signature style

Well suited: Ben Stiller (L), Alfonso Cuaron, and Topher Grace (R) were all handsome

Directing greats: Inside Alfonso Curan posed with Ron Howard (R)

Winner: Spike showed off the winner's plague inside the venue

Aisha Tyler was a vision in a copper sequin mini dress and worked her hair on top of her head, styling in natural twists.

Jason Bateman brought along with Amanda Anka for the evening's festivities. She sizzled in a red number with cut-outs on the flank.

The couple behind The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Amy Sherman Pallidino and husband Daniel Palladino, were also there to celebrate the event.

Having fun: Bradley (L) looked animated as he took to the stage to collect his honour. While Christian Bale presented another

Coupled up: Jason Bateman brought along with Amanda Anka for the evening's festivities. She sizzled in a red number with cut-outs on the flank

Partners in work and life: The couple behind The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Amy Sherman Pallidino and husband Daniel Palladino, attended. Green Book director Peter Farrelly (R) appeared with his actress wife Melinda Kocsis

The Gilmore Girls creator was able to turn her recent arm break accident into a fashion statement by wearing a pink sling that read: 'Warning: Broken Writer' on it.

Eighth Grade's Elsie Fisher was age appropriate and adorable in a grid pattern shorts and blouse set from Akris dressed up with a tiny crimson back a shiny boots.

Catherine O'Hara looked lovely in a chevron striped mohair dress with long sleeves and a floor-length skirt.

Honored: Director Alfonso Cuaron posed in the press room holding a plaque for his feature film award nomination for Roma. He was joined by actors from the film Marina De Tavira, left, and Yalitza Aparicio, right

Trophy time: Vice director Adam McKay (R) teamed up with star Christian Bale backstageOn Sunday night's episode of Married At First Sight, hunky tradesman Sam Ball admitted that his new bride Elizabeth Sobinoff is larger than girls he's dated before.

The 26-year-old said in a piece to camera, that he might 'get her running in the mornings'.

The episode saw Sam tying the knot with jewellery store manager Elizabeth, 27, at Hawkesbury River, in New South Wales.

'I'll get her running in the mornings': Married At First Sight's Sam Ball (pictured) says he will help bride Elizabeth Sobinoff LOSE WEIGHT as he admits he 'usually dates slimmer girls'

After the wedding, Sam revealed that he's mostly dated slim brunettes in the past, but is ready to settle down and follow in his parents' footsteps.

Despite having a preference for brunettes, the tattooed construction worker said he could look beyond his bride's hair colour.

'Straight away I noticed the blonde hair. [It's] not what I expected but [it's] okay,' he said.

Not his thing? Sam revealed that he's mostly dated slim brunettes in the past

Help? In an attempt to perhaps look like the nice guy, the 26-year-old said that he might 'get her running in the mornings'

Blown away: Elizabeth was absolutely taken by her groom, describing him as 'hot'

The nuptials appeared to go swimmingly and Elizabeth was absolutely smitten with her 'hot' groom.

However Sam's preference for slim brunettes was highlighted again, when it came time for the couple to shoot their wedding photos.

The photographer suggested Sam hold his bride in his arms, which saw him joking that his right arm was stronger.

Fitness fanatic: 'Maybe I'll get her running in the mornings.... but she'll be right. We'll get her going,' Sam (left) said of his new bride (right)

The groom later insisted that personality is more important than looks: 'She's got a beautiful face. I'm just taking her for who she is, not for her body image,' he said

Sam picked up Elizabeth and the pair beamed for the camera, before eventually locking lips.

The groom later insisted that personality is more important than looks.

'She's got a beautiful face. I'm just taking her for who she is, not for her body image,' he said.

'Maybe I'll get her running in the mornings.... but she'll be right. We'll get her going,' he added.

Married At First Sight continues on Monday at 7.30pm on the Nine NetworkComedians and celebrities have joined the movement against social media account F**k Jerry, which has been criticized for stealing jokes from comics.

Colin Hanks, John Mulaney and Whitney Cummings are among the latest to speak to their social media followers and ask them to unfollow the company, which has grown over the years into marketing agency Jerry Media, with the hashtag #f***f***jerry.

'It's actually a marketing agency that can command thousands of dollars for a single IG post, Hanks captioned on his Instagram post. 'A company that has profited from stealing jokes and content from comedians and not giving proper credit.'

Growing movement: Colin Hanks and John Mulaney are among the latest to speak to their social media followers and ask them to unfollow Jerry Media, also known as @f***jerry

Speaking out: Hanks urged fans to rethink following the agency on Saturday

Hanks went on to call Jerry Media hustlers and con men, and said the company were also involved in the failed Fyre Festival, which was scheduled to take place April 28-30 and May 5-7, 2017 on the Bahamian island of Great Exuma. It ended up getting shut down after the inaugural weekend due to numerous problems.

'They ran the social media for that. They helped create content for that. They helped sell that. They profited from that,' Hanks declared. 'Not only did they profit from that debacle, they helped produce a documentary about it (the Netflix one) and profited off of that as well.'

The actor concluded with: 'So, to put it simply, unfollow @f***jerry. Unfollow anything to do with @f***jerry. F*** those guys.'

The push: John Mulaney also joined in to get people to unfollow Jerry Media (@f***jerry)

Down with the cause: Comedian Whitney Cummings also gave her support for #f***f***jerry

John Mulaney had similar sentiments on his Instagram account.

'Its not the most pressing issue of the day, but yeah, unfollow this garbage account,' he began in the caption. 'They have stolen jokes from me and many other comedians and profit off it.'

Currently the @f***jerry account has 14.2 million followers.

Vulture comedy editor Megh Wright spearheaded the movement last week by asking people to stop giving money and attention to the F***Jerry brand, claiming the company regularly steals other peoples' work and posts it on its own page.

The accusation: Elliot Tebele has been accused of stealing from other peoples' work and not giving proper attribution to its creators; he is pictured in November 2015

F***jerry started out as an Instagram account in 2011, but has since grown into the company known as Jerry Media.

On Saturday night, F**k Jerry founder Elliott Tebele admitted that he has 'made enemies over the years for using content and not giving proper credit and attribution to its creators' on the @f***jerry account.

He attributed the problem was due in part to a 'lack of well established norms for reposting and crediting content in the 'early days of F***Jerry.'

'In the past few years, I have made a concerted, proactive effort to properly credit creators for their work,' he claimed.

'We have also updated our policies to make sure we are responsive to creators whenever they have reached out to us about posts. It hasnt been a perfect system, but I do feel it was a significant improvement, as many of my peers have approached these issues in the same way.'She's one of the most sought-after models in the world.

And Lily-Rose Depp was happy to refresh her wardrobe with a bit of shopping at the LA consignment store Recess on Saturday.

There, the daughter of Johnny Depp, who is 19, went for understated style wearing a quilted puffer jacket with snug leggings and a white tee shirt.

Retail therapy: Lily-Rose Depp was casual and chic while doing a bit of vintage shopping in LA on Saturday

She completed her look with a Louis Vuitton purse and heeled boots which reached to her knees.

Depp tucked her blonde behind her ears and let her delicate features stay at the forefront.

She finished up a phone call on her way before making it to the shop, where she met up with a female friend.

Simply stylish: The daughter of Johnny Depp, who is 19, went for understated style wearing a quilted puffer jacket with snug leggings and a white tee shirt

Paling around: She was joined by a female friend who stopped for a smoke afterwards

The fashionista recently debuted her new Vogue Australia cover.

In the magazine, Lily-Rose, now known as both a model and an actress, spoke candidly about having to prove herself in the public eye.

'I've always been under the impression that I have to work twice as hard to prove to people that I'm not just here because it's easy for me,' she said.

The fashionista recently debuted her new Vogue Australia cover

'If you're not right for something, they're not just going to hire you because your name looks good on the post,' she added.

The star is set to appear in her sixth motion picture venture with Netflix's The King.

The King, which co-stars her rumored beau Timothee Chalamet as well as Robert Pattison, is set for release later this year.

He is reportedly in talks to star as the next Bachelor.

And I'm A Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here host Dr Chris Brown, 40, did little to dampen speculation that he will take on the role this year.

Speaking to Stellar magazine on Sunday, the Bondi Vet said he's still searching searching for 'the one'.

Scroll down for video

Is Chris Brown the next Bachelor? Bondi Vet fuels speculation as he reveals 'I'm still looking for the one' following his 'split' from Liv Phyland

'I'm certainly looking for the one,' he said.

'I don't want to be this person with a history of short to medium length relationships.'

It was previously speculated by NW Magazine that he could be the next Bachelor.

A source told the magazine: 'Producers know that girls and guys love Chris, so it would be a great way to continue the amazing success they've been having with known celebs becoming suitors.'

'I don't want to be this person with a history of short to medium length relationships,' he said

Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Channel Ten for comment.

In the Stellar article, The TV host admitted he has put work before relationships in the past.

'I've probably prioritised work more than I potentially should have over the past 10 years  to the detriment of my personal life,' he added.

The handsome star says that he realises all his travel for work, including into the jungle for weeks on end, is difficult for potential partners.

Finished: Dr Chris Brown is rumoured to have recently split with Liv Phyland (right) following a whirlwind romance. He told Stellar he didn't want 'short or medium length' relationships

'It's a lot to ask of a girlfriend, to put up with all the travel and the lack of Face Time,' he said, adding that he's ready to settle down.

It comes after New Idea reported that Liv Phyland, 28, who is best known for hosting The Loop, split with Chris 'within minutes' of him boarding a flight to South Africa last month.

A source told the magazine: 'Chris had only been gone for like 10 minutes before Liv decided it was all over. He's absolutely devastated and heartbroken.'

Split? New Idea reported that Liv, 28, split with the handsome vet 'within minutes' of him boarding a flight to South Africa last month

They continued: 'He is usually the one who ends things, but he really thought Liv was 'The One'.'

Woman's Day magazine also reported that distance may have been a factor in the couple's decision to part ways.

A source told the publication they 'pressed pause' on their romance ahead of Chris' departure for South Africa.

'He really thought Liv was 'The One'.' Liv and Chris are pictured on set of Channel 10's The Living Room last year

'It's just too tricky,' said the insider.

'Liv is also back at work herself [filming The Loop] and doesn't have any plans to go over to South Africa.'She's the Victoria's Secret supermodel who can pull off any look.

And Shanina Shaik did just that when she slipped her sensational figure in a collection of haute couture ensembles designed for Autumn.

Posing up a storm, the 27-year-old dropped jaws as she modelled the upcoming season's most stylish attire for a Stellar Magazine photo shoot.

Model behaviour! Victoria's Secret beauty Shanina Shaik stuns during a high-fashion photo shoot for Stellar magazine

In one shot, Shanina was seated outdoors amid a rustic theatre setting while rocking a quirky outfit.

She was pictured clad in a gorgeous checkered coat that featured an oversized collar and bronze tones all over.

The brunette beauty teamed the ensemble with matching caramel-coloured trousers.

That's different! In another photo, Shanina traded the earthy tones for a pop of colour - wearing a bright fuchsia-coloured shirt with puffy shoulders

Adding a stylish and edgy touch to the look, she completed the sartorial with chunky nude-and-brown sandals.

In another photo, Shanina traded the earthy tones for a pop of colour - wearing a bright fuchsia-coloured shirt with puffy shoulders.

She donned a statement floral blouse underneath and wore billowing pants.

Fashion queen: Known for her impeccable style, Shanina often opts for edgy ensembles such as this skintight leotard teamed with perspex heels and a fur coat

And the playful photo shoot comes after Shanina hosted the American Australian Arts Awards in New York City on Thursday.

Looking every inch the glamour girl in the racy button dress, the Melbourne-born beauty took to the lectern to present throughout the night.

The event honoured Australian supermodel Elle Macpherson, 54, and Australian actor Simon Baker, 49.Rachel McCord was hard at work on an outdoor photo-shoot in Los Angeles Friday.

The slender blonde, 29, was glimpsed braving the wintertime chill in a barely-there set of nude lingerie, lending herself some added stature with matching stilettos.

Lifting a sparkling blue skirt as though she were considering trying it on, the sister of AnnaLynne McCord accessorized with aviator sunglasses.

Smoldering: Rachel McCord was hard at work on an outdoor photo-shoot in Los Angeles Friday

While on the shoot, she was seen posing up a storm for the shutterbugs in a see-through pink bra and a high-waisted white skirt.

She stared enigmatically into the distance through her black shades and flashed her dark toenail polish in her brown ankle-strap heels.

Rachel was joined out by her husband of about six-years Rick Schirmer, who has a website called Viral Brand that is focused on digital marketing.

Workaday: The slender blonde was glimpsed braving the wintertime chill in a barely-there set of nude lingerie, lending herself some added stature with matching stilettos

The look: Lifting a sparkling blue skirt as though she were considering trying it on, the sister of AnnaLynne McCord accessorized with aviator sunglasses

Mover and shaker: While on the shoot, she was seen posing up a storm for the shutterbugs in a see-through pink bra and a high-waisted white skirt

Rachel herself released a book called Slay The Fame Game: Break Into Hollywood And Social Media Without It Breaking You back in 2017.

She told EZWAYTV in 2017: 'Literally, my first week in Hollywood, I walked the carpet at the People's Choice Awards and ended up on the cover of Enquirer magazine.'

At the time, 'It was so crazy, because I didn't really know what I was getting myself into, and it's hard to stay sane in Hollywood.'

Swanking about: The stared enigmatically into the distance through her black shades and flashed her dark toenail polish in her brown ankle-strap heels

Family time: She was joined out by her husband of about six years Rick Schirmer, who has a website called Viral Brand that is focused on digital marketing

Last month, she mingled with such names as socialite Lady Victoria Hervey, stylist Derek Warburton and model Shaun Ross at the Raspoutine West Hollywood opening.

Raspoutine is a nightclub chain that began in Paris in 1965 and built outposts on Monaco's Avenue Des Spelugues Monte-Carlo, Rome's Via Maria Cristina and Marrakesh's Rue Haroun Errachid before arriving on Melrose Ave.

Among the guest list at the West Hollywood opening were Malin Akerman and her new husband Jack Donnelly, whom she married in Tulum in December, per People.

Plugging away: Rachel herself released a book called Slay The Fame Game: Break Into Hollywood And Social Media Without It Breaking You back in 2017Only Cheryl Tweedy, 35, chose a wholly black act to go through to the final of the Greatest Dancer

The BBC's latest prime-time talent show is embroiled in a racism storm for having too few black performers in its finals.

Just one of the nine acts in the last stages of The Greatest Dancer is made up entirely of black performers  the all-male troupe the Frobacks  although two other groups include black members.

The three judges on the Saturday night show, which is produced by Simon Cowell, picked their acts from a pool of 26 troupes and individuals, of which nine were not white, or had no white members.

But only Cheryl Tweedy, 35, chose a wholly black act to go through to the finals, which began last night.

The controversy follows claims of racial bias on Strictly Come Dancing, with 2018 contestant Danny John-Jules saying: 'They always get rid of the black guy first.'

Equality campaigner Trevor Phillips said: 'No person of colour will be surprised about this  it's business as usual. It has become a joke.

'The first people to get voted off are always black.'

The reaction will come as a disappointment to producers, who have recruited a racially diverse cast of talent, including Alesha Dixon and Jordan Banjo as hosts, and Oti Mabuse as a judge.

Some black acts, including Chris Fonseca and seven-year-old Shyla-Blue Stewart, failed to make the finals despite being lavished with praise by the judges.

Finalists Company Jinx and Prospects Fraternity, chosen by judge Matthew Morrison, the American star of Glee, contain both black and white dancers.

A spokesman for the show said: 'This is one of the most inclusive talent competitions and includes a diverse range of talent.

'Anyone can audition, and during auditions the audience decides who goes through.

'The auditions were filmed in Birmingham, one of the UK's most diverse cities, and the audience reflected this.'It was heavily raining in Los Angeles on Saturday.

But Hilary Duff wouldn't let the weather keep her from her caffeine fix, as she grabbed an iced coffee from Alfred's in Los Angeles.

The beauty stayed warm beneath a cozy, oatmeal sweater and black leggings.

She's got this! Hilary Duff wouldn't let the weather keep her from her caffeine fix, as she grabbed an iced coffee from Alfred's in Los Angeles on Saturday

To keep her feet from soaking, the 31-year-old suited up in a pair of rain boots.

Hilary wore her blonde hair pulled back into a low ponytail, and parted down the middle.

The pretty actress kept her make-up minimal, choosing instead to highlight her natural beauty.

Gorgeous: The pretty actress kept her make-up minimal, choosing instead to highlight her natural beauty

No cold here! The beauty stayed warm beneath a cozy, oatmeal sweater and black leggings

Later that day, Hilary spent time with boyfriend Matthew Koma, who is the father of daughter Banks Violet Bair, three. She also shares son Luca Cruz, six, with ex-husband Mike Comrie.

The Lizzie McGuire star shared a video of her love carefully picking out the carrots from her salad.

'What are you doing?' she asked.

Heading home? Later that day, Hilary spent time with boyfriend Matthew Koma, who is the father of daughter Banks Violet Bair, three

'I'm picking out every shredded carrot from your salad 'cause you don't like it,' he responded.

'Thank you,' said Hilary, as Matthew interjected; 'happily.'

'I like that you had to point out that they were shredded carrot so everyone knows how hard a job it is,' she joked.

'It's a little harder than just a normal carrot,' admitted Matthew.

All for her: The Lizzie McGuire star shared a video of her love carefully picking out the carrots from her salad, because she is not a fan

On Monday, the trailer release for Hilary's new film, The Haunting of Sharon Tate, was shared by E! Online.

The film tells of the brutal murder of actress Sharon Tate, who was one of the victims of Charles Manson's cult 'family.' The then-wife of Roman Polanski was stabbed 16 times, and her neck was tied to hairstylist Jay Sebring.

The trailer shows Hilary 'roaming the Beverly Hills home' she shared with Roman, while 'members of the "Manson Family," apparently make their presence known.'

New work: On Monday, the trailer release for Hilary's new film, The Haunting of Sharon Tate, was shared by E! OnlineShe is very much in love with her husband Paddy McGuinness, who hosts the television show Take Me Out which helps singletons find dates.

And Christine McGuinness, 30, amped up the sex appeal when she went on an Ann Summers shopping spree at The Intu Trafford Centre, in Manchester on Saturday.

The Real Housewives Of Cheshire star looked sensational in skintight scarlet trousers as she clutched at the string handles of six gift bags.

Sexy in scarlet: Christine McGuinness stunned in a skintight red pants as she carried SIX Ann Summers bags on shopping trip in Manchester on Saturday

With less than two weeks away from Valentine's Day, Christine looked very pleased with her buys from the saucy lingerie shop.

Maintaining her glamorous on-screen image, the reality star's golden locks bounced off her shoulders in loose waves and she applied heavy make-up.

Christine is happily married to Take Me Out host Paddy after they tied the knot together eight years ago.

The happy couple raise their children twins Penelope and Leo, five, and Felicity, two.

She's so stylish: Maintaining her glamorous on-screen image, the reality star's golden locks bounced off her shoulders in loose waves and she applied heavy make-up

Christine's outing comes after her recent revelation that she feels 'happy, healthy and strong' following her one stone weight gain over the last year.

As 2018 drew to a close, the reality star took to her Instagram to share two clips of herself side-to-side.

Christine explained that in the first video at the start of the year she felt 'weak, broken and worthless', whereas the second clip she felt 'happy, healthy and strong' going into 2019 after gaining one stone.

Sizzling: She recently showed off the results of her hard work in the gym, when she shared a video clip of herself posing in lingerie at Cheshire's Peckforton Castle's Bridal Suite

Stronger than yesterday: Christine McGuinness uploaded a video herself pushing a rack of 180kg worth of weights across the gym floor on Friday

She said: 'I started 2018 feeling very weak, broken and worthless.. Im leaving 2018 feeling happy, healthy and strong. Sometimes you have to hit rock bottom to get back up and realise how strong you are.

'Everyone has good and bad times in life, focus on the good. Remember things do change so never make a permanent decision on temporary feelings.

'Create your own happiness. Build yourself and your future. . Be strong when you are weak, brave when you are scared and humble when you are victorious . Believe in yourself always.'He was previously nominated for two Golden Globe Awards for his stellar acting work.

And Matthew Rhys is reportedly set to take on his latest project as the title character in a reboot of the US legal drama series Perry Mason.

The Welsh actor, 44, is said to begin filming this spring for the show, where he will serve as co-producer alongside executive producer Robert Downey Jr.

Starring role: Matthew Rhys is set to take on his latest project as the title character in a reboot of the US legal drama series Perry Mason (pictured January 2019)

The Sunday Express reported that the show will be set in 1930's Los Angeles and centre around a child kidnapping case.

With a source adding: 'Matthew has a big pair of shoes to fill but he can't wait to get started'.

MailOnline has contacted Matthew's representative for comment.

Perry, previously played by veteran actor Raymond Burr before his death in 1993, will be world's away from his previous self-assured namesake as reports suggest his character will be a struggling attorney.

Characters: Raymond Burr and Deidre Hall previously starred in the hit series which spanned 271 episodes

Exciting: The Welsh actor, 44, is set to begin filming this spring for the show, where he will serve as co-producer (pictured in January 2019 with Keri Russell)

The source added that Robert, 53, had considered himself for the lead role but 'thinks Matthew is the right actor for the job'.

The actor recently starred alongside his on-and-off-screen partner Keri Russell on spy drama The Americans with both of them nominated for the outstanding performance by an ensemble in a drama series for their roles as Soviet spies Philip & Elizabeth Jennings.

But, unfortunately, the couple lost out to the leading characters in This Is Us at the 25th Screen Actors Guild Awards in Los Angeles last month.

Co-stars: The actor and on-and-off-screen partner Keri Russell were nominated for the best actor awards at the Screen Actors Guild Awards earlier this year

Accolade: Perry Mason is Hollywood's first weekly one-hour series filmed for television, and remains one of the most successful legal-themed television series

Matthew's acting career began when he made the journey from Wales to New Zealand to star in television drama Greenstone in 1998.

And after a career on the small screen, he made a huge impact when he was cast as the murderer in the final episode of Columbo in 2003.

The Primetime Emmy Award winner has also starred in Titus, Mowgli: Legend Of The Jungle and Love And Other Disasters.The American Cinema Editors held their Eddie Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on Friday, welcoming a slew of big names including Bradley Cooper.

Bradley, who made his directorial debut with last year's hit remake of A Star Is Born, went for classic elegance in a black three-piece suit.

The 44-year-old bombshell let a bit of grey creep into his scruff and rounded off the Old Hollywood look with a black bow-tie.

Aglow: The American Cinema Editors held their Eddie Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on Friday, welcoming a slew of big names including Bradley Cooper

While inside the awards show, he posed for the shutterbugs alongside Jay Cassidy, who was nominated for having edited A Star Is Born.

Jay lost out to Bohemian Rhapsody's John Ottman in a category that included the editors of BlacKkKlansman, First Man and Roma, per The Hollywood Reporter.

Angela Sarafyan of Westworld fame sizzled during the red carpet portion of the evening, slipping into an off-the-shoulder scarlet gown.

The ensemble featured a bit of sheen that glowed under the lights, and she accessorized with a metallic-trim crimson clutch and a Le Vian ring.

Distinguished: Bradley, who made his directorial debut with last year's hit remake of A Star Is Born, went for classic elegance in a black three-piece suit

Collaborators: While inside the awards show, he posed for the shutterbugs alongside Jay Cassidy, who was nominated for having edited A Star Is Born

Stiff competition: Jay lost out to Bohemian Rhapsody's John Ottman in a category that included the editors of BlacKkKlansman, First Man and Roma, per The Hollywood Reporter

Angela, who accentuated her screen siren features with makeup, was seen hitting the stage during the awards ceremony.

She was joined by editor Andrew Seklir, who got a nod for his work on the Westworld episode The Passenger, but lost to Steve Singleton of the Bodyguard pilot.

While the drama series editing gong went to Bodyguard, the comedy series editing prize went to Kyle Reiter for the Atlanta episode Teddy Perkins.

Smashing: Angela Sarafyan of Westworld fame sizzled during the red carpet portion of the evening, slipping into an off-the-shoulder scarlet gown

Lady in red: The ensemble featured a bit of sheen that glowed under the lights, and she accessorized with a metallic-trim crimson clutch and a Le Vian ring

Limelight: Angela, who accentuated her screen siren features with makeup, was seen hitting the stage during the awards ceremony

Side by side: She was joined by editor Andrew Seklir, who got a nod for his work on the Westworld episode The Passenger, but lost to Steve Singleton of the Bodyguard pilot

One of the nominees Kyle defeated was Eric Kissack of The Good Place - one of the stars of which, D'Arcy Carden, was in attendance at the awards show.

Also in attendance was Hank Corwin, who won an Eddie in 2016 for his work on The Big Short and reunited with its director Adam McKay for last year's Vice.

Hank was nominated again this year for editing the Dick Cheney biopic, but the comedy film editing prize went to Yorgos Mavropsaridis of The Favourite.

Although BlacKkKlansman lost out in its editing category, its legendary director Spike Lee still had a speaking gig onstage that evening.

Fab florals: One of the nominees for best-edited comedy TV episode was Eric Kissack of The Good Place - one of the stars of which, D'Arcy Carden, was in attendance at the awards show

At it again: Also in attendance was Hank Corwin, who won an Eddie in 2016 for his work on The Big Short and reunited with its director Adam McKay for last year's Vice

Icon: Although BlacKkKlansman lost out in its editing category, its legendary director Spike Lee still had a speaking gig onstage that evening

Spike teamed a black leather beret with a navy suit, modeling an Oxford blue shirt and adding a splash of dazzle with a couple of necklaces.

Guillermo Del Toro, who won best director and best picture Oscars last year for The Shape Of Water, took the stage to be presented with a Golden Eddie.

He had bowed out of the red carpet portion owing to illness - which he quipped onstage was in fact an 'assassination attempt' involving 'a piece of chicken on a salad I ate with Jim Cameron on Tuesday,' according to Deadline.

Jenifer Lewis posed at the awards show in a scene-stealing ensemble that included a white-trimmed black pantsuit and a pair of bright red gloves.

Swank: Spike teamed a black leather beret with a navy suit, modeling an Oxford blue shirt and adding a splash of dazzle with a couple of necklaces

Prize in hand: Guillermo Del Toro, who won best director and best picture Oscars last year for The Shape Of Water, took the stage to be presented with a Golden EddieStar Wars actress Daisy Ridley, 26, and Vanity Fairs Tom Bateman, 29, have moved in together after meeting on the set of film Murder On The Orient Express.

They are renting in Londons pricey Primrose Hill  and cash shouldnt be an issue: accounts published by Daisys firm Fawks report she made a 1.1 million profit last year.

Star Wars actress Daisy Ridley, 26, and Vanity Fairs Tom Bateman, 29, have moved in together after meeting on the set of film Murder On The Orient Express

They are renting in Londons pricey Primrose Hill  and cash shouldnt be an issue: accounts published by Daisys firm Fawks report she made a 1.1 million profit last year

Beauty Kate shows off new toyboy...beastly Pete

Is she really going out with HIM? Hollywood was treated to a real-life Beauty and the Beast story on Friday night when the ever-stunning Kate Beckinsale stepped out on a date with utterly grim US television star, Pete Davidson  prompting the question: What on earth is she doing?

The ill-matched couple were spotted holding hands as they left the trendy LA club Largo at the Coronet, with Davidson  20 years younger than Kate  sucking on a lollipop.

Her perfectly manicured fingers were wrapped around his hand, which features a selection of tattoos  one which says: Warning.

Is she really going out with HIM? Hollywood was treated to a real-life Beauty and the Beast story on Friday night when the ever-stunning Kate Beckinsale stepped out on a date with utterly grim US television star, Pete Davidson  prompting the question: What on earth is she doing?

While Davidson, 25, who stars on NBCs Saturday Night Live, appeared thrilled to be with 45-year-old Kate, she at least tried to look a little embarrassed with a woeful attempt at hiding her face as they made a hasty exit.

Confirmation that they are more than just good friends comes after they were spotted flirting at a Netflix party a month ago.

Comedian Davidson previously dated pop star Ariana Grande but she ditched him last October after his insensitive comments about the 2017 Manchester concert bombing. He said his girlfriend must have realised how famous she had become because Britney Spears didnt have a terrorist attack at her concert.

Kate recently dated a proper comedian, super-handsome Jack Whitehall, 30 ... Now that one, I can understand.

But she is also capable of romantic relationships with men her own age. Kate was married for 12 years to Underworld director Len Wiseman, 45, before divorcing in 2016. She had previously been in an eight-year relationship with actor Michael Sheen, 49, with whom she has a daughter, Lily.

Lily, 19, has been said to be embarrassed by her mums penchant for toyboys, even changing her name online to Sheen. It might be time to look away now, Lily!She welcomed her child three years ago.

And since the birth of son Josey, Naya Rivera has maintained her fabulous, trim, figure.

On Saturday, the actress and her little one attended the premiere of The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part, at the Regency Village theater in Westwood, California.

Mother and son's day out: On Saturday, Naya Rivera, 32, and son Josey Dorsey, three, attended the premiere of The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part, held at the Regency Village theater in Westwood, California

The 32-year-old layered a T-shirt underneath a cozy, black bomber jacket.

Naya dressed her toned legs in a pair of PVC pants, and topped of her look with a set of classic pumps.

Little Josey Dorsey looked cute in a sweater layered over a polo shirt, paired with jeans and sneakers.

Her look: The actress layered a T-shirt underneath a cozy, black bomber jacket

Simple and pretty: Naya dressed her toned legs in a pair of PVC pants, and topped of her look with a set of classic pumps

Naya welcomed her child with ex-husband Ryan Dorsey.

The couple married on July 19, 2014, which was her original wedding date for her would-have-been marriage to rapper Big Sean. Naya and Ryan were officially divorced in June of last year.

The former couple's romance began in 2010, but the duo split before reconnecting in 2014. Josey was their second child, as the Latina actress aborted their first during their initial dating period.

Mama's little man: Little Josey looked cute in a sweater layered over a polo shirt, paired with jeans and sneakers

Mom and dad: Naya welcomed Josey with ex-husband Ryan Dorsey

Naya rose to fame as Santana Lopez on the Fox series, Glee.

The teen comedy, directed by Ryan Murphy and co-starring Lea Michele, ran from 2009 until 2015.

Since then, the actress appeared on Devious Maids, Mad Families and currently stars on Step Up: High Water.

Their story: The former couple's romance began in 2010, but the duo split before reconnecting in 2014. Josey was their second child, as the Latina actress aborted their first during their initial dating period

Family affair: Milla Jovovich, 43, attended the premiere with husband Paul W. S. Anderson and daughter Ever, 11, along with another child

With a sitter: Not seen with the couple was youngest daughter Dashiel, threeNeNe Leakes accused Lisa Vanderpump of doing some 'real foul s**t to me' earlier this week, when she accused the RHOBH star of talking her out of buying a restaurant location in West Hollywood - which then became Lisa's PUMP bar.

However, a source close to Pump's Landlord told DailyMail.com on Saturday that the Vanderpumps did nothing wrong and chose the site themselves.

The source explained: 'The landlord of the SUR headquarters is the same landlord as the Pump Restaurant so the Vanderpumps were well aware of this premises as it sits on the most prominent corner of West Hollywood and had been available for years.

Truth tea: A source close to Pumps Landlord told DailyMail.com on Saturday that the Vanderpumps did nothing wrong and chose the PUMP site themselves (pictured January)

Real talk: NeNe Leakes appeared on Jenny McCarthy's SiriusXM show and dished about her beef with Lisa Vanderpump on Friday

They added: 'The Vanderpumps did not need anyone to draw their attention to it as they have an eye for locations with potential throughout West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, London and now Las Vegas.'

The source slammed NeNe's claims as untrue, concluding: 'It bewilders us that these egregious claims have surfaced six years later.'

Pump opened at 8948 Santa Monica Blvd in May 2014, and Leakes - star of Real Housewives Of Atlanta star appeared on Jenny McCarthy's SiriusXM show on Friday to dish about her beef with Lisa Vanderpump on Friday.

Behind the back: 'She talked me off of it and then went and got it.  Thats so f***ed up' (PUMP pictured)

According to the 51-year-old, Vanderpump talked her out of acquiring a restaurant site in West Hollywood that the Real Housewife Of Beverly Hills eventually bought and turned into Pump.

'She knows that we have a little something, something she did to me. Ive never really addressed it.  She did some real foul s**t to me,' said Leakes.

NeNe and her husband Greg were new to town in Los Angeles when they tossed around the idea of becoming business proprietors.

Low down: 'She knows that we have a little something, something she did to me. Ive never really addressed it.  She did some real foul st to me,' said Leakes

'At the time, Greg [Leakes] and I were living in [Los Angeles] and I was working on Glee and New Normal,' Leakes told McCarthy.

'We ride down that West Hollywood area where all the gay bars are - and I have a large gay fanbase - and I kept thinking, "It would be so cool if I had a bar right in here somewhere."

'And that space was empty and kind of raggedy-looking and torn down.'

So Leakes says that she called up her fellow Real Housewife co-star to get her opinion on the situation, since Vanderpump was already a successful owner of Villa Blanca and SUR, which are close by.

'She said, "Oh darling, darling, its a piece of crap and theyre charging so much for it, darling,"' Leakes detailed.

'She talked me off of it and then went and got it.  Thats so f***ed up.'

Leakes ended the interview by saying she and Vanderpump have never discussed the incident.

'She just looks at me funny. Were gonna get Lisa Vanderpump.'She's the Instagram model who is famous for her incredible booty transformation.

So it comes as no surprise that Tammy Hembrow often flaunts her bikini body on Instagram.

The Gold Coast mother-of-two, who was recently linked to US rapper Tyga, showed off her best assets in a bikini on Sunday.

Sun's out, buns out! Tammy Hembrow flashes her derriere in a blue G-string bikini... after Kylie Jenner's rapper ex-boyfriend Tyga brushed off their 'fling'

Lifting up her blonde tresses to reveal her latest tattoo, Tammy struck a pose while relaxing by the pool.

The stunner, who shared the snap to Instagram, opted for a pastel blue bikini top that featured a side boob cutout.

She teamed the eye-popping attire with a racy thong that enhanced her bodacious booty.

'Angel baby. Link in bio for programs and meal plans in my app,' the Saski Collection founder penned beside the post, promoting her Tammy Fit app.

Summer babe: Tammy often shares photographs to Instagram where she is wearing eye-popping attire such as this hot pink bikini from Thursday

Meanwhile, it comes after reports Tammy 'hooked up' with Kylie Jenner's ex-boyfriend Tyga, 29, at the Rolling Loud Festival in Sydney and was then spotted backstage at his Brisbane concert on Monday night.

A source told Daily Mail Australia that Tammy is 'following' Tyga around the country for his entire tour, adding that they are '100 per cent together'.

'They travelled up to Brisbane separately and hooked up again later on,' the insider claimed. 'She's basically doing his whole Australian tour with him.'

Rumours: Meanwhile, it comes after reports Tammy 'hooked up' with Kylie Jenner's ex-boyfriend Tyga, 29, at the Rolling Loud Festival in Sydney and was then spotted backstage at his Brisbane concert on Monday night

According to various onlookers, Tammy made 'no secret' of her romance with the Rack City star during his performance at Eatons Hill Hotel.

'Tammy spent all night backstage (or on the side of the stage) as if she was his girlfriend,' added the source.

'She was walking round with her AAA pass on display for everyone to see.'

On Tuesday, Tammy's sister and spokeswoman, Amy Hembrow, told Daily Mail Australia that the model is not dating Tyga and 'everyone is just friends'.

Leaving Sydney airport on Tuesday, Tyga also brushed off questions about his fling with the fitness influencer at Sydney Airport on Tuesday.

When asked to comment on his relationship status, the Rack City hitmaker refused to answer and walked off with members off his entourage.She's traded in her actress role for one of doting mother.

And Tori Spelling proved worthy of the latter as she was spotted treating her family to a fun-filled day at the movies in Los Angeles on Saturday.

The 45-year-old natural stunner brought her husband Dean McDermott, 52, and their five children Liam, 11, Stella, 10, Hattie, six, Finn, five, and Beau, one, to the premiere of The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part at the Regency Village Theater.

Why me? Tori Spelling, 45, was spotted treating her family to a fun-filled day at the movies in Los Angeles on Saturday

Tori and company got caught up in an unusually wet day for the debut of the sequel to the blockbuster The Lego Movie.

Although Tori looked dismayed by the inclement weather, the family rallied as they posed together on the red carpet.

Meanwhile, Tori has confirmed reports of a Beverly Hills 90210 reboot.

Spelling, 45, stopped by Access Live on Friday, where she offered more details about the project, two months after she was spotted getting coffee with her cast mates.

Family affair: The natural stunner brought her husband Dean McDermott, 52, and their five children Liam, 11, Stella, 10, Hattie, six, Finn, five, and Beau, one, to the premiere of The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part at the Regency Village Theater

Caught in the rain: Tori and company got caught up in an unusually wet day for the debut of the sequel to the blockbuster The Lego Movie

'It is the OG crew back together, and we're playing heightened versions of ourselves,' Spelling said in the interview.

'The fans will be pleasantly surprised, though, because we will intercut that with scenes from the show,' she added.

'So it will be a whole ensemble cast playing heightened versions of themselves, almost everybody,' Spelling added.

Making the best: Tori and company got caught up in an unusually wet day for the debut of the sequel to the blockbuster The Lego Movie

The 'almost everybody' bit got the attention of hosts Natalie Morales, Scott Evans and Kit Hoover, who asked which of the original stars won't be back.

'Well, Luke (Perry) has Riverdale, so Luke will do as many as he can do, but almost the whole original cast,' Spelling said.

When asked about Shannen Doherty, who played Brenda Walsh for the first four seasons of the original series, she hasn't signed on, but they would love to have her come back.

'We would love to have her on, we would,' Spelling said. 'There is no status right now, but if she's watching, we'd love to have you do it.'She's one of the standout stars in eighties female wrestling series GLOW.

Despite the downpour outside, Alison Brie brought a little sunshine as she went retro chic for the premiere of The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part in Los Angeles on Saturday.

The 36-year-old actress opted for a vibrant puffy sleeved wrap dress with frilly trim when she stepped out onto the red carpet.

Leggy: Alison Brie put on a colorful display at the premiere of The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part

The brunette beauty wore her hair up in an elegant bun and accentuated her legs in some skyscraper silver heels.

At the event Alison posed alongside her costars Elizabeth Banks, Chris Pratt, Stephanie Beatriz, Will Arnett and Jason Momoa.

The sequel to the 2014 Lego Movie is released on February 8.

Meanwhile, Alison revealed she needed four people to dress her for the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards last month.

The GLOW actress turned heads in a stunning Miu Miu gown which was adorned with an oversize wing-like bow cascading down her back and she admitted the eye-catching frock took some effort to get into.

Speaking on the silver carpet at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, she told People magazine: 'I have to show off this bow! It was a four person process, yes, to get into this beautiful Miu Miu dress.

Retro vibes: The 36-year-old actress opted for a vibrant puffy sleeved wrap dress with frilly trim when she stepped out onto the red carpet

GLOW-ing: Alison flashed her legs in the frilly number which she teamed with silver heels

'The bow sort of detaches and reattaches.'

And the 36-year-old actress - who is married to Dave Franco - confessed she was worried about getting out of the gown at the end of the evening.

She added: 'I believe I am partially sewn in so tonight will be very interesting. I have glimpses of me in a few hours with my husband just being like 'Get it off me! Get me out of it!' But for now I'm loving it.'

Alison lost out to The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel for the Female Actor in a Comedy Series award, and the show lost to the same comedy series in the ensemble category.

Line-up: Alison posed alongside her costars Elizabeth Banks, Chris Pratt, Stephanie Beatriz, Will Arnett and Jason Momoa

Star-studded: Alison and Chris cozied up to Tiffany Haddish who also opted for sky-high silver platforms

However, the brunette beauty was unlikely to be too disappointed as she found it very 'special' to have been shortlisted anyway.

She said: '[It is so] special to be nominated as an ensemble and have our whole group here. The show would be nothing without this incredible cast and every woman on the show brings something totally unique and special.

'We have a blast. It is constant laughing and joking. It is a constant slumber party!'NRL star Sam Burgess, 30, is reportedly looking for a bachelor pad in Coogee following his split from estranged wife, Phoebe, 29.

Sam was spotted moving out of the family's $3.8 million Maroubra mansion in December however Phoebe remains there with their two children Poppy, two, and newborn Billy.

According to The Sydney Morning Herald on Sunday, the Rabbitohs star has turned to real estate agent Beau Champion to help him find a new home.

Moving on! Sam Burgess (left last month) is 'looking for a Bachelor pad in Coogee' following his split from wife Phoebe (right last week) weeks after she gave birth to their second child

Sam and Phoebe purchased a $2,065,000 apartment at the Pacific in Bondi Beach in 2012, which sold for $3 million last year and they now own the Maroubra mansion.

Phoebe's mother Sarah Hooke has been staying at the Maroubra property with her daughter to assist with caring for her grandchildren.

Phoebe and Sam's split in December came just three weeks after she gave birth to their second child, Billy.

Split: Sam split with Phoebe in December. The Rabbitohs star was spotted moving out of the family's $3.8 million Maroubra mansion in December however Phoebe remains there with their two children Poppy, two, and newborn Billy

The split news came as a shock to fans as their three-year marriage was portrayed as a fairy-tale on social media.

Phoebe told the Bath Times in 2015: 'I didn't want to be without him. His job is here, and I'd like to think he would be crying himself to sleep without me too! We're a little team.'

Reports surfaced describing Phoebe and Sam's marriage split as 'pretty messy' last month.

Moved out: Sam and Phoebe own a $3.8 million mansion in Maroubra, where Phoebe is residing with the couple's two children Poppy, two, and newborn William, and mother Sarah

Sold: Sam and Phoebe previously owned a Bondi Beach apartment at The Pacific, which they sold for $3 million last year

A close friend told The Daily Telegraph that 'things [had] been bad for a while'.

'It would have been hard for Phoebe because [Sam's mum] Julie would have completely stuck by Sam... and there's talk she didn't offer Phoebe much support,' they claimed.

Phoebe's sister-in-law Joanna Burgess was accused of taking a dig at the former journalist, which she denied.

Not so perfect: The split news came as a shock to fans as their three-year marriage was portrayed as a fairy-tale on social media

Phoebe and Sam met at an Avicii concert in Sydney in January 2014.

They tied-the-knot in a lavish ceremony in the Southern Highlands town of Bowral in December 2015.She's up for best actress at the Goya Awards for her role as Laura in thriller film Everybody Knows.

And Penelope Cruz looked confident as she graced the red carpet ahead of the award ceremony in Seville, Spain on Saturday.

The actress, 44, showed off her sensational figure in a fitted silver halterneck dress complete with a fishtail skirt and chunky belt.

Sensation: Penelope Cruz looked confident as she graced the red carpet ahead of the award ceremony in Seville, Spain on Saturday

She teamed the look with a matching clutch bag, metallic nails and dazzling diamond earrings while she flashed a smile on the red carpet.

The Academy Award winner teased her locks into a sleek bun and sported plenty of sultry makeup ahead of the prestigious award ceremony.

She was later joined by her long-time pal, director Pedro Almodovar, 69, who looked dapper in a black suit with matching jumper.

Looking good: The actress, 44, showed off her sensational figure in a fitted silver dress complete with fishtail skirt and chunky belt

Pals: She was later joined by her long-time pal, director Pedro Almodovar, 69, who looked dapper in a black suit with matching jumper

The pair first worked together in 1997 when Pedro cast Penelope against her now husband Javier Bardem in Live Flesh.

The mother-of-two married Spanish actor Javier, 49, in 2010 and she recently spoke out about acting against her partner in films.

Speaking to Marie Claire she said: 'Obviously we cant choose parts just for logistical reasons, like "Oh lets work together because its easier". No.

Style: She teamed the look with a matching clutch bag, metallic nails and dazzling diamond earrings while she flashed a smile on the red carpet

Glamorous: The Academy Award winner teased her locks into a sleek bun and sported plenty of sultry makeup ahead of the prestigious award ceremony

'In fact, its not something we want to do that often, partly out of desire to protect what we have.'

The star has acted opposite her husband in films such as Loving Pablo and Vicky Cristina Barcelona.

She went on to tell the publication: 'I think its better for it to just be once in a while, even though theyve been very good experiences.'She has gone from Desperate Housewife to yummy mommy.

And Eva Longoria looked stunning as she hit the town for a date night with husband Jose Baston on Friday.

The 43-year-old actress-producer and Mexican media entrepreneur Jose, 50, were spotted hand in hand as they enjoyed a romantic night at celebrity hotspot Mr Chow's in Beverly Hills.

Not so desperate now: Eva Longoria looked stunning as she hit the town for a date night with husband Jose Baston on Friday

Eva showcased her slender post-baby body in a one-piece figure hugging dress with a zipper pattern in grey, black and maroon.

She looked in tune with the cooler weather as she added sexy black boots and a matching clutch.

The Texan-born beauty demonstrated perfectly applied make-up, with an immaculate smokey eye and raspberry lip.

Date night: The 43-year-old actress-producer and Mexican media entrepreneur Jose, 50, were spotted hand in hand as they enjoyed a romantic night at celebrity hotspot Mr Chow's in Beverly Hills

The couple - who welcomed son Santiago seven months ago - seemed to be enjoying a night off parent duties as they headed to their car.

In December, Eva revealed she was ready to workout again after taking time off following Santiago's birth.

'I really gave my body time to adjust to postpartum and post-pregnancy,' she told US Weekly. 'You know, it had a baby! It created a human life, so I really wasn't too hard about getting back into shape.'

Stunning: The Texan-born beauty demonstrated perfectly applied make-up, with an immaculate smokey eye and raspberry lip

As she slowly eases into a new routine, she admitted to watching what she eats in addition to breaking a sweat.

'I still love yoga,' she said. 'My workouts now are more weight training, very serious weight training.'

The couple tied the knot in Valle de Bravo, Mexico, a lakeside town roughly 88 miles from Mexico City, in May 2016 and Eva has been simply smitten with motherhood since welcoming Santiago into the world last summer.

Talking about her new role back during Santi's fourth-month 'birthday', she wrote: 'My little angel is 4 months old today! Its going by too fast!'

'I still look at Santi and wonder how my body created and nourished this little bundle of love! Truly a miracle! From the moment he was placed in my arms, I knew no love like this before. Happy 4month Birthday mi Santi precioso!!'Ray Meagher, best known as Alf Stewart on Home and Away, has just launched his own unisex perfume, called Raygrance Number 1.

On Saturday, The 74-year-old actor seemed confident that his fragrance will kick Paris Hilton's perfume off the best selling spot once it hits the shelves.

'Paris Hilton should be absolutely petrified,' Ray told The Daily Telegraph.

Scroll down for video

'She should be absolutely terrified!' Home and Away's Ray Meagher (pictured) revealed he's launching a unisex perfume and plans to out-sell fragrance queen Paris Hilton

'I reckon Raygrance is going to come over the top of Paris Hilton like there is no tomorrow. Her sales might be alright now and she might be the biggest seller now.

'But she will be second tomorrow. Paris Hilton has a few problems too because hers is only for women, mine is unisex,' he added.

The Australian actor entered the $37 billion global perfume and fragrance market with the help of website-building brand GoDaddy.

Scent of success: 'I reckon Raygrance is going to come over the top of Paris Hilton like there is no tomorrow,' he said. Pictured: Paris Hilton

Charitable: It is all for a good cause, as all funds raised from sales of the unisex perfume will go straight to the Cure Cancer Australia charity

And it is all for a good cause, as all funds raised from sales of the unisex perfume will go straight to the Cure Cancer Australia charity.

The actor, who has also launched a hot sauce brand, says he has other business ideas up his sleeve coming soon.

Speaking to Daily Mail Australia last year, Ray discussed how excited he was to launch his now hugely successful product, Ray's Flamin' Hot Sauce.

Flamin' hot! Ray has also launched his hugely successful product Ray's Flamin' Hot Sauce

Soap star: Ray is a legendary actor best known as Alf Stewart on Home and Away (pictured)

He added the hot sauce was a project that was close to his heart, which is why he signed on.

'It's been really nice because this one was a bit special, in so far as it went back to something I'd thought about for a long time and something I genuinely love - being the hot sauce,' he confessed.

Ray continued: 'I think the Flamin Range I think the skys the limit. Who knows what could happen next.'He's been the host of The Bachelor for six seasons.

And now, Osher Gunsberg has been forced to reveal his all-time favourite leading man.

Speaking on Nova radio on Saturday morning, the 44-year-old star was asked the confronting question by former Bachelor Matty 'J' Johnson, before he revealed his interesting answer.

Giving out his final rose! Osher Gunsberg (pictured) reveals his favourite Bachelor of all time... so can YOU guess who it is?

'My favourite Bachelor in the history of the franchise is... it's like a tie between you (Matty J) and Sam Wood across the line together,' Osher responded.

It's unclear whether he was simply being polite by including Matty - who was Australia's fifth Bachelor.

Osher is particularly closed to Sam Wood - who was the third Bachelor, appearing on the program during the show's 2015 season.

It's a tie! Osher revealed his favourite Bachelors were 2015's Sam Wood (left) and 2017's Matty J (right)

Perhaps it's not surprising Osher chose Sam and Matty, as they are both still in relationships that they formed during The Bachelor.

However, the host omitted Australia's inaugural Bachelor, Tim Robards, who recently married ladylove Anna Heinrich, whom he fell in love with on the program.

The franchise's three other Bachelors, Blake Garvey (2014), Richie Strahan (2016) and Nick 'The Honey Badger' Cummins (2018) all missed out on a mention from Osher.

Snubbed! The host omitted Australia's inaugural Bachelor, Tim Robards (pictured), who recently married ladylove Anna Heinrich, whom he met on the program

Not mentioned: Richie Strahan (pictured) wasn't referenced as one of Osher's favourite Bachelors

Also let off the list! 2014's Blake Garvey (left) and 2018's Nick Cummins (right) were not among Osher's special picks

Meanwhile, producers are currently casting a new Bachelor for the show's seventh season.

TV presenter Scott Tweedie and former Married At First Sight star Ryan Gallagher have both been named as possible stars of the show.

It comes after Channel Ten's Head of Programming ruled out casting male model, Justin Lacko, in the leading role.She is the blonde beauty who reportedly dumped Dr Chris Brown.

And it seems Liv Phyland is good spirits after she was seen walking through the arrivals of Sydney Airport, on Saturday.

The 28-year-old appeared makeup free as she pushed along her white suitcase as toted an overnight bag and her laptop.

No dramas here! Liv Phyland (pictured) was good spirits as she was seen walking through the arrivals of Sydney Airport, on Saturday. The 28-year-old appeared makeup free as she pushed along her white suitcase as toted an overnight bag and her laptop

While it clear she dressed for comfort, the TV presenter still cut a fashionable figure in a white tank top and black leggings.

She accessorised the look with a turquoise gem necklace and tied a plaid shirt around her waist for an added touch of skater chic.

At one point, Liv had to stop for a moment to bent down to adjust the belongings in her suitcase before continuing out of arrivals.

Making adjustments: At one point, Liv had to stop for a moment to bent down to adjust the belongings in her suitcase before continuing out of arrivals

Dressed for comfort: While it clear she dressed for comfort, she still cut a fashionable figure in a white tank top and black leggings. She accessorised the look with a turquoise gem necklace and tied a plaid shirt around her waist for an added touch of skater chic

According to her Instagram, the Channel 10 talent had returned from Japan where she filmed a segment.

While it's not known what the project is for, the stunner clearly enjoyed the sights and the culture of the country sharing a slew of snaps from the trip to Instagram.

Her adventure to the land of the rising sun comes following reports she dumped Bondi Vet Dr Chris Brown.

According to New Idea, the break-up happened 'within minutes' of the I'm A Celebrity host boarding a flight to South Africa, earlier this month.

Hello from Japan: According to her Instagram, the Channel 10 talent had returned from Japan where she filmed a segment

Getting into costume: While it's not known what the project is for, the stunner clearly enjoyed the sights and the culture of the country sharing a slew of snaps from the trip to Instagram

A source told the magazine: 'Chris had only been gone for like, 10, minutes before Liv decided it was all over. He's absolutely devastated and heartbroken.'

The insider added that the split was particularly hard on the former Bondi Vet star because he 'hasn't been dumped in a long time'.

They continued: 'He is usually the one who ends things, but he really thought Liv was "The One".'

Apparently, the veterinarian had already met Liv's family and 'they got on like a house on fire', making the break-up all the more unexpected.

Liv and Dr Chris first sparked romance rumours back in November 2018 when they were spotted at a truck stop in Wyong on the Central Coast, a source revealed to Adelaide Now.Married At First Sight couple Cyrell Paule, 29, and Nic Jovanovic, 28, have struggled to make things work after getting matched on the reality show.

And the things look set to go from bad to worse for the newlyweds, after they were spotted looking noticeably tense at a dinner party in Sydney.

The couple appeared to be in a frosty exchange as they exited a cab together back in October.

Is this the moment MAFS couple Cyrell and Nic call it quits? Jovanovic (pictured) looked stressed while 'wife' Paule puffed on a cigarette as they arrived at a dinner party in Sydney in October

Electrician Nic appeared stressed as he kept his distance from his new wife, barely mouthing two words to her during their arrival.

Indeed, Nic seemed to have a more pleasant exchange with the cab driver rather than with his one and only.

Meanwhile, Cyrell was content to puff away on an unhealthy cigarette while she got her own luggage from the cab.

Cyrell looked every inch the modern woman as she carried her black overnight bag into the building, while Nic lugged his grey suitcases.

Cold comfort? The couple appeared to be in a frosty exchange as they exited a cab together back in October. Cyrell (left) appeared to keep her distance from her husband

Baggage! Cyrell and Nic seemed world's apart as they got their own luggage from a cab after being dropped off at a dinner party

Where's the love? The newlyweds hardly engaged with each other as they exited the taxi

The new bride opted for an urban style, wearing faded blue jeans with large rips in the legs, which flashed her toned, tanned skin.

The Filipino health worker paired the statement jeans with a tight white singlet that she wore tucked for a bit of edge.

Cyrell paired the stylish get-up with aviator sunglasses and white sneakers.

Independent woman: Cyrell appeared unfazed by her frosty relationship with Nic as she carried her own overnight bag into the building

The reality star opted for minimal make-up while wearing her long, raven hair down around her shoulders.

Meanwhile, Newcastle-based Nic showed off his buff chest with a very tight grey T-shirt which he paired with dark jeans rolled-up at the ankles.

The handsome tradie completed his look with a pair of square-frame sunglasses.

Out of puff? The reality star was snapped having an unhealthy cigarette outside of the house before going inside

Despite being the first couple down the aisle on the reality show, Cyrell and Nic haven't exactly got off to a flying start.

During Monday's episode, viewers saw Cyrell's protective big brother Ivan pulling Nic aside and bluntly questioning him about his dating history.

'Let's cut the bulls**t. What are ya after?' he demanded, adding: 'You hurt her, I'll be standing here right in front of your face and tell you what the f*** is happening.'

Nic disclosed that he hadn't been in a serious relationship because of his past battle with testicular cancer, a revelation that appeared to calm Ivan down.In a newly-resurfaced interview, Annalise Braakensiek discussed her 'hippie' childhood and living in a double-decker bus with her mother as a young girl.

The model, who died earlier this month, reflected on her unconventional upbringing before moving to Sydney as a teenager in a YouTube video from 2010

Annalise spoke about what life was like growing up on a bio-dynamic farm near Glenhaven, New South Wales in the 1980s.

Resurfaced video: Annalise Braakensiek spoke about her unconventional childhood living in a double-decker bus in a rare interview from 2010... after the model's tragic death aged 46

Annalise said of her childhood: 'We lived on a big bio-dynamic farm out there, which has since been sub-divided.

'But we also lived in a double decker bus - not a Winnebago,' she added.

'We travelled up and down the east coast of Australia, between Bellingen and Byron Bay, which is where mum eventually settled.'

Annalise said her new-age childhood wasn't always accepted by others, with some people considering it a frivolous lifestyle.

Reflecting: Annalise said her new-age childhood wasn't always accepted by others, with some people considering it a frivolous lifestyle

'When I was younger it was like', "You bloody hippie". And now, thankfully, it's come full circle and it's trendy again,' she said.

Annalise went on to reveal that her life changed aged 25 when she met her biological father for the first time.

'That was just the most incredible thing I could ever imagine,' she recalled, adding that she eventually went on to form a strong bond with her dad.

'It changed so much and so much within me that I wasn't even aware that I was carrying around. It ended the cycle for so much stuff,' she said.

'[It] helped me make the transition to the next whole stage of my life.'

Milestone: Annalise also revealed that her life changed aged 25 when she met her biological father for the first time. Pictured: Annalise in a modelling photo from the year 2000

Annalise explained that reconnecting with her father also transformed her romantic relationships, leading them into a healthier direction.

'You look back in retrospect and go, "Wow, that really affected me. Not knowing who my blood father was,"' she said.

Elsewhere in the interview, Annalise spoke warmly about attending a Rudolf Steiner school, which taught new-age philosophies.

'I was lucky my mum had the foresight to put me into a Steiner school, because it was the most amazing experience,' she said.

'His way of thinking was quintessentially very happy and spiritual.'

Unconventional childhood: Elsewhere in the 2010 interview, Annalise spoke warmly about attending a Rudolf Steiner school, which taught new-age philosophies. Pictured in 2002

Meanwhile, tributes have continued to pour in for Annalise, who was found dead at her Potts Point apartment on January 6.

She was just 46 years old.

Friends of the model held a sunrise memorial at her beloved Bondi Beach on Wednesday, with hundreds attending.

If you or someone you know needs support or assistance, call Lifeline on 13 11 14Advertisement

We'd been sailing for six days along Greenland's west coast on an expedition cruise when Thule Air Base slowly hove into view, the USA's northernmost military outpost that lays 1,524km (950 miles) from the North Pole.

A jumble of aircraft hangers and big vehicles slowly came into sight against the barren landscape and I stood out on deck in a bid to get a better view of the eerily remote command centre.

We weren't allowed on the base but we were going to dock next door, at a spot where the Inuit community living there were forced to leave in 1953 when the U.S. forces landed when the nuclear arms race kicked off. Today, military staff holiday at the site, using the old Greenlandic hunting shacks as weekend cottages.

An aerial view of Thule Air Base in winter, which is the United States Air Force's northernmost base. It's located 1,118km (695 miles) north of the Arctic Circle, and 1,524km (950 miles) south of the North Pole on the northwest side of Greenland

MailOnline Travel dropped anchor just outside the air base with the aircraft hangers and military vehicles visible close by

U.S. personnel only spend one year at Thule Air Base. On the official United States Air Force website Lt. Col. Bob Pavelko says of Thule: 'It looks like the moonscape here. It has an incredible, rugged beauty of its own'

I was told during a lecture about Thule that more than 100 inhabitants were forcibly relocated and given days to leave after the Danish authorities (Greenland was ruled by the Danish until 1979) struck up a deal allowing America to set up a top-secret airbase. The U.S. government established an anti-aircraft missile artillery unit, but no nuclear warheads were ever permitted.

The site was strategically selected because of its location between Moscow and Washington D.C.

The unexpected arrival of American soldiers is said to have caused great distress to the Inuit community, as they had to scramble to find a new spot of land.

They spent around seven months living in tents in frigid temperatures with some succumbing to the bitter cold.

Eventually, they found a spot 65 miles away with similar hunting opportunities and they named the settlement New Thule or Qaanaaq.

Walking around 'old Thule', the Innuit's abandoned village had a haunting feel. It was a mixture of renovated wooden homes now used by air base personnel for weekend breaks and completely abandoned turf huts.

MailOnline Travel's Sadie Whitelocks (above, sitting on a small piece of ice on the shores of Thule) ventured to Thule Air Base during a voyage with expedition cruise company Hurtigruten

A U.S. 10-pin skittle used for target practice (left) and a hunter's cabin with the door locked shut (right)

There is a small cemetery at Thule with graves of the former Inuit residents marked with wooden crosses

It was a sunny day but there was a sharp breeze blowing with the hammering of workmen piercing the silence.

I walked past one worker who was giving one of the old shelters a fresh lick of paint, while another hammered a window frame into place.

After visiting a trapper's hut, which has been turned into a explorer-themed museum, I came across a small cemetery with wonky weather-beaten wooden crosses and a rusty children's play-frame. One swing was missing while the other hung limply.

I walked across a barren bank across the way from Thule Air Base and down to the water's edge.

At one spot I saw a U.S. ten-pin bowling skittle had been used for target practice with bullet holes permeating its body and another had its shattered wooden innards on display.

One of the wooden structures at Thule, with a playground swing lacking the swings. The frigid conditions mean that vegetation is sparse

An old turf hut at Thule, once home to an Inuit family. They were simple and easy to construct

Up until the mid-1950s the turf hut was the most common type of dwelling, as they were proved to be very robust and well insulated

A military vehicle drove past me, whipping a spray of dust into the air, and drove up a hill that had a red sign signalling it was off-limits to visitors.

After walking along the rock-strewn beach where lumps of ice bobbed close to shore, I came across a Greenlandic turf hut subsiding into the boggy ground.

For thousands of years the Inuit lived in turf huts that were simple and easy to construct, necessary because the weather and seasons changed so quickly and dramatically.

Up until the mid-1950s the turf hut was the most common type of dwelling, as they were proved to be very robust and well insulated.

A typical turf hut was low, square and its walls were made of large stones and turf and the roof was supported by wooden beams made of driftwood. The dwellings were typically situated close to the sea so that the hunters could easily get to their kayaks and set off on seal hunts.

All the turf huts I saw at Thule had long been abandoned and they looked in a sorry state with rotting interiors and missing roofs.

A view of the houses at Thule near the air base, which are now used by military personnel for weekend escapes

The Thule Air Base site was strategically selected because of its location between Moscow and Washington D.C.

Inside one I accidentally kicked a Smirnoff vodka bottle - a sign that the place is now used as a drinking hangout instead of a spot for huddling up with the family.

After spending a couple of hours wandering around Thule, I ventured back to the ship.

U.S. personnel only spend one year at Thule Air Base and after visiting the otherworldly spot, it's understandable that the remoteness would be difficult to hack for any longer.

However, it is a place that appears to leave quite an impression on those who visit.

On the official United States Air Force website Lt. Col. Bob Pavelko says of Thule: 'It looks like the moonscape here. It has an incredible, rugged beauty of its own.'

While Staff Sgt. Alisha Miles adds: 'Not many people can say they've been this far north or to Greenland. You've got to try it once. I'd rather be here than in Korea.'Advertisement

An Englishmans home is his castle, they say. But in one unassuming Northamptonshire village, it is a woman who has taken that expression to heart  and the results are truly jaw-dropping.

Step through the front door of this two-bedroom terrace cottage in the parish of Cranford, and you are transported back hundreds of years into a world of manorial magnificence.

Ceilings are painted with lavishly ornate designs, the bedroom walls are covered in heavy luxuriant fabric and there are stuffed animals at every turn.

Mariana Mancini is pictured in her elaborate home, which is decorated just like Belvoir Castle

Elaborate artworks include a giant peacock in the dining area and a portrait of Elizabeth I behind the fireplace

Golden slumbers: Bedroom One, the Balmoral Suite, has a 3,500 four-poster bed.The flamboyant artwork took a year to finish, with the ceiling painting in her daughters room taking four months alone. It is a homage to a Renaissance scene which Ms Mancini saw in a chapel in Italy

Mariana transformed her daughter's bedroom by creating an elaborate ceiling painting and decorating the rest of the bedroom in a stunning white and gold design. The ceiling painting shows Icarus falling to earth and took four months to complete

Marianna Mancini, 50, transformed her home after visiting Belvoir Castle. She fell in love with its romantic splendour and spent tens of thousands of pounds on remodelling her home on the same lines.

Ms Mancini even hired a local artist to paint walls and ceilings  just like Belvoirs famous drawing room. Elaborate artworks include a giant peacock in the dining area and a portrait of Elizabeth I behind the fireplace.

Some of the taxidermy includes a fox in the process of catching a pheasant on the staircase, the head of a majestic stag mounted on a wall in the living room and a peacock in the conservatory. The mother-of-one said: I have tried to give it a spin on Belvoir Castle because I love what the Duchess of Rutland, Emma Manners, has achieved there.

Ms Mancini, a nurse practitioner, is now trying to sell her home for 375,000, but she says the lucky buyer can also purchase the entire house fully furnished for an undisclosed additional fee.

She spent all of her spare cash over the course of three years to give the 1,023 sq ft cottage  which she bought in 2006  the stately home feel. The work was finally completed 18 months ago and Ms Mancini wants to begin another project in a new home.

The flamboyant artwork took a year to finish, with the ceiling painting in her daughters room taking four months alone. It is a homage to a Renaissance scene which Ms Mancini saw in a chapel in Italy.

The ceilings at her home in Kettering, Northamptonshire are painted with lavishly ornate designs, the bedroom walls are covered in heavy luxuriant fabric and there are stuffed animals at every turn

The downstairs lounge featured a antique fireplace and one of the many stuffed animals that are scattered around her home

Portraits of Charles II and Edward VII in the living room. Ms Mancini, a nurse practitioner, is now trying to sell her home for 375,000, but she says the lucky buyer can also purchase the entire house fully furnished for an undisclosed additional fee.

Taking in the sumptuous fabrics, chintzy wallpaper and heavy velvet drapes, Ms Mancini was left in awe at the skill of the castle's design team

She spent all of her spare cash over the course of three years to give the 1,023 sq ft cottage  which she bought in 2006  the stately home feel

Her love for the former royal manor became a personal obsession as she turned her own two-bedroom terrace into a homage to the stately home. Some of the taxidermy includes this peacock in the conservatoryThe NHS is to use energy smart meters to monitor dementia patients in their homes.

The devices will track patients daily routines, such as when they boil the kettle, cook dinner or turn the washing machine on.

They will flag up any sudden change in behaviour which could indicate an illness, a fall or a decline in their mental state. The meters will be able to send alerts to family members or carers, who can pop round to check if the patient is all right.

The devices will track patients daily routines, such as when they boil the kettle, cook dinner or turn the washing machine on

Experts say the devices will enable patients to live independently for longer without going into care, and prevent avoidable admissions to A&E.

Smart meters monitor households energy use in real time and send the readings directly to suppliers, putting an end to estimated bills.

Ministers have promised to install the devices in every home by 2020 to reduce energy consumption, but the rollout is massively over budget and behind schedule.

Privacy campaigners warn that the meters will hand suppliers a honeypot of data which could be sold on to marketing firms or fall into the hands of hackers.

xperts say the devices will enable patients to live independently for longer without going into care, and prevent avoidable admissions to A&E

Researchers at Liverpool John Moores University and the Mersey Care NHS Trust plan to carry out the initial dementia trial on 50 patients, beginning in October.

This will test the ability of the meters to monitor patients health and the general progression of their disease. If successful, the trial will be extended to involve 1,000 patients across four NHS trusts.

The smart meters involved in the dementia study can monitor patients energy use every ten seconds. They will be connected to a central computer system which will learn patients daily routines, such as when they normally use certain electrical appliances.

Any sudden changes  such as not boiling the kettle at the same time each morning or turning lights on in the middle of the night  will trigger an alert.

Dr Carl Chalmers, of Liverpool John Moores University, who is leading the trial, said the devices had huge potential to improve dementia patients lives.

About 850,000 people in the UK have dementia and this number is expected to double over the next 30 years as the population ages.

Up to 70 per cent of care home residents have the condition and an estimated 50,000 dementia patients are admitted to A&E each year as a result of preventable illnesses.

Dr Chalmers said: This is probably the most convincing piece of technology I have seen. This is massive, the potential of this is huge. Its not just for dementia but anybody with long-term medical conditions such as depression or schizophrenia.

Dr Sudip Sikdar, a consultant psychiatrist at Mersey Care NHS Trust, added: With dementia patients, one of their biggest problems is a failure to carry out daily activities.

Nearly a third of dementia patients live on their own and they may have carers or they may have family members who visit a couple of times a week and monitor them.

We often find it takes a week or two before someone notices if they deteriorate. If you can intervene early, put in the care package, then the patient would not need to go into a care home.

Its preventing both hospital admissions and placements in care homes, both of which are extremely expensive.

The trial will initially involve dementia patients who live on their own in the Merseyside region.

Researchers have applied for funding from the Department of Health and will learn in April if they have been successful. They plan to launch the trial either way as they have interest from private companies willing to pay the costs.

Sally Copley, of the Alzheimers Society, said: Pioneering ideas like smart meters are to be welcomed.

However, while technology can be invaluable it must complement rather than replace the human touch to enhance quality of life of people with dementia.

Martyn James, a consumer rights expert, said: Finding new and creative ways to support vulnerable people in their own homes is a good thing, but this proposal opens the door to a huge range of privacy concerns.

We should be extremely wary when it comes to allowing businesses and organisations access to this level of data  and the fact that it can be taken in this level of detail raises the question: what else is technology revealing about our private lives and what if it falls in to the wrong hands?

Burglars, for example, could use it to identify when people are out of the house.Teresa Cole has two strong but very different memories of her soldier husband Jonny being treated in hospital.

The first was as a patient in the military unit at Selly Oak, Birmingham, in the summer of 2009. He had been airlifted to the UK from his base in Sangin, Afghanistan, after being wounded in a Taliban rocket attack.

Prince Charles suddenly appeared on the ward, recalls Teresa. He shook Jonnys hand and said, Bloody good job.

In tears now, she remembers another incident in another hospital, a couple of years later. Jonny was shouting at staff as they tried to treat him for an attempted fatal overdose.

Jonny Cole, a father of two and veteran of the Armys hardest fighting in the bloodiest summer of the Afghan war

He was in a private room and they wanted to give him something to make him sick, she says. I could hear him yelling, I want to die. Let me die. I held his hand and tears were running down his face. He said, Im so sorry Teresa, but please let me die. You have to let me go.

Tortured, broken, Jonny Cole; a father of two and veteran of the Armys hardest fighting in the bloodiest summer of the Afghan war.

On August 5 last year he was found dead in a park near his home in Derbyshire. His inquest will take place later this year; yet another inquest for a veteran of 2 Rifles tour of Sangin a decade ago.

Jonny went to war but a different man came home, says Teresa. I would like people to know this is the way things end up for many Army veterans families. When someone kills themselves, it doesnt end there. What I have seen in both our children is heartbreaking.

Theirs could have been a story of love across a political divide; English soldier falls in love with Northern Irish Catholic girl and lives happily ever after. Instead, it became a tragedy. Who are the villains?

No one meant for Jonny to crumble and destroy himself. But post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) remains a killer of military veterans. Recent statistics suggest the threat is even growing. Military families have accused the authorities of paying lip service to the issue.

That is why Teresa has chosen to speak for the first time. The psychological impact on her and their two children has been immense. She and Jonny met one evening in 2001 in a pub in Enniskillen. He was a chubby, affable lance corporal from Derbyshire, serving in the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment and based in nearby Omagh. She was a veterinary nurse. Within six months they were married.

When I told my father  who grew to be very fond of Jonny  he said, You are my daughter and I love you. But you cannot be with a British soldier in Northern Ireland, Teresa recalls. I said, I love him Dad and thats that.

He said that if I stayed, Id be tarred and feathered. If I wanted a life with him, Id have to go to England. And so thats what I did. She and Jonny moved to Chester where, in 2004, his regiment were preparing for Afghan deployment. The tour was uneventful  Britains intervention in the Taliban heartland of Helmand was still two years away.

Their first child, a girl called Katelin, was born in October 2005. Six months later Teresa fell dangerously ill with viral meningitis and went home to Enniskillen to convalesce. After some resistance from the Army, Jonny got a transfer to 2 Rifles, based at Ballykinler in County Down. At the time it seemed like a godsend.

But it also meant he would be deployed with his new unit on Operation Herrick 10. By spring 2009, the situation in Afghanistan had changed drastically. Jonnys C Company  80 men  was sent to Forward Operating Base Wishtan; an outpost on the edge of restive Sangin town. The Taliban threat was so severe that Wishtan could go weeks without resupply.

Jonny and Teresa pictured on their wedding day. Jonny went to war but a different man came home, says Teresa

When he was able to call me, he said it was a hellhole and he hated it, says Teresa. He wasnt getting my letters or parcels. He said, All we have is water and pasta and the pasta is rationed.

July 10 saw the tragedy which ended or ruined the lives of so many at Wishtan. A foot patrol of around 30 men walked into a daisy chain of improvised explosive devices (IEDs). One soldier was killed in the first blast and another seven badly wounded, including the major in charge of C Company and a platoon commander, who lost a leg and much of one hand.

As they regrouped, a second IED blast killed three more. A fifth died later. Three of the dead were teenagers, including Rifleman William Aldridge, 18, the youngest UK fatality of the entire Afghan campaign.

Jonny was in the Quick Reaction Force which raced from Wishtan to help. What he had to do then haunted him ever after. Teresa says: He told me his job had been to go out on a quad bike and trailer and collect whatever was left. He said, Its hard when theres nothing much going back in the body bags for the families. He knew all the guys and could not come to terms with it. His own turn came 17 days later. A rocket-propelled grenade hit Wishtan, wounding nine soldiers, two very seriously. Jonny had extensive shrapnel injuries and was one of those sent to a UK hospital.

I did not recognise him at first, says Teresa. He had lost two and a half stones in Afghanistan. I walked straight past his bed. He had to call out my name. When we hugged, he smelt of burned flesh. It turned my stomach. He was clingy and wanted to go home with me. He was surrounded by other men in a terrible bad way.

One was Captain Harry Parker, the son of General Sir Nick Parker who in a few months would become British commander in Afghanistan. Captain Parker had lost both his legs to an IED blast. Jonny often fetched him water.

There was a lot of media interest in the young officers case and before we were allowed into the ward to see Jonny we were asked to sign confidentiality papers, says Teresa. I told the sergeant in charge, I am not signing that, you dont own me. He said, You are not seeing your husband until you sign it. So I did, but I was furious. Now it seems all of a piece.

Prince Charles went to see Captain Parker on an unofficial visit. Teresa was on the ward with Jonnys father Mike, a former Parachute Regiment soldier who had joined the US Army and become one of its most senior NCOs. Mikes CO had given him the American combat wound medal the Purple Heart to present to Jonny.

Teresa says: Before Prince Charles arrived, the NCO in charge said to me, You better not open your mouth. Now I wish I had. Something should have been done about the conditions they were enduring out in Afghanistan.

After shaking hands with the wounded officer, Prince Charles saw some of the other guys including Jonny. Mike showed him Jonnys Purple Heart and he stopped because he was intrigued. And then he was gone as quickly as he arrived. Less than a fortnight later Jonny was discharged from hospital and sent home on sick leave. Within two weeks, it became apparent to Teresa that his injuries were not only physical.

One night, she heard a noise downstairs. Jonny was hitting his head on the kitchen work surface. He began crying and said, You dont understand Teresa, its in my head. All I could do was put my arms around him and say, Itll be all right.

In fact, it only got worse. He would talk of the guys who died out there. He said, It was my fault. It should have been me. Teresa, you have no idea what I saw there.

His mental state worsened when his best friend from his first days in the Army was killed that September by an IED. In all that time we got not a word from the regiment asking how Jonny was doing, Teresa says. I was telling them he needed help. Then he lost it. The worse he got the more he drank, hurting himself and eventually me.

Christmas was a nightmare. Jonny hit Teresa and left the family home in the early hours of Christmas Day. He spent the holiday at his barracks.

Teresas family had lost patience with him. They changed the locks. When he returned on New Years Eve, he broke down the door and assaulted a policeman summoned to the scene. He escaped without criminal charge because the police officer had once been blown up by an IRA bomb. Hes suffering from PTSD, the policeman told Teresa, sympathetically.

The Army disciplined him and sent him for treatment. When he returned home he blamed his wife for getting him into trouble. Then he apologised. I told him, You need help. But by that stage I needed help, too. I was devastated.

The downward spiral continued. A first suicide attempt took place in his room at Ballykinler. Then Teresa found out she was pregnant again. My brother said, This babys going to be Jonnys saviour. I went to camp to tell Jonny and he got down on his knees and told me he loved me and was sorry for what he had done.

He was so excited. He quit drinking. He came home and painted the spare room blue for a boy. I thought he would return to his old self. Dannon was born in August 2010 and Jonny was so attentive to me.

It would not last. Six months later Jonny was caught drink-driving and disqualified. His commanding officer supported him in court but the Army was not impressed. His civil punishment also meant he could no longer commute to and from base.

A deterioration set in. Teresa says the Army put Jonny on long-term sick leave. He was monitored by a military nurse but in 2013 he was medically discharged. Teresa says she has been told the official reason was tinnitus (hearing noises) caused by his active service rather than PTSD.

He was distraught because the Army was his life, she says. He signed his papers and we were escorted to the barracks gate like we were criminals rather than a soldier who had served his country for 17 years.

In March 2014, when Jonny was working as a lorry driver in London, flying home every fortnight, he was caught drink-driving again. He told his boss: Im going back to Afghanistan. I need to go back to where it all started. Then he just disappeared.

Teresa contacted police. Jonny was seen on CCTV boarding a ferry to Calais. His car was recorded as being in Amsterdam. For three months Teresa didnt know if he was dead or alive. Then he phoned. He told me, Sorry, I can never come back. I am going to Afghanistan. I pleaded with him, Jonny you will never get to Afghanistan by car and he replied, Yes I will.

She managed to persuade him to stay with his grandmother in Spain. He was there for eight months, often drinking or taking drugs. He spent 20,000 that hed withdrawn from the bank.

When finally he said he wanted to come home, she told him he couldnt. I regret it now but by then I was mentally unwell, too. Nevertheless, she paid for his flight to the UK. Jonny tried to build himself a new life. He even formed a new relationship and had another son. But the mental problems and drinking still plagued him.

Teresa says she begged him to seek counselling from Help For Heroes. But the charity could do nothing unless Jonny himself asked. In January last year, there was another suicide attempt. Teresa and their children saw him one last time on St Patricks weekend. I hugged him and said, Please get help, she recalls. Five months later, his torment was over, at the age of 39.

The grief and shock of Teresa and their children continues. Jonnys father, who has helped so many veterans, is also devastated he could not save his son.

Teresas anger is directed at the military authorities. His old commanding officer rang me after Jonny died and said, Dont worry, the Rifles will look after you. But that is not what happened.

They made me go through hell and back. I had to fight for the support of military charities just to pay for Jonnys funeral. Later, on his laptop, I found a load of letters to the authorities concerning the war pension he never received.

When I phoned the pensions people, I was told it was declined because Jonny was not injured in war. I told the woman she was talking about someone who was so badly injured in combat that he had to be airlifted to the UK for treatment.

The Army promised him the moon and the stars, but did nothing when he needed it most.Jayne Hobbs just wanted to be pampered when she went for a beauty treatment  but the simple facial saved her life.

Beautician Erika Hodgkiss spotted that a mole on Mrs Hobbss chest had turned cancerous and urged her to have it checked by a doctor.

After discovering it was a melanoma  an aggressive form of skin cancer that kills six people a day in Britain  and then having surgery, Mrs Hobbs, 44, said: Its hard to imagine what could have happened if I hadnt gone for a facial with Erika, but I know I might not be sitting here today.

Mother Jayne Hobbs (right) went for a simple facial , given to her by Erika Hodgkiss (left) which ended up saving her life

The mother-of-three had ignored the mole for months, even though it had darkened  which is one of the danger signs.

Skin cancer is on the rise in Britain, with melanoma rates soaring by 128 per cent in 20 years, making it the fifth most common cancer in the country.

Britain has a higher melanoma mortality rate than the European average, which experts blame on late diagnoses.

Mrs Hodgkiss, 44, is one of a growing army of beauticians, hairdressers, therapists chiropodists, masseurs, chiropractors and even dentists who have signed up for training to improve Britains survival rates by detecting skin cancer. The cancer charity Skcin has trained nearly 10,000 beauty professionals to recognise the disease since it set up its melanoma and skin cancer early detection (Masced) online training course last year.

The scheme, which Skcin hopes will save hundreds of lives annually, was inspired by the fact that more people have their skin examined regularly by a beautician or hairdresser than by their GP.

Mrs Hobbs had surgery to remove the melanoma - an aggressive form of skin cancer

Within just eight months of completing the training, Mrs Hodgkiss has identified several suspicious moles and has helped to save the life of Mrs Hobbs and two other women, all of whom had surgery to remove melanoma tumours.

The beautician, who specialises in facials at her salon in Crockenhill, Kent, took the course because some clients would ask questions about their skin that she couldnt answer.

But she said she was shocked by the number of suspected skin cancer cases she began noticing, adding: I just cant believe how many people I have seen with something unusual on their skin in just a few months. Sometimes they have no idea because the mark is on their back, but most of the time they are aware it is there but say, Oh thats nothing, its just a mole.

I tell them Ive been on the course and encourage them to get anything suspicious checked by a doctor. Luckily the three women who were diagnosed with melanoma have come out the other side, but its scary to think it would have spread if I hadnt spotted it. If I hadnt seen them for a facial, they wouldnt have known they had cancer.

Mrs Hobbs, an accountant from Chislehurst, Kent, noticed the mole was darker than normal while she was on holiday in August, but dismissed it, thinking it was caused by tanning.

But when she went for one of her regular treatments with Mrs Hodgkiss in October, the beautician also noticed the change, told her it could be dangerous and urged her to visit a doctor.

Mrs Hobbs said: Im an optimist, so even when the GP referred me to a dermatologist who told me he wanted to take the mole off, I didnt think it would really be cancer.

But when I went back to the clinic the consultant the results had come back saying it was melanoma. I was so shocked. She had to undergo further surgery to remove more skin to ensure the cancer had not spread, leaving a 1in scar.

Mrs Hobbs said: Theres quite a big scar there now, but Im alive so thats all that counts.

I cant believe my own naivety that I had noticed the mole but thought it was fine.

If I hadnt had that facial, if Erika hadnt seen the mole, if she hadnt been on the course, I dont know what would have happened. Im so lucky all those things came together in time.

 Log on to www.justgiving.com/skcin/donate to support the Masced programme, which relies on donations.

\Britain's richest man Sir Jim Ratcliffe (above) has launched a blistering attack on Dame Vivienne Westwood over her opposition to fracking

Britain's richest man has launched a blistering attack on Dame Vivienne Westwood over her opposition to fracking.

Chemicals tycoon Sir Jim Ratcliffe  who is worth 21billion  said the designer did not care about the jobs it would create, and accused her of living in a London bubble.

Dame Vivienne, 77, hit back, calling Sir Jim, 66, a liar bent on destroying the environment.

His firm, Ineos, is a key player in the dash for shale gas. The fuel is extracted through fracking  a controversial process in which high-pressure water, sand and chemicals are blasted into rocks deep underground to release trapped fossil fuels. Critics claim the process causes earthquakes and increases pollution.

Dame Vivienne, a pioneer of 1970s punk fashion, has been a vocal campaigner against fracking, which she wants to be banned.

But Sir Jim  whose company has been granted the rights to look for shale gas in North and South Yorkshire, Cheshire and the East Midlands  said she was standing in the way of progress. Its ridiculous were not allowed to do the science to find out if were sat on decent shale gas deposits, he said.

There are a lot of people in the North of England who are not very well off and theyre not going to have jobs and theres no investment. So its all very well the politicians who live in Chelsea and Knightsbridge pooh-poohing shale, and Vivienne Westwood [wanting to show] a film every fashion show about how shes anti-shale ... but she doesnt have to live in the North of England and she isnt without a job.

Dame Vivienne Westwood, who accused Ratcliffe of being a liar bent on destroyed the environment, takes part in a protest against the government's fracking policy in London

The comments by Sir Jim, whose firm is a major plastics producer, prompted a furious response from Dame Vivienne.

She said: There will be no jobs for anyone once Ineoss fracking the UK for plastic sees the Earths climate increase by 5C  making the Earth totally uninhabitable.

Jim Ratcliffe has lied and said frackings to help Britains energy security. But the truth is its only to either create feedstock [raw material for plastic] or to power his plants to make more plastic.

But Sir Jim said Westwood was standing in the way of progress

Sir Jim, who lives in Monaco, also attacked ministers for tying the fracking industry up with red tape. At present, the process must be paused if it causes tremors above 0.5 on the Richter scale  a level so low that it cannot be felt at ground level.

Energy firm Cuadrilla has had to suspend work at its Lancashire site several times after seismic activity exceeded the 0.5 limit. One day last October there were six tremors recorded in 12 hours.

Friends of the Earth said small earthquakes can be a warning of bigger problems to come. But Brian Baptie and Ben Edwards, advisers to the Governments Oil and Gas Authority, say it is safe to treble the magnitude to 1.5 because the risk of harm is vanishingly small.

Sir Jim said of the current limit: Theyve just picked stupid levels. If you drop your handbag on the floor theres some seismicity.

Theyve set a level which is ridiculous, you cant feel it. If you set [it at] that level then you stop the show  it wont work in the UK.Ancient artefacts looted from Iraq have been returned after smugglers were caught with more than 1,300 invaluable items.

Ancient Sumerian texts, pottery and glass vessels from the Babylonian era, which had been all on display at the National Museum of Iraq in Baghdad were seized in Jordan.

They are now being displayed in the Iraqi museum after neighbouring Jordan returned the precious artefacts.

Iraq's Culture Minister Abdulameer al-Hamadani said: 'Iraqi heritage has suffered a lot during the last decades in terms of looting and destruction. And we believe that protecting Iraqi heritage is a global task because it's the heritage of all humankind.'

Antiquities recovered from Jordan are displayed at the Iraqi National Museum in Baghdad

Iraqi Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Abdulameerr al-Hamadani, gives a press conference at the Iraq National Museum

An Assyrian artifact is displayed at the Iraq National Museum. Iraqi Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Abdulameer al-Hamadani said the recovery of 1,300 pieces of antiquities that Jordanian authorities confiscated from smugglers is a 'milestone'

Al-Hamadani is now asking the international community to support Iraq in its quest to recover its antiquities.

The return of the artefacts came as Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi and his Jordanian counterpart Omar Razzaz revealed a new, united front.

On Saturday the border crossing between the two nations was officially reopened after a deal signed between them which includes boosted trade.

From now, Iraq will supply Jordan with 10,000 barrels of oil a day at a lower price.

Iraqi goods imported via Jordan's Aqaba port would also receive preferential tariffs, the Jordanian prime minister's office said while Jordan would begin to export electricity to Iraq within the next two years.

Iraqi Antiquities are on dispaly during a press conference held by the Iraqi Minister of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities

Abdulameer al-Hamadani called on the international community to support Iraq in its quest to recover its antiquities

The hundreds of ancient pieces which included huge stone statues were returned homePresident Donald Trump spent 60 percent of the last three months in 'executive time,' leaked schedules of his life in the White House show.

'Executive time' is the term administration staff use to describe when the president is in the residence watching television, talking on the phone and tweeting.

Schedules leaked to Axios show the president spent around 60 percent of his scheduled time over the past three months in 'executive time.'

'He's always calling people, talking to people,' a senior White House official told the news website. 'He's always up to something; it's just not what you would consider typical structure.'

President Donald Trump spent 60 percent of the last three months in 'executive time,' leaked schedules revealed

The president's first meeting of the day is usually around 11 or 11:30 a.m.

President Trump meets with Chinese officials in the Oval Office in January

Trump is an early riser and usually spends the first five hours of the day in 'executive time.'

While the leaked schedules shows Trump in the Oval Office from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m, the president is never in the Oval Office during those hours, six sources told Axios.

Instead, he in the residence, watching TV, reading the newspapers, tweeting, and phoning aides, members of Congress, friends, administration officials and informal advisers, the news website reported.

The president's first meeting of the day is usually around 11 or 11:30 a.m., according to the leaked schedules, and is often an intelligence briefing or 30 minutes with his chief of staff.

Since Nov. 7, which is the day after the 2018 midterm election, the president has spent around 297 hours in 'Executive Time,' to Axios' count of 51 private schedules.

He also had 77 hours scheduled for meetings.

But Axios cautioned, not all the president's meetings are reflected on his schedule because many of his them are spur of the moment, according to senior White House officials.

'President Trump has a different leadership style than his predecessors and the results speak for themselves,' White House press secretary Sarah Sanders told the news website in a statement.

'While he spends much of his average day in scheduled meetings, events, and calls, there is time to allow for a more creative environment that has helped make him the most productive President in modern history.'

Former chief of staff John Kelly invented Executive Time because the president hated being locked into a regular schedule and wanted more flexibility.A policeman who died after a horror head-on car crash was promoted on his deathbed.

Timothy Proctor was confirmed as a fully-fledged constable in the NSW Police Force by Police Commissioner Nick Fuller on Saturday.

The police commissioner paid a special visit to the young officer in hospital, where the 29-year-old was in an induced coma, the Daily Telegraph reported.

Constable Timothy Proctor (pictured) was promoted on his deathbed - the day before he died from his injuries after being hit in a head-on collision

Mr Proctor (pictured with wife Diane on their wedding day) was driving back to work after a training exercise when the incident occurred

Officers formed an honour guard at Liverpool Police Station for the 29-year-old

The crash occurred when a 65-year-old woman veered on to the wrong side of the road on Thursday afternoon, colliding with the constable at a combined speed of 200km an hour

Constable Proctor, who had only been a member of the NSW Police Force for nine months, succumbed to his injuries a day later, on Sunday morning.

He sustained critical injuries in a collision when another driver drifted across a highway on Thursday afternoon.

The 29-year-old was driving back to work after a training exercise on when his Honda Jazz collided with a black Honda Civic travelling the opposite way on Heathcote Road at Lucas Heights in Sydney's south.

The vehicle, driven by a 65-year-old woman, crossed a lane of traffic before veering onto the wrong side and colliding into Constable Proctor at a combined speed of 200 km/h about 2pm.

Following the initial point of impact, a Mitsubishi Triton driven by a 19-year-old woman crashed into the woman's Civic.

The teenager and her 18-year-old male passenger managed to escape serious injury.

The probationary constable was placed in an induced coma at Liverpool Hospital, where he later died.

The 65-year-old remains in a critical but stable condition in hospital.

Flowers were placed next to a photograph of Constable Proctor as his colleagues came to say goodbye

The rookie policeman had a 'bright future', Police Commissioner Mick Fuller said

The accident cut short Constable Proctor's dreams of serving in the force.

Commissioner Mick Fuller said he had a 'tremendous passion and commitment' for his job and his community, and gave his condolences to Mr Proctor's family and colleagues.

'My thoughts are with Timothy's wife Dianne, his family, friends and colleagues at this incredibly difficult time,' he said.

'Timothy was certainly well on the way to a wonderful policing career and was well respected by his colleagues and all who knew him.

'He joined the Police Force after being a volunteer fire-fighter and had a tremendous passion and commitment for all emergency services and the community.'

Constable Proctor's wife Dianne was present (pictured) and was seen with an older woman as she spoke with her late husband's colleagues

The grieving woman was comforted by the policeman's work friends as she took her seat at the honour guard

Officers formed a guard of honour for the officer outside Liverpool Police Station, with Constable Proctor's colleagues seen giving their condolences to the man's wife.

A photograph of him was put on display, and grieving officers placed flowers next to it to pay their respects.

The collision forced the closure of Heathcote Rd for up to six hours on Thursday, with major crash investigators examining the distressing scene.

A witness who was travelling behind the Honda said the accident occurred in a split second.

'The car literally came off the ground and kicked up and I dodged it,' Kamran Rowshanzadeh told 9News.

'Just thinking about it really shakes you.'

The 29-year-old was a former firefighter (right with wife Dianne) who became a police officer in April last year

Both on and off duty officers were present to farewell Constable Proctor, as well as a K9 officer

'Obviously, police turning up to a police officer injured is extremely upsetting for first responders and it was a devastating accident,' acting inspector Melissa Thompson told reporters.

Police Minister Troy Grant said the tragic crash was a 'confronting reminder of the horrific trauma we sadly continue to see on our roadways'.

'P/Cst Proctor was a recent recruit from the Goulburn Academy and had begun a promising career at Liverpool City Police Area Command,' he said in a statement.

'Its the worst call that a police minister can get, to be told that one of our own has been injured or killed in the course of their duties.

'P/Cst Proctor will be deeply missed by his young wife and family. We can not imagine their grief for a life lost far too soon.

'Im sure I speak on behalf of the entire community when I say that his loved ones, and the broader police family, have our full support at this tragic time.'British veterans who served in the deadliest Afghan town for UK forces are taking their own lives at an alarming rate, a Daily Mail investigation has found.

Soldiers who survived the bloodiest summer in Afghanistans most dangerous battleground a decade ago have been hit by a spate of recent suicides.

Bereaved families have accused the military authorities of failing in their duty of care and obstructing justice.

The Mail focused on one infantry company, which while serving in Sangin in the north of Helmand Province bore the brunt of the highest frontline casualty rate suffered by British forces in a single day since the Falklands War.

Inquest: Lance Corporal James Ross, 30, killed himself at the battalions Northern Ireland base in December 2012

C Company of 2 Rifles saw five dead and seven wounded in a Taliban attack involving improvised explosive devices and an ambush on July 10, 2009.

Three of the fatalities were teenagers. Three more young soldiers caught up in the attack or its immediate aftermath have since killed themselves, two in the past seven months.

The suicide rate for the men of C Company who were in Sangin in July 2009, approximately 80 soldiers in total, is more than 200 times higher than the average rate for men in the UK  15.5 per 100,000  which stands at its lowest level since records began.

At least three other servicemen who were with 2 Rifles in 2009 have also been found dead in the UK, as have two other young soldiers who served with 2 Rifles on its next Afghan tour. Others in the unit have carried out non-fatal self-harm.

The most recent veteran to die was father-of-two Corporal Jonny Cole, who made a number of suicide attempts before succeeding.

Wounded in a Taliban rocket attack and evacuated to the UK, Cpl Cole was seen in hospital by Prince Charles, who shook his hand and said: Bloody good job.

He was also thanked by the former UK commander in Afghanistan, General Sir Nick Parker, for the kindness he showed Gen Parkers officer son, who was being treated in the next bed for severe IED injuries.

Previously Cpl Cole had guarded the Queen at Windsor Castle and sounded the Last Post at the Tower of London.

His father, a decorated British and US Army soldier who is now working for American veterans charity Wounded Warrior Project, helped train staff at its British counterpart Help For Heroes.

But speaking for the first time, Cpl Coles widow told the Mail that the Army abandoned her husband and his family when his mental health deteriorated as a result of combat trauma.

Teresa Cole said: He fought for Queen and country. But when he was medically discharged we were escorted off base as if we were criminals. They told me, Dont worry, the Rifles will look after you. But that is not what happened.

Kevin WIlliams, left, and John Paul Finnigan both took their own lives (pictured with Iraqi security forces in 2007)

The inquest of another 2 Rifles veteran of the devastating 2009 Sangin tour begins today in Ballymena, Northern Ireland.

Lance Corporal James Ross, 30, killed himself at the battalions Northern Ireland base in December 2012. His inquest will be held jointly with that of his colleague Rifleman Darren Mitchell, who took his own life at the same location six weeks later.

Rfn Mitchell had served on a later tour of Helmand Province. Their inquests have been delayed for six years because of legal argument between the families and the MoD. The hearing is expected to examine the mental impact on soldiers returning from their Afghan hellhole to a remote barracks in County Down.

The threat of dissident IRA activity meant they were still not entirely secure. A number of incidents of self-harming by soldiers at the Ballykinler barracks have also been recorded.

Linda Ketcher, L/Cpl Rosss mother, told the Mail: These boys suffer from a mental, physical and emotional illness. Yet the Army and Ministry of Defence still take the view they need to pull themselves together, to man up in their parlance.

Emma Norton, head of legal casework at Liberty and Mrs Ketchers solicitor, said: The Army has been at pains to promote itself as inclusive and caring. But the facts prove otherwise. Our soldiers deserve better.

A Government spokesman said: Any suicide is a tragedy. We take the mental wellbeing of our serving and former personnel extremely seriously, and urge anyone struggling to come forward and access the care they deserve.

The MoD has increased spending on mental health to 22million a year, and the NHS has committed to expanding specialist health support for veterans across the country.

For confidential support, call the Samaritans on 116123, visit a Samaritans branch or see www.samaritans.org

Additional reporting: Simon Trump

'I held his hand as he asked me to let him die': Afghan war hero's widow reveals how PTSD destroyed him

By Richard Pendlebury for the Daily Mail

Teresa Cole has two strong but very different memories of her soldier husband Jonny being treated in hospital.

The first was as a patient in the military unit at Selly Oak, Birmingham, in the summer of 2009. He had been airlifted to the UK from his base in Sangin, Afghanistan, after being wounded in a Taliban rocket attack.

Prince Charles suddenly appeared on the ward, recalls Teresa. He shook Jonnys hand and said, Bloody good job.

In tears now, she remembers another incident in another hospital, a couple of years later. Jonny was shouting at staff as they tried to treat him for an attempted fatal overdose.

Jonny Cole, a father of two and veteran of the Armys hardest fighting in the bloodiest summer of the Afghan war

He was in a private room and they wanted to give him something to make him sick, she says. I could hear him yelling, I want to die. Let me die. I held his hand and tears were running down his face. He said, Im so sorry Teresa, but please let me die. You have to let me go.

Tortured, broken, Jonny Cole; a father of two and veteran of the Armys hardest fighting in the bloodiest summer of the Afghan war.

On August 5 last year he was found dead in a park near his home in Derbyshire. His inquest will take place later this year; yet another inquest for a veteran of 2 Rifles tour of Sangin a decade ago.

Jonny went to war but a different man came home, says Teresa. I would like people to know this is the way things end up for many Army veterans families. When someone kills themselves, it doesnt end there. What I have seen in both our children is heartbreaking.

Theirs could have been a story of love across a political divide; English soldier falls in love with Northern Irish Catholic girl and lives happily ever after. Instead, it became a tragedy. Who are the villains?

No one meant for Jonny to crumble and destroy himself. But post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) remains a killer of military veterans. Recent statistics suggest the threat is even growing. Military families have accused the authorities of paying lip service to the issue.

That is why Teresa has chosen to speak for the first time. The psychological impact on her and their two children has been immense. She and Jonny met one evening in 2001 in a pub in Enniskillen. He was a chubby, affable lance corporal from Derbyshire, serving in the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment and based in nearby Omagh. She was a veterinary nurse. Within six months they were married.

When I told my father  who grew to be very fond of Jonny  he said, You are my daughter and I love you. But you cannot be with a British soldier in Northern Ireland, Teresa recalls. I said, I love him Dad and thats that.

He said that if I stayed, Id be tarred and feathered. If I wanted a life with him, Id have to go to England. And so thats what I did. She and Jonny moved to Chester where, in 2004, his regiment were preparing for Afghan deployment. The tour was uneventful  Britains intervention in the Taliban heartland of Helmand was still two years away.

Their first child, a girl called Katelin, was born in October 2005. Six months later Teresa fell dangerously ill with viral meningitis and went home to Enniskillen to convalesce. After some resistance from the Army, Jonny got a transfer to 2 Rifles, based at Ballykinler in County Down. At the time it seemed like a godsend.

But it also meant he would be deployed with his new unit on Operation Herrick 10. By spring 2009, the situation in Afghanistan had changed drastically. Jonnys C Company  80 men  was sent to Forward Operating Base Wishtan; an outpost on the edge of restive Sangin town. The Taliban threat was so severe that Wishtan could go weeks without resupply.

Jonny and Teresa pictured on their wedding day. Jonny went to war but a different man came home, says Teresa

When he was able to call me, he said it was a hellhole and he hated it, says Teresa. He wasnt getting my letters or parcels. He said, All we have is water and pasta and the pasta is rationed.

July 10 saw the tragedy which ended or ruined the lives of so many at Wishtan. A foot patrol of around 30 men walked into a daisy chain of improvised explosive devices (IEDs). One soldier was killed in the first blast and another seven badly wounded, including the major in charge of C Company and a platoon commander, who lost a leg and much of one hand.

As they regrouped, a second IED blast killed three more. A fifth died later. Three of the dead were teenagers, including Rifleman William Aldridge, 18, the youngest UK fatality of the entire Afghan campaign.

Jonny was in the Quick Reaction Force which raced from Wishtan to help. What he had to do then haunted him ever after. Teresa says: He told me his job had been to go out on a quad bike and trailer and collect whatever was left. He said, Its hard when theres nothing much going back in the body bags for the families. He knew all the guys and could not come to terms with it. His own turn came 17 days later. A rocket-propelled grenade hit Wishtan, wounding nine soldiers, two very seriously. Jonny had extensive shrapnel injuries and was one of those sent to a UK hospital.

I did not recognise him at first, says Teresa. He had lost two and a half stones in Afghanistan. I walked straight past his bed. He had to call out my name. When we hugged, he smelt of burned flesh. It turned my stomach. He was clingy and wanted to go home with me. He was surrounded by other men in a terrible bad way.

One was Captain Harry Parker, the son of General Sir Nick Parker who in a few months would become British commander in Afghanistan. Captain Parker had lost both his legs to an IED blast. Jonny often fetched him water.

There was a lot of media interest in the young officers case and before we were allowed into the ward to see Jonny we were asked to sign confidentiality papers, says Teresa. I told the sergeant in charge, I am not signing that, you dont own me. He said, You are not seeing your husband until you sign it. So I did, but I was furious. Now it seems all of a piece.

Prince Charles went to see Captain Parker on an unofficial visit. Teresa was on the ward with Jonnys father Mike, a former Parachute Regiment soldier who had joined the US Army and become one of its most senior NCOs. Mikes CO had given him the American combat wound medal the Purple Heart to present to Jonny.

Teresa says: Before Prince Charles arrived, the NCO in charge said to me, You better not open your mouth. Now I wish I had. Something should have been done about the conditions they were enduring out in Afghanistan.

After shaking hands with the wounded officer, Prince Charles saw some of the other guys including Jonny. Mike showed him Jonnys Purple Heart and he stopped because he was intrigued. And then he was gone as quickly as he arrived. Less than a fortnight later Jonny was discharged from hospital and sent home on sick leave. Within two weeks, it became apparent to Teresa that his injuries were not only physical.

One night, she heard a noise downstairs. Jonny was hitting his head on the kitchen work surface. He began crying and said, You dont understand Teresa, its in my head. All I could do was put my arms around him and say, Itll be all right.

In fact, it only got worse. He would talk of the guys who died out there. He said, It was my fault. It should have been me. Teresa, you have no idea what I saw there.

His mental state worsened when his best friend from his first days in the Army was killed that September by an IED. In all that time we got not a word from the regiment asking how Jonny was doing, Teresa says. I was telling them he needed help. Then he lost it. The worse he got the more he drank, hurting himself and eventually me.

Christmas was a nightmare. Jonny hit Teresa and left the family home in the early hours of Christmas Day. He spent the holiday at his barracks.

Teresas family had lost patience with him. They changed the locks. When he returned on New Years Eve, he broke down the door and assaulted a policeman summoned to the scene. He escaped without criminal charge because the police officer had once been blown up by an IRA bomb. Hes suffering from PTSD, the policeman told Teresa, sympathetically.

The Army disciplined him and sent him for treatment. When he returned home he blamed his wife for getting him into trouble. Then he apologised. I told him, You need help. But by that stage I needed help, too. I was devastated.

The downward spiral continued. A first suicide attempt took place in his room at Ballykinler. Then Teresa found out she was pregnant again. My brother said, This babys going to be Jonnys saviour. I went to camp to tell Jonny and he got down on his knees and told me he loved me and was sorry for what he had done.

He was so excited. He quit drinking. He came home and painted the spare room blue for a boy. I thought he would return to his old self. Dannon was born in August 2010 and Jonny was so attentive to me.

It would not last. Six months later Jonny was caught drink-driving and disqualified. His commanding officer supported him in court but the Army was not impressed. His civil punishment also meant he could no longer commute to and from base.

A deterioration set in. Teresa says the Army put Jonny on long-term sick leave. He was monitored by a military nurse but in 2013 he was medically discharged. Teresa says she has been told the official reason was tinnitus (hearing noises) caused by his active service rather than PTSD.

He was distraught because the Army was his life, she says. He signed his papers and we were escorted to the barracks gate like we were criminals rather than a soldier who had served his country for 17 years.

In March 2014, when Jonny was working as a lorry driver in London, flying home every fortnight, he was caught drink-driving again. He told his boss: Im going back to Afghanistan. I need to go back to where it all started. Then he just disappeared.

Teresa contacted police. Jonny was seen on CCTV boarding a ferry to Calais. His car was recorded as being in Amsterdam. For three months Teresa didnt know if he was dead or alive. Then he phoned. He told me, Sorry, I can never come back. I am going to Afghanistan. I pleaded with him, Jonny you will never get to Afghanistan by car and he replied, Yes I will.

She managed to persuade him to stay with his grandmother in Spain. He was there for eight months, often drinking or taking drugs. He spent 20,000 that hed withdrawn from the bank.

When finally he said he wanted to come home, she told him he couldnt. I regret it now but by then I was mentally unwell, too. Nevertheless, she paid for his flight to the UK. Jonny tried to build himself a new life. He even formed a new relationship and had another son. But the mental problems and drinking still plagued him.

Teresa says she begged him to seek counselling from Help For Heroes. But the charity could do nothing unless Jonny himself asked. In January last year, there was another suicide attempt. Teresa and their children saw him one last time on St Patricks weekend. I hugged him and said, Please get help, she recalls. Five months later, his torment was over, at the age of 39.

The grief and shock of Teresa and their children continues. Jonnys father, who has helped so many veterans, is also devastated he could not save his son.

Teresas anger is directed at the military authorities. His old commanding officer rang me after Jonny died and said, Dont worry, the Rifles will look after you. But that is not what happened.

They made me go through hell and back. I had to fight for the support of military charities just to pay for Jonnys funeral. Later, on his laptop, I found a load of letters to the authorities concerning the war pension he never received.

When I phoned the pensions people, I was told it was declined because Jonny was not injured in war. I told the woman she was talking about someone who was so badly injured in combat that he had to be airlifted to the UK for treatment.

The Army promised him the moon and the stars, but did nothing when he needed it most.A 17-year-old girl is fighting for her life after she was stabbed in the chest during a reported feud between two families in Queensland.

She suffered a deep wound to her chest after being stabbed large kitchen knife in front of a unit block on Nalla Court, at Palm Beach on the Gold Coast, on Sunday at about 4.10pm.

A 19-year-old man has been charged with acts intended to cause grievous bodily harm.

The victim was taken to Gold Coast University Hospital in a critical but stable condition.

The fight and stabbing occurred outside a unit block on Nulla Court in Palm Beach, Gold Coast

The teenagers, who were from two opposing families, were at the centre of an on-going dispute, which had been going on from months, it will be alleged.

A witness said the victim walked into yesterday's fight armed with a frying a pan, when one of the men allegedly attacked her with the kitchen knife.

'I was there when it happened, I head the girl scream,' the witness, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Gold Coast Bulletin.

One couple, who also declined to be named, said the girl was shrieking and was yelling for an ambulance after she was stabbed.

He said the attack was 'just waiting to happen' and claimed to have seen several arguments between the two families before.

He grabbed a towel, ran to the victim and placed it over her chest wound.

'She had blood all over her. The feud had been going on for months.'

A witness said the victim walked into yesterday's fight armed with a frying a pan, when one of the men allegedly attacked her with the kitchen knife (stock image)

The witness claimed he saw other people come out from the unit armed with a variety of other items.

Detective Inspector Brendan Smith confirmed the 19-year-old was assisting with their inquiries.

He is due to appear in Southport Magistrates Court on Monday.A British tourist who had her leg amputated after an out-of-control taxi crashed into her while on vacation in New York City in 2013 has been awarded just $150,000 from her lawsuit against the cab driver.

Model Sian Green, who was then 23, had to have her left leg amputated after a taxi being driven by Faysal Himon crashed into her outside of Rockefeller Center on August 20, 2013 while she was eating a hotdog.

'This is a really horrific story,' Green's attorney, Dan Marchese, said, who told the New York Daily News he won't collect a fee from the case.

No criminal charges were ever filed against Himon.

British tourist Sian Green, who had her leg amputated at age 23 after an out-of-control taxi crashed into her while on vacation in New York in 2013, will get just $150,000 for her loss. Green is shown lying in the hospital bed following the accident in 2013

Prosecutors told Marchese just three months after the tragic crash that charges would not be filed against cabbie Faysal Himon (pictured) because the evidence did not demonstrate that Himon intended to hit Green

Prosecutors told Marchese just three months after the tragic crash that charges would not be filed against cabbie Himon because the evidence did not demonstrate that Himon intended to hit Green.

Marchese insisted at the time that the incident that left his young client without a leg was not an accident, but rather the result of a negligent act of calculated recklessness.

In an interview on the Today Show in September of 2013, Green, of Leicester, United Kingdom, said she planned to return to New York someday.

'I hope to come back one day,' she said. 'Its not the citys fault. It was the man who made a bad choice, I cant blame the city for that. Its a beautiful city and Id love to come back.'

Passersby rushed to help Green immediately after the incident.

Plumber David Justino used his belt to make a life-saving tourniquet for her leg while a pizza truck owner raced to put her foot on ice.

Green, who was then 23, had to have her left leg amputated after a taxi being driven by Faysal Himon crashed into her outside of Rockefeller Center on August 20, 2013 while she was eating a hotdog. The scene is pictured

Passersby rushed to help Green immediately after the incident. Plumber David Justino used his belt to make a life-saving tourniquet for her leg while a pizza truck owner raced to put her foot on ice. They were also helped by celebrity doctor Mehmet Oz (pictured), better known on television as Dr Oz, who hurried to the scene from his nearby office

Green is pictured not long after the accident at a party, supporting herself with a walker

Since the wreck, Green has married, given birth to a daughter, and continued modeling work. Green is pictured with her daughter

They were also helped by celebrity doctor Mehmet Oz, better known on television as Dr Oz, who hurried to the scene from his nearby office.

Prior to the wrekc, Himon of Queens, had been charged with seven traffic violations in the last three years.

He is believed to have gotten into an argument with bike messenger Kenneth Olivo, who was then 40, and reportedly also has a criminal history, just before the crash.

Friends and relatives said Green's naturally good-spirited nature helped her through the difficult times that followed the wreck.

Since then, she was married, gave birth to a daughter, continued in her career as a model and started her own foundation for amputees, called the Sian Green Foundation.

Green's attorney has said he may try to pursue a civil lawsuit against the property owner where Green was struck.A woman whose father was brutally murdered over 30 years ago has secretly been living with the man suspected of killing him.

Maria Rotiroti has been living with Vince Zangari, a suspect in the cold case murder of Salvatore 'Sam' Rotiroti, in North Sydney for nearly eight years.

She was just 14 years old when her father was found bashed to death in his driveway in Geelong, southwest of Melbourne, on the night of September 5, 1998.

Her brother Vince Rotiroti only recently learned of the living arrangements, saying his father would 'come out of his grave' if he knew.

The daughter of murdered Italian concreter Salvatore Rotiroti has been living with his suspected killer for nearly a decade. Pictured left to right: Salvatore, his wife Giuseppina and their five children Maria, Tony, Elizabeth, Joe and Vince (seated)

'It's shocking that she is living with the man police suspect of committing the murder,' Vince Rotiroti told The Herald Sun.

A concreter, Sam Rotitori had paid a $100,000 ransom to have his kidnapped son Tony freed.

The extortionist was trying to elicit more money from him before the murder took place.

Police swooped in on the then-21-year-old Zangari, charging him with murder three weeks after the bloodied corpse was found.

But the murder charge was dropped in 1989 after witnesses began withdrawing or changing their statements.

Daily Mail Australia is not suggesting Zangari had any role in the murder, only that he remains a suspect.

Salvatore's daughter Maria moved from the Geelong home (pictured) where her father was found murdered and is now reportedly living with his accused killer Vince Zangari

Zangari is now 51 and has adopted the new name Luke Conrad.

He and Ms Rotiroti also jointly owned a property in Double Bay, an affluent harbourside suburb in Sydney, before they were both declared bankrupt in 2011.

The Herald Sun sent reporters to their new apartment in North Sydney, but were accosted by a string of abusive messages and threats of legal action.

He also did not respond to questions emailed to him.

Mr Rotiroti was beaten to death in his driveway in September 1988 and his killer never found

A $1million reward for information leading to a conviction was offered in September last year by homicide detectives.

Detective Inspector Tim Day confirmed at the time that Zangari remains a person of interest in the investigation and believed Mr Rotiroti's family had more information.

'We are appealing directly to those people to come forward and help us solve this murder.'Advertisement

Townsville is bracing for yet another monsoon surge with 125km/h winds on Monday as a once-in-a-century rainstorm which has turned the city into a 'disaster zone' shows no sign of letting up.

Forecasters have warned of a 'risk to life and property' due to 'unprecedented' flooding which could overwhelm up to 20,000 homes as 17,000 properties are left without power.

The rains will bring up to another 300mm of water to the city which was turned into a floodplain on Sunday night when the Ross River Dam spillway gates automatically opened to ease pressure.

This sent 2,000 cubic metres of water per second rocketing through already flooded suburbs as desperate residents scrambled in boats and kayaks to reach evacuation centres on higher ground and 400 were rescued by the army with trucks and helicopters.

Locals woke on Monday morning to scenes of total chaos, with thousands of homes, car parks and shopping centres almost totally submerged and huge crocodiles roaming city streets. And the worst is yet to come.

Threat to life: Townsville is bracing for yet another monsoon surge with 125km/h winds on Monday as a once-in-a-century rainstorm which has turned the city into a 'disaster zone' shows no sign of letting up. Pictured: An aerial view of the city

The underwater city: Forecasters have warned of a 'risk to life and property' due to 'unprecedented' flooding which could overwhelm up to 20,000 homes as 17,000 properties are left without power. Pictured: A man wades through flooded streets with a bike

The local wildlife: Townsville locals woke on Monday morning to scenes of total chaos, with thousands of homes, car parks and shopping centres almost totally submerged and huge crocodiles (pictured) roaming city streets

Help is at hand: Rescuers went door-to-door to warn locals of the risks of staying as the 'unprecedented' once-in-a-century storm devastated some suburbs of the north Queensland area

This BOM model shows how much rain battered Townsville on Sunday night. More than 200mm hit the CBD

Submerged: Residents (right) scrambled in boats and kayaks to reach evacuation centres on higher ground and 400 were rescued by the army with trucks and helicopters. Left: A road underwater

On Monday morning, Townsville mayor Jenny Hill said the floodwaters would peak at 11am and would not go down until midnight. 'Honestly it's scary, it really is,' she said.

Throughout Sunday night, 850 residents made desperate calls to emergency services as soldiers rescued people from the roofs of cars and buildings.

Even two police officers, whose patrol car got washed away, had to cling to trees for half an hour before they were rescued.

The rains are not expected to let up until Tuesday. A Bureau of Meteorology forecaster told Daily Mail Australia: 'On Monday there is another monsoon surge heading towards northern Queensland and it may hit Townsville.'

Six hours of rainfall on Monday will likely bring more than 100mm of rain - and totals of up to 300mm are possible.

To make matters worse, coastal areas are bracing for ferocious winds of up to 125km/h.

'We are still warning residents to be on high alert - although after Monday the worst should be over,' the forecaster said.

Townsville has never seen the likes of this

Emergency crews have been stretched to the limit, with hundreds of people still waiting for help and evacuation centres filling up fast.

It's unclear how many more homes may have been inundated overnight. On Sunday the figure was between 400 and 500 - but that was before dam releases.

Officials have warned between 10,000 and 20,000 homes could be at risk.

With days of more rain ahead, the crisis is far from over and Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says forecasters are closely watching the monsoon trough amid fears it could form into a cyclone if it moves off the coast.

'This system, if it moves out to the sea, it could develop into a cyclone,' she said on Monday.

'These are early days and we won't know for certain until the next few days.'

The rains are not expected to let up until Tuesday. A Bureau of Meteorology forecaster told Daily Mail Australia: 'On Monday there is another monsoon surge heading towards northern Queensland and it may hit Townsville.' Pictured: A man wades through flooded streets with a bike

On the way: Queensland Fire and Emergency Services shows rescue crews responding to flood conditions in Townsville

Here to help: Queensland Fire and Emergency Services crew members are seen in floodwaters in Hermit Park, Townsville on Sunday

Desperate locals are posting on social media pleading with strangers for help as water levels continue to rise

Six hours of rainfall on Monday will likely bring more than 100mm of rain - and totals of up to 300mm are possible. Pictured: A local tweeted for help

One crocodile was spotted in the residential neighbourhood of Mundingburra shortly before 10pm

The Bureau of Meteorology has also warned that tornadoes could form, with gale-force winds seen in Townsville overnight.

The premier said emergency crews responded to more than 200 calls for help overnight, with about the same number still waiting for help on Monday morning.

'It was just bucketing down last night ... and the wind gusts were huge. It was a tough night,' the premier said.

Water releases from the dam sparked emergency flood alerts late on Sunday, with residents in 21 Townsville suburbs told to move to safety.

The premier said the dam had been been managed well and the council did what it had to do.

'That water needs to go somewhere. From what I can tell, they've done everything from the book,' she said, saying the peak was yet to come in the next day or two. Townsville has never seen the likes of this.'

About 1000 people were now in evacuation centres, with one of five centres now full. The council will decided of other centres need to open on Monday.

Schools in Townsville remain closed and a decision will be made early on Monday about whether to reopen the city's airport after all flights were cancelled late on Sunday.

The monsoon trough that's been dumping flooding rain on north Queensland's east coast, and drought-hit parts of western Queensland, will drive the state's emergency for days to come.

Intense rain with significant flash flooding is expected between Ingham and Bowen, and possibly as far south as Mackay, extending inland to Mt Isa near the Northern Territory border.

On Sunday night, desperate locals were posting on social media pleading with strangers for help as water levels continue to rise.

'Please, we have been stuck at 9 Lakewood Drive waiting for SES for hours... we have a six-year-old and a large dog, neither can swim,' one resident wrote online.

'Does anyone have a boat they can get to us on?'

Australia's biggest northern city remains under siege as once in a century monsoons continue to flood homes

Forecasters now fear the monsoonal weather conditions and strong winds will create a tornado in the region in the coming days

The city was forced to open the floodgates to the already overflowing Ross River Dam on Sunday

Tens of thousands of families are currently on their seventh day of battling the conditions, and have now been warned the flooding has displaced crocodiles.

Crocodiles were spotted in the residential neighbourhood of Mundingburra shortly before 10pm.

Residents were warned to keep their eyes peeled while wading through the waist-deep waters.

Forecasters now fear the monsoonal weather conditions and strong winds will create a tornado in the region in the coming days.

Early estimates suggest insurance costs will exceed $16million, but this could increase drastically should the tornado hit.

The city was forced to open the floodgates to the already overflowing Ross River Dam on Sunday, creating a wall of water that flowed out into the community at 2000 cubic metres per second as of 9pm on Sunday evening.

The alarming reports prompted a warning from the Bureau of Meteorology, who urged residents of low lying areas to seek alternative accommodation.

'You can expect high velocity flows and unprecedented areas of flooding to occur in the Ross River Catchment,' BoM spokesman Bruce Gunn said in a video statement.

More than 500 Townsville homes were evacuated overnight and have been inundated with water

Townsville is currently in its sixth day of intense rains and monsoon weather conditions

Striking images showed roads and houses totally submerged by heavy flooding while 100 soldiers were called in to help stricken residents prepare for the worst (Pictured: Rosslea residents take their boat around floodwaters)

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services crews responding to flood conditions in Townsville

'It could change continuously and unpredictably over the course of this evening into (Monday) morning.'

The Ross River at Aplin Weir was at 3.11 metres and rising late on Sunday night, with authorities expecting it to reach four metres.

The extra water could flood more homes along the river.

Up to 20 suburbs were evacuated as of last night.

People in Rosslea, Hermit Park and Townsville City have been urged to move to higher ground immediately.

The monsoon trough that's been dumping vast amounts of rain on the state's north for a week has rewritten Townsville's record books.

The Bureau of Meteorology has warned communities in North Queensland the heavy rainfall and flooding could last well into next week

Queensland residents have been urged to seek safety as authorities are forced to open dam doors (pictured) completely as the state battles a one-in-100 year monsoon

The town was forced to open the floodgates to the already overflowing Ross River Dam on Sunday, creating a wall of water that flowed out into the community at 2000 cubic metres per second

In just seven days, the city copped a staggering 1012mm, eclipsing the previous record of 886mm set on the city's so-called Night of Noah when vast swathes of the city went under back in 1998.

Parts of north and central Queensland could get another half a metre to a metre of rain over the next few days.

Authorities have pleaded with Townsville residents who are still in their homes to get ready.

'We don't know when this event will end,' Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said.

'We cannot give you any certainty about what we are going to need to do into the future.'

Townsville Local Disaster Management Group Chair Mayor Jenny Hill said the decision to open the spillway gates further was not taken lightly (Pictured: flooding in Townsville)

Dozens of homes have been swamped since the flooding began with schools and businesses shut, thousands displaced and evacuation centres opened (Pictured: army personnel assisting with flood evacuations)

With water levels at waist and chest height in some suburban streets, local police chief and District Disaster Coordinator Steve Munro said the crisis was only half over

Townsville Airport announced it had cancelled all flights in and out of the facility just after 6pm due to safety concerns.

With water levels at waist and chest height in some suburban streets, local police chief and District Disaster Coordinator Steve Munro said the crisis was only half over.

He warned: '[Damage] could move up to the 20,000 (mark). That's the worst case scenario we're looking at if things keep going pear-shaped. We don't want to get to that stage.'

The monsoon trough has brought driving rain to other parts of the state too, including drought-hit communities out west.

At Hughenden, properties are facing inundation and the forecast is for more major falls out there, as far as Mount Isa near the Northern Territory border.

In Townsville, people are sharing dramatic stories of what they had to do to escape fast-rising flood waters

The flash flooding and land slips have been declared a disaster in an area that stretches 700km from Cairns to Mackay (Pictured: flooding in Rosslea, Townsville)

Back on the east coast, communities from Ingham to Mackay, 500km away, are at risk of flash flooding and damaging winds, including the possibility of tornadoes.

In Townsville, people are sharing dramatic stories of what they had to do to escape fast-rising flood waters.

Hermit Park resident Randall Parker used a blow-up air bed to float his family to safety after water rapidly swallowed his unit.

'It is just unbelievable ... It just keeps bucketing down,' he told The Sunday Mail.

'I just had to get the family out including a newborn baby as quick as possible.'

The monster monsoon has left police, rescue crews and soldiers scrambling to help locals, some of whom, like Mr Parker made makeshift rafts and desperately paddled their pets, children and belongings to higher ground.'Extremely hazardous' levels of toxic gas were found in a cruise ship's toilet cubicle where a woman was found dead during a party on Sydney Harbour.

Shalina Abdul Hussien, 39, was reported missing on board the Lady Rose on Saturday afternoon before her body was discovered by a deckhand.

Police, paramedics and hazardous materials squads established a crime scene and said Ms Hussien's death was not suspicious or drug-related.

Fire and Rescue teams said they didn't detect anything alarming, but HAZMAT crews later recorded 'extremely hazardous' levels of deadly hydrogen sulphate in the toilet.

Levels of the toxic gas reached the highest possible reading on testing machines, The Sydney Morning Herald reported.

'Extremely hazardous' levels of toxic gas were found in the Lady Rose's (pictured) toilet cubicle where a woman was found dead during a party on Sydney Harbour

Shalina Abdul Hussien, 39, was reported missing on board the Lady Rose on Saturday afternoon (file photo)

Fire and Rescue NSW said those readings were 'not consistent with what we found on Saturday'.

Ms Hussien is believed to have collapsed in the bathroom, with police saying passengers on the boat reported a 'strange smell'.

Ambulance Inspector Giles Buchanan said Ms Hussien was found unconscious, not breathing and in cardiac arrest.

Paramedics boarded the boat at the marina in Roberts Street, Balmain, and worked on the woman for upwards of 20 minutes after extricating her from the bathroom.

She couldn't be revived and died at the scene.

Several partygoers were treated for shock, with Mr Buchanan explaining many of them were rattled by 'the disturbing nature of the scene'.

Police, paramedics and hazardous materials squads established a crime scene and said Ms Hussien's death was not suspicious or drug-related

Other guests on board were seen crying and comforting each other, and a spokesman for Ambulance NSW said multiple people were treated for shock after witnessing 'the disturbing nature of the scene'

The group were seen crying and hugging each other around the Lady Rose, which is owned by All Occasion Cruises.

The company offers luxury day cruises throughout the Sydney Harbour and claim to have the biggest fleet in Sydney.

One woman had been put on a stretcher and taken away by an ambulance.

'We've been comforting a lot of participants at the party and on the boat, as well as the crew,' Mr Buchanan said, noting some guests had been in 'emotional shock'.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.

A crime scene was established on the cruise boat as police conduct a full investigationA new website shows how much Apple allows the Chinese government to censor what people are allowed to download from the iOS App Store.

The site was created by the non-profit organization GreatFire, which monitors what websites are censored in China and teaches users how to circumvent internet censorship.

Applecensorship.com works by searching an app, seeing which ones are blocked in China, and comparing the results to 150 other countries.

A new website shows how much Apple allows the Chinese government to censor what people are allowed to download from the iOS App Store. Pictured: Pedestrians walk past an Apple store entrance in Shanghai on Tuesday, January 29

In addition to several virtual private network (VPN) apps that cannot be accessed, many Western news apps are also blocked including The New York Times, Radio Free Asia and Voice of Tibet, reported The Intercept.

The latter two are likely because Tibet is an autonomous region of China, but the Chinese government still claims sovereignty over the area.

This censorship extends to Google's search app and the Bitter Winter app, a magazine about religious liberty and human rights in China, according to The Intercept.

On Friday, GreatFire announced the release of the website on Twitter, writing: 'Our newest project, built for human rights defenders around the world, shines a light on Apple by monitoring censorship in over 150 App Stores.

'Apple has hardly been forthcoming when it comes to censorship - now the balance of power has shifted.'

In an earnings call in August 2017, Apple CEO Tim Cook defended the decision to remove many VPN apps from the iOS App Store at the request of the Chinese government.

The site was created by the non-profit organization GreatFire, which monitors what websites are censored in China and teaches users how to circumvent internet censorship

Applecensorship.com works by searching an app, seeing which ones are blocked in China, and comparing the results to 150 other countries

'We would obviously rather not remove the apps, but like we do in other countries we follow the law wherever we do business,' he said.

'We strongly believe participating in markets and bringing benefits to customers is in the best interest of the folks there and in other countries as well.

'We believe in engaging with governments even when we disagree. This particular case, we're hopeful that over time the restrictions we're seeing are lessened, because innovation really requires freedom to collaborate and communicate.'

However, last year, Apple transferred the iCloud service in China to a Chinese company called Guizhou-Cloud Big Data Industry Development Co, Ltd.

The Intercept reported that Apple says it holds the encryption key so that the Communist Party cannot access user data including messages, photos, documents and contacts.

But human rights groups, including Amnesty International, there is not enough protection to restrict the access of the Chinese government to user data.

'By handing over its China iCloud service to a local company without sufficient safeguards, the Chinese authorities now have potentially unfettered access to all Apple's Chinese customers' iCloud data,' Nicholas Bequelin, East Asia Director at Amnesty International, said in a statement.

'Apple knows it, yet has not warned its customers in China of the risks.'Love & Hip Hop star Yandy Smith was among dozens of protesters who were pepper sprayed while demanding heat and power for inmates at a Brooklyn prison.

Demonstrations came to a head on Sunday at the Metropolitan Detention Center, where protesters have been left in freezing pitch-black cells for nearly a week.

Smith had been filming the protests on Sunday morning, which boiled over as family members demanded to be let inside the prison after being denied visitation since the power went out last Sunday.

'That's my son! You got to let me go!' Yvonne Morilla yelled as she walked up the door of the prison.

'We ain't going nowhere!' one man yelled as the crowd chanted 'Heat is a human right!'

Love & Hip Hop star Yandy Smith (pictured) was among dozens of protesters who were pepper sprayed while demanding heat and power for inmates at Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn on Sunday

Smith was on the ground as fellow protesters tried to help by pouring water in her eye

Smith filmed herself violently coughing and struggling from the spray before being pushed outside the prison by an officer

Protesters then began pushing against the officers before they were sprayed, according to the New York Times.

Smith filmed herself on Instagram as she violently coughed from the spray, screaming as an officer pushed her outside of the prison's entrance.

'Please, please no violence!' she can be heard screaming.

Smith then filmed herself recovering from the incident, telling her followers she had just been pepper sprayed and thrown on the floor.

'My eyes are on fire,' she said. 'I couldn't breathe. Y'all know I'm not violent, I did not do anything wrong. I just asked why don't they have heat?'

'Y'all saw us just asking and this is what happens when you just ask basic questions.'

Yandy Smith lies on the ground as people come to her rescue after she was sprayed with a respiratory irritant and thrown to the ground after she and others stormed the main entrance

It remains unclear if anyone was arrested following the incident. Protests quickly resumed even after many were hit by the spray

Smith later shared a video of herself as she recovered from the pepper spray, as well as the dispenser from which it came out of

Smith quickly rejoined the protests, throwing on her sunglasses and telling her followers she was okay.

'I'm alive but we got work to do,' she said. 'We got some serious work to do. I'll be out here all day.'

Smith continued to document the protests for hours, telling her fans she wanted them to see that 'everybody's peaceful'.

It remains unclear if anyone was arrested following the incident. Protests quickly resumed even after many were hit by the spray.

A fire last Sunday cut off power and heat to parts of the jail, leaving at least some of the more than 1,6000 inmates in near-freezing temperatures and darkness.

Images posted to social media showed women crying from the spray as others tried to treat them with water bottles outside of the Metropolitan Detention Center

Corrections officers restrain a woman, center, who was among dozens of family members of prisoners and protesters objecting to conditions in the Metropolitan Detention Center

Current inmates at the facility include Nxivm sex-cult leader Keith Raniere and accused jewelry thief mastermind Damir Pejcinovic, as well as MS-13 gang members and mafiosos.

But the facility also holds those charged with lesser crimes and awaiting bail hearings or trial.

The federal Bureau of Prisons said Saturday that work to restore power to the jail will be completed by Monday - but public defenders and local elected officials have said that the situation isn't being taken seriously enough.

'What we saw was intolerable, it was disgusting and it was immoral,' Rep Jerry Nadler told the crowd after he toured the prison.

'There's a total lack of urgency or concern on the part of the prison administration with respect to getting the heat and the hot water, getting the services we need.'

Prisoners at the Metropolitan Detention Center respond to family members and protesters who turned out to call attention to the conditions on Sunday

Reina Benn, 3, and her twin sister Chiara hold signs as their father, Michael Benn, second from right, keeps an eye on them as they joined other protesters at a vigil on Sunday

A woman makes a sign outside the Metropolitan Detention Center, where prisoners have been without heat, hot water, electricity and sanitation for a week

Volunteers bring donated supplies for prisoners' family members, protesters and activists who are maintaining a vigil outside the Metropolitan Detention Center

'Inmates were wrapped head to toe in towels and blankets,' Deirdre von Dornum, who oversees the Federal Defenders' Brooklyn team, said in a telephone interview on Saturday, recounting her tour of the jail the day before.

'Their windows were frosted over. Even more disturbingly perhaps for the inmates, their cells were pitch black and they don't have flashlights.'

Officials with the American Federation of Government Employees, the union that represents corrections officers at the jail, have confirmed the lawyers' accounts of the jail conditions.

'They're just waiting for a disaster to happen,' jail employee Rhonda Barnwell, who works in the facility's medical station, told reporters on Friday. 'There's only heat in the afternoons since we've been complaining today.'

On Sunday the Federal Bureau of Prisons revealed that a new electrical panel had been installed the day before and that power would be fully resorted by Monday.

The federal Bureau of Prisons said Saturday that work to restore power to the jail will be completed by Monday

Some of the more than 1,600 inmates at the jail have suffered in near-freezing temperatures and in darkness after the sun goes down while locked in their cells for 23 hours a day

It added that inmates had hot water for showers and hot water in the sinks of their cells and that 'essential personal hygiene items and medical services' were still being provided.

'Medical staff have checked and continue to check each inmate cell by cell periodically and continue to dispense required medications and address the medical needs of the inmate population,' the statement added.

Officials at the jail and the Bureau of Prisons had acknowledged a partial power outage in emails to the New York Times, which first reported the problems on Friday, but said the cells still had heat and hot water.

One inmate, Dino Sanchez, has only a short-sleeved jumpsuit, a T-shirt and a single standard-issue thin blanket to keep him warm, according to a court filing by his attorney.

Protesters attend a rally at Metropolitan Detention Center demanding that heat is restored for the inmates in the Brooklyn borough of New York City on Saturday

A protester and a corrections officer are seen at the rally on Saturday protesting conditions

A fire last Sunday cut off power and heat to parts of the jail, according to motions filed this week in federal court by lawyers from the Federal Defenders

Sanchez has asthma, which the cold has exacerbated, and fears collapsing in the dark without anyone noticing and coming to his aid, his lawyer wrote.

Rep Nydia Velazquez was one of the lawmakers who visited the jail on Saturday. She said the Bureau of Prisons was disregarding inmates' rights.

'This appalling situation needs to be fixed,' she wrote on Twitter. She noted that some heat had been restored, but that the heating system was still 'not at full capacity' and that staff at the jail were still complaining about the cold on Saturday.

Hugh Hurwitz, the Bureau of Prisons' acting director, told lawmakers in telephone conversations he agreed that conditions in the jail were 'unacceptable,' according to Velazquez.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said in a brief statement that the conditions at the jail were unconstitutional and demanded an immediate fix.

Judge Analisa Torres ordered the Bureau of Prisons to produce witnesses at a hearing in federal court in Manhattan on Tuesday to explain how the complaints raised by inmates' lawyers were being addressed.

Protesters attend a rally at Metropolitan Detention Center demanding that heat is restored for the inmates in the Brooklyn borough of New York City on Saturday

On Saturday night, New York City Mayor Bill de Balsio directed the city Emergency Management agency to deliver blankets, hand warmers, and generators to the jail.

'The people inside have a right to dignity and safety and we won't stand by while the Federal Bureau of Prisons fails them. NYC stands ready to do all we can to help,' de Blasio said in a statement.

The conditions at the jail drew condemnation from human rights advocates.

'This is worse than countries that we denounce,' the Rev Al Sharpton said at his weekly rally. 'This is disgraceful and inexcusable.'

Donna Lieberman, executive director of the New York Civil Liberties Union, said in a statement: 'It is shocking that the government would hold people for days on end in a dark, freezing jail during one of the coldest weeks in memory.'

On Saturday night, officials working for NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio oversaw and emergency delivery of blankets, hand warmers and generators to the federal facilityMore than 65 Firefighters are battling a fast moving blaze at a Melbourne high-rise apartment block.

Footage taken early on Monday morning shows flames climbing up at least six storeys of balconies at the complex on Spencer Street.

Crews were called just before 5am and the incident was quickly upgraded after the building was noted to have combustible cladding.

Paramedics have treated a man for smoke inhalation and Spencer Street is blocked in both directions with people being urged to stay clear of the area.

Footage taken early on Monday morning shows flames climbing up at least six storeys of balconies at the complex on Spencer Street (pictured)

Firefighters are seen at the scene of an apartment building fire on Spencer Street in Melbourne

Witnesses claim pieces of the building are falling down, with one resident describing the scene as 'pretty scary'.

'The alarm just went off. I thought it is within our apartment but then I opened up the alleyway and it was the whole building. I just immediately took my cat with me. It was pretty scary. I was very panicked,' she told the Nine Network.

Another resident told Seven News they didn't hear an evacuation alarm.

'We smelled the burning... we had one of our family members ring and ask if we were in the building,' they said.

The fire was deemed under control just before 7am and crews will remain on scene for some time, an MFB spokeswoman said.

Residents are seen on the street after being evacuated from their apartment building that caught fire

The cause is yet to be established.

The MFB confirmed the combustible cladding on the building is the same as on London's Grendell Tower.

The 24-storey block of flats caught fire in June 2017, killing 72 people.Boris Johnson was forced to call out the AA after unsuccessfully attempting to fix a flat tyre on his ageing Toyota while on an romantic evening out with his new girlfriend.

Boris, 55, and Carrie Symonds, 30, set off from her London flat in his Toyota Previa but only got a few metres before having car problems.

He was pictured at the side of the road looking deflated with his head in his hands trying to work out what the problem was.

In a bed to save his romantic evening, he attempted to fix the tyre himself by lying in a puddle at the back of the car as he tried to release the spare.

After about 10 minutes of fiddling around, the former foreign secretary proved a let-down for his new girlfriend - when he admitted defeat and called the AA.

Boris Johnson was forced to call out the AA after unsuccessfully attempting to fix a flat tyre on his ageing Toyota while on an evening out with his new girlfriend. He was pictured at the side of the road looking deflated with his head in his hands trying to work out what the problem was

In a bed to save his romantic evening, he attempted to fix the tyre himself by lying in a puddle at the back of the car as he tried to release the spare

An onlooker told the Mirror: 'Boris and Carrie headed out together, but only got a few yards down the road before they had to turn back.

'Boris was clearly frustrated and had his head in his hands. He fiddled around with the wheel for 10 minutes, before the AA came.

'With the tyre fixed, Boris and Carrie headed off into the night.'

Witnesses said Boris was keen to assist the AA worker who appeared to not recognise his famous customer.

After an hour, the car was eventually fixed, and a dirty-handed Boris and his new love interest were able to set off again and enjoy their date night.

Witnesses said Boris was keen to assist the AA worker who appeared to not recognise his famous customer

After about 10 minutes of fiddling around, the former foreign secretary admitted defeat and called the AA

Boris and Carrie Symonds set off from her London flat but only got a few metres before having to stop due to car issues

An hour later after the car was eventually fixed, a dirty-handed Boris called Carrie and the new love birds set off again for their date night

An onlooker told the Mirror: 'Boris and Carrie headed out together, but only got a few yards down the road before they had to turn back.

Boris was keen to help the AA worker. The pair are pictured looking in the boot of his car

After spending ten minutes lying on the ground trying to fix the car Boris called the AA

Boris and ex-Tory aide Carrie have been dating publicly since September.

They are believed to have grown close after he announced he and second wife Marina Wheeler, 55, separated.

The pair are living at Carrie's 1million London flat as Boris waits for his divorce to be completed.

Boris and Carrie jetted off to Greece for New Year.

They were staying at the same villa in South Pelion where Boris took his four children last summer.

The politician and Carrie, 30 were spotted by locals at a taverna in South Pelion, north of Athens.The documentary filmmaker noted for his liberal political stance made it clear that he wished the constitutional age restriction for those who could serve as president could be rescinded for Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in time for 2020.

Michael Moore stated that the most important factor for Democratic voters should be 'who can crush Trump' after he was prompted by Ali Velshi on MSNBC's The Last Word regarding the declared field of candidates.

'It's too bad you have to be 35 to be president,' Moore said. 'We put that in the constitution, the Founding Fathers, because people died at 38 or 40 back then. Y'know, we need to lower that. If that was lowered to 30 ...'

After Moore left that hanging, Velshi asks him if Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is where he was going with that train of thought. Moore points out that if the restriction was lower now, she could be running for 2020.

Scroll down for video

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) on January 30. The 29-year-old Ocasio-Cortez would not be able to run for president in 2020 due to the constitutional restriction on age

Michael Moore (right) told host Ali Velshi (left) he wished the age restriction would be lowered to 30 so that Rep. Ocasio-Cortez could run in the election against Trump

The 29-year-old freshman Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez from New York would be 30 by the time the next inauguration would be scheduled.

'She is the leader. Everybody knows it. Everybody feels it. She is the leader of this mass movement,' Moore says of Ocasio-Cortez.

To bolster the claim, he pointed to a poll shown on FOX News that the majority of Americans agree with her proposals to increase the marginal tax rate to 70 percent on the richest citizens.

When Velshi points out that FOX News likes to talk about Ocasio-Cortez and asks if there is a danger in alienating political moderates in having a figure as politically left-wing as she is be the face of the Democratic party.

Moore emphatically stated that political moderation could no longer be a consideration

Moore was responding to Velshi's question on the various candidates who have already declared for the Democratic nomination in the 2020 race

'I'm not, no. First of all, If you're being moderate, stop being moderate. Take a position,' Moore replied. 'There's no middle ground anymore. There's no halfway point to should somebody be paid a living wage. "Well, I'm a moderate so I think they could be paid half of that living wage."'

'You know, on the issue of choice, there is no halfway there. You're either for it or you're against it,' he continued pressing his point. 'Do you believe in equal rights for women? Do you believe we should have an Equal Rights Amendment? There's no middle ground. There's no time for moderation.'

At the end of the interview, Moore added another firm position as he told the New Orleans Saints, the team that lost to Los Angeles Rams playing in the Super Bowl, to 'quit all the whining' about controversial officiating during their game two weeks ago.The teenage suicide rate has almost doubled in eight years, it emerged yesterday, as ministers vowed to crack down on the internet giants accused of fuelling youngsters distress.

New figures show the rate among children aged between 15 and 19 has risen, despite falling for most other age groups. The provisional Office for National Statistics data for last year reveal that suicides are running at more than five in 100,000 among teenagers in England.

In 2010, the rate was just over three in 100,000. It comes after the grieving father of 14-year-old Molly Russell accused Instagram of helping to kill her after the schoolgirl took her own life.

Ian Russell, 55, of Harrow, north-west London, said Molly had gone to bed in a good mood but decided to kill herself after looking at troubling images that night. He added: I have no doubt that Instagram helped kill my daughter.

The grieving father of 14-year-old Molly Russell (pictured) accused Instagram of helping to kill her after the schoolgirl took her own life

Education Secretary Damian Hinds yesterday said social media firms had a moral duty to act on harmful images hosted by their sites.

Pilot schemes to boost mental health will be launched in schools today, and Dame Sally Davies, the chief medical officer, will announce her findings that teenage suicides are linked with self-harm and spending more than four hours a day on social media apps.

She will tell technology giants such as Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat that they have a duty of care, clearing the way for a new regulator to press the firms to remove the worst material.

And she will call on parents to ban smartphones from the dinner table and before bedtime, and limit screen time to two hours at a time.

Ian Russell, 55, of Harrow, north-west London, said Molly had gone to bed in a good mood but decided to kill herself after looking at troubling images that night

Professor Louis Appleby, head of the national suicide prevention strategy, told The Sunday Times: The danger is that we are presiding over a suicidal generation of young people and that young people have learnt self-harm as a way of coping. He said one in four teenage girls and one in ten boys were self-harming.

Ministers will publish a White Paper at the end of the month setting out new demands for social media firms to protect young people. Online firms will be ordered to shield their users from images of suicide, self-harm and bullying and told to remove references to suicide and self-harm methods.

Tech giants will have to sign up to new corporate social responsibility standards that will require them to remove material quickly and comprehensively. They will also face a new duty to set out how many complaints of online bullying, self-harm, trolling, rape and other threats they have received. If they refuse, or act too slowly, a new regulator will step in.

Father's anger at Instagram Molly Russell had shown no obvious signs of depression when she took her life at the age of 14 in 2017. It was later discovered she had been viewing content on Instagram which glorified self-harm and suicide. Last month, her TV director father Ian Russell, 55, accused the social media site of helping to kill her. Molly was found dead just hours after handing in her homework at school and returning to her home. Mr Russell, of Harrow, north -west London, said she had gone to bed in a good mood but decided to kill herself after looking at troubling images that night. She used her phone to access Instagram in her room. One account she followed featured an image of a blindfolded girl, seemingly with bleeding eyes, hugging a teddy bear. The caption read: This world is so cruel and I dont wanna to see it any more. Mr Russell said: I have no doubt that Instagram helped kill my daughter. She had so much to offer and thats gone. Advertisement

Professor Applebys three-year study into hundreds of youngsters who killed themselves found that a quarter had used the internet in a way that was suicide-related and one in 25 had visited websites where suicide was encouraged.

He warned that government thinking lagged behind the reality of how teenagers were using social media.

We have been looking at how much screen time youngsters have, which is a crude measure, he said. It does not tell you anything about how young people are using screens.

Professor Appleby said parents should worry less about children spending time on phones and more about what they were doing online.

One worrying example would be if they are sending each other self-harm images, he said. That runs the risk of self-harm spreading as a kind of contagion. We should be worried about Instagram and the images that people pass to each other.

TV presenter Esther Rantzen, who set up the Childline charity, said her own research linked the rise in suicide and self-harm to childrens use of the internet and social media. She added: I am very concerned about the calls we are receiving. So many of them talk about being suicidal.

I am seeing a huge rise in unhappiness among our children and when I talk to our counsellors up and down the country and ask them why, they always say social media.

Young people are looking for comfort on the internet where there are people who feel the way they do. Tragically they are finding them and the solutions they are offering are coping mechanisms which are self-harm, even to the point of suicide.

Facebook and Instagram said: We have a deep responsibility to make sure people on Instagram and Facebook are safe. We do not allow content that promotes or encourages suicide or self-injury, and we will remove it as soon as we are aware.

We have started a full review of our policies, enforcement and technologies around suicide and self-injury content. While we conduct this review, over the past week we have had a team of engineers working round the clock to make changes to make it harder for people to search for and find self-harm content.

Google said: When people in need turn to the internet for advice and search for queries relating to suicide, we show the Samaritans 24-hour helpline number to connect people who are depressed, suicidal or in distress with the help and advice they need.

For confidential support, log on to samaritans.org or call the Samaritans on 116123More shocking photos from Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam's 1984 medical school yearbook have emerged showing multiple men dressed up in blackface - as the college says an investigation will be launched into all of its past yearbooks.

Northam is facing calls to resign as governor after a photo from his profile page in the 1984 Eastern Virginia Medical School yearbook surfaced on Friday that featured someone in blackface and someone in KKK robes.

While he initially apologized for appearing in the photograph, the Democrat reversed course on Saturday and said that after further consideration he had determined he wasn't in the picture after all.

The photo in question featured a man in blackface and a second person in a Ku Klux Klan hood and robe. Northam has admitted that he once used shoe polish to put on blackface as part of a Michael Jackson costume for a 1984 dance contest in Texas when he was in the Army.

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam gestures as his wife Pam listens during a news conference in the Governors Mansion at the Capitol in Richmond, Va. on Saturday when he denied being in the racist photo

More shocking photos from Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam's 1984 medical school yearbook have emerged showing multiple men dressed up in blackface. Bottom right is the initial photo that emerged showing Northam's yearbook profile page

'While I did not appear in this photo, I am not surprised by its appearance in the EVMS yearbook,' Northam said in a statement.

'In the place and time where I grew up, many actions that we rightfully recognize as abhorrent today were commonplace.'

More photos from the 1984 yearbook have emerged on social media showing multiple men dressed in blackface.

There is a photo of three men in blackface on the page opposite Northam's profile, as well as another picture of a man wearing a wig and black paint on his face.

Another photo featuring blackface in the yearbook was accompanied with the caption: 'Baby Love, who ever thought Diana Ross would make it to Medical School'.

Bryn Kerrigan Mahan said she spent hours in the school's library going through the yearbooks and noted there were blackface photos from various years, as well as 'cover to cover Confederate flags'.

'Pure speculation, but seems to me VMI was using blackface as a form of hazing in the '70s. #NorthamResign,' she tweeted.

More photos from the 1984 yearbook have emerged on social media showing multiple men dressed in blackface, including a photo of three men in blackface on the page opposite Northam's profile

Another photo featuring blackface in the yearbook was accompanied with the caption: 'Baby Love, who ever thought Diana Ross would make it to Medical School'

The photo that sparked calls for Northam to resign in question featured a man in blackface and a second person in a Ku Klux Klan hood and robe that was on Northam's profile page in the 1984 Eastern Virginia Medical School yearbook

A photo on Northam's yearbook page depicts a man in blackface and another in a KKK robe. Northam said he felt sick when he saw the image recently, despite admitting to covering his face in shoe polish to emulate Michael Jackson

The president of the school, Dr. Richard V. Homan, announced on Saturday that he will direct an external investigation into past yearbooks.

The investigation will be carried out by a 'panel of advocates for diversity and inclusion'.

It will include African Americans and other people of color.

The probe will determine the yearbook publishing process and the extent of administrative oversight.

It will also examine the campus culture at the Eastern Virginia Medical School.

Northam's insistence that he is not in the initial racist photo did nothing to quell the clamor from his own party on Sunday for him to resign.

In his initial apology on Friday, Northam posted a video on Twitter, saying he could not 'undo the harm my behavior caused then and today'.

On Saturday, the governor reversed course and said he wasn't in the picture after all. Northam also said he had not seen the photo before Friday, since he had not bought the yearbook or been involved in its preparation 35 years ago.

Bryn Kerrigan Mahan said she spent hours in the school's library going through the yearbooks and noted there were blackface photos from various years, as well as 'cover to cover Confederate flags'

Bryn Kerrigan Mahan noted one male student wearing a 'Kill Arabs for Exxon' shirt

The president of the school, Dr. Richard V. Homan, announced on Saturday that he will direct an external investigation into past yearbooks

Northam is seen left in a 1981 VMI yearbook photo that lists his nickname as 'C**nman', and right in a 1984 yearbook photo from Eastern Virginia Medical School

'It has taken time for me to make sure that it's not me, but I am convinced, I am convinced that I am not in that picture,' he told reporters at the Executive Mansion in Richmond, calling the picture offensive and horrific.

Northam, who is one year into his four-year term, again rejected demands that he step down.

While talking with reporters, Northam admitted he once used shoe polish to put on blackface as part of a Michael Jackson costume but said he regrets that he didn't understand 'the harmful legacy of an action like that'.

Asked if he could still do Jackson's famous moonwalk, Northam looked at the floor as if thinking about demonstrating it. His wife put a stop to it, telling him: 'Inappropriate circumstances.'

His shifting explanations did little or nothing to sway prominent Democrats calling on him to resign, including from Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Tim Kaine and Elizabeth Warren.

Northam was pushed repeatedly by reporters to explain why he issued an apology if he wasn't in the photograph.

He conceded that people might have difficulty believing his shifting statements.

'My first intention... was to reach out and apologize,' he said, adding that he recognized that people would be offended by the photo.

But after studying the picture and consulting with classmates, Northam said, 'I am convinced that is not my picture.'

Walt Broadnax, one of two black students who graduated from Eastern Virginia Medical School with Northam, said Saturday that he also didn't buy the 1984 yearbook or see it until decades later.

Broadnax defended his former classmate and said Northam is not a racist, adding that the school would not have tolerated someone going to a party in blackface.

The yearbook images were first published Friday by the conservative news outlet Big League Politics.

Northam spent years courting the black community in the run-up to his 2017 race for governor run, building relationships that helped him win both the primary and the general election. He is a member of a predominantly black church.

Northam, a pediatric neurologist, has recently come under fire from Republicans who have accused him of backing infanticide after he said he supported a bill loosening restrictions on late-term abortions.

In a tweet late Saturday, President Donald Trump called Northam's actions related to the photo and abortion debate 'unforgiveable!'

Late last month, Florida's secretary of state resigned after photos from a 2005 Halloween party showed him in blackface while dressed as a Hurricane Katrina victim.Pope Francis has become the first pontiff to visit the Arabian Peninsula today where is expected to raise the humanitarian crisis in Yemen.

He landed in Abu Dhabi just hours after issuing his strongest condemnation yet of the war in Yemen, where his host the United Arab Emirates has a leading military role.

Pope Francis was greeted by Abu Dhabi's powerful crown prince, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

A young boy and girl in traditional Emirati dress handed the pontiff flowers and the two leaders then walked past a guard of honour, all with traditional Arabic daggers at their waists.

Pope Francis and Sheikh Mohammed smiled and spoke to each other as they walked through the airport terminal.

Pope Francis is welcomed by Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, upon his arrival at the Abu Dhabi airport today

A young boy and girl in traditional Emirati dress handed the pope flowers and the two leaders walked past a guard of honour, all wearing traditional Arabic daggers at their waists

Pope Francis arrived in Abu Dhabi for the first ever papal visit to the Arabian Peninsula and was greeted by Abu Dhabi's powerful Sheikh Mohammed

The pope also met a host of cabinet ministers in a greeting line, as well as Catholic and Muslim officials.

Before he boarded his Alitalia flight, the pope said in his regular Sunday address in Vatican City that he was following the urgent humanitarian crisis in Yemen with great concern.

He urged all sides to implement a fragile peace deal and help deliver aid of food and medicine to millions of starving people.

The UAE plays a leading role in the Saudi-led coalition battling the Iran-aligned Houthi group to restore the internationally recognised government in the nearly four-year war that has pushed Yemen to the brink of famine.

Pope Francis made the appeal at the Vatican before boarding a plane to the United Arab Emirates, which has been Saudi Arabia's main ally in its war in Yemen - a way to avoid embarrassing his hosts with a public call while in the region.

The United Nations is trying to implement a truce and troop withdrawal deal in the main Yemeni port of Hodeidah that was agreed in December talks as a trust-building step that could pave the way for political negotiations to end the conflict.

'The cry of these children and their parents rise up to God,' Pope Francis told tens of thousands of people in St. Peter's Square.

During the pope's 48 hours in the UAE he is expected to raise the issue of the Yemen war, but Vatican officials said it is not clear whether this will be addressed in public or private

Pope Francis is greeted by an Emirati boy who hands the pontiff a bunch of flowers at Abu Dhabi International airport today

Just hours before his arrival Pope Francis condemned the war in Yemen, where his hosts today - the United Arab Emirates - has a leading military role

'Let us pray strongly because they are children who are hungry, who are thirsty, they don't have medicine and they are in danger of death,' he said before boarding his flight to the UAE capital Abu Dhabi.

Vatican officials have said it is not clear whether Pope Francis will address the sensitive subject in public or private during his visit to Abu Dhabi, which is aimed at promoting interfaith dialogue.

The pope will spend less than 48 hours in the UAE, where he will meet Muslim leaders and celebrate an outdoor mass for some 120,000 Catholics.

He has said the trip is an opportunity to write 'a new page in the history of relations between religions'.

The UAE, which named 2019 its Year of Tolerance, says the visit reflects its history as a 'cradle of diversity'.

But it faces criticism from human rights groups for jailing activists, including Ahmed Mansoor, an Emirati who is serving a 10-year sentence for criticising the government on social media.

Pope Francis speaking to reporters aboard a plane on the way to Abu Dhabi earlier today

Pope Francis smiling upon his arrival at the Abu Dhabi airport today. He becomes the first pontiff to visit the birthplace of Islam

Pope Francis blesses photographs of children as he welcomes journalists aboard his plane after take-off on his way to Abu Dhabi

'We are calling on Pope Francis to raise the issue of their incarceration with his hosts, and urge their immediate and unconditional release,' Amnesty International said in a statement on Saturday.

UAE authorities did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

Priests and diplomats describe the UAE as one of the most open environments in the Gulf for Christian worship. But like its neighbours, the UAE does not allow dissent or criticism of its leadership.

The UAE is home to around half of an estimated two million expatriate Catholics living in the peninsula, a territory which also hosts Islam's holiest sites in Saudi Arabia and is the birthplace of the religion.

Most are Filipino and Indian, many of whom have left behind families for work and can face precarious labour conditions, which human rights groups regularly denounce.

The pope will meet Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan, who invited him.

The prince is an ally of Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who has reached out to Christian representatives abroad as part of attempts to open up the conservative kingdom.

All Gulf states except Saudi Arabia allow Christian worship in churches or church compounds and other premises with special licences.

In Saudi Arabia, non-Muslims pray in secret gatherings in private homes and embassies.

Pope Francis (right) is presented with a T-shirt by Ansa photojornalist Luca Zennaro (left) to raise funds for victims of the Morandi bridge collapsed in Genoa

Pope Francis waves as he boards the Alitalia airplane for Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, at Rome's Fiumicino International airport earlier today

The pope will also meet Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Egypt's Al-Azhar mosque and university, the 1,000-year-old seat of Sunni Muslim learning.

The meeting will be held in Abu Dhabi's Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

Francis has already visited half a dozen mainly Muslim nations during his reign, using the trips to call for inter-religious dialogue and to condemn the use of violence in the name of God.

The UAE ambassador to Washington, Yousef Al Otaiba, wrote in an op-ed in Politico magazine on Sunday that the pontiff's visit sends a signal of co-existence and respect in the face of the 'menace of extremism' across the Middle East.

The Emirates' support for Saudi Arabia's war in Yemen, which has caused the world's worst humanitarian crisis, and the UAE's problematic record on human rights and labour violations at home are likely to get a pass - at least in public.

Francis is travelling to Abu Dhabi to participate in a conference on inter-religious dialogue sponsored by the Emirates-based Muslim Council of Elders, an initiative that seeks to counter religious fanaticism by promoting a moderate brand of Islam.

Francis and Sheikh Ahmed el-Tayeb, the grand imam of Egypt's Al-Azhar, are to address the Human Fraternity Meeting tomorrow that has drawn not only Christian and Muslim representatives but hundreds of Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist and other Christian faith leaders.

Pope Francis visits the Parish of Santa Maria degli Angeli - St. Mary of the Angels - at Leonardo Da Vinci International airport, near Rome today

It is the brainchild of el-Tayeb, who also met Francis at the airport and sits in the revered 1,000-year-old seat of Sunni Islam learning that trains clerics and scholars from around the world.

Francis's other main initiative in Abu Dhabi is a giant Mass on Tuesday in the city's main sports arena that is expected to draw some 135,000 people in what some have called the largest show of public Christian worship on the Arabian Peninsula.

It will be the fifth meeting between Francis and Sheikh el-Tayeb, evidence that Al-Azhar's freeze in relations with the Holy See sparked by Pope Benedict XVI's 2006 comments linking Islam to violence has thoroughly thawed.

In a video message to the Emirates on the eve of his trip, Francis paid homage to his 'friend and dear brother' el-Tayeb and praised his courage in calling the meeting to assert that 'God unites and doesn't divide.'

'I am pleased with this meeting offered by the Lord to write, on your dear land, a new page in the history of relations among religions and confirm that we are brothers despite our differences,' Francis said.

In a statement yesterday, Al-Azhar described the upcoming meeting as 'historic' and praised the 'deeply fraternal relationship' between its imam and the pope, which it said even includes birthday greetings.Dramatic video has emerged showing Texas sheriff's deputies arrest an MMA fighter suspected of double murder who escaped from a police transport van which stopped at a McDonald's and led authorities on a nine-hour manhunt.

Cedric Marks was seen shirtless and wearing pants that appear to be part of an orange prison jumpsuit as he was escorted by plain-clothed deputies.

He was also wearing a jean jacket, apparently given to him by the deputies.

Authorities said Marks was apprehended after a nine-hour manhunt, KHOU-TV reported.

Dramatic video has emerged showing Texas sheriff's deputies take into a custody an MMA fighter, Cedric Marks (circled), who is suspected of double murder. Marks escaped from a police transport van and led authorities on a nine-hour manhunt

Cedric Marks is seen in the video shirtless while wearing pants that appear to be part of an orange prison jumpsuit

Marks (left) is seen being escorted by plain-clothed deputies. He is wearing what appears to be a jean jacket given to him by the deputies. Marks is seen right in his mug shot

The McDonald's restaurant in Conroe, Texas where the private prison transport stopped before Marks escaped is seen in the file photo above

Marks escaped from the private prison transport van during a stop at a McDonald's in Conroe, police Lt. Dorcy McGinnis said during a news conference in the city.

His shirt was later found.

The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office released a statement on Facebook which read: 'After an exhausting 9 hour manhunt involving [state, federal, and local agencies], Cedric Joseph Marks has been captured.'

McGinnis said murder warrants were issued Sunday for Marks in last month's killings of an ex-girlfriend, Jenna Scott, and a friend of hers, Michael Swearingin, who disappeared January 4 and were found buried in a shallow grave in Clearview, Oklahoma, on January 15.

Marks was arrested in Michigan last month on a Bell County, Texas.

Marks is wanted for last month's killings of an ex-girlfriend, Jenna Scott (right), and a friend of hers, Michael Swearingin (left), who disappeared Jan. 4 and were found buried in a shallow grave in Clearview, Oklahoma, on Jan. 15

The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office released a statement on Facebook which read: 'After an exhausting 9 hour manhunt involving [state, federal, and local agencies], Cedric Joseph Marks has been captured.'

The Conroe Police Department announced Marks' escape earlier on Sunday

Authorities say he escaped while being transferred to Bell County to face that charge.

Scott requested a protective order against Marks last July, accusing him of choking her unconscious twice, Temple television station KCEN reported.

'Each time he allowed me to regain consciousness and then he choked me out again,' Scott said in an affidavit.

The protective order request was denied.

Marks was arrested in Michigan last month on a Bell County, Texas, charge alleging that on Aug. 21, he broke into Scott's (above) home in Temple, which is about 60 miles north of Austin

Another missing ex: Marks' (right) ex-partner April Pease (left) has been missing since 2009. She vanished while they fought over custody of their son and has never been found

She also reported to police that Marks had broken into her home in August while her daughter, who was 9, was there. She said he took her cellphone to prevent her from calling 911.

The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office's initial tweet about the escape said Marks was facing three 'pending murder charges,' but it didn't immediately respond to requests for further information about those charges.

Police in Bloomington, Minnesota, say Marks remains a person of interest in the 2009 disappearance of April Pease, who was the mother of one of his children.

The two were involved in a fierce custody dispute in Washington state and Pease, who had a drug problem, went to live in a Bloomington women's shelter because she said she was afraid of Marks.

Like Scott, Pease alleged that Marks had choked her unconscious on more than one occasion, according to a court custody investigator.

Pease went missing in March 2009 and Marks got custody of their son.

Pease's mother, Dottie Pease, told KCEN last month that she had believed her daughter might have had a drug relapse, but that given the developments in Texas, she thought it was possible that Marks might have had something to do with her daughter's disappearance.

Two women were arrested in Michigan on charges related to Marks.

Ginell McDonough (left), 37, who is Marks' wife and the mother of two of his two children, is jailed in Muskegon County, Michigan, on an obstruction of justice charge. She is accused of allowing Marks and Maya Maxwell (right) to stay in her home between Jan. 5 and Jan. 9. Maxwell is charged with evidence tampering

Maya Maxwell is charged with evidence tampering and is jailed in Bell County, Texas, on $150,000 bond.

According to an arrest affidavit, she told detectives that she drove Swearingin's vehicle to Austin in an attempt to hide it from investigators.

It was found abandoned in the city Jan. 6.

Ginell McDonough, who is Marks' wife and the mother of two of his two children, is jailed in Muskegon County, Michigan, on an obstruction of justice charge.

She is accused of allowing Marks and Maxwell to stay in her home between January 5 and January 9.

Jail records do not list an attorney for either woman.

Marks compiled a record of 31-28-0 during his professional MMA career, which began in 1999, according to mixedmartialarts.com.

His last fight was in September.The mother of a teenager who took his own life has called on social media giants to ban encouraging content after it emerged her son was able to watch a tutorial on taking his own life.

Emma Oliver, 44, was making dinner for her family in February 2017 when her son Daniel took his own life at their home in Gildersome, near Leeds.

The teenager hanged himself in his room and despite her efforts to save his life he died in hospital two days later with his mother by his side.

Ms Oliver has urged Facebook and other social media providers to crackdown on content which encourages self-harm and instead show advice or contact details for Samaritans when a person researches it.

She told the Daily Express: 'Daniel had googled how to kill himself. When I found him I immediately realised he had looked up how to do it. Police took his phone which confirmed he had been researching painless ways of killing yourself.

'How does that information get out there? Once he typed that in the website should immediately have come up with the Samaritans. There needs to be control over this and this information needs to be removed.

The system isn't working and I'm angry it is allowed to continue.'

Emma Oliver, Daniel Long and sister Chelsea Oliver. Daniel's mother has turned campaigner after he took his own life

Daniel is not the only person who researched methods online.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has warned social media companies that a range of regulations and even higher taxes will be imposed unless they crack down on the blight of 'suicide porn'.

His threats came after 30 families accused the social media companies of contributing to their children's deaths by failing to remove distressing posts that are easily accessible online.

The growing problem was highlighted last week when father Ian Russell accused Instagram, the social network owned by Facebook, of playing a part in the suicide of his daughter Molly, 14.

Every year in the UK about 200 school age children take their own life.

Liberal Democrat MP, Norman Lamb called for an independent regulator to protect children from tech giants such as Google, Facebook and Instagram, saying 'Self-regulation is not working'.

Ms Oliver believed her son was stressed about his exams  but she never had the feeling he end his life.

She told the Express: 'Daniel had gone out the night before with his friends - I gave him some money to get some pizza. I didn't see him that night because he stayed over at his friend's house. He came home about half past eight in the morning, came in and had his breakfast like he normally would, chatted to me for a bit, then went upstairs to have a bath. We had a conversation that he could revise if he wanted to but he needed to take breaks.

Daniel's family want social media to do more about preventing images of self-harm - pictured: Daniel Long, 15, with sister Chelsea Oliver, 23

'Daniel always had a good sense of humour. He never got into trouble. He was a genuinely good kid and would do anything for anyone. I knew he had been stressed. A couple of days before he died he had been rocking on a chair, his eyes fixated on the walls. He was zombified. I asked him how long he had been revising. He was wearing earplugs and he just launched the table across the kitchen. He was so worried about his GCSE's. He was working 'constantly' as he felt he would not remember what he had been taught.

'I told him 'you're fine, you'll easily pass'. I knew he was going to do well. He'd been getting As and A*s in his mocks and I had no concerns.'

The Mother-of-two now runs a support group for parents.

Through her work, as she campaigns for specially trained staff in schools to help children with mental health issues, she has identified a growing trend in the link between social media and suicide.

She said: 'There is a generation of mental ill health among children. Social media and exam pressure is pushing them to desperation.

'At the end of the day you don't know what children have left at their front door - you may think they are okay but inside they are not - which is why we need proper support in every school. This should be mandatory.

'Two years ago I didn't have a care in the world. Imagine someone taking your heart out. Stamping on it a million times. That's what it's like.

She added: 'I don't want Daniel to become just another statistic. His legacy has to stop another child going down the same route.'

Daniel took his own life at home in February 2017 and ever since his mother has been fighting to make sure it does not happen to another family

You can call Samaritans free, any time, on 116 123 (this number will not appear on your phone bill) or visit www.samaritans.org to find details of your nearest branch.Alaska Gov Mike Dunleavy has come under fire for his screening process after it was revealed two of his new hires had written a number of offensive Facebook posts.

A man picked for a policy role in the Department of Administration, which provides administrative services to Alaska state agencies, posted lewd comments about Sen Kamala Harris on Facebook, among other remarks.

And a University of Alaska Board of Regents nominee shared derogatory tweets about former first lady Michelle Obama and two Muslim congresswomen.

Dunleavy's choice for Department of Administration commissioner - a Cabinet-level job - was also accused of lying to lawmakers about his business experience.

Newly elected Alaska Republican Gov. Mike Dunleavy's process for screening candidates for government work is under scrutiny after three of his prominent picks have had to quit or resign due to offensive social media posts and questions regarding work history

Tammy Randolph, a nominee to the University of Alaska Board of Regents, shared Twitter posts referring to Michelle Obama as a man and to Democratic Rep Rashida Tlaib of Michigan as a terrorist

Tammy Randolph, a nominee to the University of Alaska Board of Regents, shared Twitter posts referring to Michelle Obama as a man and to Democratic Rep Rashida Tlaib of Michigan as a terrorist.

She also attacked Democratic Rep Ilhan Omar of Minnesota for wearing a hijab.

Another of Randolph's retweets criticized Gillette's recent ad invoking the #MeToo movement and suggested Maybelline do an ad that 'lectures women about the importance of not making false rape accusations'.

A September 29, 2018 post on Randolph's page showed OJ Simpson's late attorney Johnnie Cochran during the infamous 'if the glove don't fit, you must acquit' moment that is believed to be the force behind the sportsman being found not guilty in the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman.

Instead, a meme Randolph shared wit the photo read: 'If there was no sperm, you must confirm.' Alongside it she wrote with 'three crying with laughter' emoji: '#MAGA #ConfirmKavanaugh #WalkAway The adult in the room will get this.'

The University of Alaska system in 2017 agreed to resolve issues stemming from a federal review of its handling of campus sexual assault and sexual harassment cases.

Randolph said she retweeted this meme and said 'she's a he' because Michelle Obama dresses like a man but she claimed she's not homophobic or racist

Board of Regents Chair John Davies said he did not condone the posts and worried about how Randolph's appointment could reflect on the board.

Randolph told the News-Miner it didn't occur to her that her Twitter feed could be seen in association with a potential public role. She apologized for use of 'rude and severe language' before withdrawing her nomination.

Dunleavy spokesman Matt Shuckerow said the governor 'wholeheartedly' stood behind Randolph's appointment but also stood by her decision to withdraw.

Meanwhile, posts by Art Chance, who was in line for a Department of Administration policy job, included lewd Facebook comments about Harris and 'leftist' women.

He also described Puerto Rico as having an incompetent government and a population that was 'sitting and waiting for the Great White Father to come take care of them' after Hurricane Maria in 2017.

Chance wrote on Facebook on January 22 that he had accepted a position in the department but provided no start date.

Randolph said she thought the meme (left) featuring OJ Simpson's 'acquit' trial moment was funny in the context of Supreme Court Justice Kavanaugh's (right) nomination hearing

Two days later, Shuckerow said a review was being done 'given the seriousness' of Chance's posts, and that Chance 'declined to accept his offer of employment'.

Dunleavy, in a statement, said that was for the best.

Jonathan Quick resigned as Department of Administration commissioner after an owner of a Seattle-area coffee chain and frozen yogurt business said some claims Quick made about his role with the businesses were untrue.

During a confirmation hearing, Democratic Sen Bill Wielechowski asked Quick when he sold an interest in the businesses and who his co-investors were. Quick said he believed it was 2014 and the other person was a private party.

After that and other aspects of his resume were disputed by one of the owners, Quick clarified that his ties to the businesses ended in 2012, and said he should have made clear he parted ways with them, rather than sold an ownership stake.

Wielechowski said he asked Quick how he was appointed commissioner and that Quick told him he was affiliated with the state Republican party central committee and knew Tuckerman Babcock, the former party chair who is Dunleavy's chief of staff.

Jonathan Quick resigned as Department of Administration commissioner after it was revealed some of the claims he made about one of his past businesses were untrue

Quick resigned amid unfinished confirmation proceedings, saying he refuted some of the claims against him but did not want to be a distraction.

Senate Democratic Leader Tom Begich said legislators take seriously their vetting responsibility. Whether they agree with nominees politically is irrelevant, he said.

'What matters is whether they have the integrity to hold up the state's standing and to ensure that they are doing what's right for the public,' he added.

Meanwhile, Shuckerow defended the selection process for Dunleavy's team as 'thorough, thoughtful, and deliberate'.

Applicants for boards and commissions can apply online, where they're asked for information such as training and education, potential conflicts of interest and criminal history within the past 10 years.

However, Shuckerow didn't respond to questions on who is handling vetting for Dunleavy, how the administration is vetting appointees for boards and Cabinet-level jobs and if social media feeds are taken into account.Advertisement

An oil rig has sparked outrage among locals after it was placed between two of Britain's most famous coastal landmarks.

The controversial rig will spend a month drilling a deep-water well in Poole Bay, Dorset, which forms part the Unesco World Heritage Site.

The 340ft high mobile platform stands four miles east of the popular beauty spot of Old Harry Rocks, near Swanage, and 10 miles west of the Needles on the Isle of Wight.

Its arrival has sparked anger with not only environmentalists but also residents of Bournemouth who can clearly see the 250ft wide platform from its famous seafront.

An oil rig has sparked outrage among locals after it has been placed in Poole Bay, Dorset, between two of Britain's most famous coastal landmarks

The 340ft high mobile platform stands 10 miles west of the popular beauty spot The Needles on the Isle of Wight (pictured)

The controversial rig will spend a month drilling a deepwater well in Poole Bay, Dorset, which forms part the Unesco World Heritage Site

Sightseers at Old Harry Rocks near Poole in Dorset were greeted with the sight of a controversial oil drilling platform moving into Poole bay

A petition calling for the drilling to be stopped has been signed by over 3,100 people.

Local Michelle Forsbrey posted on social media: 'Looks so awful. Lots of people are very upset about it. Award winning beaches with that on our door step.'

The campaign group Save Our Shores Bournemouth claims that 6,700 tonnes of chemicals will be discharged into the sea during the government-approved project.

Group member Alasdair Keddie said: 'This entire project is reckless, it endangers our marine life, the fishing industry and tourism economy.'

The well site is known as the Colter prospect which was actually discovered in 1986. It is predicted it could yield 23 million barrels of oil.

The 340ft high mobile platform stands four miles east of the popular beauty spot of Old Harry Rocks, near Swanage

The campaign group Save Our Shores Bournemouth claims that 6,700 tonnes of chemicals will be discharged into the sea during the government-approved project

Its arrival has sparked anger with not only environmentalists but also residents of Bournemouth who can clearly see the 250ft wide platform from its famous seafront

It is close to Wytch Farm on the Isle of Purbeck which is Europe's largest onshore oil field where over 450 million barrels have been recovered to date.

A spokesman for Corallian Energy, which holds the petroleum license for the project, said there is no risk to the environment.

They said: 'The majority of mud chemicals used during the proposed drilling operations will comprise naturally occurring products (such as barite and bentonite) that are either biologically inert or readily dispersible or biodegradable, posing little or no threat to the environment.

'Once the drilling effluent is discharged to sea it will be subject to rapid dilution and dispersion.'

Two years ago plans for a huge wind farm in the same area of Poole Bay were thrown out after masses of complaints from people who feared it would look an eyesore from the shore.A University of Vermont student has been found frozen to death after trying to take a shortcut home in sub zero temperatures.

Connor Gage, 19, was found lying in the snow in a parking lot behind a business in Burlington just before 11am on Saturday.

Emergency crews were unable to revive the freshman and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police said it appears Gage was cutting through the parking lot during the early morning hours when he was stopped by a fence.

The temperature at the time was between minus 1F and minus 4F.

Connor Gage, 19, (above) was found lying in the snow in a parking lot behind a business in Burlington, Vermont just before 11am on Saturday

He was wearing clothing that police described as 'inadequate' for the weather.

'Exposure to cold seems to have been a cause or significant contributing factor,' police said in a statement.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the teen's condition and whereabouts prior to his death, but have said there are no indications of foul play.

It is not clear if alcohol was a factor but an autopsy is being carried out.

The National Weather Service said temperatures reached lows of -5F in Burlington on Saturday - making it the coldest temperatures on Groundhog Day since 1993.

Gage was a freshman at the university and hailed from Little Falls, New York. He was a neuroscience major.

The University of Vermont said it would be offering counseling services for those affected by Gage's death.

The 19-year-old was a freshman at the University of Vermont (pictured above on Saturday). The temperature on Friday night was between minus 1F and minus 4F

Gage was a freshman at the university and hailed from Little Falls, New York. He was a neuroscience major

'It is with great sadness that I inform the university community that Connor Gage, a first-year student from Little Falls, New York majoring in Neuroscience within the College of Arts and Sciences, passed away off campus,' they said in a statement.

'Although the cause of death has not yet been confirmed, the Burlington Police Department has indicated that below-zero overnight temperatures may have been a contributing factor.

'We extend our deepest condolences to Connor's family. Our sincere thoguht of care and sympathy are also extended to his friends, classmates and to faculty and staff who were close to him.'

Gage is the second university student to die this week after an 18-year-old pre-med student at the University of Iowa was found frozen on campus last Wednesday during the polar vortex.

Gerald Belz, of Cedar Rapids, Illinois, was found by campus police behind an academic hall.French President Emmanuel Macron is considering organising a referendum as part of his response to the 'yellow vest' protests, a report said today.

If the vote goes ahead in May, it would be the first referendum in France in 14 years.

The newspaper Journal Du Dimanche reported that Macron is preparing to call the vote on the same day as the European Parliament elections on May 26.

French President Emmanuel Macron is considering calling a referendum to conclude the debate with 'yellow-vest' demonstrators

Macron has organised a series of meetings across the country to discuss the government's policy choices and challenges

Voters would be asked if they wanted to reduce the number of politicians, a campaign pledge by Mr Macron.

They would also be asked whether they favoured imposing a limit on the number of terms lawmakers can serve in a bid to prevent career politicians staying in power.

Nathalie Loiseau, European Affairs Minister, told French media: 'The president of the Republic doesn't exclude anything, but has not yet taken a decision.'

Nathalie Loiseau, European Affairs Minister, said it is 'premature' to talk about a referendum as the debate is currently under way

Last week, reporters asked Mr Macron whether he was planning to call a referendum.

'It's one of the things on the table,' he said on Thursday.

The French President has recently faced the biggest challenge of his 20-month presidency in recent months after violent protests over fuel prices and living standards started in November 2018.

The demonstrators, named 'yellow vests' after the luminous safety jackets motorists have to keep in their cars, have protested in the main French cities every weekend in the past few months.

The so-called 'yellow-vest' movement started in the main French cities about two months ago over fuel prices and living standards

'Yellow-vest' protesters clash with the police at Place de la Republique in Paris yesterday

Since the demonstrations started in November, about 1700 people have been injured

Back in December, Macron announced a package of measures for low-income families, including a rise in the minimum wage and some tax cuts

In December, Macron announced a package of measures for low-income families, including a hike in the minimum wage and other tax cuts.

He then organised a series of meetings across the country to discuss the government's policy choices and challenges.

The referendum is seen as a possible final act to conclude the debate, which could also serve as a response to the demands from 'yellow vests' for more direct democracy.

Ms Loiseau said it is 'premature' to talk about a referendum while the debate is under way.

The discussion began on January 15 and is set to run for two months.

French president are able to call referendums, but the power has been used only nine times since the fifth republic started in 1958.

In 2005, President Jacques Chirac lost a referendum on a new European constitution.

Laurent Wauquiez, leader of the Republicans party, said Macron is 'taking a great risk' if the referendum is only about institutional questions about the parliament

Laurent Wauquiez, leader of the opposition Republicans party, said Macron is taking a risk if the referendum is only about institutional questions about the parliament.

'Of course it's an important issue, but if it's the only issue that we propose to the people at the end, then the President is taking a great risk,' he said.

Far-right leader Marine Le Pen claimed Macron is trying to distract voters from the European elections, which her National Rally party is seeking to win.

Marine Le Pen, President of the National Rally, said Macron is trying to distract voters from the European elections, which her party is seeking to win

'In reality, all of this was decided from the beginning,' Le Pen told BFM television.

'Even before launching the great debate he had already decided to propose a referendum on the same day as the European elections to distract attention from European issues,' she added.

Macron's pro-European Republic party is neck-and-neck with the National Rally, according to recent polls.A pregnant woman has been found stabbed to death in the vestibule of an apartment building in New York City.

Jennifer Irigoyen, a 35-year-old real estate agent and native New Yorker, was found with multiple stab wounds in her neck and body in a building in the Ridgewood neighborhood of Queens Sunday at 1am by police after a 911 call.

Irigoyen, who was five-months pregnant, was taken by EMS to Wyckoff Hospital where she was later pronounced dead.

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Jennifer Irigoyen worked at Crosstown Apartments NYC as an HR manager and licensed real estate salesperson specializing in luxury homes

The bloodstained entryway of the apartment building where Jennifer Irigoyen was found

A neighbor who spoke to the New York Post named Kristin said she heard a man arguing with Irigoyen, 'yelling something about her baby, about wanting to protect her baby'.

Bloody boot prints were seen leading from the apartment building north on Myrtle Avenue, and a man was seen fleeing the scene who police believed to be Irigoyen's boyfriend.

A surveillance camera points at the building's entrance potentially giving investigators additional evidence, WCBS 880 radio reported.

Police responded to a 911 call at the Myrtle Avenue apartment building in Ridgewood, Queens

Irigoyen was taken by emergency medical personnel to Wyckoff Hospital but could not be saved

Irigoyen, 35, was a native New Yorker originally from Queens

Victim: Irigoyen was left in a pool of blood

Irigoyen, listed as an HR manager and licensed real estate salesperson on the website of Crosstown Apartments NYC, specializes in luxury homes in Manhattan and Queens.

Her biography also states she was born and raised in New York City and attended the Fashion Institute of Technology.

The mother-to-be was a professional Latin ballroom dancer, a certified Spinning instructor, licensed Zumba instructor and a classical pianist.A third storm has hit the California coast on Sunday after two major storms slammed the area with heavy downpours.

The two earlier storm systems forced authorities to close part of the US 101, a vital route between Los Angeles and points north and west, due to flash flooding, debris flows and mudslides.

Additionally, residents who lives along the Woosley fire burn scar in Santa Barbara County were forced to evacuate for several hours on Saturday, reported CBS News.

This third storm is much weaker and will be in the form of scattered showers, according to several local reports.

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Runoff surges down the Los Angeles River near the Los Feliz district of Los Angeles

The river, which normally flows at a trickle, filled bank to bank with fast-moving water

A third storm is expected to hit the California coast on Sunday after two major storms slammed the area with heavy downpours

There could be heavy rain that lasts in Tuesday, as much as one inch, according to KABC.

Meanwhile, some areas of Los Angeles and Ventura counties have winter storm warnings in effect until Wednesday morning.

On Saturday, flood warnings were issued for huge swaths of Southern California and forecasters said the system brought more than four inches of rain at lower elevations and several feet of snow in the mountains, where whiteout conditions closed roads.

The two earlier storm systems forced authorities to close part of the US 101 due to flash flooding, debris flows and mudslides

This third storm is much weaker and will be in the form of scattered showers, according to several local reports

There could be heavy rain that lasts in Tuesday, as much as one inch, with some areas having winter storm warnings in effect until Wednesday

A wind gust in Santa Barbara County topped 80 mph as the storm moved south and at one point dropped more than a half-inch of rain in five minutes. Trees and power lines were down across the region.

A crash on Interstate 5 killed a killed a volunteer member of a sheriff's search and rescue team, and injured several others.

Santa Barbara County firefighters survey the scene where a large eucalyptus tree fell into a two-story apartment complex in Goleta, California on Saturday

An overturned vehicle is seen at a scene of a fatal accident, where a volunteer member of the Ventura County search and rescue team was killed on Saturday

Emergency personnel huddle around the body of volunteer member of the Ventura County search and rescue team, killed in a traffic accident

Law enforcement and other emergency personnel salute at the scene of the fatal accident

The body of a volunteer member of the Ventura County search and rescue team is carried past an overturned vehicle after an accident

In Malibu, where the Woolsey fire last year destroyed homes and burned hillsides bare, officials closed Pacific Coast Highway and many other roadways after mud carried trees and rocks into lanes.

Residents whose homes survived the flames barricaded their properties with sandbags to protect their properties from floodwaters.

Carol Cavella was evacuated during the November fire and again Saturday when the creek behind her house threatened to overflow and inundate her backyard.

The 86-year-old put her cat in the car and drove to a coffee shop on higher ground, her son-in-law, Warren Bowman said.

'She does not scare easily, but she got a little scared watching that water rise,' Bowman said. He was trying to convince her to come to his house in Los Angeles but she said she'd rather wait to see if the waters recede and she can return home.

Elsewhere in the county, evacuations were ordered or recommended for neighborhoods near the Thomas, Whittier and Sherpa fire scars.

'This is a dangerous situation,' the National Weather Service said, warning that the high rates of rain could send boulders sluicing down denuded hillsides along with the mud and debris.

It has only been a little over a year since a downpour on the huge Thomas Fire burn scar unleashed a massive debris flow that destroyed or damaged hundreds of homes in the seaside community of Montecito.

The disaster killed 21 people, and two others have never been found.

Rescue crews scrambled Saturday to pluck motorists from cars caught in rising waters, said Mike Eliason, a spokesman for the Santa Barbara County Fire Department.

He urged drivers who come upon flooded intersections to find alternate routes.

'Turn around. Driving through is going to be a costly error in judgment,' he said. 'It's just not worth it.'

A large stone pine tree believed to be 100-years-old came down into this Santa Barbara home during Saturday's powerful winter storm

The San Pedro Creek is seen flowing under Hollister Ave in Goleta in this Saturday photo released by Santa Barbara County Fire

Multiple accidents were reported on slick highways, including a crash on Interstate 5 that killed the sheriff's search and rescue team volunteer.

The team from Ventura County was on its way to a training exercise when members stopped to help at the scene of a single-vehicle rollover crash.

A minivan carrying a family was traveling too fast for the wet conditions, lost control and plowed into members of the team, Los Angeles County fire Capt Tony Imbrenda said.

Nine people were transported to hospitals, including three members of the team. The victim, Jeff Dye, was a volunteer with the Fillmore Mountain Search and Rescue Team, the sheriff's department said.

'This is a very unfortunate situation that could've been avoided,' Imbrenda said, warning motorists to slow down in the rain.

In the Holy Jim fire area southeast of Los Angeles, where an August blaze scoured tens of thousands of acres in the Cleveland National Forest, volunteers using heavy equipment removed debris and deepened a creek bed to help prevent flooding.

The National Park Service warned visitors to Yosemite National Park of possible road closures and advised drivers to bring tire chains in the event of snow or icy conditions.

Winter storm warnings were in place for the Sierra Nevada along with avalanche warnings on the Nevada side of the range. The Sierra is already loaded with snow from a series of storms in January.

The weather service said areas could see accumulations of up to 10 feet over the next few days.

Vehicles are driven through flooded streets of the Panorama City section of the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles SaturdayPresident Donald Trump on Sunday did not rule out a pardon for his longtime confident Roger Stone, merely saying he hasn't thought about it.

'I have not thought about it. It looks like he's defending himself very well,' Trump told CBS' 'Face the Nation.'

Trump spoke fondly of Stone, who had advised his 2016 presidential campaign for a short period of time.

'Roger Stone didn't work on the campaign, except way way at the beginning long before we're talking about. Roger is somebody that I've always liked, but a lot of people like Roger some people probably don't like Roger, but Roger Stone's somebody I've always liked. I mean Roger's a character,' he said.

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President Trump did not rule out a pardon for Roger Stone and spoke fondly of him

Roger Stone is seen on Sunday in Arlington, Virginia, above. Stone advised Trump's 2016 presidential campaign for a short period of time

The president spoke fondly of his longtime confident Stone, calling him a 'character'. Stone is pictured in Arlington, Virginia

The president also brushed aside a question on whether he would allow special counsel Robert Mueller's Russia report to become public.

'That's up to the attorney general. I don't know. It depends. I have no idea what it's going to say,' he told CBS.

He added: 'So far this thing's been a total witch hunt. And it doesn't implicate me in any way. There was no collusion. There was no obstruction. There was no nothing. Doesn't implicate me in any way but I think it's a disgrace.'

Mueller is investigating U.S. allegations that Russia meddled in the election and whether members of the campaign of then-Republican candidate Trump coordinated with Moscow officials.

So far, the investigation has ensnared 34 people. Moscow denies interference and Trump dismisses the probe as a political witch hunt.

Trump argued to CBS those arrested had nothing to do with him.

'Of the 34 people, many of them were bloggers from Moscow or they were people that had nothing to do with me, had nothing to do with what they're talking about or there were people that got caught telling a fib or telling a lie. I think it's a terrible thing that's happened to this country because this investigation is a witch hunt. It's a terrible witch hunt and it's a disgrace,' he said on Sunday.

Two weeks ago, prosecutors accuse Stone of lying and intimidation to cover up his outreach to WikiLeaks, which published hacked Clinton emails during the 2016 campaign that U.S intelligence says were obtained by Russia. Stone is pictured above on Sunday

Trump on Friday denied talking to Stone about WikiLeaks as well as directing anyone else to serve as an intermediary about the site that published hacked Democratic emails in 2016. Stone is seen Sunday, above

Two weeks ago, prosecutors accuse Stone of lying and intimidation to cover up his outreach to WikiLeaks, which published hacked Clinton emails during the 2016 campaign that U.S intelligence says were obtained by Russia.

The charges include obstruction, witness tampering, and lying to Congress. He has pleaded not guilty.

Trump on Friday denied talking to Stone about WikiLeaks as well as directing anyone else to serve as an intermediary about the site that published hacked Democratic emails in 2016.

Asked if he ever spoke to Stone, his longtime advisor on the topic, about WikiLeaks Trump responded: ''No.' Asked if he ever had conversations about it, he responded: 'No, I didn't. I never did.'

He had a similar answer when asked if he ever directed anyone else to contact Stone about WikiLeaks.

'Never did,' Trump told the New York Times in an interview.

Stone's indictment on charges of obstruction, witness tampering, and lying to Congress contained an intriguing passage regarding a 'senior' Trump official who was directed to contact him about getting in touch with WikiLeaks in the final months of the 2016 campaign.

Mueller's and his prosecutors did not spell out who directed the senior official, but legal observers raised the possibility it could be Trump himself, though White House press secretary Sarah Sanders denied it.

According to the indictment: 'After the July 22, 2016 release of stolen DNC emails by Organization 1, a senior Trump Campaign official was directed to contact STONE about any additional releases and what other damaging information Organization 1 had regarding the Clinton Campaign. STONE thereafter told the Trump Campaign about potential future releases of damaging material by Organization 1.'

The indictment references multiple communications where Stone spoke to other associates about getting in touch with WikiLeaks.A woman who controversially bought twin babies over the internet says she hopes to be reunited with the children once again - to honour her ex husband's dying wish.

Judith and Alan Kilshaw were at the centre of a cash-for-babies outcry that gripped the world in 2000 and 2001 after they paid 8,200 to adopt two girls named Kiara and Keyara Wecke.

Judith, 66, revealed Alan, 63, died last month from a lung disease - but before passing, had dreamed of seeing the now grown-up girls once again.

She told the Sunday People she is going to try to meet up with the girls who were taken back to the US when they were removed from the Kilshaw's care in 2001.

The couple from Buckley in Flintshire bought the twins via an adoption broker in 2000 and renamed them Kimberley and Belinda.

It quickly emerged they had been scammed and the same broker had already sold the girls for 4,000 to another couple named Richard and Vickie Allen.

Eventually the girls were taken back to the US after a High Court ruling and adopted by a third couple.

The Kilshaws went broke trying to fight for the girls' return and Alan was struck off from his job over the scandal before Judith left him for another man in 2007.

Judith left Alan and her two sons and married 'toyboy lover' Stephen Sillett, 42, who she met in a nightclub.

The Kilshaws remained friends with Alan even walking his ex lover down the aisle. Now, Judith is determined to meet both 'Kimberley' and 'Belinda' although they now have new names.

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Judith Kilshaw, who bought two baby girls online in 2000, said she hopes to speak to the twins again after her husband's death

Kiara and Keyara Wecker hit headlines in 2001 when Alan and Judith Kilshaw (pictured with the children) tried to buy them for 8,200. Right: The girls on their 16th birthday

She said to the Sunday People: 'He told me he had always regarded the twins as ours and his last wish was for me to go to America and try to make contact with them. I don't know if this will be possible but I will do everything I can to honour his dying request.'

'I'd like to know how their lives went, what they've done, where they've been. I'd want to tell them about my life. I do think about them. Do they know about me and Alan, do they think about what happened to us?

Alan and Judith Kilshaw are pictured together with Judith's second husband Stephen Sillett in 2009

'It would be a good, fascinating conversation. At least the girls have come out good. I'm pleased about that.'

Judith was plunged into financial ruin alongside her then-partner Alan after launching a legal battle to adopt Kiara and Keyara Wecke in 2001 after they had bought them online for 8,200.

In 2000, Kiera and Keyara were first adopted by US couple Richard and Vickie Allen, who said they had paid 4,000 for the children through an adoption agency named A Caring Heart.

For two months, the Allens raised the babies as their own, only for the twins natural mother Tranda Wecker to suddenly get in touch to say she wanted two days to say a final goodbye.

Once she had the twins she passed them over to solicitor Mr Kilshaw and his wife.

The Kilshaws, who maintained they were unaware that the twins had already been adopted, had been dealing with Internet adoption broker Tina Johnson.

Kiara and Keyara, who have been renamed, were eventually given a new set of church-going adoptive parents in America. The girls are now 18 and are said to be 'thriving' as students, studying social sciences at university.

In August last year Judith told MailOnline she still thinks of the twins as 'part of the family' and reveals she misses them greatly.

'Of course we still miss them,' she said. 'As far as I'm concerned, they are still part of this family as the adoption was turned over by dubious means.

'If someone takes your name, then the adoption is overturned and the twins are taken away from you by dubious methods, to me that adoption still stands legally.'

'I'm pleased that the girls have gone to university,' she said. 'Obviously I would have preferred them to stay in Britain. At least they've come out of it pretty unscathed and they're doing well.

In 2000, Kiera and Keyara were first adopted by US couple Richard and Vickie Allen (pictured), who said they had paid 4,000 for the children through an adoption agency

'They're coping well and seem well-adjusted if they've got that far in life. They'd have gone to university if they stayed with us in Britain, that's for sure.'

Despite their separation, Judith visited him in hospital every day and left Stephen in February because Alan was in need. She thought it would only be for a month or so but when she realised the severity of his illness she gave up her job as a cleaner in the Co-op.

In December Alan died from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, the same chronic lung disease which also killed TV star Keith Chegwin, 60.Prince's Foundation said site will be 'reviewed and evaluated' over the next year

Prince Charles' 'Scottish Poundbury' development is being reviewed after just 31 homes out of a planned 770 have been built - nearly a decade after work began.

The pioneering Knockroon eco-village had been billed as a showcase for the heir to the throne's passion for heritage-led regeneration.

But eight years after construction began, just a fraction of the development has been completed, with no homes built in the past three years.

Only 31 out of 770 planned homes at Prince Charles' eco-village development Knockroon, pictured, have been built since construction started almost a decade ago

No homes have been built in the past three years. Pictured are building materials on the site

And one of Scotland's leading architects has described it as little more than a 'construction site'.

Now, the Prince's Foundation - who pumped millions of pounds into the wider project - has revealed the housing site will be 'reviewed and evaluated' over the next year.

In recent annual accounts of the Prince's Foundation, published by Companies House, the charity said it was taking time to pause and consider Knockroon's evolution.

The Prince of Wales, pictured, acquired land at Knockroon, near Cumnock, in 2007

It states: 'The development company continues to work towards making good defects and developing the infrastructure for the roads and pavements.

'Over the next year the Knockroon project will be reviewed and evaluated.

'Following review, a comprehensive plan of development will be presented for consideration before the next phase of work commences.'

Award-winning architect, Professor Alan Dunlop, described the prince's vision for Knockroon as an 'imported pastiche' which sat ill at ease in an area 'blighted by industrial decline'.

He said: 'The development is a curious mix of relatively expensive, faux Georgian homes dropped into a bucolic setting.

'The first homes were completed in 2012, and as I predicted in 2016, there is clearly limited appeal.

'There is a dearth of infrastructure and major capital work seems slow to arrive.

'The enterprise is reported to be incurring significant losses; is struggling to find new home buyers, and has existing purchasers apparently stuck on a building site.'

The Prince's Foundation said housing site will be 'reviewed and evaluated' over the next year

Much of the planned village stands empty with only a fraction of the 770 properties being built

The Prince of Wales acquired land at Knockroon, near Cumnock, in 2007 as part of a wider 45 million deal to rescue Dumfries House mansion.

Some 20 million of his own charitable foundations' cash was put into the project, and Knockroon's blueprint was granted outline planning permission by East Ayrshire Council in 2011.

At the time it laid out a vision for 770 houses, 330 of which were to have been built by 2017.

It was endorsed by the Scottish Government as an 'ambitious and inspiring' design example and dubbed Scotland's rival to Poundbury in Dorset.

Plans for the site, between Cumnock and Auchinleck, had been to create 'a vibrant, sustainable community.'

But nearly a decade on from the plans being submitted, just 31 homes have been built.

Much of the area is still empty eight years after construction began. Award winning architect Professor Alan Dunlop said 'existing purchasers are apparently stuck on a building site'

Mr Dunlop, a fellow of the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland and the Royal Society of Arts, added: 'The original marketing promised heritage-led regeneration and the delivery of both a new community and improved quality of life.

'It has not delivered on these ambitions and its ersatz Georgian and mock Scottish vernacular creations have done little to attract industry or to inspire other volume house builders.

'This area surely cries out for authentic investment in good quality housing, which local people can relate to and can afford.

'Imported pastiche from past centuries is not the appropriate response.'

Gordon Neil, deputy executive director of the Prince's Foundation, said: 'The Prince's Foundation remains fully committed to realising its vision for Knockroon.

However Gordon Neil, deputy executive director of the Prince's Foundation, said: 'The Prince's Foundation remains fully committed to realising its vision for Knockroon'

'A decade has passed since the creation of the masterplan for the site, and much has changed in that time in terms of the local and wider economy.

'As in all long-term construction projects, it is incumbent on us, the developers, to remain flexible and adaptable to changing conditions throughout the build, and we will conduct a review that allows us to ensure we create a development that meets the needs of the community.'

He added: 'During the first two years of the second phase of the development, we will look to make significant investment into the project.

'The project will use the local supply chain, demonstrating investment into the local community as well as minimising environmental impact through shorter transportation times of materials.

'In line with The Prince's Foundation's commitment to offering education and training opportunities where possible, modern apprenticeships will be offered across all trades on the development.'A vengeful wife chopped off her husband's penis after stabbing him to death, a court has heard.

Lawyer Udeme Otike-Odibi, 47, is accused of murdering 50-year-old Sym Otike-Odibi, also a lawyer, after suspecting him of having an extramarital affair.

The murder took place at the couple's home in Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria, on May 2 last year as Udeme Otike-Odibi, who is a dual British and Nigerian citizen, was preparing to fly to the United Kingdom.

During the trial at Igbosere High Court in Lagos, homicide police chief Olusegun Bamidele said: 'She stated they were having marital issues.

Lawyer Udeme Otike-Odibi (right), 47, is accused of murdering 50-year-old Sym Otike-Odibi (left), at their home in Sangotedo, Lekki, Lagos, on May 2 last year

'She stated that the deceased was having extra-marital affairs and whenever she raised the issue with him, his responses were not satisfactory. He appeared nonchalant.

'She said that on May 2, 2018, she was preparing to travel to United Kingdom when she checked the bedside locker for her marriage certificate.

'When she could not find it, she went to the deceased where he lay on the bed and asked him about it. But the response given was not okay.

'She had a discussion with him and there was a hot exchange of words, which made her to go to the kitchen and get a frying pan and knife.

'When she returned to where the deceased lay, she hit him on the head with the frying pan and said ''Tell me, what is in your mind that you are withholding''.

'She stated that the deceased called his mother to report her conduct.

'She continued to hit the deceased on the head again and again. Finally, she confirmed that she used the knife to stab the deceased in his abdomen.

'She also said while the deceased was lying on his back, she was still angry.

During the trial, Igbosere High Court heard how Udeme Otike-Odibi took her husband Sym Otike-Odibi's (pictured) life

'She sat beside him, looking at his intestines coming out of the deceased and said: ''If your penis is the one that is giving you licence to have the feeling of another person, it's better we cut it off.''

'She proceeded to do so with the same knife she used in stabbing him and hanged a piece of the penis in his right hand.'

Assistant superintendent Bamidele said Otike-Odibi later sent her friend a WhatsApp message which read: 'I have done something terrible.'

She then sent another message to her mother which read: 'Sorry mum, we engaged in a fight.'

Police later seized a frying pan, a blood drenched knife and Otike-Odibi's Nigerian and British passports from her home.

Judge Adedayo Akintoye adjourned the hearing at Igbosere High Court in Lagos until February 25.

A Lagos State Police spokesman said: 'Before the arrival of the police, she had unsuccessfully attempted to commit suicide after allegedly killing her husband and was rushed to a hospital for treatment by neighbours.

'The couple, both of whom are lawyers, married three years ago after the deceased divorced his first wife.

'The deceased's first marriage produced a daughter currently schooling in the United Kingdom. However, his second marriage is said to be without a child.'

Otike-Odibi is currently being held in jail after pleading not guilty.A mother has hit out at the hospital where her husband died aged 44 after being able to hold his newborn son just one time.

Terry Hickson, 44, from Liverpool, died after medics made a string of blunders after he was rushed to hospital with excruciating stomach pain.

Widow Louise Hickson, 32, who gave birth to son Xander by cesarean section, has been in a five year battle with with Arrowe Park Hospital in Merseyside.

And now, after receiving 140,000 damages she has said 'our lives have been shattered by the hospital's fatal mistake'.

Terry Hickson (pictured), 44, from Liverpool, got to hold his newborn son just once as he lay dying in hospital

Mrs Hickson described the moment she took their son to meet his father for the first time.

She told the Mirror: 'They woke Terry from sedation and he smiled when I walked in holding the baby.

'But as I sat next to him, he grabbed my arm and shouted at me to get out.'

Doctors told Ms Hickson that her husband was heavily sedated and was not aware of what he was saying.

She said: 'That's the last thing my husband ever said to me. It was traumatising.'

Two days later, Mrs Hickson received a call saying her husband had gone into cardiac arrest and had died.

The mother-of-four says she 'has not felt pain like it' and was screaming and crying when she heard the news.

Widow Louise Hickson, 32, who gave birth to son Xander by cesarean just three days before her husband's death, has been in a five year battle with the hospital

The family has been awarded 140,000 damages after NHS bosses finally admitted to their errors.

Mr Hickson was rushed to hospital in 2012 with suspected kidney stones which turned out to be an incarcerated hernia, causing his lugs to fill with fluid after it burst through his stomach and bowel.

In the following days medics did not identify Mr Hickson as being at risk of a blood clot as he spent 13 days in hospital after his operation.

The father was not prescribed blood thinning and he was eventually killed by a huge fatal clot that travelled up his leg to his heart.

Mrs Hickson said: 'The hospital made mistake after mistake and their catalogue of errors led to the death of my husband'.

Since her husband's death, the mother has suffered depression and painful fibromyalgia which was triggered by the horrific trauma.

But she said she fought the hospital because she wanted an apology over her husband's death and she says can finally move on.

A spokesperson for Wirral University of Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust told the Mirror: 'We would like to express our sincere condolences to Mr Hickson's family. We are extremely sorry for their loss.

'Regrettably errors were made back in 2012 and our care fell below our usual high standards.'Liz Truss insisted today there was hope the EU would agree to a time limit on the controversial backstop as the threat of no deal would bring the two sides together

Liz Truss insisted today there was hope the EU would agree to a time limit on the controversial backstop as the threat of no deal would bring the two sides together.

The Chief Secretary revealed her optimism there would be a last minute deal as Theresa May prepares to head back to Brussels for a new round of talks.

Elsewhere today, Home Secretary Sajid Javid said his Border Force officials had assured him it was possible to use technology to police an open border in Ireland.

A time limit and utilising technology are two of the options Mrs May is considering as she tries to salvage her deal following last month's historic landslide defeat.

She could also ask the EU to grant a unilateral exit mechanism from the protocol, which effectively keeps Britain inside the customs union if there is no permanent trade deal as a guarantee against a hard border.

Ms Truss was asked about the prospects of success in the final round of talks on Radio 5 Live's Pienaar's Politics today.

She said: 'On the time limit to the backstop - there are various people across the EU that have hinted that might be possible.'

The Chief Secretary added: 'It is the threat of a No Deal that helps bring a consensus on both sides.'

The Polish Government is among those who have backed a time limit on the backstop despite the EU's insistence it is impossible.

Home Secretary Sajid Javid said his Border Force officials had assured him it was possible to use technology to police an open border in Ireland.

Mr Javid also addressed the talks in an interview with the BBC's Andrew Marr today.

He said: 'In my own department I've got Border Force. And I asked Border Force months ago to advise me, to look at what alternative arrangements are possible.

'They've shown me quite clearly you can have no hard border on the island of Ireland and you can use existing technology. It's perfectly possible.

'The only thing that's missing is a bit of goodwill on the EU side.'

In an article for the Sunday Telegraph today Mrs May said she will be 'battling for Britain' when she returns to Brussels to seek a 'pragmatic' Brexit deal that can win over both the European Union and her own MPs.

The PM said Jeremy Corbyn agrees with her that the controversial Irish border backstop as set out in her Withdrawal Agreement with the European Union has to change.

Her comments came after she met the Labour leader on Wednesday.

A time limit and utilising technology are two of the options Mrs May is considering as she tries to salvage her deal following last month's historic landslide defeat

Mrs May said she was listening to figures from across politics, the trade union movement and business in her quest for a feasible Brexit compromise.

She said: 'It's why when I return to Brussels I will be battling for Britain and Northern Ireland, I will be armed with a fresh mandate, new ideas and a renewed determination to agree a pragmatic solution that delivers the Brexit the British people voted for, while ensuring there is no hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

'That is what Parliament instructed me to do on Tuesday night.

'Although Jeremy Corbyn didn't vote with us, he also believes the potential indefinite nature of the backstop is an issue that needs to be addressed with Brussels. That is exactly what I'm doing.'

Last week Mrs May secured Parliament's backing to go back to Brussels in the hope of hammering out a fresh agreement that does not include the Irish border backstop - which is unacceptable to the DUP and Brexiteer Tories - and which will command a majority in the Commons.

The Prime Minister is due to report back to Parliament on her negotiations with the EU on February 13, with a further series of votes by MPs expected the following day.

Wrangling in the Commons has seen backbench MPs put forward a range of alternative plans to find a way out of the morass.President Donald Trump on Sunday slammed reports Secretary of State Mike Pompeo would leave his cabinet in order to run for the Senate.

'He tells me he wouldn't want to leave,' Trump told CBS' 'Face the Nation' in an interview.

A Pompeo exit would be a blow to the Trump administration, which has lost several high-profile officials in the past year, including Defense Secretary James Mattis and Attorney General Jeff Sessions along with White House chief of Staff John Kelly.

President Donald Trump said he spoke to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and 'he tells me he wouldn't want to leave' his administration to run for the Senate

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is said to be Trump's favorite Cabinet member

Pompeo tweeted on Sunday his love for his job but did not address whether or not he'd leave his post as America's top diplomat to run for the Senate.

'It's true @realDonaldTrump, I do love being America's most senior diplomat. I love it because I get to lead the great men and women of @StateDept who bust their tails every day to proudly deliver American values and American diplomacy to every corner of the world. #Swagger,' he wrote.

When longtime Republican Sen. Pat Roberts decided to retire last month, some Republican senators - including GOP Leader Mitch McConnell - tried to recruit Pompeo to return to his home state and run in 2020.

Trump initially said it was 'fake news' McConnell tried to recruit his secretary of state.

'That was fake news,' he said.

But when CBS' Margaret Brennan pointed out Pompeo 'said McConnell had spoken to him about running for the Senate,' Trump backed down.

'Well, he may have spoken to him, but I think he loves being secretary of state. He's doing a fantastic job. And I asked him the question the other day, he says he's absolutely not leaving. I don't think he'd do that. And he doesn't want to be lame duck. And he's doing a fantastic job as our secretary of state. Great energy and great - a great, smart gentleman,' he said.

Pompeo is Trump's favorite Cabinet member, The Washington Post reported, and the president is said not to want to lose him.

Pompeo represented Kansas in the House for four terms before becoming Trump's CIA director and then moving over to the State Department.

Last month, Pompeo confirmed to Fox News that McConnell had asked him to consider running for the Senate seat.

'Lots of folks have reached out to me and suggested I ought to do it,' Pompeo told the news network. 'I have suggested to them that I have a very full plate as secretary of state and I intend to keep doing this so long as President Trump will commit to it.'

There are concerns among Republicans Democrats could take the long time GOP seat if 2020 is a wave election for Democrats in the Senate. The GOP picked up four Senate seats held by Democrats in states that Trump won last year.

The president expressed general faith in his cabinet during his interview with CBS despite the high turnover: his original secretaries of state, defense, and interior are gone along with his attorney general.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo tweeted Sunday his love for his job but did not address whether or not he'd leave his post as America's top diplomat to run for the Senate

Trump claimed to CBS he asked Defense Secretary James Mattis to resign when he disagreed with the job he was doing

'How do you know when to fire someone?,' CBS' Margaret Brennan asked him.

'When it's not happening,' Trump said.

The president went on to cite former Defense Secretary James Mattis, whom he fired after Mattis took some shots at him in his resignation letter.

'Like with General Mattis, I wasn't happy with his service. I told him give me a letter,' Trump said.

'He resigned,' Brennan pointed out.

'He resigned because I asked him to resign. He resigned because I was very nice to him. But I gave him big budgets and he didn't do well in Afghanistan. I was not happy with the job he was doing in Afghanistan. And if you look at Syria what's happened, I went to Iraq recently, if you look at Syria, what's happened in Syria in the last few weeks, you would see that things are going down that were not going down. That things are happening that are very good. So I was not happy with him, but I wish him well,' he said.

Mattis turned in his notice when he disagreed with the president's decision to withdraw U.S. forces from Syria.A man who allegedly went on a rampage at Brisbane Airport brandishing a knife and a device resembling a bomb was previously known to police for domestic violence complaints.

The incident, in which witnesses say they saw a man pull a 'large serrated knife' in the terminal building just before 9pm, occured on Saturday night and shut down Brisbane International Airport for over two hours.

The man also allegedly had a homemade replica bomb and was eventually brought down by the police's Public Order Response Team after they fired bean bag rounds.

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A 50-year-old man, from Surfers Paradise, has been charged after allegedly claiming to have a bomb at Brisbane International Airport and allegedly threatening a woman with a knife

The man also alleged to have a bomb (pictured) which contained wires, screens and what appears to be a button

The 50-year-old man has been charged with contravening a domestic violence order, stalking with a weapon, stealing and seriously assaulting police.

He's also facing charges of pretending to plan to damage or destroy a government-owned air facility, making a bomb hoax, and common assault.

The man yelled in Arabic and allegedly claimed to have a bomb - which led to the airport being evacuated and police being called in.

He also allegedly chased a woman through the terminal while holding a knife, as terrified screams rang out from other travellers.

Police Commissioner Ian Stewart praised the work of officers who negotiated with him in his native language of Arabic and captured the man without any serious injuries to him or the public.

He also confirmed the man was known to police for domestic violence incidents.

'We've taken the unusual step of showing the device that the alleged offender had on him at Brisbane Airport last night  this is to show you what our officers faced and to reinforce that we don't shut an international airport lightly,' he said.



The man's wife, mother-in-law and two children were reportedly planning to leave Brisbane when the incident unfolded.

Images released of the homemade device showed a black box with a yellow rectangle containing a screen secured to the top.

Wires were seen around the box, with some seen coming out of it.

'All a bit dramatic at Brisbane airport earlier. A man took out a knife in departures just as we checked in.' witness Nick Sherrard said on social media, according to the Brisbane Times.

'I was just sitting at the international airport outside Red Rooster when all of a sudden women started running and screaming and in a flash everyone around us started to run towards the exit,' another witness, who didn't want to be identified, told the publication.

The man (pictured) has been charged with multiple offences, including contravening a domestic violence order and making a fake bomb threat

A woman wearing a hijab could be heard screaming for help as a man chased her through the terminal, Boon Heng Ong told the Courier Mail.

'They were heading towards the outside of the airport, and then he just pulled out the knife. It was quite big, 15-20 cm,' they alleged.

'He stopped running and turned around and walked back to a table in the food court. He grabbed something out of his luggage. It was a black box like a small toolbox.'

The man was recorded by fearful onlookers holding a metal box with exposed wiring. He had allegedly claimed to be carrying a bomb.

Travellers had to flee as police evacuated the building, forcing flights and connecting trains to come to a sudden halt.

Australian Federal Police and Queensland police stormed the airport about 10.15pm as an emergency situation was declared.

The airport was evacuated and trains were halted after police declared an emergency situation, which ended at 11pm

Pictured: Would-be travellers were forced to evacuate the airport as police investigated reports of a bomb threat

After the airport was evacuated, officers examined the suspicious device the man had allegedly claimed was a bomb, but found it to be non-suspicious.

The exclusion zone was revoked at 11pm, but police then closed off the Bruce Bishop Carpark in Surfers Paradise just after midnight as a precaution.

The man had reportedly made threats about the carpark, which reopened at 1.45am.

A police officer at the scene told the Courier Mail there was a vehicle linked to him in the carpark, and he appeared to have had 'some sort of detonator'.

The man, an Australian resident who is believed to be from the Middle East, was taken into custody from the airport after he was shot with a beanbag round.

He was not seriously injured.

Brisbane Airport said in a tweet: 'The Australian Federal Police is managing the incident and we hope to get back to normal operations as soon as possible'

During a press conference, Superintendent Tony Fleming said it was a 'domestic incident' and not terror-related.

He said there was concern that the man had an explosive device  however, that was not the case.

'There is absolutely no evidence that this is a matter related to terrorism.'

Superintendent Fleming said people who are known to the man were giving evidence.

'This has been quite a dramatic to those people.'

Police, paramedics and fire crews were in attendance after reports of a man brandishing a knife and making bomb threatsA man is being questioned by police after a woman died at a Perth apartment block.

Paramedics were called on Danehill Way in Balga in the city's north on Sunday morning and found a woman with life threatening injuries, who was unable to be revived.

A man reported by 7 News to be the woman's partner was taken into custody and is assisting police with their inquiries.

Forensic officers spent Sunday scouring for clues at a Balga unit block, where a woman died

No charges had yet been laid as of early Monday.

Police say they are not looking for any other suspects in relation to the woman's death.

Homicide detectives and forensic officers spent most of Sunday at the unit block scouring for clues and doorknocking neighbours.

The Perth unit block will remain a crime scene until at least Monday morning

The unit block will remain a crime scene until at least Monday morning.

The age of the woman and cause of her death are still unknown.

It's also unknown whether a weapon was involved in the woman's death.

Shocked neighbours told 7 News they were unaware what had happened until they they heard police cars and the ambulance and saw their street being blocked off.

'It was just quiet this morning, I didn't hear anything before that so it was just kind of out of the blue,' Patricia Wojcok said.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.A man who was filmed wearing an LAPD shirt and yelling 'white power' at a Black Lives Matter protest is not a police officer.

The video, which was shot outside a 24 Hour Fitness gym in Hollywood on Thursday morning, shows a seemingly Asian man yelling the discriminatory phrase and gesturing white power symbols to the camera.

Protesters off-camera are heard asking him for his badge number, but the man ignores them and continues to mock them.

According to the Los Angeles Times, the video was brought to the attention of police, who launched an investigation.

Video shot outside a 24 Hour Fitness gym in Hollywood on Thursday morning shows a seemingly Asian man yelling 'White Power' and gesturing white power symbols to the camera at a Black Lives Matter protest (left and right)

Protesters off-camera are heard asking him for his badge number, but the man ignores them and continues to mock them

The LAPD launched an investigation and concluded the man ' is not, and has never been, an LAPD officer or employee'

On Thursday evening, the LAPD posted its first tweet regarding the video writing: 'We have become aware of an incident involving an individual making racially discriminating remarks in front of a gym in Hollywood this morning.

'At this point it does NOT appear that the individual in the video is an LAPD Officer, but we will continue to investigate.'

On Friday, a tweet said that the LAPD had identified the individual video in the video, although information regarding his name and age were not released.

The rally was protesting the death of Albert Ramon Dorsey (pictured), who was shot and killed by LAPD in a locker room at the gym on October 29, 2018

'As first suggested by some, this individual is not, and has never been, an LAPD officer or employee,' the tweet read.

'The apparel worn by the individual, specifically the T-shirt with LAPD insignia, is not Department issued and is accessible to the public.'

Mayor Eric Garcetti's office also condemned the actions of the man in the video.

'The behavior in that video is deplorable, and it has absolutely no place in our city,' press secretary Alex Comisar told the Times.

The rally was protesting the death of Albert Ramon Dorsey, who was shot and killed by LAPD in a locker room at the gym on October 29, 2018.

KTLA reported that Dorsey, 30, attacked two security guards in two separate events the day before the shooting.

Dorsey was arrested later in the day at the LA Memorial Coliseum for trespassing after he assaulted another security guard, said LAPD Capt Patricia Sandoval.

Bodycam footage shows two officers, one man and one female, trying to arrest Dorsey after gym staff called police reporting a man entering the showers, which were closed for repairs

LAPD officers said the female officer was pinned to the ground by Dorsey, who began punching her in the face, which is when the male officer shot him

He was released the day of his death and headed to 24 Hour Fitness. Police were called at 9.15am over reports of a man entering the showers, which were closed for repairs.

Bodycam footage shows two officers, one man and one female, trying to arrest Dorsey.

However, the bodycams later wind up on the ground.

LAPD officers said the female officer was pinned to the ground by Dorsey, who began punching her in the face, which is when the male officer shot him, according to KTLA.Venezuela's opposition leader called on more members of the military to abandon the country's socialist government following the defection of a high-ranking general, while President Nicolas Maduro proposed holding early National Assembly elections that could potentially oust his challenger.

Maduro's call for early legislative voting is likely to intensify his standoff with rival Juan Guaido, who heads the opposition-controlled National Assembly and is demanding a new presidential election. Guaido declared himself Venezuela's legitimate ruler on Jan. 23, and has the support of Washington and most South American nations.

Speaking from behind a podium decorated with Venezuela's presidential seal, Guaido told supporters he would keep his opposition movement in the streets until Maduro stopped 'usurping' the presidency and agreed to a presidential election overseen by international observers. On Saturday, tens of thousands of Venezuelans joined opposition protests against Maduro in Caracas and other cities.

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Opposition leader Juan Guaido declared himself Venezuela's legitimate ruler on January 23

Maduro has proposed holding early National Assembly elections that could potentially oust his challenger

Guaido called on 'blocks' of the military to defect from Maduro's administration and 'get on the side of the Venezuelan people.'

'We don't just want you to stop shooting at protesters,' Guaido said in a hoarse voice. 'We want you to be part of the reconstruction of Venezuela.'

He said in the coming days, the opposition would try to move humanitarian aid into the country by land and sea along three border points, including the Colombian city of Cucuta. He described the move as a 'test' for Venezuela's armed forces, which will have to choose if they allow the much needed aid to pass, or if they instead obey the orders of Maduro's government.

Maduro also dug in his heels, insisting he was the only president of Venezuela and describing Saturday's anti-government protests as part of a U.S.-led coup attempt.

'I agree that the legislative power of the country be re-legitimized and that we hold free elections with guarantees, and the people choose a new National Assembly,' Maduro said at a pro-government demonstration in Caracas.

The opposition controls the National Assembly while government supporters control the more-powerful Constituent Assembly, so calls for a vote to replace the former and not the latter was seen as a move against Guaido.

Anti-government protesters wave Venezuelan national flags as they take part in a demonstration in Caracas yesterday

The socialist leader also had words for the administration of President Donald Trump, which recently imposed sanctions on Venezuelan oil exports in an effort to undermine Maduro's main source of income and weaken his grip on power.

'Do you think you are the emperor of the world?' he asked Trump. 'Do you think Venezuela is going to give up and obey your orders? We will not surrender.'

The standoff comes amid what appears to be growing dissension among the ranks of Venezuela's powerful military.

Earlier Saturday, a Venezuelan air force general defected from Maduro's administration and called on his compatriots to participate in protests against the socialist leader's rule.

Gen. Francisco Yanez is the first high-ranking officer to leave Maduro's government since Jan. 23, when Guaido declared himself the country's legitimate leader by invoking two articles of the Venezuelan constitution that he argues give him the right to assume presidential powers. He considers Maduro's election win fraudulent.

In a YouTube video, Yanez described Maduro as a dictator and referred to Guaido as his president. He didn't say where he was.

Thousands of anti-government protesters danced in the street and waved Venezuelan flags during the demonstrations

Guaido battles through a crowd of supporters as he arrives to address the masses on Saturday afternoon in central Caracas

The officer confirmed in a phone call with The Associated Press, from a Colombian number, the veracity of his declaration. He said he would not speak further until given authorization by 'the commander-in-chief of the legal armed force, which is President Juan Guaido.'

The military controls some of Venezuela's key assets, including the state-run oil company, and until now, its top brass has helped Maduro to survive rounds of mass protests in 2014 and 2017 by jailing activists and repressing protesters.

Yanez said in his video that '90 percent of the military' is against Maduro, but it is unclear how many will actively support the opposition.

Shortly after protests broke out against Maduro last week, Venezuela's most important regional military commanders and its defense minister issued a statement in support of Maduro, describing Guaido as a coup-monger backed by Washington.

Venezuela's aerospace command of the armed forces shared a picture of Yanez on its Twitter account with the words 'traitor' above it.

'We reject the declarations made by General Yanez who betrayed his oath of loyalty to our nation and chose to follow foreign plans,' the command wrote.

On Saturday, Maduro said he was willing to sit down for talks with the opposition in an effort to promote national 'harmony.'

Major European countries have set a Sunday deadline for Maduro to call snap presidential elections

But that offer has been rejected by Guaido, who describes it as a ploy by the Maduro administration to buy time.

Previous talks between the government and opposition have failed to change electoral conditions in the South American country, and many political leaders have been forced into exile.

At a pro-Maduro rally, supporters blamed the opposition for undermining the Bolivarian Revolution with years of protests and seeking financial sanctions against the Venezuelan government.

Zeleyka Muskus, a 53-year-old tax collector from Caracas, said the opposition was responsible for the country's current economic woes, saying they have staged years of protests that have gotten people injured and killed.

'Chavez is the love of my life,' she said, referring to late Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez.

Other public workers attending the pro-government demonstration said they had been forced to go there by their bosses.

Meanwhile, marchers from middle-class and poor neighborhoods walked to another part of the capital and said they were demanding Maduro's resignation and a transitional government that would hold a new presidential election.

Xiomara Espinoza, 59, said she felt a change of energy in the crowd, whose hopes for a transition in Venezuela have previously been dashed.

'We are around the corner from freedom,' she said, banging on a pot and wearing a Venezuelan flag.Authorities say two people have been killed and five others were wounded in a drive-by shooting outside of a bar on Chicago's far South Side.

The Chicago Sun-Times reports that police say the attack happened at around 2am Sunday after a crowd of people poured out of Reynold's Lounge following a fight inside.

Police say at least one attacker opened fire on the crowd from a silver four-door Ford vehicle.

It is unknown if any of the victims had been involved in the fight or were the intended targets.

A woman sitting on the street surrounded by police with blood staining her pants was struck in the foot by the drive-by shooter

At 2am on Sunday morning, a crowd exited Reynold's Lounge in Chicago after a fight inside when someone started shooting into the mass of people

The vehicle got away and there are currently no suspects.

A 36-year-old and 39-year-old, both men, were struck in the chest, neck and back, according to WGN News.

They were pronounced dead at the University of Chicago Medical Center.

Of the seven people hit outside Reynold's Lounge, two men were killed and five people were wounded

The shooter fired from a silver four-door Ford that drove away, and it was unclear if any of the victims hit by bullets were intended targets

Another 36-year-old man was shot in the back and is in critical condition, and an 18-year-old man was hit in the shoulder.

Three of those shot outside of the bar were women.

A woman, 36, who was shot in the foot, was taken to St. Bernard Hospital. The other two women were grazed by bullets in the foot and arm.President Donald Trump on Sunday said he wants to keep American troops in Iraq in order because 'I want to be able to watch Iran.'

But the president did not go as far as saying he's planning a military strike against Tehran.

'No,' he told CBS' 'Face the Nation' of that option.

'I want to be able to watch Iran. All I want to do is be able to watch. We have an unbelievable and expensive military base built in Iraq. It's perfectly situated for looking at all over different parts of the troubled Middle East rather than pulling up. And this is what a lot of people don't understand. We're going to keep watching and we're going to keep seeing and if there's trouble, if somebody is looking to do nuclear weapons or other things, we're going to know it before they do,' he said.

President Trump said he wants to keep American troops in Iraq in order because 'I want to be able to watch Iran'

Iraqi policemen hold their national flag and march during a parade in Baghdad in January

Trump has slammed Iran as a 'big threat' and has hammered the country with sanctions.

His assessment, however, ran contrary to what his intelligence chiefs told the Senate last week when they said there were no signs Tehran was violating the 2015 nuclear agreement.

But the president doubled down on his beliefs and said he disagrees with his chiefs' finding that Iran is holding to the deal.

'I have intel people, but that doesn't mean I have to agree,' he told CBS News in an interview broadcast Sunday morning.

'President Bush had intel people that said Saddam Hussein in Iraq had nuclear weapons - had all sorts of weapons of mass destruction. Guess what? Those intel people didn't know what the hell they were doing, and they got us tied up in a war that we should have never been in,' he added.

'I want them to have their own opinion and I want them to give me their opinion. But, when I look at Iran, I look at Iran as a nation that has caused tremendous problems,' he said.

President Trump said his intelligence chiefs reassured him they were misquoted in their public Senate testimony that contradicted his foreign policies on North Korea, Iran and ISIS

Trump tweeted a photo of his meeting with his intelligence team

The president also dismissed concerns some Republicans senators don't agree with his decision to withdraw U.S. forces from Syria and Afghanistan.

'I ran against 17 Republicans. This was a big part of what I was saying, and I won very easily,' he said.

'We've been fighting for 19 years. Somebody said you were precipitously bringing to- precipitously? We've been there for 19 years. I want to fight. I want to win, and we want to bring our great troops back home. I've seen the people. I go to Walter Reed Hospital. I see what happens to people. I see with no legs and no arms. And I've seen also what happens to them up here because they're in this situation, and they come back and they are totally different people - where the wives and the fathers and the mothers say, 'What has happened to my son? What has happened in some cases to my daughter?' It's a terrible thing. We've been there close to 19 years. And it's time. And we'll see what happens with the Taliban. They want peace. They're tired. Everybody's tired. We'd like to have - I don't like endless wars. This war. What we're doing is got to stop at some point,' he added.

And, he said if al Qaeda and other terrorist groups grew in strength, U.S. forces would return to the region.

'We'll come back if we have to,' he said.

Trump on Thursday brushed aside the contradictions his intelligence chiefs offered on his policies on Iran, North Korea and ISIS, saying he had spoken to them and got reassurance they 'were totally misquoted' and it was 'fake news.'

'They said they were totally misquoted and totally taken out of context. What I do, I suggested you call them. They said it was fake news, which, frankly, didn't surprise me at all,' Trump told reporters at the White House after being asked if he'd spoken to them about their testimony to a Senate panel earlier this week.

When pressed by the media about what FBI directory Christopher Wray, CIA director Gina Haspel, and Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats said in a public hearing that was broadcast on C-SPAN on Tuesday, Trump brushed the questions aside.

He stuck to his guns in saying their were misquoted in their public testimony

'We're here to talk right now about China,' he said during his Oval Office meeting with Chinese trade officials. 'Next please.'

He also tweeted a photo of him meeting with Coats, Haspel, National Security Adviser John Bolton and other members of his intelligence team on Thursday and noted: 'Just concluded a great meeting with my Intel team in the Oval Office who told me that what they said on Tuesday at the Senate Hearing was mischaracterized by the media.'

He added: 'I would suggest you read the COMPLETE testimony from Tuesday. A false narrative is so bad for our Country. I value our intelligence community. Happily, we had a very good meeting, and we are all on the same page!'

Earlier in the day Trump said he would have 'difficulty' taking advice from his intelligence chiefs after their testimony.

'I have difficulty with that. Time will prove me right, probably,' he told reporters at the White House.

Earlier in the day Trump said he'd have trouble listening to his chiefs after their testimony

Trump blamed Democrats for the situation with Iran

He then went on to defend his withdrawing the U.S. from the 2015 nuclear agreement with Iran after Coats had pointed out Tehran was still abiding by it despite America's exit.

'Iran is a big threat, and I think I did the right thing when I terminated the ridiculous Iran deal,' Trump said.

The president also sought to blame the situation with Iran on the Democrats in an early morning tweet, particularly hitting out Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer.

'Schumer and the Democrats are big fans of being weak and passive with Iran. They have no clue as to the danger they would be inflicting on our Country. Iran is in financial chaos now because of the sanctions and Iran Deal termination. Dems put us in a bad place - but now good!,' he tweeted Thursday morning.

The president was continuing his line of defense from Wednesday when he suggested his intelligence chiefs should 'go back to school' and lectured their 'naive' assessments on Iran after they sharply contradicted his foreign policy claims, particularly on North Korea and ISIS.

The president's response to his chiefs testimony before the Senate a day earlier was an unprecedented Twitter dressing down of America's top intelligence officials, where he called them 'extremely passive and naive,' said they were flat out 'wrong' on Iran, and suggested 'Intelligence should go back to school!.'

He railed against FBI directory Christopher Wray, CIA director Gina Haspel, and Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats, who painted a different picture of America's relationship with its foreign partners when they testified before the Senate Intelligence Committee on Tuesday.

President Donald Trump defended his foreign policy initiatives on Wednesday

He attacked his intelligence chiefs as 'extremely passive and naive'

He suggested they go back to school

Trump has been fixated on his chiefs' testimony on Tuesday

Trump did not hold back in his fury and insults.

'The Intelligence people seem to be extremely passive and naive when it comes to the dangers of Iran. They are wrong! When I became President Iran was making trouble all over the Middle East, and beyond. Since ending the terrible Iran Nuclear Deal, they are MUCH different, but....,' he tweeted.

He added: '....a source of potential danger and conflict. They are testing Rockets (last week) and more, and are coming very close to the edge. There economy is now crashing, which is the only thing holding them back. Be careful of Iran. Perhaps Intelligence should go back to school!'

The president spent the morning in a defensive twitter storm about his foreign policy initiatives after Coats argued North Korea has no intention of giving up its nuclear weapons - in contrast to the president's claim of success after his summit with Kim Jong-Un - and CIA director Gina Haspel warned ISIS was still dangerous after Trump claimed they had been beaten.

Additionally Coats, in his testimony, had a different take on one of Trump's key assertions on Iran - that it had cheated on the spirit of the 2015 nuclear agreement. The president has argued Iran is still a nuclear threat.

Coats appeared to contradict that when he said Tehran was complying with the deal - even after Trump announced America's withdrawal from it in May - and isn't taking any steps toward a nuclear weapon.

'We do not believe Iran is currently undertaking activities we judge necessary to produce a nuclear device,' he said.

In The Senate, John Thune, the second most senior Republican as majority whip, told CNN: 'I prefer the President would stay off Twitter - particularly with regard to these important national security issues where you've got people who are experts and have the background and are professionals.

'I think we need to trust their judgment.'

Former CIA Director John Brennan, a frequent Trump critic who had his security clearance revoked by the president, retweeted Trump's criticism and told the president: 'All Americans, especially members of Congress, need to understand the danger you pose to our national security.'

'Your refusal to accept the unanimous assessment of U.S. Intelligence on Iran, No. Korea, ISIS, Russia, & so much more shows the extent of your intellectual bankruptcy. All Americans, especially members of Congress, need to understand the danger you pose to our national security,' he wrote on Twitter.

Trump's early morning defense of his foreign policies particularly focused on Iran and North Korea.

FBI Director Christopher Wray; CIA Director Gina Haspel; and Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats testified before the Senate Intelligence Committee on 'Worldwide Threats'

Trump started Wednesday morning defending his policies on Syria

He was particularly defensive of his work with North Korea

The president's early morning Twitter focus was on world affairs after his intelligence chiefs sharply contradicted his claims

Trump touted his foreign policy work after his intelligence chiefs offered a different assessment

Former CIA Director John Brennan, a frequent Trump critic who had his security clearance revoked by the president, fired back in the defense of the intelligence chiefs

'When I became President, ISIS was out of control in Syria & running rampant. Since then tremendous progress made, especially over last 5 weeks. Caliphate will soon be destroyed, unthinkable two years ago. Negotiating are proceeding well in Afghanistan after 18 years of fighting..,' Trump wrote in a series of tweets that came before he insulted his intelligence chiefs.

'Fighting continues but the people of Afghanistan want peace in this never ending war. We will soon see if talks will be successful? North Korea relationship is best it has ever been with U.S. No testing, getting remains, hostages returned. Decent chance of Denuclearization...,' the president noted.

He added: '...Time will tell what will happen with North Korea, but at the end of the previous administration, relationship was horrendous and very bad things were about to happen. Now a whole different story. I look forward to seeing Kim Jong Un shortly. Progress being made-big difference!'

The positive notes from Trump came after Haspel warned ISIS was still dangerous and Coats told the Senate Intelligence Committee that Kim is unlikely to give up his nuclear stockpiles.

'We currently assess that North Korea will seek to retain its WMD (weapons of mass destruction) capabilities and is unlikely to completely give up its nuclear weapons and production capability because its leaders ultimately view nuclear weapons as critical to regime survival,' Coats said in his opening statement as the three intelligence chiefs testified on Tuesday.

'Our assessment is bolstered by our observations of some activity that is inconsistent with full denuclearization,' he added.

Coats' conclusions run counter to the claims Trump made after his June summit in Singapore with Kim, when he argued North Korea no longer poses a nuclear threat.

Trump plans to meet with Kim again 'shortly,' as he said in his Wednesday morning tweet but no agenda, venue or date have been announced.

The White House has said the sitdown will be around the end of February.

Additionally, in the annual 'Worldwide Threat Assessment' released on Tuesday, it was revealed Kim is wooing China and South Korea to support its push for Washington to loosen sanctions pressure without making significant nuclear concessions.

'Kim has also sought to align the region against the U.S.-led pressure campaign in order to gain incremental sanctions relief, and North Korean statements have repeatedly indicated that some sanctions relief is necessary for additional diplomacy to occur,' the report said.

The 42-page report released by Coats noted North Korea had not conducted any nuclear or missile tests in over a year and had declared its support for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

Pyongyang had also 'reversibly dismantled' parts of its infrastructure for weapons of mass destruction, the report said.

The report also noted that in his 2019 New Year's address, Kim pledged that North Korea would 'go toward' complete denuclearization and promised not to make, test, or use nuclear weapons.

Contradiction: Dan Coats (right), the Director of National Intelligence, told the Senate Intelligence Committee, that Kim Jong Un still wants nuclear weapons so his regime can survive. Coats testified beside (from left) Christopher Wray, the FBI Director, and Gina Haspel, the CIA Director

Another summit: After this meeting in Singapore in June 2018, Trump said that Kim Jong Un had committed to full denuclearization but was contradicted Tuesday by his own Director of National Intelligence

However, it said Kim made it conditional on 'practical actions' by the United States and added that Pyongyang had - in the past tied - the idea of denuclearization to changes in diplomatic ties, economic sanctions, and military activities.

And CIA director Gina Haspel told the Senate panel on Tuesday that Kim's regime 'is committed to developing a long-range nuclear-armed missile that would pose a direct threat to the United States.'

The threat report also found that the United States' trade policies and 'unilateralism' - central tenants of Trump's presidency - have strained relationships with foreign partners.

In addition to the focus on the North Korea, both the report and the chiefs' testimony examined relationships with Iran, Afghanistan and Syria plus warned of possible cyber attacks in the next presidential election.

Missing from the report was any mention of threats at the U.S-Mexico border where Trump is demanding a border wall for security reasons.

The report stated the Islamic State group 'remains a terrorist and insurgent threat' inside Iraq, where the government faces 'an increasingly disenchanted public.'

In Syria, where Trump has ordered a full withdrawal of U.S. troops, the government of Bashar Assad is likely to consolidate control, with Russia and Iran attempting to further entrench themselves in Syria, the report claimed.

And Haspel said of ISIS: 'They're still dangerous,' adding that they still command 'thousands of fighters in Iraq and Syria.'

Last month Trump claimed 'we have won against ISIS; we've beaten them, and we've beaten them badly.'

The intelligence assessment of Afghanistan projected a continued military stalemate.

Without mentioning prospects for a peace deal, which appear to have improved only in recent days, the report said, 'neither the Afghan government nor the Taliban will be able to gain a strategic military advantage in the Afghan war in the coming year' if the U.S. maintains its current levels of support.

Trump has ordered a partial pullback of U.S. forces this year, although no firm plan is in place.

Coats also told the committee that Russia and perhaps other countries are likely to attempt to use social media and other means to influence the 2020 U.S. presidential election.

'We expect our adversaries and strategic competitors to refine their capabilities and add new tactics as they learn from each other's experiences, suggesting the threat landscape could look very different in 2020 and future elections,' the intelligence report said.

The White House is planning another meeting between Kim and Trump after their first summit in Singapore in June

Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats told the Senate Intelligence Committee that North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un is unlikely to give up his nuclear stockpiles

The report specifically warned about Russia, which U.S. intelligence agencies determined had interfered in the 2016 election to sway voters toward Trump.

'Russia's social media efforts will continue to focus on aggravating social and racial tensions, undermining trust in authorities, and criticizing perceived anti-Russia politicians,' it said.

'Moscow may employ additional influence toolkits - such as spreading disinformation, conducting hack-and-leak operations, or manipulating data - in a more targeted fashion to influence U.S. policy, actions, and elections.'Australia's biggest northern city remains under siege as once in a century monsoons continue to flood homes, draw crocodiles on to the streets and force residents onto their rooftops to seek shelter.

Up to 20,000 homes could be inundated with water from record rainfall in Townsville, north Queensland

Desperate locals are posting on social media pleading with strangers for help as water levels continue to rise.

'Please, we have been stuck at 9 Lakewood Drive waiting for SES for hours... we have a six-year-old and a large dog, neither can swim,' one resident wrote online.

'Does anyone have a boat they can get to us on?'

Scroll down for video

There are fears up to 20,000 homes could be inundated with water in Townsville, north Queensland

One crocodile was spotted in the residential neighbourhood of Mundingburra shortly before 10pm

Authorities went door-to-door to warn locals of the risks of staying as the 'unprecedented' once-in-a-century storm devastated some suburbs of the north Queensland area

Desperate locals are posting on social media pleading with strangers for help as water levels continue to rise

Desperate locals are posting on social media pleading with strangers for help as water levels continue to rise

Tens of thousands of families are currently on their sixth day of battling the conditions, and have now been warned the flooding has displaced crocodiles.

Crocodiles were spotted in the residential neighbourhood of Mundingburra shortly before 10pm.

Residents were warned to keep their eyes peeled while wading through the waist-deep waters.

Forecasters now fear the monsoonal weather conditions and strong winds will create a tornado in the region in the coming days.

Early estimates suggest insurance costs will exceed $16million, but this could increase drastically should the tornado hit.

Australia's biggest northern city remains under siege as once in a century monsoons continue to flood homes

Forecasters now fear the monsoonal weather conditions and strong winds will create a tornado in the region in the coming days

The town was forced to open the floodgates to the already overflowing Ross River Dam on Sunday

The town was forced to open the floodgates to the already overflowing Ross River Dam on Sunday, creating a wall of water that flowed out into the community at 2000 cubic metres per second as of 9pm on Sunday evening.

The alarming reports prompted a warning from the Bureau of Meteorology, who urged residents of low lying areas to seek alternative accommodation.

'You can expect high velocity flows and unprecedented areas of flooding to occur in the Ross River Catchment,' BoM spokesman Bruce Gunn said in a video statement.

More than 500 Townsville homes were evacuated overnight and have been inundated with water

Townsville is currently in its sixth day of intense rains and monsoon weather conditions

Striking images showed roads and houses totally submerged by heavy flooding while 100 soldiers were called in to help stricken residents prepare for the worst (Pictured: Rosslea residents take their boat around floodwaters)

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services crews responding to flood conditions in Townsville

'It could change continuously and unpredictably over the course of this evening into (Monday) morning.'

The Ross River at Aplin Weir was at 3.11 metres and rising late on Sunday night, with authorities expecting it to reach four metres.

The extra water could flood more homes along the river.

Up to 20 suburbs were evacuated as of last night.

People in Rosslea, Hermit Park and Townsville City have been urged to move to higher ground immediately.

The monsoon trough that's been dumping vast amounts of rain on the state's north for a week has rewritten Townsville's record books.

The Bureau of Meteorology has warned communities in North Queensland the heavy rainfall and flooding could last well into next week

Queensland residents have been urged to seek safety as authorities are forced to open dam doors (pictured) completely as the state battles a one-in-100 year monsoon

The town was forced to open the floodgates to the already overflowing Ross River Dam on Sunday, creating a wall of water that flowed out into the community at 2000 cubic metres per second

In just seven days, the city copped a staggering 1012mm, eclipsing the previous record of 886mm set on the city's so-called Night of Noah when vast swathes of the city went under back in 1998.

Parts of north and central Queensland could get another half a metre to a metre of rain over the next few days.

Authorities have pleaded with Townsville residents who are still in their homes to get ready.

'We don't know when this event will end,' Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said.

'We cannot give you any certainty about what we are going to need to do into the future.'

Townsville Local Disaster Management Group Chair Mayor Jenny Hill said the decision to open the spillway gates further was not taken lightly (Pictured: flooding in Townsville)

Dozens of homes have been swamped since the flooding began with schools and businesses shut, thousands displaced and evacuation centres opened (Pictured: army personnel assisting with flood evacuations)

With water levels at waist and chest height in some suburban streets, local police chief and District Disaster Coordinator Steve Munro said the crisis was only half over

Townsville Airport announced it had cancelled all flights in and out of the facility just after 6pm due to safety concerns.

With water levels at waist and chest height in some suburban streets, local police chief and District Disaster Coordinator Steve Munro said the crisis was only half over.

He warned: '[Damage] could move up to the 20,000 (mark). That's the worst case scenario we're looking at if things keep going pear-shaped. We don't want to get to that stage.'

The monsoon trough has brought driving rain to other parts of the state too, including drought-hit communities out west.

At Hughenden, properties are facing inundation and the forecast is for more major falls out there, as far as Mount Isa near the Northern Territory border.

In Townsville, people are sharing dramatic stories of what they had to do to escape fast-rising flood waters

The flash flooding and land slips have been declared a disaster in an area that stretches 700km from Cairns to Mackay (Pictured: flooding in Rosslea, Townsville)

Back on the east coast, communities from Ingham to Mackay, 500km away, are at risk of flash flooding and damaging winds, including the possibility of tornadoes.

In Townsville, people are sharing dramatic stories of what they had to do to escape fast-rising flood waters.

Hermit Park resident Randall Parker used a blow-up air bed to float his family to safety after water rapidly swallowed his unit.

'It is just unbelievable ... It just keeps bucketing down,' he told The Sunday Mail.

'I just had to get the family out including a newborn baby as quick as possible.'

The monster monsoon has left police, rescue crews and soldiers scrambling to help locals, some of whom, like Mr Parker made makeshift rafts and desperately paddled their pets, children and belongings to higher ground.A 'sugar baby' has had her bail rejected for a third time after a pay dispute over a sexual encounter with a man she met online led to a physical assault with a tomahawk.

Shannon Haynes, 26, agreed to meet the 37-year-old victim for sex after meeting on the dating site Seeking Arrangement in October 2018.

The self-described 'blonde bombshell' from Wollongong, south of Sydney, organised the man to pay $1000 for the rendezvous which was later dropped to a sum of $300, police allege.

Haynes goes by the name Sienna on the unique dating website, which allows 'sugar babies' and 'sugar daddies' to meet in exchange for money

When the pair met a few days later at her mother's house in Fernhill, Haynes asked for $1000 but was refused, Illawarra Mercury reported.

Haynes then allegedly called a male friend and said: 'I need you right here'.

Two men allegedly stormed the house and demanded the money before striking the victim on the left ear with a tomahawk.

In court last week, defence lawyer James Howell argued there was no proof Hayne knew what the two men were going to do when they entered the property.

Mr Howell said Haynes admitted to calling one of the men but allegedly to deliver drugs.

'There's no slam dunk (piece of evidence), no silver bullet,' he said.

When police arrived to the house, they allegedly found methamphetamine and arrested Haynes on the spot

'The evidence is consistent with what my client says happened  that she contacted him to supply her with a prohibited drug but in no way did she instruct anyone to harm this person or demand money from him.'

Mr Howell said Hayne's mother would pay an $800 surety for release and that Hayne would comply with any bail conditions imposed.

Despite this, Magistrate Michael Stoddart refused Hayne's release.

'On the face of it it seems to me it's a strong prosecution case,' he said.

During her second attempt to receive bail in October 2018, Hayne appeared at Wollongong court via videolink from Silverwater Women's prison and burst into tears when she was denied bail, Fairfax reported.

In the early hours of Friday morning 'sugar baby' Shannon Haynes (pictured) arranged to meet a 37-year-old man at a home in Wollongong, south of Sydney

'I didn't have anything to do with it,' she sobbed.

Magistrate Susan McGowan said the allegations were 'alarming' and was not phased by Haynes' reaction.

Haynes had signed up to 'Seeking Arrangement' just three days before the violent encounter, The Illawarra Mercury reported.

Haynes goes by the name Sienna on the unique dating website - which allows 'sugar babies' and 'sugar daddies' to meet in exchange for money.

On her profile, Haynes describes herself as a 'fun, smart and sexy blonde bombshell'.

She also makes clear that she has 'expensive taste' and loves to shop, have expensive dinners and spontaneous holidays.

The victim left the house and called police before being rushed to hospital to have his ear stitched pieced together with 16 stitches.

Hayne's was arrested when police arrived to the house and found her with methamphetamine, the court heard.

She was charged with demand property by force in company and drug possession.A sheriff's deputy has been shot and killed during a 12-hour standoff at an apartment complex in Ohio that left another deputy wounded and a suspect in custody.

Authorities responded to the Royal Oaks Apartments in Pierce Township, about 20 miles east of Cincinnati, on Saturday at 7pm to carry out a welfare check.

A man had called 911 to report that people were refusing to leave his home and that there were weapons inside.

Wade Edward Winn, 23, is accused of shooting two Clermont County deputies, killing one of them.

During the standoff Winn took to Instagram Live and posted footage of himself inside the apartment as officers outside called for him to put his weapons down and surrender.

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Wade Edward Winn is accused of fatally shooting a sheriff's deputy during a 12-hour standoff

Authorities responded to the Royal Oaks Apartments in Pierce Township, about 20 miles east of Cincinnati, on Saturday at 7pm

During the standoff Winn took to Instagram Live and posted footage of himself inside the apartment as officers outside called for him to put his weapons down and surrender. Grabs from the video are seen above

'Wade Winn. This is the Clermont County Sheriff's Office. Put your weapons down. Time to surrender,' officials are heard saying in the Instagram video.

An official continues: 'Wade Winn, this is the Sheriff's Office. You need to pick up the phone, to speak with you. You can tell us what is on your mind, what's going on. But we want you to surrender. We want to get you the help you need. No one wants to harm you.'

The two Clermont County Sheriff's deputies that responded to the home were not able to make contact with the caller when they arrived.

Gunshots were first heard coming from inside the apartment at about 8.15pm.

The deputies called for backup as they tried to negotiate with Winn.

He then opened fire again at about 10.30pm and they were both struck by bullets.

A sheriff's deputy was shot and killed on Saturday night during a 12-hour standoff at an apartment complex in Ohio that left another deputy wounded and the suspect in custody

One of the deputies was killed while the other remains in stable condition at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.

Police said the officers did not return fire during the standoff.

According to WLWT5, a fire broke out at Winn's apartment complex around 6.30am - it is not clear whether this was started by Winn or officials wanting him to surrender.

Authorities took Winn into custody just after 6.30am following the 12-hour standoff.

Winn has now been charged with aggravated murder - he has a criminal record which includes convictions for drug possession and illegally handing firearms in a motor vehicle.

Neither of the deputies have been identified.President Donald Trump won't rule out a second government shutdown on February 15 if negotiators don't offer a border security plan that includes funding for his border wall.

'We're going to have to see what happens on February 15th,' the president told CBS' "Face the Nation" in an interview that aired Sunday morning, adding 'I don't take anything off the table.'

He also didn't rule out declaring a national emergency in order to build his barrier along the U.S.-Mexico border.

President Trump would not rule out a second government shutdown on February 15 if negotiators don't offer a funding for his border wall

Speaker Pelosi said there will be no funding for the wall in border security legislation

President Trump took to twitter to argue 'if there is no wall, there is no security'

'I don't like to take things off the table. It's that alternative. It's national emergency, it's other things and you know there have been plenty national emergencies called,' he argued.

The president also took to Twitter on Sunday to argue 'if there is no wall, there is no security.'

'With Caravans marching through Mexico and toward our Country, Republicans must be prepared to do whatever is necessary for STRONG Border Security. Dems do nothing. If there is no Wall, there is no Security. Human Trafficking, Drugs and Criminals of all dimensions - KEEP OUT!,' he wrote.

A group of Republican and Democratic lawmakers are working on a plan to fund border security beyond February 15, which is the day funding for several government agencies runs out. The Democrats' opening offer had zero money for Trump's wall.

But the president continues to make the case for his border barrier and said anyone who doesn't think so is 'just playing games.

'This really is an invasion of our country by human traffickers. These are people that are horrible people bringing in women mostly, but bringing in women and children into our country. Human trafficking. And we're going to have a strong border. And the only way you have a strong border is you need a physical barrier. You need a wall. And anybody that says you don't, they're just playing games,' he said.

He also slammed Speaker Nancy Pelosi as doing a 'terrible disservice to the people' by not funding his wall. He said she was too 'rigid' in their negotiations and 'very bad' for the country.

The shutdown began when Trump demanded $5.7 billion for his border wall and Democrats refused to offer more than $1.3 billion for border security. Pelosi held firm on her stance for no border wall funding and, after the longest shutdown in American history, Trump caved and reopened the government for three weeks while negotiations on border security funding continue.

'I think that she was very rigid - which I would expect - but I think she is very bad for our country,' he told CBS News of the speaker. 'She knows that you need a barrier. She knows that we need border security. She wanted to win a political point. I happen to think it's very bad politics because basically she wants open borders.'

He went on to say she is 'doing a terrible disservice to our country. And on the 15th we have now set the table beautifully because everybody knows what's going on because of the shutdown. People that didn't have any idea- they didn't have a clue as to what was happening, they now know exactly what's happening.'

He also declared the White House would 'win' in the current round of negotiations.

'She can keep playing her games,' Trump said of Pelosi, 'but we will win. Because we have a much better issue. On a political basis, what she's doing is - I actually think it's bad politics, but much more importantly it's very bad for our country.'

Pelosi's office shot back.

'President Trumps recklessness didnt make us safer, it undermined our security with 35 days of border patrol agents, DEA agents, FBI agents and Homeland Security personnel missing paychecks. Democrats have put forward strong, smart and effective border security solutions in the bipartisan conference committee, while the President still refuses to take a second shutdown off the table,' her spokesperson Drew Hammill said in a statement.

Pelosi made it clear Thursday that there would be no money for Trump's border wall in the legislation lawmakers are working on to avoid another government shutdown but she did leave the door open to 'enhanced fencing.'

'There's not going to be any wall money in the legislation,' she told reporters at the Capitol.

But she did say she would accept 'normandy fencing' - crisscrossed posts, lined with barbed wire or mesh - as it already exists in places on the border.

'If the president wants to call it a wall he can call it a wall,' she said.

Speaker Pelosi made it clear there would be no money for President Trump's border wall in the legislation being working on to avoid another shutdown

President Trump wants a border wall funded in the next round of government funding

President Trump fired back at Pelosi: 'If there's no wall it doesn't work. She's just playing games'

'Is there a place when enhanced fencing, Normandy fencing would work, let them have that discussion,' she said of the bipartisan, bicameral committee working on a border security compromise plan.

Trump fired back at her when he spoke to reporters at the White House later Thursday.

'If there's no wall it doesn't work. She's just playing games,' he said of the speaker.

He then argued caravans of immigrants were in route from Central America to the U.S.-Mexico border and Pelosi would beg for a barrier.

'Nancy Pelosi will be begging for a wall,' he said.

Trump argued the shutdown set the stage for this round of negotiations on border security

'I think by having the shutdown we set the table for what we have now,' he said, adding 'I don't think they're going to make a deal.'

He again vowed that if there's no money for his wall, there's no deal.

'If they don't have a wall I don't even want to waste my time reading what they have,' he said of the bipartisan committee working on a solution for border security.

And he said he'd make a decision on declaring a national emergency - thus getting money for his wall that way - after the February 15 deadline for the negotiators.

'I'm waiting for February 15,' he said.

And Vice President Mike Pence said the administration would 'continue to fight' for a wall.

'What the president is calling on Congress to do today is an all of the above strategy. But, all of the above includes a wall. All of the above includes a physical barrier with high density areas law enforcement communities say it is most needed. We're going to continue to fight for just that,' he said at a DEA event on Thursday.

Meanwhile, the speaker was on a high note Thursday morning in her first weekly press conference since the government reopened. She entered the roomful of reporters with the comment: 'Winning is good.'

'Thank God the government is open again,' she added.

Trump caved to the speaker's demands last week and reopened the government for three weeks with legislation that did not contain any of the $5.7 billion he wants for his border wall.

The legislation, however, created a bipartisan committee of 17 representatives and senators to work out a compromise on border security before government funding runs out on Feb. 15.

Their first meeting was Wednesday and Democrats indicated they were open to upping their original $1.3 billion offer on border security - although they want the funds used on technology enhancements to help border agents to do their jobs.

Trump, meanwhile, on Thursday dropped his offer to Democrats to call his border structure a fence or a physical barrier.

A' WALL is a WALL' he noted in an early morning tweet and urged both sides to 'stop playing political games' by calling it something else.

He declared: 'The Wall is getting done one way or the other!' Repeating himself in another, Trump claimed, 'Construction has started and will not stop until it is finished.'

Trump continued to rage for more than an hour, telling Republicans on a bipartisan panel tasked with coming to a border security arrangement to stop 'wasting their time' on the negotiations with his political opponents.

'I've got you covered. Wall is already being built, I don't expect much help!' he proclaimed.

President Trump inspects border wall prototypes in San Diego in March 2018

President Donald Trump has dropped his offer to Democrats to call his border structure a fence or a physical barrier to satisfy their demands that he forgo his plans to build a wall from sea to shining sea along the southern border

President Trump went on a tangent about his border 'wall' in Thursday morning tweets

He noted that a ' WALL is a WALL' and urged both sides to stop 'playing political games' in negotiations

He claimed the border crisis is worse than Afghanistan, and he brought up Mexico's murder rate to prove it

Trump signaled that he was getting his information from Fox News, which he typically spends his morning watching

As the first day of talks among a bipartisan committee of negotiators did not produce the result he wanted, however, Trump raged on Twitter about the wall

Just this month, President Trump said Democrats could call his wall whatever want  even 'peaches' if they prefer  so long as he gets his money.

He was feeling less generous by Thursday morning. 'Lets just call them WALLS from now on and stop playing political games! A WALL is a WALL!' he said.

As the first day of talks among a bipartisan committee of negotiators did not produce the result he wanted, however, Trump raged on Twitter about the wall and the Mexican murder rate while watching his favorite morning program.

'Large sections of WALL have already been built with much more either under construction or ready to go. Renovation of existing WALLS is also a very big part of the plan to finally, after many decades, properly Secure Our Border. The Wall is getting done one way or the other!' he tweeted.

Laying the brickwork for his case that the nation is facing an emergency at the border, Trump also claimed that Mexico's skyrocketing murder rate is contributing to illegal immigration in America and the death toll is higher that of Afghanistan.

'Very sadly, Murder cases in Mexico in 2018 rose 33% from 2017, to 33,341. This is a big contributor to the Humanitarian Crises taking place on our Southern Border and then spreading throughout our Country. Worse even than Afghanistan. Much caused by DRUGS. Wall is being built!' he said.

And just so it was clear what television show he was watching he tagged 'Fox & Friends' in a follow-up.

'With Murders up 33% in Mexico, a record, why wouldn't any sane person want to build a Wall! Construction has started and will not stop until it is finished,' he asserted.

He correctly asserted that the country recorded 33,341 homicides in 2018, but incorrectly stated the percent increase over the year before. While it was indeed the highest rate of homicides on record, Mexico recorded a 15 percent increase in murders and not the 33 percent that Trump claimed in his social media rant.

Trump was reacting to reports out of a bipartisan meeting on Capitol Hill that Democrats remain opposed to giving him a substantial amount of money for a border wall.

Democrats returned Wednesday to their claim that there is no money for the barrier in their opening offer to avert another government shutdown despite his warning that morning that are 'wasting their time' if they won't fund his barrier.

'If you're asking if there's any money for a border wall there is none,' Democratic Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard told reporters after the first meeting of House and Senate negotiators ended.

Trump said Thursday morning that he'd build the wall, anyway.

'Republicans on the Homeland Security Committee are wasting their time,' he stated. 'Democrats, despite all of the evidence, proof and Caravans coming, are not going to give money to build the DESPERATELY needed WALL. I've got you covered. Wall is already being built, I don't expect much help!'

Chairwoman Nita Lowey (center) and Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (right) made it clear there was no funding for President Trump's border wall in their opening offer

The 17-member bipartisan, bicameral panel held their first meeting to find a border security compromise

On Wednesday the 17-member bipartisan, bicameral panel held their first meeting to find a border security compromise under dueling threats: 1) a ticking clock that only gives them until Feb. 15 to come up with a plan that the president will sign to avoid another shutdown; and 2) increasingly aggressive warnings from Trump that he will tap into 'alternative' sources of revenue to build his wall if he fells that he must.

House Appropriations Chair Nita Lowey appeared to brush aside Trump's threats.

'I raised three children and now I have eight grand children and I think it's best way of dealing with them is with facts and figures instead of threats,' she said when asked about the president's demand.

Lowey did offer a ray of hope when it comes to compromise.

'Everything is on the table,' she said. 'Today was a starting point.'

She also said the lawmakers charged with coming up with a hail mary pass over the next 16 days may take a trip to the border as part of their work.

'We've been talking about maybe taking a trip to the border but there is not much time,' she said.

And while Democrats wouldn't commit to a wall, Lowey conceded more money would likely end up on the table than the $1.3 billion Democrats originally offered for border security.

'We will expand on the $1.6 billion for border security-related programs that House Democrats have already passed in the last few weeks,' she said.

But there was little enthusiasm for the $5.7 billion Trump was demanded for his border wall. Democrats argued money was limited and could be put to other uses.

'Within the limited funding available in the bill, we will be fighting for balanced investments across the Department's mission areas. And we will be pushing for a strong, but smart, border security posture, one that does not rely on costly physical barriers,' Roybal-Allard said.

It was that showdown over $1.6 billion versus $5.7 billion that led to the shutdown. If the panel can't come up with a compromise Trump will sign by Feb. 15, funding is likely to lapse again for the departments of Transportation, Agriculture, Homeland Security, Treasury, Commerce, Housing and Urban Development, Justice, State and Interior, as well as the IRS, National Science Foundation, FDA and EPA.

Republicans on the panel showed their support Wednesday for some type of border barrier to be used strategically.

Few lawmakers used the word 'wall' but talked about building barriers where it made strategic sense.

'All sides seem to agree that border security is important. That is a good start, but it cannot end there,' said Republican Sen. Richard Shelby in his opening remarks.

'Smart technology alone does not actually stop anyone from crossing into the U.S. illegally,' he noted as part of his argument for a border barrier. 'Our border patrol tells us that they need physical barriers to help them do their job. Not from coast to coast, but strategically placed where traffic is highest.'

He argued strategic barriers are part of a 'comprehensive solution.'

Republican Congressman Chuck Fleischmann did utter the word 'wall' but said he wanted one 'where barriers work' on the border.

The GOP pushed for lawmakers to focus on where they agree and argued portions of a border barrier are something both parties could back.

'People, technology and barrier and we've all voted for all three,' said Republican Sen. John Hoeven.

But Democratic Rep. Henry Cuellar, whose district sits on the Texas-U.S. border, dismissed the idea a wall is effective.

'Give me $100. I'll buy you a ladder and we'll take care of that wall quickly,' he said.

Republican Sen. Richard Shelby suggested strategically placed border barriers would be a good compromise

President Donald Trump hamstrung Capitol Hill negotiators as they began the first round of talks with a bipartisan panel of lawmakers to fund the government through the end of the fiscal year

Trump said that the legislators 'are wasting their time' if their solution doesn't include a border wall. He allowed that they could refer to it alternatively as a physical barrier

But, before lawmakers met Wednesday afternoon, Trump put his demand on the table.

'If the committee of Republicans and Democrats now meeting on Border Security is not discussing or contemplating a Wall or Physical Barrier, they are Wasting their time!,' he tweeted Wednesday morning.

The 35-day shutdown, the longest in American history, ended Friday after Trump signed a bill to reopen the government for three weeks, backing down from his demand that Congress give him $5.7 billion for his border wall before federal agencies get back to work.

Polls show people chiefly blame Trump and Republicans for the shutdown.

Part of the agreement was the bipartisan panel of House and Senate lawmakers tasked with coming up with a border security plan both parties could support and Trump would sign.

Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who previously said there was no chance of Trump getting his wall, punted the issue to negotiators.

'I think a conference committee can reach a good result left to its own devices without interference from anybody else. I have confidence in the appropriators,' she told CNN Wednesday morning.

And Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who pressured Trump last week to end the shutdown, warned the president against triggering another one or declaring a national emergency in order to get his wall.

When asked to describe a border security agreement he'd support, McConnell said: 'I'm for whatever works that would prevent the level of dysfunction we've seen on full display here the last month and also doesn't bring about a view on the president's part that he needs to declare a national emergency.'

Before negotiators met on Wednesday, Shelby was asked what would happen if the lawmakers came up with a plan that Trump would refuse to sign and a veto could be overridden.

'That'd be hard to do. Nothing is impossible,' he said.

White House press secretary Sarah Sanders warned Democrats on Monday afternoon that they will 'get virtually nothing' if they put Trump in the position of having to solve the border wall fight by declaring a national emergency.

'If they don't come back with a deal, that means Democrats get virtually nothing. That will make the president, and force him, to have to take executive action that does not give Democrats the things that they want,' Sanders said in her first press briefing of 2019.

She said of an immigration reform framework and spending deal, 'This is a perfect time and the table has been perfectly set by the president in order for a good deal to come together where everybody gets a little something they're looking for.'

Meanwhile, acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney said on Sunday the president is willing to shut down the government again in three weeks in order to secure the border.

Negotiators have until Feb. 15 to come up with a compromise on border security

'Yeah I think he actually is. Keep in mind he's willing to do whatever it takes to secure the border. He does take this very seriously,' Mulvaney said Sunday on CBS' 'Face the Nation.'

Mulvaney refused to answer whether or not Trump would take less than the $5.7 billion he demanded as his original price to reopen the government - the amount he needs to build a border wall.

'This is not something where the president's married to a number, he's married to border security,' he said on 'Fox News Sunday.'Allies of Jeremy Corbyn rallied around the Labour leader today after he was accused of 'defending a dictator' for condemning US sanctions on Venezuela's president Maduro.

Shadow attorney general Shami Chakrabarti said Mr Corbyn was a 'lifelong human rights defender' who was denied a fair hearing in the media.

Barry Gardiner, the shadow trade secretary, said Labour would always speak out against human rights abuses whether in a left or right-wing country.

It came after the opposition leader was criticised by Brendan Cox, the widower of murdered Labour MP Jo Cox and a former chief strategist at Save the Children, who accused him of 'defending a dictator'.

Allies of Jeremy Corbyn (pictured in Derbyshire on Thursday) rallied around the Labour leader today after he was accused of 'defending a dictator' for condemning US sanctions on Venezuela's president Maduro

Shadow attorney general Shami Chakrabarti (pictured today on Sky News) said Mr Corbyn was a 'lifelong human rights defender' who was denied a fair hearing in the media

Barry Gardiner (pictured today on Marr), the shadow trade secretary, said Labour would always speak out against human rights abuses whether in a left or right-wing country

Baroness Chakrabarti told Sky News' Sophy Ridge On Sunday that she relied on 'trusted sources' such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch regarding the oil-rich South American nation, which is in the grip of a humanitarian and political crisis.

She said: 'Last year's reporting on Venezuela was pretty damning and that is in terms of disappearances, that is in terms of crushing dissent, that is in terms of reports of torture of prisoners and political prisoners, and it is completely unacceptable.

'It is incumbent on people like me, as someone of the left, to call out governments and states of the left, because human rights have to be applied with an even hand.'

But asked about Mr Corbyn's response, she added: 'Jeremy is a lifelong human rights defender, sometimes it is difficult for him to cut through in the media because people just say, ''Well you're a socialist, just like Venezuela is''.

'He has said that you have to have the rule of law and you have to have human rights, clearly if you match that with the reporting of Venezuela that is not happening.

'However, it would be very helpful if the United States and the UK Conservative Government would ... call out Venezuela but also look across the way at Honduras, where you have a US-backed government which is also crushing dissent.'

Mr Gardiner told the BBC's Andrew Marr: 'I abhor what's gone on in Venezuela...

'We speak out against human rights abuses not just when it's a right-wing country, but also when it's a left-wing country.'

Maduro (pictured in Caracas yesterday) has been accused of stealing elections to cling to power amid economic collapse in his country

Mr Corbyn on Friday criticised Jeremy Hunt, saying the Foreign Secretary was 'wrong' to demand sanctions against the Maduro regime.

Mr Hunt spoke on Wednesday to Juan Guaido, the president of the National Assembly of Venezuela, who is trying to oust socialist leader Mr Maduro.

The European Union on Thursday recognised Mr Guaido as interim president in place of Mr Maduro, with Mr Hunt calling for sanctions against the latter.

The United States has also recognised Mr Guaido's leadership.

But in a Friday tweet, Mr Corbyn said: 'The future of Venezuela is a matter for Venezuelans. Jeremy Hunt's call for more sanctions on Venezuela is wrong.

'We oppose outside interference in Venezuela, whether from the US or anywhere else.

'There needs to be dialogue and a negotiated settlement to overcome the crisis.'

Brendan Cox said Mr Corbyn's criticism of sanctions against Maduro sounded like 'defending a dictator'

This sparked criticism from Mr Cox, whose wife was killed in 2016.

Writing on Twitter on Saturday, Mr Cox said: 'The future of Venezuela has been taken out of the hands of Venezuelans by an increasingly corrupt and totalitarian state.

'By all means call for dialogue but if you don't strongly condemn the subjugation of democracy it sounds like you are defending a dictator.'

Other senior Labour frontbenchers have also criticised the pressure being put on Mr Maduro, who is widely seen as a dictator, accusing the US of attempting 'regime change'.

Shadow chancellor John McDonnell, shadow home secretary Diane Abbott and shadow justice secretary Richard Burgon were among a host of left-wing politicians, union leaders and activists who signed a letter to The Observer last Sunday.Julian R. Mitchell, 20, was arrested on Thursday for identity theft after trying to use stolen credit cards at a Nashville bar

A Tennessee man with blond hair, a red beard and black eyebrows has been charged with identity theft after he tried to pass himself off as someone else to use stolen credit cards.

Julian R. Mitchell, 20, was arrested on Thursday after trying to use the stolen card at a Nashville bar.

When the bar's system flagged that the card had been lost or stolen, Mitchell was asked for identification to prove the card was his.

Police said he handed over a Tennessee driver's license that was 'plainly obvious' that it was not his.

After being questioned by police, Mitchell allegedly denied using the stolen ID.

Police subsequently searched Mitchell's fanny pack and found the victim's wallet.

Authorities also found that Mitchell had several other stolen credit cards belonging to the victim.

He was arrested for identity theft and is being held in Davidson County jail on a $25,000 bond.As he leaves the punishing schedule of studio-based car shows behind him, Jeremy Clarkson has revealed how hell be spending his spare time between filming road-trip specials - with farming and conservation.

And The Grand Tour host, 58, has explained how planting and maintaining crops at his aptly named Diddly Squat farm, made up of nearly 1,000 acres in Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, means he can claim to be 'carbon neutral'.

The petrolhead presenter insisted he didn't buy his land to offset his carbon footprint but that it is 'a happy coincidence that, should I ever get into a debate with a climate-change enthusiast, I can say I'm carbon-neutral'.

Jeremy Clarkson (pictured with his 47-year-old partner Lisa Hogan) has revealed how hell be spending his spare time between filming road-trip specials - with farming and conservation

This is as a result of Clarkson's land - where he lives with his 47-year-old partner Lisa Hogan - consuming more carbon dioxide through photosynthesis than he has ever generated with gas-guzzling cars.

Having moved into the farm cottage in 2009, Clarkson explained to The Sunday Times that as he nears his 60th birthday, he's found 'nothing fills him with more pleasure', than stomping around his muddy fields.

Clarkson, along with his presenting partners James May and Richard Hammond, have shifted away from studio car-shows after a 17-year 'punishing schedule', as series four of The Grand Tour concentrates on big-budget specials.

Clarkson is set to start construction of a new six-bedroom house (pictured are the plans) this year

It will replace the five-bedroom cottage (pictured) he blew up on his Amazon Prime series

The Grand Tour host, 58, has explained how planting and maintaining crops at his aptly named Diddly Squat farm (pictured), made up of nearly 1,000 acres in Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, means he can claim to be 'carbon neutral'

The move means more time at home for all three hosts and the South-Yorkshire native, who grew up in the countryside, couldn't be happier with the downshift.

'I've had it up to here with Heathrow. I can literally go through that airport now with my eyes closed. I know where all the gates are. I know the security people. I've been going through twice or three times a week for 20 years, and I've just had enough,' Clarkson said.

He added: 'So the idea of somebody saying, "You don't have to go through Heathrow any more; you don't have to get in a car; you don't even have to put on a pair of trousers in the morning," is a blessing. It does fill me with joy, the notion of spending large chunks of the year up here farming.'

Clarkson is set to start construction of a new six-bedroom house this year to replace the five-bedroom cottage he blew up on his Amazon Prime series.

The petrolhead presenter insisted he didn't buy his land to offset his carbon footprint

Clarkson, along with his presenting partners James May and Richard Hammond, have shifted away from studio car-shows after a 17-year 'punishing schedule', as series four of The Grand Tour (pictured) concentrates on big-budget specials

The home will be just down the road from his long-time friend David Cameron who has a house in the village of Dean.

But it seems Clarkson is not content to just farm his own land, as he revealed his secret ambition to present his own Countryfile - a more realistic version, he argued, 'where there was death and blood and opinion'.

However, the veteran presenter admitted he won't be giving up his London social life, or his penthouse, any time soon.

He told the publication that he would miss the hustle and bustle, and even the noise, if he were ever to leave.

While in the city, Clarkson employs another farmer in his village to tend to the fields, although he confessed that he would always ideally love to do it himself.https://www.aish.com/jw/id/This-IDF-Soldier-from-Maryland-Still-Needs-Our-Prayers.html

Nathaniel Felber was seriously wounded in a deadly terror attack which claimed the lives of two other soldiers.

While serving in Nahal Haredi, the IDFs religious battalion, Nathaniel Felber, 21, sustained a gunshot wound to his head when an Arab terrorist opened fired at close range as he guarded the Givat Assaf interchange north of Jerusalem on December 13. The terrorist killed two other soldiers, Mor Ben-Yosef and Yossi Cohen. Nathaniel was rushed to the Hadassah Ein Kerem hospital where complicated neurosurgery succeeded in saving his life and stabilizing his condition. He was sedated, put on a respirator, and continues to defy the odds.

Although he has not yet regained consciousness, the Felber family is staying strong, hopeful for his recovery; they have seen small signs of improvement. A few weeks ago, he regained the ability to breathe by himself for short periods on his own, at times opening an eye. On one occasion he squeezed his sisters hand and on another moved his arm when his father was putting tefillin on him. Since the attack the family has maintained an almost constant presence at his bedside.

Nathaniel at his army base

Judi and Joe Felber along with their three children, Adina, Daniel and Nathaniel moved to Israel from Silver Spring, Maryland in 2006. Nathaniel, the youngest, was 9 at the time. He has always been an easy-going person, Judi said in an Aish.com interview. He made friends quickly and easily, and threw himself into a new language. By the time he finished high school and enrolled in pre-military academy, the boys he met didn't know that Hebrew wasn't his first language.

Nathanial has a long road ahead and the family prays that he will recover from his serious injuries.

That smile

Every picture of Nathaniel shows that same enchanting smile. It comes from a pure love and joy of life, Judi said. He rarely argues, always tries to see the good and has the ability to make any situation fun and enjoyable. Hes always careful not to make others feel bad.

Volunteering is a big part of who he is, his mother said, recalling a typical story from his teenage years when he and three friends, all members of the youth movement Bnei Akiva, were asked to go to a local nursing home to help make a minyan.

It seems that there were never enough men. So the boys started going, and they kept on going, every Shabbat morning for four years. Eventually more men started to come on a regular basis until an established service took shape. When the boys graduated high school, the nursing home residents made a kiddush (reception) for them and invited their parents. I witnessed the most amazing scene, Judi recalled. The boys and the residents were friends. Age had nothing to do with it. They treated each other as equals. It was beautiful to see.

Love of Judaism and learning Torah

Nathaniel opted for a religious battalion of the IDF where soldiers have time allocated for prayer and study, with the support of rabbis to help them maintain a religious lifestyle throughout their service.

He was constantly learning. He always had books with him, said Rabbi Josh Gerstein, who works for Netzach Yehuda, a non-profit organization that provides learning options and support for the soldiers of the Nahal Haredi battalion.

Nathaniel with his mother Judi

Study sessions were usually arranged during soldiers' breaks from guarding; but Nathaniel took advantage of other opportunities to learn and would invite Rabbi Gerstein to learn with him in the radio room when he would serve a 12-hour shift.

There were often gaps of a few minutes to much longer between having to man the communications, Gerstein said. Its easy enough to fritter away this downtime, especially when you are faced with 3 minutes to spare, then another 2, then another 5, but Nathaniel would take every opportunity to make each minute meaningful.

Its very understandable when you come back from a six or seven hour jeep patrol to say, I have other things to do, Ill learn later, but Nathaniel would take out a book and learn. His time was not his own. Seeing Nathaniel optimize his time made me realize that we all can find time to learn.

This desire to maximize his time is something his family also saw on his visits home from the base. He was either reading a Torah book or listening to a lecture, his mother recalled. He and his friends would get together to learn over pizza or hamburgers. It was clear that he wanted to pursue his yeshiva studies. After Shabbat, when he had been home from the army, he would go to his yeshiva to learn with the boys who were there.

The last time we learned

The last time Rabbi Gerstein met Nathaniel to learn was just after Hannukah, only days before the attack. We were connecting the messages of Hanukkah to his service in the army, he said. We learned that just as the miracle of the oil happened inside the Temple, and the militarily battle took place outside the temple, today in Israel we still need both, military strength and the strength of Torah. Nathaniel resonated with this. He defined himself as a yeshiva student serving in the army, bringing these two words together.

Rabbi Gerstein with soldiers

Rabbi Gerstein was one of the last people to speak to Nathaniel before the attack, having made arrangements to meet the soldiers at 9.30 at their guarding position to deliver some candies ahead of Shabbat. But he got two flat tires on the way. He called to let him know and heard about the attack on the way to the base. One thing Ive taken away from this is that in life, you have to focus and find the important things in life. We get our heads down with so many things without realizing what we have.

Friends giving strength

Since the attack, the Felbers have relocated from their family home in Ranana to Jerusalem, taking up residence in two hotel rooms adjacent to the hospital, enabling them to spend as much time as they can with Nathaniel.

Our community has been amazing. They visit us, bring us all of our meals, and basically coordinate our lives, Judi said.

Nathaniel with his parents and siblings

When the community wanted to coordinate the familys laundry, someone found a local laundromat nearby. When the owner found out it was for the family of a wounded soldier, he said that he would do it for free.

Lots of his friends have come; they have given us much strength and encouragement. We are getting to know aspects of Nathaniel that we never knew before.

Praying for a full recovery

Since the attack, prayer services have been said at the families behest in communities throughout the world including at the Western Wall in Jerusalem last month, where Joe Felber thanked those who were praying for his son and asked them to continue. Nathaniel always prayed for all of the Jewish people, he said. Now we can repay the favor.

Please pray and perform good deeds for Netanel Ilan ben Shaina Tzipora to have a speedy and full recovery.Agreement to make new Qashqai and X-Trail SUVs in North East made in 2016

Car giant Nissan has confirmed in a letter to workers that the next-generation X-Trail, planned for its Sunderland plant, will instead be made in Japan - with the company's chairman saying Brexit helped influence the decision.

The move is another huge blow to the UK's car industry which has been warning for years about the impact of Brexit uncertainty on top of other problems such as a slump in diesel sales.

Nissan chairman Gianluca de Ficchy said in the letter that much had changed since the Japanese firm announced plans to build a new Qashqai and X-Trail in the UK in October 2016.

The Nissan plant in Sunderland, pictured today, is a major employer for the North East

'At that time they were both planned as 'traditional' models, powered by internal combustion engines. X-Trail was already going to be made in Kyushu, but there was a good business case for bringing production to Europe as well.

'Since that time, as you know, the environment for the car industry in Europe has changed dramatically. To meet the changing emissions regulations we've had to invest much more in new powertrains for our future models like X-Trail. At the same time, the volume forecasts for X-Trail in Europe have reduced.

'For those reasons the company has decided to optimise our investments and concentrate production in Kyushu, instead of adding another production site. For the European business, this does not change the fact that X-Trail is - and will continue to be - a crucial model for us.

'Today's announcement will be interpreted by a lot of people as a decision related to Brexit. We have taken this decision for the business reasons I've explained, but clearly the uncertainty around the UK's future relationship with the EU is not helping companies like ours to plan for the future.'

The letter continued: 'With the UK's departure from the EU on March 29 getting closer every week, we have a taskforce in place, reporting to me, that is considering all of the possible scenarios and the potential impact on the business.

'As a responsible business with 16,000 employees in the region, I want you to know that we are preparing across all functions, and with our supply chain, for anything that might impact our current business model. When the time comes to initiate any of those plans, we will be ready, and we will communicate with full transparency to all of you.'

Nissan was still investing heavily in the new Juke model and the next-generation Qashqai, said Mr de Ficchy.

'Since they were originally allocated, those two models have also needed a lot of additional investment to meet the new emissions regulations and to electrify their powertrains. The team in the plant still has the full confidence of the company.'

Phil Wilson, Labour MP for Sedgefield, outside the Nissan car manufacturing plant in Sunderland this afternoon

Nissan executive vice president for manufacturing and supply chain management, Hideyuki Sakamoto, said: 'A model like X-Trail is manufactured in multiple locations globally, and can therefore be re-evaluated based on changes to the business environment.

'As always, Nissan has to make optimal use of its global investments for the benefits of its customers.'

Mr de Ficchy said: 'Nissan is investing heavily in new technologies and powertrains for the next generation of vehicles in our Sunderland plant. To support this we are taking advantage of our global assets, and with X-Trail already manufactured in Japan, we can reduce our upfront investment costs.

'We appreciate this will be disappointing for our UK team and partners. Our workforce in Sunderland has our full confidence, and will continue to benefit from the investment planned for Juke and Qashqai.'

The Sunderland plant, which opened in 1986, employs 7,000 workers, producing around 2,000 cars a day.

Other Nissan models built at the site include the Qashqai, Juke, Q30, Note and the zero-emission electric Leaf.

The decision follows figures last week showing car production slumped by almost a 10th last year, leaving the industry on 'red alert' amid continued Brexit uncertainty.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said investment had effectively 'stalled' amid fears over the UK's future trading prospects with the EU.

Just over 1.5 million cars left UK factories in 2018, a 9.1% decline on the previous year, and the lowest for five years. Production of diesel cars was down by 22% to 561,000 last year.

SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said the fall in investment was 'deeply depressing' and should send a strong signal to politicians to secure a Brexit trade deal.

The agreement to make new Qashqai and X-Trail SUVs in Sunderland was made just months after the referendum in 2016 (Pictured, a worker assembles the Infiniti Q30 automobile)

Ford is seeking up to 400 voluntary redundancies at its engine plant in Bridgend, south Wales, while Jaguar Land Rover is to reduce its 44,000 workforce by 4,500 under plans to make 2.5 billion of cost savings - with most of the cuts in the UK.

Japanese firm Honda has announced six non-production days in April under contingency plans to mitigate the risk of disruption to production at its Swindon factory after the UK leaves the EU.

Unite officer Steve Bush said: 'This is very disappointing news for Sunderland and the North East, and reflects the serious challenges facing the entire UK auto sector.

'The Government's mishandling of the transition away from diesel allied to the continuing uncertainty around our future trading relationship with the EU are extremely unhelpful when the sector ought to be focused on preparations for electrification.

'While this decision is naturally not good news, we want to reassure our members that job levels at the plant will remain the same, even though they are being cut elsewhere in the industry.

'However, we remain seriously concerned though that the apprenticeships and additional jobs that come with future investment and which this community so desperately needs will be lost.

'Unite now expects the company to work with us to ensure full preparations for Brexit in which jobs and investment are prioritised, which can be best achieved by our representation on the task force established by Nissan, and through continuous dialogue between the company and the union.'

The secretive deal with Nissan was struck in 2016, with Ministers refusing to reveal details beyond insisting it did not involve financial incentives for the company

Business Secretary Greg Clark said: 'Nissan's announcement is a blow to the sector and the region, as this was to be a further significant expansion of the site and the workforce.

'The company has confirmed that no jobs will be lost. They have reiterated today their commitment to the UK by continuing to manufacture in Sunderland the current Qashqai, Leaf and Juke models and the new Qashqai model from 2020.

'The UK automotive industry is a vital sector for the British economy which draws on our combination of rich automotive heritage and cutting-edge innovation.

'Its role in providing high skilled well-paid jobs, innovative R&D and investment is why we are determined to build on these strengths to make the UK a leader in the next generation of autonomous and electric vehicles through the Automotive Sector Deal, as part of our modern Industrial Strategy.'

The Business Secretary said in October 2016 that Nissan were given four assurances 'to give them confidence to continue investing in the UK', including continued support for the competitiveness of the automotive sector through investment in skills and training the local workforce, and a commitment to research and development, in particular the take-up of ultra-low emission vehicles.

Rebecca Long-Bailey, shadow business secretary, said: 'This is a blow not only to future investment in Sunderland but also to Britain's industrial strategy.

'As Nissan stated, continued Brexit uncertainty is not helping businesses plan for the future.

'The Government's chaotic handling of Brexit has been the root cause of business uncertainty.

'There are serious questions that the Government must now answer on Monday, not least what was in the secret Brexit deal it issued to Nissan and why this was no longer good enough.'

Robots weld vehicle panels onto Nissan cars in the Body Shop in the car giant's Sunderland Plant

Local MPs tweeted their dismay at the decision.

Sharon Hodgson, MP for Washington and Sunderland West, said: 'This is a great loss of future investment in Sunderland and I am sure many people will share my great disappointment and concern at the news.

'Tomorrow, I will be seeking answers from Government ministers as a matter of urgency.'

Houghton and Sunderland South MP Bridget Phillipson said: 'Nissan's announcement is a blow to Sunderland and the whole north east economy.

'This is the clearest sign yet of the damage being caused to the UK economy by uncertainty around Brexit.

'I urge Theresa May to change course and put her deal back to the public before further damage is done to this country.'

Sunderland Central MP Julie Elliott called the move 'devastating news for our city and the wider North East'.

She added: 'This constant uncertainty is not conductive to encouraging business investment in this country. Brexit is now a major factor in any decisions made in manufacturing.'

Leading Remainer Anna Soubry responded to the news by calling for a second referendum.

'Difficult not to be angry that #Nissan may pull its next production from #Sunderland given MPs like me have consistently warned leaving the EU & #singlemarket #customsunion will hit jobs. This is #BrexitReality & its why Sunderlands MPs support @peoplesvote_uk,' she said.

And Lib Dem leader Vince Cable added: 'The Nissan news shows clearly that Theresa May must end this no-deal nonsense.'Sajid Javid warned the country would never forgive the Tories if they called a second snap election in the aftermath of Brexit today.

The Home Secretary moved to dismiss claims Conservative headquarters was on a war footing ahead of a possible election on June 6 - the 75th anniversary of D-Day.

Mr Javid told the BBC's Andrew Marr the only elections the Tories were fighting this year were local elections in May.

Chief Secretary to the Treasury Liz Truss backed Mr Javid's intervention, branding an election 'the last thing we need'.

It emerged today that No 10 strategists have discussed a scenario under which the Prime Minister would delay the Article 50 Brexit process beyond the end of March, win Commons support for her deal in April  and then go to the country in the following weeks on the back of her success.

The first Thursday in June  the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Europe from the Nazis  is one option on the table.

In a major boost for Mrs May's Brexit strategy last night, a new poll showed the Tories have opened up a seven-point lead over Labour in the past two weeks. The Opinium survey put the Tories on 41 per cent  up four percentage points  and Labour down six to 34.

It comes as the Tory Party's HQ has moved on to a 'war footing' by block-booking printing plants and hiking its spending on digital advertising.

Britain could go to the polls on the anniversary of D-Day as Downing Street considers plans to cement Theresa May (pictured today at church in Maidenhead) in power

Sajid Javid (pictured today on Marr) warned the country would never forgive the Tories if they called a second snap election in the aftermath of Brexit today

ELECTION CLUE? The Tories have increased their spending on advertisements, including this one highlighting their 20 billion spending promise to the NHS

But Mr Javid told Marr: 'The last thing this country needs is a general election  the people would never forgive us for it.'

He added: 'They want politicians to get on with the job. They have been given a very clear mandate, now it's our job to get on with it.'

Suspicions among nervous Tory MPs that Mrs May might be considering another Election  nearly two years after the 2017 fiasco cost the party its Commons majority  were heightened last week by the leak of Government plans to allocate funds to the constituencies of Labour MPs as a 'bribe'. One said: 'That smells of an attempt to butter up the wider electorate.'

In December, Mrs May fought off an attempt to oust her by vowing that a new leader would take the party into the next scheduled Election in 2022. But some of her allies regard an Election this year as the only way to guarantee Mrs May  and themselves  more than a few months in Downing Street after Brexit.

A snap poll would allow Mrs May to 'renew her public mandate' as she prepared to negotiate the direction of the future relationship with the European Union.

Javid tells EU: Hands off expats in Spain Expats should not be charged for living abroad after Brexit, the Home Secretary has told European leaders. Sajid Javid is urging officials in Brussels to ensure that 'settled status fees' are not introduced for the 1.3 million Britons living on the Continent. He made the plea after Theresa May scrapped a planned 65 fee for EU citizens who want to remain in the UK. Sources have told The Mail on Sunday that Mr Javid wrote on Friday to Guy Verhofstadt, the Brexit co-ordinator in the European Parliament, and Michel Barnier, the European Commission's chief negotiator, calling for Britons abroad to be given peace of mind. He is understood to have told them that UK nationals living in the EU 'deserve the same certainty and reassurance that we have given their counterparts living here', pointing out the 'valuable contribution' that expats make to Europe. Mr Javid asked Mr Verhofstadt to 'press' EU countries for a guarantee that there will be no cost for Britons living abroad and said that ensuring expats do not have to pay a settlement fee would give the message 'loud and clear' that they are welcome to stay. Mr Verhofstadt, who is in favour of fees being scrapped, said last week: 'The decision of Theresa May to waive settled status fees was a welcome one. It's time for the EU27 to show the same spirit and reciprocate.' EU ambassadors agreed on Friday that British citizens travelling to the border check-free Schengen area after Brexit would be allowed to do so without visas. Advertisement

The Mail on Sunday understands that senior staff at Tory HQ have been briefed on plans to deal with deselection attempts by members of some MPs ahead of a General Election. Conservative Campaign Headquarters (CCHQ) has vowed to step in to stop any MP that backed Mrs May's deal from being deselected by their local association, but party chairman Brandon Lewis pointedly refused to make a similar commitment to help MPs who rebelled to vote her deal down.

At a briefing for aides at CCHQ on Friday, Mr Lewis also revealed the party was set to triple its spending on online advertising in the coming weeks to promote the party's NHS policy, which they believe to be a major vote winner. Tory bosses insist that the slick advert using real TV news footage was part of their local election campaign  but they are spending far more than the other parties.

Mr Lewis warned the gathering of Government special advisers and spin doctors that Cabinet infighting by their bosses was harming his fundraising efforts  and insisted to the allies of Mrs May's leadership rivals that she remained popular with the party membership.

He said the party had raised nearly 2 million in small donations from members as a direct result of the failed bid to oust the Prime Minister. His gushing praise of Mrs May's personal strength led many present to believe she could be preparing to go back on her promise to quit before the next Election.

Some of Mrs May's team are hopeful the 'political weather' will improve in the immediate aftermath of Britain leaving the EU, with a window of opportunity for the party to capitalise on a 'Brexit honeymoon'.

But one Minister said the prospect of another Election was a bid by 'second-rate staff desperate to keep their jobs'. And one ally of the Prime Minister described the idea of going to the country as 'utter madness' that would split both parties.

They fear that some in No 10 believe a General Election would be the only way for Mrs May to avoid being ousted by Brexiteers who do not want her to be in charge of the next phase of negotiations with the EU over a new free trade deal.

The Fixed Term Parliament Act is designed to stop Prime Ministers calling snap polls, but No 10 believe Jeremy Corbyn has been so vocal in his demands for a fresh ballot, that even if some Tories voted against going to the country, they still have the two thirds of MPs required to trigger an Election.

Mrs May's chief of staff Gavin Barwell is believed to have come up with the Labour 'bribe' plan  not just to secure vital MPs' Brexit votes, but to create goodwill towards the Government in deprived communities, including former mining villages, which still harbour resentments towards the Tories over Margaret Thatcher's industrial policies. A source said: 'The cash for coal bribe was Gavin's idea. He watches a lot of The West Wing. No one has told him that he is not [fictional US President] Jed Bartlett'.

A Downing Street spokesman denied there were any plans to hold a General Election.

....as Williamson invokes Dunkirk spirit: I will order the Navy to replace Channel ferries

The Royal Navy could be pressed into action to ferry vital supplies across the Channel in the event of a No Deal Brexit, Government sources have told The Mail on Sunday.

According to a secret contingency planning document which was circulating around Whitehall last week, Transport Secretary Chris Grayling has failed to increase the ferry capacity between the UK and France by the 20 per cent required to 'avoid a threat to life and limb'.

Mr Grayling signed 108 million of contracts in December with new ferry companies in an attempt to ease the pressure on Dover if the UK leaves the EU without a deal and the main ports are too gridlocked for enough food, water and medical supplies to get through to the UK.

Sir Kenneth Branagh in the film Dunkirk about the evacuation of Allied forces in 1940

But the document states that his ferry contracts have only increased capacity by 8 per cent.

A Government source said: 'Its not enough. We are particularly worried about radioactive isotopes for cancer treatments, which have a short half-life'.

It is understood that Mr Williamson, whose offer to provide military contingency planners to Mr Grayling was turned down last July, has said that he can provide whatever ships can be spared by the Navy to help Mr Grayling.

The MoD has four Point class roll-on/roll-off sealift ships available for use as substitute ferries  but only one is currently in UK waters. The others are in the Suez, the Mediterranean and the Falklands. Mr Williamson has also placed 3,000 military personnel on standby.

Earlier this year, Mr Grayling defended giving a ferry contract worth almost 14 million to Seaborne Freight, despite it never having run a Channel service. The firm was accused of copying part of its website from a takeaway firm's.

Mr Grayling says that the plan would 'take a little bit of pressure off the Channel ports in order to make sure that we can get essential supplies for organisations like the NHS into the country' if there were jams at the ports in Kent.

He said: 'I remain quite optimistic now that the flow of traffic through the Channel ports will carry on relatively normally even in a No Deal Brexit. But people would expect us to be ready'.

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson has said that he can provide whatever ships can be spared by the Navy to help Transport Secretary Chris Grayling prepare for No Deal

It comes as a senior Foreign Office source has described a mood of 'disbelief and desperation' in Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt's department over Brexit preparations.

The source said: 'There is a perception that because Ministers can't travel and the PM is not really interested in world affairs, the UK is disappearing off the world stage If only we had some clear guidance to work towards or a clear objective. But that is absolutely lacking.'

A Transport Department spokesman said: 'The Government remains focused on securing an agreement with the EU, however it is only sensible that we prepare for all possible outcomes.'

Lib Dem MP Layla Moran, from the pro-EU Best For Britain group, said: 'Chris Grayling cannot run a bath let alone make sure our vital transport infrastructure routes. He's completely out of his depth.'

May to Baltics: Help me like I've helped you

Theresa May is to appeal to the Baltic states where British troops are stationed in a bid to break the Brexit 'backstop' deadlock.

Around 900 troops are based in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland as a bulwark against Russian aggression.

Now Downing Street hopes to convince these EU states to 'break cover' and urge Brussels to reopen the divorce agreement terms.

Last week Poland came close to demanding that meaningful talks recommence  to the fury of EU purists in France and Germany. Now behind-the-scenes appeals to Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are planned for the coming days.

Theresa May is to appeal to the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland, where 900 British troops are stationed as a bulwark against Russia, in a bid to break the Brexit 'backstop' deadlock

But the strategy risks a furious backlash if it is interpreted as Britain threatening to pull troops out, leaving Europe's eastern border to the mercy of a Kremlin attack.

The push comes as hopes the Netherlands will be a key ally in the UK's attempt to dilute the controversial 'backstop' have faded  with Mrs May's team believing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte is positioning to be the next President of the EU Council and so less inclined to help a departing member state.

However EU unity was stretched on Friday when Spain's Foreign Minister hinted at new talks and yesterday the EU's central bank issued a stark warning that a No Deal would hurt the Eurozone.

No 10 has accepted it is the UK's responsibility to come up with detailed proposals on overcoming the backstop impasse  and will only 'dip a toe' into direct contact with Brussels this week.

Meanwhile the Prime Minister will spend the next 11 days 'shoring up' the number of Labour rebels who voted with Mrs May or abstained against Brexit-blocking measures ahead of a fresh showdown on Valentine's Day. MPs hellbent on delaying or stopping Brexit will resurrect their efforts to block a No Deal and seize control of the Commons agenda.

But Mrs May is delighted at the collapse of the push for a second referendum. Last night she said: 'This week the leaders of the campaign had the chance to put their plan before the Commons. But they recognised there is no majority in this Parliament to hold another vote. Indeed, I believe there never will be.'Troy Johnson pleaded guilty to a total of 10 offences in District District Court on Thursday

The man who abducted and molested a girl in bushland while she begged for mercy has been pictured.

Troy Johnson pleaded guilty to a total of 10 offences in Gosford District Court on Thursday.

The charges were in relation to the assault of a 12-year-old girl as well as other sex offences against an 11-year-old girl between August 2016 and January 2017.

The NBN contractor's name was initially suppressed by the courts, but The Daily Telegraph confirmed that this was a mistake and allege the families of his victims wanted to share his identity.

Johnson camouflaged himself and hid in bushes that he knew were frequented by school children and snatched a 12-year-old girl when she walked past.

He then dragged her into the dense bushland and sexually assaulted her for up to an hour.

The 33-year-old, known as the camouflage rapist, hid in bushland (pictured) near a footpath and waited for the young girl to walk past before abducting her and raping her

The little girl was on her way to school when the attack occurred.

On the same day, a court document said how his victim said 'stop, stop, stop' as the father-of-three forced her from a footpath in Narrara on New South Wales' Central Coast.

But according to the agreed statement of facts, Johnson told the girl 'don't scream or I will hurt you'.

The married man, who lay in waiting in a green and brown ghillie suit, then used cable ties and duct tape to tie up her hands and feet and cover her mouth.

After the horrifying attack at 7.45am on Monday, May 15 2017, the 12-year-old fled and made her way to school where her teacher raised the alarm with police.

'She was dirty and dishevelled ... she had swollen marks on her wrists and ankles,' the documents said.

The married man, (pictured) who lay in waiting in a green and brown ghillie suit, then used cable ties and duct tape to tie up her hands and feet and cover her mouth

The father-of-three lay in waiting in the green and brown suit (left), before attacking as the girl walked past on her way to school about 7.45am on Monday, May 15 2017

The girl's harrowing ordeal lasted close to one-hour, at which point Johnson told her to get re-dressed.

The rapist was arrested in August 2017.

Just a month after he was placed in custody, Johnson was viciously attacked by one of his fellow prisoners.

At the time of the prison attack Johnson's father claimed his son had been 'smashed to pieces' and said he would never 'abandon my boy' despite the alleged charges.

During Thursday's court appearance he also pleaded guilty to two other charges that related to separate attacks on an 11-year-old girl between August 11 2016 and January 1 2017.

Johnson admitted using a weapon and exposing the child to indecent material to make it easy to procure her for sex and producing child abuse material.

During a search of the man's home following his arrest in 2017, officers also reportedly seized hunting knives (pictured)The FBI wants to put two British terrorists who are members of the ISIS gang nicknamed the 'Beatles' on trial in the US this summer.

Alexanda Kotey and El Shafee Elsheikh are expected to be transferred to US custody in the wake of Donald Trump's decision to withdraw troops from Syria.

The pair, who were allegedly henchmen of Jihadi John who beheaded Western hostages on camera, could face the death penalty or a life sentence, according to The Sunday Times.

Kotey, 35, and Elsheikh, 30, are being held by western-backed Kurdish forces in Syria and have been stripped of their British citizenship.

Alexanda Kotey (left) and El Shafee Elsheikh (right) are expected to be extradited to US custody soon as Donald Trump gets ready to withdraw troops from Syria

Kotey (left), 35, and Elsheikh (right), 30, are being held by western-backed Kurdish forces in Syria and have been stripped of their British citizenship

It is feared that the men could be freed from jail by ISIS supporters or let go by captors who are overstretched.

It is in the interest to have them extradited to the US quickly because 'there are concerns they could be released by the Kurdish authorities in the wake of Trump's decision to leave Syria', an intelligence source told the Sunday Times.

The two men, who were nicknamed The Beatles by captives due to their British accents, are accused of killing 27 hostages, including British aid workers and American journalists.

Britain has so far refused to take any back, instead stripping them of citizenship to stop them returning.

A Kurdish security officer escorts Kotey (left) and Elsheikh (right). The two men are being held in northern Syria

The two men, who were henchmen Jihadi John (right) who beheaded Western hostages on camera, could face the death penalty or a life sentence. Elsheikh pictured left

Figures show there are six Britons among the 795 IS prisoners held in northern Syria.

There are also more than a dozen British jihadi wives and children being held in two camps, out of a total of 584 women and 1,248 children from across the world.

Last month Home Secretary Sajid Javid won a legal battle over sharing evidence with the US on the two terror cell members.

In a landmark case, senior judges rejected claims that Mr Javid acted unlawfully by not seeking guarantees over the fate of Kotey and El Shafee Elsheikh if they stood trial in America.

Elsheikhs mother (pictured), Maha Elgizouli, challenged the Governments decision in the High Court

In July it was revealed that Britain had made clear it was ready to share confidential information with no such promises.

Elsheikhs mother, Maha Elgizouli, challenged the Governments decision in the High Court.

She argued that Mr Javid had secretly abandoned UK policy of passing on intelligence for prosecutions only in cases where there is no threat of capital punishment.

But Lord Chief Justice Lord Burnett, sitting with Mr Justice Garnham said that Mr Javid had not broken the law and was i his right to share information.Advertisement

Remarkable pictures have been released of speedboat killer Jack Shepherd's rented apartment in Georgia, where he hid from the law for months.

Shepherd, who handed himself into authorities in the country 12 days ago after 10 months on the run, paid 168 a month for the bleak flat in the capital Tbilisi after arriving on March 21 last year.

Pictures of the apartment obtained by the Mirror show the squalor conditions Shepherd endured to evade capture by the police, after skipping his trial in the UK over the death of Charlotte Brown.

Shepherd was convicted of manslaughter in July last year after Ms Brown died when a speedboat they were on crashed near the Houses of Parliament in London during a Tinder date.

The apartment's dark and cramped living room features a small sofabed and a table with two chairs with very little natural light

Shepherd was said to have rented the apartment after running away from the UK back in March last year after the incident on the Thames

Shepherd (right) and Georgian landlord Nika Nadidze, 37, who the speedboat killer told his named was 'Jack Grant' when he arrived in Georgia

Landlord Nika Nadidze, 37, said Shepherd claimed his name was 'Jack Grant' when he first arrived and he initially believed he was a student. He had even set up a Facebook account to support his new identity.

'He said his name was Jack Grant. I joked "are you Hugh Grant's brother?" and he laughed,' he said.

'I didn't ask him why he had moved to Georgia. I thought he just wanted to get away from civilisation and live a new, more simple life.'

Mr Nadidze told the Mail he had no idea the 'charming' new tenant of his fifth-floor flat was a wanted fugitive.

He said: 'I thought he seemed like a nice person. I thought he was just one of those young guys who wanted to get away from the stress of work and live a simple life.

'He didnt even want a TV. All he had was a laptop and a few belongings. He did not mention that he had a family at home or that he was in any trouble.'

Shepherd's wife disowned him after discovering he was on an internet date with Charlotte Brown, 24, (pictured) when he killed her in his speedboat on the Thames

The tiny one-bedroom flat includes a cramped bedroom which is barely big enough for a double bed and is extremely basic

Mr Nadiradze said the killer, who abandoned his wife and son in England when he went on the run last March, started dating shortly after arriving in the country.

'He said he had met a nice Georgian girl and that she worked for Rustavi2 TV which has an office in the area,' he said.

In a bid to make more friends, brazen Shepherd also joined his landlord on a 10km run in aid of a cancer charity. After just three months Shepherd asked if he could break the tenancy agreement early so he could move in with his girlfriend in June.

Mr Nadiradze said he was stunned when he discovered the truth about his former tenant: 'I could not believe it, he was so charming and nice.

'He met my nine-year-old daughter when I went over to fix something and I would never have let her meet him if I had any idea that this person was not good.'

Shepherd's next door neighbour Lia Sulaberidze, 69, said: 'He was very unusual because we've never had a foreigner living in this building before. It's mainly young Georgian families. I didn't ask him, but I always thought he was a student because of how he dressed and how young he looked.'

Shepherd rented the flat in the impoverished Saburtalo quarter of Tbilisi back in March for 168 a month as he fled to Georgia to escape a manslaughter conviction

Tsitsino Kharebashvili said Shepherd was a regular at the bakery where she worked, adding: 'He would order in Georgian and would always say please.'

The one-bedroom flat is situated on the top floor of a five-storey Soviet-style block in the impoverished Saburtalo quarter of Tbilisi.

It features a cramped dirty bedroom which has just enough space for a double bed and a dark and dingy living area.

Shepherd fled to Georgia in March last year shortly after his wife threw him out of the family home when she discovered he was on an internet date with 24-year-old Charlotte.

In the months before the accident, he had entertained up to ten other women on the ageing and badly-maintained speedboat.

Shepherd is being held for three months at Gldani No 8 maximum security prison, where he hopes to fight extradition and serve his six-year sentence for manslaughter.

Shepherd fled to Georgia in March last year shortly after his wife threw him out of the family home when she discovered he was on an internet date with 24-year-old Charlotte

The landlord who rented him the apartment said he thought Shepherd wanted to 'get away from civilisation and live a new, more simple life'. Pictured: The building's stairwell

The small flat has a balcony which overlooks several other Soviet-style buildings in the rundown neighbourhood

He is learning Georgian in jail in his bid to become a citizen of the former Soviet state, which requires candidates to speak the language and live there for five years.

During a court hearing on Tuesday last week, the killer spoke in Georgian giving his name as 'Jack Sebastian Shepherdi'.

The judiciary in Tbilisi is under pressure to send him back to Britain to serve his sentence here, but Shepherd has blocked attempts to extradite him swiftly.

Police in the UK are also hoping to speak to him in relation to claims he glassed a barman with a vodka bottle at a pub in Devon last March.

The speedboat case sparked outrage when he claimed legal aid to appeal against his conviction while he was on the run.

Shepherd is currently languishing in a jail in Georgia as UK authorities battle to get him extradited

Shepherd is reportedly learning Georgian in jail in his bid to become a citizen of the former Soviet state

The small cooker within the apartment's tiny kitchen where Shepherd cooked his mealsHealthcare assistant Chantelle Blakeley, 33, from Middleton, Manchester, has been left with nerve damage after her tooth extraction went wrong

A woman has been awarded 12,000 in compensation after her face was left lop-sided and paralysed following a tooth extraction.

Healthcare assistant Chantelle Blakeley, 33, from Middleton, Manchester, was rushed to hospital after a gaping hole left in her gums by dentists caused her severe pain.

As a result of the botched tooth extraction, Mrs Blakeley has been left with a crooked smile and nerve damage.



Dentists Dr Bibi Shahidi and Dr Theocharis Doulgeridis have now paid her 12,000 in an out of court settlement after lawyers claimed her treatment was botched and that she may not have needed the tooth extraction in the first place.

Mrs Blakeley said: 'If I had been treated appropriately when I first visited the dentist then I wouldn't have needed to have the surgery that's left me with nerve damage.

'My mouth still doesn't look right when I smile.

'It's just awful.

'I don't know if I will ever regain the movement in that side of my face.

'When it happened it completely ruined Christmas and New Year, as well as my birthday.

'To think that all of my agony was avoidable is unbelievable.

'My face has improved but it is not back to normal.

'I'm still very self conscious about smiling because that is when the nerve damage is more noticeable.

After Mrs Blakeley's tooth was extracted, she experienced pain for a number of months. She was eventually taken to North Manchester General Hospital where she had surgery to close the cavity

'My smile is still crooked and there is also a gap where the tooth was extracted.

'Even though they filled the hole in during surgery it is not strong enough to have a new tooth implanted in it.

'I've been told I will need a bone graft if I want a new tooth but that runs the risk of more nerve damage.

'I still haven't decided what to do because I'm scared of causing more nerve damage.

'I've had dreadful problems with abscesses in my ears because of all this and when that settles down I will decide about the graft.

'It has been a nightmare.'

Mrs Blakeley first visited Dr Shahidi at the H Showman & Associates Dental Practice in Manchester in March, 2009.

She had a successful root canal treatment after complaining of a toothache.

But she returned to the same practice in 2014 with pain in the same tooth and saw Dr Doulgeridis who placed a filling in the tooth.

The following day she was in so much pain the tooth was extracted.

But the pain continued for months until she was eventually taken in agony to North Manchester General Hospital where she had surgery in December 2014 to close the cavity.

After the surgery she experienced swelling and loss of muscle control in the right side of her face.

She was in so much distress she cancelled her 30th birthday party.

Traumatised by her ordeal, Mrs Blakeley contacted The Dental Law Partnership for legal advice.

Analysis of her dental records revealed that Dr Shahidi had not taken sufficient care when carrying out the root canal treatment and Dr Doulgeridis had failed to protect the tooth to prevent the fracture of the tooth.

Mrs Blakeley suffered an avoidable fracture of her tooth, which led to the poorly executed extraction by Dr Doulgeridis, lawyers claimed.

Jonathan Owen of The Dental Law Partnership said: 'The distress and pain our client experienced was completely unnecessary.

'If the dentists had carried out adequate treatment in the first place, all of her problems could have been avoided.

'We hope the compensation she receives goes some way towards paying for any additional treatment required.'

The Dental Law Partnership took on Mrs Blakeley's case in 2015.

The case was successfully settled in February 2018 when the dentists paid a total of 12,000 in an out of court settlement.

The dentists did not admit liability.

Dr Doulgeridis said he was unable to comment 'due to duties of confidentiality' and Dr Shahidi was unavailable for comment.A group of brazen fraudsters have been caught ripping off hundreds of Australians in a sophisticated investment scam.

Dramatic footage captured the moment the Philippines Police Force special operations unit raided the Manila-based headquarters of the international scam operation to shut it down and make a series of arrests.

It follows an extensive investigation into the scam where fraudsters cold-called hundreds of Australians offering a deal on fake shares in real companies.

Brazen fraudsters were arrested by Philippines Police Force police special operations unit after they were busted ripping off hundreds of Australians of their hard earned life savings

Victims were promised their money would be deposited in Australian bank accounts in a scam Mr Gamble described as 'transnational organised crime at the highest level'.

A whistleblower who used to work for the company claimed he was given a list of 200 Australians a day and earned up to USD$11,000 in commission each week.

He admitted Australia was targeted because it was where they had the most success with the office claiming up to $250,000 of Australians' hard-earned savings per day.

'I heard too many stories of hearing customers complain they lost their life savings, they lost a house, their family's gone, they're homeless because of someone just like me,' he told 60 Minutes.

The scammers made no apologies for their actions when they were busted by police.

'They fall for these scams because they are stupid,' one told 60 Minutes.

Hundreds if Australian lost their life savings in the scam, including retiree Ken Briggs

Among the hundreds of Aussies ripped off was retired Queensland bus driver Ken Briggs, who got sucked into a deal that he thought was too good to refuse.

He lost his entire life savings in the scam, including $60,000 within a month.

'There is a really big sense of disappointment in myself because I just cant understand that I couldnt see through it in the first place,' Mr Briggs said.

In the NSW Riverina district, milkman Robert Caughey, 69, was stung by the same scam and lost $350,000 in superannuation.

Others conned by the scam included a psychologist, small business owners, farmers, architects, a toxicologist and many retirees.

A whiteboard in the Manila office showed the names of some of the Australians ripped off in the scam, including Ken Briggs and Robert Caughey

The group of scammers had at least $560,000 sitting in the ANZ bank accounts they were using on the morning of the police raid, according to 60 Minutes.

Those funds have since been frozen.

In 2018, Australians were duped out of over $100 million to scam phone calls, according he Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.

Mr Gamble says he remains committed to recovering the lost life savings of Australians ripped off in the scam.

He has called on the federal government to commit to a solution to the issue, claiming that profits from the scheme likely went towards further crimes.Sandra 'Sandy' Hankin, 55, and her husband, Christopher Mark Hankin, 57, of Denbighshire, North Wales, earned a fortune running two illicit brothels for over a decade

A married couple who built a 3.8million brothel empire have been prosecuted despite paying tax and being allowed to operate by police for 14 years.

Sandra 'Sandy' Hankin, 55, and her husband, Christopher Mark Hankin, 57, of Denbighshire, North Wales, earned a fortune running two illicit brothels.

But after regular complaints from locals both premises were raided by police and shut down in 2016.

The couple pleaded guilty to keeping prostitution brothels at At Minshull Street Crown Court and were sentenced to six months jail suspended for two years. They have been ordered to pay 350,000 or face jail.

The couple's racket 'Sandy's Superstars' was said to have 'flourished' in Northenden and Bury, Greater Manchester thanks to an agreement made with police.

Prostitutes were given regular security and health care checks courtesy of NHS officials during their stints.

Mrs Hankin, a former escort, known as 'The Big Cheese', never used under-age girls or women trafficked into the UK by people smugglers.

And the premises would be regularly checked by police to check and they would routinely paid taxes with HMRC inspectors who knew women were selling sexual services.

Greater Manchester Police had limited resources and priority was given to brothels that use underage people, trafficked women or had links to organised crime.

The couple's racket 'Sandy's Superstars' was said to have 'flourished' in Northernden and Bury, Greater Manchester thanks to an agreement made with police

The couple's racket 'Sandy's Superstars' (pictured) was said to have 'flourished' in Northernden and Bury, Greater Manchester thanks to an agreement made with police

The brothels also offered memberships to punters and even publicly promoted customer reviews it got on a 'punters' website.

The couple were arrested at their remote 500,000 farmhouse in Corwen, North Wales, after police faced increasing pressure to crack down on the illegal enterprise.

During raids officers discovered the women were advertised in folders neatly on the reception coffee table, which included their photographs and their 'specialities'.

Scores of call girls advertised their services on a website telling of 'specialities' such as 'Foot Worship', 'Face Sitting,' '2 Girl Scene' and 'Toy Show' and imposed a 100 an hour 'house charge'.

Ledgers containing detailed business records of the illicit operation were found in the couple's study and conservatory at home.

The couple were arrested at their remote 500,000 farmhouse in Corwen, North Wales, after police faced increasing pressure to crack down on the illegal enterprise

The website's IT expert Adrian Burch, 44 was also given a six month suspended sentence and ordered to pay back 110,000.

He is said to be 'devastated' that the sex worker's will no longer have 'protection'.

The court heard how Hankin took over the Northernden brothel formerly known as Coco's in 2002 after its previous owners left - leaving her in charge and she subsequently opened the other premises in Bury.

The brothels' turned over more than two million between 2011 and 2014 and were 'were strictly run commercial businesses with very high profits.'

Prosecutor Peter Cadwallader said: 'This was a high end establishment charging high prices and had substantial turnover. The defendants ran the business well in the sense that no underage girls or trafficked girls were used.

'The defendants kept copies of the passports of the sex workers to ensure they were older and were British. They kept copies to prove the ages of the sex workers. No alcohol or drugs were permitted in the premises.

'Both brothels were well known to the police, but considering the resources they had, they limited themselves to checking the establishments to ensure that these brothels did not contain other more serious elements.

'There was no element of exploitation. The defendants exploited prostitution and did so for a large financial gain - but many of the sex workers are career sex workers and there was no suggestion they were being coerced.'Former mob boss Terry Adams is now living in a council flat after paying 730,000 to avoid jail.

Adams, the 64-year-old former chief of London's most notorious modern crime family, and his wife Ruth, 58, live in a converted townhouse in Bloomsbury, central London.

It was revealed by Adams to Westminster Magistrates Court where tomorrow he faces a hearing over 46,000 of unpaid court costs, the Sunday Express reported.

The Camden Council property is a stark contrast to the couples 1.6million mansion in Mill Hill, north London, which they were forced to sell six years earlier after a money laundering case.

Adams (left), the 64-year-old former chief of London's most notorious modern crime family, and his wife Ruth (right), 58, live in a converted townhouse in Bloomsbury, central London

Named Fallowfield, the abode apparently featured painting of Al Pacino in The Godfather film, a grand piano, and an enormous harp.

Following the sale of their mansion, the pair initially moved to privately-rented properties, first to London Colney, near St Albans, Hertfordshire, then to a converted flat in a 19th century manor house in Barnet, north London.

But from 2015 the pair lived in a housing association flat after joining the councils emergency housing waiting list.

The more expensive moves will allegedly help with Adams claim in court that he has been left penniless.

The former gangster paid 730,000 in December 2017 to avoid going to jail again - nine months after he said he couldnt find the money.

Adams argued that handing over the cash after a 2007 money laundering conviction would breach his human rights.

The Camden Council property is a stark contrast to the couples 1.6million mansion in Mill Hill, north London, which they were forced to sell six years earlier after a money laundering case

In March he told the High Court he had insufficient funds to meet a debt of 651,611, which reached 730,000 because of interest and other charges.

But three judges rejected his claim after he was told of his 'luxurious lifestyle' including regular meals at the Dorchester, The Ivy and Brown's in Mayfair.

He finally paid the sum after years of resistance as he faced the threat of a two-and-a-half year jail term he branded 'inhumane'.

A confiscation order of 730,000 was imposed in 2007 after he was jailed for seven years for conspiracy to conceal the proceeds of crime through money-laundering.

Adams, from Finchley, north London, helped run the 'Clerkenwell Crime Syndicate' with brothers Patsy and Tommy.

Patsy Adams was jailed for nine years in 2016 for attacking Paul Tiernan, whom he had accused of being a 'grass'.

Tommy Adams was jailed for seven years in 2017 for money laundering.

In 2018, Michael 'Micky' Adams, 52, was jailed for 38 months for cheating his way out of about 300,000 in tax.Boris Johnson dumped 70 pages of Parliamentary notes - including his thoughts on Brexit - into a petrol station bin.

The Conservative MP stuffed the notes in the trash can after pulling up with a passenger, believed to be his new 30-year-old love Carrie Symonds, in the South West on January 21.

But as he rushed to pay for his petrol, several pages fell to the ground and were picked up by a member of the public, the Sunday Mirror reports.

In the handwritten documents and official notes, the 54-year-old proposed that there is 'no strategy' for Britain leaving the EU without a deal on March 29.

Boris Johnson (pictured leaving the Houses of Parliament in London on January 11) dumped 70 pages of parliamentary paper into a petrol station trash can

When asked about the discarded papers, Mr Johnson told the publication: 'Just as the British public are complaining that newspapers are full of rubbish, the Sunday Mirror has gone out and proved it by publishing the contents of a petrol station bin.'

The documents also claim chief whip Julian Smith is plotting a second referendum after failing to get Theresa Mays deal through Parliament.

'The party has a very clear way forward on Brexit. It is the true way. The chief whip is alleged to have a plot to put it back to the people,' one note said.

It comes as Theresa May (pictured) warned MPs to stop trying for a second referendum

The Conservative MP stuffed the notes in the bin after pulling up with a passenger, believed to be his new 30-year-old love Carrie Symonds (pictured together at a fund raising event at the National History Museum earlier this year)

However, a spokesman for Mr Smith rejected the claims, insisting to the newspaper that it is 'absurd and patently untrue.'

Mr Johnson's papers are also thought to include his views on saving the planet, a bizarre doodle of a giant tooth, several speech ideas, and one note referencing 'prawn cocktail crisps'.

This is seemingly in a nod to claims that the EU once tried to ban the flavour from the UK's shelves, which the Conservative pointed out during the referendum vote.

The documents also claim chief whip Julian Smith (pictured) is planning a second referendum, but a spokesman for Mr Smith rejected the claims, insisting to the newspaper that it is 'absurd and patently untrue.'

The notes also include a rant in which he compares the British people to lions led by donkeys and refers to the current deal on offer as a ridiculous pseudo Brexit and a historic mistake.

He wrote: 'No deal does not mean crashing out, it can mean we are getting it right. We don't know what the strategy is. We have nothing to fear but fear itself. Fear isn't scary.'

It comes as Theresa May warned MPs to stop trying for a second referendum.

Writing in The Sunday Telegraph, she said: 'There is no majority in this Parliament to hold another vote. Indeed, I believe there never will be.'https://www.aish.com/ci/s/During-the-Polar-Vortex-One-Woman-Got-60-Motel-Rooms-for-the-Homeless.html

For one Chicago woman, the Arctic cold wasnt an inconvenience; it was a call to action.

Last week, Chicago and much of the northern United States and Canada was plunged into life-threatening freezing weather thanks to a Polar Vortex. The temperature reached -24 degrees F (-31 degrees C) in Chicago on Thursday, January 31, 2019. Schools were cancelled, offices closed, and the police warned the public to stay indoors for their own safety. 21 people died as a result of the weather.

Most of us Chicagoans heeded this advice and stayed inside. My kids went outside for a moment to blow bubbles and watch them freeze and shatter instead of pop, then rushed back in shivering.

For one Chicago woman, the Arctic cold wasnt an inconvenience; it was a call to action.

Candice Payne, a 34-year-old real estate broker from the South Side of Chicago, worried about homeless people in the deadly cold snap. How would they survive when even a few minutes outdoors could lead to frostbite and death?

Ms. Payne began calling around local motels and inns to see if any had available rooms where homeless people could shelter. One nearby motel, the Amber Inn, told her they had rooms available at $70 per room. Without thinking about how she would pay for them, Ms. Payne reserved 30 rooms on her credit card, and then appealed for help funding the $2,100 expenditure on social media.

Soon, volunteers were offering to help, including driving homeless people to the inn. Ms. Payne arranged for everyone to meet Wednesday at the tent city on the side of a Chicago expressway, where she explained to the stunned homeless residents that shed reserved motel rooms for them that night. The first group of homeless people included two pregnant women and a family of five. The volunteers ferried them and others to the motel.

They were so appreciative. They couldnt wait to get in a bath and lay in a bed, Ms. Payne later explained.

The pressure was mounting: anyone left behind that night in tents faced dying of hypothermia. We had to accommodate everyone. It was really overwhelming, Ms. Payne explained. Soon, over a hundred people were settling into the inn. Other Chicagoans hearing about the initiative phoned the Amber Inn themselves, offering to pay for rooms. Local restaurants brought trays of food for the guests. Ms. Payne went out and bought more food, toiletries, prenatal vitamins, and deodorants and assembled care packages for the guests.

The 30 rooms Ms. Payne had reserved swelled to 60 as volunteers paid for additional rooms. People from the community, they all piggyback off Candice, said Robyn Smith, the manager of the Amber Inn, as more people reached out to help. Ms. Payne raised over $10,000 in donations, enough for the homeless guests to spend four nights in the motel until temperatures rose to above freezing, and to receive meals.

Accolades have poured in for Ms. Payne. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker phoned her and told her that her actions were one of the biggest acts of kindness we have seen in a long time. But Ms. Payne insists that what she did wasnt so momentous. Im a regular person. It all sounded like a rich person did this, but Im just a little black girl from the South Side. I thought it was unattainable, but after seeing this and seeing people from all around the world, that just tells me that its not that unattainable. We can all do this together.

When we challenge ourselves to move out of our comfort zones and ask what we can do to help others, we can discover deep wells of untapped capabilities and potential.

Ms. Paynes extraordinary act of kindness is a powerful reminder that even in the face of seemingly insurmountable need, we all have the ability to act and do something. As the Mishna says, In a place where there are no leaders, strive to be a leader (Ethics of the Fathers, 2:6). Lets use Ms. Paynes inspirational actions to challenge ourselves to reach out and help others today.SAS troops have been ordered to stop wearing skull badges because it looks too much like a Nazi emblem.

The skull is worn by some soldiers after they make their first kill on operations and started being used while troops were serving with US Navy Seals in Iraq.

However officials are said to have put a stop to this as the Punisher emblem looks too similar to the Death's Head worn by Hitler's SS, reports the Daily Star.

SAS troops have been ordered to stop wearing a Punisher skull, left, because it looks similar to the Death's Head Nazi emblem, right, which was worn by members of the 3rd SS Panzer Division "Totenkopf"

Punisher is the name of a Marvel series made for Netflix which follows Marine veteran Frank Castle who becomes a vigilante after the murder of his family.

In Nazi Germany the 3rd SS Panzer Division "Totenkopf", whose members were mostly made up of former concentration camp guards, wore a skull symbol on their uniform.

It is believed that the SAS troops were informed of the decision after army chiefs visited G-Squadron's base in Herefordshire.

A source said: 'The SAS are professional killers  that's the job. So what if they wear a skull on their uniform.

'We have been told that it could be upsetting to other units and disrespectful to enemy forces.'

Some soldiers would wear a skull they make their first combat kill as a sign of recognition of the dangerous work they had completed (file picture)

They also explained that not everybody chooses to wear the skull badge after a combat kill, and that it's a sign of recognition of the dangerous work completed.

Ex-Sergeant Trevor Coult, who won the Military Cross in Iraq, said the ruling was 'politically correct nonsense and it is ludicrous'.

The Ministry of Defence told MailOnline it does not comment on special forces operations.A group of Labour rebel MPs could finally quit Jeremy Corbyn's party to start a new centrist force alongside Remain Tories, it was claimed today.

The MPs - thought to number around six - are frustrated at Labour's confused stance on Brexit and Mr Corbyn's handling of anti-Semitism in the party, the Observer said.

Among those said to be involved are former shadow chancellor Chris Leslie, the parliamentary chairwoman of Jewish Labour Luciana Berger and former minister Angela Smith.

As a first step, the MPs could leave Labour and sit in Parliament as independents - joining former Labour MPs Frank Field and John Woodcock.

Tories such as Anna Soubry and Heidi Allen are feared by Downing Street to be considering a similar move, the Sunday Times said, while the addition of Lib Dem politicians would be seen by many as the core of a new centrist party.

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Vince Cable said today his party had held talks with MPs from both main parties.

Among those said to be involved are former shadow chancellor Chris Leslie and the parliamentary chairwoman of Jewish Labour Luciana Berger (pictured together at a rally for a second referendum last month)

A Government source told the Sunday Times Labour MP Chuka Umunna had been a contact for Tories including Anna Soubry (pictured together at the Cabinet Office last month)

Mr Leslie told the Observer the rumours of a breakaway were 'speculation' but he added: 'A lot of people's patience is being tested right now.

'I think there are some questions we are all going to have to face, especially if Labour enables Brexit.'

Ms Smith was slammed Unite leader and Corbyn ally Len McCluskey for holding talks with Theresa May on passing her Brexit deal in return for cash and boosted workers' rights.

She said: 'It is outrageous that a trades union leader close to Jeremy Corbyn should be contemplating facilitating Brexit by doing deals with Theresa May in Downing Street which completely undermine the TUC and Labour party position.'

Ms Berger told the Observer she was increasingly angry at Mr Corbyn's handling of anti-Semitism.

A Labour source last night predicted a breakaway party would be rejected by voters.

They said: 'A new party to protect the status quo will rightly be seen as an establishment stitch-up.

'Any new party set up to promote cuts, corporate control and privatisation will be strongly rejected at the polls.'

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Vince Cable (pictured today on Sky News) said today his party had held talks with MPs from both main parties

A Government source told the Sunday Times Labour MP Chuka Umunna had been a contact for Tories including Sarah Wollaston, Ms Soubry and Ms Allen.

They said: 'Chuka and Soubs and the rest of them have been flirting with this for months.'

Sir Vince told Sky News's Sophy Ridge on Sunday there were members of both Labour and Tory considering quitting.

He said: 'I think when the Brexit issue is resolved they will then reconsider their position in the Labour Party.

'I can't predict exactly what will happen but I think there is a real chance of a significant group breaking away and we will work with them.'

The new round of discussion comes amid claims Britain could go to the polls on the anniversary of D-Day as Downing Street considers plans to cement Theresa May (pictured in Maidenhead today) in power

The MPs - thought to number around six - are frustrated at Labour's confused stance on Brexit and Jeremy Corbyn's (pictured in Derbyshire on Thursday) handling of anti-Semitism in the party

Rumours about a split in both major parties have been rife in Westminster for months.

The new round of discussion comes amid claims Britain could go to the polls on the anniversary of D-Day as Downing Street considers plans to cement Mrs May in power.

No 10 strategists have discussed a scenario under which the Prime Minister would delay the Article 50 Brexit process beyond the end of March, win Commons support for her deal in April  and then go to the country in the following weeks on the back of her success.

The first Thursday in June  the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Europe from the Nazis  is one option on the table, the Mail on Sunday revealed.

In a major boost for Mrs Mays Brexit strategy last night, a new poll showed the Tories have opened up a seven-point lead over Labour in the past two weeks. The Opinium survey put the Tories on 41 per cent  up four percentage points  and Labour down six to 34.A teenage boy has drowned at a popular New South Wales Beach on Sunday.

At about 3:30pm on Sunday emergency services were called to Bar Beach, in Newcastle, after reports of a distressed swimmer in the water.

A 16-year-old boy was pulled from the water unconscious by a rescue helicopter and rushed back to the beach but he could not be revived.

Officers from Newcastle Police District were on the scene and are investigating the circumstances surrounding the fatal incident.

A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.

At about 3:30pm on Sunday emergency services were called to Bar Beach (pictured), in Newcastle, where a 16-year-old boy had tragically drowned

The teenagers drowning comes just days after it was announced drowning death's over the Summer period in Australia had spiked by 51 per cent.

Prior to Sunday the number of drowning death's in Australian waterways stood at 86 for the 2018/19 Summer with today's incident bringing that total to 87.

At the same time last year that number was just 55.

Royal Life Saving CEO Justin Scarr said it had already been a tragic Summer in Australia's waterways with beach drownings making up 49 per cent of all drowning deaths.

'This had a devastating impact on communities, families and friends of those lost,' he said.

'This summer we encourage everyone to enjoy our wonderful rivers, beaches and swimming pools, but to do so safely.'

The 16-year-old boy was pulled from the water unconscious by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service and rushed back to the beach but he could not be revived (file photo)

Of all drowning death's in Australia over the 2018/19 summer 87 per cent have been male and 13 per cent female with the most death's occurring in the 18 to 34 years age group.

Federal Minister for Sport Bridget McKenzie has said that the number of drownings during the peak holiday season is unacceptably high.

'At this time of year when the temperature is high, the desire to cool off by swimming doesnt mean that you shouldnt over-look the conditions and take care when entering the water,' he said.

A witness to the drowning took to social media to share what he saw and to encourage others to hold their loved ones close tonight.

'Having worked as a swim instructor and having taught children of all ages water safety and water survival skills, seeing this hits very close to home,' he wrote.

'Australia is a country where swimming and enjoying summer is part of our way of life, and it should be something that is enjoyed, and shouldn't end in tragedies like this.'

'Hold your loved ones close tonight, and share your thoughts to the family of this young boy.'Advertisement

A pair of lucky beachgoers have been filmed snorkelling with a school of up to 40 hammerhead sharks off the West Australian coast.

Video producer Scott Slawinski filmed the remarkable drone footage of Friday morning in the ocean off Rockingham, south of Perth.

His two friends freediving instructor Kyra Andrijich and travel agent Jess McGilvray were the lucky pair of snorkelers who also filmed the encounter from the water.

A pair of lucky beachgoers have been filmed snorkelling with a school of up to 40 hammerhead sharks off the West Australian coast

'To my knowledge this hasn't been done before so we planned carefully around wind and weather,' Mr Slawinski told Daily Mail Australia.

'Looking at the forecast it was perfect for Friday so we planned it for about three days and the forecast was 100 per cent spot on. Zero wind and good visibility,' he said.

Mr Slawinski, who also runs courses training people how to pilot drones, said that he spent about 20 minutes looking for a school of sharks.

'Once the drone located a school of about 40 hammerheads, the girls had to swim over half a kilometre to get to them.'

'They approached cautiously using the drone as guidance and from that point they had 30 minutes with the sharks, who weren't bothered by their presence at all. They didn't seem phased, didn't scatter and seemed to swim normally, even underneath the snorkelers.'

'Once the drone located a school of about 40 hammerheads, the girls had to swim over half a kilometre to get to them,' video producer Scott Slawinski said

In the footage the two women can be seen floating about a large group of the sharks who appear to be calm in the presence of the unusual visitors.

One of the lucky snorkelers, Jess McGilvray, said that swimming with hammerheads is something that she has always wanted to do.

'Swimming with hammerheads is something I've wanted to do for some time. Other places in the world you can do it but you need a dive ticket and it's really expensive. I spent my childhood in Rockingham so it was amazing to do it there,' she told The West Australian.

'We had the drone so I felt safe. Groups of snorkellers had scared them away previously. They can be timid and skittish so you just go slow on the top of the water and go gently. I was just so excited and happy. So many emotions. We can't stop smiling the whole day,' she said.Advertisement

Members of Australia's bright and fearless community have united for the Miss Gay and Transsexual Australia International pageant to honour diversity.

The pageant celebrated its tenth anniversary in spectacular fashion at Williamstown Town Hall, in Melbourne, on Saturday evening.

Pageant co-founder and director Gayzha Davao told Daily Mail Australia the event was born out of a need to bring the transgender community into the mainstream.

Members of Australia's bright and fearless community have united for the Miss Gay and Transsexual Australia International pageant

The pageant celebrated its 10 year anniversary at a spectacular show at Williamstown Town Hall, in Melbourne, on Saturday evening

Pageant co-founder and director Gayzha Davao told Daily Mail Australia the event was born out of a need to bring the transgender community into the mainstream

Instead of typical pageant swimwear segment, the founders changed it to 'activewear' allowing participants to feel more comfortable

The pageant started a decade ago in a small bar in St Kilda to draw attention to the transgender community

The pageant has spent the last decade tackling inequality facing the LGBTQIA+ community in Australia and abroad by promoting inclusion and diversity

Bright and bold makeup was a big feature of Saturday nights event, with this contestant opting for glamorous lashes

With bright purple eye shadow, a contestant stares into the mirror backstage

'We started 10 years ago in St Kilda in a small bar. The reason we did the pageant is because we didn't have anything like this before,' Gayzha said.

'The transgender community was quiet at the time.'

With big dreams in their sights, the pageant has spent the last decade tackling inequality facing the LGBTQIA+ community in Australia and abroad by promoting inclusion and diversity.

The competition is split into two categories to contribute to the vision of inclusion - Miss Gay and Miss Transgender.

Miss Gay contestants are homosexuals who dress up as drag queens or enjoy performing.

Miss Transgender is delegated to those who identify as transgender or are transitioning.

Contestants are seen changing outfits during the three-and-half hour spectacular show

The competition is split in two categories to contribute to the vision of inclusion - Miss Gay and Miss Transgender

One contestant takes a selfie while wearing a sparkly full-length purple gown and statement wig

A candidate is seen busy at work with a number of make up brushes as they prepare their make-up for the show

Contestants pose and dance during the activewear segment which was brought into the show to encourage greater participation

Wearing shiny knee high boots, one glamorous contestant dangles eloquently in the air

'For the past 10 years we've met a lot of candidates, not only in Australia but we also have candidates from overseas,' Gayzha said.

This includes participants from countries such as Malaysia, India and Thailand.

The theme for Saturday's event, Colours of Diversity, was part of a broader message the pageant has tried to welcome to society.

'Everyone is representing their culture or country they want to,' Gayzha said

'Our theme is to celebrate people from different backgrounds or culture, for inclusion as well.

'We would like to celebrate and accept people from everywhere'

The theme for Saturday's event, Colours of Diversity, was part of a broader message the pageant has tried to welcome to society

The founders are also trying to unite trans and gays through the show as they had previously struggled to connect

With stunning blonde curls, this contestant sings for the crowd while donning a red shining bodysuit

The spectacular event lasts for three-and-a-half hours and the co-founders pride themselves on timeliness

The doors are opened at 6pm and the show kicks off with an opening number performed by the united Miss Trans and Miss Gays at 7pm

Contestants are seen having the time of their lives during the activewear section, opting for bright colours

The inclusion also hits close to home and directly affects the pride community, according to co-founder Norbert Neugbauer.

'We are about bringing people together as well. There is a lot of fragmentation within the LGBTQIA+ community,' Norbert said.

'We're trying to bridge the gap between the gays and the transsexuals because that's one of the things there is. Years ago they hated each other and they wouldn't talk to each other.'

'If someone shines it's actually to put the other person down, and what we're trying to do is lift the spirit and bring them together.'

The spectacular event lasts for three-and-a-half hours and the co-founders pride themselves on timeliness.

A contestant makes a final check of their make up and hair through a vanity mirror in the changerooms

The show relies on volunteers who are seen prepping a contestants hair and make up

The contestants are judged by a panel of eight community members - who are specifically chosen to ensure they have no predisposition to competitors

The judges conduct interviews with the contestants and they are encouraged to interact with each other throughout the day so they all get to know each other

The co-founders explained that the pageant is more than beauty but most contestants spend a lot of money on their attire

The doors are opened at 6pm and the show kicks off with an opening number performed by the united Miss Trans and Miss Gays at 7pm.

'As far as I know, everyone loved the show,' Norbert said.

'This year we've done something a little bit different. Instead of doing swimwear we've put in activewear to let more people in and within activewear people can wear swimwear.'

'It gives more opportunity to bigger people.'

The contestants are judged by a panel of eight community members - who are specifically chosen to ensure they have no predisposition to competitors.

'Some of these contestants have spent hundreds of dollars on their frocks their outfits, their makeup, their hair,' Norbert said

'It also shows their creativity because some of the contestants have actually made their own outfits,' co-founder Norbert said

A barely dressed contestant applies make up to their face in the change room

A red haired bombshell poses for the camera with two men displaying their bare chests and tattoos

Members of the crowd appear ecstatic to watch the show, grabbing their phones so they can relive the performances

The judges conduct interviews with the contestants and they are encouraged to interact with each other throughout the day so they all get to know each other.

'It's more than just throwing on a frock,' Norbert said.

'Some of these contestants have spent hundreds of dollars on their frocks their outfits, their makeup, their hair.'

'It also shows their creativity because some of the contestants have actually made their own outfits.'

Misty Del Ray from Tasmania won Miss Gay and Vienna Salvo won Miss Transsexual.

The co-founders remained adamant that the pageant is more than a competition as they drive to deliver a message

The winner of Miss Gay Australia appears tearful but happy as she wears a tiara and holds a bouquet of flowers tightly

A fierce contestant strikingly poses at the crowd while displaying her arm high into the air

Contestants come together at the end of the show in luxurious full-length gowns to pose for pictures

Matching her red gown with long red gloves, a contestant thanks the crowd

The co-founders remained adamant that the pageant is more than a competition as they drive to deliver an important message.

'We need more candidates, especially candidates from all over Australia. I know there are a lot of trans people out there but, the pageant isn't as famous in Australia, as other Asian countries,' Gayzha said.

'We're not just after finding someone with a talent, we are also after people who want to develop themselves and really try to help each other.'

'We're trying to make it like a family, a community gathering people, building people.'

'We need more candidates, especially candidates from all over Australia. I know there are a lot of trans people out there but, the pageant isn't as famous in Australia, as other Asian countries,' Gayzha said

Esther Rix, Miss Gay Australia 2018, showed her winning talents and sung for the audience

Laughter was key to the change rooms amid the hustle and bustle of quick costume changes

The contestant wears a breathtaking white gown with a long trail following her back

One contestant cheekily poses for the camera while wearing a glittering purple dress with a leg slip

A candid shot of a contestant backstage while others are already dressed in their evening gownsA massive sinkhole has forced the closure of a busy shopping car park amid growing fears the hole will continue to worsen.

Shocked shoppers arrived at Stockland Baldivis in Perth's south on Saturday morning to find the southern car park cordoned off after the hole almost 20 metres wide and two metres deep suddenly emerged overnight.

No customers were in the area at the time and no other property was damaged.

A massive sinkhole has turned the southern carpark of Stockland Baldivis into a no-go zone

Just metres away from the shopping centre entrance, the damaged section of the car park will remain closed until further notice.

'The centre is undertaking a full investigation with engineers, working in conjunction with local authorities,' Stockland Baldivis posted on its Facebook page.

'The southern part of the car park will be closed during the investigation and remedial works will be undertaken to rectify the issue. The safety of our customers and retailers remains our first priority.'

The shopping centre remains open for business.

Shop owners and shoppers keeping a vigilant eye on the sinkhole believed it has grown since Saturday morning.

'It's definitely been sinking more and more,' one shop owner told the ABC.

Julie Owen added: 'It'd be nice for them to let us know what's going on, what the assessment found, what's causing the problem and are we all at risk. Without knowing what's going on underneath the ground, anything's possible.'

The sinkhole is almost 20 metres wide and two metres deep and locals fears it will grow

Other concerned locals said they would stay clear of the centre until there was more reassurance.

'Too bad the section of the centre that is very close sinkhole is still allowed to be open, which is creeping up. Won't be surprised if that part of the center gets swallowed up. Pathetic all for the sake of a greedy dollar,' a person commented on the centre's page.

Another added: 'If people are wise they'll avoid the place. I wouldn't want to be in there with my kids if anything else collapsed. If that has happened who knows what's next.'

State Baldivis MP Reece Whitby said he'd been told by centre management that the sinkhole appears to be caused by the collapse of a stormwater detention system under the carpark.

Michael Hill Jewellers at Stockland Baldivis saw the funny side about the sinkhole situation

'I have been assured that Stocklands has engineers working along with local authorities as quickly as possible to repair the issue and reopen the carpark,' Mr Whitby posted on Facebook.

'In the meantime, customers are requested to please be patient with the inconvenience and continue to support our local traders in the centre.'

Amid fears traders in the centre were losing customers, one business showed a sense of humour about the situation.

'Our prices are sinking,' a sign outside Michael Hill Jewellers states.A radical plan to clamp down on corporate corruption has been announced after a royal commission revealed appalling abuses in the banking industry.

The Australian Labor party will encourage workers to blow the whistle on any unethical or criminal activities being conducted by their employers.

If a penalty is imposed on that company or employer the whistleblower will receive a percentage of that penalty fee as a reward, which will be capped at $250,000 or one per cent, The Daily Telegraph reported.

The radical plan by Labor to pay whistelblowers is designed to encourage more people to speak out against illegal and unethical behaviour.

On the eve of the royal banking commission's report the Australian Labor Party has announced a plan to financially compensate whistleblowers if they are elected in May

Commonwealth Bank whistleblower Jess Morris told the publication he welcomed the move by the Labor Party.

'Its not an exaggeration to say we wouldnt have this royal commission if not for whistleblowers, it would virtually guarantee that more people would come forward,' he said.

A GoFundMe campaign to thank Mr Morris for blowing the whistle was launched with the goal of sending him roses in support.

'On the eve of the Royal Commission report- help say thank you with a rose. Jeff has paid a huge price for his bravery,' the GoFundMe stated.

The page claims Mr Morris has been blackballed from the banking industry along with allegedly having a smear campaign launched against him which has impacted on his family and loved ones.

'Its a small sign of how much we appreciate the sacrifice Jeff has made as a whistleblower,' the campaign stated.

'Whistelbowers like Jeff have their lives destroyed for speaking out - the least we can do is say thank you.'

The Interim Report from the banking commission also highlighted the disciplinary shortcomings after internal misconduct was uncovered in the past.

'When misconduct was revealed, it either gone unpunished or the consequences did not meet the seriousness of what had been done,' the report read.

'Much more often than not, when misconduct was revealed, little happened beyond apology from the entity,' the report read.

'A drawn out remediation program and protracted negotiation with ASIC of a media release, an infringement notice, or an enforceable undertaking that acknowledged no more than that ASIC had reasonable concerns about the entitys conduct.'

The new laws and whistleblower compensation scheme announced by the Labor Party aims to prevent this conduct from continuing in the future.

Australian Labor Party leader Bill Shorten said it was time the government got tough on white collar crime.

Commonwealth Bank whistleblower Jess Morris (pictured) said he welcomed the move by the Labor Party to protect and encourage future whistleblowers

'Thats what tax dodging and corporate fraud is  its stealing. But too many people see it and say nothing, Im saying to accountants and lawyers and others who see this happening, dont let these crooks get away with it,' Mr Shorten said.

The Labor party has pledged $3million for the plan which would include an office to support whistleblowers, the Office of the Commonwealth Ombudsman, which would also double as a support centre.

Current whistleblower laws will also be overhauled under Labor's new plan and if elected in May they would come into effect in July.

The new move is modelled on whistleblower laws introduced in the United States in the wake of the 2008 Global Financial Crisis.

The United States Federal Government introduced laws that provided a financial compensation scheme for those who successfully blew the whistle on their employers.

The largest payout for a whistleblower in the United States since the new laws were introduced was $30million, paid out in 2014.A woman's death on a luxury boat in Sydney Harbour over the weekend remains shrouded in mystery.

The 39-year-old Berowra woman was found slumped over in the bathroom on board a cruise liner called the Lady Rose on Saturday afternoon. She is understood to have been at a birthday party along with up to 100 people.

When paramedics boarded the ship after it docked in Sydney Harbour, NSW Ambulance Inspector Giles Buchanan told reporters the woman was unconscious, not breathing and in cardiac arrest.

Mr Buchanan said the fire brigade had tested for noxious fumes when they arrived at the scene, but did not detect anything concerning.

A 39-year-old woman died on board a party boat in Sydney Harbour on Saturday afternoon, with other guests reporting a strong smell of fumes on board

'The initial notes that came to us was that there may have been fumes in the area, but whether they were related to [the woman's] condition, we are unsure,' he said.

Other guests at the party had reported smelling fumes aboard the boat, leading emergency services to test the air quality.

Paramedics boarded the boat at the marina in Roberts Street, Balmain, and worked on the woman for upwards of 20 minutes after extricating her from the bathroom, but she could not be revived and died at the scene.

Several partygoers were treated for shock, with Mr Buchanan explaining many of them were rattled by 'the disturbing nature of the scene'.

Other guests on board were seen crying and comforting each other, and a spokesman for Ambulance NSW said multiple people were treated for shock after witnessing 'the disturbing nature of the scene'

The group could be seen crying and hugging around the Lady Rose, which is owned by All Occasion Cruises.

The company offer luxury day cruises throughout the Sydney Harbour and claim to have the biggest fleet in Sydney.

One woman had been put on a stretcher and taken away by an ambulance.

'We've been comforting a lot of participants at the party and on the boat, as well as the crew,' Mr Buchanan said, noting some guests had been in 'emotional shock'.

A crime scene has been established on the cruise boat as police conduct a full investigation, though the woman's death is not believed to be suspicious or drug related

A crime scene has been established on the cruise boat as police conduct a full investigation.

In a statement issued on Sunday morning, officers said while the investigation into the woman's death was ongoing, it was not believed to be suspicious or drug related.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.Opal Tower residents who are too fearful to return to their homes have claimed their million-dollar apartments are now worth next to nothing.

The tower block in Sydney's Olympic Park was marketed as luxury living.

However for many of the tenants, their dream of owning a perfect home has come crashing down.

Opal Tower residents who are too fearful to return to their homes have claimed their million-dollar apartments are now worth nothing

Guest reporter for the current affairs program, Nines Financial Editor Ross Greenwood, will take a tour inside the tower for the first time

'It's the Australian dream turned into an Australian nightmare,' Mr Neverly (pictured) said

On an episode of 60 Minutes which will air this evening, distraught Opal Tower resident Andy Neverly - who paid $840,000 for his apartment - revealed his fears had come true.

'It's the Australian dream turned into an Australian nightmare,' Mr Neverly said.

'I don't think (the apartment) is worth anything.'

Nine reporter Ross Greenwood will take a tour inside the tower, which will for the first time reveal the abandoned apartments, as well as 'ground zero' where the destabilising cracking occurred.

The special report comes as residents of nearly 100 apartments in the damaged tower have been forced to return to their homes, with the builder cutting off payments for food and temporary accommodation.

Icon won't pay for food and accommodation after Sunday breakfast for residents of 97 apartments after the body corporate's engineers Cardno declared those units safe to occupy.

It follows Icon's announcement on January 27 that 74 apartments in the Sydney Olympic Park building were ready to be reoccupied.

'It is important to note that the we are continuing to work with all the engineers to ensure all queries are thoroughly addressed and that the extent of apartments with actual remedial works is minimal,' Icon said in a statement on Sunday.

Icon has extended its temporary accommodation and food to February 9 for residents whose units have not yet been cleared for reoccupation (pictured: Opal Tower)

It's been nearly six weeks since residents were first evacuated on Christmas Eve after hearing and seeing cracks in a wall (pictured: Opal Tower)

Icon has extended its temporary accommodation and food to February 9 for residents whose units have not yet been cleared for reoccupation.

It's been nearly six weeks since residents were first evacuated on Christmas Eve after hearing and seeing cracks in a wall.

A group of residents who own units in the tower last week sent a letter to the prime minister, NSW premier and state planning minister about the 'pain, loss and deceit' they have experienced during the ordeal.

They called on the state government to assess the habitability of Opal Tower and to ensure those behind the 'crisis' take responsibility.

Some of the residents of the units cleared for return have refused to move back because they say the building is still a 'construction zone'.

Design engineers WSP maintains the building is structurally sound overall - a verdict also made by the government's independent engineering experts.Five children between the ages of 5 and 15 have been killed in Maryland on Saturday.

The car they were riding in crashed into several trees in Bowie and then spun into a field.

It appears all five children were riding in the backseat and none of them were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash which led to them being ejected from the car.

London Dixon, 8, and Paris Dixon, 5, were both killed in the crash that killed three other kids

Maryland authorities say they are investigating a crash that killed five children who were ejected from a vehicle - two adults were also injured

A preliminary investigation shows the vehicle struck several trees and then spun in a snow-covered field

The driver, 32-year-old Dominique R. Taylor, lost control of the car about 4:30am and careered off the side of the road, hitting several trees in the process.

The five children were thrown from the car as the vehicle came to a halt in a nearby field.

London Dixon, 8, and Paris Dixon, 5, both children of Taylor lived in Bowie and attended Northview Elementary School according to NBC Washington.

Zion Beard, 14, Rickelle Ricks, 6, and Damari Herald, 15, from Washington D.C, were pronounced dead at the scene.

8-year-old London Dixon and 5-year-old Paris Dixon, both of Bowie were thrown from the car

Maryland State Police say five children were killed in a single vehicle crash on Saturday morning in Bowie

None of the children who were in the back seat of the car were wearing seatbelts at the time

The Chrysler Pacifica only had one row of seats in the rear. Photos from the scene showed extensive damage to the car.

Taylor was sent to a hospital although her condition is unclear.

Cornell D. Simon, 23, of Oxon Hill, is in critical condition, according to police.

Police are now working to try to understand how the crash occurred.

Although the roads were icy at the time throughout Maryland, police have not said whether the weather contributed to the accident.

"Every collision where we lose life is a tragedy," said Maryland State Trooper Capt. Daniel Pickett. "And where children are involved, it's more of a tragedy."

The road was closed for more than seven hours after the crash but has since reopened.

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to help pay for the funeral expenses.

The single-vehicle crash happened before 5am Saturday morning, The car car be seen, rightCardinal Sako Calls for End to Persecution of Christians in the Middle East

Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako, Patriarch of Babylon of the Chaldeans and head of the Chaldean Catholic Church, speaks during the inauguration of a Chaldean Catholic pastoral centre in Iraq's northern multi-ethnic city of Kirkuk on January 2, 2019. ( AFP) The mistreatment of Christians in the Middle East remains one of Pope Francis' primary concerns, especially as the region remains engulfed in conflicts from Iraq to Syria and Yemen, according to the head of Iraq's Catholic Church.

Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako, Patriarch of Babylon of the Chaldeans and head of the Chaldean Catholic Church, told The National that Pope Francis is seeking to turn a page in Christian-Muslim relations as the UAE prepares to host the pontiff in his first ever papal visit to the Arabian Peninsula, which begins on Sunday.

"Pope Francis is saying that this is enough. Let us live in peace, love, tolerance and to renounce violence and hatred," Cardinal Sako said.

During his historic trip to Abu Dhabi, the pope will promote interfaith dialogue and will seek to combat religious fanaticism. He will call for all faiths to evaluate the situation of Christians in the region and emphasise the values found in holy books for a peaceful co-existence between mankind.

"The UAE has become a role model for other countries. It has a flourishing economy, our message to the Christians in the UAE is to hold on to that country, its traditions and to connect with Muslims," Cardinal Sako said in a telephone interview to The National.

The Cardinal confirmed that he will not accompany the pope on his trip.

Iraq's persecuted Christian minority

Iraq's Christian population has faced significant persecution since the US invasion in 2003, declining from over one million to a few hundred thousand, a process that accelerated following the rise of ISIS in 2014. The group threatened to end their 2,000-year history in the country.

"People should live and develop a personal, deep and spiritual bond with God away from hatred, separation and threats, which are not related to faith in any way," the Cardinal said.

Christianity in Iraq dates back to the first century of the Christian era, when the apostles Thomas and Thaddeus are believed to have preached the Gospel on the fertile flood plains of Tigris and Euphrates rivers.

Today, Iraq has nearly 500,000 Christians, according to Cardinal Sako.

"At one point Christians represented 20 per cent of the Iraqi population, but the number firstly dropped to 10 per cent and it now stands at 2 per cent," he said.

Under the insurgents' rule, Christians were faced with a choice to convert, pay a tax or die.

Many in the Nineveh Plains in northern Iraq chose to flee, seeking refuge in nearby towns and cities, but many sought permanent asylum abroad.

Although Baghdad declared victory over the insurgents in 2017, the damage done to Christian enclaves in the north has been extensive.

The destruction has left many wondering whether they could overcome their recent history.

"Christians in Iraq are searching for freedom, and this is painful," he stressed.

In recent years, Iraq has endured in a state of chaos, corruption, lack of security and good governance that has given a rise to armed militias that have threatened the country's minority groups.

"Christian homes were threatened, kidnappings took place," he said.

Although the country's security situation has improved with the formation of a new cabinet, the status of Christians remains uncertain.

"All this has driven Christians to believe that there's no future for them and feel threats falling on their existence and belongings," he stressed.

Cardinal Sako expressed that this is not only a loss for Christians but also for Muslims, stressing that laws must be regulated and applied to every person who commits an offensive act.

"Christians and non-Zionist Jews were slandered in some Friday sermons and in mosques, the Jews have a holy book and Christians too. They belong to this country long before Muslims," he stressed.

Iraq is home to many different eastern rite churches, both Catholic and Orthodox, traditionally a sign of the country's ethnic and religious diversity.

"We have co-existed in peace with each other for 14 centuries. I wonder why people's mentality has changed," the Cardinal said.

The Cardinal expressed the importance of co-existence, explaining how Christians, Muslims, and members of other ethno-religious communities in the country have always worked together for the collective good, especially in difficult times.

The 70-year-old was born in Zakho in northern Iraq and has played a central role in interfaith dialogue in the country.

Cardinal Sako was elevated to cardinal last May by the pontiff in a move that was seen as a means to support Iraq's declining Christian population.

The College of Cardinals forms the senior ecclesiastical leadership of the Catholic Church, offering counsel to the pope and electing his successor.

Turning the page

Cardinal Sako stressed that religion and violence are incompatible and called upon Christians and Muslims to contribute to building reconciliation in order to defeat extremism and violence.

"The existing mentality is gruesome when people views each other as enemies and not brothers or neighbors. This mentality should change such and it can be done through education programs in schools, religious sermons and laws," he said.

The Cardinal has been tasked with forming a multi-faith dialogue committee including Christians, Sunni and Shiite Muslims to discuss ways to abolish hatred.

"I am Iraqi, I can be a Christian or a Muslim or other. Whether I am a faithful person or not, this is between me and God. There should be justice in civil rights and equality should be implemented," Cardinal Sako said.

What has happened to Iraqis in general has been a breach of international laws, he said.

But with the pope's visit to the UAE, the Cardinal is hopeful for a better future for Iraq's beleaguered Christian minority.A moving photo of three men utterly exhausted after helping fight bushfires in Australia has gone viral on social media.

The image shows firefighters Jason Luck, John Kroczewski and Paul Catteral sitting in a helicopter covered in soot following 12 intense hours battling blazes in Tasmania's Gell River.

Up to 20 fires are burning out of control across the Apple Isle, with more than 189,000 hectares already destroyed.

Twelve hours of fighting bushfires took their toll on exhausted Tasmanian firefighters Jason Luck, John Kroczewski and Paul Catteral

Hobart country rock band The Wolfe Brothers posted the picture of the trio of men on their Facebook page, labelling it 'incredible' before stating it 'looks like they have been in a war zone'.

'If you are unaware currently in Tasmania there is some seriously bad bush fires,' the band wrote.

'To all the firefighters, emergency services, police, paramedics and volunteers.. just know that plenty of people really appreciate you and can't thank you enough for what you do.'

The picture of the men has been since been shared more than 21,000 people, with one Facebook user stating the firefighters are the 'unsung heroes of this great nation.'

Another man added 'not all heroes wear capes' before a third felt 'every firefighter' should receive bravery awards.'

As of Sunday, local authorities in Tasmania were most concerned about communities under threat in Huonville, Lonnavale and Geeveston.

'Over the last few days, everyone's been a bit panicky. The wind comes up and blows one direction. It dies down and goes in a different direction,' Ricky Clark, the owner of the BP at Geeveston, said.

'A lot of people live on the outskirts of Geeveston and don't know whether to stay or go.'

Tasmanian tourist attraction the Tahune Airwalk was gutted by a bushfire on Tuesday

Tasmania is about to enter its third week of bushfires with 189,000 hectares already destroyed

This boiler feedstock shed at the Southwood wood processing site was under threat by fire

A total fire ban has been declared for the south of Tasmania, plus parts of the north, with peak gusts of up to 70km/h tipped over the next few days.

Residents not prepared to fight fires are urged to leave their properties.

Vast tracks of wilderness in the state's southwest have been blackened by wildfire.

A number of fires continues to burn on Sunday afternoon, including a bushfire at Great Pine Tier, Central Plateau.

'The fire will put Liawenee at very high risk this afternoon,' Tasmania Fire Service posted on its Facebook page.

'This fire will be difficult to control. Burning embers, falling on Liawenee will threaten your home before the main fire. Smoke and ash will make it difficult to see and breathe.Hundreds of Marilyn Monroe impersonators glammed up and took to Adelaide's seaside to take part in the Marilyn Jetty Swim to raise money for the Cancer Council.

As blonde curly wigs sold out across the city, 270 people dressed as Marilyn Monroe took to Brighton Beach and claimed a new world record.

The event has raised $65,000 so far this year and is on track to reach the goal of $100,000 in total.

What started as an idea between friends has quickly garnered national attention and a loyal following in Adelaide.

Hundreds of Marilyn Monroe impersonators glammed up and took to Adelaide's seaside to take part in the Marilyn Jetty Swim to raise money for the Cancer Council

As blonde curly wigs sold out across the city, 270 people dressed as Marilyn Monroe took to Brighton Beach and claimed a new world record

This is the first year male Marilyns were welcomed into the event, but organiser Sarah Tinney said they fit in well

With 270 people turning up for the event on Sunday, the enthusiastic group set the Guinness World Record for most people dressed as Marilyn Monroe.

People were dressed to the nines, wearing the Hollywood Star's iconic white dress, blonde wig, professional makeup and even the added touch of her famous beauty mark.

The Marilyns paddled around the jetty on inflatable rings and all cross the finish line together as a group, holding hands.

ABC News reported organiser Sarah Tinney had even more people willing to participate, but they had to be turned away as they couldn't dress up.

'Pretty much we have sold out of every decent wig  and bad wigs  out of SA,' Ms Tinney said.

They even outsourced wigs from from towns hours away in an attempt to get more people involved.

'We are looking for wig sponsors  we need to get wigs and swimsuits in,' Ms Tinney said.

The event has raised $65,000 so far this year and is on track to reach the goal of $100,000 in total

With 270 people turning up for the event on Sunday, the enthusiastic group of people set the Guinness World Record for most people dressed as Marilyn Monroe

Over the six years the event has been running, $300,000 has been raised - but this is the first time a record attempt was made.

Many of the people who dressed up as the iconic Hollywood star have had some personal experience with cancer treatment.

One person who intended on swimming couldn't compete because she felt too sick to enter the water.

'Most people on the planet unfortunately have been quite directly affected by cancer in some way,' Ms Tinney said.

This is the first year male Marilyns were welcomed into the event, but Ms Tinney said they fit in well.

Over the six years the event has been running, $300,000 has been raised - but this is the first time a record attempt was madeInmates at a federal jail in Brooklyn have suffered for days without heat or power during a wintry cold snap, according to lawyers and U.S. lawmakers.

The crisis reached a head on Saturday as protesters rallied outside the Metropolitan Detention Center in the industrial waterfront section of Sunset Park, where inmates banged on the walls of the jail and flashed nightlights in a plea for help.

A fire last Sunday cut off power and heat to parts of the jail, according to motions filed this week in federal court by lawyers from the Federal Defenders who represent some of the inmates.

Since then, at least some of the more than 1,600 inmates at the jail have suffered in near-freezing temperatures and in darkness after the sun goes down while locked in their cells for 23 hours a day, according to the court filings.

Current inmates at the facility include Nxivm sex-cult leader Keith Raniere and accused jewelry thief mastermind Damir Pejcinovic, as well as MS-13 gang members and mafiosos - but the facility also holds those charged with lesser crimes and awaiting bail hearings or trial.

The crisis reached a head on Saturday as protesters rallied outside the Metropolitan Detention Center (above in file photo) in the industrial waterfront section of Sunset Park

Some of the more than 1,600 inmates at the jail have suffered in near-freezing temperatures and in darkness after the sun goes down while locked in their cells for 23 hours a day

Protesters attend a rally at Metropolitan Detention Center demanding that heat is restored for the inmates in the Brooklyn borough of New York City on Saturday

A protester and a corrections officer are seen at the rally on Saturday protesting conditions

A fire last Sunday cut off power and heat to parts of the jail, according to motions filed this week in federal court by lawyers from the Federal Defenders

The federal Bureau of Prisons said Saturday that work to restore power to the jail will be completed by Monday - but public defenders and local elected officials say that the feds aren't taking the situation seriously enough.

'Inmates were wrapped head to toe in towels and blankets,' Deirdre von Dornum, who oversees the Federal Defenders' Brooklyn team, said in a telephone interview on Saturday, recounting her tour of the jail the day before.

'Their windows were frosted over. Even more disturbingly perhaps for the inmates, their cells were pitch black and they don't have flashlights.'

She said senior officials at the jail were 'indifferent' to the problems during her tour. The power problems have also meant inmates cannot easily call family or lawyers nor get any needed medication refilled, lawyers said.

Officials with the American Federation of Government Employees, the union that represents corrections officers at the jail, have confirmed the lawyers' accounts of the jail conditions.

'They're just waiting for a disaster to happen,' jail employee Rhonda Barnwell, who works in the facility's medical station, told reporters Friday. 'There's only heat in the afternoons since we've been complaining today.'

Protesters attend a rally at Metropolitan Detention Center demanding that heat is restored for the inmates in the Brooklyn borough of New York City on Saturday

Heat at the jail has been off for a week, but the feds say it will be restored on Monday

Telephone calls to the jail went unanswered on Saturday, and officials there and at the Federal Bureau of Prisons did not respond to email queries. A notice on the jail's website said all visits have been suspended until further notice.

Officials at the jail and the Bureau of Prisons acknowledged a partial power outage in emails to the New York Times, which first reported the problems on Friday, but said the cells still had heat and hot water.

One inmate, Dino Sanchez, has only a short-sleeved jumpsuit, a T-shirt and a single standard-issue thin blanket to keep him warm, according to a court filing by his attorney.

Sanchez has asthma, which the cold has exacerbated, and fears collapsing in the dark without anyone noticing and coming to his aid, his lawyer wrote.

Nydia Velazquez, who represents parts of New York City in the U.S. House of Representatives, was one of the lawmakers who visited the jail on Saturday. She said the Bureau of Prisons was disregarding inmates' rights.

Nydia Velazquez (second from right), who represents parts of New York City in the U.S. House of Representatives, was one of the lawmakers who visited the jail on Saturday

Elected officials address the crowd and media at a rally outside the jail on Saturday

'This appalling situation needs to be fixed,' she wrote on Twitter. She noted that some heat had been restored, but that the heating system was still 'not at fully capacity' and that staff at the jail were still complaining about the cold on Saturday.

Hugh Hurwitz, the Bureau of Prisons' acting director, told lawmakers in telephone conversations he agreed that conditions in the jail were 'unacceptable,' according to Velazquez.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said in a brief statement that the conditions at the jail were unconstitutional and demanded an immediate fix.

Judge Analisa Torres ordered the Bureau of Prisons to produce witnesses at a hearing in federal court in Manhattan on Tuesday to explain how the complaints raised by inmates' lawyers were being addressed.

On Saturday night, New York City Mayor Bill de Balsio directed the city Emergency Management agency to deliver blankets, hand warmers and generators to the jail.

On Saturday night, officials working for NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio oversaw and emergency delivery of blankets, hand warmers and generators to the federal facility

The NYC Emergency Management agency delivered the supplies to the jail on Saturday

De Blasio blasted the feds for inaction as his agency intervened with supplies for the jail

NYC city worker unload the emergency supplies for the inmates on Saturday

'The people inside have a right to dignity and safety and we won't stand by while the Federal Bureau of Prisons fails them. NYC stands ready to do all we can to help,' de Blasio said in a statement.

The conditions at the jail drew condemnation from human rights advocates.

'This is worse than countries that we denounce,' the Rev. Al Sharpton said at his weekly rally. 'This is disgraceful and inexcusable.'

Donna Lieberman, executive director of the New York Civil Liberties Union, said in a statement, 'It is shocking that the government would hold people for days on end in a dark, freezing jail during one of the coldest weeks in memory.'

Dozens of activists including a brass band rallied outside the jail Saturday. One group vowed to camp outside the facility until conditions improve.Pictures of the homemade fake bomb that shut down Brisbane International Airport on Saturday night have been released.

A 50-year-old man has been charged with contravening a domestic violence order, stalking with a weapon, stealing and seriously assaulting police.

He's also facing charges of pretending to plan to damage or destroy a government-owned air facility, making a bomb hoax, and common assault.

The man allegedly yelled in Arabic and claimed to have a bomb on the night, which led to the airport being evacuated and police being called in.

He also allegedly chased a woman through the terminal while holding a knife, as terrified screams rang out from other travellers.

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A 50-year-old man, from Surfers Paradise, has been charged after allegedly claiming to have a bomb at Brisbane International Airport and allegedly threatening a woman with a knife

The man also alleged to have a bomb (pictured) which contained wires, screens and what appears to be a button

The man's wife, mother-in-law and two children were reportedly planning to leave Brisbane when the incident unfolded.

Images released of the homemade device showed a black box with a yellow rectangle containing a screen secured to the top.

Wires were seen around the box, with some seen coming out of it.

Queensland Police Commissioner Ian Stewart said the design of the box: 'Indicates the extraordinary lengths a person has gone to, to create a perception of risk, threat and fear'.

The man, who has not yet been named, is known to police.

The man (pictured) has been charged with multiple offences, including contravening a domestic violence order and making a fake bomb threat

A woman wearing a hijab could be heard screaming for help as a man chased her, Boon Heng Ong told the Courier Mail.

'They were heading towards outside the airport, and then he just pulled out the knife. It was quite big, 15-20 cm,' they alleged.

'He stopped running and turned around and walked back to a table in the food court. He grabbed something out of his luggage. It was a black box like a small toolbox.'

The man was recorded by fearful onlookers holding a metal box with exposed wiring. He had allegedly claimed to be carrying a bomb.

Travellers had to flee as police evacuated the building, forcing flights and connecting trains to come to a sudden halt.

Australian Federal Police and Queensland police stormed the airport about 10.15pm as an emergency situation was declared.

The airport was evacuated and trains were halted after police declared an emergency situation, which ended at 11pm

Pictured: Would-be travellers were forced to evacuate the airport as police investigated reports of a bomb threat

After the airport was evacuated, officers examined the suspicious device the man had allegedly claimed was a bomb, but found it to be non-suspicious.

The exclusion zone was revoked at 11pm, but police then closed off the Bruce Bishop Carpark in Surfers Paradise just after midnight as a precaution.

The man had reportedly made threats about the carpark, which reopened at 1.45am.

A police officer at the scene told the Courier Mail there was a vehicle linked to him in the carpark, and he appeared to have had 'some sort of detonator'.

The man, an Australian resident who is believed to be from the Middle East, was taken into custody from the airport after he was shot with a beanbag round.

He was not seriously injured.

Brisbane Airport said in a tweet: 'The Australian Federal Police is managing the incident and we hope to get back to normal operations as soon as possible'

During a press conference, Superintendent Tony Fleming said it was a 'domestic incident' and not terror-related.

He said there was concern that the man had an explosive device  however, that was not the case.

'There is absolutely no evidence that this is a matter related to terrorism.'

Superintendent Fleming said people who are known to the man were giving evidence.

'This has been quite a dramatic to those people.'

Police, paramedics and fire crews were in attendance after reports of a man brandishing a knife and making bomb threatsThe Historian, a quarterly, upset city hall when it arrived from the printer last week with a 10-page cover story that marked the 100th anniversary of Ford buying the Dearborn Independent weekly newspaper, which he used to attack Jews

A Detroit-area historical group is protesting a mayor's decision to stop it from sending out the latest issue of its publication, which delves into Ford Motor Co. founder Henry Ford's anti-Semitism.

Officials with the Dearborn Historical Commission say the latest edition of The Dearborn Historian, a city-financed quarterly journal, should be sent to its roughly 200 subscribers and that Mayor Jack O'Reilly should reverse his decision to cut ties with longtime Detroit journalist Bill McGraw, 67, who wrote the Ford piece and was the Historian's part-time editor.

He was informed of his dismissal Wednesday afternoon by Jack Tate, curator of the Dearborn Historical Museum.

The 10-page cover story, which can be read online, highlights Ford's writings and views on Jews and explores how they still influence modern neo-Nazi groups.

The Historian story went into great detail on how Ford, pictured, and his lieutenants spent millions spreading Ford's anti-Semitic ideas, which flourish today on extremist websites

The cover of the halted edition noted that Ford bought a publication called the Dearborn Independent 100 years ago and 'used it to attack Jews.'

The Historian story went into great detail on how Ford and his lieutenants spent millions spreading Ford's anti-Semitic ideas, which flourish today on extremist websites and forums.

It added: 'The hate he unleashed flourishes in the Internet age.'

The Dearborn-based automaker disavowed its founder's views before he died in 1947 and sought to make amends with Jews and Israel.

Veteran Detroit journalist Bill McGraw, who was the Historian's part-time editor, was fired on Wednesday after writing a piece about Henry Ford's anti-Semitic views during the 1920s

Andrew Kercher, assistant chief curator of the city's history museum, told The Detroit News that Ford is 'obviously Dearborn's favorite son.'

'This wasn't just to sling mud or done irresponsibly,' he said. 'This is basically a form of censorship and crazy to fire the editor and withhold the information from the public.'

McGraw, a Dearborn resident and former Detroit Free Press reporter, praised the community and O'Reilly's overall work as mayor.

'I continue to be puzzled by the mayor's actions, which are just bringing more readers to the story he wanted to ban,' McGraw said. 'The Dearborn Historical Museum is caught in the middle, and I have nothing but respect for the museum and the people associated with it.'

Dearborn Mayor Jack O'Reilly, already under fire for killing the current issue of the city-funded Dearborn Historian because it carried a report on Henry Ford's anti-Semitism, has now fired the magazine's editor

'I'm proud of Dearborn and had this just been published, it would have been a positive thing for the city,' he told The News.

Dearborn now has one of largest communities of Arabs outside of the Middle East.

O'Reilly said in a statement that he thought the publication and dredging up 'hateful messages' from a century ago 'could become a distraction from our continuing messages of inclusion and respect.'

O'Reilly has not explained why he ordered the museum staff not to mail out the magazine but regular readers are critical of the mayor after it emerged the mayor planned to halt mailing the controversial issue to subscribers.

The mayor added he didn't fire McGraw, who wasn't an employee of the city or the museum.

'For years, Dearborn has supported and participated with interfaith organizations and in regional roundtables with diverse communities, and actively promotes initiatives dedicated to increasing unity and understanding,' O'Reilly said.

Although The Historian has no Internet presence, Deadline Detroit published McGraw's story, 'Henry Ford and 'The International Jew,'' last Friday which has caused it to spread and be even more widely read than the magazine's small circulation.

O'Reilly's order to suppress it further has only stoked interest in the piece.Mojtahedinyazdi, 19, could be deported from Australia to his native Iran

An international student is facing deportation from Australia and could then be forced to join the army of his country of birth.

Yasin Mojtahedinyazdi, 19, moved to Bendigo in Victoria from Iran two years ago.

The teenager utilised his time, completing his final year of high school before he was accepted into 2019 university courses at LaTrobe University in Bendigo and Griffith University in Queensland.

However disaster struck recently, with his parents unable to help pay his university fees after his father lost his job as a mechanical engineer.

John Cummings, (pictured) one of Mr Mojtahedinyazdi's home stay's parents in Victoria, would have love to see the budding scientist secure a university scholarship in Australia

'The (US imposed) sanctions all target Iran's oil and gas, so he (father) was one of the first ones to lose his job,' the 19-year-old told 9News.

'And then I lost my financial support, so I've had to work more.'

International students are also unable to work more than 20 hours per week, adding to Mr Mojtahedinyazdi's frustrations.

His visa expires in just under two months and Mr Mojtahedinyazdi has no way to pay his up front university fees which are due in mid-February.

If that financial road block wasn't daunting enough, the teenager will have to serve in the army if he returns to Iran - and then repeat years 11 and 12 because his study in Australia isn't recognised.

'As soon as I go back, it's going to be a four-year step back. It's not a stable country,' he said.

'I put on a brave front, but on the inside I feel it crushing me.'

John Cummings, one of Mr Mojtahedinyazdi's home stay parents, would love to see the hard-working teenager secure a scholarship.

'People like Yasin don't grow on trees. He's very appreciative of everything,' he said.

'He's the sort of guy Australia needs.'

Mr Mojtahedinyazdi said his 'biggest dream' was to become a doctor.

Yasin Mojtahedinyazdi (pictured) could be deported from Australia due to political unrest in his native IranThis is not the first time President Trump has torn up an international agreement.

But his decision to withdraw from the long-standing Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces treaty with Russia is a milestone  and a disturbing one. After all, this is the treaty that helped bring the Cold War to a close.

It was signed in 1987 by Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev to ban a dangerous new generation of intermediate and short-range weapons with a range of between 300 and 3,400 miles.

Launched from trucks on either side of the Iron Curtain, these weapons were hard for the enemy to find and destroy. More to the point, they introduced the terrifying idea of 'small' and more frequent nuclear conflicts.

President Trump's decision to withdraw from the long-standing Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces treaty with Russia is a milestone  and a disturbing one

There is no doubting that the INF treaty made the world a safer place. It was signed at a time when the world had 65,000 nuclear warheads, mostly held by America and the then Soviet Union. By the 1990s, the total was reduced to 17,000.

For decades, the successors to Reagan and Gorbachev tried to continue the spirit of co-operation  until the 45th President arrived at the White House.

Trump has told the world that he is withdrawing because Russia  the only other signatory to the treaty  has broken its terms by illegally developing a new land-based cruise missile. The Russians displayed it in public last week.

But his claims are bogus and hypocritical. The US has itself deployed new Aegis and Patriot missiles to Poland and Romania.

America says these missiles are 'defensive'; Russia replies that they could be made 'offensive' very quickly.

And what is Russian president Vladimir Putin to make of the vast fleet of armed drones deployed by America around the world? These weapons didn't even exist when the INF treaty was concluded and aren't covered.

Like Russia, America is happily refurbishing its arsenal of nuclear missiles, a 30-year programme that includes new warheads with half the explosive power of the bomb dropped on Hiroshima.

The truth is that Trump is withdrawing not because Russia has behaved badly, but because he wants to destroy the INF treaty altogether. Why? Because it is inconvenient.

Trump hates all treaties  civil or military  which constrain America's power to do what it likes.

He has already done more damage to the cohesion of Nato than at any time in its history by rowing with Europe over its contributions, and he is now shaking the foundations of world trade with a series of tariff wars.

It is the same hatred of binding agreements that lies behind Trump's decision to withdraw from the 2015 international nuclear deal with Iran.

No one outside the White House believes that Iran has done anything wrong.

American intelligence agencies and the International Atomic Energy Agency certified 13 times in succession that Iran was adhering to the spirit and letter of the deal. Trump responded by telling his own spies to 'go back to school'.

There is another, more specific, motive, too, behind Trump's actions  and that motive is China, a country he truly fears.

A newcomer to superpower status, China is not party to agreements reached in the 1980s.

So it has been free to quietly develop a range of missiles  some hypersonic, greatly exceeding the speed of sound  and satellite-based weapons which could 'neutralise' American carrier fleets in the Western Pacific. The Chinese are masters of cyber warfare, too.

Yet the INF Treaty has served to restrict America's military reaction. It prevents Trump from deploying shorter-range missiles anywhere near Russia's Pacific coast  and that means the US cannot hit China with such weapons, either.

This, then, is the real reason Trump has ripped up a treaty the Russians are, in fact, willing to renegotiate.

Trump has repeatedly attacked China and its ambitions. He has accused his predecessor Barack Obama of being 'impotent' about the South China Sea where China has ignored the claims of its neighbours and created a series of militarised artificial islands.

China replies that it is no threat to America and that, preferring to work with other powers and world institutions, it represents caution and stability in a turbulent world.

But Trump is determined to take on the Red Dragon.

After all, the American elite dreads the idea that an authoritarian Communist regime with vast and growing financial power has found ways to check their own global dominance. China's economic expansion through its 'belt and road' policy of investing in poorer nations has been astounding.

Even before the crash, China had overtaken America as the world's leading manufacturer and, judged by purchasing power, it is already the biggest economy in the world.

It was China, not America, that effectively saved the West in the post-crash years by investing in the global economy. China's central bank has a staggering $3.5 trillion of foreign currency reserves.

China is making huge strides in soft power, too. Growing numbers of bright students from Africa and Asia prefer to study there rather than in the West.

There is another, more specific, motive, too, behind Trump's actions  and that motive is China, a country he truly fears (Pictured middle, Chinese President Xi Jinping)

Trump is particularly keen to inhibit China's galloping technological prowess in fields ranging from electric vehicles to super-computers. And that is why he would like to force China to divert its industrial investment into a vastly increased  and draining  rate of military spending, where America currently enjoys a huge advantage.

America's defence budget equals that of the next seven countries combined.

The effect on the rest of the world, meanwhile, is deeply concerning. We can see all too clearly where a renewed arms race will end.

Putin's immediate response to America's withdrawal was a promise to build new missiles, and most expect him to keep his word. How will other countries with such weapons, including India and Pakistan, react?

It has been American policy since Nixon visited Mao to keep Russia and China apart.

Yet presidents Putin and Xi Jinping are already working closely and that co-operation will certainly accelerate now.

In fact, they enjoy the warmest relationship of any Chinese or Russian leaders since the 1950s  as close as 'lips and teeth' as the Chinese say.

Their armed forces have begun joint exercises and they already collaborate in Syria and Afghanistan. Neither Beijing nor Moscow will be constrained or intimidated by a volatile blowhard in the White House.

Is the Pentagon's $1.2 trillion (916 billion) investment in new weaponry a sign that American minds might be turning to the prospects of a 'controlled' nuclear war at some point?

It is a horrific thought, but with the ultra-hawkish John Bolton by Trump's side as National Security Adviser, who would bet against it?

Meanwhile, another major treaty is coming up for renewal in 2021  NewStart, which limits the US and Russian arsenals to 6,500 strategic warheads and missiles each.

If a re-elected Trump were to destroy that agreement, too, then we would truly be heading back to a new Cold War  an era in which mass destruction is but a push of a button away.Gemma Collins' drug-dealer ex has been jailed for punching another ex girlfriend in the face during a 'sustained beating' that forced her to flee through a window.

Alex Moss, who dated the Big Brother star in 2014, also fractured the woman's arm and threatened to kill her.

The 38-year-old told his then partner he was going to 'f*** her up' after an argument spiralled out of control in October last year.

Alexander Moss is seen arriving at Gemma Collins' home in 2014. She is pictured on the right at the National Television Awards this year

'You are going to get into so much trouble for this,' the victim told her then boyfriend, to which he replied : 'This is nothing, I'm going to f*** you up. I will kill you' during the attack in October last year.

Judge Christopher Morgan jailed Moss for 21 months for inflicting grievous bodily harm and was made subject to a restraining order for three years preventing him from contacting the victim.

He denied he punched or kicked his victim and also told Chelmsford Crown Court on Friday that no threats were made.

She escaped through a window to flee the assault and Moss was arrested soon after in Chelmsford, Essex.

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Putting the past behind her: Gemma Collins has spoken about her past relationship with Alex Moss, claiming he phoned her before she entered the Celebrity Big Brother house

Gemma Collins claimed she received a creepy phonecall from the thug shortly before entering the Celebrity Big Brother house in 2016.

The pair dated from June to November 2014 but split the day before she flew to Australia to star in I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!

The former TOWIE star alleged Alex, a convicted drug dealer, had assaulted her, but he was never charged and vehemently denies the allegations.

Gemma said she was horrified when Alex tried to call her before she joined the Channel 5 show.

She told The Sun at the time: 'He called me from a withheld number. As soon as he said 'Hello' I just had to put the phone down.

'I know Alex and I do believe he's psychotic.'

Turbulent: Gemma dated convicted drug dealer Alex Moss for six months in 2014 before splitting after a row

Gemma said she knew she had to hang up because he would have tried to get 'in my head'.

She said: 'He would have tried to psych me out and bring me down.'

The reality star famously quit I'm A Celebrity after just a few days, later admitting she was suffering from post-traumatic stress following her clash with Alex.

In an interview with OK! magazine in 2016, Gemma alleged Alex spat food in her face during an argument.

She claimed: 'I was having a Chinese, but he picked up a chicken ball, bit it and spat it in my face.'Its an awkward ride in the lift up to the second floor of a nondescript building just minutes from London Bridge. At the door, the hosts do their best to put their guests at ease. They greet everyone warmly, take coats, offer reassuring smiles, then point them in the direction of a table laid out with coffee, plates of biscuits and fruit.

A woman in her mid-30s takes some grapes and shuffles off to nibble them alone.

Its little wonder that no one knows what to say because this tea party isnt a social event, and the women gathered arent acquaintances, let alone friends.

The London Egg Bank is offering a service for busy career women to freeze their eggs while in their 30s so they can consider having a baby later in life, using the better quality eggs

Women were invited to the Egg Freezing 101 seminar after they registered with the clinic's website. They were given coffee and biscuits while they were told about the process

The event was held at the London Egg Bank, part of the London Women's Clinic, pictured

Its an introduction to the bizarre world of the egg-freezing trade, in which young professional women will be persuaded into parting with thousands of pounds in order to secure their future hope for a family.

The London Egg Bank, part of the London Womens Clinic, a fertility centre based on Harley Street, is selling itself as the place for career women to get their eggs frozen.

This will, it is suggested, give them the chance to preserve their fertility, with the option of trying to conceive at a later date with eggs which have been put on ice when theyre younger  and are therefore better quality.

Egg Freezing 101 is a ticketed event thats free to attend, as long as you sign up to the London Egg Bank website.

Guests are invited to join the rapidly growing number of women who are choosing to freeze their eggs. The event promises to show women how egg freezing can help them, as well as giving them the enticement of discounts to the clinics services.

The surroundings are discreetly luxurious. Gold and black pendant lights hang in the reception area. Glass consulting rooms look as if theyd be more at home in a fashionable advertising agency than a hospital. With a teacup in one hand and biscuit in the other, the women are invited to gather around while they wait for the rest of the party. Everyone is handed an information folder containing price lists and a flyer for the clinic that reads: Take Control.

The majority of the guests are women on their own, although two have come with male partners, and one appears to be there with her mother.

The majority of the guests are women on their own, although two have come with male partners, and one appears to be there with her mother

Operations manager Marta Wolska takes the stage and begins the sales pitch. She explains that using the latest technique called vitrification  in which eggs are flash-frozen in liquid nitrogen rather than gradually lowered in temperature  96 per cent of eggs that are frozen will survive defrosting.

Martas message is clear. Fertility declines with age, and by investing in egg freezing at a young age, a woman can defy Mother Nature and preserve her fertility for years to come.

If the women sign up today theyll be offered a 30 per cent discount on all of the clinics services, from a fertility MOT at 370, to a three-cycle package of egg freezing at a full cost of 9,500.

For those women under 35, the clinics services are free if they sign up to the freeze and share option  a new programme where women donate half of their harvested eggs to the clinic, which will then sell them on at a cost of 10,700 to women unable to conceive with their own eggs.

The remaining half will be frozen for two years at no cost and then attract a 250 a year freezing fee after that. Marta boasts of the clinics flexible opening times  staff even work on Sundays.

Then, extraordinarily, she offers to escort any woman home after the egg harvesting treatment if they dont have a partner or good friend to do it.

At this point I have to pinch myself.

Britain's fertility industry is worth an estimated 320 million a year

Its hard to believe they are talking about real human lives, about babies and vulnerable women, so worried about their futures that theyre susceptible to the tantalising promise of extended fertility. Never mind that the procedure being described is highly invasive, expensive and stressful.

Its as if the women here are just commodities to be signed up for their contribution to a fertility industry worth an estimated 320 million in the UK.

Once Marta has completed her talk, Kamal Ahuja, founder of the London Womens Clinic, comes on stage. He is introduced as the doctor and his talk focuses on the great strides there have been in fertility medicine since he began his career in the 1980s.

While the women listen intently, there is one statistic that both presenters have remained conspicuously quiet about: the chances of actually giving birth to a baby using a frozen egg.

Ahuja touches on about various legislative and ethical issues and then talks about his best patient, who produced 50 eggs for me.

Its an unpleasant image that makes her sound more like a battery hen than a human being. Particularly as the number of women suffering from ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome  in which their ovaries grow dangerously large because of aggressive fertility drugs  are rising.

Dr Kamal Ahuja of the London's Women's Clinic gave the women a talk about the process and how fertility changes in later life

Eventually, he offers a statistic: if a woman has 50 eggs frozen, she will have a 70 to 80 per cent chance of having a baby.

Soon afterwards, he reveals that to gather 50 eggs would usually mean five cycles of egg collection. That is far more than most women could cope with, let alone afford (it would cost more than 17,000 for five cycles. And that cost is for freezing alone  it doesnt include later fertilisation and implantation of embryos).

Ahuja then points to a Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority leaflet, which is available to pick up at the back of the room  although it was noticeably absent from the information pack handed out at the beginning of the session.

In the leaflet, the HFEA states the more sobering reality: 18 per cent of IVF treatments using a patients own frozen eggs were successful  this means that in around four in five cases, the treatment was unsuccessful. This is significantly lower than the chance of having a baby from a standard fresh cycle of IVF, which is 30 per cent. However, women freezing their eggs also tend to be older, which skews the success rate.

But still Ahuja continues with his positive tone. He tells us that there are more than 20,000 eggs in storage in Harley Street.

He paints a picture of a buzzing industry, with a bright future of ever-improving statistics and ever-relaxing laws.

HE IS also so quick to discourage the women from believing the other side of the argument that it makes one wonder if the clinic is offering a discount so that women sign up before going home and reading the HFEA leaflet that makes this optimistic picture feel altogether more confused.

Even more worrying, as the event proceeds it is far from clear what exactly the process entails.

The drugs, the injections, the mood swings: its made to sound easy. In reality, it is a serious medical procedure.

It starts with more than a weeks worth of hormone injections to encourage the ovaries to produce multiple eggs (instead of just the one egg produced in a typical cycle).

When the eggs are mature and ready to be retrieved, the patient undergoes sedation and a needle is used to harvest the eggs. There have been rare cases of women bleeding so severely from the needle that theyve had to have their ovaries removed.

Rehan Salim, consultant gynaecologist and specialist in reproductive medicine at Hammersmith and St Marys Hospitals in London, advises women to do their research before committing to anything.

Mr Salim states that patients should seek treatment only from a consultant gynaecologist who has completed an accredited training programme from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in London.

Worryingly, the London Egg Banks website reveals that there is not one consultant gynaecologist listed who has qualified in the UK.

When the presentation is over, the women are encouraged to talk to the doctor privately with any questions. Next to me is a woman, 34, who would only like to be identified as Megan. She is at the event alone. She has a partner but is unsure whether or not she will stay with him, so would like an insurance policy in case her situation changes.

Megan is confused and tells me: Its not clear how likely it is that Ill have a baby from a frozen egg. So she may not go ahead.

She goes to talk to the doctor but then returns to say she will sign up after all. What changed? The doctor explained that the statistics are all very conservative estimates. I find this worrying, since they are based on official HFEA figures.

Another woman, Hannah, 36, is there with her partner. She has been diagnosed with blocked fallopian tubes, so she wants to freeze her eggs because she will struggle to get pregnant in the future.

Although her boyfriend is at the presentation, she is not sure of their longevity, so she also wants an insurance policy.

Hannah is impressed with the clinic, saying: I thought the presentation was very clear and Im going to go ahead and sign up today.

Among some women, there is an air of quiet panic. Attractive and intelligent with good careers but finding themselves without committed partners, they are worried about the future. They know they want a family, but time is ticking on. They want an insurance policy.

Raquel, 38, is single and wants to freeze her eggs in case she meets someone in the next few years. She wants to buy time. She wants to be able to spend time getting to know a man rather than feel forced to rush into something.

She was confused by the live birth statistics but in spite of that she wants to go ahead.

In March, the clinic is bringing in an option to pay for the treatment in monthly instalments, so I guess I will start then. Otherwise, its a lot of money to find, she admits.

Two other women, Roxie, 31, and Monica, 32, are at the clinic to do the freeze and share. Both have successful careers in software and want to be in control of when they start a family.

Have they thought about a knock at the door in 18 years time from a child conceived with their donor egg? I am prepared for that, Monica says, laughing. I dont mind. I can cope with it.

But Roxie is not so sure. No, this is what worries me. I am not so sure I want to think about this knock at the door.

At her young age, its a scenario thats difficult to imagine  and a potentially devastating one, if she hasnt been able to conceive her own child for whatever reason.

As the event draws to a close, some women have left, while others are still clamouring around the doctor in the hope of gaining answers to their questions.

Of course, no matter how bright Ahuja thinks the future is, its not physically possible for any of the women to get the absolute certainty they hope for.

Its a complex situation, with many variables. If the statistics are to be believed, for most of the women anyway, it will end up being nothing more than a very expensive gamble.

The London Womens Clinic last night declined to comment.When Hilde Schramm inherited several paintings collected by her father, Hitler's chief architect and Armaments Minister Albert Speer, she was only sure of one thing: she didn't want them.

Despite determining they probably hadn't been looted from Jews during World War II, she wanted their legacy to somehow benefit others.

'I didn't want to have the paintings... It was a powerful feeling,' she told the Sunday Telegraph.

So she huddled with friends around a rickety green table at her home-office in Berlin and came up with a plan to sell them and use the proceeds to support Jewish women's creative projects in Germany.

In 1994, that became the Zurueckgeben foundation, a project for which Schramm, now 82, received an Obermayer German Jewish History Award two weeks ago.

Hilde Schramm (above) inherited several paintings collected by her father, Hitler's chief architect and Armaments Minister Albert Speer - and she had no intention of keeping them, as she assumed they had been looted from Jews during the war

Schramm was only nine years old when the war ended. Even though she was there at times with her father as he rubbed elbows with Hitler and other top Nazis, she said the persecution of the Jews was not something she was aware of. Above, Schramm as a child, with the Fuhrer's hand on her shoulder

The honour was established by an American Jewish philanthropist to recognise the efforts of non-Jewish Germans to keep alive their nation's Jewish cultural past.

The foundation's name translates as 'return' or 'give back' but also can mean 'restitution,' and Schramm said it was intentionally chosen to emphasise its goal of raising awareness at a time when looted Jewish property and art was a little talked-about issue.

'It was very much our point with this word 'Zurueckgeben', which in a way is a provocation, because in a way nobody really can give back, to raise consciousness about the injury that had been done very broadly in Germany,' she said.

Today, there's a wider understanding that the Nazis plundered precious artworks and other property from Europe's Jews, partially because of recent stepped-up German government efforts to identify heirs and organise restitution, and the popular 2014 Hollywood film 'The Monuments Men.'

But most of the focus has been on the big-ticket items like precious paintings and sculptures. Schramm's foundation encourages Germans to take stock of the more mundane items in their households and question where they came from.

In part it's to fight the cliche perpetrated by the Nazis that all Jews were rich and powerful, and also to dispel the notion that only the Nazi elite profited at the expense of the Jews.

'Let it come close to your families and look at what other ways the German population did profit. When Jews were expelled from their jobs, of course non-Jewish Germans could take their job,' Schramm said. 'It's not only the question of real objects being robbed but their whole existence ... this is to raise awareness that it did reach almost every family, a kind of involvement or profiting.'

Unlike many other top Nazis, who committed suicide or were executed after the war, Albert Speer served 20 years in a Berlin prison for war crimes after being convicted in the Nuremberg trials. Speer is pictured above (right) with Hitler and Lord Mayor Willy Liebel in Nuremberg in 1937

Because it's almost impossible to determine the original owners of smaller items like cutlery and furniture, donors to the foundation often give a symbolic amount to Zurueckgeben, or sell the items and give the proceeds.

Since it began, hundreds of Germans have donated and the foundation has been able to pay out some 500,000 euros ($570,000) in grants to support more than 130 Jewish women's projects. Those include a children's theatre, exhibitions, dance shows, books and films.

The 82-year-old Schramm, a former Greens party state lawmaker as well as an educator and author, has been involved in several other projects related to Nazi-era commemoration and atonement.

She was previously honoured by Berlin with the Moses Mendelssohn Prize, named after the Jewish philosopher and given to honour people for fostering tolerance.

She has also helped organise a nonprofit association to support projects in Greece after the Greek financial crisis, and has hosted seven refugees from Afghanistan and Syria in her own home. That followed German Chancellor Angela Merkel's decision to open the country's borders to more than 1 million migrants in 2015-16.

'Wherever I went, whatever I did, I saw something which was a blind spot and I took it up,' she said.

Schramm was only nine years old when the war ended. Even though she was there at times with her father as he rubbed elbows with Hitler and other top Nazis, she said the persecution of the Jews was not something she was aware of.

'I had no idea,' she said, pausing contemplatively before adding: 'But perhaps I didn't want to have an idea. I don't know.'

Unlike many other top Nazis, who committed suicide or were executed after the war, Albert Speer served 20 years in a Berlin prison for war crimes after being convicted in the Nuremberg trials.

At his trial, Speer, who died in 1981 in London, accepted moral responsibility but insisted he had not known of the Holocaust - a contention that many have questioned.

Schramm was able to talk with him and confront him with her questions, which was an opportunity she said a lot of the donors to her foundation never had with their families.

'In a way, I always felt in a good situation, as I knew what my father had been and what he had done very soon,' she said. 'Many men and women of my generation, they had no answer what their family had done.'

Schramm's award was one of six presented by the organisation philanthropist Arthur Obermayer established in 2000. Obermayer was inspired by the help Germans gave him in researching his German roots. He died in 2016.An Assyrian Woman's Decade-long Journey to Help Victims of War

Garmo speaking to a woman inside a refugee camp who needs help getting medicine. For years Garmo has traveled abroad bringing relief to displaced Iraqis and refugees in the Middle East. When the Iraq War started in 2003, it was too difficult for Oakland County resident Nidhal Garmo to sit back without doing anything to help Iraqis.

A few short years later, in 2007, the pharmacist went on her first humanitarian trip to Iraq, with the mission of helping victims of war.

Since then, Garmo has made 20 humanitarian trips to Iraq and started the nonprofit One World Medical Mission, an organization providing relief to Middle East communities.

Her latest humanitarian trip to Iraq was in October, spanning a whole month. There was more aid to deliver than usual on the trip.

This time around, she had two containers of humanitarian aid with $665,000 worth of medical supplies to deliver to 11 hospitals in Kurdistan and Mosul, Iraq's second-largest city.

Each container usually carries between $300,000 to $500,000 worth of supplies and is the size of a semi-truck.

For more than a decade, Garmo has delivered at least one to two containers filled with supplies on each humanitarian mission.

"This is only one trip. Imagine what 20 trips have done," Garmo said.

Garmo helps coordinate getting the supplies together for the containers, which are packaged and boxed up in Metro Detroit and make their way to Turkey before finally reaching Iraq.

Risking it all to help Iraqis

In 2014, the Islamic State gained a stronghold in Mosul, giving the remaining Christians in the northern province the ultimatum to flee their homeland, die or pay a special tax.

Garmo made a visit to Iraq that same year to deliver supplies to victims of the crisis. Four years later, with the occupation of Mosul over, she visited the city on this trip.

"I did go to the more dangerous places on this trip. I went to Mosul. That is a place I am not even supposed to go. I took a chance. Mosul was occupied by ISIS for four years," said Garmo.

She walked around the churches and buildings that were destroyed by ISIS during the Fall of Mosul.

She said there were still bodies underneath all the waste and rubble. Garmo saw backpacks and sneakers scattered across the ground.

"I smelled the dead bodies, so I started crying," she said.

Only days after leaving, tragedy struck in that very same spot, where the stench of bodies could be traced.

"I found out five days after I left Mosul that a grenade exploded and killed three children in the same spot I was in," she said.

"I don't get scared. The Iraqis, they protect me. They love me."

The dangers associated with the humanitarian trips are without question worth the risk, Garmo said.

She provides aid that is crucial to the survival of Iraqis who otherwise wouldn't have access to it. To witness the difference she is making and stop is not an option.

The hospitals she visited on this trip lacked medical and surgical supplies.

"These hospitals were in need. How can they treat people when they have no supplies? So, the hospitals got a lot of our supplies and now they can help people. They can operate on people because they finally have the surgical supplies," she said.

Hailed as a 'hero' by Iraqis

Garmo is Chaldean. Chaldeans are Iraqi Catholics. Metro Detroit is home to the largest concentration in the world outside Iraq, with an estimated 160,000 Chaldeans residing in the region, according to the Chaldean Community Foundation.

Garmo is widely known as a compassionate humanitarian in Metro Detroit's Chaldean community and abroad to Iraqis who hail her as a hero.

Garmo said Iraqis have called her "mom" and "doctor Nidhal."

"They tell me, we wish you were our prime minister of health in Iraq," she said.

Garmo has helped Iraqis of all backgrounds and religious sects.

"I look at it like you are a human being. Jesus did not say only help Christians. You see the poor, you help the poorest. You see the sick, you help the sickest. How can you see a person who does not have legs or arms and ask me if this is a Christian, Muslim or Yazidi? It hurts me," she said.

Garmo was born in Iraq and came to the United States in 1980. She studied to become a pharmacist at Wayne State University in Detroit.

She has won more about two dozen awards for her humanitarian work.

"This is why God gave me a degree, so I can go back and help my people," she said. "It is an amazing feeling. I am blessed."

Even long before the Iraq War, Garmo felt she had a calling to become a humanitarian. She remembers watching conflict abroad erupt and becoming devastated.

She knew deep down inside that one day she would help victims of war.

Finding purpose in life through humanitarian work

Garmo's role as a humanitarian has brought purpose to her life.

"I feel like this is a part of my life. It is the most important part of my life. I am delivering. When you deliver you do not stop," she said.

"I feel like there is meaning to my life now. It changed my life."

Garmo has witnessed the devastating toll of the war on Iraqis firsthand.

"You see all these people who lost legs. If you see their reports you will not be able to sleep at night," Garmo said. "You are seeing so much blood and body parts."

Garmo uses social media to help spread awareness on the plight of Iraqis. Many of the videos she posts help capture the situation facing victims of war back home.

Garmo has also made humanitarian trips to Honduras and Jordan to help refugees of the ongoing Syrian crisis.

Many Iraqis complain the quality of life has deteriorated since the start of the Iraq War.

"Many of the people I helped on this trip are young college students and were bombed. A lot of these people had good homes, good jobs. They came from wealthy families, and now you see them begging in the streets," she said.

Being a businesswoman and humanitarian is challenging.

"My back hurts and I have serious knee problems," said Garmo. "You know what, I am still alive. I am still surviving and that is all that matters."

She used to own three pharmacies, and has one pharmacy now.

Managing three pharmacies and working as a humanitarian was too difficult. She had to choose between the two.

"I had to choose between running three pharmacies and my charity. I couldn't manage three pharmacies doing this type of work. Of course, I am happier with my decision," Garmo said.

Witnessing the devastation abroad has made her think differently about things.

"Being a businesswoman, I don't buy expensive stuff for myself.

I don't care for materialistic things at all. I know three purses can bring one child back. I know where that money can go," she said.

Iraqis await humanitarian's return

Besides medical supplies, Garmo has delivered medicine, clothes, diapers, hygiene products and thousands of walkers and wheelchairs among other items to internally displaced Iraqis and Syrian refugees.

"There are no jobs. There is no money for going to the doctor or for people to rebuild their homes. The health sector is worse than ever. There are so many people with congenital diseases and cancer. They have to die. That is because they don't have money and they are lacking a good education," Garmo said.

She managed to build a dental clinic in Iraq which needs support in order remain open.

Garmo frequently receives messages from Iraqis requesting help. This is why many Iraqis are already awaiting her next visit.

However, her resources are limited and helping everyone just is not possible.

"For some people, even if I cannot deliver, they will understand. Sometimes, I don't have enough. They don't get mad. They are patient. They love me to death. If I can't this time, there is next time. For all the people I could not reach because I didn't have enough, I am still going on humanitarian missions. We are still here. We still have wheelchairs. We still have a lot of supplies," she said.

She is not sure when her next humanitarian trip will happen. That depends on when she raises enough money.

Garmo has not always been able to raise enough money and used her own at times.

"That is the only way, and I wish I didn't have to do that, but it is the only way," Garmo said.

Even as much as a quarter can go a long way in Iraq, she explained.

"I witnessed a girl buying a sandwich for 22 cents. If each person donates a dollar, you can buy four sandwiches," Garmo said.

Garmo's passion for humanitarian work appears to be stronger than ever.

"I believe no one will stop me in my mission, because when you do this for the world, we just need to care without expecting anything back, and God will make it continue," she said.

To learn more about One World Medical Mission, click here.Almost a fifth of women who died in prison during the past two years had been born men, according to official figures.

The Prison and Probation Ombudsman recorded 33 female deaths in custody between 2016 and 2018. Of those, six were men who self-identified as women.

Critics last night warned that the inclusion of transgender women risked skewing the figures and creating confusion.

Richard Garside, director of the Centre for Crime and Justice Studies, said: I hope the ombudsman reviews its approach and starts classifying accurately these tragic cases. The causes and contexts of male and female deaths in prison are not always the same.

Transgender Vikki Thompson, 21, (right, pictured with boyfriend Robert Steele) was found dead at men's jail HMP Leeds in 2015

If the PPO wants to end the confusion, increase understanding and prevent avoidable deaths in the future, it should provide a separate breakdown of data on transgender prisoners.

This would also help us understand the unique problems that transgender inmates face.

Nicola Williams, of campaign group Fair Play For Women, said: Every death in custody is a tragedy and such poor data makes it impossible for us to tell whats going on. Political correctness must not lead to women and transgender inmates having distinct needs ignored.

The PPO report records 23 deaths of women in custody in 2016-17, of which four were men who identified as female. Ten female inmates died the following year, including two transgender women who were born male.

Thirteen of the deaths over the two-year period are described as self-inflicted, but the report does not specify which of these involved transgender prisoners.

The Prison Service updated its policy in November 2016 following a spate of deaths of inmates who had transitioned from male to female, now ruling that transgender prisoners must be allowed to express their gender identity.

Deaths of prisoners like Thompson is leading to skewed figures of the amount of female deaths in jail, critics warned

Transgender deaths in jail include Joanne Latham, 38, who was found hanged at Woodhill prison in Milton Keynes, and Vikki Thompson, 21, who died at Armley jail in Leeds. Both cases happened in November 2015. Nicola Cope died at Foston Hall womens prison in Derbyshire in November 2016, and Jenny Swift, 49, was found dead at the all-male Doncaster jail a month later.

Whitehall sources last night confirmed that the PPO records a prisoners gender based on how they identify themselves  a decision that comes amid controversy over male inmates being allowed to identify as women without any formal medical diagnosis.

There was outcry last summer when it emerged that transgender prisoner Karen White  who was convicted of two rapes on women as Stephen Wood  had sexually assaulted two prisoners after being transferred to a womens jail despite not undergoing any sex-change surgery.

The Ministry of Justice says there are now 139 transgender prisoners in England and Wales, double the number in 2016.

Last year, it was revealed that almost half of transgender inmates had been convicted of sexual offences.

The Prison Service said: We cannot comment until the PPO has concluded its investigations.Ben and Nickie Bennett had just finished dinner at home on a bank holiday Monday when the doorbell rang. Standing outside was a police officer who told them that their teenage daughter Sophie had self-harmed.

The couple sped with the police from their home in Streatham, South London, to nearby Kingston Hospital, where they discovered their 19-year-old daughter had tried to kill herself in the bathroom of a residential care unit and was on life-support.

Two days later, their beloved daughter was dead.

With the right support and care she could have had a rewarding and fulfilling life, said her mother. She was such a lovely girl.

Sophie Bennett who killed herself at a care facility when her mental health unravelled amid major changes at the residential home

Sophie, a competitive swimmer who was also gifted at art and music, was one of four children from a loving, professional family.

But she also had autism, among other issues. It sparked a spiral of anxiety and stress that once she moved to secondary school and hit adolescence led to her being sectioned in a secure psychiatric unit and, ultimately, to terrible tragedy.

The Mail on Sundays investigations into the locking-up and treatment of teenagers and young adults with autism and learning disabilities have provoked five inquiries after disturbing revelations of abusive treatment with forced medication, frequent violent restraint by teams of adults and children fed through hatches in solitary cells.

They also showed how private operators have muscled in on the sector, charging fees of up to 730,000 per patient annually  yet many families say supported care in the community is cheaper, more humane and usually delivers better outcomes.

Sophies parents are different. They have no complaints over her initial care and sectioning under mental health laws in an NHS hospital. Yet their daughters heart-breaking case raises similar concerns over private outfits and monitoring of units.

She was our child, said Nickie, 55, a former teaching assistant. You are meant to protect them and keep them safe as best you can. But we will always wonder if we could have done more.

Lancaster Lodge in Richmond, south west London, where Sophie Bennett tragically ended her life in May 2016. The centre was supposed to help psychiatric patients return to mainstream life

Like many autistic girls, who mimic others in an attempt to fit in socially, she developed an eating disorder that at one stage caused substantial weight loss. She also started serious self-harming and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

An inquest into Sophies death in May 2016 opened ten days ago. The jury heard the troubled teenager ended her life at Lancaster Lodge in Richmond, South-West London, which was meant to help psychiatric patients return to mainstream life.

There were claims her mental health deteriorated amid disruption at the charity-run home after it turned into a boot camp, cut trusted therapists and employed unqualified staff. At least one other resident previously attempted suicide.

Clarissa Jeffrey, a friend and fellow patient, told the coroner that it felt almost as if residents were running the house. She added that the changes seemed fuelled by trying to save money rather than trying to help the people in the lodge.

Serious concerns had been raised by whistleblowers, leading to an unannounced visit by health watchdogs, and local authorities moving other residents from the unit. At the time of Sophies death, there was only one other patient there.

Her mother said she thought her daughters progress was unravelling, adding that she was poor at expressing herself.

Speaking through tears, she told the court that there was clear signs she was trying to say to people she was not coping.

Bennett, 19, took her own life at Lancaster Lodge in Richmond, west London, after a series of staff changes, a concerning watchdog report and fears of cuts to therapy

The inquest, which continues for another week, will determine whether these issues and the upheaval played any part in Sophies death.

I ask myself all the time why did this happen? Nickie told me. If she had not gone into hospital, would we have ended up here? Adolescent psychiatric wards are full of very troubled people and there are problems with learned behaviour for girls like Sophie.

Several other families have told me similar stories  of how teenage girls with autism suffering from adolescent stresses picked up problems such as self-harm and eating disorders inside secure units.

Sophie, who had thrived in primary school, sank into depression and extreme anxiety after joining secondary school.

Although she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, her parents believe autism lay at root of her mental and social struggles.

She became very paranoid that people did not like her, although she had great friends from primary school. She was never very confident, said Nickie.

She would come home very upset and not want to go to school.

After two tentative overdose attempts, Sophie ended up in the care of mental health services and was then sectioned for six months in an NHS hospital. For the next four years she was in and out of specialist services until that fatal day in 2016.

When she was inside units we were totally distraught she was there, and when she came home we could not manage her feelings of self-hate, added Nickie. She thought she was a terrible person but she was the kindest, gentlest girl you could know.

Sophies father Ben, an executive with a government agency, cherishes his memory of a shy, happy girl before her state of mind deteriorated. He says with hindsight they can see the significance of autism at the core of his daughters issues.

Whatever the inquest verdict, it is impossible to determine precisely what drove this talented teenager to take her own life.

But one thing is clear: Sophies sad death raises disturbing new questions over a system supposed to offer sanctuary for people that have a condition that makes them different.A private health company is opening five secure units to lock up people with autism and learning disabilities  in the face of Government pledges to close down such centres amid concerns over abuse.

Elysium Healthcare, which is backed by a private equity group based in low-tax Luxembourg, has begun advertising for staff at brand new, purpose-built units for people with learning disabilities.

This is incredibly disappointing to see, said Julie Newcombe, whose autistic son was held for almost two years against her wishes. The development highlights how keen private operators are to chase annual fees of up to 730,000 per patient from the NHS.

Carstairs State Hospital in South Lanarkshire, Scotland, where the Mail On Sunday discovered autistic people being locked up alongside murders

The Mail on Sunday has revealed how people with autism and learning disabilities are locked up for years in secretive units, held in solitary cells, fed through hatches, forcibly injected with powerful drugs and violently restrained.

The exposures have sparked four inquiries in England. Now the Scottish Government has launched its own probe after this newspaper found autistic people being locked up alongside murderers in maximum security Carstairs State Hospital in South Lanarkshire.

The Conservative Disability Group (CDG), an alliance of party members promoting inclusion of people with disabilities, has also raised alarm.

The Conservative Disability Group (CDG) has written to Britain's Health Secretary Matt Hancock urging him to cut the number of people with autism and learning disabilities in secure units

It is writing to Health Secretary Matt Hancock urging him to cut the number of people with autism and learning disabilities in secure units.

Elysium Healthcare, which launched in 2016, operates at 55 UK locations and has spoken about delivering growth.

It earned 53.6 million in its first year of operation, largely from the NHS. Leigh Allen, the firms nurse development lead and a former prison nurse, posted advertisements online last month seeking staff for five new secure units.

The healthcare firm is backed by BC Partners, a private equity group that also invests in bridal wear, pet shops and restaurants.

Elysium and its private equity backers wouldnt be investing in these units if it thought the Government was genuinely committed to getting people out of inpatient hospitals, said Mark Brown, spokesman for the Rightful Lives campaign group.

Elysium declined to comment. An NHS spokesman insisted it was committed to reducing numbers of people with learning disability or autism in hospital.Policeman Timothy Proctor has died after being hit in a head on collision when another driver drifted across a highway on Thursday afternoon.

The 29-year-old, who had only been a member of the NSW Police Force for nine months, spent days fighting for life in hospital before he died on Sunday morning.

Commissioner Mick Fuller said Mr Proctor had a 'tremendous passion and commitment' for his job and his community, and gave his condolences to Mr Proctor's family and colleagues.

Rookie policeman Tim Proctor (pictured), 29, has died after a horrific car accident in Sydney's Sutherland Shire left him in an induced coma

Officers formed an honour guard at Liverpool Police Station for the man

The crash occurred when a 65-year-old woman veered on to the wrong side of the road on Thursday afternoon, colliding with the constable at a combined speed of 200km an hour

'My thoughts are with Timothy's wife Dianne, his family, friends and colleagues at this incredibly difficult time,' he said.

'Timothy was certainly well on the way to a wonderful policing career and was well respected by his colleagues and all who knew him.

'He joined the Police Force after being a volunteer fire-fighter and had a tremendous passion and commitment for all emergency services and the community.'

Officers formed a guard of honour for the officer outside Liverpool Police Station, with Constable Proctor's colleagues seen giving their condolences to the man's wife.

A photograph of him was put on display, and grieving officers placed flowers next to it to pay their respects.

Flowers were placed next to a photograph of Constable Proctor as his colleagues came to say goodbye

The rookie policeman had a 'bright future', Police Commissioner Mick Fuller said

Constable Proctor's wife Dianne was present (pictured) and was seen with an older woman as she spoke with her late husband's colleagues

The grieving woman was comforted by the policeman's work friends as she took her seat at the honour guard

The 29-year-old's car collided with a black Honda Civic travelling the opposite way on Heathcote Road at Lucas Heights, in Sydney's south on Thursday.

The vehicle crossed a lane of traffic before veering onto the wrong side and colliding into Constable Proctor at a combined speed of 200 km/h about 2pm.

The probationary constable was rushed to Liverpool Hospital and placed in an induced coma after he was pulled from the wreckage of his Honda Jazz.

He was driving back to work after a training exercise when the incident occurred.

The 29-year-old was a former firefighter who became a police officer in April last year.

The 65-year-old woman was also taken to Liverpool Hospital in a critical but stable condition.

The 29-year-old was a former firefighter (right with wife Dianne) who became a police officer in April last year

Both on and off duty officers were present to farewell Constable Proctor, as well as a K9 officer

Following the initial point of impact, a Mitsubishi Triton driven by a 19-year-old woman crashed into the woman's Civic.

The teenager, her 18-year-old male passenger and the 63-year-old driver of a Yaris managed to escape serious injury.

A witness who was travelling behind the Honda said the accident occurred in a split second.

'The car literally came off the ground and kicked up and I dodged it,' Kamran Rowshanzadeh told 9News.

'Just thinking about it really shakes you.'

'Obviously, police turning up to a police officer injured is extremely upsetting for first responders and it was a devastating accident,' acting inspector Melissa Thompson told reporters.

The collision forced the closure of Heathcote Rd for up to six hours on Thursday afternoon with major crash investigators examining the distressing scene.

Police Minister Troy Grant said the tragic crash was a 'confronting reminder of the horrific trauma we sadly continue to see on our roadways'.

'P/Cst Proctor was a recent recruit from the Goulburn Academy and had begun a promising career at Liverpool City Police Area Command,' he said in a statement.

'Its the worst call that a police minister can get, to be told that one of our own has been injured or killed in the course of their duties.

'P/Cst Proctor will be deeply missed by his young wife and family. We can not imagine their grief for a life lost far too soon.

'Im sure I speak on behalf of the entire community when I say that his loved ones, and the broader police family, have our full support at this tragic time.'Comedian Bob Mortimer amazed and delighted fans when he returned to the stage just three months after a lifesaving triple bypass operation.

But the star today reveals how he was nearly forced to abandon his 2016 comeback when his heart rate soared to dangerous levels after an energetic song- and-dance number.

The comic wore a heart monitor on stage, and had been told by doctors to stop the performance if he hit 153 beats per minute  about twice the normal resting heart rate.

The show must go on: Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer during their comeback tour at Congress Theatre on January 29, 2016

But after he and comedy partner Vic Reeves had finished their opening routine at the Leeds Arena, the device showed a reading of more than 160.

I had to decide at that moment do I stop? What do I do? he recalls on Desert Island Discs today.

But I carried on. I am kind of really grateful to those 7,500 scary faces that night. When youve had a heart thing, a lot of the problems are psychological. So I thank you, the people of Leeds, who attended that show.

Mortimer, 59, also tells presenter Lauren Laverne how his life had once been blighted by debilitating shyness, saying it probably defined the first 30 years of my life.

Its a crippling thing, he says. It can be very lonely knowing that you have things to say but you darent say them. Knowing that you could contribute to something but you dont dare quite do it.

Mortimer, who studied law at Sussex University, reveals the condition was so isolating that he never spoke to fellow students.

Mortimer was nearly forced to abandon his comeback when his heart rate soared to dangerous level. He wore a heart monitor on stage, and had been told by doctors to stop the performance if he hit 153 beats per minute

Throughout my entire three years at Sussex I never spoke to another law student, he says. I talked in tutorials but as soon as they finished I was away back to my room to listen to my records.

The father-of-two  who married his partner of 22 years, Lisa Matthews, half an hour before his operation  also tells how he and Reeves had sometimes wished they were bigger stars, but adds: Now, as Im older, I think we got lucky. Its the perfect place to be.

We live very ordinary lives. Im not bothered by anyone and anything and I think thats quite a nice place to be, on reflection.

Desert Island Discs is on Radio 4 at 11.15am today.The United States Navy conducted its first-ever all-female flyover on Saturday to honor Captain Rosemary Bryant Mariner, the first woman naval aviator in the service.

Mariner, who died on January 24 from ovarian cancer, was laid to rest on Saturday during her funeral service in Maynardville, Tennessee.

She was 65 years old.

An all-female squadron performed the missing man formation during her funeral service.

The United States Navy conducted its first-ever all-female flyover on Saturday to honor Captain Rosemary Bryant Mariner, the first woman naval aviator in the service

Three of the four fighter jets fly above a graveside service for Mariner at New Loyston Cemetery in Maynardville, Tennessee

Mariner, who died on January 24 from ovarian cancer, was laid to rest on Saturday during her funeral service in Maynardville, Tennessee. She was 65 years old

The flyover featured four F/A-18E/F Super Hornets based at Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia flying in formation.

The four jets flew in formation before one of the planes left the group and climbed vertically toward the sky.

The aircraft which does the pull-up honors the person who has died since it represents their departure.

During the December 6 funeral of former President George H.W. Bush, the Navy performed a 21-aircraft missing man formation, the largest flyover ever.

Pallbearers carry Mariner's casket during a funeral service at Norris United Methodist Church in Norris, Tennessee on Saturday

Mariner's daughter, Emmalee Mariner, carries the burial flag as her father, Tommy Mariner, is seen in the background at the graveside service

From left: Emmalee Mariner; her father, Tommy Mariner; and Libby Merims, Rosemary's sister. Rosemary's casket is seen in the foreground during the graveside service at New Loyston Cemetery on Saturday

Emmalee Mariner is comforted by family friend Evan Mitchell while carrying the burial flag

Bush, like Mariner, was a naval aviator during his military service.

She knew women could fly airplanes, her husband, Tommy Mariner, himself a retired Navy commander, said on Saturday.

But to have the job of a naval aviator and a professional naval officer went beyond that.

And Rosemary understood that. Thats why she didnt want to be looked at as exceptional.

She wanted the door to open and other people to march through.

Two women who marched through also attended the funeral to pay homage to Rosemary Mariner, according to the Knoxville News Sentinel.

Chris Giza, the second female fighter pilot in the Navy, and Joellen Drag Oslund, the first female helicopter pilot, attended the funeral service on Saturday.

In comments to the press, Giza recalled how there were many in the military who did not want Mariner to break the gender barrier.

It didn't bother her, Giza said. She was very focused on what she wanted to do.

It's like, If you are in my way, I'll just go around you.

Oslund was Mariners classmate and her maid of honor.

I never saw Rosie get discouraged, Oslund said.

The hearse carrying Rosemary Mariner arrives to the graveside service at New Loyston Cemetery in Maynardville, Tennessee on Saturday

Retired U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander Tammie Jo Shults hugs Tommy Mariner during the funeral service

She knew women could fly airplanes, her husband, Tommy Mariner, himself a retired Navy commander, said on Saturday. But to have the job of a naval aviator and a professional naval officer went beyond that'

Chris Giza (right), the second female fighter pilot in the Navy, and Joellen Drag Oslund (left), the first female helicopter pilot, attended the funeral service on Saturday

Even though she spent 24 years fighting for what she was fighting for, there was never any doubt in her mind she was going to prevail eventually

I'm sure a lot of people thought it was crazy. We didn't.

Giza and Oslund were surprised that the Navy approved an all-female flyover.

This is unheard of, Giza said.

Four-star admirals get recognition like this.

This is way beyond anything any of us ever dreamed could happen... Never underestimate what a group of women all over the country (can do).

Tommy Mariner told NBC News: 'It's wonderful that the Navy can do that and it's good that they have that many women where they can fill out all the cockpits with women.

'But that would not be a requirement for Rosemary.'

Despite her small stature, Mariner was a woman of steel who was able to keep up with her male counterparts upon entry to the Navy.

Despite her small stature, Rosemary (seen in the above undated file photo) was a woman of steel who was able to keep up with her male counterparts upon entry to the Navy

Rosemary Mariner was selected for the Navy in 1973 with seven other women and became the first female jet pilot flying the A-4C and the A-7E Corsair II in 1974

According to the Naval Air Forces Atlantic, the fighter pilot had also logged 17 aircraft carrier landings and completed more than 3,500 flight hours in 15 different aircraft.

Mariner was one of the first eight women chosen to fly military aircraft before going on to become the first woman to command a military aviation squadron in 1990.

Mariner was selected for the Navy in 1973 with seven other women and became the first female jet pilot flying the A-4C and the A-7E Corsair II in 1974.

The young aviator then reported for duty onboard the U.S. Navy warship the USS Lexington where she qualified as a Surface Warfare Officer.

In 1990, she commanded a military aviation squadron, VAQ-34, in California and became the first woman to do so.

She finally retired in 1997 after her final military assignment.

A tweet on the U.S. Naval Air Forces Twitter page read: 'A huge loss for out nation. Rosemary was a remarkable person, an incomparable aviator and a badass.

'RIP Captain. We stand on the shoulders of giants like Rosemary Mariner.'Agreement to make new Qashqai and X-Trail SUVs in North East made in 2016

It was heralded as the flagship post-Brexit agreement between the Government and the car industry.

But bosses at Japanese carmaker Nissan are set to renege on their promise to build a new car model in the North East, in a major blow to the Prime Minister's Brexit plans.

The agreement to make new Qashqai and X-Trail SUVs in Sunderland was made just months after the referendum in 2016 and was hailed by Theresa May as 'fantastic news'.

Bosses at Japanese carmaker Nissan are set to renege on their promise to build a new car model in the North East, in a major blow to the Prime Minister's Brexit plans

She added at the time: 'This vote of confidence shows that Britain is open for business and that we remain an outward-looking, world-leading nation.'

Today those comments will ring hollow to 7,000 Sunderland workers, with Nissan set to scrap plans to build the X-Trail there.

Precise details are expected to be made tomorrow, according to Sky News, and will prompt questions over the car giant's future commitment to the UK.

Last night, Bridget Phillipson, Labour MP for Houghton and Sunderland South, said: 'If confirmed, this would be deeply troubling news for the North East economy.

'So many jobs depend on Nissan and the Brexit uncertainty has done huge harm to the automotive sector.'

The decision comes just weeks after Jaguar Land Rover and Ford both said they will axe nearly 5,000 jobs over fears of a No Deal Brexit. Manufacturers are warning Ministers that leaving the EU without a deal could destroy the industry. World Trade Organisation tariffs for car exports to the Continent are at ten per cent.

The agreement to make new Qashqai and X-Trail SUVs in Sunderland was made just months after the referendum in 2016 (Pictured, a worker assembles the Infiniti Q30 automobile)

Precise details are expected to be made tomorrow, according to Sky News, and will prompt questions over the car giant's future commitment to the UK

The secretive deal with Nissan was struck in 2016, with Ministers refusing to reveal details beyond insisting it did not involve financial incentives for the company.

However, it was made with the company's former chairman Carlos Ghosn, who is holed up in a Japanese prison cell.

The shamed ex-CEO is facing allegations of tax evasion and financial irregularities, with current bosses turning their backs on him.

Scrapping the X-Trail plans is not expected to have a major impact on current staff at the plant, but it is likely to mean the creation of several hundred new jobs will now be on hold.

The Nissan factory already produces the electric Leaf car, and other models including the Juke and QX30, with 440,000 vehicles rolling off production lines.

The secretive deal with Nissan was struck in 2016, with Ministers refusing to reveal details beyond insisting it did not involve financial incentives for the company

The X-Trail is currently made only for the Japanese market, but, without a free trade agreement between Britain and the EU, any plans Nissan may have to ship the X-Trail to Europe could be binned.

Last night, the Unite union's assistant general secretary Steve Turner said: 'We will be meeting with the company on Monday morning. Our priority is to ensure investment commitments are upheld.'

The car industry has been struggling in recent months, especially as diesel vehicles fall out of favour with drivers. But more concerning is that investment has collapsed in the past 12 months in the UK, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: 'With fewer than 60 days before we leave the EU and the risk of crashing out without a deal looking increasingly real, UK Automotive is on red alert.'

In January, Jaguar Land Rover said it would cut 4,500 jobs in the UK, mostly management positions, and Ford said 400 jobs would go from its Bridgend engine plant. Airplane and engine maker Airbus has also warned it could withdraw from the UK in the event of a hard Brexit. Nissan declined to comment.Two self-confessed 'Indiana Jones wannabes' have made a fascinating discovery while filming a documentary.

Business partners Shayne Thomson and Leon Deschamps uncovered a bronze Buddha in Western Australia's north-west, dating back to China's 15th-century Ming Dynasty.

The duo believe the discovery could have serious historical implications.

Business partners Shayne Thomson and Leon Deschamps uncovered a bronze Buddha in Western Australia's north-west, dating back to China's 15th-century Ming Dynasty

The item was picked up by metal detectors and the documentary crew gradually unearthed the Buddha's bronzed buttocks

The discovery was made as the partners, who together run Finn Films, were retracing the steps of early French explorers in the Gascoyne region of Western Australia.

Mr Thomson and Mr Dechamps are currently working with documentary filmmakers from France's Nicolas Baudin Institute to shoot a recreation of the French voyage to Australia in 1800-1804 during the Napoleonic era.

'We did a LOT more digging in history books before we started digging in the dirt,' Mr Deschamps told Daily Mail Australia.

The item was picked up by metal detectors and the documentary crew gradually unearthed the Buddha's bronzed buttocks.

'The incredible find just demonstrates the richness of Western Australian history,' Mr Thomson said.

The filmmakers immediately asked experts to assess the Buddha online, who dated the finding back to the Chinese Ming Dynasty of the 1400s.

Mr Thomson said the big question now is to find out how the Buddha came to rest on Australian soil, and believes the item could be evidence to suggest Chinese fleets arrived in Australia earlier than previously thought.

The Buddha could have been left behind by Chinese treasure ships in the fleet of admiral Zheng He, a Chinese explorer who made several epic voyages during the 15th century.

'It's the history behind this object that is the real treasure,' said Mr Deschamps.

Mr Thomson said the big question now is to find out how the Buddha came to rest on Australian soil

However Museum of Chinese Australian History deputy chairman Mark Wang told WA Today the Buddha could have only arrived in Australia within the last 150 years or so.

'But even if it is authenticated as Ming, it might not necessarily have come here then,' Mr Wang said.

'A Ming Dynasty object could have also arrived in the last 150 or so years since the Chinese came to [that area], around the 1870s.

'And you can't say that because it's here, that a certain course of history took place.'Brexiteers warned Theresa May she has 'trouble ahead' today as they accused of her falling short of the promises she made to win a crucial vote in Parliament.

Leading members of the European Research Group criticised an article written by the Prime Minister today in which she promises to 'battle for Britain' in Brussels.

Mrs May is expected to return to Brussels this week to reopen talks on the Irish border backstop component of the divorce deal. Her renegotiation comes after she won a Commons vote on Tuesday backing changes to the backstop.

But rumours re-appeared today she would get no more than a legal 'codicil' - an extra document attached to the deal explaining why the backstop would be temporary - and not a full re-write of the protocol.

Steve Baker, the deputy chairman of the Brexiteer ERG, warned Mrs May this would not be enough and suggested she was 'co-opting' his members without permission.

As well as a full re-write of the backstop, the ERG is also unhappy with the 39billion divorce bill Britain has promised to pay.

Brexiteers warned Theresa May (pictured today in Maidenhead) she has 'trouble ahead' today as they accused of her falling short of the promises she made to win a crucial vote in Parliament

Steve Baker, the deputy chairman of the Brexiteer ERG, warned Mrs May this would not be enough and suggested she was 'co-opting' his members without permissio

Mr Baker (pictured on Whitehall this week) accused Mrs May of trying to 'co-opt' Brexiteers into supporting the rest of her deal

Tory MP Simon Clarke said the PM had to get fully behind the so-called 'Malthouse Compromise' to get a deal through Parliament

Brexiteer Andrea Jenkyns warned the PM was over-claiming what had been agreed with Eurosceptic Tory MPs this week

Signally the renewed revolt today, Mr Baker said: 'Trouble ahead. Leave-backing MPs voted to support alternative arrangements in NI but with grave misgivings about the whole agreement.

'Now the PM co-opts us into accepting everything but the backstop and, on the backstop, accepting a codicil. '

Brexiteer MP Andrea Jenkyns added: 'No Prime Minister, we said we would support the amendment to send a message to EU re the Backstop.

'We all said there are other issues with Withdrawal Agreement. Britain deserves a better deal.'

Tory Simon Clarke added: 'I have huge admiration for Nicky Morgan for her key role in delivering the Malthouse Compromise - a challenge for both Remainers and Leavers but a way forward for us all.

'If the Withdrawal Agreement is to pass, this is how - not talk of codicils etc.'

In her article for the Sunday Telegraph today Mrs May said she will be 'battling for Britain' when she returns to Brussels to seek a 'pragmatic' Brexit deal that can win over both the European Union and her own MPs.

The PM said Jeremy Corbyn agrees with her that the controversial Irish border backstop as set out in her Withdrawal Agreement with the European Union has to change.

Her comments came after she met the Labour leader on Wednesday.

Mrs May said she was listening to figures from across politics, the trade union movement and business in her quest for a feasible Brexit compromise.

The Prime Minister's comments came after she met the Labour leader on Wednesday

She said: 'It's why when I return to Brussels I will be battling for Britain and Northern Ireland, I will be armed with a fresh mandate, new ideas and a renewed determination to agree a pragmatic solution that delivers the Brexit the British people voted for, while ensuring there is no hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

'That is what Parliament instructed me to do on Tuesday night.

'Although Jeremy Corbyn didn't vote with us, he also believes the potential indefinite nature of the backstop is an issue that needs to be addressed with Brussels. That is exactly what I'm doing.'

Last week Mrs May secured Parliament's backing to go back to Brussels in the hope of hammering out a fresh agreement that does not include the Irish border backstop - which is unacceptable to the DUP and Brexiteer Tories - and which will command a majority in the Commons.

The Prime Minister is due to report back to Parliament on her negotiations with the EU on February 13, with a further series of votes by MPs expected the following day.

Wrangling in the Commons has seen backbench MPs put forward a range of alternative plans to find a way out of the morass.

Mrs May found herself with some rare good news on Sunday after a new opinion poll suggested the Tories had moved into a seven-point lead over Labour.

The Opinium poll for the Observer found that Jeremy Corbyn's party had fallen from 40% to 34% since the key Commons votes on the mechanics of Brexit took place, falling behind the Tories who went from 37% to 41%.

Public approval of Mr Corbyn's personal handling of Brexit also fell to a new low of just 16%, from 18% two weeks previously.

The PM is due to report back to Parliament on her negotiations with the EU on February 13, with a further series of votes by MPs expected the following day. Wrangling in the Commons has seen backbench MPs put forward a range of alternative plans to find a way out of the morass

His disapproval rating is 61% and he has support from little more than four in 10 Labour voters (42%), according to the poll.

But Downing Street denied reports in the Mail on Sunday that Mrs May's team are planning for a general election on June 6 - the 75th anniversary of D-Day.

Mr Corbyn used a trip to Scotland to call again for a snap election.

Corbyn's U-turn that saw him agree to meet the PM Jeremy Corbyn suffered a double humiliation on Tuesday night as MPs roundly rejected his plans to delay Brexit  and he finally had to agree to talks with the Prime Minister. Fourteen of the Labour leader's own MPs voted against a proposal  which he had backed just hours earlier  to keep Britain in the EU beyond March 29 if no deal is agreed by the end of the month. It was one of a string of defeats, with the only vote Mr Corbyn's side winning being a non-binding expression of will that the UK should not leave without a deal. And just two weeks after rejecting Theresa May's invitation to discuss the way forward for Brexit, he performed a U-turn and agreed to see her in Downing Street. Advertisement

Speaking on a visit to charities in Glasgow, he said that 'the people who are bearing the brunt of nine years of austerity cannot wait years for a general election'.

His deputy John McDonnell had earlier accused the Prime Minister of trying to get pro-Brexit Labour rebels to 'sell their votes' in a 'dangerous' bid to win support for her deal.

The shadow chancellor claimed reports Theresa May might offer incentives to pro-Brexit backbenchers was the latest example of what he called the Conservatives' use of 'pork barrel' politics, following its post-election spending deal with the DUP.

Mr McDonnell also said talk of such 'contractual' arrangements, first reported in the Times, pledging investment in the constituencies of MPs who back Mrs May's deal, was 'dangerous for our democracy'.

On a visit to Stoke-on-Trent on Saturday, he said: 'I don't think any MP will sell their votes in that way - that sort of bribery and corruption.'

Whitehall could be overwhelmed by a no-deal Brexit with the Department for Transport (DfT) unable to cope with more than two emergencies at once, according to leaked papers reported on Saturday.

The Times said the Government made the admission in a document seen by its reporters that formed part of a contingency plan called Operation Yellowhammer.

It reportedly states that in the wake of Britain crashing out of the EU without a deal, for months after, the Government may have to engage in a 24/7 emergency approach.

And that priorities in the event of a no-deal will be 'welfare, health, transport and security of UK citizens at home and abroad, and the economic stability of the UK'.

The 37-page document, which sets out a guide to working in the DfT operations centre, also states that the 'scale of the operation is potentially enormous', according to the Times.

What is the Irish border backstop and why do Tory MPs hate it? The so-called Irish border backstop is one of the most controversial parts of the PM's Brexit deal. This is what it means: What is the backstop? The backstop was invented to meet promises to keep open the border between Ireland and Northern Ireland even if there is no comprehensive UK-EU trade deal. The divorce deal says it will kick in automatically at the end of the Brexit transition if that deal is not in place. If effectively keeps the UK in a customs union with the EU and Northern Ireland in both the customs union and single market. This means many EU laws will keep being imposed on the UK and there can be no new trade deals. It also means regulatory checks on some goods crossing the Irish Sea. Why have Ireland and the EU demanded it? Because Britain demanded to leave the EU customs union and single market, the EU said it needed guarantees people and goods circulating inside met EU rules. This is covered by the Brexit transition, which effectively maintains current rules, and can in theory be done in the comprehensive EU-UK trade deal. But the EU said there had to be a backstop to cover what happens in any gap between transition and final deal. Why do critics hate it? Because Britain cannot decide when to leave the backstop. Getting out - even if there is a trade deal - can only happen if both sides agree people and goods can freely cross the border. Brexiteers fear the EU will unreasonably demand the backstop continues so EU law continues to apply in Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland MPs also hate the regulatory border in the Irish Sea, insisting it unreasonably carves up the United Kingdom. What concessions did Britain get in negotiating it? During the negotiations, Britain persuaded Brussels the backstop should apply to the whole UK and not just Northern Ireland. Importantly, this prevents a customs border down the Irish Sea - even if some goods still need to be checked. The Government said this means Britain gets many of the benefits of EU membership after transition without all of the commitments - meaning Brussels will be eager to end the backstop. It also got promises the EU will act in 'good faith' during the future trade talks and use its 'best endeavours' to finalise a deal - promises it says can be enforced in court. What did the legal advice say about it? Attorney General Geoffrey Cox said even with the EU promises, if a trade deal cannot be reached the backstop could last forever. This would leave Britain stuck in a Brexit limbo, living under EU rules it had no say in writing and no way to unilaterally end it. AdvertisementTheresa May is to appeal to the Baltic states where British troops are stationed in a bid to break the Brexit backstop deadlock.

Around 900 troops are based in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland as a bulwark against Russian aggression.

Now Downing Street hopes to convince these EU states to break cover and urge Brussels to reopen the divorce agreement terms.

Theresa May is to appeal to the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland, where 900 British troops are stationed as a bulwark against Russia, in a bid to break the Brexit backstop deadlock

Last week Poland came close to demanding that meaningful talks recommence  to the fury of EU purists in France and Germany. Now behind-the-scenes appeals to Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are planned for the coming days.

But the strategy risks a furious backlash if it is interpreted as Britain threatening to pull troops out, leaving Europes eastern border to the mercy of a Kremlin attack.

The push comes as hopes the Netherlands will be a key ally in the UKs attempt to dilute the controversial backstop have faded  with Mrs Mays team believing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte is positioning to be the next President of the EU Council and so less inclined to help a departing member state.

However EU unity was stretched on Friday when Spains Foreign Minister hinted at new talks and yesterday the EUs central bank issued a stark warning that a No Deal would hurt the Eurozone.

EU Brexit European Commission's Chief Negotiator Michel Barnier (right) and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker have said that Britain's exit deal is done and cannot be reopened for discussion. Theresa May hopes to get the Baltic states onside to convince the EU to change its mind

No 10 has accepted it is the UKs responsibility to come up with detailed proposals on overcoming the backstop impasse  and will only dip a toe into direct contact with Brussels this week.

Meanwhile the Prime Minister will spend the next 11 days shoring up the number of Labour rebels who voted with Mrs May or abstained against Brexit-blocking measures ahead of a fresh showdown on Valentines Day.

MPs hellbent on delaying or stopping Brexit will resurrect their efforts to block a No Deal and seize control of the Commons agenda. But Mrs May is delighted at the collapse of the push for a second referendum.

Last night she said: This week the leaders of the campaign had the chance to put their plan before the Commons. But they recognised there is no majority in this Parliament to hold another vote. Indeed, I believe there never will be.By day, shes Michelle Hoffman, a Gilbert mother of three who owns the My CBD Store in AhwatThere has been mounting pressure to bring forward a clampdown on tech giants since the grieving parents of Molly Russell (above) said last month that self-harm images on Instagram had helped to kill the 14-year-old who took her own life

Wrangling in Whitehall has held up plans to set up a social media regulator dubbed Ofweb, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.

There has been mounting pressure to bring forward a clampdown on tech giants since the grieving parents of Molly Russell said last month that self-harm images on Instagram had helped to kill the 14-year-old who took her own life.

The Government was due to publish a White Paper this winter on regulation of tech giants designed to protect children from online filth and violence but this newspaper has learned it is still far from ready.

Yesterday Culture Secretary Jeremy Wright said it would be published within a month, but a Cabinet source said that timeline was wholly unrealistic.

Other senior Government sources went further and said the policy document is unlikely to surface before the Spring.

And Downing Street could even delay the publication further to use it as a major post-Brexit springboard for relaunching Theresa Mays premiership after Britains EU exit.

Despite growing calls for a clampdown on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, key details on how a new regulator would work have yet to be decided while funding from the Treasury has not yet been secured.

The Government was due to publish a White Paper this winter on regulation of tech giants designed to protect children from online filth and violence but this newspaper has learned it is still far from ready. Yesterday Culture Secretary Jeremy Wright (above) said it would be published within a month, but a Cabinet source said that timeline was wholly unrealistic

Another problem is that some Ministers believe the proposed clampdown is too draconian and are preparing to try to block or water down the plan.

Whitehall has yet to decide whether the internet should be brought under existing regulator Ofcom, which oversees TV and radio, or whether an entirely new body  given the working name of Ofweb by insiders  needs to be set up with its own budget and enforcement powers.

Doctors' alarm at assisted suicide plans More than 1,250 doctors have written to the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) to express their alarm at proposals that could see it ditch its opposition to assisted suicide. The college is to survey its members on the issue and will drop its opposition to assisted dying unless at least 60 per cent of members vote to maintain its current policy. Urging the college to abandon the poll, the letter reads: By leaning towards a neutral position, the college is effectively stating that it is not formally opposed to doctors prescribing lethal drugs so patients can end their lives. 'In simple terms, neutrality is a misnomer and nothing more than tacit support for assisted suicide. One signatory, Professor John Saunders  a former chairman of the RCPs ethic committee  said: This is a sham poll with a rigged outcome. Advertisement

Ministers have also yet to agree the spectrum of harm that the body will oversee  and the Treasury has yet to engage with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and the Home Office on its budget.

There are also deep concerns that harsh regulations could easily be swallowed up and dealt with by huge firms such as Facebook but the same rules could cripple Britains tech sector which is made up of smaller, start-up firms.

Facebooks chief spin doctor Sir Nick Clegg said the firm would do whatever it takes to make the site safer. The former Deputy Prime Minister accepted it was no longer sustainable for firms to operate without some regulation and vowed to work with the Government.

However The Mail on Sunday understands Mr Wright has postponed a visit to Facebook HQ in California to discuss the measures, as key details are still up in the air.

Insiders have pointed the finger at the lawyerly Culture Secretary, and compared him unfavourably with his Tiggerish predecessor Matt Hancock, who wanted to speed up the plans before he was moved to the Health Department.

But defenders of Mr Wright said it was important to get this right.

Last night his spokesman insisted: This winter we will publish a White Paper, setting out new laws to tackle the full range of online harms and set clear responsibilities for tech companies to keep UK citizens safe.The Royal Navy could be pressed into action to ferry vital supplies across the Channel in the event of a No Deal Brexit, Government sources have told The Mail on Sunday.

According to a secret contingency planning document which was circulating around Whitehall last week, Transport Secretary Chris Grayling has failed to increase the ferry capacity between the UK and France by the 20 per cent required to avoid a threat to life and limb.

Mr Grayling signed 108 million of contracts in December with new ferry companies in an attempt to ease the pressure on Dover if the UK leaves the EU without a deal and the main ports are too gridlocked for enough food, water and medical supplies to get through to the UK.

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson has said that he can provide whatever ships can be spared by the Navy to help Transport Secretary Chris Grayling prepare for No Deal

But the document states that his ferry contracts have only increased capacity by 8 per cent.

A Government source said: Its not enough. We are particularly worried about radioactive isotopes for cancer treatments, which have a short half-life.

It is understood that Mr Williamson, whose offer to provide military contingency planners to Mr Grayling was turned down last July, has said that he can provide whatever ships can be spared by the Navy to help Mr Grayling.

The MoD has four Point class roll-on/roll-off sealift ships available for use as substitute ferries  but only one is currently in UK waters. The others are in the Suez, the Mediterranean and the Falklands. Mr Williamson has also placed 3,000 military personnel on standby.

Earlier this year, Mr Grayling defended giving a ferry contract worth almost 14 million to Seaborne Freight, despite it never having run a Channel service. The firm was accused of copying part of its website from a takeaway firms.

Sir Kenneth Branagh in the film Dunkirk about the evacuation of Allied forces in 1940. Gavin Williamson has invoked the spirit of Dunkirk to solve the ferry problem in the event of a no deal Brexit

Mr Grayling says that the plan would take a little bit of pressure off the Channel ports in order to make sure that we can get essential supplies for organisations like the NHS into the country if there were jams at the ports in Kent.

He said: I remain quite optimistic now that the flow of traffic through the Channel ports will carry on relatively normally even in a No Deal Brexit. But people would expect us to be ready.

It comes as a senior Foreign Office source has described a mood of disbelief and desperation in Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunts department over Brexit preparations.

The source said: There is a perception that because Ministers cant travel and the PM is not really interested in world affairs, the UK is disappearing off the world stage If only we had some clear guidance to work towards or a clear objective. But that is absolutely lacking.

A Transport Department spokesman said: The Government remains focused on securing an agreement with the EU, however it is only sensible that we prepare for all possible outcomes.

Lib Dem MP Layla Moran, from the pro-EU Best For Britain group, said: Chris Grayling cannot run a bath let alone make sure our vital transport infrastructure routes. Hes completely out of his depth.Undated handout file photo issued by the Metropolitan Police of John Worboys

Victims of crime are to get new rights to prevent a repeat of the scandal that saw black cab rapist John Worboys granted early release from prison.

The landmark reform means they will be able to challenge controversial Parole Board decisions without being forced into costly legal action.

The move is a direct response to the row over the move 12 months ago to release serial rapist Worboys after he had served only ten years in jail.

That decision was eventually overturned, but only after his victims went to the High Court.

Justice Secretary David Gauke today announced that victims would now be able to make a direct challenge to a Parole Board ruling. The Ministry of Justice would then direct a judge to reconsider the decision.

Mr Gauke hailed the move as a landmark reform that would for the first time empower victims to hold the Parole Board to account for its decision and restore public confidence in the important work that it does.

The outcry over the decision to release Worboys almost cost Mr Gauke his job after he indicated he would mount a legal challenge against it  only to back out later.

His U-turn effectively forced two of Worboys victims to launch their own action, with Mr Gauke facing calls to resign from some Tory MPs even though he said that his decision not to intervene was based on legal advice.

Worboys, 61, who now calls himself John Radford, was jailed in 2009 for assaulting 12 women, with jurors told the black cab driver picked up his victims in Londons West End.

Worboys used his cab (pictured) to attack a dozen women after offering them free or cheap lifts home - but may have targeted up to 200 more victims, police have said

He was convicted of 19 sample offences including one rape and five sexual assaults, though police believe he may have carried out more than 100 rapes and sexual assaults between 2002 and 2008.

Even though he was given an indeterminate sentence  meaning he could be kept behind bars for as long as he was deemed a danger to the public  in January 2018 the Parole Board controversially ruled he could be freed.

A public outcry led to the resignation of Board chairman Professor Nick Hardwick and a sweeping review of the parole system.

Justice Secretary David Gauke today announced that victims would now be able to make a direct challenge to a Parole Board ruling

Under the new reforms, victims can apply directly to the Justice Secretary within 21 days of a Parole Board decision.

The new rules will apply to prisoners serving indeterminate sentences or extended determinate sentences. The move is part of wholesale changes to the Parole Board process due to be published this week.Buckinghamshire has long been known for its lush, wooded valleys, meandering rivers and the rolling Chiltern Hills.

Today, though, its an uglier vision that lies in front of me. Spilling from the road into a picturesque stretch of ancient woodland is a mountain of discarded toys, broken furniture, a fridge, two mattresses, builders debris and an old barbecue.

Horrible isnt it? says David Rounding, an enforcement officer for Buckinghamshire County Councils environment department and my guide for the day.

His mission is to show me how far this beautiful county has been polluted by fly-tipping  something he demonstrates with shocking ease.

David Rounding, waste enforcement officer with Buckinghamshire County Council, says the fly-tipping epidemic is due to the 'greed and laziness of the British public'

From microwaves to masonry, computers to mounds of cardboard and even, on one occasion, a putrid mess of 1,200 rotten eggs  its all in a days work for Mr Rounding, whose job it is to track down illegal dumpers and pass details to the police.

Little wonder that he struggles to conceal his anger at what he calls the greed and laziness of the British public offloading their waste in our parks, woodland and roadsides.

It doesnt matter if its a single bag or a truck load, the material presents dangers to wildlife, it pollutes local areas and is extremely expensive to clear, he says.

Its also just a snapshot of a problem reaching epidemic proportions.

He, at least is fighting back  and so are 67-year-old Angela Walters and her husband Martin, 76. Fly-tipping has become an ever-increasing menace along the remote lane in the south of the county where the couple have lived for more than 30 years.

You wouldnt believe what we have had dumped in the road and into our wood, Mrs Walters says. Burnt cars, dead dogs, piles of wood with screws and nails, a three-piece suite with pornographic magazines stuffed inside it, and even boxes of dead mice and chicks from a laboratory.

Last month, she even witnessed an incident when a van driver dumped boxes of documents and papers from a trailer.

Mrs Walters decided to take the law into her own hands, giving chase in her car after the speeding driver. Six hair-raising miles followed as a determined Angela resolved to take down the drivers number plate which was concealed by his trailer.

The fly-tippers undoing finally came when he had to negotiate a roundabout. As soon as he turned, the number plate became visible, Mrs Walters recalls. I quickly jotted it down, and then went back home and phoned the police.

Mrs Walters was happy to find out later that the van driver was fined.

One of the biggest problems, and the most difficult to stop, are the efforts of the criminal gangs who make huge profits from dumping truckloads on private or public land on an almost industrial scale. These multi-load sites, as they are known, are big business  with some reports claiming it is a 1billion industry.

Wayne Plummer, 39, was given a 100-hour community work order for his premeditated and planned dumping of at least three loads of household, industrial and commercial waste at three sites around Devon and Cornwall

The stories behind these figures are frequently mind-boggling: in one recent case, 600 tons of building waste was dumped under a viaduct that runs over the A40 in Buckinghamshire.

There are no shortage of gangs keen to make a quick buck from their anti-social habit. Take Wayne Plummer, Ashley Brown and Michael Baggally, who last year were discovered dumping at least three loads of household, industrial and commercial waste at three sites around Devon and Cornwall over a period of three months.

The trio had been paid to collect household, industrial and commercial waste even though they were not registered waste carriers. They simply fly-tipped the goods and pocketed the money.

Among their haul were sofas, carpets and all manner of junk  and it was dumped in car parks and on public footpaths. In one instance, waste was deposited on a public footpath and set on fire. Clearance cost to the authorities? More than 5,000.

After the most recent incident the authorities decided to investigate, and with evidence at three sites linking the waste to Plummer Brown and Baggally, all three were prosecuted.

Plummer, 39, was given a 100-hour community work order for his premeditated and planned crime. He at first denied any involvement but was confronted with photographs taken by a woman who witnessed a van, hired in his name, dumping one of its loads.

We tracked Plummer down to his end-of-terrace home in Princetown, Dartmoor, where, with a cigarette drooping out of the corner of his mouth, he tried to offload the blame once more.

I was a stupid t*** mate, he said, claiming: I helped someone out and it all backfired. I went off to get my kids and two of my friends jumped in the van and went off to do fly-tipping in broad daylight. Plummer, who is married and says he is a full-time carer for his children, was also banned from working in waste management for five years and ordered to pay 520 compensation.

Whatever his excuse, the fact is that Plummer is a criminal  one of many operating around the country who know there is little being done to stop them.

Local authorities, who are responsible for policing illegal dumping, blame diminishing resources. In recent years many councils have slashed waste disposal budgets, cut back on free bulk waste collections and imposed draconian restrictions on household refuse. They have also reduced the number of rubbish collections, allowing debris to pile up.

Allison Ogden-Newton, chief executive of environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, points out that even though fly-tipping penalties can now lead to a prison sentence, many councils dont pursue conviction. Buckinghamshire is bucking the trend: here, council officials are taking a zero-tolerance approach to fly-tipping, with offenders 16 times more likely to be caught and prosecuted compared to the national average for England. Over the past two years, the councils enforcement officers have secured 68 convictions alongside a total of 116,687 in fines  a sum which goes some way to covering the authoritys 750,000 annual clear-up and enforcement costs.

For David Rounding its a vocation, and one he pursues like a bloodhound, using details left behind by unsuspecting householders to track them down.

You would be surprised what people leave behind in their rubbish that we later use to identify them, Mr Rounding says. Weve found receipts, letters, even photographs  usually leading to the person who paid someone to get rid of their stuff.

On one occasion, he found a menu from an Italian restaurant in Hackney, East London, along with several industrial-sized fridge-freezers left to rust in a field. Incensed, he immediately drove down the A40 to confront the owner. The restaurateur was prosecuted along with the van driver he paid to take the items.

Mr Rounding was also part of a team that brought another brazen fly-tipper, Sebastian Pana, to justice. Last year Pana pleaded guilty to two offences of illegal dumping after a passer-by spotted his Isuzu tipper truck in a quiet country lane loaded with mattresses and, thinking it looked suspicious, took photographs of the vehicle.

The following day the same witness saw several mattresses and divan beds similar to the ones he had seen on the truck.

Buckinghamshires enforcement team, traced Pana, 44, to his home in Northolt 14 miles away along the A40. He pleaded guilty and, with fines and other costs, including clearing the sites, he was ordered to pay 3,165.

For every flagrant law-breaker, however, Mr Rounding believes many more are motivated by plain ignorance, with a mindset of what is out of sight is out of mind.

Blight: Discarded items under an A40 bridge in Buckinghamshire reveals the scale of the problem

Most people dont think about what happens when they pay a man with a van to clear their rubbish, but they are part of the problem and they have a duty of care to ensure it is disposed of legally and safely, Mr Rounding says. Few are aware that paying someone else to move your rubbish can still leave you culpable if they dump it, with fines of up to 5,000 and a criminal record.

It is all too easy to think of fly-tipping as a victimless crime, particularly when the refuse has been dumped many miles away.

Its a perception the Bishop of St Albans, Dr Alan Smith, is anxious to dispel, pointing out that it is often landowners who have to bear the brunt of the cost for clearing up the sprawling mess left by illegal dumpers. The Bishop regularly tables questions in the House of Lords about the impact it has on farming communities.

Its not just a blight, but a huge cost, much of it falling on the owners of land on which waste is dumped and who can least afford it, he says. They are often hard-pressed farmers who cannot monitor every inch of their land.

Some have even resorted to creating dykes and moats to hinder access to their land. It is ruining landscapes and impoverishing many farmers.

It is time, he says, for the rest of us to make a stand.Prince Charles, pictured as an undergraduate at Trinity College places a crown on the 1969 Cambridge University Rag Queen

A young Prince Charles joked about going gay to avoid the pressure of finding a suitable Royal bride before his marriage to Diana.

The heir apparents quip was made as a student at Trinity College Cambridge, according to a new TV series on the Queens children.

Presented by Jeremy Paxman, it includes recollections by Broderick Munro-Wilson, a friend of Charles who was with him at Cambridge.

He recalls a newspaper article featuring several potential brides for the bachelor Prince that prompted Charles to crack the joke.

Mr Munro-Wilson says: We were all reading it together and I thought, poor sod, Im not sure Id go for any of those. He said to me, Brod, shall I go gay? That is a fact. We all roared with laughter and moved on. I think the market was so narrow and of course she had to be a virgin.

When responding to a remark that there were few around, Munro-Wilson said: There were probably none, and I think it was a tricky one for him.

Paxman himself started at Cambridge when Charles began his third year. You certainly never saw him in the pub, says the presenter.

Mr Munro-Wilson says only a select few were allowed to fraternise with Charles. You wouldnt just walk over and chat to him, people were much more respectful in those days, he says.

When one talks about being a friend, Rab [Lord] Butler, who was Master of Trinity at the time, really decided there were about two dozen guys that were suitable for him to mix with. You had to be on the list.

Asked how fellow students felt about Charles being admitted to Cambridge with indifferent A-levels, he says: I dont think anybody cared a monkeys. Nobody would have dared to. I think people felt, look this guy is going to be the King of England and he certainly worked hard.

He continued: 'He went to his lectures, he was beavering around, he wasnt a total party boy

Mr Munro-Wilson says only a select few were allowed to fraternise with Charles. You wouldnt just walk over and chat to him, people were much more respectful in those days, he says

Mr Munro Wilson added: When one talks about being a friend, Rab [Lord] Butler, who was Master of Trinity at the time, really decided there were about two dozen guys that were suitable for him to mix with. You had to be on the list

He went to his lectures, he was beavering around, he wasnt a total party boy.

In the second episode of the Channel 5 documentary, Paxman recalls a lunch at Kensington Palace with Princess Diana.

As Paxman was leaving, he remarked how silent the Palace was in contrast to the bustle of Kensington High Street  likening it to a prison.

Diana replied: No, more like an upmarket Coronation Street  you can see all the curtains twitching.

Paxman On The Queens Children will be shown on Channel 5 on Tuesday at 9pm.Gay conversion therapy would be banned in Victoria under proposed laws announced by Premier Daniel Andrews at a pride march in Melbourne.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews made the announcement ahead of his appearance at the Midsumma Pride March in St Kilda on Sunday.

Speaking via a media release, Mr Andrews revealed he was going to be joined on Fitzroy St by his wife Catherine.

He said his main aim was to ban gay conversion therapy - the claim to be able to change someone's sexuality or gender identity.

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Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews (pictured right) will proudly take part in Sunday's Midsumma Pride March in St Kilda

Members and supporters (pictured) taking part in a recent Midsumma Pride March in Melbourne suburb St Kilda

'We will march alongside thousands of other Victorians, united in the belief that everyone should be able to celebrate who they are with pride,' Mr Andrews said.

'For far too long and for far too many Victorians, an evil practice has instead peddled in shame and stigma.

'What they (gay conversion therapy) really are is a most personal form of torture, a cruel practice that perpetuates the idea that LGBTI people are in some way broken.'

Mr Andrews went onto state people shouldn't be 'forced to believe that they somehow need to be 'cured' and that it isn't 'LGBTI people who need to change. It's our laws.'

The Premier is looking to introduce new legislation to ensure the running of so-called 'conversion therapy' becomes a criminal activity.

'We'll drag these practices from the dark ages and into the brightest of lights,' he said.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews wants to ban gay conversion therapy - the claim to be able to change someone's sexuality or gender identity

'We'll put an end to the suffering and help survivors to heal and send a clear message - everyone in Victoria is worth celebrating.'

The annual Midsumma Pride March is now in its 24th year.

According to the official website, it is an 'iconic march celebrating solidarity in gender and sexuality diversity.'A 32-year-old man has been left fighting for life after a brawl in a McDonald's carpark.

Police were called to the fast food outlet in Penrith, west of Sydney, about 1.30am on Sunday, where they found the man unresponsive and suffering a head injury.

Pictures from the scene show a pool of blood in the carpark, and a bag, jacket and spilled box of chips nearby.

Officers were told the man was hurt during a fight in the carpark with a group of men, all who fled the scene before police arrived.

A man is fighting for life after he was brutally attacked in the carpark of a McDonald's in Penrith

The 32-year-old was taken to Westmead Hospital.

A second man, whose age is unknown, was also found in the car park with minor facial injuries and was taken to hospital.

A spokeswoman for NSW Police told Daily Mail Australia the men were known to each other.

In an unrelated incident which took place in the vicinity of the McDonald's carpark, an officer was allegedly assaulted by two men.

The sergeant suffered cuts to his face and was also taken to hospital for treatment.

The two men, both aged in their 20's, were arrested at the scene and taken to Penrith Police Station.

They are assisting police with their inquiries.The Chief Rabbi, Ephraim Mirvis, has defended Israels right to host this years Eurovision Song Contest after calls for the venue to be changed

The Chief Rabbi has defended Israels right to host this years Eurovision Song Contest after calls for the venue to be changed.

Ephraim Mirvis, the Jewish communitys most senior religious figure in the UK, said anti-Israel campaigners in the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement could damage the cause of peace by calling for the 2019 event to be relocated.

He told The Mail on Sunday: Whereas peacemakers seek dialogue and common ground, for more than a decade the BDS movement has pursued a campaign of division and demonisation.

'Calls for the Eurovision Song Contest to be moved from Israel will ultimately harm, and not help, the cause of peace.

I call upon those advocating for BDS to turn their efforts towards collaboration and reconciliation.

His intervention came just days after 50 public figures, including actors Maxine Peake, Miriam Margolyes and Julie Christie, fashion designer Vivienne Westwood and film-makers Mike Leigh and Ken Loach signed an open letter calling for the contest to be moved to another country because of human rights violations.

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Israel won the right to host this years event, due to take place in May, because its act Netta Barzilai (above) won last year

Several of the signatories are BDS supporters.

Israel won the right to host this years event, due to take place in May, because its act Netta Barzilai won last year.

The European Broadcasting Union had hoped the choice of Tel Aviv as the host city over the more contentious option of Jerusalem would quell opposition.

But campaigners insist that holding it anywhere in Israel is counter to the spirit of the event.

In their letter, the celebrities noted the selection of Tel Aviv but said this does nothing to protect Palestinians from land theft, evictions, shootings, beatings and more by Israels security forces.Friends of the late Annalise Braakensiek have slammed reports the high-profile model took her own life.

Braakensiek, 46, was found dead in her Sydney harbourside apartment by police four weeks ago, with officers treating the death as 'non-suspicious'.

Initial reports suggested the socialite - a known recreational drug user - had deliberately overdosed on sleeping pills.

But her friends have rubbished those claims, saying a myriad of evidence points towards the incident being a 'hideous' accident.

Friends of Australian swimwear model Annalise Braakensiek (pictured) have dispelled rumours the 46-year-old took her own life

A known recreational drug user, Braakensiek (pictured) was believed to have overdosed, but her friends say her death is more likely to be a tragic accident

One friend of more than two decades said the swimsuit model left behind no note and had huge aspirations for the future.

'I saw her just days before and while everyone knew Annalise could be a fragile person, that doesn't mean she was depressed or depressive,' the friend told The Daily Telegraph.

The friend is adamant that it was an accidental drug overdose that claimed her Braakensiek's life.

'To date there has been no evidence to support the theory she committed suicide.'

The friend pointed to reports soon after Braakensiek's death that highlighted her recent separation from her husband of 16 years, financier Danny Goldberg.

But social media posts in the eight months between their separation and her death showed a woman with a taste for travel and aspirations for the future.

Friends began growing concerned when her usually consistent social media posts faltered

Hundreds gathered on Bondi Beach on January 16 to commemorate the Australian woman

Only weeks after their split in May, she had travelled to Los Angeles to stay with friends, before going on to holiday in Madrid, Barcelona, Bali, Ibiza and Malibu.

She was reportedly on good terms with her estranged husband and was coping well with independence. He was present at her memorial at Bondi Beach on January 16.

Cryptic Instagram posts in the lead-up to her death were widely interpreted as cries for help, but her friends read them differently.

'New beginnings in every way whilst doing my best to mindfully continue to let go of what doesn't serve me or my higher self well,' the mental health advocate wrote.

A number of friends said they had spoken to the model in the days before her passing, describing her as 'upbeat'

A number of friends said they had spoken to the model in the days before her passing, describing her as 'upbeat'.

Friends now hope that speculation is suspended until details are known, with a Coroner's Court set to review the Australian woman's death in July.

For confidential support call the Lifeline 24-hour crisis support on 13 11 14.

Anyone across Australia experiencing a personal crisis or thinking about suicide can contact Lifeline.Newly unsealed documents about notorious Mexican drug lord Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman contain claims by witnesses that he had sex with minors he called 'vitamins,' a disturbing allegation coming just as a jury is about to start deliberating in his U.S. drug-trafficking case.

According to papers made public late Friday, a key government cooperator told authorities Guzman had him drug girls as young as 13 before Guzman had sex with them at one of his Mexican hideouts in the late 2000s.

Colombian drug trafficker Alex Cifuentes told investigators that, while living with Guzman around 2007, someone known as Comadre Maria would offer photos of young girls to Guzman.

For $5,000, the one of Guzman's choice would be sent to a secluded Sinaloa ranch, Cifuentes said, according to the documents.

Guzman (left) is seen with Colombian drug trafficker Alex Cifuentes (center) and an unidentified woman in an undated evidence photo. Cifuentes told investigators that he and Guzman would purchase girls as young as 13 for sex in their Mexican hideout

Guzman directed Cifuentes to put a 'powdery substance' into the girls' drinks before sex, said Cifuentes.

Guzman 'called the youngest of the girls his 'vitamins' because he believed that sexual activity with young girls gave him 'life,'' he added.

Cifuentes also admitted having sex with minors but without drugging them. The document says other cooperating witnesses have backed up the claims about Guzman's interactions with underage girls.

Guzman married his beauty queen wife Emma Coronel Aispuro, then 18 years old, in November 2007.

Guzman married his beauty queen wife Emma Coronel Aispuro, then 18 years old, in November 2007. She is seen above outside the courthouse in Brooklyn on Thursday

The cooperator told the government that he saw Guzman 'consulting with a witch doctor from whom he obtained snake oils,' the papers said.

On Saturday, one of Guzman's lawyers called the accusations 'extremely salacious' and questioned the timing of the government filing.

Guzman 'denies the allegations, which lack any corroboration and were deemed too prejudicial and unreliable to be admitted at trial,' attorney Eduardo Balarezo said in a statement. 'It is unfortunate that the material was publicly released just prior to the jury beginning deliberations.'

The jury is set to begin deliberations Monday after a nearly three-month trial on charges that as the head of the Sinaloa cartel, Guzman oversaw a drug-smuggling empire that flooded the U.S. market with at least 200 tons of cocaine and made $14 billion off of it.

Accused Mexican drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman looks on in this courtroom sketch, during closing arguments at his trial in Brooklyn federal court on Thursday

The defense says cooperating witnesses have made Guzman a scapegoat for their own crimes.

The unsealing of the documents came at the request of The New York Times and Vice News. U.S. District Judge Brian Cogan had ordered prosecutors to review the material - orginally sealed because it was deemed unrelated to the drug charges - and make portions of it public within four days after the government rested its case against Guzman.

The documents also describe an interview with Guzman conducted by a Drug Enforcement Administration agent in 1998 at a Mexican prison where Guzman escaped two years later.

They say he allegedly asked if he could avoid extradition to the United States if he provided information to the DEA about the drug-running operations of rival cartels.An American woman posted a chilling video on social media in which she describes the murder of her anarchist boyfriend by assailants in the Mexican resort town of Acapulco.

The woman who says she is the victim's partner, Lily, said via social media that she saw the gunmen go straight for her boyfriend, who she calls John Galton, and his friend Jason Henza, 43.

'Lily' was later confirmed to be a woman who goes by the name Lily Forester. Both Lily and John are anarchists who, in early 2016, fled drug charges in the U.S.

Henza made it to a private hospital with bullet wounds in an armpit, leg and hand. The hospital said he checked out that same day.

The shootings shocked the tightknit anti-establishment community of expatriates that organizes events in the retreat with seminars on topics such as how to make money via cryptocurrencies.

A woman describing herself as John Galton's partner, Lily, said via social media that she saw the gunmen go straight for John and his friend Jason Henza, 43. 'Lily' was later confirmed to be a woman who goes by the name Lily Forester

The image above shows an American anarchist who went by the name John Galton. Galton was shot dead at his home in the Mexican resort of Acapulco

John Galton could be a pseudonym, a nod to John Galt, the fictional character who defies convention in Ayn Rand's individualistic tome Atlas Shrugged. John Galt is idolized among some anarchist groups who resent state overreach

Prior to the shooting, John and Lily hosted weekly 'Meat Ups' at a local restaurant where self-professed carnivores dined only on meat

Mexican police found equipment to process drugs, glass pipes and marijuana plants at their home.

Lily and Henza both posted videos to Facebook immediately after the shooting. Lily screamed: 'I really need help! Somebody please come.'

In his post, a bearded Henza said in a blood-splattered shirt: 'We were attacked. I've been shot three times. I'm not doing so good.'

Prior to the shooting, John and Lily hosted weekly 'Meat Ups' at a local restaurant where self-professed carnivores dined only on meat.

They were also busy recruiting speakers for an anarchist conference, 'Anarchaforko',' set to take place in Acapulco later in February.

The dreadlocked couple, both in their 20s, posted a video to Facebook two months ago calling for attendees at the conference.

Henza (above) made it to a private hospital with bullet wounds in an armpit, leg and hand. The hospital said he checked out that same day

'We want freedom of ideas,' John said from the patio of a house that the couple rented for $400 a month high above the bay of Acapulco.

Lily did not respond to request for comment via social media on Saturday. Henza declined to comment.

A U.S. Department of State official said the Bureau of Consular Affairs was aware of an investigation into the death of a U.S. citizen in Acapulco, but that it couldn't provide additional information due to privacy considerations.

John Galton could be a pseudonym, a nod to John Galt, the fictional character who defies convention in Ayn Rand's individualistic tome Atlas Shrugged.

John Galt is idolized among some anarchist groups who resent state overreach.

In a separate video posted to a YouTube channel called Press For Truth, John and Lily described how, in early 2016, they fled drug charges in the U.S.

John said they each faced up to 25 years in prison for manufacture of a controlled substance - specifically, condensing marijuana into powerful extracts - that Lily used for chronic pain.

No U.S. federal court records for drug charges were found under the name John Galton.

In a second video a year later by Press For Truth, the couple detailed how they were getting by financially through selling glass drug pipes that Lily blew into shape.

When asked about the high crime rates in Acapulco, the blue-eyed anarchist with scruffy facial hair said: 'I'd say it's safer than any big city I've lived in in the U.S., like way safer than Chicago or something like that.'

Guerrero state, home to Acapulco, has a murder rate of 64.2 per 100,000 residents, more than two times that of Chicago.

Acapulco has become a hotbed for violence between drug gangs.

'There's pockets of freedom all over the world,' John said in the video. 'There's so much that's more free about where we live here.'The second in a string of powerful storms battered California on Saturday, shutting key highways after water and mud rushed into lanes from bare hillsides in wildfire burn areas where thousands of residents were under evacuation orders.

Flash flood warnings were issued for huge swaths of Southern California and forecasters said the system brought more than 4 inches of rain at lower elevations and several feet of snow in the mountains, where whiteout conditions closed roads.

A wind gust in Santa Barbara County topped 80 mph as the storm moved south and at one point dropped more than a half-inch of rain in five minutes. Trees and power lines were down across the region.

A crash on Interstate 5 killed a killed a volunteer member of a sheriff's search and rescue team, and injured several others.

Santa Barbara County firefighters survey the scene where a large eucalyptus tree fell into a two-story apartment complex in Goleta, California on Saturday

An overturned vehicle is seen at a scene of a fatal accident, where a volunteer member of the Ventura County search and rescue team was killed on Saturday

Emergency personnel huddle around the body of volunteer member of the Ventura County search and rescue team, killed in a traffic accident

Law enforcement and other emergency personnel salute at the scene of the fatal accident

The body of a volunteer member of the Ventura County search and rescue team is carried past an overturned vehicle after an accident

In Malibu, where the Woolsey fire last year destroyed homes and burned hillsides bare, officials closed Pacific Coast Highway and many other roadways after mud carried trees and rocks into lanes.

Residents whose homes survived the flames barricaded their properties with sandbags to protect their properties from floodwaters.

Carol Cavella was evacuated during the November fire and again Saturday when the creek behind her house threatened to overflow and inundate her backyard.

The 86-year-old put her cat in the car and drove to a coffee shop on higher ground, her son-in-law, Warren Bowman said.

'She does not scare easily, but she got a little scared watching that water rise,' Bowman said. He was trying to convince her to come to his house in Los Angeles but she said she'd rather wait to see if the waters recede and she can return home.

In the Montecito area of Santa Barbara County, several miles of U.S 101, a vital route between Los Angeles and points north and west, were closed because of flooding.

Elsewhere in the county, evacuations were ordered or recommended for neighborhoods near the Thomas, Whittier and Sherpa fire scars.

'This is a dangerous situation,' the National Weather Service said, warning that the high rates of rain could send boulders sluicing down denuded hillsides along with the mud and debris.

It has only been a little over a year since a downpour on the huge Thomas Fire burn scar unleashed a massive debris flow that destroyed or damaged hundreds of homes in the seaside community of Montecito. The disaster killed 21 people, and two others have never been found.

Rescue crews scrambled Saturday to pluck motorists from cars caught in rising waters, said Mike Eliason, a spokesman for the Santa Barbara County Fire Department. He urged drivers who come upon flooded intersections to find alternate routes.

'Turn around. Driving through is going to be a costly error in judgment,' he said. 'It's just not worth it.'

A large stone pine tree believed to be 100-years-old came down into this Santa Barbara home during Saturday's powerful winter storm

The San Pedro Creek is seen flowing under Hollister Ave in Goleta in this Saturday photo released by Santa Barbara County Fire

Multiple accidents were reported on slick highways, including a crash on Interstate 5 that killed the sheriff's search and rescue team volunteer.

The team from Ventura County was on its way to a training exercise when members stopped to help at the scene of a single-vehicle rollover crash.

A minivan carrying a family was traveling too fast for the wet conditions, lost control and plowed into members of the team, Los Angeles County fire Capt. Tony Imbrenda said.

Nine people were transported to hospitals, including three members of the team. The victim, Jeff Dye, was a volunteer with the Fillmore Mountain Search and Rescue Team, the sheriff's department said.

'This is a very unfortunate situation that could've been avoided,' Imbrenda said, warning motorists to slow down in the rain.

In the Holy Jim fire area southeast of Los Angeles, where an August blaze scoured tens of thousands of acres in the Cleveland National Forest, volunteers using heavy equipment removed debris and deepened a creek bed to help prevent flooding.

The National Park Service warned visitors to Yosemite National Park of possible road closures and advised drivers to bring tire chains in the event of snow or icy conditions.

Vehicles are driven through flooded streets of the Panorama City section of the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles Saturday

A California Highway Patrol Officer walks in the northbound U.S. 101 in Montecito, California where the nearby San Ysidro Creek has overflowed and flooded the highway

Winter storm warnings were in place for the Sierra Nevada along with avalanche warnings on the Nevada side of the range. The Sierra is already loaded with snow from a series of storms in January.

The weather service said areas could see accumulations of up to 10 feet over the next few days.

The weather service lifted flash-flood watches for areas burned by the Mendocino Complex, Camp and Carr wildfires in Northern California. About an inch of rain was recorded in the San Francisco Bay Area before the storm moved south early Saturday.

A weaker storm soaked much of the state on Thursday. Two cold weather systems will follow on Sunday and Monday, bringing additional widespread showers and snow, forecasters said.Ross Joseph was grafting on roof tops in suburban Melbourne when he felt the call to reach for the stars.

It took years in the making, but this month his dream comes a little bit closer with the worldwide release of a documentary he produced called Heroes of the Empire.

The film is set to show hardcore Star Wars fans in a whole new light as Joseph and his mate, director Tom Long, went behind the scenes to see what makes these 'heroes' tick.

Former Aussie builder Ross Joseph and a costumer dressed as Star Wars villain Kylo Ren at the premiere of Heroes of the Empire

Storm Troopers of the 501st are shown as actual heroes who visit hospitals and raise money for charity

The hour long documentary follows the 501st UK Garrison Star Wars costuming club around the UK as they attend a variety of fundraising events - revealing a side of costuming never seen before.

Forever labelled 'nerds' and 'geeks', Heroes of the Empire shows there is more to the stereotypical Star Wars fan than big kids dressing up.

Gary Hailes, commanding officer of the 501st UK Garrison, said he was drawn to Star Wars the moment he saw it.

'It was mind blowing, absolutely mind blowing ... I could not talk about anything else, well, since really,' he told Joseph.

Hailes was among a group of 'storm troopers' who carried young cancer victim Henry Allen to his final resting place.

'It was really amazing to be able to do it and do something that was so personal and so important to Henry and to his family,' he said tearfully.

Members of the 501st carry little Henry Allen in a casket that was too small to get on their shoulders

A 'storm trooper' visits a sick child at a hospital in London in a scene from Heroes of the Empire

Director Tom Long frames a shot in a hospital where members of the 501st were visiting sick children

The scene is one of many that will pull the heart strings of even the biggest Star Wars critic.

Joseph, an Aussie citizen who now lives in the UK, said it had been a hard road going from building kitchens in Melbourne to UK movie producer.

As co-founder of Speechless Films with Long, the movie comes just a couple of years after the release of Dream The Impossible, which told the story of disabled motorcycle champ Talan Skeels Piggins and his team.

'I've got not much left in the tank from making those films back to back with a full time job,' Joseph told Daily Mail Australia.

Joseph continues to 'graft' as a builder outside of London, which he uses to help fund the movies.

Ross Joseph pictured with his sister Rachel while living in Melbourne. He went from building kitchens in Port Melbourne to making movies in London

Ross Joseph in a scene from one of Speechless Film's first productions

For Joseph and long time mate Long, the movie business is not about the money.

'As a Star Wars fan, did it tick any boxes? Did it mean anything to a fan?,' Joseph asks. 'I hope it makes a difference to those in it and those who watch it.'

Qualified as a builder, Joseph said becoming a journalist and making documentaries came naturally to him.

'I feel journalism is about asking the right questions that open the heart, that was what I was aiming for, their hearts,' he said.

Heroes of the Empire is released in about 64 territories, including Australia, on Amazon Prime on February 8.An Australian comedian has been arrested on Manus Island - but the joke was on bungling police officers who couldn't find the keys to the brig.

Sydney comedian Dan Ilic was caught working on a holiday visa on the Papua New Guinean island last month.

A local dobbed him in after catching him filming videos about the world refugee crisis on the Papua New Guinean island.

'I tried to tell them (the police) I wasn't a journalist, but a comedian,' Ilic said.

'They didn't buy it. My audiences don't buy that I'm a comedian either.'





Dan Ilic was arrested on Manus Island - but the joke was on bungling police officers when they couldn't find the keys to cell to lock him up

Police swooped on Ilic after he went to film additional footage on one of his last days on Manus

When the cops hauled Ilic to the police station they had a problem - they couldn't find the keys to lock him away in the cells.

'They sat me down in the office ... and played on their phones while they were waiting for me to be deported,' he said.

Hundreds of detainees are still housed on Manus due to Australia's strict immigration policies, which ban asylum seekers who travel by boat from ever settling there.

A controversial detention centre where the asylum seekers were held was closed in 2017 and the asylum seekers are now housed in alternative accommodation.

Journalists are rarely allowed to travel to the island to report on their fate.

Police confiscated Ilic's passport until he was deported, which he said was 'a little scary'.

'Everyone on PNG is really nice and they're just so apologetic when they make you do something like delete your footage.'

The comedian had to surrender his passport to authorities for the duration of his stay

Detainees on Manus Island pose with an Australia Day message

Ilic met several young asylum seekers during the trip while filming for Doha Debates, a series about global issues.

'They were younger than me, younger than you, and they'd spent six years of the best years of their lives on the island there not being able to do anything.

'They can't go home because they'll be killed, they can't go to Australia because they're not allowed to.

'So it's just this weird system where they can't do anything.'

ilic at the airport with Manus Island refugee Behrouz Boochani - who won a $100,000 literary prize this week for a book he wrote on his mobile phone

Ilic returned home safely after what became another eventful chapter in his career.

He was recently the executive producer of the ABC comedy show Tonightly and the executive producer of satire for Fusion in the United States.

The Department of Foreign Affairs declined to comment on the record.A man has shockingly left a woman alone after she slipped off a mountain ledge during their first date in a national park.

The man decided to impress the woman by taking her out to a morning hike at Glass House Mountains, north of Brisbane, for a climb on Friday.

Unfortunately, the woman slipped and fell off a mountain peak where she badly hurt her hand, Courier Mail reports.

A man has shockingly left a woman alone after she slipped off a mountain ledge during their first date in a national park north of Brisbane, Queensland (pictured)

The man didn't stay and said he had to leave otherwise he would be late for work.

Ecologist Brian Coulter was the real gentleman on the poor woman's failed first date.

The ecologist from Brisbane said he was climbing with three friends on the mountain when he spotted the woman fall.

'She told us she was actually on a first date and that he [her date] was the one that had decided to take her up the mountain,' Mr Coulter said.

Mr Coulter said it was a challenge for emergency services to rescue her because they were on a remote and steep part of the mountain, yet they safely managed to abseil down with her (pictured)

'But apparently he [her date] was running late for work so he left her there while we attended to her injuries,' Mr Coulter told the Courier Mail.

The former department of environment wildlife officer said his three friends were all firefighters and so they helped the injured woman before calling on their team of local firies to help out.

Mr Coulter said it was a challenge for emergency services to rescue her because they were on a remote and steep part of the mountain, yet they safely managed to abseil down with her.

The woman was taken to Caboolture Hospital.

Mr Coulter said it was safe to say the woman would not be giving the runaway man a second date.Jo Johnson, the UK Government's universities minister

A minister has ordered universities to guarantee free speech and to end 'no platform' policies, or they could face losing their licences.

Jo Johnson, the UK Government's universities minister, said that any higher education institutes that fail to protect freedom of could be fined, suspended or ultimately deregistered by the new Office for Students (OfS).

Under new plans, which will be announced today, universities will be required by law to protect free speech across their campuses included inside the student union.

Speakers including Boris Johnson, Julie Bindle, Germaine Greer and Peter Tatchell have been targeted by student protests in the past.

In an interview with The Times, Mr Johnson said: 'No-platforming and safe spaces shouldn't be used to shut down legitimate free speech.

'Our young people and students need to accept the legitimacy of healthy vigorous debate in which people can disagree with one another. That's how ideas get tested, prejudices exposed and society advances. Universities mustn't be places in which free speech is stifled.'

Sir Michael Barber, chairman of the OfS, which gets its legal powers in April next year, said: 'It's really important that universities are a place where diverse opinions can be expressed, and that must include unpopular ones, otherwise it's not really diverse.'

In March, Mr Johnson wrote to the chief executive of Universities UK to say there is a 'legal duty' for universities to ensure freedom of speech is being exercised.

His letter came just months after findings showed 94 per cent of universities in the UK now have some form of restriction on freedom of expression, up from 80 per cent in 2015.

The worrying craze has seen everything from public speakers blocked to fancy dress outfits banned from appearing on campus.

In recent years a number of high-profile people have been banned from speaking at universities in recent years including Mr Johnson's brother Boris, whose invitation to King's College London was revoked for a column about Barack Obama.

Speakers including Boris Johnson (left), Julie Bindle (right), Germaine Greer and Peter Tatchell have been targeted by student protests in the past

Germaine Greer was nearly stopped from speaking at a lecture at Cardiff University after students started a petition against her visiting, following comments she made about the transgender community.

Radical feminist Julie Bindel was ironically banned from speaking at a debate about censorship at Manchester University's student union for her 'dangerous' views on transgender people.

This upward trend of censorship has also seen campuses banning everything from newspapers to fancy dress outfits, such as Pocahontas and cowboys and Indians.

And in some universities such as Cardiff Metropolitan, students are trying to ban terms such as 'gentleman's agreement' and 'mankind' in case they cause offence.Advertisement

Images from deep beneath the heart of Sydney have provided a unique glimpse into construction on the city's mammoth WestConnex motorway.

The $16.8 billion project will eventually link two of Sydney's most heavily-used motorways, the M4 and the M5, from Homebush to St Peters, with traffic taken off surface roads and diverted underground.

New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian on Friday toured the M4 East tunnels, the first underground section of WestConnex, while announcing construction on that component of the motorway had passed the halfway mark.

New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced on Friday construction on the twin tunnels of the M4 East component of Sydney's WestConnex Motorway had reached the half-way mark

A construction worker is pictured inside the M4 East tunnels at Concord, in Sydney's west, which is the first underground section of the $16.8 billion WestConnex motorway project

The tunnels will link the Sydney inner-west suburbs Homebush and Haberfield, via Concord, with motorists able to bypass up to 22 sets of traffic lights

Around half the mainline tunnelling is now complete on the M4 East tunnels, which were toured by government officials on Friday

Up to 22 road headers have been put to work around the clock underground to help deliver Sydney's M4 East component of the WestConnex motorway project

The tunnels will divert traffic from the heavily-congested Parramatta Road, providing motorists travelling to, or from, Sydney's western suburbs

The 5.5km twin tunnels will be made up of three lanes of traffic, each-way, and connect the city's inner west suburbs, Homebush and Haberfield, diverting traffic from the heavily-congested Parramatta Road.

WestConnex says M4 East, which eats up $3.802 billion of the motorway cost, will allow motorists to bypass up to 22 sets of traffic lights.

'I hope these tunnels remind people that we're taking a lot of congestion off residential roads, we're actually alleviating a lot of the above ground congestion and putting it underground,' Ms Berejiklian said.

'We're increasing capacity, we know that in the future more people will be using the road network.'

Up to 22 roadheaders have been working around the clock underground to help piece together the tunnel network, which was first approved in February 2016, with construction starting three months later.

WestConnex said the M4 East development provided for 4500 jobs, including more than 100 apprenticeships, with 132, 400 vehicles expected to use M4 East on an average weekday by 2031.

WestConnex offered an unique public insight into construction on the tunnels on Friday when they welcomed Premier Gladys Bereijklian to inspect work the motorway project

The estimated cost of the M4 East tunnel project is $3.802 billion, close to 25 per cent of the total cost of the WestConnex motorway

Roadheaders were sent underground from August 2016 to complete work on the M4 East project, which was first lodged with planning authorities in November 2013

WestConnex Minister Stuart Ayres said the western Sydney community had been waiting decades for the road upgrades associated with WestConnex

WestConnex estimates 132,400 vehicles will be driving through the M4 East tunnel on an average weekday

Twenty-two roadheaders have been making significant headway on the M4 East tunnels in recent months, with construction now reaching the half-way point

Meanhwile, the first section of the WestConnex project will open next month, three weeks later than originally planned.

Motorists will get a month free before having to pay to use the newly-widened section of the M4 between Parramatta and Homebush, in Sydney's west, from July 15.

WestConnex Minister Stuart Ayres meanwhile dismissed criticism the M4 upgrade was behind schedule, saying the project had been delayed due to weather disruption.

'The western Sydney community has been waiting 30 years for this road so I'm more than comfortable being three weeks beyond the contracted date,' he said during the joint press conference.

The WestConnex motorway project is funded through cash from both the New South Wales and Federal governments

The new M4 East tunnels are expected to be ready for motorists to travel to and from the city's western suburbs in 2019

Construction workers have been toiling away deep beneath the heart of Sydney as they work on the WestConnex project

The WestConnex project will connect Sydney's M4 and M5 motorways when it is full complete, expected to be about 2022

'We've had one of the wettest summers and autumns Sydney has experienced in over a decade.'

Other sections of the WestConnex project are also moving along with tenders shortlisted for 'the most important stage' of the motorway.

Joint ventures John Holland CPB Contractors and Lend Lease Samsung Bouygues will compete for the contract to design and build the M4-M5 link tunnel beginning in 2018.

'The M4-M5 Link is the most important stage of WestConnex as it will provide the vital connection between the new and upgraded M4 and M5 motorways for tens of thousands of vehicles a day and connect to Port Botany, [Sydney] Airport and future M6,' Mr Ayres said.

The M4 tunnels will open in 2019.

The distance-based toll on the M4 will range from $1.77 to $4.56 when it comes into effect in August.

Planning approval for the M4 East project was granted in February 2016, with construction commencing three months later

WestConnex says the M4 East development provides for 4500 jobs, including more than 100 apprenticeships during the construction phase

New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian (centre) watched on as a roadheader and construction workers worked in the eastbound WestConnex M4 tunnel at Concord, Sydney's inner west, on Friday

Ms Berejiklian (second from right) was joined on her visit of the M4 East tunnels by Minister for WestConnex Stuart Ayres (left) and Federal Member for Reid, Craig Laundy (right)

Ms Berejiklian (centre) said she hoped 'these tunnels remind people that we're taking a lot of congestion off residential roads'Female entrepreneurs get just 1 of investment from start-up backers for every 99 that goes to men, a damning study reveals.

Of the 5.6 billion pumped into UK companies by venture capital firms in 2017, a total of 89 per cent went to businesses solely founded by men.

Demand: Liz Truss, chief secretary to the Treasury, wants a level playing field

Another 10 per cent was handed to firms with both male and female founders, and just 1 per cent was given to women-only teams of entrepreneurs, according to the British Business Bank.

Liz Truss, chief secretary to the Treasury, said: 'It's incredible that men seem to have a virtual monopoly on venture capital.

'We need more investment going into start-up ventures and more women putting businesses forward.'Tony Hetherington is Financial Mail on Sunday's ace investigator, fighting readers corners, revealing the truth that lies behind closed doors and winning victories for those who have been left out-of-pocket. Find out how to contact him below.

D.C. writes: In August, my wife received a cheque for C$75,000 (44,204) from a law firm in Canada. This was an inheritance and she banked the cheque at our local NatWest branch in Shrewsbury. We were told the cash would be in the account in four to six weeks, which was no problem.

After a couple of months had passed, I enquired what was happening. I made numerous phone calls and was passed between departments.

Eventually I was told to expect an answer in five weeks. The law firm in Canada says the money left its account on August 29.

I cannot believe that a banking transaction can take so long. But even more frustrating is that no one at NatWest could tell me where the money had gone before it appeared in my account in late November.

Delay: The Canadian payment took three months to complete

I know that cheques are going out of fashion and I understand that international cheques do take longer to cash.

But what I find staggering is that when you asked what had happened to your wife's inheritance, NatWest replied: 'The collections process is typically a protracted and costly one that takes up to 12 weeks or more to obtain payment, at which point our customer's account is credited.'

In an age of electronics, it is as if the banks are relying on carrier pigeons that have gone on strike.

I first contacted NatWest on your behalf on November 23 and five days later the money was in your account.

I do not take credit for this  I am sure the timing was a coincidence. But there were still two disturbing issues.

In one of your conversations with the bank, it was finally admitted that the Canadian cheque had been lost. But more seriously, C$1,527 (about 900) had evaporated into thin air.

NatWest wrote off its 63 commission and offered you a further 60 because of the long delays, but that did not explain the disappearance of 900.

I pressed NatWest to explain and officials have told me that instead of sending funds straight to it, the Canadian bank  Innovation Credit Union  first converted the C$75,000 to sterling and then sent it to a different British bank.

That bank converted it back into Canadian dollars and sent it on to NatWest.

And NatWest converted it to sterling yet again. Every time the currency was converted, there was a difference between the foreign exchange buying rate and the selling rate.

Naturally, there were bank charges on top. NatWest agrees this should not have happened, but it says it was unable to get answers from the bank in Canada.

After a lot of discussion over several weeks, the result is that NatWest is adding C$1,500 to your account  880 in sterling. I have checked with you and you have confirmed that the money really is there.

NatWest has not commented on the suggestion that the C$75,000 cheque was lost, but one member of the bank's staff has told you verbally that it was sent back to the law firm in Canada by mistake, rather than to the Canadian bank to be cashed.

Why that might have happened is going to remain a loose end in what has been a frustrating experience.

12-hour delay ...but easyJet says we were not on flight

J.S. writes: My partner and I booked a Monday-to-Friday break, flying by easyJet from Manchester to Berlin.

When we arrived at Manchester Airport I received a text from easyJet saying the flight was delayed. We eventually took off 12 hours late, arriving at our hotel at 10.30pm, having lost a day of our holiday.

On our return, I submitted a claim for the delay. But unbelievably, easyJet has twice insisted that we were never on the flight so are not entitled to be compensated for its delay.

Set in stone: It is a cardinal rule in the industry that airlines must know exactly who their passengers are

It is a cardinal rule in the industry that airlines must know exactly who their passengers are, just in case anything goes wrong.

Yet despite the tickets and other paperwork you had, easyJet twice told you: 'After checking the details of your reservation, we notice that you have not travelled on flight EZY1897 and as such compensation is not payable.'

I do wonder how closely easyJet examined your claim. There was no denying that you turned up for the return flight, so did easyJet think you had found some other way of getting from Manchester to Berlin?

I asked easyJet to investigate and the airline now accepts that you and your partner were indeed on flight EZY1897. You were both on the passenger manifest, but I was told there had been 'a mistaken entry into the booking system'.

By the time you read this 442 will have landed in your bank account as compensation and easyJet is also sending you a 10 voucher you can use against a future flight.

I have built up a 2,000 energy bill...how can I pay it?

Ms R.P. writes: Please help. I have been with Scottish Hydro Electric for four years and I have always paid by monthly direct debit.

Recently I decided to change supplier, but I then received a bill from Scottish Hydro for 2,000. I feel physically sick with worry as I cannot possibly owe this.

I live in a two-bedroom flat and work full time, so I only use electricity at night and at weekends. I contacted Scottish Hydro and it said there had been a computer error. As a result it had not been collecting enough for the past six months.

On the march: SSE says you have not been home when a meter reader has called and over those three years you built up a debt of 2,107

Like most utility customers these days, you have been paying a fixed monthly amount.

But this does not mean that what you pay is exactly what you owe. The real bill still depends on your meter reading and neither you nor SSE Group, which runs Scottish Hydro, had read your meter for about three years until you decided to make the switch.

SSE says you have not been home when a meter reader has called and over those three years you built up a debt of 2,107.

The company is only allowed to go back one year though, so it has now cut your bill to 968. It told me: 'We understand that receiving a catch-up bill like this can come as a shock. As such, we have written off a significant portion of the debt and put in place a payment plan to help Ms P pay off the balance.'

I asked SSE about the computer error as well. The company accepts that due to a system error, it only collected 1 a month from your bank for six months, increasing the amount you owe. SSE is knocking 200 off your bill as a goodwill gesture to make up for this.China loves wine. Between 2013 and 2017, wine imports increased by more than 90 per cent, and with Chinese New Year on February 5 there are some decent Chinese wines available here in the UK to sample, as well as international wines to match with Chinese dishes.

With Chinese food, lighter reds with grapes such as Gamay are most harmonious, thanks to their silky texture, but fruity Merlot is also brilliant, especially with crispy duck.

With Dim Sum dumplings, fizz can be tremendous, and for a white wine, Im a fan of fragrant Austrian Gruner Veltliner, especially with shellfish dishes. As for wines from China itself, Cabernet Gernischt (same grape as Carmenere) can handle robust spicy dishes such as Sichuan cooking, but the best of the bunch Ive tasted is my Wine of the Week  a white Cabernet Sauvignon, which is my go-to pick with Chinese dishes thanks to its supple, scrumptious fruity splendour.The Last Survivors

Sunday, BBC2

Rating:

The Last Survivors was a 90-minute documentary by Arthur Cary about the last survivors of the Holocaust living in Britain today. They had all been children when imprisoned in camps and all had witnessed the murder of mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, cousins, aunts, uncles, friends. My own family were not victims of the Holocaust, although in the instance of my mothers family it was because most had already been wiped out during the Galician pogroms in Poland.

Manfred Goldberg holding a painting of his brother. We tended to grow up pretty fast [in the camps], he said

Holocaust denial persists, even though its no more credible than asserting that the Earth is flat. Indeed, a poll commissioned for Holocaust Memorial Day (last Sunday) showed that five per cent of British adults dont believe it ever happened at all, while one in 12 believe its scale has been exaggerated. And as survivors die, taking their first-hand experiences with them, the deniers window of opportunity will be enhanced and anti-Semitism will rise. (This may not be a worry for you but then you probably werent called the Jesus-killer at school. By the RE teacher.)

This is why it is so important to have these testimonies on record. Many of Carys subjects hadnt appeared on camera before and were hesitant, but as one survivor said, while he didnt want to make his own children cry over what he had suffered, running away from it is not the right way. Cary offered no commentary, presumably because there is nothing to say about what these people have to say. We need only hear and bear witness. So, in that vein, and as taken from the programme

Everything tends to remind you of something, said Ivor Perl. Grenfell Tower made such an impression on me. A horrible thing, and I could see my own family being burned alive in the camp. Over two million children being burned how can anyone expect people who went through all that not to have any effect on them I am crying in my heart every day.

My little sister was born in the camp (Bergen-Belsen) and it was coming up to her first birthday, said Maurice Blik, and I found a carrot that was a bit bent and I made it into a little boat and I was going to give this to her for her birthday, but she died and I couldnt give her the present. When she died my older sister took her out and put her on the heap. I was quite angry she hadnt taken my gift. That sounds cruel and selfish but kids are selfish, I suppose.

Frank Bright said: We were led to our hut and saw flames and when I was told what they meant I realised what was happening. I remember thinking, Which of those flames is my mother?

We tended to grow up pretty fast [in the camps], said Manfred Goldberg. My younger brother did not survive. To this day we do not know his fate. He just disappeared. We were at work and he was four years younger [aged nine] and was permitted to stay in the camp. He and three others who had been permitted to stay behind just disappeared.

When I came to England [after the war], said Gabor Lacko, I got used to people calling me a bloody foreigner, and this doesnt bother me at all. If you call me a bloody Hungarian I smile, but if you call me a bloody Jew I kick your teeth out.

Yes, I was traumatised, said Sam Dresner, and instead of getting weaker it seems to be getting stronger. Sometimes I have days I cant get it out of my mind My mother and sister were taken to Treblinka, where they were gassed.

What was the trip [to the camp] like? said Susan Pollack. About six to eight days, I suppose. Many children and babies died along the way. There was no water to drink. I just huddled up to my mum. It will be over soon. Keep strong. It will get better. These were the words my mum tried repeatedly to reassure us with.

I wanted a normal life and the Holocaust didnt fit in, said Anita Lasker-Wallfisch, who was spared being murdered at Auschwitz because she played the cello, and the orchestra of inmates that was compelled to perform for the Nazis needed a cellist. She did not speak to her children about it but, 40 years on, wrote them a letter, as read out by her daughter.

We have never talked much about those dark days, Anita had written, and how it came about that you do not have any grandparents. At what point does one start explaining to ones child that there are people in the world who had as their ideology the total annihilation of Jews and other undesirables by murdering them in the most sophisticated manner?

She was also filmed in Berlin addressing the Bundestag on last years Holocaust Memorial Day. I am one of the rapidly dwindling number of eyewitnesses to the catastrophe that befell us all those years ago, she said. And this is about making certain that it can never  never ever  happen again. Nothing else to say.Legalising cannabis leads to more university students flunking their exams.

Striking evidence that legalising the drug negatively affects undergraduates behaviour and makes weaker students particularly likely to fall behind is provided by three new studies.

In America, researchers found that students grades at Washington Western University fell after Washington became the first US state to legalise the recreational use of marijuana in 2012.

Legalisation leads to an increased incidence in the assignment of D and F grades, authors Adam Wright and John Krieg wrote in the journal Economic Inquiry. Specifically, we estimate that Ds and Fs are given about seven per cent more frequently after legalisation.

Legalising cannabis leads to more university students flunking their exams, three new studies have found (stock image)

They also found a much stronger [negative] effect on grades of men than women  consistent with evidence that young American men are twice as likely to smoke cannabis as young American women.

A second US study discovered that even in states where only medicinal cannabis use has been legalised, students were more likely to slacken off, with average study time around a fifth lower than in states with a blanket ban.

College students in medical marijuana law states spend approximately 20 per cent less time on education-related activities and 20 per cent more time on leisure activities than their counterparts in non-medical marijuana law states, the research team reported.

They added that while medical laws should mean the drug is confined to patients who are prescribed it, such as to relieve multiple sclerosis, in practice the drug commonly leaks from legally qualified patients or dispensaries to illegal users.

And they noted that part-time university students  who are more likely to be first-generation college goers and to come from under-represented racial and ethnic groups  were more likely to reduce their study time in states with medical marijuana laws.

Despite a growing number of countries considering plans to soften laws on cannabis use, little research has previously been conducted on how such legalisation might affect educational achievement.

In America, researchers found that students grades at Washington Western University fell after Washington became the first US state to legalise the recreational use of marijuana in 2012 (stock image)

In the third study, economists in the Netherlands found students grades at Maastricht University improved when cannabis laws were tightened. Behavioural economists Ulf Zolitz and Olivier Marie examined the impact of a decision by the citys authorities in 2011 to continue to allow Dutch, German and Belgians to buy the drug from cannabis cafes, but banned individuals from all other countries, including students, from doing so.

Writing in the Review Of Economic Studies, they said that the academic performance of students who are no longer legally permitted to buy cannabis substantially increases, with grades rising on average five per cent. By comparison, the grades of those who could smoke cannabis legally remained unchanged.

Prof Zolitz told The Mail on Sunday: There is increasing evidence that legalising cannabis has a negative impact on students grades, which should be taken into account when considering the pros and cons of legalisation.

Tory MP Craig Mackinlay, chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group of Cannabis: Harmful Effects on Developing Brains, said: These studies illustrate that there should be no doubt about the harmful cognitive effects that cannabis can have on young peoples development.

There is already strong evidence that the frequent use of strong cannabis raises the risk of schizophrenia and The Mail on Sunday revealed last year that it is now responsible for nine out of ten cases where teenagers end up in drugs treatment.

Mr Mackinlay said: People of influence need to stop toying with the idea of legalising and realise the impact their misplaced views may have on our future generations.The perfect night's sleep is an elusive quest for many, with millions around the world turning to all sorts of tried-and-tested methods in order to clock seven hours.

But if you want to have a good night of shut-eye, it could be as simple as following six supermodel rules.

Writing in her monthly Get The Gloss column, Elle Macpherson shared her elaborate bedtime , and her 10 must-dos for 2019.

Revealing that she's less about a New Year's resolution than a 'New Year's solution', Elle said that February - and the Chinese New Year - is the perfect time to start afresh.

Supermodel Elle Macpherson (pictured) shared the six things she does before bed in order to guarantee the perfect night's sleep

When it comes to the perfect night's sleep, Elle (pictured) said she has 'learned to become a better sleeper in recent years' and is a now a 'solid seven-hours-a-night girl'

When it comes to the perfect night's sleep, Elle said she has 'learned to become a better sleeper in recent years' and is a now a 'solid seven-hours-a-night girl'.

'I learned from my nutritional doctor Dr Simone Laubscher PhD, that the outer or top layer of our skin comprises tightly-packed dead skin cells which are constantly shed throughout the day,' she told the publication.

'During deep sleep, the skin's metabolic rate speeds up, which helps with repair. Whether it's damage from factors such as ultraviolet rays or internal toxic overload from too many late nights, we really do need our "beauty sleep".'

In order to ensure Elle (pictured) gets the requisite 'beauty sleep', she said she makes sure she gets 'fresh air' every single day and also does a sauna and a steam room during the day

What are Elle Macpherson's six steps to a perfect night's sleep? 1. Get fresh air every single day. 2. Use a sauna and steam for increased flexibility, reduced pain and stress and improved circulation. 3. Eat dinner by 6pm every day. 4. Brew a pot of calming tea and enjoy an hour before bed. 5. Spritz your pillows with a calming lavender mist. 6. If you still can't sleep, lie with your legs up a wall for five minutes and stretch your arms out for an instant meditative effect. Advertisement

In order to ensure Elle gets the requisite 'beauty sleep', she said she makes sure she gets 'fresh air' every single day.

She also uses her own 'personal infrared Therasage sauna' and steams for increased flexibility, reduced pain and stress and improved circulation.

She eats dinner by 6pm, allowing her body to fast overnight and giving her digestion a 'good rest' and then eats breakfast later so that she gets an even better break.

'For quality beauty sleep, I brew a pot of Welleco Sleep Well Calming tea and spritz my pillows with Sleep Welle Calming Mist,' she said. 'The lavender scent really adds to the sense of calm before I go to bed.'

Finally, if she's really struggling she will lie on her back on the floor, place her feet up the wall and stretch her arms (like the yoga post viparita karani) - for an instant 'meditative' effect.

Five minutes later, Elle said she's always calm and ready for sleep.

Elle (pictured) eats dinner by 6pm, allowing her body to fast overnight and giving her digestion a 'good rest' and then eats breakfast later so that she gets an even better break

Finally, if she's really struggling she will lie on her back on the floor, place her feet up the wall and stretch her arms (like the yoga post viparita karani) - for an instant 'meditative' effect

Elsewhere, the 54-year-old revealed the 10 things she's going to do in 2019 in order to improve her life.

These include changing small things, like adding celery juice to her beauty regime, trying kite surfing and ticking off some of her bucket list destinations, including Antarctica, Patagonia and the Galapagos.

Elle said she wants to grow her own organic vegetables, listen to more podcasts and mix up her fitness a bit more.

Finally, she revealed she is set to launch a new supplement, Women's Libido + Hormone Support, which is set to balance hormones naturally, increase vitality and libido.Alice Asquith is single and lives in London. She is the founder of an ethical activewear brand, Asquith.

MEDITATION HOLIDAYS

I took up meditation in 2010 after my mum passed away. It helped me cope. At first, I tried Buddhist meditation, but the chanting wasnt for me. Now, I prefer Vedic meditation. Jillian Lavender runs retreats in India and long weekends in the UK (londonmeditationcentre.com). Ive been on three; theyre an amazing way of making like-minded friends.

Alice Asquith, 50, is single and lives in London she says going on meditation holidays and working out is the secret to her youthful looks

TRY CLASS PASS

Every month, I buy a package of 12 exercise classes for 125, via ClassPass (classpass.com). It means I can try anything, at any gym: from Eighties aerobics to Reformer Pilates and HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training). I love the variety and enjoy exercising in a group.

MIDLIFE MAKEOVER

Before Christmas, I treated myself to a Charlotte Tilbury makeover at Fenwick. It took more than an hour, as the make-up artist used about 20 products! I dont think my generation was ever taught how to apply make-up properly. We didnt have online tutorials. It has helped to refresh my look at 50. I particularly love the Hollywood Flawless Filter (30), which is a highlighter.

SLEEP SURVIVAL GUIDE

Recently, Ive had trouble sleeping, which I think has been triggered by hormonal changes. My doctor suggested HRT. But I prefer natural methods, so I went to The Organic Pharmacy which recommended Holy Basil B-Complex supplements (49, theorganicpharmacy.com) to help balance mood and hormones. I take magnesium every night (6.49, boots.com), for its calming effects. My sleep is much less broken and I feel happier.

GET POWER BROWS

Im generally low-maintenance: Ive never dyed my hair or had a manicure or pedicure. However, I do invest in my brows, with a waxing and tinting once a month (20, stripwaxbar.com).

asquithlondon.com

Do you look good for your age? Reveal your secrets to inspire@dailymail.co.ukThe country may still be blanketed in a dusting of snow but the Queen looked like she was ready to usher in the spring in a pretty peach ensemble this morning.

The brilliant blue sky above St Peter and St Paul church in West Newton, close to the Sandringham estate, belied the chilly temperatures as Her Majesty, 92, attended the traditional Sunday Morning church service.

Donning a warm-looking but stylish peach woollen coat with a matching hat - with feather detail - the Queen stopped to smile at well-wishers.

She was greeted by a crowd of around 200 people as she arrived in her maroon coloured Bentley at the West Newton church on her 20,000 acre Sandringham estate.

Scroll down for video

Sunny but brisk! The Queen smiles as a group of local schoolchildren greet her at the entrance to St Peter and St Paul church in West Newton this morning. Some 200 well-wishers turned out to greet the monarch in spite of the chilly weather

The Queen looked in bright spirits; wearing the stylish peach ensemble that included a matching hat, skirt and coat. On her coat, she wore a diamond-encrusted brooch and finished her look with a three-string of pearls and pearl earrings

Smart phones at the ready: The Queen takes a bunch of daffodils from a member of the public gathered outside the church, as the monarch faces a slew of camera phones

It's not winter, honest! Braving the cold, the Queen was presented with dozens of pretty blooms as she made her way through the crowds

After the daffs came more colourful blooms, the Queen smiles as she's handed a posy of pink and white flowers from a well-wisher

Warm welcome: The Queen appeared to be in jolly mood as she chatted to her people at the church's entrance

Wearing her favoured black loafers with buckle detail, she accessorised with black gloves and a smart black leather handbag.

The Queen looked fit and well as she walked unaided up the 80 yard path of the 14th century church, accompanied by Sandringham rector, the Jonathan Riviere.

While the weather at Sandringham has hovered around the freezing mark all week, the mercury did rise to around 3 degrees Celsius today.

Many were brandishing smart phones, taking snaps of the monarch shortly after she arrived. One bystander handed her a bunch of daffodils, suggesting the change in seasons really is on its way.

The 45-church minute service included 21 children from the local Sunday school performing a play called "Searching for Jesus".

Afterwards, the Queen walked to the neighbouring West Newton village hall, pausing to accept flowers from children and Royal fans.

All the bouquets were handed by a Queen to a lady in waiting before being passed to a policewoman and left outside the village hall.

Regal surprise: The youngsters looked delighted to be in the company of the Queen as they waited patiently at the gates of the church, close to Sandringham

After the short service, the Queen walked to the neighbouring West Newton village hall, pausing to accept flowers from children and Royal fans.

Led by the clergy at West Newton church close to the Sandringham estate, the Queen looked ready for a change in seasons as she donned a pretty peach ensemble this morning. The Queen walked alongside Sandringham rector Jonathan Riviere

The spring weather brought out broad smiles, with the Queen's entourage - including close protection officers - enjoying the Sunday morning outing

The Queen casts a glance at the growing crowds outside the church as news of her appearance there spread

With a hat that perfectly co-ordinated with her woolen coat and dress, the Queen finished her church attire with her favoured black loafers with buckle detail and a smart black handbag

The 92-year-old will have welcomed the bright blue skies after a wintry week in Norfolk, where the Queen has been residing. Prince Philip did not attend the church service

Flanked by close protection officers, the Queen makes her way to church. The monarch attended the service alone, with Prince Philip, 97, not attending

The Queen disclosed to one member of the crowd how her racehorse Estimate which won the Ascot Gold Cup in 2013 was in foal for the third time.

Hilary Marsh, 66, struck up a conversation with the Queen, saying how she had been coming to see her at Sandringham for 40 years and admired the statue of Estimate which was erected outside Sandringham House in 2016.

Mrs Marsh of Burwell, Suffolk, who was with her husband Brian, 70, said: "The Queen told me that Estimate was in foal at her stud farm in Sandringham and was due any day.

"Everyone knows that the Queen loves her horses so I hope she gets a chance to see the foal before she goes back to London. She seemed quite excited about it."

The Queen also stopped to speak to six-year-old Freddie Reinhold of Rougham, Norfolk, who told her, "I've got a Lego Gem", referring to the pirate treasure chest jewel accessories in the range of building bricks.

She looked as if she understood what he was saying and smiled as she replied: "That's nice."

The Queen also accepted orange and white roses from Evelina Curtis, four, of Syderstone, Norfolk, and Edie Freear, three, of nearby South Wootton.

All smiles: The Queen, members of the clergy and a police officer beam as the Queen stops for a moment at the church's entrance

At least the snow has melted: The Queen looked sure-footed as she negotiated the rural pathways; Norfolk has been hit by icy weather this week

The Queen, attending without fellow family members, chatted to the clergy of the church as she made her way up West Newton's gravel path this morning

The Queen's wide-brimmed hat, thought to be made by her favoured designer Angela Kelly, kept the sun from her eyes on a bright day in Norfolk

While the Queen is often accompanied by members of the royal family at Sunday church services, she attended the service alone today

Edie's grandmother Maggie Anderson, 67, of South Wootton, said: "By coincidence the flowers were luckily the same colour as the Queen's outfit.

"She said, 'Thank you so much, they match' which was nice. It made our day."

An Italian care worker who only gave her name as Silvia, 21, from Verona, also earned herself a smile from the Queen when she wished her a "Good morning" and "Buongiorno" in her native tongue.

The Queen asked if she was visiting and Silvia explained that she was working as a carer for people with learning disabilities in King's Lynn.

The Queen spoke to regular Royal watcher Julie McCarthy-Fox, 54, of Horsham, West Sussex, asking her: "Are you frozen, standing out here?" You are quite well covered up".

Striding forth: The Queen glances at photographers as she makes her way into the building

A small group of well-wishers could be seen gathered at the church's entrance as the Queen made her way in

Holding a staff, the leading church member appeared to smile as she watched her step on the wintry path

She also talked to veteran Royal watcher Mary Relph, asking how she was because she knew she had been ill.

Mrs Relph of Shouldham, Norfolk, who has been following the Royal family for more than 70 years, said: "I asked her if she had enjoyed her stay in Norfolk and she said, 'Very much so'."

The Queen spent ten minutes after the service in the village hall, chatting to the Sunday School children who had been presented with bibles and Narnia books at their annual prizegiving.

The 92-year-old will have welcomed the bright blue skies after a wintry week in Norfolk, where the Queen has been residing. Prince Philip did not attend the church service.

The Duke of Edinburgh, who is officially retired from public duties, has kept a lower profile since his accident in January, which saw him collide with an oncoming vehicle after being 'dazzled' by the bright sunshine.

The accident happened as Philip pulled out of a side road on to the 60mph limit A149 road. His Land Rover collided with a Kia car, sending his vehicle tumbling across the road where it ended up on its side.

Last week, the monarch was seen enjoying a shoot with some close friends on the the Sandringham estate.

Joined by her daughter Princess Anne and her husband Tim Laurence, the 92-year-old led the way, using a walking stick to negotiate the rough terrain.

Prince Philip did not attend. However, racing legend Sir Jackie Stewart was among the shooting party, and is well known for being a keen marksmen.

The 79-year-old was a prize-winning member of the Scottish clay pigeon shooting team before he became a racing driver and competed in the UK and abroad.Fitness queen Kayla Itsines has revealed she was reduced to tears after her fiance Tobi Pearce secretly organised a lavish engagement party for 130 guests.

The romantic groom-to-be had orchestrated the intimate event with floral installations at their Adelaide home while the couple were in Melbourne.

Sharing a loving picture on Instagram, the 27-year-old bride-to-be - who's expecting a baby girl - gushed about the events leading up to the big surprise on Saturday night.

Fitness queen Kayla Itsines has been reduced to tears after her fiance Tobi Pearce secretly organised a lavish engagement party for 130 guests

The 27-year-old bride-to-be was surrounded by 130 guests, including her younger sister Leah

'Oh. My. God! Surprise engagement party,' she said.

She noticed her fiance's unusual behaviour after returning from a Melbourne trip.

'Tobi was silent in the car. I said 'I feel like something is weird'. He smiled and said '... you have an hour to get ready',' she recalled.

'I said 'WHAT? .. for what? Where are we going'. He didn't respond.'

Tobi then dropped her off at her friend's clothing store without saying another word.

'There was a makeup artist, hairdresser and five dress options on the table. I was thinking ... 'what is GOING ON!!?,' she continued.

'I got ready, and got back in the car. He handed me a blindfold, 15 minutes later he walked me slowly into our house where he took off my blindfold and there was 130 family and friends around us in a marquee.

'I honestly just started crying.'

Kayla - who opted to keep her luscious brunette hair in her signature pony tail - showed off her blossoming baby bump in a stunning white gown.

Kayla - who opted to keep her luscious brunette hair in her signature pony tail - showed off her blossoming baby bump in a stunning white gown

Tobi proposed to Kayla in April 2018 - and by December, the couple announced they were expecting their first baby together - a daughter

The white-themed extravagant party included a candle lit walkway leading up to a flower arch, grazing platters and beautiful fairy lights.

Surrounded by family and friends, the couple were all smiles as they celebrated their engagement.

'We've been so busy, I totally forgot to take a second to celebrate our life,' she said.

'It was such a beautiful night. Thank you to my amazing family and friends for making last night so beautiful!!

'Tobi, I love you with all my heart. As usual you've gone out of your way to make everything perfect and your speech was incredible.

'I can't wait to marry you next year, thank you for all you do my chicken.'

Surrounded by family and friends, the couple celebrated their engagement on Saturday night

The romantic groom-to-be had orchestrated the intimate event at their Adelaide home while the couple were in Melbourne

Her younger sister Leah Itsines described the event as 'beautiful'.

'As soon as Kayla was walking in, she was already blubbering with tears,' Leah said.

'She didn't want an engagement party but we were soooooo [sic] not taking no for an answer, so surprise it was.'

Tobi also took to Instagram to praise his stunning bride-to-be.

'Cherub, you're one incredible woman. Thank you so much for being by my side on this incredible journey that is life through the big ups and equally big downs,' he said.

'I couldn't do this without you. You're my fiancee, my best friend and the mother to our first daughter (in only a few months). I cannot wait to spend the rest of my life with you and make it official in our wedding next year.

'Thank you to your family for welcoming me in. I will continue to do my best and be the best that I can for you all.'

Tobi proposed to Kayla in April 2018 - and by December, the couple announced they were expecting their first baby together.Modern day proposals are all about standing out from the rest - and one young farmer has done just that.

Australian Brendan Boyd, who is a fourth generation farmer, revealed how his special skill set created a moment his now-fiance will never forget.

He secretly arranged to have the giant message 'Marry Me Emma' by cutting into a wheat field in Western Australia with his tractor so he could surprise the love of his life.

Posting to Twitter Australian Brendan Boyd, who is a fourth generation farmer, revealed how his special skill set created a moment his fiance will never forget

'Luckily I can drive neater than I can write. Found a chaser driver dad #dronegogglesdidtherest #font640d,' the wheat, barley, canola and Lupin farmer captioned the shot.

Speaking to Yahoo Lifestyle, Brendan said he took a couple of hours to harvest the marriage proposal in the wheat by himself.

'I have had the idea for a couple of years to harvest it into a crop,' he explained.

The message was even finished off with a heart to help the farmer express his love.

The picture he shared on Twitter of the proposal to his now fiance, Emma, was captured via a drone.

Brendan then had Emma wear FPV goggles, which were connected to the drone so she could see the proposal.

'Luckily I can drive neater than I can write. Found a chaser driver dad #dronegogglesdidtherest #font640d,' the wheat, barley, canola and Lupin farmer captioned the shot

Twitter users wear eager to find out whether she accepted - and their questions were met with a resounding 'yes'.

'Damn, you put the rest of us to shame. Great effort and congratulations,' one Twitter user said.

Many others complimented him on what they thought was an 'awesome' idea and called him a 'legend' and 'clever' for coming up with it.Jamie Qian Qian Wu is China's It girl and a fashion blogger with a perfectly curated Instagram feed.

Her striking beauty, along with her ability to mix eccentric fashion finds with demure couture pieces, has seen her collaborate with brands including Tiffany & Co and Diesel.

Jamie, who divides her time between Shanghai and Singapore, told FEMAIL while on a promotional trip for Harrolds in Sydney on Thursday, what an average day is like.

The 34-year-old also revealed the one thing that's guaranteed to get her likes on social media.

In profile: Jamie Qian Qian Wu (pictured), 34, has revealed what it's like to be a Chinese IT girl and fashion blogger, and the ONE thing that's guaranteed to get her likes on Instagram

What's an average day like for Jamie when travelling? 5 AM: Alarm goes off, showers and applies makeup ahead of a photo shoot 7 AM: Makes her way to a location and grabs a coffee 8 AM: First outfit is photographed 9 AM: Heads to another location to shoot a second look 10 AM: Second outfit has been photographed 11 AM: Lunch with creatives 1 PM: Answers emails and messages 2 PM: Quick nap to fight off jet lag 3 PM: Applies makeup and styles hair for a night event 4 PM: Has a last minute outfit change 6 PM: Hosts a fashion event and later heads to dinner with friends 10 PM: Arrives back at her hotel and starts planning another photo shoot 11 PM: Posts photos on social media 1 AM: FaceTimes her husband who is usually travelling 2 AM: Touches up any photos Advertisement

AN AVERAGE DAY FOR JAMIE

Jamie told FEMAIL that an average day while travelling often sees her packing outfits for the next day at midnight and retouching photos at two in the morning.

'Midnight, I will pack outfits, shoes and accessories into different bags for a photo shoot the next day. And by one in the morning, I FaceTime my husband, who's usually in a different continent and time zone.'

'At two in the morning, I'm retouching any photos,' she explained.

Getting just a few hours sleep, Jamie is up at five in the morning, and showers and applies makeup for a sunrise photo shoot - this time it's at Sydney's Bondi Beach.

'By seven in the morning I've had my makeup done, I've made my way to the location and the crew arrive. I grab a coffee and scout the perfect spot to take pictures.'

Jamie said she has one outfit photographed by eight in the morning, and heads to a second location by nine, to shoot another look.

'By 10, the second outfit has been photographed and the shoot is wrapped. I'm often starving by 11, and have a lunch meeting with a few creative people.'

Lunch often includes taking phone interviews with media, and by 1pm, she's answering any emails or messages that have come in.

Dedicated: Jamie told FEMAIL that an average day while travelling often sees her packing outfits for the next day at midnight and retouching photos at two in the morning

'At two in the afternoon, I shut my eyes for 30 minutes, often because of jet lag. And by three, I apply makeup and do my hair for an evening event, while answering more emails and messages,' she said.

By four, she might have a last minute outfit change, and by six in the evening, she's hosting a fashion event, followed by dinner and drinks with crew and friends.

'At 10 in the evening I'm back at my hotel and start planning for another photo shoot the next morning, and by 11 I'm posting my photos on social media.'

Jamie said this is the perfect time as it's eight in the evening in Asia, and four in the evening in Europe.

She'll later catch up with her husband at 1am, and retouch any leftover photos at 2am, before collapsing into bed.

Jetsetter: The Shanghai-born model flew in to Sydney this week to celebrate Chinese New Year with Harrolds in Westfield, in collaboration with 18Communications

Wardrobe: Jamie's wardrobe is filled with an electric mix of minimal to over-the-top items

What's in Jamie's wardrobe? * An electric mix of minimal to over-the-top items * One signature handbag - usually the IT bag of the season * Plenty of shoes stored in a dry, dark area with humidifiers * Pieces from Raf Simons, Dior in the 2000s, Y Project, Comme des Garcons, Vivienne Westwood, old Celine Advertisement

HOW SHE GETS SOCIAL MEDIA LIKES

Jamie told FEMAIL that while bold prints or colour, funky accessories, outrageous shoes get her likes on Instagram, it's one particular thing that's foolproof.

'Showing some leg does the trick for me to get likes,' Jamie said. 'I don't remember the last time I simply just wore a little black dress to an event or in a post.'

HER WARDROBE

Jamie's wardrobe is filled with an electric mix of minimal to over-the-top items. Everything hanging is for an event or photo shoot, and largely missing is "normal, everyday clothes".

'Fall and winter clothes live in one room, and spring and summer in the other, since I split my time between Shanghai and Singapore which feels like summer all year round,' she said.

Designer-clad: Jamie stunned in a turquoise Balenciaga frock with a daring thigh split

Fashionable event: Jamie hosted alongside Roxy Jacenko, while more than 70 guests enjoyed luxury hand massages, Moet & Chandon Champagne and canapes

Her secret: Jamie told FEMAIL that 'showing some leg' in her social media photos is guaranteed to get her likes

What's in Jamie's beauty cupboard? * Bobbi Brown SPF 50 sunscreen * Yves Saint Laurent's Touche Eclat foundation * NARS' multi-purpose highlighter stick * Marc Jacobs' coconut setting mist Advertisement

Jamie organises her clothing by colour, with sections for white, black, bold colours and prints, while shoes 'live in a different area altogether'.

'I am not hugely into handbags,' Jamie told FEMAIL.

'I tend to use one bag until I'm bored of it and move onto the next hence they clutter. Shoes are my babies. They live in a dry, dark area with humidifiers working around them, and around the clock.'

Organised: Jamie said she organises her clothing by colour, with sections for white, black, bold colours and prints, while shoes 'live in a different area altogether'

HER BEAUTY AND SKINCARE SECRETS

Jamie swears by Bobbi Brown's SPF 50 sunscreen, Yves Saint Laurent's Touche Eclat foundation, NARS' multi-purpose highlighter stick, and Marc Jacobs' coconut setting mist.

'I'm a big believer in facial laser treatment,' Jamie revealed.

'IPL (Intense Pulse Light) for the face to renew the skin once every 12 weeks. The rest of the time I keep my face moisturised with the cheapest moisturiser you can find, and shield it with SPF 50 sunscreen.'

Beauty cupboard: Jamie swears by Yves Saint Laurent's Touche Eclat foundation (left) and Marc Jacobs' coconut setting mist (right)

Must-have: Jamie is also a fan of NARS' multi-purpose highlighter stick

Jamie flew in to Sydney this week to celebrate Chinese New Year with Harrolds in Westfield, in collaboration with 18Communications.

Tuesday saw Jamie host alongside Roxy Jacenko, while more than 70 guests enjoyed luxury hand massages, Moet & Chandon Champagne and canapes.

Harrolds is a destination for luxury fashion and accessories, with stock ranging from Balenciaga, Thom Browne, ACNE Studio, Saint Laurent, Balmain and Tom Ford to name a few.

You can follow Jamie on Instagram here.Theresa May is hunting unicorns. Having defeated last Tuesdays parliamentary coup, the Prime Minister retains  by her fingertips  control over the Governments Brexit policy.

But to her critics she is now embarked on a fantasy quest. Attempts to convince the European Union to amend their cherished backstop are a fools errand.

My message to Theresa May is the EU position is clear and consistent. The withdrawal agreement is not open for renegotiation, European Council president Donald Tusk told reporters on Wednesday.

Prime Minister Theresa May, pictured, manages to continue to control the Government's Brexit policy by 'her fingertips' following her success last Tuesday in Parliament

And that, apparently, is that. The Brexit renegotiation is over before it has begun. The PM has indeed reneged on a deal, our countrys reputation lies in tatters and the clock ticks down to a disastrous No Deal Brexit, raged Anna Soubry after the vote. The same Anna Soubry who opposed the deal, voted against it, and demanded its reversal via a second referendum.

So everyone is agreed. May is wasting her time. Europe will not move. Catastrophe is inevitable.

Why? Why is the concept of renegotiation unconscionable? Why is the backstop so sacrosanct?

It has a single purpose. To act as a mechanism for ensuring that in the event of failure to negotiate terms for the UKs withdrawal from the EU, Britain and the Republic of Ireland will not be forced to introduce a hard border, and risk a return to the bloody carnage of the Troubles.

And this morning it is the backstop  and exclusively the backstop  that is preventing ratification of the withdrawal agreement, driving Britain, Ireland and the rest of the EU towards a No Deal schism, and with it the very hard border that it is meant to prevent.

To some, the backstop itself is not the problem. To Irish and European eyes, opposition to it is merely the latest manifestation of an all-too-familiar neo-colonial stubbornness on the part of the truculent Brits.

But that is to misunderstand the political reality. The Government negotiated in good faith. Theresa May exhausted every ounce of political capital  to the point of having to face down a leadership challenge  in an effort to drive her deal through. It was the House of Commons that blocked it, and ordered her to renegotiate.

And not just the hard-line Right-wingers of the ERG. I have a problem if we go into an agreement that is one-sided, Jeremy Corbyn said after abandoning his boycott of talks with the PM. I pointed out this would be the first time in British history that we had entered into a treaty arrangement with anybody else in which there was no right to leave.

Asking for the reopening of a treaty that cannot secure ratification is not of itself evidence of British bloody-mindedness. As Ireland and the EU can attest.

The Irish backstop's purpose was to prevent the reintroduction of a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic and the return of watchtowers such as this between Clady, Co Derry and Co Donegal.

In 2008, Irish voters rejected an amendment to the Irish constitution that would have permitted ratification of the Lisbon Treaty. As a result, the EU renegotiated a series of major bespoke legal guarantees for the Republic. In the subsequent referendum, the new deal was endorsed by a 2:1 majority.

There is precedent for a renegotiation, and with the hands of the Brexit Doomsday clock pointing to one minute to midnight, a desperate need for one.

So why are Europes bureaucrats preparing to cut off Irelands nose to spite everyone elses face, and refusing to even countenance any form of compromise.

If it was the only way of safeguarding the Anglo-Irish agreement, there would be some justification. But every party to the deal  Ireland, the UK, the EU  has specifically said they believe the backstop will never be required. That fears we cannot secure a final deal within the two years of the transition period are groundless.

So we are all to be entombed beneath the crumbling walls of the backstop ditch for an abstraction. A theoretical construct that its own architects concede will probably never be needed.

But we have to have an insurance policy, Dublin and Brussels exclaim. And again, they ignore the political reality on the ground. As I wrote last week, with each day of delay, public opinion in Britain shifts further towards a No Deal Brexit. Even without the backstop, the terms of the withdrawal agreement allow for a two-year transition period, with a further possible two-year extension.

If, at the end of 2022, Britain, Ireland and the EU still have not reached agreement on our withdrawal, any treaty would become moot. Because the British people would demand their leaders simply rip up the deal and walk away. And there is not a politician in the land who would be able to resist them.

When will the EU panjandrums grasp that the insurance policy of the backstop is not insuring anyone? Instead it sits unsigned and smouldering down the back of the sofa. It will not protect the house. Instead, it will burn the house down. And when it does, it is not just the people of Britain who will be trapped inside. Last week, the Irish government produced its No Deal impact assessment. Irish GDP would shrink by 4.25 per cent. Unemployment would rise by two per cent. Irelands budget surplus would collapse into deficit.

But despite all that, we are told by the EU we cannot enter into renegotiation or contemplate, for a nanosecond, an alternative.

Speaking to Cabinet Ministers, there is genuine understanding  even guilt  at the predicament of the Irish government. They feel betrayed, one conceded. They think weve let them down. And to be fair we have. We told them we would get the deal through, and we couldnt.

But fairness is no longer the issue. All that matters now is confronting reality and avoiding catastrophe.

And yet we are being told by the EU we must do the opposite. All to protect the backstop that in all probability would never be used. Whose sole purpose is to prevent a hard Irish border. And yet whose only practical political impact will be ensuring a hard Irish border.

People accuse Mrs May of chasing her Brexit unicorns. But the Northern Irish backstop is the biggest, brightest unicorn of them all.

I'm told John Bercow is going to extraordinary lengths to protect himself from the unwelcome attention of Government whips.

He put two clerks either side of his chair for Tuesdays Brexit votes, a Minister reveals.

That way, the whips couldnt get too close to him. They were his bouncers.

If youre wearing jeans and trainers, youre not getting near the Speaker.

John Bercow has stationed two clerks either side of his chair ahead of last Tuesday's Brexit votes to reduce the level of interference from Government whipsA three-month jail sentence for lying over a speeding ticket might not be enough to stop disgraced MP Fiona Onasanya taking part in crucial Brexit votes  thanks to the Labour movement that has just expelled her.

Home detention curfew rules introduced under Tony Blairs Government in 1999 mean Fiona could be out in a month.

As long as her electronic tag doesnt play up and shes home by tea, Fiona will be able to pop into the Commons to vote.

A three-month jail sentence for lying over a speeding ticket might not be enough to stop disgraced MP Fiona Onasanya taking part in crucial Brexit votes

As long as her electronic tag doesnt play up and shes home by tea, Fiona, pictured with Jeremy Corbyn, will be able to pop into the Commons to vote

Tory tough guy Ben Wallace was only half sorry for outraging Labours Diane Abbott by suggesting in this paper that Corbynistas opposing a Government crime crackdown were soft on paedophiles. I apologise that I did so, says Security Minister Mr Wallace. But I did so because I meant it. Many Labour MPs seem to agree with him  seven rebelled to side with the Tories and 29 abstained.

Penny stuns her foe with shock tactics

Would-be Conservative leader Penny Mordaunt was gunning for crusty old male colleagues at the launch of a group to promote more Tory women at Westminster. We might have to Taser Chris Chope, said Penny, above. Christchurch MP Sir Chris caused outrage last year by trying to block plans to outlaw upskirting, but he will be relieved to hear that Cabinet Minister Penny was only joking.

Philip Hammond's leaden sense of humour was on full display at the annual CityUK financiers dinner. By way of promising to be brief, the Chancellor recalled the cautionary tale of a politicians wife always introducing her husband thus: He cannot speak for more than ten minutes or he will have a problem with his throat  I will slit it. With gags like that, diners were no doubt glad that Spreadsheet Phil kept it short.

Corbyn's a lost cause

Jeremy Corbyn managed to get lost en route to his crunch Brexit talks with Theresa May in her Commons office, say Dogs spies. Corbyn and his crew dozily walked straight past the PMs door before they realised where it was, says a witness. Moses leading the Labour tribe out of the wilderness, it wasnt.

Jeremy Corbyn managed to get lost en route to his crunch Brexit talks with Theresa May in her Commons office, say Dogs spies

Theresa May's beleaguered chief Brexit guru Olly Robbins may have a cushy consolation job waiting if he gets the chop. Suspicious MPs grilled Cabinet Secretary Sir Mark Sedwill as to whether he was only clinging on to his old job of National Security Adviser to keep it warm for Robbins. I am not going to speculate on individuals, he replied. In Sir Humphrey speak, thats perilously close to Yes.

Revenge has been swift for Remainer Nicky Morgan for daring to suggest a Brexit compromise to save the Government. She has been booted out of the WhatsApp group beloved of anti-Brexiteers Anna Soubry and Dominic Grieve. Theyll probably ban her from sitting in the Commons naughty corner next, chuckles a colleague.

Control of Puregraphite Achieved and Strategic Funding

Brisbane, Feb 4, 2019 AEST (ABN Newswire) - ASX-listed NOVONIX Limited ( ASX:NVX ) ("NOVONIX" or the "Company") is very pleased to announce that it has exercised its option to increase its ownership interest to 75% in the USAheadquartered PUREgraphite battery anode material business in accordance with the terms of the Joint Venture agreement of February 2017.HIGHLIGHTS- NOVONIX has exercised its option to increase its ownership in the USA-based PUREgraphite battery anode material business to 75%- The option exercise has been funded via a three-year $10.9m Convertible Loan Note issue to the St Baker Energy Innovation Fund and another leading Australian institutional investor- The St Baker Energy Innovation Fund, led by Trevor St Baker, is Australia's largest private energy innovation fund- The funds raised have facilitated the exercise of the PUREgraphite option and will provide additional working capital to fund PUREgraphiteThe option exercise has been funded via a placement to Australia's largest private energy innovation fund, the St Baker Energy Innovation Fund (SBEIF) - led by Trevor St Baker, and another leading Australian institutional investor.The increase in ownership of PUREgraphite to 75% in accordance with the February 2017 Joint Venture agreement provides NOVONIX with control of the business and significant commercial benefits, including the right to 100% of PUREgraphite anode material production exceeding 1,000 tonnes per annum.Exercising the PUREgraphite option makes very strong commercial sense as it provides NOVONIX with both control of the business and the right to 100% of PUREgraphite's production in excess of 1,000 tonnes per annum.Trevor St Baker, founder of the St Baker Energy Innovation Fund said that the investment in NOVONIX complemented the Fund's investments in electric vehicle energy systems."The Fund's existing investments include TRITIUM, which is a global leader in fast-chargers for EVs, and Evie Networks, which is rolling-out a national ultra-fast EV charging network around Australia"."NOVONIX has the world's most advanced battery testing technology, helping battery-makers accelerate battery performance and drive-down battery costs.""Our investment will help NOVONIX commercialize its PUREgraphite-branded battery anode materials that will deliver better performance, longer-life and lower costs," Mr St Baker said.NOVONIX Limited Founder and Executive Director, Greg Baynton, said that achievement of control of PUREgraphite and the support from StBEIF marked the start of a new growth phase for the Company."Trevor St Baker's St Baker Energy Innovation Fund is the largest private investor in this space in Australia, and clearly has a global outlook in the new energy arena."This funding will transform our Lithium Ion battery anode material production opportunity and help scale production to achieve levels for initial commercial volumes.""With the support of the SBEIF and the certainty of this much larger business opportunity in anode materials, 2019 should be a transformational year for NOVONIX", Mr Baynton said.The $10.9m placement is being conducted by way of Convertible Loan Notes priced at $0.40 each, with a term of three years. The Convertible Loan Notes may be redeemed by NOVONIX at any time before expiry, subject to a notice period of 10 business days. This placement is subject to approval by Shareholders at a General Meeting of Shareholders planned for March 2019. The meeting notification and explanatory documentation is currently being finalized and will be dispatched to shareholders in the coming days.$10m of the placement funds will be invested by SBEIF, with a $900,000 co-investment from a major Australian listed investment company. The investors participating in the placement have the right to re-invest the same amount at a 100% premium to the current pricing within a three-year period.SBEIF has provided a short-term loan of $6m, funds have been received and utilized to exercise the PUREgraphite option. The short-term loan is unsecured and interest-bearing at the same rate as the Convertible Loan Notes. This short-term loan will be converted to Loan Notes following receipt of Shareholder approval.Key Loan Note Terms- Unsecured loan note issued at AUD $0.40 per note;- Coupon 10% per annum capitalised over a term of 36 months;- Convertible at the option of the holder on 1 for 1 basis;- Redeemable by NVX at any time (with 10 business days' notice);- The notes are not listed or tradeable;- 1 for 1 attaching Option, exercisable at $0.80 per share within three years; and- Settlement in two tranches (both subject to shareholder approval), with the initial tranche to complete following the General Meeting of Shareholders planned for March 2019 and the second tranche to complete on 1 July 2019 (Notice of General Meeting of Shareholders to be issued shortly).ABOUT St Baker Energy Innovation FundTrevor St Baker AO, is the founder and major shareholder of ERM Power (Australia's second largest electricity supplier to Australian commercial, industrial and government customers and owner low emission gas fired generation, Oakey Power Station and Neerabup Power Station); joint owner of Delta Electricity (Vales Point Coal Fired Power Station) and owner of the St Baker Energy Innovation Fund, Australia's largest private energy innovation fund.Trevor St Baker's energy innovation fund invests in disruptive future technologies and products in the clean energy sector including electric vehicle charging systems (largest shareholder in TRITIUM and world leader in fast charger systems); electric vehicle charging networks (largest shareholder of "Evie Networks" which has plans to build an Australia wide EV fast charger network); next generation lighting (largest shareholder in Nth Degree Technologies with printed LED lighting); and battery technologies and materials (major shareholder in Printed Energy and now a significant strategic investor in NOVONIX a leading battery testing technology and battery materials development company).Trevor St Baker is a highly-successful energy entrepreneur who has demonstrated over decades an ability to identify market needs and long-term investment opportunities in the energy sector covering traditional energy infrastructure, transitional energy solutions and energy solutions for the future.Trevor has a unique and integrated approach to investing in energy with consideration of immediate needs, medium and long-term needs of the market and existing, transitional and emerging technologies.About NOVONIX Ltd

NOVONIX Ltd (ASX:NVX) (FRA:GC3) (OTCMKTS:NVNXF) is an integrated developer and supplier of high-performance materials, equipment and services for the global lithium-ion battery industry with operations in the USA and Canada and sales in more than 14 countries. NOVONIX's mission is to support the global deployment of lithium-ion battery technologies for a cleaner energy future.

Bucking the trend: Teenage pregnancies have actually fallen following government cuts in sex education and birth control

Can we now scrap so-called sex education and all the rest of the condom-waving and pill-pushing designed to appease and spread the permissive society?

This week we learned the amazing fact that teenage pregnancies have fallen following government cuts in spending on sex education and birth control.

This is exactly the opposite of what the sex education maniacs predicted would happen when the cuts were made.

Yes, you read that correctly. In 1999, the Blair government began a multi-million-pound splurge on teen pregnancy co-ordinators, sexual health clinics and sex classes in schools. But as it tailed off, teen pregnancies went down.

Yet the sex-ed maniacs never give up. Even as I write, a brilliantly organised and sustained campaign is under way to make sex education universal and compulsory and to extend it to primary schools. Youd think it had been a great success.

Not so. A new look at the hard figures by Professor David Paton, of the Nottingham University Business School, and Liam Wright, of the University of Sheffield, explodes these claims.

What research we have shows that sex education may increase knowledge, but does not lead to restraint.

So it is worth asking whether this mass of morally relaxed material, in which free and easy sex is portrayed as normal, actually makes casual sex among the young more likely.

This research comes as no surprise to me. I have been getting into trouble for years for pointing out that decades of harm reduction, giveaways of contraceptive pills with no questions asked, and ever-lower age limits, have not achieved their stated aim.

The clearest signs of this have been the almost unending climb of abortion figures since the 1960s, and the epidemic of diseases such as chlamydia.

Casual, loveless sex, the tragedy of unwanted children, the incessant massacre of the unborn and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases have continued to grow over time.

Of course they have. The research points out that birth control will reduce the risk of pregnancy for sex acts which would have occurred anyway.

But teenagers, given easier access to birth control, may be led either into starting to have sex, or having sex more frequently.

Sex education did not really get going in this country until the 1950s. It began very cautiously.

In 1963, the city of Norwich boosted its school sex education because the number of babies born outside marriage had risen to 7.7 per cent, compared with 5.9 per cent nationally.

A bad dose of Christian bashing Channel 4 has won much modish praise for screening the laughable anti-Christian fantasy The Handmaids Tale, starring a gloriously sulky and smug Elisabeth Moss. This drama started life as a heavy-handed novel by a politically correct Canadian, Margaret Atwood. In her fable, fanatical evangelical Christians take over the USA, and turn it into a tyranny in which they enslave fertile women, raping them once a month in the presence of their wives. Dangerous fantasy: Elizabeth Moss stars in Channel 4's The Handmaid's Tale This has not actually happened at all since Ms Atwood wrote her cult book 32 years ago, despite there being lots of evangelical Christians in the USA, and it seems pretty unlikely to take place. Perhaps this is because evangelical Christians arent actually like this. In an embarrassing and lengthy scene in the first episode, the heroine is duly raped. Just in case any of us didnt get the message, the crime takes place to the background of church organ music, gradually swelling into the sound of a full choir singing Onward Christian Soldiers. In case any viewers still dont understand the point (Christians are bad!), the rapist reads chunks out of the Bible as he proceeds. As usual, I await a similar drama from Channel 4 or any other major TV station, in which Muslims, who have actually set up a state in which women are subjugated, forced to wear demeaning clothing and are enslaved sexually, are portrayed as critically as Christians always are by our new cultural elite. I repeat a warning Ive given before. Those who seek to drive Christianity out of our society may be unpleasantly surprised when they find out what actually replaces it. Advertisement

This was typical of the sort of arguments advanced at the time. Now, it is quite normal for babies to be born outside marriage, in Norwich and everywhere else.

Did sex education, which generally refuses to be judgmental and bypasses parents by handing out contraceptives to the young without their knowledge, help to make it so?

Is that, in fact, its real purpose? It was first introduced by Hungarian communists during their brief 1919 revolution, openly aimed at undermining the morals of Roman Catholic schoolgirls.

Basically, they used state power so they could talk dirty to children. Its advocates here, from the 1930s onwards, have come from the radical Left, with their incessant desire to interfere in peoples private lives.

They claimed that parents could not do the job properly. Well, the schools do it a lot worse, as we plainly see.

It is time that the sex education lobby was subjected to some serious questioning about what its true aim is, and whether it is any good at what it does.

Who in British politics will dare challenge these grim-jawed zealots, who march onwards even when the facts are against them?

The reason behind that BBC bias...

I no longer believe theres a silent majority of patriotic conservatives. Decades of comprehensive schooling have done their work, and a squidgy emotive Leftism is the default position of most people under 45. So Im not surprised or dismayed by the audience on the BBCs Question Time.

These audiences are also picked from people who are interested in politics, who are mostly activists and mostly Leftist. The audience on Radio 4s Any Questions, who arent selected, are far less predictable.

Even so, this story is interesting. Tory businessman David Stoneman tells me that he tried for years to be part of the QT audience.

Ayes to the left: The debate rumbles on over BBC's Question Time audience being biased

He filled in the online forms with commendable honesty. He was never asked on. But then he decided to be naughty. He passed himself off as a militant trade unionist train-driver who backed the Leave campaign and opposed fracking.

Almost immediately, the people who assemble the QT audiences were in touch wanting to know more.

Alas, his nerve failed him and he didnt go through with it. Quite right, too, I suppose. We wouldnt want people gaming the system.

Television may come calling after politics

I thought Jeremy Corbyns interview of Jeremy Paxman went quite well the other night.

The bearded cyclist shouldnt have interrupted the very important Great Paxo quite so much, but Mr Corbyn, grandfatherly old Sinn Fein sympathiser that he is, definitely has a future as a TV personality if other possibilities dont work out.

Rock on - but not at the expense of living in peace

The thing I will remember about Panamanian despot Manuel Noriega is that he was driven out of the embassy where hed sought sanctuary by loud rock music.

It was a brilliant tactic. But it was also an admission that loud rock music is an offensive weapon, and a means of torture.

Since then it has often been used as such. And those councils which greedily license rock concerts in parks near peoples homes should be reminded of that.

Nobodys pleasure is important enough to justify ruining someone elses peace.Sunbury, PA (17801)

Today

Strong thunderstorms likely. Damaging winds and large hail with some storms. High 91F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Mostly cloudy with showers and a few thunderstorms. A few storms may be severe. Low 63F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%.SUNBURY  Physical evidence, self-incriminating statements and in one case a digital trail, led to two convictions for cases of drug delivery resulting in death.

The convictions came in Northumberland and Snyder counties last year. Theyre the only two cases out of 138 deadly overdoses across four Valley counties from 2016 through 2018 that ended with a defendant jailed on a charge of fatal drug delivery.

Investigators say theyre challenged due to a lack of evidence or solid witnesses, crime scenes with evidence disturbed and complex toxicology results.

Mount Carmel police worked to deliver enough evidence to earn a conviction in the fatal overdose of Matthew Santangelo.

Ryan Chambers supplied the dose of heroin that killed the 60-year-old on Oct. 27, 2017, according to police records. Those same records show Chambers tried to keep Santangelo alive.

When Chambers was arrested, court documents stated he both called 911 and attempted CPR prior to the arrival of first responders. His efforts and that of the medical professionals werent enough. Santangelo died inside a rented room of a Mount Carmel residence.

Police collected a syringe, black belt fashioned into a tourniquet and material used to package heroin among paraphernalia found at the scene.

We had an empty bag with what amounted to two pieces of dust and were able to test it, Northumberland County District Attorney Tony Matulewicz said.

Matulewicz said Chambers gave a video-recorded confession but the recording didnt capture the entire statement. He couldnt explain the mishap. Mount Carmel Police Chief Christopher Buhay worked to get a second confession on video, Matulewicz said.

Chambers, 24, pleaded guilty and was sentenced in September to serve 10 to 20 years in state prison.

Matulewicz said Mount Carmel police acted quickly and worked with the district attorneys office right from the start. It was the departments first time charging someone with drug delivery resulting in death, Buhay said previously.

I wish every case involving death by delivery was like this, Matulewicz said. We had this case proven before we even had charges filed.

Evidence discovered by police in the 2018 death of Coby Goodling spanned from physical to digital. There was a syringe and a brown-stained cotton ball used to filter a shot of fentanyl, an empty baggie stamped with the word Iraq, an electronic tablet and cell phone, all according to arrest papers. The toxicology testing confirmed a fatal dose of fentanyl.

Goodlings family accessed his Facebook account from a home computer, police said. They learned hed been in touch with Christine Walburn. Messages between the two show Walburn arranged to sell what she believed to be heroin, not the severely more potent drug fentanyl. Police said Walburn knew how strong it was since she twice overdosed after taking the drug herself.

Do you have the same as you had last time? Goodling asked.

In a message from Walburn, she said, Ill be at the door in like 2min (sic) if thats ok.

Walburn and Goodling met shortly before midnight Feb. 23 at Goodlings home. A sales receipt from the Selinsgrove Walmart showed Goodling made a purchase at the store after 1 a.m. Feb. 24. He returned home, used the fentanyl and overdosed. He was 28.

Thats a situation where you had more evidence than most, Snyder County District Attorney Mike Piecuch said.

Walburn, 30, confessed to police she sold Goodling the heroin that killed him, according to arrest papers. She pleaded guilty to felony drug delivery resulting in death and was sentenced in December to a state prison sentence of 5 to 10 years.

+4 Mother's grief aggravated by lack of arrest in son's fatal overdose Teresa Stoker felt helpless as the time limit expired for fatal drug delivery charges to be brought against whoever may have supplied her 27-y

A new investigation starts with each death. So far in 2019, there are five new cases in Northumberland County, one in Montour County and one in Union County. Police and district attorneys work together on each.

Police are out doing all they can, Matulewicz said. These things are always just not cut and dry. But we understand victims families struggle and look for closure.Ashland, KY (41101)

Today

Variable clouds with strong thunderstorms. Damaging winds and large hail with some storms. High 89F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%..

Tonight

Showers and thundershowers this evening will give way to steady rain overnight. A few storms may be severe. Low 59F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%.The following items are based on information provided by officials in law enforcement and the criminal justice system.Mrs. Sarah "Ann" Chamblee Mantooth, age 75 of Crandall passed away Saturday, June 19, 2021, at her residence. She is preceded in death by her husband, Melvin Mantooth: grandson, PV2 Cale Wooten: parents Irbie and Audrey Chamblee. Ann is survived by her children, Ralph Williams of Ft. Payne ACullman, AL (35055)

Today

Thunderstorms likely. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 79F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%..

Tonight

Showers and thunderstorms likely. Low 64F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near an inch. Locally heavy rainfall possible.

CEO Resignation

Perth, Feb 4, 2019 AEST (ABN Newswire) - MMJ Group Holdings Limited ( ASX:MMJ ) ( OTCMKTS:MMJJF ) ("MMJ") announces that its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr Jason Conroy has tendered his resignation.MMJ has agreed with Mr Conroy that his last day will be 1 March, 2019. This will provide sufficient time to be well advanced in identifying a replacement CEO. MMJ is in the process of instructing an international search firm. Pending an appointment, the CFO, Jim Hallam, will ensure that the Share Purchase Plan and portfolio administrative matters are completed.MMJ's Chairman Peter Wall commented "We wish to thank Jason for his efforts in converting MMJ into a listed investment company with a broader portfolio and significant opportunities for further growth and development. MMJ's portfolio is well-positioned for future outperformance and, given this, the Board believes MMJ will be able to attract high calibre candidates to replace Jason."About MMJ Group Holdings Ltd

MMJ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX:MMJ) is a global cannabis investment company. MMJ owns a portfolio of minority investments and aims to invest across the full range of emerging cannabis-related sectors including healthcare, technology, infrastructure, logistics, processing, cultivation, equipment and retail. For MMJ's latest investor presentation and news, please visit: http://www.mmjphytotech.com.au/investors/PTHS Senior Selected Semifinalist for Scholarship

By WestKyStar & Paducah Public Schools

The semifinalists were chosen from 6,174 applicants. Last year, 106 semifinalists were selected to receive the scholarship. The 2019 Cooke College Scholarship recipients will be announced in April.





The students in this semifinalist cohort are some of the most high-achieving and driven in the country, said Seppy Basili, executive director of the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation. They have achieved success well beyond that of many of their more advantaged peers, and we know they will accomplish far more in college and beyond.





Students applied from all 50 states, as well as the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Armed Forces Pacific, and American Samoa  representing 3,782 schools.





Cooke College Scholars are selected based on exceptional academic ability and achievement, financial need, persistence, service to others and leadership.









PADUCAH - The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation has selected Paducah Tilghman High School senior Grace Raber as one of 565 outstanding high school seniors with financial need as a semifinalist for the Cooke College Scholarship Program, which provides recipients with up to $40,000 annually for four years to enable them to attend some of the top colleges and universities in the United States. It is one of the most prestigious undergraduate scholarships in the nation.Contributed Photo / Monroe Volunteer Fire Department / Contributed Photo

MONROE  Two people were sent to the hospital after a late-night crash in town, fire officials said.

Late Friday night, first responders rushed to Wheeler Road for a report of a one-car crash. The crash involved a utility pole and a stone wall, officials said.BRIDGEPORT  A man who was shot multiple times early Saturday underwent emergency surgery, according to police officials.

A 34-year-old man was dropped off at the emergency room entrance of Bridgeport Hospital by a private vehicle around 2 a.m. Saturday, Police Capt. Brian Fitzgerald said. The person who dropped off the victim left the area.

The male victim suffered multiple gunshot wounds and underwent emergency surgery early this morning, Fitzgerald said. Detectives have not been able to speak to doctors yet to determine his condition.

City spokesman Av Harris said the man was shot three or four times.

Fitzgerald said the police departments ShotSpotter system detected several shots fired in the city around the time the shooting took place. He said police believe the shooting most likely happened in the 1000 block of Stratford Avenue.

Despite someone being hit by gunfire, Fitzgerald said, no one called police. The department urges residents to call anytime they hear shots fired, even though the city has the ShotSpotter technology.

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call the Bridgeport Police Department tip line at 203-576-TIPS (8477).

According to data from Bridgeport police, seven people were hit by gunfire in Bridgeport in January  all in the second half of the month.

Of the seven shootings, only one was fatal. Eugene Rogers, 50, was shot by 39-year-old Jayvell Washington on Jan. 27, police said. Washington was charged with murder that same day.

One person shot on Jan. 18, two people shot on Jan. 20, two people shot on Jan. 26 and one person shot on Jan. 28, according to data from police.Contributed Photo / Bridgeport Fire Department

BRIDGEPORT  Two people were sent to the hospital Sunday after a three-story home on Garfield Avenue caught on fire.

One tenant was rescued by firefighters from inside the home and sent to the hospital, while a firefighter was treated at Bridgeport Hospital for burns, Deputy Chief Lance Edwards said.Our Gift To You! 2 Off $ 00 $20.00 orPresident Ilham Aliyev declared 2019 the Year of Nasimi in Azerbaijan. Doctor of Philosophy in Philology, leading researcher of the ANAS Institute of Oriental Studies of Azerbaijan, Saadat Shikhieva, discussed works and personality of great Azerbaijani poet and thinker, Imadaddin Nasimi, in an interview with Vestnik Kavkaza.

- How will the Year of Nasimi in Azerbaijan affect researches of his heritage?

- The Year of Nasimi is significant from many points of view. Unfortunately, in some countries, connection of Nasimis heritage (as well as many Azerbaijani classics) directly to Azerbaijan is sometimes disputed. Turkmenistan claims that its the closest to Nasimi, because they're sure that he was of Iraqi Turkomans heritage. There's also Iran, which believes Nasimi was from Shiraz, as well as Turkey, which says he was born in Diyarbakir. Considering all of this, announcement of 2019 as the Year of Nasimi opens new opportunities for more detailed study of the great poet's heritage. Nasimi played a prominent role in literature, in history, and in philosophy of Azerbaijan. This presidential decree is unique because Nasimi's heritage will become object of global study of historians, writers and theologians. Action plan has already been agreed on, it's known that seminars and conferences will be organized, monographs and studies published, including by foreign authors.

- What problems do those who study Nasimi face?

- I've been studying life and works of Nasimi for 30 years, and I can say that today there's a need for comprehensive study of his heritage. It should be noted that first collection of his poems was published on the eve of Nasimi's 600th anniversary in 1973. But it's no longer as relevant for today's science, since new samples of Nasimi's manuscripts in his native language have been found. Today it's necessary to prepare another collection, using existing capabilities to gather sources and manuscripts stored in foreign libraries. Compared to Soviet era, we now have access to libraries of Iran, Turkey, and European countries and can prepare scientific and critical analysis of Nasimi's heritage on their basis.

One of the problems associated with the study of Nasimi's heritage concerns study of his prose. Everyone knows him as great thinker, poet and martyr, but almost no one knows that he was also prose writer. Azerbaijani scientific community had no idea that he was prose writer. Now we have introduced this fact into research work of our institute and are actively studying this part of his work. I'm currently working on transliteration of his prose, which Nasimi wrote in his native language. It was published in Turkey and in Germany, we have those texts. Recently, a manuscript of one of his works was found in Iran. It can also be considered unique, since it was written both in prose and in poem. Right now we're planning to prepare this work for printing.

Another of problems of namimivaniya is lack of phased, philological translation of Nasimis Divan into Farsi. Right now we're working on translation of this collection. Overall, it's necessary to publish serious scientific monographs on the poets works, and I think this year will be very fruitful in this regard, since it will open up opportunities for more detailed study and will allow us to fill current gaps in the study of Nasimis works.

- How did Nasimis works influence Azerbaijani literature?

- I have studied Nasimi's work for years, researched his life and works of those who were inspired by heritage of this great Azerbaijani poet. I can say that it's not limited to Azerbaijan, but extends to Europe, Asia and countries of the African continent. You can see traces of Nasimis influence on many poets, writers and philosophers from many regions - from the Balkans to India. Almost all poets and ashugs of Azerbaijan up to the 20th century were influenced by Nasimi to some degree. It's especially true for Jahanshah Kara Koyunlu and Shah Ismail Khatai.

Jahanshah, ruler of the Kara-Koyunlu monarchy from 1435 to 1467, wrote lyric poems in Azerbaijani language under pseudonym Khakiki. His works were heavily influenced by Nasimi, sometimes his poems resembled Nasimis poems so closely that some medieval researches thought Jahanshahs poems were a part of Nasimis Divan. That's why Nasimi is so unique: his poems inspired masters, although he was never palace poet.

Shah Ismail Khatai, who ruled Azerbaijan and Iran from 1501 to 1524 and was a founder of the Safavid dynasty, is associated with Nasimi very closely. We can see great respect and love for Nasimi's personality in his works. In several of his poems mention Nasimi as Sayyid Nasimi or Husseini, thus paying tribute to the memory of great thinker.

Overall, up to Mirza Alakbar Sabir (1862-1911), Azerbaijan had poets whose works are closely associated with Nasimi's heritage. Nasimis influence can be felt even in works of such ashugs as Ashug Alesker and Molla Juma. I would also like to mention prominent Sufi poet of the XIX century, Mir Khamzu Seyyid Nigari, whose works had a lot of common with Nasimi.

We can see Nasimi's influence on Sufi poets of Europe, mainly subjects of the Ottoman Empire. There was a poet in the territory of Hungary in the Middle Ages, whose name was Misali, his tomb, still revered as a shrine, is better known as Gulbaba. You can see a lot of reverences to Nasimi's works in Misali's Divans. Moreover, Nasimis influence can be seen in works of Vehdeti Dimotiksky, who lived in the territory of modern Greece and mentioned Nasimi's name in his works. I belive you can find a lot of other traces of influence of Nasimi in Greece, since Rafia, one of his pupils, carried out missionary work in Greece.Because of this policy change in 2013, almost every Euro Area sovereign has two sets of bonds outstanding: CAC bonds and no-CAC bonds. Is either type of bond safer for investors to hold in the event of a restructuring?

Beginning January 1, 2013, Euro Area authorities required member countries to include collective action clauses, or CACs, in sovereign bonds with a maturity over one year. CACs are a voting mechanism by which a bondholder supermajority (e.g., 66.67% or 75%) can restructure bond terms in a vote that binds dissenters. Before 2013, the vast majority of sovereign bonds issued by Euro area countries not only lacked CACs; they essentially said nothing about restructuring. For much more on CACs, European and otherwise, see here , here and here .

Italy just slipped into recession and has a gargantuan debt stock. Lorenzo Codogno, former chief economist at the Italian finance ministry, sees a crisis around the corner. To quote him (via the Guardian):

All the leading indicators suggest the first quarter of the year will be as bad as the last, and the second quarter will be flat. Its likely things will pick up from there, but even then, it will mean the economy finishes the year in a weak position

If Italy or another Euro Area country needs to restructure, the difference between CAC and no-CAC bonds will become important. As an initial matter, it is tempting to think that the no-CAC bonds protect investors from restructuring, because these bonds implicitly give each bondholder the right to veto a restructuring of the bond. To be clear, the no-CAC bonds dont actually say that investors have this right--the bonds say nothing at all--but this isnt an unreasonable interpretation. But even if so interpreted, it isnt clear that the no-CAC bonds really offer more protection. The reason is that almost all of the bondsCAC and no-CACare governed by the local law of the issuing sovereign. And the sovereign can change that law to facilitate a restructuring. (For discussions of the local-law advantage, see here and here.)

The crucial question, then, is whether CAC and no-CAC bonds differ in terms of the protection they offer investors against changes to local law. It seems to us that this question depends on the answer to a number of other, subsidiary questions:

First, when the bond is governed by the issuing sovereigns law, to what extent do CACs protect investors against adverse changes to this law? We previously wrote about this question when considering the risk of currency redenomination. Our question then was whether CAC bonds, which also require a super-majority vote to change the currency of payment (see the definition of reserved matter), protect against redenomination risk. This question may prove important in the event that Italys financial situation worsens. To broaden our focus beyond redenomination, perhaps CAC bonds give investors some meaningful protection--though hardly complete immunity--from changes to the governing law.

Second, when a bond includes a CAC, must the issuing government use it? Or can the government restructure via some other method (such as imposing a restructuring by fiat via a change to local law)? If the former, CACs would offer investors more protection. Wed expect CAC bonds to trade at higher prices (lower yields) than no-CAC bonds, because they are safer.

Third, do no-CAC bonds in fact give each investor the right to veto a restructuring that would affect their bond? As noted above, we think this is a reasonable interpretation, but there is no clear answer as yet. We suspect this is how many investors understand the bonds, and it corresponds to what many Euro Area policy makers thought about the mandate. (For reports on interviews, see here.)

Euro Area authorities have said very little about how the new CACs will work in a restructuring. Perhaps they do not want to give any indication that another restructuring is in the works. (The official line is mostly that there will never be another debt restructuring in the Euro Area and any question that implies otherwise is terribly stupid.)

Several research papers recently examine the CAC vs. no-CAC question in the context of local-law Euro Area bonds. The papers are by a group of researchers at the ESM, (Picarelli, Erce & Jiang - here), a group from the ECB and the Central Bank of France (Steffen, Grund & Schumacher -- here), and by a group of academics (Carletti, Colla, Ongena & Gulati - here). The papers all use somewhat different datasets and empirical strategies. But the bottom line is the same every time. CAC bonds are viewed by the market as less risky.

These studies, however, dont give a definitive answer as to whether CAC bonds are safer, and they certainly dont explain why they would be safer. Leaving aside suspicions about whether markets price legal risk efficiently, we are still looking for a coherent legal theory to explain why local-law CAC bonds offer more protection than local-law no-CAC bonds. If there is an Italian debt restructuring, this question will play a central role.80%

Website snowdropsdingwall.com uses latest and advanced technologies like: JQuery. It supports HTTPS and GZIP compression. The main html page has a size of 62229 bytes (60.77 kb uncompressed) and 16590 bytes (16.20 kb compressed).

This CoolSocial report was updated on 2019-09-27, you can refresh this analysis whenever you want.Original review: Jan. 17, 2021

This location has no definitive closing time. I thought is was always 10:00 pm. I get off work at the latest 9:45. I have been there at 9:45, at 9:50 and 9:55. I do realize that this is cutting close to 10:00 pm. On all three of these occasions I have been told that this location was close. The lights were still on outside & at the drive-thru. I did however, on 1 occassion, arrive at 9:48 pm and was able to place an order. I had asked for a minute to decide on what I wished to purchased, to which I received a rude, exasperated response of "We are closed in 5 minutes".At the end of last year, there was no sign at all that Party members were willing to back Theresa Mays Brexit deal, according to our survey. Seventy-one per cent of respondents opposed it and 26 per cent supported it.

But last month, the suggestion that the Northern Ireland backstop might be removed from the deal won a majority for it. Thirteen per cent of those surveyed said that they would back the deal outright, and 40 per cent that they would do so were the backstop to be removed from it. So 53 per cent lined up behind one of those two options. Forty-five per cent said that the deal would not be acceptable to them even were the backstop to be removed.

Since then, the Prime Minister has thrown her weight behind the so-called Brady amendment  whipping the Parliamentary Party to support Sir Grahams motion to remove the backstop from the Withdrawal Agreement. In the wake of last Tuesdays votes, she told the Commons that she would now take this mandate forward and seek to obtain legally binding changes to the Withdrawal Agreement.

This seems to have done her a power of good with Party members. According to this months survey, the proportion who oppose her deal under any circumstances is down to 36 per cent. These will be some Second Referendum backers but mostly No Deal supporters. (The best part of 90 per cent of Party members are opposed to the former, according to last months survey.)

Seventeen per cent of Party members back the deal as it stands. Forty-four per cent would support it were the backstop to be removed from the Withdrawal Agreement. Forty-one per cent would do so were the UK to have the unilateral right to leave the backstop. Thirty-three per cent would so were the backstop to have a time limit that would enable the UK to quit it before the next election.

Add those last three percentages to the 17 per cent who support the deal in any event, and one has 61 per cent, 58 per cent and 50 per cent. Twelve per cent would back the deal were the UK able to leave the backstop after the next election. Add the 17 per cent and one has a total of 29 per cent. All in all, the Brady amendment, and perhaps the Malthouse Compromise, have given Tory unity a shot in the arm among Party members as well as Conservative MPs.

Of course, legally binding changes to the Withdrawal Agreement dont necessarily imply changes to the text of the backstop itself. And the EU may not be up for any sort of change to the deal (if it is, the most likely route is some kind of codicil or annexe).

But these are much better results for May than any that the survey has found recently, and is a gift horse that some in Downing Street and CCHQ wont want to look in the mouth.John Strafford: The Conservative Party no longer belongs to its members. No wonder it faces an existential crisis.

John Strafford is Chairman of the Campaign for Conservative Democracy.

The Conservative Party faces an unprecedented existential threat. This arises because there is a wide gap between the hierarchy of the Party, backed by parts of the Parliamentary Party, and the voluntary Party members. The hierarchy of the Party includes the Leader, Party Chairman, Deputy Chairmen, Vice Chairmen, and Treasurer, none of whom have been elected by the members. The backbenchers are reliant on the hierarchy for their promotion within the Party and in Government, and so are mainly deferential to that hierarchy.

The gap between the hierarchy and the members has been growing for the last 20 years since the introduction of the Partys constitution, and has been brought to a head by Brexit. Roughly 60 per cent of the hierarchy and Parliamentary Party supported remaining in the E.U, whilst 70 per cent of the members of the Party want to leave the E.U. If we do not leave the E.U. on terms that are acceptable to the members of the Party, large numbers will leave it  hence the existential threat. How have we arrived at this appalling situation? We must go back to 1998 to see how this gap was created.

Once the 1998 constitution was brought in, CCHQ began to demolish all lines of communication between the members and the hierarchy. All the checks and balances which existed prior to 1998 were abolished. Pre-1998, the annual Party Conference was organised and run by the National Union (i.e: the voluntary Party). It invited the Leader and other Ministers to speak at the conference. There were motions for debate tabled at the conference and published in a handbook. Votes were taken on the motions. After CCHQ took over, 1999 was the last Conference at which we had motions for debate.

So what else happened after 1998?

The Central Council of voluntary members met twice a year and the Party Chairman and other Ministers used to attend. It consisted of several thousand members, including representatives of the Womens Organisation, Young Conservatives and others and at which motions for debate on Party organisation were tabled. It was abolished.

The National Union Executive Committee which was regularly addressed by the Party Leader and had elected representatives by the membership was abolished.

Regional meetings for Party members which used to be held four times a year and which had officers elected by the members, motions for debate etc, were all abolished with a couple of exceptions.

Regional meetings of the Conservative Political Centre (CPC) which had officers elected by the members and which discussed policy issues were abolished, also with a couple of exceptions.

The National Committee of the CPC which had members elected by the membership of the Party and which had meetings with the Leader was abolished.

The Annual Conference of the CPC which any member could attend and which was addressed by Ministers was abolished.

The Spring Forum 2019 has been cancelled.

All the lines of communication between the Party hierarchy and the ordinary membership of the Party have been eliminated.

One of the main reasons CCHQ wanted control was so that they could control the Conservative MPs. Prior to 1998, constituency associations had effective control of their candidates in a general election. This issue came to a head in the general election of 1997 when CCHQ asked the Tatton Constituency Association to drop Neil Hamilton as their candidate. They refused, and Hamilton was defeated by Martin Bell.

Under the new Constitution, CCHQ was determined to take control ,and this came to a head just before the general election of 2005 when Howard Flight had the Conservative whip withdrawn by Michael Howard  thereby removing his right to stand as a Conservative candidate.

The Leader not only controls Conservative MPs but also, through the Party Board, aanyone who wishes to become a MP, because the Board appoints the Chairman of the Candidates Committee which determines who may be a Conservative Candidate.

In the 20 years since 1998 there have been five general elections. The Conservative Party has won one of them. In the 20 years prior to the constitution there were five general elections. The Conservative Party won four of them.

In promoting the benefits of being a member of the Conservative Party, it is always pointed out that you can elect the Leader of the Party. However, in every recent leadership election to date there have been attempts to frustrate the members rights.

In 1998, when William Hague introduced the new constitution, he was anointed by the membership, a year after his election by MPs, without any competitor. In 2001, Michael Portillo was the front runner and the MPs wanted the run off to be between him and Iain Duncan-Smith, so they transferred votes from Portillo to Duncan-Smith. The result was that Portillo lost by one vote to Ken Clarke. In 2003, Michael Howard was the only name put forward, so the members didnt get a vote.

In 2005, Michael Howard tried to change the Party Constitution so that MPs would have the final say on who should be Leader. The change was defeated. In 2016, only one name came forward, so the members didnt get a vote. Not a good record for Party democracy is it?

At a local level, many Associations have dispensed with holding adoption meetings, so members no longer have a say on whether their MP should continue.

I have mentioned the gap that exists between the Party hierarchy and the membership of the Party. That gap has been growing for the last 20 years and Brexit has brought it to a head  but the issues at stake range wider than is Brexit. Traditional Conservative principles seem to have been forgotten. Now we have regulation poured onto regulation  the State gets ever bigger. I am reminded of Hayeks book The Road to Serfdom in which he explains that at the end of the road, after regulation has been imposed on regulation, you end up with a totalitarian state, tyranny and dictatorship. I can see the end of the road.

Now, before it is too late, is the time to reform the Conservative Party. We must close the gap between the party hierarchy and the members. That can only happen with member involvement.

We can start by having an Annual General Meeting to which all Party members are invited We can elect the Party Chairman, Deputy Chairman, Treasurer, Chairman of Candidates and Chairman of the Conservative Policy Forum and make them accountable to Party members. We can have a Party Conference at which members can table motions for debate and on which votes are taken, but most of all: we must have a Constitution, which can be amended on the basis of One Member One Vote. That is democracy. Without it, the Conservative Party will slowly drain away down the plug hole of history.Many MPs find the WA in its current form unacceptable. Indeed the Commons have rejected it by a large majority. Others find the possible economic and logistical disruption of an exit without any WA equally troubling.

For too long the Brexit debate and negotiations have been stymied by a collective gamble over this choice. Each side of a naturally binary debate  Leave/Remain  was manoeuvering around this fallback arrangement in the event of the WAs failing, to the extent that the WA itself was being neglected and consensus could not emerge about what it should and should not contain.

Our intention therefore was to create a degree of optionality to mitigate the binary quality of that choice  and to do so in a way in which those on both sides could accept a package as a whole that sought to address their concerns. The idea is that each side will find in the package proposals that they might not consider ideal but will find acceptable.

In this way we hope a consensus will emerge across the House and that we can have an eminently reasonable set of options to present to our EU partners which could command a majority  something the EU have quite rightly been asking to see for some time.

The structure of the compromise is to offer the EU a choice of two plans: Plan A is predicated on achieving agreement on a WA that addresses the principal weakness of the current version, the perpetual character of the Irish backstop, and its consequences for the Future Relationship between the UK and the EU. Plan B assumes that agreement on a WA is not possible and that both sides accept a responsibility to act so as to minimize as far as possible the disruption that might arise to people and businesses in the EU and the UK.

Both Plan A and Plan B involve the UKs ceasing to be a Member State of the EU according to the timetable set by Article 50 of the treaties, that is on 29th March 2019.

In order therefore 

Plan A  The Deal:

Essentially we would offer the existing WA with two changes:

First we would extend the implementation period until no later than December 2021. This would involve more money, but also provide a longer period to agree the Future Relationship (FR), with an immovable deadline to act as an incentive for talks.Rebel remainers mull Valentines Day exodus plot

Letwin tells stunned local members he didnt believe in manifesto  Sunday Telegraph

Tory mutineer Boles faces deselection  Sunday Times

Election talk has grown louder since the prime minister won a key victory on Tuesday. After a last-minute pact between Brexiteer hardliners and Tory moderates, MPs voted to demand a new deal from Brussels that would seek to ditch the controversial backstop plan for Northern Ireland. That has bought May two weeks of relative peace. But, under the radar, rivalries are set to explode. The Sunday Times can reveal that: Philip Hammond, the chancellor, summoned MPs to discuss how the government could call a new EU referendum; Tory and Labour MPs are plotting to resign their party whip on February 14 if they do not get a referendum  dubbed the St Valentines Day break-up; [and] an unholy alliance has formed to force through a deal consisting of Mays allies, a member of the shadow cabinet, the trade unions and Labour MPs, with Jeremy Corbyns tacit approval.  Sunday Times

Labour:

Peoples Vote draws up hit list of Labour MPs who voted with May  Sun on Sunday

Rebel Labour MPs to form breakaway centrist party  The Observer

Labour MPs who backed Brexit dubbed snakes by Corbynites  Sun on Sunday

as McDonnell claims they sold their votes  The Observer

More MPs:

Johnson rubbishes claims he threw away vital documents in public bin  Sunday Express

Davis mocked for mix-up  Mail on Sunday

>Yesterday: ToryDiary: The Meaningful Vote is yet another backfiring constitutional innovation

as May invokes Corbyns support and vows to battle for Britain in Brussels

Theresa May has invoked the support of Jeremy Corbyn to insist the EU must offer concessions on her Brexit deal, as she pledges to battle for Britain when she travels to Brussels to re-open negotiations. Writing in The Telegraph, Mrs May states that although the Labour leader refused to support her in the Commons last week, he also believes that the controversial Irish backstop needs to be addressed with Brussels. Mrs May suggests that she will seek either an alternative to the backstop, or a time limit or unilateral exit mechanism to prevent the UK from being trapped in EUs structures indefinitely  both of which have already been publicly rejected by Brussels. But pledging that she will return to the city with new ideas and a renewed determination Mrs May also calls for unity in the Commons, stating: If we stand together and speak with one voice, I believe we can find the right way forward.  Sunday Telegraph

Prime Minister appeals to Baltic states for support  Mail on Sunday

Harrington warns that voters would never forgive no-deal disaster  The Observer

Exasperated EU leaders prepare to hold line until March 29  Sunday Times

Brussels will offer substantial concession  Sunday Express

More:

Williamson will order Navy to replace ferries  Mail on Sunday

French employers warn of no-deal chaos  FT

Plan to evacuate Queen after no-deal Brexit  Sunday Times

>Today:

and the party considers a possible election

Labour slump in the polls  Sunday Express

Corbyn calls for snap election  The Observer

Britain could go to the polls on the anniversary of D-Day as Downing Street considers plans to cement Theresa May in power. No 10 strategists have discussed a scenario under which the Prime Minister would delay the Article 50 Brexit process beyond the end of March, win Commons support for her deal in April  and then go to the country in the following weeks on the back of her success. The first Thursday in June  the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Europe from the Nazis  is one option on the table. In a major boost for Mrs Mays Brexit strategy last night, a new poll showed the Tories have opened up a seven-point lead over Labour in the past two weeks. The Opinium survey put the Tories on 41 per cent  up four percentage points  and Labour down six to 34. It comes as the Tory Partys HQ has moved on to a war footing by block-booking printing plants and hiking its spending on digital advertising.  Mail on Sunday

>Today: John Strafford in Comment: The Conservative Party no longer belongs to its members. No wonder it faces an existential crisis.

>Yesterday: Nick Hargraves column: Conservative moderates need to help change our Party. Heres how to start doing it.

Theresa May: I will battle for Britain in Brussels

This week the leaders of the campaign for a second referendum had the chance to put their plan before the House of Commons  but they recognised there is no majority in this Parliament to hold another vote. Indeed, I believe there never will be. When the House of Commons refused to support the withdrawal agreement, I listened  I pledged to think again, and go back to Brussels to secure a plan that Parliament can stand behind. Now its time for MPs demanding a second referendum to do the same  listen to the House and instead put your efforts behind securing a better Brexit for all of us. Because the UK is leaving the EU. The clock is ticking, and negotiating the changes MPs want to see will not be easy. But if we stand together and speak with one voice, I believe we can find the right way forward. Im determined to deliver Brexit, and determined to deliver on time  on March 29, 2019. So lets put aside our differences and focus on getting the deal over the line. Brexit offers great opportunities for our country. Its up to all of us at Westminster to make it work.  Sunday Telegraph

Brussels should listen to the Prime Minister to help pass her deal  Nick Herbert, FT

I have lost Remainer friends for backing compromise  Nicky Morgan, Sunday Telegraph

Delaying Brexit will wreck any lingering faith in politicians  Jacob Rees-Mogg, Sun on Sunday

We must rule out a hard exit, business is at breaking point  Richard Harrington, The Observer

More:

May can soldier on now both sides know total victory is out of reach  Adam Boulton, Sunday Times

Tories should heed Letwin: they wont be forgiven for no deal  Andrew Rawnsley, The Observer

EU is taking hardest possible line in hopes of derailing Brexit  Daniel Hannan, Sunday Telegraph

Ireland:

Twelve reasons the backstop makes no sense at all  Henry Newman, Sunday Telegraph

Mays quest to get the EU to drop the backstop is daft  Dan Hodges, Mail on Sunday

The backstop is about peace, Britain must stand by it  Simon Coveney, Sunday Times

Its a massive failure of civic unionism that the backstop got so far  Ben Lowry, News Letter

Editorial:

MPs must respect the will of the electorate and carry Brexit through  Sun on Sunday

Javid cuts funding to knife crime programme

Home Secretary reveals boy who inspired new Knife Crime Prevention Orders  Sun on Sunday

Lidington warns that fewer trains harms case for HS2

The home secretary, Sajid Javid, has secretly reduced funding for a scheme to help children escape knife crime, despite a sharp rise in the number of murders and stabbings. In July, Javid had said that he was doubling the 11m that was allocated to the early intervention youth fund to 22m. This was part of a public health approach to combating knife crime and other offences. While on a recent visit to the West Midlands, however, the policing minister Nick Hurd quietly announced that the funding had been reduced to 17m. Louise Haigh, Labours shadow policing minister, described the move as shameful The Home Office said: As well as taking immediate action to curb knife crime, we need a longer-term approach to prevent young people from getting drawn into a life of crime in the first place.  Sunday Times

Theresa Mays deputy has warned that a proposed reduction in the number of trains running along High Speed 2 will seriously undermine the case for continuing with the project. David Lidington has asked HS2 Ltd, the government-owned firm behind the scheme to set out the current business case for the 56 billion project, after The Sunday Telegraph revealed that the company had suggested it could cut the hourly number of trains by a fifth to prevent costs from spiraling out of control. His intervention came as Lord Darling, the former Labour chancellor, claimed that the Y-shaped route, from London to Birmingham, Leeds and Manchester, is never going to get to the North in his lifetime. Speaking in the House of Lords, the 65-year-old, suggested that it would be better to spend the funds on more manageable, more deliverable projects rather than something that might be a grandiose vision but we may not live to see.  Sunday Telegraph

Rail chiefs paid out 3 million in compensation for injuries  Sun on Sunday

Ministers backtrack from free train wifi  Sunday Telegraph

Hinds orders social media companies to do good

changed the way human beings interact with each other and that means company bosses absolutely have a responsibility.  Sunday Times

Watchdog demands halt to Facebook political ads  Sunday Times

Social media companies have a moral duty to do more to remove content that promotes suicide and self-harm and should use their technical genius to do social good, the education secretary has declared. In an interview with The Sunday Times, Damian Hinds said he would unveil plans this month to ensure that teenagers had lessons in how to deal with the pressures of social media to stem the rising tide of self-harm. Lessons will include ways of coping with the perfect lives others depict on sites such as Instagram and Facebook and how to deal with body image problems. Tomorrow the education department will launch a pilot scheme in some schools to promote mental health. Hinds said action was required because social media apps had

Editorial:

Facebook has to face up to the damage it does  Sunday Times

>Yesterday: Holly Whitbread in Comment: Promoting parental responsibility is the key to addressing anti-social behaviour

Mordaunt floats foreign aid gap year apprenticeships

Teenagers could be offered apprenticeship gap years in developing countries, as part of an overhaul of Britains aid programme, The Telegraph understands. Penny Mordaunt, the international development secretary, has drawn up proposals to use the aid programme to provide professional training in fields such as accounting, engineering and project management. Ms Mordaunt is understood to be concerned that current gap year schemes are a pipe dream for many school leavers. Sources said she wanted to transform the existing International Citizenship Service, (ICS) a volunteering service for 18-25 year-olds funded by her department, into a pathway to employment for young disadvantaged British people. The proposed scheme was first suggested by Robert Halfon, a former Tory skills minister, who said it would provide a ladder of opportunity for young people.  Sunday Telegraph

International Development Secretary says Brits must be able to invest in overseas schemes  Sun on Sunday

Corbyn splits with adviser over transgender women

debate, which has divided the party. Last year 300 women resigned from the party over the inclusion of trans women on the all-women shortlists.  The Times

Scottish business humiliated and dismayed by SNP budget

Jeremy Corbyn is at odds with his own domestic policy adviser, Lachlan Stuart, who has said that trans women remain biologically male. The Labour leaders adviser said that a trans woman could not identify as a woman until she is subject to the same structural oppressions (sexisms) as are all women. Even then, he clarified, she would be a woman only in a limited socio-cultural sense. Stuarts comments on Twitter, which were made in January 2017 while he was employed in his current post, directly contradict Corbyn. In October last year Corbyn told the PinkNews Awards that Labour supports reform of the Gender Recognition Act and the Equality Act to allow for self-declaration. Stuart is not the first Labour figure to wade into the gender

Business leaders in Scotland say they have been left humiliated and dismayed by the Scottish Government over the suite of new taxes unveiled in last weeks budget. They are now demanding face-to-face talks with the Finance Secretary, Derek Mackay, amid growing concerns of a breakdown in relations between industry leaders and Holyrood. The SNP Government is accused of jeopardising economic growth at a time of deep uncertainty over Brexit to strike a political deal with the Greens which secured passage of its 34 billion budget last week. A new tourist tax, workplace parking levy, increased plastic bag charge and levy for disposable cups were all announced, along with powers for town halls to axe rates relief on empty commercial properties. There are fears that Scotlands 11 billion flagship tourism industry could suffer under the new visitor levy, possibly 2 a night on hotel.  Scotland on SundayIndia protests arrest of 129 students in US Customs fake university sting

In a curious case of life imitating art, over 100 Indian students have been implicated in an immigration education sting. The Indian Embassy has taken measures for the affected citizens to get in touch and India has made a diplomatic protest to the US.

US authorities had arrested 129 Indians enrolled at a fake university run by undercover agents in Detroit, Michigan to expose a pay-to-stay immigration fraud. The case bears some similarities to the plot of the movie Accepted, in which the main character creates a fake university to attend and accepts enrollments that swell to hundreds of admittances.

The arrested Indians have been placed in removal proceedings  marked for deportation, in other words  and will remain in the custody of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) until the conclusion of their case by immigration courts.

US prosecutors announced last week the arrest of eight men of Indian descent for using the fake university, University of Farmington, to run a pay-to-stay for foreigners stay on a student visa and work. Photo courtesy: Wikimedia

The arrested students, their friends and family members can contact the embassy at cons3.washington@mea.gov.in. The Indian embassy has appointed a nodal officer to handle and coordinate all issues related to helping Indian students affected by the busting of the "pay-and-stay" racket run by a group of Indians that has put some 600 students under trouble.

US prosecutors announced last week the arrest of eight men of Indian descent for using the fake university, University of Farmington, to run a pay-to-stay for foreigners stay on a student visa and work. The institute, which touted itself as a nationally accredited business and STEM institution, had no instructors and ran no classes or educational activities. It has since been shut down and its website has been taken down.

It enrolled at least 600 students, officials have said. Of the 130 arrested, 129 were Indian nationals.

These individuals have been placed in removal proceedings, and ICE will seek to maintain them in its custody pending the outcome of those proceedings, Carissa Cutrell, a spokesperson for ICE, wrote in an email.

On Saturday, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued the protest to the US embassy in Delhi, expressing concern over the arrests and demanding consular access to those detained.

"Our concern over the dignity and wellbeing of the detained students and the need for immediate consular access for Indian officials to the detainees was reiterated," the ministry said.

The Indian embassy in Washington DC has been in touch with US officials and has sought consular access to the arrested students and officials have said they are doing all they can to help.

Most of the affected are from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh and are also receiving help from community associations. One of them, the American Telugu Association has launched a webpage to help the students and organised a webinar with immigration lawyers to guide them to be watchful with fake agents who promise illegal ways to stay in USA with admissions in unaccredited colleges.

Lawyers have argued many of the students enrolled believing the university was legal. Some of them were studying elsewhere and switched to Farmington when their course lost accreditation. Other were doing second masters as looked for speciality work under the B-1B programme, which grants 20,000 visas every year to holders of advanced degrees from US educational institutions.

The government utilized very questionable and troubling methods to get these foreign students to join the institution, Ravi Mannam, an immigration lawyer in Atlanta, told The New York Times.

The university in Detroit's Farmington Hills was part of an undercover operation by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) designed to expose immigration fraud, according to federal prosecutors who announced charges in the case.

A screenshot of the University of Farmington website. Photo courtesy: FIH

Federal investigators say the students who took admission in the university knew that the university programme was illegal. Officials said all of them face deportation, besides being put under detention.

According to the ICE, in 2017, as many as 249,763 Indian students were enrolled in the various American universities.

Consular Officers from Indian Consulate in Houston met the arrested Indian students at Prairieland Detention Centre, Alvarado, Texas.Family fun for all at the AAA20 gala dinner

To commemorate their 20 years as a registered organisation in Singapore, Annamalai University Alumni Association (Singapore Chapter) organised a Grand Gala dinner event for all its members and their families. The occasion was graced by Prof V Murugesan, Vice-Chancellor of Annamalai University and Dr Teo Ho Pin Mayor of North-West CDC.

The traditional lamp called the kuthuvilakku was lit by Mrs Thinnappan and Mrs Chandrasekaran, spouses of two of the advisory members of AAA. Photo courtesy: AAA20

Held in conjunction with AAA alumni taking an oath for 1,000 hours of community service, the Guest of Honour, Minister for Communications and Information Mr S Iswaran was present as well earlier.

A magic show, arranged especially for children, got even the grown-ups mesmerised.

The traditional lamp called the kuthuvilakku was lit by Mrs Thinnappan and Mrs Chandrasekaran, spouses of two of the advisory members of AAA; the advisory committee members, Mr Sethunarayanan and Dr Seetharaman, and the Vice Chancellor.

This was followed by an enchanting dance ensemble showcasing the multi-cultural ethos of Singapore. Popular party songs with dances added mirth to the evening.

A magic show, arranged especially for children, got even the grown-ups mesmerised.

The Vice-Chancellor was honoured following which he addressed the gathering of over 350 people. His speech focussed on the various plans he has for Annamalai University and the ways in which the alumni can support in his endeavours. He also highlighted that, 2019 being the 90th anniversary of Annamalai University, he intended to have a Global Alumni Meet at the campus during this year.

The Mayor was then invited to speak. The long-time friend of AAA was gracious in his appreciation of AAAs contribution to the community and especially to Bukit Panjang CC. He also congratulated Annamalai University on the occasion of its 90th anniversary.

Several AAA family members joined in the singing, taking the celebration up by several notches. Mr GT Mani, the EmCee, kept the series of programmes flowing seamlessly through the evening.

An enchanting dance ensemble showcased the multi-cultural ethos of Singapore. Photo courtesy: AAA20

An interesting and humourous skit by the members bridging the nostalgic campus life and present day scenario received thunderous applause.

The dance floor was thrown open with memories of college life filling the screen space and the song, Mustafa Mustafa that celebrates friendship played in the background.

In the end, a cake was cut to celebrate the birthdays of those who were born in the month of January.

The photo gallery showcasing the 20-year journey of AAA was quite interesting. Also on display were books authored by AAA members and excellent pieces of art made by AAA family members.More than 20,000 participants and spectators attended the Hala China Grand Parade, organised in collaboration with the Consulate-General of the Peoples Republic of China in Dubai and China's Ministry of Culture and Tourism.



Hosted by Hala China, a joint initiative by Meraas and Dubai Holding, the colourful event was held along Al Mustaqbal Street at City Walk, Meraas design-inspired open-air destination.



The spectacular parade featured enormous dragons, acrobatic performers, magicians, kung fu fighters, Sichuan dancers, and other traditional acts that showcased the vibrant Chinese culture. The event marked another milestone for Hala China, an initiative that explores opportunities to facilitate economic development in Dubai and China through tourism, trade and investment.



Distinguished guests at the event included His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum; Tan Li, acting consul-general of the Peoples Republic of China in Dubai, and Sheikh Majid Al Mualla, chairman of the Board of Directors at Hala China. The parade was one of the main highlights of the month-long Chinese New Year festivities in Dubai.



Addressing the crowd, Sheikh Majid welcomed Chinese expats and tourists marking the occasion in Dubai to the biggest celebrations of Chinese New Year outside the Peoples Republic of China. He also praised the UAEs initiative to honour the cultures of the two nations that reinforces the countrys commitment to observing the Year of Tolerance in 2019.



Li expressed her appreciation for the role played by the Hala China initiative in strengthening social ties between the UAE and China.



Under the Hala China initiative, Dubai is currently hosting a packed schedule of Chinese New Year activities across popular destinations, including Bluewaters, Boxpark, Dubai Parks and Resorts, JBR, La Mer, Madinat Jumeirah, The Beach, Global Village and The Outlet Village. The agenda features a sprawling Chinese market at Dubai Parks and Resorts from February 1 to 9, a street food market that will set up shop at Al Seef from February 7 to 23, and a host of other events aimed at encouraging residents and visitors to embrace Chinese culture.



Chinese New Year falls on February 5. - TradeArabia News ServiceOakwood - Patsy Jean Davis, 88, of Oakwood, passed away at 12:27 a.m. Wednesday, June 16, 2021 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. Patsy was born on January 15, 1933 in Danville, IL the daughter of James & Gurlie (Sharp) Hardman. She married Hubert Davis on May 15, 1969 at the LincolHere are the minutes of an April 29, 2016, meeting that included representatives of the city of Columbia, Boone County, Columbia Public Schools, MU and the Columbia Chamber of Commerce. The minutes show that Mayor Brian Treece attended and that there was talk of working for legislation that would allow students to ride city buses to school.WASHINGTON  President Donald Trump said he will keep the U.S. military in Iraq, in order to keep a close eye on Iran, which is a "real problem," according to a CBS interview that will broadcast on Sunday.

Trump's decision to draw down military forces in the Middle East has been met with fierce criticism, and helped prompt the departure of James Mattis as Defense Secretary. But in an interview with CBS, the president suggested the U.S. would at least maintain a presence to keep an eye on Tehran.

"I want to be able to watch Iran ... all I want to do is be able to watch," Trump told CBS' "Face the Nation" adding that he was not planning a military strike on Iran.

"This is what a lot of people don't understand. We're going to keep watching and we're going to keep seeing and if there's trouble, if somebody is looking to do nuclear weapons or other things, we're going to know it before they do," he added.

Trump then explained that since the United States has spent a "fortune" on the Al Asad Air Base in western Iraq, which he made a surprise visit to in December, the U.S. will hold on to it.

"We have an unbelievable and expensive military base built in Iraq. It's perfectly situated for looking at all over different parts of the troubled Middle East rather than pulling up," he said.

In wake of a number of public differences he's had with intelligence officials regarding their assessments of threats to the U.S., Trump said he trusted them--but wouldn't always agree with what they said.Guards stand on the US side of the US-Mexico border fence as seen from Tijuana, Mexico, on November 16, 2018.

The troop deployment, which was approved by Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan on Jan. 11, will last for 90 days. The border mission includes mobile surveillance capability as well as the emplacement of approximately 150 miles of concertina wire between ports of entry. The Pentagon first approved the deployment of active-duty troops to the Mexico border in October, on the heels of the U.S. midterm congressional elections.

The additional troops will bring the total number of forces supporting the border mission to approximately 4,350, according to estimates provided by the Department of Defense.

WASHINGTON  The Pentagon announced Sunday a deployment of about 3,750 troops to the U.S. border with Mexico, as President Donald Trump continues to press the need for stronger border security amid a surge in migrants from Central America.

Trump made the caravan of approximately 3,500 Central American migrants seeking asylum as one of his prime targets ahead of midterm elections. The president has referred to the caravan as an "invasion," while arguing that Democrats want open borders.

The movement of thousands of active-duty troops to the border has been criticized as a political stunt designed to back Trump's campaign promise of securing U.S. ports of entry.

At the time, Secretary of Defense James Mattis downplayed that criticism, saying that the Pentagon is providing "practical support based on the request from the commissioner of customs and border police. We don't do stunts in this department," he added.

The latest revelation comes on the heels of a partial government shutdown stemming from the impasse over Trump's demand for $5.7 billion to construct a border wall.

In an interview with CBS' "Face the Nation," Trump said that shutting down the federal government again and declaring a national emergency are options he's considering when addressing the border security issue.

"It's national emergency, it's other things and you know there have been plenty national emergencies called. And this really is an invasion of our country by human traffickers," Trump said in an interview set to broadcast on Sunday.

"We're going to have a strong border. And the only way you have a strong border is you need a physical barrier. You need a wall. And anybody that says you don't, they're just playing games," he added.Live sperm samples displayed on a monitor. Sumit Dayal Bloomberg | Getty Images

Forget spit. Some companies are betting men will be willing to send them another, perhaps more personal, piece of their genetic code: sperm. Start-ups, including Legacy and Dadi, are selling kits online that men can use to collect their sperm wherever they please, mail it back and freeze it for months or even years. These companies are pitching the addition of convenience and comfort  minus a trip to the doctor. At-home genetic tests have already gotten people comfortable with swabbing their cheeks or spitting in a tube and sending off their DNA. More recently, start-ups like Hims and Roman have started selling erectile dysfunction pills over the internet. These companies have championed putting the consumer in control of their health. Similarly, these direct-to-consumer sperm freezing kits say they're empowering men to be more proactive about fertility. Even though men are responsible for issues in one-third of infertile couples, some people still view fertility as a woman's issue. Doctors applaud efforts to get men talking about fertility. However, they worry men might not get the full story. "I think in general there's a little bit sky is falling mentality that may be a little misguided with what [companies are] saying," said Dr. Jesse Mills, an associate urology professor and director of the men's clinic at the University of California, Los Angeles.

Most men who freeze their sperm are likely to or are at risk of becoming infertile, including people about to start chemotherapy, get a vasectomy or are members of the military, police officers and firefighters. They typically consult with a doctor first. If they decide to go through with it, the doctor hands them a cup and escorts them to a room where they can collect. The process can be more clinical than comfortable. Khaled Kteily, founder of Legacy, said he first thought about sperm freezing four years ago when a spilled cup of hot tea hospitalized him with second degree burns. The tea "thankfully" landed on his thigh and not "elsewhere." It got him thinking about how even though he didn't want kids now, he does want them in the future. Then one of his friends, who was 30 at the time, found out he had cancer and needed to freeze his sperm immediately before starting chemotherapy. The whole process cost about $1,000. That got Kteily thinking about what would happen if you could make it less expensive. "If you could freeze it, why not?" he said. Legacy plays with this idea. The homepage of its website reads, "Protect your most valuable assets." Dadi's homepage says, "Stop the clock start your future."

Humanize and normalize

Legacy and another start-up, Dadi, sell kits online. Men receive them within a day. They ejaculate into the cup and mix the semen with a preservative solution. They put everything back in the box and ship it back to the lab where it's then analyzed and frozen. Both companies send patients results. Neither requires patients to connect with a doctor. Legacy has patients fill out a questionnaire so it can give them recommendations. When people get results outside of the normal range, Legacy offers to connect them to a genetic counselor who doubles as a fertility specialist. Dadi does not offer to connect "customers" to doctors. Mills, the urologist, said he would love it if men got their sperm analyzed before they started thinking about kids instead of after they have spent years trying and failing. However, he worries people will be misled about their chances to conceive as they age or the costs and risks that come with sperm banking. Men don't have a rigid biological clock to conceive like women do. Studies have shown sperm does lose some quality as men age, but most of the declines come when men are in their 60s or 70s, said Dr. Jim Dupree, assistant professor in the department of urology at University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. "To my knowledge, I have not seen any meaningful data saying a man in his 30s has significantly worse sperm than a man in his 20s," he said.

Defrosting down the roadFor more than a decade, billionaire Eddie Lampert was arguably able to run Sears like his kingdom.

The hedge fund titan who combined Sears and Kmart in 2005 led Sears Holdings as its chairman, CEO and largest investor. The company had public shareholders and a board of directors, but Lampert had unique discretion guiding its fate. That fate was tortured. Under his stewardship, Sears closed over 3,500 stores, slashed roughly 250,000 jobs and saw its share price fall from $193 a share in 2007 to less than a dollar.

Now, bystanders in that destruction are finally having their day in court. Sears unsecured creditors  people owed money by Sears who are unprotected by collateral  will head to U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York in White Plains on Monday to protest Lampert and air their grievances. Unsecured creditors are objecting to Lampert's $5.2 billion deal to buy Sears out of bankruptcy through his hedge fund ESL Investments, the only deal that would stave off liquidation. In a litany of filings that piled up over the past two weeks, they have accused Lampert of everything from "stealing assets" to "years of misconduct" that reads like a "Shakespearean tragedy."

Lampert, who helped prop up Sears for years through investments from ESL, is Sears' largest creditor, and its most protected with collateral.

The fate of the 126-year-old chain will be decided upon by Judge Robert Drain in what is expected to be a two-day hearing on Monday, Feb. 4 and Wednesday, Feb. 6. Drain has already shown a propensity for pushing Lampert and Sears to draft a deal that would save jobs, having twice granted the parties more time in order to craft a resolution when it seemed like they had reached a breaking point.

Sears' unsecured creditors include the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp., the federal government oversight organization that guarantees Sears' pension, which is more than $1 billion underfunded. The group is arguing that Lampert's deal to buy Sears will undo an agreement the PBGC struck with Lampert in 2015. To help fill the pension's losses, Lampert granted the group a lien and royalty fees from some of its most valuable assets: the Kenmore, Craftsman and Diehard brands.

The PBGC is arguing that as part of Lampert's deal to buy Sears, Lampert will get back full access to Kenmore and Diehard, leaving it and its 90,000 pensioners empty-handed.

The group also includes mall-owner Simon Property Group, whose CEO David Simon told investors the company is putting Sears in its "rear-view mirror." The mall owner has said the ability to replace shuttered Sears stores in its malls with higher paying tenants has helped its business. It could, arguably, be in Simon's best interest for the company to go out of business entirely.

A focus for the unsecured creditor committee, which filed a roughly 100-page objection against Lampert, will be deals Lampert did under his tenure. The group argues his unique control gave Lampert "undue influence to siphon value" on favorable terms. The deals include Sears' spinoff of Lands' End in 2014 and transactions with Seritage Growth Properties, a real estate investment trust Lampert created through some Sears' properties a year later.

Lampert, for his part, will defend himself through his legal team, as he did with ESL's court filing on Friday. The filing accused Sears' unsecured creditors of efforts to "poison the well" against ESL, with "page after page of its pleadings with smears and false narratives that are completely irrelevant" to his proposed acquisition of Sears. Lampert has argued that all transactions done under his watch were approved the company's independent board.

ESL stressed that the offer will save 45,000 jobs and was approved by an independent restructuring committee made up of the independent members on its board, including restructuring experts like William L. Transier and Alan Carr, a former attorney at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom.

At issue on Monday will also likely be the motivations behind Lampert's efforts to save Sears. Its unsecured creditors have cast doubt in the altruism of Lampert's efforts. They say his proposed deal is "nothing but the final fulfillment of a years long scheme to rob Sears and its creditors of assets and employees of jobs while lining Lampert's and ESL's own pockets." They also doubt Sears' post-bankruptcy viability and its ability to avoid a second trip to bankruptcy court  a fate several other retailers have recently endured.

There is reason for concern.

Under Lampert's guidance the company hasn't turned a profit since 2010. The department store industry continues its decline: department stores accounted for 14.5 percent of all North American retail purchases in 1985 but only 4.3 percent last year, according to Neil Saunders, managing director of GlobalData Retail. Sears' peers, like department stores Bon-Ton and Mervyn's, have gone out of business while rivals like discount retailers Walmart and Target have poured money Sears and Kmart do not have into their businesses to be among the ones left standing. Those investments include partnerships with other retailers, acquisitions and investments in delivery and online technology.

While this past holiday season was a strong one for the industry as a whole, Sears in December, the most crucial month for a retailer, posted of a loss of $193 million.

People familiar with Lampert's thinking say he continues to believe in the value of Sears' assets, like its home services business, as a collective whole, whereby it cant take advantage of its store footprint. Its DieHard and Kenmore labels still represent value and quality to a number of shoppers that grew up with those brands.

Lampert maintains his faith in the power of his ability to convert shoppers from its loyalty program, Shop Your Way, into in-store purchases, a belief that people say drove much of his optimism in the years leading up to Sears' bankruptcy, despite its continued financial losses. ESL projects Sears will achieve positive earnings growth of $25 million in 2019.

It has said its go-forward business plan will include a continuation of a strategy the store had begun to test in the years leading up to its bankruptcy. Among the things it has tested are smaller stores focused on selling its most popular products like appliances and mattresses.

Lampert also argued in court documents this week he is putting money where his mouth is. ESL is committing more than $300 million in cash to fund the offer, including buying out other senior debt holders, and at least $193 million in credit.

"ESL therefore has much to lose if [its] go forward business plan is not successful," the documents stated.

WATCH: Sears was the Amazon of the 1930s. Here's where the retailer is todayThe Sharjah Light Festival (SLF) is making its return next month for the ninth consecutive year, with globally renowned artists lined up to celebrate science, creativity and heritage in a display of lights, colours and music at beloved landmarks across the emirate.



The event, which runs from February 6 to 16, will be held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.



The famed festival will present an exciting lineup during its 11-day run, spread across 20 shows throughout the emirate, under the theme Culture and Family.



Details of the event were announced by the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) - organisers of the event - during a press conference on January 28.



The theme of Sharjah Light Festival 2019 will illuminate 17 locations in the emirate in motifs that encapsulate the significance of culture and family.



Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, chairman of the SCTDA, said: "The festival has achieved great success over the past years, embodying the most important tourist attractions in Sharjah, reflecting the richness of the emirates culture. This year will offer new shows that are no less amazing than previous years. There will be a range of artistic performances and a showcase of historical architecture through modern lighting techniques such as Laser Mapping, which will be shown for the first time in Al Qasba and Khalid Lagoon. There will also be various activities and a water carnival to be held at Khalid Lagoon to give visitors an exceptional experience in the emirate."



The 17 locations for the Sharjah Light Festival include Sharjah University City Campus Avenue; Sharjah Police Academy; University City Hall; American University of Sharjah; Sharjah Book Authority; Sharjah City Municipality; Khalid Lagoon; Masjid Al Noor; Al Qasba (Internal Facades); Palm Oasis- Khalid Lagoon; Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Directorate of Human Resources - Kalba, Municipality and Municipal Council - Al Hamriyah & Kalba; Municipality and Municipal Council - Khorfakkan, Directorate of Town Planning Department - Khorfakkan; and Masjid Sheikh Rashid bin Ahmad Al Qasimi  Dibba Al-Hisn.



The light shows will be accompanied by specially composed music by renowned artists from all over the world.



The daily shows will run from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm on weekdays and 6:00 pm to 12:00 midnight on weekends.



Last years edition of the Sharjah Light Festival attracted one million visitors in a span of 11 days and generated coverage in more than 100 local and global media outlets in over 30 countries. - TradeArabia News ServiceIn our world of divisiveness, generally, most people can agree  crime is bad. But what about hate crimes? We have all heard the loaded-phrase before, but many remain unclear about what elevates a seemingly regular crime into a hate crime? Two recent incidents reported on by the ClevelPUNTA CANA, Dominican Republic  Planning a trip to Punta Cana? Heres what you need to know before you go.

Can I drink the water?

The resorts use filtered water in the preparation of food and ice cubes. I ate and drank all beverages and fruits and vegetables during my stay, and didnt have any stomach trouble.

Upon arrival, we were advised to brush our teeth with bottled water. Numerous bottles were left in our room every day.

During excursions to Santo Domingo and Saona Island, we were also told that all food and drinks were safe to consume. Of course, the farther off the beaten path you go, the more precautions you should take.

Do I need vaccines?

The Centers for Disease Control website recommends several vaccines for travelers to the Dominican Republic, depending on ones itinerary. The one most relevant to Punta Cana is the vaccine for hepatitis A, a liver disease that is typically passed via contaminated food or water. (Note: The CDC recommends a hepatitis A vaccine for all travel to the Caribbean and Mexico.)

Other vaccines that might be recommended: typhoid, hepatitis B, malaria, cholera and rabies. (Check with a travel medical professional for advice.)

An embarrassing admission: It did not occur to me that I might need shots before for my trip until two days before departure. I didnt get any, and I was fine (which doesnt mean that you will be).

Is it safe?

Safety, of course, is a relative term. Is Cleveland safe? I think so; others might disagree.

I never felt unsafe in the Dominican Republic, though I took common-sense precautions. I didnt carry large amounts of money around (there was no reason to). We were advised to be careful with our credit card  so we limited its use.

I didnt wander around off-resort at night, but I did explore Santo Domingo a bit, as well as the beach town of El Cortecito, in the Punta Cana region. I felt perfectly fine during the day.

The State Department advises travelers to exercise increased caution in the Dominican Republic due to crime (a level 2 advisory). Read more here: travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/dominican-republic-travel-advisory.html

Should I exchange money?

It depends on your itinerary, but if youre not venturing far from the tourist zones, you probably dont need to. Local stores and restaurants all (seemed to) take U.S. dollars. The Dominican peso is the local currency, by the way; $1 U.S. equals about 50 DOP. You can exchange money at the airport if you decide you want to.

How much should I tip?

Tipping is not mandatory at most all-inclusive resorts, though it is appreciated. At the suggestion of our travel agent, we took $50 single bills and distributed them over our five-night stay (to housekeeping, bartenders, wait staff, etc.) We also tipped tour guides and drivers. Americans always seem to tip more than other cultures, here and elsewhere.

To be honest, I tipped not entirely based on excellent service (though I did receive it), but based on my knowledge of how little the staff gets paid (about $100 a week, according to one source).

Do I need an outlet converter?

Good news -- the Dominican Republic uses the same two-pronged flat power outlet and the same 110 volts as we use in the U.S. Not all outlets have a third grounding prong, though, so depending on what youre taking and where youre staying, you may need an adapter. My hotel room at the Iberostar Punta Cana did have a three-prong outlet, which I used for my computer.

Read more: Cleveland to Punta Cana in 4 hours: New Frontier flight offers easy access to island paradise

Day trip from Punta Cana: Columbus history and more in Santo Domingos stunning colonial zoneDUBUQUE and CLINTON, Iowa  In the final day of his not-quite-a-presidential campaign trip to Iowa, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, a Democrat from Ohio, pulled the biggest crowds on the three-day stint.

Brown, who has not officially declared he is running for president, started Saturday at a Dubuque coffee shop with before finishing in the afternoon at a union roundtable in Clinton. More than 100 people showed up in Dubuque and more than 50 union workers and advocates showed up in Clinton.

Dubuque and Clinton sit along the Mississippi River, the old industrial hub of Iowa that still boasts a union presence. The two cities and other communities like it along the river are demographically similar to the manufacturing hubs in Ohio that have formed the core of Browns base during his four-decade career in office.

Voters during the prior two days of Browns visit to Iowa, which holds the first-in-the-nation presidential caucus in 2020, were at the very least intrigued by Brown and his message about the dignity of work  Browns working class message focused on economic issues like wages, health care and job creation.

However, he faced some hesitancy from some Iowa voters, as most candidates do. Farmers questioned if he had the right message to woo rural voters. One woman in Waterloo engaged in a lively exchange with Brown on Friday night over his call for expanding Medicare to 55-year-olds as opposed to a Medicare-for-all style health care system, which is popular among the Democratic base.

But in Dubuque and Clinton, Brown and journalist Connie Schultz, his wife who is an integral part of Browns campaign, were welcomed with open arms.

Brown seemed more comfortable and jovial than at any time during his visit, even getting the crowd to sing Happy Birthday to one attendee.

Unlike the previous night in Waterloo, the crowd applauded Browns more politically pragmatic approach to health care. They were almost in lockstep with the senators opposition to trade deals like NAFTA and criticism of Republican President Donald Trumps brand of populism.

Dave Donovan, 78, and Ann Bodnar-Donovan, 65, both retired teachers, were ecstatic after hearing Browns campaign pitch. Both of them supported Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders in 2016, but said they are considering backing Brown after they have a chance to hear from all the candidates.

I think what he stands for and what I like is hes a voice for the voiceless, Donovan said. In political realms, theres no voices doing anything for the poor. Im going to listen to all (the candidates), but I like him because hes down there with the folks who need a voice.

Bodnar-Donovan was especially attracted to Browns emphasis on issues like wages and job loss.

I knew he was going to talk about workers, she said. Its really important to talk about workers in the United States because of the great divide between the rich and the poor and the loss of the jobs that have unions and pensions and benefits.

Julie Maddox, 72, and also a retired teacher from Dubuque, deemed Brown electable and was also excited about his potential candidacy.

The bottom line for me is I want someone who embraces my progressive values who is also electable, she said. My first impression of him is hes very impressive. I like his legislative record and I think hes got a very warm personality and a way of connecting with people that will be a real asset should he choose to campaign for president.

Brown wouldnt divulge if his strong showing in the river communities had swayed him any closer to making a decision to run for president. He reiterated that he would make a decision in March, as he has said in recent weeks.

But the clamor for Brown and his outward excitement at the campaign stops are the clearest indicator yet he is likely to jump in to the Democratic primary.

The biggest question about his impending run before his Iowa trip was whether his message would stick in Iowa, especially since he is more unknown than other candidates in the race. If the response to his Saturday stops are any indication, he could feasibly build a base in Eastern Iowa, considered the swing area of the state.Oman-based Al Duqm Power Company has signed five major agreements for the construction of an integrated power and water plant in the Special Economic Zone of Duqm at an investment of $480 million, said a report.



Al Duqm Power Company is a joint venture between the Central Utilities Company (Marafiq), a subsidiary of Oman Oil Company under Oman Gas Group, and Gulf Pacific Holding Company.



The 45-hectare project, which is adjacent to Duqm Refinery and Petrochemical Industries Complex, is the first-of-its-kind project by Oman Oil Company in the energy infrastructure sector.



The work will soon start on the Duqm Integrated Electricity and Water Station and is likely to be completed within the next four years, reported Times of Oman, citing senior officials.



On the agreements, Marafiq said these included a 25-year long-term service pact with Siemens for the maintenance of the industrial turbines and steam turbines and control systems at the plant besides the supply and construction of the integrated plant for electricity and water and associated facilities.



Another deal was inked for granting of rights for use of land at Duqm for the construction of the integrated utility plant, it stated.



The initial operation of the plant is expected to start in the third quarter of 2020, it added.CLEVELAND, Ohio -- There are years when its impossible to ignore the political climate when choosing plays to fill out a season. So we neednt wonder how William Shakespeares Julius Caesar won a spot in the Great Lakes Theater 2019-20 lineup. (The drama opens in repertory, with a first-time production of The Music Man, this fall.)

Last year, says producing artistic director Charles Fee, longtime Great Lakes artist Sara Bruner directed an hourlong version of the Bards epic political tragedy for a production that traveled to schools in Boise, Idaho, the companys summer home.

That production taught both of us how intriguing the play is and what a great moment it is to be looking at power and political structure, and what it means to have a demagogue take over a country, says Fee. And he adds, to consider what happens when that firebrand is overthrown.

Fee and Bruner are hardly the first people to see parallels between President Donald Trump and Roman general Gaius Julius Caesar.

In Donald Trump: The American Caesar, writes Tom Strabo, Caesar was vain about his growing baldness, and attracted a degree of ridicule for his elaborate comb-over attempts to conceal his hair loss. He was a big fan of building walls [!], of strengthening the Roman military machine, of enhancing his self-image. ... He was blunt, populist and rude.

Trump, like Caesar, Strabo argues, is also the American Empires best hope for renewed prosperity and expansion.

Whatever your politics, the point is, it felt like the right time to bring Julius Caesar, last staged at Great Lakes in 2004, back to the Hanna Theatre in a full-length production directed by Bruner, says Fee. Its really of the moment.

Times, tickets and more

All performances will be in the Hanna Theatre, Playhouse Square, Cleveland, except A Christmas Carol, which will be in the Ohio Theatre. The two fall plays will be produced in rotating repertory; the winter and spring shows will be presented as separate stock productions, one after the other.

Except where noted, shows preview at 7:30 p.m. on the Friday before opening, premiere at 7:30 p.m. on the first Saturday and continue at 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays, 1:30 p.m. select Wednesdays, 1:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, and 3 p.m. Sundays.

Flexible three-, four-, five- and six-show adult season-ticket packages range from $186 to $384. Balcony box and banquette subscriptions (four seats for each show) are $864-$1,488. Student subscriptions are priced at $39-$78. Subscriptions are available for purchase now at greatlakestheater.org or 216-640-8869.

Single-performance tickets range in price from $15 to $89 (students sit in any seat at any performance for $13) and go on sale Monday, July 8, on the website or by calling 216-241-6000.

The following listings and descriptions are based on information provided by the theater and the critics own notebook.

Fall repertory

Saturday, Sept. 28-Sunday, Nov. 10, Hanna Theatre: The Music Man. Book, music and lyrics by Meredith Willson. Story by Willson and Franklin Lacey. Directed by Victoria Bussert. (Previews at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27.)

Fast-talking con man Harold Hill passes himself off as a professor of music and convinces the good folks of River City to buy instruments and uniforms for a boys marching band, intending to abscond with their hard-earned cash before teaching the kids a note. That is, until Marian, the towns prim librarian, catches onto his scheme and wins his heart.

Amazingly, Great Lakes has never before staged the warm-hearted American classic boasting a hit parade of songs, including Seventy-Six Trombones, Ya Got Trouble and Till There Was You.

Why the wait? Its a really big show, says Fee, one that comes with an equally sizable price tag. But after years of belt-tightening and sticking to midsized musicals with smaller casts following The Great Recession, we went back to it and said, wait a minute: Music Man is harder and more expensive to produce than Les Miz? says Fee. We can do this.

Saturday, Oct. 5-Sunday, Nov 3, Hanna: Julius Caesar. Written by William Shakespeare. Directed by Sara Bruner. (Previews at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4.)

Caesars triumphant return from war causes concern about his unlimited power. Factions align against him, and plots are hatched, throwing an empire into turmoil. Shakespeares account of Caesars murder by his friend Brutus and its consequential aftermath is the ultimate political thriller.

Holiday show

Friday, Nov. 29-Sunday, Dec. 22, Ohio Theatre: A Christmas Carol. Written by Charles Dickens. Adapted and directed by Gerald Freedman.

Charles Dickens tale of one mans ultimate redemption continues its headlining role as one of Northeast Ohios most enduring holiday traditions. Now in its 31st season, the Great Lakes favorite has been seen by more than 775,000 adults and students throughout the region since its debut in 1989.

Single-performance tickets range from $28 to $75, and students sit in any seat at any show for $26. (There is no preview performance for this production.)

Spring season

Saturday, Feb. 15-Sunday, March 8, 2020, Hanna: Sleuth. Written by Anthony Shaffer. Directed by Charles Fee. (Previews at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14.)

Mystery writer and game aficionado Andrew Wyke invites his wifes lover, Milo Tindle, to his mousetrap of a country estate for a dangerous game of one-upmanship that keeps audiences guessing through every cunning twist and turn.

After Great Lakes produced Ira Levins comedy thriller Deathtrap, a similarly twisty play filled with suspense, false leads and intrigue in 2014, it was no mystery that Sleuth would eventually make an appearance. (Its about time.)

The dialogue is incredibly fun, says Fee, like Noel Coward does murder mysteries.

Saturday, March 28-Saturday, April 11, 2020, Hanna: Much Ado About Nothing. Written by William Shakespeare. Directed by Charles Fee. (Previews at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 27.)

Beatrice and Benedick would rather exchange scorching insults than sweet nothings. I had rather hear my dog bark at a crow than a man swear he loves me, she announces.

I would my horse had the speed of your tongue ... he quips.

But the tussling twosome must come together to help unite lovebirds Hero and Claudio after a villains plot scuttles the couples wedding day. Will Beatrice and Benedick fall for each other in the process?

Fee is eager take another crack at the sharp-witted comedy after handing over the reins to other directors in the last two Great Lakes productions, the most recent Sharon Otts fizzy take in 2013, set in a post-World War I landscape, complete with flappers and Jazz Age masquerade parties.

Its one of my really true favorites in the canon, says Fee. Its an absolutely perfect play.

Saturday, May 2-Sunday, May 24, 2020, Hanna: Aint Misbehavin.  Conceived by Richard Maltby Jr. and Murray Horwitz. Based on the music of Fats Waller. Director to be announced at a later date. (Previews at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 1.)

Fats Wallers incomparable skills as a composer and pianist were often overshadowed by his prowess as an entertainer, his celebrated stage antics earning him the title the clown prince of jazz.

Five actors dance and croon their way through the songs of the legendary jazz great, including hits

The Joint in Jumpin,  Spreadin Rhythm Around, Honeysuckle Rose and title song Aint Misbehavin. 

The music is just intoxicating, says Fee.(Updated 12:40 p.m.): The Puritas station has reopened.

CLEVELAND, Ohio  The Greater Cleveland RTAs Puritas Rail station, a stop on the systems Red Line, closed until further notice Sunday due to flooding, officials said.

The Red Line will continue to run through the station, but it will not be letting customers on and off the train at that stop, RTA spokeswoman Linda Krecic said in an email.

If riders need access to the Puritas stop, they can get off at the stop before in either direction (Brookpark or West Park) and catch a 66R bus, Krecic said. Station employees will be available to assist anyone who needs help.CLEVELAND, Ohio  No one was injured early Sunday while fighting a large warehouse fire on the citys West Side.

Fire crews quickly responded to the blaze that broke out about 4:40 a.m. at a warehouse on Industrial Parkway in Clevelands Puritas-Longmead neighborhood, Cleveland fire department spokesman Lt. Mike Norman told cleveland.com.

The structure that caught fire was a long mixed-use building, Norman said. Some of it was used for storage  including of a truck, cars and even jet skis that caught fire  as well as business storefronts. Some parts of the building were vacant.

One of the businesses affected was Coats for Kids. The cause, which donates new and gently-used cold weather gear to needy children, wrote on its website Sunday that it was aware of the fire, but that there were no coats in the warehouse at the time because the yearly campaign is ending.

Firefighters had the fire under control around 6 a.m., Norman said, though the blaze continued to burn for several more hours. Officials say they believe the fire was initially caused by a gas leak.

Before Dominion Gas was able to find the gas source to shut it off, gas bubbled from underground and caught fire on top of pooling water outside the warehouse, Norman said. The Cleveland fire department posted a video of that scene on its Twitter account.

#CLEFIRE on scene of 222 Fire on Industrial Pkwy on Southwest Side. Underground gas leak has fire on top of water pooled outside of warehouse. @DomEnergyOhio on scene. No injuries reported. pic.twitter.com/EV5y4y3I6n  ClevelandFire (@ClevelandFire) February 3, 2019

If youd like to comment on this post, please visit the cleveland.com crime and courts comments section.Guest columnist Susan Reis is state policy advocate of Ohio for the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW). In her capacity, she helps the membership of NCJW reach out to legislators to help communicate their position on issues.

To many of us, the idea that we could pick up the phone to talk or schedule a meeting with a legislator seems odd or impossible -- akin to trying to get a sit-down interview with a Supreme Court Justice. When we are unhappy about proposed legislation -- or feel powerless about a certain issue -- lots of us find it easier to post about it on Facebook or complain to a friend.

But as citizens, its our right and obligation to let our elected officials know what we want them to support -- or NOT to support -- legislatively. Though its sometimes hard to remember, elected officials work for us.

While it can be intimidating to think about how to talk to them, Ive learned through my experience as state policy advocate of Ohio for the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) that legislators appreciate hearing from their constituents. Plus, thats how democracy is supposed to work!

Susan Reis, state policy advocate for the National Council of Jewish Women

And Ive seen powerful change happen. In fact, Im proud to report that, after learning about the possible role of bedding in infant mortality rates, a group of NCJW/Cleveland members connected with their legislators, and together helped craft legislation to ban the sale of crib bumpers in Ohio. The legislators never knew about this link before, and thanked us for bringing it to their attention. Today, the sale of crib bumpers is banned in Ohio.

See, change can happen!

One of my roles at NCJW is to meet regularly with legislators. Here are a few helpful tips to make the process less scary for anyone and to prepare you to be more effective.

1. You dont have to go to Columbus or D.C. to speak with them!

Federal legislators have local offices. You can arrange to speak with the aides in the office (which is a very effective thing to do) or wait until the legislators are on recess, back in their districts, to speak to them in person.

Pro tip: Our state legislators dont have offices in their home districts, but they are generally in town Friday through Monday, and you can call their Columbus office to make an appointment. Theyll meet with you in a restaurant or coffee shop near you!

2. Get personal.

Dont come loaded down with statistics. Personal stories are much more effective -- communicate about how an issue is affecting you and why change needs to happen. And, practice what you are going to say, trying to keep your thoughts to 2 to 3 minutes.

Pro tip: Listen and ask questions. Its a two-way conversation. What are the legislators suggestions on how to move forward to resolve the problem?

3. Find like-minded partners to go with you.

Find organizations that are already working on the issue and join forces with them. Theres power in numbers.

Pro tip: If there is more than one person in the meeting, define roles. To keep the conversation on point, designate one person to open, another to present the issue and someone else to close the meeting with desired action steps.

Remember, democracy works best when were all involved. Make your voice heard!

Have something to say about this topic? Use the comments to share your thoughts, and stay informed when readers reply to your comments by using Notification Settings (in blue) just below.

Readers are invited to submit Opinion page essays on topics of regional or general interest. Send your 500-word essay for consideration to Ann Norman at anorman@cleveland.com. Essays must include a brief bio and headshot of the writer. Essays rebutting todays topics are also welcome.ORANGE, Ohio -- Fraudulent misrepresentation, grand theft by deception, fraud (insufficient funds check); Honey Belle Oval: Detectives are investigating a complaint from a Brecksville man, 46, concerning his incomplete $1.3 million dream home, with his contractor behind on the project and overdrawn on his construction loan.

After obtaining a Fifth Third Bank construction loan in the spring of 2017, the homeowner was supposed to approve progress draws on the work-in-progress.

The owner claims the builder withdrew $50,000 in late 2017 and $160,000 in May 2018 without authorization.

With the project falling behind, the owner agreed to release an additional $100,000, stipulating that if the house wasn't done by April, the contractor would pay back a $10,000 penalty.

And the completion date looks to be later than that, after Fifth Third announced in December that, because of a civil lawsuit, it was no longer disbursing money.

The owner said the builder has also admitted to not paying his subcontractors and has accumulated about $53,000 in liens. Meanwhile, a $100,000 check from the builder to the owner for previous misrepresented check amounts paid came back with a "stop payment" from the bank.

Police summarized the owner's allegations that, as of Thanksgiving, the builder had collected $822,000 and used only about $530,000, including over $200,000 withdrawn on the construction loan account without authorization.

Grand theft vehicle, Orange Place: A Euclid woman, 30, reported that she drove her mother's 2015 Honda Accord to Wasabi steak house late on Jan. 25 for dinner and set the keys down near the bar area while she was waiting for a table.

After being seated, she realized she forgot the keys and when she went back they were gone. And as it turned out, so was her mother's car. Police were quickly called to the scene and a bulletin was sent to surrounding law enforcement agencies.

Euclid police were also notified about the need for extra patrols for the mother's home, since her house keys were on the stolen chain as well.

Sexual imposition, East Woodcrest Drive: The area director for REM Ohio group homes arrived on Jan. 23 to file a report on behalf of a resident, 42, who may have been inappropriately touched two days before by an employee who was administering her medications.

The resident reportedly fought off the alleged advances, telling him that he was staff and not her lover. The Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities is also investigating.

Disorderly conduct, Park Avenue: Police were called to Firebirds late on Jan. 28, to check on the welfare of an intoxicated man. They found the Kent man, 41, standing outside in his own vomit, as well as a warrant from Portage County.

Sheriff's deputies agreed to meet halfway to pick him up, but he wound up being taken to South Pointe Hospital by a Warrensville Heights rescue squad after he knocked himself out while head-butting the prisoner partition in the police cruiser while riding down U.S. 422.

His citation was left with the head nurse.

If you would like to discuss the police blotter, please visit our crime and courts comments page.BEACHWOOD, Ohio  Walking through her basement, Mary-Michelle Coleman-Walsh spots the box of baby clothes shes been saving for a child shell now never have, and once again shes filled with anger and frustration.

Even though she has three children, Coleman-Walsh and her husband Kevin Walsh, of Chagrin Falls, looked forward to adding a fourth child by implanting a frozen embryo they had stored at UHs Ahuja Medical Center in 2012.

Then in early March 2018, the fertility freezer storing her embryo failed, rendering hers and 3,999 other eggs and embryos nonviable. Since then, the incident has served as a wake-up call for many in the fertility industry.

Almost every day, there are negative emotions from this one event that affected my life, reflected Coleman-Walsh, 43.

For her, this past year has been one filled with anxiety and depression. A year of telling her young children that mommy is crying for their sibling in heaven. A year of arguments with her husband over whether to try another round of IVF in hopes of achieving another pregnancy, even though her eggs are older.

I will get past this, she said. I dont know if I can get over it.

Out of tragedy, comes change

As the one-year anniversary of the UH fertility freezer failure approaches, the incident is still fresh in the minds of many. Patients still grieve. Attorneys continue to fight for answers. And regulators try to prevent something like this from happening again.

Stricter fertility center protocols and the ongoing lawsuits against UH and equipment manufacturers are evidence the incident is serving as a wake-up call for many.

About 70 lawsuits against UH have been filed in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court, and that number continues to grow. The court is still hearing preliminary motions, and no court dates have been set. On Jan. 24, eight additional lawsuits targeted UH and DataLoggers, Inc., the company that installed and monitored the alarm system used at Ahuja. Six of those suits were filed in Geauga County Common Pleas Court because DataLoggers is based in Chesterland. Two additional lawsuits were filed in U.S. District Court because the plaintiffs live outside Ohio.

We recognize the impact this event has had, and we remain deeply sorry for how it has affected our fertility center patients and families, a UH spokesman said in a statement released in mid-January. In addition to providing affected patients with ongoing, free fertility services tailored to their individual clinical needs, we have made significant enhancements at the fertility center and have embraced and continue to reinforce a culture that encourages our physicians, nurses and staff to speak up when they see ways to further increase the quality of care we provide to patients.

After the additional lawsuits were filed at the end of January, UH released this statement: UH has worked with fertility center patients and their lawyers over the past year to negotiate a significant number of settlements and will continue offering resolution alternatives to our patients who want to avoid the time, expense and anxiety of litigation, the statement continued. Out of respect for all of the families impacted by the event, and respect for the Court in Cuyahoga County, where these same issues are being heard, UH will not provide any further comment at this time.

DataLoggers has been named because a hospital inspection report from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services found problems with the remote alarm system on Ahujas fertility tank, made by DataLoggers, according to the lawsuits. The alarm system was designed to call a list of staffers to alert them to changes in temperature, but the contact person did not receive notice during the weekend when a problem arose, CMS found during interviews with Ahuja staff.

Furthermore, the fertility clinic had designated only one person as the emergency contact, instead of the three people recommended by the freezer tank manufacturer, CMS said.

In its plan of correction submitted to CMS, the hospital said it purchased four new liquid nitrogen tanks for egg and embryo storage, and implemented new procedures for preventive maintenance of the fertility freezers. All liquid nitrogen storage tanks now have a remote alarm that sends alerts to up to five people, UH said.

Because UH came back into compliance, no further action was taken, a CMS official said.

Ensuring safety going forward

Since UHs incident, national oversight organizations have made major changes.

The College of American Pathologists and The Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology have been working to update regulations for fertility clinics.

CAP is one of two national organizations  the other is The Joint Commission  that offers voluntary accreditation programs for embryology labs. SART, an affiliate of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, a professional organization that publishes guidelines for its members, submits lab data to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and makes sure member labs adhere to ASRMs ethics and practice guidelines and accreditation standards. CMS typically is involved only when a fertility clinic is located inside a hospital, like at UH.

The events last spring made us take a look at the kind of kind of guidance we offer our members, said Sean Tipton, chief policy officer for ASRM.

Likewise, Dr. William West, a pathologist who serves as an advisor to the CAP Checklist Committee, said a number of changes that have been made to the reproductive lab checklist are in direct response to what happened at UH and at a lab in San Francisco that had a storage tank malfunction during the same time period.

Those checklist changes include new rules on maintaining adequate temperatures and levels of liquid nitrogen in storage tanks, keeping backup liquid nitrogen on site and making sure there is a written procedure for responding to alarm systems.

For reproductive medicine, these were significant changes, West said. There are likely to be additional changes for next year.

West expects there to be new industry guidance on how best to monitor liquid nitrogen levels in tanks, such as switching to a weight-based model from a temperature-based one.

There are different ways to measure, West said. Temperature is pretty crude.

Industry groups like CAP can pull accreditation from clinics that don't meet their standards. Using a team of volunteers from the industry, CAP performs routine inspections on each lab every two years.

Hospitals often have people there 24/7. Thats not true in the great majority of these fertility labs, said West, who started volunteering as an inspector 37 years ago and was the chair of the CAP Checklist Committee until December. If you have a really critical failure, it can just be a matter of hours before you lose the critical tissues.

Coleman-Walsh feels that loss every day. To her family, those tissues could have been a future child.

When the March anniversary arrives, Coleman-Walsh thinks she may mark it by taking her kids to the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo to visit a memorial bench near Waterfowl Lake that bears a plaque honoring the lost eggs and embryos.

My kids love it there. They dont know why mommy has to stop there every time, Coleman-Walsh said. It always makes me feel like Im thinking of her or him. Sometimes it makes me feel better.Cleburne, TX (76033)

Today

Mainly cloudy. A few peeks of sunshine possible. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 93F. Winds NE at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms this evening followed by a few showers overnight. Low 66F. Winds NNE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 50%.You will receive 5-day a week delivery of the Citizen Tribune newspaper to your home or business, plus full, ad-free access to CitizenTribune.com as well as full access to the Electronic Edition of the newspaper.



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Only $198.95 per year after promotional period.India's biggest steelmaker Tata Steel is in talks to sell its assets under NatSteel in Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam to China's number two steel producer, HeSteel Group, reported S&P Global Platts citing industry sources familiar with the matter.



The assets under discussion include its Singapore unit, which operates the city state's sole electric arc furnace, integrated with downstream long steel re-rolling mills, and NatSteelVina, a 200,000 mt a year rebar and wire rod mill in Hanoi, Vietnam, one of the sources said.



It may also sell its Thai operations, he added.



NatSteel in Thailand owns Siam Industrial Wire, which operates a 200,000 mt/year pre-stressed concrete steel strand and wire plant, and TSN Wires, a zinc-aluminum coated products joint venture with Nichia Steel Works.



"The companies are in discussion," NatSteel President and CEO Ashish Anupam, told S&P Global Platts by telephone. "The companies are in discussion for various other things." He declined to comment beyond that.



A Mumbai-based spokesman for Tata Steel declined to comment Tuesday beyond saying "it is not confirmed as yet."



HeSteels overseas business department couldn't be reached for comment. A company source said the information was true, but added it wasn't clear if an agreement had been signed by both sides.



NatSteel's other assets include Easteel Services, a 40,000 MT/year fabrication plant in Johor, Malaysia, according to its website. NatSteel earlier sold its stake in a Hong Kong rebar processing joint venture to partner Hong Kong Shanghai Alliance Holdings.



Tata Steel had acquired NatSteel in 2005, but has been more focused on consolidating its position in the Indian domestic market, seen by some to have a higher growth potential than other markets.



It has signed an agreement to combine its European operations with those of Germany's ThyssenKrupp, and more recently bought compatriots Bhushan Steel and Usha Martin. Tata Steel is also bidding for Bhushan Power & Steel Ltd., a move pending approval by the Indian judiciary, said the report.



A Singapore-based long steel trader said he saw a more challenging trading landscape for Singapore going forward if HeSteel bought NatSteel's assets.



He pointed to recent acquisitions in the Singapore rebar fabrication scene -- that of BRC Asia by Esteel Enterprise, a company owned by the heads of ferrous trading firms Prosperity Steel United and Toptip Holding, and BRC's subsequent acquisition of Lee Metal Group -- which has meant the consolidation of two fabricators under the owner of one of the world's largest iron ore traders by volume.



HeSteel, itself the world's fourth-biggest steelmaking group, has also expanded its overseas footprint steadily over the past few years, with acquisitions including Swiss trader Duferco, South African iron ore miner Palabora Mining Co, and steelmaking assets in Serbia.The evolution of distribution in driving cost efficiency and sustainability in the global food industry will be explored during the inaugural Gulfood Innovation Summit, a robust new conference programme underpinning Gulfood 2019, to be held in Dubai, UAE.



Gulfood, is a leading annual food and beverage trade show, which returns to Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from February 17 to 21.



Running from February 18 to 20, the Gulfood Innovation Summit will bring together a high-profile gathering of industry professionals, thought leaders and major disruptors to explore, address and debate major trends, challenges and opportunities in the F&B industry across the region and beyond, said a statement from the organisers.



The diverse range of summit content will include industry-shaping sessions on the rise of foodtech, how the upsurge in online food service apps and the use of new technologies such as blockchain and artificial intelligence are re-shaping the industry and how innovation is driving food retail.



Day one of the conference will shine the spotlight on distribution and the key success factors for distributors in a highly competitive market. The session will examine the need for industry players to redefine portfolios for distribution, assess market challenges and trends, achieve sustainable business models and minimise shipping and logistics challenges.



Bhushant Gandhi, department head of Truebell Food, one of the GCCs leading players in F&B imports, wholesale, distribution and exports, will lead the session. He believes distributors are increasingly seeking out cost-efficient methods to minimise shipping charges, which will put them and the wider industry on course for a sustainable, efficient future.



Gandhi said: With the regional F&B industry now at a well-developed stage, consolidation of distribution is becoming a much sought-after solution by hotel and restaurant operators.



The preference for a one-stop-shop solution can minimise the processing time and the number of suppliers that end operators have to deal with, he added.



Consolidated procurement is already prevalent and successfully implemented in some food categories, but it is gaining popularity in several other F&B segments - we will explore these abundant opportunities at the summit, added Gandhi, who will point to the success of Truebells one-of-a-kind, 21,000+ capacity pallet fulfilment centre, which caters for consolidation-based distribution to F&B operators, a key success factor in Truebells capability to attract internationally-renowned chains both in retail and food service.



The summit is poised to be a prime educational and networking forum within the regional F&B industry, with tailored sessions probing the hottest topics impacting the wider industry. The inaugural summit will also feature exclusive questions-and-answer session with globally acclaimed chefs, influencers and hospitality leaders on the challenges of introducing breakthrough concepts to local markets.



Trixie LohMirmand, senior vice president, exhibitions and events, DWTC, said: The summit will tackle a diverse range of issues which are already impacting the global F&B industry during this hugely transformative part of its history.



As an educational forum, the summit is a vital learning ground and essential for those looking to keep up with the pace of change this sector is currently experiencing, she added.

Keynote addresses on the industrys challenges and opportunities and global food supply will come from Dr Bernhard van Lengerich, board member of Beyond Meat and former chief science officer and vice president of technology strategy, General Mills; and Paul Newnham, director of the World Food Programme, United Nations.



A blueprint for the Design of Good Food for the future, meanwhile, will be the summit domain of Dr Nigel Hughes, senior vice president research and development, Kelloggs, it stated.  TradeArabia News ServiceOman-based Al Duqm Power Company has signed five major agreements for the construction of an integrated power and water plant in the Special Economic Zone of Duqm at an investment of $480 million, said a report.



Al Duqm Power Company is a joint venture between the Central Utilities Company (Marafiq), a subsidiary of Oman Oil Company under Oman Gas Group, and Gulf Pacific Holding Company.



The 45-hectare project, which is adjacent to Duqm Refinery and Petrochemical Industries Complex, is the first-of-its-kind project by Oman Oil Company in the energy infrastructure sector.



The work will soon start on the Duqm integrated electricity and water station and is likely to be completed within the next four years, reported Times of Oman, citing senior officials.



On the agreements, Marafiq said these included a 25-year long-term service pact with Siemens for the maintenance of the industrial turbines and steam turbines and control systems at the plant besides the supply and construction of the integrated plant for electricity and water and associated facilities.



Another deal was inked for granting of rights for use of land at Duqm for the construction of the integrated utility plant, it stated.



The initial operation of the plant is expected to start in the third quarter of 2020, it added.On Monday, committees in the Texas House and Texas Senate will continue budget discussions.

LIBERATION RALLY: At 9:30 a.m. hundreds of formerly incarcerated Texans, their families and advocates from across the state will gather at the Capitol to lobby for criminal justice reform. The event, called #kNOwMORE2019, was organized for a second year by members of Texas Advocates for Justice and Grassroots Leadership. Attendees will participate in legislative training, visit with elected representatives and rally on the South Steps of the building at 1 p.m. An art installation created by formerly incarcerated people will be on display in the North Central Gallery, and a spoken word performance will take place in the Main Rotunda at 12 p.m. View the schedule of events here.

SENATE FINANCE: At 10 a.m. the Senate Committee on Finance will meet to hear invited and public testimony on the state budget. The committee will hear testimony on Article VIII of the appropriations bill, concerning regulatory agencies. Government entities such as the Department of Insurance, the Texas Medical Board, the Texas Board of Nursing, the Board of Pharmacy, the Funeral Service Commission and the Racing Commission will be discussed. The meeting will be held in E1.036 (Finance Room) of the Capitol buildings extension. View the agenda here.

HOUSE APPROPRIATIONS: At 12 p.m. the House Committee on Appropriations will meet to hear invited testimony on various budget matters. Agenda items include school finance, school safety and the teacher retirement system. The meeting will be held in E1.030 of the Capitol buildings extension. View the agenda here.

SENATE WATER & RURAL AFFAIRS: At 1:30 p.m. the Senate Committee on Water & Rural Affairs will meet to consider and adopt the committee rules, and will hear invited testimony from the following state agencies: the Texas Water Development Board, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board. The meeting will be held in E1.012 (Hearing Room) of the Capitol buildings extension. View the agenda here.A 1984 dance contest in San Antonio where he dressed in blackface as part of a Michael Jackson costume is the reason embattled Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam now says he was not one of the people pictured in a photo on his yearbook page of a person in blackface next to another person in a Ku Klux Klan robe.

"I did participate in a dance contest in San Antonio, in which I darkened my face as part of a Michael Jackson costume," Northam said Saturday. "I look back now and regret that I did not understand the harmful legacy of an action like that.Cheryl Hunter was not entirely surprised to read her priests name on the list of those credibly accused of child abuse, because shed heard his version of the story in the pews a few months back.

Father John Keller of Prince of Peace Catholic Community Church  one of the 42 priests named by the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston on Thursday  had told the story at mass several months ago, she said. In the version Hunter heard, hed been falsely accused and undergone an extensive investigation and been vindicated.

He was very believable, said Hunter, 68. He got a large ovation and support from the congregation.

Keller gave one final mass Thursday, the day the archdiocese released the list that spanned decades. On the first Sunday since dioceses across Texas named nearly 300 clergymen as credibly accused of sexual abuse, the Prince of Peace parking lot was so full that congregants parked in fire lanes and on side streets.

RELATED LINKS: Revealing the names of Houston-area priests 'credibly accused' of child sexual abuse

Auxiliary Bishop George Sheltz addressed the congregation during its 10:45 a.m. Mass, acknowledging the hurt in the church and promising the archdiocese would take special care of Prince of Peace.

Father has only been alleged he did something, he said of Keller. The system has to work itself out.

Sheltz received applause from the pews.

Priests across Texas addressed the list of alleged abusers from the pulpit with a similar message: Pray for the victims, pray for the priests and dont leave the Catholic Church because of the abuse allegations.

We know the church has had far more difficult things in its history, said Joseph Fiorenza, an emeritus archbishop, at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Hearts 9 a.m. mass. I ask you to remember that Jesus established this church in accordance with his nature, both heavenly and divine. We are quite familiar with the human part of the church.

Before mass, parishioners paging through the weekly bulletin paused on a message from Father Lawrence Jozwiak about the accusations.

Contrary to the public perception, it is a very small number of clergy who are guilty of such evil acts, especially as compared to other denominations or other professions, he wrote. But the Catholic clergy seems to get most of the publicity.

He concluded his letter by urging parishioners not to stop giving money to the church. As ushers passed the wicker baskets around Sacred Heart, people dropped in everything from checks to crumpled bills.

RELATED LINKS: Accused Houston-area priest was allowed to celebrate Mass before abuse list was released.

Texas is just the latest state to turn the spotlight on the Catholics. A scathing Pennsylvania grand jury report from August 2018 revealed not only 300 abusive priests with over 1,000 child victims, but the men who protected the abusers. In December, the Illinois attorney general discovered 690 accused clergymen. The Church had failed to disclose about 500.

The church is like a cup of wine, said Alex Traxler, 51, standing outside Sacred Heart after mass. A lot of people are looking at the cup criticizing the cup, and forgetting what we came for is the wine.

And other denominations have grappled with their own sexual abuse scandals in the past year.

The Southern Baptists formed a sexual abuse study committee after a seminar leader resigned for allegedly covering up a rape and a woman came forward to say the denominations mission arm knew about one of its then-leaders molesting her as a teen 10 years before she filed a police report. The independent fundamental Baptists have been accused of covering up sexual abuse and shuffling perpetrators between churches. The Jehovahs Witnesses had to pay a $35 million settlement to an abuse survivor in September 2018. One of the most revered rabbis in Baltimores Orthodox Jewish community was accused of sexual abuse in 2018  just the latest in a series of abuse allegations against Orthodox Jews.

It is the devils work to divide the Church, said Father Biju Mathew at Prince of Peace. He told the churchs members to pray daily for their priests. You have the power to protect our clergy from the clutches of dark forces.

Prince of Peace members scuttled by after the service, not ready yet to talk about the allegations. Still processing, one congregant said before hurrying out the door. One woman started crying, reeling because her pastor had been named but still strong in her faith. Another woman said Keller had been her husbands favorite priest and he was left questioning his faith. He wasnt at church with her. It would probably, she said, take time for him to heal.

As for Hunter  a Catholic convert after 50 years spent bouncing between Protestant denominations  she prays nightly for the victims. As a psychiatric social worker, she understands the trauma of what they went through.

She also prays for the clergy.

The priests involved  some have been wrongly accused and I feel for them, she said. As for those who are guilty: Nobody likes a pedophile, but we need to pray for them.

NEWS WHEN YOU NEED IT: Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message | Sign up for breaking news alerts delivered to your email here.

sarah.smith@chron.comBefore leaving for a missing persons event in Houston, Natalie Vargas learned that human remains found days earlier likely do not belong to her grandson who went missing eight years ago Monday in New Braunfels.

The idea of closure, as police swarmed what turned out to be adult remains discovered near where Joshua Davis went missing as an 18-month-old, took Vargas on an all-too-familiar emotional roller coaster.

Its never time (to know), Vargas said. Its just you have your answer.

She sighed relief and continued to carry a message of hope as she attended the missing persons event at The Childrens Assessment Center designed to give relatives a venue to share their stories and share in understanding the pain of a loved ones disappearance.

For a parent of a missing child to continue to hold that hope and to move forward in life is a miracle, said Beth Alberts, CEO of Texas Center for the Missing.

MORE FROM HOUSTON CHRONICLE: Houston-area families of missing persons mourn unexplained loss

Former Mayor Annise Parker in 2015 declared Feb. 3 the birthday of Spring teenager Ali Lowitzer, who went missing eight years  to be Houston Missing Persons Day. It coincides with a national day of remembrance.

The Houston Police Department has nearly 9,300 missing persons cases and the Harris County Sheriffs Office has more than 2,500. Nationally, there were more than 88,000 missing persons cases at the end of 2017, according to the 2017 National Crime and Information Center.

Harris County Attorney Vince Ryan told the families that the government is designed to act slow, which can be a frustrating barrier when people need helping to find a missing person.

Im certain every official at the county government is interested in being a resource, Ryan said.

RELATED: HPD, LCSO seek help for missing woman in Liberty County

Alis mother, Jo Ann Lowitzer said some choose to get therapy after a loved one goes missing. She chooses to be a part of a support group with others who have a missing loved one.

Her 16-year-old daughter, a student at Spring High School, was last seen walking on a quarter-mile walk to pick up her paycheck from her part-time job at the Burger Barn. Her mom has been a tireless advocate since Alis disappearance.

Its like a second family for me, Lowitzer said. When they sit and talk about their missing loved one, we understand what that person is going through.Road 2403, between Airport Roundabout and Departure Roundabout, will be fully closed to public from Tuesday (February 5) for a period of seven months due to work related to the Bahrain International Airport expansion.



The works also necessitate the closure of the entrance and exit to the parking area in front of the airport, said the Ministry of Works, Municipality Affairs and Urban Planning in its statement.



An alternative entrance and exit will be provided accordingly, stated the ministry which is implementing the closure of the strategic airport road in co-operation with the General Directorate of Traffic of the Ministry of the Interior.



As part of this arrangement, all the traffic coming from Airport Avenue towards Airport Roundabout will be diverted towards Kalifa Al Kabeer Highway, said the statement from the ministry.



The motorists will need to take a U-turn at the Falcon junction and then a right turn to the road leading to Movenpick hotel, it added.-TradeArabia News ServiceMBABANE  Government needs E151.9 million for 592 primary schools countrywide this year.



This amount is needed for Free Primary Education (FPE) following the European Unions (EU) cutting of the umbilical cord after it had been sponsoring the programme since its infancy. The EU stopped funding FPE last year.



For eight years, the EU had thrown a lifeline of about E140 million before leaving government to take full responsibility of FPE funding. This effectively means the EU paid approximately E17.5 million per year.

While the EU was on board, government paid for six classes, depending on the number of streams each school had.



The country, according to the education and data policy centre, has a total of 330 000 pupils.

These pupils are enrolled in primary and secondary education.



Pupils



Of these pupils, about 240 000 (73 per cent) are enrolled in primary education. With this number of pupils in primary school, government pays a minimum of E560 per pupil.

When this figure is multiplied by the 240 000 pupils estimated to be annually enrolled in primary schools, it translates to an expenditure of about E134.4 million.



This amount is paid annually for the pupils to the 592 primary schools and it excludes the E17.5 million paid by the EU before it stopped supporting the programme.

As the EU has terminated its sponsorship of the programme, government has been placed in a predicament. This, according to the Minister of Education and Training, Lady Mabuza, is because pupils cannot be left lying idle at home due to lack of sponsorship.



Mabuza said government was yet to discuss the way forward on how to fund the programme in the absence of the EU sponsorship.

withdrawing



However, she said in the interim, the State would take over the funding of the programme in the infancy stages.

Weve not engaged on the issue much but the EU stated that they were withdrawing last year and government has to take over, Mabuza said.

This expenditure to be incurred by government following the decision by the trade bloc to stop its funding under the Support to Education and Training (SET) Programme, comes at the backdrop of another ludicrous spending that was accumulated in 46 days by the ministry.



The ministry had to put aside over E40 million to cover the writing of external examinations following that teachers were engaged in activities that kept them away from their workstations.

This was at the height of an impasse between government and members of the Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT) over the cost-of-living-adjustment (CoLA) demand.

The ministry roped in security personnel to guard and ferry examination papers to the offices of regional education officers (REOs) in fear of any interference against the exams.



vehicles



In doing so, the ministry also leased 400 vehicles from Woodford Car Hire to assist in the execution of the aforementioned duties.

Also, this expenditure comes at a time when government has failed to fund CoLA as demanded by civil servants.



This 6.5 per cent CoLA demand, which unions are adamant will render the country ungovernable come January 28, needs a budget of E54.5 million per month, which translates to E654.4 million per year.

If it could eventually be afforded to the about 44 000 civil servants, the wage bill can balloon to E9 billion per year.



Currently, the countrys wage bill is E8.39 billion per year and is about 15 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product of E57.2 billion (US$4.4 billion) as per figures contained in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) website.

As if that it not enough, government is in the interim failing to cope with its day-to-day obligations, which include buying electricity units, paying outstanding water bills and other utilities.



This was witnessed at the national broadcaster, Eswatini Broadcasting and Information Services (EBIS) where the Eswatini Electricity Company (EEC) gave an ultimatum to the EBIS management to either pay the outstanding bill or face termination of power.



Further, the Swaziland Democratic Nurses Union (SWADNU) has been vocal about the lack of medical supplies and equipment at national health centres, citing that over 20 types of drugs were not available.



Health



A week ago, this publication reported that the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) was a threat to the health of patients seeking medical help at the Mbabane Government Hospital.

One of the reasons, this publication has gathered, was failure by government to ensure that the various departments have the required equipment to ensure that patients get the best treatment.

government is also indebted to its suppliers to the tune of over E3.68 billion which has coerced some entities to close shop, rendering a number of employees in the private sector jobless.



Meanwhile, the EU came to support the FPE programme in 2010 when government took the giant step to pay school fees for all children in the primary education sector as per the requirement of the Constitution.



Initially, the EU had anticipated to fund the programme through grants for all primary school pupils until 2016, however, after the initial period elapsed, the financial support was extended for a further two years, which lapsed at the end of 2018.

The education sector in the last budget presented by then Minister of Finance Martin Dlamini was E3.3 billion. Almost invariably, the education and training sector gets a larger share of the budget.

This was witnessed even during the 2011/2012 financial meltdown experienced by the country.Paris, TX (75460)

Today

Partly to mostly cloudy with scattered showers and thunderstorms this afternoon. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 89F. SW winds shifting to NNW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms early, then partly cloudy after midnight. Low 62F. Winds NNE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 40%.Manhattan, KS (66502)

Today

Sunshine and clouds mixed. Cooler. High 81F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Mainly clear skies. Low near 60F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.Ask a native Houstonian who The Texas Hammer is and they can probably tell you its Jim Adler, the tough, smart lawyer. Sing the first words of the jingle, Classic Chevrolet, relax and a Houstonian may chime in, enjoy the difference.

These two businesses have more in common than their local renown. Both have recorded commercials at Moffett Productions.

Moffett Productions, an audio and video production company, celebrated the grand opening of their new facility in Tomball on Friday, Feb. 1.

Chris and Jeff Wohrer  sons of the companys founder and Houston radio personality Bill Moffett  had been working since last year to transition their business to downtown Tomball from Kuykendahl Road in Klein.

From August to now, weve been getting things set up  finishing and finalizing construction and all the little things that we needed to make the place perfect, Chris Wohrer said. Now, were ready to have that big opening and reveal. The studio is fully functional now.

The brothers greeted guests and offered tours of the 5,300-square-foot building, which houses a video production facility, audio production recording studio, open waiting area, offices and editing suites.

Finally owning their own facility has special significance to the Wohrer brothers, whose father passed away three years ago.

It was always one of his dreams to own our own facility, Wohrer said. Even though he had a lot of success with Moffett Productions throughout the years, he never really got to build his own facility. So, this has been cool because its a tribute to him. Were dedicating this building to him.

Their father founded Moffett Productions in 1988. Over the years, Moffett Productions has seen many clients pass through their studios to record television and radio commercials, training videos, audiobooks, music videos and even Netflix documentaries.

I guess the most well-known people that we work with would be Jim Adler and Associates; we work with Gillman companies  you know those Gillman Guy Rule commercials; Classic Chevrolet; First Community Credit Union; and weve worked with national brands like Mitsubishi Motors in North America, we did training videos for them, Wohrer said.

The Wohrers grew up in the Spring area and attended Klein Oak High School.

When deciding where to relocate their business, they prioritized locations with which they were familiar.

We wanted to stay in the general area, Wohrer said. My brother Jeff actually moved out here and we grew up coming to Tomball. We grew up eating at Mels. Its a nice, beautiful, developing community. We wanted to be a part of a place that was growing and had the same wholesome values and approach to life that we did.

They found a building in a residential area just one block off Main Street in downtown Tomball. Wohrer said they worked closely with the city to bring the studio to Tomball. It was a difficult process, he said, but a good one.

They had this piece of property that was dilapidated and it had been turned into a junk yard, or like a repo yard, and there were a bunch of complaints from the neighbors, Wohrer said. They got it shut down and then we purchased it. The city was able to place certain parameters on us so that protected the community and now we have a beautiful fully-developed piece of property thats adding to their community and not subtracting from it.

Wohrer wants Moffett Productions to continue being a boon for the Tomball community.

In addition to joining the Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce and working with the Tomball Economic Development Corporation, they have also begun offering tours to college students majoring in radio, television and film. They hope to extend their educational initiatives to Tomball-area students as well.

We want to do internships and work with the local schools and local kids and let them know whats available to them; whats here, Wohrer said.

We want to show people that this is approachable. Its something that is in your own backyard. It can be affordable and fun and it can be something that everybody in this community can have access to.

Moffett Productions is located at 509 Clarence Street in Tomball.

For more information, visit www.moffett.com.

mfeuk@hcnonline.com3 1 of 3 Richmond Fire Marshal's Office / Richmond Fire Marshal's Office Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Richmond Fire Marshal's Office / Richmond Fire Marshal's Office Show More Show Less 3 of 3





City of Richmonds Fire Marshals team has begun connecting in the community to educate citizens about fire prevention and fire awareness.

On Jan. 18, Ramon Morales and Amanda Lopez presented at Friends of North Richmonds You Can Academy, educating children in the community about two important topics  Having a Home Escape Plan , and Knowing Two Ways Out of a room in the event of a fire.A man died early Saturday morning after he lost control of his SUV, flipped over and crashed into the front of a home, police said.

The crash, which occurred in southeast Houston near Hobby Airport, came after the driver ran a stop sign while speeding and struck a pickup truck that was parked near the home, officials said.The leader of a coalition of Houston civil rights groups called Friday for the Houston police union president to apologize for threatening activists who are critical of police tactics.

The Greater Houston Coalition for Justice issued a statement saying that the organization praises the efforts of the good men and women who risk their lives every day to keep the citizens of Houston safe. They were referring to four police officers shot and one injured Monday while serving a no-knock warrant in a drug raid at a southeast Houston residence, during which two residents were killed.

Johnny Mata, the presiding officer for the coalition, said that Joe Gamaldi, president of the Houston Police Officers Union, went too far and created an untenable situation by threatening civil right activists and organizations who speak out against police brutality and misconduct.

All the work that has been done by a lot of people cannot go down the drain, Mata said. He (Gamaldi) is inciting tensions between police and communities with his egregious comments.

The organization expressed deep concerns over earlier remarks made by Gamaldi at a press conference at a Houston hospital a few hours after the shootings.

We are sick and tired of having targets on our back. We are sick and tired of having dirtbags trying to take our lives when all were trying to do is protect this community and protect our families, Gamaldi said, adding he was speaking on behalf of HPD officers and others across the nation who put their lives on the line.

The rights organization said they are particularly concerned with Gamaldis comments that police were tracking activists and threatening retaliation.

If youre the ones that are out there spreading the rhetoric that police officers are the enemy, just know weve all got your number now, were going to be keeping track of all of yall, and were going to make sure that we hold you accountable every time you stir the pot on our police officers. Weve had enough, folks, Gamaldi said.

In an appearance two days later on the Fox & Friends broadcast, Gamaldi was more specific about the target of his comments, mentioning activists who have severely made our officers the enemy.

ON HOUSTONCHRONICLE.COM: Abuse survivors greet list of accused priests with contempt

His comments passed the line of freedom of speech into a blatant threat to certain people, said Mata.

In a statement, the coalition said Gamaldis threats may warrant a request for a federal and state investigation to ease the tension it has caused in the community. Mata added the coalition may also explore the possibility of a slander lawsuit to make Gamaldi accountable for what they consider is a threat to activists.

Mata also said that Gamaldis comments are very damaging for the decades of work between civil rights organizations in Houston and the HPD to address police abuse of force when it happens and for the work we have done together to create programs (and) ease tensions between communities and law enforcement.

During a Thursday press conference, HPD Chief Art Acevedo said that Gamaldis emotions from the shootings got the best of him and that his assertions were a lot over the top if you ask me.

Mata pointed out, however, that Gamaldi hasnt apologized for his implicit offense to civil right organizations.

MORE ON CRIME: Armed man tries to interrupt Drag Queen Storytime

Other civil rights organizations have also expressed concerned.

Houston Black Lives Matter founder Ashton Woods told the Houston Chronicle earlier this week that Gamaldi needed to apologize. We dont need you blaming us for what happened, he said.

The Houston coalition is concerned by Gamaldis assertion that officers have the numbers of people who condemn police misconduct and that they are going to be tracked and made accountable.

Gamaldi is creating a crisis that could have chilling effects in the community, Mata emphasized.

HPOU officials did not immediately comment Friday on the criticism from the civil rights group.

olivia.tallet@chron.com, twitter.com/oliviaptallet

NEWS WHEN YOU NEED IT: Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message | Sign up for breaking news alerts delivered to your email here.HBO's Bill Maher went there Friday night when he dropped the ugly and ubiquitous fried chicken stereotype during a segment of Real Time when he was grilling Texas Republican Rep. Will Hurd about being a Republican.

SUBSCRIBER CONTENT: Will Hurd, a rare moderate in Congress, scores a lawmaking victory as Dems move in

"I'm just asking why you're a Republican?" Maher said. "Because they're not good at the debt, that was their big thing. You said limited government, they don't do that. They took over the Congress in 2011 and they raised the debt a trillion dollars a year. They're not good at national defensethe president's a traitor. What's in it for you? What is in the Republican Party for you? You were in the CIA!"

To which Hurd began detailing his nine-year stint as an operations officer with the CIA.

"I was in the CIA for almost a decade. I was the dude in the back alleys at four o'clock in the morning collecting intelligence on threats to the homeland."

To which Maher butted in for the cheap joke.

"That's where you'd collect it, huh? Wow! By the Popeyes Chicken?"

You could almost see the brief internal groan on Hurd's face as he looked down and then chose to skip over the slur and continue, explaining how his service included years long stints in both Afghanistan and Pakistan.

RELATED: Future in doubt for Virginia governor after blackface photo

This is not the first time the comedian had stepped into racist waters. In 2017 he told Republican Senator Ben Sasse that he was a "house n*****" when the senator invited Maher to Nebraska to work in the fields with him.

"Work in the fields? Senator, I'm a house n*****. No, it's a joke." Maher told the senator.

But a day after his latest barb, like in 2017, few people are laughing.Avid readers came together to serve their community library after Hurricane Harvey.

The reorganized Friends of the Bear Creek Area Public Library provide support, raise funds and promote community awareness of the Katherine Tyra Branch Library at Bear Creek. Serving on the Friends library board is a new experience for Meg Philpot, vice president; and Delia Rodriguez and Linda Lynn, both who serve as fundraising chairs. Other board members include Betsy Irwin, president; Ashland Robertson, secretary; Carla Kaufman, book sale chair; and Linda St. Pierre, publicity chair.

The challenge of rebuilding faced the group.

We lost a lot of books in the flood, said Philpot. It took a while to build it back up.

It was important for the library to come back after Harvey, said Philpot who also experienced the ravages of flooding as a Bear Creek resident.

Its such an important thing for people, she added, noting that when Amy Campbell, branch manager, first opened the doors of the rebuilt library she was greeted by a group of people who cheered and applauded.

The library at 16719 Clay Road reopened April 30, 2018, after 9.5 inches of water flooded the building in August 2017 and caused $950,632 in damages. Pop-up libraries in a nearby church and restaurant allowed the branch to continue to provide services to the community.

The Friends group has a March book sale planned to coincide with an open house at the library and ironed out the details at a Jan. 14 meeting. Campbell said the book sale and open house will be Saturday, March 16, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will include activities for the whole family and refreshments, she added.

Early tasks tackled by the Friends included re-forming the board and updating bylaws. Lynn figures that their lack of knowledge about how a library board is supposed to operate led to creative thinking.

Rodriguez said the Friends group took part in the Cy-Fair Womens Club Sept. 8 Shop Til You Drop Marketplace at the Berry Center to increase awareness of the group, the library and the services available.

Another example of creative thinking is themed Holiday Gift Baskets created in December. Philpot said the baskets contained books plus other small items. For example, the basket with romance novels also contained a candle. They plan to repeat the event this year.

They have been very creative to come up with different ideas to raise funds, said Campbell. We been really fortunate to have them.

As part of the 2019 fundraising calendar, Friends anticipate a silent auction in June.

Rodriguez said, Our main goal is to fulfill library needs and were having fun, too.

Campbell said those needs include the summer reading program. One of the goals is to have additional support so we can do more community impact to counteract the summer reading slide that kids experience.

Branches also participate in heritage programs through the Harris County Public Library. Lynn said last year the branch celebrated Hispanic Heritage. And, February focuses on African-American History. The branch will offer Feb. 6 and Feb. 13 programs.

At 1 p.m. Feb. 6, Dr. Donetta Goodall, vice president of the board of trustees of Prairie View A&M Foundation, will talk about the origins and historical importance of why African American History is spotlighted in February.

The Feb. 13 program, Speak of Me as I Am: A celebration of African-American contributions to Shakespeare will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Friends try to help pay for performers, refreshments and activities to support that events, said Campbell.

When Philpot moved to the Bear Creek area in 2014, being near a library was one of the criteria considered. I was so impressed with all the activities provided, she added. I see a lot of people coming to the branch.

Rodriguez and Lynn have been library patrons since their children were young.

The trio are avid readers with their interests ranging from To Kill a Mockingbird to The Island of Lost Maps and mysteries by P.D. James.

I was one of those people you had to drag out of the library when it was closing, said Philpot. Our Dad used to read Sherlock Holmes to us.

The Friends group also is looking for new members and interested readers can inquire at the customer service desk in the library. Philpot talked of grooming new volunteers so they can come in when the older volunteers move out. The trio agreed that its not good to have the same board for years because the group would get stale and forget to look for new opportunities.

The Friends are also going to start a newsletter for members or anyone interested in finding out the happenings with the Friends, said Campbell. Interested people can email fobclboard@gmail.com to be added to the list or if they have general questions for the Friends.

Rodriguez said people also can learn more about the Friends group on Facebook and through social media. Were there for people if they have any questions.

Lynn said shes encountered people who upon learning what the branch offers, say, I didnt know you did that.

She also refers to a Baylor University study that says Americans are happier in states that spend more on libraries and other public goods. Researcher Patrick Flavin, associate professor of political science in Baylors College of Arts & Sciences, wrote, in part, Public goods spending makes communities more livable, with more amenities. Visit https://tinyurl.com/ybp79yok for more information.

karen.zurawski@chron.comThe Katy Area Economic Development Council recognized recipients of the third annual Stan C. Stanley Eagle Leadership and Economic Development Awards on Jan. 25 at the Katy Independent School District Robert R. Shaw Center for STEAM.

With friends and family of Stan Stanley in attendance, Katy Area EDC announced the award winners as Dick Phillips, University of Houston vice president of community engagement, in the volunteer category and Chuck Brawner, city of Katy mayor, in the elected official category. Phillips and Brawner were selected from a pool of finalists which included Mark and Terri Rodriguez of Krystas Karing Angels, Monty Ballard of The Ballard House, Rhedonda Cox of Johnson Controls and Thom Polvogt of ISU Caleb Insurance Group.

The winners and nominees were recognized at the meeting for their contributions to the Katy area and its success. About 100 people attended the meeting.

Phillips is a former associate vice chancellor of the University of Houston. The Katy Area EDC said he was a crucial player in helping the Katy area recruit the University of Houston Victoria and the University of Houston Katy campus, which will create 300 jobs, and over $75 million in cap investment and establish a new major higher education development in the Katy area.

Phillips is a member of the Katy Area EDC Board of Governors and Executive Committee. He has served on the Leadership Committee and the former Talent Committee. He serves on the Katy, TX Human Resources Network Group.

Brawner was elected mayor in May 2017 after having served the city of Katy as a Ward A councilmember and as mayor pro tem. He retired in 2016 as chief of police from the Spring Branch Independent School District Police Department. He was a Houston 100 Club Officer of the Year and has served as chairman and board member of the Governors Juvenile Justice Advisory Board, having been appointed to the position by three governors.

The Katy Area EDC said, Chuck has devoted his career to public service with over 40 years of law enforcement experience and is a graduate of the Leadership Command College at Sam Houston State University.

The Stan Stanley awards were created to recognize a volunteer and elected official in the Katy area that have made contributions in leadership and economic development to the Katy area. Selections were made by a committee of Katy area leaders. All Katy area residents were eligible and selected based on criteria including but not limited to, years of service, leadership skills demonstrated, special achievements, and qualities Stan so greatly exhibited such as being faithful, conscientious, unselfish and committed to the Katy area community, said Katy Area EDC President/CEO Lance LaCour.

Stan meant so much to our organization and the Katy area community, said LaCour. It is truly an honor to continue his memory through the presentation of the awards in his name each year.

The host venue, Robert R. Shaw Center for STEAM, is managed by veteran educator Steve Adams. Adams took time to share information on the cutting-edge facility which provides students a space to bring ideas from conception through design to production, and allows students to work with professional mentors and volunteers representing STEAM-related occupations on authentic activities and with authentic applications. Projects at the Shaw Center are developed around interdisciplinary learning with an emphasis on inspiring students to be innovators in the areas of science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics. Visit katyisd.org/dept/rsc for more information.

One such authentic STEAM activity which takes place at the center is the Katy ISD Robotics Program. Mike Outlaw, volunteer mentor of Cinco Ranch Robotics Team, shared information about the program and its value to students. The Robotics program gives its members hands-on experiences in engineering, problem solving and teamwork while providing an appreciation for science and technology. Four Katy ISD students involved in the program explained the importance of the program and the positive impact which it had on their educational experience.

New members introduced at the meeting included Associate members Amerant Bank, formerly Mercantil Bank, Arthur J. Gallagher, Experis Manpower Group and Listo Translating Services. Members recognized for renewal included Board of Governors member Newland Communities, Strategic Partner Elizabeth Pratt, LLC., and Associate members Addicks Utility District, Bob Miles Real Estate, Inc., Guaranty Bank, Igloo, Interstate MUD, Network Funding, R.G. Miller Engineers Inc. and Raba Kistner Consultants.

Visit katyedc.org for more information.A nine-hour manhunt transfixed Conroe on Sunday when an MMA fighter wanted for multiple murders escaped while guards transporting him from Michigan to Texas stopped for breakfast at a McDonald's.

Cedric Joseph Marks, who has two warrants for murder and whom authorities described as "extremely dangerous," stripped off his shirt and ran from Conroe's North Loop 336 McDonald's around 7:15 a.m. Marks is a 44-year-old professional MMA fighter known as "Spiderman," who most recently fought in the Moore Extreme Fighting Championship in Payson, Arizona.

What followed was a day-long manhunt involving 17 agencies, which deployed helicopters, K-9 tracking dogs, multiple ground units and automated phone calls warning local residents to stay indoors.

By Sunday afternoon, K-9 units had tracked Marks to where he hid inside a 55-gallon trash can two blocks away.

"(Marks) surrendered without incident," said Conroe Police Department Chief Jeff Christy following Marks' recapture.

Marks' journey to a Conroe neighborhood began months before in Temple, north of Austin.

There, his ex-girlfriend, Jenna Scott, 28, had filed a temporary protective order against Marks in July of 2018 describing Marks as a "pathological liar," a "master manipulator" and a "psychopath" who bragged about killing pets as a child and at least twice choked her into unconsciousness.

"Every time I try to break up with him, he threatens me," Scott wrote in a court document. "I have to stay away from him to stay safe and to protect the people I love."

That August, Scott allegedly found that Marks had broken into her home, where he threatened her and her family until her nine-year-old called 911.

And then on Jan. 4, Scott and her friend, Michael Swearingin, 32, went missing. Their bodies were recovered on Jan. 15 from a shallow grave in rural Oklahoma.

MORE CRIME: Mother, father found dead after possible murder-suicide in SW Houston

After the disappearance of Scott and Swearingin, the Bloomington, Minn. Police Department told KWTX that they were reopening the case of another one of Marks' former girlfriends, April Pease.

She disappeared from Minnesota in 2009. Pease and Marks had been in a custody dispute over their child at the time of her disappearance.

When Marks was found last month in Michigan, Texas Prisoners Transport Services was hired to extradite him back to Bell County, where Temple is located.

When a Temple newspaper reported on Marks' extradition to Texas, Foster wrote: "Evil is headed back our way."

Texas Prisoners Transport Services did not respond to multiple requests to comment about the escape.

After Mark's capture, many in the Conroe area breathed a sigh of relief.

"It was very critical" that Marks was apprehended before sundown, Chief Christy said at a press conference.

Christy added the suspect will remain in Conroe as authorities interview him, the guards and the other 9 inmates who were being transported during the escape.

Trenton Hooker, whose family lives about a half mile from the escape scene, said he had been praying for a safe resolution.

"It's just very close to home," he said. "His capture is definitely going to help us sleep better tonight."

Late Sunday, Chief Christy stated: "At this time the circumstances surrounding Marks escape are still under investigation. Once the investigation is complete the finding will be presented to the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office.

Stephen Tucker Paulsen and Jose Gonzalez contributed to this report.

Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message.Texas Department of Transportation / Texas Department of Transportation

Memorial City Redevelopment Authority/Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone 17 on behalf of the city of Houston, and in cooperation with Texas Department of Transportation, will host a Feb. 7 public meeting regarding the proposed reconstruction of Memorial Drive from east of Beltway 8 to east of Tallowood Drive in the city of Houston.

The meeting will be at Frostwood Elementary School, 12214 Memorial Drive, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The meeting will be an open house format so the public may come and go at their convenience, and staff will be available to answer questions. Comments must be received on or before Friday, Feb. 22, to be a part of the official meeting record.The 2019 Inprint Poets & Writers Ball was truly one for the books.

The elegant black-tie affair, held Saturday at The Houstonian, boasted salon-style readings by three notable writers and ornate literary-themed ballroom tables.

It also featured a talk by guest speaker, Min Jin Lee, a National Book Award finalist and the New York Times bestselling author of "Pachinko" and "Free Food for Millionaires."

During the dinner portion of the evening, event chairs Anne and Albert Chao, who helped raise more than $420,000 for the local literary arts nonprofit, introduced Lee, who was born in Seoul, South Korea, and immigrated to the U.S. with her family when she was seven-years-old.

Lee enthralled the audience of 400 guests from the moment she took to the stage for her nearly 30-minute speech. "I've decided that February 2 is my Houston day," she began.

"I was here on February 2 last year at Brazos Bookstore giving a reading. My friends Neil and Donna, who are here tonight, were there. I'd been so worried about them during Hurricane Harvey.

SEE MORE: Celebrities show off their hottest looks on the Maxim red carpet ahead of Super Bowl LIII

"I am so glad that Houston is okay. It's not without the fact that Houston has indeed suffered. And I want to recognize that. It's really important that we are all here for each other," she added.

Lee, who earned a degree in History at Yale University and a law degree at Georgetown University, worked as a lawyer for several years in New York prior to writing full time.

"It never, ever occurred to me that I would be a writer," she said, despite being awarded the Henry Wright Prize for Nonfiction and the James Ashmun Veech Prize for Fiction while she was at Yale.

"Why is that? I think it's because people like me weren't supposed to be writers. English is my second language, and I was born in South Korea. When I was in college, I thought, 'are there writers in Korea who have written in English?' I didn't know of any."

Lee also touched on one of her favorite authors, author Sinclair Lewis, "I read his books and couldn't believe how good he was," she noted, and on the bumps along the road of her career change.

"I have failed for far more years than I have succeeded. If I have succeeded at all," Lee said. "Last year, I was rejected for three teaching positions, one editor position and four fellowships."

How does Lee, who is at work on "American Hagwon," the third diaspora novel in "The Koreans" trilogy, stay the course despite the challenges of her current career?

"How do I stay as a writer when I'm pretty sure I never thought I could be one? This is where I get to tell you about your superpowers," she noted.

"Perhaps, you are a parent. When your teenage son hurts your feelings, why do you still wait up for him to come home when you are bone-tired? If your mother is cranky and needs you to take her to the hospital but doesn't ask nicely, why do you leave work early to take her? When your best friend calls you, crying on the phone, why do you stop making dinner to listen?

"It's because you have a superpower," she explained. "You know that being different or being a minority ... or having ideas that you don't want to have and wishes that are too expensive ... cannot be the reason alone to give up. We have the power to care and to persist because we know we must. And because we want our lives to matter."

MORE FROM HOUSTON: Texas Lunar Festival kicks off Year of the Pig in Houston

Prior to dinner, guests enjoyed salon-style readings from three authors, who rotated between three different rooms. All of the authors, including Thea Lim ("An Ocean of Minutes") Henk Rossouw ("Xamissa"), and Jessica Wilbanks ("When I Spoke in Tongues: A Story of Faith and Its Loss") have received support Inprint.

After the readings, attendees made their way to the ballroom and were seated at tables decorated by volunteers according to different literary themes, from "Alice in Wonderland" by Lewis Carroll to "A Gentleman in Moscow" by Amor Towles.

A menu of chilled asparagus salad, roasted wagyu loin of beef and apple-caramel tarte, created by James Beard Award-winning chef, Robert Del Grande of Cafe Annie, scored big with guests, who savored every morsel.

Del Grande, who is in Atlanta for a Super Bowl LIII event, was unable to attend the ball but wrote a "memoir" describing what inspired the menu. "Ensemble of pastry and apples and caramel. The image of a denouement," reads part of his desert description.

Before departing, partygoers received limited-edition handmade "chapbooks" of Lee's novel, "Free Food for Millionaires," with each of the 325 copies autographed by the author, and enjoyed nightcap cocktails in the lobby bar of The Houstonian.

Showing their support for Inprint were Franci Neely, Mark Wawro and Melanie Gray, Nancy Powell Moore, Carolyn and Matt Henneman, Isabel and Danny David, Winnie and Nic Phillips, Brooke and Dan Feather, author Justin Cronin, Perryn Leech, Andrea and Bill White, Nancy Palmore, Kathryn and Craig Smyser, Graham Bayley, Sunny Krishnan, and Susie and Payson Tucker.

Marcy de Luna is a digital reporter specializing in social media, the famous, and food. You can follow her on Twitter @MarcydeLuna and Facebook @MarcydeLuna. Read her stories on our breaking news site, Chron.com, and on our subscriber site, HoustonChronicle.com. | Marcy.deLuna@chron.com | Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text messageThe ongoing celebration of the Lunar New Year will culminate on Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 9 and 10, with traditional Lion Dances at Katy Asiatown.

Presented by AsUnited Marketing Alliance, the events are scheduled to take place at 23119 Colonial Parkway. Saturdays event is set for 1:30 p.m. and Sundays is scheduled for 11:30 a.m.

A lion dance is a traditional dance in Chinese culture and other Asian countries. Performers mimic a lions movements in a costume to bring good luck and fortune. It is usually performed during the Chinese New Year and other Chinese traditional, cultural and religious festivals. It is also sometimes performed at occasions such as business openings, special celebrations or wedding ceremonies. It may be used to honor special guests by Chinese communities.

For more information, go to https://tinyurl.com/ydbmh8bf.

On stage

Seven Lakes High Schools production of Beauty and the Beast will be on stage Thursday, Friday and Saturday with scheduled performances at 7 p.m. each evening. A matinee will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday. Tickets at $12 for students and seniors, and $15 for adults. Seven Lakes High School is located at 9251 S. Fry Road. For more information or tickets, go to www.studiovii.org.

Paetow High School is presenting Chicago with performances slated for Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. each day. A Saturday matinee is scheduled for 2 p.m. Tickets at $10 for students and $15 for adults. Paetow High School is located at 23111 Stockdick School Road. For more information or to buy tickets, go to www.paetowtheatre.org.

Hydrant flushing

The city of Katy Water Department will be flushing hydrants and lines throughout the entire city beginning Monday, Feb. 4. The hydrant flushing will take place between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m.

The city advised that flushing may cause low water pressure as well as some discoloration of water, which does not represent a health hazard. Anyone who experiences discolored water should run the cold water in all your faucets for approximately 5-10 minutes or open the outside faucet closest to your water meter for several minutes before using the water. However, customers are cautioned to determine if the water is clear before washing clothes (or any other processing) as staining may occur.

The Water Department regrets any temporary inconvenience but the flushing program is necessary to maintain a good water supply for both firefighting and domestic consumption. The city of Katy is not responsible for any damages incurred as a result of this activity, which is a necessary and normal maintenance function of the water supply as required by the Department of Environmental Protection.

Business Builders Breakfast

The Katy Area Chamber of Commerce Business Builders Breakfast will be 6:45-8 a.m. Feb. 5 at Willow Fork Country Club, 21055 Westheimer Parkway.

Toni Harris Taylor will talk about Drastic Steps to Get Known, Get Connected and Get Paid!

The fee is $20 for members and $25 for nonmembers. All reservations must be paid by 5 p.m. Monday Feb. 4. Email info@katychamber.com or call 281-391-5289 for information.

Ribbon Cuttings

The Katy Area Chamber of Commerce will celebrate the grown of Evergreen Cottages on Tuesday, Feb. 5, with a 4:45 p.m. ribbon-cutting. The celebration will be from 4:30-7 p.m.

Located at 21609 Provincial Blvd., Evergreen Cottages is a 16-bed assisted living community specializing in Alzheimers and dementia care.

Visit www.evergreencottages.com or email manager@evergreencottages.com for information.

The Katy Area Chamber of Commerce will welcome Cosmic Air Park, an indoor trampoline and adventure park, to the Katy area on Feb. 8 from 2:30-11 p.m. The business is located at 1210 Fry Road.

Visit www.cosmicairpark.com, email shawn@cosmicairpark.com or call Shawn Meghani at 281-215-5000.

Grand opening celebration hours are 4-11 p.m. Feb. 8, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Feb. 9 and 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Feb. 10.

rkent@hcnonline.comRapper Tekashi 6ix9ine pleaded guilty to nine counts of racketeering conspiracy, firearms and narcotics trafficking charges in his ongoing criminal case and will cooperate with federal prosecutors, according to recently unsealed court documents. The charges relate to his involvement in a violent gang in New York called the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods.

Tekashi, whose real name is Daniel Hernandez, stated in a trial held last week that he joined the gang in fall 2017. Its members engaged in various criminal acts to "preserve and enhance the power of Nine Trey," he said, adding that he had helped others rob people and once paid someone to shoot at a rival gang member to "maintain or increase my own standing in Nine Trey." Hernandez, 22, also said he sold heroin and participated in the attempted murder of another gang rival.

"At all times I knew that these actions were wrong and in violation of the law," he said. "I apologize to the court, to anyone who was hurt, to my family, friends and fans for what I have done and who I have let down."

Hernandez's sentencing date has not yet been determined. He could face up to life in prison, though it is unclear if or how his cooperation with authorities will affect the sentence.

Hernandez gained a following as a SoundCloud rapper, as those who release their music through the streaming platform are known. Along with XXXTentacion, who was fatally shot last summer, Hernandez represented a sect of the hip-hop scene that deviated from the norm. New York Times music critic Jon Caramanica described him as a "brute-force screamer," in that he "thrives on raps and repetition, as if constantly looking to pick a fistfight."

Hernandez's debut single "Gummo" rose to No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified platinum. As a mainstream artist, he released the song "Fefe" with Nicki Minaj, which rose to No. 3. His debut album, "Dummy Boy," came out in late November and debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200.

This fame overlapped with a long history of legal troubles. This past October, Hernandez avoided jail time after admitting to having made and distributed sexually explicit videos of a 13-year-old girl in 2015. He was sentenced to four years of probation and 1,000 hours of community service, while the man in the video went to jail.

Hernandez and five other Nine Trey members were indicted in November. Geoffrey Berman, U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, said in a statement that they "wreaked havoc on New York City, engaging in brazen acts of violence."

In a statement shared shortly afterward with The Washington Post, Hernandez's attorney Lance Lazzaro claimed his client was "completely innocent of all charges being brought against him."

"An entertainer who portrays a 'gangster image' to promote his music does not make him a member of an enterprise," Lazzaro wrote in November. "Mr. Hernandez became a victim of this enterprise and later took steps by firing employees and publicly denounced this enterprise through a morning show. Threats were then made against his life which resulted in this case being brought immediately."

On Friday, Lazzaro did not respond to The Post's request for comment on Hernandez's guilty plea.Orlando police say that outbound flights from Orlando to Hobby airport have been affected after a TSA agent's death inside Orlando International Airport.

An officer from the Transportation Security Administration jumped to his death from a balcony inside Florida's busiest airport Saturday, creating panic that brought some security checkpoints to a halt for hours and caused serious delays.Scottish Government's trans policy ignores impact on women and girls, say academics and activists

Scottish ministers have been accused of failing to properly consider women and girls in its plans to reform gender laws.

The Scottish Government is currently considering whether to reform the Gender Recognition Act 2004 to allow a person to change their legal sex based on self-identity.

In a letter to The Times, a group of 25 academics and activists criticised the 'poor quality' of the Scottish Government's equality impact assessment (EQIA) into the proposed changes and urged it to make amends 'well ahead of bringing forward any legislation'.

'The Scottish government consultation failed to consider the implications for the rights of women and girls of allowing individuals to change their legal sex by means of a simple declaration,' the letter said.

Signatories of the letter include Scottish academics Kath Murray, Lucy Hunter Blackburn and Lisa Mackenzie, and former Labour MSP Marlyn Glen.

They said that existing legal protections for single-sex spaces were 'not always properly understood and/or applied'.

'We believe the lack of a proper EQIA has been damaging to the debate about reform of the GRA and urge the government to make sure one is now carried out, before introducing any legislation into the Scottish parliament,' they wrote.

The letter was published in the same week as Nicola Sturgeon joined the National Advisory Council on Women and Girls to celebrate the publication of its first annual report.

At a public meeting in Edinburgh on Thursday, feminist group For Women Scotland said that existing rights should not be eroded in order to accommodate the needs of vulnerable people.

Susan Smith, of For Women Scotland, said: 'We are concerned that the Scottish government is sleepwalking towards a significant erosion of women's rights, both in terms of proposals to reform the GRA to allow self-identification and the failure to prevent other organisations running ahead of the law and adopting policies which are in breach of the Equality Act.

'We're not here to quibble about toilets and we're not here to create trouble for those who have battled crippling gender dysphoria. We welcome extra provisions for other vulnerable groups that don't involve dismantling existing rights. If we cannot see sex, then we cannot see sexism, we cannot define sexuality, and it is the most vulnerable women who will suffer from this.'

The Scottish Government's own consultation into the proposed changes revealed widespread concern about the impact on women and girls.

The Scottish Government said in a report that safety had been the most commonly expressed concern out of the 15,000 responses.

Respondents feared that women would be put at risk in toilets, changing rooms, hospital wards and shelters if they were forced to share spaces with men who say they identify as women.

'Where respondents explained their concerns, it was often to suggest that the proposal would allow 'any man', 'predatory men' or 'biological men' to gain access to women's spaces where they could pose a potential threat to women's safety,' the report said.Pulling no punches on toxic masculinity

The debate has been fierce and rigorous. Social media has lit up like a Sydney skyline on New Year's Eve. Why? Gillette released an advertisement. It hit a nerve, and stirred a national discussion.

What is toxic masculinity and what can we do about it?

You can see the Gillette advertisement here.

The conversation blog says that the, "Gillette ad isn't anti-men, it's anti-toxic masculinity  and this should be welcomed."

Melinda Tankard Reist writes in the ABC Religion and Ethics column that some have assumed that toxic masculinity means, "men are innately bad, defective and pathological." When really, what is intended is more, "certain expressions of masculinity are problematic."

That might be where some of the backlash from this advertisement has come from. "Who are you to say that I'm violent? Who are you to say I'm an angry man? Who are you to say I'm a sexual predator?" It's like some men have felt threatened or offended or condemned for their own behaviour, or lumped into a category not befitting of them.

Put aside the cognitive dissonance of a large conglomerate, Proctor and Gamble, financially benefitting from proactively engaging in a socially hot topic across the western world. That aside, surely the intent of the advert was to provoke, prod and wake up men just enough to have them consider the positives and negative expressions of their own masculinity?

Will boys just be boys?

One of the debates that rages since the Gillette advert is the question the sociologists wrestle with: To what degree is a boy's masculinity a result of the culture in which that boy is brought up in?

The conservation blog opines, "Critics ignore the explicit message of the advert, which is that gender is culturally constructed, and that we all have a responsibility to shape the future of our society. It isn't an attack on boys, or an attempt to stop them "being boys". It's about letting boys be any kind of boy they want to be. More importantly, it's about letting them care."

Dr. John Dickson, known for being a public advocate for the Christian faith, presents a different angle. He says, "Because of the dramatic differences in male and female hormones and muscle mass, men do much more of the physically explosive stuff in our world, both good and bad. Men do more armed combat, break up more fights, and rescue more innocents, as well astragicallycommit more murders, crime, and domestic abuse. Virtually all men, in other words, have the capacity for toxic masculinity, even if we want to say that only a small minority of men exploit this capacity."

In theological terms, we talk about the human nature being corrupted by sin. We have a propensity to make choices that simply do not please God. I have young children and I see it all the time: how often do my children feel the desire to lie, and to get angry and to steal the other child's remote control (you may have different children to me).

Only by the grace of God, through Jesus Christ do we have the opportunity to turn from this sin and seek a new way to live.

Grab a new copy of my book called "Jesus Christ!" here.

We could debate gender stereotypes until the cows come home. Though, fundamentally we all have "sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans chapter 3, verse 23). And as Gillette clearly portrays, some men have a fair bit of redemption still to experience.

Deep, deep down, there's a reason

So, why, as Michael Frost (Christian author and missiologist) questions, do people seem to lack the ability to, "applaud a commercial enterprise for intuiting the winds of social change and agree that men should be patient, kind, sensitive, respectful and composed?"

It's because deep down we're stubborn and deep down the advertisement hit a truth for many men, that they need to change. And I'm yet to meet anyone who celebrates a kick in the guts when it comes to changing character flaws.

The boys of today...

There's more to be said, of course. I think we should celebrate the highlights of masculinity expressed in ways that is transformative to the broader culture. I love it when my 7-year-old boy gives a big hug to his two sisters and tells them he loves them.

I think we should on the other hand be able to rationally, respectfully and intellectually debate a topic such as masculinity without the twittersphere having a meltdown and social media feeds imploding across the Australian landscape.

As Gillette say, "Men need to hold other men accountable." We should encourage each other, "To say the right thing, to act the right way." I agree with Gillette that some men demanding a better way are not enough. There's too many stories of women badly hurt by the selfish and violent acts of men.

Ultimately, we have an opportunity to model a way of living that will be an example worth emulating in younger generations.

Because...

The boys of today will be the men of tomorrow.

Courtesy of Press Service InternationalLibrary draws complaints over Drag Queen Story Hour with 'Annie Christ'

A Philadelphia-area community is pushing back against a library's plans to host a drag queen story hour, saying the event is hostile to Christianity in part because the performer's stage name is "Annie Christ."

The drag name Annie Christ is a play on words for AntiChrist. What is being called the "Drag Queen Story Fun Time with Annie" was scheduled for Saturday at the Lansdale Public Library.

"Lansdale, Pennsylvania, is bringing perversion from the nightclubs and sexually charged pride parades into the library with children," a Facebook event page for a protest and prayer rally says.

"Trusted officials and library staff are promoting a foul-mouthed adult entertainer named 'Annie Christ' (a discriminative attack on Christianity) as a role model to our small children, and we must take action. Why is our library taking on such a politically controversial issue especially when receiving our tax dollars?"

According to Philly.com, the library has already received several complaints.

"There's definitely more complaints about this than any other event we've done," said library director Tom Meyer, but support for the event is "overwhelming," he said.

"One of the tenets of our mission here is to celebrate cultural diversity in the community, and I think a lot of the parents are interested in that and also the message of the story time, about acceptance and inclusion," said Meyer who's unphased by plans for potential protests.

"Library branches in Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania suburbs, and South Jersey have run similar events with drag queens since 2017; the Free Library of Philadelphia alone has hosted more than 50 of them, according to Andrew Nurkin, deputy director of enrichment and civic engagement. Currently, the Fumo Family Library Branch in South Philadelphia is hosting a series of drag-queen trivia nights, including one Feb. 13," Philly.com reported.

Another drag queen named "Brittany Lynn" is putting on an event at the Please Touch museum in Philadelphia. "We're not pushing any agenda. We're just giving a view of diversity and acceptance that isn't so heteronormative," the performer said.

Writing on his blog at The American Conservative Wednesday, author Rod Dreher, who regularly documents how fringe sexuality has made inroads into the public domain, noted how outlandish the event seemed.

"What kind of Christofascist could possibly imagine that there's an agenda present in these things? And I can't imagine why some folks in the Philly region are troubled by a public library hosting a children's story hour led by a drag queen named 'Annie Christ' (Antichrist  get it?)," he mused sarcastically.

"Life in post-Christian Weimar America, folks. Drag queens named Antichrist invited to read stories to children in public libraries."

Drag Queen Story Hour started in San Francisco, California, in 2015, where it was launched to provide "positive and unabashedly queer role models" for children and now has chapters in 40 states and in other countries.

In 2017, parents in Long Beach, California, also spoke out against the Drag Queen Story Hour when the Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library hosted a drag queen named Xochi Mochi who dressed as a five-horned demon to read to children.

Courtesy of The Christian PostPastor, North Korean defectors reveal creative ways they share the Gospel in hermit kingdom

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A pastor and two North Korean Christians who defected from the hermit kingdom without being captured have revealed the creative ways they continue to share the Gospel with those back home.

Peter Jung, a pastor who specializes in spreading Christianity in North Korea, recently told The Associated Press that his group provides shelter, food, and money to North Koreans visiting Chinese border towns before teaching them about Christianity.

Before they return home, Jung said his group asks the North Korean visitors to memorize Bible verses or carry Bibles with them to share the Gospel with their friends and family. He revealed that missionaries create a religious atmosphere by getting people to exchange text messages containing Christian-themed words like "peace.

Christianity is illegal in North Korea and possessing a Bible, holding open religious services or making any attempt to build underground church networks can result in torture, lengthy prison terms or execution. As North Korea consistently ranks as the worst country in the world for Christian persecution, many citizens keep their beliefs to themselves or within their immediate families.

Lee HanByeol, Jungs wife and a North Korean refugee living in Seoul, South Korea, recalled watching her father pray whenever his wife slipped into China to borrow money from relatives in the mid-1990s.

"I saw him praying many times. ... My mom risked her life to go to China illegally to feed our family. So when my mom left, he kept praying, sitting cross-legged and trembling in the corner of our room," Lee said.

Lee said she didn't know about Christianity at the time, as her father kept his faith to himself until his death in an apparent effort to protect his family.

"I often think about how great it would have been if my father and I could have prayed together while holding each other's hands," she said.

Another North Korean defector, identified only as J.M., shared how he encountered Christianity after he fled to China in 1998. He was arrested by Chinese police and sent back home in 2001, and after serving several months in prison he attempted to share his faith with his parents.

"My father found it difficult to embrace (Christianity) but my mother quickly accepted it," said J.M.

In 2002, J.M. escaped to South Korea so he could worship freely, and is today a Seoul-based pastor trying to promote Christianity in North Korea. He told the AP that during a recent visit to China, he baptized about six North Koreans who made temporary visits to Chinese border towns.

Estimates vary about how many Christians are in North Korea, but persecution watchdog group Open Doors places the number around 300,000, most of whom operate in secret networks of tiny house churches.

According to statistics from the U.S. State Department, an estimated 120,000 Christians, defectors, and political dissidents are imprisoned in North Korean labor concentration camps where they face brutal torture.

Previously, North Korean defector Ji Hyeona shared how she escaped from the North a total of four times and got repatriated back three times before finally fleeing to South Korea in 2007.

As a devout Christian, Ji recalled how she felt forced to deny her faith when questioned by regime authorities each time she was repatriated.

"Each time when I got repatriated, which is a total of three times, they never finished their interrogation without asking me those Christian-related questions, such as whether I went to church, whether I knew Jesus and whether I believed in God," she recalled. "If there is a slightest indication or confession that you believe Jesus and went to church, then you will surely be sent to a political prison camp or executed. Just like Peter denied Jesus three times, I lied each of those three times that I got repatriated and got interrogated."

Ji Seong-ho, a disabled North Korea defector who founded the organization Now, Action, Unity, Human Rights, also told The Christian Post that anyone suspected of illegal religious activities is harshly punished.

The 32-year-old Ji, who lost one arm and one leg when a train ran over them while he was trying to steal coal to support his family, first defected from North Korea in 2006. He ultimately went back to North Korea after a month in China only to be detained and tortured by North Korean police.

"During the time, I was asked whether I was contacted by any Christians. I actually did meet Christians and was introduced to Christianity [when I first went to China] but I already knew that Christians, when caught by the regime, will be killed without any exceptions. So I denied that I came into contact with Christians," Ji recalled. "During the torture, it was, of course, a very difficult experience. That was then I felt that North Korea is no longer the place I could live."

Ji, who now helps North Korean defectors safely enter China, urged the international community to help out with this cause to tackle the human rights situation of North Korea and create more pressure against the regime so that people would have the freedom to pray and worship God, and share the Gospel and hear the Gospel.

"I also feel that since the Bible commands us to share the Gospel to the world and every nation, we also have to deliver the Gospel to North Korea as there can be no exception in place we need to reach out to, he added.Reacting to Democrats supporting abortion during labor, bill pushed to protect babies born alive

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United States Senator Ben Sasse of Nebraska has called on all of his colleagues to support a bill via roll call vote that would punish a medical professional for failing to provide care for a baby that survives an abortion.

In a Thursday speech on the Senate floor, Sasse explained he wanted a roll call vote to take place on Monday evening for his proposed bill, titled the Born Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act.

I'm going to ask all 100 senators to come to the floor and be against infanticide. This shouldn't be complicated, explained Sasse.

 on Monday evening I'm going to be asking unanimous consent for senators to come to the floor and pass an abortion survivors protection act, an abortion survivors born-alive piece of legislation.

Sasses actions came in response to Democratic Governor Ralph Northam of Virginia recently defending a pro-choice bill with comments that implied support for infanticide.

And its done in cases where there may be severe deformities, where there may be a fetus thats not viable, so in this particular example, if a mother is in labor, I can tell you exactly what would happen, said Gov. Northam to WTOP.

The infant would be delivered, the infant would be kept comfortable. It would be resuscitated if thats what the mother and the family desired and then a discussion would ensue between the physician and the mother. So I think this was really blown out of proportion.

Regarding those comments, Sasse said that Northam was defending infanticide, and expressed outrage over a governor defending a practice that is morally repugnant.

Let's be clear what we're talking about. We're talking about killing a baby that's been born. We're not talking about some euphemism, we're not talking about a clump of cells, continued Sasse.

Everyone in the Senate ought to be able to say unequivocally that killing that little baby is wrong. This doesn't take any political courage. And, if you can't say that, if there's a member of this body that can't say that, there may be lots of work you can do in the world but you shouldn't be here. You should get the heck out of any calling in public life where you pretend to care about the most vulnerable among us.

Northams comments came in defense of a proposed bill named Virginia House Bill 2491, which among other things would remove various state-level regulations of abortion, such as removing a 24-hour waiting period and the mandate that second trimester abortions take place in a hospital setting.

Democrat Delegate Kathy Tran, who introduced the bill, garnered controversy of her own when, during a committee hearing earlier this week, said her bill would allow an abortion up the moment of birth.

For his part, Northam has responded on Twitter to the outrage by denying that he was supporting infanticide in his interview with WTOP.

I have devoted my life to caring for children and any insinuation otherwise is shameful and disgusting, he tweeted, referencing his being a professional pediatrician.

However, pro-life groups like the Susan B. Anthony List were unconvinced, with their Twitter handle stating in response that they are not insinuating anything.

You said you support withholding care and allowing babies to die after a failed third-trimester abortion, tweeted SBA List. You are a disgrace to your office and the medical community and should have your medical license taken away.

Northam is currently being asked to resign by a number of high-level Democrats, but not for his abortion remarks. Last week, a yearbook photo surfaced in which Northam was allegedly one of two boys who were wearing blackface and KKK outfit. On Friday, Northam apologized for the photo, but in a Saturday press conference denied he was in the photo.Matt Chandler Says Pastors Who Address Racism Outside of Biblical Framework 'Sabotage' Chance of Change

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Matt Chandler, pastor of The Village Church in Highland Village, Texas, said that pastors who fail to address the issue of racial injustice within the framework of the Gospel ultimately "sabotage" any chance for true change.

"What we see happening historically is when the Church starts to focus on social issues outside of the atoning work of Jesus Christ, then what happens is, the Church will start to cut away what they see as the hindrances of people getting on board with the social movement," Chandler told Relevant Magazine in a recent interview.

"So if the atoning work of Jesus Christ is an offense to accomplish racial harmony, then let's get rid of the atoning work of Jesus Christ and simply make Jesus's platform one of social embetterment, and that has happened on repeat," he continued. "Monsters have come through this door before and ultimately sabotaged the hope of those that got involved in these movements. I think that by keeping the social aspects tied to the Gospel and to the atoning work of Jesus Christ, we've gotten the best bet at actually seeing movement in these movements."

The pastor, who previously revealed he's labeled a "liberal" or "Marxist" whenever he addresses racial issues from the pulpit, said that far too many Christians today are "ignorant" of biblical doctrines and Christian history.

He explained: "I think the reason why the accusation of being a 'liberal' happens around social issues in particular is really rooted in Christian history. And because people tend to want to be atheological in 2018, they want to take the posture that doctrine divides rather than unifies. And because we tend to be ignorant of Christian history, these things surprise us."

"By showing that, I'm not a liberal, I'm tying these things to the teachings of Jesus Christ, I'm tying it to the finished work of Christ on the cross, I think we've got the best chance to actually move the ball forward in our day and age."

Chandler warned that when churches ignore sound doctrines to tackle social issues, "it doesn't go anywhere; it certainly doesn't live past the movement itself."

"But if these things truly are rooted in the Gospel, like I would want to argue they are, then man, we've got a real shot at letting the Gospel accomplish what the Gospel was meant to accomplish ... the breaking down of these walls of hostility," he said, pointing to the multiethnic Antioch Church described in Acts 13.

"I think the hostility you're seeing is because historically, when these issues have been addressed, they've been addressed outside the framework of the Gospel and have been instead made the Gospel itself, and that creates a ton of problems," he said.

Chandler added that the first step the Church must take in addressing racism is to simply talk about it.

"I think we address it by addressing it," he said. "We have got to say something here. And once you say something ... things start coming into the light that maybe were hidden, and some of that is ignorance or misunderstanding, and now we have the opportunity to address it because it's in the light. Some of it is blatant sinfulness that needs to be called sin, and you get the opportunity to call people to repent of what would clearly be defined as sin in the Bible."

Earlier this month, Chandler delivered a message at the "MLK50: Gospel Reflections From the Mountaintop" conference in Memphis, Tennessee. Arguing that the miseducation of whites on black America is one reason behind enduring discrimination, Chandler urged white pastors to talk to their congregations about these issues to help bridge the divide.

"White pastors, you have got to say something," he said. "I know what I'm asking. I am not going to be fired for saying these things. I'm not. You might be."

Unless white pastors take a stand, he warned, racial reconciliation will never take place.

"There is no way forward if white pulpits won't talk," heh said. "King said rightly in the end that 'we will remember not the words of our enemies but the silence of our friends.'"What you should know about Yemen and its tiny Christian population Christian Post Contributor | 03 February, 2019 by Stoyan Zaimov

In case you haven't heard already, Yemen has been facing what many have called the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

The Middle East country, located at the end of the Arabian Peninsula, has a population of over 28 million and 22 million of them need humanitarian assistance (16 million don't have enough food).

Much of the famine is a result of the civil war that began years ago. So how did the crisis begin and what is it like for Christians in Yemen?

Here are five things you should know.

1. 2011 uprising

Thousands of protesters called on President Ali Abdullah Saleh, who had been in office for more than three decades, to step down over the collapse of the economy, corruption and repression.

Forced to resign, Saleh transferred power to his deputy, Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi. But Saleh remained in Yemen and formed an alliance with the Houthi rebels (made up of the Zaidi Shia Muslim minority who have been attempting to gain power for decades) who gained control of Sanaa, the country's capital. The Zaidi believe only a descendant of the Islamic prophet Muhammad should rule Muslims.

Hadi was forced to flee the country in March 2015, under attack both by the Houthis and security forces still loyal to Saleh. This is when Saudi Arabia (Yemen's neighbor) entered the fray, fearful of the spread of what it believes is Iran-backed Shia powers in Yemen.

The Saudi Arabian Kingdom, along with other Sunni Arab states, have been carrying out an air campaign ever since, looking to return power to Hadi and his government.

Note: 99.1 percent of Yemen's population is Muslim; 65 percent are Sunni and 35 percent are Shia.

The civil war has been at a stalemate, with coalition troops supporting the Hadi government holding control of much of the country, including Aden, while the Houthi forces continue being in control of significant northwestern regions.

The turmoil has allowed militant groups, including al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, and an affiliate of the Islamic State terror group, to capture territory in the south and carry out deadly attacks.

The stalemate has produced the worst humanitarian crisis in the world.

2. The worst humanitarian crisis is 'getting worse'

Mark Lowcock, under-secretary-general for Humanitarian Affairs and emergency relief coordinator for the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, described the immense scale of the tragedy in a briefing to the U.N. Security Council in December.

Calling the statistics "shocking," Lowcock said that more than 20 million Yemenis, or two-thirds of the entire population, are food insecure, with over half of the districts across the country having slipped into "emergency" conditions.

"Yemenis' livelihoods and access to income have been decimated, and agricultural production has fallen by nearly a third. These developments have left millions more Yemenis unable to afford food and other essential goods. And food prices are 150 percent higher than they were before the crisis," he said.

"I can again confirm again what humanitarian agencies have known for a long time: a terrible tragedy is unfolding in Yemen. And it is getting worse. Millions of people are starving, sick and desperate. They have one message for the world: this war needs to stop."

Vernon Brewer, founder and CEO of World Help, lamented that Yemen has now faced close to four years of crisis.

"Food is the most urgent need. Millions of children across Yemen are starving to death because of a war they have nothing to do with. If we don't respond immediately to this tragedy, what does that say about us  as a nation and as Christians whose goal is to show love to others?"

According to children's agency UNICEF, close to 2 million children will need food assistance in 2019; over 6,700 have been killed since the start of the conflict; and over 2,700 boys have been forced into armed groups.

The Venerable Canon Bill Schwartz, OBE, the archdeacon of the Anglican Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf, which oversees Christ Church Aden, told The Christian Post that what is happening in Yemen is a "horrendous problem," one that affects all Yemenis, regardless of their religious background.

"The U.N. is trying to do what they can. The rebels and the coalition are both guilty of all kinds of atrocities. The manipulation of the economy from the Yemeni government as a tool of war, and the manipulation of the transportation of food and medicine as a tool of war, is on both sides," Schwartz noted.

The death toll has been a subject of dispute. While conservative numbers cited by the U.N. place it at around 10,000 people, the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project maintains that the number is around 60,000 casualties.

"ACLED's estimation of Yemen's direct conflict deaths is far higher than official estimates  and still underestimated. Fatality numbers are only one approximation of the abject tragedy and terror forced upon Yemenis from several sides. This cannot be overstated," said ACLED Executive Director Clionadh Raleigh in a press release in December.

Meanwhile, Schwartz said he is "quite frustrated that the media doesn't pay enough attention" to the crisis in Yemen.

"It doesn't create awareness among the people about how dire the situation is," he said, while acknowledging that many are unfamiliar with Yemen.

"Syria is well known to people, Iraq is well known to people, and both have been in the news a lot in the last generation," he noted. "[But] Yemen has just not been in the news, people know so little about it, most people would not be able to identify it on the map."

3. What it's like for Christians

According to the U.S. State Department's International Religious Freedom Report, Christians, Jews, Bahais and Hindus make up less than 1 percent of the population. Many of the Christians (Roman Catholics and Anglicans) are refugees or temporary foreign residents.

Islam is the state religion and Sharia (Islamic law) is the source of all legislation. Though Yemen's constitution allows for freedom of thought and expression, it does not mention freedom of religion, belief or conscience.

Proselytizing Muslims is illegal and conversion from Islam to another religion is apostasy, a capital offense. Those charged with apostasy face the death penalty.

One ministry CP reached out to declined to comment on the situation of Christians in the country, noting that it is too sensitive to discuss.

Open Doors USA, a persecution watchdog group, reports that the persecution Christians face in Yemen is "extreme."

"They face persecution from the authorities (including detention and interrogation), their families and radical Islamic groups who threaten converts with death if they do not re-convert," it notes.

"Tribal law prohibits members from leaving the tribe; the punishment for denouncing Islam can be death or banishment. Both male and female converts to Christianity married to Muslims risk divorce, including losing custody of their children. Christians are suffering from the general humanitarian crisis in the country. But Yemeni Christians are additionally vulnerable since emergency relief is mostly distributed through Islamic organizations and local mosques. These groups allegedly discriminate against all who are not considered to be pious Muslims."

The port city of Aden, the temporary capital of Yemen, has only four church buildings still standing, three Roman Catholic and one Anglican  Christ Church Aden.

Schwartz, who for eight years served as a priest in Saudi Arabia, maintained that Christians do not face overt persecution by the government but he explained to CP that "everything about their (Yemen's) society is Islamic."

"You don't have the freedom of individuality  Muslims, Christians, nobody," he pointed out.

"You belong to your family, your identity is your family. For you to choose to be different from your family is a great shame on the family. Whether it's religion, or a choice of your profession, or field of study, who you marry  to go against your family" is extremely problematic, he pointed out.

Thus, going to a public church service "would be a problem," he added.

"As long as my uncle doesn't find out, I'm fine," he illustrated. "The problem isn't that they have to hide, it's that they have to work out their relationships with their family."

Read more from "What you should know about Yemen and its tiny Christian population" on The Christian Post.Pro-life activists plan 'Day of Mourning,' call for repentance after 'revolting' NY abortion law 03 February, 2019 by Leonardo Blair , |

Pro-life activists are calling for a repentance a week after the New York state Legislature passed a bill making it legal for abortionists and other health care professionals to perform abortions up to birth for any reason that might threaten a woman's mental or physical health.

"On February 23, there's going to be a national day of mourning. What will happen on that day is nationwide we are encouraging people to do what we did here. Shut your business down, don't collect sales tax that day, wear black, repent for our own apathy on this issue of abortion overall," Jon Speed, owner of the Jon Speed: The Book Scout in Syracuse told The Christian Post Friday.

The controversial Reproductive Health Act that abortion advocates have been trying to get passed for 12 years and has been vehemently opposed by religious and conservative groups, passed with a 38-28 vote and thunderous applause in the state Senate chamber on Jan. 22. The bill codifies federal abortion rights guaranteed under the 1973 Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision and removes abortion from the state's criminal code.

Speed, who calls the RHA "revolting," is also pastor of Christ Is King Baptist Church. He has been in mourning since Jan. 22 and drew the attention of pro-life supporters when he shut down his business in protest on Jan. 23.

"The book store is closed today. It is a day of mourning in New York. In honor of the thousands of babies that will die in the years to come, we shall not be collecting sales tax for this tyrannical government today. We will on other days, under duress, but not today," Speed declared in a viral tweet.

Speed's protest has since launched a campaign called the Day of Mourning, supported by high profile pro-life figures such as David and Jason Benham.

"The state of New York just voted to expand abortion access right up to the birth of the baby! To celebrate this unbelievable depravity they lit the One World Trade Center in pink! Women used to celebrate motherhood and find joy in their children. Today, in places like New York City, they are taking joy in destroying their children. N.Y. State has crossed a line of inhumanity that should drive us to our knees," a summary on the campaign's website said.

Read more from "Pro-life activists plan 'Day of Mourning,' call for repentance after 'revolting' NY abortion law" on The Christian Post.MAGA: Make America Godly Again Christian Post Contributor | 03 February, 2019 by Michael Brown

Despite our many national problems and flaws and sins, America is still an amazing country. That's why our universities are filled with the smartest students from the nations. That's why our businesses and technologies help improve the quality of life around the globe. We remain the land of endless opportunity and we are a people of endless optimism.

But we have certainly seen better days in the past, especially in terms of national unity and national morality.

Especially national morality.

Without a doubt, America in the past has been godlier, and that has been the key to our greatness.

That means that, if we are to make America great again, we must make America godly again. Otherwise, we will continue to decline.

It is true that America has never been a totally Christian (or, perfectly Christian) nation. Far from it.

But there is no denying our strong, biblical roots.

There is no denying the Christian principles that infused our nation in its earliest days, beginning with the colonies, and these laid the foundation for our greatness. As Proverbs states, "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people" (Prov 14:34).

I was struck deeply by this when doing research for my book Saving a Sick America.

In the opening chapters of the book, I traced our deeply Christian roots from the 1600s through the early 1900s, beginning with the "Old Deluder Act," passed in 1647. The act called for schools to be established in each community when it grew to a certain size to ensure that the children would be able to read  so they would be able to read the Bible!

The colonists were not about to allow that old deluder, Satan, to keep the Word from them.

As I noted in Saving a Sick America, "Similar sentiments were expressed in the New Haven Code of 1655, which stated that the purpose of education was to equip children to be 'able duly to read the Scriptures ... and in some competent measure to understand the main grounds and principles of Christian Religion necessary to salvation.'"

It was the same with the founding of our greatest universities, beginning with Harvard and Yale. They were Bible-based, Christian-based, mission-based schools.

And it was the same with children's schooling from their very first lessons in the alphabet, where each letter corresponded to a scriptural truth. Textbooks like this were commonly used right through the 1800s.

Our Founding Fathers were quite aware of the importance of having a biblically-literate, morally-grounded populace. That's why Samuel Adams said, "A general dissolution of principles and manners will more surely overthrow the liberties of America than the whole force of the common enemy. While the people are virtuous they can not be subdued; but when once they lose their virtue they will be ready to surrender their liberties to the first external or internal invader."

What wise and prophetic words. When we lose our virtues, we lose our liberties.

Now, there is a quote widely attributed to the French historian and philosopher Alexis De Tocqueville, who famously visited America in the 1830s. Even if the quote doesn't originate with him, it does reflect his overall observations. And it is certainly true.

It says this: "I sought for the key to the greatness and genius of America in her harbors...; in her fertile fields and boundless forests; in her rich mines and vast world commerce; in her public school system and institutions of learning. I sought for it in her democratic Congress and in her matchless Constitution.

"Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power."

Read more from "MAGA: Make America Godly Again" on The Christian Post.Ditch amazon echo, alexa, 'surveillance' devices, to protect kids, experts say Christian Post Reporter | 03 February, 2019 by Brandon Showalter

The omnipresence of digital and smart phone technology has yielded youth whose relational skills are stunted, experts say, and it is time to ditch 'surveillance' gadgets like alexa and amazon echo.

At a lunchtime gathering at the American Enterprise Institute in Dupont Circle Friday author and AEI scholar Naomi Schaefer Riley facilitated a panel discussion on how to respond to technology's impact on the mental health on children, which she explores in her recent book., "Be the Parent, Please: Stop Banning Seesaws and Start Banning Snapchat."

Social technology and relationship apps like Tinder are designed to lure young people and keep them ensnared into cyberspace and keep them from interacting with other people. The panelists called for regulation of media companies and Big Tech, and for community efforts bringing awareness to parents.

"Don't buy an echo or an alexa or have any of those things in your home. That's just a surveillance device that earns money for Big Tech," in response to a question from The Christian Post about how parents might stay ahead of the curve given how quickly digital technology develops, Christine Rosen, senior editor of The New Atlantis, said.

"Your children's voices are recorded on there, their behaviors. You'll forget it's on," she continued, explaining it is not always clear whether those devices are off or on.

"You don't need a smart refrigerator to remind you to get milk. Just keep a list."

Citing guidance from pediatricians, parents need have the conversations with their children, particularly boys, about scourges like pornography, which is now easily accessible, much earlier than they would ideally like, Riley said.

"Tell them it's all made up," she suggested, speaking to how parents might speak to older kids about Internet smut.

"It's acting. These people are being paid to do this. It looks real and it's meant to incite your lust but it's not actually how people behave. And if you behave like this in real life, it's not going to go well for you."

Christine Emba, an opinion columnist for the Washington Post concurred, noting that echo and alexa and "all of their friends and compatriots" should not be in your house.

"They're becoming so common that there are children whose first reported words now are 'alexa'" Emba said.

"That is happening. That is a thing. And it's weird and scary. And it's inappropriate. And yet it's there."

Emba added: "We use this technology, we use these devices to make our own lives easier, to be able to reach our kids. [But] we have to take a step back and make our lives harder on purpose."

The columnist shared a personal anecdote that "dumb phones" are making a comeback and are "almost a little bit hip." She has two friends who scrapped their smart phones and managed to acquire flip phones.

While it is annoying, because in order to meet them she has to call them since text messages between the old and new phones does not compute, it's ultimately a good thing because is forced to figure out where her friends are, she explained.

Continue reading about technology on The Christian Post.They may have had one of the most disastrous marriages in the history of the British monarchy, but that doesnt change the simple fact: Princess Diana loved Prince Charles. Even when she discovered he might still have feelings for his ex, Camilla Parker-Bowles, before their wedding, she still went ahead with the ceremony. Obviously, Diana thought that love would be enough to keep her man.

Everyone knows what happened next: the pair gradually fell apart as Prince Charles not-so-secret affair with Camilla went public. But it turns out Princess Diana would have been willing to forgive his husband for his transgressions if he wanted to stay together. Ahead, find out what really happened with Prince Charles and Princess Diana  and the one person who drove them to formally divorce (hint: it wasnt Camilla).

She was willing to make things work

Maybe marital therapy wasnt as widely accepted in the 1990s as it is today. But even so, Diana Spencer wasnt willing to give up on her marriage without a fight. Her personal trainer Jenni Rivett revealed in an interview that she never wanted to divorce Prince Charles. Given the choice, she would have stayed and tried to make a happy marriage, she said. She loved Charlesshe was sad about it. She wanted to be a loving wife.

Princess Diana wanted to stay together for Princes William and Harry

Like so many married couples contemplating divorce, Diana saw the benefit of staying together for her kids. As a child whose parents divorced, Princess Diana knew better than most how stressful and lonely it can be for kids. She also feared that they might blame themselves.

Prince Charles and Princess Diana separated and began living apart in 1992, but they were still legally married. In a 1995 television interview, Diana made it clear that she was opposed to divorce no matter how bad her marriage got. That was the same time she said the famous line, Well, there were three of us in the marriage, so it was a bit crowded.

Why did Diana finally agree to a divorce?

The deciding factor for Princess Diana to agree to divorce Charles wasnt her husbands lover, however  it was his mother.

After the infamous 1995 interview aired, she wrote to the couple and strongly advised them to pursue divorce so that they could be done with it. Queen Elizabeth was not happy with having her familys dirty laundry aired on television, though she didnt fully blame Princess Diana for the admission. She was disappointed in her son, too.

Prince Charles and Princess Diana officially divorced on August 28, 1996. Just one year later she would die tragically in a car accident in Paris. Though they made no secret of their relationship, Prince Charles and Camilla Parker-Bowles didnt get married until 2005.

Does the Queen approve of Charles current wife?

While the Queen and Camilla have had a rocky relationship in the past, it appears the two get along now. In fact, shes the one who urged them to get married rather than keep their relationship private forever.

It all proves that the Queens opinion really does matter.A wonderful bill has been introduced by Tennessee Rep. Tim Burchett. I feel like our elected representation is finally going to tackle a long-term major transparency problem about the Tennessee Valley Authoritys closed-door board meetings. Rep. Burchett is to be commended for addressing genuine concerns about TVAs lack of transparency.

TVA has operated in a veil of secrecy for too long with public dollars. It is way past time to mandate that TVA to open up their appointed board of director meetings to we the people.

Government and its supported agencies operate best with citizen oversight and knowledge. Our nation is a model of government by the people, and relies on citizen involvement and oversight.

TVA has long been a taxpayer-owned utility and operates in a culture of zero transparency in its decision making. We the people are the first required to fund TVA decisions, and the last to know anything about the decision.

We learn of TVA Board decisions when TVA decides to publish a press release, or in the media. That is not transparency. TVA tells us what they are going to do after all is in place, including funding, and releases just information they want us to know.

TVA also has too much special law written to provide them with absolute power over private land and spending in secret.

With TVAs history behind us, it is time to rein in TVAs overzealous power a notch or two. There are many powers granted to TVA that private energy companies do not enjoy. That needs to change too.

Rep. Burchett has introduced a wonderful bill to end the closed-door TVA Board of Directors meetings. The board members are appointed by our elected representation, and therefore TVA needs to unlock the meeting door and share minutes.

The closed meeting doors keep out citizen review of general spending and decision making. The meeting of the TVA board should be open to the business as the utility carries out the peoples business.

If you tire of TVAs closed door of board meetings with a public owned utility, please tell your elected Congressman to support the bill introduced by Representative Tim Burchett.

The bill seeks to require meetings and subcommittee meetings of the Tennessee Valley Authority Board of Directors to be transparent and open to the public. The bill would amend the Tennessee Valley Authority Act of 1933 Section 2(g)(2) to include a section on transparency. The Tennessee Valley Authority Transparency Act of 2019, as it may be cited, would require meetings of the TVA Board to be held in public, properly noticed, and make available minutes and summaries of each meeting.

TVA, open your appointed board of directors meetings. It is our government too. Love this bill.

April EidsonA fire destroyed a cabin at Sale Creek early Sunday morning.

Sale Creek firefighters faced challenges to gain access to the fire. At 2:30 a.m., a 911 call was made reporting a fire in the woods around the 900 block of Mayflower Road.

The Sale Creek Volunteer Fire Department responded and reported to dispatch the fire was 3/4 of a mile off the main road and could not be accessed with fire apparatus. Sale Creek fire personnel requested 4-wheelers and 4-wheel drive vehicles from their station to the scene so they could transport firefighters to the fire.



Once fire personnel gained access to the fire, they reported a woods fire and a cabin burnt to the ground. Since water was inaccessible, firefighters requested a mutual aid response for the Tennessee Forestry Division to respond to the scene. Firefighters and Tennessee Forestry dug a fire break around the burning cabin and the woods fire to contain it and allow the fire to burn itself out.



Fire officials confirmed no one was living in the cabin, but believe someone had been there previously and did not extinguish the wood stove completely before leaving the site.



Damages are unknown. Fire officials reported the cabin was in poor shape and was very old.Do you know who this woman is? Johns Creek Police need help identifying womanDo you have an athlete in mind that contributes to the team or sport, holds sportsmanship and team spirit, has epic playmaker moments and/or in general makes the the sports fun? If yes, please make your nominations for our edition of Athlete Spotlight.

CLICK TO NOMINATEnews, act-politics

The ACT government spent a record amount on advertising in 2018, forking out almost $1 million more than the previous year. New figures show $2.8 million was spent by the government on campaign and non-campaign related advertising last year, up from almost $1.9 million during 2017. Almost $250,000 of the 2018 ad spend was on social media advertising. Ads on the internet were the most common type of advertising used last year, with $1.2 million spent, followed by $497,000 on print media, $333,000 on radio and $269,000 on television. The amount spent on internet ads almost doubled in 2018, increasing by $540,000. An ACT government spokeswoman said ad spending varied from year to year because of changing circumstances. "Advertising is not allocated centrally, and is subject to new government priorities, the implementation of new programs or external events that require government communication, including environmental impacts like extreme heat," the spokeswoman said. Ad spending by the ACT government has increased almost every year since 2013. Previous reports found $850,000 was spent in 2013, $397,000 in 2014, $1,077,606 in 2015 and $1,097,574 in 2016. Between July 2012 and June 2017, more than $6 million was spent on territory government advertising. Among the largest advertising campaigns in 2018 were those for Floriade, the Enlighten festival and campaigns for the controversial changes to Canberra's bus network. The ad campaign for the bus network changes cost taxpayers $138,000, with more than $50,000 of that spent on the creation of the ads. Other campaigns included ads for the after hours bus service, the University of Canberra Hospital, land sales along Northbourne Avenue in Braddon and Turner and land sales in Ginninderry. The launch of Canberra's light rail would mean an increase in ad spending by Transport Canberra, the spokeswoman said. "There will be significant changes to public transport in 2019," the spokeswoman said. "We would expect advertising in this area to increase to ensure the public is kept informed of the changes." The Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate was the biggest advertising spender last year, making up almost 50 per cent of all government advertising with almost $1.3 million. The spokeswoman said the directorate's large spend last year was due to large amounts of tourism advertising by Visit Canberra, which included Floriade and Enlighten. The Suburban Land Agency was the next biggest spender, forking out more than $500,000 on ads. Other large-spending directorates included ACT Health with $341,000 and the Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate with $325,000. The government spokeswoman said ad spending priorities for the coming year included campaigns for health services, public transport, tourism, road safety and further land sales.

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Calvary Hospital staff were subjected to inappropriate behaviour toward them by senior ACT Health executives, a review of ACT public health services has found. The interim report of the independent review, released on Friday, found relations between staff at the Bruce hospital and ACT Health staff were "fraught and strained". "It is clear that the relationship between Calvary Public Hospital, the Health Directorate and Canberra Health Services has deteriorated over the past few years," the report said. The report identified a lack of coordination between Canberra's two major hospitals in terms of planning and providing clinical services. The lack of planning had created a "high level of distrust, confusion and angst" among staff, with little or no consultation provided. While the interim report said Calvary staff were subjected to inappropriate behaviour from senior ACT Health staff, it was also found Calvary staff acted inappropriately towards those in ACT Health. One submission to the review, chaired by former Queensland Health director-general Mick Reid, said the breakdown of the relationship between Calvary and ACT Health had made work conditions increasingly difficult for staff. "There is a distinct lack of strategic planning or direction due to the inability of [redacted] to effectively plan and poor relationships between the two services," the submission said. "This makes it very hard for individual departments to plan, grow, innovate and attract staff and challenge staff in an effort to keep them engaged." The lack of communication between the two parties was creating an "us and them" mentality at Calvary Hospital, according to the report. One health worker said in their submission Calvary staff were not offered the same level of training opportunities as their Canberra Hospital counterparts. "Attracting and retaining staff is very difficult," the submission said. The report said greater mobility of staff between the two hospitals would be a key measure to improve staff retention in the ACT. Among the 20 recommendations made in the interim report was that a summit should be held between senior staff and administrators at Calvary and Canberra Health Services to improve clinical services and collaboration between the two organisations. The review, announced by the ACT government after numerous scandals and reports of bullying in the health system received almost 400 submissions and more than 1900 responses to a staff-wide survey. It found more than 60 per cent of staff had witnessed bullying at work, with 35 per cent being subjected to it. Staff said there was significant scepticism the review would not lead to change, with previous reviews being forgotten. Calvary ACT regional chief executive Barbara Reid said the hospital would work closely with ACT Health to implement the review's recommendations. "As part of our ongoing commitment to staff we are making enhancements to our incident reporting system so that staff can directly select the manager or executive officer to whom incident notifications are made," Ms Reid said. "Our staff have the right to work in a respectful environment where they are valued and free from harm."

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Canberra apartment owners are being punished for helping drive the ACT's economic growth as the territory government "robs Peter to pay Paul" by increasing rates, according to the leader of the ACT's peak strata body. Strata Community Association ACT president Chris Miller made those comments after the territory government revealed it had no immediate plans to overhaul its rating system, despite calls from a bipartisan Legislative Assembly committee and affected unit owners to do so. The formula for calculating rates for units in Canberra changed in 2017, moving away from a system in which they were worked out after the land's unimproved value had been divided by the number of apartments on the site. This meant most apartments fell into the lowest tax bracket. But rates are now calculated by dividing the entire land value by the number of units, pushing most units into the top rating factor. Mr Miller said the ACT government's refusal to address rates rises placed the apartment market's growth at serious risk, with few buyers likely to be keen to take on extra costs. Canberra is defying a nationwide property market downturn, helped by an apartment boom. A report by housing research firm CoreLogic and Moody's Analytics predicted last month that unit prices would grow by 3.3 per cent in 2019. "If there is no relief in sight for strata unit owners' rates, it is not hard to see a situation where the apartment market is seriously affected," Mr Miller said. "The government expects to raise $281 million a year through increased rates, but if it sees apartment market growth and development go backwards then it will be a classic example of robbing Peter to pay Paul." Chief Minister Andrew Barr is standing by the 2017 changes, with his spokeswoman saying last month that the new formula for calculating rates had helped rebalance the discrepancy between rates bills for the owners of freestanding homes and units with similar market values. While Mr Barr's government has no immediate plans to overhaul the controversial new rating system, it has committed to reviewing it in the next two years. But Mr Miller said the rates system was "broken" and needed urgent change, with tens of thousands of apartment owners in the ACT facing financial hardship as a result of increased rates and thousands more likely be shut out of the market. "Our major concern regarding these rates rises focuses on how a strata community will function if a significant number of owners face financial hardship," he said. "With rates rising astronomically for each individual owner, it will become increasingly difficult for committees and strata managers to collect levies for critical items like maintenance, sinking funds, insurance and so on." He said this would leave strata communities exposed to unnecessary risks. Owners Corporation Network head Gary Petherbridge has also criticised the government's lack of action, telling The Canberra Times in January that the community was being ignored. During its inquiry into how changes to rates and land tax calculations had affected unit owners, the ACT Legislative Assembly public accounts committee received 98 submissions, with almost all of them opposed to the changes.

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In a troubling development for the Canberra community, police have confirmed that the shooting and arson attack on a suburban home in Kambah early on Monday was a targeted attack and bikie gang-related. Detective Superintendent Scott Moller confirmed that "multiple adults and some children" were at home in the two-storey home on Harrington Circuit in Kambah when three bullets were fired into the property about 1.30am on Monday. The bullets struck the garage door of the house. Superintendent Moller also confirmed accelerant was poured on three vehicles outside the home and all three set on fire in the attack. Neighbours have described hearing three "pops", along with the sound of a car leaving the scene. Briana Zaffina, who lives next door to the house with her partner and seven-month-old son Remi, said she heard what she thought sounded like gunshots between 1.15 and 1.20am. "I've never heard gunshots in my life so I don't know specifically what they sound like. But in my mind, for some reason I thought they were gunshots straight away," she said. Ms Zaffina said she saw a flash in the driveway of her neighbours' home and then heard a car drive down the street. The neighbours were trying to put out the spot fires on their car bonnets, parked on the nature street at the front of the house, she said. "It was almost like a car back firing but not. I would have assumed gun shots to be a bit louder, a bit more extreme." Ms Zaffina said her neighbours were a big family, had lots of kids and generally stayed to themselves. A person who was staying in the house next to where the incident happened said he heard what sounded like a V8 engine backfire three times sometime after midnight. The man, who declined to give his name, said he heard the car leave slowly. "This is a bloody quiet street," he said. The Canberra Times understands police found .45 calibre automatic cartridges at the scene. The Kambah shooting comes a week after the arrest of a 30-year-old man, whom police identified as the ACT president of a new bikie gang in Canberra, the Satudarah. The man was charged with several violent offences, including grievous bodily harm, on a victim at a home in Oaks Estate. Last year bikie gangs were responsible for multiple drive-by shootings and targeted attacks across Canberra, including one on a Calwell residence in which bullets were fired into the home and cars set alight. Superintendent Moller would not speculate on whether the Oaks Estate incident and this recent shooting and arson attack were linked or a reprisal attack, but gave strong indications that the "patching over" of members from one club to another could be a motive for increased tension between bikie gangs. "The outlaw motorcycle gang world is fluid and people move between clubs quite frequently, so we are going to get this interaction quite often," he said. "The establishment of any club in any jurisdiction . . . brings more violence to the town they are in. "So any new club coming into town will have an impact on the other clubs." Police confirmed that people living in the home had "connections" to outlaw motorcycle gangs. Taskforce Nemesis, the police specialist team dedicated to investigating bikie gangs in Canberra, was increased in size last year after the spate of attacks. It now includes separate proactive and reactive teams, and intelligence-gathering.

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For Kristanna Kley, a student going into year 6 this year at Arawang Primary School, a mobile phone is more than just a communication device and learning tool. Kristanna, who has type 1 diabetes, uses an app on her phone to monitor her blood-sugar levels throughout the day while she's in class. Her mother, Sharon Kley, said using a phone to check blood-sugar levels had made it easier to keep track of Kristanna's diabetes at school. "She's been using it for around a year-and-a-half. Before that it was just constant finger pricking," Ms Kley said. "She's able to check it at any time and it's good that I can also check on my phone and monitor the situation as well." The Waramanga resident said phones could play a crucial role in the classroom. "If the apps are educational and the students can look up educational resources as well, they can be really good," Ms Kley said. A ban on phones in primary school classrooms comes into effect this week just across the border, but the ACT government has maintained it won't ban phones in schools. Mobile phones in primary school classrooms played a role in helping students prepare for a digital future, ACT Education Minister Yvette Berry said. "Banning phones in schools may not be the best way to support the development of children and young people," Ms Berry said. "It's important that children and young people are taught how to live alongside devices appropriately because this is a big part of our life now." She said phones and similar devices played an important role as a learning tool in the classroom. "Owning a device provides a great opportunity for students to expand their learhing journey and we have some great examples in ACT public schools on using devices to enhance classroom activities," Ms Berry said. "Helping students understand what appropriate behaviour is both on and offline should be part of that learning journey." The ACT minister's comments contrast with those of her NSW counterpart, Rob Stokes, who announced in December a ban on mobile phones during school hours at all public primary schools. The measures came as a response to an independent review commissioned by the government and led by child psychologist Dr Michael Carr-Greg. Mr Stokes said in NSW, children with mobile phones would be able to bring them to school, but wouldn't be allowed to use them in classrooms. "Mobile phones can be a terrible master but a wonderful servant, and we need to help our youngest students learn that important difference," Mr Stokes said. "We know technology plays an important and increasing role as students progress throughout their schooling years." The NSW government said it was working closely with teachers and principals as the ban was implemented. The NSW ban extends only to government schools, although a spokeswoman for the Catholic Education Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn said a similar phone ban in their schools would be subject to the principal's discretion. The spokeswoman said many schools in area already had systems in place before the government ban was enforced, where mobile phones were handed in to the front office before class, or kept in bags.

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She just wanted to do something positive. When a young woman shared her idea to help keep women safe on the Canberra Notice Board Group Facebook page recently, comments filled with praise came in thick and fast. She had encouraged women to tell someone they trusted where they were going if they planned to spend time alone with men. If they didn't feel comfortable telling their family or friends, she would be their point of contact. "I dont care if its 3am or 3pm," the young woman wrote. "I will stay up to make sure youre okay." The kind-hearted gesture included an offer to call the police, a taxi or an Uber - whatever had been prearranged in each case - if the women taking up the offer didn't check in with her at the planned intervals. "I won't judge you at all," she said, reassuring readers that it didn't matter to her whether they were on a date, meeting a sugar daddy or doing sex work. But while some Canberrans called her "a beautiful person" and lauded her initiative, others saw an opportunity to criticise. Some wanted to turn it into a fight about men being portrayed as "villains". Others demanded to know why the offer was only extended to women and asked why they should trust the young woman when they didn't know her. Eventually, she felt the need to apologise if her post offended anyone. Those criticising the idea made no attempt to offer helpful suggestions, and, unfortunately, I'm not surprised. Social media has created an environment where people are increasingly ready to argue, fight and ridicule behind the safety net of their screens. Positivity is met with criticism and scepticism in most cases. Social media can be a powerful thing, but too often, its power isn't harnessed for good. Pages like the Canberra Lost Pet Database, which is focused on reuniting people with their furry friends, are exactly the sort of thing we need more of. Time and time again, we've seen scores of strangers donating to online fundraising pages set up to help families struggling with the death of a loved one, or to fund treatment for a stranger's illness. It's certainly not all bad out there on the internet. So it's all well and good to debate things on social media, but think about the way you phrase your point of view and be constructive instead of just jumping down someone's throat. Surely none of us want to live in a world where a kind-hearted young woman feels the need to say sorry for trying to do something positive. Imagine how many people with good intentions will be discouraged from sharing them with others and making a difference in the world if this attitude continues to spread. After apologising for the heinous crime of being nice, the young woman used her final message before turning off comments on the post to encourage everyone to stay safe. Even in the face of criticism, she remained thoughtful and selfless. I hope she will continue to be both of those things. The world needs people with those qualities now more than ever.

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On my desk at work is your first school photo. It's your kindergarten class at St Josephs Primary School, OConnor. You've got your hair in pigtails, freckles across your nose, a hesitant smile, but a look in your eyes that says I am ready to learn. Thirteen years have flown by and youre about to embark on your final year. Part of me wants to start again, to be a better mother, to be more attentive from the start, more aware that these years will go by so quickly, to read to you more, to encourage you. But neither of us really wants that. Youre about done and so am I. Youre ready to move on to the next stage, whatever that may be, university, work, travel, hopefully all three in the near future. I wish you that. Over the past year or so Ive watched your independence grow. Youve taken charge of your own life, organised yourself, learned to drive a car, succeeded at a part-time job, stayed well on top of your studies. Youve needed me less and less, and while that rocks me to my core, it brings me joy that I havent done a bad job of turning you into a fine young woman. Therell come a day soon when youre gone. I will miss you terribly. So before you go  Not your marks, or test scores, or grades. At the end of the year will you not be defined by your Atar. You will never be a number to anyone who loves you. While youre enjoying certain subjects, they wont define what you end up doing, either. You tell me now you want a career where you can help people face to face, perhaps something in the health field. Thats what will define you. How you treat people, your friends, your family, complete strangers. Spend a little time this year, while you are immersed in all the school work, to remember that the hardest work you will ever do is all about the people in your life. Youve done a good job of surrounding yourself with lovely people. Right from the very beginning. You are still in touch with some of the people from your kindergarten class even though some of you have moved school and even countries. I like that. I like, too, that Ive stayed friends with some of their mothers, and were planning, after hearing about you lot trying to work out a get-together, to do the same. When I think of the friends Ive made through your school years, I am happy too. But remember your friends now might not always be your best friends for life. My best friends now are these school mothers youve blessed me with. The best friends are the ones that come into your life at different stages when you need them. But remember too that even though school friends will come and go, the best ones, when you get together, slip right back into conversations you were having at eight and 18. Youll be that soon. Youre keen to enrol to vote to have a say. Id like to think that youll enjoy your first drink but Im guessing you already have. Im good with that. An adult. Legally. Able to make decisions and choices and do all sorts of things. And heres the thing. Youre sensible and trustworthy and organised and capable. Youll be all right when you are adulting in the real world. Which scares me. Because what is my role then? To guide you, to listen, to make a home where you know you can return at any time if you need me. Something like that. I left home after year 12, coming to Canberra for university, and I never really went back. Im not ready for you to do that. Know that you always can come back and I will never judge you for what decisions, what choices you have made. Because there are. I wondered, when you started kindergarten, if I gave any thought to what I wanted you to gain from the next 13 years. An inquisitive mind, a sense of wonder, an affirmation of where you fit in the world, friendships, strength, curiousity, self-confidence, a love of books and science and art and music and sport. I think youve achieved those things. But no matter how hard, how encompassing you think the last 13 years have been, school has nothing on adult life. Being grown up is hard work, and youve had to grow up fast in the past couple of years, but youve managed. The best, and worst, is yet to come. We have no idea what life will throw at us. Where well be in five years, in 10, in 50. Just trust yourself, trust your gut, dont be afraid to follow your heart occasionally, take risks, be daring, be brave. Do things that scare you. Travel the world, fall in love, say no to people, say yes to adventure. Do nothing with half your heart. Promise me that. I remember you looked at me, that morning I tied your hair in pigtails and walked you down to school, when it was time for all the emotional parents to drop off their babies and begin a new journey. You smiled, and introduced yourself to another girl, and gave me one last look and turned away. You were on your way. And you are again. I love you.

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It's the question that splits Canberrans more than any other - northside or southside? So, which is better? Two Sydneysiders who have made the capital home look to settle the debate once and for all. NORTHSIDE - BLAKE FODEN When tackling such a divisive question, it's only fitting to start with the city's most divisive issue. You either love or hate the idea of the light rail, but as someone who's lived in cities with light rail already up and running, I'll confidently declare that Canberra's awful public transport network is about to get a whole lot better if it's done properly. And northsiders will be the first to benefit when the Gungahlin to Civic line starts taking passengers. I'll admit those on the southside have more of the capital's notable institutions on their doorstep, but how often do people who live here actually visit institutions like Parliament House and the National Library? Besides, the northside is home to Canberra's most reviewed and highest rated attraction on TripAdvisor; the Australian War Memorial. The people have spoken. Just above the war memorial, the northside has the best view in town from the top of Mount Ainslie. How many southside destinations can deliver that sort of vantage point while giving the legs just enough of a workout to be a productive excursion and a pleasant walk all at once? The capital's critics like to associate the city with politics and the so-called "Canberra bubble", which became so notable in 2018 that the Australian National Dictionary Centre made it the word of the year. Some of the city might be stuck in the bubble, but there's a whole world in Canberra. Really. And you can have that world at your feet if you visit the miniature village of Cockington Green. Up here, you're less likely to find yourself caught in the crossfire of a bitter turf war between Canberra's ever-growing number of outlaw bikie gangs, which are battling for supremacy on the southside. And only the northside can lay claim to the city's finest and most interestingly shaped piece of architecture. That's right, the Belconnen Owl. SOUTHSIDE - ANDREW BROWN Sure, the north will be getting a light rail... eventually, but the south's escaped the traffic chaos that is Northbourne Avenue and the Russian roulette game of Is-This-Road-Closed-And-Do-I-Need-To-Take-A-Detour-or-Can-I-Turn-Right-Here? Besides, the south will soon be getting one (give or take a few years) without the Northbourne shambles. Is it any wonder that when people think of Canberra, those who live here and those interstate, it's things on the southside they think of first, from Parliament House, the galleries and Questacon. Sure, the north might have the uber-trendy food hot spots in Braddon, but there are impossible things, and then there's trying to find a park there on a weekend. I'll happily take Canberra's best kebabs at Yarralumla or smash a Brodburger in Kingston, or any one of the amazing brunch places in Manuka or Barton or Deakin or the Kingston Foreshore, with parking (mostly) aplenty. There are still amazing views to be had southside, too. Forget Mount Ainslie: been there, done that. Head to Red Hill or Mount Taylor for incredible vistas, minus the endless stream of runners/hikers/tourists crowding the good vantage point for the perfect Instagram post and obligatory selfie. And you don't necessarily have to climb a mountain to see the best the south has to offer. Thankfully Weston Park is flatter - and the perfect place for a picnic. For those in Canberra who want to escape the heat but don't want to travel for hours to the south coast, the southside has many places to cool off like Kambah Pool, Uriarra Crossing or Pine Island. If you need further proof of the southside's superiority, it also has the best named shopping centre in all of Canberra, with the Hyperdome reigning supreme. (Yes, I know it has changed, but to generations of Canberrans it will always be the Hyperdome).

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Today

A chance of some strong thunderstorms. Damaging winds and large hail with some storms. High 91F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 50%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms early, then variable clouds overnight with still a chance of showers. Low 64F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%.India on Saturday said it had lodged a protest with the United States government after several Indian students were detained there in connection with their enrolment in a fake university, following an undercover operation by US agents. The US authorities this week said eight individuals who exploited the country's student visa system had been indicted. They had helped foreign nationals illegally remain in the United States by enrolling them into a metro Detroit private university, which was actually being operated by the US agents themselves.

The recruiters helped the students to fraudulently obtain immigration documents from the school in a bid to deceive authorities, the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement said. The foreign students, however, had no intention of attending school, it added.

Also read: People earning Rs 8-9 lakh annually need not to pay income tax if they make proper investments, says Revenue Secretary

Though the US government did not disclose nationalities of those involved, the Indian foreign ministry on Saturday said "several Indian students" had been detained. Indian media said more than 100 students had been detained in the United States.

The Indian government had issued a rare "demarche" to the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi, telling it that Indian officials needed immediate consular access to the detainees. "We underlined that students, who may have been duped into enrolling in the 'University', should be treated differently from those recruiters who have duped them," India's foreign ministry said in a statement.

The Indian government also urged the United States to release the students from detention at the earliest, without resorting to deportation against their will. he United States agency had said that the defendants in the case "intended to help shield and hide" the students from United States immigration authorities for money. They collectively profited in excess of a $250,000, the agency said. "These suspects aided hundreds of foreign nationals to remain in the United States illegally by helping to portray them as students, which they most certainly were not," Special Agent in charge Steve Francis said this week.

China, India and South Korea together sent 56.1 percent of all international students in the United States in 2017-18, an annual survey by the Institute of International Education showed last year.

ALSO READ:Populism all the way and not a trace of prudence

ALSO READ:Budget 2019: No, your income tax exemption limit has not been doubled

ALSO READ:Budget 2019: Piyush Goyal delivers part Budget speech and part election pitchThe government has cut allocation to the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) by about 8.7 per cent to Rs 1,227 crore for 2019-20 compared to Rs 1,345 crore in the 2018-19.

According to the interim budget tabled in Parliament on February 1, the budgetary allocation for UIDAI as per revised estimates for the current fiscal ending March 2019 was at Rs 1,345 crore against the original allocation of Rs 1,375 crore.

When contacted, UIDAI CEO Ajay Bhushan Pandey told PTI, "This is based on our requirement and the money allocated will meet our requirements. The UIDAI requires money for certain operations like replacement of the old hardware, for IT systems and the new things that we want to do. Because, this is a system which needs to be constantly upgraded".

Accordingly, the UIDAI had made an estimate of the amount it required and has received full support of the Finance Ministry, he added.

ALSO READ:Had problems when we began, all resolved now: Nandan Nilekani on Aadhaar

In January this year, the Lok Sabha passed a Bill to amend the Aadhaar Act and two related laws which will allow individuals to offer voluntarily biometric ID as a means of identity verification for obtaining services such as opening a bank account and getting a mobile phone connection.

The Aadhaar and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill proposes changes in the Aadhaar Act, Indian Telegraph Act and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act to comply with a Supreme Court judgement pronounced on September 26 last year, in which it upheld the constitutional validity of unique identification project but placed certain restrictions and changes.

The compulsory use of Aadhaar-based KYC for mobile connections and bank accounts had been prohibited by the Supreme Court.

The proposed amendments also gives a minor the option to opt out of the 12-digit identity scheme on attaining the age of 18 years. It provides for stiff penalties for violation of norms set for the use of Aadhaar and bans service providers from storing core biometric information and Aadhaar number of individuals who voluntarily offer it as a means of authentication.

ALSO READ:State Bank of India officials allege Aadhaar data misused, UIDAI dismisses chargeIt was the set of administrative and legal processes between 1536 and 1541 by which Henry VIII disbanded Catholic monasteries, priories, convents and friaries in England, Wales and Ireland, appropriated their income, disposed of their assets, and reassigned or dismissed their former members and functions. What financial method was used to value the assets? 2. When you connect Chesterfield king size, Shinsei, Lucky Strike, Laurens Jaune brand of cigarettes and what do ...

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Digital EditorMUMBAI (Reuters) - Indian telecoms company Reliance Communications Ltd (RCom) will propose a plan to sell its telecom infrastructure assets, airwaves and real estate to resolve its debt, the firm said on Sunday.RCom, controlled by businessman Anil Ambani, last week said it will seek fast-track resolution through India's National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT).The company's current debt to lenders stands at 380 billion rupees ($5.32 billion) of which it owes 198 billion to local lenders and 182 billion rupees to foreign lenders, a spokesman for RCom told Reuters.The company said its new proposal ...DUBLIN (Reuters) - The European Commission has agreed to compensate Irish farmers for a collapse in market value in the event of a no-deal Brexit, the Irish edition of the Sunday Times newspaper said, quoting Irish government and EU sources.Farmers would be in line for hundreds of millions of euros in emergency aid to offset a collapse in beef and dairy prices, the newspaper reported, the amount Agriculture Minister Michael Creed said last month Dublin would seek for its farming and fishing industry.The details of the scheme were finalised between Creed and the commission's agriculture chief ...The head of the UN mission in Yemen launched talks between the government and Huthi rebels aboard a boat in the Red Sea on Sunday aimed at shoring up a ceasefire, a government official said.

Retired Dutch General Patrick Cammaert chaired the meeting aboard a UN vessel docked off the coast of the flashpoint city of Hodeida after the rebels refused to hold talks in government-held areas, the official told AFP on condition of anonymity.

The official said the meeting would address the implementation of an agreement reached in Sweden in December that calls for a ceasefire in rebel-held Hodeida, a pullback of forces from the port city and the opening of humanitarian corridors.

The Red Sea port is the entry point for the bulk of Yemen's imported goods and humanitarian aid, providing a lifeline to millions in the Arab world's poorest country.

The UN said in a statement that the parties would resume discussions on the Sweden agreement on Sunday.

It is the third meeting of a joint committee on implementing the deal, which has been hailed as a major step toward ending Yemen's devastating four-year war.

The Saudi-backed government and Iran-aligned Huthi rebels have accused each other of violating the ceasefire, while deadlines for the pullback of forces and a prisoner swap have slipped.

Yemen's rebels have been locked in a war with government forces backed since 2015 by a Saudi-led coalition.

The conflict has triggered what the UN calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis, with millions of people at risk of starvation.

Some 10,000 people have been killed since 2015, according to the World Health Organisation, although rights groups say the death toll could be five times higher.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)India is a multiplicity of stories, Booker Prize-winning Canadian author Yann Martel has said, affirming that he would much rather be a Sadhu than a rich man who is without any tales and all dried up inside.

Martel, who won the prestigious Man Booker Prize in 2002 for his second novel "Life of Pi", said the book would have never happened had he not visited India in 1997.

"There are many gods and animals in India. The proximity of an animal being divine struck me, and it was the beginning of the book," he said.

"Seeing animals cheek by jowl with humans is striking. You start wondering what is their relation with us. It is lovely," Martel told PTI in an interview.

The 55-year-old Spanish-born author said India was a place bubbling with stories and all one needed was a sharp eye and a pair of ears.

"India is a multiplicity of stories. They (stories) are more visible here. There are fewer stories to be seen in Switzerland or in Canada. Here, there are a million stories to be seen. You can be a Sadhu, you don't see them in the West," Martel said.

"We have people in the West who have no stories. They have the technology but have no stories. That is boring. It is sad and tragic. I would much rather be a Sadhu than be someone who is wealthy but has no stories. I would rather be that than be someone in the suburb of Pittsburg with three cars but dried up on the inside," he said.

Noting that while India has changed over the years and is now a wealthier and cleaner country, Martel said it has remained true to itself.

He said the Indians that he found the least interesting were the wealthiest ones.

"I respect them, but they are like me. Have the same approach to life as mine. I don't come to India to see Canada. I come to India to see India," he said.

"India has always been self confident. I know Indians have an inferiority complex in relation to China which I think is a mistake. There is still so much suffering here, but you still want to be a free country. You want to be free and rich. You don't want to be a dictatorship and rich," Martel said.

Talking about his Booker Prize win, the acclaimed author said while the coveted prize brought fame and money, it did not essentially change him as a writer.

"Winning it makes you wealthier, but as a writer you are the same. Just because you wrote a good book, doesn't mean you are a better writer. You still have the same strengths and weaknesses the next time you start another book," he said.

Martel said a novel was not so much about its style as being ultimately emotionally true.

"You can get the facts wrong, you can be a poor writer. Ultimately, a poem or a novel works if it emotionally resonates. If someone feels something. A novel is true when it is emotionally true," he said, adding that he was "very very lucky" that people liked his books.

Life of Pi was adapted into an eponymous movie and went on to bag four Oscars, including Best Director and won the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Score.

"The movie doesn't capture as much as the novel captures, but it is a lovely movie. The movie looks like the book, but doesn't feel like the book. It doesn't capture the depth of the book," Martel said.

He also wished a speedy recovery to actor Irfan Khan, who acted in the film and is currently abroad undergoing treatment for neuroendocrine tumour.

Martel is presently working on a novel about the Trojan War.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A woman who was killed and another who sustained injuries in an encounter between security forces and Naxals in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district on Saturday were later identified as civilians, police said.

Earlier it was suspected that the two women were Naxals, but later it was found they had no links with ultras and that they were local villagers, Sukma's Superintendent of Police Jitendra Shukla told PTI on Sunday.

"Investigation revealed that both the women were residents of Godelguda village and not Naxal cadres. They were caught in the crossfire between security personnel and ultras while they had gone to a forest for some routine work," he said.

An inquiry has been initiated into the incident. The kin of the victims will be provided necessary assistance by the district administration and police, he said.

When a joint squad of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and local police was returning from an area domination operation, around six-seven armed Naxals, dressed as civilians, fired at them in Rengaiguda area leading to the gun battle, he said.

After guns fell silent, security forces found an injured woman at the spot following which she was rushed to CRPF's field hospital in Dornapal, he said.

The woman, however, succumbed during treatment at the hospital, Shukla said.

Meanwhile, the patrolling team saw some villagers carrying another injured woman to the nearby Puswada village.

The security forces then took her also to CRPF's hospital at Dornapal. She was later shifted to the Sukma district hospital where her condition was reported to be out of danger, the police official said.

During a search of the spot, one muzzle loading gun, a bag containing cash Rs 9,058 cash, cordex wires, couple of electronic detonators and gelatin sticks along with other Maoist-related material were recovered, he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Newly appointed Tamil Nadu Congress chief, K S Alagiri Sunday said the party will work towards bagging all the 39 Lok Sabha seats in the state and the one in neighbouring Puducherry in the general elections.

Interacting with the media a day after his escalation, Alagiri emphasised on strengthening the party's organisational structure, which will be a key factor winning the polls.

"Today our secular friends are aiming for 40 constituencies in both TN and Puducherry in the upcoming elections. Congress party will also toil for this," Alagiri said.

"My first target is to strengthen the party structure. A political party with a strong structure only will come out victorious. I will be working with other senior leaders for this," he added.

In a move that was taken months before the 2019 general elections, a former Lok Sabha MP Alagiri was appointed as the president of the Tamil Nadu Pradesh Congress Committee Saturday replacing the incumbent S Thirunavakkarasar.

Taking a swipe at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led central and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK)-led state government, the Congress chief said both the regimes had hampered development in the country and the state.

"They lack understanding of economics, agriculture and society, and because of this we have seen backwardness in almost all sectors," he said.

"Development has declined in agriculture, GST has irked the middle class, issues of unemployment has increased," he added.

Alagiri also thanked Congress president Rahul Gandhi for elevating him to a position which was occupied by behemoths like late K Kamaraj and E V Ramasamy (Periyar).

"In the 40-year-old political life as a Congressman, I have continued to be a simple party worker," he said, crediting senior party leaders P Chidambaram and Mukul Wasnik for being instrumental in his appointment.

Dravida Munnetra Kazagham (DMK) President M K Stalin Sunday conveyed his wishes to Alagiri and his team of working presidents.

"I convey my heartful wishes to former Lok Sabha MP K S Alagiri for his appointment as TNPCC president," Stalin said in a statement, extending his wishes to four other appointees too.

The Congress, an ally of the DMK in the state, also appointed H Vasantha Kumar, K Jayakumar, M K Vishnu Prasad and Mayura Jayakumar as new working presidents to assist Alagiri.

Regarded as a loyalist of senior Congress leader P Chidambaram, Alagiri was elected to Parliament from Cuddalore, coastal district of Tamil Nadu, in 2009.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Congress president Rahul Gandhi Sunday said his party would waive farm loans and give a big push to the food processing industry if voted to power in the Lok Sabha elections



Alleging that the Centre's crop insurance scheme is "aimed at taking away the hard-earned money of farmers to fill up the pockets of big businessmen", he promised that the Congress would initiate a number of steps to deal with farmers' distress and unemployment.

Gandhi said, his party's governments in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh waived farm loans within a few days of coming to power.

The Congress president, who was addressing the party's first rally in the city in about three decades at the Gandhi Maidan here, repeated his slogan 'chowkidaar hi chor hai' (the watchman is the thief) in an allusion to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Gandhi said that he had already told the chief ministers of Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh that these states should take the lead in ushering in the second Green Revolution.

"We will do what is needed for providing relief to farmers and jobs to youths. We will waive their debts and give a major boost to the food processing industry.

"I have told the Chief Ministers of Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh that these states should take the lead in ushering in the second Green Revolution," he said.

"We fulfilled our promises in the three states within weeks of coming to power. We will do so across the country once elected at the Centre," the Congress president said.

He said the Congress would also ensure a minimum income for every poor person unlike the "false promise" of Rs 15 lakh to all made by Modi ahead of the 2014 Lok Sabha polls that was never fulfilled.

"The winds of change are blowing. The Congress will win the next Lok Sabha polls with the help of allies and our alliance will also win the next Assembly polls in Bihar," Gandhi claimed.

After the rally, in a moving Facebook post in Hindi, he said, "Bihar has been the land of peace but when the time comes, it transforms into a land of revolution. Today, millions lent their voice to the call for change at Gandhi Maidan. We have to strengthen the hope it has roused. We have to build an India of the aspirations of Indians."



Addressing the rally, Gandhi accused the NDA government at the Centre of committing irregularities in the Rafale deal.

He said when the Congress was in power, it had started negotiating the Rafale deal, insisting that aircraft be manufactured at the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Bengaluru.

This would have benefitted jobless youths from Karnataka, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha etc but Modi changed all that, the Congress president said.

"He (Modi) undertook tours of various countries and came up with defence deals which would benefit only a private person like Anil Ambani. Manohar Parrikar, who was formerly the defence minister, expressed his disapproval and so did officers of the Indian Air Force, but Modi went on to have his way," Gandhi charged.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot were also present at the rally.

Alliance partners like RJD's Tejashwi Yadav, former Union minister Sharad Yadav and ex-Bihar chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi were present at the rally.

Lamenting that Bihar has become "a centre of unemployment" unlike the centre of learning" in the ancient times, Gandhi promised that in the event of his party coming to power at the Centre, Patna University would be granted central status.

It may be noted that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had made a fervent request for grant of central status to the university at its centenary celebrations in 2017 which was attended by PM Modi.

The prime minister had virtually rebuffed the plea stating that the system of granting central status had become outdated.

"Modi failed the youths of Bihar as he was unable to provide them jobs. When they went to BJP-ruled states like Maharashtra and Gujarat in search of livelihood, they faced physical assault and insults," the Congress president said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Social activist Anna Hazare, whose indefinite hunger strike entered the fifth day on Sunday, warned that if the Narendra Modi government did not fulfil its promises, he would return his Padma Bhushan.

Earlier in the day, Bharatiya Janata Party ally Shiv Sena came out in Hazare's support, urging him to emulate socialist leader Jayaprakash Narayan and lead an agitation against corruption.

Hazare has been on a hunger strike since last Wednesday at his native Ralegan Siddhi village in Maharashtra's Ahmednagar district, demanding appointments of Lokpal and Lokayuktas and resolution of farmers' issue.

"If this government does not fulfil its promises made to the country in the next few days, I will return my Padma Bhushan," he told PTI Sunday evening. "(The) Modi government has breached the faith of people.

The 81-year-old was awarded the third-highest civilian honour of the country in 1992.

Hazare's demands include immediate appointment of anti-corruption ombudsmen Lokpal at the Centre and Lokayuktas in states, implementation of Swaminathan Commission's recommendations for tackling agrarian distress and electoral reforms.

In the morning, in support of the Army man-turned- activist's demands, a group of farmers and youths blocked the Ahmednagar-Pune highway at Supa village in Parner tehsil, 38 km from here.

The police tried to pacify the protesters and asked them to end the blockade as vehicles had backed up for around six km on both sides, Supa police station inspector Rajendra Bhosale said.

As many as 110 protesters were detained in the afternoon and released after the traffic resumed, Bhosale said.

Dr Dhananjay Pote, who checked Hazare in the morning, said he had lost 3.8 kg in the past five days and his blood pressure, blood sugar and creatinine level in the urine had gone up.

Around 5,000 farmers from the district are likely to stage a protect outside the Ahmednagar collector's office on Monday to support Hazare's agitation, his associates said.

The decision to hold the protest was taken at a gram sabha (village meeting) at Ralegan Siddhi on Saturday night.

Leaders of various political parties from Parner tehsil were present at the meeting.

Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray appealed to the BJP-led state government -- of which his party is a part -- to intervene and asked it to not to "play" with Hazare's life.

Thackeray also asked Hazare to take to the streets instead of "giving up" his life, and urged him to emulate the role played by Narayan in the 1970s when the socialist leader took on the Indira Gandhi government.

Hazare should not meet the fate of activist G D Agrawal, who died during a fast for his campaign for clean Ganga, the Sena leader said.

Hazare had earlier declined to meet state government envoy and minister Girish Mahajan for talks.

The anti-corruption crusader had told PTI that he welcomed the Maharashtra cabinet's decision to bring the office of the chief minister under the ambit of the Lokayukta.

"However, the strike will continue till the government fulfils promises they made before coming to power about passage of Lokayukta Act, appointment of Lokpal (at the Centre) and to tackle farmers' issues," he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)CBI joint director Pankaj Srivastava said the agency's officials had gone to Kolkata Police commissioner Rajeev Kumar's residence to question him in chit fund scan cases on Sunday and "we would have rounded him up if he hadn't cooperated with us".

The CBI move took an unprecedented turn after the team was stopped from entering the house and a number of agency officers were bundled into police jeeps, whisked to a police station and detained.

Soon after West Bengal Chief Minister landed at Kumar's residence and fired salvo at the Centre, alleging political vindictiveness.

In a tit-for-tat move, a team of Kolkata Police officials reached the CGO Complex -- the state headquarters of CBI.

Reacting to the fast-paced developments, Srivastava said, "We had gone there to investigate him. And if he hadn't cooperated with us we would have rounded him up."



Asked about police officials cordoning off the CBI offices and his residence, he said, "I have also been detained and there are police officers standing outside my house."



However, Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Pravin Tripathi said the CBI officers have been let go from the police station after questioning.

"They just said they had come for a secret operation. We don't know what kind of operation it is," Tripathi said.

Later in the evening, central forces arrived at the CBI office in Kolkata which was already cordoned off by the city police, officials said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Sunday came down heavily on those attempting to waive black flags at Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visits to Tamil Nadu.

Replying to a question on rising incidents of showing black flags to central leaders for reportedly neglecting the state and "imposing unwanted projects" on Tamil Nadu, she told reporters it was not the BJP which brought such projects.

Even in the case of 'Jallikkattu' (bull taming sport), the then ruling combination of Congress and DMK had banned the sport and it was the BJP government which brought back the sport a year ago, the defence minister asserted.

"Similarly, hydrocarbon and neutrino projects were not sanctioned by the BJP government and the agitators should know about those behind (such projects). The people should ask the purpose of their agitation, which has lowered the image of Tamil Nadu," she said.

The minister was here to address BJP workers on the preparations for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

She, however, said she had no specific answer to the party's alliance, particularly with the ruling AIADMK in Tamil Nadu.

On opposition's criticism that the interim budget was an "election manifesto", Sitharaman said the parties were not able to digest the announcements which were accepted by the people.

Asked about the ban imposed by West Bengal government on BJP rallies, the defence minister said the ruling TMC and its chief minister Mamata Banerjee were "afraid of the growing popularity of BJP".

The TMC, which came to power by coining the slogan that democracy was in peril during the CPI(M) rule, was adopting the same violence against its opposition and harassing them, Sitharaman added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The National Commission for Women (NCW) has expressed serious concern over a media report about virginity tests of brides being forcefully conducted in the nomadic Kanjarbhat community, calling the practice regressive, misogynistic and in violation of basic human rights and dignity.

NCW chairperson Rekha Sharma wrote to Maharashtra's women and child welfare minister Pankaja Gopinath Munde asking her to look into the matter.

According to the media report, two instances of forced virginity test for brides in the Kanjarbhat community have come to the fore in Pune.

Sharma said the matter is of very serious concern for the commission.

"The practice is regressive, misogynistic and in violation of basic human rights and dignity," she said.

"I, therefore, urge your kind intervention in the matter and request that you may please ensure that the persons guilty of perpetrating such discriminatory, misogynistic practices may be appropriately punished so as to prevent such occurrences in the future," Sharma said in her letter to Munde.

"I would also request that any action taken in the matter may be intimated to the commission," she added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Union minister Vijay Goel Sunday launched his "Dhol Andolan" against the AAP government in Delhi from a slum, alleging it was not allowing the Centre to work for people in the national capital.

The senior BJP leader charged Chief Minister and AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal with obstructing the implementation of Ayushman Bharat and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana in Delhi.

"Slum dwellers say they have been cheated and fooled by Kejriwal in four years. They have been forced to live under hellish conditions. This Dhol movement will reach all slums in Delhi to expose the AAP government," Goel said.

The BJP has sharpened attack on AAP in the run-up to the coming Lok Sabha election by accusing it of failing to fulfil its promises made to people before coming to power.

The poor could have benefited from Ayushman Bharat and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana but Kejriwal did not allow implementation of these schemes, Goel charged.

"Kejriwal is preventing Modi government from working for welfare of Delhi people. We are telling slum dwellers how benefits of Ayushman Bharat and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana have been denied to them by Kejriwal government," he said.

The minister also said a survey will be conducted to expose the spread of drug addiction and gambling in slums of Delhi.

Addressing a gathering in Daya Basti, from where he launched the "movement", the former Delhi BJP president gave "Kejriwal Bhagao, Delhi Bachao" slogan and said people were not going to be fooled by AAP and they will answer it in elections.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The tussle between the TMC and the BJP got uglier Sunday, with the West Bengal government denying permission to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's chopper to land in the state to let him address two scheduled rallies.

Adityanath addressed the rallies there telephonically and lashed out at the "anti-people" Trinamool Congress (TMC) government in the state, saying the days of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's rule are "numbered".

The UP chief minister and state BJP president Dilip Ghosh were scheduled to address "Ganatantra Bacaho Rallies" at Balurghat in South Dinajpur district and Raiganj in North Dinajpur district.

Though the BJP had been allowed to organise the rallies, the district administration denied permission for Adityanath's chopper to land at both the places, party leaders said.

Following denial of permission to land his chopper, Adityanath decided not to attend either of the rallies and instead addressed them telephonically.

"This is nothing new. Whenever we try to organise any rally, they create hurdles. This is shameful. But the TMC is mistaken if it thinks it can stop us by not giving us permission for holding rallies or landing chopper," Ghosh told PTI.

Addressing both the rallies through audio link, the Uttar Pradesh chief minister said, "The TMC government didn't allow me to come and meet you all. That is why I had to resort to the Digital India of Modi Ji to address you."



Lashing out at the Mamata Banerjee government, the UP chief minister said, "This TMC government is anti-people and anti-democratic and has compromised with the national security."



"The TMC government is afraid of the BJP as it very well knows its days in the state are numbered," he said.

Alleging that the Banerjee government had tried to stop Durga Puja in West Bengal to pursue its appeasement policy, Adityanath urged BJP workers to fight vigorously and ensure that the party forms the next government in the state.

"Mamata Banerjee should remember that she cannot misuse the government and its agencies in the state. It is shameful that the government officials are acting as TMC cadres in the state," he said.

Referring to various central schemes which have been stopped from being implemented in the state, Adityanath said the TMC has no right to deprive the people from benefits offered by the central government.

Adityanath rued that "Bengal which had been the torch bearer of democracy in the country is forced to face the dictatorship of the TMC."



"We have to shatter this undemocratic model," he said.

The Uttar Pradesh chief minister also referred to former President Pranab Mukherjee, whom, he said, "the Government of India honoured with the Bharat Ratna."



Referring to the BJP linkages with West Bengal, Adityanath said, "Jan Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mookerjee was from Bengal."



"West Bengal has been the cradle of the country's intellectual property, whether it be the tradition of Ram Krishna Mission or Swami Vivekanand," he added.

Adityanth ended his telephonic speech with Vande Mataram and Jai Shri Ram.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The head of the UN mission in Yemen boarded a vessel that will be the venue for key talks between the government and Huthi rebels on shoring up a ceasefire.

Retired Dutch General Patrick Cammaert picked up a government delegation at a rendezvous in the Red Sea before returning to the port of Hodeida to await Huthi envoys who are to arrive on Sunday, a UN statement said.

The sides will discuss the next steps to implement an agreement reached in Sweden in December that calls for a ceasefire in Hodeida and a pullback of forces from the port city.

It is the third meeting of a joint committee on implementing the agreement which has been hailed as a major step toward ending the four-year devastating war in Yemen.

On Sunday, the "parties will then resume joint discussions on the implementation of the redeployment of forces and the facilitation of humanitarian operations, as agreed in the Stockholm Agreement," said a UN statement.

The Saudi-backed government and Huthi rebels have accused each other of violating the ceasefire, while deadlines for the pullback of forces and a prisoner swap have slipped.

UN aid agencies are also trying to gain access to food warehouses in Hodeida that will first require demining teams to clear routes to the storage sites.

The last joint meeting of the truce committee was on January 3. For nearly four years, Yemen's Iran-backed Huthi rebels have been locked in a war with a regional pro-government alliance led by Riyadh.

The conflict has triggered what the UN calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis, with millions of people at risk of starvation.

The port of Hodeida is the entry point for the bulk of Yemen's supplies of imported goods and humanitarian aid, providing a lifeline to millions.

Up to 75 observers from the UN mission are to be deployed in Hodeida and surrounding ports, but so far only about 20 monitors are on the ground



monitoring the ceasefire, according to UN officials. Cammaert will be replaced in the coming weeks by Danish general Michael Lollesgaard as head of the UN observer mission, which was created by the Security Council last month.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Britain's Queen Elizabeth II and other senior members of the royal family may have to be evacuated if the UK experiences riots as a result of a no-deal Brexit next month, a media report said on Sunday.

The UK is set to exit the 28-member European Union (EU) on March 29.

As the risk of Britain leaving the EU without an amicable withdrawal agreement continues to hang over ongoing negotiations, emergency proposals to rescue the royal family during the Cold War era have been "repurposed" in recent weeks to ensure their protection.

The plans were originally intended to be put into action in the event of a nuclear attack from the erstwhile Soviet Union, 'The Sunday Times' reported.

In the event of the UK and EU failing to agree a settlement before the Brexit deadline of March 29, the Queen and her husband, Prince Philip, will be moved out of London to a secret location, which the newspaper said it has agreed not to disclose.

"These emergency evacuation plans have been in existence since the Cold War, but have now been repurposed in the event of civil disorder following a no-deal Brexit," a UK Cabinet Office source was quoted as saying in the report.

With just 54 days to go until the UK is due to leave the EU, Britain's civil servants are ramping up no-deal planning, including the contingency plans for the royal family. This is understood to have included discussions between Scotland Yard and regional police forces.

"If there were problems in London, clearly you would remove the royal family away from those key sites," said Dai Davies, the former head of royal protection at the Metropolitan Police.

"Where and how they will evacuate them is top secret and I can't discuss it. This is a measure that is extremely unlikely to come to pass. (But) the powers-that-be need to have contingency plans for any eventuality," he said.

Originally codenamed 'Operation Candid', plans were drawn up for the Queen to be evacuated to sea on the royal yacht Britannia if the Soviet Union launched a nuclear attack.

After the royal yacht was mothballed in 1997, the plans were amended to include evacuation via the Hebridean Princess, a cruise ship that would have ferried the royals around the remote Scottish islands in the event of disaster.

The plans, first devised in 1962 after the Cuban missile crisis and approved the following year, have now been revived by senior civil servants involved in contingency planning for Operation Yellowhammer, the battle plan for what happens in the event of a no deal when border arrangements with the EU will be thrown into chaos.

The revelation follows weeks of uncertainty around Brexit negotiations, with the UK Parliament rejecting Prime Minister Theresa May's Withdrawal Agreement and then voting for her to reopen negotiations over a controversial Irish "backstop", intended to avert a hard border between Britain and EU member-country Ireland in future. Critics fear the clause could keep Britain tied to EU rules even after Brexit.

Ireland's Deputy Prime Minister Simon Coveney warned that there are "no credible alternative arrangements" and said the UK is risking its peace process with Ireland by trying to renegotiate the Withdrawal Agreement.

"The EU will not renegotiate the withdrawal agreement and there will be no withdrawal agreement without the backstop," he said, adding that there is a deal on the table, and walking away from it will have serious consequences for us all."



Meanwhile, May stressed that she was determined to deliver Brexit within the March deadline period.

Writing in 'The Sunday Telegraph', she said she would return to Brussels with a "fresh mandate, new ideas and a renewed determination".

She rejected the suggestion "that seeking alternative arrangements for the backstop constituted 'ripping up the Good Friday Agreement', the basis of the UK-Ireland peace process.

The British PM added that MPs wanted the government to go back to Brussels to renegotiate the deal after the Commons voted in favour of Tory backbencher Sir Graham Brady's amendment on Tuesday that called for "alternative arrangements" to be found.

"While replacing the backstop with alternative arrangements was one option, (Graham) would also be happy with the current backstop if there was a time limit or unilateral exit mechanism," she writes.

Following the voting in the House of Commons on the Brady amendment last month, the EU's chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, had reiterated that the backstop was "part and parcel" of the UK's Brexit deal and it will not be renegotiated, throwing the prospect of Britain's orderly exit from the economic bloc into disarray.

May is set to return to Brussels this month in an attempt to try and change minds in the EU.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Tulsi Gabbard, the first Hindu lawmaker in the US Congress, officially launched her presidential campaign from her home state Hawaii on Sunday, promising to bend "the arc of history away from war and toward peace".

Taking a dig at America's foreign policy establishment in her campaign announcement, the four-time Democratic lawmaker in the US House of Representatives from Hawaii blamed politicians in "ivory towers" for US' involvement in costly armed conflicts abroad.

"We must stand against powerful politicians from both parties who sit in ivory towers thinking up new wars to wage and new places for people to die. Wasting trillions of dollars, hundreds of thousands of lives, undermining our economy and security, and destroying our middle class," Gabbard said.

"These powerful politicians dishonor the sacrifices made by every one of our service members, and their families - they are the ones who pay the price for these wars," she said.

Asserting that the foreign policy is depleting US' resources and exhausting its military, the Hawaii lawmaker said she will work towards "bending the arc of history away from war and toward peace" and to achieve this it "will require every one of us to stand up against the military industrial complex and powerful, self-serving politicians who have a vested interest in perpetual war".

Gabbard she will work towards building partnerships with other nations based on shared interests, leading with a foreign policy based not on conflict but on cooperation.

Other policy positions that the White House hopeful discussed included Medicare for all, criminal justice reform, environmental advocacy and the need to combat privacy infringement by big tech companies.

A former Iraq war veteran, 37-year-old Gabbard is a former Co-Chair of the powerful India Caucus in the House of Representatives. She is the youngest Democratic leader to enter the 2020 presidential race.

The first ever Hindu lawmaker to be elected to the House of Representatives, Gabbard during her tenure in the Congress has established herself as an authority on national security and foreign policy issues.

She is among the four women who have thrown their hat into the 2020 Democratic presidential primary race.

The other three are Indian-origin Senator Kamala Harris from California and Senators Elizabeth Warren from Massachusetts and Kirsten Gillibrand from New York.

Gabbard, who converted to Hinduism early in her life, is highly popular among Indian-Americans. If elected, she would be the youngest ever and first woman president of the US. She would also be the first non-Christian and first Hindu to occupy the top post. However, at this point of time, political pundits do not give her much chance.

Hindus constitute less than one per cent of the American population, an overwhelming majority of whom are either from India or are people of Indian-origin.

The lawmaker pointed to her service in the state's Army National Guard as a reason for her desire to seek public office.

"It is this principle of service above self, that is at the heart of every soldier...it is in this spirit, that today I announce my candidacy for President of the United States of America," Gabbard told a cheering crowd.

Attacking incumbent President Donald Trump, she said, "Instead of draining the swamp, our president has turned it into a cesspool of corruption.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)US President Donald Trump on Sunday disputed American intelligence services' assessments of the threat posed by Iran and said he "does not necessarily agree" with their analysis.

He also said the national security advisers' false assessment on Iraq led the US to engage in a war that it should never have been.

The US' intelligence services had said that the then Iraqi ruler Saddam Hussein possessed weapons of mass destruction that became the basis of American invasion in the middle east nation. However, the assessment was later proven wrong.

"I have intel people, but that does not mean I have to agree (with their assessments)...people that said Saddam Hussein...in Iraq had nuclear weapons...Those intel people didn't know what the hell they were doing, and they got us tied up in a war that we should have never been in," Trump told CBS in an interview.

As a result of that intelligence assessment under the Bush administration, Trump said the US spent USD 7 trillion in the Middle East and lost hundreds of lives.

Trump said he disagrees with the assessment of his intelligence leaders that Iran is abiding by the nuclear deal. He claimed that Iran is going ahead with its nuclear weapons programme.

"When I look at Iran, I look at it as a nation that has caused tremendous problems," he said.

During a Congressional hearing last week, top American spymasters Dan Coats, National Intelligence Director, and Gina Haspel, CIA Director, told lawmakers that Iran was abiding by the nuclear deal.

Trump also indicated that he is not in sync with the assessment of his intelligence chief on the nuclear weapons programme of North Korea.

Asserting that there has been a tremendous progress in the ties between the US and the North Korea, Trump said both he and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un are looking forward to the scheduled meeting between them, the exact date and venue of which will be announced in the next few days.

"He (Kim) is looking forward to it. I am looking forward to it. We have made tremendous progress...(Kim) has a chance to have North Korea becoming an economic behemoth. (North Korea) has a chance to be one of the great economic countries in the world. (Kim) He can't do that with nuclear weapons," he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)In an unusual but genuine demand, Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik Sunday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to check predatory pricing by airlines here during the winter season.

"I want to put forth a demand on behalf of Kashmiri people that during winter our people get stuck and airlines give ticket for Rs 28,000 (from Delhi and back). In Rs 28,000, one can go and come back from Dubai," Malik said at a public function being attended by the prime minister.

He said there have been instances when students need to go to other places for exams and people who have travel due to urgent needs.

"Once we got a plane for the defence (for taking out the people from Srinagar to attend to urgent work). But in other days, they (airlines) are not ready to reduce any money (air fare)," he said.

Malik said there is a need to make the airlines understand and the fares need to be reduced.

"What would be more injustice than this? How tourism will increase (in the state)? How will (the state) progress?," he asked.

Malik said during the winter season roads get closed and the whole administration is engaged in taking all the possible steps to ensure nobody suffers.

"This (checking predatory pricing by airlines) is my only demand and I expect that you (Modi) will fulfil this after reaching Delhi," the governor said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Led by Rahul Tewatia's all-round show and Mandeep Singh's brilliance with the bat, DY Patil A defeated Reliance One by seven wickets to lift the 15th DY Patil T20 Cup here.

The final, played at the Dr D Y Patil Stadium, ended late Saturday night.

Reliance One posted a huge total of 180-6 in their 20 overs thanks to handy knocks by Nikhil Naik (53) and Anukul Roy (50 not out), a media release said Sunday.

For DY Patil A, Tewatia with 3-21 was the best bowler on view.

In their chase, DY Patil A were well served by Mandeep's unbeaten 78 off 51 balls with seven boundaries and two sixes.

Mandeep first added 79 runs for the third wicket with Shubham Ranjane (39) and then a further 52 with Tewatia for an unbroken fourth wicket stand.

DY Patil A pocketed eight lakh rupees plus the trophy, whereas Reliance One had to settle for a runner-up trophy and a sum of Rs five lakh.

Meanwhile, DY Patil B's Aman Khan was voted as the player of the tournament and he also bagged the award for the most sixes in the tournament.

DY Patil A's winning captain Iqbal Abdullah paid tribute to the spirit in the side for the triumph.

"Robin (Uthappa) Bhai, Mandeep, all helped me with their inputs throughout the tournament. We never let the morale sag and came through with a strong all-round performance. Full credit to the whole side," Abdullah was quoted as saying in the release.

Reliance One's skipper Krunal Pandya was disappointed but was uplifted by the performance of his squad.

"At half stage we felt we had enough on the board, because in a final chasing around 180 is not easy. But all credit to DY Patil A, they batted superbly. This tournament is one of the best in the country in T20 format and it was good to have played here before I head off to New Zealand," said Pandya.

Player of the tournament Aman Khan also won the award for the most sixes.

BRIEF SCORES At DY Patil Stadium: Final: Reliance One 180-6 in 20 overs (Nikhil Naik 53; Anukul Roy 50 n.o., Tajinder Dhillon 20; Rahul Tewatia 3-21) lost to DY Patil A 183-3 in 19.2 overs (Mandeep Singh 78 n.o., Shubham Ranjane 39, Rahul Tewatia 31 n.o.; Rahul Shukla 2-27)-by 7 wickets.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Colombia's armed forces clashed Saturday with FARC dissident rebels, killing 10 from the group that split from the 2016 peace process.

Army special forces and police launched an operation in Caqueta department, in which a longtime group leader Rodrigo Cadete, 52, was killed.

"Another nine guerrillas we killed; we have several captures and the fighting continues in the region," Defense chief Guillermo Botero said in a statement in Manizales.

Though some 7,000 members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) laid down their arms, about 1,700 are still in the insurgent struggle funded by drug money, military intelligence says.

With no unified command, dissidents operate in remote areas where they fight other groups to control drug trafficking and drug trafficking routes. Colombia has experienced relative calm since the 2016 peace deal signed by then-president Juan Manuel Santos and FARC rebels.

With the landmark agreement turning the FARC into a political party, the smaller ELN is considered the last active rebel group in the country.

True to his election promises, President Ivan Duque, who took office last August, has taken a hard line against the ELN, including his demand they release all hostages as a prerequisite to kick-starting their peace process.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Dravidian stalwart C N Annadurai was Sunday remembered across the state on his 50th death anniversary, with leaders of the ruling AIADMK and opposition DMK paying tributes to their political ideologue at Anna memorial built on Marina beach here.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami, his deputy



O Panneerselvam and their cabinet colleagues paid floral tributes at the memorial and participated in community feasts held at more than 30 locations across the city.

Similar feasts were held at more than 300 locations across the state.

The DMK, meanwhile, observed the anniversary of Annadurai by holding a silent march in the city.

DMK president M K Stalin and other senior leaders in the party also paid floral tributes at Anna memorial as well at the memorial of former chief minister M Karunanidhi, who has also been laid to rest on Marina beach.

A veteran Dravidian leader, Annadurai ushered in the first post-independence era non-Congress government in Tamil Nadu in 1967 when his party stormed to power.

The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), founded by actor-politician M G Ramachandran five years later, was named after Annadurai.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Delhi Police has registered a case after a leader of the Swaraj India party was attacked with a sharp weapon by unidentified bike-borne men, who also snatched his mobile phone in southeast Delhi, police said Sunday.

The incident took place on Friday night in East of Kailash area.

Anupam, the party's national vice-president cum chief spokesperson, was talking on phone when two bike-borne men with their faces covered attacked him and snatched away his mobile phone, police said.

Anupam sustained injuries on his face, they said.

A case of snatching was registered and the matter is being probed, Deputy Commissioner of Police (southeast) Chinmoy Biswal said.

No arrest was made but some suspects were detained for questioning, he said.

In a Facebook post, Anupam alleged that the entire incident was a conspiracy against him and his eye narrowly escaped the attack as he was wearing glasses.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The government would start disbursing substantial amount under the income support scheme for small farmers in this month itself as beneficiary data is already in place, a top finance ministry official said.

In his budget speech on Friday, Finance Minister Piyush Goyal announced 'Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi' (PM-KISAN) scheme under which Rs 6,000 per year would be provided to farmers holding cultivable land of up to 2 hectare.

Goyal has already earmarked Rs 20,000 crore for disbursal among 12 crore farmers under the scheme in the current financial year.

"It has been decided to implement with effect from December 1, 2018. Allocation of Rs 20,000 crore required for the current fiscal has been made in the budget. Land record data is completely available. We have all the information about small and marginal farmers," Economic Affairs Secretary Subhash Chandra Garg told PTI in a post Budget interview.

The government last year released Agriculture Census 2015-16 and most states have moved to electronic record-keeping, Garg said, adding, the work which the agriculture department now would be doing is to relate these holdings to the families which will receive the assistance.

"That they (agriculture department) will be doing. They are very confident that they will do with the state governments very soon and they expect to make disbursements of substantial amount in the month of February itself. That is the expectation and confidence of the (agri) department," he said.

He further said, supplementaries would be presented in the current session to seek Parliament's nod for spending additional Rs 20,000 crore for the scheme.

The ongoing budget session is scheduled to conclude on February 13.

The PM-KISAN scheme has been approved by the Cabinet and therefore the necessary approval for the administrative department to implement the scheme is also available, he added.

Emphasising that agriculture department has already done the spadework, Garg said the 12 crore beneficiary number has been arrived at with the help of Agriculture Census Data 2015-16.

"The Census has detailed data which is divided into groups-- people owning land up to 0.5 hectare, 0.5-1 hectare, 1-2 hectare, 2-4 hectare and beyond and every 'Khesra' of the plot of the land in the country has been counted. This is data of operational holdings," he said.

Apart from direct income support to farmers, Goyal, in the interim budget for 2019-20, also announced extended interest subsidy on loans availed for animal husbandry and fishery as well as to those farmers affected by severe natural calamities.

Consequently, the total budget allocation for agriculture and allied activities is projected higher at Rs 1,49,981 crore for 2019-20, when compared to the revised estimate of Rs 86,602 crore for 2018-19.

The fertiliser subsidy is pegged at Rs 74,986 crore for the next fiscal as against Rs 70,075 crore.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Sri Lankan authorities arrested four Maldivian nationals, including a woman, for illegally operating a drone near the country's main international airport, police said Sunday.

The suspects were taken into custody on Saturday night after they were seen using a drone within the high security zone of the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), police said in a statement.

"They were filming the airport area with the drone. Investigations are continuing," police spokesman Ruwan Gunasekera said.

"The suspects -- aged between 19 and 23 -- will be produced before a magistrate today."



It was the first arrest in the country in connection with an illegal operation of a drone near an airport.

The incident came hours before Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih was due to arrive in Sri Lanka to attend the country's 71st national day ceremony in Colombo.

Operating any kind of drone near airports is banned while drone photography and aerial mapping are also highly regulated by civil aviation authorities.

Air traffic controllers at the BIA said there were no disruptions to international flights on Saturday.

However, drones have caused flight disruptions in recent weeks in London and New York.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)An RSS worker, prime accused in a bomb attack on a police station here, was arrested here Sunday, the police said.

Praveen, a district functionary of the RSS, and his accomplice Sreejit, a sangh worker, hurled bombs at the Nedumangad Police Station during the January 3 shutdown called by Hindutva outfits protesting against the entry of two women into the Sabarimala Temple, they said.

The duo was arrested from the Thamapanoor railway station here, they added.

Police had issued a look out notice against Praveen after CCTV visuals showed him hurling at least four bombs at the police station during a clash with the Communist Party of India (Marxist) workers.

A Special Investigation team was also constituted to nab the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) functionary, they said.

Guarded by four policemen in civil dress, the two women, Kanakadurga (44) and Bindu (42), created history by stepping into the hallowed precincts of the hill-shrine on January 2.

A 12-hour shutdown was called by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and other right-wing outfits to protest against their entry.

The Supreme Court had on September 28 lifted the ban on entry of girls and women between 10 and 50 years of age into the shrine dedicated to Lord Ayyappa.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Animal rights organisation Humane Society International/India has announced a reward of Rs 50,000 for information about the unidentified culprits who poisoned stray cats and dogs in Yerawada area of the city.

As many as 14 cats and seven dogs were found dead in TridalNagarsociety last month.

The residents had expressed suspicion that they were poisoned.

Alokparna Sengupta, deputy managing Director, Humane SocietyInternational/India, said in a release, "It's shocking....We urge anyone who knows or has seen something to reportit to us or the police.

"We fear this is more than just intolerancetowards street animals; this could be the doing of a mentallyunstable person who could hurt humans later," Sengupta said.

Anyone having information about the deaths could contact HSI/India on phone number 8899117773, she added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)India's policy for economic, social, psychological and educational rehabilitation of children freed from the child labour or slavery is very strong, Nobel laureate Kailash Satyarthi has said here.

The 2014 Nobel Peace Prize winner, who is in the UAE, said that the provisions for children's rehabilitation have become better in countries such as Brazil, Chile, Nigeria and South Africa.

"Of course, corruption, apathy and delay are the issues we have to continue to address," Satyarthi told PTI Saturday.

"Now in India, we have very strong rehabilitation provisions for economic, social, psychological and educational rehabilitation of children freed from child labour or slavery," the 65-year-old child rights activist said.

Once children are freed, they are legally entitled for rehabilitation benefits, which should always be ensured, Satyarthi said.

"When I started working to ensure child rights, there were several NGOs working in this domain but there was hardly any organisation.

"In India and in many other countries, we have had to fight for freedom as well as rehabilitation of children," he said, adding that he realised that it was much more than just about poverty.

The screening of a documentary - The Price or Free - which is based on the work of his organisation the Children's Foundation, will be held in the UAE.

Satyarthi will also attend an event by the Indian Business Professional Council on 'Globalising Compassion for Children'.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Home Minister Rajnath Singh Sunday attacked the TMC government over the law and order situation in West Bengal and claimed that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was now giving less time to the state as her eyes are fixed on forming a 'Mahagathbandhan'.

On the upcoming Global Business Summit in West Bengal, he said in order to invite investors to the state, the Trinamool Congress government needs to improve the law and order situation.

He claimed there were increasing attacks on police stations, besides activists and opposition parties.

Singh alleged BJP candidates were prevented from filing nomination papers in the last Panchayat polls in the state and alleged that 'loktantra' (democracy) was getting replaced by 'lathitantra' (highhandedness of the state machinery).

Describing the 'Mahagathbandhan', a proposed alliance of non-BJP opposition parties, as directionless, Singh said these parties had only one agenda in common and that was opposing the BJP at the Centre.

Addressing a "Ganatantra Bachao Rally" here in Hooghly district, Singh said, "Mamataji is giving less time to her state as her priorities are elsewhere, on the Mahagathbandhan."



He also mocked Banerjee for trying to forge the alliance, wondering "who will run the vehicle and who will put the brake".

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Five days after they embarked on an indefinite hunger strike here, mothers of endosulfan-affected children Sunday ended their agitation after the government agreed to include more victims in the list for compensation and rehabilitation.

Endosulfan Peeditha Janakeeya Munnani (EPJM), earlier in the day marched to Cliff House, the official residence of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan as their talks with the government failed on Saturday.

An embarrassed government was forced to hold fresh talks with the protesters following which the announcement was made by M V Jayarajan, private secretary to the chief minister.

The two-hour long meeting chaired by Jayarajan and at the end of it, the chief minister joined and assured all help to the victims.

"Those who were below 18 years of age in the 2017 Biological Plausible list of 1095 people will be included in the rehabilitation package. Kasaragod District collector will coordinate the process," ," Jayarajan told the media.

Social Activist Daya Bai, who was on fast along with the mothers of the victims, said she was happy that the government decided to accept their demands.

"I thank everyone who pledged their support to this just cause. I heard many allegations against me. I am not angry or unhappy with anyone. I just want justice for these kids," Bai said.

Muneesa, a victim and an active participant in the protest, told PTI that the meeting with the chief minister was a success.

"It was an elaborate discussion. The chief minister responded to our issues in a favourable manner. The government accepted all our demands," she said.

Congress leader V M Sudheeran also took part in the protest march pledging support to the victims.

As per the last year's government list, only 287 people were beneficiaries of the medical and financial aid.

The protesters alleged that the government was turning a blind eye to the fact that 1,905 people are affected by the pesticide.

The families, who have come from the northernmost district of Kasaragod to the state's southern tip to make their woes heard, began the hunger strike demanding speedy disbursal of compensation and implementation of the rehabilitation package.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Pope Francis on Sunday called for urgent "respect" for a ceasefire accord in Yemen to allow humanitarian aid through in the conflict-weary country.

"I appeal to all parties concerned and to the international community to allow the urgent respect of established accords to ensure the distribution of food and to work for the good of the population," said the pope.

"I am following the humanitarian crisis in Yemen with great concern," he added.

The pope was speaking before embarking on a historic three-day visit to the United Arab Emirates, the first by a pope to the Arabian peninsula.

"The population is exhausted by the lengthy conflict and a great many children are suffering from hunger, but cannot access food depots.

"The cry of these children and their parents rises up to God," he said calling on the gathering to pray for Yemen.

Yemen's rebels have been locked in a war against government forces backed since 2015 by a Saudi-led coalition that includes the UAE.

The conflict has triggered what the UN calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis, with millions of people at risk of starvation.

Some 10,000 people have been killed since 2015, according to the World Health Organization, although rights groups say the death toll could be five times higher The first papal visit to the Arabian Peninsula marks an effort to boost the Vatican's outreach to Islam.

Pope Francis, who has made strengthening ties between the two largest religions a cornerstone of his papacy, was due to arrive in Abu Dhabi later Sunday.

He was to have talks with the UAE crown prince on Monday and hold an open-air mass for 135,0000 worshippers on Tuesday.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Opposition leaders in Bihar on Sunday squarely blamed the Narendra Modi government at the Centre for the train mishap at Vaishali district where the Delhi-bound Seemanchal Express jumped the tracks killing six people.

However, former Union minister Ram Vilas Paswan hit back claiming that rail tracks across the country were under tremendous pressure because of "reckless increase in number of bogies" that took place while RJD supremo Lalu Prasad was the railway minister.

"This government has misplaced priorities. It is trying to introduce bullet trains, running at very high speeds with the help of sophisticated technology. On the other hand, there is a crying need for proper upkeep of ordinary trains like the Seemanchal Express," Loktantrik Janta Dal leader and former Union minister Sharad Yadav told reporters here.

Former Bihar chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi also held the Modi government responsible for the mishap and demanded a hefty compensation of "Rupees one crore to the next of the kin of each deceased and Rs 20 lakh to each injured passenger."



Bihar Congress working president Kaukab Qadri issued a statement seeking the resignation of Railway Minister Piyush Goyal.

The opposition leaders later appeared at a rally organized by the Congress where, upon the arrival of Rahul Gandhi, who was flanked by RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav besides Chief Ministers of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh Ashok Gehlot, Kamal Nath and Bhupesh Baghel respectively, a one-minute silence was observed to mourn the tragedy.

However, talking to reporters at Sahdei Bujurg the site of the mishap that falls in his Lok Sabha constituency of Hajipur, Paswan said "If blame has to be laid upon someone, it is Lalu Prasad. His tenure as railway minister was marked by reckless increase in the number of bogies for trains without adequate augmentation of tracks."



"The Modi government has been trying to set things right but it will obviously take time," Paswan said.

Paswan had served as the Railway Minister in the United Front government in the 1990s and was a member of the Manmohan Singh cabinet, alongside Lalu Prasad, between 2004 and 2009 when he held Chemicals and Fertilizers portfolio.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Bellary police has intensified their investigation into the vandalism at the UNESCO world heritage site in Hampi of Karnataka, an official said.

A carved stone pillar at Hampi was allegedly damaged by miscreants and the video of it has gone viral on social media.

The clip, which surfaced Saturday, purportedly showed three men pushing the artistically carved stone pillar to the ground, following which it breaks and the trio rejoice.

Other damaged pillars are also shown lying around, but it was not immediately clear whether the men in the video had damaged it.

A person from Betul in Madhya Pradesh shared the videos on Instagram under an identity 'DigitalAyush'. However the account was deleted ever since the video went viral.

Arun Rangarajan, the SP of Bellary under which Hampi falls, said, "Three teams have been formed to nab the culprits. We have sufficient leads in this case and they will be arrested soon."



"They were tourists who did it just for excitement. There were no other motives," he said.

Karnataka Water Resources Minister D K Shivakumar had on Saturday said stringent action would be taken against those responsible.

Recently, Hampi, the erstwhile capital of the Vijayanagar empire, known for its rich architecture, was listed second on New York Times list of 52 must-go sites in the world.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Hollywood veteran John Travolta has said that his close friend, rapper Pitbull inspired him to experiment with his hair and go bald.

The duo have been thick as thieves since the rapper composed the score for Travolta's 2018 movie "Gotti".

"A good friend, Armando Perez, Pitbull -- he lives his life like this. He would send pictures of me where I have all my hair, and he'd superimpose no hair and say, 'I prefer this,' so I thought... Maybe it's time to do it," Travolta told Extra magazine of his look.

The actor said his wife, actor Kelly Preston is also a fan of the hairdo.

"She loves it... She has always loved the idea," he said.

Travolta is thrilled with the reaction his new look has been receiving and even joked that the last time people were so interested in him was when he mispronounced Idina Menzel's name at 2014's Academy Awards ceremony.

"It's been a lot easier. Life's simpler. The biggest fun has been just the response to it. I felt like Zoolander or something - I came out and my new look became headline The only other time I was a leading story was when I mispronounced at the Oscars," he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday took a swipe at the Opposition for criticising his government's farmers' income plan, saying people sitting in air-conditioned rooms in Delhi do not know the importance of Rs 6000 for a poor farmer living in distant and difficult areas.

To woo distressed farmers ahead of the general elections, the Centre has in the Interim Budget announced direct income support of Rs 6,000 per year to those holding cultivable land up to two hectare.

Speaking at the inauguration and laying of foundation schemes of various schemes, Modi said, Leh and Ladakh will also be benefited by this.

"Most of farmers here fill this criteria and will get Rs 6000 annually. It will be disbursed in three installments and first installment will reach soon. I will be sending guidelines to state government Sunday," he said.

Modi said during his days as a BJP worker in the region he used to get demands from people in Delhi to bring vegetables from Leh because of their quality.

"Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) is a phenomenal scheme for farmers. People sitting in air conditioned rooms in Delhi do not know what Rs 6,000 mean for a poor farmer living in distant and difficult areas of the country," he said.

Modi was in Leh to launch the first-ever university in Ladakh region.

It will be a cluster university comprising degree colleges of Leh, Kargil, Nubra, Zanskar, Drass and Khaltsi having administrative offices at Leh and Kargil.

The prime minister also laid foundation stone of the new terminal building of Kushok Bakula Rimpochee (KBR) Airport in Leh by unveiling the plaque.

The new terminal will be a modular, energy efficient and self-sustaining building of 18,985 sq. metres.

Modi also opened new tourist and trekking routes in Ladakh.

Ahead of elections, the prime minister also made a pitch for his return to the post, saying he will return to inaugurate schemes for which he is laying foundations stones today.

"I have inaugurated schemes which I had inaugurated earlier and I will come back to inaugurate schemes for which I am laying foundation stones today," he said.

He said the foundation stone for Rs 2,000 crore Leh-Kargil transmission line which will reduce power problems in the area was laid by him and he is inaugurating it too.

"Our work culture is different. Country has left behind work culture of delay and deflect ('Latkane' aur 'Bhatkane'). I have to oust this culture from the country in the coming five years. It is ensured that the project which is initiated is completed on time," he said.

He said weather brings to you a lot of hardship and the central government is committed to alleviate these problems of the area.

He said he has inaugurated and laid foundation stones of schemes and projects worth Rs 3000 crore.

"The projects which have been inaugurated or whose foundation stones have been laid will improve not only the power situation but also connectivity of Leh region with other cities of the country, tourism, employment and education for the youth of the country," he said.

The climate of Leh is so great that if we create good education institutions, youths from across India will like to come here to study.

"We have to dream these things. In my mind I have such dreams," he said.

He said central is expanding connectivity to this region through Railways and Airways.

"Work on railway connectivity and new airport terminal is going on. No thought was spared to expand 30 year old building. Today I have laid foundation stone for new building and soon it will be inaugurated too," he said.

He said the terminal will provide ultra modern facilities and enhanced passenger handling.

"The survey on Bilaspur Mandi railway line has started. Some places work has started. Once completed, Leh to Delhi distance will reduce. Roads get disconnected during winters. This line will reduce this problem to a large extent," he said.

The PM said Leh is a important destination for spirituality, scenic beauty, art, culture, and adventure sports.

"To improve tourism, five new trekking routes have been opened. The Centre has increased duration of protected area permit from 7 to 15 days.This will help tourists to take their time to enjoy their visits and increase employment of the youths," he said.

Modi said three lakh tourists have visited the area and one lakh have gone to Kargil which shows that more than half of tourists in Jammu and Kashmir have come to Leh.

Forty percent of Leh population comprises young students who have been demanding a University which has been fulfilled today, he said.

This cluster University will use resources of degree colleges running in Leh, Nubra, Zanskar, Kargil, he said.

"Government is trying to reach people who have not been getting the benefit development. The Government has also taken a big decision for nomadic tribes who are difficult to reach for extending government benefits," he said.

The government has decided to form a welfare development board for these people so that development benefits reach them quickly, he said.

"The budget of central government has emphasised on development of SC and ST. 30 per cent increase in funds for the budget of ST while 35 per cent increase in funds for SC community," he said.

"I am happy that Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council Act has been amended to give more powers to the Council in financial areas," he said.

"Now you do not have to go to Srinagar and Jammu for your needs. Most of the works will be completed here", he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)BJP president Amit Shah Sunday asked Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to step down, dubbing the BJD government a "fused transformer" which failed to develop the mineral-rich state and pull people out of poverty in 19 years of its rule.

Shah's attack on BJD was in sharp contrast to the BJP central leadership's apparent bid to keep the Naveen Patnaik-led party in good humour after its poll debacle in three Hindi-speaking states.

It was often alleged by parties, including the Congress, that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Shah had adopted a soft approach towards Patnaik in the hope of getting BJD's support after general elections, if necessary.

Shah, however, silenced the critics and accused the BJD government of ignoring the state's development, neglecting tribals and Dalits and refusing to accept the Centre's Ayushman Bharat medical insurance programme which would have helped the poor draw benefits.

The BJP president was addressing the valedictory session of the two-day national convention of BJP's ST Morcha in the seaside pilgrim town of Odisha.

Mounting a frontal attack on the Patnaik government, Shah said, "The BJD government is like a fused transformer. It needs to be replaced for the state's progress."



He alleged that though the BJP-led NDA government has pumped more than Rs five lakh crore for the development of the state, the BJD government failed to utilise it.

The money being sent by Modi for the development of the state is not reaching the people in the tail end, Shah alleged asking people to "throw away" the BJD government in the coming election.

Dubbing the BJD and the Congress as two sides of the same coin, Shah also called the regional party as the "B-Team" of the Congress.

Both the BJD and the Congress have failed the state and the BJP should be given at least one chance to make Odisha the number one state in the country, Shah said.

Alleging that Patnaik was unable to communicate in the state's language, Shah asked people to elect a chief minister in the coming elections who can understand and speak Odia. He claimed Patnaik does not understand the pain of the poor because he cannot speak Odia.

The BJP president also slammed the state government for not being able to protect the 'Ratna Bhandar' (temple treasury) of Lord Jagannath.

Citing an instance on the neglect of tribals in the state, Shah said the CM should be ashamed when a tribal like Dana Majhi had to carry his wife's body on his shoulder for 12 km from a hospital to his village.

"Such CMs should be thrown out of power."



He was referring to an incident in 2016 when a tribal man in Kalahandi carried his wife's body on his shoulder after being denied a hearse by the government hospital.

Shah was critical of the BJD government and accused it of not being able to spend funds even as the state had enough money in the District Mineral Foundations. The DMF funds are meant for the development of mineral-bearing areas, mostly inhabited by tribals, he pointed out.

Shah raked up the state government's refusal to adopt the Ayushman Bharat scheme, asking people to raise their voice against this injustice.

"Elections are three months away. I once again request Naveen Babu to accept the scheme or else the voters will throw you out of power," the BJP president said.

"If you want, you can remove our names from the scheme but why are you troubling the poor people of Odisha?" he said.

He alleged that the Odisha CM had not implemented the Ayushman Bharat scheme in the state as he feared it will increase PM Modi's popularity.

Shah said though the state is rich in resources, its youth migrate elsewhere for livelihood and the BJD government has failed to provide jobs.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A delegation of Mohajirs and representatives of Pashtun, Baloch and Hazara from Pakistan met Congressman Rob Wittman and apprised him about the alleged acts of ethnic prejudice and persecution by the government agencies against the members of minority communities.

The Virginia Congressman reaffirmed his support for victims of human rights abuses and assured the delegation that he would continue to raise these issues in Congress as well all other relevant forums, a media release by the Congressman said on Sunday.

The group, led by the Voice of Karachi and South Asia Minorities Alliance Foundation chairman Nadeem Nusrat, briefed Wittman about the alleged human rights violation, enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, physical torture and arbitrary arrests against the minority communities.

Nusrat pointed out the devastating economic and social impact of highly discriminatory quota system in urban Sindh that has forced the majority urban population out of government jobs and admissions in public educational institutions since the 1970s.

"You could find people of Lahore and Rawalpindi and other cities in their local police. But you'd hardly find the citizens of Karachi, Hyderabad and Mirpurkhas in the local police of the cities and the other law enforcement agencies," Nusrat alleged.

"Persistent and organised rigging in census and electoral constituencies have left the urban population disenfranchised. The urban majority is ruled by a fake rural population that treats urban areas as its colonies," he said.

Nusrat also shared with the Congressman details of Greater Karachi plans that the Voice of Karachi recently presented in its media briefing in the US capital.

Pashtun, Baloch and Hazara representatives also shared the details of human rights violations in their respective regions with Congressman Wittman. Participants of the meeting also handed over documents describing details of security forces' brutalities against various ethnic and religious groups in Pakistan, a media release said.

Wittman, who has served at many important Congressional committees, reaffirmed his support for victims of human rights abuses and assured the participants of the meeting that he will continue to raise these issues in Congress as well all other relevant forums, the media release said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Railways have clarified that only six people, including three women, have died in the train accident in Bihar's Vaishali district early Sunday.

Earlier, principal secretary, disaster management, Pratyay Amrit, had told reporters that seven people died in the mishap.

"It was on account of a communication gap at hospitals in Vaishali district that a mix-up occurred. One dead person at a hospital was counted among those who lost their lives in the train mishap. Later, upon verification, it was found that he was not a passenger of the train," Rajesh Kumar, the chief public relations of East Central Railway, said.

The identities of all six deceased passengers have been ascertained, he said.

"Among the injured, about 30 were rushed to the Sadar hospital at Hajipur, the district headquarters. While eight others with minor injuries were discharged after treatment at a primary health centre in Sahadai Buzurg, where the mishap took place," Kumar added.

Eleven bogies of Delhi-bound Seemanchal Express jumped the tracks around 4am at Sahadai Buzurg, close to Mahanar Road in the Sonpur division, railway and police officials said.

Prima facie, the derailment was caused by a rail fracture, they said.

According to a list issued by Railways, the deceased have been identified as Shamsuddin Alam (25), Ansar Alam (21) and Saeeda Khatun (45) - all belonging to Uttar Dinajpur district in West Bengal - and Indra Devi (65), Sudarshan Das (60) and Eelcha Devi (60), all hailing from Khagaria in Bihar.

Meanwhile, a report from Hajipur quoted ECR General Manager Lalit Chandra Trivedi as saying that "seven of the injured passengers have been referred to the PMCH hospital in Patna for better treatment".

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Major political parties and student groups of the Northeast Sunday intensified their campaign against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill in the national capital, with a series of meetings with leaders of the BJP, Congress and other parties urging them not to pass it in the Rajya Sabha.

A delegation of 11 political parties of the Northeast, including the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and the National People's Party, met Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and requested him not to press for passing the bill in the Rajya Sabha, AGP leader and former Union minister Birendra Prasad Baishya told PTI.

The delegation was led by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma.

Earlier in the day, former Assam chief minister and founder-president of the AGP Prafulla Kumar Mahanta along with other party leaders met Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad, Union minister Ram Vilas Paswan and Samajwadi Party leaders urging them to take a stand against the bill.

The leaders of the regional parties of the Northeast, who are camping in Delhi, will meet representatives of all political parties so that the bill is not passed in the Upper House, Baishya said.

A team of top leaders of the North East Students' Organisation (NESO), comprising major students' groups of the region, met Biju Janata Dal leader Bhartruhari Mahtab and requested him to ensure that his party votes against the bill if it is brought in the Upper House.

NESO advisor Samujjal Kumar Bhattacharjya told PTI that they have met the leadership of the JD-U, which already declared its opposition to the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, and will meet leaders of the Congress, Shiv Sena, Akali Dal and some others parties in the next two days.

The bill provides for according Indian citizenship to Hindus, Jains, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists and Parsis from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan after seven years of residence in India instead of 12 years, which is the norm currently, even if they do not possess any document.

The legislation was passed by the Lok Sabha during the Winter Session on January 8 and has been awaiting Rajya Sabha nod.

There has been strong opposition in Assam and other Northeastern states against the bill.

The political parties have been protesting on the grounds that the bill seeks to grant nationality to non-Muslims who have come up to December 31, 2014, thereby, increasing the deadline from 1971 as per the Assam Accord.

Also, according to the Assam Accord, all illegal immigrants who have come after 1971, irrespective of their religion, have to be deported and this bill violates that.

Addressing the joint sitting of Parliament, President Ram Nath Kovind Thursday said the bill will give justice to persecuted minorities of Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan through Indian nationality.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also announced that the bill is an "atonement of the wrong that was done during India's Partition. India will safeguard all who had been victims of the Partition".

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker and AIADMK leader M Thambidurai on Sunday hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his 'trailer' remarks about the interim Union budget, saying the movie would be different from the trailer.

Thambidurai, who turned a vocal critic of the Bharatiya Janata Party in the recent past, said an alliance for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls would only be with a party that would do good for Tamil Nadu.

After the Centre presented the interim budget before Parliament last Friday, Modi had said: "This is just a trailer since it was the interim budget. The full budget after the Lok Sabha polls will pave the way for a new India."



"None will believe this trailer and get cheated. Because trailer would be different from the full movie. It would be good if both are same. But it's questionable if both will be same," Thambidurai told reporters on the sidelines of a ceremony commemorating the 50th death anniversary of Dravidian veteran C N Annadurai here.

Mentioning that a payment of Rs 20,000 crore -- for various departments, Cyclone Gaja relief and GST -- was due, the AIADMK leader said: "Whoever does good to TN, there will be alliance only with them. This has been clearly stated by the CM. The central government has not supported the state on various fronts and we are suffering because of that. Around Rs 20,000 crore to the state is due.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A 21-year-old Nepali woman has died reportedly due to suffocation during her stay in a windowless hut as part of a banned practice that considers women untouchable during menstruation, according to a media report.

The incident happened in Nepal's remote Doti district on January 31 when Parwati Bogati was sleeping alone in a secluded hut due to menstruation and had lit a fire to keep the hut warm.

When Bogati did not wake up till late next morning, her mother-in-law Laxmi Bogati went to the hut to check her but found that she had passed away, the Kathmandu Post reported.

"She (Parwati) was excited about the next day as her menstruation would end. Poor child closed her eyes forever," said Laxmi.

She said that Parwati went to the secluded hut in a nearby abandoned house as the regular menstrual hut she used to go was crowded that day as three more women from the village having their menstrual period were already there to spend the night.

The rural municipality's Chairman Dirgha Bogati said that Bogati died of suffocation.

"Police took the body for post-mortem on the same evening," he said.

As part of the tradition many communities in Nepal consider menstruating women impure and force female of menstruation age to stay in sheds away from the family home once a month despite the practice being banned.

In 2005, Nepal's Supreme Court banned such practices which was followed by a new law in 2017 to criminalise it.

In January this year, a 35-year-old woman and two of her sons died of suffocation after they spent a night in a windowless hut as part of the banned practice.

Similarly, in 2018, a 23-year-old woman in Nepal was found dead at an isolated hut where she was left alone as part of the banned practice.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Majority of students in India are aware of just seven career paths, out of over 250 options they can pursue in the country, according to a survey.

The survey, based on responses from over 10,000 students in the age group 14-21 across India, shows that most are ignorant of the multitudes of options available to them.

As much as 93 per cent of the students were aware of only seven careers, which included law, engineering, design and management, according to the survey conducted by Mindler, an online career-counselling platform.

There are over 250 careers across 40 domains covering of over 5,000 job types that one can pursue in India, researchers said.

"Our research on over 10,000 students across India suggests an alarming ignorance of the career options available to students today," said Prateek Bhargava, founder and CEO of Mindler, who has recently launched a platform for career counselling in tier II and tier III cities across India.

India has limited trained career counsellors available who can assist and guide students to make the correct career decision among the plethora of choices available today, he said.

The platform aims bring counsellors from underserved cities across India under one roof and systemising the career counselling sector.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi Sunday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP government at the Centre of "deceiving" Kashmiri Pandits as they had failed to rehabilitate the community in the Valley.

The Lok Sabha MP from Hyderabad was speaking on the 'Demise of Secularism- The Future of Secularism' at 'Words Count' festival here.

He was being interviewed by Prafulla Ketkar, editor of Organiser, a publication affiliated to Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

Replying to a question from a Kashmiri Pandit in the audience who said Owaisi spoke about Rohingya Muslims but not the displaced community, the latter refuted the allegation.

"In my speech (in Parliament in 2014), I had said Kashmiri Pandits must be sent back to the Valley," the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul Muslimeen (AIMIM) president said.

"But what has (PM) Modi done in four-and-half years? Are you satisfied with this? What atmosphere have they created in Kashmir?" he asked.

"Who is responsible? Kashmiri Pandits have been deceived by Modi and BJP. You should realise and smell the coffee. They have not done anything for you," he told the member of the audience.

Incidentally, Modi was on a visit to Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday where, during a rally in the state's Vijaypur area, he spoke about the community.

Referring to Kashmiri Pandits, the prime minister said the Central government was committed to giving respect and dignity to the displaced community.

"The pain that they had to undergo, they had to leave their homeland. I have never said this but their pain is within me too," PM Modi said.

Replying to another query on J-K by a woman Army officer, Owaisi said, "In the Valley, the Army is there and it is facing a challenging task and I respect them."



"But in the last seven years, we have had the highest number of Army personnel dying in J-K. This is a national problem and not a Muslim problem," he added.

"It is the government which is responsible. Security personnel are getting killed, systems are failing. We do not have a policy. We can't even hold elections there," Owaisi said further.

He claimed over 100 children were blinded by pellet guns and accused the government of not having a policy to help them.

Owaisi further said he did not believe the RSS' view that India was secular because of Hindus or Hindutva, adding that the nation was secular because of its Constitution.

He hit out at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress for "misgovernance", and said there was "competition" between Congress chief Rahul Gandhi and Modi to prove who was a "stronger Hindu".

Speaking on an alliance between Dalits and minorities, Owaisi said it was important for these communities to come together.

"It is really unfortunate that most of the Dalit, Adivasi and Muslim representation is in the number of jail (inmates) rather than in Parliament or at the national level," the AIMIM president claimed.

He went on to add that there were just 22 Muslim MPs in the Lok Sabha and none of the them were from the ruling BJP.

He also lashed out at the "hypocrisy" of the state and Central governments on the Sabarimala temple-entry issue and the abolition of triple talaq.

"When it comes to criminalising triple talaq, it is a matter of gender justice, but opposing the Sabarimala verdict (allowing entry of women between ages 10-50 into the shrine) is a matter of faith," he said.

"Such hypocrisy should not be practised by state or Central governments," Owaisi added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday accused the previous UPA government of doing "nothing" during its 10-year rule to upgrade Defence Public Sector Undertakings, two days after a Mirage-2000 crashed in Bengaluru during a sortie killing both the pilots.

She also said the crash of the trainer aircraft after an upgrade under a programme being carried out by the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on Friday was "not a setback for indigenisation". "It is a fact that many things have to be improved in PSUs."



Sitharaman said this to reporters in reply to a specific question on the crash and the reported statement of Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa, who was in Bengaluru on the day of the jet crash, that while indigenisation is important, it comes with a price.

"It was not a setback. For 10 years, they (UPA dispensation) did nothing to upgrade the DPSUs, whether it was HAL or BEL," the defence minister said.

She said the previous governments could have gone for capital investments in DPSUs, upgraded machinery skilled workers to international-level results.

"If they had done these things during the 10 years, the opportunity could have been there to take the PSUs at part with world standards, but they failed," Sitharaman said.

She said the NDA government is making efforts to upgrade the PSUs and also shipyards.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Home Ministry has refused to disclose reasons for authorising 10 security and intelligence agencies to access information from any computer resource under the Information Technology Act, 2000, terming it "top secret" information.

In an RTI response to activist Venkatesh Nayak, the ministry has said the information is classified as "top secret" and it cannot be disclosed as it is exempted under Section 8(1)(a), 8(1)(g) and 8(1)(h) of the RTI Act.

Nayak had sought photocopy of all official records that contain the written reasons for issuing the authorisation to the 10 security and intelligence agencies specified in the attached gazette notification as per the requirements of Section 69(1) of the Information Technology Act, 2000 (IT Act) among other pieces of related information.

Section 8(1)(a) exempts disclosure of information which would prejudicially affect the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security, strategic, scientific or economic interests of the State, relation with foreign State or lead to incitement of an offence.

The information which would endanger the life or physical safety of any person or identify the source of information or assistance given in confidence for law enforcement or security purposes is exempted from disclosure under 8(1)(g) of the act.

Section 8(1)(h) exempts disclosure of information which would impede the process of investigation or apprehension or prosecution of offenders.

"The CPIO has mechanically washed his hands of the responsibility of being transparent about the routine actions of government," Nayak said.

"Further, I had not sought any information about any specific computer resource that was being intercepted by any of the 10 agencies listed in the December 2018 order. So the CPIO's action of invoking Sections 8(1)(g) and (h) is also misconceived," he said.

He said in one of queries he had asked, why these reasons to grant permission have not been disclosed as per the requirements of the RTI Act.

"By holding that the query is in the form of a question and is not seeking information, the CPIO has committed another error...Even more shocking is the MHA's refusal to treat as a valid query the request for reasons for not complying with the duty of proactive disclosure of all relevant facts and reasons that underpin the order," he said.

Through an order of December 2018, the MHA has authorised 10 intelligence organisations to to access information from any computer resource under the Information Technology Act, 2000.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)BSP supremo Mayawati held a meeting on Sunday to review the preparedness of her party in various states for the upcoming parliamentary election.

In an official statement, the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) said, "Mayawati held a meeting to review the poll preparedness of the party for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. In this regard, intense review was done vis-a-vis Madhya Pradesh."



Instructions were also issued to party workers to rectify shortcomings and focus on preparations for the election.

Hitting out at the Congress, Mayawati said, "There is significant relief among the people after the BJP could not form government in Madhya Pradesh. However, the initial work done by the new (Congress) government has not generated much satisfaction among the people. The atmosphere of oppression is still prevailing.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Activists of All Assam Students Union and other organisations take out a rally in protest against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill in Guwahati. Photo: PTI

Veteran Manipuri filmmaker Aribam Syam Sharma on Sunday said that he would return the as a mark of protest against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2016, terming it "anti-Northeast".

The 83-year-old director, known for Manipuri films such as "Olangthagee Wangmadasu", "Imagi Ningthem" and "Ishanou", was bestowed with the country's fourth highest civilian honour in 2006.

He said the plea of the Northeast people to not let the bill pass was not being heard by the Centre.

"The bill is against the interest of the Northeast and its people, especially in Manipur. All the leaders of the states in the Northeast have already requested the central government to reconsider (on the bill's passage).

"But yesterday when I was following the news, our honourable prime minister announced that the bill would be passed soon. He also requested the chief minister of West Bengal to help him pass the bill. That means the government, rather the BJP, is determined to pass this bill. They are not listening to us," Sharma told PTI.

Citing the example of Tripura, the filmmaker said history would repeat itself in Manipur if the bill is passed.

"We have already seen this in Tripura. Tripuris are having no say in Tripura... The population of Manipur is only 28-29 lakhs, which is less than the population of a district in Uttar Pradesh.

"The smaller states like Nagaland, Mizoram and Meghalaya have protection. Even then they are protesting because if the bill is passed the indigenous people will have no place. They will be wiped out. It may not happen now, but it will happen 50 years from today," he said.

Sharma said returning the award was the only way in which he could raise his voice against the bill.

"I'm not a politician. I'm not at all concerned with the politics. I'm just a filmmaker. I have seen a lot in life. But this is the worst. If the bill passes, there will be no place for us. This is against the Northeast.

"I can't do anything else. This is the only way in which I can protest... We feel neglected. Some kind of racial differences are happening... If not paid attention, the consequences will be severe. I'm worried about this," he said.

Addressing a rally in West Bengal on Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a strong pitch for the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, insisting it would bring "justice and respectability" to those who faced religious persecution.

"India got Independence after splitting it into pieces. People thought they can make a living in the country of their choice, but there they faced atrocities and torture because of communal malice... Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Parsis.

"It was because of this that we brought the These people have no place to go other than India. Should they not be given justice and respectability? I ask the TMC to support the Bill and facilitate its passage in Parliament," he said.

The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill seeks to grant nationality to religious minorities such as Hindus, Sikhs and Parsis from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh after six years of stay in India, instead of the currently required 12 years.

Protests were witnessed in different parts of the country, particularly the Northeast, over the Bill which has been passed by Lok Sabha.In an case of road rage, a 41-year-old man was arrested in southeast Delhi's Amar Colony area for allegedly threatening a cab driver with a pistol and smashing the window panes of the car as the latter tried to overtake the accused's vehicle, police said Sunday.

The accused has been identified as Rajan Bharar, a property dealer who had also unsuccessfully contested the 2012 civic polls from Kirti Nagar, they said.

Police were informed about the incident at 3 am on January 31.

In his complaint, Sangam Vihar resident Salman (22), a driver of a cab aggregator, stated that at 2.45 am when he was waiting for a passenger, Bharar approached him and a quarrel ensued over not allowing the accused's car pass, Deputy Commissioner of Police (southeast) Chinmoy Biswal said.

Following this, Bharar pulled out a pistol and broke the window of the cab and fled in his car, he said.

Night patrolling motorcycles and picket staff were alerted about the accused, who was nabbed from Amar Colony area after a brief chase, the officer said.

A pistol and two empty cartridges were seized from him and the car was impounded, the DCP said.

During interrogation, the accused revealed that on the night of the incident, he went to attend a birthday party in East of Kailash.

After the party, he went drop his friend home in Amar Colony. While returning, an altercation took place between him and the cab driver, the police officer said.

Investigation revealed that the accused had procured pistol by illegal means from Meerut. Bharar was previously involved in three cases, including one registered under the Arms Act at Defence Colony police station in which he was convicted, Biswal said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Young Maharashtra-based artist Shashikant Patil was declared winner of the CIMA Award having a cash value of Rs 5 lakh, as part of the leading art gallery's effort to search country-wide talent in visual arts.

Patil who was trained at Visva Bharati said it was the first such award in his life.

"I had been inspired by the painting of Nandalal Bose and sculptures of Ramkinkar Baij," the artist said.

"The ambiance of Kala Bhavan (the institute of fine arts at Visva-Bharati) has moulded my thoughts and vision and my guiding force is Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore's philosophy," he said after the award function on Saturday night.

Patil, who hails from a village in Maharashtra, got the award for his painting installation 'Transformation'. It also included a trophy and a solo exhibition opportunity.

The Centre of International Modern Art (CIMA) instituted 20 awards - the CIMA Award and two runners-up, two Jury Awards, one Special Mention, four Merit Awards and ten Special Awards. The awards were selected from the works of 158 participants.

The First Runner Up award, having Rs 3 lakh and a trophy, went to Suvanwita Saha while the Second Runner Up award having Rs 2 lakh and a trophy went to Anupam Basu. Both the artists hail from West Bengal.

The Jury Awards - consisting Rs 1 lakh each and a trophy went to Jintu Mohan Kalita of Assam and Prithwiraj Mali of West Bengal.

Speaking on the occasion, author Kunal Basu said, "Art speaks louder than words. You will find voices of the artists louder in their works of art than their spoken words."



Chairman of the Victoria and Albert Museum and Chairman of Cond Nast Britain, Nicholas Coleridge said in his address that museums are becoming free spaces of creative art.

Coleridge also dwelt on the issues of artistic freedom and the threats faced by artists throughout the world.

Founder of CIMA Rakhi Sarkar said the awards were part of the efforts to promote young, talented artists.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Maharashtra minister Girish Mahajan and senior Congress leader Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil Sunday met social activist Anna Hazare who is on a hunger strike in his native Ralegan Siddhi village in Ahmednagar, over 240 kilometres from here.

Hazare, the face of the Lokpal movement, has been demanding the appointment of anti-corruption watchdogs at the Centre and in Maharashtra and resolution of farmers' issue.

Mahajan, who came with a letter from Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, told reporters the CM had asked Hazare to withdraw his hunger strike as most of his demands had already been announced in the Union budget and considered by the Maharashtra government.

Mahajan, the state's Water Resources minister and Jamner MLA, told PTI that he would be visiting Ralegan Siddhi again on Monday to hold talks with the anti-graft crusader.

Shyam Asawa, a spokesperson for Hazare, said the latter had refused to give up his fast unless concrete steps were taken to implement his demands.

Vikhe Patil, meanwhile, accused the ruling BJP of "forgetting" Hazare after "taking political mileage" out of the latter's anti-graft Lokpal movement.

In a statement issued Sunday, Vikhe Patil said he met Hazare at Ralegan Siddhi in the afternoon and urged him to call off the fast on account of his ill-health.

The Leader of the Opposition in the Maharashtra Assembly said the BJP, when it was in the opposition, took political mileage out of Hazare's Lokpal stir but had now forgotten him.

He told reporters after meeting Hazare that it was the Congress which had passed the Lokpal Bill in 2013.

Vikhe Patil said the BJP stood exposed as it had done nothing on the issue, which in turn had forced Hazare to sit on a hunger strike.

He also hit out at the Shiv Sena and alleged that its concern for Hazare was not genuine.

"The Sena should have pulled out of the government if it supported the issues raised by Hazare," Vikhe Patil asserted.

Earlier in the day, Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray had pledged support to Hazare's fight against corruption.

Thackeray, however, had asked Hazare to take to the streets in this fight to create an awakening among people, instead of giving up his life by fasting.

"Anna should give up his fast and lead an agitation over his demands, and I assure Shiv Sena's support wherever possible," the Sena chief had said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Five people were injured after a group of persons attacked them with sharp weapons in Malegaon town in Maharashtra's Nashik district, police said Saturday.

In a series of attacks that started late Friday night, the gang first attacked Harun Khan and an aide in Ayesha Nagar locality of the town, then assaulted Atiq Khan in Jafar Nagar, damaging vehicles and ransacking a hotel there in the process, police said.

The group of attackers then moved to Millat Nagar area and assaulted powerloom owner Mohammad Abid and his employee Fayyaz, police added.

The group used choppers, knives and swords in the multiple attacks that took place over half an hour, an official said.

The five injured persons are undergoing treatment at a private hospital here, he added.

He said the attackers are history-sheeters and the assaults are possibly the fallout of a complaint filed against them earlier by the brother of powerloom owner Mohammad Abid.

A case has been registered at Pawarwadi police station and three persons had been arrested in connection with the attacks, Inspector Gulabrao Patil said.

The attacks caused tension in the area and a posse of police under Additional Superintendent of Police Nilotpal and Deputy SP Ratnakar Navale was camping in the area to diffuse the situation, an official said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Laurus Labs said Sunday it has received tentative approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration for TLD, which is one of preferred first line regimen for the treatment of HIV.

The approval for Tenofovir/Lamivudine/Dolutegravir (TLD) 300/300/50mg fixed dose combination (FDC) was given under the US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, the company said in a release.

The TLD will be available in the generic form in low and middle income countries, it said.

The drug will be manufactured from the company's Unit 2 located at APSEZ, Atchutapuram, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.

Commenting on the USFDA approval, Laurus Labs CEO Satyanarayana Chava said, "It is a significant approval for Laurus Labs which has forayed into finished dosage forms recently. This product would demonstrate the company's capability to develop fixed dose combinations of ARVs (antiretroviral).

Laurus Labs has also received an Establishment Inspection Report from the USFDA for its Unit 6 located at APSEZ, Atchutapuram, on February 2, it said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Kolkata Police chief Rajeev Kumar has expressed "regret" for not attending a meeting with the Election Commission officials last week, stating that he was on a casual leave, West Bengal government has said in a letter to the poll panel.

In a letter to Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal dated February 1, state home secretary Atri Bhattacharya said Kumar intended no offence or disrespect to the poll panel by not attending the meeting.

"The issue has been discussed with the Commissioner of Police, Kolkata. He has clarified that he was absent from the meeting on 31st January 2019 as he had applied for Casual Leave for personal reasons, and that he thereby intended no offence or disrespect to the Election Commission of India, to Commissioners or to the officers. The error is regretted and would not be repeated.

"This may kindly be placed before the Chief Election Commission," the letter said.

Kumar, a 1989 batch IPS officer of West Bengal cadre, did not attend a meeting with Election Commission officials who went to Kolkata regarding election preparedness.

In an unprecedented development Sunday evening, a number of CBI officers went to question Kumar in connection with chit fund scam cases. They were denied permission to enter Kumar's Loudon Street residence, bundled into police jeeps and were whisked to a police station and detained, officials said.

The CBI wants to quiz Kumar, who led a Special Investigation Team of West Bengal Police probing the scams, regarding missing documents and files, according to officials.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Opposition parties late Sunday night expressed solidarity with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who began a sit-in protest over the CBI's attempt to question the Kolkata Police chief in connection with chit fund scams, as the Congress termed it "mala fide" and an "assault" on the federal polity.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi called up Banerjee and extended support to her, saying the entire opposition is together and it will defeat the fascist forces.

He alleged the events in West Bengal were part of an unrelenting attack on India's institutions by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP.

He said the Congress stood shoulder to shoulder with Banerjee who is on an overnight dharna.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister M Chandrababu Naidu said it was a glaring example of how "Modi-Shah duo are destroying the institutions".

"Attacking political opponents in different States, few days before the Parliament elections commence, will have disastrous consequences in the country," he said.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also came out in support of the TMC chief.

"Spoke to Mamta didi and expressed solidarity. Modi-Shah duo's action is completely bizarre and anti-democracy," he tweeted.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav termed the CBI's action undemocratic and against the spirit of the Constitution.

"The BJP wants to stay in power by hook or by crook. They are so scared of losing that CBI is being used as election agents. This is undemocratic and against spirit of the constitution. We demand due process be followed so that CBI is not used as a tool of political interference," he said on Twitter.

Congress spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi said the CBI action in Kolkata is clearly "mala fide" and an "assault" on the federal polity, which has come within 48 hours of Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah's public "threat" to him.

He alleged that the BJP and the prime minister are desperate to create a controversy in the state for "cheap publicity and divisiveness" to get some space in 2019 elections.

He claimed the Modi government has ensured a non-functional and non-productive Parliament session going by such assaults on the federal polity on a Sunday evening.

Congress leader Ahmed Patel said, "Investigative agencies are constitutional bodies and need to operate within the parameters of law.

"They cannot act at the behest of any political party or any extra constitutional authority."



Rashtriya Janata Dal national president Lalu Prasad said the Constitution and constitutional institutions in the country were facing an "unprecedented crisis" and alleged that there were "attempts to plunge the country into a civil war".

"The common public of the country is against the BJP and its coalition partner - a partisan CBI. We stand with @MamataBanerjeeOfficial. There is a brazen display of dictatorship.

"It is the greatest danger to democracy. The Constitution and constitutional institutions are facing an unprecedented crisis. Attempts are being made to plunge the country into a civil war for electoral gains," Prasad tweeted in Hindi.

Prasad's official twitter handle is operated by people close to him as he is serving sentences in connection with fodder scam cases and admitted at a hospital in Ranchi for treatment of multiple ailments.

Incidentally, the fodder scam conviction which led to the imprisonment of Prasad and rendered him disqualified from contesting polls, was also investigated by the CBI.

According to party sources, the RJD supremo's younger son and political heir Tejashwi Yadav has spoken to Banerjee over phone and he might visit Kolkata on Monday in a show of solidarity.

"State governments will be compelled to take such steps in view of political decisions taken by the CBI in the last few months under pressure from the BJP. The CBI may have to face the wrath of the public if it continues to act as a coalition partner of the BJP. Nobody is mightier than the public in a democracy," Tejashwi Yadav tweeted.

NCP president Sharad Pawar wrote on the micro-blogging site," #Assualtondemocracy - blatant misuse of CBI in #WestBengal to intimidate the opposition and settle political scores."



National Conference leader Omar Abdullah also threw his weight behind Banerjee, saying the use of the agency as a political tool has crossed all limits.

"Just spoke to @MamataOfficial didi to convey the support of @JKNC_ as she sits in dharna. The use of the CBI as a political tool has crossed all limits as has the Modi government's misuse of institutions. A former CM having such little regard for India's federalism is shocking," Omar tweeted.

Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti also expressed solidarity with Banerjee, saying history stands testament to how JK has faced the wrath of central agencies.

She said, "Its disheartening to see how institutions are being hijacked only to discredit political opponents. Doesn't bode well for the Centre-State relationship."



In a dramatic showdown with the Modi government, a furious Banerjee, wrapped in a brown woollen shawl, began a sit-in right in front of the Metro Cinema to protest "insults" she faced at the hands of the prime minister and Shah, hours after a CBI team that had gone to question Kumar was detained in a rare face-off between the police establishments of the Centre and the state.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)An all-out war broke out between the Centre and the Mamata Banerjee government on Sunday, with the feisty West Bengal leader beginning a sit-in protest at a city landmark over the CBI's attempt to question the Kolkata Police chief in connection with chit fund scams, insisting it stifled the spirit of "Constitution and federalism".

In a dramatic showdown with the Modi government, a furious Banerjee, wrapped in a brown woollen shawl, began a sit-in right in front of the Metro Cinema to protest "insults" she faced at the hands of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah, hours after a CBI team that had gone to question Kumar was detained in a rare face-off between the police establishments of the Centre and the state.

Banerjee, one of the prime movers behind the effort to cobble together an anti-BJP alliance ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, claimed the CBI knocked on the doors of Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar without a search warrant.

Banerjee asked all opposition parties to unite to bring down the Modi government and, in a rare exhortation by a political leader, called upon personnel of security forces of the Centre and states, besides the Army, to "condemn" the attitude of the Modi government.

The fast-paced development started unfolding as soon as a team of 40-odd agency officers arrived at Kumar's residence at Loudon Street in central Kolkata this afternoon, but they were stopped by sentries and officials.

CBI joint director Pankaj Srivastava said the agency's officials had gone to question Kumar in chit fund scam cases and "we would have rounded him up if he hadn't cooperated with us".

According to the CBI, Kumar, a 1989-batch IPS officer of West Bengal cadre who led a Special Investigation Team of West Bengal Police probing the scams, needs to be questioned regarding missing documents and files but he has not responded to notices to appear before the agency.

A day earlier, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) claimed that Kumar had been "absconding" and "being looked for" in connection with Saradha and Rose Valley ponzi scam cases.

As the CBI team landed at the city police chief's residence, a team of Kolkata Police officers rushed to the spot to speak to the CBI officials and tried to enquire if they the documents required for questioning Kumar.

Later on, a small team of CBI officials was taken to Shakespeare Sarani police station for further discussions.

Thereafter, more men arrived at the spot and a commotion ensued. Some CBI officers were then forcibly bundled into police jeeps, taken to a police station.

As played out on the street, the chief minister, who rushed to the residence of Kumar, said, "Narendra Modi and Amit Shah are trying to organise a coup in the state as we had organised the opposition rally on January 19. We were aware that the CBI will attack us after we organised the rally." She was referring to the Brigade rally attended by leaders of about 20 opposition parties.

Party spokesperson Derek O' Brien tweeted, "BJP planning a constitutional coup ? 40 CBI officials surround Kolkata Police Commissioner's home. Destruction of institutions goes on unabated. Our demand in #Parliament on Mon. Modi has to go. We are reaching out and sharing this with all Oppn parties who want to #SaveDemocracy."



West Bengal DGP Virendra and ADG (Law and order) Anuj Sharma too reached Kumar's residence.

In a tit-for-tat move, a team of Kolkata Police officials also cordoned off the CGO Complex- the state headquarters of CBI.

CBI officer Srivastava said, "I have also been detained and there are police officers standing outside my house."



Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Pravin Tripathi said the CBI officers have been let go from the police station after questioning.

"They just said they had come for a secret operation. We don't know what kind of operation it is," Tripathi said.

Later in the evening, central forces arrived at the CBI office in Kolkata. Subsequently Kolkata Police personnel vacated the compound.

A statement was issued earlier in the day from Kolkata Police, dismissing reports of Kumar being missing from work.

"Please take note that not only is the CP Kolkata available in the city, but has also been attending office on a regular basis, with the exception of January 31, 2019, when he was on leave for a day. All concerned may please take note that if any is spread without proper verification, Kolkata Police will initiate strict legal action against defamation of both the CP Kolkata and Kolkata Police," the police said.

The city police commission, who appeared briefly outside his residence after the chief minister's press conference, said he would talk to the media Monday.

He was later seen at the dharna site of the chief minister.

Speaking at the dharna site, Banerjee said leaders of several opposition parties have called her up to extend their support and solidarity towards her "fight to protect the Constitution".

"Leaders of various opposition parties, including Akhilesh Yadav Samajwadi Party), Tejashwi Yadav (RJD), Chandrababu Naidu (TDP), Omar Abdullah (NC), Ahmed Patel (Congress) and M K Stalin (DMK), have called me to extend their solidarity and support," she said.

In Delhi, the Congress said the CBI action in Kolkata was clearly "mala fide" and an "assault" on the federal polity.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)After an all-out war broke out between Centre and the government, sources said the agency will move the on Monday, claiming its probe in ponzi scams was being obstructed by the government and the state police.

While calls and messages to interim chief M Nageswar Rao, whose appointment is under challenge in the Supreme Court, remained unanswered, sources confirmed that the agency will move the on Monday to present their case.

The fast-paced development started unfolding as soon as a team of 40-odd agency officers arrived at Kumar's residence at Loudon Street in central Kolkata Sunday afternoon, but they were stopped by sentries and officials.

The team had gone to question Kumar in connection with chit fund scam cases.

As the team landed at his residence, a team of officers rushed to the spot to speak to the CBI officials and tried to enquire if they had the documents required for questioning Kumar.

Later on, a small team of CBI officials was taken to Shakespeare Sarani police station for further discussions. Thereafter, more men arrived at the spot and a commotion ensued. Some CBI officers were then forcibly bundled into police jeeps and taken to the police station.

The detention of the team by the local police perplexed the agency top brass here as the CBI does not have any full time chief to take call in such politically sensitive matters. Recently appointed Director R K Shukla is yet to take reins of the agency.

The CBI has been probing cases allegedly involving opposition leaders like and the Saradha scam in which it was seeking to question the chief. The probe was handed over to the CBI by the

In a dramatic showdown with the Modi government, a furious Banerjee, wrapped in a brown woollen shawl, began a sit-in right in front of the Metro Cinema to protest "insults" she faced at the hands of Prime Minister and BJP chief

Banerjee, one of the prime movers behind the effort to cobble together an anti-BJP alliance ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, claimed the CBI knocked on the doors of Kumar without a search warrant.

She alleged they want to impose President's rule in whichever states the opposition is in power.

"I can assure....I am ready to die but I am not ready to bow down before the and we won't allow imposition of Emergency...please save India, save democracy, save the Constitution," she said.

Banerjee asked all opposition parties to unite to bring down the and, in a rare exhortation by a political leader, called upon personnel of security forces of the Centre and states, besides the Army, to "condemn" the attitude of the

In a tit-for-tat move, a team of officials also cordoned off the CGO Complex- the state headquarters of CBI.

CBI officer Srivastava said, "I have also been detained and there are police officers standing outside my house."



Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Pravin Tripathi said the CBI officers have been let go from the police station after questioning.In a first of its kind, the Kerala Infrastructure and Technology for (KITE), has developed a comprehensive portal to provide details of over 15,000 schools in the state.

'Sametham-school data bank' comprises basic details of schools like infrastructure, numbers of students, details of teachers and non-teaching staff, location etc, a statement issued by the KITE said.

The Kerala government has issued an order approving the use of 'Sametham' for the official purpose of the General Department, it said.

"Schools and public can now access Sametham and verify the details," said K Anvar Sadath, the vice chairman and executive director of KITE.

The portal would be officially launched by February 20, he said.

Five types of schools -- primary, upper primary, high school, higher secondary and vocational higher secondary -- are classified in a single campus model in the portal.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Usman Khawaja finally found form again to stroke a fine century Sunday and steer Australia into a massive lead over Sri Lanka as the tourists battle to stay in the second Test at Canberra.

At stumps, the visitors were 17 without loss, chasing a huge 516 to win with two days remaining after Tim Paine declared Australia's second innings at 196 for three.

Dimuth Karunaratne and Lahiru Thirimanne were both unbeaten on eight, weathering some 30 minutes before bad light stopped play slightly early.

Sri Lanka had resumed the third day at 123 for three and in a hostile morning session lost four wickets and Kusal Perera, who retired after being hit on the head by a bouncer.

Their resistence folded in the second over after lunch, with Mitchell Starc taking five wickets to leave them trailing by 319 after Australia's first innings 534 for five declared.

Paine opted against the follow-on in Australia's last Test batting opportunity before the Ashes tour to England later this year.

Khawaja padded up knowing his place in that squad was in doubt after managing a high-score of just 72 across six Tests in a lacklustre summer.

He responded in emphatic fashion, smashing his eighth Test ton off 134 balls. It was Australia's fourth century of the match after Joe Burns, Travis Head and Kurtis Patterson reached the milestone in the first innings.

Paine declared with Khawaja on 101 and Head not out 59, following his first innings 161.

But it was far from plain sailing, with the hosts losing three early wickets. Marcus Harris again failed, out for 14 with Kusal Mendis taking a superb diving catch at slip off Kasun Rajitha, throwing his Ashes place into question.

Mendis held another catch to dismiss Burns for nine, this time off Vishwa Fernando, and Rajitha struck again to remove Marnus Labuschagne for four.

In an incident-packed morning at Manuka Oval, the ball was handed first up to Jhye Richardson and Pat Cummins and they responded with a slew of bouncers.

Both Perera, who resumed on 11, and Dhananjaya de Silva, on one overnight, took blows to the head in the opening two overs.

Perera was then hit flush on the helmet ducking into a Richardson ball on 27.

The neck protector flew off and a Sri Lankan physio rushed to his aid. He continued and added two more runs only to call the physio again four balls later.

Once again he opted to bat on but was clearly feeling the effects and was helped off the field soon after. He stayed at the ground monitored by medics, but did not play again.

- Karunaratne returns -



=======================



Ironically, the courageous Karunaratne replaced him after being declared fit again after being felled by a brutal bouncer on Saturday from Cummins.

He had laid prone on the ground for at least 10 minutes before being stretchered off in a neck brace, but after a hospital check was cleared of concussion and given the OK to resume his innings.

The opener returned on 46 and smacked a four to bring up his 22nd Test 50 before being caught at gully by Patterson off Starc after adding nine more.

He was out just three balls after de Silva bizarrely hit his own wicket while attempting a pull shot off Starc. As his bat swung around it took one of the bails off and he was gone for 25.

In the next over debutant Chamika Karunaratne fell Nathan Lyon and Niroshan Dickwella was out lbw to Labuschagne on the last delivery before lunch.

When they returned Dilruwan Perera and Ferndano lasted just eight more balls with Starc doing the damage, ending with 5-54 to silence his critics after a lean spell. Australia won the first Test in Brisbane by an innings and 40 runs.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A Khadi Express' train tracing the life journey of Mahatma Gandhi in the country and his love for Khadi will be started in two months, Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) Chairman Vinai Kumar Saxena said.

The special train will consist of eight bogies including one compartment dedicated to exhibitions and paintings of the Father of the Nation', displaying his lifestyle and messages, the KVIC chairman told PTI.

"The Khadi Express should begin operations in next two months. We will also sell Khadi at different stations with one bogie dedicated for the sale of products," Saxena said.

The train is expected to halt for one or two days at various places where Gandhiji stayed during his struggle for India's independence from the British rule.

"The route we are planning to start from Porbandar, then it will come to Sabarmati, Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Mumbai, Wardha and several other places.

We are targeting at least 20 stations. The basic criteria is placed where Gandhiji visited and where railways has the facility to park the train, Saxena said.

The KVIC had written to Indian Railways for running an express train to exhibit Khadi products in view of 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

The Khadi Express will also comprise a bogie showing a live demo of how Khadi is made using a charkha or spinning wheel.

Khadi became synonymous with Gandhi after began promoting the spinning of the handwoven fabric as a means of rural self-employment among Indians, instead of using cloth manufactured industrially in Britain in the 1920s, making it an icon of the Swadeshi movement.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)In an affirmation of its alluring tourism credentials, its stunning backwaters and its sumptuous cuisines, Kerala has been featured in the list of 19 exalted places across the globe that CNN Travel has recommended tourists to visit in 2019.

"This area of India has it all: sun, sea, sand, good food, houseboats, culture and wildlife. Its spectacular natural landscapes think palm trees and sprawling backwaters lend the region the nickname God's Own Country," said CNN Travel.

Kerala's backwaters, a chain of lagoons and serene lakes parallel to the Arabian Sea coast, are an idyllic place to stay on a houseboat; they also offer an opportunity to see India at a relaxing pace.

"Kerala's backwaters are famous for a reason: a nexus of waterways linking the region's villages and best explored via kettuvallam a traditional wooden houseboat. It's worth spending anywhere from a single afternoon to a week on one of the many rental houseboats on offer, enjoying the sights and sounds drifting by," the travel portal said.

It mentioned the floods in August last year, the worst to hit Kerala in nearly a century, but said many of the southern state's tourist destinations escaped the fury unscathed.

The coastal state is also great for beaches, particularly in the southern part of the state. "Postcard-perfect Kovalam is a surfing hotspot, while Varkala is good for just relaxing."



The travel portal also lavished praise on Kerala's cuisines from spice shops of Munnar to coconut, which is everywhere in Kerala and is used to make one of the state's signature dishes: Kerala prawn curry.

It also mentioned Kochi International Airport, powered entirely by solar panels, and the ancient port city of Kochi, once occupied by the Portuguese, which is a multi-cultural hub offering plenty to do and see.

Kerala is a great place to check out Kathakali dance, the traditional, storytelling dance form known for its colourful and intricate costumes and masks.

Other top trips include Munnar to see the tea plantations, and Periyar National Park, a wildlife haven offering guided jungle treks.

Tourism Minister Kadakampally Surendran said this was a massive recognition for Kerala Tourism and will surely increase international footfalls in the state.

"What is particularly heartening is the fact that CNN Travel has made it explicitly clear that most of the state's tourism destinations escaped unscathed in the aftermath of the severe floods of 2018," he said.

Expressing happiness, Tourism Secretary Rani George said it would give currency to Kerala's touristy appeal. "It is going to be an authentic advertisement for God's Own Country and its brand as an inescapable tourist destination," she added.

"The endorsement of Kerala as a never-miss destination by CNN Travel has come at the most opportune time, which also recognises how quickly tourism in the state has bounced back after last year's floods, with the stakeholders and the government moving together," State Director of Tourism, P Bala Kiran, said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A man from Kazakhstan has been apprehended at the airport here for allegedly using a fake ticket to enter the terminal area, officials said Sunday.

Bakhtiyar Kazkuanovs was intercepted by the Central Industrial Security Force(CISF) personnel when he was about to leave the Terminal-3 building of the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) Saturday at 12:15 pm, a senior official said.

The man, from Kazakhstan, was stopped and questioned while exiting the terminal area.

He told the security personnel that he used a cancelled ticket to enter the terminal area to see off his friend, who was travelling to Tashkent, the official said.

The man was subsequently handed over to police as his ticket was a fake travel document and he was charged with trespass.

Under the aviation security rules, a passenger is allowed to enter the airport terminal only to board a flight and is not allowed to exit the terminal under normal circumstances.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Union Minister Sunday hinted that the Rs 500 a month cash dole to small farmers may be increased in the future as the government's resources grow and said states can top up this amount with their own income support schemes.

He also slammed for ridiculing the scheme announced in the Interim Budget for 2019-20 by equating it to Rs 17 a day dole, saying the opposition leader must "grow up" and realise that he is contesting a election and not a college union poll.

The plan to give Rs 6,000 cash to 12 crore small and marginal farmers every year together with government schemes for giving them a house, subsidised food, free and hospitalisation, free sanitation, electricity, roads, gas connections, twice the amount of credit at very cheap rate are all aimed at addressing farm distress, Jaitley told PTI in an interview.

"This is the first year where it ( income support scheme) has begun. I am sure as the government resources improve, this can be increased," he said.

On nearly 150 million landless farmers being left out of the scheme, he said they have rural employment guarantee scheme MNREGA plus other benefits for the rural population.

"What is the biggest thing that the claims that they ever did? (UPA regime Finance Minister) P Chidambaram announced a Rs 70,000 crore farm loan waiver... (but) actual distributed was only Rs 52,000 crore. (Also), CAG said a large part of that money went to traders and businessmen and converted itself into a fraud," he said.

The present government, he said, is "starting off over and above the lakhs of crores we are putting into rural areas."



"We are starting off with Rs 75,000 crore a year and I foresee this amount increasing in the years to come. And if the states top it up, some states have already started with the scheme, I think the others must emulate them, it will increase," he added.

Jaitley, who is here for medical treatment, said the state governments too have a responsibility to address by bringing their own income support schemes.

"Some state governments have started it," he said. "So my advise to what I call the 'Nawabs of Negativity' is ask your own state governments to top it off with their own income support schemes. Ideally, like the GST, this is a case where all political parties must defy party lines and in the spirit of cooperative federalism, have a Centre plus state scheme."



He said most of the central schemes are divided into 60:40 ratio, so "let us enhance this to 60:40 in the spirit of cooperative federalism" and instead of "giving criticism, let the states give 40 (per cent).""In addition to the fertiliser subsidy - another big amount, the healthcare, cheap ration, over a dozen other things you are spending on. This is just an add-on, this (income support) is not something being thrown in the air. The doesn't understand it because it did nothing," he said.

On Gandhi's criticism of the Budget proposal, he said, "I think he needs to grow up. He must realise that he is contesting a election not a college union one."



On his predecessor P Chidambaram's criticism that the interim budget was an "account for vote" and not a 'Vote on Account', he said, "I have no problem with monies being spent on either of these two accounts. But I have a serious problem when monies go into personal accounts."



Taking on the Congress, he said the comments by the leaders of the principal opposition party and "some other compulsive contrarians" indicate that they have a complete lack of understanding of the subject.

"Others have been in power much longer than we have been and did nothing. There is a real problem in India, both with regard to the urban-rural divide, which is reflective of the quality of life available in rural areas, and the state of agriculture. You have to look at both these issues compositely," he said.

Jaitley, who had to give up charge of the to undergo medical treatment just weeks before the budget was presented, said the Congress gave just slogans like 'Garibi Hatao' (remove poverty) but delivered very little.

Dwelling on the steps taken by the BJP-led NDA government since coming to power in 2014 to address farm sector distress, he said the Centre adopted a two-pronged approach of raising rural infrastructure spend and raising farm incomes.Israel said Sunday that work to strengthen its border with the Gaza Strip had entered a new phase, with construction starting on a massive new barrier along the frontier.

"Over the weekend we began building the above-ground barrier along the Gaza border," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told journalists before the weekly cabinet meeting.

The barrier, set to stand six metres off the ground, "will prevent terrorists from Gaza from penetrating into our territory on the ground", he said in Hebrew.

Netanyahu gave no further details but a defence ministry statement said that work on the structure began Thursday.

It is set to follow the 65-kilometre (40-mile) course of an underground barrier also under construction meant to neutralise the threat of cross-border tunnels built by Gaza militants.

At its western end, the statement said, the above-ground barrier would join a fortified sea wall jutting into the Mediterranean, aimed at blocking Palestinian attacks by water.

"It's massive and especially strong," the ministry said in an accompanying video clip.

In the last Gaza war in 2014, Israeli forces killed four Hamas militants who had managed to cross into Israel by water.

Some Israeli commentators have said that Netanyahu would be unwilling to see a new uptick in hostilities with Gaza's Hamas rulers in the runup to general elections set for April 9.

But the premier, who is also defence minister, on Sunday pledged the upcoming polls would not affect security decisions.

"If the quiet is not maintained in Gaza, we will make the decisions even in the elections period and will not hesitate to act," he said.

Palestinians have for nearly a year gathered at least weekly along the Gaza border for often-violent protests.

They want to be able to return to the homes their families fled in the war surrounding Israel's creation in 1948, and are calling for an end to the Jewish state's blockade of Gaza.

At least 246 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire in Gaza since March 30, the majority during border protests but also by tank fire and airstrikes.

Two Israeli soldiers have been killed over the same period.

Israel says its actions are necessary to defend the border and stop mass incursions into its territory.

It accuses Hamas, with whom it has fought three wars since 2008, of seeking to use the protests as cover to carry out violence.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)In what could spell fresh trouble for P Chidambaram, the Law Ministry has told the Centre that the CBI can be granted sanction to prosecute the former Union minister in the INX media case.

A senior government functionary said the law ministry's opinion was sought on whether the Central Bureau of Investigation's (CBI) demand to prosecute Chidambaram was legally sound.

The law ministry has now told the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) that there was "no legal infirmity" in the CBI's request seeking prosecution sanction.

The ministry, he said, gave its opinion based on evidences provided by the premier investigative agency.

The CBI has already been granted approval by the Centre to prosecute Chidambaram in Aircel Maxis case.

The agency had registered an FIR on May 15, 2017 against alleged irregularities in the FIPB clearance to INX Media for receiving overseas funds to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 when Chidambaram was the Union finance minister.

The veteran Congress leader's son Karti Chidambaram was also arrested in the matter for allegedly receiving funds to the tune of Rs 10 lakh in the case.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)An Indian pharmaceutical expert, who was among hundreds fighting against being denied the right to live and work in Britain over a controversial national security clause, on Sunday celebrated the end of her "trauma" but said she was "furious" it had taken so long for the UK Home Office to admit its error.

Nisha Mohite had been accused by the UK Home Office of "undesirable conduct" over her accountant's error in an income tax filing, which she had rectified within the legal time limit.

However, she, alongside several highly skilled professionals from India, was accused of deliberately misleading the UK authorities to meet the required income threshold in her Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) application.

"It's a big relief to see the ILR approval letter after a long fight to prove myself right all these years. I am happy to get ILR but furious at the same time that the Home Office had many occasions to rectify their error over the last two years but they persistently denied my right to remain in the UK," Mohite told PTI.

"I have a lost huge amount of money in the legal battle, especially when surviving without the right to work during the process. The torture of this uncertainty gave rise to mental health issues and a forced career break," she said.

Mohite, from Northamptonshire, specialises in the development of anti-cancer and anti-psychotic drugs. However, under Home Office rules, she did not have a right to work during her legal challenge over what she claimed was a wrongful use of clause 322(5) of the UK Immigration Act.

The clause is a discretionary rule aimed at denying convicted criminals and terrorists the right to live in the UK.

However, the Home Office used it to question the "good character" of professionals who had entered the UK on a Tier 1 (General) visa, over apparent differences in their declared earnings to the UK tax department and the Home Office in order to make up the required points on their settlement application.

The UK government had been forced to launch a review into the issue after a long-drawn campaign by activists claiming the clause was being misused.

In November last year, the Home Office admitted errors were made with around 50 applications, which would be reconsidered.

"Errors of this kind are always regrettable, and I do not seek to minimise the impact that the error may have had on the individuals concerned," UK immigration minister Caroline Nokes had said in a statement to Parliament at the time.

Mohite received a notification soon after in December that as part of the review process her application had been identified as "one that has been potentially refused in error".

However, she then received a follow up letter last month saying there will be a further delay as the Home Office required "additional information from other government departments".

It was only after she sent yet another letter questioning this delay that she was finally granted her right to live and work.

"My message to the Home Office is please don't punish genuine people while trying to reduce immigrants. The trauma of all this uncertainty gave rise to mental health issues and a forced career break," she said.

While she has some new job offers coming in already, Mohite feels it will take her months to recover from her ordeal.

Meanwhile, the UK Court of Appeal is expected to rule on the use of 322(5) in such cases by next month.

"There are at least a few hundred cases still going through the legal process of challenging the Home Office decisions but the lives of hundreds of others, forced to leave the country already, have been ruined as a result of this ordeal," said an activist closely associated with the campaign over the last few years.

The issue involves skilled professionals who were entitled to apply for ILR, or permanent settlement, after a minimum of five-year lawful residency in the UK.

While the Tier 1 (General) visa they used to enter the country was discontinued in 2011, former applicants were eligible to apply for settlement in the country until April 2018 if they made up the required number of points on their application.

However, legal experts noted a pattern of many such applications being turned down by Home Office caseworkers citing clause 322(5) of the UK Immigration Act, a discretionary rule aimed at ensuring national security. The Home Office review into the issue last year came as a relief to some but the use of the controversial clause was not entirely withdrawn.

"Whilst we believe the majority of these have demonstrated patterns of behaviour that bring into question the character and conduct of applicants, these cases have also given a fresh perspective on the minority of more finely balanced cases, the findings of which we will feed into our future decision-making process," the Home Office review noted.

While individual case information is not openly shared, campaigners confirm that a large number of the affected applicants are from India, with other nationalities including Pakistani and Bangladeshi.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)An Indian kidnapped in Ukraine has returned safely to his home there after India took up the matter at the highest level with the Ukrainian government.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had on Saturday assured all help after a woman urged her and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to help find Indian national Anuj Goel.

Responding to the request, Swaraj had tweeted, "I have spoken to the Indian Ambassador in Ukraine. We have taken this up at the highest level with the Government of Ukraine. Please rest assured that we will spare no effort."



The brother of Anuj Goel Sunday tweeted, "@SushmaSwaraj Thanks a lot mam because of ur kind intervention my brother has reached safely home in Ukraine.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)US-based audio systems major Harman International is in talks with large automobile firms in India to supply its products for factory fitments, according to a top company official.

The Stamford-headquartered company, which is a subsidiary of South Korea's Samsung Electronics, is already catering to various global companies from India.

"Along with Tata, who we have a wonderful partnership with, we are in talks with all other large auto companies in and from India," Harman International President & CEO Dinesh Paliwal told PTI in an interview.

Additionally, the company is doing some very high-end work for global original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) including GM, BMW and Audi from India, he added.

"Development work for those programmes of the future include deeply integrated R&D. We will make some interesting announcements this year," Paliwal said.

Harman's infotainment unit was first introduced in Tata Zest, followed by Bolt and later Hexa.

Since starting operations in India in 2009, the company has grown its presence to eight cities with 9,000 employees across functions like R&D, sales and marketing.

"We have also invested USD 10 million in our manufacturing facility and an acoustics lab in Pune. We are very committed to growth in India," Paliwal said.

India accounts for around one-third of the company's global employee count.

"Due to the R&D and our continued efforts in the four business divisions- lifestyle, professional, connected car and connected services - we can expect this number to continue to grow this year," Paliwal said.

The company is already planning to hire across functions, with a particular focus on engineering talent, he added.

"We see India's potential to serve as the hub for the best of tech talent and we plan to attract, excite and retain them as part of Harman's growth engine in India and rest of the world," Paliwal said.

Harman is also evaluating to leverage Indian expertise in research and development (R&D) for advanced automation and manufacturing to cater to global markets.

It is also aiming to create new categories in India to lead in the future across devices, platforms and services to stay ahead of customer expectations.

"India is a great R&D source. I am working with my team to evaluate India for smart automation and smart manufacturing which will help serve both Indian and global markets," Paliwal said.

Along with this, the company wants to democratise digitisation, grow the topline, and pick future bets from a three-five year horizon, he added.

Paliwal said the company considers India as an important market and it is investing in the country accordingly.

"We are seeing robust growth in India year-on-year, led by a hugely successful lifestyle consumer business. JBL, for example, is doing exceedingly well in the country and we are leading the category (bluetooth speakers and headphones) by a large margin," he added.

The company also has a sharp focus on e-commerce and its strong relationships with the channel partners, in metros and tier 2 and 3 cities, have given great results, he added.

"We want to continue doing all the right things and are confident to grow by 20-25 per cent every year," Paliwal said.

Harman was acquired by Samsung Electronics in 2017 for USD 8 billion.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)IIT-Delhi research scholars criticised the government for hiking the fellowships of PhD students by "minimal amount" and said it is unacceptable and a "betrayal" to them.

The Centre on January 30 enhanced the fellowship of PhD students and other research personnel enrolled in any area of science and technology. It said the move will directly benefit over 60,000 researchers.

Fellowship of the Junior Research Fellows (JRF) in the first two years of the PhD programme has been increased from Rs 25,000 to Rs 31,000 per month. Similarly, in the remaining tenure of PhD, a Senior Research Fellow will get Rs 35,000 per month, instead of the present Rs 28,000.

The IIT-Delhi research scholars said the negligence of the research interests in the country sends a clear message to the world about "the sorry state of affairs in the bureaucracy and lack of political will to improve research and education".

They demanded the government must immediately revamp the Office Memorandum meeting the demand of research scholars.

The research scholars of IIT Delhi in unison would like to put on record that they are extremely disappointed and feel betrayed by the authorities concerned, they said.

The mere increase in the fellowship is an insult to the research scholars' community, they added.

"Research scholars of IITD, along with researchers from every part of the country have been protesting for several months for the hike in research fellowships. After regular intimations to the ministries and agencies concerned, expressing our genuine demands, this hike is unjustified and not acceptable," one of the scholars said.

According to the scholars, they had asked for an 80 per cent hike along with revision in HRA amount. Not only the hike is offensively low but the HRA amount remains unchanged.

The meagre hike has been implemented from January 1, 2019 with no arrears. An empowered committee, set up to enhance the fellowship of PhD students, will workout the incentives for research scholars in a month or two, a senior official hadsaid.

The government had said there is a substantial 30-35 per cent enhancement in the financial rewards for the scientists involved in the research and development (R&D) projects as research associates and the top bracket of research associateship is fixed at Rs 54,000.

All the research fellows are also entitled to house rent allowance as per the central government norms.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Nimrat Kaur is returning to the final season of "Homeland" and the actor says she never thought she would reprise her role in the hit American TV series.

Nimrat, who played Tasneem Qureshi, an ISI officer in the fourth season of the award-winning show, will return for the eighth installment.

"When I did season four, I had no idea I will be brought back. It was just one season deal. This offer came as a surprise to me. Who would have thought? I had never thought I would go back on the show as that character again," Nimrat told PTI.

The actor recounted how a chance visit to Los Angeles played an integral role in bagging the last season.

"They (the team) wanted to meet me as they were in the process of scripting the final season. Luckily, I was in Los Angeles at the same time. They wanted my character to return because it did well for them," she said.

The actor said she is looking forward to playing Tasneem again.

"The opportunity to play it again and to jump into that universe is exciting. It is for the first time that I am repeating what I played onscreen," she said.

She recalled it was tough adjusting to a different type of role and a different working environment in Hollywood.

"It was a little challenging when I got there as it was first time I was working abroad so the system was new to me. It is out and out grey character and I had to train myself to be comfortable playing the part."



Even though she had limited screen time in the fourth season, Nimrat said it garnered universal acclaim and opened new avenues for her.

"People come to me at airports and say they don't like me. It is rewarding to see that people hate this character. It makes me feel 'job well done'. It is the last and final season so it is exciting to be part of it," she said.

The 36-year-old actor said her character has evolved in the past four years.

"She (Tasneem) is now at the senior level in the ISI and she is the face of Pakistan. She has moved up in authority and is a figure of great importance. There will be pivotal decisions taken by her.

"I don't know the complete arc of the character so I am not aware how she becomes in the end. I just have the script of the first few episodes in my hand," Nimrat said.

In such a scenario, the actor believes it is essential to have faith in the makers as they know the overview better.

She said what she has learnt working on the series is the level of planning and the time the makers invest in pre-production.

"There is proper clarity on the sets, everything works as per the clock. There is no room for error. I learnt to be spontaneous and not be worried about how it will pan out. I went with the flow and had trust."



The eighth season goes on floors this month and is likely to air in June.

The team will shoot the last installment in Casablanca.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Shiv Sena President Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday appealed to the BJP-led Maharashtra government to intervene in Anna Hazare's hunger strike and asked it not to "play" with the social activist's life.

As Hazare's indefinite fast over demand for immediate appointment of anti-corruption watchdogs at the Centre and in Maharashtra entered the fifth day, Thackeray in a statement expressed concern over the 81-year-old activist's health condition.

He dubbed a purported letter from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) conveying good wishes to Hazare as "condemnable" and "laughable".

Supporters of Hazare had claimed that the Gandhian had received a "cold response" from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) in response to a letter sent by the activist.

The Sena president said Hazare's fight was against corruption - a problem faced by the country.

He asked Hazare to take to the streets in this fight to create an awakening among people, instead of giving up his life by fasting.

"At present, people in the country have been given anaesthesia and the need is to bring them out of this situation," he said in remarks laced with sarcasm.

Hazare should don the role of freedom activist Jayaprakash Narayan to usher in a new revolution, he said.

Thackeray said activist G D Agrawal had sat on a huge protest in Haridwar district of Uttarakhand over his demand to clean Ganga and maintain free flow of the river.

"But, the government did not take note of the situation and let Prof Agrawal die. Anna should give up his fast and lead an agitation over his demands, and I assure Shiv Sena's support wherever possible."



On the fifth day of Hazare's fast, his supporters blocked the Ahmednagar-Pune state highway at Supa village in Maharashtra, causing huge traffic jams there.

Dr Dhananjay Pote, who conducted a health check-up of Hazare in the morning, said the anti-graft crusader has lost around 3.8 kg weight in the last five days and that his blood pressure, blood sugar and creatinine level urine have gone up.

Hazare has been sitting on the fast at his native Ralegan Siddhi village in Ahmednagar.

He has been demanding immediate appointment of Lokpal at the Centre and Lokayuktas in states where such statutory anti-corruption watchdogs do not exist, implementation of the Swaminathan Commission recommendations on ways to address agrarian distress, besides some electoral reforms.

G D Agrawal, 86, had died of a heart attack at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Uttarakhand's Rishikesh, in October last year, 111 days after he began a fast for a pollution-free Ganga.

The Shiv Sena is an ally of the BJP at the Centre and in Maharashtra.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Social activist Anna Hazare's indefinite hunger strike entered the fifth day on Sunday even as villagers blocked a state highway in support of his agitation in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, leading to traffic jams in the area.

Hazare has been on a hunger strike since Wednesday in his native Ralegan Siddhi village in Ahmednagar demanding appointment of anti-corruption watchdogs at the Centre and in Maharashtra and resolution of farmers' issue.

In support of the 81-year-old Army man-turned- activist's demands, farmers and youth blocked the Ahmednagar-Pune state highway at Supa village in Parner tehsil, located about 38 km from here, in the morning, resulting in huge traffic jams.

They supported Hazare's demands for immediate appointment of Lokpal at the Centre and Lokayuktas in states where such statutory anti-corruption watchdogs do not exist, implementation of the Swaminathan Commission recommendations on ways to address agrarian distress, besides some electoral reforms, the protest's convener, Shahir Gaikwad, told PTI.

The police, however, tried to pacify the protesters and asked them to clear the road blockade as there were around six-km-long traffic jams on both sides of the road, Supa police station's inspector Rajendra Bhosale said.

The police also detained around 110 protesters in the afternoon to clear the blockade and later let them off, he said.

Dr Dhananjay Pote, who conducted a health check-up of Hazare in the morning, said the anti-corruption crusader has lost around 3.8 kg weight in the last five days and that his blood pressure, blood sugar and creatinine level urine have gone up.

Around 5,000 farmers from the district are likely to stage a protect outside the Ahmednagar collector's office on Monday to support Hazare's agitation.

The decision for the protest at the collector's office was taken at a gram sabha (village meeting) in Ralegan Siddhi on Saturday night.

Leaders of various political parties from Parner tehsil were present at the meeting and expressed their support to Hazare's protest.

Those present at the meeting also condemned NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik for levelling "false allegations" against Hazare.

However, Hazare appealed people to protest in a non-violent manner and also asked them to use decent and respectful language while expressing their feelings.

Hazare had earlier declined to meet state government envoy and minister Girish Mahajan for talks over his demands.

The anti-corruption crusader had earlier told PTI that he welcomed the Maharashtra Cabinet's decision to bring the office of state chief minister under the ambit of Lokayukta.

"However, the strike will continue till the government fulfils promises they made before coming to power about passage of Lokayukta Act, appointment of Lokpal (at theCentre) and to tackle farmers' issues," he had said.

The Lokayukta is a statutory body that is empowered to probe complaints of abuse of position and corruption against public servants.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Promising strengthening of democracy and balanced development in Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday said his government is dedicated to the vision of 'New Bharat' to ensure security of the country and to improve living standards.

Efforts were on to ensure safety of those facing the brunt of shelling from across the border, the prime minister said addressing a public rally.

Starting his 36-minute speech in Dogri amid chants of "Modi Modi", he said, "For the central government, the national interest and the interest of the people are supreme."



"The vision of New Bharat is to ensure security of the country and uplift the living standards of the countrymen. The Centre is fully dedicated towards this goal and with your cooperation, the New Bharat will be fully capable and secure as well," Modi said.

Referring to the upcoming the Lok Sabha elections, he said, "The 2019 fight is to take forward the country on the path of development and let us join hands in this direction.

He attacked the Congress for allegedly hoodwinking soldiers and said his government concentrated on "Jai Kisan and Jai Jawan" in the Budget.

"Along with farmers, we made a big decision of focusing on defence in the budget. I want to congratulate thousands of soldiers' families that the defence budget for the first time crossed over Rs three lakh crore. It will help improve the defence of the country and will also benefit the jawans," he said.

"I want to assure the people facing shelling from across the border that every effort will be made for their security. On the one hand, the enemy is being given a befitting response and on the other, 14,000 bunkers are being constructed to ensure safety of the people," he said.

Modi also targeted the previous PDP-led government, saying several things could not happen in the state in spite of the BJP being a coalition partner.

"We were giving priority to panchayat elections but that could not happen at that time. The way the people participated in the panchayat elections and recorded 70 per cent turnout with no violence is a significant development," he said.

"Terrorism is also being dealt with sternly. The work on incomplete projects was speeded up," he said, promising strengthening of democracy and balanced development in the state.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday said his government was committed to facilitate the return of Kashmiri Pandits to their homes in the valley with full honour and safely.

He was speaking while laying the foundation stone for transit accommodation for Kashmiri Pandit migrants at Ganderbal and Bandipora.

"Kashmiriyat demands that those Kashmiri Pandits who had to flee due to the violence here, leaving behind their houses, land and memories of their ancestors, they should be settled here with full honour," Modi said.

He said the state administration has already started construction of transit accommodation for migrant Kashmiri Pandits at Vessu in south Kashmir and Sheikhpora district under the Prime Minister's Development package (PMDP) announced for the state in 2015.

"After the completing the construction of nearly 700 flats, the migrant families will get a new roof. It will be the government's endeavour that anyone who wants to return here, they will be brought here with full security and honour," he added.

The prime minister said the government was also duty bound to provide employment avenues for those who wish to return.

"Under the PMDP, the state government has sanctioned 3,000 posts in this regard. I have confidence that these recruitments will take place soon," he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Making a strong pitch for the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, Prime Minister Modi said Sunday his government would stand with the children of "Maa Bharti" who have faced persecution in Pakistan, and

Addressing a rally in Vijaypur in Jammu region, Modi said "there are many children of Maa Bharti who have faced persecution in Pakistan, and ..We will stand with those who were part of at one time, but got separated from us" due to the Partition in 1947.

Targeting the for its opposition to the piece of legislation, he said that party, when it was in power, did not pay "attention of the of our brothers and sisters".

"But we have brought the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill with a commitment... If they are discriminated on the basis of faith, the country will stand up with them," the prime minister said.

He also referred to the Kartarpur Corridor issue to target the

"The previous governments had the tendency to ignore the necessities and sentiments of the country. You are well aware of that. Take Kartarpur corridor issue for instance. Had they paid attention, then the land of Guru Nanak Dev would have been a part of India," Modi said, referring to the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur in where Sikhism founder Guru Nanak had settled.

Modi addressed public meetings in Leh and Vijaypur in Jammu, after inaugurating several development projects in

He said the BJP-led government at the Centre was dedicated to the causes of Kashmiri Pandits, who had to abandon their homes in in the wake of spread of terrorism.

"They had to leave their homeland, the that they had to undergo, I have never said this but their is within me too," Modi said.Gold worth Rs 15.81 lakh has been seized from two passengers travelling from Dubai at the Mangaluru airport, officials said Sunday.

Custom officials seized gold weighing 475.36 gm valued at Rs 15,81,000. The passengers arrived on a SpiceJet flight from Dubai on Saturday, according to a statement.

From one passenger, officials seized foreign-origin gold of 24 Karat weighing 358.78 gm valued at Rs 11.93 lakh, concealed in the form of foils in check-in luggage.

From the other passenger, the officers seized foreign-origin gold bar of 24 Karat weighing 116.580 gm valued at Rs 3.88 lakh, concealed in rectum.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Former Congress MLA from Koraput, Krushna Chandra Sagaria, on Sunday formally joined the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and expressed his desire to contest against Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik in the coming Assembly elections.

Sagaria, a prominent dalit leader who was elected from Koraput on a Congress ticket, joined the BSP in the presence of the BSP's Odisha in-charge, Dharamveer Singh, at a function held here.

"I would like to contest elections against Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, if the BSP supremo allows me to do so," Sagaria told reporters.

On November 6, 2018, Sagaria had resigned from the legislator's post stating that he had no moral right to hold the position after the Kunduli gangrape and suicide incident.

He was expelled from the Congress on January 19 along with former Union Minister Srikant Jena for indulging in anti-party activities.

On the rape and suicide of the Kunduli victim, Sagarai said the minor dalit girl, who was raped on October 10, 2017, had committed suicide on January 22, 2018 after being denied justice.

Sagaria alleged that the Congress as an opposition party had not taken up the matter for which it was supressed.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Highlighting the geographical advantages of Assam in South East Asia, the state's Act East Policy Affairs Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary Sunday said direct flight from Guwahati to Dhaka and Bangkok will begin from next month.

During a panel discussion in the ongoing 2nd ASEAN-India Youth Summit here, Patowary said that there are several geographical and historical advantages of Assam as far as connectivity with South East Asia is concerned.

"Under the UDAN scheme, flights are expected to start between Guwahati and Dhaka and Bangkok within the month of March this year. The LGBI Airport in Guwahati is being upgraded with the construction of a new terminal," he added.

In terms of roadways, the Asian Trilateral Highway, the Dhola-Sadia bridge and the Bogibeel bridge will give a big fillip to the connectivity scenario of the region, the minister said.

"The physical proximity of ASEAN countries to Guwahati is less than the major metropolitan cities of India. There has been historical trade and connectivity links, which got snapped after Independence. But with the Act East Policy, Assam and the North East has re-positioned itself as the centre of the ASEAN region," he added.

Underlining the initiatives of the government of Assam to bolster physical connectivity with South East Asia, Patowary also talked about the water linkage of NE region with ASEAN.

Speaking during the session, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh underscored the potential sectors of his state and called upon the youth to build an enduring partnership of North East with ASEAN region, resulting in progress and prosperity.

Vietnam Ambassador to India Pham Sanh Chau also participated in the discussion and gave insights on tapping the huge potentiality of physical connectivity between the North Eastern region and ASEAN countries.

The five-day 2nd ASEAN-India Youth Summit that began today will conclude on February 7.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Five student leaders in Nepal have been arrested for their alleged involvement in torching a government vehicle during a protest by a student wing of opposition Nepali Congress against the misuse of government vehicles.

The Nepal Student Union cadres on Saturday took the vehicle of Chief of Education Department at Pokhara Metropolis under control and torched it as part of their protest to restrict government vehicles from plying on road on holidays.

The agitating student cadres dragged the driver from the vehicle, poured petrol and torched it.

The arrested student leaders include Nepal Student Union president of Pokhara University Rajendra Baral, officials said.

NSU central member Bhanu Dhakal said that the misuse of government vehicles has increased in the recent time, and the student body has started a campaign to control the practice.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)In a tragic incident, four members of a local trader's family, facing demands for repayment of loans from money lenders, were found dead Sunday morning, while a fifth one died in the hospital during treatment.

Police said trader Ramesh Gupta's body was found near railway tracks at Surajkund overbridge, while those of his wife Sarita (45), daughter Payal (15) and son Ayush (10) were found at his home Sahebganj area under Rajghat police station area of the district.

The trader's elder daughter Rachna (20) too was found unconscious in the house and was rushed to BRD Medical College here, where she died during the treatment a few hours later, police said.

The bodies have been sent for post-mortem examination, said police, adding the matter is being probed.

Local residents said Gupta had taken huge loans and had been facing persistent demands from money lenders to clear his dues.

He was also facing losses in business and used to remain disturbed, they said.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, meanwhile, expressed "deep sorrow" over the death of trader's family.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The father of Army jawan Aurangzeb, who was abducted and brutally killed by militants last year in Pulwama, Sunday joined BJP in presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a public rally here.

Rifleman Aurangzeb's father Mohammad Hanief, a resident of Rajauri, joined the BJP along with former Army officer, Lt Gen (Retd) Rakesh Kumar Sharma.

Hanief, along with Sharma, handed over a portrait of his martyred son to the prime minister as he welcomed them to the party.

Rifleman Aurangzeb of 44 Rashtriya Rifles was abducted and killed by terrorists in Pulwama district when he was on his way home to celebrate Eid on June 14. He was awarded Shaurya Chakra posthumously.

I have joined the BJP for its pro-poor policies. Modi government is the best in the country which thinks about the poor unlike the previous governments, Hanief said.

After the martyrdom of Aurangzeb, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Chief of Army Staff Gen Bipin Rawat had separately visited the family to express their condolences.

Earlier, state president of BJP Ravinder Raina announced the decision of Hanief and Sharma to join the party which was welcomed by the people with pro-party sloganeering.

Almost all senior BJP leaders including former Deputy Chief Minister Kavinder Gupta and national vice president BJP Avinash Rai Khanna were present at the dias.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Sunday said his government maintained "low-level" contact through its spy agency with the Syrian regime despite being one of its most fervent critics.

"The foreign policy is being conducted with Syria at low-level," Erdogan told the state-run TRT television interview.

Erdogan's government fell out with Damascus after its deadly crackdown on popular dissent in March 2011 and ruled out any contact with the regime of President Bashar al-Assad.

Erdogan's comments are the first time Turkey has confirmed direct low-level talks with Damascus.

"Even if it's your enemy, you will not entirely break ties in case you might need them," he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Realty firm Embassy Group expects over 20 per cent revenue growth this fiscal from its property and facilities management business at Rs 915 crore on rising demand for such specialised services from corporate clients.

Embassy Services, which is Bengaluru-based Embassy Group's property management division, posted around Rs 750 crore revenue during last fiscal.

It currently manages over 50 million sq ft of commercial, residential and industrial space across various cities.

"2018 has been a great year for us. Since the beginning of the year, we have expanded our services, both in terms of area as well as the industries we cater to. From business parks to co-working spaces, from industrial parks to residential projects, our presence is mapped over 50 million sq ft across 11 plus cities," Embassy Services CEO Pradeep Nenumal Lala told PTI.

Under the property and facility management, the company offers various services like engineering, security and traffic management, landscaping, technology and automation and community initiatives.

Lala said the company manages properties developed by Embassy Group, the country's leading developer of commercial real estate especially IT parks, as well as of other corporate clients.

Embassy Services employs around 300 people directly and 6,000 indirectly to manage its portfolio.

Apart from the parent company, its clients include Flipkart and HCL. It recently added HCL for integrated facility management where it will manage the latter's 28 facilities across the country.

Embassy Services competes with international property consultants like JLL and CBRE as well as local players in this business, which is growing at a rapid pace in line with the demand for rent-yielding grade-A commercial assets.

Embassy Group has developed over 45 million sq ft of prime residential and commercial projects.

The company, in joint venture with global investment firm Blackstone, has developed business parks covering about 34 million sq ft of office space.

Embassy-Blackstone plans to launch the country's first Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) to raise over Rs 5,000 crore. They have already filed draft prospectus with market regulator SEBI.

The group is also into hospitality, industrial parks and co-working space.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A witness in the trial of Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman told the US government the Mexican drug kingpin drugged and raped girls as young as 13, according to court documents unsealed Saturday.

Longtime associate Alex Cifuentes told authorities a woman would send Guzman photos of young girls to choose from, with a fee of USD 5,000 per girl.

Cifuentes used this service himself three or four times, having sex with girls as young as 15-years-old, the government said in the documents, adding he "witnessed the defendant do the same on multiple occasions, with girls as young as 13 years old."



The former Sinaloa cartel leader, 61, would allegedly sometimes drug the girls with "a powdery substance" with Cifuentes' help before raping them.

But Cifuentes, who lived with Guzman in 2007 and 2008, did not mention any of this in four days of testimony during the trial, which ended on Thursday after three months of hearings.

"Joaquin denies the allegations, which lack any corroboration and were deemed too prejudicial and unreliable to be admitted at trial," Guzman's lawyer, Eduardo Balarezo, said in an emailed statement.

"It is unfortunate that the material was publicly released just prior to the jury beginning deliberations." On Monday, the jury will begin deliberating whether Guzman is guilty of trafficking hundreds of tons of drugs into the US.

He faces a life sentence if convicted.

The documents were published following a legal claim by US media, which throughout the trial fought the secrecy surrounding the case.

Cifuentes, 50, was arrested in Mexico in 2013 then deported from Colombia to the US.

Currently in prison, he is cooperating with the government in exchange for a reduced sentence.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A Rodrigo Duterte impersonator sparked frenzy and confusion during Sunday mass when he walked into a Hong Kong church popular with the city's Filipino community.

Accompanied by Howard X -- the Hong Kong-based impersonator of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un -- the Filipino actor arrived at St. Joseph's Church dressed in the Philippine president's signature relaxed white shirt.

Hundreds of distracted worshippers erupted into cheers and took photos of the impersonator, who goes by the stage name Cresencio Extreme.

They settled down for the hour-long service but many continued to grin and glance at him.

"Is that Duterte?" whispered an incredulous-looking woman, who said the man appeared too young to be the Philippine leader.

As soon as mass ended, worshippers mobbed Cresencio Extreme, many screaming and taking photos with their mobile phones as he waved at them and shook their hands.

Outside the church, some examined photos of the impersonator, saying it was odd that he did not have any bodyguards and that his personality seemed off.

While most did not mind the stunt, one woman who identified herself as Linda found it "impolite".

"Coming in here to make a scene -- our Duterte is not like that," she told AFP.

The Philippine president has repeatedly attacked the Church since taking office in 2016, accusing the Catholic clergy of sexual abuse.

And the Church has been one of Duterte's most outspoken critics, particularly over alleged human rights abuses during his deadly anti-narcotics campaign.

Hong Kong is home to around 200,000 Filipinos, mostly women working as domestic helpers.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The US scrapping of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty with Russia could launch a new arms race, but will also allow the United States to update its nuclear arsenal, a publicly stated goal for the past year.

President Donald Trump announced Friday the US was suspending its obligations under the INF treaty as of Saturday and starting a process to withdraw in six months.

NATO has said that US allies "fully support" its withdrawal from the pact, and agreed that Russia's 9M729 ground-launched cruise missile systems violates the treaty.

A day later, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a tit-for-tat withdrawal from the pact to develop "new types of weapons," calling Washington's decision "unilateral and totally unprovoked."



The United States has complained about the alleged Russian violations for years.

But now it's also speaking openly about its chance to upgrade its arms stock.

When the United States unveiled its new nuclear policy in February 2018, it warned that it planned to buy two new weapons: a new type of low-power nuclear missile to be launched from a submarine, and a new type of nuclear cruise missile that would violate the INF agreement.

This new missile -- which would only come into service within a decade -- would only be a violation of the treaty if it were deployed, the Pentagon says.

It has always stressed that a research and development program was not prohibited by the 1987 treaty with Moscow.

So starting Saturday "we are no longer bound by the constraints of the Treaty," Johnny Michael, a Pentagon spokesman, told AFP Friday.

The 2019 US military budget provides funds for developing this new intermediate-range land-based missile and "we are still in the research phase," the spokesman said.

In fact, the Pentagon was already preparing its response to Russian missile 9M729, with a top range of 480 kilometers, Moscow insists.

But Washington, backed by NATO allies, says that Russian missile has already been tested on much greater distances.

Johns Hopkins University's Jeffrey Pryce argues that the INF treaty favours the United States because, while it prohibits all surface-to-air missiles with a range of 500 to 5,500 kilometers, conventional or intermediate, anything fired from a submarine or dropped by a bomber, simply is not covered.

"Thus, the INF Treaty deprives Russia of a significant military capability, for which its size and location are strategic advantages," the former Pentagon official said on Twitter.

"The US, by contrast, has the world's most powerful navy and air force. And the INF Treaty does not restrict sea-launched or air-launched missiles."



According to figures from the anti-nuclear group Union of Concerned Scientists, the US nuclear arsenal holds 4,600 nuclear weapons, of which 1,740 are deployed and ready to be used at any time, and 2,922 stored.

Ten US Navy submarines armed with nuclear missiles are constantly patrolling the seas, the group said.

Russia has a similar number of nuclear warheads, but its nuclear submarines are in bad shape, as several accidents have shown in recent years.

China, keen to assert military supremacy in Asia, also has intermediate-range missiles.

According to experts, 95 per cent of Chinese missiles would violate the INF treaty if Beijing was a signatory.

Michael Krepon, of the Stimson Center, believes that "we're headed toward a new nuclear arms race.

"Any time your national defence budget is ten times bigger than Russia's and five times bigger than China's, you can afford an arms race. But arms races usually don't end well: even if you stay ahead of the competition, your security is diminished.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Richwood, TX (77531)

Today

Cloudy skies this morning will become partly cloudy this afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 89F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms early, then mainly cloudy overnight with thunderstorms likely. Low 76F. Winds SE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70%.Karisma Kapoor says she does not miss being on the movie sets and is enjoying her time off camera.

The 44-year-old actor, who last appeared in 2012 film "Dangerous Ishqq", said she never had a career plan as she believed in doing what interested her as an artiste.

"I am not missing being in front of the camera. Everybody says I should do something. But I have never planned anything in my life. So, you never know I may do a movie soon," Karisma told PTI.

The actor, who was the first grandchild of film icon Raj Kapoor to enter the movies, said her family legacy was never the reason for her success.

She worked as hard as any other person to make a mark in the film industry, she said.

"It is not easy for star kids. I had to work really hard to reach where I am. It was tough but I don't regret anything. I did have to work doubly hard but it was a great journey and a beautiful learning experience."



Following her success, her sister Kareena Kapoor Khan, cousins Ranbir Kapoor, Armaan and Aadar Jain joined films.

Karisma was talking on the sidelines of Lakme Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2019, where she walked the ramp for designer Punit Balana Sunday.

Punit unveiled his new collection 'Maya' on the final day of the fashion week, which begun on January 30.

The collection was an ode to the French novel "Madame Bovary" and the designer included his signature block prints to the garments to give them a traditional touch.

"I really love the outfit and the block print. Punit is extremely talented and different. I really like that he has put in so much effort to give a chance to the craftsmen from Jaipur. The best part is the colours and the fabric everything is eco friendly. It is very fascinating," Karisma said.

The actor said even though celebrities are expected to have their fashion game always on point, she never dresses up to impress anyone.

"I always dress for myself. I don't dress for pictures or follow trends blindly. I wear what I feel good in and style it the way I find it comfortable. I enjoy fashion so I don't feel the pressure in dressing up.

"Today actors are lucky to have immense talent around them to dress them up. Earlier, there were only a few designers. Now we have so many young designers and stylists. We are lucky to work with them," she said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The government will find it difficult to meet the target of 3.4 per cent in 2019-20 on account of higher spending and low revenue growth, Moody's Investors Service said.

Observing that Indian government's debt is "stubbornly high" as a percentage of GDP, Moody's Investors Service Managing Director, Sovereign Risk Group, Gene Fang said it could be brought down only if the Centre sticks to the fiscal consolidation path.

Deviating from the path laid down in the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act, the government has pegged the for the next financial year at 3.4 per cent of GDP, as against the original target of 3.1 per cent.

"While the government's growth assumptions appear reasonable, we think the government will continue to face challenges in meeting its fiscal targets, primarily due to structural increases in spending and difficulties in raising revenue further," Fang told PTI in an interview.

Fang said the 3.4 per cent target for the year ending March 2020 is wider than expected, largely driven by increased spending to provide income support to small farmers and tax rebates ahead of the general elections in April-May this year.

The for 2019-20 doled out a scheme under which farmers holding up to 2 hectares of land would get an annual payout of Rs 6,000 -- a move intended to benefit about 12 crore farmers, among other measures for middle-class taxpayers.

However, there was a 0.1 per cent slip in the fiscal deficit estimate for the current financial year to 3.4 per cent.

While presenting the Budget, Finance Minister Piyush Goyal had said the government has provided Rs 20,000 crore in 2018-19 and Rs 75,000 crore in 2019-20 for providing income support to farmers, which has led to the slippage in the fiscal deficit.

Asked if India risks a rating downgrade following the breach in fiscal deficit target, Moody's said the country's 'Baa2' rating has a 'Stable' outlook, which indicates a balance of upside and downside risks.

"India's government debt remains stubbornly high as a percent of GDP, but it's mostly domestically funded with a relatively long dated maturity structure. India's economic growth also offers the potential to bring debt/GDP down, but only if the medium term fiscal objectives of the FRBM are realised," Fang said.

As per the FRBM Act, debt-to-GDP ratio was to be brought down to 40 per cent by 2024-25 from 50.1 per cent in 2017-18.

In the 2018-19 Budget, the government had targeted to reduce its debt-to-GDP ratio to 48.8 per cent in 2018-19, 46.7 per cent in 2019-20 and 44.6 per cent in 2020-21, while fiscal deficit as a percentage of GDP was targeted to be reduced to 3.3 per cent, 3.1 per cent and 3 per cent, respectively during the same period.

US-based ratings agency Moody's had in 2017 upped India's rating to Baa2 from Baa3, changing outlook to 'stable' from 'positive', and said that reforms will help stabilise rising levels of debt.Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Sunday lashed out at the "anti-people" Trinamool Congress government in West Bengal, saying the days of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's rule are "numbered".

Adityanath urged the leaders, who had attended the TMC's January 19 opposition rally in Kolkata, to introspect on how democratic rights were being scuttled by the state government.

The UP chief minister who was scheduled to address the "Ganatantra Bachao Rally" at Balurghat in South Dinajpur district Sunday could not attend the rally after permission was denied for his chopper to land near the venue.

"The TMC government didn't allow me to come and meet you all. That is why I had to resort to Digital India of Modi-ji to address you. This TMC government is anti-people, anti-democratic and have compromised with national security," Adityanath said, while addressing the rally via audio link.

The TMC government is afraid of the BJP as it very well knows that its days in Bengal are numbered, he said.

Alleging that the TMC government had tried to stop Durga Puja in West Bengal in order to pursue its appeasement policy, Adityanath urged BJP workers to fight hard in order to ensure that the party forms the next government in the state.

"Mamata Banerjee should remember that she can not misuse the government and its agencies in the state. It is shameful that government officials are acting as TMC cadres in the state," he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Congress will stage protests across the country on Monday over the alleged firing at an effigy of Mahatma Gandhi on his death anniversary by suspected members of Hindu Mahasabha in Uttar Pradesh, the party said.

Talking to reporters here on Sunday, Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera alleged the incident, an enactment of the Mahatma's assassination, reflects that BJP governments at the Centre and in the state have been quietly supporting the act.

In Delhi, Congress MPs are also likely to protest outside the Gandhi statue in Parliament Complex on Monday.

"There is a difference between the words and deeds of the BJP and its governments. The government's affection has always been with (Nathuram) Godse (who killed Gandhi).

"The Congress condemns this act and will protest against firing at the effigy of Mahatma Gandhi on Monday in which all the PCC (state unit) chiefs will participate," he said.

In the national capital, the protest is likely to be led by the recently appointed Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee and former chief minister Sheila Dixit at Raj Ghat, a memorial dedicated to the father of the nation.

Last week, on January 30, the day that marks the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, a video had gone viral in which members of the right-wing party, Hindu Mahasabha, including one of its woman leaders, were purportedly seen firing at Gandhi's effigy in Aligarh with an air pistol.

Godse was a member of the Mahasabha.

Following an uproar, police on Wednesday registered cases against 13 persons.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The ruling Congress in Madhya Pradesh lashed out at Governor Anandiben Patel Sunday after a video where she is purportedly seen telling a group of people to keep Prime Minister Narendra Modi in mind went viral.

Patel, a former Gujarat chief minister, was acting as if she was still a worker of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and not a governor, the Congress alleged.

The video was apparently shot during Patel's visit to a solar power plant at Gudh in Rewa district Saturday.

During an informal chat with a group of local people, the governor was heard saying, "This is an excellent project. It will benefit you all."



When a person said they were happy to meet her face-to-face, Patel said, "Aisa (mauka) kai (baar) aayega. Modi sahab par dhyan rakho." (Such occasions will come often. Keep paying attention to Modi sahab.)



After the video circulated on social media, state Congress' media cell head Shobha Oza alleged that Patel was behaving as if she was still a BJP worker.

"If she wanted to work like a BJP worker, she should resign and fight Lok Sabha elections," Oza said.

"Earlier too she was seen advising BJP workers at Satna airport about how to win votes. During her address in the Assembly, she did not read the point about farm loan waiver (announced by the newly-elected Congress government) and read a BJP slogan which was not part of the written speech. She should resign immediately," Oza demanded.

The BJP defended Patel.

"The governor told people to keep paying attention to Modi. What is wrong with that? Narendra Modi is the prime minister of the country. He is PM to every citizen. She meant to say help implement and reap benefits of schemes launched by Modi like Clean India, Ujjwala, Ayushman Bharat, etc," said Bhopal MP and BJP leader Alok Sanjar.

"Such accusations (by the Congress) are just a political gimmick," he added.

"The BJP never disrespected the governor appointed during the UPA government. The Congress should also learn to respect the governor," he added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The remarks of a few Congress leaders on governance in Karnataka had created some misunderstandings in the ruling Congress-JD(S) coalition which will be sorted out soon, AICC general secretary K C Venugopal said Sunday.

"The coalition government in the state is here to stay and will complete the full five-year term and not a single Congress MLA will quit the party," Venugopal, who is in-charge of the state, told reporters here.

He said the Congress had sought clarification from some leaders who had made a few unsavoury comments on the alliance government.

They have been asked not to make such statements in future, he added.

Congress MLAs had refused the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) offer to destabilise the government, he said, expressing confidence that no legislator will leave the party.

At another press meet, Karnataka Congress president Dinesh Gundu Rao said the BJP had been offering huge sums of money to poach MLAs from the ruling parties, but the MLAs had stood their ground.

On the Hindu Mahasabha's alleged celebration of Mahatma Gandhi's death anniversary, he said such incidents posed a threat to the country.

The BJP was silently supporting such activities to play their communal card before elections, he said.

On the reported tussle between the Congress and the Janata Dal (Secular) for the Mandya Lok Sabha seat, Rao said the party had not yet begun talks on the matter.

Both parties will demands seats in their pockets of influence and a decision would be taken after mutual discussions, he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Chief Justice of India Justice Ranjan Gogoi and his wife offered prayers at the famous hill shrine of Lord Venkateswara at Tirumala here on Sunday night, a temple official said.

On his arrival at the shrine, Gogoi was given a traditional welcome by the management and priests.

It was his second visit as the CJI to the ancient hill shrine. He had earlier offered prayers to Lord Venkateswara on November 18 last year, a temple official told PTI



Gogoi arrived here Sunday evening, after visiting Amaravati where with Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, he inaugurated a judicial complex meant for the interim high court for the residual state of Andhra Pradesh.

After offering prayers, he left for New Delhi.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh will talk to different political parties, including those from the Northeast, on the Citizenship Bill, BJP president Amit Shah said Sunday, asserting the legislation is "very important" for the country.

Shah said if any consensus emerges from Singh's consultations with different parties then they will certainly move forward with that.

He underlined his party's commitment to the bill, which seeks to grants citizenship to persecuted non-Muslim refugees from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh, saying such large number of refugees cannot be left to their fate. "We are firm on this," he said.

"The home minister is talking to all parties from Northeast and other parties, which wants to give suggestion during this session. He is talking to them one by one and has already spoken to some parties," he said at a party event.

Describing the bill as "very important" for the country, he said the BJP has brought it after lot of deliberations.

"After taking suggestions from everybody, if there is some consensus we will certainly move forward with that but this bill is very important for the country," he said.

Shah's comments came amid indications from BJP leaders that the government may not push the bill for passage in the ongoing session of Parliament after facing a strong resistance from different parties, including its own allies.

The bill provides for according Indian citizenship to Hindus, Jains, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists and Parsis from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan after six years of residence in India. The legislation was passed by the Lok Sabha during the Winter Session on January 8 and has been awaiting Rajya Sabha nod.

There has been strong opposition in Assam and other Northeastern states against the bill.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A team of officials arrived at the residence of Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar on Sunday to question him in connection with ponzi scam cases, but was stooped outside by sentries, officials said.

The has been trying to locate Kumar to question him in connection with Rose Valley and Saradha ponzi scam cases and might arrest him as the last resort, the officials said.

The IPS officer, who led a Special Investigation Team of Police probing the scams, needs to be questioned regarding missing documents and files but he has not responded to notices to appear before the agency, they said.

When the team reached Kumar's residence, it was stopped outside by officials and sentries, they said.

A team of Police officers rushed to the spot to speak to the CBI officials and tried to enquire whether they had required documents to question Kumar.

Kumar, a 1989-batch IPS officer of cadre, did not even attend a meeting with officials who had gone to to review election preparedness, sources said.

A statement was issued Sunday from Kolkata Police, dismissing reports of him being missing from work.

"Please take note that not only is the CP Kolkata available in the city, but has also been attending office on a regular basis, with the exception of January 31, 2019, when he was on leave for a day. All concerned may please take note that if any news is spread without proper verification, will initiate strict legal action against defamation of both the CP Kolkata and Kolkata Police," the police said.Playing down concerns over economic slowdown in China amid the intense trade war with the US, President Xi Jinping on Sunday said the world's second largest economy has made "steady" progress as his government took new steps for reforms and opening-up of economy to avert major risks.

Greeting Chinese people on the eve of the Lunar New Year, also known as Spring Festival, Xi said at an official reception here that in the past year China has made efforts and "achieved a lot".

The Chinese New Year, which falls on February 5, is the grandest festival in China. Starting from Monday China will be officially shut down for a week to celebrate the New Year, bidding farewell to the Year of Dog and to welcome the Year of Pig.

In his speech, Xi noted that Chinese people had a hard but fulfilling year. "The Chinese economy remained steady while making progress, with new steps taken in reform and opening-up," he said.

China's economy sank to a 28-year low in 2018 slowing down to 6.6 per cent year-on-year, lower than the 6.8-per cent growth registered in 2017.

The slowdown continued amid the trade war with the US over President Donald Trump's demand to reduce USD 375 billion trade deficit and protection of intellectual property rights (IPR) and more access to American goods to Chinese markets.

The two countries are currently holding talks to reach a trade deal before March 1 deadline.

Xi said his government has actively pushed forward campaigns to defuse major risks, carry out targeted poverty alleviation and control pollution, with poverty alleviation projects achieving remarkable outcomes.

Defence and military reforms extended to a deeper level, major country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics opened a new chapter and Communist Party governance further improved, he said.

"Chinese society has been stable, and the people have enjoyed a stronger sense of fulfilment, happiness and security," he said.

Xi spoke of the need in the new year to adhere to the new development philosophy, advance high-quality development, continue the earnest fight in the "three critical battles" against risks, poverty and pollution and take coordinated steps to ensure steady growth, advance reform, make structural adjustments, improve living standards and guard against risks, state-run Xinhua agency reported.

Having become an aging society, China, Xi said, should make great efforts to ensure the elderly are well respected, taken care of and supported, and promote programmes for the elderly so that they can all enjoy a happy life.

He called for hard work to bring a happy life for the Chinese people and a great future for the Chinese nation as well as further efforts to work with the people of countries across the world to build a community with a shared future for humanity.

The new year holidays trigger the biggest human migration within and outside the country every year with millions of Chinese heading either to their villages or to the holiday destinations.

In the Chinese lunar calendar, years are grouped into a 12-year cycle, with each year assigned to an animal symbols including rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Taking on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress president Rahul Gandhi Sunday said the Centre's crop insurance scheme is aimed at taking away farmers income to fill up pockets of big businessmen.

At his first rally in Bihar after taking over as party president, Gandhi accused the Nitish Kumar government in the state of making "empty promises" like Modi.

He promised that if the Congress is voted to power in the Lok Sabha polls a number of steps would be taken to deal with farm distress and unemployment.

Raising the slogan of "chowkidaar chor hai" (the watchman is the thief) -- an allusion to Modi, Gandhi accused the NDA government at the Centre of committing irregularities in the Rafale deal.

He alleged that policies of the Modi government, including crop insurance, were "aimed at taking away hard-earned money of farmers to fill up the pockets of big businessmen".

In contrast, he said, his party's governments in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh waived farm loans within a few days of coming to power.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath, Chhattisgarh



Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot were also present at the rally.

Besides, alliance partners like RJD's Tejashwi Yadav, former Union minister Sharad Yadav and former Bihar Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi were present.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Amid the stand-off between the West Bengal government and the CBI, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Sunday said the Centre was making a mockery of democracy and federal structure.

Kejriwal, who is known to share a good rapport with Banerjee, said he spoke to her and expressed solidarity.

"Modi ji has made a complete mockery of democracy and federal structure. Few years back, Modi ji captured Anti- Corruption Branch of Del govt by sending paramilitary forces. Now, this. Modi-(Amit) Shah duo is a threat to India and its democracy. We strongly condemn this action.

"Spoke to Mamta didi and expressed solidarity. Modi-Shah duo's action is completely bizarre and anti-democracy," Kejriwal tweeted.

In an unprecedented development Sunday evening, Banerjee sat on a dharna, protesting CBI's attempt to quiz Kolkata Police chief Rajeev Kumar in connection with chit fund scams.

A CBI team, which went to Kumar's residence in the city's Loudon Street area, was denied permission, bundled into police jeeps and were whisked to a police station, officials said.

The CBI wants to quiz Kumar, who led a Special Investigation Team of West Bengal police probing the scams, regarding missing documents and files, according to officials.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The CBI arrested on Sunday one of its officer and a revenue official in Uttar Pradesh's Ghaziabad district in connection with the Rs 126 crore Yamuna Expressway land scam, officials said.

The agency had on Saturday booked V S Rathore, an inspector in the anti corruption branch in Ghaziabad; Sunil Dutt, the ASI of CBI Academy Ghaziabad; and tehsildar Ranveer Singh over the scam, they said.

"Inspector Rathore and tehsildar Ranveer Singh have been arrested in connection with the case," the CBI official said.

It has also booked some "unknown officials of the UP Police" and "some other unidentified persons" in the case, the official said.

They are accused of a "criminal conspiracy for obtaining undue advantage by the public servants for dishonest performance of duty, undue advantage to influence public servant by corrupt or illegal means and bribing of public servants".

They have been charged under the Indian Penal Code section 120B (party to a criminal conspiracy), and the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Meanwhile, Circle Officer of Greater Noida 1st Nishank Sharma, who was probing the case, was summoned by the CBI in New Delhi for questioning.

"In the wake of the CBI questioning, Sharma, a deputy superintendent of police, has been removed as CO Greater Noida and attached in the Gautam Buddh Nagar headquarters," on official order said Sunday.

According to the police, some YEIDA officials, including its former CEO P C Gupta, in tie-up with some private firms had purchased around 57 hectare "useless" land in 2014 from seven villages of Mathura in lieu of compensation to their owners by the Authority.

But the compensation amount was much higher than what was defined by the Authority for such purchases.

Also in doing so, the accused not only caused loss to the YEIDA but also made personal gains fraudulently, according to the police.

So far, at least six people have been arrested in the five-year-old case in which 21 people, including a former IAS officer, who also served as the YEIDA chairman, the police said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Congress on Sunday said the CBI action in Kolkata is clearly "mala fide" and an "assault" on the federal polity, which has come within 48 hours of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah's public "threat" to him.

Party spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi said the antipathy of Modi and Shah towards West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is "visceral". He alleged that the BJP and the prime minister are desperate to create a controversy in the state for "cheap publicity and divisiveness" to get some space in 2019 elections.

He claimed the Modi government has ensured a non-functional and non-productive Parliament session going by such assaults on the federal polity on a Sunday evening.

Singhvi also called for opposition unity after this action, which he described as "political vendetta" and an "assault on federalism".

"Kolkata CBI action clearly mala fide. Done within 48 hours of Modi, Shah rally threat to commissioner of police; done on Sunday on mere section 160 notice which is bailable and non-cognisable; operating high court stay protecting officers under CP on identical case, identical issues; yet harass CP without clarifying from HC," he said on Twitter.

The Congress leader said the Supreme Court allowed West Bengal police officers to seek protection in the high court against the CBI. Subsequently, the high court stayed coercive action against them regarding the same issues.

"These officers are working directly under the CP. Without going to HC or SC, how can CBI go to CP's residence on Sunday? Complete falsehood being spread by the BJP, he said.

"Did CBI land up to have coffee with CP on Sunday? No warrant, mere section 160 notice. All this despite operating HC stay in favour of police officer," he tweeted.

He said these are "last gasps" of the outgoing CBI director on last day of office to demonstrate loyalty to his political masters and ensure good postings now and in the future.

"All must back Mamata Banerjee and people of West Bengal in this blatant assault on federalism and example of political vendetta. Time to be 100 per cent united now," he said.

The Congress leader said the commissioner of police is available for answering questions for months and the high court order operates. "The CBI does not even ask HC. How can CBI land up at residence of CP," he asked.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A journalist of a Raipur-based website was allegedly beaten up Saturday by BJP functionaries while he was recording a meeting of the party's district-level meeting here, police said.

Based on the complaint by journalist Suman Pandey, who sustained minor injuries to his head, a case has been registered against four persons, including BJP Raipur district president Rajeev Agrawal, a police official told PTI.

He identified the other three accused as local BJP office-bearers Vijay Vyas, Utkarsh Trivedi and Deena Dongre, adding that no arrests had been made in this connection.

The accused were booked under section section 342 (wrongful confinement), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 504 (criminal intimidation) and 34 (common intention) of IPC, the official said.

Pandey's complaint alleges that he was thrashed when he was covering the BJP meeting Saturday afternoon at its Ekatma Parisar office here, adding that leaders there were involved in a scuffle among themselves when the incident happened.

"I was recording a video of the meeting on my mobile phone when suddenly BJP leaders started manhandling each other over some issue. Meanwhile, BJP Raipur district president Rajeev Agarwal and another person, Utkarsh Trivedi, asked me to delete the video of the scuffle, which I refused. They then started hitting me and forcefully deleted the video," Pandey told PTI.

"I was made to sit inside the meeting room for about 20 minutes. When I came out, I informed other journalists about the incident," he added.

Later, several other journalists reached the BJP office, alerted police and protested there demanding the arrest of those involved in assaulting Pandey.

State BJP spokesperson Sacchidanand Upasane, who was also present in the meeting, said his partymen had apologised to Pandey.

"The closed door district level meeting was held to review the defeat in the recent Assembly election. Media persons were asked to leave the meeting room after taking initial footage. Party leaders and workers were also asked to keep their mobile switched off," he said.

"On finding a man recording the video of meeting, he was told to stop it and asked to delete the footage. After he introduced himself as a journalist, party leaders said he should delete the video," Upasane said.

"A minor scuffle broke out between the journalist and party leaders over the issue, following which I asked the journalist to sit there for a while and later told him to go outside," Upasane said.

When party leaders saw journalists protesting at the venue, the former apologised, he added.

He said the BJP's state president would look into the incident.

Meanwhile, Chhattisgarh Health and Family Welfare Minister TS Singhdeo termed the incident as "unfortunate".

"It was an unfortunate incident and this should not have happened with anyone. Such a kind of incident is unacceptable and stern action should be taken," Singhdeo told reporters.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Finance Minister Piyush Goyal has proposed Rs 5,831.48 crore budgetary allocation for the textile ministry for 2019-20, which is 16.01 per cent lower than the current fiscal.

As per the budget document tabled in Parliament on Friday, the revised expenditure (RE) for the textile ministry has been pegged at Rs 6,943.26 crore during 2018-19.

The original budget proposal was Rs 7,147.73 crore to fund various programmes and schemes for the textile sector.

"The low allocation for ATUF & ROSL schemes for textiles is worrisome as it is clearly not sufficient to meet obligations under the schemes, both backlog and expected fund requirements in 2019-20.

"However, since this is an interim budget, we hope more funds will be allocated for these schemes," Confederation of Indian Textile Industry Chairman Sanjay Jain told PTI.

According to the budget document, Rs 700 crore has been allocated towards the Amended Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (ATUFS) for the next fiscal, as against Rs 622.63 crore for 2018-19.

Besides, a provision of Rs 1,000 crore has been made towards the Remission of State Levies (ROSL) as compared to Rs 3,663.85 crore in the revised estimate of 2018-19.

The government had earmarked Rs 2,163.85 crore for ROSL in the previous year's Budget.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Sunday said the was "unsuccessfully" trying to build a laboratory in for its experiments, on a day the Bengal government denied permission to UP Chief Minister to land his chopper in the eastern state.

"What would have happened had he (UP CM) gone? He had also gone to Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh. What did he do? He revealed the caste of Hanuman and you know the results," spokesperson Pawan Khera said at a news conference here.

"People voted for the party it wanted. They (BJP) want to make a laboratory for its experiments and they are not achieving any success in it," he said.

The tussle between the TMC and got uglier Sunday, with the government denying permission to Adityanath's chopper to land in the state and let him address two scheduled rallies.

had to address the rallies via telephone. He later lashed out at the "anti-people" Trinamool (TMC) government in the state, saying the days of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's rule were "numbered".

Responding to a question on the Centre's decision to accord sanction to prosecute former Union home minister



in the INX media case, Khera said people have lost faith in investigating agencies under the government.

"They said they will bring 'badlav' (change), but they are now taking 'badla' (revenge). People do not trust their intentions. They arrest people and pressurise them to name (the ruling party's) political opponents. Who trusts the CBI and Enforcement Directorate?" he said.West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Sunday extended her support to Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar, who has been summoned by the CBI in connection with Rose Valley and Saradha ponzi scams, accusing



the BJP leadership of pursuing political vendetta.

"The highest levels of the BJP leadership are doing the worst kind of political vendetta. Not only are political parties their targets, they are misusing power to take control of the police and destroy all institutions. We condemn this," Banerjee tweeted.

The CBI has been trying to locate Kumar to question him in connection with the scams, with officials in the central investigating agency stating Saturday that they might arrest the Kolkata police chief as a last resort.

The IPS officer, who led a Special Investigation Team of West Bengal Police probing the scams, is not responding to notices to appear before the agency, they said.

"The Kolkata Police Commissioner is among the best in the world. His integrity, bravery and honesty are unquestioned. He is working 24x7, and was on leave for only one day recently. When you spread lies, the lies will always remain lies," Banerjee added.

Kumar, a 1989-batch IPS officer of West Bengal cadre, had also skipped a meeting with Election Commission officials last week.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)BJP workers on Sunday staged a protest outside the South Dinajpur district magistrate's house over the denial of permission for the chopper of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to land here.

The UP chief minister along with state BJP president Dilip Ghosh is scheduled to address two "Ganatantra Bacaho Rallies" at Balurghat in South Dinajpur district and Raiganj in North Dinajpur district.

The rallies were scheduled to held at 1 PM and 3 PM respectively.

Yogi Aditynath's chopper was scheduled to land near the venue of the meeting at Balurghat.

"We are yet to get permission to land the chopper. So our party workers are staging a protest rally outside the DM's residence demanding permission to land the chopper," Ghosh told PTI.

According to state BJP sources, it has now been decided that the UP chief minister's chopper will land at Raiganj BSF camp. He will then proceed from there to Balurghat by road to address the rallies.

"He will return to Raiganj to address the next rally," he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The BJP Sunday hit out at West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her TMC saying the state government denying permission to Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath's chopper to land in the state was a glaring case of "undemocratic and fascist behaviour".

Senior BJP leader and Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said his party would urge the Election Commission to take notice of this issue since Adityanath, being the chief minister of one the largest state of the country in terms of population, was not allowed to hold public meetings in West Bengal.

"It is deeply regrettable and condemnable and true to the undemocratic record of Mamata Ji and TMC. It is a glaring case of undemocratic and fascist behaviour. The only reason behind preventing Yogi Adityanath's chopper from landing is panic and a sense of fear as Bengalis are yearning for change," he said.

"We would urge the Election Commission to take due notice of it as a popular chief minister of country's largest state (in terms of population) was not allowed to hold a public meeting," he said.

Prasad mentioned that BJP president Amit Shah was also not allowed to hold a rally in West Bengal and there were attempts to disrupt the prime minister's rally there as well.

BJP sources said they would make the West Bengal government's "attack" on the saffron party's democratic rights a big issue and will approach various Institutions.

A BJP delegation will meet the Election Commission Monday, they said, adding the party will also raise the issue in the state through several media conferences.

Adityanath and West Bengal BJP president Dilip Ghosh were scheduled to address "Ganatantra Bacaho Rallies" at Balurghat in South Dinajpur district and Raiganj in North Dinajpur district.

Adityanath addressed the rallies there telephonically and lashed out at the "anti-people" Trinamool Congress (TMC) government in the state, saying the days of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's rule are "numbered".

Though the BJP had been allowed to organise the rallies, the district administration denied permission for Adityanath's chopper to land at both the places, party leaders said.

Following denial of permission to land his chopper, Adityanath decided not to attend either of the rallies and instead addressed them telephonically.

"This is nothing new. Whenever we try to organise any rally, they create hurdles. This is shameful. But the TMC is mistaken if it thinks it can stop us by not giving us permission for holding rallies or landing chopper," Ghosh told PTI.

Addressing both the rallies through audio link, the Uttar Pradesh chief minister said, "The TMC government didn't allow me to come and meet you all. That is why I had to resort to the Digital India of Modi Ji to address you."



Lashing out at the Mamata Banerjee government, the UP chief minister said, "This TMC government is anti-people and anti-democratic and has compromised with the national security."



"The TMC government is afraid of the BJP as it very well knows its days in the state are numbered," he said.

Alleging that the Banerjee government had tried to "stop" Durga Puja in West Bengal to pursue its appeasement policy, Adityanath urged BJP workers to fight vigorously and ensure that the party forms the next government in the state.

"Mamata Banerjee should remember that she cannot misuse the government and its agencies in the state. It is shameful that the government officials are acting as TMC cadres in the state," he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Hundreds of vehicles got stuck in a traffic gridlock near Moghbazar flyover for hours due to narrow space there, causing immense sufferings to commuters. This photo was taken from Shantinagar area on Sunday.Union minister Nitin Gadkari Sunday said the BJP was committed to ensure the progress of Muslim community though there could be a difference of opinion on some issues.

A discussion is required on the various issues being faced by the minority community, he said, adding there was a need to spread education among the community.

Gadkari was speaking on 'Muslim Issues With The Government' at a seminar organised by the Vidarbha Muslim Intellectuals Forum here.

"One thing (I am saying) from the core of my heart...my party and we are very much committed to (ensure) all type of development and progress of the Muslim community," he said.

"We do not want to discriminate against anybody on the basis of caste, creed, sex, religion and language. We may have some differences of opinion on various issues," the senior BJP leader said.

"We have to start a discussion on it, and it is (high) time, for our country, that after discussion we understood each other....we need cooperation, coordination and communication in the society...," he said.

The transport minister said he listened to what other speakers had to say at the event, adding, "I promise to think on them, and my party will think on them."



The minister also underlined the importance of education for the community.

"I am of the view that spread of education is required the most in the Muslim community, and in that women should get equal rights with men," he added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Home Minister Rajnath Singh Sunday attacked the TMC government over the law and order situation in West Bengal and claimed that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was now giving less time to the state as her eyes are fixed on forming a 'Mahagathbandhan'.

Alleging that communal incidents have risen "alarmingly" since the Trinamool Congress came to power in 2011, he claimed West Bengal is the only state besides Jammu and Kashmir where police personnel are being attacked.

With the patronisation of "goondaism, what happened to sonar Bangla (golden Bengal), where presently neither maa, manush nor maati appear to be safe anymore", he claimed.

"Maa-maati-manush" (mother-land-human) is the slogan of the ruling Trinamool Congress.

He claimed that Bengal has now become the front-runner among the most economically backward states in India and in violent incidents.

Singh claimed there had been an alarming rise in communal incidents in West Bengal in four years.

"The numbers of communal incidents in 2011 were 40. By 2014, they rose to 100, and by 2017 around 882 communal incidents were reported. A total of 111 people have been killed in communal violence," he said.

"In Bengal, nobody is safe not even police officials," Singh claimed.

Alleging that BJP candidates had not been allowed to file nomination papers in the last panchayat polls in West Bengal, he said "here loktantra (democracy) is getting replaced by lathitantra (goondaism)".

The Union minister asked BJP activists not to retaliate with violence following attacks on them but to note down the name of the attacker instead.

On the upcoming Global Business Summit in West Bengal, he said in order to invite investors to the state, the Trinamool Congress government needs to improve the law and order situation.

Describing the 'Mahagathbandhan', a proposed alliance of non-BJP opposition parties, as directionless, Singh said these parties had only one agenda and that was to oppose the BJP at the Centre.

Addressing a 'Ganatantra Bachao Rally' here in Hooghly district, Singh said, "Mamataji is giving less time to her state as her priorities are elsewhere, on the Mahagathbandhan."



He also mocked Banerjee for trying to forge the alliance, wondering "who will run the vehicle, who will put the brake or who will press the clutch."



In a dig at Banerjee, who is eyeing foreign investments in the upcoming summit, he said, "For investment in the state, you have to change the ground level law and order situation and create necessary environment for investment."He said, "Mamataji, you had promised to provide jobs to the unemployed youths of Bengal after coming to power. What happened to that? Why 55,000 big, small industrial units remain closed in the state?"Singh said the TMC government's "non-flexible, anti-development and anti-people attitude" is clear from its opposition to the smart city project and the Ayushman Bharat project of the Centre.

He charged the TMC and the erstwhile CPI(M) governments with rise in infiltration across the Indo-Bangladesh border and patronising anti-national elements.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Ailing CPI(M) patriarch and former West Bengal chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee is set to attend Sunday's Left Front rally at Brigade Parade Ground here.

Bhattacharjee, who arrived at the rally ground around 1.30 pm, was seen sitting inside his car along with his wife.

The CPI(M) leader had been bed-ridden for the past several months due to Compulsory Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD).

"Buddhada joining the rally, even if it is for few minutes, will boost the morale of party cadres. He is the tallest leader of our party in Bengal. His popularity among the cadres is still unmatched," a senior CPI(M) leader said.

It was part Bhattacharjee's daily routine to visit the CPI(M) state headquarters in the afternoon.

But things have changed in the last couple of years with his deteriorating health and fading eyesight.

Bhattacharjee had stepped down from the CPI(M) state committee in March last year citing health issues.

Earlier he had also stepped down from the party's central committee and politburo.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)In yet another provocative move, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi spoke to hardline Hurriyat Conference chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani and discussed the Kashmir issue, the Foreign Office said here on Sunday, days after he made a similar phone call to a separatist leader that angered India.

The Foreign Office in a statement said that Qureshi and Geelani discussed about an international conference to be held in London to "express solidarity with the Kashmiri people".

"Foreign Minister QureshI spoke to the senior leadership of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference on telephone before his departure for London to attend international activities to be held there in connection with the Kashmir Day, the statement said.

Qureshi on Tuesday telephoned Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and discussed with him Islamabad's efforts to highlight the Kashmir issue.

India Wednesday summoned Pakistan envoy Sohail Mahmood and categorically told him that Qureshi's telephonic conversation with Mirwaiz was a "brazen attempt" to subvert India's unity and violate its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

India said that Qureshi's telephonic conversation with a separatist leader reflected the duplicity in Pakistani leadership's approach on ties with India.

The Pakistan Foreign Office on Sunday said Qureshi exchanged views with Geelani about the programmes to be held in London.

The foreign minister will speak at the International Kashmir Conference at the British Parliament on Monday. On Tuesday he will also attend the exhibition at the Park Lane in connection with the Kashmir Day, it said.

Talking to media in Multan on Saturday, Qureshi said Pakistan has no intention to interfere in India's internal matters and New Delhi should not make an issue out of his telephonic conversation with Kashmiri separatist leader Mirwaiz.

Qureshi said that Pakistan has no intention to interfere in the internal matters of India, but New Delhi should also stop blaming Islamabad for its problems.

"We want to resolve the Kashmir dispute through dialogue but India is making undue hue and cry," Qureshi said.

"Issues are emerging in India but Pakistan has no role in that," he said.

Qureshi said that he would highlight Pakistan's view point on Kashmir issue at an event in the House of Common in London this week.

The Foreign Office also issued Qureshi's statement before his departure to London in which he was quoted as saying that Kashmir is an "important pillar" of Pakistan's foreign policy.

Pakistan will continue its support for the oppressed Kashmiris on political, moral and foreign levels and want resolution of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with the UN resolution, he said.

India gets annoyed if the Kashmir issue is highlighted despite the fact that it is a resolvable issue. The real face of India would be exposed by presenting Pakistan's point of view on the issue in the international conference being held on Kashmir in London at the House of Commons, he said.

He said regardless of the political party winning the next election in India, Pakistan would reciprocate to the new government's good gesture in New Delhi.

India has made it clear to Pakistan that talks and terrorism cannot go together.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Aam Aadmi Party parliamentarian Sanjay Singh will raise the issue of shooting and torching of Mahatma Gandhi's effigy in Uttar Pradesh last week, in Rajya Sabha.

Singh, who has given a notice to raise the issue during the Zero Hour of the House, said Modi government's "silence" on the issue is "highly unfortunate".

The incident, on the Mahatma's death anniversary, happened in Aligarh, where suspected Hindu Mahasabha members used a toy to shoot at his effigy and torched it in an enactment of his assassination.

A video of the incident had gone viral on social media, generating widespread outrage.

"The incident exemplifying Talibani culture is highly condemnable but it's unfortunate that Modi government has maintained silence on it," Singh said.

Aligarh police registered a case and arrested five persons allegedly involved in the incident.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Seven Rohingya Muslims were Sunday arrested from an Assam-bound train here, police said.

They were detained at Dharmanagar Railway Station in North Tripura district and later handed over to Tripura Police.

Assistant Sub Inspector of Railway Police Force (RPF), Laxman Debbarma, who is in charge of a RPF contingent at Dharmanagar railway station, said the seven Rohingya Muslims were detained after security personnel found them behaving in a suspicious manner in the station premises.

The arrested include six girls and a boy, all in their teens.

"All the detainees were having valid general category tickets from Agartala Railway Station till Badarpur Junction in Assam. On suspicion, we made a preliminary interrogation and found all of them to be Rohingya Muslims from Myanmar. Later, they were handed over to local police at Dharmanagar," Debbarma said.

North Tripura district superintendent of police Bhanupada Chakraborty said the detainees were being interrogated.

Last month, 67 Rohingyas were arrested in Tripura. Of them, 31 were holed up at the Indo-Bangla international border behind the barbed wire fencing for four days before the Border Security Force arrested them and handed them over to Tripura Police.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Four BJP functionaries, including the Raipur district unit chief, were arrested for allegedly thrashing a local journalist at the party office here, police said on Sunday.

BJP's Raipur district president Rajeev Agrawal and three local office-bearers -- Vijay Vyas, Utkarsh Trivedi and Deena Dongre -- were arrested late Saturday night based on the First Information Report (FIR) lodged by journalist Suman Pandey, a local police official told PTI.

The four, who were booked under Indian Penal Code Sections 342 (wrongful confinement), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 504 (criminal intimidation) and 34 (common intention), were later released on a bail bond from the police station, he said.

Peeved over the incident, local journalists sat on an indefinite protest in front of the Raipur Press Club in Motibagh area here on Sunday, demanding expulsion of the accused from the BJP.

Pandey, who works with a local website, in his complaint alleged that he was thrashed on Saturday when he was recording a video of a scuffle among BJP leaders during the party's district-level meeting to review their defeat in the recent Chhattisgarh Assembly polls.

The journalist sustained minor head injuries in the incident, he said.

After Pandey was beaten, local journalists had staged a sit-in protest front of the BJP office here till the wee hours of Sunday, demanding expulsion of the accused party functionaries.

State BJP president Dharamlal Kaushik and former minister Brijmohan Agrawal arrived at the party office to meet the protesting journalists around 2.30 am.

"They refused to take any immediate action against the accused BJP leaders and said they will first demand an explanation from them following which action will be taken," Raipur Press Club vice president Prafull Thakur said.

"We are now sitting on an indefinite protest in front of the press club till our demand to expel the accused leaders is fulfilled," Thakur added.

State BJP spokesperson Sacchidanand Upasane, who was also present at the party meeting, on Saturday said his party men had apologised to Pandey.

"The closed door district-level meeting was held to review the defeat in the recent Assembly elections. Media persons were asked to leave the meeting room after taking initial footage. Party leaders and workers were also asked to keep their mobile phones switched off," he said.

On finding a man recording the video of meeting, he was told to stop it and asked to delete the footage. After he introduced himself as a journalist, party leaders said he should delete the video, Upasane said.

"A minor scuffle broke out between the journalist and party leaders over the issue, following which I asked the journalist to sit there for a while and later told him to go outside," Upasane said.

Later, the party leaders apologised to journalists protesting at the venue, he said, adding that BJP's state president would look into the incident.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Vodafone Idea has completed integration of mobile network in eight telecom circles post merger of the two entities, leading to two-times improvement in 4G services, the telecom operator said Sunday.

"Vodafone Idea successfully consolidates 25 per cent of its nationwide radio network in just five months," the company said in a statement.

"With this integration of network, customers of both Vodafone and Idea brands are able to enjoy a unified network experience on 2G, 3G and 4G, in the service areas of West Bengal, Haryana, HP, Assam, North East, AP and Telangana (excluding Hyderabad), Jammu and Kashmir and Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh," the statement said.

Vodafone and Idea Cellular completed merger of their mobile business on August 31, 2018. The mered entity, Vodafone Idea, is now in process of integrating their business including telecom networks.

The company claimed that its 4G network now covers over 75 crore population on a pan-India level across 60,000 mobile sites.

"With joint spectrum firing, 4G throughput has shown quick improvement of '1X to 2X' in many of these service areas," the statement said.

In addition to the full radio network consolidation of the above eight service areas, Vodafone Idea said that it 4G network consolidation in the city of Bangalore and 4G services have now been made available to both Vodafone and Idea customers in Kolkata metro.

"The company has also re-farmed 10 MHz of 4G spectrum of Vodafone in Mumbai to enable its customers in the metro get better data experience," the statement said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Two youngsters have been arrested in connection with reportedly posting objectionable content linking YSR Congress party chief Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy's sister Y S Sharmila with a popular Tollywood actor on social media, police said Sunday.

On January 14, Sharmila, in a complaint filed with Hyderabad Police Commissioner Anjani Kumar, sought action against those responsible for posting objectionable material against her.

The YSR Congress leader had alleged that the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) was behind spreading such rumours.

A case under the IT Act and IPC section 509 (word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of woman) was registered against unknown persons, police said.

During the course of investigation, an MCA student from Guntur was arrested on Saturday and another youth from Mancherial district (of Telangana) was arrested Sunday, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Cyber Crimes)



K C S Raghu Vir told PTI.

The senior police official said they suspect the role of more people and may make further arrests in this connection.

Somebody posted videos linking Sharmila with the actor online and the two youths, who are not connected, posted obscene comments.

The duo was tracked based on the IP address, police said.

Terming the incident as "character assassination", Jagan Reddy's sister alleged the TDP was spreading rumours against her.

"I have natural reasons to accuse the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) that they are behind this mud-slinging," Sharmila maintained.

However, condemning Sharmila's allegations, Andhra Pradesh Women Development Minister Paritala Sunitha said the TDP has nothing to do with the social media posts and that the party will condemn such derogatory posts not only against Sharmila, but any woman.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Housing and Public Works Minister SM Rezaul Karim being greeted by Chief Engineer of LGED Md Abul Kalam Azad during his visit at LGED Headquarters yesterday.Hitting out at the proposed grand alliance of anti-BJP parties across states, Union Home Minister and senior BJP leader Rajnath Singh on Sunday asked who will "run the vehicle of mahagatbandhan."

He also said a decisive leadership to take strong decisions is essential to run a government.

"I am seeing that Trinammol leader Mamata didi (Mamata Banerjee) is concentrating less on West Bengal and trying to form a 'mahagatbandhan' (grand alliance). If the government is formed by a grand alliance, who will run the vehicle of mahagatbandhan? They will have to first decide who will hold the steering and who will press the brakes," he said while addressing a rally here.

To run a government, it is "essential to have a decisive leadership which should have the power to take strong decisions," he said.

The Narendra Modi-led Central government is "committed to curb corruption" in the country and has undertaken several schemes to check cases of graft and Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) is one of them, Singh said, adding that the Centre saved over Rs 1 lakh crore through the introduction of DBT.

Speaking on the alleged money laundering in the Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal, Singh said, "Corruption was detected in the deal. People had earlier raised doubts that how the accused persons who were abroad would be extradited. We were successful in bringing back Christian Michel along with two persons and have arrested them. No corrupt person would be spared."

Michel, a Dubai-based Englishman and the alleged middleman in the VVIP chopper scam, and co-accused Rajiv Saxena along with corporate lobbyist Deepak Talwar were recently extradited from the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

With the surgical strike across the Line of Control in 2016, India has shown that it can take bold steps in tackling terrorism while Maoist activities too have been reduced sharply in the last four-and-a-half years, Singh said, adding that India was no longer a weak country.

"People used to tell us earlier that you are wasting time in West Bengal. But now they are saying BJP can win more than 20-25 Lok Sabha seats from Bengal," he said.

Addressing the rally here in Hooghly district, Singh appealed to the leaders, activists and supporters of the BJP to fight against the ruling Trinamool Congress in the state, assuring that the central leadership is with them.

"Do not let the BJP's head down," Singh said.

He also said the Centre has decided to seal West Bengal and Assam's borders with Bangladesh by putting in place a comprehensive integrated border management system.

"This will prevent smuggling of cows, drugs and stop the entry of fake notes and infiltrators," he said.

Citing the recent budgetary announcements, Singh said that farmers would benefit immensely from the direct income support of Rs 6,000.

--IANS

bdc/ssp/arm/bg

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Eighth seed Donna Vekic of Croatia eased past Vera Zvonareva 6-2, 6-2 in the St. Petersburg Ladies Trophy semi-final, ending Russia's hopes of having its first champion in 14 years.

Vekic followed up her stunning win over the 2019 Australian Open runner-up Petra Kvitova, ranked No. 2 in the world, in the quarterfinals with a 70-minute victory on Saturday over Zvonareva to book a place in her biggest final of her career, reports Efe news.

Aware of the danger Zvonareva, a former World No. 2, can pose, the 22-year-old Vekic did not let her get into her stride, relying on her serve that was in danger just once during the whole match.

By contrast Zvonareva, who battled several injuries and underwent shoulder surgery, managed to hold her serve in the opening game, only to lose the following five games.

Then Zvonareva held serve for only the second time in the set, and created a break point in the following game, but Vekic did not allow her back into the match and went on to take the opener.

The second set was pretty much a carbon copy of the first, with the current world No. 97 winning the first game of the set and then losing the following five games.

Zvonareva held serve for the fourth time in the encounter before Vekic sealed her first win over the Russian in their second career match.

Next up for Vekic would be second-seed Kiki Bertens of the Netherlands, who imposed her will in a seesaw first set, before taking advantage of several unforced errors by Aryna Sabalenka in a 7-6 (7-5), 6-2 win over the Belorussian player.

It seemed like Bertens would live up to expectations against the fourth-seed as she took a 2-0 lead, but Sabalenka was not ready to quit her best St. Petersburg Ladies Trophy run without a fight, drawing level at 2-2 in the first set.

Having got past the early nerves, the set went with serve, despite a couple of break points created by each player, to a tiebreak that the Dutch sealed on the third opportunity, having recovered from a 3-1 deficit.

Bertens then stormed into a 4-0 lead in the second set that could have been a 5-0, but Sabalenka held her off for a while.

A service break opened Sabalenka's account in the second half and then she held serve in the following game for the first time in the set.

But it was when she looked to be making a comeback when she conceded her serve in a nine-minute-long final game that featured seven deuces.

Vekic will be seeking her third singles title following her maiden trophy in Kuala Lumpur in 2014, while 27-year-old Bertens will be on the hunt for her eighth title.

The Croatian won the most recent match against Bertens in the second round of the 2019 Brisbane International.

--IANS

gau/ksk

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)In a virtual no-holds-barred clash between the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Central and West Bengal governments, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee began a sit-in here on Sunday accusing the Centre of attempting a coup to destabilise the state after an ugly face-off between the CBI and the state police over the federal probe agency's bid to grill city police commissioner Rajeev Kumar in connection with the Ponzi scheme scam case.

The showdown started after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officers showed up near the official residence of Kumar, a day after CBI sources said they were "looking for" him, and claimed he might be arrested if he failed to respond to the CBI's summons.

Kumar, a 1989 batch IPS officer, headed the Special Investigation Team set up by the Banerjee government after the Saradha ponzi scam came to light in 2013, a year before the CBI took up the case on Supreme Court order.

On Sunday, the evening drama began as a group of CBI officers approached Kumar's Loudon Street residence, but were stopped by city police personnel, who also forcibly took five federal probe agency officers to a police station.

The Chief Minister, who had extended support to Kumar earlier in the day, rushed to his house and was closeted with other top officers, including state police Director General Virendra.

A visibly angry Banerjee came out of Kumar's residence after over an hour, and alleged that National Security Advisor Ajit Doval was giving instructions to the CBI at the behest of Modi and BJP President Amit Shah.

"I am sorry to say National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is giving instructions to the agency. He is implementing what PM Narendra Modi is asking for," Banerjee said.

"I will start a dharna (sit-in) at Dharamtala area to save institutions, constitution and the federal structure of the country. This is a satyagraha," she said.

Minutes after she began the sit-in, the police commissioner and other officers, state ministers and Trinamool leaders joined her, and scores of ruling party activists converged in the area from Kolkata and nearby districts.

Banerjee said a meeting of the state cabinet would be held on Monday at the sit-in venue to ratify the state budget slated to be presented during the day.

Banerjee said she would skip Assembly proceedings, but the House would continue as usual.

Banerjee also alleged CBI officers came to Kumar's residence without any search warrant to conduct a secret operation.

"You are coming to the commissioner's residence without any warrant to conduct a secret operation. It is (nothing but) instruction from Narendra Modi and Amit Shah."

"There is a constitutional break-down and they are trying to organise a coup to destabilise the state. They are trying to run a parallel administration," she told reporters outside the Commissioner's house.

"I have come here because I have a constitutional and personal responsibility to give protection to my forces," she said.

In a rare exhortation, Banerjee appealed to all security forces to be together and condemn the attitude of the Modi government.

She called the developments a 'blow' to the country's federal structure, and claimed that the Supreme Court in its judgement had said both central and state agencies can discuss mutually if they have any queries.

Addressing the media at the sit-in venue, Banerjee said a large number of opposition leaders have telephoned her to back her movement.

"Leaders of various opposition parties, including Akhilesh Yadav (Samajwadi Party), Mayawati (BSP), Tejashwi Yadav (RJD), Chandrababu Naidu (TDP), Omar Abdullah (NC), Ahmed Patel (Congress) and M K Stalin (DMK), have called me to extend their solidarity and support," she said.

It all began around 6 p.m., when CBI officers, led by its deputy superintendent Tathagata Bardhan, were spotted near Kumar's residence, but within a few minutes some senior Kolkata police officers rushed there and were seen having animated discussions with the federal team.

A little later, another CBI team reached the spot.

Meanwhile, a strong city police team was seen near the CBI's state headquarters at CGO Complex in the Salt Lake area. However, they left after a couple of hours.

The drama intensified near Kumar's residence around 7 p.m., as three deputy commissioners of city police and some officers of the anti-rowdy section reached the spot, following which there ensued a scuffle between the CBI team and cops.

The five CBI officers including Bardhan were bundled into three vehicles and taken to the Shakespeare Sarani police station.

They were released later in the night.

CBI Joint Director Pankaj Srivastava said his officers went to Kumar's residence to question him, but were stopped from entering the house.

Meanwhile, the Central Reserve Police Force troopers have been deployed at the CBI headquarters at CGO Complex as also at its city office Nizam Palace.

Trinamool spokesperson and Rajya Sabha MP Derek O'Brien said his party would raise the matter in Parliament on Monday.

--IANS

ssp/vc

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that talks were underway at lower levels with Syria, ruling out any contact at higher levels with Damascus.

"Talks at lower levels must continue with Syria even if not between leaders," Erdogan said during a live-broadcast interview with Turkish broadcaster TRT, Xinhua news agency reported on Sunday.

Turkey broke all contacts with the Syrian government at the start of the civil war in 2011 and sought to oust President Bashar al-Assad by offering support to some rebel groups.

During their last meeting in Moscow on January 23, Russian President Vladimir Putin encouraged Erdogan to establish some form of contact with the Syrian leadership, invoking a Turkish-Syrian security pact signed in 1998 that could be reactivated to address the security concerns of the two neighbours.

--IANS

vc

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Tulsi Gabbard, the first Hindu US Congresswoman, has officially launched her 2020 presidential campaign in Hawaii.

"It is this principle of service above self that is at the heart of every soldier, at the heart of every service member, and it is in this spirit that today I announce my candidacy for President of the United States of America," CNN quoted Gabbard as saying said on Saturday at an event here.

"I will bring this soldier's principles to the White House, restoring the values of dignity, honour and respect to the presidency and above all else, love for our people and love for our country.

"I ask you to join me, join me in putting this spirit, this spirit of service above self at the forefront and to stand up against the forces of greed and corruption.

"The road ahead will not be easy. The battles will be tough. The obstacles great, but I know when we stand united by our love for our people and for our country, there is no obstacle we cannot overcome. There is no battle we cannot win," said Gabbard, who is not of Indian descent but comes from a Hindu family in Hawaii.

The official launch of the 37-year-old four-term Democratic congresswoman's campaign gives her presidential bid a chance at a reset after weeks of discord heading into the announcement.

Gabbard, an Iraq War veteran who gained national prominence in 2016 as an outspoken supporter of Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders' 2016 campaign, will run for President as an anti-interventionalist Democrat who supports a populist economic agenda.

While the Congresswoman has highlighted health care access, criminal justice reform and climate change as key platform issues for her presidential run, her tenure in Congress has been defined by her anti-interventionist foreign policy positions.

Gabbard, who sits on the House Armed Services Committee, is the only military veteran to declare her candidacy and could be relying on her two tours in the Middle East to differentiate her from many Democratic presidential candidates, including Indian and African-Jamaican descent Senator Kamala Harris, Senator Elizabeth Warren and former Housing Secretary Julian Castro.

She is popular for some progressive policies, though she received flak even within her own party over a 2017 meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and past positions opposed to LGBTQ rights.

--IANS

ksk/mr

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A top US diplomat on Sunday travelled to South Korea to meet representatives from Pyongyang and prepare for the second summit between American President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

Stephen Biegun, US Special Representative for North Korea, will meet South Korea's top nuclear envoy Lee Do-hoon, to coordinate on talks with the North Korean regime over its denuclearization, Efe news agency reported.

On Monday, the US envoy is scheduled to meet North Korea's new negotiator for talks with Washington, Kim Hyok-chol, at the border village of Panmunjom to finalize details of the summit between Trump and Kim.

These meetings are expected to iron out the details and set the date and venue of the summit, two weeks after Trump announced it would be held at the end of February in Vietnam.

Kim Hyok-chol was part of the delegation accompanying former North Korean military Intelligence Chief, Kim Yong-chol, to Washington last month to meet Trump and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

According to US media reports, the Vietnamese city of Da Nang, located along the coast of the South China Sea, is the venue preferred by negotiating teams from both.

North Korea and the US hope that the second summit will restart the stalled denuclearization talks.

At the first summit in Singapore last June, the two leaders agreed to work towards the denuclearization of the Korean Pensinsula in exchange for security guarantees from Washington, but there has been little developments since.

--IANS

rs/ksk/mr

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Swaraj India's Vice President, Anupam, who leads a nationwide youth movement against unemployment, was assaulted in south Delhi on Friday night by two bike-borne assailants who attacked him with a sharp weapon injuring him, police said on Sunday.

The incident occurred near a busy market in East of Kailash area where two unknown bike-borne assailants attacked Anupam.

"When Anupam resisted, one of them attacked him with a blade-like object. The assailants managed to escape with his mobile phone. He suffered a deep cut below his right eye," said Deputy Commissioner of Police Chinmoy Biswal said.

Anupam leads a nationwide youth movement 'Yuva Hallabol' against unemployment. He had called a youth summit on January 27, joining hands with over 60 youth representatives across the country against depleting job opportunities in the country and to expose corruption in recruitments.

"We have detained some suspects in the case after scanning the CCTV footages. We are interrogating them," said Biswal.

--IANS

sp/prs

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)D Day has arrived yet again for Reid & Taylor at the National Company Law Tribual (NCLT), with its next hearing slated for February 5 in Mumbai. This is when the fate of the latest bidder Indian Gas Ltd will be decided.

During the hearings, the NCLT Bench has thrown into stark relief that they now don't believe the Employee Association at all and are even extremely suspicious that there is a definitive effort to sabotage the process of resolution.

In the continuing saga replete with twists and turns by way of bids and withdrawals to participate in the CIRP for Reid & Taylor, despite time of statutory 270 days period having elapsed, Indian Gas Ltd with its last minute bid informing the Bench that the company, which has Rs 1,500 crore net worth, is in the hunt. But recent history may well repeat itself on Tuesday when the new bid is turned out.

The reason being that records of Registrar of Companies reveal that Indian Gas Ltd has total shareholders' funds of Rs 5,72,31,856 and share capital of Rs 6 crore as on March 31, 2018, according to the Balance Sheet for FY 2017-18.

On closer examination into the internal financials (paid up capital) of the group entities associated with one of the Directors of Indian Gas Ltd, Thamburaj Mohan including Indian Power Projects Ltd (Rs 5 crore), MRC Services Pvt Ltd (Rs 9 lakh), Indian Gas Ltd (Rs 6 crore), Indian Integrated Energy Ltd (Rs 10 crore), Thamara Green farms Pvt Ltd (Rs 1 lakh), Thithukudi Green Farms Pvt Ltd (Rs 1 lakh), Nellai Dry Land Agro Farms Pvt Ltd (Rs 1 lakh), IMP Infra Holding Pvt Ltd (Rs 1 lakh), Venthan Enterprises Pvt Ltd (Rs 1 lakh), MRC Green Energy Pvt Ltd (Rs 1 lakh) amounting up to about Rs 21.15 crore in all.

In reality, in its submission through Rinav Manseta, Indian Gas Ltd had informed the NCLT Mumbai Bench of having a net worth of Rs 1,500 crore.

Another investor SPGP had earlier this month claimed a net worth of Rs 67 crore but eventually could prove a net worth of a meagre Rs 6 crore and then backed out apologizing to the Bench for the company's inability to participate in the Resolution Process.

The NCLT Mumbai Bench during the hearing had said that only due to the humanitarian angle they had considered a smallest opportunity that was available to the company to revive itself even after the statutory deadline of 270 days had passed.

In the last hearing, the NCLT Mumbai Bench had noted that if the investor (Indian Gas Ltd) fails to deposit non-refundable EMD of Rs 2 crore by February 5, it will be construed that the said the person representing Indian Gas Ltd had made false statements for obtaining adjournment for which they may proceed against this person under section 420 of IPC.

Finquest had opposed the claim of Indian Gas Ltd to participate in the Resolution Process of R&T saying the time of statutory 270 days period should not be extended under any circumstances. Its counsel Zal Andhyarujina said that its client feels that Indian Gas has not come to NCLT with genuine interest.

In one of the hearings, on the issue of KPMG forensic report, the Bench noted that there is no doubt that there was fraud committed by the erstwhile promoters in the company. The Bench had then observed that there was a clear case of fraud that can be treated under IPC also and if required, the Bench can request the police and other authorities to look into it and initiate suitable proceedings.

--IANS

mr/vd

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Tamanna not to return country this month

Entertainment Report :

At the end of last year once popular film actress Tamanna said that she might return to Bangladesh in February. For this reason, some directors also talked with her in Sweden before her coming. But yesterday she told this correspondent over mobile phone that due to her present family works she will not be able to return in Bangladesh.

In June, she will come

to Bangladesh.

While talking in this regard Tamanna told this correspondent, I had planned to come to Bangladesh this February. Many years I couldnt visit Ekushey Book Fair. I wanted to meet some favourite writers also. I also talked with some directors to work but unfortunately

I will not be able to come here due to my

family problems.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Sunday spoke to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and expressed his support to her sit-in against the Centre over CBI move in the state, saying the happenings in Bengal "were part of the unrelenting attack on India's institutions" by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP.

Gandhi said in a tweet that the "entire opposition will stand together and defeat these fascist forces."

"I spoke with Mamata Di tonight and told her we stand shoulder to shoulder with her. The happenings in Bengal are a part of the unrelenting attack on India's institutions by Modi and the BJP. The entire opposition will stand together and defeat these fascist forces," he said.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also expressed solidarity with Banerjee.

"Spoke to Mamta didi and expressed solidarity. Modi-Shah duo's action is completely bizarre and anti-democracy," he said.

However, CPI-M General Secretary Sitaram Yechury attacked both Banerjee and the BJP accusing both of "drama".

"Corruption cases against TMC govt in chit fund scam have been public for years but Modi govt chose to stay quiet as top mastermind of the scam joined BJP. It does a drama to act now, after 5 years, and TMC leadership responds by staging a drama to protect its corrupt.

"This drama in Kolkata by BJP and TMC is not a fight for any principle but only to save their corrupt and hide their corruption. CPI(M) has fought both these undemocratic, corrupt, communal and dictatorial regimes in the Centre and the state and will continue to do so," he said in tweets.

In an unprecedented confrontation with the Modi government, Banerjee began a sit-in on Sunday in Kolkata accusing the Centre of trying to run a parallel administration in states, saying there is a "constitutional break-down" after an ugly face-off between the CBI and the state police.

The showdown started after the federal probe agency's officers showed up near the residence of Kolkata police commissioner Rajeev Kumar, who has been under the scanner in connection with the CBI probe into the ponzi scheme scam case.

The events are expected to cast a shadow on the budget session of parliament on Monday with the opposition expected to vociferously raise the issue.

--IANS

ps/vc

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Congress President and several other opposition leaders on Sunday extended their full support to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in her sit-in against the Centre over CBI move in the state, saying the happenings in Bengal were part of the unrelenting attack on India's institutions by Prime Minister and the BJP.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Conference leader RJD leader and DMK leader M K Stalin were among leaders who expressed their solidarity with Banerjee in tweets.

However, CPI-M General Secretary attacked both Banerjee and the BJP accusing both of "drama".

Gandhi, who spoke to Banerjee, said in a tweet that the "entire opposition will stand together and defeat these fascist forces."

"I spoke with Mamata Di tonight and told her we stand shoulder to shoulder with her. The happenings in Bengal are a part of the unrelenting attack on India's institutions by Modi and the BJP. The entire opposition will stand together and defeat these fascist forces," he said.



I spoke with Mamata Di tonight and told her we stand shoulder to shoulder with her.



The happenings in Bengal are a part of the unrelenting attack on Indias institutions by Mr Modi & the BJP.



The entire opposition will stand together & defeat these fascist forces.  (@RahulGandhi) February 3, 2019

Kejriwal called Modi-Shah duo's action is against democracy.

"Spoke to Mamta didi and expressed solidarity. Modi-Shah duo's action is completely bizarre and anti-democracy," Kejriwal said.

Spoke to Mamta didi and expressed solidarity. Modi-Shah duos action is completely bizarre and anti-democracy  (@ArvindKejriwal) February 3, 2019

Spoke to respected @MamataOfficial ji. Extended RJDs support, BJP has not only venomous & nefarious agenda against opposition leaders but Indian Administrative Service & Police Officers. Might visit Kolkata tomorrow  (@yadavtejashwi) February 3, 2019

Yadav, who also spoke to Banerjee, extended RJD's support, "BJP has not only venomous and nefarious agenda against opposition leaders but Indian Administrative Service and Police Officers. Might visit Kolkata tomorrow," he said.



Naidu said that the Modi led BJP is losing all hope after opposition parties started uniting and started to fight together to save democracy.

"The misuse of institutions by the union government to victimise political opponents in States is reaching dangerous proportions. We strongly condemn the incidents happening in Kolkata, a glaring example of how Modi-Shah duo are destroying the institutions. Attacking political opponents in different States, few days before the Parliament elections commence, will have disastrous consequences in the country."



We strongly condemn the incidents happening in Kolkata, a glaring example of how Modi-Shah duo are destroying the institutions. Attacking political opponents in different States, few days before the Parliament elections commence, will have disastrous consequences in the country.  N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) February 3, 2019

This is shocking and we strongly condemn this. We stand by Chief Minister of to preserve and protect constitution and spirit of federalism in the country. #SaveDemocracy  N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) February 3, 2019

Abdullah said he spoke to Banerjee to convey the support of Conference to her protest.

"The use of the CBI as a political tool has crossed all limits as has the Modi government's misuse of institutions. A former CM having such little regard for India's federalism is shocking," he said.



Just spoke to @MamataOfficial didi to convey the support of @JKNC_ as she sits in dharna. The use of the CBI as a political tool has crossed all limits as has the Modi governments misuse of institutions. A former CM having such little regard for Indias federalism is shocking  (@OmarAbdullah) February 3, 2019

The independence of every institution has been compromised under this fascist BJP Government.



I stand with @MamataOfficial Didi in her fight to protect the federal structure of this country and to save democracy.#SaveDemocracy  M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) February 3, 2019

Stalin said he stood with Banerjee in her fight to protect the federal structure of this country and to save democracy. "The independence of every institution has been compromised under this fascist BJP Government."



Yechury said that corruption cases against TMC government in chit fund scam have been public for years but the Modi government chose to stay quiet as the top mastermind of the scam joined BJP.

"It does a drama to act now, after 5 years, and TMC leadership responds by staging a drama to protect its corrupt. This drama in Kolkata by BJP and TMC is not a fight for any principle but only to save their corrupt and hide their corruption. CPI(M) has fought both these undemocratic, corrupt, communal and dictatorial regimes in the Centre and the state and will continue to do so," he said.



The Brigade Rally was possible due to the massive support of the people of Bengal who are suffering under oppressive policies of BJP at Centre & TMC in the state, and the dedication of every single Comrade. We must oust both BJP & TMC to ensure that People get their due #LalSalam pic.twitter.com/eYSvwiUtMB  (@SitaramYechury) February 3, 2019

In an unprecedented confrontation with the Modi government, Banerjee began a sit-in on Sunday in Kolkata accusing the Centre of trying to run a parallel administration in states, saying there is a "constitutional break-down" after an ugly face-off between the CBI and the state police.

The showdown started after the federal probe agency's officers showed up near the residence of commissioner Rajeev Kumar, who has been under the scanner in connection with the CBI probe into the ponzi scheme scam case.

The events are expected to cast a shadow on the budget session of parliament on Monday with the opposition expected to vociferously raise the issue.A 41-year-old property dealer was arrested for brandishing a pistol at Uber driver in a case of road rage at south Delhi, police said on Sunday.

The incident occurred on Friday when the accused, identified as Rajan Bharar, a resident of Kirti Nagar, came to attend a birthday party in a restaurant at East of Kailash area.

"After the party, Rajan went to drop his friend at Amar Colony. Returning home, he picked a fight with an Uber driver while overtaking. Rajan broke the glass of the cab and threatened to kill the Uber driver by showing off a pistol," said Deputy Commissioner of Police Chinmoy Biswal.

"The Uber driver, Salman, 22, told the police in his complaint that while he was waiting for his passenger, Rajan Bharar kept honking behind his cab. He later abused him and damaged the mirror of his vehicle. Bharar then brandished a pistol at Salman," the DCP added.

"All the night patrolling motorcycles and picket staff were alerted. A PCR van also assisted in the chase. The car Hyndai I10 was seen in Amar Colony area. On seeing the police team, Bharar tried to flee. He was later arrested after police vehicles intercepted his car," he added.

"During interrogation, Bharar said he got the illegal automatic pistol from his contact in Uttar Pradesh's Meerut. He had also contested MCD's councillor election in 2012 from Kirti Nagar but lost," the officer added.

--IANS

sp/prs

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Pope Francis will arrive in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Sunday, becoming the first pontiff to visit the Arabian peninsula.

The Pope has been invited by Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan to take part in an interfaith conference, reports the BBC.

The landmark trip will also feature a Mass on Tuesday that is expected to draw 120,000 people.

In a tweet on Saturday, the Crown Prince said: "We welcome Pope Francis to the UAE. This historic visit will deepen the values of tolerance, understanding and interfaith dialogue.

"We are bound by our humanity, our common values and belief in the future of humankind. Welcome to the UAE in this, our year of tolerance," the Gulf News reported.

However, this is not the first meeting between a Pontiff and a Gulf Cooperation Council ruler.

In 2007, the late King Abdullah met Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican, the first-ever meeting between a Pope and a reigning Saudi King.

The UAE is home to nearly one million Roman Catholics, mostly from India or the Philippines.

--IANS

ksk/mr

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Maoist guerrillas set on fire 10 vehicles in Jharkhand's Ramgarh district early on Sunday, police said.

The incident took place at Dulmi village. The Maoists, numbering around 15, raided a private road construction company and fired in the air to threaten the staff.

They then poured petrol on the vehicles on set them on fire. Refusal to pay protection money to the Maoists apparently led to the arson.

--IANS

ns/mr

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Fifteen-times National Award winner Manipuri filmmaker Aribam Syam Sharma on Sunday said he will return the Padma Shri - the fourth highest civilian award in India - to protest against the controversial Citizenship (Amendment) Bill.

"The Bill is against the interest of the people of North-East and the indigenous people of Manipur. Several people here (Manipur) have opposed the Bill, but it seems they (Central government) are determined to pass it," Sharma told IANS.

"Padma Shri is an honour. It is one of the highest forms of recognition in India. So, I thought the best way to protest was by returning it," he said.

The filmmaker, known for films like "Ishanou", "Imagi Ningthem" and "Leipaklei", was honoured with the Padma Shri in 2006.

He was the director and actor in the first Manipuri film, "Matamgi Manipur", released in 1972. He has also won many pretigious medals in national and international film events.

The Bill that has led to widespread protests in north-eastern states was passed by the Lok Sabha on January 8.

The Bill seeks to grant Indian citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan who entered India before December 31, 2014.

If this happens, people in the region say they will be overwhelmed by "outsiders".

Last month, S. Prakash, Secretary of the North East Students Organisation (NESO), who led a NESO team to meet Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, had said the Chief Minister assured them that the Manipur government would oppose the Bill unless there was a clause to protect the indigenous people in the region.

"The Chief Minister is asking just for a clause. They should oppose the Bill and not ask for an addition or a comma. We are not happy with the approach of Biren and his party," said the octogenarian filmmaker.

"There is no protection for people of the valley (in Manipur). If more people will come, then they (indigenous people) will vanish in the valley or hills. What's the point of having culture if there are no indigenous people? Manipuris' future will be all diluted. Northeast is becoming a dumping ground," he added.

In 2001, prominent Manipuri theatre personality Ratan Thiyam returned his Padma Shri blaming the Centre for playing a "dubious role" regarding the extension of the ceasefire with the Naga rebels.

--IANS

nn-il/mr

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Fifteen times National Award winner Manipuri filmmaker Aribam Syam Sharma on Sunday announced that he would return the Padma Shri -- the fourth highest civilian award in India -- to protest against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2016.

"The Bill is against the interest of the people of North-East and the indigenous people of Manipur. Several people here (Manipur) have opposed the Bill, but it seems they (the Central government) are determined to pass it," Sharma told IANS.

"Padma Shri is an honour. It is one of the highest forms of recognitions in India. So, I thought the best way to protest was by returning it," he said.

The filmmaker, known for films like "Ishanou", "Imagi Ningthem (My Son, My precious)" and "Leipaklei", was honoured with the Padma Shri in 2006.

The Bill that has led to a series of protests in different north-eastern states was passed by the Lok Sabha on January 8.

The Bill seeks to amend the Citizenship Act, 1955 to grant Indian citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan who entered India before December 31, 2014.

Last month, S. Prakash, Secretary of the North East Students Organisation (NESO), who led a NESO team to meet Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, had said the Chief Minister assured them that the Manipur government opposed the Bill unless there was a clause to protect the indigenous people in the region.

"The Chief Minister is asking just for a clause. They should oppose the Bill and not ask for an addition or a comma. We are not happy with the approach of Biren and his party," said the octogenarian filmmaker.

"There is no protection for people of the valley (in Manipur). If more people will come, then they (the indigenous people) will vanish in the valley or hills. What's the point of having culture, if there are no indigenous people? Manipuris' future will be all diluted. Northeast is becoming a dumping ground," he added.

--IANS

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(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Lashing out at Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and BJP leader Yogi Adityanath on Sunday said she has no faith in democracy or the country's Constitution and dubbed her government "anti-democratic, anti-people and anarchic".

Adityanath was scheduled to address two rallies at Balurghat in Dakshin Dinajpur district and Raiganj in Uttar Dinajpur district, but the saffron party accused the West Bengal government of denying permission to his helicopter to land here.

"Out of fear, Bengal's Trinamool government did not allow me to go there and that is why I am with you through Modi ji's Digital India programme. The Bengal government is playing with national security," said Adityanath.A

"This is an anti-democratic, anti-people and anarchic government. The state government is upset as it is scared of BJP's rise," he said while addressing the rally over phone.

He also accused Trinamool government of obstructing BJP President Amit Shah's 'Rath Yatra' rally and assured party activists that "we are all with you in the fight against this anti-democratic government".

In a democracy, there is a difference of opinion, but in Bengal, the opposition's voice is being suppressed, he said.

"It has been seen that candidates from opposition parties in the panchayat elections were brutally beaten up. These incidents prove that Mamata Banerjee and her party have no faith in democracy and also the country's Constitution," Adityanath said.

Killing of opposition workers and beating up of candidates opposing the ruling party in the state poses a challenge to democracy and country's constitution, he said, addressing a rally at Raigunj later in the day.

Adityanath flayed the Mamata Banerjee government, accusing it of involving in conspiracy for not allowing the central welfare schemes to be implemented.

"Central government introduced various schemes for farmers, unorganised workers, women, youths and small businesses of the country. But the Bengal government are not allowing these schemes to be implemented. They are doing conspiracy and as a result, farmers, youths women are deprived of getting benenefit of the scheme

Refering to the January 19 public meeting of 23 anti-BJP parties in Kolkata, he said the leaders who attended the event should hide their faces now because the Bengal government has been continuously suppressing people's opinion.

The leaders at the January 19 rally had given a call to uproot the Modi government at the Centre in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Adityanath also alleged that efforts were made to stop Durga puja worship by Hindus during Navratri in West Bengal, and that the Calcutta High Court had to finally intervene.

He urged party activists to fight against "goons of Trinamool Congress" and assured the audience that the state government would "fail to stop the rise of the saffron outfit in the state" and that the "BJP would come to power".

"We will succeed to bring paribartan in the state and seeing the huge turn-out at Raiganj through videos, I am sure the paribartan is possible," he said.A

Citing Budget proposals, he said 12 crore farmers would benefit from Prime Minister's Kisan programme and over 10 crore workers would get pension of Rs 3,000 a month after attaining 60 years of age.

"The Budget provides security guarantee to four crore small businesses and gives increased confidence to the middle class and salaried people towards a better future," he said.

--IANS

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(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Union Minister Arun Jaitley on Sunday expressed his annoyance at Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge for his dissent to the appointment of Rishi Kumar Shukla as new CBI chief and accused him of using the weapon of dissent "excessively" and not "objectively".

"Dissent in appointment in Collegium are rare. I concede to Kharge the right to dissent. The dissenter is an assertor. He values his views. He represents an alternative viewpoint. A dissent should never be a political tool. The right to dissent is sacrosanct and has to be sparingly used. If a dissenter dissents on every conceivable occasion, he comes out as a person either motivated by collateral reasons or as a person lacking objectivity," Jaitley said in his blog.

He said if Kharge dissents on every conceivable opportunity, namely on the appointment and transfer of Alok Verma and the appointment of Shukla in relation to the CBI directorship, it clearly establishes a pattern of his frame of mind.

"He uses the weapon of dissent excessively and not objectively. Using the instrument of dissent recklessly neutralizes its value. Dissents frequently used in administrative bodies like Collegiums compels independent observers not to take the dissent too seriously.

"The perpetual dissenter in a Collegium meant for appointments sends a message that he was included as a member because of his capacity of Leader of the Opposition, but he hasn't been able to shed his role as an Opposition member, even though now he is a part of a government committee. His dissent has diminished its value and credibility," he said.

Jaitley said that Kharge's dissent in the matter of the transfer of Alok Verma was coloured by his political views because he was a petitioner in the Supreme Court himself in support of Alok Verma.

"He should have recused himself from the committee since his views were known. He suffered from a bias and conflict of interest. Yet he did not recuse himself. Kharge has dissented a bit too frequently. The appointment of a CBI Director was never envisaged to be a political battle. Kharge has made it look like one," he said.

Jaitley's attack come in the wake of Kharge's dissent to the appointment of Shukla as new CBI chief contending that 1983-batch IPS officer did not have any experience in investigating anti-corruption cases.

He said the appointment of the CBI Director was a sole prerogative of the government but it was felt that since investigation is an independent function, India's primary investigating agency, the CBI, must maintain an arm's length from the government.

"Hence the alternative opinion was voiced that the appointment should not be made by the government alone but by a collegium. Since the Congress, in 2014, was not a recognized opposition, falling below 10 per cent of the seats in the last general election, the government, maintaining the highest standards of fairness brought in an amendment wherein in the absence of a leader of Opposition, the leader of the largest party in the Opposition was made a part of the appointment collegium," he said.

He said the position of Kharge as the leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, entitles him to sit in the committee, but the political colour of that office has to be left outside.

"Kharge is a part of a Collegium, which discharges a governance function. Unfortunately, that does not seem to have happened," he added.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday extended support to his West Bengal counterpart Mamata Banerjee as she began a sit-in in Kolkata in protest against the Central government.

"Spoke to Mamta didi and expressed solidarity. Modi-Shah duo's action is completely bizarre and anti-democracy," Kejriwal tweeted.

"Modi ji has made a complete mockery of democracy and the federal structure. A few years back, Modi ji captured anti-corruption branch of Delhi government by sending paramilitary forces. Now, this. Modi-Shah duo is a threat to India and its democracy. We strongly condemn this action," he added.

Kejriwal's reaction came after Banerjee began the sit-in "to save the federal structure of the country".

According to government sources, Kejriwal may also visit Kolkata on Monday.

Last year, Banerjee had extended support to Kejriwal and had visited him when he was protesting at the residence of Delhi Lieutenant Governor.

Kejriwal, along with three Cabinet Ministers, camped in the Raj Niwas for 10 days demanding a direction to the IAS officers working in the Delhi administration to end their undeclared 'strike' and the Centre to approve Delhi government's proposal to deliver ration to the poor at their houses.

Banerjee started her 'dharna' following a high drama in front of Kolkata police commissioner Rajeev Kumar's official residence on Loudon Street when a group of CBI officers were stopped by city police personnel from approaching Kumar's house.

The Kolkata police personnel also forcibly took the federal probe agency officers to a police station after bundling them into several vehicles.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Dadasaheb Phalke awardee Adoor Gopalakrishnan, whose oeuvre prominently placed Malayalam cinema on the world map, feels it is time for India to completely do away with censorship in films as that would help the art form thrive.

In an interview with IANS, the auteur, considered one of the greatest filmmakers of India and a pioneer of the New Cinema movement in Kerala, delved into issues like censorship, protests by fringe groups over films and the rise of the web series culture in the country.

"It is time we did away with censorship. Having censorship in cinema is a big mistake. But this mistake has been perpetuated by the commercial cinema of Mumbai because they want the censor board's certificate as a shield against any litigation filed by other parties, both inside and outside the industry.

"I feel abolishing censorship would certainly help cinema to thrive as an art form. Nobody should be allowed to interfere in filmmaking, not even the government. They are no specialists in this, so how can they interfere? The government often uses its authority in a wrong way," Gopalakrishnan contended.

Referring to a 1979-committee that he, Shyam Benegal and Bengali filmmaker Mrinal Sen were part of, Gopalakrishnan said they decided to recommend that censorship be abolished from Indian cinema but faced strong resistance from a number of director-producers of commercial cinema.

"When the time for the final decision came, there was a strong plea from both Ramanand Sagar and B.R. Chopra against it. They said censorship gives protection from unnecessary legal battles over films. So the recommendation couldn't be made," he reminisced.

Gopalakrishnan, who has often highlighted the socio-political issues through his use of symbolism in films, said talking openly about the loopholes in the censor board and the government's malpractices against films that question institutions have turned him into "an enemy of the administration".

Talking about the recent surge in viewership of online streaming media services like Netflix and Amazon Prime in India, the director said the trend cannot be termed another "new wave" unless the makers come up with something new in terms of filmmaking and content.

"The OTT (over-the-top) platforms like Netflix are buying the big films of Mumbai. Unfortunately, that does not provide much variety in terms of its filmmaking or content. Even while producing original content, they are imitating what is coming out as popular. So it is not making much difference to the art."

"It was Netflix that produced a film like 'Roma'. If they make films of that standard here, then welcome. That will be a real service to the cinema... Otherwise, they would further popularise the rubbish," he contended.

Gopalkrishnan, who has made 12 features, several shorts and documentaries, many of which fetched him National Awards in a career spanning over half-a-century, said he loves making films in his own unhurried pace and believes that making a "good film" is still a tough job.

"I admire films by Satyajit Ray, Ritwik Ghatak and Mrinal Sen as they opened a completely new track for the next generation filmmakers to pursue and develop upon. But I do not want to make films like them. I make films the way I like," he said.

Asked about the protests and violence over a number of recent films, including "Padmavat", "The Accidental Prime Minister" and "Manikarnika", Gopalakrishnan said the trend of resorting to protests even before a film releases, is propaganda.

"People have their right to protest as long as they first see the film. We cannot stop that. But if people or groups are protesting even before they have seen the film, it must be some sort of a propaganda," he added.

(Milinda Ghosh Roy can be contacted at milinda.r@ians.in)

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has said that India should stop blaming Islamabad for its problems as it has no intention of interfering in New Delhi's internal affairs.

Talking to the media here on Saturday, the Minister said it was not a big issue if he had a telephone conversation with senior Kashmiri separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, reports Dawn news.

Qureshi on January 29 telephoned Mirwaiz Farooq to brief him about Islamabad's efforts to highlight the human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir blamed on India and also to invite him to a conference being held in Britain's House of Commons.

"India gets annoyed if the Kashmir issue is highlighted despite the fact that it is a resolvable issue," he said.

He said the real face of India would be exposed by presenting Pakistan's point of view on the issue at the international conference.

The Minister said regardless of which party wins the next election in India, Pakistan would reciprocate "good gestures" by the new government in New Delhi.

"Pakistan's foreign policy will be devised according to the wishes of the nation and in the interest of the country," he added.

Following the telephone call, India on January 30 told Pakistan to lay off on the issue of Jammu and Kashmir.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Despite there being thousands of candidates eligible for admission, the Indian Council of Agricultural Rsearch (ICAR) left more than 2,500 seats vacant from its all-India quota in the last four years, an RTI has revealed.

The ICAR, an autonomous body for coordinating agriculture in India, working under the Ministry of Agriculture, conducts the All India Entrance Exam for Agriculture (AIEEA) for undergraduate and Postgraduate courses for about 80 government institutes or those deemed by it as such across India every year.

The entrance is conducted for 15 per cent of total UG and 25 per cent of total PG seats in these institutes/universities, barring a few chosen (where the council reserves 100 per cent seats under AIEEA).

According to the data given by the council in response to the RTI, a total of 2558 seats were left vacant for both UG and PG combined in last four years across these institutes/universities- the latest year for which exam was conducted was 2018.

Separately, a total of 1,095 seats were left vacant for the PG courses and 1463 for the UG courses during these years. ICAR conducts exams for agriculture and allied activities (except veterinary science).

The RTI applicant termed the vacancies a glaring indictment of wastefulness of the government.

"This is when there were thousands of eligible candidates who could have taken admission. But the ICAR left the job of filling these seats to states, which could not care less," Chandrashekhar Gaur told IANS.

The admission procedure involves an online counselling for the selected candidates, for which the latter have to apply paying a fee of Rs 2000. The candidates are given choice in university and course, but not in college. There may be one or several rounds of counselling.

The ICAR in its information bulletin says that if the seats are not filled after rounds of counselling, it will leave the job up to the universities to fill them up.

"The ICAR quota seats after the final round of online counselling if remain vacant, shall automatically stand released to the Agricultural University concerned for filling up at their level and as per the procedure in vogue at the respective university. These seats will no more be called as ICAR seats and treated as university seats.

"Once the counselling/ admission process is over, filling up of any subsequent vacancies created due to any reasons, shall not be the responsibility of ICAR. No correspondence in this regard will be entertained either from the universities or from any candidate," it reads.

Gaur took exception to the clause questioning its propriety. He said if the government has taken the task of conducting an exam for which thousands aspire every year, it should take the responsibility of filling the seats also.

"There should ideally be a mopping up round after the counselling. And if any seats still remain vacant, they should be filled through spot counselling. They can't wash their hands off it like this," he said.

The primary reason why many candidates prefer to go for AIEEA instead of taking the state university test, is that the former gives them the opportunity to get access to universities in other states.

This much is stated by the ICAR also, which on its website cites a reduction in "inbreeding in agricultural by encouraging mobility amongst students outside their home state" as one of the AIEEA's objective.

In 2018, for 1954 UG seats across India, a total of 25,246 candidates registered for counselling paying Rs 2000.

The RTI -- reply for which was received on December 10, 2018-- revealed that the ICAR is yet to refund Rs 4,52,34000 to those candidates who could not be given admission.

The information bulletin does not specify any deadline within which the amount must be refunded after the admission process is over.

The amount to be refunded for the candidates for the PG courses was Rs 1,31,36000 for 9447 candidates who registered but were not given admission.

The Director General ICAR TRilochan Mohapatra did not reply to queries from IANS which were sent to him through email.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Actor Ranveer Singh, who combined ramp walk with live rap performance at the Lakme Fashion Week, says it was a unique show and experience for him.

Actor Ranveer Singh along with entire Gully Boy hosted an impromptu rapping session on the sidelines of on-going Lakme Fashion Week 2019 on Sunday evening.

Ranveer Singh, Naezy and entire Gully Gang took the center stage and crooned massive hits from Gully Boy - 'Asli Hop Hop and Apna Time Aayega', for the audiences and they went wild. Ranveer even jumped into the crowd like a rock star.

Talking about the show, Ranveer said, "It was a very unique show. Our film is closely connected to the music and the music was the heart of our show. There were unique performance, live music show, the entire gang is authentic rappers and they contributed the film, dialogues, and music of the film.

"It was a unique show and a unique experience for me and I am thankful to the entire team for having me along with Ranveer Singh, the entire 'Gully Gang', rapper Nazy, filmmaker Zoya Akhtar, film producer Ritesh Sidhwani was present at the event.

Actor Ranveer Singh turned show-stopper for Love Gen at the Lakme Fashion Week 2019. The 'Simmba' actor was seen sporting a jump-suit, sweatshirt and cap as he walked the ramp for hip and vibrant new Love Gen collection.

This is the first time a movie and fashion show has successfully amalgamated on-ramp. Talking about the experience, Ranveer said, "I loved it! It is the first time that any of movies had merchandise, turned right"

'Gully Boy' is directed by Zoya Akhtar, it is loosely based on the life of street rappers Divine and Naezy. The film also stars Alia Bhatt, Kalki Koechlin, Vijay Raaz and Siddhant Chaturvedi in supporting roles.

The film releases on February 14.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Regarded as one of the foundational figures in Indian English literature, poet, novelist and columnist Dom Moraes wielded his pen for about five decades, winning the admiration of numerous readers in India and abroad. Two timely offerings travel down memory lane as the very best of his travel writings and profiles keep the readers company.

Titled "Under Something of a Cloud" and "Where Some Things Are Remembered", they have both been edited by Sarayu Srivatsa and published by Speaking Tiger.

The former, which is a collection of his selected travel writings, carries an elaborate introduction by Srivatsa in which she takes the readers a step closer to the iconic writer that Moreas was. She asserts that his mind "brewd words", he "wrote with pure grit", and that he narrated things as he perceived them, "not with his eyes, but from the inner reels of his mind".

The editor, much to the fortune of the readers, has romanticised the text with plenty of anecdotal references that go a long way in sketching Moraes' personal ideals and equations with the book as a body of work.

Moraes is quoted as saying that one must have a structure before one starts a book, that the number of pages, sections, chapters, and each chapter should be approximately of the same length, that a book should not be boring, and that a writer has to be responsible: "If you have written a book you darned well try and promote it."

Srivatsa maintains that in the collection of Moraes' profiles, "each person is a part and a whole, both special and strange, who were all swept up, one way or another, across order and chaos, in the social tumult of the country". In the offering, readers will find the Dalai Lama laughing with him and Mother Teresa teaching him a lesson in empathy. They will also come across Laloo Prasad Yadav and Indira Gandhi -- all written about with Moraes' characteristic fervour.

Srivatsa gives a glimpse into the kind of traveller that Moraes was to allow a sneak peek into his travel writings. She mentions that on her road trips with Moraes, she would find him noting down extensive details about the landscape that they passed. These were done, Moraes' explained to her, "for the atmosphere".

"The smells, noises and sounds, he put them down too", says Srivatsa, who had earlier co-authored "Out of God 's Oven: Travels in a Fractured Land", with Moraes.

She observes that Moraes had the "astounding ability" to "visualise and improvise".

"He created his own mythical world... With poetic prose and vivid imagery, not just to be seen but felt, he fabricated a sense of atmosphere", she maintains.

The travels featured in this book include a childhood tour of Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia and Australia with his father Frank and mother Beryl, who was then rapidly sliding into madness; and a darkly comic trip to the Sikkim-Tibet border under preoccupation of a Chinese aggregation, among others.

(Saket Suman can be contacted at saket.s@ians.in)

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Following the face-off between CBI and Kolkata policemen outside city Police Commissioner's official residence, the central agency said it would move the Supreme Court, alleging the investigation in ponzi scam cases were being hindered and investigation officers were harassed.

"We are in touch with legal advisors on this. It's a Supreme Court ordered probe and every authority is supposed to follow the directions of the honourable court. We can move the Supreme Court on Monday," said a senior agency official, requesting anonymity.

There was a high drama in front of Kolkata police commissioner Rajeev Kumar's official residence on Loudon Street on Sunday as a group CBI officers approached the house, but they

were stopped by city police personnel, who also forcibly took the federal probe agency officers to a police station.

A senior Kolkata Police officer told reporters, "They told us that they were CBI officers and when asked to produce documents, they failed to submit these. They could not give us any satisfactory response," he said.

Refuting the claim, a CBI official said the agency had all the requisite documents.

"No one is in detention. We were not given any cooperation and have all the documents. Our officers came for the operations and we were taken to a police station forcibly. We sought police protection which was denied. They did not accept any request. We are intending to submit an application but they were not ready to accept it," said a CBI officer.

"They went there after completing all the legal requirements and they (city police) should have cooperated. Over last two years, we have been giving notices to police officers who were investigating in these (ponzi scheme) cases before the Supreme Court handed over the cases to us," CBI Joint Director Pankaj Srivastava said.

He alleged that several primary evidences were missing, and either they were "destructed" or "contrived".

"Several very primary evidences were missing and either they were destructed or contrived. So we wanted to question these people about where evidence has gone...for the last two years, the investigation in these were being interfered into and our officers were called to police stations for different cases and they were questioned and harassed. A lot of intimidation has been going on."

He said the federal agency had moved Supreme Court in 2017 and in July 2018, the court said that the agency should cooperate with the CBI.

"Despite that, no cooperation came forward. So our officers went there (CP's residence) to question him and they were stopped from entering the residences.

"On the order of the Supreme Court to investigate larger conspiracy involving in these cases, the agency has been investigating the case.

"We will move the Supreme Court," he said.

Srivastava also said the agency offices in the city and his residence here was surrounded by state police forces and following which, Central Police Force was called on for the safety of documents.

--IANS

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(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The CBI has registered case against two of its officials, a district administration employee of Uttar Pradesh government and some unidentified state police personnel for their alleged involvement in "illegal and corrupt practice" for settling Yamuna Express Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) land scam case.

In its First Information Report (FIR) filed on Saturday, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) named its Inspector V.S. Rathore and Assistant Sub-Inspector Sunil Dutt. Rathore is posted in the central probe agency's anti-corruption branch in Uttar Pradeh's Ghaziabad district on deputation from state police while Dutt is employed with the CBI academy Ghaziabad.

Besides them, Ranveer Singh, who is posted as Tehsildar in Uttar Pradesh's administration and a suspect in YEIDA land scam case, has been named in the FIR. The YEIDA case is learnt to be under process of transfer to the CBI by Uttar Pradesh government.

They have been booked under charges of criminal conspiracy for obtaining undue advantage by the public servants for dishonest performance of duty, undue advantage to influence public servants by corrupt and illegal means and bribing of public servants.

According to the FIR, both the CBI sleuths are indulged in "illegal and corrupt practice".

Singh, in connivance with Rathore, Dutt, unidentified officials of Uttar Pradesh police and other persons, is accused of indulging in YEIDA cases in order to obtain undue relief for himself and other suspects from police.

He is accused of paying a bribe of Rs 10 lakh to Rathore and Dutt on January 31 to manage the investigation of the case with the help of state police.

Both the CBI officials demanded Rs 25 lakh as bribe from Singh to settle his case, and the deal was finalised in Rs 20 lakh, said the FIR.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Under fire from the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for its silence over the issue, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on Sunday described the decision of the Union government to give direct income support of Rs 6000 per annum to every farmer as "a good beginning symbolizing the government's concern for the beleaguered peasantry in the country".

A meeting of the party's core committee, which was held here on Sunday and presided over by its President Sukhbir Singh Badal, however, appealed to the central government to hike the amount of support to Rs 12,000 per farmer annually.

The party also asked the government to extend the scheme to farm labourers in view of the hardships being faced by both segments. The income support scheme has been announced in the union interim budget for farmers owning up to two hectares of land.

A SAD spokesman said that the party's core committee asked the Punjab government to fulfill its own moral obligations towards the Punjab farmers and give a matching amount equivalent to the amount given by the Centre as direct income support to every farmer as well farm labourer in the state.

He said that a delegation of the party MPs and senior leaders would meet the Union Finance Minister to urge him to increase the size of the direct income support for farmers and to extend the scheme to cover farm labourers also.

"The party hoped that its demand would be accommodated in the regular budget," he added.

The Congress and AAP had criticized the move of the central government saying that giving Rs 6,000 per year, or Rs 17 per day, was too less and a cruel joke with the farming community.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Security forces on Sunday detained seven children of Rohingya Muslims at a railway station in northern Tripura adjoining Assam, a Railway Protection Force (RPF) official said here.

With this, 68 Rohingya Muslims, mostly children, have been apprehended in Tripura and the Assam-Tripura border in two weeks.

"Six girls and a boy belonging to Rohingya Muslims were detained at the Dharmanagar Railway Station (in northern Tripura). The children, all under 18, would be handed over to Tripura Police today (Sunday) for further legal formalities," an official of the RPF of the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) said.

He said that these children accompanied by touts reached Dharmanagar from Agartala by bus and intended to go to Badarpur in southern Assam by train.

"Sensing the presence of RPF troopers, the touts, who were accompanying the children, escaped from the spot (190 km from Agartala). We are also unable to understand the language the children speak.

"Railway tickets up to Badarpur railway station were found on them. They might have been trafficked by middlemen," the RPF official said.

A police official said the teenagers would be lodged in a juvenile home run by the Tripura government.

North Tripura Superintendent of Police Bhanupada Chakraborty said that the police would investigate the matter to ascertain how these children came to Tripura.

On January 22, the Border Security Force (BSF) had handed over 31 Rohingya Muslims, including nine women and 16 children, who were stranded along the India-Bangladesh border since January 18, to the Tripura Police.

They are now in judicial custody.

On January 21, another 30 Rohingyas were caught along the Tripura-Assam border by the Assam Police. They are also in judicial custody in southern Assam.

According to the BSF, 62 Rohingya Muslims were arrested last year after they entered India (Tripura) illegally.

Tripura has a 856 km-long international border with Bangladesh, most of which is fenced except a stretch of nearly 20 km.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Washington DC [USA], Feb 03 (ANI): Reassuring the students detained in the US, Indian Ambassador Harsh Vardhan Shringla on Saturday (local time) said that the "weight of the government of India is behind" them and that all efforts are being made to protect their interests.

He told ANI that officials from the Indian Embassy and Consulates are meeting the detained students and by Monday "we will have access to almost all our students".

"We are obviously concerned and distressed that so many Indian students have been implicated in this issue regarding the University of Farmington in Farmington Hills, Michigan. We have been very quick off the block in trying to ensure that the interests of our students are protected," Shringla said.

In a countrwide crackdown on Wednesday, US authorities arrested scores of Indian students, mainly from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, who were illegally staying in the country.

The students had allegedly enrolled in a fraudulent university in order to take advantage of the US government's pay-to-stay scheme.

In a statement, the MEA said that 30 Indian students have been contacted by Indian consular officers and efforts to contact the remaining Indian students are underway.

"We have either met or are scheduled to meet shortly a majority of students under detention. We have had our people go to each and every center across the country to access our citizens and to ensure the students are okay. By Monday we will have access to almost all our students," the Ambassador added.

The envoy said that the embassy has been advising the students on various legal options and that the students can also access a panel of lawyers. Shringla said that the hotlines set up for the students have so far received over 100 calls.

"Each of our five Consulates in the country has identified a nodal officer who could be contacted for any issue in this situation. We have been given instructions from the foreign secretary that this should be handled with the highest priority, to be proactive in helping our students and we have been doing that. The students can be assured that they are not alone, the weight of the Government of India is behind them," he said.

On Saturday, India issued a demarche to the US Embassy in New Delhi over the detention of the students and expressed its concern over their well-being while also seeking immediate consular access.

A US federal court charged eight Indian student recruiters- six from Detroit and one each from Florida and Virginia. The Department of Homeland Security, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency have also issued warrants for the arrest of 600 persons.

The Department of Homeland Security had set up a fake university in Farmington Hills to target foreign students who wanted to stay in the US without proper authorization, in search of jobs under the CPT (Curricular Practical Training) student visa program, according to federal indictments unsealed in Detroit.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Albert Collins - 30 Most Slow Blues (2017)

01. Iceman 02. If Trouble Was Money 03. When The Welfare Turns Its Back On You 04. I Got That Feeling 05. Put Your Shoe On The Wrong Foot 06. Cold, Cold Feeling 07. Too Tired 08. Do What You Wanna Do 09. Head Rag 10. Cold Cuts 11. Conversation With Collins 12. Snatchin' It Back 13. The Hawk 14. Blues For Gabe 15. If You Love Me Like You Say 16. Shiver 'n Shake 17. Watermelon Man 18. Mr. Collins, Mr. Collins 19. Cleo's Thing 20. Hideaway 21. Have Mercy 22. Bending Like A Willow Tree 23. Lights Are On But Nobody's Home 24. Albert's Entrance (Albert Collins, Stevie Ray Vaughan & Jeff Healey) 25. The Highway Is Like A Woman 26. Put The Shoe On The Other Foot 27. The Things That I Used To Do 28. Give Me My Blues 29. Same Old Thing 30. Snowed In

There has never been and may never be again a bluesman quite like Albert Collins. "The Master Of The Telecaster" was born on October 1, 1932, in Leona, Texas. A cousin of the legendary Lightnin' Hopkins, Collins emerged with a blues sound and style all his own, featuring a combination of icy echo, shattering, ringing, sustained high notes, an ultra-percussive right-hand attack, and an unheard-of minor key guitar tuning (taught to him by his cousin Willow Young). Deeply influenced by T-Bone Walker, John Lee Hooker and Gatemouth Brown, Collins absorbed the sounds of Mississippi, Chicago, and especially Texas. He formed his own band in 1952, packing clubs around Houston. In the early 1960s, Collins' "cool sound" instrumentals like the million-seller Frosty (recorded with a young Johnny Winter and Janis Joplin in attendance at the studio) and follow-ups Sno Cone and Thaw Out were all over R&B radio. Soon he was sharing stages with his idols Gatemouth Brown and T-Bone Walker.

Then, in the mid-'60s (following a move from Texas to Kansas City to California), Collins broke into the rock 'n' roll world, releasing three albums produced by members of Canned Heat, and began playing the San Francisco psychedelic circuit. But Albert's greatest success came after he signed with Alligator in 1978 and cut Ice Pickin'. It won the Best Blues Album of the Year Award from the Montreux Jazz Festival, and was nominated for a Grammy. His following Alligator albums helped earn Collins every award the blues world had to offer. And, along with Johnny Copeland and Robert Cray (who decided on a career as a bluesman after seeing Collins play his high school prom) Collins cut the Grammy-winning Showdown!.

Even after he was firmly established as a major modern bluesman, Collins never got too big for his fans and friends, and never took things easy. And he never relinquished the wheel of his battered tour bus that he loved to drive so much. Along with his band, The Icebreakers, Collins' live shows -- driven by his kinetic stage presence -- were legendary testaments to the power of the blues. With his untimely death in 1993, Albert Collins left behind a blues legacy that continues to amaze and delight blues fans all over the world. ---alligator.com

download (mp3 @320 kbs):

yandex mediafire ulozto bayfiles

backUnited States Special Representative for North Korea Stephen Biegun began his three-day visit to South Korea on Sunday to discuss the agendas to be considered in the second summit between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un slated to be held in February.

Quoting sources, Yonhap news agency reported that Biegun is scheduled to meet Kim Hyok-chol in Panmunjom, a village located on the border between North Korea and South Korea, on Monday.

The US envoy will also meet South Korea's top nuclear envoy Lee Do-hoon in Seoul to coordinate talks over denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula and the corresponding measures taken by Washington to dilute sanctions imposed on Pyongyang.

President Trump is slated to meet with his North Korean counterpart in the coastal city of Da Nang in Vietnam in the last week of February.

On Saturday, CNN quoted a senior US administration official as stating that Trump's agenda during the meeting is still not concrete. The second meeting was announced by the White House on January 18 following discussions with Kim Yong Chol, North Korea's lead negotiator on nuclear talks.

The landmark summit between the USA and North Korea was held for the first time at Singapore's Sentosa island in June last year. Leaders from both the nations, US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un agreed on a spectrum of things, the most prominent being the complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Bollywood actor Taapsee Pannu wrapped up shooting for the multi-starrer 'Mission Mangal'.

She took to Instagram to share a click of herself from the sets of the film to commemorate the end of shooting.

"End of another beautiful journey..... #MissionMangal comes to an end for 'Kritika Aggarwal' Every film comes n goes like a teacher of sorts, this one gave a true demo of what is the magic of team work.... with such wonderful actors together in one frame it was truly an experience to treasure and cherish. This August 15th will be the celebration of this super power called India Mission Director 'Rakesh Dhawan'," she wrote alongside the picture.

In the monochrome photo, Taapsee can be seen dressed in a saree with her hair tied in a braid. She can also be seen sporting a mangalsutra along with earrings.

The 31-year-old is known for portraying versatile and different roles in movies like 'Pink', 'Baby', 'Judwaa 2' and 'Manmarziyaan'.

'Mission Mangal' focuses on the story of a group of scientists at Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) who contributed to the Mars Orbiter Mission, which marked India's first interplanetary expedition.

The film had gone on floors in mid-November, last year.

Apart from Taapsee, the movie also features Akshay Kumar, Sonakshi Sinha, Vidya Balan, Sharman Joshi, Kirti Kulhari and Nithya Menon.

The film is helmed by Jagan Shakti and co-produced by 'PadMan' director R Balki. It is slated to release on August 15, 2019.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Bollywood actor Sonali Bendre, who spent months in New York battling cancer, recently returned to the sets, a feeling she described as "surreal."

The 44-year-old actor took to Instagram to post a photo and video sharing that she has returned to work "after a major sabbatical."

"Being back on a set after a major sabbatical - one that has been testing in many ways on so many levels - is a surreal feeling. After all this, I sort of feel an additional sense of purpose and meaning and I'm so grateful to be back in action," she wrote.

"I don't think words would do justice to how beautiful it feels to be back at work...to face the camera again and portray the range of emotions required. Given that my emotions have been running high for the last couple of months, it feels good to give into the emotions that the job requires. It's just the kind of day that helps me #SwitchOnTheSunshine#OneDayAtATime," she added.

The photo shows Sonali sitting on a staircase with motivational quotes printed on it. She has donned a casual white dress, sleeveless denim jacket coupled with a pair of sunglasses and sneakers. The video shows her getting out of a car and returning to face the cameras. Before stepping inside, she turns around and smiles for the camera.

By sharing this post, she has set the brightest example for everyone going through the life-threatening disease.

Sonali has also been investing some time in her book club by ensuring that she doesn't stop recommending books and inspiring people to read and remain positive.

The actor has been undergoing treatment for a 'high-grade cancer'. She returned to India after several months of treatment in New York City in December. Sonali has been very open about her cancer battle and during her time in NYC, she had kept her fans updated about her health with regular posts.

Sonali also shares pictures of her hanging out with her Bollywood friends including Sussanne Khan and Priyanka Chopra.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Saturday called up hard-line Kashmiri separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani, in yet another provocative act on the eve of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Jammu and Kashmir.

During the phone call, Qureshi discussed the situation in Kashmir with Geelani, according to ARY channel.

Geelani is the second Kashmiri separatist leader whom Qureshi called up in the last few days.

Earlier, he had a telephonic conversation Hurriyat chief Mirwaiz Umar Farooq.

India took strong objection to that phone call and Pakistan's High Commissioner in New Delhi Sohail Mahmood was summoned by Indian Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale to lodge a protest.

Gokhale bluntly told Mahmood that Pakistan should desist from such provocative actions, failing which there will be "implications".

Significantly, Qureshi's phone call to Geelani came just a day ahead of the Prime Minister's visit to the state.

Prime Minister Modi will launch several developmental projects during the day-long visit.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)In a significant development, the leader of the Mohajir Qaumi Movement or MQM, Altaf Hussain, has called for self-determination for the Mohajir people - virtually signalling a plan to break away from Pakistan.

The MQM said that Pakistan's Military repressive actions date back to decades and the non-Punjabi nations like Baloch, Pashtuns, Sindhis and Kashmiris, settled in different provinces of the country, are forced to live like slaves and have been facing genocide. The organisation further said that these nations have been completely irked and now want freedom from Punjabi establishment's repressive dominance.

The political faction also said that the Mohajirs, in particular, are fully repressed, being restricted from involvement in and welfare acts. They allege that both MQM, their representative party, and Hussain, their leader, are being placed under an embargo.

The MQM's founder has now demanded the right for the self-determination in Pakistan under the aegis of the UN.

He has also invited other oppressed "nations", like the Pashtun, the Baloch and others to join him in the demand for the right of self-determination. Hussain outlined that he is not eager to lead the movement, stating that anybody from the "oppressed nations" could choose to be the leader of the movement for self-determination.

He further called on countries like the UK, USA, France, Australia, Germany and others to cease giving aid to Pakistan because it provides sanctuary to terrorism.

In his special message to the international community, Hussain said, "I appeal to the United Nations Secretary-General, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and all renowned Human Rights Organisations worldwide to take heed of my words."

He said he would like to draw their attention to the draconian measures being carried out against the Mohajirs, Pashtuns and Balochs living in Pakistan, the "humiliation being carried out by the Pakistan Army, ISI, Rangers, Police and civil-dressed officers during the illegal raids and abductions tantamount to criminal offence". "The inhumane torture being inflicted upon the Mohajirs, Pashtuns and Balochs, and then ultimately subjecting them to enforced disappearances, their family members, including their women, young children and the elderly are not even spared by the brutal forces of Pakistan," he added.

"This outdated measure of draconian torture, illegal raids, arbitrary detentions, are all carried out by the ruthless deep state. No respect is afforded to the families or victims, every member of the family is targeted without due legal process, no legal warrant or permission from any judicial authority is produced before they carry out these illegal actions," he said.

Hussain also mentioned that once abducted, the families do not even know if their loved ones are alive or dead. No authority co-operates with them and bodies are found in the suburban areas where they are killed and dumped. The bodies bear marks of inhumane suffering and the affected families fear every day that one of the bodies dumped so could be of their loved one, according to him.

Since 2013, over 15,000 Mohajir, Pashtun and Baloch office-bearers, workers and sympathisers have been the subject of enforced disappearances and sadly, none as yet has been held accountable for these abductions, Hussain stated.

He put forth that this is a blatant violation of human rights. "Pakistan is besieged by the Pakistani Army, ISI, Rangers and Police and this country has lost control and is currently in the phase of an undeclared martial law, where freedom of expression, freedom of speech or freedom to associate themselves to any political party of their choice is infringed upon," the MQM leader remarked.

He said that if a journalist expresses his concern over these violations and dares to cover the story, he will have only two options - either he will be told by the deep state to stop or his body will be found in a suburban area.

He requested all democratic countries, which provide assistance, and have afforded Pakistan a GSP+ status in the form of preferential support, to halt all funds until they send their representatives to enquire into these gross violations of human rights against the Mohajirs, Pashtuns and Balochs and approach those innocent civilians who have been the subject of these violations and their lives have been destroyed, and hold Pakistan accountable to their commitment to ensure that human rights are not violated.

He said, "I want to mention a few prime examples of the illegal abductions carried out by the deep state, a progressive, leader Momin Khan Momin, whose plight has been raised by Amnesty International."

He highlighted that Khan is frail and is undergoing cancer treatment. He was abducted with his son in the early hours of 31st January at 4 a.m., In this context, look at the tweets of South Asia Amnesty representative Rabia Mehmood. His only crime was his affiliation with the MQM, Hussain opined.

Furthermore, in 2018, Hassan Zafar Arif, a PhD from Harvard University was abducted and taken to the torture chamber of the ISI and Army, Hussian said. He was murdered due to the torture in custody; his body was dumped in the suburban areas of Karachi. Similarly Naqeeb Allah Mehsud and three of his colleagues were abducted by the militaries henchmen Rao Anwar. He was brutally murdered. Conversely, Syed Ali Raza Abidi, who was MQM designee, was murdered on Christmas Eve 2018, Hussain put forth.

He said that he could not explain in detail, but if the democratic countries of the might send their rapporteurs, they can enquire with the women of the Mohajir community about how their chastity and respect was desecrated by the Army. The Deep State has started the same illegal acts it carried out against the Bengalis in 1970, he remarked.

He said that he has faith and hope, that as democratic countries they will raise the voice of those going unheard or else the failure will result in annihilation. He also requested on an 'SOS basis' to intervene and help the helpless Mohajirs, Pashtuns and Balochs.

Mohajirs have no choice but to seek the assistance of the international community, and demand that a UN referendum be held in the urban areas of Sindh, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and let the people decide if they want to live under the occupation of Pakistan's demonic army and deep state or not, Hussian outlined.

"They have suffered from the genocidal actions of the ghoulish Pakistan army since past 71 years and they now want to live free from danger and that they want a right to self-determination. The UN should take immediate action on the appeals of millions of Mohajirs, Balochs and Pashtuns to fulfil this justified demand as mentioned in the UN charter," Hussain appealed.

He further slammed the ones posing as MQM in Pakistan, putting forth that they were supported by the ISI. "I want to bring to your attention that those in Pakistan using the title of MQM are traitors of the nation. These traitors, who are being supported by the ISI, they are the puppets of the Pakistan army and Deep State," Hussain noted

There is only one MQM and that is the one founded by him in 1978 as APMSO as a student wing, then progressed to the Mohajir Qaumi Movement and then subsequently to the Muttahidda Qaumi Movement, Hussain said.

He also added that his family home and nearby offices have been illegally sealed by the Army and Deep State and at least 22,000 Mohajirs have been extra-judicially killed through brutal draconian style torture techniques.

He said that during raids it has become a normal practice of the day to treat the elderly and women disgracefully, not only beat them but desecrate their private life, it is a common routine to abuse and molest women.

In this situation, when the constitution of Pakistan and Judiciary are not providing any protection to the Mohajirs, what option they have other than to approach the United Nations to seek their right to self-determination, he asked.

He also condemned the discrimination being faced by the Baloch and Pashtuns, who are subjected to enforced disappearances. Similarly, thousands of Balochs have been killed extra-judicially and hundreds of Baloch girls are kidnapped and taken to the military cantonment and then raped, he revealed. In order to save their lives the Balouch need to raise their voice to seek their right to self-determination. If they would fail to do so, it will only result in further deaths, enforced disappearances and extra judicial killings, he put forth.

He also appealed to the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement leaders and those genuine leaders to get united and raise their voice collectively to stop the ongoing genocide of the Mohajirs, Pashtuns and Balochs and raise their voice at the United Nations.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday defended Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar, who recently came under scrutiny after skipping a meeting with the Election Commission of India (ECI) and accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of indulging in the "worst kind of political vendetta".

The ECI had on Thursday conducted a meeting with senior officials to review poll preparedness in the state. However, Kumar missed the meeting.

The 1989-batch IPS officer, who has been serving as Kolkata's police commissioner since January 2016, has also reportedly not responded summons from the CBI in connection with their probes into the Rose Valley and Saradha ponzi scams.

Kumar led the SIT investigation into the scams until 2014 when the agency took over following directions from the Supreme Court. The CBI was slated to question Kumar about documents that reportedly went missing.

However, Mamata hailed Kumar as one among the "best in the world".

"The Kolkata Police Commissioner is among the best in the world. His integrity, bravery and honesty are unquestioned. He is working 24x7, and was on leave for only one day recently. When you spread lies, the lies will always remain lies," Mamata tweeted.

In a separate tweet, the TMC supremo alleged that the BJP was misusing power in an attempt to hijack police forces.

"The highest levels of the BJP leadership are doing the worst kind of political vendetta. Not only are political parties their targets, they are misusing power to take control of the police and destroy all institutions. We condemn this," Mamata tweeted.

Her remarks come days after the BJP reportedly called on the ECI to declare West Bengal a 'vulnerable' state, citing toppled law and order in the state in the recent past.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Mumbai's Lower Parel Railway Station has been shut down for 11 hours due to the demolition of Delisle Road Bridge.

The maintenance work has led to the cancellation of as many as 205 local trains and 23 long-distance trains for the said period.

The station was forced to shut down at 10 pm on Saturday and will remain closed till 9 am on Sunday.

Talking to media, the Chief Engineer stated that the bridge was found to be unsafe during an audit.

"During an audit conducted in July, the Delisle Bridge was found unsafe. It was found that the bridge needs a replacement. We have chosen Saturday and Sunday to work because the train traffic services are lower. The citizens have been informed," CE stated.

The services will resume at 9 am on Sunday.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)In an unprecedented development, the West Bengal police prevented the CBI from arresting its top cop and detained five officials of the central investigative agency, leading to high drama here on Sunday.

The development marks a face-off between the Mamata Banerjee government and the Centre, adding a new dimension to the already bitter relations.

A team of CBI investigators who arrived at Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar's residence in connection with Saradha Chit fund scam were not allowed to enter the residence. The team has now been taken to a police station.

Rajeev Kumar, a 1989-batch IPS officer of West Bengal cadre was heading a SIT on the Saradha and Rose Valley scams. The CBI wanted the top officer to hand over the seizure list made during his probe, sources said.

Reportedly, Kumar was to be questioned regarding missing documents and files but he is not responding to notices to appear before the agency.

Rajeev Kumar, believed to be close to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, was not present at the meeting with Election Commission officials, who were in Kolkata to meet him to discuss about election preparedness, as per sources.

Sources added that Banerjee had also apologised yesterday that the Kolkata police chief could not make it to the meeting.

Meanwhile, West Bengal Director General of Police and Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim have arrived at Rajeev Kumar's residence. Also, the state chief minister is present and a meeting is currently underway.

Kumar, according to media reports became apprehensive of his arrest after Bengali film producer Shrikant Mohita was taken into custody.

The Saradha Group financial scandal was a major scam caused by the collapse of a Ponzi scheme run by the conglomerate. The multi-crore-rupee chit fund scam allegedly involves several key leaders from the ruling Trinamool Congress.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Senior BJP leader Arun Jaitley hit out at Congress leader of opposition Mallikarjun Kharge for opposing the appointment of new CBI director RK Shukla and termed him a regular "dissenter".

"Kharge dissents regularly. He dissented when Alok Verma was appointed, dissented when Alok Verma was transferred and has now dissented when R. K. Shukla has been appointed. The only thing constant in the High Powered Committee comprising of the Prime Minister, the Chief Justice of India and the Leader of the Opposition which deals with the CBI Director's appointment and transfer, is the Kharge dissent," Jaitley said in his latest blog post.

The comment comes a day after Kharge, who is a part of the Selection Committee headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, opposed the appointment of Shukla, the former DGP of Madhya Pradesh, as the new CBI director.

Kharge wrote to the Prime Minister soon after the appointment was announced, contending that Shukla has no experience of anti-corruption investigations and that "seniority cannot be the only criteria in an appointment to such a critical post."

In response to this, JaitleyclaimedthatKharge was "coloured by his political views" while acting as a member of the Collegium that decided the appointment.

"When the Leader of Opposition sits as a Member of the Collegium, he sheds off the political colour of his office as much as the Prime Minister and the Chief Justice of India shall both leave the authority of their respective domains and work exclusively towards appointing or transferring the Director on the criterion of merit or fairness. The position of Kharge as the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, entitles him to sit in the Committee but the political colour of that office has to be left outside. Kharge then is a part of a Collegium, which discharges a governance function. Unfortunately, that does not seem to have happened," said Jaitley.

He also said that the right to dissent is sacrosanct and has to be sparingly used.

"A dissent should never be a political tool. The right to dissent is sacrosanct and has to be sparingly used. If a dissenter dissents on every conceivable occasion he comes out as a person either motivated by collateral reasons or as a person lacking objectivity," said Jaitley.

"There is a difference between the dissents as a part of a judicial body and dissents in ordinary matters of administrative appointments. The first may involve sacrosanct principles and the latter involves a preference or a dislike for a particular individual," he added.

Jaitley also said that if in an administrative matter of appointment or transfer, Kharge dissents on every conceivable opportunity, namely on the appointment of Alok Verma, transfer of Alok Verma and the appointment of R. K. Shukla in relation to the CBI Directorship it clearly established a pattern of his frame of mind.

"He uses the weapon of dissent excessively and not objectively. Using the instrument of dissent recklessly neutralizes its value. Dissents frequently used in administrative bodies like Collegiums compels independent observers not to take the dissent too seriously. The perpetual dissenter in a Collegium meant for appointments sends a message that he was included as a Member because of his capacity of Leader of the Opposition but he hasn't been able to shed his role as an Opposition Member, even though now he is a part of a Government Committee. His dissent has diminished it value and credibility," said Jaitley.

In conclusion, Jaitley said "The appointment of a CBI Director was never envisaged to be a political battle. Kharge has made it look like one.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Vodafone Idea announced the successful consolidation of nearly 25% of its pan-India radio network integration within a short span of just five months.

With this integration of network, customers of both Vodafone and Idea brands are able to enjoy a unified network experience on 2G, 3G & 4G, in the service areas of West Bengal, Haryana, HP, Assam, North East, AP & Telangana (excl. Hyderabad), J&K and MP & Chhattisgarh.

In addition to the full radio network consolidation of the above 8 service areas, 4G radio network consolidation has been completed in the city of Bangalore, and high speed 4G services have now been made available to both Vodafone and Idea customers in Kolkata metro. The company has also re-farmed 10 MHz of 4G spectrum of Vodafone in Mumbai to enable its customers in the metro get better data experience. In other circles, network integration is taking place on a cluster-by-cluster basis and the subscribers of both brands are gradually moving to a much larger and better network.

Mr. Vishant Vora, Chief Technology Officer, Vodafone Idea Ltd. said, With meticulous pre-merger planning and rigorous post-merger execution, we have ensured that our customers remain confidently connected and enjoy uninterrupted services even as we integrate and optimize our network in a phased manner across circles. We have partnered the best of global vendors and equipment suppliers to deploy new age technologies, with in-built customizations and novel innovations to ensure a rich customer experience while building a robust, future ready network.

A focused, 3-pronged strategy is driving this consolidation of two individually strong and overlapping networks:

Make the better and dominant of the two networks in each circle as the anchor network. Complement anchor network with required support from the other network, and Further enhance network capabilities and capacity with the introduction of new technologies such as Dynamic Spectrum Refarming (DSR), Spectrum Re-farming, M-MIMO and Small Cells.

This core strategy is being rigorously executed across all circles with meticulous planning and smart use of advances in technology by a team of experts from Vodafone Idea along with global vendors.

Further, war rooms have been set-up at national and circle levels to monitor and manage network performance on a real time basis led by Vodafone Ideas 24/7 functioning world class SNOC in Pune. The company has undertaken special measures to avoid customer inconvenience with shifting, movement and deployment of equipment during the integration process.

Update on Network Integration: Key Facts

Over the last 5 months nearly 25% of the radio network has been successfully consolidated.

Radio network consolidation completed in 8 circles  West Bengal, Haryana, HP, Assam, North East, AP & Telangana (excl. Hyderabad), J&K and MP & Chhattisgarh, resulting in good improvement in 4G data throughput and coverage.

4G coverage extended to over 750 mn population on a pan-India level

With joint spectrum firing, 4G throughput has shown quick improvement of 1X to 2X in many of these service areas.

4G ICR is now available in over 60K sites across all circles.

Enhanced the capabilities of more than 4.7K sites through dynamic spectrum re-farming.

By end of Jan 2019, nearly 45K co-located and low utilisation sites have been switched off.

The formation of Vodafone Idea Ltd on August 31, 2018, following the successful merger of Vodafone India and Idea Cellular, set the stage for the worlds biggest telecom network integration in India.

Vodafone Idea is the telecom service provider of choice for nearly 422 million customers, and we remain fully committed to offering all our customers the best of experience.An IndiGo flight bound from Lucknow to New Delhi on January 31 was grounded as a precautionary measure after the pilot noticed a glitch in its engine, a statement said.

"After taxi out, the pilot noticed an error in the engine parameter and returned the aircraft to the bay as a cautionary measure. After inspection of the aircraft engine by the IndiGo technical team, the aircraft was grounded for further maintenance and engine will be changed," the statement said.

The grounding of the Lucknow-Delhi Indigo flight 6E-447 comes a week after a Jaipur bound flight of IndiGo returned to Lucknow after the pilot observed high vibration in the engine number two.

The glitch was detected midair following which the pilot returned the flight to Lucknow.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Not only Balochs or Pashtuns. In Pakistan, three persons on an average are picked by security forces, locked up in secret jails, tortured and many left to die, primarily for raising their voice against state oppression.

A significant number of them are from Sindh which has been emerging as a hotbed of dissent and protest by the people against the military and the state.

The not-so-uncovered war of Islamabad Army and Intelligence against the citizens of their own country is in full bloom.

In the latest estimate compiled by the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances, the number of 'missing' has spiked in the year 2018 and it is likely to grow more in 2019.

The Commission has defined 'enforced disappearance or missing person as a person' picked up or taken into custody by any law enforcing or intelligence agency, working under the civilian or military control, in a manner which is contrary to the provisions of the law'.

The commission, set up in 2011, has so far received reports of 5290 missing persons in the country, of which 1367 missing persons are in Sindh alone.

Even this large number of missing persons is conservative: according to independent sources, the missing people are far more, but their relatives are too scared to report because, they say, the moment you report to the police, you'll disappear the very day after.

The UN General Assembly adopted the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance in 2006.

A legally-binding instrument for those countries which ratified it, the Convention includes a monitoring body which, recognising the extreme seriousness of the act, states that enforced disappearances represent a "crime against humanity when practiced in a widespread or systematic manner".

Defined in the Article 2 of the Convention as the "arrest, detention, abduction or any other form of deprivation of liberty, followed by the refusal to disclose the person's whereabouts or to acknowledge that their liberty was deprived", enforced disappearances are only considered as such if perpetrated by State actors or groups or individuals associated with it".

In Pakistan, Balochs are heavily affected by enforced disappearances carried out by agents of the state.

In August 2018, the Human Rights Council of Balochistan and the Baloch Human Rights Organisation published a comprehensive report documenting that.

Although activists who speak up for the rights of the Baloch people are usually the direct victims of this crime, the report also highlights the abduction, torture and intimidation of civilians who are not politically active or human rights activists.

Same for Pashtuns and, of course, for Sindhis.

Sindh has increasingly seen brutal suppression in recent years. People have been vociferously protesting state bias and suppression of basic rights.

The public ire has specifically been targeted at the security forces which have been punishing those who dared to raise their voice against the state with abductions and illegal detentions.

The civilian government has been complicit in the crime against Sindhis by ignoring people's cries for justice.

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan's Sindh chapter stated earlier this year that "a large number of political workers, writers, rights activists and students have gone missing across the Sindh province but no one from the provincial government or the police department has taken responsibility of illegal detentions or has a clue of their whereabouts".

Many of those missing are writers, students, activists, and politicians who campaign for human rights and speak out against abuses committed by Pakistani security personnel and fundamentalist groups connected with Pakistan's security establishment.

The Sindhi people also endure torture, extrajudicial killings, decreasing freedom of religion, and decreasing freedom of speech.

Another concern is the forced conversions of young Sindhi Hindu and Christian girls upon marriage.

According to the Human Rights activist Naveed Basheer, the Sindhis are "protesting against discrimination, mass hatred, water scarcity and enforced disappearance in the province.

Sindhis fighting for their rights are called Indian agents and are arrested.

Everyone arrested is sent to military torture cells. People are kept there and several have died.

The police and other investigating agencies have been deliberately so lax in following up the criminal complaints filed by Sindhis that even the judiciary is miffed at the attitude of the security forces.

Hearing dozens of petitions early this year, the two-judge bench of the High Court, headed by Justice Aftab Ahmed Gorarwas, was highly critical of the police.

It decried the lack of progress in the cases being investigated and remarked that the police not only failed to locate the whereabouts of the petitioners' relatives, but also remained unable to obtain reports from those institutions impleaded as respondents in the petitions.

The court said the special investigating task forces set up for the purpose have also remained fruitless while complaints of petitioners against the police have been mounting.

The situation in Sindhi has attracted world-wide attention with protests by Sindhis in several western capitals in the recent months.

The latest was held in Geneva during the 39th session of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in September last year.

The Sindhi community was joined by Pashtuns, Baloch and others who had suffered at the hands of Pakistani state.

They accused the Pakistan government of enforced disappearances, extra-judicial killings and persecution of religious minorities.

In vain, it seems. Because during her recent visit to Pakistan Maria Fernanda Espinosa Garces, President of the 73rd Session of UN General Assembly, did not even mention the issue of missing people and human rights violations.

Instead, she chose to praise the Government for whatever regime's narrative she has been fed and going carpet shopping in this land of freedom and progress. (ANI)

.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Afghan President Ashraf Ghani lashed out at the Taliban on Sunday saying, "those who are forcefully bringing others to negotiate should not say that the army is not required to reinstate peace in the country".

"Those who are forcefully bringing others to negotiate must not talk about dissolving our "lions" (army); if they are so brave, then they must come and fight on the battlefield instead of carrying out suicide (attacks) and explosions," Ghani said.

Tolo News quoted Ghani as saying in the Afghan capital, during an event to honour commandos, after they were freed last week from a Taliban prison.

The remarks by the Afghan President came after senior Taliban leader Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, in a video stated that after the United States pulls out half of its armed forces from Afghanistan, there would be no need for an army to stabilise peace in the region. The video was released by the Taliban representative post the recent Doha talks over Afghan peace reconciliation took place between officials from the United States and the Taliban.

In response to the video, President Ghani said: "A peace that our security and defence forces do not guarantee is not acceptable to us."

"Our security and defence forces are not one-day forces, one year and one decade and a generation, but forces that fight for hundreds of generations," Ghani added.

On Saturday, during an interview with CNN President Ghani's special envoy Umer Daudzai said that the rapid withdrawal of US troops from the country would only create a "vacuum and increase bloodshed".

Daudzai informed CNN that while the peace talks in Qatar have brought "clarity", neither side has fully agreed to anything.

In the latest bid, Russia will be hosting peace talks in its capital city on Tuesday, February 5, amid reports that the Taliban have refused to meet with Afghan government representatives at the meet.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Congress has announced a countrywide protest on February 4 over the re-enactment of the Mahatma Gandhi 's assassination by some members of Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha (ABHM) who shot at his effigy at a January 30 event in Uttar Pradesh's Aligarh.

The protest will take place at party headquarters in all states.

Congress general secretary KC Venugopal on Sunday said, "In a shocking incident on 30 January, when the nation commemorated the 71st anniversary of Gandhi's assassination, members of the Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha in Uttar Pradesh used a pistol to shoot at an effigy of Gandhiji, distributed sweets and garlanded the statue of Nathuram Godse, Gandhiji's assassin who was a member of Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha. The group also burnt the effigy of Mahatma Gandhi and shouted pro Godse slogans like "Mahatma Godse Zindabad" etc."

The Congress has labelled the right-wing group's actions as "provocative and reprehensible" and said that such incidents "take place with the candid and clandestine support given by the ruling party".

It further said such actions "reveal the deep hatred still carried by the right-wing groups against the father of the nation and his ideas of secularism, ahimsa and brotherhood".

"To register our strong protest against this highly condemnable act, the Congress Party has decided to hold a nationwide protest on Monday, 4th February from 10.00 am in all the state headquarters. The protest should preferably be held with placards etc in the places associated with the life of Mahatma Gandhi or near statues of Mahatma with an aim to highlight his messages," said Venugopal in a statement.

On January 30, ABHM secretary Puja Shakun Pandey recreated Gandhi's assassination by shooting an effigy and hailed the killer Nathuram Godse. Police have arrested two individuals in connection with the incident and are currently trying to locate Puja and her husband, ABHM spokesperson Ashok Pandey.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Authorities received a bomb threat call at the Ahmedabad Airport on Sunday, following which security measures were beefed up.

"Today at 0338 Hours in the morning, a bomb threat call for T2 (International Terminal), Ahmedabad Airport was received through Air India office, Mumbai," read a statement.

Acting upon the call, the Bomb Threat Assessment Committee (BTAC) which comprised of Airport Authority of India (AAI), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), local police and other security agencies including airline representatives met at the airport to assess the situation.

"After deliberations, the committee had assessed the call as 'Non-Specific'," the authorities clarified.

However, no flights were disrupted as a result of the bomb scare.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)France issued an ultimatum to embattled Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, stating that it would recognise opposition leader Juan Guaido as interim President if fresh Presidential elections are not announced by Sunday night.

"If by tonight, Maduro does not commit to organising Presidential elections, then France will consider Juan Guaido as legitimate to organise them in his place and we will consider him as the interim President until legitimate elections in Venezuela (take place)," Al Jazeera quoted France's European affairs minister, Nathalie Loiseau, as telling local media.

Loiseau further slammed Maduro's call for fresh parliamentary elections - held to appoint leaders to the National Assembly - labelling it as a "farce".

Guaido proclaimed himself as the President of Venezuela on January 23 amid cheering protesters who had gathered after the National Assembly called for protests against the Maduro regime in Venezuela. The USA immediately extended its support for Guaido, followed by nations like Brazil, Colombia, Canada, etc.

However, China and Russia have slammed foreign interference in Caracas' internal affairs, extending their support to Maduro.

The United Nations (UN) estimates that 40 people have died in the protests which have gripped Venezuela. Furthermore, the UN Human Rights Council put forth that 850 people have been detained by Venezuelan authorities since January 23, according to CNN.

Meanwhile, fresh protests jolted Venezuela on Wednesday and Saturday, where protesters, supporting Guaido on side and Maduro on the other, took out parallel demonstrations.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The visionary policies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has helped establish the foundation for long term development in the country, where previous regimes in the past 30 years have not taken any concrete steps to resolve problems, BJP President Amit Shah said.

"Before 2014, for over 30 years, there were coalition governments. During this time, about 10 crore families used to wonder if the government can deliver whether the multi-party system had failed? Amid such doubts, the 2014 polls were held and people voted for the BJP and government led by Modi ji with the majority was formed," Shah said.

The BJP President was speaking at 'Bharat Ke Mann Ki Baat' a month-long campaign that he jointly launched with Union Minister Ranath Singh here on Sunday seeking views and suggestions from at least 10 crore families to help BJP draft its 'sankalp patra' (manifesto) for the upcoming general elections in the country.

Commending the Modi -led government, Shah said, "After 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre has managed to improve the country's condition. His visionary policies have laid the foundation for long term development in the country," Shah said.

The BJP leader also hit out at previous governments and Opposition parties.

"Only rhetoric and fake promises were made to win the elections due to which economic parameters fell flat," Shah said.

Shah asserted that after his political party came to power, it strengthened the internal democracy of the country. "The party which has a strong internal democratic structure can only be successful in making the country developed," Shah said.

The BJP President said, "In 2019, the BJP and its allies will again urge people for their support. We will reach out to 10 crore families asking them how they want India to be. They will be able to reach us via Whatsapp, website and e-mail soon."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also tweeted seeking suggestions and feedback from people in the unique effort by the BJP," What you all share will form the blueprint of our 'Sankalp Patra' for the 2019 elections.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The 30th edition of the OBrien Awards, celebrating and honouring the best in Canadian harness racing, took place Saturday, February 2 at the Hilton Mississauga / Meadowvale Hotel in Mississauga, Ontario.

Relive the festivities via the below video coverage of the event.

Red Carpet Pre-Show



Red Carpet Wrap-Up



The whos who of the harness racing were on hand to receive their coveted OBrien bronzes. The awards are named in honour of the late Joe OBrien, a trainer-driver from Prince Edward Island who was highly regarded and a member of the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame.

Eighteen O'Brien Awards were given out for the 2018 harness racing season. Thirteen of these honour the premier horses over the past racing season including the most coveted trophy, Canada's Horse of the Year. The horse awards are divided by age, sex and gait. There were two finalists in all of the categories.

In addition there are five people awards, one each for Driver of the Year, Trainer of the Year, Armstrong Bros. Farm Breeder of the Year, the O'Brien Award of Horsemanship, and Future Star. In addition, three Media Excellence Awards and an award for Outstanding Groom were doled out.

Standardbred Canada extends their congratulations to all of the evenings finalists!If timing is everything, why does OPEC seem to keep getting it so wrong? The groups 2019 oil output cuts got off to a flying start in January and theyre going to get bigger, just as US sanctions on Venezuela start to bite. The problem for the producers, and their allies in the wider OPEC+ group, is that they dont wield nearly as much control over the market as some people accuse of them of doing.

And that makes getting the timing of their actions right almost impossible. Unexpected external factors just seem to keep cropping up and, at least recently, many of ...Shaheed Alhafed, February 2, 2019 (SPS) - The Ministry of the Occupied Territories and Communities has called for sit-ins on February 6, in front of the European Parliament in Brussels and the Occupied city of El-Aaiun, and another sit-in on February 12, in Strasbourg.



The sit-ins are to express the rejection of the agreements signed between the European Union and the Kingdom of Morocco, including the territories, coasts and riches of Western Sahara, in flagrant violation of international law and the ruling of the European Court of Justice.



The Ministry of Occupied Territories and Communities aim is to demonstrate the rejection by the Sahrawi people to these agreements, hold the European Union responsible for the exploitation of the riches of an occupied country on the United Nations agenda as a non-self-governing territory, and respond to the excessive violence and harassment by which the Moroccan occupation authorities received the delegation of Sahrawi human rights activists returning from the liberated territories. (SPS)



062/SPS/TRAWhich is your best campaign and why have you chosen it? The campaign exciting goodness  as a part of Britannias brand-led transformation which was ushered in in 2018  is my favourite work. This campaign is special because the project repositioned and re-imagined an old and well-established brand.

What was the key idea behind the brand makeover? In the second half of 2016, Britannias board of directors tasked Interbrand with the responsibility of making the brand more contemporary. The brief was to rejuvenate the century-old ...What and where should I study next? Are there jobs available in this career? What is my interest? Like for most students who are on the verge of choosing their career, these were questions troubling Delhi University student Sarthi Dhawan a few years back. Being a commerce student, I had an extremely diverse background. I had previously interned with disparate firms and performed a variety of roles in sales, management, derivatives trading and equity research.

Dear Reader,

Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how to improve our offering have only made our resolve and commitment to these ideals stronger. Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we continue to remain committed to keeping you informed and updated with credible news, authoritative views and incisive commentary on topical issues of relevance.

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Digital EditorDear Reader,

Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how to improve our offering have only made our resolve and commitment to these ideals stronger. Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we continue to remain committed to keeping you informed and updated with credible news, authoritative views and incisive commentary on topical issues of relevance.

We, however, have a request.



As we battle the economic impact of the pandemic, we need your support even more, so that we can continue to offer you more quality content. Our subscription model has seen an encouraging response from many of you, who have subscribed to our online content. More subscription to our online content can only help us achieve the goals of offering you even better and more relevant content. We believe in free, fair and credible journalism. Your support through more subscriptions can help us practise the journalism to which we are committed.



Support quality journalism and subscribe to Business Standard.



Digital EditorIn an apparent rescue act, Delhi Metro has decided to take over the operations of Gurgaon Rapid Metro, second such move after doing so with Airport Express Metro in 2013.

Gurgaon Rapid Metro is owned by IL&FS Transportation Network Ltd (ITNL)  a subsidiary of the bankrupt IL&FS group. According to the minutes of the meeting held between the state government of Haryana and managing director of Delhi Metro, Mangu Singh, the project will be taken over by DMRC for a period of five years. From the start of the service on February 5, operations of Rapid Metro will be taken over by ...Let Me Finish: Trump, the Kushners, Bannon, New Jersey, and the Power of In-Your-Face Politics Chris Christie with Ellis Henican Hachette Books 420 pages; $28 When Chris Christie first met Donald Trump, over dinner at the Manhattan restaurant Jean-Georges in 2002, the developer ordered for both of them. This power move has received insufficient study. Trump had waiters bring Christie the seared scallops and the roasted lamb loin. Im allergic to scallops, Christie recalls in his new memoir. He adds, Ive always hated ...Now is the time for the country to speed up studies on water security and environmental security to develop a legal framework and solutions to tackle the challenges, said Director of the National Centre for Water Resources Planning and Investigation Trieu Duc Huy.

According to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE), Vietnam now has about 830-840 billion cubic metres of surface water, some 63 percent of which originates in neighbouring countries upstream.

This means Vietnams water security heavily depends on actions taken on international rivers like Hong (Red) River or Mekong River, said Deputy Minister of MONRE Le Cong Thanh.

He added neighbouring countries upstream of the rivers tend to exploit the water resources, creating more pressure on Vietnams water security.

Within the country, rivers and lakes have suffered from the negative impacts of socio-economic development, with many bodies of water now being polluted.

Water resources for daily use and livelihood have sharply decreased and even disappeared in some localities as increasing demand for water has not been in line with proper measures for water resources protection and water use efficiency.

In addition, the country has underground water reserves of about 63 billion cubic metres per year.

About 80.6 billion cubic metres of water is exploited and used in Vietnam yearly. Of the exploited water, more than 80 percent is used for agricultural production.

Meanwhile, about 60 percent of Vietnams surface water is in the Mekong Delta, some 20 percent is in Red River and Dong Nai River, and most of the water availability is in the rainy season.

During dry season, which lasts between six and nine months in Vietnam, water volume accounts for only 20-30 percent of total water volume of the year.

The difference of water availability by time and geography causes water scarcity and water shortages in dry seasons.

Director of the National Centre for Water Resources Planning and Investigation Trieu Duc Huy said that in 2008, MONRE issued regulations on underground water protection, including criteria to identify areas where underground water exploitation is allowed or banned.

However, few localities nationwide have identified areas where underground exploitation is restricted or banned.

Meanwhile, overexploitation or exploiting underground water without planning have caused land subsidence in Hanoi, HCM City and some areas in the Mekong Delta.

To ensure water security in a changing era, Vietnam needs to speed up studies on the issue so that it could have better legal framework and solutions for managing and responding, Huy said.

At the same time, the country must improve its capacity in forecasting and early warning of the impacts of works built on major rivers upstream of the country, for example, drought or saltwater intrusion, he said.

It is also necessary to develop water resources planning for Mekong Delta region and implement planning under climate change scenarios and water exploitation activities by countries on river upstream, Huy said.

Hoang Van Bay, head of MONREs Department of Water Resources Management, told that in 2012, the National Assembly approved the amended Law on Water Resources, adding regulations on water resources protection.

The country also has a national action plan to improve efficiency in water resources management, protection and usage from 2014 to 2020.

Bay said water resource management faced difficulties, for example, water resources planning is slow, there is a lack of databases and illegal underground water exploitation is rampant.

He said that MONRE has proposed a plan on water resource surveys to the Prime Minister.

The plan includes surveys and assessments on the countrys surface water and underground water, expected to help produce a national report on water resources every five years.

The ministry also expects to complete and start a surveillance system on the operation of about 70 major reservoirs on basins of 11 rivers nationwide.

Another surveillance system is expected to work to control water exploitation and wastewater release into water resources.

It is expected that by 2050, water resources surveys and studies could provide sufficient data to help manage, exploit, use and protect water resources sustainably, Bay said.Latest News BOQ takeover of ME Bank approved Government approves $1.3bn acquisition, will go through on 1 July

CBA raises interest rate in key assessment criteria Big Four bank makes rate change, sending big signal to broker channel and marketplace

The Royal Commission final report has been handed over to the governor-general.

It is thought Commissioner the Hon Kenneth Hayne has produced a document well over 1000 a thousand pages long.

The submission of the report brings to an end months of scrutiny in which the misconduct of the banking sector was brought to light in public hearings.

Over the course of its work, the Commission reviewed over 10,000 submissions from the Australian public, completed 69 days of public hearings and considered thousands of documents provided by entities, regulators and consumer advocacy groups.

The final report will be publicly available on the Royal Commission's website once the report has been tabled in the Parliament.

It is expected the treasurer will release the report to the public on Monday afternoon at 4.10pm.

For the banks, the report is expected to be scathing. But many newer banks are coming into the industry at a time of uncertainty and the fate of the mortgage broking industry is the worry on everyones minds.

For 86 400, which launched last year, the digital bank hopes competition continues in the sector after the report, particularly with the use of mortgage brokers.

George Srbinovski, head of mortgages, said, The Royal Commission has underscored the need to put customers first, amid an increasingly competitive and complex market.

Mortgage brokers have an increasingly important role to play in this, as they encourage competition and provide Australians with greater choice and better value.

Any heavy reforms of the broker industry could therefore result in giving more power to the Big Four, which would have a detrimental effect on consumer choice.

At 86 400, we want to work alongside brokers to transform the home loan process, because we believe that brokers have an important role to play in delivering value and choice to consumers.

Ultimately, we hope the Royal Commission supports continued competition in the sector, and allows brokers to continue to provide consumers with clear choice.Damascus: A building damaged during years of war in the Syrian northern city of Aleppo has collapsed, killing 11 people, including four children, Syria's state news agency says.

The five-storey building collapsed early on Saturday, killing most of those who were inside and only one person was rescued alive, SANA said.

In this photo released by the Syrian official news agency SANA, rescue workers carry a victim where, according to SANA, the five-story building collapsed early on Saturday, killing 11. Credit:AP

The report said the building is in the eastern Salahuddin neighbourhood, once held by rebels.

Aleppo had been divided for four years, starting in the (northern) summer of 2012, between a government-held west and a rebel-held east.Moscow: Cape Verde police have detained 11 Russian sailors for the suspected smuggling of more than nine tonnes of cocaine, Russian news agencies reported citing local police.

RIA news agency said the ship ESER, sailing under Panama's flag, was heading to Tangier in Morocco from Panama. It was detained after it stopped at Porto Praia following the death of a crew member.

Some of the nine tonnes of cocaine found aboard a vessel crewed by 11 Russian sailors off the island of Cape Verde.

The Russian embassy in Cape Verde, an archipelago off the coast of West Africa, declined immediate comment when contacted by phone on Saturday. According to Refinitive data, the vessel ESER remains in Porto Praia.

Last February, six suspected drug traffickers were arrested after 389 kg of cocaine was found in the Russian embassy in Buenos Aires.Manila: Philippine troops clashed with Abu Sayyaf gunmen in fierce jungle fighting that left five soldiers and three militants dead, as the military pushed forward with a fresh offensive following a deadly church bombing last weekend.

President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered government forces to destroy the Abu Sayyaf after the bombing last Sunday of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral in the Sulu provincial capital of Jolo that killed 22 people and wounded more than 100. The attack has renewed terrorism fears across the Philippines, where the national police went on full alert and security has been strengthened in churches, shopping malls and other public areas.

Regional military spokesman Colonel Gerry Besana said another five soldiers and 15 militants were wounded in nearly two hours of fighting Saturday between the army and about 150 Islamic State group-linked fighters in the jungles near Patikul town.Pressure is mounting on the NSW government to ban junk food advertisements on public transport, with new research showing children who catch the bus or train to school are exposed to 4.5 ads spruiking chips, donuts and ice cream per trip.

With 21 per cent, or 247,000 children, in NSW being overweight or obese, Cancer Council NSW is urging the government to remove junk food ads from state-owned property.

A junk food ad on the side of a bus in Randwick. Credit:Cancer Council NSW

In its latest study, researchers mapped out trips taken by foot (average 600m), by bus (2-3km) and by train (one stop) to 21 schools across Sydney, from Fairfield to Freshwater.

Researchers then travelled the routes and found one-third of all ads were for food and drinks.Premier Gladys Berejiklian has ruled out accepting the support of the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party to form government, saying the minor party's gun policies are a danger to NSW.

The Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party is a serious threat to the Coalition in seats that the Nationals must win, including Barwon and Upper Hunter. The Coalition could be plunged into minority government if it loses just six seats at the state election on March 23.

But the Liberals say they will not do a preference deal with the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party and would not take their support to form government.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian says she will not accept the support of the Shooters to form government. Credit:Anna Kucera

Ms Berejiklian said her stance was purely ideological because she could not have anything to do with a party that "wants to give guns to 10-year-olds".Star Liberal candidate Warren Mundine has pledged to divest all his business interests before the election - including a company that last year received a $5 million government grant - to ensure he does not fall foul of the Constitution's notorious section 44.

Grant records show Real Futures - a vocational training company of which Mr Mundine is the chairman and part-owner - initially received a $4.5 million Commonwealth grant in February 2018 after a non-competitive selection process.

A company part-owned by Liberal candidate Warren Mundine received a $5 million government grant. Credit:Louise Kennerley

The grant increased to $5 million on August 27, just days after Scott Morrison became Prime Minister. It covers a period from February 2018 to June 2020.

Mr Mundine was neither a candidate nor a member of the Liberal Party when the grant was awarded, and there is no suggestion of wrongdoing or malpractice by the government.Almost 460 asylum seekers who had been in offshore detention have now been resettled in the United States, the federal government confirmed on Sunday as the last four refugee children on Nauru are set to leave.

The four remaining children on Nauru, along with their families, will be flown to the US in the coming days, leaving about 420 refugees on the Pacific Island.

Immigration Minister David Coleman says 456 people have now been resettled in the US. Credit:Ben Rushton

The Morrison government used the announcement to sharpen its attack on Labor for plans to pass a bill in Parliament that will give doctors more say in whether to send sick refugees on Nauru and Papua New Guinea's Manus Island to Australia for medical treatment.

Immigration Minister David Coleman said the law which Labor voted for in December in the Senate would end offshore processing "as we know it".New York: Labor leader Bill Shorten's decision to rebuff Rupert Murdoch's request for a meeting in New York has been applauded by former prime minister Kevin Rudd, who said it was a wise move not to attempt to court favour with the media mogul.

Prime ministers and opposition leaders - including Mr Rudd and his Labor successor Julia Gillard - have traditionally met the News Corp executive chairman while visiting the United States.

But Mr Shorten last week said he would not take up a standing offer to meet Mr Murdoch and would instead deal directly with the company's Australian representatives.

"I think it is a wise decision by Mr Shorten," Mr Rudd, who now heads the Asia Society Policy Institute in New York, said.

"My experience, having been to see Mr Murdoch in 2007 at his request, is that whatever temporary peace it may deliver, it never alters Murdoch's fundamental strategic, political and commercial view.At the solemn atmosphere, the senior leaders commemorated and expressed their deep gratitude to President Ho Chi Minh, a founder and the first leader of the Communist Party of Vietnam who devoted the whole life for the national liberation.After that, Party General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong led the delegation to visit and lay wreaths in commemoration at the Heroic Martyrs Monument in Bac Son street and the Mai Dich Heroic Martyrs Cemetery in Hanoi.On the same day, Party General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong offered incense to pay tribute to President Ho Chi Minh at House No. 67 in Hanoi and planted a memorial tree at President Ho Chi Minh Relic Site inside Presidential Palace.

BY TRAN BINH- Translated by Huyen HuongOne of the nation's largest employer groups has demanded a crackdown on businesses that rip off workers.

In its pre-budget submission, the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry calls on the federal government to beef up the Fair Work Ombudsman to pursue employers who underpay staff, saying the problem remains "widespread".

"There is an increasing awareness of and concern within the Australian community about non-compliance with workplace laws, and an expectation that there is a tough cop on the beat in this space," the submission says.

"Notwithstanding that the FWO represents worlds best practice in enforcement, there is clear and increasing community concern that underpayments are too frequent and widespread."I have cancelled my membership of the Australian Medical Association after 30 years as a loyal member. I can no longer tolerate the AMA's hypocrisy on harm reduction: supporting pill testing for drug takers but opposing vaping to reduce the harm from smoking.

The association recently lent vocal support for pill testing at music festivals. Pill testing is a sensible harm reduction policy which aims to the reduce harm from illicit drugs. The association accepts that people will continue to use drugs despite the risk. Pill testing is a pragmatic solution which aims to reduce the harm that will inevitably occur in some cases.

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However, with smoking the association takes a zero-tolerance approach and rejects safer alternatives such as vaping for smokers who are unable to quit. According to the UK Royal College of Physicians, long-term vaping "is unlikely to exceed 5 per cent of the harm from smoking tobacco".We can see a water bomber in the sky and there are police cars all around. Its all pretty frightening but we just have to keep off the roads and let everyone do their jobs. Mr Hutchinson has a property in the Hepburn Springs, however, unable to access it he said he is hoping for the best. Its scary, its very scary but we are crossing our fingers and hoping. The fire is already impacting small business in the area. Chris Malden runs Dayget, a holiday rental business in Daylesford. He has had to tell all his guests to leave and call others informing them not to come.

"Living in the country you expect it to happen at some point ... we just don't want to create panic, we don't want to scare people away but safety is obviously the main concern for everyone," he said. High winds, extreme heat and lightning expected on Sunday have seen a total fire ban declared ahead of what has been described as a "really concerning day" for Victoria. With emergency services already fighting fires across the state, authorities fear they may not be able to keep up if major blazes break out on Sunday. Mr Crisp said Victoria had already had just over 2000 bush, scrub and grass fires so far this summer. On Saturday there were about 40 burning fires.

He said today would be a "spike day" for bushfire risk around the state, with temperatures climbing to 40 degrees in the state's north, and storing winds hitting high-risk areas throughout the day. "If youve got heat, if youve got wind, and youve got low humidity those are all the factors that make fires spread," Mr Crisp said. "We are very confident in our emergency services, but what we need [the community] to do is to ensure that they aren't doing anything out in the open that will start a fire." Crews are currently battling blazes in Timbarra, Grantville, Thomson Reservoir, Walhalla and Hepburn Springs. Although Mr Crisp says they currently have sufficient resources to fight these fires, he warned that were more to break out, interstate or even international crews would need to be brought in.

"We aren't there yet, but that always has to be part of our planning. We need to assess all our possible resources," he said. In order to prevent the risk of more fires starting, a total fire ban has been put over the entire state. "Part of the reason for the declaration of the [total fire ban] is because we do have so many fires going at the moment and we know that we can't afford to have too many more fires across the landscape," Mr Crisp said at a press conference on Saturday. State Emergency Management Commissioner Andrew Crisp has warned of a higher bushfire risk across Victoria on Sunday. Credit:. "Essentially we will do what we can with some of the most professional, battle-hardened firefighters the world has got, but now it's up to the community. The decisions you make on any given day will determine, particularly [on Sunday], whether you live or die."Two people have been charged with attempted murder after a man was shot in the chest outside his home north of Brisbane and left fighting for life in hospital.

It will be alleged a man and woman confronted and began arguing with a 25-year-old man outside his Margate home, in Moreton Bay, about 11.15am on Sunday.

Police said the man pulled out a gun and shot the resident in the chest before the pair fled in a car.

The victim was rushed to the Royal Brisbane and Womens Hospital in a critical condition.

Police pulled the car over shortly after the shooting and arrested the man and woman.Taxpayers face significant future liabilities from the Opal Tower debacle due to a state government agency retaining ownership of more than 40 units inside the Sydney Olympic Park development, and potentially retaining liability for the costs of rectifying the development.

After awareness of the deep cracking within the 34-storey tower came to prominence before Christmas, a stoush over responsibility erupted between property developer Ecove and its builder Icon Construction.

The Opal Tower at Sydney Olympic Park in Sydney. Credit:AAP

However, there is also a chance that much of the burden of the costs of rectifying the structure and compensating those who have lost out from the faults could fall on NSW taxpayers through the state government organisation the Sydney Olympic Park Authority (SOPA).

This situation could dint hopes of using land development at Olympic Park to pay for future government promises. Late last year, for instance, the Berejiklian government said it would raise $30 million from land sales at Olympic Park to pay for a Cricket NSW Centre of Excellence, after Cricket NSW was dislodged from Moore Park by the impending construction of a $730 million stadium.A 10-year-old boy reported missing from Sydney City on Sunday afternoon has been located.

Police are trying to locate Subo "Bob" Jin. Credit:NSW Police

NSW Police appealed for public assistance to help locate Subo Jin, known as Bob, who was last seen at the Queen Victoria Building at 1pm.

Officers from Sydney City Police Area Command commenced a search of the area after Bob's family said his disappearance was out of character.

Bob was found at 4.15pm near the QVB "safe and well", police said.Funeral procession for Neptune airmen leaves chapel at Richmond R.A.A.F. Station on the way to Rookwood, February 11, 1959. Credit:Staff



First published in the Sydney Morning Herald on February 5, 1959

An R.A.A.F. Neptune bomber ploughed 30 feet up a steep incline and exploded in a ball of flame after it crashed on the south bank of the Hawkesbury River at Richmond yesterday, killing its crew of eight.

Even then the terrific velocity of the huge plane could not be stopped.

The bomber "kangaroo-ed" over the top of the river bank, tore through 20 lines of high tension cables and scattered blazing wreckage over two acres of land.Nobody likes the Murray Darling Basin Plan. Paradoxically, that is what gives it the best chance of success.

Implementing an environmental reform that is unique in the world for its scale and ambition, needs cooperation. Yes, governments at all levels and all political persuasions must be on board, but so must be the communities, producers and the public.

Achieving a healthy Murray-Darling system is about more than just flows in the river, its a lot more than even the iconic wetlands or man-made lakes. Its about achieving a healthy habitat in the river and its riparian zones and in the thousands of wetlands on private as well as public land.

Farmers and basin communities must be part of the process.

This is why the "kiss my backside" demand, so arrogantly expressed by the South Australian Murray Darling Basin Royal Commissions senior counsel, Richard Beasley, in the Herald on Saturday, is so dangerous. Beasley directed his remarks at the, often friendless, MDBA, but he might as well be saying it to the people of Wee Waa, Wakool or Berri.We know Coalition members are working overtime to address the so-called "women problem" in the party, so we were buoyed to hear the newer generation has taken the message to heart.

Which brings us to the West Brisbane branch of the Young Liberal Nationals who have decided their party should bring back the Miss Young Liberal pageant.

Yep, nothing will improve female representation more than proposer Tien Kellys vision of parades, sashes and a catwalk.

The idea was raised at a branch meeting last Wednesday at Ipswich's Prince Alfred pub. We're unsure if the motion was passed.

Neither Ms Kelly nor the branch executive including Lara Byrnes, Benjamin Kozij or Daniel Torbey responded to multiple requests for comment.The damage done to public schools by vandals in Canberra has fallen dramatically as the ACT government has erected high-security fences around them.

Newly published figures show that 10 years ago there were 300 attacks on schools by vandals. In 2018, the figure was down to 85.

Fortress or children's haven? Credit:Bradley Kanaris

The ACT government estimates that in 2009 the cost of school vandalism to the public purse was $606,668. In the last full year on record - 2017 - the cost was down to $239,150.69 (the official figures go down to the last cent).

Most of the Canberra public schools now have high perimeter fences. On the latest count, 69 of the 87 schools had taken this big protective option.The Suburban Land Agency is still negotiating the details of the Kingston Arts Precinct with developer Geocon two years after the developer was awarded the tender, pushing back the start of construction more than a year.

Meantime, one of the arts groups supposed to shift there has pulled out. The Canberra Potters' Society will remain in Watson.

The signage for the Kingston Arts Precinct went up in 2016 but negotiations with the developer are still ongoing. Credit:Jamila Toderas

Geocon, along with architects Fender Katsalidis and landscape and urban design firm Oculus, won the tender to develop the last available Kingston Foreshore block in February 2017, but no details of the winning bid or Geocon's proposals were released.

It is unclear why progress appears to have stalled.She said she held no hope of ever seeing her money again. A spokesman from the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission confirmed Immigration Place Australia had been deregistered as a charity in April 2018, because the commission had not received any annual reports for two years. The winning design for Immigration Place by Callum Morton and team in 2015. He said this meant donors had no recourse through the commission, and instead had to contact their state Fair Trade body. Access Canberra, the ACT government agency responsible for fundraising, confirmed it had received inquiries about Immigration Place.

A spokeswoman said consumers who were unable to resolve their concerns with a charity should contact Access Canberra, or, if they lived interstate, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. In December, the ABC reported that a federal investigation was under way into the charity, but a spokeswoman for the Australian Federal Police would only confirm it had received a referral regarding allegations made against an Australian NFP. Remaining board members, including prominent local businessman Emmanuel Notaras, are adamant the project is in hiatus, and can still be resurrected with an injection of funds and Commonwealth support. I don't want to sound dismissive of these people's concerns. For some people, $100 - and a thing that they wanted to demonstrate to their parents of how much they appreciated the journey they'd made to the country - it's very important to them, Mr Notaras said. But what people have got to appreciate too is these things don't happen overnight, particularly when there's no money.

While he said he had spent a significant amount of his own money on the project, he was confident that the Commonwealth government would eventually support the monument, although there had been little traction on that front. I can't get any resonance within government, they're in election mode now, and I know that there's some people within parliament that are great supporters of the project, he said. Susan McIntosh, who paid money 10 years ago to have her parents named as part of Immigration Place, is upset that nothing has happened with the project, and believes she'll never get her money back. Credit:Karleen Minney I'm just hoping that after the election, when the dust settles and we know who has formed government, I'll make a more resolute approach to them. But the National Capital Authority, which approved the original project and the site for the monument, said it had been trying in vain to find out what was happening with the project.

Since completion of the design competition, the [authority] has sought to contact the proponent to determine the status of the project, a spokeswoman said. The proponent has not responded to these inquiries. Mr Notaras said he had not been contacted by either the authority or the police about Immigration Place. He said there had never been any understanding with donors that there was an entitlement to get the money back. As a gesture of goodwill, when the project changed from a bridge to Immigration Place, we said if you want your money back, you can have it back, he said. That was published on the website, some people sought a refund and they got it, but there was a sunset clause in it that said after a particular time we can't refund this money because we need these resources to go forward and carry the project on.

Cooma-based engineer Geoff Bowland, also a committee member and involved with the project from its inception, said if donors wanted their money back, theyd be waiting for a long time. I can't see any money being given back because there's no money to give back, he said. I don't think there's any money promised to give back that I know of. Unless someone takes it up and drives it forward, nothing will happen. The brochure from when Susan McIntosh signed up for her parents' names to be included on Immigration Bridge. Credit:Karleen Minney He said at least $6 million was needed to get the monument built, and ideally the money would be provided by a rich benefactor like Dick Smith. He said all of the money raised by the project - about $700,000 from donors and a further $445,000 from fundraising - had been spent on advertising, consultants and the design competition.

The money doesn't exist anymore, and no one on the committee was paid money for doing their committee work for years and years, he said. Any money was paid to some consultants to try and move it along, and they all played their part. All the books would be in order there, there would be nothing untoward in the whole thing. He said he was saddened to hear that donors were upset about the money they had spent on what appeared to be a permanently stalled project. The biggest disappointment is nothing happening, not the $100 that's been lost, he said. It's a lost dream, that's the whole thing, not the lost money. The dream needs to be the thing that's picked up. The money - all of the sizes of donations I saw - wouldn't hurt anyone."It's like what Christmas is like for other Australians. The celebration serves a similar purpose." Some years, she and her family make a pilgrimage through China to find out where their ancestors lived and to learn about their lifestyle. She admits that in China, Lunar New Year is hectic. It's the busiest time of year. "If you don't book your train ticket a month in advance, you'll miss out. The plane tickets too."

Andy Ho, John Chow and Arthur Tsui Andy Ho, John Chow and Arthur Tsui are gearing up for Lunar New Year. Credit:Jamila Toderas If you've had an "orphan's Christmas" before, you'd know what it feels like for Hong Kong natives Andy Ho, John Chow, and Arthur Tsui during Lunar New Year. "If we were in Hong Kong, there would be a reunion dinner with relatives. Everyone sitting together with traditional delicious food," said Chairman and Yip restaurant manager John Chow. "In my family, I make Chinese cake - radish cake or taro cake - with my Grandma. That's my family tradition."

While many of their colleagues take leave at this time of year, the three men - who all met during their university days - have remained at the restaurant to hold down the fort. And they definitely don't let being away from their families unsettle them. "When I was studying at ANU, and I couldn't return home for Chinese New Year, I would gather all my friends and some classmates to play mahjong and sing karaoke. No one wants to be alone for Chinese New Year," says Chow. "In the restaurant, we all stay together, chit-chat and have a staff dinner together. This includes special meals, and an even number of them. There must be an even number." This time of year is certainly about family and food, but it's part of deeper cultural symbolism. "At our Chinese New Year dinner, we ensure we have fish and chicken. Especially fish. Fish brings luck. In Chinese, the word 'fish' means 'extra'. It's the same pronunciation. So every year, we have fish, for luck," says consultant Arthur Tsui.

Apart from food, the celebration centres on fun, he says. "During Chinese New Year, people want to play mahjong. Even if they don't usually, they do during this time of the year." Xiao Yi and her family Kaleen family Wendy Chen, Teng XiaoYi, Liz Chen, and Andrew Chen. Credit:Sitthixay Ditthavong Xiao Yi, 55, is welcoming the Year of the Pig with her children and parents, all of whom still live in Canberra - much to her delight.

For Yi, family comes first. It's a value she shares with many other Chinese Australians. "During Chinese New Year, we come together for dinner, we buy new clothes, clean up the house and we write Chinese poetry," says Yi. Xiao Yi, who moved to Canberra in 1994, is also looking forward to February 5 because it connects her to her past, and that of her country. "It's special to us because it's traditional. It's a tradition that's thousands of years old. Historically, for the poor people, Lunar New Year was the only time of year to get new clothes and to eat nice food. "When I was young, we were limited to having only half a kilo of meat per month."

The families of the Chinese Australian Early Childhood Centre Kim Bissonnette and her daughter Claire 4. Credit: Jamila Toderas At the Chinese Australian Early Childhood Centre in Mawson, kids from the ages of three months to five years will sing traditional songs, participate in activities and even make dumplings. Centre director Qin Bao says teaching the children about long-standing Chinese traditions from a young age is crucial. "Chinese New Year is part of our centre's culture. We teach the children about the origins story of the celebration and they learn to make the traditional dumplings, a recipe which is thousands of years old," said Bao.

"This process is about family, and the parents come in to make the dumplings with them." Amy Mao, and her daughter Eco 3, and Max 22-months. Credit:Jamila Toderas It's an exciting time for Bao. Being family-focused, she loves to witness this at the centre every year. "In China, the new year is so important, even for people far away, and they must go home. They need to be together with their family for the reunion dinner on the first day of new year.The ACT government was warned in 2013 of a "very disturbing" design and construction practice apparent in at least six Canberra apartment buildings, including the Elara complex, which posed a potentially significant risk to residents' safety, The Canberra Times can reveal.

It is understood the apparent flaw means some sections of the buildings could be prone to collapse in a significantly faster time than what's expected in the national construction code.

Elara apartment owners, including David Allen (pictured), are suing the builders' insurance scheme for alleged defects in their complex. Credit:Elesa Kurtz

Access Canberra's construction occupations registrar said the builders involved in the projects had been sanctioned, but denied there was evidence of a "systemic design flaw" in those complexes.

The government last week disputed claims from structural engineer Mal Wilson, reported in The Canberra Times, that it had been made aware of a design flaw uncovered in the Elara building - and possibly replicated in other buildings across the nation's capital - but had not done anything about it.Hundreds of climate leaders are expected to flock to Sydney next year after the City of Sydney won its bid to host a global conference for women.

The C40 group, representing 94 cities home to more than 700 million people, has selected Sydney to host its Women4Climate Conference in April 2020.

Sydney Mayor Clover Moore has attended a range of international conferences, including the 2015 Paris climate summit. Credit:Peter Hannam

Lord Mayor Clover Moore said cities are responsible for a "staggering 75 to 80

per cent" of the worlds greenhouse gas emissions, making action in cities to cut carbon pollution crucial.

Many of the worlds biggest cities are setting ambitious targets and policies to reduce

greenhouse gas emissions, proving effective action on climate change and strong

economic growth are compatible," Cr Moore said.Former NCIS: Los Angeles creator and showrunner Shane Brennan has been named president of the Australian Writers' Guild. The appointment is a relatively prestigious one for the guild; Australia has long history of sending creative talent to Hollywood but rarely gets an opportunity to secure that talent back on home soil. Brennan has been a guild member for almost 40 years, and has spent the last 14 years in Hollywood working on a number of projects but notably the NCIS franchise, and the spin-off NCIS: Los Angeles, for the CBS network. The guild's CEO Jacqueline Elaine noted Brennan's appointment reflected the "calibre and commitment" of the guild's board.

Spin-off planned for crime show

The 2019 cast of Dancing with the Stars. From left to right: Jimmy Rees, Cassandra Thorburn, Constance Hall, Miguel Maestre, Olympia Valance, Sir Curtly Ambrose, Michelle Bridges, Denise Scott, Samuel Johnson, Courtney Act and Jett Kenny. Credit:NETWORK TEN

Once upon a time in Hollywood it took you a couple of years to build up enough momentum for a spin-off. But the new crime procedural FBI is planning to launch a spin-off before its first season has wrapped. The series, which is produced by Dick Wolf, will feature the new cast in an upcoming episode before sending them packing to their own series, to be titled, FBI: Most Wanted. The spin-off will be set in a division of the FBI which focuses on hunting down criminals listed on the agency's most wanted list. The new series would be produced by Wolf and longtime collaborator Rene Balcer; Balcer will also direct the pilot and key episodes of the spin-off.

Soap star takes one for charityFor my friend Maree, the tears came when she was shopping for lunch box snacks in the supermarket. For Daisy, it was buying school shoes.

"I had to keep walking around the shop so he didn't see me sad," she says.

Mine came at the hairdresser, while I watched my five-year-old have his hair cut before his first day at kindy. He looked so grown up, with his short back and sides. He didn't even need a cartoon to distract him from the clippers.

There are big challenges for the whole family when a child begins school Credit:Quentin Jones

Yesterday he was a chubby baby. Today I'll escort our kind, courageous, curious boy to the school gate, hand him to his teacher, and valiantly try not to be a blubbering mess. I'm crying as I'm writing this, so I don't like my chances.Loading Replay Replay video Play video Play video Call for restrictions Mr Low said giving evidence at the royal commission was "quite confronting" but he is hopeful that his testimony and that of others at the royal commission will have an impact. "What I am hoping to come out of the royal commission is change, obviously the banks can't keep going the way they are," he said. "There are a lot of people out there taken advantage of. Restrictions need to be put into place so people don't get into situations where they can't get themselves out of. I think there needs to be more improvement in researching the individuals' lending capacity... banks really need to take into account the affordability of the loans they are offering and not being greedy." Rien Low leaves the royal commission after giving evidence in May 2018. Credit:Jason South

Ombudsman calls for clarity However, small business advocates including small business ombudsman Kate Carnell are worried restrictions imposed on lending as a result of the royal commission could dry up lending to small businesses. "Our concern is that there will be more requirements on the banks to ensure that loans they give can be paid back," Ms Carnell said. "The serviceability issue is a really big issue for small business. Over the last six months the banks have really tightened up on home loans requiring information on expenditure and income and the problem is that has flowed through to small business. What I would be hoping for is some real clarity around small business lending to ensure it doesn't get sucked into the same serviceability requirements as consumers." Anthony Healy, NAB chief customer officer, business and private banking. Credit:Wayne Taylor Impact on lending

The banks are also concerned the royal commission report may impact on lending to business. Anthony Healy, chief customer officer for business and private banking at the National Australia Bank, said the bank supports the royal commission report's interim recommendations in relation to small business and is always open to policy ideas that support the sector and accelerate the creation of new business and opportunities. "As we pointed out in our response to the interim report, we do not support extending the application of the National Consumer Credit Protection Act provisions to SMEs and deem the current legal framework for SME lending to be appropriate," Mr Healy said. "We are open for business and we want to lend  our appetite hasnt changed." Nevertheless, Mr Low is hopeful there will be change. "I feel that a very bright light is being shone onto these banks, the good thing about the royal commission was there was nowhere to hide," he said."Im not saying Im [Jeff] Bezos or [Richard] Branson or a [Elon] Musk yet, but I am hopefully one day going to have a company as large as theirs if not bigger," he says. Dollinger is enthusiastic about the growth opportunities in Australia with the federal government legalising patient access to Australian-grown and manufactured medicinal cannabis in 2016, while states and territories have their own legislation controlling its prescription and use. "Each country has different rules and perspectives," he says. "Australia obviously limits the scope of what we use medical cannabis for but when you look at Canada, that is where Canada was a bunch of years ago. Canada has done a wonderful job of rolling out the product from a medical to a recreational product." Dollinger wants countries including Australia to use Canada as a framework. "Hopefully three to five years from now we will start to see wider uses of cannabis in Australia and we will hopefully evolve our platform as the rules and regulations change," he says.

In the meantime Dollinger says the main challenge to Namaste Technologies' continued growth is dealing with different jurisdictions and legislation. "In Australia we need to be extremely careful and always abide by the rules," he says. Export market While Namaste Technologies sees medicinal cannabis as opening up the Australian market for cannabis related products, Australian businesses are looking to medical grade cannabis as an export crop. ASX-listed Australian cannabis producers stocks soared last year when the federal government approved therapeutic marijuana products for export.

Independently owned medicinal cannabis focused company, Australian Natural Therapeutics Group (ANTG), is one of a handful of Australian companies which have received a federal licence allowing them to cultivate and harvest cannabis for medicinal purposes. Matt Cantelo, chief executive at ANTG. Matt Cantelo, chief executive and co-founder of ANTG, says the business has signed an agreement with European giant Cannamedical Pharma to export Australian grown cannabis for German patients. "Australian growing conditions from plant composition perspective are the most ideal in the world," he says. "The Australian sun puts the plants under positive distress and produces a fairly potent product." Cantelo says ANTG has invested "multi million dollars" in its growing facilities.

"We are investing heavily in the early stages in capital at the moment," he says. He hopes that medical cannabis will be more frequently prescribed in Australia at the moment with authorities granting 2500 approvals for legal use of the medicine in the past year. "The medical profession really needs to be educated further than it is now," he says. "Australian doctors are quite conservative and do want to see this on home soil as well. We are at the very start of what will be one of the most booming industries in the world." The Australian Medical Association supports clinical trials of medical cannabis to establish clinical guidelines before wider promulgation throughout the community. In the meantime, ANTG's product has found a ready market in Germany with Cannamedical Pharma sold out of medical cannabis for the next 90 days.Australia's share market is tipped to open positively but the release of the financial services royal commission report is likely to impact trade throughout the week.

The positive start has been attributed to favourable company earnings and employment in the United States as well as a rise in oil prices in Australia, CommSec chief economist Craig James said.

"A lot of support from our market is coming from the resource sector," Mr James said.

The Hayne report is set to shake up the ASX this week. Credit:Michele Mossop

"Gains of 10 to 15 points are possible at the start of trade with a lot of support coming through from the resource sector."The Australian Securities and Investments Commission is challenging the overturning of a life ban it gave to an ANZ financial advisor after the Administrative Appeals Tribunal found it did not make key arguments to justify the prohibition and in doing so forced the tribunal to overturn ASIC's decision to bar the planner.

In a humiliating loss that comes during intense scrutiny of the regulator's conduct exposed by the Banking Royal Commission, ASIC alleged Perth financial advisor Robert Hutchison deposited around $17,000 in client payments to his company into his own bank account between December 2010 and November 2012.

He was subsequently permanently banned from providing financial services by an ASIC delegate in June 2017.

ASIC had alleged the adviser knew he was not entitled to the payments. Credit:Arsineh Houspian

ASIC alleged Mr Hutchison knew he was not entitled to the payments, that he dishonestly banked clients cheques and in some cases double-charged clients fees for services, in breach of the Corporations Act and the ASIC Act, and had engaged in misleading and deceptive conduct.Weather Alert

...SEVERE THUNDERSTORM POTENTIAL THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING... A line of strong to severe thunderstorms with damaging wind gusts is expected to sweep east across our region this afternoon into this evening. The risk for severe thunderstorms increases from Marginal Risk over central Virginia, to Slight Risk generally north of I-66 and US-50, to Enhanced Risk along and near the Mason-Dixon Line. Damaging wind gusts are the primary threat, although large hail and an isolated tornado are also possible. The initial line of storms should enter western Maryland and the eastern panhandle of West Virginia between 1 and 4 PM. It is then expected to move east across the Shenandoah Valley and west central Maryland between 3 and 5 PM. The line should reach the Baltimore and Washington metro areas and southern MD between 5 and 8 PM. All times are current best estimates, and people should be ready to seek shelter when storms threaten or warnings are issued.Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald says that looking at how Scotland's MPs are treated in Westminster affirms her belief in abstentionism.

Sinn Fein's seven elected MPs do not take their seats in the House of Commons, despite repeated calls to do so during key Brexit votes.

On whether Sinn Fein would ever take their seats, Mary Lou McDonald told Andrew Marr on Sunday that the seven votes would be ineffectual and her party are resolute in their stance.

"I have no business in Westminster, we have no business in your parliament," she said.

"Westminster, correctly, advances and protects what it regards to be British interests.

We have no business interfering in that, I am Irish, we have two parliaments and we advance Irish interests.

"I look at the experience of our Scottish colleagues and I see them at Westminster, I think there's 30-odd, and I think they would readily attest that Westminster has no interest in Scotland either, Westminster has never served Irish interests, it's not constituted to do that, Irish interests are defended in Dublin and Belfast."

McDonald added that the Good Friday Agreement would have to be revisited in the event of a hard Brexit on March 29, and an Irish unity referendum should be held.

"Put simply, if the border in Ireland cannot be mitigated, cannot be managed in the short term, well then you put the question democratically in the hands of the people and allow them to remove the border," she said.

"Bear in mind the people in the north of Ireland did not consent to Brexit."

"The backstop is the bottom line.

"On the issue of the border poll, there's no point us burying our heads in the sand and wish away a hard Brexit.

"We prepare for the worst scenario and protect our national interest."

Ms McDonald told Marr that anyone gambling with peace on the island of Ireland is acting recklessly.

"One of the biggest symbols of success of the peace process is that people can travel unimpeded over the border.

Any controls or checks or security checks, any question of British soldiers at the border - the Taoiseach has been clear there will be no Irish soldiers on the border- no one will accept the hardening of the border on our island.

"The peace process is very solid, very robust, we are only going forward and we are not going back, it would be grossly reckless and irresponsible of the Tories to play a game of chicken with that progress.

"Peace on this island is a precious thing, shame on anybody who would play games with that."

-PAGardai are at the scene of a reported suspect device in north Dublin.

The device at Springdale Rd, Edenmore in Raheny was reported to Gardai at approximately 5pm this evening.

The road has been closed and the army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team are scheduled to attend the scene to inspect the device.

More as we get it...Fresh attempts by British prime minister Theresa May to reopen the backstop agreement have been shot down by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar ahead of an expected show of solidarity from the EU this week.

While open to listening to Ms May's proposals over the Brexit standoff, Mr Varadkar again struck down claims technology was a solution, warning that this would still create a hard border.

Support for Ireland's refusal to renegotiate the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement and the backstop clause preventing a border in the North will be stepped up this week.

European Affairs Minister Helen McEntee will tomorrow accompany Dutch Foreign Affairs Minister Stef Blok to the border region near Dundalk, Louth. This follows a similar visit here by the German justice minister Katarina Barley last week.

Mr Varadkar will also discuss renewed support for Ireland position by members states with European Council president Donald Tusk in Brussels on Wednesday as well as preparations for a no-deal scenario with European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker. Other meetings could take place with EU figures.

While support is strong for Dublin's determination to hold the line on the backstop insurance policy to prevent a hard border, there is now growing talk in government circles about how and when Brexit can be delayed.

Mr Varadkar reiterated that Britain could remove the spectre of Britain crashing out of the union.

They can take a no deal off table when they want, he told RTE's This Week in an extensive interview.

British Foreign Affairs Minister Jeremy Hunt had hinted last Thursday, in addition to confirming there would alternative proposals for the Irish border in the days ahead, that an extension to the Brexit process beyond March 29 might be required.

Ms May is expected to seek alternatives from the EU this week, following a vote by MPs in Westminster last week to renegotiate terms around the backstop.

Writing in the Sunday Telegraph, she said would be "battling for Britain" when she returns to Brussels to seek a "pragmatic" Brexit deal. She still insisted there would be no new hard border.

Ms May is due to report back to the House of Commons on her negotiations with the EU on February 13, with a further series of votes by MPs expected the following day.

Nonetheless, Mr Varadkar has insisted Ireland - and the EU - would not countenance any reopening of the existing divorce deal for Britain.

Of course we will listen to the prime minister and the suggestions she will put forward, but my concern is when they talk about alternative arrangements, they are talking about revisiting things that have already been rejected and that is not going to work," he said.

British home secretary Sajid Javid suggested that a technological solution could do away with the Irish backstop with a bit of goodwill from Europe. Such plans were being worked on, Mr Javid said.

But Mr Varadkar immediately shot down any fresh talk of technology preventing a hard border, an option previously rejected by the EU during the original Brexit talks.

It is very frustrating that we are going back to this idea about technology.

The European Commission and the Brexit taskforce had examined all this, he said, including looking at such systems in Norway and Sweden as well as on the border between the US and Canada.

Yes, there is lots of technology, but it is a hard border, he said.Three-quarters of the women affected by the CervicalCheck controversy are now cancer free.

According to HSE data, at least 165 of the 221 women diagnosed at stage two or earlier now have no evidence of the active disease.Seguin, Texas (78155)

Today

Cloudy early with peeks of sunshine expected late. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 93F. Winds SSE at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms. Low 71F. Winds ENE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 50%.Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 3/2/2019 (869 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

SURREY, B.C. - Fatum Ibrahim is pointing to her nose and smiling ear-to-ear.

"Nose," she proudly pronounces, eager to demonstrate her expanding English vocabulary.

Three years ago, a day shy of Valentine's Day, 36-year old Ibrahim and seven family members landed in Surrey, B.C., as part of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's signature Syrian Refugee Initiative. She didn't know a word of English, nor could she read or write in her native Arabic.

Despite taking language classes four days a week, she has a long way to go to meet the English-language requirement for Canadian citizenship. While her mom, dad, grandmother and two school-age brothers are eligible to become citizens this year, she and two other adult siblings, who also never learned to read or write, will not be. Without a passport, they are stuck in Canada, unable to visit the six siblings they left behind in Turkey.

"I want to be a Canadian. I love it because our country has been destroyed and is gone. Now Canada is our only country. ... But I don't think I will learn to pass the English test until the end of my life," Ibrahim says through an interpreter.

Ibrahim and her two siblings, both of whom live with intellectual disabilities, are not anomalies.

Government-assisted Syrian refugees came to Canada with less education than the refugees who came before them. Eighty-one per cent of the first 15,000 government-assisted refugees reported an education level of secondary school or less.

While Syria's average literacy rate  eight in 10 before the war took a toll  is relatively high for the region, there is a sizeable disparity between rates for men and women. Only 77 per cent of Syrian women are literate, compared with 90 per cent of men, with rural women such as Ibrahim faring the worst. It was these women and their families whom the Canadian government prioritized for resettlement.

"I went to school only for one year, in the first grade. But I didn't like it. I wasn't smart," Ibrahim says. "None of my sisters finished school; our brothers did. We spent our days cooking, cleaning the house, laughing, playing. We were so happy. ... Only here in Canada did I start school again. I was terrified."

Diana Jeffries manages English-language classes for Pacific Immigrant Resources Society, with funding from the federal government's Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program. She says adult literacy learners such as Ibrahim are right to wonder whether they will ever qualify for citizenship.

To meet the English-language requirement, individuals must reach Level 4 of the Canadian language benchmarks, meaning they can understand simple sentences and use basic grammar. Ibrahim has sat in a Level 1 class for more than a year.

"It is impossible. I have never seen someone who is non-literate get past a Level 2 literacy level," says Jeffries. "You also have to take into account, not only do these women have no literacy skills, they often have tons of anxiety about being in a classroom. They also are women who have a lot of other things going on  often, they lack any sense of agency and have so many other needs with children, caretaking and domestic violence. It can take six months to learn how to print on a line and because it takes a really, really long time, they can give up."

Ibrahim is not giving up yet, having just learned how to hold a pen and write her first name. She and her mom, Shakha, try to make it to their three-hour classes Mondays to Thursdays.

But chronic health challenges lead to sporadic attendance. And attendance matters more than ever.

Since 2016, LINC programs have adopted a new way of measuring language proficiency. Called the portfolio-based language assessment, it requires students to collect evidence of 32 successfully assessed assignments in order to rise to the next level. Assessments are held in class, so missing a session means missing an opportunity to progress.

Julie Ship, the settlement language co-ordinator for AMSSA, an umbrella organization for British Columbia's multicultural societies and services, argues that the portfolio process is not designed for adult literacy learners who face barriers to classroom engagement. There was no feasibility study of how changes to the assessment process might affect refugees with low-to-no literacy in their native tongues.

"We are hearing clients are intimidated by the whole process, and if they miss a class, which happens a lot when there are health appointments or they need child minding, they miss out on the assessment," Ship says. "It is almost too rigorous. The idea was to introduce a steady flow of assessments, but it actually kind of backfires, because talking about assessments all the way through still conveys something scary."

In fact, the portfolio process is so rigorous that it exceeds the government's language requirement for citizenship. To become a Canadian citizen, refugees aged 18 to 54 who have lived in Canada for three years must demonstrate that they can speak and listen at Level 4. Older refugees such as Ibrahim's mother, father and grandmother are exempt.

The portfolio assessment process gauges skills in four areas: speaking, listening, reading and writing. Although individuals can pay about $200 to bypass LINC classes and take an English-language test, they must be able to read and write to use its online interface. That puts refugees with no experience of reading or writing at a disadvantage. Without a Level 4 certificate, these refugees won't become citizens, with the capacity to vote or freely travel, until they turn 55.

Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada responded to a request for comment with a statement that did not address questions about the needs of refugees who are illiterate in their primary language.

It says in 2018-19, it is spending about $762 million to support the settlement needs of newcomers across all provinces and territories, excluding Quebec, and it spends more on language training than any other settlement service.

"IRCC-funded language training is offered at a range of ability levels from basic literacy to advanced language skills," it says. "This includes more specialized courses such as labour market language training, which offers job-specific programming, mainly at higher language proficiency levels, coupled with mentoring and work placements to speed up the transition to employment."

In 2008, before the influx of Syrian refugees, Jeffries ran a pilot program specifically for refugees with multiple disadvantages. The program's funding was not renewed and did not run long enough to compare results with standard programming.

"The pre-literacy classes were fantastic, because it was really using different teaching pedagogies that were more experiential and kinesthetic," Jeffries says. "Reading on a flat surface is not easy, nor is looking at black-and-white text on a piece of paper left to right. We could do art projects that were language-based and that were satisfying. In cooking, they could make measurements. We could paint the alphabet, and just do more creative things. Now, there is nothing like that with portfolio-based language assessment."

Andrea Solnes, an independent consultant in settlement language, has been writing a guidebook on marginalized and multi-barrier learners, based on research with English-as-second-language teachers. Best practice suggests pair work, learning stations, active use of volunteers and paid teaching assistants.

"None, that's how much specific training there is about illiteracy. Teachers are clearly expressing that they would like more," Solnes says.

To improve outcomes for adult literacy learners, both Solnes and Ship see value in an approach that is less focused on meeting standards and more focused on building relationships between refugees and the broader community.

"Because language classes are often the first services that newcomers to Canada access, it is such a strong place to work from," Solnes says.

But she says the push for a more standardized assessment structure means students spend less time outside the classroom learning other skills they need to be successful in Canada. "It's important to not just look at language outcomes, but overall community engagement."

Ibrahim is seeking more community support. She asks whether the interpreter can help her prepare for the language test. While she feels she is making progress in the classroom, it is outside those four walls where she struggles most.

"I only understand at school with my teacher," Ibrahim says. "What is there outside of school to help me learn? I wish there were other classes after my class. We are trying. English is very hard."

 Sarah Schulman, a sociologist and founder of InWithForward, is a fellow in global journalism at the Munk School of Global Affairs at the University of Toronto.

Note to readers: This is a corrected story. A previous version used the wrong name for the Affiliation of Multicultural Societies and Services Agencies, which goes by its acronym AMSSA.BUFFALO NARROWS, Sask. - Sixty years after two men vanished when their float plane crashed on a northern Saskatchewan lake, RCMP divers have helped bring some closure to their relatives by recovering their remains from deep underneath the lake's frozen surface.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 3/2/2019 (869 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

RCMP members enter Peter Pond Lake in Saskatchewan through a hole cut in the ice in this undated image provided by the RCMP. Sixty years after two men vanished when their float plane crashed on a northern Saskatchewan lake, RCMP divers have helped bring some closure to their relatives by recovering their remains from deep underneath the lake's frozen surface. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-RCMP *MANDATORY CREDIT*

BUFFALO NARROWS, Sask. - Sixty years after two men vanished when their float plane crashed on a northern Saskatchewan lake, RCMP divers have helped bring some closure to their relatives by recovering their remains from deep underneath the lake's frozen surface.

"I can't say enough about their efforts. They really wanted to see this through," said Martin Gran, the pilot's nephew, who waited by a hole in the ice on Peter Pond Lake last week as divers entered the plane's cabin 18 metres below.

"I was happy that I could talk to them and impress upon them how important it was for our family to just see this through. They understood completely."

The wreckage of the Saskatchewan Government Airways crash, which killed pilot Ray Gran and conservation officer Harold Thompson, was located in July by a private search effort launched by the pilot's daughter and son-in-law.

Gran was an experienced pilot in the Second World War and had earned the Distinguished Flying Cross. He and Thompson took off from Buffalo Narrows, Sask., on Aug. 20, 1959. They were heading out to investigate poaching and deliver mail to La Loche, Sask., but were never seen again.

Mounties initially said when the wreck was found last summer that a dive would be too dangerous. They later agreed to try in August, but strong winds and powerful waves on the lake hampered the search. The team said they would make another attempt in winter, when the lake was frozen and underwater visibility would hopefully be clearer.

Martin Gran, who lives in Sudbury, Ont., got a call two weeks ago that the dive would be happening in a few days, and that the team would allow him to come along and watch from the surface.

He arrived in Buffalo Narrows last Monday. On Tuesday, he rode in a snowmobile to a tent on the ice, where the team of more than a dozen people, including divers, support staff and a medic, performed the search.

"It was 35 below (on Tuesday)," Gran recalled. "It was one of those mornings where the extension cord you use to plug in your truck feels like it's going to snap it's so cold."

RCMP posted daily updates on Facebook, explaining that the ice was around two feet thick and they used a chainsaw to remove rectangular chunks to insert sonar equipment to confirm the wreck's location.

On Tuesday, police said a diver took a line down to the plane to help them find their way back and forth to the hole at the surface. A second dive was then meant to take video of the wreck, but visibility was only about one metre, and initial inspection revealed part of the aircraft appeared to be buried, with pieces of debris and metal that divers needed to manoeuvre around.

Wednesday was when the divers got inside the plane, but visibility was close to zero.

"At the bottom, you can't see your hand. You have to use a light close to your chest to see what you picked up," diver Const. Peter Rhead stated in a Facebook post.

"I wish I had more time to see the whole plane, but it was important to gather what we could from the cockpit.... I saw the colours and the markings on the plane; it's obvious it is the right plane."

Gran said it wasn't looking like the divers would be able to find any remains, but then they found an "item of interest." He said he was asked to step away while it was lifted from the hole and transferred to a coroner, who was also waiting at the surface.

"It was a very, very emotional moment and was kind of the reason for all of this effort to this point. It was pretty incredible," Gran said.

Police said some remains of the two occupants of the aircraft were recovered, as well as personal items such as boots, a pendant, a camera, a knife and a wallet.

Ray Gran typically flew with his wife, Marcella, but she wasn't on the doomed flight because she was six months pregnant and the couple decided it would be best for her to stay home.

Their daughter, Linda, and her husband Don Kapusta, launched a search for the plane in 2017 in the hopes of solving the mystery for Marcella.

"Unfortunately, she's not here with us to witness it," said Kapusta from Toronto, explaining that Marcella died just hours after the sonar crew located the wreckage last July, and never learned of the plane's discovery.

By Rob Drinkwater in EdmontonWASHINGTON - A Canadian reader of U.S. news reports about last week's trade talks with China could be forgiven for wondering: what the heck happened to Huawei?

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 3/2/2019 (869 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Huawei's 5G modem Balong 5000 chipset is displayed after the presentation event in Beijing on January 24, 2019. A Canadian reader of U.S. news reports about last week's trade talks with China could be forgiven for wondering: what the heck happened to Huawei? THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP, Andy Wong

WASHINGTON - A Canadian reader of U.S. news reports about last week's trade talks with China could be forgiven for wondering: what the heck happened to Huawei?

After all, the week began with the U.S. Department of Justice unsealing two damning indictments against the Chinese tech giant, including one that names chief financial officer and telecom scion Meng Wanzhou, whose arrest in Vancouver two months ago dragged Canada into an escalating battle of ideologies between the two largest economies in the world.

And yet two days later, as President Donald Trump and Vice Premier Liu He sat across from each other in the Oval Office after two days of high-level, high-stakes trade talks, the eyebrow-raising U.S. allegations of fraud, conspiracy and obstruction of justice against one of the world's fastest-growing telecommunications firms elicited barely a mention.

"We haven't discussed that yet," Trump said Thursday when asked if Huawei had come up during the talks. "It will be, but it hasn't been discussed yet.

"That, actually  as big as it might seem  is very small compared to the overall deal."

Geopolitical observers and trade analysts alike aren't buying it.

When Trump talks trade, America's transactional, deal-hungry president tends to be less focused on bigger-picture issues than the messages he can sell to his supporters. Thursday's Oval Office exercise, for instance, was all about radiating mutual goodwill  like when Liu disclosed, seemingly to the surprise of Trump's aides, that China would buy five million tons of American soybeans.

"Wow," said Trump, visibly impressed. "That's a lot of soybeans."

Not really; China used to buy six times that every year from the U.S., which produced about 138 million tons of soybeans in 2018. Tariffs changed all that. But the president is in dire need of a political win in short order on trade with China, which he won't get by talking publicly about what's really going on  a broader, multi-pronged, long-term American effort to blunt its economic, geopolitical and military might.

"There's a lot of tension within the U.S. administration about China policy," said David Dollar, a senior fellow in foreign policy, global economy and development at the Brookings Institution's John L. Thornton China Center in Washington.

"One school of thought is, 'This is a Communist dictatorship, it's a potential threat to the U.S., we can't get along with this country'  'decouple' is the word they use. To the extent they're gaining ascendancy, then you don't want a trade deal. You just want to slap on big tariffs, you want to penalize Chinese companies, Chinese citizens, and reduce the economic relationship.

"Then there are other members of the administration who  I think correctly  understand there's a lot of benefit in U.S.-China economic exchange, and they would like to improve the terms of that and in some sense deal with these security issues, but ringfence them so that other economic exchange can go on."

Canada shares that latter approach, a delicate high-wire act made all the more awkward by the swirling diplomatic updrafts of Meng's Dec. 1 arrest and former ambassador John McCallum's public assessments of her chances in court.

It would be "naive in the extreme" to think that the Huawei controversy can be divorced from the U.S.-China trade discussion, said Wesley Wark, a University of Ottawa professor who specializes in matters of national security and foreign relations.

"Huawei has been made exhibit No. 1 in a China-U.S. trade war and struggle for technological supremacy, and the criminal indictments are just kind of on the ground floor," he said.

China is determined to diminish U.S. influence and extend its own economic, political and military reach around the world with "a distinctly Chinese fusion of strongman autocracy and a form of Western-style capitalism," Dan Coats, the U.S. director of national intelligence, warned last week in a briefing with the Senate intelligence committee.

Trump's trade and economic emissaries will resume talks in Beijing later this month, and the president himself will sit down with counterpart Xi Jinping before March 1, when U.S. tariffs on some $200-billion worth of Chinese goods are scheduled to jump to 25 per cent. It will be during those presidential talks where Huawei returns to the agenda, observers say.

Trump used the all-caps word "comprehensive" in a string of tweets last week about his high hopes for a trade deal with China  a sentiment he repeated Sunday in an interview with CBS's "Face the Nation."

"No two leaders of this country and China have ever been closer than I am with President Xi," the president said. "We have a good chance to make a deal ... and if there is a deal, it's going to be a real deal. It's not going to be a stopgap."

That means Huawei and help with North Korea more than it does more soybeans, said Dan Ujczo, a trade lawyer and Canada-U.S. specialist with Dickinson Wright in Columbus, Ohio.

"Huawei is what it's all about at the end of the day," Ujczo said. "That's what comprehensive means. The meeting between the two leaders  trade will just be one of the three major components, with Huawei being probably at the top of the list and North Korea right after."

Trade, Huawei and the world's broader concerns about China's at-all-costs global ambitions are closely intertwined components of the U.S. strategy, said Wark. Whether that strategy will work is another question.

"I think it's a very aggressive American policy that has to be rooted in an assumption that it's possible to change Chinese behaviour through force. That critical assumption  that you can force, in a relatively short time frame, a change in Chinese behaviour through these tactics  that's the critical thing that we should be speculating about: is this a good policy?

"Many people would argue it doesn't have a chance in hell. But lots of voices need to weigh in on that one."Guwahati, Feb 3 : Seven Assam bound Rohingya children were detained by the Railway Protection Force (RPF) from a railway station in Tripura on Sunday.

According to the reports, during checking, the RPF team had detained the Rohingya children including six girls and one boy from the Dharamnagar railway station in North Tripura while they were trying to go to Badarpur in Southern Assams Karimganj district by train.

A top official of RPF said that, they were accompanied by touts reached at Dharamnagar from Agartala by bus and intended to go to Badarpur by train.

All are under 18 and they were handed over to Tripura police for further legal formalities, the RPF official said.

The RPF official further said that, the touts were managed to escape from the area.

Railway tickets to Badarpur were found in possession from them and they might have been trafficking by middlemen, the RPF officer said.

On the other hand, an official of Tripura police said that, they would be lodged in juvenile home run by the Tripura government.

It to be mentioned that, 68 Rohingya muslims, mostly children were arrested by Police in Tripura and Assams Karimganj district recently.

The Assam police had arrested 30 Rohingyas including 12 children from a Guwahati-bound passenger bus (AS-25CC-8685) came from Agartala at Churaibari area in Karimganj district along Assam-Tripura border on January 21 night.

On January 3, five Rohingyas including two women were deported to Myanmar via Manipurs Moreh along Indo-Myanmar border.

The five Rohingyas, who illegally entered into India in 2014 and lodged in a foreigner detention camp inside the Tezpur jail in Assams Sonitpur district after they were found guilty of illegally entered into India.

In October last, seven Rohingyas were deported to Myanmar through Moreh along Indo-Myanmar border.

(By Hemanta Kumar Nath, Guwahati)Welcome Guest! You Are Here:More than 50 allies of former Ivorian Oresident Laurent Gbagbo have returned home after eight years in exile in Ghana.



This follows a recent amnesty law in Ivory Coast as well as the recent acquittal of Mr Gbagbo at the International Criminal Court (ICC), where conditions for his release are being heard on Friday.



Large crowds and the former first lady Simon Gbagbo welcomed back six former ministers of Mr Gbagbo and dozens of his allies who had fled to Ghana after a disputed election in 2010.



Mr Gbagbo refused to concede defeat in that election, and a violent conflict erupted between forces loyal to Mr Gbagbo and to current President Alassane Ouattara, leaving more than 3,000 people dead.



The return of Mr Gbagbo's allies to the country was co-ordinated by the UN's refugee agency, which is attempting to bring back more than 20,000 Ivorians in exile.



It is part of reconciliation efforts led by current president.



Last year he decided to pardon 800 people - a step that angered some human rights activists who say they could entrench widespread impunity.



Among the group of returnees is a former interior minister, who said they were preparing for Mr Gbagbo's return to the country after his acquittal two weeks ago.



If the former president is released unconditionally it could have a big impact in the country where fresh elections are scheduled for next year.

Source: BBC









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Featured VideoThousands of people have signed a petition calling for a review of the decision to grant an absolute discharge to a student found guilty of sexual assault.

A statement from the Judicial Office for Scotland states first offender Christopher Daniel was discharged absolutely after he was found guilty at Dumbarton Sheriff Court.

The sheriff reached the conclusion that justice could be served in this case by taking the wholly exceptional decision not to pass sentenceJudicial Office for Scotland

Noting that Sheriff Gerard Sinclair had considered all the relevant factors in the case, the statement said: In light of the evidence as to the immaturity of the accused, and the nature of the discussion during which he admitted his actions, the sheriff considered the offence to be the result of an entirely inappropriate curiosity of an emotionally naive teenager rather than for the purpose of sexual gratification.

The accused had appeared both noticeably immature and socially awkward, features confirmed by other evidence in the case. It was fortunate that the complainer appeared to have suffered no injury or long lasting effects.

It said any recorded conviction for the offence would have serious consequences in terms of the accused`s future career and any sentence would mean Daniel would probably be unable to continue his university course.

It concluded: Considering all of these factors, the sheriff reached the conclusion that justice could be served in this case by taking the wholly exceptional decision not to pass sentence and to grant an absolute discharge.

A petition set up calling for a review of the sheriffs decision gathered thousands of signatures in a single day.

Our system is putting criminals' careers before our children's welfareMarisa Keegan

Marisa Keegan started the petition on Friday calling for Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf to review the case.

On the petition page, she wrote: Our system is putting criminals careers before our childrens welfare.

What kind of world do we live in that this is seen as an acceptable decision by the court?

She added: This decision is wrong. This sets an example for other sexual offenders and for sexual assault victims of what can happen if they come forward.

By Saturday evening, more than 2,500 people had signed the petition.

Expand Close First Minister Nicola Sturgeon addressed the decision at First Ministers Questions (Jane Barlow/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook

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Whatsapp First Minister Nicola Sturgeon addressed the decision at First Ministers Questions (Jane Barlow/PA)

Conservative MSP Liam Kerr raised the case at First Ministers Questions on Thursday, telling Nicola Sturgeon the sheriffs decision had devastated the victims family.

Ms Sturgeon said: I absolutely understand the concerns that have been expressed about what has been reported about this sentence, but the sentencing decision in any criminal case is entirely a matter for the judge.

The judiciary acts entirely independently on the basis of the facts and circumstances of individual cases. They will take into account a wide range of factors, including the age of the offender and any previous convictions.

I understand the concerns, but we must protect the principle in this country that sentencing decisions are not a matter for politicians, however controversial and difficult they can be for the public. Sentencing decisions are rightly and properly matters for judges.Nissans next generation X-Trail will not be made in Sunderland (Andrew Matthews/PA)

Car giant Nissan has confirmed in a letter to workers that the next-generation X-Trail, planned for its Sunderland plant, will instead be made in Japan.

The decision is another huge blow to the UKs car industry which has been warning for years about the impact of Brexit uncertainty on top of other problems such as a slump in diesel sales.

Clearly the uncertainty around the UKs future relationship with the EU is not helpingNissan chairman Gianluca de Ficchy

Nissan chairman Gianluca de Ficchy said in the letter that much had changed since the Japanese firm announced plans to build a new Qashqai and X-Trail in the UK in October 2016.

At that time they were both planned as traditional models, powered by internal combustion engines. X-Trail was already going to be made in Kyushu, but there was a good business case for bringing production to Europe as well.

Since that time, as you know, the environment for the car industry in Europe has changed dramatically. To meet the changing emissions regulations weve had to invest much more in new powertrains for our future models like X-Trail. At the same time, the volume forecasts for X-Trail in Europe have reduced.

For those reasons the company has decided to optimise our investments and concentrate production in Kyushu, instead of adding another production site. For the European business, this does not change the fact that X-Trail is  and will continue to be  a crucial model for us.

Todays announcement will be interpreted by a lot of people as a decision related to Brexit. We have taken this decision for the business reasons Ive explained, but clearly the uncertainty around the UKs future relationship with the EU is not helping companies like ours to plan for the future.

The letter continued: With the UKs departure from the EU on March 29 getting closer every week, we have a taskforce in place, reporting to me, that is considering all of the possible scenarios and the potential impact on the business.

As a responsible business with 16,000 employees in the region, I want you to know that we are preparing across all functions, and with our supply chain, for anything that might impact our current business model. When the time comes to initiate any of those plans, we will be ready, and we will communicate with full transparency to all of you.

Nissan was still investing heavily in the new Juke model and the next-generation Qashqai, said Mr de Ficchy.

Since they were originally allocated, those two models have also needed a lot of additional investment to meet the new emissions regulations and to electrify their powertrains.

The team in the plant still has the full confidence of the company.

Expand Close The decision is a blow for Nissan workers in Sunderland (Owen Humphreys/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook

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Whatsapp The decision is a blow for Nissan workers in Sunderland (Owen Humphreys/PA)

Nissan executive vice president for manufacturing and supply chain management, Hideyuki Sakamoto, said: A model like X-Trail is manufactured in multiple locations globally, and can therefore be re-evaluated based on changes to the business environment.

As always, Nissan has to make optimal use of its global investments for the benefits of its customers.

Mr de Ficchy said: Nissan is investing heavily in new technologies and powertrains for the next generation of vehicles in our Sunderland plant. To support this we are taking advantage of our global assets, and with X-Trail already manufactured in Japan, we can reduce our upfront investment costs.

We appreciate this will be disappointing for our UK team and partners. Our workforce in Sunderland has our full confidence, and will continue to benefit from the investment planned for Juke and Qashqai.

Bad news for future investment in Sunderland because of Brexit. Nissan casts further gloom on car industry with X-Trail blow a@bphillipsonMPa a@JulieElliottMPa a@annaturleya a@PaulWilliamsMPa a@CatMcKinnella pic.twitter.com/wnK8VUK0Hq  Phil Wilson (@PhilWilsonXMP) February 2, 2019

The Sunderland plant, which opened in 1986, employs 7,000 workers, producing around 2,000 cars a day.

Other Nissan models built at the site include the Qashqai, Juke, Q30, Note and the zero-emission electric Leaf.

The decision follows figures last week showing car production slumped by almost a 10th last year, leaving the industry on red alert amid continued Brexit uncertainty.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said investment had effectively stalled amid fears over the UKs future trading prospects with the EU.

Just over 1.5 million cars left UK factories in 2018, a 9.1% decline on the previous year, and the lowest for five years. Production of diesel cars was down by 22% to 561,000 last year.

The Nissan news shows clearly that Theresa May must end this no-deal nonsense. pic.twitter.com/UhoAsgoNJj  Vince Cable (@vincecable) February 3, 2019

SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said the fall in investment was deeply depressing and should send a strong signal to politicians to secure a Brexit trade deal.

Ford is seeking up to 400 voluntary redundancies at its engine plant in Bridgend, south Wales, while Jaguar Land Rover is to reduce its 44,000 workforce by 4,500 under plans to make 2.5 billion of cost savings  with most of the cuts in the UK.

Japanese firm Honda has announced six non-production days in April under contingency plans to mitigate the risk of disruption to production at its Swindon factory after the UK leaves the EU.

Unite officer Steve Bush said: This is very disappointing news for Sunderland and the North East, and reflects the serious challenges facing the entire UK auto sector.

The Governments mishandling of the transition away from diesel allied to the continuing uncertainty around our future trading relationship with the EU are extremely unhelpful when the sector ought to be focused on preparations for electrification.

While this decision is naturally not good news, we want to reassure our members that job levels at the plant will remain the same, even though they are being cut elsewhere in the industry.

However, we remain seriously concerned though that the apprenticeships and additional jobs that come with future investment and which this community so desperately needs will be lost.

Unite now expects the company to work with us to ensure full preparations for Brexit in which jobs and investment are prioritised, which can be best achieved by our representation on the task force established by Nissan, and through continuous dialogue between the company and the union.

Just saying #Nissan #Sunderland #GTTO #UnSeatTories

"We want to be working with companies like Nissana to ensure we maintain that competitiveness with the UK being a global leader in free trade." - #TheresaMay (28 Oct 16) #marr pic.twitter.com/exnnP4Rpg3  Jerry Hicks (@JerryHicksUnite) February 3, 2019

Business Secretary Greg Clark said: Nissans announcement is a blow to the sector and the region, as this was to be a further significant expansion of the site and the workforce.

The company has confirmed that no jobs will be lost. They have reiterated today their commitment to the UK by continuing to manufacture in Sunderland the current Qashqai, Leaf and Juke models and the new Qashqai model from 2020.

The UK automotive industry is a vital sector for the British economy which draws on our combination of rich automotive heritage and cutting-edge innovation.

Its role in providing high skilled well-paid jobs, innovative R&D and investment is why we are determined to build on these strengths to make the UK a leader in the next generation of autonomous and electric vehicles through the Automotive Sector Deal, as part of our modern Industrial Strategy.

The Business Secretary said in October 2016 that Nissan were given four assurances to give them confidence to continue investing in the UK, including continued support for the competitiveness of the automotive sector through investment in skills and training the local workforce, and a commitment to research and development, in particular the take-up of ultra-low emission vehicles.

Rebecca Long-Bailey, shadow business secretary, said: This is a blow not only to future investment in Sunderland but also to Britains industrial strategy.

As Nissan stated, continued Brexit uncertainty is not helping businesses plan for the future.

The Governments chaotic handling of Brexit has been the root cause of business uncertainty.

There are serious questions that the Government must now answer on Monday, not least what was in the secret Brexit deal it issued to Nissan and why this was no longer good enough.Speedboat killer Jack Shepherd has said he thought of marrying his victim Charlotte Brown in a claim branded by her father as a cynical ploy.

Shepherd, 31, is in custody in Georgia, where he is fighting extradition to Britain.

He went on the run and was convicted in his absence last year of killing Ms Brown, 24, on a first date in December 2015 when the speedboat they were in overturned in the Thames.

Expand Close Charlotte Brown (Metropolitan Police/PA) Press Association Images / Facebook

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The marriage claim was made via his lawyer in Georgia Mariam Kublashvili, who told the Sunday Mirror: He said to me, I wanted with this girl a future, a family and maybe she will be my wife.

He said it was new and was the first date, but added We had communication before and I saw it as serious.

He said, We had feelings for each other and then she died.

Ms Browns father Graham, 55, of Sidcup, Kent, pointed out that Shepherd married his long-term girlfriend just two months after Charlottes death.

He told the Sunday Mirror: He was so serious about my daughter that he went out and married another woman.

My daughter would have soon got the measure of Shepherd. It was a first date, my daughter had been in a long-term relationship for four years.

She was too smart and would soon have seen through him. Hes trying everything to avoid the fact hes got a six-year sentence waiting for him here.

Shepherd, who was convicted of manslaughter at the Old Bailey, handed himself in to Georgian authorities last month.

He could remain in Tbilisi, the Georgian capital, for several more months.Shadow attorney general Shami Chakrabarti has defended Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn after he was criticised for attacking outside interference against Venezuelas hardline socialist regime.

The former human rights campaigner hit out at the regime of Nicolas Maduro over torture and disappearances of political opponents, saying it was important for left-wing politicians to be evenhanded.

But she said Mr Corbyn was a lifelong human rights defender who struggled to get a fair hearing in the media.

It came after the opposition leader was criticised by Brendan Cox, the widower of murdered Labour MP Jo Cox and a former chief strategist at Save the Children, who accused him of defending a dictator.

Jeremy is a lifelong human rights defender, sometimes it is difficult for him to cut through in the mediaShami Chakrabarti

Baroness Chakrabarti told Sky News Sophy Ridge On Sunday that she relied on trusted sources such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch regarding the oil-rich South American nation, which is in the grip of a humanitarian and political crisis.

She said: Last years reporting on Venezuela was pretty damning and that is in terms of disappearances, that is in terms of crushing dissent, that is in terms of reports of torture of prisoners and political prisoners, and it is completely unacceptable.

It is incumbent on people like me, as someone of the left, to call out governments and states of the left, because human rights have to be applied with an even hand.

But asked about Mr Corbyns response, she added: Jeremy is a lifelong human rights defender, sometimes it is difficult for him to cut through in the media because people just say, Well youre a socialist, just like Venezuela is.

He has said that you have to have the rule of law and you have to have human rights, clearly if you match that with the reporting of Venezuela that is not happening.

However, it would be very helpful if the United States and the UK Conservative Government would  call out Venezuela but also look across the way at Honduras, where you have a US-backed government which is also crushing dissent.

Mr Corbyn on Friday criticised Jeremy Hunt, saying the Foreign Secretary was wrong to demand sanctions against the Maduro regime.

Mr Hunt spoke on Wednesday to Juan Guaido, the president of the National Assembly of Venezuela, who is trying to oust socialist leader Mr Maduro.

The European Union on Thursday recognised Mr Guaido as interim president in place of Mr Maduro, with Mr Hunt calling for sanctions against the latter.

The United States has also recognised Mr Guaidos leadership.

But in a Friday tweet, Mr Corbyn said: The future of Venezuela is a matter for Venezuelans. Jeremy Hunts call for more sanctions on Venezuela is wrong.

We oppose outside interference in Venezuela, whether from the US or anywhere else.

There needs to be dialogue and a negotiated settlement to overcome the crisis.

The future of Venezuela has been taken out of the hands of Venezuelans by an increasingly corrupt and totalitarian state. By all means call for dialogue but if you donat strongly condemn the subjugation of democracy it sounds like you are defending a dictator. https://t.co/sYtUEpXFxl  Brendan Cox (@MrBrendanCox) February 2, 2019

This sparked criticism from Mr Cox, whose wife was killed in 2016.

Writing on Twitter on Saturday, Mr Cox said: The future of Venezuela has been taken out of the hands of Venezuelans by an increasingly corrupt and totalitarian state.

By all means call for dialogue but if you dont strongly condemn the subjugation of democracy it sounds like you are defending a dictator.

Other senior Labour frontbenchers have also criticised the pressure being put on Mr Maduro, who is widely seen as a dictator, accusing the US of attempting regime change.

Shadow chancellor John McDonnell, shadow home secretary Diane Abbott and shadow justice secretary Richard Burgon were among a host of left-wing politicians, union leaders and activists who signed a letter to The Observer last Sunday.Police at the scene of Sunday's crash in Co Tyrone. Picture: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker

Two men have died and three people are in hospital following a three-vehicle crash in Co Tyrone on Sunday.

Emergency services were scrambled to the scene in Dungannon shortly after 1.30pm. Five people were injured in the collision.

Read More

A PSNI spokesperson said: "Two men have died following a three vehicle RTC on the Dungannon Road just outside Moy at around 1.40pm this afternoon. A man and two women were also injured."

A Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) spokesperson said: "NIAS dispatched one Rapid Response Paramedic, five emergency crews, one doctor and one ambulance officer to the scene.

"The HEMS team was also tasked to the incident, responding by car due to the weather.

"Following initial treatment at the scene, where NIAS were supported by NIFRS and PSNI, three patients have been taken to RVH, Belfast."

Michelle Gildernew, Sinn Fein MP for Fermanagh and South Tyrone, said: "News of a serious road collision between Dungannon and the Moy has shocked the local community.

"My thoughts are with all of those involved and their families at this time."

Police appealed for anyone who witnessed the collision to contact officers on 101 quoting reference 699 03/02/19.It is understood the incident happened on the grounds of St Mary's chapel in Co Londonderry

Shotguns, knives and suspected acid was recovered by police on the grounds of a church in Co Londonderry on Saturday morning.

Police said a crowd of more than 200 people gathered in the village of Park ahead of a church event in the Altinure Road area, where there were "community tensions".

When the tensions boiled over, police had to intervene and use their batons to keep the two groups apart. There were no reports of any injuries or arrests.

"We were aware of community tensions in the area ahead of a planned event at a church yesterday morning," Chief Inspector Alan Hutton said.

"A crowd of more than 200 people gathered in the grounds of the church and we deployed sufficient officers to keep people safe and prevent disorder.

"However, as tensions between two groups escalated, it was necessary for officers to intervene and use minimal force including the use of their batons, given the number of people involved.

"There were no reports of any injuries and no arrests were made at the time.

"Following a pre-planned search of the area earlier in the morning, a number of items were seized including two loaded shotguns, a quantity of ammunition, a number of knives and blades, as well as a liquid believed to be acid."

Any with any information regarding the incident has been urged to contact police on 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.Marquez Rides Again

Posted by: newsla on Feb 03, 2019 - 07:32 AM Marquez Rides Again



The 2019 pre-season has been different to any other before it for reigning MotoGP World Champion Marc Marquez after a substantial shoulder operation in early December.



Surgery was performed by Dr. Xavier Mir, Dr. Victor Marlet and Dr. Teresa Marlet at the Hospital Universitari Dexeus in order to resolve a recurring dislocation of Marc Marquezs left shoulder. The issue had persisted throughout the 2018 season, and the winter break was deemed the only time possible to operate on the Repsol Honda Team rider. With recovery predicted to take multiple months, Marquez and his team set about building a plan to strength the shoulder and prepare for the Sepang Test on February 6  8.



Hours of work with his physiotherapist Carlos J. Garcia and highly targeted training in the gym became Marquezs new winter routine. But, the seven time World Champion kept his focus, pushing to be as fit as possible for Malaysia.



The goal of returning to racing his Honda RC213V remained his motivation throughout and each week offered a new milestone. First, being able to use his shoulder in every day life, ride a mountain bike and then return to training with motorbikes. A practice bike would be the shoulders first test of 2019 and on January 29  just under two months after his operation  Marquez was back.



With some trepidation, Marquez rolled onto a track in Alcarras, near his home in Cervera, to see if the shoulder was ready for the demands of a bike.



I needed this! beamed Marquez after his first run. I touched my elbow on the ground! Riders in general need to have their minds clear. At least on the trip to Malaysia, which is 14 hours long, I will be thinking I have ridden a bike, got on the brakes, felt the throttle and the clutch. We have done a few laps that have helped me to see where things are. This week we have to work on it. It was pretty much what I expected, the large force under braking  especially left-handers, where I have to support my left shoulder was problematic. That is where we have to continue working, have patience in Malaysia and get to March at full fitness.



Now the attention turns to the Sepang Test on February 6  8 when Marc Marquez and the Honda RC213V will meet again as they prepare to defend the Triple Crown.



PaddockTalk Perspective



Prime Minister Theresa May will return to Brussels this week to renegotiate with the EU.

Theresa May has suggested she could attempt to negotiate a time limit or exit mechanism to the Irish backstop when she returns to Brussels this week.

The statement comes after MPs voted in favour of Conservative backbencher Sir Graham Brady's amendment to seek "alternative arrangements" to the backstop, which is designed to prevent a hard border on the island of Ireland.

Writing in the Sunday Telegraph, Mrs May said: "While replacing the backstop with alternative arrangements was one option, [Sir Graham] would also be happy with the current backstop if there was a time limit or unilateral exit mechanism."

Irish Tanaiste Simon Coveney, however, dismissed such suggestions, stating the backstop is required to "ensure the protection of the Good Friday Agreement".

Read More

Writing in the Sunday Times, Mr Coveney added: "The EU will not renegotiate the withdrawal agreement and there will be no withdrawal agreement without the backstop."

"However, the EU is prepared to look again at the political declaration to make it more ambitious in terms of the future relationship, if the UK so wishes.

"There is a deal on the table, and walking away from it will have serious consequences for us all."

The backstop would see the UK remain in a customs union with the EU, and Northern Ireland remain in large parts of the single market for goods, in order to prevent the need for checks or infrastructure on the border.

It is designed only to be used if no other agreeable arrangement can be found between the UK and EU before the Brexit date of March 29.

On Sunday, Mrs May also stated she is "determined" to deliver Brexit on time and the exit date will not change.

DUP leader Arlene Foster said that a deal can be agreed if the "toxicity" of the backstop is dealt with.

"I think we really need to focus on trying to get a deal. That's what the DUP want, that's what the government wants and I believe it's what the European Union wants," Mrs Foster told BBC Radio Ulster.

"I'm certainly not giving up. I think it's the right thing to do to go back and say that whilst there are other issues with the withdrawal agreement, if this issue around the toxicity of backstop was dealt with then we would be able to move forward."

While last week the Prime Minister secured the backing of the majority of MPs to return to Brussels to renegotiate, there has already been signs of dissension within her own party.

Senior Conservative Brexiteer Steve Baker warned that there is "trouble ahead" for the Prime Minister, suggesting what she will seek from Brussels to get a Brexit deal will not win her backbench support.

"Trouble ahead. Leave-backing MPs voted to support alternative arrangements in NI but with grave misgivings about the whole agreement," he tweeted on Sunday.

"Now the PM co-opts us into accepting everything but the backstop and, on the backstop, accepting a codicil."A 38-year-old man has been arrested after a woman was threatened with a hammer and assaulted in Dunmurry

The man was arrested on suspicion of a number of offences, including aggravated burglary and making threats to kill, following the incident in Juniper Park on Saturday evening.

Police said that around 6.15pm a man forced his way into a house in the estate and threatened the female occupant with a hammer before assaulting her.

The woman, aged in her 20s, suffered cuts and bruising in the assault.

Detective Sergeant Gill has appealed to anyone who has information regarding the incident to contact detectives at Musgrace Police Station on 101.

Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.The fight broke out in the departures lounge of the airport on Saturday night. Credit: Astrit Zekaj

Belfast International Airport has said videos on social media do not show "the rapid intervention of police" after a fight broke out in the building.

The incident happened on Saturday night in the departure lounge of the airport as crowds of passengers looked on in shock.

Footage from the scene circulating on social media shows one man armed with a metal pole charging at another individual, swinging the weapon wildly.

A fire extinguisher, rubbish bins and metal baskets are also thrown during the altercation, which several witnesses said lasted for around 20 minutes before police intervened.

One video of the trouble on Twitter has been viewed almost 40,000 times as of Sunday morning.

In a statement, a Belfast International Airport spokesperson said police arrived on the scene within three minutes.

"The incident involving two groups of passengers on Saturday evening was unsettling for both passengers and staff alike.

"The incident, in its entirety, lasted seven minutes with police arriving on scene within three minutes. The rapid intervention of police was not captured in the videos posted on social media.

"Airport police, PSNI and staff are to be commended for their professionalism in dealing with this incident in such a swift manner."

A police investigation into this incident is continuing.

A PSNI spokesperson said: "PSNI provided assistance to airport police following a report of an incident at Belfast International Airport yesterday evening. The matter is being dealt with by airport police."The Neenan family enjoy sledging down the hills of the Brecon Beacons (Ben Birchall/PA)

The big freeze which has gripped much of the country will be replaced by rain and wind as Britain returns to a more traditional winter, the Met Office said.

Snow, ice and plunging temperatures caused treacherous conditions from Thursday into the weekend across vast swathes of the UK.

With England recording the coldest night of the winter so far on Saturday night, Met Office forecaster Simon Partridge said things are gradually getting back to normal.

But a yellow weather warning is in place across much of Scotland for snow and ice from 9pm on Sunday until 12pm on Monday, with up to 6cm expected on higher ground.

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Overnight tonight we will see another weather system pushing in from the west and that is going to bring the hill snow to Scotland, he told the Press Association.

Elsewhere it will bring rain and stronger winds across all parts of the UK overnight tonight tomorrow that gradually clears away to the east, with some decent sunny spells developing.

Apart from south-east England, where that lingers for much of the day, with rain gradually turning lighter, but it will remain cloudy.

As the country returns to work on Monday he said the mercury could rise to 11C in the South West, up to 9C in the South East and Midlands and 6C in Scotland.

If you're heading out this evening many places should start off dry, but wet and windy weather is quickly sweeping in from the west ii pic.twitter.com/bF9yH0dZpI  Met Office (@metoffice) February 3, 2019

It is definitely back on track in terms of temperature, where they should be for the time of year, back to a more traditional UK winter for at least a week.

The rest of the week is just more unsettled weather.

The warmer temperatures come after a low of minus 11.7C was recorded at Chillingham Barns in Northumberland in the early hours of Sunday morning, the Met Office said.

But while it was the coldest night of the year so far in England it was not as cold as parts of Scotland, where temperatures fell as low as minus 12.6C at Braemar in the Highlands.Democrats are nervous and short-tempered at the thought of an independent presidential run by billionaire Howard Schultz  and not because they have been consuming too much of his delicious but overpriced Starbucks fare. They are not worried that he will succeed (well, not too much) and take the oath of office. They are terrified that he will fail  but siphon off enough votes to provide a second term for Donald J. Trump.

Its a legitimate concern, but fortunately for them, theres a way to avoid this fate. Unfortunately for you, you have to read to the end of the column to discover it. (No peeking.)

Democrats rightly believe that the odds of a Schultz victory are about the same as finding something at your neighborhood Starbucks that costs less than $2. (Hey, the guy didnt get to be a billionaire for nothing.) Former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, another billionaire who has flirted with an independent presidential bid, said he has run the numbers and found the task to be daunting, bordering on the undoable.

You would need 270 electoral votes, which is just about impossible with Democrats and Republicans having dependable states that would vote for virtually any nominee their party put forth. (Like Trump or Hillary Clinton, a cynic might suggest.)

If no candidate reaches the magic 270, the House of Representatives gets to pick the next prez. But each state gets only one vote, with 26 needed to win, regardless of how many congressional seats it holds within that state. Under that scenario, Republicans usually win because they control more individual states even if they dont have a majority in the House.

Democratic strategists dont think it will get that far. They are more concerned that Schultz will simply split the anti-Trump vote and allow the bombastic New Yorker to slide into a second term with a bare majority in the Electoral College. As the 2016 election showed, the popular vote totals are irrelevant.

Democrats also know that this is how the country elected George W. Bush in 2000 and Trump last year.

In 2000, gadfly Ralph Nader attracted a small but significant number of votes that mostly would have gone to Democratic nominee Al Gore. Bush famously won Florida by just 537 votes, while the Green Partys Nader got 97,488 ballots in the Sunshine State. Ditto for New Hampshire, which Bush barely won and where Nader got 4 percent of the vote. Had Gore taken Florida or New Hampshire, hed have won.

Lesser known is the impact of Green Party candidate Jill Stein in 2016. Her vote total in three key states  Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin  was greater than Trumps margin of victory in those states. If those Stein voters had pulled the trigger for Clinton instead, Trump would be back in his tower hurling insults on Twitter. (OK, hes still doing the insult thing, but his work desk is in the Oval Office.)

Having seen this movie twice, Democrats dread a sequel. They know that Trumps approval rating has rarely gone above 45 percent. Thats a low ceiling, but it could provide a majority in the Electoral College if Trumpers live in the right states. As in 2016.

The flip side to this chatter is that large numbers of Americans are disgusted with both parties. They see Democrats edging toward socialism while Republicans drift toward nationalism. Somebody like Schultz could actually appeal to the vast majority of voters in the middle of the spectrum and squeeze out a win. As Trump has shown, we live at a time where the impossible can become possible.

So what should the Democratic Party do to stop Schultz? Try this: Nominate a non-extremist whom people actually like. A center-left coalition of voters could indeed win  just as a center-right mix could, too, if Republicans are interested. Instead of giving voters a choice between the lesser of two evils, give them a choice they can enthusiastically get behind.

Hmmm. Thats an interesting concept. I wonder why neither party has thought of it before?

Thomas Taschinger, TTaschinger@BeaumontEnterprise.com, is the editorial page editor of The Beaumont Enterprise. Follow him on Twitter at @PoliticalTomIt was bad. Photo: Alex Edelman/Getty Images

Virginia Governor Ralph Northam publicly refused to resign on Saturday, though the press conference he held to explain why may have set a new national standard for political cluelessness and self-immolation. Less than a day after he apologized for appearing in a racist 1984 yearbook photo showing someone in Ku Klux Klan garb next to someone wearing blackface, Northam denied having appeared in the photograph or having had anything to do with it. And the reason he was sure of this, Northam explained, was because he did remember when he won a dance contest that same year after darkening his face as part of a Michael Jackson costume.

Northam says he did blackface at a dance contest in San Antonio that same year "as part of a Michael Jackson costume," but insists he isn't in the yearbook photo pic.twitter.com/T9SUeRqv0m  jordan (@JordanUhl) February 2, 2019

So if he could remember that racist costume, he claimed he would definitely remember donning the one captured in that yearbook photo, yet could not. Instead, after conferring with his Eastern Virginia Medical School classmates, Northam came to believe that he was not  as he had originally said (and apparently believed) on Friday  one of the people in the photograph. Asked to explain his supposedly mistaken initial admission, Northam replied, I didnt study it as well as I should, but still felt the need to reach out and apologize because the image was so horrific.

He was much more forthcoming, however, when it came to recounting everything he remembered about the time he wore blackface in 1984 at a dance contest in San Antonio, Texas. In addition to apologizing for the pain that new admission would cause, he explained what he wore, how hed won the contest by imitating Michael Jacksons moonwalk, and how he had known  apparently from previous experience  not to put a lot of black shoe polish on his face because it was hard to get off:

Northam explains that his actual blackface incident was at a dance contest where he dressed as Michael Jackson and put shoe polish on his face.



He says he won the contest because he learned how to moonwalk. pic.twitter.com/BXFC4wVJDq  jordan (@JordanUhl) February 2, 2019

Then, when an incredulous reporter asked the governor if he remembered how to moonwalk, Northam seemed to actually consider giving a demonstration before his wife dissuaded him:

Video of when Ralph Northam gets asked by a reporter if he can still moonwalk. He looks around as if for space  only to be cut off by his wife who says, "inappropriate circumstances." pic.twitter.com/jcV2VJCtoD  andrew kaczynski (@KFILE) February 2, 2019

As far as how the racist yearbook photo came to end up in the yearbook and who was in it, if not him, Northam offered some theories. He said that after speaking with some of his classmates, it came to his attention that numerous photos had been published in the wrong spots in that years yearbook, which he claimed he did not buy at the time and had not seen until Friday. He also said that an investigation was underway and he hoped to be able to release more information soon, including the results of a facial recognition software analysis of the two people in the photo. He also pointed out, as media reports have, that there were other photographs of people in blackface throughout the yearbook, and said none of those were him either.

When Northam was also asked to explain why another one of his yearbook profiles, from military school, listed one of his nicknames as Coonman. The governor apologized for that too, but claimed that a few students at the school had referred to him by that name but he did not know why, and he was not responsible for the name appearing on his yearbook profile. (He did not explain how two different yearbook staffs could both be at fault for the two known instances of racism appearing in his yearbook profiles.)

Standing back, Northams political reasoning for all of this, it would seem, was that he could counteract one disturbing racist incident from his past by admitting to and then denying it, while also admitting to a separate, previously unknown racist incident. That calculation not only revealed a disqualifying level of political incompetence, but treated racism like some kind of commodity that could be measured or arbitrarily reduced. Put another way, as Rolling Stone writer Jamil Smith remarked on Twitter during the press conference, This is what happens when you think your casual racism wont ever cost you anything. Northams posturing didnt excuse a racist mistake, it exposed a racist ideology.

Furthermore, as historian Rhae Lynn Barnes pointed out in a Washington Post op-ed on Saturday, the photos also reflect a long disturbing tradition of blackface racism in Virginia:

Virginias slave empire ended when African American slaves fought for their freedom in the Civil War . But when slavery disappeared, fundraising with amateur blackface minstrel shows and city minstrel parades emerged. They featured fictionalized blackface slaves and their Klansman counterparts  a pairing on display in the Northam photo  to sustain Virginias infrastructure and segregated economy, as well as to inculcate new generations into a form of white supremacy associated with collegiality, school spirit and patriotism.

Northams reasoning as to why he should remain in office after all of these revelations was as troubling as it was boilerplate. He explained that he did not know his dance contest blackface was offensive at the time, and that many others had acted similarly in those days. He said that he hoped Virginians and the people his actions had hurt would give him the opportunity to earn their forgiveness (while he remained governor). Northam said that resigning would be the easy way out. Instead, he explained, he would take the harder path  the one which would allow him to participate in and listen to the important conversation about bigotry and racism that his alleged and admitted racism has caused. He would remain governor, he said, because he was still able, he believed, to fulfill his oath of office.

He also noted how many black friends he had in his desegregated high school, and how hed let a friend who was a person of color explain to him why his blackface dancing had been offensive  and I will never do it again.

This will forever become the new textbook case for political communicators on how not to handle a crisis. https://t.co/6QLrdxCzTD  Mo Elleithee (@MoElleithee) February 2, 2019

Meanwhile, outside the alternate reality of Northams press conference, the stream of denunciations and calls for his resignation has been quick and brutal since not long after the yearbook photo emerged. The pushback has come from Democratic lawmakers, officials, and presidential candidates; and from the Democratic Party of Virginia; and from liberal organizations, newspaper editorial boards, and anyone else who thought they could or should influence Northam. Over the past 24 hours, the only people who have been defending the governor are the fictitious Democrats who live in the imaginations of right-wing pundits.

On Saturday night, however, Virginia senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner  two of Northams most important allies in the state  finally called on him to resign as well. The senators cited his press conference, saying they called him afterwards and told him they no longer believe he can effectively serve as governor. With no allies left, its undoubtedly a matter of when, not if, Northam is finally forced to realize the same. And when that happens, the job will fall to lieutenant governor Justin Fairfax, a 39-year-old progressive Democrat who took his oath of office with the documents that granted his great-great-great-grandfather freedom from slavery in his pocket. Fairfax would become the second black governor in Virginias history.

This post has been updated to include an excerpt from Rhae Lynn Barness Washington Post op-ed.Despite releasing the names of the 13 Southeast Texas priests who were considered credibly accused of sexual misconduct, Catholic church-goers still flocked to Mass Saturday evening at St. Anne Catholic Church.

A lot of people are saddened by the news. Im sad. I knew almost all of those priests and their work was good, they just made bad decisions, Monsignor William Manger said. This isnt going to stop our worship or our services and by no means do I think the church will be empty anytime soon.

Manger addressed the list in his homily to more than 100 Catholics.

Its a shame that young people have been abused by members of the clergy who have broken the trust of the church. We pray that the victims be helped, healed and continue to align themselves through Christ, Manger said.

He asked parishioners to pray for the church and the victims.

The message of Christ is special and it will always remain the same regardless of what some people do, he said. I ask that we pray for the victims and their families that they may find healing during this time. I ask that we pray for all those prosecuted of sexual abuse that they may find repentance and healing.

Several parishioners said the unfortunate events wont prevent them from living their faith.

Everybody sins. Just because they are priests doesnt mean they arent human too. They sinned. God knows that. Everyone has different temptations and God forgives people. So, none of that is going to stop me from coming to mass and believing in what I belive, Barbara Dove, of Beaumont, said.

Another parishioner, a woman from Beaumont who asked to not be identified, said she has been Catholic her entire life and the list wasnt going to change anything for her.

I will continue to come to service and I will continue to live my faith just as I always have, she said.

Manger said to his knowledge most of the priests on the list were not prosecuted and the one that did have charges pressed was not in jail.

What that tells me is that what they did was not to a intense criminal standard, Manger said. Just because we went to seminary doesnt mean it is just our job to live a holy life, everyone is called to live a holy life. We all fall sometimes and the important thing is that we seek Gods forgiveness and repent.Google Maps

A man died after being hit by a car after getting out of his vehicle on the side of the highway Saturday night in Montgomery County.

Thoi Hull Ho, who was driving back to Longview with his wife, pulled their Toyota Camry over on the right shoulder of U.S. 59 northbound at the North Park entrance around 10 p.m. Saturday.Bluefield, WV (24701)

Today

Mixed clouds and sun with scattered thunderstorms. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 81F. Winds WSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms this evening, then cloudy with rain likely late. Low near 60F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%.You can reach Sam Morgen at 661-395-7415 or smorgen@bakersfield.com. You may also follow him on Twitter @smorgenTBC.The National Council for Home Safety and Security named the city of Tehachapi as the safest city in Kern County and the 44th-safest city in California in its 2019 Safest Cities in California report.The Californians Robert Price answers your questions and takes your complaints about our news coverage in this weekly feedback forum. Questions may be edited for space and clarity. To offer your input by phone, call 661-395-7649 and leave your comments in a voicemail message or email us at soundoff@bakersfield.com. Include your name and phone number; they wont be published.Contributing columnist Jose Gaspar is a news anchor/reporter for Telemundo Bakersfield and KGET. Email him at elcompa29@gmail.com. His work appears here every third Monday; the views expressed are his own.By Trend

President Trump on Friday defended his decision to pull US forces out of Syria and Afghanistan  a day after the Republican-led Senate voted to advance an amendment opposing plans for any abrupt troop withdrawal, Trend reports referring to New York Post.

I inherited a total mess in Syria and Afghanistan, the Endless Wars of unlimited spending and death. During my campaign I said, very strongly, that these wars must finally end, the president said in a tweet.

We spend $50 Billion a year in Afghanistan and have hit them so hard that we are now talking peace after 18 long years. Syria was loaded with ISIS until I came along, he continued.

We will soon have destroyed 100% of the Caliphate, but will be watching them closely. It is now time to start coming home and, after many years, spending our money wisely. Certain people must get smart! he said.

In a bipartisan rebuke to Trump, Senate Republicans and Democrats voted Thursday in favor of a nonbinding amendment drafted by Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) expressing strong opposition to the presidents plans to withdraw US troops.

The measure said ISIS and al Qaeda militants still pose a serious threat to the US, and warned that a precipitous withdrawal of American forces from those countries could allow terrorists to regroup, destabilize critical regions and create vacuums that could be filled by Iran or Russia.

In December, Trump abruptly tweeted plans for a pullout from Syria, arguing that ISIS had been defeated, even though his intelligence chiefs have said the group remains a threat.

His announcement on Syria prompted the resignation of Defense Secretary James Mattis.

Trump also ordered the military to develop plans to remove up to half of the 14,000 American forces in Afghanistan.

This week, US intelligence chiefs publicly broke with Trump, contradicting several of his foreign policy positions by telling senators that ISIS has not been defeated, Iran is probably not producing nukes and North Korea is unlikely to abandon its nuclear weapons program.

In a Twitter broadside, Trump later ripped the intelligence community, calling the intel officials extremely passive and naive when it comes to the dangers of Iran.

Perhaps Intelligence should go back to school! he railed.

But on Thursday, Trump claimed his intelligence chiefs  including Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats and CIA Director Gina Haspel  told him that they were misquoted by the press, although their testimony was aired live.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAzBy Trend

Services offered through INSTEX (Instrument in Support of Trade Exchanges) will generate positive trade and finance gains to Iran in a short period, Iranian economy expert Mehrdad Emadi told Trend.

He pointed out that the announcement made in Germany concerning operationalizing the special purpose Vehicle (SPV) on January 31, entitled "INSTEX  short for Instrument in Support of Trade Exchanges is designed to support trade between Its European trade partners or EU+UK.

The new channel is specifically tailored to minimize possible if not probable future intrusions made by the U.S. Treasury into Iran-Europe trade and finance as long as Iran abides by the terms of the JCPOA and the transparency rules accepted in its financial transactions, noted the expert.

Emadi went on to add that although it is almost certain that the United States government will do its outmost to restrict the domain and the depth of the services offered through INSTEX, E3 (Germany, France and the UK) seem to be resolved to support the JCPOA and help Iran to reap the economic benefits of the agreement.

"This said, in its early stages, I expect some grumbling from certain quarters in Tehran who have used every opportunity to blame Europe for the lack of economic progress in the country. In spite of this, I expect that within a short period, services offered through INSTEX will generate positive trade and finance gains to Iran which in turn may help to somewhat calm down the anti-western segments of the political apparatus," he concluded.

On Jan. 31, three European countries  France, Germany and the UK (shortened as E3)  officially announced the creation of the Instrument in Support of Trade Exchanges (INSTEX), a special purpose vehicle, to allow them bypass US sanctions on trade with Iran. INSTEX facilitates non-dollar trade with Iran, allowing European companies to trade with the Islamic Republic without being hit by the sanctions.

US President Donald Trump declared Washingtons withdrawal from the nuclear deal with Iran in May 2018. Trump also announced the restoration of all sanctions against Iran, including secondary ones against other countries doing business with Iran. The United States re-introduced part of the sanctions against Iran on August 7, 2018, while the second batch of the sanctions came into effect on Nov.5, 2018.

The US government has agreed to let eight countries, including South Korea and Japan, as well as India, keep buying Iranian oil after it reimposes sanctions on Tehran. The waivers have been granted for six months.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAzBy Trend

Since the resumption of production in 2016 until the end of 2018, more than 22.4 million tons of oil was produced at the Kashagan field in Kazakhstans sector of the Caspian Sea, the field operator North Caspian Operating Company (NCOC) told Trend.

At the same time, the company produced more than 6.5 billion cubic meters of gas and over one million ton of sulfur at Kashagan.

"We are making every effort to reach full design capacity of 370,000 barrels per day in the shortest possible time," NCOC noted.

It should be noted that Kashagan oil field in the northern part of the Caspian Sea is one of the largest oil fields discovered in the last 40 years. Its recoverable reserves are estimated at approximately 9-13 billion barrels of oil. In 2017, NCOC produced 8.29 million tons of oil from the field.

NCOC shareholders are KMG Kashagan B.V. (16.9 percent), Shell Kazakhstan Development B.V. (16.8 percent), Total E&P Kazakhstan (16.8 percent), Agip Caspian Sea B.V. (16.8 percent), ExxonMobil Kazakhstan Inc. (16.8 percent), CNPC Kazakhstan B.V. (8.3 percent) and Inpex North Caspian Sea Ltd. (7.6 percent).

The company also informed that in addition to Kashagan, there are other opportunities for further growth within the license block of the North Caspian Sea Production Sharing Agreement. This is the development of fields such as Aktoty, Kairan and Kalamkas-Sea.

"The main concept is a joint development of the Kalamkas-Sea field and the neighboring Khazar field of Caspian Meruerty Operating Company (Production Sharing Agreement for the Zhemchuzhina block). Joint development will maximize synergy and increase the economic profitability of the Kalamkas-Sea and Khazar projects," the message reads.

Preparatory engineering work is ongoing and NCOC plans to provide a proposed development plan in the second half of 2019.

The concept of joint development is widely used in other, more developed, oil and gas regions (the North Sea in the UK and the Gulf Coast in the US) for the development of smaller and more profitable deposits. However, the joint development of the Kalamkas and Khazar fields will be the first such project in Kazakhstan.

NCOC also noted that the company plans to attract local suppliers of goods, works and services for all future projects.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAzBy Trend

Bahrom Ashrafkhanov has been appointed deputy minister of finance of Uzbekistan for social issues in accordance with the presidential decree dated February 1, Trend reports via the press service of Uzbek Ministry of Finance.

Prior to his appointment, he served as Chairman of the Board of Uzbekneftegas and before that he was Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Russia in 20162018.

Bahrom Ashrafkhanov was born in 1969 in Tashkent. He is a graduate of the Tashkent State University of Economics with a degree in International Monetary and Credit Relations (1993). From 1993 to 1994, he studied at the University Of Kentucky (the USA).

He was the representative of AIG Trading Group in Central Asia in 19941998, the general manager of the Uzbek-American insurance company UzAIG in 19982000, and the first deputy head of this company for the next two years.

In 2002-2007, he was Deputy Minister of Finance and Head of the State Inspectorate for Insurance Supervision of the Ministry of Finance.

In 20072016, he worked as Deputy Minister of Finance and Head of Treasury of the Ministry of Finance.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAzBy Trend

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has congratulated President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka Maithripala Sirisena.

On behalf of the people of Azerbaijan and on my own behalf, I extend my congratulations to you and the people of your country on the occasion of the Independence Day of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, President Aliyev said.

On this remarkable day, I wish you the best of health, success in your activities, and the friendly people of Sri Lanka peace and prosperity, he added.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAzBy Trend

Over the past 24 hours, Armenian armed forces have 28 times violated the ceasefire along the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry said Feb. 3, Trend reports.

The Armenian armed forces were using heavy machine guns.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts.

The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAzPope Francis arrived in the United Arab Emirates on Sunday, becoming the first pontiff to visit the Arabian Peninsula, the birthplace of Islam, amid efforts by the Vatican to promote tolerance and peace with the Muslim world.

Why it matters: The pope's visit comes as the UAE has backed a Saudi Arabian-led coalition in Yemen's civil war, exacerbating a dire humanitarian crisis, though the New York Times notes that Francis is not likely to mention Yemen publicly. His trip will focus heavily on the Emirates' commitment to religious tolerance in the region, which has seen Christians persecuted for their faith in recent decades.

Go deeper: The world's worst humanitarian crisis, by the numbers42% of New Yorkers have lived in poverty at some point in the past three years. That's according to a tracking survey operated by Columbia University and Robin Hood, which polls 4,000 households every quarter. (Not all of them were trackable across three successive years, but 2,877 were.)

The big picture: The key result from the poverty tracker is that people experience poverty in waves. Roughly 28% of New Yorkers who exit poverty will re-enter within three years. That number rises to 39% for black New Yorkers.

Driving the news: Tomorrow, Robin Hood will announce a $25 million program that's intended to fund research aimed at not only bringing households out of poverty but keeping them out of poverty. The ideas will be exported nationwide, with the help of Tipping Point Community and the Gates Foundation.

One proven intervention : CUNY ASAP is a scheme designed to ensure that college students graduate with an associate's degree within 3threeyears. It effectively doubles graduation rates, and that in turn slashes the probability that the graduate will ever return to poverty.

: CUNY ASAP is a scheme designed to ensure that college students graduate with an associate's degree within 3threeyears. It effectively doubles graduation rates, and that in turn slashes the probability that the graduate will ever return to poverty. Another key policy is New York Mayor Bill de Blasio's plan to extend public health insurance to 600,000 currently uninsured residents. When people return to poverty, it's often because of unexpected health care expenses.

The bottom line: Philanthropy can't fund these schemes, only government is big enough to do that. But philanthropists can certainly fund studies that demonstrate what works. Those studies, in turn, make it much easier for city and state governments to enact new laws and policies.

Go deeper: The geographical wage gap has stopped closingPresident Trump told CBS' "Face the Nation" in an interview released Sunday that he wants to keep an unspecified number of U.S. troops in Iraq to "watch Iran," calling it "a vicious country that kills many people."

Backdrop: The nation's top intelligence chiefs released an assessment last week stating that Iran had remained compliant with its nuclear deal and was not currently working to develop nuclear capabilities. Trump, who also advocated against "endless wars" in the "Face the Nation" interview, fired back on Twitter, calling his intelligence heads "extremely passive and naive when it comes to the dangers of Iran" and urging them to "go back to school!"

Go deeper: All the times Trump's intelligence officials contradicted himHonda Aircraft has been fined $44,626 for apparently trying a little too hard to do the right thing when hiring staff. The Justice Department announced this week that Honda was fined for discriminating against prospective employees based on their citizenship because the company misunderstood export restrictions. Under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), employees of businesses engaged in making things that are covered by those regs must be U.S. persons and Honda appears to have taken the term too literally. It posted ads the Justice Department says violated the anti-discrimination provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

Honda advertised at least 25 job vacancies that unlawfully required applicants to have a specific citizenship status to be considered for the vacancies, the Justice Department said in a news release. The department said the term U.S. persons refers to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents, asylees, and refugees. In addition to the fine, Honda had to make sure none of its job ads contain the discriminatory language. Some Honda employees will have to take training in the discrimination provisions and the company will have to make sure trained employees review all job postings.Thank you for reading!

Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue.This example of the Maranello machine is dressed in Red, following the principle certain aficionados still follow (Ferraris should only come in one color). However, the devil is in the details with this V12 toy and we're more than glad to talk about them.We're referring to the white accents of the super-GT. These can be found on the front fascia, the side window trim, as well as on the rear apron. And since the Tour De France also packs visible carbon bits, the eye candy package is complete.There's no point in hiding the fact that we adore the tasteful configuration of this machine and the silver finish of the wheels also plays a role in this. Of course, this makes the car perfect for our supercar spec game tag (check this out below for a rich selection of go-fast toys that will get you into a day-dreaming mood).The Ferrari F12 TDF sitting before us has been caught on camera in Malaysia. Oh, and let's not forget the license plate of the toy. With vanity plates being a thing in the country, this Formula One setup can cost as much as a supercar.Then again, such an Italian exotic can only be owned by a collector, so it's no wonder that the gear head wanted the license plate to be as special as the vehicle itself.P.S.: Make sure to use the swipe feature of the post below to enjoy the full visual might of this Prancing Horse.You see, we're dealing with what appears to be a home-brewed Ferrari FXX K . Now, as you know, this is the racing incarnation of the LaFerrari, so getting your hands on one means entering the Ferrari Corse Clienti (customer racing) realm, which doesn't exactly come easy.At it looks like the owner of the car found a shortcut, one that seems to be based on an actual Ferrari - while we're not 100 percent certain since we only have to mediocre-quality images to rely on, this FXX K replica seems to be based on an F430 Spider.Most of the FXX K work seems to have been done on the front and the rear fascias, but we can't ignore the fins sitting atop the rear fenders. Speaking of which, the latter are wide elements and have been filled with custom wheels that seem to come from Forgiato.Even with the said images, if we zoom in on the Fezza, it looks like the attention to detail hasn't been neglected. Of course, this only means more wasted efforts, as the finished product still doesn't look desirable in our book.Nevertheless, we have to admit that the idea of a Ferrari XX car based on an open-top model is appealing.Speaking of which, we'll remind you that customers engaged in the Italian automotive producer's racing program are receiving special rewards these days.We're referring to the 488 Pista Pilotti Ferrari, a special edition reserved for the said clientele. The first customers have taken delivery of their machines and we've already shown you two examples of the uber-special machine. The first was dressed in Argento Nurburgring , while the second came in Blu Tour De FranceOf custody and crypto The normally staid world of custody banking is now having to embrace the wild child of global assets: cryptocurrency. And this is happening just as bitcoin, the poster child of cryptocurrency, seesawed from US$30,000 one week to $40,000 the next, shedding then recovering 30% of its value. Some bitcoin bulls are talking of $100,000 by year-end



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Many believed that the son of the deposed shah of Iran would be an ideal candidate to lead his fellow expatriates to freedom and democracy. Many people both in Iran and abroad stand with him and trust that they have found their man to come to rescue them from the plight of the Islamic regime. Little do they realize that Prince Pahlavi is all hat and no cattle .

While the Islamic Republic's supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, for his part, has been vocal through his speeches, statements, and practices about finding a candidate to follow and carry on his revolutionary ideals to national leadership, Iranians in exile have not been able to reconcile their differences in order to appoint someone at the helm.

The Pahlavi dynasty is insulated and does not have a presence inside Iran. It has some visibility in the United States and Europe. Occasionally, there are events and meetings with politicians and interviews with major networks in the U.S. and Europe, where they try to remain relevant.

In an interview with Iran International, Prince Pahlavi expressed his true intention for the future of Iran. Beyond a shadow of a doubt, he will not go out of his way to become a revolutionary agent for change whose sole mission is to free the Iranian nation from the hands of the Islamic butchers. In his humanitarian mind, the people of Iran must fight the regime and then turn Iran over to him.

Let me reiterate: Prince Reza Pahlavi, the son of the last shah of Iran, would be an ideal candidate to lead an Iranian government in exile, but for some unknown reason, he refuses to work with his compatriots and take an active role to become the agent of change and lead this enterprise. After all, tens of thousands of Iranian people shout his name and want him back.

Prince Pahlavi himself has consistently said he is not seeking the throne. Today, he takes no money from any foreign governments. Instead, Pahlavi sees himself as someone who can bring attention to the free world about the struggle for freedom in his native land. OK, fine. But he should let his avid fans know that he has no intention to lead Iranians in order to free themselves from the sadistic mullahs. That's the least he can do.

In an interview with Bloomberg, Mr. Pahlavi said:

I am the kind of person that looks at the glass as half full[.] ... Imagine if I was ushered in as the crown prince. I don't think I would have had 1 percent of the experience and knowledge of living in a free society and a democratic country has given me." He said his experience of living in America is the best gift he can give to Iranians organizing today for a transition out of their tyranny.

The fact is that forty long years have passed, and the democratic Iranian opposition hasn't moved as much as an inch. It is no wonder that hired guns and former American and European bigwigs lobby for the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) or MEK, a terrorist group.

While the Iranian diaspora is largely Western-educated and well-to-do, its members have remained connected to the country of their birth through two main channels: family ties and satellite broadcasts.

Mr. Pahlavi's support base must understand that even though the son of the late shah may be the leader the opposition needs to move the ball forward, he must do more than just a few interviews and some events. He needs to be more active and use his excellent and articulate communication skills with the leaders of the world to support regime change in Iran.

Today, Mr. Pahlavi does present an ideal picture of Iran's future, but his lack of transparency with his supporters remains counterproductive.

Life is too short, and no one lives forever. We all know that the situation in Iran is dire, and at any moment, this regime could collapse. Although Iran is saturated with great minds and leaders who could navigate the ship to safety, under the current circumstances, Mr. Reza Pahlavi has two choices. Either he joins the opposition and leads or he steps aside and allows others to rise.

Image: Gage Skidmore via Flickr.Temperatures plummeted, the researchers say, after the death of so many indigenous people that the land they were tilling was "reforested," thus leading to an increase in trees and vegetation, which means less CO2 was being pumped into the atmosphere.

Researchers at University College in London have published a paper theorizing that the slaughter of Native Americans by whites in the 15th and 16th centuries led to climate change often referred to as "The Little Ice Age."

CNN:

European settlers killed 56 million indigenous people over about 100 years in South, Central and North America, causing large swaths of farmland to be abandoned and reforested, researchers at University College London, or UCL, estimate. The increase in trees and vegetation across an area the size of France resulted in a massive decrease in carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere, according to the study. Carbon levels changed enough to cool the Earth by 1610, researchers found. Columbus arrived in 1492, "CO2 and climate had been relatively stable until this point," said UCL Geography Professor Mark Maslin, one of the study's co-authors. "So, this is the first major change we see in the Earth's greenhouse gases." Before this study, some scientists had argued the temperature change in the 1600s, called the Little Ice Age, was caused only by natural forces.

The notion that white men killed 56 million Native Americans is beyond speculation; it's fantasy. First and foremost, no one has been able to come up with a figure for the number of Native Americans in the Americas before Columbus. Most tribes did not have a written language. Certainly there were complex civilizations like the Aztecs and Incas, and agriculture was fairly widespread at the time of Columbus. But trying to get a grasp on the sheer numbers of inhabitants in North, Central, and South America is a fool's errand.

From the research paper:

We summarize the existing evidence for pre-Columbian populations using seven geographical regions: the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, the Inca Territory, Amazonia and contiguous forested area, North America and the Rest of the Americas. The Inca Territory at contact encompassed Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia, Chile and parts of north-western Argentina; the Rest of Americas is composed of Venezuela, Uruguay, Paraguay and the rest of Argentina. We complied 129 estimates from 82 studies.

They looked at 82 studies from people who had no idea what they were talking about. They are - they have to be - wild guesses. But academics have no other choice but to try and grapple with the numbers as best they can by building on the work of others - even though that work is fatally flawed.

That said, is it really "genocide" when the overwhelming majority of Native Americans who were killed by European diseases never laid eyes on a white man? The notion of spreading germs and viruses was unknown until the late 19th century. Almost all Native Americans who died in the 100 years after Columbus landed lost their lives because they had no immunity to diseases like smallpox, measels, mumps, and scarlett fever. Europeans still caught these diseases but after nearly a milenium of exposure to them, white people had developed a partial immunity in that when they got sick, they had a pretty good chance of surviving.

Not so Native Americans who suffered the full force of the bugs' effects, wiping out entire civilizations. The diseases spread because of the extraordinarily complex trade routes that snaked their way up and down the western hemisphere. In short, Native Americans never knew what killed them.

As for the idea that carbon levels fell because a few million acres of land were reclaimed by nature, this doesn't even come close to the effect that one or two erupting volcanoes would have on CO2 levels. There has been much speculation about the causes of the Little Ice Age, including a change in ocean currents and the lack of sunspots. But our understanding of climate is so limited that trying to shoehorn a theory about climate change into the death of millions of people just doesn't hold water.

The virtue of this study is that it presses all the right social justice buttons. Evil white men? Check. Human caused climate change? Check. Genocide? Check. All the boxes might be marked, but that doesn't make this study any more factual.Making real the unimaginable

By the early 1970s, military personnel were called baby killers. I do not know exactly why that was but it could be because civilians including babies were killed in Vietnam. Civilian deaths during war is a fact. There was also an iconic and horrific picture which showed a young naked Vietnam girl running down a road whose clothes were burned off of her because of the napalm. The Terror of War, by Huynh Cong "Nick" Ut via Flickr No doubt this photograph illustrated the fact of civilian deaths and injury but now it also made civilian death and destruction imaginable to people not involved in the war. More about photographs making the unimaginable imaginable later.

The term baby killer was one of the most identifying terms used during the anti-Vietnam war protests. Another term used often during that time by many anti-Vietnam protesters was pig to describe the police. It seemed at any protest demonstration shown on television, these terms were always used. While these terms are technically a noun to describe people, these terms were also a pronoun to describe the Vietnam War in general. The anti-Vietnam protesters loathed the military so much they not only would shout baby killer at military members, but they would also would swear with vile and throw objects at military personnel in uniform when they could. This behavior lasted throughout the 1970s. I know this because when I enlisted in the Navy in 1981, I would hear f-ing squid shouted at me when I wore my uniform. The tension was real whenever I wore my uniform off base. The only saving grace was when there was more than two of us in uniform since there was strength in numbers. I remember how much more receptive to the military uniform people were in foreign countries than back home the whole time I served my first enlistment. These facts belie the truth about leftists and liberals today who claim to be patriotic. The leftists will do anything to hide their historical truth at any cost. Of course, one of the major items discussed, in addition to the Vietnam War, in the 70s was the 1973 Supreme Court ruling of Roe V. Wade. It was portrayed then, as now, as a major victory for womens rights. I remember discussions in class, when allowed, in a debate club format. Invariably, it was always frown upon by anyone dissenting from the idea of it being a womens right to choose. Amazingly, then, as now, the construct of the phrase a womans right to choose is always an incomplete sentence. The sentence should be phrased correctly as a womans right to choose to kill babies. No one disputes the idea of a womens right to choose when and how often she conceives, the only contention is when she decides to terminate her pregnancy, i.e., abortion. Fast forward to the present. This past week, my wife and I watched the movie Gosnell. My wife was an unwilling spectator, not to mention a Democrat, but since she said we could watch anything I wanted, I made the decision to watch this movie. I havent forgotten it since. For my wife, this movie made the unimaginable imaginable. For its part, this movie did an amazing job whether intentionally or accidentally making the point of how any decision towards legalizing abortion is the first step towards condoning the killing of babies and how the act itself is without reason. My wife said she was confused about why wasnt the act of snipping a babys neck with a giant pair of scissors at any time isnt considered killing? Or the act of providing comfort care to the birth of an unwanted baby who was left to die by starvation wrapped in a blanket isnt killing. To confuse the obvious is what leftists want to do. This is how and why they are able to accomplish things such as legalized abortions, i.e., the killing of babies by another name.It should be interesting to see how Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. reconciles his view that Manila should protest China's establishment of a maritime rescue center in the Kagitingan or Fiery Cross Reefif its construction is verifiedagainst the Palace view that we should be thankful for the help that such a facility would bring.

Secretary Locsin stands on firm legal ground, of course. After all, the Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) ruled in 2016 that China's claims in the West Philippine Sea are excessive, and that the contested reef is well within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone. This would suggest that any structures the Chinese build on those reefs and any artificial islands it creates would violate our sovereign rights. But the thinking in the Palace has been focused on appeasement, not confrontation, in the belief that the Philippines can gain more from our powerful northern neighbor if we play nice and keep silent while it does whatever it wants on our territory. On the day the UN tribunal issued its decision, the Foreign Affairs secretary at the timenot Locsinshowed little enthusiasm and called for restraint and sobriety, for fear that any sign of elation at our hard-earned legal victory would provoke and antagonize Beijing. In November 2018, presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said the PCA was useless for now because there was no way to enforce the decision. Then, this month, the same spokesman said the Philippines should be thankful for the rescue center that China claims tohave built on Kagitingan Reef.Maybe we should be thankful, the spokesman said, when asked about China's latest action. Personally, I dont think establishing a distress center is bad, even in whose territory. It will be helping everybody in distress, he said. Taken to task by the opposition for speaking like a puppet of China, Panelo bristled, saying we should be thankful only if three conditions were met: 1) that China had informed the Philippine government; 2) that China had sought permission from the Philippines; and 3) that the construction of the maritime rescue center was not a ruse. His explanation gave us pause. Is it possible that China had informed the Philippine government and sought its permission to build the rescue centerunbeknownst to the Palace or the Department of Foreign Affairs? If Beijing had indeed done so, would Paneloand Secretary Locsinnot have immediately said the center had the Philippine government's blessing? None of the legalistic splitting of hairs from the Palace can hide the obvious obsequiousness that passes for diplomacy these days. We look forward to a day when the Foreign secretary can truly speak for all Filipinos who believe it is never all right for friends to trample on our rights, no matter how helpful they may seem.It's starting to feel like a historic day for Venezuela.

Yet it's not the scary violent change event you might expect.

It's more - and more - like a Velvet Revolution.

Across the country, hundreds of towns, the kind that never hold demonstrations - demonstrated against the dictatorship of Nicolas Maduro - calling on it to just leave. Here's the big emblem of it in what's probably Caracas.

But here's the kind of places it's also taking place in, which the Venezuelan state-controlled press isn't reporting:

We're seeing protests even in relatively small places like Santa Barbara del Zulia, on the southern end of Lake Maracaibo. Pop = around 100K.#NotJustCaracas https://t.co/qJVI9huMDl  Caracas Chronicles (@CaracasChron) February 2, 2019

#NotJustCaracas

This is San Juan de los Morros. Not exactly an oligarch hotspot. https://t.co/nAGeS79DHp  Caracas Chronicles (@CaracasChron) February 2, 2019

#NotJustCaracas

This is San Juan de los Morros. Not exactly an oligarch hotspot. https://t.co/nAGeS79DHp  Caracas Chronicles (@CaracasChron) February 2, 2019

Yet demonstrations alone, at the end of the day, are nothing new for Venezuela, whose demonstrations against its socialist regime have been so big over the past 20 years they've been called 'avalanchas.'

There's one very important difference, pointed out by Caracas Chronicles:

Yesterday's was not violent.

In the past, an anti-regime demonstration has always meant someone or other getting assalted or shot by organized Chavista motorcycle goons or else the Venezuelan military. It's meant hundreds of people hauled off to Chavista dungeons, where, yes, some disappear, and others are tortured, and none get due process.

This time, the men with guns and Molotov cocktails are ... staying away.

Absolutely stunning videos coming in from all around Venezuela.



It's not just Caracas and Maracaibo and the other big cities. It's the kind of small, rural cities where no one has ever protested these last 20 years.



No tear gas anywhere. No arrests anywhere. Maduro dare not.  Caracas Chronicles (@CaracasChron) February 2, 2019

The Caracas Chronicle's summary is perfect.

He doesn't dare. Maduro and his state apparatus are clearly scared as heck to fire into these crowds now, the cost of it has now exceeded the benefit of it. That signals a gigantic change for the regime which has always used violence as its first-go tactic, dating at least as far back as 2002. This time, they didn't. It's a sign the men with guns know something is coming and they don't want to find themselves in the next Nuremburg dock for crimes against humanity. That's their keisters on the line now, and whatever the worth of the Maduro regime, they aren't risking it. It also signals that Maduro doesn't dare order shootings or thuggery anymore, he's likely to get a mutiny. They just don't dare.

And by coincidence, it's accompanied by the first big military defection, that of a top sitting air force general, Francisco Yanez , urging the rest of the army to rebel against Maduro, and joining the recognized government in waiting. That is a first sign of a shift of power to the legitimate democrats who stand ready to run Venezuela. The sanctions from abroad are having an important effect. But nothing matches the actions of the people, who are scaring the potential oppressors into now looking after their own hides.

The general came out for the democrats because he was placing his best bets on his own interests. If he's doing that, it's very likely there will be more. Military moves such as this signal chain reactions ahead. And with the military no longer willing to fire on demonstrators, it seems the ground is primed.

Maduro does seem to be on his backfoot as a result of this. Having been warned by Europe to hold free and fair elections by Monday, he's offered up early National Assembly elections as his sacrificial lamb to placate his international critics in Europe. That's quite a joke, given that the National Assembly is already a powerless outfit based on Maduro's appointment of a constitutional super-legislature to rule over them, meaning any new elections are meaningless. What's more, it's a joke because this sacrificial lamb he's offering up to placate Europe is the Venezuelan democrats, not himself or any of his cronies. Nobody sees the National Assembly in place as there fraudulently, the fraudster is Maduro. And what's more, Maduro, who's in power by fraud, is someone who knows how to rig an election. It's pure garbage he's offering, but the fact that he's offering it is a sign of defense.We are the hollow men We are the stuffed men Leaning together Headpiece filled with straw. Alas!

The introductory stanza from the great poem  The Hollow Men  by T.S Eliot has no better description to capture the actions of all the men involved in the events of the last few days in the great Commonwealth of Virginia in the wake of the Ralph Northam revelations:

We see the true core beliefs of these people in the wake of Northam's medical school blackface and Ku Klux Klan photo scandal, and his even more scandalous statement defending infanticide.

As a proud Virginia High School graduate and current constituent of Virginia's Democratic Governor Ralph Northam, I look on at what this Virginia Military Institute graduate and former doctor has said and done and can only say it's simply stupid and awful. But it seems to go beyond that, representing a historic sea change in the political landscape.

First, the governor advocated the actual murder of a baby, positioning the Democratic Party itself into that stance. That was evident from the spot-on critique of the matter from Sen. Ben Sasse, a Nebraska Republican:

This is morally repugnant, Sasse said. In just a few years pro-abortion zealots went from safe, legal, and rare to keep the newborns comfortable while the doctor debates infanticide. I dont care what party youre from  if you cant say that its wrong to leave babies to die after birth, get the hell out of public office.

Yet the governors position on baby murder only drew the normal political theater of blah, blah, blah -- words of criticism without any call to resign. With no call to leave office, it was the expected normal political theater of shallow and meaningless political posturing by his fellow elected Virginia Democrats, which include Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner, Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax, and Commonwealth Attorney General Mark Herring.

And then the photos of his medical school yearbook page came out.

Suddenly, everything changed.

As many throughout America could see in a bumbling and soon to be amazing historic press conference, Gov. Northam not only tried to walk away from his horribly racist yearbook picture, he also showed a willful blindness on his VMI nickname of coonman.

How could his defenders use the fact that he was a Virginia Military Academy graduate and Army doctor to defend his not resigning over the infanticide advocacy, and then pivot at light speed to call for his resignation only when the nickname and the photo came out?

Senior elected officials in Virginia, and others who had previously defended Northam's integrity by referencing his being a VMI grad and Army doctor found themselves at a truth-telling moment.

These Democrat hollow men came out to criticize and call for resignation because they had the picture. It was only when this picture was made public that they all changed their position. What they are now advocating is essentially: Leave, just leave, you fool, before you totally damage our party's political brand.

In my opinion, the Democratic Party is the party of certitude, with a trust us, know-it-all attitude on many issues, science and medicine included. Thus, we all have to accept, in our need for medical assistance there is such a thing as an arrogant doctor. But no person in America has to accept the fact that there is such a thing as an arrogant and stupid doctor, and Dr. Northam is the new poster person for that role.

So far he has violated the VMI Honor Code, by making two factually contradictory statements. First, his contradictions about the picture. It is me in the picture, and then, it is not me, and oh yes, how did it happen?

Regardless of the ultimate truth, he lied, and the VMI Honor Code states: A Cadet will not lie, cheat, steal, nor tolerate those who do.

He has disgraced his Army commission because I doubt he would have been admitted into the modern truly colorblind Army if a recruiting officer had seen the photo, even around 1984.

Finally, serving as an active duty Army doc, had he killed a living, breathing, baby intentionally, he would have not had a chance to be governor because he would still be in Leavenworth military prison.

As far as calls for him to leave who knows what he will do. If he doesnt, the well-known ending to The Hollow Men may foreshadow the problem the modern Democrat Party finds itself in:

This is the way the world ends

This is the way the world ends

This is the way the world ends

Not with a bang but a whimper.

Image credit: Wonderferret, via Flickr // CC BY-SA 2.0A party that cheers when states pass laws that allow children to be killed up to the minute they are born, no matter how viable, should not lecture anyone.

We constantly see Democrats, including most journalists, claim that Trump and other Republicans are immoral, inhumane and show no empathy. But it is they who are guilty of those things.

Democrats rarely show any concern when illegal aliens kill or commit crimes. In fact, they support cities and states who have no intent to follow laws that Congress passed.

A party that supported a President and Secretary of State who didn't lift a finger to save Americans who were under attack overseas and concocted a lie to protect their political power should not lecture anyone about morality. They even lied to the family members of those who died.

A party who supported a President who shut off an investigation of Hezballah's drug running operation to appease the tyrannical dictators in Iran is absolutely corrupt. How many people have to be killed by these terrorists, including by drugs, before Democrats care?

When Democrats passed Obamacare they also put into place policies at Medicare, to help pay for Obamacare, that rewarded hospitals for not readmitting patients. Life expectancy has gone down, unexpectedly, for three years after Obamacare was passed and now Democrats are pushing Medicare for all. A party that rewards hospitals for reducing care for very sick people should not lecture anyone about morality, humanity or empathy.

With Death Rate Up, US Life Expectancy Is Likely Down Again Preliminary data shows U.S. death rates rose again last year, indicating that 2017 likely will mark the third straight decline in American life expectancy.

Medicare Lists Hospital Quality Bonuses Medicare also began reducing payments to 2,217 hospitals because too many of their patients ended up back in their care within a month.

The poor die at an earlier age than those who do better, yet Democrats push policies that make more people dependent on government instead of pushing for policies that allow more to move up the economic ladder.

A party that sought to destroy Kavanaugh with no evidence is not moral. Several of the Democrat candidates for President in 2020 didn't care about justice for Kavanaugh or innocent until proven guilty. Do we really want people like that who seek to destroy people they don't like without cause, but who gladly supported Hillary who violated many laws, for President

A party that paid over $10 million to create a phony document to destroy a political opponent and continues to act like it is true lacks morality.

Fossil fuels have improved the quality and length of life for all that have used them for over 150 years, but Democrats are seeking to block their use based on a theory.

The True Link Between Carbon-Based Fuels and Quality of Life But, the global shame of 6 in every 7 humans living in undeveloped nations means that "too little energy" is the real calamity. Simply put, access to modern energy is what separates the rich from the poor. That's why companies that produce energy are really the ones "standing on moral ground" over those with business models dependent on attacking them. And as far as which energy sources are most essential, I'll leave that to the U.S. National Academy of Engineering: societal electrification powered by coal was honored as the "Greatest Engineering Achievement" of the 20th Century, with the oil-powered automobile and the oil-powered airplane in 2nd and 3rd place, respectively. Those nations that use more electricity also make make more money while living longer. For example, the average GDP/capita in Germany, which uses 7,100 kWh/capita, is around $45,000, compared to $1,100 in Mozambique, which uses 450 kWh/capita. It's no wonder that Germans live until age 80, while Mozambicans die at 53.

Underdeveloped countries and people who don't use petroleum products have a much lower length of life and a much worse quality of life, but Democrats would rather keep them poor. CO2 concentration has been going up constantly during the period of fossil fuel use, human populations have exploded and fossil fuel use has risen exponentially, yet the dire warnings have flipped back and forth between warming and cooling -- but to Democrats the science is settled and anyone who disagrees must be destroyed.

Democrats, including most journalists are acting outraged today and demanding a resignation of a Democrat governor of Virginia who was in a racist picture over thirty years ago. These same people gladly celebrated Robert Byrd, who died in 2010, who was an actual KKK leader. His name is all over the place on federally-funded buildings, highways, and public works.

These same Democrats weren't outraged that same governor supported killing babies up to and possibly beyond birthm, but are so outraged by an over thirty year old picture, are just pretending to be moral.

Planned Parenthood says the governor should resign because of the picture. What a joke. Their organization was founded by a woman who wanted abortion to kill minority babies to build a cleaner race and advocated abortion to kill mentally and physically disabled babies. Planned Parenthood has aborted babies of color at a much higher rate than their percentage of population for decades but now, because of an old picture, they are outraged?

Nancy Pelosi says it is immoral to have a wall. Senators Harris and Feinstein of California along with other Democrats from California are against the wall -- so why don't they get rid of the wall at the Southern California border that works?

I think I have figured out the Democrats policy for border security. They should draw a red line across the border, just like Obama did in Syria, and threaten serious consequences for anyone who crosses it. Of course, Obama didn't really mean it just as the Democrats aren't serious about enforcing the laws they passed.

In summary: A party that supports killing fully developed babies up to nine months, that has policies that are meant to keep more people dependent on government while they are living instead of giving them more opportunities to move up the economic ladder, that supports politicians that refuse to enforce immigration laws Congress passed and that implemented policies to reward hospitals for giving less care to sick patients on Medicare is not moral, ethical, humane and is certainly not empathetic.Woke Evangelicals: Cultivating Victimhood, Vanquishing Conscience

With astonishing speed, the evangelical world has been invaded by social justice ideology. In a recent podcast, the current president of the Southern Baptist Convention (until now a theologically conservative body), J.D. Greear, highlighted "white privilege" as a serious moral issue for Christians. Likewise, David Platt, former president of the SBC's International Mission Board, browbeat evangelicals for having too much of the same skin color: "Why are so many of our churches so white?" At another historically conservative denomination, the Presbyterian Church of America, things are not any better. Its institution and my own alma mater, Covenant Seminary, hosted a conference on race whose onetime director was a Black Lives Matter activist. Furthermore, the seminary and the PCA denomination as a whole have been embroiled in controversy over the Revoice Conference, which promotes the idea of LGBT victimhood.

Though these evangelicals may be "woke" about some issues, they are definitely asleep about others. For instance, concern about the plight of the aborted unborn has been waning among them. In a YouTube video, a recent graduate of the SBC's Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary observes that these days, one frequently hears about social justice issues on campus but rarely about abortion. Among woke evangelicals, ironically, victimhood ideology has managed to push into the shadows conspicuous sins against present-day victims. This reveals a significant corruption of conscience. Conscience has always played an indispensable role in Christianity. Jonathan Edwards calls conscience "the instrument in the hand of God, to accuse, condemn, terrify, and to urge to duty." The importance of individual conscience stands out conspicuously in the Bible. However, within the moral universe of leftism, the concept of victimhood silences or perverts individual conscience. Among those who embrace a victim identity, the wail of group grievance often drowns out individual conscience. Furthermore, many come to feel guilt and shame about things that are not really wrong. A fixation on victimhood causes even fictitious transgressions like "microaggression" and "cultural appropriation" to gain legitimacy in endless cries for redress. Nazi Germany represented the antithesis of Christian conscience. Though the Nazis are often invoked to stigmatize people not in line with progressive causes, the reality is that an obsession with German national victimhood after World War I fueled the Nazi rise to power and helped inspire the creation of that bizarre ideology. As Kurlander explains in his book Hitler's Monsters, many Germans came to see themselves as colonized, oppressed people. Consequently, Judaism and Christianity were branded as alien intruders imposed on supposedly subjugated Germans. As a result, Germany experienced a widespread longing to return to pagan German religious roots and the proliferation of anti-Semitism, leading ultimately to the Holocaust. Terrorism, riots, murder, bullying, and genocide have all been excused as justified responses to victimization, real or imagined. In his book The Vanishing Conscience, California pastor John MacArthur comments, "Anyone can escape responsibility for his or her wrongdoing simply by claiming the status of a victim." Along with leftist victimhood ideology, he noted that the psychotherapeutic outlook has contributed significantly to the muting of conscience in modern churches. For instance, many church leaders are convinced that instruction about personal sin and guilt wounds self-esteem. Though many prominent evangelicals have jumped on the victimhood bandwagon, others are protesting the incompatibility of the Christian faith with the promotion of collective blame. One such dissenter, Darrell Harrison, laments the way his fellow black evangelicals are being seduced by leftist ideology and neglecting Gospel proclamation. Last year, a number of evangelical leaders joined together to issue "The Statement on Social Justice and the Gospel," which reaffirms traditional views of sin and salvation, along with exposing the social justice message as heterodox. The statement rejects the notion that "the postmodern ideologies derived from intersectionality, radical feminism, and critical race theory are consistent with biblical teaching." Taking aim at fashionable leftist pieties, they declare: Although families, groups, and nations can sin collectively, and cultures can be predisposed to particular sins, subsequent generations share the collective guilt of their ancestors only if they approve and embrace (or attempt to justify) those sins. Before God each person must repent and confess his or her own sins in order to receive forgiveness. We further deny that one's ethnicity establishes any necessary connection to any particular sin. Even more significantly, corporate blaming obscures the real heart of the Christian message, which is deliverance from guilt by faith in the atoning sacrifice of Christ. In a collective orientation, rather than taking inventory of personal moral failures and confessing real sins, many engage in virtue-signaling about the crimes of their own social group. Others foist responsibility for their own sins onto the members of an accused group. For believers, exchanging personal responsibility for corporate blaming means being robbed of cleansing of conscience. Rather than salvation from guilt, they must then bear the perpetual blame of the leftist worldview, which can never adequately be atoned for by reparations or by anything else. At a recent conference critical of the social justice trend, Phil Johnson quipped that virtue-signaling seems to be the latest proselytizing strategy among many evangelicals. In this time of increasing contempt for the lives of the most vulnerable, that is dubious virtue, indeed. To borrow the words of Jesus, woke evangelicals have become adept at the ability to "strain out a gnat but swallow a camel" (Matthew 23:24). Or how about simply calling it, as he did, hypocrisy? Bruce W. Davidson is a professor at Hokusei Gakuen University in Sapporo, Japan and a contributor to The Jonathan Edwards Encyclopedia.Absent a coherent saleable agenda, the Democratic Party has tried to cobble together every group angling for special legal and financial privileges. Now that cobbled-together collection is crumbling. Worse, as the governor of Virginia showed us this week, honesty about what really takes place in the late-term abortions that the radical feminists want repulses many voters who had not been paying attention and were swayed by imprecise linguistic explanations. And as the attention was drawn on him, the racial fault lines in his state came into full focus, despite the medias best efforts to hide them.

Beginning with New York, the Democratic agenda of giving the most radical of feminists anything they want for political advantage became clear. More women than men vote and its increasingly clear the craziest of them are the most influential. The New York law, for anyone who paid attention, is appalling, even to those who in time accepted the Roe v. Wade decision. Polls by the Marist Institute and Gallup consistently show that a vast majority of Americans support significant abortion restrictions and oppose abortions after three months gestation. My friend, Old Lurker closely examined that legislation. The changes in the bill to existing law includes these things: anybody permitted by the state can perform a no-questions-asked abortion up to 24 weeks; and an abortion can legally be performed on a nine-month-old baby if, in the opinion of the person performing it, the mother would be better off if it is done. There is no longer a duty to provide medical attention to a live born baby who survives the abortion and it can be left to die. Governor Cuomo was so happy about this the lights on the top of One World Trade Center were flashed on in pink. (A bill introduced in Vermont would go even further.)

I expect lots of people missed how revolting the practice was until Virginia tried to pass such a law. It narrowly missed passage despite the absurdity of its sponsor advancing at the same time a bill to protect the life of an insect.

Governor Two Step

Democratic governor Ralph Northam made the mistake of answering truthfully the consequences to the child of a late-term abortion who happens to survive the process were the bill to pass. If the child is born deformed theyll make it comfortable and resuscitate it if needed. The woman and her doctor will decide whether to kill it. The sponsor, Kathy Tran, made clear the abortion could be performed under her proposal if the mother was already dilating -- that is, in the throes of giving birth.

Heres Northam on Wednesday:

If a mother is in labor, I can tell you exactly what would happen. The infant would be delivered. The infant would be kept comfortable. The infant would be resuscitated if thats what the mother and the family desired, and then a discussion would ensue between the physicians and the mother, Northam said in a WTOP interview.

In other words, it permits infanticide. Northam, by the way, is a pediatric neurologist.

Trans proposal, supported by Northam, strips from Virginia law the requirement that three physicians conclude this horrible procedure is necessary to preserve the mothers health or life. And it would further do away with the requirement that late-term abortions must be performed in hospitals. (The latter change may reflect the fear that no ethical physician or hospital would do this.)

Once the fiction of abortions involving only clumps of tissue was exposed, backlash ensued.

But Governor Northams troubles were just beginning. The blog site Big League Politics published a picture on Northams Eastern Virginia Medical School yearbook page dated 1984 which shows two men -- one in blackface and one in a KKK outfit. Neither is identified, but it was on his page, and there is no indication he ever claimed in the (over three) decades which followed its publication that one of these men was not him or that the yearbook editor somehow mixed up the pictures. The media did its best to provide cover for him. CNN ran the story over a chyron which identified Northam as a Republican and the Washington Post which spent forever dissecting Brett Kavanaughs high-school yearbook said it was unfair to judge Northam by his medical school yearbook.

So, its unfair to do this regarding the yearbook of a grown man in the year he graduates from medical school, but fine to do it to a high-school kid.

Nevertheless, taking the Washington Posts line of defense, there is plenty more to suggest Northam is an actual racist -- more than there was for the Posts long-running nonsense in 2006 about George Allens calling a pesky oppo researcher a macaca or implying that Donald Trump, who in 1986 was awarded the Ellis Island Medal of Honor (along with such luminaries as Rosa Park and Mohammed Ali) for his work in advancing brotherhood and tolerance, was a racist.

Northam beat Ed Gillespie in the gubernatorial race, charging that Gillespie and those who supported him were racists, even going so far as to run an ad of a driver in a truck with a Gillespie flyer trying to mow down minority children.

Luckily for Northam, the media was not at all interested in his background or even his own conduct during the 2017 campaign, where three weeks before the election he removed from flyers the name and photograph of Justin Fairfax, the black man running on his own ticket for lieutenant governor. In 2016, Fairfax was denied a speaking slot at the Democratic Party of Virginias state convention and dinner.

Earlier in his race for lieutenant governor, Northam refused to shake the hand of E.W. Jackson, a black opponent. While it might be argued that he merely didnt see the offer, closer examination of the video shows he was nudged on the hand and leg and pointedly ignored the offer. The video is here; you decide.

Tyler ONeil at PJ Media details even more accusations of racism that Northam threw at Gillespie and Republicans.

He sent out a disgusting mailer (which I received in the mail) tying both President Donald Trump and Ed Gillespie to the white nationalists in Charlottesville, Va. Later, an ad presented Gillespie as a genocidal white supremacist. Northam reported the ad as an "in-kind" donation to his campaign. The current governor at the time, Terry McAuliffe, accused Gillespie of having run the "most racist" campaign in Virginia history. Yes, he suggested Gillespie's campaign was more racist than the secessionist movement supporting slavery, the segregationists, and the opposition to interracial marriage. That's how ridiculous it got.

By Friday, the heat was on Northam and he responded on twitter with an apology video in which he said, I am deeply sorry for the decision I made to appear as I did in this photo and for the hurt that decision caused then and now. On Saturday, he seems to have deleted that tweet.

Steve Lookner

Verified account @lookner VA Governor @RalphNortham appears to have deleted his apology video from Twitter in which he admitted he was in the photo. Saturday he refused to resign, admitting that he once blackened his face while in college for a dance but suggesting he was not in the photos.

CNN:

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam said he does not believe he is either person in the racist photo that appeared in his 1984 yearbook but that he did once darken his face to resemble Michael Jackson during a dance contest in 1984. In a remarkable, hour-long news conference at the Governor's Mansion in Richmond, Northam defended himself from the cacophony of calls for his resignation, but acknowledged that he had made mistakes on race in his past, like when he darkened his face for the dance contest. "I believe now and then that I am not either of the people in this photo," Northam said, denying that he had ever worn a KKK robe and hood or been drunk enough to forget a moment like this. "This was not me in that picture. That was not Ralph Northam."

Whether hes eventually forced out of office or not, the Virginia Democrats position on expanding the parameters of legal abortion are unlikely to change. Fairfax, who would become governor if Northam resigned or was removed from office, is as big a supporter of this as is Northam.

Its Not Over till its Over

And its far from certain that he wont be forced out of office -- not for endorsing infanticide, mind you, but for the yearbook photo. Prodded to life, the Washington Post finally paid attention and started sleuthing about it.

Joan Naidorf, whose husbands yearbook page is opposite Northams in the yearbook, said she was surprised the photos are only now coming out, given Northams stature in Virginia politics. Weve often wondered over the last 10 years or so why someone didnt dig this up sooner, said Naidorf, a nonpracticing emergency room physician who lives in Alexandria Eastern Virginia Medical School allowed students to pick their own photos for their yearbook page, Naidorf said. Her husband chose their engagement photo and other personal pictures. Another student chose a picture of men in blackface and dressed as women in what appears to be a variety-show routine.

On the one hand, the pro-abortion crowd has a perfect backup if Northam leaves office. On the other hand, black interest groups, which like Planned Parenthood contended on Friday that Northam should resign, would love to see a Governor Fairfax. The question is whether the party that kept Fairfax from speaking at its convention and kept silent when his visage was removed from campaign flyers is confident enough that its members wouldnt bolt at the notion of a black governor.Trump, Netanyahu, and the Witch-Hunters

As we watch the spectacle of Donald Trump being vilified 24/7 by the leftist media, leftist politicians, and the left-leaning legal establishment through lies, innuendo, and extreme pressure put on his associates to get them to give false testimony, the similarity to what is being done to the leader of one of our most important allies, the extremely popular Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel, is startling. Both men govern from the right and are supported by and represent those who feel ignored by most political leaders. Both men were lawfully elected but are not accepted by the leftist political establishment in their countries, who seem to believe that less-educated, lower-income individuals simply do not have the right to put someone the elite does not like into power with their votes. Hence, the nonstop campaign to delegitimize the elections of both men.

Sadly because of different laws in Israel the situation Trump faces pales in comparison to that facing Netanyahu. Unlike the U.S. and most other Western democracies, where the national leader is immune from criminal indictment or prosecution in criminal courts while in office, this is not the case in Israel. U.S. public policy and legal reasoning is the prevention of politically motivated investigations and the undoing of national elections as decided by the voters. It seems that in Israel, not only can an attorney general indict a very popular sitting prime minister, but he can announce his intentions to indict, pending an indictment hearing, only weeks before the General Election set for April 9. Furthermore, he will do it, not based on precedents established in Israel or other democracies, but make the decision based on past consultations with ex-Supreme Court justices and attorneys general he handpicked randomly. According to Israeli law, after an attorney general announces his intent to indict, a preindictment hearing requested by the defendant will begin, after which the final decision to indict will be made by the attorney general and a trial will follow. Early polling indicates that Netanyahu would easily win the election again and his Likud Party is leading by a huge margin. The problem is that the timing of such public announcement will severely impact the election results by making a legally innocent-until-proven guilty prime minister appear guilty, without affording him the time needed to defend himself in a complete indictment hearing prior to the election. In previous high-profile criminal cases, the preindictment hearings took several months and even longer. In 2012, Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman managed to avoid obstruction of justice and money laundering charges, after a hearing process that lasted over a year. In a past case against former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, the preindictment hearing in which evidence was put forth persuaded prosecutors to drop the case entirely. But in the U.S., the prevailing view among most legal experts is that a sitting president is immune from prosecution or indictment so long as he is in office. However, the Constitution includes detailed instructions about how Congress may remove a president who has committed serious crimes of bribery, treason, or other high crimes or misdemeanors, through impeachment in Congress, setting a high bar to convict and remove. Thats why in the U.S. a majority vote in the House of Representatives to impeach a President and a two-thirds majority of senators is needed to convict him and remove him from office. Consequently, in the last 230 years of American history, only two presidents were impeached by the House of Representatives, Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton. In the U.S., we have repeatedly seen Special Prosecutor Robert Mueller indict associates of Trump for alleged crimes not connected to any Russian collusion and apply intense pressure on them to turn against the President. Just recently we have witnessed the predawn storming of the home of Trump associate Roger Stone by 29 FBI agents in full combat gear with weapons drawn for a perjury charge against an individual with no record of violence who does not even own a weapon. But he was released soon after by posting a bond. However, In Israel, the ability of the state to intimidate witnesses far exceeds that permitted in the U.S. Israeli law permits the actual arrest of witnesses and suspects without being charged. Shockingly , under Israeli law, a suspect can be in jail without being charged for up to 75 days by lower courts , and the Supreme Court may order an extension of the arrest, or new arrest, for a period not exceeding 90 days. In the U.S., as interpreted by the Fifth and Sixth amendments to the Constitution, and state laws, a suspect can be held without being charged only up to three days, and in my home state of Missouri only up to 20 hours in criminal cases. One of the purposes of such a law is to prevent false or coerced confessions and testimony by major witnesses or suspects. The number of former confidants of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu turning states witness after spending time in detention has opened the eyes of many Israelis to the countrys broken and abusive legal system. For example, the prime ministers former spokesman, Nir Hefetz, was the latest Netanyahu associate to agree to cooperate with police and turn states witness against him after being in detention for 15 days and being held in severe conditions, which included sleep deprivation, hundreds of flea bites and blisters, and a lack of access to immediate medical care. In the U.S., such detention would be found unconstitutional and any testimony or evidence from such a witness would be inadmissible under the Fruit of the poisonous tree doctrine. In both the Trump and Netanyahu investigations, no actual evidence of serious wrongdoing has come to light. The indictments against Trump associates have nothing to do with Russian collusion, which was the stated purpose of the Mueller investigation. As for Netanyahu, it seems that there is collusion among police, prosecutors, and the media to remove him from office after 12 years as prime minister. The minor charges against Netanyahu are part of the everyday political process and are not criminal in nature. The attempted criminalization of political differences by those on the left is a grave threat to freedom in both nations -- even more so in Israel where laws exist to make the witch hunt even easier and much more dangerous. Shoula Romano Horing Israeli born and raised attorney. Her blog; www.shoularomanohoring.com ; her twitter @RomanoHoringFive Years of Ukrainian Crisis: Understanding Russia

Five years ago, a fictional nation state called "Novorossiya" was envisioned by Russian president Vladimir Putin's advisers for the southeastern parts of Ukraine. It exists as a paradox within the Ukrainian regions of Donetsk and Luhansk that border Russia. This entity is now making Ukraine into a country containing a prolonged military conflict in the geographical hub of Europe. This simmering conflict has caused 8,000 deaths and forced 2.4 million people from their homes. After five years of conflict, 3.4 million people in Ukraine are struggling to cope with the impact of the humanitarian crisis and urgently require assistance and protection. Every day, the conflict forces millions of civilians to make impossible choices as to whether they eat, they have medicine, or their children go to school. Critical civilian infrastructure is severely impacted as ceasefire agreements are consistently disregarded. It comes as no surprise that the Western media calls Russia a root cause of the problem and blames it all on "Russian aggression" against the peaceful and democratic Ukraine. But this is only partially true, and it represents only the Ukrainian interpretation of the situation, since Russia-phobic discourse has become trendy  since the "Russians stole the elections," of course.

Any rational attempt to comprehend the Russian motivation in the eyes of the media seems to constitute treason. At the same time, lack of objectivity with regard to the Russian side of the story keeps accelerating the Ukrainian crisis, which directly affects European security and stability, as well as the United States' and Russia's relations. The first point completely missing from the Western narrative is that both the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) and the Luhansk People's Republic (LPR) were established as a reaction to the coup d'etat in Kyiv, when the pro-Russian government of then-president Viktor Yanukovych was overthrown during the November 2013 to February 2014 massive demonstrations in Ukraine, or so-called Euromaidan. This event was widely supported by the Obama administration, the "hawks" in Congress, and top European leaders. Simultaneously, the protests were supported and, at some point, hijacked by the neo-fascist group "Right Sector," infamous for its anti-Russian and anti-Semitic ideology and practices that terrorized ordinary Ukrainians. This significant but rather inconvenient truth was either ignored or completely underreported by the mainstream media. Immense dissatisfaction with the violent methods and anti-democratic inclinations of Euromaidan that brought to power infamous corrupted oligarchs led to counter-protests across Ukraine, primarily in the southeastern regions. The participants of the rallies were labeled as "Russian agents of influence" and were imprisoned or simply "disappeared." While viewing Ukraine as one of the last strongholds for its imperial ambitions, Russia promised that the Russian military would be backing Russian Ukrainians who were a part of the "Russian world." Indeed, Novorossiya has received significant material, financial, political, and military support from Russia since its inception. Its territories have increasingly emerged as effective Russian protectorates by having their local economies gradually integrated with Russia. Just as Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko has become increasingly reliant on Western military and financial support, Novorossiya is undoubtedly Moscow's newest puppet, which makes Ukraine a challenging topic for U.S.-Russia relations. Although a 2015 peace deal called for local elections in Donetsk and Luhansk, the critics, including the Ukrainian government and the European Union (E.U.), insisted that any voting in the regions was illegitimate because it was conducted in areas that were no longer under the control of the Ukrainian government. Rebel leaders have similarly rejected Western criticism, arguing that Ukraine has failed to fulfill its commitments under the terms of the 2015 peace deal, notably the granting of increased autonomy to the rebel regions. In November 2018, both the DPR and the LPR held elections for regional assemblies and their respective heads. The results of the elections were strongly in favor of the separatist leaders in eastern Ukraine. As Russian military supplies continue to enter Ukraine, it becomes harder by the day for Russia to deny that it is providing arms to the rebels. Multiple sources have stated that Russian support to the rebels has "doubled" since Ukraine and Russia reached a tentative ceasefire. Russian support for Novorossiya includes artillery, surveillance drones, and armored vehicles that would otherwise be nearly impossible for the rebels to obtain. The rationale for this is the seemingly long forgotten perspective that Russia has often stated that it would not accept the expansion of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) into the former Soviet Union. The Baltic nations seem to be exempt from this due to the agreements made between NATO and Russia regarding Kaliningrad. Although this resulted in part of the Russian territory becoming geographically separated from its contiguous motherland, it allowed for Russia to maintain and use the Russian Navy's Baltic Fleet. This same rationale was used to justify the reacquisition of Crimea to ensure that the Russian Navy's Black Sea Fleet's official primary headquarters and facilities, located in the city of Sevastopol, would remain there. To understand the Russian perspective, it should be noted that should NATO have lost the Cold War, most likely, similar perspectives would exist if the Warsaw Pact were expanding and approaching former NATO countries. Therefore, when perceiving a geopolitical loss, Russia has been using an interesting tactic in the turbulent former Soviet Union: rather than completely invading a country, Russia intends to destabilize it enough so that it cannot fully advance into either the E.U. or NATO. Usually, this threat came from the "colored revolutions" that occurred during the post-Soviet Union transition periods. The effect of the orchestrated "revolutions" that brought to power pro-Western but often highly inefficient governments was that Russia would then seek to establish a new sphere of influence in close proximity to the aforementioned "revolution." This consistent series of balances and counter-balances ultimately results in increased regional tensions and undermines regional stability and prosperity. There are indeed two sides to every story, and the security concerns stated by Russia are valid in their own right. For Russia may no longer be considered a superpower, but there is no doubt that Russia is a regional power with a significant power projection capability. It might be beneficial for world leaders to think about an actual re-engagement approach with Russia and look at the rationale for the actions of their adversary. Every nation-state operates within its own self-interest, and Russia is no exception. Maybe it's time for the international community to "promote democracy" via the use of a persuasive soft power approach to international relations, typically involving the use of economic or cultural influence. Despite the media's anti-Russian hysteria, President Donald Trump's administration's approach to considering Russia as a strategic partner may result in greater international security cooperation and regional stability.Grove City, PA (16127)

Today

Strong thunderstorms likely. Damaging winds and large hail with some storms. High 82F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%..

Tonight

Considerable cloudiness. Occasional rain showers after midnight. Low 52F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%.We join the nearly 1.5 million Filipinos with pure Chinese ancestry around 1.8 percent of the 106 million Filipinos to dateand the substantial portion with at least some Chinese ancestry in celebrating on Tuesday the Lunar New Year or Spring Festival.

There is a difference between the Chinese New Year and the New Year observed by majority of Filipinos who use the Gregorian Calendar, which is based on a solar calendar. The Lunar New Year is based on a traditional Chinese lunisolar calendar whose dates indicate both the phase of the moon as well as the time of the solar year, where a lunar month is around two days shorter than a solar month. Reason why, according to the solar calendar, the Chinese New Year falls on a different date each yearfor the Lunar New Year to catch up with the solar calendar. As in any culture, New Year is celebrated differently. But we pause and mark the Lunar New Year with our brothers and sisters in the Chinese community, given that we have a strong quotidian denominator with them, starting from the time Chinese soldiers and guerrillas joined in the fight against the Japanese Imperial Forces during the Japanese Occupation in the Philippines from 1941 to 1945.Chinese-Filipinos were also integrated in the US Armed Forces of the First and Second Filipino Infantry Regiments of the US Army. After the war, the Chinese community in the Philippines, as did other Chinese communities in other parts of Asia, became preeminent in the economies of their host countries. Today, while the number remains fluid, many Filipino-Chinese in the second or third generation, who belong to either Hokkienese- or Cantonese-speaking groups of the Han Chinese Ethnicity, are active in helping build a better Philippines. It is only appropriate that we celebrate with them. Xin Nian Kuai Le!RTHK: Virginia governor denies he was in racist photo

Ralph Northam, the Democratic governor of the US state of Virginia, changed his story on Saturday about appearing in a racist 1984 yearbook photo and insisted he will not resign from office.

Northam held a press conference to say that he in fact was not one of the men in a photo from his university yearbook depicting two people  one in blackface, the other dressed in a Ku Klux Klan robe and hood.

"In the hours since I made my statement yesterday, I reflected with my family and classmates from the time and affirmed my conclusion that I am not the person in that photo," he told reporters, a day after saying he had appeared in the picture without specifying which of the individuals he was.

Northam added that while he had not appeared in the photo, "many actions that we rightfully recognize as abhorrent today were commonplace" and he was not surprised such material made its way to the yearbook.

He said he did not know why it appeared on his page, adding: "I had nothing to do with the preparation of the yearbook, nor did I buy one. And so this was the first time  yesterday evening was the first time I saw this photo. It was shocking and it was horrific."

The governor, who began his four-year term in 2018, did admit however that he had applied shoe polish on his face on at least one occasion  to imitate Michael Jackson during a dance contest held that same year, which he went on to win.

"I look back now and regret that I did not understand the harmful legacy of an action like that," he said.

On Friday, a website published a photograph from Northam's medical school yearbook "in a costume that is clearly racist and offensive," the governor said in a statement soon after the picture surfaced.

"I am deeply sorry for the decision I made to appear as I did in this photo and for the hurt that decision caused then and now," Northam said.

The admission prompted calls for him to resign  including from several Democratic presidential candidates.

"We made the decision to let Governor Northam do the correct thing and resign this morning," the Virginia branch of the Democratic Party said on Twitter Saturday.

"We have gotten word he will not do so this morning."

Senator Cory Booker, an African-American 2020 presidential hopeful, was one of the first big name Democrats to react.

"These images arouse centuries of anger, anguish, and racist violence and they've eroded all confidence in Gov Northam's ability to lead. We should expect more from our elected officials. He should resign," he tweeted Friday.

California Senator Kamala Harris, another African-American running for president, tweeted that "the stain of racism should have no place in the halls of government."

Other big-name Democrats such as Joe Biden and Elizabeth Warren also called for his departure. (AFP)

This story has been published on: 2019-02-03. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article."From picture pretty to pretty ugly"

This article is inspired by a very recent news item where children from Baguio wrote the Office of the President to spare the trees after learning that the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) is considering selling or leasing a one-hectare property it owns to yet another commercial developer. The property is bounded by UP Baguio, the Supreme Court, and other government properties. I have always loved going up to Baguio. When I was a primary grade-schooler, my mom and I would often go up to Baguio weekends, passing the old MacArthur Highway before the North Luzon Expressway was built. The family then had a dry goods business headquartered in Juan Luna in Divisoria, with a sewing facory in the boundary of Navotas and Tondo. It was run by a grand-uncle, and my mom would collect periodically from buyers, whether department stores like Tiong San or retailers at the dry goods section of the public market. We would stay a night or two in a hotel, and I loved the comforters which shielded me from the cold. We didnt call these blankets comforters then, but the sheer softness and bounce of the white padded cotton is a memory permanently etched in my mind. Baguio was then basically just Session Road topped by the grand Pines Hotel on Luneta Hill, down to the beautiful (then) Burnham Park, and the market where we would fill our car with strawberries and highland vegetables to bring home as pasalubong, especially for my teacher. Toward Naguilian was the shrine of the Lady of Lourdes with its two hundred or so steps. One of my grand-uncles suki had a house in the area, on what was then a middle-class subdivision before one scaled the heights of Mirador and Dominican hills. The lady suki, a Batanguena, would always treat my mom and me to a hearty breakfast of Baguio longanisa and eggs sarciado with Baguio tomatoes, sometimes slightly salted beef tapa, and I guess that is the reason why to this day, garlicky longanisa and tapa are my comfort food. Sometimes, when there were holidays beyond the two-day weekend, we would have time to visit the then strictly-enclosed Camp John Hay, courtesy of friends who could secure passes to the American enclave, and be treated to juicy hamburgers on soft buns. But beyond the culinary treats, it was always the scent of Benguet pines and the highland chill that enthralled Baguio. Going up Kennon, you already get a whiff of the indescribably redolent smell of huge pine trees that jutted out of the landscape, enveloping the mountains and the valleys with a permanent evergreen. Lovely is an understated description of Baguios beauty (then). Years after, in high school, Baguio was a year-end destination. We had Catholic leadership-training sessions from December 26 to 30 at St. Louis University beside the cathedral, and we stayed at what was then the Patria de Baguio, an inn at the corner of Session and Cathedral Road beside the American-styled post office. A short walk would bring us to the stately Pines Hotel, still surrounded by giant pine trees, before government sold it to SM, which created that monstrosity atop Luneta Hill.Beyond Pines Hotel to the east was UP Baguio and the Supreme Court cottages, again surrounded by magnificent evergreens. It became a habit for me to be in Baguio or the Montanosa (Sagada before tourists discovered it) and Mount Data, even Bontoc, long before mountaineering became fashionable) every year-end. I would bring my family there even when my kids were toddlers, often spending New Years Eve there to escape the smoke and acrid stench of Manilas firecracker-crazy culture, amid towering pines and highland chill. But not, never on Holy Week, when Tagaytay is more pleasant than Baguios over-crowdedness. It was such that when I had some savings, I bought a small property in Dominican Hill, thinking of a retirement lodge where on clear days one could get a glimpse of the western sun setting in the horizon off La Union peering from pine needles. Building that dream cottage is no longer a passion. Thats because I have seen Baguio deteriorate from picture pretty to pretty ugly. Overpopulation has brought the scourge of traffic and smoke-belching jeepneys, choking almost every thoroughfare. Session Road has lost its lovely pedestrian charm. The once-lovely mountains covered with pine have become a pastiche of houses and hovels. In an effort to make it look less dreadful, someone thought of the bright idea of painting the houses with bright colours similar to Rios favelas, or Buenos Aires La Boca. A congressman built a concrete pine tree to define the lost Baguio where Luneta Hill merges with Session Road. It has become an apt monument to Baguios lost glory, a grim reminder of how man despoils Nature. Where bringing kids to Burnham Park was an annual thrill, now one shuns it and confines oneself to the expensive enclaves of Country Club and John Hay. Is redemption yet possible? Can we yet bring back the old glory? Can urban renewal still be accomplished in Baguio? Sen. Dick Gordon has authored a bill creating a national authority comprising Baguio and La Trinidad, along with Tuba, Naguilian and some other municipalities of Benguet precisely to oversee a saner summer capital and hopefully begin its resurrection from helter-skelter over-use to coordinated re-development. It is called BLISTT, something similar to the Subic Bay Management Authority that he likewise championed and which has spared the forests of that former American naval base and maintained its balanced development despite industrial usage. We wish the good senator whose pride of place and sense of heritage one finds few parallels among peers, to pursue these efforts to restore our summer capital, and bring it back to the status of a national treasure. But for now, lets spare the remaining pine trees of the summer capital. President Clint (Aranas) and Chairman Rolly (Macasaet) of GSISplease spare the trees. You have more pricey assets and a steady cash flow to keep your actuarians happy. And I know you guys to have likewise an eye for true beauty and a sense of heritage.Canadian right is using an ongoing police investigation to inflame racial tensions and anti-immigrant sentiments.

Shenaz Kermalli is a journalism instructor at Ryerson University and former writer/producer for BBC, AJE and CBC.

Visiting my Syrian family, who I co-sponsored with nine other families in early 2017 and helped them settle in Canada, is always fun.

I get to indulge in some shockingly sweet black Arab shay (shocking because I only take milk in my tea), revel in their increasingly improved English skills (we no longer pull up Google Translate!) and watch Hannah, my five-year-old, prance out of their daughters room, dressed like shes going to a ball  complete with a long flowing dress, a tiara and sparkly nail polish.

Dalia, who is eight, adores Hannah and insists on dressing her up like a doll each time we visit  to which Hannah dutifully obliges.

My visit this last weekend was no exception. But I went to their home feeling worried too. The arrest and subsequent release of Hussam Eddin Alzahabi, a 20-year-old Syrian refugee in Kingston, Ontario, by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) on January 24 weighed heavily on my mind. While Alzahabi had been cleared of all charges, a younger man who he had been acquainted with was still being held on terrorism-related offences.

The suspect hasnt been identified, which means we dont know if he is a newcomer to Canada. However, neither that nor the fact that Alzahabi was released without charge mattered to the political zealots in our country who grab on to any opportunity to warn Canadians of the imminent dangers immigrants pose to our society.

It is pathetic how even our political leaders cant be trusted to act responsibly in the face of an ongoing police investigation that clearly has the potential to inflame racial tensions. Conservative leader Andrew Scheer took the lead by releasing a provocative statement hours after the RCMP informed the media about the arrests on Friday. Its clear that Canadas refugee screening process needs to be seriously examined, he said. Conservatives will continue fighting against Justin Trudeaus attempts to weaken Canadas national security laws and implement real policies to ensure that Canadas streets and communities are safe.

Far-right individuals and groups heard Scheers call to action and swiftly took action.

On the day the arrest of Alzahabi and his unnamed acquaintance was made public, men believed to be affiliated with the far-right anti-immigrant group Soldiers of Odin showed up at the al Rashid mosque in Edmonton. According to the mosques spokeswoman Noor al-Henedy, two men entered the premises and appeared to be scouting the building. One of the men was wearing a toque printed with the Arabic word for infidel.

After leaving the mosque, the men got into a confrontation with community members in the mosques car park. One of the men later claimed on social media that he went inside the mosque to use the toilet, and he was near the mosque to catch real Muslims walking in to possibly answer questions.

A day later, on January 26, protesters in Red Deer, Alberta gathered to call for stricter rules on immigration. They circulated posters claiming Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus agenda supports terrorism, mass Muslim immigration and starting the process of Sharia law. Soldiers of Odin and members of other far-right, anti-immigrant groups were also present at this protest.

When events like these happen, several questions burn through my mind  and likely many Canadians minds: Is Canadas multiculturalism facing a real threat? Do people who hold these sentiments put lives and futures of children, like eight-year-old Dalia, at risk?

Incredibly, Dalias father Ahmad, who says he felt welcomed by and had countless friendly interactions with Canadians since arriving in Toronto, does not think so.

When I asked him what he thinks about the unnamed youth who had been charged with terror-related offences, he gave me a very straightforward answer.

He is only one person, he said. There are 25,000 Syrians who came to Canada. There could be one bad one. Even if there are 1,000 bad ones, what about the 24,000 who are good?

Its simple logic. But Scheer and his supporters dont seem capable, or willing, to accept it.

How much longer are they going to continue stoking the fears of Canadians? And what devastating consequences will their fearmongering have on the lives of refugees like Dalia and Ahmed?

Last Tuesday marked two years since one of the worst terrorist attacks in Canadian history  The Quebec City Mosque shooting that left six Muslims dead. The far-right attacker, Alexandre Bissonnette, was upset about Canadas open stance on refugees.

Clearly, there is a terror threat in this country. But perhaps its the politics of fear that is the real perpetrator.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial stance.The Association of Women Legislators Foundation, Inc. of the 17th Congress, with 86 members led by Bulacan 4th district Representative Linabelle Ruth R. Villarica, present Kasuotan: Filipiniana Redefined to raise funds for the Paaralan at Palaruan ng Kabataan at the National Center for Mental Health in Mandaluyong City. The full-color, hard-cover coffee-table book is edited by Mons Romulo, with cover design by Ige Ramos and photography by Stanley Ong. The art and design are gorgeous, with the design of the endpapers and part of the cover taken from textile art by dressmaker Patis Tesoro. The books pages are filled with individual portraits of women solons dressed in various styles of Philippine dress. Many showcased the fabrics and handicrafts of the provinces they represent. Most opted for the ubiquitous Tagalog terno, while some of those from northern Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao reached to the cultures in their area for inspiration. Some outfits were luxurious and custom-made, others were simple and off-the-rack; but all highlighted some style of Filipiniana, and everyone looked gorgeous. The back stories of the outfits are interesting, with some a nod to their personal advocacies, as Villarica puts it in the preface. For instance, Batangas Rep. Vilma Santos Recto chose a champagne pina and silk chiffon terno with embroidery, pearl, and crystal accents to honor her late friend, designer Danilo Franco. Villarica stands out in a red, white, and black ensemble, a Jo Rubio black dyed jusi terno with bustle covered with embroidered crimson roses and ivory blossoms, and swirling volutes fully hand-sewn with glass beads by the artisans of Sta. Maria, Bulacan. In simple contrast, Gabriela Womens Partys Emmi de Jesus glows in a scarlet-painted kimono from SM Kultura over a red column skirt using fabric from Isabela; the beaded handbag she carries was crafted by women inmates of the Quezon City Jail. Kabataans Sarah Jane Elago, the youngest solon in the 17thCongress, wears a pink pina jusi barong dress embroidered with flora and fauna designs, bought at Kamuning Market, while her nude heels come from the Marikina Shoe Center. Among those who opted for a southern style were Manilas Sandy Ocampo, wearing a tnalak top and skirt, Agri partylists Delph Gan Lee in tnalak above and malong below, and Davao Orientals Cora Malanyaon in a heavily embroidered blouse and skirt of the Mandaya tribe. Tesoros foreword, a discourse the significance of Philippine dress, is alone worth the price of the book. In it she says that Filipiniana is forever, just like diamondsas they are both precious and timeless.She explained how clothing is a marker of identity: Clothes not only define a person, they define a nations identity. If Filipiniana is forever, then we must look back to our colonial past when we fought to wear our own, despite the availability of foreign alternatives. Just as style gurus advise that every woman invest in wardrobe basics such as the little black dress and a pair of flattering jeans, Tesoro advocates that every Filipina should have in her closet any one of the following: a barong, a malong, a tapis, a terno, a barot saya, a kimono, or a Maria Clara. Such clothes, often handmade, do not come cheap; but as she points out, The definition of bring Filipino is not only seen in dance, architecture, or literature, it is especially seen in dress, as it is the most practical way of showing ones identity, which provides a unique place in global society. In the books introduction, Romulo says Kasuotan will not only create awareness on the beauty of our Philippine fabrics but will give honor to our local weavers and embroiderersHopefully, this book will call even greater attention to support our artisans by patronizing the fabrics our weavers painstakingly create. AWLFIs other fundraising projects include a garage sale at the House of Representatives in November 2017 to assist relatives of soldiers killed in the Marawi conflict, and an art exhibit in February 2018 entitled Arts for Hearts Sake to benefit the University of the Philippines College of Fine Arts scholarship program. Whatever your politics may be, do consider getting a copy of the book to support its worthy cause - to upgrade the play facilities of the child patients of the National Center for Mental Health. To order, call Lilo at 931-5001 local 7278 or 0920-9620602. Rachel Zoe said, Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak.Bob Dickerson, Executive Director of the Birmingham Business Resource Center

ComebackTown is published by David Sher to begin a discussion on a better Birmingham.

David Sher is Co-Founder of AmSher Compassionate Collections and past Chairman of Birmingham Regional Chamber of Commerce, ONB, and CAP.

Let's turn Birmingham around. Click here to sign up for newsletter. There's power in numbers. (Opt out at any time)

Today's guest blogger is Bob Dickerson . If you'd like to be a guest blogger, please click here.

If we close Birmingham's racial wealth gap we all benefit.

If you're black and you're reading this then you know exactly what I mean by the racial wealth gap. If you're white there's a chance that you might not realize and worse, might not have ever focused on the problems that this gaping disparity cause.

The racial wealth gap

Perhaps you also haven't considered whether there is any benefit to you to closing it. I hope I begin to change your mind.

Facts show that that Black America's wealth pales in comparison to that of white America. Studies suggest that family net worth, the difference between assets and liabilities, is $6,000 on the average for blacks and $90,000 for whites. That is an astounding and discouraging difference to any fair minded person.

Why is there a racial wealth gap?

Let me remind us of some of the causes, factors that contributed and continue to contribute to the gap. Centuries of economic robbery and economic detours, Jim Crow laws, discrimination, housing codes, redlining, unequal pay and opportunity, lack of access, and could go on. I suppose that as you are reading this you may have reasons to add.

This piece is not intended to cast blame but rather issue a call to action because I am convinced that we can close the gap in Birmingham and the one of many strategies I'll put forward here is to galvanize behind a community wide effort to grow the Black Business class.

Change is possible

Successful businesses create wealth. Pure and simple-Birmingham is creating millionaires who are small business owners but there are too few black companies benefiting from Birmingham's thriving economy and emerging emphasis on supporting business development and, it is my belief the we can change that.

I'd estimate that the Birmingham Metropolitan area, which is over 25% black, produces about $100 billion in business revenue annually. Black companies, despite their efforts, generate less than 1% of that total.

I believe that a concerted community wide effort, established and executed publicly, supported by public policy and major stakeholders, with published goals and results can help us move the needle.

Concentrate on our 20 leading procurers

For example, if our 20 leading procurers of products and services committed to using their ingenuity to increase their spending with black businesses, the entire community and marketplace would benefit.

There are some examples, best practices if you would, from across the nation, however I'd like to think that Birmingham would look at them yes, but craft our own solution.

Birmingham protagonist of modern civil rights

In that this city served as the protagonist of the modern civil rights movement and was the incubator for the great A. G. Gaston and his enterprises, what better place than this to recognize the problems caused by wealth inequality and opportunity deficits and to do something about it.

The good thing about Birmingham is that we're small enough, connected enough and hopefully cooperative enough to get this done. Is this ambitious? Yes! Is it doable? I believe so. Is it worth trying? Absolutely! Birmingham can be the national model and we should.

What will success look like?

Here's a short list of the positive results, benefits I expect to come from this effort.

An increase in Black wealth as a result of entrepreneurial activity; increased employment, and keep in mind the fact that 80% of the people companies hire look like the owners. In a city our size we'd virtually eliminate unemployment and likely spur population growth making us the Magic City once again-increased consumption of durable goods and real estate, leading to stabilization of our local housing market and increasing values and equity. An increase in real estate value, especially in Birmingham's neighborhoods, once again adds equity, increases net worth and starts to close the gap.

Progress in this as well as in any area wide initiative promotes a greater sense of pride, optimism, and enthusiasm. More opportunity also equals better schools, lower crime rates, a better Birmingham.

The bottom line for me is embodied in the theme we've promoted for years at our A. G. Gaston Conferences, "Economic Empowerment through Enterprise Development". If we want to close the racial wealth gap in Birmingham, working to help start, grow, further develop Black Enterprise is a winning strategy.

Bob Dickerson is executive director of the Birmingham Business Resource Center and co-chair of the A.G. Gaston Conference. The A.G. Gaston Conference, February 12-13, will explore many of the issues presented in this piece.One of Alabamas most famous and accomplished natives, Helen Keller, was also among the states most celebrated writers, despite being born deaf and blind.

She published 12 books and numerous articles in her lifetime, beginning with The Story of My Life in 1903, with help from her famous teacher, Anne Sullivan. In 2015, Keller was inducted into the inaugural Alabama Writers Hall of Fame.

So, it is fitting that an inaugural series of visiting writers reading new books and poetry to Alabama readers will debut this month in Kellers hometown of Tuscumbia in northwest Alabama.

The library named in her honor will host Writers to Readers at the Helen Keller Public Library beginning this coming Saturday, Feb. 10, according to the librarys director, Tammie Collins. The series, with support from the Alabama Writers Forum and grants from state and local entities, will run through the Helen Keller Festival in June.

The series will present seven award-winning poets and writers through the spring and summer, all reading new works.

We hope that Writers to Readers at the Helen Keller Public Library will generate interest in the art of writing, as well as the habit of reading, Collins said.

Among the visiting writers are three current or former Alabama State Council on the Arts literature fellows -- Ashley M. Jones, Tina Mozelle Braziel, and Jason McCall. Each of them have been awarded prestigious fellowships to support new work.

Poet Jacqueline Trimble will read in May with poet and novelist James E. Cherry. Trimble was awarded the coveted Balcones Prize by Austin Community College for her debut collection American Happiness. Cherry has recently contributed poems memorializing victims of racial violence in Jackson County, Tennessee to the Montgomery-based Equal Justice Initiative.

To conclude the series we are thrilled to have 2019 Harper Lee Award winner Daniel Wallace, a native of Birmingham, who now directs the Creative Writing Program at UNC in Chapel Hill, Collins said.

Daniel Wallace, a native of Birmingham and author of six novels, including 'Big Fish', is the 2019 Harper Lee Award winner.

Wallaces novel Big Fish, which was adapted into a feature film by John August and Tim Burton in 2002, is legendary in Alabama. We know readers will flock to meet Wallace and hear him read from and discuss his latest work, she said.

Don Noble, host of Alabama Public Televisions Bookmark literary interview program, will present with Wallace.

The idea for the series came from Collins and Alabama Writers Forum Director Jeanie Thompson after a huge response to a collaborative poetry and photography exhibit by Thompson and photographer Wayne Sides during last Junes Helen Keller Festival.

When I saw the communitys open response to contemporary poetry telling a story about their beloved citizen Helen Keller, I knew this would be a great way for the Forum to work with Tuscumbia to bring writers to readers, Thompson said.

Major funding for the project came from the Alabama State Council on the Arts literary arts program as well as the Alabama 200 grants program for literary arts. Collins said more funding is being sought from the community.

Those attending the free readings can meet and interact with the writers afterwards, and in some instances, the writers will visit with students at nearby Deshler High School in Tuscumbia.

Thompson said these writers should serve as great role models for young people interested in writing.

Theres no better way to spark a young writers interest than to have her meet a contemporary writer who says  you can do this, too! Thompson said.

Want more?

Visit www.writersforum.org. For information about individual events, contact Tammie Collins at 256-383-7065.

Schedule for Writers to Readers at the Helen Keller Public Library

Address: 511 North Main St., Tuscumbia, Alabama, 35674

Sunday, Feb. 10: 2 p.m. 2019 ASCA literature fellows in poetry Ashley M. Jones and Tina Mozelle Braziel read from their new books.

Sunday, March 10: 2 p.m. Award-winning poets Jason McCall and Harry Moore read from their latest books.

Sunday, May 5: 2 p.m. Award-winning poet Jacqueline Allen Trimble and poet/fiction writer James E. Cherry from their latest books.

Friday, June 28: 6:30 p.m. Helen Keller Festival event featuring 2019 Harper Lee Award winner Daniel Wallace, with moderator Don Noble, host of APTVs Bookmark.

Haskins writes about points of pride statewide. Email your suggestions to shaskins@al.com, or tweet them to @Shelly_Haskins using #AlabamaProudStep aside, SlacaBAMOrinicio. SlacaBAMArinico is back.

Wayne Dean, who portrays the fictious Indian chief, is putting the bama back into the spelling of Slacabamarinicio, a beloved character created by the man who revived Carnival in Mobile following the Civil War.

Dean, a historian, says that the revised spelling is historically accurate and dates back to a Mobile Daily Register advertisement in 1872.

Dean said the idea of the switch came to him as he did research for his book about Joe Cain that will be released next month. It became apparent that Joe Cain put the spelling with an a instead of the o that weve gotten used to, said Dean, who will celebrate his 34th year dressed as the Indian chief during this years Joe Cain Day Procession, which always occurs on the Sunday before Fat Tuesday. This years Joe Cain Day is March 3.

Dean announced the change in a news release that he sent out to media members giving all the particulars of this years Joe Cain Day events.

Dean said in an interview, Like anything else, most people wont care. Its still Ole Slac. Im sure that some people will continue to make the t-shirts with the old spelling. In the overall scheme of things, it doesnt matter.

Said Slade Watson, also a Mardi Gras historian: Different people spelled it different ways at different times. The spellings are not specific to any historical moments in time.

Slacs origins

But Deans spelling change is sure to add more mystery into a character whose background has been debated, retold and embellished for generations.

Dean said he may ask Mayor Sandy Stimpsons office to officially acknowledge the new spelling as being correct, altering a spelling preferred by the late folklorist, Julian Rayford, who penned a history of Mobile Mardi Gras published in 1962: Chasin' the Devil Round a Stump.

George Talbot, a spokesman with Stimpsons office, said, Wed be happy to meet with him about it.

Cain first gave himself the name Old Slac or Slacabamarinico in 1872, when he dressed not as an Indian, but when he portrayed the Great Mogol, the last emperor of New Delhi. He undertook the performance at a time when Americans were fascinated with Eastern culture, and cities like New Delhi were a deep mystery.

That was also four years after Cain first dressed in a plaid skirt and headdress and paraded the city streets during Fat Tuesday in 1868, ushering in the modern-day Mardi Gras celebration with his 16-member troupe, the Lost Cause Minstrels.

As Dean mentioned, the first known published references to the Slacabamarinico character appeared in the Mobile newspaper of 1872.

An 1872 advertisement, placed by the Lost Cause Minstrels, spelled it Slacabamarinicoo  with a bama in the middle, along with double-os at the end. Still yet another spelling that year had it Slackabamarinico  again offering the bama, but inserting a k. In 1873, there was mention of the chief as Old Slack. (The modern-day spelling is Old Slac.)

Then, in 1878, a Mobile Daily Register article on the 12th anniversary of the Lost Cause Minstrels hailed their chief as Slacabamarinico.

According to Mobile historian Ann Pond, whenever Cain and the Lost Cause Minstrels appeared through the years, words were misspelled and spoken in a strange and inarticulate way. She said it might have been an intentional ruse to depict the troupe as an unsophisticated outfit from an uncivilized made-up region called Wragg Swamp.

Pond said it wasnt until the early 20th century that Slacabamarinico was first associated in the popular imagination with a native American costume and was given the title of Chief.

He was supposed to be kind of a silly, goofy king or emperor, said Pond.

Various spellings

Cain died in 1904, but his creation was resurrected, and the story retold, by Rayford, who is credited as the originator of Joe Cain Day in Mobile.

Rayford and Dean arent the only ones to set out certain spellings of the chiefs name. Other versions have come from journalists and historians such as Benjamin Cox, Erwin Craighead and Francois Diard.

In the 1920s, Diard wrote that Cain had paraded in 1866  a fiercely debated topic as well, since historians generally suspect that Cain didnt first parade in Mobile until 1867, or even 1868.

Diard, in his write-up, referred to Cains character as Slacobamirinicov, although thats believed, nowadays, to be a misspelling on his part. Diard would give it various spellings, said Pond.

Rayford, in Chasin the Devil Round a Stump, referred to Cains character as Chief Slacabamorinico  inserting the o into the middle.

That spelling was engraved on Cains tombstone in 1966, after Rayford had persuaded city officials to exhume Cain and his wife  buried in Bayou La Batre  and move them to the Church Street Graveyard in Mobile. The celebrations that accompanied that internment became the genesis of the enormously popular Joe Cain Day, and, when Rayford died in 1980, he was buried next to Cain.

Rayfords spelling has stuck since then  until now.

Personally, when I look at it, all the letters run together so that it seems unpronounceable anyway, said Pond.

Pond agrees with Deans push to have the a replace the o in Slacabamarinico.

The most important thing to remember is that Joe Cain and his Lose Cause Minstrels were not, as described by Julian Rayford and thereafter, trying to make any serious statement on politics or any other issue, other than to do so in a humorous or satirical way, said Pond. So the name was supposed to be nonsensical combination of slacker and Alabama, with a jazzy ending.

She added, The concept carries through all of their humor, which was a tradition historically associated with Carnival revelry  undermining authority figures or poking fun at the presumptions of superiority.

Cartledge Blackwell, curator at the Mobile Carnival Museum, said the spelling is ultimately irrelevant to the symbolism that Cains story carries for Mobile during Mardi Gras, which has long been citys No. 1 event in terms of tourism and economic impact.

Carnival is so much defined by the mystique, said Blackwell. Regardless of the spelling, its the impact he had in his life and the resounding his impact of his life has had.

He added, Spelling is just spelling.

Different spellings of Joe Cain's iconic Mardi Gras character are displayed in two different spots in downtown Mobile, Ala. Left - At the foot of the Joe Cain statue at Mardi Gras Park is a placard with the spelling, "Slacabamarinico." At the Church Street Graveyard is Cain's tombstone with the spelling "Slacabamorinico." (John Sharp/jsharp@al.com).

Parallel dimensions

Dean is also aware that multiple spellings of a beloved names can spur quirky controversies and create cult followings on social media.

The most notable dual spelling in pop culture in recent years is with the childrens books Berenstain Bears. A dispute about the spelling erupted online several years ago, with one contingent energetically insisting upon the spelling Berenstein, with an e in place of the a. And soon, the controversy veered into discussions of parallel dimensions and paradoxical timelines involving the Berenstain Bears.

In the case of Elvis Presley, a spelling mistake on his tombstone fueled some of the theories that the King of Rock n Roll hadnt died in 1977, and was still alive. A cooper plaque that marks Presleys grave at Graceland in Memphis reads, Elvis Aaron Presley. Elvis, during his lifetime, spelled his middle name Aron  with only one a.

People dont like change of revered figures, said Henry Roediger, a professor in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis and an expert on false memories.

Regarding Mobiles Slacabamarinico spelling dispute, Roediger said, I dont doubt there will be some blowback. Of course, if Wayne Dean has good evidence that the original spelling with an a, not an o, then he could be seen as correcting a false memory, not creating one by changing the name. Its hard to say.

In response to a reporters fanciful question, Dean indicated that hes open to the concept of a parallel universe in which multiple Slacabamarinicos existed, which would further add to the oddity of the characters history.

We may create a parallel universe with the chief and have two of them, but I dont foresee that happening, said Dean. But maybe there was another swamp somewhere in this parallel universe where the other chief is living.The Birmingham Police Department is seeking the publics help in locating a missing person, 71-year-old Dwight Trammell.

According to information released by police, Trammell was released from UAB Hospital on Monday. Since then he has not returned to the group home where he lives. According to police, family members are concerned due to a number of medical concerns including dementia.

Anyone with information on Trammells whereabouts is asked to call Birmingham police at 205-297-420 or to call 911. Information also can be passed along by calling Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.A man was shot by Jefferson County sheriffs deputies following a traffic stop and chase in Center Point.

It all began about 9:48 a.m. Sunday when a deputy tried to pull over a motorist for a traffic violation. The driver refused to stop and fled into the parking lot of The Pointe apartments on Bond Circle, said sheriffs Capt. David Agee.

Once at the dead end of the parking lot, the suspect left the car in drive but bailed from the vehicle. Agee said the man got out of the vehicle armed with a gun, and deputies fired on him. His car continued to roll and crashed into the front porch of an apartment.

Center Point Fire and Rescue transported the man to UAB Hospitals Trauma Center with serious injuries. His condition wasnt immediately available.

A man was taken to UAB Hospital Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, after he was shot by Jefferson County sheriff's deputies following a traffic stop and brief chase.

Witnesses said the man got out of his car with his hands up, but Agee said he was indeed armed and SBI officials said they recovered the suspects gun. That gun, Agee said, turned out to be stolen Neighbors said they heard about four shots fired.

The deputy was not injured. "Its a danger we face every day,''e Agee said, noting that a traffic violation likely would have yielded only a citation. Its shouldnt come to deadly force for that, and thats the danger law enforcement faces every day.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agencys State Bureau of Investigation is taking over the probe, which is standard procedure. Sheriffs officials said any additional information will come from SBI.Authorities have released the name of a man shot to death in western Birmingham Saturday night.

Birmingham police identified the victim as Christopher Lawson. He was 36.

Birminghams West Precinct officers responded about 8:40 p.m. to the 6100 block of Grove Avenue. Once on the scene, they found an adult black male lying in a ditch next to his motorcycle. The motorcycle was still upright with the kickstand in place.

Lawson was pronounced dead on the scene. Birmingham police Sgt. Johnny Williams said Lawson was believed to have attended a party in the area. Investigators do not have a motive for the shooting and were getting little information from the scene Saturday night.

Neighbors reported hearing between five to 10 shots fired, and some said they dropped to the floor of their homes in fear. Dozens of onlookers  including Lawsons family - gathered at the scene.

Lawsons death hit the community hard. Many of his friends and family members took to social media within an hour of his death to mourn his loss. He was an auto mechanic and active in the Vikings motorcycle club.

He is the citys 10th homicide victim of 2019. Of those, one has been ruled justifiable.

Police ask that anyone with information call Birmingham homicide detectives at 205-254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.A man was found dead in a suspected boating incident on the Tennessee River in Decatur on Saturday afternoon, authorities said.

The body of Stephen Forrest Johnson, 59, of Decatur, has been sent to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences for autopsy, said Morgan County Coroner Jeff Chunn,

We dont suspect foul play, Chunn said. But, the coroner said, authorities want to determine whether Johnson died in an accidental drowning or some kind of medical emergency.

A boater called 911 around 2 p.m. Saturday to report an unoccupied boat near a docked barge.

Morgan County Rescue Squad spokesman Danny Kelso said shortly after emergency crews launched their boat to investigate, the found a body floating on the river. Johnsons body was found near Ingalls Harbor.

Alabama Marine Police and the Decatur police department are investigating.

Kelso said the rescue squad was called to two other unrelated emergencies on the Tennessee River on Saturday.

Around 3 p.m., the rescue squad and Decatur fire department were called to help with a sinking boat near United Launch Alliance. Two adults and two children were on the boat, which ran over something in the river, Kelso said. Water flooded the boat through a hole caused by the collision.

Thankfully, Kelso said, all of the occupants were wearing life jackets and escaped the incident unharmed.

Around 8 p.m., crews again were called to an emergency on the river. A car was in the water at Riverwalk Marina. Kelso said the driver got out of the vehicle at the boat launch area but didnt put the car in park. The car rolled into the river. No injuries were reported, and the vehicle was pulled from the water.Alabama State Parks have announced winners of the 2019 Eagle Awards, including the parks' first-ever award in the media category, which went to AL.com photographer Joe Songer.

The three-year-old program honors "outstanding efforts in supporting the parks." Most of the awards are based on online nominations open to the public.

"We are proud to pay tribute to these special contributors to our state parts," said Parks Director Greg Lein. "These Eagle Award winners have give of their time and talents and worked hard to keep our parks special."

The winners:

Community Partner -- Mountain Lakes Tourist Association/ North Alabama. The association "shares the good news about the parks at various trade shows in the region and beyond, and also provides space for parks personnel training."

Elected Officials -- Ala. Reps. Dickie Drake, R-Leeds, and Steve McMillan, R-Gulf Shores. Park officials credited Drake for his work on the Parks for Patriots Bill which grants free park admission to service members and veterans, and McMillan for supporting the Gulf State Lodge project.

Park Partner -- Birmingham Urban Mountain Pedalers (BUMP) for "organizing rides, staffing work days in Oak Mountain State Park and hosting social activities for the group in the park," among other activities.

Volunteer -- Robert Murphy and Linda Reynolds. Organizers said Murphy has done extensive trail maintenance work in Monte Sano State Park, while Reynolds has given "of her time, knowledge and energy in an enthusiastic fashion" at Lake Guntersville State Park for 34 years.

Media -- Joe Songer, the first member of the media to be recognized with an Eagle Award, is a regular visitor to our state parks, even during his off hours. Songers interest and enthusiasm for the parks show in his work that draws millions of page views to his postings on AL.com.

Songers work in 2018 included photo features on the new Lodge at Gulf State Park, beautiful trails in state parks, fall foliage in Mt. Cheaha State Park, and a close look at 1930s-vintage cabins in Chewacla State Park.Finally, a different tone is emerging from the Department of Foreign Affairs on Chinas aggressive actions in the South China Sea. On Saturday, Foreign Secretary Teddy Boy Locsin said the Philippines must protest Chinas establishment of a maritime rescue center on the contested Kagitingan Reef in the Spratly Islands. Locsin, just recently the countrys ambassador to the United Nations, said he agreed with the position of Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio that the country must lodge a protest as not doing so could mean consent to Chinas recent aggressive action in the disputed waters. "This means we are recognizing that China has a right to occupy and use Fiery Cross Reef. Occupation and use are acts of sovereignty. This contradicts our claim that we have sovereignty over Fiery Cross Reef," Carpio said. Locsin, however, was vague about filing a formal protest, which the government should have done immediately upon Chinas pronouncement that it has built the structure. In a tweet -- hardly the proper way for the countrys top diplomat to state his objection -- Locsin said he would rather voice his protest on the floor of the United Nations General Assembly. Still, Locsins tweetstatement, if you maywas an improvement over his previous position that he was not keen on filing protests against China. "Every time you send a note verbale and no one responds to it, what does that look like? When you keep sending those notes  I know some people say, you just keep on sending them  what I keep calling it is banging your head against the wall," he said then. Also, his promise to bring the protest to the UN floor was completely different from the official reaction from Malacanang on reports that China has constructed a maritime rescue center in the South China Sea, or what our government wants to call the West Philippine Sea. Instead of protesting, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in his usual light tone that we should even be thankful to China. "Maybe we should be thankful," Panelo said. "That could help seamen in distress, it can help everybody." Even Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, the man tasked to defend the countrys national security and sovereignty, thinks along the same line as Panelo, saying that the defense department would do nothing because it would help seamen in distress. So, will the Philippines file a formal protest or not? From the looks of it and based on the policy of appeasement President Duterte has followed on China, there will be no formal protest. It is even doubtful that beyond his tweets, Locsin would even pursue his promise of protesting Chinas actions before the worlds delegates in the world body. And this non-action is precisely what worries Carpio and other foreign policy experts. In the usual propaganda line of the Chinese government, Chinas Ministry of Transport announced it has opened the new facility on Kagitingan Reef (Fiery Cross Reef). The center will offer better support to maritime rescue operations in the southern part of the South China Sea, the ministry said. "We should protest because Fiery Cross Reef is part of the geologic features we claim in the Kalayaan Island Group. If we do not protest, then we impliedly consent to China's act of putting up a maritime rescue center there," Carpio said. "This means we are recognizing that China has a right to occupy and use Fiery Cross Reef. Occupation and use are acts of sovereignty. This contradicts our claim that we have sovereignty over Fiery Cross Reef."Maritime expert Dr. Jay Batongbacal, who along with Carpio has been warning the Philippines and whoever cares to listen about Chinas true intent in the South China Sea, calls the propaganda line Chinas gray zone tactics that aim to put a soft face to its aggressive behavior in the disputed waters to downplay or maybe even hide their military activities in the area. The Chinese are making it appear that they are, in fact, helping, and not restricting, maritime navigation in the area by providing assistance to vessels operating in the area. The ministry said that, in fact, two rescue ships that it had sent to Zamora Reef have rescued 16 people and two ships in eight rescue operations. We all know, of course, that these installations that China has built on reclaimed islands are not for civilian purposes, as China claims, but to project Chinas military power over the region. Independent agencies have released photos of missile launchers and radar-jamming equipment in these structures. There is also no doubt that the missile shelters, runways, ports, and aircraft hangars built in recent years are military installations and not for civilian use. Batongbacal said China will continue to give the islands a soft face in an attempt to look good to create a more benign image in the region especially in light of the ongoing competition with the United States. Both Batongbacal and Carpio warned that the building of the supposed maritime rescue center, the weather stations and the implementation of alleged ecological protection programs in the area are all designed to create a sense of civilian administration and control of the contested area, which are essential in establishing sovereignty over the islands. Either Panelo and Lorenzana have fallen prey to Chinas propaganda line or they are part of the whole shebang as part of the Duterte administrations policy of appeasement with China. While the Duterte administration continues to profess trust for China, Filipinos have repeatedly shown overwhelming distrust for China in surveys after surveys. But did it ever matter to Duterte and his friends? In the meantime, China continues to creep into the countrys sovereignty without a nary a word from our government except to thank its benefactor.The so-called Syrian Salvation Government (SSG), linked with extremist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has stripped the opposition-affiliated Free Syrian Police officers of their jobs, breaking its promise not to interfere after HTS took control of western Aleppo province in mid-January.

The SSG had promised it wouldn't intervene in the work of any civilian entity, according to Brig. Gen. Adib Shallaf, the Free Syrian Police chief.

"It all turned out to be untrue, Shallaf told Al-Monitor.

After reassuring us, the SSG asked us either to work under its umbrella or hand over our stations and equipment. This is what eventually happened; we handed over everything, including all machinery, equipment and vehicles, and received official delivery receipts in return, he said.

According to Shallaf, the SSG took over 32 western Aleppo police stations in which 1,830 officers worked.

Free Syrian Police members who wished to continue their work would need to join the SSGs Islamic police by submitting an application at its Interior Ministry in Idlib, taking a test and passing a security background check. Officers who wished to leave would not be forced to join any other police force.

The Free Syrian Police had suspended their work Jan. 10 with the hope it could resume work after reaching an agreement with HTS. But negotiations to keep Free Syrian Police members in their posts failed, and they had to hand over the stations.

Shallaf noted, We are an administrative structure that will remain standing even if our work is suspended. If the circumstances change and we get support from Turkey, we can rearrange our situation and resume work. But [for now] we preferred to hand over the stations because if we don't, [HTS] will take them by force. We are an unarmed civilian police; we have no power to impose our decisions.

The Free Syrian Police officers have no heavy weapons, only firearms such as pistols and machine guns, used to ensure order and security.

The force has been working without any financial support since Britain and other European states suspended their aid in September. Turkey has promised aid but none has arrived so far. The force hadn't been able to pay its officers for months, but they still hoped to receive compensation. Hundreds found themselves unemployed after the SSG seized control, including the founding Free Syrian Police commanders.

I am currently looking for a new job, Shallaf said.

Samir Abdel Rahman, a police officer from Anjara village in western Aleppo, who preferred to use an alias, told Al-Monitor, I am forced to work with the Islamic police, since the Turkish border is closed and support is suspended. There are no other job opportunities. How else am I supposed to provide for my children?

Abdel Rahman is afraid he'll be labeled a terrorist for working with HTS, but says he has no other choice. Those who want to warn me or criticize me for my decision to join the Islamic police better give me another solution for my colleagues and me, he said.

Mohammad al-Halabi, a police officer and father of two, told Al-Monitor, Two members of the Syrian Salvation Government visited our station in Haritan  to conduct an inventory of the number of officers, individual weapons, cars and vehicles, and offered to [let us] join the Islamic police.

But Halabi believes working with the Islamic police is out of the question, because the SSGs working system is completely different from his previous system of work. The Free Syrian Police's mission is to maintain security in the opposition-held areas without interfering with the lives of civilians or other officers, he said.

Meanwhile, the Islamic police interferes in the private lives of their officers by banning smoking, forcing them to shave their beards, requiring them to pray and imposing an Islamic dress code on women, Halabi said.

With the Islamic police, you should not only abide by labor laws, but with its ideology as well. This doesn't suit me, and I believe it will restrict our personal freedoms, he said.

If the borders with Turkey were open, over 70% of officers would have gone there in search of a better life, Halabi said. Since July, Turkish authorities have stopped accepting asylum seekers from Syria.

The Free Syrian Police was established in September 2012 by a group of officers who defected from the Syrian army, including Shallaf. In the early months after the police's establishment, they had about 60 stations distributed across Aleppo.

Our police covered all of Aleppo and its countryside. In 2014, the Islamic State took control of the eastern countryside and we had to withdraw from it. After [Turkey's] Operation Euphrates Shield, our work became limited to Aleppos western countryside, Shallaf said.RAMALLAH, West Bank  Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas announced Jan. 29 his acceptance of the resignation of the government of Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah. The government will keep performing its duties until the formation of the new government.

Hamdallah had offered to step down and put his government at the disposal of Abbas, according to a Jan. 28 statement by his spokesman Youssef al-Mahmoud.

On the same day, the Fatah movement had started consultations with PLO factions to form a new government that excludes its political rival Hamas ruling the Gaza Strip.

Fatah's Central Committee held a meeting chaired by Abbas on Jan. 27. It recommended dissolving Hamdallahs government of national consensus and forming a new government composed of PLO factions and some independent figures. The Central Committee formed a committee that included Fatah leaders to kick off dialogue and consultations with PLO factions on the shape of the new government.

Fatah's deputy head Mahmoud al-Aloul told Palestine TV Jan. 27 that the consultations would lead to the nomination of a new prime minister.

This step comes amid the faltering efforts by Hamdallah to achieve reconciliation between Fatah and Hamas. The government reshuffle also follows the Supreme Constitutional Court decision on Dec. 12, 2018, to dissolve the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) dominated by Hamas, and hold legislative elections within six months.

Leading Fatah sources told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity that the Central Committee has stepped up efforts to dissolve Hamdallahs government since its Jan. 24 meeting headed by Aloul at the official Palestinian presidential headquarters, Muqata. It unanimously adopted resolutions to start consultations on forming a new government from among PLO factions.

The sources said that Fatah wants to name one of its leaders to head the next government, although no specific candidate has yet been agreed upon. The prominent candidates are Mohammad Shtayyeh, Central Committee member and head of the Palestinian Economic Council for Development and Reconstruction; Saeb Erekat, Central Committee member and secretary of the PLO Executive Committee; and Mahmoud al-Aloul.

On Jan. 21, Central Committee member Hussein Sheikh told Palestine TV show Todays Issue that the current stage requires the formation of a government of political factions composed of national political figures to fulfill the national project and win the political confrontation with Israel. He called for the formation of this new government without Hamas.

The government of consensus was sworn in on June 2, 2014. All Palestinian factions, including Hamas and Fatah, had agreed on this government under the agreement known as the Beach Refugee Camp Agreement signed at the home of Hamas political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh in the Gaza Strip on April 23, 2014.

The agreement provided for forming a national consensus government, activating the PLC, reforming the PLO and holding legislative and presidential elections as well as local council elections within six months.

Fatahs desire to dissolve the current government and form a new government is not limited to the preparation of legislative elections; several Fatah leaders blame Hamdallahs government for numerous crises that have impacted the lives of Palestinians.

Thousands of private sector employees have been protesting against the controversial Social Security Law passed by the Palestinian Authority last year. Protests flared up when the law entered into force on October 2018. The protests are organized by a committee of private sector workers and trade unions that see the law as unfair and flawed and do not trust the government with the employees contributions.

In a parallel development, Minister of Local Government Hussein al-Araj, a Fatah member, attacked Jan. 18 the leaders of the anti-social security movement in the city of Hebron in the southern West Bank. He accused some of the leaders who live in the illegal Jewish settlement of Kiryat Arba near Hebron of being agents for Israel. Araj's remarks infuriated the Palestinian street, and Fatah called for his dismissal.

All this gave Fatah reason to exert pressure to dismiss Hamdallah and his government and push for the formation of a government without Hamas. This would be an opportunity for Fatah to have a government of its own since losing the 2006 legislative elections.

The Palestinian situation requires a change of government to respond to the demands on the Palestinian street, especially in light of the poor government performance by some ministers, said Jamal Hawil, a member of Fatah's Revolutionary Council. All PLO factions must assume responsibility for what is happening, he told Al-Monitor.

Abdullah Kamil, another member of the Fatah Revolutionary Council, told Al-Monitor that reconciliation with Hamas seems to have reached a dead end. It is necessary to shift from empowering the government of national consensus to forming a government of national unity to carry out its tasks in preparation for the upcoming elections.

He said that the next government will be formed mostly from the Fatah movement, PLO factions and some independents. The new government may see the light soon, he added.

Abdel-Majid Sweilem, writer and political analyst close to Fatah, argued that the government of national consensus no longer has a raison detre.

A national unity government formed from among the PLO factions is now needed to prepare for the elections, he said. Fatah will nominate a prime minister from among its leaders. All options are open when it comes to choosing ministers. The new government may include independents and leaders of the PLO factions.

However, Fatah's quest to form a Palestinian government faces opposition by two prominent PLO factions: the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) and the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP).

PFLP leader Omar Shehadeh told Al-Monitor that any political step, whether elections or formation of a government, that does not serve to end the internal split and repositioning of the PLO is only an escape from the crisis.

He noted, What is currently being discussed is a change of names; therefore, the new government political performance will not change. Serious steps are required to implement reconciliation. President Abbas ought to call for an urgent meeting of the PLO Development Committee and form a national unity government from all factions, including Hamas, to oversee the general elections.

DLFP leader Qais Abdul Karim told Al-Monitor, It is important at the moment to conduct a national dialogue to determine the conditions for holding presidential and legislative elections and ensure their integrity in the West Bank, the Gaza Strip and Jerusalem, with the participation of all forces and factions. An interim government approved by everyone, including Hamas and Islamic Jihad is much-needed. The new government that is currently being raised by Fatah does not meet these conditions.

Despite opposition by these two factions, Fatah may still form a government of factions with the participation of some small PLO factions, such as the Palestine Liberation Front, the Arab Liberation Front, the Popular Struggle Front and some independents figures that are close to it.

According to Article 65 of the Amended Palestinian Basic Law of 2003, the president of the Palestinian National Authority appoints the prime minister to form a government within three weeks as of the date of the appointment. There shall be a right to an extension of a maximum of two weeks. Article 66 provides that the prime minister shall subject his government to a vote of confidence by the PLC. This procedure, however, has not been applied since the rift between the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.

Although Fatah is planning to head the next government, the final decision, whether to dissolve the current government or to call for a new government and determine the prime minister, rests with Abbas. He will determine all details regarding the formation of a government, its components, its prime minister and members.Would you like to receive breaking news notifications from The Post and Courier?

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Please enable notifications in your browser and reload the page.WashingtonRalph Northam, the Democratic governor of the US state of Virginia, changed his story Saturday about appearing in a racist 1984 yearbook photo and insisted he will not resign from office. Northam held a press conference to say that he in fact was not one of the men in a photo from his university yearbook depicting two people -- one in blackface, the other dressed in a Ku Klux Klan robe and hood. In the hours since I made my statement yesterday, I reflected with my family and classmates from the time and affirmed my conclusion that I am not the person in that photo, he told reporters, a day after saying he had appeared in the picture without specifying which of the individuals he was. Northam added that while he had not appeared in the photo, many actions that we rightfully recognize as abhorrent today were commonplace and he was not surprised such material made its way to the yearbook. He said he did not know why it appeared on his page, adding: I had nothing to do with the preparation of the yearbook, nor did I buy one. And so this was the first time yesterday evening was the first time I saw this photo. It was shocking and it was horrific. The governor, who began his four-year term in 2018, did admit however that he had applied shoe polish on his face on at least one occasion -- to imitate Michael Jackson during a dance contest held that same year, which he went on to win. I look back now and regret that I did not understand the harmful legacy of an action like that, he said. On Friday, a website published a photograph from Northams medical school yearbook in a costume that is clearly racist and offensive, the governor said in a statement soon after the picture surfaced.I am deeply sorry for the decision I made to appear as I did in this photo and for the hurt that decision caused then and now, Northam said. The admission prompted calls for him to resign -- including from several Democratic presidential candidates. We made the decision to let Governor Northam do the correct thing and resign this morning, the Virginia branch of the Democratic Party said on Twitter Saturday. We have gotten word he will not do so this morning. Senator Cory Booker, an African-American 2020 presidential hopeful, was one of the first big name Democrats to react. These images arouse centuries of anger, anguish, and racist violence and theyve eroded all confidence in Gov. Northams ability to lead. We should expect more from our elected officials. He should resign, he tweeted Friday. California Senator Kamala Harris, another African-American running for president, tweeted that the stain of racism should have no place in the halls of government. Other big-name Democrats such as Joe Biden and Elizabeth Warren also called for his departure.Editors note: This article is part of a series on the behind-the-scenes work of agriculture organizations that arent often in the spotlight.

It could be argued that the U.S. Grains Council has never been more relevant.

At a time of trade war, an organization that ferrets out new markets and opportunities is important to farmers.

I think the time period really highlights why organizations such as the grain council are so important, says Kimberly Atkins, vice president and Chief Operating Officer of the council.

When politics or war or other factors disrupt existing markets, she says, the work of organizations that try to find and expand new markets becomes even more important.

That said, the federal government shutdown presents an additional challenge. The U.S. Grains Council depends in part on government programs such as MAP (USDAs Market Access Program, operated through the Foreign Agricultural Service). MAP was approved in the recently passed 2018 farm bill, but Congress had not yet approved funding, and the shutdown means that isnt happening. It also means many government export programs are not actively operating.

Were very dependent on MAP, Atkins says. Thats a pretty significant impact.

The U.S. Grains Council was founded in 1960 and its mission is to develop markets, enable trade and improve lives. It is an export market development organization whose core goal is to build demand for U.S. products in overseas markets. It is supported by farmers, agribusinesses and programs in the farm bill that are administered by the USDA. The focus is on feed grains and related products, including corn, sorghum and barley as well as items such as distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and ethanol.Update 4:35 p.m. February 2, 2019 - A Tornado Warning has been issued for northeastern Colusa County, southwestern Butte County and southeastern Glenn County. The warning will expire at 5:00 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019.

At 4:19 p.m. a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located near Colusa (11 miles east of Maxwell) that was moving north at 20 mph. Funnel clouds have been reported with this storm.

A tornado may be possible, and quarter-sized hail that could cause damage to vehicles. Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. Tree damage is likely, according to the National Weather Service.

The dangerous storm will be near Afton at approximately 4:45 p.m. and at Butte City and Codora at approximately 4:55 p.m.

You are asked to take cover now if you are in the area. Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris.

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Update 4:21 p.m. February 2, 2019 - The Severe Thunderstorm Warning Has Expired

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COLUSA AND SUTTER COUNTIES, Calif. - The National Weather Service in Sacramento has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Northeastern Colusa County and Northwestern Sutter County. This warning will last until 4:15 p.m.

Shortly after 3:30 p.m. on Saturday afternoon the National Weather Service located a severe thunderstorm over the Colusa National Wildlife area (13 miles southeast of Maxwell) that was moving northeast at 15 mph.

Quarter-sized hail may be possible, with damage to vehicles expected.

Impacted areas include Colusa, Colusa National Wildlife, Sycamore and Meridian.

For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.

Large hail and damaging winds and continuous cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm. Move indoors immediately.

Lightning is one of nature's leading killers. Remember, if you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning.

This storm is also showing rotation with funnel clouds possible.UPDATE 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 4, 2019 - The Paradise Town Council voted 5-0 to pass Ordinance. No. 575, which does not allow residents to live on burned properties until the site is cleared.

Ordinance No. 575 repeals and replaces Ordinance No. 573, which allowed Paradise residents to place RV's on properties in areas impacted by the Camp Fire.

Now, residents will not be allowed to live on burned properties until the site is cleared.

Stay with Action News Now for the latest updates as they become available.

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PARADISE, Calif. - Two meetings are scheduled to address repealing the ordinances enacted recently that allows some residents to stay on their properties.

A Paradise Town Council meeting will take place on Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, at 8 a.m. at the Town Hall at 5555 Skyway.

The Butte County Board of Supervisors will also meet on Monday at 3:15 p.m. at 25 County Center Drive in Oroville.

FEMA has threatened to withhold nearly two billion dollars in funding for debris removal because of the issues that arise from allowing people back to their properties, which are toxic debris sites.

The Town of Paradise wants to repeal their recent ordinance and replace it with a new one.

Below is Ordinance No. 573 that will be repealed and replaced with an updated ordinance at Monday's meeting:

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Copyright  2019 Albuquerque Journal

After waking up from surgery in a French hospital, Deavon Tabish-Moran was told he had a 1 percent chance of ever walking again.

The Albuquerque native was snowboarding in the French Alps in March 2017 when an issue with one of the jumps sent him flipping out of control. He landed on his back on an ice patch, crushing his eleventh thoracic vertebra. The bleak prognosis came after a three-level spinal fusion he received at a hospital in Grenoble.

And I think that 1 percent was them trying not to be jerks, you know? said Tabish-Moran, now 29. In their mind, they were convinced there wasnt even a 1 percent chance. He also recalled the neurosurgeon also saying hed probably never have feeling in his legs.

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He regained feeling shortly after the accident. Upon his return home, he began attending physical therapy two to three times a week. After a few months, he saw bits of motion with his right leg, but not much strength. When he tried walking, it was with large braces attached, sometimes with a harness strapped around him or a walker, and with several helpers holding on.

Several months ago, a family friend gave Tabish-Moran her appointment time with Dr. Linda Hao, a New Mexico-based acupuncturist who, along with her husband, Dr. Jason Hao, has spent years developing techniques to treat neurosystem issues.

And, yes, that means putting needles into your scalp.

For Tabish-Moran, the change in leg strength was immediate. After his first treatment, he and his dad stopped at a local sandwich shop for lunch. Getting out of the car, he decided to try something he hadnt been able to do since the ski injury.

I just lifted up (my left leg) and brought it right out of the car, he said. Until that point, it was like a dead piece of meat.

During a recent visit to the Haos Albuquerque clinic, he used a walker to get from a treatment room at the end of the hallway to the front lobby and back. Its now something hes able to do at home to get from room to room, he said.

Though he was making steady improvements with the traditional physical therapy, Tabish-Moran said the acupuncture caused a parabolic curve up. His doctors reported unexpected improvements in his strength tests and a friend who came along to a treatment was moved to tears.

Now, he says, hes back to working full-time at a charter school and attending classes at Central New Mexico Community College.

Linda Hao has given him the peace of mind and the freedom to allow myself to invest in the hope for the future that I want as a reality, said Tabish-Moran. Walking again is something that can happen, not something I hope can happen,

Tabish-Morans ultimate goal is to walk without assistance. He envisions a day when he can hang his wheelchair upside-down in his home, similar to what cyclists do with their bikes, and walk past it each day.

Im a stubborn person, and I like proving people wrong, he said. Im counting down the days to walk into that hospital in France and showing them what 1 percent means.

Working together to help people

The Haos specialize in what theyve named neuroacupuncture, an evolution of scalp acupuncture that focuses on neurological disorders by placing acupuncture needles into the patients head, ear and body. They describe it as a combination of traditional acupuncture techniques and Western medical knowledge.

Though acupuncture has been used in China for 3,000 years, scalp acupuncture has only been around for about 50 years. The Haos, who have been living in New Mexico for close to three decades, studied scalp acupuncture while attending college in their native China. In those early years, they said it was being used to treat conditions like strokes. Over the past few decades, Linda said, she and her husband have further developed it to tackle different, more difficult situations.

Traditional Chinese medicine, we treat patients based on theory of ying-yang, qi (life force), energy, blood, Jason Hao explained. In neuroacupuncture, we base it (on) neurology, neuro-anatomy, neuroscience.

Today, patients come to them with conditions including multiple sclerosis, autism, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries, post-traumatic stress disorder and Parkinsons Disease.

The Haos opened their first acupuncture clinic together in Santa Fe about 25 years ago, according to Linda. Jason still shares a clinic in Santa Fe with another acupuncturist.

Linda now works out of their Albuquerque clinic that theyve operated for the past 15 years. Jason Hao originally came to Santa Fe to teach at the Southwest Acupuncture College in the early 1990s. Linda followed a few years later with their son.

The two have been married for 36 years.

People ask how you can work together, Linda said about their being a couple and business partners. I think we have same dream: work together to help people.

Their work has garnered significant attention over the years. News reports have highlighted Lindas treatment of country musician and stroke victim Randy Travis and a short film was made about their work by Tony Award-winner Mark Medoff of Children of a Lesser God fame. They also published a textbook about Chinese scalp acupuncture in 2011. Santa Fe mayor Javier Gonzales proclaimed Feb. 16, 2018, Drs. Jason and Linda Hao Day.

The Haos say people of all ages from across the country and the world come for their treatments, noting that one patient recently visited from Australia. But even so, Linda Hao said, their treatment options may not be as well-known within the local community.

First set of grads

According to Jason Hao, when inserted into specific areas on the scalp, the needles can help stimulate parts of the brain. Placement of needles corresponds with what functions the practitioner is trying to improve and what areas of the brain handle those functions, he said.

Issues like movement, sensation, learning comprehension, coordination and emotion can see improvement, according to the Haos.

Neuroacupuncture can start to restore the damaged functions or make new connections, or we can stimulate that area (and) let the normal area (of the) brain take over the damaged area, Jason said. Linda listed the five Rs associated with their treatment: remap, recharge, rewiring, reprogram and repair.

Jason Hao said 50 percent of their patients have some type of response after the first treatment. After three, he said, the rate is around 80 percent.

When Linda Hao started inserting the needles in his scalp last week, Tabish-Moran explained that he felt a rush of warmth through his body and his left leg started having little spasms. In the beginning, he wasnt sure if that warm sensation was just nerves or his mind playing tricks, but after three or four treatments, it became clear to him that the feeling came from the acupuncture.

I like to prove people wrong, so I am a bit of skeptic, he said. But that got crushed immediately after I whipped my leg out of the car without lifting it up, I was like, Im all in. 

He said he brought along his medical case manager to an appointment and her skepticism was gone by the end. He said she told the Haos she was going to start referring patients

With a months-long waiting lists for patients, the Haos said they are passionate about teaching other practitioners their techniques. They travel internationally and they also founded their Santa Fe-based Neuroacupuncture Institute on Marcy Street three years ago.

So far, the institute provides three levels of five-day courses. According to Jason, 160 people have taken the Level 1 course and it will graduate its first group of Level 3 students, 65 people in total, this May.

Jason said that he and Linda are looking at different ways to move forward with the institute. He mentioned potentially partnering with a medical or other institute as a possibility.

Questions are evolving

As Tabish-Moran walked into the lobby after a treatment, Debbie Rhoads congratulated him.

Rhoads and her son, 31-year-old Cody Erwin, made their first trip to New Mexico last year for an appointment with Jason Hao. About two years ago, an anoxic brain injury left Erwin paralyzed from the neck down and non-verbal. He went into cardiac arrest after a choking incident and flatlined for more than 20 minutes, she said.

Today, he can move his arms up and down. And with his stepdad holding on and mom pushing his wheelchair close behind, he walked down the clinic hallway. Rhoads said he now can swallow well and verbalize a bit.

During Codys appointment, Jason Hao practiced counting to 10 with him in both English and Chinese.

At the beginning, they give him zero hope, Rhoads said, crying while talking about her sons progress. I mean, nothing. At all.

After two appointments, seeing the spasticity in his limbs start to release, Rhoads said she and her husband, John, knew they would continue working with Dr. Hao. They bought a second home in Albuquerque several months ago to have somewhere to stay. They come for a week or more at a time, she said, having treatments each day.

His legs are strong, and he stands up tall when we come here, Rhoads said. That coordination, to be able to move his legs, is really good.

The emotional impact on the patients and families inspires the Haos, both doctors said.

What we do changes people lives (and) transforms family life, Jason said.

But he said it can be difficult for people among the general public and the medical community to believe the needles impact. To try to fix that, the Haos started filming patient testimonials about five years ago.

Over the past 20 years, Linda said, the perception of neuroacupuncture within the medical field has been improving. Some MDs will even refer patients to the Haos, she said.

But Jason said much work is still to be done for their practice to be fully accepted within Western medicine. Part of their Santa Fe institutes mission is to conduct more clinical trials and studies, he said.

David Miller, a Chicago-based MD and licensed acupuncturist, and chairman of the American Society of Acupuncturists, said the practice of scalp acupuncture is widely used around the world, safe to try with an experienced practitioner, and accepted and taught among the acupuncture community.

But clinical research for treating neurological conditions is still in its preliminary stages, particularly for newer applications for issues like autism. Before specific health outcomes can be guaranteed, more scientific studies with larger pools of patients are needed, Miller said.

The question is really how do you measure the efficacy, what can patients expect to experience and how would they choose to use it or not, said Miller. Those questions are in a state of evolution.

Linda Hao said that depending on patients plans, some insurance companies in New Mexico, including Prebsyterian, Blue Cross Blue Shield and UnitedHealthcare, cover varying levels of treatment costs for in-state patients.

I love you

When she booked her sons first appointment with Linda Hao on the recommendation of a colleague last year, Monica Chavez didnt know how acupuncture and speech improvement could go hand in hand. Her 8-year-old son, Zade, had always been nonverbal. Within the past few months, he has been diagnosed with autism.

During an appointment last week, Linda Hao explained that the needles were stimulating areas of the brain that handle learning ability, coordination and communication. The longest phrase Zade had ever said before came about a month into the needle treatments, Chavez recalled, when he told her I love you. During their recent visit, he was forming short words like yes and mom.

She credits this progress to neuroacupuncture.

Some days, he says words as clear as day, she said, and other days he doesnt want to talk. But he has become more expressive and wants to talk now more than he used to, she said, which she said has also had a major impact on his confidence.

Hes become a completely different child as far as his social abilities, she said. Before, he was very kind of reserved and was just self-sufficient, if you will, with playing by himself and whatnot  but as times progressed, I asked him what he wanted to do for his birthday and he said he wanted to go swimming. So we went swimming; there were other kids in the pool, and for the first time I saw him wanting to interact and play with those kids. Its so refreshing.

She refers to when Zade starts talking on a full level, rather than if. But whether it happens for him or not, Chavez said, she doesnt foresee stopping their visits. She said the bond Linda Hao and Zade have goes beyond the typical patient-doctor relationship.

It just warms my heart and makes me so happy, Chavez said.  I could never could repay her. Never........... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.  Dozens gathered Saturday afternoon at the site where 11 women and an unborn child were found buried on the West Mesa a decade ago.

The event, organized by Street Safe New Mexico and the SouthWest Organizing Project, was held at the future site of a memorial park near 118th Street and Amole Mesa SW in Albuquerque.

The occasion brought women, families and community members together to honor those who lost their lives and to remember women who face violence daily.

Friends and family members of the victims carried crosses with the names of their loved ones around the yet-to-be-completed park, which was temporarily opened for the occasion.

Julie Gonzales, sister of victim Doreen Marquez, said the past 10 years have been difficult, but it was important to continue on for her sisters sake.

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I had to stay alive and I had to stay strong because Im her voice now, Gonzales said........... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........

Copyright  2019 Albuquerque Journal

SANTA FE  Sixty-seven people from 22 countries became new American citizens Friday, taking the naturalization oath during a ceremony held at Santa Fe Community College.

Nearly half of the group  32 of them  were from Mexico. Other countries represented included Afghanistan, China, Colombia, Russia and Vietnam.

Asked where he was from, new citizen Issa Williams said, I was from Nigeria. Now Im from America.

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Jesse Mendez, of United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, administered the oath at Fridays event.

Before doing so, he asked the group what the United States represented to them.

Freedom! shouted one person. Tolerance! said another. Diversity! added another woman.

Nice people! exclaimed a man, drawing laughs.

Williams was dapperly dressed and donned a top hat after the ceremony. Asked why he brought a top hat, Williams smiled and said, Uncle Sam.

He then turned the hat over to show the label. It was made by a company called Epoch. Which is the Latin word for new beginnings,  he said.

Indeed, the definition of the word in the Merriam-Webster dictionary reads: An event or a time marked by an event that begins a new period or development.

It made all the sense in the world to wear, Williams said of his hat.

To apply for U.S. citizenship, immigrants must be a permanent resident of this country for at least five years, be of good moral character, prescribe to the principles contained in the U.S. Constitution, and exhibit knowledge of the English language, U.S. government and the history of the country.

Its a dream come true, Carlos Almanza said of becoming an official American citizen. He grew up in Delicias in the state of Chihuahua but has spent most of the past 20 years in New Mexico.

Almanzas wife, Marlene, and their 16-year-old son and 5-year-old daughter were born in the United States, and were already citizens. Now the whole family is.

Its been a struggle, said Marlene, adding that her husband has had to leave the country for extended periods of time over the years to go back to Mexico. The family lives in Farmington, where Carlos works in the oil fields.

Asked about the immigration debate in America and what he thought about building a barrier at the southern border, Carlos said, Its not going to stop illegal immigration. Its a waste of money.

Marlene added that immigrants are being cast in a negative light by critics saying things that arent true. She conceded its her view that some of those things were spoken by President Donald Trump.

But near the end of the hourlong program, a video of Trump congratulating the new citizens was played. He said they were now a part of one American heart and one American destiny of love, opportunity and hope.

Norma Gutierrez, also a native of Chihuahua, said she was motivated to apply for U.S. citizenship because of Trump. After living in this country for 20 years, the Santa Fe resident said she has felt a sense of urgency since Trump was elected.

The reason I made the decision is because of the president, she said.

Gutierrez and another woman at the ceremony, Maria Ugarte, are participants in the Literacy Volunteers of Santa Fe program based at SFCC, which teaches English skills and citizenship.

Cecilia Cervantes, interim president at the community college, gave the keynote address. While she and her parents were all born in El Paso, she said her grandparents came to this country in 1910 to escape revolution and violence in Mexico.

Back then, she said, there were no official border stations and no walls. The only thing separating the two countries was the Rio Grande.

Cervantes congratulated the new U.S. citizens for their courage, faith and determination in becoming U.S. citizens.

Youre Americans now! Just like the rest of us! she said.

But Cervantes told them not to forget where they came from, their culture, food, music and language. It enriches us, she said.

Cervantes noted that, as U.S. citizens, they are now eligible to vote, and she encouraged them to do so.

Not only to exercise your rights, but to stand up for the rights of others, she said, drawing applause.

Ugarte, one of the women who went through the program with Literacy Volunteers, said shes looking forward to voting.

From right now, Im going to be able to do it. Im so glad, she said........... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........

Copyright  2019 Albuquerque Journal

The AZ Boys blew into Alamogordo from Arizona more than a decade ago, wreaking havoc and violence with their meth-dealing operation. Among the crimes that put key members behind bars: murder, drug trafficking, money laundering, arson and attempted bribery of a cop.

Now, after a round of court appeals and cold case investigations that turned up a new witness, three of the gang members are facing new murder charges connected to the drug-trafficking operation.

Robert Chavez, 46, and Matias Loza, 38, are scheduled to stand trial for the 2011 murder of Richard Valdez. In a separate case, Loza, Robert Chavez and his brother Joe D. Chavez Jr., 49, have been indicted for the 2009 execution-style murders of Max Griego Jr. and his girlfriend, Mary Hudson Gutierrez.

They (the Chavez brothers and Loza) were the major players in the methamphetamine market here, 12th Judicial District Attorney John P. Sugg said in a telephone interview. We havent seen that level of violence from drug traffickers that have moved in since their arrest and convictions.

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All three AZ Boys gang members have pleaded not guilty to pending charges.

Murder is rare in state racketeering cases, Sugg said. You see it in federal organized crime cases, but the state cases Ive been involved with are more likely to involve auto theft rings or just drug trafficking.

Torching the body

The Chavez brothers and Loza are serving state prison sentences for their roles in The AZ Boys drug operation following their state racketeering convictions for bringing methamphetamine from Phoenix and distributing it in and around Alamogordo.

Prosecutors charged that the gang members used their profits to buy properties and cars and support themselves, since they had no jobs other than dealing drugs, according to court records.

Local police and sheriffs deputies investigated the group for several years.

Joe D. Chavez Jr.  who is also serving a life sentence for murder  was considered the head of the group that formed in the Phoenix area before moving into Alamogordo.

While the Chavez brothers had family connections in Alamogordo, Loza moved in and out of town. Court records indicate that he was the gangs hitman.

A state Supreme Court decision in an appeal by Loza cleared the way for the state to move forward with murder charges against Loza and Robert Chavez.

The court rejected Lozas claim that a murder prosecution would be double jeopardy  facing punishment for the same crime twice  since evidence of the 2011 Richard Valdez murder was used as part of the racketeering conviction.

The Supreme Courts recitation of the underlying facts reads like a scene from a gangster movie.

About 3:30 a.m. on Nov. 1, 2011, officers discovered Loza cowering under a fifth-wheel trailer and smelling strongly of gasoline.

A hundred yards away, a Suzuki automobile  purchased by a member of The AZ Boys  containing the remains of Richard Valdez was fully engulfed in flames. Shoe prints in the area were consistent with the shoes Loza was wearing.

Further investigation indicated that the fire was intentionally started with an ignitable liquid and that Valdez had been killed prior to the fire being set.

Loza told police he had been brought to the area by a truck from which he had just escaped after being shot at by its occupants. Once at the hospital, Loza offered one of the officers $40,000 to let him go free.

An earlier Court of Appeals opinion said that when the deputy refused, Loza upped his offer to $50,000.

Detectives determined that Loza was a member of The AZ Boys gang and that he served as a hit man and had killed Valdez in connection with the gangs drug-trafficking activity.

Audio from one of the gang members cellphones had various members of The AZ Boys discussing the disposal of a dead body by torching a car with the body inside.

The Supreme Court ruled that the murder charge was a stand alone criminal offense and separate from the racketeering charges that led to Lozas racketeering conviction.

Double murder

On July 5, 2009, the Alamogordo Department of Public Safety received a 911 call that two people had been shot in a residence at 605 Montlake Terrace.

When officers arrived, they found Max Griego Jr., dead, execution style, with a single gunshot wound to his head.

His girlfriend, Mary Hudson Gutierrez, had also been shot in the head. She was transported to an El Paso hospital, where she died.

The two had run afoul of The AZ Boys gang and, according to prosecutors, were viewed as threats to the organizations drug dealing.

Investigators believe the Chavez brothers and Loza kidnapped Griego, then forced him to lure his girlfriend, Gutierrez, into a trap.

Valdez and Griego were related to the Chavez brothers. Griego was a cousin, and Valdez had a relationship with the daughter of Joe D. Chavez.

While members of the gang were suspects in the case, the criminal investigation that followed ultimately ran cold, and no arrests were made.

Nearly a decade later, the Chavez brothers and Loza were indicted on two counts of first-degree murder in January for the deaths of Griego and Gutierrez after a witness with firsthand knowledge came forward.

They face two life sentences if convicted.

This case has gone through three different district attorneys, four police chiefs and 15 detectives, said Sugg, the district attorney for for Lincoln and Otero counties. And while we recognize these indictments are just the first step in what will be a lengthy and difficult process, it is a substantial step that we were not sure we would ever see........... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........

Copyright  2019 Albuquerque Journal

Two competing bills in the Senate aim to improve pre-kindergarten services but offer vastly different ways of doing it, sparking a dispute over how the state should move forward.

Senate Bill 22 proposes creating a new department to house pre-K and all other early childhood services. Called the Early Childhood Education and Care Department, its billed as a way to align standards, assess pre-K expansion and consolidate services for the care and education of children from birth to age 5. Those services are now handled by several different state departments.

Some opponents question the need for another layer of bureaucracy, and some insist that preschool programs for 4-year-olds should be moved to the state Public Education Department.

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Thats what Senate Bill 298 would do. Its intended to implement voluntary universal pre-K by expanding programs for 3-year-olds and 4-year-olds over the next five years. It calls for keeping 3-year-old preschool programs under private operators and moving 4-year-old pre-school programs to PED, with the goal of allowing for more continuity of learning from age 4 through 12th grade.

Opponents say the changes as currently written will close minority- and women-owned private child centers if the 4-year-olds are moved.

Only one of the bills can be signed by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham.

Supporters of SB 298 said they would be open to a possible compromise and marriage between the two bills, but SB 22s sponsor isnt on board.

The current New Mexico pre-K system, created in 2005, divides state funding between Children, Youth and Families Department and state Public Education Department programs. Federal Head Start programs are also offered throughout the state. And many of New Mexicos young children are taken care of by relatives, or by small, in-home providers, many of whom do not receive any state money.

The desire to boost the care and education for young children has taken on new urgency as more studies prove the importance of high-quality learning at an early age.

And its further fueled by a landmark education lawsuit that requires the state to spend more on education, specifically homing in on the importance of early childhood learning. In addition, Gov. Lujan Grisham recommended an extra $60 million be put into pre-K expansion.

Senate Bill 22

Co-sponsor of Senate Bill 22 Sen. Michael Padilla, D-Albuquerque, told the Journal his proposal seeks to consolidate some functions of CYFD, PED, the Human Services Department and the Department of Health into the Early Childhood Education and Care Department, which would oversee initiatives for children ages 5 and under.

If we move those services from those four departments, this is going to drive a much more cost efficient way to the taxpayer to deliver those services, he said.

He said staff and contracts  including contracts with private pre-K providers  would be transferred from those departments to the Early Childhood Education and Care Department, as would $325 million of the departments funding.

The bill, which is also sponsored by Rep. Linda Trujillo, D-Santa Fe, is asking for $2.5 million in one-time money to set up the department.

All private child-care providers are expected to transition into the new department, as long as they meet benchmark standards set up by Early Childhood Education and Care Department, Padilla said.

Their operations are going to continue, if they are already a certified, five-star service delivery option. If they are, then nothing is changing with them. If they arent, they are going to have to adhere to the quality standards that would now become statewide standards, Padilla said.

One of the goals of the new department would be to access expansion for pre-K and other early education services across the state.

We dont even know right now what the size needs to be, where its lacking, because we deliver this in such different ways across state government and across three departments, he said.

Under Senate Bill 22, the new department would keep the states current mixed delivery system, which equally funds public schools and private providers pre-K services, although the private providers would be licensed under the new department and not CYFD.

Weve had a lot of minority and women-owned businesses across the state that have sprung up all over the place, invested the capital dollars needed in order to provide these services in their towns, so its important this department continue the model of mixed delivery so that we can maximize and capitalize the investments that have already been made, Padilla said.

Senate Bill 298

Senate Bill 298 is sponsored by Sen. William Soules, D-Las Cruces. Its purpose is to expand pre-K so that 80 percent of 4-year-olds have access to programs within five years, proposing an addition of about 7,500 spots phased in over that time.

Expansion for 3-year-olds is also included in Senate Bill 298 and includes an increase of roughly 7,100 spots over the next five years, funded through existing private providers.

During an interview with Journal reporters and editors, Sandra Wechsler, the managing director of education nonprofit New Mexico Now, said the bill would tap the state funding formula to pay for the 4-year-olds  a big change in the current reimbursement payment system now in place.

(The funding formula) is the only equitable way to expand and ensure high-quality, full-day pre-K is delivered equitably to every corner of the state, said lobbyist Carrie Robin Brunder, adding that more than 14,000 eligible kids do not have access to full-day pre-K.

Wechsler of NM Now, which helped craft the bill, said it would allow 4-year-olds to transition more easily into kindergarten, since both programs would be managed by PED. And she said the intent of the bill is not to harm private providers, saying they would see an expansion of the 3-year-olds program.

We dont want to put private centers out of business, but we think we can create a 50-50 split in which there is a clear delineation of responsibility between 3-year-olds and 4-year-olds, Brunder told the Senate Finance Committee last week.

Crystal Tapia, the executive director of private provider Noahs Ark Childrens Academy, told the Journal that the threat to minority and women-owned businesses is the reason she is against Senate Bill 298.

Moving 4-year-old pre-K students into PED programs in public schools would take too many students from private providers, she said.

Thats still 40 percent of our enrollment, Tapia said of the 4-year-olds. If you eliminate that big chunk, that could shut down a business.

Currently, private centers have students from infancy to 5 years old.

She said this would particularly affect rural areas that dont have as many kids paying a tuition and rely on childcare assistance funding.

But Wechsler said the bills sponsor, Soules, is open to amending the bill to allow private providers to keep their current 4-year-olds, meaning changes would only affect future students.

Tapia said this isnt a long-term fix and still takes money off the table for private providers. Thats why she and many other child center chiefs are backing Padillas bill.

Senators stance

Senators heard arguments for both bills at a Senate Finance Committee meeting on Jan. 24, and Senate Bill 22 appeared to receive a warmer reception.

At the meeting, Sen. George Munoz, D-Gallup, said Senate Bill 298s fundamental goal could be problematic.

The bill aims for 80 percent of 4-year-olds to be in the PED pre-K programs. But Munoz argued this goal should be 100 percent rather than 80 percent.

He expressed support for Padillas Senate Bill 22, instead.

I 100 percent support Senate Bill 22 but the universal pre-K (in SB 298) will actually target our federal and our tribal (pre-K programs) and it will hurt them, whereas Senate Bill 22 picks that up, Munoz said.

Sen. John Sapien, D-Corrales, said SB 298 was flawed from top to bottom and shortsighted, and supported SB 22.

He said the pre-K system in place is working for the state.

We have a perfectly great system  great for New Mexico, he said.

And he questioned using the states funding formula to pay for the 4-year-olds, saying it would be an added burden to education dollars.

NM Now representatives stand firm that using the funding formula is the best option, asserting that it adheres to the judges findings in the education lawsuit. She also said 11 other states are paying for pre-K through their funding formula.

Sen. Jacob Candelaria, D-Albuquerque, didnt pledge support for either bill.

He questioned why the Legislature should spend $2.5 million setting up the Early Childhood Education and Care Department, which SB 22 would do, when that money could be used to create more pre-K spots.

As for SB 298, he said childcare center leaders in his district are worried about closure.

Tapia at Noahs Ark Childrens Academy would ideally like to keep the current mixed delivery system intact.

Especially when its a system that works, it makes no sense to change it, she said. She said shed rather see expansion be in the form of equal amounts of increased funding for PED and CYFD programs.

Compromise?

Brunder and Wechsler said Soules is not opposed to Senate Bill 22 and would be open to consolidating the two bills.

One solution is Senate Bill 22 would become the vehicle, Brunder said. But when you get to the pre-K portion of Senate Bill 22, rather than having 4-year-old pre-K go to the new department, you would keep pre-K within the Public Education Department for 4-year-olds.

However, Padilla didnt see that as the fix.

He told the Journal that recommendation would be a huge change to Senate Bill 22 and would hinder what the bill is trying to achieve.

It would not accomplish the birth to 5 in one department goal, Padilla said about the Early Childhood Education and Care Department.

He said he thinks the two bills need to keep swimming separately........... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........

Observers are fond of saying there is a new political climate in Santa Fe. Unfortunately, it doesnt include a promising forecast for sunshine in government. To the contrary, there has been a rush of legislative proposals that would chip away at transparency and the publics right to know.

For example, various legislative offerings would give bureaucrats the right to charge market rate for public information, turn back the clock on virtually all government hiring by making applicant pools secret except for three finalists, and erase criminal histories. Meanwhile, there is a move afoot to turn the Ethics Commission that voters approved via constitutional amendment last fall into the kind of secret body that transparency advocates had been assured wouldnt happen. Talk about a bait and switch.

New Mexico Ethics Watch, chaired by retired Supreme Court Justice Richard Bosson, and Common Cause say transparency is vital when it comes to complaints and process regarding the Ethics Commission. Lawmakers should heed their advice. The bills rolling back transparency  which is integral to accountability  are depressing and include:

 Sen. Bill Tallman, D-Albuquerque, has introduced SB 259 to limit public inspection to three finalists for virtually any government executive position. That would be things like city manager, school superintendent and so on. It would mark a return to the bad old days when things were done in back rooms by political cronies with the public shut out, when jobs were created for relatives and pals while taxpayers were relegated to picking up the tab. New Mexico has evolved to a remarkably open system when it comes to applications and resumes. Tallmans bill would reverse that.

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 Sen. Pat Woods, R-Broadview, wants public agencies to be able to block release of public records in some circumstances and charge market rate on commercial requests. SB 232 also allows bureaucrats to interrogate people making IPRA requests about why they want the records. Executive Director Melanie Majors of the New Mexico Foundation for Open Government says the legislation is a disaster for the public and for the citizens of our state.

 Sen. Pete Campos, D-Las Vegas, has introduced SB 381 to prohibit the release of an email address and any other unique identifier from which the identity of a person may be reasonably inferred by direct or indirect means. What? As written, the legislation would add the new restrictions to the list of things that make sense to keep private, like Social Security and bank account numbers. Such a broadening of the restrictions completely subverts IPRA by turning a transparency statute into a government data-security mandate. In fact, it would seem to call for redacting the names of all human beings.

 Rep. Miguel Garcia, D-Albuquerque, in HB 141 would prohibit state agency employees from disclosing sensitive personal information  including a persons name, if they receive public assistance or have been the victim of a crime  to anyone outside the agency unless necessary to the function of the state agency, required by court order or subpoena or as required by federal law.

 Sen. Jacob Candelaria, D-Albuquerque, in SB 118 would require redaction of police records to remove identifying information of alleged victims and non-police witnesses in connection with several crimes, including sexual assault and stalking. This bill would cover up poor police work. The information has been available but typically not reported by news media for years. Defendants have access to it through the criminal justice process.

 Reps. Antonio Maestas, D-Albuquerque and Andrea Romero, D-Santa Fe, and Sen. Bill ONeill, D-Albuquerque, have introduced HB 370, a sweeping criminal record expungement act. It allows a court to expunge records in most cases, excluding DWI, and includes cases in which people are released without a conviction, sent to a pre-prosecution diversion program, even convicted after serving their sentence  including for first-degree felonies. What does expungement mean? Proceedings shall be treated as if they never occurred, and officials may say no record exists with respect to the person.

Its one thing to find a way to protect victims of identity theft and those wrongfully convicted. Providing a way to completely rewrite history and keep the public in the dark about misdeeds of prospective employees, neighbors, etc. is another.

 Romero also introduced HB 437, a misguided exercise in futility to protect people from hurt feelings that ignores the reality of the World Wide Web, the Library of Congress and archives. Her attempt at erasing history, the Right to Be Forgotten Act, would have allowed an individual to demand that a search engine, indexer, publisher or other person that makes information about an individual available, on or through the internet  remove information deemed inaccurate, irrelevant, inadequate or excessive regarding the individual. There was no explanation of who decides what information meets the criteria, much less an understanding that history should be absolute. A day after introducing the bill, Romero asked that it be tabled and issued a statement saying the bill was far more sweeping than intended and that she would never want to undermine the First Amendment.

The takeaway for taxpayers is these bills threaten to keep secret the information you need to find out how and if your government is working; who is benefiting from or being mistreated by its officials; even whom you might be hiring, entrusting with your childs care or marrying.

Washington seldom leads the way on transparency, but President Donald Trump just signed the OPEN Government Data Act that essentially requires federal agencies to publish any non-sensitive information in a machine-readable format  hailed by the nonprofit, nonpartisan Center for Data Innovation as a major bipartisan victory for open data.

Meanwhile, back at the Land of Enchantment ranch, the public needs to ride herd on the many proposals that promise a major loss for government accountability and the publics right to know.

This editorial first appeared in the Albuquerque Journal. It was written by members of the editorial board and is unsigned as it represents the opinion of the newspaper rather than the writers.Over 700,000 individuals have been arrested since June last year in Metro Manila for violating various ordinances, according to a National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) report released on Sunday. Based on records given to the media by NCRPO chief, Director Guillermo Eleazar, a total of 709,515 violators were nabbed from June 13 last year to February 3 this year with smoking ban offenders topping the list. Police rounded up a total of 174,440 violators of the smoking ban as of 5 a.m. on Sunday, accounting for 24.59 percent of all the arrests. Minors violating curfew hours had the next biggest number, although with a much lower figure of 43,391, or 6.12 percent of all those arrested all over Metro Manila in the period. The NCRPO has also apprehended 39,556 individuals, or 5.58 percent of the total arrests, for going in public places half-naked. Those drinking in public places came next, with 33,551 rounded up, accounting for 4.73 percent of the total number of violators across the board. The rest, 418,577 people, or 58.99 percent of the total arrests were violators of other city and municipal ordinances in the NCR.The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) still had the biggest number of arrests  421,179 violators  59.36 percent or more than half of all those arrested in Metro Manila. The Eastern Police District (EPD) placed second with 132,479 persons (18.67 percent) apprehended, followed by Northern Police District (NPD) with 58,350 (8.22 percent), Manila Police District (MPD) with 55,241 (7.79 percent) and Southern Police District (SPD) with 42,266 (5.96 percent). Eleazar said most of the violators were immediately released after paying a fine or due to humanitarian considerations. Out of the apprehended individuals, 142,471 violators have been fined while 103,707 have been charged. The implementation of city and municipal ordinances is part of the NCRPOs peace and order strategy........... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........

With state legislators in Santa Fe for the legislative session Jan. 15 through March 15, the main topic on their minds is how to utilize the $1.1 billion budget surplus projected for fiscal 2020. Special interest groups, state agencies, municipalities, counties, courts and anyone who interacts with state government have been hard at work putting together wish lists for how these surplus dollars should be spent. Lawmakers have found that the Roundhouse is filled with people seeking money for all sorts of projects and programs.

While the $1.1 billion surplus has received considerable media attention, less attention has been given to projections showing a $1.2 billion surplus is also likely for the current fiscal year. These budget surpluses are the result of a booming oil and natural gas industry in southeastern part of the state. The volatility of oil and natural gas prices, however, means these large budget surpluses can disappear as quickly as they materialize. In fact, oil prices have dropped significantly since November. For every dollar oil prices decline, the state of New Mexico losses $9.5 million in state revenues. Most New Mexicans vividly remember 2015 when oil prices took a nose dive, government spending had to be cut dramatically and state reserves were nearly exhausted to keep the states budget balanced.

Yet, lets assume these projected budget surpluses are realized. So does that mean the special-interest spending frenzy can begin?

The answer is No!

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The $1.2 billion surplus projected for the current fiscal year is needed to restore budget reserves. Sufficient reserves, at least 30 percent of recurring state spending, must be created to help cushion a future economic downturn or possible federal budget cuts, which can result in state revenues plummeting. Higher reserves can also help to improve our states bond rating, which was recently downgraded.

The $1.1 billion surplus estimated for fiscal 2020 is already spoken for if you look closely at the many unfunded liabilities and other budgetary problems needing attention. For example, a Santa Fe district court has ruled the current funding mechanism for New Mexicos public schools is unconstitutional. Whether that decision is correct or not, the likely outcome will be hundreds of millions of dollars in new money being provided. The Lujan Grisham administration requested $500 million more. The state budget faces numerous significant financial liabilities which must be paid for  such as the states film tax credit, public employees and teacher retirement systems, Medicaid, and fixing problems at numerous state departments and agencies. Plus, there are hundreds of millions of dollars in tax protests awaiting adjudication. If the state loses those challenges, next years projected $1.1 billion surplus could be significantly less. As the following list shows, setting aside resources to meet the most obvious budget challenges results in next years projected surplus quickly evaporating:

 $500 million  Governors request to address the court decision on public school funding

 $250 million  N.M. Film Tax Credit unpaid liability by the end of FY 2020

 $320 million  Tax protests still pending

 $65 million  Maintain Medicaid services

 $46 million  Minimum needed to address state pension funds $12.5 billion unfunded liability

 $21 million  Fix problems at the Children, Youth & Families Department

 $18 million  Ensure sufficient funding for the Department of Corrections

$1.220 billion  Total

Addressing these liabilities means there is no new money available for improving higher education, properly funding our courts and local prosecutors, meeting infrastructure needs or allowing the new governor to fund her budget priorities.

In other words, these unprecedented budget surpluses are really nothing more than a budgetary illusion. The state Legislature and the new governor now have the unique challenge of trying to satisfy everyones wish lists when there is no new money remaining........... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........

In his (Jan. 25) attack on Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard, Rep. Alonzo Baldonado, (R-Los Lunas), presented few facts about coyote killing contests and New Mexico state trust lands. From the State Land Office (SLO) website: The Land Office seeks to optimize revenues while protecting the health of the land for future generations. By leasing state trust land for a wide array of uses, the Land Office generates hundreds of millions of dollars for education, health and other state entities. The Commercial Resources Division manages State Trust Land to provide the best financial return for trust beneficiaries, primarily through leasing, but also with strategic planning and land exchanges. The SLO has  and has always had  separate regulations governing the commercial use of state trust lands. Coyote killing contests are commercial and competitive events in which contestants try to kill the most, the biggest, or the smallest coyote to win prizes. Commercial wildlife killing contests generate no money for the SLO trust beneficiaries and are inconsistent with science-based public land management.

Many of us who oppose coyote killing contests are hunters, anglers and firearm owners. The executive action is not a Second Amendment issue, nor is it anti-hunting. The easement signed by the State Game Commission chair and the Land Commissioner in 2016 controls the hunting of game and unprotected species on state trust lands. The executive action by the commissioner does not  and cannot  affect the easement. In addition to allowing the hunting of game species by licensed hunters, section 4(a) of the easement with the State Game Commission regulates the taking of unprotected species on state trust lands: Unprotected species may also be taken on Easement Lands by persons holding valid hunting or trapping licenses for protected species on those lands during the period of the taking.

Baldonado resorts to the myth of an urban-rural conflict to arouse and inflame the reader, a position that likewise rings hollow when facts emerge. Many contestants in coyote killing contests live in or near towns and cities; they are not ranchers or farmers. Contestants target coyotes randomly in contests because no bag limits or meaningful regulations exist, and no reporting is required for the killing of unprotected species. The contests have nothing in common with regulated game hunting and science-based wildlife management. Contestants are out to win prizes and bragging rights, and to engage in live-target practice. They use 21st Century technology including weapons, optics, electronic callers, GPS and all-terrain vehicles. The reality of coyote killing contests is at odds with Baldonados comments.

If Baldonado wants to attack Garcia Richard for her actions and policies, he should do so with facts and not by stoking groundless fears.

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An earlier version of this article misidentified a house where Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif. often stayed as a child. It was the home of family friends Arthur and Regina Shelton and their daughter Sharon, not the McGaffie family home. McGaffie is Sharons married name. An accompanying caption repeated the error. This version has been updated.

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SAN FRANCISCO  In early 2010, an Indian American couple hosted a fundraiser in their elegant Pacific Heights home for Kamala Harris, then a Democratic candidate for California attorney general.

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Harris had been San Franciscos high-profile district attorney for more than six years, but Deepak Puri and Shareen Punian had only recently learned that Harris was, as Punian said, one of our peeps, a woman whose mother was an Indian immigrant.

They had always assumed Harris was African-American, and so did most of the 60 or 70 Indian American community leaders at the event, many of whom asked Puri and Punian why they had been invited.

At least half of them didnt know she was Indian, said Punian, a business executive and political activist.

Harris, 54, now a U.S. senator and 2020 Democratic presidential candidate, would be several firsts in the White House: the first woman, the first African-American woman, the first Indian American and the first Asian American. The daughter of two immigrants  her father came from Jamaica  she would also be the second biracial president, after Barack Obama.

Obamas soul-searching quest to explore his identity, as the son of a white mother from Kansas and a Kenyan father who as largely absent from his life, was well-documented in his autobiography.

But when asked, in an interview, if she had wrestled with similar introspection about race, ethnicity and identity, Harris didnt hesitate:

No, she said flatly.

Harris stressed that she doesnt compare herself to Obama, and she prefers that others dont, either. She wants to be measured on her own merits.

She said she has not spent much time dwelling on how to categorize herself.

So much so, she said, that when I first ran for office that was one of the things that I struggled with, which is that you are forced through that process to define yourself in a way that you fit neatly into the compartment that other people have created.

My point was: I am who I am. Im good with it. You might need to figure it out, but Im fine with it, she said.

Harris background in many ways embodies the culturally fluid, racially blended society that is second-nature in Californias Bay Area and is increasingly common across the United States.

She calls herself simply an American, and said she has been fully comfortable with her identity from an early age. She credits that largely to a Hindu immigrant single mom who adopted black culture and immersed her daughters in it. Harris grew up embracing her Indian culture, but living a proudly African-American life.

My mother understood very well that she was raising two black daughters, Harris writes in her recently published autobiography, The Truths We Hold. She knew that her adopted homeland would see Maya and me as black girls, and she was determined to make sure we would grow into confident, proud black women.

Her mother, Shyamala Gopalan, was keenly attracted to the civil rights movement and the African-American culture of her new home in the 1960s and 70s. At first, she marched and protested with her black husband, then alone or with the girls after they divorced when Harris was very young.

She brought her daughters home to India for visits, she cooked Indian food for them and the girls often wore Indian jewelry. But Harris worshiped at an African-American church, went to a preschool with posters of Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman on the wall, attended Civil Rights marches in a stroller, and was bused with other black kids to an elementary school in a wealthier white neighborhood. When it was time for college, she moved across the country to Washington, D.C., to attend the historically black Howard University.

Her Indian culture, she held onto that, said Sharon McGaffie, 67, an African-American woman who has known Harris and her sister, Maya, since they were toddlers living in Berkeley, California. But I think they grew up as black children who are now black women. Theres no question about it.

As Harris political profile has risen outside her home region, she will face pressure to discuss her heritage from a broader electorate seeking to fully understand her and politically connected Indian Americans who feel she has not previously put as much focus on her South Asian roots.

In her years in the public eye  seven years as San Francisco district attorney and six years at Californias attorney general before her election to the Senate in 2016  Harris has tended to stress issues over her personal biography.

Harris, in the interview, said that was because, Its not about me. Its about the people I represent.

She said political campaigns, especially for president, require candidates to explain their background so voters can figure out why you do what you do. So while she was raised not to talk about myself, she said that is why she wrote her book to lay out the details of her heritage and career.

I appreciate that there is that desire that people have to have context, and I want to give people context, she said.

Harris hasnt tried to shape perceptions of her identity as much as she has simply accepted that most people see her as black, said Robert Smith, a recently retired professor of political science at San Francisco State University who specializes in African-American politics.

She has not used it politically, Smith said. She has not avoided it, she has just kind of said it and moved on: Im this, Im this, Im that, now lets move on to talk about the death penalty or whatever is the issue of the day.

Smith said Harris blackness was never ambiguous and she didnt feel the need to trumpet it.

Her lack of public focus on her heritage has left many people, even in her home state, unaware of her multiracial background. Most people assume she is African-American, and even some friends didnt know that she was also Indian.

I had no idea, said Matthew Davis, a San Francisco lawyer and classmate of Harris at the University of California, Hastings College of the Law, where they graduated in 1989.

Even though we were good friends, I never really heard her talk too much about her personal life, said Davis, who also worked with Harris in the San Francisco city attorneys office before she was elected district attorney.

It was only when she was sworn in as district attorney in 2004, 15 years after they graduated from law school, that Davis learned Harris was half Indian.

She introduced me to her mother, and that was the first time I knew, Davis said. It was a sense of pride for her, but I didnt get the sense that it was the way she defined herself.

Even now, Harris still doesnt seem fully at ease discussing her personal heritage.

In her first campaign stop after announcing her bid for president on Good Morning America on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Harris appeared on her old Howard campus to take questions.

Youre African-American, but youre also Indian-American, a reporter said.

Indeed, she replied.

How do you describe yourself?

Did you read my book? How do I describe myself? I describe myself as a proud American.

She said it with a smile, but with an end-of-conversation firmness.

Leah Williams, a San Francisco lawyer who has been friends with Harris since the early 1990s, said Harris inherited a strong sense of self from her mother, who raised two daughters as a single immigrant mom.

Shes not a person who doesnt contemplate herself or her identity, Williams said in an interview. But there are just people who get up in the morning and look in the mirror and know who they are.

Williams, who took her children to Washington to attend Harris Senate swearing-in ceremony in 2017, said Harris was centered and anchored because she grew up in a house with two other strong women who were role models.

Growing up, they could all look at each other and see themselves in each other, Williams said.

Harris agreed that her upbringing was filled with pride and nurturing that gave her a solid grounding.

Im no different than anybody else, she said. Im not suggesting that I dont have the doubts and whatever that any normal person has. But . . . I dont have any doubts about who I am ethnically or racially.

Harris has often spoken of her mother, a Tamil from Chennai in southeast India, as her inspiration, and she writes about it extensively in her book.

Gopalan graduated from college in India at 19, then moved to California in 1959 and earned a PhD from the University of California at Berkeley. There, she met and married Donald J. Harris, who is now an emeritus professor of economics at Stanford University. The elder Harris did not respond to a request for comment.

After their divorce, Harris visited her fathers family in Jamaica and stayed in touch with him. But she credited her mother, a noted cancer researcher and civil rights activist who died in 2009, with being most responsible for shaping us into the women we would become.

On her visits to India as a child, Harris was deeply influenced by her grandfather, a high-ranking government official who had fought for Indian independence. But while she had a strong awareness and appreciation for Indian culture, she writes, her mother raised her in an African-American world.

From almost the moment she arrived from India, she chose and was welcomed to and enveloped in the black community, Harris writes. It was the foundation of her new American life.

Sharon McGaffies mother, Regina Shelton, ran the preschool that Harris and her sister attended. Because Harris mother traveled often for her work as a cancer scientist, the girls would regularly stay over at the Shelton house, two doors down on a quiet street in Berkeley. Shelton became like a mother to Harris mother, and grandmother to Harris.

McGaffie said the Harris girls would regularly accompany her family to the Twenty Third Avenue Church of God in Oakland, California, an African American protestant congregation. Their mother eagerly encouraged them to go but did not attend herself, McGaffie said.

When Harris was sworn into office as AG and senator, she did so with her hand on the Bible that Shelton carried with her to church every Sunday.

She has always been engaged in African American politics, community struggles, community organizations, and life, said Karen Clopton, a lawyer and former judge in San Francisco who has been a friend of Harris for more than two decades.

Harris college choice marked a notable contrast from the rest of her family. Her parents both earned PhDs from UC Berkeley, and her sister went to UC Berkeley and Stanford Law School. Harris opted for Howard, one of the countrys most prestigious historically black schools. She said that was largely because her hero, trailblazing lawyer and Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, went there.

As a black woman, it gave her a real opportunity to be enveloped in that part of who she is, said her friend Leah Williams. She holds that experience close to her heart.

Four days after addressing reporters at Howard,Harris traveled to South Carolina, a key early primary state with a large African American electorate. She spoke at the annual Pink Ice Gala hosted by her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha, the nations oldest black sorority, which has a network of 300,000 members.

In her official campaign kickoff speech in Oakland, California, last weekend, Harris stood before 20,000 people and spoke of some of her African-American heroes  faces she grew up with on Sheltons walls.

When abolitionists spoke out and civil rights workers marched, their oppressors said they were dividing the races and violating the word of God, she said. But Fredrick Douglass said it best and Harriet Tubman and Dr. King knew. To love the religion of Jesus is to hate the religion of the slave master.

Asked in the Washington Post interview how her African-American background has influenced her, Harris said, Its kind of like asking how did eating food shape who I am today.

It affects everything about who I am, she said. Growing up as a black person in America made me aware of certain things that, maybe if you didnt grow up black in America, you wouldnt be aware of.

Asked for an example, she said, Racism.

I grew up in a hot spot of the civil rights movement, she said. But that civil rights movement involved blacks, it involved Jews, it involved Asians, it involved Chicanos, it involved a multitude of people who were aware that there were laws that were not equally applied to all people.

As Harris has become a prominent figure in state and national politics, many Indian Americans are thrilled  and a little surprised to learn of her Indian background.

Its only been in the last year or so that shes really come out and embraced it, said Aziz Haniffa, executive editor of India Abroad, the oldest and largest South Asian newspaper in the United States.

Harris has never made a secret of her Indian heritage, and has she has fought on behalf of issues of importance to most Indians, including immigration reform. She has appeared at Indian American gatherings throughout her career.

Indian American publications proudly use her Indian first name, which means lotus flower, along with her middle name, Devi, the Sanskrit word for goddess, which Harris generally doesnt use.

In a 2009 interview with India Abroad, Harris said her Indian background has had a great deal of influence on what I do today and who I am. She told the interviewer her African American and Indian heritage are of equal weight in terms of who I am.

She continued: We have to stop seeing issues and people through a plate-glass window as though we were one-dimensional. Instead, we have to see that most people exist through a prism and they are a sum of many factors.

Shekar Narasimhan, chairman and founder of the AAPI Victory Fund, a national super PAC founded in 2015 that focuses on building the political power of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, said Harris in the past year has done several high-profile speeches and events with Indian American groups that have helped to raise her profile.

Im so glad she has discovered her Indian-ness, Narasimhan said with a laugh. Its sudden, but I absolutely love that its happening. Its not something she has exhibited over the years.

M.R. Rangaswami, a Silicon Valley entrepreneur, investor and philanthropist, said Harris story parallels the rising influence of the U.S. Indian community.

Rangaswami said Indians represent about 1 percent of the population, and now have about 1 percent representation in Congress, with four members of the House of Representatives and one senator.

My advice to Kamala would be: Youve got a great story. You should tell it,  he said. As the community has come of age, there is a yearning for successful role models, and she totally fits that model.

In the Post interview, Harris said she disagreed with the perception that she has not stressed her Indian background, saying she had been focused on the Indian community my entire life.

She said the view that she embraced it wholeheartedly only more recently was a matter of what people are aware of and what the press has focused on.

She pointed, for example, to her advocacy as early as 2001, after the 9/11 attacks, when South Asians became the targets of abuse and violence. I was very active in fighting to make sure that the community was not the subject of hate and bias and ill-treatment, she said.

I grew up with a great deal of pride and understanding about my Indian heritage and culture, she said.

In their San Francisco home, where they hosted the 2010 fundraiser, Puri and Punian said they were enthusiastic about Harris. Puri, a Silicon Valley software executive, and Punian, a finance executive, have helped introduce Harris around Silicon Valley.

Puni said Harris multicultural background appeals to many people.

Its like a Rorschach test, he said. Every person can interpret her differently.

  

The Washington Posts Chelsea Janes contributed to this report........... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........

SANTA FE, N.M.  Its been exactly 10 years since We Are Hispanic-American Women  OK? was last staged at Santa Fes Teatro Paraguas.

But the Patricia Grespin dramedys representation of family dynamics through generations is still just as relevant today, according to the cast staging its revival run.

The show, which Crespin said was written to highlight how Hispanic family members interact with each other, focusing particularly on the strengths and weaknesses of women in family groups, returns to the Teatro Paraguas stage later this week.

Despite some minor changes of colloquial phrases and cultural references  what was a mention of Whitney Houston now name-checks Lady Gaga, for example  the core story has remained intact. The storylines about relationships among mothers and daughters, granddaughters and sisters, and about generational divides when it comes to topics like men and religion, all feel current.

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(Its) still the same at my house, said JoJo Sena de Tarnoff, who plays matriarch Ramona in the revival. Ten years ago, she had the role of one of the daughters. Her own daughter, Jeni Nelson, now is playing daughter Antonia.

Written back in 2006 by Las Vegas, N.M.-based playwright and professor Crespin  and turned into a small movie called Before We Say Goodbye in 2010  We Are Hispanic-American Women  OK? follows four generations of women who are part of an extended family living near Albuquerque.

The entire show takes place in the kitchen of matriarch Ramona, who is taking care of her own swearing, tequila-loving mother Nanita  director Alix Hudson describes her as the drunk Greek chorus. Ramona also is trying to keep her polar-opposite daughters Marissa and Antonia from fighting with each other, and often dotes on her spoiled teenage granddaughter, Marissas daughter Juanita.

The set will even smell like a real kitchen, according to Sena de Tarnoff. As Ramona, she will be preparing beans, chile and tortillas live on stage.

Its just a window, its a window into this moment of this family where I dont think theres a family that wouldnt be able to  immediately get it, her daughter Nelson said of the show.

Theres definitely some archetypes everyone can get with  for instance, Nelsons character Antonia, the more rebellious of the two siblings, often clashes with her older sister. With a husband, kids and her own business, Marissa is trying to present a facade that she has her life perfectly together.

As the family faces tragedy over a health crisis, the story focuses on how the women deal with it.

And how they dont deal with it, more accurately, said Nelson. And how everyone deals with it in their own way, but what it comes down to is, the family bond will remain the same no matter how they deal with it, and that its strong, for better or worse.

It may not seem like that at first. It may seem like we hate each other and it may seem like were always at odds, but were always going to stick by each others side, whether it seems like it or not.

What becomes clear is how some traits and practices have been passed down through generations and others have not, said director Hudson.

Both the older women, Nanita and Ramona, try to stay tight-lipped on issues that are difficult to confront, as a coping mechanism, and the younger generations have had enough of that. Antonia has rejected Catholicism and marriage, much to her mothers dismay.

Even the use of language symbolizes the generational divides, according to Hudson. Nanita speaks almost entirely Spanish, Ramona speaks a bit of both and the amount of English speaking increases with the daughters until granddaughter Juanita speaks almost no Spanish at all.

It has a lot of universals, but it especially works in the New Mexican, Latino context of how women are expected to handle family and difficulty, and how these particular women handle (it), said Hudson.

The actors noted that while issues of strong familial roles for women or the machismo of men  who are spoken about, but dont make appearances in this play  may be particularly prevalent within Latino culture, those themes also are certainly universal.

This is something Crespin has also noticed through the years of staging the play, recalling a German woman coming up to her and telling her how the characters reminded her of her own family.

The main theme Im going for now  is just that whole idea of one-ness and were all sort of the same, said Crespin. I want them to see, especially now at a time where Latinas are getting a bad rap, I want people to see were just like everyone else. Family is family; it doesnt matter where you come from.

The show also stars Lilia Urrutia as Nanita, Paola Vengoechea Martini as Marissa and Shaunti Sitonik as Juanita. Shows are Thursdays-Sundays until Feb. 24........... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........

RICHMOND, Va.  Resisting widespread calls for his resignation, Virginias embattled governor on Saturday pledged to remain in office after disavowing a blatantly racist photograph that appeared under his name in his 1984 medical school yearbook.

In a tumultuous 24 hours, Gov. Ralph Northam on Friday apologized for appearing in a photograph that featured what appeared to be a man in blackface and a second person cloaked in Ku Klux Klan garb. In a video posted on Twitter, he said he could not undo the harm my behavior caused then and today.

But by Saturday, he reversed course and said the racist photo on his yearbook profile page did not feature him after all. The governor said he had not seen the photo before Friday, since he had not purchased the commemorative book or been involved in its preparation more than three decades ago.

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It has taken time for me to make sure that its not me, but I am convinced, I am convinced that I am not in that picture, he told reporters gathered at the Executive Mansion in Richmond, calling the shot offensive and horrific.

While talking with reporters, Northam admitted that he had previously worn blackface around that time, saying he once had used shoe polish to darken his face as part of a Michael Jackson costume he fashioned for a 1984 dance contest in San Antonio, Texas, when he was in the U.S. Army. Northam said he regrets that he didnt understand the harmful legacy of an action like that.

His refusal to step down could signal a potentially long and bruising fight between Northam and his former supporters, which includes virtually all of the states Democratic establishment.

After he spoke, both of Virginias U.S. senators said they called Northam to tell him that he must resign. In a joint statement Saturday night, Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine and the dean of Virginias congressional delegation, Rep. Bobby Scott, said the recent events have inflicted immense pain and irrevocably broken the trust Virginians must have in their leaders.

Since Friday, groups calling for his resignation included the Virginia Democratic Party and the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus. Virginia Attorney General Mark R. Herring, a Democrat, and top Republicans in the Virginia General Assembly also urged Northam to resign, as have many declared and potential Democratic presidential candidates.

He is no longer the best person to lead our state, the Virginia Senate Democratic Caucus said in a statement.

If Northam does resign, Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax would become the second African-American governor in the states history. In a statement, Fairfax said the state needs leaders who can unite people, but he stopped short of calling for Northams departure. Referring to Northam, Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax said he cannot condone actions from his past that at least suggest a comfort with Virginias darker history of white supremacy, racial stereotyping and intimidation.

Northam conceded Saturday that people might have difficulty believing his shifting statements.

He was pushed repeatedly by reporters to explain why he issued an apology Friday if he wasnt in the photograph.

My first intention  was to reach out and apologize, he said, adding that he recognized that people would be offended by the photo. But after studying the picture and consulting with classmates, Northam said, I am convinced that is not my picture.

Walt Broadnax, one of two black students who graduated from Eastern Virginia Medical School with Northam, said by phone Saturday he also didnt buy the classs 1984 yearbook or see it until decades after it was published.

Broadnax defended his former classmate and said hes not a racist, adding that the school would not have tolerated someone going to a party in blackface.

The yearbook images were first published Friday afternoon by the conservative news outlet Big League Politics. An Associated Press reporter later saw the yearbook page and confirmed its authenticity at the medical school.

In an initial apology about the photograph on Friday, Northam had admitted to being in the photograph but did not say which of the two costumes he had worn.

That evening, he issued a video statement saying he was deeply sorry but still committed to serving the remainder of my term. Northams term is set to end in 2022.

The scars from centuries of racial oppression are still raw in a state that was once home to the capital of the Confederacy.

Virginians continue to struggle with the states legacy of slavery, Jim Crow and Massive Resistance, the anti-school segregation push. Heated debates about the Confederate statues are ongoing after a deadly 2017 white nationalist rally in Charlottesville. A state holiday honoring Confederate Generals Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson is a perennial source of discontent.

Northam spent years actively courting the black community in the lead-up to his 2017 gubernatorial run, building relationships that helped him win both the primary and the general election. Hes a member of a predominantly black church on Virginias Eastern Shore, where he grew up.

Its a matter of relationships and trust. Thats not something that you build overnight, Northam told the AP during a 2017 campaign stop while describing his relationship with the black community.

Northam, a folksy pediatric neurologist who is personal friends with many lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, has recently come under fire from Republicans who have accused him of backing infanticide after he said he supported a bill loosening restrictions on late-term abortions.

In a tweet late Saturday, President Donald Trump called Northams actions related to the photo and abortion debate unforgiveable!

Last week, Floridas secretary of state resigned after photos from a 2005 Halloween party showed him in blackface while dressed as a Hurricane Katrina victim.

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Associated Press writer Ben Finley contributed to this report........... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.  The Voice winner Chevel Shepherd crowns the program at this years La Noche Encantada, the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerces annual gala and fundraiser, on Saturday.

Shepherd will perform three songs at the celebration, AHCC communications director and event producer Luis Hernandez said.

The celebration starts at 6 p.m. with cocktails and dinner at the Albuquerque Convention Center at 401 Second NW.

After dinner, an all-star lineup of local musicians and a 16-piece band will honor the work and lives of musicians, producers and promoters who made an impact on New Mexico, Hernandez said.

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Those included in the program, and their New Mexico connection, are:

 The legendary Buddy Holly, who recorded at Clovis Norm Petty Studios.

 The Rolling Stones, the legendary British band who performed with New Mexico native saxman Bobby Keys. Keys played nearly every sax solo on the Stones hits. His parents lived in Belen.

When he came here, he visited his mother and father quite often and sat in at the clubs, Hernandez said.

 The late drummer Randy Castillo, who played with both Ozzy Osbourne and Motley Crue. Castillo attended Albuquerques West Mesa High School.

 The Jackson 5, who were produced by Albuquerques Tom Bee, who worked at Motown. Bee also was influential in the creation of a Native American category at the Grammy Awards.

 Glen Campbell, who lived in Albuquerque as a teenager and played in the band Dick Bills and the Sandia Mountain Boys.

 Producer Jeff Bhasker, who worked with Bruno Mars, Alicia Keys and Jay Z   the entire Uptown Funk catalog, Hernandez said. He was raised in Socorro.

 The Fireballs, a Raton-based late 50s band that reached Number One with Sugar Shack in 1963.

They recorded at Norm Petty Studios, Hernandez said.

 El Chicano, a Los Angeles-based 70s group helmed by New Mexico songwriter David Nunez. Hes actually going to be performing one of their songs, Hernandez said.

 The musicians also will play tributes to traditional New Mexican music, specifically the offspring of Bennie Sanchez. Sanchez was a promoter and the mother of Al Hurricane, Tiny Morrie and Baby Gaby.

She brought the national spotlight to Albuquerque, Hernandez said. She, in his heyday, brought Elvis Presley to the Albuquerque market. She brought Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Grand Funk Railroad, Fats Domino, Chubby Checker and Selina.

When the program ends, revellers can dance the night away to the groove of Andrew Cooper and Soul Official........... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.  Cesar Lopez was returning to the United States from a vacation in Costa Rica in October 2012 when he was detained by immigration authorities at the airport in Houston.

Lopez was born in Mexico but had been living in the United States since he was 3 or 4. He was not then, nor is he now, an American citizen. But at the time he was taken into custody in Houston he was a permanent legal resident of the United States and a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps.

The problem was a conviction for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute following a traffic stop in 2000 near Tucumcari. Taking the advice of an attorney, he accepted a one-year deferred sentence and paid a fine after being assured the offense would be erased from his record after a year provided he did not violate probation.

But the officials in Houston told him that such offenses get removed from the records of American citizens but not those of non-citizens. He was deported to Mexico in February 2013.

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Three weeks later he crossed the border back into the United States and is now living in Las Vegas, Nev., an outspoken advocate for the pardon of deported veterans such as himself and subject to arrest at any time.

But if they deport me again, its going to be in my uniform in front of TV cameras, Lopez said in a phone interview. Im an American in my heart, and Im a Marine.

A petition for pardon

Lopez will speak in support of pardoning deported veterans during a Feb. 11 presentation at the Albuquerque Center for Peace and Justice, 202 Harvard SE. The program, sponsored by the Donald & Sally-Alice Thompson (Albuquerque) Chapter of Veterans for Peace, will also include the showing of Exiled, a short documentary film about the plight of two honorably discharged veterans deported to Tijuana, Mexico.

Lopez and others deported from this country, veterans and non-veterans, since 1996 are subject to the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigration Responsibility Act passed that year in response to what was viewed as a rapidly growing illegal immigration problem. The act expanded the list of offenses considered aggravated felonies for which people could be deported. Deportations usually happen after the person has completed jail time or satisfied other court-imposed penalties and often break up families and exile people to countries they have not lived in since they were toddlers.

My feeling is they have gone too far with deportation period, said Charles Powell, 76, an Air Force veteran and president of the Albuquerque Chapter of Veterans for Peace. But with veterans especially because they have made that commitment to their country and were willing to put their life on the line for their country.

Service by non-citizens in the American military does not entitle them to citizenship, but, according to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website, military service may offer an expedited path to naturalization and citizenship.

Powell said crimes committed by veterans that result in their deportation are sometimes linked to their military service. He said that Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, drug addiction and alcoholism lead to risky and sometimes unlawful behavior.

For a couple of weeks now, Powell has been collecting signatures for a petition that asks Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham to pardon U.S. military veterans deported because of New Mexico criminal convictions.

The thing about petitions is they serve as a good education device, Powell said. They teach people about things they did not know previously.

Powell and Lopez visited the then newly elected Lujan Grishams transition team in November to present the case for pardons and hope to meet with the governor personally when Lopez is in New Mexico next week.

Hard-headed kid

Lopez, 45, grew up on the streets of central Los Angeles. He joined the Marines right out of high school and was stationed at Camp Pendleton in Southern California. He admits he was a discipline problem, unaccustomed to bowing to authority.

I used to be a very hard-headed kid, he said. Id get written up for being late to formation. I started getting into trouble.

He served with the Marines from 1993 to 1995 before agreeing to an other than honorable discharge because he did not fully understand the implications of leaving the service with something less than an honorable discharge. Just like he did not know his possession with intent to distribute conviction would not be removed from his record as he had been told.

Being poor and uneducated is the biggest mistake of my life, he said.

The possession with intent to distribute conviction, by the way, wasnt just for a couple of joints. Lopez had 20 pounds of pot in the car. He is quick to own up to his mistakes. But he says he and other non-citizen veterans like him have paid the price meted out by the justice system and do not deserve to be banished from the country they served.

Lopez tried to turn his life around. He said he earned a computer-science degree from Western Technical College in El Paso and worked to help troubled teenagers and homeless veterans as a social worker in Las Vegas, Nev. Lopez said he had plans to open his own solar panel installation company when he was taken into custody in Houston.

When I got deported my (two) daughters were teenagers, he said. Thats the time when they need a father the most. Thats why I came back into this country.

Now that his daughters are college students in El Paso, he is risking arrest to push for the rights of veterans deported from this country, the number of which he estimates to be between 250 and 500. He went to Washington, D.C., in 2016 to discuss pardons with members of Congress and is planning a caravan to Washington in April to continue that effort.

Im still a ghost, he said of his life in this country. I dont exist. I dont have IDs. I dont have anything. I cant even get a job waiting tables. If you join the military, you are an American, a patriot. You are doing something that 99 percent of people born here are not willing to do........... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........

RIO RANCHO, N.M.  Sandoval County Sheriffs Office has charged a Rio Rancho man with tampering with evidence in connection with the murder of two Albuquerque teenagers.

According to a news release, investigators looking into the December disappearance and murders of Collin Romero, 15, and Ahmed Lateef, 14, have charged Anthony Loy Aragon, 36, of Rio Rancho, with two counts of tampering with evidence related to hiding the boys belongings and bodies, which were found buried on the mesa, according to magistrate court documents.

Aragon is incarcerated out of state on unrelated charges, according to the sheriffs office. Deputies are working with district attorneys offices in Sandoval County and other jurisdictions to coordinate extradition back to New Mexico.

The investigation is continuing and the sheriffs office released no more information.

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Tax season is here, and with it comes the usual increase in fraudsters pretending to be you so they can make off with your refund.

Especially prevalent are phishing schemes  the IRS in 2018 recorded a 60 percent increase with a surge of new, sophisticated email phishing scams that seek to steal money or tax information, the agency said. Once the thieves have such information, they can steal your identity and your tax refund.

At the state level, the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department is braced for fraudulent and questionable returns, Secretary-designate Stephanie Schardin-Clarke said in an email.

The department reviews the more than 1 million returns it gets for errors and compliance, she said. Its systemic anti-fraud efforts flag from 3 to 7 percent of those because they need more review or supporting information. The agencys Questionable Review Unit took a closer look at between 50,000 and 60,000 returns last year and of those, identified more than 100 as fraudulent.

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Schardin-Clarke said in the email the agency will process returns this year on a similar timeline to recent years. In past years, the states tax collectors have warned there might be delays in sending out checks because of the extra security measures. New Mexico is part of an exchange with other states through the IRS Security Summit in which members share information about ongoing scams and how to uncover them.

As for how to protect yourself, one simple measure is to file early. That way you will get your return before any fraudster seeking to impersonate you.

Most important, of course, is to protect your identity  all year long because IRS scams dont happen just during tax season. The most common way cybercriminals steal money, bank account information, passwords, credit cards or Social Security numbers is to simply ask for them, the IRS says.

Too many people fall victim and hand over their information voluntarily, the agency says. Often, they are responding to phishing emails that appear to come from a business colleague, friend, relative or supposed government agency. When victims click on an embedded link, they might be taken to a fake website that looks real and seeks to gain personal information. Other versions contain PDF attachments that may download malware or viruses.

One recent malware campaign used such subject lines as IRS Important Notice, or IRS Taxpayer Notice, the agency said.

Both the IRS and the state are warning of a particular phishing scam that has targeted businesses in an effort to collect W-2 information. In this one, the scammer sends an email to payroll or someone else in charge of records, pretending to be a company executive and seeking personal information.

Heres what to do:

 Be vigilant. Never open a link or attachment from an unknown or suspicious source, but even if its from a known source, approach with caution.

 Remember that the IRS doesnt initiate spontaneous contact with taxpayers by email or text to request personal or financial information. It also does not call on the phone and threaten lawsuits or arrest.

 Phishing schemes thrive on people opening the message and clicking on hyperlinks. When in doubt, dont use hyperlinks and go directly to the sources main web page. Remember, no legitimate business or organization will ask for sensitive financial information via email.

Ellen Marks is assistant business editor at the Albuquerque Journal. Contact her at emarks@abqjournal.com or 505-823-3842 if you are aware of what sounds like a scam. To report a scam to law enforcement, contact the New Mexico Consumer Protection Division toll-free at 1-844-255-9210a.The Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association Inc., a group of 121 electric cooperatives, asked Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi to be fair in addressing the plight of members nationwide. Philreca said in a statement Cusis initial endorsement letter to the House of Representatives for the cancellation of the franchise of 17 electric co-ops and its subsequent withdrawal were meant to manipulate the mindset of the public for them to think that the electric cooperatives are not performing well. And with this comes the justification on the entry of private, for-profit and zero-experience corporations. While we are fully aware of the secretarys pre-conceived notion of inefficient management, corruption, unnecessary political interference, as well as institutional conflicts among ECs, based on his earlier pronouncements, we still hope and expect him to be just and fair in assessing our accomplishments and challenges at the same time, the group said. We hope that the DoE would see how the electric cooperatives have been operating in areas no private distribution utility has dared to enter before, Philreca said. Cusi endorsed to the House of Representatives through Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo the revocation of franchise of 17 electric cooperatives, saying these ECs were underperforming and financially and technically distressed. Philreca said this presumption was unjust and biased and was done without prior consultation with the concerned electric cooperatives. As it turned out, this endorsement was done in haste and in the absence of due diligence on the part of the Department of Energy, because just recently, the same endorsement was recalled and recalled by Secretary Cusi himself, Philreca said.Cusi said there was a need to conduct further evaluation and assessment on the status and performance of these cooperatives, but Philreca said he should have done this first. While we believe that recalling and revoking the original endorsement is the right thing to do, we cannot help but express our sentiments because his actions have already caused significant damage and irreparable negative impression to the ECs, the group said. Philreca said Cusis claims of an inclusive review of the ECs compliance to the service requirements of their respective areas to determine sustainable solutions fall short of what the secretary has been doing for the past months. Philreca said that since early last year, Cusi had consistently declined restoring the budget cuts to the governments sitio electrification program. The group said Cusi favored the entry of for-profit corporations in the electrification sector versus supporting ECs who are experiencing different kind of challenges. And he has never engaged the ECs on any dialog or meeting with an open mind so as to come up with solutions, the group said.George Eaton in New Statesman:

In the digital age, reputations made over decades can be lost in minutes. Richard Dawkins first achieved renown as a pioneering evolutionary biologist (through his 1976 bestseller, The Selfish Gene) and, later, as a polemical foe of religion (through 2006s The God Delusion). Yet he is now increasingly defined by his incendiary tweets, which have been plausibly denounced as Islamophobic.

Listening to the lovely bells of Winchester, one of our great medieval cathedrals, he wrote to his 2.8 million Twitter followers last July. So much nicer than the aggressive-sounding Allahu akhbar. Or is that just my cultural upbringing? How, I have sometimes wondered, does the former Oxford University professor for the public understanding of science feel about his new reputation?

One recent afternoon I met Dawkins, who is 77, at the spacious apartment he shares with his girlfriend (he is twice-divorced) in central Oxford. He proudly showed me his meticulously catalogued library (including a controversy section). The occasion for our meeting was the publication of The Four Horsemen: The Conversation that Sparked an Atheist Revolution, a transcript of the 2007 discussion between Dawkins and three fellow atheists: the late Christopher Hitchens (with whom Dawkins conducted the final interview in the New Statesman in 2011), Sam Harris and Daniel Dennett.

More here.Calla Wahlquist in The Guardian:

The winner of Australias richest literary prize did not attend the ceremony.

His absence was not by choice.

Behrouz Boochani, whose debut book won both the $25,000 non-fiction prize at the Victorian premiers literary awards and the $100,000 Victorian prize for literature on Thursday night, is not allowed into Australia.

The Kurdish Iranian writer is an asylum seeker who has been kept in purgatory on Manus Island in Papua New Guinea for almost six years, first behind the wire of the Australian offshore detention centre, and then in alternative accommodation on the island.

Now his book No Friend But the Mountains  composed one text message at a time from within the detention centre  has been recognised by a government from the same country that denied him access and locked him up.

It is, he said, a paradoxical feeling.

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16 (23) Jan 15 (30) Jan 14 (20) Jan 13 (18) Jan 12 (24) Jan 11 (11) Jan 10 (23) Jan 09 (22) Jan 08 (17) Jan 07 (17) Jan 06 (9) Jan 05 (18) Jan 04 (15) Jan 03 (19) Jan 02 (14) Jan 01 (6) Dec 31 (12) Dec 30 (4) Dec 29 (15) Dec 28 (11) Dec 27 (7) Dec 26 (10) Dec 25 (16) Dec 24 (13) Dec 23 (16) Dec 22 (11) Dec 21 (26) Dec 20 (28) Dec 19 (14) Dec 18 (25) Dec 17 (23) Dec 16 (19) Dec 15 (22) Dec 14 (38) Dec 13 (26) Dec 12 (25) Dec 11 (27) Dec 10 (31) Dec 09 (15) Dec 08 (30) Dec 07 (31) Dec 06 (27) Dec 05 (38) Dec 04 (25) Dec 03 (27) Dec 02 (15) Dec 01 (36) Nov 30 (23) Nov 29 (17) Nov 28 (23) Nov 27 (13) Nov 26 (16) Nov 25 (14) Nov 24 (18) Nov 23 (21) Nov 22 (21) Nov 21 (24) Nov 20 (20) Nov 19 (23) Nov 18 (17) Nov 17 (17) Nov 16 (34) Nov 15 (25) Nov 14 (17) Nov 13 (21) Nov 12 (18) Nov 11 (9) Nov 10 (15) Nov 09 (9) Nov 08 (9) Nov 07 (12) Nov 06 (8) Nov 05 (4) Oct 29 (1) Oct 01 (1) Jul 29 (1) May 11 (1) Jul 11 (1)PLDT gets 25 trophies. PLDT Inc. is honored as Company of the Year at the 54th Anvil Awards: Gabi Ng Parangal at the Marriott Grand Ballroom in Newport City. PLDT, along with wireless services arm Smart Communications, PLDT Global and Voyager Innovations win a total of 25 trophies, including six Gold Awards. Receiving the awards are (from left) Smart community partnerships head Darwin Flores, PLDT-Smart public affairs group head Ramon Isberto, PLDT global chief commercial officer Albert Villa-Real, PLDT chief data privacy officer Leah Camilla Besa-Jimenez, TNT marketing head Allen Dawn Jorda and Smart trade marketing assistant vice president Jacqueline Bocalan.

PLDT Inc. said it is spending at least P70 billion this year to expand its fiber and wireless networks nationwide. PLDT chairman and president Manuel Pangilinan told reporters Friday the companys 2019 capital expenditures would fund the rollout of fiber to home for its fixed-line business. For wireless, we will complete substantially our 4G and start constructing the 5G network, he said. Last year, the company programmed P58 billion in capex. Fitch Ratings said in November the entry of a new player in the telecom sector would temper revenue growth and raise the capex pressure of PLDT and Globe Telecom Inc.The government earlier named Mislatel Consortium led by Dennis Uys Udenna Corp. and China Telecom as the new major telco. Pangilinan said he remained optimistic about the outlook for PLDT this year. Good number for 2018, and I think Im optimistic about 2019, he said.The countrys largest telecom company posted a net income of P16.48 billion in January to September in 2018, down from P21.87 billion in the same period in 2017. PLDT saw a net profit of P4.5 billion in the third quarter, lower than P5.38 billion a year ago. Data showed that excluding foreign exchange gains and other non-recurring income, PLDT, without Voyager, recorded a core profit of P19.07 billion in the first nine months, up by 5 percent from P18.12 billion in 2017. PLDTs revenues increased 4 percent in the first nine months of 2018 to P111.88 billion from P113.35 billion in the same period in 2017. PLDTs home business revenues grew 12 percent to P27.3 million, while enterprise business expanded 10 percent to P28.4 billion. Individual wireless services revenues continued to gain momentum  rising 4 percent to P45.5 billion in the first nine months of 2018. This was the fourth consecutive quarter of growth for this business group.Shenandoah! A beautiful valley and a winding river -- how fortunate we are to live here! And since I love photography, I'm taking plenty of pictures and sharing them here. You'll find other subjects too. If you like historic sites or gardens or animals, you'll find them on this blog. Please visit often and feel free to comment.I also enjoyed Dennis Claysons column about how the Democrats got Trump elected. I just wish the Democrats would give up on this Russia investigation. Millions of dollars are being spent that could go toward a security wall on our U.S./Mexico border; $5.7 billion is a drop in the bucket compared to what has been spent on wars with Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria.

Our government would be spending a lot more if we let hundreds of thousands of immigrants in. They would all probably want food stamps and free medical care. If the Democrats are against the wall, let them open their homes.

Speak up America! Arent we better off than we were under Obamas terms?

Need a wall

KENT KISCHER

WATERLOO  Two years ago I was skeptical of President Trump because of his disastrous and stupid sayings. All presidents make some mistakes. When we were young adults we were no better than them. Can we forgive them? Trumps few sentences impressed me. He is bold and brave. With all of those media organizations labeling him badly. We are supposed to encourage him to do a good job. Please stop whining. He is trying to clean up the mess. He is a doer; so are Steve King and Rod Blum.

Bush, Bush, Clinton, Obama, Pelosi, Schumer and others have all on TV given speeches saying we must stop illegal immigration and build a south border wall. During the Obama administration, Democrats voted and approved $25 billion, which would increase national debt greatly. They and Pelosi are wasting their time. She is a show lady. They are heading for progressive socialism. I was supposed to learn that there were several tunnels under the wall for illegals to escape and filter into America so the wall is a must. A good long-term investment.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0To the extent newly elected presidents tend to represent the antithesis of the incumbent, the younger Bush was plainly Clintons opposite. And, needless to say, Obama was Bushs. Then came Donald Trump, who emerged from central casting as the opposite not only of Obama but of all things decent, fair and true.

Who, pray, will be the non-Trump?

By all rights, it should be a woman of color to counter Trumps grab-em-by-the-[whatever] misogyny and his dog-whistling to Jim Crow. California Sen. Kamala Harris would be the obvious choice given those criteria. But as telegenic, experienced and charismatic as she is, Harris pro-debt-free-college and Medicare-for-all positions would be hard sells in a general election.

Enter Schultz. Hes richer than Trump; as white as Trump; a man. You see the problem. But he does have antidotal qualities. Hes polite, smart, self-made, articulate, calm, rational  and a centrist like millions of voters. Given that the two major political parties have been rendered ridiculous by their bases  and 56 percent of Americans say they wouldnt consider voting for Trump, according to a Washington Post poll released Tuesday  why not a third way? Besides, theres no guarantee hed attract only Democratic votes.The Trump White House, in fact, has made it much harder for even legal and asylum-seeking immigrants to enter the U.S. Still, its actions dont mean todays much-tinkered with immigration system is workable. If anything, it points to the need for a dramatic overhaul.

According to the USA Today report, two California lawmakers, Sen. Dianne Feinstein and Rep. Zoe Lofgren, both Democrats, have a plan called The Agricultural Worker Program Act. It would grant blue card status to immigrants who have worked in agriculture for at least 100 days over the past two years.

The sticking point, however, may be the blue card, a reward for being an engine in the economy, could lead to a residency permit within a few years. As such, few GOP politicians, and no one in the White House, will touch it.

That vacuum offers farmers and ranchers the opportunity to lead on immigration. They have, after all, both the need and the presidents ear.

But do they, including Big Ags most Trump-favored farm group, the AFBF, have the guts to help broker an overhaul of the nations immigration system so that it ensures both justice to the immigrants and a steady flow of high quality, reasonably-priced food to the nation?

Its a bold move now in need of bold leaders.

The Farm and Food File is published weekly through the U.S. and Canada. Source material and contact information are posted at www.farmandfoodfile.com.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0The degree difference could be one factor in the stark unemployment difference. But its not the only factor, as Deb Berry and others with advanced degrees can attest.

Weve done everything society says. Weve gone to college, Berry said. You worked hard to get this job you had to be 10 times as good at (as a white person). ... Or this (black) person has all of the qualifications, but does not get the job.

Those things can portend future income. Median household income for the metro was $53,689. Whites surpassed the median, earning an average of $56,520 per household in 2017, while blacks fell far below  earning an average household income of just $27,811. The level to receive public energy, shelter and medical assistance in Black Hawk County for a family of four is $24,192.

And income can predict poverty: The poverty rate for the metro area is 14 percent. The percentage of white residents under the poverty level was 12.3 percent, while nearly a third of black residents were under the poverty level  32.5 percent.Hy-Vee aids food banks

WEST DES MOINES  On Friday, Hy-Vee Inc. launched a campaign called Feed the Need to help replenish local food banks across its eight-state region.

The supermarket chain recently become aware of a major crisis food banks face  with many being extremely low on food due to an influx of additional people over the past several weeks needing assistance. In addition, food banks historically have lower donations in February than any other time of year.

Hy-Vee will hold a Feed the Need campaign at all of its Hy-Vee stores to help replenish local food banks. Customers can participate by simply rounding up their purchases to the next dollar  or a desired dollar amount  at the checkout. Hy-Vee will then match customer donations, up to $100,000, to help restock food banks.

The money raised at Hy-Vee stores will assist local food banks in their area.

Immigration to be discussed

CEDAR FALLS  The Great Decisions study group will meet in the conference room, at the Cedar Falls Public Library from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday.Last sentencing in teens death

ADEL (AP)  The last of several people charged in the starvation death of a 16-year-old Iowa girl has been sentenced to prison.

Josie Bousman was sentenced Friday to up to 14 years after she pleaded guilty to neglect and two child endangerment counts in the death of Sabrina Ray. Bousman lived in the home with the teen and was there when the teen died in May 2017. Sabrina weighed just 56 pounds at the time of her death.

October trial set in 1979 killing

CEDAR RAPIDS (AP)  A trial date has been set for a man accused of killing an Iowa high school student almost 40 years ago.

A trial for 65-year-old Jerry Burns, of Manchester, has been set for Oct. 14 in Linn County.

Burns has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder. Police arrested him Dec. 19, 39 years to the day after 18-year-old Michelle Martinko was killed. Her body was found the next day inside her familys car at a Cedar Rapids mall. She had been stabbed in the face and chest.

Police say investigators matched a blood sample from the crime scene with a sample taken from Burns.

New trial set in Tibbetts caseWATERLOO  Sparks could fly as Waterloo reconsiders banning residents from shooting off fireworks.

The City Council is scheduled Monday to vote on a proposed ordinance which would allow the use of consumer fireworks for three days around the Fourth of July holiday.

The meeting is scheduled at 5:30 p.m. Monday in City Hall and also includes a public hearing on a proposed zoning ordinance further restricting where fireworks dealers can set up shop in the city.

Iowa lawmakers in 2017 lifted an 80-year-old statewide ban on the use of consumer fireworks.

But after concerns about the impact on persons with stress disorders, pets and litter, the Waterloo City Council joined a host of other large cities, including neighboring Cedar Falls, voting to prohibit consumer fireworks use.

The proposed Waterloo ordinance would allow fireworks to be shot off from noon to 11 p.m. July 4 and from noon to 10 p.m. on both July 3 and July 5 each year.

Thats still more restrictive that state law, which allows fireworks to be sold and used from June 1 through July 8 and again from Dec. 10 through Jan. 3.Ottesen said the commission has similar concerns about two other vacant downtown buildings, including the former Waterloo Courier/Mongomery Ward building at Park Avenue and Commercial Street and the old Fire Station No. 2 at 716 Commercial St.

Vacant buildings are a big concern as deterioration is much more rapid than in occupied ones, he added.

City officials said there have been calls recently for the city to take possession of the Central Battery Building, named after Central Battery and Electric Co., which called it home from 1965 to 1985.

Current owner Richard Thomas, an artist and educator in New Orleans, has continued to pay property taxes and has not given up on his plans to restore the building as an art studio and community center.

Thomas bought the property in 2006 after his family moved to Waterloo after Hurricane Katrina. He was living in the building and working to turn it into his art studio, dry good store and cafe when the 2008 Cedar River flood drove his family back to New Orleans.

Thomas, who created the large mural on the parking garage over Lafayette Street between Park Avenue and East Fourth Street, said he still intends to return to Waterloo at some point to work on the building.Much, but not all, of that increase  basically $5.75 per $100,000 of taxable value, said Gillen  relates to the higher tax rate. A 4 percent increase in taxable value across Hawkeyes service area accounts for the remaining $1.32. At least part of that is due to a change in the state-ordered rollback, which will tax a higher portion of a homes assessed value.

For more than a decade, the college kept its tax rate under $1. It rose to $1.01 per $1,000 for the current fiscal year. Gillen noted that rate puts Hawkeye eighth among Iowas 15 community colleges  right in the middle.

If property tax levies to repay bond issues are excluded, Hawkeyes rate is reduced by 25 cents, making it the second lowest in the state. The voter-approved bonds are issued for specific projects over a limited time, so the funds arent used for the colleges day-to-day operations.

We are really lagging behind other community colleges in the state with regard to our tax rate, said Gillen, suggesting that could make Hawkeye less competitive than its counterparts. Youve got to start using the same tools they are.The Floyd County Sheriff's Office said deputies attempted to pull over a vehicle for speeding around 6:47 p.m. in the 2600 block of Highway 14. The vehicle refused to stop and sped away from deputies, reaching speeds of more than100 mph, before going into a ditch in the 2100 block of 210th Street, deputies said.



As the President prepares for his second State of the Union address on Tuesday, his poll numbers show little improvement.

By James DiGeorgia

President Trump enters his third year in office never having seen his job approval numbers hit 50%; something no other modern president has faced. He took an absolute beating as a result of his declared ownership of the longest U.S. government shutdown in history. Now a week after the end of that shutdown, his poll numbers are close to their historic lows of his Presidency.

Real Clear Politics, a normally friendly tracker of polls for Republicans, shows an average approval rating of just 41% for President Trump and disapproval or 55.5%. Thats a 14.5% upside down spread in approval that could be a precursor to an electoral disaster for both the GOP and the President, and the 2020 election just under two years away.

The polling numbers of people who consider the country is heading in the right direction versus the wrong direction are even worse for a President that won his last election by less than 78,000 in total in four key states, Wisconsin, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Michigan.

Only 34.3% of those polled believe the country is heading in the right direction and 58.3% believe the country is heading in the right direction an astounding 24% spread according to Real Clear Politics averages.

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Despite the polling numbers and being outmaneuvered by Speaker Nancy Pelosi, President Trump continues on the same course he was on before the mid-term elections that resulted in the loss of 40+ seats and control of the House of Representatives. His focus on immigration and disastrous trade wars are eroding his and GOP support to only his hardcore supporters.

Worse, now that the Democrats control the House of Representatives his administration, family, and businesses are likely to be confronted with as many as 84 investigative subpoenas from Congress that are going to nothing but further damage public opinion and his chances of re-election.

Also, its highly likely that several more indictments will follow that of the Presidents longtime friend and political ally Roger Stone.

Former Sam Nunberg is quoted in several recent interviews that he believes special counsel Robert Muellers investigators have a strong case of a conspiracy involving Russia.

In an interview with John Heilemann on Showtimes The Circus, Nunberg said referring to Trump confidante Roger Stone

When I went to the special counsel for the voluntary interview, it was, Roger, Roger, Roger, Roger.

Nunberg went on to say that prosecutors wanted to know what did Roger and Trump discuss in their phone calls.

I could tell what they were going to do to Roger,

I think Roger could tell what theyre going to do to Trump. These aren't the guys you f**k around with. They have a strong case of a conspiracy.

All of the troubles likely to brewing and bubbling to the forefront in the next two years make it difficult for political analysts on both sides of the aisle to believe President Trump will find those approximately 78,000 votes he won by in 2016 on Election Day 2020.



President Trump loves claiming credit for Foxconns $10 billion plan to build a factory in Wisconsin. He even attended this past summers groundbreaking claiming at the time it happened only because of me.

By James DiGeorgia

President Trump claimed a big win this past week after one of the worlds largest electronics manufacturers, Foxconn announced it had changed its mind, about building a new $10 billion manufacturing facility for display-panels, and that it would not be creating the previously estimated 13,000 jobs in Wisconsins southeastern corner over the next 15 years.

After a phone call between President Trump and the firms CEO, the firm instead reversed course again and announced it would build the new plant. The President who has been hit with disappointments by General Motors, Harley Davidson, Carrier, and other companies recognized the decision by Foxconn could potentially be very damaging to his 2020 re-election prospects.

President Trump and former Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker had during the 2016 election campaign touted Foxconns new $10 billion plant as the beginning of a new blue-collar jobs revival. The jobs created were supposed to pay an average annual wage of $53,000 annually.

Wisconsin had outbid both Virginia and New York for the facility with $4 billion in tax breaks and incentives. Also, the state has already invested $190 million in land acquisitions, legal expenses and infrastructure expansion for the new Foxconn manufacturing plant.

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News of the change of plans from Foxconn, which cited changes in the global market environment that existed when the project was first announced has changed. This prompted President Trump to step in and call the companys CEO Terry Gou. The call from the president convinced Foxconn on Friday, not to cancel the project. In a Tweet following the call President Trump wrote

Great news on Foxconn in Wisconsin after my conversation with Terry Goul!

However, the reality isnt one of a happy ending. Leading up to the latest flip-flop by Foxconn, there has been a steady plan to downsize the number of expected jobs that would be created by the new plant. Job reductions from 13,000 over the next 15 years to less than 5,000 jobs with the reduction specifically by the company in the numbers of estimated blue-collar jobs that will be created.

The fact is accelerating technologies in robotics and automated manufacturing over the next decade could reduce the number of jobs that will be created in Wisconsin by Foxconn to less than 3,500 according to analysts familiar with the industry. That would be an economic disaster given the investment the state of Wisconsin has committed to, by the former GOP governor. Who aggressively touted the Foxconn plant as central to his losing re-election campaign.

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If Foxconn does create 3,500 new jobs, given the $4 billion in tax breaks and incentives including the $190 million in spending already, each job created will cost the state government more than $1.4 million each.

Theres just no way you can justify job creation at the cost of $1.4 million per job says Geoff Garbacz, the editor of SuperstockInvestor.com a resident of Wisconsin.

The decision by Foxconn to build the $10 billion plant could end up being an enormous boondoggle for taxpayers of Wisconsin.

I understand President Trump, like all of his predecessors, likes to boast about jobs and economic development but this has the makings of an economic disaster all for one purpose  so he can take credit again where none is due.

President Trumps insistence of pointing to announcements by individual companies of job creation instead of focusing on broad economic improvements made under his administration is extremely dangerous. Trump routinely seizes on corporate investment news from General Motors, Fiat or Apple and uses these announcements in tweets and for rally applause lines. Announcements by companies like these can be fleeting in what can be rapidly changing economic environments. Especially, with President Trumps trade wars slowing economic growth around the world.



The Chinese are clearly doing everything they can to end President Trumps trade war. By starting to buy U.S. soybeans, theyre trying to show good faith.

By Michael London

Chinese state-owned firms resumed its purchases of U.S. soybeans on Friday, with the purchases of an estimated 1 million tons. These purchases come a day after high-level bilateral talks held in Washington D.C. reportedly showed significant progress in reaching a trade deal. Vice Premier Liu He of China announced, China would buy at least 5 million tons on Thursday, as the talks were temporarily recessed to give both sides time to contemplate the offers on the table.

Soybean futures rallied on Friday on news of the Chinese purchases, but the gains in futures prices were at best small because the 1 million tons barely makes a dent in the enormous stockpiles here in the United States and around the world. Also, Brazil, the worlds top grower and a lower cost producer of soybeans, is expected to enjoy a bumper crop this year.

James DiGeorgia of World Opportunity Investor says

Its very likely that the Chinese will buy an additional 4 million tons soybeans in the US market to make good on the Vice Premier Liu Hes promise on Thursday and the Soybean prices will be buttressed. However, dont expect a genuine rally given the immense oversupply in the market.

The Chinese purchases by state-owned firms are immune from the 25% import tariffs imposed by the Chinese government in retaliation to President Trumps tariffs imposed on Chinese imports into the United States. However, those Chinese tariffs in U.S. soybeans are still in effect for U.S. soy imports by Chinese commercial firms.

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The Chinese market for soybeans is the largest in the world. Exports from the United States have collapsed as a result of President Trumps Chinese trade war and have sent the price of soybeans to their lowest levels in a decade. The price decline is putting U.S. farmers in a struggle not only to turn a profit but to survive. China has shifted its purchases of soybeans to Brazil.

In 2017 China bought over 30 million tons of U.S. grown soybeans, in 2018 it purchased just 6.5 million tons.

President Trump and China are strongly motivated to nail down a trade agreement and end the trade war. President Xi is facing a major slowdown in the Chinese economy, and Donald Trump is wary of inflicting any more economic damage to U.S. farmers whose votes and support he needs for re-election. Theres absolutely no way President Trump can win re-election in 2020 if he doesn't have the same level of support from U.S. farmers he did in 2016.



In the largest Aussie Millions Main Event in history, Bryn Kenney defeated a field of 822 players and walked away with AU$1,272,598 (US$923,269) after a three-handed deal between him, fellow American Mike Del Vecchio and Australian Andrew Hinrichsen.

Coming into the final table as the short stack, Kenney scored two doubles within the first 50 hands of the day to steady the ship and when play was down to the final three players, Kenney scored another timely double to stay alive.

After over 100 hands of three-handed play, the trio returned from break and agreed to look at the numbers, with Kenney taking home the biggest slice of the remaining prize pool and with it the title, trophy and ANTON Jewelry bracelet.

Here are the revised payouts following the three-handed deal:

Place Winner Country Prize ( in AUD) Prize (in USD) Deal Prize (in AUD) Prize (in USD) 1 Bryn Kenney United States AU$1,850,000 $1,342,175 AU$1,272,598* $923,269* 2 Mike Del Vecchio United States AU$1,130,000 $819,815 AU$1,272,162* $922,953* 3 Andrew Hinrichsen Australia AU$662,500 $480,644 AU$1,097,739* $796,410* 4 Clinton Taylor Australia AU$483,000 $350,417 5 Matthew Wakeman Australia AU$380,300 $275,908 6 Gyeong Byeong Lee Korea AU$309,000 $224,180 7 Hamish Crawshaw New Zealand AU$242,000 $175,571

*denotes deal of the last three players

"I said that I wasn't interested in a deal unless I was going to win," Kenney told PokerNews. "If we were going to play to win, then I'm happy to play to win. But if I'm going to make a deal then I feel like the tournament is sort of over. They were big pay jumps; I've played for this much before, but this must have been the biggest pay jump that they've both ever been involved in."

"It's strange for things sinking in. A lot of times I'll do some incredible feats and I won't think of it as incredible because I judge myself so harshly about playing the best and doing the best I can in every scenario.

"Now it'll be nice to relax, have a week's vacation and just relax a little bit. Just be the champion and not think about poker!"

Runner-up Mike Del Vecchio

Runner-up Mike Del Vecchio picked up second place in the deal despite holding the chip lead three-handed, and adds AU$1,272,162 to the AU$370,000 he won for his fifth place finish in the Aussie Millions Main Event last year.

"It's bittersweet," admitted Del Vecchio. "I wanted that trophy more than anything in the world. When we were doing the deal negotiations, he wanted the win and the money. I was like I'm not giving you both. So, in the end, I didn't give him a cent, but it feels bittersweet. I wanted the trophy really badly."

Third-place finisher Andrew Hinrichsen

Finishing in third place was the best-performing Australian at this year's final table Andrew Hinrichsen who rounded out the top three with a seven-figure score of his own, taking home AU$1,097,739, over AU$400,000 more than third place.

"I'm not sure it's sunk in yet. Coming back from break I was expecting to continue battling three-handed. But when it comes to a complete halt like that, there's a bit of you that has this flat feeling.

"But I was very happy to lock up almost second place money as the short stack. I've not played many AU$500,000 poker games before and I don't plan on any time soon!"

Final Table Recap

The seven players resumed play today with Mike Del Vecchio holding the chip lead following a big double late on Day 4. However, his lead was under threat as soon as the first orbit as qualifier Clinton Taylor pulled a ballsy check-shove with bottom pair forcing Del Vecchio to fold top pair.

Taylor was the player catching the eye early on, telling Del Vecchio that he would see the hand later on the stream and that he would find it "very entertaining." He also enjoyed chatting with Bryn Kenney at the table.

Bryn Kenney and Clinton Taylor

"I like to talk with people who I don't know about," said Kenney. "We've kind of been going in the wrong direction with players taking it too seriously and making it not fun for people who are here to have fun.

"All poker players have the same kind of lifestyle, just poker, poker, poker. I find it interesting talking with guys who can play for fun because maybe they didn't do the same route as us professionals. They have different skills, but a poker player is still a gamble. They're interesting people who play for fun."

Hamish Crawshaw eliminated in seventh place

This pot for Taylor shunted the Del Vecchio back into the middle of the pack, and it got worse for Del Vecchio when he ran ace-king into Gyeong Byeong Lee's pocket kings which saw the Korean double back into contention.

With Del Vecchio falling back, the position of chip leader was taken up by Andrew Hinrichsen who was also responsible for the first elimination of the day. The sole Kiwi at the final table was Hamish Crawshaw who called off a four-bet shove holding pocket queens against Hinrichsen who had ace-jack. An ace on the flop was a disaster and Crawshaw had to settle for seventh place and AU$242,000 in prize money.

"It would have been nice to take it down," said Crawshaw. "Sometimes you've just got to get it in and flip for your tournament life with huge amounts of money at stake. It was a surreal experience. Just happy to get this far. Unfortunately, the final table didn't go so well but that's how it is. You've just got to take what's given to you."

Gyeong Byeong Lee (left) finished in sixth place

Kenney had enjoyed a quiet beginning to the tournament, and after laddering up one spot, he got his chips in the middle with pocket jacks and held against the ace-king of Lee leaving the Korean with four big blinds.

They went in against Hinrichsen two hands later with Lee holding ace-king and looking in good shape against Hinrichsen's jack-ten. That was until a ten appeared on the flop and with no further help, Lee was eliminated in sixth place for AU$309,000.

This stretched Hinrichsen's chip lead to over ten million, as the other players battled for position. One of those players was Matthew Wakeman who was on the bad end of a couple of hands to drop down the counts.

Matthew Wakeman eliminated in fifth place

But when he picked up queens he probably saw a route back into the tournament. That was until his shove was called by Clinton Taylor who had picked up aces. No help for Wakeman saw him eliminated in fifth for AU$380,300.

Four-handed it was Del Vecchio occupying the bottom rung on the chip counts, but he would score a fortuitous double through Taylor. Holding pocket deuces against pocket fours, Del Vecchio flopped a two to double up and send Taylor tumbling down the counts.

Clinton Taylor eliminated in fourth place

Taylor spied a way back into the contest when his ace-king came up against Hinrichsen's pocket nines, but the chip leader turned a straight to eliminate Taylor in fourth place for AU$483,000.

With Taylor's elimination coming in Hand #99 and over one hundred hands remaining until the players agreed to a deal, there was still a lot of poker to play despite Hinrichsen holding almost two-thirds of the chips in play.

"Three-handed you start feeling more emotions," explained Kenney. "You don't wanna come in third once the pay jumps start to get really big."

And boy were the pay jumps big, with almost AU$1,200,000 difference between first and third. But there was no rush to look at the numbers as the players seemed content to play it out.

The three-handed play was a masterclass both in limped pots and "taking it to the streets." Kenney scored a simple double through Del Veccio ace-five vs. king-seven as the two tussled for control between runaway chip leader Hinrichsen.

The final players in action at the feature table

The runaway Australian was finally pegged back in an exciting hand which saw Del Vecchio turn quads but Hinrichsen river the nut straight and pay off Del Vecchio to earn the American a full double, flattening the chip counts somewhat as the American found himself in the chip lead.

There was another level of play with no real breakthrough for any player, and after the trio returned from break, they agreed a deal which handed Kenney the win.

Player Chip Count Deal Payout (AUD) Deal Payout (USD) Mike Del Vecchio 9,315,000 AU$1,272,162* $922,953 Bryn Kenney 8,890,000 AU$1,272,598* $923,269 Andrew Hinrichsen 6,505,000 AU$1,097,739* $796,410

"I've had bigger wins than this," said Kenney, "But it's amazing to do it in this city. I've been having a good time with these people. It's by far the most I've ever been asked to take a picture. During the whole tournament every time I'm on a break maybe 2-3 people want to take a picture. That's how poker should be, watching and having a good time.

"It's the best tournament stop in the world. During the summer here you just walk outside on break and it's just nice here. I don't have a complaint about it so I'd recommend anyone to come here next year - every year! It's just a great stop!"Aussie Millions Down to 38; Mike Del Vecchio Leads

January 31 2019 Will Shillibier

After seven levels on Day 3 of the 2019 Aussie Millions Main Event, the record-breaking field of 822 has been whittled down to just 42 with a familiar name leading the way.

Mike Del Vecchio finished fifth in last year's Main Event for A$370,000 ($299,033) and told PokerNews that a "pretty incredible" Day 3 resulted in him bagging 2,403,000.

"Honestly it was about as perfect as it could possibly have gone. I can't understand how it could have gone any better."

"I never really lost a pot the entire day," said Del Vecchio. "I had a really frustrating Day 1, with a good last level. Then a really frustrating Day 2, but again a good last level. But today I just won every pot all day.

"Honestly it was about as perfect as it could possibly have gone. I can't understand how it could have gone any better."

However, Del Vecchio has his sights set on another deep run and potentially another final table.

"In my mind, I'd love some redemption. In my mind, last year I played a poor final table, and I'd really like to make the final table and make up for it."

Other big stacks include Dingxiang Ong (1,402,000) who jumped up the leaderboard after his aces eliminated Hayato Kitajima who held kings, Matthew Wakeman (1,292,000) who cracked Michael Soyza's queens, and David Wang (1,247,000) who rivered an ace with ace-king to crack Jesse Sylvia's jacks late in the day.

Position Player Country Chip Count Big Blinds 1 Mike Del Vecchio United States 2,403,000 200 2 Dingxiang Ong Singapore 1,402,000 117 3 Matthew Wakeman Australia 1,292,000 108 4 David Wang Australia 1,247,000 104 5 Andrew Hinrichsen Australia 1,230,000 103 6 Gavin Flynn Ireland 1,050,000 88 7 Greg Heaver Australia 962,000 80 8 Ryan Otto New Zealand 927,000 77 9 Chun Kwok Hong Kong 923,000 77 10 Andrian Chin Australia 838,000 70

Dingxiang Ong bagged up second in chips

Big names still in the Main Event are former bracelet-winner Andrew Hinrichsen (1,230,000), Bryn Kenney (782,000), Pim de Goede (780,000), Michael Addamo (623,000), Michael Egan (609,000), Quan Zhou (528,000), Farid Jattin (493,000), Vojtech Ruzicka (443,000), Jack Salter (239,000), Day 1c chip leader Cole Swannack (204,000), and Dominik Panka (185,000).

Day 3 Recap

If Day 2 was moving day, then Day 3 was money day in the record-breaking 2019 Aussie Millions Main Event. Just 88 players from the 168 who started the day were guaranteed a min-cash of AU$15,600, and it took until just before the dinner break for the money bubble to appear on the horizon.

Among the players to bust before the money was reached were Jackie Glazier, who lost out to Michael Soyza early; Day 1b chip leader Julian Stuer, who ran ace-king into the kings of Robert Glasspool; and 2019 Aussie Millions 8 Game champion Michael Gathy, whose two pair fell foul of the straight of Gyeong Byeong Lee.

Tyron Krost, the last Aussie Millions champion, was eliminated before the money, losing ace-queen to the ace-king of Jim Chahoud for most of his chips.

Former champion Tyron Krost was eliminated short of the money on Day 3

The players headed off on dinner break just one elimination away from the money, with Farid Jattin the clear chip leader with over 1,500,000 in chips. When the players returned, there were doubles for Bruno Portaro, Hayato Kitajima, Michael Addamo, and Anthony Kingston before the bubble eventually burst.

Del Vecchio explained how he chipped up on the bubble despite being seated at a tough table.

"I had a really tough table with Jake Salter and [eventual bubble boy] Maxi Lehmanski, and we all had a ton of chips, so I was prepared for a tough battle. But eventually they lost some chips - some to me, some to others - and all of a sudden I had a dominating stack and I had the leverage to eventually burst the bubble."

Bubble boy Maxi Lehmanski was was eliminated after running his pocket jacks ran into the pocket kings of Del Vecchio. After a queen-high board was dealt, Lehmanski was eliminated, guaranteeing the remaining players AU$15,600.

Maxi Lehmanski Bubbles the 2019 Aussie Millions Main Event

Early eliminations in the money included Ajay Chabra (86th - AU$15,600), Andrew Chen (74th - AU$15,600), Oliver Gill (73rd - AU$15,600), Billy 'The Croc' Argyros (67th - AU$20,500), Michael Soyza (57th - AU$20,500), Rory Young (54th - AU$25,400), and Nauvneel Kashyap (51st - AU$25,400).

The Aussie Millions Main Event resumes at 12:30 p.m. local time on Friday, 1 February with the aim to play down to a final table of seven. The tournament will redraw at 36 players to create six tables of six players and will continue six-handed for the remainder of the tournament. Stay tuned to PokerNews for Aussie Millions Main Event live updates. The Aussie Millions live reporting on PokerNews.com includes live updates of the AU$100,000 Challenge on Friday.By James Oliphant

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Representative Tulsi Gabbard, an Iraq War veteran who at times has had a spiky relationship with the Democratic Party, on Saturday added another liberal voice to a burgeoning field of candidates seeking the party's 2020 presidential nomination.

Gabbard, 37, officially launched her candidacy in Hawaii, where she has served as a congresswoman since 2013. A Samoan-American, she was the first Hindu elected to Congress.

She told the crowd gathered she was running against "powerful, self-serving politicians and greedy corporations," and vowed to restore "dignity, honor and respect to the presidency."

"Join me in putting this spirit of service above self at the forefront and stand up against the forces of greed and corruption," she said.

Gabbard made headlines in 2016 by quitting a leadership post at the Democratic National Committee over the partys decision to limit the number of debates between presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders, a move analysts said helped Clinton.

She then endorsed Sanders for president, becoming one of the few members of Congress to do so. She remains popular with some progressives but will have serious competition on that front with candidates such as Senators Kamala Harris and Elizabeth Warren in the presidential field.

Gabbard has consistently opposed U.S. intervention in Syria, going as far as to secretly meet with Syrias president, Bashar al-Assad, in January 2017, sparking fierce criticism from some in her own party. She opposes removing Assad from power.

Gabbard has not been a factor in early 2020 opinion polls, and her nascent campaign already has shown signs of trouble.

Politico reported this week that her campaign manager Rania Batrice was set to depart in the coming days after weeks of disarray.

Gabbards campaign on Friday confirmed the departure but said Batrice would remain an adviser to Gabbard.

Story continues

Gabbard also was forced to apologize for her past opposition to same-sex marriage, which she now supports, and has been engaged in a public feud with Hawaii's popular Democratic Senator Mazie Hirono over a federal judicial nominee.

Democratic nominating contests begin in February 2020. The candidate who amasses the majority of delegates will be nominated at the partys convention in the summer and will likely face Republican President Donald Trump in November's general election.

Gabbard served in Iraq and Kuwait in a Hawaii National Guard field medical unit, experiences she said helped inform her non-interventionist foreign policy views. She has made veterans issues a priority while in Congress.

In 2017 she expressed skepticism over the Trump administration's conclusion that Assad's government was behind a chemical weapons attack that killed dozens in Syria. Former Democratic presidential candidate Howard Dean called Gabbard's views "a disgrace" and said she was unfit to be in Congress.

Last November, she blasted Trump for not taking a harder stance toward Saudi Arabia following the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

She also slammed the administration for supporting Saudi Arabia in its conflict with Yemen.

In 2015, she parted with many Democrats by criticizing then-President Barack Obama for refusing to use the term "Islamic extremism" to describe members of Islamic State and other militant groups.

(Reporting by James Oliphant and Pete Schroeder; Editing by Colleen Jenkins and Alistair Bell)AFP UK

When I talk to frontline warriors, when I talk to doctors, they tell me that in the fight against the coronavirus, they used yoga as a protective shield" said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he kicked off another muted International Yoga Day. "When I talk to frontline warriors, when I talk to doctors, they tell me that in the fight against corona, they used yoga as a protective shield, he added. Yoga Day -- proposed by Modi and adopted by the United Nations in 2014 -- is observed mostly in India, but also worldwide on the Northern Hemisphere's longest day. Throughout the pandemic, India's ministry of yoga and ayurveda has touted yoga and herbal medicines -- sales of which have boomed -- to protect and even cure those with the virus.By Saad Sayeed

ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - Authorities in Pakistan's Baluchistan province said on Sunday they had launched an investigation into the death of a regional leader of a Pakistani civil rights group, who died in what his movement called a "targeted attack" by police at a sit-in.

Arman Loni died on Saturday after police tried to break up a four-day demonstration in the city of Loralai by the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM), which stages demonstrations nationwide against violence and disappearances carried out by the state.

A police spokesman said Loni had died of a heart attack following clashes between protesters and police. But Mohsin Dawar, a member of parliament and founding member of PTM, said the police had singled Loni out and deliberately beat him to death because of his role as a leader of the group.

"It was a targeted attack on him by police, I think his neck was broken and this was confirmed in the postmortem," Dawar told Reuters, adding that he was killed for his "association with PTM".

The group, which was founded a year ago to protest against the death of a Pashtun man killed by police in the southern port of Karachi, regularly draws thousands of protesters to its demonstrations against state violence. It has called nationwide protests for Tuesday to highlight the killing of Loni.

The Baluchistan chief minister has ordered an inquiry into the killing. Both the Baluchistan home minister and information minister said they had no knowledge of how he died.

PTM blames the Pakistani military and other state organs for what it says are forced disappearances resulting in thousands of unresolved missing persons cases, primarily from the ethnic Pashtun region bordering Afghanistan.

Dawar and fellow lawmaker Ali Wazir, both PTM founders who were elected to parliament in July, were initially barred from entering Baluchistan by security officials and had to use "alternate routes" to make it to Loni's funeral, Dawar said.

Story continues

A notification from the provincial home department reviewed by Reuters said Dawar and Wazir were barred from entering the province for 90 days in "the best interest of peace and security".

Provincial Home Minister Agha Umer Bangulzai confirmed that PTM leader Manzoor Pashteen had been barred from the province but said he knew nothing about movement restrictions on the two lawmakers Dawar and Wazir.

Last month Alamzeb Mehsud, another senior PTM leader, was arrested in Karachi, causing a social media outcry. He has been charged under anti-terrorism and public order laws. Supporters say he has been targeted for protesting against abuses by the military.

(Additional reporting by Gul Yousafzai in Quetta; Writing by Saad Sayeed; Editing by Peter Graff)By Kylie MacLellan

LONDON (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Theresa May said on Sunday she would seek a "pragmatic solution" to a parliamentary impasse over the terms on which Britain leaves the European Union when she tries to reopen talks with Brussels.

With less than two months until Britain is due to leave the bloc on March 29, concerns are growing over the risk of a disorderly 'no deal' exit.

Japanese carmaker Nissan <7201.T> cancelled plans to build its new X-Trail SUV in Britain, saying while it had taken the decision for business reasons the continued uncertainty around Britain's future EU ties was "not helping companies like ours to plan for the future."

Members of parliament, who last month rejected May's Brexit deal with the EU, have instructed her to return to Brussels to renegotiate the arrangements for the post-Brexit border between the United Kingdom and Ireland.

The EU has rejected reopening talks on the so-called 'backstop', an insurance policy to keep an open border on the island of Ireland if Britain and the EU fail to reach a longer-term trade agreement before the end of a transition period.

"MPs said that, with changes to the Northern Ireland backstop, they would support the deal that I agreed with Brussels to take us out of the EU," May wrote in The Sunday Telegraph newspaper.

"When I return to Brussels I will be battling for Britain and Northern Ireland, I will be armed with a fresh mandate, new ideas and a renewed determination to agree a pragmatic solution that delivers the Brexit the British people voted for."

But prominent eurosceptic Conservative Steve Baker said many pro-Brexit lawmakers had broader concerns about her deal.

"Now the PM co-opts us into accepting everything but the backstop," he said on Twitter, adding if all that was agreed on the backstop was a codicil, May could "expect a further substantial defeat for the agreement."

Story continues

Baker will be among Conservatives meeting with Brexit minister Stephen Barclay on Monday, May's office said, to discuss a compromise plan put forward by a group of lawmakers to find an alternative to the backstop.

Trade minister Liam Fox said it would be "irresponsible" for the EU to refuse to reopen the Brexit negotiations.

"Are they really saying that they would rather not negotiate and end up in a 'no-deal' position?" Fox told Sky News. "It is in all our interests to get to that agreement and for the EU to say we are not going to even discuss it seems to me to be quite irresponsible."

May said she was "determined" to deliver Brexit on March 29, but Fox echoed comments by Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt on Thursday that a delay to that leaving date may be needed in order to get legislation through parliament.

LAST THING THE COUNTRY NEEDS

May's office denied a report in two Sunday newspapers that her advisors were considering a June election. The Mail said the plan would be to delay Brexit but win parliament's backing for a deal in April and then renew May's mandate ahead of negotiations on Britain's future relationship with the EU.

May called an election at short notice in 2017 at which she lost her party's majority, leaving her reliant on a small Northern Irish party to govern.

"The last thing this country needs is a general election, I think the people would never forgive us for it, I think what they want is this parliament to deliver Brexit in an orderly way," interior minister Sajid Javid told BBC TV.

The opposition Labour Party has said May needs to seek a customs union with the EU to win the support of its lawmakers, something opposed by many in her Conservative Party.

Javid said: "You can have no hard border on the island of Ireland and you can use existing technology, it is perfectly possible. The only thing that is missing is a bit of goodwill on the EU side."

But Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney said there were "no credible alternative arrangements".

"The backstop is a necessary guarantee, based on legal certainty, not just wishful thinking," he wrote in the Sunday Times. "There is a deal on the table, and walking away from it will have serious consequences for us all."

(Editing by Janet Lawrence and Alexandra Hudson)Liam Fox has said leaving the European Union without a deal will be "survivable".

The international trade secretary told Sophy Ridge on Sunday that it would not be in Britain's best interest to leave without a deal in place with the European Union, and admitted it could put the economy "into a position of unnecessary turmoil".

He said: "We would be able to deal with that scenario but it wouldn't be in our interest to go there.

"It seems to me we have got to guard against two things. One is an irrational pessimism that says that everything will be a catastrophe and irrational optimism which says everything will be okay.

"The truth lies between the two."

But he cautioned against relying on World Trade Organisation terms, which is what Britain will revert to trading on if no deal is reached.

He said: "If WTO was so good people wouldn't be looking to have trade agreements or customs unions which are ways in which you can further improve on those WTO rules.

"It has always seemed to me a bit strange that people would say 'well we don't need to worry about having a future trade deal with Europe, we can operate on WTO terms', while at the same time saying we should have a free trade agreement with the United States to get away from WTO rules. We have to be consistent."

The minister appeared to back a scenario where Article 50 had to be extended, saying it could be needed to ensure legislation goes through in time.

However, he said the clause which triggered the UK's withdrawal from the EU - giving the country two years to negotiate an exit deal - should not be extended if there is no deal in place.

He said: "To extend simply because we hadn't reached an agreement would not provide any impetus for that agreement to be reached and in any case, there is no guarantee the EU would want to do that."

Dr Fox's comments came shortly before Home Secretary Sajid Javid appeared to contradict comments from other cabinet ministers and suggested a technological solution to the hard border on the island of Ireland was easy to find.

Story continues

Mr Javid told the BBC's The Andrew Marr Show: "What matters is legislation - we are planning to leave on March 29 and I want that to be with a deal.

"First we must try to find an alternative to the backstop.

"In my own department I have got Border Force and I asked Border Force months ago to advise me to look at what alternative arrangements were possible.

"They have shown me quite clearly you can have no hard border on the island of Ireland and you can use existing technology.

"It is perfectly possible, the only thing missing is a bit of goodwill on the EU side."

Earlier this week, Business Secretary Greg Clark said he did not believe technology to facilitate a soft border existed yet.

Theresa May is to travel back to Brussels this week having secured a mandate from the Commons to get an alternative arrangement to the backstop to prevent a hard border in Ireland.

Leaders in the EU have previously warned that there is no alternative arrangement to the border problem on the island of Ireland, but Mr Javid said there would be alternative arrangements in the event of a no-deal Brexit.

He said: "Michel Barnier himself said, if there is a no-deal situation, that the EU will help create alternative arrangements for the border.

"And if they can do it in a 'no deal' scenario, why can't they do it in a deal scenario? So there's your answer and that is why I think the most likely outcome is still a deal."

Heiko Maas, Germany's foreign minister, said they would be seeking "clear proposals from London" and rejected the idea that the EU was increasing the risk of a no-deal Brexit.

Mrs May pledged to battle for Britain in a column in the Sunday Telegraph but she faces new pressure after Nissan confirmed it would withdraw its plans to manufacture the X-Trail SUV in Sunderland.

The car firm's plans had been considered a boost to Brexit Britain, but the withdrawal will be leapt on by Remain MPs who will use it to heap pressure on the prime minister to avoid a no-deal Brexit.

Julie Elliott, Sunderland Central MP, said tens of thousands of jobs relied on Nissan and other forms of production in the North East and despite her constituency voting to leave the EU there was "nothing to convince me that crashing out with no deal will benefit us".

Rumours of a general election being held in June were quashed by Mr Javid, who said Conservative Party headquarters were only planning for local elections later this year.

He added: "I think the last thing this country needs is a general election. I think the people will never forgive us for it, what they want is this parliament to deliver Brexit in an orderly way, that is what they are looking for."

Mrs May also faces continuing calls for a second referendum, dubbed a People's Vote, with MPs in several parties urging her to consider taking the deal back to the public to be voted on.

The prime minister has repeatedly refused to hold another vote, but Liberal Democrat leader Vince Cable said it was not a "unicorn", adding it was a "question of timing".

He said: "Parliament is going to reject no deal.

"We may get to a point, a few weeks from here, where the government comes to the conclusion that the only way to get the deal to progress is to take it back to the people."VIENNA (Reuters) - Austria will acknowledge Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido as interim president if Nicolas Maduro does not respond to the European Union's call for a free and fair presidential election, Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said on Twitter.

President Maduro proposed an early parliamentary election on Saturday, seeking to shore up his crumbling rule after a senior general defected to the opposition and tens of thousands thronged the streets in protest at his government.

Kurz's message on Sunday echoed a statement by France's European Affairs Minister Nathalie Loiseau, who dismissed Maduro's election proposal as a "farce".

"I just had a very good phone call with President @jguaido," Kurz tweeted. "He has our full support to restore democracy in Venezuela." Venezuelans had suffered too long from mismanagement and a disregard for the rule of law under Maduro, he said.

(Reporting by Kirsti Knolle; Editing by Janet Lawrence)(Bloomberg) -- Huawei Technologies Co. founder Ren Zhengfei proved a master strategist in building his company into the global leader in telecommunications equipment. Now, in the wake of two U.S. criminal indictments, he faces the unfamiliar task of working out the best legal strategy for allegations that could threaten his companys very existence.

Huaweis first impulse, clearly, has been to fight. The company denied any wrongdoing and said it expects to be found innocent in court. Yet Ren and his legal team have to consider opening negotiations with the Justice Department to find out how to get the company out of peril.

The company signaled it is open to that, saying we are always willing to talk to the U.S. government, according to a statement provided to Bloomberg News. In particular, we are willing to take actions to address the U.S. governments security concerns, and offer unmatched products and technologies that the U.S. needs if it wants to build a world class 5G network.

However, theres no easy solution. Huawei and its chief financial officer are charged with bank fraud over the telecoms business in Iran, while company affiliates are accused of stealing trade secrets from a U.S. wireless operator. At a minimum, Huawei would have to pay a fine, probably in the hundreds of millions of dollars, and promise never to steal intellectual property again, upon penalty of severe sanctions. Rens own daughter, Meng Wanzhou, the CFO, faces a lengthy prison term if shes convicted of misleading banks about the companys activities in Iran.

Even an agreement by the company to plead guilty wouldnt get Huawei everything it wants. The Trump Administration appears dead set against letting the company ever sell its networking equipment to U.S. telecom companies because of espionage concerns, and it will push allies like Australia and Germany to also ban Huawei.

A plea deal wont reverse that stance, but it may salvage something much more important. Huawei needs to be able to keep buying components from American suppliers, particularly semiconductors and optical gear, so that it can sell equipment to customers in Asia, Africa and beyond. Reaching an agreement with the Justice Department on the two cases would likely preserve those supplier relationships, which are essential to Huaweis success in winning contracts for fifth-generation wireless networks around the world.

Story continues

How much Huawei would have to pay to end the criminal cases remains to be seen, but legal experts said working out a deal is better than risking trials and later facing fines, forfeitures and penalties imposed by two courts.

"Without a deal, the maximum penalties become more likely," said Christopher Ott, a former Brooklyn federal prosecutor. "While corporations cant be imprisoned, its U.S. subsidiary can conceivably be dissolved.

A deal isnt only the safest route but also the most expeditious because a fight to extradite Meng from Canada could drag on for years. Those proceedings could turn into a public relations crisis for Huawei if damning allegations about the companys top executives are aired in open court.

The pending charges also make a target of other Huawei executives implicated in the alleged schemes -- but not identified in court papers -- who could be arrested if they travel from China to countries that have extradition treaties with the U.S., according to Peter Henning, a former federal prosecutor who teaches at Wayne State Universitys law school in Detroit.

"Huawei does a lot of business in Europe but now the message for them is to be careful where their executives go," Henning said.

The specific charges Huawei faces for violating sanctions on exports to Iran means the U.S. Treasury Department could put it on a list that bars all U.S. firms from doing business with Huawei and subjects any global bank or company that works with Huawei to possible sanctions, according to Joseph Gustavus, a corporate lawyer with Miller Canfield in Troy, Michigan.

If Huawei is put on the so-called Specially Designated Nationals list, its business partners will be in a tricky situation, said Joe Campbell, director of global investigations and compliance with Navigant Consulting Inc. in Washington.

"They would have to choose between not doing business with Huawei or being liable for U.S. sanctions," Campbell said. "Huawei is a big global company and is deeply involved with businesses around the world."

To avoid the blacklisting, Huawei will need to reach an agreement with Treasury in addition to a plea deal with the Justice Department, and it will have to reprimand the specific employees involved and report to a court-appointed compliance monitor in addition to whatever fines its forced to pay, Gustavus said.

If Huawei decides to fight the charges and demand a trial, it would be taking a risk that several of the worlds largest financial companies chose to avoid when faced with similar prosecutions, including BNP Paribas SA, which pleaded guilty in 2014 and paid a $8.9 billion fine for processing financial transactions for countries under U.S. economic sanctions, including Iran, Sudan and Cuba.

While companies investigated by U.S. law enforcement typically reach a deal with authorities before an indictment -- in many cases deferring prosecution contingent on good behavior -- that doesnt mean Huawei cant still work out a settlement, said Harry Sandick, a former federal prosecutor now in private practice.

Separate from the sanctions-related charges filed in Brooklyn, Huawei was charged in Seattle with scheming to steal trade secrets from American partner T-Mobile US Inc. While the stakes may not be as high -- the maximum fine would be $5 million or three times the value of the stolen secrets -- the case is moving faster to trial, with arraignment set for Feb. 28.

In a civil case, a jury sided with T-Mobile in 2017, saying the company should get $4.8 million in damages for breach of contract. The parties later agreed to drop the case after settlement talks.

The U.S. may be looking for more than just a fine in the criminal case. Huawei has been on the U.S. radar screen for a long time over suspicions of misappropriated intellectual property, according to Alan Sykes, a professor at Stanford Law School. Any deal to drop the case would probably involve court-supervised probation, with the threat of harsh sanctions if Huawei engages in wrongdoing.

Chinas foreign ministry reacted aggressively to the indictments, accusing the U.S. of manipulation and calling on the Trump administration to stop its unreasonable crackdown on Chinese companies.

The Justice Department declined to comment beyond the indictments.

Henning, the former prosecutor, said China will probably have a say in whatever fate its largest tech company negotiates with the U.S.

"This is where diplomacy comes into play," Henning said. "How much will the Chinese government allow? This isnt your normal private company because the Chinese government has so much sway over Huawei, so it becomes a more delicate balancing act.

The cases are: U.S. v. Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd, 18-cr-457, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York (Brooklyn) and U.S. v. Huawei Device Co Ltd, 19-cr-10, U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington (Seattle).

--With assistance from Gao Yuan, Peter Elstrom and Erik Larson.

To contact the reporters on this story: Patricia Hurtado in New York at pathurtado@bloomberg.net;Edvard Pettersson in Los Angeles at epettersson@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Elizabeth Wollman at ewollman@bloomberg.net, ;David Glovin at dglovin@bloomberg.net, Peter Blumberg, Steve Stroth

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com

2019 Bloomberg L.P.By Chen Aizhu and Meng Meng

SINGAPORE/BEIJING (Reuters) - China's state energy giants are set to raise spending on domestic drilling this year to the highest levels since 2016, focussing on adding natural gas reserves in a concerted drive to boost local supplies.

Responding to President Xi Jinping's call last August to boost domestic energy security, China's trio of oil majors - PetroChina, Sinopec Corp and CNOOC Ltd - are adding thousands of wells at oil basins in the remote deserts of the northwest region of Xinjiang, shale rocks in southwest Sichuan province and deepwater fields of the South China Sea.

Firms are showing greater risk appetite, expanding investments faster in exploration than production, emboldened by Beijing's political push and oil near $60 a barrel, said state oil executives and analysts at consultancy Wood Mackenzie.

(GRAPHIC: China's top-3 oilmajors - https://tmsnrt.rs/2HCX2As)

"We shall carry through resolutely the State Council's call on stepping up domestic exploration and development and launch an offensive war," PetroChina Chairman Wang Yilin was cited as saying in an inhouse newspaper in December.

Offshore specialist CNOOC Ltd said last week it was confident of achieving its spending target this year, the highest since 2014. It pledged to spend twice as much this year in domestic exploratory drilling as in 2016.

"With oil prices at $50, $60 and $70...we're making decent profits," Yuan Guangyu, CNOOC's Chief Executive Officer, said last week.

CNPC, Asia's largest oil and gas producer and parent of PetroChina, is boosting risk exploration investment five-fold to 5 billion yuan ($741 million) this year from 1 billion yuan last year.

But with oil reservoirs maturing and new discoveries tending to be smaller and more costly, even more drilling is unlikely to reverse China's declining oil outlook, analysts say.

China, set to remain the world's top oil buyer for years to come, is forecast to slip to the 10th largest global oil producer in 2020, down from No.5 for most of last decade, said Wood Mackenzie.

Story continues

"China will likely continue on the same path as it has in recent years  an overwhelming focus on new gas production, leading to continued decline in its oil output," said Angus Rodger, research director of Asia-Pacific upstream at Wood Mackenzie.

PETROCHINA LEADS PUSH

With Beijing pushing to reduce energy import dependence and hit environmental targets, gas output is forecast by analysts to rise at 6-8 percent a year through 2020.

China, the world's No.3 gas consumer, overtook Japan as the world's top gas importer in October.

PetroChina, which produces some 70 percent of the country's gas output, will lead the drive, adding thousands of wells in southwestern Sichuan, northern Ordos and northwest Tarim basin, CNPC says on its website.

The major is also ramping up shale development in Sichuan, seeking to catch up with Sinopec Corp which has pioneered China's nascent shale push. Despite almost a decade of drilling, shale makes up just 6 percent of China's total gas output because of complex geology and high costs of development.

PetroChina raised its shale gas output 40 percent last year to 4.3 billion cubic metres, while Sinopec's production was largely flat at 6 bcm.

"Controlling the largest and best acreage, CNPC has been ramping up aggressively capital and human resource deployment over the past 3-4 months in Sichuan shale," said Woodmac analyst Max Petrov who tracks Chinese majors' investment.

Sinopec declined comment. CNPC did not respond to Reuters' request for comment.

DEEPWATER

Beyond 2020, deepwater discoveries in the South China Sea, such as Linghui 17-2, some 150km (90 miles) off China's southernmost province of Hainan, will lend growth to China's gas portfolio.

With estimated proven recoverable reserves of 2.5 trillion cubic feet, Lingshui is CNOOC's single-largest fully owned deepwater gas discovery. BG Group walked away with little success after exploratory drilling at the nearby Lingshui 22-1-1 well in 2010.

Aiming to add 50 percent to gas reserves by 2025, CNOOC is expected to step up drilling in the deepwater acreage of the Pearl River Mouth basin and expand earlier major discoveries including Yacheng and Dongfang, both near Hainan province.

"Natural gas is becoming increasingly popular under the government's green push. And its relatively less risky than oil under long-term off-take deals," said a state oil executive.

Companies, however, will hold off drilling in disputed territorial waters of the South China Sea due to technological challenges and the lack of experienced global partners willing to risk exploring those areas, analysts said.

Beijing claims about 90 percent of the South China Sea, whose estimated energy potential varies widely, although geologists believe it holds more gas than oil. Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan also claim parts of the key waterway.

SHORT RESERVE LIFE

Sinopec, traditionally a refiner rather than a driller, has the smallest resource base and may lag its peers, analysts say.

Sinopec's proven oil reserves by end-2017 could last less than six years of production, versus CNOOC's 10 years, while Sinopec's gas reserve life of 8 years is dwarfed by PetroChina's 24 years, according to calculations based on company filings.

Sinopec is expected to boost spending this year, including in developing its second shale gas target, Weirong block, in Sichuan. But the momentum of making new finds is waning, said company officials.

"Sinopec is well aware of its problems, but the will to change that seems to have a bottleneck at the top as the company sees itself more of a downstream, petrochemical player," said Woodmac's Petrov.

(Reporting by Chen Aizhu in Singapore and Meng Meng in Beijing; Editing by Lincoln Feast)On trial: Former chief executive of Barclays wealth and investment management Thomas Kalaris leaves Southwark Crown Court in south London on July 17, 2017. Photo: NIKLAS HALLEN/AFP/Getty Images

Barclays bankers discussed the risk of being rumbled and going to jail over emergency fundraising from Qatar in 2008, a jury heard on Friday.

Four former Barclays bankers stand accused of conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation. The UKs Serious Fraud Office (SFO) alleges that the executives misled investors by hiding the true amount paid to Qatar for a multibillion pound investment at the height of the financial crisis that saved the bank from a state bailout.

The defendants in the case are: John Varley, who was CEO of Barclays between 2004 and 2011; Roger Jenkins, who formerly ran Barclays Capitals investment management business in the Middle East and North Africa; Thomas Kalaris, the former CEO of Barclays wealth and investment management; and Richard Boath, the former head of European financial institutions group at Barclays Capital.

Varley and Jenkins face two counts, and Kalaris and Boath face one. All four defendants have pleaded not guilty. Qatar is not accused of any wrongdoing.

The jeopardy is people say well that was bulls***

In the dock: Former global co-head of Barclays Finance Richard Boath arrives at Southwark Crown Court on January 14, 2019 in London, England. Photo: Jack Taylor/Getty Images

On Friday, the court was played a recording of a phone call between Kalaris and Boath made on June 11, 2008. The pair discussed the particulars of Qatars investment in Barclays and what disclosures would need to be made to the market about it.

I dont want to go to jail, so Mark youve got to make sure youre comfortable, Kalaris said, referencing Barclays legal chief at the time Mark Harding. Harding is not accused of any wrongdoing.

The call related to the possible disclosure of a fee paid to Qatar under a separate agreement. The prosecution alleges that this Advisory Service Agreement (ASA) side deal was a smokescreen to cover fee payments. Qatar was paid a fee of 3.25% for its investment, the Crown alleges, more than double the rate other Barclays investors received at the time.

Kalaris said on the call the jury heard that he was incredibly sensitive about the deal and said: The worst case scenario is somebody says well its not economic and I say bullshit, you know, you know, were paying this amount of money, in this relationship, with these guys, were delighted to do it.

Story continues

Boath replies: Yeah, I mean the jeopardy is that were rumbled and people say well that was bullshit, you know, this is just a fee in the backdoor.

I mean this is one of these things where you know, if you go down the whole place goes down with you, right?, Kalaris said.

Thats correct, were all going for the shit  well all be going for the shit food and the bad sex, Boath said on the tape. Thats not what I want.

On Thursday, the jury had heard a recording of a separate call between Kalaris and Boath in which Kalaris jokes that none of us wants to go to jail here because the food sucks and the sex is worse.

On Fridays call, Boath went on to describe the discussions over disclosures about the Qataris investment as one of the most dangerous aspects of this whole transaction.

Edward Brown QC, the SFOs lead lawyer, told the jury: It was evident, you may think members of the jury, that Boath and Kalaris were concerned that they felt that they alone should not be held responsible for the consequences of this decision.

A misleading audit trail

Defendant: Former Barclays head of investment banking and investment management in the Middle East, Roger Jenkins arrives at Southwark Crown Court on January 14, 2019 in London, England. Photo: Jack Taylor/Getty Images

Brown spent much of Friday arguing that the four defendants misled Barclays in-house lawyers in order to get sign off that the disclosures made to the market were compliant.

The court was shown a memo discussing the arrangements between Qatar and Barclays at the time. Brown said that the document was created in an attempt to lay a misleading audit trail.

He told the jury: It would appear that the advice being given by both [Barclays in-house lawyers] Shepherd and Dobson at this time was based on the correctness of the Memo: i.e. that there had been the significant change in the Qataris position as to fees, and that genuine services for real value were to be provided.

Each of the four defendant bankers  Varley, Jenkins, Kalaris, Boath  and Lucas all knew that this advice was therefore predicated on a false basis.

Christopher Lucas was Barclays CFO at the time. He is named as a co-conspirator in the case but is suffering from a serious illness and has been judged not fit to stand trial.

The case continues and is expected to last up to six months.

Read more about the Barclays four case:Most of us have heard by now about Theresa Mays historic defeat in parliament on 15 January 2019, with many criticisms of her withdrawal deal not being up to scratch or in the UKs best interests.

One major issue which came to light was the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland and how this relationship will continue post-Brexit. Its clear that neither the UK, Ireland, nor the EU wants a hard border, but with the proposed Irish backstop being almost unanimously rejected, its unclear how this issue is going to be resolved.

History of violence in Ireland

Once upon a time, Great Britain ruled all of Ireland. This was the status-quo for hundreds of years until Ireland separated in the 1920s, with Northern Ireland remaining part of GB and the Republic of Ireland becoming a separate country in its own right.

Over the next few decades, tensions between Unionists (those remaining in GB) and Nationalists (those wanting independence) grew, resulting in violence in the 1960s, also known as the period of 'Troubles'.

This violence continued from the 1970s to 1990s, with thousands of deaths on each side. The UK sent in armed forces, which were met with opposition by the IRA (Irish Republican Army). In 1972, 14 people were killed in Londonderry during a Catholic peaceful civil rights march, a date which became known as 'Bloody Sunday', while the IRA targeted British police and soldiers patrolling the streets.

For a long time, nobody thought it would be possible to return peace to Ireland.

The Good Friday Agreement

After years of violence and fighting, the IRA announced they would stop bombing and shooting in the 1990s and the Unionists, Nationalists and British politicians were able to discuss their issues for the first time.

In 1998, the Good Friday Agreement was signed, resulting in a new government being formed which shared power between Unionists and Nationalists in a group called the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Why does the Irish border matter for Brexit?

After 30 years of fighting and 8 years of negotiations, understandably nobody really wants to breach the Good Friday Agreement and risk the peace which took so long to find.

So far, the UK and Republic of Ireland both belonging to the EU and Single Market has allowed free movement of goods and people, which has meant that theres been no need for any sort of formal border to be in place.

This has been great for cooperation between Irish states and minimises conflict thanks to the Northern Ireland Assembly. However, when the UK leaves the EU on 29 March 2019, this could cause problems for the state of equilibrium across the Irish border as Northern Ireland will also leave on 29 March, while the Republic of Ireland will remain a member of the EU and be bound by their regulations, separate from the UK.

Theresa May insists shes determined to deliver Brexit on time, on March 29, despite ministers in her own Cabinet suggesting a delay could be needed https://t.co/So0UFp7oQh  Bloomberg Brexit (@Brexit) 3 February 2019

As part of the Brexit negotiations, the UK has stated an intention to leave the customs union and single market, meaning that checks may be required on goods and people crossing the border between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Although this doesnt necessarily mean the Good Friday Agreement cant be upheld, it has been far easier to carry on the peace agreement without any sort of border between the two parts of Ireland.

No Deal Brexit

As part of Brexit negotiations, the UK has expressed intention to leave the EU customs union and singles market. Although the Good Friday Agreement can, in theory, be upheld even if the UK leaves the single market, it will mean that some sort of border and regulatory checks on goods coming in/out of the UK will be necessary. Currently, theres little more than a different coloured signpost to signal the transition between the two countries.

A no-deal Brexit, however, could be catastrophic for the peace agreements in Ireland, as this would almost definitely require a hard border in Ireland.

This could include physical border control such as cameras and guard posts, as well as passport checks and other restrictions to the free movement which has been essential in creating cooperation between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

What is the Irish backstop?

In an attempt to resolve the tensions surrounding the Irish border, Theresa May and EU officials have negotiated a Backstop between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. In practical terms, this would involve the UK and Northern Ireland remaining in the EU customs union in all but name in order to avoid a hard border and physical checks being necessary. It would also bind the UK and Northern Ireland by many rules of the single market, with no ability to have a say in what these are.

Under the agreement reached by Mrs May, the backstop would come into force if no agreement is reached between the UK and EU before the Brexit deadline of 29 March 2019, and could last until 2020, with the ability to extend to 2022 and beyond if required.

Why is this a problem?

The main problem highlighted by the proposed Irish backstop is that it would leave us obligated to follow EU rules and regulations when it comes to free movement of goods and services, with no say in how these come about.

European leaders have also insisted that this backstop should have no definitive end date, so we could be stuck in this restricted position indefinitely.

Theres also a question of how future trade deals for the UK with the rest of the world might be affected if were still bound by many of the rules of the single market and EU customs union, with fear that this might prevent us signing deals with other countries.

Any return of a hard Irish border could threaten support for a post-Brexit trade deal with the U.S., congressman says https://t.co/P7oSBXkt9L  Bloomberg Brexit (@Brexit) 3 February 2019

An alternative solution presented by European leaders involves a separation between the UK and Northern Ireland, with NI abiding by the rules listed in the backstop agreement while separate rules are adopted for the rest of the UK. This has been rejected by the UK based on the rift it could cause to have a virtual border between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK, cutting Ireland off by the sea and moving NI closer to reconnecting with the Republic of Ireland.

Previous issues surrounding Ireland

Although the issue of the day seems to be how Brexit will affect the Irish border, there have already been issues raised which conflict with the principles of the Good Friday Agreement over the last few years.

One notable problem was the Conservatives negotiating a coalition with the DUP (Democratic Unionist Party), as some argue this agreement undermines many of the principles of the Good Friday Agreement, particularly as the DUP has been recorded as being against this vital agreement.Sophie McNeill flies to Bangkok to meet Saudi teen Rahaf Mohammed as she makes a plea to the world. 8:30pm Monday on ABC

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RelatedLaw enforcement seized over 14,000 meth tablets hidden in a minibus in the central Vietnamese province of Thua Thien-Hue on Saturday, according to a local officer.

The pink pills, stashed in 70 packages, were found inside a bus used for carrying human ashes while it was being parked on Le Loi Street in Hue, the provincial capital city, in the afternoon.

Police arrested Quang Van Tien, 23, who was identified as the drugs owner, and his 18-year-old accomplice, Luong Van Thanh.

Tien confessed that he had purchased the pills from his mother for VND175 million (US$7,525) and persuaded Thanh to transport the drugs in the vehicle to dodge authorities.

Officials open a package of drugs in a bus in Thua Thien-Hue Province, central Vietnam, February 2, 2019. Photo: Thuong Hien / Tuoi Tre

Drug packages and meth pills confiscated from a bus in Thua Thien-Hue Province, central Vietnam, February 2, 2019. Photo: Thuong Hien / Tuoi Tre

This is the largest drug haul that the Thua Thien-Hue police have ever discovered, a local official said.

It is unclear how much meth was seized but in Vietnam unlawfully transporting over 100 grams of the illegal substance is punishable with up to 20 years in prison, life imprisonment or the death penalty.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!Read what is in the news today, February 3!

Society

-- Police in the central province of Thua Thien-Hue said Saturday that they had seized around 1,400 tablets of drugs in a bus used to carry ashes, in a case with the largest-ever drug haul in the area.

-- A 30-year-old man was arrested allegedly for dumping the body of a woman after she died in a fit of epilepsy while he was attempting to rape her, police in Quang Nam Province, central Vietnam, said Saturday.

-- A fisherman in the central province of Quang Tri netted an 82-kilogram grouper, an official confirmed Saturday. This is the largest grouper to have ever been caught locally, fishermen said.

-- Two sisters, all under ten years old, drowned while playing near a lake in Nghe An Province, north-central Vietnam, a local official said Saturday.

-- The Vietnamese traffic safety committee reported 21 road fatalities Saturday alone, when many people were heading back home for Lunar New Year celebrations.

Business

-- The subway linking iconic Ben Thanh Market and Suoi Tien Theme Park in Ho Chi Minh City requires an estimated VND9.5 trillion (US$408.5 million) this year, most of which goes to the ongoing construction and the remaining covers last years expenses, according to the metropolis Management Authority For Urban Railways.

-- The deputy head of the Da Nang construction department said Saturday it had declared that foreign individuals and entities would not be allowed to own units at the F.Home Apartment Building, Da Nang Diamond Tower and Indochina Riverside Tower.

-- The Vietnamese government has decided to use over VND7 trillion ($301 million) of the national coffers for major railway and road system projects in urgent need of construction by 2020.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!Expats living in Vietnam shared with Tuoi Tre News some of their impressions, both positive and negative, about the Lunar New Year, or Tet holiday, in the country.

I like to give red envelopes

I love the decorations and energy of my friends and colleagues during Tet. Everyone is very excited, especially the children at school who are always asking me teacher, luck money lucky money!

I also really enjoy going into the markets in District 1 and watching people taking photographs in their traditional ao dai.

I have never celebrated Tet with my Vietnamese friends as it seems to be a very family-orientated holiday, but I like to give red envelopes with lucky money to people who I see regularly and would like to show thanks to.

This year I plan to spend Tet holiday outside of Vietnam, taking my mum to visit the temples of Angkor Wat in Cambodia and the city of Bangkok in Thailand. This is the longest holiday I get off work so I like to explore different countries.

Going on holiday during Tet is great because it is the longest length of time most expats get off work - this makes it the perfect time to go travelling! But its always nice to spend time at the start or the end of Tet in Vietnam so you can soak up the atmosphere, maybe try some of the traditional Tet foods and give out lucky money. The weather is great in Vietnam during this time of year so I would highly recommend people to stay and travel in Vietnam during Tet.

Last year I spent a few days in Ho Chi Minh City at the end of Tet and found that the city was really quiet! Lots of my local street vendors and restaurants were closed but it was really nice to drive around the city with hardly any traffic and lots of beautiful blue skies.

Some of my friends have travelled in Vietnam during Tet and told me that things like restaurants and hostels tend to stay open in more touristy places like Hoi An, with the exceptions of tours which may not be running.

A downside to travelling during Tet is that you might not be able to do everything you had hoped to due to tour companies and restaurants closing. Its also a very busy time for travel in Vietnam as many people return to their hometowns so prices for transport can be high!

I would like to wish the people of Vietnam a relaxing Tet, and hope they get to spend time enjoying good food with their families. For the future I would like to wish Vietnam a happy, healthy and prosperous year of the pig!

Frances from Scotland

Impressed by the apricot blossoms

I like the lights and flowers used for decoration quite a lot, especially apricot blossoms.

When Tet nears, anywhere you go, you will see apricot blossoms, but probably the strangest thing for me would be apricot blossoms being sold by street vendors on lorries and pickup trucks.

Vietnamese do not get much time off, while by nature they are very festive and frantic, so Tet is usually one of the few opportunities for people to have fun and celebrate.

In my country, during national holidays we usually drink and relax, instead of going out drinking and partying like most Vietnamese do.

Tet seems crazy in Vietnam since everything is booked out and prices are high, especially for flight tickets and train tickets.

People really enjoy it but it is insane for us.

Generally, the prices of everything in Vietnam during holidays triple or double, which can rarely be seen in other countries since in most countries there is a law preventing such things from happening.

Tom Okon from Australia

Worried about drunk driving

I am the most worried about driving under influence during Tet.

It is a commonly seen thing in Vietnam, but it is even more pronounced during the holidays - before and within Tet.

Year-end parties, new-year parties, and praying are just some of the gathering opportunities during the Lunar New Year.

For Vietnamese, every time there is a gathering, it is an opportunity to drink and Vietnamese usually encourage each other to drink as much as possible.

I hope that this year people start encouraging each other to only drink enough to still be able to drive home, instead.

In Vietnam it seems as if drinking alcohol was an activity that can be done at any time as beer is even sold in coffee shops!

In the United States, people usually just drink on weekends and alcoholic beverages are only sold at restaurants and bars, rather than at any possible place like in Vietnam.

Bryant Bennett Payne from the USAVietnamese nationals living abroad do their best to observe the Lunar New Year festival, or Tet, as a way to preserve family and traditional values, despite the challenges of replicating old customs in new countries.

Traditional dishes and activities associated with Tet, Vietnams biggest holiday, are a staple of an overseas Lunar New Year celebration.

Traditional celebrations

Dang Phi Nhat Hao, 36, and her family have been living in the U.S. for the past ten years, but that has not stopped them from maintaining their familys Tet traditions.

Living amongst Californias enormous Vietnamese population makes celebrating Tet much more festive than it might be in other states, Hao told Tuoi Tre News.

Hao explained that she always celebrates Tet with traditional dishes usually seen in Vietnam, including banh chung (glutinous rice cakes), spring rolls, and traditional sweets, hoping that these foods will help her children form a link to Vietnam.

Her family also sets up an offering tray consisting of different fruits to pray to their ancestry, decorates their home, and buys apricot blossoms or peach blossoms to provide their house with a Tet feel," reminiscent of how it would have been in Vietnam, she shared.

Hao also orders ao dai, Vietnams traditional dress, from Vietnam and has them shipped to the States for her daughters, aged five and seven.

Every year I take my children to Phuoc Loc Tho Market to take photos with other members of the family in front of the Tet decorations there, Hao told Tuoi Tre News. There are also a lot of small things that make me miss Tet holiday in Vietnam.

Visiting the relatives is another important part of Tet, and Haos family makes sure to see family despite having only a few days off work.

Thousands of miles away, in Kiev, Ukraine, 46-year-old Vietnamese Le Thi Hong Thuy has spent the last ten years making banh chung, a must-have dish for a traditional Tet celebration, from scratch.

Banh chung made by Le Thi Hong Thuy in Kiev, Ukraine. Photo: Supplied

Thuy, along with her Vietnamese neighbors, orders the necessary ingredients to make delicious banh chung so that the Vietnamese community in Kiev can make the dish together, she told Tuoi Tre News. There are around 1,000 Vietnamese living across the Ukrainian capital.

Banh chung is wrapped with a special kind of leaf called dong in Vietnamese.

Dong leaves are very precious to us when we make banh chung abroad, Thuy said.

While it takes four dong leaves to make a banh chung, Thuy and her neighbors invented a special bamboo frame so that it is only necessary to use two to three leaves per banh chung.

Beside visiting friends, the Vietnamese community in Kiev also gives children envelopes with lucky money, a tradition widely observed during the holiday in their native country.

Spreading the culture to others

For Thuy, observing Tet away from Vietnam is just one of the ways she makes her children aware of the Vietnamese traditions.

I put an emphasis on having my children spend a lot of time with other Vietnamese kids of their age and travel to Vietnam, Thuy said.

Since a lot of Vietnamese dishes here are not tasty enough, other Vietnamese mothers and I have to try to make the food ourselves so that the children like them.

But Thuy also wants her international friends to know about Vietnams Tet.

Every year, Thuy holds a year-end celebration on the last day of the lunar year and invites some of her foreign friends over to celebrate with her family, so they can learn about traditional Vietnamese dishes and have a better understanding of her countrys culture.

Most of my foreign friends enjoy fried spring rolls, fried shrimp, and stir-fried dishes, Thuy said.

In the meantime, Thai Hiep, 34, and Huong Xuan, 30, plan to spend their first Tet away from home in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal.

Huong Xuan (right) buys a branch of magnolias to decorate her house for Tet. Photo: Hiep Tran

The couple asked for three days off work to celebrate the traditional holiday with their friends and colleagues.

Beside cooking traditional dishes and arranging suitable offerings, the couple plans to replace the symbolic apricot blossoms with another flower that has a similar yellow color, and has asked their neighbors for a branch of peach blossoms.

At the office, our colleagues occasionally introduce Nepalese culture to us and they are very curious about the Vietnamese Tet celebration, Xuan said, adding that she was excited to invite her colleagues to join her for the holiday.

Thinking of home

Quyen Vo, 36, is spending her second Tet holiday abroad, this time in Oberlungwitz, Germany.

This year, my husband is going to be away for a business trip during Tet so I am not going to have a big celebration, Quyen told Tuoi Tre News, adding that the most important part of the celebration for her is family, who she is dearly missing.

Hence, she has already bought a lot of tasty sweets in advance of Tet to send to her family back home, while not forgetting to send lucky money to her parents, another symbolic tradition of the holiday.

Khanh Dang, a Vietnamese student in Melbourne, Australia, agrees with Quyens point of view that family is the most important part of Tet, as she greatly misses her own family.

Living away from home helps me realize family values and how important everyone is to me, Khanh said.

Although traditions and culture play a significant role, I still think it is of utmost importance to preserve the habit of visiting relatives, family members, and friends during this time of the year.Two days ahead of the Lunar New Year, gold-plated figurines of pigs, the zodiac symbol for 2019, are selling like hotcakes despite their hefty price tags, as Vietnamese make a last-minute rush to find original gifts for the holiday.

In the run-up to the holiday, businesses have placed orders numbering well into the hundreds for year-end gifts for the employees, brining healthy sales numbers for local retailers.

Now, as the Lunar New Year draws closer, retailers are turning their attention to individual consumers looking to find last-minute gifts.

At a high-end store in downtown Ho Chi Minh City where statues and drawings of pigs are selling at prices ranging VND2-28 million (US$86-1,200), each pig is plated in 24k gold imported from Singapore and Malaysia.

The original plan was to sell just five of the golden pig statues, but with such skyrocketing demand the store owner expects to make arrangements to import several more.

As of the end of January, the stores gold pig-shaped chopstick holder was on sale for VND2 million ($86) while a pig meant to bring prosperity to its owner was valued at VND11 million ($472).

The most expensive pig figure at the store had a VND14 million ($600) price tag attached.

That pales in comparison to a pig reunion drawing on sale for VND28 million ($1,200).

Similarly, hundreds of other statues meant for gifts are on sale for prices ranging from VND600,000 ($26) to VND132 million (US$5,665).

The owner of another store in District 1 is selling homemade gold-plated pig statues for VND5.5-25 million ($236-1,073).

According to the owner, his team has spent the entire year putting the collection together.

They were hoping their 1,000 units can meet customer demand during this busy holiday season.

The pigs were also making their way to online shopping portals at prices ranging from VND3 million (US$129) to VND28 million (US$1,200) after discounts and sales.

Huynh Quang Thi, owner of a gift shop in Ho Chi Minh City, shared that of the 12 zodiac signs, the pig is favored the most because it is believed to bring luck and prosperity.

It is also accompanied by the most blessings.

Just last month her shop sold over 100 pig-related products.

About half were bought for decoration and the other half for gifting. About 70 percent of our customers are Vietnamese and the rest are foreigners, Thi stated.

A pair of 24k gold-plated pig statues manufactured domestically. Photo: Ngoc Hien / Tuoi Tre

Gold-plated pig statues like these may rake in millions of VND from wealthy customers during the Lunar New Year season. Photo: Ngoc Hien / Tuoi Tre

This imported gold-plated pig statue is worth VND11 million ($472). Photo: Ngoc Hien / Tuoi Tre

A pair of gold-plated pig-shaped chopstick holders on sale in downtown Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Ngoc Hien / Tuoi Tre

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!Some expats have aired their opinions on the kindness of Vietnamese people, responding to a request by Tuoi Tre News.

Young Vietnamese are so kind

After nearly two years living and learning in Vietnam, Im so confident to say that Im falling in love with this country because of the young people.

Young Vietnamese are great-hearted and charitable. There are many groups of youths trying to help homeless and disadvantaged people. On a very late cold Thursday night, I ran into a volunteer group doing their weekly activity. Some of them were collecting donations from donors at a side of the street. A few were putting instant food into packages. Others were riding their motorbikes around the city to distribute those donative items to people who were in need. They tried as hard as they could to provide those people with food as well as blankets to cover their tired bodies from the cold. Those volunteers are just students, they dont have that much money to give away, but they come together and help people by using their time and determination to make a better world.

Besides those actions of kindness, I hope to see that Vietnamese people will smile and say thank you more. Many times when I open a door and keep holding it for a while for people from behind to come in, they just walk through without showing any effort to say thank you. They dont even look at me to show that they recognize my goodwill. Some people shut the door or close the elevator when they see Im coming in from a distance.

Vietnamese people are already welcoming and amicable. I do believe that if I can see more of these small things from the people, Vietnam will be more than amazing.

Seth Phiriyawiwatwong from Thailand

Helped for countless times

I have been living in Vietnam for 18 months and I can say that I have only met a handful of people that did not seem so friendly. I have lost count of the number of times that someone has helped me in a shop because of the language barrier as the person that has helped me can speak English. I'm really grateful.

I have recently joined my Vietnamese girlfriend to see her family in Quang Ngai. I was completely out of my depth there as her English isn't very good. However, the language barrier didn't stop her family from making me feel completely at home and relaxed. They lent us a motorbike so we could go off and explore during the day on our own. They invited me along to visit their grandparents graves and showed me how to offer prayers to their ancestors.

The thing that struck home to me more than anything was the fact that they allowed a total stranger into their family and treated me as if I was part of the family. To me that is the meaning of living here in Vietnam.

David James from the UK

Great joy receiving help from a stranger

During the National Day, September 2nd, my girlfriend and I took a trip to Vung Tau with our dog. On our second night in Vung Tau, we went out, trying to look for a nice place to have dinner. On the way, it rained suddenly. We drove through the rain and wind to find a roof and all of a sudden, our bike ran out of petrol!

We stopped and tried to start the engine from pushing it down the hill, but it was hopeless. After 15 minutes battling with the bike in that downpour, we decided to walk it to the closest gas station which was about 4km away.

We walked for about 15 minutes then we passed a middle-aged man, who was on the phone by the sidewalk. He saw us walking our bike and called us over. My girlfriend talked to him in Vietnamese for like five minutes then came back to tell me that the man wanted to offer us some petrol to drive to the closest gas station.

I was very surprised and so thankful for this unexpected kindness. We offered him a small sum of cash for the petrol but he refused instantly and drove away into the rain without letting us know his name. He was one of the greatest people that we had happened to meet and somehow he made our trip the most memorable one.

That man we met in Vung Tau had created that ripple effect on us. His action taught us and made us realize how simple it is to be nice to people and how happy you can make a person feel when you give that person your action of kindness. So, from that day, we always remind ourselves to be kind and nice to other people around us without expecting anything back, because selfless kindness is the one that will multiple itself.

However, an action of kindness is not only about helping or giving something to people. It is also about considering your action for others as well. What I see a lot in Ho Chi Minh City is that there are so much trash and how people are so mindless of it. I am talking about people who have to clean up the trash after others and really hope to see more peoples consideration of their own action, and of course less trash.

Gary Walsh from IrelandWe hope you have enjoyed your complimentary access for the month.

To continue viewing content on tucson.com, please sign in with your existing account or subscribe.OPINION: "The fact that he kept this small black book for almost nine decades suggests he may have wanted us to learn more about him, even after he was gone," writes Amy Hirshberg Lederman.To make sure that the company will hire local businesses, Greystar has agreed to cap the monthly rent to make it more affordable for small Tucson businesses.

The agreement is set to last eight years  tied to the lifespan of an unrelated tax incentive offered by the city of Tucson  although the deal is expected to contain language that would allow for additional time extensions.

After a self-imposed crash course in city development rules and procedures last summer, Riggs and Koenen have pushed the city of Tucson to make changes to its zoning codes.

For example, the city offers developers incentives for open space, but those requirements are open to interpretation.

A small park on the edge of the property  Riggs suggests hypothetically  offers a significant community benefit over a courtyard that is only available to those living in the development.

Koenen reached out to Peel, the Southern Arizona director for Local First Arizona, for help with the developers early in their talks with EdR and later, Greystar. The nonprofit advocates for locally owned small businesses.Two men are facing charges in serial rape cases and two others have cases pending in court after the Tucson Police Department cleared a decades-long backlog of nearly 2,000 sexual-assault kits.

Testing of the sexual-assault kits began three years ago with the backing of a $1 million grant, allowing the Tucson Police Department to send evidence to out-of-state laboratories for analysis as well as providing funding for a dedicated detective to investigate cases that result from hits on tested kits.

One such hit came in the case of a man arrested on 44 felony counts of sexual assault, kidnapping and stalking dating to 2002.

It wasnt until October 2017 that a Pima County judge signed an arrest warrant for Nathan Larry Joseph Loebe, who had been extradited to Tucson two months before from Kentucky, where hed been arrested for sexual assault.

But Loebes criminal history extended beyond Arizona and Kentucky. Authorities quickly learned that he was wanted for sexual assault in Colorado, Ohio and Massachusetts, according to the Kentucky Standard newspaper.

While Loebe had previously been identified as a suspect in several Tucson Police Department cases years earlier, he always claimed consent, making the cases difficult to prosecute and resulting in no charges filed.

It wasnt until police tested DNA from backlogged sexual-assault kits that they were able to build a case against Loebe, identifying a string of victims who all had similar descriptions of the alleged assaults, which, when combined, effectively contradicted Loebes claims of consent.After his time as Lincoln County sheriff came to a close in 1882, Garrett moved his family to Texas and for a brief interlude served as a lieutenant in the Texas Rangers, in 1884. Soon after, he resigned and the Garrett family returned to their ranch in New Mexico. Garrett spent the following decade in unsuccessful business ventures including failed irrigation schemes for southeastern New Mexico.

He returned to law enforcement in 1897 as sheriff of Dona Ana County, primarily to solve the murder of Judge Albert J. Fountain and his son. Garrett remained in this position until his resignation in 1900.

In 1901, Garretts life seemed to be improving when President Theodore Roosevelt (who is said to have read his book) appointed him collector of customs in El Paso. He held this post for four or five years, but endured questions about his character as well as his lack of qualifications for the job.

When Garrett returned to New Mexico, he bought a horse ranch but had little success and was forced to lease part of his land to a man named Jesse Wayne Brazel.

In 1908, a dispute occurred between the two men over the lease, which led to Brazel shooting and killing Garrett.

In court, Brazel stated he shot Garrett in self-defense, and he was acquitted in a short trial.

Tucsons Garrett Avenue was recorded in the Los Ranchitos No. 7 subdivision in 1948. This small south-side street is bordered by (Jeff) Milton Road and (Burt) Alvord Road (both also named for Old West lawmen) in a neighborhood that could be called Lawmen and Outlaws Square.

David Leighton is a historian and author of The History of the Hughes Missile Plant in Tucson, 1947-1960. He has been featured on PBS and the Travel Channel and on numerous radio shows. If you have a street to suggest or a story to share, contact him at azjournalist21@gmail.comSmallhouse said shes hopeful that wont be the case because of changes in the areas agriculture since 1980, when Arizonas groundwater law went into effect.

There are fewer of them than in the 1980s, Smallhouse said, adding, Theyve implemented a ton of efficiencies. Those who are left are as efficient as they can be.

Were not looking at the same picture of groundwater use that we were looking at in the 1980s.

And yet, Democrats repeatedly pointed out during the debate over the plan that many Pinal County farmers grow particularly thirsty crops, like cotton. It would diminish the skepticism of many Arizona urbanites if those farmers converted to growing less water-intensive crops.

Smallhouse, who largely raises cattle and grows forage crops, said switching crops will always cost time and money. The Smallhouses are the fifth generation of Andys family to run the ranch, and even this generation has diversified multiple times over the years as conditions changed  a decade ago they even started a saguaro cactus nursery in part as a hedge against a drier climate.NOGALES, Ariz.  Its been nearly three months since troops first showed up at the Southern Arizona border, placing razor wire atop the fence and blocking some port lanes in anticipation of Central American caravans that instead went to the California line.

As more troops are being deployed to the border, locals here are calling for the razor wire to be removed, saying it hurts businesses and sends the wrong message.

In Nogales we are used to seeing the federal government make decisions about our surroundings, said Evan Kory, whose family owns Korys and La Cinderella stores in downtown Nogales. But the razor wire was way more aggressive than anything we had seen, which scared me. It felt like it was out of our hands as a border community. You feel powerless, like your voices arent heard.

About 3,500 additional active-duty service members will be sent to the border as part of a new request from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that extends their mission through the end of the fiscal year. There are about 2,300 troops currently deployed, down from 5,900.

In Arizona, there are about 650 troops assisting Customs and Border Protection, down from the 1,500 originally deployed in the beginning of November. Thats in addition to hundreds of National Guard troops activated since April.

Across the U.S.-Mexico border, the projected cost of the deployment of the National Guard is $550 million through the fiscal year, Department of Defense officials said at a Jan. 29 congressional hearing. So far another $132 million has been spent on the active-duty military on the border, and officials said they couldnt estimate the full fiscal-year cost.

While the soldiers were initially tasked with helping CBP strengthen ports of entry and working on logistics and transportation, the new mission focuses on surveillance and placing 150 miles of additional concertina wire away from the ports. So far, theyve laid 70 miles of the wire near ports in Texas, Arizona and California.

On Saturday, the Nogales International newspaper reported that more troops were already in town adding wire. As many as six rows can be seen coiled across a section of fence in an image posted on social media.

Initially, most Arizona ports of entry had about one mile of the wire on either side, CBP said.

During U.S. Sen. Martha McSallys recent border visit, Nogales Mayor Arturo Garino brought up the wire issue.

Of everything we talked about, he said he told the Tucson Republican senator, the easiest thing you can help us with is to remove the concertina wire.

In a news conference later that day, McSally said conversations were ongoing about whats actually needed to keep the community safe and promoting cross-border commerce.

Border Patrol officials said the agency is constantly evaluating operational needs ... but currently there are not plans to remove the c-wire.

Last week, troops did remove the containers they had placed to block two northbound lanes at the DeConcini Port of Entry in Nogales.

In Laredo and Hidalgo, Texas, soldiers have removed some of the barbed wire after local leaders raised concerns.

Garino is not ready to give up, he said, and his next move will be sending letters to Washington, D.C.

Aesthetically pleasing it is not for a community that trades with Mexico, for a community that depends on the residents of Nogales, Sonora, that shop here, said Garino, who successfully fought off plans to put up razor wire in 2013. It looks like a prison, it doesnt look right.

Fear cited

Francisca Gomez, 37, crosses the border every day, even multiple times a day.

Her family lives and works in Ambos Nogales. Her children go to school on the Arizona side and she sells goods she buys on the U.S. side in Nogales, Sonora.

But on Nov. 6, when troops in fatigues showed up and started to place the razor wire on top of the fence, she wasnt sure she wanted to take the risk. She was afraid she would get stuck on either side.

There were a lot of rumors that they were going to close the port of entry, a lot of people didnt want to cross, she said.

It was intimidating to see the soldiers, she added. Residents wondered what was going on. What could be so bad that the government had to deploy the military to the border?

Gomezs daughter, Sheyla Machado, was a little scared at first but then she felt angry, the 13-year-old said as she tried on quinceanera dresses at Korys. The bridal shop opened by Evan Korys grandmother in 1968 sits right across from the Morley Gate, a pedestrian crossing in downtown Nogales, from where the razor wire is clearly visible.

Sheyla said her class often goes to the port of entry to play with the children and talk with the families waiting to present themselves to seek asylum. She didnt like the image the U.S. was portraying.

To me the border is a very calm place, she said. Theres not a lot of crime; its beautiful.

On Nov. 9, officials held the first news conference since the deployment of the troops to Southern Arizona. They said there were thousands of mostly Central Americans traveling en masse and the U.S. government didnt know where they were going to try to come through.

I think everybody saw what happened on the Mexico-Guatemala border, where Mexico was in fact offering asylum and they still rushed through the border. So we have to prepare for that eventuality, Rodolfo Karisch, then commander of the Joint Task Force-West, told reporters.

Some migrants in the groups traveling north had burst through the Guatemalan border fence and clashed with Mexican riot police.

In Nogales, in addition to the wire on top of the border fence, troops placed the containers topped with wire to block some northbound port lanes and helped CBP conduct readiness exercises in which officers in riot gear practiced blocking lanes.

In the Arizona border town of Douglas, Mark Adams, who heads the Presbyterian binational ministry Frontera de Cristo, said soldiers first started to put up the wire and block a lane with a container and more wire  right by a sign that reads Welcome to the United States  in mid-December.

We had a delegation visiting from Nebraska seeing the military putting up the concertina wire on the wall and one of the folks said this looks like a war zone, he said.

For the most part, the migrants and asylum seekers never showed up at the Sonora-Arizona border, with most of them heading to Tijuana, the border crossing they had announced they would use as their base.

Resources

Some local residents and elected leaders question the need to deploy the troops at a time when apprehensions are at historic lows.

I knew it was supposedly meant to stop an invasion of folks coming from Central America to ask for asylum at the ports of entry, folks who werent coming across illegally ... and not even coming to Agua Prieta or Douglas, Adams said.

Instead of addressing the real root causes of what was going on and the real issues like the asylum process, we spend money on fortifying an already divisive place and have people look at it and think a war-zone image of the border. I imagine by now weve already spent more time sending the military to the border than what it would have cost to put a new port of entry in Douglas.

The Arizona Daily Star reported in 2017 that a price tag to renovate the existing Douglas port of entry and build a new commercial entrance wasnt known, but it had cost nearly $200 million to renovate the Mariposa Port of Entry in Nogales.

As the Nogales International first reported, the razor wire around Nogales now extends outside the city limits to the Kino Springs area, where the tall pedestrian fence gives way to a waist-high Normandy-style fence meant to stop vehicles. In a photograph published by the Nogales newspaper, the razor wire is seen lining the steel bollards and suddenly ending as the vehicle barrier begins, where people on foot can easily cross.

The military has also spent resources fixing the wire. Right by the Morley Gate, theyve had to at least twice remove a piece of carpet thrown on top of the razor wire, presumably to make it easier and safer to jump from the fence. Downtown store employees showed the Star pictures of troops working to carefully disentangle the rug from the fence.

During a House Armed Services Committee hearing on Jan. 29, chairman Adam Smith, D-Wash., said the deployment of active-duty service members, while not unprecedented, was highly unusual.

If you look at the statistics, the peak of our problem at the border was in 2004 and 2005, he said, when there were more than a million apprehensions compared to the 400,000 or less in recent years.

While members of the caravans by and large have not made their way here, Border Patrol agents in the Yuma and Tucson sectors continue to apprehend groups of more than 100 Central Americans traveling as families.

DOD and CBP have said the military presence has allowed Customs officers and Border Patrol agents to be able to focus on the most pressing needs and more clearly spot vulnerable areas.

It has given CBP the ability to spread their power more easily, Navy Vice Admiral Michael Gilday, director of operations for the Pentagons Joint Staff, told Smith in response to a question about what metrics for success they were using.

The fact that we hardened those ports of entry, thats probably the best answer I can give you, he said. He later added that it would be like trying to prove a negative if we are trying to prove how many people didnt cross the border. The fact is CBP was better-prepared because of the work we did.

And as they transition to the new mission from the ports of entry to the areas between the ports, Gilday said, the troops bring a skill set  surveillance and detection  that will be particularly beneficial.

Border voices

For some, though, it is one more symbol of how misunderstood border communities are.

Although the razor wire is the most aggressive action so far  and a publicity stunt, no doubt  the situation on the border has been escalating for years, Kory said.

He points to a postcard from 1941 of the Morley Gate, across from his parents business, that shows an open space thats now been surrounded by a dense fence that he calls a cage. He sees it as proof of how much more unwelcoming the environment is.

You hear on the news that an invasion is coming, but in fact, he said, border communities have been invaded by our own government.

Our surroundings were invaded before anything happened that they were saying was going to happen.

We have between 1,600 to 2,000 trucks a day, depends on peak times; thousands of vehicles and pedestrians coming through our ports legally, Garino, the mayor, said. Why not concentrate on that? On those trade opportunities, economic development for our state and for the country.

Resident and business owners complain about long wait times to cross the border, sometimes exceeding two hours, which they said harms businesses and quality of life.

Average peak times at the DeConcini Port of Entry, for instance, show an increase from 77 minutes in December, fiscal year 2018, to 97 minutes in fiscal year 2019. Of Arizonas major land ports of entry, only San Luis exceeded an average peak time of two hours, CBP data show.

The image of fear makes it harder on border communities that are trying to attract people and jobs, the residents say.

Even one of Adams colleagues, who works with a binational ministry creating relationships across borders, doesnt want to cross anymore.

The psychological impact is tough, he said.

Said Garino: They look at things differently in Washington, and half of those people have never been to the border.

We have good access roads in this area, surveillance, technology, he said. Per capita, we have more law enforcement officers in this city and county than almost any other county in the state.

His concern is that even if Congress and President Trump agree on border security and there are no caravans, the wire will remain.

If everything is working, going in a positive direction, is it still going to be up there?

Contact reporter Perla Trevizo at 573-4102 or ptrevizo@tucson.com.Everyone will feel pain was the mantra emanating from supporters of Arizonas drought plan for the Colorado River as it wound through the Legislature.

It is true that under the plan, now embedded in state law, the major water users served by the $4 billion Central Arizona Project  cities, tribes and farms  will all take a hit.

But some users will be hurt more, and some will be hurt sooner, than others. Cities will lose the least amount of water and those cuts will not be noticed by their customers.

Farms and the tribes will be hit harder, compared to the CAP supplies they get now from the Colorado River. But both groups will get compensation in return  groundwater well subsidies for farms and general financial compensation for the Gila River Indian Community.

And all three groups will get some cuts replaced with other water supplies for a few years after river shortages start.

Because of a raft of mitigation measures approved in negotiations among the parties, the pain will be less at first and ratchet up over time.

CAP water for new development and for recharging into the ground for future use will also be cut.Arizonas drought-contingency plan for the Colorado River is shaping up as a pricey water-saving affair, with a potential tab of up to $280 million.

The state, the Central Arizona Project and the federal government have approved, or are expected to, the spending of many tens of millions of dollars to compensate river water users who will be losing supplies due to the drought plan.

Millions more will be spent by CAP, the state, possibly by the feds and by irrigation districts on new wells to help farmers go back on the pumps when their CAP supplies run out in a few years.

And the largest single sum, $97 million, related to the drought plan is not going to conserve a drop of water. It will be used in a complex agreement to buy water and recharge it in the ground to compensate for new pumping for future suburban growth and sprawl. That agreement proved vital in getting the support of influential developer and homebuilder groups for the drought plan in the Legislature.

Heres a breakdown of all the money that will be spent, is likely to be spent or could be spent on programs directly or indirectly connected to the drought plan:A federal grand jury indicted Seths father, Donald Hugh Nichols, on charges of bank fraud and conspiracy to commit bank fraud in August. With the Jan. 23 updated indictment, he and his wife, Jane Ann Nichols, both were charged with those crimes, as well as wire fraud, accused of stealing $1.6 million worth of livestock and retaliating against the victim of the theft.

The retaliation charge stems from a meeting between the Nichols and the Parsons days after the theft was discovered in August 2017. At that meeting, the Nichols signed over their house and another property in Pinal County, which combined were worth more than $1 million, to the Parsons.

In February, Seth Nichols pleaded guilty to federal bank fraud, including the fraudulent sale of more than $1.3 million worth of cattle to the Nichols cattle company. A week later, the Parsons sued his parents in state court, alleging the theft benefited the Nichols company.

In June, Donald Hugh and Jane Ann Nichols filed a lis pendens, or legal notice that ownership of the Pinal County properties was in dispute. They claimed the Parsons lied to them at the August 2017 meeting and asked a Pima County Superior Court judge to reverse the transfer of the properties.A 35-year-old Green Valley man was arrested Saturday after Sahuarita police say he was in a bank demanding money and refusing to let customers leave.

Police were called to the Wells Fargo at 18590 S. Nogales Highway about 2 p.m. because of a disturbance. Police were told the man was in the bank demanding money, a news release from the department says.

The man "aggressively fought" two officers before they were able to handcuff and arrest him, police said.

Both officers suffered minor injuries.

Keven Smith was arrested and booked into the Pima County jail on suspicion on kidnapping, attempted robbery, aggravated assault, drug possession, third-degree burglary and resisting arrest, the release said.

The case is still being investigated.PHOENIX  Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich is quietly dropping the defamation lawsuit he filed last fall against backers of the Proposition 127 campaign and the California billionaire who financed it.

Brnovich filed suit against members of the Clean Energy for a Healthy Arizona committee and financier Tom Steyer over the content of TV commercials supporting the ballot measure. Those ads accused the attorney general of being corrupt and helping to rig the election.

Dennis Wilenchik, who represents Brnovich, told Capitol Media Services that even if he had won the lawsuit, the victory would have been hollow, at least financially.

He pointed out that commercials were running and the lawsuit was filed while Brnovich was seeking another four-year term. As it turned out, Brnovich won that race and got to keep his $90,000-a-year salary.

Voters also defeated Proposition 127, the proposal for which the ads accused Brnovich of using his position to defeat because he tweaked the explanation of the measure that voters saw on the ballot. The initiative would have mandated that most Arizona utilities generate at least half their energy from renewable sources, not including nuclear power, by 2030.Los expertos en salud estan mas preocupados por la variante Delta que por otras variantes en Arizona, pero aun no han hecho sonar la alarma.It takes guts to fool around with Anton Chekhov. And Aaron Posner has got em.

Stupid F#!*ing Bird, Posners adaptation of Chekhovs dark and brilliant The Seagull, is, well, dark and brilliant.

And Winding Road Theatre Ensembles production is as well.

Posner basically follows the framework of Chekhovs slice-of-dreary-life story but sets it in modern times and infuses it with lots of swearing and lots of humor.

Oh, Chekhovs version has humor, too, but few productions are successful at wringing it out.

The story gives us a peek at a slew of people who struggle to find purpose in life.

There is Con, a playwright who longs to please his actress mother, Emma, with his works. He is in love with the delicate Nina. She loves him until she meets Emmas-lover-with-a-wandering eye, Trigorin, a famous writer. Nina wants to be famous, so she naturally gravitates toward Trigorin, with no qualms about moving in on Emmas man.

Mash, forlorn and punked out, loves Con, who doesnt care a whit for her. And loving Mash is Dev; she likes him, they are friends, but romantic feelings for him dont exist. Soren, Emmas brother, just wants to love and be loved.This board has advocated for creative solutions to the education funding deficit that dont lean solely on deep cuts to Wyoming school systems. And we think this measure could be a key step in that direction.

A primary argument against taxes on corporations is that the cost gets passed on to consumers. We understand and appreciate that concern. However, the cost of this 7 percent tax would be absorbed and distributed throughout retailers nationwide  so the burden to individual consumers in Wyoming is almost nothing.

Lawmakers repeatedly fail to take serious action when it comes to finding new revenue streams. The boom and bust cycle makes education funding shaky. Large corporations that are coming into Wyoming and paying little to no taxes should be expected to shoulder some of the burden, which currently rests squarely on the energy industry. And $45 million is a sizeable chunk of the states education funding deficit.

The benefits of an updated corporate tax structure would be considerable. And providing a consistent stream of revenue to support our schools would be smart.

We cannot only cut our way to a smart solution to education funding. Nor are taxes alone the answer. Its time legislators consider a variety of solutions to solving the massive education funding deficit that is so undeniably important to Wyomings future. As Rep. Obermueller points out, not all taxes are created equal  and not all of them are inherently wrong for Wyoming.

Love 3 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0There is a distinction between a willingness to agree and a willingness to work together  something Vice President Pence clearly recognized. Weve always had our disagreements  that is part of the color and magic of America. We never had to forsake our differing opinions and passions to pull ourselves out of a Great Depression, build dams and bridges, educate millions of returning GIs, eradicate measles and polio, contain communism and expand the vote to all Americans. We can have our own personal and family histories, hold views separate from our neighbor, worship who we choose, and nonetheless work together  because it is only through civilized debate that we are stronger and wiser as a nation. That is precisely why we have three co-equal branches of government, two legislative chambers and a system of checks and balances. Our form of democracy requires compromise by design, or put another way, the U.S. Constitution forces us to get along. The Founding Fathers wisely understood that while messy and frustrating at times, it is a wiser form of government than the alternative, something the hyper-partisans in both parties have carelessly forgotten.Historic downtowns filled with Western charm. Unrivaled wildlife and scenic vistas. Fishing, hiking, snowmobiling and other endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. Incredible communities in which to raise a family. Space to pursue your dreams.

There are a million reasons why we in Wyoming choose to call this place home. Reasons that all contribute to a high quality of life that makes Wyoming one of the best places in the nation to raise a family, start a business and build a life. And while scenery, recreation, culture, business opportunities, tax structure and a host of other reasons make this a wonderful place to live, few things contribute to our quality of life like education and health care.

Education has long been one of the most important issues the Wyoming Legislature works to address each and every session. The excellence of our K-12 education system, as well as post-secondary and career training institutions, is critical to not only our young people and students, but our economy and quality of life as a whole. In recent years, a downturn in our energy economy and challenges to the mineral industry have given rise to an education funding shortfall we have worked hard to tackle. Weve made great strides in recent years, but the work continues today.Senate Joint Resolution 3 also calls on the National Womens Hall of Fame to induct Esther Hobart Morris. I spoke with Cheyenne Historian Laureate William Bill DuBois, a descendant of Morris, who informed me that her application for this recognition has languished. A statue of Morris is one of two statues placed in front of the Wyoming Capitol and one of two statues representing Wyoming in the National Statuary Hall in the United States Capitol. Morris deserves our support for this recognition.

In this year of celebration, I hope we remember a few things. First, Wyoming did not grant women the right to vote  the right is inherent. Wyoming, rather, was the first state to guarantee that right. Second, we often hear that the only reason Wyoming supported womens suffrage was because it needed the population. This is untrue. Territorial legislators had a variety of reasons to support suffrage; among those, it was simply the right thing to do. Third, suffrage not only advanced womens rights, it benefited men and women alike. And it continues to do so. Finally, the work we do to get through our days, by putting one foot in front of the other, may be more remarkable than we think. The lives of people, like Morris, remind us that ordinary women and men accomplish extraordinary things. We just need to do the work.CHEYENNE  Mady Goossen has been out-scouting the boys for most of her life. She can tie the knots, she can recite the pledge and the oath, and shes been holding three fingers up to the Boy Scout values for more than a decade. But prior to midnight Thursday, that was all done in an unofficial capacity.

Friday, she and four other girls in Cheyenne were among the first girls in the country to be inducted into the Boy Scouts, now called Scouts BSA.

In October 2017, the Boy Scouts of America announced they would be accepting girls into an organization that had been boys-only for more than 100 years. In the statement announcing the change, Boy Scouts of America Chief Scout Executive Michael Surbaugh said, The values of Scouting  trustworthy, loyal, helpful, kind, brave and reverent, for example  are important for both young men and women.

And Mady is glad to finally be recognized for the work she has been doing for so long.

I was kind of upset that I didnt get rewarded for what I did, so Im really excited to finally get the recognition that Ive been waiting to get for a while, she said.Environmental groups are crying foul that oil and gas lease sales will continue despite lost time during the 35-day partial government shutdown.

Federal officials in Wyoming say they are ready to move forward with two scheduled lease sales  including the first of four auctions that the agency is required to hold every year  having collected and reviewed public comments on whether these acres should be offered to industry.

The first-quarter auction on March 19 and 20 will offer 140 parcels, totaling 148,909 acres of Wyoming land for development, including wildlife habitat that environmental groups argue should not be leased for development.

The agency is deferring six parcels of land that were proposed by companies but that lie in the Red Desert to Hoback migration corridor for mule deer. Two more parcels in the corridor will be partially deferred and all parcels overlapping the corridor carry a lease notice forcing oil and gas companies to consult with state and federal agencies on how to develop in the sensitive area traipsed by the deer.

But for environmental groups, the problem with the sale is one of timing."Clap Your Hands If You Believe in Fairies!"Issues of concern to people who live in the west: property rights, water rights, endangered species, livestock grazing, energy production, wilderness and western agriculture. Plus a few items on western history, western literature and the sport of rodeo... Frank DuBois served as the NM Secretary of Agriculture from 1988 to 2003. DuBois is a former legislative assistant to a U.S. Senator, a Deputy Assistant Secretary of Interior, and is the founder of the DuBois Rodeo Scholarship.We are appreciative of any entity that comes into our community to help beautify and improve it, Denmark City Councilman Calvin Odom said.

The new apartment community will offer a community building, a central laundry, a computer room and a playground. Monthly rent will be affordable for families or singles who earn 60 percent of area median income or less and will include owner-paid water, sewer and trash collection.

Accountius said construction will begin on the apartments in late spring or early summer of 2019 with anticipated completion in the spring of 2020.

SCDOT: Circular intersections used more in rural areas

Two roundabouts are under construction in Sawyerdale: one at the intersection of S.C. Highway 3 and S.C. Highway 394 and another at S.C. 394 and S.C. 389.

Work began on the two roundabouts on March 16 and were completed late last year.

The Sawyerdale intersections had been cited as some of the most dangerous in the state.

Over a seven-and-a-half-year period, the S.C. 3 and S.C. 394 intersection saw a total of 33 crashes with 31 of the crashes being T-bone or right angle crashes, according to SCDOT.The company plans to invest approximately $63 million in this new operation, according to the S.C. Department of Commerce.

Headquartered in Spain, OPDE Group develops and promotes photovoltaic solar power plants around the world. Since the company was established in 2005, OPDE has expanded continuously in a number of renewable markets. At present, the company has a portfolio of more than one gigawatt of renewable energy projects worldwide.

OPDE Group is thrilled to have the opportunity to bring new investment in clean, affordable, low-risk power to rural South Carolina. We look forward to continuing our work with South Carolina Electric & Gas, Bamberg County, the SouthernCarolina Regional Development Alliance, the S.C. Department of Commerce and local stakeholders to make this project a success, OPDE Group USA Managing Director Logan Stephens said.

Four Holes Road bridge to be done by summer

The S.C. Department of Transportation plans to replace the Four Holes Road bridge over Interstate 26 in Orangeburg County using a streamlined replacement process.

The bridge was heavily damaged on March 9 when a tractor-trailer carrying a load of gravel ran into one of the pilings. The driver was killed in the accident.And the other graduate was William Bulkley, who went on to become one of the first black PhDs in the country. In fact, he was the third African American to receive a PhD from a college or university in the United States -- and his PhD was in Latin.

Bulkley went on to work in New York and was one of the organizers of the Niagara movement, which led to the creation of the NAACP. He was also an organizer of the National Urban League.

The early graduates were prepared to be leaders in the community, Tisdale said. If you look at the early graduates, of course, they were preachers leading churches throughout the community, they were educators leading programs throughout South Carolina. They were attorneys, getting PhDs, working in higher education.

All of these were graduates coming from an institution that was organized to create leaders, to develop people with college degrees. I think thats unique.

Tisdale said that Claflin was the first institution in the state to have a formal art department and also educated some of the first black architects in the nation.Valagro, a producer of biostimulants and fertilizers for the agriculture industry, launched its new production operation in Orangeburg County.

The companys $14 million investment is projected to create 47 new jobs over the next five years.

The Orangeburg County operation will be Valagro's first manufacturing facility in the United States, although the company does have an office in Florida.

The construction of this U.S. production facility greatly supports our ability to better serve some of the most strategically-important markets, such as the U.S., Canada and Mexico," Valagro CEO Giuseppe Natale said during the May announcement. "This means fully implementing the groups principle of putting the customer in the center."

"The new facility will allow us to improve our ability to meet customers needs by providing them with a wide range of sustainable and effective nutritional solutions," Natale said.

The company will build its new 65,000-square-foot facility at 397 Millennium Drive at the Orangeburg County/City Industrial Park. The property is located across the street from Allied Air and is near HT Hackney.

The facility is projected to come online in the third quarter of 2019.Johnson serves as vice president of the utility and industrial products unit of Koppers. He also serves as a member of the executive team of Koppers.

The transaction made Koppers a leading utility pole and wood-treatment producer and advances the company's strategy of being a "vertically integrated, high-value global supplier of wood-based technologies to infrastructure markets," according to the press release.

"We are thrilled to return to the U.S. utility pole market with a significantly larger presence than when we exited the business in January 2015," Koppers President and CEO Leroy Ball said. "While we were working hard during the past several years to restructure our operations and reduce our balance sheet leverage, Cox Industrial grew to become the largest supplier of utility poles in the eastern U.S."

Ball added, "The opportunity to re-enter this market with the scale to better compete, along with gaining a growth-focused management team, was attractive and compelling. In addition to numerous synergies being explored, we plan to focus on continuing to grow the business organically as well as through strategic partnerships and select acquisitions."

Koppers found Cox Industrial attractive due to its national presence, its scale of treatment options and a proven track record of storm response.I believe the bias of the narrative caused minimal vetting. The lie about being a recon Ranger and Vietnam veteran goes to Phillips' credibility of his account of the incident. Good, unbiased reporting would have given readers and viewers the right information.

Thankfully, the family of Sandmann has hired famed attorney Lin Wood to go after media organizations for what happened. The false and biased reporting, along with media tweets inciting violence against the Covington children, has caused death threats and school closure. Those are damages caused by certain elements of the national medial.

Interestingly, the offending tweets have now been removed, and media figures are attempting to excuse the tweets as being solely "metaphorical," and not encouraging violence against the minors.

Walter Cronkite must be turning over in his grave with what's happened to his beloved profession due to progressive bias and negligence in fact checking. Hopefully, the lawsuits from this incident will not only bring justice to the Covington families. Potentially, they could be the catalyst for outlets like the NYT, CNN and others to give up the progressive bias and work to earn back the trust of America.

As Cronkite would say of the whole thing, "And that's the way it is."

Bill Connor, an Army Infantry colonel, author and Orangeburg attorney, has deployed multiple times to the Middle East. Connor was the senior U.S. military adviser to Afghan forces in Helmand Province, where he received the Bronze Star. A Citadel graduate with a JD from USC, he is also a Distinguished Graduate of the U.S. Army War College, earning his master of strategic studies. He is the author of the book "Articles from War.

Love 2 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0Williams said she was delighted to be a recipient of this years Service to Humanity in Education Award.

"I was humbled and gracious at the same time because it felt good to have my peers recognize me for something that I know is my calling.

Ever since I was in the first grade, I knew that I wanted to be an educator. I can remember practicing my craft on my many first cousins.

They were my first students and they allowed me to be the teacher. I wouldnt have it any other way," she said.

Williams attends New Mt. Zion Baptist Church and serves as the director of the Jesus and Me (J.A.M.) Bible Study Ministry for youth and is also the co-director of the Couples Ministry with her husband Thomas. They have two children.

Next, Cecil Williams was asked to come to the front to receive his award. The noted civil rights photographer was selected as The Times and Democrat's 2018 Person of the Year and is a recipient of the Governor's Award for the Humanities and the Order of the Palmetto.

During his career, Cecil Williams has photographed such noted figures as Thurgood Marshall in Charleston and chronicled South Carolina events including those surrounding the historic Brown vs. Board of Education case.Cultivating good character with service and respect was the main focus at the Orangeburg County Community of Character award program on Friday.

At Claflin Universitys Jonas T. Kennedy Center, guest speaker Whitney Sullivan encouraged the fifth-graders in the audience to use their voice regardless of their age.

The difference that you make is not defined by how young or how old you are, she said. You can start making a difference as soon as you walk out these doors right now.

And that difference can be made by serving others, she said. A producer and anchor for WLTX-TV, Sullivan shared that volunteering as a sixth-grader at a camp for autistic children helped her discover her purpose.

If you want to leave a legacy, use your talents and abilities and skills to serve your community, she said.

But without a good character, she told the students, using ones voice becomes difficult. Respect for parents and teachers is a quality that cannot be understated.

Listen to your parents and teachers, she said. They are your biggest fans and they want to see you do great things in life.Those areas are oftentimes struggling with population decreases, teacher shortages and other things, he said. I don't want to say impossible, but it makes it very difficult for you to exist on the same playing field as other school districts in this state that don't have those issues.

He said theres talk in Columbia about whether a final bill should require the consolidation of smaller districts.

The fact of the matter is this: The smaller you are, the smarter you have to be. You have to be willing to look past and let go of petty historical differences, racial differences and oftentimes the legacy or heritage difference, Bamberg said.

At the end of the day, our educational system isn't about me. It isn't about who runs the district. It's about the children who have one chance to get the best education they can before they're prepared to go off into the real world, Bamberg said.

The lawmaker said there is still time for Bamberg County to consolidate administrative services and remain in separate schools.Bamberg council to convene

The Bamberg County Council will meet at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 4, in council chambers at the Bamberg County Courthouse Annex, 1234 North St., Bamberg.

Public Works committee to meet

Orangeburg County Council Public Works Committee will hold a special called meeting at 4 p.m. Monday, Feb. 4, at the Administrative Center, 1437 Amelia St.

OCSD4 work session canceled

The Orangeburg Consolidated School District 4 Board of Trustees' scheduled work session has been canceled for Feb. 5. The next planned meeting is set for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19, in the district office boardroom in Cope.

Relay for Life captains to meet

Relay For Life of Orangeburg and Bamberg Counties will host the first Team Captains Meeting for the 2019 Relay season at 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 4, at Orangeburg Lutheran Church, 610 Ellis Ave.

MS support group to meet

A Multiple Sclerosis Self Help Group for people with the disease and their families will meet at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 7, at the First Baptist Church Family Life Center, 2855 Columbia Road. For more information, call 803-531-9707.79 high-achieving, high school students made their way to Claflin University for the seventh annual "Become a Visionary Leader" event on Jan. 26. These potential students, and their families, spent the day learning about South Carolina's first HBCU. Special presentations were conducted by the university deans, the Honors College and the Career Pathways Initiative CPI.

"The Become a Visionary Leader event was a huge success," said Antonio McFarland, assistant director of admissions. "The overall objective was to bring these students on campus and showcase all of the great benefits of Claflin University. The Office of Admissions designed this event specifically for high achieving scholars. We wanted to provide a stellar event with stellar faculty, staff, and students to the prospective scholars on why Claflin University continues to remain a nationally-ranked institutions with stellar academic programs," McFarland said.The first week of our visit was spent in Liberia at a hotel owned by a local businessman who also helped his poor community by sponsoring an after-school program where students learned and were exposed to the arts. The students all took turns at 10-minute intervals playing the few drums and other instruments available. On Saturdays, parents were invited to participate in the overall learning programs and to share ideas about what their child was learning.

Also on Saturdays, a local artist and his wife were invited to share their love for painting with the children. According to this elderly couple, one of whom was blind, they looked forward to their trip to the school as much as the children anticipated their visit.

Even though the children lacked the luxuries our children take for granted, they were eager to learn and did not miss a moment to engage themselves in all of the activities. There were no behavior problems as African children seem to really appreciate being educated as it is a rare opportunity not afforded by all children. Clothing was scarce and shoes were repurposed flip-flops (everyone wears flip-flops). After engaging with the children and their seemingly makeshift environment, I often wondered why our children in the United States find it difficult to be mentally prepared at all times for serious study and engagement.Approximately 600 students from across the state competed for the roughly 270 spots on the choir, which will be directed by Rollo Dilworth, an associate professor of choral music education at Temple Universitys Boyer College of Music.

He writes gospel music for childrens choirs. So Im excited for Brent to be able to work with him to see what a male can do. Dilworth is young and energetic. Were singing two of his arrangements, Parler-Rice, said, noting that it is awesome hearing the honor choir sing.

Sheppard and Snell are part of Parler-Rices sixth-grade general music class.

Snell, whose father is a member of the Gospel Legends quartet, said he felt confident that he was going to be selected to perform on the honor choir.

There was no doubt about it, Snell said, smiling. He said singing helps him express himself and that music is a way of telling others his story through song.

It just helps me a lot in different kinds of ways. I just like expressing myself to different people. Sometimes I sing gospel, sometimes I have to make up a song and put my feelings in it. I have a book at home that I write songs in, Snell said. Im trying to make a record.With so much habitat, ducks didnt have to congregate around state-controlled sites or hunting clubs managed for ducks. Thurston speculated the ducks were so spread out that hunting was more difficult this year.

Thats a reasonable theory.

Thurston and Chris McGinnis, the IDNR site superintendent at Mermet Lake, made another interesting observation  ducks seem to be becoming more nocturnal. Both said there were several weeks this season where Horseshoe and Mermet lakes held sizable numbers of ducks.

OUTDOORS COLUMN: Shutdown's effects range far and wide Watching the national news is rarely an uplifting experience.

However, the ducks seemed content to spend their days on the main bodies of water. They didnt venture out to the neighboring feeding/hunting areas. The ducks appeared to be feeding at night and returning the safety of open water during hunting hours.

Coincidence? Or does this signal a change in waterfowl behavior?

The answer to that question is well above my pay grade. However, it will be a question I pursue in coming weeks.

Another observation  there were virtually no Canada geese harvested. Not a single Canada goose was killed at Union County. There were eight harvested at Horseshoe Lake  thats not a typo.The popular Eagle Tours offered by refuge staff did have to be cancelled.

And, some basic services were lacking. A snow and ice storm struck Southern Illinois during the shutdown and roads were snow-packed for several days before warmer weather took care of that issue.

We werent cleaning bathrooms on the refuge or picking up trash, Speer said. It came to our attention there were private citizens that were taking out trash and putting out new trash bags. That says a lot about some of our refuge visitors.

I want to say thanks to whoever was doing that. We were concerned with what would happen to the trash. Some of our visitors stepped up. We dont know who they were. I think that says a lot for the community thinking this is their refuge.

Some national parks, particularly Joshua Tree, received heavy damage at the hand of vandals. Speer said there were no major incidents at Crab Orchard.

In the meantime, the Crab Orchard staff is going back to work on projects that were idled in late December.MOUND CITY  For 50 years, Corene McDaniel has walked through the rows of graves at Mound City National Cemetery to visit her father, who lies in rest there alongside thousands of other veterans.

But it was only a few years that she noticed an abbreviation chiseled into some of the oldest white headstones: USCT.

It stands for United States Colored Troops, she learned  the name given to the about 200,000 African-American men who fought for the Union in the Civil War.

Representing some 10 percent of the entire Union Army, and 25 percent of its Navy, the men played an instrumental role in preserving our nations unity, and cementing the freedom promised to them by the Emancipation Proclamation.

However, McDaniel discovered, very little is known about the USCT servicemen buried at Mound City.

We know theyre here, but not necessarily where they are, or how many, McDaniel said. She spoke to Mound City Cemetery representative Alex Kment, who contacted Veterans Affairs in Washington.

They said the best way to start was to walk and document, McDaniel said.

In the last year, McDaniel, walking alone or with friends and family, has identified 350 USCT graves.

Its an experience that gives you goosebumps, McDaniel said. It is so wonderful to walk here peacefully and know that all of these soldiers, colored and noncolored, have served this country.

Shes got all the soldiers names written in a pocket-sized pink-and-blue notebook, plus the numbers on their headstones, which indicate their location in the cemetery.

Felix Mattingly, 4497; Thomas Richardson, 4498; Calee Prewitt, 4452; Solomon Brooks, F4465.

McDaniel, of Carbondale, hopes her records can be added to the directory at the cemetery museum, allowing future visitors to more easily find and visit the USCT graves. That could benefit history buffs, and even families, who frequently visit the cemetery in search of Civil War-veteran relatives, Kment said.

But McDaniel has a second, more ambitious goal. She wants to tell the stories of these soldiers.

Im interested in the contribution that was made, McDaniel said. There may be so many people that do not know the role they played. In the Civil War were thinking about slavery, and not necessarily the sacrifice these soldiers made.

Their service was indispensable.

Without the military help of the black freedmen, the war against the South could not have been won, said President Abraham Lincoln, in 1865.

African-American soldiers were prohibited from joining the Union Army until about a year after the war began, when Congress passed the Militia Act of 1862, recognizing the urgent need for black soldiers.

Freedmen from throughout the North enlisted at a staggering rate, some even returning to the U.S. from Canada to serve.

USCT recruitment intensified with the Emancipation Proclamation, issued on Jan. 1, 1863. The Proclamation freed slaves in secessionist Southern states, and publicly announced that any who so desired would be welcomed into the Union military.

Make no mistake, the Emancipation Proclamation was aimed at Southern slaves, said Frank Smith, director of the African American Civil War Memorial and Museum in Washington, D.C. But it came with an asterisk: youve got to put on a uniform and help us to win this war, otherwise this wont have any meaning.

During the last two years of the war, from 1863 to 1865, African-Americans fought in every major campaign and battle, according to the museums website, earning 52 Medals of Honor, and helping to capture major strategic targets like Charleston, South Carolina, and Richmond, Virginia, the capital of the Confederacy.

Black women, including Harriet Tubman, worked as nurses, spies, and scouts to support the Union cause, although they couldnt enlist in the military.

Because of the prejudice against them, many black soldiers were withheld from combat, instead placed in support roles, as carpenters, chaplains, cooks, and laborers, according to the National Archives.

Still, nearly 40,000 black soldiers died over the course of the Civil War, and they endured some of the wars harshest and most dangerous conditions.

They received lower pay, insufficient supplies, and often stronger punishments when captured by the Confederates.

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Their segregated regiments also received greatly inferior medical care, with many white physicians unwilling to treat black units, and just three black physicians serving the Union Armys 166 black regiments, per reporting from the news website OZY.

McDaniel, who comes from a proud military family, said she hadnt given much thought to the ugly truths her project may uncover in Southern Illinois. But shes prepared for them.

What we have is a sign of the times, McDaniel said. This is the way it was then, its not the way it is now. Ill be looking for information without being judgmental about what I find. The goal is to be informed and help people be more informed.

But researching the USCT soldiers at Mound City is going to take determination.

Very few black soldiers originated in Southern Illinois, as the state had just one black regiment, said P. Michael Jones, director of the General John A. Logan Museum in Murphysboro. Both during and after the war, the USCT soldiers who ended up in the region came from far and wide.

Now a town of just a few hundred people, Mound City was then home to a naval shipyard, and one of the largest Civil War hospitals, serving thousands of wounded.

It was one of the most strategically important locations in the Civil War, second only to the capital, Kment said.

Wounded soldiers were brought to Southern Illinois by ship from all over the south and Midwest, via the Mississippi and Ohio rivers. Those who died in treatment were buried at Mound City, and in many cases, the cemetery has no record of where the soldiers came from.

After the war ended, thousands more soldiers came to Mound City, when the Army undertook a massive project to dig up soldiers lying in battlefield graves and transfer them to newly created national cemeteries like Mound City, Kment said.

That led to another influx of soldiers about whom very little is known, disinterred from makeshift cemeteries near battles at Cairo, Illinois; Belmont, Missouri; and Paducah, Kentucky, many of them reburied as unknown soldiers

Still, there are reasons to be hopeful.

The growth of genealogical research and the digitization of government records continue to make it easier to find relevant information.

Jones, the museum director and a former schoolteacher, has profiled almost 40 black veterans who moved to Elkville, De Soto, Murphysboro and other Southern Illinois towns after the Civil War.

Hes used muster rolls and census and pension records to dig up their military histories, and a surprising amount of biographical information.

Particularly in the pension records, there is a wealth of information: where people were born, who they belonged to, when they were enslaved, who they married, who their children were, Jones said.

While black Illinoisans still faced discrimination and violence after the war, Jones research indicates the USCT veterans received special respect.

They got obituaries in the newspapers, which, back then, were usually reserved for people with some status, Jones said. You would see these obituaries mentioning how few old Civil War veterans were left. They may have called them black veterans, but there was respect for those men and what they did.

The USCT soldiers service changed the image of black people in the world, Dr. Smith agreed.

But it has often gone undervalued and under-recognized  a historical neglect that, to Smith, exemplifies the unequal treatment black Americans still face today.

McDaniel hopes continued research on the USCT troops buried at Mound City, most of whom died in wartime, will help set the record straight.

And shes got a long list of interested helpers, from her sisters in the local Zeta Phi Beta sorority, to area historical societies, to fellow volunteers at the African American Museum of Southern Illinois, which McDaniel co-founded with her husband.

Shes certain the project will continue to grow. After all, you can Google anything these days, she said.

When the weather gets nicer this spring, McDaniel will return to the cemetery to complete her walk, and add the last few names to her notebook.

Then shell reach out to her volunteers and figure out whats next.

One thing shes sure of: Shell be getting young people involved.

Each year, the African American Museum of Southern Illinois hosts a monthlong youth summer program, taking children on educational trips throughout the region.

In future years, McDaniel hopes to have a new piece of the story to share with the students when she brings them to Mound City.

I would hope when this is all done that we would have a great story to tell to our kids, grandkids, students, adults; to anybody that wants to listen, McDaniel said. And in telling the story there are going to be some things that arent so rosy, but thats life.

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Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.Due to the nationwide controversy surrounding the police over the last several years, alternative crime prevention programs are a valuable option for many regions, Hibdon explained.

While community policing can be beneficial, Hibdon believes some regions may respond better to trainings and activities from outside organizations. Aggressive police tactics run the risk of damaging relationships between the police and the people, but community efforts offer a more mild approach.

These type of community prevention approaches can be very useful in areas where there might be historical issues between the police and the areas they serve, Hibdon said. These programs may even be able to act as a liaison between the two.

The program also works to empower the communities to grow and develop, which is something we cannot expect the police to be in charge of, Hibdon explained. Crime prevention is the job of the whole community, not just law enforcement officials. This model encourages a more holistic approach, prompting individuals to do their part in their own neighborhoods.While the group agreed to several points of discussion, the clock was ticking for the interest groups to get their preferred language in the bill, as Gov. J.B. Pritzker wants the bill on his desk to sign prior to his budget address scheduled for Feb. 20.

COMPTROLLERS WORDS OF CAUTION: Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza is imploring the General Assembly to be realistic with revenue projections this year to avoid adding to the states backlog of unpaid bills.

A compromise budget passed last year was hailed as balanced by many lawmakers, but will actually add $1.5 billion to $2 billion to the states backlog, which was estimated about $7.3 billion as of Thursday, Jan. 31

One year ago, the General Assembly passed Mendozas Debt Transparency Act, mandating state agencies to provide accurate monthly reports on liabilities, including the escalating cost of interest penalties. This allowed budgeteers to identify which agencies lacked adequate appropriations to process their bills and account for it in negotiations.

Even with the adequate debt information, Mendoza said, a budget cannot be balanced without accurate revenue projections.The body of 42-year-old Allen K. Woolard was located Saturday morning, Feb. 2, 2019, in a rural area of the Village of Buckner by members of the Southern Illinois Search Team, according to a press release from Franklin County Sheriff David Bartoni. Sheriff deputies received a call that the team had located his body at 11:17 a.m.

Woolard was reported missing at approximately 11:30 p.m. on Jan. 23. He was last seen about 30 minutes earlier leaving a residence in Buckner.

An autopsy will be performed Monday to determine the cause of death.

In the press release, the sheriffs office thanked members of the Southern Illinois Search Team and volunteers from the community for their efforts to locate Woolard. The investigation continues with assistance from the Illinois State Police, Buckner and Christopher police, and Franklin County Emergency Management Agency.

 The Southern

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Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.Quite appropriately, the celebration event was held at Artspace 304, home of Carbondale Community Arts (CCA), where she served on the board for four, four-year terms. She departed with great joy in 2013 when her term expired, knowing that after nearly 25 years CCA had finally acquired a permanent home.

Her husband, Ben; children, Tiger of Chicago, and Shelly of Aiken, South Carolina, and only grandchild, Olivia Bendrea Shepherd of Carbondale hosted the affair, themed Ann Maries Favorite Things. Every minute detail of the evening was carefully crafted with this in mind  most notably, the event logo featured a purple butterfly and matching feather pen, yellow roses and one of her signature sign-offs, As ever, Ann Marie. Other favorite things included curtain lighting cascading an accent wall, and lush tropical foliage and live florals, with yellow roses and purple accents. Additionally, the program incorporated children, with a special tribute that included a poem and two presentations. Instrumental and acapella jazz-infused song selections were a welcomed addition, with a full range of speakers that reflected on Ann Maries life and legacy. She received a plethora of greeting cards, gifts, love tokens and monetary donations to some of her favorite causes, including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Rock Hill Missionary Baptist Church and her beloved alma mater, Tougaloo College.Fed Decriminalization of Cannabis Could Spark New Pot Stock Boom (Ad)

With Democrats now controlling both houses of Congress and the executive branch, cannabis decriminalization on the federal level could be months away. This could result in established Washington State weed companies being able to market across state lines -- setting off a bidding war for quality stocks at reasonable prices.

Get All the Details on #1Interstate CannabisFifteen states plus the District of Columbia now permit the recreational use of cannabis and Congress is on track to decriminalize marijuana possession on the federal level. As a result, the North American cannabis market is expected to TRIPLE in size from $30 billion to $100 billion by the year 2027  and one Seattle manufacturer is poised to cash in!

AbbVie Inc. discovers, develops, manufactures, and sells pharmaceuticals in the worldwide. The company offers HUMIRA, a therapy administered as an injection for autoimmune and intestinal BehAet's diseases; SKYRIZI to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults; RINVOQ, a JAK inhibitor for the treatment of moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis in adult patients; IMBRUVICA to treat adult patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL), mantle cell lymphoma, waldenstrAm's macroglobulinemia, marginal zone lymphoma, and chronic graft versus host disease; VENCLEXTA, a BCL-2 inhibitor used to treat adults with CLL or SLL; and MAVYRET to treat patients with chronic HCV genotype 1-6 infection. It also provides CREON, a pancreatic enzyme therapy for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency; Synthroid used in the treatment of hypothyroidism; AndroGel for males diagnosed with symptomatic low testosterone; Linzess/Constella to treat irritable bowel syndrome with constipation and chronic idiopathic constipation; Lupron for the palliative treatment of advanced prostate cancer, endometriosis and central precocious puberty, and patients with anemia caused by uterine fibroids; and Botox therapeutic. In addition, the company offers ORILISSA, a nonpeptide small molecule gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist for women with moderate to severe endometriosis pain; Duopa and Duodopa, a levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel to treat Parkinson's disease; Lumigan/Ganfort, a bimatoprost ophthalmic solution for the reduction of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open angle glaucoma (OAG) or ocular hypertension; Ubrelvy to treat migraine with or without aura in adults; Alphagan/ Combigan, an alpha-adrenergic receptor agonist for the reduction of IOP in patients with OAG; and Restasis, a calcineurin inhibitor immunosuppressant to increase tear production. The company was incorporated in 2012 and is based in North Chicago, Illinois.

Read MoreFifteen states plus the District of Columbia now permit the recreational use of cannabis and Congress is on track to decriminalize marijuana possession on the federal level. As a result, the North American cannabis market is expected to TRIPLE in size from $30 billion to $100 billion by the year 2027  and one Seattle manufacturer is poised to cash in!

Agilent Technologies, Inc. provides application focused solutions to the life sciences, diagnostics, and applied chemical markets worldwide. The Life Sciences and Applied Markets segment offers liquid and gas chromatography systems and components; liquid and gas chromatography mass spectrometry systems; inductively coupled plasma mass and optical emission spectrometry instruments; atomic absorption instruments; microwave plasma-atomic emission spectrometry instruments; raman spectroscopy; cell analysis plate based assays; flow cytometer; real-time cell analyzer; cell imaging systems; microplate readers; laboratory software, information management, and analytics; laboratory automation and robotic systems; dissolution testing; vacuum pumps; and measurement technologies. The Diagnostics and Genomics segment provides arrays for DNA mutation detection, genotyping, gene copy number determination, identification of gene rearrangements, DNA methylation profiling, and gene expression profiling, as well as sequencing target enrichment, genetic data management, and interpretation support software; and equipment to produce synthesized oligonucleotide. It also offers immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, and hematoxylin and eosin staining and special staining; instruments, consumables, and software for quality control analysis of nucleic acid samples; and reagents for use in turbidimetry and flow cytometry, as well as develops pharmacodiagnostics. The Agilent CrossLab segment provides GC and LC columns, sample preparation products, custom chemistries, and laboratory instrument supplies; and startup, operational, training, compliance support, software as a service, asset management, and consultation services. The company markets its products through direct sales, distributors, resellers, manufacturer's representatives, and electronic commerce. It has collaboration agreement with SGS AXYS. The company was incorporated in 1999 and is headquartered in Santa Clara, California.

Read MoreEven Utah Is Falling in Love with Psychedelics (Ad)

Nobody ever thinks of ultra-conservative Utah as a liberal stronghold. But one company there has already joined companies in California and Arizona in administering psychedelic treatments as a novel solution to depression. And that could mean the legal psychedelics market is poised to explode.

Here's how you could get in on the ground floorSouth Hills (15301)

Today

Variable clouds with strong thunderstorms. Damaging winds and large hail with some storms. High 82F. Winds WSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 90%. 1 to 2 inches of rain expected..

Tonight

Thunderstorms this evening will give way to steady rain overnight. Low 56F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%.WASHINGTON  The government agencies that were shut down are back in business, but the financial crisis it left behind for many federal workers and contractors isnt over.

Yes, the 800,000 federal employees who were affected will get their back pay. But that doesnt mean theyll be made whole. Some had to borrow money, incurring interest charges. Others stopped paying bills, which could lead to late fees. Folks who were on an aggressive mission to pay down debt had to pull back.

Without pay, some federal workers felt they had no choice but to tap their Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), the governments version of a 401(k). But if you take money out of your TSP before you reach age 59 1/2, you might have to pay an early-withdrawal penalty of 10 percent in addition to regular income tax.

Then there are the contract workers who wont receive back pay. With many of them already living paycheck to paycheck, these workers will find it hard to recover. If they were contributing to a retirement plan through their employer, their contributions probably stopped with the shutdown. And they arent likely to make catch-up contributions.WASHINGTON  The handmaiden of peace is exhaustion. We are seeing that lesson in the killing fields of Afghanistan and Yemen.

Fragile peace agreements are emerging in both conflicts, thanks to skillful diplomats. There are a hundred reasons why each negotiation may fail, and in assessing Middle East conflicts, we should remember that, unfortunately, pessimism pays, as my former Wall Street Journal colleague Karen Elliott House observed nearly 40 years ago.

But a process has started: Zalmay Khalilzad, the U.S. special envoy, said Monday, We have a draft of the [peace] framework that has to be fleshed out. A senior Gulf official told a Washington gathering Monday night that because of U.N. mediation efforts, We are at the beginning of the end in Yemen, and that the war there is now moving from a military to a political phase.

Recent diplomatic efforts are bolstered by fatigue and frustration at the existing, costly stalemates in both battlefields. The Trump administration (despite the presidents own clumsy statements) has found a balance between saying (rightly) that the wars must end and (wrongly) setting a precise timetable for withdrawing U.S. military support. Ambiguity is the mother of peace deals.I was surprised to see the numbers here, Hale said.

But Hale and Sylvia are active with their volunteering and encourage the First Baptist congregation to do the same.

One of the things that drew us (to First Baptist) was that they are very involved in outreach, Sylvia said, noting the church has a food bank, a clothing drive and free hot lunches each month, and it provides financial assistance when necessary.

While he has a long history of church involvement, his installation at First Baptist marks the beginning of his time as a pastor.

A Colorado native, his move to Longview was his first time leaving the state. He and Sylvia have two sons, one living in Seattle and one in Portland with their three grandkids, so the location made sense.

It also made sense because Hale said the Longview area has a different need for pastors than his hometown did. While Colorado Springs was very faith-friendly and a haven for religious families, Hale said meeting people of strong faith seems less common in Longview and Kelso.

But he and Sylvia werent intimidated, Hale said  the small churches in the area create a backbone for one another.Cost of services will depend on each patients insurance, McClay said. Medicaid will likely cover the whole cost for low-income patients, while some plans may require a patient co-pay, he said.

The facility is part of a multi-layered approach to care, McClay said. When they leave, clients will not be discharged to the streets, he said, and many receiving withdrawal services will go on to a rehabilitation facility for more treatment. Clients will also get reconnected with other providers and get where they need to go, McClay said.

Its important to realize its not one shoe fits all. We try to serve them in the way they need to be served, McClay said.

The new facility is on the renovated ground floor of 720 14th Ave., a location the organization bought from Lower Columbia Pathologists in 2017. Children and family services are on the second floor.

The project was mostly funded by a $2 million U.S. Department of Commerce grant supporting a statewide attempt to expand mental health services, McClay said. The center was originally planned to open Friday but was delayed because it hadnt received its state license, he said.Sunday, February 3, 2019

Post and Courier, Charleston School of Law Still Recovering From Turbulence:

The ripple effect of an ill-fated business deal still haunts the Charleston School of Law, but leaders say they are taking steps to improve the schools services and bolster its reputation.

The for-profit school was only 10 years old when its founders attempted to sell it to an outside group, Florida-based InfiLaw System, in 2013. The deal-makers met a formidable foe: a well-organized posse of fresh law school graduates who felt the sale would damage their alma maters future by lowering its standards.

The alumni rallied, protested and matched wits with their opponents  and they won. The sale was called off, and today the school is in the midst of a shift from for-profit to nonprofit status.

The schools management agreement with InfiLaw ended in 2015, and a new president and part-owner, attorney Ed Bell, took the helm in October 2015 promising to open a new chapter in the schools history.

Bells splashiest proposal at the time, making the school a nonprofit, is still in the works as the school files paperwork with multiple regulatory groups. As part of the process, the school has paid off $6 million it owed to InfiLaw after backing out of the deal  partly using the schools funds, partly using Bells own money, according to the attorney. Bell said he believes the school can complete the transition by early 2020.

InfiLaw, which was previously a consortium of three for-profit law schools with low acceptance standards, has not fared well. Its Charlotte School of Law closed in August 2017, and another of its schools, Arizona Summit Law School, lost its accreditation in June 2018. A third InfiLaw school, Florida Coastal School of Law, remains open in Jacksonville, Fla. ...

One lingering effect of the InfiLaw deal can be seen in the law schools low bar exam pass rates. Just 43 percent of exam takers from the school passed the South Carolina Bar Examination in July 2018, compared to 76 percent at the public University of South Carolina School of Law.

Charleston School of Laws bar passage rates have lagged for years, a phenomenon that Bell and other college officials have blamed in part on the InfiLaw deal. Some of the schools top-performing students transferred out shortly after the deal was announced in 2015. Bell said the influx of Charlotte transfers might also be a factor. ...

Change is coming, Bell said. With more applicants each year, the cutoff LSAT scores for entry to the Charleston School of Law are on the rise. Its becoming harder to get in. Our profile of students has gone up, Bell said.

Here are Charleston's admissions data from Law School Transparency:

Prior TaxProf Blog coverage:

https://taxprof.typepad.com/taxprof_blog/2019/02/after-rebuffing-sale-to-infilaw-charleston-law-school-dean-says-conversion-to-nonprofit-will-be-comp.htmlIn which a veteran of cultural studies seminars in the 1990's moves into academic administration and finds himself a married suburban father of two. Foucault, plus lawn care. For private comments, I can be reached at deandad at gmail dot com. The opinions expressed here are my own and not those of my employer.Richard Berthiaume's Traceur Hanover ($9.30) took full advantage of a clear pocket trip en route to a two-length win in Saturday's (Feb. 2) featured $27,000 top-level conditioned pace at Woodbine Mohawk Park.

Chris Christoforou put the seven-year-old Western Ideal entire in play from race's outset outset, and the pair led with a circuit to go before yielding to Physicallyinclined (Paul MacDonell) through a :27.1 first quarter and drafting with clearance through middle splits of :55.2 and 1:23.2. Traceur Hanover surged from the pocket with three-sixteenths to go, took the lead at the eighth pole, and edged away on his own in deep stretch to score in 1:50.4.

Physicallyinclined held second, while a ground-saving Regal Son (Sylvain Filion) took third from Isitfridayyet (Doug McNair), who failed to sustain a mild bid off the home turn.

Benoit Baillargeon trains 27-time winner Traceur Hanover.

Christoforou and Baillargeon teamed up to capture the $22,000 sub-feature as well, as Santo and Nunzio Vena's Rock This Way ($8.00) rallied off cover to narrowly defeat Fancourt (Randy Waples) and Torrin Hanover (Filion) in 1:51.2.

To view Saturday's harness racing results, click the following link: Saturday Results  Woodbine Mohawk Park.After overcoming her assigned post 6 to clear the early lead, owner-trainer Danielle Neil's Phoos Girl ($5.80) made every call a winning one and parried a late rush from Cenalta Call Girl to take Saturday's (Feb. 2) featured $10,500 Fillies and Mares Preferred 2 Pace at Flamboro Downs.

The six-year-old Badlands Hanover mare used a :28.1 first quarter to clear Robintheatm (Brett MacDonald) before continuing under absolutely no pressure through conservative middle fractions of :58.4 and 1:27.4 rated by Marc St. Louis. As first-over challenger Tilikum stalled  but did not regress  on approach to the far turn, Cenalta Call Girl (Robert Shepherd) mounted a sweeping three-wide bid, rallying boldly off the home turn.

Despite the presence of two late challengers  Cenalta Call Girl and pocket rival Robintheatm, Phoos Girl held her ground to seal victory in 1:57 over good going by a head. Cenalta Call Girl lifted for runner-up honours over the stoutly-chasing Robintheatm.

For 22-time winner Phoos Girl, the win was her third straight in the Preferred 2 ranks at Flamboro.

In the sub-featured $8,500 Fillies and Mares Preferred 3 Pace, Village Jamie ($16.50) found room up the open stretch to nab Twice An Angel in the final 70 yards for a 1:56.1 score. Paul MacKenzie drove the five-year-old Mach Three mare for owner Liam Wallace and trainer Todd Clements.

To view Saturday's harness racing results, click the following link: Saturday Results  Flamboro Downs.We are sorry, but, the blog or user you are looking for can not be found.

Checkout some of the blogs in our showcase.The gravity of the existential threat we face from Islamic Jihad is truly of epic proportions. It is essentially a battle pitting free-civilized man against a totalitarian barbarian. What is at stake is the struggle for our very soul - namely who we are and what we represent. The lives that were sacrificed for individual rights and freedoms that we've come to cherish are being chiseled away from right under our noses by the stealth jihadists. And many of us are in denial and totally clueless.



The left's appeasement and pandering to evil is nothing new. What makes their utopian delusions so infuriating and unpardonable is that it is not only they who will have to pay the consequences, and deservedly, so, they are thwarting and undermining our best efforts at resistance and are thus dragging us down in the process as well.







By Peter Lancz,, the head of the Raoul Wallenberg World Campaign Against Racism.About Me MLove Sandpoint, Idaho, United States Visit wwww.mariannelove.com to learn more about my three books "Pocket Girdles," "Postcards from Potato Land" and "Lessons with Love." visit www.mariannelove.com. For autographed copies, contact me at potatohead89@hotmail.com. Books are also available at www.amazon.com. I'm 65, married, mother of two, retired English/journalism teacher and freelance writer. Besides writing, I enjoy gardening, photography, geocaching, horses and traveling. My quirky, sometimes irreverent sense of humor comes naturally through family genes. So, bear with me. View my complete profile

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Needless to say, the explanation doesnt quite seem to line up with reality. Some have said that Trump enjoys the use of a tanning bed. That is what former aide Omarosa Manigault Newman claimed in her book, even going so far as to say someone was fired for not transporting the machine properly. James Comey, the former FBI chief, speculated in his book that Trump was a fan of tanning beds. The presidents face appeared slightly orange, Comey wrote at one point in his memoir, with bright white half-moons under his eyes where I assumed he placed small tanning goggles.

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White House insiders, however, insist there is no tanning bed in the White House. According to three people who have spent time in the White House residence, no such bed or spray-tan booth exists in a hidden nook of the residence, a cranny of the East Wing or a closet on Air Force One, the NYTs Katie Rogers writes. Two senior White House officials insisted that no such apparatus exists.

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Others have speculated the glow is due to self-tanning creams or lotions. Experts say the orange hue of the presidents skin could be a sign that this is how he chooses to maintain his skin color. He looks more orangy than he does tan, Dr. Tina Alster, a dermatologist, said.

However he does it, Trump is reportedly quite self-conscious about his skin and has complained about looking too orange on television. That has translated into administration officials turning down the lights. Events in the White House are now more dimly lit than in previous administrations, notes the Times.President Donald Trump said that the use of military force in Venezuela was still an option that his administration could consider as the political crisis in the South American country continues to grow. Certainly, its something thats on theits an option, Trump said in an interview on CBS Face the Nation. Trump declined to get into details about what would make him turn to a military option in Venezuela but did note he had rejected a request for a meeting from President Nicolas Maduro.

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The request from Maduro came a number of months ago, Trump said, although he seemed to be a bit confused about the timeline at first. Ive turned it down because were very far along in the process. You have a young and energetic gentleman but you have other people within that same group that have been very veryif you talk about democracyits really democracy in action, Trump said.

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The answer was a bit confusing because if Maduro had requested the meeting several months ago then it would have been long before the United States had recognized Juan Guaido as the legitimate leader of Venezuela. But Trump later made clear he rejected the meeting due to a general concern of the state of affairs in Venezuela. I decided at the time, no because so many really horrible things have been happening in Venezuela when you look at that country, Trump said. That was the wealthiest country of all in that part of the world which is a very important part of the world. And now you look at the poverty and you look at the anguish and you look at the crime and you look at all of the things happening.

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Trumps answer on Venezuela comes as several European countries appear set to recognize Guaido as interim president of Venezuela if Maduro doesnt set a date for new elections by Monday. If by tonight Maduro does not commit to organizing presidential elections, then France will consider Juan Guaido as legitimate to organize them in his place and we will consider him as the interim president until legitimate elections are held, Frances Europe minister, Nathalie Loiseau, said.

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In terms of U.S. troops abroad, Trump also said he wanted to keep servicemembers in Iraq to be able to watch Iran. That is in contrast to the way Trump has said he wants to withdraw troops from Afghanistan and Syria. Well, we spent a fortune on building this incredible base. We might as well keep it. And one of the reasons I want to keep it is because I want to be looking a little bit at Iran because Iran is a real problem, he said. Were going to keep watching and were going to keep seeing and if theres trouble, if somebody is looking to do nuclear weapons or other things, were going to know it before they do. Even as emphasized the need to bring troops home from Afghanistan he also said he planned to keep a small group in Afghanistan to carry out real intelligence.Ralph Northam, the governor of Virginia, swears hes telling the truth. On Friday, Northam confessed to appearing in a racist photo in a 1984 yearbook. On Saturday, after Democrats called on him to resign, he reversed himself and said it was a case of mistaken identity. I will stand and live by my word, Northam told reporters at an afternoon press conference. He quoted the honor code of his alma mater, the Virginia Military Institute: A cadet shall not lie, cheat, steal, or tolerate those who do.

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I dont know whether Northam is one of the people in the photo. But I do know hes been lying in his responses to this story. The evidence is in his own words. Lets take his denials, one by one.

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1. He believed right away that he wasnt in the picture. The photo appears in the yearbook of Eastern Virginia Medical School, where Northam was a student. It seems to have been taken at a party, and it appears on a page that bears Northams name, alongside what are clearly pictures of him. It shows one person in blackface and another in a Ku Klux Klan hood and robes. The two people are hard to identify. In a written statement that Northam read aloud at his press conference, he asserted that when he was first shown the photo, I believed then and now that I am not either of the people in that photo.

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That denial contradicts Northams previous statements. The photo was initially posted on a conservative website, Big League Politics, on Friday afternoon. Reporters confirmed that it was in the yearbook. Around 6 p.m., Northam issued a statement acknowledging that it was a photograph of me. He apologized for the decision I made to appear as I did in this photo. Two hours later, he released a video statement in which he apologized for my past actions, the decisions I made, and the harm my behavior caused. Northams Friday statements, like his Saturday statement, were scripted, so he couldnt have misspoken. Either he believed on Friday that he wasnt in the photoin which case his Friday statements were falseor he didnt, in which case his Saturday statement was false.

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Northam also told the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus that he was in the picture. According to three lawmakers, the governor confirmed in a Friday night meeting with the caucus that he was in the photo. Last night, from his mouth to my ear, he apologized to me for the mistake that he made, state Sen. Louise Lucas, a member of the caucus, reported on Saturday. Did Northam mislead the caucus? Or is he misleading everyone else now?

2. He knew he couldnt have done it. This is a stronger denial based on Northams moral certainty that he isnt the sort of person who could have worn such costumes. At the press conference, he claimed that when he first saw the photo, My first impression, actually, [was] that this couldnt be me. In fact, it was more than impression. There is no way that I have ever been in a KKK uniform, he declared. I am not the person in that uniform. And I am not the person [in blackface] to the right.

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If he originally thought he was one of the people in the photo, or if he was uncertain about it, then it cant be true that he was morally certain hed never do such a thing.

But if Northam was that certain of his innocence, why didnt he say so on Friday? When he was asked at the press conference, he pleaded, I didnt know at the time. He claimed to have confessed initially because based on the evidence presented to me at the time, the most likely explanation [was] that it was indeed me in the photo. He added, It has taken time for me to make sure that its not me.

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Again, Northams story doesnt add up. If he originally thought he was one of the people in the photo, or if he was uncertain about it, then it cant be true that he was morally certain hed never do such a thing. Nor does his denial square with what he told the black caucus on Friday night. Two members of the caucus, Del. Lamont Bagby and state Sen. Lionell Spruill, say that when the group asked Northam which character he had played in the picture, he said he didnt know. No one who confessed that degree of doubt on Friday night could stand before cameras on Saturday afternoon and honestly say theres no way either of the characters could be him.

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3. He could tell just by looking at the photo. It is definitely not me. I can tell by looking at it, Northam told reporters on Saturday. Later, he repeated, If one looks at the picture, its not my picture. Thats not consistent with the governors confessions of guilt or his confessions of uncertainty. The picture was the first piece of information he had. If it was sufficient to exonerate him, why didnt he say so? When a reporter posed that question at the press conference, all Northam could say was, I didnt study it as well as I should.

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Thats just not credible. What changed between Friday night and Saturday morning wasnt Northam sitting up late with a magnifying glass. It was two other things. First, based on the governors initial confessions, a wave of Democrats, including the Virginia Democratic Party and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, announced that he should resign. Second, Northam contacted his former medical school classmates. At the press conference, he said they told him they had never seen me in any outfit like that. He also said he had asked a former classmate, Is there a possibility, you think, that someone could have put a photo on the wrong page? Northam said that this classmate told him photos had been misplaced on numerous pages in this very yearbook.  Photos laid out on a table. One could mistakenly get put on the wrong page. This happened numerous times in this yearbook. And I suspect thats what happened in this case.

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Northam presented these conversations with his classmates as evidence of his innocence.

And maybe thats what theyll turn out to be. But for now, theyre just evidence that he checked to see whether anyone in his class might have information that could support the case against him. Nobody remembers him wearing anything like the costumes in that picture. He has also found a witness who could testify that pictures were sometimes misplaced. So what Northam knows nowbut didnt know on Friday nightwas that if he denies hes in that photo, he might be able to get away with it.

I hope Northam isnt in that picture. But one way or the other, hes been lying.Within one week, the Supreme Court will decide whether to block a Louisiana law designed to shutter the states abortion clinics through draconian regulations. If the court refuses to halt the laws implementation, it will effectively overrule its 2016 decision in Whole Womans Health v. Hellerstedt. By doing so, the new conservative majority would set in motion the imminent reversal of Roe v. Wade itself. It is no overstatement to say that the Supreme Court will determine the future of Roe in a matter of days.

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The Louisiana law at issue, Act 620, was modeled after the Texas statute that the court struck down in Whole Womans Health. Like that measure, Act 620 requires abortion providers to obtain admitting privileges at a hospital within 30 miles of their clinic. As one judge on the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals wrote, the Texas and Louisiana laws are almost identical. And because the Supreme Court invalidated the Texas statute as an undue burden on the constitutional right to abortion access, you might expect the 5th Circuit to strike down the Louisiana measure on the same grounds.

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It did not, for one very obvious reason: By the time the 5th Circuit heard a constitutional challenge to Act 620, Justice Anthony Kennedywho cast the fifth vote to strike down the Texas statutehad retired. He was poised to be replaced by Brett Kavanaugh, a hard-line abortion opponent eager to overturn Roe. And so, in clear anticipation of a shift away from abortion rights, a panel of judges for the 5th Circuit upheld the Louisiana law in June Medical Services v. Gee. The full 5th Circuit then declined to reverse the panels decision, with Trumps four appointees voting to let the ruling stand. (Trumps fifth appointee to the court, Kyle Duncan, recused himself because he helped defend Act 620 before joining the bench.)

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In two scathing dissents, Judges James L. Dennis and Stephen A. Higginson accused the 5th Circuit of essentially overturning Whole Womans Health on its own. They were right. In Whole Womans Health, the Supreme Court explained that an abortion restriction runs afoul of the Constitution if its burdens on women outweigh its benefits. Texas admitting privileges requirement, the court found, heavily burdened the states clinics while providing no real benefit to women, rendering it unlawful. Because Act 620 imposed the same requirement, the 5th Circuit was obligated to conclude that it, too, unduly burdened womens access to abortion in violation of the U.S. Constitution.

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It did not. In his June Medical Services opinion, Judge Jerry Smith acknowledged that Act 620 bestows, at most, minimal benefits to women. But he concluded that it is still constitutional because it creates only minor burdens. How minor? Smith estimated that the law will close only one of Louisianas three remaining abortion clinics, whereas the Texas law wouldve closed about 32 out of 40 of that states clinics. As a result, he calculated, Louisiana women will have to wait about an hour longer to obtain an abortion. These burdens, Smith wrote, were too slight to infringe upon the Constitution.

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This analysis, as Dennis and Higginson explained, is just plain wrong. In determining whether the Texas law survived constitutional scrutiny, the Supreme Court did not tally total clinic closures and wait times. It weighed the burdens of the law against the benefits and found that the stringent regulations did nothing to improve womens health. Smith himself admitted that Act 620 stood to close one-third of Louisianas abortion clinics, would compel women to travel farther to remaining providers, would strip some doctors of their ability to perform the procedure, and would increase wait times. He even conceded that the law would barely benefit women. (In fact, the law provides no identifiable benefits to womens health.) That shouldve been the end of his analysis. But Smith upheld the law anyway, engaging in a numbers game that directly contradicts Whole Womans Health.

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On Monday, challengers to Act 620 asked the Supreme Court to stay the law while they appeal the 5th Circuits June Medical Services decision. If the court accepts their request, the Louisiana law would be blocked until further noticethat is, it would be on hold until SCOTUS either refuses to hear the case or takes it and issues a decision. If the Supreme Court denies their request to stay Act 620, the law will take effect on Monday. (The justices could still hear the case next year and, theoretically, strike down Act 620 at that later date. By that point, however, it may be too late for Louisianas clinics to recover, though other states would learn that they cannot yet disregard Roe.)

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The challengers allege that Smith vastly underestimated the laws impact, asserting that it will actually close all but one Louisiana clinic and strip all but one doctor in the state of the ability to perform abortions. They appear to be correct. The district court found that only a single doctor has admitting privileges in a single clinic, and the rest of the states abortion providers tried and failed to obtain them. Smith rejected that finding and insisted that these doctors sat on their hands and could probably get admitting privileges if they tried harder. That speculation is totally unsupported by the factual record. If the court does not put the law on hold, then, it appears that Roe will be close to dead-letter in Louisiana.

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But the consequences of a 54 decision permitting Act 620 to take effect would extend far beyond one state. It would indicate that the Supreme Courts new majority has retreated from Whole Womans Health, signaling that states are free to ignore it and pass stringent laws targeting abortion clinics. Once Whole Womans Health is functionally overturned, Roe itself will be next on the chopping block. After all, Whole Womans Health really just re-affirmed the fundamental principle that states may not devise pretextual excuses to deny women control over their reproductive rights. Once that rule is scrapped, states will be unleashed to regulate abortion out of existence within their borders.

June Medical Services puts immense pressure on Chief Justice John Roberts, the courts new swing vote. Roberts was a dissenter in Whole Womans Health and very likely wants to overturn Roe. But will he be willing to let a lower court brazenly defy precedent, even if its a precedent he dislikes? His vote on this emergency appeal will reveal how aggressively the chief justice wants to attack abortion accessand whether hes willing to sacrifice the rule of law to nullify Roe as fast as possible. If Roberts lets Act 620 take effect next week, it will be the beginning of the end of the constitutional right to choose.Ever watch a good murder mystery which starts with the guilty person found near the body? That is an analogy of what happened to the Covington High School student who was face to face with the Native American activist. An investigator looks at video cameras in the area and talks to witnesses before believing what they think it is or what it looks like. Black Hebrew Israelites were taunting the Catholic students there for a March for Life to end abortion.

Nathan Phillips walks up to the student, chanting and beating his drum in the student's face. I believe that student was the adult in the room and did not escalate the situation. The school and student do not deserve the threats they received.

It is a sad commentary on media (TV and newspapers) that want to convey a message without investigating for the facts. Will those who reported on the incident incorrectly make a correction of their reporting? I think not: they got the message out there that they wanted. Therefore, we have to look for another viewpoint before we accept what is put out there. - Janet Kreber, Sioux City

Love 5 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 1 Angry 0I think thats a reflection of how many people are in the race, but also the quality of people who are in the race. There are a lot of rock stars this time.

Those rock stars are drawing big crowds. Candidate events have regularly drawn dozens and often hundreds of people, even though the caucuses are a year away.

Bagniewski said he helped Kirsten Gillibrands campaign put together an event, and on short notice with only an email blast and a Facebook notification, an event that was expected to draw roughly 50 people was attended by 200.

Dumkrieger said the morning Kamala Harris announced he was getting phone calls before he heard the news himself.

People are super excited, he said. Hopefully we can maintain that throughout the general election.

CAUCUS CRITERIA

So how will Iowa Democrats make such a difficult choice?

Bagniewski said the successful candidate will have to be different than previous caucus winners, some of whom leaned on policy and others on personality, he said. The successful candidate will have to have both, Bagniewski said.IOWA BUSINESSES NEED MORE OF EVERYBODY

Whether Iowa jobs are at risk from the growth of automation and use of artificial intelligence is less urgent than the need to get the work done, according to ISU economics professor Peter Orazem.

If you look at the labor force, Iowas unemployment rate is 2 percent, Orazem said. Its clear we dont have enough workers.

Iowas abundance of unfilled jobs could be propelling automation  or even accelerating it.

You have to come up with ways of increasing productivity of the workforce you have, and one of the most common ways it to marry labor with capital, Orazem said. Thats human capital in the worker and knowledge of how to use these information technologies effectively.

He said Iowa right now needs more of everybody  both workers with the skills to handle new technologies, and those without them.

If you cant find more of everybody, the people you are going to decide will go away first are going to be ones you can replace with some other input  some automatable action, Orazem said.Stephen Biegun, the U.S. envoy for North Korea, arrives at Incheon International Airport, Saturday, to hold talks with his North Korean counterpart to prepare for a second summit between Washington and Pyongyang slated for late this month. Yonhap



The top nuclear envoys of South Korea and the United States held talks Sunday ahead of working-level negotiations between Washington and Pyongyang over a second summit between their leaders slated for late this month, Seoul's foreign ministry said.



Lee Do-hoon, special representative for Korean Peninsula and security affairs, met his U.S. counterpart, Stephen Biegun, hours after the latter arrived here for the meeting with his new dialogue partner, Kim Hyok-chol, apparently later this week.



The ministry said that the two discussed the upcoming negotiations with Pyongyang aimed at fine-tuning details, including the agenda, for the summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.



Biegun and Kim Hyok-chol are expected to meet on Tuesday at the inter-Korean border village of Panmunjom or in the North's capital of Pyongyang.



On Monday, the U.S. envoy plans to visit the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae for a meeting with Chung Eui-yong, the national security advisor.



Trump said that a date and venue for his summit with Kim will be announced this week. The summit will be held in late February, with Vietnam cited as the most likely venue.



This week, Washington and Pyongyang are expected to discuss details of the denuclearization steps that the North should take and corresponding measures from the United States.



The ministry indicated that Lee and Biegun will meet again after the working-level talks with North Korea.



They plan to have "constant, additional discussions" going forward, it said.



During Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's October trip to Pyongyang, the North's leader promised that the regime would dismantle and destroy all of its plutonium and uranium enrichment facilities in exchange for corresponding U.S. measures, Biegun said during a speech at Stanford University last week.



Trump and Kim held their historic first summit in Singapore in June last year and agreed to work toward complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula in exchange for security guarantees for Pyongyang.



But the denuclearization talks had been at an impasse, with the North calling for sanctions relief and corresponding measures by the U.S. for the denuclearization steps that it has taken so far, such as the dismantling of a nuclear test site.



Washington, however, has insisted that sanctions and pressure will be maintained until North Korea implements sincere denuclearization measures, including declaring a list of its nuclear weapons.



Biegun said last week that the North's full declaration of its nuclear and missile programs will be required for its complete denuclearization. (Yonhap)



Dakota City

Susan Munoz (aka Susie Squires), 56, of Dakota City, passed away Thursday, Jan. 31, 2019 at a Sioux City hospital, surrounded by her family.

Services will be 1 p.m. Tuesday at Waterbury Funeral Service of Sioux City. Burial will be in Dakota City Cemetery, followed by food and gathering at the Cardinal/Cottonwood Conference Center in South Sioux City. Visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, with a prayer service at 7 p.m., at the funeral home.

Susie was born on March 5, 1962, in Flint, Mich., the daughter of William and Margaret (Squires) Miley. She met her love, Ricardo Munoz, and they have been together for 25 years. Susie had three daughters and six grandchildren who she loved dearly.

When faced with adversity, Susie wore a hat of many trades. She coordinated an assistance group for flood relief and natural disaster with TCAG (Tama County Assistance Group) when the flood of 93 hit, all while rebuilding from the loss and devastation to her own family. In 1996, Susie relocated with her family to Dakota City, Neb. She opened her own storefront called Matildas Shoppe in 2004, of which she was extremely proud. She expressed her love of the community.Sioux City

Alice A. (Steppat) Church, 99, of Sioux City, went to be with her Lord and beloved husband, Dale, on Jan. 19, 2019, after a brief illness.

Cremation was performed as per her wishes. A celebration of her life in Scripture and song will be 10:30 a.m. on April 27, at Riverside United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Elizabeth Tucker officiating.

Alice was born on May 8, 1919, to August and Bertha (Heidemann) Steppat, in Mills, Neb. She was the even dozen out of 13, as she referred to herself. Alice grew up on the farm, which she loved, with her five brothers and seven sisters. She helped them do the chores, sometimes getting in dutch with mama for eating more berries than picking them.

After attending country school, she went to work at Mays Department Store, where she met the love of her life, Dale W. Church. They were married on Nov. 30, 1941 in Stanton, Neb. To this union were born a son, Alan Dale, and a daughter, Sharon Ann. Alice took great pride in being a good wife and mother and she was both. She was the Naval wife from 1942 to 1945 during World War II, then later as the preacher's wife for many years until they retired. She and her husband, served various parishes in the area.Other council members expressed a degree of skepticism. Mayor Bob Scott said it would be nice to get hotels and restaurants to chip in for such a tourism venture via a hospitality tax -- but he suspects state lawmakers would resist such a proposal.

He pointed to a similar tax in place in Omaha as a model for the proposed tourism board.

"Nebraska is so far ahead of the state of Iowa when it comes to urban issues, and they're a more rural state by far than we are," Scott said. "Our legislators ought to take a look at what success is in other areas, and say, 'You know what, maybe a tax isn't bad if it's properly used to expand things.'"

Scott expressed his dissatisfaction with Spectra Venture Management, the Philadelphia-based firm that took over management of the Tyson and Orpheum Theatre on Jan. 1, 2018. Spectra did not meet its budgetary goals -- the company told the city it would reduce the city's subsidy of the Tyson by $270,000 in its first year, but the promised savings failed to materialize.

"I know Dave Bernstein will be calling me, saying 'Why are you picking on them?'" Scott said to Enzo Carannante, the interim general manager of the Tyson Events Center. "I'm not picking on you -- you haven't met your goals. You sold a deal to the city, and it's incumbent that that becomes reality."SIOUX CITY -- Approximately 50 students and their advisers from schools in Sioux City, Kingsley-Pierson, Marcus and Remsen will participate in a World Food Prize Day Event, held on the campus of Western Iowa Tech on Feb. 6.

The World Food Prize is an international organization that elevates ground-breaking ideas and innovations in the quality, quantity and availability of food across the globe.

Students will have the opportunity to participate and do a service learning project based on the selected theme of Milk." Participants will work on a case study to come up with solutions for the global consumption and nutritional values of milk and its products, as well as the global problems associated with it. Students will participate, brainstorm and discuss the food insecurity issues related to milk, their governmental, cultural, healthcare, economic and political aspects to propose the best possible solutions.

Students are encouraged to continue their own research of food insecurity topics to participate in the Iowa Youth Institute of the World Food Prize at Iowa State University later in the spring.

This event is the result of a partnership between Western Iowa Tech, Sioux City Community Schools District and the World Food Prize.

Copyright 2019 The Sioux City Journal. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.Roberta was born to John and Mabel (Waters) Stock, in Sioux City, on Feb. 4, 1918. After college, she worked as a lighting adviser/lecturer in the Chicago area. She then served with the U.S. Navy's W.A.V.E.S. as a communication officer in Washington, D.C. After the war, she returned to Sioux City and worked at Morningside College. She was married to Don Pendleton in 1946. She has five children, four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.SIOUX CITY -- The public is invited to the Sioux City competition of the "Poetry Out Loud: National Recitation Contest" at 2 p.m. Feb. 10 at the Betty Strong Encounter Center, 900 Larsen Park Road.

Admission is free for this program, which is in cooperation with the Encounter Center, Lamb Arts Regional Theatre, the Iowa Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Now in its 14th year of national competition, "Poetry Out Loud" encourages the study of great poetry and the opportunity for students, grades 9 through 12, to master public speaking skills, build self-confidence and learn about literature.

"'Poetry Out Loud' is a wonderful program that gives young people a chance to explore the world of poetry," Lamb Arts Regional Theatre executive director Diana Wooley said. "It's amazing to see how excited these students become when they 'crack' a poem's meaning."

The winner of the Sioux City competition will advance to the state level March 3. The "Poetry Out Loud" national finals will be held April 29-May 1 in Washington, D.C., where $50,000 in awards and school stipends will be distributed.

Copyright 2019 The Sioux City Journal. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.NORTH SIOUX CITY -- Three D2 team members attended the annual CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas, Jan. 8-11: President Tony Olson; Mikara Bonham, technical writer; and Steven Garelik, behavioral scientist.

CES is the worlds premier venue for industry professionals involved with consumer electronics and technology. Every year, hundreds of new products and breakthrough technologies are introduced to the marketplace, attracting business and thought leaders from around the world.

In business since 2004, D2 provides data analysis, behavioral science, global communications and information technology services. Clients range from locally-owned companies to Fortune 500 corporations spanning the globe.

Copyright 2019 The Sioux City Journal. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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U.S. Special Representative for North Korea Stephen Biegun during his visit to Seoul in October 2018. Korea Times fileThe recent online vitriol some Singaporeans have spewed on a man from a local junior college who was seen on an Instagram post kissing his male partner was worrying, said Singapores Inter-University LGBT Network.

In a press release on Sunday, the network denounced comments inciting violence that were made towards the couple and urged authorities to investigate netizens who had advocated acts of violence towards them.

In particular, the network highlighted a comment made by user UptheToon on the HardwareZone forum thread Eat Drink Man Woman, asking for the couple to be placed in gas chambers.

(Photo: HardwareZone screengrab)

Comments like this which incite violence against vulnerable and marginalized communities have no place in our society and should not be condoned, said a spokesperson in the statement.

Referencing a comment made by minister K Shanmugam on protecting members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) community, the spokesperson said that inaction towards such comments implies that members of the public can encourage acts of violence against members of an already marginalized community without fear of repercussion.

The Inter-University LGBT Network consists of several member groups from different universities in Singapore and works with campuses in fostering safer and more inclusive school communities regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity and expression.

In the statement, the network also pointed out how the principal of the junior college that the affected student was from, Pamela Yoong, missed a lost opportunity for her to take a principled stand against cyberbullying and homophobia, given that the student was a target of vicious netizens.

The network, however, commended the principals concern for the student in asking him to remove the photo of the couple kissing to protect his privacy.

Referencing a 2012 report by counseling service Oogachaga, the network claimed that there continues to be a lack of support for LGBTQ students in schools here, allowing for the continued marginalization and bullying of LGBTQ+ individuals.

Minister K Shanmugam told the media last November that action would be taken if members of the public are violently attacked regardless of ones sexual orientation.

This article, Violent comments against student who kissed his male partner are worrying: Inter-University LGBT Network, originally appeared on Coconuts, Asia's leading alternative media company. Want more Coconuts? Sign up for our newsletters!This may come in handy for all the ride-sharing companies in the Philippines, but for now, lets settle with Uber India. According to EconomicTimes.com, the company is adding an app feature that holds rude customers responsible for their bad behavior during the ride.

This is part of Ubers plan to build a transparent and accountable two-way ride hailing ecosystem.

According to the post: When people know that they are been rated they become conscious of their behavior and become accountable for their actions.

We are notifying a small number of riders who have consistently been rated poorly by drivers over a prolonged period of time that they must improve their behaviour. If that doesnt happen, this small handful of riders can lose access to the Uber app permanently, explained Uber India and South Asia Head of Cities Prabhjeet Singh.

The ride-sharing giant will start giving its customers guidelines on how to become a better rider, such as not smoking in the vehicle and other rider courtesies. All these guidelines will be part of Ubers safety tool kit that it launched in August last year. Aside from Ubers reminders, the safety kit allows users to store their contacts details, get safety tips from law enforcement, and even get information about insurance protection, driver screening process, and other community tips.

The post Uber India Adds Feature that Holds Customers Responsible for Improper Behavior appeared first on Carmudi Philippines.Chope culture has truly made it abroad, partly thanks to this artist who has taken the Singapore culture of reserving tables using tissue paper and turned himself into a life-size tissue packet at an exhibition in Paris.

Artist Rizman Putra decided to be a tissue packet for a day and bring our culture to a Paris exhibition called Urban Art Singapore, launched Friday by the Singapore Embassy in Paris and the Urban Art Fair in France.

In the piece, he is seen wearing a tissue packet costume with the words Grotesque and the tagline Choices for better lives as he lays down in the middle of the art gallery to chope the floor, much to the amusement of passers-by.

The explanation provided by the Singapore Embassy of Paris for the piece was that Rizman choping the floor was a sign of him claiming ownership over the visitors of the exhibition.

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Rizman said to BERITA Mediacorp that the piece may look strange in a foreign context but the culture of reserving seats is an everyday phenomenon in Singapore.

For a visitor that comes to Singapore, they find it very strange they dont do that in their countries, he added.

The event was supported by various ministries from Singapore including the National Arts Council and Singapore Tourism Board and featured 11 Singapore artists showcasing their works for the next two weeks.

Curator Iman Ismail said to Channel NewsAsia that the exhibition aims to celebrate the essence and psyche of what Singaporeans are through arts and culture.

If its any doubt what Singaporeans are then from our tissue packet chope culture, its that we are: 1) busy, 2) need to find seats so we can eat during lunch hour, and 3) pragmatic.

Thats pretty much it.

This article, This Singapore artist became a life-size tissue packet to chope the floor as part of a Paris exhibition, originally appeared on Coconuts, Asia's leading alternative media company. Want more Coconuts? Sign up for our newsletters!Italys national fire service, Vigili del Fuoco, said it carried out water rescues on Saturday, February 2, as widespread flooding in the northern region of Emilia-Romagna left people stranded in vehicles and buildings.

The fire service shared footage on Saturday said to show one of their helicopters working to airlift three people at Castel Maggiore, north of Bologna, where the River Reno had flooded. The rescue was executed with the help of the Carabinieri, one of Italys major law enforcement agencies, which said a woman with motor function difficulties was among the three people who were rescued.

On Sunday, the fire service released aerial footage showing the extent of the floods in the same area. Credit: Vigili del Fuoco via StoryfulDont blame new migrants from mainland China for Hong Kongs housing and health care woes, rights groups say while calling for race hate law

Rights groups have called for a race hate law in Hong Kong as new migrants from mainland China are being accused of eating up the citys resources although most work for a living.

The Society for Community Organisation (SoCO) and the New Immigrants Mutual Aid Association also accused some local politicians and professionals of playing the politics of hatred.

They said new mainland migrants worked hard and did not drain public resources. The groups cited a 2013 government consultation document on population policy that 70 per cent of the migrants worked and had taken up low-skilled jobs.

And only 3 per cent of them lived on public assistance.

We are extremely disappointed that even some professionals and politicians also made discriminative allegations before having studied the data, Sze Lai-shan, of SoCO, said on Sunday.

She called for a race hate law.

At present, there is a race discrimination law in Hong Kong. But this does not cover prejudice against mainland people by Hongkongers because the government does not recognise immigration status as a basis for racial discrimination or mainlanders as a separate ethnic group.

Debate over the influence of new migrants on Hong Kong society has heated up recently.

Civic Party lawmaker Alvin Yeung Ngok-kiu was planning to move a motion to review the one-way permit system under which up to 150 mainlanders are allowed to settle in Hong Kong every day.

Dr Alfred Wong Yam-hong, a cardiologist at Tuen Mun Hospital, recently told a television news programme that the one-way permit scheme was a source of overcrowding at public hospitals.

Wong said he heard from some fellow frontline doctors that many mainlanders visited public hospitals in Hong Kong to ask for kidney dialysis right after they arrived on one-way permits.

Sze, without naming names, said: The criticisms seemed to target the one-way permits. But we know the hidden message was that they wanted to turn away all new migrants.

Story continues

She also cited Census and Statistics Department figures that in 2016 there were about 166,000 new migrants ordinarily living in Hong Kong, down from 217,000 in 2006. And the median age of the new settlers, according to SoCO, was 33.9, well below Hong Kongs overall median age of 44.3.

They are young people, and 70 per cent are making a living by working in low-skilled jobs, Sze said. That new migrants are here eating up Hong Kongs social resources are dumb comments.

She said Hong Kongs housing shortage and overcrowding at public hospitals were due to bad government planning.

Even if we get rid of all new migrants, the problems will not be solved, Sze said.

New Immigrants Mutual Aid Association chairwoman Li Meiai, who settled in Hong Kong 20 years ago, supported an anti-race hate law, saying discrimination against new migrants had got worse.

She also accused some politicians of trying to conflate an influx of mainland tourists with the migrant issue to incite hatred.

Rejecting the criticism, Yeung said: I dont think promoting public discussion of our population policy should be regarded as promoting hatred.

And if paying attention to the pressure put on our health care system or education system should be regarded as promoting hatred, it is not a fair comment.

Roy Tam Hoi-pong, of the localist party Neo Democrats, said: SoCO seems to care more about the welfare of mainlanders than that of Hong Kong people.

Are they trying to deny the common sense conclusion that with more people coming in, it will drain our resources?

This article Dont blame new migrants from mainland China for Hong Kongs housing and health care woes, rights groups say while calling for race hate law first appeared on South China Morning Post

For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2019.



Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo speaks on his visit to the Naval Operations Command in Busan, Saturday. / YonhapPete Buttigieg, an openly gay mayor who is running for US president, said Sunday he believes America will judge him based on the quality of his ideas and experience. Buttigieg, the mayor of South Bend, Indiana, launched his candidacy for the Democratic presidential nomination in January. If elected -- which for now seems unlikely -- Buttigieg, a former naval intelligence officer who served in Afghanistan, would become the first openly homosexual president of the United States. He is among a crush of Democrats vying to unseat Republican Donald Trump next year. Other declared Democrats include Trump nemesis Elizabeth Warren, and Kamala Harris, a California senator who aspires to be the nation's first black female president. But are Americans ready for a president who is openly gay and in a same-sex marriage? The question was put to him in an interview on ABC's "This Week." "I think there's only one way to find out," said the mayor of the city whose population is about 100,000. Buttigieg, 37, recalled that he came out as gay in 2015 in the middle of a re-election campaign. South Bend is a conservative community and at the time Mike Pence was governor of the state, Buttigieg said, recalling that he still got re-elected with "80 percent of the vote." "So, I think the lesson we learned is that people are prepared to get to know you and judge you based on the quality of your ideas and your experience and your work. And I trust that America could do that too." Buttigieg, who has been South Bend's mayor since 2012, married junior high school teacher Chasten Glezman last year. Same-sex marriages have been legal throughout the United States since a 2015 Supreme Court decision. In last November's mid-term elections, Jared Polis became the first openly gay governor in US history when he was elected in Colorado, after serving in Congress.Xi Jinping turns to Mao Zedong-era system to lift millions of Chinas rural poor out of poverty Xi Jinping turns to Mao Zedong-era system to lift millions of Chinas rural poor out of poverty

Beijing is rebooting an old state-run cooperative system to help boost the rural economy, but after years of reform some analysts are sceptical about how effective it can be in helping the countrys millions of impoverished farmers.

Since Chinese President Xi Jinping took office in 2013, the central government has rebuilt more than 10,000 primary supply and marketing cooperatives (SMC), taking the total across the country to nearly 32,000. About 95 per cent of towns and villages now have them, compared to just 50 per cent six years ago.

Unlike in other countries, where cooperatives are characterised by their democratic management and profit-sharing systems, in rural China  after years of dormancy and unsuccessful reform  they operate more like state-owned businesses.

While in the 1950s they served an important political role in controlling the supply and price of agri-food and consumer goods, their primary objective today is helping farmers find customers and strengthen their position in the marketplace.

According to official figures, at the end of last year Chinas 32,000 cooperatives had more than 340,000 subdivisions offering all manner of services from buying fruit and vegetables, to selling seeds and fertiliser.

Expanding that network is a key feature of Xis plan to revitalise the countryside  where the Communist Party of China has its roots  and deliver on his pledge to lift millions of people out of poverty, and narrow the income gap between rural and urban dwellers.

While disposable income per capita has been growing faster in rural areas than in towns and cities, the gap between the two in absolute terms rose to 24,634 yuan (US$3,650) last year, an increase of 45 per cent from 17,038 yuan at the end of 2013, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.

As Chinas economic growth has slowed, so Beijing has been pushing primary SMCs to help boost rural consumption by building more e-commerce platforms and logistics centres.

Story continues

Since 2016, the central government has significantly increased its funding for the All China Federation of Supply and Marketing Cooperatives  also known as China Co-op  the cabinet-level agency that oversees SMCs, and last month named Liu Shiyu, the former head of China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC), as its executive director.

In 2016, funding tripled from a year earlier to more than 2.3 billion yuan (US$341 million) and continued upwards to 2.87 billion yuan in 2017 and 2.89 billion last year, although official figures for 2018 have yet to be released.

By comparison, in 2017 the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, a cabinet-level think tank, received 2.34 billion yuan and the CSRC about 1.18 billion yuan.

Yang Huan, an associate professor specialising in rural policy at Huazhong Agricultural University in central China, said the spike in funding for the co-ops suggested Beijing was aware it had not achieved its goal of helping small farmers secure access to big markets and wanted to do more.

SMCs have been battling to find their role in the economy for years, she said.

From the governments point of view, their job now is to serve rural farmers. So it needs to expand the service network. Thats the plan.

But the cooperatives would not have it all their own way, Yang said.

The SMCs face competition from private marketing platforms, and suppliers of inputs for agricultural production at the local level, she said.

The reality is that they have to strike a balance between making a profit and providing a public service, and there could be conflict between the two.

Forrest Zhang, an associate professor of sociology at Singapore Management University, said that another possible reason for Beijing reviving the SMCs was that traditional farmers cooperatives set up to pool resources for the benefit of all had not worked out very well.

As state-run SMCs lost their influence during the market reforms of the 1980s, a new kind of cooperative fever emerged in the early 2000s as grass-roots organisations sprang up across the country. Beijing promoted the movement with huge financial subsidies, and as of June last year, their number had grown to more than 2.1 million.

Despite that massive growth, the system was fundamentally flawed and soon became a breeding ground for corruption.

Between 2009 and 2016, Zhang and his colleagues interviewed members of farmers cooperatives in 18 provinces across China. Their findings, published a year later, were shocking.

Of the 50 groups they visited, just two were genuine. The rest were either private businesses controlled by individual owners rather than member farmers, or fronts for fraudulent operations set up with the sole purpose of cheating the state out of its money.

SMCs are state-run marketing organisations that originated in the Mao [Zedong] era, while the farmers co-ops are a more recent development, Zhang said.

My guess is that the government has realised [after seeing the studys findings] that the spontaneous farmers co-ops have not played the role it wanted them to in uniting producers and strengthening their positions in the market, so it is looking to revitalise the SMC system as an alternative  and that makes a lot of sense.

This article Xi Jinping turns to Mao Zedong-era system to lift millions of Chinas rural poor out of poverty first appeared on South China Morning Post

For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2019.

More from South China Morning Post:Thae Yong-ho / Korea Times file

By Kim Bo-eun



North Korea's new working-level nuclear negotiator Kim Hyok-chol is a "competent strategist," according to high-level North Korean defector Thae Yong-ho.



Kim Hyok-chol, who accompanied North Korea's top official Kim Yong-chol at the high-level meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Washington earlier this month, is set to replace Choe Son-hui, who had led working-level denuclearization talks with U.S. Special Representative for North Korea Stephen Biegun.



In a post on his website thaeyongho.com, Thae, who claimed he worked with Kim for many years at the North's foreign ministry, said the North's Foreign Minister Ri Yong-ho and First Vice Foreign Minister Kim Kye-gwan "cultivated" Kim, who served previously as North Korea's ambassador to Spain.



The blog post said Kim was born into a family of high-level diplomats, majored in French at Pyongyang University of Foreign Studies and began working at the foreign ministry in the early 2000s, where he was placed in the division for drawing up foreign policy.



Kim Hyok-chol was a speech writer for Kim Kye-gwan when the latter was the North's chief envoy for the six-party talks back in 2005, the post said.



It said Kim Hyok-chol became the first to be promoted to vice director general level in his 30s in 2009, based on his contributions to the six party talks and dealing with the North's first nuclear test in 2006. He was promoted again to a vice minister-level position in 2012, which was also the first for a diplomat in his 30s.



Kim was appointed to serve as the first North Korean ambassador in Spain in late 2014.



Kim returned to Pyongyang after Spain expelled him in 2017 due to North Korea's nuclear and missile provocations at that time.



"The fact that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un sent Kim Hyok-chol to the U.S. with Kim Yong-chol shows he placed that much importance on Kim Yong-chol's visit to the U.S.," Thae said.



Thae, who was deputy ambassador to the U.K., came to the South in 2016. He is known to be among the highest-level North Korean officials to have defected.

Thank you for reading!

Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading.Days after Venezuelas opposition president in charge pleaded with the Bank of England not to cash out Venezuelas gold reserves, Reuters reports that the country-in-crisis is planning to sell 15 tonnes of gold from its central bank to the UAE, cashing it out for much-needed euros.



That should net Venezuela (or Maduro) over $750 million in euros to add to the three tonnes Reuters says Maduro already sold to UAE last week. The shipment was supposed to go out Thursday night, and another 11 tonnes was said to planned for shipment soon afterwards, according to the unnamed source cited by Reuters.

The UAE is not heeding Washingtons calls for bankers not to cash in Venezuelas gold, as long as Maduro is selling it. In fact, Washington has threatened the UAE with sanctions over these transactions.

The warning came in the form of a tweet from National Security advisor John Bolton, which referred to commodities stolen from the Venezuelan people and advised traders not to make any deals that could be in violation of US sanctions.

Reports also emerged that Maduro was sending gold out of the country on Russian-operated flights, though Moscow denied this at the same time that the Kremlin reminded Maduro that it had debts to pay.

In the meantime, Washington is still combing the world for other assets hidden by the Maduro government. Related: Central Bank Gold Demand At Highest Level In Half A Century

Right now, gold is all Venezuela really has, and according to Reuters, as of November it had 132 tonnes of gold spread out between its central bank and the Bank of England. Its sale suggests severe desperation.

Last week, Washington successfully lobbied the Bank of England not to allow Maduro to withdraw $1.2 billion in gold it is storing there, but the UAE marches to its own tune. And if it is true that the Venezuelas gold is destined for the UAE, which it authorities have not confirmed, no one knows who might be behind the transaction.

And Washington will have less success lobbying the UAE than it does with the Bank of England.

Turkey, however, is entirely different story. Maduro reportedly sold $900 million in gold to Turkey recently, and Washington is now examining whether these transactions violated sanctions (much like Turkey was complicit in doing the same for Iran).

We are looking at the nature of Turkish-Venezuelan commercial activity, and if we assess a violation of our sanctions, we will obviously take action, Reuters quoted a U.S. official as saying.

But Turkey is willing to take the risk. After all, Washington is still considering whether or not to slap sanctions on Turkeys state-run Halkbank for evading sanctions on Iran in a fictitious gold-trading scheme. So time in on Turkeys side, and Washington appears more inclined to use these things as future leverage rather than immediate action.

And the chances of it going up against the biggest and best Middle East lobbying force in Washingtonthe UAEare slim to none, so Maduro is going to get his cash to help him service debts to Russia and buy a bit more protection from the president in charge, opposition leader Juan Guaido.

By Alex Kimani for Safehaven.com

More Top Reads From Safehaven.com:The second Christmas miracle was for Child and Family Services. CFS asked for Santa at their Annual Supervised Parent/Child Christmas Party. A few days before the event, the mayor received a phone call from a gentleman who had been contacted by the Army Reserve Recruiting Company in Missoula. The Recruiting Company had a trailer of toys to donate but didnt know who to give them to. The mayor connected them with Child and Family Services who welcomed the toys as they needed many toys for the number of children in their care. It was a small but wonderful miracle for those giving and those receiving. The CFS party was also an emotional event, that caused the mayor to reflect and consider the challenges that many families in the area face.

Snow and ice on sidewalks:

The mayor would like to remind business owners and city residents to remove accumulated snow on city sidewalks in front of their homes and businesses by 9 a.m. The mayor also requests that people consider using pet friendly ice melt as many Hamilton residents walk their dogs on the sidewalks. Traditional ice melt can burn the pads of dogs feet causing pain and discomfort.

Appointment of city council president, planning board representative and zoning commission representative:Its not safe to be an Indian woman in Montana.

These words come as no surprise to many of us. It is our lived experience that Native American women are more likely to go missing, more likely to be murdered, and less likely to have justice in our state.

It is our lived experience that when we seek justice for Native women and children who go missing, law enforcement may not take action for weeksif at all. It is devastating. Right now, we are facing an epidemic of missing and murdered women, many of them Native, in the state of Montana.

That is why the Indian Caucus is leading the charge in the 2019 Legislative session on passing laws to protect and prioritize missing and murdered Indigenous women. It is a hidden epidemic that has permeated all aspects of our lives.

The data and the research on missing and murdered Indigenous women in Montana have been nearly nonexistent. When Native women go missing, the cases are regularly underreported. The lack of reliable data, and the lack of formal studies on violence against women in Indian Country, has made it difficult to address this widespread epidemic.Fly fishermen looking for a way to battle a bad case of cabin fever may want to put a big circle around Sunday, Feb. 17.

On that day, fishermen can spend a few hours getting tuned up for the upcoming season watching first-class fly-fishing adventure films that will take them from Alaskas barren Kuskokwim River drainage all the way south to the lush jungles of South America, with a side trip to Mongolia.

And after the credits roll at the 2019 annual International Fly Fishing Film Festival at the Pharaohplex Theater in Corvallis, they can make the short drive to Hamiltons Bitter Root Brewing to drink some good beer and share some stories with people who share a love for the Bitterroot River drainage.

Both events are fundraisers for the Bitter Root Water Forum.

We think its a really good opportunity to get folks out and talking about the important water resources we have right here in the valley, said Katie Vennie, the forums program coordinator.

This is the fourth year for the film festival, which Vennie said is different from the fly-fishing film tour that was recently in Missoula. The doors for the film festival open at 10:30 a.m. with the screening getting underway at 11 a.m.That was a very exciting day, MacDonald said. Its when the shooting started. The guerillas and Army Scout troops killed all the guards. Paratroopers landed about a quarter of a mile away.

At other military prisoner of war camps, the Japanese killed all the prisoners before they could be rescued. MacDonald said there were concerns that may have been in the plans for their camp, as well, which resulted in the rescue mission.

MacDonald pieced his book together from his recollections and accounts from both his and his fathers diaries.

My dad always kept a diary, but at times had to keep it hidden away, he said. He felt there might be danger to us if the Japanese found it. When I was in camp, I started my own  

He lost a good deal of it when an American censor accidentally spilled water on it after MacDonald came to the United States following the war.

I grew up as a missionary and the Philippines was home for me, MacDonald said. I considered that I had immigrated when I came to the states in 45.I would like to take this time to personally thank every one of the volunteers from the individual bird owners that sat with their birds and talked to thousands of people about parrots, Jolly Lane who provided the venue for us to hold this event, KOTA and the Rapid City Journal for your help in covering it and Marcos Pizza who came in and fed the over 60 people that gave of their time to allow so many people to enjoy an afternoon in paradise.The death tax is actually a pretty easy concept to understand. When you die, the federal government assesses the value of what you have left behind, and if it thinks you have too much, it taxes your heirs. So if your farm is too big or your business is too successful, your children might have to pay extra taxes when you die.

Like I said, Ive been fighting this fundamentally unfair tax for a long time, which is why I was glad the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the pro-growth tax reform bill I helped write, doubled the death tax exclusion level (the estate value at which the death tax kicks in). While this will undoubtedly help protect more families, especially those that have family-run operations like farms or ranches, I think we should eliminate the death tax once and for all, and Ive again introduced a bill that would do just that.

Death tax supporters say its a way to collect more money from the wealthy, but its sometimes used to tax farmers, ranchers, and small business owners. Nearly all of South Dakotas farms are family-run, and many of them are multi-generational. These operations are often land rich and cash poor, which means they have a lot of money tied up in land, infrastructure, machinery, and crops or livestock, but these investments arent necessarily reflected in the family checkbook.

The taxman doesnt make a distinction, though, which is why operations that might look bigger on paper than they are in reality have the potential of being ruined by an untimely death. The last thing families should be worrying about after theyve lost a loved one is whether or not they might lose a farm, ranch, or other business, too, which is why I wont stop fighting until death is no longer a taxable event.

John Thune represents South Dakota in the U.S. Senate.

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Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0The Air and Space Museum has a B-1 and many other aircraft on display that are well looked after. Put up a replica of the Vietnam Wall; something that we cant drive eight miles to see.

Instead of a Military Appreciation park in the least inhabited part of town, how about showing appreciation for all your citizens, including the military, by fixing the streets. Nary a word about the issue, no visible plan, how long will it be ignored.

It was very disconcerting to hear the lack of empathy voiced by some council members for the homeless children in Rapid City at their meeting on vision funds.

Congratulations to the governor on signing her first bill. South Dakota just took a giant step backwards.

It appears probable that more and more homeless people will relocate to Rapid City due to the many amenities we provide for them. The homeless cycle will never ever end.

The mayor is dropping $4 million to improve lighting in downtown Rapid City. Has anyone considered public lighting that does not spoil the view of the night sky so I do not have to see the lights of Rapid City from 50 miles away?

Opinion is the lowest form of human knowledge. It requires no accountability and no understanding.

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Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0In this file photo taken on Jan. 18, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo welcomes North Korean Vice-Chairman Kim Yong-chol prior to a meeting in Washington, DC. Pompeo held talks on North Korea with his Japanese and South Korean counterparts ahead of a summit between Pyongyang's leader and the U.S. president. AFP



U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Tuesday that he expects to see a "good marker" on the path to achieving North Korea's denuclearization at the end of next month.

The two sides are planning to hold a second summit late next month to discuss the next steps in implementing the accord reached by U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un last year.

At the first summit in Singapore in June, Kim committed to work toward complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula in exchange for security guarantees for his regime.

"I believe that at the end of February we'll have another good marker along the way," Pompeo said in video remarks to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

Last week's visit to Washington by Kim's close aide, Kim Yong-chol, yielded "further progress" in discussions, including through a meeting between U.S. Special Representative for North Korea Stephen Biegun and his "newly designated counterpart," Pompeo said.

Biegun and his North Korean counterpart discussed "some of the complicated issues towards achieving what the two leaders laid out back last June in Singapore," he added.

Biegun flew to Sweden over the weekend to hold talks with North Korean Vice Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui on planning for the next summit.

"Again, a little bit more progress," Pompeo said of those discussions, adding that "there remains an awful lot of work to do."

But "good things" have already happened, he said, pointing to North Korea's suspension of nuclear and missile tests since late 2017.

"There are many steps yet along the way towards achieving the denuclearization that was laid out in Singapore and in achieving the security and stability and peace on the (Korean) peninsula that the two leaders agreed to as well," Pompeo said. "We're determined to work towards achieving that."

The secretary held out the prospect of private sector investment in the North, which is currently under tough economic sanctions for its nuclear and missile programs.

"There's not much role for the private sector today, but if we're successful, if we can make a substantial step towards achieving the denuclearization and create the right conditions, it'll be the private sector that sits there, looming in the background," he said.

North Korea needs everything from power to infrastructure, and while there will be a "government component," the private sector's contributions will be critical to achieve the North's economic growth and ultimately stability.

"The specter of private sector companies who are prepared to invest in North Korea and to assist North Korea if we're able to achieve that full denuclearization that I know the entire world wants, the private sector will be an important player in achieving the final elements of the agreement as well," Pompeo said. (Yonhap)We just never get that commercialized or at least commercialized in a way that could benefit consultants or farmers, he said.

For instance, imagery has been a big buzz; however, it needs to be something useful for farmers.

Weve got to tie a solution to that. We cant just hand farmers an image with no solution tied to it, he said.

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Godsey and fellow speaker Paul Schrimpf both said autonomous technologies have caught on faster than agronomic technologies. Things like autosteer, which quickly became affordable and made tasks easier for farmers, caught on easier than things that require the capturing and analysis of data, Schrimpf said.

Farmers want to farm, Godsey said, not focus on data collection and analysis. He said boots on the ground are still needed, even with technological advances, and he doesnt see that changing.In recent years, the state has taken steps to reduce the number of incoming college freshmen who need remedial coursework.

One program started in the 2013-14 school year gives college-bound high school seniors that opportunity to take additional online coursework aimed specifically at passing tests and avoiding remediation.

Under the College Readiness Coursework program, students who sign up are given a pre-test to determine subject weaknesses and then receive online and in-person tutoring before taking a post-test that can be used to skip remedial coursework in college. Students pay a fee ranging from $125 to $175 for the course but are fully reimbursed by the state if they complete it.

Whats unique about the coursework is that it is tailored to the individual students needs, said Becky Nelson, director of learning and instruction at the state education department.

So far, participation by school districts and students has been low, Nelson said. In 2016, 100 students completed the course, followed by 90 in 2017 and only 61 in 2018. Passage rates have ranged from 51 to 73 percent.

Jolene Christianson, a math teacher in the Britton-Hecla School District in Marshall County, has had success using the college readiness program to help students avoid remediation.When he was brought to court for his probation violation, Erickson said, he asked the judge if he could be ordered to attend an inpatient program, but the judge said that wasn't an option. But the judge said if he pleaded guilty, he could participate in the Sturgis drug court. The Rapid City specialty court didn't open until 2016.

"We need to have a conviction out of you before we can treat you. Well the problem is you become a felon," Erickson said.

Erickson explained how becoming a felon can lead to a difficult cycle, especially for those who live in low-income areas of Rapid City and reservations where meth is widespread.

"When these people haven nothing else, what are they going to do besides get high or decide to try selling? Especially when now you're a felon and you need to check the felon box to get housing or you need to check the felon box to get a job."

Erickson said he's lucky, because even though he will likely never be able to use his nursing license again, he was able to work at his small family-owned business.

"I did go ahead and take drug court because I was accepting it was the only help I had available to me. I thought great, here's something that's going to keep me accountable and monitor me."The bill then went to the Senate floor, where it passed 26-9. The yes votes came from 18 Democrats and eight Republicans, and the no votes came from seven Republicans and two Democrats.

The House then considered the bill again, this time with the additional language banning guns in the Capitol, and approved the bill 49-21. The yes votes came from 28 Democrats and 21 Republicans, and the "no" votes came from 20 Republicans and one Democrat. Because Democrats were in the minority, the bill could not have passed through the House without the Republican support it received.

Media coverage at the time did not characterize the legislation as one of the major bills of the session, or as a particularly hot-button issue. Pierson said he remembers opponents speaking against the bill, but he does not recall any grandstanding by fellow legislators.

I think most of them just thought it was common sense, Pierson said. Why would you want guns in a courthouse? Why would you want guns in the Capitol, for crying out loud?

Rounds office initially expressed his willingness last week to be interviewed about the 1993 legislation but ultimately sent a written statement from spokeswoman Natalie Krings.ABERDEEN | A county jail in northwest South Dakota has become a popular destination to house inmates from other county jails in the state.

Kurt Hall, Faulk County Jail Sheriff, said the 35-bed prison has contracts to house offenders from 13 counties and each county pays a nightly rate of $85 per inmate, the Aberdeen American News reported.

Less than 30 of the state's 66 counties have jails, according to Hall.

Faulk County's $5.5 million jail was completed in 2017.

"We had a jail, but it was built in 1918, so it was either get out of the business or get something full," Hall said.

Hall said the new jail has provided a financial boost to the region, including to the local pharmacy and the area's Meals on Wheels program.

Emily Richardt, executive director of Area IV Senior Nutrition, said the Faulkton team added three new part-time employees to assist making meals for inmates at the jail.

Hall noted that the jail has nine to 12 inmates on average, but that the population could increase if anyone protests the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline in the spring and arrests are made.

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Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0MADISON, Wis. | The bitter cold temperatures that gripped Wisconsin this week could also have a chilling effect on an invasive insect species that threatens the state's ash trees, according to recent findings.

U.S. Forest Service research biologist Rob Venette co-authored a study that found temperatures around 20 degrees below zero can reduce emerald ash borer populations by half. Venette told Wisconsin Public Radio that this week's extreme cold will likely kill up to 80 percent of the invasive Asian beetles in Wisconsin.

The invasive pest was discovered in Wisconsin in 2008 and has spread to more than half of its counties. Emerald ash borer are responsible for killing tens of millions of ash trees across the U.S.

Venette and other researchers studied ash borer larvae in Minnesota during the last polar vortex in 2014 to measure how much cold it takes to kill them, he said. They recorded up to 70 percent mortality when temperatures reached 23 degrees below zero.

"Because it's been so much colder this go around, we're expecting much more mortality," he said.

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources official Andrea Diss-Torrance said the recent polar vortex won't cause the insect to go extinct, but could buy landowners time to treat ash trees that haven't been infected yet.Rocio Moreno, 58, has lived in the Roma for 40 years. She hopes the film's attention will more generally help the image of Mexico and Latinos, "above all to boost the perception of this type of movie."

The home featured in the film sits on a quiet narrow street. In "Roma" the home's address is conveniently visible making it an easy pilgrimage site for fans visiting the city. The movie's success has made the film home and Cuaron's real childhood house across the street something of a tourist destination.

Last Tuesday, Alex Kitterman, a 49-year-old fireman from England was snapping photos of the street. He saw "Roma" recently on Netflix and decided to stop by during his vacation.

"It makes a nice change to what is there in the cinema generally at the moment, all those Marvel Comics movies, a lot of violence," he said. "This is a gentle movie so I think it's a nice contrast to what is there at the moment."

Eliana Olaizola, a native of Argentina, now lives with her family in Cuaron's childhood home.

The 45-year-old doctor said it was wonderful that Mexican cinema was getting such international exposure.

"I like that (the film) is going to be something that I'll be able to show my children when they're older and they're going to be able to see their childhood home," she said. "I loved the movie."

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Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0I recently read a statement that said, "those that oppose border security to our South must have an interest in human or drug trafficking."

That said, I have to wonder who and how many of our elected officials, Republicans and Democrats, have been bought/lobbied/threatened by drug cartels concerning a physical barrier along our Southern border. Follow the money.Even as most of the Western Hemisphere has rushed to recognize Venezuela's interim president, Juan Guaido, a small but familiar chorus has registered its dissent. Self-proclaimed anti-imperialists, demanding that America stay out of Venezuela's affairs, have rallied to the side of strongman President Nicolas Maduro.

Among the dissenters are apparatchiks of the Iranian regime, hosts of Russian propaganda talk shows and columnists at the Nation. There are even a few Democratic members of Congress on Team Maduro.

America does have a history of intervening in Latin America on the side of dictators, usually in the cause of countering communism or protecting the hemisphere from the influence of other foreign powers. It's easy to see why various rogues and rubes would see this pattern repeating in Venezuela.

They are wrong, though. To support Maduro right now is not to stand against American imperialism. Rather, it is an endorsement of the imperialism of America's adversaries.While some Iowa Democrats may have been put off by the strategy, there were county leaders who said it was no big deal and could actually be a wise strategy.

"An event like (the CNN town hall) gets a lot of attention," said JoAnn Hardy, chairwoman of the Cerro Gordo County Democrats. "And when she comes back to do the coffee shops, a lot of people will want to go (having seen her on TV)."

"Of course shes running for Iowa votes, but shes also campaigning nationally as well. So this gives her double points," Jeremy Dumkrieger, the chair of the Woodbury County Democrats, said.

The 2020 Iowa caucuses are a year away. Kamala Harris will surely be back to Iowa a number of times.

What Hardy and Dumkrieger are essentially saying is fret not, all you Iowa Democrats waiting for Kamala Harris to walk through the door. Youll get your chance.

Told ya' so

Iowa auditor Rob Sand took something of a victory lap last week after a nonpartisan state board confirmed his take in a debate that encompassed his 2018 campaign.

Sand, a Democrat, defeated Republican incumbent Mary Mosiman in November.Four people have died in a bus accident at Namayonjo in Nakasongola District.

The Savannah Region police spokesman Paul Kangave says the accident occurred after the speeding bus, belonging to Link Bus Company, overturned several times.

Namayonjo is listed as one of the black spots on the Kampala-Gulu highway.

The bus was travelling from Kampala to Masindi.

Another traffic police officer at the scene of the accident, who preferred anonymity to speak freely, said about 20 people who were injured have been taken to several health centers including Nakasongola Health Centre IV.There also was heavy smoke coming from the windows on the north side of the trailer.

Inside the trailer, firefighters found the three deceased residents.

Stephanie Kemp said the residents included her oldest sister and her son, as well as her sister's grandmother (the child's great-grandmother).

"They lived there forever," she said.

The grandmother, whom Kemp was not related to, "was grandma to everybody in this park," Stephanie Kemp said. Pointing to the burned-out kitchen area, she said there were multiple refrigerators in the trailer that fed the neighborhood kids, "and the kids would come flocking."

She added the tragedy comes just as their blended family was beginning to re-unite, including her brother and nephew.

"We'd hang out, play video games," Zac Kemp said. "He was just 8 when I met him and now I don't get any more time with him."

Stephanie Kemp said the trailer had two smoke alarms. "It obviously wasn't enough," she said, wondering why they didn't escape.Were just getting emasculated in smaller communities even when those communities have labor union workers, Brown said. Were just not talking to workers enough.

Brown spent roughly an hour Saturday afternoon speaking with area labor leaders on issues that ranged from Iowas major changes to collective bargaining laws to safety regulations for road workers. Among the speakers was Tracey Leone with the Teamsters, who said there is no dignity for many Iowans working today, saying theyre been reduced in some cases to less than human like data points on a spreadsheet.

The event in Clinton marked the final public stop in the state for Brown as he continued his Dignity of Work tour. Brown, an Ohio Democrat who is considering a run for the presidency in 2020, began the tour in the small northeastern Iowa town of Cresco, crisscrossing the state through Perry, Waterloo and Dubuque.

This shows the kind of support there is for a labor movement in this country, Brown said of his visit with Clinton labor organizers, adding that the U.S. has a federal government thats hostile to labor rights and betrays workers in far too many cases.The 61st annual Rock Island Antiques Show will be Saturday-Sunday, Feb. 9-10, at the Rock Island Plumbers & Pipefitters Union Hall, 4600 46th Ave., Rock Island, with 22 vendors from four states, including Kansas.

A selection of antique, vintage and retro collectibles will be for sale, along with baked goods.

This is the show that was sponsored for 40 years by the Rock Island Women's Club, and then was taken over by The Cottage Antiques in Coal Valley, operated by Tammy Mendoza and her father. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Children's Miracle Network.

What's hot right now?

Items from the 1950s through 1970s are still going strong, especially with younger buyers, including Pyrex dish ware, furniture, lamps, clocks and decor.

"Vintage holiday items are a big thing, too," Mendoza added. "They're even hotter than last year."

Mendoza had a booth at a show in the Davenport River Center over the holidays and even if she had not sold anything, she said, being there would have been worth it to her because of the reaction of people strolling by her booth.

"People would stop and 'ooh' and 'aah,'" she said. "They might say, 'Oh, Grandma had this,' or 'I had this when I was a child.'"With his latest effort to ram through demolition of the old Rock Island County Courthouse, Judge Walter Braud may have given preservationists the 11th-hour reprieve they've been demanding.

If so, fans of the 1896 courthouse would be wise to quickly make the best of it by coming up with a serious proposal for saving the structure.

Obviously, that's not what the chief judge of the 14th Judicial Circuit intended when he filed an administrative order Jan. 25 directing the Rock Island County Board and Public Building Commission to raze the courthouse as soon as possible.

His gambit backfired when government bodies and agencies with a stake in the courthouse raised questions about the breadth of Braud's authority to force demolition.

On Monday, for example, Rock Island Mayor Mike Thoms warned that his city will halt demolition of the building without a storm water runoff plan that has been approved by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and a permit from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

"If the (county) meets the requirements, they should have their permit," Thoms said. "We are not trying to pick a side; we are doing what is fair. We would hold anybody's feet to the fire."Having served in the intelligence community when I was in the Navy, I have had firsthand experience with members of this community and hold it in very high regard. They take their work very seriously and are deeply committed to serving our country by providing policymakers with the information they need to make informed decisions, which sometimes involves speaking truth to power.

Everything that ends up in the hands of the president and other government officials is double-checked, and then checked again. Members of the intelligence community are keenly aware that bad information can result in bad decisions, as happened during the Iraq War with respect to WMD. No one wants that scenario to be repeated.

Because I have great confidence in the professionalism and integrity of todays intelligence community, I have no reason to doubt anything in the Worldwide Threat Assessment.

The credibility of the report is underscored by the fact that Coats and other Trump appointees joined in making it. These are not people who need to go back to school (though there might be someone else who does, someone who unlike Coats did not serve in the military).

Daniel E. Lee is the Marian Taft Cannon Professor in the Humanities at Augustana College; he served on active duty from 1969-1972 as a commissioned officer assigned to naval intelligence; danlee@augustana.edu.

Love 2 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 1 Angry 0There were news accounts of smaller, individual stories: hate crimes, wrecks, murders, fires; but most stories have concentrated on the unprecedented combination of cold and wind which has driven us indoors. TV meteorologists are positively giddy about setting a new record for lowest temperature.

And, in truth, that is the only story. It is dramatic evidence of just how the arc of our lives is bending under the impact of climate change. The major shifts will be more subtle, but no less affecting. We are beginning to understand that global warming doesnt mean a rise in temperature, but a re-ordering of how the weather works.

As scientists predicted, almost half a century ago, the rise in average temperature of the whole planet will produce extremes of local weather as the earth resets itself. No one can say with certainty how it all sorts out, but it will change life at all levels.

We are told we still have a few years to start bringing things under control. That may be, but the likelihood of it actually happening is the longest of long shots. It takes a catastrophe to motivate people in the mass to act.

So, we watch as Congress tries to appease an unstable president, the British lurch toward a dimly understood, straitened future; Venezuela implodes; and Mueller plods on as our gullible leader pouts and preens.

Meanwhile, we cautiously admire the brilliant winter landscape as the planet slowly evolves, under our careless stewardship, into a less hospitable, unknowable world of shifting, fractious populations, at odds with themselves and the life we are bequeathing to them.

Don Wooten of Rock Island is a former state senator and veteran broadcaster; donwooten@qconline.com.

Love 0 Funny 2 Wow 0 Sad 1 Angry 0First Army plans Feb. 6 retirement ceremony

ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL  First Army will say goodbye to its command sergeant major during a retirement ceremony at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday inside First Army headquarters.

Command Sgt. Major Richard K. Johnson is retiring after 32 years of service. He assumed duties of command sergeant major at First Army on Oct. 21, 2016.

Johnson was instrumental as the senior enlisted advisor to current First Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Thomas S. James Jr., providing feedback to James and senior leaders of the concerns and conditions of enlisted personnel throughout First Army.

Johnson also traveled extensively with former First Army Commanding General, Lt. Gen. Stephen M. Twitty, during the recently completed First Army Centennial celebrations and ceremonies from August 2017 to November 2018.

Those ceremonies and visits included Gen. John J. Pershing wreath-laying at Arlington National Cemetery, presenting World War II veteran and Kentucky-native Jack Baker with the French Legion of Honor and participating in a Centennial podcast at the Pritzker Military Museum in Chicago.About Me Scott Because prophetic scriptures are found throughout the bible, it is obvious that a comprehensive, systematic approach would be useful, if not necessary, for the understanding of prophecy. Past prophecies have been fulfilled in a literal manner, as confirmed by the dating of these writings and historical records of confirmation. These past prophecies also serve as a model of how to interpret future prophecies. A literal view of prophecy clearly indicates a certain sequence of events will occur within a single generation, concluding with the Tribulation and Second Advent and these events will be obvious. The prophetic signs appear to be present in this generation and we believe these signs are revealed in the news from around the world. View my complete profile6 hours ago

| June 21st | 2021 8:00 AM

Why You Might Have to Retire Later Due to COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic in general increased retirement uncertainty. In fact, Lincoln Financial Group reported three different sentiments regarding the pandemic and specific age groups: Pre-retirees: The age group from 55 to 64 saw the biggest drop of retirement-ready confidence. Mid-career: Individuals between the ages of 35 and 54 saw aWe hope that means that the continued mass shootings around the country have left us more open to taking action on the issue.

Wed also like to believe the passage of time has made the SAFE Act less controversial, and the reality that law-abiding gun owners never were hauled off to jail en masse is the reason. But we realize that many still oppose all gun control on philosophical grounds regarding the Second Amendment.

As we have said many times before, we do not oppose the Second Amendment and know of no public official who does. We are not aware of any significant initiatives to have the Second Amendment repealed.

So with that support in mind, we do believe some restrictions make sense.

The Legislature passed six gun control measures, and when each is considered carefully, we dont see any of them as an attack on the Second Amendment. We believe they are common-sense restrictions that will continue to address the concerns we have about mass shootings.

We found it discouraging that Sen. Little and Assemblyman Dan Stec dismissed five of the six proposals because of a blanket devotion to the Second Amendment. We dont believe any of these laws puts the Second Amendment at risk.GLENS FALLS  The current New York state measles outbreak is unprecedented, said a New York Department of Health spokesman on Thursday.

Still, there have been no cases currently reported in the region.

At this time, Glens Falls Hospital Laboratory Services have not had any positive specimens, said Hillary Alycon, manager of infection prevention and control at the hospital. Due to Glens Falls Hospitals geographic location, we have a ... separation from the current outbreak.

New York, Washington and Oregon are the hardest hit states, with a rapidly growing number of measles cases. And because the disease is highly contagious, Washington states governor declared a state of emergency due to the outbreak.

All it takes is a single infected person to cough or sneeze in a grocery store, an airport lounge or a restroom to spread the highly contagious virus that can remain airborne for two hours after the infected person leaves the room.

Measles is so contagious that if one person has it, 90 percent of the people close to that person who are not immune will also become infected, reports the Centers for Disease Control. Infected people can spread measles to others from four days before through four days after the rash appears.BALLSTON SPA  A felon who fired a gun into the air outside a South Glens Falls motel during an argument last May has pleaded guilty to a felony charge of reckless endangerment.

James R. Powell, 41, of Ashdown, Arkansas, pleaded guilty in Saratoga County Court for a May 10 confrontation in the parking lot of Clearview Motel, during which police said Powell fired two or three shots from a .380-caliber semiautomatic handgun into the air.

No one was hurt, and no damage was reported. Powell, who has a prior felony conviction that precludes him from possessing any weapons, had been drinking in a room at the motel and got into an argument with people there. It eventually spilled outside, with witnesses saying he was ranting about how tough he was, court records show.

Powell was in the region at the time to work on a construction project.

He is being held in Saratoga County Jail, pending sentencing March 29 by Saratoga County Judge James Murphy. The charge is punishable by up to 7 years in state prison.

Love 2 Funny 6 Wow 2 Sad 0 Angry 4GLENS FALLS  The city has been awarded a nearly $400,000 grant to help families purchase 12 homes in Glens Falls through its first-time homebuyer program.

The $382,000 from the New York State Homes and Community Renewal office will help to provide financial assistance to 12 households in Warren County.

EDC Warren County President Edward Bartholomew said the grant will allow the city to continue its first-time homebuyer program. The funds can be used to assist people with down payment or closing costs. Communities can also use funds to acquire or renovate housing.

The announcement was made at EDC Warren Countys Economic Outlook Breakfast.

Bartholomew said this is a very competitive grant program.

Mayor Dan Hall said Bartholomews advocacy helped Glens Falls get the grant.

Also at the breakfast, EDC presented a special recognition award to Kevin Porpora, a mortgage professional at Glens Falls National Bank, for outstanding achievement in promotion and advocacy of affordable housing in the Glens Falls region.

Other communities and organizations that received grants from the state include:On April 7, 1962, he married Helen Petralia Mollen. They resided in New York City until moving to the Schuylerville area in 1973. He began his career as an autobody/automotive technician. After several years, he opened his own repair facility and used car lot in Long Island City, specializing in Volkswagens. In 1973, he moved his family and reestablished his business upstate. Over the years, he sold thousands of cars to many repeat customers who turned into lifelong friends. He always took great pride using his skills to repair wrecked automobiles to as new condition. Ingeniously he designed and constructed his current house and all of his garages that are still used today. A hard worker, he never said cant, always innovative, always positive.

In 1971, through the GI Bill, he earned his private pilot license at Zahns Airport on Long Island. He continued onward to complete his flight instructor rating. He was a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). His love of flying attracted many lifelong friends with whom would fly to area airports and airstrips. Peter owned several planes during his life. He also began construction of a composite plane.It will be the first such project in northeastern North Carolina paid for in part by the state's Department of Transportation. The state added $30,000 to a $20,000 grant from the National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration and $35,000 from the Dare County Soil and Water Conservation District. The town paid the balance.Schulz, a Coast Guard captain whose focus is on logistics, says the Girl Scouts taught her there are no limits to what one can take on. When reflecting on her time as a Brownie, she remembered taking a 12-mile hike, an exercise that introduced her to persistence and resilience.Much of the state's population change comes from northern Virginia, which Lombard said was responsible for about two-thirds of the over 50,000 new residents Virginia added last year. A younger population in that region has helped replace most of the people who move out of state there."I was just reminding myself of that journey," Fairfax said in 2018, describing his thoughts as he sat out the tribute, the document resting in his pocket. "I was reminding myself what our ancestors had to go through to get to a point like we're having now. . . . We can make progress if we keep our eyes on the future.""It is unfortunate that the neighbors have had to complain so much and that has made them look like villains, and they certainly aren't," she said. "The neighbors are concerned about something that is going to impact their property.  Nobody likes to complain, but sometimes folks just have to."The extensive exhibition includes an interactive map that allows people to read newspapers from around the country and see that people didn't have to live in large cities to get the news. Personal stories and public sentiment are told through digitized documents, artifacts, photos and extensive research. The exhibition took five years to organize and will be at the museum until 2021.China is fast-tracking a foreign investment law at an unprecedented pace to meet Washington's demands on trade, but businesses fear that time to review and raise objections on a crucial piece of legislation has been cut short. The law will eliminate the requirement for foreign enterprises to transfer proprietary technology to Chinese joint-venture partners. It also includes other steps to level the business playing field that Western trading partners have long demanded. China's parliament is expected to vote on the legislation in March -- barely two months after debating a first draft. "It is indeed unprecedented that the bill is being moved by the NPC (National People's Congress) at such a fast pace," Wang Jiangyu, an expert on Chinese law at the National University of Singapore, told AFP. "Normally it would take one to three years for a bill to be passed and signed into law." Foreign businesses worry the draft glosses over details and that vague language leaves room for broad interpretation. For example, it gives China the right to expropriate foreign investment "for the public interest", which foreign business groups fear could be abused. - Ticking clock - A draft law was first published for comment in 2015 but was quickly shelved until it resurfaced late last year, Wang said. It was only submitted to China's rubber-stamp legislature for a first reading on December 23, and made available for public comment until February 24. The top decision-making body of the legislature convened a special two-day session this past Tuesday to debate another "updated version", state news agency Xinhua reported. The law will probably be approved during the parliament's roughly 10-day annual session which opens March 5, Wang said. The clock is ticking on a March 1 US-set deadline for China to address trade concerns and avert an escalation in their tariff war. "What we feel with this piece of legislation is that it's been squeezed between the normal legal process and the negotiation table (to defuse) the trade conflict," the president of the EU Chamber of Commerce in China, Mats Harborn, told AFP. "In our view this is a little unfortunate because this is an important piece of legislation that will have an effect... on all foreign companies." Both the EU and American chambers of commerce in China said they rushed to submit feedback from members this week. - Falling short - Although the legislation covers several pain points highlighted by US President Donald Trump including safeguarding foreign capital from government "interference", it falls short in other key areas, the business lobbies said. "The current draft law is high-level and general" and requires more detailed guidelines and implementing measures, the American Chamber of Commerce in Beijing wrote in its feedback report, a summary of which was seen by AFP. The December version debated by lawmakers is considerably shorter -- by over 130 fewer articles -- than the previous 2015 draft. A section describing how the government will scrutinise foreign investments for potential national security concerns is limited to two sentences in the December version -- simply stating that China would establish a review process and that decisions would be made according to law. The earlier version had a beefy five-page chapter detailing how companies could appeal security rulings, plus examples of factors that could trigger a security review, said Jacob Parker, vice president of China operations at the US-China Business Council. But the latest draft stipulates that all national security review decisions are final, implying no administrative or legal appeals were possible. Both the EU and American trade chambers are also urging China to consider having a single Company Law to govern both foreign and domestic enterprises, as is common in many countries. "It's now time to make sure that all companies are seen as making the same positive contribution to China when it comes to growth, employment, taxes, R&D and so on. There shouldn't be a distinction based on where the investment comes from," Harborn said.A Chinese fishing boat captain has been arrested in waters close to Japan, according to state media in the island nation.

Chen Wenting, 40, was detained by the Japanese coastguard on Saturday morning on suspicion of violating Japans fishing rights and trying to avoid inspection, NHK reported.

The incident happened on the same day Chinas Foreign Minister Wang Yi told visiting Japanese senior deputy minister for foreign affairs Takeo Mori that 2019 was going to be an important year for ties between the two countries.

Chen and his crew of 10 were spotted inside Japans exclusive economic zone, about 300km (186 miles) southeast of Hahajima, a tiny island in the western Pacific about 1,000km south of Tokyo, the report said.

But when a coastguard vessel from Yokohama sounded a siren and issued instructions to stop, Chen turned and fled. The Japanese boat went in pursuit and after a 30km chase, the Chinese vessel was forced to stop.

Chen was detained pending further investigation, the report said.

Chinas foreign ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

There have been many cases of Chinese fishermen being arrested by Japanese authorities, with perhaps the most notable coming in 2010 when a Chinese trawler rammed a Japanese coastguard vessel near the disputed Diaoyu Islands  known as Senkaku in Japan  in the East China Sea.

When the Chinese crew were arrested it prompted huge outpourings of nationalist sentiment in both countries and tensions between them rose significantly.

Relations got back on track last year after Li Keqiang in May became the first Chinese premier since 2011 to visit Japan, and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visited Beijing in October. The trips led to the two sides agreeing to increase cooperation on trade in the face of growing unilateralism from the United States.

Story continues

According to a press release from Chinas foreign ministry, Wang told Mori on Saturday that the two countries should be each others partner, not threat.

We should do our best to avoid new turbulence, he said. Amid this international uncertainty ensuring a stable bilateral relationship will benefit our coordination in international and regional affairs.

This article Chinese fishing boat captain arrested in waters close to Japan first appeared on South China Morning Post

For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2019.Project Fear claims Nissan would scale back UK operation could not have been further from the truth! #BrexitBritain

of course

As if watching the news was not bad enough, today's Independent seeks to depress us even more with a series of headlines, which underline the depths to which our politics has sunk. Switching from the banal to the serious, these latest developments in the Brexit saga tell us exactly why we have become a laughing stock in the world. It sounds even worse when you listen to the way this American TV presenter describes the dilemma we are in. And the graphic doesn't even cover this story on the BBC , that Nissan is expected to announce that it is cancelling a planned investment at its plant in Sunderland. In 2016 the car maker said it would build the new model of its X-Trail SUV in the UK after receiving "assurances" from the government over Brexit. The Japanese company is expected to say investment will be now be pulled, rather than existing work being halted.This is what Leave UK tweeted in October 2016 , when the future of this investment was being questioned:Another strike-out for the people with the cracked crystal ball, who first brought us a bus pledging 350 million a week for the NHS and many other magnificent works of fiction, but back to the Independent.The paper tells us that Rob Price, head of the Acro criminal records office, has warned dangerous criminals could go free in the UK after Brexit if police officers cannot access European conviction records. He said EU conviction records are critical to decisions on whether to charge or release foreign suspects, and how to protect the public.There is a concern that this access will be switched off on 29th March. But, yes we did actually warn that this might happen during the referendum campaign.Then there is the suggestion that the Queen would be evacuated from London if riots broke out following Brexit. Rumours that she will be in a fast car driven by Prince Phillip have not been substantiated.The stories come thick and fast, including the claim that NHS staff could be asked to sleep at work if traffic is gridlocked in the event of a no-deal Brexit, according to contingency plans being drawn up by one Kent trust. Okay, they are reaching a bit here, but the big concern with the NHS remains that the current crackdown on EU citizens and migrant workers could leave many hospitals short-staffed.But finally we have two stories which illustrate more than any other how broken our political system is, with an out-of-touch and impotent Parliament and ignorant MPs spreading their prejudices around as if they had been carried down Mount Sinai, carved on stone by Moses himself.The Independent tells us that John McDonnell has accused Theresa May of launching a dangerous bid to win backing for her Brexit deal after it emerged the government is considering providing a cash injection to areas that voted Leave in the 2016 referendum in an attempt to win Labour MPs support.And then we have the tale of the pro-Brexit MP , who has been criticised after making false statements about Europe and Britain after the Second World War:This is the same MP who, as I reported 10 days ago , formally asked Poland to veto any extension of Article 50, effectively requesting a foreign power to intervene in our domestic affairs and override our sovereign Parliament. You really cannot make this stuff up.There is much more going on around Brexit, and most of these stories play into Theresa May's narrative of demanding MPs vote for her deal to avoid going over a cliff at the end of March. Nevertheless, it is hard to escape the feeling that the whole country is on the verge of a massive nervous breakdown.Colombia Hoy



Para nunca olvidar



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'Parasite' painted on a statue of Queen, Elizabeth in Kent, England



Sin palabras



La UE le apunta a la paz



Cada vez mas solo



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Dolar USA Vs Euro

LULA y su Pueblo



Bye Bye



Homenaje al genial Quino



Fueron ellos



Una imagen que resume



Tan bajo ha caido que se deja tocar el trasero?



Porky y el Nene (archiconocido narcotraficante)



Ladrones al poder



Asi mira el perrito a su amo



Crazy



Clamor popular



La nueva inquisicion



Bolivia



Chile Hoy



Eso es todo amigos!



Pinerachet



No More Trump



Adios Macri, hasta nunca



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Asi o mas cinico



Almugre



Mexico en 1794



Mas arrastrado imposible



La pura verdad



Solidaridad con Palestina



Serie Capitalismo



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Asi es la vida



USA HOY



La avaricia no tiene limites



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Asi son las cosas



Mapa Electoral de Venezuela



Patagonia argentina?



Un aniversario mas del mayor genocidio de la Humanidad



Retrato del franquismo en Espana



El Chulo de Madrid



Cuando la policia se roba la democracia



Una imagen dice mas que mil palabras



La purita verdad



Asi gobierna la maldita burguesia



Mi pobre clase media



Como Chavez nadie



Comparte La Colmena via twitter Twittear

Programa de la MUD



Asi o mas clarito



Por que Trump no ataco Corea del Norte?



Hace 15 anos Por que la OEA no se pronuncio?



Una verguenza nacional



La luz que nos guia



La Union Europea Premio Nobel de la Paz?



Feudalismo ayer y hoy



Obama, el mentiroso



Curiosa coincidencia



Un mundo de cerdos



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La Marioneta



Los ricos protestan, los pobres celebran



MARICORI Y OBAMA



Cuantas muertes este ano?



USA TODAY



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USA HOY (1)



Insaciable



Cronologia de un agresor



Guarimbear en USA



Mexico hoy



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Primero Amargado



Dios los cria y ellos se juntan



USA hoy (III)



USA hoy (II)



USA hoy



Mexico hoy



Mexico hoy



Mexico hoy



Obama



La verdad sea dicha



Los ricos



Que no nos vea Obama



Pobre Obama



SOS PALESTINA



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Chavez Cuanto te queremos!



Por culpa de Chavez



Cerveza Polar



Algun dia Colombia volvera a la ideologia de Bolivar



Translate

LOS REVOLUCIONARIOS NO TOMAN CACA-COLA No se trata solamente de un capricho, sino de una sana actitud en todos los sentidos. Desde la solidaridad con el pueblo colombiano donde la empresa Caca-Cola ha cometido los mas grandes abusos contra sus trabajadores incluyendo el presunto secuestro y asesinato de los dirigentes del sindicato, hasta la proteccion de la salud de nuestros hijos, enviciados por ese jarabe de cola y azucar, que les produce obesidad prematura. Pensemos tambien los revolucionarios, que ese dinero que gastamos en los refrescos es utilizado por esas empresas para financiar el terrorismo en nuestro pais. Es cierto, no se trata solo de la Caca-Cola, sino tambien de la cerveza, de los cigarrillos y todos esos articulos innecesarios y mas que eso, daninos para nuestra salud. Podriamos incluso pensar en un dia de parada para cada uno de ellos. Es cuestion de irnos organizando. Pero para empezar, que tal si dejamos de comprar Caca-Cola y sus similares?



Cuando lo extraordinario se vuelve cotidiano...



Discurso del Acto de Grado en Barinas en 12 de Febrero del 2005 Queridos Graduandos:



Mas que un discurso, quiero dirigirles algunas palabras que escribi anoche, despues de visitar en las clinicas, a los estudiantes heridos, a consecuencia de los enfrentamientos con la policia de hace apenas dos dias.



Me ha tocado por razones del destino, ser la persona que les otorgue el titulo que bien merecieron con sus estudios. Y me siento sumamente orgulloso de serlo. Me consta que la Universidad de Los Llanos Occidentales Ezequiel Zamora, a pesar de lo dicho por los enemigos de esta universidad, es una universidad de primera.



No tendremos la mejor planta fisica, en los salones hace calor. En el comedor hace calor. Pero no es en lo material que las cosas deben valorarse. El mayor capital es el ser humano. Y en eso, nuestra UNELLEZ, lo digo con conocimiento de causa, esta sobrada. Los llaneros venezolanos son nobles, valientes, de coraje.



En la UNELLEZ hacen vida, en este momento, aproximadamente 67000 personas. El 97% de ellas son estudiantes. Jovenes que, como Ustedes hasta el dia de hoy, buscan ese titulo, que constata los anos de dedicacion y de estudio.



Los jovenes son el rio de la vida, ustedes graduados deben ser los capitanes de esos barcos que naveguen por el rio de la vida.



Nuestra Patria atraviesa momentos muy dificiles porque decidio dejar de ser esa matrona de edad vetusta y complaciente, para ser joven, rebelde y altanera. Nuestra imagen ya no es la de una acaudalada ricachona mayamera. En nuestro rostro brilla ahora la sonrisa del Che Guevara, con su diente delantero torcido, su pelo largo y su boina con la estrella.



Entender esto, a mi me ha tomado practicamente toda la vida. Tengo 53 anos, y ya perdi mi oportunidad de derramar sangre joven a causa de un ideal.



Ustedes son jovenes, estan en la flor de la vida. No cometan por favor el error de renunciar a su instinto de rebelion. El Che Guevara fue Ministro de a Economia en Cuba. Los billetes y las monedas se adornaban con su rostro. Nada de eso le importo. Primero fue a Angola donde paso un penoso ano de combate. Despues se fue a Bolivia, donde encontro la muerte. El Che era el ultimo que comia, el que cargaba la mochila mas pesada. Siempre se sacrificaba por los demas en un estoicismo que mas parecia fervor religioso que ideologia marxista.



Si quieren un modelo de vida. Ahi lo tienen.



Dije hace unos momentos que el 97% de la poblacion de la UNELLEZ es estudiante. Se imaginan Ustedes la Universidad que podriamos tener si todos los estudiantes tuvieran la abnegacion, la combatividad del Che?



Los momentos que se avecinan van a requerir de una gran unidad del pueblo venezolano. La alternativa de continuar siendo libres o regresar a la pobreza se nos planteara en los proximos dias de forma enmascarada, o quizas peor, desenmascarada, vestida con uniforme de soldado del Imperio.



Por nuestra parte podemos esperar lo mejor. La macroeconomia no podria ir mejor, la justicia social ha mejorado notablemente. Las misiones ocupan un papel muy importante en el pago de dicha justicia social. Aqui en Barinas ya hemos cumplido con dos de las misiones, la mision Robinson y la mision Sucre. No hay analfabetismo y no hay exclusion en la educacion superior, en estas tierras de Zamora.



Pero ay malhaya! Son precisamente estos exitos los que nos hacen mas antipaticos al Imperio. Para ellos, somos inclusive un mal ejemplo que se esta contagiando al resto del continente y cuidado sino al resto del mundo.



Nunca venceremos al Imperio. Estara siempre ahi, acechando. Por lo menos hasta que el mismo no se autodestruya. Porque, sepanlo senores, el neoliberalismo es canibal. Cuando le ataque el hambre, se devorara a si mismo.



Ustedes, queridos graduandos, a partir de hoy pasan a conformar la elite profesional que debe sostener este pais en los proximos cuarenta o cincuenta anos. Anos decisivos para el logro de nuestra libertad y del rescate de nuestra Soberania.



No se dejen comprar. No se dejen corromper. No se dejen gritar. No se dejen pisar. Que nadie les diga que comer, o que vestirse, o que leer. Sean siempre autenticos, rebeldes, contestatarios. Pero eso si, profundamente patriotas, dignos de ser hijos de Bolivar.



Muchas gracias y que Dios los bendiga.





Alguna duda?



Medio siglo de Holocausto Palestino



Oscar Zanartu Nacio en Caracas en 1960. Ha realizado exposiciones individuales en las galerias Minotauro, Clave y San Francisco, y en salas de Coro, estado Falcon, y Puerto Ordaz, estado Bolivar. En Paris su obra ha sido exhibida en el Centro Cultural Tanagra, en la Exposicion Cite Internationale des Arts, en las galerias De Mars y Arver Space, al igual que en la Galeria Municipal Levallois, en Levallois Perret (Francia). En muestras colectivas, su obra se ha expuesto en Belgica, Francia, Estados Unidos y Venezuela; en Caracas intervino en la exposicion "Del genesis a la memoria", 1995, organizada por la Fundacion La Previsora. En 1982 obtuvo el Premio Nacional Critven y en 1990 la Mencion de Honor Jose Antonio Paez, en la Embajada de Venezuela en Paris. En 1991 se le concedio el primer premio de Pintura Itinerante, en Levallois Perret, Francia.



OZ1



OZ2



OZ3



OZ4



Homenaje a Jason Galarraga



La Victoria de Samotracia



Odalisca



Mas fotos de la nevada del pasado agosto 2008



La Sierra Nevada de Merida



Nuestro precioso Churum Meru



Homenaje a Picasso



Autoretrato



Sabes lo que bebes en una Coca-Cola?

La formula de la Pepsi tiene una diferencia basica con la de la Coca-Cola y es intencional, para evitar el proceso judicial. La diferencia es a proposito, pero suficientemente parecida como para atraer a los consumidores de Coca-Cola que prefieren un gusto diferente con menos sal y azucar.

Mi profesion?

Tuve que aprender quimica, entender todo sobre componentes de gaseosas, conservantes, sales, acidos, cafeina, enlatado, produccion, permisos, aprobaciones y muchas otras cosas. Monte mi propio mini-laboratorio de analisis de productos.

Sal en la Coca Cola?

A patadas. El Cloruro de Sodio no solo refresca sino da mas sed, como para pedir otra gaseosa. Y no resulta desagradable porque la sal mata literalmente la sensibilidad al dulce... del que por cierto tambien tiene mucho: 39 gramos de azucar.

De los 350 gramos de producto liquido, mas del 10% es azucar, o sea que en una lata de Coca-Cola mas de un centimetro y medio es puro azucar en polvo. Aproximadamente tres cucharadas soperas llenas de azucar por lata!!La formula de la Coca Cola es muy sencilla:

Concentrado de azucar quemado caramelo- para dar color oscuro y gusto

Acido fosforito (para darle el sabor acido)

azucar (HFCS-jarabe de maiz de alta fructosa)

Extracto de hojas de la planta de Coca (Africa e India) y otros pocos aromatizantes naturales de otras plantas

Mucha Cafeina

Conservante que puede ser Benzoato de Sodio o Potasio

Dioxido de Carbono en cantidad para sentir freir la lengua cuando se bebe

Sal para dar la sensacion de refrigeracion

El uso del acido fosforito y no del acido citrico como en todas las demas gaseosas, es para dar la sensacion de dientes y boca limpia al beber. El acido fosforito literalmente frie todo y dana el esmalte de los dientes, cosa que el acido citrico lo hace en menor grado.Trate de comprar acido fosforito para ver las mil recomendaciones de seguridad que te dan para su manipulacion (quema el cristalino del ojo, quema la piel, etc...). Esta prohibido usar el acido fosforito en cualquier otra gaseosa; solo la Coca Cola tiene permiso. Porque claro, sin el acido fosforico, la Coca Cola sabria a jabon.El extracto de coca y otras hojas casi no cambia en nada el sabor. Es mas bien un efecto cosmetico. El extracto forma parte de la Coca-Cola porque legalmente tiene que ser asi. Pero sin el, no se nota ninguna diferencia en el gusto, que esta dado basicamente por las cantidades diferentes de azucar, azucar quemada, sales, acidos y conservantes.Sabor a que...? ja, ja, ja.

Aqui en Bartow, sur de Orlando, hay una empresa quimica que produce aromatizantes y esencias para zumos. Envian diariamente camionadas de sales concentradas y esencias para las fabricas de helados, gaseosas, jugos, enlatados y comida colorida y aromatizada.Cuando visite por primera vez la fabrica, pedi ver el deposito de concentrados de frutas, que deberia ser inmenso, especialmente los de naranja, pina, fresa y tantos otros. El encargado me miro, se rio y me llevo a visitar los depositos inmensos... pero de colorantes y componentes quimicos.

Las gaseosa de naranja no contiene naranja.

En los zumos dizque de fresa, hasta los puntitos que quedan en suspension estan hechos de goma (una liga quimica que envuelve un semi-polimero).

Pina, es un popurri de acidos y goma.

La esencia para helado de aguacate usa peroxido de hidrogeno (agua oxigenada) para dar la sensacion espumosa tipica del aguacate.

Bebidas Light?

Quieres saber la cantidad de basura que tiene un refresco 'light'? Yo ni siquiera los uso para destapar mi lavaplatos pues temo que danen los tubos de PVC. Los productos endulzantes 'ligth' tienen una vida media muy corta. Por ejemplo el

Despues de toda mi experiencia con la produccion de bebidas embasadas, puedo afirmar sin dudar un segundo: la mejor bebida es el agua, como tambien los jugos exprimidos de naranja o limon. Nada mas, cero azucar y cero sal.



Publicado por loretahur



En realidad, la formula secreta de la Coca-Cola se puede detallar en 18 segundos en cualquier espectrometro optico, y basicamente la conocen hasta los perros. Lo que ocurre es que no se puede fabricar igual, a no ser que uno disponga de unos cuantos millones de dolares para ganarle la demanda que te metera la Coca-Cola ante la justicia (ellos no perderian).La formula de la Pepsi tiene una diferencia basica con la de la Coca-Cola y es intencional, para evitar el proceso judicial. La diferencia es a proposito, pero suficientemente parecida como para atraer a los consumidores de Coca-Cola que prefieren un gusto diferente con menos sal y azucar.Tuve que aprender quimica, entender todo sobre componentes de gaseosas, conservantes, sales, acidos, cafeina, enlatado, produccion, permisos, aprobaciones y muchas otras cosas. Monte mi propio mini-laboratorio de analisis de productos.A patadas. El Cloruro de Sodio no solo refresca sino da mas sed, como para pedir otra gaseosa. Y no resulta desagradable porque la sal mata literalmente la sensibilidad al dulce... del que por cierto tambien tiene mucho: 39 gramos de azucar.De los 350 gramos de producto liquido, mas del 10% es azucar, o sea que en una lata de Coca-Cola mas de un centimetro y medio es puro azucar en polvo. Aproximadamente tres cucharadas soperas llenas de azucar por lata!!La formula de la Coca Cola es muy sencilla:Concentrado de azucar quemado caramelo- para dar color oscuro y gustoAcido fosforito (para darle el sabor acido)azucar (HFCS-jarabe de maiz de alta fructosa)Extracto de hojas de la planta de Coca (Africa e India) y otros pocos aromatizantes naturales de otras plantasMucha CafeinaConservante que puede ser Benzoato de Sodio o PotasioDioxido de Carbono en cantidad para sentir freir la lengua cuando se bebeSal para dar la sensacion de refrigeracionEl uso del acido fosforito y no del acido citrico como en todas las demas gaseosas, es para dar la sensacion de dientes y boca limpia al beber. El acido fosforito literalmente frie todo y dana el esmalte de los dientes, cosa que el acido citrico lo hace en menor grado.Trate de comprar acido fosforito para ver las mil recomendaciones de seguridad que te dan para su manipulacion (quema el cristalino del ojo, quema la piel, etc...). Esta prohibido usar el acido fosforito en cualquier otra gaseosa; solo la Coca Cola tiene permiso. Porque claro, sin el acido fosforico, la Coca Cola sabria a jabon.El extracto de coca y otras hojas casi no cambia en nada el sabor. Es mas bien un efecto cosmetico. El extracto forma parte de la Coca-Cola porque legalmente tiene que ser asi. Pero sin el, no se nota ninguna diferencia en el gusto, que esta dado basicamente por las cantidades diferentes de azucar, azucar quemada, sales, acidos y conservantes.Sabor a que...? ja, ja, ja.Aqui en Bartow, sur de Orlando, hay una empresa quimica que produce aromatizantes y esencias para zumos. Envian diariamente camionadas de sales concentradas y esencias para las fabricas de helados, gaseosas, jugos, enlatados y comida colorida y aromatizada.Cuando visite por primera vez la fabrica, pedi ver el deposito de concentrados de frutas, que deberia ser inmenso, especialmente los de naranja, pina, fresa y tantos otros. El encargado me miro, se rio y me llevo a visitar los depositos inmensos... pero de colorantes y componentes quimicos.Las gaseosa de naranja no contiene naranja.En los zumos dizque de fresa, hasta los puntitos que quedan en suspension estan hechos de goma (una liga quimica que envuelve un semi-polimero).Pina, es un popurri de acidos y goma.La esencia para helado de aguacate usa peroxido de hidrogeno (agua oxigenada) para dar la sensacion espumosa tipica del aguacate.Quieres saber la cantidad de basura que tiene un refresco 'light'? Yo ni siquiera los uso para destapar mi lavaplatos pues temo que danen los tubos de PVC. Los productos endulzantes 'ligth' tienen una vida media muy corta. Por ejemplo el aspartamo , despues de tres semanas mojado, pasa a tener gusto de trapo viejo sucio.Para evitar eso, se agregan una infinidad de otros productos quimicos, uno para alargar la vida del aspartamo, otro para neutralizar el color, otro para mantener el tercer quimico en suspension porque sino el fondo de la gaseosa quedaria oscuro, otro para evitar la cristalizacion del aspartamo, otro para realzar el sabor, dar mas intensidad al acido citrico o fosforito que perderia su sabor por el efecto de los cuatro productos quimicos iniciales... y asi sucesivamente.Un consejo final !!Despues de toda mi experiencia con la produccion de bebidas embasadas, puedo afirmar sin dudar un segundo: la mejor bebida es el agua, como tambien los jugos exprimidos de naranja o limon. Nada mas, cero azucar y cero sal.Publicado por loretahur

MARGARINA o MANTEQUILLA La margarina fue producida originalmente para engordar a los pavos; cuandolo que hizo en realidad fue matarlos.Las personas que habian puesto el dinero para la investigacion quisieronrecobrarlo asi que empezaron a pensar en una forma de hacerlo.Tenian una sustancia blanca, que no tenia ningun atractivo como comestible,asi que le anadieron el color amarillo, para venderselo a lagente en lugar de la mantequilla.Que tal esa?... Ahora han sacado algunos nuevos sabores para vender mas alos incautos como usted y yo.CONOCE USTED la diferencia entre la margarina y la mantequilla?Siga leyendo hasta el final... porque se pone bastante interesante!Comparacion entre mantequilla y margarina:

1.- Ambas tienen la misma cantidad de calorias.

2.- La mantequilla es ligeramente mas alta en grasas saturadas: 8 gramos,comparada con los 5 gramos que tiene la margarina.

3.- Comer margarina en vez de mantequilla puede aumentar en 53% el riesgo deenfermedades coronarias en las mujeres, de acuerdo con un estudiomedico reciente de la Universidad de Harvard.

4.- Comer mantequilla aumenta la absorcion de gran cantidad de nutrientesque se encuentran en otros alimentos.

5.- La mantequilla provee beneficios nutricionales propios mientras lamargarina tiene solo los que le hayan sido anadidos al fabricarla.

6.- La mantequilla sabe mucho mejor que la margarina y mejora el sabor deotros alimentos.7.- La mantequilla ha existido durante siglos mientras que la margarinatiene menos de 100 anos.

Ahora... sobre la margarina:

1.- Es muy alta en acidos grasos trans. (Si, esos que recien ahora loscientificos descubrieron que son malisimos y los gobiernoscomenzaron a prohibirlos) .

2.- Triple riesgo de enfermedades coronarias.

3.- Aumenta el colesterol total y el LDL (el colesterol malo) y disminuye elHDL (el colesterol bueno).

4.- Aumenta en cinco veces el riesgo de cancer.

5.- Disminuye la calidad de la leche materna.

6.- Disminuye la reaccion inmunologica del organismo.

7.- Disminuye la reaccion a la insulina.

Y he aqui el factor mas inquietante (AQUI ESTA LA PARTE MAS INTERESANTE! ):A la margarina le falta UNA MOLECULA para ser PLASTICO...!!Solo este hecho es suficiente para evitar el uso de la margarina de porvida, y de cualquier otra cosa que sea hidrogenada (esto significaque se le anade hidrogeno, lo cual cambia la estructura molecular de lassubstancias).Usted puede ensayar lo siguiente:Compre un poco de margarina y dejela en el garaje o en un sitio sombreado.Dentro de unos dias notara dos cosas:

* No habra moscas; ni siquiera esos molestos bichos se le acercaran (esto yale debe decir a usted algo).

* No se pudre ni huele mal o diferente porque no tiene valor nutritivo; nadacrece en ella. Ni siquiera los diminutos microorganismos puedencrecer en ella.Por que? Porque es casi plastico!!



No a la guerra, Si a la Paz



Misterios de la ciencia...



Los costos de la guerra



medicos y capitalismo...



medicos (2)



Quien educa a nuestros hijos?



Los Medios...



Sin Palabras...



Chistes feministas

- Cual es el problema, Eva?

- Se que me has creado, que me has dado este hermoso jardin, todos estos maravillosos animales y esa serpiente con la que me muero de risa... pero no soy del todo feliz...

- Como es eso, Eva? - replico Dios desde las alturas.

- Me encuentro sola, y ademas estoy harta de comer manzanas...

- Bueno Eva, en tal caso, tengo una solucion... creare un hombre para ti.

- Que es un hombre?

- Un hombre sera una criatura imperfecta, con muchas artimanas. Mentira, hara trampas, sera engreido... vamos, que te va a dar problemas... Pero, va a ser mas fuerte y rapido que tu y le gustara cazar y matar cosas... Tendra un aspecto simple, pero como te estas quejando, le creare de tal forma que satisfaga tus... eh... necesidades fisicas... Y tampoco sera muy listo, y destacara en cosas infantiles como pegarse o dar patadas a un balon... Necesitara tu consejo siempre para actuar cuerdamente.

- Suena bien - dijo Eva, mientras levantaba la ceja ironicamente.

- Cual es el truco?.

- Pues... que lo tendras con una condicion.

- Cual?

- Como te decia, sera chulo, arrogante y muy narcisista... asi que le tendras que hacer creer que le hice a el primero... recuerda... es nuestro secreto... de mujer a mujer.





Por que a los hombres no les puede dar la enfermedad de las vacas locas?  Porque todos son unos cerdos

Un dia, en el Paraiso, Eva llamo a Dios: Tengo un problema.- Cual es el problema, Eva?- Se que me has creado, que me has dado este hermoso jardin, todos estos maravillosos animales y esa serpiente con la que me muero de risa... pero no soy del todo feliz... - Como es eso, Eva? - replico Dios desde las alturas.- Me encuentro sola, y ademas estoy harta de comer manzanas...- Bueno Eva, en tal caso, tengo una solucion... creare un hombre para ti.- Que es un hombre?- Un hombre sera una criatura imperfecta, con muchas artimanas. Mentira, hara trampas, sera engreido... vamos, que te va a dar problemas... Pero, va a ser mas fuerte y rapido que tu y le gustara cazar y matar cosas... Tendra un aspecto simple, pero como te estas quejando, le creare de tal forma que satisfaga tus... eh... necesidades fisicas... Y tampoco sera muy listo, y destacara en cosas infantiles como pegarse o dar patadas a un balon... Necesitara tu consejo siempre para actuar cuerdamente.- Suena bien - dijo Eva, mientras levantaba la ceja ironicamente.- Cual es el truco?.- Pues... que lo tendras con una condicion.- Cual?- Como te decia, sera chulo, arrogante y muy narcisista... asi que le tendras que hacer creer que le hice a el primero... recuerda... es nuestro secreto... de mujer a mujer.Por que a los hombres no les puede dar la enfermedad de las vacas locas?  Porque todos son unos cerdos

Ellas (2)...



Tres venganzas femeninas VENGANZA NUMERO 1

Hoy mi hija cumple 21 anos y estoy muy contento porque es el ultimo pago de pension alimenticia que le doy, asi que llame a mi hijita para que viniera a mi casa y cuando llego le dije:

-Hijita, quiero que lleves este cheque a casa de tu mama y que le digas que: Este es el ultimo maldito cheque que va recibir de mi en todo lo que le queda de su puta vida!!! Quiero que me digas la expresion que pone en su rostro.

Asi que mi hija fue a entregar el cheque. Yo estaba ansioso por saber lo que la bruja tenia que decir y que cara pondria.

Cuando mi hijita entro, le pregunte inmediatamente: -Que fue lo que te dijo tu madre?

-Me dijo que justamente estaba esperando este dia para decirte que no eres mi papa!



VENGANZA NUMERO 2

Un hombre que siempre molestaba a su mujer, paso un dia por la casa de unos amigos para que lo acompanaran al aeropuerto a dejar a su esposa que viajaba a Paris.

A la salida de inmigracion, frente a todo el mundo, el le desea buen viaje y en tono burlon le grita:

- Amor, no te olvides de traerme una hermosa francesita Ja ja ja!!

Ella bajo la cabeza y se embarco muy molesta.

La mujer paso quince dias en Francia.

El marido otra vez pidio a sus amigos que lo acompanasen al aeropuerto a recibirla.

Al verla llegar, lo primero que le grita a toda voz es:

- Y amor me trajiste mi francesita??

- Hice todo lo posible, - contesta ella - ahora solo tenemos que rezar para que nazca nina.



VENGANZA NUMERO 3

El marido, en su lecho de muerte, llama a su mujer. Con voz ronca y ya debil, le dice: - Muy bien, llego mi hora, pero antes quiero hacerte una confesion.

- No, no, tranquilo, tu no debes hacer ningun esfuerzo.

- Pero, mujer, es preciso - insiste el marido - Es preciso morir en paz.

Te quiero confesar algo.

- Esta bien, esta bien. Habla!

- He tenido relaciones con tu hermana, tu mama y tu mejor amiga.

- Lo se, lo se Por eso te envenene, hijo de puta!!!



machismo y cibernetica



Chiste machista La NASA ha enviado al espacio una mision experimental tripulada por dos monos y una mujer.Apenas abandona la atmosfera, se establece comunicacion con Houston.

-Atencion, simio 1, verifique sistemas hidraulicos, controle adecuada presion de los propulsores de arranque. A 60.000 pies disminuya un 25% la velocidad.

El simio hace la sena de OK.

-Atencion, simio 2, nivele al cruzar la estratosfera y active sistemas anticongelantes. No olvide monitorear sistemas de comunicacion e indicadores de presion. Comprendido?.

El simio hace la sena de OK.

-Atencion, Houston llamando a mujer: no se olvide.

-Mujer: Si, si, ya se! -interrumpe enojada- que no me olvide darles de comer a estos monos de mierda y que no se me vaya a ocurrir tocar nada!.



.Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti.

Un abogado mantiene un romance con su secretaria.Al poco tiempo, esta queda embarazada y el abogado, que no quiere que su esposa se entere, le da a la secretaria una buena suma de dinero y le pide que se vaya a parir a Italia.Esta pregunta: Y como voy a hacerte saber cuando nazca el bebe ? El abogado responde: Para que mi mujer no se entere, tan solo enviame una postal y escribe por detras: Spaghetti. Y no te preocupes mas, que yo me encargare de todos los gastos.

Pasan los meses y una manana la esposa del abogado lo llama al bufete, algo exaltada: Querido, acabo de recibir el correo y hay una postal muy extrana viene desde Italia. La verdad, no entiendo que significa.El abogado, tratando de ocultar sus nervios, contesta:Espera a que llegue a casa, a ver si yo entiendoCuando el hombre llega a casa y lee la postal, cae al suelo fulminado por un infarto.Llega una ambulancia y se lo lleva. Ya en el hospital, el jefe de cardiologia se queda consolando a la esposa y le pregunta cual ha sido el evento que precipito tan masivo ataque cardiaco.

Entonces la esposa saca la postal y se la muestra diciendole: No me explico, doctor; el solamente leyo esta postal. Vea usted mismo lo que trae escrito.Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti."Tres con salchicha y albondigas y dos con almejas



Gol !!!!



Chistes de Borrachos Entra un borracho a su casa todo manchado con lapiz labial por todos lados hecho un desastre, y la mujer le pregunta:-Hombre que te paso?Y el borracho le responde:-No me vas a creer, me pelee con un payaso!



Este es un borracho que entra en un bar y le dice al camarero:-Me da cinco copas de whisky?Al rato:-Me da cuatro?Al rato:-Me da tres copas?Despues:-Me da dos copas?Luego le dice:-Me da una copa?Y le dice al camarero:-Ves? Cuanto menos bebo, mas borracho estoy!

As you can tell, this blog is totally screwed. Im really sorry about this but its totally out of my control. Until it gets fixed, Im blogging over at my...Police and private security contractors have been quietly preparing to head off protests of a key oil pipeline in the U.S. Midwest in an effort to avoid another Standing Rock.

According to The Intercept, Minnesota police have been planning for 18 months in case protestors try to block construction of the Line 3 pipeline. Police and private security contractors have tracked and identified potential protestors and have consulted with law enforcement in North Dakota who busted up the Standing Rock protests. Its not clear why law enforcement is siding with industry, or why they are surveilling environmental and indigenous groups, but they clearly fear a rerun of the Dakota Access protests that garnered international attention in 2016.

The Line 3 replacement, at least to date, has not received nearly as much attention as the Dakota Access Pipeline, Keystone XL, or the Trans Mountain Expansion, for that matter. But the Line 3 replacement is absolutely vital to Enbridge, its owner, and to the Canadian oil sands industry as a whole.

The pipeline runs through Ojibwe lands in Minnesota. Opposition has been strong, but so far limited to Ojibwe and local environmental groups. But the issue could yet blow up into another Standing Rock. Private security contractors themselves have singled out Line 3 as the next likely flashpoint of opposition to a U.S. pipeline project, according to The Intercept.

For good reason. Not only would Line 3 present a threat to indigenous tribes in Minnesota, but it is also a critical project to Canadas oil industry. Alberta and the Canadian oil industry have struggled for years to push through a single major pipeline project.

TransCanadas Keystone XL has been in limbo for more than a decade. The companys Energy East pipeline, which would have run across much of North America from Alberta to Canadas East Coast, was scrapped two years ago. Related: Oil Rises 18% In Best January On Record

The Trans Mountain Expansion was supposed to be the project with the highest odds for completion, particularly since it was a twin line along an existing pipeline and not a greenfield project. But that project ran into a brick wall last year when Kinder Morgan threatened to shelve it, only to have the Canadian government bailout the company by essentially nationalizing the project. As of now, the pipelines fortunes are still unclear.

That puts incredible importance on Line 3 as the salvation for Canadas oil sands. Because of the pipeline bottlenecks, Western Canada Select (WCS), an oil benchmark that tracks heavy oil from Canada, suffered enormous price discounts. Late last year, WCS temporarily traded at a greater-than $40-per-barrel discount to WTI, which meant that WCS traded as low as $15 per barrel.

With pipelines maxed out and WCS prices crashing, the provincial government in Alberta instituted mandatory production cuts. Just days ago, Alberta partially lifted the mandatory curtailments because WCS prices have rebounded. A surge in crude-by-rail shipments have helped  rail shipments were up 88 percent in October compared to a year earlier, according to the Wall Street Journal. The crisis in Venezuela and the U.S. governments efforts at regime change have also pushed up heavy crude prices in Canada.

However, rail is costly and ultimately is only a partial and temporary solution. Alberta needs a new pipeline if the province is to see its oil industry grow.

The Line 3 replacement project is a roughly $C9 billion overhaul of an aging existing line. Replacing the more than 1,000-mile pipeline would restore its capacity to 760,000 bpd. As such, its hard to overstate the importance of the project to Canadas oil industry. With Energy East dead, Trans Mountain Expansion on life support, and Keystone XL still up in the air, the Line 3 pipeline is the only significant increase in midstream capacity for the next few years at least.

With much of the construction already completed, the replacement  including construction through Minnesota  is expected to be completed later this year. Its no wonder that the industry, and apparently its allies in U.S. law enforcement, are desperate to avoid any delays that might crop up from a sudden outburst of protests.

By Nick Cunningham of Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:I'm a no 1 winner and supergenius and this blog is what people like me go around saying n shitWashington, PA (15301)

Today

Variable clouds with strong thunderstorms. Damaging winds and large hail with some storms. High 82F. Winds WSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 90%. 1 to 2 inches of rain expected..

Tonight

Thunderstorms this evening will give way to steady rain overnight. Low 56F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%.European and Latin American countries that form an "international contact group" hoping to end Venezuela's political crisis will hold their first meeting in Montevideo on Thursday, the joint hosts announced Sunday. The meeting will be at ministerial level, said a statement from EU diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini and Uruguayan President Tabare Vazquez. "The IGC aims at contributing to create conditions for a political and peaceful process to emerge, enabling Venezuelans to determine their own future, through the holding of free, transparent and credible elections, in line with the country's Constitution," said the statement. The contact group comprises the EU and eight of its member states -- France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom -- and four Latin American countries: Bolivia, Costa Rica, Ecuador and Uruguay. The EU announced its creation last Thursday, giving itself a 90-day timetable to resolve the crisis in Venezuela. Mogherini said then that its aim was to enable the holding of new elections under democratic conditions -- not to mediate with the government of President Nicolas Maduro. The United States and a dozen Latin American countries have already recognised opposition leader Juan Guaido as Venezuela's acting head of state -- as has the European Parliament. France, Britain, Germany and Spain are among the EU countries that have told Maduro to call elections by the weekend or they will recognise the opposition-backed parliamentary speaker. France European Affairs Minister Nathalie Loiseau said Sunday that if Maduro had not called a fresh presidential election by Sunday evening, France would consider Guaido interim president with the right to organise them in his place. She denounced Maduro's election victory last May as a "tragic farce" in comments to French radio RTL. The meeting on Venezuela will be at ministerial level, said a statement from EU diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini (pictured) and Uruguayan President Tabare VazquezMexican filmmaker Alfonso Cuaron on Saturday scooped the Directors Guild of America (DGA) award for "Roma" -- a strong indicator he will be named best director at the Oscars in three weeks' time. "Roma," a highly personal ode to Cuaron's own childhood in 1970s Mexico City, is nominated for 10 Academy Awards, including best director. Cuaron, who won the same accolade for "Gravity" in 2014, thanked stars Yalitza Aparicio and Marina de Tariva, along with the rest of the cast for bringing a memory to life. "Thank Libo [the domestic worker who inspired the film], my mother and my country, the real architect of 'Roma'," he added. In a previous speech upon being presented as a nominee, Cuaron highlighted that there are over 70 million domestic workers in the world -- not including children. "Roma was the story of one of them," he said. "When we villainize them, demonize them, calling them criminals and rapist, we diminish ourselves ... this is not about politics, this is about humanity," he added, referring to US President Donald Trump's anti-immigration rhetoric. Cuaron received the top prize on Saturday from compatriot Guillermo del Toro, who won last year for "The Shape of Water." Speaking to AFP, Del Toro said the film was "absolutely superb, perfect and very complicated." Cuaron beat out Spike Lee ("BlacKkKlansman"), Adam McKay ("Vice"), Peter Farrelly ("Green Book") and Bradley Cooper ("A Star is Born"). He is the second director to be awarded the prize for a foreign language film: Ang Lee won in 2000 for "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon." Elsewhere, Bo Burnham ("Eighth Grade") won the award for first-time feature -- an award that was widely expected to go to Cooper. "A Star is Born" started the awards seasons as a hot favorite, but the anticipated success has not materialized. The DGA short list is considered an Oscars bellwether. Last year's DGA winner, Guillermo del Toro ("The Shape of Water"), went on to win the same prize at the Oscars and the film took best picture honors. Alfonso Cuaron is the second director to be awarded the prize for a foreign language filmThe Fiji Water model who photobombed her way from the red carpet to social media super stardom launched a lawsuit against the company this week in Los Angeles Superior Court, The Blast reported.

Model, Kelleth Cuthbert, whose real name is Kelly Steinbach, says Fiji created an unauthorized marketing campaign using her image. Fiji, she alleges, seized upon her viral fame, and made life-size cardboard cutouts from photos taken of her while she was working for the company promoting its water for the January 6 Golden Globes.

If the matter heads to court, the answers to several questions will determine the fate of Cuthberts lawsuit. Those questions include whether Fijis use of Cuthberts image went beyond the scope of her original contract, whether a subsequent valid agreement was made between the parties, and whether Cuthbert sustained any damages.

According to Cuthbert, Fiji's post-Globes cutout campaign was initiated without her consent. She disputes that a subsequent contract was ever made, and seeks monetary compensation, a cut of the companys profits derived from the alleged unauthorized use of her image, and punitive damages.

Holly Taylor at the 76th annual Golden Globe Awards with FIJI Water on Sunday, Jan. 6, 2019 in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Matt Sayles/Invision for FIJI Water/AP Images)

California law could be in her favor

In a statement to Yahoo Finance Fiji said, This lawsuit is frivolous and entirely without merit. After the Golden Globes social media moment, we negotiated a generous agreement with Ms. Cuthbert that she blatantly violated. We are confident that we will prevail in court.

According to Cuthbert, Fiji asked her to meet at the company's Los Angeles office in an attempt to negotiate a subsequent deal after she learned that the cutouts had been installed in stores around the city. Cuthbert claims the company offered her gifts as a bargaining chip to relinquish her rights to the name Fiji water girl, and pressured her into shooting a video to simulate signing on as a Fiji brand ambassador.

If Cuthberts claims are proven, she may have a viable and lucrative case. In California, a persons likeness, photo, or voice cannot be used for commercial purpose without their prior consent, and the states laws permit aggressively punishing violators.

Story continues

Cuthbert claims the unauthorized use of her likeness damaged her "peace, happiness, feelings, goodwill, professional standing, and future publicity value." In addition to compensatory damages for these types of claims, California courts can also award successful plaintiffs with profits derived from unauthorized use.

Fiji, a private, Los Angeles-based company, is said to have benefited to the tune of about $12 million in brand exposure from Cuthberts Golden Globe photobombs, alone. If she prevails on her claim that the cutouts were unauthorized, Cuthbert is entitled to all of the companys profits attributable to the cutout campaign.

Yahoo Finance requested clarification from Fiji concerning the scope and duration of the companys original and any subsequent contracts with Cuthbert, as well as the nature of the video alleged in Cuthberts complaint, and has not received a response.

Alexis Keenan is a New York-based reporter for Yahoo Finance. She previously produced live news for CNN and is a former litigation attorney. Follow her on Twitter at @alexiskweed

More from Alexis:

Disabled San Diego residents sue over e-scooter obstacle course

How legalized cannabis changed Colorado in the past five years

Legal experts disagree on whether Trump can declare 'emergency' to build his wallNew York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) on Sunday called for a Justice Department investigation into the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, where frigid conditions reportedly have left inmates begging for help.

Disturbing reports have surfaced that the federal government left more than a thousand prisoners without heat, hot water or electricity during subzero temperatures, Cuomo said in a statement. No one in New York should live in fear that they may freeze to death alone in the dark.

This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it.

Videos surfaced Friday showing inmates at the federal detention center flashing reading lights and banging on the cells walls and windows, which line the perimeter of the facility.

Inmates are banging on S-O-S on windows to get our attention. This is surreal, tweeted New York City Councilman Justin Brannan, who also filmed the scene.

Rep. Nydia Velazquez (D-N.Y.), who visited the jail Friday, said some of the heat and hot water had been restored but that it was not at full capacity. Protesters rallied Saturday in front of the federal detention center, demanding adequate conditions be restored.

Cuomo on Sunday demanded that those responsible be held accountable and that changes be made to ensure such conditions wouldnt be felt again.

These allegations are a violation of human decency and dignity, the governor said in his statement. They also raise questions of potential violations of law. Government owes a fundamental responsibility to serve all people and the Federal Bureau of Prisons needs to live up to that responsibility.

The Federal Bureau of Prisons has acknowledged a partial power outage began on Jan. 27 but denied that it had an effect on heating at the facility. The bureau said Sunday in a statement that a new electrical panel had been installed the day before.

Heating to the building is provided via a boiler, which was not affected by the power outage, the statement said. Inmates have hot water for showers and hot water in the sinks in the cell. Essential personal hygiene items and medical services continue to be provided.

Story continues

The agency noted that inmate telephones, computers and televisions were not working due to the electrical issue. It said prisoners still had access to public defender phones and medical care.

MDC Brooklyn, which houses more than 1,600 male and female prisoners, is situated in the northwestern part of the borough, just north of the Sunset Park neighborhood.

The Justice Department will work with the Bureau of Prisons to examine what happened and ensure [MDC Brooklyn] has the power, heat and backup systems in place to prevent the problem from reoccurring, a spokesman for the department said in a statement Monday.

This story has been updated with the Justice Departments statement.

Related Coverage

'Harrowing' Video Shows Brooklyn Inmates In Freezing Jail Cells Begging For Help

Protesters Rally Into The Night For Brooklyn Inmates In Freezing Jail Cells

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This article originally appeared on HuffPost.Dubai (AFP) - The head of the UN mission in Yemen warned the Saudi-backed government and the Huthi rebels on Sunday that a seven-week ceasefire in the flashpoint city of Hodeida was fragile and urged them to order their commanders on the ground to uphold the truce.

Retired Dutch general Patrick Cammaert met with government representatives and Huthis aboard a vessel anchored in the port of Hodeida on Sunday for talks aimed at shoring up the ceasefire.

The talks are to continue on Monday, a UN statement said, describing the meeting as "cordial and constructive."

The meeting was to address problems in implementing an agreement reached in Sweden in December that calls for a ceasefire in rebel-held Hodeida, a pullback of forces from the port city, and the opening of humanitarian corridors.

Cammaert "warned the parties about the fragility of the ceasefire and urged them to instruct their commanders on the ground to refrain from any further violations that would jeopardize the Stockholm Agreement and the broader peace process for Yemen," the statement said.

At the Vatican, Pope Francis called for urgent "respect" for the ceasefire accord to allow humanitarian aid through.

"I am following the humanitarian crisis in Yemen with great concern," the pontiff said, before leaving on an historic three-day visit to the United Arab Emirates.

The Red Sea port of Hodeida is the entry point for the bulk of Yemen's imported goods and humanitarian aid, providing a lifeline to millions in the Arab world's poorest country.

This is the third meeting of a joint committee on implementing the deal, which has been hailed as a major step toward ending Yemen's devastating four-year war.

- Renewed commitment -

During the talks, the Saudi-backed Yemeni government and the Huthi rebels both "reiterated their commitment to implementing the Hodeida aspects of the Stockholm Agreement," the statement said.

Story continues

In particular, the sides agreed to work towards finding a solution to give aid workers access to the Red Sea Mills food warehouses in Hodeida.

Red Sea Mills was one of the last positions seized by Saudi and Emirati-backed forces before the truce.

The meetings are being held aboard a UN vessel after the rebels refused to hold talks in government-held areas, an official told AFP on condition of anonymity.

The Saudi-backed government and Iran-supported Huthi rebels have accused each other of violating the ceasefire that went into force on December 18.

Deadlines for the pullback of forces from Hodeida and a prisoner swap have slipped, fueling worries that the hard-won agreement could unravel.

In a letter sent to the Security Council on Thursday, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and the Yemeni government accused the Huthis of violating the ceasefire in Hodeida 970 times.

On Sunday a top Yemeni commander, Major General Saleh al-Zandani, the deputy chief of staff, died from wounds he received last month in a drone attack by Huthi rebels on a military parade at an air base, the information minister said.

Yemen's rebels have been mired in a war with government forces backed since 2015 by a Saudi-led coalition.

The conflict has triggered what the UN calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis, with millions of people at risk of starvation.

The World Health Organization has put the death toll since 2015 at about 10,000 people but rights groups say that figure could be five times higher.Curt Mills

Politics,

After repeatedly playing the racism card against Republicans, Democrats now discover it in their own ranks.

Why Phony Liberal Ralph Northam Is Doomed

Ralph Northam, Virginias Democratic governor, addressed reporters Saturday in Richmond amid a national firestorm over a recently-surfaced yearbook page that show the future politicians wearing blackface. His aim was to salvage his governorship. But as Democrats abandon him en masse, he is a dead man walking. Democrats, who have been regularly accusing Republicans of racism, have now discovered it in their own ranks. Northam, a liberal star, has now turned out to be a fraud and a phony.

I did not purchase the EVMS yearbook, Northam said, referring to Eastern Virginia Medical School, the institution in question where the 1984 yearbook page appeared. When my staff showed me the photo, in question, yesterday I was seeing it for the first time And I was unaware of what was on my page. His performance at the press conference was totally unpersuasive. President Trump, in two tweets, called Northams actions Unforgivable! and took a swipe at Ed Gillespie, who ran for Governor in 2016: Ed Gillespiemust now be thinking Malpractice and Dereliction of Duty with regard to his Opposition Research Staff. If they find that terrible picture before the election, he wins by 20 points! Trump had a point. Northam, who ran as the conscience of Virginia on racial matters, was himself totally vulnerable on this front.

In his press conference on Saturday, Northam ried to backtrack from the categorical acceptance he issued Friday. I am not and will not excuse the content of the photo, Virginias governor said. It was offensive, racist and despicable.  But I believed then, a now, that I am not either of the people in that photo. The photograph shows one young man in blackface, and another in Ku Klux Klan robes. This implausible statement has only added to Northams political troubles.

Story continues

Adding to the controversy was Northams decision to admit to other racial insensitivities as an attempt at exoneration. My belief that I did not wear that costume, or attend that party, stems from clear memory of other mistakes I made from this same period in my life, Northam said. That same year, I did participate in a dance contest in San Antonio, in which I darkened my face, as part of a Michael Jackson costume. I look back now, and regret that I did not understand the harmful legacy of an action like that. Northam argued the incident made such an impact on him that there was no way he could have forgotten undertaking a similar act in the same time period. You remember these things, he said.

Northam has been largely abandoned by both the Virginian and national Democratic establishments. His friend and mentor, Terry McAuliffe, the former governor under whom he served as lieutenant and who remains a party power player, has called for his resignation. Also piling on Northam are former key allies, such as the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus, which has demanded he step down. Northam met with the group -- and spoke with McCauliffe -- ahead of the dual announcements. A political protege of Northams, Richmond mayor Levar Stoney, has also joined that call, as have major presidential candidates such as Kamala Harris and Julian Castro. I don't know. Ive never seen anyone in blackface-- and I'm from Richmond, comments a veteran, Virginia-born political operative. Do wonder how on earth he could have fallen into the pit even a generation ago, a former associate of Northam told me.

Northams remaining firewall had been two other former Virginia governors -- now senators -- Tim Kaine and Mark Warner. No longer. Both released language condemnatory of Northams actions Friday night, but were equivocal on whether he should step aside. It would appear Saturday was not a hit. Following the press conference, they too, along with Rep. Bobby Scott, one of the commonwealths two African-American congressman, called for his resignation.

Most prominently standing by Northam are Virginia Senate Minority Dick Saslaw and former Congressman Jim Moran.

He just needs to hold for two weeks, another veteran Republican political operative told me, arguing that Northams path to partial rehabilitation -- and resuscitating prospects of post-gubernatorial monetization -- laid in sticking it out. He still will have a lot of power and after its he isnt resigning, everyone in Virginia will have to play ball with him. But the source conceded the Warner and Kaine renunciations were likely a deathknell.

Northams political collapse has been met with general schadenfreude on the right. Northam likely drew increased media scrutiny earlier in the week as a result of viral radio hit in which the governor appeared to endorse abortion procedures that conservatives say are tantamount to infanticide. Others observed that the standard applied to the past of Brett M. Kavanaugh, Trumps confirmed but controversial Supreme Court pick, was now being applied to Northam. In the case of Northam, though, there is direct evidence of his past actions.

Northam would be succeeded by Justin E. Fairfax, the African American lieutenant governor who made headlines last month for protesting a Virginia General Assembly homage to Robert E. Lee. So far, he has not called upon Northam to resign. Regardless of his decision, Northam is term-limited, as all Virginia governors are confined to one term. Fairfax, by contrast, would be eligible to run for a full term in 2021, setting up the prospect of an extensive administration by the standards of the Old Dominion.

Curt Mills is a foreign-affairs reporter at the National Interest. Follow him on Twitter: @CurtMills.

Image: Reuters.

Read full articleWant to help shape the future of investing tools? Participate in a short research study and receive a 6-month subscription to the award winning Simply Wall St research tool (valued at $60)!

Understanding how Telstra Corporation Limited (ASX:TLS) is performing as a company requires looking at more than just a years earnings. Today I will run you through a basic sense check to gain perspective on how Telstra is doing by comparing its latest earnings with its long-term trend as well as the performance of its telecom industry peers.

Check out our latest analysis for Telstra

How Well Did TLS Perform?

TLSs trailing twelve-month earnings (from 30 June 2018) of AU$3.6b has declined by -8.4% compared to the previous year.

Furthermore, this one-year growth rate has been lower than its average earnings growth rate over the past 5 years of -2.1%, indicating the rate at which TLS is growing has slowed down. Why is this? Well, lets look at whats transpiring with margins and whether the entire industry is experiencing the hit as well.

ASX:TLS Income Statement Export February 2nd 19

In terms of returns from investment, Telstra has invested its equity funds well leading to a 24% return on equity (ROE), above the sensible minimum of 20%. Furthermore, its return on assets (ROA) of 9.7% exceeds the AU Telecom industry of 7.7%, indicating Telstra has used its assets more efficiently. However, its return on capital (ROC), which also accounts for Telstras debt level, has declined over the past 3 years from 20% to 9.8%.

What does this mean?

Telstras track record can be a valuable insight into its earnings performance, but it certainly doesnt tell the whole story. Typically companies that face a drawn out period of decline in earnings are going through some sort of reinvestment phase with the aim of keeping up with the latest industry growth and disruption. You should continue to research Telstra to get a more holistic view of the stock by looking at:

Future Outlook: What are well-informed industry analysts predicting for TLSs future growth? Take a look at our free research report of analyst consensus for TLSs outlook. Financial Health: Are TLSs operations financially sustainable? Balance sheets can be hard to analyze, which is why weve done it for you. Check out our financial health checks here. Other High-Performing Stocks: Are there other stocks that provide better prospects with proven track records? Explore our free list of these great stocks here.

NB: Figures in this article are calculated using data from the trailing twelve months from 30 June 2018. This may not be consistent with full year annual report figures.

To help readers see past the short term volatility of the financial market, we aim to bring you a long-term focused research analysis purely driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis does not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements.



The author is an independent contributor and at the time of publication had no position in the stocks mentioned. For errors that warrant correction please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com.By Jason Lange and Idrees Ali

(Reuters) - Virginia Governor Ralph Northam on Saturday resisted mounting pressure from his Democratic party that he resign, denying that he appeared in a racist yearbook photo while admitting he once wore blackface in a dance contest.

Northam, who took office a year ago, said he would stay in his job. "As long as I feel that I can lead, I will continue to do that," he said.

But even after he professed his innocence at a press conference, the pressure continued to grow, with senior Democrats across Virginia calling on him to step down.

Northam had apologized on Friday, saying he was one of the people shown in the photo from his 1984 medical school yearbook, which depicted one person in blackface standing next to another in a Ku Klux Klan costume.

But on Saturday he said he looked at the photo more carefully and is sure it was not him. In a news conference alongside his wife, Northam said he had made other mistakes, including dressing up in blackface to imitate Michael Jackson in a dance contest around the same time.

Northam apologized for his past actions and vowed to work to earn forgiveness.

"I am simply asking for the opportunity to demonstrate beyond a shadow of a doubt that the person I was is not the man I am today," Northam said.

His comments did not quell the growing pressure from within his party for him to resign.

Late Saturday, Virginia's two senators, Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, and Virginia Congressman Bobby Scott joined the ranks of prominent Democrats calling for his resignation.

"After we watched his press conference today, we called Governor Northam to tell him that we no longer believe he can effectively serve as Governor of Virginia and that he must resign," they said in a joint statement.

Even as Northam was speaking, Tom Perez, chairman of the Democratic National Committee, said it was time for him to go.

"Virginians and people across the country deserve better from their leaders, and it is clear that Ralph Northam has lost their trust and his ability to govern," Perez said in a statement.

Story continues

Democratic U.S. Representatives Gerry Connolly and Don Beyer of Virginia said in a joint statement that they did not hear anything at his press conference that changed their view that Northam should resign.

Earlier in the day, others also called on him to step down.

"Governor Northam has lost all moral authority and should resign immediately," former Vice President Joe Biden, a Democrat weighing a 2020 presidential run, said on Twitter.

Protesters gathered in front of Northam's office in Richmond, Virginia, waving signs demanding he step down.

The head of Northam's party in the state also called on him to quit.

Other prominent Democrats - including 2020 presidential candidates Kamala Harris, Cory Booker, Kirsten Gillibrand, and Julian Castro - have been calling on Northam to resign since Friday.

Northam, a 59-year-old pediatric neurologist and Army veteran, graduated from Norfolk medical school in 1984.

The Virginia-Pilot, which published the photo on Friday, said on its website it obtained a copy of the photo from the Eastern Virginia Medical School library.

(Reporting by Jason Lange and Idrees Ali in Washington; Additional reporting by Pete Schroeder; Editing by Andrea Ricci, Nick Zieminski and Daniel Wallis)A scandal over old college photographs featuring blackface and KKK robes has thrust Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam into the national spotlight.

Northam, a Democrat, has faced pressure from both Republicans and his own party to resign over these photos, but he has so far declined to do so.

Until this controversy bubbled up on Friday, Northam's history was relatively low key on the path to becoming a public servant.

Northam grew up on Virginia's rural Eastern Shore, where its two counties have less than a combined 45,000 residents. His father was a judge.

He became a doctor and served in the U.S. Army before becoming a state delegate, then was elected lieutenant governor in 2013 and governor in 2017.

Despite being the commonwealth's top official, Northam was often seen returning to the Eastern Shore.

Before news broke about a racist yearbook photograph on the page bearing Northam's name, the Virginia governor came home to Accomack County to contribute his memories of a local blacksmith.

Northam said of the African-American man he used to watch fix tools, tractors, bicycles and other items his family brought into the blacksmith shop:

"Growing up, the way we were raised, my brother and I, we didn't see color  and I don't think he saw color either. He just treated everybody as human beings. I think that's a lesson that everybody needs to hear."

Northam's Eastern Shore roots

Northam is only the second Virginia governor to hail from the Eastern Shore of Virginia  two counties at the narrow southernmost tip of the Delmarva Peninsula. The first governor from the Eastern Shore was Henry A. Wise, elected in 1855.

The area is perhaps best known to the outside world for its Chincoteague ponies and rocket launches from NASA Wallops Flight Facility.

Northam also became the first lieutenant governor from the Eastern Shore, after winning the November 2013 election.

The same weekend he recorded his recollections about Outlaw, Northam celebrated the Martin Luther King Jr. Day at an Eastern Shore church whose congregation King himself addressed nearly 70 years ago  and where Northam is now a member.

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Gov. Ralph Northam, left, is pictured with church deacon Charles Bell, center, and Pastor the Rev. Kelvin F. Jones after the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King celebration service at First Baptist Church in Capeville.

First Baptist Church in Capeville was founded as an African-American congregation in the19th century. The mixed congregation today attracts visitors from as far as Virginia Beach for worship.

Northam counts the church's pastor, the Rev. Kelvin Jones, as a mentor. It was Jones who gave the invocation at Northam's inauguration.

Northam spoke at the Sunday celebration service at the church on Jan.20.

We may have all come on different ships but were in the same boat now, Northam quoted King as saying, adding We have made great progress, but we have more work to do to make sure we are a country where everyone is treated successfully.

Northam continued: There are many things that were trying to do in Virginia to be inclusive and to really embrace diversity and to embrace equality ... We must continue to raise our voices that we do not condone hatred or bigotry in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Northam told the congregation about being a student during school desegregation on the Eastern Shore in 1971. He was in sixth grade at the time.

While many white families chose to send their children to private school, Northam's parents kept their sons in the public schools.

Eastern Shore of Virginia youth

Northam grew up on a small farm outside Onancock, a town of around 1,200.

He graduated from Onancock High School in 1977. Northam's father is retired Circuit Judge Wescott B. Northam.

Northam was a good student and as a teenager always held down a job, his father recalled in previous interviews  including as a stock boy at the Meatland grocery store, driving a tractor on a farm, and as a boat mate.

During college, he took a summer job as a boat captain, taking workers back and forth from Onancock to Tangier.

After high school, Northam attended Virginia Military Institute, where he was a battalion commander his senior year and served as president of the honor court.

He was one of the first VMI graduates accepted into Eastern Virginia Medical School, from which he graduated in 1984.

It was in his yearbook from Eastern Virginia Medical School where a racist image, showing one man in blackface and another person wearing a Ku Klux Klan robe, was found on a page bearing his name and likeness.

While he initially apologized for the photo, Northam on Saturday claimed he'd never seen the yearbook page before.

He later served eight years active duty in the U.S. Army, including treating wounded soldiers at a hospital in Germany during Operation Desert Storm.

More recently, Northam has worked as a pediatric neurologist in Norfolk.

Northam became the 40th lieutenant governor of Virginia after having twice been elected to the state Senate representing the 6th Senate District.

In the governor's race in 2017, Northam won over Ed Gillespie by a wide margin, garnering nearly 54 percent of the vote statewide.

An election theme of 'A moral compass'

In Northam's inaugural address, his theme was the need to follow a moral compass.

Northam's speech focused on the importance of having a compass  both literally, in his experiences boating on the Chesapeake Bay, and metaphorically, meaning a sense of moral uprightness.

He credited his father and his mother, Nancy Shearer Northam, who died in 2009, with instilling in him the values that still guide him.

Of his mother, a nurse who also volunteered with hospice and taught children who were learning English as a second language to read, Northam said, "She taught me that, no matter who we are or where we come from, we are all equal in the beginning  and in the end."

Still, Northam said the greatest lesson he learned from his parents he learned by watching how they conducted themselves in the community.

"Their humble and steady service to the people around them taught me what strength looks like. It taught me that you dont have to be loud to lead," he said.

This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: What you need to know about Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam's Eastern shore rootsBy Lesley Wroughton and Lena Masri CAIRO (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Thursday accused Barack Obama of sowing chaos by abandoning the Middle East to Islamist militants and Iranian influence in a blistering critique of the former president's policies even as Pompeo's boss, President Donald Trump, moves to pull American troops out of Syria. In a speech at the American University in Cairo, Pompeo dispensed with a U.S. diplomatic tradition of avoiding public airing abroad of domestic disputes by blasting Obama at the site of a landmark 2009 speech by Trump's predecessor aimed at improving relations with the Islamic world. Pompeo presented America as "a force for good in the Middle East" and suggested Obama saw the United States as "a force for what ails the Middle East." Some former U.S. officials and analysts accused the top American diplomat of misreading history and camouflaging Trump's own desire to reduce U.S. commitments in the region. Pompeo accused Obama of underestimating "the tenacity and viciousness of radical Islamism," of failing to adequately support the 2009 "Green Movement" mass protests against a disputed election in Iran, and faulted him for not bombing Syria in retaliation for chemical weapons use by government forces in its civil war. "What did we learn from all of this? We learned that when America retreats, chaos often follows. When we neglect our friends, resentment builds. And when we partner with our enemies, they advance," Pompeo said. Pompeo did not mention Obama by name but called him "another American" who had given a speech in the capital of the Arab world's most-populous nation. Obama's office declined comment on the speech. Pompeo is touring the region to try to explain U.S. strategy after Trump's surprise announcement last month of an abrupt withdrawal of all 2,000 U.S. troops from Syria, which rattled allies, shocked top U.S. officials and prompted U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis's resignation. It is highly unusual for an American secretary of state to give a speech abroad directly attacking a former U.S. president. Trump has reversed Obama's policies on international issues such as the Iran nuclear deal, trade agreements and the Paris climate change accord as well as a host of domestic policies. Pompeo sought to reassure allies that Washington remains committed to the "complete dismantling" of the threat posed by the Islamic State militant group and to ending Iranian influence in Syria despite Trump's decision to withdraw troops there. "In Syria, the United States will use diplomacy and work with our partners to expel every last Iranian boot," Pompeo said. Pompeo faulted what he called Obama's "desire for peace at any cost" that led him to reach the 2015 nuclear deal under which Iran agreed to curtail its nuclear weapons program in exchange for easing of international economic sanctions. Trump last year abandoned that deal, pursuing instead a policy of "maximum pressure" on Iran to try to force it to limit its nuclear program, curtail its ballistic missile activities and cease supporting proxy forces in Syria, Iraq, Yemen and Lebanon. Iran's foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, mocked Pompeo's speech, writing on Twitter: "Whenever/wherever US interferes, chaos, repression and resentment follow." Many people in the Middle East are likely to disagree with Pompeo's assertion that the United States is a force for good in the region. Policies such as U.S. support for Israel, the American-backed 1953 coup that overthrew Iran's popular Prime Minister Mohammed Mossadegh and the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq to topple President Saddam Hussein remain deeply controversial in the region. 'SELF-INFLICTED AMERICAN SHAME' In his June 2009 Cairo University speech, Obama advocated better mutual understanding between the Islamic world and the West and said both should do more to confront violent extremism. As a result, Republicans have accused Obama of apologizing to the world for U.S. actions abroad. "The good news," Pompeo said, "is this: The age of self-inflicted American shame is over. And so are the policies that produced so much needless suffering." Some Middle East experts and officials who served under Obama accused Pompeo of violating the American tradition that "politics stops at the water's edge." "It feels a little bit as if the approach is to 'talk loudly and carry a small stick,'" said Jon Alterman, director of the Middle East program at Washington's Center for Strategic and International Studies think tank. "You could read this as obscuring a continued U.S. retrenchment from Middle Eastern commitments," Alterman added. Pompeo received support from United Arab Emirates Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash, who said on Twitter that "Washington, through its secretary of state, is asserting the importance of its alliances and supporting its friends." Pompeo pointedly repudiated Obama's 2009 speech. "He told you that radical Islamist terrorism does not stem from an ideology. He told you that 9/11 (the Sept. 11, 2001, al Qaeda attacks on the United States) led my country to abandon its ideals, particularly in the Middle East," Pompeo said. "The results of these misjudgments have been dire," Pompeo added. "In falsely seeing ourselves as a force for what ails the Middle East, we were timid in asserting ourselves when the time and our partners demanded it." (Reporting by Lesley Wroughton and Lena Masri; Additional reporting by Amina Ismail in Cairo, and David Brunnstrom and Steve Holland in Washington; Writing by Arshad Mohammed and Sami Aboudi; Editing by Will Dunham)LONDON (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Theresa May said she would seek a "pragmatic solution" to a parliamentary impasse over the terms on which Britain leaves the European Union when she tries to reopen talks with Brussels. May, writing in The Sunday Telegraph newspaper, shed little light on how she intended to solve the issue that has provoked most opposition from her lawmakers, post-Brexit arrangements for the border between the United Kingdom and Ireland. Last month May suffered a record parliament defeat over her Brexit plans, and on Tuesday lawmakers instructed her to return to Brussels to renegotiate arrangements for Northern Ireland. Lawmakers "would ... be happy with the current backstop if there was a time limit or unilateral exit mechanism," May wrote. However, Ireland and EU negotiators have rejected any time-limit on the so-called 'backstop' -- a set of fall-back plans that would retain an open UK-Ireland border if Britain and the EU fail to reach a longer-term trade agreement in future talks. Brexit supporters fear an unlimited backstop would effectively give the EU a veto on future British trade arrangements with other countries, and weaken economic ties between Northern Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom. May is expected to visit Brussels in the coming days. "When I return to Brussels I will be battling for Britain and Northern Ireland, I will be armed with a fresh mandate, new ideas and a renewed determination to agree a pragmatic solution that delivers the Brexit the British people voted for," May said. Separately, May's office rejected a report in the Mail on Sunday newspaper that her advisors were considering an early election on June 6 if she got a Brexit deal through parliament. (Reporting by David Milliken; Editing by Daniel Wallis)By Julia Love and Delphine Schrank TIJUANA/MEXICO CITY, Mexico (Reuters) - The United States was expected to send a first group of 20 Central American asylum seekers back to Mexico through the border city of Tijuana on Friday as part of President Donald Trump's hardening of longstanding U.S. immigration policy. Under a policy dubbed the Migrant Protection Protocols, announced on Dec. 20, the United States will return non-Mexican migrants who cross the U.S. southern border back to Mexico while their asylum requests are processed in U.S. immigration courts. Mexican Foreign Ministry spokesman Roberto Velasco said U.S. authorities were expected to send the first group of 20 Central American asylum seekers back to Mexico's territory on Friday through Tijuana, but as of about 7:00 p.m. local time there were no reports of the group crossing the border. Velasco told local broadcaster Radio Formula that Mexican officials had not yet been given the list of people in the first group, which he said was supposed to be provided Friday morning, adding that he still expected the first transfer in the "next few hours." He emphasized that the Mexican government would not be providing food or shelter for the returned asylum seekers. "What we're proposing is that we provide these people with opportunities in the labor market," said Velasco, without going into further detail. Under the policy, U.S. authorities will send as many as 20 people per day through Tijuana and gradually start sending people back through the other legal ports of entry along the Mexican border, Velasco said earlier in the day. Mexico will accept the return of certain individuals who have a date to appear in a U.S. immigration court, but will reject those who are in danger in Mexican territory, suffering health problems, or are unaccompanied minors. Velasco previously said that Mexico does not have a "Safe Third Country Agreement" with the United States, which would "imply a binding commitment to process in our territory all U.S. asylum requests of migrants that pass through our country and take full responsibility for their legal situation." Asylum seekers have traditionally been granted the right to stay in the United States while their cases were decided by a U.S. immigration judge, but a backlog of more than 800,000 cases means the process can take years. Now, the U.S. government says migrants will be turned away with a "notice to appear" in immigration court. They will be able to enter the United States for their hearings but will have to live in Mexico in the interim. If they lose their cases, they will be deported to their home countries. "Shelters are at capacity and we can't receive migrants that are being deported or (Mexican) nationals that are passing through the city. Let's hope this doesn't happen," said Jose Maria Garcia, who runs the Juventud 2000 shelter in Tijuana. Leopoldo Guerrero, Tijuana's secretary of government, said Mexico's federal government should take responsibility for the migrants, stressing that the city did not have the resources to do so. The U.S. policy is aimed at curbing the increasing number of families arriving mostly from Central America to request asylum who say they fear returning home due to threats of violence. The Trump administration says many of the claims are not valid. The program will apply to arriving migrants who ask for asylum at ports of entry or who are caught crossing illegally and say they are afraid to return home. Immigration advocates fear Mexico is not safe for migrants who are regularly kidnapped by criminal gangs and smugglers, and have raised concerns that applicants will not be able to access proper legal counsel in U.S. courts. Twenty-four year-old Danis Lazaro, who left his native Guatemala five months ago with his two daughters, aged 6 and 7, said he was concerned about the new U.S. policy. "It doesn't seem fair to me. It's safer for us on the other side (of the border)," he said. It is unclear how Mexico plans to house what could be thousands of asylum seekers during their immigration proceedings. Some Mexican border towns are more violent than the cities the Central Americans left behind. "For many of them, Mexico is not a safe place to stay," said Betsy Fisher, policy director for the International Refugee Assistance Project. Trump's administration, which has described Central American migrants as a danger, says it is relying on a U.S. law that allows migrants attempting to enter the United States from a contiguous country to be removed to that country. But the policy will likely be challenged in court since claiming asylum is protected under both international and U.S. law. Several of Trump's signature immigration policies, including some attempting to reduce asylum applications, have been halted by U.S. federal courts. (Additional reporting by Lizbeth Diaz and Sharay Angulo in Mexico City, Mica Rosenberg in New York and Kristina Cooke in San Francisco; Writing by Anthony Esposito; Editing by Daniel Flynn, Tom Brown and Daniel Wallis)By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A federal appeals court asked pointed questions of the Federal Communication Commission on Friday in hearing a challenge to whether the Trump administration acted legally when it repealed landmark net neutrality rules governing internet providers in December 2017.

The panel heard more than four hours of arguments in the first court hearing on the FCC's controversial decision to reverse the Obama administration's 2015 rules, which barred internet service providers from blocking or throttling traffic, or offering paid fast lanes, also known as paid prioritization.

The arguments focused on how internet providers should be classified under law - either as information service providers as the Trump administration decided or as a public utility, which subjects companies to more rigorous regulations - and whether the FCC adhered to procedural rules in dismantling the Obama-era rules.

"We are creating rules that are built to last," FCC general counsel Tom Johnson told the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia.

Judge Patricia Millett repeatedly pressed Johnson over the FCC's legal basis for treating telephone calls differently than internet traffic and asked if the FCC had properly considered the public safety impacts.

Millett raised the example of police needing to send urgent photos or video of a suspect that could be delayed if some internet traffic was prioritized.

"We can't anticipate all harms," Johnson said. As he sought to play down the concern Millett interjected: "There's no evidence because they haven't done it yet."

In its 2017 decision the Republican-led FCC voted 3-2 along party lines to reverse the net neutrality rules. The agency gave providers sweeping power to recast how users access the internet but said they must disclose any changes in users internet access.

The appeals panel is made up of Judges Millet and Robert Wilkins, two appointees of Democratic former President Barack Obama, and Stephen Williams, an appointee of Republican Ronald Reagan.

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CHALLENGE FROM STATES, COMPANIES

A group of 22 state attorneys general and the District of Columbia asked the appeals court to reinstate the Obama-era internet rules and to block the FCCs effort to pre-empt states from imposing their own rules guaranteeing an open internet.

Several internet companies are also part of the legal challenge, including Mozilla Corp, Vimeo Inc and Etsy Inc (ETSY.O), as well as numerous media and technology advocacy groups and major cities, including New York and San Francisco.

The challengers also got difficult questions about their legal rationale for seeking reinstatement of the rules.

Kevin Russell, a lawyer for the challengers, said hypothetically an internet provider could now block the Daily Caller website or graphic animal abuse videos as long as they disclosed it.

"We never get a straight answer from the commission whether it thinks blocking and throttling must always be prohibited" or only if it applies to punishing a competitor, Russell said, arguing that the FCC failed to engage in a reasoned analysis and did not properly assess consumer complaints.

Johnson conceded that providers could block or throttle traffic under the FCC rules but said it was unlikely. He said the Federal Trade Commission could take action against anticompetitive conduct.

Millett suggested that under the rules that providers would be free to block pro-Nazi websites or other objectionable content without facing antitrust issues.

The FCC repeal was a win for providers like Comcast Corp <CMCSA.O), AT&T Inc and Verizon Communications Inc, but was opposed by internet companies like Facebook Inc, Amazon.com Inc and Alphabet Inc.

Major providers have not made any changes in how Americans access the internet since the repeal.

In October, California agreed not to enforce its own state net neutrality law until the appeals courts decision on the 2017 repeal, and any potential review by the U.S. Supreme Court.

A decision is expected by this summer.

(Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Frances Kerry)Success is amazingly common. What's scarce is success that doesnt fizzle to failure ... or fade within several generations. You want to succeed sustainably.

If you're anxious to avoid short-term failure, there's a cautionary tale in the legendary lottery curse. Folks win, then the curse promptly transitions their lives into train wrecks.

In the early TV era of the 1950s, this reversal of fortune was epitomized by the popular show The Millionaire, in which a super Richie gave away a million dollars to normal folks who usually became miserable quickly.

Over time we have watched rock stars flame out on drugs. Or beautiful young women marry for money and become morose.

Examples of slower, but bigger fades dot America's corporate landscape, including failures like Sears Holdings recent bankruptcy. Sears was Americas pre-eminent retailer and sixth-largest stock 50 years ago.

Banking today: Free checking is harder to find, especially among credit unions

Jobs in America: Employers add booming 304,000 jobs in January, marking 100th straight month of employment gains

Of the top 10 stocks back then, only Exxon survives as a leader. The others are hugely smaller or gone. They were, in order of size: IBM, AT&T, General Motors, Eastman Kodak, Exxon, Sears, Texaco, Xerox, GE and Gulf Oil. Four largely disappeared.

Even super-sized success stories from 20 years ago can fade fast: America Online (1999s 11th largest ), Lucent (#7) MCI World Com (#16) and Yahoo (#25). Other storied names can also collapse: Blockbuster, Digital Equipment, Helene Curtis, and Toys R Us.

Hence, you cant count on your employer, even if you work for the government. My father-in-law hated working for Uncle Sam. Post-Great Depression he did it solely for security. But since 1990, the total civilian federal headcount has shrunk 12 percent (including enterprise workers like in the Postal Service). It keeps wiggling downward.

Yet some names endure, becoming near-permanent icons like Coca-Cola, DowDupont and Merck. What makes them different? Simply, its a culture that remains restless, striving to change, to be the best and to grow.

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Thats your goal! To endlessly build your future.

For that you need two truths: First, make sure your employer is like that. And if they aren't, move to one that is. How hard is your employer really striving to grow? How much effort and money do they invest each year into truly new growth oriented initiatives?

My father asked, What are you doing your competitors arent doing yet? It was among the most brilliant lines I ever heard. It changed me. It speaks to putting yourself ahead of the curve or staying ahead. If your current employer isnt seriously striving for future growth, you should shift to one that is before its too late.

The second truth: You must make yourself indispensable  which has two components. Once youre done with college and working, you need to be permanently learning. You can do it informally online. But keep building your human capital. Google endlessly about anything and everything that touches, even peripherally, on what your firm does, and beyond the functions you perform there.

Then, at work, keep volunteering, for everything and anything. Raise your hand repeatedly. Make your boss and bosss boss know you are not about what you can do, which is about your capacity, but what you will do which is above, beyond, and more than that sorry sap next to you. If your firm does shrink, you will be among the last 20 percent they let go, giving you time to maneuver to a more futuristic employer.

In our future, anyone who isnt eager is meager. Great attitude and activity will always equal success. Complacency now equals eventual failure. Sustainable success is only yours to build.

Ken Fisher is founder and executive chairman of Fisher Investments, author of 11 books, four of which were New York Times bestsellers, and is No. 200 on the Forbes 400 list of richest Americans. Follow him on Twitter: @KennethLFisher

The views and opinions expressed in this column are the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY.





This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Here are two truths to help you build a successful career and futureISTANBUL (Reuters) - Turkey's foreign minister said on Sunday countries which have recognised Venezuela's self-proclaimed interim president Juan Guaido were fueling Venezuela's troubles and punishing millions of its people.

Turkey has backed Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro in contrast with NATO allies the United States and Canada, and several right-leaning Latin American countries which have recognised Guaido's move to declare himself interim leader.

Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan, who has strengthened economic and political ties with Caracas, called Maduro last month to urge him to stand tall against what he described as "anti-democratic developments".

Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Sunday the countries which were supporting Guaido should instead have worked for negotiations to resolve Venezuela's crisis.

"There is a problem in a country, there is a spark that can turn into a fire at any moment. In this case, they should have contributed to the solution of the problem through dialogue," Cavusoglu told reporters in Istanbul.

"But is that how they handled things? No. On the contrary, the event was fueled from the outside. The people of Venezuela are being punished by such approach," he said.

Cavusoglu said Turkey had tried to initiate talks on Venezuela last year between Washington and Latin American countries. "But today, none of the countries that have taken these steps against Venezuela has sought dialogue."

Disagreement over Venezuela could become another serious point of friction between Washington and Ankara, which are also divided over policy in Syria, Iran sanctions and Turkey's plans to buy Russian missile defence system.

On Friday Marshall Billingslea, U.S. assistant secretary for terrorist financing at the Treasury, held talks with Turkish officials about sanctions on Venezuela and Iran.

A senior U.S. official said last week Washington was looking at Turkey's commercial activities with Venezuela and would take action "if we assess a violation of our sanctions".

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Turkish officials say Ankara's trade is in accordance with international laws and regulations.

In his remarks on Sunday Cavusoglu also reiterated Turkish criticism of what Ankara sees as a weak international response to the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul four months ago.

"Recently Western countries - you know they are very sensitive about human rights, trying to teach everyone about human rights - are silent," he said suggesting they were more interested in protecting commercial ties with Riyadh.

"They are making deals and selling arms," Cavusoglu said.

(Reporting by Dominic Evans; Editing by Raissa Kasolowsky)By Doina Chiacu

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said it was important to keep a U.S. military presence in Iraq so that Washington can keep a close eye on Iran "because Iran is a real problem," according to a CBS interview to be broadcast on Sunday.

The Republican president lamented "endless wars" in Syria and Afghanistan in an interview with CBS' "Face the Nation" and made clear he wants to reduce the costly U.S. military presence in those countries despite warnings against such moves from his military advisers and spy chiefs.

The United States could rely heavily on intelligence work in Afghanistan, he said, and respond to developments in Syria from U.S. bases in neighboring Iraq.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards have sent weapons and thousands of soldiers to Syria to help shore up the rule of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad during a 7-year civil war there.

Trump said the United States has spent a "fortune" on the Al Asad Air Base in western Iraq, which he visited in December, and that the United States should hold on to it.

"One of the reasons I want to keep it is because I want to be looking a little bit at Iran because Iran is a real problem," he said in the CBS interview.

Asked if that meant he wanted to be able to strike against Iran, Trump said, "No, because I want to be able to watch Iran. All I want to do is be able to watch."

The president defended his decision in December to withdraw troops from Syria but refused to provide a timetable for the pullout, which drew criticism from members of his own Republican Party and concerns among some allies.

In a rebuke, the Republican-led U.S. Senate advanced largely symbolic legislation on Thursday opposing plans for any abrupt withdrawal of troops from Syria and Afghanistan.

Trump initially said the withdrawal from Syria should be immediate but he has since said it would be gradual.

Some of the forces moving out of Syria will go to Iraq, where they can monitor any resurgence of Islamic State or other militant group and "ultimately some will be coming home," Trump said.

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He said U.S. forces could be deployed again if there is a resurgence of militant groups like al Qaeda. "We'll come back if we have to," he said.

Trump said on Thursday he would bring U.S. troops home if a peace deal was reached to end 17 years of war in Afghanistan.

He told CBS he would be open to keeping a small number of troops there as well as intelligence operations to monitor for "nests" of militant activity, according to the interview taped on Friday.

Trump did not say whether he trusted Afghanistan's Taliban insurgent group but said he believed they want peace.

"They're tired. Everybody's tired," Trump said. "I don't like endless wars."

(Reporting by Doina Chiacu and Lucia Mutikani; Editing by Jeffrey Benkoe and Lisa Shumaker)By Doina Chiacu WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said it was important to keep a U.S. military presence in Iraq so that Washington can keep a close eye on Iran "because Iran is a real problem," according to a CBS interview to be broadcast on Sunday. The Republican president lamented "endless wars" in Syria and Afghanistan in an interview with CBS' "Face the Nation" and made clear he wants to reduce the costly U.S. military presence in those countries despite warnings against such moves from his military advisers and spy chiefs. The United States could rely heavily on intelligence work in Afghanistan, he said, and respond to developments in Syria from U.S. bases in neighboring Iraq. Iran's Revolutionary Guards have sent weapons and thousands of soldiers to Syria to help shore up the rule of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad during a 7-year civil war there. Trump said the United States has spent a "fortune" on the Al Asad Air Base in western Iraq, which he visited in December, and that the United States should hold on to it. "One of the reasons I want to keep it is because I want to be looking a little bit at Iran because Iran is a real problem," he said in the CBS interview. Asked if that meant he wanted to be able to strike against Iran, Trump said, "No, because I want to be able to watch Iran. All I want to do is be able to watch." The president defended his decision in December to withdraw troops from Syria but refused to provide a timetable for the pullout, which drew criticism from members of his own Republican Party and concerns among some allies. In a rebuke, the Republican-led U.S. Senate advanced largely symbolic legislation on Thursday opposing plans for any abrupt withdrawal of troops from Syria and Afghanistan. Trump initially said the withdrawal from Syria should be immediate but he has since said it would be gradual. Some of the forces moving out of Syria will go to Iraq, where they can monitor any resurgence of Islamic State or other militant group and "ultimately some will be coming home," Trump said. He said U.S. forces could be deployed again if there is a resurgence of militant groups like al Qaeda. "We'll come back if we have to," he said. Trump said on Thursday he would bring U.S. troops home if a peace deal was reached to end 17 years of war in Afghanistan. He told CBS he would be open to keeping a small number of troops there as well as intelligence operations to monitor for "nests" of militant activity, according to the interview taped on Friday. Trump did not say whether he trusted Afghanistan's Taliban insurgent group but said he believed they want peace. "They're tired. Everybody's tired," Trump said. "I don't like endless wars." (Reporting by Doina Chiacu and Lucia Mutikani; Editing by Jeffrey Benkoe and Lisa Shumaker)Washington (AFP) - Pushing back against Republican opposition, US President Donald Trump reaffirmed his determination to pull US troops out of "endless wars" in Syria and Afghanistan, in an interview that aired Sunday. But he said they would stay in Iraq to watch Iran.

Trump cited the high cost in blood and money after years of fighting in Afghanistan, in arguing for a US withdrawal from the place where the 9/11 attacks were hatched.

"It's time," he said in the interview with CBS's "Face the Nation." "And we'll see what happens with the Taliban. They want peace. They're tired. Everybody's tired."

Trump's comments come in the face of warnings by US intelligence chiefs that a hasty US withdrawal from Afghanistan and Syria could allow a resurgence by Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group.

On Thursday, the US Senate voted overwhelmingly for a measure sponsored by Mitch McConnell, the majority leader of Trump's Republican party, warning against a "precipitous withdrawal" from either country.

But Trump appeared unmoved by the rare Republican pushback, noting that his promises to bring US troops home was "a big part" of the reason he was elected.

US officials have been holding talks in Qatar with the Taliban on a framework for peace negotiations, raising prospects for a breakthrough in the 17-year-old conflict.

On Syria, Trump said the 2,000 US troops in the country to assist local forces would leave "in a matter of time" but cited the need to protect Israel "and other things that we have" for slowing down -- after initially announcing an immediate pull-out.

He said he will soon be announcing the recapture of "100 percent of the caliphate" once claimed by the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria.

"We're at 99 percent right now. We'll be at 100," said the president, who was expected to make the announcement during his annual State of the Union address on Tuesday.

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- 'Pockets of something' -

In a report to Congress last week, US intelligence leaders warned that IS still commands thousands of fighters in Iraq and Syria, and they could easily spring back in the absence of US forces.

Trump responded by rebuking as "naive" and "wrong" his intelligence chiefs, who also had appeared to contradict him on Iran and North Korea.

In the CBS interview, he played down the danger of an extremist resurgence but said "we'll come back if we have to."

"You're going to always have pockets of something," he said. "But you're not going to keep armies there because you have a few people. Or you even have fairly reasonable numbers of people."

- Watching Iran -

However, the United States will not give up its bases in Iraq, he said.

"We spent a fortune on building this incredible base. We might as well keep it. And one of the reasons I want to keep it is because I want to be looking a little bit at Iran because Iran is a real problem," he said.

The US military presence in Iraq, he said, is "perfectly situated for looking at all over different parts of the troubled Middle East."

"We're going to keep watching and we're going to keep seeing and if there's trouble, if somebody is looking to do nuclear weapons or other things, we're going to know it before they do," he said.

In Afghanistan, Trump said he would leave behind intelligence elements -- "and if I see nests forming, I'll do something about it."

"We got to get out of these endless wars and bring our folks back home," he said at another point. "Now, that doesn't mean we're not going to be watching with intelligence. We're going to be watching, and watching closely."President Donald Trump has weighed in on the controversy surrounding Virginia governor Ralph Northam and a racist photo from the Democrats 1984 medical school yearbook.

The president said the 59-year-olds conduct was unforgivable, fuelling demands for Mr Northam to resign over the image  which shows a man in blackface next to another in a Ku Klux Klan outfit.

His remarks came shortly after Mr Northam, who had previously acknowledged he was in the image, rowed back on the admission by telling a press conference he no longer believed he appeared in the picture.

He said, rather, he wore shoe polish on his face to impersonate Michael Jackson for a dance contest that same year.

Mr Trump condemned Mr Northams U-turn on Twitter, writing: Democrat Governor Ralph Northam of Virginia just stated, I believe that I am not either of the people in that photo.

This was 24 hours after apologising for appearing in the pictureUnforgivable!

He also appeared to criticise Mr Northams 2017 Republican challenger, Ed Gillespie, by saying he should have found the photo and used it against his opponent in the race.

Ed Gillespie, who ran for governor of the great state of Virginia against Ralph Northam, must now be thinking malpractice and dereliction of duty with regard to his opposition research staff, he posted. If they find that terrible picture before the election, he wins by 20 points!

Calls for Mr Northam to resign have increased since the photo first emerged and, crucially, come from both sides of the political divide.

Among those demanding he step down are activists within the Virginia party itself, several 2020 Democrat presidential candidates and former vice-president Joe Biden.

But some have accused Mr Trump of hypocrisy over the remarks, given his history of backpeddling during his time in the White House. Last week, the president said he was in agreement with the US intelligence services, despite branding them naive just days earlier.

Other topics he has flip-flopped on include withdrawing troops from Syria and calling China a currency manipulator.Donald Trump has appointed his former doctor as his assistant and chief medical adviser despite an ongoing investigation into allegations of professional misconduct.

Dr Ronny Jackson, who has also been nominated for a promotion to two-star admiral, first emerged as a controversial figure last year when he said the US president had excellent physical and mental health.

He was later forced to withdraw as Mr Trumps nominee for the role of veterans affairs secretary after Democrats published a two-page summary of allegations about the rear admirals behaviour in office.

It was claimed Dr Jackson had crashed a government car while driving drunk, created a hostile work environment and was known as Candyman due to his drug prescribing practices.

The admiral was also found passed out drunk in his hotel room on at least one occasion when his medical help was required, it was reported.

Dr Jackson said the allegations were completely false and fabricated but decided not to take up the post at the Department of Veterans Affairs, the US governments second-largest agency, which oversees the healthcare and benefits for some 20 million people.

He said: I expected tough questions about how to best care for our veterans, but I did not expect to have to dignify baseless and anonymous attacks on my character and integrity.

Dr Jackson, who has been praised by Mr Trump as an incredible man who runs a fantastic operation, was appointed physician to the president by Barack Obama in 2013.

He was replaced by Sean Conley after his nomination to head up Veterans Affairs but remained in the White House medical unit.

The Department of Defence Office of Inspector General is still investigating Dr Jackson, although it has not given details of the nature or scope of the probe.

A White House official said Mr Trump considers Mr Jackson a trustworthy medical adviser and doctor. His appointment to serve as assistant to the president and chief medical adviser was announced on the White House website.

Additional reporting by Associated PressIstanbul (AFP) - Thousands of people rallied in Istanbul Sunday for hunger strikers protesting against the prison conditions of militant Kurdish leader Abdullah Ocalan.

The protesters gathered amid tight police security at a square in Bakirkoy on the European side of the city.

"I am saluting my friends resisting in prisons. They are our honour, they are not alone," said Fahit Ulas, a supporter of the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP).

"If needed we will sacrifice our bodies for this cause. We have no fear," he insisted.

Around 250 prisoners all over Turkey have begun hunger strikes along with HDP deputy Leyla Guven, who wants to force the Turkish government to let Ocalan hold regular meetings with his lawyers and relatives.

Ocalan, a founder of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), a group blacklisted as a terrorist organisation by Ankara and Washington, has been sentenced to life in prison and has been held on a prison island near Istanbul since his capture in 1999.

Guven, 55, was jailed in January 2018 for criticising Turkey's military operation against a Syrian Kurdish militia.

Last week, a Turkish court in the predominantly Kurdish city of Diyarbakir freed her under judicial supervision. Guven, who marked the 88th day of her hunger strike on Sunday, launched her protest in jail on November 8.

She told AFP in an interview that she would press on with the hunger strike at home.

Garo Paylan, an HDP deputy who joined the Istanbul protest, said that staging a hunger strike was a "last resort," and told AFP: "We want this demand to be fulfilled before any death."

In 2012, hundreds of Kurdish prisoners ended a 68-day hunger strike after Ocalan urged them to do so.

Several HDP deputies have been jailed and in an interview Sunday with state-run TRT television, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said: "The HDP is equal to the PKK ... It's crystal clear."1. Yes. Its important for students to stay focused throughout the year. Its a plus.

2. Yes. It would fill the learning gaps caused by COVID and would help cut youth crime.

3. No. Students and teachers deserve a summer break. Year-round school wont work.

4. No. It wouldnt work with the militarys summer PCS schedule. Its a bad idea.

5. Unsure. Its hard to say without knowing how the school calendar would work.

Vote

View ResultsBritains Prime Minister Theresa May looks up during PMQ session in Parliament, in London, Britain, January 30, 2019. UK Parliament/Mark Duffy/Handout via REUTERS

Theresa May could be preparing for a general election in June, despite her pledges to battle for Britain.

It is understood that Downing Street advisors have drawn up plans to extend Article 50, secure parliaments backing for a new Brexit deal in April, before triggering a general election in June.

According to reports in both the Mail on Sunday and the Sunday Times, the preparations could hep protect the PM from efforts to force her our of office.

Despite Theresa Mays extremely turbulent spell in office, fresh polls place the Conservative Party seven points ahead of Labour, suggesting Theresa May could still win over socialist leader of the opposition Jeremy Corbyn.

As the reports of a fresh election hit the headlines, May has said she will be battling for Britain when she returns to Brussels to seek a pragmatic Brexit deal that can win over both the European Union and her own MPs.

In the Sunday Telegraph, Mrs May said she was listening to figures from across politics, the trade union movement and business in her quest for a feasible Brexit compromise.

She said: Its why when I return to Brussels I will be battling for Britain and Northern Ireland, I will be armed with a fresh mandate, new ideas and a renewed determination to agree a pragmatic solution that delivers the Brexit the British people voted for, while ensuring there is no hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has also called for a general election

That is what Parliament instructed me to do on Tuesday night.

Although Jeremy Corbyn didnt vote with us, he also believes the potential indefinite nature of the backstop is an issue that needs to be addressed with Brussels. That is exactly what Im doing.

On Tuesday, Mrs May secured Parliaments backing to go back to Brussels in the hope of hammering out a fresh agreement that does not include the Irish border backstop  which is unacceptable to the DUP and Brexiteer Tories  and which will command a majority in the Commons.

Story continues

The Prime Minister is due to report back to Parliament on her negotiations with the EU on February 13, with a further series of votes by MPs expected the following day.

Wrangling in the Commons has seen backbench MPs put forward a range of alternative plans to find a way out of the morass.

Mrs May found herself with some rare good news on Sunday after a new opinion poll suggested the Tories had moved into a seven-point lead over Labour.





The Opinium poll for the Observer found that Jeremy Corbyns party had fallen from 40% to 34% since the key Commons votes on the mechanics of Brexit took place, falling behind the Tories who went from 37% to 41%.

Public approval of Mr Corbyns personal handling of Brexit also fell to a new low of just 16%, from 18% two weeks previously.

His disapproval rating is 61% and he has support from little more than four in 10 Labour voters (42%), according to the poll.

But Downing Street denied reports in the Mail on Sunday that Mrs Mays team are planning for a general election on June 6  the 75th anniversary of D-Day.

Mr Corbyn used a trip to Scotland to call again for a snap election.

Speaking on a visit to charities in Glasgow, he said that the people who are bearing the brunt of nine years of austerity cannot wait years for a general election.Bogota (AFP) - Colombia's armed forces clashed Saturday with FARC dissident rebels, killing 10 from the group that split from the 2016 peace process.

Army special forces and police launched an operation in Caqueta department, in which a longtime group leader Rodrigo Cadete, 52, was killed.

"Another nine guerrillas we killed; we have several captures and the fighting continues in the region," Defense chief Guillermo Botero said in a statement in Manizales.

Though some 7,000 members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) laid down their arms, about 1,700 are still in the insurgent struggle funded by drug money, military intelligence says.

With no unified command, dissidents operate in remote areas where they fight other groups to control drug trafficking and drug trafficking routes.

Colombia has experienced relative calm since the 2016 peace deal signed by then-president Juan Manuel Santos and FARC rebels.

With the landmark agreement turning the FARC into a political party, the smaller ELN is considered the last active rebel group in the country.

True to his election promises, President Ivan Duque, who took office last August, has taken a hard line against the ELN, including his demand they release all hostages as a prerequisite to kick-starting their peace process.From late night phone calls to brunch dates and "Bachelor" Mondays, our best friends are there for us any day of the week -- and this Valentine's Galentine's Day we plan on giving them a little extra love by giving them a present that is 100 percent them.

From a phone case personalized with their nickname to a new pair of trendy sunnies or some champagne to cheers with, thank your BFF for all they do for you. Below, shop over 25 of our favorite gifts -- that start at just $4 -- that any gal pal in your life would love to receive on Galentine's Day (aka February 13th) this year.Publishing magnate Steve Forbes doesn't know exactly what he'll talk about when he gives a speech at Ave Maria School of Law in Naples, Florida, in March.

"I always speak from notes," he said ahead of his visit.

And he always wants to use "fresh material," Forbes said.

He does know a big focus will be on moral and ethical leadership in the business world.

"The timing couldn't be better," Forbes said.

Steve Forbes, Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of Forbes Media

Ave Maria Law School created a new speakers series to introduce its students to ethical leaders from near and far.

The school in North Naples recently started a "Profiles in Ethical Leadership" program to host distinguished CEOs, entrepreneurs and other leaders at its campus to share their insights with students. Forbes will be among those leaders, the last speaker in the inaugural program.

The Signature Event will raise money for student scholarships.

"It's a little bit different than what you find at other schools," Forbes said of his interest in speaking at the Catholic law school. "They are not taking a cookie-cutter approach."

In a phone interview with the Daily News, Forbes talked about everything from business to politics to the economy.

Chocolate confusion: Missing tips on Kisses prompts Hershey to respond

The 'trust factor'

It's an ideal time to talk about ethical leadership because of the "trust factor," said Forbes, chairman and editor-in-chief of Forbes Media.

"There is less trust in government," he said. "There is less trust in financial institutions, less trust in the economic system, less trust in the education system. Less trust, which I think is the basis of it all, in money, the integrity of money."

That lack of trust is important, because in so many ways the capitalist system runs on trust.

So what characteristics does Forbes think define a truly great leader? Great leaders need to have a defined sense of direction, a trust in their people and the strength to move forward by making difficult decisions, even when they're not popular, he said.

Story continues

"No matter how good you are, there are always going to be things that don't go right, mistakes you make, events, changes in the marketplace," Forbes said. "All sorts of things  and sometimes there are no playbooks, so you have to make decisions where you don't know how it's going to turn out."

Good leaders need a wider sense of concern and responsibility, rather than focusing so much on themselves, and they need a long-term perspective, instead of just considering the present and "what's in it for me," Forbes said.

"We certainly try to do that in our space," he said. "And try to also innovate. If people sense that positive things can happen that creativity can bear fruit for the future."

The world of publishing has changed drastically since Malcolm Stevenson "Steve" Forbes Jr. joined the family business as a researcher for Forbes magazine after graduating from Princeton University in 1970. His grandfather, an immigrant from Scotland with only a grade-school education, started Forbes in 1917.

From the beginning, he said, Forbes as a company had a belief in what's now known as entrepreneurial capitalism, or private capital investing in private startups. Forbes never looked at business people as bad people.

"In the first issue of the magazine, my grandfather said the purpose of business was to produce happiness, not to pile up millions, not to pile up money. Today, we call that entrepreneurial capitalism."

Tech talk: Message to Facebook and Google: Don't mess with Apple

The Drucker rule

The media business, Forbes said, has tried to keep the "Drucker rule" in mind and continue to move forward. The late Peter Drucker, considered a management guru, said every organization should always ask itself: "What is our purpose, what is our mission, what is it we are trying to do?"

If you do that, you're more likely not to get sidetracked and to stay the course, Forbes said.

"The roads themselves may change, but you still have a sense of where you want to go," he said.

Today, the biggest generator of business for Forbes Media is its online publishing.

"We had a very good 2018," Forbes said. "We're off to a good start this year. Less than 15 percent of revenues comes from the magazine, and the rest from online or other services."

The company, he said, now has 2,800 contracted contributors.

"We run over 110,000 submissions a year, so we're doing well there," Forbes said. "The key thing there is to remember what your goal is and your purpose is."

Photo gallery: Forbes' 10 top-paid actresses of 2018

A drama critic?

Some have compared his family's global media company to a drama critic, and Forbes thinks that's fitting.

"We love it when a production is done right," he said. "We hate it when a production is not done right."

The guiding light for the business has been to provide its viewers and readers with the information and insights they need to move ahead and live well, Forbes said.

"We write about those who are doing right and those who are doing things wrong, because there are always lessons to be learned," he said.

The company is always pursuing new ideas and new opportunities, Forbes said.

"We now have 40 international language editions around the world, license agreements," he said. "The scope of what we offer online is enormously expanded."

Economy and trade with China

What's Forbes' take on the U.S. economy?

"The economy is strong," he said. "I think it will be better reflected in the market, the stock market, when and if we get a trade deal achieved with China."

He believes the United States will strike a better trade deal with China within the next few months.

"The China deal will be a pretty big one, in terms of the amount of pledges to purchase products in the U.S. As far as that's concerned, I think we will be even agreeing to sell them natural gas," Forbes said.

Job advice: Here are two truths to help you build a successful career and future

After the longest government shutdown in history recently ended, Forbes emphasized the importance of moving ahead with the renegotiated North American Free Trade Agreement in one of his columns.

"I think it does more good than harm," he said. "If Congress doesn't ratify it, it's going to hurt the economy."

Trump good for business

Forbes, a Republican candidate in the 1996 and 2000 presidential primaries, said President Donald Trump's administration has been good for business in many ways.

"They've made enormously important strides in deregulation," Forbes said. "Regulations are another form of taxation, and when it's abused or overdone there can be bad consequences."

Manufacturing, he said, is springing back to life again now that the government is not overburdening the sector with regulations.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which significantly cut the federal corporate tax rate, has been good for business, too.

"Of course, I would like a flat tax. Other than that, this tax cut was not bad."

He describes the federal tax cut as a gift that will keep giving by "not punishing people and businesses that are trying to get positive things done."

"That low rate will be a boon for a long time to come," he said.

Once key trade disputes are resolved, Forbes said he expects more business owners in the U.S. to invest in and expand their businesses.

"It's picked up a little bit, but I think it's got room for imminent growth," he said.

Asked why he ran for president twice, Forbes said he wanted to advance a pro-growth agenda that included a flat tax, medical savings accounts, a new Social Security system for working Americans and a strong national defense. He didn't see anyone else raising a hand for the job with those ideas at the time.

"I decided instead of complaining to do something about it. So I ran," Forbes said.

Would he consider another presidential run?

"You never say never," he said. "But my role now is an agitator."

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Steve Forbes talks 'trust,' trade and good leadership in exclusive interviewRio de Janeiro (AFP) - Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro's lawmaker son has joined a nationalist group founded by Steve Bannon, US President Donald Trump's former adviser, the group said Saturday.

"I'm very proud to join Steve Bannon as the leader of The Movement in Brazil, representing Latin American nations," Eduardo Bolsonaro was quoted in a statement released by the group.

Bannon, who left as White House strategist in August 2017 and had a public falling-out with Trump, started The Movement in Europe to transmit far-right nationalist values and tactics he hopes will win sympathizers seats in the European parliament.

Bannon said enlisting Bolsonaro, a deputy in Brazil's Congress, was part of the group's "pursuit of a populist nationalist agenda for prosperity and sovereignty for citizens throughout the world."

President Bolsonaro, who was elected in October, campaigned on pledges to ease gun laws, stamp out corruption and inject free-market ideas into Brazil's economy.

He has said he wants much closer ties with Trump, whom he admires and with whom he shares a distaste of multilateral organizations, a penchant for using social media to address his base, a record of misogynist remarks, and a pro-business agenda.

His 34-year-old son is a member of his ultraconservative Social Liberal Party. He was re-elected to Congress in October.

The Movement said in its statement it will hold its first annual conference in Brussels in March, ahead of EU elections to be held in May.A sweep of cold air is bringing snow to the mountains and even the lower elevations of the western United States into Tuesday.

Behind Saturday's storm which unleashed flooding and mudslides across California, a colder system is rolling ashore, bringing the lowest temperatures of the winter so far to the Northwest.

The storm is bringing enough cold air for snow to fall at sea level across the Pacific Northwest.

Astoria, Oregon, which lies right along the coast, reported snow throughout Sunday night.



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Snow was accumulating and creating slippery travel along the Interstate-5 corridor early Monday morning.

The first snowflakes since March 24, 2018, fell in Seattle late Sunday.

This is the first measurable snow in the city since it received 1 inch on Feb. 21, 2018, according to AccuWeather Meteorologist Brett Rathbun.



NW Mon 2.4 AM

Snow showers will linger across the Seattle metro area through Monday.

Portland, Oregon, can also be whitened with a bit of snow to start the new week.

Rathbun warned that slippery travel would be possible across the area.

Motorists and pedestrians should use extra care when heading to and from work and school on Monday.

Travel is likely to be extremely difficult over I-5's Siskiyou Summit in Oregon, where 6 inches of snow or more can pile up through Monday.

As temperatures plummet across the Pacific Northwest into Tuesday, any wet or slushy areas on untreated roads and sidewalks can turn icy.

Download the free AccuWeather app to see how much snow is expected in your area and just how cold it will get.



SW Mon 2.4 AM

"During Monday and Tuesday, the storm is forecast to drop southward along the California coast and bring rain showers at low elevations and snow showers to the mountains, including the passes in Southern California," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Alex Sosnowski said.

Travelers over the Grapevine should use caution and be prepared for slippery travel.

Feet of snow will continue to inundate the Sierra Nevada into Tuesday, meaning more treacherous travel, chain requirements and possible closures.



Story continues

Hvy Snow CA 2.4 AM

Snow is also likely to whiten the northern part of the Great Basin as colder air moves in from Monday to Tuesday.

While this storm will not bring nearly as much rain and wind to California as Saturday's system, any additional rainfall in the hardest-hit areas can hamper cleanup efforts, disrupt travel and create new flooding and mudslide hazards.

A few thunderstorms with small hail can even rumble across Northern and central California through Monday. An isolated waterspout or two cannot be ruled out.

Dry but chilly weather will prevail across the West Coast as the storm moves into the Four Corners states at midweek.Water cascading over Niagara Falls is one of the most awe-inspiring natural features in the world. But for passengers aboard the famed Maid of the Mist boat tour in summer 2017, the setting was more nauseating then breathtaking.

Three million gallons of untreated sewage spewed into the waterways of the popular tourist attraction. Water darkened, and the odor of feces permeated mist from the falls, according to dozens of reports from visitors aboard the tour boat that day.

Sadly, the defilement  blamed on outdated equipment and human operator error at the Niagara Falls Wastewater Treatment Plant  is no anomaly.

More: Small Alabama town raises a big stink about abandoned New York City 'poop train'

More than 6.5 billion gallons of sewage spewed from antiquated sewer systems into New York waterways on 1,900 occasions between April 2017 and March 2018, according to a report from the state comptroller's office.

The problem is only getting worse as upgrades fail to keep up with deteriorating systems and climate change triggers more flooding. What will it take to solve the problem of untreated or partially treated sewage, combined with stormwater polluting rivers, creeks and other water bodies? A massive dollar investment in sewerage systems to handle the flows.

Major overflows

The Susquehanna River after heavy rainfall.

Consider the heavy rains of last summer, when Southern Tier rivers swelled beyond their banks. In Binghamton, for example, part of the rising Susquehanna River was fed over a 12-hour period on June 27 by a blend of an estimated 10 million gallons of partially untreated sewage and rainwater pouring in from an overflow site on Pennsylvania Avenue, according to state Department of Environmental Conservation records.

Communities are required to report the overflows to the DEC, which maintains an Excel spreadsheet of the incidents, but much of the data reflects estimates rather than precise measurements.

Heavy rains in August pushed huge amount of sewage into Southern Tier waterways. Around Aug. 13, a week of heavy rains dumped an estimated 238 million gallons of untreated sewage and rain into the Susquehanna. Last year, millions also poured into the Susquehanna from a pipe on Riverside Drive in Binghamton just west of the Lourdes Hospital complex.

Story continues

In Elmira, more than 16 million gallons of raw sewage and rainwater poured into the Chemung River on Aug. 13 from three sites: East Water, West Water and Luce streets, according to the DEC data.

The problem is statewide, with sewage overflowing into the Niagara River, into the St. Lawrence River from Ogdensburg, and into several Buffalo-area waterways from Buffalo.

In Rochester, tens of millions of gallons of untreated sewage and rainwater overflowed into the Genesee River in November 2017, according to DEC records.

About 40 percent of the sewer systems in New York are at least 60 years old, and about 10 percent were built before 1925, DEC records show. About 65 percent of these older systems routinely overflow when overwhelmed with heavy rains.

More: Tsunami of sewage from 'human error' caused Michigan sinkhole, $70 million in damage

A typical bathroom toilet holds about three gallons of water. An overflow of just 1 million gallons is equal to flushing more than 333,000 times into the river.

Last year alone, more than 100 spills in New York totaled at least 1 million gallons, and many were much larger.

Steve Busch, a kayak instructor at Binghamton University, says he stays away from the Binghamton-Johnson City Wastewater Treatment Plant, which has been under construction and is sorely overloaded in heavy rains. Busch said he has seen used condoms and fecal matter floating by.

"Since the 1960s with things like the Clean Water Act, the water has actually gotten better," Busch said. "But that doesn't mean it's OK. We shouldn't be dumping untreated waste into the rivers."

A faulty system in Auburn allowed for the growth of harmful blue-green algae in Owasco Lake in the Finger Lakes region. The algae bloom released dangerous toxins that were found in the area's drinking water even after it had been treated.

The trend is not encouraging. Heavy rain events have increased by about 70 percent from 1958 to 2010 because of climate change, according to the DEC.

"When billions of gallons of untreated waste spills into New York's waterways, our health, environment, economy and quality of life suffer," state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli said in a statement. "State and local governments must remain focused on addressing the challenges of aging infrastructure through continued funding for these priorities, thoughtful capital planning and more sustainable development."

More: After Hurricane Irma, widespread sewage leaks show utilities were unprepared

What is a combined sewer system?

The issue boils down to a fundamental design flaw in 20th century systems ill-equipped to handle 21st century conditions.

Older systems merge the flows of stormwater, industrial wastewater and sewage at an open junction prior reaching to the water treatment plant.

When inundated, overflows at the junction keep rising sewage volumes from backing up into someone's home or damaging the system. These are known as combined sewage overflows, or CSOs.

Workings of a combined sewage system

Overflows can occur at any of 807 designated release points in New York state designed as safeguards for bad weather, clogged pipes, system maintenance problems or human error.

The problem is compounded by municipal and private drain systems now designed to capture wastewater not only from kitchen sinks and toilets, but growing numbers of washing machines, dishwashers, backyard pools, car washes and more.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency makes allowances for spills due to severe weather, but other causes may draw fines.

The problems with overflows

In addition to obvious problem of aesthetics, untreated overflows contain sewage, oil, trash, harmful chemicals, metals, viruses and bacteria. Exposure is unhealthy, at the very least, and sometimes even life-threatening.

Laura Serrano and her son both contracted aseptic meningitis as a result of a sewage backup in her Suffolk County home in 2005 after the nearby Bergen Point Sewer Plant malfunctioned.

"You could see the feces, you could see things floating that came from the hospital, she said. Our home was inundated with this raw sewage. Me and my son were walking in it.

In 2014, Serrano's home was flooded again. She has since spent more than $100,000 in legal fees while attempting to sue for damages, she said.

The problem is not isolated to her house. Sewage overflows routinely contaminate a nearby beach where people unknowingly swim in it. They don't know what they're swimming in, Serrano added. I know what they're swimming in."

Sewage also creates an environment for toxic algae that can kill plants, fish and pets, and endanger humans.

The problem is not a lack of understanding. Its a lack of financial commitment. Combined sewer systems are slowly being updated on a spotty basis. But with an estimated cost of $5.1 billion over the next 20 years, in New York alone, clean water advocates are not holding their breath.

More: Sewage leaks in operating rooms still plagued Washington's hospital for VIPs, reports show

"If you're a politician, probably the very last thing in order is this," said Christopher Len, the founder of Clean Water Advocacy Center, a nonprofit organization that provides legal services for those facing water quality, quantity or access problems.

"Nobody sees, and nobody thinks of it unless there's a disaster, Len added. Then you deal with it just enough so that people forget about it."

A lack of monitors to gauge the problem compounds hazards, and much of the risk comes down to guesswork, according to officials.

"I don't know, and I don't think even the EPA or the states know how long the water remains unsafe after," Len said. In some instances, people just don't know they're swimming or wading or fishing in water that is potentially very unsafe."

While a major sewage overflow at a popular tourist attraction is a potential headline, many overflows across the state go largely unnoticed.

A need for new infrastructure

The Binghamton-Johnson City plant, servicing about 35,000 households, is a prime example.

In May 2011, an exterior wall of the plant collapsed. A plague of technical problems, and lawsuits before and since that catastrophe, led to a $290 million overhaul, yet to be completed.

"All these overflows are going to be dependent on the rainfall we get," said Kurt Brown, the wastewater supervisor in Binghamton. "It's nothing out of the ordinary; the majority of it is rainwater."

Brown explained that the wastewater treatment plant has screening units at outflow points that keep solid material from entering waterways, and that around 80 percent to 90 percent of an overflow is rainwater.

"We do quarterly reports to the EPA," said Brown, "so the numbers, they have are going to be the maximum amounts."

The answer, it seems, is more money.

Binghamton, like many cities in the state, is in the process of replacing the old system, but the construction process to dig up and replace an existing combined systems is costly and takes time.

A recent state grant from the Environmental Facilities Corp. added $20 million for the Binghamton-Johnson City Wastewater Treatment Plant rehabilitation project, bringing the total to $275 million.

The intention is to double the capacity of the plant and significantly reduce overflows. That effort includes separating portions of the combined system to prevent lines leading into the plant from being overwhelmed by rainstorms.

Meanwhile, the state recently allocated about $20 million for upgrades to the Niagara Falls Wastewater Treatment Plant, according to Matt Davison, a spokesperson for the plant.

Some call that a start. But it remains to be seen how far a renewed commitment to clean water across New York state will go or where it will end.

Follow Natasha Vaughn on Twitter: @_natasha_7







This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Sewage is overflowing into New York waterways. This is what it will take to stop the problemThe Duchess of Sussex ditched her quietly elegant frocks for a novelty print dress by Oscar de la Renta.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry got a fit of the giggles when a teenager they were talking to dropped the F-bomb.

During a visit to Bristol yesterday, the royal couple were chatting with a teen about his experiences of performing at the Old Vic.

When the boy said, You cant just be f***ing around on stage, Meghan burst out laughing and Harry winced and bent his knees.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were taken on a tour of the theatre by Tom Morris, the artistic director.

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During the trip to Bristol, Harry and Meghan also visited One25, a charity which supports sex workers trying to break free of prostitution.

Meghan wrote personal messages of love and empowerment on bananas in for food parcels for the women.

She penned the words, You are strong, You are special, You are brave and You are loved on the fruit at the One25 organisation based in the St Pauls area of Bristol.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, visited the One25 organization in Bristol, which works to reach out to women trapped in or vulnerable to street sex-work, supporting them to break free and build new lives away from violence, poverty and addiction

The heavily pregnant Duchess revealed she was inspired to leave the positive messages in the food bags after learning about a similar gesture made for school children.

Some women who are still street sex-working in Bristol will have received the parcels from One25 containing the actress-turned-royals message later in the evening.

Meghan said: I was thinking about this the other day. I saw this programme this woman had started in the States on a school lunch programme when on each of the bananas she wrote an affirmation or something to make the kids feel really empowered.

I thought it was the most incredible idea  this small gesture.



Women run the fields

Agriculture in Nepal is experiencing rapid feminisationwhy isnt legislation catching up?By Vladimir Soldatkin

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia has suspended the Cold War-era Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces Treaty, President Vladimir Putin said on Saturday, after the United States announced it would withdraw from the arms control pact, accusing Moscow of violations.

Moscow's relations with the West are strained over issues including Russia's annexation of Crimea from Ukraine, allegations of meddling in the U.S. presidential election and being behind a nerve agent attack in Britain.

The United States announced on Friday it will withdraw from the INF treaty in six months unless Moscow ends what it says are violations of the 1987 pact.

It would reconsider its withdrawal if Russia came into compliance with the agreement, which bans both nations from stationing short- and intermediate-range land-based missiles in Europe. Russia denies violating the treaty.

On Saturday, Washington said it had formally notified Russia and other treaty parties of the United States' intent and suspended its obligations under the INF.

"The American partners have declared that they suspend their participation in the deal, we suspend it as well," Putin said during a televised meeting with foreign and defence ministers.

Putin said Russia will start work on creating new missiles, including hypersonic ones, and told ministers not to initiate disarmament talks with Washington, accusing the United States of being slow to respond to such moves.

"We have repeatedly, during a number of years, and constantly raised a question about substantiative talks on the disarmament issue," Putin said. "We see that in the past few years the partners have not supported our initiatives."

The row over the treaty has drawn a strong reaction from Europe and China.

European nations fear the treaty's collapse could lead to a new arms race with possibly a new generation of U.S. nuclear missiles stationed on the continent.

China urged the United States on Saturday to resolve its differences with Russia through dialogue.

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During the meeting with Putin, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused the United States of violating the INF and other arms deals, including the non-proliferation treaty.

Putin said Russia would not deploy its weapons in Europe and other regions unless the United States did so.

The U.S. State Department said in a statement on Saturday that the United States could not be restricted by the treaty while Russia violated it.

"The United States has concluded that extraordinary events related to the subject matter of the Treaty arising from Russia's continued noncompliance have jeopardized the United States' supreme interests," the statement said.

(Reporting by Vladimir Soldatkin. Additional reporting by Idrees Ali in Washington; Editing by Janet Lawrence and Alistair Bell)Virginia governor Ralph Northam is refusing to resign despite overwhelming pressure from within his Democratic party and has told at least one lawmaker that he now does not think that a racist photo in his 1984 yearbook includes him, Democratic party officials said.

Mr Northam publicly apologised on Friday for the medical school yearbook photo and acknowledged that he appeared in the image, which is of one man in blackface and another in a Ku Klux Klan robe.

But state senator L Louise Lucas said that Mr Northam called her on Saturday morning and told her he did not think the picture was of him and he did not plan to resign.

"He should have said that yesterday then," she said. "He just told me he didn't think it's him. And I said, 'Ralph, this is a day late and a dollar short. It's too late.'"

Around 10:30 a.m., the state Democratic party tweeted: "We made the decision to let Governor Northam do the correct thing and resign this morning - we have gotten word he will not do so this morning."

Mr Northam was defying an avalanche of calls to step down from the office he'd assumed not 13 months ago.

He spent Friday night huddled with advisers. A meeting with the state's legislative black caucus went poorly.

National Democrats, including a host of a 2020 contenders and former Vice President Joe Biden, said he must resign.

And even home-state allies who regarded him as a dear friend - including immediate predecessor and patron Terry McAuliffe, a Democrat, himself a potential presidential candidate - said he had to go.

By 9 am on Saturday, Mr Northam still had sent no word of his plans. But even friends who hoped he could weather the crisis were bracing for his resignation - a first for a Virginia governor in modern times.

More than a dozen protesters braved the frigid air to protest outside the governor's mansion, holding signs such as "Blackface, no place" and "Step down and do Virginia a favor." They chanted "Resign now!"

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"There's no question the tide turned," said one ally, who had been briefed by the governor's senior staff and spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to disclose the private discussions.

Mr Northam and his inner circle had been preparing to fight as news of the photograph broke Friday afternoon - he issued a written apology, then a video mea culpa. They planned a "reconciliation tour", taking him across the commonwealth to say he was sorry in person, his ally said.

"Then everything changed between 6 and 9 p.m.," the ally said, as national Democrats unleashed a torrent of calls for his resignation.

On Friday, Mr Northam, 59, released a statement and a video in which he admitted to appearing in the photo, although he did not say which costume he wore.

"I am deeply sorry for the decision I made to appear as I did in this photo and for the hurt that decision caused then and now," he said. "This behavior is not in keeping with who I am today and the values I have fought for throughout my career in the military, in medicine, and in public service. But I want to be clear, I understand how this decision shakes Virginians' faith in that commitment."

As cable television devoted hours to the controversy and social media lit up with #ResignRalph hashtags, Mr Northam's most trusted allies called for him to step down, including state Senate and House Democrats, Virginia's Legislative Black Caucus and Planned Parenthood. Calls to resign also came from Democratic presidential hopefuls Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, Sen. Kamala Harris of California, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey and former San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro.

"Black face in any manner is always racist and never okay," tweeted Derrick Johnson, president of the NAACP. "No matter the party affiliation, we can not stand for such behavior, which is why the @NAACP is calling for the resignation of Virginia Governor @RalphNortham."

The photo reverberated across the country and shook Virginians, who have struggled with a long and difficult legacy around race.

"Virginia's history is unfortunately replete with the scars and unhealed wounds caused by racism, bigotry and discrimination," said Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring, a Democrat who plans to run for governor in 2021. "It is imperative that Governor Northam hears and truly listens to those who are hurt by this image as he considers what comes next."

Herring's remarks, which stopped short of calling for Mr Northam's resignation, closely echoed sentiments expressed by the state's US senators, Tim Kaine and Mark Warner, both Democrats.

Members of the state legislature's Black Caucus said earlier that "what has been revealed is disgusting, reprehensible, and offensive. We feel complete betrayal. The legacy of slavery, racism, and Jim Crow has been an albatross around the necks of African Americans for over 400 years. These pictures rip off the scabs of an excruciatingly painful history and are a piercing reminder of this nation's sins. Those who would excuse the pictures are just as culpable."

The caucus was also grappling with revelations in another yearbook, from Mr Northam's time at Virginia Military Institute. That book listed one of his nicknames as "Coonman", which some members interpreted as a racial slur.

A Northam spokeswoman did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the nickname's meaning.

Hours after his apology, the governor released a video that repeated his contrition but said he intended to serve out the remaining three years of his term.

If Mr Northam were to resign, he would be succeeded by Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax. Fairfax, a descendant of slaves, would serve the remaining years in Mr Northam's term and then be eligible to run for a full four-year term.

Mr Northam's resignation would be the first in modern Virginia history.

The image in the yearbook from Eastern Virginia Medical School was on a page with other photos of Mr Northam and personal information about the future governor. Mr Northam, a pediatric neurologist, graduated from the medical school in Norfolk in 1984 after earning an undergraduate degree from VMI.

The yearbook page is labelled "Ralph Shearer Northam" and has photos of him in a jacket and tie, casual clothes and alongside his restored Corvette.

Another photo shows two people, one in plaid pants, bow tie and blackface and the other in a Klan robe. Both appear to be holding beer cans. The person in blackface is smiling. Beneath the photo, Mr Northam lists his alma mater and his interest in pediatrics and offers a quote: "There are more old drunks than old doctors in this world so I think I'll have another beer."

Jack Wilson, chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia, said Mr Northam should step down. "Racism has no place in Virginia," Wilson said in a statement. "These pictures are wholly inappropriate. If Governor Northam appeared in blackface or dressed in a KKK robe, he should resign immediately."

Vivian Paige, a longtime political activist in Norfolk who has known Mr Northam since he first ran for office, said she was distraught over the news and felt Mr Northam should step down.

"I'm disappointed and I believe that he can't lead the party anymore," said Ms Paige, who is African-American. "Ralph and I are a year apart in age. It really cuts to the bone to me that someone would do that at our age. Our generation - the tail end of the baby boom - we grew up in an integrated society. How could you not know that was wrong?"

Several Democratic members of Virginia's congressional delegation also called for Northam to resign, including Reps. Abigail Spanberger, Elaine Luria and A. Donald McEachin, who is African-American and served with Northam in the state Senate.

The yearbook image was first posted Friday by the website Big League Politics, a conservative outlet founded by Patrick Howley, a former writer for the Daily Caller and Breitbart.

The Washington Post independently confirmed the authenticity of the yearbook by viewing it in the medical school library in Norfolk.

The Washington PostA muddled defense that included moonwalking and a blackface Michael Jackson costume may be enough for Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam to keep his job despite widespread calls for his resignation over a racially insensitive photo in his 1984 medical school yearbook.

Virginias Constitution says elected officials who commit malfeasance in office, corruption, neglect of duty or other high crime or misdemeanor may be removed from office. Carl Tobias, a professor at the University of Richmond School of Law, told USA TODAY "nothing that has happened so far is grounds for removal" under the state's provisions for impeachment.

"There is nothing in his service as governor that satisfies those terms," Tobias said.

On Friday the governor apologized for being in the yearbook photo, which depicted one person in blackface and another wearing a Ku Klux Klan robe. But on Saturday he reversed direction, saying he doesn't believe he is in the photo and calling it "disgusting, offensive, racist."

Northam did admit to blackening his face with shoe polish for a Michael Jackson costume at a dance contest in the 1980s. And at one surreal point in his news conference Saturday he seemed to weigh showing off his moonwalking skills. His wife shut that down.

Demonstrators hold signs and chant outside the Governors office at the Capitol in Richmond, Va., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. The demonstrators are calling for the resignation of Virginia Governor Ralph Northam after a 30 year old photo of him on his medical school yearbook photo was widely distributed Friday.

Northam said looking back on his earlier days, he regretted "that I did not understand the harmful legacy of an action like that." The governor, elected in 2017, said he is determined to complete his term.

Tobias said the rules for ousting a governor were built around behavior while in office, not events from 35 years in the past. But if the state's House of Delegates did decide to impeach Northam, he would be tried in the Senate. Two-thirds of senators would have to agree for Northam to be removed.

"He may think he can survive," Tobias said. "It is unlikely that the (state) Senate would convict. But most people don't think it would get that far."

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The resignation drumbeat grew louder Sunday. Former Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe, like Northam a Democrat, and Rep. Donald McEachin, a Virginia Democrat and member of the Congressional Black Caucus, said Northam must go.

"It doesn't matter whether he was in the photo or not in the photo at this point," McAuliffe said on CNN's "State of the Union." "We have to close that chapter. It is heartbreaking, but Virginia has to move forward."

McAuliffe said Northam never displayed any racist sentiment while serving as his lieutenant governor. McEachin said he considered Northam a friend but added that the governor has lost the "authority" to lead.

"You know, we're certainly grateful for the contributions he's made to the betterment of Virginia," McEachin said on ABC's "Meet the Press." "But the question now is, is can you lead? Can you help us heal? And given the actions that he's demonstrated over the past 48 hours, the answer is clearly no."

The answer is not so clear to everyone on the state's Eastern Shore, where Northam grew up. The Rev. Kelvin Jones is pastor at First Baptist Church Capeville, about 40 miles south of Northam's hometown of Onancock.

"I think he has the right to prove himself," Jones said. "I think that he has the right to serve until he feels hes no longer capable of doing the job."

Last month, Northam went home to Accomack County to have his memories of African-American blacksmith Samuel Outlaw recorded for a documentary. Northam said Outlaw used to fix tools, tractors, bicycles and other items his family brought into the blacksmith shop.

"Growing up, the way we were raised, my brother and I, we didn't see color  and I don't think he saw color either," Northam said. "He just treated everybody as human beings. I think that's a lesson that everybody needs to hear."

Northam is a graduate of the Virginia Military Institute in 1981 and the Eastern Virginia Medical School in 1984. He served in the state Senate from 2008-2013 and as lieutenant governor from 2014 to 2017 before succeeding McAuliffe as governor.

If Northam exits, Democratic Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax, would become the state's second African-American governor. Doug Wilder was the first  elected six years after the photo was published.

Virginia's Democratic senators, Tim Kaine and Mark Warner, have called for Northam to resign. Virginia's Legislative Black Caucus issued a statement expressing "deep sense of betrayal, pain and disappointment."

The Northam controversy comes a week after the Republican-led Virginia Senate honored Robert E. Lee as a great Virginian and a great American, continuing a decades-long tradition. Some protested the move because of Lee's ownership of slaves and leadership of the Confederate army.

In Charlottesville, where efforts to remove a statue of Lee from a park led to protests and a court battle, boutique operator Racquel White, 42, said resigning would be the "right thing" for Northam.

As a black person, I do feel disappointed in him, she said. "I'm said and disappointed."

President Trump referenced the Northam controversy on Twitter: "Ed Gillespie, who ran for Governor of the Great State of Virginia against Ralph Northam, must now be thinking Malpractice and Dereliction of Duty with regard to his Opposition Research Staff. If they find that terrible picture before the election, he wins by 20 points!"

Contributing: Neill Borowski, USA TODAY; Carol Vaughn, Salisbury (Maryland) Daily Times; The (Staunton, Virginia.) News Leader

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Despite muddled moonwalk defense and calls to resign, Gov. Ralph Northam could keep his jobBy Sylvia Westall and Philip Pullella ABU DHABI (Reuters) - Pope Francis on Sunday became the first pontiff to set foot on the Arabian Peninsula, just hours after issuing his strongest condemnation yet of the war in Yemen, where his host the United Arab Emirates has a leading military role. Shortly before departing for Abu Dhabi, Pope Francis said he was following the humanitarian crisis in Yemen with great concern, using his regular Sunday address in Vatican City to urge all sides to implement a fragile peace deal and help deliver aid to millions of hungry people. "The cry of these children and their parents rises up to God," he told tens of thousands of people in St. Peter's Square. "Let us pray strongly because they are children who are hungry, who are thirsty, they don't have medicine and they are in danger of death," he said before boarding his flight. The UAE welcomed the Pope's message on Yemen and believes the peace deal he referred to was a historic breakthrough, Foreign Minister Anwar Gargash wrote on Twitter. "Let us assure its implementation and make 2019 the year of peace in Yemen," he said after the pope landed in Abu Dhabi. Yemen's warring parties agreed a ceasefire in December at the first major peace talks of the nearly four-year-old war, which pits Arab states backing an exiled president against the Iran-aligned Houthi movement that controls the capital. Tens of thousands of people have been killed in the conflict, and the United Nations says millions are on the verge of starvation. Their survival depends on the truce preventing aid from being cut off by all-out fighting for the country's main port. Francis was greeted by Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan, who escorted him to meet Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Egypt's Al-Azhar mosque and university, one of the main seats of learning of Sunni Islam. The pontiff embraced him. Both men will hold meetings with Pope Francis on Monday. The UAE plays a leading role in the Saudi-led coalition battling the Houthis in Yemen. The United Nations is trying to implement a truce and troop withdrawal deal in the main Yemeni port of Hodeidah, agreed at the December talks as a step that could pave the way for negotiations to end the conflict. Vatican officials have said it is not clear whether Pope Francis will address the sensitive subject in public or private during his visit to Abu Dhabi, which is aimed at promoting interfaith dialogue. "NEW PAGE" The pope will meet Muslim leaders and celebrate an outdoor mass for some 135,000 Catholics, an event with no precedent on the Arabian peninsula. He has said the trip, which ends on Tuesday, is an opportunity to write "a new page in the history of relations between religions". The UAE, which named 2019 its Year of Tolerance, says the visit reflects its history as a "cradle of diversity". But it faces criticism from human rights groups for jailing activists, including Ahmed Mansoor, an Emirati who is serving a 10-year sentence for criticizing the government on social media. "We are calling on Pope Francis to raise the issue of their incarceration with his hosts, and urge their immediate and unconditional release," Amnesty International said in a statement on Saturday. UAE authorities did not immediately reply to a request for comment. The UAE is home to around 1 million expatriate Catholics, many from the Philippines. Another 1 million Catholics are believed to live in other countries in the Arabian Peninsula. Priests and diplomats describe the UAE as one of the least restrictive environments in the Gulf for Christian worship. But like its neighbors, the UAE does not allow dissent or criticism of its leadership. All Gulf states except Saudi Arabia allow Christian worship in churches or church compounds and other premises with special licenses. In Saudi Arabia, non-Muslims pray in secret gatherings in private homes and embassies. Abu Dhabi's crown prince is an ally of Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who has reached out to Christian representatives abroad as part of attempts to open up the conservative kingdom. Mohammed bin Salman's international reputation has eroded since the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi agents inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in October. The pope has already visited half a dozen predominantly Muslim nations during his reign, using the trips to call for inter-religious dialogue and to condemn the use of violence in the name of God. The UAE ambassador to Washington, Yousef Al Otaiba, wrote in an op-ed in Politico magazine on Sunday that the pontiff's visit sent a signal of co-existence and respect in the face of the "menace of extremism" across the Middle East. (Editing by Gareth Jones)London (AFP) - Japanese car manufacturer Nissan announced Sunday it was cancelling plans to build its X-Trail SUV at its plant in northeast England despite Brexit assurances from the government.

"While we have taken this decision for business reasons, the continued uncertainty around the UK's future relationship with the EU is not helping companies like ours to plan for the future," Nissan Europe Chairman Gianluca de Ficchy said in a statement.

"We appreciate this will be disappointing for our UK team and partners," he added. "Our workforce in Sunderland has our full confidence."

The car giant announced in 2016 that it planned to build the model at its plant in Sunderland, but will now assemble it instead at Nissan's global production hub in Kyushu, Japan.

"Other future models planned for Nissan Sunderland Plant -- the next-generation Juke and Qashqai -- are unaffected" by the decision, according to the statement.

The company said it had decided to shift investment away from the British plant, and towards developing vehicle technology.

"A model like X-Trail is manufactured in multiple locations globally, and can therefore be re-evaluated based on changes to the business environment," explained Hideyuki Sakamoto, Nissan's executive vice president for manufacturing and supply chain management.

Local MP Bridget Phillipson, tweeted that the reports "represent deeply troubling news for the north east economy -- So many jobs and livelihoods depend on Nissan's success."

The car giant is a major employer in the region, a former industrial powerhouse that has suffered decades of economic decline, and which voted heavily in favour of Brexit.

Labour MP Julie Elliott said Brexit had played an "inevitable role" in the decision, adding: "none of it is conducive to encouraging business investment in this country".

Nissan employs almost 7,000 people at the Sunderland plant -- its largest in Europe -- which has produced cars since 1986.

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Current production includes the LEAF electric car, which reached production of 46,989 units last year.

Other multinational giants, including, Airbus warned this week that British jobs could suffer in the event of an unfavourable outcome.

The scenario of Britain exiting the European Union without a "divorce" deal is becoming ever-more possible as the clock runs down the official departure date of March 29.Handcuffed Joaquin El Chapo Guzman is made to face the press as he is escorted to a helicopter by Mexican soldiers and marines at a federal hangar in Mexico City. Mexicos most notorious cartel kingpin who twice made brazen prison escapes and spent years on the run as the countrys most wanted man, was extradited to the United States on Thursday, Jan. 19, 2017, to face drug trafficking and other charges. (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo, File)

Notorious Mexican drug lord El Chapo raped children he called vitamins, according to claims by witnesses in newly unsealed documents.

According to papers made public late on Friday, a key government co-operator told authorities that Joaquin El Chapo Guzman made him drug girls as young as 13 before the drug lord raped them at one of his Mexican hideouts in the late 2000s.

El Chapos lawyers called the accusations extremely salacious and questioned the timing of the government filing, which comes as a jury is about to start deliberating in his US drug-trafficking case.

The infamous drugs lord denies the allegations, which lack any corroboration and were deemed too prejudicial and unreliable to be admitted at trial, Eduardo Balarezo said in a statement.

It is unfortunate that the material was publicly released just prior to the jury beginning deliberations.

The jury is set to begin deliberations on Monday after a nearly three-month trial on charges that as the head of the Sinaloa cartel, Guzman oversaw a drug-smuggling empire that flooded the US market with at least 200 tons (181 metric tons) of cocaine and made 14 billion dollars (10.7 billion) from it.

The defence says co-operating witnesses have made El Chapo a scapegoat for their own crimes.





El Chapo has been accused of sleeping with underage girls

The unsealing of the documents came at the request of The New York Times and Vice News.

US District Judge Brian Cogan had ordered prosecutors to review the material  originally sealed because it was deemed unrelated to the drug charges  and make portions of it public within four days after the government rested its case against El Chapo.

One document says Colombian drug trafficker Alex Cifuentes, while living with El Chapo around 2007, told investigators someone known as Comadre Maria would offer photos of young girls to El Chapo.

For 5,000 dollars (3,800), the girl of El Chapos choice would be sent to a secluded Sinaloa ranch, Cifuentes said, according to the papers.

El Chapo instructed Cifuentes to put a powdery substance into the girls drinks before sex, said Cifuentes.

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El Chapo called the youngest of the girls his vitamins because he believed that sex with young girls gave him life', he added.

Cifuentes also admitted having sex with minors but without drugging them.

The document says other co-operating witnesses have backed up the claims about El Chapos interactions with underage girls.

Mexican drug trafficker Joaquin El Chapo Guzman Loera, seen here after his capture in 2014, is on trial in New York

The documents also describe an interview with El Chapo conducted by a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent in 1998 at a Mexican prison where Guzman escaped two years later.

They say he allegedly asked if he could avoid extradition to the United States if he provided information to the DEA about the drug-running operations of rival cartels.Paris (AFP) - President Emmanuel Macron is considering organising what would be the first referendum in France in 14 years in May as part of his response to "yellow vest" protests, a report said on Sunday.

The Journal du Dimanche newspaper added to persistent rumours that Macron was preparing to call the vote on the same day as European parliament elections on May 26.

The newspaper reported on Sunday that the French would be asked whether they wanted to reduce the number of national lawmakers, a campaign pledge by Macron.

They would also be asked whether they favoured imposing a limit on the number of terms lawmakers could serve in a bid to prevent career politicians staying in power.

"The president of the Republic doesn't exclude anything, but has not yet taken a decision," Nathalie Loiseau, European affairs minister, told French media in an interview on Sunday.

Speaking to reporters last week, Macron was asked to comment on recent reports in the investigative newspaper Le Canard Enchaine suggesting a referendum was being prepared.

"It's one of the things on the table," he said on Thursday.

Macron has faced the biggest challenge of his 20-month presidency in recent months after violent protests over fuel prices and living standards by so-called "yellow vest" demonstrators.

In December, he announced a package of measures for low-income families, including a hike in the minimum wage and other tax cuts.

He followed up by organising a "great national debate", a series of townhall meetings which are underway across the country to discuss the goverment's policy choices and challenges.

The referendum is seen as being a possible final act to conclude the debate, which would also serve as a response to the demands from the "yellow vests" for more direct democracy.

Loiseau insisted it was "premature" to talk about a referendum while the debate was underway.

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It began on January 15 and is set to run for two months.

- Distraction tactic? -

Under France's fifth republic, which began in 1958, the president is able to call referendums, but the power has been used only nine times since then.

It was last invoked in 2005 for a referendum on a new European constitution, which the then government of President Jacques Chirac lost in a shock setback.

The leader of the opposition Republicans party, Laurent Wauquiez, said Macron was taking a risk if the referendum was only about institutional questions about parliament.

He warned that such issues "were very far removed from the worries and priorities of the French people.

"Of course it's an important issue, but if it's the only issue that we propose to the people at the end, then the president is taking a great risk," he said.

Far-right leader Marine Le Pen claimed Macron was trying to distract voters from the European elections, which her National Rally party is seeking to win.

"In reality, all of this was decided from the beginning," Le Pen told BFM television.

"Even before launching the great debate he had already decided to propose a referendum on the same day as the European elections to distract attention from European issues," she added.

Macron came to power promising major reforms of the EU, which he has struggled to deliver.

His pro-European Republic on the Move party is neck-and-neck with the National Rally, according to recent polls.By Philip Wen

BEIJING (Reuters) - Two lawyers hired by the wife of an Australian detained in Beijing for suspected espionage said they have been denied access to him by Chinese authorities because the detainee did not agree to their appointment.

Yang Hengjun, a 53-year-old Chinese-born writer, was detained in the southern city of Guangzhou while waiting for a transfer to Shanghai last month. He had flown in from New York.

Yang was taken to Beijing, where China has said the city's State Security Bureau is holding him under "coercive measures", a euphemism for detention, while he is investigated on suspicion of "endangering state security".

One of the lawyers, Mo Shaoping, said the state security bureau informed him on Friday that Yang did not accept lawyers appointed by his family. Mo said the bureau rejected his request to verify this with Yang in person.

The other lawyer, Shang Baojun, told Reuters: "The thing we're most concerned about is whether this is the real wish of Yang Hengjun."

They hoped to glean more information when Australian consular officials are next allowed to meet Yang, Shang said.

China's Ministry of State Security said in a faxed response questions should be referred to the agencies in charge of the case. It had previously said Yang's rights and interests were being protected in accordance with the law.

The ministry has no publicly available contact details.

Mo previously told Reuters his client was suspected of espionage and was being held under "residential surveillance at a designated location".

The special detention measure allows authorities to interrogate suspects for six months without necessarily granting access to legal representation. Rights groups say the lack of oversight raises concern about abuse by interrogators.

(Reporting by Philip Wen; Additional reporting by Cate Cadell; Editing by Joseph Radford and Paul Tait)The Daily Beast

KOEN VAN WEEL/AFP via Getty ImagesArchie Harrison and his sister Lili may still be prince and princess after all. And they could have Camilla Parker Bowles to thank for it.Prominent royal historian Robert Lacey has told U.K. paper The Times that the issue has been discussed at the highest level and that the queen will not change existing rules, which would ultimately see Archie and Lili named prince and princess, in her lifetime. Any move to deprive the children of their titles would likely haWant to help shape the future of investing tools? Participate in a short research study and receive a 6-month subscription to the award winning Simply Wall St research tool (valued at $60)!

A look at the shareholders of HELLA GmbH & Co. KGaA (ETR:HLE) can tell us which group is most powerful. Generally speaking, as a company grows, institutions will increase their ownership. Conversely, insiders often decrease their ownership over time. I quite like to see at least a little bit of insider ownership. As Charlie Munger said Show me the incentive and I will show you the outcome.

With a market capitalization of 4.5b, HELLA GmbH KGaA is rather large. Wed expect to see institutional investors on the register. Companies of this size are usually well known to retail investors, too. Our analysis of the ownership of the company, below, shows that institutions are noticeable on the share registry. Lets delve deeper into each type of owner, to discover more about HLE.

See our latest analysis for HELLA GmbH KGaA

XTRA:HLE Ownership Summary February 3rd 19

What Does The Institutional Ownership Tell Us About HELLA GmbH KGaA?

Institutional investors commonly compare their own returns to the returns of a commonly followed index. So they generally do consider buying larger companies that are included in the relevant benchmark index.

We can see that HELLA GmbH KGaA does have institutional investors; and they hold 18% of the stock. This implies the analysts working for those institutions have looked at the stock and they like it. But just like anyone else, they could be wrong. It is not uncommon to see a big share price drop if two large institutional investors try to sell out of a stock at the same time. So it is worth checking the past earnings trajectory of HELLA GmbH KGaA, (below). Of course, keep in mind that there are other factors to consider, too.

XTRA:HLE Income Statement Export February 3rd 19

Hedge funds dont have many shares in HELLA GmbH KGaA. There are a reasonable number of analysts covering the stock, so it might be useful to find out their aggregate view on the future.

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Insider Ownership Of HELLA GmbH KGaA

The definition of company insiders can be subjective, and does vary between jurisdictions. Our data reflects individual insiders, capturing board members at the very least. The company management answer to the board; and the latter should represent the interests of shareholders. Notably, sometimes top-level managers are on the board, themselves.

Insider ownership is positive when it signals leadership are thinking like the true owners of the company. However, high insider ownership can also give immense power to a small group within the company. This can be negative in some circumstances.

Our information suggests that insiders maintain a significant holding in HELLA GmbH & Co. KGaA. It has a market capitalization of just 4.5b, and insiders have 1.1b worth of shares in their own names. Thats quite significant. It is good to see this level of investment. You can check here to see if those insiders have been buying recently.

General Public Ownership

The general public, mostly retail investors, hold a substantial 54% stake in HLE, suggesting it is a fairly popular stock. This size of ownership gives retail investors collective power. They can and probably do influence decisions on executive compensation, dividend policies and proposed business acquisitions.

Private Company Ownership

Our data indicates that Private Companies hold 3.3%, of the companys shares. Private companies may be related parties. Sometimes insiders have an interest in a public company through a holding in a private company, rather than in their own capacity as an individual. While its hard to draw any broad stroke conclusions, it is worth noting as an area for further research.

Next Steps:

Its always worth thinking about the different groups who own shares in a company. But to understand HELLA GmbH KGaA better, we need to consider many other factors.

I always like to check for a history of revenue growth. You can too, by accessing this free chart of historic revenue and earnings in this detailed graph.

If you are like me, you may want to think about whether this company will grow or shrink. Luckily, you can check this free report showing analyst forecasts for its future.

NB: Figures in this article are calculated using data from the last twelve months, which refer to the 12-month period ending on the last date of the month the financial statement is dated. This may not be consistent with full year annual report figures.

To help readers see past the short term volatility of the financial market, we aim to bring you a long-term focused research analysis purely driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis does not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements.



The author is an independent contributor and at the time of publication had no position in the stocks mentioned. For errors that warrant correction please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com.Student wing resorts to violence; government vehicles vandalised

Cadres of Nepal Students Union (NSU), the student wing of the main opposition Nepali Congress, resorted to violent protests against the governments misuse of its vehicles in various places on Saturday.Jerusalem (AFP) - Israel said Sunday that work to strengthen its border with the Gaza Strip had entered a new phase, with construction starting on a massive new barrier along the frontier.

"Over the weekend we began building the above-ground barrier along the Gaza border," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told journalists before the weekly cabinet meeting.

The barrier, set to stand six metres (20 feet) off the ground, "will prevent terrorists from Gaza from penetrating into our territory on the ground", he said in Hebrew.

Netanyahu gave no further details but a defence ministry statement said that work on the structure began Thursday.

It is set to follow the 65-kilometre (40-mile) course of an underground barrier also under construction meant to neutralise the threat of cross-border tunnels built by Gaza militants.

At its western end, the statement said, the above-ground barrier would join a fortified sea wall jutting into the Mediterranean, aimed at blocking Palestinian attacks by water.

"It's massive and especially strong," the ministry said in an accompanying video clip.

In the last Gaza war in 2014, Israeli forces killed four Hamas militants who had managed to cross into Israel by water.

Some Israeli commentators have said that Netanyahu would be unwilling to see a new uptick in hostilities with Gaza's Hamas rulers in the runup to general elections set for April 9.

But the premier, who is also defence minister, on Sunday pledged the upcoming polls would not affect security decisions.

"If the quiet is not maintained in Gaza, we will make the decisions even in the elections period and will not hesitate to act," he said.

Palestinians have for nearly a year gathered at least weekly along the Gaza border for often-violent protests.

They want to be able to return to the homes their families fled in the war surrounding Israel's creation in 1948, and are calling for an end to the Jewish state's blockade of Gaza.

Story continues

At least 246 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire in Gaza since March 30, the majority during border protests but also by tank fire and airstrikes.

Two Israeli soldiers have been killed over the same period.

Israel says its actions are necessary to defend the border and stop mass incursions into its territory.

It accuses Hamas, with whom it has fought three wars since 2008, of seeking to use the protests as cover to carry out violence.Kevin Davis worked on Wall Street for 25 years. Then he founded First Workings, a New York-based nonprofit organization that places young people of color and low-income students in internships at some of the countrys top companies.

Davis told Yahoo Finance that he was inspired to reach out to communities that are still, in many cases, underrepresented in corporate America.

I was in a position to give internships for at least 15 years of my career, and I would say that 99.9% of those internships went to my customers, colleagues, or counter-parties children, he said. We didnt have any bias against hiring kids from the Bronx or from Harlem, we just had no interaction with those neighborhoods.

Research has proven that more diverse workplaces lead to benefits across the board. In 2017, McKinsey found a direct correlation between gender and ethnic diversity and profitability: Companies with the most ethnically and culturally diverse boards worldwide are 43% more likely to experience higher profits, McKinsey wrote. The firm also found, though, that these groups are still deeply underrepresented.

What we've created is a bridge between companies seeking diversity and underserved communities seeking opportunity, Davis said.

Interns with the program are high school juniors, and company placement relies heavily on what interests selected students. Tech, health care, and fashion remain some of the most popular fields, following finance.

First Working's Executive Director Chloe Mullarkey, with Zack Klion from PJT Partners, PJT intern Fatou Kabba, and Pearl Ayamba, who interned at Mount Sinai Hospital. (Photo: Courtesy of First Workings)

Turn a dream into an opportunity

Since many of the students who connect with First Workings will be the first in their families to attend college, the program opens doors for them that otherwise may not have been an option.

"If youre a kid from the Bronx, and youre applying to an Ivy League school, and youre able to have a recommendation from White & Case or Morgan Stanley  those are very powerful recommendations," Davis said. "A university admissions officer looking at that is going to say, 'How does this kid, from this background, manage to pull off something like that?' And it makes a bigger difference for these kids than it would for an upper-middle class kid."

Story continues

For Fatou Kabba "the word 'internship' used to be a scary word." Then First Workings arranged for her to intern at the investment firm PJT Partners.

It exposed me to this whole new environment, Fatou told Yahoo Finance. By the end of her time at PJT, Fatou felt confident that she'd "mastered the material and felt confident that she'd become a quick learner."

Now in her second semester at Brown University and forging a career path of her own, Fatou said, her future is "much more visible than it was before."

She stressed how, through the internships set up through First Workings, lower-income students are put on a level with students around the country who have these experiences in their daily lives, whether through the jobs their parents have or because of opportunities presented by attending elite, private schools.

Those students see themselves in these positions because they grow up around them, Fatou said. I dont have any family members in the business community in the U.S. or who are doctors in the U.S. Before the internship I saw it as a dream. After the internship, I see it as an opportunity.

Easing financial strain

One of the biggest hurdles for many students is not only securing an internship, but also finding one that pays. As of 2016, about half of the 1.5 million internships offered in the U.S. were unpaid, according to the Guardian.

Its having to pay getting to and from work, paying for clothes you might need, being able to afford lunch, Davis said. At First Workings, he and his team are creating a structure that makes it so the kids can afford to do the internship. We make sure they have the right clothes and make sure that they have enough cash to be able to participate with coworkers in some of their social activities.

Though the financial burden is removed, many of the students are still entering offices where diversity on all levels  gender, race, age  hasnt reached a tipping point.

Fatou said that at some analyst meetings she "had to grapple with being the only black person in the room." But she used the experience as a motivator. "This experience for me was about seeing myself in that room," she explained.

(Photo: Courtesy of First Workings)

'A lot of that talent could go to waste'

First Workings currently works with 13 schools across New York City, and expects this summer's class to host between 75 to 80 students, compared with 2018's 50 students and 2017's 35.

Scaling up too quickly, without a proper infrastructure in place is something Davis and his team want to avoid. The program is about 90% funded by Davis himself, though it did recently receive a $10,000 grant from the Newman's Own Foundation to offset some costs.

While he admits the organization has a long way to go before expanding outside of New York, the goal is ultimately to reach Chicago, where Davis began his own career, and California.

"Ive learned that there is an unbelievable amount of highly intelligent, highly talented kids right across the communities that we work with," Davis said. "If I had my time over again in business, I wouldve made much more effort to access those communities, because I think that a lot of that talent, potentially, could go to waste."

READ MORE:

Follow Yahoo Finance on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Flipboard, LinkedIn, YouTube, and reddit.Wroclaw (Poland) (AFP) - What if one day all buildings could be equipped with windows and facades that satisfy the structure's every energy need, whether rain or shine?

That sustainability dream is today one step closer to becoming a reality thanks to Polish physicist and businesswoman Olga Malinkiewicz.

The 36-year-old has developed a novel inkjet processing method for perovskites -- a new generation of cheaper solar cells -- that makes it possible to produce solar panels under lower temperatures, thus sharply reducing costs.

Indeed, perovskite technology is on track to revolutionise access to solar power for all, given its surprising physical properties, some experts say.

"In our opinion, perovskite solar cells have the potential to address the world energy poverty," said Mohammad Khaja Nazeeruddin, a professor at Switzerland's Federal Institue of Technology Lausanne, an institution on the cutting-edge of solar energy research.

Solar panels coated with the mineral are light, flexible, efficient, inexpensive and come in varying hues and degrees of transparency.

They can easily be fixed to almost any surface -- be it laptop, car, drone, spacecraft or building -- to produce electricity, including in the shade or indoors.

Though the excitement is new, perovskite has been known to science since at least the 1830s, when it was first identified by German mineralogist Gustav Rose while prospecting in the Ural mountains and named after Russian mineralogist Lev Perovski.

In the following decades, synthesising the atomic structure of perovskite became easier.

But it was not until 2009 that Japanese researcher Tsutomu Miyasaka discovered that perovskites can be used to form photovoltaic solar cells.

- 'Bull's eye' -

Initially the process was complicated and required ultra high temperatures, so only materials that could withstand extreme heat -- like glass -- could be coated with perovskite cells.

This is where Malinkiewicz comes in.

Story continues

In 2013, while still a PhD student at the University of Valencia in Spain, she figured out a way to coat flexible foil with perovskites using an evaporation method.

Later, she developed an inkjet printing procedure that lowered production costs enough to make mass production economically feasible.

"That was a bull's eye. Now high temperatures are no longer required to coat things with a photovoltaic layer," Malinkiewicz told AFP.

Her discovery quickly earned her an article in the journal Nature and media attention, as well as the Photonics21 Student Innovation award in a competition organised by the European Commission.

The Polish edition of the MIT Technology Review also selected her as one of its Innovators Under 35 in 2015.

She went on to cofound the company Saule Technologies -- named after the Baltic goddess of the sun -- along with two Polish businessmen.

They had to assemble all their laboratory equipment from scratch, before multimillionaire Japanese investor Hideo Sawada came on board.

The company now has an ultra-modern laboratory with an international team of young experts and is building an industrial-scale production site.

"This will be the world's first production line using this technology. Its capacity will reach 40,000 square metres of panels by the end of the year and 180,000 square metres the following year," Malinkiewicz said at her lab.

"But that's just a drop in the bucket in terms of demand."

Eventually, compact production lines could easily be installed everywhere, according to demand, to manufacture perovskite solar panels that are made to measure.

- Self-sufficient buildings -

The Swedish construction group Skanska is testing the cutting-edge panels on the facade of one of its buildings in Warsaw.

It also inked a licencing partnership with Saule in December for the exclusive right to incorporate the company's solar cell technology in its projects in Europe, the United States and Canada.

"Perovskite technology is bringing us closer to the goal of energy self-sufficient buildings," said Adam Targowski, sustainability manager at Skanska.

"Perovskites have proven successful even on surfaces that receive little sunlight. We can apply them pretty much everywhere," he told AFP.

"More or less transparent, the panels also respond to design requirements. Thanks to their flexibility and varying tints, there's no need to add any extra architectural elements."

A standard panel of around 1.3 square metres, at a projected cost of 50 euros ($57), would supply a day's worth of energy to an office workstation, according to current estimates.

Malinkiewicz insists that the initial cost of her products will be comparable to conventional solar panels.

Perovskite technology is also being tested on a hotel in Japan, near the city of Nagasaki.

Plans are also afoot for the pilot production of perovskite panels in Valais, Switzerland and in Germany under the wings of the Oxford Photovoltaics venture.

"The potential of the technology is clearly enormous," Assaad Razzouk, the CEO of Singapore-based Sindicatum Rewable Energy, a developer and operator of clean energy projects in Asia, told AFP.

"Just think of all the buildings one could retrofit worldwide!"A smash-hit South Korean TV series is giving Lee Min-joo flashbacks of the punishing work schedule she endured at an elite Seoul high school as she competed for a place at a top university.

Now 23, Lee recalls how she would wake at six to catch the bus, study until 10pm and arrive home an hour later, before repeating the cycle -- a daily routine she shared with her peers in the hyper-competitive society.

"I wasn't getting enough sleep, I wasn't getting enough exercise," she said. "I was processing a lot of information all the time."

South Korea's most successful cable television series has touched a nerve with Lee as it portrays wealthy, overbearing parents desperate to send their children to the best universities -- whatever the cost.

"SKY Castle" is named after the acronym for the country's most prestigious educational triumvirate: Seoul National, Korea and Yonsei universities.

The show resonates in a society where high-school academic performance is seen as pivotal in defining adult lives, holding the key to the best universities at home and abroad, social status, a stable job and even marriage prospects.

Some of the plotlines are commonplace, featuring expensive extra-curricular tuition, while others are inspired by real-life events, including a high-school teacher's arrest last year on charges of stealing exam papers for his own daughters.

Ahead of the series finale on Friday, its most popular episode had been watched by 23 percent of South Korea's entire subscription television audience, the highest such rating ever achieved by a drama.

"The show is obviously exaggerated, but so many South Koreans are responding to it because it really does reflect reality," said Choi Jae-young, an education activist in Seoul.

South Korean children have been repeatedly cited as the least happy in the OECD group of developed countries, while government data shows suicide is the leading cause of death among young South Koreans aged nine to 24.

Story continues

- 'What about Harvard?' -

Selective establishments of the kind in "SKY Castle" account for less than five percent of South Korean high schools, but provided 36.2 percent of SKY's first-year students in 2018, according to the World Without Worries about Shadow Education think-tank.

Almost half these schools are in the state sector and the rest are private, but most of them seek to send their students to SKY or top global universities like Harvard and Oxford.

At Lee's school teachers told pupils they were "not contributing" if they did not secure such spots, and the student culture was no less fierce.

"People would tell you anecdotes about a student who stayed all night every single day and went to the medical school at Seoul National University (SNU)," she said.

"That is admirable but it's also unhealthy on so many levels."

Lee was admitted to Georgetown University in Washington, only for one teacher to remark: "I thought you could do better than that. What about Harvard?"

Now a teacher herself, Lee feels she missed out on crucial elements of childhood, such as time to talk to her parents, whom she described as loving and supportive.

"I would literally never see them," she said. "They didn't understand what I was going through."

- Family values -

In "SKY Castle", one boy fulfils his mother's greatest ambition for him -- admission to SNU medical school -- only to turn it down and reject his family.

"I'm just going to go and live my own life," he says.

One SKY graduate in Seoul who did not want to be named said her parents were overjoyed when she did well at school, but would become stern and distant when her grades slipped.

When characters in "SKY Castle" asked their parents "to see them and love them for who they are, plain and simple, and not for their accomplishments", she said, it "resonated a lot with me".

Her parents were not SKY graduates and regularly told her about resulting professional disadvantages.

"I just wish I had been motivated on my own, and not through my parents' wishes for me," said the 29-year-old.

Activist Choi, who is working with lawmakers to ban discrimination based on university degrees, said South Korea's educational culture had social consequences.

"Under the current system, you are forced to view your friends only as your competitors," he said. "The result is a society where almost nobody has any support network."

Even now, the 29-year-old who spoke to AFP feels anxiety and a need to "prove herself" after her years at an elite high school.

"Those very high standards are now wired into me," she said. "What makes me a worthy and lovable person? I still wonder. That question is something that will take all my life to answer."LIBREVILLE, Gabon (AP)  Gabon's government thwarted an attempted military coup on Monday, retaining control of the oil-rich West African nation after two plotters were killed and other army officers were arrested, the government said.

Authorities regained control of state broadcasting offices and a major thoroughfare in the capital, Libreville, which were the only areas taken over by the officers, government spokesman Guy-Betrand Mapangou told Radio France International.

He said five army officers who took over state radio were arrested. Two other coup plotters were killed when security forces took over and freed some hostages, according to a presidential statement reported by RFI.

A curfew was imposed over the capital, Libreville, and the internet was cut. The city on the Atlantic Ocean coast was being patrolled by military tanks and armed vehicles.

Earlier Monday a soldier who identified himself as Lt. Obiang Ondo Kelly, commander of the Republican Guard, read out a statement saying the military had seized control of Gabon's government in order to "restore democracy." He was flanked by two other soldiers holding weapons; all were dressed in camouflage uniforms and green berets.

Those soldiers have been taken into custody and President Ali Bongo's government remains in control, government spokesman Mapangou said.

Bongo, who has been in power since 2009, has been out of the country since October amid reports that he had a stroke. He recently addressed the country in a New Year's message that was filmed in Morocco, where he has been receiving medical treatment.

Gabon, sub-Saharan Africa's third-largest oil producer, has been ruled for more than half a century by Bongo and his father, Omar, who died in 2009. Critics have accused the family of profiting from the country's natural resources while not investing enough in basic services for the population of more than 2 million. About one-third of the population lives below the poverty line, according to the World Bank.

Story continues

As news of the coup reverberated through the international community, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the attempted coup and called on all in the country to follow its constitutional laws, spokesman Stephane Dujarric said.

The African Union also affirmed its support for the Bongo government.

"The African Union strongly condemns the coup attempt this morning in Gabon," the head of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, said on Twitter. "I reaffirm the AU's rejection of all anti-constitutional change."

In his brief New Year's address, the 59-year-old Bongo declared that the country was "indivisible" and acknowledged his health problems without giving details. "A difficult period," he called it, and a challenge that he surmounted "thanks to God." He promised to put all of his efforts into improving the daily quality of life for Gabon's people.

The French-educated Bongo, who was the country's defense minister before becoming president, narrowly won re-election in 2016 in a vote opposition rival Jean Ping claimed was plagued by irregularities, and he continues to call himself the country's real president.ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Turkey has maintained low-level contact with the Syrian government, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday, even though Ankara has supported rebels who fought for years to topple President Bashar al-Assad. Erdogan has described Assad as a terrorist and said several times during Syria's eight-year conflict that the Syrian leader must go. But with support from Russia and Iran, Assad has recaptured large parts of Syria from rebel fighters, driving them from most of their former strongholds. Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said in December Turkey and other countries would consider working with Assad if he won a democratic election, and last month said Ankara was in indirect contact with Damascus via Russia and Iran. Erdogan suggested on Sunday that Turkey also had direct contacts with the Syrian government. "Foreign policy with Syria continues at a lower level," he told broadcaster TRT in an interview, adding that intelligence services operated differently to political leaders. "Leaders may be cut out. But intelligence units can communicate for their interests," Erdogan said. "Even if you have an enemy, you should not break the ties. You may need that later." The Turkish president also said that a proposed safe zone in northeastern Syria, which President Donald Trump has said should be established as U.S. forces withdraw from the area, could not be set up by Western coalition forces without Turkey. "We can provide the security in the area. We can manage the region together with you," Erdogan said. "No problem there. But we can't leave the region for coalition forces." Washington has said the proposed safe zone should address Turkish concerns about preventing any cross-border threat from Kurdish YPG militia fighters in north Syria, while also preventing Turkish military operations against the YPG. Trump abruptly announced his intention in December to withdraw the 2,000-strong U.S. force from Syria, over the objections of top advisers including Defense Secretary Jim Mattis who quit in protest. One of the main concerns of critics of Trump's decision is the fate of the YPG if U.S. forces leave. The group has been the main ally of U.S. forces battling Islamic State in Syria. Turkey, however, considers the YPG to be a terrorist group indistinguishable from the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) which has fought an insurgency in mainly Kurdish southeastern Turkey since the 1980s. Erdogan is due to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani for talks on Syria in the Russian resort of Sochi on Feb. 14. (Reporting by Dominic Evans; Editing by Gareth Jones and Peter Graff)Istanbul (AFP) - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Sunday said his government maintained "low-level" contact through its spy agency with the Syrian regime despite being one of its most fervent critics.

Ankara fell out with the regime of President Bashar al-Assad following the 2011 crackdown on popular dissent, with Erdogan denouncing him as "killer Assad".

The Turkish leader has ruled out any direct talks with Assad and Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said in December Ankara was only in contact with Damascus through third parties, namely Russia and Iran.

Erdogan's comments Sunday are the first time he has confirmed direct low-level talks with Damascus.

"Foreign policy is being conducted with Syria at low-level," Erdogan told the state-run TRT television in an interview, adding that spy agencies could maintain links even if their leaders did not.

"Even if it's your enemy, you will not entirely break ties in case you might need them," he said.

Turkey, home to nearly four million Syrian refugees, is backing rebels seeking Assad's ouster.

- 'Whatever is needed'-

Asked about the US withdrawal plan, Erdogan said he hoped Washington would pull out its troops out of Syria soon.

If not, he warned, Ankara would take action to avert the possible terror threat posed by US-backed Syrian Kurdish militia.

"I hope (the US) will complete (the pullout) in a short period of time because we do not want to live under threat," Erdogan said.

"Whenever we see any sign of a threat, we will do whatever is needed," he said.

Erdogan's government welcomed a surprise announcement in December by US President Donald Trump that he was pulling around 2,000 American troops from the war-torn country.

That has prompted Turkey to put on hold its plans to launch a military operation in Syria to drive out Syrian Kurdish militia deemed as "terrorists" by Ankara.

Turkey is pushing for a 32 kilometre (20 mile) "security zone" in Syria after receiving the US backing.

Story continues

The "safe zone" or "security zone" would be on the Syrian side of the 900-kilometre Syria-Turkey border.

Erdogan showed the negotiated "security zone" on the map, during the live broadcast, which he said would stretch from Jarabulus in northern Syria to the Iraqi border.

And he urged the US, a NATO ally, to hand over the zone's security to Turkish troops.

Turkey is ready to run the "security zone" together with the US, he said but "we cannot leave it to coalition forces because we need to feel safe."

He said: "We cannot trust coalition forces... they have neither troops to ensure security there nor logistical means," Erdogan said.

The Turkish army has launched two major operations in Syria in 2016 and in 2018 to combat Syrian Kurdish fighters as well as Islamic State group jihadists.

The deployment of Turkish troops and their proxy forces in areas of northwest Syria has drawn accusations by some critics of a Turkish military occupation.

Erdogan, who visited Russia for talks over the "security zone" last month, also said he would meet President Vladimir Putin in Sochi on February 14.

- US 'silence'-

Wading into the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, who was killed by a Saudi hit team in the kingdom's Istanbul consulate, last year, Erdogan accused the United States of "silence".

"I cannot understand America's silence.... We want everything to be clarified because there is an atrocity, there is a murder," he said.

"The Khashoggi murder is not an ordinary one."

Khashoggi, a Washington Post contributor and Saudi regime critic, was murdered at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2 soon after he entered the compound to obtain paperwork for his upcoming marriage to a Turkish woman.

Riyadh described it as a "rogue" operation but denied any involvement by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

The case has caused strains in the kingdom's ties with Washington.Rose prices surge ahead of Valentines Day

With prices of red rose surging, its going to get even more expensive to express your feelings to your loved ones during Valentines Day.Washington (AFP) - The US scrapping of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty with Russia could launch a new arms race, but will also allow the United States to update its nuclear arsenal, a publicly stated goal for the past year.

President Donald Trump announced Friday the US was suspending its obligations under the INF treaty as of Saturday and starting a process to withdraw in six months.

NATO has said that US allies "fully support" its withdrawal from the pact, and agreed that Russia's 9M729 ground-launched cruise missile systems violates the treaty.

A day later, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a tit-for-tat withdrawal from the pact to develop "new types of weapons," calling Washington's decision "unilateral and totally unprovoked."

The United States has complained about the alleged Russian violations for years.

But now it's also speaking openly about its chance to upgrade its arms stock.

When the United States unveiled its new nuclear policy in February 2018, it warned that it planned to buy two new weapons: a new type of low-power nuclear missile to be launched from a submarine, and a new type of nuclear cruise missile that would violate the INF agreement.

This new missile -- which would only come into service within a decade -- would only be a violation of the treaty if it were deployed, the Pentagon says.

It has always stressed that a research and development program was not prohibited by the 1987 treaty with Moscow.

So starting Saturday "we are no longer bound by the constraints of the Treaty," Johnny Michael, a Pentagon spokesman, told AFP Friday.

The 2019 US military budget provides funds for developing this new intermediate-range land-based missile and "we are still in the research phase," the spokesman said.

In fact, the Pentagon was already preparing its response to Russian missile 9M729, with a top range of 480 kilometers, Moscow insists.

Story continues

But Washington, backed by NATO allies, says that Russian missile has already been tested on much greater distances.

- Arms race -

Johns Hopkins University's Jeffrey Pryce argues that the INF treaty favors the United States because, while it prohibits all surface-to-air missiles with a range of 500 to 5,500 kilometers, conventional or intermediate, anything fired from a submarine or dropped by a bomber, simply is not covered.

"Thus, the INF Treaty deprives Russia of a significant military capability, for which its size and location are strategic advantages," the former Pentagon official said on Twitter.

"The US, by contrast, has the world's most powerful navy and air force. And the INF Treaty does not restrict sea-launched or air-launched missiles."

According to figures from the anti-nuclear group Union of Concerned Scientists, the US nuclear arsenal holds 4,600 nuclear weapons, of which 1,740 are deployed and ready to be used at any time, and 2,922 stored.

Ten US Navy submarines armed with nuclear missiles are constantly patrolling the seas, the group said.

Russia has a similar number of nuclear warheads, but its nuclear submarines are in bad shape, as several accidents have shown in recent years.

China, keen to assert military supremacy in Asia, also has intermediate-range missiles. According to experts, 95 percent of Chinese missiles would violate the INF treaty if Beijing was a signatory.

Michael Krepon, of the Stimson Center, believes that "we're headed toward a new nuclear arms race.

"Any time your national defense budget is ten times bigger than Russia's and five times bigger than China's, you can afford an arms race. But arms races usually don't end well: even if you stay ahead of the competition, your security is diminished."Donald Trump: US will keep troops in Iraq to watch Iran - AP

The United States will keep troops in Iraq in order to watch Iran, Donald Trump said on Sunday.

Mr Trump said he wanted to maintain a military presence in the country even though he had repeatedly described the original decision to invade Iraq as one of the greatest mistakes ever made by the US.

We spent a fortune on building this incredible base. We might as well keep it, Mr Trump said in a wide-ranging interview on the CBS flagship political programme, Face the Nation.

One of the reasons I want to keep it is because I want to be looking a little bit at Iran because Iran is a real problem.

The base, he said, was perfectly situated for looking across the whole of the Middle East.

We're going to keep watching and we're going to keep seeing and if there's trouble, if somebody is looking to do nuclear weapons or other things, we're going to know it before they do.

The US president has faced criticism over his approach to the Middle East, alarming senior Republicans over his determination to disengage from the region.

Mr Trump, however, reiterated his unhappiness with the endless and costly wars in Syria and Afghanistan as he sought to clarify and justify his approach to the region.

Just before Christmas, Mr Trump announced that he was pulling 2,000 troops out of Syria against the wishes of his defence secretary at the time, James Mattis, who quit in protest.

In the Face the Nation interview, the US president said he had asked for Mr Mattis to resign because he was unhappy with his performance.

He resigned because I was very nice to him. But I gave him big budgets and he didn't do well in Afghanistan, he said.

However, in the interview he was non-committal over the timescale for withdrawing troops from Syria because of the US commitment to protecting Israel.

On Afghanistan, Mr Trump, who has been a critic of Americas involvement in the country, confirmed that some troops would remain after some forces are withdrawn.

Story continues

I'll leave intelligence there. Real intelligence, by the way. I'll leave intelligence there and if I see nests forming, I'll do something about it.

But at the same time, he hinted that he was hopeful a peace deal could be negotiated with the Taliban.

We've been there close to 19 years. And it's time. And we'll see what happens with the Taliban. They want peace. They're tired.

Everybody's tired. We'd like to have - I don't like endless wars. This war. What we're doing is got to stop at some point.

Mr Trumps determination to reduce Americas presence in the Middle East and his scrapping of the Iran nuclear deal flies in the face of the advice he has been given by the US intelligence establishment.

But Mr Trump was unrepentant over his decision to ignore his own intelligence experts who have said that Iran has complied with the nuclear deal.

I disagree with them 100 per cent. It is a vicious country that kills many people, Mr Trump said.

So when my intelligence people tell me how wonderful Iran is - if you don't mind, I'm going to just go by my own counsel.

He blamed the intelligence services for Americas involvement in Iraq.

Those intel people didn't know what the hell they were doing, and they got us tied up in a war that we should have never been in. And we've spent seven trillion dollars in the Middle East and we have lost lives.

Stephen Myrow, managing partner with Beacon Policy Advisors, a Washington DC-based policy analysis firm, said the US president was using the interview to move the debate on from the government shutdown.

He is trying to turn the page, he said. He is clearly in campaign mode and this is aimed at his 'America First' base.

For the first time he is facing pushback from his own party in Washington and this is a case of his saying 'promises made, promises kept'.Perhaps the most common left-wing critique of Donald Trump is that he represents an extraordinary threat to American democracy. Hes not a normal Republican, or even a normal Republican with a bad Twitter habit; hes something else entirely. Hes a threat to American norms and values, a mendacious wannabe authoritarian whos unlocking the darkest forms of white-identity politics and straining the unity of an already polarized nation. Hes the man who could destroy the post-war international order and ultimately bring ruin to the network of alliances and trading relationships that has kept the United States safe and prosperous for generations.

These are desperate times for the nation, Democrats say. This is a moment when patriotic Americans should put aside their differences, rally behind a message of national unity, and defeat Trump to  at the very least  restore basic respect for the rule of law and the American constitutional order. The 40 percent have chosen their man. Now liberals must extend their arms to the 60 percent and sweep Trumpism from the land.

Or not. Judging from the last month, now is the time for Democrats to sprint to the left, countering Trumps base politics with base politics of their own. In just the last few days weve seen Kamala Harris propose the abolition of private health insurance, Elizabeth Warren propose a plainly unconstitutional wealth tax, and Democratic bills in New York, Virginia, and Vermont seeking to expand access to third-trimester abortions  procedures that even a majority of Democrats dislike. At the same time, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has proposed a 70 percent tax rate on top earners, and Nancy Pelosi has called a border wall an immorality  even as Democrats in the past have voted for and funded hundreds of miles of border barriers.

Note that the people highlighted above are all mainstream Democratic figures. Ocasio-Cortez is only a freshman congressman, yes, but shes already one of the most influential Democrats online, and her tax ideas were enthusiastically received by serious progressives. Harris and Warren are leading contenders for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020. Nancy Pelosi is the speaker of the House.

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The Democratic party has responded to the shocking defeat of Hillary Clinton by moving decisively to Hillarys left. And even as it makes this move, it ramps up its condemnation not just of Trumps core base  the people who rationalize and excuse his abuses and excesses  but even those who voted for him reluctantly, out of concern that the Democrats would threaten their religious liberty, disrupt their health care, and expand access to abortion (even late-term abortion) at every turn.

From the beginning, Democrats viewed Trump not as a threat but as an opportunity. They saw his nomination as the guarantor of Hillarys victory. They laughed at Republicans who struggled to stop him in the primary, chortled through the general-election debates, and cracked open champagne even as things were taking a turn on Election Night. They may not have seen him as a true threat until Florida was called, or Ohio went red.

Its clear now that Democrats are back to their old ways. The shock of Trumps election has worn off, the joy of 2018s blue wave is still fresh in their minds, and theyre gazing longingly at FiveThirtyEights poll tracker. Even amid astounding prosperity and relative peace, Trumps approval rating is hovering at 39.5 percent. The Republicans are losing the suburbs, and the 2020 Senate map looks more favorable than 2018s. Does a sweep beckon? Can the Democrats have it all? Can they move left and still win?

Maybe they can. Trumps 2016 victory may well be explained by a single name: Hillary. After all, shes proven time and again that shes one of the least effective campaigners in modern times. She squandered a huge lead to Barack Obama in 2008, needed the DNCs help to stave off a challenge from a socialist gadfly in 2016, and actually lost a presidential race to Donald Trump. Its entirely possible that the Democrats can run anyone else (so long as that person isnt actively corrupt or grotesquely incompetent) and win back the White House this time around.

But the Democrats are playing a dangerous game. Calling Trump a threat yet treating him like an opportunity deepens cynicism and exacerbates polarization. One can understand rejecting racists, declaring that the tent isnt big enough for white nationalists. But the #resistance is sprinting away from people who are horrified at the thought of killing fully formed, viable babies. Its rejecting people who uphold the traditional tenets of the Christian faith, often viciously and wrongly mocking them as bigots. Its even running away from the tens of millions of people who quite simply want to keep a health-care plan they like.

Suburbanites broke with Trump in part because their concerns about his character and impulsiveness outweighed their appreciation for the booming economy. Thats a valid and rational choice. But what if the deal changes? What if those critical suburban voters no longer have the luxury of a protest vote or a check on the presidents worst instincts, but are instead faced with a much starker choice, between the status quo and the loss of their health insurance, diminished individual liberty, and an enshrined right to commit infanticide?

Then a seemingly sure-thing election could slip from Democrats grasp. In reaching for everything, they may get nothing, and theyll have no one to blame but themselves.

More from National ReviewConsumer Reports has no financial relationship with advertisers on this site.

Its embarrassing and uncomfortable to leak urine when you sneeze, or to race to a bathroom only to experience an unexpected gush as soon as you unbutton your pants.

But more than half of adults 65 and older experience accidental urine leaks, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

With stress incontinence, movement such as coughing, sneezing, or lifting puts pressure on the bladder, causing urine to leak.

With urge incontinence (sometimes called overactive bladder), the other main type, theres a sudden, immediate urge to urinate.

Both are more common as we get older. As people age, theres a natural weakening of pelvic and bladder muscles over time, especially among women who have had vaginal childbirths, says Vannita Simma-Chiang, M.D., a urologist at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City.

That doesnt mean you have to live with the condition.

People just assume some leakage as they get older is normal, but its not inevitable, says Yul Ejnes, M.D., an internal medicine specialist at Coastal Medical in Cranstone, R.I., and a former chair of the American College of Physicians Board of Regents. If it bothers you, there are things you can do to improve it.

Try the following strategies.

Tell Your Doctor

It might seem embarrassing to talk about, Ejnes says, but its important providers know, so they can make sure its not due to another condition, such as type 2 diabetes or a neurological condition such as Parkinsons.

Your doctor will perform a physical exam, ask about your medical history, and try to pinpoint which type of incontinence you have. (For example, leaking urine after you cough or laugh is more likely stress incontinence.)

He or she should also check your medication to make sure none is worsening the problem, and test your urine for blood, which could signal a urinary tract infection.

Story continues

Your next step will probably be to keep a diary for a few days, writing down when and how much fluid you drink, when you go to the bathroom and how much urine you produce, and when leaks occur.

Tweak Your Lifestyle

A few steps, along with a doctors treatment, may help ease incontinence.

Lose weight if youre overweight. This can take pressure off your bladder, Simma-Chiang says.

Be savvy about fluids. Try small amounts at regular intervals throughout the day rather than a large amount all at once, which can overwhelm your bladder. Limit alcohol and coffee, which increase urine production.

Work on getting regular. If youre chronically constipated, those stuck bowel movements can cause leaks by putting pressure on the bladder, says Carrie Pagliano, D.P.T., a spokesperson for the American Physical Therapy Association.

So get enough fiber. Women should get 25 grams per day; men, 38 grams. Talk to your doctor if this doesnt help.

Try Nondrug Therapies

Instead of medication, the American Urological Association and the American College of Physicians recommend pelvic exercises and bladder training first.

Postmenopausal women who did both weekly for three months had a 75 percent reduction in urine leaks, according to a study published in 2016 in the journal Menopause.

Physical activity can help normalize weight, which reduces pressure on the bladder. Many types, including brisk walking and yoga, appear to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles that help control the bladders actions.

Kegel exercises, which strengthen the muscles that control urination, are important for men and women, says Sandip Vasavada, M.D., director of the Cleveland Clinics Center for Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery.

To do them, pretend youre about to urinate, then tighten the muscles you would use to stop the urine flow. Hold for 3 seconds, then relax for a count of three. Work up to holding for 10 seconds at a time, with three daily sets of 10 to 15 repetitions.

If Kegels dont help after several weeks, ask to be referred for pelvic floor physical therapy. Women who have this are about five times more likely to report full symptom relief, according to a 2018 review.

We can watch them doing Kegels while we do an ultrasound to make sure theyre doing them correctly, and if theyre not, show them how, Pagliano says.

Biofeedback, which shows you which muscles youre using, can be useful.

A physical therapist can also work with you on bladder training, helping you to teach your bladder to hold more urine by going to the bathroom at specific intervals during the day and gradually increasing the time between trips.

For women with stress incontinence, a pessary, a reusable device worn in the vagina, can help support the bladder. Impressa, an over-the-counter pessarylike device, is also designed to reduce leaks.

Be Cautious About Meds

Several medications are approved for urge incontinence, including mirabegron (Myrbetriq), oxybutynin (Ditropan XL and generic), solifenacin (Vesicare), and tolterodine (Detrol and generic).

Consider them only if incontinence symptoms interfere with a good nights sleep or make you feel uncomfortable about leaving home, Simma-Chiang says.

Most (except mirabegron) are anticholinergics, which have been linked to dry mouth, blurry vision, constipation, dizziness, and confusion and dementia in older adults.

A large analysis published in 2018 in The BMJ found that these types of drugs are associated with a higher dementia risk even 20 years after use.

Mirabegron can cause dry mouth, raise blood pressure, and hike the risk of urinary tract infections and constipation.

For men whose leaks are related to an enlarged prostate, tamsulosin (Flomax), finasteride (Proscar and generic), and dutasteride (Avodart and generic) make it easier to fully empty the bladder. Tamsulosin can cause dizziness and headache; the others could reduce sex drive.

Consider Other Options

If meds and nondrug therapies arent sufficient, there are other options, such as injections of botulinum toxin type A (Botox) into the bladder muscles. Its very effective, but about 5 percent of the time it can affect your ability to empty your bladder fully, so you may need a temporary catheter, Vasavada says.

In sacral nerve stimulation, electrical impulses are sent to lower-back nerves that control bladder and pelvic floor muscles.

In tibial nerve stimulation, electrical impulses are sent from the tibial nerve to the spine, where it connects with nerves that help control the bladder.

Several surgical procedures are also available for stress incontinence. The most common is the urethral sling, where strips of synthetic mesh are implanted to support the urethra. It can be helpful but carries dangers, such as infection and worsening incontinence, and the risk of the mesh eroding.

Editors Note: This article also appeared in the March 2019 issue of Consumer Reports On Health.

Consumer Reports has no financial relationship with advertisers on this site.





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Consumer Reports is an independent, nonprofit organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. CR does not endorse products or services, and does not accept advertising. Copyright  2019, Consumer Reports, Inc.JERUSALEM (AP)  Palestinian protesters and Israeli troops skirmished Friday as hundreds demonstrated against violence by Jewish settlers in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and thousands more against a crippling Israeli-Egyptian blockade in the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip.

In Gaza, mass demonstrations along the perimeter fence with Israel have been a weekly routine over the past 10 months. In the West Bank, where the Palestinian Authority holds limited sway, the protest was sparked by the killing of a Palestinian at al-Mughayyir village last Saturday, which the Palestinians blamed on the settlers.

Ashraf al-Kidra, spokesman for the Health Ministry, said 32 Palestinians were wounded by gunfire at several sections along the fence Friday.

Earlier on Friday, mediators from Egypt and the United Nations, worried that the border violence could evolve into an all-out conflict between Hamas and Israel, met with leaders of the militant group.

Ismail Haniyeh, the militant group's chief, described the meeting as "unprecedented" but did not elaborate.

Hamas on Friday accused Israel of not honoring an unofficial truce agreement to gradually ease the blockade and vowed to escalate the protests, which have seen the death of nearly 190 Palestinians since they were launched in the spring.

In the village of al-Mughayyir, hundreds of demonstrators waving Palestinian flags rallied, hurling stones at Israeli forces and burning tires.

The Israeli army said it responded with "riot dispersal means," referring to tear gas, rubber bullets and stun grenades. The official Palestinian news agency Wafa reported that seven Palestinians were injured.

The circumstances that led to the death of Hamdi Naasan, 38, last Saturday remain in dispute, with Palestinians saying that Israeli settlers shot him and settlers contending they fired in the air to chase away attackers after a Jewish man was stabbed. The Israeli police and military have launched investigations.Phnom Penh (AFP) - Tens of thousands of Cambodians packed a stadium in Phnom Penh Monday to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the expulsion of the brutal Khmer Rouge regime -- a day strongman Prime Minister Hun Sen called the country's "second birthday".

The ultra-Maoist Khmer Rouge, led by Pol Pot, installed a reign of terror in 1975 that left two million Cambodians dead from starvation, hard labour, torture and mass executions.

It ended on January 7, 1979, when Hun Sen, a former Khmer Rouge cadre, led Vietnamese forces into the capital to expel the murderous regime.

The 66-year-old premier hailed the day as Cambodia's "second birthday" at an elaborate ceremony in Phnom Penh's Olympic Stadium, where he was joined by traditional Khmer apsara dancers and marching bands.

"Today we celebrate this ceremony in order to recall unforgotten memories of the most heinous crimes of Pol Pot's group," Hun Sen told the crowd, and thanked Vietnam for saving the country.

A UN-backed tribunal found two top Khmer Rouge leaders guilty of genocide in a landmark ruling in November.

The feisty prime minister -- who has ruled the country for 33 years -- also took the opportunity to revisit history, hitting back at countries which continued supporting the Khmer Rouge after its ouster.

"These countries ... boasted about humanitarian and human rights and democracy (but) unjustly blocked" when the people needed assistance from the international community, he said, without naming any specific nation.

After the regime was toppled in 1979, Hun Sen found his Vietnam-backed government caught between geopolitical forces as the US sought to keep the ousted Khmer Rouge at the table in the United Nations.

The Southeast Asian country in recent years has tilted towards China thanks to loans for infrastructure and few complaints on human rights issues.

Last July, his party won a much-criticised election handily, after his government dissolved the country's main opposition group and jailed its leader -- effectively turning Cambodia into a one-party state.

Hun Sen on Monday vowed to "deny the actions of extremist opposition politicians and the foreign circle behind them", claiming that they were trying to push Cambodia from a democratic path.

Critics say Hun Sen's 33-year reign, as one of the longest serving premiers in the world, has created a more repressive Cambodia, where journalists, rights defenders and opposition politicians are routinely jailed for dissent.Bangui (Central African Republic) (AFP) - A peace accord between the Central African Republic government and 14 armed groups will be initialled in Khartoum on Tuesday, and signed in full at a later date, the government in Sudan, which hosted the peace talks, announced.

Central African President Faustin Archange Touadera would attend the ceremony to initial the document, originally scheduled for Sunday, Sudanese foreign ministry spokesman Babikir al-Siddiq said in a statement on Sunday.

He did not specify where it would take place.

A breakthrough was announced on Saturday at the conclusion of talks in Khartoum, backed by the United Nations and the African Union, which started on January 24 in a bid to end years of fighting that has killed thousands of people.

No details of the agreement have been released. But one of the main points in dispute during the talks had been the question of an amnesty for the rebels.

Under Western pressure, Bangui has always refused pardons for warlords, several of whom are under UN sanctions or cited for human rights violations in UN reports.

On Saturday, African Union Commissioner for Peace and Security Smail Chergui said a deal had been struck though some details still had to be ironed out.

This agreement is the seventh since 2012 in a country that has suffered years of conflict. All the previous pacts broke down.

Central African Republic is rich in mineral resources but remains one of the world's poorest nations.

It has struggled to recover from a 2013 civil war that erupted when President Francois Bozize, a Christian, was overthrown by mainly Muslim Seleka rebels.

In response, Christians, who account for about 80 percent of the population, organised vigilante units dubbed "anti-Balaka" in reference to the balaka machetes used by Seleka rebels.

Thousands of people have died in the violence, 700,000 have been internally displaced, and another 570,000 have fled abroad.

Rebel forces currently control between 70 and 80 percent of the country, despite the presence of more than 12,000 UN peacekeepers (MINUSCA) in the former French colony.A German World War I hand grenade was found among a shipment of French potatoes imported for a Hong Kong crisp factory, police said.

The device was safely detonated after it was discovered at the Calbee snacks factory Saturday.

"The grenade was in an unstable condition because it has been previously discharged but failed to detonate," Superintendent Wilfred Wong Ho-hon told reporters.

Police detonated it on site, Wong said, with a police video showing bomb disposal officers packing the grenade in a drainage channel at the factory before blowing it up.

The grenade was eight centimetres (three inches) wide and weighed about one kilogram (two pounds).

"All the information to date suggested that the grenade was imported from France together with the other potatoes," Wong said.

The grenade is believed to have been left in a trench during World War I and accidentally gathered up with potatoes planted a century later in the former battlefield.

"If it was covered in mud, the grenade was likely to have been left behind, dropped by soldiers there during the war, or left there after it was thrown," Hong Kong University military historian Dave Macri told the South China Morning Post.

"The ditch was then filled up and used as a growing field, and the explosive was tossed into the mix of harvested potatoes... and sent to Hong Kong."

Hong Kong police are used to dealing with old munitions, though more usually US bombs dropped on the city after it fell to the invading Japanese during World War II.

Last year the bomb disposal squad defused three large WWII bombs, two of which were found at a site in the busy Wanchai district where work was underway to build a new metro railway station.

Unexploded wartime bombs or grenades are frequently found by hikers or construction workers in the southern Chinese city, which was the scene of fierce fighting between Japanese and British allied forces in 1941.

The then-British colony was heavily bombed by US and allied forces after the city fell to the Japanese imperial forces.Police and marijuana smugglers exchange fire

A team of Armed Police Force (APF) and a gang of marijuana smugglers exchanged fire at Gobargadha Tapu in Hanuman Nagar Kankalini Municipality-13, Saptari, on Friday night.What is most troubling, say these officials and others in government and on Capitol Hill who have been briefed on the episodes, are Trumps angry reactions when he is given information that contradicts positions he has taken or beliefs he holds. Two intelligence officers even reported that they have been warned to avoid giving the President intelligence assessments that contradict stances he has taken in public.

From left, FBI Director Christopher Wray, CIA Director Gina Haspel, Director of National Intelligence Daniel Coats, Defense Intelligence Agency Director Gen. Robert Ashley, National Security Agency Director Gen. Paul Nakasone and National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency Director Robert Cardillo testify to the Senate Intelligence Committee on worldwide threats on Jan. 29, 2019.

That reaction was on display this week. At a Congressional hearing on national security threats, the leaders of all the major intelligence agencies, including the Directors of National Intelligence, the CIA and the FBI contradicted Trump on issues relating to North Korea, Russia, the Islamic State, and Iran. In response, Trump said the intelligence chiefs were passive and naive and suggested they should go back to school.

The intelligence officials criticizing Trump requested anonymity because the briefings they described, including the Presidents Daily Brief, or PDB, are classified. The PDB is one of the most highly restricted products produced by U.S. intelligence analysts. A select group of intelligence officials is involved in preparing these briefings. A small number of senior officials, often including the Director of Central Intelligence, Director of National Intelligence or the heads of other agencies depending on the topic, usually deliver it.

The reporting for this story is based on interviews with multiple officials who have first hand knowledge of the episodes they describe, and multiple others who have been briefed on them. Asked in detail about the officials concerns, senior White House and National Security Council officials declined to comment.

The problem has existed since the beginning of Trumps presidency, the intelligence officials say, and for a time they tried to respond to the Presidents behavior in briefings with dark humor. After a briefing in preparation for a meeting with British Prime Minister Theresa May, for example, the subject turned to the British Indian Ocean Territory of Diego Garcia. The island is home to an important airbase and a U.S. Naval Support Facility that are central to Americas ability to project power in the region, including in the war in Afghanistan.

Story continues

The President, officials familiar with the briefing said, asked two questions: Are the people nice, and are the beaches good? Some of us wondered if he was thinking about our alliance with the Brits and the security issues in an important area where the Chinese have been increasingly active, or whether he was thinking like a real estate developer, one of the officials said wryly.

In another briefing on South Asia, Trumps advisors brought a map of the region from Afghanistan to Bangladesh, according to intelligence officers with knowledge of the meeting and congressional officials who were briefed on it. Trump, they said, pointed at the map and said he knew that Nepal was part of India, only to be told that it is an independent nation. When said he was familiar with Bhutan and knew it, too, was part of India, his briefers told him that Bhutan was an independent kingdom. Last August, Politico reported on presidents mispronunciation of the names of the two countries during the same briefing.

But the disconnect between Trump and his intelligence briefers is no joke, the officials say. Several pointed to concerns regarding Trumps assessment of the threat posed by North Koreas nuclear capabilities. After Trumps summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un last summer, the North claimed to have destroyed its major underground nuclear testing facility at Punggye-ri, and Trump has gone out of his way to credit the claim.

The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), which oversees the spy satellites that map and photograph key areas, had tried to impress upon Trump the size and complexity of the North Korean site. In preparing one briefing for the President on the issue early in his administration, the NGA built a model of the facility with a removable roof, according to two officials. To help Trump grasp the size of the facility, the NGA briefers built a miniature version New Yorks Statue of Liberty to scale and put it inside the model.

Intelligence officials from multiple agencies later warned Trump that entrances at the facility that had been closed after the summit could still be reopened. But the president has ignored the agencies warnings and has exaggerated the steps North Korea has taken to shutter the facility, those officials and two others say. That is a particular concern now, ahead of a possible second summit with the Kim Jong-Un later this month.

The briefers concerns are spread across multiple areas of expertise. Two briefers worry that a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping could produce a trade agreement that the President can trumpet but that fails to address Chinas espionage, its theft of intellectual property that ranges from circuit boards to soybean hybrids, its military buildup, and its geopolitical ambition.

Three other officials worry about what one of them calls precipitous troop withdrawals from Syria and Afghanistan and a peace deal with the Taliban that in time would leave the extremist Islamic group back in charge and wipe out the gains made in education, womens rights and governance since the U.S. invaded the country more than 17 years ago.

For now, the briefers are heartened by the intelligence community leaders who risked Trumps ire by contradicting him in public testimony this week.

The danger, one former intelligence official said, is that those leaders and other intelligence briefers may eventually stop taking such risks in laying out the facts for the President.

Correction, Feb. 5

The original version of this story misstated the abbreviation for the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. It is NGA, not NGIA.Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam denied on Saturday that he was one of the two individuals in a yearbook photograph showing one person in blackface and another wearing a Ku Klux Klan robe.

Northam was sure, he said, because he'd remembered darkening his face on another occasion in his 20s.

During his Saturday news conference to address the growing controversy over the racist photograph, which was listed beneath his name in the 1984 Eastern Virginia Medical School yearbook, Northam detailed using shoe polish to make his face darker during a dance contest where he dressed up as Michael Jackson.

"My belief that I did not wear that costume or attend that party stems in part from my clear memory of other mistakes that I made in the same period of my life," Northam explained. "That same year, I did participate in a dance contest in San Antonio in which I darkened my face as part of a Michael Jackson costume."

Northam said looking back, he regretted "that I did not understand the harmful legacy of an action like that" and added he spoke with a friend, a person of color named Seth, about his actions and why they were so hurtful.

He was asked specifically about this event and Northam detailed using polish to make his face darker and winning the contest.

"I had the shoes, I had a glove and I used just a little bit of shoe polish to put under, or on my cheeks," Northam said, using his fingers to show where he smeared the polish on his face. "The reason I used a very little bit is because, I don't know if anybody has ever tried that, but you cannot get shoe polish off."

He went on to say that he won the dance contest in San Antonio, Texas, because of his moonwalking skills.

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Later, a reporter asked him about the contest and whether he could still do the moonwalk. Northam looked around as though he might demonstrate, smiled and then was cut off by his wife who told him it was "inappropriate circumstances."

Story continues

More: Virginia's governor won't resign over blackface, KKK photo. What's next?

More: Biden, NAACP, more: Calls for Gov. Ralph Northam to resign persist for second day

Northam used the news conference to say he would not resign despite demands from a growing chorus of prominent Republicans and Democrats. He also rescinded an earlier apology where he acknowledged he was one of the two people in the 1984 photo, instead now claiming that he'd never seen the yearbook or that specific photo before it was publicized on Friday.

While making a denial that he noted many voters in Virginia may not believe, the admission that Northam had darkened his face in the past on a different occasion did not sit well with many.

Immediately after the news conference was over, Democratic National Committee chairman Tom Perez issued a statement calling for Northam's ousting.

"It's time for Ralph Northam to step aside and let Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax serve Virginians as their next Governor," he said in a statement.

The calls to resign came from leaders of his own state as well. Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, both former Virginia governors, released a statement along with U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott, D-Va., after watching Northam's press conference Saturday:

We called Governor Northam to tell him that we no longer believe he can effectively serve as Governor of Virginia and that he must resign. The events of the past 24 hours have inflicted immense pain and irrevocably broken the trust Virginians must have in their leaders.

Civil rights activist Rev. Al Sharpton called on lawmakers in the state to remove him from office and said his "excuse" about dressing up as Michael Jackson showed his "mentality" toward the issue.

"I think he further damaged himself," Sharpton said on MSNBC. "And since he loves Michael, he should go back to the mansion and play 'Beat It' and start packing."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'You cannot get shoe polish off': Virginia governor darkened his face in Michael Jackson costumeVirginia Gov. Ralph Northam is facing mounting pressure to resign after a racist photo from his yearbook surfaced.

The photo, which features a person in blackface and another in a Ku Klux Klan robe, was featured on Northam's page in a 1984 medical school yearbook. The Virginia Democrat first apologized for being in the photo but later backtracked and said he didn't believe he was pictured.

Since the photo was widely publicized, a number of prominent figures have called on Northam to resign:

Virginia Democrats Rep. Bobby Scott and Sens. Tim Kaine and Mark Warner

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Rep. Donald McEachin, D-Va.

"We were elected to the State Senate at the same time. But look, hes lost the authority to lead. He's lost the authority to govern. He has to resign. It's in the best interest of the Commonwealth. It's in the best interest of the party."

Former Virginia governor L. Douglas Wilder

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Former vice president Joe Biden

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Former attorney general Eric Holder

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Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif.

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Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio

"I think he should resign now. He then can contribute to this dialogue, but as I said he should do it as a private citizen."

Former Housing and Urban Development secretary Julian Castro

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Rep. Karen Bass, D-Calif.

"I think he's been completely dishonest and disingenuous. He knew this picture was there and he could have come clean and talked to African Americans that he's close to decades ago and I think given the overall climate around race in this country especially over the last two years, its completely unacceptable. The good news is though that there is a zero tolerance and people do understand and he needs to resign immediately to stop the pain in Virginia, and, frankly around the nation.

Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser

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Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y.

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NAACP President Derrick Johnson

"I have not spoken with Northam. Our state president in Virginia has spoken with him and our position is the same. We think it's time for him to resign."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Here's who has called on Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam to resignWASHINGTON (AP)  President Donald Trump claimed great progress in building the border wall even though it's no longer than before he took office. He dismissed the reality of global warming because of a fierce, passing cold spell. He described the steel industry as "totally revived" despite 20,000 job losses over the past decade.

A look at his recent rhetoric and the reality:

THE WALL

TRUMP: "The chant now should be 'finish the wall' as opposed to 'Build the Wall' because we're building a lot of wall. I started this six months ago  we really started going to town  because I could see we were going nowhere with the Democrats."  comments Friday.

TRUMP: "Large sections of WALL have already been built with much more either under construction or ready to go. Renovation of existing WALLS is also a very big part of the plan to finally, after many decades, properly Secure Our Border. The Wall is getting done one way or the other!"  tweet Thursday.

THE FACTS: Despite all his talk of progress, he's added no extra miles of barrier to the border to date. Construction is to start this month on a levee wall system in the Rio Grande Valley that will add 14 miles of barrier, the first lengthening in his presidency. That will be paid for as part of $1.4 billion approved by Congress last year.

Most work under contracts awarded by the Trump administration has been for replacement of existing barrier.

When Trump says large parts of the wall "have already been built," he's not acknowledging that previous administrations built those sections. Barriers currently extend for 654 miles (1,052 kilometers), or about one-third of the border. That construction was mostly done from 2006 to 2009.

___

STEEL INDUSTRY

TRUMP: "Tariffs on the 'dumping' of Steel in the United States have totally revived our Steel Industry. New and expanded plants are happening all over the U.S. We have not only saved this important industry, but created many jobs. Also, billions paid to our treasury. A BIG WIN FOR U.S."  tweet Monday.

Story continues

THE FACTS: He's exaggerating the recovery of the steel industry, particularly when it comes to jobs.

In December, the steel industry employed 141,600 people, the Labor Department says in its latest data. Last March, when Trump said he would impose the tariffs, it was 139,400. That's a gain of just 2,200 jobs during a period when the overall economy added nearly 2 million jobs. On a percentage basis, steel industry jobs grew 1.6 percent, barely higher than the 1.3 percent increase in all jobs.

Yet those figures still lag behind where they were before the 2008-2009 recession. When that downturn began, there were nearly 162,000 steelworkers.

Some companies have said they will add or expand plants. It's difficult to know just how many jobs will be added by newly planned mills. But construction spending on factories has yet to take off significantly after having been in decline between 2016 and much of 2018. Construction spending on factories has been flat in the past year, according to the Census Bureau.

Trump's reference to "billions paid to our treasury" concerns money raised from tariffs on foreign steel and other products. Such tariffs are generally paid by U.S. importers, not foreign countries or companies, and the costs are often passed on to consumers. So that money going to the government is mostly coming from Americans.

___

VOTER FRAUD

TRUMP: "58,000 non-citizens voted in Texas, with 95,000 non-citizens registered to vote. These numbers are just the tip of the iceberg. All over the country, especially in California, voter fraud is rampant. Must be stopped. Strong voter ID!"  tweet Jan. 27.

THE FACTS: That "iceberg" quickly began to melt as officials found serious problems with a report from the Texas secretary of state's office on voter fraud. More broadly, Trump is overstating the magnitude of such fraud across the U.S.

The Texas report suggested as many as 95,000 non-U.S. citizens may be on the state's voter rolls and as many as 58,000 may have cast a ballot at least once since 1996. Since it came out, however, state elections officials have been notifying county election chiefs of problems with the findings. Local officials told The Associated Press that they received calls from Texas Secretary of State David Whitley's office indicating that some citizens had been wrongly included in the original data.

So far no one on the lists has been confirmed as a noncitizen voter. Election officials in Texas' largest county say about 18,000 voters in the Houston area were wrongfully flagged as potentially ineligible to vote and those officials expect more such mistakes to be found on their list.

Republican Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, a Trump ally, acknowledged problems in the report, saying "many of these individuals may have been naturalized before registering and voting, which makes their conduct perfectly legal."

Early claims by other states of possible illegal voting on a rampant scale haven't held up.

When Florida began searching for noncitizens in 2012, for instance, state officials initially found 180,000 people suspected of being ineligible to vote when comparing databases of registered voters and driver's licenses. Florida officials later assembled a purge list of more than 2,600 names but that, too, was beset by inaccuracies. Eventually, a revised list of 198 names of possible noncitizens was produced through the use of a federal database.

In the U.S. overall, the actual number of fraud cases has been very small, and the type that voter IDs are designed to prevent  voter impersonation at the ballot box  is almost nonexistent. In court cases that have invalidated some ID laws as having discriminatory effects, election officials could barely cite a case in which a person was charged with in-person voting fraud.

___

JUDGES

TRUMP: "After all that I have done for the Military, our great Veterans, Judges (99), Justices (2) ... does anybody really think I won't build the WALL?"  tweet Jan. 27.

THE FACTS: He's boasting here about his record of getting federal judges and justices on the bench. But that record is not extraordinary. He also misstates the total number of judges who have been confirmed by the Senate  it's 85, not 99.

While Trump did successfully nominate two justices to the Supreme Court, Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh, during his first two years in office, four other modern presidents did the same  Democrats Barack Obama, Bill Clinton and John F. Kennedy, and Republican Richard Nixon. Trump, meanwhile, is surpassed in the number of confirmed justices by Warren Harding (four), William Taft (five), Abraham Lincoln (three) and George Washington (six), according to Russell Wheeler, a visiting fellow at the Brookings Institution and expert on judicial appointments.

Trump's 85 total judicial appointees lag behind five former presidents at comparable points in office.

The five are George W. Bush, 99; Clinton, 128; Ronald Reagan, 88; Nixon, 91; and Kennedy, 111, according to Wheeler's analysis.

___

CLIMATE CHANGE

TRUMP: "In the beautiful Midwest, windchill temperatures are reaching minus 60 degrees, the coldest ever recorded. In coming days, expected to get even colder. People can't last outside even for minutes. What the hell is going on with Global Waming? Please come back fast, we need you!"  tweet Monday.

THE FACTS: Global warming does not need to make a comeback because it hasn't gone away. Extreme cold spells in parts of the globe do not signal a retreat.

Earth is considerably warmer than it was 30 years ago and especially 100 years ago. The lower 48 states make up only 1.6 percent of the globe, so what's happening there at any particular time is not a yardstick of the planet's climate. Even so, despite the brutal cold in the Midwest and East, five Western states are warmer than normal.

"This is simply an extreme weather event and not representative of global scale temperature trends," said Northern Illinois University climate scientist Victor Gensini. "The exact opposite is happening in Australia," which has been broiling with triple-digit heat that is setting records.

Trump's own administration released a scientific report last year saying that while human-caused climate change will reduce cold weather deaths "in 49 large cities in the United States, changes in extreme hot and extreme cold temperatures are projected to result in more than 9,000 additional premature deaths per year" by the end of this century if greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise at recent rates.

Trump routinely conflates weather and climate. Weather is like mood, which is fleeting. Climate is like personality, which is long term.

___

Associated Press writers Christopher Rugaber, Jill Colvin, Colleen Long and Seth Borenstein in Washington, Elliot Spagat in San Diego and Paul J. Weber in Austin, Texas, contributed to this report.

___

Find AP Fact Checks at http://apne.ws/2kbx8bd

Follow @APFactCheck on Twitter: https://twitter.com/APFactCheck

EDITOR'S NOTE _ A look at the veracity of claims by political figuresBIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP)  Black activists on Monday called for leadership changes and protests at an Alabama civil rights museum after it rescinded an award for political activist Angela Davis, a move the mayor said followed complaints from the Jewish community.

Speaking outside the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, located in the same downtown area where civil rights violence once shocked the nation, organizers told a news conference that Davis, a Birmingham native, was wronged by the decision to rescind the honor.

Davis, a longtime activist who has supported Palestinian rights and criticized Israeli policy, is on a par with civil rights legend Rosa Parks, activist Frank Matthews said.

"This is the ultimate insult to deny Angela Davis her inheritance," he said. Museum leaders should quit, he said, and protests will be held. Other speakers called for a boycott.

The institute announced in September that Davis would receive the Fred L. Shuttlesworth Human Rights Award, named for the late minister who once prominently led civil rights demonstrations in the city.

In a statement posted on its website over the weekend, the publicly funded museum said it was canceling a gala set for next month and rescinding the award after directors concluded Davis "unfortunately does not meet all of the criteria on which the award is based."

Mayor Randall Woodfin said he was "dismayed" by the decision, which he said followed "protests from our local Jewish community and some of its allies."

The longtime executive director of the Birmingham Jewish Federation, Richard Friedman, did not immediately return a phone message seeking comment.

A representative of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute did not immediately return an email message seeking comment; neither did a California-based agency that represents Davis.

Palestine Legal, an organization that provides legal advice and support for Palestinian-rights activists, said in a statement that rescinding the honor puts Davis on "a long list of scholars and activists who have been censored, fired, de-funded, defamed, harassed and targeted with frivolous litigation because of concerted efforts by the Israeli government and anti-Palestinian organizations in the U.S. to silence debate."

Story continues

Davis , 74, has spent decades fighting for civil rights. She was an active member of the Black Panther Party, Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee and Communist Party USA. She also is an outspoken supporter of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement targeting Israel's treatment of Palestinians.

The civil rights institute's president and CEO, Andrea Taylor, said in October that the organization was "thrilled to bestow this honor" on Davis whom she described as "one of the most globally recognized champions of human rights, giving voice to those who are powerless to speak."

But the institute announced Saturday that in late December, "supporters and other concerned individuals and organizations, both inside and outside of our local community, began to make requests that we reconsider our decision."

The statement did not indicate what criteria Davis didn't meet, nor did it identify the origin of the complaints. Many people responded with outrage on Twitter and Facebook.

Mayor Woodfin called the museum's decision a reactive and divisive decision and offered to facilitate a community dialogue in response. While the city helps fund the museum, one of the top tourist draws in Alabama, it doesn't get involved in "programmatic decisions," Woodfin said.

Protest organizer Carlos Chaverst Jr. said the city has gotten involved at the institute before and could intervene if it wanted to do so.

"Our mayor lied, and he's still lying," Chaverst said.DAVOS, Switzerland (AP)  Afghanistan's chief executive is urging the world not to give up on his impoverished country after the Trump administration suggested the United States could withdraw troops.

Afghanistan has struggled with corruption, political instability and a long Taliban insurgency, frustrating efforts to stabilize it. U.S. President Donald Trump's administration last month indicated it could pull out half of the 14,000 U.S. troops stationed in Afghanistan.

"Don't lose patience," Abdullah Abdullah told The Associated Press in an interview at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. "We all made mistakes in the past 18 years" - since U.S. forces overthrew a Taliban regime in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks only to see the fundamentalist Islamic militia regroup in the years afterward.

Abdullah said the situation on the troops withdrawal was unclear: U.S. officials in Afghanistan have said "there isn't any instruction" to pull out troops. Still, he said, "it might come one way or the other."

Abdullah said he was still confident in "the commitment of the United States to stay and then support national institutions until there is peace in the country."

He said Afghanistan has made progress delivering education and health care to its people and could develop into an economic "land bridge" between South and Central Asia.

He also urged Pakistan and other countries that have influence on the Taliban to pressure the insurgent group to negotiate peace with the Afghan government  something it has refused to do.

Abdullah announced this month that he would run for president this year in a rematch with incumbent Ashraf Ghani. After the bitter 2014 election, the U.S. brokered a power-sharing deal that left Ghani president and Abdullah CEO.A bill proposed by Virginia state delegate Kathy Tran  ultimately voted down  would have made certain forms of baby killing legal. The proposed law would have reduced the number of doctors required to sign a babys death warrant and expanded the number of excuses for why a mother could choose at the last minute to ask for one. A video of Tran explaining how, under her bill, a fully developed baby could be terminated even during labor, ignited a burning controversy.

The flames shed light on movements in other states, particularly New York and Rhode Island, to make abortion legal past the point of viability, meaning past the point where the baby could live independent of its mother.

Virginia governor Ralph Northam threw gasoline on the fire when he defended the legislation clumsily (to put it charitably), making it sound like he believed a viable baby could be fully delivered before the doctor and mother decided whether it should be permitted to live.

Many in the mainstream media  who often treat conservative reactions to an outrage as the real story rather than the outrageous thing itself  have been falling over each other to demonstrate how much more complicated and nuanced this issue is.

And they have a point  or points. Tran now says she misspoke and acknowledged that the way she had described the law would have run afoul of anti-infanticide laws.

Its also true that the number of women who will bring a baby fully to term only to terminate it during the 40th week is indeed extremely small.

But it is only small in comparison to the total number of abortions in this country. According to the respected (and pro-abortion-rights) Guttmacher Institute, there were some 926,000 induced abortions in 2014 (the most recent year for which data is available), and 1.3 percent  or roughly 12,000  of those were after the 20th week.

Meanwhile, its not necessarily true, as Northam has tried to argue, that most women who seek late-term abortions do so solely for compelling health reasons or in response to a severe fetal deformity. According to a 2013 Guttmacher study, most women seeking later terminations are not doing so for reasons of fetal anomaly or life endangerment.

Story continues

If you dont think late-term, post-viability abortions are morally troubling, you might want to ask yourself why we are one of only seven countries in the world that allow elective abortions after 20 weeks. Its unclear how many countries allow abortion at 40 weeks, mid-delivery, but its possible that the U.S. and North Korea would be the only members of that club.

Im all in favor of debating such details, but what bothers me about these abortion controversies is the way utilitarian arguments are given the presumption of moral superiority. In almost every other sphere of debate where progressives claim the moral high ground, they are categorical. If it saves just one life, its worth it, they say about gun control, health-care reform, police abuse, etc.

Imagine if I were to argue that since lynchings are so rare, we dont really need strict laws against lynching. Infanticide, like racism, murder, and rape, is a moral category. Its not less evil if its rare. It is rare  thank God  because weve agreed to treat it as evil.

Many people have trouble being 100 percent certain that a fertilized egg or a blastocyst is a human being, but vanishingly few of us dispute that a delivered baby outside the womb is a human being. And it is not a large leap in logic or morality to believe that a partially delivered viable baby is a human being. If you want to argue that the status of the baby gets murkier as you wind the clock backward, fine. But thats a different argument. Its not murky at 40 weeks.

In debates over the death penalty, there is one thing virtually everyone agrees upon: Its profoundly wrong to execute the innocent. Our criminal-justice system is rightly crammed with all manner of checks to minimize the risk of a terrible mistake. Well, a viable baby is surely innocent, too. And yet, among abortion-rights maximalists, it is considered the morally sophisticated position to remove as many checks as possible from preventing infanticide. If you think its worth tolerating a certain number of baby killings to protect abortion rights, you should say so. But please dont pretend the moral ground youre standing on is very high.

 2019 Tribune Content Agency LLC

More from National ReviewThe requested page is currently unavailable on this server.

Back to [RTHK News Homepage]Nepali Congress boycotts Parliamentary Hearing Committee meeting

The main opposition Nepali Congress has boycotted the Parliamentary Hearing Committee meeting expressing dissatisfaction over the recommendation of chairpersons in the five constitutional commissions.Nepali Congress calls ruling party's statement on Venezuela immature and meaningless

We can't forget that the United States has been helping Nepal in the development of physical and social infrastructure, a Congress Party leader said.Armenia acting minister says 'steel mandate' to be used starting tomorrow at 9 am

National-Democratic Axis Party issues statement on results of Armenia snap parliamentary elections

Karabakh emergency situations service: Remains of another 3 servicemen removed from Varanda (Fizuli) region

Ukraine heralds free trade zone with Turkey

Armenia President receives OSCE/ODIHR Director and OSCE PA Secretary General

Child dies from car accident in Armenia's Gegharkunik Province

Armenia Izmirlian Medical Center head is charged

Karabakh President congratulates Armenia's Pashinyan on victory in snap parliamentary elections

Russia MOD congratulates Armenian counterpart on snap parliamentary elections in Armenia

Armenia Investigative Committee charges citizen and head of campaign headquarters for violating ballot secrecy

Iran's President-elect says he has always protected human rights

Georgia PM congratulates Armenia's Pashinyan on winning snap parliamentary elections

PACE and OSCE PA election observers say they are content with elections in Armenia, in spite of violations

India kicks off nationwide free COVID-19 vaccination campaign

Azerbaijan, Pakistan agree to conduct military exercises

Armenia 1st President's spokesperson on snap parliamentary elections

Armenia MP: Azerbaijan is celebrating Nikol Pashinyan's victory, ruling party is holding fireworks display

Charles Michel congratulates Pashinyan on winning snap elections

OSCE/ODIHR election observation mission in Armenia says it heard allegations of administrative resources use

OSCE Secretary General thanks Russia for its work in Minsk Group on Karabakh settlement

Lavrov calls to wait for formation of new Armenia government

Armenia's Pashinyan garners 197,000 less votes compared with elections in 2018

OSCE/ODIHR: Power outages did not considerably affect Armenia snap elections

Garo Paylan congratulates Armenia's Nikol Pashinyan

'Armenia' bloc issues statement on results of snap parliamentary elections

Opposition party leader: 'Armenia' bloc doesn't accept results of vote and will apply to Constitutional Court

Digest: Armenia snap elections is over, Pashinyans bloc leads with almost 54%

OSCE Secretary General: We work within Minsk Group framework to achieve long-term solution to Karabakh conflict

Bayramov: Azerbaijan complains about non-fulfillment of points of trilateral statements on Karabakh

Azerbaijan FM believes that Armenia authorities will draw right conclusion

Pompeo: US should not negotiate with Iran's newly elected President

Azerbaijan blackmails, threatens Armenia under guise of cooperation proposal

Member of Armenia delegation to PACE: Azerbaijan delegation head said 50% of minefield maps given are fake

Armenia freedom fighter is detained, declares hunger strike

9 children killed in accident during storm in US

Swedish parliament passes vote of no confidence in PM's country

Kremlin is following Armenia post-election situation

Artsakh emergency service: Armenian, Azerbaijani sides exchanged bodies from time to time

Azerbaijan Prosecutor General's Office accuses Armenia of deliberate deforestation in Lachin

13 Armenian captives trial starts in Azerbaijan

What will happen if Armenia opposition forces do not accept their parliamentary seats?

Armenia Central Electoral Commission approves preliminary results of snap parliamentary elections

US won't issue threats or ultimatums to China in connection with investigation of pandemic causes

CIS, CSTO observers find no considerable irregularities in Armenia snap parliamentary election voting

Armenia acting PM visits Yerevan military pantheon

Heiko Maas considers new EU sanctions against Belarus inevitable

26 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

Armenia acting premier: Civil Contract Party will have constitutional majority in new parliament

Reduction of US military assets in Saudi Arabia will not affect its defenses

Armenia new National Assembly to have 107 MPs

Borrell says mistrust is at core of political crisis in Lebanon

Counting of ballots over in Armenia snap parliamentary elections

Counting of ballots coming to an end in Armenia snap parliamentary elections

Armenia Central Electoral Commission counts 86.4% of ballots

Armenia Central Electoral Commission counts 80% of ballots

Armenia Central Electoral Commission counts two thirds of ballots

Armenia Central Electoral Commission counts 40% of ballots

Acting PM thanks people of Armenia

Armenia parliament vice-chair on Erdogan's "platform of six" proposal: We will answer later

33.49% of ballots counted: Pashinyans bloc leads

Almost 27% of ballots counted by Armenia Central Electoral Commission (PHOTO)

"Armenia" bloc: Snap parliamentary election results being published do not inspire confidence

19,95% of ballots counted by Armenia Central Electoral Commission (PHOTO)

Artsakh President comes out of Armenia ruling party headquarters

2.54% of ballots counted by Armenia Central Electoral Commission (PHOTO)

Armenia Central Electoral Commission announces most preliminary results of snap parliamentary elections

Armenia's Citizen's Decision Party member not allowed to enter precinct, apprehended a little while ago

"I Have Honor" bloc: Armenia National Security Service searches mayor's apartment, 2 MP candidates abducted

Results of electronic voting: Civil Contract Party: 163, "Armenia" bloc: 135, Armenian National Congress: 43

Electric Networks of Armenia: Power outages during vote counts were systematic

Citizen who disseminated anti-propaganda leaflets against "Armenia" bloc shows up at police station

Mediaport: Power is out in Armenia's Gyumri, Vanadzor, Artik, Aparan, Dilijan and Armavir city

Armenian News-NEWS.am providing live coverage at polling station #9/48 in Yerevan district (VIDEO)

Armenian News-NEWS.am providing live coverage at polling station #9/49 in Yerevan district (VIDEO)

Tense situation at polling station #9/21 in Armenia, red beret police officers called to location

Armenian News-NEWS.am providing live coverage at polling station #14/13 in Etchmiadzin (VIDEO)

Power goes out before vote count at polling station #25/58 in Armenia's Odzun

Russian Ambassador Anatoly Antonov returns to US

Armenia Police receive 87 alarms via hotline as of 8:30 pm

Armenia snap parliamentary elections voter turnout 49.4%, 51.55% voter turnout in Yerevan

Armenia Ombudsman's statement on taking photos of ballots speculated

Armenia Civil Contract Party member obstructing work of opposition party proxy at polling station

Armenia advocate: National Security Service decided to conduct search in office and apartment of Masis mayor

Armenian News-NEWS.am providing live coverage at polling station #2/46 in Yerevan district (VIDEO)

Netanyahu and his family to leave PM residence no later than July 10

Armenian News-NEWS.am providing live coverage at polling station #31/02 in Gyumri

Armenian News-NEWS.am providing live coverage at polling station #8/04 in Yerevan district (VIDEO)

Gabrielyanov: Russian institutions' exit poll results of Armenia snap parliamentary elections announced

Armenian News-NEWS.am providing live coverage at polling station #17/03 in Armenia's Ashtarak (VIDEO)

Catholicos of All Armenians sends congratulatory message to Iran's President-elect

Armenia snap parliamentary elections are over

hetq.am: Ballot box at polling station in Armenia's Gavar not sealed

"I Have Honor" bloc's member: My father exited Special Investigation Service, will vote in Armenia elections

Police detect case of electoral fraud in Armenian town

China has 1 billion COVID-19 vaccinations

Artak Tovmasyan visits military pantheon, goes to cast vote in Armenia snap parliamentary elections

Armenia Ombudsman talks to democrats bloc's candidate for PM Arman Babajanyan after gunshot fired at car

Armenian attorney: "I Have Honor" bloc's supporters released

big brother: Red beret police officers brutally beat members of "Armenia" bloc's headquarters

Armenia Police: Drunk man fires gunshots into air from apartment in YerevanAnush Hyusnunts, the wife of Armenian contract soldier Gegham Mkrtchyan who fell during the four-day war which Azerbaijan had unleashed against the Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh Republic/NKR) in April 2016, has recently returned to the army.

Hyusnunts, who had given birth to a daughter seven months after her husbands death, went back to military service at a unit in Artsakhs capital city of Stepanakert.

After Geghams death, its psychologically hard to return to army again; my daughter is two years old, already, she told Armenian News-NEWS.am. They have allocated me an apartment in Stepanakert; thats why Im working at the military unit right here.

Anush and Gegham had met during military service, and they were serving together at the military unit in Martakert town.

But Gegham had fallen six months after their marriage, and not knowing that her wife was pregnant. Their daughter was born in November 2016.

There are many hardships as a widow, Anush Hyusnunts said. But now Im just thinking about caring for and raising my daughter.

Gegham Mkrtchyan was posthumously awarded several medals by the NKR and Armenia.At its winter gathering in Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico, last week, the RNC passed a resolution declaring the committee's "undivided support" for Trump. The GOP is running interference for Trump at the state level, too - the Kansas Republican Party is considering dropping its presidential caucus, and the party in South Carolina may cancel its primary.

If a legitimate Republican candidate enters the race, the RNC may be tempted to double down on its Trump support, but given the significant portion of Republican voters interested in seeing him challenged, the RNC should go to a neutral corner and let the primary candidates fight it out.

The Iowa caucuses will be held a year from now, on Feb. 3. Before then, a Trump primary challenger would need to secure ballot access and caucus nominators in every state (assuming that the GOP in Kansas, South Carolina and possibly other states, when presented with a primary challenger, are shamed into dropping cancellation plans and actually hold their contests).

As with any primary candidacy, that would mean recruiting field teams across the country that can gather the required petition signatures to get on each state's ballot. The requirements vary widely, anywhere from 1,000 to 5,000 signatures in most states; in a handful of cases, a candidate need only pay a filing fee to get on the ballot.Yet, as the New York Times has detailed, the effort to dislodge Maduro is mainly the result of a long-running push by Cuban American Sen. Marco Rubio (R., Fla.) to engage Trump on the issue. The underlying reason appears to be Cuba: Maduro, like Chavez, is closely aligned with Havana, which long profited from cheap Venezuelan oil. Ousting Maduro would hurt the Cuban regime.

It looks like Rubio, along with another Cuban American  the National Security Councils senior director for Western Hemisphere affairs, Mauricio Claver-Carone  persuaded Trump this issue was a winner.

Perhaps this appeared to be the opportune moment: the situation was at boil, with huge anti-Maduro demonstrations on the streets of Caracas. The optics were good. This is a civic revolution against a kleptocratic tyranny, says the University of Marylands Vladimir Tismaneanu, an expert on popular revolts against dictators. The young, handsome Guaido  directly encouraged by Pence  declared himself the legitimate president.

As leader of Venezuelas National Assembly, Guaido had a plausible legal basis to take charge, since the last presidential elections were blatantly rigged. Moreover, Washington got many Latin countries to recognize Guaido, with EU nations poised to join if Maduro didnt schedule new elections.ST. HELENA  At least one person was arrested following a traffic collision in St. Helena early Sunday morning, according to police.

The collision was reported at 12:07 a.m. on Spring Street between Main Street and Oak Avenue, a police dispatcher said. Nobody was injured, but PG&E crews went to the scene to repair power lines that were knocked down.

A reason for the arrest wasnt immediately provided. Nobody was reported injured.

The PG&E power outage website didnt show a significant outage in the city as of 3:30 a.m.

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.Hall said the propertys water use went way down during renovation and ceased entirely for three months due to a faulty backflow valve that was subsequently replaced. However, the park has remained in operation, and except for those three months the Halls have been receiving and paying water bills for the property, she said.

As the renovations continue, I anticipate that (water usage) will be back to the standard level it was before when the park was occupied by tenants, Hall said.

She estimated that the last residents moved out in 2014, but she denied that the park has abandoned its water rights.

There are no people living there now, but that doesnt mean that the park is not a mobile home park in operation, she said. It is in operation, in the stage of renovation. Unfortunately the renovation has taken longer than Id hoped.

The Star has filed Public Records Act requests seeking the propertys water bills over the last two years, correspondence between the city and the Halls, and correspondence between the city and the county regarding the project.

The water bills are considered confidential, but Hall voluntarily provided the St. Helena Star with bills from January 2017 through January 2019.Please log in to keep reading.

Enjoy unlimited articles at one of our lowest prices ever.Good morning, my friends and welcome to our Corner.

Before we begin on new ideas and subjects, lets give a quick review of how we want to be the best that we can possibly be in mind, body and spirit, by reviewing what weve been discussing, and what we are working towards for new beginnings for our New Year.

We want to become all that we can be in all areas of our lives by taking good care of ourselves, so lets do a quick review: Each one is Very Important!

# 1) Eat only Healthy Foods. Read Dr. Mark Hymans book, Food  What the Heck Should I Eat. No more junk foods.

# 2) Exercise often, both our bodies and our minds.

#3) Take up Meditation and Journaling for peace of mind, and the opportunity to know our true selves.

#4) Volunteer. Get out and find something that you can do for others. Volunteering for something you believe in gives back so much pleasure. Dont cheat yourselves. Find out for yourselves. Give Mollys Angels a call, 707-224-8971, as an example. They do so much for seniors, and need help as a driver to get seniors to their doctors appointment, etc, or to give them a telephone call visit, and more. Its so wonderful how it works. Give and you shall receive.19452019

Linda Marjorie Niem passed away peacefully in her sleep at home on January 12, 2019, after a courageous fight with a rare cancer. Her husband of 52 years provided her with all of the daily comfort and care she needed until she passed away with him by her side.

Linda was born in Guthrie, Oklahoma, on October 14, 1945, and moved to Northern California with her family when she was a young girl. Linda met her husband, Klaus, when she was 20 years old and living in Crannell, California. They got married in Walnut Creek in 1967, and ended up moving to Napa in 1976.

Linda was full of life. She loved traveling to meet her husband, a merchant marine captain, across the country at various ports. She never met a stranger, and enjoyed hosting cocktail parties with friends and neighbors. Having ever the large heart, she never took much convincing from her children to adopt another pet. She was always the first to help out, to volunteer as a room mom, to make sure her family was well taken care of, and she instilled in her daughters to be kind and respectful towards others. The impact of her generosity will live on forever.Tuckers partner, who went to school in Calistoga and now lives in Japan, owns the building. Tucker also went to high school in Calistoga and now lives in Hidden Valley Lake. Her brother, Kris Breiner, is a Calistoga firefighter.

Tucker worked for Next Home as a real estate agent for six years in Hidden Valley Lake, but decided she wanted to open her own office in Calistoga.

Next Home is a national franchise whose offices are independently owned and operated.

Tucker was at first prohibited to open a Calistoga office affiliated with the real estate company, due to the towns no franchise ordinance. But after several planning and city council meetings, it was agreed Tucker would not hang a Next Home sign or logo on the office, and she was allowed to open in August.

Business has been a little slow, but were really hoping to hit the ground running in 2019, which includes working on the building, Tucker said.

She also has help from Buster, a French bulldog and official mascot who sits on his couch in the window and attracts people, some who come in just to say hello.

People stop and play with him, we meet all kinds of people that way, Tucker said. Hes known around as the realty dog.In education, Kathmandu wants to hold sway over local governments

Over a year has passed since the country embarked on the journey of federalism with elected governments taking charge, but the central government is still taking stepsone after anotherto continue its presence and dominance felt at the local level, mainly in the education sector.Energizer has announced on Twitter that it will launch 26 new phones, including smartphones with 18,000mAh batteries and foldable displays.

9to5Google reports that Energizer will have four lines of phones: Power Max, Ultimate, Energy, and Hardcase.

The Power Max and Ultimate ranges both reportedly include Android smartphones.

Energizers 18,000mAh smartphone is expected to form part of the Power Max range, while the Ultimate range is expected to include smartphones that offer pop-up cameras.

The Energy and Hardcase ranges are expected to offer budget smartphones, and will form the majority of Energizers new line-up.

The flagship U260S Pop is set to offer a Helio P70 chipset, 6GB RAM, and 128GB storage. It will also reportedly sport a 3,200mAH battery and a fingerprint sensor.

Energizer will unveil its new phones at Mobile World Congress, which runs from 25 February in Barcelona.

Now read: Google talent advantage erodes as more workers doubt CEO visionThe Please Call Me battle between Vodacom and Kenneth Makate dominated the news last week after a public demonstration shut down Vodacoms head office.

The battle centres around fair compensation for Makates idea which led to the Please Call Me service  but many people now know that the service was not his invention.

Vodacom recently admitted that the Please Call Me was invented and subsequently patented by MTN and Ari Kahn before Makate came up with the idea.

Kahn told MyBroadband that Makates proposal was different from the Please Call Me service which Vodacom implemented.

He explained that Makate proposed Buzz  a service to allow a user without airtime to dial a phone number and give a missed call.

Not only was his proposal technically unsupported, it was not technically possible, since a call could only mature to ringing state if the user had credit, Kahn said.

Makates idea therefore did not progress beyond an idea as engineers at Vodacom could not reduce it to practice and inventions are required by law to be reduced to practice.

MTN did not enforce its Call Me patent

In November 2000, Kahn conceived the Call Me idea and briefed patent attorneys to prepare a patent application for filing.

The patent was filed on 22 January 2001 and a day later MTN launched its Call Me service. It was an instant hit, with millions of messages sent in the first few weeks.

Vodacom responded by launching a carbon copy of MTNs service on 15 March 2001  also called Call Me. The name was later changed to Please Call Me.

MTN immediately notified Vodacom that it was infringing on its Call Me patent which was filed a few weeks earlier.

While there were a few heated exchanges between the two companies, MTN curiously decided to not to enforce its patent rights.

With the fierce rivalry between Vodacom and MTN, it was astonishing that MTN let this go without a legal fight. What really happened, however, was astonishing.

What happened between Vodacom and MTN

During the heated exchanges between Vodacom and MTN, one of Vodacoms principal investors at the time, The Rembrandt Group (through VenFin), jumped in.

The Rembrandt Group, which was founded and run by the Rupert family, had the same legal counsel as MTN: Spoor and Fisher.

The powerful Rembrandt Group used its influence to convince MTN and Spoor and Fisher to drop the case.

MTN withdrew their representation and, according to one source, the docket pertaining to this case was destroyed.

When questions about the Call Me docket arose, it was claimed that there were no electronic backups. Unbelievable. Yet true, the source said.

The decision by MTN not to enforce its patent ultimately benefited the mobile industry and consumers in South Africa.

MTN and Spoor and Fisher comment

MTN SA spokesperson Jacqui OSullivan told MyBroadband that the mobile telecommunications industry still was very new in the early 2000s.

At MTN, we were focused on developing the category and driving mass participation by South Africans, she said.

Patent law is extremely complex and MTN was not inclined to enter into a drawn-out litigation on this service that aimed to keep South Africans in contact.

OSullivan highlighted that MTN made its decision 18 years ago and is in no way involved in the current dispute related to the Please Call Me issue.

Spoor and Fisher partner Lodewyk Cilliers told MyBroadband that they are not in a position to comment substantively on this matter.

Cilliers, however, said they are not aware of any Spoor and Fisher files having been inexplicably destroyed.

Vodacom mum on the issue

Vodacom was asked for comment on the Please Call Me matter and it allegedly infringing on MTNs patent, but the company did not reply by the time of publication.

Call Me Patent

The Call Me patent, filed by MTN and Kahn on 22 January 2001, is below.

Callme Patent by on ScribdVodacom has stated that it cannot offer Kenneth Makate more money that was has already been proposed as reasonable compensation for his role in the Please Call Me service.

It has been stated that Vodacom offered Makate R49 million as compensation, an amount determined by Vodacom CEO Shameel Joosub as per a Constitutional Court Order on the matter.

Litigation funder Chris Schoeman said the R49-million offer made to Makate is very generous and he should accept it  but added that Makate is technically bankrupt and owes many people a lot of money.

Schoeman helped to fund Makates legal case against Vodacom.

Cannot offer more money

During a conference call hosted by Vodacom this morning to provide feedback on the Please Call Me matter, the company confirmed that the amount it has offered Makate is significantly higher than R10 million.

Vodacom could not provide an exact figure, as it is bound by confidentiality clauses it agreed to with Makate.

Asked whether Vodacom would consider offering Makate more money to make the Please Call Me matter go away, the company said it cannot.

Vodacom and Makates legal teams were given the opportunity to negotiate on an amount following Makates Constitutional Court victory against Vodacom, but this resulted in a deadlock.

As a consequence, the court order stated that Joosub must step in as deadlock-breaker and determine the reasonable compensation amount.

Vodacom said Joosub was exceedingly generous with his offer  the reported R49 million payday which Makate has refused.

Judicial review

The latest statements from Vodacom follow Makates legal team serving Vodacom with correspondence stating that he is taking the compensation offer on judicial review.

Vodacoms chief officer of legal and regulatory affairs Nkateko Nyoka confirmed the development, and stated that they cannot provide feedback on the matter until they have seen the legal documents.Thanks from TSA

On behalf of TSA employees statewide, I want to express my appreciation to people in communities across Montana who showed incredible generosity and concern during the recent partial government shutdown. Your kind words supplemented by donations motivated our workforce and allowed us to stay focused on our mission to keep the traveling public safe and secure during this uncertain time.

I cannot overstate the impact of the communitys donations. You delivered food and refreshments, provided gift cards to help defray the cost of day-to-day needs and worked with the airport community in Butte to ensure that our employees were well taken care of. Perhaps most importantly, through your words and actions, you recognized the critical role TSA plays in securing our nations transportation system.

Looking ahead, we will always remember the encouragement and support we received from you. Thank you for coming together to support the Montana TSA team in Butte.

Dan Fevold, Federal Security Director for Montana

Transportation Security Administration

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0Butte police booked a 44-year-old man for partner or family member assault, eluding police, and criminal trespass Saturday afternoon after finally catching up to him after a series of chases.

The incident began around 2:30 p.m. when officers responded to the scene of a domestic dispute.

Before they arrived, the male suspect fled on a motorcycle and could not be immediately located. Later in the afternoon, an officer noticed a man on a motorcycle matching the description of the one the suspect had ridden. When the officer tried to pull the man over, the man allegedly refused to comply.

A high-speed chase reportedly ensued but ended when the officer called off his pursuit due to safety concerns.

A Montana Highway Patrol officer then spotted the man on the motorcycle, also reportedly tried to pull him over, and engaged in another high-speed pursuit before calling it off, too.

Later, the man was spotted dropping his motorcycle near the intersection of Harrison Avenue and the walking path. An officer then saw the man walking nearby.

The man fled again, this time on foot, before entering a house on C Street near Pinion Street.Initially, I was pleased to see a Montana legislator embracing science in wildlife management. Scientists are chagrined to see decisions without experts input, often opposing scientific evidence. The White House, for example, declares climate change a hoax and ignores its effects.

I want to see policy based on science, rather than ill-informed opinion. Id like legislators to consult biologists, climate change scientists, psychologists, sociologists, economists, geologists and other scientists when representatives consider environmental and educational policy issues. Notice that I include social scientists.

Brad Tschida introduced House Bill 161 to revise Montana Code Annotated, stating that managers cannot use social science, human dimensions, or peoples attitudes and eliminating social impacts from the mandate to balance social and economic impacts. Social science is often mischaracterized, but it is an extension of natural sciences into human behavior, maintaining the same objectivity, rationalism and causal approach.Last week saw the release of a major bill draft on Medicaid expansion. Carried by Rep. Ed Buttrey, R-Great Falls, who also sponsored the original Medicaid expansion bill that passed the Legislature in 2015, this version would continue the program past its current June 30 sunset date, but also add new requirements for would-be enrollees.

Like any draft bill, this one is likely to undergo amendments as it makes its way through the Legislature. Meanwhile, Rep. Mary Caferro, D-Helena, has introduced a competing bill that would continue Medicaid expansion without any changes. Its chances are slimmer in the Republican-controlled chambers.

Unfortunately, the draft language of Buttreys bill hints that some persistent myths about Medicaid expansion are lingering in the Legislature, despite Montanas clear success with the program since its implementation and recent reports that blow apart some of the worst misconceptions.

Here are five stubborn myths about Medicaid expansion that Montanas legislators  and their constituents  ought to dispel right away, so that future discussions can be based on good information and proven facts.

***

Myth: If Medicaid expansion fails, enrollees will have to go out and get jobs.At least 130 Nepali girls rescued from India-Myanmar border in two days

At least 130 Nepali girls, who were being trafficked into Myanmar, have been rescued from various parts of Manipur, a northeastern state of India, in the last two days in a massive bust of a human trafficking network. The county lacked information necessary for it to track exempted properties;

 The Department failed to adequately train its staff in the exemption process, notify the county when properties were exempted, or provide requested copies of trust applications;

 Filed applications were either incomplete or covered multiple geocodes;

 The Department of Revenue accepted applications not filed on the official forms;

 The annual documentation that the tribes must file for affected properties was insufficient to track them.

The Department correctly applied the statutes of Montana, Department Rules, and established case law regarding temporary tribal property taxes, wrote Special Assistant Attorneys General Dan Whyte and Nicholas Gochis.

As for Lake Countys claims of injury from the practice  that it had cost the county about $130,000 in lost property taxes, along with possible future liabilities from taxes on properties that should have been exempt, all at a cost to local residents  it said that it lacked sufficient knowledge or information to admit or deny them, and therefore denied them.

It requested that Lake Countys claims for relief be denied in their entirety.I was building an online version of the marketing course, and I had been assigning more and more podcasts in class, he explained. Videos are fun, but they tether you to a screen and I thought a podcast would be more flexible while working out or doing chores.

Angle said he goes into every interview with three or four broad topics and intends to investigate or tie the conversation into themes of creativity and hustle.

There are not a lot of conventional jobs in Missoula, and to piece together a good living in this town you have to have both creativity and hustle, Angle explained. Those are two big themes of the show.

He said he chooses guests who are doing cool and interesting things.

Some are people in the community that I sort of identify, and then there are University of Montana-related guests, whether faculty or staff or alums, and then there are interesting people coming through campus like Larry Summers or Maureen Dowd, he said. The university has interesting people coming through all the time."

They are often happy to spend an hour on a freewheeling conversation.Import taxes paid by American firms or brokers to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Service flow into our nations general revenues, just as personal and corporate income taxes do.

Under the U.S. Constitution (Article I, Section 9), only Congress can direct how federal revenues may be spent. So regardless of the source of the income, Congress is in the drivers seat for the appropriation of our tax dollars.

How much additional money have higher tariffs brought in to our nations coffers? Not as much as you might think.

First of all, import taxes overall account for a very small proportion of our total revenue  a bit over 1 percent. And while you might think that a 25 percent import tax would increase revenue from the imports in question by 25 percent, thats almost never the case.

When faced with a 25 percent cost increase, American producers and importers look for alternatives, sometimes from other countries, sometimes from here at home. Or they substitute other materials or inputs. We as consumers do the same thing, resulting in reduced demand for the higher cost products or raw materials.Our eyes widened and our jaws dropped when we saw the startling front-page story of the Times-News on Jan. 24. It was an elaboration of the fact that the red state of Idaho has a vocal critic of Trump's management. We read that article again to be sure that we read it correctly.

That lone critic, the one with a backbone, is U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson. In sharp contrast, Sen. Jim Risch told the attendees at the recent Lincoln Day dinner in Shoshone that he does not always agree with Trump, but he never airs his differences in public. Actually, his silence broadcasts the signal that he approves of Trump's foolish idiosyncrasies. Those who have lost their voices seem to be cowed by the Trump Derangement Syndrome.

Rep. Simpson, on the other hand, apologizes for the failure of Congress to do its job. The article states that Simpson "is the only member of Idaho's delegation to consistently and publicly express his frustration with and concerns about Trump's shutdown of the government." Simpson called it stupid. He is correct; it was stupid, as well as petulant  just as Trump's latest threat to shut down the government is stupid and petulant .On Monday, Feb. 4 at noon, hundreds will gather on the steps of the Capitol with a simple message: Its time for our legislators to honor the will of the voters and fund Medicaid Expansion without restrictions.

Proposition 2  the citizens initiative to extend healthcare to 62,000 Idahoans who desperately need it  did not win by a bare majority of the vote; it won by a landslide.

Over 60 percent of votes cast were for Medicaid Expansion, and it won a majority of votes in 35 of Idahos 44 counties. This includes Idahos 5 most populous counties (Ada, Canyon, Kootenai, Bonneville, Bannock) and Idahos 5 least populous counties (Camas, Clark, Butte, Lewis, Adams).

In an era when TV pundits and political commentators speak constantly of the divide between rural and urban America, Prop 2 proved that citizens can still find common ground.

Prop 2 also won a majority in 29 of Idahos 35 legislative districts, and it didnt matter whether a district was Democratic or Republican. Of the 29 districts that voted for Medicaid Expansion, 4 were represented exclusively by Democrats and 22 were represented exclusively by Republicans.Ding-dong the witch is dead, and the nations longest government shutdown is over.

Whew! Finally! High-fives all around. Some 800,000 federal workers  many of whom live paycheck to paycheck  are back to work. And those who have been working without pay, such as airport security officers, will get real cash, which is by Yogi Berras definition just as good as money.

Of course, lets not get too carried away with these end-of-shutdown celebrations. It all can go poof on Feb. 15 if President Trump doesnt get $5.7 billion in funding for the border wall, a centerpiece of his run for the presidency. In fact, he didnt get any funding for the wall.

Pundits say that Trump caved and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the Democrats won. Dont believe it. Trump has spent much of his life getting his way on just about everything, and hes not one who takes losing gracefully. If he doesnt get the funding he wants for the wall, then 800,000 federal employees will be back to where they were just a few days ago. He also could bypass Congress altogether, declare a national emergency, and get the thing built anyway.Yet, Griffin is so out of touch with reality that he has complained that rich elites like him have insufficient influence in politics.

Once upon a time, there was a place where the very richest people had a modicum of modesty, a prevailing sense that monetary self-indulgence was tacky and an awareness that wealth was a matter of good fortune, carrying with it an obligation to the Common Good.

Believe it or not, that place was the USA! Where did it go?

The prevailing ethic of todays billionaires club is one of entitlement, superiority and grandiosity  including flaunting their wealth like the robber barons of old by erecting ostentatiously enormous residences. Theyve contrived a new Gilded Age of plutocratic privilege, with the same sort of excesses as the old one. For example, like the castles built by 19th-century robber barons in Newport, Rhode Island, a ludicrously large house is under construction in Florida for one of our modern-day barons, boasting 11 kitchens, five swimming pools, and a 30-car garage ... a monument to garish greed.Voices Against Violence

About the nonprofit: Voices Against Violence helps survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Years in the Magic Valley: Since 1982

Number of employees: 14 (13 full-time and one part-time)

Interesting fact: The nonprofit started as a grassroots movement of service providers who saw a pattern of domestic violence. Volunteers took turns answering a hotline and someone was in crisis, they gave them a place to stay in their own homes.

Community contribution: The nonprofit operates a free, confidential 24/7 emergency domestic violence shelter in Twin Falls County for women and children. Men and other families in need can receive shelter at an alternate location. Voices Against Violence also provides services such as individual and group counseling, legal advocacy, food, clothing and emergency financial resources.As dirty cash flow review nears, Nepal scrambles to make and amend 50 laws

An expose by the Centre for Investigative Journalism-Nepal on January 16 on how Nepals businessmen were stashing wealth in offshore companies and bringing their dirty money into the country in the name of foreign direct investment once again put the money laundering issue in the spotlight.They understand the challenges there and theyre trying to find some fixes, Hall said of state lawmakers. But its not a very quick turnaround for those solutions, so were still kind of waiting. Were still suffering with the dynamics of that.

Commissioner Jacob Greenberg, chairman of the Blaine County commission, similarly reported having a good relationship with his local District 26 legislative delegation. But when it comes to the statehouse as a whole, Greenberg said he has been frustrated by the Legislatures refusal to expand Medicaid in previous years, despite bipartisan urging from a number of county officials from around the state.

I dont think they do listen to us, even though you would think the commission is in touch with the constituents a lot more closely than, say, a state legislator, Greenberg said.

One particular bill in the Legislature this year has caught Greenbergs attention: legislation from Rep. Chad Christensen, a Republican from Idaho Falls, that would outlaw local bans on handheld cellphone use while driving. Blaine County and two of its cities, Ketchum and Hailey, have implemented such ordinances. When it comes to legislating rules and mandates for counties, Greenberg said, he believes one uniform approach doesnt always work.BOISE  The Rev. William Thomas Faucher is appealing the 25-year prison sentence imposed on him by 4th District Judge Jason Scott on Dec. 21.

The 73-year-old retired priest was charged with 24 crimes: 21 counts of sexual exploitation of a child (possession and distribution of child pornography) and three counts of drug possession (marijuana, LSD, ecstasy). He pleaded guilty to five felonies.

Scott sentenced Faucher to 25 years in prison, without the possibility of parole.

Fauchers notice of appeal to the Idaho Supreme Court was filed with the Ada County Clerks Office on Friday morning. According to the document, the issue on appeal is: Did the presiding judge abuse his discretion in imposition of the sentence?

Faucher is exempt from fees associated with filing the appeal, the transcript fee and the preparation of the records because he is indigent, according to the filing.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 7KIMBERLY  Spring Canyon Foods  which uses the brand name Kimberlys Best  has been in business for less than two years, but its already loBOISE  Three days after sheriffs deputies shut down a well-known Boise diner and seized its building for nonpayment of unemployment taxes, the Rockies Diner on Overland Road was back open for business Friday afternoon.

Owner Petros Rocky Paflias said he paid $15,000 to the Idaho Department of Labor on the morning of Feb. 1 and got the agency to sign a release. The Ada County Sheriffs Office, which confirmed the release, returned his keys, and Paflias called his employees back to work.

Its been a rough couple of days, Paflias told the Statesman by telephone. Im very thankful that I was able to open the doors and be able to give my girls their jobs back, my cooks their jobs back. It feels pretty good.

On the morning of Feb. 1, the parking lot was empty. Early that afternoon, customers began trickling back, he said. We are open for business, he said.

The state seized Rockies Diner, which has operated for 25 years, after Paflias fell behind on a payment plan to cover back taxes owed since 2010, according to court records. Last year, he promised to pay $300 a week in March and April and then $750 a week after that, and he promised to stay current on quarterly taxes.One of the major points of contention during the founding of our nation was between the large states and the small states.

Small states were afraid of losing all influence to big states in the House of Representatives, which was based on population. To get small states to support the new Constitution, a compromise was made to add a second legislative branch -- the Senate. Each state had equal weight -- two senators. At the national level, the Senate made sense.

Wisconsin Senate districts are not based on county lines, they are just larger voting districts. So we have 99 representatives in the Assembly, and 33 senators. All of the Assembly and Senate districts are based on population. These 33 state senators are nothing more than Assembly people, only they serve four-year terms instead of two-year terms.

These 33 senators earn $55,000 per year, plus fringe benefits, expense accounts and staffs. The taxpayer could save huge amounts of money by eliminating this chamber. What do the voters lose? Just useless duplication. Arent 99 politicians enough.

I understand the purpose the U.S. Senate serves at the national level, but having a Senate at the state level is just another way for taxpayers to waste resources on a legislative branch that adds no value.Then on Friday, Foxconn went back to saying it would build small screens, with President Donald Trump claiming he had restored the deal. In reality, it wasnt Trump or Walker that ultimately brought Foxconn here. It was more than $4 billion in state and local tax subsidies  an enormous sum that, coupled with other public assistance for manufacturers in Wisconsin, was far more than any other state was offering the company.

Hands on Wisconsin: Foxconn changes the deal with Wisconsin Foxconn won't be building a manufacturing facility in Racine County after all. The Taiwanese

Foxconn has dropped plans for projects in other communities in the past, and Trump is a chronic exaggerator. So Wisconsin will have to wait and see what finally rises on the farm fields of Racine County.

But state leaders and taxpayers shouldnt fret just yet over the ongoing twists and turns in this story. Foxconn is in the global technology business, after all, which can change fast. So the state should grant the company some flexibility. Foxconn still appears positioned to spur technology and growth here. And if the project moves slower and turns out to be smaller than touted, that also reduces the risk and cost to taxpayers.CHICAGO  During his time as chairman of the Federal Reserve, William McChesney Martin said his job was to take away the punch bowl just as the party gets going. Amid the rollicking fiscal Mardi Gras being enjoyed by both political parties in Washington, former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz may volunteer to perform that unpopular task.

Central to his potential presidential candidacy is his view that the federal government shouldnt continue running up vast budget deficits. Schultz argued in June that the greatest threat domestically to the country is this $21 trillion debt hanging over the cloud of America and future generations. He opposed the 2017 corporate tax cut passed by the Republican Congress, despite the $425 million windfall it yielded for Starbucks last year. But he is not enamored of Democrats who favor a top personal income tax rate of 70 percent and Medicare for all.

Schultz is right that both parties have contributed to irresponsible budgets  Republicans by cutting taxes without cutting spending, Democrats by dreaming up new tasks for an underfunded federal government. But he still has to prove he has the stomach for solutions. When asked whether he would raise corporate tax rates, Schultz took a dive worthy of the most weaselly politician: I dont want to talk in the hypothetical about what I would do if I was president.We wanted to see if detection could be more effective.

At low densities, detecting a small invasive organism in a large area can be nearly impossible without extraordinary effort. Even if Lake Mendota had one spiny water flea for every cubic meter of water, catching one in a net would be like finding a sesame seed in roughly 250 gallons of water.

But managers can dramatically improve detection rates by targeting their sampling to areas or time periods when the target species is likely to be present at higher densities. Humans do this naturally when we have the necessary information. For example, I dont search grocery stores randomly for blueberries  I look in the produce section, mainly in late summer when blueberries are in season in Wisconsin.

The spiny water flea is most abundant in fall. By doubling search efforts in the fall, we calculated that managers would improve detection as much as if they doubled efforts over the entire year.

Targeting is particularly important in multi-species surveys. Managers often look for multiple invasive species when they are sampling, but we concluded in our study that its much more efficient to target each species separately if they differ in when or where they are most abundant. And the greater the difference, the greater the benefit from sampling for them separately.Adjustment bill provision concerns civil servants

Civil servants have said that the government betrayed them by not introducing the provision in the Civil Servants Adjustment Bill for allowing those adjusted to the local and provincial governments to work in the federal service.SENATE

GOP REBUKE OF TROOP WITHDRAWALS: Voting 68 for and 23 against, the Senate on Thursday advanced an amendment by Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., that would rebuke President Trump over his plans to withdraw large numbers of U.S. troops from Syria and possibly Afghanistan as well. Trump said we have defeated ISIS in Syria in announcing the Syrian pullout. Democrats cast nearly all of the votes against the measure, arguing it could be construed by the administration as an authorization to use military force against Middle Eastern countries including Iran. The non-binding amendment was offered to a foreign policy bill (S 1) that remained in debate. A yes vote was to advance the amendment.The only constitutional duty remaining for the treasurer is serving on the Board of Commissioners of Public Lands, which manages a $1.1 billion endowment that provided about $36 million to school libraries in 2018.

Adamczyk did not return calls for comment but has previously said the responsibility serving on the board literally consists of two 15-minute phone calls per month.

Elected in 2015, he ran for the position on the platform of eliminating it. He whittled staff down until he was the only one left.

The offices budget shrunk from $544,800 in fiscal years 2014 and 2015 to $113,500 in fiscal years 2018 and 2019, according to the Legislative Fiscal Bureau.

He called the changes a symbolic victory for smaller government.

Taxpayer savings

In most states, the treasurer holds considerable power, according to National Association of State Treasurers executive director Shaun Snyder. Aside from Wisconsin, he said he was unfamiliar with other states shifting substantial powers away from elected treasurers to agencies controlled by the governors office.

But thats what has happened to the treasurers office in Wisconsin starting in the mid-1990s.Its been a frustrating few months in the quest for reliable and accurately billed television and internet service for Sauk City resident Leo Schweiss.

Schweiss, 56, contacted SOS in the fall after TDS refused to refund his $25 registration fee to sign up for service  despite the companys inability to provide the service on time and, more importantly, by the time Schweiss contract with competitor Charter Communications expired.

SOS was able to secure the refund, and Schweiss said that on Nov. 27 he called DirecTV to get satellite TV, and that DirecTV in turn directed him to Frontier Communications for internet service. Neither Schweiss nor Javier Mendoza, Frontier vice president of corporate communications and external affairs, was able to explain Friday why DirecTV might have made that referral.

But it was in taking it that Schweiss contributed to his hassles later.

I received the router from Frontier on 12/7 and told them I had decided to stay with Charter and called Frontier to tell them I wasnt taking their service, Schweiss emailed SOS on Jan. 14.

Schweiss said he reneged on Frontier because he was able to negotiate a better deal with Charter.They are loans, not gifts or donations, Crust said, with payback periods ranging from six months to 36 months, depending on the size of the loan. There is risk involved, but Crust said the payback rate is 96.9 percent worldwide, about 78 percent in the U.S.

The organization, founded in 2005, says it has helped crowdfund a combined $1.25 billion in microloans to more than 3 million entrepreneurs in 81 countries and 47 U.S. states.

The program has been operating in Milwaukee since 2015, and Wendy Baumann, president and chief visionary officer of the Wisconsin Womens Business Initiative Corp. (WWBIC), is a big supporter. WWBIC, founded in 1987, also provides loans to women, people of color, veterans and lower-income people.

I love Kiva, Baumann said. Its a great instrument that complements our work.

In three years, Kiva has helped 216 Wisconsin entrepreneurs raise $1.2 million in crowdfunded loans, at least eight of them in the Madison area. They include EleBalloons balloon creations, organic craft brewer Giant Jones Brewing Co., and Slide Gourmet Potato Chips  all owned by women.

Crust said Kiva is different from other crowdfunding platforms in several ways.You may know Huma Abedin as Hillary Clinton's longtime close aide and a top advisor of her 2016 presidential campaign. You almost definitely know her as the ex-wife of Anthony Weiner, former congressman and currently registered sex offender, whose habit of sexting with minors may have indirectly sunk said presidential campaign. Abedin would like to reintroduce herself, in her own words. ..."The strength of our success is not found solely in fiscal surplus; it's defined, too, by the number of our kids who will go to school hungry tomorrow. The metric for posterity is not just what we keep in the coffers for a rainy day; it's measured, too, by the quality of the natural resources we're leaving behind for our kids and their kids after them," he said.

Indeed, the only issues that really mattered to the triumvirate of Vos, Walker and state Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald was their one-way view of what makes a great state  everything geared to the success of the corporate interests embodied by the greed regularly displayed by Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce. The welfare of workers didn't count.

If business was doing well, then all's OK. Preserving the environment didn't count, neither did protecting the state's drinking water nor its air. The quality and reputation of our universities and public schools took a back seat to the wish lists of the corporations and financial interests.

But the people started to see what was happening and the kowtowing to big business  million-dollar, even billion-dollar, payouts to hugely successful corporations started to grate. This wasn't Wisconsin anymore.When you first came to UW-Madison as a student, what were some of the biggest adjustments?

Well, it definitely was a culture shock. You leave your reservation home community where the majority of people and students youre around are also Native American and also part of your tribe, and then you come to a predominantly white institution. Being able to find community here was definitely one of the biggest challenges. And the other was often being misunderstood, or interacting with students, or even staff and faculty, that didnt know a lot about your community or culture. So a lot of my early years was spent sharing more about who we are as Native people and trying to bridge that cultural gap.

In 2017, NACHP said that since it was founded in 2012, it saw a 250 percent increase in the number of Native American medical school applicants. What do you think is making NACHP work?Sauces are a staple with sushi rolls, often used to add decadence to the dish. Madisons Takumi Japanese Restaurant is fairly well known for the head chefs cutesy sauce designs painted alongside the customers ordered sushi. From dragons to butterflies, guests can request an edible masterpiece to go with their meal.

Whats less known is the restaurant makes a spicy honey sauce thats as beautiful as it is delicious.

The honey sauce is something the chefs made here from scratch, said Takumi manager Michael Sofyan. People ask about it a lot but were not allowed to say how its made. Theres a secret ingredient no one is supposed to know about.

Whatever the secret ingredient is, it has served Takumis Sakana Roll well. Made with deep fried whitefish and asparagus, the roll has subtle flavors which allows the spicy honey sauce to be front and center. The sauce has, as the name suggests, a spicy kick but with a syrup flavor that gives it a sweet aftertaste.

Contrary to its name, Sushi Expresss Hot Girl Roll is not all that hot. Even with spicy tuna, spicy mayo and spicy salmon, it has only a mild kick thats quickly subdued by the rice and avocado. What makes this roll stand out? Its adorable.

remaining of

SUPPORT LOCAL JOURNALISM! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading.Altimari told his evaluators he developed a paranoid delusion that he was under surveillance by his employer, the government or the military. He believed he was forced to follow a script and that he and his father were in danger of being tortured or killed. So to save his father from a slow and painful death, Altimari said he killed him as an act of mercy.

But the judge noted that Nelson raised the issue of corroboration for Altimaris delusion 26 separate times in his 27-page report. There wasnt any.

Altimari didnt write down an account of his delusion and during his early incarceration did not experience any hallucinations or engage in any bizarre behavior, or raise any of these issues during the police interview or with the jail mental staff, Johnson said.

The judge said Nelson wrote in his report that while Altimaris delusional account very neatly fits an insanity defense, there was good reason to wonder if it really was how he felt at the time of the offense ... given the nearly complete lack of objective support for it.

Another real possibility was that after he killed his father, he developed a delusion as a kind of psychological defense as the reality of what he did, and to explain it to himself, the judge quoted Nelson as writing.In this May 1, 2018, file photo, Lompoc High School student Erin McCallon, right, looks on as then-Councilwoman Jenelle Osborne commends her for her fourth-place finish in the American Association of University Women's statewide Speech Trek contest. McCallon was the top finisher in last year's local competition.SAN DIEGO  Whether it was destiny or karma was of no relevance to Jon Rahm. He won the U.S. Open on Sunday at Torrey Pines, the perfect time and the perfect place to become a major champion.As a follow up of word embedding post, we will discuss the models on learning contextualized word vectors, as well as the new trend in large unsupervised pre-trained language models which have achieved amazing SOTA results on a variety of language tasks.

[Updated on 2019-02-14: add ULMFiT and GPT-2.]

[Updated on 2020-02-29: add ALBERT.]

[Updated on 2020-10-25: add RoBERTa.]

[Updated on 2020-12-13: add T5.]

[Updated on 2020-12-30: add GPT-3.]





Fig. 0. I guess they are Elmo & Bert? (Image source: here)

We have seen amazing progress in NLP in 2018. Large-scale pre-trained language modes like OpenAI GPT and BERT have achieved great performance on a variety of language tasks using generic model architectures. The idea is similar to how ImageNet classification pre-training helps many vision tasks (*). Even better than vision classification pre-training, this simple and powerful approach in NLP does not require labeled data for pre-training, allowing us to experiment with increased training scale, up to our very limit.

(*) Although recently He et al. (2018) found that pre-training might not be necessary for image segmentation task.

In my previous NLP post on word embedding, the introduced embeddings are not context-specific  they are learned based on word concurrency but not sequential context. So in two sentences, I am eating an apple and I have an Apple phone, two apple words refer to very different things but they would still share the same word embedding vector.

Despite this, early adoption of word embeddings in problem-solving is to use them as additional features for an existing task-specific model and in a way the improvement is bounded.

In this post, we will discuss how various approaches were proposed to make embeddings dependent on context, and to make them easier and cheaper to be applied to downstream tasks in general form.

CoVe

CoVe (McCann et al. 2017), short for Contextual Word Vectors, is a type of word embeddings learned by an encoder in an attentional seq-to-seq machine translation model. Different from traditional word embeddings introduced here, CoVe word representations are functions of the entire input sentence.

NMT Recap

Here the Neural Machine Translation (NMT) model is composed of a standard, two-layer, bidirectional LSTM encoder and an attentional two-layer unidirectional LSTM decoder. It is pre-trained on the English-German translation task. The encoder learns and optimizes the embedding vectors of English words in order to translate them to German. With the intuition that the encoder should capture high-level semantic and syntactic meanings before transforming words into another language, the encoder output is used to provide contextualized word embeddings for various downstream language tasks.

Fig. 1. The NMT base model used in CoVe.

A sequence of \(n\) words in source language (English): \(x = [x_1, \dots, x_n]\).

A sequence of \(m\) words in target language (German): \(y = [y_1, \dots, y_m]\).

The GloVe vectors of source words: \(\text{GloVe}(x)\).

Randomly initialized embedding vectors of target words: \(z = [z_1, \dots, z_m]\).

The biLSTM encoder outputs a sequence of hidden states: \(h = [h_1, \dots, h_n] = \text{biLSTM}(\text{GloVe}(x))\) and \(h_t = [\overrightarrow{h}_t; \overleftarrow{h}_t]\) where the forward LSTM computes \(\overrightarrow{h}_t = \text{LSTM}(x_t, \overrightarrow{h}_{t-1})\) and the backward computation gives us \(\overleftarrow{h}_t = \text{LSTM}(x_t, \overleftarrow{h}_{t-1})\).

The attentional decoder outputs a distribution over words: \(p(y_t \mid H, y_1, \dots, y_{t-1})\) where \(H\) is a stack of hidden states \(\{h\}\) along the time dimension:

Use CoVe in Downstream Tasks

\[\begin{aligned} \text{decoder hidden state: } s_t &= \text{LSTM}([z_{t-1}; \tilde{h}_{t-1}], s_{t-1}) \\ \text{attention weights: } \alpha_t &= \text{softmax}(H(W_1 s_t + b_1)) \\ \text{context-adjusted hidden state: } \tilde{h}_t &= \tanh(W_2[H^\top\alpha_t;s_t] + b_2) \\ \text{decoder output: } p(y_t\mid H, y_1, \dots, y_{t-1}) &= \text{softmax}(W_\text{out} \tilde{h}_t + b_\text{out}) \end{aligned}\]

The hidden states of NMT encoder are defined as context vectors for other language tasks:

\[\text{CoVe}(x) = \text{biLSTM}(\text{GloVe}(x))\]

The paper proposed to use the concatenation of GloVe and CoVe for question-answering and classification tasks. GloVe learns from the ratios of global word co-occurrences, so it has no sentence context, while CoVe is generated by processing text sequences is able to capture the contextual information.

\[v = [\text{GloVe}(x); \text{CoVe}(x)]\]

Given a downstream task, we first generate the concatenation of GloVe + CoVe vectors of input words and then feed them into the task-specific models as additional features.

Fig. 2. The CoVe embeddings are generated by an encoder trained for machine translation task. The encoder can be plugged into any downstream task-specific model. (Image source: original paper)

Summary: The limitation of CoVe is obvious: (1) pre-training is bounded by available datasets on the supervised translation task; (2) the contribution of CoVe to the final performance is constrained by the task-specific model architecture.

In the following sections, we will see that ELMo overcomes issue (1) by unsupervised pre-training and OpenAI GPT & BERT further overcome both problems by unsupervised pre-training + using generative model architecture for different downstream tasks.

ELMo

ELMo, short for Embeddings from Language Model (Peters, et al, 2018) learns contextualized word representation by pre-training a language model in an unsupervised way.

Bidirectional Language Model

The bidirectional Language Model (biLM) is the foundation for ELMo. While the input is a sequence of \(n\) tokens, \((x_1, \dots, x_n)\), the language model learns to predict the probability of next token given the history.

In the forward pass, the history contains words before the target token,

\[p(x_1, \dots, x_n) = \prod_{i=1}^n p(x_i \mid x_1, \dots, x_{i-1})\]

In the backward pass, the history contains words after the target token,

\[p(x_1, \dots, x_n) = \prod_{i=1}^n p(x_i \mid x_{i+1}, \dots, x_n)\]

The predictions in both directions are modeled by multi-layer LSTMs with hidden states \(\overrightarrow{\mathbf{h}}_{i,\ell}\) and \(\overleftarrow{\mathbf{h}}_{i,\ell}\) for input token \(x_i\) at the layer level \(\ell=1,\dots,L\). The final layers hidden state \(\mathbf{h}_{i,L} = [\overrightarrow{\mathbf{h}}_{i,L}; \overleftarrow{\mathbf{h}}_{i,L}]\) is used to output the probabilities over tokens after softmax normalization. They share the embedding layer and the softmax layer, parameterized by \(\Theta_e\) and \(\Theta_s\) respectively.

Fig. 3. The biLSTM base model of ELMo. (Image source: recreated based on the figure in Neural Networks, Types, and Functional Programming by Christopher Olah.)

The model is trained to minimize the negative log likelihood (= maximize the log likelihood for true words) in both directions:

ELMo Representations

\[\begin{aligned} \mathcal{L} = - \sum_{i=1}^n \Big( \log p(x_i \mid x_1, \dots, x_{i-1}; \Theta_e, \overrightarrow{\Theta}_\text{LSTM}, \Theta_s) + \\ \log p(x_i \mid x_{i+1}, \dots, x_n; \Theta_e, \overleftarrow{\Theta}_\text{LSTM}, \Theta_s) \Big) \end{aligned}\]

On top of a \(L\)-layer biLM, ELMo stacks all the hidden states across layers together by learning a task-specific linear combination. The hidden state representation for the token \(x_i\) contains \(2L+1\) vectors:

\(R_i = \{ \mathbf{h}_{i,\ell} \mid \ell = 0, \dots, L \}\) where \(\mathbf{h}_{0, \ell}\) is the embedding layer output and \(\mathbf{h}_{i, \ell} = [\overrightarrow{\mathbf{h}}_{i,\ell}; \overleftarrow{\mathbf{h}}_{i,\ell}]\).

The weights, \(\mathbf{s}^\text{task}\), in the linear combination are learned for each end task and normalized by softmax. The scaling factor \(\gamma^\text{task}\) is used to correct the misalignment between the distribution of biLM hidden states and the distribution of task specific representations.

\[v_i = f(R_i; \Theta^\text{task}) = \gamma^\text{task} \sum_{\ell=0}^L s^\text{task}_i \mathbf{h}_{i,\ell}\]

To evaluate what kind of information is captured by hidden states across different layers, ELMo is applied on semantic-intensive and syntax-intensive tasks respectively using representations in different layers of biLM:

Semantic task : The word sense disambiguation (WSD) task emphasizes the meaning of a word given a context. The biLM top layer is better at this task than the first layer.

: The word sense disambiguation (WSD) task emphasizes the meaning of a word given a context. The biLM top layer is better at this task than the first layer. Syntax task: The part-of-speech (POS) tagging task aims to infer the grammatical role of a word in one sentence. A higher accuracy can be achieved by using the biLM first layer than the top layer.

The comparison study indicates that syntactic information is better represented at lower layers while semantic information is captured by higher layers. Because different layers tend to carry different type of information, stacking them together helps.

Use ELMo in Downstream Tasks

Similar to how CoVe can help different downstream tasks, ELMo embedding vectors are included in the input or lower levels of task-specific models. Moreover, for some tasks (i.e., SNLI and SQuAD, but not SRL), adding them into the output level helps too.

The improvements brought up by ELMo are largest for tasks with a small supervised dataset. With ELMo, we can also achieve similar performance with much less labeled data.

Summary: The language model pre-training is unsupervised and theoretically the pre-training can be scaled up as much as possible since the unlabeled text corpora are abundant. However, it still has the dependency on task-customized models and thus the improvement is only incremental, while searching for a good model architecture for every task remains non-trivial.

Cross-View Training

In ELMo the unsupervised pre-training and task-specific learning happen for two independent models in two separate training stages. Cross-View Training (abbr. CVT; Clark et al., 2018) combines them into one unified semi-supervised learning procedure where the representation of a biLSTM encoder is improved by both supervised learning with labeled data and unsupervised learning with unlabeled data on auxiliary tasks.

Model Architecture

The model consists of a two-layer bidirectional LSTM encoder and a primary prediction module. During training, the model is fed with labeled and unlabeled data batches alternatively.

On labeled examples, all the model parameters are updated by standard supervised learning. The loss is the standard cross entropy.

On unlabeled examples, the primary prediction module still can produce a soft target, even though we cannot know exactly how accurate they are. In a couple of auxiliary tasks, the predictor only sees and processes a restricted view of the input, such as only using encoder hidden state representation in one direction. The auxiliary task outputs are expected to match the primary prediction target for a full view of input.

In this way, the encoder is forced to distill the knowledge of the full context into partial representation. At this stage, the biLSTM encoder is backpropagated but the primary prediction module is fixed. The loss is to minimize the distance between auxiliary and primary predictions.

Fig. 4. The overview of semi-supervised language model cross-view training. (Image source: original paper)

Multi-Task Learning

When training for multiple tasks simultaneously, CVT adds several extra primary prediction models for additional tasks. They all share the same sentence representation encoder. During supervised training, once one task is randomly selected, parameters in its corresponding predictor and the representation encoder are updated. With unlabeled data samples, the encoder is optimized jointly across all the tasks by minimizing the differences between auxiliary outputs and primary prediction for every task.

The multi-task learning encourages better generality of representation and in the meantime produces a nice side-product: all-tasks-labeled examples from unlabeled data. They are precious data labels considering that cross-task labels are useful but fairly rare.

Use CVT in Downstream Tasks

Theoretically the primary prediction module can take any form, generic or task-specific design. The examples presented in the CVT paper include both cases.

In sequential tagging tasks (classification for every token) like NER or POS tagging, the predictor module contains two fully connected layers and a softmax layer on the output to produce a probability distribution over class labels. For each token \(\mathbf{x}_i\), we take the corresponding hidden states in two layers, \(\mathbf{h}_1^{(i)}\) and \(\mathbf{h}_2^{(i)}\):

\[\begin{aligned} p_\theta(y_i \mid \mathbf{x}_i) &= \text{NN}(\mathbf{h}^{(i)}) \\ &= \text{NN}([\mathbf{h}_1^{(i)}; \mathbf{h}_2^{(i)}]) \\ &= \text{softmax} \big( \mathbf{W}\cdot\text{ReLU}(\mathbf{W'}\cdot[\mathbf{h}_1^{(i)}; \mathbf{h}_2^{(i)}]) + \mathbf{b} \big) \end{aligned}\]

The auxiliary tasks are only fed with forward or backward LSTM state in the first layer. Because they only observe partial context, either on the left or right, they have to learn like a language model, trying to predict the next token given the context. The fwd and bwd auxiliary tasks only take one direction. The future and past tasks take one step further in forward and backward direction, respectively.

\[\begin{aligned} p_\theta^\text{fwd}(y_i \mid \mathbf{x}_i) &= \text{NN}^\text{fwd}(\overrightarrow{\mathbf{h}}^{(i)}) \\ p_\theta^\text{bwd}(y_i \mid \mathbf{x}_i) &= \text{NN}^\text{bwd}(\overleftarrow{\mathbf{h}}^{(i)}) \\ p_\theta^\text{future}(y_i \mid \mathbf{x}_i) &= \text{NN}^\text{future}(\overrightarrow{\mathbf{h}}^{(i-1)}) \\ p_\theta^\text{past}(y_i \mid \mathbf{x}_i) &= \text{NN}^\text{past}(\overleftarrow{\mathbf{h}}^{(i+1)}) \end{aligned}\]

Fig. 5. The sequential tagging task depends on four auxiliary prediction models, their inputs only involving hidden states in one direction: forward, backward, future and past. (Image source: original paper)

Note that if the primary prediction module has dropout, the dropout layer works as usual when training with labeled data, but it is not applied when generating soft target for auxiliary tasks during training with unlabeled data.

In the machine translation task, the primary prediction module is replaced with a standard unidirectional LSTM decoder with attention. There are two auxiliary tasks: (1) apply dropout on the attention weight vector by randomly zeroing out some values; (2) predict the future word in the target sequence. The primary prediction for auxiliary tasks to match is the best predicted target sequence produced by running the fixed primary decoder on the input sequence with beam search.

ULMFiT

The idea of using generative pretrained LM + task-specific fine-tuning was first explored in ULMFiT (Howard & Ruder, 2018), directly motivated by the success of using ImageNet pre-training for computer vision tasks. The base model is AWD-LSTM.

ULMFiT follows three steps to achieve good transfer learning results on downstream language classification tasks:

1) General LM pre-training: on Wikipedia text.

2) Target task LM fine-tuning: ULMFiT proposed two training techniques for stabilizing the fine-tuning process. See below.

Discriminative fine-tuning is motivated by the fact that different layers of LM capture different types of information (see discussion above). ULMFiT proposed to tune each layer with different learning rates, \(\{\eta^1, \dots, \eta^\ell, \dots, \eta^L\}\), where \(\eta\) is the base learning rate for the first layer, \(\eta^\ell\) is for the \(\ell\)-th layer and there are \(L\) layers in total.

Slanted triangular learning rates (STLR) refer to a special learning rate scheduling that first linearly increases the learning rate and then linearly decays it. The increase stage is short so that the model can converge to a parameter space suitable for the task fast, while the decay period is long allowing for better fine-tuning.

3) Target task classifier fine-tuning: The pretrained LM is augmented with two standard feed-forward layers and a softmax normalization at the end to predict a target label distribution.

Concat pooling extracts max-polling and mean-pooling over the history of hidden states and concatenates them with the final hidden state.

Gradual unfreezing helps to avoid catastrophic forgetting by gradually unfreezing the model layers starting from the last one. First the last layer is unfrozen and fine-tuned for one epoch. Then the next lower layer is unfrozen. This process is repeated until all the layers are tuned.

Fig. 6. Three training stages of ULMFiT. (Image source: original paper)

GPT

Following the similar idea of ELMo, OpenAI GPT, short for Generative Pre-training Transformer (Radford et al., 2018), expands the unsupervised language model to a much larger scale by training on a giant collection of free text corpora. Despite of the similarity, GPT has two major differences from ELMo.

The model architectures are different: ELMo uses a shallow concatenation of independently trained left-to-right and right-to-left multi-layer LSTMs, while GPT is a multi-layer transformer decoder. The use of contextualized embeddings in downstream tasks are different: ELMo feeds embeddings into models customized for specific tasks as additional features, while GPT fine-tunes the same base model for all end tasks.

Transformer Decoder as Language Model

Compared to the original transformer architecture, the transformer decoder model discards the encoder part, so there is only one single input sentence rather than two separate source and target sequences.

This model applies multiple transformer blocks over the embeddings of input sequences. Each block contains a masked multi-headed self-attention layer and a pointwise feed-forward layer. The final output produces a distribution over target tokens after softmax normalization.

Fig. 7. The transformer decoder model architecture in OpenAI GPT.

The loss is the negative log-likelihood, same as ELMo, but without backward computation. Lets say, the context window of the size \(k\) is located before the target word and the loss would look like:

Byte Pair Encoding

\[\mathcal{L}_\text{LM} = -\sum_{i} \log p(x_i\mid x_{i-k}, \dots, x_{i-1})\]

Byte Pair Encoding (BPE) is used to encode the input sequences. BPE was originally proposed as a data compression algorithm in 1990s and then was adopted to solve the open-vocabulary issue in machine translation, as we can easily run into rare and unknown words when translating into a new language. Motivated by the intuition that rare and unknown words can often be decomposed into multiple subwords, BPE finds the best word segmentation by iteratively and greedily merging frequent pairs of characters.

Supervised Fine-Tuning

The most substantial upgrade that OpenAI GPT proposed is to get rid of the task-specific model and use the pre-trained language model directly!

Lets take classification as an example. Say, in the labeled dataset, each input has \(n\) tokens, \(\mathbf{x} = (x_1, \dots, x_n)\), and one label \(y\). GPT first processes the input sequence \(\mathbf{x}\) through the pre-trained transformer decoder and the last layer output for the last token \(x_n\) is \(\mathbf{h}_L^{(n)}\). Then with only one new trainable weight matrix \(\mathbf{W}_y\), it can predict a distribution over class labels.

\[P(y\mid x_1, \dots, x_n) = \text{softmax}(\mathbf{h}_L^{(n)}\mathbf{W}_y)\]

The loss is to minimize the negative log-likelihood for true labels. In addition, adding the LM loss as an auxiliary loss is found to be beneficial, because:

(1) it helps accelerate convergence during training and

(2) it is expected to improve the generalization of the supervised model.

\[\begin{aligned} \mathcal{L}_\text{cls} &= \sum_{(\mathbf{x}, y) \in \mathcal{D}} \log P(y\mid x_1, \dots, x_n) = \sum_{(\mathbf{x}, y) \in \mathcal{D}} \log \text{softmax}(\mathbf{h}_L^{(n)}(\mathbf{x})\mathbf{W}_y) \\ \mathcal{L}_\text{LM} &= -\sum_{i} \log p(x_i\mid x_{i-k}, \dots, x_{i-1}) \\ \mathcal{L} &= \mathcal{L}_\text{cls} + \lambda \mathcal{L}_\text{LM} \end{aligned}\]

With similar designs, no customized model structure is needed for other end tasks (see Fig. 7). If the task input contains multiple sentences, a special delimiter token ( $ ) is added between each pair of sentences. The embedding for this delimiter token is a new parameter we need to learn, but it should be pretty minimal.

For the sentence similarity task, because the ordering does not matter, both orderings are included. For the multiple choice task, the context is paired with every answer candidate.

Fig. 8. Training objects in slightly modified GPT transformer models for downstream tasks. (Image source: original paper)

Summary: It is super neat and encouraging to see that such a general framework is capable to beat SOTA on most language tasks at that time (June 2018). At the first stage, generative pre-training of a language model can absorb as much free text as possible. Then at the second stage, the model is fine-tuned on specific tasks with a small labeled dataset and a minimal set of new parameters to learn.

One limitation of GPT is its uni-directional nature  the model is only trained to predict the future left-to-right context.

BERT

BERT, short for Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (Devlin, et al., 2019) is a direct descendant to GPT: train a large language model on free text and then fine-tune on specific tasks without customized network architectures.

Compared to GPT, the largest difference and improvement of BERT is to make training bi-directional. The model learns to predict both context on the left and right. The paper according to the ablation study claimed that:

bidirectional nature of our model is the single most important new contribution

Pre-training Tasks

The model architecture of BERT is a multi-layer bidirectional Transformer encoder.

Fig. 9. Recap of Transformer Encoder model architecture. (Image source: Transformer paper)

To encourage the bi-directional prediction and sentence-level understanding, BERT is trained with two tasks instead of the basic language task (that is, to predict the next token given context).

Task 1: Mask language model (MLM)**

From Wikipedia: A cloze test (also cloze deletion test) is an exercise, test, or assessment consisting of a portion of language with certain items, words, or signs removed (cloze text), where the participant is asked to replace the missing language item.  The exercise was first described by W.L. Taylor in 1953.

It is unsurprising to believe that a representation that learns the context around a word rather than just after the word is able to better capture its meaning, both syntactically and semantically. BERT encourages the model to do so by training on the mask language model task:

Randomly mask 15% of tokens in each sequence. Because if we only replace masked tokens with a special placeholder [MASK] , the special token would never be encountered during fine-tuning. Hence, BERT employed several heuristic tricks: (a) with 80% probability, replace the chosen words with [MASK] ;

; (b) with 10% probability, replace with a random word;

(c) with 10% probability, keep it the same. The model only predicts the missing words, but it has no information on which words have been replaced or which words should be predicted. The output size is only 15% of the input size.

Task 2: Next sentence prediction

Motivated by the fact that many downstream tasks involve the understanding of relationships between sentences (i.e., QA, NLI), BERT added another auxiliary task on training a binary classifier for telling whether one sentence is the next sentence of the other:

Sample sentence pairs (A, B) so that: (a) 50% of the time, B follows A;

(b) 50% of the time, B does not follow A. The model processes both sentences and output a binary label indicating whether B is the next sentence of A.

The training data for both auxiliary tasks above can be trivially generated from any monolingual corpus. Hence the scale of training is unbounded. The training loss is the sum of the mean masked LM likelihood and mean next sentence prediction likelihood.

Fig. 10. Comparison of BERT, OpenAI GPT and ELMo model architectures. (Image source: original paper)

Input Embedding

The input embedding is the sum of three parts:

WordPiece tokenization embeddings: The WordPiece model was originally proposed for Japanese or Korean segmentation problem. Instead of using naturally split English word, they can be further divided into smaller sub-word units so that it is more effective to handle rare or unknown words. Please read linked papers for the optimal way to split words if interested. Segment embeddings: If the input contains two sentences, they have sentence A embeddings and sentence B embeddings respectively and they are separated by a special character [SEP] ; Only sentence A embeddings are used if the input only contains one sentence. Position embeddings: Positional embeddings are learned rather than hard-coded.

Fig. 11. BERT input representation. (Image source: original paper)

Note that the first token is always forced to be [CLS]  a placeholder that will be used later for prediction in downstream tasks.

Use BERT in Downstream Tasks

BERT fine-tuning requires only a few new parameters added, just like OpenAI GPT.

For classification tasks, we get the prediction by taking the final hidden state of the special first token [CLS] , \(\mathbf{h}^\text{[CLS]}_L\), and multiplying it with a small weight matrix, \(\text{softmax}(\mathbf{h}^\text{[CLS]}_L \mathbf{W}_\text{cls})\).

For QA tasks like SQuAD, we need to predict the text span in the given paragraph for an given question. BERT predicts two probability distributions of every token, being the start and the end of the text span. Only two new small matrices, \(\mathbf{W}_\text{s}\) and \(\mathbf{W}_\text{e}\), are newly learned during fine-tuning and \(\text{softmax}(\mathbf{h}^\text{(i)}_L \mathbf{W}_\text{s})\) and \(\text{softmax}(\mathbf{h}^\text{(i)}_L \mathbf{W}_\text{e})\) define two probability distributions.

Overall the add-on part for end task fine-tuning is very minimal  one or two weight matrices to convert the Transform hidden states to an interpretable format. Check the paper for implementation details for other cases.

Fig. 12. Training objects in slightly modified BERT models for downstream tasks. (Image source: original paper)

A summary table compares differences between fine-tuning of OpenAI GPT and BERT.

OpenAI GPT BERT Special char [SEP] and [CLS] are only introduced at fine-tuning stage. [SEP] and [CLS] and sentence A/B embeddings are learned at the pre-training stage. Training process 1M steps, batch size 32k words. 1M steps, batch size 128k words. Fine-tuning lr = 5e-5 for all fine-tuning tasks. Use task-specific lr for fine-tuning.

ALBERT

ALBERT (Lan, et al. 2019), short for A Lite BERT, is a light-weighted version of BERT model. An ALBERT model can be trained 1.7x faster with 18x fewer parameters, compared to a BERT model of similar configuration. ALBERT incorporates three changes as follows: the first two help reduce parameters and memory consumption and hence speed up the training speed, while the third one proposes a more chanllenging training task to replace the next sentence prediction (NSP) objective.

Factorized Embedding Parameterization

In BERT, the WordPiece tokenization embedding size \(E\) is configured to be the same as the hidden state size \(H\). That is saying, if we want to increase the model size (larger \(H\)), we need to learn a larger tokenization embedding too, which is expensive because it depends on the vocabulary size (\(V\)).

Conceptually, because the tokenization embedding is expected to learn context-independent representation and the hidden states are context-dependent, it makes sense to separate the size of the hidden layers from the size of vocabulary embedding. Using factorized embedding parameterization, the large vocabulary embedding matrix of size \(V \times H\) is decomposed into two small matrices of size \(V \times E\) and \(E \times H\). Given \(H \gt E\) or even \(H \gg E\), factorization can result in significant parameter reduction.

Cross-layer Parameter Sharing

Parameter sharing across layers can happen in many ways: (a) only share feed-forward part; (b) only share attention parameters; or (c) share all the parameters. This technique reduces the number of parameters by a ton and does not damage the performance too much.

Sentence-Order Prediction (SOP)

Interestingly, the next sentence prediction (NSP) task of BERT turned out to be too easy. ALBERT instead adopted a sentence-order prediction (SOP) self-supervised loss,

Positive sample: two consecutive segments from the same document.

Negative sample: same as above, but the segment order is switched.

For the NSP task, the model can make reasonable predictions if it is able to detect topics when A and B are from different contexts. In comparison, SOP is harder as it requires the model to fully understand the coherence and ordering between segments.

GPT-2

The OpenAI GPT-2 language model is a direct successor to GPT. GPT-2 has 1.5B parameters, 10x more than the original GPT, and it achieves SOTA results on 7 out of 8 tested language modeling datasets in a zero-shot transfer setting without any task-specific fine-tuning. The pre-training dataset contains 8 million Web pages collected by crawling qualified outbound links from Reddit. Large improvements by OpenAI GPT-2 are specially noticeable on small datasets and datasets used for measuring long-term dependency.

Zero-Shot Transfer

The pre-training task for GPT-2 is solely language modeling. All the downstream language tasks are framed as predicting conditional probabilities and there is no task-specific fine-tuning.

Text generation is straightforward using LM.

Machine translation task, for example, English to Chinese, is induced by conditioning LM on pairs of English sentence = Chinese sentence and the target English sentence = at the end. For example, the conditional probability to predict might look like: P(? | I like green apples. =  A cat meows at him. = It is raining cats and dogs. =")

QA task is formatted similar to translation with pairs of questions and answers in the context.

Summarization task is induced by adding TL;DR: after the articles in the context.

BPE on Byte Sequences

Same as the original GPT, GPT-2 uses BPE but on UTF-8 byte sequences. Each byte can represent 256 different values in 8 bits, while UTF-8 can use up to 4 bytes for one character, supporting up to \(2^{31}\) characters in total. Therefore, with byte sequence representation we only need a vocabulary of size 256 and do not need to worry about pre-processing, tokenization, etc. Despite of the benefit, current byte-level LMs still have non-negligible performance gap with the SOTA word-level LMs.

BPE merges frequently co-occurred byte pairs in a greedy manner. To prevent it from generating multiple versions of common words (i.e. dog. , dog! and dog? for the word dog ), GPT-2 prevents BPE from merging characters across categories (thus dog would not be merged with punctuations like . , ! and ? ). This tricks help increase the quality of the final byte segmentation.

Using the byte sequence representation, GPT-2 is able to assign a probability to any Unicode string, regardless of any pre-processing steps.

Model Modifications

Compared to GPT, other than having many more transformer layers and parameters, GPT-2 incorporates only a few architecture modifications:

Layer normalization was moved to the input of each sub-block, similar to a residual unit of type building block (differently from the original type bottleneck, it has batch normalization applied before weight layers).

An additional layer normalization was added after the final self-attention block.

A modified initialization was constructed as a function of the model depth.

The weights of residual layers were initially scaled by a factor of \(1/ \sqrt{N}\) where N is the number of residual layers.

Use larger vocabulary size and context size.

RoBERTa

RoBERTa (short for Robustly optimized BERT approach; Liu, et al. 2019) refers to a new receipt for training BERT to achieve better results, as they found that the original BERT model is significantly undertrained. The receipt contains the following learnings:

Train for longer with bigger batch size. Remove the next sentence prediction (NSP) task. Use longer sequences in training data format. The paper found that using individual sentences as inputs hurts downstream performance. Instead we should use multiple sentences sampled contiguously to form longer segments. Change the masking pattern dynamically. The original BERT applies masking once during the data preprocessing stage, resulting in a static mask across training epochs. RoBERTa applies masks in 10 different ways across 40 epochs.

RoBERTa also added a new dataset CommonCrawl News and further confirmed that pretraining with more data helps improve the performance on downstream tasks. It was trained with the BPE on byte sequences, same as in GPT-2. They also found that choices of hyperparameters have a big impact on the model performance.

T5

The language model T5 is short for Text-to-Text Transfer Transformer (Colin et al., 2020). The encoder-decoder implementation follows the original Transformer architecture: tokens  embedding  encoder  decoder  output. T5 adopts the framework Natural Language Decathlon (McCann et al., 2018), where many common NLP tasks are translated into question-answering over a context. Instead of an explicit QA format, T5 uses short task prefixes to distinguish task intentions and separately fine-tunes the model on every individual task. The text-to-text framework enables easier transfer learning evaluation with the same model on a diverse set of tasks.

Fig. 13. A diagram of T5 task evaluation. The text-to-text framework casts every task into a generic form: feeding input text to predict some target text. (Image source: Colin et al., 2020)

The model is trained on Web corpus extracted from Apr 2019 with various filters applied. The model is fine-tuned for each downstream task separately via adapter layers (add an extra layer for training) or gradual unfreezing (see ULMFiT). Both fine-tuning approaches only update partial parameters while keeping the majority of the model parameters unchanged. T5-11B achieved SOTA results on many NLP tasks.

As the authors mentioned in the paper our goal is not to propose new methods but instead to provide a comprehensive perspective on where the field stands, the T5 long paper described a lot of training setup and evaluation processes in detail, a good read for people who are interested in training a LM from scratch.

GPT-3

GPT-3 (Brown et al., 2020) has the same architecture as GPT-2 but contains 175B parameters, 10x larger than GPT-2 (1.5B). In addition, GPT-3 uses alternating dense and locally banded sparse attention patterns, same as in sparse transformer. In order to fit such a huge model across multiple GPUs, GPT-3 is trained with partitions along both width and depth dimension. The training data is a filtered version of Common Crawl mixed with a few other high-quality curated datasets. To avoid the contamination that downstream tasks might appear in the training data, the authors attempted to remove all the overlaps with all the studied benchmark dataset from the training dataset. Unfortunately the filtering process is not perfect due to a bug.

Fig. 14. Training datasets for GPT-3. Note that the occurrence of each dataset during training is not proportional to the dataset size. (Table source: Brown et al., 2020)

For all the downstream evaluation, GPT-3 is tested in the few-shot setting without any gradient-based fine-tuning. Here the few-shot examples are provided as part of the prompt. GPT-3 achieves strong performance on many NLP datasets, comparable with fine-tuned BERT models.

Fig. 15. The evaluation performance increases with the model size and the number of examples. (Image source: Brown et al., 2020)

Summary

Base model pre-training Downstream tasks Downstream model Fine-tuning CoVe seq2seq NMT model supervised feature-based task-specific / ELMo two-layer biLSTM unsupervised feature-based task-specific / CVT two-layer biLSTM semi-supervised model-based task-specific / task-agnostic / ULMFiT AWD-LSTM unsupervised model-based task-agnostic all layers; with various training tricks GPT Transformer decoder unsupervised model-based task-agnostic pre-trained layers + top task layer(s) BERT Transformer encoder unsupervised model-based task-agnostic pre-trained layers + top task layer(s) GPT-2 Transformer decoder unsupervised model-based task-agnostic pre-trained layers + top task layer(s) T5 Transformer unsupervised model-based task-agnostic fine-tuned for each downstream task separately GPT-3 Transformer decoder unsupervised model-based task-agnostic No fine-tuning

Metric: Perplexity

Perplexity is often used as an intrinsic evaluation metric for gauging how well a language model can capture the real word distribution conditioned on the context.

A perplexity of a discrete proability distribution \(p\) is defined as the exponentiation of the entropy:

\[2^{H(p)} = 2^{-\sum_x p(x) \log_2 p(x)}\]

Given a sentence with \(N\) words, \(s = (w_1, \dots, w_N)\), the entropy looks as follows, simply assuming that each word has the same frequency, \(\frac{1}{N}\):

\[H(s) = -\sum_{i=1}^N P(w_i) \log_2 p(w_i) = -\sum_{i=1}^N \frac{1}{N} \log_2 p(w_i)\]

The perplexity for the sentence becomes:

\[\begin{aligned} 2^{H(s)} &= 2^{-\frac{1}{N} \sum_{i=1}^N \log_2 p(w_i)} = (2^{\sum_{i=1}^N \log_2 p(w_i)})^{-\frac{1}{N}} = (p(w_1) \dots p(w_N))^{-\frac{1}{N}} \end{aligned}\]

A good language model should predict high word probabilities. Therefore, the smaller perplexity the better.

Common Tasks and Datasets

Question-Answering

SQuAD (Stanford Question Answering Dataset): A reading comprehension dataset, consisting of questions posed on a set of Wikipedia articles, where the answer to every question is a span of text.

RACE (ReAding Comprehension from Examinations): A large-scale reading comprehension dataset with more than 28,000 passages and nearly 100,000 questions. The dataset is collected from English examinations in China, which are designed for middle school and high school students.

See more QA datasets in a later post.

Commonsense Reasoning

Story Cloze Test: A commonsense reasoning framework for evaluating story understanding and generation. The test requires a system to choose the correct ending to multi-sentence stories from two options.

SWAG (Situations With Adversarial Generations): multiple choices; contains 113k sentence-pair completion examples that evaluate grounded common-sense inference

Natural Language Inference (NLI): also known as Text Entailment, an exercise to discern in logic whether one sentence can be inferred from another.

RTE (Recognizing Textual Entailment): A set of datasets initiated by text entailment challenges.

SNLI (Stanford Natural Language Inference): A collection of 570k human-written English sentence pairs manually labeled for balanced classification with the labels entailment , contradiction , and neutral .

, , and . MNLI (Multi-Genre NLI): Similar to SNLI, but with a more diverse variety of text styles and topics, collected from transcribed speech, popular fiction, and government reports.

QNLI (Question NLI): Converted from SQuAD dataset to be a binary classification task over pairs of (question, sentence).

SciTail: An entailment dataset created from multiple-choice science exams and web sentences.

Named Entity Recognition (NER): labels sequences of words in a text which are the names of things, such as person and company names, or gene and protein names

CoNLL 2003 NER task: consists of newswire from the Reuters, concentrating on four types of named entities: persons, locations, organizations and names of miscellaneous entities.

OntoNotes 5.0: This corpus contains text in English, Arabic and Chinese, tagged with four different entity types (PER, LOC, ORG, MISC).

Reuters Corpus: A large collection of Reuters News stories.

Fine-Grained NER (FGN)

Sentiment Analysis

SST (Stanford Sentiment Treebank)

IMDb: A large dataset of movie reviews with binary sentiment classification labels.

Semantic Role Labeling (SRL): models the predicate-argument structure of a sentence, and is often described as answering Who did what to whom.

Sentence similarity: also known as paraphrase detection

MRPC (MicRosoft Paraphrase Corpus): It contains pairs of sentences extracted from news sources on the web, with annotations indicating whether each pair is semantically equivalent.

QQP (Quora Question Pairs) STS Benchmark: Semantic Textual Similarity

Sentence Acceptability: a task to annotate sentences for grammatical acceptability.

CoLA (Corpus of Linguistic Acceptability): a binary single-sentence classification task.

Text Chunking: To divide a text in syntactically correlated parts of words.

Part-of-Speech (POS) Tagging: tag parts of speech to each token, such as noun, verb, adjective, etc. the Wall Street Journal portion of the Penn Treebank (Marcus et al., 1993).

Machine Translation: See Standard NLP page.

WMT 2015 English-Czech data (Large)

WMT 2014 English-German data (Medium)

IWSLT 2015 English-Vietnamese data (Small)

Coreference Resolution: cluster mentions in text that refer to the same underlying real world entities.

Long-range Dependency

LAMBADA (LAnguage Modeling Broadened to Account for Discourse Aspects): A collection of narrative passages extracted from the BookCorpus and the task is to predict the last word, which require at least 50 tokens of context for a human to successfully predict.

Childrens Book Test: is built from books that are freely available in Project Gutenberg. The task is to predict the missing word among 10 candidates.

Multi-task benchmark

Unsupervised pretraining dataset

Books corpus: The corpus contains over 7,000 unique unpublished books from a variety of genres including Adventure, Fantasy, and Romance.

1B Word Language Model Benchmark

English Wikipedia: ~2500M words

Cited as:

@article{weng2019LM, title = "Generalized Language Models", author = "Weng, Lilian", journal = "lilianweng.github.io/lil-log", year = "2019", url = "http://lilianweng.github.io/lil-log/2019/01/31/generalized-language-models.html" }

Reference

[1] Bryan McCann, et al. Learned in translation: Contextualized word vectors. NIPS. 2017.

[2] Kevin Clark et al. Semi-Supervised Sequence Modeling with Cross-View Training. EMNLP 2018.

[3] Matthew E. Peters, et al. Deep contextualized word representations. NAACL-HLT 2017.

[4] OpenAI Blog Improving Language Understanding with Unsupervised Learning, June 11, 2018.

[5] OpenAI Blog Better Language Models and Their Implications. Feb 14, 2019.

[6] Jeremy Howard and Sebastian Ruder. Universal language model fine-tuning for text classification. ACL 2018.

[7] Alec Radford et al. Improving Language Understanding by Generative Pre-Training. OpenAI Blog, June 11, 2018.

[8] Jacob Devlin, et al. BERT: Pre-training of deep bidirectional transformers for language understanding. arXiv:1810.04805 (2018).

[9] Mike Schuster, and Kaisuke Nakajima. Japanese and Korean voice search. ICASSP. 2012.

[10] Googles Neural Machine Translation System: Bridging the Gap between Human and Machine Translation

[11] Ashish Vaswani, et al. Attention is all you need. NIPS 2017.

[12] Peter J. Liu, et al. Generating wikipedia by summarizing long sequences. ICLR 2018.

[13] Sebastian Ruder. 10 Exciting Ideas of 2018 in NLP Dec 2018.

[14] Alec Radford, et al. Language Models are Unsupervised Multitask Learners.. 2019.

[15] Rico Sennrich, et al. Neural machine translation of rare words with subword units. arXiv preprint arXiv:1508.07909. 2015.

[16] Zhenzhong Lan, et al. ALBERT: A Lite BERT for Self-supervised Learning of Language Representations. arXiv Preprint arXiv:1909.11942 (2019).

[17] Yinhan Liu, et al. RoBERTa: A Robustly Optimized BERT Pretraining Approach. arXiv Preprint arXiv:1907.11692 (2019).

[18] Tom B Brown, et al. Language Models are Few-Shot Learners NeuriPS 2020.

When Grant Cornwell became the 15th president of Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida, in 2015, he understood the challenges he would face. He had already served as president of the College of Wooster in Ohio for eight years.

College and university presidents in the United States have many different responsibilities in addition to the daily operations of their school, Cornwell notes. These include identifying the strengths and weaknesses in school operations, and creating a plan to improve them. Another duty is communicating the needs and concerns of students, parents, professors, administrators and governing boards among the different groups.

In addition to these responsibilities, there are special issues that current presidents must deal with, says Cornwell. He notes American college students are more diverse than they ever have been, racially, economically, and in other ways. Schools welcome this diversity, but it also means there are far more needs that must be met, such as mental health and educational support.

Cornwell argues that every generation of president feels the issues they face are the most difficult. They choose to work in the field, he says, because they believe a strong education system is necessary for a healthy democracy. But it is not an easy job.

It takes about a year to listen and learn enough about a place before you should have  an opinion about direction, Cornwell told VOA. And then it takes a couple years to really formulate a  plan  And then it takes at least five years to execute a plan.

However, a new study suggests fewer U.S. college and university presidents are staying in their positions for a long as Cornwell suggests. Experts argue this is because the job is, in fact, more challenging than it ever has been.

Decreases in term lengths over the last ten years

Every few years, the American Council on Education publishes a study on college and university presidents. In the most recent publication, researchers spoke with presidents at over 1,500 public and private, two and four-year institutions about their positions.

The study showed that in 2016, the average amount of time presidents had been in their current positions was 6.5 years. In the 2011 publication of the study, the average amount of time presidents had been in their current positions was 7 years. In 2006, the average was 8.5 years.

Jonathan Burke is the associate director of the Center for Policy Research and Strategy at the American Council of Education. He notes that the researchers only spoke with current presidents. To get a better idea of presidential service lengths they would have to speak with former presidents too.

But Burke says, in general, the last three studies do suggest a decrease in the length of time presidents are serving. Why might this be happening? He blames, in part, changes to the level of state support for higher education.

Burke says that following the economic recession the U.S. faced in 2008, most states greatly reduced their financial support for colleges and universities. Many are only now starting to return to the levels of financial support they offered before the recession. Yet there have never been as many students entering American higher education as there are now. This means many presidents are expected to do more with less, he says.

The amount of pressure that I think is placed on these individuals to be able to perform at such a high level  can lead presidents to leave their positions maybe sooner than, maybe, what we would see 20, 30, 40 years ago, Burke added.

Pressure from many different directions

Yet it is not just an issue of financial limitations, says Lynn Pasquerella, president of the Association of American Colleges and Universities. After all, state support is mainly for public institutions, she notes.

The overall cost of higher education has increased greatly in recent years, Pasquerella notes. That is in part due to reductions in state support, but also because of increased government regulations. Schools must employ more administrators to make sure they are following these many new rules, she says. And the needs of a more diverse student body means greater spending on support services.

These increased costs have intensified the debate over the overall cost of receiving a college education, she says. Parents want to know that the money they spend will get their children good jobs afterwards. At the same time, governing boards more often want presidents to run schools like businesses, rather than as a public good. They want to have greater control and faster results from improvement plans, reducing the level of shared governance with students and professors.

And, Pasquerella says, this generation of students are more politically divided than those in the past. Student demonstrations have become common, as have intense exchanges over social media. And disputes over issues like racial inequality, sexual violence and free speech lead to debates that quickly get out of a presidents control.

If you have someone knocking on your door, saying, Weve just read this in the newspaper. Whatre you going to do about it? it doesnt give you an opportunity to respond in any thoughtful way, said Pasquerella.

She and Grant Cornwell agree that presidents leaving their positions sooner can greatly harm the long term goals of an institution. Avoiding this means schools should be paying presidents more than they have in the past to match the increased risk.

But a study published in the winter 2019 Review of Higher Education argues that increasing presidential pay may not be that helpful to the school itself. The study looked at presidential pay at 119 public institutions. It showed there is no relationship between higher pay and increases in outside donations or state aid, two things for which presidents are often considered responsible.

Im Pete Musto.

And Im Dorothy Gundy.

Pete Musto reported this story for VOA Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor. We want to hear from you. How can colleges and universities keep their presidents for longer? Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page.

_____________________________________________________________

Quiz - US Colleges May Have Trouble Keeping Presidents Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz

_____________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

challenge(s)  n. a difficult task or problem

board(s)  n. a group of people who manage or direct a company or organization

diverse  adj. made up of people or things that are different from each other

formulate  v. to create, invent, or produce something by careful thought and effort

institution(s)  n. an established organization

regulation(s)  n. an official rule or law that says how something should be done

opportunity  n. an amount of time or a situation in which something can be done

respond  v. to do something as a reaction to something that has happened or been doneWoburn, MA (01801)

Today

Sun and clouds mixed. High 87F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Low near 70F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph.Patrick Mdluli considered himself to be a healthy person for most of his life.

Then, two years ago, the 35-year-old South African moved to Middleburg, a town in Mpumalanga province. The area is known as the center of South Africas coal mining industry.

Mdluli soon began developing health problems, including tuberculosis and disorders related to his nose.

You go to doctors, they tell you the very same thing. Are you living next to a mine? Yes, I am. Are you living next to a dumping site? Yes, I am.

In fact, a large coal mine operates right behind Mdlulis home. Mine workers set off explosives every day. The explosions shake his home and fill its rooms with dust.

Today, Mpumalanga province has some of the most polluted air in the world. That claim comes from the environmental group Greenpeace. Using satellite images, the group found that Mpumalanga is the worlds worst hot spot for nitrogen dioxide, a pollutant that comes from the burning of fossil fuels, such as coal.

The area in and around Middleburg has 12 large coal mines. Mdluli and others living in this part of South Africa say cracks are forming in the walls of their homes because of the powerful, never-ending mining blasts.

But it is their health that suffers most, says Doctor Mohammed Tayob. He leads a local public health center.

Tayob has lived in the area all of his life. He says many new mines have opened there as the nation seeks to profit from coal exports. Now, the area has a higher death rate for young children than other areas. Among adults, it has higher rates for heart attacks and diseases that affect breathing, the doctor said.

While the mines profit, many locals suffer

Although the mines bring in money, locals say the coal companies have done little to improve the lives of community members. Middleburg is a poor town. Many people living there lack services like electricity and running water.

Tayob blames the coal mining industry and poor governance for the current situation. He says the government has failed to enforce environmental laws related to mining.

One cannot be faulted in thinking, Is there some level of corruption operating in this area as well, where these big boys are getting away with murder, literally? They're literally getting away with murder.

VOA reporters contacted three of the larger mines in the area. None answered a request for comment.

Environmental activist Bafana Hlatshwayo says he and other activists are preparing to appeal to decision-makers at a mining industry gathering in Cape Town. And he wants to bring attention to another of the areas resources: sunshine.

Hlatshwayo hopes leaders consider bringing solar panel production to Mpumalanga, which means the place where the sun rises in the Zulu language.

We are not saying we want to close down the mines. We must go the renewable energy way.

Im Ashley Thompson.

Anita Powell reported this story for VOA News. Ashley Thompson adapted it for VOA Learning English. George Grow was the editor.

_____________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

dump - v. to leave or get rid of (something or someone) quickly or without concern

crack - n. a thin line in the surface of something that is broken but not separated into pieces

hot spot - n. a place where there is much danger or fighting

literally - adv. used to stress that a statement or description is true and accurate even though it may be surprising

solar panel - n. a large, flat piece of equipment that uses the sun's light or heat to create electricity

Portuguese archaeologists have discovered a large Roman burial place holding 2,000-year-old human remains in Lisbon.

The scientists were digging near Solar dos Presuntos, a very famous restaurant in the city.

It was found after the restaurants owners decided to expand their space, which opened in 1974 in Lisbons historical center.

To get the expansion project approved, city officials required that a team of archaeologists first examine the land.

Nuno Neto is an archaeologist and founding partner at Neoepica, the company that performed the dig. His team went down to a depth of around six meters.

Neto told Reuters news agency: What we found was a big surprise The level of preservation is excellent, and the set of artifacts is fabulous.

The burial place was found to contain the skeletons of 25 people, 35 sets of burned remains, pottery and money used in ancient burial ceremonies. All have been moved to Neoepicas research laboratory. Later, they will go to the city council.

The findings were made public last month, but archaeologists have been working on the area since 2016.

Workers have begun to build onto the restaurant. The owners see the discovery of the Roman burial site as a good thing. They hope to have some of the ancient objects on display in the future.

Roman armies occupied Olissipo, as Lisbon used to be known, around 200 BC and it remained under Roman control for several centuries.

Im Alice Bryant.

Catarina Demony reported this story for Reuters news agency. Alice Bryant adapted it for Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor.

______________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

preservation  n. the act of keeping something in its original state or in good condition

artifact  n. a simple object, such as a tool or weapon, that was made by people in the past

pottery  n. objects, such as bowls, that are made out of clay and then baked at high temperatures so that they become hard

display  n. an arrangement of objects intended to decorate, advertise, entertain, or inform people about somethingIndonesia is preparing for presidential elections. The voting will take place in two months.

Younger Indonesians are showing signs of dissatisfaction with the countrys political establishment. Many observers are worried that young people may choose not to vote in the April 17 elections.

Former Jakarta governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, widely known as Ahok, has urged his supporters to vote. His appeal appeared in a letter that was made public shortly after his release from jail. The former governor served an almost two-year prison sentence for violating the countrys blasphemy law.

Some of his supporters are dissatisfied with Indonesian President Joko Widodo, widely known as Jokowi. In his letter, Ahok urged them against golput  short for golongan putih, the Indonesian term for non-voting.

Millennial votes

It is widely believed that the word golput entered the Indonesian language in 1971, when activists protested elections during the presidency of Suharto. Voting at that time was hardly democratic. Suharto led the country from 1967 to 1998.

An estimated 58.9 million Indonesian voters did not take part in the 2014 elections. That compares with 48.3 million who did not vote in the 2009 elections. Those numbers come from The Partnership for Governance Reform and Association for Elections and Democracy.

Young Indonesians have become an important voting bloc in the 2019 elections. This can be seen in the rise of the Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI), whose campaign is designed to appeal to millennials, voters under the age of 40.

Observers believe that both the campaigns of Jokowi and his opponent, Prabowo Subianto, are attempting to target younger voters. Their campaigns repeat expressions from pop culture, such as when Jokowi used the term "Winter is coming" from the television show Game of Thrones. The two candidates have also promised to defend issues of importance to millennials, such as fighting high unemployment.

Dissatisfaction with candidates

Similar to Indonesian politics in the past, the talk about golput in 2019 has been linked to public dissatisfaction with the presidential candidates.

Rivanlee Anandar is a researcher at the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence. The 25-year-old told VOA that he plans to vote, but he will mark ballots for both candidates. As a result, his vote will not count.

Why both? You can interpret it however you want, either I trust in both candidates or distrust them completely. Its more the second option, especially on human rights issues, he said.

Nabila Ernada, age 22, expressed similar disappointment. Ernada told VOA that she plans to vote in April because it is her duty. But she added, I dont really believe that my vote is really making a difference towards the political scene in Indonesia.

Similar to Ernada, Moudy Alfiana, 23, also plans on voting. Many people believe that the candidates are the same, but if you look at their visions, theres also differences, Alfiana said. But she noted that election campaign promises are no more than just that -- a promise.

Being surrounded by people who dont plan to vote, I can understand where they are coming from, she added.

Many things make people choose not to vote, notes lawyer Alghiffari Aqsa, the former director at the Jakarta Legal Aid Institute. They may feel as if the elections dont impact their lives or they disagree with the current political system. They may dislike the candidates or distrust the representative democratic system, he said.

Aqsa added that although people are more open to golput as an option this year, there is still a sense of dishonor surrounding it.

If we look at social media, theres a lot of names that people like to call those who abstain, from bad citizens, criminalsegoists to edgy, he said.

Im Kelly Jean Kelly.

And I'm George Grow.

Stanley Widianto reported this story for VOANews.com. George Grow adapted his report for Learning English. Hai Do was the editor.

_______________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

blasphemy  n. officially confirmed as real or true

disengage  v. to withdraw; to release or free from something

disenfranchise  v. to remove the legal right of something, such as the right to vote

interpret  v. to explain the meaning of something

vision  n. the power of seeing; something seen in a dream

egoist  n. a self-centered person

We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section.Saturday, February 2, 2019

Mexico The Good Neighbor: Contracts, Betrayal and Survival in the Cold War by Soledad Quartucci. Published January 2019.

When Mexico joined other Latin American countries in declaring war on the Axis in June 1942, a wave of young Mexican citizens crossed the border to volunteer for service in the United States military. Over 300,000 Mexican Americans volunteered or were drafted into the military. They were recruited in farms and in high schools. They worked on railroads, in mines, in shipyards and airplane factories. These workers were crucial to the countrys wartime economy. Mexicans joined the ranks of the National Guard, the Army reserve, enlisted in the United States Military and signed Bracero agricultural agreements to fill the labor gap created by wartime. They relocated north providing a service to the United States and laying community roots in the process. They built barrios, neighborhoods that were underserved by government services and were dependent on strong social and family networks and on their Spanish press. In Los Angeles, the newspaper La Opinion, became an indispensable immigrant support and coping tool that helped Mexicans navigate a complex U.S. society in Cold War America. La Opinion editors and columnists felt a deep sorrow and sympathy for the suffering of Mexicans in the United States at a time when the barrios were surrounded by a hostile society that viewed them as dangerous, suspect to communism and as a public charge. La Opinion embraced braceros and welcomed its veterans fighting alongside them during the racially charged period of immigration exclusion that followed World War II. The Spanish press formed part of the complex network that supported Mexican labor migration in the U.S. Southwest. As an immigrant labor press, the paper recorded the history of the everyday lives of Mexican Americans during the Cold-War period. Mexico The Good Neighbor - treads new ground, seeking to contribute to studies of the Spanish press in the United States by analyzing the daily events that shaped Mexican-American politics, leisure and intimate relations in the World War II and Cold War period through the analysis of the key immigrant press, La Opinion.

KJ

https://lawprofessors.typepad.com/immigration/2019/02/from-the-bookshelves-mexico-the-good-neighbor-contracts-betrayal-and-survival-in-the-cold-war-by-sol.htmlAh, the big, beautiful border wall or fence or barrier or ... ? It does bring out the anti-immigration angst of forever-Trump voters.

The Jan. 13 Sunday LNP letter Wall a vital part of border protection embraces the same old Trumpian arguments that have been pretty much debunked.

The writers fearmongering rhetoric about a 2019 caravan of 15,000 migrants heading to the U.S. border is simply not true. Theyre headed to Chiapas, Mexico, to seek employment on the Maya Train project.

The writer goes on to say that nearly 6,300 criminal aliens were stopped at U.S. ports of entry. This is a misleading argument. These werent necessarily immigrants seeking to cross the border to live in the United States  they included any travelers to the U.S. who failed routine background checks at ports of entry like airports.

Furthermore, the writer claims that the wall will be paid for by reduced crime, fewer drugs passing through and fewer people needing government assistance. Wow! Lets see, President Donald Trump is now demanding $5.7 billion for the wall. The writer actually calculated that those savings would pay for it?

As far as drugs coming across the border  they come through legal entry ports; a wall wont help.

One has to ask the writer, Where were you two years ago? No big rush to build the wall then. The Republicans controlled the government and did nothing. Makes one wonder if this is all just another Trump distraction. The Mueller investigation is likely nearing its finish. Might our president be getting nervous?

Shirley Cross

West Lampeter TownshipAs Pennsylvanias chief fiscal watchdog, its my job to point out when public policy does not make sense for taxpayers. One of the issues deserving an overhaul is our states approach to marijuana.

The City of Lancaster is among a growing number of communities nationwide adopting a smarter approach by reducing penalties for possession of small amounts of marijuana. While thats not the same thing as legalization, it is a recognition that existing laws are not working as intended and its time to evolve.

The evolution is well underway. To date, 10 states and the District of Columbia have legalized marijuana use for adults. Our neighboring states \!q Delaware, New York and New Jersey  are working in that direction. Gov. Tom Wolf recently said it was time for Pennsylvania to take a serious look at the issue and Lt. Gov. John Fetterman is conducting a 67-county listening tour about recreational marijuana.

In 2017, I became Pennsylvanias first statewide elected official to publicly support regulating and taxing marijuana because we needed to adopt a smarter approach. Americans have started asking why they are paying billions of dollars in taxes each year to lock people up for offenses involving small amounts of marijuana. People have come to understand that when the punishment fits the crime, our criminal justice system can be more efficient and effective.

Toward that end, I recently announced I would produce a special report on criminal justice reform and examine, among other issues, the societal impact of high incarceration rates, especially for nonviolent offenders. I think reasonable people can agree that prison cells should be reserved for violent criminals and those who pose a risk to public safety.

According to the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing, approximately 2,200 people were sentenced for marijuana-related offenses in 2018. More than half of those cases involved only small amounts, yet some offenders were sentenced to up to a year in prison. Not only does that contribute to rising prison costs, but it also keeps nonviolent offenders from remaining employed and supporting their families. Such cases also tie up law enforcement, keeping officers stuck in court when they could instead be working to solve serious crimes and to protect our communities.

Promoting a fairer and more efficient criminal justice system is not the only reason to act. Last year, I issued a special report highlighting how Pennsylvania is missing out on $581 million per year in revenue by not regulating and taxing marijuana. That new revenue could be used for a variety of urgent needs, such as fighting opioid addiction, bolstering education funding and expanding health care for veterans and children.

Research indicates an average of 8.38 percent of Pennsylvania adults (21 and older), or nearly 800,000 people, currently use marijuana at least monthly. In Colorado and Washington, where marijuana has been legal since 2012, adult users spend an average of $2,080 annually. If Pennsylvanias adult users spent the same amount, they would create a $1.66 billion retail industry.

Assuming Pennsylvania taxed the growth, cultivation and sale of marijuana at 35 percent, the state would collect roughly $581 million in tax revenue annually. If Allegheny and Philadelphia counties were allowed to add 1 to 2 percent local tax, they could collect an additional $3.8 million and $6.9 million, respectively.

Its simply time for government to catch up with public opinion. American attitudes have changed dramatically in recent years, with pollsters finding up to two-thirds of adults now favoring a more rational approach to marijuana. An informal poll posted at LancasterOnline in December found a whopping 83 percent of respondents favored full legalization.

Although Pennsylvania does not enjoy a reputation for being progressive in terms of testing new ideas, the state did legalize medical marijuana in 2016  fully 20 years after California voters did the same via ballot measure. So far, more than 30 states have approved medical marijuana/cannabis programs. Once again, it was a shift in public opinion that drove these changes.

Pennsylvania should listen to the public and continue to evolve: Its time to tax and regulate marijuana for recreational use by adults.

Eugene A. DePasquale, a Democrat who resides in York County, is serving his second term as Pennsylvanias auditor general. He previously served three terms in the state House of Representatives. Twitter: @PAAuditorGenIn late spring, Lancaster city plans to embark on its largest water infrastructure project since it upgraded its two treatment plants a decade ago.

The goal: Construction of a new water main parallel to the 42-inch transmission main running from the Susquehanna River to the city.

The existing cast-iron main dates to the 1950s. Typically, about 12 million gallons of water per day pass through it  a measure often abbreviated mgd.

In recent years, the frequency of leaks has increased. As the line ages and corrodes, its less able to withstand shocks. Theres a lot of construction around it these days, raising the risk of damage from blasting, heavy equipment traveling over it, or an excavator inadvertently hitting it, said Cindy McCormick, deputy public works director.

A major rupture could be catastrophic, she said.

The most serious leak by far occurred in 2012. It led to water loss of 2 mgd to 4 mgd  that is, up to a third of the mains normal throughput. It cost well over $200,000 to repair, McCormick said.

Repairs since then have been more modest, costing about $25,000 to $30,000 in all, she said. There has been no service impact to water customers, she said.

The city has also had to make repairs to distribution mains, such as those in Quaker Hills, but those are separate issues from the transmission main.



Serves a quarter of the county

The citys water system serves not only the city but thousands of customers in neighboring townships and boroughs: more than 47,000 accounts in all, representing more than 140,000 people  about a quarter of Lancaster Countys population.

More than 200,000 county residents are served by other public and private water systems, according to state figures; the rest have on-site wells.

The transmission main supplies about two-thirds of the Lancaster systems service area, providing water treated at the Susquehanna treatment plant to most of the city, plus suburban customers to the north, west and south.

The remaining third is served by Lancasters other treatment plant, which draws from the Conestoga River on the citys east side. Its less than a mile from the distribution system and is connected to it by multiple lines, so the issue of a single, aging main doesnt arise there.

As far back as the early 1990s, the city was looking at whether it needed a new Susquehanna water main.

Building it will provide a backup to the existing main and allow it to be taken out of service and repaired, McCormick said.

A 2003 master plan recommended building a redundant main within 10 to 15 years. The problems in 2012 accelerated concerns, leading to a 2013 study that evaluated various repair and replacement alternatives.

The city concluded that a redundant main made the most sense: Without it, the city would have to build temporary bypasses to repair the main section by section. Design began shortly thereafter.

The new main will not expand the citys service area, McCormick said. Nor is it being installed to add capacity within the system boundaries  the limiting factors come from other system components.

The city continually assesses capacity to ensure it can meet demand, McCormick said.

Three phases planned

The first phase of the project involves laying about seven miles of pipe between the Oyster Point reservoir in East Hempfield Township and the city. It will be built of ductile iron, which is stronger and less brittle than cast iron.

Its budgeted at $34 million and will take about 2 years, McCormick said.

The budget covers some related work besides the main itself, including $1.4 million for a supply line to a controversial water tank the city plans to build on School District of Lancaster property in Lancaster Township.

The second phase of the project will run about six miles of pipe between Oyster Point and the citys Susquehanna water treatment plant; the third will connect the Susquehanna River and the treatment plant, about one mile.

In 2013, the second phase was estimated at $13.5 million and the third phase at $4 million, but costs have risen since then, McCormick said.

No timeline has been set for the second and third phases, but the goal would be to complete all three phases within 10 years, she said.

The city engaged the global firm Black & Veatch to design the pipeline. A Lititz firm, ARRO Consulting, is assisting with obtaining permits.

Bond funds

The $34 million for the first phase will come from more than $100 million in capital bonds the city issued last year.

The city will recover the money through water rates. Rates are expected to rise, but Patrick Hopkins, city director of administrative services, said he couldnt predict how much. Rate cases are complex, and capital projects are just one of the factors that come into play.

Changing rates for city residents requires a City Council vote. To raise rates on suburban customers, the city must apply to the state Public Utility Commission.

Current rates for average residential accounts using 12,000 gallons are $66.48 per quarter in the city and $70.52 outside it. Comparable rates elsewhere in the county range from less than $50 to more than $100.

Road work ahead

Like the existing main, the new one will be underground, mostly under or near local roads. There will be flaggers, lane closures and detours as sections of road are excavated to lay the pipes, McCormick said.

Bids for the first phase will be opened this month, she said.

The work requires permits from the Pennsylvania departments of Environmental Protection and Transportation, as well as street-opening permits from East Hempfield and Lancaster townships. Thats all proceeding normally, she and township officials said.

The city also has had to obtain 14 easements: one from East Hempfield Township, one from a residential property owner, and 12 from commercial properties.

One of the latter involved an eminent domain proceeding, McCormick said. Negotiations with three property owners remain ongoing. The easements so far have cost about $200,000, she said.

The residential property easement wasnt for the redundant main itself, but for a connector needed for it to serve a housing development, she said.

Recent rate history

In 2009, the city completed its retrofit of the Susquehanna and Conestoga treatment plants, including installation of state-of-the-art microfiltration systems.

Reported at the time as the largest public works project in city history, it cost around $90 million  the equivalent of nearly $105 million today.

The city then went to the Public Utility Commission seeking a suburban rate increase of 99 percent. The treatment plants werent the only reason: The city had lowballed some earlier rate increases and had to play catch-up, Hopkins said.

The commission ultimately authorized a 65 percent increase, which took effect in mid-2011.

In 2015, rates increased again. For typical residential customers, they rose about 27 percent in the suburbs and 23 percent in the city. That was followed in 2016 by one more increase in the city, of about 7.5 percent, resulting in todays rates.Meghan Kenny was about to pick her daughter up from day care when she decided to check her email.

Sitting in the car in the day cares parking lot, Kenny, a seventh-grade English teacher at Lancaster Country Day School English, began scrolling through the messages on her phone. When she came across one from PEN America Literary Awards, she almost deleted it. The organization frequently sends Kenny messages about book readings in Washington, D.C., and she expected this message to be more of the same.

That was, until a particular word caught her eye: Congratulations.

The message was notifying Kenny that her book, The Driest Season, was named one of five finalists for the PEN/Hemingway Award, which honors work by authors who have not previously published a full-length novel. Kennys publisher, W.W. Norton & Co., entered the book for consideration in the contest.

I kind of flipped out and started crying in the day care parking lot as I read this, Kenny says.

She composed herself, went inside to get her daughter and waited to share the news until the next day, per the contests request.

The Driest Season was released last February. Kenny previously published a collection of short stories, Love is No Small Thing.

The Driest Season is about a teenager named Cielle living in Wisconsin farm country during the 1940s who finds her father in their barn after he had hanged himself. The story revolves around the aftermath of the hanging and how it affects Cielle, her older sister and their mother.

The novel really was such an underdog, Kenny says. It took four years to sell it. Nobody wanted to buy it. I had to sell it myself. So, the fact that this has happened is pretty cool.

That struggle to sell the novel followed Kennys six-year writing process. While The Driest Season is a work of fiction, its inspired by Kennys grandmothers childhood in southwestern Wisconsin. The personal inspiration strengthened Kennys attachment to the project.

I just had a soft spot for the book, and I believed in it. ... I knew I told a good story the way I wanted to tell it, so Im glad that I didnt give up on it, Kenny says.

Ann Leary of The New York Times described the book as quiet but satisfying.

Not every great short story is the seed of a great novel, but Kenny by and large succeeds, Leary writes.

Kenny says she doesnt know for sure what makes readers resonate with this particular work, but several people have told her that the writing is accessible.

On the most basic level, its about family and loss and love, Kenny says. I think those are all relatable things for people.

Kenny will attend the PEN America Literary Awards ceremony on Sunday, April 7, at the JFK Library in Boston. She will learn the results prior to the awards ceremony.

I feel like Ive won just being a finalist, Kenny says.

Shes started reading the books by the other finalists, and believes the competition is strong.

While she has some ideas for future projects, Kenny says she isnt currently working on anything. With a daughter who will soon turn 1 and a large accomplishment to celebrate, Kenny has reason to relish in the present.

I think it will be just an honor to go to the ceremony ... and who knows what will happen next, Kenny says. Im just going to enjoy it.Your donation, which powers our reporters and keep us independent, will be matched dollar for dollar today during our June Member drive.

Local community reporting is vital, so is your support.

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Michelle King, who rose through the ranks of the Los Angeles Unified School District to eventually serve as its superintendent, died Saturday. King was 57.

When school board members selected her in 2016, King became the first black woman to lead the nation's second largest school system, capping a 33-year career as a teacher, principal and high-ranking administrator in L.A. Unified.

But cancer cut it all short. Less than two years after taking office, King took medical leave in Oct. 2017 and named an acting replacement, Vivian Ekchian. It was only in Jan. 2018 that King first publicly disclosed her diagnosis. She did so, saying she would step down from L.A. Unified permanently.

A statement released by LAUSD officials expressed deep sadness:

"Words cannot begin to describe the sorrow we feel, the love we shared with -- and for -- Dr. King, and the lasting impact she had on our communities. Her dedication to uplift every student, family and employee within Los Angeles Unified was second to none."

"Dr. Michelle King's life and career," said Mayor Eric Garcetti, also in a statement, "encapsulated what it means to be an Angeleno: excellence, kindness, integrity, service above self."

KING'S CAREER

L.A. Unified was part of King's life almost from the beginning. She attended elementary and middle school in the district and graduated from LAUSD's Palisades High School.

After earning a degree in biology from UCLA, she began a 33-year career as an educator in L.A. Unified, first teaching science at Porter Middle School in Granada Hills.

From there, she began a climb through the district hierarchy. King left the classroom for the administrative ranks in 1997, rising to become principal of Hamilton High School in 2002. She left Hamilton in 2005 to become an assistant superintendent, beginning a string of central-office roles.

King served as a top aide to two of her predecessors. In 2010, Superintendent Ramon Cortines selected King to serve as his Chief of Staff. She then served as a top deputy to both John Deasy during his turbulent superintendency, and to Cortines, who returned on an interim basis after Deasy's resignation.

"I am the product of this very district," King said at a 2016 press conference announcing her selection as superintendent. "It has been a part of my life since I was 5 years old."

FILE - LAUSD Superintendent Michelle King visits an eighth grade accelerated math class at Luther Burbank Middle School on Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2016, during the first day of instruction. (Photo by Maya Sugarman/KPCC)

KING'S SUPERINTENDENCY

During her abbreviated tenure as superintendent, King solidified her reputation as a consensus-builder and deal-maker.

She forged a partnership with an organization that critics had seen as a potential threat to LAUSD; today, Great Public Schools Now is helping to replicate some of the district's most-successful schools. She also settled a prominent squabble among board members over the school calendar.

King also oversaw reductions in central office budgets. In 2016, she set a target to slash administrative budgets by one-quarter.

As KPCC reported last year:

During King's year-and-a-half on the job, district leaders rallied around the goal of achieving 100 percent high school graduation -- a goal that predated King's time as superintendent, but which nonetheless became central to her administration. During her tenure, graduation rates topped 80 percent.



King also called for streamlining the process by which parents across the district find, apply for and choose the schools their children attend. To King, giving parents easy access to these options was a means of reversing the district's decade-long trend of enrollment decline. A new "unified enrollment system" meant to fulfill this aim began coming online [in 2017]. Enrollment, meanwhile, has continued to decline...



But King also struggled to win support for her broader strategic plan for L.A. Unified. Though she spent much of the first year putting the visioning document on paper, school board members never voted to approve it. Though that plan included goals for reducing absenteeism, a blue ribbon panel of community leaders recently concluded the district "does not have an adequate plan in place" to achieve any of King's ambitious targets.





Many in LAUSD continue to speak highly of King. Some speculate about what more she might've accomplished had her term not been cut short.

More from the district's statement about King's life:

"She was a collaborative and innovative leader who broke down barriers to create more equitable opportunities for every student. Her warmth, love and generosity transformed countless lives and left a legacy that will continue to impact us for generations."

Most recently, as the labor dispute with United Teachers Los Angeles members grew more intense, some observers speculated about whether this month's six-day teachers strike might've been averted if King, with her knack for consensus-building, had remained superintendent.

King's decision to step down in 2018 for health reasons continued a trend of turnover in the top office of LAUSD. In the last ten years, five people have served as LAUSD superintendent on a permanent or interim basis -- Cortines (twice), Deasy, King, Vivian Ekchian and Austin Beutner.

Roy Romer, who retired in 2006, was the most recent LAUSD superintendent to last more than four years on the job. He was hired in 2000.

The district's statement sends condolences to King's "daughters, parents and brother."The Harris flap shows that insufficient thought has been given to how these proposals will strike people not already favorably disposed to the new socialism. Its one thing for Sanders to favor eliminating private health insurance; no one has ever believed that he is likely to become president. Its another for Harris, deemed a possible front-runner, to say it.

Her position is jaw-droppingly radical. It flips the script of the (dishonest) Barack Obama pledge so essential to passing Obamacare: If you like your health care plan, youll be able to keep your health care plan, period. No one will take it away, no matter what.

That was a very 2009 sentiment. Ten years later, Harris indeed wants to take away your health plan, not in a stealthy operation, not as an unfortunate byproduct of the rest of her plan, but as a defining plank of her agenda.

This is a far more disruptive idea than Sen. Elizabeth Warrens wealth tax. The affected population isnt a limited group of highly affluent people. It is half the population, roughly 180 million people who arent eager for the government to swoop in and nullify their current health care arrangements.Those arguments were soundly rejected by Dane County Circuit Court Judge Valerie Bailey-Rihn, who wrote: Many of Defendants listed reasons for redacting information have already been addressed by higher courts. The purpose of the open records law is to allow for transparent and accountable government and public employees.

The Times won its suit, but it shouldnt have had to sue.

In early November, the state Department of Natural Resources denied a request from The Associated Press for records regarding the conduct of a DNR employee. The DNR contended that identifying the employee would damage morale and hurt its ability to hire staff and conduct future investigations. It said disclosure was not warranted because human beings in all walks of life make mistakes.

A month later, the department relented and released the record, which showed that the employee had been disciplined for harassing female co-workers.

The public has every right to information about how public employees behave and what their bosses do about it. Yet challenges persist  as do rebukes from the courts.Our students are our guests, and we will treat them as such, Dull said. All these little steps are changing the signals about belonging or not belonging that we had wrong.

Dull and his team also added a community food bowl in the lobby, letting students know that they can take food whenever they feel necessary.

The bowl is filled five times a day, and no judgement is made regarding how much a student takes. The bowl also offers an opportunity for staff to connect with each student.

The foundations of poverty-informed practice are simple; meet the basic needs of each student, create a sense of belonging, and accelerate progress at every opportunity to move toward stability.

One of my office staff purchased nursing scrubs for a student who couldnt afford them after overhearing a conversation in our lobby, said Dull. When I told her that was way above and beyond, she said she felt compelled because it was a barrier she could remove.

Several practices to meet the needs of economically challenged students are already in place at Western. The first is a GED Fund, where test fees for the GED exam are covered for those who need it, with no judgement and questions asked.Conley replied that 10 years was the floor, and he was considering a longer sentence due to the amount of drugs Draheim brought into the community, the number of people involved and her continued trafficking after initially being caught.

If it wasnt for some mitigating factors (the deaths of her husband and daughter), Id consider a longer sentence, Conley said.

Under the federal guidelines, Draheim faced 14 to 17.5 years in prison, which Schlipper recommended.

There was a devastating effect from her dealing methamphetamine in the La Crosse community, Schlipper told Conley.

Draheim has a drug conviction from 20 years ago. She received drug abuse treatment and remained sober probably until the death of her husband in 2015, which seemed to set things off again, Conley said.

At that time, two friends from California came for an extended visit and sent for more methamphetamine when the supply they brought ran out, the judge said.

Draheim then began using methamphetamine and found many willing to buy it from her, Conley said.

Draheim made a brief, emotional statement, which included, Im definitely not a danger to the community.Look for construction to start soon on the shell of a four-unit retail/restaurant building at the former Old Country Buffet restaurant site at 9417 State Road 16 in Onalaska.

A building permit for the shell was issued last week by the city of Onalaska, but none of the documents submitted with the permit application list prospective tenants. Officials with MBA Architects have said the building is expected to have two restaurant spaces, one on each end, with two retail spaces in the middle. But they havent released any tenant names.

Chili Shabani, a local businessman listed in documents as a contact person for the project, didnt respond to my telephone and email inquiries last week.

According to building permit documents, the 9,125-square-foot buildings shell is expected to cost about $800,000. According to the projects site plan, a second building is planned for some time in the future.

Mike Nighbor-State Farm Agency is the new name of the State Farm Insurance agency in Suite 101 at 1288 Rudy St. in Onalaska.

It previously was known as the Kerri Bandell-State Farm Agency office, which was headed by the late Kerri Bandell.- Rumors about President Rodrigo Duterte's death circulated online following his absence from an event in Leyte last Friday

- In a video, PRD dismissed rumors about his passing on Friday

- The president made fun of the online rumors, and at one point even asked people to pray for his soul

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The president's detractors were not wasting time in sabotaging him. Following his absence from an event in Leyte last Friday, rumors about his death circulated online.

Honeylet Avancena, President Duterte's partner posted videos of him on Facebook making fun of the rumors and even quipped asking people to pray for his soul.

"For those who believe in the news that I passed away, then I request of you, please pray for me, for the eternal repose of my soul. Thank you," the president said.

"Ano mga mensahe ninyo? Dadalhin ko. Pari, obispo, lahat. And 'yung last wish ng mga durugista, ilista ninyo. Ako na ang magdala doon sa langit o sa impyerno. Depende lang." he added in another video.

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Bong Go did not provide other details about the state of the 73-year-old chief executive's health who was said to be suffering from a serious illness.

PRD attended the premiere night of the biopic of former police chief Ronald dela Rosa last Tuesday.

Rodrigo Roa Duterte also known as Digong and Rody, is the 16th and the current Philippine President and the first from Mindanao, At 71 years old, Duterte is the oldest person to assume the Philippine Presidency. He was among the longest-serving mayors in the Philippines, serving seven terms or more than 22 years in office.

In a previous report by , PRD and Manny Pacquiao showed support to BATO movie.

POPULAR: Read more news about Rodrigo Duterte here

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Social Experiment: I am Hungry | HumanMeter

Human meter conducted a social experiment to test out people's generosity and kindness. Click play and find out who would likely share their food: fortunate or less fortunate people? Those, who have enough or those who have one last piece?

Source: Kami.com.ph- "Glorious" has set the Philippines on fire with Tony Labrusca and Angel Aquino leading the big screen

- The director of "Glorious" is now preparing another hot movie for everyone

- "Glorious Part 2" is in the works albeit Direk Connie is still debating whether it would be a sequel or a separate story

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Fans of Tony Labrusca and Angel Aquino may have something to rejoice this year.

The director of "Glorious," Connie Macatuno, revealed that she is already musing about Part 2 of the hit movie "Glorious."

KAMI learned that during the press conference of the movie of Sylvia Sanchez, Direk Connie talked about another reunion movie of Tony and Angel.

According to Newsfeed, she is still trying to weigh things whether it would be a sequel or an entirely different story.

Hindi ko pa nasusulat ang script, tinitimbang-timbang ko pa kung sequel o ibang istorya na," sabi ni Direk.

Based on the same article, many people are expecting a "happy ever after" for Glory and Nico.

'Glorious' Part 2! Tony Labrusca, Angel Aquino's director revealed progress on another hot movie (Photo: Youtube)

Source: Facebook

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If it would be the theme of this Part 2, it might just be another big hit, just like their first movie.

Angel Aquino is a Filipina actress while Tony Labrusca is a Filipino-American who gained fame in the Philippines because of "Glorious."

Tricky questions: testing boys and girls of the Philippines for knowing some historical information. Who is smarter: boys or girls? Find out in the video!

Source: Kami.com.phMonday, Jan. 28- Friday, Feb. 1

This list is not comprehensive. Municipalities are listed as they appear on the criminal complaint. Suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. To see mugshots of the accused, visit www.journaltimes.com/gallery. Additional information about the complaints can be found at: journaltimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts.Every Christian denomination is different especially when it comes to their unique understanding of worship, Holy Baptism and Holy Communion. We believe that those differences can be respected even when we disagree with them.

As pastors of the Racine congregations that are a part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), we want to be clear that all Christians are welcome at the Lord's Table in our ELCA congregations. We welcome you into our congregations fully and completely, just as you are.

ELCA Lutherans view Holy Communion as a free gift for the forgiveness of sin, life and salvation through Jesus to be received by faith for the strengthening of our faith. It is Christ who invites us to come together to receive the precious gift of His Body and Blood.

On behalf of the ELCA Lutheran churches in Racine, we welcome everyone to join us at any of our congregations to worship along side us, get to know us, and to gather together around the Lord's table as we receive the greatest gift of all, Jesus Christ.

On behalf of our ELCA Lutheran congregations: Bethania, Emmaus, Holy Communion, Living Faith, Messiah, Mount Pleasant, Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, and United Lutheran.

The Rev. John Bischoff Jr., Racine

Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0The ELCAs Legal Advice Service looks to do away with that stigma.

Its an informal, nonjudgmental arena where they will receive advice from an attorney, Chavez said.

Nobody is going to look down on you for facing these things that are out of your control, Hartley added.

Oftentimes, Hartley said, clients will come in with one issue, but more adjoining problems will be discovered during the conversation.

For example, a grandparent may come in to seek advice on how to gain legal custody of their grandchild, but insights regarding a landlord disagreement or small claims dispute can be doled out during the same meeting. The attorney is then able direct clients to the appropriate agencies or courses of action to deal with each of those problems.

Make sure you write down the main two or three different questions you want to know when you walk out the door, Burgess advises new clients.

The volunteering attorney isnt able to represent these clients in court, but they can referrals to Legal Action of Wisconsin or to the State Bar, where an appropriate lawyer can be found.RACINE COUNTY  Open enrollment for students looking to attend a public school outside their district of residence begins Monday.

Parents and guardians can apply to send their child to any public school in the state in the 2019-2020 school year through the Wisconsin Public School Open Enrollment program. Applications are available on the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction website, and can be submitted through 4 p.m. April 30.

Public school open enrollment allows parents to apply for their child to attend a public school in a district other than the one in which they live free of charge, according to a press release from the DPI.

Voucher school enrollment window opens Friday RACINE  Three new private and parochial schools have registered this year to take voucher s

The Wisconsin public school open enrollment program, administered by the Department of Public Instruction, began in the 1998-1999 school year, with 2,464 student participants. The program has since grown more popular, with 60,820 students transferring from their resident district through open enrollment last year.Ethanol production is a key economic driver for the Midwest. But access to the E-15 market, for fuel blended with 15 percent ethanol, is restricted during the busy summer driving season between June 1 and mid-September due to outdated Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations.

President Donald Trump and EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler have promised to fix these regulations, but, because of the government shutdown, time is running out to approve year-round E-15 in advance of this coming summer. Federal rule-making doesnt happen overnight.

Nebraska farmers are in dire straits, thanks to low commodity prices and harsh foreign tariffs. Access to the E-15 market is vital to farm families.

Promises are great, but farmers know better than to count their chickens before they hatch -- especially when Washington politics is involved. We need action now.

I urge Nebraskas congressional delegation to make sure the EPA completes its rule-making before the summer driving season begins. Nebraska, especially rural Nebraska, is counting on it -- and them.

Ryan Bonham, Franklin

Love 1 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0Certainly, Nebraska should not increase taxes on high-income people (Boosting taxes on wealthy assailed, Jan. 24). We should continue as we are, hitting those of us who earn less than $40,000 a year.

We can't afford to move away. We have no Lower-Income Chamber of Commerce to lobby for us. Keeping life together, we will not have time to hassle legislators.

Those wealthy people listed as opposing surely are a little bit better than the rest of us and should be able to stay that way.

Wayne Schupbach, Lincoln

Love 3 Funny 5 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1Republicans aren't preparing for another shutdown because they don't want to believe one is possible. Congressional Republicans generally think it won't happen because it would be crazy for Trump to precipitate it. But that's what they thought last time, too.

Republicans in Congress can take two steps to avert a shutdown. One is to reach a deal on border issues with their Democratic counterparts before government funding runs out and sell the president on it. The other is to communicate to Trump that if he tries to use another shutdown to get his way, enough of them will vote with the Democrats to keep the government open that any veto would be overridden.

They're not going to take that second step, no matter how many pundits tell them to do it, because they're not willing to deliver on the threat. They don't want another shutdown, but they want a bitter party split even less.

And that's what breaking with Trump on a shutdown would be: a declaration that congressional Republicans will work with congressional Democrats to sideline Trump. The president would -- understandably! -- respond by lashing out at Republican traitors. Republicans have no intention of entering the 2020 election cycle that way.And in an era when people are being asked for their "papers" in cars, on buses and trains, and at checkpoints far from the border, it's easy to imagine that many people -- even legal immigrants and U.S.-born citizens, who have, yes, been hauled into custody on suspicion of being undocumented -- would be quite wary of strangers purporting to be from the government asking all kinds of questions about their lives. That goes double for mixed-status immigrant families.

Supposing that the citizenship question is successfully kept off the 2020 census questionnaire, the cat's pretty much already out of the bag.

"We already have a well-documented undercount of certain population groups, including racial and ethnic minorities, immigrants, persons without a stable residence or in multiple-family homes and young children," said Julie Dowling, a University of Illinois Latina/Latino studies professor, in an April 2018 interview on the university's blog. Dowling wrote about how people respond to race and ethnicity questions on the census in her 2014 book, "Mexican Americans and the Question of Race."They say you can fix anything with duct tape. But using it to repair a presidency?

That can get a little sticky.

The Washington Post's Katie Mettler recently caught President Trump in one of his frequent fabrications, this time his oft-repeated claim that migrant women are commonly bound and gagged with tape (alternately duct, painter's or electrical, in Trump's telling) across their mouths and smuggled across the border. Baffled experts called the claim "divorced from reality."

And there it would have ended -- had the Trump administration not sent the Border Patrol in search of duct tape.

After The Post's report, a senior Border Patrol official, apparently acting on behalf of Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Kevin McAleenan, emailed an urgent request to agents seeking "any information that you may have (in any format) regarding claims 'that traffickers tie up and silence women with tape before illegally driving them through the desert from Mexico to the United States in the backs of cars and windowless vans.'" The email, reported last Sunday by Vox, linked to The Post's article.

That Trump told a lie is unremarkable. That government officials continue to use federal resources in vain attempts to turn the president's lies into truth is unacceptable.1939: Sen. Dan Garber of Red Cloud told a legislative committee that the State Railway Commission should be abolished. He said it was no longer serving the public.

1949: All available equipment was being used in Operation Snowbound. A state of emergency had been declared in Nebraska, and blizzard and recovery efforts dominated the news.

1959: Sen. Willard Waldo of DeWitt was the victim of the first election recount reversal in Nebraska history. George B. Fulton of Beatrice was declared the new legislator for the 21st District after an hour of debate in the Legislature.

1969: A budget exceeding $752 million for the 1969-71 biennium was proposed to the Legislature by Gov. Norbert Tiemann. It included an $82 million increase to a total of more than $350,000 in expenditures from the state general fund.

1979: Weather stations in Omaha, Grand Island, Valentine and North Platte reported a record cold January. January in Lincoln was the coldest since 1886, when the average temperature was 7.2 degrees.He would attend remedial classes at night to catch up with his classmates, having suffered from the second-class education he received in segregated schools back home.

He would cook for train travelers and serve drinks at the Country Club of Lincoln to pay his bills those first years.

And he would go on to become president of the Nebraska Pharmacy Association, earn national and state accolades and awards, and serve on boards, mentoring the next generations.

Early in his career, Russell operated his own pharmacy on the corner of 22nd and Vine streets, a few blocks from the home he shared with his first wife, Loretta, and their two kids.

Years later, former students at Whittier Junior High across the street still remembered the kind proprietor and his soda fountain.

When the city bought that land, he dusted himself off and went to work at King Dollar and, when that store closed, he crossed the street to Wagey Drug.

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He took a job for the state as its first traveling pharmacy consultant before Eli Lilly and Company recruited him in 1969, when the pharmaceutical giant set to work to integrate its sales force.

He was the company's second African-American salesman.The public is invited to a free patriotic concert by the Lincoln Municipal Band at 2 p.m. Feb. 10 at Lincoln Southwest High School, 7001 S. 14th St. The concert is part of the 19th annual Abraham Lincoln Birthday Celebration from 1-4 p.m.

The 33-member Lincoln Municipal Band is Nebraskas only professional wind ensemble and the states oldest professional music organization. Since 1907, the band has presented a free summer concert series.

Support for the event is being provided by Nelnet, Humanities Nebraska and other local individuals, businesses and organizations.

Activities before and after the concert will include historical displays, kids games and crafts, and free refreshments, including birthday cake. Local musician Chris Sayre, who has performed at all 18 previous celebrations, will perform in the Commons area before and after the band concert.

Exhibitors include Terry Lowe, a descendant of Thaddeus Lowe, the chief aeronaut in President Lincolns Civil War Balloon Corps.

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Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.The Catholic Diocese of Lincoln has created a scholarship fund to help low-income students as well as the parishes that support those schools.

The Good Shepherd Scholarship Fund will offer between $900 and $1,300 per student next year, and church officials hope it will increase in future years, said the Rev. Nicolas Kipper, director of communications for the diocese.

Principally, this is to help in the financial stability of our schools, he said.

Initially, the scholarship will help families who live at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level  $51,500 for a family of four. It could be expanded in the future, depending on fundraising and support from donors.

The diocese anticipates distributing $2 million to $2.5 million in scholarships to between 1,300 and 1,500 students the first year, according to a news release.

The fund was established with money from a Joy of the Gospel Campaign, launched to help struggling schools. Those schools had been identified by a consultant hired in 2013 to analyze the Catholic schools in the diocese.

One of those schools, St. Marys, will consolidate with two other schools next year, the first time in recent memory a Catholic school has closed.An Arabian Journey: One Mans Quest Through the Heart of the Middle East by Levison Wood, Atlantic Monthly Press, 368 pages, $27.

Levison Wood is a British travel writer whose previous two books have also been reviewed here. His latest adventure, completed in spring of 2018, involves a 5,000-mile circumnavigation of the Arabian peninsula, a region conjuring visions of deserts, genies and magic carpets.

Often following the tracks of intrepid Western explorers like T.E. Lawrence of Lawrence of Arabia fame, Woods journey was accomplished both on foot and aboard a camel, a fishing boat, a taxi, and, at one point, a tank.

Although this book involved fewer physical risks from the terrain, environment and fauna than his previous trips up the Nile, over the Himalayas and through the jungles of Central America, the dangers posed by roadside bombs, bullets and the headsmans sword were quite real. The opulence of oil-rich gulf states was contrasted with the abject poverty of Somalia and the marsh Arabs of Iraq.CHICAGO  The ballot for Chicago mayor hasnt been this crowded since at least World War II, as 14 candidates fight for attention ahead of a Feb. 26 election to replace retiring Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

They include a former police chief, the president of the Cook County Board of Commissioners, the Illinois comptroller and a former chairman of the Illinois State Board of Education. But only one has a name synonymous with Chicago  and that could be good or bad for him.

Bill Daley, 70, a onetime JPMorgan Chase & Co. executive who also was a Commerce secretary under former President Bill Clinton and then President Barack Obamas White House chief of staff, is trying to join the family business by becoming the next mayor of Americans third-largest city.

But the Democratic-dominated city is moving to the left  like the rest of the party nationally  and Daleys establishment background sets up serious hurdles in his quest to add to the 43 years his father and older brother ran the city.

That conundrum was on display last week at a Daley event designed to showcase an endorsement hed just received from Howard Dean, a former Vermont governor, presidential candidate and chairman of the Democratic National Committee who was an early leader of the partys progressive wing.

As a question-and-answer session with the audience wound down, Mike Tracy, a hedge fund partner who has yet to decide how hell vote, asked Dean why he was backing Daley when there are other more progressive candidates.

Dean quickly rebutted the question by saying that just because Bill is my age, that doesnt mean that hes not progressive, and that coming from a family thats been in Chicago politics for a long time also shouldnt be a knock on his liberal credentials.

In an interview, Daley played down those family ties  he also has a brother who is a Cook County commissioner  and argued that his only real involvement in city politics was during the first few campaigns of his brother, Richard M. Daley, in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

I never played at City Hall, in a professional or business or political sense, other than what I did for Rich a couple times he ran, he said.

Daley also dismissed suggestions that his business experience could be a liability as the Democratic Party, at least nationally, increasingly embraces an anti-corporate tone.

A lot of my progressive friends, who have no business experience, I think are unrealistic about stuff that they think about business, he said. So, Im unabashedly pro-business for the future of this city.

Besides serving as a Midwest chairman and head of corporate responsibility for JPMorgan from 2004 to 2010, Daleys business resume includes working as president of SBC Communications. Most recently he was a managing partner at Argentiere Capital AG.

Daleys family and business connections have helped him raise far more money than any of the other candidates. Hes pulled in more than $4.5 million, according to records with the Illinois State Board of Elections.

In many ways, Daley is better known in Washington than the city where he was born. He was Obamas second chief of staff, after Emanuel left the post to run for mayor in 2010, and has a reputation as a centrist Democrat who was integral in helping Clinton win passage of the North American Free Trade Agreement in 1993.

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While he remains close to Emanuel  someone he mentored when both worked for the Clinton White House  Daley distanced himself from the current mayors brash style, which hasnt always worn well with the citys residents. My style has been pretty open, to bring people together  not confrontational, he said.

In such a crowded field, its almost certain no candidate will receive the 50 percent needed to win on Feb. 26. An April 2 runoff is likely between the top two vote-getters.

The race has been embroiled in recent weeks by fallout from a federal corruption charge leveled against Alderman Ed Burke, who was forced to resign his powerful post as Finance Committee chairman after prosecutors alleged he pressured executives of a fast-food restaurant chain to become clients of his tax-specialty law firm in exchange for a remodeling permit in his ward.

Daley administrations have had their share of corruption scandals over the decades, but this most recent chapter of alleged Chicago malfeasance could help the clans candidate, the youngest of seven children. Several of those running for mayor have been tainted by ties to Burke, who has pleaded innocent.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, a top candidate in the mayoral race, has been the most closely linked to Burke. The federal complaint alleges he pressured company executives to donate $10,000 to an unnamed politician, later identified as Preckwinkle. Hed also held a fundraiser for her in his home during her campaign for county office.

But Preckwinkle isnt the only prominent mayoral candidate with ties to Burke. The alderman supported Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza in her previous races for the state House and city clerk, and he attended her 2011 wedding.

Gery Chico, another candidate for mayor, was a city council aide to Burke early in his career, before he worked for former Mayor Richard M. Daley and served as board president of Chicago Public Schools. Burke endorsed Chicos bid for mayor before the criminal charges were revealed.

With the Burke scandal and Daleys own familys dynasty in the air, he has pushed a message of reform. That includes a call to shrink the city councils membership from 50 to 15, which he says would make it more on par with other large cities. He also wants term limits of eight years for mayors and 12 years for city council members.

Besides calls for ethics reforms in the wake of the Burke scandal, the next mayor will inherit daunting financial challenges.

The citys four pensions are underfunded by a combined $28 billion. While Emanuel has taken steps to shore up the retirement system by raising property and utility taxes and boosting the citys contributions, it hasnt been enough. The pensions are still only 27 percent funded.

Emanuel has pushed for selling $10 billion of bonds and handing the money over to its pensions, wagering that they will make more on investments than the city will pay in interest. Daley is skeptical.

Its all great, as long as rates stay good, he said. Theres risk-reward, and I think it ought to be on the table.

But the best way to solve the citys pension problem would be to alter the states constitution, Daley said. That change, which is backed by Emanuel and opposed by unions, would allow existing benefits for public employees to be reduced.

One other unknown in the race is whether Obama will endorse his former chief of staff in a contest where the former president also has friendly relationships with several other candidates. Katie Hill, an Obama spokeswoman, declined to comment.

Daley recoils a bit when asked whether hes a progressive, a label other candidates in the race are brandishing.

Progressive was a word when people couldnt call themselves liberals because it was so out of fashion, he said. Im unabashedly a liberal whos practical about things to get them done.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0The Coles County Arts Council and the Academy of Lifelong Learning are launching an ongoing project this month to recognize and retell the stories of our local history and culture through the use of a unique local resource -- our cemeteries. Cemeteries are not only the resting places of our ancestors, but a wonderful entry into the stories of their lives, their cultural tastes and the things they valued.

The Council and Academy are planning an Arts in the Cemetery Day on Sept. 28, concentrating on Roselawn/Mound and Old City/Chambers cemeteries for the initial outing. Paul and Kevin Baumann, local experts in cemetery art and gravestone etchings, will offer a presentation on that subject in the morning at the Charleston Carnegie Public Library. Paul and Kevin are writing a book on cemetery art which will be published in the future. In the afternoon, tours of the featured cemeteries will be offered, pointing out their artistic features. Local actors will be giving a few live portrayals of some of the people resting beneath the tombstone art.

Leading up to this event, the Council will be submitting stories about our ancestors buried in Coles County to our local newspaper. This first submission of newspaper literary art is about Oliver Sallee, famed for being the first Union soldier to die in the Charleston Riot on March 28,1864.

***

Sallee was allegedly shot by David Nelson Wells. Buried in Old City Cemetery, Sallee, birth unknown, has two records on the Illinois Secretary of State Civil War site. He mustered in April 25,1861 into 8th Inf. Co. C and mustered out July 25, 1861, age 22. Then he mustered in as a veteran on Jan 9, 1864 into 54th Inf. Co. C at Little Rock AR at age 22. There is no muster out. He was 22 when he joined in Dec, 1863. Sallees tombstone lists him as Serg. The State lists him as Private. A couple discrepancies noted here.

Sallees stone is not a typical Civil War tombstone. A typical Civil War stone indicates whether or not the veteran survived the War. If it is a thin stone, the soldier died in the War. If it is a thick stone, he survived the War. The lettering on stones is also a form of art. Sallees tombstone is a more recently replaced military stone. Many times, stones crumble, are vandalized, destroyed, stolen, and need to be repaired or replaced. Paul Baumann tells us that the original Sallee tombstone still exists and is used as a footstone. Most of the time the replacement stone is placed next to the original. Cleaning and repairing stones are both an art and the State has specific rules on how to do this.

Nelson Wells tablet tombstone also needs to be repaired or replaced as it is broken in two places. Wells is buried in Elledge Holley Cemetery in Edgar County. Wells was a Copperhead who believed in peace and opposed the Civil War. He died at age 23 or 24 believing this, yet died in a violent encounter, perhaps of his own making.

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Rumor has it that the Charleston Riot may have started over a girl both Sallee and Nelson met at a dance which took place in Castle Finn in Edgar County. Both wanted to court this mystery girl. Both young men danced with this girl. Sallee sashayed in Union Blue and Copperhead Wells swayed to the music wearing a badge with a Liberty Head on Copper. This barn dance was a form of art that locals participated in. Sallees blue uniform, buttons, buckles, boots, insignia of 54th Illinois Infantry, Company C hat indicated he was a Union soldier. His revolver was a work of deadly art.

Wells would have worn a copper one-cent coin badge with a picture of Lady Libertys head on it indicating he was a Copperhead. This image on copper was a play between the words copper and head. Copperheads were Democrats and distinguished for writing the 1863 election Democratic party platform. Abraham Lincoln, a moderate Republican, did not want the country divided and wanted slavery abolished. He feared the Copperheads, calling them, the fire in the rear. Yet, the Copperheads were Peace Democratic Northerners who opposed war and wanted an end to the Civil War. Their opponents also called them Snakes. In the mix during the Riot, were the Butternuts. They wore brown clothing which had been dyed with mashed butternuts. Most Butternuts wore butternut leaves or butternuts somewhere on their clothing or on their hats proudly showing the world that they were Butternuts. They were also called Southern Sympathizers.

Literary, drama, and visual art documents the Charleston Riot. Peter Barry, in researching his ancestors role in the Charleston Riot published in 2007 the book, The Charleston, Illinois Riot, March 28, 1864 which documents the drama that led up to the Charleston Riot. The local Civil War re-enactors have re-enacted this Charleston Skirmish in detail, bullet by bullet, on the Coles County Courthouse Square. Earl Halbe of Charleston has written, published, and directed A Question of Loyalty, a play about the probable dynamics that led to the Charleston Riot. Matt Mattingly played Oliver Sallee and Jacob Norris played Nelson Wells.

Visual artist Rebecca Sawyer Spoon created the largest painted mural in Charleston located at 617 Madison. This mural depicts an artists interpretation of a conceivable scene from the Charleston Riot. This painting was based on a pen-and-ink drawing by Jim Donahoo also of Charleston. Sallee did not live long enough to have a military tintype photograph of himself though many Union and Southern soldiers did. Some of these tintypes exist today and depict as visual art soldiers serving their country in the Civil War in uniform.

Paul Baumann tells us that the deadly encounter of Sallee and Wells occurred where the WWI Memorial is located on the SW corner of the Charleston Courthouse. Baumann explains that there are two versions. First: Around 3-4 pm on March 28, 1864, soldier, Oliver Sallee of Charleston, Private in Co. C, 54th Illinois Infantry, stepped up to Nelson Wells, Copperhead of Edgar County, the 23-year-old alleged leader of the Copperheads, and playfully asked him if there were any Copperheads in town. Wells replied, Yes, God D---- you, I am one! Then drew his revolver, shot at Sallee, but missed. In an instant Sallee was shot from another direction and fell, but rising up, he fired at Wells, hitting his vital organs, killing Wells. Sallee then died from his gunshot wounds.

Second: Sallee reached out to put a hand on Wells shoulder. Wells said, If you lay hands on me, I will shoot you. Sallee said he would shoot back. A minute later Wells fired. History is not sure if it was directed at Sallee. Both boys had been bar-hopping in Charlestons local taverns and perhaps neither of them would have remembered -- had they lived.

There was a lot of blaming on all sides as to who was at fault for the Charleston Riot. Depositions of witnesses were taken, and these legal documents still survive in archives. There was some political intrigue going on which involved a Marshall judge who was at the Coles County Courthouse at the time of the Riot. Some say it was the animosity between the southern sympathizers and the northerners. Perhaps it was a little bit of all which created the hotbed of hatred coupled with two very drunk young men who both wanted to court the same girl.

Neither Sallee nor Wells got the girl. They never got to experience life past that moment in time forever documented in our local art. Their families gave them a funeral and buried them according to the funeral and burial customs of the time. This, honoring of their lives, was their last artful event.

Contact EIU Academy of Lifelong Learning 217-581-5114 or scelearn@eiu.edu or Carolyn J. Stephens at 217-273-5143 or carolynjstephens@yahoo.com.

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In just 50 years, almost a million Jews, whose communities stretch back up to 3,000 years, have been 'ethnically cleansed' from 10 Arab countries. These refugees outnumber the Palestinian refugees two to one, but their narrative has all but been ignored. Unlike Palestinian refugees, they fled not war, but systematic persecution. Seen in this light, Israel, where some 50 percent of the Jewish population descend from these refugees and are now full citizens, is the legitimate expression of the self-determination of an oppressed indigenous, Middle Eastern people.

This website is dedicated to preserving the memory of the near-extinct Jewish communities, which can never return to what and where they once were - even if they wanted to. It will attempt to pass on the stories of the Jewish refugees and their current struggle for recognition and restitution. Awareness of the injustice done to these Jews can only advance the cause of peace and reconciliation.

(Iran: once an ally of Israel, the Islamic Republic of Iran is now an implacable enemy and numbers of Iranian Jews have fallen drastically from 80,000 to 20,000 since the 1979 Islamic revolution. Their plight - and that of all other communities threatened by Islamism - does therefore fall within the scope of this blog.)Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Sunday, 3 February, said his party would waive farm loans and give a big push to the food processing industry if voted to power in the Lok Sabha elections Alleging that the Centre's crop insurance scheme is "aimed at taking away the hard-earned money of farmers to fill up the pockets of big businessmen", he promised that the Congress would initiate a number of steps to deal with farmers' distress and unemployment.

Gandhi said, his party's governments in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh waived farm loans within a few days of coming to power.

Gandhi was addressing the Jan Aakansha rally at Patnas Gandhi Maidan, which is the first public meeting organised by the party at the venue in nearly three decades.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath and RJD's Tejashwi Yadav were among the other leaders who addressed the rally in Patna on Sunday.

Congress is part of Mahagathbandhan in Bihar, which includes RJD, RLSP and former CM Manjhi



This would be the first public meeting to be addressed by Rahul Gandhi in Bihar after he took over as party president

Rahul's First Rally in Patna After Taking Over as Party President

Congress President Rahul Gandhi will address a rally on Sunday, 3 February, the first public meeting organised by the party at the Gandhi Maidan in nearly three decades.

The state unit of the Congress relegated to the status of a marginal player ever since Mandal burst on the political scene in the 1990s  appears to have shed its ennui and is working overtime to ensure that the rally is a grand success.

AICC in-charge of Bihar, Shaktisinh Gohil said on Saturday, 2 February, that invitations have been sent to Tejashwi Yadav, Upendra Kushwaha and Jitan Ram Manjhi for the event.

Congress is part of the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) in Bihar, which also comprises RJD, RLSP and HAM of former Chief Minister Manjhi, who has confirmed his presence at the event.

Story continues

It needs to be seen whether Kushwaha, who is recovering at PMCH following a clash with the police, will be able to make it to the programme or not.

There, is, however, no word about participation of RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav.

(Source: PTI)

Security Tightened in Patna

According to Superintendent of Police, Patna, Garima Malik, nearly 3,000 police personnel, including constables, sub-inspectors and officers of DSP rank would be deployed in the city to maintain law and order even as a temporary outpost has been set up in the vicinity of the rally venue.

In addition, Quick Response Teams and Anti-Terrorist Squad would be deployed at the Gandhi Maidan where more than 100 CCTV cameras have been installed to keep a close watch on movement of people, Malik told PTI.

Congress Distances Itself From Controversial Posters

A day ahead of Congress chief Rahul Gandhis rally in Patna, the Bihar Congress disowned posters that depict Prime Minister Narendra Modi as Mahishasura.

The posters, which have been allegedly put up by Congress supporters, have drawn the ire of the Bharatiya Janata Party. It also depicts Gandhi as Lord Rama and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra as Goddess Durga, who had  according to mythology  slain the demon king Mahishasura.

A case has been registered by a local resident at a civil court in Patna against Gandhi, state Congress chief Madan Mohan Jha and other party leaders for allegedly hurting "Hindu sentiments" by coming up with posters that depicted party leaders as Hindu deities.

"This is not a Congress poster. We cannot be held guilty for deeds by people who claim to be our supporters but are not bound by the party discipline," Jha said.

'United Congress,' Tweets Rahul Ahead of Patna Rally

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Rahul Arrives at Gandhi Maidan

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Rahul Has Ability to be PM: Tejashwi

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav said, Rahul Gandhi has ability to be the prime minister. He also called PM Modi a seller of lies.

He also indicated that Congress allies want equal treatment. He said that the Congress and Rahul would have to bear the biggest responsibility to unite the opposition.

Modi Fooled Farmers and Youth: Kamal Nath

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath and senior Congress leader who addressed the rally before Rahul Gandhi said Prime Minister has fooled Indias youth with his promises of Make in India and Digital India. He also blamed the BJP-led government and Centre and Nitish Kumars government in Bihar for not being able to resolve the difficulties of farmers.

Bihar Rally will Give India Something to Think About: Gehlot

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot addressed the rally after Kamal Nath. He said, This is not any ordinary rally, this rally in Bihar will give the country something to think about.

Modi didn't bring back any black money. The promise of 2 crore jobs was also jumla. The whole country is worried about the way our country is being governed, he added.

Congress Motto is Live and Let Live: Shakti Singh Gohil

Congress leader Shakti Singh Gohil took the podium and said, Rahul and Congress' philosophy is live and let live but BJP's motto is live and kill the rest.

Chowkidar Chor Hai: Rahul at Congress' Rally

Taking the podium at Congress' 'Jan Akanksha' Rally in Patna's Gandhi Maidan, Congress President Rahul Gandhi said, Our chowkidar in a thief. He goes to France, US and England, and engages in scam arm deals.

Modi gave 30,000 crore rupees to Ambani, but he announced Rs 17 per day to farmers, thats Rs 3.5 per member of that farmers family, Rahul said.

Rahul also promised to elevate Patna University to a central university if Congress comes to power at the Centre. Bihar used to be known for its quality education in Patna and Nalanda universities, but now Bihar is known for its high rate of unemployment, he added.

Rahul mades promises of open food processing factories in the states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan,Chattisgarh, where the Congress is in power.

Rahul said, Narendra Modi has given crorepatis crores of rupees in the last five years. There is no dearth of riches in their lives, they get what they want. But the Congress has decided that if we come to power, we will guartantee minimum income to every poor person in this country. We will put money in poor people's accounts.

Tejashwi is a youth leader, he does what he promises, Rahul said in praise of RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, adding, We all will together form a coalition government after Lok Sabha polls and the state assembly elections. Towards the end of his speech, he asked the people of Bihar to ensure that the grand alliance comes to power in the state.

. Read more on Politics by The Quint.RSS & BJPs Nehru-Netaji Cosplay: Irony Dies a Thousand DeathsLatest News: Pushkar Case Against Tharoor Sent to Sessions Court . Read more on Politics by The Quint.Iran's Defence Minister Amir Hatami speaks during the unveiling ceremony at an exhibition in Tehran Iran's Defence Minister Amir Hatami speaks during the unveiling ceremony at an exhibition in Tehran, Iran, Faberuary 2, 2019. Tasnim News Agency/Handout via REUTERS

DUBAI (Reuters) - Iran displayed a new cruise missile with a range of 1,300 km (800 miles) on Saturday during celebrations marking the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution, state television reported.

Iran has expanded its missile programme, particularly its ballistic missiles, in defiance of opposition from the United States and expressions of concern by European countries. Tehran says the programme is purely defensive.

Later on Saturday, a senior Revolutionary Guard commander suggested that pressure by European countries for talks on curbing Iran's ballistic missiles development could prompt Tehran to expand it beyond current limits.

Speaking during the unveiling ceremony, Defence Minister Amir Hatami said: "This cruise missile needs a very short time for its preparedness and can fly at a low altitude."

The surface-to-surface missile, named Hoveizeh, is from the Soumar family of cruise missiles, which Iran added to its arsenal in 2015, Hatami said.

Western experts say Iran often exaggerates its weapons capabilities, although there are concerns about its long-range ballistic missiles.

Amirali Hajizadeh, head of the Revolutionary Guard aerospace division, said Iran had overcome initial problems in producing jet engines for cruise missiles and could now manufacture a full range of the weapons.

The Defence Ministry's website carried an undated video purportedly showing the Hoveizeh being test-fired from a mobile launcher. It quoted Hatami as saying the missile had successfully hit targets at a distance of 1,200 km.

Since agreeing to a 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, Iran has expanded its missile programme despite warnings from the United States.

In January, it tried to launch a satellite into space which it said failed. The launch followed a U.S. warning to Iran against undertaking three planned rocket launches that Washington said would violate a United Nations Security Council resolution.

The resolution, which enshrined Irans nuclear deal, called upon Tehran to refrain for up to eight years from work on ballistic missiles designed to deliver nuclear weapons.

Story continues

Iran says its missile tests are not in violation of the resolution and denies its missiles are capable of carrying nuclear warheads.

"STRATEGIC LEAP?"

Brigadier General Hossein Salami, deputy head of the elite Revolutionary Guard, reiterated Iran's rejection of any talks on its missile programme, in response to a demand raised by France and other European countries, the semi-official news agency Fars reported.

France said last month it was ready to impose further sanctions on Iran if no progress was made in talks about the missiles, described by Tehran as defensive but seen in the West as a destabilising factor in a volatile region.

Salami said Iran's decision to limit the range and the number of its ballistic missiles was based on its current strategy, which could change based on circumstances.

"If today the Europeans or others try to plot and pursue Iran's missile disarmament, then we will be forced to resort to a strategic leap," Fars cited Salami as saying, an apparent threat that Iran may seek to boost the range or the number of the missiles.

Last week, Iran dismissed the pressure from France for talks, but said it had no plans to increase the range of the weapons.

U.S. President Donald Trump quit the Iran nuclear deal last year and reimposed sanctions on Tehran that had been lifted under the pact in return for Tehran curbing its nuclear programme.

Washington says although Iran has met the terms, the accord was too generous, failing to rein in Irans ballistic missile programme or curb what the United States says is interference in regional affairs.

Iran has developed a large domestic arms industry in the face of decades-long international sanctions and embargoes that have barred it from importing most weapons.

(Reporting by Dubai newsroom; Editing by Clelia Oziel and Rosalba O'Brien)Actress Sonali Bendre Behl, who spent months in New York battling cancer, on Saturday returned to face the cameras.

Mumbai: Actress Sonali Bendre Behl, who spent months in New York battling cancer, on Saturday returned to face the cameras. She says it's a surreal feeling. Sonali shot a brand campaign, details of which are currently under wraps. Filmmaker Shoojit Sircar has directed the ad.

She shared a photograph on Instagram, and is seen in a casual white dress, a sleeveless denim jacket and a pair of funky sneakers.

Along with the photograph, Sonali wrote: "Being back on a set after a major sabbatical - one that has been testing in many ways on so many levels - is a surreal feeling.

"After all this, I sort of feel an additional sense of purpose and meaning and I'm so grateful to be back in action."

She added: "I don't think words would do justice to how beautiful it feels to be back at work...to face the camera again and portray the range of emotions required. Given that my emotions have been running high for the last couple of months, it feels good to give into the emotions that the job requires."

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Sonali, married to film producer Goldie Behl, announced earlier this year that she was diagnosed with a high grade cancer. She said her family and close friends have provided her the best support system.

Follow @news18movies for moreCongress President Rahul Gandhi addressed the Jan Aakansha rally at Patnas Gandhi Maidan on Sunday, 3 February, which is the first public meeting organised by the party at the venue in nearly three decades.

Taking on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the recently announced Budget, Congress president Rahul Gandhi said the Centre's crop insurance scheme is aimed at taking away farmers income to fill up pockets of big businessmen.

"Modi gave 30,000 crore rupees to Ambani, but he announced Rs 17 per day to farmers, thats Rs 3.5 per member of that farmers family. Chowkidar Chor Hai! And the whole country knows this." - Rahul Gandhi, President, Congress

In contrast, he said, his party's governments in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh waived farm loans within a few days of coming to power.

"Our promises were not fake like those of Narendra Modis. It didnt take more than 10 days. The Congress party came to power and waived loans for farmers within two days." - Rahul Gandhi, President, Congress

Rahul also promised to elevate Patna University to a central university if Congress comes to power at the Centre. Bihar used to be known for its quality education in Patna and Nalanda universities, but now Bihar is known for its high rate of unemployment, he added.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot were also present at the rally.

The presence of this government threatens the constitution, this country and the democracy, said Ashok Gehlot.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh also said that they have destroyed BJPs election winning machinery in Chhattisgarh and now it is Bihars turn to do the same.

Besides, alliance partners like RJD's Tejashwi Yadav, former Union minister Sharad Yadav and former Bihar Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi were also present.

(With inputs from PTI)

. Read more on News Videos by The Quint.RSS & BJPs Nehru-Netaji Cosplay: Irony Dies a Thousand DeathsCBI vs Kolkata Police: CBI to Approach Supreme Court on 4 February . Read more on News Videos by The Quint.New Braunfels, TX (78130)

Today

Mostly cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy this afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 93F. Winds SSE at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy this evening. Scattered thunderstorms developing after midnight. Low 71F. Winds ENE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 50%.



IceViking strongly condemns physical attacks and harassment directed towards them.





They are also often victims of the Islamic idea. This is true when it comes to the cruel and tragic treatment of Muslim women and children when it is in accord with the Koran, the example of Mohammed and Islamic law, Sharia, which may be applied regardless of where a Muslim male may find himself in the world, whether in a Muslim or non-Muslim country.





However, in no way, shape or form should one judge all Muslim men because of what is in Islamic scripture and what constitutes the Islamic law, Sharia.





"Race", ethnicity or basically anything that you are "merely" born with should never be a basis for bigotry and discrimination.





Apostates from Islam have been executed for 1400 years in accord with the Koran and the words and actions of the Islamic prophet Mohammed and Islamic law, Sharia.





They should be lovingly helped.





Furthermore, approximately as many as 11,000,000 Muslims may have been killed by other Muslims since 1948.





To quote the website The Religion of Peace (TROP), edited by Glen Roberts:





While it may be safe to say that a true Muslim would not intentionally kill another true Muslim ( 4:92-93 ), the Quran places no such value on the life of a Muslim who is not true. Consider verse 9:73 :

Strive hard against the disbelievers and the hypocrites, and be harsh against them, their abode is Hell.

The Arabic for strive hard uses the same root as Jihad - and the context in this sura is holy war (see v. 86 and 91). Thus, there are two distinct classes of people that a true Muslim is to target with harshness: disbelievers and hypocrites.



A disbeliever obviously refers to a non-Muslim, so a "hypocrite" must be a Muslim of some sort. In fact, hypocrites are those who say they believe, but do not act as they should. In other words, they are "Muslims", but not true Muslims. They will go to hell just as unbelievers do, and so, according to the verse, their lives matter for naught.



The same sura says that a hypocrite can be recognized not just by lack of piety (reluctance to follow Sharia), but by fear of death ( 9:56 ), reluctance to fight ( 9:44-45 ) and even friendliness toward non-believers ( 9:67 ). A true Muslim would thus be a pious person who relishes martyrdom, is eager to fight, and shuns non-believers.



Even the Quranic passage that warns against killing "believers" ( 4:88-94 ) is more complicated than it first appears. It never says that a true Muslim is incapable of killing another Muslim, just that it should not be done. In fact, it makes exceptions for the unintentional killing of "believers" in war and mandates the killing of "hypocrites."



Verse 17:33 says, "Do not kill anyone which Allah has forbidden, except for a just cause" . The greatest cause of all is that Islam be superior ( 9:33 ), which is exactly what Islamic terrorists say is their goal. Thus believing Muslims are allowed to be collateral damage in the war on unbelievers.









There is sadly a phenomena that I`ve noticed in Sweden and elsewhere of people using true facts about Islamic doctrine and history as a cover for all sorts of irrational targeting of Muslims, ranging from xenophobia and racism to verbal abuse and physical attacks.





This is strongly condemned by this website and does not in any way serve serious criticism of orthodox Islam and other important work.





It`s also important that one tries to express oneself in a civilized way. Words matter.





In this bloggers humble opinion the root cause of the problem is the ancient doctrine of orthodox Islam.













In simple terms a non-Muslim is a Kafir.





" The Koran defines the kafir and kafir is not a neutral word. A kafir is not merely someone who does not agree with Islam, but a kafir is evil, disgusting, the lowest form of life."





An exact quote, as stated in the writings of Dr. Bill Warner in the article "Kafir" at http://www.politicalislam.com/kafir .





In the perfect Koran (Allah`s direct and literal word as revealed to Mohammed through the angel Jibril), Muslims are told 89 times to emulate Mohammed in all ways (see Koran 33:21 for instance).





Mohammed`s example, the Sunna, is found in the Hadith (stories of what Mohammed said and did) and the Sira (biographies of Mohammed).





Islamic law, Sharia , is directly derived from these unchanging scriptures. It is based on the Koran`s numerous commands to obey Allah and obey the Messenger, that is Mohammed (see Koran 4:59 for instance).









Islam is Sharia. Sharia is Islam.





It is a capital crime for Muslims to deny Sharia in any way.





A Muslim is someone who submits to Islam and submitting to Islam means obeying the Sharia of Allah.





Sharia law includes pronouncements for both Muslims and non-Muslims (Kafirs).









Islam is a "complete way of life", a "complete code of life", a "complete system of life".





Islam is not just a religion but also a comprehensive ideology.





Islam is a supremacist ideology.





Islam is a totalitarian and imperialistic ideology akin to Communism and Nazism.





Islam is a civilization.

Islamic law, Sharia, is a manual for a civilization.





Islamic law, Sharia, governs every aspect of life.

It has a say about every conceivable human act .





Non-Muslims are morally and legally inferior in Islam. Women are morally and legally inferior in Islam.

























The History of Jihad: From Muhammad to ISIS by Robert Spencer is the first one-volume history of jihad in the English language and a great book on the topic.





Allah guarantees Paradise to those who "kill and are killed" for him (Koran 9:111).





A hadith depicts a Muslim asking Muhammad: "Instruct me as to such a deed as equals Jihad (in reward)." Muhammad replied, "I do not find such a deed." (Bukhari 4.52.44)





Muhammad himself said:

I have been commanded to fight against people so long as they do not declare that there is no god but Allah, and he who professed it was guaranteed the protection of his property and life on my behalf except for the right affairs rest with Allah. (Sahih Muslim 30)









Freedom of speech, human rights, democracy, science and human lives are all at stake in the fight against the Islamic Jihad.



We've known for weeks now that the FBI recorded Chicago Alderman Ed Burke's mobile phone conversations over a period of eight months, listening in on 9,475 calls. And then we discovered that the feds had wired up Chicago Alderman Danny Solis during his own conversations with Burke.

Burke has a rather, um, "earthy" way of talking when he's among friends and close allies. Race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, sexuality, whatever. You name it, if there's a socially unacceptable word to describe it, his pals say, he's probably used it.

I'm not saying for sure that the feds have him on tape saying stuff like that, but if they do, there's no way in heck that Burke wants a Chicago-area jury hearing it. Those words could destroy a defendant. And, of course, few on the other end of any of those conversations want that stuff to come out either. People might bend over backwards to be helpful if the feds play them those tapes.

The feds, in other words, might very well possess some embarrassing leverage on Burke aside from the alleged illegalities. And the feds love leverage.

They most certainly used leverage against Solis. The Chicago Sun-Times reported that the feds recorded almost twice as many of Solis' calls as Burke's - 18,000 in all. Some of those calls centered on asking a political operative to set up trips to massage parlors, allegedly in exchange for official government acts. Solis agreed to flip on Burke when confronted with the evidence in 2016.

Being caught on an FBI wiretap doesn't automatically mean somebody did something wrong. Back in 2017 and then again in 2018, the mere presence of J.B. Pritzker on old FBI wiretaps of Gov. Rod Blagojevich was enough to rattle his gubernatorial campaign to the very bone, even though there was no evidence then or since that he was ever under any sort of investigation.

Pritzker simply called the wrong guy at the wrong time and said some stupid things that wound up being memorialized on a government recording device. But lots of folks jumped to an immediate conclusion that the hint of federal smoke somehow meant the existence of a raging corruption fire. Nothing like that has ever emerged.

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We don't yet know for sure, but the same might be said of what's being treated by the media as an explosive revelation that an FBI mole recorded a 2014 meeting with Solis, a Chinatown real estate developer and House Speaker Michael Madigan.

Madigan didn't say anything illegal on the recording. He was at his law firm's office and Solis had brought the developer in to talk about perhaps retaining Madigan's property tax assessment firm for a hotel the businessman was trying to build. The developer never hired Madigan's firm and never built the hotel. And all this happened almost five years ago and we haven't heard anything else since then.

The story does give us an inside peek into how things work in Chicago, however. Madigan's law office can apparently be an important stop on the path toward getting things done. And while Madigan himself can avoid doing anything overt to help his law firm's clients outside of property tax appeals, just meeting with Madigan could help those clients check a very important box with other important people like Solis.

Madigan himself could be completely ignorant of why a potential client is in his office. Indeed, it's almost 100 percent certain he wants it that way. You'd have to be insanely greedy to risk prison over a $3,000 annual property tax retainer.

But Madigan is so powerful that people like Solis want to do whatever they can to get into and remain in his good graces. So it's not at all inconceivable that part of an alderman's process of approving a development could include a meeting at Madigan's firm to show fealty and offer tribute.

The big question: If Solis wired up on Burke, did he also wire up on Madigan? The House Speaker issued a statement through his attorney admitting he "recalls attending several meetings with Solis over the past five years, including meetings with individuals in need of legal representation."

Despite the frothing at the mouth from the usual Madigan haters, we simply have no way of knowing if the feds have any leverage on the guy. Be patient. If they've got him, they've got him. If they don't, well, it wouldn't surprise me.

Rich Miller also publishes Capitol Fax, a daily political newsletter, and CapitolFax.com.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1EFFINGHAM  Illinois State Police said a Neoga man was killed early Sunday when he drove the wrong way on Interstate 70 in Effingham County and was involved in a head-on collision.

Police named the driver as Cecil Hardesty, 85, who was pronounced dead by the Effingham County coroner after the accident happened at 1:24 a.m. The other driver involved, a 28-year-old woman from Seagonville, Texas, was injured and needed hospital treatment. A 20-year-old woman from Pontoon Beach and a man, 23, from Perryville, Missouri, both passengers in the car driven by the woman, were taken to a hospital for treatment as well.DECATUR  Weston Stephens is looking for a new beginning, and after Saturday, he's hoping that he's a few steps closer to getting one.

Stephens was one of hundreds of people who registered for an expungement summit hosted by the Macon County Circuit Clerk's Office at Richland Community College. Saturday's event featured attorneys and representatives of other legal resources on deck to help area residents begin the process of expungement or record sealing.

"I did the wrong thing," said Stephens, 29, referencing past arrests on cannabis and burglary charges. "Now I'm trying to do the right thing. The past is already written, but the future's not."

Under state law, certain arrests and convictions can be removed from records if conditions are met. Expungement allows for the legal record of an arrest or other information to be erased in the eyes of the law, while sealing records means crimes do not appear on routine background checks.

Whether someone is eligible to have their record expunged or sealed depends on certain variables. People can find out more about both processes by visiting www.illinoislegalaid.org.

Stephens said since his arrests, he has since served jail time, paid fines and carried out his probation. Despite all of that, he said, it's been hard for him to find work or leave the country.

Criminal histories often prevent people from getting jobs and housing, which is why Macon County Circuit Clerk Lois Durbin said her office worked to organize the summit. She said it had been in the works since February and is the first of its kind to be held in the county.

"With the way the economy is, people are trying to get jobs, Durbin said. "This is one way to help them out; by giving them a second chance."

Other counties in the area, like Champaign County, have done similar summits in recent months. On Aug. 25, the Greater Decatur Black Chamber of Commerce hosted a free seminar that aimed to educate those with criminal records about ways to have their legal histories sealed or erased.

Those who had appointments during the summit were able to fill out the necessary forms to get the expungement process started during the summit.

Typically, Durbin said, filing for expungement or sealing often comes with a fee, but people were able to file for free during the summit. The process involves filing paperwork with the courts.

"If the request is approved (by a judge), on that day we will send notice to law enforcement letting them know they need to expunge those cases," Durbin said. "They'll be expunged from the circuit court's records, too."

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Among the legal resources represented during the summit were the Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance Foundation and Cabrini Green Legal Aid.

Land of Lincoln is a nonprofit corporation that provides free civil legal services to low-income residents and senior citizens in Central and southern Illinois.

Valerie McWilliams, an attorney with the organization's Champaign office, said state laws in recent years have become more forgiving toward people who want to have their records expunged or sealed.

"There's a lot more things now that are sealable," McWilliams said. "And that's because state legislature recently is acknowledging that it's important for people to get a second chance so that they can get a job."

McWiliams said a lot of the credit for the gradual relaxing of state legislation in regards to expungement and record sealing should go to Cabrini Green, a Chicago-based nonprofit that provides several legal, social work and community-based services to Illinois residents.

Cabrini Green has successfully lobbied for several legislature changes to be put into effect, such as increasing the number of felony convictions covered by the sealing law and removing fines and fees as barriers to sealing convictions.

Paul Coleman, a founding member of Cabrini Green's leadership council, led the orientation workshops that summit attendees sat in on during the event.

He said he's volunteered with the organization for years, and as someone who has experienced the process of applying for expungement or record sealing, he knows that it's possible for people to move on with the right amount of patience and knowledge of their legal rights.

"I'm not embarrassed to stand on that stage and say what I've been through; the robberies, the thefts, the aggravated batteries," Coleman said. "Because this was 30 years ago. I'm 50 ... A lot of people are afraid to talk about their background. I'm not afraid to talk about my background."

"It's what you're doing now  what your growth is (and) how you've grown  that's what's most important."

As they stood in the lobby of Richland's Schilling Community Education Center, state Rep. Sue Scherer, D-Decatur, and Cabrini Green Community Organizer Colette Payne said events like the expungement summit are the beginning of many people's path to a second chance.

"I hope some people by doing this (applying for expungement) as a community, that people can get the strength and courage from other people who are going through the same thing," Scherer said.

Payne, who began volunteering with Cabrini Green after she was released from Decatur Correctional Center in 2012, said persistence is key when it comes to erasing or sealing a criminal record.

"I tell people as a person with lived experience that it isn't easy, and anything worth having is worth fighting for," she said. "So we have to fight for our lives."

Contact Jaylyn Cook at (217) 421-7980. Follow him on Twitter: @jaylyn_HR

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Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.I put the bus in neutral, pulled the brake, lowered the bus down, and turned around. I could see a switch taped to his left hand  and a small pistol in the other, Bersuch said.

Bersuch asked the man's permission to stand up, and the man reportedly said, "Thats fine."

As Bersuch stood up, the second passenger, who had moved to the very back of the bus, started to make his way forward. Bersuch said he didnt think this passenger, Dameane Baumgartner, had heard anything from before. (See related story.)

Gibson spun his gun on Baumgartner, who screamed, Bersuch said. This is when Bersuch locked the bus door open, walked off with his phone, and went toward the back of the bus.

The guy leaned out to follow me and was spooked by a cop car that was nonchalantly driving by, but I saw he had his gun pointed at me through the window, Bersuch said. All I really knew at that point is I didnt want to die.

Bersuch said in that moment he also decided he wasnt going to let the man steal the bus. But as he opened the bus panel in the back, his brain froze and he forgot how to shut the bus down. He called his supervisor in Billings, who helped him remember to hit the kill switch.Housing costs have risen across Montana in recent decades, to the point where residents are feeling the pinch between wages and their rent or mortgage payments, say economists with the Montana Bureau of Business and Economic Research.

The unanswered question is: why?

Housing the people is one of the most basic services, one of the most basic things we can expect our economy to provide, BBER Director Patrick Barkey told a crowd in Helena in a Jan. 29 presentation delivered as part of the bureaus 2019 Montana Economic Outlook Seminar tour.

This is a daunting challenge, the challenge of housing affordability, Barkey said.

Home prices have more than doubled since 2000 in five Montana counties, BBER says, and more than two-thirds of Montana counties with available data have seen prices rise by at least 70 percent. Montanas average wages, for comparison, are up by about 74 percent since 2000, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis."kind, genial, benevolent, faithful, industrious, and vigilant"

Grand Old Partisan lauds Samuel Hooper, born in Massachusetts this day of 1808. As a youth, he sailed to the Caribbean, Russia, and Spain for his merchant father. In his thirties, he engaged in trading with China and invested in iron mines and foundries.

During the 1850s, Hooper served in the state house and state senate. He was delegate to the GOP's 1860 national convention. This industrious Republican won a vacant seat in the U.S. House of Representatives the next year and went on to win six more terms. His financial expertise helped shape wartime and postwar economic policy.

Here is a Video Version of this article on YouTube: https://youtu.be/X4caa3qJ7os

Michael Zak is author of Back to Basics for the Republican Party, a history of GOP civil rights achievement.

Each day, his grandoldpartisan YouTube channel and Grand Old Partisan blog celebrate more than sixteen decades of Republican heritage. And, see Speech Raves for audience feedback from his presentations in thirty-one states so far.

He also wrote the 2005 Republican Freedom Calendar.

Clarence Thomas cited Back to Basics for the Republican Party in a Supreme Court decision.

Buy the book at Amazon

See www.youtube.com/q?v=IzxKCiXc5Qc for a brief video of a Texas Republican praising Back to Basics for the Republican Party.

"This is the most amazing book about politics that I have ever read. The Overview should be required reading for anyone with even a minor interest in government. The remainder is an enthralling history lesson that I will never forget. For years, we have all been misled about the true nature of the GOP. This is the real deal! Read it and be proud!"

"Michael Zak wrote the definitive history of the GOP."

"Back to Basics for the Republican Party is the most significant contribution to the Republican Party in the last twenty years apart from Ronald Reagan."

"Back to Basics for the Republican Party is more important to our party now than ever before."

and

"one of the best books I ever read"As part of its planning, the opposition has reached out to the Venezuelan military. The opposition Democratic Unity Roundtable, or MUD, has been calling on the security forces to join in its protests for weeks  a contrast to 2017, when it made an attempt to draw junior servicemen to the movement through a haphazard barrage of tweets. And this time, the MUD has made a personal as well as a political appeal, recognizing that members of the armed forces are suffering the same economic hardships that are afflicting civilian protesters. Guaido promised active military members amnesty under a new government in exchange for their support and framed the protests as an opportunity to unite with the rest of the country, rather than to divide the security forces. His wife joined the cause, too, seeking support from military spouses and families in a video. At the same time, retired members of the security apparatus have issued statements reminding the military that its job is to defend Venezuela, not necessarily its leaders. Compared with its previous attempts at an uprising, the oppositions latest protest movement has taken a more sympathetic and inclusive view of the military, and it seems to be paying off: Dozens of members of the national guard were arrested Jan. 21 after attempting a mutiny. International Support The discontent in the military only added to organized campaigns that played out in the media to support the opposition. Since Maduros inauguration day, U.S. outlets such as The Washington Post and the Miami Herald have been publishing accounts from Venezuelan sources of cracks in the government. Stories of Venezuelan military officials fleeing the country and disavowing Maduro followed, along with an op-ed by Miami Herald columnist Andres Oppenheimer calling for change in Venezuela. In South America, meanwhile, a Colombian TV news channel broadcast footage of Venezuelan soldiers in Peru and Colombia denouncing Maduro and declaring their support for the protests. Social media, too, has given the international community a venue to boost the Venezuelan opposition. U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio has taken to Twitter to criticize the Maduro government, expressing support for the protests and for the arrested mutineers . President Donald Trumps national security adviser, John Bolton, has also used Twitter to condemn the Venezuelan government. Its part of an active campaign to bring attention to the protests  which differentiates them from those that occurred in 2017.

Furthermore, the U.S. support goes beyond tweets and news stories  a change for the Venezuelan opposition. The United States has long disapproved of Maduro, but until recently, it didnt launch a concerted campaign for regime change, beyond making statements condemning the government and issuing sanctions against it. Today, by contrast, its clear that the U.S. is fully behind the Venezuelan opposition and ready to support a transitional government. Washington has redoubled its efforts to break the Maduro administration, intensifying its sanctions, repeatedly affirming its recognition of the National Assembly as Venezuelas legitimate governing body, and coordinating its stance with Brazil and Colombia . In fact, U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, Colombian Vice President Marta Lucia Ramirez and former Colombian President Andres Pastrana Arango recently met with two leaders of the Venezuelan opposition.

Under mounting pressure, the Maduro government has responded as best it can. It suppressed the alleged mutiny in the national guard, for example, and the military has consistently rejected reports of dissent or chain of command problems. Community groups allied with the government, known as colectivos, have increased their presence on the streets, while Maduros supporters have called their own town hall meetings to counter those of the opposition. Still, the governments opponents far outnumber its defenders. As the opposition puts its months of planning and organization to the test in todays protests, the Maduro administration will be on the defensive, relying on security operations to maintain order and cling to power.This item is available in full to subscribers.

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Otherwise, click here to view your options for subscribing.OAKVILLE, Ontario, Jan. 31, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Saint Jean Carbon Inc. (Saint Jean or the Company) (TSX-V: SJL) (OTCQB: TORVF) is pleased to announce the Company will expand the mill to allow for processing of a wide variety of raw materials used in lithium ion batteries, to meet demand of specialty raw material supply for tier two and smaller battery manufacturers. Material such as; Graphite, Cobalt, Manganese, Lithium, Aluminum, Nickel, etc. The expansion will be will be broken in to two phases 1) additional equipment to meet immediate demand and 2) further processing for other material that the Company expects may have demand in the coming year.



The raw materials needed in lithium batteries are becoming a race to see which of the mega corporations can and will secure large quantities of the very special materials. Companies like Volkswagen announced $45 billion dollars in raw material procurement last year. This situation is putting allot of pressure and rising costs on the smaller and specialized battery manufacturers. This demand has created the Companys strategy of a new division to meet these needs as soon as possible. The new division will specialize in selling and processing of raw material to a fully finished state of application

Working with their customers: The Company has secured and will further secure different ore bodies rich in specific minerals. The ore bodies will be shipped to a location in central Ontario for storage and will be available for processing on a customer demand basis. Ideally the customer will be looking for a number of specialty minerals, that the company can supply as a balanced chemistry, with mine signature and repeatable quality results.

Paul Ogilvie, CEO, commented: What appeared to be a big issue for the smaller manufacturers, now looks like a perfect solution that helps us greatly and will definitely provide a secure and high quality product for many years to our customers. Our abilities in our mill are ever expanding; this is a great opportunity to push a little further into the supply chain.

The Company will secure ore bodies mostly from Northern Ontario from mining companies with 43-101 compliant reserves and either historical or current process flow analysis. With a number of mining companies in discussion and manufacturers with demand, the Company hopes that the results of this effort will be realized in the very near future.

About Saint Jean Carbon

Saint Jean is a publicly traded carbon science company, with specific interests in energy storage and green energy creation and green re-creation, with holdings in graphite mining and lithium claims in the province of Quebec in Canada. For the latest information on Saint Jeans properties and news please refer to the website: http://www.saintjeancarbon.com/ .

On behalf of the Board of Directors

Saint Jean Carbon Inc.

Paul Ogilvie, CEO and Director

Information Contact :

Email: info@saintjeancarbon.com

Tel: (905) 844-1200

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS: This news release contains forward-looking statements, within the meaning of applicable securities legislation, concerning Saint Jeans business and affairs. In certain cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as plans, expects or does not expect, intends budget, scheduled, estimates, forecasts, intends, anticipates or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, might or will be taken, occur or be achieved. Such forward-looking statements include those with respect to the future payments required to be paid to the Vendor of the Lochaber mining property.



These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, and are naturally subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances that may cause actual results to differ materially. The forward-looking statements in this news release assume, inter alia, that the Company will be able to fund the required cash payments.

Although Saint Jean believes that the expectations represented in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that these expectations will prove to be correct. There are risks which could affect Saint Jeans future results and could cause the results to differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements including closing failure or delay, the impact of general economic conditions in Canada and globally and the risk that they will deteriorate, industry conditions, including fluctuations in the price of supplies and the risk that they will increase, that required consents and approvals from regulatory authorities will not be obtained and the liabilities and risks inherent in Saint Jeans operations.

Statements of past performance should not be construed as an indication of future performance. Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether or not such results will be achieved. A number of factors, including those discussed above, could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Any such forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

All of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking information is provided as of the date of this press release, and Saint Jean assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.MEMPHIS, Tenn., Jan. 29, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- First Horizon National Corp. (NYSE:FHN) today announced the election of two new board members, Kenneth A. Burdick, Chief Executive Officer of WellCare Health Plans, Inc. and Wendy P. Davidson, President, U.S. Specialty Channels, for Kellogg Company. Their election, effective January 28, 2019 increased the size of the First Horizon Board of Directors to 14 members. In addition to their board appointments, Burdick will join the Audit and Compensation committees and Davidson will join the Audit and Information Technology committees.

We are pleased to welcome Kenneth and Wendy as new independent directors to our board, said Bryan Jordan, chairman of the board, president and CEO of First Horizon. As distinguished executives in their respective industries, they bring a high-level of expertise working for large, public companies. Kenneths executive leadership experience in a highly regulated industry, as well as Wendys marketing, sales and e-commerce expertise will be extremely valuable as we continue to deliver on our organizations strategic priorities and position First Horizon for future success.

About Kenneth A. Burdick

Burdick, 60, became Chief Executive Officer of WellCare Health Plans, Inc. in 2015. WellCare is a managed care company that focuses exclusively on providing government-sponsored managed care services. He joined WellCare in January 2014 as president, national health plans, and was promoted to president and chief operating officer in June 2014. Under his leadership, WellCare has projected that its revenue will grow by more than 80 percent from 2016 to 2019. Burdicks career spans nearly four decades in healthcare including leadership roles with UnitedHealth Group and Cigna. He currently serves as the national board chair for Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, a role that embodies his passion for philanthropic service. Burdick holds a bachelors degree in American Studies from Amherst College and a law degree from the University of Connecticut School of Law.

About Wendy P. Davidson

Davidson, 49, was named president, U.S. Specialty Channels, a $1.5B division of Kellogg Company, a global food, cereal and snack company in 2013. She serves as a member of Kelloggs global leadership team, the North American leadership team, the KPAC and Kellogg Company Fund boards, eighteen94 Venture Capital Fund Investment Committee, Global Strategy Councils and executive sponsor for Kellogg Young Professionals resource group. Previously, she held executive leadership roles with McCormick & Company as vice president, Consumer Food Manufacturing, U.S. and Latin America, and vice president, Custom Flavor Solutions, Industrial Foods Americas. She served on McCormick & Companys diversity and inclusion executive steering team and global industrial strategy council. She also founded the first Womens International Network (WIN) within the company. Prior to McCormick, Davidson spent 16 years as a part of the executive team at Tyson Foods Inc., working in progressively increasing roles in general management, operations, sales and marketing. She holds a bachelors degree in Political Science and Sociology from Luther College, Decorah, Iowa, where she is chair of the Board of Regents.

About First Horizon

First Horizon National Corp. (NYSE:FHN) provides financial services through its First Tennessee, Capital Bank, FTB Advisors, and FTN Financial businesses. First Horizon operates approximately 300 bank locations across the southern U.S. and 28 FTN Financial offices across the entire U.S. Our banking subsidiary, founded in 1864, has the 14th oldest national bank charter in the country. Our First Tennessee and Capital Bank brands have the largest deposit market share in Tennessee and one of the highest customer retention rates of any bank in the country. American Banker Magazine has also ranked us as No. 5 among the Top 10 Most Reputable U.S. Banks. Our FTB Advisors wealth management group has more than 300 financial professionals and provides services to about $4.8 billion in assets under management. FTN Financial is a capital markets industry leader in fixed income sales, trading and strategies for institutional customers in the U.S. and abroad. American Banker magazine and the National Association for Female Executives have also recognized the company as one of the nations best employers. More information is available at www.FirstHorizon.com .

FHN-G

CONTACT: First Horizon Investor Relations, Aarti Bowman, (901) 523-4017

First Horizon Media Relations, Silvia Alvarez, (901) 523-4465

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8757499a-3d7a-4cc5-8c33-ad11c0a3e8f4

http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c37b9e11-acc2-4d2e-9c08-b35a9ad9308eST. ANSGAR | Shortage of housing, IPERs and childrens mental health issues were some of the topics addressed by Iowa House Representative Jane Bloomingdale (R-Northwood), and State Senator Waylon Brown (R-St. Ansgar) during a legislative forum on Friday, Feb. 1, held at the St. Ansgar City Hall.

Bloomingdale and Brown agreed there is a great need for more housing in rural communities, with some state funding having been appropriated for those needs. Both legislators said providing housing in rural Iowa is a priority and part of fulfilling those needs is the expansion and rehabilitation of existing homes, Brown said.

Asked if there will be a change in the current IPERs Program for public employees, Bloomingdale said, No one wants to change IPERs, as long as it is growing.

She called reports being circulated scare tactics.

A long discussion about mental health issues provided both legislators and residents with insights as to why there is a current mental health crisis with youth in our state.

It was noted often times youth, who are adjusting to medication to deal with these issues, are sent back to a school system where there are few mental health experts.Colorado is on track to join 11 other states and the District of Columbia in attempting to decree that the winner of the popular vote nationally  not the candidate who captures the Electoral College  will be the victor in future presidential races.

Senate Bill 42, proposed by Sen. Mike Foote, D-Lafayette, would change how Colorados electors, the people who choose our presidents, cast their votes every four years.

While Republican lawmakers might oppose the change, they are in the minority in the state House and Senate. And, with a Democratic governor, passage seems assured.

Colorados electors now cast their votes for the presidential candidate who receives the most votes in the state. Under SB 42, the states electoral votes would be cast for whichever presidential candidate wins the national popular vote, regardless of who wins Colorados popular vote.

In 1996, for example, Colorado electors voted for Republican Bob Dole because he won the states popular vote over Democrat Bill Clinton. But Clinton won the national, as well as the Electoral College, vote that year. Under SB 42, Colorado electoral voters would have gone to Clinton.

The move to change how the nation elects presidents comes in the wake of the 2016 election, in which Democrat Hillary Clinton received nearly 2.9 million more votes nationwide than Republican Donald Trump. But the Electoral College  the traditional name for the electors of all states  made Trump president because he won more state electoral votes.

While Hillary Clinton won large popular-vote majorities in big states such as California, New York and Illinois, Trump won majorities in more states, giving him 306 electoral votes to Clintons 232.

If you change the system to a national popular vote election, candidates will campaign nationwide and not just focus on a few slivers of a few states, Foote said. Each voter will be recognized as important and it will lead to the winner actually governing with the entire country in mind.

The Senate in late January approved Footes bill, voting along party lines, sending the measure to the House, where it is sponsored by Reps. Jeni Arndt, D-Fort Collins, and Emily Sirota, D-Denver.

Gov. Jared Polis supports the bill, a spokeswoman said.

An identical bill failed in a Republican-controlled Senate committee two years ago. A similar attempt fell flat about a decade ago.

Now that Democrats hold the majority in the statehouse and the governorship, they plan to use it, Arndt said.

The Democrats are in charge because there was an election. We didnt trick anybody, Arndt said. Thats not sneaky. Thats not underhanded. Thats responding to what the voters said.

Revenge, or close to it

There have been five presidents elected despite losing the popular vote , but many see the growing national movement as a reaction to Trumps 2016 election. Republican George W. Bush also won in 2000 despite Democrat Al Gores narrow national popular vote victory.

If the bill isnt revenge, its not far off, said Sen. Jerry Sonnenberg, R-Sterling, who voted against the measure in committee and again on the Senate floor, strongly denouncing it both times.

It looks like there are ill feelings on the presidential election a couple years ago and a few years previous to that, Sonnenberg said. And this is the way for some folks to think they can rectify it.

Sonnenberg and Sen. Bob Gardner, R-Colorado Springs, who also opposed the bill, said Colorado would be ceding its voice in presidential elections to liberal urban centers such as New York City, Chicago and Los Angeles.

Foote said the idea arose in the 1960s, preceding Trumps and Bushs victories. In the past, he said, it had support from Republicans.

The fact that Trump was elected the way that he was in 2016 has turned it into more of a partisan issue than it was before, he said.

Sirota said the measure will likely be heard by a House committee in February. In the meantime, Democrats will try to drum up support from across the aisle, she said.

At least three electors

The system of electors was established in Article II, Section 1 of the U.S. Constitution, adopted in 1789, and revised by the 12th Amendment, ratified in 1804. (See the accompanying box.)

The system was tied to the debate over how states should be represented in Congress.

The small states said they would not join the union unless they had equal representation in Congress, said Robert Hardaway, a law professor at the University of Denver, who has written several books on the topic.

The big states thought it should be based on population alone. The compromise between those two factions, known as The Grand Compromise, was to do both. Have a Senate and a House.

The Electoral College, in turn, is based on the numbers of representatives in the House and the number of senators (states) have, he said.

Forty-eight states and the District of Columbia employ a winner-take-all system for presidential elections. This means whichever candidate wins the popular vote within the state wins all of that states electoral votes.

Maine and Nebraska split their electoral votes by whichever candidate wins each respective district within the state. The Constitution leaves that choice up to the states.

In all, the Electoral College consists of 538 electors. A presidential candidate must win a majority of 270 votes to win the presidency.

California boasts the most electoral votes in the country at 55. North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, Vermont, Delaware and Alaska have the least with three electoral votes each.

Some claim the Electoral College was created to maintain the rights of slave owners, Hardaway said. But he dismissed that as urban legend.

The Electoral College systems net effect is to give smaller states more of a say in who becomes president than would be the case otherwise. Each state has at least three electors no matter how small it is.

For example, California has 68.5 times more residents than Wyoming. But in the Electoral College, California has only 18.3 times more electors than Wyoming.

For all its faults, the Electoral College facilitates a two-party system in the countrys elections, Hardaway said. It brings stability to presidential elections that have become the envy of the world, he said.

On average, about once a century a presidential candidate wins the Electoral College without also winning the national popular vote. But, even so, he said, the margins usually are relatively close and the winning candidate still has the support of a large percentage of the country.

Colorado Democratic lawmakers, on the other hand, say each vote should count equally and the majority should win.

In SB 42, theyre proposing to use the national popular vote by combining the electoral votes of all states that join the pact and commit them to the candidate that earns the most votes nationally.

One person, one vote, Foote said. Lets elect our president together.

It couldnt get any worse

The pact would only take effect if enough states join to add up to the 270 electoral votes needed to win the presidency.

Each of the states in the pact  among them New York, California, Maryland, Vermont and Washington  voted for Democratic candidates in the last five presidential elections.

Even so, Foote said about a third of the lawmakers who supported the change in those states were Republicans.

The measure preserves the Electoral College, which would take a constitutional amendment to abolish. It just changes the way the votes are allocated, proponents have said.

And each state can still back out of the pact if its legislature wishes to do so, though there are restrictions on how close to an election that would be allowed.

Under the current system, presidential candidates typically only visit and focus their efforts on battleground states, Foote said. States that typically vote either red or blue fall by the wayside.

If votes are combined on the national scale, candidates will have a greater incentive to travel across the country, appealing to more voters and better understanding their concerns, Foote said.

But Republicans such as Sonnenberg fear that with the change rural areas will be further ignored and candidates will gravitate toward major urban population centers.

Hardaway agreed.

Candidates would go where the votes are, he said. The votes are in the big cities.

Potential for a challenge

The measure would also boost voter participation, Arndt said. Republicans in blue states like California and Democrats in red states like Texas would be more likely to cast their ballot if they knew they could influence the outcome nationally.

Governors, senators and representatives are elected by popular vote, Foote noted. I dont see why that would be such a foreign idea (with presidential elections).

Arndt mused that there would be an outcry if presidents were elected by the national popular vote, and politicians tried to impose an Electoral College.

But Hardaway said the countries that use the national popular vote, which he calls the Russian-style direct election, sometimes face problems.

France has that system, Hardaway said, and in the countrys April 2017 election, there were so many candidates that the candidate with the most votes got about 24 percent.

Ultimately the election went to a runoff between Emmanuel Macron, who ran as the candidate of a newly formed party, and far-right candidate Marine Le Pen.

They got two people that, in the country, 65 percent of the people didnt want either, Hardaway said.

Ultimately, Macron won the election, but voters were so dismayed at their choices that a record number  about 600,000 people  cast blank ballots in protest, Hardaway said.

The pact to have electors follow the national popular vote is, on its face, unconstitutional, Sonnenberg says.

After doing a little more research and reading, it appears that states cannot make compacts among each other, he said. So there indeed is potential for a constitutional challenge.

Foote disagreed, saying the Constitution allows each state to allocate electoral votes however the legislature chooses.

But the measure is also likely to be challenged in court nationally because if just enough states join to amount to 270 electoral votes, the other states would be disenfranchised, Hardaway said.

Arndt sees the issue differently.

Its not that those other states would be disenfranchised, its that the majority would have spoken, she said.

Its just beating them, she said. (A losing vote isnt) squelched. Its heard. It just didnt prevail.

Then theres the matter of finding universal agreement on the national popular vote, Hardaway said. There is no unified system  the states each count their votes  and the popular vote is calculated not by the federal government, but by national news agencies like the New York Times, Fox News and MSNBC.

Thats not a huge hurdle, Arndt said.

How hard is it? she said. Each state has their election returns and theyre all certified by the secretary of state (of each state). If the New York Times can add it up, couldnt the federal government?

Perhaps the biggest sticking point, according to Gardner and Sonnenberg, is that its possible for the majority of Coloradans to vote for one candidate, but the states electoral votes to go to the other.

Were essentially erasing state boundaries in a way, Gardner said. Making it less important to be a state.

Just the latest scheme

The proposal is so riddled with flaws and holes that Hardaway said it cant be a genuine effort. Instead, its likely meant to cause enough of a stir to shift the national conversation toward amending the U.S. Constitution, he said.

This is just the latest scheme. And there have been all kinds of schemes, but none have been worth anything, and this is the worst of them all, he said. Every time somebody does this, all they want to do is change the Constitution so they can make sure their guy wins next time.

But Foote said that sounds more like a conspiracy than reality.

If thats the master plan, then Im certainly not aware of it, he said.

Sonnenberg and Gardner acknowledge that the bill is more than likely to be signed into law, given that Polis has signaled his support.

Sirota and Arndt expressed confidence in Democratic support within the House. House Minority Leader Patrick Neville, R-Castle Rock, did not return a message seeking comment.

Even if the bill is signed into law, the pact doesnt become effective until enough states join and thats unlikely to happen this year, Foote said. Its unlikely the measure would affect the 2020 presidential election.

If it does pass, Democrats will continue to press their agenda nationwide and support other states that might enter the pact. Foote noted that Republican legislatures will eventually have to pass the measure as well for it to go into effect.

Gardner said opponents can try and dissuade additional states from joining or eventually file a lawsuit, which would likely make its way quickly to the Supreme Court.The Department of Veterans Affairs Floyd Lindstrom Clinic overflowed Saturday with current and former service members as a Medal of Honor dedicated to the clinics namesake was delivered to the hospital.

Im proud to have the medal displayed here so that the veterans that come through here know the history of the man that this clinic is named after, said Duane Gill, the deputy director of the VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System. It gives me chills being here.

Lindstrom, known as the one-man army, was awarded the nations highest medal for bravery during World War II for charging a German machine gun nest on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 1943, in southern Italy. Three months later, he died at Anzio, an ill-fated amphibious landing that eventually led to the capture of Rome.

While others from the city have earned the award, Lindstrom is the only one who grew up in Colorado Springs. Lindstrom had been awarded the Silver Star for valor in North Africa and had been offered noncombat duty after taking out the machine gun, but chose to stay with his unit, the 3rd Infantry Division.

He was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously in April 1944 and is buried in Evergreen Cemetery.

He is a hero for heroes, Gill said.

Drew Dix, a Medal of Honor recipient and the president of the Medal of Honor Society, told Saturdays crowd that it never ceases to amaze (him) the things that good people do for the right reasons.

Those who have received Medals of Honor will say that the work we did for others is greater than us, Dix said. Im sure Floyd would feel the same way.

Dix also addressed the future of veterans health care, which has been plagued by long wait times. Data from Veterans Affairs published late last year showed that the Floyd Lindstrom Clinic had some of the nations longest delays. One patient in five waits more than a month to be seen, and the average wait for mental health visits is more than three weeks, the data shows.

They deserve the right care, Dix said. We hope that we can create a standard for the health care system that were all proud of.

The medal at the hospital is not the one given to Lindstroms family. Lindstroms medal is in storage at the Pioneers Museum.

The Center for American Values is negotiating a loan with the museum so the medal can be displayed at the nonprofit office in Pueblo, said the organizations director Matt Albright.A new Department of Veterans Affairs expansion offering more private care options will roll out in June, and it will look a lot like the Veterans Choice Program (proposed motto: We keep costs low by not paying anyone.)

The agency offered preliminary guidelines last week that will allow veterans to see private care in lieu of long drives or long waits for government care. But these guidelines at first glance are more complicated than the ones offered by Choice, and they still arent final.

For the most part, though, if youd have to drive an hour or wait more than a month, VA can offer an insurance- like plan to cover a visit to a civilian doctor.

The wait-time standard will apply to thousands of patients in Colorado Springs where the Floyd Lindstrom Clinic (motto: Floyd won the Medal of Honor! Our wait times didnt!) still has some of the nations longest waits.

Patients here, on average, wait 32 days to see a VA specialist and 26 days to get mental health care. More than 21 percent of patients wait a month to be seen at the clinic off Fillmore Street. Under the new standards, that means a lot of Colorado Springs patients will get the option of seeing a private- sector doctor.

While Colorado Springs patients had virtually the same options under the Choice program, few exercised it. And the few that did too often found themselves stuck in a bureaucracy that was like VA, with more paperwork and confusion.

And VAs latest dalliance with private care will have a hard time overcoming the legacy of the Choice program. Enacted at the height of VA scandals, it was designed to allow veterans to escape VA waits. But, the program was marred by management missteps, and complaints from local doctors who had waited many months for payment.

The new program, part of the $55 billion VA Mission Act passed last year, is also causing some to fear that VAs health care wing could some day be privatized.

Veterans groups, Democrats, federal unions and others have panned wider plans for private VA care.

VA Secretary Robert Wilkie addressed those worries last week.

Although these new standards represent an important win for Americas Veterans, they will not be without controversy, he said in a statement. Some will claim falsely and predictably that they represent a first step toward privatizing the department.

But President Donald Trump, first in a Colorado Springs campaign stop in 2016 and several times after, has voiced that veterans need the same choices in health care that their civilian counterparts enjoy.

And Wilkie, while denying he would farm out the agency to the private sector, is all-in with Trump.

Most Americans can already choose the health care providers that they trust, and President Trump promised that Veterans would be able to do the same, Wilkie said. With VAs new access standards, the future of the VA health care system will lie in the hands of Veterans  exactly where it should be.

The implementation of the new VA care system will see its closest scrutiny in Colorado, which has two U.S. senators already howling about the epic wait times in Colorado Springs.

Sens. Michael Bennet, a Democrat, and Cory Gardner, a Republican, sent Wilkie a stern letter in December demanding he explain why Colorado Springs veterans are waiting so long for care.

The long waits here have been going on for more than five years now, achieving notoriety for their apparent intractability.

The lawmakers asked Wilkie to outline how the new care options will help veterans here. His reply has not been released.

At last, veterans get one shorter wait from VA these days. On a drive past the new Pikes Peak National Cemetery near the Colorado Springs Airport, it was apparent that VA is at least rapidly burying our nations honored dead.

The cemetery opened last fall and now dozens of headstones are in evidence.

You can learn more about the cemetery program by calling 216-1025. Youll have plenty of time to make the call while waiting for your doctor.

Contact Tom Roeder: 636-0240 Twitter: @xroederxThe Air Force Academy celebrated its biggest brains last week by recognizing cadet and faculty contributions to its $40 million research program.

The academy has long been known as one of the nations top undergraduate research schools, with cadets designing everything from newfangled drones to a gooey paste that can work as body armor. If anything, the latest crop of cadet research is even more advanced.

Academy dean of faculty Brig. Gen Andrew Armacost said research at the school isnt so much work for the cadets as it is really incredibly complicated play.

Theres amazing joy in the process we follow to get there, he said.

Finding there on a map may be difficult for the uninformed. Take cadet Ernest Alvino. He invented a new chemical chain that could make airplanes resistant to ice and lasers.

Grace Skidmore figured out how translations of Russian novelist Vladimir Nabokov could be used to influence international relations between the rival nations. Theres apparently much more to Nabokovs Lolita than sexual obsessions.

It proved what a bridge between cultures literature can be, Skidmore said of her research.

Cadet Diana Myers worked with the National Defense University to invent methods of making war that come with more impact and fewer casualties. She said the mind-bending work taught her about more than military policy.

As a cadet, there are a lot of things I dont understand still, she said.

If the other cadets seem painfully smart, you havent met cadet James Brahm.

He got a patent for inventing a new method of making quantum computers go faster. Quantum computing is tough enough to wrap you head around  imagine if all the accumulated knowledge of humanity could be stuffed into a cellular phone without using data.

Brahms invention could lead to artificial intelligence, letting your cellphone give you driving directions before you know where youre going.

Its the next wave, he explained. Something that will be out there in the next few decades.

While those cadets might make your forehead throb, Armacost says theres more to come.

These are characteristics we expect all of our officers to possess, he said.

Contact Tom Roeder: 636-0240 Twitter: @xroederxLate on a Saturday afternoon, about half a dozen people committed to their sobriety climb a long, steep staircase in a historical building in Old Colorado City.

They sit side by side on cushions on the floor of a tiny, rectangular yoga studio, making small talk until the Refuge Recovery meeting begins. Taking turns, each reads laminated copies of the groups guiding principles, the four noble truths (two are: addiction creates suffering and the cause of addiction is repetitive suffering), and the eightfold path, before settling in for a 20-minute guided meditation by facilitator Benjamin Schmitz.

The focus this afternoon is metta, or whats known as loving-kindness in Buddhism. After their sit, they go around the circle and talk about metta in their own lives and any struggles theyre having. Nobody offers feedback or advice; they simply listen.

Unlike 12-step programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, theres no famous introduction (My name is... and Im an alcoholic.) and no mention of God.

Details Meetings  5:30 p.m. Saturdays, Westside Yoga, 2502 W. Colorado Ave., door code: 7518, refugerecovery.org/meetings  9 a.m. Sundays, behind White Rabbit Tattoo, 2573 Airport Road, Criztoph22@outlook.com, refugerecovery.org/meetings

Theres only a belief that Buddhist principles and practices can help them recover from addiction. One doesnt need to be Buddhist to participate.

Its something thats more secular, where theyre not going to have God thrown at them, Schmitz said.

I do believe in God, but you dont have to here. You can find for yourself where you are in the universe and why. Thats the greatest benefit Ive seen from this program. Its another way of looking at recovery.

During the hourlong meeting, one member comments that he doesnt keep secrets anymore. Another tells the group she forgets to take care of herself, but thats why shes there, to work on that. Yet another mentions an 11-year-old she heard about recently, who overdosed on pills and landed in a hospital. They all nod knowingly. Addiction is a path to self-destruction.

These three women and two men know something about that. The people who come to this meeting are usually in recovery from drugs and alcohol, though the group is open to people with any addiction.

Everyones working on something, said Schmitz. If youve got problems with food, relationships, sex. Its across the board. Its all process addiction. Some come in for pills and others for cutting, things like that.

Origins of the group

The nonprofit Refuge Recovery can be traced to the Against the Stream Buddhist Meditation Society in Los Angeles, founded by author Noah Levine, whose books include Dharma Punx: A Memoir, Against the Stream: A Buddhist Manual for Spiritual Revolutionaries and Refuge Recovery.

He also founded the for-profit Refuge Recovery Treatment Centers in Los Angeles.

More than 250 Refuge Recovery groups meet worldwide, according to the organizations website. Two meetings are in the Springs  the one led by Schmitz, and another on Sunday mornings behind White Rabbit Tattoo on Airport Road.

Last year, Levine was accused of sexual misconduct, and in August he was removed from the ATS board of directors and relieved of his teaching duties. The meditation center also closed its meditation centers in response. Refuge Recovery is working toward a resolution with Levine and hopes to protect the movement from being too attached to his name.

Despite the fallout, Schmitz believes in the power of the teachings.

Each group is autonomous, he said. The benefit is for the members, and the writings are a reflection of what Buddhists taught and not the person who wrote it.

The teachings are correct, and its benefited so many people.

Schmitz is one of those people. He found the meetings after moving to Fort Worth, Texas, and going through a rough spot in his sobriety. He moved to Denver shortly thereafter, and then to Colorado Springs, where hes led a meeting for about four months.

It was the meditation aspect of the recovery process that hooked him, along with the Buddhist precepts. Refuge Recovery is a supplement to his recovery process, which includes attending other recovery meetings.

Buddhism helps with actual healing, by addressing how and why Im loving everyone in the world, he said, and understanding everyone deserves that, even myself.

Sandi Flanagan has been sober for a decade. She started attending Refuge Recovery after Schmitz started one last year. Shes been inspired to start a daily meditation practice that she praises for gifting her with self-awareness.

I cant fix or change anything unless I know what the problem is, Flanagan said.

Meditation helps me be more aware of what needs to be changed, or the steps I need to take to make those changes.

Contact the writer: 636-0270New Gov. Jared Polis had an encounter with the Legislatures Joint Budget Committee the other day. It wont be his last.

In his first budget request, Polis asked for $253 million to provide full-day kindergarten in every public school district in Colorado.

State Sen. Dominick Moreno, the Commerce City Democrat who heads the JBC, said the panel might find transportation a higher priority than all-day kindergarten.

The JBC consists of three senators and three representatives. The majority party in each branch gets to name two of its members, and the minority party names the third. Because Democrats won control of both chambers in November, they have four members on this sessions JBC, and the Republicans have two.

Since Polis is a Democrat, too, you might expect him to have no problems with the JBC. But its not that simple. The JBC traditionally plays down partisanship. The six members spend so much time together that they develop camaraderie and loyalty to the committee. Ideally, they work together to enforce good budgeting principles rather than pursue partisan agendas.

Well soon find out how that works this session.

The JBC, created in 1959, is the only legislative committee with a large, full-time professional staff. It occupies a suite of offices in the Legislative Services Building, just south of the Capitol. The committee begins working on the budget in November, two months before the Legislature begins its January to May session.

The JBC is supposed to start with the governors proposed budget, but a lot of stories and jokes are told about how little attention that fiscal handiwork receives. One legend, never verified, holds that a JBC chairman of yore, upon receiving the governors budget, publicly and unceremoniously threw it in the wastebasket. The governors budget has as much status in the Capitol as a childs letter to Santa Claus, one observer said.

The JBC is revered because it has built a tradition of budget expertise that few legislators dare challenge. And its feared because it can shape department and lobbyist budget requests to its liking, cutting them severely if it wishes.

Former Colorado Springs Republican state Sen. Mike Bird recalled a photograph in one hearing room of Woodmen of the World, their axes at the ready. This was where budget requests got chopped. One day, the JBC found that someone had painted blood in red ink dripping from those axes.

The JBC begins December with revenue estimates, as it can only spend the tax revenue the state collects. By February, it is setting figures, writing into the budget how much money can be spent on each item. The result is the Long Bill, a massive document that goes to the House and Senate for approval.

Two developments have somewhat weakened the JBCs influence in recent years. Term limits have caused higher turnover, as experienced committee members are forced to leave after eight years in office. This loss of expertise has enhanced the power of the governors and the JBCs budget staff.

And as money for state services has dwindled under TABOR, the Taxpayers Bill of Rights, the JBC has mainly had to cut programs rather than expand them. I would love to be on the powerful JBC and hand out wads of cash to every constituency, one representative from Boulder said years ago. But we dont have wads of cash.

The JBC has a fiscally conservative effect on the Legislature, no matter which party is in power. Its emphasis is on sound budget practices and spending only what the state gets in taxes. It likes to save money, too. And as Polis likely will learn, the JBC can deny or modify a governors spending requests.

Polis has a good chance of winning substantial funding for all-day kindergarten, thanks to a state budget surplus. But he and the Legislature will have to find new money for transportation and more accessible health care. Polis and the JBC will meet again.

Tom Cronin and Bob Loevy are political scientists at Colorado College.(Reuters) - Authorities in Pakistan's southwestern province of Balochistan say they have launched an investigation into the death of a regional leader of a Pashtun civil rights group, who died in what his movement called a "targeted attack" by police at a sit-in.

Arman Luni was buried late on February 3. He died a day earlier after police tried to break up a four-day demonstration in the city of Loralai by the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), which stages demonstrations nationwide against violence and disappearances carried out by the state.

A police spokesman said Luni had died of a heart attack following clashes between protesters and police. But Mohsin Dawar, a member of parliament and founding member of PTM, said the police had singled Luni out and deliberately beat him to death because of his role as a leader of the group.

"It was a targeted attack on him by police, I think his neck was broken and this was confirmed in the postmortem," Dawar told Reuters, adding that he was killed for his "association with PTM.

The group, which was founded a year ago to protest against the death of a Pashtun man killed by police in the southern port of Karachi, regularly draws thousands of protesters to its demonstrations against state violence. It has called nationwide protests for Tuesday to highlight the killing of Luni.

The Balochistan chief minister has ordered an inquiry into the killing. Both the Balochistan home minister and information minister said they had no knowledge of how he died.

PTM blames the Pakistani military and other state organs for what it says are forced disappearances resulting in thousands of unresolved missing persons cases, primarily from the ethnic Pashtun region bordering Afghanistan.

Dawar and fellow lawmaker Ali Wazir, both PTM founders who were elected to parliament in July, were initially barred from entering Baluchistan by security officials and had to use "alternate routes" to make it to Luni's funeral, Dawar said.

A notification from the provincial home department reviewed by Reuters said Dawar and Wazir were barred from entering the province for 90 days in "the best interest of peace and security."

Provincial Home Minister Agha Umer Bangulzai confirmed that PTM leader Manzoor Pashteen had been barred from the province but said he knew nothing about movement restrictions on the two lawmakers Dawar and Wazir.

Last month Alamzeb Mehsud, another senior PTM leader, was arrested in Karachi, causing a social media outcry. He has been charged under anti-terrorism and public order laws. Supporters say he has been targeted for protesting against abuses by the military.

Many political parties have called for a protest strike in Balochistan's northern Pashtun districts on February 4.Virginia Governor Ralph Northam said he wont resign despite a national outcry over a racist photo from a 1984 medical school yearbook that triggered fellow Democrats to call for his resignation.

Northam made the announcement during a televised press conference at the state Executive Mansion in Richmond to address what he earlier called a clearly racist and offensive photograph of him from 1984 that surfaced on Friday.

Democrats, including three 2020 presidential candidates, his home states Democratic party, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and former Vice President Joe Biden, all earlier called on Northam to resign, as did many Republicans.

I am not the person in the photo that caused a stir yesterday, Northam said. Thats not me in that photo.

The photograph, one of four on a page from Northams yearbook at Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, was published Friday by the conservative website Big League Politics. It shows a person wearing blackface and another in a Ku Klux Klan robe. Other photos are of a young Northam in a cowboy hat, one of him seated before a convertible and a formal head shot. All appear under his name.

Photos Switched?

Northam, standing by his wife Pam, said he believed it was possible photographs in the yearbook had been switched. He said hed never bought or looked at the yearbook before Friday, was in the military during school, and was doing rotations, so didnt participate in the publication.

Northam said he recalled  and regretted  darkening his face to dress up as pop star Michael Jackson in 1984 for a dance contest in San Antonio, Texas. The memory of that is so vivid, he said, that he would have remembered having been in blackface at a party at the medical school. He said hes never worn a KKK uniform.

My personal history mirrors that of this Commonwealth, he said. Actions in my past that were hurtful. But like Virginia I have made progress.

Northam said earlier he was deeply sorry about the decision he made decades ago to pose for a clearly racist and offensive picture, without indicating which person was him. Later, though, he told friends and lawmakers he didnt think he was in the photo.

Story continues

EVMSs president, in a statement posted on the schools website, called the photo shockingly abhorrent and absolutely antithetical to the principles, morals and values we hold, and said it was a time for self-reflection and humility for the Norfolk-based school. He said the school was convening an urgent meeting of senior leadership and board members.

On behalf of our beloved EVMS, I sincerely apologize for the past transgressions of your trust, President Richard Homan said. We recognize the need to address and rectify any issues of racism and discrimination that arise, at any point  and will continue a long tradition of action to build a strong culture of diversity and inclusion.

2020 Hopefuls

Northams November 2017 gubernatorial victory, driven in part by voters reaction to the white nationalist rallies in Charlottesville earlier that year and a Republican challenger who channeled President Donald Trumps positions on immigration and Confederate statues, was heralded as a bellwether of opposition to the Trump administration.

The appearance of the photo immediately sparked criticism from three Democrats running for president. Senator Kamala Harris of California, Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey and former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julian Castro called for Northam to step down, as did his home states Democratic party.

In an editorial, the Richmond Times-Dispatch said the governor must resign. So did Northams predecessor, Terry McAuliffe, another Democrat.

This has been a heartbreaking day. Ralph Northam is my friend and he served well as my Lt. Governor and as Governor, McAuliffe said on Twitter. The situation that he has put himself and the Commonwealth of Virginia in is untenable. Its time for Ralph to step down, and for the Commonwealth to move forward.

Northam found himself the center of a separate media firestorm earlier in the week over whether the state should ease restrictions on abortion, making remarks on third trimester abortions in a radio interview. And on Friday night, CBS reported that a racial slur was listed as one of Northams nicknames in his yearbook at the Virginia Military Institute, from which he graduated.

Former Virginia Governor Doug Wilder, who served from 1990 to 1994 and was the first black person elected as governor of a U.S. state since Reconstruction, said earlier it was Northams choice whether to remain in office.

It has never been right, in Virginia, nor anywhere else to participate in or condone such mockery or insensitive behavior and for that Governor Northam should be criticized, Wilder, said on Twitter.

Had Northam resigned, he would have been succeeded by Justin Fairfax, the states lieutenant governor. Fairfax, 39, an attorney and former Congressional aide, was the second African American to be elected to statewide office in Virginia.

Last month, Republican Michael Ertel resigned as Floridas secretary of state three weeks after taking office after photos surfaced of him in blackface and wearing a shirt that said Katrina Victim in 2005, when he was a county supervisor of elections, in a reference to those affected by Hurricane Katrina.FILE PHOTO: An oil tanker is seen in the sea outside the Puerto La Cruz oil refinery in Puerto La Cruz, Venezuela July 19, 2018. REUTERS/Alexandra Ulmer

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Non-U.S. entities buying oil or petroleum products from Venezuela's state-owned PDVSA in deals that involve the U.S. financial system, brokers or people must be wound down by April 28, the U.S. Treasury Department said in a notice posted early on Friday.

The notice clarifies some of the confusion that has surrounded U.S. sanctions imposed on Venezuela earlier in the week. Besides the United States, Venezuela sells its oil to buyers around the world, including India and Europe, and the country has been seeking buyers elsewhere to replace the roughly 500,000 barrels a day it sells to the United States.

U.S. officials imposed sanctions on state-owned Petroleos de Venezuela, or PDVSA, this week, a move Maduro has called illegal.

The global oil industry has since sought to sort out the large-scale sanctions, which froze the assets of PDVSA and also require U.S. firms to pay for oil into accounts controlled by the country's opposition party head and self-proclaimed interim president, Juan Guaido. Even before Friday's notice, European buyers had pulled back on taking shipments from Venezuela due to concerns about how to make payments.

Friday's notice said non-U.S. entities that involve U.S. brokers or the U.S. financial system must wind down those transactions by the end of April. Much of the world oil market is transacted in dollars, and therefore would be subject to U.S. oversight.

Spokespeople for Vitol and Trafigura, two of the largest merchant traders in commodities, both said Friday they will comply with all applicable sanctions.

European governments are also considering sanctions, which would cut off Venezuela's ability to do business in euros as well.

In addition, Americans who work for non-U.S. companies located outside the United States and Venezuela have until March 29 to conduct "certain maintenance or wind-down transactions," according to the notice dated Jan. 31 and posted on the department's website overnight.

Story continues

The department's Office of Foreign Assets Control also addressed other issues related to looming U.S. sanctions on Caracas' state-run oil company aimed at putting pressure on President Nicolas Maduro who the Trump administration seeks to oust from power.

The notice offers more details about transactions that are allowed and prohibited, and offers guidelines on bondholders' rights regarding U.S. refiner Citgo Petroleum as well as details on what constitutes "maintenance" transactions.

U.S. President Donald Trump and his administration have thrown their support behind Guaido.

(Reporting by Susan Heavey; additional reporting by Julia Payne in London; Editing by Jason Neely, Frances Kerry and David Gregorio)By Julie Zhu and Yilei Sun

HONG KONG/BEIJING (Reuters) - The SoftBank-led Vision Fund is in talks to invest up to $1.5 billion in Chinese used car trading platform Guazi.com, two people with knowledge of the matter said.

That would mark the latest Chinese deal by the mammoth $100 billion investment fund as it looks to expand in the world's No.2 economy, and would come after it invested 460 million euros in German used car dealing platform Auto1.

The fund is likely to invest up to $1.5 billion in Guazi in a deal that would value the firm at $8.5 billion before the investment, according to one of the sources, who had direct knowledge of the situation.

The two sources, who were not authorized to speak to media, also said the Vision Fund had in the past few months held talks with Guazi's direct rival, Renrenche, which is backed by Chinese ride-hailing firm Didi Chuxing.

Guazi, a consumer-to-consumer used car trading platform founded in 2014, is backed by Chinese internet giant Tencent and Sequoia Capital China. Its talks with Softbank were first reported by the Financial Times late on Friday.

The Vision Fund and Renrenche declined to comment. Guazi did not respond to a request for comment. Japan's Softbank was not immediately available for comment.

The Vision Fund, the world's largest private equity fund after raising more than $93 billion in 2017, has previously made investments in firms such as ride-hailing company Uber Technologies Inc and shared-office space firm WeWork.

China's used car market has continued to grow even as overall auto sales declined last year for the first time since the 1990s.

Used sales rose 11.5 percent in 2018 from the year before to 13.82 million vehicles. The total value of these transactions was 860.4 billion yuan ($127.61 billion), according to the China Automobile Dealers Association.

China's state planner has said the country would aim to loosen restrictions on the second-hand auto market, with "appropriate" subsidies provided to boost rural sales of some vehicles.

(Reporting by Julie Zhu in Hong Kong and Yilei Sun in Beijing, additional reporting by Junko Fujita in Tokyo; Editing by Joseph Radford)MEXICO CITY, Feb 1 (Reuters) - Mexico's government does not necessarily face a credit rating downgrade by Fitch if the rating for debt issued by state-owned oil company Pemex were cut again, a senior analyst with the agency said on Friday.

New York-based Fitch downgraded debt issued by Pemex by two steps on Tuesday, though it is still within their investment grade category.

The move weakened Mexico's peso currency and stoked fears that further downgrades by Fitch or other credit ratings agencies could significantly raise the oil company's financing costs and result in dire fiscal consequences for the government.

"No, not necessarily," Fitch analyst Charles Seville said on a conference call when asked if a further one step downgrade would result in a credit downgrade for debt issued by the Mexican government.

"I don't see that a downgrade of Pemex, like we just had, that doesn't spell a sovereign downgrade necessarily," said Seville, the agency's co-head of sovereign ratings in the Americas.

Pemex holds about $106 billion in financial debt, the highest of any national oil company in Latin America.

Fitch analysts pointed to a tax obligation of some $27 billion levied by the government on Pemex last year as a major concern, comparing that figure to a tax bill of about $12 billion paid to the Brazilian government by state-run oil firm Petrobras.

The agency noted that Mexico's government requires Pemex to pay much more in taxes - accounting for about 15 percent of total tax revenue in 2018 - despite it producing less crude oil.

Since hitting peak crude production of about 3.4 million barrels per day (bpd) in 2004, Pemex output has fallen by almost half.

"That contraction on output has been a drag on growth and on our sovereign view for a quite a while," Seville said.

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who took office in December and has promised to strengthen Pemex, has a goal of raising the firm's oil output to around 2.5 million bpd by the end of his six-year term in 2024.

In addition to lowering the government take from Pemex, Fitch analysts said Mexico could positively affect Pemex's finances by authorizing additional joint venture partnerships with private oil companies, as well as migrating existing projects to more favorable tax regimes.

Lucas Aristizabal, Fitch's senior director for Latin America corporate ratings, said migrating eligible producing assets could cut their tax bill by as much as half. (Reporting by David Alire Garcia Editing by Bill Berkrot)A month before U.S. tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods are scheduled to jump to 25% on March 1, freight interests outside the Beltway are concerned about legislation aimed at giving President Donald Trump even more tariff-wielding power.

Introduced in late January by U.S. Representative Sean Duffy (R-Wisconsin), the U.S. Reciprocal Trade Act would "give the president more flexibility in responding to foreign tariffs on U.S. products" according to a press release from Duffy's office. The goal, Duffy stated, is not to raise America's tariffs, "but rather to encourage the rest of the world to lower theirs."

But the president already has broad powers to impose tariffs  particularly where he can make the case that the country's national security is at risk  so it wasn't clear what authority Duffy's bill would provide that isn't already in place. "It sounds like [Duffy] is making a political statement more than anything else," one Washington lawyer told FreightWaves.

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In addition, the odds of the bill actually making it into law don't look good out of the gate. While Duffy was able to muster 18 co-sponsors before introducing it, "I don't see Nancy Pelosi bringing it to the floor for a vote," the head of a prominent Washington trade lobbying group told FreightWaves.

And Iowa's Chuck Grassley, who chairs the Senate Finance committee and is a member of its international trade subcommittee, told Politico earlier this month, "We ain't gonna give him any greater authority" when asked about the idea.

There seemed even less appetite for Duffy's proposal  and tariffs in general  among freight transportation professionals.

"We can all agree that on the issue of China, there are points of dispute that need to be addressed, such as intellectual property," Mike Steenhoek, executive director of the Soy Transportation Coalition, told FreightWaves. "But these kinds of tariffs can be so seismic; there should be a robust deliberative process before they're imposed. What concerns me is, if you instead streamline the process and make it less deliberative, there are industries that can be hurt."

Story continues

Their supply chains are vulnerable as well. After the first round of tariffs were imposed last year, long-standing trade flows relied upon by carriers, shippers and third parties were upended when a surge of imports hit U.S. ports and distribution facilities ahead of the traditional fall peak to avoid the added tariff costs.

Learn more today

Learn more today

For the Soy Transportation Coalition, whose members represent 85 percent of total U.S. soybean production, the upending of trade flows caused by tariffs is a threat to decades of relationship building between agricultural sources and their customers.

"In agriculture, to satisfy demand requires a long-term forecast because the industry is so capital- intensive  we're spending millions of dollars on land, farm machinery, not to mention the investments made in rail, ports and the inland waterways that connect supply with demand," Steenboek said.

"If you're a customer in China and are planning for the future, do you become more or less dependent on the United States soy crop? The message we're sending is, they should depend on us less."

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 2019 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.This undated photo provided by Livingston Parish Sheriffs Office shows Dakota Theriot, 21. Authorities in Louisiana say a shooting has left five people dead in two parishes. Theriot, a suspect, was at large and was being sought by authorities. (Livingston Parish Sheriffs Office via AP)

NEW ORLEANS (AP) -- The Latest on shooting that killed five people (all times local):

10:35

A Louisiana sheriff says there were no red flags ahead of the two shootings Saturday morning that ended with five people dead.

Livingston Parish Sheriff Jason Ard says authorities are "totally focused" on finding 21-year-old Dakota Theriot.

Authorities say he shot and killed three people Saturday morning in one parish before going to his parents' house in a neighboring parish, and killing them before fleeing.

Ard says Theriot was believed to have been in a relationship with one of the victims, Summer Ernest. Her brother and her father were also killed.

Ard says Theriot had been living with his girlfriend's family for a few weeks but there were "no red flags."

Ascension Parish Sheriff Bobby Webre says Theriot traveled east after the shootings and maybe in another state.

__

5:30 p.m.

A neighbor who lives near the house where three people were killed Saturday morning in Louisiana says two young children from the house ran to her home to ask for help after the shooting.

Charlenne Bordelon tells The Advocate newspaper that the children were at home at the time of the shooting that took place in Livingston Parish but were not injured. She says they are both under the age of 8.

Authorities in Louisiana say separate but related shootings Saturday in Livingston and Ascension parishes have left five people dead. They've identified 21-year-old Dakota Theriot as the suspect and are actively searching for him.

Bordelon says Theriot was the older daughter's boyfriend and that he'd recently moved in with the family but she did not know him.

___

5:15 p.m.

A family member of several victims in separate shootings that left five people dead in Louisiana said she believes her niece had just started dating the shooting suspect, and that some family members didn't get a good vibe from him.

Authorities in Louisiana say they are searching for 21-year-old Dakota Theriot, who is considered "armed and dangerous." Ascension Parish Sheriff Bobby Webre says Dakota Theriot is the "prime suspect" in the deaths of his parents, Keith and Elizabeth Theriot of Gonzales.

Story continues

He's also suspected in the deaths of Billy Ernest, 43; Tanner Ernest, 17; and Summer Ernest, 20.

Crystal DeYoung is Billy Ernest's sister. She told The Associated Press that she believes Theriot had just started dating her niece, Summer Ernest.

DeYoung said Theriot doesn't have a vehicle and she's not sure how he ended up at the Ernest home on Saturday, but after the killings, he took off in her brother's truck.

DeYoung said her brother, niece and nephew were good people who "trusted people too much."

___

4:50 p.m.

The man wanted in connection with the shooting deaths of five people in Louisiana appears to have a Facebook page filled with defensive and sometimes angry posts.

Authorities say 21-year-old Dakota Theriot is the "prime suspect" in the deaths Saturday of his parents Keith and Elizabeth Theriot of Gonzales. He is also the suspect in a triple homicide that occurred in the neighboring parish. Those victims were identified by Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office as Billy Ernest, 43; Tanner Ernest, 17; and Summer Ernest, 20.

A Facebook page that appears to belong to Theriot shared a post in June saying "wish i could clear my mind jus for one day" (sic) with a sad face emoji.

In May, he shared a post saying "If you have a problem with me, tell me. Not everyone else."

Another shared post says, "I don't care what people say about me I know who I am and I don't have to prove anything to anyone."

___

3:50 p.m.

Authorities in Louisiana said Saturday they are looking for a 21-year-old man whom they say shot and killed his parents.

Ascension Parish Sheriff Bobby Webre says Dakota Theriot is the "prime suspect" in the deaths of Keith and Elizabeth Theriot of Gonzales.

They were shot in their trailer on Saturday morning. Deputies arrived at the scene and were able to interview one of the victims before both died. Webre said that information led authorities to zero in on the couple's son as a suspect.

Dakota Theriot was being sought on first-degree murder and other charges. He was believed to be driving a stolen 2004 Dodge Ram pickup, gray and silver in color.

Webre said a triple homicide that occurred Saturday in the neighboring parish is considered to be a related incident.

____

2:26 p.m.

Authorities say shootings in two parishes in Louisiana have left five people dead. Authorities identified a suspect, who is still at large.

Officials say the Saturday morning shootings happened in Ascension and Livingston parishes, about 70 miles (113 kilometers) west of New Orleans.

Livingston Parish Sheriff Jason Ard confirmed on Facebook that three deaths happened in his parish on Saturday. The victims' identities were not disclosed.

Separately on Facebook, the Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office said two people were shot to death in the city of Gonzalez. The victims were identified as a husband and wife. Their 21-year-old son was being sought by authorities and was wanted on first-degree murder charges.

Ascension sheriff's spokeswoman Allison Hudson says authorities believe the shootings in the two parishes are connected, and investigators from both jurisdictions are working together.Goldman Sachs said it could withhold millions of dollars in pay from some of its executives because of a scandal involving Malaysias sovereign development fund, 1MDB.

The company said in a regulatory filing on Friday that its board had approved a new forfeiture provision that would allow the committee to reduce the size of the award prior to payment, or to forfeit the underlying transfer-restricted shares of executive pay granted in 2018, depending on the outcome of an investigation into the Malaysian fund.

It could ultimately cost former CEO and chairman Lloyd Blankfein, who was at the helm of the company for 12 years, and other top executives millions of dollars.

The Malaysian government is currently seeking $7.5 billion in compensation from Goldman, alleging that the bank helped 1MDB to raise billions of dollars that were later funneled to corruption individuals. The Wall Street firm faces both criminal and civil charges in connection with the case, though it has denied any wrongdoing. Two Goldman Sachs bankers, including Tim Leissner, have also been charged.

It's very clear that the people of Malaysia were defrauded by many individuals, including the highest members of the prior government, CEO David Solomon said during the banks earnings call. Tim Leissner was a partner at our firm, by his own admission, was one of those people. For Leissner's role in that fraud, we apologize to the Malaysian people.

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In 2018, Blankfein received $20.05 million in total compensation, according to the Securities and Exchange Commission filing, compared to $24 million the prior year. That includes a base salary of $2 million and annual variable compensation of $18.5 million, $14.24 million of which was stocks.

Related ArticlesThe Wall Street firm's board approved a forfeiture provision that could withhold or pull back pay awarded top executives pending the outcome of a scandal involving a Malaysian development fund.

Goldman's former Chairman and CEO Lloyd Blankfein was awarded 2018 pay of $20.5 million, including $14.5 million of restricted shares that vest over time.

The forfeitures could apply to any of the firm's top five executive officers as of the end of 2018.

Goldman Sachs GS said it could withhold some pay from top executives as a result of an ongoing criminal probe of a Malaysian investment fund.

The Wall Street firm said in a regulatory filing Friday its board of directors had approved a forfeiture provision that gave it "the flexibility to reduce the size of the award prior to payment and/or forfeit the underlying transfer-restricted shares" of executive pay granted for 2018.

That could cost former CEO and Chairman Lloyd Blankfein and other top executives millions of dollars, depending on the outcome of an investigation into a Malaysian investment fund called 1MDB. Goldman had helped raise $6.5 billion for the fund in 2012 and 2013 in three bond deals, but now faces charges by the Malaysian government, which claims assets were plundered from the fund. Goldman has said it was the victim of deceptive Malaysian officials.

Blankfein was CEO of Goldman for 12 years starting in 2006, but stepped down from the role in October and retired as chairman at the end of December. His 2018 pay was $20.5 million, including $2 million salary, an $18.5 million bonus and more than $14 million in restricted shares that vest over time.

David Solomon, who took over as CEO and chairman, received pay of $23 million for last year, including a $1.9 million salary, $21 million bonus and restricted shares of $15.4 million, according to the regulatory filing.

The forfeitures could apply to any of the firm's top five executive officers as of the end of 2018.

Story continues

Goldman said it would withhold or pull back pay as much as five years from now "if it is later determined that the results of the 1MDB proceedings would have impacted the Committee's 2018 year-end compensation decisions for any of these individuals."

In addition, the filing said Goldman has decided to put off calculating the value of longer-term pay granted Blankfein and other former executives in 2011 "until more information is available."





More From CNBC

French Minister for European Affairs Nathalie Loiseau attends the questions to the government session at the National Assembly in Paris, France, November 15, 2017. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier/Files

PARIS (Reuters) - France's Europe affairs minister said on Sunday the bloc's competition rules were absurd and needed to be overhauled, citing the difficulties Alstom and Siemens are facing over their planned rail business merger.

"I'm not criticising the (European) Commission for applying the rules ... But these rules are absurd and were set up in the 20th century and we're in 2019," Nathalie Loiseau told LCI television.

The European Commission is set this week to block the tie-up, a deal which Loiseau has said is necessary to let them compete against a much bigger Chinese rival.

Loiseau said Paris was still trying to convince the commission why the merger was needed to be more competitive against large international rail groups.

(Reporting by John Irish; Editing by Andrew Heavens)FILE - In this June 28, 2018, file photo, President Donald Trump, center, along with Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, left, and Foxconn Chairman Terry Gou participate in a groundbreaking event for the new Foxconn facility in Mt. Pleasant, Wis. Foxconn Technology Group said Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2019 it is shifting the focus of its planned $10 billion Wisconsin campus away from blue-collar manufacturing to a research hub, while insisting it remains committed to creating 13,000 jobs as promised. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File) FILE - In this June 28, 2018, file photo, President Donald Trump, center, along with Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, left, and Foxconn Chairman Terry Gou participate in a groundbreaking event for the new Foxconn facility in Mt. Pleasant, Wis. Foxconn Technology Group said Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2019 it is shifting the focus of its planned $10 billion Wisconsin campus away from blue-collar manufacturing to a research hub, while insisting it remains committed to creating 13,000 jobs as promised. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

MADISON, Wis. (AP)  Foxconn Technology Group has shifted its stated strategy yet again on Friday for a massive Wisconsin campus, crediting a conversation with President Donald Trump for cementing plans to proceed with building a factory to make high-tech liquid display screens.

The news capped a week of confusion about Foxconn's plans in Wisconsin. The company announced in 2017, to much fanfare, that it planned to invest $10 billion in the state and hire 13,000 people to build an LCD factory that could make screens for televisions and a variety of other devices.

The company last year said it was reducing the scale of what was to be made in Wisconsin, from what is known as a Gen 10 factory to Gen 6. But this week, even that was thrown into question with Foxconn executive Louis Woo said it couldn't compete in the television screen market and would not be making LCD panels in Wisconsin.

But on Friday, in yet another twist, Foxconn said after discussions with the White House and a personal conversation between Trump and Foxconn chairman Terry Gou, it plans to proceed with the smaller manufacturing facility.

"Great news on Foxconn in Wisconsin after my conversation with Terry Gou!" Trump tweeted.

Wisconsin's new Democratic governor criticized the company Friday for its flip-flopping.

"There's no limit, frankly, to skepticism if the messaging isn't coherent," Evers told reporters. "I'm comfortable that they're still committed to the state. They're committed to this Generation 6 technology, but that doesn't mean that we (won't) encourage them to be more transparent and consistent in their messaging."

The latest Foxconn statement did not say whether the commitment to this size factory would affect the type of workers who would be employed in Wisconsin. Foxconn executive Louis Woo told Reuters earlier this week that about three-quarters of workers in Wisconsin would be in research and development-type jobs, not manufacturing. Woo said the Wisconsin project would be more of a research hub, rather than having a manufacturing focus.

Story continues

A Foxconn spokeswoman had no immediate comment about what its plans to build the "Gen 6" factory would mean for the makeup of the workforce. The difference between a "Gen 10" and "Gen 6" plant rests with the size of the original glass used to make the screens. The larger plant, which had been part of Foxconn's initial plans, would have used glass more than three-times as large as what the smaller facility will use. The "Gen 6" plant can make screens ranging in size from a smart phone to a 75-inch television, while the larger plant would have allowed for devices as large as 9 feet by 11 feet.

The "Gen 6" plant is expected to be smaller in size and less expensive than a "Gen 10" factory, but Foxconn has not specified just how large it will be.

Foxconn, the world's largest electronics company, said Friday the campus will house both an advanced manufacturing facility and a center of "technology innovation for the region."

Local Wisconsin government and economic development officials where the Foxconn campus is located praised the news, saying construction of the "Gen 6" factory will coincide with construction of other related buildings over the next 18 months.

Wisconsin promised nearly $4 billion in state and local tax incentives to Foxconn if it invested $10 billion and created 13,000 jobs for the project, which Trump heralded last year as the "eighth wonder of the world."

But Foxconn has repeatedly revised its plans for what will be made in Wisconsin and who will work there, causing confusion in the state and leading critics of the project this week to accuse Foxconn of a "bait and switch."

The original deal was struck by then-Gov. Scott Walker and Trump. Evers, Wisconsin's current governor who used Walker's support for Foxconn against him in the race, was a critic of the project during the campaign but has said this week he's working closely with Foxconn on the project.

Foxconn earlier this week cited a changing global market as requiring a move away from making LCD panels in Wisconsin. Apple is Foxconn's main manufacturing customer and it has forecast a drop in revenue from the Chinese market due to decreasing demand for iPhones.

___

Associated Press writer Todd Richmond contributed to this report.

___

Follow Scott Bauer on Twitter: https://twitter.com/sbauerAPU.S. President Donald Trump speaks to the news media in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, U.S., July 25, 2018. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts/File Photo

By Philip Blenkinsop

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Union will impose limits on steel coming into the bloc from Saturday in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's metals tariffs, a filing in the European Union's official journal said on Friday.

Steel imports will be subject to quotas to counter the concerns of EU producers who say Europe could be flooded with steel that is no longer being imported into the United States.

There will be specific limits for major exporting countries and the quotas will apply for three-month periods in order to limit stockpiling. The main exporters of steel to the EU are China, India, Russia, South Korea, Turkey and Ukraine.

The measures concern 26 steel product categories, with quotas set at the average of imports over the period 2015-2017, plus 5 percent. Once these quotas are filled, 25 percent tariffs apply. They will replace provisional measures imposed in July.

The new measures should remain in place for up to three years, but can be reviewed in case of changed circumstances. The quotas should also rise by 5 percent from July 1, 2019, and again by the same amount a year later, subject to reviews, the Commission said.

Steel group Eurofer, whose members include world number one ArcelorMittal and Germany's ThyssenKrupp, said safeguards were completely justified given the diversion of steel to the EU market.

However, it questioned why the quota was set at 5 percent above 2015-2017 levels, saying 2016 and 2017 had been record years for imports, with a further 12 percent year-on-year rise in imports in 2018. The Commission should take account of actual market conditions during the first review, it said.

European auto manufacturers association ACEA has called the measures protectionist.

The Commission, which conducted an investigation, said import volumes into the EU increased significantly from March 2018, when the United States imposed tariffs of 25 percent on imports of steel and 10 percent on aluminium. It extended these measures to the European Union in June.

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The EU will exclude some developing nations, South Africa and the countries of the European Economic Area, notably Norway, from its quotas.

However, Switzerland, which is home to steel company Schmolz & Bickenbach, will be included despite its close ties to the bloc.

Switzerland said country-specific quotas should at least prevent a repeat of the situation in December, when global quotas were filled, forcing some Swiss firms to halt deliveries to Europe. But it is still pushing for an exemption.

(Reporting by Philip Blenkinsop; additional reporting by John Miller in Zurich, editing by Robin Emmott and Elaine Hardcastle)By Agamoni Ghosh Feb 1 (Reuters) - Latin American currencies slipped on Friday, hurt by weak factory numbers in Asia and Europe even though the U.S. dollar weakened, but losses were limited by hopes for easing of global trade tensions and strong U.S. jobs data.

Stocks in Brazil rose ahead of the Congress' return from an end-of-year break and discuss President Jair Bolsonaro's ambitious pro-market reforms.

Brazil's real retreated from three-month highs, in line with most emerging market currencies as investors were cautious after data showed factory activity across major economies in Asia and Europe slowed, adding worries to earlier signals of a global slowdown.

The currency was, however, on track to post weekly gains as expectations from the government on pension reforms remained high.

Mexico's peso was on track to snap a nine-week streak of gains as a Fitch downgrade of debt-laden state oil firm Pemex left investors worried about the country's sovereign debt rating.

The Chilean peso was marginally lower dragged down by a drop in the price of copper, the country's main export.

Meanwhile, stocks in Sao Paulo's benchmark index rose 0.4 percent as market participants keenly watched political developments related to election for key posts in the Congress and discussion of highly anticipated pro-market reforms by Bolsonaro.

The Bovespa, one of the best performers across the globe this month, did not show strong signs of ending higher for the week, pulled down mainly by iron-ore miner Vale, which shed close to 25 percent as the week started.

The disaster-tainted miner experienced its worst week on record after a dam burst at one of its mines in Brazil that is expected to have taken the lives of an estimated 300 people.

Investors in the region also watched developments in Venezuela as global jostling further intensified between countries that want President Nicolas Maduro in power and those trying to force him to resign, as opposition leader Juan Guaido made overtures to his rival's allies Russia and China.

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Fund managers on Friday told Reuters that JP Morgan has kept dollar-bonds of Venezuelan state-oil firm PDVSA in its emerging market bond indexes in a monthly rebalancing.

Trading volumes of those bonds had dived following U.S. sanctions, prompting speculation that their low liquidity would result in their ejection from the widely followed indexes.

Key Latin American stock indexes and currencies at 1430 GMT Stock indexes daily % Latest change MSCI Emerging Markets 1049.88 0 MSCI LatAm 2934.79 -0.43 Brazil Bovespa 97796.93 0.41 Mexico IPC - - Chile IPSA 5429.32 0.44 Argentina MerVal - - Colombia IGBC - - Currencies daily % change Latest Brazil real 3.6693 -0.34 Mexico peso 19.1377 -0.17 Chile peso 655.2 -0.03 Colombia peso - - Peru sol - - Argentina peso (interbank) - - (Reporting by Agamoni Ghosh in Bengaluru; Editing by David Gregorio)(This February 1 story corrects to show the presidential palace in Estonia was not built in the 18th century.)

By John O'Donnell and Tarmo Virki

TALLINN (Reuters) - Estonias push to become a digital society has left it vulnerable to dirty money and sanction breaches, the countrys top banking regulator has warned.

The Baltic state took center stage in one of the largest-ever money laundering scandals last year - the Estonian branch of Danske Bank helped funnel money from Russia and other ex-Soviet states, a report by the Danish lender showed.

Danske Bank is now being investigated in Denmark, Estonia, Britain and the United States over the 200 billion euros ($227 billion) of suspicious payments.

The Danske debacle was rooted in old school subterfuge  offshore shell companies were used to disguise where the money was coming from.

But Estonias population of e-residents, some of whom bank in the country even though they live abroad, potentially offers a high-tech route for suspect funds.

"The lesson of Danske is, I hope, enough for us, Kilvar Kessler, the head of Estonias financial watchdog, the Finantsinspektsioon, told Reuters. You onboarded customers which were offshore companies.

"Now e-residents. Exactly the same questions will be asked. Who are they? Why do they need a bank account in Estonia?"

A former Soviet-occupied state on the edge of Europe, Estonia has remodeled itself as a hub for digital innovation through 'e-Estonia', a government-sponsored project to move almost all bureaucratic tasks, from voting to medical prescriptions, online.

A key part of e-Estonia is e-residents, foreigners who have been given a digital identity card allowing them to access some online services such as government portals. It can also be a stepping stone to banking in Estonia, a member of both the European Union and the euro zone currency bloc.

Anyone can apply, including citizens of countries subject to U.S. sanctions such as Iran and North Korea.

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Banks including Estonia's largest locally-owned lender LHV, as well as Sweden's SEB Bank and Swedbank, allow e-residents to open accounts after they prove their identity and business links to Estonia.

Kessler, who has the power to withdraw a lenders license to operate, has been cautioning bankers for some time that they need to thoroughly vet e-residents before signing them on.

He has stepped up his warnings since the Danske scandal.

Some 50,000-plus people hold the digital identity card but there is no public data on how many also bank in Estonia.

Erki Kilu, the chief executive of LHV bank, said that while only a small number of e-residents opened a personal bank account in Estonia, the 6,000 companies registered in the country by e-residents required an account. One quarter of those bank with LHV, he told Reuters.

Kilu said e-residents were subject to the same checks as other customers who lived abroad.

In an email to Reuters, he said there were also "later screening and monitoring processes", declining to give further details. The bank does not open accounts for people or companies subject to sanctions.

Ainar Leppanen, responsible for SEBs retail banking in Estonia, said it took a cautious approach to foreign customers without "a clear link to the country", applying additional measures such as "background checks".

He said customers were checked against international sanctions lists and described the number of e-resident customers of SEB as "insignificant".

A spokeswoman for Swedbank said it performed "due diligence ... to ensure that their businesses have a clear connection to Estonia" before taking on e-resident customers.

Some banks, however, generally steer clear.

We dont see a business case here right now, said Erkki Raasuke, chief executive of Luminor, one of the largest banks in the Baltics.

The potential downside, if some of the anti-money laundering or sanctions-related risks would materialize, can be significant."

CRYPTOCURRENCIES

Closer scrutiny of e-residents is part of a wider effort to curb financial crime by authorities in Estonia since the Danske scandal.

In addition to the e-residency program, the countrys digital pedigree -- video calling company Skype was built there  and pro-business culture have made it an attractive outpost for companies working with cryptocurrencies.

It typically takes just hours and an online form to open a business in Estonia and some 600 digital currency companies are registered there.

"There is a money laundering risk with cryptocurrency operators. We have made it too easy for these crypto operators now. They get a reputational benefit from their link to Estonia. We get the reputational risk," Madis Muller, Estonias deputy central bank governor, told Reuters.

Lawmakers are considering giving police the power to scrutinize cryptocurrency companies and withdraw their licenses if executives fail a fit and proper test of their reputation and ability to do the job.

Under proposals before parliament, cryptocurrency companies will also be required to have a business presence in Estonia, something that many lack.

"I understand that most would not be able to comply - and would not qualify to keep their license," said Muller.

National elections in early March, however, could delay such reforms, as lawmakers would have to restart negotiations if they do not sign off the rules by February 21, when they disband.

Estonias vision of an advanced digital society open to all is a point of pride for its 1.3 million people, many of whom remember the constraints of life under Soviet rule.

Azerbaijan, which also declared its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, became the second country to launch an e-residency program last year.

As part of its digital branding, Estonia has gifted symbolic e-residencies to Microsoft founder Bill Gates, German chancellor Angela Merkel and Pope Francis, among others.

"Digital is not 100 percent secure but it is more secure than analog," Estonias president Kersti Kaljulaid told Reuters in an interview at the presidential castle. "An e-resident bank client has passed a background check."

The Estonian police vet all applicants for e-residency, checking identity documents such as passports and examining international police records to ensure the applicant has not committed crimes overseas.

The process typically takes between four and six weeks and does not require applicants to visit. Once issued, the cards can be collected at Estonian embassies.

Roughly one third of e-residents come from Finland, Russia, Ukraine and Germany, according to official data that lists one e-resident in North Korea and roughly 400 in Iran. They are not named. Others come from dozens of countries around the globe from Britain to Panama.

Madis Reimand, the head of Estonia's Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), the arm of the police that monitors money laundering and crypto operators, said e-residents did not pose big risks although he said care should be taken in vetting them.

But Reimand was critical of cryptocurrencies. "We see really big threats from virtual currencies, especially threats of fraud and money laundering."

It is a far cry from 2017, when at the height of the cryptocurrency boom, the then manager of the e-residency scheme suggested Estonia to set up its own digital means of exchange, the estcoin.

In the last weeks of 2018, the number of applications for e-residency slipped, according to official data.

Although the scheme is growing year-on-year, at its current pace, it would take until 2488 to reach its original goal of 10 million people, something Estonia had set its sights on when the scheme was launched roughly four years ago.

(Editing by Carmel Crimmins)By Sarah N. Lynch

WASHINGTON, Feb 1 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump's longtime adviser Roger Stone made multiple media appearances in Washington on Thursday, talking freely with reporters before he was set to appear in court on Friday and likely face a gag order from a judge.

Charged by Special Counsel Robert Mueller with obstructing a congressional probe into Russian meddling in the 2016 election, Stone will appear before U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson, who is widely expected to bar him from discussing the case in the press after imposing a similar gag order on Trump's former campaign manager Paul Manafort.

Criminal defendants typically shun the media spotlight, but Stone, a 66-year-old self-proclaimed Republican "dirty trickster," has embraced it since his arrest on Jan. 25 in Florida.

He has pleaded not guilty to charges of obstructing the U.S. House of Representatives Intelligence Committee, making false statements to Congress and witness tampering.

The indictment alleged Stone told several unidentified members of Trumps 2016 campaign that he had advance knowledge of plans by the WikiLeaks website to release damaging emails about Trumps Democratic opponent, Hillary Clinton.

Stone lied to Congress about those interactions and misled the congressional panel about his efforts to learn more about WikiLeaks' planned releases, the indictment said.

On Thursday, Stone dismissed the charges as mere "process crimes" that did not involve any intentional lies, and called Mueller's probe politically motivated.

"Perjury requires both intent and materiality," Stone told Reuters in an interview, adding that any failure to disclose emails or text messages was just an "honest mistake."

"I testified truthfully on any matter of importance," he said.

Stone is the 34th person to be swept up into Mueller's probe into whether Trump's campaign colluded with Russia. Trump denies any collusion and has called Mueller's investigation a witch hunt. Russia denies meddling in the election.

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Stone said he did not even know for sure which Trump campaign officials were being referenced in the indictment and that he was never directed by the campaign to learn about future releases by WikiLeaks.

A court filing on Thursday showed Mueller's investigators had collected several terabytes of evidence from multiple electronic devices.

Stone said he did not yet know what other evidence Mueller might possess. While expressing confidence in his innocence, he was not so confident about the outcome of the case.

"It's the District of Columbia. It's a difficult venue," he said. "I certainly face an extraordinary and epic fight." (Reporting by Sarah N. Lynch; Editing by Kevin Drawbaugh and Peter Cooney)Growing global demand and the profitability of airlines in North America have pushed Boeing, the world's largest airplane maker, to increase production rates on two of its most successful aircraft models.

We're seeing more customers with near-term demand and in the ability to either finance or pay cash than we've ever seen, Boeing Chief Financial Officer Greg Smith told FOX Business.

The company will now produce 57 737s a month (up from 52) and will increase production of its 787 Dreamliner to 14 per month (from 12). The U.S. airplane maker has nearly 5,900 aircraft currently on backlog, valued at $490 billion. Over the course of the next 20 years, Boeing forecasts 8,800 airplanes will need to be delivered to airlines.

When you look at the assets that are in North America today  almost half of that is being replaced with much more efficient  [aircraft] than what they're operating today, Smith said, regarding operating costs. So that's creating a lot of demand.

Boeing shares have gained 20 percent year-to-date and are approaching their all-time closing high ($392.30), which was set on Oct. 3, 2018. The stock finished the week at $387.43.

The ramp-up in production also carries a risk that Boeing has experienced before, according to analysts.

That includes pileups of unfinished aircraft at its Renton, Washington assembly plant due to late arrivals of CFMs LEAP-1B engines for the 737 MAX model and delayed deliveries of 737 fuselages made by Spirit AeroSystems.

Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg previously said the company is getting in front of those challenges by sending Boeing personnel to CFM  a joint venture between General Electric and French company Safran Aircraft Engines  and their sub-tier suppliers to address concerns and help make sure the engine maker can meet the increased demand.

The suppliers are now in much better position to have experienced those  teething issues, Josh Sullivan of Seaport Global Securities told FOX Business. So, the supply chain is much healthier this year.

Story continues

While global traffic grew 6.6 percent through November last year, which is faster than the worlds GDP, according to Muilenburg, the U.S. still ranks lower when compared to other markets, particularly Asia. Because of this, Boeing forecasts 16,000 aircraft will need to be delivered to airlines in the region over the next two decades.

Theres a lot of replacement opportunity there near term and long term, Smith said. There's also more growth there, and that just goes to the fundamentals of what's happening within their society and their economy, with the growth in middle class and in the real desire to travel  within the region but also outside of the region.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX BUSINESS APP

And while Boeing hasnt released an outlook for employment in 2019, the company still sees a demand for jobs as the rate of production and other programs increase or moderate. The aerospace giant brought in more than 30,000 workers last year (not all net hires  some due to the rate of attrition and retirement), and focuses on hiring the right talent.

There's always going to be strong demand for high-tech jobs in our industry, and we want to make sure we're well positioned to be the employer of choice, Smith said. We spend a lot of time on where we're attracting talent, how we're attracting talent. Our own even personal engagement, whether it's in schools or in the trade organizations, really trying to recruit and making sure that we've got a good pipeline going forward to  even replace the folks that will even just be going through natural attrition.

Related ArticlesChina National Tobacco Corp., a state monopoly thats by far the biggest cigarette maker in the world, plans to list its international unit on the Hong Kong stock exchange even as pressure increases on the government to curb smoking.

The unit, China Tobacco International Inc., is primarily responsible for procuring overseas tobacco leaf from countries like Brazil and Canada for the cigarette giant, which churns out four of every 10 sticks made in the world. The parent company may clock more profit than either HSBC Holdings Plc or Walmart Inc., according to a rare glimpse of financial data in 2012.

The international unit accounts for a tiny portion of China Tobaccos overall business, which has a bigger market share than the next five global tobacco companies combined. However, the listing represents a rare opening up of the state monopoly thats facing growing domestic concerns over Chinas high rates of cancer and smoking-related disease.

China is the largest tobacco-consuming and manufacturing country in the world, and critics contend the government isnt doing enough to prevent the spread of smoking because of the tax revenue it derives from the industry. Last year, lawmakers in Chinas National Peoples Congress called for higher taxes on cigarettes to deter smoking among the young.

The international business to be floated recorded revenue of HK$5.1 billion ($651 million) for the nine months ended in September, a 21 percent drop from the same period last year, according to pre-listing documents issued Wednesday. It had a gross profit margin of 5.8 percent, down from 6.5 percent a year earlier.

The unit derives revenue primarily from a fixed markup of 6 percent it applies to the overseas tobacco leaf supply when selling to domestic cigarette manufacturers. It also has full control of cigarette exports  sold primarily in duty-free locations overseas to Chinese tourists  and domestic-grown tobacco leaf from provinces including Yunnan and Sichuan. In May, it started a business exporting Chinese-made heat-not-burn tobacco devices, the document said.

In 2016, the industry contributed profit and tax of 1.1 trillion yuan ($160 billion), according to China Tobaccos website. The monopoly otherwise doesnt publish financial data voluntarily. In 2012, a bank that it was buying a stake in released figures that showed the cigarette giant had sales of 770.4 billion yuan and net income of 117.7 billion yuan in 2010.

CICC and China Merchants Securities are joint sponsors of the proposed IPO.Past tragic stories spur peace efforts

February will mark the 40th year since China invaded Vietnam killing thousands of Vietnamese civilians including women and children.









A Vietnamese soldier fights against Chinese invaders in Lang Son Province in 1979.

The world was shocked by the My Lai massacre caused by the US army in South Vietnam in 1968, but many people are unaware of another atrocity that took place in Cao Bang Tong Chups Hamlet involving Chinese troops on March 9, 1979.



Forty-three women and children in the hamlet were slaughtered and dropped into a well as the Chinese troops withdrew from Vietnam, recalled local Nong thi Bac who luckily escaped the massacre.



The soldiers seemed to be competing with each other about who was the most ruthless killing innocent locals, she said, noting that she was so afraid she ran away to the neighbouring province of Thai Nguyen.



She was one of first people to return home after the invaders withdrew.



I was thirsty and arrived at the well to drink water but it had been filled in. I reported the case to the authorities who discovered 43 children and women, most of whom worked at a local pig farm. They had been trying to escape but were killed by the Chinese troops, Bac said.



Nguyen Van Sac who was stationed in Tong Chup, recalled: All the victims had been smashed in the head; none of them had been shot.



One of the saddest stories was of Nong Van At, whose 9-month pregnant wife and first child were killed that day, said Sac.



All the victims were beaten over the head with pistols or bamboo trees, or stabbed to death with bayonets.



Dinh ngoc Tinhs mother To Thi Yen, 41, was also beaten to death with a bamboo stick by the Chinese troops that day.



When the invading troops arrived Tinh and his father rushed to the forest but left his mother behind who was at work at the pig farm.



Tinh recalled: Someone told me that my mother and other workers were trying to escape when they met a group of Chinese army men. They were chained up and led to Tong Chup Hamlet before they were murdered and dropped into the well.



Tinh said he still clung on to hope his mother was alive until local militia recovered the bodies from the well. His mother was the last to be brought up.



Like the other victims, Tinhs mother had been tied up and blindfolded.



Tinh said he could not sleep for a long time because of the image of his mother being barbarically slaughtered by the invaders 40 years ago.



Nguyen Van Cuc, 90, recalled when troops attacked the province at night, forcing his family and neighbours to flee to Thai Nguyen leaving everything behind.



We were informed by the military from the loudspeakers that we should run as soon as possible. We were very scared hearing the gun shots near us. Several of my neighbours including their children were shot dead because they couldnt keep up, he said.



Cuc said most of those who fled faced the cold and hunger for more than one month.



Unfortunately, my house was completely destroyed. I was trying to find a pot to cook a meal but all of my pots and pans were destroyed except a small half-burned one. I went to a stream in front of my house to get water to cook rice and I saw several corpses in the stream. Although Id heard Chinese troops had been poisoning the stream, I did not believe before I saw it with my own eyes.



I was so afraid I returned to Thai Nguyen before the curfew was lifted in late March. Life after the war was also terrible. We had to face the smell of decomposing bodies day and night. Many of my neighbours got sick and epidemics broke out. Others were killed by mines left by the Chinese troops, Cuc said.





Vietnamese Army Major Pham Van Que said he was a lieutenant and acting captain of Regiment 2 at that time.



In late 1978, we were assigned to protect Lang Sons Dong Dang. On February 12, I moved back to Bac Ninh for an appendicitis operation. The next day I was preparing to get in a car when I saw a truck carrying injured soldiers. Someone told me the Chinese troops had launched a massive attack on the area.



I decided to return to my unit to join my comrades to fight against the Chinese invaders. When I arrived at Lang Son Town, shells were dropping everywhere and locals were fleeing.



When I arrived at my unit, I told my comrades we should fight to death, Que said.



From February 19-22, he and his soldiers fought fierce battles to regain Chau Canh and Tham Mo districts.



The invaders numbered an estimated 600,000. That put the figures at 20-1 against us and we were running low on food and water.



Despite this, our soldiers were brave. None of them left their positions. Many injuries were sustained but we held on, Que said.



Veteran army officer Nguyen Manh Hung joined the army in August 1978 when he was a student at the National Economics University. Eight months later on March 4, he was assigned to join Sao Vang Division to protect the northern border in Lang Son.



When I arrived, the Chinese troops were pulling back, but destroying everything as they left.



The war did not really end. The Chinese troops still occupied some border areas and fired shells at us every day. In Lang Son in 1981, there was a major fight in Cao Loc District. The hill on our side was steep and the Chinese troops were able to build concrete bunkers to shelter, and the battle for the hill went on for nearly a month.



The Sino-Vietnamese border war lasted from 1979-89. Vi Xuyen from the province of Ha Giang, experienced some of the fiercest fighting.



From April 1984 to May 1989, China brought more than 500,000 troops to this front.



China chose Vi Xuyen because of its strategic position that would have threatened Ha Giang. At that time very few people knew where Vi Xuyen was, said Major General Nguyen Duc Huy, former deputy commander of Military Zone 2 and chief of staff of the Vi Xuyen Front from 1985-89.



Normalization



It took time but relations between Vietnam and China were officially normalized in 1991.



Efforts have been made by both the peoples and leaders of the two countries to maintain a peaceful common border and friendship between them.



Since then the cross-border trade between the two countries had continued to grow, said an official from the Ministry of Industry and Trade.



It is estimated that between 8,000-10,000 Vietnamese and Chinese traders go through immigration at Vietnams Mong Cai border checkpoint every day, he said.



According to statistics from the customs branch at the Lao Cai border gate, import-export turnover in the first five months of last year reached US$290 million, up 59 per cent compared with the same period in 2017.



Leaders meet



During a visit to China last January, Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong said the two countries remained important economic partners, while trade, investment and tourism ties had enjoyed growth.



Party leader Trong said Vietnam treasured and wanted to boost its friendship and comprehensive strategic co-operative partnership with China, and back Chinas efforts to grow and contribute to peace, stability and prosperity in the region and the world.



During a visit to Vietnam in November 2017, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Trong reached an important consensus on deepening the China-Vietnam comprehensive strategic co-operative partnership.



They agreed that China and Vietnam had a time-honoured friendship, and were both socialist countries under the leadership of the same political systems, similar development path and a shared future and destiny.



The two sides should learn from each other, seek common development, inject new vitality into their own socialist construction causes, and promote the sustained, sound and steady development of the China-Vietnam partnership to make positive contributions to promoting regional peace, stability and prosperity, they concluded.



A Vietnamese soldier fights against Chinese invaders in Lang Son Province in 1979.



VNS





Islamabad: Pakistan, which has the third largest donkey population in the world, will export the animal to China, opening the avenue to earn millions from the trade, according to a media report.

Donkeys are highly prized in China, especially for their hide which is used to manufacture traditional Chinese medicines. Gelatin made from donkey skin has been long considered to have medicinal properties in China, traditionally being thought to nourish the blood and enhance the immune system.

Pakistan has the world's third largest population of donkeys with more than 5 million animals, while China stands at number one.

A senior official at the livestock department in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province said Chinese companies are interested in donkey farming in Pakistan and foreign companies are ready to invest $3 billion, the Geo News reported.

In a bid to boost the country's exports, the live stock department has announced that it will develop donkey farms the first of its kind in the country.

According to reports, at least two donkey farms are being set up in Dera Ismail Khan and Mansehra with foreign partnership.

During the first three years, the government plans to export as many as 80,000 donkeys to China, according to the report.Honolulu: Tulsi Gabbard, the first Hindu US Congresswoman, has officially launched her 2020 presidential campaign in Hawaii.

"It is this principle of service above self that is at the heart of every soldier, at the heart of every service member, and it is in this spirit that today I announce my candidacy for president of the United States of America," CNN quoted Gabbard as saying on Saturday at an event here.

"I will bring this soldier's principles to the White House, restoring the values of dignity, honour and respect to the presidency and above all else, love for our people and love for our country.

"I ask you to join me, join me in putting this spirit, this spirit of service above self at the forefront and to stand up against the forces of greed and corruption.

"The road ahead will not be easy. The battles will be tough. The obstacles great, but I know when we stand united by our love for our people and for our country, there is no obstacle we cannot overcome. There is no battle we cannot win," said Gabbard, who is not of Indian descent but comes from a Hindu family in Hawaii.

The official launch of the 37-year-old four-term Democratic congresswoman's campaign gives her presidential bid a chance at a reset after weeks of discord heading into the announcement.

Gabbard, an Iraq War veteran who gained national prominence in 2016 as an outspoken supporter of Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders' 2016 campaign, will run for president as an anti-interventionalist Democrat who supports a populist economic agenda.

While the Congresswoman has highlighted health care access, criminal justice reform and climate change as key platform issues for her presidential run, her tenure in Congress has been defined by her anti-interventionist foreign policy positions.

Gabbard, who sits on the House Armed Services Committee, is the only military veteran to declare her candidacy and could be relying on her two tours in the Middle East to differentiate her from many Democratic presidential candidates, including Indian and African-Jamaican descent Senator Kamala Harris, Senator Elizabeth Warren and former Housing Secretary Julian Castro.

Gabbard also was forced to apologize for her past opposition to same-sex marriage, which she now supports, and has been engaged in a public feud with Hawaii's popular Democratic Senator Mazie Hirono over a federal judicial nominee.

Democratic nominating contests begin in February 2020. The candidate who amasses the majority of delegates will be nominated at the partys convention in the summer and will likely face Republican President Donald Trump in November's general election.

Gabbard served in Iraq and Kuwait in a Hawaii National Guard field medical unit, experiences she said helped inform her non-interventionist foreign policy views. She has made veterans issues a priority while in Congress.

In 2017 she expressed skepticism over the Trump administration's conclusion that Assad's government was behind a chemical weapons attack that killed dozens in Syria. Former Democratic presidential candidate Howard Dean called Gabbard's views "a disgrace" and said she was unfit to be in Congress.

Last November, she blasted Trump for not taking a harder stance toward Saudi Arabia following the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

She also slammed the administration for supporting Saudi Arabia in its conflict with Yemen.New Delhi: Three powerful women politicians, each from a very different section of Indian society, may pose a big threat to the chances of Prime Minister Narendra Modi winning a second term in a general election due by May.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, part of the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty that has ruled India for much of the time since its independence from the British in 1947, joined the struggle in January, when the opposition Congress party made her its face in the nation's most populous state, Uttar Pradesh.

Two other senior woman politicians - the firebrand chief minister of West Bengal state, Mamata Banerjee, and Mayawati, a former Uttar Pradesh chief minister - are also plotting to unseat Modi's ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) coalition by forming big opposition groupings, though there is no firm agreement between them as yet.

"The opposition has more powerful women leaders than the NDA, and therefore they will be able to carry conviction with voters generally, and with women voters, in particular," said Yashwant Sinha, 81, a former finance minister who quit Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which dominates the NDA, last year.

"They should be very worried, especially after the defeat in the three major Hindi heartland states," he said, referring to BJP's losses in recent state elections.

The entry of Priyanka into the political fray drew a gushing reaction from much of the Indian media.

There were pictures of elated supporters dancing, a lot of talk of the 47-year-old's resemblance to her grandmother, former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, and comments about her gifts as a speaker able to connect with voters. That contrasts with her brother, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who in the past has been criticized for lacking the common touch.

Triple challenge

The other two women seen threatening Modi's grip on power have a lot more experience than Priyanka, and both could be seen as potential prime ministerial candidates in a coalition government.

Mayawati, a 63-year-old former teacher, last month formed an alliance between her Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and its once bitter foes, the Samajwadi Party.

Then there is 64-year-old Banerjee, who has twice been railways minister at the Centre. Last month, Banerjee  who built her All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) party after leaving Congress in 1997 - organised an anti-BJP rally in Kolkata that attracted hundreds of thousands.

Party colleagues of the three women leaders said they were not available for comment.

To be sure, Modi remains, for now, the most popular leader in the country, opinion polls show.

Modi also cannot be accused of ignoring women's issues during his first term. He has launched a government campaign - Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao - and called for the eradication of female foeticide. His campaigns to provide toilets and subsidised gas cylinders for the poor are often promoted as ways to empower women.

He has six women in his 26-strong cabinet, though a lot of power is centralised with Modi and a couple of senior male lieutenants.

The BJP said it would seek votes on the basis of achievements under Modi and the opposition did not have a 'positive alternative to the government, and its activities'.

Personal ties

Congress has said it wants to form a post-poll partnership with Mayawati's BSP and SP alliance, though it will be fighting against it in 78 seats. The alliance will not contest two Gandhi strongholds won multiple times by Rahul and his mother Sonia.

Mayawati told a press conference announcing the alliance with the SP that Congress was not part of it because they did not think "there would be much benefit in having them with us before the election".

The BSP, however, backs Congress-led governments in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

There is no formal alliance between Banerjee and Congress, though she does know Rahul and Priyanka.

Dinesh Trivedi, a former Union minister and a close aide to Banerjee, said she enjoys a good personal relationship with Sonia Gandhi, the matriarch of the dynasty and a former Congress president, and so working with her two children would not be a problem.

"In terms of experience, Mamata Banerjee is far ahead," Trivedi said. "I wouldn't be surprised if Rahul Gandhi or Priyanka Gandhi would look at Mamata Banerjee as somebody who could really inspire them."

The strength of Priyanka, Mayawati and Banerjee as a potential opposition alliance is that they can appeal to different parts of the electorate.

Two Congress sources said the formal entry into politics of Priyanka could help rejuvenate the party in Uttar Pradesh, where it is a marginal player. Coming from what is India's first family, they said she could appeal to upper caste voters in the state who typically vote for the pro-business BJP.

A Congress leader close to the Gandhis said she would attract women, young people, and floating voters.

Priyanka is far from a political neophyte, having supported her brother and mother during previous election campaigns. She has also experienced political and personal tragedy, as Rahul Gandhi stressed in a speech last week.

"You have to understand my relationship with my sister  we have been through a hell of a lot together," he said.

"Everybody is like 'look, you come from this illustrious family, and everything is easy'. Actually it's not so easy. My father was assassinated, my grandmother was assassinated, huge political battles, wins in political battles, losses in political battles."

'National leader'

BSP spokesman Sudhindra Bhadoria said Mayawati's gender did not matter.

"She has managed a party from scratch to this level. The important fact is that she has organised large numbers, both men and women, Dalits, other backward castes, the poor, minorities," Bhadoria said. "I don't fit them in the straightjacket of male-female. I think she's a national leader."

She is regarded as ambitious. A US diplomatic cable in 2008, among many thousands leaked by Wikileaks two years later, described her as "first-rate egomaniac" who "is obsessed with becoming prime minister".

But Mayawati has also been credited with empowering oppressed lower caste Hindus.

Banerjee, who defeated a 34-year-old Communist government in West Bengal in an election in 2011, is known for her streetwise political skills and portrays herself as a secular leader in a country polarised under the BJP.

Read more: Latest India newsHyderabad: The Hyderabad police on Saturday arrested a youth for posting obscene material on social media against YSR Congress Party president Y S Jaganmohan Reddy's sister Y S Sharmila.

Central Crime Station (CCS) personnel arrested P Venkatesh in Guntur town of Andhra Pradesh. A native of Prakasam district in the same state, he is a post-graduate student at a private college in Guntur.

Police tracked down the accused with the help of Google team. The accused was brought to Hyderabad and booked under section 509 of Indian Penal Code (word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) and section 67 of Information Technology Act (publishing or transmitting obscene material in electronic form).

Sharmila, daughter of former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy, had last month met the Hyderabad Police Commissioner, urging him to act against those maligning her on the social media.

Sharmila, who is also a leader of YSR Congress, called on Police Commissioner Anjani Kumar to lodge a complaint against those posting objectionable material against her.

She rubbished the false propaganda linking her with the popular Telugu film actor Prabhas and alleged that it was a conspiracy by the vested interests to defame her ahead of the general elections to get political mileage.

She alleged involvement of Telugu Desam Party (TDP) in the conspiracy.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP President N Chandrababu Naidu condemned Sharmila's allegations and criticised her for lodging a complaint with Telangana police instead of filing a complaint in Andhra Pradesh.Rishi Kumar Shukla, who has been appointed the new CBI director, is an upright officer, known for not being in the good books of the political bosses.

A 1983-batch Madhya Pradesh-cadre IPS officer, Shukla has spent maximum period of his service in the intelligence wing of the state and government of India. His appointment came as a surprise as it happened merely two days after he was transferred out from the post of the director general of police of Madhya Pradesh.

Gwalior-born Shukla spent many years in the Intelligence Bureau as joint director and later as additional director general of police (intelligence) in Madhya Pradesh. He had also spent a few years as inspector general of police (economic offences). This was the only posting where he handled specialised investigations.

Shukla, the senior-most police officer in Madhya Pradesh, has a reputation of being a tough cop who follows the rulebook to the dot.

He believes in low-profile policing, but has been acting tough on issues related to corruption. His unwillingness to tolerate corruption has resulted in tiffs with political bosses. He had, reportedly, threatened to resign several times over clashes with politicians.

As DGP, he had severe differences with the then BJP home minister Bhupendra Singh, and there have been many occasions when the chief minister had to intervene to sort out the issues.

He had locked horns with former chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan once when the former was forced to register a FIR against the whole police station in Balaghat district on the complaint of an RSS worker.

As joint director of the Intelligence Bureau, he worked with Ajit Doval, now the NSA, when the latter was the IB director during the Manmohan Singh regime in 2005.

During the last assembly polls in Madhya Pradesh, Shukla went on a six-week leave when he had a heart surgery in Mumbai. He was not in the state during the election which saw the BJP being thrown out of power.

The new Congress chief minister did not remove him for nearly 45 days. He was transferred as chairman of Police Housing Corporation two days ago after VK Singh was appointed the new DGP of the state.

Shukla worked as superintendent of police in three districtsDamoh, Shivpuri and Mandsaur.

During his two-and-a-half-year tenure as DGP of Madhya Pradesh, Shukla had courted controversy in 2016 when eight SIMI undertrials were killed by the UP Police in an encounter after they escaped from Bhopal jail on Diwali night.

(This story originally appeared in The Week)

Read more: Latest India news

Thiruvananthapuram: An RSS worker, prime accused in a bomb attack on a police station here, was arrested on Sunday, the police said.

Praveen, a district functionary of the RSS, and his accomplice Sreejit, a sangh worker, hurled bombs at the Nedumangad Police Station during the January 3 shutdown called by Hindutva outfits protesting against the entry of two women into the Sabarimala Temple, they said.

The duo was arrested from the Thamapanoor railway station here, they added.

Police had issued a look out notice against Praveen after CCTV visuals showed him hurling at least four bombs at the police station during a clash with the Communist Party of India (Marxist) workers.

A Special Investigation team was also constituted to nab the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) functionary, they said.

Guarded by four policemen in civil dress, the two women, Kanakadurga (44) and Bindu (42), created history by stepping into the hallowed precincts of the hill-shrine on January 2.

A 12-hour shutdown was called by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and other right-wing outfits to protest against their entry.

The Supreme Court had on September 28 lifted the ban on entry of girls and women between 10 and 50 years of age into the shrine dedicated to Lord Ayyappa.

Read more Kerala NewsKochi: The Kerala Police have sent a letter to the Interpol seeking custody of underworld don Ravi Pujari arrested abroad. He is a suspect in the Kochi beauty parlour shooting case and required for interrogation, says the letter. However, it is uncertain when the don will be brought to India.

The beauty parlour owned by actor Leena Maria Paul was attacked on December 15 last year by two bike-borne assailants, who left a slip with Pujaris name. The actor told the police that she had received calls from Pujari asking for Rs 25 crore in the days leading to the shooting.

The voice on the phone was verified to be that of Pujari. Since arresting him from abroad was near impossible, the investigation focused on local assailants. That is when Pujari was arrested in Senegal on another case. The Kerala Police's intervention comes at a time when RAW and other Indian intelligence agencies are trying to extradite him.

Pujari is involved in more than 70 cases in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Rajasthan. It is improbable to get the criminal to Kerala since the cases in other states are older than the beauty parlour shooting. The letter is an effort to make an early claim.

Pujari was not a suspect in the first FIR registered in the shooting case that hinged on the security guards statement. The police are preparing another report that includes Pujaris name as given by Leena in her statement to be presented in the court. This is essential to get the suspect for interrogation.

Read more: Latest Kerala newsThiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government has appealed to protesting victims of endosulfan poisoning to end their indefinite stir. However, the protesters have said that they would not end their agitation without getting a solid assurance from the government. Eight families, who have come from Kasaragod to Kerala capital to make their woes heard, vowed they would not return without their demands being met.

The demands of protesters include compensation, upgrading the list of beneficiaries, medical assistance and raising pensions to Rs 5,000. Those protesting outside the secretariat are children and parents of victims not included in the list.

The government has meanwhile called the protesters for talks.

Intensifying their agitation, the protesters on Sunday took out a march to the chief ministers residence. However, police blocked the protesters at Devaswom Board junction. More than hundred people participated in the march that began from the Secretariat.

They decided to intensify the stir after Kerala Health Minister K K Shylaja said it was not right on part of the endosulfan victims to 'exhibit' their children, suffering the effects of the deadly pesticide, in front of the Secretariat.

Health Minister KK Shylaja had denounced the presence of physically challenged children at the protest site outside the Secretariat.

I don't understand what their aim is. Earlier, there were many prominent personalities in the protest, but now there are not many," the minister told the media.

However, social activist Daya Bai, who is staging an indefinite fast at the venue in support of the endosulfan victims, asked where else would the victims go to get what they deserve.

"We have given them all sorts of assistance. We were ready to hold talks. But still they were protesting in front of the secretariat exhibiting children. It's fine with the government when these families have to visit various government offices with these poor children for years to receive compensation. But the same government is sad when we take them to the secretariat asking for compensation," Daya Bai said.

Women and their disabled children, who were born so due to adverse genetic impact on their parents, had begun an indefinite fast in front of the Secretariat on January 30, demanding speedy disbursal of compensation and implementation of the rehabilitation package.

The Supreme Court had in January 2017 directed the Kerala government to disburse compensation and rehabilitation package for endosulfan pesticide victims.

A bench headed by then Chief Justice J S Khehar had ordered the government to provide a compensation of Rs five lakh each to the next of kin of people who died following exposure to the pesticide and those who became bed-ridden or mentally challenged.

Endosulfan, an off-patent organochlorine insecticide and acaricide, was used widely on crops like cashew, cotton, tea, paddy, fruits and others until 2011, when the Supreme Court banned its production and distribution.

Read more: Latest Kerala news

Thiruvananthapuram: The Endosulfan Peeditha Janakiya Munnani, mostly made up of mothers of endosulfan-affected children, called off its five-day agitation in front of the Secretariat on Sunday.

Favourable decisions were taken during our meeting with the chief minister today, a beaming Muneesa, one of the leaders of the agitation, said. "We were told that 500 more children would be included in the list of the affected without insisting on panchayat borders. (Government guidelines had limited the beneficiaries to 15 panchayats that were subjected to aerial spraying by the Plantation Corporation of India). We were also told that children who were not included in the list would be examined once again. It was also assured that more camps would be conducted for those who were unable to attend the earlier ones because of hartals and other hurdles, said Muneesa after the meeting with chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan at his official residence Cliff House.

Muneesa, who is also a victim, is blind but is not in the list of the affected. She and other leaders announced that the Munnani was ending its Secretariat agitation in the light of the "favourable decisions". The Chief Minister's Office said that the Kasaragod district collector had been instructed to re-evaluate the entire beneficiary list.

Two days earlier, the agitators had held a meeting with health and social justice minister K K Shylaja and revenue minister E Chandrasekharan. Then, the ministers were not willing to revise the list and the talks had broken down.

Shylaja had even criticised what she termed the "public parade of pesticide-struck children".

The indefinite stir was scaled up on Sunday with the agitators taking out a march to Cliff House.

The sight of suffering children and their mothers marching to the Secretariat had forced the government to call the protestors for yet another round of talks.

Expanding the list of the endosulfan-affected was the major demand posed by the agitators. An expert team had drawn up a list of 1,905 victims. But this got whittled down to 287. Fact is, 6,800 people had applied to attend a medical camp for endosulfan victims. Only 3,888 could be examined. It was from this that 1,905 was shortlisted. Just about 15 per cent of this number, 287, eventually made it to the final list.

The beneficiary list was drawn up after the Supreme Court had issued an order in January, 2017, saying that all victims should be compensated. The apex court had fixed Rs 5 lakh as the compensation to the families of victims who had died.

The state government, on its part, has already been providing monthly pensions of Rs 2,200, Rs 1,700, and Rs 1,200 to another 4,376 victims. A monthly allowance is also being paid for those caring for bedridden and mentally-challenged victims. Then, there are annual scholarships of up to Rs 4,000 for studies up to higher secondary level. Further, the state had also written to the Centre to share at least half the Rs 483 crore required for the rehabilitation of endosulfan victims.Thiruvananthapuram: Health Minister KK Shylajas statements against the ongoing protest by endosulfan victims have been flayed by the group behind the agitation. The minister had denounced the presence of physically challenged children at the protest site outside the Secretariat here.

They (children) should not be 'displayed' at protest venues. Moreover, they are inconvenienced when they are taken for protests. The demands of endosulfan victims have been addressed, she said.

The minister also questioned their intention in continuing the strike. The prominent personalities who led the protests earlier are not involved now. There could be other intentions behind it, she said.

Social activist Daya Bai said the ministers statements were inhuman. The protest is not to display children. The world should realise that they exist. How can a minister say they are displayed? Isnt she a woman, a mother? How heartless of her! The same minister who held a meeting yesterday questions the protests today, Daya Bai said, reacting strongly to the ministers comments.

Samara Sahayasamithi chairman M Shajar Khan and convener K Santosh demanded an apology from the minister. Calling her statements inhuman, they urged the government to find a solution to the problems of the victims soon. Ministers should not make statements that deny basic respect. The same people who protested in 2013 and 2016 are protesting today. Ministers KK Shylaja and E Chandrasekharan had previously backed the protests when government help was restricted to 11 panchayats.

The demands of protesters include compensation, upgrading the list of beneficiaries, medical assistance and raising pensions to Rs 5,000. Those protesting outside the secretariat are children and parents of victims not included in the list.

Daya Bai, who is on a hunger strike, had earlier accused the chief minister of being autocratic. The protests will continue until needs are met, she added.

The chief minister had promised to address the issue. Victims are identified by district authorities and health departments. A special medical team then creates a list after detailed analysis. Genuine cases left out are added later, the chief minister told the assembly on Saturday.

The current government authorised a list of 363 people. 11 were added on after a review. A total of 6,212 were declared affected. The state government has also tried to mitigate shortfalls of central governments. Rs 2.17 crore was allocated to write-off loans up to Rs 50,000. Another Rs 4.63 crore was transferred to bank accounts for loans up to Rs 3 lakh, said the chief minister. However, opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala alleged only 200 out of 3,000 applicants received any benefits.

The endosulfan poisoning of residents of 15 villages in Kasaragod district had brought untold miseries to a generation. Hereditary diseases and cancers of all forms as a result of the excessive use of the pesticide endosulfan in nearby government-owned plantations wrecked havoc. The district had shot to limelight nationally and even globally a decade back when the plight of endosulfan-affected people became public.

Read more: Latest Kerala newsThe 9th national conference on the theme of 'Saving the Western Ghats' concluded at the Srikrishna College of Arts and Science in Coimbatore on Sunday. The three-day event, which was like an ecological festival of sorts for the organisers and nearly 1,500 delegates, was inaugurated on Friday by K.C. Malhotra, founder-chairperson of the Save Western Ghats Movement (SWGM).

Malhotra, who recollected the early days of the campaign, gave a clarion call to protect forests and thereby humanity. Jungle bachao.. Manav bachao he said loudly while inaugurating the gathering. It is a unique thing, despite everything happening the largest place of biodiversity that includes nature and animals is protected ..It is our culture, it is our strength.. We are the society which has love and affection towards the biodiversity outside... Inside we are protected.. These are sacred roots," he noted referring to the Western Ghats in his inaugural speech.

Photo: Karthika M

The former dean of SWGM John Singh urged for a mass campaign for the ban of single-use plastic products for the protection of Western Ghats.

Photo: Karthika M

Kumar Kalanand Mani, the advisor of SWGM, said that the conference focuses on getting a pro-people, pro-Western Ghats and pro-ecology outcome.

Photo: Karthika M

The ecological movement is very unique because it is not funded by anyone. It is a people's movement. The movement that started with the Save the Western Ghats' march of 1987-1988 has changed over the years and grew into a festival, he added.

Photo: Karthika M

The conference witnessed the participation of around 1,500 delegates from the six Western Ghats states, viz., Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra and Gujarat, and also from rest of the country. Senior officials from the Forest Department, farmers, scientists, researchers and students from various educational institutions took part in the conference, which offered a chance to learn more about the environment, its conservation and how to contribute to it.

On the opening day of the conference artistes from the he Irula community of the Nilgiris and Parai staged spectacular shows.

G.L. Janardhana (Karnataka), John Peruvanthanam (Kerala), Saravanan (Puducherry), Vaishali Patil (Maharastra) and N. Nirmal Ulhas Kulkarni (Goa) presented State-wise reports in a session moderated by Pandurang Hegde, an SWGM advisor, on the first day.

A photography exhibition at the venue depicted the growth of the movement that started with the Save the Western Ghats' march of 1987-1988. Another photography exhibition held here celebrated tiger, Indias national animal. It was conducted by the Wild trust of India in association with Tata Chemicals Limited.

Several handmade natural products such as cream and powder, art and crafts materials, clothes, food items were also exhibited at the fest.New Delhi: Seven young students from different parts of the country had a "surprise" dinner interaction with Congress president Rahul Gandhi where over Chinese food they shared their ideas about improving the lives of people and were promised that some may be included in the party manifesto.



From bringing out Congress manifesto in Braille, setting up gender-neutral toilets to steps for removing inequalities in education system and caste discrimination in society, the conversation touched diverse issues as the youngsters opened up to a "warm and affable" Gandhi.

With the crucial Lok Sabha polls drawing near, Gandhi has started the outreach Apni Baat Rahul ke saath and this group of seven youngsters from Delhi, Assam, Assam, Maharashtra, Kerala and Uttar Pradesh were the first to interact with him. Gandhi will have several such sessions with students.

"He is not an 'I know everything' kind of person and he was open to a conversation and discussion in trying to understand things," said Deveshwar who was in the group that interacted with Gandhi for nearly two hours.



"Such a friendly humble person, he was actually serving me from his plate. You do not expect such things from a person of this stature. It really breaks the ice between the big politicians and the 'aam aadmi'," she said.

Abhilash Karri, an IIT student from Mumbai, recalls how surprised they were when they saw a beaming Rahul Gandhi walking into the dining area of an upmarket Chinese food joint here late Friday evening where they sat. The students had been told that will have an interaction with Congress party, but not that it will be the party president himself.

The meeting was informally structured with Gandhi hearing the new age voters on their priorities for themselves and their countrymen.

Among the invitees was an LGBTQ rights activist who suggested gender neutral toilets for the trans people in order to ensure they are not body shamed.

Kunal Ramteke of the prestigious Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) said he discussed caste based discrimination with Gandhi and described the Congress chief as one who is sensitive towards the issue. I hope he will implement suggestions to end caste based discrimination... His talk was very inspirational, he said.

During his conversation, Karri said he stressed on making education accessible to all by introducing a fee structure which can be afforded by the underprivileged.

"We need to evolve our own ideology suited to Indian conditions.

We also discussed the effects of 10 per cent reservation to the upper caste poor," he said.

"I did not know that he was coming. It was great moment for me, he said.

Karri said the good schemes brought by one party need to be continued by another as "our ultimate aim should be to serve the country".

Deveshwar said Gandhi told her that he will work on issues like making colleges and universities more accessible.

I also suggested that the Congress needs to come out with its manifesto in Braille, that is for people who are visually impaired. That is the first step that the parties can take in this regard and he has assured me that they will do this, she said.

About Gandhi's response, he said,"He told me that 'you are pretty impressive for a 20-year-old', which is a compliment that I am going to hold onto myself for my entire life. He knows how to give importance to everyone.

Rohan Reje Mathews, an engineering student in Dharwaad and LGBTQ activist, said the interaction was pretty nice.

He was articulate. I would be somebody who would take him seriously. We need to be taken seriously, we cannot be taken for a joy ride and our lives matter. Transwomen are being murdered everyday and transmen need attention. The gay men, lesbians all require attention from the community and the government as these are oppressed, ostracised people, he said.

Gandhi promised to put him across to those involved in drafting the manifesto for the Congress party.

We would be happy to discuss our issues with the party so that they can be added to the manifesto. Our concerns are surrogacy laws, civil marriage laws and gender neutral bathrooms and not third gender bathrooms. We cannot be body shamed any longer. Trans-men need to be given more attention, he said.

Shemaila Ali Khan, an MBBS student from Delhi, said she highlighted before Gandhi the issue of girls' education in Muslim community.

Anil Kumar Maurya, a law student from Agra in Uttar Pradesh, discussed the issue of atrocities against Dalits and expressed the hope that the Congress party would take it up.Popular Tamil film actor Vijay Sethupathi is the latest victim of cyberattack.

After the actor expressed his solidarity with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's stand on the Sabarimala issue, the actor's social media account has been filled with hate comments.

The actor had expressed his views in an interview given to a magazine.

While a group of netizens said that they will boycott his films released in Kerala, several others have welcomed his remarks.

Sethupathi, meanwhile, condoled the death of an old lady on the sets of his film in Alappuzha. She had received his financial help sometime before collapsing on the sets a few days ago.By Anna Watanabe, KYODO NEWS - Feb 3, 2019 - 16:35 | World, All

Australia's southeastern island of Tasmania has long been renowned for producing some of the country's tastiest seafood.

But when warming seas allowed a foreign species of sea urchin to move farther south, devastating valuable fisheries, local businesses had to innovate and fostered a new industry whose products are popular overseas, including in Japan.

(Nobuko "Big Mumma" Honzana, left, and Simon Leonard)

Located about half-an-hour south of the state capital Hobart, Ralph's Tasmanian Seafood began processing sea urchin in 2017 as an "experiment" when it saw wild abalone stocks in decline due to the plague-like numbers of long-spined sea urchin.

The company, which has historically exported wild-caught abalone, is now the only exporter of Tasmanian long-spined sea urchin roe.

"Over the past 15 years, populations of long-spined sea urchins have started to destroy the environment up and down the east coast of Tasmania. That's impacted not only the abalone industry but also the rock lobster industry as well," said sea urchin processing manager Simon Leonard.

Now running at full capacity, Ralph's Tasmanian Seafood processes between 15-20 tons of sea urchin a week, which is then sold to buyers in Japan, the United States, Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong, as well as domestically at the Sydney fish markets and to high-end restaurants.

"Basically, we see it as an opportunity to not only do something to help the environment, but also turn a pest into profit," 38-year-old Leonard said.

Long-spined sea urchins -- not to be confused with the short-spined variety, which is native to Tasmania -- have been brought south to Tasmania from the Australian mainland along the East Australian Current.

"Over the last 40 years our winter water temperatures have gone up a couple of degrees and it's passed the threshold where the (sea urchin) larvae develop, which is 12 degrees (C)," John Keane from the University of Tasmania's Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, said.

The research fellow explained that Tasmanian water temperatures have risen from 11 to 13 C over the decades, creating temperature conditions where larvae are able to develop into adult sea urchins.

(A worker at Ralph's Tasmanian Seafood separates sea urchin roe and innards at the processing facility in Electrona.)

Keane said the long-spined sea urchin was first sighted in Tasmania in 1978, but started to have a severe impact on local ecosystems from 15 years ago.

As of December, he said there are an estimated 18 million long-spined sea urchins in Tasmania.

In large numbers, the urchins graze on kelp, turning healthy reef ecosystems into "barrens" or large areas of rock stripped of vegetation and wildlife.

"Now on the east coast of Tasmania, 15 percent of our reefs are sea urchin barren and that is increasing," he said.

Encouraging commercial fishing operations is part of a government-backed, multi-pronged approach to keeping long-spined sea urchin numbers in check, and protect the state's A$300 million ($218 million) abalone industry.

However, as urchin roe is not a regular ingredient on Australian dinner plates, Ralph's Tasmanian Seafood has focused its efforts on exports; particularly on breaking into the Japanese market, where sea urchin roe is a popular delicacy at sushi bars.

In order to meet Japan's high standards for product presentation, the company hired an urchin roe technician from Japan to teach local staff how to select and pack the product.

Affectionately called "Big Mumma" by her Australian co-workers, 42-year-old Nobuko Honzana has 24 years of experience in the industry and leads a 12-person packing team.

Tokyo-based importer Jian Wen Bao said she is impressed with the flavor and quality of Tasmanian sea urchin.

"It's delicious," the president of Shinkou Trading said on her first visit to the processing factory.

"It has a strong flavor and there is a good amount of fat," she said, comparing the flavor to Japanese murasaki uni.

Once in Japan, the Tasmanian product is sold at the newly established Toyosu fish market in Tokyo, where it is primarily bought by operators of conveyer-belt sushi restaurants.

Toyosu recently replaced the famous but aging Tsukiji fish market in the capital.

However, staff at Ralph's Tasmanian Seafood admit they have a long way to go before they can say they have a comfortable foothold in the Japanese market.

"Our understanding of where it is being consumed in Japan and why it's being consumed is still lacking," said David Hogg, chairman of RTS Pauaco, parent company of Ralph's Tasmanian Seafood.

"Today we could move all of our stock to China without any problem, but the key value driver for this industry will always be the Tsukiji fresh market, and that is where we have to establish our credentials," he said.

"You don't do that overnight with a bunch of people who are used to processing abalone."

Hogg admits a culture change is required for Australian workers to understand and accept Japanese market standards, but he's confident that Tasmanian sea urchin will one day be a "very high value product, only going to high value markets."

In the meantime, Leonard's message to consumers is simple.

"Eat up! We enjoy producing it, and we want to continue to produce it to enable the sustainability of our fisheries."To share with friends and brethren The Gospel of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (the Everlasting Gospel), and to prepare a people to stand when He returns to redeem His remnant. Also, to share relevant information of current events, and to show how they relate to prophecy; By means of articles, editorials, opinions, scripture readings, and poetry.

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Endrtimes does not necessarily endorse or agree with every opinion expressed in every article/video posted on this site. The information provided here is done so for personal edification; It's up to the reader to separate truth from error, and to examine everything (like the Bereans) from a Biblical perspective. Let the Holy Scriptures be you guide! - - - FAIR USE NOTICE: These pages/videos may contain copyrighted () material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. Such material is made available to advance understanding of ecological, POLITICAL, HUMAN RIGHTS, economic, DEMOCRACY, scientific, MORAL, ETHICAL, and SOCIAL JUSTICE ISSUES, etc. It is believed that this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior general interest in receiving similar information for research and educational purposes.In an interview with CBS News on Sunday, President Donald Trump specifically signalled his readiness to keep US troops in Iraq to keep an eagle eye on Iran, Trend reported citing Sputnik.

Referring to the huge sums of money that are being spent on the US military base in Iraq, Trump made clear that one of the reasons he wants to keep it is "to be looking a little bit at Iran because Iran is a real problem".

When asked if he meant that he wanted to launch a strike on Iran, Trump said, "No, because I want to be able to watch Iran."

"All I want to do is be able to watch. We have an unbelievable and expensive military base built in Iraq. It's perfectly situated for looking at all over different parts of the troubled Middle East rather than pulling up," he underscored.

During the interview, Trump also defied previous US intelligence conclusions that Tehran actually complies with the Iran nuclear deal.

"I disagree with them. I have intel people, but that doesn't mean I have to agree," Trump said.

The interview came after his surprise visit to Iraq late last year during which he said he has no plans to withdraw US troops from Iraq, as military facilities there could be used to stage attacks on Daesh militants.US President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, may meet in Vietnam on 27-28 February to discuss ways to resolve the US-Chinese trade dispute, Trend reported citing Sputnik.

The Vietnamese coastal city of Da Nang is a possible venue for the meeting between the two leaders, the South China Morning Post newspaper specified.

China and the United States have been engaged in a trade war since Trump announced last June that $50 billion worth of Chinese goods would be subject to 25 percent tariffs in a bid to fix the US-Chinese trade deficit. Since then, the two countries have exchanged several rounds of trade tariffs.

At the G20 summit in Argentina in December, Trump and Xi agreed to a 90-day truce in their tariff war to allow room for a new trade agreement.

Under a previous bilateral agreement reached in May 2018, Beijing pledged to buy more US goods and address concerns over Chinas alleged unfair trade practices.

On Thursday, Trump said that US trade talks with China were going well, adding that a final deal would not be made until his meeting with Xi, slated for the "near future".

On Friday, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce said that China and the United States were planning to create a special bilateral mechanism for the implementation of existing agreements settling their trade dispute. The sides have reached principled mutual understanding on the framework of such mechanism, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce noted.

The Chinese and US delegations have made progress during talks in Washington, DC this week, but US tariffs on Chinese goods will increase if an agreement is not reached by the 1 March deadline, the White House said in a statement after the conclusion of US-China trade talks on Thursday.

US Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell told reporters on Wednesday that the US trade policy is a source of concern at the Federal Reserve, even though the present level of tariffs is not enough in both the United States and China to have material effects on the GDP of either nations economy.

Trade between China and the United States in 2018 surged by 25.8 percent compared to the previous year and reached $633.5 billion despite the ongoing disputes between the world's two largest economies, according to the Chinese General Administration of Customs.

The United States has repeatedly accused China of unfair trade practices, in particular, theft of US companies' intellectual property and technology.Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday announced that Russia will suspend the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty in a mirror response to the United States' decision, Trend reports citing Xinhua.

"We will proceed as follows. We will come up with a tit-for-tat response. American partners have announced the suspension of their participation in the treaty, and we are suspending it as well," Putin said at a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, according to a Kremlin transcript.

The president said Russia will follow the example of the United States and withdraw from the nuclear arms control deal within six months.

The U.S. administration announced Friday that the United States is withdrawing from the INF Treaty with Russia within six months, starting from Feb. 2.

Despite the retaliatory measures, Russia will not be dragged into an arms race, Putin said.

"I want to draw your attention to the fact that we should not and will not be drawn into an expensive arms race," he told the ministers.

Russia would not deploy medium- and shorter-range missiles in any region as long as the United States avoids doing this in respective regions, he added.

Meanwhile, Putin asked the ministers not to initiate any negotiations on the arms control issue and wait until Washington is ready to engage in dialogue.

"All our proposals, as before, in this area remain on the table. The door for negotiations is open," Putin said. "Let us wait until our partners are ready to conduct an equal, meaningful dialogue with us on this crucial topic -- both for us and for our partners, and for the whole world."News

I am completely against nuclear arms, Pakistan PM Imran tells HBOs journalist Jonathan Swan

Imran also said that Pakistan only wants peace and don't want to be part of any confrontation and urged the US should first establish a political settlement before leaving Afghanistan. "Pakistan suffered 70,000 casualties, more than any other country by joining the American war..."The conflicting parties in Central Africa Republic (CAR) on Saturday reached a peace deal at the conclusion of talks held in Sudan's capital Khartoum, Trend reports citing official SUNA news agency.

"The parties have reached a deal on major issues of difference, like power-sharing and transitional justice period, which have been on the table of negotiations," Attal-Mannan Bakheet, head of Sudan's side in the negotiations, was quoted in the report as saying.

"The draft agreement will be firstly signed on Sunday evening in presence of Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir and his counterpart of Central Africa Republic," he added.

Bakheet further noted that the final deal would be signed in the CAR capital of Bangui on coming Wednesday in presence of leaders of CAR's neighboring countries.

Since Jan. 24, Khartoum has been hosting peace talks between the CAR government and 14 opposition factions.

Since 2013, the CAR has been suffering from a conflict after the Muslim-majority Seleka armed opposition seized power, which led to reprisal operations by the Anti-Balaka militia group said to be composed primarily of Christians.Members of the Support Egypt pro-government coalition have suggested introducing changes to the Egyptian constitution, which would envisage, in particular, the creation of an upper house of the parliament and the establishment of a vice president post, Trend reports citing Sputnik.

The lawmakers proposed to introduce a bicameral parliamentary system instead of unicameral one, to establish "one or more" posts of vice presidents, as well as to impose a quota for women's representation in parliament of at least 25 percent, according to the state-run Middle East News Agency.

The proposed amendments also envisage quotas for "adequate representation" of workers, farmers, young people, Christians and people with disabilities.

According to the current Egyptian Constitution adopted in 2014, amendments to the basic law could be initiated by the president or a group of lawmakers representing at least one-fifth of all members of the parliament.

The Egyptian Constitution provides for a limit of two four-year presidential terms. Any amendment to the constitution must be approved in a national referendum after two-thirds of lawmakers vote in favour of it.Daesh terrorists attacked the Syrian Army positions shortly after a coalition airstrike in north-eastern Deir ez-Zor province on Saturday, Trend reported citin Sputnik.

According to Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), most of the terrorists who launched the attack were fleeing the village of Baguz, which was destroyed by the Syrian Army.

The attack came hours after a Syrian military source told Sputnik on Sunday that the US-led international coalition had carried out an airstrike on an army artillery mount located near the eastern Syrian city of Abu Kamal.

"At around 23:30 local time [Saturday, 21:30 Saturday GMT] the aircraft of the international coalition conducted an airstrike on the artillery mount of our forces operating in As Sukkariya region to the west of Abu Kamal As a result of the airstrike, the mount was destroyed and two servicemen were injured," the source said.Carmaker Nissan has scrapped plans to build its new X-Trail SUV in Britain and will produce it solely in Japan, warning two months before Brexit that uncertainty over Britains departure was making it harder to plan for the future, Trend reported citing Reuters.

Falling demand for diesel cars in Europe has forced Nissan to invest in other technologies and save costs. It cut hundreds of jobs at its Sunderland factory in the north of England, Britains biggest car plant, last year as output slumped 11 percent, hit by levies and crackdowns on diesel.

Nissan has increased its investments in new powertrains and technology for its future European vehicles, the firm said. Therefore the company has decided to optimize its investments in Europe by consolidating X-Trail production in Kyushu.

While we have taken this decision for business reasons, the continued uncertainty around the UKs future relationship with the EU is not helping companies like ours to plan for the future, said Europe Chairman Gianluca de Ficchy.

Britains business minister Greg Clark described the announcement as a blow to the sector and the region.

Britain is due to leave the European Union on March 29. Lawmakers last month rejected Prime Minister Theresa Mays Brexit deal, heightening fears of a disorderly no-deal Brexit and of new trade barriers. May said on Sunday she would seek a pragmatic solution.

We have a task force in place, reporting to me, that is considering all of the possible scenarios and the potential impact on the business, de Ficchy said in a letter to workers.

Nissan builds roughly 30 percent of the countrys 1.52 million cars and exports the vast majority to the continent

It said four months after Britain voted to leave the EU in June 2016 that it would manufacture the new X-Trail in Britain - a major vote of confidence in the country and May, shortly after she took office.

A source told Reuters at the time that Nissan received a letter from the government promising extra support in the event that Brexit hit the competitiveness of the Sunderland plant.

The new X-Trail could have created hundreds of jobs.

The carmakers planned investment in the next-generation Juke and Qashqai models, which was also announced in 2016, was unaffected, the firm said on Sunday.

The timing of the announcement comes just two days after an EU-Japan free trade agreement kicked in, which includes the European Unions commitment to removing tariffs of 10 percent on imported Japanese cars.

Many Japanese companies had long seen Britain as the gateway into Europe, after being encouraged to open factories in the country by former prime minister Margaret Thatcher but Brexit has thrown that into doubt, prompting consternation in Tokyo.

Sundays announcement also comes as the firm continues to deal with the fallout from the arrest of its former boss Carlos Ghosn, which has clouded the outlook for the automaking alliance between Nissan, Renault and Mitsubishi.Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 3

By Elnur Baghishov  Trend:

About 25,000 tons of meat are produced in Irans north-western Qazvin province annually, Governor of Qazvin province Abdulhamid Zahidi said.

This province has a great role in supplying Iran with meat, Zahidi added, Trend reports referring to IRNA.

Moreover, 60,000 tons of eggs are produced in this province a year, he added.

Zahidi added that the products produced in Qazvin province cover the domestic demand and are exported to foreign countries.

The province has great potential in animal husbandry and poultry farming, he said.

About 1.3 million inhabitants live in the province. Nuts, pistachios, cornels, grapes are grown in the province.Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 3

By Elnur Baghishov  Trend:

Iran unveiled a long-range cruise missile dubbed Hoveizeh, which has been fully designed and manufactured by the countrys military experts, Trend reports referring to Tasnim News Agency.

In a ceremony in Tehran, attended by Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami, the cruise missile, manufactured by the Defense Ministrys Aerospace Industries Organization, was put on display and prepared to be handed over to the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force.

Speaking at the ceremony, Brigadier General Hatami described the Hoveizeh missile as a symbol of self-confidence and said it is a major defense achievement that shows Irans achievements in today worlds military technologies.

The achievement proves that no barrier can block the Iranian nations determination in the defense sector, the minister added.Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 3

Trend:

Uzbekenergo stressed that last year Uzbekistan and Tajikistan did not conclude a contract for sale and purchase of electricity for winter, Trend reports via Gazeta.uz.

"There is no contract for supply of electricity in winter with Tajikistan. From April to October, we received about 1.5 billion kWh of electricity from Tajikistan to the Surkhandarya Region. In its turn, Uzbekistan supplied electricity to the Sughd Region [of Tajikistan]. We always pay our debts," the company explained.

Earlier, the Minister of Energy and Water Resources of Tajikistan Usmonali Usmonov said that after a long break, the city of Konibodom in Spitamen District and other settlements of Sughd Region began to receive 3 million kWh of the Uzbek electricity daily, and southern Uzbekistan began to receive 17 million kWh of the Tajik electricity.

Uzbekenergo confirmed that from April to October of this year, Tajikistan plans to export 2 billion kWh of electricity to the southern Uzbekistan, which is 500 million kWh more than last year.

A meeting of the parties should be held in February to discuss the issue.Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, Feb. 3

By Huseyn Hasanov Trend:

Turkmenistan's exports to foreign countries in 2018 exceeded $11.2 billion, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said at a government meeting, Trend reports via Altyn Asyr TV channel.

Compared to 2017, the total volume of loans issued by banks in the country to expand modern production of export-oriented and import-substituting goods increased by 10.2 percent in 2018, Turkmenistan State News Agency reported.

Turkmenistan aims at diversifying the local economy, the petroleum, textiles have advanced, the oil, gas and chemical industry and the building materials industry are actively developing.

Turkmenistan is pursuing industrialization aimed at increasing the volume of production of import-substituting products and export development.Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb.3

By Elnur Baghishov, Leman Zeynalova  Trend:

Services offered through INSTEX (Instrument in Support of Trade Exchanges) will generate positive trade and finance gains to Iran in a short period, Iranian economy expert Mehrdad Emadi told Trend.

He pointed out that the announcement made in Germany concerning operationalizing the special purpose Vehicle (SPV) on January 31, entitled "INSTEX  short for Instrument in Support of Trade Exchanges is designed to support trade between Its European trade partners or EU+UK.

The new channel is specifically tailored to minimize possible if not probable future intrusions made by the U.S. Treasury into Iran-Europe trade and finance as long as Iran abides by the terms of the JCPOA and the transparency rules accepted in its financial transactions, noted the expert.

Emadi went on to add that although it is almost certain that the United States government will do its outmost to restrict the domain and the depth of the services offered through INSTEX, E3 (Germany, France and the UK) seem to be resolved to support the JCPOA and help Iran to reap the economic benefits of the agreement.

"This said, in its early stages, I expect some grumbling from certain quarters in Tehran who have used every opportunity to blame Europe for the lack of economic progress in the country. In spite of this, I expect that within a short period, services offered through INSTEX will generate positive trade and finance gains to Iran which in turn may help to somewhat calm down the anti-western segments of the political apparatus," he concluded.

On Jan. 31, three European countries  France, Germany and the UK (shortened as E3)  officially announced the creation of the Instrument in Support of Trade Exchanges (INSTEX), a special purpose vehicle, to allow them bypass US sanctions on trade with Iran. INSTEX facilitates non-dollar trade with Iran, allowing European companies to trade with the Islamic Republic without being hit by the sanctions.

US President Donald Trump declared Washingtons withdrawal from the nuclear deal with Iran in May 2018. Trump also announced the restoration of all sanctions against Iran, including secondary ones against other countries doing business with Iran. The United States re-introduced part of the sanctions against Iran on August 7, 2018, while the second batch of the sanctions came into effect on Nov.5, 2018.

The US government has agreed to let eight countries, including South Korea and Japan, as well as India, keep buying Iranian oil after it reimposes sanctions on Tehran. The waivers have been granted for six months.Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb.3

By Leman Zeynalova  Trend:

Azerbaijans state oil company SOCAR has expressed interest in cooperation with Romanias ROMGAZ company in exploration and production of gas in the Black Sea, Trend reports citing a message from ROMGAZ.

Reportedly, ROMGAZ CEO Adrian Volintiru visited Azerbaijan at the invitation of SOCAR officials.

During the meeting, the sides discussed Romanian companys intention to cooperate with SOCAR both on the onshore area of Azerbaijan and on the offshore area in the Caspian Sea.

ROMGAZ CEO, Adrian Volintiru said that entering a partnership with such a company as SOCAR is important for the company, as it will bring major benefits not only to ROMGAZ, but also to the energy sector and to Romanias national economy as a whole.

"Officials of the Azerbaijani state oil company showed interest in offshore gas exploration and production in the Black Sea, in partnership with ROMGAZ, if the Romanian company decides to involve in this project," said the message.

Moreover, representatives of the two companies mentioned the possibility to cooperate in the implementation of the Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP) and Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) projects.

The sides also emphasized the possibility to exchange know-how in gas storage activity, said the message.

Romgaz is the largest natural gas producer and the main supplier in Romania. The main shareholder is the Romanian State owing a 70 percent stake.

SOCAR is the sole producer of petroleum products in Azerbaijan. The company also has filling stations in Azerbaijan, Georgia, Ukraine, Romania and Switzerland.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @Lyaman_ZeynAs public outrage mounts over reports of inmates being deprived of heat and other basic necessities at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, family members of the incarceratedand over one hundred supportersgathered on the steps of the federal jail on Saturday to demand answers about their loved ones.

"Why can't they give him some blankets?" cried one mother, standing alongside more than a dozen other anxious parents, siblings and spouses of inmates. Through tears, she said her twin grandsons were worried about their father, and that they had been denied entry into the facility earlier in the week. "I don't know what's going on in there. They're humans, they're not animals."

Behind her, a sign on the doors of the facility declared that all legal and social visits were cancelled until further notice. From above, inmates could be heard banging on the narrow windows of their cells, producing a steady clatter that spread for blocks along the industrial waterfront stretch of Sunset Park.

Big crowd outside MDC right now, as inmates bang on windows above pic.twitter.com/BHCxMtqHuZ  Jake Offenhartz (@jangelooff) February 2, 2019

According to a spokesperson for the Bureau of Prisons, the jail is currently on a partial lockdown after an electrical fire tore through the switch gear room last Sunday. After initially denying allegations that inmates were left freezing on the coldest week of the year, the agency acknowledged in a statement on Saturday that about half the jail was experiencing limited power. They noted that contractors were working "as expeditiously as possible" to install an electrical panel, and insisted that inmates were not being deprived of blankets, hot water, food, or medication.

But elected officials who toured the detention center on Saturday painted a dire picture of conditions at the 1,600-person jail: They said hundreds of cells were still freezing, and all of them were without light. Shivering detainees complained of being confined to their dark cells for days, many of them unable to access the computer system through which they request medication. Officials say they observed leaky ceilings, towels stuffed into vents as insulation, and some inmates struggling to breathe. As of 2 p.m., the jail's population still had not been fed.

He has not been granted the device he needs to breathe or a medical visit, so he has been lying on the floor to try to breathe through the crack under the door. This brother hasnt even been convicted of a crime. #MDC  Zellnor Myrie (@zellnor4ny) February 2, 2019

"What we saw was intolerable, it was disgusting and it was immoral," Rep. Jerry Nadler told the crowd after emerging from the facility. By then, the electricians contracted to restore power had already left for the day, and Bureau of Prisons Warden Herman Quay did not expect them to return all weekend, according to Nadler. "There's a total lack of urgency or concern on the part of the prison administration with respect to getting the heat and the hot water, getting the services we need," he said.

The crowd grew agitated in response, vowing to camp out on the street outside the complex until power was restored. "If y'all freeze, we freeze," some chanted. Later on in the evening, dozens of corrections officers descended on the protesters, with one official slapping a woman's phone to the ground and stepping on it. Some of the protesters who stayed overnight said they saw ambulances leaving the facility late in the evening. (Authorities could not immediately confirm any medical incidents).

*Thing just got intense. About 25 Corrections Officers came out in force. At around 20 seconds in, youll see an officer slap a phone out of a womans hand. What you dont see is he then steps on it. And forcefully pushes past her. pic.twitter.com/QYmx2iVjqz  Scott Hechinger (@ScottHech) February 3, 2019

Mayor Bill de Blasio, who'd previously declined to comment on the reported outages, said Saturday that the Bureau of Prisons was "refusing our help, even as their incompetence is on full display for the world." Later, he tweeted that the city was sending trucks full of blankets, hand warmers, and generators, regardless of whether they'd be accepted.

But despite the show of support from local officials, some family members said they wanted authorities to do more to stand up for their incarcerated relatives. Many wondered why the inmates couldn't be moved to other facilities, or whether a judge could force the jail to immediately restore heat and other services. While a federal judge has ordered the Bureau of Prisons to explain the "contradictory accounts of the conditions at MDC," the agency is not due in court until Tuesday.

David Patton, executive director of the Federal Defenders of New York, said his office has filed dozens of emergency bail petitions for their clients, but those cases won't be heard until at least Monday.



Valentina Roma says she hasn't been able to speak with her boyfriend in a week (Jake Offenhartz/Gothamist)

In the meantime, some family members fear the worst for their loved ones. A woman named Nat, whose brother is serving a six month sentence at MDC, said she was terrified that her sibling might not be receiving his diabetes medicine, which needs to be refrigerated. "I asked a [corrections officer] if he was getting his medication and he just gave me a blank stare," the woman said. "They can't even answer basic questions about his human rights."

She emphasized that the alarming conditions witnessed at the federal jail this week were not an isolated incident. By the time the public was made aware, her own brother had been complaining to her of his freezing cell for weeks, she said. The account was echoed by Councilmember Jumaane Williams, who said he'd heard from inmates that the warden routinely turned off heat as a punishment.

"Whatever happened here only exacerbated the problem that already existed," Williams told the crowd. "The only way they would have cared is if it was white, preppy students who were in there."

For many family members, the hardest part is being left in the dark, not knowing what their loved ones are going through and having no way of finding out. The jails staff still hasnt offered any explanation for why inmates have been cut off from visitors and phone calls for the past week.

Valentina Roman said that she was informed by prison staff earlier this week that she could send a letter to a partner, Melvi, who has been awaiting trial for six months. But those letters never made it to the jail, and turned up back in her P.O. box a few days later. Roman, who's currently pregnant, said her two other children haven't been able to talk to their father for over a week.

I wish I could tell them hes okay, but we dont know, she said. "It's really cold right now. We're so worried."



Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb.3

By Leman Zeynalova  Trend:

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) would like to invest in climate finance projects in Azerbaijan, Head of EBRD Baku office Ivana Duarte told Trend.

Duarte noted that EBRD will be ready to look at bankable projects across a variety of sectors with focus on diversification of economy.

"Well be ready to consider bankable projects in all sectors. Generally speaking, the EBRD continues working towards its climate finance goals and 36 percent of its total investments in 2018 went to the support of green economy. This is the trend wed like to repeat in Azerbaijan as well," she said.

As for EBRDs priorities for Azerbaijan in 2019, Duarte noted that EBRD has a valid country strategy for Azerbaijan, which provides it with necessary guidance for investments.

Further, she talked about the process of disbursing loan for Lukoil Shah Deniz Stage II Extension in Azerbaijan.

"The project was approved by our shareholders but is yet to be signed," said Duarte.

The project envisages provision of a loan to LUKOIL Overseas Shah Deniz Ltd to extend additional financing for its share in the second stage of the development of Shah Deniz, an offshore gas exploration and production project in Azerbaijan and one of the largest gas fields in the world. LUKOIL has a 10 percent stake in the Shah Deniz field. The project is managed by BP plc.

The loan is fully guaranteed by PJSC LUKOIL.

The project includes two additional bridge-linked offshore gas platforms, 26 subsea wells, 500km of subsea pipelines, and the expansion of the gas plant at Sangachal Terminal.

Azerbaijan has been cooperating with EBRD since 1992.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @Lyaman_ZeynBaku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 3

Trend:

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has congratulated President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka Maithripala Sirisena.

On behalf of the people of Azerbaijan and on my own behalf, I extend my congratulations to you and the people of your country on the occasion of the Independence Day of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, President Aliyev said.

On this remarkable day, I wish you the best of health, success in your activities, and the friendly people of Sri Lanka peace and prosperity, he added.Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 3

Trend:

Over the past 24 hours, Armenian armed forces have 28 times violated the ceasefire along the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry said Feb. 3, Trend reports.

The Armenian armed forces were using heavy machine guns.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts.

The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.President Hassan Rouhani's former Deputy for Women and Family Affairs, Shahindokht Molaverdi, has admitted that the president who campaigned as a moderate and his team failed to address major problems confronting Iranian women.

Referring to various hurdles blocking the governments' plans, including harsh opposition of the conservatives and other close allies of the Islamic Republic's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Molaverdi acknowledged that, during the past six years, the Rouhani's Administration failed to present even one single bill concerning women's rights to Majles (parliament).

Failing to table bills on women's rights was our major shortcoming, Molaverdi has lamented, adding, "When I was appointed as the Deputy President for Women and Family Affairs (October 2013), I thought that I would bombard Majles with a barrage of bills related to women's rights. However, that never happened."

Sadly, Molaverdi has noted, women's rights in Iran and other countries that are experiencing a similar development has been politicized.

Molaverdi who held her position for four years during Rouhanis first term, was replaced by Masoumeh Ebtekar in 2017 and appointed as Rouhani's Special Aide. Meanwhile, a law banning retirees to serve in governmental positions ended Molaverdi's career as a public servant in November 2018.

In her first interview after retirement, Molaverdi told the government's official news agency (IRNA) that any step toward improving women's public stature was immediately challenged by the conservatives and, soon, aborted.

"Our efforts to grant Iranian women their absolute rights were doomed from the very beginning, since the conservatives were, and are, very sensitive toward such issues," Molaverdi has bitterly complained, reminding, "Our opposition to issues such as child marriage and banning women from entering volleyball arenas, were silenced by the conservatives."

Presenting a list of her failures, including efforts to save women from home violence, granting citizenship rights to the children of Iranian women married to foreigners, and banning stepfathers to marry their adopted daughters, Molaverdi reiterates that all such attempts were a non-starter and doomed to fail from the time of their inception.

Giving herself a grade of ten out of twenty, Molaverdi insists that she had somehow succeeded in ending the hardline former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's policy of "denial" and "cover up" of facts.

Nearly two years ago, Molaverdi made the headlines by referring to a village in the impoverished province of Sistan&Baluchestan, southeast Iran, where all its male residents were executed.

Without naming the village, Molaverdi disclosed that the entire male population of the village was executed for their alleged role in drug trafficking.

The children of the executed criminals are also already drug traffickers. They want to avenge the deaths of their fathers. At the same time, they are feeding their families with money from the drug trade and the people of this village cannot be protected, Molaverdi told the state-run Mehr News Agency (MNA) at the time.

"We believe that if we do not support these people, they will be prone to crime, that's why society is responsible for the families of those executed," Molaverdi told MNA.

Molaverdi had also disclosed the fact that babies are sold in Iran even long before being born. Immediately, she was summoned to the courts and charged for "spreading fake news" and blamed for feeding foreign-based media (including Radio Farda) with anti-Islamic establishment information.

Defending her position, Molaverdi had fired back, "Are we supposed to keep mum, because foreign media might refer to our comments?"

Molaverdi was replaced by Masoumeh Ebtekar, renowned as Sister Mary among the U.S. diplomats taken hostage in 1980 in Tehran, almost immediately after the downfall of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and the establishment of the Islamic Republic in Iran.The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps-run news agency, Tasnim, also confirmed the news on Saturday, February 2.

However, the local news outlets have been silent on the details of the move. Iran has not officially announced the move.

Qassim's move to Mashhad comes at a time that Bahrain has repeatedly accused the Islamic Republic of Iran of interfering in its internal affairs. Tehran, for its part, has always dismissed the allegation as unfounded. Nevertheless, Bahrain has arrested and tried dozens of its citizens in recent years charging them with espionage for Tehran.

The 82-year-old cleric was a leader of Arab Spring-inspired 2011 protests in the Sunni-ruled kingdom and was under de facto house arrest since a 2016 court order revoking his citizenship.

He was sentenced to a suspended one-year jail term on the charge of "serving foreign interests".

On 20 June 2016, a week after the government of Bahrain suspended the Shi'a opposition group al-Wefaq, Isa Qassim was stripped of his Bahraini citizenship.

Bahrain's citizenship law allows the kingdom's cabinet to revoke the citizenship of anyone who "causes harm to the interests of the kingdom or behaves in a way inimical with the duty of loyalty to it.

Furthermore, in May 2017, a Bahraini court convicted Sheikh Qassim of illegal collection of funds and money laundering and sentenced him to one year in jail suspended for three years.

The Islamic Republics Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei described the decision as foolishness and cautioned that it could provoke violence from Shi'ites, who make up the majority in the Sunni-ruled Persian Gulf kingdom.

Attacking Sheikh Isa Qassim means removing all obstacles blocking heroic Bahraini youths from attacking the regime, Khamenei warned.

However, Bahrain has been rather calm, so far.

Sheik Isa Ahmed Qassim, who is suffering from high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes, was admitted to the Bahrain International hospital in January 2018 and underwent hernia surgery. He was ultimately allowed to leave for London to follow up his medical treatment.

Later, after being discharged from a hospital in London, the Qom-seminary educated Ayatollah moved to Iraq in December 2018.

The Shi'ite majority in Bahrain demand a constitutional monarchy under the current royal dynasty, al Khalifa, managed by an elected prime minister.On Monday, February 4, at 10.00, the press center of the Interfax-Ukraine news agency will host press conference titled "Sentiments and Assessment by Ukrainians of Threats." Experts of Sociological Group "Rating," the Social Monitoring Center and Info Sapiens will present the results of a poll based on a sociological survey of 10,000 pollees. Participants include: Head of Rating Group Ukraine Oleksiy Antypovych, Director of the Social Monitoring Center Dmytro Dmytruk, Deputy Director of Info Sapiens Inna Volosevych (8/5a Reitarska Street). Registration requires press accreditation. Additional information by phones: +38044 254 3693, +38044 254 3694.This blog may be a labor of love for me, but it takes a lot of effort, time and money. For over 14 years and 30,000 articles I have been providing accurate, original news that would have remained unnoticed. I've written hundreds of scoops and sometimes my reporting ends up making a real difference. I appreciate any donations you can give to keep this blog going.Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Feb. 03, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Professor Higgins, an arts-loving banker will argue that business leaders are well served by engaging with the arts, during an event at Roda Al Murooj on Tuesday, 29 January.

Guests from the world of business and the arts, as well as the Universitys MBA students, alumni and staff have been invited to hear from Professor Higgins, who was appointed an Honorary Professor at Heriot-Watt University last year.

Professor Higgins will explore the principles of business and art and explain why he believes aspiring leaders should place great value on both.

Professor Higgins, said: I am honoured to have been given the opportunity to address the business and arts community in Dubai. To express my very personal views on how business leaders benefit from having a hinterland is a precious moment for me.

Professor Heather McGregor, Executive Dean of Edinburgh Business School, said:

We are delighted that Professor Higgins accepted our invitation to deliver his talk in Dubai. We are keen to open the event to the wider audience, and have made a limited number of spaces available to people new to our University to attend.

Benny has led major organisations in financial services and retail, as well as a range of entrepreneurial interests and his knowledge is invaluable to our students and Im sure this will be a very interesting event for the wider audience too.

Under Bennys leadership, Tesco Bank grew to become one of the most established new banks in the UK, serving more than 8 million customers and employing over 4,000 people. This was a huge achievement for Benny and his team and we are very grateful for his insight and willingness to share his experience.





NOTES TO EDITORS:

Please contact: Ania Lewandowska-Craig (a.lewandowska@ebs.hw.ac.uk) to arrange an interview with Professor Benny Higgins or Professor Heather McGregor, Executive Dean of Edinburgh Business School.

To attend, please register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/art-and-business-by-professor-benny-higgins-tickets-53950364994?fbclid=IwAR171Jg6GD22gYd0sbVOVIZhmVLAnI49bNqdfn6d1RlaWXv-BnJLYaS5KDo

About Professor Benny Higgins:

Benny Higgins has been a prominent international business leader for over thirty years, leading businesses in financial services and retail.

Benny began his career at Standard Life in 1983 where he joined as an actuarial student and became a member of the Standard Life Group Executive in 1996. In 1997, he moved to RBS to become Chief Executive of Retail Banking. He was with RBS until 2005, during which time he led the successful integration of Nat West Retail Banking - one of the largest mergers ever undertaken in UK banking. He became Chief Executive Officer of HBOS plc in 2006 before joining Tesco Bank as Chief Executive in 2008.

Under Bennys leadership, Tesco Bank grew to become one of the most established new banks in the UK, serving more than 8 million customers and employing over 4,000 people in Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Newcastle. With the launch of the Tesco Bank current account in June 2014, the Bank became a full range of core retail banking and insurance products. In addition to his role at Tesco Bank, Benny was also the Group Strategy Director for Tesco PLC and was a member of the Tesco Executive Committee. Benny retired from Tesco in February 2018.

In September 2017, Benny was asked by the Scottish Government to lead a project team to establish the creation of a Scottish National Investment Bank with all of its recommendations accepted by the Scottish Government in May 2016. In June 2018, Benny was announced as the strategic adviser of the Scottish National Investment Bank, leading its formation.

In addition, Benny is Executive Chairman of the Australian-listed regulatory technology business, Kyckr. In this role, Benny is leading Kyckrs strategic expansion in Europe and the United States.

Outside of financial services, Benny is Chairman of the National Galleries of Scotland, a Non-Executive Director of Glasgow Life, Trustee for The MDS Estates Limited and a Princes Trust Ambassador.

Benny holds a First Class Honours degree in Mathematics from the University of Glasgow where he was also awarded a University Blue and became a Fellow of the Faculty of Actuaries in 1986 after qualifying in a then-record 2.5 years. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers in Scotland, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh and an Honorary Professor at Heriot-Watt University.

About Edinburgh Business School:

Edinburgh Business School (EBS) is the Graduate School of Business of Heriot-Watt University, with campuses in the UK, Dubai and Malaysia, and local presence in six continents.

Since its establishment in 1997, the School has made progress in broadening access to postgraduate education in business and providing study opportunities globally. Edinburgh Business School offers a portfolio of flexible online MBA, DBA and MSc programmes and has over 10,000 active students and 20,000 alumni across 166 countries.

https://www.ebsglobal.net/Ukraine estimates losses from Azov Sea blockade by Russia at about US$360 mln

The daily downtime is estimated from $10,000 to $50,000 per vessel.

If you see a spelling error on our site, select it and press Ctrl+EnterPhu Quoc, Vietnam's largest island, is one of the country's most well-known destinations. Photo by Shutterstock/Pavel Szabo

Southeast Asian nations and local resort towns have dominated Tet tour bookings by Vietnamese this year, travel agencies report.

The Lunar New Year holiday runs from February 2 to 10, and during the period, based on tour bookings, Cambodia and Myanmar are popular destinations, Bui Luu Thu Mai, director of Blue Sky Travel company, told VnExpress.

Bangkok (Thailand), Singapore and Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) are also among the top 10 destinations, according to Agoda, a leading online travel booking platform.

Thailands popularity among Vietnamese is due to its close proximity, low cost and the fact they do not need a visa, Nguyen Cong Hoan, deputy general director of Hanoi Redtours company, told VnExpress International.

"Thailand has a warm climate and a lot of religious and recreational places. It is suitable for many families."

More distant places like Japan, South Korea, Dubai, and Europe are also popular choices this year.

Many people have booked tours to Japan since the holidays coincide with the plum blossom season there, Mai said.

There have been some changes in outbound travel choices for this year.

"Western European tours, with a stop in France, have seen a decline. It might be because the riots in France coincided with the booking period two or three months ago."

Some incidents related to tourists in Egypt and Taiwan also influenced choices.

Three Vietnamese vacationers and an Egyptian tour guide were killed on December 28 when a roadside bomb blast hit their bus in Cairo, Egypt.

Taiwanese authorities have decided to stop issuing visas for groups under the program which allows Vietnamese to apply for visas online without fees.

Last December 153 Vietnamese tourists had arrived in Taiwans southwestern city of Kaohsiung in groups and then went missing. Investigations showed several of the missing tourists were actually looking to stay and work illegally in Taiwan.

Truong Thu Giang of HCMC-based tour operator Viettravel said: "Visitors to Egypt have switched to European, Japanese and South Korean tours. Taiwan tours continue, but tourists need to apply for a visa in the traditional way."

A view of Nha Trang beach. Photo by VnExpress/Phong Vinh

Many people are also traveling within the country, heading for famous resort towns, with Nha Trang and southern provinces being among top options, Hoan said.

Tran Thi Bao Thu of HCMC-based Fiditour, said Da Nang, Da Lat, Phu Quoc Island, and the Mekong Delta are among the most popular destinations.

For Vietnamese, Tet is a time devoted to family gatherings, but in recent years more people have begun to travel then.

Fiditour and Viettravel, two of the countrys leading travel agencies, estimated a 15 - 20 percent increase in bookings this year, while Hanoi Redtours said it was 30 percent.

Many people prefer to start their trip on the second day of the year, considering it a good day for departing, after performing the traditional rituals and visiting relatives on the first day.

Thu of Fiditour said most tours on the 2nd and 4th days of the new year (February 6 and 8) are full up, adding most are for 4 or 5 days.

The Year of the Pig begins on February 5.

According to Mastercard, Vietnam has the second fastest growing outbound market in the Asia Pacific region after Myanmar, with annual growth projected at 9.5 percent between 2016 and 2021.Some inmates of a leprosy center suffer an added dimension to their disease  chronic loneliness  and it intensifies during Tet.

Once, the Da Bac Leprosy Center had about 150 patients, now there are just seven people left. Most of them died, a few others moved to hospitals. Those who are left suffer from chronic loneliness, which is accentuated during festival days like Tet, the Lunar New Year, Vietnam's most important holiday, primarily celebrated as a family reunion and get-together.

75-year-old Nguyen Thi Soi from the northern province of Vinh Phuc is one of the lonely inmates.

"Lunar New Year this year, eat rice with tears again because there is no one [family members] left," she said sadly.

Soi's parents died when she was 5. By age 19, she discovered she had leprosy. In 1967, Soi was the first person to become an inmate of the Da Bac Leprosy Center in Minh Phu Commune, Soc Son District, 40km east of Hanoi.

"It has been more than 50 years now," Soi said.

Nguyen Thi Soi (L) and Khuat Thi Oanh (R) in the yard of the leprosy center a weekend before Tet. Photo by VnExpress/ Thanh Nga

Every day, Soi sits at the yard and looks out on to the street, hoping someone will visit. The harsh life with the stigma of the disease has robbed her of her youth and dreams.

Khuat Thi Oanh, 71, from the northern province of Phu Tho, has also lived in the center for nearly 50 years and shares Sois feelings. She is a member of the San Diu ethnic minority and does not have any children.

When she was 24 years old, Oanh felt there were ants crawling on her cheek and tapped on them to shoo them away but the feeling stuck. Then, when she dipped her hands in water, she felt no wetness, and she also found that she could not feel the heat. Shortly after, she was diagnosed with leprosy. She burst into tears as she recalled the moment.

After nearly 50 years, she views this place as her home. "Maybe this is the only place for me," she said. Oanh decided to stay and did not move to a new hospital.

The Da Bac Leprosy Center wears a deserted look. Photo by VnExpress/ Thuy An

Le Thi Lien, 83, lives in a room at the end of the block. The makeshift room has a small bed and some old items. Lien, Soi and Oanh were the three people who never leave the center. The other four are able to spend time with their children, so they dont come too often to the center.

Lien said that when she was 9 years old, her parents passed away and her brother also died shortly after. At age 15, Lien found she had leprosy. The young woman was shunned and lived an isolated life till she entered the center.

As an inmate for over 60 years, she has forgotten what Tet is like in the outside world.

Inmates of the leprosy center and volunteers share a meal. Photo by VnExpress/Thanh Nga

Recently, there has been some welcome changes. The center has been receiving more attention from the community. When Tet is around the corner, the center welcomes many volunteer groups from across the country. This is a time when the ladies feel the happiest, because they get to cook and have meals with others, like a family.

The traditional Tet rice cakes, banh chung, branches of peach blossom are gifts that the elderly inmates are grateful for.

Said Soi: "Whenever somebody visits, it feels like Tet here."Police seize 14,000 pills of synthetic drugs in Hue City in central Vietnam. Photo by VnExpress/Vo Thanh

The Hue police Saturday bust a drug run disguised as a funeral, with the drugs hidden in a hearse and accompanied by mourners.

Quang Van Tien, 23, and Luong Van Thanh, 18, were arrested on Le Loi Street near the renowned Huong (Perfume) River in the central city while they tried to smuggle in the drugs from their hometown in the northern province of Dien Bien.

They hid 14,000 pills that police assume to be synthetic drugs.

They traveled to Hue in a hearse and performed all the rituals Vietnamese usually do at a funeral, including tossing votive paper along the roads and burning joss sticks.

Tien told the police he had bought the drugs from his mother for VND175 million ($7,540) and asked Thanh to help him transport them to Hue.

Police in Hue and Dien Bien are working together to investigate.

Vietnam has some of the worlds toughest drug laws. Those convicted of possessing or smuggling more than 600 grams of heroin or more than 2.5 kilograms of methamphetamine face the death penalty.

The production or sale of 100 grams of heroin or 300 grams of other illegal narcotics is also punishable by death.

While heroin has long been common among users in Vietnam, the use of synthetic drugs like meth or ecstasy is on the rise, especially among youth.

Seven people died after using drugs at an electronic music festival in September last year in Hanoi, alarming authorities.Vietnamese who are too busy to prepare family feasts for Tet can now rely on pros to do it.

It sounds like a counter cultural thing to do, especially during Vietnam's biggest, most important festival of the year, Tet, the Lunar New Year, which is still steeped in tradition.

During the festival, every family, rich or poor, is supposed to throw at least one Tet feast. Traditionally, family members would gather and prepare the food together.

But in the age where the market tries to meet every demand, the service industry is booming and people are more busy, a Tet meal needs not come from the family kitchen.

Le, a resident of Hanoi's Hai Ba Trung District, said that this year, she has decided to free herself from the cooking task.

Instead of preparing two feasts, she has placed orders at a local restaurant for VND1.2-1.8 million ($52-78) per feast that can serve 4-6 people each.

According to restaurants and cooks, the demand for Tet feasts this year has been higher than previous years even when the costs have gone up by 7-10 percent.

Some cooks and restaurants had had to stop receiving orders around one week ahead of Tet, which will begin next Tuesday, February 5.

"I have received almost 100 orders for the feast on the night of the 30th [the last day of the lunar calendar], and orders for Tet days are twice that," said Van, a cook in Hai Ba Trung District.

She said that up to 80 percent of her customers are office workers who have to work close to Tet and thus, have no time or energy to work in the kitchen.

Mai, owner of a breakfast restaurant in the capital citys Ha Dong District, has closed her restaurant since Wednesday to make Tet meals.

For a meal of 6-8 dishes, she charges customers VND1-1.2 million ($43-52). So far, she has got more than 50 orders.

"I also prepare a certain amount of food during the Tet holiday [which normally lasts for one week] to serve customers who make spontaneous orders," she said.

Even supermarkets have joined the business.

Some supermarkets in Hanoi have offered Tet meals for VND600,000-750,000 ($26-32) each.

Customers only need to make reservation two days in advance.

It looks as though, custom made Tet feasts is fast becoming a new festival tradition.I f she refuses to support Democratic policies, why should we care if she loses in 2020?



On Thursday, CNN had Democratic presidential candidate Marianne Williamson on for a brief interview. When asked a process question about how she can win, her response stuck with me. "My strategy is not strategy. My strategy is that I seek to speak as deeply, articulately and passionately as I can what I see to be the deeper truths confronting our nation, challenging our nation to live up to them. I'm speaking from the depth of myself to the depth of the American in all of us. This is not strategy. The whole strategic mind is a mark of the corruption of the political system. I'm not trying to figure out what to say to get people to vote for me. I'm seeking to have the conversation that I believe we need to be having."





It drives me crazy to hear a debate inside the Democratic Party not on the merits of the legislative reforms that make people choose Democrats over Republicans-- above and beyond as a reaction against Trump and his enablers-- but about how it will play out in the career aspirations of usually conservative Democrats in marginal seats. If we pass progressive taxation will we be able to hold Blue Dog Kendra Horn's seat in Oklahoma City? Well, probably not, because Kendra Horn is a moron who doesn't have the faintest idea what progressive taxation is, let alone how to explain it to her constituents. Rather than learn, she just joined the Blue Dogs instead, where he brainless approach would be in supportive good company.





If Democrats pass Medicare-for-All will they be able to hold Blue Dog Mikie's Sherrill's seat in Morris County, New Jersey? Political pundit Ron Brownstein warns that perhaps not . He suggests, in fact, that the battle over single-payer health care "could become one of the principal crucibles in which the Democratic Party confronts its changing identity. It will test how a party increasingly drawn toward populist economics confronts the challenge of managing a political coalition growingly reliant on voters who are thriving financially and attracted to the party largely on cultural grounds. The Medicare for All debate sharpens that tension because the college-educated voters moving away from the GOP in the Donald Trump era overwhelmingly receive insurance through their employers-- and polls show that the vast majority of them are satisfied with that coverage."





Let me butt in here with a personal observation. Before I retired, I was a divisional president at TimeWarner. Long before I reached that status, attorneys for presidents and chairmen inside the TimeWarner conglomerate had negotiated eye-popping terms for their clients-- a class-- that included insurance. Without having to fight for it, my contract included the best private insurance available anywhere in corporate America. Better than what Ron Brownstein's happy suburban college-educated newly-mined anti-Trump Democrats have. And then I turned 65 and was forced off the plan and onto Medicare. And Medicare in every way-- except George Bush's deceit drug plan to benefit Big Pharma (Part D)-- is much better than private health insurance. I learned that after $2 million dollars worth of hassle-free (financially-speaking) cancer treatment from the best most cutting-edge specialist in the entire world, during which time Medicare never said "boo!" I have a feeling many of Ron Brownstein's happy suburban college-educated newly-mined anti-Trump Democrats will find out faster than he has about the drawbacks of even the best private insurance in comparison to Medicare.





I only see 10 freshmen on this list. Where the hell are the others?





The last version of Medicare for All had over 120 cosponsors . The new version, improved by Pramila Jayapal, came out of the shoot with considerably fewer. All but one of the Blue Dogs, Mike Thompson (CA), who signed on last year, for example, are missing. Now that there's going to be an actual vote on it, where are Lou Correa (Blue Dog-Orange County, CA), Jim Cooper (Blue Dog-Nashville, TN), Adam Schiff (Blue Dog-Glendale, Burbank, Hollywood, CA), Sanford Bishop (Macon, Columbus, GA) and Filemon Vela (Blue Dog-Brownsville, McAllen, TX).





And these are the members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus are haven't signed on, at least not yet:

 Alma Adams (NC)

 Karen Bass (CA)

 Don Beyer (VA)

 Gil Cisneros (CA)

 Katherine Clark (MA)

 Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ)

 Angie Craig (MN)

 Elijah Cummings (MD)

 Madeleine Dean (PA)

 Rosa DeLauro (CT)

 Antonio Delgado (NY)

 Val Demings (FL)

 Lloyd Doggett (TX)

 Veronica Escobar (TX)

 Dwight Evans (PA)

 Marcia Fudge (OH)

 Sylvia Garcia (TX)

 Jared Golden (ME)

 Jahana Hayes (CT)

 Katie Hill (CA)

 Steven Horsford (NV)

 Hakeem Jeffries (NY)

 Joseph Kennedy III (MA)

 Eddie Bernice Johnson (TX)

 Andy Kim (NJ)

 Brenda Lawrence (MI)

 Dave Loebsack (IA)

 Zoe Lofgren (CA)

 Gwen Moore (WI)

 Joe Morelle (NY)

 Donald Norcross (NJ)

 Frank Pallone (NJ)

 Jimmy Panetta (CA)

 Katie Porter (CA)

 Debbie Musarsel-Powell (FL)

 Lisa Blunt Rochester (DE)

 Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA)

 Linda Sanchez (CA)

 Mary Gay Scanlon (PA)

 Jan Schakowsky (IL)

 Brad Sherman (CA)

 Darren Soto (FL)

 Bennie Thompson (MS)

 Susan Wild (PA)

 John Yarmuth (KY)

Many of them will eventually sign on as co-sponsors. Others are just in the CPC as ruse... to trick progressive voters back home, a trick CPC co-chair Mark Pocan uses to raise money (dues) and pad the membership roll so it looks like the CPC-- now stuffed with crooked New Dems-- is still the biggest Democratic caucus. Anyway, if any of these congresscritters are yours, call them at 202-858-1717 and give them a piece of your mind, especially the ones who campaigned on Medicare-for-All and got you to contribute to them or vote for them because of that.





Brownstein's piece in The Atlantic is about politicians unable to understand, let alone explain, the details of policy-- in this case Medicare-For-All and a bumbling Kamala Harris. Her stumbling answers during an interview this week, caused Brownstein to speculate that "the idea of trying to completely eliminate private insurance unnerves many veterans of the health-care fights under former Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama. After the ACAs passage, Obama-- who had famously promised that those who like their insurance plan could keep it-- faced a huge backlash after only a few hundred thousand people in the individual insurance market were forced to give up coverage that did not meet the laws standards. Ending private insurance would affect the 181 million Americans who today receive health insurance through their employers, according to census figures. The share of Americans who receive coverage through work is significant: about two-thirds of adults with a high-school diploma, three-fourths of those with a two-year college degree, 87 percent of those with a four-year degree, and 90 percent of those with graduate education. Not surprisingly, that means extremely large percentages of adults receive health coverage through their employers in many of the affluent suburban districts that powered the Democratic takeover of the House last November.

More than four-fifths of the population receives employer-provided coverage in a wide range of districts that Democrats flipped from the GOP in 2018, including suburban seats in Northern Virginia and New Jersey, and seats in Chicago, Minneapolis, and Detroit, according to census results. And roughly three-fourths receive health insurance through their employers in districts that Democrats won elsewhere: in northeast Iowa; Irvine, California; Salt Lake City; Virginia Beach, Virginia; and the suburbs of Richmond, Virginia; Atlanta; Des Moines; Kansas City, Kansas; and San Diego. By contrast, in the much more working-class New York City district won by the liberal champion Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, just 56 percent of the residents have employer-provided insurance.



Very few of the winners in these suburban seats endorsed the single-payer idea, as the journalist Libby Watson has tabulated . (The law professor Katie Porter, who beat Republican Mimi Walters for the California seat centered on Irvine, was one of the rare exceptions.) And many longtime Democratic health-care experts are dubious that most of these suburban members would ever vote to eliminate private health coverage for their constituents-- especially when the options of allowing younger adults to buy into Medicare or creating a more robust public option could also substantially expand coverage without provoking as much of a potential backlash.



[Watson's analysis, used by Brownstein, is nearly worthless since counting was far from over when she wrote it and several races were won by Democrats who back Medicare-For-All after it was published.]



...[I]ts clear that single-payer advocates are gathering more momentum than ever before in the party. In addition to Harris, Democratic Senators Elizabeth Warren, Kirsten Gillibrand, and Cory Booker-- all either announced or likely 2020 presidential candidates-- have endorsed the legislation from Sanders (a possible candidate himself) to eliminate private health insurance and replace it with a single government-run system. Representative Pramila Jayapal of Washington is expected to introduce similar legislation in the House soon, with co-sponsorship from about half of the Democratic caucus.



The single-payer idea is also attracting increasing interest from organized labor, which historically has been ambivalent about proposals that would eliminate its role in delivering health-care benefits for its members. Theres lots of discussion about this, says one high-ranking union official who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations. The only real resistance is from Building Trades and Teamsters who administer big health-care plans and have mixed feelings. Theyre torn between cost increases and a legacy sense of the importance of being the source of member insurance. If Dems move Medicare for All, unions will likely push it strongly. Groups that advocate for single payer are mobilizing to build awareness of the policy: The National Nurses United union, one of the leading supporters, is organizing dozens of events across the country in early February.





Polling consistently shows that Democratic voters initial reaction is to support these ideas. In the latest monthly health-care tracking poll by the nonpartisan Kaiser Family Foundation, four-fifths of Democrats (and 56 percent of all adults) said they supported a national health plan, sometimes called Medicare-for-All, in which all Americans would get their insurance from a single government plan.



But the same survey found much more hesitation, even among Democrats, when respondents were told [lies] that such a plan could mean higher taxes, longer waits for treatment, and the elimination of private insurance companies. Support among the general public in the Kaiser poll plummeted to just 37 percent when respondents were told it could eliminate private insurance companies. Support sagged to the same level when respondents were told it could require most Americans to pay more in taxes. Only one-fourth still backed the idea if it meant longer wait times for care.



Most self-identified Democrats still supported the proposal when told it would eliminate private health insurance or require higher taxes, according to more detailed results Kaiser provided to me. But both possibilities roughly doubled opposition among Democrats, to about two in five. And a substantial majority of Democrats, nearly two-thirds, said they would oppose single payer if it meant longer waits.



The shifts were even more dramatic among the broader population of college-educated whites, whom Democrats increasingly rely on in elections, and the working-class whites whom the party is hoping to pry back from Trump. Support from both groups dropped to only 34 percent when respondents were told private insurance could be eliminated, and to about one in four when they were told single payer could mean longer waits. Higher taxes were less of a deal breaker for college-educated whites: 45 percent of them (compared with only about one-third of non-college-educated whites) said they would still support single payer if it required more taxes on most Americans, as analysts have estimated it would. (Supporters argue that while the system shifts costs from employers and consumers to the government, it would increase efficiency by squeezing out insurance companies and reduce the nations overall level of spending on health care.)



The Democratic pollster Geoff Garin, who has polled extensively on health care, says the Kaiser results-- and the findings of his own recent survey for the advocacy group Protect Our Care-- underscore the turbulence in the health-care debate, especially after the defeat of GOP efforts to repeal the ACA. I dont think there is a settled opinion on this, Garin says, referring to the single-payer idea. And there are definitely serious questions that the supporters of Medicare for All will have to navigate. But I think there is an openness to significant change in the way people receive their health-insurance coverage.



In the near term, Garin says, Democrats dont need to resolve these questions: His survey, like the Kaiser poll, found that voters, including Democratic partisans, want Congress to focus this year mostly on defending and improving the ACA-- for instance, by maintaining patient protections and doing a better job of controlling costs.



People want a conversation about universal coverage, says Leslie Dach, the founder and chair of Protect Our Care. But this is a complicated issue. Do people fully grasp what it means for their employer insurance, what [it means] for other aspects of the health-care system? At the same time, theres a critical agenda that is in front of the Congress today that is straightforward and hugely meaningful.



But the longer-term debate over the partys direction on health care, sharpened by Harriss declaration on Monday, looms as a probable centerpiece of the partys 2020 nominating contest. Several likely candidates, including Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown and former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, have already signaled they will propose more incremental changes to expand coverage. In Garins survey for Protect Our Care, Democrats split exactly in half on whether they want the party to pursue reforms that build on the existing employer-based system or replace it entirely with a single-payer structure.



How that debate sorts out-- through the 2020 primaries and beyond-- will gauge the new balance of power among Democrats, as the party still envisions itself as the voice of the struggling, but represents a growing number of the comfortable.

The corrupt establishments of both paries-- not the essence of the parties, their establishments-- are exactly the same kind of toxic garbage. Don't think the Democratic garbage is better than the Republican garbage. Without values and ideals, the two parties are just self-serving careerists. I don't care about Mikie Sherrill's or Kendra Horn's or Jeff Van Drew's careers. I care about the policies they will kill while putting their careers over the interests of the American people. Watch this new short video about the former president of her college's Young Republican Club and GOP operative, all the way through:The story of Anastasia Vashukevich [AKA- Nastya Rybka] isn't reallyextraordinary. 28 year old Eastern European hooker-- in this case a Belarusian model-- didn't marry a man who would one day become the illegitimate "president" of the United States, but instead was plying her trade on a oligarch's yacht when she had an opportunity to make 16 hours of surreptitious video and audio tapes of the oligarch, the notorious Oleg Deripaska, chatting with Putin's deputy prime minister Sergei Prikhodko, about stealing the U.S. election for Russian puppet Donald J. Trump. After that she got arrested for prostitution by the Thai authorities in Pattaya, basically a small beach city renowned for exactly one thing: prostitution.

Anastasia Vashukevich fueled speculation around possible ties between Trump and the Kremlin last year when she posted a video from a police van, saying she had 16 hours of audio and video proving ties between Russian officials and the Trump campaign that influenced the 2016 U.S. elections.













Deripaska denied the allegations and even went to court to seek to remove the video Vashukevich posted in which he discusses U.S.-Russia ties with a senior Russian government official.





Vashukevich, who is also known as Nastya Rybka, returned to Russia last month almost a year after she was detained in Thailand on charges of soliciting sex, in what some believe was an attempt to silence her.





Vashukevich, 28, told the AP in an interview Friday that, contrary to earlier reports that she had destroyed the recordings, she had given them to Deripaska because it relates to him and that she did not want any more trouble.





Vashukevich rose to prominence in February last year when Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny published an investigation detailing dealings between Deripaska and Sergei Prikhodko, then-Russian deputy prime minister who played a prominent role in shaping Russias foreign policy.





Navalny drew on Vashukevichs video from summer 2016 when Deripaska was hosting Prikhodko on his yacht and was caught on tape saying that relations between Russia and the U.S. were bad because of then-Assistant Secretary of State Victoria Nuland.





Deripaska is close to Putin and also had a working relationship with Paul Manafort, Trumps former campaign manager. Manafort was investigated by special counsel Robert Mueller as part of the probe into the 2016 election and was convicted last year of tax and bank fraud.





Deripaskas representative at the time dismissed the reports as scandalous and mendacious assumptions. He promptly filed and won a lawsuit against Vashukevich for breach of privacy and secured a court ruling to delete the videos of him and Prikhodko.





Vashukevich and her teacher, self-styled sex guru Alexander Kirillov, were in Thailand shortly after Navalnys investigation came out, conducting a sex training seminar when they were arrested for working without a permit. Vashukevich, Kirillov and several others ended up being charged with soliciting sex and spent 11 months in a Thai jail.





In January, Vashukevich and others were sentenced by the court in Pattaya to three-year prison terms before a new ruling gave them suspended 18-month prison terms and deported them to Russia.





In the early stages of their detention, the sex training group sent a note to the U.S. Embassy via an intermediary seeking help and political asylum. Vashukevich indicated she would turn over the recordings she claimed to have if the U.S. could help secure her release, but later withdrew the offer, suggesting that she and Deripaska had reached an agreement.





Vashukevich and Kirillov initially blamed Russia for their incarceration and said they were fearful for their lives. In April, however, Vashukevich changed her tune and said it was the U.S. government that was persecuting her, not Russia.





Vashukevich later told reporters outside a Thai courtroom that she had promised Deripaska not to speak about the U.S. election interference anymore.





Vashukevich and Kirillov were briefly detained upon their arrival in Moscow late last month on suspicion of soliciting sex in Russia but were promptly released.





When pressed Friday by the AP about her previous claims, Vashukevich said she had emailed everything I had to Deripaska and dodged a question of whether she kept a copy for herself.





Oleg (Deripaska) has it all. If he wants to make any of it public, if he thinks that its a good idea, he can do it himself, she said.





A spokeswoman for Deripaska had no immediate comment Friday on Vashukevichs new allegations.





The Belarusian native who penned two books about seducing rich, powerful men explained to the AP how she changed her mind about who was to blame for her plight in Thailand.













She said he received multiple visits from Americans with FBI IDs who were seeking information about her claims of Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. election. She said they offered her safety in the U.S. or threatened her with a lengthy prison term if she refused to cooperate.





Around the time when she first publicly supported Russia, Vashukevich received a visit from Vladimir Pronin, Russias newly appointed consul in Pattaya, who she said helped to improve prison conditions for her and the other inmates. She credited Pronin for securing her release from the Thai prison and her deportation in January.





Russian publications The Bell and Proyekt last year pointed to another high-profile visitor who Vashukevich caught on tape spending time with Deripaska.





One video posted on her YouTube account showed a meeting between Deripaska and Adam Waldman, a U.S. lobbyist who has been working for Deripaska and who has had repeated meetings with WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange. The reported January 2017 meeting was several days before Waldmans visit to Assange at the Ecuadorian Embassy in London.





...Vashukevich has kept a low profile since her release, a stark contrast to the racy photos that she used to post on Instagram.





On Friday, she would not respond to a question on whether she was currently collaborating with Russian authorities. Her remarks, however, indicated that she may have traded her silence for security.





Things are so good right now, I dont want this to change, she said. I dont want to have to have to compare the Russian prison to the Thai prison. I dont want any more trouble.





In her old Instagram posts, Vashukevich used to take pride in manipulating rich, powerful men.





Asked Friday if she was now the one being manipulated, she retorted, in English: Shit happens. What do you do?Friday, Brave New Films released this short, powerful clip of Rep. Karen Bass (D-CA), Vanita Gupta (of the Leadership Conference) and Sherrilyn Ifill (of the NAACP) at the House Judiciary Committees hearing on H.R.1, the new bold and decisive groundbreaking reform package that includes voting rights, campaign finance and anti-corruption ethics reforms. They are seen here schooling one of the Republican witnesses/proud voter suppressors. The bill shouldn't be seen as partisan-- just one that pits corrupt members of Congress against reformers who want to start ridding the institution of the grotesque corruption that plagues it. (Key word there was "start," since Congress will never emerge from the swamp/sewer until this is instituted:

Last week Ella Nilsen, writing for, noted that the lobbyist community is mounting an opposition strategy to the package of legislation.

The National Association of Business Political Action Committees and its members met at the law offices of their legal counsel Wiley Rein on Tuesday to discuss the bills impact. The group is calling the anti-corruption bill, commonly known on the Hill as HR 1, potentially onerous legislation, and told its members to immediately begin engaging on this topic with your donors, senior executives and Hill allies.





This isnt the only group concerned about Democrats making HR 1 their first priority in the new Congress. The wide-ranging bill would require Super PACs to make their donors public, enact lobbying registration requirements with more oversight of foreign agents, set up nonpartisan redistricting commissions to end partisan gerrymandering, and create national automatic voter registration, among other actions.





The Conservative Action Project released a memo on Monday calling the bill the ultimate fantasy of the left, which was signed by Republican figures including former Alabama Senate candidate Roy Moore, Ronald Reagans attorney general, Edwin Meese III, and former House Majority Leader Tom Delay. (Delay resigned from Congress in 2006 after questions about his ties to infamous DC lobbyist Jack Abramoff, and was convicted of campaign money laundering in 2010.)





Conservative and libertarian group FreedomWorks has been circulating a form letter to members for the past two weeks, calling HR 1 a dangerous bill and saying it would restrict free speech and open up the country to one-party rule by Democrats.





Washingtons lobbyist and influence industries seem nervous, but they can rest easy for at least two more years; theres absolutely no chance that HR 1 will become law under the current Congress. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell outlined his staunch opposition to the bill in detail in a Washington Post op-ed a few weeks ago-- all but guaranteeing it wont see the light of day in the Senate.





But perhaps anticipating an era similar to the post-Watergate reforms, pro-business and lobbying organizations are starting to worry.





No matter when this kind of bill would be put on the calendar, were going to oppose it, based on what it is, FreedomWorks press secretary Peter Vicenzi told Vox.





The most common attack on HR 1 is that its transparency requirements for donors to Super PACs and dark money organizations are a blow to constitutionally protected free speech. Groups like the Conservative Action Project say the bill would upend free speech by making public which donors are giving to PACs. The 2010 Supreme Court decision on Citizens United in effect gave corporations the same powers as citizens in political spending.

The aim of HR 1 is to cut down on the excess of money influencing who gets elected and how policy is made in Washington, DC, but these groups often frame their arguments by saying the bill will unjustly hurt small donors as well.





This hurts Americans by revealing their names when they might want privacy, Vicenzi said. This isnt even for big donors, this hurts the little guy.





Of course, the amount of money big donors are spending on Super PACs dwarfs that of individual small donors. The top 10 donors to super PACs in 2018 were millionaires and billionaires (a mix of Democrats and Republicans)-- together, they account for more than $400 million donated to super PACs in 2018 alone, according to OpenSecrets data.





The 2018 midterms cycle was the most expensive midterm election in history and became the second-most expensive cycle ever when it came to outside spending, considering both midterm and presidential elections, per an OpenSecrets analysis.





Washingtons influence industry has other problems with HR 1. Jan Baran, the attorney who is providing guidance to NABPAC on the legislation, outlined concerns that the provisions in the bill meant to restrict foreign nationals from influencing American elections would also restrict the ability for American corporations who may have a foreign national as an executive or a shareholder to keep their PACs or donate to them.





If a corporation with even one foreign national executive, director, or shareholder with voting shares is considered a foreign national under HR 1, then the corporation would be subject to the same prohibitions, Baran wrote in a presentation to NABPAC that was shared with Vox. (Baran was involved in the 2010 Citizens United Supreme Court case, he wrote an amicus brief on behalf of the US Chamber of Commerce that was cited in the courts decision.)





Conservative groups and politicians, including McConnell, have also outlined concerns about HR 1s steps to eliminate partisan gerrymandering by incentivizing states to set up nonpartisan redistricting commissions. They also object to its proposed restructuring of the Federal Elections Commission to seat five commissioners instead of six. Democrats say this will reduce gridlock on the commission (something that former FEC commissioners of both parties have complained has paralyzed the body from doing its job), but conservative groups say it will make it more partisan.





From the First Amendment to your ballot box, Democrats want to rewrite the rules to favor themselves and their friends, McConnell wrote in his op-ed. Upending the FEC, squeezing taxpayers, attacking privacy and jeopardizing our elections are a price theyll happily pay for this partisan power grab.





Combined with the fact that more politicians coming to Washington and running for president are taking a no-corporate PAC pledge, Democrats see signs the influence industry is scared they are serious about real reforms.





I think [McConnell] and others perceive that if we get this passed in the House and make this strong declaration to the public... that begins to create momentum and pressure on him, said Rep. John Sarbanes (D-MD), the main sponsor of HR 1.



Report all errors to DonSurber@GMail.com





Oh, and if you see me driving my red 2010 Mustang GT convertible, please wave.

Hi, I am a retired newspaperman. I wrote 3 books on Trump and the media . I live in Poca, WV, with my wife of 43 years, Lou Ann. I grew up in Cleveland. Three kids. Grandfather.But I dont want to go among mad people," Alice remarked.

"Oh, you cant help that," said the Cat: "were all mad here. Im mad. Youre mad."

"How do you know Im mad?" said Alice.

"You must be," said the Cat, "or you wouldnt have come here.

 Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland





With freedom comes responsibility.

 Eleanor Roosevelt



Showers are likely across northwest Oregon and southwest Washington Sunday afternoon into Monday night, and with cold air moving in from the north, snow levels in the mid-valley will lower, the National Weather Service office in Portland said.

In a special weather statement issued at 3:53 a.m. Sunday, forecasters said the best chances for accumulating snow will be in the Coast Range, Willapa Hills, and Cascade foothills Sunday night and Monday, where accumulations are expected to range anywhere from 2 to 7 inches, with the heaviest amounts likely above 1,000 feet.

At the coast and in the inland valleys, sticking snow will be harder to come by. One to 3 inches are possible, but this will be mainly above 500 feet, and during the day Monday. In the central and western Columbia River Gorge and in the Hood River Valley, 1 to 3 inches of snow can be expected, primarily Monday and Monday night, forecasters said.

As the snow showers decrease Monday afternoon and Monday night, some of the coldest air yet of the winter will move in. Expect lows by Tuesday morning to drop into the 20s in most low-elevation locations, with teens locally possible in areas that receive a little snow cover. Cold temperatures and residual moisture could lead to icy roads Monday night and Tuesday morning, forecasters warned.Lawmakers could do more to help residents of rural Oregon become more energy efficient and rely less on fossil fuels, Dembrow said.

He wants the policy to not only cut down on carbon, but benefit the states economy and become a model for other states.

We know that in the near term, theres not going to be federal action on this, so its going to be up to the states, individually or together, to get a serious commitment to climate action, Dembrow said.

Oregon would link with California and Quebec in a marketplace to trade allowances so companies who have excess credits because they polluted less could cash them in. New Mexico could follow, as its governor signed an executive order this week outlining efforts to bolster the renewable energy sector.

Dembrow noted that the proposal unveiled Thursday faces changes despite the Democratic drive behind it.

Starting a little after 3 p.m., the Capitol halls started buzzing as lobbyists started asking who had seen the bill. The interest didnt dissipate. Hours later, people stood in huddles chatting about the bills mere existence as the building slowly emptied.A Lebanon man pleaded guilty in federal court last week to wire fraud and money laundering for his role in various online romance scams.

According to a news release from the U.S. Attorneys Office in Portland, Rodney Paul Gregory, 64, acted as a money mule for online romance scams between May 2017 and January.

As part of the scheme, unknown co-conspirators would target individuals through online dating. These co-conspirators would impersonate military or civilian personnel working overseas, pretending they needed funds for foreign taxes, travel costs or other reasons. Victims would wire money to bank accounts in the United States based on these false statements, the news release states.

Gregory incorporated companies and opened numerous business bank accounts in order to receive these wire transfers from victims, and then he would send the money to overseas bank accounts.

When federal agents interviewed Gregory in May 2017, he claimed he was unaware that the funds wired to his accounts were the proceeds of fraud. He claimed that his activity was the result of promises of love from a woman he met on an online dating website, according to the news release.CFP English | CFP 

What: DEF CON CHINA 1.0 Call For Papers

When: 31 May - 02 June, 2019, The Call for Papers deadline is 01 April 2019.

Where: DEF CON CHINA 1.0 will take place in Beijing, China

How: Complete the Call for Papers Form and send to talks at defcon dot org.

Special Notes:

DEF CON will provide hotel accommodations for individuals coming from outside China, and will provide up to $800 for airfare, please contact us for details. Unless you hold an APEC travel card, you will need a visa. Contact us as soon as possible with your full passport details and birthdate in order to request a visa invitation letter from our host. Please note, It is recommended that your passport has at least 6 months validity from 04 June 2019.



To submit your talk, please cut and paste the submission form below into the body of an email or within a single .txt file and send it to talks[at]defcon[dot]org. We request that applications are in plain text only to avoid disfiguring formatting errors. If you are submitting multiple talks, please submit them as separate emails. If you wish to send your submission encrypted via PGP please use KeyID:3A276723 for Nikita(at)DEFCON(dot)org.



If you have not received confirmation of your submission after two business days of submission, please check your spam folder, whitelist defcon.org, and search for mail from nikita[at]defcon[dot]org, then contact us again at talks[at]defcon[dot]org.



Put yourself in the shoes of the DEF CON Review Board. With the large number of submissions, you would want to read well-thought-out, complete submissions without having to load special document viewers or visit external web sites. You would want to read the entire submission without having to look up acronyms or research prior works. You would have many submissions to evaluate and so the most complete ones would stand out to you.



With that in mind your submission must contain all the following information as contained in the form below.

Presenter Information

Presentation Information

Abstract

Outline

Supporting Files

Scheduling and Equipment Requirements

Signed Submission Agreements

Please be as detailed as possible so that our review board can best evaluate your presentation against other submissions.



The following are common issues identified in talk submissions:

Submissions with incomplete application forms.

Submissions without an abstract, detailed outline, bio.

Submissions where the outline is not significantly more detailed than the abstract and/or bio.

Submissions that have sent in only attached slides, papers, or point to a URL.

Submissions that have withheld details, or have knowingly falsified details.

Deadline to submit is 01 April 2019. It is recommended you submit a submission as soon as you can, we may close early if we receive enough quality content to fill the schedule. Send to talks ]at[ defcon [dot] org.

===== DEF CON CHINA 1.0 CFP FORM =====

PRESENTER INFORMATION

Primary Speaker Name or Pseudonym:



Primary Speaker Title and Company (if applicable):



Additional Speaker Name(s)/Pseudonym(s) and Title(s):



Have any of the speakers spoken at any previous DEF CON? If Yes, which speaker, what year(s), and which talk(s)?



Primary Speaker Email Address:



Backup Email, in case of communication failure (optional):



Primary Speaker Phone Number:



Co-Speaker(s) Email Address(es):



Co-Speaker(s) Phone Number(s):



Speakers' Social Media / Personal Site Information (Twitter, Facebook, WeChat, website, etc):

PRESENTATION INFORMATION

Date of Submission:



Presentation Title:



Length of presentation: (20 minutes, 45 minutes)



Is there a demonstration? Yes or No. If yes, please explain the demonstration.



Are you releasing a new tool? Yes or No

If you are releasing a new tool:

Under which license?

Is it a full tool suite, a plugin, proof of concept exploit, update to existing tool, or something else?

Is the tool currently public?

What language is the tool written in?

Please introduce your tool briefly and explain what it does:



Are you releasing a new exploit? Yes or No

If you are releasing vulnerabilities, please break them down and abstract as a vulnerability database would. Include the vendor(s), product(s), and version(s) affected here:



Are there any contingencies that might prevent releasing the exploit (e.g. vendor relationships, coordinated disclosure delays, visa approvals, etc)? Yes or No



Have you submitted or do you plan on submitting this topic to any other conference held prior to DEF CON China 1.0? If yes, please list which conference(s) and their dates.

ABSTRACT (not to exceed 1337 characters):

Note: Your abstract will be used for the website and printed materials. Summarize what your presentation will cover. Attendees will read this to get an idea of what they should know before your presentation, and what they will learn after. Use this to inform attendees about how technical your talk is, what tools will be used, what materials to read in advance to get the most out of your presentation. This abstract is the primary way people will be drawn to your session, but should not give them the entire content of the talk. We request you keep your abstract well over 140 characters, but at or under the 1337 maximum.

Speaker Bio(s) (not to exceed 1337 characters total):

Note: This text will be used for the website and printed materials and should be written in the third person. Cover any professional or hacker history that is relevant to you and the presentation, you may include past jobs, tools that you have written, etc. Let people know who you are and why you are qualified to speak on your topic. If you prefer, you may write your bio under a pseudonym. Please include Co-Speaker and Panel Bios when possible.

DETAILED OUTLINE:

Note: This is the most important section on the application. You must provide a detailed outline containing the main points and navigation through your talk - show how you intend to begin, where you intend to lead the audience and how you plan to get there. Your outline should be in simple text. Please do not submit slides, Docs, or PDFs as an outline.



The review board likes submissions that include references to prior works and research you used in developing your presentation. The more detailed your outline then the better we are able to review your presentation against other submissions (and the higher chance you have of being accepted).

Good Outlines are discussed here:

https://writingprocess.mit.edu/process/step-2-plan-and-organize/creating-detailed-outline

https://www.defcon.org/html/links/dc-speakerscorner.html#nikita-cfp

https://www.defcon.org/html/links/dc-speakerscorner.html#leah-cfp-process



BAD outlines look like these:

i. intro

ii. something

iii. something else

iv. conclusion

v. q&a

SUPPORTING FILES:

Note: Additional supporting materials such as code, white papers, proof of concept, etc. should be sent along with your email submission. Additional files that may help in the selection process should be included. We are not asking for a complete presentation for this initial submission and full slides will only be required if you are selected for presenting. It is the submitter's responsibility to remove any PII from any attached slides, white papers, or supporting materials, and to appropriately sanitize any metadata in the provided content.

SCHEDULING AND EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS

We work to accommodate special requests regarding speaking time-slots, but cannot guarantee any specific availability. If you have special circumstances limiting when you can speak, please let us know. Is there a specific day or time by which you must present? Yes or No. If Yes, Please indicate the dates/times and restriction.



DEF CON will have a projector to display my final submitted presentation, Slides will be preloaded for the benefit of translation in both English and Chinese. DEF CON will provide a handheld device to advance your slides, and a microphone. A podium is not supplied. If you have a demo which requires a direct feed to the projector, Internet, or any other necessary equipment to complete your presentation please let us know in advance so that it may be arranged. Are there any other special equipment needs that you will require to successfully present your talk?

SUBMISSION AGREEMENTS

Please read and accept these terms by inserting your name where noted. Failure to do so will render your submission incomplete. Please read these carefully as some of the terms have changed.

Grant of Copyright Use

I warrant that the above work has not been previously published elsewhere, or if it has, that I have obtained permission for its publication by DEF CON Communications, Inc. and that I will promptly supply DEF CON Communications, Inc. with wording for crediting the original publication and copyright owner. If I am selected for presentation, I hereby give DEF CON Communications, Inc. permission to duplicate, record and redistribute this presentation, which includes, but is not limited to, the conference proceedings, conference CD, video, audio, and hand-outs to the conference attendees for educational, on-line, and all other purposes.

Terms of Speaking Requirements

1) I will submit by 01 May 2019, a completed presentation, a copy of the tool(s) and/or code(s), and a reference to all of the tool(s), law(s), Web sites and/or publications referenced to at the end of my talk and as described in this CFP submission for publication on the DEF CON media server, to be released the day of the conference.



2) I will submit a final Abstract and Biography for the DEF CON website and Printed Conference Materials by 15 April 2019.



3) I understand if I fail to submit a completed PDF presentation by 01 May 2019, I may be replaced by an alternate presentation. This decision will be made by DEF CON and I will be informed in writing of my status.



4) I will include a detailed bibliography as either a separate document or included within the presentation of all resources cited and/or used in my presentation.



5) I will complete my presentation within the time allocated to me - not running over, or excessively under the time allocation.



6) I understand that DEF CON will have a projector to display my final submitted presentation, Slides will be preloaded for the benefit of translation in both English and Chinese. DEF CON will provide a handheld device to advance your slides, and a microphone. A podium is not supplied. If I have a demo which requires a direct feed to the projector, Internet, or any other necessary equipment to complete my presentation I am responsible for notifying DEF CON in advance so that it may be arranged.

Terms of Speaking Remuneration

1) DEF CON will provide one badge for each speaker per presentation. Each DEF CON badge is good for admittance to all official activities held during DEF CON China 1.0 from 31 May - 02 June, 2019. As additional compensation, the primary speaker per presentation will receive 2 additional badges that I may keep, sell, give away, or use however I wish.



2) I understand that DEF CON will provide hotel accommodations for individuals coming from outside China, and will provide up to $800 USD for airfare. I understand it's my responsibility to contact DEF CON for details. Without prior approval, I will be responsible for my travel expenses, and airfare in excess of $800 USD.



3) I understand that unless I hold an APEC travel card, I will need a visa and a passport with at least 6 months validity from 04 June 2019. If needed I will provide my passport details for a visa letter of invite by 15 April 2019. I understand I am responsible for personal fees associated with obtaining a Passport and/or Visa.



4) I understand that DEF CON will cover the hotel accommodations for all foreign speakers. I am responsible for requesting this in advance with DEF CON. I understand that if I am traveling from within China DEF CON will not cover my travel arrangements and expenses.



5) I understand that any checks issued for travel reimbursement not delivered by the time of presentation may be mailed to me up to 30 days after DEF CON China.



As detailed above, I, (insert primary speaker name), have read and agree to the Grant of Copyright Use. I, (insert primary speaker name), have read and agree to the Terms of Speaking Requirements. I, (insert primary speaker name), have read and agree to the Agreement to Terms of Speaking Remuneration or I will forfeit my honorarium.

PRESS CONTACT

I, (insert primary speaker name) understand that DEF CON's official Press Liaison & Staff may contact me. I consent to be contacted in order to arrange interviews with the media. My contact information will not be given to third parties without my consent.

< OR >

No, I (insert primary speaker name), don't want to be contacted by DEF CON's press staff for any reason. Our policies, including our privacy policy are located here: https://www.defcon.org/html/links/dc-policy.htmlIt has been nearly 10 years since the National Academy of Sciences sounded the alarm about the shortcomings of forensics. Since then, there have been countless follow-up studies, state and national commissions, reports, panels and  to underscore the conclusions those entities reached  a consistent wave of crime lab scandals all over the country.





In the past year, Vox the Nation and NBC News have published lengthy treatises on the basic problem: Many of the forensic disciplines used in courtrooms across the United States are unreliable and entirely subjective, using methods unsupported by scientific research. Forensic malfeasance has even crept into the plots of TV police and legal dramas.





The crisis in expert testimony seems to be resonating just about everywhere except for the one place its most crucial: in courtrooms. But the problem is bigger than forensics and junk science. It isnt that the courts have been duped by phony expertise or quackery; its that the criminal justice system has evolved to disregard its own mistakes. Courts rarely correct themselves, even when they get something fundamentally wrong. And because they make their own rules, theres no one to tell them to get it right.





Last year, reporter Pamela Coloff published a piece in ProPublica and the New York Times Magazine about Joe Bryan , a Texas man convicted partly because of blood-spatter testimony given by a detective. That officer had all of 40 hours of training in blood-spatter analysis, a field of forensics that, even when done properly, has been questioned by the NAS and other authoritative groups. The detective himself has since admitted that his testimony was mistaken, and the Texas Forensic Science Commission determined that his testimony in Bryans trial was not accurate or scientifically supported. Yet none of this was enough to overturn Bryans guilty verdict. In December, a Texas judge denied his request for a new trial





In 2017, some reform advocates hoped the Supreme Court would fix a long-standing error when it considered a case about barring sex offenders from using social media. In the majority opinion in McKune v. Lile , Justice Anthony M. Kennedy repeated a claim from a pop psychology magazine that the recidivism rate for sex offenders was frighteningly high, as high as 80 percent. Its nowhere near that high. In fact, people convicted of sex crimes reoffend at a lower rate than any other class of criminals. Kennedys claim has been repeated by more than 90 courts across the country in opinions upholding various types of post-incarceration punishment for sex offenders, including indefinite detention and living restrictions that force them sleep under bridges. The court has had a number of chances to correct Kennedys mistake. It hasnt. In the 2017 case, the court struck down the social media ban but left Kennedys error intact. The majority opinions author ? Kennedy.









All of this provides some important context for a regrettable ruling late last year in the case of Eddie Lee Howard , a Mississippi man on death row at the state penitentiary in Parchman. Howard was convicted in 1994, primarily because of testimony from Steven Hayne and Michael West. Hayne is a controversial longtime medical examiner who was described a few years ago as discredited by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. (Tellingly, that description came after decades in which that court and others had persistently rejected challenges to Haynes credibility. Worse, the opinion itself actually denied relief to the convicted man because, according to the opinion, the man had waited too long to file his challenge to the same expert the same court had been protecting for years.)





But it was West who did most of the heavy lifting to put Howard on death row. West is a notoriously buffoonish expert witness, a self-trained bite mark analyst and forensic jack-of-all-trades. He has been roundly denounced by just about everyone who has crossed paths with him, including other bite mark analysts, the prosecutors who once used him and Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood. He has been expelled from one forensics organization and was forced to resign from at least two others. West is considered a pariah even within the field of bite mark analysis, which itself has been roundly criticized by every scientific body to examine it. In the early 2000s, one defense attorney even tricked West into matching the teeth of the attorneys own investigator to the bite marks from an unrelated crime scene.





In the Howard case, like many others that Hayne and West worked on together, Hayne claimed to have found bite marks on the body of the victim (who in this case had been exhumed). He then called in West, who matched those marks to Howard.





From the time of Howards conviction in 1994 until about the mid-2000s, Howard and other Mississippi defendants repeatedly challenged Wests credibility in their appeals. Over and over, they lost. Over and over, state courts up to and including the Mississippi Supreme Court ruled that as long as the defendants attorney had the opportunity to cross-examine West at trial, there was no harm in allowing him to testify for the state.





But in 2007, two men convicted because of testimony from Hayne and West  Kennedy Brewer and Levon Brooks  were exonerated by DNA testing, which pointed to the real killer in both cases. That man, who had been exonerated by West in the Brooks case, later confessed to committing both crimes on his own. He also said that he never bit the victims. Prosecutors dropped the charges against Brooks and Brewer and released them from prison.





In 2013, Howards lawyers were permitted to perform DNA tests on the crime science evidence. Tests did find male DNA on the blade of the murder weapon, but it wasnt Howards. Finally, in 2015, the Mississippi Supreme Court granted Howard a hearing to assess the validity of the scientific evidence against him. That multipart hearing took place in 2016 and 2017. In a deposition for the hearing , West belched, cracked jokes and swore profusely. He called his critics childish names, reprimanded Howards attorneys and concocted hypotheticals that involved him killing those attorneys. Mississippis attorney general had long since conceded that West wasnt a credible witness. Yet Jim Hoods office has continued to defend convictions for which West was a crucial witness. And here, the states star witness in a death penalty case wasnt just lacking in credibility; he behaved like a petulant adolescent.





Yet none of this was enough to win Howard a new trial. In a ruling issued in October , Circuit Court Judge Lee Howard (the judge and defendant have confusingly similar names) argued that Eddie Lee Howards attorneys had already challenged Wests credibility during his two trials, in his direct appeals and in more than one of his post-conviction petitions. Every time, he had lost. Every time, a Mississippi court had ruled that West was either a perfectly credible witness or not so tainted that he shouldnt have been permitted to testify. So, the judge ruled, Eddie Lee Howard was procedurally barred from raising these issues again. Moreover, Judge Howard pointed out that under the controlling case law, the Mississippi Supreme Court had already ruled that (a) bite mark evidence was admissible in the state, and (b) West in particular was permitted to testify as an expert.





There are a couple of problems with this argument. First, that the Mississippi Supreme Court has said that bite mark evidence is admissible in the states courts does not mean that it is admissible in every case, no matter how shabbily it is presented. Similarly, the fact that the court has allowed West as an expert doesnt mean his testimony is therefore always credible and never to be challenged. Second, the same state supreme court that Judge Howard cites is the court that ordered Eddie Lee Howards evidentiary hearing. There are two possible outcomes from an evidentiary hearing of this type: The court either rules that the evidence is scientifically valid or that it is not. If the Mississippi Supreme Court didnt think tossing Wests testimony was a legally permissible outcome, it wouldnt have ordered the evidentiary hearing in the first place.





But theres one more thing about Judge Howards ruling that really hammers home just how blind the courts can be to their own mistakes. It was Judge Howard who in 1995 sentenced the innocent Kennedy Brewer to death, adding, May God have mercy on your soul. It gets worse: Twelve years later, the same Judge Howard declared Brewer innocent, and released him from prison. And a short time later, the same Judge Howard performed the same ritual for Levon Brooks.





Judge Howard, of all people, should know that West is not a reliable expert. Yet despite being given an opportunity to afford some justice to a third man convicted because of West, Judge Howard opted instead to uphold the conviction. In doing so, he noted that he was bound by prior state supreme court decisions. What doesnt matter  what he didnt even consider  is that those decisions were provably, definitively wrong. And yet because the legal system cant seem to correct its mistakes, Judge Howard relied on the three cases that, incredibly, still govern the admissibility of bite mark evidence in Mississippi: a ruling from Eddie Lee Howards previous appeals, Kennedy Brewer v. State of Mississippi and Levon Brooks v. State of Mississippi





For all of the recent talk about the death of truth and alternative facts, the criminal justice system has been creating its own alternate reality for decades  one in which sex offenders are highly recidivist, quack experts are trained researchers, bite mark matching is steeped in science and blood-spatter analysis is as foolproof as a cholesterol check. Once the U.S. Supreme Court or a state supreme court cites a claim as truth, lower courts and their litigants are obligated to treat it as gospel. Subsequent jurisprudence then relies on and sometimes even turns on these truths. At that point, the courts are rarely interested in whether theyre actually . . . true.













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(3/3) love and acceptance. Despite their best efforts we will continue to move forward each day and show by our words and actions that no matter who you are, no matter where you are from, no matter who you worship, and no matter who you love you are welcome in #CarlislePAError 500

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1. U.S. acceptance of coexistence as the only alternative to atomic war.

2. U.S. willingness to capitulate in preference to engaging in atomic war.

3. Develop the illusion that total disarmament of the United States would be a demonstration of moral strength.

4. Permit free trade between all nations regardless of Communist affiliation and regardless of whether or not items could be used for war.

5. Extension of long-term loans to Russia and Soviet satellites.

6. Provide American aid to all nations regardless of Communist domination.

7. Grant recognition of Red China. Admission of Red China to the U.N.

8. Set up East and West Germany as separate states in spite of Khrushchev's promise in 1955 to settle the German question by free elections under supervision of the U.N.

9. Prolong the conferences to ban atomic tests because the United States has agreed to suspend tests as long as negotiations are in progress.

10. Allow all Soviet satellites individual representation in the U.N.

11. Promote the U.N. as the only hope for mankind. If its charter is rewritten, demand that it be set up as a one-world government with its own independent armed forces. (Some Communist leaders believe the world can be taken over as easily by the U.N. as by Moscow. Sometimes these two centers compete with each other as they are now doing in the Congo.)

12. Resist any attempt to outlaw the Communist Party.

13. Do away with all loyalty oaths.

14. Continue giving Russia access to the U.S. Patent Office.

15. Capture one or both of the political parties in the United States.

16. Use technical decisions of the courts to weaken basic American institutions by claiming their activities violate civil rights.

17. Get control of the schools. Use them as transmission belts for socialism and current Communist propaganda. Soften the curriculum. Get control of teachers' associations. Put the party line in textbooks.

18. Gain control of all student newspapers.

19. Use student riots to foment public protests against programs or organizations which are under Communist attack.

20. Infiltrate the press. Get control of book-review assignments, editorial writing, policymaking positions.

21. Gain control of key positions in radio, TV, and motion pictures.

22. Continue discrediting American culture by degrading all forms of artistic expression. An American Communist cell was told to "eliminate all good sculpture from parks and buildings, substitute shapeless, awkward and meaningless forms."

23. Control art critics and directors of art museums. "Our plan is to promote ugliness, repulsive, meaningless art."

24. Eliminate all laws governing obscenity by calling them "censorship" and a violation of free speech and free press.

25. Break down cultural standards of morality by promoting pornography and obscenity in books, magazines, motion pictures, radio, and TV.

26. Present homosexuality, degeneracy and promiscuity as "normal, natural, healthy."

27. Infiltrate the churches and replace revealed religion with "social" religion. Discredit the Bible and emphasize the need for intellectual maturity which does not need a "religious crutch."

28. Eliminate prayer or any phase of religious expression in the schools on the ground that it violates the principle of "separation of church and state."

29. Discredit the American Constitution by calling it inadequate, old-fashioned, out of step with modern needs, a hindrance to cooperation between nations on a worldwide basis.

30. Discredit the American Founding Fathers. Present them as selfish aristocrats who had no concern for the "common man."

31. Belittle all forms of American culture and discourage the teaching of American history on the ground that it was only a minor part of the "big picture." Give more emphasis to Russian history since the Communists took over.

32. Support any socialist movement to give centralized control over any part of the culture--education, social agencies, welfare programs, mental health clinics, etc.

33. Eliminate all laws or procedures which interfere with the operation of the Communist apparatus.

34. Eliminate the House Committee on Un-American Activities.

35. Discredit and eventually dismantle the FBI.

36. Infiltrate and gain control of more unions.

37. Infiltrate and gain control of big business.

38. Transfer some of the powers of arrest from the police to social agencies. Treat all behavioral problems as psychiatric disorders which no one but psychiatrists can understand.

39. Dominate the psychiatric profession and use mental health laws as a means of gaining coercive control over those who oppose Communist goals.

40. Discredit the family as an institution. Encourage promiscuity and easy divorce.

41. Emphasize the need to raise children away from the negative influence of parents. Attribute prejudices, mental blocks and retarding of children to suppressive influence of parents.

42. Create the impression that violence and insurrection are legitimate aspects of the American tradition; that students and special-interest groups should rise up and use united force to solve economic, political or social problems.

43. Overthrow all colonial governments before native populations are ready for self-government.

44. Internationalize the Panama Canal.

45. Repeal the Connally reservation so the United States cannot prevent the World Court from seizing jurisdiction over nations and individuals alike.CHIPPEWA FALLS  A Neillsville man who sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl at a home in Chippewa Falls in September 2017 was sentenced Friday to serve two years in prison.

Jason D. Adams, 44, entered an Alford plea in October in Chippewa County Court to three counts of third-degree sexual assault. An Alford plea means Adams maintains his innocence but acknowledges the state has enough evidence that a jury could find him guilty. Adams was originally charged with second-degree sexual assault and repeated sexual assault of a child. Adams lived on Birch Street in Chippewa Falls at the time of the assaults.

According to the criminal complaint, the girl told authorities that she had sexual intercourse with Adams multiple times over a several-week span at a home in Chippewa Falls. The girl and several of her family members attended the sentencing but didnt speak.

Judge James Isaacson said he had problems with Adams version of events. He said he followed the presentence investigation, but wondered if it was enough. Isaacson also ordered three years of extended supervision.

Adams apologized prior to the sentencing.A new shopping center in the Atarot Industrial Zone, between Ramallah and Jerusalem, has Palestinians grappling with how to respond to it. Atarot Mall, built by the Israeli supermarket magnate Rami Levy on the western side of the separation wall, is promising high-quality goods at low prices and jobs for Jews, Muslims and Christians. Many, however, see the mall as a threat to Palestinian-owned shops in East Jerusalem and have called for Palestinian merchants and consumers to boycott it.





The shopping center, inaugurated Jan. 11, is part of a chain that also has branches in Israeli settlements on the West Bank and in Jerusalem. What differentiates the Atarot branch is its location on Route 60, the highway that separates the northern and southern parts of the West Bank and is used by Palestinians as well as Israeli settlers. Also of note is that Palestinian merchants from Jerusalem have purchased or rented space in the mall, which will have a reported 50 stores.





The shopping center embodies Levys policy of promoting economic coexistence and normalization between Jews and Arabs. He has pursued these policies through Rami Levy Hashikma Marketing, Israel's third largest supermarket chain, which hires Muslim, Christian, and Jewish workers and caters to both the Arab and Jewish communities.





In an article and video posted Nov. 20, 2017, to the website for Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), Levy said, In Judea and Samaria we have four branches.  I think that coexistence needs to come from here. To show that it is possible to live together, to work together, and serve each other in a fair and moral way.





Levy, who invested 200 million shekels ($54 million) in the new shopping center, which took two years to build, told COGAT that 65% of the merchants will be Jews and 35% Palestinians. We treat everyone here equally, he said. Everyone wants to make this center a success.It was something you still don't see often.

An experienced murder investigator, once a rising star with the RCMP, was doubled over in his seat, elbows on his knees and face in his hands, sobbing so hard his shoulders shook.

Derek Brassington, a former sergeant with the force, was sitting in the prisoner's box at his sentencing hearing in B.C. Supreme Court. He was about to be sentenced for having an affair with a potential key witness during the investigation into the 2007 Surrey Six murders  the deadliest gang-related shooting in B.C.'s history.

At the Jan. 18 hearing, prosecutors read out loud an agreed statement of facts, outlining details of the entire forbidden relationship that led to two criminal charges: breach of trust and obstruction of justice.

The details were more sordid and intimate than many reporters expected to hear, but Brassington, for the better part of 45 minutes, barely seemed to react.

He only broke down when his defence lawyer, Ian Donaldson, recited a list of everything his client lost in the aftermath of the affair: his policing career; his reputation and other personal relationships.

Brassington could barely speak when he addressed the judge to make his apology. Dressed in a dark suit and tie, the tall ex-Mountie stood at the podium and took deep breaths. When he spoke his voice shook through the sobs. Justice Arne Silverman gently told him to take his time.

I didn't know what to write in my notebook. Crying? Sobbing? Inconsolable?

How do you convey this kind of reaction and what it means, coming from this person nearly a decade after the crime?

It had become clear that the story wasn't just about an officer sleeping with a witness when he was supposed to be helping to solve a high-stakes murder case. It's also a reminder of the crippling stress officers face, how they can be corrupted by temptation over time and how quickly lives can fall apart.

CBC

Reporters gathered together in the hall after the hearing and talked about what we could report. An extensive publication ban covered the majority of what we'd heard that day. We were limited to reporting only the fact of the guilty plea, the code definition of the charges he pleaded guilty to and the specifics of his sentence  two years less a day day house arrest under conditions.

Story continues

Publication bans are court orders put in place to stop the public and the media from reporting certain details of an otherwise public court proceeding, often to protect identities or preserve the fairness of another upcoming trial.

I phoned my executive producer back in the newsroom and updated him on what had happened. A decision was made to challenge parts of the publication ban.

We believed there was significant public interest in reporting the story, based on the statement of facts and Brassington's apology. A public servant had pleaded guilty and been sentenced for egregiously committing two crimes during a significant murder investigation, but we couldn't tell the public why.

CBC

I drafted a story about Brassington while we waited for our application to be heard in court. Ten days later, on Jan. 28, we found out two of Brassington's co-accused were going to plead guilty and be sentenced for charges against them, too. All three had been charged in 2011.

It was the same story with their hearings: we could only report the charge, plea and sentence. We added their cases to our application to have parts of the ban lifted.

A B.C. Supreme Court justice heard our application on Jan. 30. Justice Heather Holmes rescinded parts of the ban and gave reporters redacted versions of what had been submitted in court in all three hearings.

Jonathan Hayward/Canadian Press

I went back to the newsroom and wrote. The story went through two editors, an executive producer and a lawyer before we published.

I wanted to include revelations from Brassington that the public had never heard before because it shed a light on his state of mind leading up to and during the affair.

For example, we learned that although he had 13 years experience as an investigator, Brassington had little experience managing witnesses. On top of that, he said he was already acting as a leader in the difficult Robert Dziekanski case when he was also assigned the Surrey Six case in the fall of 2007.

CBC

Dziekanski, a Polish immigrant to Canada, died after he was Tasered by RCMP officers at Vancouver International Airport on Oct. 14, 2007  five days before six people were killed in the Surrey murders. A video of the airport incident showing Dziekanski being subdued by four officers made headlines around the world and brought enormous scrutiny on the force.

Brassington told the court he would cry in anguish when he listened to radio coverage hammering the force over Dziekanski's death and his investigation as he drove home after work. He said he saw the Surrey Six investigation case as a chance at redemption for the force.

Instead, he snapped under the stress of both investigations.

"I sold my soul for this," he told the court at the end of his hearing. "Instead of restoring public trust and faith in the RCMP, I killed it."

He continued: "I am sorry to everybody in this country that looks to the police to do what's right."On Friday, people in both Ottawa and Toronto were struggling under another cold day with temperatures that could cause frostbite.

Ottawa was a touch colder, but both cities faced a windchill that made it feel like 32 C.

Toronto had an extreme cold warning from Environment Canada, while Ottawa did not.

Dave Phillips, senior climatologist at Environment and Climate Change Canada, said the department keeps average temperatures in mind when it sets thresholds for warnings.

"Their average winter weather is a little bit more cold, so a threshold for issuing an extreme cold warning would be different in southern Manitoba, would be different in the Ottawa Valley, than it would be in the Toronto area," he said.

In southern Ontario, including Toronto, the wind chill or temperature has to be forecast to hit 30 for at least two hours before an alert is issued. In Ottawa, it has to hit 35, which is the same standard as coastal B.C. and Atlantic Canada.

In Montreal, the temperature has to fall a little further still to 38, but that won't cut it in northern Ontario and most of the Prairies where it has to fall to 40 before the alarm is sounded.

And in Nunavut and the Arctic islands, it has to fall all the way to 55 before the agency issues an alert.

Phillips said the agency takes in mind that certain weather is much less expected in some parts of the country, and people are less prepared.

"They may not own the garments  the balaclavas and the snow pants and the parkas and long underwear, for example  where they certainly would in the north and so they are probably better equipped to handle those kind of cold conditions," he said.

Evan Mitsui/CBC

The standards also apply to other warnings. The agency tells Torontonians to bundle up at a warmer temperature than anywhere else in the country, but it doesn't trigger a heat warning there nearly as quickly as it would elsewhere. Fog has to be forecast to last for 18 hours in Atlantic Canada before an alert is issued, but only six in the rest of the country.

Story continues

Phillips said the warnings are meant to tell people to take extra precautions, and you can't do that all the time.

"You don't want to issue an extreme cold warning every day of the year. People will tune you out. They just won't take precautions."After years of relative calm, police in Hamilton and across Ontario suddenly have their hands full with brazen attacks on people with connections to organized crime.

Cece Luppino's shooting death this week marks Hamilton's third killing in two years where the victim has some link to the mob. All of shootings were similar, with the victim gunned down at home.

Police have said a recent surge of violence in the Toronto and Montreal areas seems to be connected to a power struggle, as different organized crime factions vie for position, and old scores are seemingly settled.

Here's a look at the incidents experts and investigators believe point to upheaval happening right now in Canada's criminal underworld.

The death of the 'Teflon Don'

Though not a violent incident, experts say the death of the former head of the Montreal Mafia Vito Rizzuto seems to have opened the door for the violence being seen in Ontario.

The 67-year-old died back in 2013 after being hospitalized for pulmonary problems  just over a year after his release from an American prison.

Kelly Bennett/CBC

In 2007, Rizzuto pleaded guilty in an American court to racketeering charges in exchange for a 10-year sentence in connection with the 1981 murders of three alleged gang leaders at a New York social club.

Rizzuto's death paved the way for upheaval in the underworld, says Antonio Nicaso, a Mafia expert who teaches courses on organized crime at Queen's University in Kingston, Ont.

"There's a power struggle left from the vacuum from Rizzuto," he explained.

Angelo Musitano gunned down

The ripples of that power struggle first hit Hamilton in 2017, when notorious mobster Angelo Musitano was repeatedly shot outside his suburban home. The Musitano family was aligned with Rizzuto, which offered protection  until his death.

Musitano was gunned down just before the 20-year anniversary of the famous hit on the fearsome Johnny (Pops) Papalia, to which he was forever linked. At the time of Musitano's death, friends described him as someone who found God and spent time caring for his young family.

Story continues

But Musitano had also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit murder and once thrived in gangland life. The way he died pointed to Musitano being undone by his past, despite apparent efforts to forge a new future.

Organized crime expert James Dubro, who has written extensively about the Mafia in Ontario, previously told CBC Musitano's supposed turn to God "doesn't mean much for gangsters."

CBC

"It's very hard to break away from that," he said.

"Found religion? Maybe. But it doesn't erase the past, if he did."

Musitano and his brother Pat were charged with first-degree murder in connection with the 1997 shooting of Hamilton crime boss Johnny (Pops) Papalia and one of his lieutenants, Carmen Barillaro.

The brothers reached a deal and pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit murder in the death of Barillaro. In turn, the charges against them in connection with Papalia's death were dropped.

A Hamilton man is now facing a murder charge in connection with Musitano's death. Police have also issued Canada-wide warrants for two more suspects who investigators believe may have fled to Mexico.

Mila Barberi's death

That same man is also facing a murder charge in connection with the death of Toronto woman Mila Barberi.

Investigators announced in early last year that several characteristics linked the shootings of Barberi in March 2017 and Musitano two months later.

Hamilton Spectator

Barberi, 28, was killed while she sat in a BMW SUV parked outside a business in the middle of the afternoon in an industrial area of Vaughan, Ont. She was picking up her boyfriend, Saverio Serrano, 40, who police say has connections to organized crime and may have been the intended target.

Pat Musitano's home shot up

Just weeks after Angelo Musitano was killed, his brother received a message of his own, when someone fired bullets into his home.

No one was hurt, but detectives said at the time that they believed the home was specifically targeted.

Hamilton Police Service

Al Iavarone killed in 'targeted attack'

Then, last September, 50-year-old Al Iavarone was shot as his home in Ancaster. Police said it was a "targeted attack," and revealed Iavarone was associated with people involved in organized crime.

Police say Iavarone's wife and two adult children were at home at the time of the incident. The shooter drove a silver vehicle onto the street, parked it, got out, then hid in the bushes.

Adam Carter/CBC

When Iavarone got home, the shooter approached him and fired.

Investigators said at the time that Iavarone was a real estate agent and had no criminal record, but added he was known to police.

Mobster's son shot dead

Which brings us to Luppino's death. The son of mobster Rocco Luppino was gunned down at a Hamilton home owned by his father on Wednesday, in what police said appears to be yet another "targeted" killing.

The Luppino family was once a powerhouse in organized crime in the region. Court documents filed by the RCMP show the Luppino family is connected to a web of organized crime stretching from Hamilton to Buffalo, N.Y.

The documents, which were filed as part of the drug trafficking case against Domenico Violi and his brother Giuseppe (Joey) Violi, link the two families together. The RCMP also say the Luppino-Violi family is a faction of the Todaro crime family in Buffalo that is run by Joe Todaro, Jr.

RoyalLePage

Both Rocco Luppino and his brother Natale are "made" members of the Buffalo family who operate in Hamilton, police say.

Giacomo Luppino, Cece's grandfather, was a heavyweight in organized crime circles in Hamilton several decades ago, said Nicaso.

"He was in charge in Hamilton in the '60s and '70s," Nicaso said. "Giacomo was a very powerful boss."One of Canada's top former diplomats says that Canadians shouldn't expect to see much more than a statement of principles coming out of an emergency Lima Group meeting on Venezuela that Ottawa is hosting Monday.

"I would expect there would be a declaration asking for movement forward, asking for continued respect for human rights and really putting it on the line that this interim president [Juan Guaido], as per the Venezuelan constitution, should be the one to step up and call for elections," said Peter Boehm, a long-time senior diplomat with postings to Cuba, Costa Rica and the Organization of American States, in an interview airing Saturday on CBC Radio's The House.

"This meeting that's taking place will be significant in terms of putting extra pressure on for a [regime] change."

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, meanwhile, has said the goal of the summit will be to find a way to push for "peace, democracy and stability" in the crisis-ravaged country.

Protests have erupted across Venezuela since its authoritarian leader Nicolas Maduro began his second term on Jan. 10. He was elected last year in a controversial election during an economic and humanitarian crisis that has seen three million Venezuelans flee the country.

"I think this ceased being a domestic issue a long time ago," Boehm told host Chris Hall about Canada's involvement in mediating the crisis.

"If we respect the rules-based international order, it's up to us to rally support for change that will hopefully be peaceful."

At a town hall in Milton, Ont. on Thursday, Trudeau admitted Canada's goals as a mediator in the crisis are ambitious.

"I make it sound a little easy that on Monday we're going to figure this out," Trudeau said, acknowledging that because Maduro has the support and control of the military and judiciary, any solution will "require a difficult process."

Story continues

Carlos Garcia Rawlins/Reuters

Guaido, Venezuela's opposition leader, has declared himself interim president. Canada has joined the United States, the European Parliament and several Latin American nations in recognizing Guaido's claim. Russia and China  both countries which have invested heavily in oil-rich Venezuela  support Maduro, as does Turkey.

Under the country's 1999 constitution, enacted under Maduro's predecessor Hugo Chavez, the head of the legislature  in this case, Guaido  can lead a caretaker government in the event of the absence of a lawful one until a new election can be held.

"Venezuela is a country where the government [under Maduro] is not respecting human rights, it's not respecting its own constitution," said Boehm, who served as Canada's point person for the 2018 G7 summit before being appointed to the Senate in October.

Trudeau also brought up the Venezuelan constitution in his town hall comments.

"This all seems very complex and complicated and it is, but it is all grounded in human rights, the rule of law and Venezuela's own constitution," Trudeau said.

"This is not about Canada deciding, 'Oh, we don't like the way Maduro is governing, therefore we're going to support an opposition leader to become president.'

Yuri Cortez/AFP/Getty Images

"The international community recognized that there were not free and fair elections in Venezuela, and therefore Maduro is not the president of Venezuela in the eyes of the world and also in the eyes of Venezuelans. Article 233 actually provides for what happens when there is no president in Venezuela."

Canada takes leadership role on Venezuela

As the world watches protesters calling for Maduro's dismissal, and as Guaido reports that his family has been threatened by the country's security forces, Trudeau said Canada will not be taking a backseat role.

Indeed, Trudeau said Canada's has been leading on the issue for two years.

"It's a complicated situation, but it's one in which Canada has been leading the way, along with other top South American nations, over the past 18 months to two years."

The prime minister added he's spent the past few weeks "making calls to a significant number of global leaders to talk about the situation, because Canada has actually been involved as one of the lead members of the Lima Group."

Boehm said it makes sense that Canada is taking a leading role within the international community on Venezuela by hosting the Lima Group meeting.

"This is our backyard, the Western hemisphere. We have a role here too," he told Hall.

Monday's emergency meeting will see foreign ministers from the Lima Group countries come together along with representatives from other countries (such as the United Kingdom) to discuss support for Guaido.

Edgard Garrido/Reuters

"The significant fact is that Latin American countries have really lined up on this for the first time," Boehm said. "They're feeling the impact of three million refugees coming out of Venezuela, spilling into Colombia, Brazil and Guyana."

You can listen to the full interview with Boehm on Saturday's edition of CBC Radio's The House and in the player below.Edmonton is bracing for its coldest days of winter so far this year.

An extreme cold warning was issued for the Edmonton region Saturday, and almost every part of northern Alberta. Communities ranging from Whitecourt to Cold Lake are feeling the freeze.

In Edmonton, it's expected to feel like 34 C with the windchill on Saturday with a risk of frostbite, according to Environment Canada.

The mercury will fall even further, feeling like 41 C overnight into Sunday. The coldest wind chill values will be between minus 40 and minus 45.

Aside from Friday, when temperatures plunged to a high of 19 C, the next coldest day this winter was a high of 15.4 C on Jan. 17.

Weather can be 'devastating'

The deep freeze temperatures pose a serious risk to the city's homeless population. Frostbite on exposed skin can set in within minutes.

"This is the most difficult time of the year for the people that we serve," said Elliott Tanti, communications lead for Boyle Street Community Services.

"These are the days that take years off the lives of the people that we serve. The weather can be quite devastating."

Boyle Street extends its hours in the winter as part of Edmonton's warming strategy. The centre will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. as a refuge from the bitter cold.

Tanti said the centre expects to serve upwards of 700 people this weekend, two to three times more than an average weekend.

The centre's outreach team will also be checking in on camps of people known to sleep in different areas of the city, Tanti said.

Homeward Trust, the organization that coordinates the city's homeless shelters, said in a news release Friday that it anticipated shelters would be able to handle demands for beds during the extreme cold.

Ice On Whyte cancelled

The Ice On Whyte festival site will be closed on Sunday due to the extreme cold warning issued by Environment Canada.

"We invite all ticket purchasers to redeem their tickets [on Saturday]," said marketing manager Courtney Sidders in an emailed statement. The Beer Stew Off at Situation Brewing on Sunday is still set to go ahead.

Story continues

Ice On Whyte is an outdoor festival featuring ice sculptures created by 10 local and international ice carvers, along with an ice bar. The annual festival in Edmonton is in its 16th year.

Extreme cold and snowfall warnings

Environment Canada issued a snowfall warning for Edmonton Friday, forecasting up to 40 centimetres of accumulated snow by Saturday night. The storm started Thursday night and continued into Friday, making for a slippery end of week commute.

Edmonton police reported 130 collisions as of 4 p.m. Friday, six involving injuries.

Sebastien Tanguay/CBC

The Alberta Motor Association (AMA) issued a reminder on Thursday asking people to plug in their cars to avoid dead batteries. In extreme cold, calls for dead batteries represent more than 40 per cent of requests versus 26 per cent on a normal winter day, according to the AMA.

Environment Canada issues snowfall warnings when 10 centimetres is expected within a 12-hour period. Extreme cold warnings are issued when very cold temperatures or wind chill elevate the risk of frostbite and hypothermia.WinSport is shutting down the ski and snowboard hill at Canada Olympic Park on Sunday and Monday due to "forecasted cold temperatures and extreme wind chills."

Environment Canada is calling for a high of 24 C on Sunday with a low of 29 C, and a high of 25 C on Monday.

It could be even colder elsewhere. Some northern parts of the province, like High Level and Fort McMurray, may plunge to lows of around 37 C by Sunday or Monday night.

Edmonton could be shivering with a low of 31 C expected by Monday night. The city should see a high of 18 C on Saturday, 24 C on Sunday and Monday, then 20 C on Tuesday and 14 C on Wednesday.

The poor weather made for bad driving conditions in southern Alberta, with Canmore RCMP recommending against travel on the Trans-Canada Highway between the east gates of Banff National Park and the Kananaskis River.

The Calgary Zoo also cancelled its penguin walk on Saturday, due to the windy conditions.Moving your parents into a care home is rarely an easy choice, because it can be hard to come to terms with their inability to live independently. And for them, that loss of independence and suddenly being thrust into communal living can lead to frustration and confusion.

Add dementia, and it can give way to aggressive behaviour and violence.

The Sherbrooke Community Centre in Saskatoon is on a very short list of facilities studied and cited by the Alzheimer's Society as having an approach which emphasizes continued independence.

And it delivers on it, even when that independence increases the risk of injury.

"Traditionally, the philosophies that have been used in long-term care have been kind of patriarchal, where we say we know what's best for you," says Suellen Beatty, the long-time CEO of Sherbrooke Community Centre.

"But the bulk of suffering for people who are frail or disabled is really due to a malaise of the spirit, to the loneliness, the helplessness and the boredom."

David Common/CBC

Sylvia, one of the home's residents, is a good example. Living with an advanced form of dementia, she still has energy and even a desire to dance through the hallways from time to time. But she also has a history of falling.

In some long-term care homes, she'd be confined to her room to reduce the chance of injury. Other homes might sedate her. In short, to prevent her from falling, she'd be discouraged from standing.

Sherbrooke takes the opposite approach.

"Let them lead their life according to how they want to live," says Sylvia's nurse, May Abigania.

Dave MacIntosh/CBC

That approach extends beyond the locked dementia floors or "neighbourhoods," as Sherbrooke's staff call them. Residents retain considerable control over their own lives: when to wake up, when to have a shower, whether to have a pet (there are many), what activities to participate in, and whether to go outside on their own.

Seniors living in the facility can dine in a large cafeteria, often in small groups. Family-sized kitchens are also arranged throughout the living areas, and staff are given latitude to offer foods preferred by the dozen or so residents living in the rooms around each of them.

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"It's all about choices here," says Kari Prodahl, a continuing care aid, as she makes pizza and salad for a small group of residents. "Which makes it easy, because it is a homelike atmosphere."

David Common/CBC

Sherbrooke is no millionaires club. The publicly supported home to 263 residents receives funding comparable to what many seniors facilities across Canada get. It has no more staff than others like it.

It's also not immune to problems.

Resident-on-resident violence, increasingly common in care homes across Canada among confused and vulnerable seniors, remains a factor at the facility. And the risks that come with greater freedom can lead to serious consequences.

Howard Hrehirchuk's family was dismayed, for example, when he was able to wander outside in severe winter temperatures early one morning last October. They have also complained to the care home and the Saskatchewan Health Authority that the elderly man with dementia has fallen more than 17 times over a six-month period. They insist he should never have been able to leave his locked floor.

Hrehirchuk has a bed alarm, which goes off when an infrared barrier is crossed. His daughter says the care home shuts it off sometimes.

Sherbrooke responded by saying the care home will sometimes do that if the alarm is found not to be the best option for monitoring someone.

Beatty says she knows Sherbrooke isn't a utopia.

"We're living real life here and it's hard," adding that those who come to Sherbrooke are already at a point where living independently is no longer possible.

David Common/CBC

And yet, many residents and their families are fans of the approach.

The federal Minister of Seniors, Filomena Tassi, visited Sherbrooke in September. It has been celebrated for allowing residents to have greater flexibility over what they do  such as when and what they eat  and have meaningful things to do in a day.

Some new staff aren't comfortable, and there have been workers who leave. Others have remained for decades, convinced the way the facility operates provides its residents with a good mix of care and independence.

The next phase of Beatty's plan involves desegregation. She'd like to pull away the walls between residents with dementia and those without the condition.

Melissa Mancini/CBC

Those who are confused can become even more so when they're surrounded by others with dementia. So integrating the home's population of seniors with and without dementia, Beatty argues, will allow for a more balanced life for everyone.

Resident Alice Cowell may be the pioneer for that new approach. Even though she doesn't suffer from dementia, she chooses to live on a floor with those who do. She sees a purpose to being together  helping and being helped.

"I think it's just people being kind to them and treating them like ordinary people  you know, like they're good people."

With files from Emily PasiukThe Macdonald Bridge in Halifax was closed to traffic for about an hour Saturday afternoon  but it didn't mean the bridge was quiet.

About 100 people took part in an Indigenous rights march, walking from Dartmouth to Halifax over the bridge.

"You can take up the whole road," organizer Suzanne Patles called out to the crowd, who cheered and spread out in response.

The group sang songs, played drums and chanted loudly: "Water is life, respect Indigenous rights."

Several people donned purple T-shirts with the words "Stop violence against Indigenous women," while others carried banners and signs which read "Indigenous rights matter" and "No justice on stolen land."

Emma Davie/CBC

Many of the signs were in solidarity with the Wet'suwet'en First Nation, where 14 people were arrested last month for protesting a planned natural gas pipeline in British Columbia.

Members of the Wet'suwet'en Nation have also alleged that Coastal GasLink has unnecessarily destroyed traplines and bulldozed tents on their land.

Clayton Esau was at Saturday's march, carrying a sign that said "No pipelines on stolen land."

Esau, who is Eastern Cree, said he was there on Saturday for his family, his brothers and sisters who couldn't attend, and missing and murdered Indigenous women across Canada.

For those not at the march, Esau said he wants them to know that Indigenous people aren't trying "to take anything away from [anyone]."

Emma Davie/CBC

"We want to share everything that we have in this beautiful country," he said "We can all just share in the resources that are plentiful in this country, that a lot of people seem to be keeping for themselves."

Esau said Saturday's turnout was encouraging, especially with the recent incidents in B.C.

"It was very discouraging at the beginning of the month. But standing here today, I'm feeling like there's still a lot of power, there's still a lot of fire, there's still a lot of fight to be fought, but we're still here."

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'We are here and we have rights'

Patles said they organized the march because Indigenous people are unsatisfied with the current relationship with Canada.

"We're demanding a meaningful relationship where our authority is recognized and affirmed," she said.

"Our rights, that are entrenched and inherent, are not just checked boxes. We are a people, we were here and we have rights and laws that have to be recognized."

She said the bridge was chosen for a reason.

"This is our traditional territory. We were displaced out of the Halifax area and this is our way of saying we've always been here. We're showing our presence."

Emma Davie/CBC

Brianna Cromwell is a student at Saint Mary's University and heard about the march through one of her classes.

She's non-Indigenous, but wanted to come as an ally and said these issues affect everyone.

"They're constantly fighting for their land and I think it's really important that we support them," she said.

"We're all in this fight together."

Halifax Regional Police assisted the Halifax Harbour Bridges patrol officers to shut down the bridge, as well as parts of Gottingen Street, where the march ended.

Organizers told the crowd on Saturday that the police were there to help and had been working with them to make sure everyone there would be safe.Some WestJet passengers are crying foul after getting hit with a $30 checked bag fee charged in U.S. dollars.

"This is a pretty sneaky and dirty way to squeeze extra money out of your customers," said Taryn Zielke who was recently hit with the charge.

On Aug. 28, WestJet began charging baggage fees in U.S. dollars for return flights from the U.S., Latin America and the Caribbean.

Many passengers started noticing after Oct. 1, when WestJet raised its first checked bag fee from $25 to $30  which amounts to about $40 when charged in U.S. currency.

The additional increase has enraged a number of customers who claim it's a "cash-grab."

In a statement on its website in the "service fees" section, WestJet explains that its baggage fees are now based on the country a flight departs from.

That doesn't make much sense to Zielke who got hit with the $30 US fee on a return flight from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico  where the domestic currency is the much weaker Mexican peso.

"What pisses me off the most is, I never even stepped foot in the United States," she said. "Why am I paying in United States currency?"

Travelling to Mexico on Jan. 19, Zielke and her husband paid $60 for two checked bags.

On their return flight to Regina last weekend, they were charged $60 US for the same bags, which worked out to $83  $23 more.

"What are they doing with that extra $23?" said Zielke. "I just feel like the whole thing is very sketchy."

An industry standard?

When Zielke returned home, she fired off a complaint to WestJet. The airline wrote in response that in Mexico, U.S. currency is "the popular and desired method of payment."

Zielke said she never paid in U.S. dollars when in Mexico. "I would argue it's not the preferred currency," she said.

Submitted by Taryn Zielke

When WestJet passenger Chris Gunderson complained about the same $30 US fee, the airline replied that it "adjusted [its] fee guidelines to meet industry standards." WestJet also gives this explanation on its website.

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"I don't buy it," said Gunderson. He and his wife were floored when they had to pay $60 US ($83) for two checked bags on their return flight from Mazatlan, Mexico to Kelowna, B.C. on Dec. 21.

"It's just gouging on their part," said Gunderson.

CBC News compared bag fee rules for U.S. and sun destination routes with other major Canadian airlines.

For those routes, Air Transat also charges a $30 US baggage fee for its lowest economy fare on return flights for those routes. However, passengers can avoid the U.S. charge by prepaying in Canadian funds before leaving Canada.

WestJet doesn't provide a prepayment option.

Both Sunwing and Air Canada said that for flights originating in Canada, passengers never pay a different rate for a checked bag on the return flight. Instead, they're charged the Canadian equivalent in the departing country's local currency.

Even WestJet adheres to this rule  but only for passengers flying from Europe. In those cases, the airline charges the equivalent of $30 in British pounds or Euros for a checked bag.

Submitted by Chris Gunderson

"Why is flying from the Americas different?" said WestJet passenger, Vincent Pigeon.

He complained to the airline after having to pay $31.50 US ($43) to check a bag plus GST on his return flight from Phoenix to Vancouver on Jan. 18.

"That's not a fair rule," said Pigeon. "We buy the package here in Canada, the flight, everything's initiated here in Canada."

WestJet responds

WestJet told CBC News that it periodically adjusts its baggage fees based on economics.

"We believe that our fees, including the $30 USD charge departing the U.S., are competitive with the industry overall," said spokesperson, Lauren Stewart in an email.

She said that WestJet is "sorry to hear" that many passengers believe the fee is a cash-grab and points out that when flying out of the U.S., WestJet has to pay for local expenses in U.S. dollars.

Stewart said that the airline charges the $30 US bag fee for flights from other southern countries such as Mexico because WestJet only accepts four currencies: the U.S. and Canadian dollar, the British pound and the Euro. She didn't say why the airline chose to charge the bag fee in U.S. currency specifically for these countries.

While each of the passengers in this story complained to WestJet, only one of them, Gunderson, was reimbursed for the extra $23 he spent to take his two checked bags home.

The reason: he booked his flight before the US dollar bag fee took effect and never should have been charged it. He'd like to see other passengers also get their money back.

"I don't think any other WestJet customer should be charged that [fee]," said Gunderson. "They should change their policy. It's not fair."News / National

by Staff reporter

China says it has strong confidence in the leadership of President Emmerson Mnangagwa and has emphasised the need for unity among Zimbabweans.This comes as the Chinese celebrate their new year which begins on the 5th of February.Chinese business people operating in the country came together to celebrate their new calendar.Addressing the gathering, the Acting Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mr Zhao Baogang said his country will continue to offer technical and financial support to Zimbabwe.He said his country is proud of the progress made in developing the Hwange Power Station which is expected to produce excess power which the country will export to neighbouring countries.China reminded Zimbabweans to value peace for economic prosperity, adding that the current leadership has the capacity and will to transform the country.China has a unique calendar and it places value in animals which are selected to represent each year.2019 is the year of the pig and in terms of Chinese culture, it symbolises good fortune, prosperity and development.The Chinese believe 2019 is a promising year for Zimbabwe and Mr Baogang emphasised that his country's aim is to complete all the projects they have launched within a reasonable time. Among the projects include the new parliament building and the Robert Mugabe International Airport, among others.News / National

by Staff reporter

AS the country continues to count the losses of last month's violent demonstrations that resulted in wanton destruction and looting of shops, it has emerged that the Bulawayo City Council lost infrastructure worth more than US$300 000.Bulawayo was among the worst affected cities when the demonstrations rocked the country with most shops in western suburbs destroyed while key infrastructure such as robots was also damaged. In an interview, Bulawayo Town Clerk Mr Christopher Dube said because of the damages and other pressing needs, the city has applied for US$4,6 million from the Government through the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe.The city is also facing urgent needs to address other pressing issues such as water which has seen the council implementing a tight water rationing programme. Suburbs are now going for at least 48 hours without water per week."We are in a serious problem in terms of foreign currency requirements, as we speak we have applied to the powers that be for us to get US$4,6 million for us to be able to work otherwise if we don't get that money we are in trouble. Our major concern is for us to get water chemicals, road tar and other key materials that now all require foreign currency. All the quotations we make are coming back requiring hard currency which we do not have at all," said Mr Dube.With regards to the infrastructure lost during the violent skirmishes experienced in the country last month, Mr Dube said they were in the dark how they would raise the required funds to repair or replace it as this required foreign currency which was already scarce."The violent skirmishes which also occurred last month have also worsened our situation. Go around the city and you will find that people have vandalised traffic lights, road lamps, road signs among other key infrastructure."We do not even know where to start in terms of raising the money required to fix these vandalised infrastructure because all these require hard currency. We remain hopeful that the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe heeds to our call to get hard currency because we will surely be in a crisis," said the Town Clerk.Mr Dube further called on residents to continue paying rates to enable council to offer services. He said they now feared that the forex shortages could go further to affect the already critical water situation in the city as water chemicals continued to dwindle.Councillors, during a full council meeting on Wednesday said more reports were still coming in to determine the extent of damage that was done on council infrastructure during the demonstrations. The planned three-day nationwide riots were called by the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) and civil society organisations aligned to the MDC-Alliance.News / National

by Staff reporter

President Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday made contact with a number of Heads of State and Government from the region and continent as part of a diplomatic offensive to apprise them on the situation obtaining in the country in the wake of last month's opposition-instigated violence.It is understood that the President also spent the day receiving debriefings from special envoys that had been dispatched to "selected countries" such as Botswana, Zambia and Rwanda, which prompted him to delegate Vice President Kembo Mohadi to stand in for him at a Thank-You Rally in Mount Darwin, Mashonaland Central.Deputy Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet (Presidential Communications) Mr George Charamba yesterday said President Mnangagwa also briefed his peers about his recent four-nation trip to Eurasia "at which a number of projects of a regional, transnational scope were discussed"."His Excellency the President, ED Mnangagwa, today, Saturday, (yesterday) spent the day at his Munhumutapa Offices from where he made contact with a number of Heads of State and Government from the region and on the continent. The prime objective was for him to brief his colleagues on the situation obtaining in the country following opposition-instigated violent demonstrations which occurred in the country two weeks ago. He also received reports from returning special envoys he had dispatched to selected countries in the region and on the African continent on the same mission," said Mr Charamba."This year's opening Ordinary Summit of the African Union, which the President will attend, is scheduled to convene in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in the second week of February. His Excellency the President also took advantage of his contacts with fellow leaders in the region to apprise them on his recent visit to Eurasia at which a number of projects from regional, transnational scope were discussed."Because of the above commitments, His Excellency the President delegated Vice President KCD Mohadi to stand in for him at a Thank-You Rally slotted for the same day in Mt Darwin, in Mashonaland Central. The President will still visit and meet with the community of Mt Darwin at a date to be announced by the Zanu-PF Commissariat Department," he said.Most notably, when President Mnangagwa met his Belarussian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko in Minsk on January 17, one of the nine agreements signed was on proposals for a grand infrastructure scheme to prime Zimbabwe as a regional transport and logistics hub.The grandest of the plans is a road and rail network  being formulated under a tripartite arrangement involving Zimbabwe, Belarus and China  to link the Indian and Atlantic oceans, across Southern Africa and through Zimbabwe.Patrick Chinamasa  one of the special envoys who was tasked with engaging Sadc chair President Hage Geingob of Namibia, the Sadc secretariat led by Dr Stergomena Lawrence Tax and Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi  told our Harare Bureau yesterday that the President's message, which raised Government's concerns over the violent demonstrations that plagued the country on January 14, 15 and 16, had been "well taken".Last month's violent demonstrations, he said, were "unique" and "worrisome" since investigations had revelead that foreign agents and foreign intelligence services were, for the first time, directly involved through "physically" assisting the demonstrators."I delivered the message, a special message from his Excellency the President, to which special message was attached a detailed report on the concerns raised by the Government of Zimbabwe and Zanu-PF, especially that the events of the 14, 15 and 16 of January were unique in the sense that for the first time we find foreign agents and foreign intelligence services assisting the demonstrators, not remotely, but physically, and that is basically a very worrisome development, against which we have to be prepared in case this attempt is again made in the future," said Mr Chinamasa."The messages were well taken. President (Hage) Geingob (the Sadc chair) said he was satisfied with the explanation, so did President Masisi. They also indicated that they have been following the events; they cannot understand why the opposition is not abiding by the law.They took their matter to court and lost and it is for them to abide by the law and not to continue to challenge the legitimacy of the elections when in fact the court has ruled over the matter," said Mr Chinamasa.The two Presidents also pledged to use every platform available to them to call for the removal of sanctions against Zimbabwe, he said. In particular, President Masisi reportedly raised concern on the targeted looting of Choppies, a company founded by Botswana nationals and is listed on the Botswana Stock Exchange.President Geingob was in Gaborone, Botswana, last week for a scheduled visit of the regional bloc's Secretariat. It is standard practice for the chair of Sadc to visit the Sadc Secretariat headquarters during his or her tenure. The Namibian President became Sadc chair on August 17 last year during the 38th Sadc Summit of Heads of State and Government that was held in Windhoek, Namibia.According to Chinamasa, who is also secretary of finance in the ruling party Zanu-PF, the regional leaders were also briefed that the violent demonstrations that affected the country last month were part of a "continuum of events" that had been observed before, during and after the country's July 30 harmonised elections.The demonstrations, he added, were the clearest indication that the MDC-Alliance, Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) and other civil society organisations who are all funded by the West had coalesced "in a very serious determination to effect regime change".The efforts, however, were blunted by law enforcement agents."Firstly, during the election campaign, while our President was preaching peace, stability, harmony and economic prosperity for our country, Nelson Chamisa, Tendai Biti and others were preaching the gospel of violence and announcing, as you are aware, that unless he is declared elected President  even before campaign had started  he would spoil the party. To use his own words "anokanda majecha musadza". "That is the genesis. Also prior to the elections, Nelson Chamisa and Biti went and met the US authorities to ask them to continue the imposition of sanctions against Zimbabwe; therefore, clearly indicating that their strategy, along with the Americans, is to make the economy scream so that Zimbabweans may rebel against their Government," he said.He also noted that the August 1 violence, which happened when votes were still being counted, was part of a sequel of a pre-determined plan to try and make the country ungovernable. Zambia is the current chair of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, and is deputised by Zimbabwe, while Rwanda President Paul Kagame is the AU chair.News / National

by Staff reporter

National electricity equipment valued at $3,7 million was lost through theft and vandalism last year with some of the criminals being convicted in 20 cases and sentenced to a total 207 years, the country's power utility, Zesa, has said.The electricity company has for many years lost equipment worth millions of dollars to theft and vandalism despite the country tightening its laws to include a mandatory sentence for those caught tempering with national power generating equipment.ZESA Holdings spokesperson Mr Fullard Gwasira last week told The Sunday Mail that criminals were targeting electricity copper conductors, transformer oil and transformer wires."Zesa lost about $3,7 million due to theft and vandalism and equipment worth about $500 000 was recovered in 2018."In most of the cases, the criminals targeted copper conductors, transformer windings and transformer oil."Mr Gwasira said theft and vandalism of Zesa property did not only affect the parastatal, but cost the country billions of dollars as downstream economic activities were affected by the unavailability of power.He said the power company had installed Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) on its sub-stations as well as rapid response security to try and curb theft of its equipment."We have seen that the theft of our property is on the increase and there are measures that we have introduced such as 24 hours security at our big sub-stations," he said."We are also working with arms of Government such as Zimbabwe Republic Police and Zimbabwe National Army to make sure that we provide security at our stations."We are appealing to members of various communities to help us protect the property and we are now offering a monetary reward to those who provide us leads to the criminals targeting our property."News / National

by Staff reporter

Parents and students have hailed the Zimbabwe School Examination Council (Zimsec) for introducing an online portal to access Ordinary Level results.The online portal, which was launched recently, provides a read-only record of those who sat for the November Ordinary Level examinations as long as one is authorised.Several students and parents told NewsDay Weekender that the portal was easy, fast and convenient."I wrote my 'O' Level examinations at Hippo Valley High in Chiredzi, but right now I am in Buhera on holiday, but I accessed my results on the online portal using my smartphone. Through the link on their website, I just entered my details and in a moment I was reading my results," Blessing Mudzamiri said.He said the online portal saved him costs as he was supposed to travel to Chiredzi to access the results."I am now preparing to go to Advanced Level, seeking school fees and stationery. By now, if it was in the previous years, I would be looking for money to travel to Chiredzi, just to check if I passed and then start to plan the way forward. With this economic malaise, travelling has become so expensive that I cannot afford to travel to Chiredzi unnecessarily," Mudzamiri said.Amni Matola, who also accessed results for his brother, said the process was easy to execute."I accessed results on the online portal on behalf of my young brother. He wrote his examinations in Norton, our family town, but now he is staying with me here in Bulawayo. This is a convenient way for students as they will not have to travel long distances just to check their results," Matola said.He said the technology had made it easier for those who would have travelled long distances to access results.Another student, Ashley Magwani, said he was already buying stationery for Advanced Level after accessing the results online.News / National

by Staff reporter

CHIEF Justice Luke Malaba has directed the Judicial Service Commission's secretariat to set up an all-stakeholder tactical committee to ensure speedy prosecution of public violence cases with due respect of the rights of the accused persons.The committee will address some of the concerns raised by the Law Society of Zimbabwe (LSZ) in its petition through taking administrative measures to ensure effective management of the numerous public violence cases stemming from the recent violent demonstrations.A fortnight ago, violence erupted in Harare resulting in the destruction of property, looting, assault and loss of life. Police arrested at least 1 100 suspects, of whom 1 055 have since appeared in court facing various charges linked to the violence.LSZ on Wednesday staged a demonstration and handed over to the Chief Justice a petition in which it complained about the manner in which the courts were handling the violence-related cases.In a statement issued by the JSC in response to the petition, the Chief Justice said a special committee comprising LSZ, the Zimbabwe Republic Police, Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services, National Prosecuting Authority and the Chief Magistrate's Office was critical. The statement was read by JSC Acting Secretary Mr Walter Chikwana on behalf of the Chief Justice."The Chief Justice takes note of the high number of suspects facing allegations of public violence and the need for the cases to be expedited and finalised within the shortest possible time."To that end, the Chief Justice has instructed the Acting Secretary of the JSC to constitute a tactical committee of members from the Chief Magistrate's Office, Law Society of Zimbabwe, National Prosecuting Authority, Zimbabwe Republic Police and Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services," reads the statement.The committee's chairperson, the statement reads, will report to the Chief Justice until all the issues are addressed to the satisfaction of the relevant stakeholders.Meanwhile, JSC is working on increasing the number of magistrates designated to deal with political violence cases for expedience and quality justice. "From an administrative perspective, the Judicial Service Commission will intervene and avail more magistrates to preside over the cases."The Chief Justice calls upon prosecutors to present all State papers to the accused and legal practitioners timeously to enable prosecutions to proceed without further delays."Legal practitioners must also stand ready to provide pro-bono (legal services offered without taking a fee) services to smoothen the process," reads the statement.Between January 14 and January 29 this year, 371 cases were taken to court. At least 1 055 suspects were brought before the courts with 48 of them getting bail. Twelve juveniles who appeared in court were released into the custody of their parents on appearance in court.Some 995 suspects were denied bail and remanded in custody. Trials in respect of 146 suspects commenced resulting in the conviction of 80 while 66 were acquitted.News / National

by Staff reporter

PROPHETIC Healing and Deliverance Ministries founder, Prophet Walter Magaya, is expected to host local and international chief executive officers when he launches his book today at Yadah Hotel.Nearly 1000 participants from other nations booked under Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries will join local company executives in witnessing the launch of a 200-pages book titled The CEO's Mindset' penned by Prophet Magaya."We are launching one of my best books, among the 281 books I wrote, and the purpose is to create a mindset which can make anyone thrive in any economy," said Prophet Magaya."We have booked almost a thousand chief executives from various nations and our local executives will get an opportunity to analyze economies from various nations."I will share with them my personal experiences from the few companies under my leadership on where I succeeded and where I failed."Although everyone is a leader, we are her to host those who are already chief executives and for those who are still to register can call at our offices for booking since we are starting in the evening," said Prophet Magaya.Some of the 281 books written by Prophet Magaya distributed in various nations through his ministry includes; Seven Things Africa Must Change, Heart of Maintaining, Leadership, Marriage, The Source, Covenants among others.Prophet Magaya voted by Ngoda Business as the 2017 under 40 most influential entrepreneur followed by Tinashe Mutarisi of Glascor, Nash Paints has made name through Yadah Connect, Planet Africa, sports, mining, agriculture, banking and finance, media, hospitality and manufacturing.News / National

by Staff reporter

PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has played down reports of a serious turf war between him and his deputy, Constantino Chiwenga, saying no one has so far brought to him substantial evidence to back the claims.This comes amid widespread reports that the two are at loggerheads, with Chiwenga angling to remove Mnangagwa in a plot to assume the top post.Chiwenga orchestrated the rise of Mnangagwa through a military coup in November 2017 at a time he was commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces.In the period up to July 30 2018 when general elections were held, Chiwenga appeared to enjoy tremendous influence and power. But tables seem to have turned after Mnangagwa won the presidential election, giving him some semblance of legitimacy.With new-found power, Mnangagwa clipped Chiwenga's wings when he took away the Defence Ministry portfolio and gave it to his most loyal ally, Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri. He also denied perceived Chiwenga loyalists cabinet posts. But in an interview with sections of the private media, including the Zimbabwe Independent on Wednesday this week, Mnangagwa dismissed the reports of a rift as untrue."People have the freedom of speech, including the freedom of lies. When you ask those people and ask them to bring evidence of those rifts, not a single person comes forward. We grew up together during the war with Chiwenga. He was a very young man then. I know the boys very well and they know I am their elder," he said, adding that when he was in Russia two weeks ago, he heard and dismissed outright rumours of a possible coup against him."We were called by some people who said, I was not going to be allowed back in the country, and I laughed and advised that person to enjoy a peaceful night's sleep," he said.The Zanu-PF annual conference last year resolved to endorse Mnangagwa as the party's sole candidate for the 2023 election, a development which reportedly peeved Chiwenga loyalists.News / National

by Staff reporter

British MPs say they regret that their government took a quick stance to cosy up to the Zimbabwean administration soon after President Emmerson Mnangagwa took over power from former president Robert Mugabe in the November 2017 coup.Kate Hoey, a Labour Party MP, moved a motion in Parliament for the MPs to debate on the situation in Zimbabwe and the country's efforts to reengage and be readmitted into the Commonwealth.Hoey was part of the British politicians that visited Zimbabwe before last year's elections to assess the situation in the country and to report back to the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association. Their assessment was based on the country's possibility to conduct a free and fair election in the post Mugabe era.Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Zimbabwe, Hoey, bemoaned the British stance of sending back some Zimbabweans who had been staying in that country running away from political persecution from Mugabe's regime, claiming nothing had significantly changed."Will the minister confirm that to Her Majesty's government, and particularly the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, have learnt a lesson from what I would call the ill-advised cosying-up to the Zimbabwean leadership, which owed its position, power and loyalty to the military and political machine that manoeuvred to install it and not to the people of Zimbabwe through a free and fair electoral process?"I will not go into more detail; the minister knows what I am talking about. There is no doubt that our embassy in Zimbabwe had become too identified, rightly or wrongly  I think wrongly  with Zanu-PF," Hoey said.She further said many Zimbabweans who suffered at the hands of Zanu-PF's brutality were shocked at Britain embassy's positive stance on Zimbabwe, following Mugabe's departure."I want to make sure that the minister realises that those of us who urged caution, particularly Zimbabweans who have long had to cope with the machinations of Zanu-PF brutality and the manipulation of international opinion, were rebuffed by some officials in our embassy who thought that they knew better. I hope that we have learnt that lesson. I pay tribute to all the people in Zimbabwe who have continued to work for democracy, and all the members of the all-party group and everyone in this House who will not let Zimbabwe be forgotten," she said.Hoey also spoke about the deteriorating economic situation in the country, as the security forces continue to arbitrarily attack civilians."Of course, since the election, the economy has got even worse. Mnangagwa made a great issue of the fact that Zimbabwe was open for business  the world could come and invest again; there was going to be this absolute change. That did not actually happen. There are huge shortages of food and other important goods."More recently, on 12 January this year, Mnangagwa announced a huge  200 percent  increase in the price of fuel. That was in a country in which very few people could afford the fuel price as it was, and it led to Zimbabwe, of all countries in the world, having the highest fuel prices. It was just not tenable, and people reacted."The trade unions, which have shown great courage throughout all of this, called for a countrywide stay away' in protest, and there were demonstrations. There is no doubt that some of the younger people, unemployed people, were very angry, and probably some looting did go on in parts of Bulawayo and Harare, but what the army and the government did was to respond immediately with huge, excessive force, which left 12 people dead and up to 100 with gunshot wounds, and hundreds of people were lifted in the middle of the night, imprisoned and denied bail," Hoey said.One of the Conservative MPs Nicholas Soames, chipped in, stating South Africa was failing to take the Zimbabwean situation seriously.Another MP John Howell, also spoke about the problems in the country, claiming the judiciary was not independent, an aspect further explained by Hoey, who claimed the country's rule of law is now broken."We have to be clear that we are calling for the end of the deployment of the military. They have to go back into their barracks. We have to get the United Nations to say that and to make a strong statement on the rule of law," Hoey said.News / National

by Staff reporter

ZANU-PF leader President Emmerson Mnangagwa has poured cold water on calls for a negotiated political settlement with the opposition MDC, saying there is no basis for such talks.Mnangagwa also accused MDC president Nelson Chamisa of lying about writing five letters to him.He said the biggest impediment to the talks has been Chamisa's insistence that Mnangagwa should accept that he is an illegitimate head of state before the two main political parties, MDC and Zanu-PF, can open dialogue. Chamisa approached the Constitutional Court seeking to overturn the result which gave Mnangagwa a wafer-thin 50,6% win in the July 30, 2018 presidential elections, but the petition was thrown out for lack of merit.The opposition leader has, however, maintained he won the election and wants Mnangagwa to relinquish power."I hear there are talks going on and this is only in the media. I even have had to ask our party officials whether they have been in talks with the MDC behind my back. They are also surprised. I have never refused to talk and that is why after I came into office, you have seen me talking to all the people, from students, industry, the church, political parties and even traditional leaders. We continue to talk for the good of our country and my door is open. I, however, do not understand how he (Chamisa) would want to talk to me when he claims I am illegitimate. I can't talk to someone who claims I am illegitimate. It implies that the talks will be illegitimate," Mnangagwa told private media journalists at State House on Wednesday.This is not the first time that Mnangagwa has spoken about this. At the Zanu-PF annual conference in Esigodini in December he ruled out the possibility of forming a power-sharing government with the MDC, saying Zanu-PF got its mandate to rule the country after beating Chamisa in the presidential poll.Mnangagwa claimed Chamisa had lied when he told a press conference on Tuesday that he had delivered official correspondence to his office requesting talks on five occasions. "I have not seen a single letter from Chamisa," Mnangagwa said.The MDC leader told journalists that: "Legitimacy would be key to dialogue. I am not a lie, I don't want to acknowledge lies. I have said I will not recognise what is not recognisable. We are ready to talk, but we are going to talk about that issue (Mnangagwa's legitimacy) as the first issue. It is a dialoguing point. Why are you putting conditions? Why do you want Chamisa to recognise you? I have written five letters to ED, but he has never responded."Public anticipation for the talks has grown in the past three weeks after violent demonstrations broke out across the country as people protested economic hardships.Mnangagwa's administration responded by deploying the police and the army to quash the protests with brute force, sparking an outcry from human rights defenders and the international community.During the interview, Mnangagwa defended the violent crackdown by security forces on civilians. He blamed the MDC for the violence in what he described as "a bid to soften the state for dialogue"."We have been accused of using disproportionate force but these protestors were burning down police stations and various infrastructure including toll-gates along our highways. I am not sure how we were supposed to respond to that. Western countries in particular have raised concerns. Of course, we regret the loss of life but we needed to protect property as well as other citizens not involved in the protests. We have told the Western countries that they cannot turn around and raise concerns when they are the ones sponsoring the violence," Mnangagwa said.He claimed that the United States, in particular, was sponsoring protesters "to install a pliable administration in Zimbabwe"."They don't care about human rights, that's why you find that they support some countries with clear democratic deficits. It's about US interests and if we were pliable and accept to be used our country would not be in these problems. The Western media also turn perpetrators of violence and destruction into victims. But they don't show the destruction of property and direct threat to the stability of our country they caused," he said.News / National

by Staff reporter

AN investigation into the abuse of over US$8,7 million at the Unified Council Pension Fund (UCPF) has claimed the scalp of fund manager Benjamin Chiyangwa, while four others have voluntarily stepped down pending the conclusion of investigations, businessdigest has learnt.Six employees were suspended by the Insurance and Pensions Commission (Ipec) in February 2018 to allow investigations into allegations of the abuse-of-office.After Brian Rusere (finance officer), Peter Chiyangwa (benefits officer), Beular Musanhi (personal assistant) and Martha Kunaka (Bulawayo branch manager) resigned, Masceline Mbukwa and Chiyangwa were probed over alleged abuse of the pension funds, among other charges. Mbukwa is contesting the case against her.In a letter of dismissal to Benjamin Chiyangwa gleaned by businessdigest, the board chairperson Cletus Matingwina said the decision to fire him was unanimous."Following the hearing which was done and subsequent verdict passed by the disciplinary authority, the board of trustees in terms of the Unified Councils Pension Fund Code of Conduct of 2007 unanimously passed a resolution to dismiss you from employment with effect from date of suspension (July 27, 2018) as you were found guilty of violating clauses 7.10, 7.46, 7.47, 7.67 and 7.5," Mutingwina said. The charges against Benjamin Chiyangwa included incompetence, serious abuse of office, invasion of corporate governance in remittance of tax, altering policies without authority. He was found guilty of all the charges.Some of Benjamin Chiyangwa's actions resulted in the UCPF being penalised more than US$200 000 by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority in tax evasion penalties. The pension fund will recover some of the misappropriated money from the terminal benefits of the former employees implicated in the scandal."I cannot say the figures off-hand but what I know is that while some of the figures were contested, we decided that we will recover our money from each individual. The least is owing around US$5 000, while the highest is around US$200 000," Matingwina said this week.Rusere, Peter Chiyangwa, Musanhi and Kunaka, were implicated in the case that saw over US$8 million in board allowances, sitting fees and staff salaries being blown over a seven-year period.A probe into the UCPF's operations early last year unearthed massive abuse of funds amid evidence the board pocketed US$8,7 million in allowances, sitting fees and staff salaries between 2010 and December 2017 at a time the fund was failing to honour members' pension obligations.Their resignation letters show that Peter Chiyangwa and Rusere cited economic hardships and the search for greener pastures as their reasons for resigning while Musanhi said her husband had gotten a job in Nairobi and she had to tag along.Kunaka said she was resigning due to personal circumstances.After the resignations, Matingwina told businessdigest that the four had been attending a series of hearings since their suspension until September when they tendered in resignation letters which the board accepted.He said the fund's legal representative had assured them that the verdict on the six accused would be delivered this week.During his time, Benjamin Chiyangwa would recommend the trustees' monthly allowance adjustments, a situation that resulted in conflict of interest and a near-collusive relationship that compromised the board's effectiveness in exercising its supervisory and monitoring role over the fund.News / National

by Staff reporter

THE United States government has exerted pressure on President Emmerson Mnangagwa's government to stop gross human rights violations, in the wake of a violent crackdown on pro-democracy activists and opposition party supporters by the army and police.This also comes as an American congressional think-tank, the Congressional Research Service (CRS), in a report released this week, set the tone for further action by the US congress, which last year extended sanctions on Zimbabwe.The Mnangagwa administration has courted global controversy by applying brute force in quashing recent protests in the country's major cities.The army and police have also been accused of perpetrating human rights abuses such as rape and torture during the clampdown, crimes which attract protesting global outrage.The crackdown, which left a dozen dead and scores critically injured, was sparked by nationwide demonstrations a fortnight ago against 150% fuel increase by Mnangagwa before he left for his four-nation Eurasian tour.The US embassy in Harare this week expressed concern over detentions and human rights abuses perpetrated by members of the security services in the past two weeks."Credible reports of numerous detentions, beatings, rapes and other abuses of Zimbabweans over the past two weeks particularly targeting opposition and civil society activists," US embassy spokesperson Stacy Lumba told the Zimbabwe Independent on Tuesday."Peaceful protests should not be met by violence, intimidation, or harassment. We have urged the Zimbabwean government to cease the targeted and arbitrary detention of political activists, and civil society and labour leaders. We have also called on the Zimbabwean government to cease reprisals against the family members of activists. The United States supports freedom of expression, freedom of association, and peaceful assembly for Zimbabweans, in accordance with the country's constitution," Lumba said.Continued crackdown by the security agents could attract fresh sanctions, according to the CRS report obtained by the Independent this week.The report titled "Zimbabwe's Political Transition: Issues for Congress" warns against disregard for human rights."Subsequent US responses, if any, are likely to depend on Mnangagwa's record in office and the relative credibility of the 2018 elections," the report points out"If U.S. policymakers view his actions as negative, they might respond with new targeted sanctions, censure, and other tactics to compel change."Several reports, including that of the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission, blame the army and the police for killing and injuring protesters.Local and international media houses have equally been exposing the heavy-handed response by the state. The crackdown has had a negative impact on government's re-engagement initiative.Mnangagwa this week promised to act against human rights abuses following a SkyNews report detailing how three army officials callously assaulted an unidentified man along Chiremba Road."I was appalled by today's @SkyNews report. That is not the Zimbabwean way. I have instructed that the individuals behind this be arrested and encourage all those impacted to contact the authorities and file an official complaint," Mnangagwa wrote on his micro-blogging site Twitter account.The sentiments by the US government follow widespread condemnation of the violent crackdown. Zimbabwe's bid to re-join the Commonwealth has also suffered a major blow.Zimbabwe was looking to re-join the Commonwealth since former president Robert Mugabe pulled out of the bloc in 2003.News / National

by Staff reporter

PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa fully exercised his constitutional prerogative in appointing new Prosecutor-General (PG) Kumbirai Hodzi without giving in to political pressure, secretary for Justice Virginia Mabhiza has said.Mabhiza also denied reports she personally played a role in Hodzi's appointment, saying the process was solely conducted by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).Following the completion of public interviews in November last year, the JSC submitted the names of three top performers to Mnangagwa for consideration as required by law, with former principal law officer Calvin Mantsebo topping the list of 10 candidates. Former student leader Tinomudaishe Chinyoka and president of the Law Society of Zimbabwe Misheck Hogwe came second and third respectively.Mnangagwa rejected the three and called for new names. The JSC then submitted the names of Maphios Cheda, who had come fourth in the interviews after scoring 65% along with former MDC legislator Fungai Jessie Majome and Hodzi who both got 53% and were tied on fifth position.In an interview with the Zimbabwe Independent this week, Mabhiza said everything was done in accordance with provisions of the constitution."The President may decline to appoint any candidate from that initial list as the appointment is subject to section 180 (3) of the constitution. This section gives the President an unfettered discretion to decide upon the initial list so submitted. He is at liberty to reject the initial list of persons and require the Judicial Service Commission to submit a further list of three persons. Grounds upon which the President may decline range from cases such as misappropriation of public or trust funds, dishonesty, any conduct of a criminal nature or any other grounds which may be deemed fit and proper hence such a person is considered to have failed security vetting."The chief justice then gave him a further list of qualified candidates and the President was to appoint from that list. It is only from the second list that the constitution removes the President's discretion and binds him to select one person from the said new list. Our interpretation of qualifying is very simple and literal. Where 10 people have been interviewed, number 1, 2 and 3 make the first list. 4, 5 and 6 make the second list. It's very transparent. I am sure you saw the results. So Hodzi was on a tie with Majome. They were placed on number 5 and 6 just because of computation differences. You can see that. She said she has no power to personally influence the president's decisions."There seems to be a deliberate plot to portray me as a character who prevails over other state institutions in violation of the rule of law and disrespectfully so. The story that you published, that I was in a meeting with the President, the vice president, the chief justice, the minister and others and I came to argue with them. I respect those people. I can never even coexist in a meeting with the VP and the chief justice. What for? I am very suspicious because it appears a trend now has been established that Mabhiza has captured the judiciary, she speaks to the chief justice. I do not have those powers.She also wrote to the Independent: "I put it to you that the meeting never happened and if indeed it happened, I did not attend or make any presentations. I am of the opinion that the story is a creation to suit an agenda aimed at tarnishing my image or present me as having tried to impose a certain candidate on the president who has the executive prerogative to appoint the prosecutor general. The inference over other arms of the state, which is not true."News / National

by Staff reporter

INFORMATION minister Monica Mutsvangwa yesterday claimed government's intelligence operatives had concluded that the Nelson Chamisa-led opposition party was responsible for the January 14 to 16 stayaways, which turned violent.Mutsvangwa said this in the Senate in response to questions from MDC Alliance legislators who wanted to know why government was attributing the protests against fuel price hikes to the opposition when, in fact, the stayaway was the brainchild of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions and some pressure groups.Masvingo Senator Tichinani Mavetera (MDC Alliance) had quizzed Mutsvangwa on why the State media was peddling falsehoods, which had the potential to divide the nation.Mutsvangwa said intelligence gathered by government had found out that the MDC had held two meetings in Harare to organise the protests."This country has got intelligence departments and there is nothing which happens without intelligence knowing. There was a threat of regime change, and there was a meeting on November 3 and November 7 at Wild Geese (Lodge) and on January 12 at Belvedere, and there is a record of that report. We would not have enjoyed this peace if we did not have intelligence," she alleged."It was an uprising and we saw hooligans looting shops and vehicles being torched, and police on duty were stoned to death and roads barricaded. There was unnecessary loss of life, but government intervened and managed to quell the noise and now we have peace."Earlier, Mashonaland East MP Wunganayi Tapfumanei had asked Home Affairs deputy minister Mike Madiro to explain how government had come to the conclusion that the demonstrators were MDC supporters when they were not in party regalia. But Madiro said it was a question for Mutsvangwa.Senator Martha Muronzi (Mashonaland Central) then grilled Mutsvangwa over women abuse."It does not matter who has broken the law. They will be arrested. As a woman, I am pained by reports that there were women that were raped because we want to give women their dignity. Our police have established victim-friendly desks to treat the rape victims with empathy. We also encourage civil society to assist the affected women to come forward and report the cases," Mutsvangwa said.Midlands Senator Morgen Komichi (MDC Alliance) asked Justice minister Ziyambi Ziyambi if government's solutions to quashing stayaways was to use brutal force."The historical narration by Komichi is untrue. Doctors went on strike and their grievances were resolved and then hooligans started barricading roads and destroying property and now Komichi is saying the country is on fire. If they did not barricade roads and loot, the country would be functioning in peace. We sent police to work 24 hours arresting those people and now there is peace. We do not know what other actions government should have taken other than the actions we took," Ziyambi said.News / National

by newzimbabwe.com

THE secretary general of the Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) has declined an invitation to join a newly established panel of advisors for President Emmerson Mnangagwa.The 26-member Presidential Advisory Council (PAC) was announced by the presidency Wednesday evening.The council comprises captains of industry drawn from telecoms, tourism, infrastructure, health, media and financial services.It is charged with helping Mnangagwa formulate key economic policies and strategies to advance Vision 2030, his ambitious drive to turn Zimbabwe into a middle-income country.However, in a development which suggested some of the members may not have been consulted before inclusion on the panel ZCC's Reverend Kenneth Mata said he could not be part of the team."It has been brought to my attention today that my name has been included on the list of individuals appointed to serve as members of the Presidential Advisory Council. The same has been announced on television," Rev. Mata said in a statement."I feel really flattered to be invited to serve the nation and President in such a role in a moment as this. My current position will however limit effective functioning in such a huge role. I have therefore humbly withdrawn my name."The President will be fully briefed on my commitment to the nation building agenda and will support his efforts in other ways within my capabilities."Rev Mata has been spearheading efforts by the ZCC to facilitate national dialogue between the country's feuding politicians and civic society organisations."The church has a solution to proffer but, those with other views or ideas to resolve the country's problems were welcome to table them," the cleric told journalists at a recent media briefing.News / National

by Staff reporter

Amalgamated Rural Teachers' Union of Zimbabwe secretary-general Robson Chere was on Wednesday freed by Goromonzi magistrate Feresi Chakanyuka after spending close to two weeks in remand prison.Chere, a science teacher at Acturus Mine High School, was arrested together with Moenda Mbela and Chenesai Muchuwa on intimidation charges as defined in section 45(b) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 9:23.The courts acquitted Chere, who was represented by Douglas Coltart on the basis of inconsistence in the evidence given by State witnesses.According to court papers, on January 16, at around 3pm, the trio went to TN Gold Arcturus Mine main gate.Upon arrival, the three allegedly asked security guards manning the gate why they were at work when the country was on a "shutddown".The trio allegedly threatened to bring a truckload of people to assault those who were working at the mine.An argument allegedly ensued between the trio and the mine security guards before Chere assaulted one of the guards.George Manhidza represented the State.In Chitungwiza, magistrate Nyasha Vhitorini on Wednesday acquitted two men, one of them a policeman's son, while the third was found guilty of causing public violence at Chitungwiza Vehicle Inspection Depot.In passing ruling, Vhitorini found Steven Sango (24) guilty, while Sandurai Nyatete (20) was acquitted with the third, Spencer Mudzingwa (22), being freed at the close of trial.Their lawyer, Job Sikhala made a request to the court so that he submits comprehensive submissions for mitigation for Sango before sentence was passed.Sikhala told NewsDay after the judgment that he would appeal against Sango's conviction.During the trial, a 12-year-old boy alleged that he was beaten up and tortured in order to coerce him to become a State witness.In a related development, Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions president Peter Mutasa was remanded to today for bail determination after submissions by his lawyer, Aleck Muchadehama.News / National

by Staff reporter

NEWLY-APPOINTED Prosecutor-General (PG) Kumbirai Hodzi was recently reported to the police for allegedly corruptly declining to prosecute former Mines secretary Francis Gudyanga, who was implicated in a criminal abuse of office matter.Gudyanga had been taken to court for fraudulently facilitating the issuance of a mining registration certificate to an undeserving mining company, Two Flags (Pvt) Ltd, ahead of Tambanashe Investments represented by Edgar Mashindi.According to documents filed at Harare Central Police Station, under case number IR012036, Hodzi allegedly caused Gudyanga's case to collapse at the magistrates' courts as his office reportedly acted in "a sloppy manner", forcing the matter to die prematurely.At the time, the State represented by Ropafadzo Botsh, had asked the court for a postponement, saying the docket had been sent to the PG's Office for perusal, but the court ruled that the PG's Office had failed to provide a trial date within a reasonable period although the suspects, Gudyanga and his co-accused, Masvingo provincial mines director Sibongubuhle Mpindiwa and Mines ministry legal adviser Jacqueline Munyonga, had only been placed on remand for two weeks.Mashindi yesterday accused Hodzi of corruptly failing to prosecute the matter."I have opened the case against Hodzi and his officers for abuse of office. I suspect that the matter was not done properly," Mashindi said.Attempts to get a comment from Hodzi were fruitless as his mobile phone was not being answered since Tuesday, while questions sent to him had not been responded to.The complainant in the initial matter against Gudyanga, Mpindiwa and Munyonga, was the Mines and Mining Development ministry, represented by Munesuishe Munodawafa.Allegations were that sometime in 2003, Reedbuck Investments which had mining rights at Lenox Mine entered into an agreement of sale with Tambanashe Investments.The State then alleged that in 2006, instead of registering Tambanashe, Gudyanga and Mpindiwa facilitated the registration of Lomona Enterprises (Pvt) Ltd and authorised it to run the mine.The State alleges that in 2015, Two Flags Trading, a company Gudyanga was said to have interests in, filed a lawsuit against former Mines minister Walter Chidakwa over mining rights, but Gudyanga and Munyonga did not respond to the lawsuit, leading to a default judgment being granted in favour of Two Flags Trading, prejudicing TambanasheInvestments.On January 23, 2017, the trio issued a certificate of registration to Two Flags Trading Company before cancelling Tambanashe Investments' licence.The State alleged that to cover up the offence, Gudyanga allegedly published a notice in the Government Gazette, purporting that Reedbuck Investments had lost its certificate of registration.The trio's conduct was alleged to be inconsistent with their duties as public officers.Gudyanga was accused of working with Leslie Stalin to grab the gold mine from Tambanashe, a local black-owned business that had been given the claims by government following the liquidation of Reebuck in 2002.Tambanashe was subsequently evicted from the mine, allegedly in collusion with some compromised officials.News / National

by Staff reporter

OPPOSITION political parties and civic groups have called on the Southern African Development Community (Sadc) and the African Union (AU) to drop brotherhood approach which is preventing them from effectively dealing with threats to peace and security in Zimbabwe.The call comes as the Zanu-PF-led government has launched a violent crackdown on protesters leading to 12 deaths, injury, rape and torture of civilians by State security forces since January 14.Some Sadc and AU member states, particularly former liberation movements, have openly supported the Zanu-PF administration, which has ruled Zimbabwe since independence in 1980, despite its flagrant violation of human rights.Early this week, South Africa's ruling African National Congress (ANC) threw its weight behind Zanu-PF, indicating that it is keen to assist the latter in light of economic challenges and attempts to isolate the country from international community through pressure by opposition MDC and its global partners.Last year, Sadc and AU were widely criticised for endorsing the disputed July 30 polls as free, fair and credible, despite other international missions pointing out the misuse of State resources, coercion, intimidation, partisan behaviour by traditional leaders and evident bias by the State media.Zapu spokesperson Iphithule Maphosa yesterday said the Sadc and AU should stand with brutalised civilians."Zanu-PF government is behaving like spoilt brats who expect a tap on the back for murdering unarmed civilians, just like they did during Gukurahundi, Murambatsvina and successive election violence unleashed on poor citizens," Maphosa said."Zapu calls on the Sadc and AU to drop the brotherhood approach on the criminals in Harare and act to rescue a desperate nation on the edge of civil unrest. The international community through the United Nations has an obligation to rescue Zimbabwe from the marauding criminals."Habakkuk Trust director Dumisani Nkomo said Sadc and AU condone dictators."Sadc and AU must strengthen the application of continental covenants on democracy and ensure adherence and appropriate punitive measures for members that fail to adhere," he said.Mthwakazi Republic Party president Mqondisi Moyo said Sadc and AU have let Africans down."The countries of Africa are afraid to criticise each other even in the face of gross human rights abuses because of lack of shared common agenda and the fact that most of them are tainted with corruption and improper governance. These bodies are only concerned with political stability which affects them directly, rather than human rights issues which affect the general citizenry of Zimbabwe," Moyo said."It is unfortunate that this impractical patriotism is slowly eroding on the relevance of Sadc and AU in dealing with the ills of Zimbabwe and other African issues. They have become an old men's social club and they are useless."MDC-T spokesperson Linda Masarira said her party appreciates the need for both Sadc and AU to play an objective and effective peer review role among member states.But Church and Civic Society Joint Forum chairman Anglistone Sibanda said the Sadc and AU were formed to promote brotherhood."The challenge with the current situation is that the organisers of the protests failed to be smart in their risk analysis. They were sacrificing ordinary, angry and frustrated masses hoping to achieve some normative leverage and international sympathy from Sadc and AU forgetting that those institutions have always been about brotherhood. By getting violent, looting, burning cars, killing police officers, they lost the plot and fell into a trap. The government got something to justify its actions before these brotherhood institutions," Sibanda said.Meanwhile, Children of War Veterans Association (Cozwa) last Friday met South African opposition leader Mmusi Maimane of the Democratic Alliance in their bid to rally opposition parties and human rights groups in the region against Zanu-PF.Maimane has threatened to drag President Emmerson Mnangagwa to the International Criminal Court (ICC) for trial over human rights abuses.Cozwa leader Munyaradzi Shoko, said they engaged Maimane who is chairperson of the United African Partnership for Democratic Change (UAPDC ), a coalition of 32 African opposition parties."As Cozwa, we are on a regional visit to engage all regional political parties and civic society. We are giving them feedback on the situation in our country," Shoko said."The government of Zimbabwe has been committing crimes against humanity, raping, abductions, torture, State capture and killing people. We have collected evidence that we will present to the United Nations, AU, Sadc and the ICC."In a related matter, Bulawayo rights groups under the banner Bulawayo Campaign Against State and Police Brutality have launched an online petition to the Bulawayo Provincial Affairs minister Judith Ncube calling for a stop to "State and police" brutality in the city."We ask for the following: the immediate stop to State and police brutality of citizens, limited use of force of protesters because the police and army should have the skills and cultural competence to protect and serve our communities without use of harmful force," read the online petition.Ncube could not be reached for comment.News / National

by Staff reporter

PROMINENT Bulawayo businessman and Zimpapers board chairperson Delma Lupepe has lost his bid to retain his property after the High Court threw out his application for more time to service a $200 000 loan from a local bank.The business mogul had approached the court seeking rescission of judgment in a matter in which Ecobank had obtained an order to eject him after he failed to pay rentals for the property.The property was taken over by the bank, following his failure to service a $200 000 loan.In his court application, Lupepe had pleaded with the court saying: "Respondent (Ecobank) herein applied for summary judgment on December 13, 2016. Applicant (Lupepe) filed a notice of opposition on December 29, 2016. The case was set down for hearing on July 14, 2017. I, hereby, submit that I inadvertently and unwittingly diarised the date of hearing as Monday July 17, 2017," he said, adding he was not in wilful default.But High Court judge Justice Happius Zhou, dismissed Lupepe's application on the basis that his matter lacked merit."On the prospects of success, the applicant's (Lupepe) case is without merit. There is a clear misunderstanding of the actio rei vindicatio and the defences which can be set out to such an action at law. The respondent (Ecobank) has the property registered in its name. The applicant is in occupation of that property without the consent of the respondent. The summary judgment proceedings were instituted to recover the property from the applicant through the eviction proceedings," Justice Zhou said."This is a case in which the need for finality in litigation would be upheld by dismissing their application for condonation. The court should put an end to the dispute and avoid unnecessary delay in the administration of justice  the application be and is hereby dismissed with costs on the attorney-client scale."The court also warned Lupepe's lawyers against use of intemperate language against other parties.News / National

by newzimbabwe.com

A BRITISH parliamentarian has called on the international community to suspend re-engagement with Zimbabwe and urged the imposition of a travel ban on President Emmerson Mnangagwa.Speaking in the House of Commons Wednesday, Kate Hoey, chair of the UK all-party parliamentary group on Zimbabwe, said the international community should re-consider engaging the Mnangagwa regime.She said there was need for action after the Zanu-PF government used lethal force in a deadly crackdown against Zimbabweans protesting against economic hardships."We can't ignore what is happening in Zimbabwe," said Labour's Vauxhall Legislator.Mnangagwa took over from veteran leader Robert Mugabe after the latter was toppled by a military coup in November 2017.A long-time protege of Mugabe, Mnangagwa vowed a new dispensation, committing to revive the country's virtually collapsed economy, open the democratic space and re-engage with the international community.However, the disputed July 30 elections were followed by a deadly crackdown against protestors which left six people dead.And barely six months later, the new government unleashed lethal force against civilians protesting against economic hardships resulting in at least 12 people being shot dead, dozens injured, and being hundreds arrested."The international community should suspend any initiatives relating to reengagement with the Zimbabwean government," said Hoey."It is unacceptable in my view to be even talking about debt restructuring and private sector investment while so many Zimbabwean civilians are being assaulted and killed."She said the Harare government should immediately remove soldiers from the streets."We are calling for the end of the deployment of the military, they have to go back into their barracks."We have to get the United nations to make a very strong statement on the rule of law."We need to call for an independent investigation of the human rights violation to be led by African Union or United Nations."We have to get to who gave the orders it was the same with the people killed after the elections where we never got to the bottom of who gave the army orders."Regional power brokers such as South Africa also need to do more."We have to use our position where we can to influence and work with the South African government, the Botswana government," said Hoey."We have to ask the South African government to really engage, they need to realise how important they are and act in the interests of the people of Zimbabwe."The British parliamentarian also suggested the imposition of a travel ban on Mnangagwa saying it as unacceptable that the Zimbabwean leader hired a luxury plane for his recent Eurasian trip while hospitals back home were going without basic medicines.News / National

by CONWAY TUTANI

"The joke is on you," goes an English saying.If you say that the joke is on a particular person, you mean that the person has tried to make someone else look silly, but has, in the process, made himself or herself look silly instead  like if you put glue or chewing gum on someone's seat and then you mistakenly sit there, the joke is on you.This happened this week when lawyers took advantage of demonstrating over a largely justified and legitimate grievance which directly falls under their purview  that of the possible subversion of the criminal justice system by the State  to gratuitously unleash a personal attack on Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga making their entry point his mispronunciation  not deliberate or ignorant  of "L" as "R".Well, one of the lawyers' placards had the word "immediately" mispelt in big, bold letters  and the joke was, thus, on them.Some of this perverse show by the lawyers in Harare could have been due to immaturity.Some of them behaved like puerile whippersnappers straight out of law school with one of them grinning from ear to ear as she held up the placard totally oblivious of the misspelt word.As one can see, education does not always come with maturity.Yes, young and inexperienced people can be presumptuous and overconfident.Some of them tend to be too arrogant to the extent of not showing respect towards others, especially older people.How often have we seen such piped-up whippersnappers come up with pointless and irresponsible comments further inflamming the volatile political situation in the country especially on social media?This provocative behaviour is clearly abuse of democratic space.No wonder right-thinking people were disgusted by the tone set at the demonstration.One of them, Evangelist Denford Mbawa, expressed his shock and disgust thus: "They (the lawyers) are mocking those with 'speech impairment'  what a shame."Yes, Chiwenga does not do that because of ignorance or deliberately.It's possibly due to dysarthria, a medical condition manifesting in mispronouncing words usually because of a problem with muscle control.Yes, people are free to dislike Chiwenga's politics as much as the Vice-President is also entitled to dislike their politics.But to then refer to an apparent disability mockingly in advancing your agenda is crossing the line from decency to degeneracy.This reminded one of when Donald Trump, during his campaign for the United States Presidency in July 2016, mocked a disabled reporter by bending his wrist severely and flailing his arms repeatedly to mimic anthrogryposis, the condition afflicting that reporter which causes joint contracture in arms and hands.Award-winning American actress Meryl Streep had this to say: " this instinct to humiliate, when it's modelled by someone in the public platform, by someone powerful, it filters down into everybody's life, because it kinda gives permission for other people to do the same thing. Disrespect invites disrespect, violence incites violence."The Harare lawyers, being influential in society, set a bad example like Trump did.Their disrespect could also invite disrespect, and their violent verbal attack could incite actual physical violence, as international award-winning Zimbabwean journalist Hopewell Chin'ono similarly observed: " the usage of such placards muddies the waters and it makes what is a good cause become very political! It also makes it difficult for non-partisan folk to follow and support them. There was no need to mock the Vice-President, why do that when you have a good cause to fight for? It only hardens attitudes creating an unhealthy ecosystem for all concerned!"These lawyers, because they are so bookish, cannot see that everything has its unwritten rules which could be more important than written rules in certain circumstances.Not everything is in the law textbook.These lawyers ought to think outside the box.Not having a sociological perspective so as to understand the societal and social implications of their actions shows they have a worse disability than Chiwenga.So, what happened was no ordinary joke, but a sick joke which has the real potential of destabilising and further inflaming an already volatile situation.But it should not go unmentioned that there could be a sinister self-serving side to it.One cannot help but notice that some politicians, more so in the opposition, and lawyers' organisations in this country are enmeshed so intricately that often there is no way to know where politics ends and proper law begins.This has morphed into a foreign donor-legal-political complex just like the military-industrial complex in the US.Former US President Dwight D Eisenhower coined this term in 1961 in his farewell address to refer to "a conjunction of an immense military establishment and large arms industry".Here's how it works: American taxes support a massive military budget which is doled out to large defence contractors.These corporations use this money to buy politicians and impel the US to enter unending wars in order to assure that their contracts never end and grow increasingly bloated.Similarly in Zimbabwe, the foreign donor-political-legal complex sues the government for just about anything, and the lawyers involved are making a killing financially from foreign donors.Consequently, the Zimbabwean legal field can be deemed as performing highest than any other sector of the economy itself.The more the conflict, the more money the lawyers-cum-politicians make.If there is no more conflict in Zimbabwe, foreign donor funding goes elsewhere.So it is in the vested interest of the foreign donor-legal-political complex to project Zimbabwe as a flashpoint so as to keep the funds rolling in.It's not a coincidence that these lawyers have become fabulously rich and, of course, now live far away from the poor people of the ghettoes from whose continued suffering they profit and so would not want these poor souls' lives to change.If anyone doubts that, in 2000 when I was at the Daily News, a senior editor (name withheld) made this startling remark just before the parliamentary elections: "But if the MDC wins the election, what shall we write about?"As non-governmental organisations soon became a thriving industry drawing sustenance from foreign aid, the abundance of resources, low barriers to entry and lax oversight was bound to attract mercenaries, and create perverse incentives for erstwhile upright people to behave badly as we are seeing today.As one can see, it could be more about money and less about Chiwenga.News / National

by Staff reporter

THE Competition and Tariff Commission has warned businesses and schools engaging in anti-competitive practices in the supply and distribution of uniforms that the body will not hesitate to invoke the law to deal with errant entities.The warning comes following reports that some shops were selling uniforms at exorbitant prices while some schools were compelling parents to buy from specific suppliers.In a statement yesterday, the CTC said that it will set up a market inquiry to the school uniforms sector to investigate allegations of restrictive practices."Allegations of anti-competitive practices in the supply and distribution of school uniforms, including compelling parents to buy from a specific supplier and tying and bundling when selling uniforms, among others have come to the attention of the Commission," read the statement."Against this background therefore, the Commission would like to warn any businesses or schools engaging in any of the above mentioned practices to desist from engaging in such practices with immediate effect."The Commission said anyone who fails to comply with any provision of the Competition Act shall be found guilty and attract a fine or jail term.Last month Primary and Secondary Education Minister Professor Paul Mavima said parents must procure uniforms from the best quotation they can get and must not be forced to buy from schools. This followed concerns by some parents who said schools were working with retailers to inflate prices for their benefit.Prof Mavima said all schools are expected to ensure good governance, transparency and a corrupt-free process in the management of schools.Some schools have preferred retailers and refuse to admit pupils who buy uniforms elsewhere. There was an outcry after retailers allegedly colluded to increase the prices of school uniforms by more than 200 percent ahead of the opening of schools last month.News / National

by Staff reporter

SOUTH Africa's Home Affairs department has dismissed claims by the country's opposition party, Democratic Alliance (DA), that there's an influx of Zimbabweans into the neighbouring country following the recent violent protests.The demonstrations, which saw six people losing their lives and property worth millions of dollars being destroyed, were instigated by MDC-Alliance.The DA, a white-dominated South African opposition party, is a long-time opponent of Zimbabwe and the biggest rival to South Africa's ruling party ANC, a liberation movement with strong ties to Zanu-PF.The DA visited the border post on Wednesday in what it said was an assessment of the country's readiness to deal with what it claimed could be thousands of Zimbabwean nationals seeking refuge in South Africa.The opposition party in a statement claimed that there was pressure at the Beitbridge Border Post as thousands of Zimbabweans were seeking refuge in South Africa. However, the South African Home Affairs Parliamentary Portfolio Committee chairperson, Mr Hlomani Chauke, dismissed the DA claims, saying there was no crisis at the Beitbridge Border Post."There is no crisis so far, we are still in control. The department is gearing up. Right now we're putting pressure on ourselves as the committee to make sure that the officers at the frontline, including those at the borders and points of entry, are focused and put their work first," he said.The South African government on Wednesday distanced itself from threats by the DA leader Mr Mmusi Maimane to compile a human rights abuse dossier against the Zimbabwean Government following the protests.It emerged that DA had forged an alliance with the Mr Nelson Chamisa-led MDC and a clique of expelled members of Zanu-PF known as G40.Three days ago, pictures of a meeting of DA and former Zimbabwean legislators, Shadreck Mashayamombe and Jappy Jaboon and former chairman of the Children of War Veterans Association Munyaradzi Shoko, among others, circulated on social media.South Africa's Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mphakama Mbete said they were shocked by Mr Maimane's remarks. He said the South African Government was focusing on buttressing relations with Zimbabwe and advised Mr Maimane to stay out of Zimbabwe's politics.Political analysts said the DA represented white colonial interests and was bent on stalling the land reform programme in South Africa while the likes of Shoko and Mashayamombe were a nuisance to the country's democracy.News / National

by Staff reporter

Apostolic Christian Council of Zimbabwe (ACCZ) president Archbishop Johannes Ndanga has urged churches to rally behind President Mnangagwa, saying God has bestowed in him the ideas that he is implementing in turning around the country's economy. He said those who were agitating for the removal of a constitutionally elected Government should know that they are wasting their time as leaders were appointed by God.Addressing mourners at the burial of United Apostolic Church Independent Church of God (UAFICG) leader Archbishop Chiutsi Zihowa Motsi in Mt Darwin on Sunday, Archbishop Ndanga said churches should play a leading role in preaching peace and order to maintain the tranquillity that has existed in the country since independence in 1980. Archbishop Motsi collapsed and died at his rural home in Manhondo village, Mt Darwin, last week.He was 108 years. "Ecumenical boards should be an exemplary in rallying behind President Mnangagwa's Government," said Archbishop Ndanga."We all believe that leaders are appointed by God, so why should we dispute what God has ordained through the use of stayaways that degenerate into violence."Leadership is a calling from God, President Mnangagwa was ordained to lead the country, and everything which is required for economic renaissance has been bestowed in him."Archbishop Ndanga expressed concern over some clerics fanning violent demonstrations under the guise of peaceful protests."A divinely anointed leader is the right person to deal with the challenges," he said."Let us support the legitimate Government and as churches we denounce demonstrations."President Mnangagwa is everyone's President, even the MDC Alliance members, because he is the national leader. The opposition party and its leadership should submit to the current Government."News / National

by Staff reporter

ALL is set for tomorrow's official opening of the Herbert Chitepo School of Ideology at Knowstics Academy in Bonda, Manicaland.The Herbert Chitepo School of Ideology was born after the revolutionary ruling party, Zanu-PF, took cognisant of the need to impart foundational ethos regarding the country's history among its members.It is also meant to mould and produce disciplined and conscientious cadres within the ruling party. Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs Dr Ellen Gwaradzimba is expected to be the guest of honour at the event.War veterans leader in Manicaland Gift Kagweda said some of the school's principal directors and trainers were already in the province, including Retired Brigadier-General Asher Tapfumaneyi."The directors from Harare, including Rtd Brig-Gen Tapfumaneyi are already in the province for the official opening of the college on Saturday at Knowstics Academy in Bonda," said Kagweda."We have four trainers who started working on Monday and the school is expecting to recruit a total of six trainers."They have started with teaching the history of Zimbabwe, post-Independence history and most importantly our party Zanu-PF ideologies."Kagweda said the school had already started recruiting, with 145 students already undertaking studies."After completing lessons on the party's ideologies and the country's history, there are multiple courses that one may opt to specialise in," he said."This is because people have different skills for career advancement."Zanu-PF national political commissar Engelbert Rugeje visited the province a few months ago and said no ruling party member would fit into their structures without passing through the Herbert Chitepo School of Ideology.Rugeje said there were other party members who were not conversant with the ruling party's ideologies, hence the need to educate them. He emphasised the need to take party ideologies to the lowest ranks within the party to foster discipline and correctly orient its cadres.The Zanu-PF provincial leadership, Government officials and party supporters are expected to attend the official opening of the school.News / National

by ZimLive

South Africa - Mmusi Maimane, the leader of South Africa's opposition Democratic Alliance party, has written to Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa seeking a meeting over an on-going crackdown by security forces.Maimane hand-delivered a letter at the Zimbabwe embassy in Pretoria on Thursday morning, requesting an audience with the Zanu-PF leader to discuss "reports of beatings, arrests and other threats to hard-won democratic freedoms in Zimbabwe."Speaking outside the embassy, he said: "This matter must be escalated urgently. Already the number of deaths are turning up there in Zimbabwe, and we can't allow this to carry on."He had received an assurance from embassy officials that they would deliver the letter to Mnangagwa, he said, adding that he expected a response within the next 48 hours "to see where we go from this point on so that we can take safe, responsible action to restore democracy in Zimbabwe."In his letter to Mnangagwa, seen by ZimLive, Maimane says he represents the Southern African Partnership for Democratic Change, a grouping of opposition parties from the SADC region."The stability of Zimbabwe is critical to the stability of our region. The protection of democratic rights in Zimbabwe is critical to the advancement of democracy throughout the region," Maimane says in his letter.He adds that they would like to see Zimbabwe "restored to calm and stability" with a free press and "streets free from soldiers and guns".Maimane, who is expected to meet opposition leaders during his planned visit to Zimbabwe, said on Monday that he had asked the International Criminal Court at the Hague to investigate Zimbabwe's political and military leaders for crimes against humanity.Maimane visited the Beitbridge Border Post where he said he was told by officials that over 130,000 Zimbabwean nationals fled to South Africa after nationwide demonstrations erupted on January 14 after Mnangagwa decreed that fuel prices were being more than doubled.Rights groups say in a military-led crackdown that ensued, over a dozen people were killed, nearly a 100 shot and over 850 - among them children, opposition MPs and civil society activists -rounded up and accused of inciting protests, plotting to overthrow the government or looting shops.The Democratic Alliance's Graham Charters said: "He (Maimane) has approached the office of the prosecutor at the ICC to launch a preliminary investigation into what is happening, and he's made a call to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to essentially intervene."Maimane is believed to have asked the ICC to review deadly actions of Zimbabwe's military and political leaders starting with the 2008 presidential election run-off, in which 200 opposition supporters were killed.At the time of the run-off election, Zimbabwe was discussed at the United Nations Security Council where a resolution to impose punitive sanctions on the country failed following a veto by Russia and China.Sponsors of the Security Council resolution had identified 12 individuals that were said to be responsible for the atrocities. Zimbabwe's president Emmerson Mnangagwa and his deputy Constantino Chiwenga, then Justice Minister and commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces respectively, were on the list along with then leader President Robert Mugabe.Other officials on the 12-man list who are in Mnangagwa's current administration are Agriculture Minister Perrance Shiri (then Airforce commander), presidential spokesman George Charamba (who was in same role) and prisons boss Paradzai Zimondi (who remains in same role).Earlier this week, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa - under pressure at home and from the international community to condemn the excesses of the Zimbabwe regime - dispatched a delegation of his African National Congress to Harare to engage Zanu-PF officials on the crisis.The ANC said the trip was a fact-finding mission on behalf of liberation movements in the region.ZimLive understands at one meeting, the four-member delegation met with 34 members of the Zanu-PF politburo, but only the party's secretary for external relations Simbarashe Mumbengegwi spoke, reading from a document.Mumbengegwi blamed the opposition MDC for the crisis in Zimbabwe, saying the protests had shocked authorities as the methods employed by protesters had never been seen before."Mumbengegwi said the protests had nothing to do with fuel but their target was to overturn the election result from last July which was endorsed by the highest court in the land. There was not much discussion - they were many in number from the Zanu-PF side but silent in voice. It was not a good interaction, the ANC comrades were a bit frustrated," ANC sources said in Johannesburg.Mumbengegwi, according to the source, said there was a new dangerous situation in Zimbabwe which they are watching very carefully, and advised the ANC to take note as it may visit other liberation movements.The delegation, led by ANC secretary general Ace Magashule, also met Mnangagwa and his deputies."When asked questions of clarification, they would get a response from Chiwenga who would either nod his head approvingly, or shake his head violently if they said something he doesn't agree with. It appears he realised his limitations at articulating anything and chose to communicate with his head. The take-away from that engagement was that Mnangagwa had a clear lack of control of the situation, and fear too," the official added, asking not to be named as he was not cleared to speak to the media.Despite its misgivings, the ANC is expected to issue a "perfunctory solidarity message" with the Zanu-PF government out of a sworn understanding and shared commitment by former liberation movements to support each other whatever the consequences.The ANC is worried that events will take a momentum of their own, with the opposition Economic Freedom Fighters and the DA in particular taking public steps to internationalise the Zimbabwe crisis, while Ramaphosa remains tight-lipped.News / National

by Staff Reporter

Commissioners of the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) have resigned with immediate effect.In statement, the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Misheck Sibanda said President Emmerson Mnangagwa has accepted the resignation of the entire ZACC Commissioners with effect from today."the President Cde ED Mnangagwa has accepted the resignation of the Chairman of the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission, Dr Job Whabira, with effect from 31 January 2019. Furthermore, His Excellency the President accepts the resignation of the rest of the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commissioners with effect from 31 January 2019," said Dr Sibanda.Dr Sibanda added that all the ZACC Commissioners have gone on leave pending the finalisation of their terminal benefits.He said President Mnangagwa extends his gratitude to Dr Whabira and the Commissioners for the sacrifice and efforts they rendered to the country in the fight against the scourge of corruption.Dr Sibanda revealed that the President will soon appoint a new chairman of ZACC in terms of Section 254 (1a) of the constitution of Zimbabwe Number 20.He said for the appointment of the rest of the Commissioners, the President requests for nominees from the Committee on Standing Rules and Orders (SROC) in terms of Section 254 (2) of the constitution of Zimbabwe.News / National

by Staff reporter

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has said members of the security forces are not above the law and urged victims of brutality to report to the police for justice to take its course.Hundreds of people have reportedly been brutalised by soldiers and police officers during the crackdown on recent protests, while several women also revealed falling victim to rape.Addressing journalists in Harare yesterday, police spokesperson Commissioner Charity Charamba said any abuse should be reported to the law enforcement agents, with a view to arresting perpetrators and gathering evidence to initiate interventions so that victims receive medical care."Without being discriminatory, we are alive to the fact that women and children suffer the brunt of any conflict the world over, hence our call for all those who might have been affected to come forth. We reiterate that all cases reported to us will be handled in a professional manner which accords victims full protection of the law and privacy," she said.Charamba said police did not condone any unlawful conduct by security forces.She said women who were living in fear of stigma or mistrust should be bold enough to approach the police."Some victims may be scared to report for one reason or the other. It might be fear of reprisals, stigma or mistrust but we are saying if such heinous acts are allowed to go unresolved, they have lasting traumatic implications on the victims," Charamba said."The law is clear; for each and every offence, there should be redress or a penalty, hence our passionate appeal to members of the public to report."Musasa Project director Netty Musanhu said there was need for women to report any abuse against them and her organisation stood ready to facilitate and assist the victims."It should never be allowed to happen again. We have had a lot of cases of gender-based violence in this country and if we allow the situation in every chaos for women to be violated and it goes unnoticed or unreported, we are creating a society that is characterised by chaos," she said.Adult Rape Clinic manager Rudo Mashingaidze said there was need for rape victims to come forward and get assisted with pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease interventions.Over a dozen women in Harare last week claimed they were raped by members of the security forces and in many cases without protection, sometimes in the presence of their families, as punishment for participating in the recent mass protests.Police have arrested and suspended a police officer who was filmed assaulting a handcuffed civilian along Chiremba Road in Epworth.They are also now looking for other members of the security services involved in the attack of civilians during the recent crackdown on opposition supporters.Charamba said one Constable Makumire had been arrested for assault and described him as one of the "rogue elements" within the security services as he committed the offence while on suspension for theft."Constable Makumire is seen in the video clad in civilian attire with a satchel strapped on his back, assaulting the victim. The member was not on official duty during the time of the offence as he is on suspension," she said."Earlier reports had indicated that the video was shot in 2016. However, upon further clarification from (the) investigating team it was established that the video was actually shot on Saturday 26 January, 2019. Investigations are widening to account for the remaining members of the security services captured in the video."News / National

by newzimbabwe.com

ZANU-PF MPs Tuesday heckled MDC legislator Innocent Gonese as he tried to raise a formal complaint through the house against an ongoing state crackdown on those accused of taking part in recent anti-government protests which led to the killing of 12 by security forces.Parliament resumed sitting on Tuesday after having closed for the festive season.However, its first session this year was spoiled by disorderly MPs from the ruling party who interrupted the Mutare Central MP as he tried to take up the matter with parliament.Gonese however ignored the clamour and went on to castigate government for failure to abide by the country's constitution through unleashing the military to perform policing duties leading to fatalities and injuries."In terms of the Section 119, it is very clear that this August House has the responsibility to ensure that the provisions of the constitution are followed."It is our responsibility as duly elected representatives of the people of Zimbabwe that all institutions and agencies of the state abide by the constitution."The deployment of the defence forces in the past two weeks is a cause for concern to parliament and the people of this country."Parliament should have been called to pass a Bill to have the defence forces deployed."Gonese added, "The deployment of the defence forces and lack of accountability by government are unconstitutional."We have noticed selective application of the law in the past week or so as accused persons are not given the right to fair trial."Among those whose rights were being violated, Gonese said, were party MPs Amos Chibaya, Levi Chiminya and Settlement Chikwinya who have been denied bail by the courts.Deputy Speaker Tsitsi Gezi promised to look into the issues raised by Gonese this week.President Emmerson Mnangagwa's government has come under fire for its violent crackdown on protesters who were angered by a rcent hike in fuel prices by more than double.Speaking to journalists during his recent visit to Russia, Mnangagwa defended the military crackdown on civilians.However, this has backfired as cases of death, torture and rape have widely been exposed via international media with the country's leader later saying the abuses were "unacceptable".The newest edition of Dangerous by Design on walking safety and the dangerous autoism in our road design doctrine is out, and its news is n...The Lifetime Income Security Solution

This book provides a straightforward methodology to achieve and protect your financial goals. It not only explains why an income-based investment strategy is superior to active management but also how to utilize certain deferred compensation strategies to better time income recognition. Finally, there is an overview of a simple and realistic asset protection methodology that relies less on hype and more on an honest appraisal of asset protections true capabilities. Concise and conversationally written, this book is a must for high net worth individuals and investment advisers.Chinese Accelerate Their Exodus From US Real Estate

"After years of torrid money-laundering buying of US properties by wealthy Chinese, purchases of US commercial real estate by the Chinese tumbled last year to the lowest level since 2012, according to a new report by the Wall Street Journal. The fall came as a result of Beijing continuing to pressure Chinese investors to bring cash home, instead of allowing it to leave the country. Recall, we reported back in early December that Chinese firms had dumped $1 billion of US real estate in the quarter prior. ..."

https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2019-02-01/chinese-accelerate-their-exodus-us-real-estateIn 2013 the Legislature approved $12 million for the library at DSU. When the foundation shifted its focus to Medora that funding was lost.

The Tribune believes the library would be a plum and a tourist attraction. We have doubts about how many people it would draw between Labor Day and Memorial Day when bustling Medora reverts to a sleepy town with few amenities. Dickinson might not lure a lot of tourists, but it has more hotels and restaurants open all year. Some have suggested the library would be a better fit in Fargo or Bismarck.

Dickinson is close enough to Medora that tourists could go to the library and also visit Medora when the weather was suitable.

The Tribune also questions the use of the Legacy Fund for the project. There are a number of bills before the Legislature that would tap into the funds earnings. They all have merit, but the Legislature has never come to a conclusion on how the Legacy Fund should be used, so the money tempts a variety of proposals.The two great literary bookends of President Donald Trumps half-term of grift and chaos have come from survivors of the most broken white communities that helped put him in office. They also show us the best way out of the basement of American despair.

How J.D. Vance, the author of Hillbilly Elegy, and Tara Westover, who wrote Educated, escaped physical and psychological horror is the dose of Charles Dickens that makes these two memoirs so memorable.

Vance was raised by grandparents from Kentucky in a declining steel town in southwest Ohio. His mother was a drug addict who married several times. It was doubtful he would finish high school. Now hes a venture capitalist who hobnobs with One Percenters in gilded hollows, and Ron Howard is making a movie of his life.

Westover, a self-taught writer of incandescent insight, came from a clan of survivalist end-timers in rural Idaho, was badly beaten by her brother and was nearly killed when forced to work at the family junkyard. Her parents didnt believe in birth certificates, school or safety regulations. She now has a Ph.D. in history, after stops at Harvard and Cambridge.

Both books have been sold in part as anthropological guides to a Trumpland that is terra incognita to most Americans.Much of the oversight committees time likely will be spent investigating the Trump administration, which the committees chairman, Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md., has said will be a priority.

They are going to call witnesses from the Trump administration on everything from Russia to collusion, and likely will investigate former cabinet members, including Ryan Zinke, former interior secretary, and Scott Pruitt, former secretary of environmental protection, Armstrong said.

For his part, Armstrong would like to look into sanctions against Russian companies to learn more about why they were imposed and if they are being properly carried out.

I need to learn more about it, he said.

I have seen nothing yet that comes close to impeachment, but that wont necessarily stop the Democrats from trying, he said.

Last week, the oversight committee held its first hearing, on the high cost of pharmaceuticals, an issue that has wide bipartisan interest, Armstrong said.

The government has to find ways to prevent pharmaceutical companies from making slight alterations in a medicines formula to extend its patent protection period before it is eligible for generic substitutes, he said.Cramer was unavailable for comment but his office emailed a statement from him.

I voted for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in 2017 because Ill always support pro-growth economic policies that empower taxpayers and get more money in peoples pockets, and they have already delivered, Cramer said. Our state has added over 9,000 jobs, with North Dakotans receiving the largest average tax reduction in the nation.

Its this post hoc ergo propter hoc  after the thing, therefore because of the thing, Flynn said. Youre looking at it and saying, Well, we cut taxes, and thats going to be the driving force.  Yes, employment is up around the country, in general, but you know, 8,300, even for a state like ND, is not really something I would sit there and say Oh this is obviously because of the tax cuts.

The upward trend Job Services reported in January had been the first in three years, with North Dakota seeing a drop in jobs from December 2015 to December 2017.

In January 2017, Job Service reported the state lost 6,200 jobs between December 2015 and December 2016, not seasonally adjusted.

From December 2014 to December 2015, North Dakota lost 19,000 jobs, not seasonally adjusted.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0Taizalee Glass likes the newest class at Hebron Public School.

"You get to eat what you make, so that's pretty cool," the high school junior said.

She's one of three students in the school's food science and processing course, which started a few weeks ago in the new semester. The class, open to juniors and seniors, began its curriculum with food safety and sanitary practices before beginning meat science, including sausage stuffing.

Its hands-on approach is another aspect Glass said she enjoys. Teacher Riston Zielke said that's what he wanted for the class.

"I wanted to create a class where students are making more of a connection from taking agricultural products in their raw form and converting them into consumable products that we typically see on our table," said Zielke, who is also a cattle rancher and rodeo announcer.

His students will continue with meat science to learn about cuts, doneness and cooking different types of meat. Zielke said he'd eventually like to get into canning and food preservation, as well as ice cream and bread making.

He said his students seem to enjoy it and the class will likely grow after this trial semester.As a bill dealing with high-level radioactive waste works its way through the North Dakota Legislature this session, a group of concerned citizens is urging the public to pay attention.

Senate Bill 2037 sets up a framework for permitting and regulating the storage and disposal of spent nuclear fuel and other high-level radioactive waste.

Regulators and legislators working on the bill say it is necessary to clean up outdated language in state law and define a process for the state to respond if the federal government ever designates North Dakota as a repository for high-level radioactive waste.

This is not something that we really want in our state at all, said Sen. Jim Roers, R-Fargo, a legislator working to refine the bill. But if its forced upon us, we need to have some structure to be able to navigate the permitting process and approval process.

A group of Pierce County residents known as the North Dakota Community Alliance has concerns about the bill and is promoting amendments they say will better protect the public.Testimony resumes 8:30 a.m. Monday on HB1286, introduced by Rep. Rick Becker, R-Bismarck. The committee heard 150 minutes of testimony on the reform bill Wednesday.

Rep. Kim Koppelman, R-West Fargo, who chairs the committee, appointed Reps. Karla Hanson, D-Fargo, Terry Jones, R-New Town, and Bernie Satrom to a working group for the bill.

Satrom, R-Jamestown, said he is "torn" on the bill, pointing to forfeiture proceeds as "critical" for law enforcement drug interdiction.

"At the same time we have to make sure that they're accountable, that it's being handled responsibly," Satrom said Friday.

Becker has criticized a "perverse incentive" in North Dakota's law for "policing for profit."

Satrom said stories like Aaron Dorn's  who was acquitted of felony charges but forfeited his truck in connection to the allegations  are "upsetting."

"But I'm open-minded. We have some capable people on that work group," Satrom said.

On the menu

Senate Bill 2269 on cottage foods comes before the Senate Agriculture Committee at 8:30 a.m. Thursday in the Roosevelt Park Room of the state Capitol.This may be a taxing year for those citizens with income to give their money to the federal government.

There may not be any tax help offered by furloughed government workers. There may be no promises of a timely refund. There may or may not be a wall to be funded by taxpayers  since Mexico politely declined to pay for it. The Democrats have ferociously declined to pay for it. Even some Republicans don't think it is chump change.

So now everyone is looking at Feb. 15 as the possible next date for the government to shut down. Financial experts are advising taxpayers to heed that date as well.

Kenneth Krumm, of Krumm and Associates at 600 S. Second St., #210 in Bismarck, says this is a unique year.

(It is) highly recommended that you e-file your 2018 income tax return. Paper returns will be accepted, but e-filing is the better choice due to the unusual circumstances surrounding this years tax season, said Krumm, explaining that electronic filing minimizes errors and provides for faster refunds.

Jackson Hewitt, which maintains local offices in the Bismarck and Mandan Walmart stores, takes its recommendations one step further and urges taxpayers to file before Feb. 15.A frequent guest is Lt. Phil Sheridan, Indian fighter, who plans to build a U.S. Army fort nearby. Another is Wallace O'Malley, his daughter, Carissa, and their slaves. O'Malley is a wealthy plantation owner from Alabama with large lumber, mining and shipping interests in the coastal area. Despite the slavery issue, he and Carville become friends. The Davis and O'Malley families are central to the rest of the story, which includes sea captains, Irish aristocrats, potato farmers, Native Americans, the Civil War, and, of course, lovers.

Billy Davis, several generations removed from the original settlers, inherits the land but as an amputee from Afghanistan has a difficult time making a living. While his wife works on her dissertation for a doctorate, he manages the family chores and spends time just digging around in the old hotel garbage for old bottles and other finds he can sell to an antique dealer.

Tideman does a masterful job of weaving all these characters, the skrimshaw pendant and the mgarbage pit into their respective time periods and generations. One need not be a history buff to enjoy this intriguing story.

A suggestion I have for Tideman is that he include a simplified map of the covered area with an "X" to mark fictional (or actual) features and a glossary of the main characters.

I looked for Elk City on several maps of Oregon but found it on only one. It showed a population of less than 200.

Virginia Luger, now retired in Bismarck, was a school teacher, Episcopal deacon and business woman. She has been writing for various publications since the 1980s.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0Packing a pistol is a way of life for Trina Jo Bradley, a Dupuyer-area rancher along Montanas Rocky Mountain Front.

The pistol is her protection from grizzly bears. She is on constant watch for the large bruins.

I compare it to living in a bad neighborhood in Chicago, she said. Theres never a time when were not on alert.

That includes when she takes her young daughter fishing on a nearby creek.

Near YNP

More than 300 miles to the south, just north of Yellowstone National Park, rancher Malou Anderson also lives with grizzly bears on the landscape, seeing them almost daily except when they are hibernating in winter.

Anderson prefers to carry bear spray when working on her familys ranch in the Tom Miner Basin.

We walk and ride differently on the landscape when we carry bear spray as opposed to a gun, Anderson said.

At certain times of the year, 10 to 15 grizzly bears will be visible on hillsides near the ranch, digging up plants to eat. Crowds of tourists will gather to photograph, sometimes trespassing, leaving litter and even flying drones over the bears.

Gathering

The two women spoke to a gathering of agricultural producers at a recent conference in Lewistown. Sponsored by the American Prairie Reserve, the meeting was meant to bring diverse people together from a variety of backgrounds to discuss different ways of living with wildlife.

Anderson and Bradley provide contrasting approaches, attitudes and perceptions to living with grizzly bears on the edge of two of Montanas wildest places. Yet they also share a common love of the states wide open spaces and a strong desire to preserve a ranching lifestyle under threat from a variety of modern challenges.

Living with bears

Anderson is the fourth generation on her ranch, a business that has been constantly evolving due to fluctuating conditions. Although the operation started out raising sheep and cattle, once wolves were reintroduced to Yellowstone in 1995 sheep ranching was abandoned due to conflicts with the wild canines.

Now the family raises grass-finished beef, builds tiny houses and rents out a vacation home to tourists visiting the Yellowstone area in the summer. They also provide workshops, lead tours and have a range riding school.

We believe in the larger natural system already at work, she said. Were learning from the system, not trying to dominate.

To keep grizzly bears and wolves away from their cattle, the family has used fladry and range riders and makes use of a safety protocol. Camera traps have taught them wildlife migratory paths through the area, as well as den sites, so they can alter where they graze livestock to avoid conflicts.

Theyve also created a schedule, moving through areas at specific times so large carnivores living in the area know when to expect humans on the landscape to avoid being surprised. When livestock is killed, range riders send out a text to everyone in the area so they know.

Were trying to maintain our way of life, Anderson said.

Different view

Bradley said that instead of living with bears on her ranch, its more like living in spite of grizzlies. She has photos of grizzlies in a neighbors shop, next to a grain bin, around the towns daycare and near a public campground.

We love it here and dont want to leave, she said.

But the constant threat of livestock loss or dangers to her family is exhausting. She also feels alienated by environmental groups. When she contacted one nonprofit seeking cost sharing to build a bear-proof fence around her home to protect her daughter, she said she was turned away.

They would only do it around an attractant, like an apple tree, she said. In essence, to me, that said my 7-year-olds life was not as important as a fruit tree.

A lot of ranchers dont want to be associated with environmental groups, even if they will provide a cost share on nonlethal grizzly bear deterrents, Bradley said. She claimed that's partly because some environmentalists espouse vegetarian views and speak against eating beef  the basis of her livelihood.

Maybe its a pride issue, maybe its a commonsense issue, she said. My dad would rather all of his cows got killed than say he knew (an environmentalist).

Widespread

Kim Johnston, a field manager for the nonprofit People and Carnivores, said her group has utilized a variety of tools to keep humans and livestock safe from bears in places like the Rocky Mountain Front. They include guard dogs, carcass disposal, food storage and scare devices using lights and noise.

The key is catching bears young or before it becomes a habit, she said. Once they are conditioned and get a reward, then its more difficult.

Such tools arent isolated to Montana. Along the Rocky Mountain Front in Canada ranchers and agencies face the same problems with grizzlies. In California, black bears are recolonizing areas along the Sierra Nevada mountain range.

These conversations are happening all over the place, said Rae Wynn Grant, a carnivore ecologist and National Geographic Society fellow, who worked in California studying black bears.

Most conflicts are related to some kind of attractant, said Andrea Morehouse, of the Waterton Biosphere Preserves Carnivores and Communities Program in southwestern Alberta.

Chickens are the new garbage, said Russ Talmo of Defenders of Wildlife. Everybody has them.

More trials

As if the existing challenges werent enough for ranchers living in grizzly bear territory, looming on the horizon is the threat of climate change and its associated drawbacks. Dry weather could result in less vegetation so bears would seek other sources of food  possibly meat in the form of livestock. Warmer winters could lead to less time bears spend hibernating, meaning they would be on the landscape longer.

Montana could soon have a grizzly bear hunting season, but no one is sure that a limited harvest of the animals would lead to fewer human-bear interactions. Numerous bears are killed every year without hunting.

Where I live people shoot at bears all the time, Bradley said.

But dead bears dont put fear or knowledge into living bears, or as Bradley said, theres no Bear Times newspaper that grizzlies read advising them to stay away after a bear is shot and killed.

Staying put

So where does that leave ranchers, farmers and rural residents when it comes to grizzly bears? For Anderson, its a matter of continually trying new things until something works.

I can proudly say we have tried just about everything, she said. We have had success and failures.

One range rider was mauled by a bear on the family ranch.

There have been a lot of hard lessons, and often the wildlife dont win.

Bradley said she wants management. If one of her cows is killed, she wants something done.

Despite the trials and tribulations, Anderson and her family have no plans to leave and want to ensure that their ranch is healthy and operational seven generations into the future.

First and foremost my priority is to preserve the rural West, she said.

Showing a photo of the rough Rocky Mountain Fronts beautiful landscape, Bradley noted, This is why we live where bears live: because there is no better place to raise a child. And we will fight tooth and nail to stay there.

Love 17 Funny 0 Wow 4 Sad 0 Angry 2We also wonder about drug testing for Medicaid. While we don't condone drug usage, we wonder how large of a problem this is. And, is the state or federal government willing to conduct drug testing at an estimated cost of $50 per test per person? And even if a person tests positive for drugs, is that reason enough to kick them off health insurance?

Kicking people off Medicaid -- if that's the goal -- means they won't have insurance. It doesn't mean they won't need medical services. And if they don't have medical services, they will force hospitals to treat them in the emergency rooms at very high expense without any reimbursement. For a community like Billings, which thrives on its healthcare, any loss to our hospitals is a loss to the local economy.

In addition to the $600 million the expansion has added to the economy, it has also seen more than 5,900 jobs added. Plus, the expansion has resulted in a net positive impact of $6.5 million to the state's coffers.We'd like to think that more awareness means that there'll be a better response when and if it happens in Helena.

Lobbyists claim that laws are already on the books to guard against discrimination and harassment.

True.

We're not talking about acting illegally here, though. What's being proposed is more training and some awareness so that lawmakers and those working in and around the capitol create a more open, respectful atmosphere. Just waiting for the prosecutors or police to investigate seems way too blase for us.

It's worth pointing out that many of the lobbyists at the Legislature may be employed by companies that already require similar training by their employers. That may mean this possible code of conduct will apply to just a few.

One other laughable moment came when lobbyists suggested that anti-harassment or anti-discrimination training may limit their First Amendment rights.

Ahem.

Speaking as people who work in that arena daily, we object to using the First Amendment as a shield for discrimination and harassment, both of which are in many  if not all  cases illegal.Victim: Not 'just about me'

Linda Tokarski Glantz came forward in 2017 in a series of articles as the victim of the 1987 rape. She said she remembers being told years ago that the state's case against Tipton could reach the U.S. Supreme Court someday, but "it seemed like such a long shot," she said.

"Im so grateful that it has gotten this far, and Im so grateful that so many people have put so much work into this for us," she said. "And well just have to see what they say."

Glantz said she'll never be finished dealing with the aftermath of what happened to her, but if the Supreme Court does side with Montana and clear the way for Tipton's prosecution, it could "give some importance and some validation to everything I've gone through."

Glantz said that in the years before Tipton surfaced, she couldn't recall how often she thought of the traumatic childhood experience. But that changed.

"It's definitely been a daily thing for the last four years," she said.

Glantz said she's heard from plenty of supporters after her stories were published, including her third-grade teacher.Mulberry came up with the name My Backyard, Harmon said.

Because youve heard the phrase not in my backyard, and we thought, 'This is our backyard,' she said.

Harmon started working on all the details of running the program, including the intake process, lining up volunteers and setting up the actual space. Then she and Neary started getting the word out to churches and nonprofits.

The response was overwhelming, Neary said.

My Backyard sprang into operation for the first time Jan. 18, with Wednesday its eighth night of serving what Harmon calls its guests. The threshold for opening the warming center, so far located at Billings First Church, is an evening temperature of 32 degrees or colder.

When the Community Crisis Center is over capacity, counselors screen clients who have low-level needs and no behavioral problems. Up to 10 clients are fed a snack at the center, then transported to the warming shelter at 9 p.m.

They sleep there until 5:30 a.m., are given a morning snack provided by the crisis center and then go on their way. Even though the bed for the night is only one or two foam mats on the floor and some blankets, Neary said many of her clients prefer the quiet and peace they find at the church.Rep. Greg Murphy, R-Pitt, introduced the Carolina Cares legislation in April 2017. He was flanked at the podium by (from left) Reps. Donna White, R-Johnston, Josh Dobson, R-McDowell, Donny Lambeth, R-Forsyth, and Gale Adcock, D-Wake. (CJ photo by Dan Way)

Gov. Roy Cooper continues pushing for Medicaid expansion. State Rep. Donny Lambeth, R-Forsyth, said he and three co-sponsors plan to reintroduce Carolina Cares , proposed legislation to open Medicaid rolls to more people. Sen. Ralph Hise, R-Mitchell, said forget about it. It's not going to happen.Cooper was in Marion on Thursday, Jan. 24, for a roundtable discussion about the opioid epidemic and the role Medicaid expansion could play in attacking the crisis. Although that's in McDowell County, in Hise's senatorial district, and he is co-chairman of the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Medicaid and NC Health Choice, the senator said he was not notified of or invited to the event.Meanwhile, Lambeth, a former hospital administrator, said he and Reps. Greg Murphy, R-Pitt, a doctor; Josh Dobson, R-McDowell, co-chairman of the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services; and Donna White, R-Johnston, a nurse, plan to file their Carolina Cares legislation again this legislative session.Lambeth said.Lambeth said.Participants would be required to participate in healthy lifestyle options with a focus on wellness, Lambeth said. Participants would pay part of the coverage costs, and providers would cover the state's share. This would insulate taxpayers from picking up any costs from people enrolled under the expansion.Lambeth said.He said this is a win-win alternative to expansion of Medicaid.Lambeth said.Hise said he wasn't surprised Cooper is still plugging to expand Medicaid rolls.Hise said.Not much has changed at the federal level despite congressional promises to revisit the structure of Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act. So the Senate is not on board with growing the rolls, Hise said.The senators' biggest objection is Medicaid expansion mostly covers able-bodied men 18 to 55 years old.Hise left the door slightly ajar, though. He said somes senators could change their minds if Medicaid rules were changed to expand services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and open to people at the lowest income levels.OCKHAMS LONGLIST LADEN WITH LITERARY LUMINARIES



The latest works of Lloyd Jones, Fiona Kidman, Maurice Gee and Vincent OSullivan are among the rich and varied range nominated for the countrys premier book awards, now in their 51st year. They sit alongside debutants and rising stars whose books traverse sweeping contemporary, cultural, historic, artistic and social landscapes.



New Zealand Book Awards Trust chair Nicola Legat says the Awards received a large number of entries again this year and the standard was extremely high across all categories. Many of New Zealands literary heavyweights feature in the 40-strong Ockham New Zealand Book Awards longlist announced this morning.The latest works of Lloyd Jones, Fiona Kidman, Maurice Gee and Vincent OSullivan are among the rich and varied range nominated for the countrys premier book awards, now in their 51st year. They sit alongside debutants and rising stars whose books traverse sweeping contemporary, cultural, historic, artistic and social landscapes.New Zealand Book Awards Trust chair Nicola Legat says the Awards received a large number of entries again this year and the standard was extremely high across all categories. The judges would have had a challenging task and its very gratifying and exciting to see the mix of established writers and younger emerging talent across all the longlist categories. This signals a very encouraging situation for New Zealand literature.

 Nicola Legat, NZBAT chair You can find the full list of Ockham New Zealand Book Awards longlisted titles here and you can download social media visuals to promote the books from the resources page of our website later this morning. STILL TIME TO ENTER NZCYA AWARDS



Publishers are reminded that entries are still open for the 2019 New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults, and submissions are currently being accepted for books published between 1 December 2018 and 31 March 2019. Publishers are reminded that entries are still open for the 2019 New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults, and submissions are currently being accepted for books published between 1 December 2018 and 31 March 2019. Details on how to enter can be found here . The 2019 NZCYA shortlist will be announced on 6 June. SAVE THE DATE FOR NPD 2019 nd Phantom Billstickers National Poetry Day will be held on 23 August this year.



NPD 2018 blew previous records off the charts with our largest national tally of events ever, at 150. Registrations for 2019 events will open in early March, so poets, publishers, booksellers and poetry-loving organisers, put your creative caps on and lets make 2019 even bigger. We have a date for NPD 2019! The 22Phantom Billstickers National Poetry Day will be held on 23 August this year.NPD 2018 blew previous records off the charts with our largest national tally of events ever, at 150. Registrations for 2019 events will open in early March, so poets, publishers, booksellers and poetry-loving organisers, put your creative caps on and lets make 2019 even bigger. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for further updates, or our National Poetry Day webpage TRUST NEWS



Jenna Todd, the manager of the award-winning Auckland bookstore Time Out, joins the Trust as the Booksellers NZ representative, succeeding Rachel Eadie. Jenna was the first recipient of the Kobo Booksellers NZ Scholarship in 2014 and was named Young Bookseller of the Year in 2015. She was a fiction judge for the 2018 Ockham New Zealand Book Awards. As we start the new year, the New Zealand Book Awards Trust welcomes a new trustee and congratulates another.Jenna Todd, the manager of the award-winning Auckland bookstore Time Out, joins the Trust as the Booksellers NZ representative, succeeding Rachel Eadie. Jenna was the first recipient of the Kobo Booksellers NZ Scholarship in 2014 and was named Young Bookseller of the Year in 2015. She was a fiction judge for the 2018 Ockham New Zealand Book Awards. Jenna Todd And its a double round of champagne for independent trustee Paula Morris. The award-winning novelist, short story writer, essayist and academic has been busy since her return to New Zealand in 2015, and she was delighted to not only receive the Katherine Mansfield Menton fellowship late in 2018 but also to be recognised with an MNZM in the 2019 New Year Honours List for services to literature. Im really looking forward to settling into the studio at the Villa Isola Bella and making the space my own. I like the stimulation and discomfort of working in new places. The award of the MNZM was much appreciated as well, as it's recognition for my body of work so far. Writing into the darkness is what I do, but sometimes its nice stepping into the light.

 Paula Morris DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 22 February: Final entry deadline for 2019 NZ Book Awards for Children & Young Adults, for books published 1 December 2018 to 31 March 2018

4 March: HELL Reading Challenge 2019 begins

6 March: 2019 Ockham New Zealand Book Awards shortlist announced

13 March: National Poetry Day event registrations/seed funding applications open

14 May: Ockham NZ Book Awards ceremony at Aotea Centre Auckland

22 May: Deadline for National Poetry Day event registration/seeding funding applications

6 June: Shortlist announced for 2019 NZ Book Awards for Children & Young Adults

7 August: NZ Book Awards for Children & Young Adults ceremony in Wellington

23 August: Phantom Billstickers National Poetry Day OUR FUNDERS AND PARTNERS The Ockham New Zealand Book Awards, The New Zealand Book Awards for Children & Young Adults, and Phantom Billstickers National Poetry Day could not exist without the generosity, commitment and vision of our sponsors and staging partners. The New Zealand Book Awards Trust is hugely grateful to Creative New Zealand, Ockham Residential, Acorn Foundation, Royal Society Te Aparangi, Auckland Writers Festival, HELL Pizza, Wright Family Foundation, LIANZA, Wellington City Council, Te Papa, Nielsen Book, Phantom Billstickers, and our other wonderful supporters. You can find out more about them here , here and here KEEP IN TOUCH You can find out more about the work of the Trust on our website or if you have a specific enquiry, contact our Trust Manager . And do follow us on our various social media accounts to keep up with our busy calendar of events and other news:



Ockham New Zealand Book Awards

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Phantom Billstickers National Poetry Day

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New Zealand Book Awards for Children

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via via Facebook or TwitterBelow we present the history of this type that mas it has circulated since when still lived the famous scientist where ensures the following: in 1856, a trail of fire in the area which is known as Serbia and that he followed with his eyes marching towards the site finding a flying device with a very small baby and a MOM who did not show signs of life a military call Milutin (father of Tesla) observed in the sky. Milutin was a man of faith and respectful of laws, but in this case considered that it should not denounce the finding. He took the baby in his hands and with two men of his confidence made disappear the apparatus, being the buried woman. Doctor Fardek, a close friend of the family, signed a certificate of birth and the child was born in Serbia in a village called Smiljan on July 10, 1856. Also says that Nikola Tesla made no plans, but that it memorize everything. Also said he slept only three hours a day and even that people close to him, saw him active up to 150 hours. The drama of Nikola Tesla was that their knowledge were so advanced for its time was born that they did not understand it.



However, many of his discoveries are jealously kept by the U.S. Government. Tesla had a notebook where he had scored countless mathematical formulas to build an appliance, with special coils, which could channel the energy of God and even redirection. An energy shield of so much power as to resist nuclear charges could be built with it. In life he also suffered many boycott because their discoveries could lead to bankruptcy for many companies. Although he was not in competition with anyone, such as Edison and Marconi scientists envied him and fought. Even this latter figure as the author of an invention that you extracted from the Research of Tesla. If you liked this article visit us at hidden spaces, our blog where you'll find as interesting as this articles.Publishing as is: it is definitely worth the read.

Middle East Forum, by Kyle Shideler (Link: Esconced in Doha: Qatar's Resident Islamists)

The following overview was written in connection with a Middle East Forum conference, "Qatar: U.S. Ally or Global Menace," taking place in Washington, D.C. on Feb. 6, 2019. To watch it live-streamed, click here.

Despite international criticism, the small peninsula state of Qatar has long played an outside role in harboring Islamists, including violent jihadists -- whether the political leadership of Hamas, or the "unofficial Embassy" of the Afghan Taliban.

The recent decision by several Arab States to designate a number of Qatari-hosted Islamists as terrorist entities has once again raised the issue of Qatari's support for both violent and non-violent Islamists. And perhaps no individual sheltered by Qatar is as notorious or influential as the nonagenarian cleric Yusuf Al Qaradawi.

Who is Yusuf Al Qaradawi?

Yusuf Al Qaradawi is a Qatar-based cleric, Al-Azhar University-trained Islamic jurist and a prolific writer and scholar. Born in Egypt in 1926, Qaradawi was an early member of the Muslim Brotherhood, who was even imprisoned by Gamal Abdel-Nasser as part of a crackdown following the Brotherhood's involvement in an alleged assassination attempt.[1] Egyptian hostility to the Brotherhood and its clerics led to Qaradawi's long-term exile in Qatar, where he now lives as a personal guest and spiritual mentor to the Qatari Emir.[2]

Despite his exile, Qaradawi remains a firm advocate of the Muslim Brotherhood and its political and paramilitary activities, to which he offers religious and ideological instruction.[3] Qaradawi even continues to play a leading role within the management of the Muslim Brotherhood, and has twice been offered (though he declined each time) the position of the Brotherhood's Supreme Guide.[4]

Relationship with Qatar:

Qaradawi's global reach would not have nearly the same impact without the aid and support of Qatar's ruling Al-Thani family, who have served as Qaradawi's patrons since he was first exiled to Doha in the 1960s and granted Qatari citizenship.

Qaradawi arrived in Qatar during a period in which the small peninsula country was still a British protectorate. Unlike Muslim Brothers who traveled to Saudi Arabia following their expulsion from Egypt, Qatar had no substantial developed religious institutions and, as a result, Qaradawi became nearly the only prominent cleric in a country of mostly Salafi Muslims.[5] As U.S. Ambassador Chase Untermeyer wrote in a 2005 State Department cable, Qaradawi is "the only Islamic thinker in Qatar who matters."[6]

Qaradawi since played a significant role in establishing the Qatari educational system, leading the Qatari Secondary School Institute of Religions, and later serving as a dean at Qatar University.[7] Qaradawi is also deeply involved with the Qatar Foundation. Nominally independent of the Qatari government, the Qatar Foundation serves as a vehicle for promoting Qatar's policy objectives and influence and promotes Qaradawi's brand of Islamism through the Foundation-run al-Qaradawi Centre for Islamic Moderation and Renewal and the Qaradawi Scholarship for Islamic Studies.[8]

Qatar has also long bankrolled many of the media forums that make up Qaradawi's global reach, including the International Union of Muslim Scholars and the prominent website IslamOnline, which promotes the cleric's fatwas and publicizes Qaradawi's work. Qatar also provided Qaradawi with a prominent platform on its state-run satellite television channel Al Jazeera from which he has made some of his most incendiary speeches.[9] Qaradawi has engaged in holocaust denial,[10] the promotion of suicide bombings,[11] and genocidal antisemitism[12]  all broadcast on Al Jazeera.

Qatar's financial sector has also sought Qaradawi's name and authority. He has served as an advisor for Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB), Qatar International Islamic Bank (QIIB) and the Qatar National Bank (QNB).[13] All three of these financial entities have been blacklisted by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) because, in part, of their associations with Qaradawi and Muslim Brotherhood entities.[14] For his part, Qaradawi has become extremely wealthy as a result of gifts from the Al-Thani family.[15]

QIB and QIIB are also believed to manage multiple accounts for Qatar Charity, the largest Qatar-based non-governmental humanitarian organization which has a long history of alleged support for terrorist groups, including Al Qaeda.[16] Interestingly, observers note that Qatar Charity's funding choices for jihadist efforts correlates with the list of "liberation" movements backed by Qaradawi.[17]

Qaradawi is also a participant and prominent member of the Global Anti-Aggression Campaign (GAAC). GAAC is a union of Salafi and Muslim Brotherhood leaders originally founded in 2003 in organized opposition to the U.S.-led Iraq war.[18] GAAC general secretary Abdulrahman al-Nuaimi is a Qatar-based and U.S. Treasury Department-labeled Specially Designated Global Terrorist, because of his alleged financing of Al Qaeda. He is also at the center of Emirati and Saudi allegations of Qatar terror finance.[19]

Qaradawi, Terrorism and Violence:

Contrary to those who have argued that Qaradawi represents a moderate strain of Islamism,[20] Qaradawi has long endorsed violence as a tool for achieving Islamist objectives. While he is perhaps most famous for his 2001 fatwa condoning Hamas suicide bombings, and his 2004 fatwa authorizing suicide bombing by Muslim women during the height of the 2nd intifada,[21] Qaradawi has also embraced violent "liberation" movements in the Palestinian territories, Sudan, Eritrea, the Philippines, Afghanistan, Somalia, and Kashmir.[22]

In addition, Qaradawi endorsed a fatwa for the killing of Americans in Iraq, including civilians, during the U.S. occupation;[23] and has encouraged Muslims to travel abroad to fight in civil wars in Syria and Libya.[24] And following the ouster of the Muslim Brotherhood-led government of Mohammed Morsi, Qaradawi also urged violence, stating that those who disobeyed the lawful ruler (meaning Morsi) should be killed.[25]

Qaradawi, however, does more than simply preach violence. In 2008, the U.S. government designated the Qaradawi-led international charitable coalition known as "The Union of the Good" for its role in financing Hamas.[26] The Israeli Security Agency has described the Union of the Good as "the umbrella organization for Hamas and Muslim Brotherhood-affiliated Islamic charity funds."[27] Union of Good members have been found to support other jihadist groups, including Al Qaeda affiliates.[28]

Qaradawi as Muslim Brotherhood Jurist:

Qaradawi's role in the advancement of Islamist thought should not be underestimated. In many ways, it is central to understanding the promotion and expansion of Islamist ideology around the world. In particular, Qaradawi has played a key role in establishing a branch of Islamic jurisprudence dealing with the issues of Muslims living in non-Muslim majority countries (known as Fiqh of Minorities, or Fiqh al-Aqalliyyat), together with another leading Muslim brotherhood thinker Taha Jabir Alwani.[29]

As a result, in the West, Qaradawi is perhaps best known for prominent religious organizations such as the European Council for Fatwa and Research (ECFR) and the Federation of Islamic Organizations of Europe (FIOE). These organizations are predominately led by Muslim Brotherhood operatives who have undertaken to spread Qaradawi and the Brotherhood's ideology, and to establish the infrastructure necessary to implement it.[30]

The end goal for this effort is perhaps best understood by Qaradawi's 1995 statement before the Muslim Arab Youth Association (MAYA) in Toledo, Ohio: "Conquest through dawah, that is what we hope for. We will conquer Europe, we will conquer America, not through the sword but through dawah."[31] Typically translated as "proselytizing", in the Muslim Brotherhood context Dawah carries with it a more specific meaning: ensuring Western Islam is Islamist-led.[32]

Disseminating Muslim Brotherhood Policies:

Qaradawi's activities go beyond adapting Islamic rulings for Muslims living in Western countries. Rather, Qaradawi established judicial bodies to oversee Islamic jurisprudence to promote and enforce his own Islamist interpretation of Islamic law. In 2004, Qaradawi founded the International Union of Muslim Scholars (IUMS) in Dublin, Ireland with the goal of overseeing and unifying Fiqh [jurisprudence] councils established in both the Middle East and among Muslim communities in the West. The bodies were tasked with enforcing standards in the production of fatwas and the assisting with the engagement of Dawah efforts online and through international satellite programs.

While the IUMS purports to be ecumenical in its treatment of various schools of Islamic jurisprudence, in practice the organization has been dominated by individuals affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood, including its armed Palestinian wing, Hamas.[33]

Far from serving as a mere religious institution, IUMS has long been used as an instrument for disseminating Muslim Brotherhood policy, which in turn is magnified and carried out by Brotherhood institutions aligned with Qaradawi throughout both the Middle East and in the West.[34] Qaradawi has publicly asserted that IUMS has the influence to incite the Muslim ummah to "rise up". He cites, as an example of this capability, IUMS' role in inflaming the Danish Muhammad Cartoon Contest protests, which ultimately resulted in the death of several people.[35] Qaradawi recently announced his intention to retire as the head of the IUMS.[36]

The use of the IUMS as a vehicle for subversive Muslim Brotherhood activities ultimately led Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to designate IUMS as a terrorist organization in June of 2018.[37]

Qaradawi and America

Despite having been banned from entering the United States since 1999, Qaradawi has played an active role in the effort to spread the Brotherhood's Islamist ideology in the United States. Qaradawi served as one of the inaugural trustees of the Islamic Society of Boston and remained engaged with the Boston-area mosque until at least 2002. The Islamic Society of Boston, founded by convicted Al Qaeda financier Abdurrahman Alamoudi, has been tied to more than a half a dozen terrorists who have been either deported, imprisoned, or killed by law enforcement.[38]

Qaradawi has also been influential in promoting the use of zakat funds to finance the building of mosques in the West.[39] This has helped facilitate the promotion of his material at U.S. mosques as Muslims leaders rely on Qaradawi's jurisprudence to justify the use of zakat funds.[40]

Analysis and Conclusion:

Qaradawi serves as a central node in a network that coordinates Qatar's relationship with international Islamism. While Qatar provides funding and global media reach, Qaradawi provides intellectual and ideological legitimacy, and the Muslim Brotherhood provides an international network of dedicated Islamist activists throughout the Middle East, Europe and North America.

As a result of his reach, Qaradawi remains vital to Qatar's attempts to exercise influence among both the Muslim world and in the West. This has made Qaradawi central to the conflict between Qatar and its neighboring Gulf States and explains the unwillingness of Qatar to divest itself of the Islamist scholar despite the pressure being brought to bear.

While in his advancing years, Qaradawi will likely continue to withdraw gradually from public life, the infrastructure he established - funded, hosted and championed by Qatar - will continue serving to promote the Islamist and Qatari agenda well into the future, and will remain a key point of tension between Qatar and its Gulf neighbors.

While Qaradawi, Qatar and the Muslim Brotherhood ought to each be independently worrisome to Westerners concerned about the spread of Islamist ideology; as a trinity of influence, its reach must be recognized as greater than the sum of its parts.

Western countries should cease indulging the polite fiction that Qatar-backed "non-state" actors involved with Qaradawi - such as the Qatar Foundation and Al Jazeera - represent anything other than instruments of Qatari influence. The West should instead require these organizations to identify as foreign agents. Likewise, Western countries should extend terrorism designations targeting the Qaradawi-led Union of the Good to Qaradawi himself, as well as other organizations associated with the Qaradawi network and this aging cleric's violent, theocratic agenda.

Kyle Shideler is Director of the Counter-Islamist Grid (CIG)A quite crisis has crept across our nation, almost obsequies by its nature. The mounting debt of student loans is as serious as the 2007 housing crisis; except that, instead of losing a home, our college students are losing an opportunity to begin a family and career without being burdened by a lifetime of debt. While our national debt now approaches $22 trillion, student personal loan debt exceeds $1.5 trillion.

Todays college students face the challenges of exorbitant tuition in a state where the Constitution mandates that college education will be "as nearly free as possible." Add to tuition a mountain of fees and expensive textbooks. In 2018, the average Arizona student loan debt for a BA graduate was $23,913 with 56 percent of Arizona students in debt.

To make ends meet, many students spend hours working low-paying jobs instead of studying for a career, often skimp on meals, and experience high stress levels. To add to the stress, the Republican-led state legislature and Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce are proposing decreasing pay for student workers. (Daily Sun, Jan. 29)Still, the pressure is getting to Maduros government. Over the weekend, his chief diplomats in Washington, Houston and Miami abandoned the sinking ship and pledged their loyalty to Guaido.

Despite broad bipartisan support in the U.S. Congress for resolving Venezuelas crisis, certain members continue supporting the Maduro regime.

Leftist claims of Guaido being a self-appointed puppet of the U.S are inaccurate. His interim presidency is constitutional, a reflection of the peoples will. Maduros presidency has been neither for years.

Nor is it accurate to claim that U.S. policy aims to destroy the Venezuelan economy. U.S. sanctions are targeted specifically against regime officials for corruption, human rights abuses and narco trafficking.

The U.S. also forbids purchasing Venezuelan gold, a lucrative industry for corrupt officials.

The recently announced oil sanctions take things a step further. The U.S. is now blocking Maduro from receiving all cash flow derived from Venezuelas state-owned oil company  Petroleos de Venezuela or PVDA.

That income will be handed over to the government once the interim president assumes office.H. R. Davis is again at this post at the depot, having recovered from his illness of last week.

100 YEARS AGO

1919: At 11:30 a.m. last Friday morning, the fire department was called to the largest fire that Flagstaff has had in a good many months. The dance hall, store and residence, all in one building of Raul Rodriquez, located south of the Santa Fe tracks was found ablaze. The fire department found it a very difficult and stubborn fire to fight. It had started between the ceiling and the roof of the dance hall. It is probable that it caught from the flue which was made of sewer pipe, but it is not definitely known this was the source. It had burned some time before the occupants of the house were aware of it and considerable damage had been done before the fire truck was called.

Mr. Frank Brooks was in his delivery wagon up on the hill west of town and saw the fire some time before anyone in the immediate vicinity knew of it.

The blaze worked between a $4,000 and $5,000 loss, which was not covered by insurance as it had been allow to lapse a few days before the fire occurred. The stock of the grocery store was practically all carried out, but was much damaged by water, mud and the snow in the street outside.The benefits of more accessible, quality preschool extend beyond more educated children, Tuesdays presenters said.

In addition to increased school readiness, educational attainment and earning potential, quality preschool can improve the health and well-being of these children  and their community.

Preschool involvement assists in a childs development of social and emotional skills, said Robert Kelty, principal of Puente de Hozho Elementary. Knowing how to play and interact with peers is just as meaningful to schools as early literacy skills, he said.

Steve Peru, president of the United Way of Northern Arizona, described the program would even help parents achieve their own goals.

High quality preschool can also help improve family and parenting skills, in addition to the availability of parents to work or invest in personal development during the day, he said.

CHALLENGES

Both the city and county expressed their support of this program; however, a project of this scale, even in its planning stages, is full of challenges, including funding and expansiveness, that must be considered before financial support can be allocated.When I decided to take the plunge and open my shop (in March 2015), she quit real estate and now works with me full time. I couldn't do it without her, Caughey said. When they asked us to compete on the Food Network, there was no one else I would have even considered to be my partner.

They are all up in your face. And you better believe if something does not go according to plan, they will be there to document the whole thing. And if you run out crying, they will follow you, Caughey said. Then the whole time you are wondering, how does my hair and makeup look? Do I have powdered sugar all over my face? Are we going to look like we've never touched a cake in our entire lives? It was like the first day of school all over again. But once you got down to crunch time, you totally forgot about them.The other night on CNN Don Lemon urged viewers to look up the "DunningKruger Effect." I did so and the psychological effect described explains a lot regarding Mr. Trumps behavior. The DunningKruger Effect refers to a psychological condition in which people of low intellect believe that they are smarter and superior to all others. It states that poor performers are not in a position to recognize the shortcomings in their performance ... in other words, some people are so very dumb that they don't know just how dumb they are. Let's analyze Trump's behavior in regards to this condition.

Trump does not like to read and it has been apparent exactly why that is. He has a great deal of trouble doing so. Mr. Trump routinely makes errors as he reads words from the teleprompter like "future" which he read as "furniture." This type of thing has happened many times with a variety of simple words and he often repeats the word he got wrong and then the correct one. He refuses to read long intel briefings and any printed information has to be short and summarized with graphs and charts. He also cannot spell, uses improper grammar and often uses incorrect forms of a word. In a recent tweet that would make his buddy Putin proud, Comrade Trump attacked the heads of all our intelligence agencies whom he wrote "need to go back to school." Ironically, in that same Twitter storm (regarding Iran) he wrote, "There economy is now crashing" using "there" instead of "their" and called our intel chiefs "naive." That gets us to his feeling of superiority which has NO justification based upon anything we have seen. He has claimed that "I know more about drones than anybody" and, incredibly, that he knows more than our generals ... regarding what, draft dodging? His feeling of superiority undoubtedly fuels his racism. When Trump says "Many people do not know this but ..." he really means HE didn't know it as with Lincoln being a Republican. When speaking at a Black History Month event it became apparent that he did not know that Booker T. Washington is dead. Former Secretary of State Rex Tillerson called Trump a "moron" and White House Chief of Staff John Kelly called Trump an "idiot. So, along with being a pathological liar, mentally unbalanced, grossly immoral, and deeply corrupt our leader is also as dumb as a rock. Sleep tight.The challenge will be whether the county can use existing polling locations to host early voting. Many of the polling sites are fire halls or town halls, which may not be available for the entire nine-day early voting period. That could require the county to seek alternative sites that aren't part of the existing polling location lineup. There are many factors they have to consider, including accessibility, parking and security.

Whatever the county decides, Lacey said they want their early voting plan in place this year. While there are local elections on the ballot in November, 2020 will be a busy year for the elections board. At minimum, there will be two elections: a presidential primary and the general. There could be a third  the federal and state primary.

"We'd certainly like to think a little bit ahead and try to come up with something that's going to be workable for down the road, not just this year," Lacey said.

The consensus among county election commissioners is that they need state funding. Many counties already approved their 2019 budgets last year, so finding the additional money needed to implement early voting will be difficult, if not impossible.The head of the UN mission in Yemen warned the Saudi-backed government and the Huthi rebels on Sunday that a seven-week ceasefire in the flashpoint city of Hodeida was fragile and urged them to order their commanders on the ground to uphold the truce. Retired Dutch general Patrick Cammaert met with government representatives and Huthis aboard a vessel anchored in the port of Hodeida on Sunday for talks aimed at shoring up the ceasefire. The talks are to continue on Monday, a UN statement said, describing the meeting as "cordial and constructive." The meeting was to address problems in implementing an agreement reached in Sweden in December that calls for a ceasefire in rebel-held Hodeida, a pullback of forces from the port city, and the opening of humanitarian corridors. Cammaert "warned the parties about the fragility of the ceasefire and urged them to instruct their commanders on the ground to refrain from any further violations that would jeopardize the Stockholm Agreement and the broader peace process for Yemen," the statement said. At the Vatican, Pope Francis called for urgent "respect" for the ceasefire accord to allow humanitarian aid through. "I am following the humanitarian crisis in Yemen with great concern," the pontiff said, before leaving on an historic three-day visit to the United Arab Emirates. The Red Sea port of Hodeida is the entry point for the bulk of Yemen's imported goods and humanitarian aid, providing a lifeline to millions in the Arab world's poorest country. This is the third meeting of a joint committee on implementing the deal, which has been hailed as a major step toward ending Yemen's devastating four-year war. - Renewed commitment - During the talks, the Saudi-backed Yemeni government and the Huthi rebels both "reiterated their commitment to implementing the Hodeida aspects of the Stockholm Agreement," the statement said. In particular, the sides agreed to work towards finding a solution to give aid workers access to the Red Sea Mills food warehouses in Hodeida. Red Sea Mills was one of the last positions seized by Saudi and Emirati-backed forces before the truce. The meetings are being held aboard a UN vessel after the rebels refused to hold talks in government-held areas, an official told AFP on condition of anonymity. The Saudi-backed government and Iran-supported Huthi rebels have accused each other of violating the ceasefire that went into force on December 18. Deadlines for the pullback of forces from Hodeida and a prisoner swap have slipped, fueling worries that the hard-won agreement could unravel. In a letter sent to the Security Council on Thursday, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and the Yemeni government accused the Huthis of violating the ceasefire in Hodeida 970 times. On Sunday a top Yemeni commander, Major General Saleh al-Zandani, the deputy chief of staff, died from wounds he received last month in a drone attack by Huthi rebels on a military parade at an air base, the information minister said. Yemen's rebels have been mired in a war with government forces backed since 2015 by a Saudi-led coalition. The conflict has triggered what the UN calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis, with millions of people at risk of starvation. The World Health Organization has put the death toll since 2015 at about 10,000 people but rights groups say that figure could be five times higher. The head of the UN mission in Yemen, Patrick Cammaert (C) and Special Envoy Martin Griffiths (R) meet Huthi-appointed local officials in the Red Sea port city of Hodeida on January 29, 2019 Map of Yemen locating Hodeida

Two women initially flattered by a note left on their car by a stranger are fearing for their safety after his advances turned creepy.

The notes, signed by a man named Chris, have reportedly been left on cars of more than a dozen women in Davis County in the US state of Utah.

Alyssa Rahter and her friend found a note on her car on Sunday and posted a picture of it on Facebook to warn others.

Hi beautiful ladies, sorry to be so intrusive but I couldnt resist! the note started.

I took a huge risk, and have never done this before. Forgive me for being random and spontaneous! Take a chance! Friends?

Alyssa Rahter is warning others about a note she found on her car. Source: Facebook

The man also wrote in the note he wanted to approach them but was overwhelmed by your looks.

You made my day and give me a reason to live, he wrote.

Please dont get offended. This little note is meant to be cute and fun.

Chris left his mobile number and Ms Rahter later contacted him because she thought the note was nice.

From cute note to sinister messages

The texts quickly turned sinister and Ms Rahter began feeling uncomfortable about the exchange.

He asked her if anything he said made her excited and claimed she was not much of a flirt.

We havent really talked about anything that turns me on, he said.

You dont seem like the sexual type and I can appreciate that.

He says in text messages he will buy her items from Victorias Secret if I get to see whatever I buy you.

The note was written by a man named Chris. Source: Facebook

Ms Rahter said his text messages were pushy and he told her whatever he thought she wanted to hear.

even makes some very inappropriate sexual comments, even though we have never met and will never meet, she wrote on Facebook.

Dont talk to this man! He is dangerous, and very creepy.

Many women contacted Ms Rahter after she posted the warning, saying it had happened to them as well.

Its scary! BE AWARE, Ms Rahter said.

Layton Police told Fox13 the letters were not against the law but anybody who feels uncomfortable of concerned after receiving a letter should contact authorities.British Prime Minister Theresa May said on Sunday she would be "armed with a fresh mandate and new ideas" when she next meets European Union negotiators over her Brexit deal. EU officials have insisted that the deal -- rejected by British lawmakers -- is not open for renegotiation. But May wrote in the Sunday Telegraph that she would be "battling for Britain and Northern Ireland" in her efforts to get rid of the agreement's unpopular "backstop" provision. "If we stand together and speak with one voice, I believe we can find the right way forward," she said. Downing Street said it had established "an Alternative Arrangements Working Group" to mull the backstop issue starting Monday, and added that "there are a number of ideas on this, including a unilateral exit mechanism or a time limit". The so-called backstop is intended to ensure there is no return to a hard border with Ireland, but Brexit supporters fear it will keep Britain tied to the EU's customs rules. MPs voted last week to send May back to Brussels to renegotiate the clause, suggesting that her deal would then be able to pass after it was roundly rejected in parliament last month. "I am now confident there is a route that can secure a majority in the House of Commons for leaving the EU with a deal," she wrote. "When I return to Brussels I will be battling for Britain and Northern Ireland, I will be armed with a fresh mandate, new ideas and a renewed determination to agree a pragmatic solution." The EU insists that the current deal "remains the best and only way to ensure an orderly withdrawal", and German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said Sunday that "if the British want to avoid a disorderly Brexit, our offer is on the table". But with the clock running down until the March 29 exit date the risks of a no-deal Brexit for both Britain and the bloc are coming into sharp focus. - Nissan blow - Car giant Nissan announced Sunday it was cancelling plans to build its X-Trail SUV at its plant in northeast England, saying that "the UK's future relationship with the EU is not helping". May said opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn "also believes the potential indefinite nature of the backstop is an issue", and that the EU has "already accepted the principle of 'alternative arrangements' superseding the backstop should it ever be required". The backstop would kick in if Britain and the EU have not agreed a trade deal on their future relationship after a limited transition period of up to two years. The prime minister rejected accusations that plans to reopen the backstop talks risked upsetting the Irish peace process. "Nor do I have time for those who believe the verdict passed by the British people in 2016 should be overturned before it is even implemented," she added, referring to the rump of MPs calling for a second referendum. "I'm determined to deliver Brexit, and determined to deliver on time ?- on March 29, 2019," she wrote. May has promised MPs that she will bring any revised deal back to be voted on by MPs on February 13. Warnings of the consequences of a no-deal Brexit intensified last week as several multinational firms, including Airbus and Ford, said jobs could suffer with an unfavourable negotiating outcome. Nissan dealt another blow on Sunday by announcing it was shifting future investment away from its largest European plant in Sunderland, northeast England, which employs 7,000 people. The car giant announced in 2016 that it planned to build its X-Trail model in Sunderland, but will now assemble it instead at Nissan's global production hub in Kyushu, Japan. Queen Elizabeth II was even drawn into the fray, with the Sunday Times reporting that the civil service had drawn up plans to whisk away the royal family to a secret location if riots should break out due to no deal, with Buckingham Palace declining to comment on the report. The Brexit saga has driven a wedge in the heart of both major parties, pitting centrists against their more ideologically driven MPs. Several rebellious centrist Labour MPs, who want a soft Brexit or to stay in the EU, are mulling forming a new party, according to Sunday's Observer. They are disillusioned with the ambiguous stance taken by leftist leader Jeremy Corbyn, who has been a long-term eurosceptic but said he voted to Remain in 2016. Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May insists she has "new ideas" which can seal a deal with Brussels by the March 29 Brexit date Nissan has said it is cancelling plans to build its X-Trail SUV in Sunderland, northeast England Along with big companies such as Airbus and Ford, Nissan warns that British jobs could suffer with an unfavourable negotiating outcomePushing back against Republican opposition, US President Donald Trump reaffirmed his determination to pull US troops out of "endless wars" in Syria and Afghanistan, in an interview that aired Sunday. But he said they would stay in Iraq to watch Iran. Trump cited the high cost in blood and money after years of fighting in Afghanistan, in arguing for a US withdrawal from the place where the 9/11 attacks were hatched. "It's time," he said in the interview with CBS's "Face the Nation." "And we'll see what happens with the Taliban. They want peace. They're tired. Everybody's tired." Trump's comments come in the face of warnings by US intelligence chiefs that a hasty US withdrawal from Afghanistan and Syria could allow a resurgence by Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group. On Thursday, the US Senate voted overwhelmingly for a measure sponsored by Mitch McConnell, the majority leader of Trump's Republican party, warning against a "precipitous withdrawal" from either country. But Trump appeared unmoved by the rare Republican pushback, noting that his promises to bring US troops home was "a big part" of the reason he was elected. US officials have been holding talks in Qatar with the Taliban on a framework for peace negotiations, raising prospects for a breakthrough in the 17-year-old conflict. On Syria, Trump said the 2,000 US troops in the country to assist local forces would leave "in a matter of time" but cited the need to protect Israel "and other things that we have" for slowing down -- after initially announcing an immediate pull-out. He said he will soon be announcing the recapture of "100 percent of the caliphate" once claimed by the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria. "We're at 99 percent right now. We'll be at 100," said the president, who was expected to make the announcement during his annual State of the Union address on Tuesday. - 'Pockets of something' - In a report to Congress last week, US intelligence leaders warned that IS still commands thousands of fighters in Iraq and Syria, and they could easily spring back in the absence of US forces. Trump responded by rebuking as "naive" and "wrong" his intelligence chiefs, who also had appeared to contradict him on Iran and North Korea. In the CBS interview, he played down the danger of an extremist resurgence but said "we'll come back if we have to." "You're going to always have pockets of something," he said. "But you're not going to keep armies there because you have a few people. Or you even have fairly reasonable numbers of people." - Watching Iran - However, the United States will not give up its bases in Iraq, he said. "We spent a fortune on building this incredible base. We might as well keep it. And one of the reasons I want to keep it is because I want to be looking a little bit at Iran because Iran is a real problem," he said. The US military presence in Iraq, he said, is "perfectly situated for looking at all over different parts of the troubled Middle East." "We're going to keep watching and we're going to keep seeing and if there's trouble, if somebody is looking to do nuclear weapons or other things, we're going to know it before they do," he said. In Afghanistan, Trump said he would leave behind intelligence elements -- "and if I see nests forming, I'll do something about it." "We got to get out of these endless wars and bring our folks back home," he said at another point. "Now, that doesn't mean we're not going to be watching with intelligence. We're going to be watching, and watching closely." US President Donald Trump says "it's time" to bring home troops from Afghanistan US troops deployment and death toll in Afghanistan since 2001. Members of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and US soldiers patrol the Kurdish-held town of al-Darbasiyah in northeastern Syria bordering Turkey on November 4, 2018Thousands of people rallied in Istanbul Sunday for hunger strikers protesting against the prison conditions of militant Kurdish leader Abdullah Ocalan. The protesters gathered amid tight police security at a square in Bakirkoy on the European side of the city. "I am saluting my friends resisting in prisons. They are our honour, they are not alone," said Fahit Ulas, a supporter of the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP). "If needed we will sacrifice our bodies for this cause. We have no fear," he insisted. Around 250 prisoners all over Turkey have begun hunger strikes along with HDP deputy Leyla Guven, who wants to force the Turkish government to let Ocalan hold regular meetings with his lawyers and relatives. Ocalan, a founder of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), a group blacklisted as a terrorist organisation by Ankara and Washington, has been sentenced to life in prison and has been held on a prison island near Istanbul since his capture in 1999. Guven, 55, was jailed in January 2018 for criticising Turkey's military operation against a Syrian Kurdish militia. Last week, a Turkish court in the predominantly Kurdish city of Diyarbakir freed her under judicial supervision. Guven, who marked the 88th day of her hunger strike on Sunday, launched her protest in jail on November 8. She told AFP in an interview that she would press on with the hunger strike at home. Garo Paylan, an HDP deputy who joined the Istanbul protest, said that staging a hunger strike was a "last resort," and told AFP: "We want this demand to be fulfilled before any death." In 2012, hundreds of Kurdish prisoners ended a 68-day hunger strike after Ocalan urged them to do so. Several HDP deputies have been jailed and in an interview Sunday with state-run TRT television, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said: "The HDP is equal to the PKK ... It's crystal clear." The protesters gathered amid tight police security at a square on the European side of the citySinging superstar Elton John is returning to Australia for three months next summer as part of his Goodbye Yellow Brick Road World Tour  his last one ever!

The legendary performer will deliver his famed songbook to spellbound audiences across the nation with at least fifteen shows across three months, kicking off in Perth in November.

The 71-year-old, who announced his retirement last year, says this tour will be the most memorable ever.

Tour Dates:

Nov 30  Perth

Dec 1  Perth

Dec 4- Adelaide

Dec 10  Melbourne

Dec 11  Melbourne

Dec 18  Brisbane

Dec 21  Sydney

Dec 23  Sydney

Jan 7  Sydney

Jan 11  Hunter Valley

Jan 18  Mount Cotton (A Day On The Green)

Jan 22  Bathurst

Jan 25  Woodend

Jan 29  Wahgunyah (A Day On The green)

Jan 31  Rochford Wines (Yarra Valley)

Click here for all the details and ticketing information.

A huge European centipede capable of delivering a poisonous bite was found by the terrified mum of an 18-month-old toddler in a pile of freshly washed baby clothes.

Alarmed at the sight of the bright yellow and black striped creepy-crawly at her home in the Polish capital city of Warsaw, the woman called the cops.

A team from the polices Eko Patrol, which deals with wildlife issues, was quickly sent to the family home to identify and deal with the creature.

Experts quickly confirmed the 12-centimetre centipede was a venomous Scolopendra cingulata, also known as a Megarian banded centipede.

This large and poisonous centipede was found by the terrified mum of an 18-month-old toddler in a pile of washing. Source: CEN/Australscope

The woman, whose name has not been revealed, told officers she had found the creature in a pile of washing she had been about to dry.

She admitted she had been shocked and frightened by the sight, especially with a toddler in her care.

Eko Patrol officers searched the womans flat to make sure there were no more creepy-crawlies hidden away before checking over the centipede and taking it to Warsaw Zoo.

Scolopendra cingulata is the largest predatory and venomous arthropod to be found in Europe, but its venom is only of a moderate strength.

While the bite of its tropical cousins can cause severe pain and even death in humans, the Scolopendra cingulata is less dangerous.

It is more normally found in the hills and mountains of Spain, France, Italy, Greece and also North Africa.

Due to its size and ease of capture, it is popular with bug enthusiasts and it is believed this one must have escaped from a nearby flat.

 AustralscopeA grieving dolphin carrying her dead baby has been spotted in waters off New Zealands North Island.

The bottlenose dolphin was seen at the Bay of Islands on the east coast on Tuesday and was pictured carrying her dead calf alongside another dolphin.

The Department of Conservation warned residents to give the dolphin space and time to grieve the death of her young, suspecting it to be stillborn.

A grieving bottlenose dolphin has been spotted carrying her dead calf (top) in Bay of Islands, New Zealand. Source: Department of Conservation

It added the mother was currently displaying a strong maternal bond.

The departments Dr Catherine Peters said people should avoid dolphins in the area during this period.

This female needs everyone on the water to give her the extra space and respect she needs whilst she copes with her loss, she said.

The mother has dropped the calf frequently while swimming with a group which has separated from her at times, leaving the mammal vulnerable.

Pictures of the grieving mother were shared by the department on Twitter with many left heartbroken.

Bay of Islands as seen from Motuarohia Island. Source: Google Maps (file pic)

This is so sad, one user tweeted.

Another added: No matter what the species is this is heartbreaking.

Bay of Islands is a summer hotspot with many undertaking activities in the water.

Summer is also the time when most dolphins give birth and if disturbed it prevents many of them from giving the necessary care to their calves.

In July last year, a grieving mother killer whale was spotted pushing her dead calf around waters in Canada for a week.

Scientists were concerned the whale was starving herself.

After travelling 1600 kilometres in 17 days she finally let the calf go.

A teenage girl has been stabbed in the chest during a row involving four people on the Gold Coast.

The 17-year-old girl was stabbed in the chest at a unit complex in Palm Beach and was taken to hospital in a stable condition.

A 19-year-old man was arrested and later charged with acts intended to cause grievous bodily harm. He is due to appear in Southport Magistrates Court on Monday.France's "yellow vest" movement demonstrated against alleged police violence in rallies across the country Saturday, as lawyers denounced the treatment of protesters in the courts. The latest marches -- the 12th in a row -- came a day after France's top court threw out a bid to ban weapons that fire 40-millimeter rubber projectiles blamed for a number of serious injuries. Thousands of protesters took part in a "march of the injured" in Paris calling for a ban on the weapons. One of the movement's leading figures Jerome Rodriguez, who was hit in the eye at last Saturday's demonstration, was greeted warmly by fellow demonstrators each time he appeared. The marchers gathered for a rally at Place de la Republique in the city centre, where police used tear gas and water cannons to force demonstrators to keep their distance and clashes broke out with some protesters, some hooded or masked. "It's unbearable and unacceptable," said Antonio, one of the march organisers, who had been injured in police action. "These are injuries which mutilate, which destroy lives while we are pacifists," he said. A police estimate put the turn-out at 10,500 in Paris, but an independent count carried out for the media, including, AFP, put the figure at 13,800. An interior ministry estimate put the turn-out across France at 58,600, compared with 69,000 the previous Saturday. Meanwhile, a group of 59 lawyers published an open letter on the France Info news website denouncing what they said was harsh treatment of yellow vest protesters in the courts. Judgments against demonstrators were rushed through without proper respect for their rights, they wrote. They contrasted the speed of the rulings against their clients with the slow pace of probes into alleged police violence. The IGPN, the body that investigates police abuses, has launched 116 investigations into the conduct of officers during the protests, 10 of them concerning serious eye injuries suffered by demonstrators. - 12th round of protests - Friday's court ruling against banning the "defensive ball launchers", known as LBDs, came despite claims by the Desarmons-Les (Disarm Them) collective that the weapons have blinded or seriously injured 20 protesters. Interior Minister Christophe Castaner acknowledged that the weapon, -- used more than 9,200 times since the start of the yellow vest protests -- could cause injuries. While defending their use against "rioters", he said that any abuse of the weapon would be punished. This weekend's rallies across France included Toulouse and Bordeaux in the southwest, where support has been strong, and several gatherings across Brittany in the northwest. In Morlaix, Brittany, two police officers were injured and two protestors arrested, the regional authority reported. Two more officers were injured and a demonstrator arrested in the western port city of Nantes during clashes there, local officials said. There were also clashes and 20 arrests in the northern city of Lille, along with a total of 16 arrests in the eastern cities of Strasbourg and Nancy. The movement sprang up in November to denounce fuel tax rises but quickly grew into a more broadly based protest against President Emmanuel Macron's allegedly aloof governing style. MPs in Macron's Republic on the Move party are seeking tougher penalties for organisers of unauthorised demonstrations and for people who cover their faces during violent protests. burs-kp/wai/ach 'Switch off your telly. Come and meet us': thousands of 'yellow vest' demonstrators marched in Paris Some protesters wore fake eye patches to protest against the weapons used by riot police which they say have caused serious injuries to some demonstrators The yellow vest movement and rights groups want the LBD launchers banned; some French MPs are pushing to ban demonstrators from wearing masksTurkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Sunday said his government maintained "low-level" contact through its spy agency with the Syrian regime despite being one of its most fervent critics. "The foreign policy is being conducted with Syria at low-level," Erdogan told the state-run TRT television interview. Erdogan's government fell out with Damascus after its deadly crackdown on popular dissent in March 2011 and ruled out any contact with the regime of President Bashar al-Assad. Erdogan's comments are the first time Turkey has confirmed direct low-level talks with Damascus. "Even if it's your enemy, you will not entirely break ties in case you might need them," he said. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's government fell out with Damascus after its deadly crackdown on popular dissent in March 2011 and ruled out any contact with the regime of President Bashar al-AssadThousands of Hondurans made desperate pleas Saturday to their country's patron saint, begging for social equality and protection from violent crime. About two million people make the annual trek to the sanctuary of Our Lady of Suyapa who has been revered for the past 272 years, many crawling as a sign of weakness, over the 10 day event. "We come to ask the virgin for safety, for less violence and fewer inequalities, for employment and for the Garifuna not to keep being displaced from our territories," Tesla Quevedo told AFP during the commemoration. Most Hondurans are a mix of white and indigenous people but many like the Garifuna who live on the Caribbean coast are Afro-Honduran. The woman who arrived from the community of Sangrelaya, in Colon department, was with a group of some 300 black pilgrims who traveled in five buses to the sanctuary of Suyapa, located east of Tegucigalpa. The members of the Garifuna community said a Mass in their language, punctuated by chants and African drums. Elsa Gomez, an indigenous woman from Guajiquiro, in the west of the country, told AFP that she has much to thank the virgin for because her three children are "doing well." Every February, the virgin of Suyapa is commemorated as a reminder of the finding, on that date of 1747, of the 6.5 cm statuette by a farmer on a mountain in the east of the capital. About two million people make the annual trek to the sanctuary of Our Lady of Suyapa who has been revered for the past 272 years, many crawling as a sign of weakness View of the Basilica of Suyapa in Tegucigalpa, on the 272nd anniversary of the finding of the statue of the Virgin of Suyapa, the patron saint of Honduras Adherents walk on their knees as they arrive at the Basilica of Suyapa in Tegucigalpa Every February, the virgin of Suyapa is commemorated as a reminder of the finding, on that date of 1747, of the 6.5 cm statuette by a farmer on a mountain in the east of the capitalThe streets of east London erupted with slapstick humour on Sunday as clowns from all over gathered for the annual memorial of the legendary Joseph Grimaldi. "King of clowns" Grimaldi was a 19th-century English stage performer, credited with inventing the white-faced, curly haired, red-nosed look that came to define the role of a clown. Scores of devotees travelled by plane, by car and on foot -- wearing oversized shoes -- to the All Saints Church in Haggerston for the service, which has been held annually since 1947. "We have people flying in from Canada, Ireland, from France, people coming down from Scotland" for the "funny reverential service remembering the legend," said organiser Bibbledy Bob. Balloons and bunting hung above the normally sombre pews, which were taken over by wags wearing tiny hats, huge bowties and novelty flowers in honour of the English actor and comedian, who lived from 1778 to 1837. Unicycles rolled down the aisles, while other fans sat holding custard pies throughout the service. "There's circus clowns, theatrical clowns, party clowns, tramp clowns -- there's lots of genres of clowning," said Bibbledy Bob, a party clown. "There's many ways to become a clown, you only have to look at the Houses of Parliament," he joked. The unusual gathering attracted puzzled looks and enthusiastic fans. "People stop you for autographs," Bibbledy Bob remarked. "If I told you that David Beckham was coming today, you'd totally believe me, there's paparazzi from all over the world." Grimaldi became the most popular entertainer of the Regency era of the early 1800s, performing in pantomimes, notably in London's West End. Joseph Grimaldi was honoured at an annual memorial service in east London that draws clowns from all over to celebrate the genre he was credited with creating Clowns from all over were expected for the "funny reverential service remembering the legend," organiser Bibbledy Bob said Canadian Annie Bannanie blew bubbles before an annual service in east London to honour Grimaldi Clowns had a chance to perform before the annual Grimaldi Memorial Service in honour of Joseph Grimaldi, a 19th-century English stage performer dubbed the "King of clowns"President Donald Trump and GOP lawmakers have diverged on his criticism of US intelligence officials.

Republican Sen. Ron Johnson said it's "imperative" Trump listen to and trust the advice of US intelligence, and Sen. Richard Shelby said apparent gaps in communication between the president and agency heads are "troubling to all of us."

Trump's relationship with US intelligence came under scrutiny after he publicly rejected a report and testimony that differed with his past comments on Iran, ISIS, and North Korea.

US President Donald Trump and top GOP lawmakers conflicted Sunday, as they diverged on his criticism of US intelligence officials.

Trump's relationship with US intelligence came under scrutiny when a report released last week contained several conclusions that were in stark contrasts with Trump's public comments on foreign threats including Iran, ISIS, and North Korea.

In addition to the report, testimony to the Senate Intelligence Committee from National Intelligence Director Dan Coats and CIA Director Gina Haspel contradicted Trump's past characterizations of Iran.

Tweeting after the leaders delivered testimony, Trump lashed out, tweeting they were "passive and naive," and promised that "time will prove" he was correct. Trump later backed off his comments, claiming the media had mischaracterized the nature of the testimonies.

In an interview with CBS' "Face the Nation" aired Sunday, Trump doubled down on his differences with the chiefs, touting praise for his efforts to defeat ISIS in Syria and his decision to withdraw troops from the country, despite lawmakers and intelligence chiefs pointing to existing strongholds as serious threats.

"I have intel people, but that doesn't mean I have to agree," Trump said, pointing to official intelligence that supported former President George W. Bush's mistaken pursuit of nuclear weapons in Iraq.

Story continues

'Troubling to all of us'

Lawmakers appeared on Sunday shows to challenge Trump's criticisms of US intelligence.

Republican Sen. Ron Johnson said on "Fox News Sunday" that it's "imperative" for President Trump to seriously consider recommendations made by the US intelligence community.

"There's so much tradition, and history, and complexity to some of these foreign policy issues, you have to rely on people who have been working these issues for decades," Johnson said. "It's just imperative that you actually listen to, for example, the CIA chief, the director of national intelligence."

Johnson added, "These people have the real knowledge."

Alabama Sen. Richard Shelby, Senate Appropriations Committee chairman, said on CNN's "State of the Union" that Trump's public divergence and seeming lack of trusted communication with US intelligence leaders is "troubling to all of us."

"I think there's got to be real good communications between the president and the director of the CIA and the director of national intelligence," Shelby said on CNN. "These are professional people. The president's briefed every day on it."

Shelby added, "He's not an intelligence officer. None of us are. But they - the people on the front lines, the people who analyse who gather and disseminate intelligence information to our higher-ups, we should respect them."

Read more: 'He's doing the enemy's job for them': Current and former officials compare Trump to a toddler and say his attacks on the intel community create a goldmine for foreign governments

A report published Saturday by TIME said Trump often has trouble paying attention to, or wholly disregards assessments from agents and some intelligence officers have been warned not to give President Donald Trump assessments that contradict his public comments.

Current and former intelligence officials told INSIDER's Sonam Sheth that Trump's public insults against intelligence heads and seeming unwillingness to accept conclusions that contradict his own beliefs pose a dire threat to US national security and create a goldmine for foreign intelligence services to exploit.

"This isn't unusual," one agent told INSIDER. "It's like when my son threw temper tantrums when I told him he couldn't do something or if I said something he didn't like."

The agent added: "Of course, my son was three years old at the time and wasn't sitting in the Oval Office with the nuclear button."* On Friday, Trump's Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced the US would withdraw from the Intermediate Nuclear Forces treaty if Russia did not abandon a missile that broke the deal. * The INF was a huge success in reducing nuclear weapons across Europe, but the US and NATO now say Russia has broken the deal and there's no more point of staying in it. * House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other top Democrats attacked Trump for "dividing NATO" and playing into Russian President Vladimir Putin's hands, but NATO supports Trump's desicion. * If the US stayed in the treaty, it could continue to complain to Russia about the violating missile. * * * President Donald Trump has repeatedly berated NATO allies and members of his own intelligence community, but when it came to one of the most consequential nuclear decisions of his presidency, he firmly sided with them. That appeared to be lost on Democrats in Congress who attacked Trump for not working with NATO. On Friday, Trump's Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced the US would withdraw from the Intermediate Nuclear Forces treaty if Russia did not get back into compliance. The INF was perhaps the most successful arms control agreement of all time because it eliminated an entire class of nuclear missiles. The treaty bans nuclear-capable missiles with a range between about 300 and 3,000 miles. In the 1980s, Russia had intermediate range nuclear missiles pointed at European capitals, which the US responded to be deploying missiles of its own. In 1987, a waning Soviet Union saw Europe pointing US nuclear warheads at it, and decided to call the whole thing off. In the following years, Europe rapidly denuclearized and the Soviet Union imploded. The INF only applies to the US and Russia. In the 32 years since the treaty, India, Pakistan, and China have all built weapons that would violate this treaty. And so has Russia, according to about a decade of US intelligence reports. Senator Dianne Feinstein claimed the withdrawal would "further divide the United States from our NATO allies," without mentioning NATO's support for the move. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Trump "should exhaust every diplomatic effort and work closely with NATO allies over the next six months to avoid thrusting the United States into a dangerous arms competition," but NATO holds that Russia violated the treaty and only action from Russia can fix it. House Democrats on the Armed Services Committee said Trump had played into Putin's hands and divided NATO, also without mentioning NATO's full support of the move. "Russia is in material breach of the #INFTreaty & must use next 6 months to return to full & verifiable compliance or bear sole responsibility for its demise. #NATO fully supports the US suspension & notification of withdrawal from the Treaty"NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg tweeted. If the US remained in the INF treaty, it could continue to complain to Russia about its violations. Now that the US has withdrawn from the treaty, it can build systems that counter Russia's violating missiles, which is what drove Russia to enter the treaty in the first place.

On Friday, Trump's Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced the US would withdraw from the Intermediate Nuclear Forces treaty if Russia did not abandon a missile that broke the deal.

The INF was a huge success in reducing nuclear weapons across Europe, but the US and NATO now say Russia has broken the deal and there's no more point of staying in it.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other top Democrats attacked Trump for "dividing NATO" and playing into Russian President Vladimir Putin's hands, but NATO supports Trump's desicion.

If the US stayed in the treaty, it could continue to complain to Russia about the violating missile.

President Donald Trump has repeatedly berated NATO allies and members of his own intelligence community, but when it came to one of the most consequential nuclear decisions of his presidency, he firmly sided with them.

That appeared to be lost on Democrats in Congress who attacked Trump for not working with NATO.

On Friday, Trump's Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced the US would withdraw from the Intermediate Nuclear Forces treaty if Russia did not get back into compliance.

The INF was perhaps the most successful arms control agreement of all time because it eliminated an entire class of nuclear missiles. The treaty bans nuclear-capable missiles with a range between about 300 and 3,000 miles.

In the 1980s, Russia had intermediate range nuclear missiles pointed at European capitals, which the US responded to be deploying missiles of its own.

In 1987, a waning Soviet Union saw Europe pointing US nuclear warheads at it, and decided to call the whole thing off. In the following years, Europe rapidly denuclearized and the Soviet Union imploded.

The INF only applies to the US and Russia. In the 32 years since the treaty, India, Pakistan, and China have all built weapons that would violate this treaty.

And so has Russia, according to about a decade of US intelligence reports.

Senator Dianne Feinstein claimed the withdrawal would "further divide the United States from our NATO allies," without mentioning NATO's support for the move.

Story continues

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Trump "should exhaust every diplomatic effort and work closely with NATO allies over the next six months to avoid thrusting the United States into a dangerous arms competition," but NATO holds that Russia violated the treaty and only action from Russia can fix it.

House Democrats on the Armed Services Committee said Trump had played into Putin's hands and divided NATO, also without mentioning NATO's full support of the move.

"Russia is in material breach of the #INFTreaty & must use next 6 months to return to full & verifiable compliance or bear sole responsibility for its demise. #NATO fully supports the US suspension & notification of withdrawal from the Treaty"NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg tweeted.

If the US remained in the INF treaty, it could continue to complain to Russia about its violations.

Now that the US has withdrawn from the treaty, it can build systems that counter Russia's violating missiles, which is what drove Russia to enter the treaty in the first place.They also highlight what can happen when a corporation and a government tie themselves in knots trying to interpret laws in a context that is neither user-friendly nor amenable.

The multiple landowner issues plaguing the giant PNG LNG project typify everything that is wrong with these laws.

This is epitomised in the laws governing minerals and mining, including oil and gas.

TUMBY BAY - There has long been an argument that western-style laws are not fit for purpose in a Melanesian country like Papua New Guinea.

The Mining Act and the Oil and Gas Act are classic examples of how not to bang square legal pegs into round legal holes.

Apart from some minor fiddling around the edges there has been no real effort to amend or replace these Acts, or any other Acts for that matter, with legislation that takes into account a Melanesian perspective.

This is why the Bougainville Mining Act of 2015 is interesting. It is, as far as I know, the first attempt at writing and enacting a Melanesian-friendly law.

The most significant part of this Act, and the one that has attracted the most interest, is the recognition of customary landowners rights to minerals.

Section 8 of the Act boldly states that: All minerals existing on, in or below the surface of customary land in Bougainville are the property of the owners of the customary land.

Section 9 accounts for land that is not held by customary owners by stating that minerals found there are the property of the Autonomous Bougainville Government.

Landowners around the LNG project in the Highlands still resolutely believe that they own the minerals on their land despite what the laws say. So do landowners affected by other mining projects in other parts of Papua New Guinea.

That perception has had a lot to do with the differences of opinion on many issues between those landowners and the government and the companies involved.

The Bougainville legislation effectively addresses this problem and sets out the conditions and limits whereby landowners can negotiate equities, shareholdings, rents, royalties, compensation and other monetary considerations.

Further to that it also gives the landowners the right to refuse entry to their land for anyone seeking to look for minerals.

The other major issue with the LNG project relates to the identification of the correct landowners.

Under the Oil and Gas Act the company was supposed to have conducted social mapping and land owner identification studies prior to the commencement of the development of the project.

This turned out to be a logistical nightmare that promised to delay the project for a very long time. In exasperation the company managed to wrangle approval from the government to start the project before these studies were complete. This has proved to be a major mistake.

While the Bougainville legislation has similar requirements for the conduct of social mapping and landowner identification studies it recognises the complexity of these issues and, rather than a prior exercise, sets up a system of ongoing studies.

It also clearly and unequivocally states that the responsibility for these studies lie solely with the company and not with government.

This avoids the sort of squabbling that has been going on between the government and the company developing the LNG project about whose responsibility it is to identify the correct landowners.

Related to this is the payment of royalties. With the LNG project the company maintains that it has paid all due landowner royalties to the government for distribution.

The government, unsure of who the correct landowners are, have hung onto the money wondering what to do. Meanwhile the landowners are becoming more and more enraged.

Under the Bougainville legislation while a company is required to pay royalties to the government for distribution to the landowners the government is required to do this within 60 days of receipt. There is no sitting on the money wondering what to do with it.

There are many other differences in the Bougainville legislation that makes it a lot more Melanesian-friendly than the older Acts. The Act runs to 235 odd pages and there is not room to explore them all here.

No doubt there will be hiccups with it but nothing on the scale of those happening on the mainland.

Despite being a relatively good piece of legislation there are threats to it. These include the collateral effects of the impending referendum on independence and the apparent willingness of the ABG to amend the Act for political and commercial purposes.

This seems to be a result of two things, approaches from a mining company called Caballus that is pressuring the ABG to amend the Act to suit its particular plans on Bougainville and the setting up of a government owned company to hold a majority ownership of a re-opened Panguna mine.

The Caballus proposal has all the hallmarks of a scam by a bunch of carpetbaggers.

If the media reports are to be believed the company is suggesting amending legislation to completely side step all the safeguards, protections, procedures, and ownership rights, including the Customary Owners ownership provided for in the Bougainville Mining Act.

The idea of a majority government owned company, called Bougainville Advance Mining, holding a permanent majority share of the Panguna mine on behalf of the people of Bougainville seems to be a desperate measure made necessary by the bloody-mindedness of the ONeill government in not providing the funds promised to hold the independence referendum in June this year.

President John Momis said: "Time is running out on us. The people of Bougainville are determined to have the referendum and they must find the money to fund the referendum.

One way of doing it would be if we started our own company and generated the revenue to enable us to conduct the referendum. We cannot sit on our hands."

This is a dangerous time for Bougainville. The political situation around the referendum, the re-opening of the Panguna mine and the Bougainville Mining Act has become a moveable feast where anything could happen.

On the one hand theyve got commercial sharks circling them and on the other a government on the mainland doing everything in its power to scuttle the referendum.

The last thing they need come June is a major squabble over Panguna. That is why the ABG put a moratorium on its re-opening until after the vote.

Not only is the future of Bougainville at risk but so too is a pioneering piece of legislation that could pave the way for other Acts in other jurisdictions to be made more relevant in the Melanesian context.Phone Karma

Kindness and creativity in Kroger's parking lot.

by Anita LeBlanc

From the February, 2019 issue

I don't know how many times I've felt the momentary terror and angst of misplacing my cell phone and the euphoria of finding it wedged under a couch cushion or car seat, stashed inside my desk or a pocket, or beneath my bed. But it was nothing like the Monday in November, when the loss of my contacts, photos, voice mail, and text messages--my identity--became real.



I had just arrived at the Observer to proofread and edit. When I reached into my pocket to get my phone, it was missing. I left the office and retraced my route from the Maple Rd. Kroger, where I'd parked my car. The helpful Find My iPhone app was unhelpful, due to my uninformed changes to it, coupled with my failure to write down my most recent Apple password.



Yes, I told well-meaning friends and family, I'd tried my driving and walking routes. I'd looked in the usual and unusual spots in my car and home where the wily device had been previously found and creatively sought possible new ones. I even checked the freezer where I'd once retrieved my glasses. At my friend Linda's seventy-sixth birthday party at Haab's, I endured the litany of well-meant, but irritating, suggestions that I'd already tried.



Of course no one could call me, but at 11 p.m., as I prepared to go to bed, I saw an email on my computer from Sabine, the Observer's deputy editor:



I just got a call from a guy with a heavy accent who has found your phone! I couldn't quite understand what he was saying, but I told him I'd let you know and hopefully you could call your own # and get in touch with him. He must have called me because I was a recent call!



I responded:



I don't have a phone to call him from. Please call him, and see if he can bring the phone to the Observer.



Sabine didn't reply (she'd gone to bed),

...continued below...

but then an email from my sister Laura popped up:I gave a heavy sigh, then wrote back:She didn't reply--she, too, had hit the road to dreamland. But then I got yet another email--this one from Linda, the birthday girl.She, too, had gotten a call from the man who'd found my phone. She, too, had difficulty understanding him--but her roommate, Amalia, overhead the conversation and recognized his accent: Nepalese.Amalia recognized the accent because she had a friend who spoke Nepalese. She called her friend on her phone. Then she and Linda put their phones on speaker and held them together, so Amalia's friend could translate for them.And that's how they learned that the Good Samaritan trying so hard to find me was an older man from the mountains of Nepal. He gave the translator his address but suggested it might be easier to retrieve the phone at his place of work.It took a while for the translator to understand what he was saying."Cardamom, like the seed?" she asked.The man responded, "Yes, yes!"I wanted to go straight to the address and pick up my phone that night. When I emailed my plan to Linda, however, she suggested that going to a stranger's apartment at midnight might not be the best idea.I agreed to wait until morning and go instead to Cardamom, the Indian restaurant in the Courtyard Shops on Plymouth.I was still elated when I went there the next day. I asked for the man who'd found my phone, but he wasn't at work yet.However, his roommate and coworker was. He reached under the counter, pulled out my phone, and presented it to me.I asked how it had been found. In broken English, he explained that his roommate had been walking across the parking lot on his way to Kroger when he found it on the grass. He took it to the store's customer service desk but was told no one had asked about a missing phone.He waited for a while, hoping someone would call so he could explain what happened and have them contact me. No calls came, but the phone was unlocked, so he tried the first three phone numbers from its history: Sabine, my sister, and Linda. I asked him to pass on a cash reward and when he tried to decline, I insisted.Later, I came back to meet my benefactor, with another Cardamom employee serving as translator.I had to ask: had it not occurred to him to keep or sell the phone?"It was the right thing to do to return a belonging to a person," he replied. Compared to a phone, he said, "honesty is more priceless."---A few weeks later, leaving a movie theater with my friend Debra, I saw a cell phone next to a car in the parking lot. We took it to the ticket counter, where I left it with a note asking the owner to call me with his or her own lost phone story.To my disappointment, I didn't get a response. But Debra pointed out at least it had been a great opportunity to keep good phone karma going. [Originally published in February, 2019.]PLEASE NOTE!

Due to the March 23, 2020 NM DOH Public Health Order, These Event Listings Are Not Accurate!

All non-essential businesses are closed, public gatherings are prohibited!

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Taking to her Instagram account, the 47-year-old new mom shares a pic of her best self.

Jan 10, 2019

AceShowbiz - Kenya Moore's life starts changing after she welcomed her baby girl Brooklyn Doris Daly in November. The former "The Real Housewives of New Jersey" star shares now that she has been embarking on new life as a new mom, she is barely able to take care of herself. However, it's not entirely a bad thing for her.

Taking to her Instagram account, the 47-year-old reality TV star shares a pic of her best self. Kenya shared a photo of her pouting at the camera while sporting her natural hair. "When you're a new mom and don't have time to do your hair!" she captioned the pic, before taking an opportunity to do some ads for her hair care brand.

Fans were flooding the comment section with praises. "GORGEOUS AS ALWAYS!! MUCH LOVE!!" one comment read. Another fan agreed, writing, "Messy mom is the new sexy! Lol you look great."

One other also tried to assure her that the busy period will soon be over. "All mothers completely understand. However, it does get better. Just hang on in there," the fan said. Her post also hit fans really close to home as one commented, "I know exactly how you feel lol."

Kenya and husband Marc Daly welcomed their first child earlier than expected due to the pregnancy complication preeclampsia. It's a complication that caused her to gain "17 lbs. in ONE week due to severe swelling and water retention, high blood pressure, and excess protein in urine." The 47-year-old entrepreneur gave birth to her daughter early via an emergency Caesarean section on Sunday, November 4.

Explaining the reason behind their child's name, the new mom tells PEOPLE, "Brooklyn because that's where we met and fell in love, and Doris after my grandmother who passed away last year and who raised me."

Kenya and Marc got married in Saint Lucia in June 2017. The former Miss USA announced her pregnancy in April 2018.Petro Poroshenko, the President of Ukraine Reuters

Valeriy Geletey, the Head of State Security Department, told the details of prevention of assassination attempts against the President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko on air of Pryamy TV channel.

According to Geletey, over the first years after Poroshenkos inauguration, there were a couple of high-profile cases related to assassination attempts on his life.

In 2014, 2015 and 2016 the greater burden for the Department concerning security for officials, and for the president primarily was the presidents place of work, his residence, destinations, locations in public places. And in 2017-2018 the priorities have shifted. The main danger is expected in Luhansk and Donetsk regions, in Joint Forces Operation zone, where the President comes a lot, he said.

As Geletey put it, the state security along with the special services, such as the SBU, military intelligence, foreign intelligence and police provided security for Poroshenko and prevented 11 assassination attempts'.

'I would like you to understand that 11 is the number of prevented assassination attempts against the President when our servicemen of the counter-sniper service saw the so-called sniper pairs which prepared a terrorist attack on the territory beyond our control. You know, a professional sniper working with a professional sniper system can hit a target, staying three kilometers away from it. So we think it was an assassination attempt on the life and health of the President. We also check locations for a possible terrorist attack. We seize arms and explosive devices, the Head of the State Security Department said.Petro Poroshenko applied to the Central Election Commission (CEC) to participate in the presidential elections in Ukraine. This was announced by the presidential press secretary Svyatoslav Tsegolko on Facebook.



On this weekend, Poroshenko submitted documents to the CEC for registration as a presidential candidate, Tsegolko wrote. He published the photo with a head of state and his wife, Maryna Poroshenko, who came with the president.



January 29, President Poroshenko announced he would run for presidency for the second term.



As of February 3, the CEC has officially registered 28 candidates for the presidential post in the country.

The election campaign has officially started on December 31, 2018. Registration of the candidates would last until February 4, 2019, and on February 9, the final list of presidential candidates will appear. The candidates would be able to withdraw his candidacy until March 7, 2019. This election campaign is a record-breaking one in terms of the number of registered candidates. In 2014, 24 persons took part in the presidential race, and in 2010, 18 candidates were registered.Metropolitan Epiphanius enthroned today glavcom.ua



The Metropolitan of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine Epifaniy said that the Orthodox Church of Ukraine is ready for the cooperation. The Metropolian reported it after the enthronement ceremony in the St. Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv, broadcasted by 112 Ukraine.



"We want those Orthodox Christians, who live in Ukraine and have not joined the Local Autocephalous Orthodox Church for many reasons yet, to joint it now. We call for the church unity of Orthodox hierarchs, clergy, monasticism, and laity. The doors of the Local Church and our hearts are open to you. Let's bygones be bygones of those, who separated us, and we will work together for the benefit of Orthodoxy and Ukraine as the only Local Church... Our church remains open to cooperation and dialogue with other Christian churches and religious organizations in Ukraine and abroad," Epifaniy said.

Earlier, the Metropolitan Epiphanius of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine has been officially enthroned today.

The ceremony was held during the liturgy at the St. Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv. Thus, Epifaniy has become the Metropolitan of Kyiv and of all Ukraine from the moment of enthronement.Open source

Estonian Justice Minister Urmas Reinsalu demands compensation from Russia for the Soviet occupation. The minister stated this in an article in the Eesti Paevaleht newspaper, Interfax-Ukraine reports.



"Those who today make celebratory speeches about the importance of the Tartu Peace should not forget that legal continuity cannot be selective. The Soviet Union occupied Estonia, violating Tartu Peace itself," the minister said.



According to him, "Russia, as the successor of the Soviet Union, must recognize this, and, on the basis of international law, is obliged to compensate for the damage it has caused."



The head of the Ministry of Justice previously spoke on this topic. The ministry headed by him estimated the damage from the Soviet occupation at 1.2 billion euros.

Earlier Estonian police detained two Estonians suspected of espionage for Russia, as Reuters reported.

We are talking about the treason. We have grounds to suspect that the state secrets were deliberately passed on to Russian Intelligence Service GRU, Inna Ombler, the Prosecutor, said in the statement.

It is supposed that the men have been passing foreign secret information to Russias Main Intelligence Directorate.

The detention of two Estonian citizens on the suspicion of treason is a deeply disturbing incident, Prime Minister Juri Ratas said.The "Administration of Sea Ports of Ukraine" State Enterprise is going to invest USD 43,6 million (UAH 1,22 billion) in the purchase and repair of ships of its own fleet in 2019. This was stated by Chairman of the enterprise, Raivis Veckagans, Ports of Ukraine website reports.

"Last year, we have received 24 vessels from Ukrvodshlyakh State company. Today, the total number of ships Administration of Sea Ports of Ukraine has on its balance is 162 vessels. In 2018, we have invested USD 3,6 million (UAH 100 million), in 2019 our investment plan is USD 9,6 million (270 million UAH) so that we could implement the fleet repair program. And in the future, our goal is to carry out dredging by our own fleet," said Veckagans.

"During the Russian aggression against Ukraine, the marine industry of Ukraine incurred losses in the amount of almost $361 million if taking together the state enterprises, Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority and the influence on the region," Ukraine's Minister of Infrastructure Volodymyr Omelian noted, as UNIAN reported.

This amount is enormous, the losses constitute about $361 millions if taking together state enterprises, Ukrainian sea ports authority and the influence on the region. We always took this situation seriously, starting from the construction of the Kerch Strait bridge. We warned that this would serve as a Putins political instrument to close the Kerch Strait and the water area of Azov sea, Omelian said.

After the actual crisis in the Kerch Strait, the Ukrainian part tried to increase the awareness of the states-members of anti Russian coalition.

It had a positive effect since not everyone understood the nature of the conflict and the possible consequences. However, when the members of EU realized that the Black Sea and the Baltic Sea would follow the Azov sea their attitude changed, Omelian added.Moscow, Donetsk and Luhansk have instantly perceived Sajdiks plan as threatening their own conception of the Minsk 'agreements' as inviolable, immutable and 'obligatory' on Ukraine

The new plan for peace in Ukraines east, disclosed by Ambassador Martin Sajdik (see EDM, January 30, 2019) and the reactions to it from Kyiv, Moscow, Donetsk and Luhansk (see below), illustrate three basic facts about the Russian-imposed Minsk agreements and their non-implementation from 2014/2015 to date.

First, as is generally recognized, the Minsk agreements do not work; more to the point, they do not work the way Moscow designed them against Ukraine, because Ukraine has immunized itself militarily, legally and politically from those agreements  destructive potential.

Second, the Minsk dispensation is not one without alternatives; hence Sajdiks plan itself (for all its flaws) seeks to move the negotiations from the level of the Minsk agreementsa bilateral Russia-Ukraine affairto a new level, that of a multilateral international settlement. Sajdiks plan, in turn, repackages Washington and Kyivs initiative (20172018) for a United Nationsled peacekeeping mission in Ukraines east, designed to circumvent the destructive political clauses of the Minsk agreements: an alternative to them, while still paying the inevitable diplomatic lip service to them.

And third (as a corollary), Russia can fiercely defend the system of Minsk agreements and forums because this system helps to preserve Russias gains in Ukraines Donetsk and Luhansk regions.

Moscow, Donetsk and Luhansk have instantly perceived Sajdiks plan as threatening their own conception of the Minsk agreements as inviolable, immutable and obligatory on Ukraine. In particular, Sajdiks plan jeopardizes the status of the Minsk dispensation as without alternative, since Sajdiks plan itself outlines a possible alternativealbeit suboptimal, compared with the 2017 US-Ukrainian initiative for a UN-led peacekeeping operation. Although parts of Sajdiks plan contravene Ukraines interests while favoring Russias (see EDM, January 30, 2019), Moscow and Donetsk-Luhansk have attacked Sajdiks plan vituperatively, and his person scurrilously.

The Kremlins authorized voice, Aleksei Chesnakov, responded: The Minsk agreements must be fully carried out. Any talks about adding to and further development of Minsk, are manipulative attempts at enabling Ukraine to avoid its obligations. Initially assuming that Sajdik was acting on his own initiative, tolerated by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Chesnakov warned the latter: The OSCEs own representative is casting this organizations effectiveness into doubt. The OSCEs official, responsible for the fulfillment of the Minsk agreements, is attempting to renege on them. Sajdiks was an empty document, unworthy of serious consideration, incomprehensible to anybodyeven to him. Obviously fatigued at the end of his career, he tries to propose at least something, so as not to look so helpless (TASS, January 28, 2019).

Chesnakov is generally deemed the public voice of Vladislav Surkov, Kremlin overseer of the Donetsk and Luhansk peoples republics (DPR, LPR). Shortly after his initial reaction, Chesnakov reconsidered and exculpated the OSCE: It has now become obvious that the United States is behind Sajdiks plan. This is not Sajdiks plan, not even the OSCEs plan. This is [Kurt] Volkers plan. Sajdik was simply ordered to air it. Volker unleashed Sajdik (TASS, January 31, 2019).

The US State Departments special representative Volker was the counterpart to Chesnakovs own chief, Surkov, in the negotiations on a possible UN-led peace mission in Ukraines east (2017early 2018), which Surkov has broken off. The Kremlin suspects, not entirely without reason, that Sajdiks plan seeks to float a B-grade version of that 2017 concept.

Moscows chief representative in the Minsk Contact Group, Boris Gryzlov, also attacked the OSCE and personally Sajdik, his regular counterpart in the Minsk forum: The OSCEs Special Representative [Sajdik] is thereby admitting to his own incompetence The road to peace in Donbas leads through the exact fulfillment of the Minsk agreements. Within the Contact Group, Gryzlov said, Russia continually works to impress upon the parties that a political settlement under the Minsk agreement has no alternative (TASS, January 29, 2019).

Russias Ministry of Foreign Affairs has preserved the diplomatic decorum (at least pending foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharovas weekly spectacle). The ministrys pan-European cooperation department director, Andrei Kelin, pointed out that Sajdiks personal plan is not supported by the Donetsk and Luhansk peoples republics. Only with their agreement would it be possible to move forward (TASS, January 29, 2019). This is, in Russias view, an iron-clad component of the Minsk agreements and the Contact Groups negotiations: decisions require a negotiated consensus between Kyiv and Donetsk-Luhansk (i.e., their veto power).

The DPRs and LPRs foreign affairs ministers, Natalia Nikonorova and Vladislav Deynego, respectively, followed the Surkov-Chesnakov cue in attacking Sajdik and the OSCE. The Sajdik plan is irresponsible, in view of his coordinators role; it casts the OSCEs effectiveness into doubt and aims to sabotage the Minsk process. Any disruption of the implementation of the Minsk documents is unacceptable. They codify the only peaceful settlement plan, without alternative. The OSCE and Sajdik must react to Ukraines evasion of its obligations under the Minsk agreements (TASS, Donetskoye Agentstvo Novostei, Lugansk Infotsentr, January 28, 2019).

Moscows and its proxies remarks demonstrate, in their content and their tenor, a fierce resolve to preserve the status of the Minsk dispensation as the sole basis for negotiations, at least in theory. From a different perspective and different motives, the German and French governments also insist on the sacrosanct nature of the Minsk agreements. This stance both explains and guarantees deadlock in the forums that those agreements begat, namely the Normandy Forum (Russia, Germany, France, Ukraine) and the Minsk Contact Group (Russia, Ukraine, OSCE, DPR and LPR). Secondly, Moscow and even Donetsk-Luhansk apparently feel free to show their disrespect for the OSCEwhich is hardly surprising in view of this organizations displays of weakness vis-a-vis Russia in the frozen conflicts during the last 25 years.

All of this vindicates Ukraines serial decisions from 2015 to date to protect itself against the implementation of the political clauses of the Minsk documents. It vindicates, as well, the Donald Trump administrations policy (unlike that of the preceding administration) to work in tandem with Ukraine around, not within, the traps set by the Minsk system.

Read the original text at The Jamestown Foundation.He also wrote that he needs immediate medical treatment

Detained in Russia Pavlo Gryb Open source

Pavlo Gryb, a Ukrainian political prisoner kept in Russia, wrote a letter, in which he compared himself to "trapped animal", as "Novaya Gazeta" reports.

He also wrote he suspected that the meeting with Tatiana Yershova, a teenager from Russia whom he had met on the Russian social network VKontakte, was a trap as well.

"I understand I am not guilty, but I am like a trapped animal. I blame myself only for the fact that I knew where and to whom I intended to go. I felt I was not coming back. But I haven't listened to anybody's warnings, so I went. The thing is: I do not have to suffer in vain. I could have not forseen everything. It was a trap, and I am still trapped here. Why did I go to the trap knowing that some situations would force me to do something out of the order?" Gryb wrote.

He also wrote that he needs immediate medical treatment.



Earlier, it was reported that a 20-year-old Ukrainian Pavlo Gryb needs heart surgery, his health condition was critical.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine claimed, that the Russian Federation did not allow to see the illegally detained in Russia Ukrainian Pavlo Gryb by the Ukrainian Consul.

Pavlo Gryb is the son of the former Ukrainian border guard Ihor Gryb. The Russian special service detained the 19-year-old boy on August 25, 2017, when he went to Gomel (Belarus) to meet his friend. Later, he was convoyed to Russia. The Russian law enforcers suspect Pavlo Gryb of preparing a terrorist attack at a school in Sochi (a city in Krasnodar Krai, Russia, located on the Black Sea coast, - 112 International).Donbas: Man detained for trying to join Russian army Source : 112 Ukraine The arrested man is transferred to the law enforcement bodies to investigate the case 13:30, 3 February 2019

If you find an error, highlight the desired text and press Ctrl + Enter, to tell about itAn open letter "Fight for Europe  or the wreckers will destroy it" was signed by a number of famous writers and political thinkers

An open letter was signed by a number of famous writers and political thinkers and released through The Guardian. According to the top thirty, populism, fragmentation, and the Kremlin are among the main threats.

"Europe is being attacked by false prophets who are drunk on resentment, and delirious at their opportunity to seize the limelight. It has been abandoned by the two great allies who in the previous century twice saved it from suicide; one across the Channel and the other across the Atlantic. The continent is vulnerable to the increasingly brazen meddling by the occupant of the Kremlin. Europe as an idea is falling apart before our eyes," reads the letter.

Find out the full text of the letter "Fight for Europe  or the wreckers will destroy it" here.

Bernard-Henri Levy

Open source

A political journalist, philosopher, and writer who criticizes totalitarianism. He supported the war against terrorists in Afghanistan and upheld the Euromaidan in Ukraine, called for the bombing in Yugoslavia. He criticized modern Marxism, the spread of the Islamic way of life in Europe, called for a boycott of the Winter Olympics in Sochi, and opposed the regime of Bashar al-Assad.

Milan Kundera

Open source

The French writer of Czech origin, laureate of the Big Literary Award of the French Academy. Author of ten novels, four plays, three collections of poems and a large number of essays.

Salman Rushdie

Open source

The Briton of Indian origin. Rushdie is a member of the Royal Literary Society. He was awarded a knighthood for services to literature in the Queen's Birthday Honours. Laureate of the Booker Prize. Death threats were made against him, including a fatwa calling for his assassination issued by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the Supreme Leader of Iran. Rushdie is the author of 11 novels, two books for children, as well as several essays and a collection of short stories.

Elfriede Jelinek

Open source

The Austrian writer and literary critic. She is the winner of the Nobel Prize in literature, the Heinrich Boll Prize, the Georg Buchner Prize, the Heinrich Heine Prize, the Franz Kafka Prize. Jelinek has written 30 books: from collections of poems to novels.

Orhan Pamuk

Open source

The Turkish writer, Nobel Prize winner and several international and national awards, his works have been translated into more than 50 languages. He opposes Turkish policy in the issue of discrimination against the Kurds, because of which the government sued him. However, after Marquez, Eco, Grass, and other world-famous writers came out in his defense, the lawsuit was withdrawn.

Other signatories: Vassilis Alexakis (Athens), Svetlana Alexievich (Minsk), Anne Applebaum (Warsaw), Jens Christian Grndahl (Copenhagen), David Grossman (Jerusalem), Agnes Heller (Budapest), Ismail Kadare (Tirana), Gyorgy Konrad (Debrecen), Antonio Lobo Antunes (Lisbon), Claudio Magris (Trieste), Ian McEwan (London), Adam Michnik (Warsaw), Herta Muller (Berlin), Ludmila Oulitskaia (Moscow), Rob Riemen (Amsterdam), Fernando Savater (San Sebastian), Roberto Saviano (Naples), Eugenio Scalfari (Rome), Simon Schama (London), Peter Schneider (Berlin), Abdulah Sidran (Sarajevo), Leila Slimani (Paris), Colm Toibin (Dublin), Mario Vargas Llosa (Madrid), Adam Zagajewski (Cracow)

What is populism

The letter defined populism as one of the key problems. The word is widely used both by politicians and critics, equating it literally with the insult. Nevertheless, few people fully understand what it generally means.

Populism is a policy or rhetoric aimed at the broad masses of the public, which promises a quick and easy solution to social problems. It is used in order to please more people, and goals in the form of obtaining power or enrichment are disguised as attractive ideas for the population.

Often, populists clearly divide society into "elite" and "ordinary people."

Three bright signs of populism:

- a division into "the people" and the "elite;"

- only populists are representatives of the people, only they are "the people;"

- they use the fears of the society.

The main reason that populism is widespread in the world is the fact that the government often does not want to discuss important issues. In return, any criticism they call either stupidity or machinations from external and internal enemies. For example, Venezuelas Maduro refused to recognize the deep economic problems and blamed the "economic war" with the United States of all the difficulties.

An important feature of populists is instrumentalization of fear, large-scale dramatization, and aggravation of the situation. Often, they have only specific proposals on a couple of the most pressing issues (Donbas war, European integration, reduction of tariffs, etc.). They do not have a clear plan for the future of the whole country, they denote their activities only to some point.

Despite the fact that the signatories of the letter have weight in the cultural world community, and the message contains ideas close to many Europeans, this is just a call. Appeal to the people, appeal to the authorities, and the exposure of acute social problems.

The letter does not have any legal weight, of course.

Read the original text at 112.ua.

remaining of

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LONDON, Feb. 3 (Xinhua) -- Chinese students and visiting scholars at Britain's second largest city of Manchester on Sunday celebrated the upcoming Chinese new year with a self-sponsored spring festival gala.

The gala, staged by Chinese Students and Scholars Association Manchester, provided attendees a vivid glimpse of China's rich culture and traditions with a variety of performances, including classical dance, instrumental ensemble, rap and musical sketch.

Addressing the gala, Zheng Xiyuan, Consul General of China's Consulate General in Manchester, said Chinese people have been honoring the tradition of upholding the education and the overseas students are part of the country's most valuable resources.

Lord Mayor of Manchester, Councillor June Hitchen, said the spring festival is the fantastic opportunity for her city to celebrate the strong relations with the Chinese students here.

Manchester benefits from the Chinese community in the city, she said.

Addressing the gala in a video message, the President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Manchester Dame Nancy Rothwell said that Chinese students have contributed immensely to the city and the life here.

Chinese New Year festival falls on Tuesday this year. The coming year is the Year of the Pig according to the Chinese zodiac, which features a 12-year cycle with each year represented by a specific animal.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-04 04:43:42|Editor: Yamei

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TRIPOLI, Feb. 3 (Xinhua) -- Head of the Libyan Higher National Commission of Elections Imad Al-Sayah on Sunday confirmed that the commission is waiting for the eastern-based House of Representatives (parliament) to introduce amendments to the constitution referendum law in order to hold the poll.

"The commission is waiting for amendments to some articles of the referendum law by the parliament," Al-Sayah told local TV, reiterating that the commission is ready to hold the referendum this year.

Al-Sayah also explained that holding the constitution referendum depends on government funding and proper security conditions.

In December last year, the commission announced that a referendum of a permanent constitution could be held before the end of February 2019.

Last July, the Constitution Draft Assembly passed a draft constitution for the country. The parliament approved the constitution referendum law last September.

Libya has been struggling to make a democratic transition amid political division, insecurity and chaos.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-04 04:38:40|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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TRIPOLI, Feb. 3 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Higher Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) on Sunday said it evacuated more than 4,000 refugees from Libya from 2018 to the end of January 2019.

The commission said it resettled or evacuated 4,080 refugees from Libya and provided 34,505 medical consultations during last year up until the end of last month.

It also said that 6,219 families have received cash assistance, and 1,311 shelter kits have been distributed to internally displaced Libyans.

UNHCR confirmed that 56,643 refugees and asylum seekers have been registered in Libya so far.

Libya has become a preferred departure point for illegal immigrants hoping to cross the Mediterranean Sea into Europe because of insecurity and chaos in the North African country following the 2011 uprising that toppled former leader Muammar Gaddafi.

Shelters in Libya are crowded with thousands of illegal immigrants rescued at sea or arrested by the Libyan security services.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-04 04:23:38|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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SARAJEVO, Feb. 3 (Xinhua) -- A bridge collapsed on Sunday in Bosnia and Herzegovina's (BiH's) capital Sarajevo, after the Zeljeznica river overflew it, local media Avaz reported Sunday.

According to another newspaper Liberation, due to temperatures above zero degrees Celsius that caused snow to melt abruptly and heavy rainfall that hit BiH's capital Sarajevo on Sunday. The water level of the Zeljeznica river increased and caused the collapse of the newly built bridge connecting the Luzani and Pejton settlements.

Fortunately, the bridge collapse did not cause any injuries. However, numerous residents said that they are worried whether the Zeljeznica river will break through the protective fence and flood the settlement.

On Saturday, the Federal Hydrometeorological Institute warned that there is a risk of spilling rivers from the basin.

According to data issued by the Institute, cloudy weather with a lot of rain, strong winds and unusually high temperatures for February are expected.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-04 04:03:35|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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OTTAWA, Feb. 3 (Xinhua) -- One person was killed in a house explosion which leveled the house in Caledon of Canada on Sunday morning, according to CTV.

Gas leak was detected when an emergency team arrived at the scene around 6:30 a.m. Sunday, but it is unknown whether this was the cause of the explosion.

Natural gas to the area has been shut off.

The blast sent debris flying across neighboring streets. Residents have reported damage to at least six homes, including broken windows and a damaged garage door.

Emergency staff rushed to the scene and evacuated a large perimeter around the blast site. Investigation in the cause of the explosion is under way.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-04 03:28:30|Editor: Li Xia

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Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi (R) meets with King Abdullah II of Jordan in Tunis, Tunisia, Feb. 3, 2019. At the invitation of Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi, King Abdullah II of Jordan paid a state visit to Tunisia on Sunday, accompanied by his wife Queen Rania Al-Abdullah. (Xinhua/Adele Ezzine)

TUNIS, Feb. 3 (Xinhua) -- At the invitation of Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi, King Abdullah II of Jordan paid a state visit to Tunisia on Sunday, accompanied by his wife Queen Rania Al-Abdullah.

"During the visit, President Essebsi held talks with King Abdullah II on preparations for the 30th ordinary session of the Arab Summit, to be held in Tunis at the end of March," said a statement released by the Tunisian government.

The two leaders exchanged views on a number of issues that will be discussed at the summit, including the Palestinian cause.

They stressed the importance of guaranteeing the success of the summit, in order to find concrete solutions enabling the Arab region to overcome crises through solidarity, consensus and joint action.

Both sides focused on the importance of private sector participation in improving trade between Tunisia and Jordan, as well as the structure of investment and the resolution of the problems hindering the development of bilateral cooperation.

The meeting also focused on the importance of strengthening cooperation in the fight against terrorism and extremism.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-03 23:47:56|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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LANZHOU, Feb. 3 (Xinhua) -- Wang Yulan, 53, is busy packing up her baggage preparing for her first family trip abroad during Spring Festival, China's most important traditional holiday, largely a time for families to get together.

The family of five will spend the upcoming week-long holiday in Thailand. Wang is excited and a little nervous, although it's not her first time to travel abroad, it is the first time for them to celebrate the lunar new year in a foreign country.

They have booked a tour package including a tailor-made private route and tour guide. They paid in advance, over 30,000 yuan (about 4,449 U.S. dollars) in total.

Wang has traveled twice a year since her retirement in 2017. "Traveling was beyond my dream when I was young," said Wang, whose family now earns a monthly income over 20,000 yuan. "We are now better off, and the children have paid-leave, so we can plan a trip easily," she said.

China's per capita disposable income rose to 28,228 yuan in 2018, up 6.5 percent year-on-year in real terms.

During the week-long holiday in 2018, China's domestic tourist destinations received over 386 million visitors, and Chinese tourists reached 68 countries and regions overseas, according to China's tourism authorities.

Ctrip, China's leading online travel agency, forecast that 7 million Chinese tourists will travel to over 500 tourist destinations in more than 90 countries and regions during the Spring Festival holiday this year.

Qiu Cheng, general manager of Longxingtianxia travel agency of Lanzhou in Gansu Province, said Thailand and Japan are among the most popular tourist destinations for customers this Spring Festival.

"Spring Festival is a time for family gatherings, but it's not necessary to be at home," said Liang Wei, Wang's son. "Traveling abroad is a new option."

A report based on big data from Tuniu, China's online travel agency, shows that up to 55 percent of outbound travelers that applied for visas during Spring Festival were applying with their families.

"Tourists are requiring high quality travel experiences, and customized tour packages for family are trendy," said Zhang Shiqi, general manager with Guantianxia International Travel Agency in Gansu Province.

"Even though the price is twice that of normal group tours, it is favored by many due to its convenience and one-of-a-kind experience."Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-03 23:42:55|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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GUANGZHOU, Feb. 3 (Xinhua) -- A cross-border e-commerce pilot zone in south China started its first bonded import business on Sunday, a practice believed to benefit businesses in terms of lower logistics cost and provide consumers with cheap and fine products, local officials said.

The comprehensive cross-border e-commerce pilot zone in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, ushered in the new business hoping to give full play to the proximity of Hong Kong and Macao.

Zhuhai is connected to the Hong Kong airport since the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge opened to traffic in October last year.

The business model allows e-commerce platforms to purchase a large quantity of goods from overseas according to their market forecasts and consumer demands. The goods will be imported and stored in the special customs-supervised area before being delivered to consumers as personal items.

Such practices enable e-commerce enterprises to buy quality products from around the world at a lower price with less logistic time, according to Lin Xibin, a local commerce official.

The bonded import business program is expected to attract businesses from China's Hong Kong and Macao, as well as businesses from Portuguese and Spanish speaking countries and regions.

Zhuhai is one of the 22 cities that was identified as a venue for comprehensive cross-border e-commerce pilot zones by the State Council, or China's cabinet, in July last year.

China's e-commerce market has developed at a double-digit pace for years. E-commerce transaction totaled 22.69 trillion yuan in the first three quarters of 2018, up 11.2 percent year on year.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-03 23:02:49|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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ADEN, Yemen, Feb. 3 (Xinhua) -- Yemen's deputy chief-of-staff died on Sunday of wounds he sustained during the Houthi drone strike in Yemen's southern province of Lahj last month, a government official told Xinhua.

The government source said on anonymity that General Saleh Zindani, died of his wounds in a hospital in the United Arab Emirates where he was receiving treatment following the Houthi drone attack launched against the strategic military air base of Anad.

Zindani was among several senior army commanders injured in the Houthi drone strike, which left six soldiers killed and more than 26 others injured.

A few days following the bloody attack, Saleh Tamah, chief of Yemen's military intelligence agency, died of wounds he sustained during the same attack.

The Houthis claimed responsibility for the attack, describing it as "a response to the continued raids of Saudi aggression targeting innocent citizens."

Yemeni observers warned that the Houthi drone strike which targeted the Saudi-backed Yemeni army commanders could jeopardize the ongoing efforts aimed at ending the country's conflict peacefully.

The impoverished Arab country has been locked into a civil war since the Houthi rebels overran much of the country militarily and seized all northern provinces, including the capital Sanaa, in 2014.

Saudi Arabia leads an Arab military coalition that intervened in Yemen in 2015 to support the government of Yemeni President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi after the Houthis forced him into exile.

The United Nations has listed Yemen as the country suffering the world's top humanitarian crisis, with 7 million people on the brink of famine.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-03 22:57:46|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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ADEN, Yemen, Feb. 3 (Xinhua) -- Representatives from Yemen's warring factions started talks aboard ship to discuss peace efforts in the Red Sea port city of Hodeidah on Sunday, a government official told Xinhua.

The government source, who asked to remain anonymous, said that representatives of the Saudi-backed government and the Houthi rebels at the Redeployment Coordination Committee (RCC) attended a meeting with presence of General Patrick Cammaert, the UN cease-fire chief monitor aboard a ship in Hodeidah province.

He said that key topics were discussed during the meeting including reopening main roads for humanitarian purposes and the reducing cease-fire violations as well as withdrawing Houthi rebels from the Hodeidah's ports.

Previous meetings were convened in Houthi-controlled city of Hodeidah but due to the tense security situation General Cammaert proposed holding a meeting aboard a ship in order to avoid gunfire attacks, according to local sources.

On Saturday, Yemen's government blamed the Houthi rebels of committing persistent and deliberate violations to Sweden's agreement on Hodeidah.

In a statement revealed by the state-run Saba news agency, the government said that until now, 970 Houthi cease-fire breaches have occurred in Hodeidah, killing 71 people and wounding 534 in 30 days.

The conflict in Yemen started in 2014 when the Houthi rebels overtook the capital Sanaa and forced the government into exile to Saudi Arabia. Since 2015, a Saudi-led coalition, backing the government, has been fighting the Houthis.

The security situation was further exacerbated after the coalition in June 2018 launched an operation to retake rebel-held Hodeidah, a strategic port city that had been handling some 70 percent of Yemen's imports of food.

The fighting has spawned the world's worst humanitarian crisis and brought the poorest Arab country to the brink of famine.

Under the UN auspices, the warring parties reached a deal in Sweden in December 2018, which included a governorate-wide cease-fire of Hodeidah and the formation of the RCC to monitor withdrawal of troops by both the government and the Houthis in the area.

Shortly after, the UN Security Council authorized an advance team for 30 days to monitor and support the implementation of the deal.

Earlier in January, the UN Security Council adopted a resolution to establish a UN political mission for an initial period of six months to support the Hodeidah agreement.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-03 22:52:44|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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SHIJIAZHUANG, Feb. 3 (Xinhua) -- A nurse accused of giving the wrong vaccines to 29 children, confessed to seeking monetary gain while working at a community clinic in Shijiazhuang, capital of north China's Hebei Province, local authorities said Sunday.

The nurse surnamed Guan has been detained and confessed that she intentionally switched the vaccines administered to 29 children to HIB vaccines, which are around 500 yuan (about 74 U.S. dollars) cheaper than the pentavalent vaccines.

Wei Jingli, head of the community clinic, was detained by police on Friday.

The practicing license of the community clinic, Wei's medical license and Guan's nurse license have been revoked, according to the health department of Shijiazhuang's Qiaoxi district.

The 29 children concerned have been checked and received pentavalent vaccines, said an official with the district government.

Two officials with the district's center for disease control have been fired and are under investigation for any malfeasance.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-03 22:37:42|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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BEIRUT, Feb. 3 (Xinhua) -- Lebanon's Amal Movement, which is headed by Speaker Nabih Berri, said Sunday that the new Lebanese government should be ready to face any possible "Israeli aggressions" on the country's sovereignty and territories, the National News Agency reported.

"The Lebanese should know that Lebanon's sole enemy is Israel and the power of this country lays in its unity, its army and its resistance," it said.

Amal Movement Member Qabalan Qabalan made the comments during a popular rally in Kfar Hatta in South Lebanon.

"We should keep our eyes open to Israeli's plans," he said.

"We must not forget that the enemy is targeting our security, unity and wealth. This enemy, which was defeated by the resistance, continues to place Lebanon in the circle of its aggression," he added.

Israeli warplanes have been violating Lebanon's airspace for the past few months, prompting Lebanese President Michel Aoun to call on the United States to pressure Israel to stop such practices.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah said over a week ago that his party will certainly use all its power to respond if Israel wages a war against Lebanon.

Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah fought a month-long war in 2006 which ended in a cease-fire.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-03 22:27:38|Editor: ZX

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BEIJING, Feb. 3 (Xinhua) -- A senior military official on Sunday called on media as well as literary and art workers of the military to promote innovation and development in their work, so as to provide solid support for strengthening and revitalizing the armed forces.

Zhang Youxia, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks when he extended Spring Festival greetings at the news media center and the culture and arts center of the People's Liberation Army (PLA).

The PLA's news media center is an important publicity front of the Party, and the PLA and has to speak for the Party's will, said Zhang, stressing adherence to correct political and public opinion direction.

The PLA's culture and arts center should play an active role in nurturing the fighting spirit and build up a good image of art soldiers in the new era, Zhang said.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-03 22:26:22|Editor: Shi Yinglun

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People participate in Spring Festival-themed activities at a museum in Dongsi community of Dongcheng District in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 3, 2019. Residents in Beijing's Dongsi community took part in activities to greet the upcoming Spring Festival, or the Chinese Lunar New Year, which falls on Feb. 5 this year. (Xinhua/Li Xin)Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-03 21:57:33|Editor: xuxin

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JERUSALEM, Feb. 3 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned on Sunday that Israel "will not hesitate" to use force against the Gaza Strip if the protest near the fence continues.

"I would like to make it clear," Netanyahu said at the start of his weekly cabinet meeting, "if the quiet is not maintained in Gaza, we will make the decisions even in the elections period and will not hesitate to act."

He added that construction works to build a new barrier between Israel and the besieged Palestinian enclave began over the weekend.

"The barrier will prevent terrorists from Gaza from penetrating into our territory on the ground," Netanyahu said.

Israel has recently conveyed a message to Hamas, an Islamist movement that runs Gaza, through Egyptian brokers, warning that it might launch a military campaign if the weekly demonstrations continue, the Hebrew-language Channel 12 TV reported on Saturday.

"Hamas has been warned that the upcoming elections are not a restraining factor and we are not afraid of a campaign also during elections," an anonymous senior Israeli official told the Channel.

Israel's last large-scale military campaign in Gaza took place in 2014, claiming the lives of 2,251 people in Gaza, mostly civilians, and 71 people in Israel, mostly soldiers.

Last March, Palestinians in Gaza launched the "March of Return" protest, in which tens of thousands of protesters rally near the fence separating between Gaza and Israel, mostly during the weekends.

Israel accuses Hamas of orchestrating the protest. But Palestinians say the rallies aim to protest the crippling blockade imposed by Israel and Egypt since 2007.

Israel occupied Gaza, along with the West Bank, in the 1967 Middle East war and has retained its control over these lands ever since, in a move criticized internationally.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-03 21:52:32|Editor: ZX

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BEIJING, Feb. 3 (Xinhua) -- Xu Qiliang, vice chairman of China's Central Military Commission, has stressed building a strong and modernized maritime law enforcement force.

Xu, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks while extending his Spring Festival greetings to officers and soldiers at the headquarters of the Chinese Coast Guard under the armed police.

Asking about the ongoing patrols on the East China Sea and the South China Sea, Xu required the officers and soldiers to be well-prepared for different cases, encouraging them to staunchly safeguard China's maritime rights and interests.

He called for solid practices to further develop the coast guard force, noting that it concerns the overall strategy of building China into a maritime power.

Xu also stressed steadily enhancing the coast guard's readiness to safeguard maritime rights and enforce the law on the sea and improving their capability to deal with related risks and challenges.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-03 21:52:31|Editor: xuxin

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NAIROBI, Feb. 3 (Xinhua) -- The following are news highlights in Kenya's major media outlets on Sunday.

-- President Uhuru Kenyatta has announced that this year's Madaraka Day celebrations will be held in Kajiado County.

The President's announcement is in line with a recent trend in which celebrations to mark national holidays are held in counties, a departure from the past when all such events were held in Nairobi. (Sunday Nation)

-- A dalliance with a strange concoction at a construction site associated with Amani National Congress (ANC) leader Musalia Mudavadi triggered a chain of events that left three workers dead in different city hospitals. (Sunday Standard)Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-03 21:47:30|Editor: xuxin

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NEW DELHI, Feb. 3 (Xinhua) -- Head of State of the Principality of Monaco Albert II will arrive in New Delhi on Monday for a seven-day visit, said an official release issued by the ministry of external affairs on Sunday.

He is accompanied by a 20-member business delegation representing tourism and hospitality, Yatch and private jets manufacturing, financial services with specific focus on banking and insurance, logistics and transportation, information technology (IT) & IT-enabled services, renewable energy, real estate, textiles, fashion & designs.

According to his itinerary, on Monday the Prince is scheduled to attend the "IndiaMonaco Business Forum" in the Indian capital. India's Minister of Commerce & Industry Suresh Prabhu will represent his country along with other senior government officials.

Monaco's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Gilles Tonelli and Chairman of the Monaco Economic Board (MEB) Michel Dotta will also speak at the IndiaMonaco Business Forum.

The same day Prince Albert II will attend the "Roundtable on Energy & Climate" at the Delhi-based Energy & Research Institute.

On Tuesday, he is slated to meet with the Indian leadership, including President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.

The next day, he is scheduled to visit Udaipur city in the western state of Rajasthan, where he is expected to attend certain official programs.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-03 21:27:26|Editor: xuxin

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GAZA, Feb. 3 (Xinhua) -- Islamic Hamas movement's politburo chief Ismail Haniyeh, who led a senior Hamas delegation, headed to Cairo on Sunday afternoon for holding talks with senior Egyptian officials, Hamas sources in Gaza said.

Haniyeh and Hamas delegation left the Gaza Strip to Egypt through Rafah border crossing point between Egypt and southern Gaza Strip that has been kept open in both directions for the past four days.

Hamas sources in Gaza said that Haniyeh and his delegation will resume their talks with senior Egyptian security intelligence officials on a calm understanding that Egypt brokered between Hamas and Israel on November.

The sources added that talks between the two sides will also focus on pushing forward the stalled internal reconciliation and carry on talking on ending internal division between Hamas and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah movement.

Hamas source, which spoke on condition of anonymity, declined to tell Xinhua if Haniyeh and Hamas delegation would leave Cairo and go for a foreign tour that might include Russia.

Earlier last week, Bassem Na'eem, deputy chief of foreign relations' department of Hamas movement, had said that his movement received an official invitation from Russia to visit Moscow on early February.

Meanwhile, Egypt kept on Sunday Rafah border crossing point with the Gaza Strip opened. Egypt reopened the crossing in two ways on Tuesday last week for three days.

In January 6, the Palestinian Authority decided to withdraw all its employees and police who work at Rafah crossing point in protest to Hamas security forces' crackdown on Fatah movement's supporters and members.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-03 21:17:24|Editor: xuxin

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NICOSIA, Feb. 3 (Xinhua) -- A United Nations (UN) official started crucial talks in Nicosia on Sunday aimed at restarting the peace negotiations in what international officials consider to be the last effort to solve the Cyprus problem.

Jane Holl Lute, who is acting as personal envoy of UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, met with Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci and is scheduled to have an early-night meeting with Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades.

Her mission is to secure agreement by the two sides on the terms of reference of negotiations to reunite the eastern Mediterranean island, which was partitioned when Turkish troops occupied its northern part in 1974, in response to a coup organized by the military rulers of Greece.

Cypriot Foreign Minister Nicos Christodoulides told state television that Anastasiades will clearly tell Lute that the negotiations must start immediately after the terms of reference are agreed.

But Christodoulides sounded rather pessimistic about the prospects of early talks after he met Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu during an EU foreign ministers meeting in Bucharest on Friday.

"The crucial question is whether Turkey will allow the talks to start immediately or it will insist on its position to restart negotiations after May," Christodoulides said.

He said he was confident that Lute will make concrete proposals to Akinci and Anastasiades on the modalities of the negotiations.

"We'll do whatever it takes to have a positive outcome," he said.

He suggested that Lute may hold another round of meetings on Monday before she returns to the UN headquarters to report to Guterres.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-03 20:52:20|Editor: Lu Hui

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Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, addresses a Spring Festival reception at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 3, 2019. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)

BEIJING, Feb. 3 (Xinhua) -- President Xi Jinping extended greetings to Chinese people of all ethnic groups, compatriots in Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan and overseas Chinese on Sunday, ahead of the Spring Festival.

"In the past year... we have made efforts and achieved a lot," he said while addressing a festival reception at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, extended the greetings on behalf of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council.

Party and state leaders Li Keqiang, Li Zhanshu, Wang Yang, Wang Huning, Zhao Leji, Han Zheng and Wang Qishan attended the reception, with Li Keqiang presiding.

In the speech, Xi noted that Chinese people had a hard but fulfilling year.

The Chinese economy remained steady while making progress, with new steps taken in reform and opening-up, he said.

The country actively pushed forward campaigns to defuse major risks, carry out targeted poverty alleviation and prevent and control pollution, with poverty alleviation projects achieving remarkable outcomes, he said.

Defense and military reforms extended to a deeper level, major country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics opened a new chapter and Party governance further improved, he said. "Chinese society has been stable, and the people have enjoyed a stronger sense of fulfillment, happiness and security."

Xi spoke of the need in the new year to adhere to the new development philosophy, advance high-quality development, continue the earnest fight in the "three critical battles" against risks, poverty and pollution and take coordinated steps to ensure steady growth, advance reform, make structural adjustments, improve living standards and guard against risks.

Xi called for efforts to create a growing sense of fulfillment, happiness and security in people, promote sustained and sound economic growth and maintain law and order to lay a crucial foundation for building a moderately prosperous society in all respects and celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China with great achievements.

After working so hard for a whole year, it is time for family members to gather for New Year's Eve dinner and stay up all night to usher in the new year, Xi said.

Xi spoke of the need to enhance people's love for the family and the country, nurture and practice core socialist values, promote the spirits of patriotism, collectivism and socialism and advocate combining the love for family with the love for the country so that every individual and every family can make contributions to the big family of the Chinese nation.

Having become an aging society, China should make great efforts to ensure the elderly are well respected, taken care of, and supported, and promote programs for the elderly so that they can all enjoy a happy life, Xi said.

He called for hard work to bring a happy life for the Chinese people and a great future for the Chinese nation as well as further efforts to work with the people of countries across the world to build a community with a shared future for humanity.

(Video reporters: Yang Mu, Ding Xiaoxi, Jiang Zhiqiang; Video editors: Zhu Cong, Zhu Jianhui)Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-03 20:42:17|Editor: ZX

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CAIRO, Feb. 3 (Xinhua) -- The Egypt-China Friendship Association on Saturday held a reception to celebrate the Chinese Spring Festival.

The reception, organized by the association's headquarters in central Cairo, was attended by about 100 Egyptian diplomats, officials, thinkers as well as Chinese diplomatic, trade, media and education sources.

Vice Chairman of Egypt-China Friendship Association Ahmed Wally welcomed the attendees in a speech, and reviewed the key events of the association in 2018.

The Egypt-China Friendship Association was founded in 1958 and celebrated in 2018 its 60th anniversary.

Egypt-China relations have achieved several points of success thanks to the efforts exerted by the two countries.

"The friendship between Cairo and Beijing will render more success this year," Wally said.

He also drew comparison between the Chinese Spring Festival and Sham El-Nessim, an Egyptian holiday marking the beginning of spring, in which families in both nations gather to celebrate.

Wang Yi, counselor of the Chinese embassy in Egypt, on behalf of Chinese Ambassador to Egypt Song Aiguo, delivered a speech which highlighted the exchange of visits between the two countries in all domains at various levels.

Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi paid a successful visit to China in September last year.

The trade exchange between the two countries amounted to 13 billion U.S. dollars in 2018, said Wang, expressing thanks to the efforts exerted by the Egypt-China Friendship Association and Egyptian friends.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-03 20:35:16|Editor: ZX

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A staff member prepares Spring Festival packed meals for sale at a traditional brand restaurant in Suzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province, Feb. 3. 2019. Restaurants with time-honored brands in Suzhou provided semi-finished meals packed for customers who can easily cook for a family reunion dinner on the eve of the annual Spring Festival. The Spring Festival, or the Chinese Lunar New Year, falls on Feb. 5 this year. (Xinhua/Wang Jiankang)Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-03 20:07:11|Editor: xuxin

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MAIMANA, Afghanistan, Feb. 3 (Xinhua) -- Three insurgents and two Afghan security personnel were killed as clashes broke out in the northern Faryab province on Saturday, provincial police spokesman Abdul Karim Yurash said Sunday.

The gun battle, according to the official, erupted after Taliban insurgents attacked security checkpoints and the police retaliated. The fighting which lasted for hours left five more insurgents injured.

The spokesman said the militants fled away after suffering three deaths and five injuries.

Taliban militants have not commented on the report..      21  -    153.             .               ,     ,       ,      .         ...Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-03 19:57:09|Editor: xuxin

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Chinese and Lao workers make decorations for the Spring Festival, at China Railway International's construction site of the future Muangxay Railway Station, in Oudomxay province, northern Laos, Feb. 4, 2019. All the key projects along the China-Laos railway are set to be completed specifically on exact dates, such as those of the tunnels to be bored through, bridges' closure and concrete casting of substructures. (Xinhua/Laos-China Railway Co., Ltd)

by Zhang Jianhua, Wang Shan, Huang Zongwen

VIENTIANE, Feb. 3 (Xinhua) -- All the key projects along the China-Laos railway are set to be completed specifically on exact dates, such as those of the tunnels to be bored through, bridges' closure and concrete casting of substructures.

"This is the way the project construction is pushed forward, because we can only start the next step after the preceding work is done," Xiao Qianwen, the Communist Party of China (CPC) secretary of joint working committee of the China-Laos railway, told Xinhua on Sunday while inspecting the project.

The traditional Chinese Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival, falls on Feb. 5 this year in the dry season of Laos, when is the most favorable period for construction.

"Most of the Chinese workers and engineers have to give up vacation and stay at the construction sites. The Chinese staff can be busier during the Spring Festival than usual, since the construction of the outstanding project under the Belt and Road Initiative is entering the critical and decisive phase in 2019," Xiao said.

According to Xiao, the joint venture of Laos-China Railway Co., Ltd., which is responsible for the construction and operation of the railway, will adopt a high standard and ensure high quality construction of the railway, to fully realize the target and fulfill the responsibilities entrusted by the peoples and leaders of the two countries.

"We have completed the 100th T-shape concrete beam today," Hu Bin, manager of the China Railway No.2 Engineering Group (CREC-2) Vientiane beam fabrication yard, told Xinhua. Thus, the yard has achieved one progress, out of the 50 marked in the timetable.

However, the manager could not let out a sigh of relief. "In the coming days of the Spring Festival, we are to erect the beams of the longest-ever bridge of the railway and the Laos, the Nam Khone super major railway bridge in the north of Lao capital Vientiane," he said.

The CREC-2 beam yard lies at the southern end of the China-Laos railway. The yard has set a record that it started construction in last February, cast the first beam in June and erected the first railway beam in December in the same year.

At the northern end of the railway, which is bordering China, the Chinese railway engineering companies are also as busy as bees.

The Chinese workers and engineers chose to produce joys and make new year wishes with their Lao colleagues at their off-work time.

Prior to the festival at the CREC-5 project camp in Boten, or the China Railway International's construction site of the future Muangxay Railway Station, Chinese staff can be seen, together with their Lao partners, decorating their dorms and offices. They hung red lanterns, New Year blessing slogans and New Year couplets, which symbolize the traditional Chinese culture.

The Chinese will send a camp video to their families to assure their loved ones feeling the atmosphere of the New Year abroad. The Lao staff will also share the Chinese New Year fun with their families and friends through cellphone videos.

The middle section of the China-Laos railway runs through tropical forests. The CREC-8 has done a great job there last year when it planted all the piers of the two cross-Mekong bridges.

The CREC-8's No.2 subsection is constructing a length of 18.125 km railway, with 17.777-km tunnels, completely in an uninhabited area. Till February, the subsection has bored 11.186 km of tunnel, or 63 percent of the total drilling.

"We've overcome the hardships at the early stage with almost no entrance to the construction sites, but it's not the time to relax," Wu Zhibin, the CPC secretary at the subsection told Xinhua. "I've been in the project for two Spring Festivals, and I will be here during this festival too," he said.

Wu said in his first Spring Festival spent there in the mountains, the Lao staff were curious about the way the Chinese workers celebrate, but now all of them join the celebration and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

"I feel the project has been filled with something new and something familiar. The sense of unity and happiness might be the characteristics of the Spring Festival along the China-Laos railway," the subsection manager Yuan Rong said.

The construction of Ban Muang No. 2 tunnel, one of the key node of the railway in northern Laos' Luang Prabang province, is full of risks and difficulties. The construction is at the critical stage during the Spring Festival and many Chinese workers remain at the site.

"The cellphone couldn't do so much good at that time and I could only use it to make some expensive phone calls. Now it's fine. I can talk with my wife and kids," said Hu Hongbing, who has joined the CREC-8's tunnel boring team in China and abroad for over 10 years.

The first thing, the same as his other Chinese peers after coming out of the under-construction tunnel, is picking up his mobile phone.

Hu said no matter how exhausted he was he felt the warmth after hearing his family's voices and kids' laughters.

Aluogebu, an ethnic worker from western China's Sichuan province, is building a tunnel with CREC-5 in the northern Lao border town of Boten.

"The Chengdu-Kunming Railway changed my hometown, and I know what a railway means. I deeply felt the aspiration of the Lao people to the railway, just like my hometown fellows were looking forward to the railway," he told Xinhua.

"So, I don't go home this Spring Festival, but stay at the construction site, try to dig through the Boten railway tunnel and complete the railway construction as soon as possible, so as to make the Lao people take their own train and enjoy the benefits of the railway earlier," he said.

Liang Jingyu, one of the hundreds of Chinese engineers working at the railway construction sites, told Xinhua that this year is the 10th Spring Festival he had been on duty.

"Construction of a railway will make more people go home easier," Liang said.

The China-Laos railway is promoted by leaders of the two countries as one of the interconnectivity projects under the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative.

Tunnels, bridges and roadbeds have been built along the route after construction of the cross-border railway began in December 2016. It is expected to be operational in December 2021.

The 414-km China-Laos railway runs from Mohan-Boten border gate in northern Laos to the capital of Vientiane with an operating speed of 160 km per hour.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-03 19:52:06|Editor: xuxin

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THE HAGUE, Feb. 3 (Xinhua) -- Around 800 "Yellow Vest" protesters demonstrated in Maastricht, Netherlands on Saturday, with one demonstrator getting wounded by fireworks.

The protesters walked a six-kilometer route through the city, carrying national flags and anti-EU banners.

The protest was peacefully despite smoke bombs and fireworks lit by some protesters. The wounded person was treated by ambulance personnel with a minor injury. A 63-year-old man was arrested by police for insulting a policeman.

The demonstrators in yellow vests, the name drawn from French protesters, in Maastricht demanded Netherlands to exit the European Union just like the United Kingdom. Some demonstrators from Belgium, Germany and France were also present.

The Treaty of Maastricht was signed in this southern Dutch city, establishing further European integration. Protesters said that was a key reason for Saturday's demonstration.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-03 18:36:57|Editor: Lu Hui

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SARI PUL, Afghanistan, Feb. 3 (Xinhua) -- The unknown armed militants gunned down the deputy district governor of Gosfandi district in the northern Sari Pul province, provincial government spokesman Zabihullah Amani said on Sunday.

"Tahir Azizi the deputy for district chief of Gosfandi district was coming out from a mosque at nearby his residence on Saturday evening when the armed militants opened fire and killed him on the spot," Amani told Xinhua.

The official, however, blamed the militants for the assassination to terrorize the people.

The Taliban has yet to claim responsibility for the attack.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-03 18:06:53|Editor: Lu Hui

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CHANGSHA, Feb. 3 (Xinhua) -- The number of waterbirds arriving at central China's Dongting Lake for winter exceeded 240,000 this winter, up 6.3 percent year on year, according to a survey by lake protection authorities.

The migratory birds in Dongting Lake, the country's second largest freshwater lake, increased by 14,257 year on year. Bean gooses, numbered 60,000, became the largest population of waterbirds wintering there.

To restore the wetland ecosystem and supply more food for the birds, lake administration staff planted lots of aquatic plants in the reserve, said Yi Feiyue, an official with East Dongting Lake National Nature Reserve.

Fifty-eight species of waterbirds were spotted in the lake, including red-breasted brants found for the first time in January.

Since 1978, the area of Dongting Lake, which links with the Yangtze River, has increased by 779 square kilometers to 3,470 square kilometers thanks to continuous restoration efforts, said the Hunan provincial bureau of water resources in November.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-03 17:26:45|Editor: Lu Hui

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NEW DELHI, Feb. 3 (Xinhua) -- Head of State of the Principality of Monaco Albert II arrived in here on Sunday for a seven-day visit to India, the Ministry of External Affairs said.

He is accompanied by a 20-member business delegation representing tourism and hospitality, yatch and private jets manufacturing, financial services with specific focus on banking and insurance, logistics and transportation, IT & IT-enabled services, renewable energy, real estate, textiles and fashion & designs.

According to his itinerary, the prince is scheduled to attend the India-Monaco Business Forum in the Indian capital on Monday.

Monaco's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Gilles Tonelli and Chairman of the Monaco Economic Board (MEB) Michel Dotta will also speak at the India-Monaco Business Forum.

The same day Prince Albert II will attend the Roundtable on Energy & Climate at the Delhi-based The Energy & Research Institute (TERI).

On Tuesday, he is slated to meet with the Indian leadership, including President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.

The next day, he is scheduled to visit Udaipur city in the western state of Rajasthan, where he is expected to attend certain official programs.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-03 16:41:34|Editor: ZX

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BEIJING, Feb. 3 (Xinhua) -- Jin Suidong, former vice chairman of the Henan Provincial Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, has been expelled from the Communist Party of China (CPC) for multiple violations.

The expulsion has been approved by the CPC Central Committee, according to a statement released by the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Supervisory Commission on Sunday.

"Jin lost his ideals and convictions, showed no commitment to Party principles, and turned public power into a means of seeking personal gain," the statement said.

He was found to have obstructed the investigation into him, failed to report personal matters to authorities according to rules and taken advantage of his posts to help others in promotion, job adjustment and recruitment, and accepted money and property in return.

Other offenses included using a private enterprise owner's car for free, selling his own calligraphy at high prices, and trading power and money for sex.

Jin severely violated political and organizational discipline, and discipline on upholding integrity, and was suspected of taking bribes, according to the statement.

Even after the 18th CPC National Congress, he still showed no sign of restraint, and his case is serious and should be harshly punished, it added.

Jin's qualification as a delegate to the 10th CPC Henan Provincial Congress had been terminated, his illicit gains confiscated and his case transferred to the procuratorate organs, it said.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-03 16:01:26|Editor: Shi Yinglun

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LOS ANGELES, Feb. 2 (Xinhua) -- Mexican filmmaker Alfonso Cuaron won the top film award for the monochromatic drama film "Roma" at the 71st Directors Guild of America (DGA) Awards held at the Hollywood and Highland Center here on Saturday night.

Cuaron picked up the Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Feature Film, beating out fierce rivals, including Bradley Cooper for "A Star Is Born," Spike Lee for "BlacKkKlansman," Adam McKay for "Vice," and Peter Farrelly for "Green Book."

Written and directed by Cuaron, the critically acclaimed autobiographical drama "Roma" follows the life of a live-in housekeeper to an upper middle-class family. The film won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival last year and took home two wins last month at the 76th Golden Globe Awards, including best foreign language film and best director. It also won four awards, including best director, at the 24th Critics' Choice Awards last month.

Cuaron is widely considered one of the front-runners in the best director category in this year's Academy Awards race. "Roma" led the race for the 91th Academy Awards, or the Oscars, with 10 nominations.

The DGA Awards are issued annually by the Directors Guild of America to honor outstanding directorial achievements in feature films, documentaries, television and commercials. The Directors Guild of America represents the interests of more than 17,500 film and television directors in the United States motion picture industry and abroad.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-03 15:36:21|Editor: xuxin

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LASHKAR GAH, Afghanistan, Feb. 3 (Xinhua) -- At least seven militants including a Taliban key commander have been killed and five others injured in the southern Helmand province, an army statement said on Sunday.

According to the statement, the government forces launched cleanup operations in parts of the restive province on Saturday and so far seven militants including notorious commander Qari Janan have been killed.

A total of eight hideouts of the militants have also been destroyed during the operations, the statement said. However, it didn't say if there were casualties on security personnel.

The Taliban militants have not commented on the government's statement.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-03 15:36:19|Editor: Shi Yinglun

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LOS ANGELES, Feb. 2 (Xinhua) -- Mexican filmmaker Alfonso Cuaron won top film award for "Roma" at the 71st Directors Guild of America (DGA) Awards held at the Hollywood and Highland Center in Los Angeles on Saturday night, picking up the Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Feature Film.

DGA Awards are issued annually by the Directors Guild of America to honor the outstanding directorial achievement in feature films, documentary, television and commercials of 2018. The Directors Guild of America represents the interests of more than 17,500 film and television directors in the United States motion picture industry and abroad.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-03 15:11:14|Editor: xuxin

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CANBERRA, Feb. 3 (Xinhua) -- The Opposition Australian Labor Party (ALP) has revealed its plan to reward corporate whistleblowers with cash rewards.

Bill Shorten, leader of the ALP, announced his plan to introduce the reward scheme on Sunday, vowing to increase protections for public and private sector employees who lift the lid on unethical behavior and corporate crime if his party is victorious in May's general election.

Under the plan, which would see whisteblowers paid a percentage of the final penalty imposed by the court, lawyers and accountants who report clients would also be eligible for rewards.

The ALP has already announced plans for a similar scheme for tax whistleblowers. Under that plan, whistleblowers who turn in tax avoiders would receive a maximum of 250,000 Australian dollars (181,283 U.S. dollars) or 1 percent of the court-imposed penalty.

"If you saw someone stealing from a store you would say something," Shorten told News Corp Australia on Sunday.

"That's what tax dodging and corporate fraud is it's stealing. But too many people see it and say nothing," Shorten said.

"I'm saying to accountants and lawyers and others who see this happening, don't let these crooks get away with it," Shorten said.

If elected, Shorten promised to establish a new position within the Office of the Commonwealth Ombudsman to hear reports from, and provide advice to, corporate whistleblowers.

He made the announcement one day before the Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industry's final report was set to be made public on Monday.

Jeff Morris, a whistleblower who exposed corrupt conduct at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia and whose revelations were key in establishing the royal commission, threw his support behind Shorten's plan.

"I don't think it's an exaggeration to say we wouldn't have this royal commission if not for whistleblowers," he said.

"It would virtually guarantee that more people would come forward," he said.Major Nepali and English broadsheet dailies published in Kathmandu on Sunday have given priority to a host of issues from political, sociocultural and economic spheres.

The rescue of Nepali girls being trafficked to the Gulf from India has received considerable attention along with the NOCs decision to hike fuel prices have also received attention. The NAC receiving permission from the CAAN to fly to Japan has also been reported

Here is a summary of important, ignored and interesting stories from the front pages of national broadsheets:

Important

PM to face lawmakers questions

The Himalayan Times reports that Prime Minister KP Oli will face tough questions on various issues in the House of Representatives on Sunday. Oli is expected to receive questions on matters ranging from the Venezuela crises to how the government has handled the hunger strike of Dr Govinda KC.

The HoR has received 86 questions, for the session with the PM. Federal Socialist Forum-Nepal lawmaker Sarita Giri is seeking the PMs response to the digital action room the PMO wants to set up.

According to the Parliament Secretariat, the Prime Minister and other ministers should answer questions fielded by MPs. According to the HoR regulations, the speaker-led Business Advisory Committee should approve questions in advance.

Nepali girls rescued

Kantipur, Nagarik and The Kathmandu Post report that at least 130 Nepali girls, who were being trafficked into Myanmar, have been rescued from various parts of Manipur, a northeastern state of India, in the last two days in a massive bust of a human trafficking network.

During the rescue mission, which started on Friday morning, a team of police from Tengnoupal, a hill town between Imphal, the capital of Manipur, and Myanmar rescued 40 Nepali girls who were trying to enter Myanmar via Moreh, which falls along the India-Myanmar border.

The rescue mission was launched after Maiti Nepal, informed an NGO based in Shillong that 70 girls trafficked from Nepal were on their way to Myanmar via the Moreh-Manipur international border.

NOC hikes fuel prices

Nagarik and The Himalayan Times report that the Nepal Oil Corporation has hiked the price of petrol, diesel, and kerosene by Rs 2 effective from Saturday midnight. With this increment, petrol is priced at Rs 110 per litre while diesel and kerosene cost Rs 97 per litre.

According to the state-owned enterprise, it made the adjustment based on revised rates received from the Indian Oil Corporation on Saturday. After adjustment, the NOC is set to post Rs 1.016 billion as fortnight profit, informed officials.

Ignored

Dr KC to continue protest

The Himalayan Times reports that senior orthopedic surgeon Dr Govinda KC, who ended his fast-unto-death on Friday has vowed to continue his peaceful protest. KC has promised that he will continue to fight against the medical mafia in the form of street protest, mass awareness, lobbying, persuasion, and advocacy. KC hopes that the government will come to terms and amend the medical education bill. Along with Nepal Medical Association and civil servants society, opposition party Nepali Congress also say that it will be supporting KC.

General Secretary using a lot of perks

Kantipur reports that the General Secretary of the Federal Parliament Manohar Prasad Bhattarai is taking more perks than the law allows him to. Having resigned from the position of Officer of Special Class he is reportedly still taking pension amount even after being appointed General Secretary of the Federal Parliament. Even though he is allowed one car and driver, according to the Federal Parliament Secretariat, he has taken give cars and three drivers. He has been taking both monthly salary and pension. Until June, Bhattarai was also taking 80% encouragement allowance.

Interesting

As dirty cash flow review nears, Nepal scrambles to make and amend 50 laws

The Kathmandu Post reports that as the evaluation by the Asia Pacific Group nears, Nepal is planning to make and amend 50 laws. The regional anti-money laundering watchdog during the 2020 evaluation will review Nepals compliance with international standards on Anti-Money Laundering/Combating Financing of Terrorism through peer review. Nepals anti-money laundering efforts so far have been well received, but much needs to be done, officials say in an indication that the country is not in the safe zone yet.

A government report, prepared by stakeholders including the law ministry, finance ministry, Department of Money Laundering Investigation, and the Financial Information Unit, says Nepal still needs to make as many as 50 laws compatible with the global standards on Anti-Money Laundering/Combating Financing of Terrorism. Nepal has so far avoided being blacklisted by the Financial Action Task Force, a global anti-money laundering body. In 2014, Nepal managed to fulfill all of the 15 commitments it had made to the task force, just in time to avoid the blacklist.

TJ bodies preparing interim reports as term ends near

Republica reports that officials at the transitional justice bodies are compiling the progress they have achieved so far in settling conflict-era cases, in preparation for submitting interim reports to the government. This comes a week before expiry of the extended tenures of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and the Commission of Investigation on Enforced Disappeared Persons (CIEDP).

The extended terms of the two crucial TJ bodies are expiring on Saturday without completion of their given tasks. Both the commissions are finalising their interim reports and compiling the progress achieved in four years. The commissions are finalising their respective reports for submission to the president before their terms expire.

CAAN gives NAC permission to fly to Japan

Arthik Abhiyan reports that Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) has received Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) to fly to Japan.

NAC received the AOC on Friday to operate flights on the Kathmandu-Osaka sector with the Airbus A330 wide-body aircraft. The airline received permission from CAAN as any airline has to receive permission from its own civil aviation authority to fly to a new sector.

The corporation hopes to fly to Japan by February end or the beginning of March and is pacing up the process to acquire permission from Japanese authority as it will take around 1 month to prepare for flight after receiving the permission.

Without receiving permission from Japan, the airline will not be able to work on promotion and ticketing. The airline is also planning to fly to China around a month after commencing flight to Japan.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-03 15:03:12|Editor: Yurou

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Photo taken on Jan. 2, 2019 shows snowmen on the riverbank of Songhua River in Harbin, capital of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. Various adorable snowmen are displayed in Harbin to greet the upcoming Chinese Lunar New Year, which falls on Feb. 5 this year. (Xinhua/Wang Jianwei)Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-03 14:01:06|Editor: WX

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YAOUNDE, Feb. 2 (Xinhua) -- Officials of Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea said Saturday that they have agreed on plans to construct a bridge to link both countries.

"It is an integrating project that establishes the possibility of movement between the two countries. Once this project is realized, we will have another possibility of traveling by land through Cameroon and the Republic of Equatorial Guinea," Paul Tasong, Cameroonian ministerial delegate from the Ministry of Economy Planning and Regional Development, told reporters.

At the end of the day, the agreement was reached during a meeting in Cameroon's commercial capital Douala between delegations led by Tasong and Baltasar Engonga Edjo, Equatorial Guinean minister in charge of regional integration.

According to the agreement, the bridge will be constructed over the Ntem River, on the corridor linking Kribi, Campo in Cameroon and Bata in Equatorial Guinea.

A memorandum of understanding will be signed between both countries on March 15, officials said.

The Economic Community of Central African States will oversee the construction work that is expected to begin this year.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-03 13:46:02|Editor: Yamei

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GUANGZHOU, Feb. 3 (Xinhua) -- South China's Guangdong Province will build 39 new wetland parks in the next two years, bringing the total to 280 by 2020, according to the provincial forestry department.

The provincial government plans to build 20 wetland parks and set up a few model parks in 2019. The total number of wetland parks in the Pearl River Delta area is set to reach 155.

Projects will be launched to build an ecological corridor in the Pearl River Delta, as well as a migration corridor for waterbirds in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, with more efforts in restoration and protection of the wetland ecosystem.

Data from the National Forestry and Grassland Administration shows that with a total wetland area of 53.6 million hectares, China ranks first in Asia and fourth in the world.

Guangdong has 1.75 million hectares of wetlands, 52 percent of which will be under protection by 2020.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-03 12:55:54|Editor: Yurou

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NANJING, Feb. 3 (Xinhua) -- A museum was opened Saturday in east China's Jiangsu Province to showcase the history of the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge, the first domestically-designed and built modern bridge over the Yangtze.

Built in 1968, the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge has a double layer structure. The upper layer is used for highway traffic while the lower layer is used for trains. Hailed an engineering miracle upon its completion, it is a landmark for the provincial capital of Nanjing.

The museum was built on the basis of one of the bridgeheads. Inside the museum, there are introductions about the construction of the bridge, items that tell stories about the bridge, and equipment and tools for bridge maintenance.

It took three years for the construction of the museum to be completed. The museum was jointly built by the Nanjing bridge management department of China Railway Shanghai Group company and Nanjing University.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-03 12:05:49|Editor: Yurou

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MACAO, Feb. 3 (Xinhua) -- The total value of merchandise export increased by 8.1 percent year-on-year to 12.19 billion patacas (about 1.51 billion U.S. dollars), the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR)'s statistic service said on Sunday.

The latest data from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) showed that in 2018, the value of re-exports grew by 12.3 percent to 10.66 billion patacas (about 1.32 billion U.S. dollars), but that of domestic exports declined by 14.3 percent to 1.53 billion patacas (about 189 million U.S. dollars).

Analyzed by destination, merchandise export to the nine provinces of the Pan Pearl River Delta increased by 2.7 percent year-on-year to 1.96 billion patacas (about 243 million U.S. dollars) in 2018.

Exports to Hong Kong SAR (7.57 billion patacas or 937 million U.S. dollars) and the European Union (209 million patacas or 26 million U.S. dollars) rose by 14.7 percent and 10.0 percent respectively.

Exports of non-textiles went up by 10.3 percent year-on-year to 11.50 billion patacas (about 1.42 billion U.S. dollars), of which value of machines, apparatus and parts (2.56 billion patacas or 317 million U.S. dollars) grew by 93.1 percent, but that of electronic components (491 million patacas or 61 million U.S. dollars) declined by 33.8 percent.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-03 11:45:47|Editor: Yurou

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WASHINGTON, Feb. 2 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Navy on Saturday commissioned its 17th Virginia-class nuclear-powered attack submarine, the U.S.S. South Dakota, in the eastern state of Connecticut.

"U.S.S. South Dakota enters service during a period of dynamic security challenges," Secretary of the Navy Richard Spencer said in a statement prior to the commissioning ceremony.

The 17th Virginia-class block III submarine, costing 2.7 billion U.S. dollars, is hull-numbered SSN 790. It stretches 115 meters in length, displaces 7,800 tons, dives 244 meters under water and can reach the speed of 25 knots.

The submarine can stay three months at sea at a time, and its nuclear fuel supply is able to continuously power the ship for its projected lifespan of up to 33 years.

The submarine, manned by 15 officers and 117 enlisted servicemen, is equipped with four torpedo tubes as well as two Virginia payload tubes, each capable of holding six vertical launch Tomahawk missiles that can hit on-shore targets up to 2,000 km away.

With sonar detectors in the bow, fin, and flank, as well as one towed behind the ship, the submarine is able to detect large ships up to 4,800 km away.

The Virginia-class navy submarine, a cheaper version of the previous Seawolf-class submarine, was designed to replace the Los Angeles class. According to the U.S. navy, Virginia-class subs "are built to operate in the world's littoral and deep waters while conducting anti-submarine warfare; anti-surface ship warfare; strike warfare; special operation forces support; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; irregular warfare; and mine warfare missions."

According to a report to the U.S. Congress last year, the U.S. Navy currently plans to build altogether 66 Virginia-class submarine. There are currently three Seawolf-class subs and 32 Los Angeles-class submarine in service.

The U.S.S. South Dakota is the third U.S. warship to carry the name of the Midwestern state, the first being a cruiser during World War I and the second a battleship during World War II.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-03 10:55:38|Editor: WX

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YANGON, Feb. 3 (Xinhua) -- A total of 10 men have been arrested for extorting money from local charcoal makers in a forest in Myanmar's southern Bago region, Myanmar News Agency quoted the police as reporting Sunday.

Claiming as members of the news media from the capital Nay Pyi Taw, the 10 people took photos of charcoal manufacturers' plants in the forest reserve on Wednesday, threatening the charcoal makers about their "illegal" making of charcoal and demanding them to pay 200,000 kyats (133.3 U.S. dollars).

A day later, the same 10-men group threatened other bamboo charcoal-makers in the same way.

However, a fight erupted which involved police in intervention.

During the police's interrogation, offenders confessed that they had extorted 1 million kyats (666 U.S. dollars) from a charcoal maker in the same area five days earlier.

Police have filed against the 10 people.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-03 09:35:22|Editor: WX

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SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 2 (Xinhua) -- Tens of thousands of local residents and foreign visitors packed the narrow alleys of Chinatown in downtown San Francisco to join an annual mini-parade that started the official celebrations of Chinese Lunar New Year.

The parade, which began at historic St. Mary's Square in Chinatown, marched through the center of Chinatown, as kids and young students in ancient Chinese-style costumes, lion dancers, costumed stilt walkers, and drummers danced merrily in the procession to create a joyful atmosphere of festivity for people on both sides of the street.

San Francisco Mayor London Breed, California Senator Scott Wiener and other city officials walked in front of the procession, waving to Chinatown residents and tourists with New Year's greetings.

Speaking on a stage at the destination of the mini-parade, Breed expressed greetings of New Year and warm welcome to Chinatown residents and visitors that came to share the joy and good luck brought by the upcoming Chinese lunar New Year of the Pig, which falls on Tuesday.

She called San Francisco as an "incredible city" because of its diversity, rich history and the Chinese community.

A visitor from Holland, who identified himself as Aard, said he felt amazed to be part of the celebrations. "We also have a Chinese community in Holland, but many people are only exploring Chinese restaurants," he said.

"Here in San Francisco, the people are living together and so I think that's better to have a community like this," Aard said, adding that the celebrations of the Chinese New Year are more popular in the United States than in Europe.

At a stand in the Market Street fair, Aard bought some souvenirs that bear Chinese characters with meanings of "Safe and Sound." "I want to bring them home," he said.

The mini-parade is a prelude to a major Chinatown celebration of the Lunar New Year with a more spectacular grand parade in San Francisco that has a history of more than 100 years. It will be held later this month.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-03 09:35:22|Editor: Yamei

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Photo taken on May 16, 2018 shows an automatic container dock in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province. China's foreign trade rose 9.7 percent year on year to a historic high of 30.51 trillion yuan (about 4.5 trillion U.S. dollars) in 2018, the General Administration of Customs (GAC) said Monday. The value was 2.7 trillion yuan higher than that of 2017, according to the GAC. (Xinhua file photo/Wang Peike)

BEIJING, Feb. 3 (Xinhua) -- As China posted slower growth last year, many are worried that continued downward pressure on the world's second-largest economy could drag global growth. However, a closer look at the economy would prove that the concerns over a slowdown spillover are overstated.

A more sustainable growth model, coupled with a policy package to stimulate growth, will underpin the economy in 2019, bringing abundant opportunities to global investors who stay prepared to cash in on the ever-evolving market.

Here are four reasons to remain upbeat about the Chinese economy.

MORE SUSTAINABLE GROWTH

While the 6.6-percent GDP growth rate that China registered last year was slower than that in 2017 and the double-digit growth was often seen in the past decades, investors should not overlook the fact that the growth was based on a much larger economic scale, analysts said.

The Chinese economy expanded to over 90 trillion yuan (about 13.4 trillion U.S. dollars) in 2018, almost tripling its size from 10 years ago, official data showed.

"It's true the economy is slowing, but if you look at the output added each year, it's still very impressive," said J.P. Morgan Chief China Economist Zhu Haibin.

By his calculation, even if China's growth slows to 6 percent, it still means the economy would expand by some 700 billion dollars a year, almost the size of some emerging economies.

Such economic performance has allowed the country enough room to shift from the old investment- and export-driven growth model to one that draws strength from consumption and innovation, which is more sustainable and less dependent on external factors.

While acknowledging economic headwinds, especially in the first half of 2019, Nomura Securities said in a report that the economy would likely see a rebound in the second half.

ROBUST CONSUMPTION

Although earlier indicators showed signs of weaker domestic consumption, rational observers remain quite optimistic about the sector's greater potential in driving China's economy and beyond.

The anxiety about China's consumers is largely overdone, said a report by British think tank Oxford Economics. "We remain fairly positive on China's consumption outlook."

China's retail sales will remain solid in 2019 thanks to strong consumption services and increasing growth-supporting measures despite a slowdown in the automobile sector, the report said.

The Chinese consumer continues to trade up more than down, according to the McKinsey Global Institute. Across fresh foods, alcoholic beverages, cosmetics and more, 10 times as many consumers report trading up to higher-priced goods than down.

These trends are driving increases in imports of premium goods from several Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development markets, it said.

New York-based research firm eMarketer predicted that China would become the world's biggest retail market this year with total retail sales reaching 5.63 trillion dollars.

MORE ROOM FOR INVESTMENT

Thanks to the ongoing government deleveraging campaign, the build-up of debt since the financial crisis in 2008 is now much less of a concern for the Chinese economy.

In 2018, China made steady progress in what it calls "structural deleveraging," using tailored measures to bring down leverage in different sectors.

The corporate sector, often considered the most troubled in terms of debt levels, has seen a decrease in the leverage ratio thanks to the debt-to-equity swap program, which allows companies to exchange their debt for stocks.

As most of China's debt is priced in local currency, and the debt owed by strategic sectors are often backed up by the central government, it is unlikely a financial crisis would occur, said Credit Suisse in its report on investment outlook for 2019.

With stable debt levels, the country has more room for effective investments to shore up growth. The country has vowed to ramp up efforts to fix weak areas in infrastructure and increase investment to support relocation programs.

"As we continue to implement policies this year, we can expect stronger investment data," said Ning Jizhe, head of the National Bureau of Statistics.

FURTHER OPENING-UP

China bucked the trend of the global foreign direct investment (FDI) slide in 2018 as the largest investment recipient in the world, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

UNCTAD's director of Investment and Enterprise James Zhan attributed more investment flows into China to factors such as further liberalization, particularly in the service and financial sectors, and intensified efforts for promoting investment in high-tech industries.

"Last year was another record high level, and the prospects for a rise of FDI into China remain optimistic," said Zhan.

Foreign businesses are set to reap more benefits from China's continued efforts to widen market access and build a better business environment this year.

One of the highlights will be a unified foreign investment law that aims to adopt a model of pre-established national treatment with a negative list and strengthened protection of property rights of companies with foreign investments.

The law will be submitted to the upcoming plenary session of the National People's Congress, which is scheduled to open on March 5.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-03 08:50:05|Editor: WX

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ISLAMABAD, Feb. 3 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan coast guards have recovered 108 kg of narcotics from a passenger van in the country's southwest Balochistan province on Saturday, officials told Xinhua.

The coast guards stopped the van during the routine investigation at a check post near Hub district of the province and recovered narcotics worth 200,000 U.S. dollars, Safeer Mehdi, spokesperson for Pakistan coast guards, said.

He confirmed to Xinhua that three drug peddlers were smuggling the narcotics from Balochistan to capital city Karachi of the neighboring Sindh province, but the coast guards arrested them by taking timely action.

"The narcotics were hidden near the oil tanker of the van, and one of the three arrested suspects was also hiding 3 kg of drugs under his clothes," Mehdi told Xinhua.

The arrested drug peddlers were shifted to some unknown place for investigations.

The coast guards seized the narcotics as per practice they will be destroyed later by the authorities.Minglan Couple appears at Madame Tussauds Shanghai

By:Wu Qiong | From:english.eastday.com | 2019-02-03 12:45

As The Story of Minglan has become a hit on the TV screen, the Minglan Couple has come to Madame Tussauds Shanghai. This is the first time for the figure of actress Zhao Liying, who plays Minglan in the TV series, to feature in the wax museum.

The Story of Minglan, adapted from the novel Dont you know? The green should be plump and the red lean, revolves around Sheng Minglan, the unfavoured sixth daughter of an official. As a strong-willed girl, she swallows the bullying of her half-sisters silently and succeeds in avenging her mothers death. Then she meets Gu Tingye, played by actor Feng Shaofeng, who appreciates her talent and helps her. Gu is a loyal general in the army and a considerate husband. He is able to see the sharpness that Minglan hides beneath her gentle exterior.

Gu and Minglan are loved by many viewers, who have thus given them the title of Minglan Couple.

The historical drama scores 7.6 out of 10 points on Douban, a popular Chinese social network website which allows users to recommend, comment on and compare their favorite books, films, and music.

Foreigners also love the story. On kseries.net, some episodes with English subtitles are already available. The web novel has also been released and is highly rated by netizens, due to its refreshing plot and realistic depiction of how difficult it was for women in ancient times.



Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-03 08:25:01|Editor: WX

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RIO DE JANEIRO, Feb. 2 (Xinhua) -- The death toll from the collapse of a tailings dam in Brazil's southeastern state of Minas Gerais climbed to 121, with 226 still missing, the state's fire department said Saturday.

A total of 192 people were rescued, while another 395 whose whereabouts had been unknown, were found, the fire department said.

On Saturday, rescue workers were concentrating on an area where there had been a dressing room in which there were numerous people at the time of the disaster, said Pedro Aihara, spokesman for the fire department.

On Friday afternoon, several objects were identified in the area and Saturday morning firefighters began excavating the area, he added.

"This was a huge breakthrough, very important for the search parties. We estimate that in the area of the dressing room there is a large number of victims," said Aihara, adding that in some spots the sludge and mud are 20 meters deep.

More than 250 firefighters, with the help of 22 trained dogs, search for the 226 still missing following the collapse of the dam owned by Brazilian mining company Vale in Brumadinho.

The sludge and mud buried everything in its path and destroyed nearby communities, as well as the mining company's administrative center and cafeteria.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-03 07:47:10|Editor: Yurou

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Musicians perform at the opening reception in Dublin City Gallery in Dublin, Ireland, Feb. 1, 2019. A 17-day-long festival initiated by Dublin City Council to celebrate the upcoming Chinese New Year kicked off here on Friday night with lion dances, a reception served with dumplings and a concert presented in a combination of Chinese and Irish music. (Xinhua)Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-03 06:29:48|Editor: yan

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KHARTOUM, Feb. 2 (Xinhua) -- Sudan's Prime Minister Mutazz Musa on Saturday described the calls of protests over the economic conditions as "legitimate."

"Voice must be heard and respected despite presence of exploitation by political trends," said Musa when addressing a political symposium in capital Khartoum on Saturday.

"There are legitimate demands that must be expressed," noted Musa, pointing out that those demands would find open heart on the part of the government.

He further stressed that the government is working to resolve the economic issues, saying "it is true that there are problems and work is underway to resolve them. There are economic problems and lack of services."

Since Dec. 19 last year, various areas in Sudan, including Khartoum, have been witnessing popular protests over the deteriorating economic conditions and price hikes of basic commodities.

According to government statistics, at least 30 people have been killed during the protests.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-03 06:19:46|Editor: yan

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KHARTOUM, Feb. 2 (Xinhua) -- Sudanese police on Saturday announced the death of a detainee at Khashm el-Girba town in eastern Sudan's Kassala State in the wake of protests, saying the death was caused by "food poisoning."

"On Jan. 31, Khashm el-Girba witnessed riot events where a number of accused participants were detained," said the press office of the Sudanese police in a statement.

"They were treated in a civilized manner and offered a breakfast meal at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, and after prayer, they had a lunch meal," the statement added.

It said that "when they moved from Khashm el-Girba to Kassala state headquarters, cases of food poisoning appeared among those who had the lunch meal, including officers from the state."

They were rushed to Kassala teaching hospital to receive treatment, where Ahmed Al-Khair Ahmed died, it noted.

"He was referred to the hospital morgue for autopsy, where the preliminary report indicated that the cause of death was a poisoning case," the statement said.

"These facts have been confirmed by some of those who had food with him and there are no other reasons," the statement concluded.

Since Dec. 19 last year, various areas in Sudan, including Khartoum, have been witnessing popular protests over the deteriorating economic conditions and price hikes of basic commodities.

According to government statistics, at least 30 people have been killed during the protests.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-03 06:04:43|Editor: Yamei

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People take part in the 2019 Spring Festival parade in downtown Antwerp, Belgium, on Feb. 2, 2019. A long parade was held in the Belgian city of Antwerp on Saturday as part of the 2019 Spring Festival organized by the local Chinese community and Antwerp to mark the beginning of the Chinese New Year. (Xinhua/Ye Pingfan)

BRUSSELS, Feb. 2 (Xinhua) -- A long parade was held in the Belgian city of Antwerp on Saturday as part of the 2019 Spring Festival organized by the local Chinese community and Antwerp to mark the beginning of the Chinese New Year.

Antwerp, known as the "Diamond Capital" of the world, bristled with incandescent lights as the 2019 Spring Festival parade took the city by storm, with thousands of curious onlookers and Chinese residents duly taking part in the festivities.

The parade that set off on Saturday is intended to promote Chinese culture while also allowing more people to learn of the great portal city of Antwerp.

It is also an opportunity to highlight the growing trading links between Antwerp and Shanghai after massive investments in infrastructure were poured into, among other places, the port of Zeebrugge this year.

Earlier in May, the first China-Belgium freight train from China's Tangshan port had arrived in Antwerp, acting as a new direct railway link between China and Belgium subsumed under the Belt and Road Initiative.

The Mayor of Antwerp, Bart De Wever, who attended the parade, reminded people in his introductory speech of the important historical ties between Antwerp and China, and spoke positively of the glowing future that lies ahead.

"We have been twin cities now for 35 years, and another important aspect of our special partnership is the fact that Antwerp is the world capital of diamonds and China is now the world's 2nd largest market for diamonds. So China and Antwerp only stand to benefit," he said.

"The Chinese community in our city has made a concerted choice to embrace and cherish the opportunities that this city offers. A new year celebration like this one, with music and dance, is an outstanding opportunity to get to know each other even better, value and respect each other even more."

After the parade ended, Chinese Ambassador to Belgium Cao Zhongming and deputy mayor of Antwerp, Ludo Van Campenhout visited an exhibition dedicated to the 40th anniversary of China's reform and opening up drive and watched the traditional Chinese song and dance performances held every year.

In the streets of Antwerp, performance such as dragon and lion dances and Tai Chi drew in huge crowds of people, as children dressed up in Tang costumes and took photos with their families and friends.

The Chinese New Year falls on Feb. 5 this year.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-03 05:49:41|Editor: Liangyu

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Chinese Ambassador to Tunisia Wang Wenbin addresses a reception celebrating the upcoming Spring Festival in the Chinese Embassy in Tunisia, in Tunis, Tunisia, on Feb. 2, 2019. Wang Wenbin said on Saturday that bilateral ties between China and Tunisia were deepened in 2018. Over 300 people from local Chinese communities attended the reception. (Xinhua)

TUNIS, Feb. 2 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Ambassador to Tunisia Wang Wenbin said on Saturday that bilateral ties between China and Tunisia were deepened in 2018.

Wang made the remarks at a reception celebrating the upcoming Spring Festival in the Chinese Embassy in Tunisia, saying the two countries kept the momentum of high-level exchanges and signed a memorandum of understanding on the Belt and Road Initiative in 2018.

The initiative, proposed by China in 2013, refers to the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, aimed at building a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along the ancient trade routes of the Silk Road.

"In 2018, Tunisia and China promoted pragmatic cooperation in various fields," said Wang.

Last year, Tunisia's first Confucius Institute (Institute of Chinese Language and Culture) was opened; the 23rd Chinese medical team arrived in Tunisia and continued to provide free medical services; and some 28,000 Chinese tourists visited Tunisia in 2018, said Wang.

Over 300 people from local Chinese communities attended the reception. The Spring Festival, or the Lunar New Year, is the most important traditional celebration in the Chinese culture. It falls on Feb. 5 this year.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-03 04:49:32|Editor: yan

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CHICAGO, Feb. 2 (Xinhua) -- Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) agricultural futures closed mixed in the trading week which ended on Feb. 1, and market participants welcomed the positive outcome of the latest round of U.S.-China trade talks.

Anticipation that China will buy more U.S. agricultural products, especially soybeans, pushed up the oil seed prices double digits during Friday's session, before the futures settled with moderate daily gains.

However, the gains over optimism were not enough to recover losses earlier this week.

On a weekly basis, the most active soybean contract for March delivery fell 7.5 cents, or 0.81 percent, to close at 9.1775 dollars per bushel.

CBOT March wheat rose 4.25 cents, or 0.82 percent weekly, to settle at 5.2425 dollars per bushel.

Wheat futures climbed sharply on Friday over dry weather conditions in western states of Australia, one of the leading wheat growers in the world.

Possible winterkill caused by the deep freeze that hit U.S. Midwest in the past week also supported the grain, said market watchers.

Moreover, Black Sea wheat prices have soared to new multi-year highs. Even Argentine FOB offers have rallied 14 U.S. dollars per metric tonne since mid-January. This reportedly leaves U.S. wheat as the world's cheapest milling origin.

AgResource, a Chicago-based agricultural research firm, believes that large demand lies ahead for U.S. wheat.

CBOT March corn was down 2 cents, or 0.53 percent weekly, to settle at 3.7825 dollars per bushel.

U.S. ethanol production in the seven days that ended on Jan. 25 declined to the lowest level in three weeks, according to data released from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Corn is the raw material for ethanol.

Another factor that dragged down CBOT corn prices is that Argentine corn crop estimates have been raised amid ongoing favorable weather across its primary crop belt.

Still, experts argue that otherwise fundamental input remains supportive for corn.

This past week, the polar vortex hit the upper Midwest region hard. Now it has moved out and temperatures are becoming higher. However, another round of snow storm will probably impact the area next Wednesday or Thursday, according to weather forecasters.

Due to the record-long partial federal government shutdown, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) could not update its exports, supply and demand reports since Dec. 22, 2018.

The USDA in the past week has resumed daily reporting of export sales, but it will take time to clear out all the backlogged data for weekly reports. The regular reporting schedule for weekly export sales can only be back to normal for the week ending Feb. 22, 2019, said USDA.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-03 04:34:29|Editor: yan

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PARIS, Feb. 2 (Xinhua) -- For the 12th straight weekend of protests, thousands of "Yellow Vest" protesters marched in Paris and other French cities on Saturday in relatively calm rallies, but some sporadic incidents led to 30 arrests in the French capital.

As previous demonstrations, discontent people chanted the national anthem and anti-President Emmanuel Macron's leadership slogans. Some of them had put plasters and others wore eye patches to pay tribute to those wounded in the months-long protests.

At the front of the fresh street action, Jerome Rodrigues who lost one of his eyes after being hit by a flash-ball last week, headed the rally in the French capital to say "Stop" to "Violence of State, Macron guilty", as read in some banners.

The French Interior Ministry said Saturday's protests, coordinated via social media against Macron's leadership, drew 58,600 participants nationwide. The turnout was down from a week ago when 69,000 people took part.

In Paris, 10,500 people were gathered compared with 4,000 on Jan. 26.

After a calm debut where peaceful atmosphere reigned, tension arose in Paris after riot police used tear gas and water cannon in response to some protesters who set bins and a scooter ablaze.

More standoffs were reported as officers moved to disperse protesters in the Republic square where they had planned an evening gathering, dubbed "Yellow Night".

Similar scuffles clouded demonstrations in Tours, Valence, Toulouse and Bordeaux.

The "Yellow Vest" movement, a nationwide protest against weak economic performance and stagnant income increase, started as a campaign against surge in fuel prices in November 2018.

Since then, thousands of drivers wearing highly visible yellow vests had blocked roads across the country and staged street protests that had been transformed into social rebellion demanding Macron to step down.

Despite capitulating over plans for fuel taxes, France's youngest president in its modern history has struggled to ease the anger that cast doubt on his political credentials to reform one of Europe's major powers and lead the country, according to the country's pollsters.Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-03 03:04:14|Editor: yan

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UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 2 (Xinhua) -- United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has welcomed the announcement of a new government in Lebanon -- the result of more than eight months of negotiation, following general elections last May.

The UN chief congratulated Prime Minister Saad Hariri and Lebanon's political leadership, saying that he looks forward "to working closely with the new government to continue to address urgent political, security, humanitarian and economic challenges, including in the follow-up to the international conferences of support to Lebanon, held last year," according to a statement published on UN website on Friday.

Lebanon announced on Thursday the formation of a new government, breaking a nine-month political deadlock in the country, local TV Channel LBCI reported.

In a televised address, Fouad Fleifel, secretary general of the council of ministers, said Lebanon finally succeeded in forming a 30-member national unity government headed by Prime Minister Saad Hariri with all main political parties represented as promised.

In the statement, Guterres reiterated the UN's commitment to "support Lebanon in strengthening its sovereignty, stability and political independence in accordance with the Taif Accord and the Baabda Declaration," and its effective implementation of Security Council resolutions 1701 (2006), 1559 (2004) and other relevant resolutions that remain essential "to the stability of Lebanon and the region."Photo taken on Dec. 12, 2018 shows solar panels during its launch in Mombasa, Kenya. Kenya has become the first country in East Africa to install a solar system at a major airport to reduce carbon emissions by large planes during their take-off. (Xinhua/Joy Nabukewa)

CHINGOLA, Zambia, Feb. 2 (Xinhua) -- China is currently helping Zambia build about 2,000 solar-powered milling plants that will improve access to such plants and reduce food cost in rural areas.

About 1,830 solar-powered milling plants have so far been constructed in various parts of Zambia, according to Bright Mapipo, president of the Zambia Cooperative Federation which is spearheading the project.

The construction of the milling parts, which is being funded at a cost of 200 million U.S. dollars from China, is intended to ease the problem of access to milling plants, especially in rural parts of the country.

Mapipo said the Chinese contractor, Shandong Contractor, has been faithful in executing its mandate and that the milling plants were operational, with only 170 remaining to be completed.

"The solar-powered hammer mills will reduce the cost of mealie-meal, especially in rural and peri-urban areas where most of our small-scale farmers are concentrated," he said.

The Chinese contractor, he said, has also completed the construction of provincial centers for hammer mills operators, warehouse for spare parts and installation of hammer mills.

The building of provincial training centers is part of the package by the Chinese contractor to ensure that locals are able to man the milling facilities and as part of skills transfer, he added.

He said the bilateral relationship between Zambia and China was bearing fruits as seen in the construction of the solar-powered milling plants across the country.

Chinese peacekeepers and their foreign peers pose for a group photo. (Photo/mod.gov.cn)

CONGO (K), Feb. 3 (ChinaMil) -- After two-month continuous hard work, the eight soldiers assigned to the Uvira Contingent of the 22nd Chinese Peacekeeping Engineer Detachment to Congo (K) completed the mission of restoring a main bridge together with peacekeepers from the Indonesian Peacekeeping Engineer Detachment and the Pakistani Peacekeeping Infantry on Jan. 30, 2019, local time. The newly repaired bridge Maika has passed the examination of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO).



The picture shows a comparison between the bridge before and after the repair by Chinese peacekeepers and their peers. (Photo/mod.gov.cn)

The painstaking efforts and cooperation of the peacekeepers from the Chinese, Indonesian and Pakistani peacekeeping troops were decisive to the success of the mission. During the two months when they lived, worked and fought together, the Chinese peacekeepers have demonstrated respectable behavior, excellent techniques and sincere dedication which have deeply impressed the friendly forces and local people and received high praise.



Chinese peacekeepers and their foreign peers move the steel beam together. (Photo/mod.gov.cn)Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-31 03:53:37|Editor: yan

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TRIPOLI, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- The International Organization for Migration (IOM) said Wednesday that five illegal Pakistani immigrants were voluntarily deported from Libya to their country, according to a local official.

Husni Abu-Ayana, spokesman of Libya's Anti-Illegal Immigration Department, said that the immigrants left the capital Tripoli to Islamabad through Istanbul.

The return of the immigrants is part of the organization's Voluntary Return Program, which arranges the return of immigrants stranded in Libya to their countries of origin.

Libya has become a preferred point of departure for illegal immigrants hoping to cross the Mediterranean Sea into Europe due to insecurity and chaos in the North African country following the 2011 uprising that toppled former leader Muammar Gaddafi.

Migrant shelters in Libya are crowded with thousands of migrants who have been rescued at sea or arrested by Libyan security services.

IOM said it helped more than 16,000 illegal immigrants return home from Libya during 2018.GADSDEN COUNTY, Fla. (WTXL) -A woman has suffered serious injuries in a single car accident after driving off the road and crashing into a tree in Gadsden county.

18-year-old Miniya Smith of Midway, sustained serious injuries in the accident.

Florida Highway Patrol responded to the accident at about 2:40 a.m. on County Road 268 and Rosedale Road, on Sunday.

According to FHP, Smith was driving on County Road 268 when she lost control of her car, which then caused her to drive off the road and crash into a tree.

Reports say Smith was not wearing a seat belt during the crash.

Smith was immediately transported to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital in serious condition.

Florida Highway Patrol was assisted on scene by the Gadsden County Sheriff Department, Gadsden County EMS, Midway Fire Department, and the Wetumpka Volunteer Fire Department.

FHP says charges are pending and the crash is still under investigation.PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla.  A man who admitted to killing his wife, her parents and her brother, has been indicted in Pinellas County on three capital first-degree murder charges and three charges for aggravated animal cruelty.

Shelby Nealy, 25, is charged with killing Richard Louis Ivancic, 71, Laura Ann Ivancic, 59, and Nicholas James Ivancic, 25.

Court documents show that Nealy confessed to killing his wife Jamie Ivancic, 21, a year ago in Pasco County before moving to Texas with their two young children. While there he used Jamie's phone to communicate with her family, pretending to be her.

Nealy told detectives his wife's family became suspicious because "they had not heard their daughter's voice," according to documents. Nealy then drove his wife's car from Texas to her family's Tarpon Springs mobile home, "with the intent to kill all three victims."

"My sister, Laura, was very concerned about her daughter Jamie and she had contacted them a number of times and was never able to communicate with Jamie," said James Zindroski, Jamie's uncle, If in fact Shelby is guilty of all this I just hope justice is served.

Richard Ivancic was killed first on December 15, the documents show. Nealy was home alone with Richard and hit him in the head with a hammer. Later that same day when Laura Invancic came home, he killed her the same way.

Then he wrapped both of their bodies in rugs and dragged them into their bedroom.

The documents state Nicholas Ivancic came home last that day, sometime in the early evening. The next day Nealy used the same hammer to kill Nicholas while he was sleeping on the couch, according to the documents.

Nealy wrapped Nicholas' body in a painter's drop cloth, documents show.

Nealy then stole Laura's Kia Sorento and drove it to Ohio. He told detectives he stole it, "because the license tag was expired on Jamie Ivancic's vehicle." He told detectives he intended to return at a later time to dispose of the bodies, the documents state.

The bodies of Richard, Laura and Nicholas were found by Tarpon Springs Police after a family member called for a welfare check because they weren't able to contact them.

The officer said he saw numerous live flies through a window of the home, and smelled a strong odor of body decomposition. He then entered the home through an unlocked sliding glass door, according to documents.

He said the home was ransacked and in "complete disarray." Then he found all three of the victims.

Forensics Anthropologists from the University of South Florida, along with the Pasco County Sheriff's Office, found Jamie's body on January 4 after receiving a tip from Tarpon Springs Police. Authorities said she died from violent blunt force trauma.

Nealy was arrested in Lakewood, Ohio after police caught him with Laura's stolen vehicle.

When police responded to the area where the stolen SUV was seen, they arrested Nealy, who also uses the alias name of Shelby Svense. Nealy was in a home on Newman Avenue with his two children, a 3-year-old and a 2-year-old. The toddlers were transported to Cuyahoga County Children and Family Services.

Nealy was released from the Cuyahoga Jail on January 18 on extradition. He is currently being held at the Pinellas County Jail.

He has been charged with capital first-degree murder in the deaths of Richard, Laura and Nicholas. He has also been charged with three counts of aggravated animal cruelty for killing the family's three bichon frise mix breed dogs, Bailey, Boomer and Buddy.

It is unknown at this time if he has been charged with the death of his wife Jamie.

Copyright 2019 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) - Detectives in southwest Florida say a telltale wig helped them catch an armed robber.

Lee County Sheriff's Office deputies said after a convenience store in Fort Myers, Florida was robbed Saturday, a cashier gave them a description of a pistol-wielding robber who was wearing a wig and a gray hoodie.

Witnesses led deputies to an apartment complex, where they say they found a suspect who matched the description given by the cashier.

Deputies say when they searched the apartment after obtaining a warrant, they found a gray-hooded sweater, several wigs and a large amount of wadded up cash in an open dresser drawer.

The suspect, David Rodriguez, faces a robbery charge.

Online court records show he was in jail Sunday. There was no record of legal counsel.

(Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)Politicians voice opposition to fire authority reforms

This article is old - Published: Sunday, Feb 3rd, 2019

Politicians in Wrexham and Flintshire have voiced opposition to proposed reforms to fire authorities in Wales.

Under a review by the Welsh Government the number of representatives on the North Wales Fire Authority would be reduced from 28 to six.

It would mean each of the regions six local authorities would only have one member, compared to Flintshires current total of six and Wrexhams five, with allocations based on population.

A suggestion has also been made that representatives should be taken from each councils cabinet or executive board, meaning backbench councillors would be excluded.





However, both councils have now called for membership of the body, which is responsible for overseeing how firefighters deliver services, to remain the same.

Speaking at a meeting at County Hall in Mold on Tuesday, Flintshire fire authority member Cllr Owen Thomas said: For the last seven years I have served on the fire authority and found out how efficient it is, but year in, year out they get their cuts and they have to deal with it.

They have shown their own initiative to find savings.

One initiative they took on was putting fire detectors in houses which cut the number of call outs and the number of fires drastically.

It also cut the number of deaths too, which is more important than anything.

I do think that if a thing works then leave it alone.

As it stands at the moment its very efficient  it cant be any more efficient otherwise youre cutting the service.

Councillors voted in favour of responding to the government white paper by objecting to the proposed reforms.

Meanwhile, Wrexham council leader Mark Pritchard has also written to ministers to highlight his concerns.

He said: Such a reduction in the current membership would result in the loss of significant experience and would not be representative of the different populations in each local authority area.

The political balance would also be affected.

This would reduce rather than improve public accountability, one of the key objectives of the reforms.

There is an assumption that the nomination of cabinet members rather than backbench members will increase expertise, but there is no evidence to support this.

It is not the best use of a cabinet members time to be allocated to such a specific service area.

The Welsh Government has argued that the changes are necessary in order to improve accountability.

The review was launched by former Cabinet Secretary for Local Government and Public Services Alun Davies, who has since been replaced following a reshuffle by First Minister Mark Drakeford.

In December, Julie James was named as Minister for Housing and Local Government and hopes have been raised by Flintshire Councils chief executive that it could lead to the reforms being scrapped.

Colin Everett said: This was before the cabinet changes so we have a new minister who might have a new attitude.

I think bringing a constructive response like this might mean we can see off the current proposals.

By Liam Randall  BBC Local Democracy Reporter (more here on the LDR scheme).Education Minister launches consultation on white paper revamping National Curriculum

This article is old - Published: Sunday, Feb 3rd, 2019

This week Education Minister, Kirsty Williams launched a white paper setting out how the long-awaited new National Curriculum for Wales will work (pdf).

English and Welsh will remain statutory, as will Religious Studies and Relationships and Sexuality Education. Alongside this, the Cross-Curriculum Responsibilities of literacy, numeracy and digital competence will be statutory up to 16 years old.

Key stages will be removed. Instead, there will be Progression Steps relating to expectations for learners ages 5, 8, 11, 14 and 16. These will allow teachers to understand each learners development  taking into account their individual abilities, experiences and rates of learning and understanding.

This is an exciting time for education in Wales. Not only are we developing a curriculum that ensures our learners are equipped to meet the needs of the future, but we are developing a curriculum through genuine collaboration with our schools and key stakeholders.



I am asking people across Wales to contribute to this debate over the coming weeks and months. The White Paper is ambitious and far-reaching. But we will only reach those high standards through a genuine national mission and conversation.

 Education Minister, Kirsty Williams

What will pupils learn under the new curriculum?

Core subjects and the basic curriculum for 3-14-year-olds will be replaced with six areas of learning: expressive arts; health & well-being; humanities (including religious education); languages, literacy & communication; mathematics and numeracy; science & technology.

14-16-year-olds will follow a more specialised curriculum through GCSEs, but subjects will still be grouped into the six areas of learning.

Literacy, numeracy and digital competence will be embedded across the new curriculum.

Welsh and English will remain compulsory until age 16 and Welsh will no longer be taught as a second language.

Schools will be able to decide for themselves which modern foreign languages are taught and at what age, opening the door for British Sign Language and foreign languages to be taught from as early as primary school.

Age-appropriate careers education will be introduced for all pupils.

Sex education will be renamed Relationship and Sexuality Education (RSE) and will be taught in age-appropriate ways from the age of 3. Itll also have a syllabus which is much broader than the biological aspects of sex.

Religious education will remain compulsory, but the syllabus will be changed so it takes into account non-religious worldviews.

Pupils could (depending on the outcome of the white paper consultation) be given a right to decide for themselves whether to withdraw from religious education and relationship & sexuality education. However, sixth formers will definitely be allowed to choose for themselves whether to attend such classes.

How will children be taught and assessed?

Key Stages will be scrapped and replaced with whats described as a seamless continuum of learning from ages 3-16 with standards of progression set at ages 5, 8, 11, 14 and 16. These standards of progression will enable teachers to determine which pupils need more help and which pupils can be stretched beyond their age group.

Schools and teachers will be given a bit more freedom in how they assess pupils progress and the Welsh Government will no longer set any formal targets; teachers will judge how well pupils are performing and whether they meet the standards of progression.

Pupils will have an E-portfolio to showcase their work, achievements and experiences inside and outside schools.

When will the new curriculum be introduced?

The new curriculum requires a law to be introduced in the Senedd.

Schools and teachers will have up to three years to prepare for the new curriculum with the process starting in April 2019. A final version of the curriculum is expected to be ready by January 2020.

The new curriculum will be rolled out in September 2022 for all nursery and primary school pupils as well as pupils starting Year 7. Pupils who are in Year 8 or higher in September 2022 will continue using the current curriculum.

Kirsty Williams added: I am asking people across Wales to contribute to this debate over the coming weeks and months. The White Paper is ambitious and far-reaching. But we will only reach those high standards through a genuine national mission and conversation.

The public consultation is open until 25th March 2019  all the details are available here.

Keep up to date with what is going on in the Senedd via SeneddHome.comAppeal after staff member assaulted and robbery at Wrexham bookies

This article is old - Published: Sunday, Feb 3rd, 2019

An appeal for witness has been launched following a robbery at a bookies in Wrexham last night.

The incident took place at 9:20pm at Corbetts Bookmakers in the Park Avenue area..

North Wales Police say that a man entered the store, assaulted a member of staff and then stole money from the till.

It is thought the man ran off in the direction of the houses on the Acton estate.





The member of staff is shocked, but thankfully uninjured.

Police say they are particularly interested to hear from anyone who was outside the nearby shops or travelling along Rhosnesni Lane at that time. Anyone who may have dashcam footage is also encouraged to contact police.

Anyone with any information about the robbery is advised to contact North Wales Police on 101 quoting reference number X015114

*Picture: Google Maps4,600+ pensioners in Wrexham could lose their free TV licences

This article is old - Published: Sunday, Feb 3rd, 2019

More than 4,600 pensioners in Wrexham could lose their free TV licences next year, new figures have revealed.

Wrexhams MP Ian Lucas has branded the figures shocking and says the UK Government has a responsibility to take action.

The BBC has opened a consultation looking at options to reduce or scrap the free TV licence concession for over 75s from 2020, following the Governments decision to pass responsibility for funding the scheme to the broadcaster. The current cost is pegged at 745 million per year, projected to rise to 1 billion by 2029/30 due to the UKs ageing population.

Mr Lucas says this would have a severe impact on the many millions of older people living alone, including several thousand from Wrexham, many of whom rely on their TV for company. Mr Lucas has already raised the matter in Parliament, accusing Theresa May of pick-pocketing pensioners during Prime Ministers Questions in October. He also accused the Conservatives of breaking a promise in their 2017 general election manifesto to protect free TV licences until 2022.





Mr Lucas said: The Tory Government knew what it was doing when it forced the cost of paying for free licences for over 75s out to the BBC  something Labour was completely opposed to. It will be a terrible blow to older people who already struggle to make ends meet.

The Government needs come clean and to tell us urgently what they are going to do to ensure free TV licences arent cut and they dont break their manifesto promise. If they do nothing, responsibility for older people losing their TV licences will rest firmly at their door.

Currently, a free TV licence is available to all households that have at least one person aged over 75. The scheme was introduced in 2000 by the then Labour Government.

But as part of the last BBC charter, the Government devolved responsibility for the policy, and the cost, to the BBC. The cost of the free licences is expected to reach 745m by 2021/22  a fifth of the corporations budget. The BBC are currently consulting on a number of options including scrapping the scheme altogether, raising the eligible age to 80 or means testing it, for example by linking it to pension credit.

Figures produced for the Labour Party by the House of Commons Library show that there are 4,650 households in the Wrexham constituency with someone aged 75 or older. If the age threshold for free licences is raised to 80, 2,760 Wrexham pensioners would be adversely affected. If free TV licences are means tested, 3,390 would lose out.

In Wales, there are 217,230 households with someone aged 75 or over, while research shows there are about 2.4 million older people in the UK who could lose their free licences.

Mr Lucas said the figures were shocking, adding: The prospect of elderly people losing their free TV licences makes a mockery of Theresa Mays claim that austerity is over. The Government should take responsibility and save TV licences for the elderly.

The BBC consultation ends on February 12 and can be found at: https://www.bbc.com/yoursay.

In other news the licence fee is set to rise from 150.50 to 154.50.BEIJING - China opposed the United States' withdrawal from a decades-long Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty with Russia, according to a Foreign Ministry spokesperson.

"China opposes the withdrawal of the United States and urges the US and Russia to properly settle their differences through constructive dialogue," spokesperson Geng Shuang said on Saturday.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Friday announced that the United States will suspend its compliance to the nuclear treaty from Saturday, which will trigger a six-month countdown period leading to a permanent exit from the pact inked in 1987 between the United States and the then-Soviet Union.

"As an important bilateral treaty in arms control and disarmament, the treaty is of great significance for smoothing relationships between major powers, promoting international and regional peace, and safeguarding global strategic balance and stability," Geng said while expressing regret for the withdrawal.

The unilateral withdrawal of the United States will possibly trigger a series of negative outcomes, and China will closely follow the latest developments, he said.

In response to a question about China's stance on the negotiation of a new multilateral treaty on arms control, Geng said that China is opposed to the multilateralization of the treaty.

Multilateralization of the treaty involves a series of political, military and legal issues that are complicated, and many countries are quite concerned, Geng said.

"The top priority is to safeguard and implement the existing treaty well, rather than drafting a new one to replace the old one," he said.McConnell Invites Minton to State of Union Address

By WestKyStar & McConnell Staff

I am pleased that Lisa Minton, the Executive Director of Chrysalis House, has accepted my invitation to be my guest at this years State of the Union, said Senator McConnell. As one of the Kentuckians at the forefront of our ongoing fight against opioid addiction, Lisa is the leader of our Commonwealths oldest and largest licensed substance abuse treatment program for women. For more than four decades, Chrysalis House has been making a difference in the lives of mothers and their children, and Im honored to have visited the facility to see first-hand the important work performed there and to help support its mission.





Its an honor to be invited by my Senator, Majority Leader McConnell, to represent Kentucky at the State of the Union, and I want to thank him for his leadership combating the opioid epidemic back home, said Lisa Minton. With partners like Senator McConnell, Chrysalis House is able to continue expanding the services we offer to women and their babies. We recently opened our fourth residential treatment facility providing support to women in recovery through their pregnancy and motherhood. These women are the key to healthy families and productive communities, and we strongly invest in mothers as they put in the hard work to overcome addiction.





Senator McConnell contacted the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in 2017 to help Chrysalis House secure a competitive federal grant of more than $2.6 million. With these federal resources, Chrysalis House expanded their comprehensive substance abuse treatment program for low-income, pregnant, and postpartum women and their children.





As the Senate Majority Leader, I have made responding to addiction a national priority. Thats why last year, I prioritized the passage of a landmark bill with four aims: to reduce the abuse of opioids, to encourage recovery, to provide support to caregivers and families, and to drive innovation and long-term solutions, Senator McConnell added. President Trump signed our law, the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act, that includes new programs designed to keep families safe. For example, it takes steps to stop illegal drugs and synthetic opioids from crossing the border. The law provides states the tools they need to improve access to treatment and encourages educational programs in schools to help prevent addiction before it starts. Finally, it invests in the development of non-addictive painkillers and in research of mental-health factors that may contribute to addiction.





Senator McConnell was proud to author two provisions in the bill that will have a positive impact on Kentucky and the nation.





First, Senator McConnells Comprehensive Addiction Recovery through Effective Employment and Reentry (CAREER) Act, which expands grants and targets funding for treatment, transitional housing, job training and placement services to help individuals in recovery find their footing and maintain sobriety. A recent study showed that between 1999 and 2015, approximately 48,200 Kentuckians left the workforce for an opioid-related problem. The decline in workforce participation not only slows our states economy, but it also contributes to increased poverty and strained government services.



McConnells CAREER Act encourages local businesses and treatment groups to form partnerships helping those in recovery find and maintain employment. It also supports transitional housing options for individuals in recovery while they work to secure a longer-term living arrangement.

It also included Senator McConnells Protecting Moms and Infants Act to help stop the heartbreaking effects of babies born into addiction. In 2015, he sponsored the first federal law to address prenatal opioid exposure, directing federal agencies to develop strategies in response to this tragedy. This provision goes further and instructs the agencies to report on their implementation of treatment guidelines. It also authorizes an increase in funding for a competitive federal grant that assists organizations with addressing this particular challenge within the broader opioid crisis.









































WASHINGTON DC - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) has invited Lisa Minton, Executive Director of Chrysalis House in Lexington, Kentucky, to be his guest for President Donald Trumps State of the Union on Tuesday, Feb. 5th in the House of Representatives Chamber. Senator McConnell has worked with Chrysalis House to secure federal resources for treatment programs to assist women and children devastated by the opioid crisis in Kentucky.Regional Chamber Alliance Holds First 2019 Meeting

By West Kentucky Star Staff

Leading the meeting was Board Chair Matt Snow with Baptist Health Paducah.



Snow said I am excited to serve this year as Chair of the West Kentucky Regional Chamber Alliance. We serve as an alliance of Chambers in fourteen western Kentucky counties from Fulton County to Christian County. By working together with a common voice, there is no doubt we can make a major impact. We can assure that our concerns in western Kentucky regarding legislation, education, infrastructure and economic development are heard at the state and federal levels.



Serving with Snow on the Executive Committee are:



Chair  Elect: Mike Radcliffe, Community Financial Services Bank (Marshall County) Treasurer: Mike Karnes, Williams, Williams & Lentz (McCracken County) Immediate Past Chair / Advocacy Chair: John Mahre, John C. Mahre, AIA, NCARB, Architect (Christian County)



At Large Member: Lance Allison, Bacon Farmer Workman Engineering & Testing (Calloway County) At Large Member: Bruce Akin, First Kentucky Bank (Livingston County) At Large Member: Denise Thompson, Marketing / Social Media Chair, Mayfield  Graves County Chamber of Commerce At Large Member: Wendy Baxter, Website Chair, Sullivan University (Graves County)



Marketing/Social Media Chair Thompson said Our new logo better communicates our organizations identity and purpose. We also plan to increase our presence on social media to help keep the many communities we serve better informed about the work we do on their behalf.



The goal of the WKRCA is to be a catalyst for uniting regional leadership and resources and to advocate with one voice, to improve economic opportunities, to create a climate of sustainable growth and success and to build a stronger community. The organization has been a champion for the completion of Interstate 69, which is now in its final stages, and has advocated for the completion of Olmsted Lock and Dam, which opened last year, and the Kentucky Lock. For the 2019 Legislative Session, the WKRCA has supported the repeal of the bank franchise tax and the sales tax on nonprofits and has communicated its positions to the local legislators. It is also a member of the Kentucky Infrastructure Coalition, which strongly supports a long-term, sustainable funding approach that provides adequate revenues for all modes of transportation. On the federal level, the WKRCA voiced its support of the Hemp Farming Act to its Congressional delegation.



Counties included in the WKRCA are Ballard, Caldwell, Calloway, Carlisle, Christian, Crittenden, Fulton, Graves, Hickman, Livingston, Lyon, McCracken, Marshall, and Trigg.



For more information about WKRCA, please contact Coordinator Fran Johnson at fjohnson@paducahchamber.org



MAYFIELD - The West Kentucky Regional Chamber Alliance (WKRCA) Board of Directors recently met for a planning session for the upcoming year.Escaped Lyon County Inmate Apprehended

By West Kentucky Star Staff

LYON COUNTY - An inmate that escaped from a Lyon County Jail early Sunday morning is now back in custody.Kentucky State Police say a tip received from the public led Troopers to Caldwell County. Troopers say 25-year-old Aaron A. Davis, of Paris, KY, was found in a field off Old Fredonia Road at approximately 9:15 Sunday morning.Davis was taken into custody and charged with 2nd degree escape.

Troopers received a call from the West Kentucky Correctional Complex at approximately 6:10 am on Sunday, about a missing inmate. Jail staff told police that Davis jumped off a food cart and took off walking.

Davis has a history of burglary, weapons charges, and fleeing and evading police.Traffic Stop Leads to Paducah Woman's Arrest

By West Kentucky Star Staff

MCCRACKEN COUNTY - A traffic stop in Lone Oak Saturday night led to a Paducah woman's arrest on DUI and drug charges.

The McCracken County Sheriff's Office says deputies conducted a traffic stop at approximately 11:00 pm, at the intersection of Charleston Avenue and Oregon Street. Deputies searched the vehicle and allegedly found methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia.



27-year-old Allisin Sikes was arrested and taken to the McCracken County Regional Jail.

Sikes is charged with possession of marijuana, possession of methamphetamine, DUI and possession of drug paraphernalia. She's also charged with no registration plates, no registration receipt, license to be in possession, failure of owner to maintain required insurance and rear license plate not illuminated.Paducah Artist Featured in KY Visitor's Guide

By West Kentucky Star Staff

PADUCAH - The Kentucky Department of Tourism announced the release of the 2019 Official Kentucky Visitor's Guide and the Year of Kentucky Storytellers. The guide features travel tips and stories, narrated by Kentuckians, who share their love for the Bluegrass State through their own personal experiences.

"Travelers always have a desire to go where the locals recommend and the 2019 guide provides visitors with those insider tips to help plan the perfect Kentucky trip," Kristen Branscum, Commissioner of the Department of Tourism said. "The local storytellers provide engaging accounts of their own Kentucky experiences, while also highlighting specific activities and places to see while you're traveling in state."

Kristin Williams, proprietor of Ephemera Paducah, is one of eight storytellers from across the state selected to represent the main pillars of Kentucky tourism: bourbon, food, horses, outdoors, history, music, arts and events. Williams shares the story of Ephemera Paducah, a mixed media haven in Paducah's Lower Town Arts District, as an introduction to the arts experiences awaiting travelers to Kentucky.

"It brings me great joy to welcome visitors from all over the United States. My favorite thing to watch (other than happy artists enjoying their class) is seeing our guests fall in love with Paducah," says Williams. "Those who haven't visited Paducah or even Kentucky are always pleasantly surprised at the cool places they find and easy time they have here. It was an honor to be a part of this great project. I am proud that Ephemera Paducah is a part of what attracts visitors to our community and state."

Ephemera Paducah is a favored destination to those who love mixed media art and who want to learn from some of the country's most renowned instructors. Learn more about this artistic space and preview a complete list of upcoming classes and workshops at www.ephemerapaducah.com.

The Official Kentucky Visitor's Guide is available in its printed version at the state's staffed welcome centers including Whitehaven Welcome Center as well as at the Paducah Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB), temporarily located at Yeiser Art Center, 200 Broadway. An online version of the guide is available at kentuckytourism.com.Clark Students Win Conversation Writing Awards

By WestKyStar & Paducah Public Schools Staff

PADUCAH - Clark Elementary students received recognition for their entries in the McCracken County Conservation writing contest.Clara Pierce won first place, Bailey Beyer second place and Max Tolar third place.The theme was soil conservation. Students were asked address the topic in a creative way. Entries were submitted to the conservation office and they selected winners from each school.Jazz Patrol Playing Free Public Concert at Soiree's

Jazz Patrol is a Paducah-based jazz band consisting of nearly 20 members, including vocalists. Also known as PJE (Paducah Jazz Ensemble), the group is comprised of musicians from all walks of life who love to entertain professionally and routinely play both public and private events throughout the year.



Admission is free. Soiree's Event Center will offer guests hors d'oeuvres and drinks at the cash bar.



Jazz Patrol/Paducah Jazz Ensemble

paducahjazz@gmail.com

270-883-2830



PADUCAH - The public is invited to attend a promotional concert by Jazz Patrol on Friday, Feb. 8th, at Soiree's Event Center, 2069 Irvin Cobb Dr. in Paducah. Doors will open at 7 pm with live music starting at 7:30 pm. Music selections range from golden-era swing to modern jazz rock.Five members of my family were killed by a wrong-way drunk driver on January 6, 2019. That day was the most devastating day of my life. In an instant, I lost my only sibling and best friend, Rima (38); my brother-in-law, Issam (42); my two nieces, Isabella (12) and Giselle (7); and my nephew, Ali (13). My world crumbled to pieces. That feeling is even more palpable this month, with Rimas birthday being June 12.State senators and delegates  many of whom have denounced the governor and called for his resignation  are in the middle of the legislatures 400th session and still have about three weeks of work to get through.Register for a FREE account to keep reading!

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Already registered? Click the log in link belowSouthern Greece: Three killed in gas cylinder explosion in restaurant

Moscow, Feb 3 (UNI) At least three people were killed and one injured in a gas cylinder explosion in a restaurant in the southern Greek city of Kalamata, located in the Peloponnese region.

The incident occurred at around 9:15 p.m. local time (19:15 GMT) on Saturday, Greek Reporter news website specified on Sunday.

According to Greek Reporter, the explosion claimed the lives of two employees and the owner of the restaurant, while other reports suggest that not the owner but his wife was killed in the incident.Nigeria-Cameroon border: No other possibility but to leave

United Nations, Feb 3 (UNI) Small shelters, some covered in the ubiquitous white sheeting provided by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), dot the dusty grey sun-bleached plain around the village of Goura, in the far north-east of Cameroon.

Hebibi Toudjums shelter is so low to the ground she needs to crawl into it.

She arrived from the village of Rann 7km across the border in Nigeria six days ago after fleeing a killing spree perpetrated by the terrorist group Boko Haram.Videos

Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos.The Union of Artists of Turkmenistan hosted an exhibition of works by sculptor Saragt Babayev in celebration of his 70th birth anniversary. Fellow artists, art students and numerous art lovers came to congratulate the peoples artist of Turkmenistan.

Saragt Babayev is not only a great sculptor of monumental sculptural compositions that adorn Ashgabat and many other cities of Turkmenistan. He is the author of small form simple genre scenes that viewers enjoy watching for hours. However, he became particularly famous for his sculptures of historical figures. The exhibition features more than 300 compositions and busts depicting Oguzhan, Gerogly, Omar Khayyam, Alp Arslan and other legendary personalities, as well as cultural figures, writers and poets from the very recent Turkmen history.

 TURKMENISTAN.RU, 2021Oneworld, a major global airline alliance, last week unveiled a radical transformation of the global association in celebration of its 20th anniversary.



The moves are designed to increase the value that oneworld delivers to customers and its member airlines into its third decade, while reflecting the substantial changes in the marketplace and the industry since oneworld took off on February 1, 1999.



Oneworlds transformation includes:



 A new oneworld digital platform that will bring to life in the digital era the alliances core promise of seamless connectivity for customers flying on multi-sector, multi-airline journeys, via the convenience of their preferred member airlines mobile app or website  without having to download any additional app or enter more log-in credentials. Through this platform, the member airlines will offer the ability, via their own individual apps, to customers flying on any oneworld alliance partner to: Check-in, obtain their boarding pass, receive information and updates on their flight and track their baggage, in addition to other services that will be added in the future.



 An increased level of alliance co-location projects at a number of key airports around the world. Oneworld aims to bring its member airlines operating at all airports worldwide together under one roof and offer smooth transfers for passengers connecting between different carriers flights. The alliance also has plans to unveil the first oneworld branded, developed and managed lounge later this year.



 A fresh approach to corporate sales, enabling oneworld to respond much faster to requests for alliance contracts, which currently generates $1 billion a year for member airlines. Since trials of the new process began six months ago, revenues have risen 10 per cent. Dozens of the worlds biggest multinational corporations have signed corporate accounts with the alliance rather than a series of individual airline deals.



 A revised process for prospecting potential new members. The first airline to join as a result will be Royal Air Maroc next year  oneworlds first full member recruit for six years and its first from Africa.



 The alliances first new membership platform, oneworld connect  designed with smaller, more regional airlines in mind  with Fiji Airways entry as the first partner to join in this capacity to be completed by the end of next month. Talks are progressing with other airlines interested in signing, from the Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific, enabling the alliance to spread its wings globally.



These changes are reflected in a sweepingly different brand positioning for oneworld, encouraging passengers to Travel Bright  complete with a new website.



Travel Bright draws on engaging and energising characters and visuals set against a range of bright pastel colours to present the bright new oneworld - contemporary, warm and positive in its expression, with a look and feel reflecting the more energetic and positive millennial generation. It also features characters representing a full range of cultural, ethnic and age diversity.



Oneworld CEO Rob Gurney said: In the two decades since oneworld was launched, the industry and consumer behaviours have changed fundamentally. Most of our member airlines have undergone comprehensive restructuring, with some even having merged."



Since then, global alliances have grown greatly in terms of membership but, to be frank, they have failed to keep pace with the changes that their members, the industry at large and the marketplace have experienced."



As we enter our third decade, we are undergoing a radical transformation, with a host of fresh initiatives to strengthen further the relevance of the alliance to our member airlines and to our customers, Gurney said. - TradeArabia News ServiceGulf Petrochemical Industries Company's (GPIC) contributions in the field of occupational safety and community development through its various awareness programmes was praised by Bahrains Interior Minister, said a report.



Bahrains Interior Minister, General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, visited the GPIC pavilion during the 13th Professional Development Conference, which was held in Bahrain.



The event, organised by the American Society of Safety Professionals, was held from January 27 to 31.



GPIC president Dr Abdulrahman Jawahery and members of the companys executive management received the minister, reported Bahrain News Agency (BNA).



The minister was briefed on the company's work, achievements and awards in the field of security and safety, which it is committed to promoting in the community.



General Shaikh Rashid praised the company's efforts in promoting a culture of public safety and contributing by making it a community culture aimed at improving performance, providing occupational health and preserving the environment.



He pointed out that GPIC's is not only one of the most important industrial companies in Bahrain, it is also a model for the strict application of occupational safety, health and safety standards. He said this confirms the Company's outstanding position in the field of professional safety.



The minister praised the capabilities of Bahrains companies working in the oil industry and the achievements of GPIC as well as the distinction it has achieved in the production of petrochemicals and fertilisers. He spoke of the contributions of the company and its role in supporting conferences and specialised events in Bahrain and expressed admiration for the development of the company.



Dr Jawahery said that the visit of the minister comes in recognition of the company's efforts in the field of occupational safety and its excellent record in achieving record working without a lost time accident.



GPIC President pointed out that the company is keen to cooperate with the Interior Ministry at all levels. He said the two sides have an active partnership in many programmes and initiatives that serve their common goals.Oman government has announced plans to float the tenders for development of key industrial cities at Shinas, a coastal town in the northern part of the sultanate bordering the UAE and Thumrait, a small town in southern Oman on the main road to Dhofar.



The tenders will be floated locally and internationally amid potential investment opportunities in the development field.

The government is also expected to start similar development work at Mahas in addition to other major projects. There are a number of strategic projects with significant investments in the final stages in Suhar and Sur Industrial Cities, it stated.

The announcement comes at a time when the sultanate is gearing up for the Oman Industry Day celebrations that commemorates the visit of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said to Rusayl Industrial City on February 9, 1991.



The history of the industrial cities in Oman extends for more than 35 years, remarked Hilal bin Hamad Al Hasani, the chief executive of The Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (Madayn).



"The march started in 1983 with the establishment of Al Rusayl Industrial Estate Authority by a royal decree followed by the setting up of Madayn in 1993 to complement the march of Al Rusayl Industrial Estate Authority with the objective of planning, establishing, managing and developing the industrial cities across Oman," he explained.



"In order to ensure the continued achievement of specific national objectives, Madayn has developed since 2007 short and medium term strategies to preserve the achievement and aim to further growth," stated Al Hasani.

He pointed out that this year's Industry Day comes at a time when Madayn is witnessing rising growth rates in various fields.

By the end of the first half of 2018, the total investment volume in the various industrial cities pertaining to Madayn has witnessed a growth of 2.16 per cent compared to the same period the previous year.



The workforce in the various industrial cities during the first half rose to 56,887 with the Omanisation rate put at 34 per cent.



"Moreover, the number of investing projects in their various construction stages during the same period has touched 2,071, of which 1,389 are existing, 368 are under construction and 314 have been allotted with space," explained Al Hasani.



The total area of the industrial cities has surged to hit 104.5 million sq m during the same period with utilisation rate of up to 54 per cent.



On the public-private partnership programme, Al Hasani said Oman Investment and Development Holding Company (Mubadrah) represents the main pillar of the PPP scheme.



"The programme is aimed at attracting international developers to the new industrial cities in the sultanate with several sops for the developers and investors including provision of all the governmental services to them," he explained.



Mubadrah aims at attracting international developers and operators as per the best practices for the development of industrial cities, he added.



In addition to the launch of Madayn brand and establishment of Mubadrah, 2018 also witnessed major achievements by Madayn.



An agreement was signed to develop, construct, and operation management of the sixth and seventh buildings in KOM and multi-level parking project, said Hasani.



An agreement was also signed to develop the commercial zone in Al Rusayl Industrial City, in addition to the agreement of the facility building in Samail Industrial City.



In the area of development, Madayn has commenced developing Phase Two of Al Mazunah Free Zone, expansion phase of Raysut Industrial City, as well as developing the mountain area and expansions in Al Rusayl Industrial City, stated the top official.



Design works and processing of tender documents for the development of projects in KOM and Al Buraimi, Nizwa and Sur Industrial Cities have been completed. The tenders will be floated in the coming weeks, he added.-TradeArabia News ServiceFedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp  a leading express transportation company, has signed a Letter of Intent to take warehouse space at Bahrain International Airports (BIA) new Cargo Area on the northern runway, said a report.



The agreement was signed by Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications and Bahrain Airport Company (BAC) chairman Engineer Kamal bin Ahmed Mohammed; BAC chief executive officer Mohamed Yousif Al Binfalah; and president of the FedEx Express Middle East, Indian Subcontinent and Africa (MEISA) region James R Muhs, reported Bahrain News Agency (BNA).



The expansion of BIAs cargo facilities is in line with the objectives of the Higher Coordinating Committee, chaired by HRH the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, to further develop the kingdoms logistics field, it added.



The signing ceremony was attended by a number of other senior officials from Customs from the Ministry of Interior, BAC, EDB and FedEx Express.



Also in attendance were FedEx Express vice president of Middle East and Northern Africa Ground Operations, Taarek Hinedi, and Managing Director for Middle East Operations, Saleh Mansour.



The minister said that BAC has a comprehensive plan to attract prominent cargo companies to the kingdom, which will strengthen Bahrain's strategic position as a leading provider of efficient logistics services in the region.



He added that BAC are currently negotiating with two other companies wishing to operate warehouses at the new Cargo Area, which further demonstrates the kingdoms strong reputation as a regional hub for logistical services in the GCC and wider Middle East.



He continued: The new Air Cargo Area that BAC is constructing north of the runway is an important part of the overall growth strategy adopted by the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications, and a key component in the Airport Modernisation Programme (AMP), which is due to be completed by Q3 2019. It also reflects the important steps that the company is taking to enhance the airports infrastructure and increase its ability to accommodate rising local and regional demand. The new Cargo Area will create more job opportunities and enable the airport to handle larger volumes. This is in line with government-led initiatives aimed at expanding the kingdoms logistics sector, which began in 2015 via the Bahrain Logistics Board chaired by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander, and First Deputy Prime Minister, Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa.



The minister also noted that the continuous cooperation and coordination between BAC, Customs, and the EDB played a major role in the fruition of this agreement.



Muhs said: The GCC is an important region for FedEx Express, where enhanced collaboration between public and private sectors is fuelling growth across industries. The logistics market forms a fundamental part of the GCC economy, and we remain committed to serving our customers across Bahrain, and connecting them with people and possibilities around the world.



Al Rumaihi said: This Letter of Intent further highlights the strength of Bahrains transport and logistics sector and supports our strategic focus on e-commerce and regional distribution. There are a number of opportunities for companies like FedEx Express in the GCCs $1.5 trillion market, and Bahrain is an ideal location from which to access those markets due to our fast and direct transport links, some of the regions lowest operating costs, and a highly skilled, bilingual workforce.



BAC signed an agreement in November with French engineering firm, Egis, for design and supervision for the new 25,000-sq-m Cargo Area, which comprises warehouses, aircraft parking, and associated infrastructure aimed at handling air cargo traffic and e-commerce.



The Cargo Area is also equipped with the latest technologies, making it one of the most attractive locations for investment in the Middle East, added the report.Saudi Arabia's real estate market, which had over the last few years seen a major surge in property prices, will be seeing a healthy correction in 2019, according to KPMG Al Fozan & Partners, a leading audit, tax and advisory services company.



"This correction is expected to continue over the short term, but the market will pick up in the medium to long term, given the recent government initiatives to incentivise the sector, particularly the Ministry of Housing initiatives," remarked Islam Albayaa, the head of advisory at the company.



Last November, Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Housing announced plans to build nearly 19,500 residential units for its citizens through Sakani, its major housing development programme. Additionally, new real estate projects are planned through public-private-partnerships, he stated.



On the other hand, the Public Investment Fund, the kingdom's sovereign wealth fund, has been at the forefront of launching large-scale projects such as Qiddiya, the Red Sea and Neom.



"These gigaprojects will promote the property market in the newly developed locations especially the second home concept in the kingdom. Moreover, some of those projects will introduce new asset classes that will increase the real estate investment alternatives," observed Albayaa.



Back in the capital, the launch of Riyadh Metro has been a blessing for property owners, as the market witnessed land price appreciation for locations closer to the metro stations, he added.



According to him, the research shows that prices per square metre of residential land parcels in districts closer to the metro stations witnessed a slight increase compared to last year.



"Moreover, by reviewing some relevant benchmarks, we can deduce that residents tend to live closer to metro stations, therefore, increasing the prices of residential units in the vicinity of such stations," noted Albayaa.



While villas have historically been more popular in Saudi Arabia than apartments, a new trend is emerging with young Saudis switching from traditional detached residential units towards smaller units including duplexes, townhouses and affordable apartments, he stated.



"The current economic slowdown and changing mindsets of the youth are driving the new trend," he pointed out.



"Besides, private investors tend to develop either regular or luxury apartments since they are less price sensitive to the current market volatility," added Albayaa.-TradeArabia News ServiceYou have permission to edit this article.

Edit CloseMBABANE  One of his companies failed the fit and proper test. Canadian national Alexandre Francis Asfar, who owns the countrys newly-licenced bank  Farmers Bank, failed in a bid to operate a business in the United Kingdoms financial services industry. In Farmers Bank, he is a Board member, 100 per cent shareholder and Chief Investment Officer.



The Central Bank of Eswatini (CBE) has given Farmers Bank a commercial banking licence and Governor Majozi Sithole, in a letter dated September 20, 2018, informed the Eswatini Bankers Association of this development.

This licence allows Farmers Bank to conduct banking business in the Kingdom of Eswatini as a commercial bank, Sithole wrote.

The Times SUNDAY is aware of the conditions under which Asfars Farmers Bank has been granted the commercial licence by the CBE but cannot publish them because of an interim High Court Interdict.



interdict force pending



The interdict is in force pending judgment into a case where the CBE went to court a fortnight ago to stop this publication from running contents of an internal report compiled by its Financial Regulation Department on the granting of the licence to Farmers Bank.



According to documents filed in the case, in the UK, Alexandre wanted to operate a consumer credit-related business through a company called Worldwide Central Repository Limited (WCR) in which he is a director together with his brother John Peter Asfar.



WCRs business model involved the provision of an educational course for students, lasting approximately 18 to 24 months, that was designed to provide an understanding of the historical developments of the financial services industry.

As part of the course, WCR was to supply its students with antique law dictionaries and research material (on a USB in PDF) and the firm valued these books individually at approximately 500 (about E8 950 at the latest exchange rate).



review the material



WCR would enter into a loan agreement with the customer once the product had been received and the customer would be allowed to review the material over 12 months in order to make a decision as to whether or not they wished to proceed with the purchase.



If the customer did not want to purchase the product, it would be returned without cost, but in the event they wanted to proceed, WCR and the customer would determine the cost, whereupon repayments would commence.

The UKs financial services regulator  the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)  said this business model involved WCR entering into a regulated credit agreement as a lender and therefore fell under FCAs consumer credit regime and should be authorised by the regulator to carry out its activity.



However, the FCA rejected WCRs application because of failure to meet three main conditions.

One of these conditions is suitability, which requires that, inter alia, a firm must be fit and proper having regard to all the circumstances, including whether the firm has complied and is complying with requests made by FCA relating to the provision of information and, where the firm has complied or is so complying, the manner of that compliance.



not satisfied the authority



WCR has not satisfied the authority that it is fit and proper, having regard to all the circumstances, the FCA said in its final notice dated February 5, 2018 announcing the rejection of WCRs application. The regulator said there were concerns as to the suitability of WCR.

In particular, WCR failed to provide material relevant to the applicant requested by way of a number of separate requests (despite a number of assurances); the authority considers that in so doing, WCR has not demonstrated that it has been open and cooperative in its dealings with the authority, wrote the FCA.



The regulator stated that given the circumstances, it did not consider it can ensure WCR would satisfy and continue to satisfy the threshold condition of suitability if it were to be granted the application.

The second condition that WCR failed was 2B  location of offices, which requires that if a body is incorporated in the UK, its head office and registered office (if it has one) must be in the UK.



However, the FCA said WCR has not provided enough evidence that it has a head office in the UK, instead, it was noted that Alexandre and his partner, together with the proposed controlled function holders are based in Canada.

There is no evidence that any senior management are located, or central administrative functions of the firm are carried out, in the UK, the FCA pointed out.

The authority said it spoke to Alexandre on August 30, 2017 and he confirmed that he would instruct his brother John to provide the authority with the required information.MBABANE  They do not come as bigger as the leader of the Swaziland National Association of Teachers.



Government has commenced proceedings that will likely see SNAT president Mbongwa Dlamini facing disciplinary action on four charges of misconduct that include unauthorised absenteeism.

These possible charges relate to his official duties as a teacher at Mhubhe High School. He has since been called upon to give reasons in writing why disciplinary action should not be taken against him in respect of the misconduct charges. The ministry of education and training served Dlamini with a letter containing the possible charges on Friday afternoon  the day public sector associations held a march in the capital city and delivered petitions to different government ministries.



The SNAT leader faces possible charges of misconduct in relation to Regulation 15. (1) (a), (c), (g), (i) and (j) of the Teaching Service Regulation of 1983 as read together with Section 36 of the Employment Act, No.5 of 1980. On the unauthorised absenteeism, Dlamini is alleged to have contravened Section 36 (f) of the Employment Act in that you absented yourself from duty for more than three working days in a period of 30 days without either the permission from the school or a certificate signed by a medical practitioner certifying that you were not fit for work on those occasions.



Faces possible dismissal



This comes with a possible dismissal as the section states that: It shall be fair for an employer to terminate the services of an employee because the employee has absented himself from work for more than a total of three working days in any period of 30 days without either the permission of the employer or a certificate signed by a medical practitioner certifying that he was unfit for work on those occasions.



According to the recognition agreement between SNAT and government, the first responsibility of officers of the association who are employed by government is to carry out the duties allotted to them by the employer and they shall not leave work to attend to association business without permission from their immediate supervisor.

This permission, says the agreement, will not be unreasonably withheld.



The second possible charge is failure, neglect and/or refusal to submit official school records for inspection. This is said to have happened on/or about March 9 and 30, 2017 where Dlamini reportedly contravened Regulation 15 (1) (a) of the Teaching Service Regulations as read together with the Schools Guide and Regulation Procedures.



He is said to have failed, neglected and/or refused to submit official school records when requested for inspection by a team of inspectors commissioned to his school by the Regional Education Officer for Manzini. The official record books you failed, neglected and/or refused to submit for inspection include a Class Register, Preparation Book and Scheme Book. By your conduct as aforementioned, which you maintained despite numerous reminders, you interfered in a material way with the efficient operation of the school to which you are posted in violation of the cited legal instruments, reads the letter.

The third possible charge is that of disobedience and insolence.



Accused of fake test scores



Dlamini is accused of having contravened Regulation 15 (1) (c) of the Teaching Service Regulations in that on or about the year 2017 he allegedly refused, failed and/or neglected to abide by an instruction from the Regional Education Office requesting him to submit official school books for inspection, despite that this instruction was communicated to you by the head teacher of your school and inspectors on numerous occasions.

The fourth and last possible charge is that of bringing the teaching service into disrepute. Dlamini is alleged to have, on or about July 27, 2016, intentionally and falsely entered fictitious test scores for his pupils into the official mark register of the school knowing very well that he had actually not marked the pupils tests or exercise books.



By doing so, you actually brought and/or conducted yourself in a way that was likely to bring the teaching service into serious disrepute in terms of Regulation 15 (1) (g) of the Teaching Service Regulations, 1983. The students in respect of whom you falsified their test scores by entering fictitious scores into the Mark Register and yet you had actually not marked their exercise and/or test books were Form 2B class (mathematics test) and Form 2A class (science test), adds the letter.



Schools Manager Macanjana Motsa said Dlamini had not yet been charged but has been called upon to respond on certain complaints. This also has nothing to do with the strike action. it was just a coincidence that it happened at this time,she said.

A source within the education ministry concurred and said this was normal procedure and in accordance with the law to ask a teacher to respond on complaints regarding performance.

The SNAT presidents response to these charges is expected to reach the Under Secretary  Schools Manager, Macanjana Motsas office at the ministry of education and training ground floor office number 4, on or before Tuesday February 12, 2019.



Trumped up charges



When contacted yesterday, Dlamini confirmed to have been served with the letter on Friday afternoon after the march, just when he was going into his office at the SNAT centre in Manzini. He said he received a call from the REOs office telling him to come and get his parcel from the Ministry of Education and Training headquarters. These are trumped up charges that I was expecting any way. In fact, I was expecting more than this because I am aware of the real intention, Dlamini said.



He claimed to have received information to the effect that there had been earlier moves to try and lay charges against him with the police for allegedly threatening teachers who would not be part of the strike action that was eventually stopped by the industrial court. I think they failed with this. They are just trying to find ways to charge me. They are even bringing up 2016 issues, which happened when I was still chairperson of SNAT Manzini region, he said.



Responding to the charge of absenteeism, Dlamini said this was baffling because he had sought permission from the head teacher before attending the SNAT meetings he went to. I have called the head teacher, who was also surprised because he knows I asked for his permission, the SNAT leader said.



He said what was even more surprising was that on two of the days (Wednesday and Friday) he is accused of being absent, he had actually been called by the very ministry to attend ongoing negotiations.

Regarding the charge of disobedience and insolence, Dlamini said he refused to give school books to inspectors because he was not supposed to hence I directed them to go and get such from the head teacher.



Union bashing



On the other hand, SNAT Secretary General Sikelela Dlamini said the charges against the president were clandestine moves aimed at destabilising the union.

The charges are trumped up and are aimed at de-motivating our participation in union activities. For instance he is charged with absenteeism. How can they expect him to be at school yet he was also expected to be at another gathering, which was an official SNAT meeting. He had even reported to the head teacher who is aware. If the head teacher is aware and released him with his permission, how then does the ministry say he was absent? wondered the secretary general.MBABANE  First it was Mbabane. Matsapha followed; now its Malkerns. A storm is brewing in the small, agricultural town of Malkerns following the overthrowing of Bongani Mabuza from the position of mayor.



Despite being hardly a year old  having been declared a town last year by the Supreme Court following a challenge by residents against governments 2012 declaration of the area being a town - the municipality is facing serious governance challenges.

Minutes seen by the Times SUNDAY show how Mabuza was ousted from office during a highly-contested inaugural council meeting held on November 1, 2018. It is disputed because an inaugural meeting is, according to the norm, reportedly held in March.



Mabuza was chairing that inaugural council meeting when Billy Fitzpatrick, who is now the Mayor, was asked to recuse herself from the meeting because the matter that was to be discussed touched on a member or her family. Mrs Fitzpatrick refused to recuse herself on the grounds that it was her husband who is intending to sue the board, not her. It was pointed out to her that this was a family member and the only way to deal with it is that she recused herself to evaluate if she was not conflicted, reads the minutes.



It is stated that Fitzpatrick said she could not be ordered by a chairperson (Mabuza) who had been removed from office through a vote of no confidence. Fitzpatrick was referring to a vote of no confidence she moved against Mabuza during a special council meeting held on August 15, 2018.

Minutes of that meeting reflect that the vote, which was supported only by Councillor P. Lorentz, did not pass. It is stated that when the mayor (Mabuza) called upon the other councillors to respond, there was no further submission.



VOTE FAILED  SOURCES



Sources within council said the vote therefore failed and, as reflected in the minutes, all councillors abandoned the meeting at 1915 hours.

This was until Fitzpatrick revived the issue during the November 1 meeting as shown in the minutes of that days proceedings. She briefly left the meeting to consult and she came back after getting advice from a lawyer. It was insisted then that the chairperson cannot continue with the meeting because he was removed from office through a vote of no confidence, further states the minutes.



Another councillor, who is not identified in the minutes, is said to have supported Fitzpatrick and wanted the issue of the vote of no confidence discussed and dispensed with.

The other councillor reportedly pointed out that the issue of the chronology of events needed to be addressed accordingly. A motion for a vote of no confidence without notice was moved by Councillor S Mavimbela and seconded by Councillor P Vilakati.

The matter was then put on a vote and four councillors supported the vote with one abstention. The meeting was subsequently chaired by the deputy chairperson of the board, the minutes detail.



The deputy chairperson at that time was Fitzpatrick, so following the ousting of Mabuza, she took over as mayor. Subsequent to his ousting, Mabuza is said to have written to Town Clerk Melusi Hlanze and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development seeking to have the matter addressed.



Of main concern is what he views as an illegal motion of the vote of no confidence against him. This publication has seen a letter from Mabuza to the town clerk seeking answers on his unlawful removal during the meeting of November 1. During that meeting, the members opted to move a vote of no confidence against myself despite the fact that such was not even enshrined in the meeting, Mabuza said.



EX-MAYOR AGgRIEVED



He drew the town clerks attention to that there is no provision of a vote of no confidence either in the Council Standing Orders or the Urban Government Act of 1969. In that regard, a resolution of a vote of no confidence was passed and I was removed from office with immediate effect. It is imperative to state that there have been two instances where the board members tried in vain to remove myself from the office with a vote of no confidence, continued the ousted mayor.

He said he was aggrieved with his ousting as he believed that there were gross irregularities that violated the Council Standing Orders.Thomas Paine, a British-born political activist and philosopher, who died in 1809, in his book, the Rights of Man, wrote: When it can be said by any country in the world, my poor are happy, neither ignorance nor distress is to be found among them, my jails are empty of prisoners, my streets of beggars, the aged are not in want, the taxes are not oppressive, the world is my friend because I am a friend of happiness. When these things can be said, then may that country boast its Constitution and government.



Why the late Paine said these brutally truthful words, is a story for another day, but those discerning enough may read between the lines?

This publication, in its last week edition, ran a story headlined Seek Gods guidance Maphoyisa - PM, reporting on the countrys government leaders address during the Police Annual Prayer, an occasion organised by the Royal Eswatini Christian Police Association.



It is said that he pointed out to the fact that a righteous nation  living by principles of honesty, integrity, goodness, probity, noble-mindless, respecting sanctity of human life, among other moral values, was one that was exalted and made great by God.



countrys quest for peace

He went on to say: Suffice that other forms of behaviour that water down the countrys quest for peace and stability to prevail and restore investor confidence, include the failure to address issues emanating from the labour value chain amicably and sincerely.



Nice, catchy words, aptly addressed to the police service personnel, dont you think?

Forgive me, but experience has taught me and many others out there, that be wary of whenever politicians around the world, (our very own kingdom of Eswatini inclusive), quote the Word of God in their many, grand speeches.



In fact, the wise say never trust a politician - and for good reason. More often than not, they often play to the gallery and rarely mean what they say and say what they mean. Remember how they solemnly take the oath, Bible in hand, vowing to serve God and country, only for them to turn around and do things that would shame even the devil and cause him to be green with envy?



It is now official. Last weeks intended labour protest by public servants under the Public Sector Associations (PSAs) was stopped dead in its tracks. The government, our very own Goliath, through the courts, has spoken, warning puny David to toe the line or else - period.



Part of the judgement, as per governments mitigation when applying to the court to stop the strike was that, should the strike take place, national security would have been threatened or something along those, monotonous, predictable words that have seen their sell-by date. Such pronunciations are more often than not designed to instil fear in the populace, causing them to cower and toe the line.



It certainly beats ones imagination how people, respectful and docile to authority as emaSwati, could be a threat to national security? In your wildest dreams, how can people who have suffered induced fear of authority and have lived under suppressed and superficial peace for so many years compared to surrounding nations, be a threat to national peace and security; when our government never falters to use security forces to instil the fear of the devil, ruthlessly crushing any organised protest, irrespective of how legal or justified it may be?



Rumours doing the rounds prior to the stoppage of the strike were to the effect that our protectors were undergoing intensive training in their numbers, ready to unleash their might on defenceless fellow emaSwati who were genuinely and morally seeking to demonstrate for a much deprived and long negotiated cost-of-living adjustment (CoLA) to their salaries.



Sadly, subsequent to the war talk coming from government prior to the thwarted strike and as expected, the planned protest was long designed to be frustrated and turned into a lost course by a callous government. A gallant but vain attempt by brave, aggrieved public servants for a genuine cry for redress to their plight was nipped in the bud, using Goliaths might.



As a law abiding citizen, I cannot question the decisions of the courts, lest I fall victim of the dreaded contempt of court charges. Freedom of expression in this country is forever having an axe hovering or hanging over its neck. The late Barnabas Dlamini-era of repressive rule and judiciary influence may have been dead and buried, but its legacy lives on. Dont fool yourself; it is going to get worse.



unique kingdom of Eswatini



The signs are there for all those discerning enough to see. This is our unique Kingdom of Eswatini and if you thought that things are done according to the moral code, you need your faculties examined and maybe confined to a psychiatric centre and immobilised under a straightjacket.



Back to the theme of my article. In light of the earlier, mentioned article concerning the PMs address to the police during their Annual Prayer occasion, may I humbly and rhetorically pose this question? For all intents and purposes, is it morally correct and a fair application of ethical, moral or reprobate principles to deprive public servants a CoLA to their salaries for two consecutive years, when the cost of living not only in this country, but in the whole world at large, has skyrocketed exponentially?

When the prices of essential commodities are putting a stranglehold on almost everyone, with the exception of the elite who are paid handsomely and receive exorbitant perks and benefits, while the poorly paid incessantly scramble for crumbs from the rich mans table?



Granted, we are cognisant of the fact that the fiscal challenges are not the doing of the incumbent government. But why punish the public servants for the sins and reckless spending of the previous, wasteful failures who took the countrys coffers to the cleaners? When recent expenditure by the incumbent government suggest preferential distribution of the countrys resources, while on the other hand calling for belt-tightening from a disadvantaged majority? Was it fair for the incumbent government, for example, to pay settlement allowances for incoming politicians when the opposite could have sufficed, seeing that a clarion call was sounded that the government is broke and stringent, cost-cutting measures were necessary to limit and control spending, until a resuscitation of the countrys fiscal challenges was realised?



Why the brunt of the cost cutting measures had to be borne by public servants who had nothing to do with the present, fiscal challenges, certainly beats the logic out of the illogical act of our government.



inhumane government



There is a saying in SiSwati that goes, tinyembeti temuntfu atiweli phansi. You see, no matter how long the cries of the people may take to be vindicated, I pronounce here and now that what our government is doing to her people, one day - sooner than later - the God of the universe is going to take a divine stand against this inhumane government.



The Word of God ominously tells us that whatever you sow you will reap. The seeds of hatred our authorities are persistently sowing among her people by depriving them a CoLA are one day going to come back and haunt them.

Public servants have become slaves to lending institutions, including the dastardly loan sharks, not by choice but as a result of dire financial hardships caused by the none adjustments to their cost of living. Money in this country is circulating among the elite, much to the detriment of the economy. They live the high life at taxpayers expense. They do not feel the pinch from high food prices, skyrocketing medical costs, school fees, bus fares etc. I tell you, the God our leadership profess to worship and who they claim exalts them, is very protective of the worker. Depriving the worker his deserved wage, is an abomination to Him and He will not tarry to act against those who oppress His people. Divine judgement is coming to this autocratic government - mark my words.



system of governance



For too long, emaSwati have suffered under this despotic, nepotistic and patronising system of governance. If you protest against injustice, the very law enforcement agencies that are supposed to protect the people are unleashed on protesters. The independence of the Judiciary is at times questionable. When pointing out injustices, we writers are labelled as anti-authority. Truth in this country is abhorred and its carriers are viewed as inciting dissent, subversive and stoking the fires of revolution.

This country is being weighed in the heavenly, divine scales.

The sins of the leadership of this country, perpetrated on her people, are about to reach the brim of Gods cup of tolerance. The people cannot groan for so long, for so many years, with God appearing, on the surface, to be in control of human affairs and not oblivious to their cries.



Make no mistake about it, nothing escapes His roving eye. Ancient Israel was in bondage for over 400 years. They relentlessly cried for freedom. Their cries for a respite from their oppression, reached the brim of Gods cup of tolerance. He acted and there was wailing in Egypt.



The wailing is fast approaching its zenith in this country. Gods silence does not mean consent to oppression. Judgement is imminent on this country. This reality might be taken for granted. God has given our leadership a long rope to hang itself. Time will tell.

Shalom!MBABANE  Are you eager to join the bandwagon of companies that trade with Taiwan?

Be sure not to miss out on the Eswatini-Taiwan seminar.



The Taiwan Trade Centre based in Johannesburg, Director George Liu explained that in partnership with the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) they would be bringing over 10 companies with keen interest to expand their portfolio. He said these companies, which are in diverse industries, would be in the country to explore different avenues and also interact with Eswatini businesses.



Industries from which the companies will be coming include, but are not limited to, ICT, logistics, water systems, CNC machinery, mobile devices, domestic and industrial fans, plastics and retired talent. The seminar provides a unique platform to engage with Taiwan companies, said Liu. The Taiwan trade delegation will converge with local businesses at the Royal Swazi Spa on February 28, 2019. The event promises to bring countless opportunities for Eswatini businesspeople to see, experience, source, purchase and do business with Taiwanese suppliers.



Having achieved great strides in developing its economy over the years, Taiwan has now become one of the leading suppliers of technologically advanced products in the global market.



It is home to key suppliers of various products, and The Taiwan Trade Mission to Eswatini will also focus on industries such as automotive and Internet of Things (IoT) as well as exceptional talent to join.



This event offers the opportunity to meet with some of the best Taiwan has to offer and afford an opportunity to meet on a one-on-one basis to discuss requirements with Taiwanese suppliers.This Kuwait based engineer from Tamil Nadu has donated Rs 4 crore to charity

P C Vinoj Kumar | Chennai

When Ilangovan Sivanmalais dream run as a serial entrepreneur started crumbling and landed him in a debt of Rs 2 crore at the age of 37 in 1995, he found himself in a far worse situation than the dreadful years of childhood poverty he had experienced.

I sold almost all my possessions including land, vehicles, and my wifes 120 sovereign of gold jewellery to settle the debts, but still fell short by Rs 52 lakh, recalls Ilangovan. At that time I was also working as a lecturer in a polytechnic at Coimbatore. But I knew the meagre income wont be sufficient to clear the remaining debt in my lifetime.

Ilangovan Sivanmalai, a Kuwait based engineer, who hails from Tamil Nadu, has provided financial aid to more than 11,000 poor students (Photos: John)



Ilangovan took up a job in Kuwait as an AC maintenance engineer. He has worked in that country since then, and is now employed at the government owned Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC) as a HVAC (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning) design engineer.

Needless to say, he cleared his debts long ago - within three years of working in Kuwait - and now earns around Rs two crore annually. But what makes his success story an extraordinary one is that he donates more than 20 per cent of his income for charitable purpose.

I have donated around Rs 4 crore to charity till date, says 60-year-old Ilangovan. In 2009, he founded Aravanaippu Trust in Coimbatore in memory of his father Kolandasamy to help the educational needs of children from poor families. The NGO also receives contributions from his friends, well-wishers and other philanthropists.

We have extended financial support to 11,551 children, many of whom have lost their father, says Ilangovan. I dont claim to meet their entire educational expenses. We provide an annual support of Rs 2000 to school students, Rs 5000 to arts and science undergraduates, Rs 10,000 to engineering students and Rs 15,000 to medical students.

Ilangovan also supports civil service aspirants from poor families. We help children from poor families who clear the preliminary exams to prepare for the main exam and interview. They are given Rs 25,000 to pursue their studies. In some cases, we extend the sponsorship for two years. Out of 114 children we supported, 51 have got into IAS and 32 into IPS, says Ilangovan, whose aim is to provide financial aid to a total of 25,000 children in his lifetime.

Ilangovan was born into an agricultural family that lived hand to mouth



For a man, who was born into an agricultural family that had around 10 acres of dry land, and cultivated seasonal crops such as millet, maize and beans, the year-round income came from milk they got from a single buffalo the family owned.

My father had a wound on his chest from which blood always oozed and he could not do much hard work because of it. My mother ran the family with the money she earned through handloom weaving and from the buffalo milk we sold daily, says Ilangovan, who studied in the local village school till class five and then attended high school at Vellakovil, four km away.

The family lived hand to mouth and there were days when Ilangavon and his younger brother had gone to bed hungry. He vividly recalls a night when his mother sent him to buy rava on credit from the village store to prepare upma for dinner.

I was around eight years old then. I went to the shop, but the owner of the store said we owed a big amount already and refused to give any more credit. I returned home without the rava and my mother made some kurenai (broken rice) gruel for all of us, remembers Ilangovan of that unforgettable night, when he kept waking up frequently due to hunger pangs.

I kept drinking many tumblers of water to fill up my stomach. My mother who was silently watching all this woke up early that day at around 3.30 a.m. She got milk from the buffalo and prepared a hot glass of milk with panang karkandu (palm sugar) for me.

Ilangovan distributing financial aid to students in Pondicherry



The life of poverty motivated him to study well and come up in life. After his SSLC (Secondary School Leaving Certificate), he joined Natchimuthu Polytechnic at Pollachi, a nearby town, with the financial help he got from various family members. As one of the toppers in the first year, he was able to get a seat at Coimbatore Institute of Technology, an engineering college, in 1976. Later, he completed his post graduation in mechanical engineering from Government College of Technology, Coimbatore.

I stayed in the hostel and visited my village (which is about 100 km from Coimbatore) during the study holidays and weekends. At home we still didnt have electricity and so I had to study under the light of a kerosene chimney lamp, says Ilangovan, whose burning desire to make money made him take up a part time job as an agent for Peerless Insurance when he was doing his PG course.

He worked for around a year, and using a Royal Enfield bullet motorbike that an uncle lent him enrolled policy subscriptions worth Rs 97 lakh, a huge sum those days. He was declared the top agent in the state and earned a good commission from the job. The successful stint as an insurance agent gave Ilangovan the confidence to get into numerous businesses in the future.

In 1983 I completed my ME and in the same year got a job as a lecturer at Kovai Sandwich Polytechnic for a monthly salary of Rs 512, says Ilangovan. In 1985, he married Devika  who came from a well-to-do family and who would stay by him through the ups and downs of his life.

Pavithra, one of the beneficiaries, with Ilangovan



Three years later, he set up his first business, a wet grinder assembling unit in Coimbatore and sold wet grinders under the brand name of DIVIJ. We sold 4800 pieces in the first year itself, shares Ilangovan, who soon launched more partnership ventures  Kamadhenu Hardwares, Maruthi General Stores, and Aristo Garments to name a few. But one of his ventures, AQ Apparels, collapsed, grounding with it all other businesses and landing him in serious debt.

In 1995 Ilangovan left for Kuwait to make a fresh start. He toiled hard, taking tuitions during after work hours to earn extra money, and lived a frugal life to pay off his debt.

He continues to work hard in extreme conditions. In Kuwait, temperature touches around 127- degree Fahrenheit during peak summer. It can be quite tough to work under these conditions when you are out in the site, says Ilangovan. But he forgets all the pain because he knows the money he earns is going to help some person in need. There were many who helped me when I was struggling. I am glad I am able to give back to the community now.

From the family album: Ilangovan with his wife Devika and children Vinodhini and Suseendra Gugan



On the flipside, Ilangovan  also fondly known as Aravanaippu Ilangovan  says that many beneficiaries do not bother to acknowledge or appreciate the help he renders. They receive the money and its the end of the matter. I dont bother to stay in touch with the beneficiaries, unless they get back to me, he says. But a few like Pavithra remain grateful to him for his timely help. He paid one semesters fee of around Rs 5000-6000 when I was studying microbiology at Valliammal College, Chennai, when I was in great need. How can I forget him? she asks.

Ilangovans wife Devika, who is also the managing trustee of Aravanaippu Trust, is a pillar of support to him. The couples daughter Vinodhini, 38, a medical doctor, and son Suseendra Gugan, 28, an engineer- entrepreneur, are well settled and look up to their parents as role models.Recover your password.

A password will be e-mailed to you.We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on!

Go to formWhen the 2021 high school softball season kicked off, more than 150 teams from around the state set out to reach the Division 1 state championship game.Elizabethtown, KY (42701)

Today

Thunderstorms with locally heavy downpours. A few storms may be severe. High 74F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall possibly over one inch..

Tonight

A steady rain this evening. Showers continuing overnight. Low 56F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%.Police extremely concerned for missing Reading University student Daniel Williams, 19, who hasn't been seen since leaving his SU bar in the early hours of Thursday.

Daniel was last seen at 3sixty nightclub on Reading University's Whiteknights campus but was reported missing after he didnt return to his home on nearby Blenheim Road.

Photo: Thames Valley Police Handout

Thames Valley Police have launched a search for the Computer Science student and are urging anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact them on 101 quoting the reference URN 1307 31/1.

Photo: Andrew King CC By-SA 2.0

In a statement Superintendent Jim Weems said: Daniel was last seen just after midnight on Thursday morning, leaving the student union bar on the Whiteknights campus of the University of Reading.

His disappearance is completely out of character, and we are extremely concerned for his welfare.

We remain open-minded as to the circumstances behind Daniels disappearance, but naturally, as the search enters its fourth day, our concern for him is growing.

Alongside the police search, which includes the National Police Air Service, volunteers from the Berkshire Lowland Search and Rescue team have been supporting Thames Valley officers in the search for Daniel.

The student is 6ft tall, of slim build and has short light brown hair and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing black or blue jeans, a black hooded top and black shoes.

He is one of two U.K. students who have gone missing this week after a nightout, Libby Squire from the University of Hull remains missing after last being seen around 11pm on Thursday (31/1). Unlimited website access 24/7

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 The best local, regional and national news in sports, politics, business and more!

With a Digital Only subscription, you'll receive unlimited access to our website and e-edition. Our digital products are available 24/7 and are accessible anywhere, anytime.While stock price fluctuations are to be expected, during dire and even simply uncertain economic conditions the fluctuations can be wild, some bordering on the irrational. Such fluctuations often present buying opportunities for investors with an appetite for risk.

In todays market there exists ample opinion to support both a Bear outlook and a moderately Bullish outlook for stocks.

The last trading week of January saw panicked investors fleeing the likes of chip-maker Nvidia and earth-moving equipment manufacturer Caterpillar. Both reported disappointing earnings and guidance, and both pointed the finger at China.

Later in the week aircraft manufacturer Boeing came in with a company record revenue of $101 billion and earnings that crushed earnings expectations. Investors had been abandoning the stock in the final months of 2017, in part due to expectations of slowing growth in China. However, in 2017 Boeing derived only 13% of its revenue from China and although some investors may be unaware, the company is the worlds second largest defence contractor. Boeing shares were up close to 7% in early market trading.

Market reaction to Apples earnings release was moderately surprising, as the companys revenues fell short of expectations. Apple management attributed the results to its Greater China business. For the critical fourth, or holiday, quarter, Greater China revenues fell to $13.2 billion, down from $18 billion for the 2017 holiday quarter. Apple shares were up close to 5% in early market trading.

The Boeing story provides evidence that the Buying on the Dip investing strategy can work.

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This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Choose wisely!Convergence India has been one of the only platforms in the country that have demonstrated an impressive convergence of technologies in telecom, IT, broadcast and digital media sectors since the past several years. This year, the expo received a major boost where brands from Taiwan known for its globally renowned ICT industry participated for the third consecutive time. Taiwan Excellence put up a dynamic show of some of its most innovative and award-winning products at the Convergence India 2019 held from January 29  31 at Pragati Maidan here.





India is emerging as a major sourcing destination for the ICT industry thanks to the various initiatives undertaken by the government like Make in India, Digital India, Smart Cities, Skilling India and Start up India. India is now witnessing significant investments from major countries and a digital revolution that has transformed its economy. Taiwan-based ICT brands have encouraged each of these initiatives and are contributing towards Digital India.

Taiwan Excellence participated in Convergence India this year too to restate its commitment to support Indias digital mission. This year, Taiwan Excellence revealed some of its new cutting-edge products at the expo. Avision exclusively launched their product Self-Service Copier at the expo. Also, on display were some other state-of-the-art innovations like AvisionsPaperAir 10, EdimaxsEdiGreen Air Quality Detector with PM2.5, Temperature and Humidity Sensors AI-1001W V3 etc.







The exhibition also featured other prominent Taiwanese brands like BXB Electronics -- a manufacturer and exporter specializing in PA system & conference system -- Apacer, Transcend and ADATA  known for their designs, memory modules and storage hardware. ADATA and Micro-Star International -- the brands that resonate gaming experience and ASUS -- a household name in India for superior laptops -- were present too. Other prominent brands included Gigabyte -- the company that supplies some of the most trusted motherboards, graphic cards, and computer notebooks in the global market-- Thermaltake which is known for its high-end products, Aifa, Silicon Power and so on. A host of senior corporate leaders and stalwarts from leading Taiwanese brands attended Convergence India 2019.





Speaking about the expo, H.E. AmbassadorTien Chung-Kwang, Representative of Taipei Economic and Cultural Center (TECC) in India said, Taiwan has been supporting the Government of India in its various ground-breaking initiatives like Make in India, Digital India and Skill India. This is our third consecutive year at Convergence India, and we are extremely happy to share our prowess in the field of ICT with other Indian as well as global brands.

According to TaiwanMinistry of Finance, the trade values between Taiwan and India lies at $6.4 US Billion at the end of 2017. India is a very fast-growing economy with a growth rate that is at the top of the world, almost 7 per cent. We are trying very aggressively to develop economic ties with India and Convergence India 2019 has been a remarkable platform to communicate our ideas and network with participants from the industry. This platform has always been fruitful to us for building some strong partnerships.





Convergence India serves as a platform to showcase the latest trends and technologies related to Telecom, Broadcast, Cable and Satellite TV, Cloud & Big Data, IoT, Digital Homes, Mobile devices, Film and Radio, Content Creation, Management and Delivery, etc. It helps digital innovators, international business gurus, telecom and broadcasting czars, leaders from IT & Internet and IoT industries for networking.











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The efforts been renewed to bond for a new school. . Let me state the problem Everybody, including me, wants a new school, nobody wants to ...Shani honoured with Chinas Super Ambassador award View(s):

Shani Calyaneratne Karunaratne, Sri Lankas deputy ambassador in China, was awarded the Silk Road Super Ambassador Award by the Government of China for her outstanding contribution for Chinas Belt-and-Road programmes through bilateral relations.

Ms. Karunaratne, a career diplomat with 23 years of service is a bilingual professional. Apart from being a main speaker at some of the Belt-and-Road programmes in 2018, she has co-authored an academic paper titled Heuristics of the Historic Cultural Communication: the Development of Tourism between China and Sri Lanka. It was published on the International Tourism Leaders Summit journal of the University of Colombo in October 2018.

A Senior Vice President of the Commonwealth Society of Beijing, Ms. Karunaratne co-initiated a charity fund donating RMB 100,000 towards adult female education in the Gansu Province. She also brought a Sri Lankan high school delegation from the Uva Province to take part in the Silk Road Young Dreams Programme and the students won the second and a third placement in the open international competition. Ms. Karunaratne is at present reading towards a PhD on China Sri Lanka tourism.When February 4 dawned 71 years ago By Kumudini Hettiarachchi, Oshani Alwis and Ruqyyaha Deane View(s): View(s):

As church and temple bells pealed, guns boomed and ship sirens shrieked, 7.30 a.m. on the dot, a formally-dressed gentleman entered the august Audience Hall of Queens House in the Fort as Governor and exited a few minutes later as Governor-General (GG).

This seven-minute ceremony  an oath taken before Chief Justice Sir John Howard heralded the birth of a free nation!

It was Wednesday, February 4, 1948, seventy-one years ago when history was made at Queens House (now Presidents House).

With Sir Henry Monck-Mason Moore taking oaths as the GG of Ceylon, the power to rule was officially handed over by the British to the first Prime Minister (PM), Don Stephen Senanayake, who had been voted in by the people at the first parliamentary election after Ceylon attained dominion status the previous year, in August 1947.

The oath-taking over, the eminent personalities retired to the drawing room to drink a hearty toast proposed by the GG to the PM, his Cabinet and Ceylon.

By 9.15, the GG addressed the nation over the radio, followed by the PM at 9.45 a.m.

It brought to an end 133 years of British colonial rule in Ceylon after a long struggle..where there was no record of violence but a patient and persistent campaign carried on with exemplary regard for constitutional procedure as enunciated by none other than Herwald Ramsbotham Soulbury of Constitution fame.

Proudly, the Lion Flag fluttered alongside the Union Jack.

Poring over hardly-able to read microfilms of reports in the Ceylon Observer, the Ceylon Daily News, the Dinamina and the Times of Ceylon of the time at the National Archives, a Sunday Times team recreates the events of about two weeks to bring to our readers a comparison of then and now, as we greet the 71st Independence Day tomorrow.

Interestingly, the flagship of the East Indies Station, HMS Norfolk, had arrived in Colombo from Trincomalee, flying the flag of Commander-in-Chief Admiral Arthur Palliser to fire the 19-gun salute soon after the swearing-in ceremony. This and all other ships had been dressed for the occasion.

A unique feature was half-hour special flights by Air Ceylon for anyone who wished to see the celebrations by air, at a princely fee of Rs. 12.50 for men and Rs.10 for women.

The country erupted in celebration, with the solemn chanting of Maha Pirith from the Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya being broadcast over the radio and religious rituals at temples, churches, kovils and mosques.

The Governor General and Lady Moore attended an evening service at Pettahs Wolvendaal Church; the Speaker of the House of Representatives, A.F. Molamure and Finance Minister J.R. Jayewardene were at the Maligakanda temple and Labour and Social Services Minister T.B. Jayah at the Maradana mosque, while special prayers were held at the Sri Ponnambalavaneswarar kovil in Kochchikade.

Colombo had turned into a fairyland with twinkling lights adorning Queens House, Temple Trees, House of Representatives, Senate Buildings, Customs, the Clock Tower on Chatham Street and Fort Station.

Whether stately public buildings or humble homes, a profusion of flags and bunting in red, gold, white and blue lent colour and life to this memorable day, as coloured electric jets, tubular lights and floodlights lit up the city.

The festivities beginning as the clocks chimed midnight on February 3 included a spectacular Water Festival which lit up the southeast breakwater of the Colombo Harbour.

Not forgetting the patriots who had fought for independence but were no more, the Lion Flag fluttered in the morning breeze of February 4 at the F.R. Senanayake Memorial and a perahera paid him homage. Ceremonies were also held at the statues of Sir Ponnambalam Ramanathan and Sir Ponnambalam Arunachalam.

The day also witnessed public meetings, flag-hoisting ceremonies (with H. Don Carolis and Sons Ltd., advertising the sale of Lion Flags in silk), feeding of the poor and childrens sports, while 1,886 prisoners among whom were nine on death row walked out as free people.

In holiday mood, vast crowds visited the Dehiwela Zoo, all for free, at the rate of 350 a minute, reaching 8,000 by 11 a.m. as well as the harbour and museum.

Opening of Parliament: Highpoint of celebrations The highpoint of the celebrations was the dominion Parliament being opened at the Independence Memorial Hall by the Duke of Gloucester, Prince Henry, on Tuesday, February 10, at 10.10 a.m., with even Pope Pius XII sending Monsignor Vagnozzi to represent him.

More than a thousand policemen were on duty and a special traffic plan was strictly enforced, while nearly 50,000 people had sought tickets for admission to the hall.

The vehicle of the Duke and Duchess, Prince Henry and Princess Alice, flying the Union Jack was accompanied by the motorcycle of the Official Commissioner and a police vehicle. It was followed by the PMs vehicle with the Lion Flag.

Galle Mayor boycotts event The Lion Flag had been unfurled, parades held, the National Anthem sung with gusto, bells rung, tom-toms beaten and conch shells blown all over the country on February 4.

In Galle, however, Mayor W.T. Wijekulasuriya refused to participate in the celebrations held at the esplanade organized by Government Agent W.O. Stevensdue to being convinced that the expenditure of Rs. 800,000 at a time when unemployment, distress and poverty were widely prevalent was unconscionable.Rio awash with a sea of change By Sashini Rodrigo View(s): View(s):

The ocean has always been shrouded in mystery, symbolising many things from turmoil to trade to tranquillity. The theme for this years edition of Colomboscope (January 25-31) was Sea Change: As Tides Turn, and addressed the urgencies of a rapidly changing coastline and the complex negotiations that have to be carried out between communities and the capitalistic ambition.

Held at the derelict Rio Cinema complex, Colomboscope brought together 30 artists both local and international to share their own perspectives on development and relationships to the coastline.

The reason for using the Rio as their main venue, according to curator Natasha Ginwala, was because the space is almost like an observatory.

From the top, youd understand exactly whats going on in terms of the dynamic of development and displacement, she explains.

Walking into the dimly lit space, the first exhibit to greet you encapsulates this notion perfectly. Firi Rahmans Taste Karaththe responds to urgent shifts occurring within Colombo and the lived impact of gentrification in Slave Island.

He brought in the concept of sea change by creating animated drawings of sharks, boats, coral reefs, lighthouses on rotating fans within a food vending cart reminiscent of those around Galle Face. Firi wants to spread awareness through art, and to tell the story of the neighbourhood from oral testimonies he has collected from people in the area.

We must notice the changes occurring around us and then think about it, he explains adding that if small habits are changed, it can make a difference.

A few floors up, youd find Jasmine Nilani Josephs Unveiled Barriers  an exhibit construed entirely with a rotring pen on paper. Jasmine is a visual artist whose main focus is on drawing and its expanded relation to lived histories. Her own story plays out in her work through accounts of forced displacement and the violence faced during her childhood in her hometown of Vasavilan in Jaffna during the war.

Her work also spoke of how the sea can be a barrier itself. The invisible lines are the barriers, She explains. It portrays the Indian and Jaffna fishermens conflict over poaching and fishing, migrants travelling to Australia in a boat and the dangers they face.

The festivals focus remained on collaborative works, hosting workshops with students, and opening up the festival to all kinds of audience groups and for international artists to integrate with the local arts scene.

Natasha explains the exhibition wasnt limited to painting, sculpture and photography. Rather they pushed to include more experiential works that have to do with smell, sound and film, to introduce them to the broader Sri Lankan audiences.

One such unusual exhibit was by Sissel Tolaas, a Norwegian artist, smell theorist and chemist who has been working with coastal scents for the past few years. Her exhibit featured smells from the Sri Lankan coasts captured in cans, that looked to trigger memories and reimagine our relationship to the coast and the question of preservation.

Despite the broadness of the theme, there was particular effort made to magnify the local communitys issues with displacement due to port developments.

The festival has since built up an interdisciplinary large-scale dialogue across very different communities. The organisers make it a point to make the festival accessible, by including artists from the North and the East, and inviting 150 art students from Batticaloa to explore the festival for example.

Those are all things that make it have the kind of impact it needs to have, Natasha says.

Thats what contemporary art is today  according to Abdul Halik Azeez, whose own body of work as part of Colomboscope focuses on sourcing images though Instagram about the exploding image of Sri Lankan paradise that is highly consumable for foreigners who have not experienced the micro-realities that it faces every day.

Its not about aesthetics anymore, he explains. Its about ideas, concepts, moving people and talking to your environment and talking through the issues that are going on today in a different angle.He waged his own battles to get that unique Don McCullin look By Yomal Senerath-Yapa View(s): View(s):

Black and white is a world unto itself- a world where wed all like to disappear into sometimes- away from the cacophony of colour. The shades of grey create a timeless, silent, eloquent harmony. Yet few in our times have understood monochrome like the British photographer Sir Don McCullin. Into a lifetime of subtle images he has given life and thick atmosphere. Whether it is the dramatic tragedy of the battlefield; wintry English countryside; Roman splendour in North Africa; the iconic apocalyptic-60s images of long-haired Beatles: he has told thousands of unusual, arresting tales around the world with a patient camera.

McCullin had to begin with a tough youth. The East End house his family inhabited had two rooms, two beds and a table- for four people. A tin bath did for a bathroom.

But he was gifted with a phenomenal eye. Like a number of people who can conjure visual beauty with uncanny flair, he also had dyslexia, and left school early because he was easy prey for sadist schoolmasters (as this learning difficulty was not a recognized thing at that time).

It was in the 1950s that McCullin captured the first of his many serendipitous shots (of which his life is a long succession). He made his friends- members of a rowdy street gang- tog up in their Sunday best, and asked them to jump up to the empty spaces of a derelict building for a photo. Soon after, this same gang got embroiled in a fight that led to a policeman being stabbed, and The Observer, discovering his iconic image, would usher him straight into Fleet Street as a professional cameraman: the beginning of an epic career.

Here for the Fairway Galle Literary Festival two weeks ago, McCullin was queasy about his reputation being held up by the words war- and conflict- photographer- which makes him feel a mercenary. Yet he had long ago gone down as the greatest of conflict photographers, and many remember him for bringing the horrors of the battlefront to drawing rooms around the world. The best remembered are his work for The Sunday Times Magazine: especially the Biafran War, the Vietnam War and the Northern Ireland conflict.

McCullins work with The Sunday Times Magazine was emblematic because it was through those coverages he taught photojournalism to the English. In the 60s it was the French who were masters of the art. Publications like Paris Match and Le Monde had spreads of gritty, images from conflict zones. These encouraged him to make his own photos uncompromising and packed with punch- the fallen, the injured, the bereft. He wanted viewers to be struck by the terror and the brutality. To be uncompromising would always be his motto with work. He would not sanitize war; he would not bring false sunny cheeriness to the landscapes. He wanted to deliver visual shock.

In later years McCullin became more of a traveller. Cutting deep into Papua New Guinea, he once came face to face with tribes who lived as hunter-gatherers in jungles. It was an exciting encounter with the prehistoric world that gave him a deep thirst for more anthropological rendezvous. He would have found a career recording primitive life highly rewarding, but he was born 50 years too late- to a world that was mapped and tidied up- everyone around the globe wearing the same T-shirts with silly slogans.

After decades spent documenting wars like no one else has done, McCullin turned to landscapes. He takes a uniquely McCullin look at the English countryside around his home. It is ancient land touched by myth- including Arthur and the Round Table- and blends with folklore and history, full of character. But it is the bleak side of it he explores.

He waits till winter, and feels the heart quicken when autumn shakes off the first orange leaves. Waking up to the wintry cold, he first spies out the sky. He sets out only if the heavens are dramatic enough- because cloudscapes dominate his images- banks of them moving like armies to battle. The rest is the land: the naked trees, the bleak desolation, the frost, the thick atmospheric mist. English history is also present: the Stonehenge and Hadrians Wall against the wild moors.

Bruce Chatwin, the British travel writer was a great friend of McCullins. After his death, McCullin kept having nostalgic visions of an Algerian town with beautiful Roman vestiges, where they both spent some time. He felt the urge to document the Roman presence in North Africa. It was a wrangle with the editors- and the book, titled Southern Frontiers (because it covers the meridional fringes of the Roman Empire), when first published, evoked little interest. But then the ISIS came along and blew up the temples in Palmyra- destroying the beautiful architecture and the book was suddenly flying off shelves. It had been another fortuity. The coffee table volume now preserves for posterity these vanished vistas- remnants of classical grandeur against the sands- with majestic, elegant colonnades and temples throwing languorous shadows into empty desert.

The book, is full of photographic versions of what the Victorian artists did with canvas and paint. There is beauty aplenty- but there is also a sense of sadness. McCullin tells me what I am feeling there is the press of the thousands who died and suffered building these monuments- for the vanity of emperors and governors. Only he could probably identify this. For as a boy who knew poverty growing up, he never lost his sympathy for the underside of society- even if he today lives in a 200-year old house with its own valley and river. He does not look at the third world poor- who are often his subjects- from above as someone from the privileged west- he knows just how they feel.

But photojournalism today is a dead thing- McCullin says wistfully. Reality has been banished in favour of glamour and celebrities, newspapers with gossip, glitter and dazzle.

But for him it has been a rich, fulfilling journey. He is lucky to have unique, dramatic monochromes recording most of his life- 60,000 of them in his home. What carried him through all of it was grit, integrity, a feeling for the suffering- and the charmed life of someone who must have missed death countless times by a hair.Click to find your right tour guide By Smriti Daniel Lina Gedvilaite and Jacinta Lim are two women on a travel mission: To connect travellers and local guides of different countries through their online venture Seek Sophie View(s): View(s):

Lina Gedvilaite and Jacinta Lim like to talk about the time they went to Bali and met a driver named Ketut. They knew what they wanted to see  the truly local. Ketuts response was to take them to meet local craftsmen in Balis remote villages. They were impressed by the guides knowledge and friendliness, but found that Ketut simply wasnt getting the kind of work he deserved. He would stand at the airport, trying to cajole tourists into trusting him. Sometimes this meant he would secure an airport transfer but often it meant that he simply drove his empty car back home.

It was a pattern they encountered more than once  local guides struggled with the challenges of going online. Few could operate a website or process online payments. As inveterate travellers themselves, Lina and Jacinta also knew how important meeting the right guide could be. So they founded Seek Sophie, and it brought them to Sri Lanka. This week, we caught up with Lina for a Q&A.

Lina, before you founded Seek Sophie you had a career in finance. What convinced you that you needed the change, and what gave you the courage to try?

What I enjoyed most about my career in finance was working alongside smart people to find solutions to interesting problems. What I found lacking was the ability to make and see first-hand positive impact on communities that needed it most. Coming from Lithuania, a country that was once an emerging market, and having seen how access to capital, technology and outside markets can propel a country forward, Ive always wanted to be a part of a propelling force for that kind of development.

Why Seek Sophie? How did the company evolve and what kinds of services do you offer?

I have always enjoyed travelling off the beaten path, often taking long detours and lengthy train journeys just to see a small temple in the middle of the desert. Ive found that these adventurous trips not only provide for the most extraordinary views and introductions to new cultures, but also serve as the best mode of self-discovery.

Along with my co-founder, Jacinta Lim, we recognized that there is a lot of value in these types of trips, but that they were really difficult to plan and book in advance. This is mostly due to the fact that the guides and instructors that provide services for such trips are still mostly offline. So we set out to solve this problem by finding local partner guides and giving them online presence by marketing their products on our platform as well as providing customers with a secure payment method. Now you can find over 300 activity options across 4 countries on the Seek Sophie platform. And more are coming this year.

You work in multiple countries but could you talk specifically about setting up shop in Sri Lanka? What have been the joys and challenges of working here?

We arrived to Sri Lanka last summer and travelled the country North to South in about a months time. It was a challenge covering so much territory and finding enough time to meet all the partners we had set out to. We had some train, car and bus journeys down bumpy roads. However, it was well worth the exhaustion as it has been a pleasure working with Sri Lankan guides and drivers. All of our partners are extremely professional and customer oriented. Our customers have given us great feedback. Our current challenge is to find more operators who would be interested to work with us. We are always looking for great guides and drivers to become a part of the Seek Sophie team!

Could you talk about how you connect local guides and drivers with travellers? Why can these connections be hard to forge? And how do you make sure both sides are happy?

Anyone visiting our platform can choose the best guide to match their profile based on price, personality, atmosphere and accommodation when that is a part of the activity. Our unique offering is that we list several guides per activity category in an easy to compare manner so that customers can choose one that fits them best. Going forward we are looking into ways on how we can do an even better job of matching our travellers with the right destination, activity and guide based on their preference. And we are continuously asking our travellers for feedback so that we can improve our service and help our partners to do better as well.

Were seeing more women travelling solo  is that a demographic that interests you? What kind of concerns do you see women travellers having and how do you help them get out on the road?

Yes, absolutely. You cannot ignore this demographic as it is becoming a significant force ranging from the West all the way to China. Both Jacinta and myself being solo female travellers, we are acutely aware of the safety concerns so it comes naturally whenever vetting new activities or partners that we take into consideration the concerns of women on the road by asking the right questions and observing any unusual behaviour. We often hear women ask whether a country is safe to travel solo. Although it is very difficult to qualify an entire country, we aim to provide great quality guides with good records so that they feel safe and at ease while they are interacting with our partners. We also try to give all our travellers as much information as possible regarding recommended hotels, restaurants and neighbourhoods so that they come prepared with quality information for their entire trip.

See http:// www.seeksophie.com and https://www.facebook.com/seeksophie/ and also https://www.instagram.com/seeksophie/PM, top ministers to fast-track appointments State ventures headless as confusion on vetting process continues View(s): View(s):

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe will meet ruling United National Front ministers today to fast-track stalled appointments to the directorates of state banks, corporations and statutory boards amidst confusion on these appointments in the wake of a Presidential directive for a Vetting Committee to certify the suitability of the nominees.

More than a month after the Cabinet of Ministers was re-appointed following the post-October 26 constitutional crisis last year, the Government is yet to finalise appointments to some of the key institutions, including two state banks.

Some Cabinet Ministers have begun appointing chairpersons and directors to boards under their purview bypassing the five-member Presidential Committee which has been asked to scrutinise the appointments. These ministers argue that they are legally empowered to make these appointments.

However, presidential committee sources said the the delay was because the committee had received incomplete applications and the names of those without proper qualifications. In some cases only a name had been proposed by the Minister, instead of sending the nominees bio data, they said.

A Prime Ministers office spokesman told the Sunday Times yesterday there was confusion because some appointments were being made outside the Presidential guidelines. He said the Prime Minister had called for a meeting of party stalwarts, including UNP Chairman Kabeer Hashim and Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera, in a bid to finalise the appointments by next week.

He said that even though the President might not have the legal authority to prevent these appointments which are under the purview of the relevant Minister, they would speak directly or through the Presidential Committee to those not qualified for the posts to step down.

Among the nominees sent for appointments to boards have been Personal Assistants to Ministers, coordinating secretaries, and persons who have studied only up to G.C.E (O/L). In one such case a person specialising in contact lenses was nominated to a Lanka Electricity Company (LECO) post for which an engineer was required. Experience in the specific field in lieu of educational qualifications would be to be considered, a Presidential Committee official said.

Some of the Cabinet Ministers, including those of Housing, Education, Social Empowerment, Water Resources and Higher Education, were yet to send their nominees. UNP sources were critical of the President making some appointments to the Ministry of Mahaveli Development which is under his charge by dispensing with his own guidelines.

A major contention between the President and the UNP is the appointment of chairpersons to the two state banks. The UNP is yet to decide whether it should allow the President to make one of the nominations and the UNP the other, or if the UNP should make both nominees. The influential UNP Lawyers Association has asked the party leadership not to give in on this issue and argued that the Enterprise Sri Lanka drive of the party could be disrupted by a change of officials who have been handling it for some time now.No Treasury money for 25,000 UN houses in the North By Namini Wijedasa But Rs. 8bn for prefab concrete houses in the East View(s): View(s):

The Prime Ministers Office has notified a consortium of humanitarian agencies led by UN-Habitat and The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) that the Treasury cannot allocate money for their long-overdue initiative to build 25,000 brick houses for the war displaced in the North and East.

The Government will, however, set aside around Rs 8bn in the forthcoming budget to fund 7,000 prefabricated concrete houses in the East. These will be built by a recently incorporated local entity, Yapka Construction (Pvt) Ltd.

The company was set up by Ravi Wethasinghe, who has campaigned to build prefabricated houses in the North and East, since late 2015. He is backed by former Resettlement Minister D.M. Swaminathan. Mr. Wethasinghes project to permeate the North and East with steel prefabricated dwellings from ArcelorMittal failed, however, owing to widespread concerns about suitability.

Separately, the Government has also released money through the recent vote-on-account for 10,000 brick-and-cement-sand-blocks type traditional houses in the same areas. The first phase of building 4,750 houses started in January under the Resettlement and Rehabilitation Ministry, which now comes under Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghes purview.

The Cabinet approved the UN-Habitat/UNOPS initiative last year. However, the signing of the contract was delayed. Earlier this week, the Prime Ministers office summoned the heads of the two organisations and told them the Treasury could not allocate funds for the project and that the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) had objected to their initiative.

The Consortiums proposal envisaged financing from a local bank and offered three housing options. The first would cost Rs 1,099,500 per house; the second Rs 1,117,700 per house; and the third Rs 1,116,800 per house. It pledged to use local labour, materials and small contractors to benefit the local economy.

TNA frontliner M.A. Sumanthiran categorically denied that the party had opposed the project. He said the TNA was initially informed that, while the houses were suitable, the local banks financial terms were not. It was suggested that the Treasury could, instead, back the initiative directly.

Last month, however, the TNA was told the Treasury had refused funding. Mr Sumanthiran also said his party had not specifically supported Yapkas prefabricated concrete houses in the East. For instance, he pointed out, each house was Rs 1.3mn and not Rs 1mn as brick dwellings were.

We also maintained that, if we introduced a different type of house to the equation, it would cause unnecessary complications among beneficiaries, Mr Sumanthiran told the Sunday Times. While some TNA MPs had last year inspected a model house and found it acceptable, he proposed that a technical team take a second look to determine suitability.

It is learned that the Prime Ministers office has also been pushing for the 7,000 prefabricated concrete houses, saying they could be offered to beneficiaries who wanted them. This was conveyed to Mr Sumanthiran and TNA leader R Sampanthan during a meeting in the Prime Ministers office in Parliament. But they had raised the same concerns.

Subsequently, however, several TNA Eastern Province MPs met the party and urged them to accept the concrete prefabricated houses saying their areas were not getting sufficient dwellings. They proposed that they could be given to people who want it on the clear understanding that they will not thereafter be entitled to a brick house, Mr Sumanthiran said.

We said, therefore, that if they want to do it, the people can take it, he clarified. However, we twice rejected it. We preferred the UN-Habitat doing it. The Governments housing project for the war-displaced in the North and East is already years late. War affected people need their houses as soon as possible, said Raga Alphonsus of ZOA Sri Lanka, an international relief and recovery organisation. It really does not matter who gets the mileage for it. What is important is not to compromise the peoples empowerment to have a say on the design, quality of materials within the agreed budget and also to supervise the construction with adequate powers.

The Government, he insisted, must hurry up without any further delay.Mix-up over Maldivian leaders visit to Lanka View(s):

Confusion marred efforts to invite Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih for tomorrows Independence Day celebrations, with the Foreign Ministry having to be apprised by a government high-up on the protocol to be followed.

The Foreign Ministry has initially prepared to invite the Maldivian leader as the Chief Guest for the occasion, but after being apprised that foreign invitees are invited to be the Guest of Honour on such occasions, a quick change was made to avert an embarrassing mistake.

The Maldivian Presidents name was proposed for this years event by the Presidents Office and the Foreign Ministry was asked to handle the matter in keeping with protocol.

However, officials had mishandled the procedures and it was a Government high-ups timely intervention that prevented a diplomatic faux pas, the Sunday Times learns. President Solih will be arriving in Colombo today on a private visit and will attend the independence before starting his state visit on Tuesday.

When asked about the matter, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said the Maldivian President would attend the official ceremony to mark the 71st National Day as the Guest of Honour tomorrow and his state visit would begin on Tuesday. Bilateral discussions would be held on that day.

However, she did not reply to the query on the mix-up which resulted in an invitation being prepared to make him the chief guest.

The Sunday Times learns that Foreign Ministry officials had to be reminded by a Government high up that if foreign dignitaries are to be invited as chief guests, they have to be given the chance to make a speech while other formalities also have to be put in place.

President Solih will arrive at the Independence Day celebrations at the Galle Face Green after the arrival of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and before President Maithripala Sirisena.LNG contract: Ministry extends deadline for companies to counter Korean offer By Namini Wijedasa View(s): View(s):

The Power and Energy Ministry extended for a second time the deadline for companies to counter a Korean bid for an offshore floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU), pipeline and liquefied natural gas (LNG).

Bidders have now been given until February 28 to submit counter proposals under the Swiss Challenge procedure for the project, which will serve the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB). The first extension ended on Thursday. The Ministry initially advertised the contract in October last year, amidst political turmoil, granting prospective bidders just five weeks to apply.

The decision to extend was influenced by pressure from the CEB, Ministry sources said. Three members of the CEB resigned this week from the Swiss Challenge technical evaluation committee (TEC) protesting what they claimed were Ministry Secretary Suren Batagodas high-handedness and imposition of ad hoc procedures.

Earlier, the utilitys General Manager and its union of engineers had written to Ministry Secretary Suren Batagoda opposing moves to award the 20-year take-or-pay contract for LNG to a single entity. Both Mr A K Samarasinghe and the CEB Engineers Union (CEBEU) urge that the bid be unbundled into separate contracts for LNG supply and LNG infrastructure development.

The unbundling of these two contracts is an absolute necessity to ensure more competition, transparency and best possible prices, the CEBEU says. It calls for the Ministry to follow a competitive bidding process  rather than a Swiss Challenge  to procure LNG and to develop LNG infrastructure based on a proper request for proposals (RFP) document to ensure transparency, fair competition and the maximum benefit at minimum cost to the country.

It is also proposed that, instead of tying the country down to a 20-year deal, to limit LNG to a 10-year medium-term contract due to the unpredictable LNG ecosystems in the world. The CEBEU has warned that the value of the agreement, even in the medium term, could easily go into trillions of rupees.

The unsolicited bid first came from South Koreas M/s SK E&S Company Ltd. The Ministry opened it out to other bidders in order to allow this proposal to compete with other possible investors. If the original proponent is unable to match the counter proposal, the tender will be awarded to the prospective bidder, provided the agreement to pay the development cost of the original proponent, the Ministrys advertisement said.

The project includes the design, construction and installation of an FSRU to be moored approximately 9 km north-northwest of the Colombo Port entrance; supply of LNG (including transportation) by LNG carrier vessel to be moored near the FSRU; LNG to be re-gassified on board the FSRU with re-gassified LNG sent into two subsea pipelines. Each pipeline will then be routed to the power plants located at Kelanitissa and Kerawalapitiya.

The CEB has opposed the Swiss Challenge, saying such procedures are usually recommended where the buyer  in this case, the utility  is not capable of developing an RFP or where the seller is proposing an extraordinary solution having clear advantages over standard procedure. LNG procurement does not fall into either category. The utility maintains that it can develop a proper RFP with the assistance of a consultant.

We also understand that there are a few other unsolicited proposals in the guise of Government-to-Government offers such as proposals from India/Japan/Sri Lanka and China/Sri Lanka joint partnerships to deploy LNG in Sri Lanka, the CEBEU tells the Ministry, urging the Secretary not to proceed with them. These proposals drastically deviate from the above detailed guidelines.

However, new Power and Energy Minister Ravi Karunanayake (who was briefly in Singapore this week) has shown eagerness to proceed with the Korean Swiss Challenge. A cabinet paper is being prepared to nudge the process along, authoritative sources said.

Dr Batagoda also defends the project. He said, while the contracts could be unbundled into two, the Korean proposal ensures that the CEB gets the FSRU and pipeline for free. A joint venture will be formed for management in which the utility will hold a 49 percent stake. But ownership will be Sri Lankas from day one.

The CEB contends, however, that it must not be held hostage to this proposal as the cost of the LNG terminal is almost negligible when compared with the financial value of a 20-year LNG supply deal.Billion lost daily due to Customs go-slow By Chris Kamalendran Unions demand reinstatement of Ms. Charles; deposed DG says racketeers behind her removal View(s): View(s):

Sri Lanka is losing more than a billion rupees a day as Customs officials continued a work-to-rule campaign demanding the reinstatement of Ms. P.H.M. Charles as Director General. The clearance of containers loaded with canned fish, sugar, dhal, sprats and other food items are affected by the go-slow which enters its sixth day today, Customs Spokesperson Sunil Jayaratne told the Sunday Times.

His remarks came as the previous Director General, Ms Charles, told the Sunday Times her removal was prompted by two vehicle importers who were tax evaders. It was also because of a racket involving dried betel nuts and black pepper as a value-added product, she said.

Last week, Finance and Media Minister Mangala Samaraweera, removed Ms Charles from office and appointed retired Navy officer Rear Admiral Shermal Fernando. Customs officers went on strike, causing a heavy revenue loss. Mr. Samaraweera was forced to cancel the appointment and named H.G. Sumanasinghe, Additional Secretary, to succeed.

Customs unions have confirmed Ms Charles assertion that her removal was the result of her re-opening investigations into cases where the loss to the country was enormous. The Sri Lanka Administrative Services Association, which commands a large number in the state sector, has also demanded that Ms Charles be re-appointed as Director General. SLASA Secretary Rohan de Silva said yesterday that the association representatives met Treasury Secretary R.S.S. Samarasinghe to protest over the removal of Ms Charles.The Argyle Star Class experience in Hatton View(s):

The Argyle, a new Luxury Hotel was ceremoniously launched in Hatton in its unique heartfelt approach. The hotel combines a hint of Scottish history with a modern touch. The glamour of the architecture paired with The Argyles signature service, brings an exclusive holiday experience in the Hatton region.

The Argyle just three hours away from Colombo is nestled in a centralized location that connects to all major attractions of the region such as Adams Peak, Nuwera Eliya, Kandy, Kithulgala, Horton Plains and Ella within a short journey.

General Manager of The Argyle, Indika Ayantha, stated, Visitors can now spend a unique holiday in a star class hotel, in luxury. Our menu does offer a range of modern, traditional and intercontinental dishes to a discerning palette and our well experienced staff is dedicated to bringing an international standard of impeccable and customized service to every guest. The experience you may have at the hotel will certainly make you evoke the luxuries of the planters lives back in the days.

Marketing Director of The Argyle, Shanika Salih stated, We are delighted to present this unique property, a small luxury hotel with outstanding offerings which is a perfect fit for leisure seekers. The Argyle prides itself as the first Small Luxury Hotel in Hatton. This new destination further sets itself apart from other properties in the region by presenting features and facilities such as a heated pool, wellness facilities, a Scottish themed bar, a karaoke lounge and activities for all ages.

The region was initially developed by Scottish tea planters who were enchanted with the surroundings as they were reminded of their homeland in Scotland. Reminiscent this history, the name of the property, Argyle derives from the province of Argyllshire, Scotland.

The Argyle carries a warm, welcoming aura and ample

luxury facilities to provide

discerning travelers looking for a perfect holiday.Body Shop arrives at CCC View(s):

The Colombo City Centre saw the opening of a new store on its ground floor as the Body Shop celebrated its arrival there last Sunday.

Although it has been four years since the first Sri Lankan Body Shop store opened its flagship retail store on Galle Road, Colombo 3, the brand remains fresh in the market due to an exciting new product range launch or campaign every season. Last year, The Body Shop Sri Lanka launched a range of products for different skin types and environments including a trio of new bath and body formulas.

Gayani Fernando from the Lush Skin Clinic delivered two sessions on skin care at the launch, which paired well with two sessions on makeup and makeovers with Nadiya Fernando from the Wax Museum. Guests also browsed through the stores extensive collection and enjoyed the fun competitions.A Bold Journey from Books to Reels By Susitha Fernando Undergraduate of Visual and Performing Arts university makes a film for public screening View(s):

For the first time in Sri Lankas cinema and university history, a group of undergraduates have ventured on a bold and challenging journey to make a full length feature film not only for an academic endeavour but also to be released in public cinemas.

An eleven-member group, the 2013/2014 batch of undergraduates studying Digital Cinema at the University of Visual and Performing Arts, the only university for arts and aesthetic studies in Sri Lanka have launched this project under the guidance of veteran filmmaker Sudath Mahadivulwewa who also a visiting lecturer and the head of the project.

The group not only will have to undergo the arduous creative journey of filmmaking but will have to go through the mill to make it a film for the public. The young team under the shadow of group of dedicated veterans in the industry are confident about their project, Akyala (The first Harvest), a story about a bond between a dancing teacher and his disciple. The film also depicts a triangular love story and a young dancer who leaves the village with bitter memories but returns years later with the aim of protecting the aged old art.

Akyala, literally meaning the first fruit offering to the gods, would be a worthy offering to the cinema and its future. The film, is the brainchild of the experienced filmmaker Sudath Mahadivulwewa who believes that the project will bring new hopes not only to cinema but also to the entire university system. At the end of this project, the university will not produce only a group graduates armed with a degree but also with a firm knowledge to work in any visual art project.

I always believe that tomorrows cinema is not bleak. There is so much hope, says Mahadivulwewa who directed feature debut Shades of Ash-Sudu Kalu Saha Alu (2004) and has scores of award winning tele-series and documentaries to his credit. Working as a professional in cinema, this is the best gift I can offer to the university and its future, says the veteran director who has been in the industry for nearly three decades.

I believe cinema is not a lucrative business but a part of life. Cinema teaches us how to face life. This is my reading on cinema, Mahadivulwewa said.

He was grateful to head of the university, Vice chancellor and heads of the department for their support for the project.

Though not a penny is ready for the expensive endevour, Mahadivulwewa is positive that the film dream of 11-member budding fimmakers would be a reality.

We have not thought about the finances for the film but we all have the determination and courage to produce this film. That is the most beautiful and wonderful part of this project. This is how real cinema is made of and this is how cinema is preserved in the countries like ours, he told the audience at the Muhurath or opening ceremony of the film .

I am grateful to Ravindra Guruge with just one telephone call agreed to look after the post production of this film. We dont know how successful we are going to be but one thing I know is there is a whole brigade of experienced professionals who are with us and ready to help us

As an academic endeavour, the group will do the documentation of the project, shooting and finally sit with a group of multi-awarded experts in the field to complete the production. Head of the University Vice Chanclor Prof. Sarath Chandrajeewa, said there are many future plans to develop cinema in the university. He said agreements have already been signed with an Iranian art university to get its support. He also said, in addition to the four faculties, plans are underway to open two more faculties for for cinema, digital media and visual arts.

Dr. Sunil Wijesiriwardena, a lecturer said we have come to a time where we have to change our understanding and interpretation of the traditional university education. A university is a ground for experiments and creativity. We saw such efforts internationally, its great that we can now see that here as well,

Award winning editor and head of the renowned film and television production company, The Video Team (TVT) Ravindra Guruge has come forward to look after post-production of Akyala and provide all the facilities of his company.

Cinema is an extremely practical subject that needs to be learnt and practiced. I am glad that this project would help to produced cinema artistes instead of a group of youth armed with degree and some theoretical knowledge, Guruge stated.

I know when you work with a government institutions there are lot of red tapes, but I assured Sudath that I would give the fullest support including my technicians, equipments and studios for this project, Guruge who had involved in a number of international cinema projects said.

Ariyarathne Kaluarachchi, the Dean of the Faculty of Dance and Drama who joined the opening of the project gave his blessing to the innovative concept of making a film for public screening at the end of a four-years of academic education.  As the film title suggest, a first fruit for gods, I believe we would have good harvest from this project.

Award winning cinema and theatre actor and the Dean of the Post Graduate Institute of University of the Visual and Performing Arts, Dr. Saumya Liyanage, opined that the university is geared to provide fullest support to create future filmmakers.

Making a film from conceptualizing to production and post production is a complex work. The challenge we have is not only overcoming the market but also to produce an academically and artistically rich film, Dr. Liyanage said.

As the Dean of the Post Graduate Institute I can say we are waiting for you to invite to the post graduate level and use the available facilities for your higher studies on cinema,.

The film is to feature Imali Weerasuriya, Darshana Gunarathna, Sajith Dhanushka and Nikini Inesha, all first timers along with senior actor Chandrasoma Binduhewa.The group of veterans behind the project are Sudath Mahadivulwewa (main production supervisor), Ravindra Guruge (post production), Ajith Ramanayake (editing), Priyantha Kaluarachchi (sound mixing), Dinesh Lakdusinghe (assistant director), Gayan Rajapaksa (camera), Aruna Dharmapala (art department), Chanaka Gayan (background creation), Ajith Rohana (Lighting), Sriyan Chandrasekara (musical score), Chamath Edirisinghe (international coordinator), Dinidu Jagoda (colour grading) and Jagath Padmasiri (make up).

The entire film is to be shot in a beautiful village Silogama in Belihuloya and the 11 member group has built an entire set with a new mud and wattle house overlooking a faddy field. - Pics by Nimalsiri EdirisingheKids World View(s):

Adventures of Captain Underpants

In Jerome Horowitz Elementary School there are some cool boys named George and Harold. George and Harold were best friends. They were in the Fourth grade. They loved to pull pranks which got them into a lot of trouble

with their mean principal Mr. Krupp.

So one day, they found a 3-D hypnotizing ring and used it to hypnotise Mr. Krupp into thinking

he was the amazing superhero Captain Underpants.

The book tells the story

of Captain Underpants, George and Harold as they battle talking toilets, cafeteria ladies, Professor Poopypants, Wicked Wedgie Woman and so on.

This is my favourite storybook because it is very funny and is full of comics. So one day I hope to write a comic book like this one.

Minush Pathinisekara (Grade 5)

Lyceum Int. School, Wattala

The fruit that I love to eat

I like lots of fruits in the world but one of those won my mind. It is the fruit that I love to eat always. That is Anoda fruit. Its English name is Custard Apple. Its scientific name is Annona reticulata. It takes a round shape and it doesnt have a definite number of seeds. I love to eat the fruit Anoda very much.

Dulmith Wedagedara (Grade

Maliyadeva College, Kurunegala

My country

My country is Sri Lanka. It is beautiful. It is in the Indian Ocean.Its an island. It has nice beaches. It is surrounded by water. It has mountains.

There are Muslims, Tamils and Sinhalese. It has 25 districts. It has nine provinces. It is multi-cultural. It is in the Asian continent. It has gems.

I love my country very well.

Yusuf-ul-haq (Grade 3)

Matale Int. School

What if the Sun went out?

Who turned off the lights? Why is it suddenly so cold?

If the Sun no longer bathed our world in light and warmth, we might last a short time with fires, electric light, oil or gas heat. But plants could not grow in the dark and animals would perish from the cold. Soon all life would cease and our planet will be dark and frozen. Of course this will happen, but not for a lot of years. Our sun is a fairly typical star and stars do not last forever. They form, grow old and either fade away or explode in a supernova, a massive explosion.

Naveela Hettiarachchi (12 years)

Lexicon Int. School, Kandy

My country

My country is Sri Lanka. It is an island. It is situated in the Indian Ocean. The staple food of Sri Lanka is rice.

It exports tea, rubber and coconut.

It is a peaceful country. The president of Sri Lanka is Maithripala Sirisena.

The national animal of Sri Lanka is the Giant Squirrel.

Sri Lanka is a beautiful country.

I love my country.

Ayah Shifan (7 years)

Lead the Way Girls Int.

What makes a Father?

Father

A nurturer

until the very end

A selfless man

who shares his love like a best friend

A guide

who shows the right way without pay

A counsellor,

whom to everything we can say

A sleepless protector

Till dusk from dawn;

A watchman

Watching over you even when hes gone

Misha Miskin (Year 9)

Horizon College Int., Malabe

My New Year resolutions

New Year resolutions are targets that you want to achieve throughout the year. New Year resolutions help you to work towards your goals and become successful.

My New Year resolutions are to keep my study table neat and tidy, and I would like to help my mother with her household chores. I shall keep my table neat by arranging my books in order of height on my shelf and keeping my storybooks in my drawer. Ill help mother over the weekends and during my vacation.

I would like to make many friends who I can play with and talk to. I also want to score very good marks for my term examination and make my parents happy.

I wish I can achieve all my targets and become a successful human being, making my parents very pleased.

Aamina Gaffoor (9 years)

Royal Institute Girls School

My trip to Yala

Last Sunday I went on a trip to Yala with my parents and sister.

We left home at six in the morning. We went to the hotel, kept our stuff and left for the safari at Yala National Park. We went in a safari jeep.

I was hoping to see a leopard.

We saw lots of peacocks. We also saw a snake on a tree. There were elephants too! It was fun watching the elephants bathe in a lake. The herd of deer we saw were eating grass. There was a big black bear creeping through the forest. We also saw two crocodiles lying on a rock, very still. There were many beautiful birds.

At last, when I thought I would never see a leopard, we saw one! It was sitting by the road, very close-by!

Then we went back to the hotel. The next day after spending some time at the swimming pool we went home. It was so exciting seeing so many animals wandering freely.

Nimsara Dayananda (9 years)

Ananda CollegeFGLF 2019  Free Festival for Children By Oshani Alwis View(s): View(s):

The Free Festival for Children at the Fairway Galle Literary Festival 2019 took place at the picturesque premises of the Martin Wickramasinghe House and Folk Museum in Koggala on January 19. Boasting of a proud history and legacy of Sri Lankan literature, the ancient ancestral house of novelist Martin Wickramasinghe rests amidst a grove of greenery. The natural beauty of the place is similar to the village scenes in Madol Doova the famous Sinhala childrens fiction by the writer.

It was an enjoyable experience for the children of Somawathi Niwasa ( Holland House of Hope Childrens Home) in Habaraduwa, Galle who joined to make arts and crafts with the volunteers of the Serendipity Trust. The workshop was on teaching children how to make felt badges, crepe calendars, sparkling squares, masks and coconut spoon puppets paired up with clay-pot painting, tie-dyeing and printing with recyclable materials.

We met Sahan Dilshan, Rasika Sewwandi, Apsara Sandamali and Lakshika Madumali from Somawathi Niwasa, teenagers from 14  16 years, who were extremely happy to be a part of the programme and glad to learn new ways of making arts and crafts. Even though the workshops were conducted by foreigners, in English, we understood what to do as they were showing how to make crafts in slow steps, said Sahan. We want to try out what we learned today, in the future, they all exclaimed.

Students of Batapola Central College, Galle were also trying out their hand in arts and crafts. The teachers who accompanied them, Ms. Damayanthi and Ms. Nureshika said, Its a great opportunity for the students and a first time experience for them. They are all stressed out because of exams and its nice for them to engage in activities in outdoor settings close to nature. The students shared their experiences and how they are looking forward to next years festival.

The arts and crafts workshop was followed by a hilarious comic monologue Peyar performed by the students of the University of Visual and Performing Arts. The audience was filled with laughter when the drama presented the funny plight of modern love affairs where love is measured in minor things. The act is based on a young lover calling his girlfriend to check on whether she had her lunch as he was unable to eat till then. Finally by the time she eats, the boys lunch had gone stale!

It was indeed a must-see childrens play that unfolded on stage next. Vandippajanam, The State Childrens Drama Festival 2018 award-winning play performed by the Aarohana Theatre College, Jaffna mesmerized the audience. The extremely talented child actors played out an act of kindness on stage where they make a small cart and give it to an old grandmother who sells mango.

The innovative and entertaining, trilingual band, No Names sang in Sinhala, Tamil as well as in English to entertain the children and parents alike.

Sulochana Dissanayake with her Power of Play team took the audience on a mesmerizing journey to the magical village where Punchirala,

a farmer who owns a Labu Hena (Bottle Gourd Cultivation) lived. Paired with a unique style of storytelling, the fascinating childrens folktale

Labu Gediye Thovilaya, was dramatized and accompanied by live music of low country and western guitar. The kids enjoyed the live Thovilaya (ritual of exorcism) paired up with traditional Sri Lankan low country dance and the beats of the traditional Yak Beraya.

This years FGLF Childrens Programme is very literary. Children learn basic soft skills from art and its a vital part of childhood and personal development, shared Sulochana.

Shown in these photographs are the free events of the FGLF Childrens Programme held on January 19, 2019 at the Martin Wickramasinghe Museum in Koggala.

- Pix by Ishanka SunimalGovt. moves to protect Schoolchildren from Cyber Crime View(s):

The Government has proposed the setting up of Cyber Crime protection teams in a fresh effort to minimise instances of children falling victim to Cyber Crime.

Under the proposed plan, some 1,000 teachers will be trained and deployed in the Provinces, to assist some 6,000 schools to set up teams to help students fight Cyber Crime, said Director of Information Communication Technology (ICT) Division of the Ministry of Education (MoE) P.N. Illapperuma.

The MoE will be working with Sri Lanka CERT and the Police Children & Women Bureau.

The team will be trained to guide them on Legal action, police action and also psychological support for student victims. The move comes in the wake of a number of cases where children have fallen victim to Cyber Crime. Investigations reveal that some students have fallen victim after being forced into Cyber Crime, while others who have fallen victim have not been able to obtain psychological support, thereby, seriously impacting on their lives.

- Damith WickremaskearaForeign Minister Sameh Shoukry underlined Saturday Egypt's stance regarding a settlement to the Libyan crisis, saying it should be achieved through inter-Libyan dialogue to maintain the unity and territorial integrity of the Arab country.

Shoukry's statements came during a meeting with UN envoy to Libya Ghassan Salame, as they exchanged views regarding boosting prospects of a political settlement. They also discussed ways of fighting terrorism as a means to restore security and stability in Libya.

Salame thanked Egypt for its role in supporting a political settlement to the Libyan crisis, foreign ministry spokesperson Ahmed Hafez said, adding that he looks forward to future cooperation with Egypt regarding the Libyan crisis.

Short link:

CTU condemns Rs 8m spent on scrapped Circular View(s):

The Ceylon Teachers Union (CTU) last week, while lauding the governments plan to scrap the Circular on Planning and Procurement for School-Based Quality, Quantitative and Structural Development, said it has unnecessarily spent large sums on the project. It is learned that the Ministry of Education (MoE) which introduced the circular on June 26, 2018, has spent Rs 8 million on educating the school authorities on how the monies should be collected.

CTU General Secretary Joseph Stalin said that although Circular No. 26/2018 was to come into effect from January 1, 2019, school authorities had already started collecting funds from parents of students, as School Development Funds and for other activities. He said the Circular has enabled unscrupulous school authorities to collect funds openly, even demanding monies from parents who cannot afford to pay the sums solicited.

The absence of regulations on the collection of monies too, has enabled authorities to indulge in rampant misappropriation of funds. It is learned that school authorities have utilised these funds to rent out portions of school buildings and land, where stalls have been built and rented out to traders.

The government last week announced that Circular No. 26/2018 will be scrapped and instead, Circular No. 15/2015 come into effect, which allows principals to obtain approval from the MoE to collect funds from students to balance the school budget.

- CCIndependence Day: Work for one nation, not one party View(s):

Theres never a dearth of quibbling over nomenclatures  whether Sri Lanka should be an Ekeeya Raajya  a Unitary State, or Orumithta Nadu, or whether tomorrow (February 4) should be Independence Day, Freedom Day or National Day. Call it what one may, it is the day the nation celebrates the 71st year of regaining its freedom from 450 years of foreign rule.

It is clearly a day to rejoice while remembering and reflecting on the great sacrifices made by the countless forebears of those alive today, and paying homage to those who gave their all, throughout those four and half centuries for the freedom of their people.

The nagging question, however, persists. How free is the country, and the people, both politically and economically? A sovereign republic Sri Lanka may be, with its own Parliament elected by the people and making its own laws; a member of the United Nations Organisation etc., but how much of the umbilical cord is still linked to Western domination and neo-colonialism is frequently debated. Unpalatable as it is, there is the Gordian knot of a foreign debt trap with more than 80 percent of Government revenue going to service loans, both local and foreign taken previously.

We have quoted before, the speech made by the countrys first Finance Minister (and later President) J.R. Jayewardene to the then House of Representatives (Parliament) presenting a surplus budget in 1947. He asked at the time, Are we making the best use of the money that flows into our Exchequer and that too for the benefit of the humblest and the lowest? In an editorial coinciding with Independence Day in 2017, we referred to this speech and asked how the debt jam will persist in the coming decade. But it is the year 2019 that will be critical to the country when US Dollars Seven Billion has to be found to cover loan repayment and a balance of payment deficit. 2019 has arrived. And it is crunch time right now. It is in this backdrop that the Armed Forces will parade with all their spit and polish tomorrow at the Galle Face Green to mark the occasion of Independence.

However, it need not be gloom and doom all around. The world at large is in crisis mode. Look around and even larger, more advanced democracies  the United States, Britain and France; they are in turmoil. No one really knows what is happening internally in Russia and China. West Asia is in a bloody mess. Refugees are fleeing from the region and from Africa. In India, these are exciting times with elections in a few months, but the people are split into separate camps.

In Sri Lanka, which was a success story with an educated population, one of the earliest to have Universal Adult Franchise; a relatively good health care system and a fairly robust economy at the time of Independence in 1948, events may not have unfolded in the subsequent years the way the people would have envisaged. The country frittered away those early advantages and could not afford the well-meaning welfare state the politicians of yesteryear had mapped out for the people.

South East Asian countries in particular, many having regained freedom from colonial rule after Sri Lanka, stole a march by learning from the mistakes made here. Singapores legendary father figure Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew was fond of citing Sri Lankas wrong turns, and profited from the trade union strikes in the Colombo port, and turned his city-state into a thriving pro-business commercial haven. His was a farcical democracy that treated political opposition and dissent with contempt and a heavy hand. He was not without the Asian trait of dynastic politics, for his son was his natural successor. Yet, they were hardworking and pragmatic and the national interest superseded everything else. He referred to elections in Sri Lanka with the acidic but accurate comment that it was an auction of non-existent resources. In short, of false promises.

Today, the Singapores harbour is the maritime gateway to international shipping in the region as Sri Lanka struggles to develop its ports by mortgaging them to India and China. Singapores Changi International Airport saw 65 million passengers going through it last year and plans for another terminal that will have an additional 70 million in the next decade. The airport is managed by professional and competent experts, while in Sri Lanka, the Civil Aviation Minister appoints his brother to head the Airport and Aviation Authority, and the Ports Minister appoints his brother to manage the Ports Authority. Singapores airline is spreading its wings making huge profits, while Sri Lankas national airline became the toy of politicians and is running at a huge loss. Take some of the other appointments. The President himself has violated his own guidelines in making appointments based on political expediency to Government institutions. That is the difference between the two countries; the difference between a successful economy and a doddering one.

If in the immediate post-Independence years, this country was able to finance the Gal Oya Development programme entirely with its own funds, and even the Mahaweli Multi-purpose Development programme was part financed with foreign aid and only part with loans, the crippling debt crisis came only in recent times with Governments going on a spending spree for their commercially ill-conceived vanity projects.

The country has now regressed to a situation of having to borrow from one foreign bank to repay another foreign bank just to be creditworthy. And when a nation is financially weak come the big power predators hovering like vultures to grab a piece of the pie as global power politics and strategic interests play out around the seemingly calm, but otherwise turbulent Indian Ocean waters.

These external incursions add to the vulnerability of existing domestic pressures such as the demands for a Federal-like political structure at home. All these make for a serious wake-up call as the country marks its 71st year as a free, independent and sovereign nation.

The quality of life is not all about the GDP of a nation. But try convincing those living below the poverty line that its not all about money. Even the countrys Samurdhi poverty alleviation programme is riddled with corruption and political interference.

Much of the blame is placed at the doorstep of the politicians past and present. Sometimes unfairly so. And yet, it is a fact that there is an element of disillusionment that the political leadership, across the board, has let the people down. That they put their personal inclinations ahead of the national interest. Only a few of our leaders were the exception and have led by example over the years.

Theres no doubt that the country has not lived up to the bright expectations with which it woke to the dawn of Independence on February 4, 1948. But there is always hope, and despite the naysayers, the countrys positives are many. That hope will be fulfilled only when the political leadership of this country stops thinking of one party, and instead, looks to  one nation.JO parties will form their own alliance under a new constitution

Mahinda Rajapaksa will convey decision to President Sirisena

SLPP feels Sirisena may not win a presidential poll

New developments worsen SLFPs dilemma The prospects for President Maithripala Sirisena to become the joint candidate of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) at this years presidential elections have faded.

Even the chance that existed for a tie-up of the two sides in an electoral alliance evaporated this week. Ironic enough, that was even before President Sirisena and his predecessor Mahinda Rajapaksa, the de facto leader of the SLPP were set to meet and discuss issues. This was to be a precursor to the two sides forming an alliance. Thereafter, the other smaller political parties were to join the two formidable players. President Sirisenas own conduct appears to have disqualified him.

Last Monday, the Joint Opposition constituent partners decided that they should resurrect their earlier plans for a new alliance among themselves. These plans were put on hold after October 26 last year, when President Sirisena swore-in Mahinda Rajapaksa as Prime Minister. He held office only for 52 days, until the Supreme Court refused to quash an Appeal Court interim order suspending the Prime Minister, his Cabinet, deputies and state ministers from functioning in office. A seven-judge Supreme Court bench also held that the move to hold parliamentary elections was unconstitutional.

Put on hold at that time was another exercise. A technical committee headed by onetime Minister Dullas Allahapperuma to formulate a constitution for an SLPP-led alliance with partners in the Joint Opposition. It was decided on Monday that this draft alliance constitution, almost complete, should now be quickly examined by a three-member committee. It is headed by SLPP nominal leader G.L. Peiris and includes Dinesh Gunawardena, leader of the Mahajana Eksath Peramuna, and Basil Rajapaksa, the national organiser cum architect of the SLPP.

Once finalised, it is to be signed by the leaders of the SLPP, the Mahajana Eksath Peramuna (MEP), the Lanka Sama Samaja Party (LSSP), the Communist Party (CP), the Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU), the National Freedom Front (NFF), the Sri Lanka Mahajana Pakshaya (SLMP), the United Left Front (ULF), the Desha Vimukthi Janatha Peramuna (DVJP) and the Eelam Peoples Democratic Party (EPDP). Party leaders on Monday also decided to invite other smaller parties like former Minister M.L.M. Athaullahs National Congress, the Peoples Servant Party (SLP), formed by the late JVP leader Somawansa Amerasinghe and the Eksath Lanka Maha Sabha (ELMS).

A new name, to be agreed upon, will replace their Joint Opposition identity. Thereafter, any other party willing to join the proposed alliance will have to make requests individually to the leadership. This shuts the door for President Sirisena and the now emaciated SLFP. If the SLFP wants to join, it would have to first make a formal request and thereafter abide by the terms to be spelt out in the alliance constitution. That would mean no request to become a joint presidential candidate is to be entertained. There is also the question of how many SLFPers would join.

Sirisena-Rajapaksa talks

During the shortlived political honeymoon with Mahinda Rajapaksa as his Prime Minister, the President and the SLPP were engaged in talks for a common alliance. They even reached consensus on a name  Sri Lanka Podujana Nidhas Peramuna  a blend of letters of the SLFP and the SLPP. Though it weighed seemingly in favour of the SLPP as a party, there was acceptance. However, sharp differences arose over the symbol the proposed alliance would use. The SLFP sought its own hand symbol whilist the SLPP wanted to have the Betel leaf  the symbol used by the SLFP-led United Peoples Freedom Alliance (UPFA). This was when political broker S.B. Dissanayake came up with a new suggestion  they use the Vee Muttiya or a pot of harvested paddy.

These talks ended inconclusively when then Premier Rajapaksa relinquished office after the Supreme Court ruling. By then, a section of parliamentarians within the SLFP, incensed by moves to join hands with the SLPP, established back channel connections with the United National Party (UNP) leadership. That detente grew and emboldened a weakened UNP.

Mondays decision has come as a dilemma for de facto SLPP leader Mahinda Rajapaksa. He and President Sirisena have maintained more than a cordial relationship after the political honeymoon that lasted 52 days. Neither spoke against each other on public platforms. Though Sirisena did not attend Rajapaksas younger son Rohithas wedding in their ancestral home in Medamulana due to his trip to Singapore, he turned up at St Marys Church in Bambalapitiya for a religious ceremony connected to the marriage. A Hindu ceremony was also held later.

Though they spoke on more informal matters during the church meeting, Rajapaksa has still not broached the subject of a common front with President Sirisena. One fear, it appears for him, is that he (Rajapaksa) would leave behind a wrong impression. It was over an SLFP argument that if he wanted to, he could have made Sirisena the joint candidate. This is by bringing his influence to bear on other JO partners, a few of whom are in favour of Sirisena. This includes Wimal Weerawansas NFF.

However, other than last Mondays decision by party leaders, the pressure on Mahinda Rajapaksa has weighed heavily against President Sirisena. So much so, ther are concerns over the wisdom of Rajapaksa taking the responsibility. A majority of parliamentarians, provincial councillors, SLPP stalwarts, party activists, analysts and even some UNPers have made strong points to support their claims to Rajapaksa, according to a highly placed source who did not wish to to be identified. And, that is where Rajapaksas remarks made to the Sunday Times (Political Commentary) recently become relevant. He declared that his party wanted to select a winner as a presidential candidate. Even if their move has still not been conveyed to President Sirisena, It has become inevitable that Rajapaksa does so within the coming weeks.

However unlikely it may seem, President Sirisena secured Cabinet approval last Tuesday for the conduct of Provincial Council (PC) elections before May 31 this year. UNF Ministers voted in favour of Sirisenas memorandum, though there still remains a serious doubt an election will be held. The UNP, despite many strong public assertions by its leader Ranil Wickremesinghe last year, has not been able to conduct PC polls. The question is whether the party will be in favour of the move now. Firstly, even before Sirisena presented that memorandum, a similar one was presented to ministers and approved last year. It came from Faiszer Musthapha, then Minister of Provincial Councils and Local Government. Like his, Sirisenas memorandum also stipulates the provision of 25% of the PC seats being reserved for female members. Provisions in the PC election laws would have to be amended for this purpose as well as to define the electoral system.

The critical question here, despite UNF ministers voting for the amendment is, whether they would still be in favour of conducting PC elections first. There is a potential threat for the UNF. Like at February last years local council elections, a defeat would be devastating. Thus, a defeat at PC polls this year could come as a severe, debilitating setback. Besides this, UNF leader Wickremesinghe, who is lining himself as the partys presidential candidate will also face serious challenges in obtaining nomination. How the UNF could now avoid PC polls remains an important question, one on which its future political course hinges. Thus, it seems apparent that the UNF is aiming for a presidential election first, not even a parliamentary election for the same reason.

Problems with Sirisena

President Sirisenas protagonists argue that his move to go for PC elections was with the knowledge that prospects for the UNP would be dimmer. Hence, they claim that an SLPP victory would be a further step for an SLFP tie-up. At least formally, he is still unaware that his SLFPs equations with the SLPP has changed in the light of the decision on Monday. Though the SLPP is clamouring for PC polls early, its mood is one of not being appeased by the SLFP. With the SLPPs decision now to go it alone with its own alliance, President Sirisena inevitably has found himself isolated. The same source identified some key points the SLPP and its partners have endorsed from the representations received. They have been acknowledged by Mahinda Rajapaksa. Though not in the same order, among them are:

= They strongly believe Sirisena will not be able to win this years presidential election. Their own surveys and feedbacks from grassroots level organisations have contributed heavily to this belief.

= Whether they could have trust and confidence in President Sirisena in view of his unilateral decisions on various matters, including appoitments both locally and overseas. He had not maintaned a dialoge between the two sides and not extended the courtesy of consulting them despite their 52-day close relationship. Neither have their nominees to one or two top positions been considered. (It is noteworthy to mention one such instance  the recommendation to appoint Justice Eva Wanasundera as Chief Justice, before she retired as a SC judge. The SLPP believed Sirisena said he would do so. When NFF leader Wimal Weerawansa queried Sirisena why this was not done, he had replied that he had recommended her name not once but twice to the Constitutional Council. Weerawansa raised issue in Parliament. Speaker Karu Jayasuriya responding to him declared that he had not received any such recommendation).

= Fears that Sirisena is promoting UNP Deputy Leader Sajith Premadasa and sections of the UNP. This is after he heaped praise on Premadasa at various public platforms. Within the SLPP, suspicions have arisen that he may be promoting a faction of the UNP to back Premadasa and there has been not even an informal explanation to SLPP leaders to obviate any suspicion. This was particularly so since he was seeking not only an alliance but wished to be the common presidential candidate.

= Whether Sirisena would renege on assurances he would give to the SLPP when an alliance is formed. There is fear that the SLPP has no recourse available during such occasions.

= They place the blame on President Sirisena for events, particularly the weeks before and the weeks after October 26. He has failed in his judgement as President on such matters. (Note: President Sirisena in turn has blamed the SLPP for not being able to muster required numbers in Parliament. The SLFP, however, blamed it on S.B. Dissanayake who undertook the assignment. Dissanayake failed to muster the numbers as promised. Since then, his attempts have become public in the form of recorded telephone conversations).

= Advice by a UNPer that what happened to their Prime Minister could well happen to a Premier who would emerge from the proposed alliance. In such an event, there were no safeguards until constitutional changes are effected. This issue in fact is one of credibility and trust.

= Other than Sirisena, how many other SLFPers will he be able to bring along to the proposed common alliance? The SLPP and JO leadership believe that it is not a substantial number. Hence, they believe he would not be able to make a significant impact at an election and fear Sirisena would be a liability.

The source explained that the previous dialogue with the SLFP got underway only when Sirisena was President and Rajapaksa was Prime Minister. He summoned us and we went there. He called for parliamentary elections and we began talking about an alliance. However, the Supreme Court ruling put paid to it. The source added, we are now in the Opposition. For many reasons, we have been left to decide on our own future. We have naturally taken into consideration all the reccent developments.

These events make clear that former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa is emerging as the front runner as the proposed alliances candidate at the presidential election. Though earlier reports spoke of his having renounced  or moved to renounce, his US citizenship, the Sunday Times learns that he had not done so. He is confident he could do so within five to six days if he is chosen as the presidential candidate. In his own way, Gotabaya Rajapaksa has been making campaign preparations and different professional groups have rallied round him. So have groups from the Buddhist clergy. Remarks earlier by his brother Chamal Rajapaksa, a former Speaker, that he, too, was on the line to contest, it appears, came in a move to appease President Sirisena. The message was that no decision has yet been made. That was at a time when Sirisena was still seeking SLPP backing.

Adding to the decision by the SLPP and its allies to go it alone and subject Sirisena to abide by their conditions if he wished to be on board, were supporting statistics provided by Basil Rajapaksa, the key ideologue of the SLPP. He has made a compelling statistical presentation of recent polls performance. One among a string of examples makes the point. He noted that Maithripala Sirisena won 6.2 million votes and Mahinda Rajapaksa 5.8 million votes at the January 2015 presidential elections. However, at the August 2015 parliamentary elections where the two of them got together and contested under the Betel leaf (Bulath Koley), the vote for them jointly dropped to 4.8 million. He has opined that the SLFP votes did not split but it was Sirisenas votes that lessened by one million. Giving an electorate by electorate statistical comparison, he had demonstrated the gains made by the SLPP and made the point that SLFP votes did not contribute in large measure.

Bad news from Rajapaksa (which Sirisena is yet to formally hear) and the crisis within his own party will no doubt set a serious poser for him. With no backing from the SLPP or its allies, Sirisena is left with a debilitated SLFP. True, the SLFP has decided that Sirisena will be its presidential candidate. This decision coupled together with moves for a common front with SLPP and its allies, it was believed, would be a formidable tieup at the presidential election.

However, the SLFP is engulfed in a crisis of its own. At least a part of the SLFP parliamentarians now supporting Sirisena want to join the UNF, either as SLFPers or as independents. They want Sirisenas permission. Next week, they will seek a meeeting with him to place their request. The number has dwindled from 18 after some were appointed District Organisers. Present estimates place at eight the SLFPers wanting Sirisenas permission to leave. It is only with nine months before preparations for a presidential election to begin that Siriena has named Dayasiri Jayasekera, a newcomer once with the UNP, to re-organise the party. There is little or no signs of support at the grassroots level and Jayasekera is spending most of his time giving news conferences on extraneous issues.

National Govt.

Even without a response from dissident SLFPers to join their ranks, UNF Minister and House Leader Lakshman Kiriella on Friday gave notice of a motion the UNF would move in Parliament. It read:

Whereas the United National Party being the Party with largest membership in Parliament is in the process of forming a National Government, Parliament determines in terms of Article 46(4) of the Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka that the number of Ministers in the Cabinet of Ministers shall not exceed 48 and the number of Ministers who are not Cabinet Ministers and the number of Deputy Ministers shall not exceed 45.

The UNF wished to form a national government. It is to be called the Democratic National Front (DNF) to conform to constitutional provisions to enlarge the Cabinet of Ministers to 48. In a rather unusual way, the UNF wants to form an alliance with the only Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) parliamentarian, Ali Zahir Mowlana. All other SLMC parliamentarians including its leader Rauff Hakeem contested under the UNP and its elephant symbol. Whether such an effort would conform to constitutional requirements and will be allowed by Speaker Karu Jayasuriya remains to be seen.

This is how the Sunday Times (Political Commentary) reported it on December 16:  .Since Sirisena has prohibited a formal SLFP-UNP tie-up, a case is being made for a national government by the UNP seeking to form an unusual alliance - one with the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) parliamentarian Ali Zahir Mowlana. Earlier, he was on the verge of being sworn in as Deputy Minister of Health by President Sirisena. Whilst all other SLMC members have contested under the UNP ticket, it is only Mowlana who was a candidate from the SLMC in the east. Thus, funny enough, the UNP alliance under consideration will be with the SLMC through Mowlana and that is to be called a national government  a requirement in terms of 19 A to expand the Cabinet of Ministers. Its virtually an exercise to provide more jobs for the boys.

There is a tragic irony in this move. As reported, this was considered by the UNP leadership as far back as last December and the party dropped the idea largely on the grounds that it would be unethical. Ali Zahir Mowlana, the man with whom the UNF wants to form a National Government now serves as State Minister of Social Empowerment. In other words, he is very much with the UNF government now.

This UNF move is in disregard to the countrys interests. It was none other than UNF leader and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe who declared publicly that there was a loss of more than fifty billion rupees due to the 52-day-long political turmoil. Others in his party have acknowledged that the economy is facing a serious downturn. At a moment like this, the prudence of Premier Wickremesinghe and his UNF leaders to form a National Government raises a number of issues. Main among them is the use of taxpayers money for perks and privileges to more ministers. This is when a new breed, Non Cabinet rank are being appointed. Funny enough, for one Minister there is also a non-Cabinet rank one, a Deputy Minister and a State Minister. None of them has offered to work without perks and privileges. Thus, the priority for the UNF, it is clear, is to first look after the comfort and welfare of its supporters. Turning the economy around comes only thereafter. That the UNF is blunt enough to go ahead during a presidential election year speaks of its insensitivity for public opinion. No one seems to be concerned.

There is a more serious dilemma for President Sirisena. Perhaps energised by the hope that he would be the SLFP-SLPP joint presidential candidate, he launched a major anti-corruption drive. At the crosshairs were UNP leaders. A detailed probe into the dealings of two senior UNP ministers is now under way. The Sunday Times has learnt that substantial material over alleged misdemeanours has so far been unearthed. In one case, there are serious allegations over proposed investments in Sri Lanka. One probe extended to China where the prospective investor had claimed that funds were to be moved to Sri Lanka at a politicians request.

Mahendran dossier

Last week, President Sirisena, contrary to denials, handed over to Singapore authorities a dossier on actions of former Central Bank Govneror Arjuna Mahendran, over the Central Bank bond scandal. An uncorrected typographical error in one sentence of this column referred to it as the bomb scandal. Though much more explosive than a bomb, Mahendrans alleged involvement led to enormous damage to the countrys economy. During the one-on-one segment of talks with Singapore Prime Minister, Lee Hsieng Loong, Sirisena did raise the Mahendran issue and referred to the dossier.

The only response he had was that the matter would be examined and they would respond  a diplomatic way of dodging the issue. It is largely on the grounds that legal procedures are yet to be followed. As reported last week, the Singapore leaders have been made to believe that the search for Mahendran was a witch hunt by President Sirisena for political reasons. Last week, the Presidential Media Division denied he was raising the Mahendran issue. So did the acting SLFP General Secretary, Dayasiri Jayasekera who has been speaking of a non existent American miliatary base in 36,000 acres of land in Trincomalee. Quite apart from anything else, if one were to take his claim as true, he was only casting aspersions on the leader of his own SLFP, President Maithripala Sirisena. He is the Minister of Defence and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

On top of that, Sirisena has also appointed a Presidential Commission of Inquiry to probe a string of irregularities including bribery, corruption, criminal breach of trust, abuse or misuse of power among other matters. The five-member Commission led by retired Supreme Court Judge Upali Abeyrathne is now making arrangements to conduct public sittings after calling for representations.

This brings one to the most pertinent question  With no SLFP ministers in the cabinet and threats of more members deserting ranks, with no support from the SLPP and politically isolated, how would President Sirisena give effect to the findings. This is not only of the Commission which has been called upon to submit a report, first within three months and the final one in six months. If he wanted to put the UNP leadership on the mat, it seems a tragic irony that he is being thrust on it by political developments. That is not to say the four-year rule of the UNP government has remained lily white with no corruption or bribery. They have crossed the breasting tape when compared to what happened in the Rajapaksa administration.

Ahead of the 2015 presidential and parliamentary elections, the UNPs oft-repeated public pledges were to bring to book those in the previous administration. Some of the UNPers at the highest levels felt investigating such matters and taking punitive action would only strengthen President Sirisenas hand. So they not only went slow but a minister weilding personal influence intervened to soft pedal investigations and even helped those facing investigations. This is all in the name of good governance. As a result of this, there is only one breed  some very corrupt Police officials  who benefitted and became filthily rich. Believe it or not, some are millionaires. Tragic enough, the two sides continue to woo them.

President Sirisena, vowed to take a sword in his hand, to fight bribery and corruption. He has taken over the Police Department and launched a campaign where the findings are designed to end at the doorsteps of the UNP leadership. Whether he will succeed in nine months what he failed to do in the past four years is one thing. The other is whether his stepped up exercise will lead to more investigators becoming rich by both probing as well as by sharing what they have found out with the targets. The fact that successive governments have been totally blind to this reality is, to say the least, highly outrageous.

This weeks political developments, unbelievable but true, have politically isolated President Sirisena. His former ally, the UNP-led UNF is no more friendly. The only form of protest he could direct at one time partner in governance is to ask acting SLFP General Secretary Jayasekera to raise issue at news conferences. The latter had a news conference this week to criticise Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera. The honeymoon with the SLPP, which later became an estranged marriage, is now no more. Those within his own SLFP are now deserting him. Though some blame it on President Sirisenas advisors, others claim he does not listen to advice and often takes decisions without looking at the pros and cons.

Challenges before Ranil

This is not to say all this has come as New Year bonus for Premier Ranil Wickremesinghe. For different reasons, he also finds himself facing a number of political challenges. In the party, there are sections who say they would need a new presidential candidate. Hence, his priority is to please as many parliamentarians as possible and garner their support. There are also complaints within the party that some of his closest ministers did not play fair by him and engaged in humonguous corruption. There were others who continuously received priority treatment. The economy is in bad shape and the UNP is being accused of not ensuring a turnaround. The cost of living has skyrocketed and the rupee, vis-a-vis the dollar, has dropped to historic levels angering in particular the private sector. This has seen a spike in prices of consumer goods.

Thus, both President Sirisena and Premier Wickremesinghe face challenges. Paradoxical enough, both have created most of the issues for themselves and are now fighting to resolve them. Can they do it in the next nine months?Even in a more beneficial form, the counter terror bill raises warning signals View(s):

Amidst the political turmoil that took place in late October 2018, it was wholly predictable that Sri Lankas Counter-Terrorism Bill approved by the Cabinet just the month before, quietly slipped past public scrutiny. At a time when the countrys constitutional order itself had been shaken to its (albeit not entirely steady) foundations, the Bill was the least of anyones concerns. However now that we are back at the mundane business of every-day life with its quota of typical government dysfunction, this Bill deserves to be focused on given some of its problematic contents.

A bill having a colourful past

It may be recalled that the Bill has had a colourful past. Promised as an option to replace the oft critiqued Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), its initial formulations led to fears that the proposed cure would be worse than the disease. Disguised as a policy framework on counter-terror, it emerged from time to time in leaked versions to the media in many shapes and sizes, somewhat like the deceptive chameleon, masking the same worrying clauses in different language, bringing in espionage and vaguely defined offences under the broad cover of terrorism offences.

At a point, it became a test to see as to what deceptive tactics would be indulged in at each and every time that the draft was amended. Writing in these column spaces in late 2016, I ruminated that reading through these drafts risked exposing oneself to cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment within the meaning of Article 11 of the Constitution (see More (Legal) Horrors of Sri Lankas Counter-Terror Draft, Focus on Rights, November 6th 2016) given the drafts atrociously wide reach of acts classified as offences. If taken on board at that time, virtually the entire range of democratic activity in Sri Lanka would have been within the scope of being classified as a terrorist activity.

Cut and pasted from uninspiring foreign models that do not serve as guidance in Sri Lankas country context, those drafts were truly an abomination to behold. Public uproar resulted with its contents being progressively amended until the Cabinet approved Bill in 2018 was arrived at. However, while many of the totally obnoxious provisions have been taken out, remaining clauses in the Bill continue to cause worry.

Conservative judicial reasoning

The Determination of the Supreme Court in response to a challenge filed to the Bill (SC/SD 41-47/2018) escaped public notice due to the fact that it was handed down during the October tumult. The reasoning of the Court was in the main (if one is to be kind), somewhat pedestrian. The unconstitutionality of some clauses that could be remedied by amendments once the Bill is returned to Parliament was indicated. Interestingly and unsurprisingly, clause 93 (3) of the Bill which stated that the expression law included international instruments which recognise human rights and to which Sri Lanka is a signatory was struck down by the Court as being unconstitutional and violative of the legislative power of the people.

Further, in the instance of the exercise of magisterial discretion in deciding to release a suspect from detention following completion of detention served under a detention order, an assurance was given to Court that this discretion would be strengthened through an amendment brought to the Bil in the House. Even so, stronger pronouncements may have been made on the importance of life and liberty rights considering the categorically definitive cursus curiae of the Court in safeguarding these very rights in the mid nineteen nineties.

Upholding constitutional safeguards

Notably the Court declined to hold that the increased detention period of 48 hours in police custody violated the constitutional guarantee to be speedily brought before a judge of the nearest competent court on arrest, as detailed in Article 13 (2). This was on the basis that the PTA already contained such a provision of extended detention (78 hours, Section 7) and that a holding that the Counter-Terrorism Bill infringed that constitutional guarantee would be tantamount to declaring that the PTA infringed the Constitution which, as the Court declared, it could not do as it had no jurisdiction to inquire into or pronounce upon the validity of an existing law.

It is difficult to see however as to why the Court could not have limited itself to the Bill before it for scrutiny as opposed to drawing inferences as to what its holding on the clauses of that Bill may mean to enacted legislation which had been impugned time and time again as violating constitutional rights. Similarly the Court declined to superimpose the constitutional safeguard of production before the nearest competent court on that clause of the Bill (clause 27 (1)) which only stipulated that the suspect must be brought within 48 hours before any magistrate.

It is clear that the constitutional framers used unambiguous language in inserting the safeguard that production of a suspect should be before the nearest competent court as these are rights that must be jealously safeguarded. In that context, the fact that the Court uncritically accepted the contention of the Attorney General that this was not a practical measure as a police officer may not be able to reach the nearest magistrate due to terrorist activities is unfortunate, to say the least.

Archaic thinking regarding national security

In other respects as in the case of considering the broad ambit of proscription orders that can be issued by the Minister on organisations purporting to be engaging in an act that is an offence under the Bill or in any activity that infringes national security, it is clearly evidenced that elements of proportionality and necessity stressed in judgments of the Supreme Court itself in similar matters in the past, were not given the emphasis that they deserved. Instead, the judicial thinking inclined towards reminders that fundamental rights may be restricted by law in the interests of national security. While this is, of course, self evident, the privileging of national security over constitutional rights is an archaic concept that has long since been discarded in judicial thinking within this country. In that regard, this decision of the Court makes for disappointing reading.

In sum, existing provisions of the Bill which indeed should have challenged include clauses that attempt to criminalise freedom of expression and the distribution of information to the public even when the same comes within the ambit of allowable speech and does not incite or advocate the causing of an offence but merely causes such a fear. These are vague provisions that need to be defined more specifically if police officers are not to intimidate and penalise citizens at their whim and fancy.

The dangers of these laws in a country like Sri :Lanka where the Rule of Law is on unsteady grounds and where key prosecutorial and policing functions are highly politicised is very clear. This Bill, in all its new and expansive aspects in dealing with counter-terror, needs to be rigorously examined before it is passed by our legislators.

In the alternative, the consequential impact could still, be far worse than the horrific but familiar PTA.Sri Lanka undergoes stringent EU GSP + monitoring process View(s):

The European Union (EU) has voiced concern over the slowdown in the progress of the governments far reaching reforms and its commitments made to regain General System of Preferences (GSP +) facility. There was a significant acceleration in fulfilling major obligations under GSP + during the early period of the good governance government which took office in 2015, but it has retarded during the recent past, EU Ambassador in Sri Lanka Tung-Lai Margue told the Business Times.

The Government has set out a programme of major reforms to address reconciliation and accountability, democracy, the rule of law, better governance and economic development in accordance with its commitments made to the EU. A key development in the EU-Sri Lankan trade relations was the re-grant of GSP + to Sri Lanka by the EU in May 2017. GSP + provides duty free access to the EU market for Sri Lankan products on 66 per cent of the EU tariff lines representing around 6000 products, he disclosed.

The government has taken steps to ratify and implement 27 UN conventions on good governance, human and labour rights, and the environment in order to re-enter the scheme.

Sri Lanka will be subjected to stringent monitoring mechanism of the EU on the governments efforts to meet the requirements to reap GSP+ benefits in the first or second quarter of this year.

A team from the European Commissions Trade Directorate-General will review the current status in the implementation of 27 UN conventions on good governance, human and labour rights, and the environment in order to continue the scheme.

Report

The team will submit their report to the European Parliament and Council of Ministers for its assessment of the overall implementation of the 27 international conventions applicable to GSP +. More concretely, the team will assess whether there have been improvements since the last monitoring report and if the trend remains positive, he pointed out.

The political impasse that engulfed the country for 52 days had an impact on the business community and foreign investor sentiment as well as activities of EU delegation in Colombo. We have to catch up the lost time, Ambassador Margue said.

The EU delegation had been putting on hold the projects that were in the pipeline for implementation in Sri Lanka but the ongoing projects have been affected in a limited manner by the political crisis, he revealed. However the EU is now moving forward to speed up the implementation of ongoing and the preparation of new programmes, he added.

Referring to EUs financial commitment to Sri Lanka, he disclosed that it has disbursed Euro 880 million during the past 15 years and it has provided Euro 760 million (Rs.123 billion) for development projects in the past 10 years. This shows the strengthening of EU-Sri Lanka relations in the recent past, he said while welcoming the peaceful and democratic resolution of the political crisis in accordance with the Constitution.

He commended the resilience of Sri Lankas democratic institutions and will continue to support its efforts towards national reconciliation and prosperity for all. Sri Lankan exports to the EU have increased by 18 per cent in the first year after regaining GSP +. Fisheries exports in particular were up by 100 per cent. Other notable growth sectors included clothing, tea, tyres, gems as well as motor vehicle parts and footwear.

He noted that higher quality products and following ethical and sustainable practices are necessary to becoming key strengths for Sri Lanka.

Trickle-down effect

The EU Ambassador expressed the belief that concessions under GSP + will trickle down to Sri Lankas rural workforce, developing their livelihoods and raising income levels.

In order to fully exploit the potential of GSP +, Sri Lanka must diversify its export products and target more EU member countries beyond the traditional ones and other regions, Ambassador Margue said.

The GSP utilisation rate is still relatively low at only 55 per cent in 2017 he said adding that it was even lower for clothing, at 43 per cent.

The EU-Sri Lanka Trade-Related Technical Assistance project launched in 2017 is aimed at increasing the trade competitiveness of Sri Lankan Small and Medium scale Enterprises (SMEs) in the region, in particular SAARC, and European Union (EU) markets.

The four year EU funded project, contributes to Sri Lankas inclusive trade-led growth and regional integration, he pointed out adding that necessary assistance is being provided to SMEs to overcome obstacles in entering EU and SAARC markets.

In addition to diversifying its export products, it is also important for Sri Lanka to diversify the European and SAARC countries it is exporting to, he emphasised.

At present the UK accounts more or less for 1/3 of Sri Lankas exports to the EU. Even with the departure of UK with Brexit, there will still be 27 countries in the EU, with the prospect of more joining later, he claimed.

A District Development Project had been implemented with EU assistance of Euro 60 million in collaboration with five UN agencies plus IFC supporting poverty reduction, provision of basic infrastructure and services for vulnerable populations.

It has extended assistance towards local economic development; and strengthening of the local governance, he revealed. Under the second part of EU assistance several reconciliation and good governance initiatives have been planned accordance with the coalition governments objectives.

A Euro15 million project towards the strengthening of reconciliation process is now underway involving, non-government and grassroots organisations to take joint responsibility in addressing key elements of the reconciliation process as well as institutional capacity building and reduction of language barriers.Rendezvous with tea View(s):

It was just two years ago that Sri Lanka celebrated the 150th year of tea after Scotsman James Taylor planted the first tea seedlings at Loolecondera estate in Galaha in 1867.

There were year-long celebrations to mark the event, here and abroad. So tomorrow, when the country marks the 71st year of independence from British colonial rule, have workers on the plantations won their own independence from the current masters of the estates?

These thoughts lingered on my mind listening to a conversation among Kussi Amma Sera and her friends Serapina and Mabel Rasthiyadu on Thursday morning.

Apey tay wathuwala wedakarana lamai-ta thavama honda vatupak labenne ne (Our tea workers are still not getting a decent wage), said Kussi Amma Sera.

Aei, giya sumane, padi prashneta visadumak labuna neda (Why last week their wage issue was resolved, isnt it? responded Serapina. They were seated under the Margosa tree, ironically sipping cups of tea and chatting ahead of a usually, busy day in their respective places of work (homes where they work as domestic aides).

Mama hiththanne nehe (I dont think so), said Mabel Rasthiyadu, joining in the conversation with her normally two-cents-worth of views.

After months of discussion and threats of a strike, plantation companies last week agreed to a basic wage of Rs. 700 per month for workers, up from around Rs. 500 earlier but short of the workers demand for a minimum Rs. 1,000 a day.

There are about 250,000 workers on estates leased by plantation companies and state-owned estates but nearly a million people (workers and their dependents) depend on tea estates for their sustenance.

The battle for a minimum wage of Rs. 1,000 has been going on since 2017, the year Sri Lankan tea marked 150 years of existence. While reflecting on these thoughts, the phone rang. It was Arthika, my nonsensical economist friend.

Hi, whats happening these days, he asked, yearning for a long conversation, at a time when I desperately needed to get back on my computer to beat a newspaper deadline. Oh  I am writing about the estate wage hike, I said, hoping to cut the conversation short.

Ah thats a tough one. How can plantation companies afford to pay more when they are struggling with rising costs and additionally, the ban on the weedicide Glyphosate? he replied. Yes but I sympathise with workers who are also struggling to make ends meet on a pittance of a salary, I said, by then warming up to a conversation on a decent wage versus the companies ability to increase wages.

Eventually, we got into a long conversation and a friendly to-and-fro argument on decent wages, profitability and the need to change the 152-year-old plantation model of stay-in workers on estates. He was in support of plantation companies being unable to pay more than what was agreed last week, while my contention was that while profitability may be an issue, a family cannot survive on less than Rs. 1,000 a day. So, where lies the solution?

A decent wage is what these workers and their families require and such a demand is a far cry from the time they were a subdued workforce when British planters imported shiploads of low-wage labour from South India to work on the plantations under abysmal conditions.

Yes, their status and life have improved a lot under Sri Lankan estate ownership management  unlike the slave-driven days of the early 1900s. But they still remain far removed from the rest of Sri Lankas unskilled workforce and are considered a captive labour force with no dignity of labour.

Their struggles for a decent wage and recognition are poignantly captured in songstress Neela Wickremasinghes Sinhala version of Nimal Mendiss classic Master Sir...Master Sir, mage himi thana denawado//Ane Sir, anukampa nosithedo

In the English rendition of the song, Mendis wrote (and sang) ..Master Sir: Theres a long, long way for us to go//Before this tug-o-war can come to an end//And when that day will be//Oh, I dont know Master//When can I call you friend//Its not the extra fifty cents you pay me//Even tho I can feed my child one more spoonful of rice//Master Sir, would you give me dignity//Master Sir, will you treat me kind and nice..

In recent years, the decades-old plantation model has come into a lot of discussion and debate, particularly on productivity which is lower than other tea producers. Productivity averages around 1,520 kg/ha with low-country productivity averaging around 1,850 kg/ha, lower than South India and Kenya (which has the highest productivity), according to a 2011 study. Plantation companies have been campaigning for years for a change in the model to one where estates workers are given land to produce their own tea and sell to factories during their spare time, while additionally working on company-owned estates. Companies argue that this model will help both parties  workers and their employers.

This model has worked on a few estates with workers also reaping the benefit of owning a small piece of land, working on it and also on the estate. However, unions representing workers are not too happy with this model fearing workers would lose their daily wage, would not be allowed to stay on the estates and not get other benefits like free health services, etc. Unions also fear they may lose their grip on tea workers in such a model.

There have been attempts in the past to lift the dignity of labour on estates through uniforms, better housing, improved health services and education. However, when you travel through tea plantations, the sight of workers in the sweltering heat with baskets attached to their backs to collect plucked tea leaves and buds, is a grim reminder that the dignity of this labour force is still, very far away.

Working on the fields in the hot, blistering sun is also a dignity of labour issue for paddy farmers whose sons and daughters, rather than take-over the cultivation of these lands from their parents, prefer factory or office jobs or work in any other space. The same applies to plantation workers whose children, some of whom have qualified to enter universities with a few even practising as doctors after passing out from medical college, are reluctant to do what their parents, grandparents and forefathers did  toil on the estates.

Like the cool winds that blow across beautiful upcountry estates, the answer may lie in another round of discussions among workers, unions, plantation companies, state agencies and NGOs supporting workers in searching for the right model that would benefit both the workers and the companies. The right model needs to put the core issue of the workers  dignity of labour  at the heart of any discussion.

So as I drink that strong cup of tea every morning, prepared by Kussi Amma Sera, with the tea coming into the house after being lovingly produced in the tea fields of the country, lets raise a cup to the improved lives of workers, their families and giving them the dignity of labour.Maxims Holdings aims at three different businesses By Duruthu Edirimuni Chandrasekera View(s): View(s):

Maxims Holdings, a diversified Board of Investment (BOI) company has big plans for three big ventures, on the back of opening its brand new futuristic warehousing complex at Mulleriyawa on Tuesday.

Dr. Saman Weerasinghe, Chairman Maxim Holdings Private Limited told the Business Times on the sidelines of this opening that Maxims Group will be partnering with a Swiss concern to construct a US$30 million hotel consisting 80 rooms and 16 villas in a 4-acre plot at Waskaduwa. The drawings are ready and we will start constructing soon.

The group has cottoned onto a $6 million medical device manufacturing business with a Czech group at a 2 acre land which they obtained from the BOI at the Horana Free Trade Zone.

Maxims will also be striking deals with several parties from Russia, India and certain EU countries to bring power and energy and warehousing investments to Sri Lanka.

The newly started modern warehousing facility with a total storage capacity of 65,000 square feet is built on a 4.5 acre land with a total investment of Rs.2 billion. Along with modern office space this is the phase one of two stage mega projects, Dr. Weerasinghe said. The state of the art warehouse has a host of new and high-tech storage racking systems with computerised location allocations, loading/unloading bays with dock levelers which can handle four 40 feet containers at same time and ample parking facilities. The location of every widget can be identified with pinpoint accuracy.

Dr. Weerasinghe noted that in this day and age storage needs can be complex and the space a company needs for warehousing and the management of its inventories may be highly specialised. Warehouse operations basically conclude the speed and accuracy with which every customers order gets fulfilled. Since people wish to do business with those they trust, and everyone wants everything instantly all the time, warehouse operations directly affect an organisations perception, performance, and profitability. With long years of successful history in business, Maxim Holdings (Pvt) Ltd has developed this warehouse complex at Old Road, Mulleriyawa with the prime objective of renting out the facility keeping all these in mind, Dr. Weerasinghe said.

This state of the art warehouse facing the low level road at Colombo  Avissawella, is on a prime location having easy access to Colombo city and Colombo port. Most of the tea processing and exporting companies are having their processing and warehousing facilities in this area along the main road. Dr. Weerasinghe said that the closer such operations are to population centres, the less it costs the retailers and the faster and more competitive they can be in courting cost-conscious shoppers who yearn for bargains.

The tea processing facility and warehouse processing facility along with the double height warehouse covers 50,399.7 square feet.

Maxims has established a Perfecta Universal automated complete tea bags production line with blending facilities and other production facilities in line with International Standards  ISO 22000: 2005, HACCP and GMP. Maxims Holdings will hope to provide contracts in tea bagging facilities to small and medium scale companies in the tea trade. The company is currently exporting value added tea through its tea exporting arm, Euro Asia and has been awarded local and international awards such as best Sri Lankan Brand exporter and Best Value added exporter by National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka (NCE) also Most Outstanding Tea Branding Award at the Hong Kong International Trade Fair Tea Competition in 2012.Crafting a future for new hotel recruits By Sunimalee Dias View(s): View(s):

Training to become an hotelier can be a challenging task even to the trainer. Sri Lanka has done much through its key state institute to provide a modern curriculum and improve on the programmes made available to students wanting to get ahead in this industry. Former chairman of the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (SLITHM) Sunil Dissanayake who was the first alumni of the institute to serve for three years until November last year as its head spoke with the Business Times last week on his tenure with the establishment. He continues to serve in the capacity of Director General of the BMICH.

During his time at the SLITHM, he explained they had tied up with the World University Service of Canada that helped to modernise the curriculum and match with todays standards.

In fact the institute also ensured that the private hotel schools would register with them to ensure better regulation of these institutes as well. Foreign students from Nepal in the SAARC grouping were also allowed to participate in the courses offered at the institute while they were also able to provide training for the staff of the National Apprenticeship and Industrial Training Authority (NAITA) which conducts similar programmes there as well.

Of the 3000 graduates that would pass out annually the capacity of women had increased to 20 per cent, Mr. Dissanayake said adding that hotels today would provide enhanced accommodation for the female workers in a bid to entice more of them to join the sector. During his tenure he noted that they opened new hotel schools in addition to the already established six schools in Colombo, Kandy, Koggala, Ratnapura, Kurunegala, Bandrawela; in 2015 they opened in Hambantota, Polonnaruwa, Passikudah, Negombo and in December 2017, the Jaffna institute.

Mr. Dissanayake pointed out that they had also introduced new courses like the apprenticeship course of one month duration with a target of 20 per cent of the skills to be obtained during their work-shift. Following this they would be linked up with hotels and upon completion of three years work experience they could then join the craft courses of six months, he noted.

The institute during this time had also been in contact with the Australia Awards on building on capacity and development for which they had a residential programme in Melbourne, Australia especially for the junior lecturers.

SLITHM, Mr. Dissanayake noted caters to about 70 per cent of the job requirement in the market with the balance provided by the hotel schools established by the industry itself. Of the 12,000 jobs available in the year SLITHM had been able to target about 7000 with about 85 per cent at the entry level,10 per cent at the supervisory level and 5 per cent at the management level.

The former Chairman also noted they had partnered with the Travel Agents Association of Sri Lanka (TAASL), the Tourist Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) and the City Hotels Association of Sri Lanka that engage in regular interaction with the institute of the ongoing issues and how to cater to the future requirements of the industry.The United States and the Taliban have sketched the outlines for an eventual peace accord to end 17 years of war in Afghanistan, a U.S. special envoy said on Monday, but there was no sign the insurgent group had accepted key U.S. demands.

We have a draft of the framework that has to be fleshed out before it becomes an agreement, U.S. special peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad told the New York Times in an interview in Kabul after six days of talks with the Taliban.

The Taliban have committed, to our satisfaction, to do what is necessary that would prevent Afghanistan from ever becoming a platform for international terrorist groups or individuals.

Taliban negotiators want a full withdrawal before a ceasefire, but the Americans want the reverse, the official said.

Of course we dont seek a permanent military presence in Afghanistan, the official said.

Our goal is to help bring peace in Afghanistan and we would like a future partnership, newly defined with a post-peace government, the official said. We would like to leave a good legacy.

U.S. forces in 2001 toppled the countrys hardline Islamic leaders for harboring the al Qaeda militants responsible for the Sept. 11 attacks that killed about 3,000 people.

A senior Trump administration official who also spoke on condition of anonymity said the Taliban would have to agree to talk to the government in Kabul to make a lasting deal.

The president has made clear that his priority is ending the war in Afghanistan with an agreement that ensures the country never again serves as a base for terrorists to attack the U.S. or any other country, the official said.

To achieve such an agreement, the Taliban must engage with other Afghans and all sides must agree to resolve their differences through peaceful means, he added.

Taliban officials have repeatedly refused to talk to the Afghan government, which they regard as a U.S. puppet, throwing into question how effective a peace deal could be. The Taliban do want, however, to join an interim government post-deal.

NO PLANS YET

A State Department spokesman said that while the talks were positive, no agreement was reached and a number of issues remain on the table ... including an intra-Afghan dialogue and comprehensive ceasefire.

These are integral to a negotiated political settlement, said the spokesman on condition of anonymity.

Acting U.S. Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan told reporters outside the Pentagon he had been briefed on the talks but had not been asked to plan for a full withdrawal of troops.

Its encouraging, Shanahan said of the talks. Asked whether he had been tasked with planning a complete withdrawal from Afghanistan, he said: I have not.

Despite the presence of U.S.-led foreign forces training, advising and assisting their Afghan counterparts, the Taliban control nearly half of Afghanistan and stage near-daily attacks against the government and its security forces.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said last week that 45,000 members of the countrys security forces had been killed since he took office in 2014.

A U.S. official said in December that President Donald Trump was planning to withdraw more than 5,000 of the 14,000 U.S. troops in Afghanistan, the latest sign of his thinning patience with Americas longest war and overseas military interventions. Trump last month decided to pull U.S. troops out of Syria as well.

Both U.S. officials and the Taliban hailed progress after the talks with Khalilzad ended on Saturday. Taliban sources told Reuters that the United States had agreed to withdraw foreign troops within 18 months of the signing of a pact, but the U.S. official said a timeline was not discussed.

The U.S. troops in Afghanistan are part of a NATO-led mission and a U.S. counterterrorism mission largely directed at groups such as Islamic State and al Qaeda.

Some 8,000 troops from 38 other countries are participating in the operation, known as Resolute Support.

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Changes to the SunCommercial's back end processing means the e-edition is getting a facelift. The biggest change is the e-edition, by default, is now presented in Text view.There is no such thing as a free lunch. My husband and I are retirees. We are on Medicare. Most people seem to think Medicare is free. We pay for Medicare and Medicare only pays for 80 percent of your medical bills, and does not cover all medical procedures, etc. That 20 percent that Medicare does not cover can bankrupt you if you have major medical bills. So, you carry a supplement policy. My husband and I pay $10,686 yearly plus out of pocket expenses for prescriptions, for our free Medicare. You can tax the rich only so much. Be careful of what candidates promise.Ductan was no saint. He had had previous drug arrests. But had the officers taken the time to check, they would have found he had no background of violence. And if they were determined to nab someone smoking pot, they could easily have scribbled down the cars license plate and learned it was owned by the young mans father, who lived nearby.Especially the ones who were placed in the hotels in Kissimmee, they were probably the most traumatized of all, because you take a family of five people, six people and you stick them in a hotel room and you tell them that they have six months to find a place, he said. Youre basically setting these families up to fail.Homes in or near burn areas are at risk of debris flows, the online warning read. Intense rain may cause debris flows, which are deadly, fast-moving landslides. There is also a risk of flooding, mud flow, rock fall and other landslides during and immediately after rain. Residents are reminded to maintain vigilance and always take personal responsibility for their safety. Now is the time to GET READY for potential evacuations.Suspending a search is one of the most difficult decisions we ever have to make, and it is never made lightly, said Capt. Mark Vlaun, Deputy Commander of Coast Guard Sector Miami. We have been in regular contact with the family members throughout our search efforts and extend our sympathies for what we know is a very difficult time for them.Summer girl, she was barking trying to protect us, but she wasnt vicious, she wasnt biting or nothing. She was just doing her barking, doing her job, the woman said.Thousands of vehicles were stuck in long queues caused by heavy snow on Italys A22 motorway on Saturday, and firefighters rescued 200 people who had been trapped for hours in cars and buses.

Queues on the route connecting northeastern regions to Austria reached 16 km (9.94 miles), said a spokesperson for the firefighters of the autonomous province of Bolzano.

He added it was hard to assess the number of vehicles involved but they were in the thousands.

Firefighters vehicles were used to evacuate about 200 people in need after they had been trapped for hours, with temperatures around freezing, the spokesperson said.

Due to bad weather several heavy vehicles, which were not equipped for winter circulation, had swerved, blocking circulation. An avalanche hit the motorway on Saturday morning, but no vehicles were present on that stretch of the motorway.

Some traffic started moving again in the late afternoon but many vehicles were still trapped. No casualties were reported.

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Many times you might have found the multiple casinos available in the online market but when you are going to...Hong Kong: Young HK chefs scoop top awards

In the male-dominated culinary industry, five young women have set their sights on forging careers as Chinese cuisine chefs. They were brought together by the Chinese Culinary Institute to form its first-ever female chef team to compete in the 2018 Asian Culinary Exchange in Shanghai last October.

Cloris Choy, Agnes Lee, Melody Tang, Victoria Yau and Zoe Yip are Chinese Culinary Institute graduates. They were up against some tough competition, cooking against chefs from places including Japan, Korea, Macau, Malaysia and Shanghai.

Their three hot dishes, an appetizer and a dessert impressed the judges, and the team came home from the competition with three golds and two silvers.

Creative dishes

The team chose The Misty Rain of Jiangnan as the theme for their five dishes which won them the Distinguished Styling Award.

The competition was held in Shanghai. Suzhou and Hangzhou are around Shanghai. These places have spectacular scenery. So we set our theme as The Misty Rain of Jiangnan to create an artistic concept. Each of the five dishes has a beautiful Chinese name. We also plate them in an elegant way, Ms Lee explained.

Every detail of each dish is meticulously thought out, including the dessert.

It is a deep-fried purple sweet potato puff which looks like a vase. In keeping with our vintage Jiangnan theme, I shape my puff to look like an antique Chinese vase, noted Ms Yau.

Girl power

The teams success at the competition was not only a proud moment for Hong Kong, but for the chefs themselves.

This is recognition for Chinese female chefs, Ms Yip said.

Chinese kitchens are traditionally dominated by men. But I believe female chefs can also shine with our professionalism and passion.

Chinese Culinary Institute Programme Manager (Chinese Catering & Operations) Pierre Lau formed the team. He said the young women did not know each other before the competition, but were put together as they had all performed well in other local competitions.

The five girls get along well and showed good team work in the competition. This is what the industry really needs and this is what pleased me the most.

Broadening horizons

Hong Kongs Western cuisine chefs have been doing equally well at culinary competitions.

International Culinary Institute graduate Henry Lee bagged two golds at the Ningbo International Young Chefs Challenge in October.

To broaden students horizons, the International Culinary Institute organises exchange activities for them and invites master chefs from all over the world to host cooking demonstrations here.

International Culinary Institute Chief Instructor (Food Preparation - Western) Boris Leung said the students are encouraged to take part in world-class culinary competitions.

As a teacher, I am glad to see my students winning at international culinary competitions. For them, it is recognition. To the industry, it is inspirational.

This story has been published on: 2019-02-02. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.